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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

X-ray microstructural analysis of nanocrystalline TiZrN thin films by diffraction pattern modeling

A detailed microstructural characterization of nanocrystalline TiZrN thin films grown at different substrate temperatures (T{sub S}) was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Total diffraction pattern modeling based on more meaningful microstructural parameters, such as crystallite size distribution and dislocation density, was performed to describe the microstructure of the thin films more precisely. This diffraction modeling has been implemented and used mostly to characterize powders, but the technique can be very useful to study hard thin films by taking certain considerations into account. Nanocrystalline films were grown by using the cathodic pulsed vacuum arc technique on stainless steel 316L substrates, varying the temperature from room temperature to 200 °C. Further surface morphology analysis was performed to study the dependence of grain size on substrate temperature using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The crystallite and surface grain sizes obtained and the high density of dislocations observed indicate that the films underwent nanostructured growth. Variations in these microstructural parameters as a function of T{sub S} during deposition revealed a competition between adatom mobility and desorption processes, resulting in a specific microstructure. These films also showed slight anisotropy in their microstructure, and this was incorporated into the diffraction pattern modeling. The resulting model allowed for the films' microstructure during synthesis to be better understood according to the experimental results obtained. - Highlights: • Mobility and desorption competition generates a critical temperature. • A microstructure anisotropy related to the local strain was observed in thin films. • Adatom mobility and desorption influence grain size and microstrain.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural transition from two-dimensional ZIF-L to three-dimensional ZIF-8 nanoparticles in aqueous room temperature synthesis with improved CO2 adsorption

Highlights: • ZIF-L and ZIF-8 were synthesised with the same molar ratio of reagents (Zn{sup + 2}/Hmim = 8). • TEA threshold loading which was responsible for the phase transition was determined. • The CO{sub 2} desorption was improved due to increase of surface basicity and porosity. - Abstract: A new micron-sized leaf- two-dimensional (2D) structured zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) and nano-sized ZIF-8 were successfully synthesised in aqueous basic solution at room temperature with the same molar ratio of reagents (Zn{sup + 2}/Hmim = 8). Both ZIFs have attracted tremendous research interest due to their wide applications including absorption, separation, and catalysis. This phase and morphology change could be tailored by changing the concentration of base-type additive triethylamine (TEA). Also, this morphology change from 2D (ZIF-L) to three-dimensional (3D) (ZIF-8) was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy analysis, and surface area and pore textural properties using micromeritics gas adsorption analyser. The total amount of basic sites and carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) desorption capacity were also calculated using CO{sub 2} temperature-programmed desorption (CO{sub 2}-TPD) technique. Furthermore, TEA/total mole ratio of 0.0006 was proved as transition loading between two phases. Also, the particle and crystal size of samples decreased with increasing TEA/total mole ratio. The smallest ZIF-L and ZIF-8 particles obtained were 1.6 μm and 177 nm, respectively that showed excellent thermal stability. The basicity and uptakes of CO{sub 2} improved proportionally with TEA and followed this order: ZIF-8 > ZIF-L. This study provides some new insights into zeolitic imidazolate framework by controlling crystal growth and morphology.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Protein-based approach for high-purity Sc, Y, and grouped lanthanide separation

Rare earth elements (REEs: Sc, Y, La- Lu) are irreplaceable components in many clean energy and consumer technologies. However, the extraction and subsequent separation of individual REEs from ore-based feedstocks remains a significant economic and environmental challenge. Here in this work, we investigated the intra-REE separation potential of lanmodulin (LanM), a natural protein from Methylorubrum extorquens that has emerged as a sustainable potential alternative to conventional solvent extraction-based separation. By determining the intra-REE selectivity of immobilized LanM and systematically testing pH-based and small chelator-based (i.e., citrate and malonate) desorption processes, we established the framework and methodology for achieving select individual and grouped REE separations from a mixed REE feedstock. We show that Sc forms the tightest complex with LanM among REEs but can be readily and selectively desorbed using malonate to generate high-purity Sc (>99 % purity, >99 % yield) in a single adsorption/desorption cycle. We further show that the intrinsic REE selectivity of LanM is sufficient to achieve heavy REE (HREE) separation from light and middle REEs (L-MREEs), yielding an yttrium-enriched product. This separation effect is further magnified by pairing LanM’s unique M-LREE preference with a HREE-preferring chelator in the desorption process, which enriches HREE and MREE fractions relative to low value, abundant La/Ce. Finally, by combining pH- and citrate-based desorption processes in a two-cycle separation scheme, we demonstrate the generation of fractions highly enriched in Y, Gd-Lu, Pr-Eu, and La-Ce. Collectively, these data support the application of a LanM-based approach for achieving impactful REE separations from mixed REE feedstocks.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Methylene bromide chemistry and photochemistry on rutile TiO 2 (110)

