Freeze‐Drying‐Assisted Synthesis of Hierarchically Porous Carbon/Germanium Hybrid for High‐Efficiency Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Herein, an approach is reported to prepare porous a carbon/Ge (C/Ge) hybrid. In this hybrid, Ge nanoparticles are closely embedded in a highly conductive and flexible carbon matrix. Such a hybrid features a high surface area (128.0 m² g^?1) and a hierarchical micropore–mesopore structure. When used as an anode material in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the as‐prepared hybrid [C/Ge (60.37 %)] exhibits an improved lithium storage performance with regard to its capacity and rate capability compared to its counterparts. More specifically, it can maintain a specific capacity as high as 906 mAh g^?1 at a high current density of 0.6 A g^?1 after 50 cycles. The excellent lithium storage performance of the C/Ge (60.37 %) sample can be attributed to synergetic effects between the carbon matrix and Ge nanoparticles. The method we adopted is simple and effective, and can be extended to fabricate other nanomaterials.     

SERS and FDTD simulation of gold nanoparticles grafted on germanium wafer via galvanic displacement

Uniform and dense Au nanoparticles grown on Ge (Au/Ge) were fabricated by a facile galvanic displacement method and employed as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. The substrates exhibited excellent reproducibility in the detection of rhodamine 6G aqueous solution with a relative standard deviation of <20%. The substrate showed a high Raman enhancement factor of 3.44 × 10⁶. This superior SERS sensitivity was numerical confirmed by the three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain method, which demonstrated a stronger electric field intensity (|E/E₀|²) distribution around the Au nanoparticles grown on Ge. This facile and low‐cost prepared Au/Ge substrate with high SERS sensitivity and reproducibility might have potential applications in monitoring in situ reaction in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Treatment of TiO2 with COOH‐Functionalized Germanium Nanoparticles to Enhance the Photocurrent of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

A dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) containing a TiO₂ film treated with COOH‐functionalized germanium nanoparticles (Ge COOH Nps) exhibited a higher short‐circuit photocurrent density (J_sc; 15.4 mA cm⁻²) compared to the corresponding untreated DSSC (13.4 mA cm⁻²) using N719 and a 12 μm thick TiO₂ film at 100 mW cm⁻². The amount of N719 attached to the treated TiO₂ film was 21 % greater than that attached to the untreated TiO₂ film. Enhancement of the J_sc value by 15 % was attributed mostly to an intramolecular charge transfer from N719 attached to the Ge COOH Nps to the TiO₂ conduction band through the Ge COOH Nps.     

Formation of GeO2 under Graphene on Ge(001)/Si(001) Substrates Using Water Vapor

The problem of graphene protection of Ge surfaces against oxidation is investigated. Raman, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements of graphene epitaxially grown on Ge(001)/Si(001) substrates are presented. It is shown that the penetration of water vapor through graphene defects on Gr/Ge(001)/Si(001) samples leads to the oxidation of germanium, forming GeO₂. The presence of trigonal GeO₂ under graphene was identified by Raman and XRD measurements. The oxidation of Ge leads to the formation of blisters under the graphene layer. It is suggested that oxidation of Ge is connected with the dissociation of water molecules and penetration of OH molecules or O to the Ge surface. It has also been found that the formation of blisters of GeO₂ leads to a dramatic increase in the intensity of the graphene Raman spectrum. The increase in the Raman signal intensity is most likely due to the screening of graphene by GeO₂ from the Ge(001) surface.     

