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At least 1,315 records · Page 73

Electrodeposition synthesis of MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays nanocomposites and their visible light photocatalytic activity

Highlights: • MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays nanocomposites are prepared by electrodeposition. • MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} exhibits high visible light photocatalytic activity. • The results of XRD show the depositions are attributed to α-MnO{sub 2}. • A photocatalytic mechanism is discussed under visible light irradiation. - Abstract: MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays nanocomposite photocatalysts have been synthesized through an electrodeposition method. X-ray powder diffraction analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that the products of electrodeposition method are MnO{sub 2}. Scanning electron microscopy measurements suggest that the depositions are deposited on the surface or internal of the nanotube. UV–vis light absorbance spectra demonstrate the excellent adsorption properties of MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} over the whole region of visible light, which enables this novel photocatalytic material to possess remarkable activity in the photocatalytic degradation of acid Orange II under visible light radiation. Moreover, a possible photocatalytic mechanism is discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Direct detection signatures of self-interacting dark matter with a light mediator

Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) is a simple and well-motivated scenario that could explain long-standing puzzles in structure formation on small scales. If the required self-interaction arises through a light mediator (with mass ∼10 MeV) in the dark sector, this new particle must be unstable to avoid overclosing the universe. The decay of the light mediator could happen due to a weak coupling of the hidden and visible sectors, providing new signatures for direct detection experiments. The SIDM nuclear recoil spectrum is more peaked towards low energies compared to the usual case of contact interactions, because the mediator mass is comparable to the momentum transfer of nuclear recoils. We show that the SIDM signal could be distinguished from that of DM particles with contact interactions by considering the time-average energy spectrum in experiments employing different target materials, or the average and modulated spectra in a single experiment. Using current limits from LUX and SuperCDMS, we also derive strong bounds on the mixing parameter between hidden and visible sector.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Synthesis of ZnO nanorod–nanosheet composite via facile hydrothermal method and their photocatalytic activities under visible-light irradiation

ZnO composite films consisting of ZnO nanorods and nanosheets were prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal processing at 80 °C on seeded glass substrates. The seed layer was coated on glass substrates by sol–gel dip-coating and pre-heated at 300 °C for 10 min prior to hydrothermal growth. The size of the grain formed after pre-heat treatment was ∼40 nm. A preferred orientation seed layer at the c-axis was obtained, which promoted vertical growth of the ZnO nanorod arrays and formation of the ZnO nanosheets. X-ray diffraction patterns and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) images confirmed that the ZnO nanorods and nanosheets consist of single crystalline and polycrystalline structures, respectively. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of the ZnO nanorod–nanosheet composite films exhibited band-edge ultraviolet (UV) and visible emission (blue and green) indicating the formation of ZnO crystals with good crystallinity and are supported by Raman scattering results. The formation of one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanorod arrays and two-dimensional (2D) ZnO nanosheet films using seeded substrates in a single low-temperature hydrothermal step would be beneficial for realization of device applications that utilize substrates with limited temperature stability. The ZnO nanorods and nanosheets composite structure demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity during degradation of aqueous methylene blue under visible-light irradiation. -- Graphical abstract: Schematic illustration of ZnO nanorod–nanosheet composite structure formation by hydrothermal at low-temperature of 80 °C against time. Highlights: • Novel simultaneous formation of ZnO nanorods and nanosheets composite structure. • Facile single hydrothermal step formation at low-temperature. • Photoluminescence showed ultraviolet and visible emission. • Feasible application on substrates with low temperature stability. • Improved photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Photoluminescence and optical transmission of diffusion-pump oils.

The photoluminescence and optical transmission of the four widely used diffusion-pump oils, DC-705, DC-704, Convalex-10, and Convoil-20, were measured. Each of the oils was found to be transparent throughout the visible region, showed some absorption in the near-UV region, and became very opaque below approximately 300 nm. Both Convalex-10 and Convoil-20 turned yellow after exposure to UV light. No such change was noted in DC-705 or DC-704. Photoluminescence was produced in each of the four oils when irradiated with UV light. Both DC-705 and DC-704 had a nearly identical luminescence spectra that peaked at 350 nm. The spectra of Convalex-10 and Convoil-20 were fairly complex, with several peaks in the visible region.

