Structural and dielectric study of nano-crystalline single phase Sn1−xNixS (xNi=0–10%) showing room temperature ferromagnetism

SnS is a promising Ⅳ-Ⅵ semiconductor,which is very less explored for diluted magnetic semiconducting and dielectric applications.In this study,the Ni doping(x_(Ni)=0-10mol%) effects on SnS host lattice were investigated.A simple and low cost co-precipitation technique was employed to grow Ni doped SnS powders.The X-ray diffraction confirmed single phase orthorhombic structure with a nano-crystalline nature that was further verified through the surface structure observed by scanning electron microscopy.Near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy revealed a shift in the Ni absorption edge towards higher energy,depicting the formation of Ni~(+3) oxidation state.The impedance measurements,in the frequency range 1 kHz to 20 MHz,depict that owing to the excellent sensitivity to the electromagnetic radiations at the low energy,the Ni doped SnS finds potential applications in various energy related devices.Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements have elucidated room temperature ferromagnetism,which depicts potential memory device applications.     

Structure and properties of solid-state synthesiz ed poly (3,4-propylenedi oxythiophene) /nano-ZnO composite

Poly（3,4-propylenedioxythiophene）/nano-Zinic Oxide（PProDOT/ZnO） composites with the content of 3-7 wt%nano-ZnO were synthesized by the solid-state method with FeCl₃ as oxidant.The structure and morphology of the composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared（FTIR）spectroscopy,ultraviolet-visible（UV-vis） absorption spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction（XRD） and transmission electron microscopy（TEM）.The electrochemical performances of the composites were investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge,cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS）.The photocatalytic activities of the composites were investigated by the degradation of methylene blue（MB） dyes in aqueous medium under UV light irradiation.The results from FTIR and UV-vis spectra showed that the PProDOT/ZnO composites were successfully synthesized by solid-state method,and nano-ZnO had great influences on the conjugation length and oxidation degree of the polymers.Furthermore,the PProDOT/5 wt%ZnO had the highest conjugation and oxidation degree among the composites.The results of XRD analysis indicated that there were some FeCl₄^- ions as doping agent in the PProDOT matrix,and the content of ZnO had no effect on diffraction pattern of PProDOT.Morphological studies revealed that the pure PProDOT and composites had similar morphological structure,and all the composites displayed an irregular sponge like morphology.The results of electrochemical tests showed that the PProDOT/5 wt%ZnO had a higher electrochemical activity with a specific capacitance value of 220 F g^-1 than others.The results from photocatalytic activities of the composites indicated that the PProDOT/5 wt%ZnO had better photocatalytic activity than other composites.     

Facile synthesis of nanosized sodium magnesium hydride, NaMgH3

The ternary magnesium hydride NaMgH 3 has been synthesised via reactive milling techniques.The method employed neither a reactive H2 atmosphere nor high pressure sintering or other post-treatment processes.The formation of the ternary hydride was studied as a function of milling time and ball:powder ratio.High purity NaMgH 3 powder(orthorhombic space group Pnma,a 5.437(2),b 7.705(5),c 5.477(2) ;Z 4) was prepared in 5 h at high ball:powder ratios and characterised by powder X-ray diffraction(PXD),Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM/EDX).The products formed sub-micron scale(typically 200-400 nm in size) crystallites that were approximately isotropic in shape.The dehydrogenation behaviour of the ternary hydride was investigated by temperature programmed desorption(TPD).The nanostructured hydride releases hydrogen in two steps with an onset temperature for the first step of 513 K.     