Germanium carboxylates: the first X‐ray diffraction study of germanium(II) dicarboxylate and germanium(IV) tetracarboxylate

Germanium(II) dipropionate (1) has been synthesized and its crystal structure, as well as that of germanium(IV) tetrapropionate (2), has been determined. By contrast to monomeric 2 with monodentate propionate ligands, compound 1 is associated, forming a cyclotetramer [Ge(O₂CEt)₂]₄ (1a) via intermolecular dative C?O → Ge interactions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanoparticles from the Vapor Phase: Synthesis and Characterization of Si, Ge, MoO3, and WO3Nanocrystals

In this paper, we present two studies of nanocrystals prepared by the pulsed laser vaporization–controlled condensation (LVCC) technique. In the first study, we present a comparison between the surface oxidation, morphology and the photoluminescence (PL) properties of Si and Ge nanocrystals. In the second study, we compare the photochromic properties of Mo and W oxides nanoparticles with the properties of the corresponding bulk materials. We also present evidence for a novel photoreduction of the white WO₃ nanoparticles into the blue W₂O₅ following the irradiation of the particles with the second harmonic of the Nd:YAG laser in air. These studies illustrate the novel properties of the nanoscale particles, which could lead to significant practical and technological applications.     

Facile Synthesis of Amorphous Ge Supported by Ni Nanopyramid Arrays as an Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries

In this work, we introduce Ni nanopyramid arrays (NPAs) supported amorphous Ge anode architecture and demonstrate its effective improvement in sodium storage properties. The Ni−Ge NPAs are prepared by facile electrodeposition and sputtering method, which eliminates the need for any binder or conductive additive when used as a Na-ion battery anode. The electrodes display stable cycling performance and enhanced rate capabilities in contrast with planar Ge electrodes, which can be owing to the rational design of the architectured electrodes and firm bonding between current collector and active material (i. e. Ni and Ge, respectively). To validate improvement of nanostructures on electrochemical performance, sodium insertion behavior of crystalline Ge derived from Mg₂Ge precursor has been investigated, in which limited but effective enhancement of sodium storage properties are realized by introducing porous nanostructure in crystalline Ge. These results show that elaborately designed configuration of Ge electrodes may be a promising anode for Na-ion battery applications.     

New insights into the selective and systematic preparation of arylgermanium hydrides

A series of novel arylgermanium hydrides Ar_nGeH_4–n (n = 1–3) and diaryl(chloro)germanium hydrides Ar₂Ge(Cl)H were synthesized and characterized. Systematic preparation and purification were achieved via the lithium chloride–triflic acid and the optimized Grignard route. Arylgermanium hydrides ArnGeH_4–n (Ar = 2,5-Me₂C₆H₃, n = 1–3) were characterized by ¹H and ⁷³Ge NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffractometry.     

Trace Determination of Germanium by Continuous Flow Hydride Generation Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectrometry

A continuous flow hydride generation laser-induced fluorescence (HG-LIF) spectrometry technique has been investigated for performing trace determination of germanium (Ge). Hydride generation of Ge is performed using reagent concentrations of 2?M H₃PO₄ and 0.5% NaBH₄ and fluorescence detection is performed using tunable dye laser radiation at 253.323?nm for Ge excitation with fluorescence measured at 303.907?nm. The HG-LIF approach provides a linear response for Ge in the concentration range from 1.0 to 50?ng mL^?1 and a limit of detection of 0.1?ng mL^?1. Replicate measurements at 10?ng mL^?1 have a relative standard deviation of 0.1% (n?=?8). Measurements of Ge in different sample matrices have demonstrated the effectiveness of thiourea and ascorbic acid as masking agents that compensate for samples containing interfering ions. The determinations of the Ge content in reference water samples, fly ash samples, and supplement capsules demonstrate that the HG-LIF approach has feasibility for measuring Ge in different sample matrices at environmentally relevant concentrations.     

Alkyl-terminated crystalline Ge nanoparticles prepared from NaGe: Synthesis, functionalization and optical properties

High purity NaGe was directly prepared by a low-temperature reaction of NaH and Ge. The product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. This material is a useful starting reagent for the preparation of Ge nanoparticles. Hydrogen-terminated germanium (Ge) nanoparticles were prepared by reaction of NaGe with NH₄Br. These Ge nanoparticles could be prepared as amorphous or crystalline nanoparticles in quantitative yields and with a narrow size distribution. The nanoparticles were functionalized via thermally initiated hydrogermylation with 1-eicosyne, CH₃(CH₂)₁₇C≡CH to produce alkyl-terminated Ge nanoparticles. The modified Ge nanoparticles were characterized by powder XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The alkyl-functionalized Ge nanoparticles can be expected to have promising applications in many technological and biological areas.     

