Origin of illites in the Luochuan loess section

Morphology and composition of illite from the Luochuan loess section were investigated by TEM. The results show that most of the illite grains are characterized by rounded shapes and chemical compositions are closely similar to those of anchizonal illites. The enrichment of illites in paleosol over loess was mainly caused by the weak winter monsoon during the interglacial periods, and was not related to thein situ pedogenesis. Illite can serve as an indicator for tracing eolian dust from Loess Plateau in pelagic and lacustrine sediments.     

Preparation and upconversion luminescence of YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Er<Subscript>3+</Subscript>, Yb<Subscript>3+</Subscript>

YVO₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ with varying Yb³⁺ concentrations were prepared by a precipitation method. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that all the samples have a tetragonal zircon structure; the calculated average crystallite sizes are in the range of 14–22 nm. The lattice constants and cell volume of the samples decrease slightly with the increase in Yb³⁺ concentration. The upconversion luminescence spectra of all the samples were studied under 980 nm laser excitation. The strong green emission is observed, which is attributed to the ²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, and the red emission peaks in 650–675 nm can be ignored. The emission intensity for the sample depends on the Yb³⁺ concentration. These results reveal that the upconversion processes of YVO₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ are related to the structure and the doping Yb³⁺ concentration of the sample.     

Structural,elemental, optical and magnetic study of Fe doped ZnO and impurity phase formation

We have prepared a series of(ZnO)1-x(Fe2O3)x≤0.10bulk samples with various concentrations of Fe dopant by ball milling and investigated their structural, compositional, optical and magnetic properties by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),Raman spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM), respectively. Information about different impurity phases was obtained through Rietveld refinements of XRD data analysis. XPS results showed different valence states(Fe2+ tand Fe3+) supported by shaking satellite peaks in samples. With increasing Fe doping percentage, the crystal quality deteriorated and a shift of E2 low band(characteristic of ZnO) has been observed in Raman spectra. Energy band gap estimated from reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy showed shift for all bulk samples. The magnetic behavior was examined using a vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM), indicating ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature(300 K). The effective magnetic moment per Fe atom decreases with increase in doping percentage which indicates that ferromagnetic behavior arises from the substitution of Fe ions in the ZnO lattice.     

Microstructure and cementitious properties of calcined clay-containing gangue

To investigate the optimum calcination temperature and cementitious properties of gangue, the microstructure of clay-containing gangue calcined at different temperatures was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and magnetic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR). The results show that the structure of kaolinite in the gangue sample calcined at 500℃ is destroyed. The XRD spectra show the disappearance of illite at about 800℃ and the formation ofmullite at about 1000℃. With the increase in calcination temperature, octahedral (6-coordinated) aluminum is transformed to tetrahedral (4-coordinated) aluminum gradually. For the gangue sample calcined at 700℃, the 29Si MAS NMR sharp peak of Q4 (framework silicate-quartz) is left. Compared with kaolinite in gangue, the thermal transformed temperature of pure kaolinite is lagged. On the basis of the microstructure and cementitious properties of calcined gangue, the results can be concluded, in order to obtain metakaolinite, the optimum calcination temperature of this gangue is about 500℃, and the optimum temperature is about 700℃ for activated SiO₂ and Al₂O₃.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of Eu3+, Sm3+ doped (YxGd1-x)2O3:Si4+, Mg2+ long-lasting phosphor

A novel red long-lasting phosphor, (Y_1−x Gd _x )₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Sm³⁺, Si⁴⁺, Mg²⁺, was synthesized by the co-precipitation method using oxalate precipitation as the precursor. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), integrated thermal analyzer (TG), and photoluminescence spectra (PL) as well as the ST-900PM weak light photometer were used to study the synthesis conditions, morphology, luminescence properties, and the decay time of the phosphor. The XRD results show that the products synthesized at 1400°C for 4 h have good crystallization without any detectable impurity phases. Based on the PL spectra, the optimal conditions are as the following. The molar ratios of Y³⁺ to Gd³⁺ and Eu³⁺ to Sm³⁺ are 2:8 and 3:1, respectively, and the contents of Mg²⁺ and SiO₂ are 5mol% and 3mol%, respectively. The decay time monitored by the ST-900PM weak light photometer is 7200 s, increasing 44% and 100%, respectively, compared with the Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺ single-doped phosphors. The results indicate that the energy transfer is from Sm³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ion, and Sm³⁺ is a good sensitizer to Eu³⁺.     

