Magnesium-enriched poultry manure enhances phosphorus bioavailability in biochars

Pyrolysis of calcium-rich feedstock (e.g., poultry manure) generates semi-crystalline and crystalline phosphorus (P) species, compromising its short-term availability to plants. However, enriching poultry manure with magnesium (Mg) before pyrolysis may improve the ability of biochar to supply P. This study investigated how increasing the Mg/Ca ratio and pyrolysis temperature of poultry manure affected its P availability and speciation. Mg enrichment by ∼2.1% increased P availability (extracted using 2% citric and formic acid) by 20% in Mg-biochar at pyrolysis temperatures up to 600 °C. Linear combination fitting of P K-edge XANES of biochar, and Mg/Ca stoichiometry, indicate that P species, mainly Ca-P and Mg-P, are altered after pyrolysis. At 300 °C, adding Mg as magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)₂] created MgNH₄PO₄ (18%) and Mg₃(PO₄)₂.8H₂O (23%) in the biochar, while without addition of Mg Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (11%) predominated, both differing only for pyrophosphate, 33 and 16%, respectively. Similarly, the P L_2,3 edge XANES data of biochar made with Mg were indicative of either MgHPO₄.3H₂O or Mg₃(PO₄)₂.8H₂O, in comparison to CaHPO₄.2H₂O or Ca₃(PO₄)₂ without Mg. More importantly, hydroxyapatite [Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH)] was not identified with Mg additions, while it was abundant in biochars produced without Mg both at 600 (12%) and 700 °C (32%). The presence of Mg formed Mg-P minerals that could enhance P mobility in soil more than Ca-P, and may have resulted in greater P availability in Mg-enriched biochars. Thus, a relatively low Mg enrichment can be an approach for designing and optimize biochar as a P fertilizer from P-rich excreta, with the potential to improve P availability and contribute to the sustainable use of organic residues.

Structure-Dependent Accessibility of Phonon-Coupled Radiative Relaxation Pathways Probed by X-ray-Excited Optical Luminescence

Rare-earth scheelites represent a diverse family of compounds with multiple degrees of freedom, which enables the incorporation of a wide range of lanthanide color centers. Precise positioning of quantum objects is attainable by the choice of alkali cations and lattice connectivity of polyanion units. Herein, we report the structure-dependent energy transfer and lattice coupling of optical transitions in La³⁺- and Dy³⁺-containing scheelite-type double and quadruple molybdates NaLa_1-xDy_x(MoO₄)₂ and Na₅La_1-xDy_x(MoO₄)₄. X-ray excitation of La³⁺ core states generates excited-state electron-hole pairs, which, upon thermalizing across interconnected REO₈ polyhedra in double molybdates, activate a phonon-coupled excited state of Dy³⁺. A pronounced luminescence band is observed corresponding to optical cooling of the lattice upon preferential radiative relaxation from a "hot" state. In contrast, combined X-ray absorption near-edge structure and X-ray-excited optical luminescence studies reveal that such a lattice coupling mechanism is inaccessible in quadruple molybdates with a greater separation of La³⁺-Dy³⁺ centers.

Cobalt-Phthalocyanine-Derived Molecular Isolation Layer for Highly Stable Lithium Anode

The uneven consumption of anions during the lithium (Li) deposition process triggers a space charge effect that generates Li dendrites, seriously hindering the practical application of Li-metal batteries. We report on a cobalt phthalocyanine electrolyte additive with a planar molecular structure, which can be tightly adsorbed on the Li anode surface to form a dense molecular layer. Such a planar molecular layer cannot only complex with Li ions to reduce the space charge effect, but also suppress side reactions between the anode and the electrolyte, producing a stable solid electrolyte interphase composed of amorphous lithium fluoride (LiF) and lithium carbonate (LiCO₃ ), as verified by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy. As a result, the Li|Li symmetric cell exhibits excellent cycling stability above 700 h under a high plating capacity of 3 mAh cm^-2 . Moreover, the assembled Li|lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄ , LFP) full-cell can also deliver excellent cycling over 200 cycles under lean electrolyte conditions (3 μL mg^-1 ).