The chemistry and photochemistry of methylene bromide (CD 2 Br 2 ) on the rutile TiO 2 (110) surface was probed using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). CD 2 Br 2 desorbed in three desorption states at 145, 160 and 250 K tentatively assigned to desorption from the multilayer, from an η 1 -CD 2 Br 2 species and a bridging η 2 -CD 2 Br 2 species, respectively. The latter two TPD states presumably involve binding of CD 2 Br 2 molecules to the surface through Br coordination at five-coordinate Ti 4+ surface sites. The 160 and 250 K TPD states saturated at coverages of 1.0 and 0.33 ML, respectively, where 1 ML is equivalent to the surface Ti 4+ site density (5.2 × 10 14 cm - 2 ). No thermal decomposition of CD 2 Br 2 was observed on either the clean surface or with preadsorbed O 2 . UV irradiation of CD 2 Br 2 on TiO 2 (110) resulted in predominately photodesorption, with trace amounts of photodecomposition evidenced in TPD. The rate of CD 2 Br 2 photodesorption from TiO 2 (110) occurred with a low cross section (~ 2 × 10 - 21 cm 2 ) similar to that expected from direct optical excitation of CD 2 Br 2 . This observation suggests that charge carriers generated in TiO 2 (110) were no more effective in activating adsorbed CD 2 Br 2 molecules than would be expected through direct molecular excitation. Finally, these findings suggest that photocatalytic destruction of halocarbons such as CD 2 Br 2 on TiO 2 may preferentially occur though indirect processes (such as OH radical attack) as opposed to direct electron transfer processes involving charge carriers generated in TiO 2 by bandgap excitation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Preparation and Characterization of Model Homotopic Catalysts: Rh Adatoms, Nanoparticles, and Mixed Oxide Surfaces on Fe 3 O 4 (001)

The atomic-level characterization of active sites is essential to understanding the mechanisms behind catalytic reactions. In this study, using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we follow the morphological changes of a model Rh catalysts supported on Fe 3 O 4 (001) as a function of temperature and Rh coverage. Here, we identify the preparation conditions leading to model catalysts containing homotopic or nearly homotopic Rh species bound as adatoms, small clusters, substitutional within the Fe 3 O 4 (001), and nanoparticles. Adsorbates such as CO and CO 2 are further subsequently used to characterize the properties of different Rh sites. Using temperature programmed desorption (TPD), we demonstrate that adatoms, clusters, and nanoparticles exhibit high-temperature CO desorption (250-600 K). Strong binding on such sites further allows for CO oxidation to CO 2 via the Mars-van-Krevelen mechanism. In contrast, CO 2 was found to interact weakly with all Rh sites. Differences in desorption temperature enable the use of CO and CO 2 as titration methods for nanoparticles and Fe 3 O 4 (001), respectively. A small quantity of CO 2 was found to be reduced to CO on Rh adatoms and clusters.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Role of Polymer Architecture in CO 2 Capture from Air Using Supported Poly(alkylenimine)s: Linear vs Branched Polymers

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 coupled with geologic storage is a promising climate change mitigation strategy, with some applications employing amines supported on porous solids as CO 2 sorbents. While branched poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) is the standard benchmark amine material, it suffers from limited oxidative stability. Poly(propylenimine) (PPI), as an alternative, has previously demonstrated improved resistance to degradation under harsh oxidative conditions. Linear and branched PEI are commercially available, though at different molecular weights, while PPI is not commercially available. For this reason, a comparative study of all four polymers (linear PEI, branched PEI, linear PPI, branched PPI) has not been reported for DAC. In this study, we synthesize and compare low-molecular-weight (∼800 g/mol) linear (L) and branched (B) PEI and PPI supported on a model support, SBA-15 silica. These materials are evaluated for CO 2 adsorption under dry, DAC-relevant conditions (400 ppm of CO 2 , 30 °C). LPPI exhibited the highest amine efficiency at all loadings, reaching a maximum of 0.14 mmol CO 2 /mmol N, outperforming BPEI, while LPEI consistently showed the lowest uptake capacity. Temperature-programmed desorption reveals that the structure of the amine polymer impacts the CO 2 binding strength, with branched polymers displaying higher desorption energies of 102−111 kJ/mol. In situ infrared spectroscopy experiments show that all sorbents preferentially capture CO 2 as ammonium carbamate. Isobaric CO 2 uptake studies further underscore the influence of polymer mobility and support pore crowding on performance, while demonstrating the sorbents’ performance at elevated temperatures and CO 2 concentrations. All materials demonstrated good stability over 25 adsorption−desorption cycles using thermal regeneration in an inert gas purge, with only BPPI displaying a 10−11% decrease in capacity/amine efficiency during cycling, possibly due to the loss of low molecular weight, oligomeric amines. This is the first side-by-side comparison of the CO 2 sorption properties of linear and branched PEI and PPI with similar molecular weights. These findings highlight the significant role of polymer architecture in CO 2 capture efficiency and inform future designs of durable, high-performance DAC sorbents.

