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To develop one-dimensional spintronic devices, we synthesize Gd-filled double-walled carbon nanotubes where the long spin-coherence time of a paramagnetic gadolinium (Gd3+) ion and the discrete phonon modes of a carbon nanotube can be combined. Here, we report Raman observation of spin–phonon coupling in the Gd-filled double-walled nanotubes by analyzing the low-temperature dependence of the dominant phonon modes (G-band). A G-band (ω G ext + and ω G int +) phonon frequency hardening is observed below a critical temperature of TC ∼ 110 K coinciding with the onset temperature of superparamagnetic behavior confirmed through magnetization studies. This anomalous behavior is ascribed to phonon renormalization induced by spin–phonon coupling interaction. The estimated spin–phonon coupling constant values are 12.2 and 5.0 cm−1 for G ext + and G int + phonon modes, respectively, analyzed by comparing the phonon frequency variation (Δ ω) to magnetization as a function of temperature. Realizing a spin–phonon coupling (three times higher than for other multiferroic compounds) interface and modulating it in a one-dimensional system have potential benefit when designing effective molecular qubits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the elastic properties and the lattice thermal conductivity of amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeTe thin films using surface Brillouin scattering. It is demonstrated that this method allows for the determination of the isotropic elastic constants from the measured surface acoustic phonon frequencies. We found elastic constants of C 11 = 48.7 / 43.6 and C 44 = 14.3 / 9.4 GPa for GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5, respectively. These results suggest acoustic hardening in GeTe compared to Ge2Sb2Te5 films, and this was supported by the derived, shear, and Young's moduli. The measured longitudinal and transverse velocities were used to determine the lower limit of the lattice thermal conductivity. In general, both chalcogenides alloys exhibit low lattice thermal conductivities of κ m i n < 0.50 W m − 1 K − 1 . This could be beneficial for thermal management in phase-change memory devices and for thermoelectric application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme mechanical properties of diamond have made it the material of choice for many industrial applications, ranging from cutting and grinding to wire-drawing dies. A detailed knowledge of its mechanical properties, also at high temperature, is thus of importance. Micro-Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were used to map the three-dimensional (3D) stress distribution surrounding a plastic impression made in a synthetic, type Ib single crystal diamond. The impression was created on a (100) face of the crystal with an Si3N4 impressor at 1400 °C using the so-called soft impressor technique. The diamond Raman peak was mapped at room temperature at the surface and at fixed intervals of 10 μm below the surface using a motorised X-Y stage. The depth (Z)-resolution was limited to 10 μm by means of a confocal pinhole. Using data from the Raman peak position, a 3D map of the stress contours surrounding the impression was generated, while the Raman width data yielded a map of the plastic deformation volume. The surface stress map shows a cross-shaped rosette pattern that corresponds very closely with micrographs imaging the pile-up on the surface due to dislocation movement. The 'arms' of the pattern are in compression (∼1.5 GPa), while the center of the impression is in tension (∼1 GPa). The deformation map shows a radially symmetric area of deformation centered on the impression, with the maximum degree of deformation at the center. The stress contours compare favorably with the resolved shear stress contours calculated for diamond. PL intensity maps of the zero phonon line (ZPL) associated with the [N-V]- defect center at 1.945 eV provide images of the extent of vacancy formation and movement during the impression process. Data concerning the position and width of the ZPL correspond well with the Raman results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colour plays an eminent role in beadwork. Colour modifications are reported on early shell beads from Middle Stone Age sites. However, identifying the colouring agent and demonstrating the intentional nature of the colouring process is not straightforward. Here, we provide analytical data on colour and structural modifications observed on Nassarius kraussianus ( Nk) collected in modern thanatocoenoses and on shells of the same species experimentally heated in oxidizing and reductive atmospheres. Comparison with Nk shell beads from the 72 ka old Middle Stone Age levels of Blombos Cave, South Africa, and contextual analysis of other malacological remains from the same levels that were not used as ornaments identify the mechanisms responsible for the change of colour in modern Nk thanatocoenoses and heated shells, and show that although some Nk shell beads were heated, intentional heat treatment of shell beads is not demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (C:TiO2 NPs) have been synthesized by ultrasonic nebulizer spray pyrolysis (USP) andpneumatic spray pyrolysis (PSP) techniques. HRTEM on the NPs shows difference in lattice spacing in the NP structures prepared by the two methods-2.02 Å for the USP NPs and an average of 3.74 Å for the PSP NPs. The most probable particle sizes are 3.11 nm and 5.5 nm, respectively. Raman spectroscopy supported by FTIR confirms the TiO2 polymorph to be anatase with the intense phonon frequency at 153 cm-1 blue-shifted from 141 cm-1 ascribed to both carbon doping and particle size. A modified phonon confinement model for nanoparticles has been used to extract phonon dispersion and other parameters for anatase for the first time. Electronic measurements show "negative conductance" at some critical bias voltage, which is characteristic of n-type conductivity in the carbon-doped TiO2 NPs as confirmed by the calculated areas under the I-V curves, a property suited for solar cell applications. Practical solar cells built from carbon-doped TiO2 electrodes show up to 1.5 times improvement in efficiency compared to pure TiO2 electrodes of similar construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium carbide (TiC) hard coatings have been obtained on steel and silicon substrates by rf magnetron sputtering process. Two