Laser Raman spectroscopic study of photoreaction dynamics in p -chloro cinnamic acid crystal

Raman phonon spectroscopy has been used to study photodimerization reaction inp-chloro cinnamic acid (pCCA) crystal. The β-form of the crystal yields the 4,4′-dichloro-β-truxinic acid dimer. Six distinct low frequency phonon bands are observed in thepCCA monomer crystal. On reaction progress, these bands show a monotonic shift to lower frequencies and broaden out. Finally, in the dimer crystal the phonon spectrum shows two weak broad bands. These results suggest that the reaction is homogeneous in the initial stages and, as the product concentration increases, the lattice becomes highly disordered. The reactant and the product were characterised by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The disappearance of aliphatic C=C bond stretching vibration and appearance of cyclobutane ring deformation and cyclobutane ring-breathing vibrations on reaction confirm photodimerization by cyclobutane ring formation. The large Stoke's shift between the absorption and emission band suggest strong exciton-phonon coupling in the monomer lattice. This reaction seems to be phonon-mediated.     

Phonon mediation of solid state photoreaction: Photodimerization of o -methoxy cinnamic acid

The solid state photodimerization reaction ofo-methoxy cinnamic acid is shown to be mediated by a lattice phonon. The phonon participation, in this case, is through a mode softening and not through strong exciton-phonon coupling as is generally observed. Raman phonon spectroscopy suggests that the reaction is heterogeneous. Infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the internal vibrations of the reactant and the product. Partly presented at the International Laser Science Conference II, 1986 held at Seattle, USA.     

Lattice phonon mediation of solid state photoreaction in 7-methoxycoumarin crystal: laser Raman spectroscopic study

The photodimerization reaction in 7-methoxycoumarin (7MC) in the crystalline state is shown to be mediated by a lattice phonon. The phonon participation is through a mode softening in the excited state of the crystal on photoirradiation and not via strong exciton—phonon coupling as in generally observed. IR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the reactant and product, and it is confirmed that the reaction occurs by cyclobutane ring formation through the bond of the pyrone ring. Electronic spectroscopy suggests that the exciton—phonon coupling is weak in the monomer crystal.     

Raman scattering studies of the Ba2MnWO6 and Sr2MnWO6 double perovskites

Polycrystalline Ba2MnWO6 (BMW) and Sr2MnWO6 (SMW) samples were studied between 80 and 1200 K by Raman scattering spectroscopy. In the case of BMW (space group Fmm), four Raman active vibrational modes, predicted by factor group analysis, were identified. Raman scattering studies with different wavelengths revealed a resonant bands between 300 and 800 cm-1. The origin of these bands was related to the Franck-Condon process. Line broadening versus temperature and phonon frequency were studied, and a qualitative explanation was proposed. SMW samples had considerably more complex Raman spectra. It was found that SMW transformed from tetragonal (room-temperature space group P42/n) to the cubic phase between 670 and 690 K; the phase transition temperature was dependent on sample preparation conditions, and it was considerably lower than in the case of large grain size powders. The role of grain size in phase transition is discussed. Mn ions were found to have a crucial role in the lattice dynamics of both materials.     

Synthesis and Raman Spectroscopy of Nanoparticles of Crystalline and X‐ray Amorphous Germanium within Mesoporous SiO2

Mesoporous hexagonally ordered SiO₂ (SBA‐15) with a pore diameter of 7 nm was used as a host matrix for nanoparticles of amorphous and crystalline germanium. Raman spectra were recorded for these germanium nanoparticles and for bulk amorphous and crystalline germanium powder. The band shifts and line shapes of the Raman bands for the optical phonon at ～300 cm^—1 were analyzed and compared to the theoretical predictions derived from the phonon confinement model. In addition, the microstructure of amorphous hydrogenated germanium could be further elucidated by Raman spectroscopy and by thermal analysis.     

Raman spectroscopy of stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O--a cave mineral from Petrogale Cave, Madura, Eucla, Western Australia

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise the mineral stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O. The mineral stercorite originated from the Petrogale Cave, Madura, Eucla, Western Australia. This cave is one of many caves in the Nullarbor Plain in the South of Western Australia. These caves have been in existence for eons of time and have been dated at more than 550 million years old. The mineral is formed by the reaction of bat guano chemicals on calcite substrates. A single Raman band at 920 cm(-1) defines the presence of phosphate in the mineral. Antisymmetric stretching bands are observed in the infrared spectrum at 1052, 1097, 1135 and 1173 cm(-1). Raman spectroscopy shows the mineral is based upon the phosphate anion and not the hydrogen phosphate anion. Raman and infrared bands are found and assigned to PO4(3-), H2O, OH and NH stretching vibrations. The detection of stercorite by Raman spectroscopy shows that the mineral can be readily determined; as such the application of a portable Raman spectrometer in a 'cave' situation enables the detection of minerals, some of which may remain to be identified.     

