Influence of O_2/Ar ratio on the properties of transparent conductive niobium-doped ZnO films

Niobium-doped ZnO transparent conductive films are deposited on glass substrates by radio frequency sputtering at 300℃.The influence of O2/Ar ratio on the structural,electrical and optical properties of the as-deposited films is investigated by X-ray diffraction,Hall measurement and optical transmission spectroscopy.The lowest resistivity of 4.0×10-4 Ω·cm is obtained from the film deposited at the O2/Ar ratio of 1/12.The average optical transmittance of the films is over 90%.     

Influence of O2/Ar ratio on the properties of transparent conductive niobium-doped ZnO films

Niobium-doped ZnO transparent conductive films are deposited on glass substrates by radio frequency sputtering at 300℃. The influence of O2/Ar ratio on the structural, electrical and optical properties of the as-deposited films is investigated by X-ray diffraction, Hall measurement and optical transmission spectroscopy. The lowest resistivity of 4.0×10^-4Ω· cm is obtained from the film deposited at the O2/Ar ratio of 1/12. The average optical transmittance of the films is over 90%.     

Giant magneto-optical faraday effect of nanometer Fe-In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> granular films

The giant magneto-optical Faraday effect of nanometer ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor matrix Fe-ln2O3 granular films prepared by the radio frequency sputtering are studied. The result shows that the Faraday rotation angle θF value of the granular film samples with Fe volume fraction x = 35% is of the order of 10^5（°）/cm at room temperature. Temperature dependence of the Faraday rotation angle θF of Fe0.35（In2O3）0.65 granular films shows that θF value below 10 K increases rapidly with the decrease of the temperature, and when T= 4.2 K, θF value is 106（°）/cm. Through the study of the dependence of low field susceptibility on temperature and the hysteresis loops at different temperatures, it has been found that when the temperature decreases to a critical point Tp = 10 K, the transformation of state from ferro-agnetic to spin-glass-like occurs in Fe0.35（In2O3）0.65 granular films. The remarkable increase of the Faraday rotation angle θF value of Fe0.35（In2O3）0.65 granular films below 10 K seems to arise from the sp-d exchange interaction of the granular film samples in the spin-glass-like state.     

Nonlinear optical properties of Eu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> doped 5ZnO-20Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>-75TeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glasses

The third-order optical nonlinearities, including third-order nonlinear susceptibility X^(3), nonlinear refractive index (n2) and temporal response, were measured with forward DFWM using Nd:YAG mode-locked pulse laser. The results show that Eu203 doped 5ZnO-20Nb2O5-75TeO2 glasses have large n2 and ultra-fast temporal response. Raman spectra show that Eu2O3 dopant induces the changes in the local structure of glasses. The higher the dopant concentration, the larger the nonlinear refractive n2 and the faster the temporal response. The enhancement on the third-order optical nonlinearities can be attributed to the deformation of the electronic clouds in [TeO4] enhanced by Eu2O3 dopant.     

一种三明治结构透明导电薄膜的制备及光电性能

采用直流磁控溅射法制备了ZAO/Cu/ZAO多层透明导电薄膜,研究了参铝氧化锌(ZAO)薄膜厚度对多层膜晶体结构和光电特性的影响.用X射线衍射仪、原子力显微镜、紫外可见光分光光度计及四探针对样品的晶体结构与光电性能等进行了表征.结果表明,多层膜的平均透过率最高达86%,方块电阻达9/sq;ZAO膜层厚度对多层膜的导电性能影响很小,但严重影响可见光透过率;多层膜中的ZAO层仍呈ZnO晶态结构,且具有明显的c轴取向特征.这种三明治结构是一种性能优良的太阳能透明导电层候选材料.     

Preparation and radar-absorbing properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Yb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composite powder

Al₂O₃/TiO₂/Fe₂O₃/Yb₂O₃ composite powder was synthesized via the sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, and radar-absorption properties of the composite powder were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and RF impedance analysis. The results show that two types of particles exist in the composite powder. One is irregular flakes (100-200 nm) and the other is spherical Al₂O₃ particles (smaller than 80 nm). Electromagnetic wave attenuation is mostly achieved by dielectric loss. The maximum value of the dissipation factor reaches 0.76 (at 15.68 GHz) in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. The electromagnetic absorption of waves covers 2-18 GHz with the matching thicknesses of 1.5-4.5 mm. The absorption peak shifts to the lower-frequency area with increasing matching thickness. The effective absorption band covers the frequency range of 2.16-9.76 GHz, and the maximum absorption peak reaches -20.18 dB with a matching thickness of 3.5 mm at a frequency of 3.52 GHz.     

