Helium cluster ions RgHe x + (Rg=Ne,Ar and Kr,x≦14) formed in a drift tube cooled by liquid helium

Rare gas ions Ne⁺, Ar⁺ and Kr⁺ are injected into a drift tube which is filled with helium gas and cooled by liquid helium. Helium cluster ions RgHe _x ⁺ (Rg=Ne, Ar and Kr,x≦14) are observed as products. Information regarding the stability of RgHe _x ⁺ is obtained from drift field dependence of the size distribution of the clusters, and magic numbers are determined. The magic numbers arex=11 and 13 for NeHe _x ⁺ andx=12 for ArHe _x ⁺ and KrHe _x ⁺ . NeHe _x ⁺ , Ar⁺ and Kr⁺ are proposed as the core ions for NeHe ₁₃ ⁺ , ArHe ₁₂ ⁺ and KrHe ₁₂ ⁺ , respectively.     

Formation of (C x H2x+1)4NBr·nH2O (x = 1–3) hydrate

The phase diagram of the binary system tetramethylammonium bromide-water was studied by the differential thermal analysis. In the stable region two phases, ice and the salt itself, were detected, and in the metastable region, three tetramethylammonium bromide hydrates (bromide-water, 1 : 4, mp 68.8°C, 1 : 5, mp 36.0°C, 1 : 7.5, mp ?19.5°C) were found. Formation of (C _x H_2x+1)₄NBr·nH₂O (x = 1–3, n = 4, 5, 7.5) hydrates was revealed.     

State-selected ion-molecule reactions: H+2(ν) + He → HeH+ + H and He + H+ + H

Total cross sections for production of HeH⁺ and H⁺ in the reaction of state-selected H⁺₂ (v = 0 to 6) with He at 3.1 eV c.m. collision energy are measured by means of the threshold-photoelectron/photoion coincidence method, using pulsed synchrotron radiation. Both reaction cross sections are observed to rise with vibrational energy. The H⁺/HeH⁺ branching ratio, which is determined directly, remains approximately constant at about 0.3 for v ⩽ 3 and rises gradually for higher levels to reach the value 1.3 for v = 6. For v ⩽ 3 both reactions involve hard-type collisions and result in large-angle scattering. In contrast, at higher v levels, the HeH⁺ becomes essentially forward scattered with respect to the incident He direction, but with a velocity greater than that expected from the spectator stripping model. The H⁺ products are backward scattered with respect to the incident H⁺₂ for v ⩽ 1 and receed faster from the He atom than the H products. This observation directly leads to the conclusion that collision-induced dissociation from v = 0 and 1 involves transitions to the first excited potential-energy surface.     

Optical response of bimetallic Li x Na8−x (0≦x≦8) and of doped Na8Zn clusters

Total (elastic + inelastic) cross-sections for electron scattering from C, N, O atoms and their simple molecules are studied theoretically. Thee ^–-C, N, O atomic calculations are done in the complex optical potential approach. To study the electron scattering from O₂, N₂, CO, NO, CN, C₂ as well as CO₂, N₂O, NO₂ O₃ targets, we have adopted an additivity rule, wherein the molecular cross-section is an incoherent sum of the cross-sections of the constituent atoms. The cross-sections of C, N & O atoms are presented at incident energiesE _i =10–1000 eV, the molecular cross-sections are presented atE _i =100–1000 eV. The reliability of the additivity rule is discussed against the background of experimental data.     

Behavior of Mn3+ ions in four-layered hexagonal (Sr1−x−yLaxBay)MnO3

Stoichiometric four-layered hexagonal (4H) (Sr_1?x?yBa_xLa_y)MnO₃ was synthesized using a standard ceramic technique. Rietveld analysis at room temperature indicated that the Mn–O(1) distance increased and the Mn–O(2) distance decreased with the increase in x. The samples were n-type semiconductors and exhibited hopping conductivity in a small-polaron model below 533 K. The Mn³⁺ ion acted as a donor and the electron transfer became active through the Mn³⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺ path. The samples were antiferromagnetic and the Néel temperature (T_N) was constant regardless of y when x was fixed to 0.3, whereas T_N shifted to a high temperature when y was fixed to 0.02. The face-sharing Mn³⁺–O(2)–Mn⁴⁺ interaction strengthened as the Mn–O(2) distance decreased, and T_N shifted to a high temperature as a result.     

