Control of localized nanorod formation and patterns of semiconducting CuTCNQ phase I crystals by scanning electrochemical microscopy

Use of the technique of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) enables the surface of single crystals of 7,7',8,8'-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) to be modified in a controlled manner to produce highly dense and micrometer sized regions of semiconducting phase I CuTCNQ nanorod crystals by a nucleation and growth mechanism. This method involves the localized reduction of solid TCNQ to TCNQ- by aqueous phase V(aq)2+ reductant generated at a SECM ultramicroelectrode tip by reduction of V(aq)3+, coupled with the incorporation and reduction of Cu(aq)2+ ions also present in the aqueous electrolyte. SECM parameters can be systematically varied to control the extent of surface modification and the packing density of the CuTCNQ crystals. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images provide evidence that the TCNQ to CuTCNQ solid-solid transformation is accompanied by a drastic localized crystal volume and morphology change achieved by fragmentation of the TCNQ crystal surface. Patterns of semiconducting CuTCNQ (phase I) nanorod shaped crystals have been characterized by SEM, AFM, and infrared (IR) techniques. A reaction scheme has been proposed for the interaction between the electrogenerated mediator V(aq)2+, Cu(aq)2+, and the TCNQ crystal in the nucleation and growth stages of phase I CuTCNQ formation.     

Preparation of metal-TCNQ charge-transfer complexes on conducting and insulating surfaces by photocrystallization

A generic method for the synthesis of metal-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) charge-transfer complexes on both conducting and nonconducting substrates is achieved by photoexcitation of TCNQ in acetonitrile in the presence of a sacrificial electron donor and the relevant metal cation. The photochemical reaction leads to reduction of TCNQ to the TCNQ(-) monoanion. In the presence of M(x+)(MeCN), reaction with TCNQ(-)(MeCN) leads to deposition of M(x+)[TCNQ]x crystals onto a solid substrate with morphologies that are dependent on the metal cation. Thus, CuTCNQ phase I photocrystallizes as uniform microrods, KTCNQ as microrods with a random size distribution, AgTCNQ as very long nanowires up to 30 mum in length and with diameters of less than 180 nm, and Co[TCNQ](2)(H(2)O)(2) as nanorods and wires. The described charge-transfer complexes have been characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy and IR and Raman spectroscopy. The CuTCNQ and AgTCNQ complexes are of particular interest for use in memory storage and switching devices. In principle, this simple technique can be employed to generate all classes of metal-TCNQ complexes and opens up the possibility to pattern them in a controlled manner on any type of substrate.     

AFM study of morphological changes associated with electrochemical solid–solid transformation of three-dimensional crystals of TCNQ to metal derivatives (metal = Cu, Co, Ni; TCNQ = tetracyanoquinodimethane)

In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows images from the upper face and sides of TCNQ crystals to be monitored during the course of the electrochemical solid–solid state conversion of 50 × 50 μm² three-dimensional drop cast crystals of TCNQ to CuTCNQ or M[TCNQ]₂(H₂O)₂ (M = Co, Ni). Ex situ images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also allow the bottom face of the TCNQ crystals, in contact with the indium tin oxide or gold electrode surface and aqueous metal electrolyte solution, to be examined. Results show that by carefully controlling the reaction conditions, nearly mono-dispersed, rod-like phase I CuTCNQ or M[TCNQ]₂(H₂O)₂ can be achieved on all faces. However, CuTCNQ has two different phases, and the transformation of rod-like phase 1 to rhombic-like phase 2 achieved under conditions of cyclic voltammetry was monitored in situ by AFM. The similarity of in situ AFM results with ex situ SEM studies accomplished previously implies that the morphology of the samples remains unchanged when the solvent environment is removed. In the process of crystal transformation, the triple phase solid∣electrode∣electrolyte junction is confirmed to be the initial nucleation site. Raman spectra and AFM images suggest that 100% interconversion is not always achieved, even after extended electrolysis of large 50 × 50 μm² TCNQ crystals.     

