Thermal stability of cubic boron nitride films deposited by chemical vapor deposition

Thermal stability of well-crystallized cubic boron nitride (cBN) films grown by chemical vapor deposition has been investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the cBN films annealed at various temperatures up to 1,300 degrees C. The crystallinity of the cBN films further improves, as indicated by a reduction of the relevant Raman line width, when the annealing temperature exceeds 1,100 degrees C. Structural damage or amorphization was observed on the grain boundaries of the cBN crystals when annealing temperature reaches 1,300 degrees C. The CL spectra are found to be unchanged up to 1,100 degrees C after annealing at 500 degrees C, showing the stability of the cBN films in electronic properties up to this temperature. New features were observed in the CL spectra when annealing temperature reaches 1,200-1,300 degrees C.     

Mössbauer and X-ray diffraction study of isothermal ageing effect at 500°C in electrochemically deposited Fe−Ni−Cr alloys

Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and microprobe analysis were used to study electrodeposited Fe?Ni?Cr (40–50% Fe, 40–47% Ni, 3–5% Cr) alloys isothermally aged at 500°C from 5 minutes to 100 hours in an inert argon gas atmosphere. The main phase of the as-deposited samples exhibits ferromagnetic microcrystalline behavior, whereas the thermally prepared samples of same composition are always paramagnetic. The dominant effect of ageing is an oxidation process which resulted in the formation of hematite and magnetite iron oxides in considerable amounts and which are attributable to the presence of oxygen inclusions in the as-electrodeposited samples.     

Control of sp2/sp3 carbon ratio and surface chemistry of nanodiamond powders by selective oxidation in air

The presence of large amounts of nondiamond carbon in detonation-synthesized nanodiamond (ND) severely limits applications of this exciting nanomaterial. We report on a simple and environmentally friendly route involving oxidation in air to selectively remove sp(2)-bonded carbon from ND. Thermogravimetric analysis and in situ Raman spectroscopy shows that sp(2) and sp(3) carbon species oxidize with different rates at 375-450 degrees C and reveals a narrow temperature range of 400-430 degrees C in which the oxidation of sp(2)-bonded carbon occurs with no or minimal loss of diamond. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy detects an increase of up to 2 orders of magnitude in the sp(3)/sp(2) ratio after oxidation. The content of up to 96% of sp(3)-bonded carbon in the oxidized samples is comparable to that found in microcrystalline diamond and is unprecedented for ND powders. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies show high purity 5-nm ND particles covered by oxygen-containing surface functional groups. The surface functionalization can be controlled by subsequent treatments (e.g., hydrogenization). In contrast to current purification techniques, the air oxidation process does not require the use of toxic or aggressive chemicals, catalysts, or inhibitors and opens avenues for numerous new applications of nanodiamond.     

Removal of Fluorescein using different iron oxides as adsorbents: effect of pH

In this work the adsorption process of Fluorescein (dye with aril-methane group) as a function of pH on three different adsorbents: goethite, Co-goethite, and magnetite has been studied experimentally and theoretically. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy have been performed in an attempt to confirm the structure of surface complexes formed by sorption of the Fluorescein to different iron oxides. Typical anionic adsorption behaviour was observed for this dye onto goethite and Co-goethite whereas the adsorption level was practically constant in the range of pH studied when the adsorbent was magnetite. The diffuse layer model was employed to fit the experimental results. The surface complexes proposed from the adsorption data were in agreement with the patterns obtained from FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The surface structure of the oxides affects the adsorption process and the final adsorbed amount at the equilibrium. Our model of diffuse double layer with the addendum of the effect of hydrophobic forces fits well the adsorption data of Fluorescein on iron oxides at different pH in the studied range. At lower pH electrostatic forces by ligand-exchange are predominant. In the range of pH 9-11 hydrophobic forces are managing the Fluorescein adsorption on the iron oxides, with the formation of outer-sphere complexes through van der Waals/hydrophobic forces. It is interesting that in the three iron oxides studied, the adsorbed amount in this range is similar.     

Silica accumulation in Triticum aestivum L. and Dactylis glomerata L

The silica accumulation in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been studied in plant samples grown under defined conditions in a pot trial. The plant habit and the quantity of biomineralised silica within the selected Gramineae depend to a remarkable extent on the soil. The plants grew with different soil pH values and silica additives. By means of atomic absorption spectrometry, the silicon enrichment in different plant parts was determined. In dried plant parts the silica bodies can be well distinguished by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy in the back scattering mode. They are located in silica cells below the epidermis and in epidermal appendices (bristles, prickle hairs). The silica bodies showed a defined morphology, structure and composition which was elucidated by the combined performance of scanning electron microscopy in combination with X-ray spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear resonance, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The composition was near to stoichiometric SiO(2) (41 weight% silicon, 56 weight % oxygen), and the SiO(4/2)tetrahedra were arranged preferentially in three-dimensional networks; a smaller proportion was in chains and layers. The silica bodies with an overall amorphous structure contained crystalline precipitates, which could be indexed by alpha-quartz.     

