The investigation of Ag/ZnO interface system by first principle: The structural, electronic and optical properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Hai-Xia; Wang, Xiao-Xu; Beijing Computing Center, Beijing 100094

Ag/ZnO interfaces have been investigated for both of Zn-termination and O-termination by the first principle based on density functional theory. Our calculations demonstrate that the Ag atoms go inward from the Ag/ZnO interface, and the Zn and O atoms are all move outward bulk in the Zn-termination interface, and the changes are just opposite for O-termination. These behaviors are in agreement with the other studies in literatures. Furthermore, an expansion situation is observed in the first two Zn-O bilayer and first three Ag monolayers for both of Zn-termination and O-termination interfaces by comparing with the pure ZnO(0001) and Ag(111) surfaces.more » Moreover, the valence-band both of O-2p and Zn-3d states of Ag/ZnO interface gradual close to Femi level as the Zn, O atoms locate at the deeper layer for Zn-termination, but it is the other way round for O-termination. Calculated absorption spectrum indicates that the absorption intensity of Zn-termination interface is stronger than that of O-termination in the lower energy range (visible light region). These properties of ZnO surfaces are also evaluated for comparison with interfaces. - Graphical abstract: The structures of Ag/ZnO interface: Zn-termination (left) and O-termination (right). In this Ag/ZnO interface system, the ZnO (0001) surface is rotated 30°(R30), and Ag (111) surface is built (2×2) supercell, then a (2×√3) R30 Ag/ZnO interface is constructed using the supercell method (i.e. periodically repeated slabs). The lattice mismatch of (2×√3) R30 Ag/ZnO (2.6% mismatch) is smaller than that of (1×1) Ag/ZnO (11% mismatch).« less

Manipulation of surface morphology of flower-like Ag/ZnO nanorods to enhance photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

U-thaipan, Kasira; Tedsree, Karaked

2018-06-01

The surface morphology of flower-like Ag/ZnO nanorod can be manipulated by adopting different synthetic routes and also loading different levels of Ag in order to alter their surface structures to achieve the maximum photocatalytic efficiency. In a single-step preparation method Ag/ZnO was prepared by heating directly a mixture of Zn2+ and Ag+ precursors in an aqueous NaOH-ethylene glycol solution, while in the two-step preparation method an intermediate of flower-shaped ZnO nanorod was obtained by a hydrothermal process before depositing Ag particles on the ZnO surfaces by chemical reduction. The structure, morphology and optical properties of the synthesized samples were characterized using TEM, SEM, XRD, DRS and PL techniques. The sample prepared by single-step method are characterized with agglomeration of Ag atoms as clusters on the surface of ZnO, whereas in the sample prepared by two-step method Ag atoms are found uniformly dispersed and deposited as discrete Ag nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO. A significant enhancement in the adsorption of visible light was evident for Ag/ZnO samples prepared by two-step method especially with low Ag content (0.5 mol%). The flower-like Ag/ZnO nanorod prepared with 0.5 mol% Ag by two-step process was found to be the most efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of phenol, which can decompose 90% of phenol within 120 min.

Atomic structure of water/Au, Ag, Cu and Pt atomic junctions.

PubMed

Li, Yu; Kaneko, Satoshi; Fujii, Shintaro; Nishino, Tomoaki; Kiguchi, Manabu

2017-02-08

Much progress has been made in understanding the transport properties of atomic-scale conductors. We prepared atomic-scale metal contacts of Cu, Ag, Au and Pt using a mechanically controllable break junction method at 10 K in a cryogenic vacuum. Water molecules were exposed to the metal atomic contacts and the effect of molecular adsorption was investigated by electronic conductance measurements. Statistical analysis of the electronic conductance showed that the water molecule(s) interacted with the surface of the inert Au contact and the reactive Cu ant Pt contacts, where molecular adsorption decreased the electronic conductance. A clear conductance signature of water adsorption was not apparent at the Ag contact. Detailed analysis of the conductance behaviour during a contact-stretching process indicated that metal atomic wires were formed for the Au and Pt contacts. The formation of an Au atomic wire consisting of low coordination number atoms leads to increased reactivity of the inert Au surface towards the adsorption of water.

Doping Scheme in Atomic Chain Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toshishige, Yamada

