scholarly journals Origin of surface impurities on the Cave of Swords selenite crystals at Naica

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (a1) ◽  
pp. C66-C66
Author(s):  
Maria Elena Montero-Cabrera ◽  
Isai Castillo-Sandoval ◽  
Luis Fuentes-Cobas ◽  
Hilda Esparza-Ponce ◽  
Maria Elena Fuentes-Montero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Grazing Incidence ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Heterogeneous Distribution ◽  
Edge Structure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Incidence Geometries ◽  
The Look

The Cave of Swords was discovered in 1910 at Naica mine, Chihuahua, Mexico. Its name refers to the look of the 1-2 m long crystals the cave had when it was discovered. Currently the crystals are 0.1-0.3 m long. The crystals surface is opaque and ocher. For over 100 years these crystals continue to amaze and give us clues about their formation. This work is part of a research aimed at the conservation of the Naica Giant Crystals. Thirteen samples from the Cave of Swords were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Confocal Laser Microscopy with Differential Interference Contrast (LCM-DIM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) together with X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (μ-XANES) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were employed for elemental analysis. For phase analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) in both symmetric and grazing incidence geometries (GI-XRD) and Micro electron diffraction at TEM were used. Impurities on crystals surfaces show a heterogeneous distribution of the present elements. The thickness of impurities ranges from 120 nm to 150 μm. The phases identified were (see figure) gypsum (1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13), hematite (4, 7, 8), sphalerite (14), chalcopyrite (11), cuprite (15), galena (5), alabandite (12), halite, fluorite and amorphous Pb and Mn oxy-hydroxides. Al, C, Ca, Cl, Cu, F, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, O, Pb, S, Si and Zn elements were identified. A model for the origin of impurities follows: Selenite stopped growing when the solution became sub-saturated. Then, hematite was deposited as the main phase, which was dissolved or suspended in the solution. Hematite matrix served for the adsorption of other crystalline and amorphous phases. We concluded that humans have not produced the impurities, which are witnesses of the gypsum crystals formation. Acknowledgment: Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Harvard Museum of Natural History and CONACYT CB-183706.

scholarly journals Investigation of Spin Coating Cerium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films with Antifungal Properties

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Simona Liliana Iconaru ◽  
Mihai Valentin Predoi ◽  
Patrick Chapon ◽  
Sofia Gaiaschi ◽  
Krzysztof Rokosz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Spin Coating ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Antifungal Properties ◽  
Scanning Electron

In this study, the cerium-doped hydroxyapatite (Ca10−xCex(PO4)6(OH)2 with xCe = 0.1, 10Ce-HAp) coatings obtained by the spin coating method were presented for the first time. The stability of the 10Ce-HAp suspension particles used in the preparation of coatings was evaluated by ultrasonic studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface morphology of the 10Ce-HAp coating was studied by SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The obtained 10Ce-HAp coatings were uniform and without cracks or unevenness. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used for the investigation of fine chemical depth profiling. The antifungal properties of the HAp and 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings were assessed using Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (C. albicans) fungal strain. The quantitative antifungal assays demonstrated that both 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings exhibited strong antifungal properties and that they successfully inhibited the development and adherence of C. albicans fungal cells for all the tested time intervals. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualization of the C. albicans fungal cells adherence to the 10Ce-HAp surface also demonstrated their strong inhibitory effects. In addition, the qualitative assays also suggested that the 10Ce-HAp coatings successfully stopped the biofilm formation.

scholarly journals Surface Stoichiometry and Depth Profile of Tix-CuyNz Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3191
Author(s):  
Arun Kumar Mukhopadhyay ◽  
Avishek Roy ◽  
Gourab Bhattacharjee ◽  
Sadhan Chandra Das ◽  
Abhijit Majumdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetron Sputtering ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Film Surface ◽  
Grazing Incidence ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Relative Composition ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Deposited Film ◽  
Deposited Films

