Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · 4d

Happy October!
Who is in??
This can look like watching the sunrise, enjoying an extra cup of coffee, journaling in the morning, going for a walk, getting a pastry treat, calling a friend, reading a book, dancing, ...
#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

6

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · 8d

🤝Thank you @gdch.de for the kind invitation to speak at the 2025 #ScienceForum at @kit.edu yesterday.
🍃 I gave a tandem talk with Prof. Rentschler, and I shared some of our work on sustainable materials synthesis with a focus on #microwaveheating, #sparkplasmasintering and #solgelchemistry.

6

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · 12d

I wonder how our world would be if we all worked on self regulating. If we worked on self love. If we worked on healing our wounds.
I am certain we would carry ourselves differently. We would engage in conflicts with an open mind and heart.
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth
#chemsky #matsky

4

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · 19d

This hits very close to home.
The last two weeks felt overwhelming - lots of stressful topics and conversations. At some point I had to pause, break it all down into more digestible bits, think, reflect, talk it through, and breathe. In and out.
#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

5

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · 19d

Interested in nitride MXenes? Together with the Djire group, we synthesized V2NTx and compared it to its carbide sibling. The new 2D nitride exhibits improved performance and greater stability. Available #openaccess at ACS Nano.
Check it out!
#MXenes #chemsky #matsky
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Behavior of Layered Vanadium Nitride MXene

MXenes have been extensively studied for over a decade, with numerous compositions successfully synthesized. However, the top-down synthesis of vanadium nitride (V2NTx) has remained elusive despite it...

pubs.acs.org

2 6

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · 25d

My #MondayMotivation advice:
Go for walks.
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Sep 8

Come for the people, the energy, the love, the connections.
Stay for the views, the ocean, the beach, the food.
One of the best events of the year and I am here for it soaking it all in!
What brings you joy?
#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

1

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Sep 2

Hello September!
Do you want to make changes?
Don't wait til the new year.
No huge changes that we don't follow through with. Little manageable steps.
Pick one day of the week.
Go for the walk. Make the call. Dont scroll before bed. Read.
##MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth #chemsky #matsky

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Aug 25

In August and in every month!
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth
#chemsky #matsky

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Aug 18

Giving you food for thought for this #MondayMotivation.
Important words on an important day. But it is crucial to remind ourselves every day how fragile our world can be. Small actions every day can make a difference. Meet others with kindness and compassion.
#MentalHealth

2

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Aug 18

🗣 I am thrilled to give a talk at the #ACSFall2025 this week.

⏰️ Tues, Aug 19th, 11-11.30 am
🏠 Westin Hotel, River Birch A

I will talk about our work on V-#MXenes. Come say hi!!
#chemsky #matsky

6

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Aug 11

"Overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now."
Richard Bach

#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

1 5

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Aug 4

Grateful for another year older.
Aging is a privilege.
Happy August!
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth
#happybirthdaytome
#chemsky #matsky

5

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 28

...because only with discomfort comes growth. Because only with failing comes success. Because you have to believe in yourself through every setback.
You got this!
#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

2

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 24

New paper alert! Who knew V incorporates into the A-site of a MAX phase? We were surprised! And then we tried all 3d metals... check out how it influences the magnetism of Nb2SnC.
Great collaboration with @bluebananna.bsky.social and others! #MAXPhases #chemsky #matsky
pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...

3 6

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 22

We are happy to take a supporting role in this #openaccess work. It provides the first detailed comparison of electronic properties between V-based carbide, nitrid3 and carbonitride #MAXPhases, integrating soft X-ray spectroscopy with advanced modeling. pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...
#chemsky #matsky

Bonding profiling of gapless ceramic V2GaC/N MAX phases: a spectroscopic and dual theoretical approach

The family of MAX phases is growing faster than ever, resulting in more than 340 reported members so far. Even though the variety of different M- and A-elements is overwhelming, the X-site of MAX phas...

pubs.rsc.org

1 4

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 21

1 month after #NationalSelfieDay let's share some joy&self ❤️. What make you happy? What are the glimmers in your day-to-day?
I truly enjoy walks.
If you feel stuck, go outside, walk around the block, shift your perspective&watch your day change.
#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 14

Comparison is the thief of joy.
It is a waste of time.
Instead. Follow your values, passion and dreams.
Take care of your body and mind. Nobody is you, let's celebrate that.
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth
#chemsky #matsky

4

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 7

As we are officially heading into the summer holidays (in Europe) - Enjoy every road coffee, flight view, foreign language, new food, beach sunset, sandy shoes, pretty hike, grounding conversation, different way to look at life and vibe with it.
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jul 7

A bit late.. but I am proud to announce another #BirkelGroup Graduate, Dr. Suneet Kale. Suneet defended his thesis at ASU on new #MAXPhase solid solutions a few weeks ago. He also investigated the influence of the M & A element on their oxidation behavior.
Congratulations, Suneet!
#chemsky #matsky

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jun 30

Know your worth.
Own who you are and never hide your light.
Cultivate an environment of motivation, connection, experiences and joy around you and watch your life transform.
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth
#chemsky #matsky

1 3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jun 29

Thank you for the kind invitation to speak at the International Conference on Diffusion in Solids and Liquids held this week in Naples, Italy (I spoke in the 2D materials symposium). #BirkelGroup PostDoc Niels also gave an excellent talk (symposium on non-conventional synthesis).
#chemsky #matsky

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jun 23

Sometimes you just enjoy.
No context.
(You are allowed.)
#MondayMotivation
#MentalHealth
#chemsky #matsky

1

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jun 16

When the news feels heavy, don't forget to honor where you are, who you get to be with, and the amazing experiences you make.
Be thankful for your health and live with purpose, love and joy.
Today is a gift!
#MondayMotivation
#mentalhealth
#chemsky #matsky

3

Christina Birkel @christinabirkel.bsky.social · Jun 12

🔥 Hot off the press at @acs.org Chemistry of Materials:
💡 We synthesized new solid solutions to probe the influence of the M- & the A-element on the oxidation behavior of #MAXPhases.
💛Thankful to the NSF for funding!
#chemsky #matsky
pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10....

Influence of the M- and A-Elements on the Oxidation Stability of Solid Solution MAX Phases V2Ga1–xGexC and Cr2Ga1–xGexC

MAX phase carbides have attracted much attention due to their unique combination of metallic and ceramic properties, making them promising materials for high-temperature applications. Understanding ho...

pubs.acs.org

1