Raman Characterization Research Articles

Optical and photoelectric properties of nanostructured SnS films obtained by spraying ink using a nanoparticle suspension

Abstract In this work, SnS films were prepared using spraying ink with a nanoparticle suspension. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticles was (18-20) nm. The structural, optical and photoelectric properties of SnS films were investigated using different characterization techniques. XRD and EDX results show that the investigated films exhibited an orthorhombic SnS phase with a composition close to the stoichiometry (CS/CSn = 0.99) and low level of microdeformation (ε = 1.8×10-3). In addition, the hexagonal SnS2 and tetragonal SnO2 phases were also observed. The presence of SnS and SnS2 phases is confirmed by Raman characteristics. The band gap of the SnS, SnS2, and SnO2 phases was determined using the novel ACFD method based on the analysis of the spectra of the first derivative of the absorption coefficient, which directly determines the energy of both band-to-band optical transitions and transitions involving defect`s levels. These results correlate very well with data obtained using photoconductivity spectra. The nature of the electronic optical transitions as well as the type and energy position of various defect levels were established. It was shown that the energy of direct and indirect band-to-band optical transitions of SnS compound correspond to 1.72 eV and 1.16 eV, respectively. At the same time, the band gap of SnS2 phase equal to 2.05 eV. The ionization energy of the acceptor (233 meV) and donor (100 meV) levels that determine the p- and n-type conductivity of SnS and SnS2 compounds, respectively were defined. Due to its properties, SnS films may be suitable for the development of novel effective solar cells with SnS absorber layers.

Energetics and Raman spectroscopy of organic molecules encapsulated in single-walled boron nitride nanotubes: The example of π-conjugated oligothiophenes

The instability of organic electronic devices under environmental conditions narrowly related to the unstable aggregate state of organic semiconductors is one key obstacle to practical application. Herein, we highlight a promising strategy to overcome these drawbacks consisting to make use of the hollow space within single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (SWBNNTs). As a prototypical system of organic π-conjugated molecules encapsulated in SWBNNTs, we investigate the energetic stability and Raman spectra of a series of oligothiophene molecules (nT) (n = 2, 4, and 6) inside SWBNNTs through a combination of molecular dynamics (MD), density functional theory (DFT), bond polarisability model (BPM), and spectral moments method (SMM). The structural stability of these nanohybrids are explored initially. The optimal SWBNNTs diameters in which the resulting nanohybrids are stable with either one molecule (nT@SWBNNTs) and two encapsulated molecular chains (nT-nT@SWBNNTs) are computed. Then, the computed Raman spectra of the oligothiophenes and SWBNNTs before and after filling are reported. The energetic stability and the possible appearance or not of charge transfer in such nanohybrids are investigated by attentive analysis of the nanoconfinement effect on Raman features of oligothiophenes and SWBNNTs. The present results provide benchmark theoretical data to efficiently probe the interactions subsisting in such nanohybrids based on SWBNNTs templates that can serve as a new stable component for organic electronic devices.

Influence of substrate tilting angle on graphene production through atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition

An experimental and simulation study of substrate tilting angle in graphene production is presented by applying atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). The graphene is produced using APCVD for 8°, 15°, and 60° substrate tilting angles. The Raman characterization was done on all the substrates to see the effect of the substrate tilting angle on the graphene produced. To further understand the result, the heating chamber of the CVD chamber was modeled by using ANSYS® FLUENT. Simulation for the three titling angles was performed using the model. The experimental results showed that the best result was graphene produced by tilting an angle at 15°. The graphene produced has the lowest quality at a 60° tilting angle. This indicates an optimum tilting angle at a lower tilting angle. The simulation revealed the relationship between vorticity and boundary layer thickness to the graphene quality.

In-depth analysis of MoO3–CaF2–Bi2O3–B2O3–Cr2O3 glass system using physical, optical, Raman and FTIR characterizations

With the interest to study the structural, optical and spectroscopic properties of the molybdenum and calcium fluoride co-doped bismuth borate glasses added with small trace of chromium ions, a detailed investigation has been carried out. The samples with the formula xMoO3-(20-x)CaF2-20Bi2O3-59.8B2O3-0.2Cr2O3 were prepared by adopting melt-quench method. XRD, optical absorption, FTIR and Raman characterizations were studied for the glass samples and discussed elaborately. XRD reveals the amorphous nature of the prepared samples with broad hump. The density of the samples was calculated and reported an increase from 3.97 gm/cc to 4.203 gm/cc with increase in MoO3 content. Similarly, the optical energy band gap also increase from 1.87 eV to 2.26 eV and is attributed to the decrease in NBO's. The refractive index of the glass samples in the range of 2.63–2.79 opens up applications in non-linear optical and opto-electronics devices. FTIR spectra in hand with Raman spectra provides evidence to the increase in compactness with increase in MoO3 content, as there is a conversion of BO3 to BO4 units. The other probable structure units in the glass network include MoO2-4 and MoO6 units resulting in structural stability.