Halide Replacement with Complete Preservation of Crystal Lattice in Mixed-Anion Lanthanide Oxyhalides

A challenge in anion control in periodic solids is to preserve the crystal lattice while substituting for different anions of widely varying size and hardness. Post-synthetic modification routes that place cations or anions in non-equilibrium configurations are promising; however, such methods remain relatively unexplored for anion placement. Here, we report the synthesis of LaOI nanocrystals by a non-hydrolytic sol-gel condensation reaction and their transformation into LaOBr, LaOCl, and LaOF nanocrystals along hard-soft acid-base principles using post-synthetic metathesis reactions with ammonium halides. Anion displacement proceeds along halide planes, preserving the tetragonal matlockite structure. Energy-variant X-ray excited optical luminesce signatures of alloyed Tb³⁺ -ions is a sensitive quantum reporter of the preservation of the cation sublattice and hardening of the crystal structure upon anion replacement.

Atomic Hourglass and Thermometer Based on Diffusion of a Mobile Dopant in VO2

Transformations between different atomic configurations of a material oftentimes bring about dramatic changes in functional properties as a result of the simultaneous alteration of both atomistic and electronic structure. Transformation barriers between polytypes can be tuned through compositional modification, generally in an immutable manner. Continuous, stimulus-driven modulation of phase stabilities remains a significant challenge. Utilizing the metal-insulator transition of VO₂, we exemplify that mobile dopants weakly coupled to the crystal lattice provide a means of imbuing a reversible and dynamical modulation of the phase transformation. Remarkably, we observe a time- and temperature-dependent evolution of the relative phase stabilities of the M₁ and R phases of VO₂ in an "hourglass" fashion through the relaxation of interstitial boron species, corresponding to a 50 °C modulation of the transition temperature achieved within the same compound. The material functions as both a chronometer and a thermometer and is "reset" by the phase transition. Materials possessing memory of thermal history hold promise for applications such as neuromorphic computing, atomic clocks, thermometry, and sensing.

Examining a synchrotron-based approach for in situ analyses of Al speciation in plant roots

Aluminium (Al) K- and L-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) has been used to examine Al speciation in minerals but it remains unclear whether it is suitable for in situ analyses of Al speciation within plants. The XANES analyses for nine standard compounds and root tissues from soybean (Glycine max), buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) were conducted in situ. It was found that K-edge XANES is suitable for differentiating between tetrahedral coordination (peak of 1566 eV) and octahedral coordination (peak of 1568 to 1571 eV) Al, but not suitable for separating Al binding to some of the common physiologically relevant compounds in plant tissues. The Al L-edge XANES, which is more sensitive to changes in the chemical environment, was then examined. However, the poorer detection limit for analyses prevented differentiation of the Al forms in the plant tissues because of their comparatively low Al concentration. Where forms of Al differ markedly, K-edge analyses are likely to be of value for the examination of Al speciation in plant tissues. However, the apparent inability of Al K-edge XANES to differentiate between some of the physiologically relevant forms of Al may potentially limit its application within plant tissues, as does the poorer sensitivity at the L-edge.

Combining diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) and spectroscopic techniques for the determination of phosphorus species in soils

A wide range of methods are used to estimate the plant-availability of soil phosphorus (P). Published research has shown that the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique has a superior correlation to plant-available P in soils compared to standard chemical extraction tests. In order to identify the plant-available soil P species, we combined DGT with infrared and P K- and L_2,3-edge X-ray adsorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. This was achieved by spectroscopically investigating the dried binding layer of DGT devices after soil deployment. All three spectroscopic methods were able to distinguish between different kinds of phosphates (poly-, trimeta-, pyro- and orthophosphate) on the DGT binding layer. However, infrared spectroscopy was most sensitive to distinguish between different types of adsorbed inorganic and organic phosphates. Furthermore, intermediates of the time-resolved hydrolysis of trimetaphosphate in soil could be analyzed.

Bone char vs. S-enriched bone char: Multi-method characterization of bone chars and their transformation in soil

To decrease environmental impacts from usage of mineral P fertilizers based on rock phosphate, alternative P fertilizers are urgently necessary but have to be critically evaluated for their characteristics and behaviour or effects in soil. For this reason, bone char (BC) and S-enriched BC (BC^plus), original and after one vegetation period in soil, were analysed by wet chemical analyses and XANES spectroscopy. According to X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, both chars were dominated by P bound in hydroxyapatite, which was well reflected by wet chemical P fractionation, where Ca-P was the dominant fraction. Sulfur fractionation of both chars confirmed low percentages of sulfate-S according to XANES analysis but failed to detect elemental S in BC^plus. Because S concentrations in BC^plus were comparable to that of activated carbon used for biogas desulfurization and sorbed S was dominantly elemental S, BC seems to be well suited for biogas desulfurization. After one year in soil the disappearance of more easily soluble Ca(H₂PO₄)·2H₂O and strongly reduced proportions of sulfates and sulfonates in soil-BC^plus compared to BC^plus pointed to considerable advantages of BC^plus over BC. Taking into consideration the acidic pH of BC^plus, the high Ca, P, and S concentrations and the expected microbial induced "in situ digestion" of BC by oxidation of elemental S, it can be concluded that a cascade usage of BC as biogas adsorber and following subsequent usage of BC^plus as S/P/Ca/Mg (multi-element) fertilizer could be an alternative to mineral fertilizers based on rock phosphate. The agronomic efficiency and detailed application guidelines must be derived from established and currently running longer-term plot and field experiments.