Injection of atoms and molecules in a superfluid helium fountain: Cu and Cu2He(n) (n = 1, ..., ∞)

We introduce an experimental platform designed around a thermomechanical helium fountain, which is aimed at investigating spectroscopy and dynamics of atoms and molecules in the superfluid and at its vapor interface. Laser ablation of copper, efficient cooling and transport of Cu and Cu(2) through helium vapor (1.5 K < T < 20 K), formation of linear and T-shaped Cu(2)-He complexes, and their continuous evolution into large Cu(2)-He(n) clusters and droplets are among the processes that are illustrated. Reflection is the dominant quantum scattering channel of translationally cold copper atoms (T = 1.7 K) at the fountain interface. Cu(2) dimers mainly travel through the fountain unimpeded. However, the conditions of fountain flow and transport of molecules can be controlled to demonstrate injection and, in particular, injection into a nondivergent columnar fountain with a plug velocity of about 1 m/s. The experimental observables are interpreted with the aid of bosonic density functional theory calculations and ab initio interaction potentials.     

Enhancement of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and Magneto-resistance (MR) in La1–x Ca x MnO3:Ag0.2 polycrystalline composites

La_1?x Ca _x MnO₃ (x ranges from 0.28 to 0.34) ceramics with Ag addition were synthesized by sol–gel method using methanol as solvent. The EDS elemental mapping shows that Ag element was detected dominantly on the sample surface. The sample of x?=?0.28 has almost no pore and bigger grain size, which indicated that it has better crystallization and high density. Temperature dependence of resistivity shows that the samples for all Ca content exhibit sharp metal–insulator transition, and the corresponding metal–insulator temperature shift toward higher temperature with increasing Ca content. The temperature coefficient of resistance value for x?=?0.28 reaches its the highest value, 71.8%·K^?1. This temperature coefficient of resistance value is even higher than the previously reported for LCMO films and single crystals, and it shows a very promising application for the infrared and bolometric detectors. The high magnetoresitance for x?=?0.28 reaches up to 69.3% in magnetic field of 1?T near room temperature. It was concluded that it improved the properties of LCMO:Ag composites are attributed to its improved crystallization by Ag addition, homogeneity and Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ ratio. Different theoretical models are employed to analyze the resistance behaviors in different temperature regions, which give good agreements with experimental results.

     

Disruptive influence of the host cage C60 on the guest He–H+ bond and bonding in H3+

Although a helium atom prefers to stay at the centre of a fullerene (C₆₀) cage and a proton binds with one of the carbon atoms from inside, DFT(MN15)/cc-pVTZ and DLPNO-MP2/def2-TZVP calculations show that the helium atom and the proton in HeH⁺ prefer to stay away from the centre of the cage, weakening the He–H⁺ covalent bond considerably. Both the helium atom and the proton exhibit noncovalent interactions with the carbon atoms of two pentagons at the opposite ends of the fullerene cage. Our calculations also show that a linear arrangement of H₃⁺ (inside C₆₀), pointing towards the centres of two pentagons opposite to each other, with the proton breaking away from H_2, is energetically more favored over the equilateral triangle geometry of free H₃⁺.     

Structural and dynamical studies of δ-Bi2O3 oxide ion conductors: I. The structure of (Bi2O3)1−x(Y2O3)x as a function of x and temperature

We report the results of both Bragg and diffuse neutron scattering studies of the superionic solid solution, (Bi₂O₃)_1−x(Y₂O₃)_x. The Bragg data for polycrystalline samples show that the strutural features observed previously in (Bi₂O₃)_0.73(Y₂O₃)_0.27 are present across the entire range of the solid solution, 0.25 < x < 0.42. The number of 〈111〉-displaced anions in the defect fluorite structure decreases with increasing Y³⁺ content whereas the extent of short-range ordering on the anion sublattice increases. Both of these observations are consistent with the decrease in oxide ion conductivity which occurs as x increases. The basic crystal structure does not change between room temperature and 1023 K, although the unit cell volume increases by 3.78% for x = 0.27, and the number of 〈111〉-displaced anions increases, again consistent with the enhanced conductivity observed at high temperatures. It is suggested that Y³⁺ stabilizes the fluorite structure by ordering the vacancies on the oxygen sublattice in chains along the 〈111〉 and 〈110〉 directions.     