1997-01-01

Due to the dramatic reduction in MOS size, there appear many unwanted effects. In these small devices, the number of dopant atoms in the channel is not macroscopic and electrons may suffer significantly different scattering from device to device since the spatial distribution of dopant atoms is no longer regarded as continuous. This prohibits integration, while it is impossible to control such dopant positions within atomic scale. A fundamental solution is to create electronics with simple but atomically precise structures, which could be fabricated with recent atom manipulation technology. All the constituent atoms are placed as planned, and then the device characteristics are deviation-free, which is mandatory for integration. Atomic chain electronics belongs to this category. Foreign atom chains or arrays form devices, and they are placed on the atomically flat substrate surface. We can design the band structure and the resultant Fermi energy of these structures by manipulating the lattice constant. Using the tight-binding theory with universal parameters, it has been predicted that isolated Si chains and arrays are metallic, Mg chains are insulating, and Mg arrays have metallic and insulating phases [1]. The transport properties along a metallic chain have been studied, emphasizing the role of the contact to electrodes [2]. For electronic applications, it is essential to establish a method to dope a semiconducting chain, which is to control the Fermi energy position without altering the original band structure. If we replace some of the chain atoms with dopant atoms randomly, the electrons will see random potential along die chain and will be localized strongly in space (Anderson localization). However, if we replace periodically, although the electrons can spread over the chain, there will generally appear new bands and band gaps reflecting the new periodicity of dopant atoms. This will change the original band structure significantly. In order to overcome

Molecule-assisted ferromagnetic atomic chain formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Manohar; Sethu, Kiran Kumar Vidya; van Ruitenbeek, Jan M.

2015-06-01

One dimensional systems strongly enhance the quantum character of electron transport. Such systems can be realized in 5 d transition metals Au, Pt, and Ir, in the form of suspended monatomic chains between bulk leads. Atomic chains between ferromagnetic leads would open up many perspectives in the context of spin-dependent transport and spintronics, but the evidence suggests that for pure metals only the mentioned three 5 d metals are susceptible to chain formation. It has been argued that the stability of atomic chains made up from ferromagnetic metals is compromised by the same exchange interaction that produces the local moments. Here we demonstrate that magnetic atomic chains can be induced to form in break junctions under the influence of light molecules. Explicitly, we find deuterium assisted chain formation in the 3 d ferromagnetic transition metals Fe and Ni. Chain lengths up to eight atoms are formed upon stretching the ferromagnetic atomic contact in deuterium atmosphere at cryogenic temperatures. From differential conductance spectra vibronic states of D2 can be identified, confirming the presence of deuterium in the atomic chains. Shot noise spectroscopy indicates the presence of weakly spin polarized transmission channels.

Ultrafast plasmon-enhanced hot electron process in model heterojunctions: Ag/TiO2 and Ag/graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petek, Hrvoje

We study the plasmonically enhanced nonlinear photoemission from Ag nanocluster-decorated graphite and TiO2(110) surfaces by time-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy (TR-2PP). Evaporating Ag atoms on graphite and TiO2 surfaces forms pancake-like Ag clusters with 5 nm diameter and 1-1.5 nm height through self-limiting growth mode. The Ag nanoparticles enhance the two-photon photoemission (2PP) signal by approximately two-orders of magnitude as compared with the bare surfaces for p-polarized excitation. In the case of s-polarization there is essentially no enhancement for graphite, and only about an order-of-magnitude enhancement for TiO2. Wavelength dependent measurements of the enhancement reveal that for Ag/graphite there is a single plasmonic resonance due to the ⊥-plasmon mode at 3.6 eV. By contrast, for Ag/TiO2 there are ⊥ and ||-plasmon modes with resonant energies of 3.8 and 3.1 eV, respectively. Apparently the dielectric properties of the substrate have strong influence on the type and frequency of Ag plasmonic modes that can exist on the surfaces. 2PP spectra of the Ag/graphite and Ag/TiO2 surfaces reveal two distinct components that are common to both. The high energy component consists of a coherent 2PP process from an occupied interface state, which only exists in the presence of Ag. We identify this state, as an interface state formed by charge donation from the Ag-5s band to the unoccupied states of the substrates. The low energy component consists of a hot electron signal that is created by plasmon dephasing. TR-2PP measurements are performed on the plasmon-induced electron dynamics to assess their relevance for plasmonically enhanced femtochemistry. This research was supported by NSF Grant CHE-1414466.

Morphology, structure, optical, and electrical properties of AgSbO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Z. G.; Liu, Y.; Withers, R. L.

2010-07-01

The morphology of defect pyrochlore-type, AgSbO3 microparticle/nanoparticles obtained via solid state reaction evolve from irregular to Fullerene-like polyhedra before finally decomposing into metal-organic framework-5 like particles with increase in sintering temperature. The defect pyrochlore-type AgSbO3 particles are slightly Ag deficient while the valence of the antimony ion is shown to be +5 giving rise to a probable stoichiometry of Ag1-xSbVO3-x/2, with x˜0.01-0.04. A highly structured diffuse intensity distribution observed via electron diffraction is interpreted in terms of correlated displacements of one-dimensional (1D) silver ion chains along ⟨110⟩ directions. A redshifting in the absorption edges in UV-visible absorption spectra is observed for samples prepared at sintering temperatures higher than 1000 °C and attributed to the surface plasma resonance effect associated with small amounts of excess metallic Ag on the Ag1-xSbVO3-x/2 particles. An electrical properties investigation of the silver antimonate samples via dielectric, conductivity, and electric modulus spectroscopy shows a prominent dielectric relaxation associated with grain boundaries. The silver ion conductivity is associated with correlated displacements of 1D silver ion chains along ⟨110⟩ directions.

