Theoretical study on the kinetics for OH reactions with CH3OH and C2H5OH

Kinetics and mechanisms for reactions of OH with methanol and ethanol have been investigated at the CCSD(T)/6-311 + G(3df, 2p)//MP2/6-311 + G(3df, 2p) level of theory. The total and individual rate constants, and product branching ratios for the reactions have been computed in the temperature range 200-3000 K with variational transition state theory by including the effects of multiple reflections above the wells of their pre-reaction complexes, quantum-mechanical tunneling and hindered internal rotations. The predicted results can be represented by the expressions k₁ = 4.65 × 10⁻²⁰ × T^2.68 exp(414/T) and k₂ = 9.11 × 10⁻²⁰ × T^2.58 exp(748/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the CH₃OH and C₂H₅OH reactions, respectively. These results are in reasonable agreements with available experimental data except that of OH + C₂H₅OH in the high temperature range. The former reaction produces 96-89% of the H₂O + CH₂OH products, whereas the latter process produces 98-70% of H₂O + CH₃CHOH and 2-21% of the H₂O + CH₂CH₂OH products in the temperature range computed (200-3000 K).     

Metal ion-molecule kinetics at combustion temperatures: The reaction of Ca with O2

The high-temperature photochemistry (HTP) technique, previously used for reactions of neutral species, has been adapted to the study of atomic metal ion-molecule reactions. Ca⁺ ions were generated by 193 nm multi-photon photolysis of calcium acetyl acetonate and its pyrolysis fragments. The relative ion concentrations were monitored by laser-induced fluorescence at 393.4 nm. Ar was used as the bath gas. The data for the Ca⁺ + O₂ + M → CaO₂⁺ + M association reaction (1) are fitted by k₁(907-1425 K) = 3.5 × 10⁻³² exp(+3161 K/T) cm⁶ molecule⁻² s⁻¹. Combining with an approximate k₁(296 K) value in the literature leads to k₁(296-1425 K) = 5.8 × 10⁻²² (T/K)^−2.9 exp(−601 K/T) cm⁶ molecule⁻² s⁻¹. Over much of the observed temperature range reaction (1) has much smaller rate coefficients than the corresponding neutral Ca association reaction. Reaction (1) is shown to behave very similarly to the O₂ association reaction with neutral K atoms, with which Ca⁺ is iso-electronic. This suggests that the initial step is ion-pair complex formation of the superoxide Ca²⁺(O₂)⁻, which is also consistent with results from density functional calculations. The k₁ values are rationalized via Troe’s unimolecular formalism, which leads to good accord with the experiments.     

The ν1 + 3ν2 + 3ν3 and 4ν1 + ν2 + ν3 bands of ozone by CW-cavity ring down spectroscopy between 5900 and 5960 cm

The absorption spectrum of ozone, ¹⁶O₃, has been recorded in the 5903-5960 cm⁻¹ region by high sensitivity CW-cavity ring down spectroscopy (α_min ∼ 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm⁻¹). The ν₁ + 3ν₂ + 3ν₃ and 4ν₁ + ν₂ + ν₃ A-type bands centred at 5919.15 and 5947.07 cm⁻¹ were newly observed. A set of 173 and 168 energy levels could be experimentally determined for the (1 3 3) and (4 1 1) states, respectively. Except for a few K_a = 5 levels of the (4 1 1) state, the rotational structure of the two states was found mostly unperturbed. The spectroscopic parameters were determined from a fit of the corresponding line positions by considering the (1 3 3) and (4 1 1) states as isolated. The determined effective Hamiltonian and transition moment operators were used to generate a list of 785 transitions given as Supplementary Material.     

Studies of the electrochemical reduction processes of Bi, HTeO2 and their mixtures

The reduction process of Bi³⁺, HTeO₂⁺ and their mixtures on Au electrode surface was studied by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. XRD and EDS methods were also used to measure the reductive products prepared under different potentials and provide the evidences of the reactions. The results indicate that the reduction of HTeO₂⁺ occurs at more positive potential than that of Bi³⁺, but its reduction rate is slower and adsorption phenomenon exists during its reduction process. Bi₂Te₃ compound can be obtained potentiostatically at a proper potential in all the mixed solutions with concentration ratio CHTe+O₂/CBi3+ in our research range (0.1-10). But pure Bi₂Te₃ compound can only be obtained at 42 mV in the solution with concentration ratio CHTe+O₂/CBi3+ equaling to 1. And the formation of Bi₂Te₃ compound is an inductive co-depositing process: (1) HTeO₂⁺ + 4e⁻ + 3H⁺ → Te⁰ + 2H₂O, (2) 3Te⁰ + 2Bi³⁺ + 6e⁻ → Bi₂Te₃.     

