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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Multiphase FeCrCuMnNi High-Entropy Alloy

A FeCrCuMnNi high-entropy alloy was produced using vacuum induction melting, starting from high-purity raw materials. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-cast FeCrCuMnNi alloy were studied, considering x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and hardness and tensile tests. XRD results revealed the existence of two FCC phases and one BCC phase. Microstructural evaluation illustrated that the as-cast alloy has a typical cast dendritic structure, where dendrite regions (BCC) were enriched in Cr and Fe. Interdendritic regions were saturated with Cu and Ni and revealed G/B(T) {110} 〈111〉 and Brass {110} 〈112〉 as the major texture components. The produced alloy revealed an excellent compromise in mechanical properties due to the mixture of solid solution phases with different structures: 300 HV hardness, 950 MPa ultimate tensile strength and 14% elongation. Microhardness test results also revealed that the BCC phase was the hardest phase. The fracture surface evidenced a typical ductile failure. Furthermore, heat treatment results revealed that phase composition remained stable after annealing up to 650 °C. Phase transformation occurred at higher temperatures in order to form more stable phases; therefore, FCC2 phase grew at the expense of the BCC phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Correlation between Antimicrobial Activity and Bioactivity of Na-Mica and Na-Mica/Fluorapatite Glass and Glass-Ceramics and Their Corrosion Protection of Titanium in Simulated Body Fluid

The improvement in bioactivity of titanium (Ti) surface was achieved via coating it with Na-mica and Na-mica/fluorapatite glass and glass-ceramic using the low-cost electrophoretic deposition technique. Two compositions from pure Na-mica (M) and 80 Na-mica/20 fluorapatite glasses (MF) were prepared in the system SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-MgO-MgF{sub 2}-Na{sub 2}O-B{sub 2}O{sub 3} using melting–quenching technique. Characterization of the as-prepared glasses and their counterpart glass-ceramics was studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform-IR (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The bioactivity behavior was proved by studying the XRD, FTIR and SEM after immersing both glass and glass-ceramic samples in simulated body fluid (SBF). Both M and MF glasses and glass-ceramics showed high microhardness measurements and good antibacterial behavior. In vitro biodegradation was studied by using electrochemical corrosion behavior of the prepared glass- and glass-ceramic-coated Ti in SBF. The prepared coated Ti showed good corrosion resistance in SBF at 37 °C using potentiodynamic polarization technique, and the impedance data fitting explained the structure of the coating and the adsorption of SBF ions on the Ti surface. The MFGC provides the best corrosion-resistant coating, especially after sintering it.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-69 for adsorption separation of ethane and ethylene

The zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-69 with topology of GME has been synthesized successfully via a facile hydrothermal synthetic method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ethane/ethylene separation potential was measured by single-component adsorption isotherms, and the selectivity was calculated based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST). SEM and TEM images confirmed that the as-synthesized seeds possessed a well-crystallized and uniform morphology, appearing as a flat hexagonal prism with double hexagonal pyramid heads. The obtained ZIF-69 exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of C{sub 2}H{sub 6} over C{sub 2}H{sub 4} at 100 kPa, and the C{sub 2}H{sub 6}/C{sub 2}H{sub 4} adsorption selectivity was about 1.7 at below 100 kPa. The outcome would provide a new insight into the study on the effective separation of ethane/ethylene using different topological structures of ZIFs. - Highlights: • The well-crystallized and uniform ZIF-69 seeds were successfully synthesized. • ZIF-69 exhibited great preferential adsorption of C{sub 2}H{sub 6} over C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, with the C{sub 2}H{sub 6} adsorption capacity of 2.2 mmol/g. • C{sub 2}H{sub 6}/C{sub 2}H{sub 4} adsorptive selectivity was about 1.7 at pressure below 100 kPa. • The isosteric heat of C{sub 2}H{sub 6} was around 26 kJ/mol, much lower compared to those π -complexation sorbents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effects of various Mg/Si ratios on microstructure and performance property of Al-Mg-Si alloy cables

