X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of fast-frozen hematite colloids in aqueous solutions. 5. Halide ion (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-) adsorption

A Multifunctional Na2Se/Zn-Mn Skeleton Enables Processable and Highly Reversible Sodium Metal Anode

The recent high-energy density sodium (Na) metal batteries (SMBs) are restricted by their processability, lifetime, and safety. These issues can be addressed by controlling the reactions at the Na metal by modifying the Na metal anode (SMA) with the sodiophilic hosts. Herein, a multifunctional Na2Se/Zn-Mn skeleton is introduced for SMA and fabricate a processable Na@Na2Se/Zn-Mn composite using repeated cold rolling/folding approach through the spontaneous reaction between Na metal and ZnMnSe alloy. This unique intermetallic composite has Zn and Mn metal sites for uniform deposition of Na, while Na2Se generates a stable SEI for rapid Na+ ion transport. It offers outstanding sodiophilicity, high processability, excellent mechanical strength, and high ionic conductivity due to the synergistic effect of multi-component, enabling stable Na plating/stripping at high current densities and areal capacities. An optimized Na2Se/Zn-Mn skeleton enables Na||Na symmetric cells to attain a high critical current density of 5.0 mA cm-2 at 5.0 mAh cm-2 with an extended lifespan of 9000 h at 1.0 mA cm-2 at 1.0 mAh cm-2. Remarkably, when configured into a full cell with a Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the SMB displays an extended lifespan of 2000 cycles at 10 C and an impressive high-rate capacity of ≈61.6 mAh g-¹ at 30 C.

The Comparison between Magnetite Nanoparticles Co-Precipitated by Different Bases and Their Effects on Human Cells

The superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized through co-precipitation method by using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide or a weak base such as ammonium hydroxide. The magnetite co-precipitated by ammonium hydroxide (MA) has different properties than the magnetite co-precipitated by sodium hydroxide (MS). The cytotoxicity effects of MA and MS on the breast cancer cells and normal hepatocytes cells were studied. The magnetite nanoparticles with two ways were characterized by using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. X-ray fluorescence, Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential, pH changes, Wide-angle X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy, MTT assay test and High-Resolution Transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the final pH of MA and MS were 5 and 7.5, respectively. MA nanoparticles have salts which act as weak oxidizing agent and they were exposed to oxidation at high temperature and lost their magnetic property. They have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells and normal hepatocytes cells more than the MS.

Mechanistic insight into biopolymer induced iron oxide mineralization through quantification of molecular bonding

Microbial production of iron (oxyhydr)oxides on polysaccharide rich biopolymers occurs on such a vast scale that it impacts the global iron cycle and has been responsible for major biogeochemical events. Yet the physiochemical controls these biopolymers exert on iron (oxyhydr)oxide formation are poorly understood. Here we used dynamic force spectroscopy to directly probe binding between complex, model and natural microbial polysaccharides and common iron (oxyhydr)oxides. Applying nucleation theory to our results demonstrates that if there is a strong attractive interaction between biopolymers and iron (oxyhydr)oxides, the biopolymers decrease the nucleation barriers, thus promoting mineral nucleation. These results are also supported by nucleation studies and density functional theory. Spectroscopic and thermogravimetric data provide insight into the subsequent growth dynamics and show that the degree and strength of water association with the polymers can explain the influence on iron (oxyhydr)oxide transformation rates. Combined, our results provide a mechanistic basis for understanding how polymer-mineral-water interactions alter iron (oxyhydr)oxides nucleation and growth dynamics and pave the way for an improved understanding of the consequences of polymer induced mineralization in natural systems.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Fast-Frozen Hematite Colloids in Aqueous Solutions. 6. Sodium Halide (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-) Ion Binding on Microparticles