Laser-induced fluorescence detection of N+2(X 2Σ+g) resulting from the He(23S) + N2 and He+, He+2 + N2 reactions in a flowing afterglow

The formation processes of N⁺₂ (X ²Σ⁺_g) resulting from the He(2 ³S) + N₂ Penning ionization and the thermal energy He⁺, He⁺₂ + N₂ charge transfer reaction are studied by observing the N⁺₂ (B ²Σ⁺_u ← X ²Σ⁺_g) laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in a flowing afterglow. In both reactions, the vibrational population) decrease monotonically with increasing vibrational quantum number from υ″ = 0 to 3, and a population inversion with a peak at υ″ = 4 is seen. In the He(2 ³S) + N₂ Penning ionization, the vibrational populations of N⁺₂ (X, υ″ = 0–2) are explained by a direct channel and the B —X radiative cascade, while those of N⁺₂ (X, υ″ = 4–6) are ascribed to the collision-induced electronic energy transfer between the A ²Π_u and X ²Σ⁺_g states. In the He⁺, He⁺₂ + N₂ reaction, the N⁺₂ (X, υ″ = 0–3) is interpreted as the B−X radiative cascade and the collisional quenching of the unidentified states produced from the He⁺ + N₂ reaction, while the collision-induced electronic energy transfer from the N⁺₂ (A) state produced through the He⁺₂ + N₂ reaction is probably important for the formation of N⁺₂ (X, υ″ = 4–6).     

Geometrical structures and possible dissociation channels of MnP n + (n = 2–8) binary cluster ions

An all-electron (AE) calculation on the geometrical structures and possible dissociation channels of MnP _n ⁺ (n = 2–8) cluster ions has been performed by using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) at PW91 level. The lowest energy structures of MnP _n ⁺ (n = 2–8) cluster ions may be regarded as the outcome of bonding between Mn atom and one or two units of P₂, P₃, and P₄. The most possible dissociation channels of MnP _n ⁺ (n = 2–8) cluster ions are the detachment of P₂, P₃, or P₄ unit. These conclusions are basically consistent well with previous works in which the P₂ and P₄ structures are regarded as two relatively stable units and easy to be stripped.     

Production of doubly charged clusters (H2O)n · Ba2+ and (H2O)n · Ca2+ under low temperature fast atom bombardment conditions

Production of doubly charged ions of alkaline earth metals Ba²⁺ and Ca²⁺ and their doubly charged clusters with water molecules (H₂O)_n · Ba²⁺, (H₂O)_n · Ca²⁺ (n = 1, 2, 3) by means of low temperature fast atom bombardment technique is observed in the case of crystalline hydrates of BaCl₂ and CaCl₂ salts, formed during freezing of water-salt solutions. Reasons for a possibility of production of the doubly charged species in the case of the two indicated salts and their absence in the case of chlorides of some other divalent metals (Mg, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) are discussed. As to singly charged secondary ions Me⁺, MeCl⁺, MeOH⁺, [(H₂O)_n · MeCl]⁺, [(H₂O)_n · MeOH]⁺ (where Me is metal), high efficiency of their production from crystalline hydrates was observed and possible explanation of the phenomenon is suggested.     

Synthesis and characterization of a NASICON phase of variable composition Na1 − x Ni1 − x Sc1 + x (MoO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5)

Subsolidus phase ratios in the Na₂MoO₄-NiMoO₄-Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ system have been studied using X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and vibrational spectroscopy. A phase of variable composition Na_{1 ? x} Ni_{1 ? x} Sc_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) having NASICON structure (space group \(R\bar 3c\) ) and a triple molybdate crystallizing in triclinic system (space group \(P\bar 1\) ) have been obtained. The high conductivity of Na_{1 ? x} Ni_{1 ? x} Sc_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ allows the phase of variable composition to be regarded as a promising sodiumion-conductive solid electrolyte.     

High resolution spectroscopy of the 13Σ g + (b) ← 13Σ u + (x) transition of Na2

Rotational-vibrational transitions of the triplet system 1³Σ _g ⁺ ← 1³Σ _u ⁺ of the Na₂ molecule have been investigated around $\bar v = 13970 cm^{ - 1} $ by Doppler-free polarization spectroscopy in a heat pipe and by resonant two-step photoionization in a collimated cold argon beam, seeded with sodium vapor. The fine- and hyperfine structure of the transitions is partly resolved. The analysis of the measured spectra and a theoretical discussion of the expected multiplet structure yields the rotational constantsB′ _v (v′=17)=0.0866(4) cm^?1 for the upper andB″ _v (v″=0)=0.0533(4) cm^?1 for the lower state. The difference Δb=b(³Σ _u )?b(³Σ _g ) of the hyperfine coupling constantsb turns out to be Δb=80 MHz.     

