Decrease In Peak Intensity Research Articles

Study of effect of planetary ball milling on ZnO nanopowder synthesized by co-precipitation

Nanocrystalline ZnO powders have been synthesized by co-precipitation method and investigated planetary ball milling effects on structural and optical properties. These powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electronic microscope, Infrared spectrophotometer, UV–vis spectrophotometer and Photoluminescence. It was found that prepared ZnO powders have hexagonal close packed structure which was annealed at 500°C for 30min. The bandgap energy of ZnO powders varied from 3.13 to 2.85eV. The room temperature PL spectra exhibits low intensity UV emission peak at 383nm and green emission band around 520nm shows shifting towards higher wavelength with decrease in intensity of peak with time of planetary ball milling. Hence, it was observed that planetary ball milling can be used to tailor the optoelectronic properties of ZnO nanostructures.

Ultrafast Nano-Crystalline and Highly-Dispersed-TiO2 (B) /CNF Composites for Negative Electrode of ‘Nanohybrid Capacitor’

We have been applying our original in-situ material processing technology called ‘Ultra-Centrifuging (UC) Treatment’ to prepare a novel ultrafast nano-crystalline Li4Ti5O12 (nc-LTO) /carbon nano fiber (CNF) composite electrode for the generation-II capacitive energy storage device of ‘Nanohybrid Capacitor’ producing more than triple energy density of a conventional electrochemical capacitor.[1] For the further improvement in the energy density of ‘Nanohybrid Capacitor’, LTO alternatives are needed. Among different candidates, TiO2 (B) possesses several advantages such as its 2-folds theoretical capacity (335 mAh g-1) of LTO (175 mAh g-1) and the comparable redox potential (1.6 V vs. Li/Li+). In addition, TiO2 (B) is an industrially attractive material because of its inexpensive raw materials and its environmentally benign synthesis using only aqueous solution (e.g., water-soluble complexes [2]) without any Li-sources.[2-4] However, TiO2 (B) has intrinsic problems; its low electronic conductivity and Li+ diffusivity due to the b-axis oriented growth of TiO2 (B) [3]. In this report, we successfully synthesized b-axis shortened and hyper-dispersed nc-TiO2 (B)/CNF composites, which has a potential to substitute nc-LTO/CNF as a negative electrode of ‘Nanohybrid capacitor’. Inhibition of b-axis growth and hyper dispersion of TiO2 (B) into the carbon matrix were simultaneously achieved by the UC treatment and the subsequent hydrothermal method [4]. The prepared nc-TiO2/CNF exhibited 236 mAh g-1 (active material) at high rate of 300 C, which even exceeds that of nc-LTO/CNF composites. A significant decrease of peak intensity corresponding to the C-site intercalation around 2 V vs. Li/Li+ indicates that the Li+ was directly accommodated into A1 and A2 site of TiO2 (B) owing to the limitation of b-axis growth. Furthermore, the combined analysis of the N2 adsorption experiment and electochemical characterization suggests that the "dispersibility" of nc-TiO2 (B) on CNF matrix correlates closely with its electrochemical performance.

Evolution of structural and magnetic properties of Co-doped TiO2 thin films irradiated with 100 MeV Ag7+ ions

In continuation to our earlier studies where we have shown room temperature ferromagnetism observed in TiO2 and Co-doped TiO2 (CTO) thin films independent of their phase (Mohanty et al 2012 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 45 325301), here the modifications in structure and magnetic properties in CTO thin films using 100 MeV Ag7+ ion irradiation are reported. Owing to the important role of defects in tailoring the magnetic properties of the material, we vary the ion fluence from 5 × 1011 to 1 × 1012 ions cm−2 to create post-deposition defects. While the film deposited under 0.1 mTorr oxygen partial pressure retains its crystallinity showing radiation-resistant behaviour even at a fluence of 1 × 1012 ions cm−2, films deposited under 1 to 300 mTorr oxygen partial pressure becomes almost amorphous at the same fluence. Using Poisson's law, the diameter of the amorphized region surrounding the ion path is calculated to be ∼4.2 nm from the x-ray diffraction peak intensity ((1 1 0) for rutile phase) as a function of ion fluence. The saturation magnetization (Ms) decreases exponentially similar to the decrease in x-ray peak intensity with fluence, indicating magnetic disordered region surrounding the ion path. The diameter of the magnetic disordered region is found to be ∼6.6 nm which is larger than the diameter of the amorphized latent track. Therefore, it is confirmed that swift heavy ion irradiation induces a more significant magnetic disorder than the structural disorder.

