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Aluminium and its alloys are interesting for many applications because they are very light, cheap, and unlimitedly recyclable. Despite being a promising base material for the fashion-jewellery sector, their tendency to form a passivating film makes them difficult to be galvanized, even more when recycled aluminium contains impurities of refractory elements. Indeed, the most common processes for galvanising aluminium are often expensive and not environmentally sustainable because they involve the use of cyanides. In this work we focussed on the pre-treatments and electroplating on Al6082 aluminium which is largely used for fashion-jewellery applications. The objective of the present study was to assess whether Al6082 series aluminium is suitable a as base material for the fashion market; therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of plating pre-treatments and the success of electroless zinc deposition using an innovative alkaline cyanide-free zincate solution. After the electroplating, adhesion between the deposited layers was evaluated both with cross-sectional scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis as well as with an adhesion evaluation test (ISO2819:2018): no detachments confirmed the positive test outcomes and thereby highlighted that Al6082 can be exploited as base material in the fashion-jewellery market.

The Kane-Maguire polymerization mechanism is disassembled at a molecular level by using DFT-based quantum mechanical calculations. Resorcinol electropolymerization is selected as a case study. Stationary points (transition states and intermediate species) leading to the formation of the dimer are found on the potential energy surface (PES), and elementary reactions involved in the dimer formation are characterized. The latter allow to further propagate the polymerization chain reaction, when applied recursively. In this paper, the fundamental role of the sulfate anion (a typical base electrolyte) is addressed. Investigation of the PES in terms of both stationary-state properties and of ab initio molecular dynamics results (dynamic reaction coordinate) allows the appreciation in detail of the critical role of the base electrolyte anion in making the proton dissociation from the initial radical ion, a feasible (downhill in energy) process.

This paper studies the mechanism of electrochemically induced carbon–bromine dissociation in 1-Br-2-methylnaphalene in the reduction regime. In particular, the bond dissociation of the relevant radical anion is disassembled at a molecular level, exploiting quantum mechanical calculations including steady-state, equilibrium and dissociation dynamics via dynamic reaction coordinate (DRC) calculations. DRC is a molecular-dynamic-based calculation relying on an ab initio potential surface. This is to achieve a detailed picture of the dissociation process in an elementary molecular detail. From a thermodynamic point of view, all the reaction paths examined are energetically feasible. The obtained results suggest that the carbon halogen bond dissociates following the first electron uptake follow a stepwise mechanism. Indeed, the formation of the bromide anion and an organic radical occurs. The latter reacts to form a binaphthalene intrinsically chiral dimer. This paper is respectfully dedicated to Professors Anny Jutand and Christian Amatore for their outstanding contribution in the field of electrochemical catalysis and electrosynthesis.