Kroes, R. L.↗

Microwave-assisted polyol synthesis and characterization of pvp-capped cds nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine

Highlights: • PVP-stabilized CdS nanoparticles have been fabricated by a polyol-microwave method. • CdS nanoparticles were characterized and the size was approximately 48 ± 10 nm. • Catalytic activity of our nanoparticles was examined for tartrazine degradation. • Remarkable results were obtained under both UV and visible light irradiations. - Abstract: Polyvinylpyrrolidone capped cadmium sulfide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a facile polyol method with ethylene glycol. Microwave irradiation and calcination were used to control the size and shape of nanoparticles. Characterization with scanning electron microscopy revealed a restricted nanoparticles growth comparing with the uncapped product, hexagonal phase and 48 nm average particle size were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and finally mechanism of passivation was suggested depending on Fourier transform infrared spectra. The efficiency of nanoparticles was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine in aqueous solution under UVC and visible light irradiation. Complete degradation of the dye was observed after 90 min of UVC irradiation under optimized conditions. Kinetic of reaction fitted well to the pseudo-first-order kinetic and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models. Furthermore, 85% degradation of the dye in 9 h under visible light suggests that cadmium sulfide is a promising tool to work under visible light for environmental remediation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The US Geological Survey, digital spectral reflectance library: version 1: 0.2 to 3.0 microns

We have developed a digital reflectance spectral library, with management and spectral analysis software. The library includes 500 spectra of 447 samples (some samples include a series of grain sizes) measured from approximately 0.2 to 3.0 microns. The spectral resolution (Full Width Half Maximum) of the reflectance data is less than or equal to 4 nm in the visible (0.2-0.8 microns) and less than or equal 10 nm in the NIR (0.8-2.35 microns). All spectra were corrected to absolute reflectance using an NBS Halon standard. Library management software lets users search on parameters (e.g. chemical formulae, chemical analyses, purity of samples, mineral groups, etc.) as well as spectral features. Minerals from sulfide, oxide, hydroxide, halide, carbonate, nitrate, borate, phosphate, and silicate groups are represented. X-ray and chemical analyses are tabulated for many of the entries, and all samples have been evaluated for spectral purity. The library also contains end and intermediate members for the olivine, garnet, scapolite, montmorillonite, muscovite, jarosite, and alunite solid-solution series. We have included representative spectra of H2O ice, kerogen, ammonium-bearing minerals, rare-earth oxides, desert varnish coatings, kaolinite crystallinity series, kaolinite-smectite series, zeolite series, and an extensive evaporite series. Because of the importance of vegetation to climate-change studies we have include 17 spectra of tree leaves, bushes, and grasses.

Clark, Roger N.↗

BROADBAND X-RAY PROPERTIES OF THE GAMMA-RAY BINARY 1FGL J1018.6–5856

We report on NuSTAR, XMM-Newton, and Swift observations of the gamma-ray binary 1FGL J1018.6–5856. We measure the orbital period to be 16.544 ± 0.008 days using Swift data spanning 1900 days. The orbital period is different from the 2011 gamma-ray measurement which was used in the previous X-ray study of An et al. using ∼400 days of Swift data, but is consistent with a new gamma-ray solution reported in 2014. The light curve folded on the new period is qualitatively similar to that reported previously, having a spike at phase 0 and broad sinusoidal modulation. The X-ray flux enhancement at phase 0 occurs more regularly in time than was previously suggested. A spiky structure at this phase seems to be a persistent feature, although there is some variability. Furthermore, we find that the source flux clearly correlates with the spectral hardness throughout all orbital phases, and that the broadband X-ray spectra measured with NuSTAR, XMM-Newton, and Swift are well fit with an unbroken power-law model. This spectrum suggests that the system may not be accretion-powered.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

