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Apport de la cristallochimie et de la spéciation du chrome et du vanadium à la modélisation de l'altération de granulats artificiels (sous-produits d'aciérie)Chaurand, Perrine 20 December 2006 (has links) (PDF)
Dans les aciéries, la conversion de la fonte en acier est une opération qui génère des quantités très importantes de déchets : les laitiers d'aciérie de conversion (LAC), qui sont en partie valorisés en tant que granulats en génie civil. Cette thèse vise à quantifier et à expliquer le comportement à la lixiviation des LAC, c'est-à-dire leur altération et le relargage des métaux traces (Cr, V) qu'ils contiennent, par l'identification des mécanismes physico-chimiques qui régissent, au sein même de la matrice solide, la mobilité et le transfert des éléments. L'approche expérimentale choisie est basée sur des tests de lixiviation (en laboratoire à l'aide du CTG-Leachcrete et en lysimètre à l'échelle semi-pilote) et des spectroscopies d'absorption et de fluorescence des rayons X permettant de caractériser à l'échelle du site cristallochimique le degré d'oxydation, la symétrie et la nature des phases porteuses des éléments.<br />Le Cr exclusivement trivalent, très stable dans les sites octaédriques d'une ferrite de calcium, est très peu relargué lors des tests de lixiviation en laboratoire et en lysimètre. Une phase de type spinelle, issue de l'altération de (Fe, Mn, Mg)O contrôle également la mobilité du Cr(III). Au contraire, le V(III) subit une oxydation en V(V) au sein même de sa phase porteuse, qui s'accompagne d'une perte de symétrie, à l'origine de sa mobilité à l'échelle du laboratoire.<br />Les données issues de ces expériences ont permis d'écrire les équations thermodynamiques d'équilibre à l'origine de l'initialisation d'un modèle géochimique robuste (CHESS) reproduisant l'altération des LAC : évolution minéralogique et courbes cinétiques de relargage obtenues lors des tests de lixiviation statique et dynamique en laboratoire. Ce modèle vise à terme à prédire le comportement à long terme des LAC dans un scénario de valorisation donné.
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Etude des contraintes et des déformations au cours de la croissance de couches métalliques; analyse de la structure et du profil de composition aux interfaces par diffusion des rayons XBigault, T. 06 April 2001 (has links) (PDF)
Lors de la croissance de films métalliques d'épaisseur nanométrique, des contraintes importantes peuvent être générées. Les mécanismes responsables de l'établissement de ces contraintes et de leur relaxation sont encore mal connus. Notamment, la ségrégation des atomes du substrat vers la surface peut se produire au cours du dépôt, donnant lieu à un gradient de concentration à l'interface. Ce travail présente le développement d'un appareillage permettant de déterminer l'évolution des contraintes en mesurant la courbure de l'échantillon in situ; ainsi que la mise au point du dépôt d'une couche d'argent en épitaxie sur Si(111) permettant d'amorcer la croissance de multicouches métalliques. L'évolution des contraintes lors du dépôt d'argent, qui ne peut s'interpréter simplement en termes d'accommodation des paramètres de maille, est confrontée aux analyses structurales du film. En complétant la détermination de courbure par des mesures de RHEED en cours de croissance, l'évolution des contraintes et des déformations dans des multicouches Cu-Ni(100) a été étudiée. Malgré le faible désaccord de maille, une relaxation partielle se produit dès le début du dépôt. De plus, un mélange a été mis en évidence lors du dépôt de Ni sur Cu. Dans le cas de multicouches Au-Ni(111), qui présentent un plus grand désaccord de maille, une ségrégation dynamique se produit également lors du dépôt de Ni sur Au, malgré le caractère immiscible de Au et Ni à température ambiante. La comparaison des spectres de diffraction anomale des rayons X et de simulations numériques montre qu'un gradient de composition (accompagné d'un gradient de distances interplanaires) s'étend sur 6 plans atomiques environ autour des interfaces Ni/Au, tandis que les interfaces Au/Ni sont abruptes. L'environnement local des atomes, et notamment la distribution des distances entre premiers voisins, a été analysé dans ces multicouches par spectroscopie d'absorption X (EXAFS).
