Search

A new type of composite photocatalyst, BiVO 4 /α-Fe 2 O 3 , was successfully prepared by using hydrothermal-calcinations method and the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis reflection spectrometer (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N 2 adsorption–desorption measurement (BET), respectively. It was displayed that the α-Fe 2 O 3 had no effect on the crystal phases of BiVO 4 but obviously enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the BiVO 4 . The composite α-FeOOH/BiVO 4 with the mass ratio of 5:5 and the calcinations of 350 °C had the highest photocatalytic activity. The degradation rate of benzene was up to 66.87% when initial benzene concentration was 100 mg/m 3 and after 365 nm UV irradiation 210 min O 2 − and h + played a key role in the photo-degradation of benzene, and the enhanced performance of BiVO 4 /α-Fe 2 O 3 composite could be attributed to the synergistic effect between α-Fe 2 O 3 and BiVO 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bi 2 WO 6 /α-Fe 2 O 3 composite photocatalyst was synthesized by using goethite as a precursor through hydrothermal-calcination method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis reflection spectrometer (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N 2 adsorption-desorption measurement (BET). These results indicated that the self-made composite photocatalysts had excellent catalytic performance of degradation of gaseous benzene. When benzene initial concentration at 50 mg/m 3 , over the α-FeOOH/Bi 2 WO 6 with molar mass of 0.8:1, calcined at 350 °C for 2 h and the pH of precursor solution was 3, the benzene degradation rate reached 71.9% and the mineralization efficiency reached 67.7% after 220 min UV irradiation, respectively. The h + and O 2 − generated in the photocatalytic system should be played a pivotal role for the enhanced photodegradation performance of gaseous benzene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complement 1q (C1q) is the first component of the complement system which can initiate the classical complement pathway. In human, C1q is composed of 18 polypeptide chains: six C1qA chains, six C1qB chains and six C1qC chains. Each chain has a signal peptide and is comprised of a collagen-like region and a C-terminal C1q globular domain (C1qgD), which is organized as a heterotrimer. C1qgD can recognize antigen-antibody complexes containing IgG and IgM or can bind directly to the C-reactive protein. Although the classical complement pathway is found from fish to mammals, only the human C1qgD structure has been determined. Compared with that of mammals, fish C1q exhibits similar immune functions and genome arrangement. In order to illustrate the structure of C1qgD in fish, zebrafish ( Danio rerio) C1qA globular domain ( Dare-C1qAgD) was expressed, purified and crystallized. X-ray diffraction data were collected from a crystal to a resolution of 2.05 Å; the crystal belonged to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 50.347, b = 85.059, c = 95.560 Å. It contained three molecules in the asymmetric unit. The Matthews coefficient value VM was 2.31 Å3 Da−1, with a calculated solvent content of 46.7%. The data will help to give insight into the structural basis of C1qA in fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Well-crystallized bismuth subcarbonate ((BiO)2CO3) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion-assisted hydrothermal method. In this synthesis, bismuth citrate and urea are used as the precursors and the thermal decomposition of citrate leads to the formation of major carbonate anion. The reaction, nucleation and growth steps are confined inside the water droplets and hence uniform and well-crystallized spherical nanoparticles are formed. Importantly, these nanoparticles exert comparable anti-Helicobacter pylori activities to the clinically used drug, colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), which offers a promise for development of new nanomedicines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Decorating the 1D TiO 2 nanorods with Cu2+ nanoparticles and CdS quantum dots. • Combining the CdS-Cu2+/TiO 2 nanorod array films with optofluidic planar reactors. • Reporting the continuous photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 with water vapor. • The main product was ethanol and the maximum yield reached 109.12 μmol/g-cat h. In this letter, an effective photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 by using CdS-Cu2+/TiO 2 nanorod array films photocatalyst under visible light was studied. TiO 2 nanorod array films were prepared by the hydrothermal method, after which Cu2+ ions and CdS quantum dots (QDs) were deposited on the TiO 2 nanorod arrays using the ultrasonic-assisted sequential cation adsorption method and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method respectively. The composition, morphology and optical property of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The loading amount of CdS QDs was regulated by controlling the deposition cycles which demonstrates correspondingly optical behaviors. