Variable-temperature UV and Raman study of complicated thermochromic phase transition of order—disorder type in poly(di-n-decylsilane) [(n-C10H21)2Si] n

A complicated thermochromic phase transition (PT) of order—disorder type in poly(di-n-decylsilane) has been studied in detail by variable-temperature UV and Raman spectroscopy. Not less than five polymer modifications were shown to participate in this PT. Above the equilibrium PT temperature T _c (60 °C), the polymer exists as a hexagonal columnar mesophase (HCM) with a disordered silicon backbone and disordered side chains. PT proceeds not abruptly but over a temperature range 60—5 °C and does not reach completion, being stopped by glassification. At room temperature, a coexistence in the polymer of HCM and a few crystalline phases with ordered backbone is observed. The latter are separated in space, what was evidenced by Raman micromapping of a polymer film. The temperature intervals of existence of different ordered phases also do not coincide, this enables one to identify in the UV and Raman spectra the components, corresponding to the modifications possessing trans (anti) and, supposedly, AD ₊ AD _– main chain conformations. As the relaxation processes in this comb-like polymer occur slowly, the quantitative ratio of different phases is not a single-valued function of temperature but depends on the thermal prehistory of the sample. Ordering of long side chains on cooling was demonstrated by the Raman method.     

In situ Raman spectroscopic study of K3PMo12O40 state in acrolein oxidation

Raman spectroscopy has been used to carry out in situ studies of K₃PMo₁₂O₄₀ state in acrolein oxidation. It has been established that at 400°C the simultaneous effects of both the reaction mixture and laser beam lead to the formation of surface MoO₃ on the catalyst.     

In situ resonant Raman and ESR spectroelectrochemical study of electrochemically synthesized poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenylenevinylene)

The electrochemical synthesis of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) and different modifications in the electronic distribution upon electrochemical p-doping (oxidation) and n-doping (reduction) of this polymer film have been studied in situ by resonance Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy and ESR spectroscopy. The polymer film has been prepared by electrochemical reduction of α,α,α′,α′-tetrabromo-p-xylene in dimethylformamide using tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate as the electrolyte salt. During electrochemical polymerization the position and relative intensities of the Raman bands change regularly as the chain length increases and finally converge on values reported for chemically prepared PPV. The Raman spectra for electrochemically polymerized PPV is compared to infrared-active vibration bands for electrochemically n-doped PPV. When the polymer undergoes redox reactions (doping-dedoping), shifts and broadening of Raman bands, compared to neutral PPV, are observed. Interpretation of the Raman spectra and the ESR results led to the conclusion that charge transfer in this system is mainly accomplished by polaron species formed upon doping of the polymer. In this reaction the quinoid structure is formed rather than the benzenoid structure. Electronic Publication     

Study of cellulose pyrolysis using an in situ visualization technique and thermogravimetric analyzer

A technique has been developed to study cellulose pyrolysis by in situ visualization of cellulose transformation in a quartz capillary under a microscope using a CCD camera monitoring system and Raman spectroscopy. The processes and temperature of cellulose transformation during pyrolysis reaction can be observed directly. In situ visualization of reaction revealed that how oil is generated and expulsed concurrently from cellulose during pyrolysis. The in situ visualization result is the first direct evidence to show cellulose pyrolysis transformation. Pyrolysis characteristics were investigated under a highly purified N₂ atmosphere using a thermogravimetric analyzer from room temperature to 500 °C at the heating rate of 5 °C/min. The results showed that three stages appeared in this thermal degradation process. Kinetic parameters in terms of apparent activation energy and pre-exponential factor were determined.     

Effect of acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes on thermo-oxidative stability and degradation behavior of silicone rubber

The effect of acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on thermo-oxidative stability and degradation behavior of silicone rubber (SR) was evaluated. Raman microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis were performed to characterize the surface states of MWCNTs samples. The results demonstrated that after acid treatment the nanodefects and surface oxygen-containing groups (mainly hydroxyl and carboxyl groups) were formed and the number of them was gradually increased by increasing the treatment time. Then these MWCNTs were embedded into SR matrix. Furthermore, the thermo-oxidative stability and degradation behavior of MWCNTs/SR composites were studied using thermogravimetric/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR). Thermo-oxidative stability test in air revealed that the degradation of SR, at relatively low temperature, was mainly due to the oxidation of Si-CH₃ side groups and the generation of free radicals. This behavior was hindered by the MWCNTs’ surface nanodefects and hydroxyl groups, as proved by TG-IR study which revealed that the amount of carbonyl compounds was reduced more than 60%, compared with that of neat SR. Therefore, acid treatment led a better thermo-oxidative stability of MWCNTs/SR. For 4hAT-MWCNTs/SR, with maximum hydroxyl groups on MWCNTs surface, the T_i (defined as the temperature for 5% mass loss) of it is increased by 34.8 °C compared to that of neat SR, and even increased by 18.5 °C compared with that of raw-MWCNTs/SR.     

