The Role of Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and MgO Additives on the Photoluminescence Properties of Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanoparticles

The current research addressed synthesizing and studying photoluminescence studies of β-Si₃N₄ nanoparticles. The effect of MgO and Y₂O₃ as the typical additives on photoluminescence behaviour was evaluated. The β-Si₃N₄ with MgO and Y₂O₃ additive specimens were fabricated by a solid state technique (ball-milled method). The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman analysis. The results showed that after ball-milled process, hexagonal β-Si₃N₄ with MgO or Y₂O₃ as the additives with the size distribution of 45–50 nm was obtained. The optical properties of the as-synthesized product were also investigated by photoluminescence and diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The obtained results confirmed that employing MgO as an additive, in comparison to the Y₂O₃, could enhance emission properties in the synthesized silicon nitride nanoparticles. The obtained results also showed that MgO–Si₃N₄ pair acted as FRET system to enhance the emission intensity of β-Si₃N₄ nanoparticles.     

Electrochemical reduction and flow detection of iodate on (Bu<Subscript>4</Subscript>N)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>6</Subscript>O<Subscript>19</Subscript> self-assembled monolayer

A stable monolayer of the inorganic–organic hybrid polyoxometalate (Bu₄N)₂Mo₆O₁₉, denoted as Mo₆O₁₉, was formed on a sodium-3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate (MPPS)-covered gold electrode surface, interlaced with an anionic poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) binding layer based on the electrostatic self-assembled (ESA) technique. Electrochemical characterization of the Mo₆O₁₉ self-assembled thin films on the solid surface by cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance spectroscopy revealed a stable and sensitive electrocatalytic response to the reduction of iodate. Iodate was determined amperometrically through a flow injection cell at the modified electrode in the concentration range of 1.0×10^–6 to 1.0×10^–1 M with a detection limit of 8×10^–8 M (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). Performance was improved to meet practical needs compared with previously reported analogues.     

Preparation,Thermal Behaviour,and Crystal Structure of MgAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>F<Subscript>8</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Summary.  Single crystals of MgAl₂F₈(H₂O)₂ have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions (250°C, 14 d) from a starting mixture of AlF₃ and MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ in a 5% (w/w) HF solution. The crystal structure has been determined and refined from single crystal data (Fmmm (#69), Z = 4, a = 7.2691(7), b = 7.0954(16), c = 12.452(2) ?, 281 structure factors, 27 parameters, R(F ² > 2σ (F ²)) = 0.0282, wR(F ² all) = 0.0885). The obtained crystals were systematically twinned according to (010/100/001) as twinning matrix, reflecting the pseudo-tetragonal metric. The crystal structure is composed of perowskite-type layers built of corner sharing AlF₆ octahedra with an overall composition of AlF₄ ⁻ which are connected via common fluorine atoms of [MgF_4/2(H₂O)_2/1] octahedra. Group-subgroup relations of MgAl₂F₈(H₂O)₂ to WO₃(H₂O)_0.33 and to other M(II)M(III)₂ F₈(H₂O)₂ structures are briefly discussed. Above 570°C, MgAl₂F₈(H₂O)₂ decomposes under elimination of water into α-AlF₃, β-AlF₃, and MgF₂. Received October 29, 2001. Accepted (revised) December 6, 2001     

The microstructure and magnetic properties of Ni<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> films prepared by spin-coating method

Nickel zinc ferrite (Ni_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄) films on Si (100) substrate were synthesized using a spin-coating method. The crystallinity of the Ni_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ films with the thickness of about 386 nm became better as the annealing temperature increased. The films have smooth surface, relatively good packing density and uniform thickness. The volatilization of Zn is serious at 900 °C. With the increase of annealing temperature, the saturation magnetization M _s increases in the temperature ranging from 400 to 700 °C, however, decreases above 700 °C, and the coercivity H _c increases in the temperature range 400–800 °C, decreases above 800 °C. After annealed at 700 °C for 2 h in air with the heating rate 2 °C/min, the film shows a maximum saturation magnetization M _s of 349 emu/cc and low coercivity H _c of 66 Oe. The M _s is higher than others which prepared by this method, however, the H _c is lower. The M _s of Ni_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ films annealed at 700 °C increases with increasing annealing time and the H _c changes slightly.     

