Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using Fe3O4, ZnO, and CuO nanoparticles

This study investigated the removal of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Pb²⁺ from aqueous solutions with novel nanoparticle sorbents (Fe₃O₄, ZnO, and CuO) using a range of experimental approaches, including, pH, competing ions, sorbent masses, contact time, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The images showed that Fe₃O₄, ZnO, and CuO particles had mean diameters of about 50?nm (spheroid), 25?nm (rod shape), and 75?nm (spheroid), respectively. Tests were performed under batch conditions to determine the adsorption rate and uptake at equilibrium from single and multiple component solutions. The maximum uptake values (sum of four metals) in multiple component solutions were 360.6, 114.5, and 73.0?mg?g^?1, for ZnO, CuO, and Fe₃O₄, respectively. Based on the average metal removal by the three nanoparticles, the following order was determined for single component solutions: Cd²⁺?>?Pb²⁺?>?Cu²⁺?>?Ni²⁺, while the following order was determined in multiple component solutions: Pb²⁺?>?Cu²⁺?>?Cd²⁺?>?Ni²⁺. Sorption equilibrium isotherms could be described using the Freundlich model in some cases, whereas other isotherms did not follow this model. Furthermore, a pseudo-second order kinetic model was found to correctly describe the experimental data for all nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray before and after metal sorption, and soil solution saturation indices showed that the main mechanism of sorption for Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ was adsorption, whereas both Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ sorption were due to adsorption and precipitation. These nanoparticles have potential for use as efficient sorbents for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions and ZnO nanoparticles were identified as the most promising sorbent due to their high metal uptake.     

Geometry and composition of thin multilayer films based on lead and cadmium selenides

The formation of Cd _x Pb_{1 ? x} Se substitutional solid solutions at the interfaces of (CdSe-PbSe) _n multilayer films (n = 2–6) is revealed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The films are fabricated by the hydrochemical layer-by-layer deposition of individual metal selenides. For a six-layer structure (CdSe-PbSe)₃, the sequence of layers is determined using gray levels on images by constructing profilograms.     

Existence of a Cu3Au-type ordered structure in CdxZn1−xTe epilayers grown on (100) GaAs substrates

Selected area electron diffraction pattern (SADP) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements were carried out to investigate the spontaneously ordered structure in Cd_xZn_1−xTe epilayers grown on GaAs (100) substrates. The SADP showed superstructure reflections with symmetrical intensity, and the high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) micrographs showed doublet periodicity in the contrast of the {100} lattice planes. The results of the SADP and the HRTEM measurements showed a Cu₃Au-type ordered structure was formed in the Cd_xZn_1−xTe epilayer. The present results can help improve understanding of the Cu₃Au-type ordered structures in Cd_xZn_1−xTe epilayers grown on GaAs substrates.     

Phase- and shape-controlled synthesis of cadmium hydroxyl chloride microstructures via an ammonia-assisted conversion of 1D CdQCl (Q=quinoline) complex microwires

In this paper we reported a NH₃·H₂O-assisted solvothermal route for successful synthesis of cadmium hydroxyl chlorides (Cd_x(OH)_yCl_z) microstructures with different phases and shapes, employing 1D CdQCl (Q=quinoline) complex microwires as the precursor. Experiments contained two processes: firstly, CdQCl complex microwires with 500–600 nm in diameter and several hundreds of micrometers in length were prepared by the complexation between CdCl₂·2.5H₂O and quinoline at room temperature; then, CdQCl microwires were solvothermally treated at 150 °C for 10 h in the presences of different amounts of NH₃·H₂O to produce Cd_x(OH)_yCl_z microstructures with various phases and shapes. The as-obtained precursor and Cd_x(OH)_yCl_z microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Infrared spectrometry and X-ray powder diffraction. Experiments showed that hexagonal Cd(OH)Cl was obtained from water–methanol system, while rhombohedral Cd₄(OH)₅Cl₃ from methanol system. Also, it was found that the shapes of Cd_x(OH)_yCl_z could be tuned by the amounts of NH₃·H₂O. Furthermore, the UV diffuse reflection and photoluminescence spectra of the precursor and Cd_x(OH)_yCl_z were also investigated.     