Biodegradation of azo dye Direct Orange 16 by Micrococcus luteus strain SSN2

In the present study, the decolorization and degradation of azo dye Direct Orange 16 (DO-16) by a potential bacterial isolate isolated from textile effluent were evaluated. Through 16S rRNA sequence matching, the potential isolate was identified as Micrococcus luteus strain SSN2. The effects of various factors (pH, temperature, salt and dye concentration) on decolorization were investigated. The strain SSN2 had the ability to decolorize DO-16 with 96 % efficiency at pH 8, 37 °C and 3 % NaCl in a short time of 6 h under static conditions. DO-16 decolorization was assessed by UV–Vis spectrophotometer with gradual decrease of dye peak intensity at 430 nm (λ max). Analytical techniques (thin-layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography) further confirmed that biodegradation of DO-16 was due to reduction of the azo bond. The phytotoxicity assay (with respect to seeds of Vigna mungo and Vigna radiata) demonstrated the less toxic nature of the DO-16-degraded products compared to the toxic azo dye.

White light generation in Ce3+[sbnd]Tb3+[sbnd]Sm3+ codoped oxyfluoroborate glasses

Ce3+, Tb3+and Sm3+ oxyfluoroborate glasses were prepared and characterized using absorption, photoluminescence and time decay spectral analysis respectively. The decrease of emission peak intensity and lifetime values of Ce3+ ions are observed by introducing Tb3+ and Sm3+ into glass. This is due to an efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+, Sm3+; Tb3+ to Sm3+ and cross-relaxation channels. Further, the important characteristic parameters of white light emitting materials viz., energy transfer efficiency, chromaticity color coordinates, correlated color temperature and color purity are evaluated.

Free radical entrapment and crystallinity of resin composites after accelerated aging as a function of the expiration date

This study evaluated the spin concentration and the crystallinity in different classifications of dental composites as a function of the material condition (new, aged and expired). Specimens were obtained according to the factors: composites: Filtek P60, Filtek Z250, Filtek Z350XT, and Filtek Silorane; and material conditions: new, aged, and expired. The syringe composites underwent an accelerated aging protocol (Arrhenius model). The magnetic properties of the composites were characterized using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and the concentration of spins (number of spins/mass) was calculated. The crystallinity of the composites tested was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD). Filtek P60 and Filtek Z250 presented similarities in terms of spin concentration and crystallinity, irrespective of the material condition. The aging protocol influenced the composite Filtek Z350XT that exhibited a significant increase in the spin concentration. Besides, lower intensity peaks of the organic matrix and amorphous silica were also observed for both aged and expired Filtek Z350XT. Although a significant lower spin concentration was observed for the silorane composite in comparison to that of the methacrylates, a decrease in the relative intensity of peaks of the amorphous region related to the organic components in the diffractograms was observed. The material conditions tested influence the crystallinity and the magnetic properties of the composites evaluated.

Migration of metamorphic CO2 into a coal seam: a natural analog study to assess the long‐term fate of CO2 in Coal Bed Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Projects

