Application of the zeeman effect to analytical atomic spectroscopy-III Extension of calibration curves

An application of the Zeeman effect is described by which calibration curves applicable to high analyte concentrations may be obtained. The procedure uses single-beam measurements on the displaced σ-components of the Zeeman multiplet, and thus permits controlled desensitization of an atomic-absorption signal to be obtained, simply by increasing the magnetic field strength, while leaving the monochromator permanently set on the optimum analytical line for the element considered. Calibration curves for Ca, Cd and Cu are given for applied field strengths from 0 to 16kG.     

Synthesis, surface functionalization, and properties of freestanding silicon nanocrystals

Freestanding silicon nanoparticles (FS-nc-Si) have intriguing chemical and optical properties. The present contribution outlines known synthetic methodologies and protocols for surface functionalization. Recent advancements in tailoring the photoluminescence properties of FS-nc-Si and future research directions will be briefly discussed.     

Control of Alq3 wetting layer thickness via substrate surface functionalization

The effects of substrate surface energy and vapor deposition rate on the initial growth of porous columnar tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) nanostructures were investigated. Alq3 nanostructures thermally evaporated onto as-supplied Si substrates bearing an oxide were observed to form a solid wetting layer, likely caused by an interfacial energy mismatch between the substrate and Alq3. Wetting layer thickness control is important for potential optoelectronic applications. A dramatic decrease in wetting layer thickness was achieved by depositing Alq3 onto alkyltrichlorosilane-derivatized Si/oxide substrates. Similar effects were noted with increasing deposition rates. These two effects enable tailoring of the wetting layer thickness.     

Polysiloxane nanofibers via surface initiated polymerization of vapor phase reagents: a mechanism of formation and variable wettability of fiber-bearing substrates

A detailed study of polysiloxane nanofiber formation by surface initiated polymerization of vapor phase organotrichlorosilane reagents is presented. Substrate composition, substrate activation, reagent quantity, reaction pressure, and reaction time are parameters shown to influence nanofiber synthesis. Stepwise variation of the parameters isolates the role of each on polysiloxane nanofiber growth, and a mechanism for fiber formation is proposed based on these findings. Tunable aqueous wettability of the fibers is also demonstrated in this report, with contact angles varying from 85 degrees to 130 degrees +/- 2 degrees depending upon fiber surface density and length. Aqueous contact angles are further increased to >150 degrees by either solution functionalization of calcined fibers or copolymerization with an organofluorosilane     

Removal of residual metal catalysts with iron/iron oxide nanoparticles from coordinating environments

The application of Fe@FexOy nanoparticles was examined for the sequestration of catalytic metal impurities from organic reaction products. An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of the recovered particles confirmed Fe@FexOy sequestered Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, RhX+, Pd2+, Ag+, and Pt4+ by coordination of the metal ion to the iron oxide surfaces and followed by subsequent reduction of the surface-bonded ions to their metallic state. Fe@FexOy metal sequestration was found to be effective for catalyst impurities in the absence of strongly coordinating environments but was inhibited by the presence of phosphines. Sequestration of phosphine-coordinated metal impurities was achieved through the addition of either cysteamine or 3-mercaptopropionic acid to the Fe@FexOy during sequestration. This approach was applied to model syntheses using Grubbs' Catalyst (first generation), Pd(PPh3)4, Pd2(dba)3, and Wilkinson's Catalyst (RhCl(PPh3)3).