Preparation of In<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Cu-Doped In<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> 2D Ultrathin Nanoflakes with Tunable Absorption and Intense Photocurrent Response

We reported an effective method to synthesize In₂S₃ and Cu-doped In₂S₃ two-dimensional ultrathin nanoflakes by the hydrothermal method through tuning the Cu/In molar ratio. The transmission electron microscope images showed that the products had ultrathin flake-like shape with wrinkling and rolling. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the crystal phase of nanoflakes was varied from β-In₂S₃ to tetragonal-CuInS₂ as the Cu/In molar ratio was increased. The In₂S₃ nanoflakes exhibited absorption band at 450 nm, while new absorption peaks in turn appeared at 550 nm and 670 nm as the Cu/In molar ratio was increased. In addition, the two-dimensional ultrathin nanoflakes exhibited intense photocurrent response.     

Chemical quenching and inhibition of positronium in Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts

The pore structure of Cr2O3/Al2O3 catalysts and the surface chemical properties of these pores were characterized by positron lifetime and coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) measurements. Four lifetime components could be resolved from the positron lifetime spectrum, with two long lifetime components and two short lifetime components. The two long lifetimes τ4 and τ3 are attributed to ortho-positronium (o-Ps) annihilation in large pores and microvoids, respectively. With increasing Cr2O3 content, both τ4 and its intensity I4 show sharp decrease, while τ3 and its intensity I3 keep nearly unchanged. The Doppler broadening S parameters also show sharp decrease with increasing Cr2O3 content. Detailed analysis of the CDB spectrum reveals that the parapositronium (p-Ps) intensity also decreases with increasing Cr2O3 content. This indicates that the change of o-Ps lifetime τ4 is due to the chemical quenching by Cr2O3 but not spin-conversion of positronium. The decrease of o-Ps intensity I4 indicates that Cr2O3 also inhibits positronium formation.     

Influence of nano-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-reinforced oxide-dispersion-strengthened Cu on the mechanical and tribological properties of Cu-based composites

The mechanical and tribological properties of Cu-based powder metallurgy (P/M) friction composites containing 10wt%–50wt% oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Cu reinforced with nano-Al₂O₃ were investigated. Additionally, the friction and wear behaviors as well as the wear mechanism of the Cu-based composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping. The results indicated that the Cu-based friction composite containing 30wt% ODS Cu exhibited the highest hardness and shear strength. The average and instantaneous friction coefficient curves of this sample, when operated in a high-speed train at a speed of 300 km/h, were similar to those of a commercial disc brake pad produced by Knorr-Bremse AG (Germany). Additionally, the lowest linear wear loss of the obtained samples was (0.008 ± 0.001) mm per time per face, which is much lower than that of the Knorr-Bremse pad ((0.01 ± 0.001) mm). The excellent performance of the developed pad is a consequence of the formation of a dense oxide composite layer and its close combination with the pad body.     

Influence of Ag doping on the microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-based varistor ceramics

Silver in the form of AgNO₃ was added to ZnO-based varistor ceramics prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The effects of AgNO₃ on both the microstructure and electrical properties of the varistors were studied in detail. The optimum addition amount of AgNO₃ in ZnO-based varistors was also determined. The mechanism for grain growth inhibition by silver doping was also proposed. The results indicate that the varistor threshold voltage increases substantially along with the AgNO₃ content increasing from 0 to 1.5mol%. Also, the introduction of AgNO₃ can depress the mean grain size of ZnO, which is mainly responsible for the threshold voltage. Furthermore, the addition of AgNO₃ results in a slight decrease of donor density and a more severe fall in the density of interface states, which cause a decline in barrier height and an increase in the depletion layer.     