ABSORPTIONS IN THE VISIBLE OF PROTONATED PYRENE COLLISIONALLY COOLED TO 15 K

Protonated polycyclic hydrocarbons have been added to the list of suggested carriers of diffuse interstellar absorptions. To test this proposition requires laboratory spectra measured under interstellar conditions, in particular with the rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom equilibrated to low temperatures. This has been achieved for protonated pyrene with absorption bands in the visible, using an ion trap and collisional cooling to ≈15 K. A two-photon excitation-dissociation scheme was employed to record the (1) {sup 1} A' ← X {sup 1} A' electronic spectrum on around 10{sup 5} ions per duty cycle. The origin band of the absorption spectrum of this relatively large polycyclic aromatic species with 27 atoms is located at 4858.86 Å. Two further comparably intense spectral features are present at 4834.48 and 4809.32 Å. This is one of the largest protonated aromatics studied in the gas phase and compared to astronomical observations; however, it is not a carrier of known diffuse interstellar bands.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Role of nickel doping on structural, optical, magnetic properties and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles

Highlights: • The XRD analyses revealed that the synthesizes nickel doped ZnO (Zn{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x}O, x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.09) nanostructures have hexagonal wurtzite structure. • The photoluminescence measurements revealed that the broad emission was composed of different bands due to zinc and oxygen vacancies. • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the Ni incorporation in ZnO lattice as Ni{sup 2+} ions. • Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed due to the oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials are the main reasons for ferromagnetism in Ni doped ZnO NPs. - Abstract: Zn{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x}O nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The crystallite sizes of the synthesized samples found to decrease from 38 to 26 nm with increase in nickel concentration. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Zn−O stretching bands at 577, 573, 569 and 565 cm{sup −1} in the respective ZnO NPs. Optical absorption spectra revealed the red shifted and estimated band gap is found to decrease with increase of Ni doping concentration. The PL spectra of all the samples exhibited a broad emission at 390 nm in the visible range. The carriers (donors) bounded on the Ni sites were observed from the micro Raman spectroscopic studies. Pure and Ni doped ZnO NPs showed significant changes in the M–H loop, especially the diamagnetic behavior changed into ferromagnetic nature for Ni doped samples. The antiferromagnetic super-exchange interactions between Ni{sup 2+} ions is increased in higher Ni doped ZnO NPs and also their antibacterial activity has been studied.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The composition of Phobos: Meteorite analogs based on KRFM and VSK spectral data from the Phobos 2 spacecraft

In 1989 the Phobos 2 spacecraft obtained 8-channel 0.3 to 0.6 mm KRFM spectra and two-channel wide-angel TV VSK images in bandpasses of 0.40 to 0.56 mm and 0.78 to 1.10 mm. The TV data were used to map four color ratio units on disk-resolved images of Phobos, and were combined with the KRFM spectra to analyze possible meteorite analogs for the mapped units. A total of 58 spectra of 39 meteorites were studied for similarities with Phobos data in spectral shape, absorption features, and visible near-IR color ratio. Analysis of the spectral data show that, among the meteorites studied, there are no unique spectral analogs for Phobos surface material. Currently, the closest spectral analogs are the optically altered black chondrite meteorites Gorlovka and Pervomaisky. The weak UV absorption bands in some KRFM spectra and the red slope in VSK color-ratio data indicate that carbonaceous chondrite-like material may also be a component of Phobos surface material. However, the lack of close carbonaceous chondrite spectral analogs and the existence of apparent absorption bands in KRFM spectra that are not seen in meteorite spectra suggest that there are processes and/or materials on the surface of Phobos that are not represented in the meteorite collections. The similarities between KRFM spectra of Phobos and the spectra of black chondrites suggest that optically altered mafic silicates may constitute a component of the surface material of Phobos, and that optical alteration and mixing by regolith processes may be an important factor in the evolution of Phobos surface material.

Britt, D. T.↗

Deep Co penetration and spin-polarization of C{sub 60} molecules at hybridized Co-C{sub 60} interfaces

We used near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy to identify the interplays at organic semiconductor-ferromagnet interfaces. When monitoring the L-edge intensity of 0.36 nm Co depositing on C{sub 60} films of various thicknesses, we detected weaker Co signal from structures with larger C{sub 60} thicknesses. Having determined that the electron mean escape depth in C{sub 60} is 4.9 nm, further model analysis indicates that the decline of spectral intensity is due to deep penetration of Co clusters. Finally, C K-edge spectra reveal clear evidences of orbital hybridization between Co and C{sub 60} as well as a visible dichroic effect at 125 K.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The role of geological surfaces in determining visible-near infra red spectral signatures

