CuGaS2 hollow spheres from Ga–CuS core–shell nanoparticles

A liquid gallium emulsion was prepared as a starting material using ultrasound treatment in ethylene glycol. Core–shell particles of Ga@CuS were successfully synthesized by deposition of a CuS layer on gallium droplets through sonochemical deposition of copper ions and thiourea in an alcohol media. The core and shell of Ga@CuS products were composed of amorphous gallium metal and covellite phase CuS, which transformed into chalcopyrite CuGaS₂ hollow spheres after sulfurization at 450 °C, which was the lowest crystallization temperature. The formation of hollow nanostructures was ascribed to the Kirkendall mechanism, in which liquid gallium particles play an important role as reactive templates. In conclusion, we obtained CuGaS₂ hollow spheres with a 430 nm outer diameter and 120 nm shell thickness that had the same crystal structure and electrical properties as bulk CuGaS₂.     

Ti<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> hollow sphere with mixed phases of anatase and rutile prepared by dual-frequency atmospheric pressure plasma jet

A novel method of synthesizing Ti³⁺-doped TiO₂ was proposed. Ti³⁺-doped TiO₂ hollow spheres were prepared with different thickness of carbon shell by using atmospheric pressure plasma jet generated by dual-frequency power sources. The as-synthesized Ti³⁺-doped TiO₂ hollow microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis spectra. These results indicated that these samples had mixed phases of anatase and rutile and the structure of hollow sphere varied with different thickness of carbon shell. The Ti-O-C chemical bond was the connection between the TiO₂ hollow sphere and carbon layer. Amount of Ti³⁺ ions were found, which were accompanied with the formation of oxygen vacancies. Meantime, the as-synthesized catalysts also display strong absorption in the visible light region and have a narrow band energy gap. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to observe different excited species in the discharge area. These results showed that the oxygen content had a significant impact on the number of oxygen vacancies. Finally, the photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples were evaluated by decomposition of rhodamine B aqueous solution, which showed better photocatalytic activity under UV–vis light irradiation.     

合金元素对Nb3Sn生长动力学的影响

研究了合金元素Zr对Cu-Sn/Nb界面上Nb₃Sn生长动力学的影响。实验表明:在单芯复合材料中加入Zr显著提高了Nb₃Sn层的生长速率,层厚与时间的关系显著超过抛物线规律。这些结果不能仅用内氧化生成的ZrO₂颗粒使晶粒细化来解释,还必须考虑ZrO₂颗粒周围过饱和空位使扩散系数增大等因素。在多芯复合材料中热处理时Cu-Sn基体中Sn量的消耗,显著影响Nb₃Sn的生长。考虑了这一因素的Nb₃Sn生长动力学修正公式能对实验结果进行解释。 关键词：     

Wave propagation in non-homogeneous magneto-electro-elastic hollow cylinders

A dynamic solution is presented for the propagation of harmonic waves in imhomogeneous (functionally graded) magneto-electro-elastic hollow cylinders composed of piezoelectric BaTiO₃ and magnetostrictive CoFe₂O₄. The materials properties are assumed to vary in the direction of the thickness according to a known variation law. The Legendre orthogonal polynomial series expansion approach is employed to determine the wave propagating characteristics in the hollow cylinders. The dispersion curves of the imhomogeneous piezoelectric-piezomagnetic hollow cylinder and the corresponding non-piezoelectric and non-piezomagnetic hollow cylinders are calculated to show the influence of the piezoelectricity and piezomagnetism. Electric potential and magnetic potential distributions are obtained to illustrate the different influences of the piezoelectricity and piezomagnetism and the different influences of the piezoelectric effect and piezomagnetic effect on longitudinal modes and torsional modes. For the radial polarizing piezoelectric-piezomagnetic hollow cylinder, the piezoelectric effect and piezomagnetic effect take mostly on the longitudinal mode. Finally, a hollow cylinder at different ratio of radius to thickness is calculated to show the influence of the ratio on the piezoelectric effect and piezomagnetic effect.     

