Ultrafast photoinduced reflectivity transients in doped manganite

The temperature and magnetic field dependence of ultrafast photoinduced spin and quasiparticle relaxation dynamics is reported in La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3) and LaMnO(3) single crystals and thin films. Both manganites reveal an unusually slow ( approximately 10 micros) carrier relaxation process attributed to the spin-lattice relaxation in localized states. The quasiparticle dynamics is governed by the temperature- and magnetic field-dependent pseudogap in La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3), and by the temperature-independent Jahn-Teller gap in LaMnO(3). The loss of spectral weight near the Fermi level in La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3) strongy affects the quasiparticle relaxation dynamics as temperature increases from below T(C). Our results show that the coupled dynamics of charge, spin and lattice is strongly correlated with the distinct gap structures in these manganites.     

Room temperature antiferromagnetic order in the Mn(II) Oxide 4H-Ba(0.5)Sr(0.5)MnO(2+delta)

The synthesis of the Mn(II) phase 4H-Ba(0.5)Sr(0.5)MnO(2+delta) via the topotactic reduction of 4H-Ba(0.5)Sr(0.5)MnO(3-x) with the novel reducing agent LiH, is described. Neutron powder diffraction data show that oxide ions are deintercalated from the host structure in a disordered manner to yield "tetrahedral" MnO(4) coordination sites. Magnetic susceptibility and neutron powder diffraction data show that the title phase adopts a canted antiferromagnetically ordered state below T(N) = 355K, consistent with the strong magnetic coupling expected between d(5) centers.     

Kinetic patterns in the formation of nanosized manganese–manganese oxide systems

Transformations in nanosized manganese films are studied by means of optical spectroscopy, microscopy, and gravimetry at different film thicknesses (d = 4–108 nm) and temperatures of heat treatment (T = 373–673 K). It is found that the kinetic curves of conversion are satisfactorily described in the terms of linear, inverse logarithmic, cubic, and logarithmic laws. The contact potential difference is measured for Mn and MnO films, and photo EMF is measured for Mn–MnO systems. An energy band diagram is constructed for Mn–MnO systems. A model for the thermal transformation of Mn films is proposed that includes stages of oxygen adsorption, the redistribution of charge carriers in the contact field of Mn–MnO, and manganese(II) oxide formation.     

Phase separation in manganites induced by orbital-ordering strains

Doped manganite perovskites AMnO(3) exhibit a rich variety of electronic properties, resulting from the interplay of charge (Mn(3+)/Mn(4+)), spin (Mn magnetic moment) and orbital (Mn(3+) Jahn-Teller distortion) degrees of freedom. Magnetisation measurements and ESR spectra have been used to study a series of eight AMnO(3) perovskites, in which the A cation sites are occupied by a distribution of 70% trivalent lanthanide and 30% divalent Ca, Sr or Ba ions. These all have a mean A cation radius of 1.20 Angstrom but different values of the cation size variance sigma(2). A change from orbital disorder to order (cooperative Jahn-Teller distortions) was previously found in the insulating regime at sigma(2) = approximately 0.005 Angstrom(2). This work has shown that co-existence of the orbitally ordered and disordered phases is found in sigma(2)= 0.0016-0.0040 Angstrom(2) samples, with a difference of 40 K between their Curie temperatures. This is ascribed to competition between orbital ordering and microstructural lattice strains. At larger sigma(2) > 0.005 Angstrom(2), the orbital ordering strains are dominant and only this phase is observed. This intermediate temperature phase segregation is one of many strain-driven separation phenomena in manganites.     

Biodegradable magnetic gel: synthesis and characterization

Biodegradable polymer-based magnetic gels have been synthesized using hydroxypropyl cellulose and maghemite. These magnetic gels have a network of nanoparticles of hydroxypropyl cellulose (30–100 nm) and a homogeneous distribution of nanosized maghemite (~7 nm). This has been observed in a STEM micrograph. The surface structure of the gels has been observed by atomic force microscopy, while transmission electron microscopy has shown the distribution of iron oxide in HPC gel nanoparticles. These gels have magneto-elastic properties. The magnetic susceptibility and magnetization of these gels are measured by a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer.     

