This study explores the growth dynamics of fluorinated copper phthalocyanine (F16CuPc) on Ag(100) surfaces, focusing on the transition from a two-dimensional (2D) molecular gas phase to a condensed 2D phase at room temperature. Using a combination of real-space and reciprocal-space techniques, we reveal how repulsive intermolecular interactions, primarily driven by dipole-dipole forces, delay the condensation into an ordered structure. Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) provide insights into the structural evolution, while density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the underlying mechanisms of molecular interactions. Our findings highlight the critical role of surface-mediated repulsion in stabilizing the 2D gas phase and its influence on the molecular arrangement during condensation. This work advances the understanding of F16CuPc adsorption up to the second layer and provides information about the interactions responsible for controlling the intermolecular arrangement.

The magnetic and chemical structure of metal/oxide interfaces were studied in cobalt/magnetite (Fe3O4) and cobalt/hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) epitaxial heterostructures using the comprehensive selection of microscopic and spectroscopic methods. It was observed that the cobalt nanostructures and ultrathin films were oxidized at both interfaces, with a thicker cobalt oxide layer in the system with hematite. The formation of cobalt oxides was accompanied by the interfacial reduction of iron that modified magnetic properties of the iron oxides layers. In particular, uncompensated magnetic moments appear in antiferromagnetic hematite, and the orbital magnetic moment of Co grown on magnetite is significantly enhanced for thicknesses below 1 nm. Synchrotron magnetic microscopy showed a direct correlation in the domain structures of the cobalt/iron oxides: ferromagnetic coupling between cobalt and magnetite and between cobalt and the magnetically modified layer of hematite.

We utilize low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) to characterize the bimolecular domains composed of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) and perfluorinated copper phthalocyanine (F16CuPc) adsorbed on Ag(100) surfaces at room temperature and subsequently annealed at 470 K. After deposition of the two molecules in a 1:1 ratio, the first monolayer of the bimolecular phase is given by a (5 root 2 x 5 root 2 ) R45 degrees superstructure. The phthalocyanine (Pc) molecules are adsorbed in this structure in such a way that the molecular axes (given as diagonals connecting the phenyl rings on opposite lobes) are rotated by +/- 27.5 degrees with respect to the < 011 > directions of the substrate. This results in two domains of opposite chirality. The structure factor of the constituent molecules enables the identification of these domains in the LEEM operated either in dark-field or microdiffraction (mu LEED) mode. We show that the initial deposition of 0.5 ML of F16CuPc results in the formation of a 2D gas phase with discrete azimuthal orientations of the flat-lying molecules. Tracking the evolution of the diffraction pattern during deposition shows that the addition of CoPc to this 2D molecular gas triggers the immediate condensation of the bimolecular phase.

Understanding the mechanical properties of paints is crucial for their preservation, as these properties determine how paints deform under climate-induced stress and, consequently, affect their durability. This study focuses on egg-tempera paints, whose mechanical characteristics have been minimally explored so far. Various formulations using two natural ochre pigments were investigated. Initially, the pigments were characterized to identify compositional and morphological differences. Rheological analysis was conducted to study the liquid properties of the formulations. Tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed on unsupported dry paints to assess their mechanical properties. Additionally, single-sided NMR was used non-invasively to probe the network mobility before and after nine months of aging, providing insights into the network tightness. It was found that ochre-based paints display significant brittleness. The viscoelastic properties of tempera paints are predominantly influenced by the type of earth pigments used and the pigment-to-binder ratio. Importantly, the liquid properties were found to correlate with the solid-state behavior, emphasizing the critical role of formulation in the final performance of tempera paints.

Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is a powerful tool in modern technologies, including electronic, optoelectronic, spintronic, and sensoric applications. The primary factor determining epitaxial heterostructure properties is the growth mode and the resulting atomic structure and microstructure. In this paper, we present a novel method for growing epitaxial layers and nanostructures with specific and optimized structural and magnetic properties by assisting the MBE process using electromagnetic and mechanical external stimuli: an electric field (EF), a magnetic field (MF), and a strain field (SF). The transmission of the external fields to the sample is realized using a system of specialized sample holders, advanced transfers, and dedicated manipulators. Examples of applications include the influence of MFs on the growth and anisotropy of epitaxial magnetite and iron films, the use of EFs for in situ resistivity measurements, the realization of in situ magneto-optic measurements, and the application of SFs to the structural modification of metal films on mica.

We studied the influence of a magnetic field (MF) on epitaxial growth and magnetic properties of Fe(001) films deposited on MgO(001). Thanks to modular sample holders and a specialized manipulator in our multi-chamber ultrahigh vacuum system, the films could be deposited and annealed in an in-plane MF of 100 mT. In situ scanning tunnelling microscopy showed that MF had a strong influence on the film morphology, and, in particular, on the structure of surface steps. The magnetic properties were studied ex situ using magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) magnetometry and microscopy. We showed that the moderate in-plane magnetic field applied during growth has the visible impact on the magnetic properties. The observed angular dependence of the MOKE loops and domain structures were discussed based on a magnetization reversal model. In particular we found that magnetization reversal occurs via 90 degrees domains and the reversal differs for the no-field and in-field grown samples, in correlation with the film morphology.

