Charge and Anion Ordering in (TMTTF)2X Quasi-One-Dimensional Conductors

We present results of measurements of dielectric spectroscopy concerning the 4k_F charge density wave associated with the charge ordering (CO) of Wigner type in (TMTTF)₂X conductors. This CO transition is due to correlated electron interactions on the molecular chains and to the appropriate displacement of the anion chains (transition at q=0). Recent experiments on the substitution of hydrogen by deuterium in TMTTF molecules will be reported. In the vicinity of T_CO it has also been found the divergence of the relaxation time and the development of a low frequency shoulder in the frequency dependence of the imaginary part of the dielectric permittivity, which are typical features for classical ferroelectrics.     

Charge Order in (TMTTF)2PF6 Investigated by Infrared Spectroscopy

To explore novel physical phenomena related to strong π-d interaction, we measured the resistivity (ρ) and magnetoresistance of the first organic ferrimagnetic π-d system, (EDT-TTFVO)₂FeBr₄ under high pressures up to 8 GPa, where EDT-TTFVO denotes ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalenoquinone-1,3-dithiolemethide. At ambient pressure, ρ(T) exhibits resistivity minimum near T_min ∼ 170 K followed by a gradual increase below it. With increasing pressure, T_min abruptly decreases till 4 GPa, beyond which it slightly increases. The increase ofT _min above 4 GPa is discussed in terms of the enhancement of the π-d interaction by applying pressure.     

Neutron-Scattering Evidence for a Spin-Peierls Ground State in (TMTTF)2PF6

(TMTTF)₂X, with X=PF₆, exhibits, at T_SP, a spin-Peierls transition. Below TSP elastic neutron scattering measurements performed on large protonated and deuterated samples reveal the formation of very weak superstructure reflections at the (1/2,1/2,1/2) reduced wave vector. Upon deuteration T_SP decreases by 30% while the charge ordering (CO) transition increases by 25%. In this framework we stress the importance of the anions, X, and of their organic cavities to stabilize the CO transition of the (TMTTF)₂X salts.     

Redistribution of Electronic Charge in (TMTTF)2ReO4: 13C NMR Investigation

¹³C NMR measurements were performed for one-dimensional organic conductors, (TMTTF)₂ReO₄. An intermediate charge-ordering (CO) phase has been found firstly for a TMTTF salt with a Td-symmetry counter anion: The NMR parameters indicate two inequivalent molecules with unequal electron densities below 225 K. Moreover, the spin-singlet transition associated with ReO₄ anion ordering was confirmed at around 158 K by ¹³C NMR measurements. A drastic change of NMR parameters below 158 K also indicates a redistribution of the electronic charge at the anion ordering temperature.     

Pressure-Induced Changes in the Optical Response of the Quasi-1D Organic Salt (TMTTF)2AsF6

Static susceptibility of κ-[(BEDT-TTF)_1−x(BEDSe-TTF)_x]₂Cu[N(CN)₂]Br alloys with the BEDSe-TTF content near the border-line of ambient pressure superconductivity (x∼0.3) has been measured as a function of temperature, magnetic field, and pressure. The results are discussed in comparison with the data on a family of κ-(BEDT-TTF)₂Cu[N(CN)₂]Cl_1−xBr_x.     

Low Temperature Study of the Mixed Donor System (TMTSF1-x TMTTF x )2PF6 : Crystal Structure, ESR and Transport Property

The phase diagram of the mixed donor quasi one-dimensional (Q1D) metallic system (TMTSF_1-x TMTTF _x )₂PF₆ has been studied. The study on the mixed donor systems helps us to establish not yet clarified phase boundaries in the Q1D system. We showed dependencies of properties on the donor mixing percentage for crystal parameters, resistivity, ESR(intensity and line width). ESR results show clear changes in the susceptibility and line width around 40 K. This result may indicate the existence of new boundary determined by the microscopic method on the Q1D phase.     