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Atomic scale structural modifications in irradiated nuclear fuelsMieszczynski, Cyprian 11 April 2014 (has links) (PDF)
This thesis work reports in depth analyses of measured µ-XRD and µ-XAS data from standard UO2, chromia (Cr2O3) doped UO2 and MOX fuels, and interpretation of the results considering the role of chromium as a dopant as well as several fission product elements. The lattice parameters of UO2 in fresh and irradiated samples and elastic strain energy densities in the irradiated UO2 samples have been measured and quantified. The µ-XRD patterns have further allowed the evaluation of the crystalline domain size and sub-grain formation at different locations of the irradiated fuel pellets. Attempts have been made to determine lattice parameter and next neighbor atomic environment in chromia-precipitates found in fresh chromia-doped fuel pellets. The local structure around Cr in as-fabricated chromia-doped UO2 matrix and the influence of irradiation on the state of chromium in irradiated fuel matrix have been addressed. Finally, for a comparative understanding of fission gases behavior and irradiation induced re-solution phenomenon in standard and chromia-doped UO2, the last part of the present work tries to clarify the fission gas Kr atomic environment in these irradiated fuels. The work performed on Kr, by micro-beam XAS, comprises the determination of Kr next neighbor distances, an estimation of gas atom densities in the aggregates, and apparent internal pressures in the gas bubbles.
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New Developments in Nitridometalates and Cyanamides: Chemical, Structural and Physical PropertiesBendyna, Joanna 30 October 2009 (has links)
In the course of these investigations altogether 18 different compounds have been synthesized and their chemical, structural and physical properties were characterized (XRD, XANES, IR, Raman spectrum, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, low temperature and TG/DTA).
Up to now only nitridonickelates and nitridocuprates were known to exhibit exclusively low oxidation states of the transition metals between 0 and +2. In this work it has been presented that also nitridocobaltates belong to this group. We have proved that “Ca3CoIIIN3” do not exist and the real chemical formula can be regarded as Ca5[CoIN2]2.
In the thesis another seven new nitridocobaltates(I) have been described, these add to four already known structures. Among novel phases only Ba9Ca[Co2N3]3 may indicate higher valency state for cobalt with the [Co2N3]5- complexes. The XANES data supporting CoII state by comparison with other compounds possess this oxidation state. The crystal structure of Ba9Ca[Co2N3]3 is related to the perovskite type structure.
The remarkable structural features of Sr2[CoN2]0.72[CN2]0.28 ≈ Sr6[CoN2]2[CN2] nitridocobaltates [CoIN2]5- ions partially substituted by carbodiimides [N=C=N]2- ions. Up to now in the crystal structure no indications for a homogeneity range could be observed.
Both crystal structures of (Sr6N)[CoN2][CN2]2 and Sr6[CoN2]2[CN2] encompass nitridocobaltate [CoN2]5- and carbodiimide [N=C=N]2- ions. In the structures distorted rocksalt motif based on Sr-N partial structure can be distinguished.
Up to now in the system AE-Fe-N-(C) only four crystal structures were reported and in the thesis three new were refined Sr8[FeIIIN3]2[FeIIN2], Sr3[FeN3] and (Sr6N)[FeN2][CN2]2 and their physical properties were characterized. The system AE-Mn-N-(C) via this work was extended by Sr8[MnN3]3 and Sr4[MnN3][CN2].
Up to date the only nitridometalate containing different transition elements is Ba[Ni1-xCuxN]. In this work one more mixed nitridometalate has been described Sr8[MnIIIN3]2[FeIIN2].
The crystal structure of Sr4[MnN3][CN2] revealed some weak diffuse scattering lines. The general formula of Sr4[MnN3][CN2] can be written as Sr4[Mn0.96N2.90][C0.96N2] to emphasize possible homogeneity range. Any explanation of the phenomena and establishment of possible homogeneity range are still a challenge.
The structures of Sr8[MIIIN3]2[FeIIN2] (M = Mn, Fe) are related to Sr8[MnIVN3]2[MnIIIN3]. All these compounds are first mixed-valency compounds for respective systems and exhibit close relation to crystal structures of Sr3[MN3] (M = Mn, Fe). From the XANES data alike behaviour of all structures containing Mn was observed.