adsorbents↗
DOE OSTI2022

Plasma-Catalyst Reactivity Control of Surface Nitrogen Species through Plasma-Temperature-Programmed Hydrogenation to Ammonia

Nonthermal plasma activation of N 2 can facilitate nitrogen adsorption on metal catalysts at low bulk temperatures and atmospheric pressure. Here, we apply a plasma-assisted temperature-programmed reaction (plasma-TPRxn) for ammonia (NH 3 ) synthesis using sequential exposure of a silica-supported metal catalyst to N 2 plasma followed by thermal hydrogen treatment while ramping the temperature to decouple the plasma activation of N 2 from surface catalyzed hydrogenation steps. This approach eliminates the effects from bulk plasma phase reactions, thereby allowing for direct interrogation of plasma activated nitrogen on the active metal surfaces. We confirm previously reported spectroscopic observations that show plasma-generated surface nitrogen can be converted to NH 3 through surface catalyzed pathways. Further, we demonstrate that the ammonia desorption peak temperature is sensitive to metal, with Pt desorbing NH 3 at the lowest temperature. Unsteady state microkinetic models of desorption kinetics as a function of initial N coverage and metal recover observed trends in NH 3 desorption temperatures and confirm that observed results reflect hydrogenation of plasma-induced N accommodation at each surface. In total, we show that the hydrogenation ability of the catalyst after plasma activation of N 2 is responsible for the reactivity trends observed in plasma-assisted NH 3 synthesis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Impact of Solvent on Photocatalytic Mechanisms: Reactions of Photodesorption Products with Ice Overlayers on the TiO2(110) Surface

The effects of water and methanol ice overlayers on the photodecomposition of acetone on rutile TiO2(110) were evaluated in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) using photon stimulated desorption (PSD) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). In the absence of ice overlayers, acetone photodecomposed on TiO2(110) at 95 K by ejection of a methyl radical into the gas phase and formation of acetate on the surface. With ice overlayers, the methyl radicals are trapped at the interface between TiO2(110) and the ice. When water ice was present, these trapped methyl radicals reacted either with each other to form ethane or with other molecules in the ice (e.g., water or displaced acetone) to form methane (CH4), ethane (CH3CH3) and other products (e.g., methanol), with all of these products trapped in the ice. The new products were free to revisit the surface or depart during desorption of the ice. When methanol ice was present, methane formation came about only from reaction of trapped methyl radicals with the methanol ice. Methane and ethane slowly leaked through methanol ice overlayers into vacuum at 95 K, but not through water ice overlayers. Different degrees of site competition between water and acetone, and between methanol and acetone led to different hydrogen abstraction pathways in the two ices. These results provide new insights into product formation routes and solution-phase radical formation mechanisms that are important in heterogeneous photocatalysis.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Direct Imaging of Site-Specific Photocatalytic Reactions of O2 on TiO2(110)

Photo-stimulated reactions on TiO2 have attracted much attention due to the variety of potential applications ranging from a hydrogen production by water splitting to environmental remediation through organic pollutant oxidation.[1,2] In the majority of these processes the oxygen plays a crucial role, serving as a simplest oxidizing reagent and/or as an electron scavenger.[3,4] Hence, the physicochemical properties of O2 adsorbed on rutile TiO2(110) (model oxide surface) has been extensively investigated,[7-13] and, in particular, the chemisorbed O2 molecules have been recently imaged by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).[14-16] While the O2 desorption from rutile TiO2(110) is the most comprehensively studied photoreaction on TiO2 (by traditional ensemble-averaging techniques), details of its mechanism are still far from being understood. On a basis of extensive research of photostimulated desorption (PSD) of O2 from TiO2(110) by ultraviolet (UV) light, Yates and co-workers have developed a hole-mediated desorption model.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2013

