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The elastoplastic properties of plasma-sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr coatings were obtained through the dimension analysis and inverse analysis by combining the experimental nanoindentation tests and numerical modeling. The digital image processing technique was used to extract the pore distribution inside the coatings based on the actual microstructure. Finally, the effect of pore distribution on the coating residual stress during nanoindentation process was analyzed through simulations. The anisotropic pore microstructure shows different mechanical responses and stress propagation behaviors during nanoindentation process. The elastic modulus of the coating demonstrates anisotropy along the spraying direction and the transverse directions due to the presence of pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Ga2O3 nanorods are prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra. The results reveal that high crystallinity, monoclinic phase of β-Ga2O3 nanorods were prepared with a diameter of about 60 nm and length of 500 nm. Photoluminescence study indicates that the β-Ga2O3 nanorods exhibit a broad blue light emission at room temperature. The β-Ga2O3 nanorods displayed high photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation; after 2 h irradiation, over 95% of methylene blue solution and over 90% of methyl orange solution were decolorized. Since this process does not require additional hydrogen peroxide and uses solar light, it can be developed as an economically feasible and environmentally friendly method to treat dye effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaNbO:Sm films were prepared on quartz glass and α-AlO(001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the CaNbO:Sm films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), emission-scan electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) measurements. The results show that the structure and properties of CaNbO:Sm films were dependent on substrates. The CaNbO:Sm films on AlO(0001) substrate have better crystallinity. The full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of (131) peak are 0.45 and 0.32 for the CaNbO:Sm film on glass and AlO(001), respectively. The crystallite size of CaNbO:Sm films grown on glass and AlO(001) was about 8.22 and 9.98 nm, respectively. The oxidation state of the Sm element on the films was Sm state. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra were measured at room temperature, the CaNbO:Sm films on AlO(001) substrate have a better PL intensity, the identified emission bands were by the intra 4f transitions of Sm from the excited level to the lower levels at 567 nm for G→H transition, at 609 nm for G→H transition, and at 657 nm for G→H transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZnO thin films were grown on (111) CaF2 substrates by magnetron sputtering at room temperature. Structural and optical properties of the ZnO thin films were studied. XRD analysis showed that the ZnO thin films had the (002) preferential orientation. The transmittance of ZnO thin films was over 80% in the visible range. The optical band gap of the ZnO thin films was 3.26 eV. The optical constants of the ZnO thin films in the wavelength range 300–1000 nm were obtained by infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry measurement. PL spectra of ZnO thin films showed strong UV near-band-edge emission peak at 376.5 nm and weak visible red emission at 643.49 nm using He–Cd laser as the light source, using a synchrotron radiation light source PL spectra showed three emission peak at 320 nm, 410 nm and 542 nm respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The surface treatment effects of sapphire substrate on the quality of epitaxial ZnO thin films grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were studied. The sapphire substrates have been investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction rocking curves (XRCs). The results show that sapphire substrate surfaces have the best-quality by CMP with subsequent chemical etching. The surface treatment effects of sapphire substrate on the ZnO thin films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Results show that the intensity of (002) diffraction peak of ZnO thin films on sapphire substrates treated by CMP with subsequent chemical etching is strongest. FWHM of (002) diffraction peak is narrowest and the intensity of UV peak of PL spectrum is strongest, indicating surface treatment on sapphire substrate preparation may improve ZnO thin films crystal quality and photoluminescent property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The surface treatment effects of sapphire substrate on the ZnO thin films grown by magnetron sputtering were studied. The sapphire substrates properties have been investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction rocking curves (XRCs). The results show that sapphire substrate surfaces have the best quality by CMP with subsequent chemical etching. The surface treatment effects of sapphire substrate on the ZnO thin films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Results show that the intensity of (002) diffraction peak of ZnO thin films on sapphire substrates treated by CMP with subsequent chemical etching was strongest, FWHM of (002) diffraction peak is the narrowest and the intensity of UV peak of PL spectrum is strongest, indicating surface treatment on sapphire substrate preparation may improve ZnO thin films crystal quality and photoluminescent property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnO films were grown on (0001) LiNbO3 substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Annealing of ZnO films was performed in air for 1h at 800°C. The effects of annealing on the structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films on LiNbO3 substrates were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. XRD patterns and AFM showed that the as-grown and the annealed ZnO films grown on LiNbO3 substrates had c-axis preferential orientation, the crystallinity of the ZnO films grown on LiNbO3 substrates was improved, and the grain size increased by annealing. The PL spectra showed that the intensity of the UV near-band-edge peak was increased after annealing, while the intensity of visible peak (deep-level emission) decreased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnO thin films were grown on (0001) LiNbO3 substrates by the MOCVD technique. The substrate temperatures during growth were changed from 400 to 600°C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the ZnO film showed a strong [002] reflection peak, and the peak intensity was dependent on substrate temperature. The ZnO columnar grains were highly oriented along the (002) direction when the film processing temperature was 600°C. The optical transmission and PL results also indicated that highest crystalline quality of the ZnO films could be obtained at elevated temperatures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of mechanical polishing, chemo-mechanical polishing (CMP), as well as CMP and subsequent chemical etching on the properties of sapphire substrate surfaces has been studied. The sapphire substrates have been investigated by means of polarizing microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction rocking curves (XRCs) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results show that CMP with subsequent chemically etching yields the best-quality sapphire substrate surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ce-coped