High quality AA6101 aluminum cables are critical to electrical industry to meet the energy consumption requests. In the present work, the influence of Mg/Si ratios on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of AA6101 aluminum alloy was investigated. Wheatstone Bridge method and tensile test were employed to characterize the mechanical properties. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to understand the morphology of the precipitation and the mechanism of age hardening. It is found that excessive Si benefits high strength and high conductivity while excessive Mg plays a negative role in the strength and the conductivity of AA6101 cables. Excessive Si elements promote both the precipitating rate and quantity of β″ phase therefore increase the tensile strength. Excessive Si elements also help with decreasing the lattice distortion, which contributes to the enhancement of the conductivity. Excessive Mg elements lead to more dissolved Mg after aging treatment, therefore increase lattice distortion of the matrix and promote the deposit of coarse Mg-enriched secondary phase. - Highlights: •A new available method to improve the mechanical and electrical properties of Al-Mg-Si alloy •Investigation on the role of various Mg/Si ratios in the changes of comprehensive performances •Discussions on the morphology of the precipitation phases and the mechanism of hardening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Two-step synthesis of a novel red-emitting Ba2ZrF8:Mn4+ phosphor for warm white light-emitting diodes

Highlights: • A novel red-emitting Ba{sub 2}ZrF{sub 8}:Mn{sup 4+} was prepared by two-step method at low temperature. • The phosphor shows an intense red emission under 460 nm excitation matching well with blue LED chip. • The energy transfer between Mn{sup 4+} was confirmed to be electric dipole-quadrupole interaction. - Abstract: A novel red-emitting Ba{sub 2}ZrF{sub 8}: Mn{sup 4+} phosphor was prepared by two-step method at low temperature, where critical precursor K{sub 2}MnF{sub 6} was prepared first by the reduction of KMnO{sub 4} using H{sub 2}O2 as reducer. The crystal structure and morphology of the phosphor was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), showing single phase product. Luminescent properties of the phosphor were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and decay curves. The molar ratio of KMnO{sub 4}: KHF{sub 2} was confirmed to play the key role in improving the luminous efficiency. More importantly, the phosphor exhibits a broadband excitation from 300 to 520 nm due to {sup 4}A{sub 2g}→{sup 4}T{sub 1g} and {sup 4}A{sub 2g}→{sup 4}T{sub 2g} transition of Mn{sup 4+}, matching well with blue LED chips. Under 465 nm excitation, intense red emission at around 630 nm with high color purity is achieved, suggesting the red-emitting phosphor has great potential for white light-emitting diodes (wLEDs).

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Microstructure and Morphology of TiN Films Synthesized by Dual Magnetron Sputtering

TiN films synthesized on leucosapphire substrates by dual magnetron sputtering have been annealed in vacuum at 600, 700, 800, and 900°C for 2 min. The microstructure and morphology of the films have been studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy at different temperatures. It has been found that annealing changes the microstructure, texture, grain size, and surface roughness of the TiN films.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Characterization of Laboratory Prepared Concrete Pastes Exposed to High Alkaline and High Sodium Salt Solutions

The objective of this study was to identify potential chemical degradation mechanisms for the Saltstone Disposal Unit (SDU) concretes, which over the performance life of the structures may be exposed to highly alkaline sodium salt solutions containing sulfate, hydroxide, and other potentially corrosive chemicals in salt solution and saltstone flush water, drain water, leachate and / or pore solution. The samples analyzed in this study were cement pastes prepared in the SIMCO Technologies, Inc. concrete laboratory. They were based on the paste fractions of the concretes used to construct the Saltstone Disposal Units (SDUs). SDU 1 and 4 concrete pastes were represented by the PV1 test specimens. The paste in the SDU 2, 3, 5, and 6 concrete was represented by the PV2 test specimens. SIMCO Technologies, Inc. selected the chemicals and proportions in the aggressive solutions to approximate proportions in the saltstone pore solution [2, 3, 5, and 6]. These test specimens were cured for 56 days in curing chamber before being immersed in aggressive solutions. After exposure, the samples were frozen to prevent additional chemical transport and reaction. Selected archived (retrieved from the freezer) samples were sent to the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for additional characterization using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Characterization results are summarized in this report. In addition, a correlation between the oxide composition of the pastes and their chemical durability in the alkaline salt solutions is provided.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2017

