Microwave-assisted synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals as a novel anode material for lithium ion battery

One-dimensional ordered quantum-ring chains are fabricated on a quantum-dot superlattice template by molecular beam epitaxy. The quantum-dot superlattice template is prepared by stacking multiple quantum-dot layers and quantum-ring chains are formed by partially capping quantum dots. Partially capping InAs quantum dots with a thin layer of GaAs introduces a morphological change from quantum dots to quantum rings. The lateral ordering is introduced by engineering the strain field of a multi-layer InGaAs quantum-dot superlattice.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of Bi-substituted yttrium garnet nanoparticles

Bi-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Bi-YIG, Bi_1.8Y_1.2Fe₅O₁₂) nanoparticles were prepared by microwave-assisted co-precipitation as well as conventional co-precipitation using ammonia aqueous solution as precipitant. The nanoparticles were characterized by thermal gravity-differential thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The Faraday rotation of Bi-YIG modified PMMA slices was also investigated. Results demonstrate that the Bi-YIG nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted co-precipitation show smaller particle size and higher Faraday rotation than those prepared by conventional co-precipitation.     

Laser pyrolysis synthesis and characterization of luminescent silicon nanocrystals

Quantum dots of silicon are very attractive materials due to their photoluminescence (PL) emission that can be very strong at room temperature in the visible range under UV illumination. Weighable batches are demanded for several applications in opto-electronic, photovoltaic, medicine, and so on. Laser pyrolysis of silane in a flow reactor is an efficient method to synthesize silicon nanocrystals, but up to now the production rate for the smallest particles was very low. We present here results of a work aimed to overcome this limitation. Optimization of the laser pyrolysis process has been performed through an elaborate study of the synthesis parameters. Weighable batches of very small silicon particles were obtained in a controlled and reproducible way, with production rate in the 0.1–1 g/h. High-resolution electron microscopy and specific surface measurements show that the particles were true silicon nanocrystals in the 4–9 nm range. We have then studied their PL properties. For this purpose, we have paid a particular attention to the surface passivation, an essential step to obtain efficient PL. Various ways were explored: natural oxidation under air and dispersion in liquids. We show that after natural oxidation, the PL properties are, as expected, in agreement with the quantum confinement model. Strong PL is also obtained by dispersion in solvents, but the interpretation is less straightforward in this case, and as discussed in the paper, needs further investigation.     

Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of CdSe nanocrystals with controllable phase and morphology

Zinc blende (ZB) CdSe hollow nanospheres were solvothermally synthesized from the reaction of Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O with a homogeneously secondary Se source, which was first prepared by dissolving Se powder in the mixture of ethanol and oleic acid at 205 °C. As Se power directly reacted with Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O in the above mixed solvents, wurtzite (W) CdSe solid nanoparticles were produced. Time-dependent experiments suggested that the formation of CdSe hollow nanospheres was attributed to an inside-out Ostwald ripening process. The influences of reaction time, temperature and ethanol/oleic acid volume ratio on the morphology, phase and size of the hollow nanospheres were also studied. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy investigations revealed that oleic acid with long alkene chains behaved as a reducing agent to reduce Se powder to Se²⁻ in the synthesis. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed that the ZB CdSe hollow nanospheres presented an obvious blue-shifted emission by 42 nm, and the W CdSe solid nanoparticles exhibited a band gap emission of bulk counterpart.     

A continuous wave SrMoO4 Raman laser

We demonstrate a cw, laser diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4/SrMoO4 crystalline Raman laser. First Stokes laser output at 1173.5?nm of 2.18?W was achieved with a diode-to-first Stokes efficiency of 8.7%. With intracavity frequency doubling in LiB3O5, 3.1?W of cw yellow emission at 586.8?nm was obtained with a 12.4% diode-to-yellow efficiency. The experimental results show that SrMoO4 is an excellent stimulated Raman scattering gain material for high-power cw near-IR Stokes and yellow lasers.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis and optical property of CdMoO4 nanoparticles

Microwave-assisted synthesis is a novel method used to synthesize CdMoO₄ nanoparticles in propylene glycol. The effects of reaction time and microwave power on phase, morphologies, and optical properties of CdMoO₄ nanoparticles were studied, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The present analyses proved that these crystalline powders were scheelite-type tetragonal structured CdMoO₄, with the crystallite size of 14-20 nm, and 4.51-4.73 eV band gaps, controlled by the synthetic conditions.     

Picosecond Stimulated Raman Scattering of SrWO4 Crystal

Stimulated Raman scattering （SRS） of picosecond pulses is investigated in a new crystal SrWO4. The second harmonic generation of a mode-locked Nd：YAG laser system is used as the pump source. In an external singlepass configuration, the SRS thresholds for the first to the fourth Stokes lines are measured. For the first Stokes line, the steady-state gain coefficient of the SrWO4 crystal is calculated to be 15.96cm//GW. In our experiment, as many as five Stokes lines （559.23 nm, 589.61 nm, 623.49 nm, 661.50 nm, 704.44 nm） and three anti-Stokes lines （506.97nm, 484.34 nm, 463.65nm） are observed, and the total conversion efficiency is as high as 62%.     

