Direct comparison of Au<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack> and C<Stack><Subscript>60</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack> cluster projectiles in SIMS molecular depth profiling

The sputtering properties of two representative cluster ion beams in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), C(60)(+) and Au(3)(+), have been directly compared. Organic thin films consisting of trehalose and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) are employed as prototypical targets. The strategy is to make direct comparison of the response of a molecular solid to each type of the bombarding cluster by overlapping the two ion beams onto the same area of the sample surface. The ion beams alternately erode the sample while keeping the same projectile for spectral acquisition. The results from these experiments are important to further optimize the use of cluster projectiles for SIMS molecular depth profiling experiments. For example, Au(3)(+) bombardment is found to induce more chemical damage as well as Au implantation when compared with C(60)(+). Moreover, C(60)(+) is found to be able to remove the damage and the implanted Au effectively. Discussions are also presented on strategies of enhancing sensitivity for imaging applications with cluster SIMS.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Twist Linear Tetranuclear Co<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>III</Superscript></Stack>Ln<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>III</Superscript></Stack> Complexes

A series of twist linear tetranuclear 3d–4f Co ₂ ^III Ln ₂ ^III [Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Ho (4), Er (5)] complexes have been prepared under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized with Schiff-base ligand 2-(((2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylene)amino)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (H₄L). The two central Co ions are linked by two alkoxyl oxygen atoms, and one Ln ion lying above and the other below the Co–Co dimer, form a twist linear array. The magnetic susceptibility studies reveal antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic behaviour, whilst dynamic magnetic studies indicate no slow magnetic relaxation for these complexes.     

Synthesis,crystal structure of a new tetranuclear Ni<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript></Stack>Cu<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript></Stack> complex containing a macrocyclic ligand

The first inorg/organic hybrid complex incorporating the macrocyclic oxamide, of formula [(NiL)₂Cu₂(μ-NSC)₂(NSC)₂] (1), (NiL, H₂L = 2, 3-dioxo-5,6,14,15-dibenzo-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclo-pentadeca-7,13-dien), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The crystals crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P-1, for (1) a = 8.319(3) Å, b = 10.434(4) Å, c = 14.166(5) Å, a = 107.030(5)°, β  =  91.257(5)°, γ = 107.623(5)°. The complex involved both bridging N, S-ligand, and oxamide ligand, C–H?S interactions and NCS → Ni weak coordination interactions making the complex superamolecular.     

Hexametavanadates M<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack>M<Superscript>2+</Superscript>(VO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>: Thermal stability and luminescent characteristics

Rhombohedral hexametavanadates K₄Sr(VO₃)₆, K₄Ba(VO₃)₆, Rb₄ Ba(VO₃)₆, and Cs₄Ba(VO₃)₆ melt incongruently in the temperature range of 491 to 600°C. Cooling of peritectic melts yields mixtures of compounds typical of M₂⁺O-M²⁺O-V₂O₅ systems, far from equilibrium and depending on the cooling kinetics. The vanadate Cs₄Ba(VO₃)₆ undergoes reversible polymorphic transformation at 360°C. All compounds show broad-band luminescence with a maximum of the luminescence spectrum at 490–590 nm with three types of excitation. The vanadates K₄Sr(VO₃)₆ and Rb₄Ba(VO₃)₆ show the highest luminescence intensity at room temperature. The latter is also most efficient at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The luminescence spectra depend on the excitation of vanadates. Three hypotheses were put forward to interpret this finding. The nature of luminescence is attributed to the relaxation of electronic excitation in [VO₄]³⁻ structural tetrahedra present in the vanadates. The performance characteristics of luminophores were determined. These luminophores may be promising as X-ray luminescent screens, radioluminescence indicators, and light-emitting diode devices.     