Densification behavior of mechanically milled Cu–8 at% Cr alloy and its mechanical and electrical properties

Synthesis and consolidation behavior of Cu–8 at%Cr alloy powders made by mechanical alloying with elemental Cu and Cr powders,and subsequently,compressive and electrical properties of the consolidated alloys were studied.Solid solubility of Cr in Cu during milling,and subsequent phase transformations during sintering and heat treatment of sintered components were analyzed using X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The milled powders were compacted applying three different pressures(200 MPa,400 MPa and 600 MPa)and sintered in H2atmosphere at 900 1C for 30 min and at 1000 1C for 1 h and 2 h.The maximum densification(92.8%)was achieved for the sample compacted at 600 MPa and sintered for 1000 1C for 2 h.Hardness and densification behavior further increased for the compacts sintered at 900 1C for 30 min after rolling and annealing process.TEM investigation of the sintered compacts revealed the bimodal distribution of Cu grains with nano-sized Cr and Cr2O3precipitation along the grain boundary as well as in grain interior.Pinning of grain boundaries by the precipitates stabilized the fine grain structure in bimodal distribution.     

Phase analysis of AlFe2B2 by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, magnetic and Mössbauer studies

The structural and magnetic properties of essentially phase pure AlFe_2B_2 prepared by arc melting were compared with a sample containing impurities. Analysis was carried out by means of synchrotron X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The analysis of synchrotron X-ray diffraction data confirmed the orthorhombic structure of space group Cmmm for AlFe_2B_2 with Al_(13)Fe_4 as main impurity phase. The magnetic measurements revealed an unsaturated ferromagnetic state in AlFe_2B_2 with a transition temperature(T_c) of 286 K. Isothermal magnetization measurment at 5 K gave a saturation magnetization of 0.7 μB per Fe atom while Arrott plots establish the second order nature of ferromagnetic transition. The thermal evolution of M?ssbauer spectra confirmed the ferromagnetic nature of this material revealing an hyperfine field of 73 kOe and an isomer shift of 0.46 mm/s at 100 K. The M?ssbauer spectra of a phase pure sample was compared with the one containing impurity phases. It is suggested that the low temperature paramagnetic contribution in M?ssbauer spectra of phase pure material may have its origin in some intrinsic phenomena arising from defects or inhomogeneities in crystal structure.     

Bilirubin sensor based on CuO-CdO composites deposited in a nafion/glassy carbon electrode matrixes

Copper oxide-cadmium oxide nanocomposites(CuO-CdO NCs) were synthesized by solvothermal technique in a basic medium. CuO-CdO NCs were characterized using conventional techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR), UV–Visible Spectroscopy(UV/Vis), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FESEM), X-ray electron dispersive spectroscopy(XEDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), and powder X-ray diffraction(XRD). A selective and enzyme-less Bilirubin(BLR) sensor was developed with a thin-layer of NCs onto a glassy carbon electrode(GCE, surface area = 0.0316 cm~2) using 5% nafion binders at room conditions. Improved electrochemical performances of higher sensitivity, lower detection limit,linear dynamic range(LDR), and long-term stability of preferred BLR were achieved by a reliable currentvoltage(I-V) approach. The calibration curve was found linear(R~2= 0.9347) in a wide range of BLR concentration(10.0 pM ~ 10.0 mM). Based on the signal to noise ratio value of 3, the sensitivity and limit of detection(LOD) of the sensor were calculated as 95.0 pA μM~(-1) cm~(-2) and 1.0 ± 0.1 pM respectively.Solvothermally synthesized CuO-CdO NCs/GCE is an excellent advancement of developing a selective and sensitive BLR sensor by electrochemical approach and practically implemented in real sample applications.     

Activated carbon derived from rice husk by NaOH activation and its application in supercapacitor

Four activated carbon(AC) samples prepared from rice husk under different activation temperatures have been characterized by N2adsorption–desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis(TGA–DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The specific surface area of AC sample reached 2681 m2 g 1under activation temperature of 800 1C. The AC samples were then tested as electrode material; the specific capacitance of the as-prepared activated carbon electrode was found to be 172.3 F g 1using cyclic voltammetry at a scan rate of 5 mV s 1and 198.4 F g 1at current density 1000 mA g 1in the charge/discharge mode.& 2014 Chinese Materials Research Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.     

