Ellipsometric study of anodic oxide films formed on niobium surfaces

Anodic oxide films formed potentiostatically on niobium surfaces, from open circuit potential (OCP) to 10 V, were studied by performing in situ and ex situ ellipsometric measurements. The kinetics of the film thickness growth in 1 M H₂SO₄ and complex indices of refraction of these films were determined. A strong influence of the surface preparation conditions on the complex refractive indices of the metal substrate and anodic oxide films was shown. By steady-state measurements at OCP, a small thickening of the natural air-formed oxide film with chemical composition Nb₂O₅ in 1 M H₂SO₄ solution was detected. With cathodic pre-treatment, only partial reduction and small thinning of the natural air-formed oxide film was possible. The thicknesses of the natural air-formed oxide films on fine mechanically polished and electropolished Nb surfaces were determined. The build up of the natural air-formed oxide film, at ex situ conditions, on the already formed anodic oxide films was confirmed. It was shown that electropolishing gives more similar optical surface properties to the bare metal than the fine mechanical polishing. Electronic Publication     

X-ray photoelectron study of the effect of the composition of the initial gas phase on changes in the electronic structure of hexagonal boron nitride films obtained by PECVD from borazine

Hexagonal boron nitride films are synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from a gas mixture of borazine and ammonia or helium on Si(100) substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study changes in the electronic structure and chemical composition of the films depending on the composition of the initial gas mixture. It is found that the chemical composition of the samples depends on the gas used. The use of helium results in an excess of boron atoms on the film surface, the appearance of B–B bonds, and a decrease in the contribution of B–N bonds in the hexagonal structure. The preparation of h-BN films close to the stoichiometric composition by PECVD methods with the use of borazine is shown to be possible with the addition of ammonia. Based on the literature data, the binding energies in the B 1s XPS spectra are calculated for different boron environments in the hexagonal lattice.     

Effect of deposition temperature on the growth mechanism of chemically prepared CZTGeS thin films

The Cu₂ZnSnGeS₄ (CZTGeS) thin films were deposited by the spray pyrolysis method at different substrate temperatures without further sulfurization. The influence of various deposition temperatures on the surface morphology, microstructure, optical properties, chemical, and phase composition were investigated. The substitution mechanism of Sn/Ge in the crystal lattice of CZTGeS depending on deposition temperatures was studied. It was shown that a variation in substrate temperature has a strong effect on the surface morphology of the films. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy (RS) analysis showed that CZTGeS films were polycrystalline with a kesterite-type single-phase structure and a preferential orientation of (112). The RS-mapping analysis showed the distribution of intensities on the surfaces of the films. Optical measurements showed that CZTGeS films are highly absorbing in the visible region, and the optical band gap is shifted from 1.89 to 1.84 eV.     

PDMS network blends of amphiphilic acrylic copolymers with poly(ethylene glycol)‐fluoroalkyl side chains for fouling‐release coatings. I. Chemistry and stability of the film surface

Amphiphilic copolymers of a methacrylic monomer (SiMA) carrying a polysiloxane side chain and an acrylic monomer (ZA) with a mixed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐fluoroalkyl side chain (10–85 mol % ZA) were incorporated as the surface‐active components into poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) network blends at different loadings (1 and 4 wt % with respect to PDMS). Wettability of the coating surfaces was investigated by contact angle measurements, and their surface chemical composition was determined by angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the surface segregation of the fluoroalkyl segments of the amphiphilic copolymers was responsible for the high enrichment in fluorine concentration within 10 nm of the coating surface. The PEG segments were also concentrated at the polymer?air interface. The chemical composition of the films was proven to be relatively little affected by immersion in water. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

A mixed film composed of oligonucleotides and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) brushes to enhance selectivity for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms

Preliminary studies of mixed films composed of oligonucleotides and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) have recently been shown to enhance the selectivity for detection of 3 base-pair mismatched (3 bpm) oligonucleotide targets. Evaluation of selectivity for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) using such mixed films has now been completed. The selectivity was quantitatively determined by considering the sharpness of melt curves and melting temperature differences (ΔT_m) for fully complementary targets and SNPs. Stringency conditions were investigated, and it was determined that the selectivity was maximized when a moderate ionic strength was used (0.1-0.6 M). Increases of ΔT_m when using mixed films were up to 3-fold larger compared to surfaces containing only immobilized oligonucleotide probes. Concurrently, increases in sharpness of melt curves for 1 bpm targets were observed to be up to 2-fold greater for mixed films. The co-immobilization of PHEMA resulted in a more homogeneous distribution of oligonucleotide probes on surfaces. Lifetime measurements of fluorescence emission from immobilized oligonucleotide probes labeled with Cy3 dye indicated the difference in microenvironment of immobilized oligonucleotides in the presence of PHEMA.     