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by reduction of gas-phase CO 2 to estimate the ethanol yield under various operating parameters, including the CdS QDs concentration, CO 2 flow rate and reaction temperature. The experiment results showed that when the SILAR method cycle deposition was two, the reaction product yield reached the maximum, and the ethanol yield was 109.12 μmol/g-cat h at a flow rate of 4 mL/min and under the reaction system temperature of 80 °C. The highly efficient photocatalytic activities of CdS-Cu2+/TiO 2 nanorod array films in the reduction process of CO 2 were attributed to the combination of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure with decorating Cu2+ ions and CdS QDs, which restrain recombination of the electron hole pairs and broaden the visible-light response. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism was discussed to understand the experimental results over the CdS-Cu2+/TiO 2 nanorod array films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel red phosphor KSr 4 (BO 3 ) 3 : Pr 3+ was prepared by using a solid-state reaction method, and its photoluminescence and charge compensator effect (Li + ) were investigated. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanned electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The as-prepared material indicates that Pr 3+ ions occupy Sr 2+ sites in the lattice of KSr 4 (BO 3 ) 3 with micron-scale irregular morphology. Their excitation bands at 449, 475 and 487 nm are originated from the transitions of 3 H 4 → 3 P 2 , 3 H 4 → 3 P 1 and 3 H 4 → 3 P 0 of Pr 3+ ion. Under 449 nm excitation, the emission of Pr 3+ at 587, 606 and 627 nm are attributed to 1 D 2 → 3 H 5 , 3 P 0 → 3 H 6 and 3 P 0 → 3 F 2 . The optimized doping concentration of Pr 3+ in KSr 4- x (BO 3 ) 3 : x Pr 3+ is determined to be x = 0.015. By codoping Li + in KSr 4 (BO 3 ) 3 : Pr 3+ to compensate the charge unbalance, the intensities of emission spectra at 606 nm can be increased greatly. The nonradiative concentration quenching among two nearest Pr 3+ ions occurs via dipole-dipole interaction based on the Dexter theory. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates are (0.645, 0.354) for KSr 4 (BO 3 ) 3 : Pr 3+ and (0.644, 0.355) for KSr 4 (BO 3 ) 3 : Pr 3+ , Li + , respectively. The decay curves of the selected samples are also studied in detail. The result shows that KSr 4 (BO 3 ) 3 : Pr 3+ is promising candidate for red phosphors in the fabrication of white light-emitting diodes via blue LED chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphioxus is regarded as an essential animal model for the study of immune evolution. Discovery of new molecules with the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) variable (V) domain in amphioxus would help in studying the evolution of IgSF V molecules in the immune system. A protein was found which just contains only one IgSF V domain in amphioxus, termed Amphi-IgSF-V; it has over 30% sequence identity to the V domains of human immunoglobulins and mammalian T-cell receptors. In order to clarify the three-dimensional structure of this new molecule in amphioxus, Amphi-IgSF-V was expressed, purified and crystallized, and diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 1.95 Å. The crystal belonged to space group P3221, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 53.9, c = 135.5 Å. The Matthews coefficient and solvent content were calculated to be 2.58 Å3 Da−1 and 52.38%, respectively. The results will provide structural information to study the evolution of IgSF V molecules in the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, introducing variable conditional factors with Ag/AL2O3 as catalyst, selects five variables to investigate the influences of experimental conditions on Ag/Al2O3 catalytic activity and define the optimal process conditions. These variables include Ag loading amount, calcinations temperature, calcinations time, reduction temperature, reduction time. X ray diffraction (XRD), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize the catalytic activity of Ag/γ-Al2O3, active center structure and state and those of carrier were emphatically studied, In the meantime the effects of active center and carrier on catalytic activity are studied. The results showed that: (1) In the range of 600 °C~900 °C, the catalytic activity of Ag/γ-Al2O3 with different loading showed little difference when changing loading amount, in the range of 900 °C~1100 °C, when the loading was 5%, the catalytic activity was very high; From the XRD and SEM characterizations, when the loading was 5%, it showed strong intensity diffraction peak of Ag crystal, crystal Ag is the most important activity center to promote hydrogen yield. (2) the catalytic activity of Ag/γ-Al2O3 at 450 °C was considerably higher than that at 400 °C and 500 °C. By BET, XRD and SEM characterization, it can be seen, the diffraction peaks intensity of Ag crystal at 450 °C is higher and sharper than that at 400 °C and 500 °C and with the increase of calcinations temperature, the specific surface area of catalysts also increased. (3) In the range of 600 °C ~ 1000 °C, the effects of calcinations time can be negligible, while, with temperature higher than 1000.C, 4-hour-calcinations-time catalyst exhibits a more noticeable catalytic activity than 3-hour and 5-hour catalyst do; From the XRD spectrogram, we can see that three kinds of catalysts all showed diffraction peaks of Ag and the diffraction peaks intensity of elemental Ag of the catalysts prepared at the calcination time of 4hour was higher and sharper than that prepared at 3hou and 5hour. (4) When