Alternative High-Performance Ceramic Waste Forms

This final report (M5NU-12-NY-AU # 0202-0410) summarizes the results of the project titled “Alternative High-Performance Ceramic Waste Forms,” funded in FY12 by the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP Project # 12-3809) being led by Alfred University in collaboration with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The overall focus of the project is to advance fundamental understanding of crystalline ceramic waste forms and to demonstrate their viability as alternative waste forms to borosilicate glasses. We processed single- and multiphase hollandite waste forms based on simulated waste streams compositions provided by SRNL based on the advanced fuel cycle initiative (AFCI) aqueous separation process developed in the Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FCR&D). For multiphase simulated waste forms, oxide and carbonate precursors were mixed together via ball milling with deionized water using zirconia media in a polyethylene jar for 2 h. The slurry was dried overnight and then separated from the media. The blended powders were then subjected to melting or spark plasma sintering (SPS) processes. Microstructural evolution and phase assemblages of these samples were studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion analysis of x-rays (EDAX), wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), selective area x-ray diffraction (SAXD), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). These results showed that the processing methods have significant effect on the microstructure and thus the performance of these waste forms. The Ce substitution into zirconolite and pyrochlore materials was investigated using a combination of experimental (in situ XRD and x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES)) and modeling techniques to study these single phases independently. In zirconolite materials, a transition from the 2M to the 4M polymorph was observed with increasing Ce content. The resulting powders were consolidated via SPS. Ce was reduced to the trivalent oxidation state and the zirconolite was converted into undesirable perovskite. The zirconolite polymorphs found in the synthesized powders were recovered after a post-SPS heat treatment in air. These results demonstrated the potential of processing in controlling the phase assemblage in these waste forms. Hollandites with Cr 3+ trivalent cations were identified as potential hosts for Cs immobilization and are being investigated for Cs retention properties. Series of compositions Ba 1.15-x Cs 2x Cr 2.3 Ti 5.7 O 16 , with increasing Cs loadings, were prepared by sol-gel process and characterized for structural parameters. Structural characterization was performed by a combination of powder XRD and neutron powder diffraction. Phase pure hollandite adapting monoclinic symmetry (I2/m) was observed for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.55. These results were used to develop a new structural model to interpret Cs immobilization in these hollandites. Performance of these waste forms were evaluated for chemical durability and radiation resistance. Product consistency testing (PCT) and vapor hydration testing (VHT) were used for testing of chemical durability. Radiation resistance was tested using He + ions to simulate $\alpha$ particles and heavy ions such as Au 3+ to simulate a recoil. These results showed that these waste forms were chemically durable. The waste forms also amorphized to various degrees on exposure to simulated radiation.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocopper Ferrite and Its Green Catalytic Activity in Alcohol Oxidation Reaction

A new type of magnetic material copper ferrite (CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) is successfully manufactured through microwave combustion method. Starch has been tested as a single fuel in this combustion-based synthesis of copper ferrite by using different fuel compositions and equivalence ratios (fuel/oxidant). The formed copper ferrite is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Magnetic properties of the prepared copper ferrite are analyzed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Surface area is measured by the nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. A detailed examination of the morphology of the material in various microwave method-catalyzed processes shows that they provide an optimum catalytic activity due to a combination of lower crystal size and higher activity.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Preparation and Studies of Thin Films of Cu-doped GdSr{sub 2}RuCu{sub 2}O{sub 8}

Preparation of superconducting thin films of the Cu-doped Ruthenocuprate superconductor GdSr{sub 2}Ru{sub 0.9}Cu{sub 2.1}O{sub 8} has been attempted by pulsed laser deposition method. Thin films were deposited on different substrates employing different laser ablation parameters with the idea of obtaining good-quality films which exhibit superconductivity. The crystal structure and morphology of the thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements and optical characteristics by Raman scattering measurements. High-temperature ex situ oxygen annealing led to the formation of homogeneous films with the occurrence of an onset of superconductivity, traced by electrical resistivity measurements. Increasing the annealing time has led to a systematic improvement in the sample quality and the physical properties. However, prolonged high-temperature annealing seems to cause deterioration in properties as seen from electrical resistivity and Raman scattering measurements. The studies reveal the importance of an optimal high-temperature oxygen annealing procedure to induce superconductivity in thin films of this Ruthenocuprate system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

High temperature oxidation and microstructural evolution of cold spray chromium coatings on Zircaloy-4 in steam environments

Oxidation kinetics and microstructural evolution of cold sprayed Cr coatings on Zircaloy-4 at 1130–1310 °C in flowing steam at atmospheric pressure have been studied. The study is aimed at understanding of the response of Cr coated Zr-alloy under a steam environment and high temperatures pertinent to design basis accidents (DBAs) and beyond design basis accidents (BDBAs) in light water reactors (LWRs). Surface morphology, microstructure, and phases of post-oxidation test samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM). Growth kinetics of the Cr-oxide scale and interdiffusion layers between the Cr coating and the Zr-alloy substrate were quantified from cross-sectional SEM images. Cross-sectional analysis showed that the Cr coatings offered a 50 times reduction in oxidation rate over bare Zircaloy-4 in a 1310 °C steam environment. Oxidation kinetics at 1130 °C followed parabolic law (i.e., n ~ 0.5 in power law kinetics) but at 1230 °C and 1310 °C the value of n was suppressed to below 0.5 possibly due to the volatilization of Cr species at the two highest temperatures. Interdiffusion at coating/substrate interface resulted in formation of a brittle Cr 2 Zr or Zr(Fe, Cr) 2 intermetallic compound layer on the order of micrometer in thickness and scattered Cr-rich precipitates were observed well below the interface within the Zr-alloy substrate after cooling. These experimental results could provide data to LWR system simulation codes for better estimation of coping time in the event of accidents.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