Although technological and processing advancements occurred in the past forty years, industrial firms are still struggling to provide solutions to corrosion protection as well as reduction of toxic wastes. Specifically, large-scale industrialization of electroplating techniques will continue to be limited by strict environmental regulations. Moreover, price volatility of the highly demanding electroplated materials like gold, palladium, copper and nickel will heavily impact the market in the next years. In that respect, alloy plating offers better answers in terms of economic growth and environmental sustainability due to fine tuning composition, morphology and crystallinity [1]. The main categories of alloy compounds are presented and the most important properties for the manufacturing process discussed. Particular attention is devoted to advances in industrial quality control and viable solutions for the reduction of precious metal content in electroplated accessories as well as replacement of cyanide and nickel baths with non-toxic compounds, also considering the commercial needs of wear resistance and aesthetic characteristics of gloss. The electrodeposition of Cu-Sn alloys (bronze) has earned considerable interest thanks to the chemical-physical properties of this alloy, which make it a valid substitute for nickel in fashion industry. Generally, most of the bronze coatings are electroplated starting from baths containing cyanides, and the metal precursors are selected as cyanide compounds. Free cyanide is a well-known problem in the galvanic production cycle both in terms of toxicity for the workers as well as for the environment, and in terms of costs associated with its disposal. The aim of this study is to develop an electroplating bath totally cyanide-free, therefore formulated in an innovative way and which, in addition to being free from this dangerous species, has an eco-friendly support electrolyte. To achieve this goal, methanesulfonic acid (MSA) was chosen as electrolyte, which is biodegradable as part of the natural sulfur cycle. We've studied different formulations in terms of metal precursors, organic additives and their concentrations [2-3]. The same cyanide issue is present also in for the electrodeposition of silver, for this reason the influence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as additive for cyanide-free silver bath, in combination with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) as complexing agent, was studied [4]. Chronoamperometry was used to investigate the electrodeposition mechanism, which is found to be a three-dimensional diffusion-controlled nucleation and growth mechanism, according to the Scharifker–Mostany’s model. Smoother, brighter and blue colored silver deposits are obtained in the presence of PEI in a Hull’s cell test, at low density current. Eventually, the influence of nitrate anion is also investigated. The presence of nitrate increases the range of current density allowing for an effective Ag deposition. We also investigated the use of modulated currents to increase the throwing power of electroplating, obtaining a more uniform deposition and reducing the amount of metals but maintaining the required characteristics. Pulsed current justifies its practical application mainly through its ability to influence the mechanisms of electrocrystallisation, which in turn control the mechanical and physical properties of the deposited metal. By simply adjusting the amplitude and length of the pulses, it is possible to control not only the composition and thickness, in atomic order, of the deposits, but to improve their characteristics such as grain size, porosity and homogeneity [5]. The authors acknowledge Regione Toscana POR CreO FESR 2014-2020 – azione 1.1.5 sub-azione a1 – Bando 1 “Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo” which made possible the projects “A.C.A.L. 4.0” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000165_1385), “A.M.P.E.R.E.” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000223_1538) and “GoodGalv” (3647.04032020.157000060). References [1] Giurlani, W.; Zangari, G.; Gambinossi, F.; Passaponti, M.; Salvietti, E.; Di Benedetto, F.; Caporali, S.; Innocenti, M. Electroplating for Decorative Applications: Recent Trends in Research and Development. Coatings 2018, 8, 260, doi:10.3390/coatings8080260. [2] Fabbri, L.; Sun, Y.; Piciollo, E.; Salvietti, E.; Zangari, G.; Passaponti, M.; Innocenti, M. Electrodeposition of White Bronzes on the Way to CZTS Absorber Films. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2020 , 167, 022513, doi: 10.1149/1945-7111/ab6c59. [3] Fabbri, L.; Giurlani, W.; Mencherini, G.; De Luca, A.; Passaponti, M.; Piciollo, E.; Fontanesi, C.; Caneschi, A.; Innocenti, M. Optimisation of Thiourea Concentration in a Decorative Copper Plating Acid Bath Based on Methanesulfonic Electrolyte. Coatings 2022, 12, 376, doi:10.3390/coatings12030376. [4] Pizzetti, F.; Salvietti, E.; Giurlani, W.; Emanuele, R.; Fontanesi, C.; Innocenti, M. Cyanide-free silver electrodeposition with polyethyleneimine and 5,5-dimethylhydantoin as organic additives for an environmentally friendly formulation. J. Electroanal. Chem. 2022, 911, 116196, doi:10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116196. [5] Popov, K.I.; Nikolić, N.D. General Theory of Disperse Metal Electrodeposits Formation. In; Djokić, S.S., Ed.; Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry; Springer US: Boston, MA, 2012; Vol. 54, pp. 1–62 ISBN 978-1-4614-2379-9.

Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) is the bottle-neck strategic reaction ruling the fuel cell efficiency process. The slow kinetics of the reaction require highly effective electrocatalysts for proper boosting. In this field, composite catalysts formed by carbon nanotubes functionalized with palladium(II) complexes showed surprising catalytic activity comparable to those of a commercial Pt electrode, but the catalytic mechanisms of these materials still remain open to discussion. In this paper, we propose the combination of experimental and theoretical results to unfold the elementary reaction steps underlying the ORR catalysis.