Due to some possible degree of Mn/Fe mixing in the crystal structure of Sr8[MIIIN3]2[FeIIN2] the chemical formula might be written as Sr8[MnN3]2-x[FeN3]x[FeN2]. This needs to be investigate in details.
Up to now in the literature the only crystallographic data of nitridometalates contain [NCN]2- ions include two compounds. In this work four novel nitridometalate carbodiimides and cyanamides Sr4[MnN3][CN2], (Sr6N)[MN2][CN2]2 (M = Co, Fe) and Sr6[CoN2]2[CN2] have been synthesized.
Predominant magnetic properties in the investigated nitridometalates are connected to some antiferromagnetic M-M interactions supported by AFM ordering. The electrical resistivity often shows at some semi-conducting character of these compounds. XANES spectroscopy provided many useful data about valency states of the transition elements, coordination environment around absorbing atoms and electronic structure. The influence of different parameters on the transition metals K-edges was studied in details. IR and Raman give general data about [NCN]2- ions.
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Structure, Stability, Vibrational, Thermodynamic, And Catalytic Properties Of Metal Nanostructures: Size, Shape, Support, And Adsorbate EffectsBehafarid, Farzad 01 January 2012 (has links)
Recent advances in nanoscience and technology have provided the scientific community with new exciting opportunities to rationally design and fabricate materials at the nanometer scale with drastically different properties as compared to their bulk counterparts. A variety of challenges related to nanoparticle (NP) synthesis and materials characterization have been tackled , allowing us to make more homogenous, well defined, size- and shape-selected NPs, and to probe deeper and more comprehensively into their distinct properties. In this dissertation, a variety of phenomena relevant to nanosized materials are investigated, including the thermal stability of NPs and coarsening phenomena in different environments, the experimental determination of NP shapes, gaining insight into NP-support interactions, epitaxial relationships, and unusual thermodynamic and electronic properties of NPs, including the effect of adsorbates on the electron density of states of small clusters, and the chemical, and structural evolution of NPs under reaction conditions. In chapter 2, a general description of different characterization tools that are used in this dissertation is provided. In chapter 3, the details of two different methods used for NP synthesis, namely inverse micelle encapsulation and physical vapor deposition (PVD) are described. Chapter 4 describes the thermal stability and coarsening behavior of Pt NPs supported on TiO2(110) and γ-Al2O3 as a function of the synthesis method, support pretreatment, and annealing environment. For the Pt/TiO2(110) system, micellesynthesized NPs showed remarkable stability against coarsening for annealing temperatures up to 1060°C in vacuum, in contrast to PVD-grown NPs. When comparing v different annealing environments (H2, O2, H2O), Pt NPs on γ-Al2O3 annealed in O2 were found to be the least affected by coarsening, followed by those heated in H2O vapor. The largest NP growth was observed for the sample annealed in H2. The role of the PtOx species formed under oxidizing conditions will be discussed. In chapter 5, the shape of Pt and Au NPs and their epitaxial relationship with the TiO2(110) support was extracted from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements. Three main categories of NP shapes were identified, and through shape modeling, the contribution of facets with different orientations was obtained as a function of the number of atoms in each NP. It was also shown that the micellesynthesized Pt and Au NPs have an epitaxial relationship with the support, which is evident from the fact that they always have one symmetry axis parallel to TiO2(110) atomic rows in [001] directions. Chapter 6 describes how the presence of NPs on TiO2(110) surface affects its reconstruction upon high temperature annealing in vacuum. In contrast to NP-free TiO2(110) substrates, long and narrow TiO2 stripes are observed for Pt NP-decorated surfaces. This phenomenon is explained based on the stabilization of TiO2, induced by Pt NPs, which hinders the desorption of oxygen atoms in TiO2 to vacuum. In chapter 7, a systematic investigation of the thermodynamic properties of γ- Al2O3-supported Pt NPs and their evolution with decreasing NP size is presented. A combination of in situ extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, and NP shape modeling is used to obtain the NPs shape, thermal expansion coefficient, and Debye vi temperature. The unusual thermodynamic behavior of these NPs such as their negative thermal expansion and enhanced Debye temperature are discussed in detail. Chapter 8 presents an investigation of the electronic properties of size-controlled γ-Al2O3-supported Pt NPs and their evolution with decreasing NP size and adsorbate (H2) coverage. The hydrogen coverage of Pt NPs at different temperatures was estimated based on XANES data and was found to be influenced by the NP size, and shape. In addition, correlations between the shift in the center of the unoccupied d-band density of states (theory) and energy shifts of the XANES spectra (experiment) upon hydrogen chemisorption as well as upon modification of the NP structure were established. Chapter 9 is dedicated to an operando study, describing the evolution of the structure and oxidation state of ZrO2-supported Pd nanocatalysts during the in-situ selective reduction of NO in H2 via EXAFS and XANES measurements.
