Analysis of oxygen shell splitting in hydrothermally grown single crystal ThO2(200)

Single crystals of ThO₂ have been synthesized using hydrothermal growth and studied using the X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) technique. The extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been extracted from the XAFS and analyzed using a novel, computational Latin hypercube sampling method. The methodology not only confirms the expected space group and crystal structure, it also identifies the origin of a previously reported split O shell. Since EXAFS is a local order analysis technique, the O shell splitting is identified as an O atom occupying an interstitial site. This result is significant for examining O^2– transport in a ThO₂ matrix and corroborating research indicating partial Th 5f occupancy that is similar to hyper‐stoichiometric UO_2+x compounds. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Electronic structure of formamidinium ions in lead triiodide perovskites

Perovskite formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI₃) is a very promising photovoltaic material. Unfortunately, perovskite FAPbI₃ converts to a hexagonal phase at ambient conditions. Herein we study the electronic structure of both perovskite and hexagonal FAPbI₃ films using soft X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and density functional theory. We find that the C and N 2p states of FA hybridize with the Pb, I states at the conduction band minimum in hexagonal, but not perovskite, FAPbI₃. We also demonstrate that C K‐edge XANES can be used to investigate shifts in the valence band in other organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites.

Graphical summary of the electronic structure and C K‐edge XANES in both perovskite and hexagonal FAPbI₃ highlighting our findings.     

An attempt at kidney stone analysis with the application of synchrotron radiation

X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) is a spectroscopic technique using synchrotron light to determine the valence state of excited atoms as well as the electronegativity of their neighbouring atoms. XANES spectra can provide information about the chemical bond in the second coordination shell of the excited atom. In this study, XANES spectra of unknown compounds from human kidney stones were recorded around the K‐edges of sulfur, phosphorus and calcium. The XANES results agree well with the diffractogram data of the same stones obtained through an X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) technique. By comparing the measurement techniques presented here, it is shown that XANES requires a smaller amount of each sample than XRPD for analysis.     

The work function of hydrothermally synthesized UO2 and the implications for semiconductor device fabrication

The photoelectric work function of nearly stoichiometric (111) and (100) hydrothermally grown UO₂ was measured to be 6.28 ± 0.36 eV and 5.80 ± 0.36 eV, respectively. Candidate metals for electrical contacts are identified for both rectifying and non‐rectifying contacts based on work function, lattice compatibility, and electrical conductivity.     

Trace element analysis of hairs in patients with dementia

The trace elements of scalp hair samples from ≥60‐year‐old dementia patients and normal persons have been studied by X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) in fluorescent mode and wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. Comparisons of hair trace element levels of age‐matched dementia patients and normal persons revealed significantly elevated amounts of calcium, chlorine and phosphorus in dementia patients relative to normal persons. The results of XANES measurements identify the chemical forms of deposited calcium and phosphorus in the hair samples of both dementia patients and normal persons to be calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and phosphate (PO₄^3?), respectively. The amount of sulfur in hairs of dementia patients was found to be not significantly different from that in normal persons. The sulfur K‐edge XANES spectra, however, show significantly higher accumulations of sulfur in the sulfate (SO₄^2?) form in hairs of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia patients. This study presents the possible roles of calcium, chlorine, phosphorus and sulfur in the etiology of dementia in elderly patients.     

Assessment of sulfur and iron speciation in a soil aggregate by combined S and Fe micro‐XANES: microspatial patterns and relationships

To test whether synchrotron‐based spectromicroscopy can be used to identify spatial patterns of sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) speciation as well as relationships between the speciation of S and Fe in soil colloids or aggregates at the micrometre and sub‐micrometre level, an anoxically prepared dissected soil aggregate (size ～1 mm³) was analyzed by µ‐XANES at the K‐edges of S (2472 eV) and Fe (7112 eV). The experiment included (i) elemental mapping at the S K‐edge (S, Si, Al) and the Fe K‐edge (Fe, Si), (ii) acquisition of 300 µm × 300 µm images of the region of interest with X‐ray energies of 2474 eV (addressing reduced organic and inorganic S), 2483 eV (total S), 7121 eV (divalent Fe) and 7200 eV (total Fe), as well as (iii) acquisition of S and Fe µ‐XANES spectra at two different positions, where image analysis suggested the dominance of reduced and oxidized S and Fe, respectively. Image analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of total Si, S and Fe as well as of different S and Fe species in the aggregate. Microregions which were either enriched in reduced or in oxidized S and Fe could be identified. A microregion with a large contribution of oxidized S (sulfate, sulfonate) to total S contained exclusively Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (probably ferrihydrite) as S‐bearing phase, whereas another microregion with a large contribution of reduced organic S (thiol, organic disulfide) to total S contained a small amount of Fe(II)‐bearing silicate in addition to the dominating Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. Our results show that combined S and Fe µ‐XANES is a powerful tool for studying microscale spatial patterns of S and Fe speciation as well as microscale relationships between the speciation of S and Fe in soil aggregates.     

