Electrochemical deposition of PbTe onto n-Si(1 0 0) wafers

Electrochemical deposition of PbTe from 50 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ + 1 mM TeO₂ + 0.1 M HNO₃ solution onto n-Si(1 0 0) wafers was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, ex situ SEM, XRD and EDX. Electrochemical behavior of n-Si(1 0 0) electrode in electrolytes 50 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ + 0.1 M HNO₃ and 1 mM TeO₂ + 0.1 M HNO₃ was also studied. No underpotential deposition (UPD) of Pb and Te onto n-Si was observed in the investigated systems indicating weak Pb–Si and Te–Si interactions. Deposition of Pb and Te on n-Si occurred with overvoltage via 3D island growth. Electrosynthesis of PbTe (NaCl-like structure, a = 0.650 nm) takes place due to codeposition of Pb and Te at potentials E > E_{Pb²⁺/Pb⁰} (lead UPD onto tellurium). Cathodic deposition of PbTe onto n-Si(1 0 0) is irreversible – there is no anodic current in the CV curve. Oxidation of PbTe on n-Si is observed only under illumination, when photoelectrons and photoholes are generated in silicon substrate.     

(p, ρ, T) Properties for n-butane in the temperature range from 280 K to 380 K at pressures up to 200 MPa

The (p, ρ, T) properties for n-butane in the compressed liquid phase were measured by means of a metal-bellows variable volumometer in the temperature range from 280 K to 380 K at pressures up to 200 MPa. The mole fraction purity of the n-butane used in the measurements was 0.9997. The expanded uncertainties (k = 2) in temperature, pressure, and density measurements have been estimated to be less than ±3 mK; 1.4 kPa (p ⩽ 7 MPa), 0.06% (7 MPa < p ⩽ 50 MPa), 0.1% (50 MPa < p ⩽ 150 MPa), and 0.2% (p > 150 MPa); and 0.09%, respectively. In the region above100 MPa at T = 280 K and T = 440 K, the uncertainty in density measurements increases from 0.09% to 0.13% and 0.22%, respectively. Eight (p, ρ, T) measurements at the same temperatures and pressures as the literature values have been conducted for comparisons. In addition, comparisons of the available equations of state with the present measurements are reported.     

Phase transitions on (liquid + liquid) equilibria for (water + 1-methylnaphthalene + light aromatic hydrocarbon) ternary systems at T = (563, 573, and 583) K

Phase transitions for (water + 1-methylnaphthalene + light aromatic hydrocarbon) ternary systems are observed at their (liquid + liquid) equilibria at T = (563, 573, and 583) K and (8.6 to 25.0) MPa. The phase transition pressures at T = (563, 573, and 583) K were measured for the five species of light aromatic hydrocarbons, o-, m-, p-xylenes, ethylbenzene, and mesitylene. The measurements of the phase transition pressures were carried out by changing the feed mole fraction of water and 1-methylnaphthalene in water free, respectively. Effects of the feed mole fraction of water on the phase transition pressures are very small. Increasing the feed mole fraction of 1-methylnaphthalene results in decreasing the phase transition pressures at constant temperature. The slopes depending on the feed mole fraction for 1-methylnaphthalene at the phase transition pressures are decreased with increasing temperature for (water + 1-methylnaphthalene + p-xylene), (water + 1-methylnaphthalene + o-xylene), and (water + 1-methylnaphthalene + mesitylene) systems. For xylene isomers, the highest and lowest of the phase transition pressures are obtained in the case of p- and o-xylenes, respectively. The phase transition pressures for ethylbenzene are lower than those in the case of p-xylene. The similar phase transition pressures are given for p-xylene and mesitylene.     