紫外拉曼光谱研究FeAlPO_4-5分子筛的合成机理

利用紫外共振拉曼光谱和紫外-可见漫反射光谱对不同铁含量的 FeAlPO4-5 分子筛进行了研究. 结果表明, FeAlPO4-5 分子筛的骨架铁有 4 个特征的拉曼谱峰, 分别位于 630, 1060, 1140 和 1210 cm?1. 当凝胶中 Al/Fe 比小于 380 时, 只有一部分铁离子可以进入分子筛形成四配位的骨架铁物种; 而另一部分则以骨架外六配位的铁物种存在, 其特征拉曼谱峰位于 285 cm?1. 结合紫外拉曼光谱、紫外-可见漫反射光谱和 X 射线衍射研究了 Al/Fe 比为 760 时 FeAlPO4-5 分子筛的晶化过程. 结果发现, 在分子筛晶化前, 铁物种以六配位的形式存在, 它为分子筛前体中的一维链状磷酸铝添加了一个惰性端基, 六配位的 Fe-O 键不利于它与其它磷酸铝物种发生反应; 当分子筛开始晶化时, 带有铁离子端基的磷酸铝链与其它磷酸铝链进一步反应形成分子筛骨架. 同时, 六配位的铁离子和邻近的磷酸铝物种反应转化为四配位的骨架铁物种.     

Highly water-soluble nanocrystal powders of magnetite and maghemite coated with gluconic acid: Preparation, structure characterization, and surface coordination

A simple method was developed to prepare highly water-soluble nanocrystal powders of magnetic iron oxides with different oxidation degree from magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) to maghemite (γ-Fe(2)O(3)) coated with gluconic acid (GLA). X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements show that the products have a narrow size distribution, and the cores are inverse spinel iron oxides and completely crystallized. Vibrating sample magnetometry measurements reveal that all the samples exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra were used to identify the products. It is shown that GLA molecules are immobilized on the nanoparticle surface by chemical bonding and the carboxyl is asymmetrically bound to the surface iron atom, and the vacancies in the γ-Fe(2)O(3) cores are disordered. Compared with FTIR, Raman spectrum analysis is a rapid, simple, and accurate method for identifying inverse spinel iron oxides. The chemical stability and the high solubility of the products are explained in terms of the proposed coordination modes of the surface iron atom with GLA.     

Stand-off Raman spectroscopic detection of minerals on planetary surfaces

We have designed and developed two breadboard versions of stand-off Raman spectroscopic systems for landers based on a 5-in. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope and a small (4-in. diameter) Newtonian telescope receiver. These systems are capable of measuring the Raman spectra of minerals located at a distance of 4.5-66 m from the telescope. Both continuous wave (CW) Ar-ion and frequency doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) pulsed (20 Hz) lasers are used as excitation sources for measuring remote Raman spectra of rocks and minerals. We have also made complementary measurements on the same rock samples with a micro-Raman system in 180 and 135 degrees geometry for evaluating the system performance and for estimating effect of grain size and laser-induced heating on the spectra of minerals using alpha-quartz as a model mineral. A field portable remote pulsed Raman spectroscopic system based on the 5-in. telescope and an f/2.2 spectrograph has been developed and tested. We have also demonstrated a prototype of a combined Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system, capable of providing major element composition and mineralogical information on both biogenic and inorganic minerals at a distance of 10 m from the receiver.     

Spatially resolved imaging of inhomogeneous charge transfer behavior in polymorphous molybdenum oxide. I. Correlation of localized structural, electronic, and chemical properties using conductive probe atomic force microscopy and Raman microprobe spectroscopy

A detailed study of electrochemically deposited molybdenum oxide thin films has been carried out after they were sintered at 250 degrees C. Conductive probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM), Raman microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques were employed to assess the complex structural, electronic, and compositional properties of these films. Spatially resolved Raman microprobe spectroscopy studies reveal that sintered molybdenum oxide is polymorphous and phase segregated with three types of domains observed comprising orthorhombic alpha-MoO3, monoclinic beta-MoO3, and intermixed alpha-/beta-MoO3. CP-AFM studies conducted in concert with Raman microprobe spectroscopy allowed for correlation between specific compositional regions and localized electronic properties. Single point tunneling spectroscopy studies of chemically distinct regions show semiconducting current-voltage (I-V) behavior with the beta-MoO3 polymorph exhibiting higher electronic conductivity than intermixed alpha-/beta-MoO3 or microcrystalline alpha-MoO3 domains. XPS valence level spectra of beta-MoO3 films display a small structured band near the Fermi level, indicative of an increased concentration of oxygen vacancies. This accounts for the greatly enhanced electronic conductivity of beta-MoO3 as these positively charged cationic defects (anion vacancies) act to trap excess electrons. Connections between structural features, electronic properties, and chemical composition are established and discussed. Importantly, this work highlights the value of using spatially resolved techniques for correlating structural and compositional features with electrochemical behaviors of disordered, mixed-phase lithium insertion oxides.     