A comparison of EBSD based strain indicators for the study of Fe-3Si steel subjected to cyclic loading

The current work aims at proposing an EBSD-based indicator for fatigue damage of a Fe-3Si steel. At the same time direct observation of dislocation structures is provided by electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI). The investigation consisted in processing the EBSD data from patterns collected on specimen subjected to low cycle fatigue. It revealed two different regimes depending on the applied total strain variation which is explained by the identification of the dislocations structures and their evolution. At low strain variation, strain accommodation occurs by planar glide of dislocations uniformly distributed throughout the grains. No misorientation evolution is observed. At higher strain variation, the vein-channel structure is observed within the grain and the wall-channel structure in the vicinity of grain boundaries. The misorientation between these two dislocation structures is evaluated at about 0.7° which is detected by the EBSD analyses and explains the increase of the different misorientation based criteria. The EBSD study enables also the prediction of crack initiation mode. Finally, this study points out the limits of the EBSD technique as no misorientation evolution is detected at small strain variation. Indeed, the lattice distortion is too weak to be detected by conventional EBSD. - Highlights: • Microstructure investigation of the fatigue behaviour of an iron-silicon steel • Use of cECCI to investigate the fatigue dislocations structures • Characterisation of local plastic accommodation through EBSD misorientation criteria.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of CeLa addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Fe alloy

Development of high strength lithium battery shell alloy is highly desired for new energy automobile industry. The microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Fe alloy with different CeLa additions were investigated through optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Rietveld refinement and tensile testing. Experimental results indicate that Al{sub 8}Cu{sub 4}Ce and Al{sub 6}Cu{sub 6}La phases formed due to CeLa addition. Addition of 0.25 wt.% CeLa could promote the formation of denser precipitation of Al{sub 20}Cu{sub 2}Mn{sub 3} and Al{sub 6}(Mn, Fe) phases, which improved the mechanical properties of the alloy at room temperature. However, up to 0.50 wt.% CeLa addition could promote the formation of coarse Al{sub 8}Cu{sub 4}Ce phase, Al{sub 6}Cu{sub 6}La phase and Al{sub 6}(Mn, Fe) phase, which resulted in weakened mechanical properties. - Highlights: •Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Fe alloys with different CeLa addition were fabricated through casting and rolling. •Al{sub 8}Cu{sub 4}Ce and Al{sub 6}Cu{sub 6}La phases formed after CeLa addition. •Addition of 0.25 wt.% CeLa promoted formation of denser precipitates of Al{sub 20}Cu{sub 2}Mn{sub 3} and Al{sub 6}(Mn, Fe). •Mechanical properties of the alloy was improved after 0.25 wt.% CeLa addition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

The influence of deposition conditions and bilayer thickness on physical-mechanical properties of CA-PVD multilayer ZrN/CrN coatings

Highlights: • Multilayer ZrN/CrN coatings were deposited using Arc-PVD AISI321 steel substrates. • Structure, elemental and phase composition, and mechanical properties were studied. • Presence of face-centered cubic ZrN, CrN and hexagonal Cr{sub 2}N phases were detected. • All samples were heated up to 1400 °C in argon to understand thermal behavior. • Enhancement of microhardness was observed at lower values of bilayer thickness. - Abstract: ZrN/CrN multilayers have been produced by a cathodic arc technique (CA-PVD) using different depositions conditions. Microstructural and mechanical characterizations of the coatings were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM with EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Vickers microhardness tests. Variations in thermal transformation properties due to heating within the temperature range from 30 °C to 1400 °C were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. SEM and TEM observations showed that the coatings comprise a multilayered structure with nanometric grains. EDS spectra confirmed the formation of stoichiometric composition. Near-to-super stoichiometric nitrides can be suggested in certain specimens. Results of the XRD analysis revealed that the (200) and (111) planes for ZrN and Cr{sub 2}N are the most intense. Calorimetric tests showed that below a certain annealing temperature no transformations were defined. 1180 °C was found to be the value where only one-stage state transformation, presented by endothermic or exothermic reactions, took place. The highest hardness (4685HV0.025) was obtained for the coating with Λ = 140 nm, P{sub N} = 0.43 Pa, U{sub S} = −70 V.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structural, vibrational and photoluminescence properties of Sr{sub (1-x)}Pb{sub x}MoO{sub 4} solid solution synthesized by solid state reaction

Highlights: • The solid solution Sr{sub (1-x)}Pb{sub (x)}MoO{sub 4} is characterized by X-ray diffraction. • Raman spectroscopy confirm that the solid solution is disordered. • Photoluminescence experiments are carried out under X-ray excitation. • Emission bands can be decomposed into four components between 2.1 and 2.9 eV. • The intensities of emission bands reach a maximum for 0.1 < x < 0.4. - Abstract: In this paper, strontium lead molybdate Sr{sub 1-x}Pb{sub x}MoO{sub 4} polycrystalline samples with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 were prepared by solid state preparation method at 1000 °C. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Their photoluminescence responses were analyzed under X-ray excitation. Rietveld refinements indicate that all the materials present a scheelite-type tetragonal structure. Micro-Raman spectra confirmed the formation of the solid solution with a specific effect due to Sr-O-Mo and Pb-O-Mo links in the scheelite structure. SEM images showed modifications in the shapes and grain sizes as x increased. Broad photoluminescent emission bands were observed in the energy range 2.1–2.9 eV. The emission bands were decomposed into four gaussian components. The intensities of all components presented a strong maximum in the composition range 0.1 < x < 0.4.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Nickel/silicon core/shell nanosheet arrays as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries

Highlights: • Ni nanosheet arrays is the core and Si layer is the shell. • Ni nanosheet arrays act as a three-dimensional current collector to support Si. • Ni nanosheet arrays can improve the conductivity and stability of the electrode. • Ni/Si nanosheet arrays exhibit excellent cyclic and rate performance. - Abstract: Ni/Si core/shell nanosheet arrays are proposed to enhance the electrochemical lithium-storage properties of silicon. The arrays are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The arrays are micro-sized in height, which are constructed by interconnected Ni nanosheet as the core and Si coating layer as the shell. The electrochemical properties as anode materials of lithium ion batteries are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The arrays can achieve high reversible capacity, good cycle stability and high rate capability. It is believed that the enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the electrode structure, because the interconnected Ni nanosheet can act as a three-dimensional current collector, and it has the ability of improving the electrode conductivity, enlarging the electrochemical reaction interface, and suppressing the electrode pulverization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of zinc oxides obtained from spent alkaline batteries

Highlights: • Zinc oxides were synthetized using spent alkaline batteries as raw materials. • Both prepared samples present the wurzite structure and exhibits good optical properties. • The decrease in lattice parameters and the narrow band gap are associated with the formation of oxygen vacancies. • Recovered zinc oxides were active for photodegradation of methylene blue by UV irradiation. • The photocatalytic was correlates to the bulk/surface defects ratio. - Abstract: The structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of two zinc oxides prepared from spent alkaline batteries were analysed. After leaching the anode of alkaline batteries, zinc was precipitated from the leachate liquor by introducing oxalic acid (O-ZnO) or sodium carbonate (C-ZnO). The structure of ZnO samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), S{sub BET}, DRS-UV-vis spectroscopy and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Both oxides present the ZnO wurzite structure and similar morphology. C-ZnO presents a cell lower lattice parameters and bang gap energy (2.99 eV) than O-ZnO (3.05 eV), possibly due to higher concentration of oxygen vacancies. The photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) of O-ZnO (achieving 70% MB degradation at 90 min) was superior to C-ZnO, due to its higher surface area and degree of crystallinity and lower bulk/surface defects ratio.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

ZnO nanoparticles based fiber optic gas sensor

In this work, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by simple aqueous chemical route method. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The sensitivity of the nanoparticles was studied for different gases like acetone, ammonia and ethanol in terms of variation in spectral light intensity. The XRD and SEM analysis confirms the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure with the grain size of 11.2 nm. The small cladding region of the optical fiber was replaced with the synthesized nanoparticles. The light spectrum was recorded for different gas concentrations. The synthesized nanoparticles showed high sensitivity towards ammonia in low ppm level and acetone in high ppm level.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