In situ analysis of mediaeval wall paintings: a challenge for mobile Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique, which is gaining attention as a molecular technique for the investigation of objects of art. Especially the non-destructive properties of the method make this application suitable for the in situ analysis of artefacts. However, although using mobile, fibre optics Raman instrumentation for this type of research seems to be straightforward, some practical obstacles may hamper the investigation. In this paper, pitfalls and solutions are described when applying a dedicated spectrometer to the analysis of mediaeval wall paintings. It is shown how some practical problems may be overcome, and the results of the analysis are presented. Although the mediaeval wall paintings from the chapel of the castle of Ponthoz are well-preserved, still some interesting degradation phenomena could be observed: the identification of a black degradation product, likely to be meta-cinnabar, a degradation product of the red pigment vermilion (HgS); the formation of gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) as a weathering product of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃); the observation of copper(II)hydroxychlorides.     

Photocatalytic Removal of Soot: Unravelling of the Reaction Mechanism by EPR and in situ FTIR Spectroscopy

Photocatalytic soot oxidation is studied on P25 TiO₂ as an important model reaction for self‐cleaning processes by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Contacting of carbon black with P25 leads on the one hand to a reduction of the local dioxygen concentration in the powder. On the other hand, the weakly adsorbed radicals on the carbon particles are likely to act as alternative traps for the photogenerated conduction‐band electrons. We find furthermore that the presence of dioxygen and oxygen‐related radicals is vital for the photocatalytic soot degradation. The complete oxidation of soot to CO₂ is evidenced by in situ FTIR spectroscopy, no intermediate CO is detected during the photocatalytic process.     

Stimulated Raman laser excitation of spontaneous resonance Raman scattering

The efficient conversion of the second and third harmonics of a Nd YAG laser to near UV radiation in the 395–500 nm range by stimulated Stokes (and anti-Stokes) Raman scattering (SRS) in a 1 m Raman oscillator containing compressed H₂ or D₂ is used as an excitation source for spontaneous resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS). SRS excited RR spectra are shown for the anion radical of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ).     

Spectroelectrochemical studies of poly-o-phenylenediamine Part 2. In situ UV—vis subtractive reflectance spectroscopy

In our previous paper, the phenazine-like structure of the poly-o-phenylenediamine (PoPD) and its three steady redox states have been revealed mainly by using in situ resonance Raman spectroscopy. It has also been shown that the semi-oxidized state of PoPD is the most stable state of PoPD, while the totally-oxidized state of PoPD is chemically unstable and can exist only at certain electrode potentials. In the present work, the more detailed reaction mechanism of a PoPD film in strong acid solution has been studied by using in situ UV—vis substractive reflectance spectroscopy. The semi-oxidized state and the totally-oxidized state of PoPD have electronic absorption bands around 300 nm, 430 nm, 500 nm and 300 nm, 450 nm, 530 nm, 735 nm respectively in the in situ steady state UV—vis subtractive reflectance spectra with respect to the reduced state of PoPD, which verifies once again that three redox states of PoPD exist in the redox process of PoPD. Moreover, the relative intensity between two oxidized states of PoPD at the maximum absorption wavelength (λ_max) reveals that only about one third of the semi-oxidized state of PoPD can be oxidized to the totally-oxidized state of PoPD. The in situ resonance Raman spectra and the cyclic voltammograms of PoPD display the same quantitative relationship. New absorption bands were observed in the in situ time-resolved UV—vis subtractive reflectance spectra with appropriate time resolutions, which illustrate the dynamic structure changes of PoPD in its redox process. These intermediate states of PoPD are more unstable than its three redox states.     

In situ Raman spectroelectrochemical study of electrocatalytic processes at polyaniline modified electrodes: Redox vs. metal-like catalysis

Two processes of electrocatalytic oxidation of solution species at conducting polymer modified electrodes have been studied for the first time with in situ Resonance Raman spectroelectrochemical technique at a red laser excitation (λ = 632.8 nm), namely electrooxidation of hydroquinone at a sulfonated polyaniline modified electrode in an acidic solution and electrooxidation of ascorbic acid at polyaniline modified electrode in a pH-neutral solution. In both cases, characteristic Raman features have been identified for different redox forms of conducting polymers and changes in the net redox state of a polymer layer during electrooxidation of solution species have been studied. It has been shown that an increase in the concentration of oxidizable species causes an increase of the net content of a reduced form of polyaniline in the modifying layer. From this, the redox (vs. metal-like) mechanism of electrocatalysis at conducting polymer modified electrodes has been deduced.     

