A general approach to porous crystalline TiO2, SrTiO3, and BaTiO3 spheres

Monodispersed porous crystalline TiO(2), SrTiO(3), and BaTiO(3) spheres were produced through a one-step hydrothermal process from amorphous TiO(2) spheres. The resulting samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen sorption measurements. On the basis of the characterization results, we proposed a formation process of these porous spheres according to a mechanism analogous to the Kirkendall effect. This study provides a general way to synthesize porous titania-based spheres.     

Miscibility of semirigid thermotropic liquid crystalline polycarbonate with poly(vinyl chloride)

Miscibility and morphology of polymer blends of semirigid thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) polycarbonate (LCPC) with three commercial amorphous poly(vinyl chloride)s (PVC) having various molecular weights were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). No phase separation was observed in the LCPC/PVC polymer blends. LCPC forms miscible polymer blends with the PVCs independent of molecular weight. The dynamic storage modulus of the LCPC/PVC polymer blends changes systematically with blend composition.     

Fe_3O_4@Nico@Ag纳米催化剂催化硝基芳烃加氢(英文)

We report the fabrication and characterization of a magnetically recyclable Fe_3O_4@Nico@Ag catalyst for reduction reactions in the liquid phase. Fe_3O_4 is a magnetic core and nicotinic acid was used as the linker for Ag. The characterization was done with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry(VSM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. VSM measurements proved the superparamagnetic property of the catalyst.     

Fe3O4@Nico@Ag纳米催化剂催化硝基芳烃加氢（英文）

We report the fabrication and characterization of a magnetically recyclable Fe3O4@Nico@Ag catalyst for reduction reactions in the liquid phase. Fe3O4 is a magnetic core and nicotinic acid was used as the linker for Ag. The characterization was done with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. VSM measurements proved the super-paramagnetic property of the catalyst.     

Spectroscopic imaging techniques for characterization of polymer morphologies: a combination of infrared and electron microscopy

The morphological characterization of polymer blends consisting of polyamide and poly(tetrafluoroethylene) using FT-IR spectroscopy and electron microscopy is described. To enhance the lateral resolution - one of the main limits in infrared spectroscopy - a combination with scanning electron microscopy and analytical electron microscopic methods of a transmission electron microscope was made. The possibilities of electron energy loss spectroscopy and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) in the area of polymer characterization are outlined.     

Interface characteristics of a Zr‐based BMG/copper laminated composite

Diffusion bonding of metallic glasses and crystalline metals utilizing excellent superplasticity of monolithic bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) within supercooled liquid region has been found to be an efficient method to improve the room temperature plasticity and fracture toughness of metallic glass. A Zr‐based BMG/copper laminated composite was fabricated by copressing method, and the interface bonding status was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. No void or crack is detected, and the interface is a metallurgical bonding of atomistic level. Although the BMG retains amorphous state after copressing at 390 °C, the region of the amorphous‐crystalline mixture structure with the width of 30–40 nm occurred within the diffusion zone. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Li_4Ti_5O_(12)纳米片的合成及储锂性能研究

以无定形的水合二氧化钛为前驱物,水热法合成了200～400nm大小的Li4Ti5O12纳米片作为锂离子电池负极材料.XRD(X射线衍射)、SEM(扫描电子显微镜)和TEM(透射电镜)分析表征样品的物相结构、表观形貌;循环伏安、充放电循环和电化学交流阻抗技术分别测定该纳米Li4Ti5O12在有机电解液和室温离子液体S114TFSI电解液中的电化学性能.结果表明,该材料具有较高的放电容量和良好的循环性能,有望成为锂二次电池新型负极材料.     

Recent advances in electron tomography: TEM and HAADF-STEM tomography for materials science and semiconductor applications.

Electron tomography is a well-established technique for three-dimensional structure determination of (almost) amorphous specimens in life sciences applications. With the recent advances in nanotechnology and the semiconductor industry, there is also an increasing need for high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structural information in physical sciences. In this article, we evaluate the capabilities and limitations of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-angle-annular-dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) tomography for the 3D structural characterization of partially crystalline to highly crystalline materials. Our analysis of catalysts, a hydrogen storage material, and different semiconductor devices shows that features with a diameter as small as 1-2 nm can be resolved in three dimensions by electron tomography. For partially crystalline materials with small single crystalline domains, bright-field TEM tomography provides reliable 3D structural information. HAADF-STEM tomography is more versatile and can also be used for high-resolution 3D imaging of highly crystalline materials such as semiconductor devices.     