Investigation on preparing boron nitride by nitriding pure boron at 1200–1550 1C

Boron nitride (BN) was prepared by nitriding pure boron (B) deposited on carbon substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Thermodynamic analysis of preparing BN by nitriding CVD B at 1200–1550 1C was firstly performed. And then, the effects of nitridation conditions, including temperature, nitridation atmosphere and CVD B microstructure, on the conversion of B to BN were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that the conversion degree of B to BN firstly increased and then slightly decreased with rising temperature. The nitridation degree was controlled by mutual actions between the nitridation of B and consumption of the effective nitrogen source (NH3). The morphology of products and the reaction mechanism between B and N were influenced by nitridation temperature. At high temperatures (1400–1500 1C), BN with highly ordered microstructure was produced. On using N2–H2 as nitridation atmosphere instead of NH3–H2– N2, no BN was obtained in the studied temperature range. The microstructure and component of BN obtained in nitridation process were little affected by the microstructure of CVD B.     

Effect of pickling processes on the microstructure and properties of electroless Ni–P coating on Mg–7.5Li–2Zn–1Y alloy

The electroless plating Ni–P is prepared on the surface of Mg–7.5Li–2Zn–1Y alloys with different pickling processes.The microstructure and properties of Ni–P coating are investigated.The results show that the Ni–P coatings deposited using the different pickling processes have a different high phosphorus content amorphous Ni–P solid solution structure,and the Ni–P coatings exhibit higher hardness.There is higher phosphorus content of Ni–P amorphous coating using 125 g/L Cr O3and 110 ml/L HNO3(w68%)than using 180 g/L Cr O3and 1 g/L KF during pre-treatment,and the coating structure is more compact,and the Ni–P coatings exhibit more excellent adhesion with substrate(Fcup to22 N).The corrosion potential of Ni–P coating is improved and exhibits good corrosion resistance.As a result,Mg-7.5Li-2Zn-1Y alloy is remarkably protected by the Ni–P coating.     

Novel flexible broadband microwave absorptive fabrics coated with graphite nanosheets/polyurethane nanocomposites

Graphite nanosheets (GNS) were prepared by surfactant assisted ultrasonication from expanded graphite (EG) and followed by coating onto vinylon fabrics with water-borne polyurethane (WPU). The morphology of GNS and GNS/polyurethane (PU) coatings was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and the structure of GNS was studied by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Electromagnetic (EM) parameters indicated that GNS is a kind of dielectric loss material, in which little magnetic loss is found. Reflection loss (RL) results showed that both GNS content and coated thickness had great influences on the microwave absorption. For the fabric coated with GNS/PU nanocomposites (30/100 by weight, wet thickness of 0.39 mm for dry areal density in 130 g/m2), RL values exceeding 5 dB could be obtained in the frequency range of 10.7–18 GHz, while 10 dB in 12.7–18 GHz, and a minimum value of 28 dB at 15.2 GHz. These GNS/PU coated fabrics are light and flexible with much thin and low-cost coated layer, and showed great potential in radar camouflaging and electromagnetic interference application.     

Preparation of electroless Ni–P composite coatings containing nano-scattered alumina in presence of polymeric surfactant

Ni–P electroless coating was applied on low carbon steel with the incorporation of different amounts of nano Al2O3 powder (ranging from 3 g/l to 30 g/l) in electroless bath. Corrosion properties and microstructures of the coating were studied. The dispersion stability of alumina colloidal particles stabilized by polymeric (non-ionic) surfactants in an electroless bath was also investigated. The surface morphology and the relevant structure were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Corrosion behavior of the coated steel was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization techniques. The results showed that increasing alumina concentration not only changed the surface morphology, but also promoted the corrosion resistance. Addition of surfactants has an indirect effect on the amount of the incorporated particles. Meanwhile, in the presence of surfactant, corrosion resistance of Ni–P coating containing even a small quantity of alumina was improved since a stabilized bath was obtained.     

Electroch emical properties and interfacial reactions of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ nanorods

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ which possesses a high voltage of 4.7 V vs.Li+/Li and stable structure has been considered as a promising cathode material for high energy Li-ion batteries.In this study,well-crystalli...     

