#arsenic
Researchers discover a novel layered superconductor based on tin and arsenic
The layered superconducting material is characterized by a crystal structure in which a SnAs layer (wherein Sn and As are two-dimensionally bonded to develop superconductivity) and a Na layer (the spacer layer) are alternately laminated. Considering that such a layered structure is similar to that of a cuprate- or iron-based high-temperature (high-Tc) superconductor, it is possible that in SnAs-based layered materials, superconductivity is developed as a result of the unconventional pairing mechanism.
The research group of Yoshikazu MIZUGUCHI (Associate Professor) and Yosuke GOTO (Project Researcher) specializes in the discovery of two-dimensional layered structures—various materials can be designed by laminating different kinds of layers. As an example, in 2012, this research group also reported the discovery of novel layered superconducting material systems, Bi4O4S3 and LaO1-xFxBiS2, based on bismuth (Bi) and sulfur (S). To add, as the two-dimensional crystal structure gives rise to a low-dimensional electronic state, researchers are actively studying unique quantum phenomena such as high-temperature superconductivity.
Regarding NaSn2As2, Mizuguchi asserts that although the transition temperature of 1.3 K (-271.85°C) is not exactly high, it is anticipated that new materials will be developed based on the SnAs conductive layer, thereby clarifying the mechanisms underlying the increase of the transition temperature as well as those responsible for high-transition-temperature superconductivity.
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Known about since ancient times, the word arsenic comes from the Persian word زرنيخ zarnikh, meaning yellow (literally gold-colored), which became the Greek arsenikon, the Latin arsenicum, and finally the French arsenic, from which the English term was derived.
Arsenic is the thirty third element on the periodic table, giving it thirty three protons and electrons. The element ranks near fiftieth in relative abundance of the elements in the Earth’s crust and can be found in various minerals as well as in it pure crystalline form.
On the periodic table, it is classified as a metalloid. The metalloids are typically metallic in appearance, but only have some metallic properties. They are usually brittle and act as semiconductors, and chemically tend to act as nonmetals.
Arsenic has three common allotropes, metallic gray, yellow, and black arsenic, as well as one natural stable isotope.
Scientists observe nanowires as they grow
X-ray experiments reveal exact details of self-catalyzed growth for the first time
At DESY’s X-ray source PETRA III, scientists have followed the growth of tiny wires of gallium arsenide live. Their observations reveal exact details of the growth process responsible for the evolving shape and crystal structure of the crystalline nanowires. The findings also provide new approaches to tailoring nanowires with desired properties for specific applications. The scientists, headed by Philipp Schroth of the University of Siegen and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), present their findings in the journal Nano Letters. The semiconductor gallium arsenide (GaAs) is widely used, for instance in infrared remote controls, the high-frequency components of mobile phones and for converting electrical signals into light for fibre optical transmission, as well as in solar panels for deployment in spacecraft.
To fabricate the wires, the scientists employed a procedure known as the self-catalysed Vapour-Liquid-Solid (VLS) method, in which tiny droplets of liquid gallium are first deposited on a silicon crystal at a temperature of around 600 degrees Celsius. Beams of gallium atoms and arsenic molecules are then directed at the wafer, where they are adsorpted and dissolve in the gallium droplets. After some time, the crystalline nanowires begin to form below the droplets, whereby the droplets are gradually pushed upwards. In this process, the gallium droplets act as catalysts for the longitudinal growth of the wires. “Although this process is already quite well established, it has not been possible until now to specifically control the crystal structure of the nanowires produced by it. To achieve this, we first need to understand the details of how the wires grow,” emphasises co-author Ludwig Feigl from KIT.
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“It had the power of a thousand scorpions…”
- Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose
Sometimes books can kill.
Take this book, for example. Shadows from the Walls of Death is a 19th century collection of arsenic-laced wallpaper samples. Each of the striking specimens was colored with an arsenic-based pigment, and touching the pages with your bare hands could make you seriously ill, or worse.
Hopefully by now you’ve read our 2015 Tumblr post onShadowsor Atlas Obscura’s recent article on the poison book, but here’s some background in case you haven’t:
Copper arsenite was not an uncommon ingredient in paints and pigments throughout the 19th century, most often used to produce the vibrant greens known as Paris Green or Scheele’s Green. While people of the time knew that arsenic was dangerous if ingested, they saw little risk in using the poisonous element to color wallpaper – after all, who’s going around licking their walls?
But then in the 1870s, Robert Kedzie – a doctor, MSU chemistry professor, and public health advocate – showed that fine particles of this arsenical wallpaper could shed when touched, or worse: they could “dust off” into the air, causing people to fall ill and die by just existing in a house coated with the stuff.
Kedzie put together 100 books of the deadly wallpaper samples and sent them to libraries throughout Michigan, to educate the public about the potential dangers of this common household item.
Only a handful of copies of this toxic book remain – most were destroyed long ago due to their poison pages. Of the surviving volumes, MSU’s copy is believed to be the most extensive, or most complete – containing over 130 individual wallpaper samples.
Most of the wallpaper specimens feature the color green, but not all – the same arsenical dye that went into the infamous Paris Green or Scheele’s Green was often mixed to form other colors, and many of our samples boast beautiful deep blues and golden yellows.
Most of the images here have never been seen before. Some day it’s possible that we will digitize our copy of Shadows, as the National Library of Medicine has done with theirs, but that poses some significant challenges.
In the meantime, every page in our copy has been painstakingly encapsulated in archival sleeves – meaning that patrons can safely view the book up close without fear of succumbing to arsenic poisoning. But if you can’t make it out to see the volume in person, I hope you will enjoy these new photos of this intriguingly beautiful book.
Beautiful, but deadly.
~Andrew
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Valentine’s Day “cards” with the arsenic modifications (grey > yellow > amorphous black arsenic) that match their personalities. Translation is in the pics’ descriptions.
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Stimulation of Microbially Mediated Arsenic Release in Bangladesh Aquifers by Young Carbon Indicated by Radiocarbon Analysis of Sedimentary Bacterial Lipids
Graphical abstract in a recent science publication by Environmental Science & Technology, ACS Publications.
The paper is available here for purchase.
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A ranking of things by how illegal they are in the United States:
1)Cocaine
2)Marijuana
3)Alcohol
4)Guns
5)Arsenic
6)Carrots
A ranking of the same things by how dangerous they are:
1)Guns
2)Arsenic
3)Cocaine
4)Alcohol
5)Marijuana
6)Carrots
Only carrots are in the right place.
Fierce intentions
Photo and edit by @robbiechromatic
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Red translucent realgar (As4S4) on matrix. From Getchell Mine, Adam Peak, Potosi Mining District, Osgood Mountains, Humboldt Co., Nevada.
DO NOT LICK ROCK! NOT CANDY!
Yeah, stay clear of this one if you’re just starting out. Arsenic sulphide is for experienced rock eaters only!
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Native Silver on Native Arsenic
Locality: Shaft 371, Schlema-Hartenstein, Saxony, Germany
Classic Locality
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Native Bismuth and Quartz on Native Arsenic
Locality: Pöhla-Tellerhäuser Mine, Schwarzenberg, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
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some thoughts about arsenic sprites, same pose but different posture based on confidence level
although it kinda looks like a virgin vs chad meme dxfgh