Electrocrystallization of Phase I, CuTCNQ (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane), on indium tin oxide and boron-doped diamond electrodes

The electrochemical reduction of TCNQ to TCNQ*- in acetonitrile in the presence of [Cu(MeCN)4]+ has been undertaken at boron-doped diamond (BDD) and indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The nucleation and growth process at BDD is similar to that reported previously at metal electrodes. At an ITO electrode, the electrocrystallization of more strongly adhered, larger, branched, needle-shaped phase I CuTCNQ crystals is detected under potential step conditions and also when the potential is cycled over the potential range of 0.7 to -0.1 V versus Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl). Video imaging can be used at optically transparent ITO electrodes to monitor the growth stage of the very large branched crystals formed during the course of electrochemical experiments. Both in situ video imaging and ex situ X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data are consistent with the nucleation of CuTCNQ taking place at a discrete number of preferred sites on the ITO surface. At BDD electrodes, ex situ optical images show that the preferential growth of CuTCNQ occurs at the more highly conducting boron-rich areas of the electrode, within which there are preferred sites for CuTCNQ formation.     

Galvanic replacement of semiconductor phase I CuTCNQ microrods with KAuBr4 to fabricate CuTCNQ/Au nanocomposites with photocatalytic properties

In this study, the reaction of semiconductor microrods of phase I copper 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ) with KAuBr(4) in acetonitrile is reported. It was found that the reaction is redox in nature and proceeds via a galvanic replacement mechanism in which the surface of CuTCNQ is replaced with metallic gold nanoparticles. Given the slight solubility of CuTCNQ in acetonitrile, two competing reactions, namely CuTCNQ dissolution and the redox reaction with KAuBr(4), were found to operate in parallel. An increase in the surface coverage of CuTCNQ microrods with gold nanoparticles occurred with an increased KAuBr(4) concentration in acetonitrile, which also inhibited CuTCNQ dissolution. The reaction progress with time was monitored using UV-visible, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as XRD and EDX analysis, and SEM imaging. The CuTCNQ/Au nanocomposites were investigated for their photocatalytic properties, wherein the destruction of Congo red, an organic dye, by simulated solar light was found dependent on the surface coverage of gold nanoparticles on the CuTCNQ microrods. This method of decorating CuTCNQ may open the possibility of modifying this and other metal-TCNQ charge transfer complexes with a host of other metals which may have significant applications.     

High-pressure vibrational study of the catalyst candidate cis-dimercaptobis(triphenylphosphine)platinum(II), cis-[(Ph3P)2Pt(SH)2

Infrared and FT-Raman spectra of cis-dimercaptobis(triphenylphosphine)platinum(II), cis-[(PPh3)2Pt(SH)2], have been measured at high external pressures up to 55 kbar with the aid of a diamond-anvil cell (DAC). The wavenumber (v) versus pressure (P) plots from the Raman data indicate the occurrence of a pressure-induced phase transition at around 15 kbar. The metal-ligand stretching mode, v(Pt-S), and the C-H stretching mode of the phenyl rings, v(C-H), are highly sensitive to the application of pressure (dv/dP approximately 1.0 cm(-1) kbar(-1)). The IR results are generally consistent with the Raman data. The pressure-induced phase transition is most probably attributable to the reorientation of the phenyl rings in the complex; similar results have been obtained for other phenyl derivatives.     

Vibrational spectroscopy at high pressure of the permanganate anion trapped in potassium bromide and potassium perchlorate matrices

The effect of high pressure on the resonance Raman spectra of the permanganate ion isolated in potassium bromide and potassium perchlorate matrices has been investigated at room temperature for pressures up to 50 kbar. The pressure dependences of the anharmonicity constants and harmonic frequencies have been determined from the overtones of the totally symmetric nu1(A1) mode of the permanganate ion. For both matrices, as the pressure increases, the anharmonicity constants decrease slightly, while the harmonic frequencies increase steadily. The effect of the potassium bromide phase transition from a face-centered to a body-centered structure was observed on the permanganate ion Raman spectrum at approximately 24 kbar. The perchlorate matrix does not exhibit any phase transition under the experimental conditions used in this study.     

Raman frequency shifts of an internal mode near the tricritical and second order phase transitions in NH4Cl

This study gives our analysis for the frequency shifts of the v2 (1708 cm-1) Raman mode in NH4Cl close to its tricritical (P=1.6 kbar) and second order (P=2.8 kbar) phase transitions. From our analysis, we extract the values of the critical exponent which describes the critical behavior of the Raman frequency shifts for this internal mode for the pressure conditions studied in NH4Cl. Our exponent value of alpha approximately 0.2 for the tricritical phase transition is close to the values of 1/16 (TTc) for the specific heat, predicted from a 3D Ising model. Our exponent values for the second order phase transition (P=2.8 kbar) for TTc are comparable with those reported in earlier studies.     