Thermal behavior of zirconia-dop ed mullite gel fibers

The zirconia-doped mullite gel fibers were prepared via a sol-gel method.The thermal behaviors of the gel fibers during pyrolysis were investigated by means of thermal gravitydifferential scanning calo...     

The enhanced corrosion resistance of UMAO coatings on Mg by silane treatment

The surface silanization was carried out on ultrasonic micro-arc oxidation(UMAO) coatings on pure magnesium using KH550 as silane coupling agent(SCA). The surface morphology, chemical bonds and corrosion resistance of the silane films were investigated by scanning electron microscope(SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results showed that hybrid coatings were successfully prepared on pure magnesium by UMAO-Na OH(1 mol/L, 2 mol/L, 3 mol/L)-SCA processing. The organic films with Si–O–Mg bonds are helpful for the reduction of the pores in UMAO coatings. The pores decreased with increasing Na OH concentration. Compared with single UMAO treatment, the corrosion potentials(Ecorr) of magnesium plates with UMAO-Na OH(1 mol/L,2 mol/L, 3 mol/L)-SCA treatment increased by 29 m V, 53 m V and 75 m V, respectively, meanwhile the corrosion current density(Icorr) reduced one to two orders of magnitude. It indicated that the corrosion resistance of the coatings was improved by silane treatment.     

A single-step synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene sheets decorated with cobalt hydroxide nanoflakes for the determination of dopamine

Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide(NrGO)sheets decorated with Co(OH)_2nanoflakes were prepared by a single-step hydrothermal process.The morphological and structural characterizations of as synthesized Nr GO@Co(OH)_2nanoflakes were performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),EDX-mapping and X-ray diffraction(XRD).Nr GO@Co(OH)_2nanoflakes modified glassy carbon electrode(GCE)was used for electrochemical sensing of dopamine in neutral medium.The nanocomposite modified electrode showed enhanced electrochemical sensing ability for the detection of dopamine and the limit of detection(Lo D)was found to be 0.201μM with a sensitivity value of 0.0286±0.002 m A m M~(-1).Interference studies revealed that Nr GO@Co(OH)_2─GCE endow excellent selectivity for DA detection even in the presence of higher concentration of common co-existing physiological interfering analytes.Additionally,proposed sensor demonstrated excellent performance in urine samples with promising reproducibility and stability.     

Structure evolution of Y2O3 nanoparticle/Fe composite during mechanical milling and annealing

Fe-25 wt% Y2O3composite powders have been fabricated by mechanical milling(MM) Fe powders of 100 μm in diameter and Y2O3nanoparticles in an argon atmosphere for the milling periods of4,8,12,24,36,and 48 h,respectively.The features of these powders were characterized by using X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),electron probe micro analyzer(EPMA) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The experimental results showed that the mean particle size and crystalline size of MM powders decreased with the milling time increasing.All the elements distributed homogenously inside the powders after 48 h of MM.The lattice constant of the matrix α-Fe kept constant with the milling time,and no solid solution took place during MM process.After 8 h of MM,the α-Fe in each powder became nanocrystalline.After 48 h of MM,Y2O3changes from nanostructure into amorphous structure,and the crystalline size of α-Fe further decreased to 10 nm.The Y2O3in the powders mechanically milled for 48 h kept the amorphous structure after being annealed at 400 1C,and starts to crystallize when the powders are annealed at 600 1C.The amorphous Y2O3contains a small amount of Fe,and crystalline FeYO3appears at 800 1C.     

Growth, structural, optical, thermal and dielectric properties of a novel semi-organic nonline ar optical crystal: Dichloro-diglycine zinc II