reduction temperature was 450 °C, the catalyst showed excellent activity, the catalytic activity of Ag/γ-Al2O3 was decreased after 1000 °C when the reduction temperature at 400 °C and 500 °C; (5) The reduction time had very little influence on the catalytic activity of catalyst. In the range of 600~1100 °C, the catalytic activity of reducion time of 3 hour and 4 hour was the most significant, and when reduction time was 5 hour, the catalytic activity significantly reduced after 1000 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal measure shale is one of the most abundant types of marine-continental shales in China. Two sets of typical coal measure shales in China are developed in the Shanxi Formation (Ordos Basin) and in the Longtan Formation (Guizhou Province). In this study, thermal simulation, rock pyrolysis, and X-ray diffraction experiments were used to analyze four coal measure shale samples collected from typical areas of China. Based on the study of hydrocarbon generation process of the samples, the lower limits of thermal maturity (R o) of favorable and target areas for coal measure shale were ∼1.8% and 2.5%, respectively. The threshold R o value of oil generation in coal measure shale was preliminarily inferred to be 0.6%. The gaseous hydrocarbon production per unit of S 1 +S 2 , after the gas generation threshold, was linearly and positively correlated with R o. The lower limits of total organic carbon (TOC), corresponding to the favorable and target areas, were ∼2.45 wt% and 2.84 wt%, respectively. Combined with X-ray diffraction experiments, the diagenetic stage and the hydrocarbon generation model of coal measure shale were established and could be divided into four evolutionary stages. The results of this study have direct scientific and practical significance for the evaluation of gas content and selection of areas in China for the extraction of coal measure shale. • The lower limits of critical evaluation parameters (TOC and Ro) of favorable and target areas for coal measure shale were determined. • The threshold R o value of oil generation in coal measure shale can be preliminarily inferred. • Gaseous hydrocarbon production per unit of S 1 +S 2 exhibits a linear and positive relationship with R o. • The diagenetic stage and the hydrocarbon generation model of coal measure shale was established through thermal simulation, rock pyrolysis, and X-ray diffraction experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A layer of platinum was fabricated through electroplating on the surface of NiCoCrAl model alloy. Diffusion characteristics and oxidation behaviour of Pt-coated NiCoCrAl compared to uncoated was investigated at 1050 °C. The platinum inter-diffusion layer within the alloy was obtained through the heat treatment. For microstructural characterization results of scanning electron microscopy were combined with X-ray diffraction data. Due to different covalent bonding calculated by first principle calculation, the platinum presented different diffusion abilities in β-NiAl and γ′-Ni 3 Al phases during the heat treatment. The calculated elastic constant and elastic moduli revealed that Pt-doped β-NiAl and γ′-Ni 3 Al possess better elastic and mechanical properties than β-NiAl and γ′-Ni 3 Al. The platinum addition restrained the spallation of Ni-rich oxide on Pt-coated NiCoCrAl alloy compared to uncoated, hence the adhesion between the oxide layer and NiCoCrAl alloy was improved. Highlights • Pt obviously increases Al 2 O 3 scale adhesion at early stage of the oxidation. • Pt increases the elastic stability and mechanical strength of β-NiAl and γ′-Ni 3 Al. • Pt has different diffusion ability in β-NiAl/γ′-Ni 3 Al phases within the alloy. • Weak covalent bonding confirms easier Pt diffusion within β-NiAl than γ′-Ni 3 Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel graphene-like BN/Bi 4 O 5 I 2 2D-2D stacking has been prepared via a facile ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([Hmim]I) assisted solvothermal method with the proper pH for the first time. Series of characterizations, such as XRD, XPS, FT-IR, TEM, BET, PL, EIS and ESR have been applied to analyze the composition, morphology, structure, optical and electronic properties of the graphene-like BN/Bi 4 O 5 I 2 composites. The sufficient contact and strong interfacial interaction between the graphene-like BN and Bi 4 O 5 I 2 nanosheets can be effective constructed. Colorless endocrine disrupter bisphenol A (BPA) was chosen as the target pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic degradation performance of the pure Bi 4 O 5 I 2 nanosheets and graphene-like BN/Bi 4 O 5 I 2 composites under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the graphene-like BN/Bi 4 O 5 I 2 composites could be attributed to the higher electron transfer ability over the graphene-like BN nanosheet and thus the molecular oxygen can be better activated. Superoxide radical and hole were determined to be the main active species during the photodegradation process. This work will provide a new sight into the design of other two-dimensional atomic level material based composites for photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fiber-optic hydrogen sulfide sensor based on a thin-core Mach-Zehnder fiber modal interferometer (TMZFI) is demonstrated and fabricated. This in-line interferometer is composed of a short section of