A Li K-edge XANES study of salts and minerals

The first comprehensive Li K-edge XANES study of a varied suite of Li-bearing minerals is presented. Drastic changes in the bonding environment for lithium are demonstrated and this can be monitored using the position and intensity of the main Li K-absorption edge. The complex silicates confirm the assignment of the absorption edge to be a convolution of triply degenerate p-like states as previously proposed for simple lithium compounds. The Li K-edge position depends on the electronegativity of the element to which it is bound. The intensity of the first peak varies depending on the existence of a 2p electron and can be used to evaluate the degree of ionicity of the bond. The presence of a 2p electron results in a weak first-peak intensity. The maximum intensity of the absorption edge shifts to lower energy with increasing SiO₂ content for the lithium aluminosilicate minerals. The bond length distortion of the lithium aluminosilicates decreases with increasing SiO₂ content, thus increased distortion leads to an increase in edge energy which measures lithium's electron affinity.

High-performance reduced graphene oxide – red phosphorous composites anodes for lithium batteries and soft X-ray near-edge structure studies

A solution method was developed to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (RGO) – red phosphorous (RP) composites. The uniform distribution of RP particles into three-dimensional conductive RGO network was obtained. Due to both improved electronic structure and mechanical properties, the hybrids delivered a high lithium storage capacity with superior rate performance. For the first time, the electronic structure, as revealed by phosphorous (P) L-edge and lithium (Li) K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), provides spectroscopic evidence to identify the lithiated products and solid electrolyte interphase. Charge distribution in between RP and RGO was also found by XANES, facilitating the anchoring of active RP into RGO surface.

The effect of different pyrolysis temperatures on the speciation and availability in soil of P in biochar produced from the solid fraction of manure

Biochar application to agricultural land has been proposed as a means for improving phosphorus (P) availability in soil. The purpose of the current study was to understand how pyrolysis temperature affects P speciation in biochar and how this affects availability of P in the amended soil. Biochar was produced at different temperatures from digestate solids. The primary species of P in digestate solids were simple calcium phosphates. However, a high co-occurrence of magnesium (Mg) and P, indicated that struvite or other magnesium phosphates may also be important species. At low temperatures, pyrolysis had little effect on P speciation; however, as the temperature increased above 600 °C, the P gradually became more thermodynamically stable in species such as apatite. At very high temperatures above 1000 °C, there were indications of reduced forms of P. Biochar production decreased the immediate availability of P in comparison with the original digestate solids. However, for biochar produced at low temperatures, availability quickly increased to the same levels as in the digestate solids. For biochar produced at higher temperatures, availability remained depressed for much longer. The low availability of P in the biochar produced at high temperatures can probably be explained by the formation of less soluble P species in the biochar. In contrast, the transient decrease of availability of the P in the biochar produced at low temperatures can be explained by mechanisms, such as sorption on biochar, which gradually decreases because of oxidation of the biochar surfaces or changes in pH around the biochar particles.

X-ray excited photoluminescence near the giant resonance in solid-solution Gd(1-x)Tb(x)OCl nanocrystals and their retention upon solvothermal topotactic transformation to Gd(1-x)Tb(x)F3

Design rules for X-ray phosphors are much less established as compared to their optically stimulated counterparts owing to the absence of a detailed understanding of sensitization mechanisms, activation pathways and recombination channels upon high-energy excitation. Here, we demonstrate a pronounced modulation of the X-ray excited photoluminescence of Tb(3+) centers upon excitation in proximity to the giant resonance of the host Gd(3+) ions in solid-solution Gd1-xTbxOCl nanocrystals prepared by a non-hydrolytic cross-coupling method. The strong suppression of X-ray excited optical luminescence at the giant resonance suggests a change in mechanism from multiple exciton generation to single thermal exciton formation and Auger decay processes. The solid-solution Gd1-xTbxOCl nanocrystals are further topotactically transformed with retention of a nine-coordinated cation environment to solid-solution Gd1-xTbxF3 nanocrystals upon solvothermal treatment with XeF2. The metastable hexagonal phase of GdF3 can be stabilized at room temperature through this topotactic approach and is transformed subsequently to the orthorhombic phase. The fluoride nanocrystals indicate an analogous but blue-shifted modulation of the X-ray excited optical luminescence of the Tb(3+) centers upon X-ray excitation near the giant resonance of the host Gd(3+) ions.

