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At least 433 records · Page 24

SmZn{sub 11}-type derivative compound in the Yb-Zn-Al system: Crystal structure and magnetic properties

Crystal structure and magnetic properties are reported for Yb{sub 3.50}Zn{sub 32.1}Al{sub 1.4} prepared in single-crystalline form. It adopts the SmZn{sub 11}-type of structure (SG P6/mmm) with lattice parameters a=0.90458(1), c=0.88547(1) nm. The phase composition was analyzed by XRD, chemical and electron microprobe analysis. The ytterbium atoms in this compound are in the non-magnetic 4f{sup 14} state. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure and magnetic susceptibility of Yb{sub 3.50}Zn{sub 32.1}AI{sub 1.4}. Highlights: > Yb{sub 3.50}Zn{sub 32.1}Al{sub 1.4} single crystals were synthesized by flux-growth method. > The studied material is diamagnetic. > Magnetization measurements revealed divalent state of Yb atoms in this structure. > Data from EDAX, chemical and X-ray analysis show good correlation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Leveraging Electron Transfer Dissociation for Site Selective Radical Generation: Applications for Peptide Epimer Analysis

Traditional electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) experiments operate through a complex combination of hydrogen abundant and hydrogen deficient fragmentation pathways, yielding c and z ions, side-chain losses, and disulfide bond scission. Herein, a novel dissociation pathway is reported, yielding homolytic cleavage of carbon–iodine bonds via electronic excitation. This observation is very similar to photodissociation experiments where homolytic cleavage of carbon–iodine bonds has been utilized previously, but ETD activation can be performed without addition of a laser to the mass spectrometer. Both loss of iodine and loss of hydrogen iodide are observed, with the abundance of the latter product being greatly enhanced for some peptides after additional collisional activation. These observations suggest a novel ETD fragmentation pathway involving temporary storage of the electron in a charge-reduced arginine side chain. Subsequent collisional activation of the peptide radical produced by loss of HI yields spectra dominated by radical-directed dissociation, which can be usefully employed for identification of peptide isomers, including epimers. .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis: Sample analysis

Exposure conditions in atomic oxygen (ESCA) was performed on an SSL-100/206 Small Spot Spectrometer. All data were taken with the use of a low voltage electron flood gun and a charge neutralization screen to minimize charging effects on the data. The X-ray spot size and electron flood gun voltage used are recorded on the individual spectra as are the instrumental resolutions. Two types of spectra were obtained for each specimen: (1) general surveys, and (2) high resolution spectra. The two types of data reduction performed are: (1) semiquantitative compositional analysis, and (2) peak fitting. The materials analyzed are: (1) kapton 4, 5, and 6, (2) HDPE 19, 20, and 21, and (3) PVDF 4, 5, and 6.

Carter, W. B.↗

Mechanical Behavior of Commercially Pure Titanium Weldments at Lower Temperatures

Commercially pure titanium is used for low-temperature applications due to good toughness attributed to single-phase microstructure (α). Electron beam welding (EBW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) processes have been used for welding two grades of commercially pure titanium (Grade 2 and Grade 4). Martensitic microstructure is found to be finer in the case of EBW joint as compared to GTAW joint due to faster rate of cooling in the former process. Weldments have been characterized to study the mechanical behavior at ambient (298 K) and cryogenic temperatures (20 and 77 K). Strength of weldments increases with the decrease in temperature, which is found to be more prominent in case of Grade 4 titanium as compared to Grade 2. Weld efficiency of Grade 4 is found to be higher at all the temperatures (ambient, 77 and 20 K). However, ultimate tensile strength/yield strength ratio is higher for Grade 2 as compared to Grade 4. % Elongation is found to increase/retained at cryogenic temperatures for Grade 2, and it is found to decrease for Grade 4. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy of deformed samples confirmed the presence of extensive twinning in Grade 2 and the presence of finer martensitic structure in Grade 4. Fractography analysis of tested specimens revealed the presence of cleavage facets in Grade 4 and dimples in specimens of Grade 2. Higher strength in Grade 4 is attributed to higher oxygen restricting the twin-assisted slip, which is otherwise prominent in Grade 2 titanium.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of multi-electron, multi-step homogeneous catalysis by rotating disc electrode voltammetry: theory, application, and obstacles