Structure and optical properties of Cd-substituted ZnO (Zn1−x Cd x O) thin films synthesized by the dc reactive magnetron sputtering

The ternary Zn_1?x Cd _x O (x = 0, 0.2) thin films with wurtzite structure and highly (002)-preferred orientations were deposited on glass substrates by the direct current (dc) reactive magnetron sputtering method. The X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) were employed to investigate the structural and the optical properties in detail. The results indicated that as x varied from x = 0–0.2, the diffraction angle of the (002) peaks decreased from ~34.36° to ~33.38° and the lattice spacing increased from 0.260 to 0.268 nm. Moreover, the optical band-gap of the Zn_1?x Cd _x O thin films with the wurtzite structure decreased from 3.20 eV at x = 0–2.70 eV at x = 0.2. Correspondingly, the near-band-edge PL was tuned in a wide visible region from ~393 to 467 nm. The chemical bonding states of Cd in Zn_1?x Cd _x O alloy thin films were examined by XPS analysis.     

Hydrothermal preparation and characterization of Cd0.9Mn0.1S nanorods

Cd_0.9Mn_0.1S semiconductor nanorods were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of CdCl₂·2.5H₂O and MnCl₂·5H₂O with (NH₄)₂S in aqueous solution. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine the Mn contents of these complex nanorods. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) and compared with the undoped CdS nanorods. The results showed that nanostructured multiplex compounds with high aspect ratio were obtained via hydrothermal method. The products showed almost totally rod-like morphology with approximately identical diameter about 20 nm and the maximal length up to 200 nm.     

Synthesis of wide band gap nanocrystalline NiO powder via a sonochemical method

A sonochemistry-based synthesis method was used to produce nanocrystalline nickel oxide powder with ∼20 nm average crystallite diameter from Ni(OH)₂ precursor. Ultrasound waves were applied to the primary solution to intensify the Ni(OH)₂ precipitation. Dried precipitates were calcined at 320 °C to form nanocrystalline NiO particles. The morphology of the produced powder was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Using sonochemical waves resulted in lowering of the size of the nickel oxide crystallites. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed high purity well-crystallized structure of the synthesized powder. Photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed production of a wide band-gap structure.     

Nanoscratch behavior of Zn1−xCdxSe heteroepitaxial layers

This paper describes the nanoscratch behavior of Zn_1−xCd_xSe epilayers grown using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Hysitron Triboscope nanoindenter techniques were employed to determine the microstructures, morphologies, friction coefficients (μ), and hardnesses (H) of these materials, and thereby propose an explanation for their properties in terms of nanotribological behavior. Nanoscratch analysis revealed that the coefficient of friction of the Zn_1−xCd_xSe epilayer system decreased from 0.172 to 0.139 upon increasing the Cd content (x) from 0.07 to 0.34. Furthermore, studies of the scratch wear depth under a ramping load indicated that a higher Cd content provided the Zn_1−xCd_xSe epilayers with a higher shear resistance, which enhanced the strength of the CdSe bonds. These findings suggest that the greater stiffness of the CdSe bond, relative to that of the ZnSe bond, enhances the hardness of the epilayers. Indeed, the effect of the Cd content on the growth of the Zn_1−xCd_xSe epilayers is manifested in the resulting nanotribological behavior.     

Nanofibrous membrane of polyacrylonitrile with efficient adsorption capacity for cadmium ions from aqueous solution: Isotherm and kinetic studies

The nanofibrous membrane of polyacrylonitrile (NMP) was successfully synthesized after NaOH and NaHCO₃ treatment aiming its functionalization using electrospinning for cadmium ion (Cd²⁺) adsorption. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed that small particles attached to the surface of functionalized PAN nanofibers. Equilibrium was attained after 60 min following a rapid uptake of Cd²⁺ with maximum adsorption capacity and percentage removal at an optimum solution pH of 7.0. The adsorbent dose of 0.3 g and 90 mg L⁻¹ of initial Cd²⁺ concentration yielded the maximum adsorption capacity. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the best fitted to the adsorption data, indicating that the chemisorption is the controlling mechanism of adsorption. The physisorption was proposed based on the calculated values of the mean free energy of adsorption from the D–R isotherm (E < 8 kJ mol⁻¹). Furthermore, three-parameter isotherm models indicated the homogeneous and heterogeneous Cd²⁺ adsorption onto NMP adsorbent.     

