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The phase evolution studies of zirconia, with 4–16 mol-% doping of calcium, have been carried out after sintering the pellets at 1400°C. From the X-ray diffractometer patterns, it is evident that t...

The lanthanide compound nanoparticles were prepared by the hydrothermal method. They were characterized by x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry ...

Inorganic filler and polymer matrix based PP + SiO2 nanocomposites have been prepared by the hot pressing method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer(XRD) were used for ...

In this work, Ni–Cr and Co–Cr alloys at untreated and treated conditions by laser are studied. Optical and scanning electron microscope, an X-ray diffractometer with an energy dispersive X-ray spec...

Purpose: The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment combinations on resin zirconia bonding. Materials and methods: One hundred and five pre-sintered zirconia quadrangles were prepared out of zirconia blocks, polished, then sintered and divided into five groups (n=21). Group I (control): samples were untreated, group II: grit-blasting with 50 µm alumina particles, group III: grit-blasting with 100 µm alumina particles, group IV: Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and group V: selective infiltration etching technique. Microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, a diffractometer, and a profilometer. Cylinders of composite resin were luted with Panavia resin composite cementand Clearfil ceramic primer. Shear bond strength (SBS) was determined using a universal testing machine. Results: SBS results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc tests for multiple comparisons. The level of significance was set to 0.05. SBS values of the studied groups II, III, IV, and V were 16.2±1.8 MPa, 15.7±3.7 MPa, 14.8±3.4 MPa, and 16.8±3.0 MPa, respectively. All values were significantly higher than the control group (10.48±1.80 MPa), but without a significant difference between them. Group III exhibited the roughest surface, and Group I had a more significantly reduced surface roughness value than any other group. Group III presented the highest significant increase of tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation (13%). Conclusion: The use of grit-blasting with greater particles size enhanced SBS with resin composite cement, but induced a higher amount of monoclinic phase transformation. The use of primer based on adhesive monomer with the resin cement is required to enhance the bonding efficiency. The use of laser enhanced the surface roughness and the bonding ability to zirconia.

A kind of shape-stable phase change materials (SSPCMs) was prepared by using graphene aerogel (GA) with different pore size adsorbing molten paraffin wax via vacuum impregnation. The characteristics of SSPCMs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and TCi thermal conductivity analyzer. The SSPCMs possessed a high comprehensive performance: a high thermal conductivity of 1.432 W/m·K (more than 400% increase over pure paraffin), a good capacity of thermal energy storage (more than 200 J/g), a ability to light-to-heat energy storage and coating effect (encapsulation ratio is about 55%) due to the three-dimensional GA foam structure with functions of thermal conductivity and adsorptive property. In addition, an energy conversion from light to heat was realized with the SSPCMs. For different morphologies of GA, as pore size of GA decreases, SSPCMs’ thermal conductivity and solar energy usage efficiency increases and the...

Ba0.7Pb0.3TiO3 and Ba0.7Pb0.3TiO3+yCuO (y = 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt% and 3 wt%) samples were prepared by a solid state reaction method. High purity raw materials were used. Structural properties of the sintered pellets were studied by X-ray diffractometer X’Pert PRO (PANalytical). A single phase of perovskite structure with tetragonal phase was identified at room temperature. The surface morphology of the obtained specimens was characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (Hitachi S4700). The investigations has shown that the synthesized ceramic materials are characterized by the high density, homogeneity of microstructure and low porosity. Dielectric spectroscopy was used to study the electrical properties of the solid solution on the basis of BaTiO3 doped CuO., Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-TeamingPhase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART²

Intriguing properties exhibited by nanocrystalline metals, including a high level of mechanical strength, arise from their nanometer-scale grain sizes. It is critical to determine the evolution of grain size of nanocrystalline materials at elevated temperature, as this process can drastically change the mechanical properties. In this work, a nanocrystalline Ni foil with grain size ∼ 25 nm was annealed in situ in an X-ray diffractometer. X-ray diffraction peaks were analysed to determine the grain growth kinetics. The grain growth exponents obtained were ∼ 2–4 depending upon the crystallographic direction, indicating the anisotropic nature of the grain growth kinetics.

