Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the size-dependent melting mechanism of nickel nanoclusters of various sizes. The melting process was monitored by the caloric curve, the overall cluster Lindemann index, and the atomic Lindemann index. Size-dependent melting temperatures were determined, and the correct linear dependence on inverse diameter was recovered. We found that the melting mechanism gradually changes from dynamic coexistence melting to surface melting with increasing cluster size. These findings are of importance in better understanding carbon nanotube growth by catalytic chemical vapor deposition as the phase state of the catalyst nanoparticle codetermines the growth mechanism.

Abstract: An optimized laser ablation setup, proposed for high repetition rate inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) analyses such as 2D imaging or depth profiling, is presented. For such applications, the particle washout time needs to be as short as possible to allow high laser pulse frequencies for reduced analysis time. Therefore, it is desirable to have an ablation setup that operates as a laminar flow reactor (LFR). A top-down strategy was applied that resulted in the present design. In the first step, a previously applied ablation setup was analyzed on the basis of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results presented by D. Autrique et al. (Spectrochim. Acta, B 2008, 63, 257−270). By means of CFD simulations, the design was modified in such a way that it operated in the LFR regime. Experimental results demonstrate that the current design can indeed be regarded as an LFR. Furthermore, the operation under LFR conditions allowed some insight into the initial radial concentration distribution if the experimental ICPMS signal and analytical expressions are taken into account. Recommendations for a modified setup for more resilient spatial distributions are given. With the present setup, a washout time of 140 ms has been achieved for a 3% signal area criterion. Therefore, 7 Hz repetition rates can be applied with the present setup. Using elementary formulas of the analytical model, an upper bound for the washout times for similar setups can be predicted. The authors believe that the presented setup geometry comes close to the achievable limit for reliable short washout times.

Abstract: We study the structure and phase behavior of fullerene-cubane C60·C8H8 by Monte Carlo simulation. Using a simple potential model capturing the icosahedral and cubic symmetries of its molecular constituents, we reproduce the experimentally observed phase transition from a cubic to an orthorhombic crystal lattice and the accompanying rotational freezing of the C60 molecules. We elaborate a scheme to identify the low-temperature orientations of individual molecules and to detect a pattern of orientational ordering similar to the arrangement of C60 molecules in solid C60. Our configuration of orientations supports a doubled periodicity along one of the crystal axes.

Abstract: The limitations of the loading of the porous metalorganic framework [Zn4O(bdc)3] (bdc = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate; MOF-5 or IRMOF-1) with Pd nanoparticles was investigated. First, the volatile organometallic precursor [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)] was employed to get the inclusion compound [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)]x@MOF-5 via gas-phase infiltration at 10-3 mbar. A loading of four molecules of [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)] per formula unit of MOF-5 (x = 4) can be reached (35 wt.% Pd). Second, the metalorganic precursor [Pd(acac)2] (acac = 2,4-pentanedionate) was used and the inclusion materials [Pd(acac)2]x@MOF-5 of different Pd loadings were obtained by incipient wetness infiltration. However, the maximum loading was lower as compared with the former case with about two precursor molecules per formula unit of MOF-5. Both loading routes are suitable for the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles inside the porous host matrix. Homogeneously distributed nanoparticles with diameter of 2.4(±0.2) nm can be achieved by photolysis of the inclusion compounds [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)]x@MOF-5 (x 4), while the hydrogenolysis of [Pd(acac)2]x@MOF-5 (x 2) leads to a mixture of small particles inside the network (< 3 nm) and large Pd agglomerates (40 nm) on the outer surface of the MOF-5 specimens. The pure Pdx@MOF-5 materials proved to be stable under hydrogen pressure (2 bar) at 150 °C over many hours. Neither hydrogenation of the bdc linkers nor particle growth was observed. The new composite materials were characterized by 1H/13C-MAS-NMR, powder XRD, ICP-AES, FT-IR, N2 sorption measurements and high resolution TEM. Raising the Pd loading of a representative sample Pd4@MOF-5 (35 wt.% Pd) by using [Pd(5-C5H5)(3-C3H5)] as precursor in a second cycle of gas-phase infiltration and photolysis was accompanied by the collapse of the long-range crystalline order of the MOF.

Abstract: Following extended use in organic chemistry, microwave-assisted synthesis is gaining more importance in the field of inorganic chemistry, especially for the synthesis of nanoporous materials. It offers some major advantages such as a significant shortening of the synthesis time and an improved promotion of nucleation. In the research here reported, microwave technology is applied for the synthesis of benzene bridged PMOs (periodic mesoporous organosilicas). PMOs are one of the latest innovations in the field of hybrid ordered mesoporous materials and have attracted much attention because of their feasibility in electronics, catalysis, separation and sorption applications. The different synthesis steps (stirring, aging and extraction) of the classical PMO synthesis are replaced by microwave-assisted synthesis steps. The characteristics of the as-synthesized materials are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduces the synthesis time by more than 40 hours without any loss in structural properties, such as mesoscale and molecular ordering. The porosity of the PMO materials has even been improved by more than 25%. Moreover, the number of handling/transfer steps and amounts of chemicals and waste are drastically reduced. The study also shows that there is a clear time (1 to 3 hours) and temperature frame (373 K to 403 K) wherein synthesis of benzene bridged PMO is optimal. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted synthesis pathway allows an improved material to be obtained in a more economical way i.e. a much shorter time with fewer chemicals and less waste.