On the mechanism of decomposition of the benzyl radical

The C₇H₇ potential energy surface was studied from first principles to determine the benzyl radical decomposition mechanism. The investigated high temperature reaction pathway involves 15 accessible energy wells connected by 25 transition states. The analysis of the potential energy surface, performed determining kinetic constants of each elementary reaction using conventional transition state theory, evidenced that the reaction mechanism has as rate determining step the isomerization of the 1,3-cyclopentadiene, 5-vinyl radical to the 2-cyclopentene,5-ethenylidene radical and that the fastest reaction channel is dissociation to fulvenallene and hydrogen. This is in agreement with the literature evidences reporting that benzyl decomposes to hydrogen and a C₇H₆ species. The benzyl high-pressure decomposition rate constant estimated assuming equilibrium between the rate determining step transition state and benzyl is k₁(T) = 1.44 × 10¹³T^0.453exp(−38400/T) s⁻¹, in good agreement with the literature data. As fulvenallene reactivity is mostly unknown, we investigated its reaction with hydrogen, which has been proposed in the literature as a possible decomposition route. The reaction proceeds fast both backward to form again benzyl and, if hydrogen adds to allene, forward toward the decomposition into the cyclopentadienyl radical and acetylene with high-pressure kinetic constants k₂(T) = 8.82 × 10⁸T^1.20exp(1016/T) and k₃(T) = 1.06 × 10⁸T^1.35exp(1716/T) cm³/mol/s, respectively. The computed rate constants were then inserted in a detailed kinetic mechanism and used to simulate shock tube literature experiments.     

High-pressure laminar flame speeds and kinetic modeling of carbon monoxide/hydrogen combustion

Laminar flame speeds were accurately measured for CO/H₂/air and CO/H₂/O₂/helium mixtures at different equivalence ratios and mixing ratios by the constant-pressure spherical flame technique for pressures up to 40 atmospheres. A kinetic mechanism based on recently published reaction rate constants is presented to model these measured laminar flame speeds as well as a limited set of other experimental data. The reaction rate constant of CO + HO₂ → CO₂ + OH was determined to be k = 1.15 × 10⁵T^2.278 exp(−17.55 kcal/RT) cm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 300-2500 K by ab initio calculations. The kinetic model accurately predicts our measured flame speeds and the non-premixed counterflow ignition temperatures determined in our previous study, as well as homogeneous system data from literature, such as concentration profiles from flow reactor and ignition delay time from shock tube experiments.     

Iron isotope effect on Tc in optimally-doped (Ba,K)Fe2As2 (Tc = 38 K) and SmFeAsO1−y (Tc = 54 K) superconductors

We report the iron isotope effect on a transition temperature (T_c) in an optimally-doped (Ba,K)Fe₂As₂ (T_c = 38 K) and SmFeAsO_1−y (T_c = 54 K) superconductors. In order to obtain the reliable isotope shift in T_c, twin samples with different iron isotope mass are synthesized in the same conditions (simultaneously) under high-pressure. We have found that (Ba,K)Fe₂As₂ shows an inverse iron isotope effect α_Fe = −0.18 ± 0.03 while SmFeAsO_1−y shows a small iron isotope effect α_Fe = −0.02 ± 0.01, where the isotope exponent α is defined by T_c ∼ M^−α (M is the isotopic mass). The results show that α_Fe changes in the iron-based superconductors depending on the system. The distinct iron isotope effects imply the exotic coupling mechanism in the iron-based superconductors.     

Short-range order analysis and some physical properties of InxSe1−x glasses

Bulk In_xSe_1−x (with x=5-25 at%) glasses were prepared using the melt-quench technique. Short range order(SRO) was examined by the X-ray diffraction using Cu(k_α) radiation in the wave vector interval 0.28≤k≤6.5 A⁰⁻¹.The SRO parameters have been obtained from the radial distribution function. The inter-atomic distance obtained from the first and second peak are r₁=0.263 and r₂=0.460 nm, which is equivalent In-Se and Se-Se bond length. The fundamental structural unit for the studied glasses is In₂Se₃ pyramid. Using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the crystallization mechanism of In_xSe_1−x chalcogenide glass has been studied. The glass transition activation energy (E_g) is 289±0.3 kj/mol.There is a correlation amongst the glass forming ability, bond strength and the number of lone pair electrons. The utility of the Gibbs-Di Marzio relation was achieved by estimating T_g theoretically.     

