Synthesis of Bi-O- and Bi-V-O-containing Nanolayers by Ionic Deposition

A possibility of preparing Bi₂O₃ and BiVO₄ nanolayers by ionic deposition on the silica surface was shown for the first time. The influence of the concentration and pH of reactant solutions and of the number of ionic deposition cycles on the kinetics of the nanolayer growth was studied. The conditions were determined for the formation of a nanolayer by a reaction in a layer of ions sorbed on the surface. The thickness of the synthesized layers was determined by ellipsometry. The layer compositions were studied by X-ray spectral microanalysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV and IR Fourier transform spectroscopy. The structure of the layers was studied by powder X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis of Nanolayers of Double Fe(III) and Ni(II) Hydroxide by Ionic Layer Deposition on Quartz and Silicon Surfaces

Conditions for the synthesis of nanolayers of double Fe(III) and Ni(II) hydroxides by ionic layer deposition on quartz and silicon surfaces were determined. The layers synthesized were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and UV-Vis and IR Fourier transmission spectroscopy.     

Ag<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>-SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite layers synthesized by ionic layer deposition onto silica surface

Possibility of performing synthesis of Ag _x -SnO₂ nanocomposite layers on the silica surface by ionic layer deposition was analyzed, and the factors affecting the layer morphology and composition were determined. The synthesized layers were examined by visible transmission spectroscopy, as well as by scanning electron microscopy, IR Fourier-transform spectroscopy, and X-ray spectral microanalysis.     

Synthesis of Ce4MnOx·nH2O Layers on Silica Gel Surface by Ionic Layer Deposition

The possibility of synthesizing Ce₄MnO _x · nH₂O nanolayers on silica gel surface by ionic layer deposition was examined. The layers synthesized were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis of Highly Oriented α-PbO2 Layers on the Surfaces of Single-Crystal Silicon and Quartz by Successive Ionic Layer Deposition

Conditions for the synthesis of -PbO₂ layers on silica surfaces by successive ionic layer deposition were determined. These layers were studied by X-ray spectral microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, IR Fourier spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ellipsometry.     

Study of Co-Mn-O- and Li-Co-Mn-O-Containing Layers Synthesized by Successive Ionic Layer Deposition on Silica Surface

The possibility for preparing Co₃MnO_x·nH₂O and LiCo₃MnO_x·nH₂O nanolayers by successive ionic layer deposition was examined. The resulting layers were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, Fourier transmission IR spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and X-ray powder diffraction.     

Improved visible light photocatalytic activity of sphere-like BiOBr hollow and porous structures synthesized via a reactable ionic liquid

BiOBr uniform flower-like hollow microsphere and porous nanosphere structures have been successfully synthesized through a one-pot EG-assisted solvothermal process in the presence of reactable ionic liquid 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C(16)mim]Br). The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Possible formation mechanism for the growth of hollow microspheres was discussed. During the reactive process, ionic liquid [C(16)mim]Br played the role of solvent, reactant and template at the same time. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities of BiOBr flower-like hollow and porous structures were evaluated on the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results assumed that BiOBr porous nanospheres sample showed much higher photocatalytic activity than the conventionally prepared sample and TiO(2) (Degussa, P25). The relationship between the structure of the photocatalyst and the photocatalytic activities were also discussed in detail; it can be assumed that the enhanced photocatalytic activities of BiOBr materials could be ascribed to a synergistic effect, including high BET surface area, the energy band structure, the smaller particle size and light absorbance.     

Electrochemical deposition of germanium sulfide from room-temperature ionic liquids and subsequent Ag doping in an aqueous solution

A facile room-temperature electrochemical deposition process for germanium sulfide (GeS(x)) has been developed with the use of an ionic liquid as an electrolyte. The electrodeposition mechanism follows the induced codeposition of Ge and S precursors in ionic liquids generating GeS(x) films. The electrodeposited GeS(x) films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An aqueous-based Ag doping method was used to dope electrochemically grown GeS(x) films with controlled doping compared to the conventional process, which can be used in next-generation solid-state memory devices.     

