THE COMPARISON OF LANZHOU LOESS PROFILE WITH VOSTOK ICE CORE IN ANTARCTICA OVER THE LAST GLACIATION CYCLE

Loess near Lanzhou in the late Pleistocene is very sensitive to climatic fluctuations. The Beiyuan terrace profile in Linxia City, of which the curve of susceptibility tallies with the trend of isotopic curves of Vostok 2083 m ice core in Antarctica, is 35m thick. There are five layers of paleosols under Malan loess(L_1). Upper three layers (S_(1-a),S(1-b)and S_(1-c) correspond to three warm stages in last interglaciation, Interstadial of Last Glacial (C stage in Antarctic ice core)was clearly recorded in the Beiyuan profile, in which three layers of paleosols and two of loess were formed. The lowest section of the profile belongs to penultimate glaciation, in which fossils of cold-drought-resistant mammal and mollusc have been discovered.     

Single-particle characterization of soil samples collected at various arid areas of China,using low-Z particle electron probe X-ray microanalysis☆

Individual soil particles collected at arid areas of China are analyzed using a single particle analytical technique, named low-Z particle electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA). The major chemical species encountered in soil samples are SiO₂, aluminosilicates, CaCO₃, Fe-containing particles, and carbonaceous particles. Aluminosilicate particles are the most abundant in soil samples, followed by SiO₂ particles. For soil samples collected at Loess plateau nearby the Yellow river, aluminosilicate and CaCO₃ species are more abundantly observed than for soil samples collected at the Tengger and the Hungshandake deserts. Whereas, sand desert soils have higher content of SiO₂ than loess soils.In this work, using the low-Z particle EPMA, it is clearly demonstrated that the relative abundances of each chemical species significantly vary among soil samples. The frequencies to encounter aluminosilicates and the contents of minor elements in aluminosilicate-containing particles are different between soil samples. Also, the contents of calcite, dolomite, and Fe-containing particles vary from sample to sample. This kind of detailed information on chemical composition of source soils could be useful for the identification of the source region of mineral particles in aerosol samples and in the research of chemical modification of Asian Dust particles during long-range transport.     

Synthesis of oligosiloxane Q2M6 [Q = (SiO4/2)4, M = Me3SiO2/3] from trimethylsilylation of complex silicates

Because natural silicates are potential sources of oligosiloxanes of the type QxMy, a collection of natural silicates of similar structure was used to obtain mainly Q₂M₆ oligosiloxanes by trimethylsilylation. The tailings from silver and gold flotation beneficiation provide an important silicate source. The main silicate phase reactive to trimethylsilylation was found to be anorthite. Other minerals containing silicates with a structure similar to anorthite (labradorite and augite) were also used as a Q₂M₆ source. This paper presents a full characterization of Q₂M₆ as well as information related to the residual solids from the TMS reactions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The determination of tellurium in weathered outcrop,mineralized and barren rock

Sensitive and specific methods have been developed for the determination of tellurium in a wide variety of rocks and minerals. X-ray fluorescence is used for concentrations above 1 μg g^-1 and carbon furnace atomization a.a.s. for concentrations of 0.01–1μg g^-1. The tellurium is separated by precipitation as elemental tellurium after dissolution in acid; alternative dissolution procedures have been investigated.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of BaAgTbS3, BaCuGdTe3, BaCuTbTe3, BaAgTbTe3, and CsAgUTe3