Influence of yttrium on EPR characteristics of chromium ions in nanoscale particles of zirconium dioxide

The EPR and proton magnetic resonance methods were applied to study zirconium hydroxide samples which transformed to nanoscale ZrO₂ powders upon annealing. The samples were obtained from solutions with mixture compositions (ZrO₂ + 0.5 mol % Cr₂O₃) and (ZrO₂ + 3 mol % Y₂O₃ + 0.5 mol % Cr₂O₃). The influence of yttrium on the recharging of the chromium ion upon annealing of samples was studied in the temperature range 100–950°C. A significant influence of yttrium on internal stresses caused by heating and cooling in the lattice of nanoscale ZrO₂ particles was detected using the EPR method. It was shown that the typical features of the influence of yttrium on total (over the entire crystallite) and local (near chromium ions) lattice distortions depend on the sample heating temperature and are different for various annealing temperatures.     

Simulation of impact of a hollow droplet on a flat surface

Despite many theoretical and experimental works dealing with the impact of dense continuous liquid droplets on a flat surface, the dynamics of the impact of hollow liquid droplets is not well addressed. In an effort to understand dynamics of the hollow droplet impingement, a numerical study for the impact of a hollow droplet on a flat surface is presented. The impingement model considers the transient flow dynamics during impact and spreading of the droplet using the volume of fluid surface tracking method (VOF) coupled with the momentum transport model within a one-domain continuum formulation. The model is used to simulate the hydrodynamic behaviour of the impact of glycerin hollow droplet. It is found that the impact and spreading of the hollow droplet on a flat surface is distinctly different from the conventional dense droplet and has some new hydrodynamic features. A phenomenon of formation of a central counter jet of the liquid is predicted. With the help of simulations the cause of this phenomenon is discussed. Comparison of the predicted length of the central counter jet and the velocity of the counter jet front shows good agreements with the experimental data. The influence of the droplet initial impact velocity and the hollow droplet shell thickness on the impact behaviour is highlighted.     

Zn-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings: Elecrodeposition and evaluation of corrosion resistance

The Zn and Zn-ZrO₂ composite coatings were produced by electrodeposition technique using sulphate bath. ZrO₂ particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ZrO₂ particle size distribution in the plating bath and Zeta potential and the ZrO₂ were measured using dynamic light scattering technique (DLS). The corrosion resistance properties of Zn and Zn-ZrO₂ composite coatings were compared by examining the experimental data acquired through polarization, open circuit potential (OCP) and Tafel measurements. The corrosion environment was 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The variation of amount of ZrO₂ in the solution on their % wt inclusion in the composite and on composite microhardness was investigated. XRD patterns were recorded for Zn and Zn-ZrO₂ coatings to compare their grain size. The SEM images of coatings before and after corrosion under chemical and electrochemical conditions were presented. The results were analyzed to establish the superiority of Zn-ZrO₂ composite over Zn coating.     

Thermomagnetically Responsive γ‐Fe2O3@Wax@SiO2 Sub‐Micrometer Capsules

A three steps synthesis route is proposed to generate thermosensitive and magnetically responsive γ‐Fe₂O₃@Wax@SiO₂ sub‐micrometer capsules with a paraffinic core and a solid and brittle shell. The process integrates Pickering‐based emulsions, inorganic and sol–gel chemistries to promote monodisperse in size wax droplets, γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and mineralization of the wax/water interfaces. Hybrid capsules are obtained with an average size around 800 nm, representing the first example of sub‐micrometer capsules generated employing Pickering emulsions as templates. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) cationic surfactant added during mineralization at concentrations between 0.17 and 1.0 wt% impacts the shell density. The shell density seems to improve its mechanical strength while affording a low wax expansion volume without breaking for CTAB concentrations above 1.0 wt%. At lower CTAB concentration (0.17 wt%), the silica shell becomes less bulky and cannot resist the wax dilatation induced by the solid‐to‐liquid phase transition imposed by hyperthermia. The magnetically induced heating provided by the internal magnetic moments is sufficient to melt the wax core, expanding its volume, inducing thereby the surrounding silica shell rupture. Such γ‐Fe₂O₃@Stearic Acid@Wax@SiO₂ sub‐micrometer capsules allow a sustained wax release with time, whereby 20% of the wax is released after 50 min of alternating magnetic field treatment.     