Thermodynamic study of the mixed system (CsCl + CaCl2 + H2O) by EMF Measurements at T = 298.15 K

This work reports the results of a thermodynamic investigation of the ternary mixed-electrolyte system (CsCl + CaCl₂ + H₂O). The activity coefficients of this mixed aqueous electrolyte system have been studied with the electromotive force measurement (EMF) of the cell: Cs ion-selective electrode (ISE)|CsCl(m_A), CaCl₂(m_B), H₂O|Ag/AgCl at T = 298.15 K and over total ionic strengths from (0.01 to 1.50) mol · kg^?1 for different ionic strength fractions y_B of CaCl₂ with y_B = (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8). The cesium ion-selective electrode (Cs-ISE) and the Ag/AgCl electrode used in this work were made in our laboratory and had a good Nernst response. The experimental results obey the Harned rule, and the Pitzer model can be used to describe this ternary system satisfactorily. The osmotic coefficients, excess Gibbs free energies and activities of water of the mixtures were also calculated.     

Electrochemical properties of Li(Li(1−x)/3CoxMn(2−2x)/3)O2 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) solid solutions prepared by poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) method

The whole range of solid solutions Li(Li_(1−x)/3Co_xMn_(2−2x)/3)O₂ (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) was firstly synthesized by an aqueous solution method using poly-vinyl alcohol as a synthetic agent to investigate their structure and electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the synthesized solid solutions showed a single phase without any detectable impurity phase and have a hexagonal structure with some additional peaks caused by monoclinic distortion, especially in the solid solutions with a low Co amount. In the electrochemical examination, the solid solutions in the range between 0.2 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.9 showed higher discharge capacity and better cyclability than LiCoO₂ (x = 1) on cycling between 2.0 and 4.6 V with 100 mA g⁻¹ at 25 °C. For example, Li(Li_0.2Co_0.4Mn_0.4)O₂ (x = 0.4) exhibited a high discharge capacity of 180 mA h g⁻¹ at the 50th cycle. By synthesizing the solid solution between Li₂MnO₃ and LiCoO₂, the electrochemical properties of the end members were improved.     

Activity coefficients of electrolyte and amino acid in the systems (water + potassium chloride + dl -valine) at T = 298.15 K and (water + sodium chloride + l -valine) at T = 308.15 K

The activity coefficient data were reported for (water  +  potassium chloride  + dl -valine) at T =  298.15 K and (water  +  sodium chloride  + l -valine) at T =  308.15 K. The measurements were performed in an electrochemical cell using ion-selective electrodes. The maximum concentrations of the electrolytes and the amino acids studied were 1.0 molality and 0.4 molality, respectively. The results of the activity coefficients of dl -valine are compared with the activity coefficients of dl -valine in (water  +  sodium chloride  + dl -valine) system obtained from the previous study. The results show that the presence of an electrolyte and the nature of its cation have a significant effect on the activity coefficient of dl -valine in aqueous electrolyte solutions.     

Anomalous capacity and cycling stability of xLi2MnO3 · (1 − x)LiMO2 electrodes (M = Mn,Ni, Co) in lithium batteries at 50 °C

Transition metal oxides with composite xLi₂MnO₃ ·  (1 − x)LiMO₂ rocksalt structures (M = Mn, Ni, Co) are of interest as a new generation of cathode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. After electrochemical activation to 4.6 or 4.8 V (vs. Li⁰) at 50 °C, xLi₂MnO₃ · (1 − x)LiMn_0.33Ni_0.33Co_0.33O₂ (x = 0.5, 0.7) electrodes deliver initial discharge capacities (>300 mAh/g) at a low current rate (0.05 mA/cm²) that exceed the theoretical values for lithiation back to the rocksalt stoichiometry (240–260 mAh/g), at least during the early charge/discharge cycles of the cells. Attention is drawn to previous reports of similar, but unaccounted and unexplained anomalous behavior of these types of electrode materials. Possible reasons for this anomalous capacity are suggested. Indications are that electrodes in which M = Mn, Ni and Co do not cycle with the same stability at 50 °C as those without cobalt.     

Activity coefficients of glycine in aqueous electrolyte solutions: experimental data for (H2O + KCl + glycine) atT = 298.15 K and (H2O + NaCl + glycine) atT = 308.15 K

Electrochemical cells with two ion-selective electrodes against a single-junction reference electrode were used to obtain the activity coefficients of glycine in aqueous electrolyte solutions. Activity coefficient data were presented for {H₂O  +  KCl (m_S)  +  glycine (m_A)}, and {H₂O  +  NaCl (m_S)  +  glycine (m_A)} atT =  298.15 K and T =  308.15 K, respectively. The results show that the presence of an electrolyte and the nature of its cation have a significant effect on the activity coefficient of glycine in aqueous electrolyte solutions and, in turn, on the method of separation from its culture media. The results of the mean ionic activity coefficients of KCl were compared with those values reported in the literature, which were obtained by the isopiestic method. It was found that the method applied in this study provides accurate activity coefficient data. The effect of temperature on the mean ionic activity coefficient of NaCl in presence of glycine was also investigated.     