Spectroscopic characterization of cadion: UV–vis,resonance Raman and DFT calculations of a versatile metal complexing agent

The spectroscopic characterization of cadion or 1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐(4‐phenylazophenyl)triazene, its anionic species and its complexes with Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺ in DMSO solution is presented. Resonance Raman (RR) and UV–vis spectroscopy were the techniques of choice with results supported by density functional theory calculations. As previously reported, the UV–vis data indicate distinct absorption spectra for the five species mentioned, allowing for spectrophotometric metal differentiation. In order to understand the electronic spectra of such species, we performed a detailed RR investigation, where the spectral profiles revealed the vibrational modes mainly involved in the chromophoric moieties. The distinct enhancement profile observed for each species suggests that the charge transfer from the π‐system to the electron withdrawing NO₂ group is modulated by the electron donating triazene moiety, depending on the metal attached. The results reported herein show that RR spectroscopy can be potentially used in the metal detection of multicomponent samples by the proper choice of the excitation wavelength. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photophysical and photocatalytic properties of ANbO3 (A=Na,K) photocatalysts

Alkali niobates ANbO₃ (A=Na, K) photocatalysts were prepared by a conventional solid state reaction method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption measurement, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that ANbO₃ (A=Na, K) are indirect band-gap semiconductors with an orthorhombic system. The band structures and density of states (DOS) were theoretically calculated by the density functional theory. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photoreduction of CO₂ into CH₄. It was observed that KNbO₃ showed a higher photocatalytic activity than NaNbO₃ due to the narrower band gap and higher mobile charge carriers, which are helpful to enhance the light absorption and promote photoinduced carriers transport in the photocatalysts so as to improve the photocatalytic performance.     

Deep level transient spectroscopy in Hg1−xCdxTe

We report the application of Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) in Hg_1-xCd_xTe, demonstrating for the first time the utilization of DLTS techniques in a narrow band-gap semiconductor, E_g < 0.40 eV. DLTS measurements performed on an n⁺-p diode with E_g (x=0.21, T=30 K) =0.096 eV have identified an electron trap with an energy of E_v + 0.043 eV and a hole trap at E_v + 0.035 eV. Measurements of trap densities, capture cross sections, and the close proximity of the electron and hole trap locations within the band-gap suggest that DLTS may be observing both the electron and hole capture at a single Shockley-Read recombination center. The trapping parameters measured by DLTS predict minority carrier lifetime versus temperature data to be comparable with the experimentally measured values.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of Zn<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cd<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>S–MWCNT heterostructures and their photocatalytic properties

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) wrapped with hexagonal wurtzite Zn _x Cd_1−x S nanoparticles with a uniform and small diameter have been prepared to form Zn _x Cd_1−x S–MWCNT heterostructures by microwave-assisted route using Zn(Ac)₂, Cd(NO₃)₂, and thioacetamide as the reactants_. The heterostructures have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and PL excited lifetime. Despite the analogous size and configuration, the Zn _x Cd_1−x S–MWCNT (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1) with different Zn concentration exhibit composition-dependent absorption properties in the visible zone. The PL peak positions of Zn _x Cd_1−x S–MWCNT change gradually from ZnS–MWCNT to CdS–MWCNT. The Zn _x Cd_1−x S–MWCNT shows different photocatalytic activity towards the photodegradation of fuchsin acid under visible light illumination, photocatalytic activity of the Zn _x Cd_1−x S–MWCNT decreases gradually with the increase in the Zn concentration, the Zn_0.2Cd_0.8S–MWCNT possessed the best photocatalytic activity. After recycling thrice, the photocatalysts still have about 85% efficiency.     

Fracture mechanisms of Hg0.8Cd0.2Te induced by pulsed TEA-CO2 laser

The fracture mechanisms of Hg_0.8Cd_0.2Te induced by pulsed TEA-CO₂ laser have been investigated theoretically and experimentally in this paper. The Hg_0.8Cd_0.2Te target was irradiated by a TEA-CO₂ laser with wavelength of 10.6 μm and spike width of 240 ns in an ambient atmosphere. The evident cracks can be found on the surface of the target from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos, indicating that the severe breaks happened during the experiment. Theoretical analysis has also been carried out and the results show that the fracture of Hg_0.8Cd_0.2Te is mainly induced by thermal stresses, although there are three forces (thermal stress, evaporation wave and laser-supported detonation (LSD) wave) exerted on the target surface during the process.     

Investigation of half metallicity in Fe doped CdSe and Co doped CdSe materials

The objective of the present work is to evaluate half metallicity and spin dependent transport properties of iron doped CdSe and cobalt doped CdSe compounds. The spin-polarized band structures (semiconductor in one spin state and conductor in the other spin state) predict that Cd_0.875Fe_0.125Se and Cd_0.875Co_0.125Se are half metals. The calculated crystal filed splitting energy show larger energy gap between e_g and t_2g for Fe than Co doped CdSe compound. Furthermore, magnetization, exchange coupling and band-gap increase with decrease in the lattice constant. Overall, Cd_0.875Fe_0.125Se and Cd_0.875Co_0.125Se in the zinc-blend phase show half-metallic ferromagnetic nature and are expected to be potential materials for spintronic devices.     

Crystal structures of two variants for CuPtB-type ordering in strained CdxZn1−xTe epilayers

Two variants of CuPt_B-type orderings in strained Cd_xZn_1−xTe epilayers were investigated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area diffraction pattern (SADP) measurements. The TEM images on the Cd_0.15Zn_0.85Te epilayers depicted strong contrast modulations along the [110] direction, and the SADP images showed superstructure reflection spots corresponding to a CuPt_B-type ordering. Possible crystal structures for the two variants of CuPt_B-type ordering in the Cd_xZn_1−xTe epilayers, which were determined from the SADP images, are presented.     

The structure and photoluminescence properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-coated ZnS nanowires

The structure and photoluminescence properties of TiO₂-coated ZnS nanowires were investigated. ZnS nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation of ZnS powder and then coated with TiO₂ by using the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. We performed scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to characterize the as-synthesized and TiO₂-coated ZnS nanowires. TEM and XRD analyses revealed that the ZnS core and the TiO₂ coatings had crystalline zinc blende and crystalline anatase structures, respectively. PL measurement at room temperature showed that the as-synthesized ZnS nanowires had two emissions: a blue emission centered in the range from 430 to 440 nm and a green emission at around 515 nm. The green emission was found to be dominant in the ZnS nanowires coated with TiO₂ by MOCVD at 350°C for one or more hours, while the blue emission was dominant in the as-synthesized ZnS nanowires. Also the mechanisms of the emissions were discussed.     

Synthesis of GaN nanowires by Tb catalysis

Rare earth metal seed Tb was employed as catalyst for the growth of GaN wires. GaN nanowires were synthesized successfully through ammoniating Ga₂O₃/Tb films sputtered on Si(1 1 1) substrates. The samples characterization by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared indicated that the nanowires are constituted of hexagonal wurtzite GaN. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that the samples are single-crystal GaN nanowire structures. The growth mechanism of the GaN nanowires is discussed.     

磁控溅射法合成纳米β-FeSi2/a-Si多层结构

β-FeSi₂作为一种环境友好的半导体材料，颗粒化及非晶化正在成为提高其应用性能和改善薄膜质量、膜基界面失配度的有效途径.利用射频磁控溅射法在单晶Si基体上沉积Fe/Si多层膜，合成纳米β-FeSi₂/Si多层结构.通过透射电子显微镜、高分辨电子显微术等分析手段，研究了多层结构和制备工艺之间的相互关系.研究结果表明，采用磁控溅射Fe/Si多层膜的方法，不需要退火就可以直接沉积得到β-FeSi₂相小颗粒.β-FeSi₂相 关键词： 2')" href="#">β-FeSi₂ 磁控溅射 透射电子显微镜 半导体薄膜     

Effects of in situ thermal annealing on the structural, optical, and electrical properties in Hg0.7Cd0.3Te epilayers grown on CdTe buffer layers

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmission, and Hall effect measurements were performed to investigate the structural, optical, and electrical properties of as-grown and in situ-annealed Hg_0.7Cd_0.3Te epilayers grown on CdTe buffer layers by using molecular beam epitaxy. After the Hg_0.7Cd_0.3Te epilayers had been annealed in a Hg-cell flux atmosphere, the SEM images showed that the surface morphologies of the Hg_0.7Cd_0.3Te thin films were mirror-like with no indication of pinholes or defects, and the FTIR spectra showed that the transmission intensities had increased in comparison to that of the as-grown Hg_0.7Cd_0.3Te epilayer. Hall-effect measurements showed that n-Hg_0.7Cd_0.3Te epilayers were converted to p-Hg_0.7Cd_0.3Te epilayers. These results indicate that the surface, optical, and electrical properties of the Hg_1 − xCd_xTe epilayers are improved by annealing and that as-grown n-Hg_1 − xCd_xTe epilayers can be converted to p-Hg_1 − xCd_xTe epilayers by in situ annealing.