Structural and optical properties of novel surfactant-coated Yb@TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles

In this paper a novel hybrid approach to synthesise composite nanoparticles is presented. It is based on the laser ablation of a bulk target (Yb) immersed in a reversed micellar solution which contains nanoparticles of a different host material (TiO₂ nanoparticles) previously synthesised by chemical method. This approach thus exploits the advantages of the chemical synthesis through reversed micellar solution (size control, nanoparticle stabilisation), and of the laser ablation (“clean” synthesis, no side reactions). Central role is played by the microscopic processes controlling the deposition of the ablated Yb atoms onto the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles which actually behave as nucleation seeds. The structural features of the resulting Yb@TiO₂ composite nanoparticles have been studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy, whereas their peculiar optical properties have been explored by UV–Vis spectroscopy and steady-state fluorescence. Results consistently show the formation of Yb and TiO₂ glued nanodomains to form nearly spherical and non-interacting nanoparticles with enhanced photophysical properties.     

A theoretical study of the electronic structure of Pd(111) clean surface

A detailed investigation of the electronic structure of Pd(l 11) clean surface is presented in terms of a LCAO band model. Results including surface bands and local densities of states are given and a comparison with recently performed photoemission experiments is presented. For hω = 21.2 eV we find that the angle resolved distribution curves can be explained in terms of initial state density and k_∥ conserving transitions. For lower photon energies a mixture of bulk transition calculations and surface density of states seems more appropriate. Comparison with previous theoretical work is also presented.     

Hole density and Tc behaviour in YBa2Cu3O7 − x

The behaviour of the hole number in YBCO systems as a function of the oxygen deficiency x is studied theoretically by calculating the density of electron states for several different superstructures formed by periodic arrangements of the oxygen vacancies. The characteristic features of the electronic properties for chain copper sites with different coordination are pointed out and their relevance in determining the number of carriers for oxygen planes is illustrated. It is shown that the curve of the hole number as a function of x shows plateaus and jumps similar to those found in the T_c versus x curves if the de-oxygenation process takes place by forming fragmented chains. Structures formed by filled and empty chains only give a smooth hole behaviour as a function of the composition. The results of the numerical calculations can be understood by a simple model giving the Fermi energy shift in terms of the concentrations of Cu(1) sites with different coordination.     

The electrochemistry of gold in acid aqueous solutions containing chloride ions

Results obtained with differently prepared gold electrodes in acid solutions containing chloride ion at temperatures ranging from 22 to 65°C are reported. Potentiostatic techniques and rotating disc electrodes were employed. The anodic dissolution, the onset of passivity and the cathodic deposition of the metal are investigated under different experimental conditions. The anodic dissolution of Au is discussed in terms of possible reaction mechanisms involving the participation of different adsorbed species. The onset of passivation is related to the depletion of chloride ion at the reaction interface. The experimental voltammograms can be reporduced by means of an equation which considers the diffusion of chloride ion, the activation polarization related to the dissolution of Au and the establishment of passivity.     

Microscopic aspects of Si-Ge heterojunction formation

We present the results of an investigation of the electronic structure of heterojunctions formed by deposition of Germanium on Si (lll) surfaces. Energy Loss Spectra for various Ge coverages have been taken and compared with theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the interface is abrupt and at low coverages Ge is deposited uniformly on the substrate. Above 2 monolayers coverage modifications in the electronic structure appear probably caused by the growth mechanism.     

Preparation and characterisation of Na2S and ZnSO4 nanoparticles in water/sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulphosuccinate/n-heptane microemulsions

The preparation procedure for nanoparticles of the water-soluble salts Na₂S and ZnSO₄, two commonly used reagents to synthesise ZnS nanoparticles, by evaporation of volatile components of salt-containing water-in-oil microemulsions is described. In suitable conditions, the evaporation leads to the formation of dry salt–surfactant composites and to the formation of Na₂S or ZnSO₄ nanoparticles. It was found that the salt–surfactant composites can be totally redissolved in a dry apolar organic solvent allowing the formation of virtually water-free solutions containing a considerable amount of the water-soluble salts. The presence of nanoparticles in these solutions and in the composites has been proved by small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. By mixing these solutions, the solid–solid reaction between Na₂S and ZnSO₄ nanoparticles leading to the formation of very small-sized ZnS nanoparticles has been ascertained by UV spectrophotometry. Received: 09 February 2001 Accepted: 19 March 2001