Hydrogen passivation of electron trap in amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O thin-film transistors

We report an experimental evidence that some hydrogens passivate electron traps in an amorphous oxide semiconductor, a-In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO). The a-IGZO thin-film transistors (TFTs) annealed at 300 °C exhibit good operation characteristics; while those annealed at ≥400 °C show deteriorated ones. Thermal desorption spectra (TDS) of H{sub 2}O indicate that this threshold annealing temperature corresponds to depletion of H{sub 2}O desorption from the a-IGZO layer. Hydrogen re-doping by wet oxygen annealing recovers the good TFT characteristic. The hydrogens responsible for this passivation have specific binding energies corresponding to the desorption temperatures of 300–430 °C. A plausible structural model is suggested.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of plastic deformation on deuterium retention and release in tungsten

The effect of severe plastic deformation on the deuterium retention in tungsten exposed to high-flux low-energy plasma (flux ∼ 10{sup 24 }D/m{sup 2}/s, energy ∼ 50 eV, and fluence up to 3 × 10{sup 26 }D/m{sup 2}) at the plasma generator Pilot-PSI was studied by thermal desorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The desorption spectra in both reference and plastically deformed samples were deconvolved into three contributions attributed to the detrapping from dislocations, deuterium-vacancy clusters, and pores, respectively. The plastically induced deformation, resulting in high dislocation density, does not change the positions of the three peaks, but alters their amplitudes as compared to the reference material. The appearance of blisters detected by scanning electron microscopy and the desorption peak attributed to the release from pores (i.e., deuterium bubbles) were suppressed in the plastically deformed samples but only up to a certain fluence. Beyond 5 × 10{sup 25 }D/m{sup 2}, the release from the bubbles in the deformed material is essentially higher than in the reference material. Based on the presented results, we suggest that a dense dislocation network increases the incubation dose needed for the appearance of blisters, associated with deuterium bubbles, by offering numerous nucleation sites for deuterium clusters eventually transforming into deuterium-vacancy clusters by punching out jogs on dislocation lines.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

The photoexcitation of crystalline ice and amorphous solid water: A molecular dynamics study of outcomes at 11 K and 125 K

Photoexcitation of crystalline ice Ih and amorphous solid water at 7-9 eV is examined using molecular dynamics simulations and a fully flexible water model. The probabilities of photofragment desorption, trapping, and recombination are examined for crystalline ice at 11 K and at 125 K and for amorphous solid water at 11 K. For 11 K crystalline ice, a fully rigid water model is also employed for comparison. The kinetic energy of desorbed H atoms and the distance travelled by trapped fragments are correlated to the location and the local environment of the photoexcited water molecule. In all cases, H atom desorption is found to be the most likely outcome in the top bilayer while trapping of all photofragments is most probable deeper in the solid where the likelihood for recombination of the fragments into H{sub 2}O molecules also rises. Trajectory analysis indicates that the local hydrogen bonding network in amorphous solid water is more easily distorted by a photodissociation event compared to crystalline ice. Also, simulations indicate that desorption of OH radicals and H{sub 2}O molecules are more probable in amorphous solid water. The kinetic energy distributions for desorbed H atoms show a peak at high energy in crystalline ice, arising from photoexcited water molecules in the top monolayer. This peak is less pronounced in amorphous solid water. H atoms that are trapped may be displaced by up to ∼10 water cages, but migrate on average 3 water cages. Trapped OH fragments tend to stay near the original solvent cage.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Interaction of hydrogen with palladium clusters deposited on graphene

Hydrogen adsorption on nanoporous carbon materials is a promising technology for hydrogen storage. However, pure carbon materials do not meet the technological requirements due to the week binding of hydrogen to the pore walls. Experimental work has shown that doping with Pd atoms and clusters enhances the storage capacity of porous carbons. Therefore, we have investigated the role played by the Pd dopant on the enhancement mechanisms. By performing density functional calculations, we have found that hydrogen adsorbs on Pd clusters deposited on graphene following two channels, molecular adsorption and dissociative chemisorption. However, desorption of Pd-H complexes competes with desorption of hydrogen, and consequently desorption of Pd-H complexes would spoil the beneficial effect of the dopant. As a way to overcome this difficulty, Pd atoms and clusters can be anchored to defects of the graphene layer, like graphene vacancies. The competition between molecular adsorption and dissociative chemisorption of H{sub 2} on Pd{sub 6} anchored on a graphene vacancy has been studied in detail.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Catalytic C 2 H 2 synthesis via low temperature CO hydrogenation on defect-rich 2D-MoS 2 and 2D-MoS 2 decorated with Mo clusters