Lu2SiO5 powders were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The effects of flux and atmosphere on the powders structure and properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectral measurement. The XRD results show that the samples calcined at 1300°C without using flux were mainly Lu2O3, SiO2 and a small amount of Lu2SiO5, while the samples with Li2SO4 flux are mainly Lu2SiO5. Furthermore, atmosphere is little effective on powder structure. Absorption band of Lu2SiO5 powders shows five peaks at 215nm, 241nm, 275nm, 318nm and 382nm, the absorption intensity of samples prepared in air is higher than that of samples prepared in reduced atmosphere. Broad emission band and stronger emission intensities have been found in Lu2SiO5 powders prepared in reduced atmosphere. The excitation spectra of Lu2SiO5 powders prepared in reduced atmosphere are composed of four bands at 240nm, 271nm, 302nm and 360.6nm. It can be concluded that flux and atmosphere during preparation is favorable for LSO powders emission and is an effective method to decrease calcining temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cerium-doped Gd2SiO5 (GSO:Ce) films have been prepared on (111) silicon substrates by the sol–gel technique. Annealing was performed in the temperature range from 400 to 1000°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the structure and morphology of GSO:Ce films. Results showed that GSO:Ce film starts to crystallize at about 600°C, GSO:Ce films have a preferential (021) orientation, as the annealing temperature increase, the (021) peak intensity increases, the full width of half maximum (FWHM) decreases, and the grain size of GSO:Ce films increases. Emission spectra of GSO:Ce films were measured, results exhibit the characteristic blue emission peak at 427nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The annealing effects of sapphire substrate on the quality of epitaxial ZnO films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were studied. The atomic steps formed on (0001) sapphire (α-Al2O3) substrate surface by annealing at high temperature was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The annealing effects of sapphire substrate on the ZnO films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), AFM and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Experimental results indicate that the film quality is strongly affected by annealing treatment of the sapphire substrate surface. The optimum annealing temperature of sapphire substrates is given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

(Tb0.6Y0.4)3Al5O12 transparent ceramics were successfully fabricated by solid-state reactive sintering using Tb4O7, Y2O3, and α-Al2O3 powders as raw materials. The effect of (Tb+Y)/Al ratio on microstructure evolution and densification process was investigated in detailed. The results showed that the grain growth kinetics were significantly affected by (Tb+Y)/Al ratio. Al-rich and Tb-rich phases appeared in part of the samples of different ratios. Particularly, excess aluminum increased the diffusing process, leading to a higher densification rate, while samples with excess terbium ratios displayed a smaller grain size and lower relative density. The optical quality was highly related to the amount of the secondary phase produced by different (Tb+Y)/Al ratios. Finally, (Tb0.6Y0.4)3Al5O12 transparent ceramics have been fabricated through pre-sintering in vacuum, followed by hot isostatic sintering (HIP), and the best transmittance of sample with a 4 mm thickness was approximately 78% at 1064 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical luminescence (ML) is the conversion of mechanical energy into light energy when a material is subjected to a force. It is challenging to develop ML materials with tunable luminescent properties by single ion doping, which have broad application prospects in the fields of stress sensing and dynamic signature anticounterfeiting. In this study, a Pr3+ doped Sr2Ga2GeO7 tunable ML material is reported. Due to the traps resulting from unequal substitution of Pr3+–Sr2+ in [SrO6] heptahedra, the deep/shallow traps redistribution occurs towards a multicolor ML from red to green. In addition, even after continuous friction sliding force (15 N), the ML intensities can be recovered after ultraviolet pre‐irradiation, indicating that Sr2Ga2GeO7: Pr3+ has excellent ML emission stability. Based on thermoluminescence analysis, potential PersL and ML mechanisms are further elaborated by a lattice engineering (trap regulation) strategy. In all, the development of single‐ion doped multicolor ML materials may have crucial research value and show a variety of potential applications in the fields of anticounterfeiting and information encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Zn-doped PbS nanopowder (NP) is fabricated by the surface growth in the solution phase and cation substitution method. The structure and morphology of NP are characterized by XRD, TEM and EDX. Electronic structure of Zn-doped PbS is investigated using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. It is found that Zn-doping in PbS will reduce the band gap, increase the valence bands degeneracy, and lead to the transition from direct band gap to indirect band gap. The interaction among Zn(4s), S(3p) and Pb(6p) orbitals plays a crucial role in the band modulation of Zn-doped PbS. The interesting band structure change due to the impurity can have a significant effect on the physical properties of PbS based material, such as optical and thermoelectric properties. Highlights • We develop two facile methods to synthesize PbS/ZnS nanopowder. • The surface morphology can be controlled by different growth mechanisms. • Zn-doping in PbS can reduce the band gap. • Zn-doped PbS is transited to an indirect band gap semiconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn 2 SnO 4 (ZTO)/ZIF-8 nanocomposite photocatalysts were prepared by solution method and hydrothermal method. The structures and properties of ZTO/ZIF-8 nanocomposites were studied. Results indicate that ZTO is adsorbed on the surface of ZIF-8 after recombination. The addition of ZIF-8 can inhibit the recombination of photoelectron-hole pairs, which significantly improve the photocatalytic activity of ZTO. After the addition of ZIF-8, the adsorption performance of the composite is slightly improved, which is attributed to the high specific surface area of ZIF-8. In the removal efficiency of 20 mg/L MB dye solution, the photocatalytic activity of ZTO/0.4 wt%ZIF-8 nanocomposite is 75% after 120 min. In addition, the structural stability and cyclic properties of ZTO/ZIF-8 are investigated, and the degradation efficiency is still 71% after four cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of La (3- x) Dy x BWO 9 phosphors and La (3- x) Dy x BWO 9 /PMMA composite films were prepared. The absorption and photoluminescence of phosphors as well as the transmittance and radioluminescence of the composite films were studied. La (3- x) Dy x BWO 9 phosphors mainly emit blue light at 486 nm and yellow light at 577 nm when excited at 310 nm, and the phosphors have good thermal stability. La (3- x) Dy x BWO 9 /PMMA composite films have good transmittance and X-ray radiation properties. The results indicate that La (3- x) Dy x BWO 9 phosphors can be used in solid-state lighting devices, and the prepared composite films are expected to be used in fields such as X-ray imaging and radiation detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sm3+ doped LaBMoO 6 phosphors were prepared by using the solid-state reaction method. The