From Single Atoms to Nanoparticles — Spectroscopy on the Atomic Level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nilius, Niklas

2003-12-01

The scanning tunneling microscope is not only a well-established tool for a topographic characterization of the sample surface on the atomic scale. It also provides a variety of spectroscopic techniques to examine electronic, magnetic, vibrational and optical properties of a localized system. The following presentation gives an overview, how scanning tunneling spectroscopy, inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy and photon emission spectroscopy with the STM can be employed to investigate spatially confined metal systems and their interaction with molecular gases. The experiments were performed on single Pd and Au atoms, mono-atomic chains and individual Ag clusters on a NiAl support and a Al2O3 thin film.

Reassessment of Atomic Mobilities in fcc Cu-Ag-Sn System Aiming at Establishment of an Atomic Mobility Database in Sn-Ag-Cu-In-Sb-Bi-Pb Solder Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Huixia; Zhang, Lijun; Cheng, Kaiming; Chen, Weimin; Du, Yong

2017-04-01

To establish an accurate atomic mobility database in solder alloys, a reassessment of atomic mobilities in the fcc (face centered cubic) Cu-Ag-Sn system was performed as reported in the present work. The work entailed initial preparation of three fcc Cu-Sn diffusion couples, which were used to determine the composition-dependent interdiffusivities at 873 K, 923 K, and 973 K, to validate the literature data and provide new experimental data at low temperatures. Then, atomic mobilities in three boundary binaries, fcc Cu-Sn, fcc Ag-Sn, and fcc Cu-Ag, were updated based on the data for various experimental diffusivities obtained from the literature and the present work, together with the available thermodynamic database for solder alloys. Finally, based on the large number of interdiffusivities recently measured from the present authors, atomic mobilities in the fcc Cu-Ag-Sn ternary system were carefully evaluated. A comprehensive comparison between various calculated/model-predicted diffusion properties and the experimental data was used to validate the reliability of the obtained atomic mobilities in ternary fcc Cu-Ag-Sn alloys.

Subsurface synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles embedded in MgO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilayurganapathy, S.; Devaraj, A.; Colby, R.; Pandey, A.; Varga, T.; Shutthanandan, V.; Manandhar, S.; El-Khoury, P. Z.; Kayani, Asghar; Hess, W. P.; Thevuthasan, S.

2013-03-01

Metal nanoparticles exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) which is very sensitive to the size and shape of the nanoparticle and the surrounding dielectric medium. The coupling between the electromagnetic radiation and the localized surface plasmon in metallic nanoparticles results in a sizable enhancement of the incident fields, making them possible candidates for plasmonic applications. In particular, partially exposed metallic nanoparticles distributed in a dielectric matrix can provide prime locations for LSPR spectroscopy and sensing. We report the synthesis and characterization of a plasmonic substrate consisting of Ag nanoparticles partially buried in MgO. Ag nanoparticles of different shapes and size distributions were synthesized below the surface of MgO by implanting 200 keV Ag+ ions followed by annealing at 1000 °C for 10 and 30 h. A detailed optical and structural characterization was carried out to understand the evolution of the Ag nanoparticle and size distribution inside the MgO matrix. Micro x-ray diffraction (Micro-XRD) was employed to investigate the structural properties and estimate the crystallite size. The nanoparticles evolved from a spherical to a faceted morphology with annealing time, assuming an octahedral shape truncated at the (001) planes, as visualized from aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The nanoparticles embedded in MgO were shown to be pure metallic Ag using atom probe tomography (APT). The nanoparticles were partially exposed to the surface by employing plasma etch techniques to remove the overlaying MgO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to study the surface morphology and obtain a height distribution for the partially exposed nanoparticles.

Low-Temperature Preparation of Ag-Doped ZnO Nanowire Arrays, DFT Study, and Application to Light-Emitting Diode.

PubMed

Pauporté, Thierry; Lupan, Oleg; Zhang, Jie; Tugsuz, Tugba; Ciofini, Ilaria; Labat, Frédéric; Viana, Bruno

2015-06-10

Doping ZnO nanowires (NWs) by group IB elements is an important challenge for integrating nanostructures into functional devices with better and tuned performances. The growth of Ag-doped ZnO NWs by electrodeposition at 90 °C using a chloride bath and molecular oxygen precursor is reported. Ag acts as an electrocatalyst for the deposition and influences the nucleation and growth of the structures. The silver atomic concentration in the wires is controlled by the additive concentration in the deposition bath and a content up to 3.7 atomic % is reported. XRD analysis shows that the integration of silver enlarges the lattice parameters of ZnO. The optical measurements also show that the direct optical bandgap of ZnO is reduced by silver doping. The bandgap shift and lattice expansion are explained by first principle calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) on the silver impurity integration as an interstitial (Ag(i)) and as a substitute of zinc atom (Ag(Zn)) in the crystal lattice. They notably indicate that Ag(Zn) doping forms an impurity band because of Ag 4d and O 2p orbital interactions, shifting the Fermi level toward the valence band. At least, Ag-doped ZnO vertically aligned nanowire arrays have been epitaxially grown on GaN(001) substrate. The heterostructure has been inserted in a light emitting device. UV-blue light emission has been achieved with a low emission threshold of 5 V and a tunable red-shifted emission spectrum related to the bandgap reduction induced by silver doping of the ZnO emitter material.

