Kinetics of the initial stage in a first-order phase transformation in thin films

The nucleation and growth of islands of a new phase on the surface of solids has been studied both experimentally and theoretically for the particular case of the transition from the pyrochlore to perovskite phase in a thin film of a lead zirconate-titanate ferroelectric. This transformation was chosen because the new-phase islands have a stable circular shape in this case, a relatively large size (10⁻⁵–10⁻⁴ m) permitting their observation with an optical microscope, and a low growth rate (10⁻⁸–10⁻⁹ m/s). A theoretical analysis of the process, based on the kinetic theory of first-order phase transitions proposed earlier, has been carried out and the behavior in time of all main characteristics of a phase transformation, namely, nucleation rate, concentration of the new-phase islands, their size distribution, and relative overheating, has been calculated. The same characteristics have been measured experimentally, thus permitting one for the first time to make a thorough comparison of the theoretical with experimental data on the kinetics of first-order phase transitions. They have been found to be in a good agreement. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 39, 121–126 (January 1997)     

Investigating hydrodynamic characteristics and peculiarities of the coolant flow behind a spacer grid of a fuel rod assembly of the floating nuclear power unit

The results of experimental investigations of local hydrodynamics of a coolant flow in fuel rod assembly (FA) of KLT-40C reactor behind a plate spacer grid have been presented. The investigations were carried out on an aerodynamic rig using the gas-phase diffusive tracer test. An analysis of spatial distribution of absolute flow velocity projections and distribution of tracer concentration allowed specifying a coolant flow pattern behind the plate spacer grid of the FA. On the basis of obtained experimental data the recommendations were provided to specify procedures for determining the coolant flow rates for the programs of cell-wise calculation of a core zone of KLT-40C reactor. Investigation results were accepted for the practical use in JSC “OKBM Afrikantov” to assess heat engineering reliability of cores of KLT-40C reactor and were included in a database for verification of CFD programs (CFD-codes).     

Intercalation synthesis of cobalt silicide under a graphene layer

The silicon intercalation under single-layer graphene formed on the surface of an epitaxial Co(0001) film was investigated. The experiments were performed under conditions of ultra-high vacuum. The thickness of silicon films was varied within the range of up to 1 nm, and the temperature of their annealing was 500°C. The characterization of the samples was carried out in situ by the methods of low-energy electron diffraction, high-energy-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation, and magnetic linear dichroism in photoemission of Co 3p electrons. New data were obtained on the evolution of the atomic and electronic structure, as well as on the magnetic properties of the system with an increase in the amount of intercalated silicon. It was shown that the intercalation under a graphene layer is accompanied by the synthesis of surface silicide Co₂Si and a solid solution of silicon in cobalt.     

(Tetramethylcyclobutadiene)cobalt complexes 7. Mono- and dinuclear arene complexes containing the [(C<Subscript>4</Subscript>Me<Subscript>4</Subscript>)Co]<Superscript>+</Superscript> fragment

The mononuclear arene complexes [Cb*Co(arene)]⁺ (3a–g; Cb* = C₄Me₄; arene is biphenyl (a), diphenylmethane (b), 1,2-diphenylethane (c), diphenyl ether (d), p-terphenyl (e), 1,2-dimesitylethane (f), or 1,3-dimesitylpropane (g)) were synthesized by the reactions of arenes either with the benzene complex [Cb*Co(C₆H₆)]⁺ (1) under visible light irradiation or with the acetonitrile derivative [Cb*Co(MeCN)₃]⁺ (2) in refluxing THF. The reactions of 2 with 1,2-diphenyle-thane, 1,3-dimesitylpropane, and p-terphenyl in a ratio of 2: 1 afforded the dinuclear complexes [Cb*Co(μ-η:η-arene)CoCb*]²⁺ (4c,e,g). The stability of the dinuclear arene complexes was estimated by DFT calculations. The structures of the complexes [3a]PF₆ and [3e]PF₆ ere established by X-ray diffraction. For Part 6, see Ref. 1. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 535–539, March, 2008.     

Anomalous critical behavior of NaV2O5

The temperature dependences and critical behavior of the dielectric constant were studied in NaV₂O₅ along the c axis in a frequency range of 1 MHz-1GHz and a temperature range of 4.2–300 K. An analysis of the data obtained, along with literature data on the heat capacity, magnetic losses, and the ultrasound velocity, indicates that the various physical quantities demonstrate similar temperature dependences in the vicinity of the transition, which corroborates the conclusion on the universality of the critical behavior in NaV₂O₅. Deviations from the predictions of the standard theory of second-order phase transitions were found, such as the asymmetry of the critical behavior above and below the transition and the presence of an anomalous base line.     

Analysis of the Structural Evolution of Zinc Oxide Powders Obtained by Mechanical High-Energy Grinding

Technical Physics - Zinc oxide powders made by mechanical high-energy grinding have been investigated using the methods of scanning electron microscopy, thermal nitrogen desorption, and Raman...     

Photochemical Synthesis of Cu2O and Cu2O/Ag Nanoparticles in Polyols

Russian Journal of General Chemistry - Cu2O nanoparticles were synthesized by photoreduction of copper(II) complex compounds with ethylene glycol and glycerin in the photolite volume. Their optical...