Mean activity coefficients of NaCl in (sodium chloride + sodium bicarbonate + water) fromT = (293.15 to 308.15) K

The mean activity coefficients of NaCl in (sodium chloride  +  sodium bicarbonate  +  water) were determined experimentally in the temperature range 293.15 K to 308.15 K at four NaHCO₃molality fractions (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7). The measurements were made with an electrochemical cell, using a Na ⁺ glass ion-selective electrode and a Cl ⁻ solid-state ion-selective electrode. The experimental values reported by Butler and Huston are found to be higher than those calculated from the Pitzer equation using the existing parameters while the experimental results of this work are close to the calculated values, up to an NaHCO₃molality fraction of 0.5. At the NaHCO₃molality fraction of 0.7, the experimental data are much lower than the calculated values, implying that the interference of HCO₃ ⁻ on the Na ⁺ glass ion-selective electrode can only be neglected up to a molality fraction of NaHCO₃of 0.5, an observation which is consistent with that of Butler and Huston.     

(Solid + liquid) equilibria of (naphthalene + isomeric dichlorobenzenes)

(Solid + liquid) equilibria (SLE) have been measured for naphthalene + o-dichlorobenzene, + m-dichlorobenzene, and + p-dichlorobenzene using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) over the whole concentration range. It was found that the phase diagram of (naphthalene + m-dichlorobenzene) is of a simple eutectic type with the eutectic point at 244.85 K and 0.058 mole fraction of naphthalene, the phase diagram of (naphthalene + p-dichlorobenzene) is of a simple eutectic type with the eutectic point at 302.85 K and 0.390 mole fraction of naphthalene and in the system of (naphthalene + o-dichlorobenzene), a 1:1 incongruently melting compound is formed and that the phase diagram show a eutectic and a peritectic, the eutectic point is at 232.55 K and 0.130 mole fraction of naphthalene, the peritectic point at 250.15 K and 0.077 mole fraction of naphthalene. Furthermore, the activity coefficients of components in mixtures of (naphthalene + m-dichlorobenzene) and (naphthalene + p-dichlorobenzene) have been correlated by the Scatchard–Hildebrand solubility parameter expression. This approach offers a useful procedure for estimating with good accuracy.     

Partial molar volumes of organic solutes in water. XIII. Butanols (aq) at temperatures T = 298 K to 573 K and at pressures up to 30 MPa

Density data for dilute aqueous solutions of 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol (iso-butanol), and 2-methyl-2-propanol (tert-butanol) are presented together with partial molar volumes at infinite dilution calculated from the experimental data. The measurements were performed at temperatures from T = 298.15 K up to T = 573.15 K and at pressure close to the saturated vapour pressure of water, at pressures close to p = 20 MPa and p = 30 MPa. The data were obtained using a high-temperature high-pressure flow vibrating-tube densimeter.     

Partial molar volumes of organic solutes in water. XIV. Polyhydric alcohols derived from ethane and propane at temperatures T = 298 K to T = 573 K and at pressures up to 30 MPa

Density data for dilute aqueous solutions of 1,2-ethanediol (ethylene glycol), 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,2,3-propanetriol (glycerol) are presented together with partial molar volumes at infinite dilution calculated from the experimental data. The measurements were performed at temperatures from T = 298.15 K up to T = 573.15 K and at pressure close to the saturated vapour pressure of water, at pressures close to p = 20 MPa and p = 30 MPa. The data were obtained using a high-temperature high-pressure flow vibrating-tube densimeter.     

