TiO2/polyaniline composites： An efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue under natural light

Polyaniline (PAn) sensitized nanocrystalline TiO_2 composites (TiO_2/PAn) were successfully prepared and used as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of dye methylene blue (MB).The results showed that PAn was able to sensitize TiO_2 efficiently and the composite photocatalyst could be activated by absorbing both the ultraviolet and visible light (λ:190～800nm),whereas pure TiO_2 absorbed ultraviolet light only (λ<380nm).Under the irradiation of natural light,MB could be degraded more efficiently on the TiO_2/PAn composites than on the TiO_2.Furthermore,it could be easily separated from the solution by simple sedimentation.     

Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of Sr0.95La0.05TiO3−δ-TiO2 solid solutions

Sr_0.95La_0.05TiO_3?δ solid solutions, combined with 10 mol% TiO₂, were prepared at different temperatures. When sintered at a suitable temperature, the Seebeck coefficient presents the same behavior at high temperatures as that of Sr_0.95La_0.05TiO_3?δ ceramic. Otherwise, the Seebeck coefficient would be smaller. After introducing TiO₂, both of the thermal and electrical conductivity are reduced. The sample sintered at 1350 °C exhibits the highest ZT of about 0.2, which slightly larger than that of Sr_0.95La_0.05TiO_3?δ ceramic.     

Preparation of TiO2 nanocrystallites by hydrolyzing with gaseous water and their photocatalytic activity

TiO₂ nanocrystallites were prepared from precursors tetra-n-butyl titanate (Ti(OC₄H₉)₄) and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄). The precursors were hydrolyzed by gaseous water in autoclave, and then calcined at predetermined testing temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by the photobleaching of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution and the photocatalytic oxidation of propylene in gas phase at ambient temperature. The results showed that the anatase phase nanocrystalline TiO₂ could be obtained at relatively low temperatures (for precursor Ti(OC₄H₉)₄ at 110 °C and for TiCl₄ at 140 °C, respectively), and that the as prepared samples exhibited high photocatalytic activities to photobleach MB in aqueous solution. As the calcination temperatures increasing, the decolor ratio of MB increased and reached the maximum value of nearly 100% at 600 °C, and then decreased. The photobleaching of MB by all samples followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to MB concentration. The photodecomposition amount of propylene by TiO₂ nanocrystallites calcined at 600 °C from precursor of Ti(OC₄H₉)₄ is 21.6%, which is approaching to that by Degussa P25 TiO₂ (24.9%).     

Molar heat capacities of some aqueous (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol + glycol) systems

A new set of molar heat capacity data for aqueous {2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol (TRIS) + glycol} at (30 to 80) °C and different concentrations (4% to 16% by weight TRIS or 56% to 44% by weight water, in a fixed amount of glycol – 40% by weight) were gathered via reliable measurement method and are presented in this report. The glycols considered were diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), tetraethylene glycol (T₄EG), propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), and tripropylene glycol (TPG). The 198 data points gathered fit the equation, C_p = C_p,a + B₁m + B₂m² + B₃m³, where C_p and C_p,a are the molar heat capacities of the (TRIS + glycol + water) and (water + glycol) systems, respectively, B_i the temperature-dependent parameters, and m the mole TRIS per kilogram (glycol + water). The overall average absolute deviation (AAD) of the experimental data from the corresponding values calculated from the correlation equation was 0.07%.     

Partitioning of l-methionine in aqueous two-phase systems containing poly(propylene glycol) and sodium phosphate salts

The partitioning behavior of l-methionine has been studied in aqueous two-phase systems of (poly(propylene glycol) + sodium phosphate salts + H₂O) at different temperatures. The salts used were sodium di-hydrogen phosphate (NaH₂PO₄), di-sodium hydrogen phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) and tri-sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄). The effects of tie line length, salt type, and temperature on the partition coefficient of this amino acid have been studied. In addition, thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG°) as a function of temperature were calculated. The results showed that increasing tie line length led to decreasing of the partition coefficient. We also showed that the partition coefficients of the amino acid in the systems containing Na₃PO₄ are greater than the other two salts. Moreover, it is verified that increasing temperature led to decreasing the partition coefficient. The experimental partition coefficient data are correlated using a modified virial-type model.     