Oxygen reduction reaction plays an important role in improving the performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC). MnO2:rGO with different ratios (100:0), (85:15), (75:25), and (60:40) were used as cathode electro-catalyst, and performance analysis was done to find the optimum ratio. The isolated bacteria with new strain, Bacillus subtilis subspecies spizizenii strain No NBRC 101239 (ACCESSION no NR_112686) was used for the first time as a biocatalyst. MnO2 and MnO2:rGO were synthesized by reflux method and were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and laser Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the MFC with ratio (75:25) showed higher performance with maximum power density 32.5 mW/m2 compared to 6.76 mW/m2 (85:15), 3.79 mW/m2 (100:0), and 3 mW/m2 (60:40).

We, for the first time report the development of a hybrid photocatalyst, HAp-TiO2-ZnO by co-integrating TiO2 and ZnO into host material hydroxyapatite (HAp). High temperature calcination of the ing...

The general purpose powder diffractometer (GPPD) is the first powder diffractometer at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Its aim is to provide a high-resolution, good-intensity instrument...

The current research investigated the annealing behaviour of the electrodeposited Ni–Zr and Ni–Al composites from 475 to 675 K using an X-ray diffractometer line profile analysis (LPA) technique. The results showed that the grain size increased and microstrain decreased with an increase in the annealing temperatures and annealing times. The grain growth activation energies Q of 53.2 kJ mol−1 for Ni–Zr composite and 79.4 kJ mol−1 for Ni–Al composite were obtained based on the LPA technique. This smaller grain growth activation energy of the composite compared with the pure nickel could be ascribed to the higher microstrain and nanocrystalline crystallites. The residual tensile stress of the as-deposited composite changed to compressive stress state after annealing treatment and increased with annealing temperatures.

The structure of Ti6Al4 V alloy, its microhardness, surface roughness and corrosion resistance after anodic plasma electrolytic nitrocarburising (PEN/C) in an electrolyte containing carbamide and ammonium chloride were investigated. An X-ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the phase composition and structure of the modified surface. The effect of processing temperature on the corrosion resistance of the PEN/C samples was examined by means of potentiodynamic polarisation in Ringer’s solution. It was found that the PEN/C provides the formation of the external oxide layer (rutile) and a solid solution of carbon and nitrogen in titanium with martensite structure after quenching in the electrolyte. The microhardness of the layer is 740 HV; the surface roughness decreases from 1 to 0.63 μm. Corrosion resistance in Ringer’s solution does not deteriorate after anodic PEN/C at low temperature.

In this work, a facile in situ method to prepare the Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) films on an anodised AZ31 substrate was proposed. The morphology, structure and composition of the LDH films produced within a range of pH values were studied by scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, energy-dispersive spectrum and Fourier transform infrared. The corrosion behaviours of the LDH films were further investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarisation. The influence of pH on the LDH films was also studied. The results revealed that the pH of solution is important in the formation of the LDH. The films, which formed within the pH range from 10.72 to 11.72, possessed higher crystallinity and denser layered structure. These LDH films could effectively seal the anodic oxide films and enhance the corrosion resistance of the AZ31 substrate.

The lead-free BaTiO3 (BT) and Ba1-xCaxTiO3 (0.10 ≤x ≤ 0.30) ferroelectric thin films were fabricated by sol-gel method using spin coating unit. The prepared thin films were characterized by X- ray diffractometer and Raman spectrometer for structural analysis. The XRD patterns confirmed the perovskite structure of thin films. Microstructural study has been carried out by atomic force microscope (AFM). The leakage current density increased on Ca substitution. Room temperature electric field dependent polarization has been studied by radiant multiferroic tester. Thickness of the thin films has been measured by cross-sectional FE-SEM, which is not included in the present article.

Among the M-type hexaferrites, barium ferrites (BaFe12O19) have greatest technology interest due to its low cost and moderate magnetic properties. Magnetic properties can be tailored by changing processing condition and by suitable cationic substitution at Ba or Fe site. Lanthanum substituted (Ba1–xLaxFe12O19) and extra addition of lanthanum (BaFe12O19(Lax)) in barium hexaferrite are successfully prepared by solid state synthesis method. The structural, magnetic and microstructural characterizations are studied by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), mossbauer spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. XRD patterns show single phase BaFe12O19 for La-substituted samples, whereas a secondary phase of barium mono-ferrite (BaFe2O4) is also detected for La-extra addition samples. Crystallite size is found to increase with La substitution. SEM shows the surface morphology of La-substitution and La-extra addition BaFe12O19. The magnetic properties show the va...

