Thermodynamic properties of chloropinnoite

The molar enthalpies of solution of 2MgO · 2B₂O₃ · MgCl₂ · 14H₂O in approximately 1 mol · dm⁻³ aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl) and of MgCl₂ · 6H₂O(s) in aqueous (approximately 1 mol · dm⁻³ HCl + MgCl₂ + H₃BO₃) at T=298.15 K were determined. From a combination of these results with measured enthalpies of solution of boric acid (H₃BO₃) in HCl(aq) and of magnesium oxide (MgO) in aqueous (HCl + H₃BO₃) solution, together with the standard molar enthalpies of formation of MgO(s), H₃BO₃(s), MgCl₂ · 6H₂O(s) and H₂O(l), the standard molar enthalpy of formation of −(8812 ± 3) kJ · mol⁻¹ of 2MgO · 2B₂O₃ · MgCl₂ · 14H₂O was obtained. Thermodynamic properties of this compound were also calculated by group contribution method.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (MgCl2 + CaCl2 + MnCl2 + FeCl2 + CoCl2 + NiCl2) system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases of the (MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The model parameters obtained for the binary subsystems can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent system. The Modified Quasichemical Model was used for the molten salt phase, and the (MgCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) solid solution was modeled using a cationic substitutional model with an ideal entropy and an excess Gibbs free energy expressed as a polynomial in the component mole fractions. This is the first of two articles on the optimization of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) system.     

Spectroscopy of laser-excited indium,gallium and indium–gallium systems

The spectroscopy of dense Ga, In and In–Ga vapours is studied via resonant pulsed laser excitation at 403.4 nm (Ga) and 410.3 nm (In). Besides some known atomic Rydberg levels emission, satellite wings on the blue side of the fundamental transitions show up both in the homonuclear and heteronuclear vapours. They are due to the presence of excited homonuclear dimers that form in the collision between excited and ground-state atoms. The formation of heteronuclear dimers is inferred by the time-resolved analysis of some atomic fluorescences.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl2 + CaCl2 + MnCl2 + FeCl2 + CoCl2 + NiCl2) system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The (MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) subsystem has been critically evaluated in a previous article. The model parameters obtained for the binary subsystems can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent system. The Modified Quasichemical Model was used for the molten salt phase, and the (MgCl₂ + MnCl₂ + FeCl₂ + CoCl₂ + NiCl₂) solid solution was modeled using a cationic substitutional model with an ideal entropy and an excess Gibbs free energy expressed as a polynomial in the component mole fractions. Finally, the (Na,K)(Mg,Ca,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni)Cl₃ and the (Na,K)₂(Mg,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni)Cl₄ solid solutions were modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism.     

Salt effect on (liquid + liquid) equilibrium of (water + tert-butanol + 1-butanol) system: Experimental data and correlation

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for the quaternary systems (water + tert-butanol + 1-butanol + KBr) and (water + tert-butanol + 1-butanol + MgCl₂) were experimentally determined at T = 293.15 K and T = 313.15 K. For mixtures with KBr, the overall salt concentrations were 5 and 10 mass percent; for mixtures with MgCl₂, the overall salt concentrations were 2 and 5 mass percent. The experimental results were used to estimate molecular interaction parameters for the NRTL activity coefficient model, using the Simplex minimization method and a concentration-based objective function. The correlation results are extremely satisfactory, with deviations in phase compositions below 1.7%.     

