Stephen Doyle

Characterization of nanocrystalline γ-Fe2O3 with synchrotron radiation techniques

A variety of synchrotron radiation techniques like soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, near-edge as well as extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction have been used to characterise the crystal and electronic structure as well as the magnetic properties of superparamagnetic nanocrystalline samples with the nominal composition γ-Fe2O3. The results are compared with data from bulk reference samples like Fe3O4, Fe3—δO4, α-Fe2O3, and FeO.

Thermodynamic and crystallographic properties of kornelite [Fe-2(SO4)(3)center dot similar to 7.75H(2)O] and paracoquimbite [Fe-2(SO4)(3)center dot 9H(2)O]

Abstract Enthalpies of formation of kornelite [Fe2(SO4)3·~7.75H2O] and paracoquimbite [Fe2(SO4)3·9H2O] were measured by acid (5 N HCl) solution calorimetry at T = 298.15 K. The samples were characterized chemically by an electron microprobe, and structurally by the means of single-crystal, in-house powder, and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. The refined structures for the two phases are provided, including estimates of the positions and concentration of non-stoichiometric water in structural channels of kornelite, location of the hydrogen atoms and the hydrogen bonding system in this phase. The measured enthalpies of formation from the elements (crystalline Fe, orthorhombic S, ideal gases O2 and H2) at T = 298.15 K are -4916.2 ± 4.2 kJ/mol for kornelite and -5295.4 ± 4.2 kJ/mol for paracoquimbite. We have used several algorithms to estimate the standard entropy of the two phases. Afterward, we calculated their Gibbs free energy of formation and constructed a phase diagram for kornelite, paracoquimbite, Fe2(SO4)3·5H2O, and Fe2(SO4)3 as a function of temperature and relative humidity of air. The topology of the phase diagram is very sensitive to the entropy estimates and the construction of a reliable phase diagram must await better constraints on entropy or Gibbs free energy of formation. Possible remedies of these problems are also discussed

Thermodynamic and crystallographic properties of kornelite [Fe2(SO4)3·~7.75H2O] and paracoquimbite [Fe2(SO4)3·9H2O]

Abstract Enthalpies of formation of kornelite [Fe2(SO4)3·~7.75H2O] and paracoquimbite [Fe2(SO4)3·9H2O] were measured by acid (5 N HCl) solution calorimetry at T = 298.15 K. The samples were characterized chemically by an electron microprobe, and structurally by the means of single-crystal, in-house powder, and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. The refined structures for the two phases are provided, including estimates of the positions and concentration of non-stoichiometric water in structural channels of kornelite, location of the hydrogen atoms and the hydrogen bonding system in this phase. The measured enthalpies of formation from the elements (crystalline Fe, orthorhombic S, ideal gases O2 and H2) at T = 298.15 K are -4916.2 ± 4.2 kJ/mol for kornelite and -5295.4 ± 4.2 kJ/mol for paracoquimbite. We have used several algorithms to estimate the standard entropy of the two phases. Afterward, we calculated their Gibbs free energy of formation and constructed a phase diagram for kornelite, paracoquimbite, Fe2(SO4)3·5H2O, and Fe2(SO4)3 as a function of temperature and relative humidity of air. The topology of the phase diagram is very sensitive to the entropy estimates and the construction of a reliable phase diagram must await better constraints on entropy or Gibbs free energy of formation. Possible remedies of these problems are also discussed

Mapping the 3D distribution of CdSe nanocrystals in highly oriented and nanostructured hybrid P3HT–CdSe films grown by directional epitaxial crystallization

Highly oriented and nanostructured hybrid thin films made of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) and colloidal CdSe nanocrystals are prepared by a zone melting method using epitaxial growth on 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene oriented crystals. The structure of the films has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation, electron diffraction and 3D electron tomography to afford a multi-scale structural and morphological description of the highly structured hybrid films. A quantitative analysis of the reconstructed volumes based on electron tomography is used to establish a 3D map of the distribution of the CdSe nanocrystals in the bulk of the films. In particular, the influence of the P3HT-CdSe ratio on the 3D structure of the hybrid layers has been analyzed. In all cases, a bi-layer structure was observed. It is made of a first layer of pure oriented semi-crystalline P3HT grown epitaxially on the TCB substrate and a second P3HT layer containing CdSe nanocrystals uniformly distributed in the amorphous interlamellar zones of the polymer. The thickness of the P3HT layer containing CdSe nanoparticles increases gradually with increasing content of NCs in the films. A growth model is proposed to explain this original transversal organization of CdSe NCs in the oriented matrix of P3HT.

