Molecular layer deposition (MLD) is an increasingly important thin film synthesis technique in areas such as sensors, microelectronics, protective coatings, and catalysis. However, new analytical approaches are needed to advance fundamental understanding of deposition reaction mechanisms. This work introduces ultrafast laser-based pump–probe picosecond acoustics analysis to characterize thickness-dependent properties of MLD films. Polyurea films are deposited on hydroxylated SiO2 substrates using 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate and a diamine reactant, either ethylenediamine (PDIC/ED polymer) or 1,6-hexanediamine (PDIC/HD), and the expected polymer structure is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. During the first ∼20 nm of deposition, spectroscopic ellipsometry shows constant refractive index but decreasing growth rate before reaching steady state. X-ray reflectivity also shows approximately constant density during initial growth. However, the measured picosecond acoustics signatures demonstrate a marked increase in sound speed initially, indicating a transition in the physical film structure. The observed trends are ascribed to a transition in the kinetics of active site production and termination with increasing thickness, leading to changes in polymer and oligomer connectivity within the film. These findings provide a basis for better understanding MLD processes and reaction mechanisms that determine deposited film properties.
Transition metal chalcogenide nanoparticles (NPs) are of interest for energy applications, including batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalysis. Many methods have been established for synthesizing Ni NPs, and conversion chemistry to form Ni oxide and phosphides from template Ni NPs is well-understood.Sulfidation and selenidation of Ni NPs have been much less explored, however. We report a method for the conversion of Ni template NPs into sulfide and selenide product NPs using elemental sulfur, 1-hexadecanthiol, thiourea, trioctylphosphine sulfide, elemental selenium, and selenourea. While maintaining mole ratios of 2 mmol sulfur/selenium precursor: mmol Ni, products with phases of Ni 3 S 2 , Ni 9 S 8 , NiS, NiSO 4 •6H 2 O, Ni 3 S 4 , Ni 3 Se 2 , and NiSe have been obtained. The products have voids that form through the Kirkendall effect during interdiffusion. Trends relating the chemical properties of the precursors to the phases of the products have been identified. While some precursors contained phosphorus, there was no significant incorporation of phosphorus in any of the products. An increase of the NP size during sulfidation and selenidation is consistent with ripening. The application of Ni sulfide and selenide NPs as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction is also demonstrated.
In controlling the thermal properties of the surrounding environment, we provide insight to underlying mechanisms driving the widely-used laser direct write method for additive manufacturing. We find that the onset of silver nitrate reduction for the formation of direct write structures directly corresponds to the calculated steady-state temperature rises associated with high-repetition, ultrafast laser pulses. Furthermore, varying the geometry of the heat affected zone, which is controllable based on in-plane thermal diffusion, driven by the substrate thermal conductivity, and laser power, allows for control of the written geometries without any prior substrate preparation. These findings allow for the advance of rapid manufacturing of micro-and nanoscale structures with minimal material constraints through consideration of the laser-controllable thermal transport in ionic liquid/substrate media.
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