Syngas Production from Lignite Coal Using K2CO3 Catalytic Steam Gasification with Controlled Heating Rate in Pyrolysis Step

Gasification uses steam increases H2 content in the syngas. Kinetics of gasification process can be improved by using K₂CO₃ catalyst. Controlled heating rate in pyrolysis step determines the pore size of charcoal that affects yield gas and H₂ and CO content in the syngas. In previous research, pyrolisis step was performed without considering heating rate in pyrolysis step. This experiment was performed by catalytic steam gasification using lignite char from pyrolysis with controlled heating rate intended to produce maximum yield of syngas with mole ratio of H₂/CO ≈ 2. Slow heating rate (3 °C/min) until 850 °C in the pyrolysis step has resulted in largest surface area of char. This study was performed by feeding Indonesian lignite char particles and K₂CO₃ catalyst into a fixed bed reactor with variation of steam/char mole ratio (2.2; 2.9; 4.0) and gasification temperature (750 °C, 825 °C, and 900 °C). Highest ratio of H₂/CO (1.682) was obtained at 750 °C and steam/char ratio 2.2. Largest gas yield obtained from this study was 0.504 mol/g of char at 900 °C and steam/char ratio 2.9. Optimum condition for syngas production was at 750 °C and steam/char mole ratio 2.2 with gas yield 0.353 mol/g of char and H₂/CO ratio 1.682.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl2 + CaCl2 + ZnCl2) system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases and relevant gaseous species of the (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + ZnCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The (NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂) subsystem has been critically evaluated in a previous article. The model parameters obtained for the binary and ternary subsystems can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent system. The Modified Quasichemical Model for short-range ordering was used for the molten salt phase.     

Determination of Cr(VI) in plants by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after leaching with sodium carbonate

The determination of chromium (VI) compounds in plants by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS) is proposed based on their leaching with 0.1 M Na₂CO₃. Due to the presence of relatively high amounts of Na₂CO₃ in the resulting samples, the temperature and time of pyrolysis and atomization stages must be optimized to minimize the influence of the matrix. A limit of detection (LOD) for determination of Cr(VI) in plants by ET AAS was found to be 0.024 μg g⁻¹.The concentration of Cr(VI) and total chromium in plants collected in different geographical areas (South Africa and Russia), grown on soils high in chromium was determined. The concentration of Cr(VI) and total Cr in stems and leaves of plants was in the range of 0.04–0.7 μg g⁻¹ and 0.5–10 μg g⁻¹, respectively. The limited uptake of Cr(III) by plants, in comparison to its concentration in soil, can be explained by the very low solubility of natural Cr(III) compounds.Results for the determination of Cr(VI) were confirmed by the analysis of BCR CRM 545 (Cr(VI) in welding dust) with good agreement between certified (39.5 ± 1.3 μg mg⁻¹) and found (38.8 ± 1.2 μg mg⁻¹) values. The total concentration of Cr in plants has also been determined by ET AAS after dry ashing of samples at 650 °C. Results were confirmed by the analysis of BCR CRM 281 (Trace elements in Rye Grass) with good agreement between the found (2.12 ± 0.16 μg g⁻¹) and certified value (2.14 ± 0.12 μg g⁻¹).     

Atomic and molecular spectra of vapours evolved in a graphite furnace. Part 1. Alkali halides

Molecular Absorption Spectrometry (MAS) with electrothermal vaporization was applied to the measurement of absorption by alkali halides. The MAS system, consisting of a deuterium lamp primary source, a tubular graphite furnace, a grating polychromator and a linear array of Charge-Coupled-Device (CCD) detectors, allowed the simultaneous determination of atomic and molecular absorption in the range 200–400 nm. Vaporization was carried out in a pyrocoated graphite tube and absorption was measured during the heating of the furnace from 500°C to 2000°C in 100 s.Alkali halides vaporize as molecular compounds which absorb radiation in the whole ultraviolet range. The complexity of the molecular bands as well as the extent of the absorption increases from fluorides to iodides. The limit of absorption at long wavelengths is 254 nm for NaF, 287 nm for NaCl, 320 nm for NaBr and 370 nm for NaI. The appearance of vapors was observed between 680°C (RbI) and 1220°C (LiF), while the maximum absorption was reached between 800°C (CsI) and 1440°C (LiF); the characteristic temperatures of the vaporization peak were shifted towards lower values going from fluorides to iodides.     

