Synthetic Cu0.507(5)Pb8.73(9)Sb8.15(8)I1.6S20.0(2) nanowires

Nanowires of an iodine containing Pb-Sb-sulfosalt have been synthesized by chemical vapor transport. Their structure was studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The lattice parameters show values equal to a=4.9801(4) nm, b=0.41132(8) nm (with two-fold superstructure), c=2.1989(1) nm and β=99.918(6)°. These parameters and the results of a multislice simulation are in good agreement with the mineral pillaite, Cu_0.10Pb_9.16Sb_9.84S_22.94Cl_1.06O_0.5 (space group C2/m, a=4.949(1) nm, b=0.41259(8) nm, c=2.1828(4) nm, and β=99.62(3)°). Microprobe and EDX analyses yielded a chemical composition of Cu_0.507(5)Pb_8.73(9)Sb_8.15(8)I_1.6S_20.0(2) which is close to natural pillaite but contains no oxygen and iodine instead of chlorine. The structure of the investigated material is based on chains of M-S polyhedra (M=Pb or Sb) typical for the architecture of sulfosalts implying iodine atoms in trigonal prismatic coordination with Pb atoms from the M-S polyhedra of neighboring chains. The [010] superstructure of the specimen was found to be unstable under electron beam irradiation with a rapid decrease of the b lattice parameter from 0.8 to 0.4 nm within 5 min.     

Detection of banned meat and bone meal in feedstuffs by near-infrared microscopic analysis of the dense sediment fraction

In this paper we present an alternative method for detection of meat and bone meal (MBM) in feedstuffs by near-infrared microscopic (NIRM) analysis of the particles in the sediment fraction (dense fraction (d >1.62) from dichloroethylene) of compound feeds. To apply this method the particles of the sediment fraction are spread on a sample holder and presented to the NIR microscope. By using the pointer of the microscope the infrared beam is focussed on each particle and the NIR spectrum (1112–2500 nm) is collected. This method can be used to detect the presence of MBM at concentrations as low as 0.05% mass fraction. When results from the NIRM method were compared with the classical microscopic method, a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.87 was obtained. The results of this study demonstrated that this method could be proposed as a complementary tool for the detection of banned MBM in feedstuffs by reinforcement of the monitoring of feeds.     

A method to construct polyelectrolyte multilayers film containing gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles in polyelectrolyte multilayers film can be easily prepared by repeating immersion of a substrate in poly(diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA)-AuCl₄⁻ complexes solution followed by reduction Au³⁺ through heating. UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to confirm the successful construction of the polyelectrolyte multilayers film and the formation of gold nanoparticles. The multilayers film shows electrocatalytic activity to dioxygen reduction.     

Structure and properties of plasma-polymerized thin films of polyaniline

Plasma polymerization of aniline and in-situ doping of polvaniline with iodine was carried out using radio frequency glow discharge. Thin films of polyaniline were deposited on platinum and glass. The infrared spectrum shows that the aromatic ring is retained under the plasma conditions. The electrical conductivity measurements indicate that the conductivity increases by more than seven orders of magnitude when the polyaniline is doped by iodine. The scanning electron microscopic studies reveal the formation of irregular pentagons on glass substrate while on platinum, polvaniline forms a fibrillar network. In both the cases a continuous film is obtained.     

Single polymer molecules adsorbed to mica and the oppositely charged polymer/surfactant complexes formed at the air–water interface visualized by atomic force microscopy

In the present study, the structure and morphology of single sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) molecules adsorbed to mica surface from the natural aqueous solution is investigated using atomic force microscopy technique. Results show that single PSS molecules are observed which show a morphology of wormlike coils. Meanwhile, single sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) complexes deposited on mica from the air–water interface are also observed. However, the PSS/CTA⁺ complexes show different conformations by appearing in the morphology of circular patches. Experimental data are in fair agreement with the theoretical analysis.     

A quantitative method for dual‐pass electrostatic force microscopy phase measurements

Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) has become a powerful tool for investigating charges on surfaces. The use of phase measurement in EFM is a direct and fast way to detect electrostatic force gradients, but only qualitatively. With the dual‐pass scheme, the phase signal at lifted height is often assumed to exclude any influences from the topography, but it does not. We report the collection of both topography and phase data by EFM on charged, micron‐sized metal wires. In order to quantify the electrostatic force, a cone model and finite element analysis are provided to integrate the force gradient from the phase signal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal analysis and microscopical characterization of cholesterol in gallstones

Summary Cholesterol constitutes the major component of most gallstones. It was identified and determined in gallstones by thermal analysis technique (DSC and TG-DTA), mainly by the use of the melting temperature (T_onset=145°C and T_max=149°C) and by DTG peak decomposition (T_max=364°C). Cholesterol anhydrous (ChA), which showed endothermic polymorphic peak, T_max=40°C, without mass loss, was differentiated from cholesterol monohydrate (ChH), which showed a broad endothermic peak, T_max=59°C, attributed to loss of water of crystallization (theoretical 4.45%). Morphological studies of gallstones were performed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stones consisted of a pigmented core with a variably-sized irregular central cavity, surrounded by a radially arranged deposits of plate-like ChH. The outer part of the stones showed ChA crystal arborescences. X-ray microanalysis gave a typical spectrum rich in C and O, and in some instances the presence of P, which was attributed to the presence of phospholipids. CaCO₃ was easily characterized by TG with the use of DTG decomposition peak at 674°C.     

高聚物球晶偏光织态研究中的厚度性消光与补偿机理

以两维聚环氧乙烷（ＰＥＯ）球晶为对象，探讨了偏光显微法的消光机理，尤其是其中的厚度性消光机理，并对于补偿片的作用原理作了细致的理论分析，运用上述手段对ＰＥＯ球晶的形态进行了研究。     

Nioboxidfluoride mit Blockstrukturen — Elektronenmikroskopische Durchstrahlungsaufnahmen und ihre Simulation

Niobiumoxidefluorides Nb₅₉O₁₄₇F, Nb₃₁O₇₇F, Nb₆₅O₁₆₁F₃ and Nb₃₄O₈₄F₂ were prepared by reaction of Nb₂O₅ and Nb₃O₇F at 1 270°C. These niobiumoxidefluorides have blockstructures which were examined by high resolution electron microscopy. The observed images of the crystal structures were compared with computer simulated images.

     

Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Molecular Organization of Schiff‐Base Derivatives

We have designed and synthesized a series of Schiff base derivatives, and studied their structural features in two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) states by combining scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X‐ray diffraction experiments. The Schiff‐base derivatives with short alkyl chains crystallize easily, which allows a detailed structural analysis by X‐ray diffraction. Due to the strong adsorbate–substrate interactions, those bases with long alkyl chains easily form 2D assemblies on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The STM images indicate also that the introduction of two methoxy groups into the molecule can change the structure of these 2D assemblies as a result of the increased steric hindrances, for example: the Schiff‐base derivative, bearing both methoxy groups and C₁₆H₃₃ tails, forms 2D Moiré patterns, and an alignment of pairing Schiff‐base molecules may be easily resolved. Conversely, the Schiff base derivative, bearing solely C₁₆H₃₃ tails, forms 2D non‐Moiré patterns. It is demonstrated that the 3D structural features result from the compromise of intermolecular interactions of different molecular moieties. However, there is one more factor, which also governs the 2D structure: the adsorbate‐substrate interaction. The 3D crystal structure may thus help to understand many factors involved in the formation of 2D structures, and would be helpful for designing new molecular assemblies with tailoring functions.