Surface faceting of gold nanoparticles and adsorption of organic macromolecules

Dispersions of nanosized gold particles are synthesized in methyl hydroxyethyl-, carboxymethyl-, and hydroxy propylmethyl cellulose solutions by chemical reduction. Sizes of nanoparticles are determined using dynamic light scattering method. Ultrathin particle layers are prepared on the surfaces of polycrystalline gold films by self-organization technique. Characteristics of these layers and constituting particles are determined by scanning tunnel microscopy. It is shown that steps with heights of 0.7–4 nm and terraces are formed on nanoparticles. It is revealed that the height of a step depends to a greater extent on the chemical nature of employed reducer (tannin or formaldehyde) than on the nature of stabilizer (cellulose derivatives). Components of dispersion medium are selectively adsorbed on these steps.     

Effects of X-ray radiation on the surface chemical composition of plasma deposited thin fluorocarbon films

Different thin fluorocarbon (FC) films were deposited on Si(111) using plasma polymerisation and then exposed to X-ray radiation. Changes in the chemical composition of the deposited fluorocarbon films as a function of irradiation time were investigated in situ using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The evaluation of the C1s and F1s core level induced emission as a function of exposure to X-ray radiation (Mg Kα, hν = 1253.6 eV) reveals changes in the surface chemical composition of the FC polymer structure. The presented results indicate a high defluorination under X-ray irradiation. Additionally, binding energy shifts of the F1s and C1s peaks during the exposure associated with surface charging effects were observed. With ongoing exposure the surface charging decreases continuously and the FC surfaces become more conductive due to changes in the polymer structure. Different models have been used to describe the decomposition kinetics and surface composition.     

Langmuir–Blodgett Films of Fatty Acid Salts of Bi- and Trivalent Metals: Y, Ba, and Cu Stearates

Dependences of the composition and properties of the monolayers and Langmuir–Blodgett films of yttrium, barium, and copper stearates on the conditions of their formation were studied by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance technique. The identity of film compositions on the surfaces of liquid and solid substrates was established. It was shown that, in the case of copper and yttrium, the Langmuir–Blodgett films are formed from corresponding basic salts of stearic acid at high subphase pH values. The conditions of the preparation of high-quality Langmuir–Blodgett films from yttrium, barium, and copper stearates are determined.     

Cysteamine-modified ZIF-8 colloidal building blocks: Direct assembly of nanoparticulate MOF films on gold surfaces via thiol chemistry

Chemical modification of metal organic framework (MOF) nanocrystal colloids was used to endow them with chemical affinity for gold substrates. Modified nanocrystals were then used as building blocks for rapid and selective self-assembly of porous films. Cysteamine (Cys, 2-aminoetanethiol) was chosen as both chemical modulator and functionalizing agent of Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) MOF nanocrystals. Important parameters such as the impact of the modulator on the range of nanocrystals stability, size, polydispersity, morphology, and crystalline structure were assessed via both, small and wide angle x-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS). Cysteamine modified ZIF-8 nanocrystals were assembled into films over conductive Au substrates and film growth was followed in-situ with Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). Thiol moieties exposed out of the ZIF-8 surface after cysteamine modification, results in the formation of thiol bonds with Au conductive substrates as shown via Cyclic Voltammetry experiments. The strategy here presented allows for the synthesis of pre-designed building blocks for MOF films on metal surfaces.     

Optical and mechanical properties of films obtained by plasma decomposition of hexamethyldisilazane

Films of SiC _x N _y H _z composition are obtained by chemical deposition from the vapor phase via the activation of high-frequency discharge plasma (PECVD). The organosilicon compound hexamethyldisilazane, which contains all the atoms needed for the formation of films, is used as our initial material. Physicochemical properties of the films are studied by spectroscopy of surface acoustic waves, measuring the bending of a film-substrate system, ellipsometry, and infrared spectroscopy. Important features of the films?? structure are established. It is shown that at temperatures of deposition below 400°C, films contain chemical bonds of an organic nature, have very low values of density and the Young modulus, and exhibit high levels of elasticity, indicating their polymer-like structure. It is established that at higher temperatures of deposition, films are inorganic composite materials.     