AbstractThis study assesses the displacement of coalbed methane by CO2 migration along a fault into the coal seam in the Yaojie coalfield. Coal and gas samples were collected continuously at various distances in NO.2 coal seam from F19 fault. Vitrinite reflectance, maceral, and pore distributions and proximate analysis of fourteen coal samples were performed. Gas components, concentrations, carbon isotopes of 28 gas samples were determined. We examined the coal–gas trace characteristics of coalbed methane displaced away from the fault by CO2 injection after geological ages. From east to west, away from the F19 fault, the CO2 concentration decreased, whereas the CH4 concentration increased gradually. The δ13C values for CO2 varied between −9.94‰ and 1.12‰, suggesting a metamorphic origin. A wider range of values (from −9.94‰ to 20‰) was associated with the mixing of microbial carbon dioxide, isotopic fractionation during CO2 migration through the microporous structures of coals, and/or carbon isotope fractionation during gas–water exchange and dissolution of CO2. Away from the F19 fault, the volumes of micropores, mesopores and macropores decrease gradually. The Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) micropore volume decreased from 0.0059 to 0.0037 cm3 g‐1, and the mesopore and macropore volumes decreased from 0.066 to 0.026 cm3 g‐1. The CO2 injection can mobilize aromatic hydrocarbons and mineral matter from coal matrix, resulting in the decrease in the absorption peak intensity for coal samples after supercritical CO2 treatment, which indicates that chemical reactions occur between coal and CO2, not only physical adsorption.

HZSM-5 Zeolites with Different SiO2/Al2O3Ratios. Characterization and NH3Desorption Kinetics

This article reports the influence of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (30, 80, and 280) on HZSM-5 zeolite properties. XRD patterns show a decrease in the XRD peak intensity at low 2θ angles for low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio zeolites. N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms display hysteresis with both micropores and mesopores likely contributing to the particles network. The NLDFT cylindrical model confirms the characteristic 5.5 Å micropores in the zeolite pore framework. Furthermore, specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size distributions demonstrate that changes in the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio do not influence HZSM-5 structural properties. NH3-TPD shows both weak and strong acid sites. Pyridine-FTIR also confirms that, in HZSM-5, the weak acidity encompasses Lewis and hydrogen-bonded sites, while the strong acidity mainly involves the Brönsted acid sites. It is proven that the ratio of weak to strong acid sites as measured by NH3-TPD and Pyridine-FTIR displays similar changes to the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. Furthermore, NH3 desorption kinetics and numerical regression allow the establishment of energies of activation for both strong and weak acid sites. It is also found that the kinetic desorption rate constants vary in agreement with the changes in weak and strong acid sites as observed with NH3-TPD and Pyridine-FTIR.

Removal of arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) using copper exchange zeolite‐a

In this work, modification of zeolite‐A was performed by ion exchange method using copper salts and the copper exchanged zeolite (CEZ) was used for removal of Arsenic (III) and Arsenic (V) from water. The adsorption capacity of zeolite‐A was significantly improved after modification by copper. CEZ removes more than 98% of both As (III) and As (V) from monocomponent solutions. The material was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD pattern shows loss in crystalline structure after copper incorporation which is evident from the decrease in intensity of characteristic peaks of zeolite‐A. SEM images shows that cubical morphology characteristic of zeolite‐A has been distorted after copper incorporation. Various isotherm and kinetic models were used to determine adsorption and kinetic parameters and to delineate the probable mechanism of adsorption. The data revealed that adsorption of arsenic on CEZ followed Langmuir model with maximum sorption capacity of 1.37 and 1.48 mg/g at 30°C for As (III) and As (V), respectively. CEZ effectively removes arsenic from water at wide pH range of 3–10 and in the presence of interfering ions namely phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, carbonate, and bicarbonate which is evident from tap water study. CEZ appears to be a promising adsorbent for removing arsenic from water. The water quality after treatment with CEZ also confirms that it is safe for drinking purpose and within the permissible limits as per World Health Organization guideline values and Indian drinking water standards. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1274–1282, 2014

