Temperature-dependent dry etching characteristics of III–V semiconductors in HBr- and HI-based discharges

Microwave discharges of HBr/H₂/Ar and H/H₂/Ar with additional do biasing of the sample were used to etch InP, GaAs, and AlGaAs at temperatures between 50–250°C. The etch rates increase by factors of 3–50 and 5–9, respectively, for HBr-and HI-based discharges over this temperature range, but display non-Arrhenius behavior. The etched surfaces became very rough above 100°C for InP with either discharge chemistry due to preferential loss of P, while GaAs and AlGaAs are more tolerant of the elevated temperature etching. The near-surface electrical properties of InP are severely degraded by etch temperatures above 100°C, while extensive hydrogen in-diffusion occurs in GaAs and AlGaAs under these conditions, leading to dopant passivation which can be reversed by annealing at 400°C.     

Preparation of PZT Film and Powder by Sol-Gel Technique Using Ti- and Zr-Alkoxides and a Novel Pb-Precursor; Pb(NO3)2 1.5EO3

PZT (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3) films and powders have been prepared by a precursor mixture containing Pb(NO3)1.5EO3 (EO3=triethylene glycol) and Zr- and Ti-methoxy ethanolates. The gel films have been deposited on Si/Ti/Pt substrates and on glass substrates from which they can easily be removed. The PZT films on the Si/Ti/Pt substrates were prepared with thicknesses up to 200 nm per layer after heating to 700°C. The phase development on heat-treatment of loose gel films to yield PZT was investigated by Powder-XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS, thermo-mass spectroscopy and DSC and the PZT was found to form in the region 550–700°C. PZT powders of 50–5000 nm sizes were prepared by hydrolysis under basic conditions and washing with water followed by heat-treatment to 650°C.     

Metal-metal interactions in platinum(II)/gold(I) or platinum(II)/silver(I) salts containing planar cations and linear anions

The salts [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2), [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)], [Pt(en)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2), [Pt(en)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)](2), and [Pt(bipy)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2) have been prepared by mixing solutions of salts containing the appropriate cation with solutions of K[Au(CN)(2)] or K[Ag(CN)(2)]. Because the platinum atom in the cation is sterically protected, the structures of [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2) and [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] reveal no close metal-metal interactions. Colorless crystals of [Pt(en)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2) and [Pt(en)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) are isostructural and involve extended chains of alternating cations and anions that run parallel to the crystallographic a axis, along with isolated anions. In the chains, the metal-metal separations are relatively short: Pt...Au, 3.1799(3) Angstroms; Pt...Ag, 3.1949(2) Angstroms. In [Pt(bipy)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2), each cation has axial interactions with the anions through close Pt...Au contacts [3.1735(6) Angstroms]. In addition, the anions are weakly linked through Au...Au contacts of 3.5978(9) Angstroms. Unlike the previously reported Pt/Au complex [Pt(NH(3))(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2).1.5H(2)O, which is luminescent, none of the salts reported here luminesce.     

Adsorption of transition metal atoms on the NiO(100) surface and on NiO/Ag(100) thin films

We have studied the adsorption of Au, Pd, and Pt atoms on the NiO(100) surface and on NiO/Ag(100) thin films using plane wave DFT+U calculations. The scope of this work is to compare the adsorption properties of NiO, a reducible transition metal oxide, with those of MgO, a simple binary oxide with the same crystal structure and similar lattice parameter. At the same time, we are interested in the adsorption characteristics of NiO ultra-thin films (three atomic layers) deposited on Ag(100) single crystals. Also in this case the scope is to compare NiO/Ag(100) with the corresponding MgO/Ag(100) films which show unusual properties for the case of Au adsorption. The results show that the transition metal atoms bind in a similar way on NiO(100) and NiO/Ag(100) films, with Pt, Pd, and Au forming bonds of decreasing strength in this order. No charging effects occur for Au adsorbed on NiO/Ag(100) films, at variance with MgO/Ag(100). The reasons are analyzed in terms of work function of the metal/oxide interface. Possible ways to modify this property by growing alternate layers of MgO and NiO are discussed.     

