| 1. |
- Andersen, Henrik L., et al.
(författare)
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Local and long-range atomic/magnetic structure of non-stoichiometric spinel iron oxide nanocrystallites
- 2021
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Ingår i: IUCrJ. - 2052-2525. ; 8, s. 33-45
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Spinel iron oxide nanoparticles of different mean sizes in the range 10-25 nm have been prepared by surfactant-free up-scalable near- and super-critical hydrothermal synthesis pathways and characterized using a wide range of advanced structural characterization methods to provide a highly detailed structural description. The atomic structure is examined by combined Rietveld analysis of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data and time-of-flight neutron powder-diffraction (NPD) data. The local atomic ordering is further analysed by pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of both X-ray and neutron total-scattering data. It is observed that a non-stoichiometric structural model based on a tetragonal γ-Fe2O3 phase with vacancy ordering in the structure (space group P43212) yields the best fit to the PXRD and total-scattering data. Detailed peak-profile analysis reveals a shorter coherence length for the superstructure, which may be attributed to the vacancy-ordered domains being smaller than the size of the crystallites and/or the presence of anti-phase boundaries, faulting or other disorder effects. The intermediate stoichiometry between that of γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 is confirmed by refinement of the Fe/O stoichiometry in the scattering data and quantitative analysis of Mössbauer spectra. The structural characterization is complemented by nano/micro-structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental mapping using scanning TEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and the measurement of macroscopic magnetic properties using vibrating sample magnetometry. Notably, no evidence is found of a Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 core-shell nanostructure being present, which had previously been suggested for non-stoichiometric spinel iron oxide nanoparticles. Finally, the study is concluded using the magnetic PDF (mPDF) method to model the neutron total-scattering data and determine the local magnetic ordering and magnetic domain sizes in the iron oxide nanoparticles. The mPDF data analysis reveals ferrimagnetic collinear ordering of the spins in the structure and the magnetic domain sizes to be ∼60-70% of the total nanoparticle sizes. The present study is the first in which mPDF analysis has been applied to magnetic nanoparticles, establishing a successful precedent for future studies of magnetic nanoparticles using this technique.
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| 2. |
- Cassidy, Andrew, et al.
(författare)
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A mechanism for ageing in a deeply supercooled molecular glass
- 2021
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Ingår i: Chemical Communications. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1359-7345 .- 1364-548X. ; 57:52, s. 6368-6371
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Measurements of the decay of electric fields, formed spontaneously within vapour-deposited films ofcis-methyl formate, provide the first direct assessment of the energy barrier to secondary relaxation in a molecular glass. At temperatures far below the glass transition temperature, the mechanism of relaxation is shown to be through hindered molecular rotation. Magnetically-polarised neutron scattering experiments exclude diffusion, which is demonstrated to take place only close to the glass transition temperature.
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| 3. |
- Cassidy, Andrew, et al.
(författare)
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Low temperature aging in a molecular glass : The case of: Cis -methyl formate
- 2021
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Ingår i: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1463-9076 .- 1463-9084. ; 23:29, s. 15719-15726
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Glassy films of cis-methyl formate show spontaneous dipole orientation on deposition from the vacuum, the so-called 'spontelectric effect', creating surface potentials and electric fields within the films. We follow the decay of these fields, and their accompanying dipole orientation, on the hours timescale at deposition temperatures between 40 K and 55 K. Our data trace the low temperature 'secondary decay' mechanism, at tens of degrees below the glass transition temperature of 90 K. We show that secondary decay is due to molecular rotation, with associated activation energies lying between 0.1 and 0.2 eV. Diffusion is absent, as established from published neutron reflectivity data. Using an analytical model for the spontelectric effect, data are placed on a quantitative footing, showing that angular motion in excess of 50° reproduces the observed values of activation energies. Exploitation of the spontelectric effect is new in the study of glass aging and is shown here to give insight into the elusive processes which take place far from the molecular glass transition temperature. This journal is
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| 4. |
- Grinderslev, Jakob B., et al.
