Showing papers by "Christian Sternemann published in 2016"

Spectroscopy of low and intermediate Z elements at extreme conditions: in situ studies of Earth materials at pressure and temperature via X-ray Raman scattering

Abstract: X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy is an emerging method in the study of low and intermediate Z elements' core-electron excitations at extreme conditions in order to reveal information on local structure and electronic state of matter in situ. We discuss the capabilities of this method to address questions in Earth materials' science and demonstrate its sensitivity to detect changes in the oxidation state, electronic structure, coordination, and spin state. Examples are presented for the study of the oxygen K-, silicon L- and iron M-edges. We assess the application of both temperature and pressure in such investigations exploiting diamond anvil cells in combination with resistive or laser heating which is required to achieve realistic conditions of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core.

Intramolecular structure and energetics in supercooled water down to 255 K

Abstract: We studied the structure and energetics of supercooled water by means of X-ray Raman and Compton scattering. Under supercooled conditions down to 255 K, the oxygen K-edge measured by X-ray Raman scattering suggests an increase of tetrahedral order similar to the conventional temperature effect observed in non-supercooled water. Compton profile differences indicate contributions beyond the theoretically predicted temperature effect and provide a deeper insight into local structural changes. These contributions suggest a decrease of the electron mean kinetic energy by 3.3 ± 0.7 kJ (mol K)(-1) that cannot be modeled within established water models. Our surprising results emphasize the need for water models that capture in detail the intramolecular structural changes and quantum effects to explain this complex liquid.

In situ characterization of the decomposition behavior of Mg(BH4)2 by X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy

Abstract: We present an in situ study of the thermal decomposition of Mg(BH4)2 in a hydrogen atmosphere of up to 4 bar and up to 500 °C using X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy at the boron K-edge and the magnesium L2,3-edges. The combination of the fingerprinting analysis of both edges yields detailed quantitative information on the reaction products during decomposition, an issue of crucial importance in determining whether Mg(BH4)2 can be used as a next-generation hydrogen storage material. This work reveals the formation of reaction intermediate(s) at 300 °C, accompanied by a significant hydrogen release without the occurrence of stable boron compounds such as amorphous boron or MgB12H12. At temperatures between 300 °C and 400 °C, further hydrogen release proceeds via the formation of higher boranes and crystalline MgH2. Above 400 °C, decomposition into the constituting elements takes place. Therefore, at moderate temperatures, Mg(BH4)2 is shown to be a promising high-density hydrogen storage material with great potential for reversible energy storage applications.

Formation of CaB6 in the thermal decomposition of the hydrogen storage material Ca(BH4)2.

Abstract: Using a combination of high resolution X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy at the B K- and Ca L2,3-edges, we analyzed the reaction products of Ca(BH4)2 after annealing at 350 °C and 400 °C under vacuum conditions. We observed the formation of nanocrystalline/amorphous CaB6 mainly and found only small contributions from amorphous B for annealing times larger than 2 h. For short annealing times of 0.5 h at 400 °C we observed neither CaB12H12 nor CaB6. The results indicate a reaction pathway in which Ca(BH4)2 decomposes to B and CaH2 and finally reacts to form CaB6. These findings confirm the potential of using Ca(BH4)2 as a hydrogen storage medium and imply the desired cycling capabilities for achieving high-density hydrogen storage materials.

Polaron-induced lattice distortion of (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots by optically excited carriers

Abstract: We report on a high resolution x-ray diffraction study unveiling the effect of carriers optically injected into (In,Ga)As quantum dots on the surrounding GaAs crystal matrix. We find a tetragonal lattice expansion with enhanced elongation along the [001] crystal axis that is superimposed on an isotropic lattice extension. The isotropic contribution arises from excitation induced lattice heating as confirmed by temperature dependent reference studies. The tetragonal expansion on the femtometer scale is tentatively attributed to polaron formation by carriers trapped in the quantum dots.

Bulk sensitive determination of the Fe3+/FeTot-ratio in minerals by Fe L2/3-edge X-ray Raman scattering

Abstract: We present the first measurements of the iron L2/3-edge of the compounds FeO, Fe2O3, and Fe3O4 at ambient pressure and of FeCO3 at high pressures of 2.4 and 40 GPa using a diamond anvil cell by X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy, a bulk sensitive probe of soft X-ray absorption edges making use of hard X-rays. We show that the spectral shape of the Fe L2/3-edge can be analyzed quantitatively to reveal the oxidation state of iron in matter. Consequently, in situ X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy at the iron L-edge at high pressure and temperature opens exciting perspectives to characterize the local coordination, oxidation, and spin state of iron at high pressure and temperature, conditions that are of relevance for e.g. geological sciences or chemical processing.

PDMS embedded Ag clusters: Coalescence and cluster-matrix interaction

Abstract: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has proven to be a suitable embedding medium for silver clusters to prevent aggregation. In order to investigate the influence of the PDMS on the electronic and local atomic structure of the clusters the measurement of x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra for different coverages of silver clusters in PDMS and calculations of corresponding XANES spectra have been performed. The coalescence process and the cluster-PDMS interaction were investigated with XANES.

The detachment behavior of polycarbonate on thin films above the glass transition temperature

Abstract: When producing mono-axially stretched films made of amorphous polycarbonate, a self-reinforcement is generated due to the stretching process. This leads to an increase of the strength and stiffness. The mono-axial stretching process is conducted at temperatures above the glass transition temperature, whereas better mechanical properties are obtained at higher stretching temperatures. However, the film tends to adhere to the rolls, especially at temperatures from 10°C above the glass transition temperature. The rolls of the mono-axial stretching unit are made of an induction hardened and polished quenched and tempered steel 1.7225 – 42CrMo4. This work reports on the investigation of the detachment behavior of polycarbonate on different coatings as a function of the temperature and contact time. The main intention is to find a suitable coating on which the polycarbonate film adheres only slightly at temperatures clearly exceeding the glass transition temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Composition–Structure–Property Relations in Au35–68Cu49–15Al16–17 Shape Memory Thin Films

Abstract: The phase transformation behaviour, structure and mechanical properties of Au35–68Cu49–15Al16–17 thin film shape memory alloys (SMA) have been investigated, with emphasis on the effects of Au content. The results revealed the underlying composition–structure–property relations. The thermal transformation hysteresis (ΔT) is wide (~55 K) for thin films with Au 50 at.%. This behaviour is correlated with the change in lattice constant of β-(Au–Cu–Al) (a β ), suggesting a structural origin on the ΔT behaviour. The mechanical properties, such as hardness and elastic modulus, varied in the range of 2–4 and 70–120 GPa, respectively. The optimum Au composition range for tuning the functional property is between 43 and 55 at.% Au, where the least amount of non-transforming phases form and ΔT can be tailored between 55 K (43 at.% Au) and 17 K (55 at.% Au). This is important for the development and practical application of Au–Cu–Al based thin film SMA.