Chemical trend of superconducting transition temperature in hole-doped delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Akitaka; Katayama-Yoshida, Hiroshi

2012-12-01

We have performed the first-principles calculations about the superconducting transition temperature Tc of hole-doped delafossite CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2. Calculated Tc are about 50 K (CuAlO2), 40 K (AgAlO2) and 3 K(AuAlO2) at maximum in the optimum hole-doping concentration. The low Tc of AuAlO2 is attributed to the weak electron-phonon interaction caused by the low covalency and heavy atomic mass.

O2 and CO2 glow-discharge-assisted oxygen transport through Ag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Outlaw, R. A.

1990-08-01

The permeation of oxygen through Ag normally occurs by a sequence of steps which include the initial dissociative adsorption of molecular oxygen at the upstream surface, the dissolution of the atoms into the bulk, and the subsequent migration of the atoms between octahedral sites of the lattice until they arrive at the vacuum interface downstream. The dissociative adsorption step, however, proceeds slowly, as indicated by the low sticking coefficient of O2 on Ag(10-6-10-3). The application of a dc field in 0.5 Torr of O2 (E/n˜10-14 V cm2) on the upstream side of a Ag membrane generated gas phase atomic oxygen that substantially enhanced the transport. The transport flux was observed to increase from a value of 4.4×1013 cm-2 s-1 to a glow discharge value of 2.83×1014 cm-2 s-1 at a membrane temperature of 650 °C. This suggests that the dissociative adsorption step limits the supply of oxygen atoms to the upstream side of the membrane. When the upstream O2 was replaced by an equal pressure of CO2, only a small permeation signal was observed, but the application of the glow discharge substantially increased the transport flux from 3.25×1012 cm-2 s-1 to 1.74×1014 cm-2 s-1. This method of separating O2 from a CO2 environment may be a possible mechanism for providing a supply of oxygen for astronauts in a manned mission to Mars.

Dissociative adsorption of water on Au/MgO/Ag(001) from first principles calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nevalaita, J.; Häkkinen, H.; Honkala, K.

2015-10-01

The molecular and dissociative adsorption of water on a Ag-supported 1 ML, 2 ML and 3 ML-a six atomic layer-thick MgO films with a single Au adatom is investigated using density functional theory calculations. The obtained results are compared to a bulk MgO(001) surface with an Au atom. On thin films the negatively charged Au strengthens the binding of the polar water molecule due to the attractive Au-H interaction. The adsorption energy trends of OH and H with respect to the film thickness depend on an adsorption site. In the case OH or H binds atop Au on MgO/Ag(001), the adsorption becomes more exothermic with the increasing film thickness, while the reverse trend is seen when the adsorption takes place on bare MgO/Ag(001). This behavior can be explained by different bonding mechanisms identified with the Bader analysis. Interestingly, we find that the rumpling of the MgO film and the MgO-Ag interface distance correlate with the charge transfer over the thin film and the interface charge, respectively. Moreover, we employ a modified Born-Haber-cycle to analyze the effect of film thickness to the adsorption energy of isolated Au and OH species on MgO/Ag(001). The analysis shows that the attractive Coulomb interaction between the negatively charged adsorbate and the positive MgO-Ag-interface does not completely account for the weaker binding with increasing film thickness. The redox energy associated with the charge transfer from the interface to the adsorbate is more exothermic with the increasing film thickness and partly compensates the decrease in the attractive Coulomb interaction.

Surface Engineering of a Supported PdAg Catalyst for Hydrogenation of CO2 to Formic Acid: Elucidating the Active Pd Atoms in Alloy Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Mori, Kohsuke; Sano, Taiki; Kobayashi, Hisayoshi; Yamashita, Hiromi

2018-06-22

The hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to formic acid (FA; HCOOH), a renewable hydrogen storage material, is a promising means of realizing an economical CO 2 -mediated hydrogen energy cycle. The development of reliable heter-ogeneous catalysts is an urgent yet challenging task associated with such systems, although precise catalytic site design protocols are still lacking. In the present study, we demonstrate that PdAg alloy nanoparticles (NPs) supported on TiO 2 promote the efficient selective hydrogenation of CO 2 to give FA even under mild reaction conditions (2.0 MPa, 100 °C). Specimens made using surface engineering with atomic precision reveal a strong correlation between increased cata-lytic activity and decreased electron density of active Pd atoms resulting from a synergistic effect of alloying with Ag atoms. The isolated and electronically promoted surface-exposed Pd atoms in Pd@Ag alloy NPs exhibit a maximum turnover number of 14,839 based on the quantity of surface Pd atoms, which represents a more than ten-fold increase compared to the activity of monometallic Pd/TiO 2 . Kinetic and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the attack on the C atom in HCO 3 - by a dissociated H atom over an active Pd site is the rate-determining step during this reaction, and this step is boosted by PdAg alloy NPs having a low Pd/Ag ratio.