Electrolyte ion binding at mineral surfaces is central to the generation of surface charge and key to electric double-layer formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of fast-frozen (-170 °C) mineral wet pastes provides a means to study weakly bound electrolyte ions at the mineral/water interface. In this study, we build upon a series of articles devoted to ion binding at hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) particle surfaces to resolve the nature of sodium halide ion binding. Measurements on micron-sized hematite particles terminated by the charged and amphoteric (012) and the relatively uncharged (001) faces point to the formation of salt loadings of similar composition to those of cryosalts of NaCl, NaBr, NaI, and NaF. These coatings could be likened to those of the better-known hydrohalite (NaCl·2H₂O) phase, one that typically forms under concentrated (≫0.1 M) aqueous solutions of NaCl under freezing conditions. As we have previously shown that these reaction products do not occur in nanosized hematite particles, our work points to the involvement of the basal (001) face and/or the juxtaposition of these faces in packed tabular microparticles of hematite (1-3 μm in width) in stabilizing these cryosalts. One possible formation pathway involves first-layer Na⁺ and Cl^- ions serving as an anchoring layer for a topotactic-like growth of amorphous to low-crystalline salt hydrates at the (001) face. Thus, by contrasting reaction products of four sodium halides at surfaces of tabular microparticles of hematite, this work revealed the formation of cryosalt-like solids. The formation of such solids may have especially important ramifications to ice nucleation mechanisms in the atmosphere, as well as in saline permafrosts on Earth and on planet Mars where salt-laden mineral particles prevail.

Wavelength-Tunable and Highly Stable Perovskite-Quantum-Dot-Doped Lasers with Liquid Crystal Lasing Cavities

This study applies a low-cost solvothermal method to synthesize all-inorganic (lead-free cesium tin halide) perovskite quantum dots (AIPQDs) and to fabricate AIPQD-doped lasers with cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) lasing cavities. The lasers present highly qualified lasing features of low threshold (150 nJ/pulse) and narrow line width (0.20 nm) that are attributed to the conjunction of the suppression of photoluminescence (PL) loss caused by the quantum confinement of AIPQDs and the amplification of PL caused by the band-edge effect of the CLC-distributed feedback resonator. In addition, the lasers possess highly flexible lasing-wavelength tuning features and a long-term stability under storage at room temperature and under high humidity given the protective role of CLC. These advantages are difficult to confer to typical light-emitting perovskite devices. Given these merits, the AIPQD-doped CLC laser device has considerable potential applications in optoelectronic and photonic devices, including lighting, displays, and lasers.

Molecular species forming at the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle-aqueous solution interface

We report on electronic structure measurements of the interface between hematite nanoparticles (6 nm diameter) and aqueous solutions. Using soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy from a liquid microjet we detect valence and core-level photoelectrons as well as Auger electrons from liquid water, from the nanoparticle-water interface, and from the interior of the aqueous-phase nanoparticles. Most noteworthy, the method is shown to be sufficiently sensitive for the detection of adsorbed hydroxyl species, resulting from H2O dissociation at the nanoparticle surface in aqueous solution. We obtain signal from surface OH from resonant, non-resonant, and from so-called partial-electron-yield X-ray absorption (PEY-XA) spectra. In addition, we report resonant photoelectron measurements at the iron 2p excitation. The respective Fe iron 2p3/2 edge (L3-edge) PEY-XA spectra exhibit two main absorption peaks with their energies being sensitive to the chemical environment of the Fe3+ ions at the nanoparticle-solution interface. This manifests in the 10Dq value which is a measure of the ligand-field strength. Furthermore, an observed intensity variation of the pre-peak, when comparing the PEY-XA spectra for different iron Auger-decay channels, can be assigned to different extents of electron delocalization. From the experimental fraction of local versus non-local autoionization signals we then find a very fast, approximately 1 fs, charge transfer time from interfacial Fe3+ into the environment. The present study, which is complementary to ambient-pressure photoemission studies on solid-electrolyte systems, also highlights the multiple aspects of photoemission that need to be explored for a full characterization of the transition-metal-oxide nanoparticle surface in aqueous phase.

Synthesis and optical properties of lead-free cesium germanium halide perovskite quantum rods

Herein, the fabrication of a lead-free cesium germanium halide perovskite produced via a simple solvothermal process is reported for the first time. By tuning the composition of the CsGeX₃ quantum rods, a power conversion efficiency of 4.92% under AM 1.5 G was achieved.