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Phytoremédiation par Jardins Filtrants d'un sol pollué par des métaux lourds : Approche de la phytoremédiation dans des casiers végétalisés par des plantes de milieux humides et étude des mécanismes de remobilisation/immobilisation du zinc et du cuivreKirpichtchikova, Tatiana 29 September 2009 (has links) (PDF)
De nombreuses études en phytoremédiation visent à accroître le prélèvement des métaux par les plantes pour dépolluer les sols. Ce travail porte sur une nouvelle approche de phytoremédiation appelée Jardins Filtrants qui consiste à traiter le sol dans des casiers végétalisés par des plantes de milieux humides (Phragmites australis, Iris pseudacorus et Salix viminalis) et irrigués de manière à imposer une alternance des conditions hydromorphie-assèchement afin d'accroître la solubilité de métaux dans le sol et de les extraire par lixiviation. Dans une expérience pilote de seize mois, cette approche a été appliquée pour la phytoremédiation de Zn, Cu et Pb d'un sol agricole fortement pollué par l'épandage d'eaux usées. Le bilan de masse des métaux dans les systèmes sol-plante a montré que seule une quantité non-significative des métaux a été accumulée dans la biomasse des plantes. Une quantité importante des métaux a été éliminée du sol via la phytolixiviation résultant de l'interaction de l'activité racinaire avec l'irrigation. Un traitement chimique complémentaire au citrate permet d'augmenter la lixiviation. Les mécanismes de transformations de Zn et Cu impliqués dans cette phytoremédiation ont été mis en évidence par combinaison des techniques analytiques sur la source synchrotron à micro- (µXRF, µXRD, µEXAFS) et macro-échelle (EXAFS) couplée aux analyses chimiques, permettant d'identifier et quantifier les formes des métaux dans le sol. Dans le sol initial, le zinc a été majoritairement sous formes de minéraux secondaires (Zn-ferrihydrite, Zn-phosphate et Zn-phyllosilicate modélisé par Zn-kérolite) et le cuivre a été associé essentiellement à la matière organique. L'activité racinaire dans les conditions hydromorphie-assèchement a profondément modifié la spéciation des métaux. Zn-ferrihydrite, une des formes majoritaires de Zn, a été complètement dissoute. La dissolution réductive de cet oxyhydroxyde de fer, favorisée par les conditions d'hydromorphie, a induit la lixiviation de Zn. Une partie de Zn solubilisé a coprécipité avec Fe en un autre oxyhydroxyde de fer zincifère moins soluble, Zn-goethite substituée, dans les conditions oxydantes et avec assistance des racines formant des plaques de goethite en défense contre l'excès de métaux dissous. De plus, les nouvelles particules de Zn métallique et ZnO ont été découvertes dans la rhizosphère, en faible quantité. L'oxydation de la matière organique a induit l'excès de Cu cationique toxique. En réponse au stress oxydant, ce cuivre a été biotransformé par les racines en association avec des mycorhizes en nanoparticules de Cu métallique, en quantité importante. Ce nouveau mode de biominéralisation peut être typique des plantes de milieux humides. Cette nouvelle voie de phytoremédiation implique principalement la phytolixiviation induisant la solubilisation des métaux et leur lixiviation et la phytotransformation, due pour une part à la phytodétoxication, conduisant la conversion des métaux toxiques en formes peu solubles.