Abstract: Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were exposed to a CF4 radio-frequency (rf) plasma. High-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the treatment effectively grafts fluorine atoms onto the MWCNTs, altering the valence electronic states. Fluorine surface concentration can be tuned by varying the exposure time. Evaporation of gold onto MWCNTs is used to mark active site formation. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) modelling is used to characterise the surface defects formed, indicating that the plasma treatment does not etch the tube surface. We suggest that this combination of theory and microscopy of thermally evaporated gold atoms onto the CNT surface may be a powerful approach to characterise both surface defect density as well as defect type.

Abstract: Single crystals of Ln5Ru2O12 (Ln=Pr, Nd, SmTb) were grown out of either NaOH or KOH fluxes in sealed silver tubes. The crystals of all the phases were observed to be twinned as confirmed by TEM studies. The series crystallize in the C2/m monoclinic system with lattice parameters, a=12.4049(4)12.7621(6) Å, b=5.8414(2)5.9488(3) Å, c=7.3489(2)7.6424(4) Å, β=107.425(3)107.432(2)° and Z=2. The crystal structure is isotypic with the defect/disorder model of Ln5Re2O12 (Ln = Y, Gd) and consists of one dimensional edge shared RuO6 octahedral chains separated by a two dimensional LnOx polyhedral framework. Magnetic measurements indicate paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic behavior for Ln=Nd, SmGd and Ln=Tb, respectively.

Abstract: A new layered perovskite Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2 has been synthesized by solid state reaction in a sealed evacuated silica tube. The crystal structure has been determined using electron diffraction, high-resolution electron microscopy, and high-angle annular dark field imaging and refined from X-ray powder diffraction data (space group P4/mmm, a=3.89023(5) Å, c=7.8034(1) Å, RI=0.023, RP=0.015). The structure is characterized by an alternation of MnO2 and (Al0.78Mn0.22)O1.2 layers. Oxygen atoms and vacancies, as well as the Al and Mn atoms in the (Al0.78Mn0.22)O1.2 layers are disordered. The local atomic arrangement in these layers is suggested to consist of short fragments of brownmillerite-type tetrahedral chains of corner-sharing AlO4 tetrahedra interrupted by MnO6 octahedra, at which the chain fragments rotate over 90°. This results in an averaged tetragonal symmetry. This is confirmed by the valence state of Mn measured by EELS. The relationship between the Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2 tetragonal perovskite and the parent Sr2Al1.07Mn0.93O5 brownmillerite is discussed. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate spin glass behavior of Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2. The lack of long-range magnetic ordering contrasts with Mn-containing brownmillerites and is likely caused by the frustration of interlayer interactions due to presence of the Mn atoms in the (Al0.78Mn0.22)O1.2 layers.

Abstract: The synthesis, electron diffraction (ED), synchrotron X-ray and neutron structure, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and magnetic property studies of La2MnVO6 double perovskite are described. Analysis of the synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data for La2MnVO6 indicates a disordered arrangement of Mn and V at the B-site of the perovskite structure. Absence of super-lattice reflections in the ED patterns for La2MnVO6 supports the disordered cation arrangement. Room temperature time-of-flight (TOF) neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data show no evidence of cation ordering, in corroboration with the ED and synchrotron studies (orthorhombic Pnma, a = 5.6097(3), b = 7.8837(5) and c = 5.5668(3) ; 295 K, NPD). A comparison of XAS analyses of La2TVO6 with T = Ni and Co shows T2+ formal oxidation state while the T = Mn material evidences a Mn3+ admixture into a dominantly Mn2+ ground state. V-K edge measurements manifest a mirror image behavior with a V4+ state for T = Ni and Co with a V3+ admixture arising in the T = Mn material. The magnetic susceptibility data for La2MnVO6 show ferromagnetic correlations; the observed effective moment, µeff (5.72 µB) is much smaller than the calculated moment (6.16 µB) based on the spin-only formula for Mn2+ (d5, HS) /V4+ (d1), supportive of the partly oxidized Mn and reduced V scenario (Mn3+/V3+).