Discussion of a term attested in an Ebla cuneiform text, with a newe reading suggested

Study of aspects of the interconnections between Levant, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Anatolia documented in the cuneiform texts, with focus on Ebla

Studio filologico e storico dei testi cuneiformi di Ebla (24° secolo a.C.) riferibili a un mese intercalare

Results are presented concerning the influence on the water splitting process of enantiopure tartaric acid present in bulk solution. Stainless steel and electrodeposited nickel are used as working electrode (WE) surface. The latter is obtained by electrodeposition on the two poles of a magnet. The influence and role played by the chiral compound in solution has been assessed by comparing the current values, in cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments, recorded in the potential range at which oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occurs. In the case of tartaric acid and nickel WE a spin polarization of about 4 % is found. The use of the chiral environment (bulk solution) and ferromagnetic chiral Ni electrode allows for observing the OER at a more favourable potential: about 50 mV (i.e. a cathodic, less positive, shift of the potential at which the oxygen evolution is observed).

The analysis of 169 attestations of the Middle Orontes toponyms Neʾayu, Tunep and Ḥamāt mentioned in the Palace G Ebla texts leads to a discussion of, among others, the following topics: personal and divine names; ritual activities, divine paraphernalia and religious landscape; political events concerning inter alia Ḥamāt, Armi and Nabu; size, inner articulation and borders of the kingdom of Ebla (with the Middle Orontes as frontier); Ib-ri-um’s family; military leaders; various economic matters (juridical texts dealing with agricultural land; mules wintering along the Orontes; drainage activities possibly around the Matkh Lake; Mari merchants in a kārum at Tunep; cutting and trade of timber); speculations on the 3rd Mill. name of the Orontes.

Results are presented concerning the influence on the water splitting process of enantiopure tartaric acid present in bulk solution. Stainless steel and electrodeposited nickel are used as working electrode (WE) surface. The latter is obtained by electrodeposition on the two poles of a magnet. The influence and role played by the chiral compound in solution has been assessed by comparing the current values, in cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments, recorded in the potential range at which oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occurs. In the case of tartaric acid and nickel WE a spin polarization of about 4 % is found. The use of the chiral environment (bulk solution) and ferromagnetic chiral Ni electrode allows for observing the OER at a more favorable potential: about 50 mV (i.e. a cathodic, less positive, shift of the potential at which the oxygen evolution is observed).

Studio di termini riferentisi a parti dell'occhio in testi ugaritici, eblaiti e sumerici

A recent study of the unpublished papers of Archibald H. Sayce kept at The Queen's College and other Oxford institutions has disclosed an impressive collection of documents which, inter alia, illustrates his cosmopolitan attitude towards Assyriological studies during the late Victorian and Edwardian era. Of particular interest in his correspondence are the letters that Sayce received from prominent German colleagues such as Friedrich Delitzsch, Fritz Hommel, Paul Haupt and Eduard Meyer before and after his appointment to the first Oxford chair of Assyriology in 1891. The aim of this paper is to highlight some of the main topics dealt with in these letters, against the background of the changing relationships between the British and German orientalist milieux before the First World War.

Studio di un sigillo cilindrico iscritto in caratteri cuneiformi

This paper aims to investigate wheter the notion of "submerged literature" formalised by Luigi Enrico Rossi and developed by his pupils, which is unknown to the scholars of the Ancient Near East, can be of some use for the study of the cuneiform inscriptions. The discussion of some specific texts, dated to the 21th, 8th and 7th centuries BC, permits to offer a preliminary positive answer. In particular, given the peculiar nature of the cuneiform sources, it appears that one of the most promising avenues of future research deals with the relationships between the political leaders and the scribes.

Among the outstanding figures in the history of the University of Oxford is to be counted the Anglican clergyman Archibald Henry Sayce (1845 - 1933), comparative philologist, religious scholar, Assyriologist, Hittitologist, and Egyptologist. This article offers an overv iew of the Sayce Papers kept at The Queen's College and almost all unpublished. They throw light on aspects not previously known of Sayce life and of his religious and professional activities. They are also relevant for a better understanding of the worldwide intellectual milieus and networks he frequented.

