Optical relaxation in organic disordered systems submitted to photochemical and non-photochemical hole-burning

The temperature dependence of the homogeneous linewidth (Γ_hom) of S₁ ← S₀ 0-0 transitions of organic amorphous systems undergoing either photochemical or non-photochemical hole-burning from 4.2 down to 0.3 K is presented. In all cases Γ_hom follows a T^1.3 dependence, and extrapolates to or actually reaches the lifetime-limited value of the guest. An estimate of the relative guest-host coupling strengths is made.     

On the multiple peaks in charge-transfer probability versus laser frequency in the theory of laser assisted surface ion neutralization

Some aspects of the theory of LASIN (laser assisted surface ion neutralization) are discussed, with emphasis on the physical origins of the so-called double-peak structures found in some calculations of the charge-transfer (neutralization) probability, P, as a function of the laser frequency η. These two peaks have been called the first peak at η ≈ η_m = _O − _m (in a.u.), where _o(_m) is the electronic energy level of the ion/atom (middle of the solid's valence band) and the second peak, a much larger peak at η ≈ 1.3 η_m, respectively.

We show that these double-peak structures are all special cases of multiple-peak structures which result from quantum interference effects, and that, in fact, the second peak is to be regarded as the main resonance peak. This result is interesting in itself, because it is the first peak which has heretofore been considered the main resonance peak.

To simplify the discussion, a two-level model is adapted, which represents the solid valence band by a single level at _m. Clarification of the physical reason for the multiple peaks is based on the semiclassical theory of nonadiabatic transitions, in which the peaks are due to the phase difference between the two adiabatic paths that arise from the diagonalization of the two-level hamiltonian.

With the electronic hopping potential modelled by V(t) = V_osech(λt), and the laser potential by W(t) = W_osech(λt) cos(πt + δ), in the usual notation, an approximate analytical expression for P(η) is presented for the case W_o/V_o < 1, which covers most of the previous treatments, and is in good agreement with the exact results.     

Update of the anharmonic force field parameters of the ozone molecule

A new set of spectroscopic constants of the ¹⁶O₃ molecule (ω_i, x_ij, y_ijk, γ^DD, _i^X, β_ij^X,…), which determine vibrational dependence of band centres and rotational parameters, is derived from recent accurate analysis of high-resolution experimental ro-vibrational spectra through the theoretical approach based on second-order perturbation expansions in normal coordinates accounting for Darling–Dennison resonance interactions. These values are used to update empirical values of anharmonic coefficients (k_ijl, k_ijlm) of the potential function expansion in normal coordinates. Quadratic f_rr, f_r, f_rr′, f as well as cubic f_rst and quartic f_rstl force constants in internal (bond lengths, bond angle) coordinates are also derived. A detailed discussion is devoted to the accuracy of parameter determination for each of four steps of calculations. It is emphasised that the conventional method based on the inversion of formulae of the perturbation theory gives the largest uncertainties at the last step of calculations: the determination of the anharmonic force field in internal coordinates.     

Effect of molecular weight and its distribution on the spinodal for polydisperse polymer solutions

The Flory–Huggins interaction parameter χ(r_i) is considered as dependent on the chain length of a polymer. Therefore, a modified free energy expression of Flory–Huggins theory is obtained for the polydisperse polymer solutions. Based on this modified free energy expression and the thermodynamics of Gibbs, the expression of spinodal for polydisperse polymer solutions is obtained. For a given χ(r_i) according to de Gennes, the spinodals are calculated for polydisperse polymer solutions at different molecular weights and their distributions. It is found that all the interested variables r_n, r_w, r_z and molecular weight distribution have an effect on the spinodal for polydisperse polymer solutions, where the effect of changing r_w is much greater than that of changing r_n, r_z and molecular weight distribution.     

Electric dipole moments of thietane in excited states of the ring puckering vibration: an experimental and ab initio study

The electric dipole moment in the ground state (v_p = 0) and the first five excited states (v_p = 1 … 5) of the ring puckering vibration of thietane have been determined from Stark shifts of rotational transitions. The results are: 0|μ_a|0 = 1.87583(16) D, 1|μ_a|1 = 1.87341(18) D, 2|μ_a|2 = 1.89759(28) D, 3|μ_a|3 = 1.88688(29) D, 4|μ_a|4 = 1.90036(18) D, 5|μ_a|5 = 1.88596(59) D. The dependence of these values on v_p shows the zig-zagging behaviour typical of modes with double minimum potentials. A combined analysis of the ground and first excited states yielded also a precise value for the transition moment, 0|μ_c|1 = 0.24023(49) D.