The crystallization of MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–ZrO2glass-ceramics with and without the addition of Y2O3– a combined STEM/XANES study

The crystallization of magnesium–aluminosilicate glasses is monitored, described and discussedviaX-ray absorption spectroscopy and analytical transmission electron microscopy.

Chemical bonding in amorphous Si-coated carbon nanotubes as anodes for Li ion batteries: a XANES study

The Si–O–C bonding and its evolution upon electrochemical cycling in a Si-coated carbon nanotube anode are unveiled by X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies.

Magnetism in lithium-oxygen discharge product

Nonaqueous lithium-oxygen batteries have a much superior theoretical gravimetric energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, and thus could render long-range electric vehicles a reality. A molecular-level understanding of the reversible formation of lithium peroxide in these batteries, the properties of major/minor discharge products, and the stability of the nonaqueous electrolytes is required to achieve successful lithium-oxygen batteries. We demonstrate that the major discharge product formed in the lithium-oxygen cell, lithium peroxide, exhibits a magnetic moment. These results are based on dc-magnetization measurements and a lithium-oxygen cell containing an ether-based electrolyte. The results are unexpected because bulk lithium peroxide has a significant band gap. Density functional calculations predict that superoxide-type surface oxygen groups with unpaired electrons exist on stoichiometric lithium peroxide crystalline surfaces and on nanoparticle surfaces; these computational results are consistent with the magnetic measurement of the discharged lithium peroxide product as well as EPR measurements on commercial lithium peroxide. The presence of superoxide-type surface oxygen groups with spin can play a role in the reversible formation and decomposition of lithium peroxide as well as the reversible formation and decomposition of electrolyte molecules.

Chemical fingerprinting of naphthenic acids and oil sands process waters-A review of analytical methods for environmental samples

This article provides a review of the routine methods currently utilized for total naphthenic acid analyses. There is a growing need to develop chemical methods that can selectively distinguish compounds found within industrially derived oil sands process affected waters (OSPW) from those derived from the natural weathering of oil sands deposits. Attention is thus given to the characterization of other OSPW components such as oil sands polar organic compounds, PAHs, and heavy metals along with characterization of chemical additives such as polyacrylamide polymers and trace levels of boron species. Environmental samples discussed cover the following matrices: OSPW containments, on-lease interceptor well systems, on- and off-lease groundwater, and river and lake surface waters. There are diverse ranges of methods available for analyses of total naphthenic acids. However, there is a need for inter-laboratory studies to compare their accuracy and precision for routine analyses. Recent advances in high- and medium-resolution mass spectrometry, concomitant with comprehensive mass spectrometry techniques following multi-dimensional chromatography or ion-mobility separations, have allowed for the speciation of monocarboxylic naphthenic acids along with a wide range of other species including humics. The distributions of oil sands polar organic compounds, particularly the sulphur containing species (i.e., OxS and OxS2) may allow for distinguishing sources of OSPW. The ratios of oxygen- (i.e., Ox) and nitrogen-containing species (i.e., NOx, and N2Ox) are useful for differentiating organic components derived from OSPW from natural components found within receiving waters. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy also provides a powerful screening technique capable of quickly detecting the presence of aromatic organic acids contained within oil sands naphthenic acid mixtures. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy provides diagnostic profiles for OSPW and potentially impacted groundwater that can be compared against reference groundwater and surface water samples. Novel applications of X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) are emerging for speciation of sulphur-containing species (both organic and inorganic components) as well as industrially derived boron-containing species. There is strong potential for an environmental forensics application of XANES for chemical fingerprinting of weathered sulphur-containing species and industrial additives in OSPW.