Better property combinations can be fashioned by the judicious combination of two or more distinct materials with composite manufacturing. This study aims to produce composite joints used in between ceramic tiles for providing better mechanical behaviors and antibacterial property. Prior to the deposition process, Ag ions, glucose, Ag nanoparticle, and Ag solutions were characterized with the aid of atomic absorption spectroscopy, the dinitrosalicylic acid method, pH meter, turbidimeter, and particle size analyzer. Ag particles had been synthesized by a reduction method in nano size as nanomaterials can show incredible features to achieve successful applications. Glass spheres were used in micro size, in consideration of better dispersion of the load and the final product having a minimum porosity. By adding silver nanoparticles and glass spheres to the joint matrix at different loading levels, different types of samples were obtained. Then, they were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, scannin...

An oxide film was prepared on 7475 aluminium alloy using a micro-arc oxidation (MAO). The surface–interface morphologies, chemical compositions and phases of the obtained MAO films were analysed using a field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer, respectively, and the friction-wear properties of the MAO film under the different loads and wear speeds were investigated using a wear test. The results show that there are a large number of convexes and concave features on the MAO film, which are primarily composed of Al and O, and the phases of MAO film are composed of α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3. The MAO film is in situ produced on the 7475 aluminium alloy, forming a metallurgical bonding with the substrate. The average coefficients of friction (COFs) and wear depths before and after MAO decreased by 40, and 26·5%, respectively. The COFs of MAO films decrease with the wear loads and speeds, while the wear volumes increase with the wear loads and speeds...

Titanium carbide–titanium diboride (TiC–TiB2) composite powders were synthesised through a carbothermal reduction method by using titanium dioxide, boric acid, and different carbon sources (namely, carbon black, sucrose, and glucose) as starting materials. The thermal decomposition behaviour of the precursors was studied by thermogravimetry–differential thermal analyser. Phase compositions and morphologies of the synthesised products were characterised by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. When n(Ti):n(B):n(C) = 1.0:2.5:5.0, the blended stock mainly formed TiB2 with sucrose or glucose as a carbon source, whereas the stock produced TiC when carbon black was the source. At an optimum reaction temperature, the particles of the powders synthesised from carbon black as a carbon source were the smallest at approximately 100 nm. With increasing amount of boric acid in the precursor, the morphologies of the samples changed into less spherical particles, and more flaky grains and small ...

Laser irradiation effects on the combination of levodopa and carbidopa in the presence and absence of magnetic field were studied. The structural and surface morphology of irradiated targets were measured by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) was used for chemical analysis. XRD analysis indicates increase in grain size for 2 min laser irradiation in the absence of magnetic field, but for 4 and 6 min it revealed decrease in grain size. While grain size decreased at 2 and 4 min exposures in the presence of magnetic field but grain size slightly increased with the increase of exposure time up to 6 min. Micro-nano-sized structures (including hydrodynamic sputtering, splashing and crater) were observed by SEM analysis. EDS displayed peaks for carbon (C) and oxygen (O), but peaks for hydrogen (H) and nitrogen (N) are missing. The present study will provide basis for the use of low-cost and environment-friendly diode...

In this study, TiN coating was produced on nickel titanium (NiTi) alloy using a filtered arcing ion plate technique in order to efficiently avoid the potential hazards of Ni element. The successful formation of TiN coating was showed by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometer. Microhardness tests with different loading conditions were performed to evaluate the surface mechanical property. Corrosion resistance and wear resistance, both before and after nitriding, were presented. Further, the alloys were tested for their cellular growth with murine fibroblast cells. It was observed that the bonding between the substrate and TiN coating is excellent. Improved corrosion resistance, wear resistance and cellular viability were observed with TiN-coated alloys.

Hydroxyapatite–zirconia (HA–ZrO2) nanocomposite coatings were prepared on Ti–6Al–7Nb implant by electrophoretic deposition at constant voltage of 50 V. The influence of zirconia content on the phase transition, morphological evolution, wettability and in vitro cyto-compatibility, together with the bioactivity of the nanostructured coatings was examined. From the X-ray diffractometer patterns, a tangible increase and decrease in the peak intensity and width of the characteristic peaks were observed after subsequent sintering at 1000°C for 1 h under a constant flow of argon gas. The sintered HA and HA–ZrO2 composite coatings showed higher hydrophilicity than the bare substrate. From the in vitro bioassays, surface treatment of Ti67 implant by HA–ZrO2 nanocomposite coating increased the cell response as well as the apatite formability, in simulated body fluid within 5 days of incubation.