XAS/EXAFS studies of Ge nanoparticles produced by reaction between Mg2Ge and GeCl4

We present results of an XAS and EXAFS study of the synthesis of Ge nanoparticles formed by a metathesis reaction between Mg₂Ge and GeCl₄ in diglyme (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether). The progress of the formation reaction and the products formed at various stages in the processing was characterised by TEM and optical spectroscopy as well as in situ XAS/EXAFS studies using specially designed reaction cells.     

Persistent Digermenes with Acyl and α-Chlorosilyl Functionalities

We report the preparation of α-chlorosilyl- and acyl-substituted digermenes. Unlike the corresponding transient disilenes, these species with a Ge=Ge double bond show an unexpectedly low tendency for cyclization, but in turn are prone to thermal Ge=Ge bond cleavage. Triphenylsilyldigermene has been isolated as a crystalline model compound, and is the first fully characterized example of a neutral digermene with an A₂GeGeAB substitution pattern. Spectroscopic and computational evidence prove the constitution of 1-adamantoyldigermene as a first persistent species with a heavy double bond conjugated with a carbonyl moiety.     

Ultrathin films of Ge on the Si(100)2 × 1 surface

The Ge/Si(100)2 × 1 interface was investigated by means of Auger electron spectroscopy, low‐energy electron diffraction, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and work function measurements, in the regime of a few monolayers. The results show that growth of Ge at room temperature forms a thermally stable amorphous interface without significant intermixing and interdiffusion into the substrate, for annealing up to ~1100 K. Therefore, the Ge‐Si interaction most likely takes place at the outmost silicon atomic plane. The charge transfer between Ge and Si seems to be negligible, indicating a rather covalent bonding. Regarding the Ge overlayer morphology, the growth mode depends on the substrate temperature during deposition, in accordance with the literature. Stronger annealing of the germanium covered substrate (>1100 K) causes desorption of not only Ge adatoms, but also SiGe and Ge₂ species. This is probably due to a thermal Ge‐Si interdiffusion. In that case, deeper silicon planes participate in the Ge‐Si interaction. Above 1200 K, a new Ge superstructure (4 × 4)R45^o was observed. Based on that symmetry, an atomic model is proposed, where Ge adatom pairs interact with free silicon dangling bonds.     

Nanoclusters of Silicon and Germanium

Synthetic routes for the preparation of Si or Ge nanoclusters as gaseous species, colloids, supported composites, or as unsupported powders are reviewed along with selected characterization data. The optical properties of these and related materials, such as porous Si, are summarized with particular emphasis on photo- or electroluminescence phenomena. Research opportunities related to Si and Ge cluster chemistry are suggested.     

Addition of Isocyanides to Tetramesityldigermene: A Comparison of the Reactivity between Surface and Molecular Digermenes

The reaction of benzyl isocyanide, tert‐butyl isocyanide, and 2,6‐dimethylphenyl isocyanide with tetramesityldigermene (Mes₂Ge=GeMes₂) was examined. Whereas the addition of benzyl isocyanide gave the C?NC activation product, Mes₂Ge(CH₂Ph)Ge(CN)Mes₂, tert‐butyl isocyanide, and 2,6‐dimethylphenyl isocyanide did not give stable adducts, rather the rate of conversion of the digermene to the corresponding cyclotrigermane was accelerated. A comparison between the reactivity of the isocyanides with Mes₂Ge=GeMes₂ and the Ge(100)‐2×1 surface was made and some insights into the surface chemistry are offered.     