Models of finely dispersed MgO and V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> on silica. Theoretical analysis of optical properties using TDDFT

The results of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations on optical properties of vanadium complexes VOCl₃, VOCl₄ ^-, VOCl₅ ^2-, as well as the VO₄ ^3- ion, are presented. The spectra of excited states in the range 25000-60000 cm^-1 have been analyzed using the time-dependent DFT method (TDDFT). Spectroscopic features of structural defects (low-coordinated (LC) oxygen ions), as well as surface point defects (F⁺ and F sites) in MgO, have been studied within the cluster approach. The charge-transfer spectra and frequencies of normal vibrations for a number of active site models of finely dispersed oxides MgO and V₂O₅ on silica have been calculated. Comparison of the obtained results with experimental electronic diffuse reflectance spectra and fundamental frequencies confirms a hypothesis about the structure of active centers of finely dispersed oxide V₂O₅ on silica as monomeric forms, (O=V-O _n ).     

Effect of the Support on the Nature of Metal-Promoter Interactions in Ru-Cs<Superscript>+</Superscript>/MgO and Ru-Cs<Superscript>+</Superscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis

The Ru-Cs⁺/MgO and Ru-Cs⁺/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts, which were prepared by an impregnation method using RuOHCl₃ and Cs₂CO₃ as precursor compounds and reduced with H₂ at 450°C, are characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (with X-ray microanalysis), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Cs⁺/MgO(Al₂O₃) systems, Ru-Cs⁺ black, and model systems prepared by cesium sputtering onto polycrystalline ruthenium foil are studied as reference samples. It is found that, in the Ru-Cs⁺/MgO sample, cesium is present as a Cs_{2 + x}O cesium suboxide, which weakly interacts with the support, localized on the surface of Ru particles or near them. In the case of Ru-Cs⁺/γ-Al₂O₃, cesium occurs as a species that is tightly bound to the support; this is likely surface cesium aluminate, which prevents promoter migration to Ru particles. The Ru-Cs⁺/MgO sample exhibits a considerable shift of the Ru3d line in the XPS spectra toward lower binding energies, as compared to the bulk metal. It is hypothesized that this shift is due to a decrease in the electron work function from the surface of ruthenium because of the polarizing effect of Cs⁺ ions in contact with Ru particles. Based on the experimental results, the great difference between the catalytic activities of the Ru-Cs⁺/MgO and Ru-Cs⁺/γ-Al₂O₃ systems in ammonia synthesis at 250–400°C and atmospheric pressure is explained.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of core-shell structured PS@GdPO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript> spherical particles and their luminescence properties

Non-aggregated spherical polystyrene (PS) particles were coated with GdPO₄:Tb³⁺/Ce³⁺ phosphor layers by a conventional hydrothermal synthesis using poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as an additive without further annealing treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL), as well as luminescence decay experiments were used to characterise the resulting core-shell structured PS@GdPO₄:Tb³⁺/Ce³⁺ samples. The results of XRD indicated that the PS particles were successfully coated with the GdPO₄:Tb³⁺/Ce³⁺ phosphor layers, which could be further verified by the images of FESEM. Under ultraviolet excitation, the PS@GdPO₄:Tb³⁺/Ce³⁺ phosphors show Tb³⁺ characteristic emission, i.e. ⁵D₄-⁷F_J (J = {6, 5, 4, 3}) emission lines with green emission ⁵D₄-⁷F₅ (543 nm) as the most prominent group. The core-shell phosphors so obtained have potential applications in field emission display (FED) and plasma display panels (PDP).     

Measurement of the rate constants of the reactions of the chlorine atom with C<Subscript>3</Subscript>F<Subscript>7</Subscript>I and CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>I using the resonance fluorescence of chlorine atoms

The rate constants of the reactions of the chlorine atom with C₃F₇I (k ₁) and CF₃I (k ₂) have been measured using the resonance fluorescence of chlorine atoms in a flow reactor at 295 K: k ₁ = (5.2 ± 0.3) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ and k ₂ = (7.4 ± 0.6) × 10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. No iodine atoms have been detected in the reaction products.     