microstructure, morphology, chemical element composition, absorption, luminescent performance, decay life and thermal stability of Sm3+ doped LaBMoO 6 samples were studied. Sm3+ doped LaBMoO 6 phosphors mainly emit orange light at 596 nm with a decay lifetime of milliseconds under the excitation of 405 nm. The chromaticity coordinates of Sm3+ doped LaBMoO 6 samples are located in the orange region, which also have great thermal stability. The Sm3+ doped LaBMoO 6 phosphors can be used as orange-emitting materials in W-LED devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lattice-matched (Δa/a=1.8–3.4%) (001) LiGaO2 substrates have been employed for the first time to grow ZnO thin films by pulsed-laser deposition at 350–650°C with oxygen partial pressure of 20Pa. XRD shows that a highly c-axis-oriented ZnO film can be deposited on (001) LiGaO2 substrate at 500°C. AFM images reveal the surfaces of as-deposited ZnO films are smooth and root-mean-square values are 6.662, 5.765 and 6.834nm at 350, 500 and 650°C, respectively. PL spectra indicate only near-band-edge UV emission appears in the curve of ZnO film deposited at 500°C. The deep-level emission of ZnO film deposited at 650°C probably results from Li diffusion into the film. All the results illustrate substrate temperature plays a pretty important role in obtaining ZnO film with a high quality on LiGaO2 substrate by pulsed-laser deposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: γ-LiAlO2 layers with a highly preferred (100) orientation were prepared by vapor transport equilibration (VTE) technique on (0001) sapphire substrate. Microstructure of the γ-LiAlO2 layers was studied by XRD and SEM. In the temperature range from 750 to 1100°C, the residual stress in the γ-LiAlO2 layers varied from tensile to compressive with the increase of VTE temperature, and the critical point of the change between tensile and compressive stress is around 975°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

K 0.5 Na 0.5 NbO 3 (KNN) particles were prepared by a solid–state method. X–ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the structure, morphology, and properties of the samples. The obtained KNN is a ferroelectric material with orthorhombic perovskite structure at room temperature. The KNN particles can be used as piezo/photo–bicatalysts for degrading organic pollutants by utilizing vibrational and solar energy; the catalytic activity of the particles can be significantly improved owing to their polarization under an applied electric field. Poled KNN particles show a bicatalytic degradation ratio of rhodamine B (RhB) dye reaching 92% after 60 min. The results indicate that the KNN particles can be applied as attractive ferroelectric catalysts for organic pollutant degradation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Te4+-doped CaYAlO 4 phosphors were obtained by a solid-state reaction. Te4+-doped CaYAlO 4 samples had a tetragonal crystal structure and emit deep-red light at 715 nm excited by 325 nm, which was ascribed to Te4+ luminescence center. The luminescent intensity of CaYAlO 4 : Te4+ samples increased with the sintering temperature increasing, reaching a maximum at 1500 °C, then began to drop. The optimal Te4+ doping concentration was 2 mol%. Lifetime of CaYAlO 4 : 2%Te4+ phosphors was 1.54 ms. The luminescent intensity of CaYAlO 4 : 2%Te4+ phosphors decreased with the increase of test temperature and reached to 35.0% of the initial value at 425 K. The CaYAlO 4 : Te4+ phosphors have potential applications in bio-imaging, temperature sensor, solid-state lighting and solar cells etc. [Display omitted] • Te4+-doped CaYAlO 4 phosphors were synthesized by a solid-state method. • Te4+-doped CaYAlO 4 phosphors can emit efficient deep-red light at 715 nm excited by 325 nm. • Te4+-doped CaYAlO 4 phosphors had long lifetime of 1.54 ms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red phosphors with good thermal stability, high color temperature and color purity are critical in high power warm white LED devices. Herein, a series of single and co-doped Tb3+,Eu3+ polychromatic phosphors with pyrochlore structure based on Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 have been prepared for the first time by a conventional solid phase reaction method. Compared to single doped Eu3+ phosphors, Tb3+,Eu3+ co-doped phosphors possess following advantages: improved UV absorption, increased photoluminescence intensity, extended luminescence range and improved thermal stability. At room temperature, the Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 :Tb3+,Eu3+ phosphors exhibited a gradual shift from yellow-green emission at 544 nm to orange-red emission at 613 nm with increasing doping of Eu3+ ions. Energy transfer efficiency has been evaluated to be 71% by analyzing the fluorescence lifetime of Tb3+ ions. The concentration quenching mechanism under different conditions was analyzed in detail and it was concluded that the quenching of Tb3+ is caused by dipole-dipole interaction. In addition, the activation energy (ΔE a) of the Gd 1.92 Zr 2 O 7 :0.03Tb3+,0.05Eu3+ phosphor was calculated to be as high as 0.2674 eV compared to other Tb3+, Eu3+ co-doped phosphors, demonstrating its high thermal stability. WLEDs devices based on Gd 1.92 Zr 2 O 7 :0.03Tb3+,0.05Eu3+ phosphors have been prepared, which have low correlated color temperature (CCT) (5283 K), high color rendering index Ra = 85.5 K) and CIE coordinates chromaticity coordinate (0.3371,0.3333). All of the results show that Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 :Tb3+,Eu3+ phosphors provide a new avenue to develop high quality red emission and high thermal stability phosphors for WLEDs. • doping with rare earth ions can effectively change the band gap energy and structural of Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 phosphor. • achieving high energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ in Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 phosphor. • Tb3+, Eu3+ co-doped Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 phosphor with high thermal stability. • The LED devices assembled from Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 :Tb3+,Eu3+ have excellent chromaticity coordinate stability, high CRI and low CCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent transparent ceramics (Tb 1-x Y x) 3 Al 5 O 12 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) are successfully prepared by a solid-state method with additional hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment, and the structure and properties are investigated by XRD, SEM, PL, UV–Vis spectrophotometry and ellipsometry. The Y-containing samples are shown to be solid solution phases between TAG and YAG. The PL intensity is 14 times stronger with the incorporation of 80 mol.% Y, and the 5D 4 →7F 5 emission lifetime of Tb3+ is prolonged from 0.357 to 3.035 ms at room temperature. A unique magnetoluminescence emerges upon the incorporation of Y, showing an interesting emission decrease to 55% as the Y content reaches 80 mol.