Luminescent Properties of Borosilicate Glass Doped with Cerium

Physics of the Solid State - ABS–BGP glasses (Al2O3–B2O3–SiO2–BaCO3–Gd2O3–P2O5) doped with different concentrations of Ce3+ ions are synthesized by the...     

Comparative study of aerogels nanostructured catalysts: Ni/ZrO2–SO4 2− and Ni/ZrO2–Al2O3–SO4 2−

Ionics - A series of Ni/ZrO2–SO4 2− and Ni/ZrO2–Al2O3–SO4 2− catalysts were prepared in one step by the sol–gel method and dried in hypercritical conditions of...     

Curcumin-sensitized TiO2 for enhanced photodegradation of dyes under visible light

Curcumin was coated on P25 TiO₂ by using impregnation method from freshly prepared curcumin solution. The resulting products (Cur–TiO₂–P25) was studied by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, and UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy. Experimental results revealed that impregnation of curcumin at 0.5, 3, 5, and 7 wt% did not affect the native phase of anatase and rutile in P25 significantly, however, it caused red shift of absorption onset in all curcumin-coated samples. The Cur–TiO₂–P25 showed enhanced adsorption efficiency and increased photocatalytic activity under visible light with optimal result at 5 wt% curcumin content. Commercial anatase and rutile coated with curcumin (Cur–TiO₂–an and Cur–TiO₂–ru) were also prepared by the same method for the use in comparative studies of photodegradation of dyes. Cur–TiO₂–an and Cur–TiO₂–ru were also characterized with some selected equipment above but not as extensively as the Cur–TiO₂–P25. Curcumin coating helped improve photocatalytic efficiencies of P25 and anatase but not for rutile. The mechanism of photocatalytic reaction was proposed that under visible light irradiation, curcumin molecule could act as dye sensitizing agent that injected electron into the conduction band of TiO₂ leading to photodegradation of dyes.     

Specific Features of the Local Structure and Transport Properties of ZrO2–Sc2O3–Y2O3 and ZrO2–Sc2O3–Yb2O3 Crystals

Optics and Spectroscopy - The specific features of the local structure of ZrO2–Sc2O3–Y2O3 and ZrO2–Sc2O3–Yb2O3 crystals are revealed by optical spectroscopy using the Eu3+...     

Nuclear Physical Properties of Austenitic Nickel and Manganese Steels under Neutron Irradiation in Nuclear Fission (Fast) and Fusion Reactors

Physics of Atomic Nuclei - The nuclear physical properties of austenitic chromium-nickel steel EK-164 (Fe–16Cr–19Ni–2Mo–2Mn–Nb–Ti–B) and its...     

Effective phototransformation in a heterostructure based on copper(I) oxide and cadmium tin oxide

We present a heterostructure consisting of anodic copper oxide Cu₂O on a copper substrate and a transparent Cd–Sn–O conducting film for use in solar cells. Focusing on simplicity and the availability of film fabrication techniques, we chose anodic oxidation for forming the Cu₂O film and the extraction-pyrolysis technique for forming the transparent Cd–Sn–O conducting layer. We demonstrate the possibility of considerable enhancement of the phototransformation efficiency in the Cu–Cu₂O/Cd–Sn–O structure over this parameter in the Cu–Cu₂O structure.     

On quasi-periodic solutions of the 2+1 dimensional Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Kotera–Sawada equation

The 2+1 dimensional Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Kotera–Sawada equation is decomposed into systems of integrable ordinary differential equations resorting to the nonlinearization of Lax pairs. The Abel–Jacobi coordinates are introduced to straighten the flows, from which quasi-periodic solutions of the 2+1 dimensional Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Kotera–Sawada equation are obtained in terms of Riemann theta functions.     