Composite containing a TiO2 and hollow Au−Ag nanoparticles (H−AuAg−NPs) have been prepared by using H−AuAg−NPs with block copolymer shells as templates, and the influence of annealing temperature on structure, surface property, and the photocatalytic activity has been investigated. The structures of H−AuAg−NPs/TiO2 Composites were examined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The carbon content was measured by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The specific surface areas and pore volumes of the H−AuAg−NPs/TiO2 composites after annealing at different temperature were characterized using the nitrogen gas sorption technique. The photocatalytic activities of the H−AuAg−NPs/TiO2 composite were investigated by the photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB). The results show that the TiO2 in H−AuAg−NPs/TiO2 composite is amorphous upon annealing at 400°C. Anatase phase appears as annealing temperature is increased to 450°C, and the crystallinity is further increased if t...

A TiAlSiN coating was deposited on AISI H13 hot work mould steel using a cathodic arc ion plating (CAIP). The microstructures, chemical composition and phases of the obtained coatings were analysed using a field emission scanning electronic microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer, respectively. The high temperature friction-wear properties of TiAlSiN coating at the different wear speeds were investigated, and the wear mechanism was also discussed. The results show that the N of the TiAlSiN coating is not completely released at 800 °C, the diffraction peak of TiN still exists in this coating. In addition, the products of SiO2 and Al2O3 play a role of self-lubricating and wear resistance. The average coefficient of friction (COF) of the coatings at the wear speeds of 400, 600, and 800 r/min is 0.15, 0.22, and 0.17, respectively. The wear mechanism of TiAlSiN coating at 800 °C is primarily adhesive wear, accompanied by oxidation wear and abrasive wear.

The atmospheric corrosion behaviour of 30CrMnSiA high-strength steel exposed in rural, industrial and marine atmosphere environments in China for 60 months was investigated in virtue of the weight loss, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and grey relational analysis. The results showed that 30CrMnSiA high-strength steel exhibited the highest corrosion susceptibility and the lowest corrosion susceptibility in marine atmosphere environment and rural atmosphere environment, respectively. Lepidocrocite and goethite were found as the major constituents of the rust layer in three types of atmosphere environments, and akaganeite was also detected in marine atmosphere environment. The rust layer exhibited the tendency of flaking away from the substrate and becoming dense in marine atmosphere environment and rural atmosphere environment, respectively. Grey relational analysis demonstrated that, among a variety of environmental factors, the airborne sea-salt was the primary facto...

In this work, the Gd2MoB2O9 and Gd2MoB2O9:Dy3+ phosphors have been prepared by solid state reaction and their structural and luminescence properties have been studied. The Gd2O3, MoO3, H3BO3 and Dy2O3 were used as starting materials and homogeneously mixed with appropriate ratio. The mixed materials were pressed at 20 tons and sintered at 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050 and 1100°C. The Gd2MoB2O9 phase was confirmed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The photoluminescence spectra measured by 257 nm excitation show one emission peak at 310 nm corresponding to 6P7/2→8S7/2 of Gd3+, and four emission peaks of Dy3+ at 478, 575, 663 and 754 nm corresponding to 4F9/2 → 6H15/2, 6H13/2, 6H11/2 and 6H9/2 transitions, respectively. The chromaticity coordinates under excitation of λex = 352 nm are (0.48, 0.42), which lies in the white region of CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram. The radioluminescence property was studied by 50 kV, 30 mA X-ray irradiation and compared with commercial BGO crystal. It was found that the i...

This study examined a simple and rapid hydrothermal approach for zinc oxide (ZnO) functional fabrics. ZnO-coated cotton fabrics were achieved by this hydrothermal. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, surface chemistry of the uncoated and coated cotton fabrics were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform Infra red spectroscopy, respectively. Ultraviolet properties and washing fastness of treated cotton fabric were also measured. The results indicated that the sizes of 100–500 nm spherical ZnO nanoparticles were successfully deposited on cotton fiber surface. These spherical ZnO nanoparticles were uncompleted crystal structure. Chemical bond between ZnO nanoparticles and cotton fiber was also observed. ZnO-coated cotton fabrics exhibited better ultraviolet-resistant properties than that of uncoated cotton fabrics. Washing resulted in a dramatic decrease in the UPF of ZnO-coated fabrics, but the UPF of c...

The iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at different heating temperatures and pH conditions. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer. With increment in pH of the synthesized materials were resulted in orthorhombic (goethite) and cubic (magnetite) structures at pH 6 and 12, respectively. The banding nature of synthesized materials was analyzed by infrared spectra. The synthesized powders at 130 °C showed higher percent of nanorods (length = 90–120 nm) in addition to lower percentage of nanoparticles. The material at pH 12 consisted of maximum nanoparticles with size = 10–60 nm with small agglomerations. Band gap energy of synthesized materials was 2.2–2.8 eV. Herein, the reaction conditions tuned the saturation magnetization (MS). The maximum MS (59.38 emu/...

The stability of the ashes taken from the three heat-power plants showed that each day of storage in wet landfill causes transformation in their physical and chemical composition. At low temperatures, the spherical grains become brittle and consequently undergo cracking. The studies with a laser diffractometer have shown changes in particle size distribution during the experiment. The pozzolanic activity of the studied ashes significantly decreased under the weathering impact.

Potential transformation of oolitic hematite into magnetite by mixing iron powder using the mechanochemical method has been achieved and discussed in this paper. The phase transition of pure hematite in the preliminary test was identified by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The experimental results have shown that the crystallographic planes of magnetite, (220), (311), (400), and (511) were observed clearly in the Fe/α-Fe2O3 mixture after milling for 15 h, indicating that α-Fe2O3 had been effectively transformed into Fe3O4. The diffraction peaks of magnetite were also observed at d = 0.29605 nm (2θ = 30.163°), 0.25226 nm (2θ = 35.559°), 0.24156 nm (2θ = 37.190°), and 0.20898 nm (2θ = 43.458°) after 13 h milling-time. It suggests that the oolitic hematite is transformed into magnetite successfully by mechanochemical processing. The processing might be applied potentially for the magnetic separation of oolitic hematite.

Pure lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) powder having particle size of 100 (±38) nm has been prepared by solid-state synthesis method, using planetary ball milling at lower speed of 900 rpm as compared to high energy ball milling (3000 rpm) and characterized by X-ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical performance of Li-ion battery cells is determined by charging–discharging and cyclic voltammetry tests. The material has shown very high discharge capacity of 171 and 108 mAhg−1 measured at current rates of 0.1C and 5C, respectively, as compared to 160 and 71 mAhg−1 for impure Li4Ti5O12 material (containing rutile phase of TiO2) having particle size 213 (±45) nm. Capacity retention of pure Li4Ti5O12 was 91% after 100 cycles, whereas the impure Li4Ti5O12 has shown the retention ability of 85%.

Nanocrystalline Cd1−XZnXS thin films (X = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) have been grown on glass substrate by spray pyrolysis technique using equimolar concentration aqueous solution of cadmium chloride, zinc acetate and thiourea. Prepared thin films have been characterised by UV–vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer, SEM/EDAX analysis and two-point probe set-up. The optical band gap of the films has been studied by transmission spectra in wavelength range 325–600 nm. It has been observed that optical band gap increases with increasing zinc concentration. The X-ray diffraction pattern of films indicated that the films are polycrystalline with hexagonal grain structure. The lattice parameters of prepared Cd1−XZnXS films decrease with increase in zinc content. SEM/ EDAX analysis consolidates the formation of ternary compound. The DC electrical conductivity and activation energy of the films has been measured in vacuum by a two-point probe set-up. It has been observed that the electrical conductivity decreases w...

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanoparticle was prepared by solvothermal method. The starting precursors were used as bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)3•5H2O), ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and absolute ethanol (C2H5OH). Solution I: Bi(NO3)3•5H2O was dissolved in 2.0 M nitric acid (HNO3) and absolute ethanol (C2H5OH). Solution II: NH4VO3 was dissolved in 2.0 M ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and absolute ethanol (C2H5OH). The mixed solutions were stirred for 5 min and left into Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave treatment at 200°C for 3 and 5 h. The yellow final solution was filtered and dried at 100°C for 24 h. All BiVO4 nanoparticle samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR).