Phonon spectroscopy of photochemical reactions in organic solids: Photodimerization of 2,6-dimethyl-p-benzoquinone

The Raman phonon spectroscopic study shows that the photodimerization of 2,6-dimethyl-p-benzoquinone. In the solid state is initially a homogeneous reaction but later becomes heterogeneous as the product accumulates. The Ion-temperature electronic absorption spectrum reveals that the reaction is phonon assisted by a polaron formed due to a strong electron- phonon coupling in the cxcited ¹nπ^* state.     

Spectroscopic study of solid-state photoreaction in organic crystal: Photopolymerization of dimethyl ester of α,α′-dicyano-p-phenylenediacrylic acid and diethyl ester of p-phenylenediacrylic acid

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study solid-state photopolymerization reactions in dimethyl ester of α,α′-dicyano-p-phenylenediacrylic acid (p-CPAMe) and diethyl ester of p-phenylenediacrylic acid (p-PDAEt). The reactants and products were characterized by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Excitation and emission spectra suggest that in p-CPAMe exciton–phonon coupling is strong, but in the other monomer it is very weak. Raman phonon spectroscopic study reveal that in both the samples the reaction mechanism is homogeneous in the initial stages. However, in the later stages the reaction becomes heterogeneous in p-PDAEt. In p-CPAMe the lattice becomes disordered with the progress of polymerization and finally becomes amorphous whereas in p-PDAEt the lattice remains highly ordered. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Vibrational spectroscopic study of the mineral pitticite Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the determination of the structure of these minerals. Among this group of minerals is pitticite, simply described as (Fe, AsO(4), SO(4), H(2)O). In this work, the analogue of the mineral pitticite has been synthesised. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral pitticite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-) and water stretching and bending vibrations. The Raman spectrum of the pitticite analogue shows intense peaks at 845 and 837cm(-1) assigned to the AsO(4)(3-) stretching vibrations. Raman bands at 1096 and 1182cm(-1) are attributed to the SO(4)(2-) antisymmetric stretching bands. Raman spectroscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals.     

Raman spectroscopy of synthetic and natural iowaite

The chemistry of a magnesium based hydrotalcite known as iowaite Mg6Fe2Cl2(OH)16.4H2O has been studied using Raman spectroscopy. Iowaite has chloride as the counter anion in the interlayer. The formula of synthetic iowaite was found to be Mg5.78Fe2.09(Cl,(CO3)0.5)(OH)16.4H2O. Oxidation of natural iowaite results in the formation of Mg4FeO(Cl,CO3) (OH)8.4H2O. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the iowaite is a layered structure with a d(001) spacing of 8.0 angtsroms. For synthetic iowaite three Raman bands at 1376, 1194 and 1084 cm(-1) are attributed to CO3 stretching vibrations. These bands are not observed for the natural iowaite but are observed when the natural iowaite is exposed to air. The Raman spectrum of natural iowaite shows three bands at 708, 690 and 620 cm(-1) and upon exposure to air, two broad bands are found at 710 and 648 cm(-1). The Raman spectrum of synthetic iowaite has a very broad band at 712 cm(-1). The Raman spectrum of natural iowaite shows an intense band at 527 cm(-1). The air oxidized iowaite shows two bands at 547 and 484 cm(-1) attributed to the (CO3)(2-)nu2 bending mode. Raman spectroscopy has proven most useful for the study of the chemistry of iowaite and chemical changes induced in natural iowaite upon exposure to air.     

An infrared and Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl micas

Vibrational spectroscopy using a combination of infrared and Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the uranyl micas also known as the autunite minerals, of general formula M(UO2)2(XO4)2.8-12H2O where M may be Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe2+, Mg, Mn2+ or 1/2(HAl) and X is As or P. Included in these minerals are autunite, metautunite, torbernite, meta-torbernite, meta-zeunerite, saléeite and sabugalite. Compared with the results of infrared spectroscopy, Raman microscopy shows excellent band separation enabling the separation and identification of bands attributed to (UO2)2+ units, PO4 and AsO4 units. Common to all spectra were bands at around 900 and 818 cm(-1), attributed to the antisymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the (UO2)2+ units. Water in autunites is in a highly structured arrangement in the interlayer of the uranyl micas. Water molecules are differentiated according to the strength of the hydrogen bonds formed between the water and the adjacent uranyl-phosphate or uranyl-arsenate surfaces and the hydration sphere of the interlayer cation.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the hydrotalcite desautelsite Mg6Mn2CO3(OH)16 x 4H2O