Surface crystallization and phase transitions of the adsorbed film of F(CF<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>12</Subscript>(CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>16</Subscript>H at the surface of liquid tetradecane

The interaction between a long chain alkane, tetradecane (abbreviated H₁₄), molecule and a semi-fluorinated alkane, 1-perfluorododecyl-hexadecane F(CF₂)₁₂(CH₂)₁₆H (abbreviated F₁₂H₁₆), molecule at the air/ H₁₄ solution interface was studied by measuring the surface tension of the H₁₄ solutions of F₁₂H₁₆ as a function of temperature and bulk concentration under atmospheric pressure. Pure liquid H₁₄ freezes without forming a condensed film at its surface. Nevertheless, a very small amount of F₁₂H₁₆ initiates the surface freezing of H₁₄. In contrast to the F₁₂H₁₆-hexadecane (abbreviated H₁₆) system, the condensed monolayer of H₁₄ has a finite solubility of F₁₂H₁₆ in the F₁₂H₁₆-H₁₄ system. By further increasing the bulk concentration of F₁₂H_16, the F₁₂ chains of the F₁₂H₁₆ molecules form the other closely packed condensed state. Hence, as in the case of the H₁₆ system, the H₁₄ system also exhibits a surface hetero-azeotrope behavior in the lower temperature region. Below the surface hetero-azeotropic point, the condensed H₁₄ monolayer containing a small amount of F₁₂H₁₆ is completely replaced by the condensed monolayer of F₁₂H₁₆. At 2 °C, for example, a surface of H₁₄ solution of F₁₂H₁₆ covered with a gaseous film of F₁₂H₁₆ is replaced by a condensed H₁₄ monolayer containing an almost gaseous state of F₁₂H₁₆, and is then completely replaced by the condensed monolayer of F₁₂H₁₆ with increasing bulk concentration. Above the temperature of the triple point for the F₁₂H₁₆ monolayer, the F₁₂H₁₆-H₁₄ system exhibits a gaseous, expanded, and condensed state.     

Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Properties of Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanocrystallites with Various Morphologies

Co₃O₄ crystallites with particle, plate-, tube-, rod- and sheet-like morphologies were successfully prepared by the calcination of the corresponding precursors synthesized via a precipitation or hydrothermal procedure. The morphologies of the precursors and Co₃O₄ nano-tubes were detected by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The as-obtained Co₃O₄ samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and special surface area measurement (BET). The electrocatalytic activity of p-nitrophenol reduction with the Co₃O₄ products decorated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was tested, respectively, using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in a basic solution. The results indicated that p-nitrophenol was reduced with higher current density but almost at a constant potential on the Co₃O₄/GCE in contrast with that on a bare GCE at the same conditions. The highly catalytic activity of the as-prepared Co₃O₄ in a basic solution suggested their wide applications in environmental treatment or organic synthesis.     

Preparation and electrical properties of Nd and Mn co-doped Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> thin films

Ferroelectric thin films of Nd and Mn co-doped bismuth titanate, Bi_3.15Nd_0.85Ti_3−x Mn _x O₁₂ (BNTM) (x = 0–0.1), were fabricated on Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si(100) substrates by a sol–gel technique. The BNTM films had a polycrystalline perovskite structure and uniform and dense surface morphologies. A lattice distortion was observed in the BNTM films due to Mn ion doping. The ferroelectric measurement of the films indicated that the values of coercive field (E _c ) decreased gradually with the increase of the Mn content (x), however, the remanent polarization (P _r ) increase firstly and then decrease with the increase of x. The sample with x = 0.05 had optimum electrical properties and a maximum 2P _r value. The 2P _r and 2E _c values of the film at a maximum applied electric field of 400 kV/cm were 38.3 μC/cm² and 180 kV/cm, respectively. Moreover, this BNTM capacitors did not show fatigue behaviors after 1.0 × 10¹⁰ switching cycles at a frequency of 1 MHz, suggesting a fatigue-free character. The main reason for the increase of the 2P _r and the decrease of the 2E _c might be attributed to the lattice distortion in BNTM films due to Mn ion doping.     

A Quantum Chemical Study of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>30</Subscript>, C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>30</Subscript> Molecules and Fe@C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>30</Subscript> Endocomplex

(U)PBE0/cc-pVDZ method is used to study the structure of C₆₀Cl₃₀, C₆₀(OH)₃₀ molecules and Fe@C₆₀(OH)₃₀ endocomplex. The triplet state of the endocomplex is shown to be the lowest in energy among its four states corresponding to different spin multiplicities and positions of Fe nucleus within the fullerene cavity. This state is characterized by bonding between the iron atom and one of two benzenoid cycles of the carbon cage, six internuclear Fe–C distances (208 pm), and 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d^7.24s^0.14p^0.3 electron configuration of iron with spin population of 2.36.     