Effect of SiO2 nanoparticles sizes on the optical properties and radiation resistance of powder mixtures ZrO2 with micron sizes

One way to improve photo- and radiation resistance of materials is by the modification of their nanoparticles. The purpose of work is to study the optical properties and radiation resistance of ZrO₂ powder mixtures with SiO₂ nanoparticles without high-temperature heating. The ZrO₂ powders with micron sizes were mixed in a ratio of 100:7 mas.% with SiO₂ nanopowders. The nanopowders were obtained by combustion of silicon tetrachloride in air plasma. Samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a simulator of the environment of outer space “Spectrum”. The radiation resistance increase of zirconia dioxide powders with micron-sized grains by the addition of silica nanoparticles without heating at a high temperature was found. For these purposes only water evaporation at 150 °C was used. The effectiveness of the modification reaches values of 2.1 times. This value is close to or even more in comparison to its values in the modification by using high-temperature heating. This result is significant for the practical use of this method of incensement of the radiation resistance of oxide reflecting powders.     

The heating and acceleration dynamics of Al2O3 particles in the axisymmetric heterogeneous flow emanating from a plasma torch with inter-electrode inserts

Measured data on the temperature and velocity of Al₂O₃ particles of size fraction 34±6 μm in the jet emanating from a DC plasma torch with inter-electrode inserts under conditions of axisymmetric heterogeneous flow are reported. The velocity and temperature of individual particles were measured using a laser-optical diagnostic complex, which was a combination of a bifocal laser anemometer and a pyrometer based on a compact spectrometer. For measuring the temperature of individual particles in the particle-laden plasma jet, three-color pyrometry was used. The obtained data on the characteristics of particles in the jet emanating from the plasma spray torch with inter-electrode inserts equipped with a unit for radial-annular injection of powder into the plasma jet show that the implemented conditions for processing powder materials allow reaching a high homogeneity of the aggregate state of particles in the jet flow (～ 100 % of melted particles).     

中空结构Pt纳米粒子热稳定性和形变的分子动力学研究

不同于实心结构纳米粒子,中空结构Pt纳米粒子具有低密度、高孔隙率和大的比表面积等特点,具有特殊的物理化学性质,在催化、光电子和药物输送领域有重要的应用.纳米粒子热稳定性和形变特性对其合成、应用具有重要的影响.利用分子动力学模拟研究中空结构Pt纳米粒子结构稳定性和形变过程,对不同壳层厚度的Pt纳米粒子进行分析,结果表明:在弛豫过程,温度为0.1 K时,壳层厚度为0.5 nm的Pt纳米粒子结构将发生形变,壳层厚度为1 nm、1.5 nm、2.0 nm、2.5 nm和3 nm纳米粒子结构保持几乎不变;升温过程,中空结构Pt纳米粒子塌缩时对应的温度随着壳层厚度增加而升高;塌缩过程所经历的温度区间很窄,空心结构短时间内突变为实心结构,另外,中空结构纳米粒子塌缩后,内部原子重新排列,仍保持有序的fcc结构.     

