A preliminary Raman investigation of the ionic liquid N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PYR(13)TFSI) and its 2/1 complex with the lithium salt LiN(SO(2)CF(3))(2) is reported. The study was performed over a temperature range extending from -100 to +60 degrees C, i.e., with PYR(13)TFSI in the crystalline and melt states. For comparison purposes, the study was extended to PYR(13)I, which is the precursor used in the synthesis of PYR(13)TFSI.

Polymorphism in the growth of titanyl phthalocyanine films on dielectric substrates has been systematically studied by UV absorption and micro-Raman analyses, correlating structure and optical properties. We explored different growth regimes as a function of substrate temperature and growth rate using hyperthermal seeded supersonic beams. We identify and discuss specific signatures in micro-Raman spectra specifically correlated to the different phases and demonstrate the unprecedented ability of growing crystalline films and controlling the relative abundance of the different phases (amorphous, phase I, and phase II) by the beam parameters. We envisage the very promising perspective of controlling polymorphism at low temperatures via supersonic beam growth, paving the way for better performing devices.

The ancient town of Pompei offers a unique opportunity to study in detail many aspects of the every day life during the Roman early imperial age. The application of micro-Raman spectroscopy can be of great help in performing a reasonably rapid comparative analysis of the mortars, quite useful to ascertain the degree of uniformity of the technical recipes among the various building firms and the eventual technical evolution in the time; moreover, the individuation of minerals of specific geographical origins can give useful information about the extension of commercial intercourses. An example of a micro-Raman investigation on building materials is reported in this work, concerning the analysis of the mortars coming from different points of the wall in the 'The House of the Wedding of Hercules'. Remarkable differences between ancient and modern mortars are found, allowing a discrimination that can be useful in the case of historical building which underwent several restoration works.

No abstract