Application of glancing‐emergent‐angle fluorescence for polarized XAFS studies of single crystals

X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (XAFS) data were obtained for the V K‐edge for a series of anisotropic single crystals of (Cr_xV_1–x)₂O₃. The data and the results were compared for the as‐prepared bulk single crystals (measured in fluorescence in two different orientations) and those ground to powder (measured in transmission). For the bulk single crystals, the glancing‐emergent‐angle (GEA) method was used to minimize fluorescence distortion. The reliability of the GEA technique was tested by comparing the polarization‐weighted single‐crystal XAFS data with the experimental powder data. These data were found to be in excellent agreement throughout the entire energy range. Thus, it was possible to reliably measure individual V–V contributions parallel and perpendicular to the c axis of the single crystals, i.e. those unavailable by powder data XAFS analysis. These experiments demonstrate that GEA is a premiere method for non‐destructive high‐photon‐count in situ studies of local structure in bulk single crystals.     

Characterizing arsenic in preserved hair for assessing exposure potential and discriminating poisoning

Advanced analytical techniques have been used to characterize arsenic in taxidermy specimens. Arsenic was examined to aid in discriminating its use as a preservative from that incorporated by ingestion and hence indicate poisoning (in the case of historical figures). The results are relevant to museum curators, occupational and environmental exposure concerns, toxicological and anthropological investigations. Hair samples were obtained from six taxidermy specimens preserved with arsenic in the late 1800s and early 1900s to investigate the arsenic incorporation. The presence of arsenic poses a potential hazard in museum and private collections. For one sample, arsenic was confirmed to be present on the hair with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and then measured with neutron activation analysis to comprise 176 µg g^?1. The hair cross section was analysed with synchrotron micro‐X‐ray fluorescence to investigate the transverse distribution of topically applied arsenic. It was found that the arsenic had significantly penetrated all hair samples. Association with melanin clusters and the medulla was observed. Lead and mercury were also identified in one sample. X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy of the As K‐edge indicated that an arsenate species predominantly existed in all samples; however, analysis was hindered by very rapid photoreduction of the arsenic. It would be difficult to discriminate arsenic consumption from topically applied arsenic based on the physical transverse distribution. Longitudinal distributions and chemical speciation may still allow differentiation.     

Band gap and electronic structure of MgSiN2 determined using soft X‐ray spectroscopy and density functional theory

We present a study of MgSiN₂ using soft X‐ray absorption and emission spectroscopy which directly probe the partial density of states. MgSiN₂ is new as a host lattice for luminescence materials and used in phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes. We compare our measurements to our full potential, all electron density funtional theory calculations. We find excellent agreement between experiment and theory and the band gap of MgSiN₂ is measured to be 5.6 ± 0.2 eV in agreement with our calculated value of 5.72 eV. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

FeS2多晶薄膜电子结构的实验研究

用磁控溅射方法制各纯Fe薄膜，并硫化合成FeS₂. 采用同步辐射X射线近边吸收谱与X射线光电子能谱研究了薄膜的电子结构. 结果表明，合成的FeS₂薄膜，在费米能级附近，有较强的Fe 3d态密度存在，同时，在价带谱中2—10eV处有强度较大的S 3p态密度存在；Fe的3d轨道在八面体配位场作用下分别为t_2g和e_g轨道，实验中由Fe的吸收谱计算得到两分裂能级之差为2.1eV;实验测得FeS₂价带结构中导带宽度约为2.4eV，导带上方仍存在第二能隙，其宽度约为2.8eV. 关键词： 磁控溅射 二硫化铁 X射线吸收近边结构 电子结构     