外腔式SrWO4拉曼激光器的输出特性研究

研究了外腔式SrWO4拉曼激光器在ns脉冲抽运下的输出特性。利用主动调Q的Nd∶YAG激光器产生的脉冲宽度为11.7 ns,输出能量为80 mJ的激光作为抽运源,拉曼激光谐振腔采用平平腔,实验采用4片对一阶斯托克斯脉冲和二阶斯托克斯脉冲不同反射率的输出耦合镜,测量了输出能量与抽运能量的关系,计算了转换效率与抽运能量的关系。当输出耦合镜对一阶斯托克斯脉冲的反射率为39.9%时,实验得到一阶斯托克斯脉冲的最大能量和转换效率分别为23.9 mJ和36.2%,当输出耦合镜对一阶斯托克斯脉冲和二阶斯托克斯脉冲的反射率分别为80.5%和12.4%时,得到二阶斯托克斯脉冲的最大输出能量和转换效率分别为16.4 mJ和25.4%,典型的一阶斯托克斯脉冲和二阶斯托克斯脉冲的脉冲宽度分别为6.1 ns和5.8 ns。     

Self-assembled 3D sphere-like SrMoO4 and SrMoO4:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu,Sm, Tb,Dy) microarchitectures: Facile sonochemical synthesis and optical properties

Three-dimensional (3D) well-defined SrMoO₄ and SrMoO₄:Ln³⁺ (Ln = Eu, Sm, Tb, Dy) hierarchical structures of obvious sphere-like shape have been successfully synthesized using a large-scale and facile sonochemical route without using any catalysts or templates. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were used to characterize the samples. The intrinsic structural feature of SrMoO₄ and external factor, namely the ultrasonic time and the pH value, are responsible for the ultimate shape evolutions of the product. The possible formation mechanism for the product is presented. Additionally, the PL properties of SrMoO₄ and SrMoO₄:Ln³⁺ (Ln = Eu, Sm, Tb, Dy) hierarchical structures were investigated in detail. The Ln³⁺ ions doped SrMoO₄ samples exhibit respective bright red–orange, yellow, green and white light of Eu³⁺, Sm³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Dy³⁺ under ultraviolet excitation, and have potential application in the field of color display. Simultaneously, this novel and efficient pathway could open new opportunities for further investigating about the properties of molybdate materials.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis,characterization and ammonia sensing properties of polymer-capped star-shaped zinc oxide nanostructures

Zinc oxide nanostructures were prepared by microwave-irradiation technique in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a shape modifier. The synthesized nanostructures were analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Characterization techniques revealed the formation of crystalline ZnO with a star-like shaped morphology, having the crystal structure of wurtzite. The microwave irradiated samples were further investigated to exploit their electrical and sensing properties. The good sensitivity and relatively short response and recovery times of chemoresistive sensors based on star-like ZnO thick films in the monitoring of low concentration of ammonia gas in air were related to the peculiar nanostructure of the sensing layer.     

Sonochemical synthesis and characterization of Co3O4 nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid [EMIM][BF4]

For the first time, a sonochemical process has been used to synthesis cobalt oxide Co₃O₄ nanoflowers and nanorods morphology in the presence of the ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [EMIM][BF₄] as reaction media and morphology template. Different sonication time periods and different molar ratios of the ionic liquid (IL) were used to investigate their effects on the structural, optical, chemical and magnetic properties of the produced Co₃O₄ nanoparticles. During synthesis process brown powder contains cobalt hydroxide Co(OH)₂ and cobalt oxyhydroxide (Cobalt hydroxide oxide) CoO(OH) was formed, after calcination in air for 4 h at 400 °C a black powder of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles was produced. The produced Co₃O₄ nanoparticles properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). To explain the formation mechanism of Co₃O₄ NPs some investigations were carried on the brown powder before calcination.     

Preparation and characterization of SnS nanocrystals by a triethanolamine-assisted diethylene glycol solution synthesis

Stoichiometric, phase-controllable SnS nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by a solution chemical synthesis using triethanolamine-assisted diethylene glycol solvent, tin(II) chloride and thioacetamide as precursors at injection temperature of 180-220 °C. The influences of triethanolamine adding amounts, injection temperature, refluxing time on crystal phase, growth morphology and optical property of the synthesized SnS NCs were investigated. The results showed that both orthorhombic (OR) and zinc-blende (ZB) phase of SnS NCs could be formed by altering triethanolamine amounts.     

Optimization red emission of SrMoO4: Eu3+ via hydro-thermal co-precipitation synthesis using orthogonal experiment

In the present study, the SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors has been synthesized through hydro-thermal co-precipitation method, and single factor and orthogonal experiment method was adopted to find optimal synthesis condition. It is interesting to note that hydro-thermal temperature is a prominent effect on the luminescent intensity of SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ red phosphor, followed by co-precipitation temperature, calcining time, and the doping amount of Eu³⁺. The optimal synthesis conditions were obtained: hydro-thermal temperature is 145 °C, co-precipitation temperature is 35 °C, the calcining time is 2.5 h, and the doping amount of activator Eu³⁺ is 25%. Subsequently, the crystalline particle size, phase composition and morphology of the synthesized phosphors were evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that these phosphors possess a scheelite-type tetragonal structure, and the particle size is about 0.2 μm. Spectroscopic investigations of the synthesized phosphors are carried out with the help of photo-luminescence excitation and emission analysis. The studies reveal that SrMoO₄: Eu³⁺ phosphor efficiently convert radiation of 394 nm–592 and 616 nm for red light, and the luminescence intensity of SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors is improved. SrMoO₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors may be a potential application for enhancing the efficiency of white LEDs.     