Synthesis and phase formation in M 0.5(1+x) 2+ FexTi2−x (PO4)3 phosphate series

New complex phosphates of titanium, iron, and alkaline-earth metals have been synthesized. X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and IR spectroscopy are used to study phase formation in the series of M_0.5(1+x)Fe_xTi_2?x (PO₄)₃ (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphates. Individual compounds and solid solutions are found to crystallize in the NaZr₂(PO₄)₃ and K₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃ structure types. Their crystal parameters are calculated. CaFeTi(PO₄)₃ is studied using Mössbauer spectroscopy. Its structure is refined by the Rietveld method: space group $R\bar 3$ c, Z = 6, a = 8.5172(1), Å, c = 21.7739(4) Å, V = 1367.91(4) ų.     

~1H and ~(13)C NMR studies of TTHA complexes with diamagnetic rare earth ions

TTHA complexes with diamagnetic rare earth ions (La3+, Y3+ and Lu3+) were studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. A symmetric structural model was suggested for La(TTHA) complex and an asymmetric model for Y(TTHA) and Lu(TTHA) complexes. The complex formation was dependent on the pH value of the solution. The interactions of La(TTHA) with the additional metal ions (La3+, Y3+ and Ca2+) were relatively weak, but relatively strong for that of Lu(TTHA) with the additional Lu3+.     

The reactions of a series of terpenoids with H(3) O(+) , NO(+) and O 2+ studied using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry

The reactions of H₃O⁺, NO⁺ and O with twelve terpenoids and one terpene, all of which occur naturally in plants and which possess important smell and flavourant properties, were characterized using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT‐MS). The H₃O⁺ reactions resulted primarily in the formation of the proton transfer product and occasionally in a water elimination product. The NO⁺ reactions instead generated the charge transfer product or NO⁺ adducts, and occasionally alkyl fragments, or resulted in hydride abstraction. Reaction with O caused a higher fragmentation of the terpenoids with the molecular ion being the minor product of most reactions. Identification and quantification of each compound in complex mixtures are probably possible in most cases using the H₃O⁺ and/or NO⁺ precursors while O may be useful for isomer discrimination. Our data suggests that SIFT‐MS may be a useful tool for the rapid analysis of these compounds in plants and derived foodstuffs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ionic Lewis superacids in the gas phase. Part 5. Competing ligand displacements in the adducts between SiF3−x(OH)+x (x = 0–3) ions and H218O1

The actual nature of the ionic intermediates involved in the gas-phase reaction of SiF⁺₃ with water has been ascertained using a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) instrument equipped with an external ion source. The complete kinetic pattern following attack of SiF_3−x(OH)⁺_x (x = 0–3) on H₂¹⁸O has been investigated, revealing the occurrence of competing H₂¹⁸O-to-HF and H₂¹⁸O-to-H₂¹⁶O displacement processes, whenx = 1 or 2. The factors governing the relative extent of such competing reactions and the overall reactivity of SiF_3−x(OH)⁺_x (x = 0–3) toward H₂¹⁸O are discussed. Occurrence of a relatively fast displacement in the tetracoordinated adducts of SiF_3−x(OH)⁺_x (x = 1–3) with H₂¹⁸O prevents their FT-ICR structural characterization.     

Forms of oxygen in La1 − x Ca x MnO3 + δ (x = 0–1) perovskites and their reactivities in oxidation reactions

The effects of substitution in the cationic sublattice and of the synthesis procedure on the reactivity of different forms of oxygen in La_{1 ? x} Ca _x MnO_{3 + δ} perovskites synthesized by mechanochemical and ceramic processing was studied by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) with hydrogen. As the calcium content of the perovskite is raised, the maxima of the TPR peaks shift to lower temperatures and the extent of reduction of the perovskite increase, implying an increase in the reactivity of the system. Conversely, raising the calcination temperature or extending the calcination time shifts the maxima of the peaks to higher temperatures and diminishes the extent of reduction of the sample. TPR data for the intermediate-composition samples can be explained in terms of the dependence of microstructure on the synthesis procedure (near-surface calcium segregation in the mechanochemically synthesized samples and the microheterogeneous structure of the ceramic samples). The reduction process Mn⁴⁺ → Mn²⁺ takes place in the low- and medium-temperature regions. According to the literature, the bulk reduction process Mn³⁺ → Mn²⁺ occurs at high temperatures. The activity of the system in CO oxidation is correlated with the amount of the most reactive surface oxygen, which is eliminated in hydrogen TPR runs below 250–300°C.