Structure of van der Waals bound hybrids of organic semiconductors and transition metal dichalcogenides: the case of acene films on MoS2

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) are important representatives in the emerging field of two‐dimensional materials. At present their combination with molecular films is discussed as it enables the realization of van der Waals bound organic/inorganic hybrids which are of interest in future device architectures. Here, we discuss the potential use of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as supporting substrate for the growth of well‐defined, crystalline organic adlayers. By this means, hybrid systems between the TMDC surface and organic compounds can be prepared, allowing for the profound investigation of mutual optical and electronic coupling mechanisms. As model system, we choose pentacene and perfluoropentacene as prototypical organic semiconductors and analyze their film formation on MoS₂(001) surfaces. In both cases, we observe smooth, crystalline film growth in lying molecular configuration, hence enabling the preparation of well‐defined hybrid systems. By contrast, on defective MoS₂ surfaces both materials adopt an upright molecular orientation and exhibit distinctly different film morphologies. This emphasizes the importance of highly ordered TMDC surfaces with low defect density for the fabrication of well‐defined hybrid systems.     

Measurement of electronic structure in van der Waals ferromagnet Fe5-xGeTe2

As a van der Waals ferromagnet with high Curie temperature, Fe_5-xGeTe₂ has attracted tremendous interests recently. Here, using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we systematically investigated the electronic structure of Fe_5-xGeTe₂ crystals and its temperature evolution. Our ARPES measurement reveals two types of band structures from two different terminations with slight k_z evolution. Interestingly, across the ferromagnetic transition, we observed the merging of two split bands above the Curie temperature, suggesting the band splitting due to the exchange interaction within the itinerant Stoner model. Our results provide important insights into the electronic and magnetic properties of Fe_5-xGeTe₂ and the understanding of magnetism in a two-dimensional ferromagnetic system.     

Synchrotron XANES and ED‐XRF analyses of fine‐paste ware from 13th to 14th century maritime Southeast Asia

The combination of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) and synchrotron X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) provides the detailed composition of fine‐paste ware (FPW) kendis, dated back to 13th–14th century maritime Southeast Asia. Sources of clay and production sites were classified according to Al₂O₃, SiO₂, α‐Fe₂O₃ and γ‐Fe₂O₃ as well as trace elements. The similarities based on these components provided another evidence of a trade route between Kota Cina in North Sumatra of Indonesia and Kok Moh on Satingphra Peninsula, a well‐known production area in present‐day Thailand. In additions, the uniquely large contribution of α‐Fe₂O₃ in XANES spectra suggests that Nakhon Si Thammarat province of Thailand could also be one of FPW production areas in maritime Southeast Asia. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

苝四甲酸二酐在Au(111)表面的取向生长及电子结构研究

利用X射线光电子能谱(XPS),同步辐射紫外光电子能谱(SRUPS),近边X射线吸收精细结构(NEXAFS)以及原子力显微镜(AFM)等技术研究了苝四甲酸二酐(PTCDA)与Au(111)的界面电子结构、PTCDA分子取向及有机薄膜的表面形貌.SRUPS价带谱显示,伴随PTCDA分子的微量沉积(0·5ML),位于费米能级附近Au的表面电子态迅速消失,但却观察不到明显的界面杂化态,这说明PTCDA分子和Au(111)界面间存在弱电子传输过程,但并没有发生明显的化学反应.角分辨NEXAFS以及SRUPS结果证明PTCDA分子是平铺在衬底表面.根据Au4f7/2和C1s峰积分强度随薄膜厚度的变化以及AFM图像可知,PTCDA分子在Au(111)表面是一种典型的Stranski-Krastanov生长模式,即先层状生长,再岛状生长,并且在层状生长到岛状生长的转变过程中,存在有机分子的去润湿过程.     