Spray deposited amorphous RuO2 for an effective use in electrochemical supercapacitor

The structural, surface morphological and optical properties of sprayed ruthenium oxide thin film were investigated using XRD, SEM and optical absorption measurements. The structural analysis from XRD pattern showed the formation of RuO₂ in amorphous phase. The scanning electron micrographs revealed network-like morphology of ruthenium oxide. The optical studies showed a direct band gap of 2.4 eV for ruthenium oxide films. Ruthenium oxide thin film exhibited a cyclic voltammogram indicative high reversibility of a typical capacitive behavior in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. A specific capacitance of 551 F/g was obtained with ruthenium oxide thin film (electrode) prepared by spray pyrolysis method. The specific capacitances of 551 and 450 F/g at the scan rate of 5 and 125 mV/s, respectively, indicate that the capacitance value varies inversely with scan rate.     

Structural and optical properties of sprayed Zn1−xMnxO films

In recent years the dilute magnetic semiconductors have received much attention due to the complementary properties of semiconductor and ferromagnetic behaviour. Zn_1−xMn_xO thin films have been synthesized by chemical spray pyrolysis at a substrate temperature of 400 °C with different manganese compositions that vary in the range, 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, on Corning 7059 glass substrates. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed that all the films were strongly oriented along the (002) orientation corresponding to the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The crystalline quality of the layers was found to decrease with the increase of x, however, no structural changes were observed over the ‘Mn’ composition range investigated. The optical absorption studies revealed that the energy band gap of the films followed the Vegard's law. The optical band gap of the films prepared at x = 0.15 was found to be ∼3.35 eV. The photoluminescence characteristics of Zn_1−xMn_xO films showed an emission peak at around 390 nm with a broad band about 530 nm. The details of these results were reported and discussed.     

Optical and dielectric properties of isothermally crystallized nano-KNbO3 in Er3+-doped K2O–Nb2O5–SiO2 glasses

Precursor glass of composition 25K₂O–25Nb₂O₅–50SiO₂ (mol%) doped with Er₂O₃ (0.5 wt% in excess) was isothermally crystallized at 800 °C for 0–100 h to obtain transparent KNbO₃ nanostructured glass–ceramics. XRD, FESEM, TEM, FTIRRS, dielectric constant, refractive index, absorption and fluorescence measurements were carried out to analyze the morphology, dielectric, structure and optical properties of the glass–ceramics. The crystallite size of KNbO₃ estimated from XRD and TEM is found to vary in the range 7–23 nm. A steep rise in the dielectric constant of glass–ceramics with heat-treatment time reveals the formation of ferroelectric nanocrystalline KNbO₃ phase. The measured visible photoluminescence spectra have exhibited green emission transitions of ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 upon excitation at 377 nm (⁴I_15/2 → ⁴G_11/2) absorption band of Er³⁺ ions. The near infrared (NIR) emission transition ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 is detected around 1550 nm on excitation at 980 nm (⁴I_15/2 → ⁴I_11/2) of absorption bands of Er³⁺ ions. It is observed that photoluminescent intensity at 526 nm (²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2), 550 nm (⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2) and 1550 nm (⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2) initially decrease and then gradually increase with increase in heat-treatment time. The measured lifetime (τ_f) of the ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition also possesses a similar trend. The measured absorption and fluorescence spectra reveal that the Er³⁺ ions gradually enter into the KNbO₃ nanocrystals.     