A potential and electric dipole moment function has been derived from ab initio calculations, using MP2 and the 6–31G** basis set. Expectation values of the dipole and transition moments were determined from these data. Absolute values are about 5% in error, but the variation with vibrational state is reproduced excellently by the theoretical values.     

The polymerization of [P(O2C12H8)(N3)] and the formation of soluble and insoluble poly(2,2′-dioxy-1,1′-biphenylphosphazene)

The phosphorus azide [P(O₂C₁₂H₈)(N₃)] [(O₂C₁₂H₈) = 2,2′-dioxy-1,1′-biphenyl] undergoes a solid state polymerization at 30 °C giving a separable mixture of the polyphosphazene {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]}_n with a M_w in the range of 10⁴, together with a fraction of small and large cyclic spirophosphazene oligomers {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]}_n, and an insoluble polymeric material with a very high char forming tendency, consisting very likely on a network of large interlooped cyclic oligomers and polymers of overall composition [NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]_n. The reaction proceeds with smooth though irregular release of nitrogen at first but tending to abrupt accelerations ending in an explosion. The later outcome is more likely in scales of 10–50 g, and results in a decrease in the yield of the soluble polymer and a large increase in the yield of the polymeric matrix.     

Preparation of dense, ultra-thin MIEC ceramic membranes by atmospheric spray-pyrolysis technique

Dense ceramic mixed ionic and electronic conducting membranes have been deposited by atmospheric spray-pyrolysis technique onto porous ceramic substrates. Perovskite oxide layers, i.e. manganites La_1−xSr_xMnO₃, ferrites La_1−xSr_xFe_1−y(Co,Ni)_yO₃, gallates La_1−xSr_xGa_1−y(Co,Ni,Fe)_yO₃, cobaltites La_1−xSr_xCoO₃ and related perovskites such as lanthanum nickelate La₂NiO₄ layers have been prepared. The structure, morphology and composition of the layers were characterised by XRD, SEM and WDS, respectively. Density and gas tightness of the layers were studied as a function of deposition process parameters, film thickness (from 0.5 to 3 μm) and preparation procedure. The presence of cracks and defects due to thermo-mechanical stresses applied during or after the preparation process were correlated with the membrane composition and the corresponding thermal expansion coefficient differences between substrates and membranes.     

Hartree-fock and Hückel-like orbital energies: an elementary extension to Koopmans‘ theorem

For a closed-shell MO configuration with 2n electrons which occupy n non-degenerate canonical MOs, it is deduced that the RHF energy, Σⁿ_i=1[2H⁰_n+Σⁿ_j-1(2J_ij-K_ij)], may be expressed in Hückel-like form as 2Σⁿ_i-1ε, −Σⁿ_i-1[j_i(λ+1)+1,(λ+2)] with λ=2(n-i). The l_i(λ+1) and I_i(λ+2) are the ionization potentials for the HOMO ψ, which arises after λ and λ+1 electrons have been successively removed from the initial configuration.     

Comparative study of isotope and chemical effects on the exciton states in LiH crystals