Ratio-contrast imaging of dual-energy absorption for element mapping with a scanning transmission X-ray microscope

The detection of chemical mapping with a spatial resolution of 30 nm has been achieved with a scanning transmission X‐ray microscope at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility. For each specimen, two absorption images were scanned separately with energies E₁ and E₂: E₁ was focused on the absorption edge of the chosen element and E₂ was focused below the edge. A K‐edge division method is proposed and applied to obtain the element mapping. Compared with the frequently used K‐edge subtraction method, this ratio‐contrast method is shown to be more accurate and sensitive in identifying the elements of interest, where the definition of the contrast threshold is simple and clear in physics. Several examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.     

Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and multiple‐scattering simulation of nickel dithiolene complexes Ni[S2C2(CF3)2]2n (n = −2, −1, 0) and an olefin adduct Ni[S2C2(CF3)2]2(1‐hexene)

A series of Ni dithiolene complexes Ni[S₂C₂(CF₃)]₂ⁿ (n = ?2, ?1, 0) ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) and a 1‐hexene adduct Ni[S₂C₂(CF₃)₂]₂(C₆H₁₂) ( 4 ) have been examined by Ni K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies. Ni XANES for 1 – 3 reveals clear pre‐edge features and approximately +0.7 eV shift in the Ni K‐edge position for `one‐electron' oxidation. EXAFS simulation shows that the Ni—S bond distances for 1 , 2 and 3 (2.11–2.16 Å) are within the typical values for square planar complexes and decrease by ～0.022 Å for each `one‐electron' oxidation. The changes in Ni K‐edge energy positions and Ni—S distances are consistent with the `non‐innocent' character of the dithiolene ligand. The Ni—C interactions at ～3.0 Å are analyzed and the multiple‐scattering parameters are also determined, leading to a better simulation for the overall EXAFS spectra. The 1‐hexene adduct 4 presents no pre‐edge feature, and its Ni K‐edge position shifts by ?0.8 eV in comparison with its starting dithiolene complex 3 . Consistently, EXAFS also showed that the Ni—S distances in 4 elongate by ～0.046 Å in comparison with 3 . The evidence confirms that the neutral complex is `reduced' upon addition of olefin, presumably by olefin donating the π‐electron density to the LUMO of 3 as suggested by UV/visible spectroscopy in the literature.     

Very first tests on SOLEIL regarding the Zn environment in pathological calcifications made of apatite determined by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy

This very first report of an X‐ray absorption spectroscopy experiment at Synchrotron SOLEIL is part of a long‐term study dedicated to pathological calcifications. Such biological entities composed of various inorganic and/or organic compounds also contain trace elements. In the case of urinary calculi, different papers already published have pointed out that these oligo‐elements may promote or inhibit crystal nucleation as well as growth of mineral. Use of this analytical tool specific to synchrotron radiation, allowing the determination of the local environment of oligo‐elements and thus their occupation site, contributes to the understanding of the role of trace elements in pathological calcifications.     

有机半导体perylene和tetracene在Ag(110)表面上有序薄膜的结构与电子态研究

利用紫外光电子能谱(UPS)和低能电子衍射(LEED)对银(110)表面上perylene与tetracene的生长进行了研究.LEED的结果表明：一个分子单层的perylene在银(110)表面上会形成C(6×2)的有序结构；一个分子单层的tetracene，观察到的则是C(4×2)的有序结构.根据UPS的测量，与perylene分子轨道有关的4个特征峰分别位于Frimi能级以下35，48，64和85eV处，与tetracene分子轨道有关的4个特征峰的结合能分别为3．4，49，59和94eV.角分辨紫外光电子能谱(ARUPS)的测量表明，表面附近的perylene和tetracene分子平面平行于银衬底表面，tetracene分子的长轴可以确定沿［110］晶向. 关键词： 有机半导体材料 紫外光电子能谱 结构和电子结构     

Multiple‐element spectrometer for non‐resonant inelastic X‐ray spectroscopy of electronic excitations

A multiple‐analyser‐crystal spectrometer for non‐resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering spectroscopy installed at beamline ID16 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is presented. Nine analyser crystals with bending radii R = 1 m measure spectra for five different momentum transfer values simultaneously. Using a two‐dimensional detector, the spectra given by all analysers can be treated individually. The spectrometer is based on a Rowland circle design with fixed Bragg angles of about 88°. The energy resolution can be chosen between 30–2000 meV with typical incident‐photon energies of 6–13 keV. The spectrometer is optimized for studies of valence and core electron excitations resolving both energy and momentum transfer.