Mössbauer studies of ultrafine particles of NiO and α-Fe2O3

Ultrafine particles of antiferromagnetic NiO and ferromagnetic -Fe₂O₃, supported on a high area silica material, were studied with the Mössbauer effect. The superferromagnetic transition was observed as a function of particle size and temperature. From the temperature variation of the Mössbauer spectra, magnetic anisotropy constants and particle size distributions were determined. Small particles of -Fe₂O₃ show increasing quadrupole splitting as the particle size is decreased. This effect is attributed to a large quadrupole splitting for the surface shell which has a different electric field gradient than the particle core. Analysis of the spectra using a simple surface shell model gives an estimate of the thickness and the electric field gradient of this shell. In contrast to bulk NiO, small particles of NiO show predominantly trivalent Fe hyperfine spectra over a wide temperature range. The stability of the trivalent iron may be due to a slight oxygen atom excess in the NiO lattice resulting in trivalent charge stabilization.     

Expansion dynamics of atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet in ambient air

In this work, the expansion dynamics of a helium plasma jet in ambient air is examined. By using a fast imaging technique, the expansion of plasma jet from glass nozzle to air is captured which is in the form of plasma bullet propagating into the air. To understand the plasma bullet travel path from glass nozzle to plasma jet tip a drag force model is used. Moreover, the spatial variation of plasma density along the plasma jet length is estimated using drift velocity, plasma jet current and the cross-sectional area of the plasma jet. It is observed that the slight increase in plasma density is due to the combined effect of reduction of drift velocity, plasma jet current, and jet cross-sectional area. The obtained plasma density from glass nozzle to jet tip is in the range of (0.069-5.96) × 10¹² cm⁻³. The above parameters can be of the essence in biological and industrial applications.     

Study on preparation and properties of molybdenum alloys reinforced by nano-sized ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles

The nano-sized ZrO₂-reinforced Mo alloy was prepared by a hydrothermal method and a subsequent powder metallurgy process. During the hydrothermal process, the nano-sized ZrO₂ particles were added into the Mo powder via the hydrothermal synthesis. The grain size of Mo powder decreases obviously with the addition of ZrO₂ particles, and the fine-grain sintered structure is obtained correspondingly due to hereditation. In addition to a few of nano-sized ZrO₂ particles in grain boundaries or sub-boundaries, most are dispersed in grains. The tensile strength and yield strength have been increased by 32.33 and 53.76 %.     

Effect of HPC and Water Concentration on the Evolution of Size,Aggregation and Crystallization of Sol-gel Nano Zirconia

Nano-sized zirconia (ZrO₂) powder is synthesized using sol-gel technique involving hydrolysis and condensation of zirconium(IV) n-propoxide in an alcohol solution, utilizing hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) polymer as a steric stabilizer. It is demonstrated that ZrO₂ nanoparticle size can be reduced using high R-value (defined as the ratio of molar concentrations of water and alkoxide). It is also shown that ZrO₂ nanoparticle size can be reduced further by synthesizing these particles in the presence of HPC polymer. The agglomeration tendency of ZrO₂ nanoparticles is demonstrated to decrease due to the steric hindrance created by the adsorbed polymer. The nanocrystallite size and their 'hard-aggregates' formation tendency are observed to affect the high temperature metastable tetragonal phase stabilization at room temperature within ZrO₂ particles.     

One-step, template-free route to silver porous hollow spheres and their optical property

Silver porous hollow spheres (SPHS) were fabricated via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of aqueous solutions containing AgNO₃ and glucose. In the hot spherical liquid droplets, glucose, as reducing agent, reacted with Ag⁺ to form Ag nanoparticles, which subsequently moved to the periphery of the hot liquid droplets to form Ag nanoparticles-glucose hybrid shell. With the temperature further increased, aforementioned Ag nanoparticles melted to form Ag skeleton decorated with unreacted glucose, which converted to SPHS via dissolving unreacted glucose in water. Due to their porous hollow structures, SPHS exhibited a wide Vis-NIR adsorption in the range of 400-1100 nm.     