Self-Organization of Magnetic Nanoparticles and Inclusion of Hydrogen by Borohydride Reduction

 Different structures of the interglobular space or voids between self-organized nanoparticles lead to differences in the measurable magnetic properties of single-domain particle chains of similar composition, grain size, and amorphous structure of the single globules. The volumes and radii of nanoparticles obtained by application of a magnetic field (3 to 15 nm) are larger than those determined without application of a magnetic field during the borohydride reduction process. Two types of hydrogen containing nanotubes with diameters of up to 2 (small-size containers) and 5 nm (large-size containers) are produced using as a driving force the domain wall formation energy between ferromagnetic nanoparticles with quantum size effected dimensions prepared by this reduction method at room temperature and ambient atmosphere. Nanoscale hydrogen containers can be used instead of MeH nanoparticle electrodes as perfect energy charge transfer media of high efficiency (close to 100%) using Li ion electrolytes. No influence on the electrode temperature and no participation of OH⁻ and H₂O in the main charge/discharge transfer reactions were observed.     

Evidence of a unique electron donor-acceptor property for platinum nanoparticles as studied by XPS

In the interaction of PVP with Pt nanoparticles <7 nm in size, charge transfer is from carbonyl groups in PVP to Pt nanoparticles, whereas in the interaction of PVP with bulk Pt or Pt nanoparticles >25 nm in size, charge transfer is from Pt metal to the polymer side chain of PVP. There exists a critical nanoparticle size between 7 and 25 nm that would lead to a switch in the electron donor-acceptor property.     

The impact of geometric and surface electronic properties of pt-catalysts on the particle size effect in electrocatalysis

The particle size effect on the formation of OH adlayer, the CO bulk oxidation, and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been studied on Pt nanoparticles in perchloric acid electrolyte. From measurements of the CO displacement charge at controlled potential, the corresponding surface charge density versus potential curves yielded the potentials of total zero charge (pztc), which shifts approximately 35 mV negative by decreasing the particle size from 30 nm down to 1 nm. As a consequence, the energy of adsorption of OH is more enhanced, that is, at the same potential the surface coverage with OH increases by decreasing the particle size, which in turn affects the catalytic reactions thereon. The impact of the electronically induced potential shift in the OH adsorption is demonstrated at the CO bulk oxidation, in which adsorbed OH is an educt species and promotes the reaction, and the ORR, where it can act as a surface site blocking species and inhibits the reaction.     

Self-Organization of Magnetic Nanoparticles and Inclusion of Hydrogen by Borohydride Reduction

Summary.  Different structures of the interglobular space or voids between self-organized nanoparticles lead to differences in the measurable magnetic properties of single-domain particle chains of similar composition, grain size, and amorphous structure of the single globules. The volumes and radii of nanoparticles obtained by application of a magnetic field (3 to 15 nm) are larger than those determined without application of a magnetic field during the borohydride reduction process. Two types of hydrogen containing nanotubes with diameters of up to 2 (small-size containers) and 5 nm (large-size containers) are produced using as a driving force the domain wall formation energy between ferromagnetic nanoparticles with quantum size effected dimensions prepared by this reduction method at room temperature and ambient atmosphere. Nanoscale hydrogen containers can be used instead of MeH nanoparticle electrodes as perfect energy charge transfer media of high efficiency (close to 100%) using Li ion electrolytes. No influence on the electrode temperature and no participation of OH⁻ and H₂O in the main charge/discharge transfer reactions were observed. Received October 25, 2001. Accepted (revised) January 3, 2002     

MnO octahedral nanocrystals and MnO@C core-shell composites: synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic properties

We present a simple and facile synthesis of MnO octahedral nanocrystals and MnO@C core-shell composite nanoparticles. The synthesis is accomplished by a single-step direct pyrolysis of cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate in specially made Let-lock union cells. The products are characterized by HRSEM, HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The product consists mainly of octahedral MnO nanocrystals and MnO coated with carbon (MnO@C). The core-shell particles are observed only when the core size is smaller than 150 nm. The shape of the nanocrystals can be controlled by varying parameters such as reaction temperature and duration. As the temperature increases from 600 to 800 degrees C, the octahedral MnO crystals observed are without any carbon shell. The effect of time and temperature on the octahedral MnO nanocrystal formation is described. The electrocatalytic activities of the products are studied for oxygen reduction reaction in aqueous basic medium and are compared with bulk MnO. The MnO nanocrystals and core-shell composites exhibit higher activity than that of bulk MnO.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Self-assembly of Gold-coated Iron Nanoparticles