Scientific interest, technological promise and increased availability of highly enriched isotope have led to a sharp rise in the number of experimental and theoretical studies with isotopically controlled crystals. Isotope pure compounds are really the material of future mankind. LiH has a giant isotope effect. Therefore, this review in the first step is devoted to some peculiarities of exciton states in isotope pure and mixed crystals of LiH. Excitons are the energetically lowest excitations of the electronic system in an ideal, crystallized insulator (semiconductor) at zero temperature. It is a collective excitation which has the full translational symmetry of the crystal lattice. For the first time a systematic analysis of experimental results is presented of isotopic and chemical effects on the exciton states observed in LiH_xD_1−x crystals of various isotopic (and chemical) composition (0≤x≤1) using low temperature optical and luminescence spectroscopy. LiH (LiD) is an direct band-gap material with an energy gap 4.992 (5.095) eV at low temperature. Substituting a light isotope with a heavy one (or H→F) increases the interband transition energy (E_g) and the binding energy (E_b) of the Wannier–Mott exciton as well as the magnitude of the longitudinal–transverse splitting. The nonlinear variation of E_g, E_b with the isotope (or F) concentration is due to the compositional disordering of the crystal lattice and is consist with the concentration dependence of line half-width in exciton reflection and luminescence spectra. The free exciton luminescence spectrum of the LiH (LiH_xD_1−x, LiH_xF_1−x; 0≤x≤1) crystals under optical (X-ray) excitations consists of a narrow zero-phonon line and its more wider 5LO replicas. At 100 % substitution of hydrogen by deuterium the energy shift of the maximum of zero-phonon line is the following: ΔE=E_n=1s(LiD)−E_n=1s(LiH)=95 meV. The shift of the emission line maximum of 2LO replica overlaps the energetical interval of ≤200meV. The nonlinear dependence of the free exciton luminescence (especially LiH_xF_1−x (LiD_xF_1−x)) intensity on the excitation density allows to consider these crystals as potential solid state lasers in the UV part of spectrum. It is shown that potential fluctuation due to compositional disorder of alloy have a strong effect on both the exciton broadening and the band-gap energy shift. The review closes with a brief discussion of the present and future applications of these crystals.     

Substantial velocity dependence of rotationally inelastic collision cross sections in Li2—Xe

A Doppler-based velocity selection technique has been used to measure the relative velocity dependence of the cross sections σ_ji,Δ(ν_r) for rotationally inelastic collisions from level j_i to j_i + Δν₁ = 8,22,42) in ⁷Li^*₂ A ¹Σ⁺_u)—Xe. The σ_jν^±2(ν_r) are strongly attenuated at a smaller ν_r by “torque averaging” due to molecular rotation; in contrast, for large |Δ|, σ_jiΔ = ν_r⁻ⁿ (1 n 2). An empirical intermolecular potential which reproduces these types of behavior for 3-D classical trajectories is exhibited.     

A case study in performance evaluation of Density Functional Tight Binding method in two-layer ONIOM method

A performance evaluation of Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) in the two-layer ONIOM method is presented in an effort to estimate DFTB effectiveness as an inexpensive low level quantum mechanical layer. Ground state geometries, geometry error, S-values and energy error for: (H₂O)_x(MeOH)_y, [(η⁵-C₅Me_nH_5−n)₂Ti]₂(μ₂, η²,η²-N₂), n = 4, and complexes of Cu⁺ with tyrosine, were compared to target calculations at B3LYP level of theory for all three of the systems and second order Moller-Plesset (MP2) target level of theory for the first two systems. The calculated root-mean-square errors (RMS) of the ONIOM optimized geometries relative to the target are found to be small. The DFTB level of theory was unable to reproduce the target geometry structure for one of the isomers of tyrosine–Cu⁺ complex, while the ONIOM combinations were able to reproduce all target structures. The absolute value of the geometry error was determined to be smaller then the corresponding energy error except for the (H₂O)_x(MeOH)_y system at the ONIOM(MP2/6-31G(d,p):DFTB) level of theory. The S-values were relatively small and close in value contributing to relatively small energy errors. Both method combinations ONIOM(MP2:DFTB) and ONIOM(DFT:DFTB) show similar performance compared to the corresponding target level of theory. The results also suggest that it is safe to use ONIOM(DFT:DFTB) for investigations of [(η⁵-C₅Me_nH_5−n)₂Ti]₂(μ₂, η²,η²-N₂) complexes.     

α-Zirconium phosphonates as new supports for metallocene catalysts

Homoleptic and mixed -zirconium phosphonates (ZrPs) -Zr(O₃PR)₂ (R = Me, Buⁿ, Buⁱ, Hex, Oct and Ph) and -Zr(O₃PR¹)_2−x(O₃PR²)_x were readily prepared in high yields from zirconyl choride and the corresponding phosphonic acids in suitable solvent mixtures under hydrothermal conditions at low fluoride concentrations. They form crystalline aggregates consisting of platelets from ca. 10–20 monolayers thickness, with well-defined surface structures. Impregnation with Cp₂ZrCl₂ by sublimation or slurry methods provided the first examples of ZrP-supported alkene polymerization catalysts. Crystal morphology and interlayer spacing are unaffected by the impregnation process. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy provides evidence for the integrity of the adsorbed metallocene structure. Covalent attachment of Cp^*ZrCl₃ to functionalized ZrPs of the type -Zr(O₃PR¹)_1.8(O₃PC_nH_2nOH)_0.2 is similarly possible. The new catalysts polymerize ethene with good to excellent activities under mild conditions, even at remarkably low methylalumoxane/zirconocene ratios of 10:1. The polymer is obtained as free-flowing particles, which reflect the morphology of the catalyst supports.     