A New Molybdophosphate Constructed From {Mo<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>V</Superscript></Stack>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>6</Subscript>}<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and 1-Hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate

A new molybdophosphate (NH₄)₈{Mo₂^VO₄[(Mo₂^VIO₆)CH₃C(O)(PO₃)₂]₂}·14H₂O (1), has been synthesized by the reaction of {Mo₂^VO₄(H₂O)₆}²⁺ fragments with 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate (hedp HOC(CH₃)(PO₃H₂)₂), and it is characterized by ³¹P NMR, IR, UV, element analysis, TG and single-crystal X-ray analysis. The structure analysis reveals that the polyoxoanion can be described as two {(Mo₂^VIO₆)(CH₃C(O)(PO₃)₂} units connected by a {Mo₂^VO₄}²⁺ moiety. In the structure, the six Mo atoms are arranged into a new “W-shaped” structure, which represents a new kind of molybdophosphate.     

Electronic spectra of C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Superscript>+</Superscript> and C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack> in the gas phase

Measurement of the ³Π-³Π transition of C₆H⁺ in the gas phase near 19486 cm⁻¹ is reported. The experiment was carried out with a supersonic slit-jet expansion discharge using cavity ringdown absorption spectroscopy. Partly resolved P lines and observation of band heads permitted a rotational contour fit. Spectroscopic constants in the ground and excited-state were determined. The density of ions being sampled is merely 2×10⁸ cm⁻³. Broadening of the spectral lines indicates the excited-state lifetime to be ≈100 ps. The electronic transition of HC₆H₂⁺ at 26402 cm⁻¹ assumed to be ¹A₁-X¹A₁ in C_2v symmetry could not be rotationally resolved.     

Chemiluminescence parameters of peroxynitrous acid in the presence of short-chain alcohols and Ru(bpy)<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>2+</Superscript></Stack>

The chemiluminescence behaviour and mechanism of peroxynitrous acid and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ were studied in the presence of short-chain alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, butanol, 2-methylpropan-1-ol, pentanol). It was found that the chemiluminescence intensity of peroxynitrous acid and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ system could be significantly enhanced by these seven short-chain alcohols. The maximum chemiluminescence wavelength of 608 nm of [Ru(bpy)₃²⁺]* in the excited state was attributed to the reaction between Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ and dihydroxyalkyl radicals which were generated during the redox course of peroxynitrous acid and alcohols. In addition, the chemiluminescence signals of the system presented depended largely on the solubility and branched-chain structure as well as the length of carbon chain. The analytical characteristics and parameters of the peroxynitrous acid/Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/alcohols chemiluminescence system were investigated under optimum conditions.     

X-ray fluorescence determination of the FeO/Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>tot</Superscript></Stack> ratio in rocks

Chances for estimating the FeO/Fe₂O₃^tot ratio in rocks by the K and L series of X-ray fluorescence spectra are studied. The errors in the determination of FeO/Fe₂O₃^tot by the intensity ratio of the Kβ_2,5/Kβ_1,3 and Lβ/Lα_1,2 lines are compared. The relative standard deviation of determining FeO using a set of 49 standard samples of eruptive rocks varies in the range 5–16%, depending on the ratio FeO/Fe₂O₃^tot and the concentration of FeO. The better precision is attainable for a ratio above 0.45 at a FeO concentration in the range 5–15%. For samples of andesites and basalts, the relative standard deviation is better than 4%, for rocks of the granite family it is 23% at FeO concentrations below 3%. For samples of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, the error of FeO determination is higher than that for the eruptive ones. For samples with the ratio FeO/Fe/Fe₂O₃^tot < 0.25, the deviation may exceed 30 rel %. In contrast to chemical analysis, the X-ray fluorescence method appears advantageous in time and cost of sample preparation and can be used for routine analysis in geochemical research.     