Enhanced dispersion of graphene sheets in various liquid solvents supported by poly(ionic liquid) via non-covalent interaction

In this study, a new method for the preparation of graphene using poly(ionic liquid) [PEP-MIM]Cl was found and the complex [PEP-MIM]Cl-GO, which combines with graphene oxide (GO) via electrostatic and π-π interactions, was investigated to be dissolved in the organic or aqueous phase, depending on the concentration of the poly(ionic liquid), and to be stably dispersed and liquid crystalline. After reduction to graphene (rGO) by L(+)-ascorbic acid, this stable dispersion can still exist without any agglomerates, and thus the poly(ionic liquid)- functionalised graphene [PEP-MIM]Cl-rGO with good dispersibility in water was prepared, and some explorations of phase transfer and anion exchange of [PEP-MIM]Cl-rGO based on the ion exchangeability of the poly(ionic liquid) were made. exchange, and the success of the preparation of poly(ionic liquid)-functionalized graphene was confirmed by TEM, AFM, FTIR, Raman and other characterizations.

Baseline Raman Spectral Fingerprints of Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae.

As a highly sensitive vibrational technique, Raman spectroscopy (RS) can provide valuable chemical and molecular data useful to characterise animal cell types, tissues and organs. As a label-free, rapid detection method, RS has been considered a valuable asset in forensics, biology and medicine. The technique has been applied to zebrafish for various purposes, including physiological, biochemical or bioaccumulation analyses. The available data point out its potential for the early diagnosis of detrimental effects elicited by toxicant exposure. Nevertheless, no baseline spectra are available for zebrafish embryos and larvae that could allow for suitable planning of toxicological assessments, comparison with toxicant-elicited spectra or mechanistic understanding of biochemical and physiological responses to the exposures. With this in mind, this work carried out a baseline characterisation of Raman spectra of zebrafish embryos and larvae throughout early development. Raman spectra were recorded from the iris, forebrain, melanocytes, heart, muscle and swim bladder between 24 and 168 h post-fertilisation. A chemometrics approach, based on partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), was used to obtain a Raman characterisation of each tissue or organ. In total, 117 Raman bands were identified, of which 24 were well represented and, thus, retained in the data analysed. Only three bands were found to be common to all organs and tissues. The PLS-DA provided a tentative Raman spectral fingerprint typical of each tissue or organ, reflecting the ongoing developmental dynamics. The bands showed frequencies previously assigned to collagen, cholesterol, various essential amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.

Deep Ultraviolet Excitation Photoluminescence Characteristics and Correlative Investigation of Al-Rich AlGaN Films on Sapphire.

AlGaN is attractive for fabricating deep ultraviolet (DUV) optoelectronic and electronic devices of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, high-electron-mobility field-effect transistors (HEMTs), etc. We investigated the quality and optical properties of AlxGa1-xN films with high Al fractions (60-87%) grown on sapphire substrates, including AlN nucleation and buffer layers, by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). They were initially investigated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) and Raman scattering (RS). A set of formulas was deduced to precisely determine x(Al) from HR-XRD data. Screw dislocation densities in AlGaN and AlN layers were deduced. DUV (266 nm) excitation RS clearly exhibits AlGaN Raman features far superior to visible RS. The simulation on the AlGaN longitudinal optical (LO) phonon modes determined the carrier concentrations in the AlGaN layers. The spatial correlation model (SCM) analyses on E2(high) modes examined the AlGaN and AlN layer properties. These high-x(Al) AlxGa1-xN films possess large energy gaps Eg in the range of 5.0-5.6 eV and are excited by a DUV 213 nm (5.8 eV) laser for room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) studies. The obtained RTPL bands were deconvoluted with two Gaussian bands, indicating cross-bandgap emission, phonon replicas, and variation with x(Al). TDPL spectra at 20-300 K of Al0.87Ga0.13N exhibit the T-dependences of the band-edge luminescence near 5.6 eV and the phonon replicas. According to the Arrhenius fitting diagram of the TDPL spectra, the activation energy (19.6 meV) associated with the luminescence process is acquired. In addition, the combined PL and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopic system with DUV 213 nm pulse excitation was applied to measure a typical AlGaN multiple-quantum well (MQW). The RT TRPL decay spectra were obtained at four wavelengths and fitted by two exponentials with fast and slow decay times of ~0.2 ns and 1-2 ns, respectively. Comprehensive studies on these Al-rich AlGaN epi-films and a typical AlGaN MQW are achieved with unique and significant results, which are useful to researchers in the field.