Herein, the fabrication of a lead-free cesium germanium halide perovskite produced via a simple solvothermal process is reported for the first time.

Synthesis and Optical Properties of Lead-Free Cesium Tin Halide Perovskite Quantum Rods with High-Performance Solar Cell Application

Herein, the fabrication of a lead-free cesium tin halide perovskite produced via a simple solvothermal process is reported for the first time. The resulting CsSnX₃ (X = Cl, Br, and I) quantum rods show composition-tunable photoluminescence (PL) emissions over the entire visible spectral window (from 625 to 709 nm), as well as significant tunability of the optical properties. In this study, we demonstrate that through hybrid materials (CsSnX₃) with different halides, the system can be tunable in terms of PL. By replacing the halide of the CsSnX₃ quantum rods, a power conversion efficiency of 12.96% under AM 1.5 G has been achieved. This lead-free quantum rod replacement has demonstrated to be an effective method to create an absorber layer that increases light harvesting and charge collection for photovoltaic applications in its perovskite phase.

Isoelectric points and points of zero charge of metal (hydr)oxides: 50years after Parks' review

The pH-dependent surface charging of metal (hydr)oxides is reviewed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication by G.A. Parks: "Isoelectric points of solid oxides, solid hydroxides, and aqueous hydroxo complex systems" in Chemical Reviews. The point of zero charge (PZC) and isoelectric point (IEP) became standard parameters to characterize metal oxides in aqueous dispersions, and they define adsorption (surface excess) of ions, stability against coagulation, rheological properties of dispersions, etc. They are commonly used in many branches of science including mineral processing, soil science, materials science, geochemistry, environmental engineering, and corrosion science. Parks established standard procedures and experimental conditions which are required to obtain reliable and reproducible values of PZC and IEP. The field is very active, and the number of related papers exceeds 300 a year, and the standards established by Parks remain still valid. Relevant experimental techniques improved over the years, especially the measurements of electrophoretic mobility became easier and more reliable, are the numerical values of PZC and IEP compiled by Parks were confirmed by contemporary publications with a few exceptions. The present paper is an up-to-date compilation of the values of PZC and IEP of metal oxides. Unlike in former reviews by the same author, which were more comprehensive, only limited number of selected results are presented and discussed here. On top of the results obtained by means of classical methods (titration and electrokinetic methods), new methods and correlations found over the recent 50years are presented.

Bifluoride ([HF2]−) formation at the fluoridated aluminium hydroxide/water interface

Bifluoride-type species are formed at fluoride-exchanged aluminium hydroxide surfaces contacted with aqueous solutions. First layer surface species are anchors for growth of multi-layered species towards the solution.

Exploring the mineral-water interface: reduction and reaction kinetics of single hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

Here we show that particle impact chronoamperometry allows the quantitative electrochemical characterization of individual mineral nanoparticles with adequate proton concentrations. Through this approach, we extract the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reductive dissolution of single hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles.

In spite of their natural and technological importance, the intrinsic electrochemical properties of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles are not well understood. In particular, particle agglomeration, the presence of surface impurities, and/or inadequate proton concentrations are major obstacles to uncover the fundamental redox activities of minerals in solution. These are particularly problematic when samples are characterized in common electrochemical analyses such as cyclic voltammetry in which nanoparticles are immobilized on a stationary electrode. In this work, the intrinsic reaction kinetics and thermodynamics of individual hematite nanoparticles are investigated by particle impact chronoamperometry. The particle radius derived from the integrated area of spikes recorded in a chronoamperogram is in excellent agreement with electron microscopy results, indicating that the method provides a quantitative analysis of the reduction of the nanoparticles to the ferrous ion. A key finding is that the suspended individual nanoparticles undergo electrochemical reduction at potentials much more positive than those immobilized on a stationary electrode. The critical importance of the solid/water interface on nanoparticle activity is further illustrated by a kinetic model. It is found that the first electron transfer process is the rate determining step of the reductive dissolution of hematite nanoparticles, while the overall process is strongly affected by the interfacial proton concentration. This article highlights the effects of the interfacial proton and ferrous ion concentrations on the reductive dissolution of hematite nanoparticles and provides a highly effective method that can be readily applied to study a wide range of other mineral nanoparticles.