Electrical and structural properties of Pd/V/n‐type InP (111) Schottky structure as a function of annealing temperature

Palladium/Vanadium (Pd/V) Schottky structures are fabricated on n‐type InP (100) and the electrical, structural and surface morphological characteristics have been studied at different annealing temperatures. The extracted barrier height of as‐deposited Pd/V/n‐InP Schottky diode is 0.59 eV (I–V) and 0.79 eV (C–V), respectively. However, the Schottky barrier height of the Pd/V Schottky contact slightly increases to 0.61 eV (I–V) and 0.84 eV (C–V) when the contact is annealed at 200 °C for 1 min. It is observed that the Schottky barrier height of the contact slightly decreases after annealing at 300, 400 and 500 °C for 1 min in N₂ atmosphere. From the above observations, it is clear that the electrical characteristics of Pd/V Schottky contacts improve after annealing at 200 °C. This indicates that the optimum annealing temperature for the Pd/V Schottky contact is 200 °C. Basing on the auger electron spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction results, the formation of Pd‐In intermetallic compound at the interface may be the reason for the increase of barrier height upon annealing at 200 °C. The formation of phosphide phases at the Pd/V/n‐InP interface could be the reason for the degradation in the barrier heights after annealing at 300, 400 and 500 °C. From the AFM results, it is evident that the overall surface morphology of the Pd/V Schottky contacts is fairly smooth. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and electrical properties of ultrafine Ga2O3 nanowires

Uniform and well-crystallized beta-Ga2O3 nanowires are prepared by reacting metal Ga with water vapor based on the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. Electron microscopy studies show that the nanowires have diameters ranging from 10 to 40 nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers. The contact properties of individual Ga2O3 nanowires with Pt or Au/Ti electrodes are studied, respectively, finding that Pt can form Schottky-barrier junctions and Au/Ti is advantageous to fabricate ohmic contacts with individual Ga2O3 nanowires. In ambient air, the conductivity of the Ga2O3 nanowires is about 1 (Omega.m)-1, while with adsorption of NH3 (or NO2) molecules, the conductivity can increase (or decrease) dramatically at room temperature. The as-grown Ga2O3 nanowires have the properties of an n-type semiconductor.     

Chemical Reconstruction of Pt-Rh(100) Alloy and Pt/Rh(100), Rh/Pt(100) Bimetallic Surfaces

When Cu(110), Ni(l 10), Ag(110) surfaces are exposed to O₂ at room temperature, one dimensional metal-oxygen strings grow in the < 001 > direction of the (110) surfaces. A similar phenomenon occurs in the adsorption of H₂ on Ni( 110) surface at room temperature, where the one dimensional strings grow along the < 110 > direction. These phenomena are undoubtedly different from the adsorption induced reconstruction but are explained by the chemical reconstruction involving the formation of quasi-compounds and their self-ordering on the metal surfaces. The chemical reconstruction is indispensablly important to understand the structure and catalysis of alloy and bimetallic surfaces. Pt_0.25Rh_0.75(100) alloy surface being active for the reaction of NO with H₂ is an interesting example. When the Pt-Rh(100) alloy surface is exposed to NO or O₂ at arround 500 K, a p(3 × 1) ordered Rh-O over-layer is obtained on a Pt-enriched 2nd layer by the chemical reconstruction. Ordering of Rh-0 in the p(3 × 1) structure on the Pt(100) surface was reproduced by heating a Rh/Pt(100) bimetallic surface in O₂, and the chemical reconstruction making the p(3 × 1) Rh-O overlayer on a Pt enriched 2nd layer was also proved by heating a Pt/Rh(100) bimetallic surface in O₂ or NO. The activation mechanism of the Pt-Rh alloy and the Pt/Rh bimetallic surfaces by the chemical reconstruction was evidently shown by using a Pt deposited Rh(100), Pt/Rh(100), surface. That is, the Pt/Rh(100) is not so active for the reaction of NO with H₂, but the reconstructed p(3 × 1)Rh-O/Pt-layer/Rh(100) surface is very active for the reaction. Therefore, it was concluded that the chemical reconstruction of the Pt-Rh catalyst makes the active surface which is composed of Rh-O and a Pt layer.     

