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At least 595 records · Page 33

Exploring the Limits of Bottom-Up Gold Filling to Fabricate Diffraction Gratings

Gold deposition on rotating disk electrodes, Bi 3+ adsorption on planar Au films and superconformal Au filling of trenches up to 45 μm deep are examined in Bi 3+ -containing Na 3 Au(SO 3 ) 2 electrolytes with pH between 9.5 and 11.5. Higher pH is found to increase the potential-dependent rate of Bi 3+ adsorption on planar Au surfaces, shortening the incubation period that precedes active Au deposition on planar surfaces and bottom-up filling in patterned features. Decreased contact angles between the Au seeded sidewalls and bottom-up growth front also suggest improved wetting. The bottom-up filling dynamic in trenches is, however, lost at pH 11.5. The impact of Au concentration, 80 mmol/L versus 160 mmol/L Na 3 Au(SO 3 ) 2 , on bottom-up filling is examined in trenches up to ≈ 210 μm deep with aspect ratio of depth/width ≈ 30. The microstructures of void-free, bottom-up filled trench arrays used as X-ray diffraction gratings are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), revealing marked spatial variation of the grain size and orientation within the filled features.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electrochemical Behavior Assessment of As-Cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr Alloy in Phosphate Buffer Solutions (X Na{sub 3}PO{sub 4} + Y Na{sub 2}HPO{sub 4}) Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky Techniques

In the present study, electrochemical behavior of as-cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr alloy (RE: rare-earth alloying elements) was investigated using electrochemical tests in phosphate buffer solutions (X Na{sub 3}PO{sub 4} + Y Na{sub 2}HPO{sub 4}). X-ray diffraction techniques and Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to investigate the microstructure and phases of the experimental alloy. Different electrochemical tests such as potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott–Schottky (M–S) analysis were carried out in order to study the electrochemical behavior of the experimental alloy in phosphate buffer solutions. The PDP curves and EIS measurements indicated that the passive behavior of the as-cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr alloy in phosphate buffer solutions was weakened by an increase in the pH, which is related to formation of an imperfect and less protective passive layer on the alloy surface. The presence of the insoluble zirconium particles along with high number of intermetallic phases of RE elements mainly Mg{sub 24}Y{sub 5} in the magnesium matrix can deteriorate the corrosion performance of the alloy by disrupting the protective passive layer that is formed at pH values over 11. These insoluble zirconium particles embedded in the matrix can detrimentally influence the passivation. The M–S analysis revealed that the formed passive layers on Mg-Y-RE-Zr alloy behaved as an n-type semiconductor. An increase in donor concentration accompanying solutions of higher alkalinity is thought to result in the formation of a less resistive passive layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Influence of Dynamic Three Point Bending on the Work Hardening Capacity of T105Mn120 Manganese Steel

The paper analyzes work hardening behavior of T105Mn120 Hadfield steel under dynamic conditions. The specimens were investigated under two states: (a) untreated (as cast) and (b) solution treated to 1100 °C. Dynamic flexural behavior was examined by means of three-point-bending tests performed with a dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA), and structural analysis was done by x-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy; DMA tests were performed under two variants: (a) temperature scans, between − 150 and 400 °C and (b) isothermal strain sweeps, up to 0.15% strain amplitudes. The former emphasized the critical temperatures of thermally induced reversible martensitic transformation and antiferromagnetic–paramagnetic phase transition, while the latter enabled to monitor the storage modulus increase due to the work hardening caused by dynamic bending. Strain sweeps tests revealed the effects of both dynamic bending frequency and number of cycles. The largest work hardening effect, obtained after five strain sweep cycles applied at the frequency of 5 Hz, was associated with the finest distribution of precipitated carbides, observed by differential scanning calorimetry and the formation of slip micro-bands, illustrated on OM micrographs and SEM energy dispersion spectroscopy maps.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Large-scale uniform ZnO tetrapods on catalyst free glass substrate by thermal evaporation method

