Preparation of copper aluminum borate whiskers via flux method

Single‐crystal and uniform copper aluminum borate whiskers have been synthesized by heating a mixture of boric acid, copper sulfate and aluminum sulfate with potassium sulfate as flux at 870 °C for 4 h. The synthesized whiskers exhibit a well‐crystallized, one‐dimensional structure with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 5 μm, lengths from 5 to 100 μm. Heating temperature and flux addition affect the aspect ratio and morphology of the copper aluminum borate whiskers. A possible growth mechanism of the whiskers is proposed. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

非线性光学晶体Ba2B5O9Cl的合成、晶体生长及性能的研究

首次以LiF-H3BO3为助熔剂,用顶部籽晶法,生长出尺寸为12 mm×13mm×5mm的Ba2B5O9Cl透明单晶.通过热性能分析证实该晶体为非同成分熔融化合物,属于正交晶系,空间群Pnn2,晶胞参数为a=1.1576(2) nm,b=1.1619(2)nm,c =0.66874(13) nm,V=0.8994(3) nm3,Z=4.该晶体中含有BO3和BO3基团,具有三维网状的晶体结构.Ba2B5O9Cl粉末的非线性光学效应约为KDP的3.5倍,同时还进行了红外、漫反射光谱性能的研究.     

非线性光学材料NaBa4Al2B8O18Cl3的固相合成与晶体生长

本文采用高温固相反应法在800℃合成了NaBa4Al2B8O18Cl3多晶粉末,探索了生长NaBa4Al2B8O18Cl3晶体的助熔剂,采用顶部籽晶技术分别以NaF和LiCl作助熔剂成功生长出NaBa4Al2B8O18Cl3透明晶体,晶体最大尺寸为22mm×22mm×15mm.粉末倍频测试测得NaBa4Al2B8O18Cl3晶体的粉末倍频强度为KDP的0.5～1.0倍.     

具有倍频效应的硼酸盐Pb2 [B5O9]Br化合物的合成、晶体生长及其性质研究

利用高温固相反应法合成出Pb2 [B5O9]Br硼酸盐粉末.采用PbO-NaF做复合助熔剂,利用顶部籽晶法获得了3 mm ×3 mm ×1.5 mm的透明单晶,X射线粉末衍射数据显示,该晶体属正交晶系,Pnn2空间群,晶胞参数为a=1.1524(1) nm, b=1.1431(1) nm, c=0.65399(3) nm. 红外光谱测量证实晶体结构中含有BO3-3和BO5-4基团.反射光谱表明Pb2 [B5O9]Br的紫外吸收边在250 nm左右.Pb2 [B5O9]Br粉末倍频效应(SHG)测试表明该化合物具有非线性光学效应,信号强度约等同于β-BaB2O4.     

Selective-controlled synthesis of one-dimensional strontium phosphates

Anorthic SrHPO₄ nanobelts and hexagonal Sr₁₀O(PO₄)₆ nanorods were obtained by a simple hydrothermal method without adding any surfactant as template. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). TEM and HRTEM observations of the products revealed that the as-prepared SrHPO₄ nanobelts and Sr₁₀O(PO₄)₆ hexagonal nanorods are single crystals with their preferential growth direction along the normal of (1 0 0) and (0 0 1) planes, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of large single crystals of NpPd3 by flux method

Synthesis of the active [Ni–Fe]-hydrogenase in prokaryotes requires a series of ancillary maturation factors. Among them, the HypF maturation factor is a multidomain 82 kDa protein, whose N-terminal domain displays sequence and structural similarities to acylphosphatases. Acylphosphatases are small enzymes that are able to catalyze carboxyl-phosphate bond hydrolysis in acylphosphates, as well as in nucleoside di- and tri-phosphates and in arylphosphates. Here, we present a crystallographic comparison between microgravity and earth-grown crystals of the HypF N-terminal domain. Both crystals were of excellent quality, thereby allowing us to collect very high resolution datasets. A detailed analysis of data collection and refinement statistics, together with an analysis of the diffraction pattern showed that microgravity would appear to further improve the internal order of crystals.     