Growth and spectroscopic characterization of Er: Sr3Y(BO3)3 crystal

This paper reports the growth and spectroscopic characterization of Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal. Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal with dimensions up to ∅20×35 mm³ has been grown by Czochralski method. The polarized spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal were investigated. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, the effective intensity parameters Ω_t were obtained: Ω₂=1.71×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=1.39×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=0.74×10⁻²⁰ cm² for π-polarization, and Ω₂=1.77×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=1.44×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=0.65×10⁻²⁰ cm² for σ-polarization. The emission cross-section σ_em was calculated to be 4.75×10⁻²¹ cm² for π-polarization at 1536 nm and 6.30×10⁻²¹ cm² for σ-polarization at 1537 nm. The investigated results showed that Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal may be regarded as a potential laser host material for 1.55 μm IR solid-state lasers.     

New high-resolution analysis of the {ν1 + ν3} band of the NO2 isotopomer of nitrogen dioxide: Line positions and intensities

The high-resolution Fourier transform absorption spectrum of an isotopic sample of nitrogen dioxide, ¹⁵N¹⁶O₂, was recorded in the 3.4 μm region. Starting from the results of a previous study [Y. Hamada, J. Mol. Struct. 242 (1991) 367-377] a new analysis of the ν₁ + ν₃ band located at 2858.7077 cm⁻¹ has been performed. This new assignment concerns (1 0 1) energy levels involving rotational quantum numbers up to K_a = 10 and N = 54. Using a theoretical model which accounts for both the electron spin-rotation resonances within each vibrational state and the Coriolis interactions between the (1 2 0) and (1 0 1) vibrational states, the spin-rotation energy levels of the (1 0 1) vibrational state could be reproduced within their experimental uncertainty. In this way, the precise vibrational energy, rotational, spin-rotation, and coupling constants were achieved for the {(1 2 0), (1 0 1)} interacting states of ¹⁵N¹⁶O₂. Using these parameters and the transition moment operator which was obtained for the main isotopic species, ¹⁴N¹⁶O₂, a comprehensive list of the line positions and intensities was generated for the ν₁ + ν₃ band of ¹⁵N¹⁶O₂.     

Enhanced luminescence of Ca3B2O6:Dy phosphors by Na-codoping for LED applications

The Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ (0≤y≤0.20) phosphors were synthesized at 1100 °C in air by the solid-state reaction route. The as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. The PLE spectra show the excitation peaks from 300 to 400 nm due to the 4f-4f transitions of Dy³⁺. This mercury-free excitation is useful for solid-state lighting and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The emission of Dy³⁺ ions on 350 nm excitation was observed at 480 nm (blue) due to the ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 transitions, 575 nm (yellow) due to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transitions and 660 nm (red) due to weak ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_11/2 emissions. The PL results from the investigated Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ phosphors show that Dy³⁺ emissions increase with the increase of the Na⁺ codoping ions. The integral intensity of yellow to blue (Y/B) can be tuned by controlling Na⁺ content. By the simulation of white light, the optimal CIE value (0.328, 0.334) can be achieved when the content of Na⁺-codoping ions is y=0.2. The results imply that the Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ phosphors could be potentially used as white LEDs.     

High-resolution infrared spectra of OOO ozone isotopomer in the range 900-5000 cm: line positions

Continuing the systematic study of ozone high-resolution infrared spectra, we present in this paper the measurements and analyses of line positions for the ¹⁸O¹⁶O¹⁸O isotopomer. In the range 900-5000 cm⁻¹, corresponding to the observed spectra, 15 bands are analysed: ν₁, ν₃, ν₂+ν₃, ν₁+ν₂, 2ν₃, ν₁+ν₃, 2ν₁, ν₂+2ν₃, ν₁+ν₂+ν₃, 3ν₃, 2ν₁+ν₃, ν₂+3ν₃, ν₁+3ν₃, ν₁+ν₂+3ν₃, and 5ν₃. As in the case of ¹⁶O₃, ¹⁸O₃, and ¹⁶O¹⁸O¹⁶O, the analysis of these bands is performed using effective rovibrational Hamiltonians for nine polyads of interacting upper vibrational states. To correctly reproduce all observed transitions, we have to account for resonance perturbations due to 13 “Dark” states: (0 3 0), (0 4 0), (2 1 0), (0 3 1), (1 0 2), (0 4 1), (1 1 2), (3 1 0), (0 3 2), (0 0 4), (3 2 0), (0 1 4), and (0 4 2). We present the range of observed transitions, the results for spectroscopic parameters (vibrational energy levels, rotational and centrifugal distortion constants, and resonance coupling parameters), as well as the statistics for rovibrational energy levels, calculations and measurements. A comparison of observed band centres with those predicted from an isotopically invariant potential function is discussed. The RMS deviation between predicted and directly observed band centres is ≈0.03 cm⁻¹ up to 3000 and ≈0.25 cm⁻¹ for all 16 bands up to 5000 cm⁻¹.     

