Enhanced Magnetization of Cobalt Defect Clusters Embedded in TiO Films.

High magnetizations are desirable for spintronic devices that operate by manipulating electronic states using built-in magnetic fields. However, the magnetic moment in promising dilute magnetic oxide nanocomposites is very low, typically corresponding to only fractions of a Bohr magneton for each dopant atom. In this study, we report a large magnetization formed by ion implantation of Co into amorphous TiO films, producing an inhomogeneous magnetic moment, with certain regions producing over 2.

Novel chemical synthesis and characterization of CeTi(2)O(6) brannerite.

Cerium titanate CeTi2O6 was prepared by a new soft chemistry route in aqueous solution. A suite of characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron spectroscopy, were employed to investigate the brannerite structure formation and its bulk properties. The synthesized powder formed the brannerite crystal structure upon calcination at temperatures as low as 800 °C.

Optimizing radiolabeling amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles using SarAr-NCS for applications in imaging and radiotherapy.

Silica nanoparticles functionalized with amine groups and in the size range of approximately 60-94 nm were produced by combining sol-gel processing and emulsion technology. Hexa-aza cage ligand SarAr-NCS was conjugated to the silica nanoparticles and subsequently radiolabeled with a solution of (57)Co(2+)-doped carrier Co(2+). The number of Co(2+) ions bound to the silica particles at pH 7 was used to determine the average number of available SarAr-NCS ligands conjugated to a silica particle.

Determining the orientation and molecular packing of organic dyes on a TiO2 surface using X-ray reflectometry.

The determination of the orientation and molecular density for several porphyrin dyes adsorbed on planar TiO(2) surfaces using X-ray reflectometry (XRR) is reported. Adsorption of nanoscale water layers occurred rapidly upon exposure of freshly prepared TiO(2) surfaces to ambient conditions; however, this was successfully eliminated, resulting in clearly discernible adsorbed dye layers for sensitized surfaces. Adsorbed dye orientations, determined from computations constrained by the measured dye layer thickness, were calculated to have a binding tilt angle of 35°-40°.

CO2 triggering and controlling orthogonally multiresponsive photochromic systems.

We report a new generic method of reversibly controlling the photochromism of spiropyrans. It was found that the photochromic effect of spiropyrans can be reversibly switched on and off by addition and removal of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) to spiropyran in alcohol solutions containing an amidine (i.e.