Structure and redox properties of CexPr1−xO2−δ mixed oxides and their catalytic activities for CO, CH3OH and CH4 combustion

A series of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides were synthesized by a sol–gel method and characterized by Raman, XRD and TPR techniques. The oxidation activity for CO, CH₃OH and CH₄ on these mixed oxides was investigated. When the value x was changed from 1.0 to 0.8, only a cubic phase CeO₂ was observed. The samples were greatly crystallized in the range of the value x from 0.99 to 0.80, which is due to the formation of solid solutions caused by the complete insertion of Pr into the CeO₂ crystal lattices. Raman bands at 465 and 1150 cm⁻¹ in Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ samples are attributed to the Raman active F_2g mode of CeO₂. The broad band at around 570 cm⁻¹ in the region of 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.99 can be linked to oxygen vacancies. The new band at 195 cm⁻¹ may be ascribed to the asymmetric vibration caused by the formation of oxygen vacancies. The TPR profile of Pr₆O₁₁ shows two reduction peaks and the reduction process is followed: . The reduction temperature of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides is lower than those of Pr₆O₁₁ or CeO₂. TPR results indicate that Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides have higher redox properties because of the formation of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ solid solutions. The presence of the oxygen vacancies favors CO and CH₃OH oxidation, while the activity of CH₄ oxidation is mostly related to reduction temperatures and redox properties.     

Interaction between a σ bond and a d MLn fragment: an MO analysis of the MnSiH three-center interaction in CpMnL2HSiR3 complexes

Two types of interactions between a σ bond and a dⁿ Ml_n entity are generally considered: in the first type the σ bond is complexed to the metal atom, acting as a 2-electron ligand; in the second type, an oxidative addition reaction occurs, leading to a complex in which the σ bond is broken. The two different complexes resulting from two kinds of interactions can often be considered as two isomers. Extended Hückel calculations on compounds of the type CpMnL₂HSiR₃ show that the three center MnHSi interaction can be viewed as belonging to the first type, i.e. a σ H---Si bond coordinated to the d⁶ CpMnL₂ fragment. Generalization for other dⁿ L_nMHSiR₃ complexes suggests that, when the H---bond is fully broken, the addition is not oxidative and that the bonding is better described as having a formally H⁻ and a formally SiR₃⁺ ligand coordinated to a metal atom which has the same formal oxidation state as in the free Ml_n fragment. The known experimental studies on these complexes are analysed on the basis of this MO analysis.     

On the additivity of bond dipole moments. Stark effect studies of the rotationally resolved electronic spectra of aniline, benzonitrile, and aminobenzonitrile

We study the influence of an applied electric field on the fully resolved electronic spectra of aniline (AN), benzonitrile (BN), and 4-aminobenzonitrile (ABN) in the gas phase. Using these data, we test the commonly held but rarely proven assumption that the total dipole moment of a polyatomic molecule is the vector sum of bond dipole moments, localized in different parts of the molecule. We find that μ_a(ABN)≈μ_a(AN)+μ_a(BN) in the excited S₁ state, but not in the ground S₀ state. Possible reasons for this non-additivity are discussed.     

On the kinetics of polymer degradation in solution—XII. Radiolysis of poly(2,2,2-trichloroethyl methacrylate)