Origin of illites in the Luochuan loess section——Evidence from TEM study

Morphology and composition of illite from the Luochuan loess section were investigated by TEM. The results show that most of the illite grains are characterized by rounded shapes and chemical compositions are closely similar to those of anchizonal illites. The enrichment of illites in paleosol over loess was mainly caused by the weak winter monsoon during the interglacial periods, and was not related to the in situ pedogenesis. Illite can serve as an indicator for tracing eolian dust from Loess Plateau in pelagic and lacustrine sediments.     

Down-conversion characteristics of Eu3+ doped M2Y2Si2O9 (M = Ba,Ca, Mg and Sr) nanomaterials for innovative solar panels

Down-conversion properties of Eu³⁺ doped M₂Y₂Si₂O₉ (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, Sr) phosphors have been investigated in detail. These phosphors were synthesized via the simple, fast and cost-effective sol-gel technique at a temperature of 950 °C. Color coordinates and emission color can be altered by the varying concentration of dopant ion in Ca₂Y₂Si₂O₉ phosphor. Optimum luminescence intensity was obtained when doping 0.03 mol of Eu³⁺ ion. Using the excitation wavelength of 395 nm, these silicates showed strong red color, pure and sharp spectral peaks in visible region due to ⁵D₀→⁷F_1-3 transitions of Eu³⁺ present in the lattice. Effect of reaction temperature on luminescence was also analyzed for these phosphors. The sharp peaks in the X-ray diffraction pattern indicated the high crystallinity of prepared phosphors. Ca₂Y₂Si₂O₉ has shown an orthorhombic crystal structure. The FTIR results confirmed the metal-oxygen vibrational modes available in the range of 400–1600 cm^?1. Transmission electron microscopy images have revealed that the variation of alkaline earth metal provided a very different crystal structure. Excellent down conversion response of these phosphor materials can provide a great significance in the application of the coming solar devices.     

Preparation and characterization of highly active nanosized strontium-doped lanthanum cobaltate catalysts with high surface areas

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the sources of industries are a kind of main pol-lutants to the atmosphere. The Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) of the United States lists more than 300 VOC pollutants. 70% of the toxic compounds t…     

Effect of Ca on CO2 corrosion properties of X65 pipeline steel

The effect of Ca²⁺ on CO₂ corrosion to X65 pipeline steel was investigated in the simulated stratum water of an oil field containing different concentrations of Ca²⁺. It is found that Ca²⁺ can enhance the corrosion rate, especially in the Ca²⁺ concentration from 256 to 512 mg/L, which can be attributed to the growing grain size and loosing structure of corrosion scales with increasing Ca²⁺ concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations reveal that a complex carbonate (Fe, Ca)CO₃ forms at high Ca²⁺ concentration due to the gradual replacement of Fe²⁺ in FeCO₃ by Ca²⁺.     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>@MgO core-shell film: Fabrication and application to dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study,TiO2@MgO core-shell film was obtained by using a simple chemical bath deposition method to coat a thin MgO film around TiO2 nanoparticles. The core-shell configuration was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD),scanning elec-tron microscopy (SEM),energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX),and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Lattice fringes were observed for the TiO2 particles,and the MgO shell showed an amorphous structure,revealing a clear distinction between the core and shell materials. Applying the core-shell film as photoanode to the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs),it shows a superior performance compared to the pure TiO2 electrode. Under the illumination of simulated sunlight (75 mW-cm-2),the short circuit photocurrent (Jsc),the open circuit photovoltage (Voc),and the fill factor (fF) are 8.80 mA-cm-2,646 mV,and 0.69,respectively,and the conversion efficiency (η) in-creased by 21.8% (from 4.32% to 5.26%) when dipping for opti-mum condition.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of Ca2SiO4-based red phosphors with Sm3+ doping for white LEDs

Sm³⁺-activated Ca₂SiO₄ red phosphors were prepared by the conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method, and the effects of sodium (Na⁺) and samarium (Sm³⁺) ions doping concentrations on their crystal structure and luminescent properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescent spectrofluorometer. XRD patterns demonstrate that a well-crystalline structure forms in the phosphors when they are treated by calcination at 1200°C for 4 h, and the excitation spectra exhibit good absorption in the range between 350 and 420 nm. Under the irradiation of 405 nm near-ultraviolet (NUV) light, the spectra of the phosphors show a main emission peak at 601 nm attributed to the ⁴G_5/2??⁶H_7/2 transition of Sm³⁺ ions, and its intensity is greatly influenced by the concentrations of Sm³⁺ and Na₂CO₃. When the concentrations of Sm³⁺ ions and Na₂CO₃ are 2mol% and 6mol%, respectively, the optimal emission intensity can be obtained. From strong absorption in the near ultraviolet zone, the Na_0.06Sm_0.02Ca_1.92SiO₄ phosphor is a promising red-emitting phosphor for white light emitting diodes (W-LEDs).     