Effect of manganese-based pigment catalyst on CO removal during biomass pyrolysis

A commercially available black pigment was evaluated for its potential as a CO oxidation catalyst during the pyrolysis of biomass. Characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the pigment consisted of a mixed oxide system (Cu_1.5Mn_1.5O₄–Mn₃O₄–Fe₂O₃) with an average particle size of 30–300 nm. The as received pigment catalyst was able to completely oxidize CO to CO₂ in a 4% CO–21% O₂–He gas mixture. In this study, the effect of catalyst on CO removal was evaluated during the pyrolysis of tobacco in inert and oxidizing conditions. The experiments were carried out in a flow tube reactor, which was connected to a multi-channel gas analyzer capable of measuring CO, CO₂ and O₂ concentrations. The catalyst was able to decrease the amount of CO production by 56% during the pyrolysis of biomass (tobacco) in the presence of oxygen (21% O₂–He). Oxidation of the biomass/catalyst mixture started at a lower temperature of 260 °C as opposed to a higher temperature of 300 °C in the absence of catalyst. Experiments in thermo gravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter (TG/DSC) mass spectrometer showed evidence of two-stage oxygen consumption during the pyrolysis of biomass/catalyst mixture while pure biomass pyrolized in single-stage oxygen consumption. Based on the experimental findings, a mechanism of reaction is proposed. The results show that the manganese-based mixed oxide pigment is a promising CO oxidation catalyst for biomass pyrolysis.     

Structures and spectroscopic properties of meso-tetrasubstituted porphyrin complexes: Meso-substitutional and central metallic effect study based on density functional theory calculations

Effects of the meso-substituents and central metals on the molecular structures, atomic charges, molecular orbital energy gaps, electronic absorption spectra, and infrared (IR) spectra of 12 meso-tetrasubstituted porphyrin complexes including metal-free porphyrins H₂P or (Por = TPP, TFPP, TClPP, TPyP) (1–4) and their metal complexes MPor (M = Mg, Zn; Por = TPP, TFPP, TClPP, TPyP) (5–12) [TPP = meso-tetrakis(phenyl)porphyrinate; TFPP = meso-tetrakis(4-fluorophenyl)porphyrinate; TClPP = meso-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrinate; TPyP = meso-tetrakis(4-pyridyl) porphyrinate] are systematically studied by density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. Good consistency was found between the calculated molecular structures and the experimental X-ray crystallography ones for 1, 3, and 4, and between the simulated electronic absorption and IR spectra and the experimental ones for 1 and 4. The calculation results reveal that introducing substituents at the meso positions of porphyrin induces increasing change in the molecular structures, atomic charges distribution, HOMO and LUMO energy, electronic absorption spectra, and IR spectra along with the increase in the electron-withdrawing ability of substituents in the order of phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, and pyridyl group. Furthermore, the central metal in porphyrins displays much significant influence on the structure and spectroscopic properties of meso-substituted porphyrin complexes. The electronic absorption and IR spectra of 1–12 are compared and assigned in detail. The present work should be not only helpful towards understanding the meso-substitutional and central metallic effects on the structure and spectroscopic properties of meso-substituted porphyrin complexes, but also useful in correctly assigning electronic absorption and IR spectra for porphyrin complexes.     

Thermodynamic evaluation and optimization of the Li,Na, K,Mg, Ca,Sr // F,Cl reciprocal system

A complete critical evaluation of all available phase diagram and thermodynamic data has been performed for all condensed phases of the (LiF + LiCl + NaF + NaCl + KF + KCl + MgF₂ + MgCl₂ + CaF₂ + CaCl₂ + SrF₂ + SrCl₂) system, and optimized model parameters have been found. The (LiCl + NaCl + KCl + MgCl₂ + CaCl₂ + SrCl₂), (LiF + NaF + KF + MgF₂ + CaF₂ + SrF₂), and (LiF + LiCl + NaF + NaCl + KF + KCl + MgF₂ + MgCl₂ + CaF₂ + CaCl₂) subsystems have been critically evaluated previously. The model parameters for the common-ion binary, common-anion ternary, and reciprocal ternary subsystems (i.e. systems with two cations and two anions) can be used to predict thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria for the multicomponent reciprocal system. The Modified Quasichemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation was used for the molten salt phase. This model takes into account both first-nearest-neighbor (cation–anion) and second-nearest-neighbor (cation–cation and anion–anion) short-range ordering, and the coupling between them. Finally, the CaFCl–SrFCl solid solution was modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism.     

