Carbon K-edge Research Articles

Fluorination-dependent molecular orbital occupancy in ring-shaped perfluorocarbons.

Perfluorocarbons are a family of molecules consisting mainly of carbon and fluorine atoms. They have interesting chemical properties and have diverse applications in biomedicine, physical chemistry and polymer science. In this work, carbon K-edge absorption and emission spectra of liquid decalin are presented and compared to perfluorodecalin. A comprehensive picture of the electronic structure of decalin is provided based on soft X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies. Experimental data are compared to theoretical time-dependent density functional theory for the hydrocarbon, the perfluorocarbon and the stepwise fluorinated derivatives. We observed a molecular orbital change from unoccupied to occupied orbitals for perfluorodecalin, which was induced through the fluorination process.

Interrogating the Carbon and Oxygen K-Edge NEXAFS of a CO2-Dosed Hyperbranched Aminosilica.

Using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, we shed light on the nature of the interaction between CO2 and the amine moieties in a hyperbranched aminosilica (HAS) material, a porous aminosilica composite with great potential for postcombustion carbon capture applications. We show that after dosing a pristine (annealed) HAS sample with CO2, the C K-edge NEXAFS spectrum presents a new π* resonance at 289.9 eV, which can be attributed to the formation of a C═O (carbonyl) bond. Additional analyses of the O K-edge using model samples containing carbamate, carbonate, and bicarbonate functional groups as reference demonstrate a carbamate bonding mechanism for the chemical adsorption of CO2 by the HAS material under the conditions employed. These findings show the capability of the C and O K-edge NEXAFS technique to identify CO2-adsorbate species despite the high concentration of C and O atoms inherently present in the sample (prior to CO2 dosing) and the significant similarities between the possible adsorbates.

Graphene nanoribbons formed from n-alkane by thermal dehydrogenation on Au(111) surface

Abstract A graphene nanoribbon is formed by the dehydrogenation reaction of n-alkane adsorbed on a Au(111) surface. The X-ray absorption spectra at the near carbon K-edge show the appearance of the out-of-plane 1s → π⁎ resonance upon heating the n-C44H90 monolayer with the simultaneous disappearance of the 1s → σ⁎CH/R (R: Rydberg state) resonance. The π⁎ resonance located at 284.6 eV reflects a high edge density and is consistent with the ribbon shape, which was observed by scanning tunneling microscopy, and the C 1s XPS peak at 284.0 eV.

Surface Structure of Aerobically Oxidized Diamond Nanocrystals.

We investigate the aerobic oxidation of high-pressure, high-temperature nanodiamonds (5–50 nm dimensions) using a combination of carbon and oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption, wavelength-dependent X-ray photoelectron, and vibrational spectroscopies. Oxidation at 575 °C for 2 h eliminates graphitic carbon contamination (>98%) and produces nanocrystals with hydroxyl functionalized surfaces as well as a minor component (<5%) of carboxylic anhydrides. The low graphitic carbon content and the high crystallinity of HPHT are evident from Raman spectra acquired using visible wavelength excitation (λexcit = 633 nm) as well as carbon K-edge X-ray absorption spectra where the signature of a core–hole exciton is observed. Both spectroscopic features are similar to those of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond but differ significantly from the spectra of detonation nanodiamond. The importance of these findings to the functionalization of nanodiamond surfaces for biological labeling applications is discussed.

Polarized X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Observation of Electronic and Structural Changes of Chemical Vapor Deposition Graphene in Contact with Water

The interaction of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene films with water was studied by means of in situ angle-dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). We found that when the graphene layer is in contact with water there is a reduction in the π* peak intensity in the carbon K-edge absorption spectra, accompanied by an extension of the σ* peak to lower energies, which are indicative of chemical modifications of the graphene and a reduction in the number of unsaturated carbon bonds due to the covalent attachment of contaminant species. In addition to the chemical changes a decrease in the dichroic ratio measured by polarized XAS measurements was observed, which indicates an increase on the nanometer scale corrugation. These changes can strongly influence the electronic properties, mechanical robustness, and resistance to sloughing, as well as graphene reactivity.

Atomic level spatial variations of energy states along graphene edges.

The local atomic bonding of carbon atoms around the edge of graphene is examined by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). High-resolution 2D maps of the EELS combined with atomic resolution annular dark field STEM images enables correlations between the carbon K-edge EELS and the atomic structure. We show that energy states of graphene edges vary across individual atoms along the edge according to their specific C-C bonding, as well as perpendicular to the edge. Unique spectroscopic peaks from the EELS are assigned to specific C atoms, which enables unambiguous spectroscopic fingerprint identification for the atomic structure of graphene edges with unprecedented detail.