Structural and electrochemical studies of annealed LiNiVO4 thin films

We prepared stoichiometric lithium nickel vanadate amorphous thin films by using r.f. magnetron sputtering under controlled oxygen partial pressure. The amorphous films were heated at various temperatures, 300–600 °C, for 8 h. The as‐deposited and annealed thin films were characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, nuclear reaction analysis, Auger electron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the various films was studied by the galvanostatic method. The cells were tested in a liquid electrolyte at room temperature, with lithium metal used as the counter and reference electrode. The best electrochemical storage value was obtained with the thin film annealed at 300 °C, which showed superior capacity and small capacity loss during cycling. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deposition of Silicon Carbide Thin Films from 1,1-Dimethyl-1-Silacyclobutane

1,1-Dimethyl-1-silacyclobutane was used as a single-source precursor to deposit SiC thin films on Si(100) and Si(111) by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). Polycrystalline β-SiC thin films were grown at temperatures 1100 and 1200°C. At temperatures between 950 and 1100°C, amorphous thin films of silicon carbide were obtained. The films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and electron diffraction (ED).     

Fabrication of silica nanoparticles and hollow spheres using ionic liquid microemulsion droplets as templates

Silica products with two different morphologies were synthesized using nonaqueous ionic liquid microemulsion droplets as templates. The morphologies of the obtained products were characterized by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By adjusting the reaction conditions, ellipsoidal nanoparticles were formed under acidic conditions, while hollow silica spheres were obtained under alkaline conditions. It is demonstrated that the size distribution of hollow silica spheres was narrower than that of the ellipsoidal nanoparticles. The various vibration modes of different functional groups in the silica materials were revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The two samples were both shown to be amorphous, not crystalline by X-ray diffraction (XRD). A simple diagram of the formation process including the hydrolysis and condensation reactions is given. Furthermore, a probable mechanism for the formation of silica materials under acidic or alkaline conditions is presented, which may be helpful for better understanding the different silica materials obtained under different conditions.     

A study of crystalline transitions in a thermoplastic polyimide

A new polyimide derived from 4,4′-isophthaloyldiphthalic anhydride (IDPA) and 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy-4′-benzoyl)benzene (1,3-BABB) having semicrystalline behavior was prepared at NASA Langley Research Center in 1987. The crystalline transitions of this thermoplastic polyimide have been studied. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) pattern of partially imidized film exhibited two distinct crystalline melt endotherms. For this study each crystalline phase was isolated and enhanced by controlled thermal treatment. A film containing approximately 50% of both phases and an amorphous film were also prepared. Evaluations of these films were performed by DSC, wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three distinct crystalline morphologies; ellipsoid, cubic, and needlelike embedded in an amorphous matrix were observed as a function of various cure conditions by SEM.     

Rapid self-assembly of core-shell organosilicon microcapsules within a microfluidic device

The preparation of hierarchically structured organosilicon microcapsules from commercially available starting materials is described. Using a microfluidic device, an emulsion of dichlorodiphenylsilane is formed in a continuous phase of aqueous glycerol. The silane droplets undergo hydrolysis, condensation, and crystallization within minutes to form self-assembled, core-shell microcapsules. The microparticles have been characterized with light and electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The characterization data show that the microcapsule walls consist of amorphous, oligomeric poly(diphenylsiloxane) surrounded by a spiny layer of crystalline diphenylsilanediol. Glycerol is occluded within the wall material but is not covalently bound to the silicon components. Glycerol is a crucial element for producing low-dispersity microcapsules with well-ordered surface spines, as the use of methyl cellulose as viscomodifier yields amorphous surfaces.     

Effect of the preparation route on the structure and microstructure of LaCoO3

Lanthanum cobaltite oxide, LaCoO₃, was prepared by the evaporation technique and the amorphous metal complex method. Powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and surface area measurements. The effect of the synthesis route on the phase purity, particle size, surface area, and morphology of the powders was studied. A single perovskite phase was synthesized at 700°C using the amorphous metal complex route. However, the evaporation technique required higher temperature for LaCoO₃ crystallization. Based on the characterization results, low temperature formation of LaCoO₃ was attributed to the homogeneity of the precursors. Such behavior also results in different microstructures. Powder synthesized by the amorphous metal complex method exhibited the highest surface area and the lowest particle size.     

Triphasic nanocolloids

Triphasic nanocolloids, that is, nanocolloids with three distinct compartments, were successfully produced by use of electrified co-jetting. Simultaneous manipulation of the three parallel liquid with laminar flows yielded a liquid droplet with three interfaces between the jetting liquids. Under a high electric potential, a single liquid jet was produced from the triple point of the droplet. Separation between the phases was maintained throughout the jetting process and resulted in triphasic nanocolloids. Poly(ethylene oxide), poly(acrylic acid), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) solutions were used and verified to be compatible with the process. Fluorescent-labeled biomolecules were selectively incorporated in each phase of the nanocolloids, and confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed for the characterization. Scanning electron microscopy results verified that the sizes of the colloids are in the range of nanocolloids. This simple and versatile technique to fabricate multicompartment nanocolloids is expected to have great impact on drug delivery, molecular imaging, and smart displays.     