Due to their small size (1-100 nm), nanoparticles exhibit novel materials properties that differ considerably from those of the bulk solid state. Especially in recent years, the interests in nanometer-scale magnetic particles are growing based on their potential application as high density magnetic storage media. A unique reverse micelle method has been developed to prepare gold-coated iron nanoparticles. XRD, UV/vis, TEM and magnetic measurements are used to characterize the nanocomposites. XRD only gives FCC paterns of gold for the obtained nanoparticles. There is a red shift and broadening of Au@Fe colloid relative to pure gold colloid in the absorption spectra. TEM results show that the average size of Au@Fe nanoparticle is about 10 nm. These nanoparticles self-assembled into wires in micron level under a 0.5 T magnetic field. Magnetic measurements show that the particles are superparamagnetic with a blocking temperature of 42 K. Coercivity of the obtained nanoparticles decreases with the measuring temperature, which are 730 Oe,320 Oe and 0 at 2 K, 10 K and 300 K, respectively.     

Ferromagnetism in a new manganese-related Brownmillerite: La0.5Sr0.5MnO2.5

The topotactic reduction of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 leads to ordering of the anionic vacancies in the La0.5Sr0.5MnO2.5 composition. The isolated material, which is isostructural with Sr2Fe2O5, crystallises in the brownmillerite structural type with unit cell parameters a=0.54117(3), b=1.67608(12), c=0.54004(3) nm and space group Ibm2. Its microstructural characterisation by means of electron diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy suggests a complex microstructure arising from the coherent intergrowth of different brownmillerite-type domains that show short-range ordering at the A sub-lattice. The layer structure of La0.5Sr0.5MnO2.5 leads to a double magnetic behaviour where a ferromagnetic two-dimensional component is present.     

MnO2-embedded-in-mesoporous-carbon-wall structure for use as electrochemical capacitors

We present an in situ reduction method to synthesize a novel structured MnO(2)/mesoporous carbon (MnC) composite. MnO(2) nanoparticles have been synthesized and embedded into the mesoporous carbon wall of CMK-3 materials by the redox reaction between permanganate ions and carbons. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen sorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cyclic voltammetry were employed to characterize these composite materials. The results show that different MnO(2) contents could be introduced into the pores of CMK-3 treated with different concentrations of potassium permanganate aqueous solution, while retaining the ordered mesostructure and larger surface area. Increasing the MnO(2) content did not result in a decrease in pore size from the data of nitrogen sorption isotherms, indicating that MnO(2) nanoparticles are embedded in the pore wall, as evidenced by TEM observation. We obtained a large specific capacitance over 200 F/g for the MnC composite and 600 F/g for the MnO(2), and these materials have high electrochemical stability and high reversibility.     

Doping effects in single-layered La0.5Sr1.5MnO4 manganite

In this paper we report the results of the synthesis and structural, transport, and magnetic characterization of pure La(0.5)Sr(1.5)MnO(4) and B-site lightly doped samples, i.e. La(0.5)Sr(1.5)Mn(0.95)B(0.05)O(4), where B = Ru, Co, and Ni. The choice was made in order to probe the charge ordering/orbital ordering ground state of the monolayered La(0.5)Sr(1.5)MnO(4) manganite as a consequence of the cation doping. It is shown that even a light doping is successful in suppressing the charge and orbital order found in pure La(0.5)Sr(1.5)MnO(4). No long-range magnetic order has been detected in any of the doped samples but the setup of a spin-glass state with a common freezing temperature ( approximately 22 K). Structural parameters show an anisotropy in the lattice constant variation, with the tetragonal distortion increasing as the cell volume reduces, which may suggest a variation in the orbital character of the e(g) electrons along with the overall cation size.     