thin-core fiber sandwiched between two standard single mode fibers, and the fast response to hydrogen sulfide is achieved via the construction of tungsten sulfide film on the outside surface of the TMZFI using the dip-coating and calcination technique. The fabricated sensing nanofilm is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and spectroscopic analysis technology, etc. Experimental results showed that the WS 2 sensing film has a hexagonal structure with a compact and porous morphology. The XPS and FTIR indicate that the existence of two elements (W and S) is demonstrated. With the increasing concentration of hydrogen sulfide, the interference spectra appear blue shift. In addition, a high sensitivity of 18.37 pm/ppm and a good linear relationship are obtained within a measurement range from 0 to 80 ppm. In addition, there is an excellent selectivity for H 2 S, which has also been proved by the surface adsorption energy results of tungsten sulfide with four gases (H 2 S, N 2 , O 2 and CO 2 ) by using the density functional theory calculations. This interferometer has the advantages of simple structure, high sensitivity and easy manufacture, and could be used in the safety monitoring field of hydrogen sulfide gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

$$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ nanoparticles were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method using ferric chloride hexahydrate ( $$\hbox {FeCl}_{3}{\cdot }$$ 6H $$_{2}\hbox {O}$$ ) as a precursor. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using a modified Hummers method and graphene nanosheets (G) were successfully obtained by thermal reduction of GO. G/ $$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ nanocomposite was prepared using ex situ synthesis in the presence of $$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ nanoparticles and GO solution. The characterization of the as-prepared materials was performed using X-ray diffraction analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; their morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; the specific surface area ( $$S_{\mathrm{BET}}$$ ) was determined by nitrogen adsorption; their catalytic activity on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results of DTA indicated that the obtained nanomaterials contribute in ameliorating the thermal decomposition of AP; specifically, the high decomposition temperature of AP decreases from 432 to 380 $$^{\circ }$$ C. A significant decrease in the activation energy was also achieved in the presence of these nanomaterials, and the mixture of ammonium perchlorate with G/ $$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ showed the lowest value (from 129 to $$80.33\,\hbox {kJ}\,\hbox {mol}^{-1}$$ ). Graphical Abstract: Graphene (G), $$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ nanoparticles and G/ $$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ nanocomposite are successfully obtained using a simple hydrothermal method. The results of DTA show that the G/ $$\upalpha $$ - $$\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ nanocomposite displays the best catalytic activity in enhancing the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate by reducing its HTD from 432 $$^{\circ }$$ C to 380 $$^{\circ }$$ C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 -based heterogeneous photocatalysis has been widely considered as a promising technique for decontamination of water. Herein the hybrid of TiO 2 nanocrystals decorated Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles was successfully synthesized via a mild hydrothermal method, derived from favorable titanium glycolate and water-soluble Fe II salt precursors. The composition and structure of the as-synthesized TiO 2 -Fe 2 O 3 hybrids were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), EDX mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the decomposition of Rhodamine B in an aqueous solution under visible-light ( λ > 420 nm). The results show that the TiO 2 -Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposite exhibits superior photocatalytic capability to the bare ones upon Rhodamine B degradation, owing to promoted photo-induced electrons and holes separation and migration on the basis of photoluminescence spectra, photocurrent measurements, and electrochemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanosheets with tunable thickness were synthesized via a facile solvothermal method. The obtained BiOCl products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption. It was found that the metal ions (Fe3+, Co2+ and Na+) played a significant role in modulating the thickness of two-dimensional (2D) BiOCl nanostructures. Compared with commercial P25 and commercial BiOCl, the as-prepared BiOCl nanosheets exhibited superior activity for photosensitization degradation of organic dyes upon visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the photosensitization degradation activities were strongly correlated with the thickness of BiOCl nanosheets. The thinner nanosheets demonstrated a relatively high activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The enhanced photosensitization activities were ascribed to its low electron injection barrier and high electron mobility on the surface of BiOCl nanosheets, which was confirmed by transient photocurrent