Effects of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> on the properties of ceramics from steel slag

Ferric oxide is one of the key factors affecting both the microstructure and the properties of CaO-MgO-SiO₂-based ceramics. Research on this effect is significant in the utilization of iron-rich solid wastes in ceramics. Ceramic samples with various Fe₂O₃ contents (0wt%, 5wt%, and 10wt%) were prepared and the corresponding physical properties and microstructure were studied. The results indicated that Fe₂O₃ not only played a fluxing role, but also promoted the formation of crystals. Ceramics with 5wt% of Fe₂O₃ addition attained the best mechanical properties with a flexural strength of 132.9 MPa. Iron ions were dissolved into diopside, consequently causing phase transformation from diopside and protoenstatite to augite, thereby contributing to the enhancement of its properties. An excess amount of Fe₂O₃ addition (10wt% or more) resulted in deteriorated properties due to the generation of an excess volume of liquid and the formation of high-porosity structures within ceramics.     

Acid etching process for fabrication of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8＋x stack

We adopted a new method, acid etching process, to fabricate the intrinsic Josephson junctions based on the Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 x single crystals. By soaking the crystals into the dilute hydrochloric acid, we fabricated a junction stack successfully, and meantime made the surrounding area insulated. A certain concentration of hydrochloric acid was used to maintain the roughness of the modified layer. The cur-rent-voltage characteristic was achieved through the four terminal measurement. We could control the junctions' number by changing the concentration and the soaking time. We also found that the thick-ness of the stack was equal to the average height of the insulation layer. Such a simple, convenient and controllable fabrication method with a high yield might widen the applications of the intrinsic Joseph-son junctions.     

Reinforcing effect of graphene on the mechanical properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiC ceramics

Multilayer graphene (MLG)-reinforced Al₂O₃/TiC ceramics were fabricated through hot pressing sintering, and the reinforcing effect of MLG on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated by experiment and simulation. The simulation of dynamic crack initiation and propagation was investigated based on the cohesive zone method. The results show that the composite added with 0.2wt% MLG has excellent flexural strength and high fracture toughness. The major reinforcing mechanisms are the synergistic effect by strong and weak bonding interfaces, MLG pull-out, and grain refinement resulting from the addition of MLG. In addition, the aggravating of crack deflection, branching, blunting, and bridging have indispensable contribution to the improvement of the as-designed materials.     

Effect of Al2O3 and Y2O3 on the corrosion behavior of ZrO2-benzotriazole nanostructured coatings applied on AA2024 via a sol-gel method

zirconia-based nanostructured coatings were deposited on AA2024 to improve the corrosion resistance properties. Three different nanostructured coatings, namely, zirconia-benzotriazole, zirconia-alumina-benzotriazole, and zirconia-yttria-benzotriazole, were applied on AA2024 via a sol-gel method using the dip-coating technique. Next, the coatings were annealed at 150℃ after each dipping period. The phases and morphologies of the coatings were investigated using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The corrosion properties were evaluated using electrochemical methods, including polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques in 3.5wt% NaCl solution. The obtained results confirm the formation of homogeneous and crack free zirconia-benzotriazole-based nanostructured coatings. The average roughness values for zirconia-benzotriazole, zirconia-alumina-benzotriazole, and zirconia-yttria-benzotriazole nanostructured coatings were 30, 8, and 6 nm, respectively. The presence of alumina as a stabilizer on zirconia coating was found to have a beneficial impact on the stability of the corrosion resistance for different immersion times. In fact, the addition of alumina resulted in the dominance of the healing behavior in competition with the corrosion process of zirconia-benzotriazole nanostructured coating.     

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Spin-Liquid Tb2Ti2O7

Polycrystalline samples of a novel spin-liquid compound Tb2Ti2O7 were prepared by a standard solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction at room temperature confirms that the synthesized compound of Tb2Ti2O7 is single phase with cubic unit cell constant a0 of 1.015 44 nm. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range between 100 and 300 K give an effective moment of 9.44 μB and Curie-Weiss temperature of 12.68 K, respectively, indicating the dominance of antiferromagnetic interactions. However, below 50 K, the magnetic behavior of Tb2Ti2O7 deviates from Curie-Weiss law, whose origin remains suspicion.     