%. Remarkably, this magnetoluminesence can occur at room temperature without an intense magnetic field. Based on our work, transparent (Tb 1-x Y x) 3 Al 5 O 12 ceramics exhibit the potential for applications in green emitters, optical instruments and photoelectric devices. In particular, the magnetoluminescence provides a simple, noncontact and nondestructive route for probing magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the adverse effects of tetracycline (TC) on human health, it should be completely degraded by the active species that are usually generated by photocatalysts under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Such radiation which accounts for about only 5% energy of the sunlight. In general, obtaining the active species of the photocatalysts upon irradiation with light is challenging because of the wide spectrum of light. To address this, novel photocatalysts, La 2-x Sr x NiMnO 6 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.125, denoted by LNMO, LSNMO005, LSNMO010, and LSNMO0125, respectively), with high-potential valence band edge (E VB), abundant oxygen vacancies (O V -s), and narrow-energy band gap (E g) were designed and prepared via a solid-state reaction. The synthesized powders were characterized by several techniques. Sr2+ doping was found to significantly raise the E VB of LNMO and slightly increase its O V -s. The highest E VB , maximum O V -s, longest lifetime, and fastest transferring speed of the photogenerated carriers were observed for LSNMO010. It was found that LSNMO010 could effectively photodegrade TC in 240 min. TC could also undergo thermocatalytic degradation at 100 °C in 90 min in the presence of LSNMO010. However, TC could not be effectively degraded either by photolysis or thermolysis alone, in the absence of LSNMO010. It was concluded that the photogenerated holes (h +-s) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) played dominant roles in the photodegradation of TC. Measurement of the total organic carbon (TOC) revealed that only 18.28% TOC was removed by direct photolysis, and about 83.90% TOC was mineralised by LSNMO010. The outcomes of this work suggest that introduction of dopants to increase O V and to obtain high-potential E VB in double perovskites could be a novel methodology for designing a class of narrow- E g photocatalysts that can effectively degrade TC. Image 1 • Sr-doping reduces energy band gap leading to more widened light respond range. • Sr-doping lifts valance band edge to higher potential value. • XPS analysis shows Sr-doping photocatalysts possess more oxygen vacancies. • Sr-doped photocatalyst show better catalytic ability than Sr-free photocatalyst. • Sr-doped photocatalyst also has potential to apply in degrading TC using waste heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been found it more difficult in completely degrading A-ring of tetracycline (TC) than completely degrading B-D rings of tetracycline. Thus, it is very necessary to find an effective route to completely degrading A-ring of tetracycline. In this work, a Z-scheme heterojuncted core-shell La(OH) 3 @BaTiO 3 composite (LB) was designed and fabricated through hydrothermal method. Many characterization techniques were employed to investigate the microstructure, phases, composition, energy band structure, and the lifetime of photogenerated carriers. In the mean time, the photocatalytic properties, including the degradation of A-ring and B-D rings of TC, as well as active species during photo-degradation were investigated. It is found that the as-prepared LB has an improved lifetime of photo-produced carriers, as well as high photocatalytic properties, being attributed to the core-shell structured heterojunction La(OH) 3 @BaTiO 3. In addition, it is also found that ·O 2 − is more effective on degrading A-ring of TC than other active species, likely owed to the PKa3 value (3.3) of A-ring in TC. This work has supplied a route to completely degrading the A-ring of TC: rationally design and prepare a Z-scheme heterojuncted composites which supply very negative conduction band bottom potential. • A Z-scheme heterojuncted La(OH) 3 @BaTiO 3 composite (LB) was designed and fabricated through hydrothermal method. • Several characterization, as well as the photocatalytic experiments have been performed on the as-prepared samples. • It was found that ·O 2 − is more effective on degrading A-ring of TC owing to the PKa3 value (3.3) of A-ring. • To degrading the A-ring of TC: design a Z-scheme heterojuncted compositeswith very negative conduction band bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eu3+‐modified Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) ceramics have been fabricated by the solid‐state reaction method. The impact of Eu3+ doping on the structure, photoluminescence, and electrical properties has been studied by XRD, SEM, PL spectra, and LCR meter. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the crystal structure of the samples is well matched with the trigonal perovskite, and the optimal temperature of presintering is 880°C. The Eu3+‐doped BNT ceramics show excellent red fluorescence at 614 nm corresponding to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ under 466 nm excitation and relatively long fluorescence lifetime. The BNT‐0.02Eu ceramic density is up to 5.68 g/cm3 and the relative density is up to 94.6% with sintering temperature 1075°C. The piezoelectric constant (d33) of samples has been significantly improved up to 110 pC/N by Eu3+ doping. The BNT‐0.03Eu ceramic presintered at 880°C and sintered at 1050°C has good dielectric properties and excellent luminescence properties. Eu3+‐doped BNT ceramics make it potential applications for novel integrated electro‐optical and multifunctional devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Ce-doped YAG-Al2O3 eutectics were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method, for the purpose of high power white light emitting diodes. The eutectic structure was investigated. A calibrated integrating sphere spectrometer setup was used to measure the white LED properties of eutectic samples. The CIE color coordinates can be regulated easily by altering the Ce3+ doping concentration and sample thickness of the Ce:YAG-Al2O3 eutectics. A 1 W white LED device based on Ce:YAG-Al2O3 eutectics at a rated current of 350 mA emitted a bright white light with a CIE coordinate of (0.319, 0.334), a luminous efficacy of 83.0 lm W−1 and a Duv value of 0.003. The results showed that Ce:YAG-Al2O3 eutectics have better luminescence properties than commercial powder phosphors at a high current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tunable stress visualization is obtained by ratio mechanoluminescence of Tb3+. • Ratio mechanoluminescence of Tb3+ is concentration dependant. • Traps dominating mechanoluminescence in Lu 3 Al 2 Ga 3 O 12 :Tb3+ are confirmed. When a material is stimulated by external stress, the mechanical energy may be converted into light energy calling mechanoluminescent (ML). The unique excitation method makes it promising for a wide range of applications in the field of stress sensing. However, traditional stress sensing methods based on absolute ML intensity have limitations in unpredictable and complex measurement environment. To address this topic, a ratiometric ML intensity-based stress sensing method has been proposed, which significantly improves the reliability and stability of sensing results. In this paper, a single Tb3+ ion-doped garnet ML compound is designed. The variation of defect concentration in the material was induced by changing the dopant concentration and the local crystal field intensity. Ratiometric ML stress sensing was achieved through external mechanical stimuli, which causes a change in local positional symmetry. The linear relationship between the luminescence intensity asymmetry ratio and stress was investigated, and the excellent stability and reliability of the ML material were demonstrated under multiple stress cycles. The single-activator ratiometric ML intensity strategy presented in this study provides a new approach for improving stress sensing accuracy, which represents an