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Verres thiohalogenes de mercure et de plomb transparents dans l' IR. Synthèse, nouvelles compositions, structureHarfmann, Eric 28 February 1995 (has links) (PDF)
Les verres thiohalogènes de mercure et de plomb présentent un excellent domaine de transparence s'étendant de 0.6 micronmètre dans l'infrarouge. L'étude comparative avec des matériaux existants montre l'interet de ces verres en tant que transmetteurs IR. L'etude a porte sur la synthèse, la caractérisation physico-chimique et structurale de verres issus de système de base sulfure de mercure, bromure de plomb et iodure de plomb. Les contraintes spécifiques liées au développement de ces matériaux sont discutées. L'influence des conditions d'élaboration et de la composition sur les propriétés des verres obtenus a été étudiée et de nouvelles compositions vitreuses aux performances accrues ont été découvertes. L'étude structurale par spectroscopie de vibration IR, RMN, absorption et diffusion X confirme l'originalité de ces verres qui ne contiennent aucun formateur classique. Une tentative de modélisation par Reverse Monte Carlo conclue ce travail.
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Estudo do processo de formação de nanopartículas de GeSi em matriz de sílica por técnicas de luz síncrotron / Study of the formation process of GeSi nanoparticles embedded in silica by synchrotron radiaton techniquesGasperini, Antonio Augusto Malfatti, 1982- 19 August 2018 (has links)
Orientadores: Gustavo de Medeiros Azevedo, Ângelo Malachias de Souza, Eduardo Granado Monteiro da Silva / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T08:06:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1
Gasperini_AntonioAugustoMalfatti_D.pdf: 9911404 bytes, checksum: e5b4150f5a1f5f42c4d0e24b92e46c65 (MD5)
Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Neste trabalho estudamos a formação e estrutura de nanopartículas (NPs) de GeSi encapsuladas em sílica, utilizando técnicas baseadas em luz síncrotron, complementadas com imagens de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Obtivemos a forma, o diâmetro médio e a dispersão de tamanhos usando espalhamento de raios X a baixos ângulos em incidência rasante (GISAXS). A partir dos dados de difração de raios X (XRD) foi possível obter a fase cristalina, o parâmetro de rede e o tamanho médio dos cristalitos. Estes resultados serviram como dados de entrada em um modelo para análise através da técnica de estrutura fina de absorção de raios X (EXAFS), a qual forneceu informações sobre a estrutura local na vizinhança dos átomos de Ge. Apesar dos resultados de cada uma das técnicas acima serem comumente analisados de forma separada, a combinação destas técnicas leva a uma melhor compreensão das propriedades estruturais das NPs. Através da combinação dos resultados tivemos acesso a informações tais como a deformação da rede cristalina (strain), a fração de átomos cm ambientes cristalino e amorfo, a fração de átomos de Ge diluída na matriz e a possibilidade de formação de estruturas do tipo core-shell cristalino-amorfo. Resultados adicionais como a origem do strain e a temperatura de solidificação das NPs, dentre outros, foram obtidos através de um experimento in situ de absorção de raios X em energia dispersiva (DXAS), inédito na análise deste sistema. Por fim, utilizamos as técnicas acima citadas para acompanhar a evolução dos parâmetros estruturais em amostras tratadas termicamente durante diferentes intervalos de tempo / Abstract: In this work we study the formation and structure of GeSi nanoparticles embedded in silica matrix using synchrotron-based techniques complemented by TEM images. Shape, average diameter and size dispersion were obtained from grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering. X-ray diffraction measurements were used to obtain crystalline phase, lattice parameter and crystallite mean sizes. By using these techniques as input for extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, the local structure surrounding Ge atoms is investigated. Although the results for each of the methods mentioned above are usually analyzed separately, the combination of such techniques leads to an improved understanding of nanoparticle structural properties. Crucial indirect parameters that cannot be quantified by other means are accessed in our work, such as local strain, possibility of forming core-shell crystalline-amorphous structures, fraction of Ge atoms diluted in the matrix and amorphous and crystalline Ge fraction. Additional results as the origin of the strain and temperature of solidification of NPs, among others, were obtained through an in situ energy dispersive X-ray absorption experiment (DXAS), unheard in this system. Finally, we use the techniques mentioned above to monitor the evolution of the structural parameters of samples annealed during different time intervals / Doutorado / Física / Doutor em Ciências
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Homogeneity and Elemental Distribution in Self-Assembled Bimetallic Pd-Pt Aerogels prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation processOzaslan, Mehtap, Liu, Wei, Nachtegaal, Maarten, Frenkel, Anatoly, Rutkowski, Bogdan, Werheid, Matthias, Herrmann, Anne-Kristin, Laugier-Bonnaud, Celine, Yilmaz, H.-C., Gaponik, Nikolai, Czyrska-Filemonowicz, Aleksandra, Eychmüller, Alexander, Schmidt, Thomas J. 07 April 2017 (has links) (PDF)
Multi-metallic aerogels have recently emerged as a novel and promising class of unsupported electrocatalyst materials due to their high catalytic activity and improved durability for various electrochemical reactions. Aerogels can be prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation process, where the chemical co-reduction of metal precursors and the prompt formation of the nanochain-consisting hydrogels, as a preliminary stage for the preparation of aerogels take place. However, detailed knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of these three-dimensional Pd-Pt aerogels at the nano-scale as well as at the macro-scale is still unclear to date.