H(2)O(2)-sensitized TiO(2)/SiO(2) composites with high photocatalytic activity under visible irradiation

TiO(2)/SiO(2) composite photocatalysts were prepared by depositing of TiO(2) onto nano-SiO(2) particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrograph (TEM), Raman spectrometer, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to characterize the properties of the synthesized TiO(2)/SiO(2) composites. These results indicated that the products without calcination were amorphous, and calcination could enhance the crystallinity of TiO(2). Increases in the amount of TiO(2) would decrease the dispersion in the composites. H(2)O(2)-sensitized TiO(2)/SiO(2) composite photocatalysts could absorb visible light at wavelength below 550 nm. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared catalysts was characterized by methyl-orange degradation. The results showed the uncalcined composite photocatalysts with amorphous TiO(2) exhibited higher photocatalytic activity under visible light, and the activity of catalysts with TiO(2) content over 30% decreased with increasing of TiO(2) content. Increases in the calcination temperature and TiO(2) content promote the formation of bulk TiO(2) and result in a decrease in activity.     

Electrical conductivity of (ZrO2)0.85(CeO2)0.12 (Y2O3)0.03

A number of zirconia-based materials show promise as electrode materials in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators. As a part of an exploratory programme to find suitable materials for graded electrode applications in MHD generators, partially stabilized and fully stabilized sintered ceramic materials are prepared and characterized. The oxygen ion transference number t _ion(O^2–) and electrical conductivity of this material are measured up to 1670 K in the oxygen partial pressure range 1 to 10^–6 atm. The activation energies for conduction are determined. The electrical properties of this material are characterized by mixed conduction, ionic and electronic. The observed conductivity data are explained in terms of the defect equilibrium reactions between tetravelent Ce⁴⁺ and trivalent Ce³⁺ ions.     

Acousto-optic interaction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4)and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals

Experimental studies and analysis of acousto-optic diffraction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are given. Ultrasonic wave velocity, elastic compliance and stiffness coefficients, and piezo-optic and photoelastic coefficients of alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are determined. The acousto-optic figure of merit has been estimated for different possible geometries of acousto-optic interaction. It is shown that the acousto-optic figures of merit for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) crystals reach the value M(2)=(270 +/- 70) x 10(-15) s(3)/kg for the case of interaction with the slowest ultrasonic wave. The directions of propagation and polarization of those acoustic waves are obtained on the basis of construction of acoustic slowness surfaces. The acousto-optic diffraction is experimentally studied for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals.     

Hg(0) oxidative absorption by K(2)S(2)O(8) solution catalyzed by Ag(+) and Cu(2+)

The aqueous phase oxidation of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) by potassium persulfate (K(2)S(2)O(8), KPS) catalyzed by Ag(+) and Cu(2+) was investigated using a glass bubble column reactor. Concentrations of gaseous Hg(0) and aqueous Hg(2+) were measured by cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The effects of several experimental parameters on the oxidation were studied; these include different types of catalysts, pHs and concentrations of potassium persulfate, temperatures, Hg(0) inlet concentrations and tertiary butanol (TBA). The results showed that the removal efficiency of Hg(0) increased with increasing concentration of potassium persulfate and catalysts Ag(+), Cu(2+) and Ag(+) provided better catalytic effect than Cu(2+). For example, in the presence of 5.0mmoll(-1) KPS, the mercury removal efficiency could reach 75.4 and 97.0% for an Ag(+) concentration of 0.1 and 0.3mmoll(-1), respectively, and 69.8 and 81.9% for 0.1 and 0.3mmoll(-1) Cu(2+). On the other hand, high temperature and the introduction of TBA negatively affect the oxidation. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of Hg(0) was much greater in neutral solution than in either acidic or alkaline solution. But the influence of pH was almost eliminated upon the addition of Ag(+) and Cu(2+), and high Hg(0) inlet concentration also has positive impact on the removal efficiency of Hg(0). The possible catalytic oxidation mechanism of gaseous mercury by KPS was also proposed.     