In this work, hexagonal mesoporous silica/g-C3N4 (HMS/C3N4) was synthesized by heating a mixture of self-prepared HMS and dicyandiamide. The as-prepared materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET). The prepared photocatalysts were applied to decompose bisphenol A (BPA) under UV light illumination. The mass ratios of HMS to melamine were optimized. The results showed that optimal mass ratios HMS to dicyandiamide was 1:1. Even though with the same catalyst dosage (1.0 g/L), the degradation kinetic rate constant of BPA over HMS/C3N4 (0.00526 min−1) was 1.76 times and 1.4 times than those on P25 (0.00298 min−1) and pure C3N4 (0.00383 min−1), while the rate constant of photolysis was only 0.00021 min−1. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the HMS/C3N4 composite was ascribed to higher specific surface area and less aggregation compared to the pure C3N4. It is f...

Single-crystal diffraction experiment was carried out using the high-resolution home diffractometer equipped with an area detector. Data sets were collected at room temperature (293 K) Mo Kα radiation (λ = 0.71073 A). The molecule structure of Diaquabis(pyridine) cobalt(II) dichloride crystallizes in a space group P-1 of triclinic system with cell parameters a = 6.1718(3) A, b = 6.5395(3) A, c = 8.5379(4) A, a = 109.199(3)°, â = 102.822(3)°, γ = 97.484(3)° and V = 309.49(3) A3. The molecular geometry were calculated using the density functional method (B3LYP) with 3-21G basis set. The calculated results show that the optimized geometry can well reproduce the crystal structure. The electric dipole moment (μ), the polarizability (α) and the first hyperpolarizability (β) were calculated using the density functional B3LYP method with the lanl2dz basis set. For the results, the title compound shows nonzero (β) value revealing second order NLO behavior.

Hierarchical porous LiFePO4/C composite has been successfully synthesised via evaporative self-assembly induced by vegetable proteins. The morphologies and structures are investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Hierarchical porous LiFePO4/C composite presents the connected hierarchical porous structure and nano-carbon network embedded in connected hierarchical pores. LiFePO4/C composite with 5 wt% vegetable proteins (LFP-5C) delivers a higher capacity of 166.8 mA h g−1 than LiFePO4/C composite with 8 wt% vegetable protein (LFP-8C) (161.4 mA h g−1) at 0.1 C rate. However, at a high rate of 30 C, LFP-8C exhibits a little higher discharge capacity of 148.6 mA h g−1and capacity retention of 97.3% after 100 cycles than LFP-5C (145.6 mA h g−1, 96.8%). The hierarchical porous LiFePO4/C composite is a promising material for practical application in lithium-ion battery.

Different zinc oxide (ZnO) morphologies were synthesized via a thermal evaporation-like technique without a catalyst introduction. The morphology of ZnO has been controlled by varying the evaporation pressure of ambient air. X-ray diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscope were used for crystallinity and morphology investigation, respectively. The X-ray data confirmed the purity and crystallinity of the as-prepared ZnO structure. A variation of the pressure led to different morphologies of ZnO nanostructure such as nanocombs and nanorods. The influence of these different morphologies on the photocatalytic activity was performed on a water wasted methylene blue. The results showed the geometry of one-dimensional nanostructures deposited at different pressures strongly controls the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. The most suitable photocatalytic performance was recorded for ZnO deposited at 0.15 Torr, which showed one-side nanocombs of long nails.

In this work, the influence of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (2-MCBI) on poly(vinylidinefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)/KI/I2 (PVDF-HFP/KI/I2) polymer electrolytes were studied. The pure and different weight percentage ratios (20, 30, 40 and 50%) of 2-MCBI doped PVDF-HFP/KI/I2 electrolytes were prepared by a solution casting technique. The as-prepared polymer electrolyte films were characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), alternating current (AC)-impedance analysis. The addition of 2-MCBI with pure PVDF-HFP/KI/I2 was found to increase the ionic conductivity of electrolyte. Among the various additions, 30 wt% 2-MCBI doped PVDF-HFP/KI/I2 showed the highest room temperature ionic conductivity values than the others. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabricated using this optimized polymer electrolyte achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 4.40% than the pure PVDF-HFP/KI/I2...