Chemical and thermal stability of alkanethiol and sulfur passivated InP(100)

InP(100) surfaces treated with Na2Sx9H20 and CnH(2n+1)SH are examined by contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy to determine the chemical and thermal behavior of these passivated surfaces. The surfaces coated by octadecanethiol (n = 18) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are found to be more stable toward oxidation than the S-passivated surface. The chemical stability of octadecanethiol SAMs in various environments is examined. The thiol monolayer is found to be stable in 0.1 M HCl but degrades in 0.1 M NaOH, boiling chloroform, and water. The behavior of these surfaces at elevated temperatures under a vacuum is also investigated. The octadecanethiol-coated InP(100) is stable up to 473 K, above which the films begin to degrade. Unlike other substrates on which the entire molecule including the sulfur headgroup desorbs together, on InP, the sulfur headgroup remains on the surface even after annealing to 673 K. These observations suggest that the desorption occurs by S-C bond cleavage as well as In-S bond cleavage. The sulfur of S-passivated InP is found to be more thermally stable than that of the octadecanethiol monolayer, perhaps due to their different bonding geometries and hence energies.     

Nanoporous Pt@Au(x)Cu(100-x) by hydrogen evolution assisted electrodeposition of Au(x)Cu(100-x) and galvanic replacement of Cu with Pt: electrocatalytic properties

Electrodeposition of high-surface-area nanoporous Au-Cu foams under conditions of hydrogen codeposition is studied. The honeycomb-like Au(x)Cu(100-x) foams with 0 ≤ x ≤ 100 are electrodeposited by controlling the amount of corresponding ions in the solution. The amount of metal ions in deposited films follows that in used electrolytes. Compared to monometallic foams, the Au(x)Cu(100-x) structures are characterized by smaller ligament or particle sizes (less than 10 nm) and improved stability. The addition of even a small amount of Cu to the Au matrix is found to dramatically improve the stability of the structure in air environment or an acidic medium. Pt@Au(x)Cu(100-x) structures are formed by the galvanic displacement of Cu from Au(x)Cu(100-x) templates. During the displacement of Cu by Pt, Au serves as a buffer, decreasing mechanical stresses and preventing the detachment of the foam from the substrate. The surface ratio of Pt to Au atoms is controlled by adjusting the amount of Cu in the template. Pt@Au(x)Cu(100-x) electrodes are investigated as novel electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation in alkaline media. The Au-enriched surfaces show higher catalytic activity toward methanol oxidation, while the electrodes with a higher amount of Pt are more stable.     

Au单晶电极上H2O2的氧化反应研究

本文利用旋转圆盘电极系统研究了酸性介质中H₂O₂在Au(100)和Au(111)电极表面的电化学行为. 实验发现在Au电极上H₂O₂难以发生还原,但是当电位稍微正于H₂O₂氧化为O₂的平衡电势时即可发生氧化. 在Au(111)上H₂O₂氧化的起始电位比在Au(100)正0.1 V左右. Au(100)上的双桥位位点能增强反应中间体*OOH的吸附,可能是导致Au(100)上H₂O₂氧化反应超电势比Au(111)低的主要原因. 在较正电位区(E>1.2 V), 当电极表面被氧物种覆盖时,H₂O₂在两个电极上的氧化都会受到一定程度的抑制,这种影响在Au(111)上比Au(100)上更加明显,这与Au(111)上氧物种的生成与逆向还原可逆性差的趋势一致. 最后还将Au与Pt单晶电极上H₂O₂氧化的行为进行了对比分析.     