Controlled Nanostructuring of Multiphase Core-Shell Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Iron oxide nanoparticles have attracted wide attention due to applications in biomedical sciences like MRI contrast agents, drug delivery, etc. In this work iron oxide ( Fe <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> ) nanoparticles (NPs) with very narrow size distribution are obtained by using sol-gel method. FeCl <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> ·6H <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> O, ethanol and NaOH are used as precursor, solvent and gelation agent, respectively. Controlled addition of oleic acid helps in the reduction of uncoated particle/crystallite size down to 10 nm and in achieving superparamagnetic behavior of iron oxide NPs. Coating of magnetic NPs is quite important to make them biocompatible and to prevent the aggregation and degradation of metal oxide. Silica, being nontoxic, biocompatible and containing hydroxyl groups attached to its surface, is used for coating purposes. Silica provides hydrophilic properties and thus helps in the attachment of specific drugs and biomolecules. For comparative purposes NPs are also coated by carbon which provides a barrier to oxidation of NPs. XRD studies show the formation of crystalline core shell nanoparticles with decrease in peak intensities as compared to uncoated nanoparticles due to the shielding effect of an amorphous silica shell. Wall thickness of the shell is varied by changing the concentration of ammonia and water to ethanol ratio in silica coated nanoparticles whereas concentration of glucose solution in carbon coated NPs. Coated NPs from 20-50 nm are observed by scanning electron microscopy by changing the concentration of coating solution. Saturation magnetization decreases as the particle size increases due to increased thickness of silica shell. Core-shell nanoparticles show high thermal stability as compared to uncoated nanoparticles.

Photocatalytic performances of BiFeO3 particles with the average size in nanometer, submicrometer, and micrometer

Three different synthesis routes were taken to successfully prepare the BiFeO3 particles with the different morphologies and average size in 50, 500nm, and 15μm, respectively. The crystal structure was recognized to be a distorted rhombohedral one with the space group R3c. With the decrease in particle size, obvious decrease in peak intensity and redshift in peak position were observed for the Raman active bands. The narrow band gap was determined from the UV–vis absorption spectra, indicating the semiconducting nature of the BiFeO3. For photodegradation of dyes under visible irradiation in the presence of BiFeO3, the photocatalytic efficiency increased quickly with the decrease in size which may attribute to more surface active catalytic-sites and shorter distances carriers had to migrate to the surface reaction sites.

Stress Evolution during Tensile Twinning in MgAZ31 Alloy Processed by Extrusion

An in-situ laboratory based X-ray diffraction technique has been developed to directly measure lattice strain and stress evolution associated with {10.2} &lt; 10.1 &gt; twin nucleation and growth in rolled and extruded Mg alloys during tensile loading. A transmission diffraction geometry was utilised to measure peak position and intensity for the (10.0), (00.2) and (10.1) lattice planes while the sample was loaded in uni-axial tension. Lattice re-orientation arising from deformation twinning is utilizedto estimate the twin volume fraction by measuring the increase in the (10.0) peak intensity along with a simultaneous decrease in the (00.2) peak intensity as a function of applied load. From observation of the lattice strain plotted against applied stress for different orientations it was found that the (10.1) orientation displayed the anticipated linear behaviour within the whole stress range. Yielding in the (10.2) and (10.3) orientations was identified at around 75 and 90 MPa respectively, indicating theonset of basal slip. Twin nucleation was observed at at a stress of approximately 110 MPa.

Development of an In situ Infrared Spectroscopic Measurement of Plasma-Induced Reactions in Ethanol

An in situ monitoring system for plasma-induced reactions in ethanol was developed by infrared absorption spectroscopy in multiple internal reflection geometry. We monitored in situ the preferential decrease in the IR peak intensity of CH3 and OH groups in liquid ethanol. In addition, we monitored in situ the preferential inclusion of OCH3 and free OH groups deposited on a multiple internal reflection prism. Unlike optical emission spectroscopy, the IR-based technique detects non-light-emitting compounds. It presents as a powerful alternative tool for monitoring liquid-phase plasma reactions.