Experimental observations on the competing effect of tetrahydrofuran and an electrolyte and the strength of hydrate inhibition among metal halides in mixed CO2 hydrate equilibria

In the present work, experimental data on the equilibrium conditions of mixed CO₂ and THF hydrates in aqueous electrolyte solutions are reported. Seven different electrolytes (metal halides) were used in this work namely sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), potassium bromide (KBr), sodium fluoride (NaF), potassium chloride (KCl), and sodium bromide (NaBr). All equilibrium data were measured by using Cailletet apparatus. Throughout this work, the overall concentration of CO₂ and THF were kept constant at (0.04 and 0.05) mol fraction, respectively, while the concentration of electrolytes were varied. The experimental temperature ranged from (275 to 305) K and pressure up 7.10 MPa had been applied. From the experimental results, it is concluded that THF, which is soluble in water is able to suppress the salt inhibiting effect in the range studied. In all quaternary systems studied, a four-phase hydrate equilibrium line was observed where hydrate (H), liquid water (L_W), liquid organic (L_V), and vapour (V) exist simultaneously at specific pressure and temperature. The formation of this four-phase equilibrium line is mainly due to a liquid–liquid phase split of (water + THF) mixture when pressurized with CO₂ and the split is enhanced by the salting-out effect of the electrolytes in the quaternary system. The strength of hydrate inhibition effect among the electrolytes was compared. The results shows the hydrate inhibiting effect of the metal halides is increasing in the order NaF < KBr < NaCl < NaBr < CaCl₂ < MgCl₂. Among the cations studied, the strength of hydrate inhibition increases in the following order: K⁺ < Na⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Mg²⁺. Meanwhile, the strength of hydrate inhibition among the halogen anion studied decreases in the following order: Br^? > Cl^? > F^?. Based on the results, it is suggested that the probability of formation and the strength of ionic–hydrogen bond between an ion and water molecule and the effects of this bond on the ambient water network are the major factors that contribute to hydrate inhibition by electrolytes.     

Determination of mercury in gasoline by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry with direct reduction in microemulsion media

The determination of Hg in gasoline by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, after direct aqueous NaBH₄ reduction in a three-component (microemulsion) medium, was investigated. Microemulsions were prepared by mixing gasoline with propan-1-ol and 50% v / v HNO₃ at a 20 : 15 : 1 volume ratio. A long-term homogeneous system was immediately formed this way. After reduction, the Hg vapor generated in a reaction flask was transported to an intermediate K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂SO₄ trap solution in order to avoid poisoning of the Au–Pt trap by the gasoline vapors. A second reduction step was then conducted and the generated Hg vapor transported to the Au–Pt trap, followed by thermal release of Hg⁰ and atomic absorption measurement. Purified N₂ was used as purge and transport gas. After multivariate optimization by central composite design calibration graphs showed coefficients of correlation of 0.9999 and a characteristic mass of 2 ng was obtained. Typical coefficients of variation of 5% and 6% were found for ten consecutive measurements at concentration levels of 1 and 8 μg L⁻¹ of Hg²⁺, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.10 μg L⁻¹ (0.14 μg kg⁻¹) in the original sample. A total measurement cycle took 11 min, permitting duplicate analysis of 3 samples per hour. The results obtained with the proposed procedure in the analysis of commercial gasoline samples were in agreement with those obtained by a comparative procedure. Gasoline samples of the Rio de Janeiro city have shown Hg concentrations below 0.27 μg L⁻¹.     

