Structural Studies With the Electron Microscope

Hutchison, John L (1970) Structural Studies With the Electron Microscope. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The use of the electron microscope in the study of ionic processes in solution has not been previously reported. In the present work, the hydrolysis products of zirconyl chloride was examined by high resolution electron microscopy. Characterization of various hydrates of zirconyl chloride was carried out, using X-ray and electron diffraction. The hydrolysis was brought about by the reflux of aqueous solutions of zirconyl chloride. Removal of samples of the colloid at various stages of hydrolysis, and subsequent examination of the solids obtained by rapid dehydration of the samples, using an atomiser, has enabled structural units consistent in size with a proposed tetra-meric cation [Zr(OH)24H2O]8+4 to be resolved in the electron microscope. Single-crystal filaments of chrysotile asbestos were used as a supporting network for the particles, and their lattice images used as a magnification calibration. Later stages of the hydrolysis produced polymerization of these tetra-meric species, and ageing finally produced monoclinic zirconia. The structure and properties of the crystalline zirconia particles is discussed, and evidence from other physical techniques is presented. A suggested mechanism relating the various structures is supported by pH measurements obtained during the hydrolysis, A preliminary study of the hydrolysis of thorium (IV) showed a chain structure in the early stages of the reaction, the chains being similar in diameter to the [Th(CH)2]2n+n chains present in basic thorium salts. A high-resolution electron microscore study of Chrysotile was carried out and the characteristics of fibres from various sources is discussed.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Physical chemistry, Analytical chemistry
• Date of Award: 1970
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1970-78548
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2020 15:10
• Last Modified: 30 Jan 2020 15:10
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78548