The goal of the study described here is to determine new criteria for improved target discrimination in areas of hydrothermal mineralization. It is noted that the portion of materials, that is, geological surfaces detected by sensing devices, must be accurately determined before elemental and mineralogical characterization. The depth from which visible-near infrared radiation is reflected from target surfaces depends on composition and fabric. Reflectance spectra are obtained from binary mixtures of hematite, goethite, kaolinite and montmorillonite with a reflecting sphere spectrometer over a wavelength range of 400-2500 nm. The reflection (or absorption) intensity is plotted vs. the sample thickness (determined by scanning electron microscopy) to determine the sample thickness at which absorption saturates. The optical depth is seen to vary as a function of mineralogy and wavelength. In general, the maximum depth from which reflection features are discerned is from 12 to 47 microns measured in the visible-near infrared spectral region.

Sommer, S. E.↗

Complex time dependent wave packet technique for thermal equilibrium systems - Electronic spectra

A time dependent wave packet method is presented for the rapid calculation of the properties of systems in thermal equilibrium and is applied, as an illustration, to electronic spectra. The thawed Gaussian approximation to quantum wave packet dynamics combined with evaluation of the density matrix operator by imaginary time propagation is shown to give exact electronic spectra for harmonic potentials and excellent results for both a Morse potential and for the band contours of the three transitions of the visible electronic absorption spectrum of the iodine molecule. The method, in principle, can be extended to many atoms (e.g., condensed phases) and to other properties (e.g., infrared and Raman spectra and thermodynamic variables).

Reimers, J. R.↗

Discrimination of active and inactive sand from remote sensing - Kelso dunes, Mojave Desert, California

Landsat TM images, field data, and laboratoray reflectance spectra were examined for the Kelso dunes, Mojave Desert, California to assess the use of visible and near-infrared (VNIR) remote sensing data to discriminate aeolian sand populations on the basis of spectral brightness. Results show that areas of inactive sand have a larger percentage of dark, fine-grained materials compared to those composed of active sand, which contain less dark fines and a higher percentage of quartz sand-size grains. Both areas are spectrally distinct in the VNIR, suggesting that VNIR spectral data can be used to discriminate active and inactive sand populations in the Mojave Desert. Analysis of laboratory spectra was complicated by the presence of magnetite in the active sands, which decreases their laboratory reflectance values to those of inactive sands. For this application, comparison of TM and laboratory spectra suggests that less than 35 percent vegetation cover does not influence the TM spectra.

Paisley, Elizabeth C. I.↗

Eta Carinae and the 2003.5 Minimum: Ultraviolet Changes of the Central Source and the Very Nearby Ejecta

We utilized the high spatial and high spectral resolution of the HST/STIS MAMA echelle modes in the ultraviolet (0.025 sec spatial resolution and 30,000 to 120,000 spectral resolving power) to view changes in and around Eta Carinae before and after the X-Ray drop which occurred on June 29, 2003. Major changes in the spectra of the Central Source and nearby nebulosities occurred between June 22 and July 5. Visibility of the Central Source dropped, especially between 1175 and 1350 A, but not uniformly through the UV. This fading is likely due to multiple line absorptions both in the source and in the intervening ejecta. Nebular emission of Si III and Fe III, located 0.09 sec to the west, disappeared. By July 29, a bright feature extending up to 0.07 sec east of the Central Source became prominent in broad emission lines near 2500 A, but was not noticeable longward of 2900 A. ACS/HRC imagery and STIS CCD spectra taken concurrently are being examined for larger scale changes. Numerous narrow velocity components between -146 and -585 km/s were identified in spectra before the minimum. New components appeared primarily in Fe II absorption lines with velocities between -170 and -380 km/s. While the lines of the -513 km/s component did not change, most lines of the -146 km/s component changed considerably. Lines originating from high energy levels diminished or disappeared, while lines originating from lower energy levels strengthened. Strong absorption lines of Ti II, not present before the X-Ray drop, appeared within seven days, but disappeared by July 29. Further analysis of these unprecedented data will provide significant new information about the structure of Eta Carinae and its periodic variations.

