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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

Enhanced thermal- and photo-stability of acid yellow 17 by incorporation into layered double hydroxides

2,5-dichloro-4-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-(sulphophenylazo) pyrazol-1-yl) benzenesulphonate (DHSB) anions, namely acid yellow 17 anions, have been successfully intercalated into Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) to produce a novel organic-inorganic pigment by a simple method involving separate nucleation and aging steps (SNAS), and the dye-intercalated LDH was analyzed by various techniques, e.g., XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TG-DTA and ICP. The d-spacing of the prepared LDH is 2.09 nm. Furthermore, the incorporation of the DHSB aims to enhance the thermal- and photo-stability of the guest dye molecule, for example, the less color change after accelerated thermal- and photo-aging test. - Graphical abstract: Acid yellow anions were successfully assembled into ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDH) to produce a novel organic-inorganic composite pigment by a simple method involving separate nucleation and aging steps (SNAS). Highlights: > Acid yellow 17 was directly intercalated into ZnAl-LDH to form a novel pigment. > The pigment was prepared by a method involving separate nucleation and aging steps. > The intercalation of dye anions enhances its thermal- and photo-stability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Precipitation in cold-rolled Al–Sc–Zr and Al–Mn–Sc–Zr alloys prepared by powder metallurgy

The effects of cold-rolling on thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, microstructure and recrystallization behaviour of the AlScZr and AlMnScZr alloys prepared by powder metallurgy were studied. The powder was produced by atomising in argon with 1% oxygen and then consolidated by hot extrusion at 350 °C. The electrical resistometry and microhardness together with differential scanning calorimetry measurements were compared with microstructure development observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. Fine (sub)grain structure developed and fine coherent Al{sub 3}Sc and/or Al{sub 3}(Sc,Zr) particles precipitated during extrusion at 350 °C in the alloys studied. Additional precipitation of the Al{sub 3}Sc and/or Al{sub 3}(Sc,Zr) particles and/or their coarsening was slightly facilitated by the previous cold rolling. The presence of Sc,Zr-containing particles has a significant antirecrystallization effect that prevents recrystallization at temperatures minimally up to 420 °C. The precipitation of the Al{sub 6}Mn- and/or Al{sub 6}(Mn,Fe) particles of a size ∼ 1.0 μm at subgrain boundaries has also an essential antirecrystallization effect and totally suppresses recrystallization during 32 h long annealing at 550 °C. The texture development of the alloys seems to be affected by high solid solution strengthening by Mn. The precipitation of the Mn-containing alloy is highly enhanced by a cold rolling. The apparent activation energy of the Al{sub 3}Sc particles formation and/or coarsening and that of the Al{sub 6}Mn and/or Al{sub 6}(Mn,Fe) particle precipitation in the powder and in the compacted alloys were determined. The cold deformation has no effect on the apparent activation energy values of the Al{sub 3}Sc-phase and the Al{sub 6}Mn-phase precipitation. - Highlights: • The Mn, Sc and Zr additions to Al totally suppresses recrystallization at 550 °C. • The Sc,Zr-containing particle precipitation is slightly facilitated by cold rolling. • The Mn-containing particle precipitation is highly enhanced by cold rolling. • Cold rolling has no effect on activation energy of the Al{sub 3}Sc and Al{sub 6}Mn precipitation. • The texture development is affected by high solid solution strengthening by Mn.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Growth of highly strained CeO 2 ultrathin films

Large biaxial strain is a promising route to tune the functionalities of oxide thin films. However, large strain is often not fully realized due to the formation of misfit dislocations at the film/substrate interface. In this work, we examine the growth of strained ceria (CeO 2 ) thin films on (001)-oriented single crystal yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) via pulsed-laser deposition. By varying the film thickness systematically between 1 and 430 nm, we demonstrate that ultrathin ceria films are coherently strained to the YSZ substrate for thicknesses up to 2.7 nm, despite the large lattice mismatch (~5%). The coherency is confirmed by both X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. This thickness is several times greater than the predicted equilibrium critical thickness. Partial strain relaxation is achieved by forming semirelaxed surface islands rather than by directly nucleating dislocations. In situ reflective high-energy electron diffraction during growth confirms the transition from 2-D (layer-by-layer) to 3-D (island) at a film thickness of ~1 nm, which is further supported by atomic force microscopy. We propose that dislocations likely nucleate near the surface islands and glide to the film/substrate interface, as evidenced by the presence of 60° dislocations. Finally, an improved understanding of growing oxide thin films with a large misfit lays the foundation to systematically explore the impact of strain and dislocations on properties such as ionic transport and redox chemistry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Morphological Control and Characterization of Monodispersed Ceria Particles