Rational design of novel catalytic materials used to synthesize storable fuels via the CO hydrogenation reaction has recently received considerable attention. In this work, defect poor and defect rich 2D-MoS 2 as well as 2D-MoS 2 decorated with Mo clusters are employed as catalysts for the generation of acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) via the CO hydrogenation reaction. Temperature programmed desorption is used to study the interaction of CO and H2 molecules with the MoS 2 surface as well as the formation of reaction products. The experiments indicate the presence of four CO adsorption sites below room temperature and a competitive adsorption between the CO and H 2 molecules. The investigations show that CO hydrogenation is not possible on defect poor MoS 2 at low temperatures. However, on defect rich 2D-MoS 2 , small amounts of C 2 H 2 are produced, which desorb from the surface at temperatures between 170 K and 250 K. A similar C 2 H 2 signal is detected from defect poor 2D-MoS 2 decorated with Mo clusters, which indicates that low coordinated Mo atoms on 2D-MoS 2 are responsible for the formation of C 2 H 2 . Density functional theory investigations are performed to explore possible adsorption sites of CO and understand the formation mechanism of C 2 H 2 on MoS 2 and Mo 7 /MoS 2 . The theoretical investigation indicates a strong binding of C 2 H 2 on the Mo sites of MoS 2 preventing the direct desorption of C 2 H 2 at low temperatures as observed experimentally. Instead, the theoretical results suggest that the experimental data are consistent with a mechanism in which CHO radical dimers lead to the formation of C 2 H 2 that presents an exothermic desorption.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

METHANOL IN THE STARLESS CORE, TAURUS MOLECULAR CLOUD-1

To explore the formation mechanisms of gas phase CH{sub 3}OH in cold starless cores, we have conducted high spectral resolution observations toward the cyanopolyyne peak of Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 (TMC-1 CP) with the IRAM 30 m telescope, the Green Bank Telescope, and the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. The spectral lines of CH{sub 3}OH toward TMC-1 CP are found to have a double-peaked profile separated by 0.5 km s{sup −1}. Since the double-peaked profile is observed for {sup 13}CH{sub 3}OH, it is not due to optical depth and/or self-absorption effects. The spectral line profile of CH{sub 3}OH is much different from those of C{sup 34}S, C{sub 3}S, and HC{sub 7}N observed toward this source. The H{sub 2} densities of the emitting region of CH{sub 3}OH for the blueshifted and redshifted components are derived to be (1.7 ± 0.5) × 10{sup 4} cm{sup −3} and (4.3 ± 1.2) × 10{sup 4} cm{sup −3}, respectively. These densities are similar to or slightly lower than those found for the other molecules. These results suggest a chemical differentiation between CH{sub 3}OH and the other molecules, which has indeed been confirmed by mapping observations of the CH{sub 3}OH and C{sup 34}S lines. These results are consistent with the general idea that CH{sub 3}OH is formed on dust grains and is liberated into the gas phase by non-thermal desorption. The grain-surface origin of CH{sub 3}OH is further confirmed by the CH{sub 3}OH/{sup 13}CH{sub 3}OH ratio. Weak shocks caused by accreting diffuse gas to the TMC-1 filament, photoevaporation caused by cosmic-ray induced UV radiation, and the desorption of excess reaction energy in the formation of CH{sub 3}OH on dust grains are discussed for the desorption mechanisms.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