Five new quaternary chalcogenides of the 1113 family, namely BaAgTbS₃, BaCuGdTe₃, BaCuTbTe₃, BaAgTbTe₃, and CsAgUTe₃, were synthesized by the reactions of the elements at 1173–1273 K. For CsAgUTe₃ CsCl flux was used. Their crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The sulfide BaAgTbS₃ crystallizes in the BaAgErS₃ structure type in the monoclinic space group C³,_2h‐C2/m, whereas the tellurides BaCuGdTe₃, BaCuTbTe₃, BaAgTbTe₃, and CsAgUTe₃ crystallize in the KCuZrS₃ structure type in the orthorhombic space group D¹_,2⁷_,h‐Cmcm. The BaAgTbS₃ structure consists of edge‐sharing [TbS₆^9–] octahedra and [AgS₅^9–] trigonal pyramids. The connectivity of these polyhedra creates channels that are occupied by Ba atoms. The telluride structure features ²_∞[MLnTe₃^2–] layers for BaCuGdTe₃, BaCuTbTe₃, BaAgTbTe₃, and ²_∞[AgUTe₃^1–] layers for CsAgUTe₃. These layers comprise [MTe₄] tetrahedra and [LnTe₆] or [UTe₆] octahedra. Ba or Cs atoms separate these layers. As there are no short Q ··· Q (Q = S or Te) interactions these compounds achieve charge balance as Ba²⁺M⁺Ln³⁺(Q^2–)₃ (Q = S and Te) and Cs⁺Ag⁺U⁴⁺(Te^2–)₃.     

Depth profiling of Co/Ti – silicide films using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry combined with low energy ion beam etching (IBE) for sample preparation

Solid state phase epitaxy (SSPE) by rapid thermal processing (RTP) of Co/Ti double layers deposited on (100)-Si substrates is a common technique for the production of buried CoSi₂-silicide conducting layers for microelectronics technology. The understanding of the processes during the SSPE silicide formation on the atomic scale needs the study of the elemental depth distributions with nanometer scale depth resolution of all multi-layer elemental constituents at different RTP conditions. A new experimental technique, the laterally resolved TXRF analysis line scan method across the bevelled section of the sample prepared by ex-situ ion beam sputter etching, was used to obtain the multi-element depth profiles. First results on the as evaporated Co/Ti (30 nm thick) double layer system prior to the RTP and on the final CoSi₂/Ti_xCo_ySi_z-system (160 nm thickness) after the RTP were obtained.     

Syntheses, structure, and magnetic properties of several LnYbQ3 chalcogenides, Q=S, Se

The six LnYbQ₃ compounds β-LaYbS₃, LaYbSe₃, CeYbSe₃, PrYbSe₃, NdYbSe₃, and SmYbSe₃ have been synthesized from high-temperature solid-state reactions of the constituent elements at 1223 K. The compounds are isostructural to UFeS₃ and crystallize in the space group Cmcm of the orthorhombic system with four formula units in a cell. Cell constants (Å) at 153 K are: β-LaYbS₃, 3.9238(8), 12.632(3), 9.514(2); LaYbSe₃, 4.0616(8), 13.094(3), 9.932(2); CeYbSe₃, 4.0234(5), 13.065(2), 9.885(1); PrYbSe₃, 4.0152(5), 13.053(2), 9.868(1); NdYbSe₃, 4.0015(6), 13.047(2), 9.859(1); SmYbSe₃, 3.9780(9), 13.040(3), 9.860(2). The structure is composed of layers of YbQ₆ (Q=S or Se) octahedra that alternate with layers of LnQ₈ bicapped trigonal prisms along the b-axis. Because there are no Q-Q bonds in the structure the formal oxidation states of Ln/Yb/Q are 3+/3+/2−. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that CeYbSe₃ and SmYbSe₃ are Curie-Weiss paramagnets over the temperature range 5-300 K.     

Comparative analysis of the composition, structure, and catalytic activity of the NiO-CuO-TiO2 on Titanium and NiO-CuO-Al2O3 on aluminum composites

The catalytically active oxide structures based on Al and Ti prepared by plasma-electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and additionally modified by impregnation with an aqueous solution of nickel and copper nitrates followed by annealing were studied. The oxide film-metal composites were studied using X-ray diffraction and X-ray spectroscopic analysis, X-ray electron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The catalytic activity of the composites in the reaction of CO oxidation was studied. In spite of differences in the elemental composition and morphology, the initial oxide layers on Al and Ti were comparable in terms of activity. Microgranules of size ～ 1 µm and formations from tens to hundreds of nanometers in size were detected on the surface of PEO layers. The modified layers contained crystalline CuO, NiO, and Al₂O₃ or TiO₂ phases. The surface layers of the modified structures about 3 nm in thickness on AMg5 aluminum alloy and VT1-0 titanium had the same elemental composition but exhibited different activity in the reaction of CO oxidation to CO₂.     