The morphological control of cerium oxide particles was carried out by a homogeneous precipitation followed by calcination in air at 400 deg. C. The effects of pre-aging temperature, aging time and precipitation reagents on the morphologies of final products were investigated. When urea was used as a precipitation reagent, monodispersed spherical and flake-like cerium carbonate hydroxide precursor was precipitated in the solution at 90 deg. C for 2 h after pre-aging at 25 deg. C - 50 deg. C for 24-72 h. On the other hand, monodispersed nanosize rod-like cerium hydroxide particles were obtained using triethanolamine as precipitation reagent. Ceria particles with the same morphologies and slightly smaller particle size than those of as-prepared cerium precursor could be obtained after calcination in air at 400 deg. C. Physical-chemical characteristics of the monodispersed cerium oxide particles were evaluated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2010

Hydrothermal Detoxization of Slate Containing Asbestos and the Possibility of Application for Fertilizer of its Products

Hydrothermal decomposition of slate (building materials) containing asbestos has been attempted by using a NH{sub 4}H{sub 2}PO{sub 4} solution. Firstly, the alteration of chrysotile as a starting material was investigated under hydrothermal conditions of 200 deg. C, 12 hrs of reaction time and with a phosphate solution. It was confirmed that the original fibrous form of chrysotile had been perfectly collapsed by the SEM observation. The chrysotile (asbestos) disappeared to form Mg-Ca-Silicate (Ca{sub 7}Mg{sub 2}P{sub 6}O{sup 24}) estimated by XRD. The composition and chemical form of reaction products (Mg-Ca-Silicate) was predicted to application as a fertilizer. Fertilizer effect of these resulted product on cultivations of Japanese radish (leaves), soybeans and tomatoes, was examined by using a special medium of mixed soil with a low content of N, P, K and a thermal-treated zeolite one. The fertilizer effects of the product were compared to commercial fertilizers such as N, N-K-P and P types. In order to estimate the fertilizer effect, the size of crops, number of fruits and number of leaves were measured everyday. As a result, these hydrothermal products of slate containing asbestos were as good as commercial fertilizers on the market. Fruits groups especially had a good crop using the hydrothermal slate product. These results show that the main components of hydrothermal treatments slate are calcium silicate and magnesium phosphate. Its decomposition reaction products may have the possibility of application for fertilization of crops which require nucleic acid--phosphorus.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2010

Magnetic Studies of Mutiferroic Bi{sub 1-x}La{sub x}FeO{sub 3} Ceramics Synthesized By Solution Combustion Technique

Bi{sub 1-x}La{sub x}FeO{sub 3} (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) ceramic samples were prepared by solution combustion technique. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of perovskite structured Bi{sub 1-x}La{sub x}FeO{sub 3} phase. Saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) increases with increasing La concentration from x = 0.0 to x = 0.15. Weak ferromagnetism is observed at room temperature in all the doped and undoped BFO samples. Mossbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of single-phase material for the doped compositions. Improvement in magnetic behavior appears to arise from a combination of the propensity of the samples to form pure phase material, partial destruction of spin cycloids and increased canting of spins.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Study Of Structural And Dielectric Properties Of Ni-Mg Ferrite Nanoparticles

Ferrite nanoparticles of basic composition Ni{sub 0.7}Mg{sub 0.3}Fe{sub 2-x}Al{sub x}O{sub 4}(0.0{<=}x{<=}0.5) were prepared through citrate gel method and characterized using XRD, TEM and dielectric spectroscopy techniques. The dielectric properties were studied as a function of frequency (42 Hz-5 MHz) at room temperature. The average particle size has been found between 8-17 nm. The dispersion in dielectric properties and ac conductivity ({sigma}{sub ac}), with frequency reveals that the dispersion is due to Maxwell-Wagner type of interfacial polarization in general and the hopping of charge between Fe{sup 2+} and Fe{sup 3+} as well as between Ni{sup 2+} and Ni{sup 3+} ions at B-sites. The dielectric loss tangent (tan {delta}) shows abnormal behavior for the compositions 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 which has been explained in the light of Rezlescue model.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Time-resolved shadowgraphic study of femtosecond laser ablation of aluminum under different ambient air pressures