Temperature and pressure dependences of volumetric properties of two poly(propylene glycol) dimethyl ether lubricants

The densities at high pressures of two dimethoxy end-capped poly(propylene glycols), CH₃–O–[CH₂–CH(CH₃)–O]_m–CH₃, with average molar masses higher than 1300 g · mol^?1, were measured in the range (0.1 to 60) MPa at five different temperatures from (298.15 to 398.15) K. The measurements were performed in a high-pressure vibrating tube densimeter. A correction factor, due to the viscosity of the sample, was applied to the experimental density values. The pressure–volume–temperature behavior of these lubricants was evaluated accurately over wide temperature and pressure ranges and correlated successfully with the empirical Tammann–Tait equation. The experimental data and the correlations were used to study the behavior and the influence of temperature and pressure on the isothermal compressibility, the isobaric thermal expansivity, and the internal pressure, as well as the effect of the polyether molecular structure on these properties.     

Effect of temperature on volumetric and transport properties of nanofluids containing ZnO nanoparticles poly(ethylene glycol) and water

The nanoparticles of ZnO have been dispersed in base fluids of poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, and its aqueous solutions. Stability of these nanofluids has been verified with UV-Vis spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering and size analyze laser methods were used to obtain particle size of the nanofluids investigated. The density, speed of sound and viscosity values for these nanofluids have been measured at T = (293.15, 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15) K. From these experimental data, the excess molar volume, $V_m^E$ and isentropic compressibility, κ_s, have been determined. The behaviour of these values with temperature and concentration has been interpreted for clarifying the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles in PEG and aqueous solution of PEG. The effects of ZnO nanoparticles and temperature have also been investigated on volumetric and transport properties of aqueous solutions of PEG. The $V_m^E$, was adequately fitted to the Redlich–Kister, Ott et al. and Singh et al. equations. The isentropic compressibility values were correlated with the polynomial equation. The Eyring-NRTL and Eyring-mNRF models have successfully been used for correlating the viscosity values of the nanofluids investigated with temperature dependency considered. The performance of the Einstein, Brinkman, Lundgren and Batchelor models in the prediction of viscosity values of the (ZnO + PEG) nanofluid has also been tested.     

Chemical and physical properties of complex perovskites in the La0.8Sr0.2MnO3−δ–La0.8Sr0.2CuO2.4+δ–La0.8Sr0.2FeO3−δ system

Perovskites resulting from discrete changes in composition within the quasi-ternary system La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO_3−δ–La_0.8Sr_0.2CuO_2.4+δ–La_0.8Sr_0.2FeO_3−δ were investigated under constant experimental conditions with the objective of obtaining an overview of the variation of the properties relevant for possible future applications. Nineteen nominal perovskite compositions within this system were systematically selected and synthesized under identical conditions by the Pechini method. The experimental data obtained on quantitative chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, electrical conductivity and thermal expansion are presented collectively for the first time to facilitate comparisons. The formation and distribution of the different crystallographic phases at 950 °C within this quasi-ternary system are shown. The DC electrical conductivity is strongly influenced by the Cu content and increases up to 276 S cm⁻¹ for La_0.8Sr_0.2CuO_2.4+δ. The thermal expansion is dominated by the Cu/Mn ratio and is almost independent of the Fe content.     

Effect of water content of ethylene glycol as electrolyte for synthesis of ordered titania nanotubes

Anodization of Ti using fluoride containing polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol or glycerol as electrolyte results in ordered arrays of TiO₂ nanotubes with a smooth surface and a very high aspect ratio. However, the reproducibility of the result is affected by many experimental parameters, notably the water content. In this investigation, anodizations of Ti foil in anhydrous ethylene glycol +0.2 wt% NH₄F solution (EG solution) with 0–1.0 wt% water additions were carried out at 20 V for 45 min in a dry-argon filled controlled-atmosphere glove box. It was observed that a minimum amount of 0.18 wt% of water addition was required to form a well ordered TiO₂ nanotubular arrays. When the anhydrous EG solution was reused for third time, ordered arrays of nanotubes started to form. When the water addition to the EG solution was more than 0.5 wt%, formation of ridges was observed on the nanotubes. XPS results showed presence of un-anodized Ti element in the anhydrous condition and presence of organic and (NH₄)₂TiF₆ type compounds in all the anodized samples in addition to the regular TiO₂ phase. The results underline the influence of water content and local pH condition to form the ordered nanotubular arrays.     

Fabrication of highly conductive Ru/a-CNx:H composite films by anode deposit

Ruthenium(0) composite hydrogenated amorphous carbon nitride (Ru/a-CN_x:H) films were deposition on single crystal silicon (1 0 0) substrate by electrochemical deposition technique with acetonitrile as carbon source, and Ru₃(CO)₁₂ as dopant. In the deposited progress, the Si (1 0 0) acted as anode. The relative atomic ratio of Ru/N/C was about 0.28/0.33/1, and Ru nanocrystalline particles about 8 nm were homogeneously dispersed into the amorphous carbon matrix. After doping Ru into a-CN_x:H films, the conductivity of the films were evidently improved and the resistivity drastically decrease from 10⁸ Ω cm to about 100 Ω cm.     