Spatially resolved Raman spectroelectrochemistry of solid-state polythiophene/viologen memory devices

A three terminal molecular memory device was monitored with in situ Raman spectroscopy during bias-induced switching between two metastable states having different conductivity. The device structure is similar to that of a polythiophene field effect transistor, but ethylviologen perchlorate was added to provide a redox counter-reaction to accompany polythiophene redox reactions. The conductivity of the polythiophene layer was reversibly switched between high and low conductance states with a "write/erase" (W/E) bias, while a separate readout circuit monitored the polymer conductance. Raman spectroscopy revealed reversible polythiophene oxidation to its polaron form accompanied by a one-electron viologen reduction. "Write", "read", and "erase" operations were repeatable, with only minor degradation of response after 200 W/E cycles. The devices exhibited switching immediately after fabrication and did not require an "electroforming" step required in many types of memory devices. Spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy revealed polaron formation throughout the polymer layer, even away from the electrodes in the channel and drain regions, indicating that thiophene oxidation "propagates" by growth of the conducting polaron form away from the source electrode. The results definitively demonstrate concurrent redox reactions of both polythiophene and viologen in solid-state devices and correlate such reactions with device conductivity. The mechanism deduced from spectroscopic and electronic monitoring should guide significant improvements in memory performance.     

One-pot synthesis of highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles on acetylenic ionic liquid polymer functionalized carbon nanotubes for electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose

A facile method for one-pot synthesis of highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles on acetylenic ionic liquid polymer functionalized carbon nanotubes (PdNPs-AILP-CNTs) has been developed in this paper. The nanohybrids are prepared by polymerization of acetylenic ionic liquid monomers catalyzed by PdCl₂, which is further reduced to PdNPs by NaBH₄ on CNTs in one pot and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose on the PdNPs-AILP-CNT nanohybrids is also investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results show that the PdNPs with a particle size of around 3.5 nm disperse uniformly on CNTs, and PdNPs-AILP-CNT nanohybrids have good electrocatalytic performance for glucose oxidation.     

In situ investigations of vault paintings in the Antwerp cathedral

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to examine 15th century mediaeval and 16th century renaissance vault paintings in the Our Lady's Cathedral (Antwerp, Belgium) in view of their restoration. The use of mobile instruments made it possible to work totally non-destructively. This complementary approach yields information on the elemental (XRF) and on the molecular composition (Raman) of the pigments. For the 15th century vault painting the pigments lead–tin yellow (Pb₂SnO₄), lead white (2PbCO₃·Pb(OH)₂), vermilion (HgS), massicot (PbO) and azurite (2CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂) could be identified. The pigments used for the 16th century vault painting could be identified as red lead (Pb₃O₄), hematite (Fe₂O₃), lead white (2PbCO₃·Pb(OH)₂) and azurite (2CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂). For both paintings the presence of the strong Raman scatterer calcite (CaCO₃) resulted in a difficult identification of the pigments by Raman spectroscopy. The presence of gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) on the mediaeval vault painting probably indicates that degradation took place.     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of thin solid films of yttrium bisphthalocyanine

Langmuir—Blodgett (LB) and evaporated thin solid films of the yytrium bisphthalocyanine complex (YPc₂) have been prepared on various substrates. Cyclic voltammograms of films are discussed and the electrochromic effect on LB films is reported. A detailed spectroscopic characterization of the YPc₂ material is given using resonance Raman scattering (RRS), surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS), transmission and reflection absorption FT-IR spectroscopy and UV—vis spectra. The spectroscopic characterization of the chemical and electrochemical oxidations products of YPc₂ films and solutions was carried out by in situ UV—vis spectroscopy. Potential applications are discussed.     

Spectroscopic analysis and in situ monitoring of impregnation and extraction of polymer films and powders using supercritical fluids

A range of vibrational spectroscopic techniques are used to monitor supercritical fluid extraction and impregnation of polymers. Impregnation processes of this type show potential as alternative apporaches to the synthesis of polymer based catalysts and new materials. Methods have been devised using conventional Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for real time monitoring of the extraction and impregnation of polyethylene films using an organometallic complex, CpMn(CO)₃ (Cp = η⁵ ? C₅ H₅) as a spectroscopic probe. Both low and high density powdered polyethylene may be impregnated using supercritical carbon dioxide. The resulting materials are analysed using FTIR photoacoustic spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and FT Raman spectroscopy to probe both the impregnated bulk of the polymer and surface-coated material. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

In situ analysis of interfacial reactions between negative MCMB,lithium electrodes,and gel polymer electrolyte

The interfacial properties of mesocarbon-microbeads (MCMB) and lithium electrodes during charge process in poly (vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based gel electrolyte were investigated by in situ Raman microscopy, in situ Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic methods, and charge–discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. For MCMB electrode, the series phase transitions from initial formation of the dilute stage 1 graphite intercalation compound (GIC) to a stage 4 GIC, then through a stage 3 to stage 2, and finally to stage 1 GIC was proved by in situ Raman spectroscopic measurement. The formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films formed on MCMB and metal lithium electrode was studied by in situ reflectance FTIR spectroscopic method. At MCMB electrode surface, the solvent (mostly ethylene carbonate) decomposed during charging process and ROCO₂Li may be the product. ROCO₂Li, ROLi, and Li₂CO₃ were the main composites of SEI film formed on lithium electrode, not on electrodeposited lithium electrode or lithium foil electrode.     

In situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopic investigation on anodic oxidation of methanol in aqueous solution

In situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopy method was introduced for studying the anodic oxidation of methanol in acid aqueous solution. A minigrid Pt optically transparent thin layer electrode was used as working electrode. This method has the ability to clarify the identity of species involved in the oxidation process both in solution and adsorbed at the surface of electrode. From the results of in situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopy measurement it was found that HCHO, HCOOH, HCOOCH₃ and CH₂(OCH₃)₂ could be formed in the oxidation process of methanol. The final product was CO₂. The adsorbed poisonous intermediate CO was detected. It was formed at near 0.6 V and became significant at 0.9 V, where the oxidation current was inhibited. The in situ transmission difference FTIR spectroscopy method is a very convenient, relative simplicity and efficient method for investigating the electrochemical process, and could be as a good candidate for further application.     

In situ spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry of uranium in high-temperature alkali chloride molten salts

Soluble uranium chloride species, in the oxidation states of III+, IV+, V+, and VI+, have been chemically generated in high-temperature alkali chloride melts. These reactions were monitored by in situ electronic absorption spectroscopy. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy of uranium(VI) in a molten LiCl-KCl eutectic was used to determine the immediate coordination environment about the uranium. The dominant species in the melt was [UO 2Cl 4] (2-). Further analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure data and Raman spectroscopy of the melts quenched back to room temperature indicated the possibility of ordering beyond the first coordination sphere of [UO 2Cl 4] (2-). The electrolytic generation of uranium(III) in a molten LiCl-KCl eutectic was also investigated. Anodic dissolution of uranium metal was found to be more efficient at producing uranium(III) in high-temperature melts than the cathodic reduction of uranium(IV). These high-temperature electrolytic processes were studied by in situ electronic absorption spectroelectrochemistry, and we have also developed in situ X-ray absorption spectroelectrochemistry techniques to probe both the uranium oxidation state and the uranium coordination environment in these melts.     

Intercalation of hydrotalcites with hexacyanoferrate(II) and (III)—a thermoRaman spectroscopic study

Raman spectroscopy using a hot stage indicates that the intercalation of hexacyanoferrate(II) and (III) in the interlayer space of a Mg, Al hydrotalcites leads to layered solids where the intercalated species is both hexacyanoferrate(II) and (III). Raman spectroscopy shows that depending on the oxidation state of the initial hexacyanoferrate partial oxidation and reduction takes place upon intercalation. For the hexacyanoferrate(III) some partial reduction occurs during synthesis. The symmetry of the hexacyanoferrate decreases from O_h existing for the free anions to D_3d in the hexacyanoferrate interlayered hydrotalcite complexes. Hot stage Raman spectroscopy reveals the oxidation of the hexacyanoferrate(II) to hexacyanoferrate(III) in the hydrotalcite interlayer with the removal of the cyanide anions above 250 °C. Thermal treatment causes the loss of CN ions through the observation of a band at 2080 cm⁻¹. The hexacyanoferrate (III) interlayered Mg, Al hydrotalcites decomposes above 150 °C.     

Identifying the Molecular Origins of Green BN-TADF Material Degradation and Device Stability via in situ Raman Spectroscopy

There is little investigation into the impact of molecular conformation on device efficiency and degradation of boron-nitrogen thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters (BN-TADF). Herein, three highly-efficient green BN-TADF emitters have been designed to unveil the impact of peripheral phenyl groups on device efficiencies and lifetimes. Compared to BN-PhOH with the lowest EQE_max of 19 %, BN-PhOCH₃ and BN-PhN(CH₃)₂ have achieved strongly enhanced EQE_max of 25.6 % and 24.1 %, respectively. Importantly, the device lifetimes (LT₅₀) are dramatically improved from 1.7 h of BN-PhOH to 4.4 h of BN-PhOCH₃ and 7.7 h of BN-PhN(CH₃)₂ without encapsulation. According to in situ Raman spectroscopy and simulations, BN-PhN(CH₃)₂ of less conformation change after aging exhibits the best photostability. It is proposed that the torsion angle change between the BN core and the peripheral phenyl group results in BN-TADF degradation. This knowledge means precisely tuning peripheral groups of BN-TADF can achieve both higher device efficiencies and longer lifetimes.