essential step for the application of ML materials in stress sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sm3+ and Sm3+/Eu3+ doped Li 6 Gd(BO 3) 3 (LGBO) powders were prepared by solid-state reaction. The microstructure, luminescent characteristics, energy transfer and fluorescence lifetimes were studied. Gd3+ can absorb energy and transfer it to Sm3+ under 278 nm excitation, which increases the luminescent intensity of Sm3+ at 567, 611 and 649 nm. Under 405 nm excitation, the 4G 5/2 -6H 5/2 transition belonging to Sm3+ and the 5D 0 -7F 2 transition belonging to Eu3+ appear in the emission spectra of Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped LGBO phosphors, glowing yellow-orange and red light, respectively. The mechanism behind the energy transfer was analyzed, and the energy transfer efficiency was calculated to be 31.2% when the Sm3+ concentration reached 4mol%. The LGBO:Sm3+/Eu3+ phosphors have prospective applications in solid-state lighting, display devices, bio-imaging, etc. • The obtained Li 6 Gd(BO 3) 3 :Sm3+/Eu3+ phosphor has excellent luminescent properties. • Sm3+ acts as a sensitizer which extends the excitation range of Eu3+ in the near-uv and enhances Eu3+ emission. • The Li 6 Gd(BO 3) 3 :Sm3+/Eu3+ phosphor can emits a stronger orange-red light due to the energy transfer of Sm3+ to Eu3+. • The energy transfer efficiency from Sm3+ to Eu3+ can reach 31.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lead sulfide (PbS) thin films with Zn doping concentration from 0 at.% to 5 at.% were synthesized utilizing chemical bath deposition technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the calculated crystallite size decreased from 20.6 nm to 16.7 nm with the increasing zinc doping concentration. FESEM images showed PbS nanocrystals on the surface of the films exhibited pyramidal shape, and the grain size became smaller with the increasing doping concentration. The AFM results showed that the root mean square roughness of the PbS film has been reduced due to Zn doping. The optical properties of films were explored by UV–vis–NIR spectrophotometer in the range from 400 to 2400 nm, the optical bandgap value of PbS films increased from 1.14 eV to 1.74 eV. All as-deposited films were p-type semiconducting. Among them, the 3 at.% Zn-PbS thin films possessed the lowest resistivity (10.8 Ω -cm), the highest carrier concentration (2.82 × 1017 cm−3) and carrier mobility (11.2 cm−2V−1s−1). A new ideal bandgap (1.39 eV) absorber composition (1 at.% Zn-doped PbS film) was rationally designed and facilely developed. Our work presents a promising potential for ideal bandgap absorber layer of solar cells. Image 1 • We synthesized Zn-doped PbS nanofilms with significantly improved optoelectronic properties. • The bandgap was tailored from 1.14 eV to 1.74 eV. • A new optimum bandgap (1.39 eV) absorber composition was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of UVA-emitting LaB 3 O 6 :Ce3+ phosphors and La 0.96 Ce 0.04 B 3 O 6 /PMMA films were prepared. The calcining temperature, activator concentration and PL test temperature were studied for the luminescence properties of the phosphor. And the effect of phosphor content on transmittance and X-ray radiation capacity of the composite films was also studied. The results show that LaB 3 O 6 :Ce3+ emits continuous double peaks at 358 nm and 380 nm when excited at 333 nm, the fluorescence lifetime is about 10 ns, and the luminescence intensity at 150 °C is 73.71% of that at room temperature, which can be used as phosphors for UV phototherapy applications. Under X-ray excitation, the integrated intensity of the La 0.96 Ce 0.04 B 3 O 6 /PMMA composite film has a good linear relationship with the X-ray tube current and tube voltage, and the X-ray imaging of a car key taken by La 0.96 Ce 0.04 B 3 O 6 /PMMA composite film has good signal-to-noise ratio, which can be used for X-ray detection and imaging. • A UVA phosphor with good thermal stability can be applied to UV phototherapy. • LaB 3 O 6 :Ce3+ phosphor has no significant afterglow and can be used as scintillator material. • La 0.96 Ce 0.04 B 3 O 6 /PMMA composite film with good X-ray radiation capability can be used for X-ray detection and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Tb x Y 1−x ) 3 Al 5 O 12 (x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) transparent ceramics were synthesized by a solid-state reaction and HIP. All the samples were pre-sintered at 1650 °C for 4 h in a muffle and later HIPed at 1650 °C for 3 h. (Tb 0.2 Y 0.8 ) 3 Al 5 O 12 transparent ceramics exhibit best microstructure with an average grain size of approximately 5.22 μm and optical transmittance of over 65% in the region of 500–1600 nm. Additionally, average grain sizes of all the samples are less than 10 μm. XRD scanning patterns indicate that only the (Tb 0.8 Y 0.2 ) 3 Al 5 O 12 samples have little secondary phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-step microwave irradiation method was used to deposit carbon and nitrogen co-doped TiO 2 ((C, N)-TiO 2 ) on commercial brick ((C, N)-TiO 2 /brick). The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A selective technique was also used to investigate the concentration of hydroxyl radicals during UV–vis irradiation of the Methyl Orange solution with the as-prepared samples. The C and N dopants enhanced visible light absorption and provided a longer lifetime for the photo-generated electron–hole pairs. The SEM images showed that the as-prepared sample is porous. The dark adsorption and photodegradation test for (C, N)-TiO 2 /brick showed good photodegradation and good recyclability. The best photodegradation rate was 94% after 2 hr. The maximum degradation rate was maintained even after the 6th cycle. The good photocatalytic properties are attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption, enhanced pollutant adsorption arising from the porous structure of the (C, N)-TiO 2 thin film, and longer lifetime of the photo-generated electron–hole pairs. (C, N)-TiO 2 /brick should have potential commercial applications in photodegradation processes because of its low cost, good photodegradation, and excellent recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, SnS 2 /S-doped g-C 3 N 4 (Sg-C 3 N 4) composite with SnS 2 and Sg-C 3 N 4 in the weight ratio of 9:1 was prepared by a hydrothermal method. For comparison, composites of SnS 2 /Sg-C 3 N 4 with weight ratios of 9:0.05 and 9:1.5, pure SnS 2 , Sg-C 3 N 4 , and g-C 3 N 4 were also prepared using the same processing parameters. Microstructural characterization showed that nano-sized SnS 2 particles were deposited on Sg-C 3 N 4 to form a Z-scheme photocatalyst. The chemical valence of the doped S in Sg-C 3 N 4 was +6, allowing the surface of Sg-C 3 N 4 in the composite to be considerably uneven for the deposition of SnS 2. The uneven surface of Sg-C 3 N 4 resulted in a rough surface of the SnS 2 /Sg-C 3 N 4 composite, which significantly enhanced the specific surface area and light absorption over a wide wavelength range of 200–1000 nm. The carrier transfer capability and lifetime of g-C 3 N 4 were improved after S doping. The lifetime and transfer ability of the photoproduced carriers in the composite were improved by the Z-scheme heterojunction. Consequently, the rate constant of the composite is thrice that of pure SnS 2 and 57 times that of Sg-C 3 N 4. This work demonstrates a novel route to enhance light absorption over a wide wavelength range: depositing a semiconductor on a base semiconductor with an uneven surface charge distribution can produce a composite with a rough surface, i.e., a