RbAuUSe3, CsAuUSe3, RbAuUTe3, and CsAuUTe3: Syntheses and structure; magnetic properties of RbAuUSe3

The compounds RbAuUSe₃, CsAuUSe₃, and RbAuUTe₃ were synthesized at 1073 K from the reactions of U, Au, Q, and A₂Q₃ (A=Rb or Cs; Q=Se or Te). The compound CsAuUTe₃ was synthesized at 1173 K from the reaction of U, Au, Te, and CsCl as a flux. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the KCuZrS₃ structure type in space group Cmcm of the orthorhombic system. The structure consists of layers that contain nearly regular UQ₆ octahedra and distorted AuQ₄ tetrahedra. The infinite layers are separated by bicapped trigonal prismatic A cations. The magnetic behavior of RbAuUSe₃ deviates significantly from Curie–Weiss behavior at low temperatures. For T>200 K, the values of the Curie constant C and the Weiss constant θ_p are 1.82(9) emu K mol⁻¹ and −3.5(2)×10² K, respectively. The effective magnetic moment μ_eff is 3.81(9) μ_B. Formal oxidation states of A/Au/U/Q may be assigned as +1/+1/+4/−2, respectively.     

A novel family of layered bismuth compounds II: the crystal structures of Pb0.6Bi1.4Rb0.6O2Z2, Z=Cl, Br, and I

Using various synthetic approaches, we have prepared over 50 new multinary bismuth oxyhalides which crystallize in four layered structure types. Most of the compounds belong to the three previously reported structure types involving fluorite- and CsCl-like metal-oxygen vs. metal-halogen layers as well as single or double halide ion sheets. The majority of Bi_2−xA_xQ_0.6O₂Z₂ (A=Li, Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb; Q=Rb, Cs; Z=Cl, Br, I) compounds crystallize in the tetragonal structure of Pb_0.6Bi_1.4Cs_0.6O₂Cl₂ (Y2) while both Bi_1.4Ba_0.6Q_0.6O₂I₂ (Q=Rb, Cs) oxyiodides adopt its orthorhombically distorted, partially ordered version. Due to the lower degree of substitution, the fluorite-like layers in the Y2 structure accommodate more A cations than previously known for related Bi compounds. However, very large Tl⁺ or Rb⁺ give compounds with another, as yet unknown, structure. We discuss the influence of size and charge of A cations and stoichiometry of [Bi_2−xA_xO₂] fluorite layers on structure and stability of layered oxyhalides of bismuth. Also, we predict formation of isostructural compounds with smaller Q cations like Tl⁺ and K⁺.     

Synthesis,structure and luminescence properties of new chalcogenide octahedral rhenium cluster complexes with 4-aminopyridine [{Re6Q8}(4-NH2-py)6]2+

Two new cationic octahedral rhenium cluster complexes [{Re₆Q₈}(4-NH₂-py)₆]²⁺ (Q=S, Se; 4-NH₂-py = 4-aminopyridine) were synthesized by reactions of cesium salts of cluster anions [{Re₆Q₈}Br₆]^4?/3? with molten 4-aminopyridine. Both complexes were separated as salts with Br^? as counterions and the structure of [{Re₆S₈}(4-NH₂-py)₆]Br₂·6DMF was revealed by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, energy dispersive X-ray, IR, NMR, and luminescence spectroscopies.     