We report the surface stoichiometry of Tix-CuyNz thin film as a function of film depth. Films are deposited by high power impulse (HiPIMS) and DC magnetron sputtering (DCMS). The composition of Ti, Cu, and N in the deposited film is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At a larger depth, the relative composition of Cu and Ti in the film is increased compared to the surface. The amount of adventitious carbon which is present on the film surface strongly decreases with film depth. Deposited films also contain a significant amount of oxygen whose origin is not fully clear. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) shows a Cu3N phase on the surface, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates a polycrystalline structure and the presence of a Ti3CuN phase.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Ce1−xPdxO2−δ Solid Solution in Molten Nitrate

Catalysts ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 640
Author(s):  
Hideaki Sasaki ◽  
Keisuke Sakamoto ◽  
Masami Mori ◽  
Tatsuaki Sakamoto
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Solid Solution ◽  
Solid Solutions ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Synthesis Method ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Co Precipitation ◽  
Ionic States

CeO2-based solid solutions in which Pd partially substitutes for Ce attract considerable attention, owing to their high catalytic performances. In this study, the solid solution (Ce1−xPdxO2−δ) with a high Pd content (x ~ 0.2) was synthesized through co-precipitation under oxidative conditions using molten nitrate, and its structure and thermal decomposition were examined. The characteristics of the solid solution, such as the change in a lattice constant, inhibition of sintering, and ionic states, were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM−EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)−EDS, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesis method proposed in this study appears suitable for the easy preparation of CeO2 solid solutions with a high Pd content.

Characterization of columns grown during KrF laser micromachining of Al2O3–TiC ceramics

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1123-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Oliveira ◽  
R. Vilar
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Pulses ◽  
Formation Mechanisms ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reducing Conditions ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Column Formation ◽  
Krf Laser

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of column formation mechanisms in Al2O3–TiC ceramics micromachined using excimer lasers. Chemical and structural characterization of columns grown in Al2O3–TiC composite processed with 200 KrF laser pulses at 10 J/cm2 was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis. Fully developed columns consist of a core of unprocessed material surrounded by an outer layer of Al2TiO5, formed in oxidizing conditions, and an inner layer, formed in reducing conditions, composed of TiC and Al3Ti or an AlTi solid solution. Possible mechanisms of column formation are discussed.

scholarly journals Green Synthesis of Feather-Shaped MoS2/CdS Photocatalyst for Effective Hydrogen Production

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Hongtao Yu ◽  
Xie Quan ◽  
Shuo Chen
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Diffuse Reflectance ◽  
Sulfur Source ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Microscopy Images ◽  
Effective Hydrogen ◽  
Better Than

MoS2/CdS photocatalyst was fabricated by a hydrothermal method for H2production under visible light. This method used low toxic thiourea as a sulfur source and was carried out at 200°C. Thus, it was better than the traditional methods, which are based on an annealing process at relatively high temperature (above 400°C) using toxic H2S as reducing agent. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed that the morphologies of MoS2/CdS samples were feather shaped and MoS2layer was on the surface of CdS. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy testified that the sample was composed of stoichiometric MoS2and CdS. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra displayed that the loading of MoS2can enhance the optical absorption of MoS2/CdS. The photocatalytic activity of MoS2/CdS was evaluated by producing hydrogen. The hydrogen production rate on MoS2/CdS reached 192 μmol·h−1. This performance was stable during three repeated photocatalytic processes.

scholarly journals Aluminum Nitride-Silicon Carbide Alloy Crystals Grown on SiC Substrates by Sublimation

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Gu ◽  
L. Du ◽  
J.H. Edgar ◽  
E.A. Payzant ◽  
L. Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Original Source ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Alloy Crystal ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Crystal Substrate ◽  
Vapor Distribution ◽  
Uniform Composition