large specific surface area. • SnS 2 /S-doped g-C 3 N 4 (Sg-C 3 N 4) composite was prepared for the first time. • The chemical valence of doped S in Sg-C 3 N 4 was 6+, allowing the surface of Sg-C 3 N 4 in the composite to be considerably uneven for the deposition of SnS 2. • The rate constant of the composite is thrice that of pure SnS 2 and 57 times that of Sg-C 3 N 4. • A novel route to enhance light absorption over a wide wavelength range: depositing a semiconductor on a base semiconductor with an uneven surface charge distribution can produce a composite with a rough surface, i.e., a large specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find a photocatalyst for photodegrading different pollutants, a direct Z-scheme p-n heterojunction g-C 3 N 4 /La-Bi 2 O 3 (LBOCN) composite was prepared in this study. The composite was characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, UV–vis DRS, M-S, XPS, EIS and PL. The photocatalytic activity of LBOCN was evaluated by photodegrading methyl orange (MO), ofloxacin (OFX) and tetracycline (TC). Many nanodots in the as-prepared LBOCN were clearly observed in the HRTEM images, which could drastically accelerate the transfer of photogenerated charges since their size is 4–5 nm, shortening the transfer route of photogenerated carriers from the inner part to the outside. The p-n junction strengthened the Z-scheme to separate the photogenerated electrons and holes, therefore improving the photocatalytic property of LBOCN. In the photodegradation of MO, the photoreaction rate of LBOCN is approximately 13 times that of Bi 2 O 3 (BO), 12 times that of g-C 3 N 4 (CN), 3 times that of La-Bi 2 O 3 (LBO) and 2 times that of g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 2 O 3 (BOCN). Moreover, LBOCN can also completely photodegrade OFX within 60 min. Finally, this work demonstrates if a p-n-type Z-scheme heterojunction structured composite can generate superoxide radicals or hydroxyl radicals under light irradiation, the refractory antibiotics, such as ofloxacin, can be completely decomposed into small molecules under the synergistic effects of effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs driven by the p-n junction and strong redox ability of the photogenerated carriers. [Display omitted] • g-C 3 N 4 /La-Bi 2 O 3 (LBOCN) is fabricated for the first time. • The HRTEM obviously demonstrated many nanodots with a diameter of approximately 4-5 nm. • MO and OFX can be completely photodegraded under the synergistic effect of Z-scheme p-n junctions and strong redox ability. • A route to select semiconductors for constructing p-n-type Z-scheme heterojunction structured composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ce3+/ Gd3+ co-doped NaBaBO 3 blue luminescent materials were synthesized by the solid-state reaction. Research shows that Ba2+ ions with larger ionic radius are replaced by Gd3+ ions and Ce3+ ions with smaller ionic radii. Gd3+ can act as a sensitizer to absorb energy and promote the luminescence of Ce3+.Under the excitation of 360 nm near ultraviolet light and X-ray, NaBaBO 3 :0.03Gd3+, 0.01Ce3+ can emit bright blue light, and its emission peak is located at 430 nm. [Display omitted] Ce3+ and Gd3+ co-doped NaBaBO 3 blue luminescent materials were synthesized by the solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and fluorescence spectrometer were used to analyze the crystal structure, the surface morphology, and the luminous properties. Ce3+/Gd3+ co-doped NaBaBO 3 phosphors can absorb near-ultraviolet light and emit bright blue light centered at 430 nm, which originates from the 5d-4f transition of Ce3+ ion. When the doping concentration of Ce3+ and Gd3+ was 1 % and 3 % respectively, Ce3+/Gd3+doped NaBaBO 3 had the strongest luminous intensity with a short decay time of about 23 ns. The addition of Gd3+ increases the luminescence intensity of Ce3+ doped NaBaBO 3. The CIE color coordinates are (0.1564, 0.0909). Ce3+/Gd3+ co-doped NaBaBO 3 powders are promising materials for WLEDs and scintillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tb3Al5O12 ( TAG) transparent ceramics were prepared by a reactive sintering method using presintering in a muffle furnace combined with hot isostatic pressing ( HIP) sintering. The dilatometric, differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric ( DSC- TG) curves and optical quality were investigated. The microstructure evolution of the TAG ceramic samples was clarified. Two successive transformations were found to generate a TAG phase, as observed in the dilatometric and DSC- TG curves and XRD patterns of TAG ceramics sintered at different temperature. The changes in average grain size and densification suggest that a 1600°C presintering temperature is suitable for HIP. The optical transmittance of the obtained 0.4 wt% TEOS: TAG transparent ceramics, which were fabricated by a new two-step sintering of presintering at 1600°C in a muffle furnace followed by HIP at 1650°C, can reach above 80% in the visible (vis) and near-infrared ( NIR) regions. Its transmittance was very close to the theoretical limit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that TAG transparent ceramics with ideal optical quality were obtained without vacuum sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A bulk nitrogen-rich carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 5) photocatalyst was prepared. • Design and synthesis CdS-DETA@g-C 3 N 5 , which exhibit excellent performance for H 2 evolution (14.2 mmol·g−1 · h−1) and ofloxacin degradation (95.4 %). • Enhance the bending of the energy band by adding diethylenetriamine (DETA). The proper design of photocatalysts is essential to improving photocatalytic decomposition of water and degradation of pollutants. In this work, we used nitrogen-rich carbon nitride with high electronic properties combined with CdS-DETA to generate CdS-DETA@g-C 3 N 5 composite, and diethylenetriamine (DETA) was used to enhance the band bending to enable the excellent photocatalytic performance of the photocatalyst. The hydrogen evolution rate (14.23 mmol/(g·h)) of the CdS-DETA@g-C 3 N 5 composite is 7.1, 7.5, and 4.5 times higher than that of g-C 3 N 5 (2.03 mmol/(g·h)), 20CSCN5 (1.89 mmol/(g·h)), and CdS-DETA (3.17 mmol/(g·h)), and the OFLX degradation rate (95.6 %) is 3.4 and 1.5 times higher than that of g-C 3 N 5 and CdS-DETA, respectively. These performance enhancements result from the enhancement of energy band bending, the construction of a built-in electric field (IEF), and the retention of high redox carriers. This work provides new insights into the design of nitrogen-rich carbon nitride-based photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen precipitation activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 composites were prepared by chemical hydrothermal deposition and hydrothermal method and the effects of ZnO adding on the properties of Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 were investigated. The results show that the ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 composite with 5% ZnO content has the best photocatalytic performance and good cycling stability. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the degradation rate for MB (10 mg/L) by ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 composites reached 100% within 20 minutes, and the reaction rate constant was 0.07427min−1, which were 27.51 and 6.00 times higher than those of Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (NBT, 0.0027 min−1) and ZnO (0.01237min−1), respectively. The incorporation of ZnO on the Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 can form Z-scheme heterostructure ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 and increase the specific surface area, inhibiting the recombination of electron and hole and improving separation and transfer carriers efficiency. ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 composites have potential applications in high-efficiency and high-activity photocatalysts to degrade organic pollutants. • ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 composites were prepared by chemical hydrothermal deposition and hydrothermal method. • ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 composites with 5% ZnO content has the best photocatalytic performance and good cycling stability. • Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the degradation rate for MB (10 mg/L) by ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 reached 100% within 20 min. • ZnO/Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 can form Z-type heterostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, magnetic, p – n heterojunction-structured La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 (LS/CN) photocatalyst was designed by hybridizing p -type La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 with n -type g-C 3 N 4. Several characterizations showed that the as-preparedLS/CN-0.5 nanoparticles possessed a saturation magnetization of 27.3 emu/g, coercivity of 60.3 Oe, specific surface area of 25.68 m2/g, and average particle size of 23 nm. The photocatalytic investigation determined a degradation efficiency of 95.0% for a 100-mL tetracycline solution with an initial concentration of 50 mg/L within 210 min over 0.05 g of the LS/CN-0.5. Experiments showed that LS/CN-0.5 exhibited good reusability, where a degradation efficiency of 88.6% was obtained after six cycles. It was found that the p – n heterojunction realized the excitation of photogenerated electrons in the high-potential conduction band of La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and high-potential photogenerated electrons induced the generation of more superoxide radicals, leading to the high photocatalytic activity of LS/CN. This study demonstrates a new strategy to design and construct highly efficient, magnetic, p – n heterojunction photocatalysts. • Successfully prepared magnetic CN/LS p – n heterojunction photocatalyst. • The construction of p – n heterojunction creates more oxygen vacancies and introduces high-potential photogenerated electrons. • The synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and high-potential photogenerated electrons induced the generation of more superoxide radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped CaNb2O6 thin films were deposited on Si(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition and annealed at different temperature in air atmosphere. The structure and properties of the film samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra. It is found that the annealing temperature has a strong effect on the film's structure, morphology, grain size and the up-conversion luminescence properties. Upconversion luminescence intensity of Ho 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped CaNb 2 O 6 films is enhanced by increasing the annealing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an S-scheme heterojunction-structured composite, g-C 3 N 4 /Mo-doped WO 3 (mass ratio 100:5, labeled 5M15WOCN) together with pure WO 3 , g-C 3 N 4 , and Mo-doped WO 3 (labeled M15WO) was prepared. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, UV–Vis DRS, SEM, TEM, ESR, EIS, PL and XPS. The photocatalytic properties were investigated by photodegrading methyl orange (MO). The following findings were obtained. The dopant Mo increased the amount of O v -s and produced W5+, along with prolonging the lifetime of photogenerated carriers, improving the transfer ability of carriers. The S-scheme heterojunction g-C 3 N 4 /M15WO drastically improved the photocatalytic properties, dominantly due to the synergetic effect of the O v -s, S-scheme mechanism and very negative CB potential. A new phenomenon is found in which W6+ can combine with the net electrons coming from the side with a higher Fermi level in the heterojunction and form W5+, suggesting a good method for stabilizing the high valence state for the material by combining one with a lower Fermi level. This work also implies that, compared to the S-scheme, a more negative CB is much more beneficial for MO photodegradation. In this work, we prepared a g-C 3 N 4 /Mo-doped WO 3 S-scheme composite for the first time (Fig. (a)). The photocatalytic efficiency of Mo-WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 was enhanced to 14 times that of pure g-C 3 N 4 (Fig. (b)). It is found that the combining of g-C 3 N 4 and Mo-WO 3 eliminates the shortcomings of the short lifetime of photogenerated carriers in g-C 3 N 4 and poor E cb in Mo-WO 3. It is also found that W6+ can combine with the net electrons in the heterojunction and form W5+, suggesting a method for stabilizing the high valence state for the material by combining one with a lower Fermi level. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The dual Z-scheme heterojunction improves the separation and migration efficiency of electron-hole pairs. • The space separation between the oxidation center and the reduction center improves the utilization rate of carriers. • Thiazoles as an electron acceptor to reconstruct electrons on the g-C 3 N 4 surface and adjust its HOMO and LUMO dispersion to improve electron mobility. • ZnCdS@ZnIn 2 S 4 @g-C 3 N 4 -vTA prepared by electrostatic self-assembly, and its intimate interfacial contact shortens the migration distance of carriers. The structural design of the photocatalyst has a great influence on photocatalytic performance. Here, the ZnCdS@ZnIn 2 S 4 @g-C 3 N 4 -vTA with a dual Z-scheme heterojunction structure is prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. It has high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (11359.9 μmol g−1h−1), excellent OFX degradation performance (95.7%), and good reusability under visible light. The hydrogen production performance of ZnCdS@ZnIn 2 S 4 @g-C 3 N 4 -vTA is about 56, 7, 2 times higher than g-C 3 N 4 , ZnCdS, and ZnIn 2 S 4 , respectively. The excellent photocatalytic performance mainly depends on the following aspects: (1) The dual Z-scheme heterojunction with spatial separation of active centers improves the migration and separation efficiency and utilization of electron-hole pairs. (2) The 4-methyl-5-vinylthiazole (vTA) molecular is grafted to the edge of g-C 3 N 4 by visible light to reconstruct the surface electrons so that the electrons can be transferred to the ZnIn 2 S 4 surface more efficiently to increase the overall carrier transport rate; (3) ZnCdS@ZnIn 2 S 4 @g-C 3 N 4 -vTA prepared by electrostatic self-assembly, and its intimate interfacial contact shortens the migration distance of carriers. In addition, the high specific surface area and pore size of ZnCdS@ZnIn 2 S 4 @g-C 3 N 4 -vTA improves the migration and separation of carriers. Our research provides an expandable idea for designing molecular engineering-based dual Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and nanomaterial composite methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel α-SnWO 4 /UiO-66(NH 2)/g-C 3 N 4 ternary photocatalyst was prepared by solvothermal method. • The α-SW 75 /UNCN exhibits the superior photocatalytic performance for Ibuprofen degradation and H 2 evolution. • The •O 2 - and •OH are confirmed as the main reactive species. • The