Optimized switch-over between CHNS abundance and CNS isotope ratio analyses by elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometry: Application to six geological reference materials

Rationale

Elemental abundances and isotopic ratios of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and hydrogen have become important tools for reconstructing the evolution of Earth and life over geologic timescales, requiring accurate and precise analytical methods with high sample throughput. However, these measurements may require separate instruments for each task, such as an elemental analyzer (EA) with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) for elemental abundances and an EA interfaced with a mass spectrometer for isotopic ratios.

Methods

To improve sample throughput and laboratory up-time, we developed a switch that allows converting an EA IsoLink™ system from a standalone mode using only a TCD to a mode for isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) within minutes. This permits accurate measurements of elemental abundances and isotopic ratios with high throughput and lower cost. We validated this method with six shale standards from the US Geological Survey (USGS) and compared our abundance data with those from another laboratory.

Results

Our results show that (a) abundance data agree well between the different laboratories and setups; (b) reproducible isotopic data can be obtained before and after the switch-over from EA standalone mode; and (c) the USGS rock standards cover a wide range in CHNS abundances and CNS isotopes, making them ideal reference materials for future geochemical studies.

Conclusions

This ideal analytical setup has the advantage that abundance measurements can be performed to determine optimal sample amounts for later isotopic analyses, ensuring higher data quality. Our setup eliminates the need for a separate EA while freeing up the mass spectrometer for other tasks during abundance measurements.

     

Analysis of major and trace elements by INAA to predict the thousands year old sediment deposition environment in the Meghna river delta

Major, trace and rare earth elements have been measured in sediments of different layers to determine the controls of constituent minerals on the distribution of elements and sediment deposition environment in the Meghna river delta. The geochemical composition of sediments was enriched in SiO₂, Ca, Mg and Ba and depleted in Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, and Sr relative to PAAS (Post-Archaen Average Shale) value. The X-ray diffraction and elemental analyses demonstrate the dominant presence of quartz, micas, feldspar, chlorite, amphibole and clay minerals in sediments. The very low contents of trace elements suggest that the oxic condition was more prevalent during sediment deposition of Pleistocene-Holocene period and reflect the massive chemical weathering by biogeochemical reactions. The enrichment of light rare earth elements and La/Yb ratio reflect the intense silicate weathering of crustal materials and the high sediment depositional rate in the Meghna river delta.     

Hochauflösende Festkörper-NMR-Untersuchungen an Kieselsäuren. III Hochauflösende 29 Si-Festkörper-NMR-Untersuchungen an synthetischen siliciumreichen Kieselsäurehydraten

Solid-State High-Resolution N.M.R. Studies of Silicic Acids. III. Solid-State High-Resolution ²⁹Si-N.M.R. Studies of Synthetic Highly Siliceous Silicic Acid Hydrates Solid-state high-resolution ²⁹Si-N.M.R. experiments were used to study the structure of the silicate layers in three synthetic highly siliceous silicic acid hydrates obtained by cation exchange reactions from the synthetic sodium silicate hydrates ilerite, magadiite and kenyaite. For each of the studied samples two well-separated N.M.R. signals have been recorded which could be assigned to Q³ - (O?Si(OSi?)₃–) and Q⁴-(?Si(OSi?)₄–) units of the silicate layers of the corresponding silicic acid hydrate. On the basis of these results the same model was used to describe the structure of the silicate layers in the studied compounds which has been already used for the interpretation of the N.M.R. results in case of the synthetic sodium silicate hydrates. Compared with the sodium silicate hydrates in the studied silicic acid hydrates a somewhat large Q⁴/Q³-ratio and a high-field shifted Q³signal have been detected. These observations were attributed to structural changes which appeared as a result of the cation exchange reactions.     

Yttrium tris-propionate monohydrate: Synthesis,crystal structure,and thermal stability

The complex [Y(Prop)₃(H₂O)]_∞ (I) was prepared by treating yttrium carbonate, acetate, or acetylacetonate hydrates with propionic acid and characterized by the data of elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis in air. Complex I has a polymeric layered structure with clear-cut structure-forming dimeric groups bridged by bidentate ligands. Only van der Waals interactions occur between the adjacent polymeric layers. In air, yttrium propionate monohydrate I is completely converted to the oxide at 600°C.     