Thermal expansion of ternary oxides in the M<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>I</Superscript></Stack>O-Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

Compounds formed in the M₂^IO-Cr₂O₃-TiO₂. system were synthesized by solid-state reactions. These compounds crystallize in hollandite- and spinel-type structures. The features of themal decomposition of the compounds with the compositions M₂^ICr₂Ti₆O₁₆(M^I = Na, K, Cs) and LiCrTiO₄ were revealed, and their thermal expansion coefficients were determined with the use of high-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Phase transitions in double molybdates K<Subscript>2</Subscript>M<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript></Stack>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> with M = Mg or Co

Phase transitions and cation mobility in double molybdates K₂M ₂ ^II (MoO₄)₃ with M = Mg or Co and the products of their heterovalent doping with scandium(III) and vanadium(V) have been studied. The transition from low to high conductivity in K₂M ₂ ^II (MoO₄)₃ is the result of a two-stage phase transition, whose occurrence is significantly extended in time. Heterovalent substitutions noticeably decrease the heat of the phase transition. The transition to the low-temperature phase is not achieved even after long-term exposure.     

Oxidation of Diethyl Sulfide in Aqueous Solutions by Peroxynitrite and the H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>-NO<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> System

It was found that nitrite anions are effective activators of hydrogen peroxide in the reaction with diethyl sulfide. The observed kinetics are consistent with the proposed intermediate formation of peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH). The rate constants for the reaction of diethyl sulfide Et₂S with the acid ONOOH (k₀ = 1.8⋅10³ L/mol⋅s) and with the anion ONOO⁻ (k₋ = 6⋅10⁻² L/mol⋅s) are respectively 10⁵ and three times higher than with hydrogen peroxide. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Eksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 41, No. 5, pp. 290–295, September–October, 2005.     

Composition and structure of solid solutions in the Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-V<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>5+</Superscript></Stack>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> system with the structure sillenite

In the Bi₂O₃-SiO₂-V₂⁵⁺+O₅ system, single crystal solid solutions of the sillenite family of the general composition Bi₂₄(Bi,Si,V)₂O₄₀ are obtained by a hydrothermal method and for the first time characterized by neutron and X-ray diffraction analysis. The tetrahedral position is found to contain vanadium ions with different formal charges (V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺) responsible for green and orange colors, respectively, of the samples. For the first time, for some sillenites of this system dissymmetrization of the structure (a transition from the I23 space group into P23) is revealed, which is caused by the presence of several atoms in one crystallographic position and also by crystal growth conditions.     

Characterization of nano-iron oxyhydroxides and their application in UO<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>2+</Superscript> removal from aqueous solutions

The nano-iron oxyhydroxides (α- and γ-FeOOH) were synthesized by using three ferrous and ferric salts (FeSO₄, FeCl₂, Fe(NO₃)₃) as iron precursors under alkaline conditions. Morphologies of nano-iron oxyhydroxides were characterized by employing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and specific surface area (SSA) analysis respectively. The occurrence of needle-like shape of nano-goethite and rod-like shape of nano-lepidocrocite were attributed to hydrolysis of Fe³⁺ cations and/or oxidization of Fe²⁺ at alkaline conditions in terms of XRD analysis. The N₂-BET SSA and BJH (Barrett–Joyner–Halenda) pore size analysis showed that internal SSA of nano-lepidocrocite is higher than that of nano-goethite, although they have similar N₂-BET SSAs. The distribution of average pore size of nano-iron oxyhydroxides are higher than that of predominant pore size due to formation of the heterogeneous nanoparticles under the experimental conditions. These nanoparticles possess the high sorption capacity and the strong affinity for contaminants. Application of nano-iron oxyhydroxides in environmental engineering plays an important role to remove a variety of contaminants, such as heavy-metal ions and organic pollutants.     