In this work, a new approach to construct self-assembled hybrid systems based on natural PSII-enriched thylakoid membranes (PSII BBY) is demonstrated. Superfine m-WO3 NPs (approximate to 1-2 nm) are introduced into PSII BBY. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements showed that even the highest concentrations of NPs used did not degrade the PSII BBY membranes. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), it is shown that the organization of PSII BBY depends strongly on the concentration of NPs applied. This proved that the superfine NPs can easily penetrate the thylakoid membrane and interact with its components. These changes are also related to the modified energy transfer between the external light-harvesting antennas and the PSII reaction center, shown by absorption and fluorescence experiments. The biohybrid system shows stability at pH 6.5, the native operating environment of PSII, so a high rate of O-2 evolution is expected. In addition, the light-induced water-splitting process can be further stimulated by the direct interaction of superfine WO3 NPs with the donor and acceptor sides of PSII. The water-splitting activity and stability of this colloidal system are under investigation. Research Highlights center dot The phenomenon of the self-organization of a biohybrid system composed of thylakoid membranes enriched in photosystem II and superfine WO3 nanoparticles is studied using AFM and TEM. center dot A strong dependence of the organization of PSII complexes within PSII BBY membranes on the concentration of NPs applied is observed. center dot This observation turns out to be crucial to understand the complexity of the mechanism of the action of WO3 NPs on modifications of energy transfer from external antenna complexes to the PSII reaction center.

Molecular beam epitaxy is widely used for engineering low-dimensional materials. Here, we present a novel extension of the capabilities of this method by assisting epitaxial growth with the presence of an external magnetic field (MF). MF-assisted epitaxial growth was implemented under ultra-high vacuum conditions thanks to specialized sample holders for generating in-plane or out-of-plane MF and dedicated manipulator stations with heating and cooling options. The significant impact of MF on the magnetic properties was shown for ultra-thin epitaxial magnetite films grown on MgO(111). Using in situ and ex situ characterization methods, scanning tunneling microscopy, conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy, and the magneto-optic Kerr effect, we showed that the in-plane MF applied during the reactive deposition of 10 nm Fe3O4(111)/MgO(111) heterostructures influenced the growth morphology of the magnetite films, which affects both in-plane and out-of-plane characteristics of the magnetization process. The observed changes are explained in terms of modification of the effective magnetic anisotropy.

The SOLARIS synchrotron located in Krakow, Poland, is a third-generation light source operating at medium electron energy. The first synchrotron light was observed in 2015, and the consequent development of infrastructure lead to the first users’ experiments at soft X-ray energies in 2018. Presently, SOLARIS expands its operation towards hard X-rays with continuous developments of the beamlines and concurrent infrastructure. In the following, we will summarize the SOLARIS synchrotron design, and describe the beamlines and research infrastructure together with the main performance parameters, upgrade, and development plans.

We report on the chemical structure and spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) in epitaxial alpha-Fe2O3(hematite)(0001)/Pt(111) bilayers with hematite thicknesses of 6 and 15 nm grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a MgO(111) substrate. Unlike previous studies that involved Pt overlayers on hematite, the present hematite films were grown on a stable Pt buffer layer and displayed structural changes as a function of thickness. These structural differences (the presence of a ferrimagnetic phase in the thinner film) significantly affected the magnetotransport properties of the bilayers. We observed a sign change of the SMR from positive to negative when the thickness of the hematite increased from 6 to 15 nm. For alpha-Fe2O3(15 nm)/Pt, we demonstrated room-temperature switching of the Neel order with rectangular, nondecaying switching characteristics. Such structures open the way to extending magnetotransport studies to more complex systems with double asymmetric metal/hematite/Pt interfaces.

In our study, we investigate the influence of the proximity of an antiferromagnetic CoO layer on magnetic properties of ultrathin wüstite (FeO) films. Comparative Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements for MgO/FeO/MgO(001) and MgO/FeO/CoO/MgO(001) show that the neighboring CoO layer can significantly enhance the ordering temperature (TN) of wüstite. Importantly, we find that the proximity of antiferromagnetic CoO strongly influences the exchange interaction at the Fe/FeO interface in the Fe/FeO/CoO heterostructure. We observe a 500% enhancement in the exchange bias field and a double increase in the blocking temperature compared to the Fe/FeO bilayer. Our results show that the limitation of the low ordering temperature of a seemingly application-useless antiferromagnet can be overcome by antiferromagnetic proximity.