possible mechanism of photocatalytic was explored. [Display omitted] In this work, we successfully prepared regular hexagonal prism porous structure g-C 3 N 4 (CN), and designed α-SnWO 4 and UiO-66(NH 2) on porous CN for constructing novel ternary α-SnWO 4 /UiO-66(NH 2)/g-C 3 N 4 (α-SW/UNCN) hybrid photocatalyst by solvothermal approach. The α-SW 75 /UNCN composite showed better photocatalytic performance, and the removal rate of Ibuprofen (IPF) reached 95.5% within 2 h and the H 2 evolution efficiency reached 2105 μmol g−1 h−1 under simulated sunlight, which were 2.5 times and 21 times higher than those of α-SW (42.5% and 105 μmol g−1 h−1). The TOC removal efficiency of IPF can reach to 29%, showing higher mineralization ability compared with α-SW. In addition, the trapping experiment and ESR experiment proved that •O 2 - and •OH radicals played most important part in the photodegradation of IPF pollutants. The improved photocatalytic performance of α-SW/UNCN was owing to the construction of n-p-n type double Z-scheme heterojunction which enhanced carries separation. This work will provide a method for preparing novel and efficiency ternary composite catalyst for antibiotic contaminant degradation and H 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Te4+-doped YCa 4 O(BO 3) 3 phosphors were successfully prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction method. XRD, SEM and XPS were used to characterize the crystal structure, particle size, morphology and element valence state of the samples. The room temperature fluorescence properties of the phosphors were measured by a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The excitation and emission bands, peaked at 310 nm and 380 nm, correspond to the 1S 0 →3P 1 and 3P 0,1 → 1S 0 transitions of Te4+ ions, respectively. The 3 mol% Te4+-doped YCa 4 O(BO 3) 3 phosphor has the strongest fluorescence with a lifetime of 2.28 and 22.66 μs. The thermal quenching occurs at higher temperature, indicating a non-radiation transition that is dominated by the crossover process. The emission intensity of Te4+-doped YCa 4 O(BO 3) 3 phosphors at 380 nm changes linearly with the increase of temperature, suggesting that these fluorescent materials may be applied for temperature sensing. • A novel phosphor was prepared by solid-state reaction method. • Te4+-doped YCa 4 O(BO 3) 3 phosphors can emit efficient Near-UV light at 380 nm excited by 310 nm. • The physical mechanism of Te4+ ion luminescence versus doping concentration and temperature was investigated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film has been epitaxially grown on (111) Mg0.4Al2.4O4 substrate by RF-magnetron sputtering. In resonant Raman scattering, higher-order longitudinal optical phonon modes were clearly observed, revealing high optical quality of the ZnO film. Optical absorption indicated a visible exciton absorption at room temperature. The near band edge emission showed a red shift due to the shrinkage of the band gap with increasing the temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single-phase γ-LiAlO2 layer with a preferred (1 0 0) orientation on (0 0 0 1) sapphire substrate is successfully fabricated by vapor transport equilibration (VTE) technique. The VTE-treated surface of (0 0 0 1) sapphire is polycrystalline shown to be a single-phase of γ-LiAlO2 at low VTE temperature (750–900°C), and becomes highly oriented in [1 0 0] direction at proper VTE temperature of ∼1100°C. The transparence of the obtained γ-LiAlO2//sapphire(0 0 0 1) is greatly enhanced as the γ-LiAlO2 layer becomes oriented. These results reveal the possibility of fabricating γ-LiAlO2(1 0 0)//sapphire(0 0 0 1) composite substrate by VTE for M-plane GaN-based epitaxial film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The green and efficient W-TCN catalyst has the sustainable development potential to repair environmental pollution and solve the energy crisis. [Display omitted] • Hexagonal layered stacked carbon nitride microtube doped with tungsten and nitrogen vacancies. • Green and efficient new Fenton-like photocatalyst W-TCN can quickly remove p-nitrophenol under simulated sunlight. • Realize the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and Fenton-like to repair environmental water pollution. • It has certain potential in solving the energy crisis by photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. It has been found that the element doping and vacancy defects of the carbon nitride framework enhance its photocatalytic performance. In this article, we newly designed hexagonal carbon nitride microtube (W-TCN) with tungsten-doped and nitrogen vacancies in a layered stack structure through hydrothermal and in situ calcination methods. It is used to activate the high-efficiency Fenton-like photocatalytic degradation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and further studied the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. Combining the Fenton-like process with photocatalysis driven by simulated sunlight, a cooperative catalytic system is realized to quickly remove p-nitrophenol (PNP) in water pollution. The prepared tubular W-TCN catalyst has excellent sunlight utilization efficiency, large surface area, abundant nitrogen vacancies, and narrow band gap due to the introduction of tungsten. These factors are conducive to the enhanced catalytic activity of W-TCN catalyst. Cyclic experiments and parallel experiments proved that the catalyst has good long-term stability. In particular, the degradation rate of PNP reached 98.6% under 90 min of irradiation in the optimal reaction system (W-TCN/PMS). Moreover, the hydrogen evolution performance of W-TCN catalyst is further studied, and it is found that in the presence of sacrificial agent, W-TCN also had a certain amount of hydrogen evolution, which is 91.46 μmol. The research ideas of this article proves that by adjusting the photocatalytic properties of carbon nitride materials, it has broad prospects in repairing environmental pollution under the synergistic effect of Fenton-like and photocatalysis. At the same time, further material optimization also has certain potential in solving the energy crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Te4+ doped YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction show a blue wide band located at 480 nm ranging from 400 to 600 nm under the 244 nm excitation. With the increase of Te4+ doping content, luminescence intensity first increases and then decreases. 3%Te4+ doped YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors prepared at 1200 °C have excellent luminescence with a lifetime of 7.18 μs. The chromaticity coordinates are in the blue region and range from (0.1966, 0.2862) to (0.2497, 0.3192). Te doped YAB can be a potential blue-light material. [Display omitted] Novel blue-emitting Te4+ doped YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors were obtained by high temperature solid-state reaction. XRD, SEM, XPS and PL were used to study the properties of Te4+ doped phosphors. YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 became the main phase at 1200 °C according to XRD results. The Te4+ doped YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors show a blue wide band at 480 nm, and 3%Te4+ doping in YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors synthesized at 1200 °C have the optimal luminescence with a lifetime of 7.18 μs. Te4+ doped YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors are a promising material for blue phosphors in LED, blue diode laser, plant growth, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]