Facile preparation and electrochemical properties of large-scale Li<Subscript>1+<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>V<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript> nanobelts

Large-scale Li_1+x V₃O₈ nanobelts were successfully fabricated using filter paper as deposition substrate through a simple surface sol–gel method. The nanobelts were as long as tens of micrometers with widths of 0.4–1.0 μm and thickness of 50–100 nm. The nanobelts were characterized by X-ray diffration (XRD), Fourier infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation mechanism of the nanobelts was investigated, showing that the morphology of the nanobelts is mainly determined by the calcination temperature. Electrochemical properties of the Li_1+x V₃O₈ nanobelts were characterized by charge–discharge experiments, and the results demonstrate that the Li_1+x V₃O₈ nanobelts exhibit a high discharge capacity (278 mAh g⁻¹) and excellent cycling stability.     

Microstructure and properties of sol-gel derived Pb(Zr<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>0.7</Subscript>)O<Subscript>3</Subscript> thin films on GaN/sapphire for nanoelectromechanical systems

Highly (111) oriented, phase-pure perovskite Pb(Zr_0.3Ti_0.7)O₃ (or PZT 30/70) thin films were deposited on single-crystal, (0001) wurtzite GaN/sapphire substrates using the sol-gel process and rapid thermal annealing. The phase, crystallinity, and stoichiometry of annealed PZT films were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The atomic force microscopy revealed a smooth PZT surface (rms roughness ∼1.5 nm) with striations and undulations possibly influenced by the nature of the underlying GaN surface. The cross-sectional field-emission scanning electron microscopic images indicated a sharper PZT/GaN interface compared to that of sol-gel derived PZT on (111) Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/(100) Si substrates. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics for PZT in the Pt/PZT/GaN (metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor or MFS) configuration were evaluated as a function of annealing temperature and applied voltage. The observed C-V hysteresis stemmed from trapped charge at defect sites within PZT. Also, the lower capacitance density (C/A = 0.35 μF/cm², where A is the area of an electrode) and remnant polarization (P _r ∼ 4 μC/cm²) for PZT in the MFS configuration, compared to the values for PZT in the MFM configuration (Pt/PZT/Pt), were attributed to the high depolarization field within PZT.     

Reaction of the novel Ru<Subscript>3</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>10</Subscript>[Ph<Subscript>2</Subscript>P(CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Si(OEt<Subscript>3</Subscript>)]<Subscript>2</Subscript> complex on SBA-15 and MCM-41 mesoporous silicas

The reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with 2(diphenylphosphino)ethyl-triethoxysilane (DPTS) in hydrocarbons, leads to the functionalized Ru₃(CO)_12−n [Ph₂P(CH₂)₂Si(OEt₃)] _n (n = 1,2) complexes. The complex with two phosphine substituents was chemically anchored on mesoporous silicas, SBA-15 and MCM-41, in order to obtain two hybrid materials characterized by a different localization of the metal centre on the surface of the porous supports. A detailed investigation of the cluster, before and after chemical anchoring on the mesoporous silicas, was pursued. Particular attention was also devoted to the study of the morphological, structural and textural properties of the metal-functionalised silicas (Ru/SBA-15 and Ru/MCM-41) by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and N₂ physisorption analysis.     

Thermal analysis on C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>-doped MgB<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Additives to MgB₂ can improve the superconducting functional characteristics, such as critical current density (J _c) and irreversibility field (H _irr). Recently, we have shown that repagermanium (C₆H₁₀Ge₂O₇) is an effective additive, enhancing both J _c and H _irr. To look into details of the processes taking place during the reactive sintering, a thermal analysis study (0.167 K s^?1, in Ar) is reported. We used differential scanning calorimetry between 298 and 863 K and simultaneous thermogravimetric—differential thermal analysis between 298 and 1233 K. Samples were mixtures of powders with composition 97 mol% MgB₂ and 3 mol% C₆H₁₀Ge₂O₇. Up to 863 K, repagermanium decomposes by multiple steps and forms amorphous phases. A reaction with MgB₂ is not observed. Above this temperature, partial decomposition of MgB₂ occurs. Crystalline Ge and MgO are detected before formation of Mg₂Ge and MgB₄, when temperature approaches the melting point of Ge (1211 K). Carbon substitution for boron in the crystal lattice of MgB₂ is observed for samples heated above 863 K. The amount of substitutional C does not significantly change with temperature.     