Structural characterization and activation energy of NiTiO3 nanopowders prepared by the co-precipitation and impregnation with calcinations

In this paper, we report on the formation of novel hexagonal NiTiO₃ nanopowders synthesized by the impregnation or co-precipitation methods through the thermal decomposition reaction of the precursors. The decomposition course was followed using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The intermediate decomposition products as well as the formed titanate were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. XRD patterns of the precursors calcined at 1000 °C showed the formation of the single ilmenite-type rhombohedral structure only with the impregnated precursor, while with the precipitated NiTiO₃ powders one it indicates the presence of some NiO and TiO₂ impurities. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) exhibited loosely agglomerated hexagonal particles with uniform morphology having a size around 61 nm. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements showed a type III isotherm with calculated surface area of 152 m²/g. The plot of ln σ_ac vs. temperature as a function of frequency indicates a semiconducting behavior with ferroelectric phase transition at 605 K. The calculated activation in the ferroelectric region is 0.93 eV suggests the predominance of hopping conduction mechanism. Kinetic analysis of TG data according to different integral methods showed that in the NiC₂O₄·2H₂O–TiO₂ precursor, the water molecules are coordinately bounded and the presence of TiO₂ reduces the activation energy needed to the oxalate decomposition reaction.     

Facile preparation of large aspect ratio ellipsoidal anatase TiO2 nanoparticles and their application to dye-sensitized solar cell

A simple one-step heat-treatment of peroxotitanate complex aqueous solution at around 100 °C was resulted in the formation of ellipsoidal anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles having a high aspect ratio with no branches. The length of these ellipsoidal TiO₂ falls in the range of 200–350 nm, depending on mole ratio of Ti⁴⁺/H₂O₂. Dye-sensitized solar cell based on these ellipsoidal nanocrystalline TiO₂ as photoanode was fabricated and characterized.     

TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated by anodization in different electrolytes for biosensing

Titania nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in different electrolytes. The morphology, crystallinity and composition of the as-prepared nanotube arrays were studied by XRD, SEM and EDX. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to investigate their electrical conductivity and capacitance. Titania nanotube arrays co-adsorbed with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and thionine chloride (Th) were studied for their sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide by means of cyclic voltammetric and galvanostatic measurements. The experiments showed that TiO₂ nanotube arrays possessed appreciably different sensitivities to H₂O₂ due to their different conductivity. Further experiments revealed that TiO₂ nanotubes have noticeably different ability of adsorbing HRP and Th, and the best sensitivity was achieved when the density of HRP is the highest. The TiO₂ nanotube arrays fabricated in potassium fluoride solution demonstrated the best sensitivity on hydrogen peroxide in the range of 10⁻⁵–3 × 10⁻³ M at pH 6.7 and at a potential of −600 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl).     

Solubilities,densities and refractive indices for the ternary systems ethylene glycol + MCl + H2O (M = Na,K, Rb,Cs) at (15 and 35) °C

The solubilities, densities and refractive indices data for the four ternary systems ethylene glycol + MCl + H₂O (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) at different temperatures were measured, with mass fractions of ethylene glycol in the range of 0 to 1.0. In all cases, the presence of ethylene glycol significantly reduces the solubility of the salts in aqueous solution. The experimental data of density, refractive index and solubility of saturated solutions for these systems were correlated using polynomial equations as a function of the mass fraction of ethylene glycol. On the other hand, the refractive index and density of unsaturated solutions was also determined for the four ternary systems with varied unsaturated salt concentrations. Values for both the properties were correlated with the salt concentrations and proportions of ethylene glycol in the solutions.     

Enhanced electrochemical performance of carbon-coated TiO2 nanobarbed fibers as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

We report the electrochemical performance of carbon-coated TiO₂ nanobarbed fibers (TiO₂@C NBFs) as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The TiO₂@C NBFs are composed of TiO₂ nanorods grown on TiO₂ nanofibers as a core, coated with a carbon shell. These nanostructures form a conductive network showing high capacity and C-rate performance due to fast lithium-ion diffusion and effective electron transfer. The TiO₂@C NBFs show a specific reversible capacity of approximately 170 mAh g^− 1 after 200 cycles at a 0.5 A g^− 1 current density, and exhibit a discharge rate capability of 4 A g^− 1 while retaining a capacity of about 70 mAh g^− 1. The uniformly coated amorphous carbon layer plays an important role to improve the electrical conductivity during the lithiation–delithiation process.     

