The growth of the passive film on iron in 0.05 M NaOH studied in situ by Raman micro‐spectroscopy and electrochemical polarisation. Part I: near‐resonance enhancement of the Raman spectra of iron oxide and oxyhydroxide compounds

Raman spectroscopy, in principle, is an excellent technique for the study of molecular species developed on metal surfaces during electrochemical investigations. However, the use of the more common laser wavelengths such as the 514.5‐nm line results in spectra of less than optimal intensity, particularly for iron oxide compounds. In the present work, near‐resonance enhancement of the Raman spectra was investigated for the iron oxide and iron oxyhydroxide compounds previously reported to be present in the passive film on iron, using a tuneable dye laser producing excitation wavelengths between 560 and 637 nm. These compounds were hematite (α‐Fe₂O₃), maghemite (γ‐Fe₂O₃), magnetite (Fe₃O₄), goethite (α‐FeOOH), akaganeite (β‐FeOOH), lepidocrocite (γ‐FeOOH) and feroxyhyte (δ‐FeOOH). Optimum enhancement, when compared to that with the 514.5‐nm line, was obtained for all the iron oxide and oxyhydroxide standard samples in the low wavenumber region (<1000 cm⁻¹) using an excitation wavelength of 636.4 nm. Particularly significant enhancement was obtained for lepidocrocite, hematite and goethite. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Raman spectroscopic studies of the corrosion of model iron electrodes in sodium chloride solution

We have explored the un‐enhanced Raman spectra of both single and twin electrodes in 3.5% NaCl solution (at ambient temperatures) over a range of applied potentials (between 20 and 200 mV) and times (between 0 and 5 h). Under these conditions, we observed the initial formation of ‘green rust’ (hydroxychlorides and/or hydroxycarbonates), followed by the formation of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and then a mixture of the α‐ and γ‐FeOOH (goethite and lepidocrocite, respectively). These data are consistent with a model for corrosion during which the initially formed magnetite is either covered, or replaced, by layers of the FeOOH oxidation products. Fitting of the data as a function of time and potential shows that, although the product range is independent of potential, the relative kinetics of formation of magnetite and its subsequent conversion to the γ‐FeOOH were potential and time dependent. Analysis by mapping of the dry corroded surface showed a variety of species, including green rust, some Fe(OH)₃, as well as the γ‐FeOOH, and possibly some β‐FeOOH. But no surface magnetite was found, indicating that this material had been either covered up or converted to FeOOH. We noted several complications during this work, including the interference of resonance effects (on the Raman intensities) and the heterogeneity of the corrosion process (and hence distribution of species on the corroded surface). However, we believe that the use of un‐enhanced Raman methods has led to conclusions more likely to be relevant to ‘real’ corrosion processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microanalysis of clay‐based pigments in painted artworks by the means of Raman spectroscopy

FT Raman spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy with lasers of three different wavelengths (1064 nm, 785 nm and 532 nm) were used for analysis of reference samples of natural clay pigments including white clay minerals (kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite), green earths (glauconite and celadonite) and red earths (natural mixtures of white clay minerals with hematite). In addition, eight micro‐samples obtained from historical paintings containing clay pigments in ground and colour layers have been examined. Powder X‐ray diffraction and micro‐diffraction were used as supplementary methods. It was found that laser operating at 1064 nm provided the best quality Raman spectra for distinguishing different white clay minerals, but the spectra of green and red earths were affected by strong fluorescence caused by the presence of iron. Green earth minerals could be easily distinguished by 532 or 785 nm excitation lasers, even in small concentrations in the paint layers. On the other hand, when anatase (TiO₂) or iron oxides (such as hematite) were present as admixtures (both are quite common, particularly in red earths), the collection of characteristic spectra of clay minerals which form the main component of the layer was hindered or even prevented. Another complicating factor was the fluorescence produced by organic binders when analysing the micro‐samples of artworks. In those cases, it is always necessary to use powder X‐ray micro‐diffraction to avoid misleading interpretations of the pigment's composition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of Cu and Ni on the morphology and composition of the rust layer of steels exposed to industrial environment

Four samples of steels with alloying elements were exposed to an industrial environment during 1,955 days, aiming to elucidate the effect of the alloying elements Cu and Ni on the resistance of weathering steels to corrosion processes. The samples were characterized with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), saturation magnetization measurements and with energy dispersive (EDS), infrared, Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopies. All the steels originated orange and dark corrosion layers; their thicknesses were determined from the SEM images. EDS data of such rust layers showed that the alloying element content decreases from the steel core towards the outer part of the rust layer. Moreover, in the dark rust layer some light-gray regions were identified in the W and Cu-alloy steel, where relatively higher Cr and Cu contents were found. XRD patterns, infrared, Raman and Mössbauer spectra (298, 110 and 4 K) indicated that the corrosion products are qualitatively the same, containing lepidocrocite (γFeOOH; hereinafter, it may be referred to as simply L), goethite (αFeOOH; G), feroxyhite (δ′FeOOH; F), hematite (αFe₂O₃; H) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄; M) in all samples; this composition does not depend upon the steel type, but their relative concentrations is related to the alloying element. Mössbauer data reveal the presence of (super)paramagnetic iron oxides in the corrosion products. Saturation magnetization measurements suggest that feroxyhite may be an occurring ferrimagnetic phase in the rust layer.     