Rotating disc electrode (RDE) voltammetry has been widely adopted for the study of heterogenized molecular electrocatalysts for multi-step fuel-forming reactions but this tool has never been comprehensively applied to their homogeneous analogues. Here, the utility and limitations of RDE techniques for mechanistic and kinetic analysis of homogeneous molecular catalysts that mediate multi-electron, multi-substrate redox transformations are explored. Using the ECEC' reaction mechanism as a case study, two theoretical models are derived based on the Nernst diffusion layer model and the Hale transformation. Current–potential curves generated by these computational strategies are compared under a variety of limiting conditions to identify conditions under which the more minimalist Nernst Diffusion Layer approach can be applied. Based on this theoretical treatment, strategies for extracting kinetic information from the plateau current and the foot of the catalytic wave are derived. RDEV is applied to a cobaloxime hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst under non-aqueous conditions in order to experimentally validate this theoretical framework and explore the feasibility of RDE as a tool for studying homogeneous catalysts. Importantly, analysis of the foot-of-the-wave via this theoretical framework provides rate constants for elementary reaction steps that agree with those extracted from stationary voltammetric methods, supporting the application of RDE to study homogeneous fuel-forming catalysts. Lastly, obstacles encountered during the kinetic analysis of cobaloxime, along with the voltammetric signatures used to diagnose this reactivity, are discussed with the goal of guiding groups working to improve RDE set-ups and help researchers avoid misinterpretation of RDE data.

08 HYDROGEN↗

An analysis of the asymmetric part of electron-electron Boltzmann integral

A numerical analysis of the asymmetric part of electon-electron collision integral is presented. The results are given in the form of graphs for two commonly considered plasma situations: the collision-dominated case (symmetric part of electron disribution is Maxwellian) and the field-dominated case (symmetric part of electron distribution is Druyvesteynian). The importance of the asymmetric part of e-e collision integral in the Boltzmann equation is also discussed.

Kunc, J. A.↗

Structural and morphological characterization of Mg{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}(OH){sub 2}Cl{sub 0.2} hydrotalcite produced by mechanochemistry method

Chlorine intercalated Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (Mg–Al–Cl–LDH) with a chemical formula Mg{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}(OH){sub 2}Cl{sub 0.2} were successfully produced by the one-step mechanochemistry method and subsequent water washing followed by drying in oven for 1 h at 80 °C. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and the differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA). Results revealed that the structural characteristics of Mg–Al–Cl–LDH were affected strongly by milling time. At the beginning of milling (up to 1 h), Hydrotalcite (HT) and Brucite were the dominant phases, while the progressive mechanical activation was completed as milling time increased, which resulted in the formation of nanostructured Mg–Al–Cl–LDH. Based on XRD and FTIR data, Mg{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}(OH){sub 2}Cl{sub 0.2} with high purity was obtained at 5 h milling. The interlayer spacing of LDH is also strongly influenced by milling time so that it escalated from 7.737±0.001 to 8.005±0.002 (1–15 h) and then decreased to 7.937±0.001 for 20 h milled sample. Electron microscopic observation displayed that the final product had hexagonal platelet structure with lateral dimension of 20–100 nm. Therefore, the synthesis of Mg{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}(OH){sub 2}Cl{sub 0.2} via mechanochemistry owing to simplicity and versatility can be a promising candidate for use in catalyst carriers, drug delivery, and gene delivery. - Graphical Abstract: TEM image of milled sample (Mg–Al–Cl–LDH). - Highlights: • Chlorine intercalated LDH was synthesized by a facile solid-state process. • Structural features of products were influenced strongly by the milling time. • XRD and FTIR spectra suggested predominant Mg–Al–Cl–LDH after 5 h milling. • Products showed hexagonal platelet structure with lateral dimension of 20–100 nm.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electron Microscopy and Image Analysis for Selected Materials