Using Ag/Ag2O/SnO2 Nanocomposites to Remove Malachite Green by a Photocatalytic Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taufik, A.; Paramarta, V.; Prakoso, S. P.; Saleh, R.

2017-03-01

Silver/silver oxide/tin oxide nanocomposites of various weight ratios were synthesized using a microwave-assisted method. The Ag/Ag2O:SnO2 nanoparticle weight ratios used were 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25. All samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The Ag/Ag2O/SnO2 nanocomposites contained cubic structures provided by the Ag and Ag2O and tetragonal structures provided by the SnO2. The silver resulted in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at a wavelength of about 435 nm. The silver oxide material was transformed into pure Ag at a temperature of about 370 °C The photocatalytic activity was tested on the degradation of malachite green (MG) from an aqueous solution. The results showed that Ag/Ag2O/SnO2 at a ratio of 50:50 exhibited the best photocatalytic performance for degrading MG under visible-light irradiation. The degradation of MG using Ag/Ag2O/SnO2 nanocomposites followed pseudo first-order kinetic reactions, and electron holes were found to be the main species acting on the degradation process.

Low energy electron diffraction and low energy electron microscopy microspot I/V analysis of the (4 x 4)O structure on Ag(111): surface oxide or reconstruction?

PubMed

Reichelt, R; Günther, S; Wintterlin, J; Moritz, W; Aballe, L; Mentes, T O

2007-10-07

A low energy electron diffraction (LEED) I/V analysis was performed of the (4 x 4) oxygen structure on Ag(111). Two data sets were used, one recorded with a conventional LEED system and a second with a low energy electron microscope (LEEM). The data sets agree well with each other, demonstrating that I/V structure analyses can be performed with the same quality with LEEM as with conventional LEED. The structure obtained confirms the recently proposed model that involves a reconstruction of the Ag(111) surface. Previous models based on a thin layer of Ag(2)O that had been accepted for more than 30 years are disproved. The reconstruction model contains two units of six triangularly arranged Ag atoms and a stacking fault in one half of the unit cell. The six O atoms per unit cell occupy sites in the trenches between the Ag(6) triangles. Small lateral displacements of the Ag atoms lift the mirror symmetry of the structure, leading to two nonequivalent groups of O atoms. The atoms of both groups are located approximately 0.5 Angstrom below the top Ag layer, on fourfold positions with respect to the top layer Ag atoms. Ag-O distances between 2.05 and 2.3 Angstrom are found. The oxygen atoms exhibit large static or dynamic displacements of up to 0.3 Angstrom at 300 K.

Crystal structure and luminescence properties of silver in AgM(PO{sub 3}){sub 3} (M = Mg, Zn, Ba) polyphosphates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belharouak, I.; Parent, C.; Tanguy, B.

1999-06-01

The relationships between the crystal structures and the luminescent properties of the AgM(PO{sub 3}){sub 3} (M = Mg, Zn, Ba) polyphosphates are reported in comparison with those of AgPO{sub 3}. The structure of the magnesium and zinc phosphates is characterized by long polyphosphates chains connected to infinite chains of [AgO{sub 6}] and [MO{sub 6}] polyhedra sharing faces. The basic structural phosphate unit in AgBa(PO{sub 3}){sub 3} is a P{sub 3}O{sub 9} ring. Silver atoms are located in distorted octahedral sites. Two types of luminescent centers have been observed. The UV emission observed in all these materials is typical of isolatedmore » Ag{sup +} ions. The visible emission observed only in the zinc phosphate is probably the result of a silver-zinc association. 16 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Surface morphological properties of Ag-Al2O3 nanocermet layers using dip-coating technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhammad, Nor Adhila; Suhaimi, Siti Fatimah; Zubir, Zuhana Ahmad; Daud, Sahhidan

2017-12-01

Ag-Al2O3 nanocermet layer was deposited on Cu coated glass substrate using dip-coating technique. The aim of this study was to observe the surface morphology properties of Ag-Al2O3 nanocermet layers after annealing process at 350°C in H2. The surface morphology of Ag-Al2O3 nanocermet will be characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), respectively. The results show that nearly isolated Ag particles having a large and small size were present in the Al2O3 dielectric matrix after annealing process. The face centered cubic crystalline structure of Ag nanoparticles inclusion in the amorphous alumina dielectric matrix was confirmed using XRD pattern and supported by EDX spectra analysis.

Comparison of antibacterial activities of Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhanalekshmi, K. I.; Meena, K. S.