Chemical Analyses of Potash–Lime Silicate Glass Artifacts from the Warring States Period in China

Potash–lime silicate (K₂O–CaO–SiO₂) glass dated to the Warring States Periods is one of the earliest glass types that have been found in China, but scientific research about this type of glass is scarce at home and abroad. In the present study, a total of 23 potash–lime silicate glass samples of the Warring States Period, excavated from different areas of China, were analyzed noninvasively using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF). The chemical composition of these K₂O–CaO–SiO₂ glasses was analyzed and compared with that of the potash silicate (K₂O-SiO₂) glasses of the Han Dynasties. The possible raw materials used to make the ancient K₂O–CaO–SiO₂ glasses were discussed. It appears that the ancient K₂O–CaO–SiO₂ glasses were produced in China and the potash glasses were of versatile origins. This research provides useful clues to trace the technical development of ancient Chinese glass.     

Simplified sonochemical preparation of titania embedded with selected metals for purification of benzene and toluene

Titania (TiO₂) photocatalysts, each embedded with one of six metals (Ag, Ce, Co, Fe, Mg, and Mn), were prepared using a simplified ultrasonic process. The characteristics of the prepared metal-embedded TiO₂ (metal–TiO₂) were determined using transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. Except for Co–TiO₂, the metal–TiO₂ photocatalysts showed improved performance for the decomposition of gaseous benzene and toluene, which are two of the most problematic indoor air pollutants that can cause a variety of adverse health symptoms, under daylight lamp irradiation. Photocatalytic activity was greatest for the Mg–TiO₂ sample, followed by, in order, the Ag–TiO₂, Ce–TiO₂, Fe–TiO₂, Mn–TiO₂, unmodified TiO₂, and Co–TiO₂ samples. Although Mg–TiO₂ showed the least redshift in its light absorption and the highest electron–hole recombination rate among the metal–TiO₂ photocatalysts, it yielded the highest photocatalytic activity, likely because of its increased adsorption capacity and anatase composition. The degradation of benzene and toluene over Mg–TiO₂ improved as ultrasound treatment amplitude increased from 20 to 37 μm, then decreased gradually as amplitude was further increased to 49 μm. Degradation efficiency also improved as ultrasound operation time increased from 30 to 60 min, then decreased gradually as amplitude was further increased to 90 min. Overall, this process could be utilized to prepare metal–TiO₂ photocatalysts with improved performance for the decomposition of gas phase pollutants under daylight lamp irradiation.     

Effect of ultradisperse TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, and cryolite powders on high-chromium cast iron hardening

The quantitative parameters of structural-phase state of Fe–27% Cr–2% Ni–2.8% C cast iron are determined via X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy before and after adding ultradisperse TiO₂, ZrO₂ and cryolite powders. The contributions from individual physical mechanisms in increasing the yield stress of cast irons are quantitatively assessed. It is established that the main contribution to the durability of modified Fe–27% Cr–2% Ni–2.8% C cast iron come from solid-solution, dispersion, and grain-boundary mechanisms of hardening.     

Density functional study of uranyl （VI） amidoxime complexes

Uranyl (Ⅵ) amidoxime complexes are investigated using relativistic density functional theory. The equilibrium structures, bond orders, and Mulliken populations of the complexes have been systematically investigated under a generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Comparison of (acet) uranyl amidoxime complexes ([UO 2 (AO) n ] 2 n , 1≤ n ≤4) with available experimental data shows an excellent agreement. In addition, the U-O(1), U-O(3), C(1)-N(2), and C(3)-N(4) bond lengths of [UO 2 (CH 3 AO) 4 ] 2 are longer than experimental data by about 0.088, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.056 A. The angles of N(3)-O(3)-U, O(2)-N(1)-C(1), N(3)-C(3)-N(4), N(4)-C(3)-C(4), and C(4)-C(3)-N(3) are different from each other, which is due to existing interaction between oxygen in uranyl and hydrogen in amino group. This interaction is found to be intra-molecular hydrogen bond. Studies on the bond orders, Mulliken charges, and Mulliken populations demonstrate that uranyl oxo group functions as hydrogen-bond acceptors and H atoms in ligands act as hydrogen-bond donors forming hydrogen bonds within the complex.     