Surface diffusion,migration, and conjugated processes at heterophase interfaces between WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> and MeWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> (Me = Ca,Sr, Ba)

With the aid of a complex of methods it is demonstrated that at heterophase interfaces between WO₃ and MeWO₄ (Me = Ca, Sr, Ba) there occurs penetration of components WO₃ and MeWO₄ into one another under spontaneous conditions and after the imposition of an electric field. Experimental data concerning the electrosurface migration in potentiostatic and galvanostatic regimes are compared. It is demonstrated that the amount of WO₃ transported onto inner surface of MeWO₄ is defined by the magnitude of the electric charges passed through the system but does not depend on the I–U parameters of experiment. It is established that the magnitude of the faradaic efficiency of the WO₃ transport in an electric field at 900°C is close for all compounds of the type MeWO₄ (Me = Ca, Sr, Ba) and amounts to 0.42 ± 0.02 for a galvanostatic regime of the process. Methods of x-ray diffraction analysis, x-ray-fluorescence analysis, XPS, and electron microscopy are employed to explore the properties and compositions of regions adjacent to the WO₃|MeWO₄ interface after experiments in spontaneous and field-induced regimes. Data are obtained that confirm the reality of formation of nonautonomous phase MeW-s and its crucial role in the origin and mechanism of processes that occur at the heterophase interface WO₃|MeWO₄. The real architecture of the interface may be portrayed by the scheme WO₃?MeW-s|MeW-s?MeWO₄, which reflects penetration of MeW-s into both initial briquettes. The reasons for the loss of weight of briquettes of MeWO₄ when annealed in contact with WO₃ under spontaneous conditions are analyzed. It is shown that the weight loss may be caused by congruent sublimation of the MeW-s phase, which is directly connected with its low surface energy and relatively low sublimation energy.     

Chemisorption of SO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the Zn-modified In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> surface

Chemisorption of SO₂ and O₂ on the In₂O₃ surface containing a zinc additive (0.4–2.7 at.%) was studied in a temperature range of 22–200 °C. At least three forms of sorbed SO₂ exist on the modified In₂O₃ surface. The temperature affects the contribution of single forms of SO₂ sorption and, hence, the change in the electric conductivity. The preliminary sorption of O₂ favors the formation of a donor form of chemisorbed SO₂. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2228–2232, October, 2005.     

Site engineering in chemical-solution-deposited Bi<Subscript>3.25</Subscript>La<Subscript>0.75</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> thin films using Ce,Zr, Mn and Si atoms

Ferroelectric Bi_3.25La_0.75Ti₃O₁₂ (BLT) thin films were fabricated by depositing sol-gel solutions on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO₂/Si (100) substrates. Crystallographic orientations of the BLT films were random, but the preferred orientations along (00l) and (117) axes were found. All films showed a single-phase bismuth-layered structure but the orientation in the films could be engineered by optimizing the growth condition, as well as by introducing dopant atoms such as Ce and Zr in the films, which in turn influenced the ferroelectric properties of the films significantly. The shape of c-axis-oriented grains was more plate-like, while that of (117)-oriented grains was rod-like. Small % substitution of Ce, Mn, and Zr atoms at Ti site enhanced the remanent polarization by approximately 20%, while substitution of Si atoms reduced the remanent polarization in BLT films but improved insulating properties. It was also demonstrated that fatigue endurance could be controlled by the concentration of dopant atoms, which was thought to be due to the decrease in oxygen vacancy concentration.     

Octafluorocyclohexa derivatives of [60]fullerene: C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(C<Subscript>4</Subscript>F<Subscript>8</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 2, 3, 4, and 6)

Fluorocyclohexa adducts C₆₀(C₄F₈) _n were synthesized by high-temperature reaction of fullerene C₆₀ with 1,2-C₂F₄I₂ or 1,4-C₄F₈I₂ in sealed tubes. Their separation by HPLC allowed us to determine molecular structure (X-ray diffraction) of four new compounds C₆(C₄F₈) _n (n = 2, 3, 4, and 6). Structures of isomers C₆₀(C₄F₈) _n were discussed in terms of a concept of consecutive addition of C₄F₈ groups to the fullerene cage.