Development of a PVC-membrane ion-selective bulk optode,for UO<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>2+</Superscript></Stack> ion,based on tri-<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-octylphosphine oxide and dibenzoylmethane

A novel uranyl ion-selective bulk optode membrane, incorporating tri-n-octylphosphine oxide for cation recognition and a lipophilic chromoionophore dibenzoylmethane, has been prepared. The PVC membrane composition was optimized to result in the widest working concentration range. The response range of the proposed optode is 4.1×10^–6 to 2.0×10^–4 mol L^–1 UO₂²⁺. The probe works at pH 4.0. Ion interference is low and selectivity, reproducibility, and stability are good.     

ESR Study of the Formation of O<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> Radical Anions on Oxidized CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Adsorbing a CO + O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Mixture

It is demonstrated by ESR measurements that O ₂ ⁻ (CO + O₂) radical anions result from CO + O₂ adsorption on the oxidized surface of CeO₂. These radical anions are stabilized in the coordination sphere of Ce⁴⁺ cations located in isolated and associated anionic vacancies. This reaction shows an activation behavior determined by CO adsorption. The variation of O ₂ ⁻ (CO + O₂) concentration with CO adsorption temperature suggests that surface carbonates and carboxylates participate in this reaction. In the (0.5– 10.0)%CeO₂/ZrO₂ system, O ₂ ⁻ forms on supported CeO₂ and is stabilized on Ce⁴⁺ and Zr⁴⁺ cations. The stability of O ₂ ⁻ -Ce⁴⁺ complexes is lower on supported CeO₂ than on unsupported CeO₂, indicating a strong interaction between the cerium cations and the support.__________Translated from Kinetika i Kataliz, Vol. 46, No. 3, 2005, pp. 423–429.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Il’ichev, Kuli-zade, Korchak.     

Near-infrared quantum cutting in Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanophosphors

Properties of the quantum-cutting phosphors are dependent on various factors such as dopant concentration, crystallinity, homogeneity, particle size and surface morphology. Effective control of the above parameters can enhance the quantum-cutting ability of the phosphor material. Nano-sized particles of Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺,Yb³⁺ were prepared with a solution-based co-precipitation method and subsequent calcination. Effective control of the reaction parameters and doping concentration helped to produce uniform nanostructures with high quantum-cutting efficiency up to 181.1 %. The energy transfer mechanism between Tb³⁺ and Yb³⁺ was studied by considering their spectroscopic properties and time-resolved spectroscopy. The high efficiency and small particle size of the quantum-cutting phosphor Y₂O₃:Tb³⁺,Yb³⁺ make it a suitable candidate for its application in solar cells.     

Radiation-chemical yield of excited neodymium(III) in laser liquids POCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>-MCl<Subscript>n</Subscript>-<Superscript>235</Superscript>UO<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>2+</Superscript>-Nd<Superscript>3+</Superscript> (M = Ti,Zr, Sn,or Sb)

Results of measurements of the yield of Nd³⁺ radioluminescence photons in inorganic laser liquids POCl₃-MCl_n-²³⁵UO ₂ ²⁺ -Nd³⁺ (M = Ti, Zr, Sn, or Sb) during homogeneous excitation by uranium α-particles are presented. It was found that the intensity of radioluminescence corresponding to the ⁴ F _3/2 → ⁴ I _11/2 transition in neodymium ions depends on the solvent composition. Data on the radiation-chemical yield, G, of excited neodymium ions in the POCl₃-MCl_n-²³⁵UO ₂ ²⁺ -Nd³⁺ (M = Ti, Zr, Sn, or Sb) system were obtained. At a neodymium concentration of 0.25 mol/l, the values of G for the excited ions were 0.60 ± 0.10, 0.84 ± 0.10, 1.20 ± 0.10, and 1.64 ± 0.16 ion/100 eV in solutions with TiCl₄, ZrCl₄, SnCl₄, and SbCl₅, respectively. The maximum yields of excited ions estimated at G = 1.68 ± 0.10 and 2.20 ± 0.24 ion/100 eV were obtained for the solutions with SnCl₄ and SbCl₅, respectively, at neodymium ion concentrations above 0.4 mol/l.