Synthesis of layered LiMnO2 byin situ oxidation-intercalation and a study of the reaction mechanism and electrochemical performance

Using Mn(OH)₂ as precursor, LiOH as lithiating agent and (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ as oxidant, layeredo-LiMnO₂ was obtained by a novel method—in situ oxidation-intercalation under mild conditions (80 °C). The product was characterized by XRD, ICP, TEM and⁷Li-NMR. The results reveal that orthorhombic LiMnO₂ with high purity and good crystallinity can be obtained by this method. During electrochemical tests, a LiMnO₂/Li cell shows an initial reversible capacity of 208 mAh · g⁻¹ and a reversible capacity of 180 mAh · g⁻¹ after 30 cycles at room temperature.     

Y2O2S:Eu3+,Zn2+,Ti4+荧光体的缺陷及红色长余辉发光性质

采用高温固相法合成了红色长余辉材料Y2O2S:Eu3+,Zn2+,Ti4+,实现了余辉发光中心和缺陷中心之间的能量传递。通过XRD、荧光发射和激发光谱、余辉发射光谱与衰减曲线、色坐标和热释光谱测试手段对Y2O2S:Eu3+,Zn2+、Y2O2S:Eu3+,Ti4+、Y2O2S:Eu3+,Zn2+,Ti4+和Y2O2S:Eu3+,Mg2+,Ti4+进行了结构与性能的表征,发现其荧光发射与余辉发射基本一致,红色余辉发光主峰位于625 nm附近,来源于Eu3+的5D0→7F2跃迁发射。相比而言,Y2O2S:Eu3+,Zn2+,Ti4+余辉发光性能最好,可持续1.5 h左右。     

Structure and electrochemical properties of LiLaxMn2-xO4 cathode material by the ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel method

Powders of spinel LiLa_xMn_2—xO₄ were successfully synthesized by the ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel (UASG) method. The structure and properties of LiLa_xMn_2—xO₄ were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), galvanostatic charge-discharge test, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). XRD results show that the La³⁺ can partially replace Mn³⁺ in the spinel and the doped materials with La³⁺ have a larger lattice constant compared with pristine LiMn₂O₄. FT-IR indicates that the absorption peak of Mn³⁺−O and Mn⁴⁺− O bonds has a red and blue shift with the increase of doping lanthanum in LiLa_xMn_2—xO₄, respectively. The charge-discharge test exhibits that the initial discharge capacity of LiLa_xMn_2—xO₄ drops off, and the capacity retention increases gradually at C/5 discharge rate with the increase of doping lanthanum, and LiLa_0.01Mn_1.99O₄ has a higher discharge capacity and a better cycling performance at 1C discharge rate. CV reveals that the doping La³⁺ is beneficial to the reversible extraction and intercalation of Li⁺ ions.     

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Porous α-Co(OH)_2 and Co_3O_4 Microspheres

Both α-Co(OH)_2 and Co_3O_4 porous microspheres have been synthesized by the simple solvothermal process as well as subsequent treatment. The morphologies and structures of the as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). Both samples have spherical structures consisting of nanosheets, with similar crystallinity. The electrochemical properties of both samples were further investigated. Both samples show excellent electrochemical performances including high specific capacity, good cycling stability and rate capability. All results show that these microspheres exhibit potential applications in energy storage field.     

Characteristics of Pb<Superscript>2+</Superscript> biosorption with aerobic granular biomass

Experimental studies were conducted on the feasibility of aerobic granular biomass as a novel type of biosorbent for Pb^2＋ removal. The results show that the initial pH, Pb^2＋ concentration （Co） and biomass concentration （X0） affected the biosorption process significantly. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models describe the biosorption process accurately, with correlation coefficients of 0.932 and 0.959 respectively. The Pb^2＋ biosorpUon kinetics is interpreted as having two stages, with the second stage described reasonably well by a Lagergren pseudo-second order model. Moreover, the surface change of granular biomass after the Pb^2＋ biosorption process appears to be caused by ion exchange and metal chelation according to the analysis results of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy （ESEM） and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy （EDX）.     