ESCA studies of Fe-Ti alloys

Fe-Ti alloys containing 5 to 47% Ti have been studied by ESCA. The alloys were exposed to 0.1 M NaCl for 24 h under open-circuit potential (OCP) during which passive films were formed. The passive film consisted of FeO and TiO₂ in the inner layer while Fe₂O₃, water, and hydroxyl groups were present in the outermost monolayers, irrespective of composition. The thickness of the passive layer was reduced from 4.4 nm to 1.0 nm with increasing Ti content. The amount of iron oxide in the passive layer also decreased with increasing Ti. Electrochemical techniques according to ASTM G59 and ASTM G5 were used for the determination of the relative corrosion rate of the alloys. Alloys with 5–28% Ti showed a relatively high corrosion rate but that with 47 wt.% Ti had a much lower corrosion rates.     

Modification of erbium photoluminescence excitation spectra for the emission wavelength 1.54 μm in mesoscopic structures

Photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra for the emission wavelength 1.54 μm were studied for erbium-doped xerogels embedded in artificial opals and porous anodic alumina films. Opals were chosen with photonic stop-band in green spectral range, where excitation of 1.54 μm occurs most efficiently. In comparison to the structure erbium-doped titania xerogel/porous anodic alumina/silicon the photoluminescence excitation spectra for 1.54 μm emission wavelength significantly changes for the same xerogels embedded in artificial opals. Enhancement of erbium-related 1.54 μm emission was observed from the structure Fe₂O₃ xerogel/porous anodic alumina fabricated on silicon, having some incompletely anodized aluminium, under excitation with either the lasing source at 532 nm or xenon lamp. Evident difference in PLE spectra for erbium doped TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ xerogels in porous anodic alumina is observed.     

Spectroscopic studies of the corrosion of model iron electrodes in carbonate and phosphate buffer solutions

We have extended our unenhanced (non-SERS) Raman spectroscopic investigations to include a study of the corrosion of an iron electrode in carbonate and phosphate buffer solutions. The measurements have been supported by electrochemical investigations (via cyclic voltammetry), enabling oxidation and reduction reactions to be systematically followed at variable applied potentials. In a carbonate buffer (pH = 9.4) the surface oxidation led to the formation of a ‘green rust’ (a hydrated hydroxy-carbonate), followed by the α- and β-forms of FeOOH and an underlying magnetite layer formed on the cathodic (reduction) cycle. In a phosphate buffer (pH = 7.7) the surface was passivated by hydrated phosphates of iron [identified as FePO₄ · xH₂O and Fe₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O]. The formation of oxides (Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄) were inferred from voltammetry, but spectral identification was more difficult because of broad, ill-defined spectra. Despite the challenges of using unenhanced Raman spectroscopy, we believe that the effort was worthwhile, the reactions identified being more likely to be relevant to real electrochemical environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Observation of resonance electronic and non‐resonance‐enhanced vibrational natural Raman optical activity

Natural resonance electronic Raman optical activity (ROA) is observed for the first time. Coincidently, the first example of vibrational ROA enhanced by low‐lying electronic transition is reported. These new phenomena were measured using the rare‐earth complex Eu(tfc)₃ (+)‐tris[3‐trifluoroacetyl‐D ‐camphorato]europium(III), where electronic resonance occurs between the 532‐nm laser excitation and the ⁷F₁ → ⁵D₁ transition of the Eu³⁺ metal center. Electronic Raman spectra involve the Raman transitions terminating on the low‐lying electronic states of Eu(tfc)₃. The observed vibrational ROA spectra are enhanced relative to typical ROA spectra by the proximity of vibrational states of Eu(tfc)₃ to its low‐lying electronic states with significant magnetic‐dipole character, whereas the parent vibrational Raman spectra do not appear to be resonance‐enhanced since the 532‐nm vibrational Raman spectrum has similar relative intensities to the corresponding Raman spectrum measured with 1064‐nm laser excitation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Spectroscopic Study of Polynuclear Complex of Iron(III) with Inuline Oligomers