Electro-deoxidation of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> in molten CaCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>-NaCl-CaO

The electro-deoxidation of V₂O₃ precursors was studied. Experiments were carried out with a two-terminal electrochemical cell, which was comprised of a molten electrolyte of CaCl₂ and NaCl with additions of CaO, a cathode of compact V₂O₃, and a graphite anode under the potential of 3.0 V at 1173 K. The phase constitution and composition as well as the morphology of the samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 3 g of V₂O₃ could be converted to vanadium metal powder within the processing time of 8 h. The kinetic pathway was investigated by analyzing the product phase in samples prepared at different reduction stages. CaO added in the reduction path of V₂O₃ formed the intermediate product CaV₂O₄.     

Microwave absorption properties of SiC@SiO2@Fe3O4 hybrids in the 2-18 GHz range

To enhance the microwave absorption performance of silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs), SiO₂ nanoshells with a thickness of approximately 2 nm and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were grown on the surface of SiCNWs to form SiC@SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids. The microwave absorption performance of the SiC@SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids with different thicknesses was investigated in the frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz using a free-space antenna-based system. The results indicate that SiC@SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids exhibit improved microwave absorption. In particular, in the case of an SiC@SiO₂ to iron(Ⅲ) acetylacetonate mass ratio of 1:3, the microwave absorption with an absorber of 2-mm thickness exhibited a minimum reflection loss of -39.58 dB at 12.24 GHz. With respect to the enhanced microwave absorption mechanism, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated on SiC@SiO₂ nanowires are proposed to balance the permeability and permittivity of the materials, contributing to the microwave attenuation.     

Preparation and luminescence properties of YeO3：Er^3＋/TiO2 with high specific surface area

The three composites Y2O3 :Er3+ , Y2O3 :Er3+ /Yb 3+ andY2O3 :Er3+ /TiO2 were prepared using coprecipitation and sol-gel techniques. Their morphology, specific surface area, porosity, UV-vis. absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra were measured using SEM, TEM, surface analysis, UV-vis. absorption and photoluminescence spectrophotometry. SEM and TEM showed that samples prepared using coprecipitation were dispersed, while Y2O3 :Er3+ /TiO2 particles possessed a mesoporous surface and average diameter of ab...     

Adsorption and catalytic combustion of ARB on CuO-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

CuO-Fe2O3 composite material with strong magnetism and a large surface area is prepared by the co-precipitate method. Its adsorption properties towards Acid Red B (ARB) and the regeneration by catalytic combastion of organic compounds have been studied. The results show that the prepared CuO-Fe2O3 composite is an excellent adsorbent for ARB adsorption at acid condition. The presence of Cl^- has no effect on ARB adsorption. But the SO4^2- can inhibit ARB adsorption. After being recovered by the magnetic separation method, the adsorbent can be regenerated by catalytic oxidation of absorbate at 300℃ in air atmosphere. The combustion reactions of ARB in the presence or absence of CuO-Fe2O3 are studied by in situ diffuse refieclion FTIR. The results indicate that, in the presence of CuO-Fe2O3, the degradation temperature is significantly lowered by the catalysis of CuO-Fe2O3, and ARB can be oxidized completely without volatile organic compound by-product; in comparison, in the absence of CuO-Fe2O3, the temperature needed for oxidation of ARB is higher and the reaction is incomplete with some N-containing harmful compounds produced. The reusability of CuO-Fe2O3 is also studied in successive seven adsorption-regeneration cycles.     

Effect of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3sf</Subscript> addition on the friction and wear properties of (SiC<Subscript>p</Subscript>+Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3sf</Subscript>)/Al2024 composites fabricated by pressure infiltration

Aluminum (Al) 2024 matrix composites reinforced with alumina short fibers (Al₂O_3sf) and silicon carbide particles (SiC_p) as wear-resistant materials were prepared by pressure infiltration in this study. Further, the effect of Al₂O_3sf on the friction and wear properties of the as-synthesized composites was systematically investigated, and the relationship between volume fraction and wear mechanism was discussed. The results showed that the addition of Al₂O_3sf, characterized by the ratio of Al₂O_3sf to SiC_p, significantly affected the properties of the composites and resulted in changes in wear mechanisms. When the volume ratio of Al₂O_3sf to SiC_p was increased from 0 to 1, the rate of wear mass loss (K_m) and coefficients of friction (COFs) of the composites decreased, and the wear mechanisms were abrasive wear and furrow wear. When the volume ratio was increased from 1 to 3, the COF decreased continuously; however, the K_m increased rapidly and the wear mechanism became adhesive wear.