Influence of cooperativity on the frequency shift of the Ar–H stretch vibration in HArF complexes

CH₃Li–FArH–X (X?=?H₂, OC, N₂, P₂, CO₂, CO, BeH₂) trimers have been investigated using quantum chemical calculations at the QCISD/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. The results show that the lithium bonding has a prominent effect on the strength and properties of the hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen-bonding interaction energy is increased by 160–340% due to the presence of lithium bonding. The Ar–H stretch vibration shows a blue shift in the FArH–X (X?=?H₂, OC, N₂, CO₂, CO) dimer, but a red shift in the FArH–X (X?=?P₂, BeH₂) dimer. The red shift is increased in the corresponding trimer, while the blue shift shows a different change. The blue shift is also increased in CH₃Li–FArH–X (X?=?H₂, OC, N₂, CO₂) trimers, but it changes to a red shift in the CH₃Li–FArH–CO trimer. The shift change is consistent with the explanation given by Joseph and Jemmis.     

Kinetic studies of the reaction of phenacyl bromide derivatives with sulfur nucleophiles

The reaction of the substituted phenacyl bromides 1a–e and 2a–e with thioglycolic acid 3 and thiophenol 6 in methanol underwent nucleophilic substitution S_N2 mechanism to give the corresponding 2‐sulfanylacetic acid derivatives 4a–e, 5a–e and benzenethiol derivatives 9a–e, 10a–e. The reactants and products were identified by mass spectra, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance. We measured the kinetics of these reactions conductometrically in methanol at a range of temperatures. The rates of the reactions were found to fit the Hammett equation and correlated with σ‐Hammett values. The ρ values for thioglycolic acid were 1.22–1.21 in the case of 4‐substituted phenacyl bromide 1a–e, while in the case of the nitro derivatives 2a–e they were 0.39–0.35. The ρ values for thiophenol were 0.97–0.83 in the case of 4‐substituted phenacyl bromide 1a–e, while in the case of the nitro derivatives 2a–e they were 0.79–0.74. The Brønsted‐type plot was linear with a α = ?0.41 ± 0.03. The kinetic data and structure‐reactivity relationships indicate that the reaction of 1a–e and 2a–e with thiol nucleophiles proceeds by a concerted mechanism. The plot of log k₄₅ versus log k₃₀, the plot log(k_x,3‐NO2/k_H) versus log(k_x/k_H), and the Brønsted‐type correlation indicate that the reactions of the thiol nucleophiles with the substituted phenacyl bromides 1a–e and 2a–e are attributed to the electronic nature of the substituents. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of Zn2+–Ni2+–Fe3+–CO32−LDHs and study of photocatalytic activities for decomposition of Methyl Orange solution

New type photocatalytic materials of Zn²⁺–Ni²⁺–Fe³⁺–CO₃^2?LDHs were prepared by complexing agent-assisted homogeneous precipitation technique and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Ni(NO₃)·6H₂O, Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O used as raw materials in the case of molar ratio of Zn²⁺/Ni²⁺/Fe³⁺ = 1:6:2. Zn²⁺–Ni²⁺–Fe³⁺–CO₃^2?LDHs having a specific surface area of 96.5 m²/g. The structure and catalytic properties of the material were systematically studied. The experimental results show that the Zn²⁺–Ni²⁺–Fe³⁺–CO₃^2?LDHs has a higher adsorption performance and lower band gap which make it an excellent catalyst for reducing the degradation of the methyl orange. Study on the process of photocatalytic reaction shows that Methyl Orange was adsorbed to the layer of Zn²⁺–Ni²⁺–Fe³⁺–CO₃^2?LDHs, and then it was photodecomposed to inorganic molecules and ions by Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Fe³⁺ on the surface of Zn²⁺–Ni²⁺–Fe³⁺–CO₃^2?LDHs.     