In-depth analysis of the CuIn1−xGaxSe2 film for solar cells, structural and optical characterization

Space-resolved x-ray diffraction measurements of gradient-etched CuIn1−xGaxSe2 (CIGS) solar cells provide information about stress and texture depth profiles in the absorber layer. An important parameter of CIGS layer growth dynamics, the absorber thickness-dependent stress in the molybdenum back contact, is analyzed. Texturing of grains and quality of the polycrystalline absorber layer are correlated with the intentional composition gradients (band gap grading). The band gap gradient is determined by space-resolved photoluminescence measurements and correlated with composition and strain profiles.

Local study of fissure caries by Fourier transform infrared microscopy and X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation

Investigations of intact dental enamel as well as carious-affected human dental enamel were performed using infrared spectromicroscopy and X-ray diffraction applying synchrotron radiation. Caries of enamel was shown to be characterized by an increase in the number of deformation and valence vibrations for N-C-O, N-H and C=O bonds, a decrease of the crystallinity index, and by the absence of the preferable orientation of hydroxyapatite crystals within the affected enamel. This indicates the presence of destructive processes in the organic matrix of hard tooth tissues.

Time- and temperature-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction: observation of phase transformation and strain evolution in novel low temperature transformation weld filler materials

Solid-state phase transformations and the evolution of thermal and elastic strains in novel low temperature transformation (LTT) weld filler materials in the near surface region are monitored in real time by means of an innovative experimental set-up at the PDIFF (powder diffraction) beamline at the synchrotron light source ANKA (Angströmquelle Karlsruhe) at the KIT (Karlsruhe Institute for Technology). The key components of the diffraction set-up are two fast microstrip line detectors, which enables the strain evolution to be followed as a function of time and temperature for a 0.5 s counting time. During controlled heating and cooling cycles, as well as during near welding cycles, the martensite–austenite–martensite phase transitions are analysed. The transformation kinetics are monitored during resistance heating of small chips of the pure LTT alloys and during gas tungsten arc welding of simplified LTT welds using a specially designed welding rig for in-situ studies on the diffraction instruments. Under the mechanically unconstrained condition allowing free thermal expansion and shrinkage, the LTT alloys are found to exhibit decreasing transformation temperatures Ac and MS and increasing phase fraction of retained austenite for increasing Ni content. The strain evolution during welding reveals increased compressive stresses upon welding, which is attributed to the martensite formation upon cooling, which counteracts the thermal contraction strains. Comparison of the transformation temperatures reveals higher values than in the pure LTT alloys, but no variation between the different alloys. On the one hand, this is attributed to preferred grain orientation affecting the diffraction measurements and the determination of the transformation temperatures. On the other hand, it is possible that with the different chemical compositions of the LTT alloys and the mechanical constraints during welding, the evolution of the residual strain and stress may vary and result in counteracting affects with respect to lowered martensite start temperatures.

The Role of Reduced Graphite Oxide in Transition Metal Oxide Nanocomposites Used as Li Anode Material: An Operando Study on CoFe2O4/rGO

A composite consisting of CoFe2 O4 spinel nanoparticles and reduced graphite oxide (rGO) is studied as an anode material during Li uptake and release by applying synchrotron operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), yielding a comprehensive picture of the reaction mechanisms. In the early stages of Li uptake, a monoxide is formed as an intermediate phase containing Fe2+ and Co2+ ions; this observation is in contrast to reaction pathways proposed in the literature. In the fully discharged state, metallic Co and Fe nanoparticles are embedded in an amorphous Li2 O matrix. During charge, metallic Co and Fe are oxidized simultaneously to Co2+ and Fe3+ , respectively, thus enabling a high and stable capacity to be achieved. Here, evidence is presented that the rGO acts as a support for the nanoparticles and prevents the particles from contact loss. The operando investigations are complemented by TEM, Raman spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, and cyclic voltammetry.

Composition-dependent structure of polycrystalline magnetron-sputtered V–Al–C–N hard coatings studied by XRD, XPS, XANES and EXAFS

V–Al–C–N hard coatings with high carbon content were deposited by reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering from a segmented sputter target. The composition-dependent coexisting phases were analysed using the complementary methods of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (EXAFS).

Structure refinement and superspace description of the system Bi2(n + 2)MonO6(n + 1) (n = 3, 4, 5 and 6)

The system Bi(2(n + 2))Mo(n)O(6(n + 1)) is described within the superspace formalism. Two superspace models are proposed for the different members of this family, depending on the parity of the parameter n. The superspace model for the odd members is constructed through the embedding of the cationic distribution of the member with n = 3, and the modification of a superspace model previously proposed for the compound Bi(2)MoO(6). However, this model cannot be applied to the even members of the family. Performing the appropriate transformations, a suitable superspace model for the even members is obtained. The atomic structure of the different compounds of the family have been refined through the Rietveld method combining synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data.