Preparation of plant growth promoter oligoβ-glucan by gamma irradiation

The β-glucan extracted from the yeast cell wall was irradiated by gamma rays from a Co-60 source at doses from 100 to 300kGy in swelling condition of 10% (w/v) for degradation. The water soluble content of irradiated sample increased from 25.89 to 66.71% by the increasing of doses from 100 to 300kGy. While the molecular weight of water soluble β-glucan was found to be decreased from 48.13 (at 100kGy) to 10.77 kDa (at 300kGy). The UV-spectra of resultant water soluble β-glucan were appeared a new peak at 265nm with the intensity increased by the increase of the dose. The IR spectra of irradiated β-glucan samples were also recognized by an increase of peak intensity at1731cm-1 assigned to C=O linkages and a decrease of peak intensity at 1156cm-1 assigned to C-O-C glycosidic linkages by the increasing of dose. In addition, the oligoβ-glucan with Mw about 18 kDa obtained at 250kGy-irradiated sample strongly promoted the growth of mustard green and lettuce. The oligoβ-glucan prepared by radiation techniques showed as a high effective plant growth promoter. This product is potentially promising for application in high-technological agriculture for production of clean vegetables and agro-products.

Intercalated clay structures and amorphous behavior of solution cast and melt pressed poly(ethylene oxide)–clay nanocomposites

ABSTRACTThe polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films consisted of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and sodium cations montmorillonite (MMT) clay were prepared by aqueous solution casting and direct melt press compounding techniques, whereas the films of PEO with trimethyl octadecyl ammonium cations organo‐modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay were formed by melt pressed technique. The clay concentrations in the nanocomposites used are 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 wt % of the PEO weight. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of these nanocomposites were measured in the angular range (2θ) of 3.8–30°. The values of basal spacing d001 of MMT/OMMT, clay gallery width Wcg, d‐spacings of PEO crystal reflections d120 and d112, and their corresponding crystallite size L, and the peaks intensity I (counts) were determined for these nanocomposites. Results reveal that the nanocomposites have intercalated clay structures and the amount of intercalation increases with the increase of clay concentration. As compared to melt pressed PEO–MMT nanocomposites, the amount of clay intercalation is higher in aqueous solution cast nanocomposites. At 20 wt % MMT dispersion in PEO matrix, the solution cast PEO–MMT nanocomposite almost changes into amorphous phase. The melt press compounded PEO–OMMT films show more intercalation as compared to the PEO–MMT nanocomposites prepared by same technique. In melt pressed nanocomposites, the PEO crystalline phase significantly reduces when clay concentration exceeds 3 wt %, which is evidenced by the decrease in relative intensity of PEO principal crystalline peaks. The effect of interactions between the functional group (ethylene oxide) of PEO and layered sheets of clay on both the main crystalline peaks of PEO was separately analyzed using their XRD parameters in relation to structural conformations of these nanocomposites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39898.

Effects of swift heavy ion beam irradiation on the structural and morphological properties of poly(methacrylic acid) cross-linked gum ghatti films

Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) chains were cross linked onto the backbone of gum ghatti (Gg) using N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) and ammonium persulfate (APS) as a cross linker-initiator system in a vacuum oven. The cross linking of the PMAA chains on the polysaccharide backbone was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Later, the cross-linked polysaccharide samples were irradiated at room temperature with 100 MeV O7+ ion beam irradiation at various fluences from 1 × 1011 to 3 × 1012 ions/cm2. We have observed noticeable modifications in the structural and morphological properties after irradiation. The XRD study reveals the gradual decrease in peak intensity with an increase in the ion fluence, which reflected a loss of crystallinity after irradiation. The FTIR spectra show a decrease in intensity of the typical bands at the higher fluence. Different causes of these modifications are discussed.

Temperature-dependent decyclopolymerization of cyclic oligomers and the implication on destructuring layered nanosheets for nanocomposite reinforcement

Abstract Taking advantages of low viscosity, self-consistent stoichiometry and explosive decyclopolymerization of cyclic butylene terephthalate oligomers (CBTs), the destruction of multi-layered silicate nanosheets of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) has been attempted to explore the reinforcing effect on polymer matrix. Because of the molecular weight and the viscosity imparted by cyclic structure, CBTs were successfully embedded into OMMT galleries, as evidenced by XRD presenting a large down-shift of basal plane peak along with decrease of peak intensity. Subsequent decyclopolymerization of CBTs in-between silicate nanosheets of OMMT has been found governed by polymerization temperature; when a poly(CBT) of high molecular weight is obtainable, efficient dissociation of OMMT to silicate nanosheets and their homogeneous dispersion allowing a notable increase of energy absorption for failure are yielded. A dissociation of OMMT mediated by the temperature-dependent decyclopolymerization presents the usability of cyclic oligomers in the formation of thermoplastic polymer-based nanocomposites exhibiting effective reinforcement which can be hardly accomplished through a conventional process.