Carbon nanotube-Yttrium iron garnet nanohybrid synthesized via chemical vapor deposition and its potential application in fabricated screen-printed patch antenna

Carbon nanotube-Yttrium iron garnet (CNT-YIG) nanohybrid has been successfully synthesized using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with yttrium iron garnet (YIG) nanopowders as catalyst, ethanol as carbon stock, and argon as carrier gas. Carbon nanotube (CNT) was observed to have grown from the YIG nanopowders with bamboo-like structures of CNT at a synthesis temperature of 900 °C. FESEM and RAMAN characterization indicated that the CNT-YIG nanohybrid exhibited the growth of bamboo-like CNT with high graphitization. Further analysis of electrical properties showed that the CNT-YIG nanohybrid has exhibited conductivity due to the CNT growth. The nanohybrid in the form of powders was then mixed with an organic vehicle to produce thick film paste and screen-printed onto a substrate as the working material for patch antenna application. Initial measurements using VNA indicated that CNT-YIG nanohybrid gave significant results regarding return loss and bandwidth, proving that the materials could have great potential to enhance patch antenna performance due to their combined electrical and magnetic properties.

Amorphous mesoporous sulfur-rich 1T/2H-MoS2 nanospheres as high-capacity cathode materials for advanced magnesium ion batteries

Two-dimensional layered-structure MoS2 has been explored as the promising cathode materials for magnesium ion batteries benefited by its wide layer distance and satisfactory capacity. However, such strong interaction between Mg2+ and MoS2 brings about the sluggish diffusion kinetics and irreversible electrochemical reaction, leading to a decreased specific capacity and poor rate capability. How to adopt its structure engineering and interface engineering to boost the Mg2+ diffusion kinetics and enhance the electrochemical reversibility of MoS2 is still a huge challenge. Herein, the amorphous sulfur-rich 1T/2H-MoS2 mesoporous nanospheres (a-MoS2+x, 0<x<1) have been developed via a facile one-pot hydrothermal route. Acted as a cathode material for magnesium ion batteries, owing to the cooperate effects of inherent rich active sites, high conductivity and wide layer distance induced by the coexistence of sulfur-rich, 1T phase and nearly amorphous features, the as-prepared a-MoS2+x demonstrates an ultra-high discharge capacity (438.7 mAh g−1 for 50 cycles at 0.1 A g−1), promising rate capability (97.6 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1), and good cyclic stability (110 cycles at 0.5 A g−1), superior to the crystalline MoS2 (c-MoS2) and other previously reported MoS2 counterparts. Besides, the kinetics results indicate that the a-MoS2+x manifests good charge transfer and diffusion kinetics, and its entire charge storage is a combination of surface-controlled capacitance behavior and diffusion-controlled battery behavior. Moreover, some ex-situ Raman, XPS and HRTEM characterization techniques are employed to disclose the Mg2+ storage mechanism. Such remarkable magnesium storage properties of a-MoS2+x demonstrates its promising application as cathode for magnesium ion batteries.

Raman imaging for monitoring deuterated squalene-gemcitabine nanomedicines in single living breast cancer cells

We have investigated the impact of gemcitabine (Gem) and deuterated gemcitabine-squalene (GemSQ-d6) nanoparticles (NPs) on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines by Raman spectroscopy. Quantification of LDL expression levels in both cell lines revealed a four-fold increase in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MCF7 cells. In in vitro antitumor assessments, Gem displayed 13.5 times more effectiveness than GemSQ NPs against MCF7 cells, whereas GemSQ NPs induced a 14-fold increase in cytotoxicity compared to Gem for MDA-MB-231 cells. Oil Red O staining revealed that the treatment with GemSQ-d6 NPs induced a higher accumulation of lipid droplets at the periphery of the nucleus in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MCF7 cells. Raman spectroscopy was employed to assess the impact of these drugs (50 µM, 24 hrs) on these breast cancer cell lines. By using the silent region (2000–2400 cm−1), we demonstrated that the accumulation of the GemSQ-d6 bioconjugate was higher in the cytoplasm of MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF7 cells. This difference in drug accumulation is likely correlated with their expression levels of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). However, no information was obtained on Gem in this spectral region. We identified Raman features of squalene (SQ) in 700–1800 cm−1 fingerprint region that allowed us to observe almost the same distribution of GemSQ as that observed in the silent region for both cell lines treated with GemSQ-d6 or SQ-d6. Subsequently, the effects of Gem and GemSQ-d6 on cellular components such as proteins, nucleic acids, and cytochrome C were monitored within the fingerprint spectral region. Our results revealed distinct features in the subcellular accumulation of these biomolecules in response to Gem and GemSQ treatments.