CoFe2O4 thin films (5 nm and 20 nm thick) were grown by oxygen assisted molecular beam epitaxy on Pt(111) at 523~K and subsequently annealed at 773 K in vacuum or oxygen. They were characterized in-situ using Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Low-Energy Electron Diffraction, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Conversion Electron M\"ossbauer Spectroscopy. The as-grown films were composed of small, nanometric grains. Annealing of the films produced an increase in the grain size and gave rise to magnetic order at room temperature, although with a fraction of the films remaining in the paramagnetic state. Annealing also induced cobalt segregation to the surface of the thicker films. The measured M\"ossbauer spectra at low temperature were indicative of cobalt ferrite, the both films showing very similar hyperfine patterns. Annealing in oxygen or vacuum affected the cationic distribution, which was closer to that expected for an inverse spinel in the case of annealing in an oxygen atmosphere.

The spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation is the advanced tool for materials characterization. In the current work we are reporting recent activity in this research field implemented at the 04BM (PEEM/XAS) beamline of the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS in Krakow, Poland. The beamline is designed to cover wide energy range of soft X-rays, which is well suited for a broad range of applications, including surface physics, material science and magnetism. The comparison of the experimental parameters and selected examples of the results achieved on the PEEM and XAS end stations is demonstrated.

Carotenoids are structurally and functionally a very diverse group of natural pigments. They are produced exclusively by organisms capable of photosynthesis and serve as important exogenous antioxidants for all living organisms. One of the most widespread carotenoids is β-carotene. In vitro studies demonstrated its ability to integrate with red blood cells’ membranes affecting their physical and functional properties. Here, the results of experiments conducted on isolated red blood cells treated with β-carotene at concentration ≈ 10 β-carotene/cell are presented. In particular, the Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to monitor hemoglobin states and its ability to reversibly bind oxygen in red blood cells incubated in the presence of β-carotene. The results showed that even at concentrations slightly above the physiological level (in plasma: 10–10 β-carotene/cell) β-carotene may affect not only the morphometric parameters of red blood cells but also modulate hemoglobin-oxygen affinity.

β-Carotene (β-Crt) can be dispersed in hydrophobic regions of the membrane of red blood cells (RBC). Its location, orientation and distribution strongly depend on carotenoid concentration. In the present pilot trial (six human subjects involved), it is demonstrated that incubation of RBCs with β-Crt (1.8 × 107 β-Crt molecules per RBC, 50 μmol/L) results in expansion of the membrane of RBCs and slight elongation of the cell. The changes are of statistical significance, as verified by the Wilcoxon test at p < 0.05. They indicate (i) a highly random orientation and location of β-Crt inside the membrane and (ii) a tendency for its interaction with membrane skeleton proteins. The accompanying effect of decreased RBC resistance to lysis is possibly a result of the incorrect functioning of ion channels due to their modification/disruption. At higher β-Crt concentrations, its clustering inside membranes may occur, leading to further alterations in the shape and size of RBCs, with the most pronounced changes observed at 1.8 × 108 β-Crt molecules per RBC (500 μmol/L). Due to the reduced permeability of ions, such membranes exhibit increased resistance to haemolysis. Finally, we show that interactions of β-Crt with the membrane of RBCs lead to an alteration in haemoglobin-oxygen affinity, shifting the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve toward higher oxygen partial pressures. If the impact of β-Crt on a curve course is confirmed in vivo, one may consider its role in the fine tuning of O2 transportation to tissues. Hence, at low concentrations, providing unchanged elastic and functional properties of RBCs, it could serve as a beneficial agent in optimising heart performance and cardiovascular load.

Iron–platinum (Fe–Pt) compounds are well known for their interesting magnetic and electrocatalytic properties. However, iron segregation and iron oxides formation under oxidative conditions may influence the characteristics of Fe–Pt systems. Several approaches are used to protect the Fe–Pt compounds from oxidation, the most promising of which involves covering the material with a protective graphitic layer. By performing model‐type ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) studies, it is shown that a layer of epitaxial graphene (Gr) grown on a [111]‐oriented single‐crystal platinum substrate with thermally dissolved iron (Fe–Pt(111) surface alloy) effectively blocks iron segregation and iron oxides formation under oxidative conditions, while still allowing for the adsorption of oxygen atoms underneath the carbon layer. The oxidation is monitored in real time and at the micrometer scale using low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and local diffraction (μLEED). Notably, a similar result is obtained for a poorly ordered Gr‐like carbon layer grown directly on a Fe–Pt(111) substrate. The findings are rationalized in terms of a locally lowered partial oxygen pressure and inhibited iron oxide growth in a confined space between the carbon layer and the metal support.

Fe and Ni compounds and their oxides offer stoichiometry dependent magnetic properties, exploitable for the design of magnetic heterojunctions.