Nanostructured Al2O3–13 wt-% TiO2 was prepared on AZ91D magnesium alloy surface by laser surface alloying to improve its corrosion resistance. The microstructure of the laser surface alloyed specimens before and after corrosion tests was characterised by scanning electron microscope and optical microscope (OM). The phase and element composition were investigated by X-ray diffractometer and energy-dispersive spectrometry. An electrochemical workstation was used to evaluate the corrosion behaviour of the specimens. Results showed that the laser surface alloyed layer was primarily composed of Mg and Mg17Al12. Al2O3 and TiO2 existed in the form of agglomerated particles. The corrosion resistance was improved after laser surface alloying.

In this study, microstructural and physical properties of cyclic olefin copolymer composite films prepared by melt processing method and using of graphitic nanofillers, namely, graphite, graphite oxide, and reduced graphite oxide were investigated. Structural and physical properties of the chemically modified graphites and composite films were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analyzer, and thermogravimetric analyzer methods. It was found that the composite films including reduced graphite oxide exhibited exfoliated structure whereas graphite- and graphite oxide-based films showed intercalated structure. It was also obtained that all composite films showed superior gas barrier performance compared to the cyclic olefin copolymer.

Undoped ZnO, ZnO:Ag and ZnO:Ag/RGO (reduced graphene oxide) nanopowders were synthesized using co-precipitation method. The photocatalytic, antibacterial, structural, surface morphological and optical properties of the synthesized nanopowders were studied. From the X-ray diffractometer profiles, it is found that all the samples exhibit hexagonal structure without any secondary phase. The photocatalytic and antibacterial studies show that ZnO:Ag/RGO nanopowders exhibit enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities when compared with undoped ZnO and ZnO:Ag nanopowders. The variations observed in the intensities of the PL emission peaks are correlated with the enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial efficiencies.

In this study, the effect of adding 5–12.5 wt% CuO to TiO2 on photocatalytic properties of the nano-composite TiO2/CuO was investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, SEM, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and DRS. BET-specific surface area of the TiO2/CuO composites was lower than that of the pure TiO2. Incorporation of CuO into TiO2 shifted absorption spectra to the visible region. As the CuO content increased from 0 to 12.5%, a clear decrease in optical band gap from 2.95 to 2.30 eV was observed. The photocatalytic performance was determined by methyl orange degradation and cyanide photo-oxidation under ultraviolet irradiation. However, the excessive incorporation of CuO did not improve any ability of TiO2 to degrade MeO and cyanide. The highest rate of photocatalytic degradation was found in TiO2–7.5% CuO. The rate constants of the dye degradation reaction using TiO2 and TiO2–7.5% CuO catalysts were 0.0107 and 0.0151 min−1, respectively. Corresponding results for cyanide...

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different morphologies, including spherical, hexagonal, triangular and wirelike shapes, were prepared by chemical reduction method. The obtained Ag NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV–vis spectrophotometer and X-ray diffractometer. The results showed that Ag nanospheres, hexagonal Ag nanoplates, triangular Ag nanoplates and Ag nanowires were prepared using different reducing agents and capping agents. The growth mechanisms of Ag NPs were proposed. Ostwald ripening was the driving force for the shape evolution from spherical Ag NPs into unisotropic Ag NPs. In addition, the stability of triangular Ag nanoplates and Ag nanowires were firstly investigated.

Zr- and (Zr + F)-doped ZnO nanopowders were synthesized using a simple soft chemical route having Zr and F doping concentrations as 3 and 10 at.%, respectively. The structural, morphological, optical, magnetic and antibacterial properties of these samples are studied and compared with those of undoped ZnO. The X-ray diffractometer studies reveal that the synthesized nanopowders exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO, and the crystallite size increases after doping. The field effect scanning electron microscope and transition electron microscopy images show that the synthesized ZnO nanopowders have reduced grain size after doping. The dopant-induced room temperature ferromagnetism is observed from vibrating sample magnetometer studies. Enhancement in the antibacterial efficiency due to doping against three different bacterial strains, viz. Bacillus subtillis, Staphylococus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are studied and reported.

GdBa2Cu3O7−δ (GdBCO or Gd123) ceramics have been successfully prepared at oxygen partial pressure () of 0.02–0.10 MPa via solid state reaction method by using Gd2O3, BaCO3 and CuO powders as raw materials, whereas GdBa2Cu3O7−δ decomposed to Gd2BaCuO5 (Gd211), Gd2O3 and barium copper oxides owing to the instability of GdBa2Cu3O7−δ at according to the stability phase diagram of GdBa2Cu3O7−δ. Effect of on the phase structure and microstructure of GdBa2Cu3O7−δ has been investigated by X-ray diffractometer and field-emission scanning electron microscopy methods. Composition and microstructure of pellets sintered at were totally different from pellets sintered at .