The 1-v″ bands progression of the BΣ → XΣ system of CO

The B²Σ⁺ → X²Σ⁺ (0-1, 2, 3, 4 progression) electronic transition of ¹²C¹⁷O⁺ was first observed and analyzed by Szajna and Ke¸pa [Spectrochim. Acta A 65 (2006) 1014-1020]. We have now extended our previous studies. The use of high resolution conventional spectroscopic techniques has allowed first rotational analysis of the 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 and 1-5 bands of the first negative system in the 37,000-43,000 cm⁻¹ spectral region. Approximately 500 transition wavenumbers were measured with an estimated accuracy of 0.005 cm⁻¹. The present data were combined with the previous measurements to yield an improved set of molecular constants for the B²Σ⁺(v′ = 0, 1) and X²Σ⁺(v″ = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). The v′ = 1 and v″ = 5 vibrational levels were observed for the first time and the main molecular constants are (in cm⁻¹, one standard deviation in parentheses)

B2Σ+		X2Σ+
B1 = 1.710792(20)		B5 = 1.825694(23)
D1 = 7.799(15) × 10−6		D5 = 6.085(21) × 10−6
γ1 = 1.9491(37) × 10−2		γ5 = [8.381] × 10−3

Full-size table

     

Rotational analysis of the (4, 8) band in the A-X system of Cl2

Thirty-four rovibronic spectral lines of the Ω=1/2 component of the (4, 8) band in the A-X system of ³⁵Cl₂⁺ were observed in the range of 16,940-17,010 cm⁻¹, employing optical heterodyne-enhanced velocity modulation spectroscopy. Nonlinear least-squares fitting the effective Hamiltonians results in precise band origin and other molecular constants of the levels involved.     

Detection and analysis of new bands of O3 by CRDS between 6500 and 7300 cm

The absorption spectrum of the ¹⁶O₃ isotopologue of ozone has been recorded in the 7000-7920 cm⁻¹ region by high sensitivity CW-Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy. This report is devoted to the analyses of the 7065-7300 cm⁻¹ region dominated by the ν₁ + 2ν₂ + 5ν₃ and ν₁ + 5ν₂ + 3ν₃ A-type bands at 7130.8 and 7286.8 cm⁻¹ respectively. 289 transitions were assigned to the ν₁ + 2ν₂ + 5ν₃ band. The corresponding line positions were modeled with an effective Hamiltonian involving Coriolis resonance interactions between the (1 2 5) upper state and the (4 4 0), (0 2 6) and (6 1 0) dark states, and an anharmonic resonance interaction with the (2 0 5) state. The very strong interaction (up to 50% mixing of the wavefunctions) between the (1 2 5) and (6 1 0) states leads to the observation of two extra lines of the 6ν₁ + ν₂ band due to a resonance intensity transfer. 213 transitions of the ν₁ + 5ν₂ + 3ν₃ band were assigned and modeled taking into account a Coriolis resonance interaction with the (3 6 0) state.We take the opportunity of the present work to report the analysis of the very weak 4ν₂ + 4ν₃ B-type band at 6506.1 cm⁻¹ which was assigned from previously recorded CRDS spectra. 286 transitions were modeled using the effective Hamiltonian approach.The dipole transition moment parameters of the three analyzed bands were determined by a least-squares fit to the measured line intensities. For the three studied band systems, the effective Hamiltonian and transition moment operator parameters were used to generate line lists provided as Supplementary Materials.     

Temperature and pressure dependences of EPR spectra of Gd ion doped in the EuAl3(BO3)4 monocrystal

The ground state of Gd³⁺ ions substituting for trivalent europium in the EuAl₃(BO₃)₄ single crystal was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) over the temperature range of 300-4.2 K and at pressures up to 9 kbar. The EPR spectra were analysed using the spin Hamiltonian of axial symmetry. The following parameters are reported: g=1.981±0.002, b₂⁰=280.18±0.12, b₄⁰=−12.95±0.08 and b₆⁰=0.61±0.12 (at Т=298 K). The distortions of the nearest environment of Gd³⁺ ion were analysed within the framework of the superposition model of crystal field.     