Sr2TiSi2O8的合成和非线性光学性质研究

采用固相反应法合成了具有硅钛钡石(Ba2TiSi2O8)结构的化合物Sr2TiSi2O8,合成温度在1250℃.对Sr2TiSi2O8的XRD衍射图进行指标化表明它属于四方晶系,晶胞系数为a=b=0.83135nm,c＝0.50190nm,α＝β＝γ＝90°.Sr2TiSi2O8的粉末倍频信号强度约是KH2PO4(KDP)的8倍.反射光谱显示其紫外吸收边为270nm左右.利用自发成核法进行了Sr2TiSi2O8晶体生长研究.     

Synthesis and characterization of PbI2 polycrystals

Single‐phase PbI₂ polycrystalline material for single crystal growth was synthesized by two‐temperature vapor‐transporting method (TVM), directly from highly pure lead and iodine with excess lead without according to the PbI₂ stoichiometry. It is found that there is an immiscible phenomenon of two melts in the synthesis experiment, and the melts solidified until cooled down to room temperature. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) microanalysis indicate that the solidified materials are single‐phase PbI₂ polycrystal and nearly pure lead. Considering the observed immiscible phenomenon and the data given in paper [1], it is able to confirm that there is a new immiscible region L₂+L₃ in Pb‐I phase diagram, which is very important to PbI₂ polycrystal synthesis and single crystal growth. Using single‐phase PbI₂ polycrystalline material synthesized by our method, PbI₂ single crystal with size of ?15mm×30mm was grown by vertical Bridgman method. © 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim     

Growth and dielectric properties of Ta2O5 single crystal by the floating zone method

Large Ta₂O₅ single crystal with high‐dielectric permittivity was successfully grown by floating zone (FZ) method under air atmosphere. The grown crystal that has been obtained was typically about 8 mm in diameter and 90 mm in length. The crystal growth parameters were optimized. The crystal symmetry, characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), was found to be tetragonal. The relative permittivity and loss tangent along growth and [001] direction were measured in the temperature range between ‐200 °C and 200 °C, which showed a strong dielectric anisotropy. At a frequency of 1 MHz and 20 °C, the dielectric permittivity along the growth direction and [001] direction are 81.17 and 25.04 respectively. The stabilization of high‐temperature phase can explain the dielectric enhancement.     

Synthesis,growth and characterization of single crystals of pure and thiourea doped L‐glutamic acid hydrochloride

L(+)Glutamic acid hydrochloride [HOOC (CH₂)₂CH(NH₂) COOH·HCl], a monoamino dicarboxylic acid salt of L‐Glutamic acid was synthesized and the synthesis was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Solubility of the material in water was determined. Pure and Thiourea doped L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride crystals were grown by low temperature solution growth using solvent evaporation technique. XRD, UV‐Vis‐NIR analyses were carried out for both pure and thiourea doped crystals. The crystals were qualitatively analyzed by EDAX analysis and the presence of thiourea was confirmed. The cell parameters of L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride have been determined as a = 5.151 Å, b = 11.79 Å, c = 13.35 Å by X‐ray diffraction analysis and it crystallizes in orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra analysis showed good optical transmission in the entire visible region for both pure and doped crystals. Micro hardness of both pure and doped crystals has been determined using Vickers micro hardness tester. The SHG efficiencies of both pure and doped crystals were determined using Kurtz powder test and pure L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride crystal was found to possess better efficiency than thiourea doped L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride crystals. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

NdxLa2−xCaB10O19: Synthesis and characterization

Solid solutions of Nd_xLa_2−xcaB₁₀O₁₉ with different Na³⁺ concentration have been synthesized by substituting Nd ³⁺ for La³⁺ in La₂CaB₁₀O₁₉ Powder X-ray diffraction analysis shows that Nd³⁺ is easy to incorporate into the crystal. Single crystal nd_xLa_2−xCaB₁₀O₁₉ (NLCB) in centimeter size has been grown by Kyropoulos method. The crystal has strong absorption around 580nm and 805nm. The fluorescence spectra indicate that there is an energy transition at 1.06μm. And the SHG of NLCB is about the twice as that of KDP. These favorable features make NLCB a candidate for laser NLO multifunctional materials.     