Observation of interference between two distinct autoionizing states in dissociative photoionization of H2

Dissociative photoionization (DPI) of randomly oriented H(2) molecules has been studied using linearly polarized synchrotron radiation at selected photon energies of 31, 33, and 35 eV. Large amplitude oscillations in the photoelectron asymmetry parameter β, as a function of electron energy, have been observed. The phase of these β oscillations are in excellent agreement with the results of recent close coupling calculations [Fernández and Martín, New J. Phys. 11, 043020 (2009)]. We show that the oscillations are the signature of interferences between the 1Q(1) (1)Σ(u)(+) and 1Q(2) (1)Π(u) doubly excited states decaying at different internuclear distances. The oscillations thus provide information about the classical paths followed by the nuclei. The presence of such oscillations is predicted to be a general phenomenon in DPI.

Phosphorus speciation in sequentially extracted agro-industrial by-products: evidence from X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy

The phosphorus (P) in agro-industrial by-products--a potential source of freshwater eutrophication but also a valuable fertilizer--needs to be speciated to evaluate its fate in the environment. We investigated to what extent X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the P K- and L2.3-edges reflected differences in sequentially extracted filter cakes from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) (FIC) and niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.; NIC) processing industry in Ethiopia. The P fractionation removed more labile (54%) and H2SO4-P (28%) from FIC than from NIC (18% labile, 12% H2SO4-P). For the FIC residues after each extraction step, linear combination (LC) fitting of P K-edge spectra provided evidence for the enrichment of Ca-P after the NaOH-extraction and its almost complete removal after the H2SO4-treatment. The LC-fitting was unsuccessful for the NIC samples, likely because of the predominance of organic P compounds. The different proportions of Ca-P compounds between FIC (large) and NIC (small) were more distinctive in L2-than in the K-edge XANES spectra. In conclusion, the added value of complementary P K- and L2.3-edge XANES was clearly demonstrated, and the P fractionation and speciation results together justify using FIC and NIC as soil amendments in the tropics.

Phosphorus speciation in agro-industrial byproducts: sequential fractionation, solution (31)P NMR, and P K- and L(2,3)-edge XANES spectroscopy

Little is known about P species in agro-industrial byproducts from developing countries, which may be either pollutants or valuable soil amendments. The present study speciated P in dry (COD) and wet (COW) coffee, sisal (SIS), barley malt (BEB) and sugar cane processing (FIC) byproducts, and filter cakes of linseed (LIC) and niger seed (NIC)with sequential fractionation, solution (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and P K- and L(2,3)-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The sequential P fractionation recovered 59% to almost 100% of total P (P(t)), and more than 50% of P(t) was extracted by H(2)O and NaHCO(3) in five out of seven samples. Similarly, the NaOH + EDTA extraction for solution (31)P NMR recovered 48-94% of P(t). The (31)P NMR spectra revealed orthophosphate (6-81%), pyrophosphate (0-10%), and orthophosphate monoesters (6-94%). Orthophosphate predominated in COD, COW, SIS, and FIC, whereas BEB, UC, and NIC were rich in orthophosphate monoesters. The concentrations of P(i), and P(o) determined in the sequential and NaOH + EDTA extractions and (31)P NMR spectra were strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.88-1.00). Furthermore, the P K- and L(2,3)-edge XANES confirmed the H(2)SO(4)--P(i) detected in the sequential fractionation by unequivocal identification of Ca--P phases in a few samples. The results indicate that the combined use of all four analytical methods is crucial for comprehensive P speciation in environmental samples and the application of these byproducts to soil.

Phosphorus L(2,3)-edge XANES: overview of reference compounds

Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy is becoming an increasingly used tool for the element speciation in complex samples. For phosphorus (P) almost all XANES measurements have been carried out at the K-edge. The small number of distinctive features at the P K-edge makes in some cases the identification of different P forms difficult or impossible. As indicated by a few previous studies, the P L(2,3)-edge spectra were richer in spectral features than those of the P K-edge. However, experimentally consistent spectra of a wide range of reference compounds have not been published so far. In this study a library of spectral features is presented for a number of mineral P, organic P and P-bearing minerals for fingerprinting identification. Furthermore, the effect of radiation damage is shown for three compounds and measures are proposed to reduce it. The spectra library provided lays a basis for the identification of individual P forms in samples of unknown composition for a variety of scientific areas.