The structure of the hydrotalcite desautelsite Mg6Mn2CO3(OH)16.4H2O has been studied by a combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Three intense Raman bands are observed at 1086, 1062 and 1055 cm(-1). A model based upon the observation of three CO3 stretching vibrations is presented. The CO3 anion may be (a) non-hydrogen bonded, (b) hydrogen bonded to the interlayer water and (c) hydrogen bonded to the brucite-like hydroxyl surface. Two intense bands at 3646 and 3608 cm(-1) are attributed to MgOH and MnOH stretching vibrations. Infrared bands at 3476, 3333, 3165 and 2991 cm(-1) are assigned to water stretching bands. Raman spectroscopy has proven a powerful tool for the study of hydrotalcite minerals.     

ThermoRaman spectroscopic study of kintoreite

ThermoRaman spectroscopy has been used to study the molecular structure and thermal decomposition of kintoreite, a phosphated jarosite PbFe3(PO4)2(OH,H2O)6. Infrared spectroscopy shows the presence of significant amounts of water in the structure as well as hydroxyl units. In contrast, no water was observed for segnitite (the arsenojarosite) as determined by infrared spectroscopy. The Raman spectra at 77 K exhibit bands at 974.6, 1003.2 and 866.5 cm(-1). These bands are attributed to the symmetric stretching vibrations of (PO4)3-, (SO4)3- and (AsO4)3- units. Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of both arsenate and phosphate in the structure. Bands at 583.7 and 558.1 cm(-1) in the 77 K spectrum are assigned to the nu4 (PO4)3- bending modes. ThermoRaman spectroscopy of kintoreite identifies the temperature range of dehydration and dehydroxylation.     

An infrared and Raman spectroscopic study of natural zinc phosphates

Zinc phosphates are important in the study of the phosphatisation of metals. Raman spectroscopy in combination with infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise the zinc phosphate minerals. The minerals may be characterised by the patterns of the hydroxyl stretching vibrations in both the Raman and infrared spectra. Spencerite is characterised by a sharp Raman band at 3516 cm(-1) and tarbuttite by a single band at 3446 cm(-1). The patterns of the Raman spectra of the hydroxyl stretching region of hopeite and parahopeite are different in line with their differing crystal structures. The Raman spectrum of the PO4 stretching region shows better band separated peaks than the infrared spectra which consist of a complex set of overlapping bands. The position of the PO4 symmetric stretching mode can be used to identify the zinc phosphate mineral. It is apparent that Raman spectroscopy lends itself to the fundamental study of the evolution of zinc phosphate films.     

Raman spectroscopy of halotrichite from Jaroso, Spain

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared ATR spectroscopy has been used to characterise a halotrichite FeSO(4) x Al(2)(SO(4))(3) x 22 H(2)O from The Jaroso Ravine, Aquilas, Spain. Halotrichites form a continuous solid solution series with pickingerite and chemical analysis shows that the jarosite contains 6% Mg(2+). Halotrichite is characterised by four infrared bands at 3569.5, 3485.7, 3371.4 and 3239.0 cm(-1). Using Libowitsky type relationships, hydrogen bond distances of 3.08, 2.876, 2.780 and 2.718 Angstrom were determined. Two intense Raman bands are observed at 987.7 and 984.4 cm(-1) and are assigned to the nu(1) symmetric stretching vibrations of the sulphate bonded to the Fe(2+) and the water units in the structure. Three sulphate bands are observed at 77K at 1000.0, 991.3 and 985.0 cm(-1) suggesting further differentiation of the sulphate units. Raman spectrum of the nu(2) and nu(4) region of halotrichite at 298 K shows two bands at 445.1 and 466.9 cm(-1), and 624.2 and 605.5 cm(-1), respectively, confirming the reduction of symmetry of the sulphate in halotrichite.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of synthetic stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O--a comparison with the natural cave mineral