Structural evolution of ZrO2–mullite nanocomposites from the Si–Al–Zr–O amorphous bulk

ZrO₂–mullite nanocomposites were fabricated by in-situ-controlled crystallization of Si–Al–Zr–O amorphous bulk at 800–1250°C. The structural evolution of the Si–Al–Zr–O amorphous, annealed at different temperatures, was studied by X-ray diffraction, infrared, Laser Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The materials consisted of an amorphous phase up to 920°C at which phase separation of Si-rich and Al, Zr-rich clusters occurred. The crystalline phases of t-ZrO₂ and mullite were observed at 950°C and 1000°C, respectively. Mullite with a tetragonal structure, formed by the reaction between Al–Si spinel and amorphous silica at low temperature, changed into an orthorhombic structure with the increase of temperature. It was the phase segregation that improved crystallization of the Si–Al–Zr–O amorphous bulk. The anisotropic growth of mullite was observed and the phase transformation from t-ZrO₂ to m-ZrO₂ occurred when the temperature was higher than 1100°C.     

Electroluminescence of Ta2O5 Films Formed by Molecular Layer Deposition

Optics and Spectroscopy - The possibility of using electroluminescence to study Si–Ta2O5 and Si–SiO2–Ta2O5 structures and obtain information on the electronic structure of the...     

Analytical representation of half-width for molecular ro-vibrational lines in the case of dipole–dipole and dipole–quadrupole interactions

The analytical formula for half-width of molecular ro-vibrational lines is obtained for the case of dipole–dipole and dipole–quadrupole interactions. This formula depends on the variable parameters, which have to be determined by fitting to experimental half-widths or to half-widths calculated by semi-classical methods. The application of the analytical formula to the H₂O–H₂O, NH₃–NH₃, DCl–HCl and CO–H₂O systems is discussed.     

Enhanced ethanol sensing properties of TeO2/In2O3 core–shell nanorod sensors

TeO₂/In₂O₃ core–shell nanorods were fabricated using thermal evaporation and sputtering methods. The multiple networked TeO₂/In₂O₃ core–shell nanorod sensor showed responses of 227–632%, response times of 50–160 s, and recovery times of 190–220 s at ethanol (C₂H₅OH) concentrations of 50–250 ppm at 300 °C. The response values are 1.6–2.9 times higher and the response and recovery times are also considerably shorter than those of the pristine TeO₂ nanorod sensor over the same C₂H₅OH concentration range. The origin of the enhanced ethanol sensing properties of the core–shell nanorod sensor is discussed.     

ZnO–SnO2 branch–stem nanowires based on a two-step process: Synthesis and sensing capability

ZnO–SnO₂ branch–stem nanostructures were realized on a basis of a two-step process. In step 1, SnO₂-stem nanowires were synthesized. In step 2, ZnO-branch nanowires were successfully grown on the SnO₂-stem nanowires through a simple evaporation technique. We have pre-deposited thin Au layers on the surface of SnO₂ nanowire stems and subsequently evaporated Zn powders on the nanowires. The ZnO branches, which sprouted from the SnO₂ stems, had diameters in a range of 30–35 nm. As-synthesized branches were of single crystalline hexagonal ZnO structures. Since the branch tips were comprised of Au-containing nanoparticles, the Au-catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism was more likely to control the growth process of the ZnO branches. To test a potential use of ZnO–SnO₂ branch–stem nanostructures in chemical gas sensors, their sensing performances with respect to NO₂ gas were investigated, showing the promising potential in chemical gas sensors.     

IR impurity absorption in Sb2S3–GeS2(Ge2S3) chalcogenide glasses

The IR optical transmission spectra in the 4000–1000 cm⁻¹ (2.5–10 μm) region in the chalcogenide glasses (ChG) of the ternary Ge–Sb–S system of stoichiometric Sb₂S₃–GeS₂ and non-stoichiometric Sb₂S₃–Ge₂S₃ compositions are studied. The compositional dependences of the measured IR spectra connected with influence of O-, H- and C-based absorbed impurites are analyzed.