Vibrational spectroscopy at high pressures—57 [1]. Phosphonitrilic chloride trimer and tetramer

Raman and IR spectra at high pressures are reported for (PNCl₂)₃ and (PNCl₂)₄. The trimer exhibits a second order phase transition near 22 kbar to a structure of probable monoclinic symmetry, whilst the tetramer shows evidence of a similar change near 10 kbar.     

Spectroscopy at very high pressures: Part 27. Raman study of the second-order phase transitions in sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate

Raman spectra of NaNO₂ have been studied as a function of hydrostatic pressure to 40 kbar at 295 and 348 K. Slight changes in slope of mode frequency versus pressure plots support the view that a structural anomaly exists at 9 ± 1 kbar. The absence of qualitative changes in the Raman spectra allow the space group of NaNO₂ IV to be specified as one of P1, P2, B2, Pm or Bm. The Raman spectrum of NaNO₃ has been studied to 87 kbar. The changes observed are fully consistent with a second-order transition to a phase with symmetry C⁶_3v, as indicated by previous X-ray work, although the transition is sluggish.     

Continuous and discontinuous phase transitions in ammonium halides

Raman spectra of NH₄Cl and NH₄Br have been recorded as functions of temperature and pressure. The λ-type phase transition in NH₄Cl has been studied as (i) a weakly first order. (ii) a tricritical and (iii) a second order transition. A strongly first order transition has been studied in NH₄Br. The analysis of the data has concentrated on the correlation of frequency shift with volume change across the phase change regions. This correlation has been established for the frequencies of the ν₂ and ν₅ Raman modes of NH₄Cl at zero pressure (1st order) 1.6 kbar (tricritical) and 2.8 kbar (2nd order), and the frequencies of the ν₅ Raman mode of NH₄Br at zero pressure (1st order). A single Y (mode Grünelsen parameter) has been shown to describe each frequency shift right through the phase change region once an order-disorder contribution has been introduced at and below the transition temperatures.     

High-pressure Raman study of the β-BaB2O4 crystal and pressure-induced phase transitions

A high-pressure Raman study of β-BaB₂O₄ reveals the occurrence of four pressure-induced phase transitions near 48, 70, 80 and 96 kbar, respectively. Above 96 kbar, β-BaB₂O₄ becomes amorphous and the transition is irreversible. A Raman quartet originating from Davydov splitting and the pressure-scanned Fermi resonance effect is observed.     

High-pressure Raman study of liquid and molecular crystal at room temperature. Methylene chloride

Raman spectra of liquid and crystalline CH₂Cl₂ were measured at hydrostatic pressures up to 85 kbar and at room temperature. The pressure dependences of the internal modes (ν₄, ν₃, ν₉, ν₂ and ν₁) and the two external (lattice) modes are reported; the ν₄ symmetric CCl₂ bending mode is split into two major peaks at the liquid—solid phase transition point (at 11.3 kbar), and the discontinuities of the slopes for their peak frequencies against pressure suggest a second-order phase transition at ≈ 45 kbar. The pressure data are used to test the applicability of the vibrational scaling law proposed by Zallen for a molecular crystal.     

Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy at high pressures: Preliminary results of sulphur to 56 kbar

The feasibility of obtaining Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectra at high pressure in a diamond anvil cell has been investigated. By using a high pressure cell in conjunction with a micro-FT-Raman system, FT-Raman spectra with good signal-to-noise ratios have been measured for sulphur to 56 kbar. In general, the internal modes show significant increases with pressure. No phase transition was observed throughout the pressure range studied.     

Raman spectra and the dynamic structure of the high pressure phase of NH4Br (V) and ND4Br (V)

Similar Raman spectra are observed at high pressures for phases II and V of ND₄Br and NH₄Br. Deuteration lowers the II–V phase transition from 20 to 9 kbar at 296 K. ND₄Br V and NH₄Br V are interpreted as mixed phases, and their spectra as the superposition of the spectra of two other phases, III (antiparallel arrangement of the NH₄⁺ ions) and IV (parallel arrangement). The phonons which become Raman inactive at the V–IV phase transition are assigned to clusters or domains of phase V which have antiparallel arrangement.     