2014-07-01

Core-shell type Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by one pot simultaneous reduction of AgNO3 and hydrolysis of Ti (IV) isopropoxide and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles were prepared by Stober's method. They were characterized by absorption, XRD, and HR-TEM techniques. XRD patterns show the presence of anatase form of TiO2 and amorphous form of SiO2 and the noble metal (Ag). High resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed that their size is below 50 nm. The antibacterial properties of Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were examined by the agar diffusion method. As a result E. coli and S. aureus were shown to be substantially inhibited by Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles. These results demonstrated that TiO2 and SiO2 supported on the surface of Ag NPs without aggregation was proved to have enhanced antibacterial activity.

Comparison of antibacterial activities of Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles.

PubMed

Dhanalekshmi, K I; Meena, K S

2014-07-15

Core-shell type Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by one pot simultaneous reduction of AgNO3 and hydrolysis of Ti (IV) isopropoxide and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles were prepared by Stober's method. They were characterized by absorption, XRD, and HR-TEM techniques. XRD patterns show the presence of anatase form of TiO2 and amorphous form of SiO2 and the noble metal (Ag). High resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed that their size is below 50 nm. The antibacterial properties of Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were examined by the agar diffusion method. As a result E. coli and S. aureus were shown to be substantially inhibited by Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles. These results demonstrated that TiO2 and SiO2 supported on the surface of Ag NPs without aggregation was proved to have enhanced antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Critical island size for Ag thin film growth on ZnO (0 0 0 1 bar)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd, Adam L.; Smith, Roger; Kenny, Steven D.

2017-02-01

Island growth of Ag on ZnO is investigated with the development of a new technique to approximate critical island sizes. Ag is shown to attach in one of three highly symmetric sites on the ZnO surface or initial monolayers of grown Ag. Due to this, a lattice based adaptive kinetic Monte Carlo (LatAKMC) method is used to investigate initial growth phases. As island formation is commonly reported in the literature, the critical island sizes of Ag islands on a perfect polar ZnO surface and a first monolayer of grown Ag on the ZnO surface are considered. A mean rate approach is used to calculate the average time for an Ag ad-atom to drop off an island and this is then compared to deposition rates on the same island. Results suggest that Ag on ZnO (0 0 0 1 bar) will exhibit Stranski-Krastanov (layer plus island) growth.

Different water clusters dependent on long-chain dicarboxylates in two Ag(I) coordination polymers: Synthesis, structure and thermal stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Di; Liu, Fu-Jing; Hao, Hong-Jun; Huang, Rong-Bin; Zheng, Lan-Sun

2011-10-01

Two mixed-ligand Ag(I) coordination polymers (CPs), [Ag 2(bipy) 2(sub)·5H 2O] n ( 1), [Ag 2(bipy) 2(aze)·3H 2O] n ( 2), (bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, H 2sub = suberic acid, H 2aze = azelaic acid) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both 1 and 2 are two-dimensional (2D) sheets based on infinite [Ag(bipy)] n double chain incorporating Ag⋯Ag interactions. Interestingly, two different water clusters are encapsulated in the voids between the sheets of 1 and 2. For 1, one water decamer (H 2O) 10 based on a cyclic water tetramer was hydrogen-bonded with the host 2D sheet. While, one water hexamer (H 2O) 6 also based on a cyclic water tetramer was observed in 2. Comparing the experimental results, it is comprehensible that the dicarboxylates play a crucial role in the formation of the different water clusters. Moreover, the thermal stabilities of them were also discussed.

The role of charge transfer in the oxidation state change of Ce atoms in the TM13-CeO2(111) systems (TM = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au): a DFT + U investigation.

PubMed

Tereshchuk, Polina; Freire, Rafael L H; Ungureanu, Crina G; Seminovski, Yohanna; Kiejna, Adam; Da Silva, Juarez L F

2015-05-28

Despite extensive studies of transition metal (TM) clusters supported on ceria (CeO2), fundamental issues such as the role of the TM atoms in the change in the oxidation state of Ce atoms are still not well understood. In this work, we report a theoretical investigation based on static and ab initio molecular dynamics density functional theory calculations of the interaction of 13-atom TM clusters (TM = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) with the unreduced CeO2(111) surface represented by a large surface unit cell and employing Hubbard corrections for the strong on-site Coulomb correlation in the Ce f-electrons. We found that the TM13 clusters form pyramidal-like structures on CeO2(111) in the lowest energy configurations with the following stacking sequence, TM/TM4/TM8/CeO2(111), while TM13 adopts two-dimensional structures at high energy structures. TM13 induces a change in the oxidation state of few Ce atoms (3 of 16) located in the topmost Ce layer from Ce(IV) (itinerant Ce f-states) to Ce(III) (localized Ce f-states). There is a charge flow from the TM atoms to the CeO2(111) surface, which can be explained by the electronegativity difference between the TM (Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) and O atoms, however, the charge is not uniformly distributed on the topmost O layer due to the pressure induced by the TM13 clusters on the underlying O ions, which yields a decrease in the ionic charge of the O ions located below the cluster and an increase in the remaining O ions. Due to the charge flow mainly from the TM8-layer to the topmost O-layer, the charge cannot flow from the Ce(IV) atoms to the O atoms with the same magnitude as in the clean CeO2(111) surface. Consequently, the effective cationic charge decreases mainly for the Ce atoms that have a bond with the O atoms not located below the cluster, and hence, those Ce atoms change their oxidation state from IV to III. This increases the size of the Ce(III) compared with the Ce(IV) cations, which builds-in a strain within the topmost Ce layer, and