Gull, T. R.↗

Ultraviolet Changes of the Central Source and the Very Nearby Ejecta

We utilized the high spatial and high spectral resolution of the HST/STIS MAMA echelle modes in the ultraviolet (0.025 inch spatial resolution and 30,000 to 120,000 spectral resolving power) to view changes in and around Eta Carinae before and after the X-Ray drop which occurred on June 29, 2003 (M. Corcoran, IAUC 8160). Major changes in the spectra of the Central Source and nearby nebulosities occurred between June 22 and July 5. Visibility of the Central Source dropped, especially between 1175 and 1350 Angstroms, but not uniformly throughout the ultraviolet. This fading is likely due to multiple line absorptions both in the source and in the intervening ejecta. Nebular emission of Si III] and Fe III, located 0.09 sec. to the west, disappeared. By July 29, a bright feature extending up to 0.071 sec. east of the Central Source became prominent in broad emission lines near 2500 Angstroms, but was not noticeable longward of 2900 Angstroms. ACS/HRC imagery and STIS CCD spectra taken concurrently are being examined for larger scale changes. Numerous narrow velocity components between -146 and -585 kilometers per second were identified in spectra before the minimum. New components appeared primarily in Fe II absorption lines with velocities between -170 and -380 kilometers per second. While the lines of the -513 kilometers per second component did not change, most lines of the -146 kilometers per second component changed considerably. Lines originating from high energy levels diminished or disappeared, while lines originating from lower energy levels strengthened. Strong absorption lines of Ti II, not present before the X-Ray drop, appeared within seven days, but disappeared by July 29. Further analysis of these unprecedented data will provide significant new information about the structure of Eta Carinae and its periodic variations.

Gull, Theodore R.↗

Reflectance spectra of subarctic lichens

Lichens constitute a major portion of the ground cover of high latitude environments, but little has been reported concerning their in situ solar spectral reflectance properties. Knowledge of these properties is important for the interpretation of remotely sensed observations from high latitude regions, as well as in studies of high latitude ecology and energy balance climatology. The spectral reflectance of common boreal vascular plants is similar to that of vascular plants of the midlatitudes. The dominant lichens, in contrast, display variable reflectance patterns in visible wavelengths. The relative reflectance peak at 0.55 microns, common to green vegetation, is absent or indistinct in spectra of pervasive boreal forest and tundra lichens, despite the presence of chlorophyll in the inner algal cells. Lichens of the dominant genus, Cladina, display strong absorption of ultraviolet energy and short-wavelength blue light relative to their absorption in other visible wavelengths. Since the Cladinae dominate both the surface vegetation in open woodlands of the boreal forest and the low arctic tundra, their unusual spectral reflectance patterns will enable accurate monitoring of the boreal forest-tundra ecotone and detection of its vigor and movement in the future.

Petzold, Donald E.↗

Revisiting the Phase Curves of WASP-43b: Confronting Re-analyzed Spitzer Data with Cloudy Atmospheres

Recently acquired Hubble and Spitzer phase curves of the short-period hot Jupiter WASP-43b make it an ideal target for confronting theory with data. On the observational front, we re-analyze the 3.6 and 4.5 μm Spitzer phase curves and demonstrate that our improved analysis better removes residual red noise due to intra-pixel sensitivity, which leads to greater fluxes emanating from the nightside of WASP-43b, thus reducing the tension between theory and data. On the theoretical front, we construct cloud-free and cloudy atmospheres of WASP-43b using our Global Circulation Model (GCM), THOR, which solves the non-hydrostatic Euler equations (compared to GCMs that typically solve the hydrostatic primitive equations). The cloud-free atmosphere produces a reasonable fit to the dayside emission spectrum. The multi-phase emission spectra constrain the cloud deck to be confined to the nightside and have a finite cloud-top pressure. The multi-wavelength phase curves are naturally consistent with our cloudy atmospheres, except for the 4.5 μm phase curve, which requires the presence of enhanced carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of WASP-43b. Multi-phase emission spectra at higher spectral resolution, as may be obtained using the James Webb Space Telescope, and a reflected-light phase curve at visible wavelengths would further constrain the properties of clouds in WASP-43b.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