This particular project was completed in collaboration with the metallurgical diagnostics facility. The objective of this research had four major components. First, we required training in the operation of the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) for imaging of selected materials including biological specimens. The types of materials range from cyanobacteria and diatoms to cloth, metals, sand, composites and other materials. Second, to obtain training in surface elemental analysis technology using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis, and in the preparation of x-ray maps of these same materials. Third, to provide training for the staff of the metallurgical diagnostics and failure analysis team in the area of image processing and image analysis technology using NIH Image software. Finally, we were to assist in the sample preparation, observing, imaging, and elemental analysis for Mr. Richard Hoover, one of NASA MSFC's solar physicists and Marshall's principal scientist for the agency-wide virtual Astrobiology Institute. These materials have been collected from various places around the world including the Fox Tunnel in Alaska, Siberia, Antarctica, ice core samples from near Lake Vostoc, thermal vents in the ocean floor, hot springs and many others. We were successful in our efforts to obtain high quality, high resolution images of various materials including selected biological ones. Surface analyses (EDX) and x-ray maps were easily prepared with this technology. We also discovered and used some applications for NIH Image software in the metallurgical diagnostics facility.

Williams, George↗

Stimulated Emission and Optical Properties of Solid Solutions of Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} Direct Band Gap Semiconductors

Stimulated emission, optical properties, and structural characteristics of non-irradiated and proton-irradiated Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin films deposited on soda lime glass substrates using co-evaporation of elements in a multistage process were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectral analysis with energy dispersion, low-temperature photoluminescence, optical transmittance and reflectance were used to study the films. Stimulated emission at low temperatures of ~20 K was found in non-irradiated and proton-irradiated Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin films upon excitation by laser pulses of nanosecond duration with a threshold power density of ~20 kW/cm{sup 2}. It was shown that the appearance and parameters of the stimulated emission depend strongly on the concentration of ion-induced defects in Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin films.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Texture Evolution in an Al-Cu-Mg Alloy During Hot Rolling

The texture evolution in the intermediate (the 1/4 thickness) layer of hot-rolled Al-Cu-Mg alloy sheets was investigated by the x-ray diffraction technique, electron backscattered diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy observation. The results showed that a texture transition from the shear texture {001}<110> to the β-fiber textures occurred as the rolling temperature increased to 420 °C. The shear strain caused by friction resulted in this strong shear texture formation at the low rolling temperature. As the rolling temperature increased, the plane strain substituting the shear strain dominated in the intermediate layer, giving rise to a significant increase in the β-fiber textures. Increasing the rolling temperature was found to preferentially activate the non-octahedral {112}<110> slip system, thereby benefiting the development of strong Brass. At the low rolling reduction of 74%, the textures with low intensity tended to converge on the α-fiber, containing Goss, Brass, P and L components. As the rolling reduction increased to 90%, the textures were strengthened and gradually flew toward the β-fiber, containing Brass, Copper and S components. The S and Copper bands were found to be the preferential sites for the development of recrystallizing Cube grains during hot rolling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Grain subdivision and structural modifications by high-energy heavy ions in UO 2 with different initial grain size

Irradiation with 84 MeV Xe ions at peak fluence above 7 × 10 17 ions/cm 2 has been carried out on two UO 2 samples with different initial grain sizes at 300 °C and 500 °C. Characterization of both grain structure and bubble morphology has been performed using transmission electron microscopy, image analysis and precession electron diffraction. The bubble size in the large-grained sample was smaller than that in the standard-grain sample, confirming fission gas precipitation resistance in the former. The ion irradiation in the high electronic energy deposition range has caused formation of a large density of dislocations which resulted in grain polygonization for the sample with standard grain size, which was observed in multiple lamellas extracted next to each other at peak dose. The sample with large grains showed inconsistent behavior. In one case, dislocation pile-up occurred, but no sub-grain formation was observed. An adjacent location showed sub-grain formation, even if to less extent compared to the standard grain-size sample. Furthermore, these findings suggest a limited polygonization resistance in large-grained UO 2 compared to standard-grain UO 2 . Recrystallization of both sample surfaces was present, leaving unclear if this is a surface effect or a consequence of the highest energy deposition rate in this area.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Monodisperse Au11 Clusters Prepared by Soft Landing of Mass Selected Ions

Preparation of clean monodisperse samples of clusters and nanoparticles for characterization using cutting-edge analytical techniques is essential to understanding their size-dependent properties. Herein, we report a general method for the preparation of high surface coverage samples of monodisperse clusters containing an exact number of atoms. Polydisperse solutions of diphosphine-capped gold clusters were produced by reduction synthesis. Electrospray ionization was used to introduce the clusters into the gas phase where they were filtered by mass-tocharge ratio allowing clusters of a selected size to be deposited onto carbon coated copper grids at well controlled kinetic energies. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analysis of the soft landed clusters confirms their monodispersity and high coverage on the substrate. The soft landing approach may be extended to other materials compatible with an array of available ionization techniques and, therefore, has widespread utility as a means for controlled preparation of monodisperse samples of nanoparticles and clusters for analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The effect of the morphology of supported subnanometer Pt clusters on the first and key step of CO 2 photoreduction [Morphology effect of supported subnanometer Pt clusters on first and key step of CO 2 photoreduction]