The new silver borate Ag{sub 3}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sohr, Gerhard; Falkowski, Viktoria; Huppertz, Hubert, E-mail: hubert.huppertz@uibk.ac.at

2015-05-15

Single crystals of Ag{sub 3}B{sub 5}O{sub 9} were obtained via high-pressure synthesis at 3 GPa and 600 °C, using a Walker-type multianvil high-pressure device. Ag{sub 3}B{sub 5}O{sub 9} crystalizes with a=674.7(2), b=943.5(2), c=1103.5(2) pm, V=0.7025(2) nm{sup 3}, and Z=4 in the noncentrosymmetric space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1} (no. 19). The orthorhombic structure was refined from 3740 independent reflections with R1=0.0496 and wR2=0.587 (all data). It is built up from infinite corner-sharing chains of BO{sub 4} tetrahedra along the a axis, which are interconnected by BO{sub 3} groups to form a network. In the structure, three crystallographically independent sites aremore » occupied with Ag{sup +} cations exhibiting argentophillic interactions. The synthetic conditions as well as the results of the single crystal structure analysis are presented. - Graphical abstract: Noncentrosymmetric silver borate: During investigations in the system Ag–B–O, a new noncentrosymmetric silver borate Ag{sub 3}B{sub 5}O{sub 9} was discovered. The new structure type is built up from corner-sharing BO{sub 3} and BO{sub 4} groups, forming a network. Argentophillic interactions are clearly indicated by the Ag{sup +}⋯Ag{sup +} distances present in the structure. - Highlights: • A noncentrosymmetric borate Ag{sub 3}B{sub 5}O{sub 9} is accessible via high-pressure synthesis. • Ag{sub 3}B{sub 5}O{sub 9} is the second high-pressure silver borate. • Ag{sup +}⋯Ag{sup +} distances in Ag3B5O9 clearly indicate the presence of argentophillic interactions.« less

AgS2O6CF3: the first trifluoromethylsulfonylsulfate(VI).

PubMed

Malinowski, Przemysław J; Derzsi, Mariana; Grochala, Wojciech

2013-08-07

We describe the synthetic route towards a novel class of salts, trifluoromethylsulfonylsulfates, as exemplified by the silver(I) derivative (AgS2O6CF3). Formation proceeds via direct reaction between a triflate precursor, AgSO3CF3, and SO3. The title compound crystallizes in the P2(1)/c unit cell with a = 5.15746(14) Å, b = 25.8563(9) Å, c = 5.53970(14) Å and β = 101.1749(19)°. The structure is layered with the puckered [AgS2O6] 2D sheets; the terminal CF3 groups are separated by the van der Waals gap, as seen also for related metal triflates. The compound is very fragile thermally and it decomposes endothermally to AgSO3CF3 with concomitant evolution of SO3 even at 65 °C or upon grinding in an agate mortar; thus it may serve as a solid store of--otherwise volatile and corrosive--SO3. The IR and Raman spectra of AgS2O6CF3 have been tentatively assigned based on similarities to those of related Ag2S2O7 and AgSO3CF3 and phonon calculations. Synthesis and properties of KS2O6CF3 are also briefly described.

On Substrate for Atomic Chain Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Toshishige; Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.; Partridge, Harry; Saini, Subhash (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

A substrate for future atomic chain electronics, where adatoms are placed at designated positions and form atomically precise device components, is studied theoretically. The substrate has to serve as a two-dimensional template for adatom mounting with a reasonable confinement barrier and also provide electronic isolation, preventing unwanted coupling between independent adatom structures. However, the two requirements conflict. For excellent electronic isolation, we may seek adatom confinement via van der Waals interaction without chemical bonding to the substrate atoms, but the confinement turns out to be very weak and hence unsatisfactory. An alternative chemical bonding scheme with excellent structural strength is examined, but even fundamental adatom chain properties such as whether chains are semiconducting or metallic are strongly influenced by the nature of the chemical bonding, and electronic isolation is not always achieved. Conditions for obtaining semiconducting chains with well-localized surface-modes, leading to good isolation, are clarified and discussed.