Irradiation-induced shrinkage of highly crystalline SiC fibers

Composites consisting of a SiC matrix prepared by chemical vapor infiltration that was reinforced by Tyranno™ SA3rd (TSA3) or Hi-Nicalon™ Type S (HNLS) SiC fibers were irradiated with 5.1MeV Si ions to 100dpa at 300°C. It was confirmed that the irradiated microstructure of TSA3 was stable up to 100dpa. In contrast, the results of surface profilometry and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that HNLS fibers underwent 0.8% shrinkage along the axis and 0.7% radial shrinkage. High-resolution TEM images of the highly damaged regions in the HNLS material revealed the complete loss of carbon ribbons initially distributed at the SiC grain boundaries. Ion-beam-induced diffusion of carbon into the SiC grains was indicated from the observations of the interdiffusion layer formed at the fiber/pyrocarbon interface. The π∗ peak of the carbon K-edge spectrum was found in the electron-energy-loss spectrum of the HNLS SiC grains that were irradiated above 60dpa; this peak was not observed in unirradiated SiC fibers, further demonstrating that carbon sp2 bonding was only detected in HNLS SiC fibers. According to the changes in the bonding and the volume relaxation related to the carbon defects in SiC, an increase in the population of antisite CSi was likely the key underlying mechanism of the irradiation-induced shrinkage of the HNLS fibers.

The hydration structure of aqueous carbonic acid from X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Despite much effort, aqueous carbonic acid (H2CO3) remains poorly characterized because it is very short-lived. We describe the detection and characterization of aqueous H2CO3 by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, wherein protonation of a bicarbonate solution continuously generates the acid under ambient conditions. Accompanying first principles calculations of the carbon K-edge transitions facilitate spectral assignment and interpretation in terms of the H2CO3 π* orbital, which exhibits a small (0.2eV), systematic blueshift relative to that of bicarbonate. These results establish the detailed hydration properties of this short-lived molecule and will thereby facilitate future studies of carbonate chemistry in biological and geological system.

Three-dimensional attosecond resonant stimulated X-ray Raman spectroscopy of electronic excitations in core-ionized glycine.

We investigate computationally the valence electronic excitations of the amino acid glycine prepared by a sudden nitrogen core ionization induced by an attosecond X-ray pump pulse. The created superposition of cationic excited states is probed by two-dimensional transient X-ray absorption and by three dimensional attosecond stimulated X-ray Raman signals. The latter, generated by applying a second broadband X-ray pulse combined with a narrowband pulse tuned to the carbon K-edge, reveal the complex coupling between valence and core-excited manifolds of the cation.

High-flux table-top soft x-ray source driven by sub-2-cycle, CEP stable, 1.85-μm 1-kHz pulses for carbon K-edge spectroscopy.

We report on the first table-top high-flux source of coherent soft x-ray radiation up to 400 eV, operating at 1 kHz. This source covers the carbon K-edge with a beam brilliance of (4.3±1.2)×10(15) photons/s/mm(2)/strad/10% bandwidth and a photon flux of (1.85±0.12)×10(7) photons/s/1% bandwidth. We use this source to demonstrate table-top x-ray near-edge fine-structure spectroscopy at the carbon K-edge of a polyimide foil and retrieve the specific absorption features corresponding to the binding orbitals of the carbon atoms in the foil.

Ubiquitous Presence of Fe(II) in Aquatic Colloids and Its Association with Organic Carbon

Despite being thermodynamically less stable, small ferrous colloids (60 nm to 3 μm in diameter) remain an important component of the biogeochemical cycle at the Earth’s surface, yet their composition and structure and the reasons for their persistence are still poorly understood. Here we use X-ray-based Fe L-edge and carbon K-edge spectromicroscopy to address the speciation and organic–mineral associations of ferrous, ferric, and Fe-poor particles collected from sampling sites in both marine and freshwater environments. We show that Fe(II)-rich phases are prevalent throughout different aquatic regimes yet exhibit a high degree of chemical heterogeneity. Furthermore, we show that Fe-rich particles show strong associations with organic carbon. The observed association of Fe(II) particles with carboxamide functional groups suggests a possible microbial role in the preservation of Fe(II). These finding have significant implications for the behavior of Fe(II) colloids in oxygenated waters, and their role in different aquatic biogeochemical processes.