Therefore, we used a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to obtain a better insight into the structure and elemental distribution of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels prepared by the spontaneous one-step gelation process. Synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed in this work to uncover the structural architecture and chemical composition of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels over a broad length range. The Pd80Pt20, Pd60Pt40 and Pd50Pt50 aerogels showed heterogeneity in the chemical distribution of the Pt and Pd atoms inside the macroscopic nanochain-network. Features of monometallic clusters were not detected by EXAFS or STEM-EDX, indicating alloyed nanoparticles. However, the local chemical composition of the Pd-Pt alloys strongly varied along the nanochains and thus within a single aerogel. To determine the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the Pd-Pt aerogels for applications in electrocatalysis, we used the electrochemical CO stripping method. Due to high porosity and extended network structure, the resulting values of the ECSA for the Pd-Pt aerogels were higher than that for a commercially available unsupported Pt black catalyst. We show that the Pd-Pt aerogels possess a high utilization of catalytically active centers for electrocatalytic applications based on the nanostructured bimetallic framework.
Knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of the bimetallic aerogels can help to further optimize their preparation by the spontaneous one-step gelation process and to tune their electrocatalytic reactivity.
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Homogeneity and Elemental Distribution in Self-Assembled Bimetallic Pd-Pt Aerogels prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation processOzaslan, Mehtap, Liu, Wei, Nachtegaal, Maarten, Frenkel, Anatoly, Rutkowski, Bogdan, Werheid, Matthias, Herrmann, Anne-Kristin, Laugier-Bonnaud, Celine, Yilmaz, H.-C., Gaponik, Nikolai, Czyrska-Filemonowicz, Aleksandra, Eychmüller, Alexander, Schmidt, Thomas J. 07 April 2017 (has links)
Multi-metallic aerogels have recently emerged as a novel and promising class of unsupported electrocatalyst materials due to their high catalytic activity and improved durability for various electrochemical reactions. Aerogels can be prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation process, where the chemical co-reduction of metal precursors and the prompt formation of the nanochain-consisting hydrogels, as a preliminary stage for the preparation of aerogels take place. However, detailed knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of these three-dimensional Pd-Pt aerogels at the nano-scale as well as at the macro-scale is still unclear to date.
Therefore, we used a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to obtain a better insight into the structure and elemental distribution of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels prepared by the spontaneous one-step gelation process. Synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed in this work to uncover the structural architecture and chemical composition of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels over a broad length range. The Pd80Pt20, Pd60Pt40 and Pd50Pt50 aerogels showed heterogeneity in the chemical distribution of the Pt and Pd atoms inside the macroscopic nanochain-network. Features of monometallic clusters were not detected by EXAFS or STEM-EDX, indicating alloyed nanoparticles. However, the local chemical composition of the Pd-Pt alloys strongly varied along the nanochains and thus within a single aerogel. To determine the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the Pd-Pt aerogels for applications in electrocatalysis, we used the electrochemical CO stripping method. Due to high porosity and extended network structure, the resulting values of the ECSA for the Pd-Pt aerogels were higher than that for a commercially available unsupported Pt black catalyst. We show that the Pd-Pt aerogels possess a high utilization of catalytically active centers for electrocatalytic applications based on the nanostructured bimetallic framework.
Knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of the bimetallic aerogels can help to further optimize their preparation by the spontaneous one-step gelation process and to tune their electrocatalytic reactivity.
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