A Comparative Study of Pigments from the Wall Paintings of Two Greek Byzantine Churches

The goal of this study was to characterize pigments used in the murals of two Byzantine churches, from Kastoria, northern Greece. The identification of the iconographer was also investigated by comparing the pigments applied in the wall paintings of the churches. Pigment microsamples of various colors were collected and analyzed by environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive system to characterize the elemental composition. Raman spectroscopy was employed to collect molecular spectra for characterization of mineralogical phases. Hematite, cinnabar, and minium were identified in red surfaces. Brown and yellow colors were assigned to mixtures of iron oxides, iron hydroxides, and calcite. Mixtures of iron, lead, and mercury compounds were used to produce different hues in the murals. Black tones were prepared primarily using charcoal and bone black. Grey colors were produced by a mixture of black carbon with calcite; blue hues, by a mixture of iron oxides, calcite, and black carbon. The minerals used were similar for both churches. However, the green color was prepared either by green earth or mixtures of iron oxides and calcite. A modern pigment, lithopone, was also determined, demonstrating restoration or overpainting and thus complicating possible correlations. Based on these preliminary results, the wall paintings could not be ascribed to a specific iconographer.     

Oxygen Isotope Labeling Experiments Reveal Different Reaction Sites for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Nickel and Nickel Iron Oxides

Nickel iron oxide is considered a benchmark nonprecious catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the nature of the active site in nickel iron oxide is heavily debated. Here we report direct spectroscopic evidence for the different active sites in Fe‐free and Fe‐containing Ni oxides. Ultrathin layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were used as defined samples of metal oxide catalysts, and ¹⁸O‐labeling experiments in combination with in situ Raman spectroscopy were employed to probe the role of lattice oxygen as well as an active oxygen species, NiOO^?, in the catalysts. Our data show that lattice oxygen is involved in the OER for Ni and NiCo LDHs, but not for NiFe and NiCoFe LDHs. Moreover, NiOO^? is a precursor to oxygen for Ni and NiCo LDHs, but not for NiFe and NiCoFe LDHs. These data indicate that bulk Ni sites in Ni and NiCo oxides are active and evolve oxygen via a NiOO^? precursor. Fe incorporation not only dramatically increases the activity, but also changes the nature of the active sites.     

金刚石膜微结构的慢正电子束测量研究

The microstructure of diamond films was studied by slow positron beam and Raman spectroscopy. For the Raman spectroscopy experiment on diamond films, a high fraction of the sp3 hybridized bond was detected in samples. Positron annihilation spectra analysis further illuminated that the concentration and types of defects were different in each sample. S-E curves of all samples showed that diamond crystal structures had obvious variation in each sample. These results indicated that positron annihilation spectroscopy was an effective means to measure microstructure of diamond films.     

Raman spectroscopic study of ancient South African domestic clay pottery

The technique of Raman spectroscopy was used to examine the composition of ancient African domestic clay pottery of South African origin. One sample from each of four archaeological sites including Rooiwal, Lydenburg, Makahane and Graskop was studied. Normal dispersive Raman spectroscopy was found to be the most effective analytical technique in this study. XRF, XRD and FT-IR spectroscopy were used as complementary techniques. All representative samples contained common features, which were characterised by kaolin (Al2Si2O5(OH)5), illite (KAl4(Si7AlO20)(OH)4), feldspar (K- and NaAlSi3O8), quartz (alpha-SiO2), hematite (alpha-Fe2O3), montmorillonite (Mg3(Si,Al)4(OH)2 x 4.5 5H(2)O[Mg]0.35), and calcium silicate (CaSiO3). Gypsum (CaSO4 x 2H2O) and calcium carbonates (most likely calcite, CaCO3) were detected by Raman spectroscopy in Lydenburg, Makahane and Graskop shards. Amorphous carbon (with accompanying phosphates) was observed in the Raman spectra of Lydenburg, Rooiwal and Makahane shards, while rutile (TiO(2)) appeared only in Makahane shard. The Raman spectra of Lydenburg and Rooiwal shards further showed the presence of anhydrite (CaSO4). The results showed that South African potters used a mixture of clays as raw materials. The firing temperature for most samples did not exceed 800 degrees C, which suggests the use of open fire. The reddish brown and grayish black colours were likely due to hematite and amorphous carbon, respectively.     