In this paper, we report our studies on the application of TiO2 catalyst to the stone conservation for the purpose of exploring new protective materials and methods which are compatible with the work of stone art. The sol solution of anatase TiO2 was prepared at a low temperature. The structure and microtopography of materials were investigated using X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. Acid resistance, soiling resistance, super-hydrophilicity, UV-light absorption and visible light transmittance of treated stones were carried out in order to evaluate efficiency of TiO2 catalyst as a protective agent. The TiO2 catalyst's photocatalytic activity for methylene blue degradation was also investigated in aqueous heterogeneous suspensions. The experimental results show that the TiO2 can function well as a new protective agent for stone conservation. This study indicates that the TiO2 photocatalyst has great potential as the protective material for stone conservation.

The microstructure and performance of high-entropy alloys AlxFeCuCoNiCrTi (x = 0, 0·5, 1·0,1.5.2·0) with different aluminium contents had been studied. The alloy ingots of AlxFeCuCoNiCrTi were prepared under the protection of argon by vacuum arc melting. OM (Optical microscopic), EMPA (Electron microprobe analysis) and X-ray diffractometer were used for the Microstructure and Phases of the alloy. Microhardness tester (HVS-100), electrochemical workstation (LK2005) and multifunctional friction wear testing machine (CETR-UMT-3MO) were used for the performance of the alloys. The results showed that (1) the alloys in this paper were typically dendritic structure, and form simple phase structure, consisted of fcc and bcc; (2) composition segregation (especially Cu segregation) existed in the alloys and that adequate amount of Al alleviated the segregation of Cu; (3) the appropriate addition of Al can improve the hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

WC ceramic particles reinforced composite coatings were in situ synthesised on the surface of Q235 steel by GTAW processing using mixtures of W, C, Ni, B–Fe and a small amount of Si iron. Microstructures and phase of the coating were analysed by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer. Furthermore, microhardness and abrasion resistance also were studied using microhardness tester and abrasive tester, respectively. The results showed that the coating was no pore and crack free. The coating consisted of FeNi matrix, M7C3, Ni2Si, Ni3B, Fe2B and WC blocky particles. Owing to the uniform distribution of in situ synthesised carbide particles, high hardness and excellent wear resistance were achieved. The maximum hardness of the coating was 1578.8 HV0.2. The relative wearability of the composite was 23.5 times higher than Q235 steel substrate which showed good wear resistance.

To reveal the work hardening behaviour during 40Cr cold-rolled forming, cold-rolled simulation experiment was adopted. The relationships among the dislocation density, the half width of X-ray diffraction peaks and the surface hardness of cold-rolled parts, were investigated. To accomplish this, a microscopic mathematical model of the surface layer hardness based on dislocation density was established. After the 40Cr cold-rolled experiments were conducted, the structure of the specimens was characterised using an X-ray diffractometer, and the surface layer microhardness was measured with an MH-3 microhardness tester. Based on the established mathematical model, the surface layer hardness values of the cold-rolled specimens were calculated and the influence of the different cold-rolled conditions was analysed. Based on the X-ray diffraction spectra under various cold-rolled conditions, the surface layer work hardening behaviour was microscopically analysed.

Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped BaTiO3-CaTiO3 diphase ferroelectric oxides were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method and their phase, microstructure, photoluminescence, dielectric and ferroelectric properties were investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, electrical measurements and luminescence spectrometer etc. The result presents that a dual-mode luminescence of both a down-conversion red emission (˜612 nm) under an ultraviolet excitation and an up-conversion green emission (˜550 nm) under a near-infrared excitation in the same material of Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped BaTiO3-CaTiO3 diphase ferroelectric oxides. Meanwhile, the 405 nm (1S0→1I6), 468 nm (3P0→3H4), and 550 nm (3P0→3H5) emission lights under excitation at 213 nm are stronger than the emission under the 333 nm excitation. The ferroelectric and dielectric performances degraded with the increasing Er3+ doping concentration. These ceramics, with good temperature sensing properties, may be useful for temperature sensing devices.