Diagrams of the formation of In2S3 and In2Se3 films on vitroceramic upon precipitation, according to potentiometric titration

Boundary conditions and ranges of the formation of indium(III) sulfide and selenide upon precipitation by thiocarbamide and selenocarbamide are determined. Potentiometric titration of indium chloride (InCl₃) in the concentration range of 0.0001 to 0.100 mol/L by a solution of sodium hydroxide is performed. It is found that the following pH ranges are optimal for In₂S₃ and In₂Se₃ film precipitation: from 3.0 to 4.5 and from 9.0 to 14.0. Indium selenide layers 100 to 300 nm thick are prepared on vitroceramic by hydrochemcial precipitation.     

Trends in the structure and bonding in the layered platinum dioxide and dichalcogenides PtQ2 (Q=O, S, Se, Te)

The structure and bonding of the layered platinum dioxide and dichalcogenides PtQ₂ (Q=O, S, Se, Te) were analyzed on the basis of electronic band structure calculations using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. We examined why the c/a ratio in PtQ₂ is considerably small compared with the value expected from the consideration of closely packed Q atoms (i.e., ∼1.40 vs. 1.67), and identified the electronic factor that causes the semiconducting properties in PtO₂ and PtS₂, the semimetallic property in PtSe₂, and the metallic property in PtTe₂. To a first approximation, the oxidation states of oxygen and platinum in PtO₂ can be regarded as -2 and +4, respectively, but this picture is not applicable to PtTe₂. As the ligand Q is changed from O to S to Se to Te, the energy gap between the Pt 5d and the ligand p levels gradually decreases, so that the ionic character of the Pt-Q bonding in PtQ₂ is gradually diminished.     

Ba2In2Q5 (Q = S,Se): Synthesis,Crystal Structures,Electronic Structures,and Optical Properties

Two ternary metal chalcogenides, Ba₂In₂Q₅ (Q = S, Se) were successfully synthesized by solid‐state reactions. They are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (no. 61). Both of them have a similar three‐dimensional (3D) framework structure, which is composed of [InQ₄] (Q = S, Se) tetrahedra that are alternatingly connected on layer in the ab plane, with Ba²⁺ cations arranged between In–S or In–Se layers for electric charge balance. The measured Raman and IR spectra show that title compounds have broad transparency range up to 20 μm. From the UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectra, it can be seen that the bandgaps of Ba₂In₂S₅ and Ba₂In₂S₅ are 2.47 eV and 2.12 eV, which are larger than these of the calculation values (Ba₂In₂S₅, 2.362 eV and Ba₂In₂Se₅, 1.908 eV), respectively. The calculated partial densities of states indicate that the bandgaps are determined by the interaction of S‐3p and In‐5s (Ba₂In₂S₅) or Se‐4p and In‐5s (Ba₂In₂Se₅), respectively. The calculated birefringences (Δn) are about 0.03 (Ba₂In₂S₅) and 0.05 (Ba₂In₂Se₅) as the wavelength above 1 μm, respectively.     

Untersuchungen von nach verschiedenen Verfahren hergestellten Zinnjodiden mit Hilfe des Mössbauer-Effektes

The MÖSSBAUER spectra of various samples of differently prepared Sn^II and Sn^IV iodides have been investigated. — An SnI₂ sample, prepared by dissolving elemental tin in hydroiodic acid, was shown to be strongly contamined with SnI₄; by recrystallisation from ethanol no purification was achieved. However, SnI₂ samples being free from SnI₄ were obtained by precipitation from SnCl₂ solutions by means of HI, KI or NaI. The isomeric shift value of SnI₂ is 3.8 mm/sec. — SnI₄ may be easily prepared from metallic tin and elemental iodine in CHCl₃ or py precipitation from an SnCl₄ solution by means of HI or KI.