Effects of heavy alkali metals (Rb, Cs) post-deposition treatments on CuInGaSe2 using a spin-coating technique

Abstract This study used a controlled environment to explore the post-deposition treatment (PDT) effects on CuInGaSe2 (CIGSe2) semiconducting thin films using a non-vacuum spin-coating technique for doping the CIGSe layers with Cs and Rb. The structural characterization confirmed the successful deposition of chalcopyrite structures with no phases belonging to any alkali metals after the PDT, with crystallite sizes in the range between 40-67 nm, and with a slight change in the X Ray Diffraction (XRD) peak positions indicating a change from copper-rich to copper-poor phases. The morphological studies confirmed the increase in grain sizes after the PDT. The EDS chemical studies showed that there is a reduction in the copper content after PDT. The topographical studies showed a change in the surface morphology with modifications of the grain parameters. In addition, the electrical characterization showed a significant increase of the effective carrier mobility after the treatments, consistent with the grain size increase observed by both microscopic (SEM and AFM) studies. Raman characterization of the CIGSe2 films showed the A1 optical phonon mode of CIGS chalcopyrite structures and peaks at lower frequencies belonging to ordered vacancy compounds (OVCs). The deconvolution of the Raman spectroscopy broad peaks for the CIGSe2 films after their PDT confirmed the formation of alk-InSe2 OVC phases on top of the absorber layer.

Production of Low Temperature Synthetic Graphite

Synthetic graphite is a material consisting of graphitic carbon which has been obtained by graphitizing a non-graphitic carbon. The growth in demand, particularly in customizing properties for certain usage has brought about research on viable alternative, low-cost, and environmentally pleasant synthetic graphite production. Biomass wastes are amongst appealing carbon precursors which have been broadly checked out as replacement carbon for graphite production. This research aimed to synthesize synthetic graphite from oil palm trunks at low temperatures (500 °C, 400 °C and 300 °C) under controlled conditions to determine the physical properties and properties of the graphite obtained. After the heat treatment process, the obtained samples were then characterized by using XRD, SEM and RAMAN characterizations. Based on SEM and RAMAN characterization, it can be seen that graphite that undergoes a 500 °C pyrolysis process shows the best results compare to graphite that undergoes a pyrolysis process at the temperatures of 300 °C and 400 °C. The graphite flakes and the peaks obtained for 500 °C graphite are obviously present. For XRD characterization, the best samples at 500 °C were chosen to be characterized. From the results, the sample shows slight behavior imitating the commercialized graphite. Hence, from the characterizations of the samples, it can be concluded that the best synthetic graphite produced was from the oil palm trunks heated at 500 ° C.

Counterintuitive Isomerization of TFSI- and TFSI--Cation Correlated Isomerization: Insights into the Low Melting Points of TFSI--Based Ionic Liquids.

Ionic liquids (ILs), particularly bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (TFSI-)-based ILs, have attracted substantial attention in electrochemical energy storage, ionic gating for superconductivity, and iontronic sensing. However, underestimating TFSI- isomerization and overlooking TFSI--cation correlation make the origin of their most characteristic property, low melting points (Tm), ambiguous. Traditional static electronic structure calculations assume that C2-symmetric trans enantiomers of TFSI- easily isomerize into cis enantiomers through four symmetrically equivalent pathways over a barrier of 7.1 kJ mol-1. Herein, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations combined with metadynamics reveal that the unusual oscillation of the central nitrogen atom promotes TFSI- to undergo complex isomerization. Specifically, asymmetric trans-to-cis diastereomers of TFSI- experience restricted interconversion (20-52 kJ mol-1) through four distinct asymmetric pathways. The adaptive oscillation and hybridization of chiral nitrogen boost nN → σ*S-C negative hyperconjugation for stabilizing conformational structures and enlarging energy barriers. The orientational distortion of oxygen atoms' lone pairs enhances conjugation but breaks the C2-symmetry. The coexistence of both helicity and chiral nitrogen breaks the enantiomeric relationship. Furthermore, Raman characterization and AIMD simulations confirm the positive correlation between the relative stability of cis-TFSI- and its countercation's polarity. TFSI- and countercations make a mutual conformational selection instead of free isomerization. Surprisingly, Tm increases with the cation-dependent conformational rigidity of TFSI-, offering new fundamental insights into the low Tm of ILs. This descriptor encoding the dependence of thermal property on cation-anion correlated isomerization provides material design guidelines and property prediction capability.

