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At least 127 records · Page 7

Ti3+-TiO2/Ce3+-CeO2 Nanosheet heterojunctions as efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts

Highlights: • A novel Ti{sup 3+}-TiO{sub 2}/Ce{sup 3+}-CeO{sub 2} nanosheet heterojunction is fabricated. • It owns the bandgap of 2.6 eV and extends the photoresponse to visible light region. • It exhibits excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance. • It is due to synergy of Ti{sup 3+}, Ce{sup 3+} co-doping and nanosheet heterojunction. - Abstract: Novel Ti{sup 3+}-TiO{sub 2}/Ce{sup 3+}-CeO{sub 2} nanosheet heterojunctions are successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal approach combined with a wet-chemical deposition precipitation and an in situ solid-state chemical reduction strategy. The structures of the as-prepared samples are characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that Ti{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+} are both doped into the lattice of TiO{sub 2} and CeO{sub 2}, respectively, which narrow the band gap to 2.7 eV and extend the photoresponse to visible light region. The photocatalytic degradation rate of methyl orange and methylene blue are as high as 93.3% and 97.1% under visible-light illumination, respectively. The high degradation rate is attributed to the efficient doping of Ti{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+}, formation of surface oxygen vacancy and heterojunction, which favors the absorption of visible light and separation of photogenerated charge carriers.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Electrochemical synthesis of p-Cu{sub 2}O/n-ZnO nanorods hetero-junction for photovoltaic application

Development of high performance visible light responsive solar cell materials has attracted wide interest due to their potential applications in the energy industries. In this work, ZnO nanorods films were successfully prepared on the ITO coated glass substrates via simple three electrode electrochemical deposition route. The Cu{sub 2}O nanoparticles were then electrodeposited on the surface of ZnO nanorods to form p-Cu{sub 2}O/n-ZnO core-shell hetero-structure. The synthesized ZnO, Cu{sub 2}O films and p-Cu{sub 2}O/n-ZnO hetero-structure were characterized by low angle x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Due to the hierarchical morphologies and core-shell structure, p-Cu{sub 2}O/n-ZnO hetero-structure shows a prominent visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance under the low intensity light irradiation. The obtained results suggest that it is possible to synthesize ZnO nanorods, Cu{sub 2}O films and p-Cu{sub 2}O/n-ZnO core-shell hetero-structure by a simple, cost effective and environment friendly electrodeposition process which can be useful for water splitting and solar cell device fabrication.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Urchin-like artificial gallium oxide nanowires grown by a novel MOCVD/CVD-based route for random laser application

A novel procedure based on a two-step method was developed to obtain β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanowires by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The first step consists in the gallium micro-spheres growth inside a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition environment, using an organometallic precursor. Nanoscale spheres covering the microspheres were obtained. The second step involves the CVD oxidization of the gallium micro-spheres, which allow the formation of β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanowires on the micro-sphere surface, with the final result being a nanostructure mimicking nature's sea urchin morphology. The grown nanomaterial is characterized by several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. A discussion about the growth mechanism and the optical properties of the β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} material is presented considering its unknown true bandgap value (extending from 4.4 to 5.68 eV). As an application, the scattering properties of the nanomaterial are exploited to demonstrate random laser emission (around 570 nm) when it is permeated with a laser dye liquid solution.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Cathodic cage plasma deposition of TiN and TiO{sub 2} thin films on silicon substrates

Cathodic cage plasma deposition (CCPD) was used for growing titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) thin films on silicon substrates. The main advantages of the CCPD technique are the uniformity, tridimensionality, and high rate of the film deposition that occurs at higher pressures, lower temperatures, and lower treatment times than those used in conventional nitriding treatments. In this work, the influence of the temperature and gas atmosphere upon the characteristics of the deposited films was investigated. The TiN and TiO{sub 2} thin films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze their chemical, structural, and morphological characteristics, and the combination of these results indicates that the low-cost CCPD technique can be used to produce even and highly crystalline TiN and TiO{sub 2} films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Study of the physical properties of CuS thin films grown by SILAR method

CuS thin films were obtained using the SILAR method on an amorphous glass substrate. All experiments were performed at room temperature. CuS thin films were deposited at 30, 40, 50 and 60 cycles, respectively. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the structures that increase the thickness of nanostructured CuS thin films were investigated. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, RAMAN and optical absorption measurements were carried out in order to examine the physical properties of CuS thin films. As a result of the analysis, we can say that the thickness increase positively affects the crystal structure of CuS thin films. In addition, the energy bandgap range of CuS thin films ranged from 2.22 to 1.78 eV. Analysis results of CuS thin films using SILAR method show that thickness is an important factor for thin film studies.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Magnetic and structural properties of nanostructured Fe–20Al–2Cr powder mixtures

Nanostructured Fe–20Al–2Cr (wt.%) powders have been prepared using high energy planetary ball-mill. Changes in structural, morphological and magnetic properties of the powders during mechanical alloying (MA) and during subsequent annealing have been examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The observed structural and microstructural changes have been related to several processes occurring during MA. After MA, the material becomes significantly disordered and refines to nanoscale grain sizes (~ 14 nm). The obtained bcc α-Fe(Al,Cr) solid solution shows a ferromagnetic behavior. Upon subsequent annealing at 400 °C, α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and spinel oxides are formed at the surface of particles, while structural defects disappeared as Fe(Al,Cr) solid solution becomes more ordered and grain growth occurs. The saturation magnetization (Ms) shows lower values after annealing, attributed to the formation of metal oxides with low magnetic moment. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Nanostructured Fe–Al–Cr powders were prepared by MA. • Careful analysis of the XRD patterns by using the Rietveld refinement • The lattice distortion is evidenced by the increase of both the lattice parameter and the static Debye Waller parameter. • Annealing at 400 °C stabilizes the microstructure at the nanometer range and leads to the formation of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxides. • Both the milled and annealed samples are ferromagnetic.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of heterostructured Pd@TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2} nanohybrids with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2} nanohybrids was synthesized via a two-step solvothermal method. • TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2} exhibited superior photoactivity in comparison with TiOF{sub 2} or TiO{sub 2}. • The photocatalytic activity was further improved by loading Pd nanoparticles. • Synergistic effect between TiOF{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2} was responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance over TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2}. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2} heterostructured nanocomposites has been synthesized through a solvothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, UV–vis and photo-luminescent spectroscopy. It was found that, compared with single TiOF{sub 2} or TiO{sub 2}, the as-prepared TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2} nanocomposites exhibited superior photoactivity towards the degradation of organic pollutants, i.e. rhodamine B and solar hydrogen evolution. The results are in accordance with the prohibition of photogenerated electrons and holes recombination in these two samples under light illumination. The photocatalytic activity can be further boosted by introducing Pd nanoparticles onto the surfaces of TiO{sub 2}/TiOF{sub 2} through a simple deposition method without using any stabilizers, which is probably attributed to the enhanced visible-light absorption as well as the facilitated charge-carrier separation after the introduction of Pd nanoparticles. The synergistic effect between TiOF{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2} was discussed and was responsible for the enhancement of their activity in comparison with single counterpart.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Low-temperature route to metal titanate perovskite nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications

MTiO 3 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) nanoparticles were synthesized by a one-step room-temperature ultrasound synthesis in ionic liquid. The samples we gathered are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, UV–vis diffuse reflectance, Raman and IR spectroscopy and their capability in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and methylene blue degradation was tested. Powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic investigations revealed the products to crystallize in the cubic perovskite structure. SEM observations showed that the obtained CaTiO 3 consists of nanospheres, BaTiO 3 of raspberry-like shaped particles of 20 nm in diameter. SrTiO 3 particles have cubic-like morphology with an edge length varying from 100 to 300 nm. SrTiO 3 exhibited the highest catalytic activity for photocatalytic H 2 evolution using only 0.025 wt.% Rh as co-catalyst and for the degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation. The influence of parameters such as synthesis method, calcination temperature, and doping with nitrogen on the morphology, crystallinity, chemical composition, and photocatalytic acivity of SrTiO 3 was studied. Heating the as-prepared SrTiO 3 to 700 °C for extended time leads to a decrease in surface area and catalytic activity. Ionothermal prepared SrTiO 3 exhibits a higher activity than sonochemically prepared one without co-catalyst due to a synergistic effect of anatase which is present in small amount as a by-phase. Furthermore, after photodeposition of Rh, however, the activity is lower than that of the sonochemically prepared SrTiO 3 . Nitrogen-doped SrTiO 3 showed photocatalytic acivity under visible light irradiation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Starch-assisted synthesis and optical properties of ZnS nanoparticles

Highlights: • ZnS spherical nanostructure was prepared via starch-assisted method. • The crystalline lattice structure, morphologies, chemical and optical properties of ZnS nanoparticles. • The forming mechanism of ZnS nanoparticles. • ZnS spherical nano-structure can show blue emission at 460–500 nm. - Abstract: ZnS nanoparticles are fabricated via starch-assisted method. The effects of different starch amounts on structure and properties of samples are investigated, and the forming mechanism of ZnS nanoparticles is discussed. By X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and fluorescence (FL) spectrometer, their phases, crystalline lattice structure, morphologies, chemical and optical properties are characterized. The results show that ZnS has polycrystalline spherical structure with the mean diameter of 130 nm. Sample without starch reveals irregular aggregates with particle size distribution of 0.5–2 μm. The band gap value of ZnS is 3.97 eV. The chemical interaction exists between starch molecules and ZnS nanoparticles by hydrogen bonds. The stronger FL emission peaks of ZnS synthesized with starch, indicate a larger content of sulfur vacancies or defects than ZnS synthesized without starch.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Superconducting Performance, Structure, Microstructure, and Trapped Field of Top-Seeded Melt-Processed Bulk Y{sub 3}Ba{sub 5}Cu{sub 8}O{sub x}

The sintering temperature for the production of Y{sub 3}Ba{sub 5}Cu{sub 8}O{sub 18} (Y-358) preform powders synthesized in sol-gel spontaneous combustion technique was optimized. A large single-grain bulk Y-358 crystal was fabricated employing a top-seeded melt-growth technique utilizing the optimally sintered preform powders (i.e., at 900 {sup ∘}C for 12 h). Structural, microstructural, elemental, and magnetic properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and SQUID, respectively. The structural characterization indicated that the sample is highly textured in (00l) direction. The Y-358 phase fractions were estimated in both preform powders and bulk sample using Rietveld refinement. The onset of superconducting transition is observed at 92.5 K, and the curve is very sharp indicative of the high quality of the produced bulk sample. The field dependence of critical current density (J{sub c}) was determined at 77 K, and the self-field J{sub c} was found to be ∼26 kA/cm{sup 2}. A magnetic field of 0.27 T was trapped by the sample at 77 K.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Study on Tribological Properties of CoCrMo Alloys against Metals and Ceramics as Bearing Materials for Artificial Cervical Disc

CoCrMo alloys are believed to be a kind of potential material for artificial cervical disc. However, the tribological properties of CoCrMo alloys against different metals and ceramics are not systematically studied. In this study, the tribological behaviors of CoCrMo alloys against metals (316L, Ti6Al4V) and ceramics (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}, ZrO{sub 2}) were focused under dry friction and 25 wt.% newborn calf serum (NCS)-lubricated conditions using a ball-on-disc apparatus under reciprocating motion. The microstructure, composition and hardness of CoCrMo alloys were characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hardness testers, respectively. The contact angles of the CoCrMo alloys with deionized water and 25 wt.% NCS were measured by the OCA contact angle measuring instrument. The maximum wear width, wear depth and wear volume were measured by three-dimensional white light interference. The morphology and the EDX analysis of the wear marks on CoCrMo alloys were examined by SEM to determine the basic mechanism of friction and wear. The dominant wear mechanism in dry friction for CoCrMo alloys against all pairings was severe abrasive wear, accompanied with a lot of material transfer. Under 25 wt.% NCS-lubricated condition, the wear mechanism for CoCrMo alloys against ceramics (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}, ZrO{sub 2}) was also mainly severe abrasive wear. However, severe abrasive wear and electrochemical corrosion occurred for the CoCrMo-316L pairing under lubrication. Severe abrasive wear, adhesive wear and electrochemical corrosion occurred for the CoCrMo-Ti6Al4V pairing under lubrication. According to the results, the tribological properties of CoCrMo alloys against ceramics were better than those against metals. The CoCrMo-ZrO{sub 2} pairing displayed the best tribological behaviors and could be taken as a potential candidate bearing material for artificial cervical disc.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Facile synthesis of hierarchical hollow ε-MnO{sub 2} spheres and their application in supercapacitor electrodes

The hierarchical hollow microspheres of ε-MnO{sub 2} have been synthesized through a facile chemical method at room temperature followed by selective removal of manganese carbonate structures with HCl. The microstructure and morphologies of the resulting materials are investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the product obtained by simple reaction for 3 min has a porous shell with excellent permeability and uniform pore-size distribution. Electrochemical properties were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and impedance spectra. As a result, the hierarchical hollow ε-MnO{sub 2} showed the specific capacitance of 115 F g{sup −1} at 0.5 A g{sup −1}. These results demonstrate that the ε-MnO{sub 2} as electrode materials have potential application for high-performance supercapacitors. - Graphical abstract: The MnO{sub 2} shell with MnCO{sub 3} intermediate core is prepared at room temperature; the hollow structure with excellent permeated shell enhanced the discharge capacity and electrochemical stability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A new route for the synthesis of submicron-sized LaB{sub 6}

Submicron crystalline LaB{sub 6} has been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with NaBH{sub 4} at 1200 °C. The effects of reaction temperature on the crystal structure, grain size and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. It is found that when the reaction temperature is in the range of 1000–1100 °C, there are ultrafine nanoparticles and nanocrystals that coexist. When the reaction temperature elevated to 1200 °C, the grain morphology transformed from ultrafine nanoparticle to submicron crystals completely. High resolution transmission electron microscope images fully confirm the formation of LaB{sub 6} cubic structure. - Highlights: • Single-phased LaB{sub 6} have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction in a continuous evacuating process. • The reaction temperature has a important effect on the phase composition. • The grain size increase from nano-size to submicron with increasing reaction temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Interfacial hydrothermal synthesis of SnO{sub 2} nanorods towards photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Highlights: • Efficient interfacial hydrothermal strategy was developed. • 1D SnO{sub 2} nanorods as an advanced photocatalyst. • SnO{sub 2} nanorods exhibit photocatalytic degradation of the MO. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) SnO{sub 2} nanorods (NRs) have been successfully synthesized by means of an efficient interfacial hydrothermal strategy. The resulting product was physically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, etc. The as-fabricated SnO{sub 2} NRs exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation of the methyl orange with high degradation efficiency of 99.3% with only 60 min ultra violet light irradiation. Meanwhile, the 1D SnO{sub 2} NRs exhibited intriguing photostability after four recycles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microwave-assisted combustion synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites and their photocatalytic activities under ultraviolet and visible-light irradiation

Highlights: • Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized by a microwave-assisted combustion method. • Ag/ZnO nanocomposites exhibited improved photocatalytic activities under UV irradiation. • Poorer photocatalytic performances were obtained under visible-light irradiation. - Abstract: Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized by a rapid one-step microwave-assisted combustion method. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. XRD results showed that hexagonal ZnO and cubic Ag were obtained. Ag nanoparticles were chemically attached on the surface of ZnO. The decrease in the energy band gap of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites and the photoluminescence quenching were observed while the Ag content was increased. Furthermore, the introduction of Ag nanoparticles leads to significantly improved photocatalytic activities in the case of ultraviolet irradiation, but in the case of visible-light irradiation opposite results were obtained. The corresponding mechanism was discussed in detail.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optimization of Interlayer/CrWN Bilayer Films Fabricated and Monitored under Shewhart Control

Chromium tungsten nitride (CrWN) films were deposited onto SUS 304 stainless steel, cutter inserts and glass substrates using direct current reactive magnetron sputtering, with pure W and Cr metal targets. The deposition parameters for the interlayer (W and WN) with multiple qualities were optimized using the gray Taguchi method. The microstructure of these coatings was determined using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the mechanical properties of bilayer samples with an interlayer of WN nitride film are superior to those with a W metal interlayer. Moreover, increasing the N{sub 2}/(N{sub 2} + Ar) flow ratio and working pressure enhanced the microhardness and the elastic recovery for coatings with an interlayer/CrWN bilayer. Dry milling tests also showed that bilayer film coatings have better mechanical performance. This increase in multiple performance characteristics is attributed to a bilayer that is manufactured using the gray Taguchi method. Control charts, which are powerful tools and widely used, were employed to monitor and ensure high-quality fabrication of the interlayer/CrWN bilayer and to show the coating processes to be stable and well regulated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Utilizing maleic acid as a novel fuel for synthesis of PbFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} nanoceramics via sol–gel auto-combustion route

PbFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} nanostructures were prepared in an aqueous solution by the sol–gel auto-combustion method using Pb(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} and Fe(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} as starting materials and various carboxylic acids, including oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid and maleic acid as fuel and reducing and capping agents. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X- ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The effect of carboxylic acid type, Pb{sup +} {sup 2} to carboxylic acid molar ratio, and calcination temperature was investigated on the morphology of the products and several experiments were carried out to obtain the optimal reaction conditions. It was found that the phase and the morphology of the products are influenced by the investigated parameters. Furthermore, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to study the magnetic properties of PbFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} samples. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • PbFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} nanoceramics were synthesized from Fe(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} and Pb(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} via the sol–gel auto combustion method. • The maleic acid can be instead of common capping agent and fuel in auto-combustion sol–gel. • The synthesized PbFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} is a hard magnetic material. • The specific saturation magnetization and coercivity are 27 emu/g and 1900 Oe, respectively.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Catalytic activities of two different morphological nano-MnO2 on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Highlights: • Nano-MnO{sub 2} was produced easily. • Nano-MnO{sub 2} can promote the decomposition of AP. • Sea-urchin nano-MnO{sub 2} is a superior catalyst. - Abstract: In order to investigate the catalytic activity of nano-MnO{sub 2} on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate, two different shapes of nano-MnO{sub 2} (sea-urchin and linear) were prepared by the hydrothermal method with MnSO{sub 4}·H{sub 2}O and Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 8}, MnSO{sub 4}·H{sub 2}O and (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 8}, respectively. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and the nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis were used to characterize the structure of the nanocomposites. The sea-urchin nano-MnO{sub 2} possesses a greater specific surface area than the linear nano-MnO{sub 2}. The catalytic properties of nano-MnO{sub 2} on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were demonstrated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). As show in the DSC carves, the addition of the sea-urchin nano-MnO{sub 2} got the thermal decomposition peak temperature of AP reduced much more than the addition of the linear nano-MnO{sub 2}, the low-temperature decomposition process even disappeared, and the high-temperature pyrolysis peak temperature decreased by 94.6 °C. All evidences indicated that the sea-urchin nano-MnO{sub 2} is a better catalytic than the linear one.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