Synthesis and structural study of new potassium uranyl selenates K2(H5O2)(H3O)[(UO2)2(SeO4)4(H2O)2](H2O)4 and K3(H3O)[(UO2)2(SeO4)4(H2O)2](H2O)5

Single crystals of new uranyl selenates K₂(H₅O₂)(H₃O)[(UO₂)₂(SeO₄)₄(H₂O)₂](H₂O)₄ (1) and K₃(H₃O)[(UO₂)₂(SeO₄)₄(H₂O)₂](H₂O)₅ (2) were prepared by isothermal evaporation at room temperature. The crystal structure of 1 was solved by the direct method [C2/c, a = 17.879(5), b = 8.152(5), c = 17.872(5) Å, β = 96.943(5)°, V = 2585.7(19) ų, Z = 4] and refined to R ₁ = 0.0449 (wR ₂ = 0.0952) for 2600 reflections with |F _o| ≥ 4σ _F . The structure of 2 was solved by the direct method [P2₁/c, a = 17.8377(5), b = 8.1478(5), c = 23.696(1) Å, β = 131.622(2)°, V = 2574.5(2) ų, Z = 4] and refined to R ₁ = 0.0516 (wR ₂ = 0.1233) for 4075 reflections with |F _o| ≥ 4σ _F . The structures of 1 and 2 are based on [(UO₂)₂(SeO₄)₄(H₂O)₂]^4? layers. The charge of the inorganic layer is compensated by potassium and oxonium ions arranged in the interlayer space. Each K ion is surrounded by seven O atoms belonging to uranyl selenate layers and water molecules, so that it binds with each other the adjacent uranyl selenate structural elements.     

Ferroelectricity in Simple Binary ZrO(2) and HfO(2)

The transition metal oxides ZrO(2) and HfO(2) as well as their solid solution are widely researched and, like most binary oxides, are expected to exhibit centrosymmetric crystal structure and therewith linear dielectric characteristics. For this reason, those oxides, even though successfully introduced into microelectronics, were never considered to be more than simple dielectrics possessing limited functionality. Here we report the discovery of a field-driven ferroelectric phase transition in pure, sub 10 nm ZrO(2) thin films and a composition- and temperature-dependent transition to a stable ferroelectric phase in the HfO(2)-ZrO(2) mixed oxide. These unusual findings are attributed to a size-driven tetragonal to orthorhombic phase transition that in thin films, similar to the anticipated tetragonal to monoclinic transition, is lowered to room temperature. A structural investigation revealed the orthorhombic phase to be of space group Pbc2(1), whose noncentrosymmetric nature is deemed responsible for the spontaneous polarization in this novel, nanoscale ferroelectrics.     

Dielectric properties of K2Zn2(SO4)3 and (NH4)2 Mg2(SO4)3

Dielectric constant (ɛ), dielectric loss (tan δ) and conductivity (σ) for K₂Zn₂(SO₄)₃ and (NH₄)₂ Mg₂(SO₄)₃ have been measured over the frequency range 100 Hz — 100 kHz and in temperature range 30°C — 400°C. The values of static dielectric constant at room temperature are 7.67 and 4.80 for K₂Zn₂(SO₄)₃ and (NH₄)₂ Mg₂(SO₄)₃ respectively. The plots of log σ against reciprocal temperature at different frequencies of these samples merge into a straight line beyond 250°C and the activation energies calculated in this region are found to be 0.67 eV and 1.98 eV for K₂Zn₂(SO₄)₃ and (NH₄)₂ Mg₂(SO₄)₃ respectively.     

Dumbbell-like PtPd-Fe(3)O(4) Nanoparticles for Enhanced Electrochemical Detection of H(2)O(2)

Dumbbell-like Pt(x)Pd(100-x)-Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and studied for electrocatalytic reduction and sensing of H(2)O(2). In 0.1 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, the 4-10 nm Pt(x)Pd(100-x)-Fe(3)O(4) NPs showed the Pt/Pd composition-dependent catalysis with Pt(48)Pd(52)-Fe(3)O(4) NPs having the best activity. The Pt(48)Pd(52)-Fe(3)O(4) NPs were tested for H(2)O(2) detection, and their H(2)O(2) detection limit reached 5 nM, which was suitable for monitoring H(2)O(2) generated from Raw 264.7 cells. These dumbbell-like PtPd-Fe(3)O(4) NPs are the most sensitive probe ever reported and can be used to achieve real-time quantitative detection of H(2)O(2) in biological environment for biological and biomedical applications.     