The role of hydrogen bonding in the conformational stability of 2-methoxyresorcinol: Insights from theoretical calculations, SERS spectroscopy, and solvent effect

Resorcinol derivatives exhibit unique structural and electronic features. The presence of two hydroxyl groups, along with other substituents, can greatly impact these molecules’ conformational profile and vibrational characteristics. This work investigates molecular and electronic properties of 2-methoxyresorcinol (2-MR) by combining quantum-chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The molecule of 2-MR can exist in the syn, anti, and anti–syn configurations, depending on the orientation of the hydroxyl groups. The syn and anti–syn forms have been verified from DFT, MP2 and MP4 (SDQ) calculations and from infrared/Raman spectroscopy to be stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding that takes place between the hydrogen atoms of the OH groups and the methoxy moiety’s oxygen atom. Such an interaction results in 6–7 kcal/mol more stable states than the corresponding anti-configuration, where only steric forces control the molecule stability. The effect of different solvents on the Raman features has also been accessed. Unlike other solutions, aqueous 2-MR facilitated a split in the OH stretching peak, which can be attributed to the pronounced solute–solvent intermolecular forces through the OH groups. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopic analysis of trace 2-MR utilizing as-synthesized silver nanoparticles shows a remarkable boost in the Raman signal intensities of several vibrational modes. The SERS detection exhibits a wide dynamic range and a detection limit of 1 × 10−8 M.

An in-depth study of the synthesis of ReSe2 for anisotropic Raman characteristics

Abstract Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received more interest for their potential role in future electronic and optoelectronic applications. Unlike other TMDs, Rhenium diselenide (ReSe2) stands out for its distinctive anisotropic growth characteristics. These unique features arise from its low lattice symmetry and interlayer decoupling, this has sparked significant interest among researchers. Previous research has indicated the presence of various growth patterns, including dendritic formations and structures resembling flowers. In this study, we effectively produced ReSe2 using the ‘Tilting Boat’ method to achieve growth on a 21 μm scale. Through precise manipulation of the growth conditions, we successfully attained flakes of 21 μm scale in comparison to prior findings. Moreover, we successfully produced a variety of shapes, including triangles, diamonds, and hexagons, on 1 × 1 cm2 Si/SiO2 substrates. Furthermore, we achieved the successful production of a continuous ReSe2 film on a 1 × 3 cm2 Al2O3 substrate. We verified the distinct anisotropic properties of ReSe2 via Raman Spectroscopy. Furthermore, we acquired three-dimensional visual representations of ReSe2 flakes and continuous films via SEM measurements. By employing EDS data and analysing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra, we have established a compositional ratio of 1:2 for Re and Se, which aligns with the MX2 structure. This confirmation indicates the successful synthesis of high-quality ReSe2 flakes.

Synergistic Coordination and Surface Plasmon Resonance of Quantum Dots in Enhancing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Recent studies have revealed that the integration of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with photocatalysts allows the metal NPs to serve as cocatalysts, significantly enhancing reactant efficiency near nanostructures through the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. On this basis, we synthesized highly reactive FePt quantum dots (FePt QDs) with tailored configurations, manipulating the Pt coordination environment and combining FePt QDs with ultrathin two-dimensional nickel metal-organic layer (Ni-MOL) nanosheets. X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy (XAFS) confirmed the distinctive Pt-Fe configuration after photoactivation. The optimized loading amount of FePt QDs led to a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) yield of 113 mmol·g-1·h-1 after activation, with the catalyst remaining stable over five cycles. The improved reaction efficiency stemmed from Pt coordination adjustments and a localized SPR effect, supported by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), infrared (IR), Raman, and XAFS characterizations. A comparative analysis was conducted with Ni-MOL deposited with platinum NPs, further underscoring the distinct advantages of FePt QDs and corroborating by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which revealed favorable d-band center properties. These findings offer a promising avenue for the development of highly efficient and stable nanoalloy photocatalysts.