In this study, using density functional theory calculations, we investigate the influence of size-dependent cluster morphology on the synergistic catalytic properties of anatase TiO 2 (101) surfaces decorated with subnanometer Pt clusters. Focusing on the formation of the key precursor in the CO 2 photoreduction reaction (bent CO 2 – ), we find that flatter (2D-like) Pt clusters that “wet” the TiO 2 surface offer significantly less benefit than 3D-like Pt clusters. We attribute the differences to three factors. First, the 3D clusters provide a greater number of accessible Pt–TiO 2 interfacial sites with geometries that can aid CO 2 bond bending and charge transfer processes. Second, binding competition among each Pt–CO 2 bonding interaction mitigates maximum orbital overlaps, leading to insufficient CO 2 binding. Third and also most interestingly, the 3D clusters tend to possess higher structural fluxionality than the flatter clusters, which is shown to correlate positively with CO2 binding strength. The preferred morphology adopted by the clusters depends on several factors, including the cluster size and the presence of oxygen vacancies on the TiO 2 surface; this suggests a strategy for optimizing the synergistic effect between Pt clusters and TiO 2 surfaces for CO 2 photocatalysis. Clusters of ~6–8 atoms should provide the largest benefit, since they retain the desired 3D morphology, yet are small enough to exhibit high structural fluxionality. Electronic structure analysis provides additional insight into the electronic motivations for the enhanced binding of CO 2 on TiO 2 -supported 3D Pt clusters, as well as suppressed binding on flattened, 2D-like clusters.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Characterization of multielectron dynamics in molecules: A multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree-Fock picture

Using the framework of multiconfiguration theory, where the wavefunction Φ(t) of a many-electron system at time t is expanded as Φ(t)=∑{sub I}C{sub I}(t)Φ{sub I}(t) in terms of electron configurations (Φ{sub I}(t)), we divided the total electronic energy E(t) as E(t)=∑{sub I}|C{sub I}(t)|{sup 2}E{sub I}(t) . Here E{sub I}(t) is the instantaneous phase changes of C{sub I}(t) regarded as a configurational energy associated with Φ{sub I}(t). We then newly defined two types of time-dependent states: (i) a state at which the rates of population transfer among configurations are all zero; (ii) a state at which (E{sub I}(t)) associated with the quantum phases of C{sub I}(t) are all the same. We call the former time-dependent state a classical stationary state by analogy with the stationary (steady) states of classical reaction rate equations and the latter one a quantum stationary state. The conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied simultaneously for the conventional stationary state in quantum mechanics. We numerically found for a LiH molecule interacting with a near-infrared (IR) field ε(t) that the condition (i) is satisfied whenever the average velocity of electrons is zero and the condition (ii) is satisfied whenever the average acceleration is zero. We also derived the chemical potentials μ{sub j}(t) for time-dependent natural orbitals ϕ{sub j}(t) of a many-electron system. The analysis of the electron dynamics of LiH indicated that the temporal change in Δμ{sub j}(t) ≡ μ{sub j}(t) + ε(t) · d{sub j}(t) − μ{sub j}(0) correlates with the motion of the dipole moment of ϕ{sub j}(t), d{sub j}(t). The values Δμ{sub j}(t) are much larger than the energy ζ{sub j}(t) directly supplied to ϕ{sub j}(t) by the field, suggesting that valence electrons exchange energy with inner shell electrons. For H{sub 2} in an intense near-IR field, the ionization efficiency of ϕ{sub j}(t) is correlated with Δμ{sub j}(t). Comparing Δμ{sub j}(t) to ζ{sub j}(t), we found that energy accepting orbitals of Δμ{sub j}(t) > ζ{sub j}(t) indicate high ionization efficiency. The difference between Δμ{sub j}(t) and ζ{sub j}(t) is significantly affected by electron-electron interactions in real time.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