Preparation, characterization and in vitro dissolution studies of solid systems of valdecoxib with chitosan

In the present study, the solubilizing and amorphizing properties of Valdecoxib (a poorly water soluble anti inflammatory drug) with low molecular weight chitosan (a polymer), have been investigated. Binary systems of varying drug/polymer ratios were prepared using different techniques (physical mixing, co-grinding, kneading) and were tested for dissolution. Drug carrier interactions were investigated in both the liquid and solid state, by phase solubility analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractrometry, FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The solubility of the drug increased with increasing polymer concentration showing A(N) type phase solubility diagram. Differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractrometry and scanning electron microscopic studies of binary systems suggested generation of amorphous form of drug (in kneading and co ground mixtures). IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydrogen bonding in kneading and co ground mixtures. Drug dissolution was improved with increasing the polymer concentration in the mixture (Kneaded>co ground>physical mixture), which was attributed to the amorphonization and/or decreased drug crystallinity, size and polymer wetting effect. Enhanced dissolution combined with its direct compression feasibility and anti ulcerogenic action results in low molecular weight chitosan for developing fast release oral solid dosage forms of valdecoxib.     

Loading of 5-aminosalicylic in solid lipid microparticles (SLM)

5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), the active moiety of sulphasalazine, is the most commonly used drug for treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its bioavailability is low, i.e. 20–30% upon oral administration and 10–35% by rectal administration. As the extent of 5-ASA absorption is very much dependent on the time-length, the drug is retained in the colon, a way to increase drug retention is the use of orally administered sustained released formulations. Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) are a viable option for site-specific targeted delivery in compressed tablets produced by direct compaction. In this study, we describe the development and characterization of 5-ASA-loaded SLM for sustained release. The solubility of 5-ASA in different types of solid lipids (e.g. cetyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol) was evaluated to select the best lipid as the inert matrix-forming agent to control the release of the drug. SLM dispersions were prepared using the hot emulsification method employing the selected solid lipid, lecithin (Lipoid^®) as surfactant, dimethyl sulphoxide, and acetone stabilized with Arlacel^®. The characterization was performed by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide-angle x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the best lipid for dissolving the 5-ASA was cetyl palmitate and that the melting process did not affect the chemical stability of the materials. The thermal analysis suggests that 5-ASA was successfully encapsulated with the microparticles, of spherical shape and uniform size distribution.

     

5%Al-Zn-0.1%RE合金非晶带的研究

用急冷法制取５％Ａｌ－Ｚｎ－０．１％ＲＥ合金薄带,通过Ｘ射线衍射,差式量热扫描和高分辨透射电子显微镜观察表明,这种合金薄带为纳米晶粒弥散的非晶合金。对不同冷却速度得到的合金薄带进行观察比较,发现冷却速度越快得到的合金晶粒越差,在低冷却速度下反而容易获得室温下稳定的纳米晶粒弥散的非晶合金,而且晶粒细化。     

Effect of Sodium Concentration on the Synthesis of Faujasite by Two-step Synthesis Procedure

The relationship between the concentration of sodium cations and the properties of faujasite(FAU) zeolite was investigated using a two-step synthesis procedure including (1) formation of amorphous aluminosilicate precursors and separation of amorphous nanoparticles, and (2) transformation of these amorphous particles into zeolite crystals by treatment with alkali solutions(NaOH). Three representative samples including two nano-sized zeolites and one micron-sized zeolite were prepared using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide. The crystallization process of these zeolites was studied in detail by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(NMR), X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and N₂ adsorption. The results indicated that minor changes in the concertation of inorganic cations can significantly shorten the induction period and crystallization time and thus affect the morphology, size and chemical composition of the zeolite crystals.     

纳米Co-B非晶态合金对高氯酸铵分解的催化性能

 利用化学还原法制备了纳米 Co-B 非晶态合金,并用透射电镜、X射线衍射、差示扫描量热和N2吸附表面积测试等技术对样品进行了表征. 运用差热分析研究了纳米 Co-B 非晶态合金对高氯酸铵(AP)分解的催化性能. 结果表明,加入 Co-B 非晶态合金后AP的高低温放热峰相连,合并成一个高而大的放热峰,且峰温有很大程度的降低, 这说明纳米 Co-B 非晶态合金对AP热分解有很好的催化活性. 同时, Co-B 非晶态合金能使AP的表观分解热显著增大.