Highlights: • Investigate the growth of ZnO-Ts on glass substrate by thermal evaporation method. • Glass substrate without any catalyst or a seed layer. • The morphology was controlled by adjusting the temperature of the material and the substrate. • Glass substrate was placed vertically in the quartz tube. - Abstract: Here, we report for the first time the catalyst-free growth of large-scale uniform shape and size ZnO tetrapods on a glass substrate via thermal evaporation method. Three-dimensional networks of ZnO tetrapods have needle–wire junctions, an average leg length of 2.1–2.6 μm, and a diameter of 35–240 nm. The morphology and structure of ZnO tetrapods were investigated by controlling the preparation temperature of each of the Zn powder and the glass substrate under O{sub 2} and Ar gases. Studies were carried out on ZnO tetrapods using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV–vis spectrophotometer, and a photoluminescence. The results showed that the sample grow in the hexagonal wurtzite structure with preferentially oriented along (002) direction, good crystallinity and high transmittance. The band gap value is about 3.27 eV. Photoluminescence spectrum exhibits a very sharp peak at 378 nm and a weak broad green emission.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Bcl-2 expression is essential for development and normal physiological properties of tooth hard tissue and saliva production

Background: Apoptosis plays a fundamental role in appropriate tissue development and function. Although expression of Bcl-2 has been reported during tooth and submandibular gland (SMG) development, the physiological role Bcl-2 plays during these processes has not been addressed. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of Bcl-2 expression on the formation and properties of tooth hard tissue, and saliva production. Methods: Twenty-four mice (12 males and 12 females) were divided into three groups of eight (n=8): group A (Bcl-2 +/+), group B (Bcl-2 +/-), and group C (Bcl-2 -/-) and subjected to micro-CT analyses. The mineral content of first molars was analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) color dot map. The surface microhardness was determined by Vickers test on labial surfaces of incisors. Saliva was collected from different groups of mice after subcutaneous injection of pilocarpine. Results: Samples from Bcl-2 -/- mice showed significantly smaller micro-CT values, lower and poor crystallinity of hydroxyapatite (HA), and lowest surface micro hardness. SMG from Bcl-2 -/- mice showed remarkable reduction in size, consistent with reduced saliva accumulation. Conclusions: The absence of Bcl-2 expression in SMG did not affect the expression of other Bcl-2 family members. Thus, Bcl-2 expression influence on the formation and properties of tooth hard tissue, and saliva accumulation. Significance: Bcl-2 expression has a significant impact on the mineralogical content of enamel crystals of tooth structure. Lack of Bcl-2 expression led to impaired production of enamel ACP crystals. - Highlights: • Lack of Bcl-2 expression led to impaired production of enamel ACP crystals. • Germline deletion of Bcl-2 reduced the surface microhardness of enamel. • Bcl-2 expression is vitally important for SMG function and saliva production. • Lack of Bcl-2 expression was not compensated by expression of other Bcl-2 family members.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Nanometer scale structural and compositional inhomogeneities of half-Heusler CoTi 1-x Fe x Sb thin films

The correlative use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT) allows the structure of substitutionally alloyed half-Heusler compound CoTi 1-x Fe x Sb to be characterized at the nanometer scale. For x = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5, XRD patterns indicate an epitaxial cube-on-cube growth with no detectable secondary phases and are suggestive of high crystalline quality for all three of the films. This is supported using atomic resolution STEM images, which revealed the absence of secondary phases or polycrystalline regions, thus confirming the half-Heusler structure of the CoTi 1-x Fe x Sb films. For all three samples, the APT reconstructions were optimized to resolve the atomic planes in the [001] growth direction allowing the exploitation of reliable datasets. We note the presence of Fe-rich phases in the samples with Fe atoms sitting on Ti crystallographic sites is revealed. A strong phase separation is observed for x = 0.2 and x = 0.3 and is almost no longer observed for x = 0.5 in good agreement with the magnetic properties of the films.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Experimental and Computational Investigation of High Entropy Alloys for Elevated-Temperature Applications