Femtosecond pulse laser ablation of aluminum under different ambient air pressures between 1 atm and 4 x 10{sup -4} Pa is investigated using a femtosecond time-resolved shadowgraphic method. It is observed that as the ambient air pressure decreases, the contact front becomes more and more distinct for a certain pressure range, demonstrating that the confinement effect of the ambient air to the ablated target material can play a critically important role in the laser ablation process. It is also found that the concentric and semicircular stripe pattern, which results from the diffraction of the probe beam by the expanding plume of a specific material state and is typically observed in the shadowgraphs for 1-2 ns delay time, gradually blurs and disappears while the ambient air pressure decreases from 1 atm to 7000 Pa. If a prepulse or a relatively large pulse pedestal exists before the main pulse, however, the stripe pattern can still be observed even though the ambient air pressure is 5 x 10{sup -4} Pa. It is thus inferred that what contributes to the formation of the unique stripe pattern is a mixture of the ejected target material and ionized background gas induced by the femtosecond laser ablation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

Role of Coulomb blockade and spin-flip scattering in tunneling magnetoresistance of FeCo-Si-O nanogranular films

In this work, we report the effect of FeCo atomic fraction (0.33 < x < 0.54) and temperature on the electrical, magnetic, and tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) properties of FeCo-Si-O granular films prepared by atom beam sputtering technique. Glancing angle x-ray diffraction and TEM studies reveal that films are amorphous in nature. The dipole-dipole interactions (particle-matrix mixing) is evident from zero-field cooled and field-cooled magnetic susceptibility measurements and the presence of oxides (mainly Fe-related) is observed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The presence of Fe-oxides is responsible for the observed reduction of saturation magnetization and rapid increase in coercivity below 50 K. TMR has been observed in a wide temperature range, and a maximum TMR of -4.25% at 300 K is observed for x = 0.39 at a maximum applied field of 60 kOe. The fast decay of maximum TMR at high temperatures and lower TMR values at 300 K when compared to P{sub FeCo}{sup 2}/(1+P{sub FeCo}{sup 2}), where P{sub FeCo} is the spin polarization of FeCo are in accordance with a theoretical model that includes spin-flip scattering processes. The temperature dependent study of TMR effect reveals a remarkably enhanced TMR at low temperatures. The TMR value varies from -2.1% at 300 K to -14.5% at 5 K for x = 0.54 and a large MR value of -18.5% at 5 K for x = 0.39 is explained on the basis of theoretical models involving Coulomb blockade effects. Qualitatively particle-matrix mixing and the presence of Fe-oxides seems to be the source of spin-flip scattering, responsible for fast decay of TMR at high temperatures. A combination of higher order tunneling (in Coulomb blockade regime) and spin-flip scattering (high temperature regime) explains the temperature dependent TMR of these films.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ni Rich Amorphous Boride Nanoparticles

The Ni rich amorphous boride nanoparticles can be prepared very easily by the solid-solid reaction of the NiCl{sub 2} and NaBH{sub 4} powders at room temperature. XRD, DTA-TG, FESEM, TEM, and selected-area electron diffraction characterize the resultant nanoparticles. The results show that the resultant is mainly composed of the amorphous Ni-B alloy nanoparticles with an average diameter of 15-25 nm.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Bulk diffusion induced structural modifications of carbon-transition metal nanocomposite films

The influence of transition metal (TM = V,Co,Cu) type on the bulk diffusion induced structural changes in carbon:TM nanocomposite films is investigated. The TMs have been incorporated into the carbon matrix via ion beam co-sputtering, and subsequently the films have been vacuum annealed in the temperature range of 300 - 700 deg. C. The structure of both the dispersed metal rich and the carbon matrix phases has been determined by a combination of elastic recoil detection analysis, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The as-grown films consist of carbidic (V and Co) and metallic (Cu) nanoparticles dispersed in the carbon matrix. Thermal annealing induces surface segregation of Co and Cu starting at {>=} 500 deg. C, preceded by the carbide-metal transformation of Co-carbide nanoparticles at {approx} 300 deg. C. No considerable morphological changes occur in C:V films. In contrast to the surface diffusion dominated regime where all the metals enhance the six-fold ring clustering of C, in the bulk diffusion controlled regime only Co acts as a catalyst for the carbon graphitization. These results are consistent with the metal-induced crystallization mechanism in the C:Co films. The results are discussed on the basis of the metal-carbide phase stability, carbon solubility in metals or their carbides, and interface species.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Structural and magnetic properties of RMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} compounds (R=Y, Er; x{<=}0.2) synthesized under high deuterium pressure

RMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} compounds were obtained by applying a deuterium pressure of several kbar to RMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x} compounds for x{<=}0.2 and R=Y, Er. These compounds are isostructural to RMn{sub 2}D{sub 6} compounds and crystallize in a K{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} type structure with a random substitution of R and half the Mn atoms in the same 8c site whereas the other Mn atoms are located on the 4a site and surrounded by six D atoms (24e site). According to neutron powder diffraction analysis the Fe atoms are preferentially substituted on the 4a site. YMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} compounds are paramagnetic and their molar susceptibility follows a modified Curie-Weiss law. ErMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} compounds display a ferromagnetic behavior at 2 K, but their saturation magnetization (M{sub S{approx}}4.0 {mu}{sub B}/f.u.) is half that of their parent compounds (M{sub S{approx}}8.0 {mu}{sub B}/f.u.). The neutron diffraction patterns of ErMn{sub 1.8}Fe{sub 0.2}D{sub 6} display below 13 K both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic short range order, which can be related to a disordered distribution of Er moments. The paramagnetic temperatures of ErMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} compounds are negative and decrease versus the Fe content whereas they are positive and increase for their parent compounds. -- Graphical abstract: Neutron powder diffraction (NPD) patterns of ErMn{sub 1.8}Fe{sub 0.2}D{sub 6} at 1.4 and 30 K measured on G4.1 spectrometer. Inset: difference curves between the NPD patterns measured at T{sub 1} and 30 K showing ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) short range order. Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} RMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x} compounds (x{<=}0.2) were synthesized under 10 kb deuterium pressure. {yields} The Fe atoms are substituted to Mn on 4a site. {yields} RMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} desorb D up to 1115 K forming the parent intermetallics by recombination. {yields} ErMn{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}D{sub 6} compounds show coexistence of ferro- and antiferromagnetic SRO below 10 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Biomolecule-assisted synthesis and gas-sensing properties of porous nanosheet-based corundum In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers

Porous nanosheet-based corundum In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers were fabricated by one-pot hydrothermal treatment of D-fructose and In(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} mixture using urea as a precipitating agent followed by calcination. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of D-fructose and urea on the fabrication of nanosheet-based corundum In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers were investigated and a possible mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the hierarchical nanostructures. The gas sensor based on the In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers exhibits excellent sensing properties for the detection of formaldehyde. - Graphical abstract: Nanosheets-based corundum In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers were fabricated by one-pot hydrothermal treatment of D-fructose/In(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} mixture followed by calcination, which show high performance for formaldehyde sensing. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Preparation of porous nanosheet-based corundum In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Morphology and phase control of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Gas sensor based on the In{sub 2}O{sub 3} microflowers exhibits excellent sensing properties for the detection of formaldehyde.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Superior cycle performance of Sn-C/graphene nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

A novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries, tin nanoparticles coated with carbon embedded in graphene (Sn-C/graphene), was fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent annealing. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The size of the Sn-C nanoparticles is about 50-200 nm. The reversible specific capacity of the nanocomposite is {approx}662 mAh g{sup -1} at a specific current of 100 mA g{sup -1} after 100 cycles, even {approx}417 mAh g{sup -1} at the high current of 1000 mA g{sup -1}. These results indicate that Sn-C/graphene possesses superior cycle performance and high rate capability. The enhanced electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the characteristic structure of the nanocomposite with both of the graphene and carbon shells, which buffer the volume change of the metallic tin and prevent the detachment and agglomeration of pulverized tin. - Graphical abstract: Tin nanoparticles coated with carbon embedded in graphene have been successfully fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent annealing. This nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries exhibits superior cycle performance. Highlights: > A novel Sn-C/graphene nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. > Carbon coating and graphene improve the cycle performance of the Sn anode material. > Possess large capacity, superior cycle performance, and high rate capability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Oxalic acid mediated synthesis of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O nanoplates and self-assembled nanoflowers under mild conditions