Size and structure dependence of carbon monoxide chemisorption on cobalt clusters

We have carried out a series of ab initio calculations to investigate changes in the structural and magnetic properties of pristine cobalt clusters upon CO chemisorption. Our results show that binding energies of CO to 13-55 atom (0.5-1.5 nm) cobalt nanoparticles and preferred chemisorption sites depend on the cluster structure (whether fcc or icosahedral), size, and surface coverage. In addition, we find a strong influence of CO on the magnetism of the cluster, leading to magnetic moments smaller than in the bulk, at variance with pristine clusters which have magnetic moments larger than the bulk. Our findings suggest important changes in catalytic properties of cobalt at the nanoscale. Our theory suggests that at the nanoscale cluster size and surface coverage might control catalysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of highly magnetized nanocrystalline Co(30)Fe(70) alloy by chemical reduction

Co(30)Fe(70) nanoparticles with mean particle size of about 8 nm were successfully synthesized by the chemical reduction of cobalt chloride and iron chloride with borohydride as a reducing agent in aqueous solution. The composition and size of the Co(30)Fe(70) nanoparticles were optimized by controlling the molar ratio of starting materials, reaction time, and dropping rate of aqueous reducing agent. As alloy powders prepared by chemical reduction tend to be amorphous in the as-synthesized state, the as-precipitated Co(30)Fe(70) nanoparticles were heat-treated to achieve crystallinity at the different temperatures for 1 h. The Co(30)Fe(70) nanocrystallite by chemical reduction shows excellent soft magnetic behavior, such as high permeability, negligible coercivity, and high saturation magnetization like that of Co(30)Fe(70) bulk.     

Preparation and controlled self-assembly of Janus magnetic nanoparticles

Janus magnetic nanoparticles (~20 nm) were prepared by grafting either polystyrene sodium sulfonate (PSSNa) or polydimethylamino ethylmethacrylate (PDMAEMA) to the exposed surfaces of negatively charged poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-coated magnetite nanoparticles adsorbed onto positively charged silica beads. Individually dispersed Janus nanoparticles were obtained by repulsion from the beads on reversal of the silica surface charge when the solution pH was increased. Controlled aggregation of the Janus nanoparticles was observed at low pH values, with the formation of stable clusters of approximately 2-4 times the initial size of the particles. Cluster formation was reversed, and individually dispersed nanoparticles recovered, by restoring the pH to high values. At intermediate pH values, PSSNa Janus nanoparticles showed moderate clustering, while PDMAEMA Janus nanoparticles aggregated uncontrollably due to dipolar interactions. The size of the stable clusters could be controlled by increasing the molecular weight of the grafted polymer, or by decreasing the magnetic nanoparticle surface availability for grafting, both of which yielded larger cluster sizes. The addition of small amounts of PAA-coated magnetic nanoparticles to the Janus nanoparticle suspension resulted in a further increase in the final cluster size. Monte Carlo simulation results compared favorably with experimental observations and showed the formation of small, elongated clusters similar in structure to those observed in cryo-TEM images.     

γ-Ray Irradiation-Derived MnO/rGO Composites for High Performance Lithium Ion Batteries

We report a γ-ray irradiation reduction method to prepare MnO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite for the anode of lithium ion batteries. γ-Ray irradiation provides a clean way to generate homogeneously dispersed MnO nanoparticles with finely tuned size on rGO surface without the use of surfactant. The MnO/rGO composite enables a fully charge/discharge in 2 min to gain a reversible specific capacity of 546 (mA·h)/g which is 45% higher than the theoretical value of commercial graphite anode.     

Ordered mesoporous Fe2O3 with crystalline walls

Alpha-Fe(2)O(3) has been synthesized with an ordered mesoporous structure and crystalline walls that exhibit a near-single crystal-like order. The unique magnetic behavior of the material, distinct from bulk nanoparticles of alpha-Fe(2)O(3) or mesoporous Fe(2)O(3) with disordered walls, has been established. Magnetic susceptibility, M?ssbauer, and neutron diffraction data show that the material possesses the same long-range magnetic order as bulk alpha-Fe(2)O(3), despite the wall thickness being less than the 8 nm limit below which magnetic ordering breaks down in nanoparticulate alpha-Fe(2)O(3), yet the Morin transition of bulk alpha-Fe(2)O(3) is absent. It is also shown by TEM, PXRD, and EXAFS that alpha-Fe(2)O(3) with the same ordered mesoporous structure but disordered walls contains small crystalline domains. M?ssbauer and magnetic susceptibility data demonstrate that this material exhibits no long-range magnetic order but superparamagnetic behavior.