Noble Metals Can Have Different Effects on Photocatalysis Over Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs): A Case Study on M/NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) (M=Pt and Au)

M‐doped NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti) (M=Pt and Au) were prepared by using the wetness impregnation method followed by a treatment with H₂ flow. The resultant samples were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses, N₂‐sorption BET surface area, and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic reaction carried out in saturated CO₂ with triethanolamine (TEOA) as sacrificial agent under visible‐light irradiations showed that the noble metal‐doping on NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti) promoted the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Unlike that over pure NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti), in which only formate was produced, both hydrogen and formate were formed over Pt‐ and Au‐loaded NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti). However, Pt and Au have different effects on the photocatalytic performance for formate production. Compared with pure NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti), Pt/NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti) showed an enhanced activity for photocatalytic formate formation, whereas Au has a negative effect on this reaction. To elucidate the origin of the different photocatalytic performance, electron spin resonance (ESR) analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out over M/NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti).The photocatalytic mechanisms over M/NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti) (M=Pt and Au) were proposed. For the first time, the hydrogen spillover from the noble metal Pt to the framework of NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti) and its promoting effect on the photocatalytic CO₂ reduction is revealed. The elucidation of the mechanism on the photocatalysis over M/NH₂‐MIL‐125(Ti) can provide some guidance in the development of new photocatalysts based on MOF materials. This study also demonstrates the potential of using noble metal‐doped MOFs in photocatalytic reactions involving hydrogen as a reactant, like hydrogenation reactions.     

Facile preparation Pt on Au dendrites supported on Si (100) and their electrochemical properties for methanol and CO electrooxidation

A new simple, time-saving method of preparing highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles with large electrochemically active area (ECA) on three-dimensional dendrite-like Au supported on Si (100) was successfully developed by electroless displacement deposition (EDD). The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electro-catalytic properties of Pt/Au/Si for methanol and CO electrooxidation were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedances spectra. The results show that Pt/Au/Si catalyst prepared by EDD method presents the higher electro-catalytic activity and higher stability than that of Pt/Si composite. The electro-catalytic activity of Pt supported on Au could be enhanced with the growth of Au, leading to the higher electro-catalytic properties toward methanol and CO oxidation. The anodic peak of CO of Pt/Au/Si catalyst showed negatively shifted with respect to similarly prepared Pt/Si electrode. The supposed schematic of the reaction was also introduced. Overall, the approach provides a convenient method to prepare the Pt catalyst on Au dendrites with high ECA properties for DMFC and PEMFC through bottom-up assembly.     

Structure and reactivity of intermediates. N-overlayer on Pd(100), Rh(100) and Pt-Rh(110) and its reaction with H2

Rh(100), Pt(100), and Pt-Rh(100) surfaces are inert for the dissociative adsorption of N₂, but they are active for the catalytic reaction of NO with H₂ During the reaction on Rh(100) and Pt-Rh(100) surfaces, N atoms are accumulated by making a c(2x2)-N overlayer, but no accumulation of N atoms occurs on Pt(100) surface. The fact that N atoms on the Pt-Rh(100) surface gives the c(2x2) structure indicates that the N atoms have equal affinity to Pt and Rh on the alloy surface. When the c(2x2)-N surface was exposed to H₂ of 10^-7 to 10^-8 Torr, a prominent loss peak being assignable to NH_x appeared at 3200 – 3240 cm^-1 at around 400 K. The in-situ HREELS study proved that NH are prominent species which are formed during the hydrogenation of the c(2x2)-N, that is, a quasi-equilibrium of N + 1/2 H₂ - NH is established. When a clean Pt-Rh(100) (Pt/Rh = 1/3) alloy surface is exposed to NO at about 440 K, the LEED pattern changes sequentially as (1x1) → c(2x2) → c(2x2) + p(3x1) → p(3x1), where the c(2x2) pattern appears instantaneously on the alloy surface of any Pt/Rh ratio but the p(3x1) pattern accompanies a certain characteristic interval times being responsible to the segregation of Rh. The p(3x1) surface reflects the formation of an intermediate of Rh-O complex overlayer and it reacts rapidly with H₂.     

Electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry determination of gold, palladium, and platinum using chelating resin YPA(4) as both extractant and chemical modifier

A new method for determination of trace gold (Au), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt) in environmental and geological samples by electrothermal vaporization (ETV)-inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) with the use of chelating resin YPA₄ as both solid phase extractant and chemical modifier has been developed. The resin loaded with analytes was prepared to slurry and directly introduced into the graphite furnace without any pretreatment. The factors affecting the vaporization behaviors of Au, Pd, and Pt were investigated in detail. It was found that, in the presence of YPA₄, Au and Pd could be quantitatively vaporized at lower vaporization temperature of 1900 °C. Compared with the conventional electrothermal vaporization, the vaporization temperature was decreased by 700 °C, and the detection limits for Au and Pd was decreased by a three-fold. However, a little effect of YPA₄ on the ETV-ICP-AES determination of Pt was found. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits (3σ) of Au, Pd, and Pt for this method are 75, 60, and 217 pg, respectively; and their relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) are 4.4, 5.6, and 3.7%, respectively (n=9, C=0.2 μg ml⁻¹). The proposed method has been applied to the determination of trace Pd and Pt in sewage sludge, and the results well agreed with the recommended values. In order to further verify the accuracy of the developed method, a GBW07293 certified geological reference material and an auto catalyst NIST SRM 2557 reference material were analyzed, and the determined values coincided with the certified values very well.     

New structural features of unsupported chains of metal ions in luminescent [(NH3)4Pt][Au(CN)2]2 x 1.5(H2O) and related salts

Luminescent [(NH(3))(4)Pt][Au(CN)(2)](2).1.5(H(2)O), which forms from aqueous solutions of [(NH(3))(4)Pt]Cl(2) and K[Au(CN)(2)], crystallizes with extended chains of the two ions with multiple close Pt...Au (3.2804(4) and 3.2794(4) A) and Au...Au (3.2902(5), 3.3312(5), and 3.1902(4) A) contacts. Nonluminescent [(NH(3))(4)Pt][Ag(CN)(2)](2).1.4(H(2)O) is isostructural with [(NH(3))(4)Pt][Au(CN)(2)](2).1.5(H(2)O). Treatment of [(NH(3))(6)Ni]Cl(2) with K[Au(CN)(2)] forms [(NH(3))(2)Ni][Au(CN)(2)](2) in which the [Au(CN)(2)](-) ions function as nitrile ligands toward nickel, which assumes a six-coordinate structure with trans NH(3) ligands. The [Au(CN)(2)](-) ions self-associate into linear columns with close Au...Au contacts of 3.0830(5) A, and pairs of gold ions in these chains make additional but longer (3.4246(5) A) contacts with other gold ions.     

Positron interactions with overlayers of oxygen on GaAs(100)

The positron work-function, re-emission yield, and positronium fraction of an n-doped GaAs(100) surface were measured as a function of oxygen exposure. The energy distribution of positrons observed to be re-emitted indicated that the clean and oxygen exposed n-doped GaAs(100) surfaces had negative positron work-functions. The fraction of incident positrons re-emitted as bare positrons, (Y), was found to increase and the fraction re-emitted as positronium, (f_Ps), to decrease with increasing oxygen exposure. This suggests that surface modified GaAs may be useful as a contact material in the fabrication of GaAs based FAMs.     