Tungsten oxide hydrate (WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O) nanoplates and flower-like assemblies were successfully synthesized via a simple aqueous method. The effects of reaction parameters in solution on the preparation were studied. Nanoplates and nanoflowers can be selectively prepared by changing the amount of H{sub 2}C{sub 2}O{sub 4}. In-situ assembly of nanoplates to nanoflowers was also proposed for the formation of assembled nanostructures. In addition, the reaction time and temperature have important effects on the sizes of the as-obtained samples. Crystal structure, morphology, and composition of final nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical properties of the synthesized samples and the growth mechanism were studied by UV-vis detection. Degradation experiments of Rhodamine B (RhB) were also performed on samples of nanoplates and nanoflowers under visible light illumination. Nanoflower sample exhibited preferable photocatalytic property to nanoplate sample. - Graphical abstract: The oxalic acid has a key role for the structure of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O evolution from plates to flowers and the dehydration process of WO{sub 3}.2H{sub 2}O to WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O. Highlights: > Tungsten oxides hydrate was synthesized via a simple aqueous method. > The size of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O was controlled by the reaction time and temperature. > The assembly of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O nanoplates to nanoflowers was achieved with higher H{sub 2}C{sub 2}O{sub 4}/Na{sub 2}WO{sub 4} ratio. > Oxalic acid has a key role in the dehydration process of WO{sub 3}.2H{sub 2}O to WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Epitaxial lateral overgrowth in the system Si/SiO{sub x}/Si: The influence of residual oxygen at the interface

We have studied epitaxial lateral overgrowth from the liquid phase in the system Si/SiO{sub x}/Si using a dedicated, synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction setup (topomicroscopy) and transmission electron microscopy. A combination of high angular resolution in reciprocal space with a high spatial resolution in real space may probe lattice tilts in the microradian range on a micrometer scale. We attribute the observed curvature of the silicon lamella to an oxygen loss within the SiO{sub x} layer. Finite-element calculations on the elastic strain distribution and a numerical description of the x-ray scattering process strongly support this scenario.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Controllable synthesis and growth mechanism of {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanorods and nanoplates by a facile solution-phase route

A facile chemical precipitation route has been developed to control synthesis of {alpha}-cobalt hydroxide nanostructures with rod-like and plate-like morphologies. The {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanorods were achieved in large quantity when the experiments were carried out in the presence of a suitable shape-controlling reagent polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), while the {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanoplates were obtained when the experiments were conducted in the absence of PVP, whilst keeping other experimental conditions constant. The chemical composition and morphologies of the as-prepared {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of polymer PVP on the morphologies of {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanoparticles were discussed in detail. The results indicated that PVP played a key role for the formation of {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanorods. The growth mechanism of the as-synthesized nanorods and nanoplates were discussed in detail based on the experimental results. A possible growth mechanism has been proposed to illustrate the growth of {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanorods. - Graphical abstract: A facile solution-phase route has been developed to synthesize {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanorods and nanoplates. The possible growth mechanism of nanorods and nanoplates was proposed. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A facile controllable route was described for {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanowires and nanoplates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanowires were achieved in the presence of shape controller PVP. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanoplates were obtained in the absence of shape controller PVP. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The shape controller PVP played a key role in the formation of {alpha}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanowires.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

A green chemical approach to the synthesis of photoluminescent ZnO hollow spheres with enhanced photocatalytic properties

ZnO hollow spheres have been synthesized by a simple and environmentally friendly template assisted route. Starch-derived carbonaceous spheres were used as template, impregnated with Zn(CH{sub 3}COO){sub 2}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O to obtain zinc-containing precursor spheres and thermally treatment at 600 Degree-Sign C, yielding hollow ZnO spherical shells. The precursor spheres and hollow shells were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis and room-temperature photoluminescence measurements. The hollow spherical shells with diameters of {approx}150 nm and wall thickness of {approx}20 nm, are polycrystalline, with a mean crystallite size of 22 nm, exhibiting interesting emission features, with a wide multi-peak band covering blue and green regions of the visible spectrum. The photocatalytic activities (under UV and visible light irradiations) of the ZnO spherical shells evaluated for the phenol degradation reaction in aqueous solutions are outstanding, a total phenol conversion being registered in the case of UV irradiation experiments. - Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic reaction initiated by the photoexcitation of the semiconductor (ZnO), leads to the formation of electron-hole, while part of the electron-hole pairs recombine, some holes combine with water to form {center_dot}OH radicals and some electrons convert oxygen to super oxide radical ({center_dot}O{sub 2}{sup -}). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Green synthesis of ZnO hollow spheres. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Starch-derived carbonaceous spheres as spherical hard template. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO hollow spheres with notable visible photoluminescence properties. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO hollow spheres with photocatalytical activity in degradation/mineralization of phenol.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