responses and electron impedance spectra of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uniform 3D porous hierarchical ZnO microspheres were successfully prepared via a facile solvothermal method with the assistance of 2-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl) ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and nitrogen adsorption. HEPES acted as a directing agent in the assembling of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures. Besides, it was also found Triethylene glycol (TEG) with proper viscosity made contributions to the fabrication of porous ZnO microspheres. The synthesized hierarchical ZnO microspheres possessed largest BET surface area and ideal pore volume, as well as exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile polyol-mediated solvothermal method was developed to fabricate BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures (HNs) with controllable morphologies. The obtained BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) and nitrogen adsorption. The BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures (HNs) with ellipsoid-like, sphere-like and flower-like morphologies were constructed of intercrossed nanoflakes or nanosheets. The polyols played significant roles in the fabrication of BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures, which functioned as solvents, reducing and morphology-directing agents. Importantly, the BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures exhibited excellent shape-dependent visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation, which was much higher than that of 2D BiOCl nanosheets, nanoplates, commercial BiOCl and TiO2 (anatase). The highly enhanced photocatalytic activities could be ascribed to the contributions of their hierarchical nanostructures, large BET surface areas, strong adsorption capacities and superhydrophilic properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Monoclinic bismuth vanadate (m-BiVO4) micro-/nanostructures with different sizes and morphologies were successfully prepared via a facile and rapid microwave and ultrasonic wave combined technique. The obtained BiVO4 products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). It was found that the solvent and pH value had a significant influence on morphology, size and crystalline structure of the product. Nut-like, potato-like and broccoli-like monoclinic BiVO4 were fabricated in different solvents. The crystal phase could be modulated by varying the pH value of reaction system. The photocatalytic activities of the products were also evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The result revealed that the photocatalytic activities of BiVO4 nanostructures were closely related to the crystalline phase, band gap and particle size. Monoclinic BiVO4 nanoparticles with small crystal size and large band gap exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Uniform sponge-like Bi2SiO5 hierarchical nanostructures were successfully prepared via a facile and template-free solvothermal method at 150°C for 6h in ethylene glycol. The product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), nitrogen adsorption and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The as-synthesized sponge-like Bi2SiO5 hierarchical nanostructures built up from loosely-packed thin nanoflakes possessed large BET surface area and pore volume. It also exhibited excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance, demonstrating a promising application in wastewater treatment. The as-prepared sponge-like Bi2SiO5 hierarchical nanostructures also showed similar optical property and band gap compared with TiO2, indicating that it could be used as a potential photocatalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ordered flower-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were fabricated via a facile microwave and ultrasonic combined technique. The product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED). The flower-like ZnO nanostructures were assembled by a central petal and six symmetrical petals which grew radially from the center. The flower-like ZnO sample showed an enhanced photocatalytic performance compared with the ZnO microrods for the methylene blue (MB) degradation, which could be attributed to its special structure feature. Au/ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were also synthesized and exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency after decorating noble metal nanoparticles on the surface of flower-like ZnO nanostructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile and rapid microwave irradiation method was explored for the synthesis of bismuth phosphate (BiPO4) nanostructures with various morphologies and phases in different solvents. The BiPO4 products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The effect of the solvents on the formation of the BiPO4 nanostructures was discussed on the basis of experimental results. The different BiPO4 nanostructures exhibited different optical properties, BET surface areas and photocatalytic activities on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV and visible light irradiation. The experimental results suggested that the photocatalytic activity was closely relative with the crystalline phase and band gap of BiPO4. Hexagonal BiPO4 nanoparticles with narrow band gap showed