Synthesis of Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) nanorod-nanotube arrays by filling TiO(2) nanotubes with Fe

Synthesis of hematite (α-Fe(2)O(3)) nanostructures on a titania (TiO(2)) nanotubular template is carried out using a pulsed electrodeposition technique. The TiO(2) nanotubes are prepared by the sonoelectrochemical anodization method and are filled with iron (Fe) by pulsed electrodeposition. The Fe/TiO(2) composite is then annealed in an O(2) atmosphere to convert it to Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) nanorod-nanotube arrays. The length of the Fe(2)O(3) inside the TiO(2) nanotubes can be tuned from 50 to 550?nm by changing the deposition time. The composite material is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible studies to confirm the formation of one-dimensional Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) nanorod-nanotube arrays. The present approach can be used for designing variable one-dimensional metal oxide heterostructures.     

Preparation and characterization of Ti/SnO(2)-Sb(2)O(3)-Nb(2)O(5)/PbO(2) thin film as electrode material for the degradation of phenol

In this work, a novel electrode of titanium substrate coated with mixed metal oxides of SnO(2), Sb(2)O(3), Nb(2)O(5) and PbO(2) was successfully prepared using thermal decomposition and electrodeposition. The surface morphology and the structure of the prepared thin film were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Experimental results showed that the structure of the prepared electrode might be described as a Ti/SnO(2)-Sb(2)O(3)-Nb(2)O(5)/PbO(2) thin film and its surface was mainly comprised pyramidal-shape beta-PbO(2) crystals. The modified electrode had higher oxygen evolution potential than that of other PbO(2) modified electrodes. Electrocatalytic oxidation of phenol in aqueous solution was studied to evaluate the potential applications of this electrode in environmental science. The phenol removal efficiency in an artificial wastewater containing 0.50g/L phenol could reach 78.6% at 20 degrees C and pH 7.0 with an applied electricity density of 20mA/cm(2) and treatment time of 120min. When 21.3g/L chloride was added to this wastewater, the removal efficiency could reach to 97.2%.     

Diode-Pumped Emission of Tm(3)(+)-Doped Ca(2)Al(2)SiO(7) Crystals

A diode-pumped Tm:Ca(2)Al(2)SiO(7) (Tm:CAS) laser has been demonstrated for the first time to the authors' knowledge. A 39-mW output power and an 8.6% slope efficiency were obtained at -11 degrees C. The most attractive features of Tm:CAS are a broad absorption band near 785 nm and a large ground-state splitting. The improvement in laser performance expected from the large Stark splitting is shown to be limited by the enhancement of multiphonon relaxation processes and by the low thermal conductivity of the crystal.     

快离子导体Na2＋xZr2—xYbxSiP2O12系统的研究

以高温固相反应制备了 Na_(2 x)Zr_(2-x)Yb_xSiP_2O_(12)系统的合成物,确定了它们的相组成以及 Nasicon 单纯相的范围。计算了系统合成物的晶胞参数,测定了它们从室温至400℃的电导率。x=1.5的合成物具有最好的导电性,在300℃时其电导率为3.65×10~(-2)(Ω·cm)(-1),在200～400℃温区内其活化能为26.36 kJ/mol。     

A general aqueous sol-gel route to Ln(2)Sn(2)O(7) nanocrystals

This paper describes a general aqueous sol-gel route for the synthesis of a series of rare earth stannates, Ln(2)Sn(2)O(7) (Ln = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), with pure pyrochlore phase via the assistance of a cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. The route involves first the formation of CTAB-inorganic lamellar structures and then their thermal decomposition at 800?°C to yield the pyrochlore Ln(2)Sn(2)O(7) nanocrystals. Techniques using a thermo-gravimetric/differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) have been employed to characterize the as-synthesized Ln(2)Sn(2)O(7) nanocrystals. Furthermore, photoluminescence (PL) of the 5% Eu(3+) activated Ln(2)Sn(2)O(7) nanocrystals and carbon monoxide catalytic oxidation over the as-obtained Ln(2)Sn(2)O(7) nanocrystals were investigated. The results indicate that the PL properties as well as the catalytic activity changes significantly with the ionic radii of the rare earth elements.