Atomic-scale structure of the SrTiO3(001)-c(6x2) reconstruction: Experiments and first-principles calculations

The c(6x2) is a reconstruction of the SrTiO3(001) surface that is formed between 1050-1100oC in oxidizing annealing conditions. This work proposes a model for the atomic structure for the c(6x2) obtained through a combination of results from transmission electron diffraction, surface x-ray diffraction, direct methods analysis, computational combinational screening, and density functional theory. As it is formed at high temperatures, the surface is complex and can be described as a short-range ordered phase featuring microscopic domains composed of four main structural motifs. Additionally, non-periodic TiO2 units are present on the surface. Simulated scanning tunneling microscopy images based on the electronic structure calculations are consistent with experimental images

Energy storage mechanisms in vacancy-ordered Wadsley-Roth layered niobates

Wadsley–Roth (WR) crystallographic shear structures demonstrate high energy and power densities as Li-ion battery anode materials. We report the (de)lithiation behavior of two WR-derived layered niobates: NaNb_{3}O_{8} and KNb_{3}O_{8}. Both demonstrate multi-electron (Nb5+/Nb3+) redox on the first discharge, reacting with ≈5 mol Li per mol ANb_{3}O_{8}. Li intercalation in NaNb_{3}O_{8} is dominated by Li-diffusion kinetics and evolution of the interlayer structure, with Li initially filling octahedral sites near the interlayer space to draw the layers together to form a (2 × 2)_{∞} WR structure. This average structure change pushes Na ions into the square channels, blocking fast Li diffusion down the square channels that provide the fast Li-ion conduction in most WR materials. Upon charge, Li ions incorporated into the octahedral WR sites (ordered vacancies in the layered structure) are extracted, revealing a new, reversible Li site for additional capacity in WR-like materials. The behavior of KNb_{3}O_{8} is similar, but has additional hysteresis associated with its larger counter-cation. While neither layered niobate matches the demonstrated performance of WR materials, by studying them, we identify a route for increased capacity in WR-like frameworks. Additionally, we identify the important role of Li diffusion kinetics and counter-cations in the cycling behavior of WR-derived structures

A Surface Reconstruction with a Fractional Hole: (5×5)R26.6∘(\sqrt{5}\times\sqrt{5}) R26.6^\circ LaAlO3_3 (001)

The structure of the $(\sqrt{5}\times\sqrt{5})R26.6^\circ$ reconstruction of LaAlO$_3$ (001) has been determined using transmission electron diffraction combined with direct methods. The structure is relatively simple, consisting of a lanthanum oxide termination with one lanthanum cation vacancy per surface unit cell. The electronic structure is unusual since a fractional number of holes or atomic occupancies per surface unit cell are required to achieve charge neutrality. Density functional calculations indicate that the charge compensation mechanism occurs by means of highly delocalized holes. The surface contains no oxygen vacancies and with a better than 99% confidence level, the holes are not filled with hydrogen. The reconstruction can be understood in terms of expulsion of the more electropositive cation from the surface followed by an increased covalency between the remaining surface lanthanum atoms and adjacent oxygen atoms.Comment: 4 Pages, 3 Figure

Interface and Electrode Engineering for Next-Generation Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Final Technical Report, March 2005 - August 2008

The objective of this project was to enable next-generation, efficient, easily manufacturable, and durable organic photovoltaics through interface and electrode engineering

Epitaxial Stabilization of Face Selective Catalysts

Abstract Selective, active, and robust catalysts are necessary for the efficient utilization of new feedstocks. Faceselective catalysts can precisely modify catalytic properties, but are often unstable under reaction conditions, changing shape and losing selectivity. Herein we report a method for synthesizing stable heterogeneous catalysts in which the morphology and selectivity can be tuned precisely and predictably. Using nanocrystal supports, we epitaxially stabilize specific active phase morphologies. This changes the distribution of active sites of different coordination, which have correspondingly different catalytic properties. Specifically, we utilize the different interfacial free-energies between perovskite titanate nanocube supports with different crystal lattice dimensions and a platinum active phase. By substituting different sized cations into the support, we change the lattice mismatch between the support and the active phase, thereby changing the interfacial free-energy, and stabilizing the active phase in different morphologies in a predictable manner. We correlate these changes in active phase atomic coordination with changes in catalytic performance (activity and selectivity), using the hydrogenation of acrolein as a test reaction. The method is general and can be applied to many nanocrystal supports and active phase combinations. Keywords Epitaxy Á Perovskite Á Platinum Á Heterogeneous catalysis Á Hydrogenation Á Acrolein Controlling the morphology of catalytic metal nanoparticles has incredible potential for improving selectivity and yield. This is because catalytic properties often depend upon the coordination of active site atoms We have recently observed that oriented oxide nanocrystal supports can epitaxially stabilize a specific orientation and morphology of the active phas

Evidence for charge localization in the ferromagnetic phase of La_(1-x)Ca_(x)MnO_3 from High real-space-resolution x-ray diffraction

High real-space-resolution atomic pair distribution functions of La_(1-x)Ca_(x)MnO_3 (x=0.12, 0.25 and 0.33) have been measured using high-energy x-ray powder diffraction to study the size and shape of the MnO_6 octahedron as a function of temperature and doping. In the paramagnetic insulating phase we find evidence for three distinct bond-lengths (~ 1.88, 1.95 and 2.15A) which we ascribe to Mn^{4+}-O, Mn^{3+}-O short and Mn^{3+}-O long bonds respectively. In the ferromagnetic metallic (FM) phase, for x=0.33 and T=20K, we find a single Mn-O bond-length; however, as the metal-insulator transition is approached either by increasing T or decreasing x, intensity progressively appears around r=2.15 and in the region 1.8 - 1.9A suggesting the appearance of Mn^{3+}-O long bonds and short Mn^{4+}-O bonds. This is strong evidence that charge localized and delocalized phases coexist close to the metal-insulator transition in the FM phase.Comment: 8 pages, 8 postscript figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Heterogeneous catalysis : introduction

Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry II reviews and examines topics of relevance to today’s inorganic chemists. Covering more interdisciplinary and high impact areas, Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry II includes biological inorganic chemistry, solid state chemistry, materials chemistry, and nanoscience. The work is designed to follow on, with a different viewpoint and format, from our 1973 work, Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry, edited by Bailar, Emeléus, Nyholm, and Trotman-Dickenson, which has received over 2,000 citations. The new work will also complement other recent Elsevier works in this area, Comprehensive Coordination Chemistry and Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry, to form a trio of works covering the whole of modern inorganic chemistry. Chapters are designed to provide a valuable, long-standing scientific resource for both advanced students new to an area and researchers who need further background or answers to a particular problem on the elements, their compounds, or applications. Chapters are written by teams of leading experts, under the guidance of the Volume Editors and the Editors-in-Chief. The articles are written at a level that allows undergraduate students to understand the material, while providing active researchers with a ready reference resource for information in the field. The chapters will not provide basic data on the elements, which is available from many sources (and the original work), but instead concentrate on applications of the elements and their compounds