High-resolution XANES S L3,2 edge spectra collected from a series of iron-bearing sphalerite(Zn,Fe)S minerals

High-resolution S L3,2-edge XANES spectra have been collected from a series of high-quality sphalerite samples. Each of the sphalerite samples examined has a characteristic iron concentration, and the range is from <0.01 to 14.79 wt% Fe. The structures of the S L3,2-edges are investigated by comparing ab initio calculated spectra with experimentally measured S L3,2-edge spectra collected from synthetic ZnS sphalerite. The theoretical and experimental data provide evidence that S 2p electron transitions to empty S 3s and S 3d states can occur across an energy range above the absorption edge. A chemical shift, associated with iron to sulphur bonds, is identified, and for the first time, a pre-edge feature associated with S–Fe bonding in sphalerite is observed.Key words: XANES, zincblende, sphalerite, characteristic iron content, S L-edge structure, ab initio calculated spectra, density of states, pre-edge peak.

High-resolution gas phase P L-edge photoabsorption spectra of PF5

High-resolution photoabsorption spectra of P 2s and 2p levels of PF5 are reported. Fine structure, due to spin-orbit and ligand field splittings together with strong vibrational progression, is resolved in the Rydberg region of the P 2p spectrum. A ligand field splitting of 31 meV for the 2p3/2 orbital is obtained from the fit of the Rydberg transitions. The Franck–Condon fit analysis revealed that the vibrational progression of the higher Rydberg states is different from that of the valence-Rydberg mixed 4s state. In particular, we derived a decrease in P–F bond distances of 12 and 28 pm for the 4s valence-Rydberg mixed state and the high nl Rydberg states, respectively. The natural linewidths of the P 2p levels were determined to be 55 meV.Key words: PF5, Rydberg state, vibrational, ligand field splitting, photoabsorption.

Commissioning and performance of the variable line spacing plane grating monochromator beamline at the Canadian Light Source

The variable line spacing plane grating monochromator beamline at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) employs three grazing incidence variable line spacing gratings to cover a photon energy range of 5-250 eV. It uses a 185 mm period length planar permanent magnet insertion device as the photon source, sharing a straight section with another soft x-ray beamline at the CLS. The commissioning and performance of the beamline is reported. The high resolution photoabsorption spectra of Ar and PF(5) gases are reported. A resolving power of over 40,000 for photons in the low energy region and >10,000 for a wider energy range (8-200 eV) can be achieved. A photon flux of up to 2 x 10(12) photons/s per 100 mA with slit settings of 50 microm has been measured.

Measurement of the partial photoionization cross sections and asymmetry parameters of S atoms in the photon energy range 10.0–30.0eV using constant-ionic-state spectroscopy

The partial photoionization cross sections and asymmetry parameters of S atoms have been measured using constant-ionic-state (CIS) spectroscopy in the photon energy range 10.0-30.0 eV. The ionizations investigated in these CIS experiments are the (3p)(-1) ionizations S(+)((4)S)<--S((3)P), S(+)((2)D)<--S((3)P), and S(+)((2)P)<--S((3)P). For the first time Rydberg series which converge to the fourth ionization limit have been observed and assignments of these series have been proposed. These correspond to excitations to Rydberg states that are parts of series which converge to the fourth ionization limit, S(+)((4)P)<--S((3)P) (3s)(-1), and autoionize to the lower S(+)((4)S), S(+)((2)D), or S(+)((2)P) states. For each series observed in the CIS spectra photoelectron angular distribution studies, combined with other evidence, has allowed the angular momentum character of the free electron on autoionization to be determined.

Photolysis of allene and propyne in the 7–30eV region probed by the visible fluorescence of their fragments

The photolysis of allene and propyne, two isomers of C(3)H(4), has been investigated in the excitation energy range of 7-30 eV using vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation. The visible fluorescence excitation spectra of the excited neutral photofragments of both isomers were recorded within the same experimental conditions. Below the first ionization potential (IP), this fluorescence was too weak to be dispersed and possibly originated from C(2)H or CH(2) radicals. Above IP, three excited photofragments have been characterized by their dispersed emission spectra: the CH radical (A (2)Delta-X (2)Pi), the C(2) radical (d (3)Pi(g)-a (3)Pi(u), "Swan's bands"), and the H atom (4-2 and 3-2 Balmer lines). A detailed analysis of the integrated emission intensities allowed us to determine several apparition thresholds for these fragments, all of them being interpreted as rapid and barrierless dissociation processes on the excited potential energy surfaces. In the low energy range explored in this work, both isomers exhibit different intensity distributions in their fragment emission as a function of the photolysis energy, indicating that mutual allene<-->propyne isomerization is not fully completed before dissociation occurs. The effect of isomerization on the dissociation into excited fragments is present in the whole excitation energy range albeit less important in the 7-16 eV region; it gradually increases with increasing excitation energy. Above 19 eV, the fragment distribution is very similar for the two isomers.