Abstract: The anion-deficient perovskite 4H-BaMnO2+x has been obtained by a topotactic reduction, with LiH, of the hexagonal perovskite 4H-BaMnO3−x. The crystal structure of 4H-BaMnO2+x was solved using electron diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction and further refined using neutron powder diffraction (S.G. Pnma, a = 10.375(2) Å, b = 9.466(2) Å, c = 11.276(3) Å, at 373 K). The orthorhombic superstructure arises from the ordering of oxygen vacancies within a 4H (chch) stacking of close packed c-type BaO2.5 and h-type BaO1.5 layers. The ordering of the oxygen vacancies transforms the Mn2O9 units of face-sharing MnO6 octahedra into Mn2O7 (two corner-sharing tetrahedra) and Mn2O6 (two edge-sharing tetrahedra) groups. The Mn2O7 and Mn2O6 groups are linked by corner-sharing into a three-dimensional framework. The structures of the BaO2.5 and BaO1.5 layers are different from those observed previously in anion-deficient perovskites providing a new type of order pattern of oxygen atoms and vacancies in close packed structures. Magnetization measurements and neutron diffraction data reveal 4H-BaMnO2+x adopts an antiferromagnetically ordered state below TN ≈ 350 K.

Abstract: For the composition (Sr0.61Pb0.18)(Fe0.75Mn0.25)O2.29, a new modulated crystallographic shear structure, related to perovskite, has been synthesized and structurally characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The structure can be described using a monoclinic supercell with cell parameters am = 27.595(2) Å, bm = 3.8786(2) Å, cm = 13.3453(9) Å, and βm = 100.126(5)°, refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. The incommensurate crystallographic shear phases require an alternative approach using the superspace formalism. This allows a unified description of the incommensurate phases from a monoclinically distorted perovskite unit cell and a modulation wave vector. The structure deduced from the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark-field−scanning transmission electron microscopy images is that of a 1/2[110]p(203)p crystallographic shear structure. The structure follows the concept of a phasoid, with two coexisting variants with the same unit cell. The difference is situated at the translational interface, with the local formation of double (phase 2) or single (phase 1) tunnels, where the Pb cations are likely located.

Abstract: In favourable conditions of low temperature and low oxygen concentration, archaeological waterlogged wooden artefacts, such as shipwrecks, can survive with a good state of preservation. Nevertheless, anaerobic bacteria can considerably degrade waterlogged wooden objects with a significant loss in polysaccharidic components. Due to these decay processes, wood porosity and water content increase under ageing. In such conditions, the conservation treatments of archaeological wooden artefacts often involve the replacement of water with substances which fill the cavities and help to prevent collapse and stress during drying. The treatments are very often expensive and technically difficult, and their effectiveness very much depends on the chemical and physical characteristics of the substances used for impregnation. Also important are the degree of cavity-filling, penetration depth and distribution in the structure of the wood. In this study, the distribution in wood cavities of some mixtures based on polyethylene glycols and colophony, used for the conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood, was investigated using synchrotron radiation X-ray computed microtomography (SR-A mu CT). This non-destructive imaging technique was useful for the study of the degraded waterlogged wood and enabled us to visualise the morphology of the wood and the distribution of the materials used in the wood treatments. The study has shown how deposition is strictly related to the dimension of the wooden cavities. The work is currently proceeding with the comparison of synchrotron observations with the data of the solutions viscosity and with those of the properties imparted to the wood by the treatments.

Abstract: The selective formation and stabilization of very small, naked metal particles inside the cavities of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and the simultaneous realization of an even distribution of the particles throughout the crystalline MOF host matrix over a wide range of metal loading are challenging goals. MOFs reveal high specific surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and organic linkers, which are able to interact with guests. The chemically very robust zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a subclass of MOFs. We chose the microporous sodalite-like ZIF-8 (Zn(MelM)(2); IM = imidazolate) and ZIF-90 (Zn(ICA)(2); ICA = imidazolate-2-carboxyaldehyde) as host matrices to influence the dispersion of imbedded gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The metal loading was achieved via gas phase infiltration of [Au(CO)Cl] followed by a thermal hydrogenation step to form the Au NPs. Low-dose high-resolution transmission electron microscopy ((HR)TEM) and electron tomography reveal a homogeneous distribution of Au NPs throughout the ZIF matrix. The functional groups of ZIF-90 direct the anchoring of intermediate Au species and stabilize drastically smaller and quite monodisperse Au NPs in contrast to the parent not functionalized ZIF-8. The particles can be very small, match the cavity size and approach defined molecular clusters of magic numbers, i.e., Au(55), independently from the level of loading. Post-synthetic oxidation of the aldehyde groups to yield alkyl esters by the adjacent, catalytically active metal NPs is presented as a new concept of encapsulating nanoparticles inside MOFs and allows multiple steps of metal loadings without decomposition of the MOF.

Abstract: Understanding the fundamental dynamics in carbon nanotube (CNT) catalysts is of primary importance to understand CNT nucleation. This Letter reports on calculated bond switching (BS) rates in pure and carbon containing nickel nanoclusters. The rates are analyzed in terms of their temperature dependent spatial distribution and the mobility of the cluster atoms. The BS mechanism is found to change from vibrational to diffusional at around 900 K, with a corresponding strong increase in activation energy. Furthermore, the BS activation energy is observed to decrease as the carbon content in the cluster increases, resulting in an effective liquification of the cluster.