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At least 721 records · Page 40

Electronic, Magnetic, and Theoretical Characterization of (NH 4 ) 4 UF 8 , a Simple Molecular Uranium(IV) Fluoride

The simple system of tetraammonium octafluorouranate is employed to derive a fundamental understanding of the uranium–fluorine interaction. The structure is composed of isolated molecules, enabling a detailed examination of the U 4+ (ƒ 2 ) ion. Characterization of single-crystals by X-ray diffraction, absorption spectroscopy, and magnetic analysis up to 45 T is combined with extensive theoretical treatment by CASSCF. The influence of different active spaces and representations of the structure is examined in the context of the experimental evidence. The Interacting Quantum Atoms method (IQA) is used to examine the nature of the U–F bond, concluding that there is a non-negligible degree of covalent character (9% of the total bond energy) in [UF8] 4- . For the structural and theoretical reasons discussed herein, it is proposed that the structure of (NH 4 ) 4 UF 8 may be appropriately employed as a benchmark compound for future theoretical characterization of U(IV).

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Structural Phase Transitions and Water Dynamics in Uranyl Fluoride Hydrates

We report a novel production method for uranium oxy uoride [(UO 2 ) 7 F 14 (H 2 O) 7 ] 4H 2 O, referred to as structure D. Structure D is produced as a product of hydrating anhydrous uranyl uoride, UO 2 F 2 , through the gas phase at ambient temperatures fol- lowed by desiccation by equilibration with a dry environment. We follow the structure of [(UO 2 ) 7 F 14 (H 2 O) 7 ] 4H 2 O through an intermediate, liquid-like phase, wherein the coordination number of the uranyl ion is reduced to 5 (from 6 in the anhydrous struc- ture), and a water molecule binds as an equatorial ligand to the uranyl ion. Quasielas- tic neutron scattering results compare well with previous measurements of mineral hydrates. The two groups of structurally distinct water molecules in D perform re- stricted motion on a length scale commensurate with the O{H bond (r = 0.92 A). The more tightly bound equatorial ligand waters rotate slower (Dr = 2.2 ps -1 ) than their hydrogen-bonded partners (Dr = 28.7 ps -1 ).

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Optical Stark and Zeeman Spectroscopy of Thorium Fluoride, ThF, and Thorium Chloride, ThCl

Experimentally and theoretically determined magnetic and electric dipole moments, bond distances and vibrational spacings are used for a comparative study of the bonding in ThF and ThCl. Numerous bands in the visible electronic spectra between 16400 cm -1 -18800 cm -1 of supersonically cooled molecular beam samples have been detected using medium resolution (Δν≈ 0.1cm -1 ), two dimensional (2D) spectroscopy. High resolution (Δν < 20 MHz) field-free, Stark, and Zeeman spectroscopy of the detected [18.6] Ω=3/2 – X 2 Δ 3/2 band of ThF near 538.4 nm and the [18.2] Ω=3/2 – X 2 Δ 3/2 band of ThCl near 551.0 nm have been recorded and analyzed. Stark shifts and splitting were analyzed to produce | r μ el | values of 1.453(7) D and 0.588(9) D, for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.6]Ω=3/2 states of ThF, respectively, and 2.022(35) D and 3.020(55) D, for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.2]Ω=3/2 states of ThCl. Zeeman splittings and shifts were analyzed to produce g e values of 1.038(4) and 1.079(4) for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.6]Ω=3/2 states of ThF and 1.130(4) and 1.638(4) for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.2]Ω=3/2 states of ThCl. Analysis of g e values demonstrate that the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.6]Ω=3/2 states of ThF and the X 2 Δ 3/2 state of ThCl are predominately 2 Δ 3/2 spin-orbit components, whereas the [18.2] Ω=3/2 state of ThCl is an admixture of 2 Δ 3/2 and 2 Π 3/2 spin-orbit components. A molecular orbital description of the ground states is used to rationalize the observed | r μ el | values for the ThX(X=F,Cl,O and S) series, and garner insight into the bonding mechanism. The dipole moments in the ground state of ThF and ThCl have been calculated using relativistic coupled-cluster methods. It is demonstrated that the systematic inclusion of electron-correlation contributions plays an essential role in obtaining accurate predictions for the dipole-moment values in ThF and ThCl.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Decoding the Pair Distribution Function of Uranium in Molten Fluoride Salts from X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy Data by Machine Learning

Thermal properties of actinides in molten salts are linked to the strongly disordered local environment of actinide ions. Here, we illustrate both the limitations of the commonly used fitting method for analysis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra in molten UF 4 and a possible solution using an "objective neural network - EXAFS" (ONNE) method. ONNE provides both extraction of the pair distribution function, as validated by its application to the EXAFS spectra calculated on molecular dynamics trajectory, and the EXAFS data reconstruction. The ONNE analysis of the molten UF4 has revealed reduction of the first nearest neighbor U-F coordination number, expansion of the U-F bond length and smaller contribution to the second shell compared to its crystalline counterpart. This method is therefore an attractive alternative to conventional EXAFS analysis and molecular dynamics simulations for studies of disordered environment of actinides in molten salts.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Conformal Lithium Fluoride Protection Layer on Three-Dimensional Lithium by Nonhazardous Gaseous Reagent Freon

Research on lithium (Li) metal chemistry has been rapidly gaining momentum nowadays not only because of the appealing high theoretical capacity, but also its indispensable role in the next-generation Li–S and Li–air batteries. However, two root problems of Li metal, namely high reactivity and infinite relative volume change during cycling, bring about numerous other challenges that impede its practical applications. In the past, extensive studies have targeted these two root causes by either improving interfacial stability or constructing a stable host. However, efficient surface passivation on three-dimensional (3D) Li is still absent. Here in this paper, we develop a conformal LiF coating technique on Li surface with commercial Freon R134a as the reagent. In contrast to solid/liquid reagents, gaseous Freon exhibits not only nontoxicity and well-controlled reactivity, but also much better permeability that enables a uniform LiF coating even on 3D Li. By applying a LiF coating onto 3D layered Li-reduced graphene oxide (Li-rGO) electrodes, highly reduced side reactions and enhanced cycling stability without overpotential augment for over 200 cycles were proven in symmetric cells. Furthermore, Li–S cells with LiF protected Li-rGO exhibit significantly improved cyclability and Coulombic efficiency, while excellent rate capability (~800 mAh g -1 at 2 C) can still be retained.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Rubidium Fluoride Post-Deposition Treatment: Impact on the Chemical Structure of the Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 Surface and CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 Interface in Thin-Film Solar Cells

Here, we present a detailed characterization of the chemical structure of the Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 thin-film surface and the CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 interface, both with and without a RbF post-deposition treatment (RbF-PDT). For this purpose, X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy, as well as synchrotron-based soft X-ray emission spectroscopy have been employed. Although some similarities with the reported impacts of light-element alkali PDT (i.e., NaF- and KF-PDT) are found, we observe some distinct differences, which might be the reason for the further improved conversion efficiency with heavy-element alkali PDT. In particular, we find that the RbF-PDT reduces, but not fully removes, the copper content at the absorber surface and does not induce a significant change in the Ga/(Ga + In) ratio. Additionally, we observe an increased amount of indium and gallium oxides at the surface of the treated absorber. These oxides are partly (in the case of indium) and completely (in the case of gallium) removed from the CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 interface by the chemical bath deposition of the CdS buffer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