Redox Reactions in the Layer of Adsorbed Fe2+ and CrO42? Ions and Synthesis of Fe3+-Cr3+ Double Hydroxide Nanolayers by Ionic Deposition

Conditions for ionic deposition on a silica surface of Fe³⁺-Cr³⁺ double hydroxide nanolyers. The synthesized nanolayers were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometry, electronic spectroscopy, and transmission FT-IR spectroscopy.__________Translated from Zhurnal Obshchei Khimii, Vol. 75, No. 1, 2005, pp. 53–55.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Tolstoi, Stepanenko.     

Fabrication of photosensitive multilayer films based on polyoxometalate and diazoresin

A novel photosensitive organic-inorganic composite film incorporating polyoxometalate, K7[SiW11O39Co(H3P2O7)] (SiW11CoPP), and diazoresin (DR) has been prepared via layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly. Under UV irradiation, followed the decomposition of diazonium in DR, the ionic bonds between the adjacent interfaces of the multilayer film convert to covalent bonds. The LBL multilayers were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), FTIR spectrum, cyclic voltammograms (CV), and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. UV spectroscopy shows that the deposition process is regular and highly reproducible from layer to layer. XPS spectra confirm the incorporation of DR and SiW(11)CoPP into the films. Atomic force microscopy image indicates that the film surface is uniform and smooth. Solvent etching experiment proves that the film has significant stability towards polar solvent. Electrochemical behavior of the multilayers is investigated.     

Spontaneous coating of carbon nanotubes with an ultrathin polypyrrole layer

A novel protocol for precisely coating individual multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with an ultrathin layer of polypyrrole was developed. The nanocoated MWCNTs were successfully prepared by in situ chemical deposition of polypyrrole in an aqueous suspension of MWCNTs. The coating layer was very uniform and the thickness of the layer was determined by controlling the monomer concentration used, which gave nanometer precision. The products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and conductivity and current-voltage measurements. The ultrathin polypyrrole layer could electrically insulate individual MWCNTs.     

Thin metal films on quasicrystalline surfaces

Thin metal films with a thickness of one or over one monolayer formed on quasicrystalline surfaces were studied using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. The substrates were the 10f surface of d-Al–Ni–Co and the 5f surface of i-Al–Pd–Mn. The metals deposited were Au, Pt, Ag and In. None of these metals forms any ordered layer by deposition onto clean quasicrystalline surfaces. However, if a submonolayer of In is present atop the 10f surface, an epitaxial layer of multiply-twinned AuAl₂ crystals is formed by Au deposition and subsequent annealing. This is also the case for Pt deposition, but not for Ag deposition. Although the surfactant effect of In is also observed in the case of Au deposition on the 5f surface of i-Al–Pd–Mn, the ordered layer formed is a film of Au–Al alloy with icosahedral symmetry. No ordered films are formed by Pt or Ag deposition onto the 5f surface, regardless of the presence of an In-precovered layer. A Sn film monolayer induced by surface diffusion was also studied.     

Atomic layer deposition of the titanium dioxide thin film from tetraethoxytitanium and water

Using the methods of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction in the geometry of the grazing beam, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we studied the chemical composition and structure of thin films of titanium dioxide formed by atomic layer deposition from tetraethoxytitanium and water. It is shown that the films obtained are characterized by a high stoichiometry of composition and by amorphous or polycrystalline structure of the anatase modification, depending on the number of reaction cycles. Using a model of the process of atomic layer deposition that takes into account the size and number of ligands of the reacting molecules, we calculated the amount of titanium dioxide deposited in a single reaction cycle.     

Electrochemical behavior and composition of bismuth sulfide coatings

Cyclic potentiodynamic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study the electrochemical behavior and composition of bismuth sulfide coatings deposited by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction on glassy carbon in a colloid solution of bismuth(III) compounds, with Na₂S as a sulfidizing agent.     

ALD resist formed by vapor-deposited self-assembled monolayers

A new process of applying molecular resists to block HfO2 and Pt atomic layer deposition has been investigated. Monolayer films are formed from octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) or tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS) and water vapor on native silicon oxide surfaces and from 1-octadecene on hydrogen-passivated silicon surfaces through a low-pressure chemical vapor deposition process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data indicates that surfaces blocked by these monolayer resists can prevent atomic layer deposition of both HfO2 and Pt successfully. Time-dependent studies show that the ODTS monolayers continue to improve in blocking ability for as long as 48 h of formation time, and infrared spectroscopy measurements confirm an evolution of packing order over these time scales.     

Layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly of single-wall carbon nanotube polyelectrolytes

We have used anionic and cationic single-wall carbon nanotube polyelectrolytes (SWNT-PEs), prepared by the noncovalent adsorption of ionic naphthalene or pyrene derivatives on nanotube sidewalls, for the layer-by-layer self-assembly to prepare multilayers from carbon nanotubes with polycations, such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PDADMA or PAH, respectively), and polyanions (poly(styrenesulfonate), PSS). This is a general and powerful technique for the fabrication of thin carbon nanotube films of arbitrary composition and architecture and allows also an easy preparation of all-SWNT (SWNT/SWNT) multilayers. The multilayers were characterized with vis-near-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and imaging ellipsometry. The charge compensation in multilayers is mainly intrinsic, which shows the electrostatic nature of the self-assembly process. The multilayer growth is linear after the initial layers, and in SWNT/polyelectrolyte films it can be greatly accelerated by increasing the ionic strength in the SWNT solution. However, SWNT/SWNT multilayers are much more inert to the effect of added electrolyte. In SWNT/SWNT multilayers, the adsorption results in the deposition of 1-3 theoretical nanotube monolayers per adsorbed layer, whereas the nominal SWNT layer thickness is 2-3 times higher in SWNT/polyelectrolyte films prepared with added electrolyte. AFM images show that the multilayers contain a random network of nanotube bundles lying on the surface. Flexible polyelectrolytes (e.g., PDADMA, PSS) probably surround the nanotubes and bind them together. On macroscopic scale, the surface roughness of the multilayers depends on the components and increases with the film thickness.     

X-ray spectroscopy study of lithiated graphite obtained by thermal deposition of lithium

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy are used for in situ studies of the electronic structure of lithiated natural graphite produced by thermal deposition of lithium upon graphite in a vacuum. By XPS and NEXAFS spectroscopy it is found that lithium vapor thermal deposition results in the formation of a lithiated graphite surface layer and a change in its electronic structure. Based on the quantum chemical simulation of the experimental СK_α XES spectrum of lithiated graphite, it is found that lithium atoms are located mostly on the edges of graphite crystallites. Atomic force microscopy reveals that the size of natural graphite flakes varies from 50 nm to 200 nm.     

Electrodeposition of aluminum on magnesium alloy in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)–1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIC) ionic liquid and its corrosion behavior

A dense and adhesive Al layer was successfully electrodeposited on a Mg alloy in aluminum chloride–1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid. The corrosion resistance of the uncoated and Al-coated samples was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. It was confirmed that the protective Al layer significantly reduces the corrosion rate of the Mg alloy. However, the deposition potential was a crucial factor that governed the structure and therefore the protection capability of the Al layer.     

Chemical interactions in the layered system BC x N y /Ni(Cu)/Si, produced by CVD at high temperature

Layered samples Si(100)/C/Ni/BC(x)N(y) and Si(100)/C/Cu/BC(x)N(y) were produced by physical vapor deposition of a metal (Ni, Cu, resp.) and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition of the boron carbonitride on a Si(100) substrate. Between the Si and the Ni (Cu) and on the surface of the Ni (Cu) layer, thin carbon layers were deposited, as a diffusion barrier or as a protection against oxidation, respectively. Afterwards, the surface carbon layer was removed. As precursor, trimethylamine borane and, as an auxiliary gas, H(2) and NH(3) were used, respectively. The chemical compositions of the layers and of the interfaces in between were characterized by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry combined with near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The application of H(2) yielded the BC(x)N(y) compound whereas the use of NH(3) led to a mixture of h-BN and graphitic carbon. At the BC(x)N(y)/metal interface, metal borides could be identified. At the relatively high synthesis temperature of 700 °C, broad regions of Cu or Ni and Si were observed between the metal layer and the substrate Si.     

Aligned carbon nanotubes with built-in FeN4 active sites for electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen

The electrocatalytic site FeN4, which is active towards the oxygen reduction reaction, is incorporated into the graphene layer of aligned carbon nanotubes prepared through a chemical vapour deposition process, as is confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other characterization techniques.