the highest photocatalytic performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ phosphor with fine particle size was synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method. Co-precipitation of Ba2+, Al3+, Mg2+, and Eu2+ was achieved under precisely controlled precipitation conditions. The Al3+ ions were precipitated as ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (AACH). Phase transition and particle growth processes of the precipitate mixture during calcining process were investigated, and the formation mechanism of the BaMgAl10O17 phase was discussed. The results show that the formation temperature of the BaMgAl10O17 phase in the co-precipitation mixture was significantly lower than that of a high temperature solid state reaction method. The BaMgAl10O17 phase was formed from the reaction between the BaAl2O4 phase and γ-Al2O3 phase; no α-Al2O3 phase appeared during the entire process. Well-dispersed BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ phosphor powder in the form of hexagonal flakes with small particle size (1–2μm) could be prepared by this method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) has attracted considerable interest due to its potential applications in thermoelectric and electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and biomedicine. In this study, large-scale highly crystalline Bi2S3 nanorods were successfully prepared from bismuth citrate and thiourea (Tu) by microwave irradiation methods. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM, HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The influences of reaction time, surfactants, solvents, and precursors on the formation of Bi2S3 nanorods were discussed. The microwave irradiation method reduced reaction time by at least 80% in the synthesis of Bi2S3 nanorods compared with the refluxing method. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were found to be beneficial to the formation of Bi2S3 nanorods. N,N-dimethylformamide, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol were the favorable solvents in the fabrication of these nanorods. It was found that different bismuth and sulfur precursors influenced the sizes and morphologies of the Bi2S3 nanorods. The proposed growth mechanism of Bi2S3 nanorods was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of novel nanostructured materials because of their unique properties and potential applications. Bismuth subcarbonate ((BiO)2CO3) is one of commonly used antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Different (BiO)2CO3 nanostructures such as cube-like nanoparticles, nanobars and nanoplates, were fabricated from bismuth nitrate via a simple solvothermal method. The nanostructures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that the solvents and precursors have an influence on the morphologies of (BiO)2CO3 nanostructures. The possible formation mechanism of different (BiO)2CO3 nanostructures fabricated under different conditions was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Well-separated bismuth micro- and nanospheres were successfully prepared from bismuth citrate and urea by a simple refluxing reaction at 198°C in ethylene glycol in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The larger Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of these micro- and nanospheres was found to be 17.34m2/g by the results of N2 adsorption. It was found that the amount of PVP have an influence on the morphologies of bismuth nanostructure. The possible growth mechanism of bismuth micro- and nanospheres was also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Presented in this study are surface roughness, crystalline structure, and nanomechanical properties of InGaN thin films deposited under various growth temperatures, obtained by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and nanoindentation techniques. The InGaN thin films with different In contents were deposited on sapphire substrates through a metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition (MOCVD) system. Changes in mechanical properties for InGaN thin films are discussed in conjunction with deposition temperature, surface morphology and crystalline structure. The XRD measurements showed that there was no phase separation of In as the In composition went from 25at.% to 34at.%. Moreover, both XRD and AFM showed larger grain and surface roughness in In0.25Ga0.75N thin films. Nanoindentation results indicate that hardness and Young''s modulus both decreased as the indentation depth increased. The contact stress–strain relationships were also analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The crystal structures of the new compounds (III), (IV), and (V) are determined by single crystal XRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Well-separated bismuth nanospheres were successfully synthesized from bismuth citrate and urea in diethylene glycol by a fast and simple microwave irradiation method. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this fabrication, bismuth citrate plays a critical role as a precursor in the formation of bismuth nanospheres. The amount of urea also has an influence on the size of the bismuth nanospheres. The possible growth mechanism of bismuth nanospheres was discussed on the basis of the investigation of reaction time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]