The role of reservoir mediums in natural oil cracking: Preliminary experimental results in a confined system

Large amounts of data regarding the influence of temperature and pressure on the thermal stability of crude oil have been published; however, the role of reservoir mediums has received little attention. Experiments involving oil cracking in the presence of montmorillonite, illite, calcite, quartz and water were conducted in closed gold tubes to investigate the effects of these reservoir mediums on oil destruction. This was done by screening variations in the chemical and stable carbon isotopic components of nC₁₀₊ and gasoline-range hydrocarbons (nC_8?) present in various systems. Results indicated that reservoir mediums have an active role in oil cracking under experimental conditions. The concentrations of nC₁₀₊ in the cracked residues progressively decreased in systems containing oil+water+illite, oil+water+montmorillonite, oil+water, oil+water+quartz and oil+water+calcite. In comparison with the system containing oil+water, our results indicated a retardation effect for oil cracking in systems in the presence of illite and montmorillonite, and an acceleration effect on oil destruction in systems in the presence of calcite and quartz. nC₁₀₊ became increasingly depleted in ¹³C in systems with oil+water+illite, oil+water+calcite, oil+water+montmorillonite, oil+water+ quartz and oil+water. No obvious correlation was observed between concentrations and stable carbon isotopic components of nC₆-nC₈ and nC₁₀₊ in the individual systems. The discrepancies in chemical and stable carbon isotopic components of nC₆-nC₈ and nC₁₀₊ in the pyrolyzed residues highlighted the important role of reservoir mediums to control carbon-carbon cleavage of nC₁₀₊ and then the isomerization, cyclolization and aromatization reactions; as well as governing the occurrence and thermal destruction of nC₆-nC₈ under experimental conditions. This research may have critical implications in reconstructing chemical kinetic models for natural oil cracking.     

Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of CaLaGa<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> phosphors

The CaLaGa₃O₇:Eu³⁺ phosphor was prepared by a chemical co-precipitation method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were utilized to characterize the synthesized phosphor. The results revealed that the phosphor was composed of microspheres with a slight agglomerate phenomenon and was spherically shaped. The average grain size was about 1.0 μm. Eu³⁺ ions, as luminescent centers, substituted La³⁺ ions into the single crystal lattice of CaLaGa₃O₇ with the sites of C_s. Although the CL spectrum was greatly different from the PL spectrum, it had the strongest red emission corresponding to the ⁵D₀ →⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺. Under the excitation of UV light (287 nm) and electron beams (1.0–7.0 kV), the chromaticity coordinates of the phosphor were found to be in the nearly red and orange light regions, respectively.     

Preparation of narrow band gap V2O5/TiO2 composite films by micro-arc oxidation

V₂O₅/TiO₂ composite films were prepared on pure titanium substrates via micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in electrolytes consisting of NaVO₃. Their morphology and elements were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Phase composition and valence states of species in the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS) were also employed to evaluate the photophysical property of the films. The V₂O₅/TiO₂ composite films show a sheet-like morphology. Not only V₂O₅ phase appears in the films when the NaVO₃ concentration of the electrolyte is higher than 6.10 g/L and is loaded at the surface of anatase, but also V⁴⁺ is incorporated into the crystal lattice of anatase. In comparison with pure TiO₂ films the V₂O₅/TiO₂ composite films exhibit significantly narrow band gap energy. The film prepared in an electrolyte consisting of NaVO₃ with a concentration of 8.54 g/L exhibits the narrowest band gap energy, which is approximately 1.89 eV. The V₂O₅/TiO₂ composite films also have the significantly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. The film prepared in an electrolyte consisting of NaVO₃ with a concentration of 8.54 g/L exhibits the best photocatalytic activity and about 93% of rhodamine is degraded after 14 h visible light radiation.     

Influence of growth conditions on the electrochemical synthesis of SnS thin films and their optical properties

Tin sulfide (SnS) thin films were prepared by electrodeposition onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates using an aqueous solution containing SnCl₂ and Na₂S₂O₃ at various deposition potentials (E) and bath concentrations. The pH value and temperature of the solution were kept constant. The deposited films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), photoluminescence (PL), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The FESEM images demonstrated that changes in the deposition potential (E) and solution concentration led to marked changes in the morphology of the deposited SnS films. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) results showed that the Sn/S atomic ratio strongly depended on both the solution concentration and the deposition potential. To obtain an Sn/S atomic ratio approximately equal to 1, the optimal Sn2+/S₂O₃2- molar ratio and E parameter were 1/8 and -1.0 V, respectively. The XRD patterns showed that the synthesized SnS was obviously polycrystalline, with an orthorhombic structure. The effects of the variations of bath concentration and deposition potential on the band-gap energy (E_g) were studied using PL and UV–Vis experiments. The PL spectra of all the SnS films contained two peaks in the visible region and one peak in the infrared (IR) region. The UV–Vis spectra showed that the optical band-gap energy varies from 1.21 to 1.44 eV.