The coexistence of the semi-conducting 2H and quasi-metallic 1T’ monolayer MoS2 phases has great potential in, for example, low-resistance contacts. In this research MoS2 on gold samples have been...Show moreThe coexistence of the semi-conducting 2H and quasi-metallic 1T’ monolayer MoS2 phases has great potential in, for example, low-resistance contacts. In this research MoS2 on gold samples have been fabricated. Several different fabrication procedures have been tested including stamping, gold-mediated exfoliation and hydrogen plasma cleaning. Measurements identifying the 2H phase have been made using Atomic Force Microscopy and Low Energy Electron Microscopy. Although 1T’ could not be observed, insights are gained into the various fabrication processes.Show less
This research deals with the question what the economic system based on precious metals (the natural situation) looked like in the Muslim world and if the evolution toward fiat money violated the...Show moreThis research deals with the question what the economic system based on precious metals (the natural situation) looked like in the Muslim world and if the evolution toward fiat money violated the commandments of the sharia concerning riba, particularly riba al-fadl and riba nasi’ah? These two forms of riba apply specifically to gold and silver, designated in the Quran and Sunnah as natural money. The evolution of money described by Fox and Ernst consists of five different stages, namely the natural situation where gold and silver are valued by their intrinsic value. This situation is sharia compliant but in the next stage coins were valued at face or nominal value, a violation of riba al-fadl which prescribes the exchange of weight for weight. Bank money is seen as the next stage, and this is problematic regarding riba nasi’ah as the exchange of gold and silver is deferred whereas the sources prescribe exchange being done on the spot. Paper money convertible to gold is the fourth stage. This again constitutes deferred exchange of metals, but also riba al-fadl as there is no 100% backing of the notes brought in circulation. Fiat money is totally divorced from gold and silver and is always brought into existence as a loan with interest. Islamic finance hasn’t really engaged with the topic of the permissibility of fiat money, but it appears interest in the subject is gaining traction as most Muslims feel that from an Islamic perspective there is something fundamentally wrong with the current financial system.Show less