Cd(SCN)Cl单晶生长与表征

以NH_4SCN和 CdCl_2·2H_2O为反应原料,采用缓慢降温法,从水溶液中生长了尺寸为:10 mm×7 mm×4 mm新的化合物Cd(SCN)Cl单晶体; 采用元素分析、红外光谱、EDS、TG/DTA、粉末X射线衍射和单晶X射线衍射对所生长的晶体进行了表征.结果表明:所得晶体分子式为:Cd(SCN)Cl,属于斜方晶系Pnma空间群,晶胞参数为a=0.95967(7) nm, b=0.42595(3) nm, c=1.01789(7) nm, V=0.41608(5) nm~3,Z=4.热分析结果表明,晶体在190 ℃时具有良好的物理化学稳定性并且热分解的最终残留物是CdS.采用重量分析法测定了化合物Cd(SCN)Cl在不同温度条件下的溶解度.采用维氏显微硬度法对该晶体的力学性能进行了研究,其硬度值为78.6 kg/mm~2.     

Synthesis,growth and characterization of L‐histidinium acetate dihydrate single crystals

L‐histidinium acetate dihydrate {abbreviated as LHAc; [C₆H₁₀ N₃O₂⁺ C₂H₃O₂^‐ 2H₂O], a new nonlinear optical (NLO) material has been grown from aqueous solution. The grown crystals were subjected to X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and FT‐Raman analyses. Thermal studies have been carried out for its thermal stability. Optical behaviour such as UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrum and second harmonic generation (SHG) were also investigated. Its SHG efficiency was found as d_eff = 2.2 d_eff (KDP). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis and characterization of a new nonlinear optical single crystal: L‐Lysinium trifluoroacetate

Single crystals of a new L‐Lysine salt: L‐Lysinium trifluoroacetate {abbreviated as LLyTFA; [(NH₂)‐(CH₂)₄‐CH‐(NH₃)‐(COOH)]⁺ CF₃COO^‐} were grown by slow evaporation of an aqueous solution at room temperature. The grown crystals were subjected to single crystal X‐ray diffraction, FTIR and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrum analyses. The UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrum shows that the absorption is very less in the whole of the region from ultraviolet to near IR. The Kurtz‐Perry powder SHG measurement using a Nd:YAG laser of wavelength 1064nm confirms the frequency doubling of the crystal and its powder SHG efficiency was measured as d_eff = 0.96 d_eff (KDP). (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Czochralski growth and characterization of Dy: La3Ga5.5Nb0.5O14 single crystals

Dysprosium (Dy) doped La₃Ga_5.5Nb_0.5O₁₄ single crystals were grown by the traditional Czochralski method along z‐axis. The structure of the crystal has been studied by X‐ray powder diffraction method, and the unit‐cell parameters are calculated to be a=8.22070 Å, c=5.12533 Å and V=299.965 ų. The segregation coefficient of Dy³⁺ in La₃Ga_5.5Nb_0.5O₁₄ crystal was measured by X‐ray fluorescence analysis. For 1 mol% doping level in the melt, the distribution coefficient of Dy³⁺ was determined to be 0.341 wt%. Specific heat, thermal expansion and transmission spectrum of Dy: La₃Ga_5.5Nb_0.5O₁₄ single crystals have been measured. The fluorescence spectra of Dy³⁺: La₃Ga_5.5Nb_0.5O₁₄ crystals were measured at room temperature, and there were four emission transitions occurring at 479, 576, 662 and 754 nm, respectively. The fluorescent lifetimes measurement results show 1.0% Dy: La₃Ga_5.5Nb_0.5O₁₄ possesses shorter fluorescence decay time (303.4 μs) than does 1.0%Dy:LGS (436.12 μs). (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Preparation and characterisation of fluorapatite whiskers