One-dimensional Germanium Nanowires for Future Electronics

Field- and quantum-effect nanoelectronic devices built on one-dimensional (1-D) chemically synthesized nanostructures are likely among those immediate “successors” of the contemporary top–down silicon CMOS technology for future computing, preserving the spirit of Moore’s Law in the post-CMOS era. The nanotechnology-embedded chip technology would emerge in the foreseeable future. However, there exists a large gap between scientific research and semiconductor electronics. Many of the critical issues need to be addressed before nanotechnology becomes truly impacting. Application-driven nanotechnology research becomes more and more important. In this article, with 1-D germanium nanowire as an example, we discuss research efforts at NASA Ames Center for Nanotechnology in directing nanomaterial synthesis and device integration towards implementation in the next-generation miniaturized and intelligent chip systems. The technology goals include (i) low-temperature, low-defect, high-yield Ge nanowire synthesis, (ii) self-assembly of Ge nanowires-on-insulator (GeNOI), (iii) non-contaminating metal catalysts, and (iv) Ge quantum-wire synthesis. The potential applications of 1-D Ge nanowires are very low power, high performance logic FETs that deeply extend CMOS scaling into nanometer regime and extremely low power, fast speed, room-temperature-operating quantum-wire computing.     

Aminosilylgermylenes: (E)-Digermene versus Germylene Crystallization [1]

The diaminosilylene tBuNCH₂CH₂NtBuSi: reacted with the diaminogermylenes RNCH₂CH₂NRGe: R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃, iPr, by silylene insertion into one of the Ge–N bonds to furnish the aminosilylgermylenes 8 , R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃, and 9 , R = iPr. The X-ray structure analyses of these compounds revealed that 8 remains monomeric in the crystal with weak Ge … Ge interactions to the germanium atom of a neighbouring germylene molecule, whereas 9 dimerizes to give the strongly twisted (E)-1,2-diamino-1,2-disilyldigermene (E)- 10 with a long Ge–Ge double bond of 246 pm and a large trans-bent angle of 47.3°.     

Facile Synthesis of Peapod-Like Cu3Ge/Ge@C as a High-Capacity and Long-Life Anode for Li-Ion Batteries

As anode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries, peapod-like Ge-based composites, including Ge, a Li-inactive conducting Cu₃Ge, and a porous carbon matrix are synthesized simply by annealing CuGeO₃@dopamine in a H₂/Ar atmosphere. The introduction of the carbon layer and inactive alloying phase Cu₃Ge not only enhances the electrical conductivity of the Ge anode, but also reduces the volume change of Ge during the cell cycle as a buffer. In particular, the anode of this peapod-like Cu₃Ge/Ge@C shows an excellent long cycle life as well as outstanding capacity performance, with a discharge specific capacity up to 934 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles.     

Coherent Solution‐phase Synthesis of a Germanium‐Graphitic Nanocomposite and Its Evaluation for Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes: Non‐innocent Role of the Mashima Reagent

The organosilicon reagent 1,4‐bis‐(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐diaza‐2,5‐cyclohexadiene 2 plays the binary role of the simultaneous reduction of GeCl₂.dioxane 1 dissolved in oleylamine to Ge nanocrystals and the formation of graphitic sheets under hot‐injection conditions. This colloidal synthetic route to germanium nanocrystals embedded on N‐doped graphitic nanosheets Ge/NG is free of any template or catalyst and involves easy purification techniques. The Ge/NG/C obtained after carbonization has been explored for anode performance in lithium‐ion batteries. Both Ge/NG and Ge/NG/C can be obtained on a gram scale and are bottleable under argon for months.     

Synthesis of Functionalized Vinylgermanes through a New Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Coupling Reaction

Vinyl‐substituted germanes react stereo‐ and regioselectively with olefins in the presence of complexes containing Ru? H and Ru? Ge bonds with the formation of functionalized vinylgermanes that cannot be synthesized by olefin cross‐metathesis procedures. The reaction opens a new catalytic route for preparation of a class of organogermanes that are potent organometallic reagents for organic synthesis because they show very low toxicity and could replace organotin compounds. The mechanism of this new catalytic route was proven to involve an interesting insertion of the vinylgermane into the Ru? H bond and β‐Ge transfer to the metal with elimination of ethylene and generation of an Ru? Ge bond, followed by insertion of the alkene into the Ru? Ge bond and β‐H transfer to the metal to eliminate the substituted vinylgermane.