(författare)
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Polymorphism and solid solutions of trimethylammonium monocarboranes
- 2022
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Ingår i: Dalton Transactions. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1477-9226 .- 1477-9234. ; 51:41, s. 15806-15815
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Metal closo-boranes have recently received significant attention as solid-state electrolytes due to their high thermal and electrochemical stability, and the weak interaction between the cat- and anion, facilitating fast ionic conductivity. Here we report a synthesis method for obtaining a novel mixed closo-carborane compound, [NH(CH3)3][(CB8H9)0.26(CB9H10)0.66(CB11H12)0.08]. The crystal structures are investigated for [NH(CH3)3][CB9H10] and [NH(CH3)3][(CB8H9)0.26(CB9H10)0.66(CB11H12)0.08], revealing that the latter forms a solid solution isostructural to [NH(CH3)3][CB9H10]. The compounds exhibit polymorphism as a function of temperature, and we report the discovery of four polymorphs of [NH(CH3)3][CB9H10] and four isostructural solid solution [NH(CH3)3][(CB8H9)0.26(CB9H10)0.66(CB11H12)0.08], along with a high-temperature decomposition intermediate of the latter. The α-polymorph is an ordered structure, with increasing amounts of disorder for the β- and γ-polymorphs, while the high temperature δ- and ϵ-polymorphs at T > 476 K are fully disordered on both the cation and anion site. These new compounds may be used as precursors for new types of solid-state ionic conductors.
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| 5. |
- Gurzęda, Bartosz, et al.
(författare)
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Graphite oxide by “chlorate route” oxidation without HNO3 : Does acid matter?
- 2024
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Ingår i: Carbon. - 0008-6223 .- 1873-3891. ; 221
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Very strong difference in many properties is well documented for graphite oxides (GtO) synthesized by Brodie (BGO) and Hummers (HGO) methods. The difference is typically assigned to the type of oxidant (chlorates or KMnO4, respectively). However, not only oxidants but also acids used in these methods are different. It is still unclear which of the different properties of GtO are dependent on the oxidant or acid used in the synthesis. Here we synthesized a new type of graphite oxide using an oxidation agent typical for the Brodie method (KClO3) in combination with acids so far used only in modified Hummers' method (H2SO4+H3PO4). The GtO synthesized by this method (MGO) demonstrates some properties similar to BGO (higher temperature of exfoliation and less defected structure) but also similarity to some other properties of HGO (absence of sharp swelling transitions). Comparing MGO, BGO, and HGO allows us to distinguish the effects of acids and oxidants on the properties of graphite oxides. The new procedure proposed in this study allows preparation of GtO nearly free from hole/vacancy defects (similarly to BGO) but avoids dangerous HNO3. MGO is suggested as a favorable precursor for the preparation of graphene films by thermal or chemical reduction methods.
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| 6. |
- Jørgensen, Mads R V, et al.
(författare)
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Neutron and X-ray investigations of the Jahn-Teller switch in partially deuterated ammonium copper Tutton salt, (NH4)2[Cu(H2O)6](SO4)2
- 2017
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Ingår i: Acta Crystallographica. Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials. - 2052-5192. ; 73:1, s. 87-93
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The structural phase transition accompanied by a Jahn-Teller switch has been studied over a range of H/D ratios in (NH4)2[Cu(H2O)6](SO4)2 (ACTS). In particular, single-crystal neutron diffraction investigations of crystals with deuteration in the range 50 to 82% are shown to be consistent with previous electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments exhibiting a phase boundary at 50% deuteration under ambient pressure. Polycrystalline samples show that the two phases can co-exist. In addition, single-crystal neutron and polycrystalline X-ray diffraction pressure experiments show a shift to lower pressure at 60% deuteration versus previous measurements at 100% deuteration.
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| 7. |
- Magnard, Nicolas P.L., et al.
(författare)
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Control of H-Related Defects in γ-MnO2 in a Hydrothermal Synthesis
- 2023
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Ingår i: Inorganic Chemistry. - 0020-1669. ; 62:32, s. 13021-13029
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Manganese dioxide is a good candidate for effective energy storage and conversion as it possesses rich electrochemistry. The compound also shows a wide polymorphism. The γ-variety, an intergrowth of β- and R-MnO2, has been extensively studied in several types of batteries (e.g., Zn/MnO2, Li-ion) and is a common electrode material for commercial batteries. It is well known that the insertion of protons thermodynamically stabilizes γ-MnO2 with respect to β-MnO2. Protons can enter the structure either by forming groups of 4 hydroxyls around a Mn4+ vacancy, called a Ruetschi defect, or by forming a hydroxyl group near a Mn3+ ion, called a Coleman defect. These defects differently affect the electrochemistry of manganese oxide, and tailoring their amount in the structure can be used to tune the material properties. Previous studies have addressed the proton insertion process, but the role of the synthesis pathway on the amount of defects created is not well understood. We here investigate how the parameters in a hydrothermal synthesis of γ-MnO2 nanoparticles influence the amount and type of H-related defects. Structural investigations are carried out using Pair Distribution Function analysis, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and inelastic neutron scattering. We demonstrate the possibility to control the amount and type of defects introduced during the synthesis. While the amount of Ruetschi defects increases with synthesis temperature, it decreases with extended synthesis time, along with the amount of Coleman defects. Moreover, we discuss the arrangement of the defects in the γ-MnO2 nanoparticles.
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| 8. |
- Quinson, Jonathan, et al.
(författare)
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Surfactant-Free Colloidal Syntheses of Gold-Based Nanomaterials in Alkaline Water and Mono-alcohol Mixtures
- 2023
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Ingår i: Chemistry of Materials. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0897-4756 .- 1520-5002. ; 35:5, s. 2173-2190
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and gold-based nanomaterials combine unique properties relevant for medicine, imaging, optics, sensing, catalysis, and energy conversion. While the Turkevich-Frens and Brust-Schiffrin methods remain the state-of-the-art colloidal syntheses of Au NPs, there is a need for more sustainable and tractable synthetic strategies leading to new model systems. In particular, stabilizers are almost systematically used in colloidal syntheses, but they can be detrimental for fundamental and applied studies. Here, a surfactant-free synthesis of size-controlled colloidal Au NPs stable for months is achieved by the simple reduction of HAuCl4 at room temperature in alkaline solutions of low-viscosity mono-alcohols such as ethanol or methanol and water, without the need for any other additives. Palladium (Pd) and bimetallic AuxPdy NPs, nanocomposites and multimetallic samples, are also obtained and are readily active (electro)catalysts. The multiple benefits over the state-of-the-art syntheses that this simple synthesis bears for fundamental and applied research are highlighted.
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| 9. |
- Shyam, Priyank, et al.
(författare)
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Sintering in seconds, elucidated by millisecond in situ diffraction
- 2023
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Ingår i: Applied Materials Today. - 2352-9407. ; 35
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Materials, when sintered at high temperatures, undergo structural changes on multiple, hierarchical length scales but getting realtime information on these changes is difficult. To address this challenge, we developed a custom-built sample environment that allows us to investigate the structural evolution of materials during sintering using high-energy two-dimensional synchrotron X-ray diffraction (2D-XRD). Changes in the structure of SrFe12O19 ceramic magnet at multiple length scales were tracked in situ and modelled with millisecond time-resolution. In addition, we also demonstrated the ability to perform quantitative texture analysis from individual 2D-XRD images with a time resolution of 4 ms each. Owing to the high brightness X-ray source and advanced X-ray detectors, the evolution of crystallographic texture could be followed during sintering. This in situ approach can aid understanding of the synthesis–structure–property relationships in sintered materials, enabling the development of improved functional materials.
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| 10. |
- Tolborg, Kasper, et al.
(författare)
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Accurate charge densities from powder X-ray diffraction - A new version of the Aarhus vacuum imaging-plate diffractometer
- 2017
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Ingår i: Acta Crystallographica. Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials. - 2052-5206. ; 73:4, s. 521-530
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent years powder X-ray diffraction has proven to be a valuable alternative to single-crystal X-ray diffraction for determining electron-density distributions in high-symmetry inorganic materials, including subtle deformation in the core electron density. This was made possible by performing diffraction measurements in vacuum using high-energy X-rays at a synchrotron-radiation facility. Here we present a new version of our custom-built in-vacuum powder diffractometer with the sample-to-detector distance increased by a factor of four. In practice this is found to give a reduction in instrumental peak broadening by approximately a factor of three and a large improvement in signal-to-background ratio compared to the previous instrument. Structure factors of silicon at room temperature are extracted using a combined multipole-Rietveld procedure and compared with ab initio calculations and the results from the previous diffractometer. Despite some remaining issues regarding peak asymmetry, the new diffractometer yields structure factors of comparable accuracy to the previous diffractometer at low angles and improved accuracy at high angles. The high quality of the structure factors is further assessed by modelling of core electron deformation with results in good agreement with previous investigations.The present state of X-ray electron-density determination from powder-diffraction data is briefly reviewed together with the first results from a new large-diameter in-vacuum diffractometer.
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| 11. |
- Tolborg, Kasper, et al.
(författare)
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Low-Barrier Hydrogen Bonds in Negative Thermal Expansion Material H 3 [Co(CN) 6 ]
- 2019
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Ingår i: Chemistry - A European Journal. - : Wiley. - 0947-6539 .- 1521-3765. ; 25:27, s. 6814-6822
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The covalent nature of the low-barrier N−H−N hydrogen bonds in the negative thermal expansion material H 3 [Co(CN) 6 ] has been established by using a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction electron density analysis and theoretical calculations. This finding explains why negative thermal expansion can occur in a material not commonly considered to be built from rigid linkers. The pertinent hydrogen atom is located symmetrically between two nitrogen atoms in a double-well potential with hydrogen above the barrier for proton transfer, thus forming a low-barrier hydrogen bond. Hydrogen is covalently bonded to the two nitrogen atoms, which is the first experimentally confirmed covalent hydrogen bond in a network structure. Source function calculations established that the present N−H−N hydrogen bond follows the trends observed for negatively charge-assisted hydrogen bonds and low-barrier hydrogen bonds previously established for O−H−O hydrogen bonds. The bonding between the cobalt and cyanide ligands was found to be a typical donor–acceptor bond involving a high-field ligand and a transition metal in a low-spin configuration.
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| 12. |
- Venkateshwarlu, Sarangi, et al.
(författare)
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Large electromechanical strain and unconventional domain switching near phase convergence in a Pb-free ferroelectric
- 2020
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Ingår i: Communications Physics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3650. ; 3:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In many ferroelectrics, large electromechanical strains are observed near regions of composition- or temperature- driven phase coexistence. Phenomenologically, this is attributed to easy re-orientation of the polarization vector and/or phase transition, although their effects are highly convoluted and difficult to distinguish experimentally. Here, we used synchrotron X-ray scattering and digital image correlation to differentiate between the microscopic mechanisms leading to large electrostrains in an exemplary Pb-free piezoceramic Sn-doped barium calcium zirconate titanate. Large electrostrains of ~0.2% measured at room-temperature are attributed to an unconventional effect, wherein polarization switching is aided by a reversible phase transition near the tetragonal-orthorhombic phase boundary. Additionally, electrostrains of ~0.1% or more could be maintained from room temperature to 140 °C due to a succession of different microscopic mechanisms. In situ X-ray diffraction elucidates that while 90° domain reorientation is pertinent below the Curie temperature (TC), isotropic distortion of polar clusters is the dominant mechanism above TC.
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| 13. |
- Venkateshwarlu, Sarangi, et al.
(författare)
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Relaxor behavior and electrothermal properties of Sn- And Nb-modified (Ba,Ca)TiO3 Pb-free ferroelectric
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Materials Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0884-2914 .- 2044-5326. ; 35:8, s. 1017-1027
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Relaxor ferroelectrics have drawn attention for possible applications in solid-state cooling and thermal energy harvesting, owing to their electrothermal energy conversion properties. Here, we have synthesized and characterized the structure-property correlations of a new Sn- and Nb-doped (Ba,Ca)TiO3 relaxor ferroelectric with large pyroelectric and electrocaloric effects over a broad temperature range. We observed two peaks for the temperature-dependent pyroelectric coefficient: (i) -(δP/δT) ∼ 563 μC/(m2 K) at T ∼ 270 K and (ii) -(δP/δT) ∼ 1021 μC/(m2 K) at T ∼ 320 K. In addition, a broad peak for electrocaloric temperature change is observed near 320 K with a relative cooling power of 1/417 J/kg. These properties could be correlated to structural changes observed using X-ray diffraction at two different temperature ranges in the material. Analysis of high-energy X-ray scattering and specific heat capacity data revealed a transition from the cubic to tetragonal phase near Tm ∼ 320 K, whereas an additional increase in the tetragonality (c/a) of the polar phase is observed below Ts ∼ 270 K.
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