A study of the chemical bond types in films deposited from bis(trimethylsilyl)-ethylamine by PECVD

Silicon carbonitride films are synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition from bis(trimethylsilyl)ethylamine and helium or ammonium mixtures. The structure of chemical bonds in the films is studied by X-ray photoelectron and IR spectroscopy. The data on the main types of bonds present in silicon carbonitride films deposited under different synthesis conditions are obtained. It is shown that the use of ammonia at a low deposition temperature provides the synthesis of films with a simultaneous formation of Si-C, Si-N, and C-N bonds. The main bonds in films obtained from a bis(trimethylsilyl)ethylamine and helium mixture are Si-C and Si-N. The chemical structure of films obtained at high synthesis temperatures is close to SiC _x regardless of the type of the additional gas used.     

Modification and characterization of polystyrene surfaces used for cell culture

Surfaces of polystyrene Petri dishes used for cell culture were chemically modified by 5% fuming sulfuric acid. The sulfonation was performed at room temperature for various times. Formation of polar groups takes place essentially on the surface of the polymer. Wettability and ionic character of the modified surfaces were determined by contact angle measurements and surface conductivity measurements, respectively. Radioactive calcium (⁴⁵Ca) adsorption at these surfaces was investigated by means of radiotracer techniques. The chemical composition (concentration of polar sites produced) of these modified polystyrene surfaces was thus determined. It was found that the wettability of these surfaces is directly related to the concentration of sulfonate groups. The cation-exchange capacity of treated surfaces with inorganic cations (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Al³⁺) were determined by the radiotracer technique.     

Influence of oxygen plasma treatment on poly(ether sulphone) films

Poly(ether sulphone) (PES) is one of the most widely used materials in the micro-electronics industry and a good candidate for the substrates of flexible optoelectronic devices. In this work, the influences of oxygen plasma treatment on the surface chemical composition, surface morphology and optical transparency of PES films were investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The possible relations between the optical transparency of the substrate and the surface roughness and chemical composition were also studied. The oxygen plasma treatment seriously changed the surface chemical composition and made the surface more rough. Considerable amounts of sulphate species were found on the plasma-treated surface and the surface roughness values (R_a) increased monotonically with the increase of the treatment time. The PES films treated by 5 min, 15 min, 30 min and 45 min oxygen plasma demonstrated transmission of approximately 98, 94, 68 and 46%, respectively, in the wavelength range of 400-780 nm. The oxygen plasma induced decline of optical transparency of PES films might be attributed to both the increase of surface roughness and the changes of chemical composition of the film surface.     

Resonance anomalous surface X-ray scattering

Resonance anomalous surface X-ray scattering (RASXS) technique was applied to electrochemical interface studies. It was used to determine the chemical states of electrochemically formed anodic oxide monolayers on platinum surface. It is shown that RASXS exhibits strong polarization dependence when the surface is significantly modified. The polarization dependence is demonstrated for three examples; anodic oxide formation, sulfate adsorption, and CO adsorption on platinum surfaces. σ- and π-polarization RASXS data were simulated with the latest version of ab initio multiple-scattering calculations (FEFF8.2). Elementary theoretical considerations are also presented for the origin of the polarization dependence in RASXS.     

Temperature dependences of the optical properties and the phase composition of vanadium dioxide films obtained by chemical vapor deposition

By low pressure chemical vapor deposition single-phase vanadium dioxide films containing monoclinic phase M1from vanadyl acetylacetonate vapor are obtained on monocrystalline silicon Si(100) substrates. Changes in the phase composition of the films on heating to 90 °C are studied by X-ray diffraction. It is found that in the temperature range 60-70 °C the monoclinic phase passes into tetragonal R. At higher temperatures only the tetragonal phase is observed. By reflection spectrophotometry and ellipsometry the temperature dependences of the optical properties of the films exhibiting hysteresis are determined. At wavelengths less than 600 nm the reflection spectra are almost insensitive to temperature variation. After the linear normalization the reflection and extinction coefficients are well consistent with changes in the phase composition.     

The Influence of Electrolyte Type on Kinetics of Redox Processes in the Polymer Films of Ni(II) Salen-Type Complexes

Electrodes modified with polymers derived from the complexes [Ni(salcn)], [Ni(salcn(Me))] and [Ni(salcn(Bu))] were obtained in order to study the kinetics of electrode processes occurring in polymer films, depending on the thickness of the films, the type of electrolyte and the solvent. FTIR and EQCM methods were used to determine the type of mass transported into polymer films during anode processes and the number of moles of ions and solvent. The rate of charge transport through films was determined by the cyclic voltammetry method, by the quantity cD^1/2. It was shown that the charge transport was determined by the transport of anions. The kinetics were most efficient for poly[Ni(salcn(Bu))] modified electrodes, obtained from TBAPF₆ and working in TBAClO₄ and TBABF₄. It was also shown that a solvent with a higher DN value and lower viscosity (MeCN) facilitated the transport of the charge through polymer films.     