AlN-SiC alloy crystals, with a thickness greater than 500 µm, were grown on 4H- and 6H-SiC substrates from a mixture of AlN and SiC powders by the sublimation-recondensation method at 1860-1990 °C. On-axis SiC substrates produced a rough surface covered with hexagonal grains, while 6H- and 4H- off-axis SiC substrates with different miscut angles (8° or 3.68°) formed a relatively smooth surface with terraces and steps. The substrate misorientation ensured that the AlN-SiC alloy crystals grew two dimensionally as identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the AlN-SiC alloys had the wurtzite structure. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated that the resultant alloy crystals had non-stoichiometric ratios of Al:N and Si:C and a uniform composition throughout the alloy crystal from the interface to the surface. The composition ratio of Al:Si of the alloy crystals changed with the growth temperature, and differed from the original source composition, which was consistent with the results predicted by thermodynamic calculation of the solid-vapor distribution of each element. XPS detected the bonding between Si-C, Si-N, Si-O for the Si 2p spectra. The dislocation density decreased with the growth, which was lower than 106 cm−2 at the alloy surface, more than two orders of magnitude lower compared to regions close to the crystal/substrate interface, as determined by TEM.

Investigation of Defect Formation in 4H-SiC(0001) and (000-1) Epitaxy

2008 ◽  
Vol 600-603 ◽  
pp. 267-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidekazu Tsuchida ◽  
Isaho Kamata ◽  
Masahiro Nagano
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Defect Formation ◽  
Grazing Incidence ◽  
Microscopic Structure ◽  
Threading Dislocation ◽  
Simultaneous Generation ◽  
Burgers Vector ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Electron

Defect formation in 4H-SiC(0001) and (000-1) epitaxy is investigated by grazing incidence synchrotron reflection X-ray topography and transmission electron microscopy. Frank-type faults, which are terminated by four Frank partials with a 1/4[0001] type Burgers vector with the same sign on four different basal planes, are confirmed to be formed by conversion of a 1c threading edge dislocation (TSD) in the substrate as well as simultaneous generation of a 1c TSD during epitaxy. The collation between the topography appearance and the microscopic structure and the variety of Frank faults are shown. Formation of carrot defects and threading dislocation clusters are also investigated.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Fe3O4/Graphene Aerogels for the Removal of Arsenic Ions from Water

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Ye ◽  
Da Yin ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Qingwen Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Graphene Aerogels ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Removal Of Arsenic

We report the synthesis of three-dimensional Fe3O4/graphene aerogels (GAs) and their application for the removal of arsenic (As) ions from water. The morphology and properties of Fe3O4/GAs have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum inference device. The 3D nanostructure shows that iron oxide nanoparticles are decorated on graphene with an interconnected network structure. It is found that Fe3O4/GAs own a capacity of As(V) ions adsorption up to 40.048 mg/g due to their remarkable 3D structure and existence of magnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles for separation. The adsorption isotherm matches well with the Langmuir model and kinetic analysis suggests that the adsorption process is pseudo-second-ordered. In addition to the excellent adsorption capability, Fe3O4/GAs can be easily and effectively separated from water, indicating potential applications in water treatment.

scholarly journals Facile Preparation of Rod-like MnO Nanomixtures via Hydrothermal Approach and Highly Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue for Wastewater Treatment

Nanomaterials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuelong Xu ◽  
Bin Ren ◽  
Ran Wang ◽  
Lihui Zhang ◽  
Tifeng Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Degradation Mechanism ◽  
Dye Adsorption ◽  
Maximum Adsorption Capacity ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Degradation Ratio ◽  
Hydrothermal Approach

In the present study, nanoscale rod-shaped manganese oxide (MnO) mixtures were successfully prepared from graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) through a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared MnO nanomixtures exhibited high activity in the adsorption and degradation of methylene blue (MB). The as-synthesized products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, the effects of the dose of MnO nanomixtures, pH of the solution, initial concentration of MB, and the temperature of MB removal in dye adsorption and degradation experiments was investigated. The degradation mechanism of MB upon treatment with MnO nanomixtures and H2O2 was studied and discussed. The results showed that a maximum adsorption capacity of 154 mg g−1 was obtained for a 60 mg L−1 MB solution at pH 9.0 and 25 °C, and the highest MB degradation ratio reached 99.8% under the following optimum conditions: 50 mL of MB solution (20 mg L−1) at room temperature and pH ≈ 8.0 with 7 mg of C, N-doped MnO and 0.5 mL of H2O2.

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