CW-cavity ring down spectroscopy of the ozone molecule in the 6625-6830 cm region

The absorption spectrum of ozone, ¹⁶O₃, has been recorded by CW-cavity ring down spectroscopy in the 6625-6830 cm⁻¹ region. The typical sensitivity of these recordings (α_min ∼ 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm⁻¹) allows observing very weak transitions with intensity down to 2 × 10⁻²⁸ cm/molecule. 483 and 299 transitions have been assigned to the 2ν₁ + 3ν₂ + 3ν₃A-type band and to the 2ν₁ + 4ν₂ + 2ν₃B-type band, respectively, which are the highest frequency bands of ozone recorded so far under high resolution. Rovibrational transitions with J and K_a values up to 46 and 12, respectively, could be assigned. Despite well-known difficulties to correctly reproduce the energy levels not far from the dissociation limit, it was possible to determine the parameters of an effective Hamiltonian which includes six vibrational states, four of them being dark states. The line positions analysis led to an rms deviation of 8.5 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ while the experimental line intensities could be satisfactorily reproduced. Additional experiments in the 5970-6021 cm⁻¹ region allows detecting the (233) ← (010) hot band reaching the same upper state as the preceding cold band. From the effective parameters of the (233) state just determined and those of the (010) level available in the literature, 329 transitions could be assigned and used for a further refinement of the rovibrational parameters of the effective Hamiltonian leading to a value of 7.6 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ for the global rms deviation. The complete list of the experimentally determined rovibrational energy levels of the (233), (242), and (520) states is given. The determined effective Hamiltonian and transition moment operators allowed calculating a line list (intensity cut off of 10⁻²⁸ cm/molecule at 296 K), available as Supplementary material for the 6590-6860 and 5916-6021 cm⁻¹ regions. The integrated band strength values are 1.75 × 10⁻²⁴ and 4.78 × 10⁻²⁵ cm/molecule at 296 K for the 2ν₁ + 3ν₂ + 3ν₃A-type band and to the 2ν₁ + 4ν₂ + 2ν₃B-type band, respectively, while the band intensity value of the (233) ← (010) is estimated to be 1.03 × 10⁻²⁴ cm/molecule.     

CRDS spectroscopy of O3. Part 2: Analysis of six interacting bands between 5930 and 6080 cm

The absorption spectrum of ¹⁸O₃ has been recorded in the 5930-6080 cm⁻¹ region using CW-Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy. 1888 transitions belonging to five bands have been assigned. Three of them are A-type bands: 2ν₂ + 5ν₃, ν₁ + ν₂ + 5ν₃ and 5ν₁ + ν₃, and two bands are of B-type: 2ν₁ + ν₂ + 4ν₃ and 4ν₁ + 3ν₂. Despite a complex spectral pattern perturbed by many rovibrational resonances, it has been possible to find a suitable effective Hamiltonian model reproducing all the transition wavenumbers (corresponding to 1016 energy levels) with an rms deviation of 9.5 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹. A set of 721 line intensities was determined and fitted to derive the effective transition moment parameters. This set of parameters and the experimental energy levels were used to generate a complete line list of 2795 transitions allowing to generate synthetic spectrum in good agreement with the experimental spectrum.     

High-resolution FTIR spectroscopy of the 3ν2 band of PH3

High-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of phosphine (PH₃) at room temperature has been recorded in the region of the 3ν₂ band (2730-3100 cm⁻¹) at an apodized resolution of 0.005 cm⁻¹. About 200 vibration-rotation transitions have been least squares fitted with an rms of 0.00039 cm⁻¹ after taking into account the ΔK = ±3 interaction.     

Photoluminescence properties of Eu in Y(PO3)3 under VUV excitation

The photoluminescence properties of Y_1−x(PO₃)₃:xEu³⁺ (0<x≤0.2) are investigated. The excitation spectrum of Y_0.85(PO₃)₃:0.15Eu₃⁺ shows that both the (PO₃)₃³⁻ groups and the CT bands of O²⁻-Y³⁺ can efficiently absorb the excitation energy in the region of 120-250 nm. Under 147 nm excitation, the optimal emissive intensity of Y_1−x(PO₃)₃:xEu³⁺ (0<x≤0.2) is about 36% of the commercial phosphor (Y,Gd)BO₃:Eu³⁺, which hints that the absorbed energy by the host matrix could be efficiently transferred to Eu³⁺. We try to study the concentration quenching mechanism of Y_1−x(PO₃)₃:xEu³⁺ (0<x≤0.2) under 147 and 172 nm excitation.