ANALYTICAL FORMULAE OF MOLECULAR ION ABUNDANCES AND THE N{sub 2}H{sup +} RING IN PROTOPLANETARY DISKS

We investigate the chemistry of ion molecules in protoplanetary disks, motivated by the detection of the N{sub 2}H{sup +} ring around TW Hya. While the ring inner radius coincides with the CO snow line, it is not apparent why N{sub 2}H{sup +} is abundant outside the CO snow line in spite of the similar sublimation temperatures of CO and N{sub 2}. Using the full gas-grain network model, we reproduced the N{sub 2}H{sup +} ring in a disk model with millimeter grains. The chemical conversion of CO and N{sub 2} to less volatile species (sink effect hereinafter) is found to affect the N{sub 2}H{sup +} distribution. Since the efficiency of the sink depends on various parameters such as activation barriers of grain-surface reactions, which are not well constrained, we also constructed the no-sink model; the total (gas and ice) CO and N{sub 2} abundances are set constant, and their gaseous abundances are given by the balance between adsorption and desorption. Abundances of molecular ions in the no-sink model are calculated by analytical formulae, which are derived by analyzing the full-network model. The N{sub 2}H{sup +} ring is reproduced by the no-sink model, as well. The 2D (R-Z) distribution of N{sub 2}H{sup +}, however, is different among the full-network model and no-sink model. The column density of N{sub 2}H{sup +} in the no-sink model depends sensitively on the desorption rate of CO and N{sub 2} and the cosmic-ray flux. We also found that N{sub 2}H{sup +} abundance can peak at the temperature slightly below the CO sublimation, even if the desorption energies of CO and N{sub 2} are the same.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

COLD WATER VAPOR IN THE BARNARD 5 MOLECULAR CLOUD

After more than 30 yr of investigations, the nature of gas-grain interactions at low temperatures remains an unresolved issue in astrochemistry. Water ice is the dominant ice found in cold molecular clouds; however, there is only one region where cold (∼10 K) water vapor has been detected—L1544. This study aims to shed light on ice desorption mechanisms under cold cloud conditions by expanding the sample. The clumpy distribution of methanol in dark clouds testifies to transient desorption processes at work—likely to also disrupt water ice mantles. Therefore, the Herschel HIFI instrument was used to search for cold water in a small sample of prominent methanol emission peaks. We report detections of the ground-state transition of o-H{sub 2}O (J = 1{sub 10}-1{sub 01}) at 556.9360 GHz toward two positions in the cold molecular cloud, Barnard 5. The relative abundances of methanol and water gas support a desorption mechanism which disrupts the outer ice mantle layers, rather than causing complete mantle removal.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Cl atom recombination on silicon oxy-chloride layers deposited on chamber walls in chlorine-oxygen plasmas

Chlorine atom recombination coefficients were measured on silicon oxy-chloride surfaces deposited in a chlorine inductively coupled plasma (ICP) with varying oxygen concentrations, using the spinning wall technique. A small cylinder embedded in the walls of the plasma reactor chamber was rapidly rotated, repetitively exposing its surface to the plasma chamber and a differentially pumped analysis chamber housing a quadruple mass spectrometer for line-of-sight desorbing species detection, or an Auger electron spectrometer for in situ surface analysis. The spinning wall frequency was varied from 800 to 30 000 rpm resulting in a detection time, t (the time a point on the surface takes to rotate from plasma chamber to the position facing the mass or Auger spectrometer), of {approx}1-40 ms. Desorbing Cl{sub 2}, due to Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) Cl atom recombination on the reactor wall surfaces, was detected by the mass spectrometer and also by a pressure rise in one of the differentially pumped chambers. LH Cl recombination coefficients were calculated by extrapolating time-resolved desorption decay curves to t = 0. A silicon-covered electrode immersed in the plasma was either powered at 13 MHz, creating a dc bias of -119 V, or allowed to electrically float with no bias power. After long exposure to a Cl{sub 2} ICP without substrate bias, slow etching of the Si wafer coats the chamber and spinning wall surfaces with an Si-chloride layer with a relatively small amount of oxygen (due to a slow erosion of the quartz discharge tube) with a stoichiometry of Si:O:Cl = 1:0.38:0.38. On this low-oxygen-coverage surface, any Cl{sub 2} desorption after LH recombination of Cl was below the detection limit. Adding 5% O{sub 2} to the Cl{sub 2} feed gas stopped etching of the Si wafer (with no rf bias) and increased the oxygen content of the wall deposits, while decreasing the Cl content (Si:O:Cl = 1:1.09:0.08). Cl{sub 2} desorption was detectable for Cl recombination on the spinning wall surface coated with this layer, and a recombination probability of {gamma}{sub Cl} = 0.03 was obtained. After this surface was conditioned with a pure oxygen plasma for {approx}60 min, {gamma}{sub Cl} increased to 0.044 and the surface layer was slightly enriched in oxygen fraction (Si:O:Cl = 1:1.09:0.04). This behavior is attributed to a mechanism whereby Cl LH recombination occurs mainly on chlorinated oxygen sites on the silicon oxy-chloride surface, because of the weak Cl-O bond compared to the Cl-Si bond.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