To create and design novel structural materials with enhanced creep-resistance, fundamental studies have been conducted on high-entropy alloys (HEAs), using (1) thermodynamic calculations, (2) mechanical tests, (3) neutron diffraction, (4) characterization techniques, and (5) crystal-plasticity finite-element modeling (CPFEM), to explore future candidates for next-generation power plants. All the constituent binary and ternary systems of the Al-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni and Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni systems were thermodynamically modeled within the whole composition range. Comparisons between the calculated phase diagrams and literature data are in good agreement. Seven types of HEAs were fabricated from Al-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni and Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni systems. The Al x CrCuFeMnNi HEAs have disordered [face-centered cubic (FCC) + body-centered cubic (BCC)] crystal structures, not FCC or BCC single structure. Excessive alloying of the Al element results in the change of both microstructural and mechanical properties in Al x CoCrFeNi HEAs. There are mainly three structural features in Al x CoCrFeNi: (1) the morphology, (2) the volume fractions of the constitute phases, and (3) existing temperatures of all six phases. After homogenization, the Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi material is a pure FCC solid solution. After aging at 700 °C for 500 hours, the optimal microstructure combinations, the FCC matrix, needle-like B2 phase within grains, and granular σ phase along grain boundary, is achieved for Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi. The cold-rolling process is utilized to reduce the grain size of Al 0.1 CoCrFeNi and Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi. The chemical elemental partitioning of FCC, BCC, B2, and σphases at different temperatures, before and after mechanical tests, in Al-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni and Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni systems are quantitatively characterized by both synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction with levitation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), advanced atom probe tomography (APT), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In-situ neutron diffraction experiments were conducted to study the strengthening effect of B2 phase on tensile properties of Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi HEAs directly. The results shows the creep behavior of Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi is superior to conventional alloys, and the heat treatment introduces secondary B2 phase into the FCC matrix, which increase the yielding strength, decrease the ductility, diminish the serrated flow during compression tests at high temperatures. In summary, the outcomes of the development of the HEAs with creep resistance include: (1) Suitable candidates, for the application to boilers and steam and gas turbines at temperatures above 760 °C and a stress of 35 MPa. (2) Fundamental understanding on the precipitate stability and deformation mechanisms of both single-phase and precipitate-strengthened alloys at room and elevated temperatures, and (3) The demonstration of an integrated approach, coupling modeling [thermodynamic calculations and crystal-plasticity finite-element modeling (CPFEM)] and focused experiments, to identify HEAs that outperform conventional alloys for high-temperature applications, which will be applicable for the discovery and development of other high-temperature materials in the power-generating industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrogen induced cracking susceptibility of API 5L X70 pipeline steel in relation to microstructure and crystallographic texture developed after different thermomechanical treatments

Highlights: • crack propagated mainly along deformed-banded microstructure. • Lower failure strength manifested at pipeline steel surface compared to the mid-thickness. • Greater fraction of martensite/austenite constituents featured in specimen WG relative to specimen WH. • Early onset of cracking in specimen WH showed no preference to specific crystallographic orientation. • Multi-component inclusion particle was revealed along crack propagation path. - Abstract: Thermomechanical treatments offer an innovative means of controlling microstructure development and improving resistance to hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) in pipeline steel. This study was conducted on two X70 pipeline steels (labelled WG and WH) of the same chemical composition, but processed with different thermomechanical parameters. Specimen WG was hot rolled at a higher temperature range of 880–820 {sup °}C, while specimen WH was hot rolled between 830 and 760 {sup °}C before cooling at a rate of 25 {sup °}C/s. Early onset of HIC was observed in specimen WH after electrochemical hydrogen charging for 12 h in a solution of 0.2 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and 3 g/l NH{sub 4}SCN, without any applied stress. Also, test pieces from the surface and mid-thickness layers of each pipeline steel were subjected to slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test with in-situ hydrogen charging. Characterization techniques such as Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Electron Backscattered Diffraction and X-ray Diffraction were used to investigate the structure pipeline steel specimens. The role of inclusions on HIC was studied by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Although the microstructure of both specimens were predominantly ferritic, more martensite/retained austenite (M/A) constituents featured in WG. Further crystallographic texture analysis indicates that grain orientation at the surfaces of both test specimens were similar with deviations towards <111> on the inverse pole figure (IPF); whereas, pole intensity at the mid-thickness deviated towards the <001> direction. Considering the increased fraction of banded-deformed grains with high stored energy, the lower HIC resistance of specimen WH in comparison to specimen WG was justified.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of the Fe/Ba Ratio and Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Barium Ferrites Prepared by Hydrothermal Method

Magnetoplumbite-type (M-type) hexagonal barium ferrite particles were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure and magnetic properties of barium ferrites were investigated systematically, which indicated that the ratio of Fe/Ba (R{sub F/B}) and sintering temperature have an important effect on structure and performance. Phase composition, micro-morphology, and magnetic properties of the particles were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). When the ratio of Fe/Ba (R{sub F/B}) is even low or high, inferior images of XRD could be attained with certain impurities. When R{sub F/B} = 8, the single phase could be obtained without impurities. Micro-morphology of the particles exhibits the uniform plane hexagonal structures of nano-sized M-type ferrites when sintered at 800 °C. Saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) reaches the maximum value at R{sub F/B} = 7 (M{sub s} = 45.07 emu/g). The value of coercivity (H{sub c}) increases with the growth of R{sub F/B}, and H{sub c} is up to 6207 Oe when R{sub F/B} = 7. The effect of R{sub F/B} and temperature on magnetization (M{sub s}) and coercivity (H{sub c}) was studied in this paper.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Behavior of Ceramic-Reinforced Copper Metal Matrix Hybrid Composites

This article presents the structural, mechanical, and electrical behavior of ceramic-reinforced copper metal matrix hybrid composites developed by stir-casting technique. Commercial copper was used as matrix, and different weight percentages of boron carbide (B{sub 4}C), with constant weight percentage of tungsten carbide, boron nitride, and chromium, were used as reinforcements. Copper hybrid composites were characterized by high-resolution x-ray diffraction, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive analysis of x-ray, high-resolution scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Density, hardness, tensile strength, compressive strength, and electrical conductivity were also analyzed. These hybrid composites show improved mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and compressive strength, while relatively lower density and electrical conductivity were observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrothermal synthesis of Bismuth(III) coordination polymer and its transformation to nano α-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} for photocatalytic degradation

A new Bi(III) coordination polymer Bi{sub 2}(Hpdc){sub 2}(pdc){sub 2}·2H{sub 2}O (H{sub 2}pdc=pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) was synthesized by hydrothermal method. Solid state thermal decomposition of this complex under 500 °C for 1 h led to the foliated Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles, which were then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparative study on their photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in polluted water was explored, and the mechanism of these photocatalytic degradation was discussed. These results provided some interesting insights into their photocatalytic applications. - Graphical abstract: We regard Bi{sub 2}(Hpdc){sub 2}(pdc){sub 2}·2H{sub 2}O with 1D chain structures as the precursor, then calcinate the complex to prepare nano-powder α-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The photochemical experiment indicates that Bi{sub 2}(Hpdc){sub 2}(pdc){sub 2}·2H{sub 2}O can be used as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of RhB and MB. Interestingly, nano α-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} shows higher activity than the commercial Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} for the degradation of RhB, MB or MO. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A novel dinuclear Bi(III) coordination polymer is hydrothermally synthesized. • Calcinating the precursor Bi-CP will result in the nano Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} with foliated morphology. • Nano Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} shows higher activity than the commercial Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} for the degradation of dyes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

CaSn(OH){sub 6} hydroxides, CaSnO{sub 3} oxides and CaSnF{sub 6} fluorides: Synthesis and structural filiation. Cationic environment impact on Pr{sup 3+} doped compounds luminescence

Highlights: • Structural filiation of stannates compounds. • {sup 119}Sn Mossbauer analysis of Sn-X chemical bonding (X = OH, O, F). • Nephelauxetic effect observed in the luminescence of Pr{sup 3+} doped stannate compounds. - Abstract: CaSn(OH){sub 6}, CaSnO{sub 3} and CaSnF{sub 6} compounds were elaborated from a “one-batch” synthesis route: the coprecipitation of the pure double hydroxide leads to pure double oxide or fluoride after annealing treatments under air or HF as anhydrous gas, respectively. Structural and morphological features of the three matrices were carefully investigated by X Ray Diffraction analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy, respectively. In addition, the luminescent properties of the Pr-doped compounds were performed and compared. The nanometric size of the double hydroxide inhibits the luminescence. The interpretation of the emission spectra obtained for Pr-doped CaSnO{sub 3} and CaSnF{sub 6} compounds is based on the covalence/ionic balance of the M–O or M–F bonds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis and characterization of noble metal borides: RuB{sub x}(x > 1)

Highlights: • Hexagonal RuB{sub 1.1} were synthesized using ruthenium and boron powders as raw materials during ball milling process. • Orthorhombic RuB{sub 2} were synthesized under high pressure (5 GPa) and high temperature (1000 °C) conditions. • Hexagonal Ru{sub 2}B{sub 3} have been synthesized under 5 GPa and 1200 °C. - Abstract: Noble metal borides RuB{sub 1.1}, RuB{sub 2} and Ru{sub 2}B{sub 3} have been synthesized by mechanical alloying and high pressure sintering methods using ruthenium (Ru) and boron (B) powders as raw materials. The crystal structures of borides were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results shown that only RuB{sub 1.1} with hexagonal crystal structure was synthesized during the ball milling process, the orthorhombic RuB{sub 2} was synthesized under high pressure (5 GPa) and high temperature (1000 °C) conditions, while the hexagonal Ru{sub 2}B{sub 3} can be synthesized under 5 GPa and 1200 °C. The mechanism of synthesis for the ruthenium borides (RuB{sub x}) are discussed in details.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of growth kinetics and impact of NH{sub 3} on the morphology evolution of hexagonal-prism shaped Y{sub 4}O(OH){sub 9}NO{sub 3}/Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} single crystals

Highlights: • Tailored the morphology of Y{sub 4}O(OH){sub 9}NO{sub 3}and Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} crystals using different electrolytes by hydrothermal method. • Role of NH{sub 3} in the formation of hexagonal prism like morphology. • Time dependent experiments to study the growth process and formation of hexagonal prisms. - Abstract: The effect of NH{sub 3} on the morphology evolution of single crystalline hexagonal-prism like Y{sub 4}O(OH){sub 9}NO{sub 3} and Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} has been systematically investigated, as a function of reaction time, by using a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rational control over the morphology has been achieved by the choice of suitable electrolytes like NaNO{sub 3}, KNO{sub 3}, NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3}, KCl and NH{sub 4}Cl in the presence of NH{sub 4}OH. We report that the cross-sectional geometry of hydrothermally grown one-dimensional Y{sub 4}O(OH){sub 9}NO{sub 3} crystals can be tuned from spherical to hexagonal-prism like shape by introducing a particular reagent like NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3} in the presence of NH{sub 4}OH. An ‘oriented attachment’ mediated growth process takes place along with the ‘dissolution-recrystallization’ route which eventually resulted in the generation of the single crystals with hexagonal-prism like morphology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fly ash based zeolitic pigments for application in anticorrosive paints

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the utilization of waste fly ash in anticorrosive paints. Zeolite NaY was synthesized from waste fly ash and subsequently modified by exchanging its nominal cation Na{sup +} with Mg{sup 2+} and Ca{sup 2+} ions. The metal ion exchanged zeolite was then used as anticorrosive zeolitic pigments in paints. The prepared zeolite NaY was characterized using X-Ray diffraction technique and Scanning electron microscopy. The size, shape and density of the prepared fly ash based pigments were determined by various techniques. The paints were prepared by using fly ash based zeolitic pigments in epoxy resin and the percentages of pigments used in paints were 2% and 5%. These paints were applied to the mild steel panels and the anticorrosive properties of the pigments were assessed by the electrochemical spectroscopy technique (EIS).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Comparison of catalytic activities for photocatalytic and sonocatalytic degradation of organic dye in the presence of ternary Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO magnetic heteregenous nanocatalyst

The Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO nanocatalyst with various CuO loading were synthesized by sol-gel method and were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The findings demonstrate that all samples exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperatureand containa well-crystalline ternary oxide nanocatalyst. Methylene blue was taken as the model of organic dye to evaluate its photocatalytic and sonocatalytic degradation in the presence of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO nanocatalyst. The observed degradation activity indicate that the order of degradation of methylene blue issonocatalysis> photocatalysis. Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO nanocatalyst with the lowest CuO loading exhibit the highest rate of degradation of methylene blue during the sono- and photocatalytic processes. The experimental data shows that holes are the predominant oxidative species involved in the sono- and photodegradation of methylene blue.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Lead free CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnI{sub 3} perovskite thin-film with p-type semiconducting nature and metal-like conductivity

Lead free CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnI{sub 3} perovskite thin film was prepared by low temperature solution processing and characterized using current sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM). Analysis of electrical, optical, and optoelectrical properties reveals unique p-type semiconducting nature and metal like conductivity of this material. CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnI{sub 3} film also showed a strong absorption in visible and near infrared spectrum with absorption onset of 1.3 eV. X-ray Diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a structure of this compound and uniform film formation. The morphology, film uniformity, light harvesting and electrical properties strongly depend on preparation method and precursor solution. CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnI{sub 3} films prepared based on dimethylformamide (DMF) showed higher crystallinity and light harvesting capability compared to the film based on combination of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Local photocurrent mapping analysis showed that CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnI{sub 3} can be used as an active layer and have a potential to fabricate lead free photovoltaic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Comparative analysis of the structural and morphological features of biogenic and synthesized goethite nanoparticles

A comparative analysis of the relationship between the morphological forms and magnetic properties of natural goethite particles from the crust of weathering of the Far East and Vietnam basalts and pure, chemically synthesized goethite particles was performed using Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown how the shape of biogenic goethite particles affects their magnetic properties, which significantly differ from the magnetic properties of chemically synthesized samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