Crystal structure,electrical conductivity,thermal expansion and compatibility studies of Co-substituted lanthanum strontium manganite system

La_0.76Sr_0.19Mn_1?xCo_xO_3±δ, LSMCo_x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite oxides were synthesized by conventional ceramic route. The effect of Co substitution for Mn on the crystal structure, electrical conductivity and thermal expansion properties was investigated. XRD indicated rhombohedral symmetry for the studied compositions at 1673 K. The lattice parameters so determined showed significant reduction in cell volume, which is attributed to smaller ionic radii of Co³⁺ ions. The results of electrical conductivity data indicated that the conductivity mechanism is by thermally activated hopping of small polarons between localized states corresponding to Mn or Mn and Co sites of different valence value. The conductivity decreases at all temperatures up to 40 mol% Co substitution while the energy of activation increases. This is possibly due to an increase in Jahn–Teller distortion, at an extent higher than the increase of the concentration of charge carriers. Thermal expansion coefficient values in the series increase with increasing Co content which has been explained on the basis of the changes in the spin states of the Co ions and the consequent changes in the ionic size with temperature. Solution route synthesis produces fine-size particles with better properties, consequently one composition from the above having enhanced requisite properties, viz. La_0.76Sr_0.19Mn_0.8Co_0.2O_3±δ was synthesized by sol–gel route. The sol–gel synthesized compound had crystallite size of ～30 nm at 1173 K obtained using Scherrer's equation. Thus the potential of these compounds as cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been evaluated.As Ce_0.8RE_0.2O_2?δ (RE = Sm, Gd) are being investigated for their use as electrolytes in SOFCs, their mechanical compatibility as well as chemical compatibility with the potential cathode material from the above LSMCo_x series was also studied.     

Electrical conductivity and Hf4+ ion substitution range in NaSICON system

In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterizations of NaSICON-type ionic conducting ceramics of the general formula Na_1+xM_1.775Si_x−0.9P_3.9−xO₁₂ with 1.8 ≤ x ≤ 2.2 and M = Zr or Hf. The effect of the total substitution of zirconium by hafnium on electric properties has been studied. The various compositions were prepared by using the sol–gel method and the synthesized precursors were characterized by coupled DTA–TG. The oxides obtained after pyrolysis of the precursors were identified by X-ray diffraction. A sintering study by thermodilatometry permits to select the best thermal cycle adapted to our ceramics. Furthermore, the electric conductivity of the sintered ceramic samples was characterized by complex impedance spectroscopy. These results show that ceramics containing Zr synthesized by soft method, present a higher total conductivity than those obtained in literature (to be around 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹). The total substitution of Zr by Hf still improves this conductivity for some compositions.     

(Liquid + liquid) and (liquid + solid) equilibrium of aqueous two-phase systems containing poly ethylene glycol di-methyl ether 2000 and di-sodium hydrogen phosphate

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) for the {poly ethylene glycol di-methyl ether 2000 (PEGDME₂₀₀₀) + Na₂HPO₄ + H₂O} system have been determined experimentally at T = (298.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15) K. The effects of temperature on the binodals and tie-lines for the investigated aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) have been studied. An empirical non-linear expression developed by Merchuk was used for reproducing the experimental binodal data. In this work, the three fitting parameters of the Merchuk equation were obtained with the temperature dependence expressed in the linear form with (T ? T₀) K as a variable. Furthermore, the modified local composition segment-based NRTL and Wilson models and also osmotic virial equation were used to describe the LLE data of the studied system. Also, the effects of the type of salt on LLE are discussed. In addition, the effects of end groups of the polymers PEGDME₂₀₀₀ and poly ethylene glycol 2000 on phase forming ability were studied. The complete phase diagram for the poly ethylene {glycol di-methyl ether 2000 (PEGDME₂₀₀₀) + Na₂HPO₄ + H₂O} system has also been determined at T = 298.15 K.     

The effect of temperature and molar mass on the (liquid + liquid) equilibria of (poly ethylene glycol dimethyl ether + di-sodium hydrogen citrate + water) systems: Experimental and correlation

The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium for the {polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether 2000 (PEGDME₂₀₀₀) + di-sodium hydrogen citrate + H₂O} system was studied at T = (298.15, 308.15 and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure (≈85 kPa). The free energies, enthalpies and entropies of cloud points were calculated in order to investigate the driving force formation of this two-phase system. To investigate the effect of molar mass of the polymer on the binodals and tie-lines, similar measurements were also made at T = 298.15 K on this two-phase system consisting of the PEGDME with molar masses of 500 and 250 g ⋅ mol⁻¹. The effective excluded volume model was used for representation of the phase-forming ability in PEGDME systems. An empirical and the Merchuck equations with the temperature dependency were used to correlate the binodal curves. The Othmer–Tobias and Bancraft and Setschenow equations, the osmotic virial and the extended NRTL models were used to fit the tie-line data.