The infrared spectra of the hydrates of inuline oligomers and the complex of iron(III) with inuline oligomers and their partial deuterated analogs were studied. From the appearance and frequencies of the bands in the range of OH and OD vibrations it was concluded that these crystalohydrates have one type of H₂O molecule, and relatively weak hydrogen bond (estimated O_w…O distances are 280 and 283 pm for inuline and its complex, respectively). From the FTIR spectra of the complex the β₂-form for iron(III) oxihydroxide (FeOOH) was determined. On the basis of the electron spin resonance spectra it was concluded that Fe⁺³ ions of octahedral configuration (g-value 2.03 ± 0.01) were present in the complex. From the measured ESR line width (ΔH = 100 ± 5 mT) the approximate Fe inter atomic distance of 0.21 nm was calculated, indicating a dense packing of Fe atoms in the cluster.     

First and second‐order Raman scattering of B6O

First and second‐order Raman spectra of B₆O and their dependence on the wavelength of the excitation line from IR (infrared) to deep UV (ultraviolet) has been studied. The first‐order Raman spectra contain 11 well‐resolved lines of the 12 expected modes 5 A_1g + 7 E_g (space group R‐3m, point group D_3d). The second‐order Raman spectra contains eight lines that are resolved only in the case of the 244‐nm excitation line. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New evidences of in situ laser irradiation effects on γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles: a Raman spectroscopic study

The nature of the physical mechanisms responsible for the structural modification of the γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles under laser irradiation has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy. In situ micro‐Raman measurements were carried out on as‐prepared γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles about 4 nm in size as a function of laser power and on annealed γ‐Fe₂O₃ particles. A baseline profile analysis clearly evidenced that the phase transition from maghemite into hematite is caused by local heating due to laser irradiation with an increase of grain size of nanoparticles. This increasing was clearly determined by X‐ray diffraction from 4 nm in nanoparticles up to more than 177 nm beyond 900 °C in a polycrystalline state. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deterioration of iron archaeological artefacts: micro‐Raman investigation on Cl‐containing corrosion products

Deterioration after excavation of archaeological iron artefacts buried in soil is often associated with the presence of chlorinated phases in corrosion products, leading to serious problems for conservation of metallic objects of cultural heritage. Therefore, in order to better understand the corrosion process related to the presence of chlorine, some high‐resolution techniques of material characterisation are implemented. The analyses are realised on cross sections of corroded iron objects excavated from archaeological sites dated from the 12th to the 16th century A.D. Cl‐containing phases appear even when the Cl level in the water is low. In addition to the common oxy‐hydroxide‐containing chloride, akaganeite (β–FeOOH) often mentioned in the literature, a ferrous hydroxychloride β–Fe₂(OH)₃Cl was also found in the corrosion layers. Moreover, part of the study is based on the preparation and desalinisation of pure akaganeite powder in order to characterise the influence of the chloride content on its crystalline structure as characterised by Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electronic and Resonance Raman Spectra of a Multibridged Iron Porphyrin

Abstract

Reported are the electronic and resonance Raman (rR) spectra of a multibridged iron porphyrin derived from meso-tetra(4-pyridil)porphynate iron(II) by complexing the pyridine residues with [Ru^II(edta)]^2- ions. The polymetallated system exhibits the characteristic Soret band at 428 nm (log ε = 5.2) and a shoulder around 465 nm (4.6). The rR enhancement of the porphyrin vibrational modes is similar to those previously reported for typical porphyrins; however, an additional feature appears around 465 nm, associated with the selective enhancement of some pyridine vibrational modes. Based on the rR excitation profiles the absorption band at 465 nm was assigned to a Ru^II-to-pyridine dπ→Pπ? charge-transfer transition.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy of 4‐tert‐butylpyridine on a silver electrode

We report the observation of large surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) (10⁶) for 4‐tert‐butylpyridine molecules adsorbed on a silver electrode surface in an electrochemical cell with electrode potential set at − 0.5 V. A decrease in electrode potential to − 0.3 V was accompanied by a decrease in relative intensities of the vibrational modes. However, there were no changes in vibrational wavenumbers. Comparison of both normal solution Raman and SERS spectra shows very large enhancement of the intensities of a₁, a₂, and b₂ modes at laser excitation of 488 nm. Enhancement of the non‐totally symmetric modes indicates the presence of charge transfer as a contributor to the enhancement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Resonance Raman and electronic absorption study of free‐base tetraphenylporphine diacid dispersed in polymethylcyanoacrylate