Selective determination of uric acid with DNA doped polymers modified carbon fiber microelectrode

New biocomposite materials, based on the incorporation of DNA doped p-aminobenzensulfonic acid, was fabricated by electrochemical method. A carbon fiber microelectrode modified by this thin film was fabricated for selective determination of uric acid (UA) in the presence of a larger amount of ascorbic acid (AA). It was found that the voltammetric oxidation peak separation between UA and AA is about 260 mV at the modified electrode. A linear response of the peak current versus the concentration was found in the range of 8 × 10⁻⁷–6 × 10⁻⁴ M with correlation coefficient of 0.9991 and the detection limit was 5 × 10⁻⁷ M (s/n = 3) at the 5 × 10⁻⁴ M AA. The presence of high concentration AA did not interference the determination. The electropolymerized film was characterized by SEM techniques. The modified electrode shows good sensitivity, selectivity and stability.     

A possible approach towards spin-polarized transport through single molecule magnets: Mn12 on Au(1 0 0)/Fe(1 0 0)/MgO(1 0 0)

The possibility to use the Au(1 0 0)/Fe(1 0 0)/MgO(1 0 0) system as a substrate for future spin-polarized transport measurements on Mn₁₂ single molecule magnets has been investigated by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at room temperature. In particular, the stability of the iron layer during a wet chemical preparation of Mn₁₂ monolayers was studied. The results demonstrate that Mn₁₂ can be deposited on Au(1 0 0)/Fe(1 0 0)/MgO(1 0 0) while preserving the metallic nature of the ferromagnetic iron layer which is required as a possible source of spin-polarized electrons in future studies.     

Adsorption of hydrogen on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 0 0) surfaces and its role in the HOR

Hydrogen adsorption isotherms, evaluated by combination of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, are reported on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 0 0) surfaces in 0.1 M HClO₄. We found that at E > 0.05 V Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 0 0) are only partially covered by the adsorbed hydrogen (H_ad). On both surfaces, a full monolayer of the adsorbed hydrogen is completed at −0.1 V, i.e. the adsorption of atomic hydrogen is observed in the hydrogen evolution potential region. We also found, that the activity of the hydrogen oxidation reaction is mirrored by the shape of the hydrogen adsorption isotherms, implying that H_ad is in fact a spectator in the HOR.     

(p, ρ, T) properties and apparent molar volumes Vϕ of CaCl2 in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K and pressure up to 40 MPa

The (p, ρ, T) properties and apparent molar volumes V_ϕ of CaCl₂ in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K, at pressures up to 40 MPa are reported, and apparent molar volumes have been evaluated. The experimental (p, ρ, T) values were described by an equation of state. The experiments were carried out at m = (0.10819, 0.28529, 0.65879 and 2.39344) mol · kg⁻¹ of calcium chloride.     

Speeds of sound in {(1 − x)CH4 + xN2} with x = (0.10001, 0.19999, and 0.5422) at temperatures between 170 K and 400 K and pressures up to 30 MPa

The speed of sound in {(1 − x)CH₄ + xN₂} has been measured with a spherical acoustic resonator. Two mixtures with x = (0.10001 and 0.19999) were studied along isotherms at temperatures between 220 K and 400 K with pressures up to 20 MPa; a few additional measurements at p = (25 and 30) MPa are also reported. A third mixture with x = 0.5422 was studied along pseudo-isochores at amount-of-substance densities between 0.2 mol · dm⁻³ and 5 mol · dm⁻³. Corrections for molecular vibrational relaxation are discussed in detail and relaxation times are reported. The overall uncertainty of the measured speeds of sound is estimated to be not worse than ±0.02%, except for those measurements in the mixture with x = 0.5422 that lie along the pseduo-isochore at the highest amount-of-substance density. The results have been compared with the predictions of several equations of state used for natural gas systems.     

Apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities of aqueous KI,HIO3, NaIO3, and KIO3 at temperatures from 278.15 K to 393.15 K and at the pressure 0.35 MPa

We determined apparent molar volumes V_? at 298.15 ? (T/K) ? 368.15 and apparent molar heat capacities C_p,? at 298.15 ? (T/K) ? 393.15 for aqueous solutions of HIO₃ at molalities m from (0.015 to 1.0) mol · kg^?1, and of aqueous KIO₃ at molalities m from (0.01 to 0.2) mol · kg^?1 at p = 0.35 MPa. We also determined V_? at the same p and at 298.15 ? (T/K) ? 368.15 for aqueous solutions of KI at m from (0.015 to 7.5) mol · kg^?1. We determined C_p,? at the same p and at 298.15 ? (T/K) ? 393.15 for aqueous solutions of KI at m from (0.015 to 5.5) mol · kg^?1, and for aqueous solutions of NaIO₃ at m from (0.02 to 0.15) mol · kg^?1. Values of V_? were determined from densities measured with a vibrating-tube densimeter, and values of C_p,? were determined with a twin fixed-cell, differential temperature-scanning calorimeter. Empirical functions of m and T were fitted to our results for each compound. Values of K_a, Δ_rH_m, and Δ_rC_p,m for the proton ionization reaction of aqueous HIO₃ are calculated and discussed.     

(Solid + solute) phase equilibria in aqueous solution. XIII. Thermodynamic properties of hydrozincite and predominance diagrams for (Zn2 + + H2O + CO2)

The thermodynamic properties ofZn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ , hydrozincite, have been determined by performing solubility and d.s.c. measurements. The solubility constant in aqueous NaClO₄media has been measured at temperatures ranging from 288.15 K to 338.15 K at constant ionic strength (I =  1.00 mol · kg ^− 1). Additionally, the dependence of the solubility constant on the ionic strength has been investigated up to I =  3.00 mol · kg ^− 1NaClO₄at T =  298.15 K. The standard molar heat capacity C_{p, m}^ofunction fromT =  318.15 K to T =  418.15 K, as well as the heat of decomposition of hydrozincite, have been obtained from d.s.c. measurements. All experimental results have been simultaneously evaluated by means of the optimization routine of ChemSage yielding an internally consistent set of thermodynamic data (T =  298.15 K): solubility constant log ^* K_{ps 0}⁰ =  (9.0  ±  0.1), standard molar Gibbs energy of formationΔ_fG_m^o {Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ }  =  ( − 3164.6  ±  3.0)kJ · mol ^− 1, standard molar enthalpy of formation Δ_fH_m^o{Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ }  =  ( − 3584  ±  15)kJ · mol ^− 1, standard molar entropy S_m^o{Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ }  =  (436  ±  50)J · mol ^− 1· K ^− 1and C_p,m^o / (J · mol ^− 1· K ^− 1)  =  (119  ±  11)  +  (0.834  ±  0.033)T / K. A three-dimensional predominance diagram is introduced which allows a comprehensive thermodynamic interpretation of phase relations in(Zn^2 +  +  H₂O  +  CO₂) . The axes of this phase diagram correspond to the potential quantities: temperature, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and pH of the aqueous solution. Moreover, it is shown how the stoichiometric composition{n(CO₃) / n(Zn)} of the solid compoundsZnCO₃ and Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂can be checked by thermodynamically analysing the measured solubility data.     

Ab initio and XPS studies of pyrite (1 0 0) surface states

Ab initio quantum chemical modelling (GGA, CASTEP and B3LYP, CRYSTAL03) is used to predict differences in electronic structure between the (1 0 0) surface and bulk of pyrite. Experimental X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) data for the S 2p core lines show the presence of two types of S surface states: surface S²⁻ monomers at a S 2p_3/2 binding energy (BE) of 161.2 eV, and (S–S)²⁻ surface dimer states at a S 2p_3/2 BE of 162.0 eV, compared to the S 2p_3/2 BE of bulk pyrite at 162.7 eV. The Fe 2p surface XPS displays several multiplets (implying high spin configuration) at higher BE than the bulk Fe 2p signal, which can be ascribed to surface state contributions. The quantum chemical simulation predicts an S 2p core level shift of 0.69 eV between the S bulk and S surface dimers, in good agreement with the 0.6 eV found in XPS measurements. A Mulliken population analysis confirms the conjectured charge distribution on the surface, which leads to the two different S surface states, as well as the surface high spin configuration responsible for the high BE Fe multiplets. Evidence for surface Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ surface states can be seen in the Fe projected valence band density of states, confirming the interpretation of the photoemission spectra.