The pressure tunning Raman spectral studies of the bilirubinIXalpha and neutral calcium bilirubinate at high external pressure

The bilirubinIXalpha and its neutral calcium bilirubinate were studied using Raman spectroscopy at high external pressure. The results showed that the bilirubinIXalpha has two pressure-induced phase transitions (15-18 and 30-36 kbar) and three pressure phase areas. Its pressure sensitivities in the low-pressure phase are very low. It is believed that the four internally hydrogen bonds in bilirubinIXalpha molecule cause the atoms to attract each other tightly in the bilirubinIXalpha molecule. Therefore, the low pressure is not strong enough to shorten the bonds significantly. The pressure sensitivities in the middle-pressure phase are much higher than those in the low-pressure phase, but those in the high-pressure phase are slightly lower than in the middle-pressure phase. There is only one pressure-induced phase transition (25-34 kbar) in the neutral calcium bilirubinate. The pressure sensitivities in the low-pressure phase are higher than those in the high-pressure phase as usually.     

Phase transitions in the dimethyl thallium(III) halides, (CH3)2TIX(X = Cl,Br, I)

The dimethyl thallium(III) halides were investigated at low temperature and at high pressure by IR and Raman spectroscopy. These compounds have a tetragonal structure under ambient conditions, in which the methyl groups are disordered. Ordering transitions were observed at low temperature in all three halides. The low-temperature unit cells are monoclinic or triclinic with C_2h or C_i symmetry and Z = 1 and Z = 2 per primitive unit cell for the chloride and for the bromide and iodide, respectively.At high pressure, the iodide and bromide underwent phase transitions at just below 10 kbar to phases similar to those observed at low-temperature. A second transition was observed in both the iodide and bromide at 27 and 45 kbar, respectively, which involved a change in conformation of the (CH₃)₂Tl⁺ ion from linear to bent and a distortion of the (TlX)_nlayers. Significant spectral changes were also observed for the iodide and bromide at close to 65 kbar and 70 kbar, respectively, indicating the presence of another transition involving a change in methyl group orientation.The chloride underwent a transition at about 15 kbar at which the methyl groups become ordered. This phase appears to be related to that observed at low-temperature for the bromide and iodide. Further changes were observed at just below 25 kbar indicating that the (CH₃)₂Tl⁺ ions become bent. There is evidence for another transition above 35 kbar from changes in slope on plots of ν versus p.     

Raman spectra of high pressure phase and phase transition of polytetrafluoroethylene (teflon)

Raman spectra of phases II and III of crystalline polytetrafluoroethylene at room temperature and several pressures to 35 kbar are reported and discussed in terms of the information provided about molecular conformation, crystal structures, and the phase transition. A revised vibrational assignment is reported for phase II spectra which suggests that the 1215- and 1295-cm^?1 bands are not fundamentals but are combinations of overtones with A₁ symmetry of a cyclic group.     

A high pressure FT-IR spectroscopic study of phase transitions in 1-chloro- and 1-bromoadamantane

The infrared spectra of two orientationally disordered adamantane derivatives, 1-chloro- and 1-bromoadamantane, have been obtained as a function of pressure by use of a diamond anvil cell. Phase transitions were detected from the splittings of vibrational bands and from changes in the slopes on plots of frequency versus pressure. In 1-chloroadamantane, a disorder-order phase transition was detected at approximately 5 kbar. This high-pressure phase is identical to the ordered phase obtained at low temperature. A second phase transition at high pressure was identified, for the first time, at approximately 17 kbar. The new high-pressure phase is an ordered phase. For 1-bromoadamantane, a semi-ordered to ordered phase transition was detected at about 5 kbar, and no other transitions were observed up to a pressure of 35 kbar. For both derivatives, the phase changes were reversible.     

Oxygen phase equilibria near 298 K

Raman spectra of fluid and solid oxygen have been measured at temperatures near 298 K to pressure greater than 180 kbar (18 GPa). At 298 K, fluid oxygen freezes at 59.1±0.5 kbar which is 2 kbar higher than the freezing pressure of n-H₂ at this temperature. Solid—solid phase transitions are observed near 96 and 99 kbar. The phase boundaries near room temperature and the intense visible absorption spectra of the very high pressure phase are described.