Surface orientation of polypropylene. II. Determination for uniaxially and biaxially oriented films using internal reflection spectroscopy

The major objective of this work was to develop a simple and rapid technique to quantitatively measure the macromolecular chain orientation in polypropylene surfaces. A previously described experimental design employing attenuated total reflection spectroscopy near the critical angle was applied. The infrared dichroism of the 841- and 809-cm^?1 bands of polypropylene was used to quantitatively determine a fractional orientation function of the macromolecular chains along the three major film axes (machine direction, transverse direction, and thickness or normal direction). The surface orientation of a set of polypropylene films uniaxially extended from 0 to 500% was determined using this technique. The variation of surface orientation, bulk crystallinity, and thickness with extension of these uniaxially extended films were compared. The surface orientation of an unoriented and several biaxially oriented polypropylene films was compared to the bulk orientation determined by a similar transmission infrared dichroism method. It was found that surface and bulk orientation were generally similar. It was shown that rather small orientations could be measured by the surface orientation method and that it was applicable to multilayer films and very thick samples, where the transmission method fails.     

The structure and charge-storage capacitance of carbonized films based on silicon-polymer nanocomposites

New film materials for electrodes of lithium batteries were synthesized and studied. Thin-film silicon-polymer composites were prepared by vacuum cocondensation of silicon and the monomer onto a substrate cooled with liquid nitrogen; the polymerization and formation of the nanostructured composite were performed at room temperature. The films were carbonized by vacuum annealing. The film composition and microstructure were studied by AFM, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray spectral microanalysis. It was shown that the polymer matrix became almost fully carbonized because of pyrolysis. The silicon concentration in the films varied from 2 to 5 at %. The concentration of silicon nanoparticles on carbonized film surfaces was ∼10⁶ cm⁻². Electrochemical experiments with lithium insertion into the composite films were performed in standard three-electrode cells under galvanostatic conditions. The specific capacitance of the films was measured. It was shown that the samples were capable of long-term cycling; the capacitance decreased by only 6% during the first 200 cycles; after 250 cycles, the capacitance still exceeded 80% of its initial value. The mechanism of lithium insertion into the films was discussed. It was concluded that long-term stability during cycling was caused by the presence of silicon both as nanoparticles and in the atomically dispersed form.     

Surface plasmon resonance on the LB monolayer of solvent-soluble silicon phthalocyanine

Thin films of bis-(p-chlorophenoxy) (tetra-4-nitrophthalocyaninato)silicon, TNPcSi(OPhCl-p)₂, were prepared by using Langmir-Blodgett techniques and the morphology of the film was investigated by AFM (atomic force microscope) analysis. It has been found that the LB films were successfully transferred onto substrates like mica, gold deposited glass, and pure glass with domains aggregated on the substrates. Surface plasmon resonance has been used to investigate the interaction between sulfur dioxide and a monolayer of TNPcSi(OPhCl-p)₂ LB film. It has been found that the monolayer of LB film transferred onto gold deposited glass gave a 0.55° shift of resonant angle and an additional 0.45° shift of resonant angle after exposion in sulfur dioxide\atomospheric ambient for twenty minute. The UV–visible absorption spectrum of the LB films of TNPcSi(OPhCl-p)₂ showed that there is chemical changes in the film after the exposure to the sulfur dioxide ambient. This work has shown a promising application as an optical gas sensor.     

A methodology for investigating new nonprecious metal catalysts for PEM fuel cells

This paper reports an approach to investigate metal-chalcogen materials as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The methodology is illustrated with reference to Co-Se thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering onto a glassy-carbon substrate. Scanning Auger microscopy (SAM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used, in parallel with electrochemical activity and stability measurements, to assess how the electrochemical performance relates to chemical composition. It is shown that Co-Se thin films with varying Se are active for oxygen reduction, although the open circuit potential (OCP) is lower than for Pt. A kinetically controlled process is observed in the potential range 0.5-0.7 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) for the thin-film catalysts studied. An initial exposure of the thin-film samples to an acid environment served as a pretreatment, which modified surface composition prior to activity measurements with the rotating disk electrode (RDE) method. Based on the SAM characterization before and after electrochemical tests, all surfaces demonstrating activity are dominated by chalcogen. XRD shows that the thin films have nanocrystalline character that is based on a Co(1-x)Se phase. Parallel studies on Co-Se powder supported on XC72R carbon show comparable OCP, Tafel region, and structural phase as for the thin-film model catalysts. A comparison for ORR activity has also been made between this Co-Se powder and a commercial Pt catalyst.