Comparison of the synergistic effect of counterions on the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in acid solution: electrochemical, gravimetric and thermodynamic studies

Quinoline quaternary ammonium salts 1-benzylquinoline bromide (1) and 1-benzylquinoline chloride (2) have been synthesized and then developed as corrosion inhibitors in acidic HCl solution.

Sodium borohydride treatment: a simple and effective process for the removal of stabilizer and capping agents from shape-controlled palladium nanoparticles

Using the hydride formation property of Pd for the removal of strongly-adsorbed impurities from nanoparticle surfaces.

Electrolyte ion binding at iron oxyhydroxide mineral surfaces

Electrolyte ion loadings at the surfaces of synthetic goethite (α-FeOOH) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) particles that were pre-equilibrated in aqueous solutions of 10 mM NaCl and NaClO4 at 25 °C were investigated by cryogenic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Atomic concentrations of Cl(-), ClO4(-), and Na(+) were correlated to potential determining ion (pdi; H(+), OH(-)) loadings obtained by potentiometric titrations. While Cl(-) promoted more pdi adsorption than ClO4(-), due to its greater charge-to-size ratio, both ions followed the same loading dependence on pdi adsorption, in contrast to previous studies supporting the concept for negligible perchlorate adorption. Lepidocrocite particles exhibited a stronger response of electrolyte adsorption to pdi loadings due electrolyte ion adsorption on the proton inactive (010) plane. These particles also acquired greater sodium loadings than goethite. These loadings were moreover considerably enhanced by perchlorate adsorption, possibly due to a thickening of the interfacial region in NaClO4 on the (010) plane. Finally, goethite particles with rougher surfaces acquired greater pdi and ion loadings than on those with smoother surfaces. No strong differences could be discerned between Cl(-) and ClO4(-) loadings on these materials. This work thus identified key aspects underpinning the relationship between pdi and electrolyte loadings at FeOOH mineral surfaces of environmental and technological importance.

Influence of sodium halides (NaF, NaCl, NaBr, NaI) on the photocatalytic performance of hydrothermally synthesized hematite photoanodes

It has been suggested that a high concentration of Fe(3+) in solution, a low pH, and noncomplexing ions of high ionic strength are all essential for developing a high-quality hematite array. Our curiosity was piqued regarding the role of the electrolyte ions in the hydrothermal synthesis of hematite photoanodes. In this study, we prepared hematite photoanodes hydrothermally from precursor solutions of 0.1 M FeCl3 at pH 1.55 with a background electrolyte of 1.0 M sodium halide (NaF, NaCl, NaBr, or NaI). We compared the structures and properties of the as-obtained hematite photoanodes with those of the material prepared in 1.0 M NaNO3, the most widely adopted electrolyte in previous studies. Among our studied systems, we found that the hematite photoanode prepared in NaCl solution was the only one possessing properties similar to those of the sample obtained from the NaNO3 solution-most importantly in terms of photoelectrochemical performance (ca. 0.2 mA/cm(2) with +0.4 V vs SCE). The hematites obtained from the NaF, NaBr, and NaI solutions exhibited much lower (by approximately 2 orders of magnitude) photocurrent densities under the same conditions, possibly because of their relatively less ordered crystallinity and the absence of rodlike morphologies. Because the synthetic protocol was identical in each case, we believe that these two distinct features reflect the environments in which these hematite photoanodes were formed. Consistent with the latest studies reported in the literature of the X-ray photoelectron spectra of fast-frozen hematite colloids in aqueous solutions, it appears that the degree of surface ion loading at the electrolyte-hematite interface (Stern layer) is critical during the development of hematite photoanodes. We suspect that a lower ion surface loading benefits the hematite developing relatively higher-order and a rodlike texture, thereby improving the photoelectrochemical activity.