Screening by kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of Pt-Au(100) surfaces for the steady-state decomposition of nitric oxide in excess dioxygen

An ab initio-based kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm was developed to simulate the direct decomposition of NO over Pt and different PtAu alloy surfaces. The algorithm was used to test the influence of the composition and the specific atomic surface structure of the alloy on the simulated activity and selectivity to form N2. The apparent activation barrier found for the simulation of lean NO decomposition over Pt(100) was 7.4 kcal/mol, which is lower than the experimental value of 11 kcal/mol that was determined over supported Pt nanoparticles. Differences are likely due to differences in the surface structure between the ideal (100) surface and supported Pt particles. The apparent reaction orders for lean NO decomposition over the Pt(100) substrate were calculated to be 0.9 and -0.5 for NO and O2, respectively. Oxygen acts to poison Pt. Simulations on the different Pt-Au(100) surface alloys indicate that the turnover frequency goes through a maximum as the Au composition in the surface is increased, and the maximum occurs near 44% Au. Turnover frequencies, however, are dictated by the actual arrangements of Pt and Au atoms in the surface rather than by their overall composition. Surfaces with similar compositions but different alloy arrangements can lead to very different activities. Surfaces composed of 50% Pt and 50% Au (Pt4 and Au4 surface ensembles) showed very little enhancement in the activity over that which was found over pure Pt. The Pt-Pt bridge sites required for NO adsorption and decomposition were still effectively poisoned by atomic oxygen. The well-dispersed Pt(50%)Au(50%) alloy, on the other hand, increased the TOF over that found for pure Pt by a factor of 2. The most active surface alloy was one in which the Pt was arranged into "+" ensembles surrounded by Au atoms. The overall composition of this surface is Pt(56.2%)Au(43.8%). The unique "+" ensembles maintain Pt bridge sites for NO to adsorb on but limit O2 as well as NO activation by eliminating next-nearest neighbor Pt-bridge sites. The repulsive interactions between two adatoms prevent them from sharing the same metal atoms. The decrease in the oxygen coverage leads to a greater number of vacant sites available for NO adsorption. This increases the NO coupling reaction and hence N2 formation. The inhibition of the rate of N2 formation by O2 is therefore suppressed. The coverage of atomic oxygen decreases from 53% on the Pt(100) surface down to 19% on the "+" ensemble surface. This increases the rate of N2 formation by a factor of 4.3 over that on pure Pt. The reaction kinetics over the "+" ensemble Pt(56.2%)Au(43.8%) surface indicate apparent reaction orders in NO and oxygen of 0.7 and 0.0, respectively. This suggests that oxygen does not poison the PtAu "+" alloy ensemble. The activity and selectivity of the PtAu ensembles significantly decrease for alloys that go beyond 60% Au. Higher coverages of Au shut down sites for NO adsorption and, in addition, weaken the NO and O bond strengths, which subsequently promotes desorption as well as NO oxidation. The computational approach identified herein can be used to more rapidly test different metal compositions and their explicit atomic arrangements for improved catalytic performance. This can be done "in silico" and thus provides a method that may aid high-throughput experimental efforts in the design of new materials. The synthesis and stability of the metal complexes suggested herein still ultimately need to be tested.     

Synthesis, structure, and luminescence of di- and trinuclear palladium/gold and platinum/gold complexes with (2,7-di-tert-butylfluoren-9-ylidene)methanedithiolate