Dichloro-diglycine zinc II(DCDGZ II),a semi-organic nonlinear optical material has been synthesized and single crystals were grown from the aqueous solution up to dimensions 20×10×3 mm3.The title compound,DCDGZ II(C4H10Cl2N2O4Zn H2O) crystallizes into monoclinic structure with the space group of C2/c.The unit-cell parameters were found to be a=14.4191(7),b=6.9180(2),c=12.9452(6) and Z=4.In the crystal structure,DCDGZ II layer is building up alternatingly with layers of water in which the zinc ions lie on a twofold axis.Theoretical calculations for polarizability,which are useful for device fabrication were made using Clausius–Mosotti equation and Penn analysis and the results were compared.Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopic studies were performed for the identification of the different functional groups presented in the compound.The UV–vis–NIR absorption spectrum reveals that the lower UV cut-off wavelength is 240 nm.The optical band gap of the crystal was estimated as 2.2 eV.The surface morphology,thermal behaviour,dielectric properties have been studied using SEM,TG/DTA and LCR HITESTER analyzer.The nonlinear optical property of the crystal was also confirmed using Kurtz powder technique.     

Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets addition on mechanical properties of pure aluminum using a semi-powder method

In recent years, graphene has attracted considerable research interest in all fields of science due to its unique properties. Its excellent mechanical properties lead it to be used in nano-composites for strength enhancement. This paper reports an Aluminum–Graphene Nanoplatelets(Al/GNPs)composite using a semi-powder method followed by hot extrusion. The effect of GNP nano-particle integration on tensile, compressive and hardness response of Al is investigated in this paper. It is demonstrated that 0.3 wt% Graphene Nanoplatelets distributed homogeneously in the matrix aluminum act as an effective reinforcing filler to prevent deformation. Compared to monolithic aluminum(in tension), Al–0.3 wt% GNPs composite exhibited higher 0.2% yield strength(+14.7%), ultimate tensile strength(+11.1%) and lower failure strain( -40.6%). Surprisingly, compared to monolithic Al(in compression), Al–0.3 wt% GNPs composite exhibited same 0.2% compressive yield strength and lower ultimate compression strength(- 7.8%),and lower failure strain(- 20.2%). The Al–0.3 wt% GNPs composite exhibited higher Vickers hardness compared to monolithic aluminum(+11.8%).Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy(EDS) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) were used to investigate the surface morphology, elemental percentage composition, and phase analysis, respectively.     

Bionic titania coating carbon multi-layer material derived from natural leaf and its superior photocatalytic performance

Bionic titania coating carbon multi-layer material was fabricated by employing canna leaves as substrate and carbon precursor. Titania nanocrystals were assembled and coated on the natural films. The carbonation treatment under pure N_2 atmosphere yielded the ultrathin multi-film hybrid material. The carbon layer was coated with small anatase titania crystallite(8–10 nm) and possessed a highly specific surface area of 248.3 m~2 g~(-1). Examination using UV–visible spectrophotometer(UV–vis) showed that the band gap of the multi-layer material was reduced to 2.75 eV, and the hydrogen production by photocatalytic splitting of water under visible light irradiation was about 302 μmol g~(-1) after six hour.     

Joining of Si3N4 ceramic using PdCo(Ni SiB)–V system brazingfi ller alloy and interfacial reactions

The wettability of V-active PdCo-based alloys on Si3N4ceramic was studied with the sessile drop method. And the alloy of Pd50.0–Co33.7–Ni4.0–Si2.0–B0.7–V9.6(wt%),was developed for Si3N4ceramic joining in the present investigation. The rapidly-solidified brazing foils were fabricated by the alloy Pd50.0–Co33.7–Ni4.0–Si2.0–B0.7–V9.6. The average room-temperature three-point bend strength of the Si3N4/Si3N4joints brazed at 1453 K for 10 min was 205.6 MPa,and the newly developed braze gives joint strengths of 210.9 MPa,206.6 MPa and 80.2 MPa at high temperatures of 973 K,1073 K and 1173 K respectively. The interfacial reaction products in the Si3N4/Si3N4joint brazed at 1453 K for10 min were identified to be VN and Pd2Si by XRD analysis. Based on the XEDS analysis result,the residual brazing alloy existing at the central part of the joint was verified as Co-rich phases,in which the concentration of element Pd was high up to 18.0–19.1 at%. The mechanism of the interfacial reactions was discussed. Pd should be a good choice as useful alloying element in newer high-temperature braze candidates for the joining of Si-based ceramics.