Electric dipolar systems: Examples of glassy state

ZrW₂O₈ has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion from 0.3 K to its decomposition temperature around 1050 K. The negative thermal expansion is isotropic and is not disrupted by the structural phase transition at 430 K. A complicated distribution in reciprocal space of Rigid Unit Mode (RUM) phonons has been found for ZrW₂O₈ using Lattice Dynamics. The RUMS are very low energy phonons which cause collective rotations of ZrO₆ octahedra and WO₄ tetrahedra within the crystal structure. These distortions enable ZrW₂O₈ to contract upon heating.     

On the factors determining the pyrophoric stability of tungsten nanopowder obtained by plasma-chemical pyrolysis of W(CO)6

Nonpyrophoric tungsten powders with an average particle size of about 30 nm were obtained by pyrolysis of tungsten hexacarbonyl in a flow of microwave discharge nitrogen plasma. It is found that these powders are stable in air up to 300°C. The reason for such stability is that the structure of powder particles is of the core-double shell type, in which the metal core is covered with an oxide film approximately 1 nm in thickness, coated in turn with roentgenoamorphous layer consisting of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms. It is also established that the powders under investigation mainly release carbon oxides (CO and CO₂) and water into the gas phase upon heating in vacuum. Among the molecules present in the gas phase in small concentrations, nitrogen monoxide (NO) and formaldehyde (H₂CO) are worth mentioning apart from C1–C3 hydrocarbons.     

Spectroscopical Observation of a Relaxing High Speed Nitrogen Plasma Jet

A near sonic nitrogen plasma jet operating at pressures between 100 Torr and 1 atm has been investigated spectroscopically. From the absolute emission coefficient of a NI spectral line, local values for the electron temperature T_e have been derived. For pressures above 200 Torr, T_g was found to coincide within the limits of experimental error with the gas temperature T_g. The latter quantity has been determined via the relative emission coefficient of selected rotational line components of the N₂⁺ molecular band at 3914 Å. The results of these measurements together with control data for the electron density derived from the continuous emission coefficient indicate that at pressures above 200 Torr the existence of a thermal equilibrium between the degrees of freedom corresponding to particle translation, electron excitation, and ionization can be accepted, at least for the inner zone of the plasma jet. To the contrary, the data for the absolute emission coefficient of N₂⁺ molecular band lines show that the degree of dissociation in the plasma jet is much in excess of that corresponding to equilibrium. This phenomenon can be explained as a result of the rapid temperature decay in the plasma from initially 13000 K in the arc heating zone to T ≦ 9000 K in the plasma jet zone proceeding in a time interval of 10^?5 s which is much shorter than the time necessary for adjustment of dissociation equilibrium. In the outer cool zone of the plasma jet, an unusual high intensity of the N₂⁺ radiation was found thus indicating the existence of a nonequilibrium excitation mechanism typical for a decaying nitrogen plasma. From the supernormal high degree of dissociation in the high-speed subatmospheric nitrogen plasma jet, conclusions are drawn with respect to its applicability as source of reactive particles in plasma-chemical experiments.     

Fabrication of polystyrene hollow microspheres as laser fusion targets by optimized density-matched emulsion technique and characterization

Inertial confinement fusion, frequently referred to as ICF, inertial fusion, or laser fusion, is a means of producing energy by imploding small hollow microspheres containing thermonuclear fusion fuel. Polymer microspheres, which are used as fuel containers, can be produced by solution-based micro-encapsulation technique better known as density-matched emulsion technique. The specifications of these microspheres are very rigorous, and various aspects of the emulsion hydrodynamics associated with their production are important in controlling the final product. This paper describes about the optimization of various parameters associated with density-matched emulsion method in order to improve the surface smoothness, wall thickness uniformity and sphericity of hollow polymer microspheres. These polymer microshells have been successfully fabricated in our lab, with 3–30 μm wall thickness and 50–1600 μm diameters. The sphericity and wall thickness uniformity are better than 99%. Elimination of vacuoles and high yield rate has been achieved by adopting the step-wise heating of W₁/O/W₂ emulsion for solvent removal.