Trace Cd,Co, and Pb elements distribution during Sulcis coal pyrolysis: GFAAS determination with slurry sampling technique

A simple and fast method based on graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) and slurry sampling technique (SlS) was developed to determine trace Cd, Co and Pb in high-sulphur coal (Sulcis, Italy) and coal chars derived at 600, 750 and 950 °C under N₂ atmosphere for developing a clean coal for electricity production. The proposed method was then coupled to a four-step sequential chemical extraction method for assessment of metals distribution in coaled samples. The slurries were prepared by varying sample mass (1–50 mg), volume (1–3 mL) and kind of dispersing medium (1% v/v Triton X-100 and 2 N HNO₃), and sonication time (5–30 min). Pyrolysis/atomization temperatures as well carrier gas flow rate were optimised. Pd(NO₃)₂ and NH₄H₂PO₄ were employed to stabilize Cd and Pb, respectively, in the pyrolysis stage of furnace program. The use of HNO₃ as dispersing agent was found to be effective in lowering the high level of background absorption on the Cd analytical signal produced by raw coal matrix. Conversely, coal charred samples did not show significantly level of background interferences, so that Triton X-100 dispersing agent could be used for all analytes. Calibration curve against acid-matched standards was allowed for Cd, whereas the standard addition calibration was used for Co and Pb owing to chemical matrix interferences. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (% RSD, n = 5), was better than 5% for Cd, Co, and Pb at 1, 10, and 15 μg L^? 1 levels, respectively. The accuracy of the analytical method was checked by analyzing a BCR No. 182 steam coal certificated reference material and the results were in good agreement with certificated and informed values. The solid detection limits (3σ_blank) were as low as 0.001 Cd, 0.01 Co, and 0.01 Pb mg kg^? 1, using 30 mg sample mass and slurry concentration of 30 m v^? 1 for Cd, and 50 mg sample mass and 50 m v^? 1 slurry concentration for Co and Pb. The content of elements in Sulcis coal was found to be 0.33 Cd, 4.0 Co, and 3.8 Pb mg kg^? 1 and mostly associated to sulphates and di-sulphides as indicated by the leaching test. Under pyrolysis conditions Cd significantly volatilised (about 64%) at temperature higher than 600 °C, whereas residue chars at 950 °C are enriched in Co and Pb up to 20%. The proposed method is suitable for routine metals monitoring in coaled samples.     

Structures and spectral properties of heteroleptic copper (I) complexes: A theoretical study based on density functional theory

The structures and electronic absorption spectra of newly synthesized heteroleptic copper (I) complexes [CuL₁L₂]⁺ (L₁ = phen-imidazole and/or L₂ = dipyrido [3,2-a:2’,3’-c] phenazine derivatives) are analyzed under the light of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT). The ground states geometries, characterized by π-stacking interactions, have been optimized using PBE-D functional taking into account dispersion correction. The UV-visible theoretical absorption spectra have been calculated using B3LYP functional in vacuum and taking into account solvent corrections by means of the polarized continuum model (PCM). Whereas the PBE-D functional is well adapted to the determination of the structures, it does underestimate drastically the transition energies. The spectra are characterized by high density of states, mainly metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) and intra-ligand (IL), between 600 nm and 250 nm. Most of the complexes show an intense band in the near-UV energy domain (～320 nm) corresponding to an IL transition. The lowest part of the absorption spectra, starting at 600 nm, corresponds to MLCT transitions leading to a shoulder observed experimentally between 400 and 500 nm. The upper part of the spectra, beyond 300 nm, puts in evidence strong mixing between ligand-to-ligand-charge-transfer (LLCT), IL and MLCT states.     

Impact of Fe3+ on UV absorption of K2Al2B2O7 crystals

K₂Al₂B₂O₇ (KABO) is a new nonlinear optical crystal capable of laser harmonic generation in the UV range. However, abnormal UV absorption prevents its application in effectively generating UV light with wavelength shorter than 300 nm. The transmittance spectra of the grown crystals show distinct absorption bands at 216 nm and 264 nm. It is observed that the UV absorption is strongly correlated with iron impurity at a parts per million (ppm) level. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the absorbing crystals show a strong signal at g = 2.00 position corresponding to a Fe³⁺ center. A new crystal growth method which reduces the iron content has been proposed and results show that the new KABO crystal is free from the Fe³⁺ UV absorptions.