Probing Matter with Photons, Electrons and Neutrons: A Study of Water and Flax
Date
2023-11-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-2932-6683
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
Scattering is a vital mechanism through which we interact with the world. This thesis utilizes various
scattering methods to probe the formation of ice structures and interactions between flax based peptides
and gold nanoparticles. The topics covered in this work differ greatly, however the approaches taken to
investigate the respective systems employ the same concepts of scattering. Scattering provides a basis for
the investigation of both water and the flax based semiconducting material. Structural investigations of ice
employing primarily elastic scattering methods supplemented by inelastic scattering methods. Electronic
structure investigations of the flax based semiconductor employed in elastic scattering methods, with the
absorption of visible light also interpreted through the lens of inelastic scattering.
Crystalline phases are typically plotted in phase diagrams with pressure and temperature dependence,
to denote the stability regions of the different structures. Meta-stable regions relating to transformation
and nucleation require further investigation and are often overlooked in these diagrams. Transformation
between adjacent phases portrayed in two dimensions depends on the path taken to achieve the transition.
This is evident in the recent discourse on ice Ih transformations where one can either observe crystal-crystal
transitions, or an intermediate amorphous phase in ice Ih transformation. Dependence on compression rate
and temperature play an important role in the mechanism of ice transformation. Standard clathrate hydrate
stability relations, between pressure and temperature, imply various clathrates are unlikely to form under
high vacuum. However, with appropriate mixtures and heating rates, several improbable hydrates have been
formed. Understanding the mechanism of formation is vital to the study of water mixtures in interstellar
environments.
Solar power is a possible solution to the growing problem of pollution. Conventional solar cells rely
on crystalline inorganic materials to absorb sunlight. Advances in organic semiconducting technology and
nano-fabrication open new avenues for energy production. Here, bio-organic molecules (Linusorbs) derived
from flax seed oil are combined with plasmonic photon absorption in an effort to convert light to electrical
power. Devices fabricated exhibited light absorbing properties however power conversion was limited, with
hysteresis observed while testing under illumination. Further investigation probed the binding interaction of
the peptides and nanoparticles, through insights into the binding angle of the peptide and gold surface.
Employing a combination of elastic and inelastic scattering methods structural transformations in water
and electronic structure of flax based semiconductor were investigated. These studies have very different
applications but are tied together through the methods employed for investigation. Scattering methods can
be used to investigate a wide range of parameters in a variety of systems. This thesis shows a small subset
of possible scattering methods available.
Description
Keywords
Ice, Clathrate Hydrate, Peptide, Semiconductor
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Physics and Engineering Physics
Program
Physics