layer coatings have been deposited in order to improve adhesion on steel. The lower layer was titanium metal and the upper TiC layer was obtained by reactive sputtering of the titanium target in Ar and methane gas mixture. The study confirmed that the TiC layer composition depends on the reactive sputtering gas composition and substrate bias voltage. Film microhardness was measured by microindentation. Measurement results showed that the hardness coating depends on the microstructure of our coatings and the polarization of bias substrate is an important parameter to control the microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rutile-phase TiO2 rods prepared by hydrothermal bath deposition on F:SnO2 are in fact bundles of single-crystal TiO2 prismatic nanorods of ~ 4 nm diameter each. These bundles of rutile-phase TiO2 nanorods have tetragonal morphology and are strain-free (or the strain in all the samples is the same). Bundles of TiO2 that are oriented tetragonally with respect to the substrate's surface, can be prepared for optimized growth times. It is observed that bundles of TiO2 nanorods act as single entities from the point of view of the Raman spectra (and thus lattice vibrations). Single prismatic nanorods of ~ 4 nm width, as observed via TEM, appear to act as "larger" crystals to the lattice phonons once stacked together to form large oriented bundles of TiO2. Hence, the phonon confinement effect cannot be observed because translational symmetry is preserved at the grain boundaries of the nanorods that make each TiO2 bundle. Moreover, an increase in the density of bundles growing preferentially in the [002] direction, perpendicular to the substrate surface, results in an unusual increase of room and low (77 K) temperature Raman band Eg/A1g intensity ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four samples of nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres were synthesised using a horizontal chemical vapour deposition process. Characterization of the samples using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed spherical graphitic carbon microparticles with substitutional nitrogen in the lattice structure. The average diameter of the microspheres was 1.7 µm. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was also used as a technique to measure the percentage of substitutional nitrogen in each sample. This was determined to be 3.4% in two of the samples and 1.7% in the other two. Temperature dependent electrical transport measurements were performed on the samples and resistance measurements showed clear semiconducting behaviour in two of the samples and a transition from metallic to semiconducting behaviour in the other two samples. IV characteristics measurements display curves with increasing non-linearity as temperature decreases in two samples and saturation behaviour is seen at higher temperatures in the other two samples. An anomaly is present in the IV characteristics at 300 K in all samples. A combination of fluctuation induced tunnelling and electronphonon scattering is used to model the data. These models provide a satisfactory description of the data for both the IV characteristics and the resistance measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA) on the inhibition of copper corrosion in 0.5 M HCl solutions have been studied using gravimetric, electrochemical, and Raman spectroscopy investigations. Weight-loss measurements after varied immersion periods revealed that the dissolution rate of copper decreased to a minimum, while the inhibition efficiency (zeta%) and consequently the degree of surface coverage (theta) increased with the presence of ATA and the increase of its concentration. Potentiodynamic polarization, chronoamperometric, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements after 0, 24, and 48 h immersion of the copper electrode in the test solutions showed that the presence of ATA molecules significantly decreased cathodic, anodic, and corrosion (jcorr) currents and corrosion rates (Rcorr) and greatly increased polarization resistance (Rp), zeta%, and theta; this effect was increased on increasing the ATA content in the solution. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that ATA molecules strongly adsorbed onto the copper surface, blocking its active sites and preventing it from being corroded easily.

Corrosion of copper in aerated synthetic sea water (3.5% NaCl) solutions and its inhibition by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA) have been studied using electrochemical, gravimetric, and pH measurements, along with Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the presence of ATA and the increase of its concentration suppress the corrosion process on the copper surface. This effect decreases cathodic, anodic, and corrosion (jcorr) currents and corrosion rates (Kcorr), while increasing polarization resistance (Rp), surface coverage (theta), and inhibition efficiency (IE%). Weight loss measurements indicated that the dissolution of copper and the accompanying change of pH decreased to a minimum even after 24 days immersion due to the presence of ATA and the increase of its concentration. Raman investigations revealed that the inhibition of copper corrosion is achieved by strong adsorption of ATA molecules onto the copper surface, preventing it from being corroded easily.

Corrosion of copper in aerated acidic chloride pickling (0.5 M HCl) solutions and its inhibition by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiol (ATT) have been investigated using electrochemical techniques and weight-loss measurements, along with Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurements for copper after varied immersion periods of 0, 24, and 48 h showed that the presence of ATT and the increase of its concentration significantly decrease cathodic, anodic, corrosion (j(Corr)) currents and corrosion rates (K(Corr)), as well as the dissolution currents at 300 mV vs Ag/AgCl, while increasing polarization resistance (Rp), degree of surface coverage (theta) and inhibition efficiency (IE%) to a great extent. Weight-loss measurements after different immersion periods of 6 to 48 h revealed that the dissolution of copper decreased to a minimum and the corresponding IE% increased with increasing ATT concentration. The detection of ATT molecules on the copper surface by Raman spectroscopy indicated that inhibition of copper corrosion is achieved by strong adsorption of ATT molecules onto the copper surface.