In the fhe first part of this essay are collected materials which shows that the Ebla scribes knew the Sumerogram for "cucumber" (or more generically "cucurbitaceae"). The link between cucumbers and twins rests on passages of the administrative text TM.75.G.1345. Their new interpretation permits to discuss the childbirth of one of the most important Palace G ladies, En-na-dUtu, with the consequent suggestion that she gave birth to a pair of twins, of whom only the daughter, Arza- du, was further recorded in later texts.

Presentazione di un nuovo progetto scientifico relativo alla geografia e alla storia della Siria del terzo millennio a.C.

Une nouvelle attestation du terme KID.SAG, “portier”, dans un texte administratif du Palais G d’Ebla (TM.75.G.2590 = ARET I 6) trouve a Tell Mardikh (Syrie) par Paolo Matthiae, est discutee et contextualisee dans le cadre de plus amples recherches prosopographiques en cours.

Diplomazia2 is framed within the program "Science for Diplomacy: Multi-disciplinary Training Program", and it is the result of closer and more mature collaboration between the Directorate General for Cooperation on Development of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Italian Agency for Cooperation on Development (AICS) and the National Research Council (CNR). The implementation of joint projects such as DIPLOMAzia2 highlights the effectiveness of the diplomacy-science partnership as the driving force behind the achievement of relevant goals jointly pursued by the international community.

Study of recently published cuneiform texts from the Palace G of Tell Mardikh (Syria), ancient Ebla.

Remarks on several Ebla cuneiform lexical lists

Remarks on some administrative Ebla cuneiform texts

Une nouvelle analyse approfondie des rites du mariage royal, basee sur le debut des trois sources des rituels royaux d’Ebla suggere que la mariee eblaite, meme s’il s’agit d’une reine, a ete contrainte par les coutumes a garder un comportement totalement passif, tout etant decide, fait et execute par le roi, ou par leurs parents. En general, l’epouse royale passive et le bebe royal espere se revelent etre les personnes centrales de ces rituels. Le lien unique des rituels royaux d’Ebla avec la fertilite est souligne. Une nouvelle interpretation structurelle des rites royaux de mariage suggere en effet que, dans l’ensemble, les rituels royaux d’Ebla visaient uniquement a faciliter et a rendre possible la grossesse de la reine, egalement par la devotion royale particuliere envers les deesses protegeant la fertilite, la grossesse et accouchement. En outre, de nouvelles propositions sont suggerees concernant des questions lexicales et topographiques specifiques, notamment mas-tapu, gu-a-tum et « Saza ».

Philological, prosopographical and historical notes on terms denoting military personnel in the Ebla cuneiform texts

Philological remarks on an Ebla lexical list

An administrative text from Ebla, TM.75.G.1278 = MEE 2 8 = ARET I 16, records wool used by one Íl-zi probably to pay many unnamed workers who were in charge of transport boats and wagons which carried to Tell Mardikh stones to be used in works at the terrace walls of the Royal Palace. This important information is discussed in detail and situated within the broader context of the building activities - excavations, constructions and decorations - ordered at Tell Mardikh by the last king of Early Syrian Ebla, I?11-ar-da-mu, very few years before the destruction of his palace, as they are reported by several cuneiform texts found in the Ebla Palace G. A prosopographical analysis of the role played by the "major-domo of the House of the king", Íl-zi, in turn leads to a discussion of the building(s) likely called "Upper Apartments", most probably located above the royal residence on Tell Mardikh mound, managed by the female major-domo Ra-pé?-tum, and assigned to residence and working place of the female palatial population.

Philological, linguistic, prosopographical and historical analysis of an Ebla cuneiform letter

Philological remrks on two Ebla cuneiform texts

Philological remarks on a cuneiform lexical list

Study of a passage of a religious cuneiform text from Abu Salabikh (Mesopotamia) and Ebla (Syria)

Study of 7 small cuneiform fragments from Ebla