Acetone solutions of [Au(OClO3)(PCy3)] react with complexes [M{S2C=(t-Bu-fy)}2]2- [t-Bu-fy=2,7-di-tert-butylfluoren-9-ylidene; M=Pd (2a), Pt (2b)] or [M{S2C=(t-Bu-fy)}(dbbpy)] [dbbpy=4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl; M=Pd (3a), Pt (3b)] to give the heteronuclear complexes [M{S2C=(t-Bu-fy)}2{Au(PCy3)}2] [2:1 molar ratio; M=Pd (4a), Pt (4b)], [M{S2C=(t-Bu-fy)}(dbbpy){Au(PCy3)}]ClO4 [1:1 molar ratio; M=Pd (5a), Pt (5b)], or [M{S2C=(t-Bu-fy)}(dbbpy){Au(PCy3)}2](ClO4)2 [2:1 molar ratio; M=Pd (6a), Pt (6b)]. The crystal structures of 3a, 4a, 4b, 5b, and 6a have been solved by single-crystal X-ray studies and, in the cases of the heteronuclear derivatives, reveal the formation of short Pd...Au or Pt...Au metallophilic contacts in the range of 3.048-3.311 A. Compounds 4a and b and 5a and b undergo a dynamic process in solution that involves the migration of the [Au(PCy3)]+ units between the sulfur atoms of the dithiolato ligands. The coordination of 2a and b and 3a and b to [Au(PCy3)]+ units results in important modifications of their photophysical properties. The dominant effect in the absorption spectra is an increase in the energy of the MLCT (4a and b) or charge transfer to diimine (5a, b, 6a, b) transitions because of a decrease in the energies of the mixed metal/dithiolate HOMOs. The Pd complexes 2a and 4a are luminescent at 77 K, and the features of their emissions are consistent with an essentially metal-centered 3d-d state. The Pt/Au complexes are also luminescent at 77 K, and their emissions can be assigned as originating from a MLCT triplet state (4b) or a mixture of charge transfer to diimine and diimine intraligand pi-pi* triplet states (5b and 6b).     

Crown ether adducts of olefin complexes of Zeise's salt type – [K(18-crown-6)][PtCl3(olefin)]

[K(18-cr-6)]2[Pt2Cl6] reacts with olefins in CH2Cl2 to give crown ether adducts of olefin complexes of Zeise's salt type [K(18-cr- 6)][PtCl3(olefin)] (2) [olefin: EtCH=CH2 (2a), cis-MeCH=CHMe (2b), trans-MeCH=CHMe (2c), nPrCH=CH2 (2d), cis-EtCH=CHMe (2e), trans-EtCH=CHMe (2f), nBuCH=CH2 (2g), cis-nPrCH=CH-Me (2h), cis-EtCH=CHEt (2i), trans-EtCH=CHEt (2j), cyclohexene (2k), PhCH=CH2 (2l)]. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, n.m.r. (1H, 13C) and i.r. spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the cis-but-2-ene (2b) and cis-pent-2-ene complexes (2e) were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The Pt atom is square-planar, coordinated by three chloro ligands and the olefin ligand [interplanar angle PtCl3/Pt(C=C) 89.6° (2b), 86.6° (2e)]. The C=C bond length is 1.38(1)Å (2b) and 1.32(2)Å (2e), respectively. The substituents (Me, Et) on the double bond are bent back away from Pt [torsion angles C–C=C–Pt 109(2)–110.7(8)°]. There are close contacts of the [K(18- cr-6)]+ cations both to the trans and one of the cis chloro ligands [K···Cl 3.208(2)/3.230(2)Å (2b); 3.220(5)/3.370(5)Å (2e)].     

Influence of Substrate Steps on the Catalytic Properties of Pt Layers: The Ethanol Electrooxidation Reaction

The ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) is investigated on Pt/Au(hkl) electrodes. The Au(hkl) single crystals used belong to the [n(111)x(110)] family of planes. Pt is deposited following the galvanic exchange of a previously deposited Cu monolayer using a Pt²⁺ solution. Deposition is not epitaxial and the defects on the underlying Au(hkl) substrates are partially transferred to the Pt films. Moreover, an additional (100)‐step‐like defect is formed, probably as a result of the strain resulting from the Pt and Au lattice mismatch. Regarding the EOR, both vicinal Pt/Au(hkl) surfaces exhibit a behavior that differs from that expected for stepped Pt; for instance, the smaller the step density on the underlying Au substrate, the greater the ability to break the C?C bond in the ethanol molecule, as determined by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. Also, we found that the acetic acid production is favored as the terrace width decreases, thus reflecting the inefficiency of the surface array to cleave the ethanol molecule.