Mass Transport Properties of Silicified Graphite Felt Electrodes

Mass transport properties of electrodes prepared from graphite felt, as such and after silicification, have been studied using cyclic voltammetry. Within the graphite felt, the mass transport of a probe changes with decreasing scan rate, from a radial diffusion around fibers to a regime that is analogous to “thin-layer” systems. Furthermore, unlike classical “thin-layer” systems, the volume comprised in the felt is macroscopic (resulting in high current densities), while the time required to consume all diffusive species remains in the 1 min range. Silicification of graphite felt does not impact on the mass transport of the negatively charged molecular probe Fe(CN)63– but significantly slows mass transport of positively charged Ru(NH3)63+. In the latter case, a parallel decrease of peak current intensity reflects limited mobility of the probe due to its strong interaction with the surface of the pore walls. These data provide important information for the optimization of the working conditions of these electrodes for the design of biosensors and biofuel cells.

Identification of a Potential Conformationally Disordered Mesophase in a Small Molecule: Experimental and Computational Approaches

GNE068, a small organic molecule, was obtained as an amorphous form (GNE068-A) after isolation from ethanol and as a partially disordered form (GNE068-PC) from ethyl acetate. On subsequent characterization, GNE068-PC exhibited a number of properties that were anomalous for a two phase crystalline-amorphous system but consistent with the presence of a solid state phase having intermediate order (mesomorphous). Modulated DSC measurements of GNE068-PC revealed an overlapping endotherm and glass transition in the 135-145 °C range. ΔH of the endotherm showed strong heating rate dependence. Variable temperature XRPD (25-160 °C) revealed structure loss in GNE068-PC, suggesting the endotherm to be an "apparent melt". In addition, gentle grinding of GNE068-PC in a mortar led to a marked decrease in XRPD peak intensities, indicating a "soft" crystalline lattice. Computational analysis of XRPD data revealed the presence of two noncrystalline contributions, one of which was associated with GNE068-A. The second was a variable component that could be modeled as diffuse scattering from local disorder within the associated crystal structure, suggesting a mesomorphous system. Owing to the dominance of the noncrystalline diffuse scattering in GNE068-PC and the observed lattice deformation, the mesomorphous phase exhibited properties consistent with a conformationally disordered mesophase. Because of the intimate association of the residual solvent (ethyl acetate) with the lattice long-range order, loss of solvent on heating through the glass transition temperature of the local disorder caused irrecoverable loss of the long-range order. This precluded the observation of characteristic thermodynamic mesophase behavior above the glass transition temperature.

Property variation of ionic liquid [Bmim][AuCl4] immobilized on carboxylated polystyrene submicrospheres with a small surface area

In order to understand the effect of surface chemical groups on the immobilized species, Au-containing imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) [Bmim][AuCl4] was intentionally immobilized on polystyrene (PS) submicrospheres (d ∼300 nm) with a very small surface area (4–10 m2/g), which possess carboxyl-moiety (COONa or COOH) on the surface. The behavior of immobilized [Bmim][AuCl4] on the two types of submicrospheres was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was revealed that the melting points (T m) of [Bmim][AuCl4] that had been immobilized on PS-COONa and PS-COOH submicrospheres were decreased by 2.7 and 4.1°C, respectively. The interaction mechanism between the IL and submicrosphere surface moieties was further analyzed by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. The data indicated that the coordination environment of Au species changed markedly when [Bmim] [AuCl4] was immobilized on the surfaces of PS-COONa and PS-COOH submicrospheres, as illustrated by the decrease in white line peak intensity. The effect of surface COOH groups on T m depression and the white line peak intensity of the XANES spectrum is more pronounced than that of COONa groups, most likely due to the possible hydrogen bond formation between the COOH group and [Bmim]+.