Self-Assembled Synthesis of Graphene Tubes from Melamine Catalyzed by Calcium Carbonate

This study investigates the carbon products generated by melamine under various heat-treatment temperatures with the catalysis of calcium carbonate. We discovered that the cost-effective precursor melamine readily self-assembles and curls into graphene tubes when catalyzed by the alkaline earth salt CaCO3 at elevated temperatures. Under heat-treatment conditions of 1100 °C and 1200 °C, the growth morphology of graphene tubes with open structures and exceptionally large diameters was observed, and the diameters reached the micron level. These products exhibit a high degree of carbonization and an extremely low nitrogen content, as low as 1.7%. Further, the intensity ratio (ID/IG) of the D band and the G band is as low as 0.79 in Raman characterization. The results show that the products have a certain graphite structure, which proves the catalytic activity of CaCO3. This is attributed to the incorporation of CaCO3 into the raw material system, which impedes the complete thermal decomposition of melamine. On the other hand, the resulting CaO particles are evenly distributed along the tubular products, providing certain support for their self-assembly and growth, thereby achieving the efficient growth of graphene tubes.

Could Raman spectroscopy investigate the changes of cell oxidative stress status in thyroid diseases? A pilot study on cytological samples

The incidence of thyroid nodules is rapidly increasing worldwide. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a powerful label-free and non-invasive technique, successfully used for early stage diagnosis. Here, RS is proposed as a tool to investigate the thyroid disease, including neoplasms, through the study of cell oxidative stress (OS), which represents one of the main cancer risk factors. In this study, we enrolled 28 patients, submitted to a first and second thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) during follow up. The cytological samples were studied by RS and morphological examination. Typical Raman spectra of thyroid cytological samples are reported and the contribution of oxidized and reduced cytochrome b and c and carotenoids are discussed. On the basis of the evolution of the Raman features over the time lapse between the two FNAs, the 28 patients have been classified into 4 different categories and the most representative case for each category is reported and discussed in detail. For each category, the different Raman intensity ratio between oxidized and reduced cytochromes b and c is reported and associated to different cell OS status, along with the presence of carotenoids. Overall, our results support a correlation among changes in oxidative stress, carotenoids uptake and thyroid diseases, which could inspire new fundamental research on biomarkers and signaling pathways involved in thyroid OS.

Raman characterization of lunar highlands simulants for in-situ resource utilization in a lunar setting

Lunar regolith simulants from the NU-LHT series were characterized using different configurations for performing Raman spectroscopy measurements, including with different excitation wavelengths and spot sizes. This testing was performed to explore various Raman measurement configurations for analyzing lunar regolith, especially in terms of capturing distinctive fluorescence features that can provide more information about the composition of the regolith. Results obtained utilizing configurations having a 785 nm laser for excitation showed relatively narrow, intense fluorescence signals between 870 and 890 nm, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been observed before in lunar regolith or lunar simulant samples. These distinctive fluorescence features, attributed to a specific rare earth element (REE) impurity, adds further support that these types of features can be utilized for identification and potentially quantification of the amount of REE or transition metal impurities in lunar regolith. Further, other aspects of these Raman instrument configurations and their advantages were explored, especially those applicable for use in a lunar environment in support of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).

Investigation of the substitution of mercury by silver in Ag2S-HgS-GeS2 glasses: Macroscopic, electrical and vibrational properties

The evolution of structure and physical properties was investigated in the (Ag2S)x(HgS)50-x(GeS2)50 system. It was found that the density increases with increasing silver sulfide. The DSC data show a non-monotonic change of the glass transition temperature, Tg, from 243 °C (x = 0) to 301 °C (x = 50) with the minimum at 231 °C for x = 10 sample. The dual structure of HgS, which consists of the presence of dimorphic tetrahedral and chain forms of HgS, is found to be responsible for the non-monotonic change of the Tg. An increase in silver content leads to a significant enhancement of ionic conductivity from ∼10−14 S.cm−1 (x = 0) to ∼10−3 S.cm−1 (x = 50). The gradual structural evaluation is evidenced by the disappearance of the main Raman feature at ≈300 cm−1 related to the Hg-S stretching and the emergence of two contributions for silver-rich glasses at ≈370 cm−1 and at ≈400 cm−1.