The structure-tunable synthesis and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanocrystals

Magnetite nanocrystals with tunable crystalline structures (orthorhombic and cubic) were synthesized via a simple oxidation-coprecipitation approach basing on the reaction of FeSO₄·7H₂O with C₆H₁₂N₄. The average diameter of prepared orthorhombic Fe₃O₄ nanorods were 15 nm while their lengths were approximately 150~200 nm. As-prepared cubic counterparts were composed of 10 nm sized nanoparticles. XRD, FESEM, TEM, SAED and HRTEM were then used to characterize our samples. In addition, magnetic measurements showed the saturation magnetization of orthorhombic magnetite was lower than that of cubic ones. Mössbauer spectroscopy verified the samples possessed the nature of cubic magnetite. Finally, a possible growth mechanism for orthorhombic nanorods and cubic nanoparticles was also discussed.     

Monodisperse Co,Zn-Ferrite nanocrystals: Controlled synthesis,characterization and magnetic properties

Co_xZn_yFe_3−x−yO₄ ferrite (x=1 to 0; y=0 to1) nanocrystals have been synthesized by reverse microemulsion method. The nanocrystals are then comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), and magnetic properties were measured by using Vibrating sample magnetometer. X-ray analysis showed that all the crystals were cubic spinel. The lattice constant increased with the increase in Zn substitution. FETEM reveals that particle size varies in the range from 3 to 6 nm. As the concentration of Zn increases the magnetic behavior varies from ferromagnetic at y=0 and 0.2 to superparamagnetic to paramagnetic at y=1. The Curie temperature decreases with increasing concentration of Zn.     

Optical properties of Pr3+-doped SrWO4 crystal

The polarized absorption and emission spectra of Pr³⁺ ions in SrWO₄ single crystals were investigated at room temperature. The standard and modified Judd–Ofelt theories have been applied to analyze the polarized absorption spectra to determine the spectroscopic parameters, including the Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters Ω_t (t=2,4,6), radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetimes and branching ratios. The stimulated emission cross sections and fluorescence lifetimes of the promising laser level were obtained. PACS 78.55.Hx; 42.70.Hj; 78.20.-e     

喷雾热解法制备的SrWO4膜的阴极射线发光

利用超声喷雾热解法制备了钨酸锶SrWO₄多晶发光膜,并研究了制备条件及掺杂对其阴极射线发光特性的影响.生成的发光膜在300℃以上退火后具有白钨矿结构,其阴极射线发光为一宽带的蓝光,包括一个位于448nm的蓝色发光带和一个位于488.6nm的蓝绿色发光带,是由阴离子络合物WO₄^2-的电荷转移跃迁引起的.发光强度随着退火温度的升高而增强,而退火气氛对其影响不大.在SrWO₄膜中掺入银离子Ag⁺和镧离子La³⁺后,不影响其发光特性,但铕离子Eu³⁺的掺入对发光特性有影响.     

Photo-modification and synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals

Both photo-oxidation and photosynthesis manifest a strong interaction between nanoparticles and photons due to the large surface area-to-volume ratio. The final sizes of the semiconductor nanocrystals are determined by the photon energy during these phenomena. The photosynthesis is demonstrated in a Si-rich oxide and is similar to thermal synthesis, which involves the decomposition of SiO_x into Si and SiO₂, that is well known and often employed to form Si or Ge nanocrystals embedded in SiO₂ by annealing SiO_x at high temperature. However, photosynthesis is much faster, and allows the low-temperature growth of Si nanocrystals and is found to be pronounced in the SiO nanopowder, which is made by thermal CVD using SiH₄ and O₂. The minimum laser power required for the photosynthesis in the SiO nanopowder is much lower than in the Si-rich oxide formed by the co-sputtering of Si and SiO₂. This is attributed to the weak bond strength of Si-Si and Si-O in the SiO nanopowder. Photosynthesis, which can control the size and position of Si nanocrystals, is a novel nanofabrication technique making the best use of the strong interaction between photons and nanoparticles.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis using ionic liquids

The research and application of green chemistry principles have led to the development of cleaner processes. In this sense, during the present century an ever-growing number of studies have been published describing the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents, catalysts, or templates to develop more environmentally friendly and efficient chemical transformations for their use in both academia and industry. The conjugation of ILs and microwave irradiation as a non-conventional heating source has shown evident advantages when compared to conventional synthetic procedures for the generation of fast, efficient, and environmental friendly synthetic methodologies. This review focuses on the advances in the use of ILs in organic, polymers and materials syntheses under MW irradiation conditions.