The infrared spectra were collected and
analyzed using a data acquisition computer and OMNIC 4.1b
software (Nicolet Corp.). The background and spectral measurements
were averaged against 32 scans with a resolution of 4 cm1.
Thermogravimetric analyses were carried out with a Seiko SSC
5000 instrument. The samples (13.8 mg) were heated from room
temperature up to 1000 8C, with a scan rate of 5 8C/min, and under
an air atmosphere stream (air flow = 80 ml/min) to ensure water
desorption. The samples were analyzed as received (i.e. without
any vacuum pre-treatment or special heat conditioning).