Fluorapatite (FAp) whiskers were prepared by using Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) technique. β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and various fluorine salts, along with potassium sulphate as a flux salt were used as starting materials for preparing FAp whiskers. Effects of flux to powder weight ratio, temperature and soaking time on the morphology were studied. The optimum temperature to obtain FAp whiskers was found to be 1175°C. The phase purity of the prepared FAp whiskers were confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and FTIR spectra, and the whiskers were further characterized by laser Raman spectra, chemical analysis and DTA/TGA thermal analysis. The morphology of the FAp whiskers were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Synthesis, growth and doped properties of PbWO4 crystals

High purity polycrystalline PbWO₄ (PWO) has been synthesized by a chemical method. Pure and doped PWO crystals were grown by using a Czochralski technique. Transmittance spectra, light yield and decay constants of the crystal were measured. The effect of PWO crystal quality and doped ions on its scintillating properties is discussed in this paper.     

Crystal Growth and Basic Characterisation of the Bismuth Borate Bi2B8O15

Top‐seeded growth of Bi₂B₈O₁₅ from a stoichiometric melt is reported. Crystals have been grown with dimensions of up to 24 × 12 × 5 mm³ . Bi₂B₈O₁₅ shows twin domains at room temperature; their origin was investigated by methods of thermal analysis. The domains were found to result from a sluggish phase transition that occurs in a broad temperature range (ΔT ≈ 20 K) around ∼390 K. Unit cell parameters at room temperature were determined: a = 4.3140(6) Å, b = 22.148(2) Å, c = 6.4695(6) Å, β = 105.46(1)° , possible space group P2₁ (no.4), the non‐centrosymmetry was proved using powder SHG.     

Growth and characterization of 2,6‐dibenzylidenecyclohexanone single crystal

Following the temperature reduction method, growth of single crystals of organic 2,6‐dibenzylidenecyclohexanone (DBCH) material from ethanol solution is reported in the present work. Solubility and metastable zone width measurements were carried out under stirring and nonstirring conditions of solution. Cell dimensions were obtained from single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. From FT‐IR spectral analysis, various functional groups of this crystal were identified. UV‐Visible spectral analysis was made. Mechanical strength of the grown crystal was estimated on the prominent (110) face using a Vickers microhardness tester. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Single‐crystal growth and characterization of mullite‐type orthorhombic Bi2M4O9 (M = Al3+, Ga3+, Fe3+)

Pure and homogeneous single crystals of orthorhombic mullite‐type Bi₂M₄O₉ (M = Al³⁺, Ga³⁺, Fe³⁺), and a mixed Bi₂Fe_1.7Ga_2.3O₉ crystal from an equimolar Ga/Fe composition were grown by the top seeded solution growth (TSSG) method. All these compounds melt incongruently in the range of about 800 and 1100 °C. In case of bismuth gallate and ferrate inclusion‐free crystals with dimensions up to several cubic centimeters can be grown. Limited solubility in Bi₂O₃ and the high steepness of the liquidus curve are the reasons for getting only small imperfect bismuth aluminate crystals. In contrast to ceramic materials preparation reported in literature, divalent calcium and strontium could not be incorporated into the mullite‐type structure during the melt growth process. Several fundamental physical properties like heat capacity, thermal expansion, heat conductivity, elastic constants, high‐pressure behavior and oxygen diffusivity were determined by different research groups using single‐crystalline samples from the as‐grown materials. Furthermore, the refractive indices of Bi₂Ga₄O₉ were measured in the range of 0.430 and 0.700 μm. Such as many other bismuth containing compounds the refractive indices of Bi₂Ga₄O₉ are larger than 2, and Bi₂Ga₄O₉ is an optic biaxial positive crystal. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)