We report a resonance Raman study on free‐base tetraphenylporphine (H₂TPP) and its chemically prepared diacid dispersed in polymethylcyanoacrylate (PMCA). Photoexcitation of the neutral porphine by laser light leads irreversibly to the formation of the diacid, with the π‐cation radical as intermediate species. Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of the diacid dispersed in the polymer obtained with 441.6 nm in the wavenumber region of 100–1650 cm⁻¹ are recorded. Wavenumbers with other excitation lines are also reported for the diacid species. Some bands assigned to out‐of‐plane vibrational modes and forbidden under ideal D_2h symmetry are also observed in the resonance Raman spectra of the diacid. These bands arise from the out‐of‐plane distortions, which reduce the symmetry of the molecule. These findings are supported by the electronic absorption studies of the diacid in the polymer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of Raman spectrum of uranium using a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering technique

Raman spectroscopic investigation on weak scatterers such as metals is a challenging scientific problem. Technologically important actinide metals such as uranium and plutonium have not been investigated using Raman spectroscopy possibly due to poor signal intensities. We report the first Raman spectrum of uranium metal using a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐like geometry where a thin gold overlayer is deposited on uranium. Raman spectra are detected from the pits and scratches on the sample and not from the smooth polished surface. The 514.5‐ and 785‐nm laser excitations resulted in the Raman spectra of uranium metal whereas 325‐nm excitation did not give rise to such spectra. Temperature dependence of the B_3g mode at 126 cm⁻¹ is also investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The design of a peptide linker group to enhance the SERS signal intensity of an atto680 dye‐nanoparticle system

The Surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) spectra of three modified atto680 dyes were recorded using Au nanoparticles and an excitation laser operating at 670 nm. The dyes were modified with linker groups based on the small peptides, Cys, Cys–Gly and Cys–Gly–Gly. The Cys thiol group acted as the coupling point to the Au surface and the Gly  NH₂ group used to attach the dye. The maximum signal was recorded for the Cys–Gly linker. This gave a signal intensity for the 577 cm⁻¹ Raman peak of the atto680 dye that was more than 27 times greater than the unmodified dye. The Au nanoparticles used had a diameter of 49.8 ± 1.2 nm and were synthesised by the citrate reduction method. The Raman dye‐AuNP probes were also used in an immunoassay to detect mouse IgG in the femto mole range. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

以PAA为模板制备SERS基底及对三聚氰胺的检测

采用热蒸镀的方法直接在多孔氧化铝(porous anodic alumina,PAA)模板上蒸镀几微米的银膜,然后在HCl溶液中溶解掉模板,得到表面具有纳米尺度规则结构的银膜作为表面增强拉曼散射(surface-en-hanced Raman spectra,SERS)基底,并在该基底上测量了吡啶溶液(0.01 mol.L-1)的增强拉曼光谱,发现平均增强因子大于105。与直接在载玻片上蒸镀的银膜相比,具有纳米尺度规则结构银膜的增强效果提高了30倍。改变激发光功率测量吡啶的拉曼光谱,和普通拉曼散射一样,增强拉曼光谱的峰值强度随激发光强度线性变化,并在该基底上测量了三聚氰胺的拉曼光谱,发现在1 mW的激发功率下对于三聚氰胺的检出限为2.5 mg.L-1。     

Spectroscopic properties of fluorophosphate glass with high Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> concentration

Fluorophosphate glass with 4 mol. % ErF₃ content was prepared. The different scanning calorimetry was conducted. Raman spectrum, infrared transmission spectrum, absorption spectrum were measured. Fluorescence spectrum and lifetime of emission around 1.53 μm were measured under 970 nm laser diode excitation. The metaphosphate content in the composition is limited, but the maximum phonon energy of glass amounts to 1290 cm^-1, and is comparatively high. The full width at half maximum is about 56 nm, and is wider than for most of the materials investigated. The measured lifetime of ⁴ I _13/2→⁴ I _15/2 transition, contributed by the high phonon energy, inefficient interaction of Er³⁺ ions, and low water content, amounts to no less than 7.36 ms though the Er³⁺ concentration is high. This work might provide useful information for the development of compact optical devices. PACS 78.20.-e; 42.70.Ce; 42.70.Hj; 32.70.Cs     

Electronic structure of FeSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The electronic structure of volume and film iron disilicides with crystal structure of the type of α leboit and fluorite was calculated using the linearized augmented plane-wave formalism. Joint and local partial densities of electronic states, x-ray emission spectra in different series of all inequivalent atoms of these phases, and photoelectron spectra for different excitation energies were obtained. γ-FeSi₂ was found to be, unlike α-FeSi₂, an unstable phase in both the volume and film realizations. X-ray L _2,3 emission spectra of silicon in the iron group disilicides NiSi₂, CoSi₂, and FeSi₂ were compared. NiSi₂, CoSi₂, and α-FeSi₂ exhibit transformation of the maximum in the near-Fermi region of the Si L _2,3 spectra as one crosses over from a bulk to a film sample. This transformation is closely connected with phase stability and may serve as a criterion of thermodynamic stability of the iron-group transition-metal disilicides.