The title compound (PTCMA) was irradiated in O₂-free dioxane solution by ⁶⁰Co-γ-rays or by 100 nsec-pulses of 16 MeV electrons. At concentrations below ca 0.04 base mol/l, main-chain scission occurred as was concluded from the decrease of the light scattering intensity (LSI). G(S) = 3.7 ± 0.4 was independent of the polymer concentration and equal to G(S) observed with solid PTCMA. This result indicates that in dilute solution main-chain scission is induced by the direct action of radiation on the polymer. The free radical [presumably ---C(CH₃)---(CH₂)---] giving rise to main-chain scission has a lifetime of 2.6 msec. It reacts with ethane thiol (k = 6.6 × 10⁴M⁻¹sec⁻¹). At concentrations above 0.04 base mol/l, the polymer crosslinked (gel formation, increase of the LSI according to 2nd order kinetics). It is assumed that crosslinking is due to the combination of radicals of the type ---CH₂---C(CH₃)(COOCH₂CCl₂)--- formed via dissociative electron capture processes involving mainly electrons in spurs that otherwise recombine with parent ions. This conclusion was inferred from the finding that [(τ_1/2)₁]⁻¹ ∞ (c_polymer)²[(τ_1/2)₁): 1st half-life of LSI increase after the pulse, c_polymer: polymer concentration].     

Sandwich-type transition metal complexes [(CBO)n]2M with carbon boronyl ligands (CBO)n (n=4–6)

A density functional theory investigation on a series of sandwich-type transition metal complexes [(CBO)_n]₂M (n=4–6; M=transition metals) with carbon boronyls (CBO)_n as effective aromatic ligands has been presented in this work at B3LYP level. The ground-states of these complexes possess staggered D_nd symmetries, while the corresponding eclipsed D_nh structures exist as transition states with slightly higher energies (within 5.8 kJ/mol). Carbon boronyl complexes [(CBO)_n]₂M are confirmed to be much more stable than their boron carbonyl isomers [(BCO)_n]₂M, which, on the other hand, take eclipsed ground-states with D_nh symmetries. The carbon boronyl complexes [(BCO)_n]₂M proposed in this work parallelize the well-known sandwich-type hydrocarbon complexes [C_nH_n]₂M in coordination chemistry with boronyl groups –BO isolobal to –H atoms in corresponding ligands.     

Complexes d''addition des metaux halocarbonyle et halonitrosyle avec les acides de lewis

This work deals with the reactions of metal carbonyl-halide adducts with Lewis acids [M(X → Lewis acid)(CO)_aL_b (L = PR₃, π-Cp)]. Results are given regarding electric conductivity measurements in solution and IR spectra, as well as the preparation and study of a new class of metal nitrosyl-halide adducts, [M(X → Lewis acid)(NO)_aL_b]. A classification of Lewis acids is attempted following their electron-acceptor properties.     

Positronium as a tool to monitor changes of chemical structure

The applicability of positron annihilation spectroscopy for chemical structural problems is demonstrated by two examples: For the swelling dynamics of an amphiphilic polymer network, very quick structural changes were indicated by positronium lifetime parameters at very low swelling ratios and a hydration mechanism was proposed accordingly. For the series [Fe_xZn_1−x(propyltetrazole)₆](BF₄)₂(x=1, 0.6, 0.4, 0.1, 0), changes in the dynamic structure were revealed by positronium lifetime spectroscopy. For compounds of x>0, temperature-induced spin-crossover was detected.     

Local analysis and comparative study of the hydrogen bonds in the linear (HCN)n and (HNC)n clusters

B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p), the density functional theory method of 98 package, is applied to study the hydrogen bonding of a series of linear (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n molecular clusters (for n=1–10). By the localization analysis methods we developed, pair-wised σ type H-bond orders and bond energies are calculated for each pair of the two near-by molecules in both (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n clusters. The calculated results are checked well with the shortening of N–H or C–H distance, the elongation of CH or NH bond distance, and the red shift of stretching frequencies of CH or NH. All pieces of evidence show that the central pair of the two molecules forms the strongest H bond when n of (HCN)_n or (HNC)_n is even, and the two middle pairs form the two strongest H bonds when n is odd. Two terminal pairs of HCN or HNC molecules always form the two weakest H-bonds in each molecular cluster. When comparing molecular cluster energies between (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n for various values of n, the well-known (HCN)_n is found more stable than the related (HNC)_n from energy calculation. However, if outcomes of H-bond local analysis are contrasted, our analysis significantly shows that inter-molecular H-bonds inside of (HNC)_n clusters are much stronger than the corresponding H-bonds in (HCN)_n with the same n. In comparing energy differences between these related clusters per monomer, [E_(HNC)n−E_(HCN)n]/n is found decreasing monotonically as n increases. All pieces of evidence from this theoretical prediction indicate that (HNC)_n with large n is probably constructed by its relative strong H-bonds.