In order to mimic the chemical reactions in cave systems, the analogue of the mineral stercorite H(NH(4))Na(PO(4))·4H(2)O has been synthesised. X-ray diffraction of the stercorite analogue matches the stercorite reference pattern. A comparison is made with the vibrational spectra of synthetic stercorite analogue and the natural Cave mineral. The mineral in nature is formed by the reaction of bat guano chemicals on calcite substrates. A single Raman band at 920 cm(-1) (Cave) and 922 cm(-1) (synthesised) defines the presence of hydrogen phosphate in the mineral. In the synthetic stercorite analogue, additional bands are observed and are attributed to the dihydrogen and phosphate anions. The vibrational spectra of synthetic stercorite only partly match that of the natural stercorite. It is suggested that natural stercorite is more pure than that of synthesised stercorite. Antisymmetric stretching bands are observed in the infrared spectrum at 1052, 1097, 1135 and 1173 cm(-1). Raman spectroscopy shows the stercorite mineral is based upon the hydrogen phosphate anion and not the phosphate anion. Raman and infrared bands are found and assigned to PO(4)(3-), H(2)O, OH and NH stretching vibrations. Raman spectroscopy shows the synthetic analogue is similar to the natural mineral. A mechanism for the formation of stercorite is provided.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of stichtite

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the mineral stitchtite, a hydrotalcite of formula Mg6Cr2(CO3)(OH)16.4H2O. Two bands are observed at 1087 and 1067 cm(-1) with an intensity ratio of approximately 2.5/1 and are attributed to the symmetric stretching vibrations of the carbonate anion. The observation of two bands is attributed to two species of carbonate in the interlayer, namely weakly hydrogen bonded and strongly hydrogen bonded. Two infrared bands are found at 1457 and 1381 cm(-1) and are assigned to the antisymmetric stretching modes. These bands were not observed in the Raman spectrum. Two infrared bands are observed at 744 and 685 cm(-1) and are assigned to the nu4 bending modes. Two Raman bands were observed at 539 and 531 cm(-1) attributed to the nu2 bending modes. Importantly the band positions of the paragenically related hydrotalcites stitchtite, iowaite, pyroaurite and reevesite all of which contain the carbonate anion occur at different wavenumbers. Consequently, Raman spectroscopy can be used to distinguish these minerals, particularly in the field where many of these hydrotalcites occur simultaneously in ore zones.     

Raman spectroscopy of selected copper minerals of significance in corrosion

The Raman spectroscopy of selected minerals of the corrosion products has been measured including nantokite, eriochalcite, claringbullite, atacamite, paratacamite, clinoatacamite and brochantite and related minerals. The free energy of formation shows that each mineral is stable relative to copper metal. The mineral, which is formed in copper corrosion, depends on the kinetics and conditions of the reaction. Raman spectroscopy clearly identifies each mineral by its characteristic Raman spectrum. The Raman spectrum is related to the mineral structure and bands are assigned to CuCl stretching and bending modes and to SO stretching modes. Clinoatacamite is identified as the polymorph of atacamite and not paratacamite. Paratacamite is a separate mineral with a similar but different structure to that of atacamite.     

One-pot, solvothermal synthesis of TiO(2)-graphene composite nanosheets

In this article, we propose a facile one-pot solvothermal route for synthesizing TiO(2)-graphene composite nanosheets (TGCN). In the system, ethylene glycol not only as a reducing agent can convert graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide nanosheets, but also is employed to control the hydrolysis and condensation rates of tetrabutoxytitanium. The obtained TGCN hybrid materials are characterized by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. It is found that the quantity of H(2)O used in the reaction is the key to obtain high-quality product. The photocatalytic activities of the products are evaluated using the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a probe reaction. The results showed that the obtained TGCN have an enhanced adsorption capacity and remarkable improvements in the photodegradation rate of MB under visible light compared to P25.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of the sorosilicate mineral hemimorphite Zn4(OH)2Si2O7 · H2O

Raman spectroscopy complimented by infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the mineral hemimorphite from different origins. The Raman spectra show consistently similar spectra with only one sample showing additional bands due to the presence of smithsonite. Raman bands observed at 3510–3565 and 3436–3455 cm⁻¹ are assigned to OH stretching vibrations. Using a Libowitzky type formula, these OH bands provide hydrogen bond distances of 0.2910, 0.2825, 0.2762 and 0.2716 pm. Water bending modes are observed in the Raman spectrum at 1633 cm⁻¹. An intense Raman band at 930 cm⁻¹ is attributed to SiO symmetric stretching vibration of the Si₂O₇ units. Raman bands observed at 451 and 400 cm⁻¹are attributed to out-of-plane bending vibrations of the Si₂O₇ units. Raman bands at 330, 280, 168 and 132 cm⁻¹ are assigned to ZnO and OZnO vibrations.