Core excitation, specific dissociation, and the effect of the size of aromatic molecules connected to oxygen: phenyl ether and 1,3-diphenoxybenzene.

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of phenyl ether at the carbon K-edge and 1,3-diphenoxybenzene at both the carbon and oxygen K-edges were measured in the total ion yield mode using X-rays from a synchrotron and a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Time-dependent density functional theory was adopted to calculate the carbon and oxygen K-edge NEXAFS spectra of phenol, phenyl ether, and 1,3-diphenoxybenzene. The assignments and a comparison of the experimental and calculated spectra are presented. The mass spectra of ionic products formed after X-ray absorption at various excitation energies are also reported. Specific dissociations were observed for the 1s → π* transition of phenyl ether. In comparison with phenol and phenyl ether, the dependence of the fragmentation on the excitation site and destination state was weak in 1,3-diphenoxybenzene, likely as a result of delocalization of the valence electrons and rapid randomization of energy.

Adsorption of Dopamine on Rutile TiO2 (110): A Photoemission and Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Study

Synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) techniques have been used to study the adsorption of dopamine on a rutile TiO2 (110) single crystal. Photoemission results suggest that dopamine bonds through the oxygen molecules in a bidentate fashion. From the data, it is ambiguous whether the oxygens bond to the same 5-fold coordinated surface titanium atom or bridges across two, although based on the bonding of pyrocatechol on rutile TiO2 (110), it is likely that the dopamine bridges two titanium atoms. Using the searchlight effect, the carbon K-edge near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure NEXAFS spectra recorded for dopamine on rutile TiO2 (110) show the phenyl ring to be oriented at 78° ± 5° from the surface and twisted 11 ± 10° relative to the (001) direction.

Controlling Interdiffusion, Interfacial Composition, and Adhesion in Polymer Solar Cells

DOI: 10.1002/admi.201400135 conventional oven for a period of 0 to 24 h, prior to delamination. The measured adhesion energy, G c (J m − 2 ), is shown as a function of annealing time in Figure 2 a. For any particular annealing temperature, the adhesion energy increased with annealing time. For example at 130 °C, G c increased from 1.3/ for no annealing to 2.76 J m – 2 and 2.81 J m – 2 for 30 min and 24 h annealing, respectively. The largest increase in G c generally happened within the fi rst 2 h of annealing. Conversely, at a constant annealing time, the G c increased with annealing temperature. The impact of such an adhesion increase has large implications on the reliability of these inverted OPV devices. After delamination, every adhesion specimen is split into two fractured halves: one includes the Ag electrode, referred to as the “Ag side” and the other includes the ZnO, referred to as the “ZnO side”, as shown on Figure 1 . Note that it does not refer to the interface between P3HT:PCBM and the ZnO layer or the interface between PEDOT:PSS and the Ag electrode. In order to understand the interfacial reinforcement mechanism responsible for the increase in G c , these delaminated surfaces were characterized using NEXAFS, UV-VIS absorption and X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS). NEXAFS in Total Electron Yield (TEY) mode was used to quantify the surface composition at the top few nanometers of the delaminated surfaces (see experimental details). The carbon K-edge NEXAFS TEY spectra from pristine P3HT, PCBM and PEDOT:PSS are shown in Figure 3 a. The NEXAFS intensity is dominated by resonances arising from transitions from the 1s core level to unfi lled molecular orbitals of π* and σ* character, which are specifi c to the bonding within different functional groups. [ 11 ] We observed the characteristic π* and σ* resonances for the pure compounds consist with previous literature. [ 12 ]

Electron energy loss spectrum of graphane from first-principles calculations

In this study, the energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) of carbon atoms in chair and tricycle conformers of hydrogenated graphene, namely ‘graphane’, has been calculated in the density functional theory using FP-LAPW method, and then, it has been compared with that of graphite and graphene. Using ELNES from chair conformer, the carbon K-edge was found to have a few main features including electron transition from 1s orbital of carbon atom to π*, σ*, and a hybridization of these two states. The first feature in tricycle conformer, however, has contributions of both π* and σ* states. The comparison of ELNES and the unoccupied density of states in each structure also justifies this. The energy difference between π* and σ* features of graphane conformers was decreased relative to it in graphite and graphene. Since the inclusion of core-holes and super-cells is essential for accurate reproduction of features in graphite and graphene, it may be essential as well for the ELNES spectra of graphane conformers.

In situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy of flames

The feasibility of in situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy for imaging carbonaceous species in hydrocarbon flames is demonstrated using synchrotron radiation. Soft X-rays are absorbed by core level electrons in all carbon atoms regardless of their molecular structure. Core electron spectroscopy affords distinct advantages over valence spectroscopy, which forms the basis of traditional laser diagnostic techniques for combustion. In core level spectroscopy, the transition linewidths are predominantly determined by the instrument response function and the decay time of the core–hole, which is on the order of a femtosecond. As a result, soft X-ray absorption measurements can be performed in flames with negligible Doppler and collisional broadening. Core level spectroscopy has the further advantage of measuring all carbonaceous species regardless of molecular structure in the far-edge region, whereas near-edge features are molecule specific. Interferences from non-carbon flame species are unstructured and can be subtracted. In the present study, absorption measurements in the carbon K-edge region are demonstrated in low-pressure (P total = 20–30 Torr) methane jet flames. Two-dimensional imaging of the major carbonaceous species, CH4, CO2, and CO, is accomplished by tuning the synchrotron radiation to the respective carbon K-edge, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) transitions and scanning the burner.

Simulating Neutron Radiation Damage of Graphite by In-situ Electron Irradiation

Radiation damage in nuclear grade graphite has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Changes in the structure on the atomic scale and chemical bonding, and the relationship between each were of particular interest. TEM was used to study damage in nuclear grade graphite on the atomic scale following 1.92×108 electrons nm−2 of electron beam exposure. During these experiments EELS spectra were also collected periodically to record changes in chemical bonding and structural disorder, by analysing the changes of the carbon K-edge. Image analysis software from the 'PyroMaN' research group provides further information, based on (002) fringe analysis. The software was applied to the micrographs of electron irradiated virgin 'Pile Grade A' (PGA) graphite to quantify the extent of damage from electron beam exposure.

EELS modelling of graphitisation

The impact of graphitisation-type processes on the carbon K-edge ELNES is explored for model systems using the CASTEP density functional theory code. For c lattice direction expansion, contraction of spectral peaks occurs between 20 and 27 eV above the edge onset, for a/b lattice dimension expansion spectral peaks are heavily compressed in terms of energy separation and are shifted towards the edge-onset, consistent with a 1/a2 relationship. For a nanotube model system, it is shown that for higher curvature, an additional feature was observed in the spectrum ~5 eV, arguably consistent with 'fullerene'-type character.

Polarization Dependence of Aragonite Calcium L-Edge XANES Spectrum IndicatescandbAxes Orientation

Calcium carbonate minerals are frequently found in biomineral structures and are the predominant mineral in invertebrates. While there are several calcium carbonate polymorphs, aragonite and calcite are the two most commonly found in biogenic systems. Currently, calcium L-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra are used to distinguish between different calcium carbonate polymorphs, including calcite and aragonite, while oxygen and carbon K-edge XANES spectra are often used to determine the c axis orientation of a given calcium carbonate crystal. By doing a full analysis of the calcite and aragonite calcium L-edge XANES spectrum for both geologic and biogenic systems, we were able to show that aragonite has a polarization-dependent peak while calcite does not. Analysis based on both multiplet models and density functional calculations show how the polarization dependence arises from directional bonds between the calcium and oxygen atoms within aragonite. These data not only enable an interpretation of the aragonite calcium L-edge XANES spectrum but also the ability to determine the orientation of the c and b axes of aragonite crystals within a biomineral sample.

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy of naphthalene diimide-thiophene co-polymers.

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy is an important tool for probing the structure of conjugated polymer films used in organic electronic devices. High-performance conjugated polymers are often donor-acceptor co-polymers which feature a repeat unit with multiple functional groups. To facilitate better application of NEXAFS spectroscopy to the study of such materials, improved understanding of the observed NEXAFS spectral features is required. In order to examine how the NEXAFS spectrum of a donor-acceptor co-polymer relates to the properties of the sub-units, a series of naphthalene diimide-thiophene-based co-polymers have been studied where the nature and length of the donor co-monomer has been systematically varied. The spectra of these materials are compared with that of a thiophene homopolymer and naphthalene diimide monomer enabling peak assignment and the influence of inter-unit electronic coupling to be assessed. We find that while it is possible to attribute peaks within the π* manifold as arising primarily due to the naphthalene diimide or thiophene sub-units, very similar dichroism of these peaks is observed indicating that it may not be possible to separately probe the molecular orientation of the separate sub-units with carbon K-edge NEXAFS spectroscopy.