Sol-hydrothermally derived gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanorods and tamarind-like shape evolution under 80 MeV C6+ ion impact

The present work highlights swift heavy ion irradiation-induced shape evolution of gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) nanorods synthesized via a sol-hydrothermal route. Upon dispersing Gd₂O₃ nanorods in the polyvinyl alcohol matrix, thin solid films were cast on borosilicate glass substrates. The films were then exposed to 80?MeV carbon-ion irradiation, while fluence was varied in the range of 1×10¹¹–3×10¹²?ions/cm². The post analyses were carried out by using X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy studies. An apparently observable shortening of length (L) and diameter (D) of the nanorods can be revealed through the TEM imaging analyses. Moreover, while exhibiting an aspect ratio (L/D) between 3.3 and 4.7, the nanorods were found to exist in the form of bunching at higher fluences. The irradiation-induced tamarind-like shape evolution at higher fluences was attributed to the overlapping of ion impacts on certain regions of the nanorods. The most intense Raman active peak of the pristine sample located at ～360?cm^?1 was seen to experience blue-shifting (～375?cm^?1) when irradiated at the highest fluence (～3×10¹²?ions/cm²). An altered shape evolution of a thermally and mechanically stable oxide system by the energetic ion impact would bring in new insights as regards construction of surface patterns and their potential use in miniaturized devices.     

Effect of oxalic acid (complexing agent) on anodic dissolution of Cobalt in hydrogen peroxide solutions: mechanism and kinetic analysis by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - The anodic dissolution of Cobalt in H2O2 solution is investigated in the presence and absence of a complexing agent, oxalic acid, using various techniques...