Monitoring surface metal oxide catalytic active sites with Raman spectroscopy

The molecular aspect of the Raman vibrational selection rules allows for the molecular structural and reactivity determinations of metal oxide catalytic active sites in all types of oxide catalyst systems (supported metal oxides, zeolites, layered hydroxides, polyoxometalates (POMs), bulk pure metal oxides, bulk mixed oxides and mixed oxide solid solutions). The molecular structural and reactivity determinations of metal oxide catalytic active sites are greatly facilitated by the use of isotopically labeled molecules. The ability of Raman spectroscopy to (1) operate in all phases (liquid, solid, gas and their mixtures), (2) operate over a very wide temperature (-273 to >1000 °C) and pressure (UHV to ?100 atm) range, and (3) provide molecular level information about metal oxides makes Raman spectroscopy the most informative characterization technique for understanding the molecular structure and surface chemistry of the catalytic active sites present in metal oxide heterogeneous catalysts. The recent use of hyphenated Raman spectroscopy instrumentation (e.g., Raman-IR, Raman-UV-vis, Raman-EPR) and the operando Raman spectroscopy methodology (e.g., Raman-MS and Raman-GC) is allowing for the establishment of direct structure-activity/selectivity relationships that will have a significant impact on catalysis science in this decade. Consequently, this critical review will show the growth in the use of Raman spectroscopy in heterogeneous catalysis research, for metal oxides as well as metals, is poised to continue to exponentially grow in the coming years (173 references).     

激光波长对拉曼光谱检测地质成分的影响

随着激光技术的不断发展,以激光为光源的拉曼光谱检测技术由于其快速、无损、无接触探测等优势,已成为地质样品成分鉴别的一种重要途径。由于激光波长是样品拉曼效应的重要决定因素之一,进一步明确其在地质样品成分检测中的影响,能够为开展行星矿物成分研究提供重要参考依据。本工作基于自主建立的532nm/785nm双色光源激光拉曼光谱探测系统,开展了不同激光波长对地质样品成分拉曼光谱的影响研究,获得了包括硝酸根、碳酸根、磷酸根、硅酸根等分子基团以及硫化物、氧化物等多种地质样品主要成分的拉曼特征光谱。通过对比表明,532nm激发光具有更高的光子能量,能够检测更多的样品成分,但荧光效应较强,785nm激发光存在拉曼信号强度较低问题,但是具有很好的荧光抑制效果,可根据实际样品种类进行最佳激发光波长的选择。     

Mössbauer and X-ray analysis of corrosion products from surface equipment of oil production well

Wellhead equipment corrosion samples including internal surface of choke were analyzed by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The samples include some impurities of quartz, dolomite and calcite. The resulted analysis shows some iron oxides and oxyhydroxides as surface equipment corrosion products.     

Raman imaging and Kelvin probe microscopy for the examination of the heterogeneity of doping in polycrystalline boron-doped diamond electrodes

The issue of the heterogeneity of boron doping in microcrystalline diamond films was addressed by four different methods: micro-Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging, Kelvin probe force microscopy, conducting atomic force microscopy, and scanning electrochemical microscopy. The samples were commercially available films from Windsor Scientific, with an average boron concentration of about 5 x 10(20) cm(-3). In agreement with previous works, all of the methods showed that the boron uptake was nonuniform across the surface of the electrode. Two different types of regions were evidenced, with metallic or semiconducting properties that were characterized with different types of Raman spectra. The line shape of these spectra was strongly dependent on the excitation wavelength. Local variations in electroactivity were evidenced by the SECM curves, which are related to the electronic properties of the individual grains, which, in turn, are governed by the boron content of the individual crystallites. In this study, two different micro-Raman imaging techniques were used that reveal the grain structure of the films: the images constructed from the diamond line intensity perfectly reproduced the optical image obtained by illuminating the sample in reflection. The method also allows detection of the presence of nondiamond carbon, especially in the metallic parts of the samples. Other spectral features (intensity of the boron-related broad lines, as well as the frequency and width of the diamond line) were used to construct images. In every case, the grain structure of the film was revealed, as well as twinning within individual crystallites. All approaches revealed that no enhanced doping or boron depletion occurred at the grain boundaries.     

Raman spectroscopic surface characterization of cellulose derivatives

First results of experiments on the surface characterization of cellulose derivatives are presented. Different water contents of the surface of microcrystalline cellulose have been investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy, SERS, and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM).     

Raman spectroscopic surface characterization of cellulose derivatives

First results of experiments on the surface characterization of cellulose derivatives are presented. Different water contents of the surface of microcrystalline cellulose have been investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy, SERS, and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM).