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The diffraction endstation of the NanoMAX beamline is designed to provide high-flux coherent X-ray nano-beams for experiments requiring many degrees of freedom for sample and detector. The endstation is equipped with high-efficiency Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror focusing optics and a two-circle goniometer supporting a positioning and scanning device, designed to carry a compact sample environment. A robot is used as a detector arm. The endstation, in continued development, has been in user operation since summer 2017.

The output power (30–150 W) and the periodicity (20–100%) of ultrasound emission were varied in a wide range to regulate and improve the crystallization process in the commonly used co-precipitation technique of chloride-intercalated CaFe-layered double hydroxides. The influence of ultrasound irradiation on the as-prepared materials was studied by X-ray diffractometry, dynamic light scattering, UV–Vis–NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, specific surface area measurement, pore size analysis, ion-selective electrode potentiometric investigations and thermogravimetry. Additionally, structural alterations due to heat treatment at various temperatures were followed in detail by Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopies as well as scanning electron microscopy. The ultrasonic treatment was capable of controlling the sizes of primarily formed (from 19 nm to 30 nm) as well as the aggregated (secondary) particles (between 450 nm and 700 nm), and thus modifying their textural parameters and enhancing the incorporation of chloride anions into the interlamellar space. For the first time, the optical energy gap of CaFe-LDH was reported here depending on the nature of applied stirring (4.18–4.34 eV). The heat-treatment investigations revealed that the layered structure was stabile until 200 °C, even at the atomic level.

The structures of Ruddlesden–Popper n = 2 member phases Sr3−xYxFe1.25Ni0.75O7−δ with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75 have been investigated using neutron powder diffraction and K-edge Fe and Ni EXAFS/XANES spectroscopy in order to gain information about the evolution of the oxygen vacancy distribution and Fe/Ni oxidation state with x. Both samples prepared at 1300 °C under a flow of N2(g), with δ = 1.41–1.00, and samples subsequently annealed in air at 900 °C, with δ = 0.44–0.59, were characterized. The as-prepared x = 0.75 phase has δ = 1, the O1 atom site is vacant, and the Fe3+/Ni2+ ions have a square pyramidal coordination. With decreasing x the O3 occupancy decreases nearly linearly to 81% for x = 0, while the O1 occupancy increases from 0 for x = 0.4 to 33% for x = 0. The air-annealed x = 0.75 sample has a δ value of 0.59 and the Fe3+/Fe4+/Ni2+/Ni3+ ions have both square pyramidal and octahedral coordination. With decreasing x, the δ value decreases to 0.45 for x = 0, implying an increase in the oxidation states of Fe/Ni ions. EXAFS/XANES data show that for the as-prepared samples the coordination changes are predominantly for Ni2+ ions and that the air-annealed samples contain both Fe3+/Fe4+ and Ni2+/Ni3+ ions.

An ultrasonically-enhanced mechanochemical method was developed to synthesize CaFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with various interlayer anions (CO32−, NO3−, ClO4−, N3−, F−, Cl−, Br− and I−). The duration of pre-milling and ultrasonic irradiation and the variation of synthesis temperature in the wet chemical step were investigated to obtain the optimal parameters of preparation. The main method to characterize the products was X-ray diffractometry, but infrared and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopies as well as thermogravimetric measurements were also used to learn about fine structural details. The synthesis method afforded successful intercalation of the anions, among others the azide anion, a rarely used counter ion providing a system, which enables safe handling the otherwise highly reactive anion. The X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements revealed that the quality of the interlayered anions could modulate the spatial arrangement of the calcium ions around the iron(III) ions, but only in the second coordination sphere.

The dynamic interaction of methanol and its derivatives with Cu-exchanged ZSM-5 during methanol temperature-programmed desorption from 30 to 450 °C has been investigated using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. The results emphasize that defects in the framework structure of the zeolite and Bronsted acid sites constitute ion-exchange sites for Cu ions. The Cu sites introduced in ZSM-5 actively interact with methanol adsorbed at moderate temperature, i.e., below 250 °C, and take roles in further oxidation of the adsorbed species to formate and CO. Moreover, spectra recorded at higher temperatures, i.e., above 300 °C, after adsorption of methanol show strong interaction between methoxy groups and the zeolite framework, suggesting that, under mild conditions, proton extraction for methanol production during direct partial oxidation of methane to methanol over Cu-ZSM-5 is necessary.

Host–guest composite materials were prepared applying the anionic forms of Ni(II)-amino acid (l-histidine, l-cysteine, and l-tyrosine) as the guests and CaAl-layered double hydroxide (CaAl-LDH) as the host. The syntheses were performed either by introducing the amino acid anions first and then constructing the metal ion–amino acid complexes or intercalating the pre-prepared complexes in anionic forms. The pristine as well as the composite LDH samples were structurally characterized by X-ray diffractometry, mid IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The structural features of the interlayer complexes were studied by UV–Vis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission, mid and far IR and X-ray absorption spectroscopies as well as energy-dispersed X-ray analysis. On the basis of the acquired data, structural models were constructed. The composites were applied as catalysts in the liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexene applying peracetic acid and the in situ formed iodosyl benzene as oxidants. Using peracetic acid afforded epoxide, while applying iodosyl benzene provided cis diol as the major or exclusive oxidation product. The catalysts displayed good recycling properties.

Methane oxidation over Pd–Pt/$ \mathrm{Al}_2\text{ O}_3 $ model catalysts calcined at three different conditions is investigated using operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy while cycling the feed gas stoichiometry between lean (net-oxidising) and rich (net-reducing) conditions. When calcined in air, alloy Pd–Pt nanoparticles are present only on catalysts subjected to elevated temperature ($ 800\,^{\circ }\mathrm{C} $) whereas calcination at lower temperature (500 $ ^{\circ }\mathrm{C} $) leads to segregated Pt and Pd nanoparticles on the support. Here, we show that the alloy Pd–Pt nanoparticles undergo reversible changes in surface structure and composition during transient methane oxidation exposing a PdO surface during lean conditions and a metallic Pd–Pt surface (Pd enriched) under rich conditions. Alloyed particles seem more active for methane oxidation than their monometallic counterparts and, furthermore, an increased activity for methane oxidation is clearly observed under lean conditions when PdO has developed on the surface, analogous to monometallic Pd catalysts. Upon introducing rich conditions, partial oxidation of methane dominates over total oxidation forming adsorbed carbonyls on the noble metal particles. The carbonyl spectra for the three samples show clear differences originating from different surfaces exposed by alloyed vs. non-alloyed particles. The kinetics of the noble metal oxidation and reduction processes as well as carbonyl formation during transient methane oxidation are discussed.

An isolated, yet virtually intact contour feather (FUM-1980) from the lower Eocene Fur Formation of Denmark was analysed using multiple imaging and molecular techniques, including field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Additionally, synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) was employed in order to produce a digital reconstruction of the fossil. Under FEG-SEM, the proximal, plumulaceous part of the feather revealed masses of ovoid microstructures, about 1.7 μm long and 0.5 μm wide. Microbodies in the distal, pennaceous portion were substantially smaller (averaging 0.9 × 0.2 μm), highly elongate, and more densely packed. Generally, the microbodies in both the plumulaceous and pennaceous segments were aligned along the barbs and located within shallow depressions on the exposed surfaces. Biomarkers consistent with animal eumelanins were co-localized with the microstructures, to suggest that they represent remnant eumelanosomes (i.e. eumelanin-housing cellular organelles). Additionally, ToF-SIMS analysis revealed the presence of sulfur-containing organics – potentially indicative of pheomelanins – associated with eumelanin-like compounds. However, since there was no correlation between melanosome morphology and sulfur content, we conclude these molecular structures derive from diagenetically incorporated sulfur rather than pheomelanin. Melanosomes corresponding roughly in both size and morphology with those in the proximal part of FUM-1980 are known from contour feathers of extant parrots (Psittaciformes), an avian clade that has previously been reported from the Fur Formation.

Intercalated composite materials were prepared with CaAl-layered double hydroxide as host and Cu(II)-amino acid (L-cysteine, L-histidine and L-tyrosine) complex anions as guests. Two methods (intercalation of the ligand first followed by constructing the complex; preforming the complex first, then introducing it among the layers of the host) and optimization of the synthesis conditions were performed to obtain composites having the complex exclusively among the layers. The composite materials were structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry, mid infrared (IR) spectroscopy with ATR (attenuated total reflectance) or photoacoustic detections, transmission and scanning electron microscopies and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Structural features of the intercalant (coordination number, coordination sites) were elucidated by classical chemical and energy dispersive X-ray analyses, EPR (electron paramagnetic spectroscopy), X-ray absorption and far IR spectroscopies. Structural models based on these methods are also given. Catalytic activities, selectivities and recycling abilities of the substances were studied in the oxidation reactions of cyclohexene with peracetic acid and in situ formed iodosylbenzene as oxidants in the liquid phase. The catalysts were active in the Ullmann coupling reaction as well. The intercalated substances were found to be efficient and highly selective catalysts with very good recycling abilities. (Less)

The combination of mechanochemical and ultrasonic treatment was applied to synthesize CaAlFe-layered triple hydroxides with carbonate or chloride anions in the interlamellar space. The optimal parameters of the preparation were explored by altering the initial ratio of the metal ions and the temperature of ultrasonic irradiation. The resulting triple hydroxides were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The products were close-to-phase-pure CaAlFe-layered triple hydroxides. Elevation of the temperature transformed the CaAlFe-Cl(-)-layered triple hydroxide to rare oxyhalides (Ca2FeO3Cl and Ca12Al14O32Cl2).

Intercalated composite materials were prepared with CaAl-layered double hydroxide as the host and Mn(II)-amino acid (l-cysteine, l-histidine and l-tyrosine) complex anions as the guest. Two methods (intercalation of the ligand first followed by constructing the complex; preforming the complex first, then introducing it among the layers of the host) and optimization of the auxiliary conditions were performed to arrive at composites having the complex exclusively among the layers. The obtained substances were structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry, mid IR spectroscopy in diffuse reflectance mode and with ATR or photoacoustic detections, and scanning electron microscopy. The structural features of the intercalant (coordination number, coordination sites) were elucidated by classical chemical and energy dispersive X-ray analyses, EPR, X-ray absorption and far IR spectroscopies. Structural models are also given. The catalytic activities, selectivities and recycling abilities of the substances were studied in the oxidation reactions of cyclohexene with peracetic acid and in situ formed iodosylbenzene as oxidants and allylic alcohol with peracetic acid, in the liquid phase. The intercalated substances proved to be efficient and highly selective (with peracetic acid: outstanding epoxide, with iodosylbenzene superior diol selectivities) catalysts with very good recycling abilities. (Less)

A mechanochemical method (grinding the components without added water – dry grinding, followed by further grinding in the presence of minute amount of water or NaOH solution – wet grinding) was used in this work for the preparation and intercalation of CaFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Both the pristine LDHs and the amino acid anion (cystinate and tyrosinate) intercalated varieties were prepared by the two-step grinding procedure in a mixer mill. By systematically changing the conditions of the preparation method, a set of parameters could be determined, which led to the formation of close to phase-pure LDH. The optimisation procedure was also applied for the intercalation processes of the amino acid anions. The resulting materials were structurally characterised by a range of methods (X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, thermogravimetry, X-ray absorption and infra-red spectroscopies). It was proven that this simple mechanochemical procedure was able to produce complex organic–inorganic nanocomposites: LDHs intercalated with amino acid anions.

After having emerged as primary contenders in the race for highly efficient optoelectronics materials, organolead halide perovskites (OHLP) are now being investigated in the nanoscale regime as promising building blocks with unique properties. For example, unlike their bulk counterpart, quantum dots of OHLP are brightly luminescent, owing to large exciton binding energies that cannot be rationalized solely on the basis of quantum confinement. Here, we establish the direct correlation between the structure and the electronic band-edge properties of CH3NH3PbBr3 nanoparticles. Complementary structural and spectroscopic measurements probing long-range and local order reveal that lattice strain influences the nature of the valence band and modifies the subtle stereochemical activity of the Pb2+ lone-pair. More generally, this work demonstrates that the stereochemical activity of the lone-pair at the metal site is a specific physicochemical parameter coupled to composition, size and strain, which can be employed to engineer novel functionalities in OHLP nanomaterials. 2016 the Owner Societies. The study was financially supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Swedish Research Council. Collaboration within the NanoLund consortium is acknowledged. Q. Z. and K. Z. acknowledge support from by NPRP grant # NPRP7-227-1-034 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). S. E. C. acknowledges funding from SFB 1073. The help from Dr Trudy Bolin at the 9-BM beamline of APS, USA is also greatfully acknowledged. Scopus

Molecular hydrogen exists in two spin-rotation coupled states: parahydrogen and orthohydrogen. Due to the variation of energy with rotational level, the occupation of ortho- and parahydrogen states is temperature dependent, with parahydrogen being the dominant species at low temperatures. The equilibrium at 20 K (99.8% parahydrogen) can be reached by natural conversion only after a lengthy process. With the use of a suitable catalyst, this process can be shortened significantly. Two types of commercial catalysts currently being used for ortho- to parahydrogen conversion are: iron(iii) oxide (Fe2O3, IONEX®), and chromium(ii) oxide doped silica catalyst (CrO·SiO2, OXISORB®). We investigate the interaction of ortho- and parahydrogen with the surfaces of these ortho-para conversion catalysts using neutron vibrational spectroscopy. The catalytic surfaces have been characterized using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray/neutron pair distribution function measurements.

Structural and morphological characterizations of bimetallic Pd-Pt/Al2O3 model catalysts are performed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and CO chemisorption. Further, the catalysts were studied under oxidizing and reducing conditions using both X-ray absorption spectroscopy and low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy. For the as-prepared catalysts, the existence of alloyed bimetallic Pd-Pt particles and of (tetragonal) PdO was found for the samples calcined at 800 °C. PdO is present in the form of crystals at the surface of the Pd-Pt particles or as isolated PdO crystals on the support oxide. Bimetallic Pd-Pt nanoparticles were only formed on the Pd-Pt catalysts after calcination at 800 °C. The results show that the Pd-Pt nanoparticles undergo reversible changes in surface structure composition and chemical state in response to oxidizing or reducing conditions. Under oxidizing conditions Pd segregates to the shell and oxidizes forming PdO, while under reducing conditions regions with metallic Pd and Pd-Pt alloys were observed at the surface. No bimetallic Pd-Pt nanoparticles were observed for the sample initially calcined at 500 °C, but instead isolated monometallic particles, where small Pt particles are easily oxidized under O2 treatment. In the monometallic catalysts, the Pd is found to be completely oxidized already after calcination and to consist of metallic Pd after reductive treatment.

Synthesis of intercalated composites were carried out using CaAl-LDH (layered double hydroxide) as host and the anionic form of Fe(III)-amino acid complexes as guest materials. Intercalation was attempted with two methods either introducing the preformed complexes or constructing the complex among the layers of the LDH. After optimization of the synthesis parameters, structural characterization was performed by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy as well as mid and far infrared spectroscopies. Quantitative data about the intercalated complexes were collected by chemical analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy investigating the near edge region as well as the extended fine structure. Structural models based on characterization measurements are also given. Catalytic activities, selectivities and recycling abilities of the substances were studied in the oxidation reactions of cyclohexene with peracetic acid and in situ formed iodosylbenzene as oxidants in the liquid phase. The catalysts were active in the Ullmann-type etherification coupling reaction as well. The intercalated substances were found to be efficient and highly selective catalysts with very good recycling abilities.

Structural, elastic and electronic properties of zircon-type and scheelite-type EuVO4 are investigated experimentally, by in-situ X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation, and theoretically within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT) and using the PBE prescription of the exchange-correlation energy. This study was motivated by the fact that the previous knowledge of the equation of state (EOS) was inconclusive due to a large scatter of the experimental and theoretical data, and by the lack of information on the dependence of the electronic structure with pressure. Under the applied experimental conditions, the zircon-type structure transforms to a scheelite-type one at 7.4(2) GPa, whereas the calculations yield a lower zircon-scheelite-coexistence pressure of 4.8 GPa. The experimental part of the study shows that the bulk modulus of the zircon-type phase is 119(3) GPa, perfectly supported by the DFT-calculated value, 119.1 GPa. The bulk modulus for the scheelite-type polymorph is higher, with an experimental value of 135(7) GPa and a theoretical one of 137.4 GPa. Compared to those reported in previous experimental and DFT or semiempirical works, the present values for the zircon-type phase are comparable or slightly lower, whereas those for the scheelite-type phase are markedly lower. Discrepancies between the present results and earlier reported ones are attributed to differences in details of the experimental method such as the pressure transmitting medium and the pressure calibration method. The calculated band structure confirms that zircon-type EuVO4 is a direct-gap semiconductor, with a bandgap energy at zero pressure of 2.88 eV. Under compression, the bandgap of the zircon phase increases with a coefficient of 10.3 meV/GPa up to the transition pressure, at which point the present calculations show a small drop of the bandgap energy. Above the transition pressure, the bandgap energy of the scheelite phase becomes almost constant, with a small pressure coefficient of just 1.5 meV/GPa. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Less)

Co-C-protected amino acid (C-protected L-histidine, L-tyrosine, L-cysteine and L-cystine) complexes were covalently grafted onto chloropropylated silica gel, and the materials thus obtained were structurally characterised by mid/far IR and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. The superoxide dismutase-like activities of the substances were determined via the Beauchamp-Fridovich test reaction. It was found that covalent grafting and the preparation of the anchored complexes were successful in most cases. The coordinating groups varied upon changing the conditions of the syntheses. All materials displayed catalytic activity, although catalytic activities differed widely. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this work the syntheses, structure, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the catalytic use in the oxidative transformations of cyclohexene of covalently grafted Mn(II)–complexes formed with various C-protected amino acid ( l -histidine, l -cysteine and l -cystine) ligands are presented. The structural features of the surface complexes were studied by EPR, X-ray absorption, and mid/far IR spectroscopies. The superoxide dismutase activities of the materials were determined in a biochemical test reaction. The obtained materials were used as catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexene with peracetic acid in acetone. Covalent grafting and building the complex onto the surface of the chloropropylated silica gel were successful in all cases. It was found that in many instances the structures obtained and the coordinating groups substantially varied upon changing the conditions of the syntheses. All the covalently immobilised Mn(II)–complexes displayed superoxide dismutase activity and could catalyse the oxidation of cyclohexene.

An ultrasonically-enhanced mechanochemical method was developed to synthesize CaFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with various interlayer anions (CO

Covalently anchored Ni(II)–C-protected amino acid ( l -histidine, l -cysteine, and l -cystine) complexes inspired by the active site of the Ni-superoxide dismutase enzyme were synthesised using chloropropylated silica gel as support. The structural features of the surface complexes were studied by the Kjeldahl method and ICP-MS, mid/far IR, UV–vis diffuse reflectance, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. The enzyme-like activities of the materials were determined in a biochemical test reaction. Covalent grafting and building the complex onto the surface of the support were successful in all cases. It was found that in many instances the structures obtained and the coordinating groups substantially varied upon changing the conditions of the syntheses. All the covalently immobilised Ni(II)-complexes displayed enzyme-like activity. They also were active in the liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexene, providing the epoxide with high selectivity.

We have investigated the oxidation of inorganic As(III) with H2O2 catalysed by Al2O3, using X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The effects of different reaction conditions (pH, time and initial H2O2 concentration) were also studied as were the kinetics of the oxidation reaction. We demonstrated that As(III) was oxidized to As(V) in the presence of H2O2 and Al2O3. Furthermore, all arsenic species found on the Al2O3 surface were in the As(V) state. The presence of both Al2O3 and H2O2 was necessary for oxidation of As(III) to take place within the period of time studied. The oxidation kinetics indicate a mechanism where reversible As(III) binding to the alumina surface is followed by irreversible oxidation by H2O2 leading to strongly bound As(V). Results from this study indicate that there is a surface-catalysed oxidation of As(III) on Al2O3 by H2O2, a reaction that can take place in nature and can be of help in the development of novel treatment systems for As(III) removal.

The up-converting ZrO2:Yb3+,E3+ nanomaterials were prepared with the combustion and sal-gel methods. The structure of the materials was cubic except for the minor monoclinic and tetragonal impurities associated with the use of the sal-gel method. The XANES results revealed only the trivalent form for both the Yb and Er dopants. The distance distributions calculated from EXAFS confirm that Er3+ and Yb3+ occupy the Zr-IV site in the structure. The nanomaterials show red (650-700 nm) and very weak green (520-560 nm) up-conversion luminescence due to the F-4(9/2) -> I-4(15/2) and (H-2(11/2),S-4(3/2)) -> I-4(15/2) transitions of Er3+, respectively. The nanomaterials obtained with the combustion synthesis yield the most intense luminescence though showing significant afterglow, as well. The thermoluminescence measurements revealed the existence of traps with depths between 0.68 and 1.03 eV well matching to room temperature persistent emission. Finally, the mechanism for the persistent up-conversion luminescence was introduced based on the experimental results and discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Less)

Lanthanum orthovanadate (LaVO4) is the only stable monazite-type rare-earth orthovanadate. In the present paper the equation of state of LaVO4is studied usingin situhigh-pressure powder diffraction at room temperature, andab initiocalculations within the framework of the density functional theory. The parameters of a second-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state,i.e.those fitted to the experimental and theoretical data, are found to be in perfect agreement – in particular, the bulk moduli are almost identical, with values of 106 (1) and 105.8 (5) GPa, respectively. In agreement with recent reported experimental data, the compression is shown to be anisotropic. Its nature is comparable to that of some other monazite-type compounds. The softest compression direction is determined.

Iron-mediated synthesis of alkali metal iodides was quite unexpectedly demonstrated to be able to serve as a cost-efficient and reliable source of spherical single crystalline near-stoichiometric magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as revealed by TEM and XRD studies and also by XANES spectroscopic quantification of the Fe2+-content. Using the particles as nuclei for the Stoeber synthesis of silica nanoparticles, core-shell magnetic material has been produced. The nature of the magnetic component was probed by XANES spectroscopy. The size of the particles is dependent on the synthesis conditions and Si : Fe ratio but can be kept below 100 nm. It is the Si : Fe ratio that determines the stability of the particles in acidic medium. The latter was investigated spectrophotometrically as leaching of Fe3+-cations. Considerable stability was observed at Si : Fe > 10, while at Si : Fe >= 20 no measurable leaching could be observed in over 10 days. Magnetic nanoparticles with improved stability in acidic medium provide an attractive basis for creation of adsorbent materials for applications in harsh media.

We study the structure–function relationship of alumina supported platinum during the formation of ammonia from nitrogen oxide and dihydrogen by employing in situ X-ray absorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Particular focus has been directed towards the effect of oxygen on the reaction as a model system for emerging technologies for passive selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. The suppressed formation of ammonia observed as the feed becomes net-oxidizing is accompanied by a considerable increase in the oxidation state of platinum as well as the formation of surface nitrates and the loss of NH-containing surface species. In the presence of (excess) oxygen, the ammonia formation is proposed to be limited by weak interaction between nitrogen oxide and the oxidized platinum surface. This leads to a slow dissociation rate of nitrogen oxide and thus low abundance of the atomic nitrogen surface species that can react with the adsorbed hydrogen species. In this case the consumption of hydrogen through the competing water formation reaction and decomposition/oxidation of ammonia are of less importance for the net ammonia formation.

Powder materials containing copper ions supported on ZSM-5 (Cu-Zeolite Socony Mobil-5) and SSZ-13 (Cu-Standard Oil synthesised zeolite-13), and predominantly CuO nanoparticles on amorphous SiO 2 were synthesised, characterised, wash-coated onto ceramic monoliths and, for the first time, compared as catalysts for direct conversion of methane to methanol (DCMM) at ambient pressure (1 atm) using O 2 , N 2 O and NO as oxidants. Methanol production was monitored and quantified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Methanol is formed over all monolith samples, though the formation is considerably higher for the copper-exchanged zeolites. Hence, copper ions are the main active sites for DCMM. The minor amount of methanol produced over the Cu/SiO 2 sample, however, suggests that zeolites are not the sole substrate that can host those active copper sites but also silica. Further, we present the first ambient pressure in situ infrared spectroscopic measurements revealing the formation and consumption of surface methoxy species, which are considered to be key intermediates in the DCMM reaction.

Substituting Zn for Cu is known to rapidly quench superconductivity in the doped perovskites but the mechanism behind it is still not clearly understood. Single phase YBa 2( Cu 1-x Zn x)3 O 7-δ (x = 0.0 to 0.06) samples were synthesized and characterized using XRD, wet titration, resistivity, and ac susceptibility. Angle-integrated Valence Band Photoemission and Zn K-edge XAFS results clearly show that their oxygen stoichiometry (δ) changes on Zn substitution, thereby adversely affecting the density of free charge carriers and hence the normal state resistivity and the Tc. However, the observed changes in the two happen to be too large to be accounted for solely on the basis of changes in the oxygen stoichiometry δ. We find that the Zn cation acts as a strong "impurity" scattering centre in the YBCO lattice and causes local lattice distortion (LLD). It consequently induces local magnetic moment, seen in our dc susceptibility measurements. It is thus a composite of (Δδ), LLD and possibly also magnetic pair-breaking that is responsible for the rapid quenching of the superconductivity observed with Zn doping in this system.

High-pressure Raman and mid-infrared spectroscopic studies were carried out on ZrP2O7 to 23.2 and 13 GPa respectively. In the pressure range 0.7-4.3 GPa the lattice mode at 248 cm(-1) disappears, new modes appear around 380 and 1111 cm(-1) and the strong symmetric stretching mode at 476 cm(-1) softens, possibly indicating a subtle phase transition. Above 8 GPa all the modes broaden, and all of the Raman modes disappear beyond 18 GPa. On decompression from the highest pressure, 23.2, to 0 GPa all of the modes reappear but with larger full width at half maximum. Lattice dynamics of the high temperature phase of ZrP2O7 were studied using first principles method and compared with experimental values. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental study of the phase transition in the lithium-excess lithium-manganese spinel over the pressure range 0-13 GPa has shown its suppression. This observation implies that the Li/Mn ratio, associated with the manganese oxidation state, plays an important role in the high-pressure phase transformation of the lithium-manganese spinels. As indicated by the results, the occupation of the octahedral sites with Li+ and Mn4+ ions stabilizes the crystallographic structure of this cubic spinel even at a high pressure. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Silver behenate, a salt of the behenic acid, known mostly for its applications in photothermographic imaging and use as a diffraction reference material, was studied by X-ray diffraction under pressures up to 11.4 GPa. Diffraction patterns were collected using a diamond anvil cell and synchrotron radiation at the 1711 beamline (MAXlab, Lund). The variation of the d spacing with pressure is determined and the potential usefulness of this dependence for pressure calibration is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The high-pressure Raman and infrared spectra of hafnium tungstate (HfW2O8) are measured up to 24 GPa at room temperature. The changes under pressure of the stretching and bending modes of the WO4 tetrahedra. as well as lattice modes have been studied. An estimate of the thermal-expansion coefficient has been made based upon the mode Gruneisen parameters and found to be in reasonable agreement with the measured value. The high-pressure spectra indicate that the alpha-gamma phase transition occurs at 0.6-0.9 GPa. in agreement with previous work. Around 2 GPa. HfW2O8 undergoes an irreversible transition from the gamma phase to an amorphous structure.

Colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) - the dramatic reduction of electrical resistivity in a magnetic field and charge ordering (CO) in rare earth manganites of the type Ln(1-x)A(x)MnO(3) [Ln: rare earth, A: divalent cation] are manifestations of the intricate relation between orbital, spin, charge and lattice degrees of freedom. Recent studies indicate that the inhomogeneous state of mixed-valence manganites - evidenced by the presence of texture and multiple phase coexistence - is important for the CMR property of manganites. Theoretical models that explain the multiphase coexistence are based on quenched disorder or strain. Here we show that lattice strain due to the Jahn-Teller (IT) distortions of MnO6 octahedra and their tilt rotations are not sufficient to provide a unique structure-property relation. We present evidence that the science of manganites should take into account shear distortions of the MnO6 octahedra as well. Pressure evolution of the lattice strain of Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3 shows a minimum around 7 GPa, with the same lattice strain above and below this pressure achieved by shear- and JT-type distortions, respectively. In general, a particular lattice strain of manganites can be achieved by different combinations of JT-type and shear-type distortions of the MnO6 octahedra, together with their tilts, which suggest a plausible description of the inhomogeneous state in manganites as one where phases with differently distorted states having the same lattice strain are preserved. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Quantum dots (QDs) and graphene are both promising materials for the development of new-generation optoelectronic devices. Towards this end, synergic assembly of these two building blocks is a key step but remains a challenge. Here, we show a one-step strategy for organizing QDs in a graphene matrix via interfacial self-assembly, leading to the formation of sandwiched hybrid QD-graphene nanofilms. We have explored structural features, electron transfer kinetics and photocurrent generation capacity of such hybrid nanofilms using a wide variety of advanced techniques. Graphene nanosheets interlink QDs and significantly improve electronic coupling, resulting in fast electron transfer from photoexcited QDs to graphene with a rate constant of 1.3 × 109 s−1. Efficient electron transfer dramatically enhances photocurrent generation in a liquid-junction QD-sensitized solar cell where the hybrid nanofilm acts as a photoanode. We thereby demonstrate a cost-effective method to construct large-area QD-graphene hybrid nanofilms with straightforward scale-up potential for optoelectronic applications.

The MAX IV Laboratory in Lund is currently operating two storage rings, the 1.5GeV MAX II and the 700MeV MAX III, as well as constructing the new facility MAX IV, which will house a 1.5GeV and a 3GeV ring. At the MAX II synchrotron there are three hard X-ray beamlines at which crystallography can be performed: I711, I811 and I911. Beamline I711 is mainly used for powder diffraction. I811 is an EXAFS station at which surface XRD can also be carried out. I911 is a beamline with five experimental stations on a single superconducting wiggler source, of which two are currently used for macromolecular crystallography, namely the monochromatic station I911-2 and the tuneable station I911-3, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art goniometer and robotic sample changer. We will give an overview of the capabilities of these beamlines, focusing particularly on the macromolecular crystallography beamline I911 and some recent scientific highlights produced there. We will also give a brief overview of new beamlines for crystallography that are under construction or planned for the MAX IV facility.

In this work, the syntheses, structure, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the catalytic use in the oxidative transformations of cyclohexene of covalently grafted Fe(III)-complexes formed with various or various combinations of C-protected amino acid (l-histidine, l-tyrosine, l-cysteine and l-cystine) ligands are presented. The structural features of the surface complexes were studied by XANES/EXAFS and mid/far-IR spectroscopies. The compositions of the complexes were determined by ICP-MS and the Kjeldahl method. The SOD activities of the materials were evaluated in a biochemical test reaction. The obtained materials were used as catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexene with peracetic acid in acetone. Both covalent grafting and building the complex onto the surface of the chloropropylated silica gel were successful in most cases. In many instances, the obtained structures and the coordinating groups were found to substantially vary upon changing the conditions of the syntheses. All the covalently immobilized Fe(III)-complexes displayed SOD activities, and most of them were found to be capable of catalyzing the oxidation of cyclohexene with appreciably high activities and outstanding epoxide selectivities.

In this work, the syntheses of covalently grafted C-protected Cu(II)–amino acid (methylesters of l-histidine and l-cystine) uniform and mixed ligand complexes with two different amino acid esters are described using chloropropylated silica gel as the support. The conditions of the syntheses were systematically altered. The structural features of the substances obtained were studied by the Kjeldahl method, ICP-MS, X-ray absorption and mid/far infrared spectroscopies. The superoxide dismutase-like activities of the materials were determined in a biochemical test reaction and these substances were also tested as catalysts in the oxidation of cyclohexene. It was possible to prepare metal ion-amino acid complexes grafted with covalent bonds onto the supports. All the covalently anchored materials displayed superoxide dismutase-like activity and most of them were active in the oxidation of cyclohexene, providing the epoxide with high selectivity.

A description of a new facility for X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the materials science beamline, I811, at MAX-lab synchrotron source, Lund, Sweden, is given. The beamline is based on a superconducting multipole wiggler source inserted in a straight section of the 1.5 GeV MAX-II ring. X-rays in the energy range 2.4-12 keV are extracted by a standard optical scheme consisting of a vertical collimating first mirror, double-crystal monochromator, and a second vertically focusing mirror. The second monochromator crystal provides sagittal focusing. The total flux impinging on the sample at 9 keV is 5 x 10(11) photons s(-1), for a minimum beam spot of 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm. The beamline has facilities for experiments in transmission, fluorescence and total-electron-yield mode and experiments have been performed by international research groups on a wide range of materials, such as dilute systems with metal concentrations below 10 p.p.m.

trans-PtCl2(dms)2 (dms is dimethyl sulfide) crystallizes in the space group P21/n and adopts the molecular point group C i , which is the most frequently occurring point group for trans-PtX 2 L 2 complexes (78%), as observed in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD; 2005 release), followed by C 1 (16%). Density functional theory calculations show that the observed geometry for trans-PtCl2(dms)2 has slightly higher energy than the most favorable geometry in the point group C 2h , but this geometry would require a space group that hampers close packing, thus showing that intermolecular forces determine the point group for the title compound. High-pressure powder diffraction studies of trans-PtCl2(dms)2 show no phase transformation up to 8.0 GPa. The bulk modulus is 8.1 (6) GPa and the pressure derivative 8.1 (4). In the CSD, the number of cis- and trans-PtX 2 L 2 compounds are almost equal, viz. 156 cis and 160 trans compounds, showing no preference for either isomer in the solid state.

High-pressure X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer, and Raman studies in the antiferromagnetic insulators RFeO3 orthorhombic perovskites (R = Pr, Eu, Lu) disclose an unusual phenomena of a reversible first-order isostructural phase transition around 50 GPa concurring with an abrupt ~ 5% volume decrease. It is shown experimentally that this transformation concurs with, and is driven by, a high-to-low-spin transition taking place in Fe3+; a manifestation of a new kind of isostructural phase transition. These studies suggest that the RFeO3 perovskite is a rather sturdy oxide-structure, maintaining its original structural symmetry beyond 125 GPa.

The compound tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silane S-i[Si(CH3,)(3)](4) (TSi) has been studied at room temperature for pressures up to 2 1.5(1) GPa, using X-ray powder diffraction with synchrotron radiation. Three different phases are reported in the investigated pressure range. The c.c.p.-type structure is stable up to a pressure of 0.19(1) GPa (Fm (3) over barm, a = 13.52110)Angstrom, V = 2471.95(1)Angstrom(3), Z = 4 at 0.02(1)GPa). It shows a severe orientational disorder of the molecules. At pressures 0.19(1)-0.71(1)GPa a monoclinic phase (HP1) is found with space group P2(1)/n and Z=8 (a = 17.746(1)Angstrom, b = 16.098(1)Angstrom, c= 16.871(1)Angstrom, gamma = 111.437(5)degrees and V = 4486.3(8) Angstrom(3) at 0.24(1)GPa). Another monoclinic phase (HP2) exists at pressures 0.52(1)-8.67(5)GPa. This phase has a smaller unit cell than the HP1 phase with Z(.)=2 (a =8.3778(8)Angstrom, b=9.1050(7)Angstrom, c= 13.3024(8)Angstrom, gamma= 111.63(1)degrees and V = 943.22(6) Angstrom(3) at 1.73(2)GPa). The pressure dependencies of the unit-cell volumes are successfully described by Mumaghan or Vinet-type equations of state. The structures at different pressures and temperatures of TSi and related compounds are described as distorted superstructures of the c.c.p. arrangement. The occurrence of different superstructures is rationalized as the result of an optimized packing of ordered molecules of various shapes.

High-pressure investigations of titanium pyrophosphate, TiP2O7, in diamond anvil cell have been performed at room temperature using in situ Raman scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The endeavor was to acquire information on pressure-induced structural transformations such as phase transitions and amorphization occurring in the crystal lattice. The pressure-stimulated alterations in the spectral profile, the position, and the intensity of the stretching and bending modes Of PO4 tetrahedral structural units have been investigated up to 42.8 and 49.4 GPa for Raman and infrared-active modes, respectively. The spectral changes pointed mostly to the densification and partial amorphization of the crystal lattice. FTIR spectra confirmed that the investigated compound, TiP2O7, compressed smoothly up to the highest investigated pressures. The spectroscopic studies did not indicate an unambiguous structural transformation matching to a pressure-driven phase transition. The reversibility to ambient pressure structure upon decompression was implied by FTIR but was not confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The mode Gruneisen parameters were calculated for the various Raman and infrared-active vibrational modes. The results obtained are consistent with our previous high-pressure synchrotron radiation-based X-ray diffraction investigations. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Less)

We report the pressure dependence of the crystal structure of lead tetroxide (P less than or equal to 41.05 GPa, T 298 K) using high-resolution angle-dispersive X-ray powder diffraction. Pb3O4 shows two reversible phase transitions in the measured pressure range. The crystal structures of the modifications identified have in common frameworks of Pb+4O6 octahedra and irregular Pb+2O4+1 respectively Pb2+O6+1 polyhedra. At ambient conditions, Pb3O4 crystallizes in space group P4(2)/mbc (phase 1). Between 0.11 and 0.3 GPa it exhibits a displacive second order phase transition to a structure with space group Pbam (phase II). A second displacive phase transition occurs between 5.54 and 6.6 GPa to another structure with space group Pbam (phase 111) but halved c dimension. A non-linear compression behavior over the entire pressure range is observed, which can be described by two Vinet relations in the ranges from 0.28 to 5.54 GPa and from 6.6 to 41.05 GPa. The extrapolated bulk moduli of the high-pressure phases were determined to be K-0 = 21(2) GPa for phase 11 and K-0 = 91(3) GPa for phase III. The crystal structures of all phases were refined from X-ray diffraction powder data collected at several pressures between 0.06 and 41.05 GPa. Except for their cell dimensions, phases I and 11 were found to be isostructural to the corresponding phases at low temperatures, whereas phase III can be derived from the Sr2PbO4 aristotype. With increasing pressure, the lone pair which is localized at Pb2+ adopts increasingly pure s-character, which is reflected by the similar coordination polyhedra of Ph2+ in Pb3O4 (phase 111) and of Sr2+ in Sr2PbO4.

α-SrSi2O2N2 is one of the recently studied oxonitridosilicates applicable in optoelectronics, in particular in white LEDs. Its elastic properties remain unknown. A survey of literature shows that, up to now, nine oxonitridosilicate materials have been identified. For most of these compounds, doped with rare earths and manganese, a luminescence has been reported at a wavelength characteristic for the given material; all together cover a broad spectral range. The present study focuses on the elastic properties of one of these oxonitridosilicates, the Eu-doped triclinic α-SrSi2O2N2. High-pressure powder diffraction experiments are used in order to experimentally determine, for the first time, the equation of state of this compound. The in situ experiment was performed for pressures ranging up to 9.65 GPa, for Eu-doped α-SrSi2O2N2 sample mounted in a diamond anvil cell ascertaining the hydrostatic compression conditions. The obtained experimental variation of volume of the triclinic unit cell of α-SrSi2O2N2:Eu with rising pressure served for determination of the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. The determined above quoted bulk modulus is 103(5) GPa, its first derivative is 4.5(1.1). The above quoted bulk modulus value is found to be comparable to that of earlier reported oxynitrides of different composition.

The existence and effect of different rare earth (R2+/3+/IV) ions in SrAl2O4:Eu2+, R3+ and M2MgSi2O7:Eu2+, R3+ (M: Sr, Ba) persistent luminescence materials was studied with XANES (x-ray absorption near edge structure) measurements at HASYLAB/DESY (Hamburg, Germany) and MAX-lab (Lund, Sweden). The experiments were carried out at 298K for selected rare earth (co-) dopants (Eu2+; Ce3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Dy3+ and Yb3+). The co-existence of Eu2+ and Eu3+ was observed in all materials. The co-dopants were always in the trivalent form.

We report on the origin of the anomalous temperature dependence of coercivity observed in some soft ferromagnets by studying the magnetic and electronic properties of FeZr films doped using ion implantation by H, He, B, C, and N. The anomalous increase of the coercivity with temperature was observed only in the C- and B-doped samples. Using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we show that the anomalous behavior of the coercivity coincides with the occurrence of an electron charge transfer for those implanted samples. The origin of the anomaly is discussed in terms of (i) magnetic softness, (ii) nature of the Fe-C and -B covalent bonds, and (iii) large charge transfer.

Even under a pressure of 46 GPa, the low-symmetry lone-pair structures of isoelectronic TIF and PbO (see picture for β-PbO), classic examples of systems with a stereochemically active lone pair, resist transformation into the corresponding high-symmetry NaCl and CsCl structures. Ab initio calculations allowed a simple bonding picture for lone-pair structures involving inert-pair elements to be developed.

The crystal structures of Nb3Te4 and In x Nb3Te4 [x = 0.539 (4)] are reported for a series of pressures between 0 and 40 GPa. Both compounds crystallize in space group P63/m with a = b = 10.671 and c = 3.6468 Å for Nb3Te4, and a = b = 10.677 and c = 3.6566 Å for In x Nb3Te4 at ambient conditions. Phase transitions were not observed. High-pressure X-ray powder diffraction was measured using a diamond anvil cell and synchrotron radiation. Full Rietveld refinements provided the values of the lattice parameters and the values of the atomic coordinates at each pressure. The bulk modulus is found as K 0 = 70 (5) GPa for Nb3Te4 and as K 0 = 73 (4) GPa for In x Nb3Te4. The analysis of the pressure dependences of the detailed crystal structures shows that the compression along c involves the folding up of the quasi-one-dimensional zigzag chains of Nb. The compression perpendicular to c is entirely due to the reduction of the diameter of the channels. The presence of intercalated In atoms is found to have hardly any influence on the compression behaviour up to 40 GPa.

The stability of KAISi3O8 hollandite-type structure is investigated in a series of synthesis experiments between 20 and 95 GPa at 650(±50) °C and between 1200 to 2300 °C, using electrically- and laser-heated diamond anvil cells, respectively. Potassium feldspar transformed to a hollandite-type structure in the experimental pressure range from 20 to 95 GPa at temperatures between 1200 to 2300 °C, whereas it remained amorphous at 65(±5) GPa and 650(±50) °C. KAISi3O8 hollandite is, therefore, a stable phase under the pressure and temperature conditions of at least 2200 km deep in the lower mantle and could be an important host for potassium in that region.