Physical properties of FePt nanocomposite doped with Ag atoms: First-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Yong-Fei; Shu, Xiao-Lin; Xie, Yong; Chen, Zi-Yu

2014-07-01

L10 FePt nanocomposite with high magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy has been extensively investigated in the fields of ultra-high density magnetic recording media. However, the order—disorder transition temperature of the nanocomposite is higher than 600 °C, which is a disadvantage for the use of the material due to the sustained growth of FePt grain under the temperature. To address the problem, addition of Ag atoms has been proposed, but the magnetic properties of the doped system are still unclear so far. Here in this paper, we use first-principles method to study the lattice parameters, formation energy, electronic structure, atomic magnetic moment and order—disorder transition temperature of L10 FePt with Ag atom doping. The results show that the formation energy of a Ag atom substituting for a Pt site is 1.309 eV, which is lower than that of substituting for an Fe site 1.346 eV. The formation energy of substituting for the two nearest Pt sites is 2.560 eV lower than that of substituting for the further sites 2.621 eV, which indicates that Ag dopants tend to segregate L10 FePt. The special quasirandom structures (SQSs) for the pure FePt and the FePt doped with two Ag atoms at the stable Pt sites show that the order—disorder transition temperatures are 1377 °C and 600 °C, respectively, suggesting that the transition temperature can be reduced with Ag atom, and therefore the FePt grain growth is suppressed. The saturation magnetizations of the pure FePt and the two Ag atoms doped FePt are 1083 emu/cc and 1062 emu/cc, respectively, indicating that the magnetic property of the doped system is almost unchanged.

Synthesis of Ag-TiO2 composite nano thin film for antimicrobial application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Binyu; Leung, Kar Man; Guo, Qiuquan; Lau, Woon Ming; Yang, Jun

2011-03-01

TiO2 photocatalysts have been found to kill cancer cells, bacteria and viruses under mild UV illumination, which offers numerous potential applications. On the other hand, Ag has long been proved as a good antibacterial material as well. The advantage of Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite is to expand the nanomaterial's antibacterial function to a broader range of working conditions. In this study neat TiO2 and Ag-TiO2 composite nanofilms were successfully prepared on silicon wafer via the sol-gel method by the spin-coating technique. The as-prepared composite Ag-TiO2 and TiO2 films with different silver content were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the topologies, microstructures and chemical compositions, respectively. It was found that the silver nanoparticles were uniformly distributed and strongly attached to the mesoporous TiO2 matrix. The morphology of the composite film could be controlled by simply tuning the molar ratio of the silver nitrate aqueous solution. XPS results confirmed that the Ag was in the Ag0 state. The antimicrobial effect of the synthesized nanofilms was carried out against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 29425) by using an 8 W UV lamp with a constant relative intensity of 0.6 mW cm - 2 and in the dark respectively. The synthesized Ag-TiO2 thin films showed enhanced bactericidal activities compared to the neat TiO2 nanofilm both in the dark and under UV illumination.

Substrate Effects for Atomic Chain Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Toshishige; Saini, Subhash (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

A substrate for future atomic chain electronics, where adatoms are placed at designated positions and form atomically precise device components, is studied theoretically. The substrate has to serve as a two-dimensional template for adatom mounting with a reasonable confinement barrier and also provide electronic isolation, preventing unwanted coupling between independent adatom structures. For excellent structural stability, we demand chemical bonding between the adatoms and substrate atoms, but then good electronic isolation may not be guaranteed. Conditions are clarified for good isolation. Because of the chemical bonding, fundamental adatom properties are strongly influenced: a chain with group IV adatoms having two chemical bonds, or a chain with group III adatoms having one chemical bond is semiconducting. Charge transfer from or to the substrate atoms brings about unintentional doping, and the electronic properties have to be considered for the entire combination of the adatom and substrate systems even if the adatom modes are well localized at the surface.

Melting phenomena: effect of composition for 55-atom Ag-Pd bimetallic clusters.

PubMed

Cheng, Daojian; Wang, Wenchuan; Huang, Shiping

2008-05-14

Understanding the composition effect on the melting processes of bimetallic clusters is important for their applications. Here, we report the relationship between the melting point and the metal composition for the 55-atom icosahedral Ag-Pd bimetallic clusters by canonical Monte Carlo simulations, using the second-moment approximation of the tight-binding potentials (TB-SMA) for the metal-metal interactions. Abnormal melting phenomena for the systems of interest are found. Our simulation results reveal that the dependence of the melting point on the composition is not a monotonic change, but experiences three different stages. The melting temperatures of the Ag-Pd bimetallic clusters increase monotonically with the concentration of the Ag atoms first. Then, they reach a plateau presenting almost a constant value. Finally, they decrease sharply at a specific composition. The main reason for this change can be explained in terms of the relative stability of the Ag-Pd bimetallic clusters at different compositions. The results suggest that the more stable the cluster, the higher the melting point for the 55-atom icosahedral Ag-Pd bimetallic clusters at different compositions.

Self-assembled Ag nanoparticle network passivated by a nano-sized ZnO layer for transparent and flexible film heaters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seo, Ki-Won; Kim, Han-Ki, E-mail: imdlhkkim@khu.ac.kr; Kim, Min-Yi

2015-12-15

We investigated a self-assembled Ag nanoparticle network electrode passivated by a nano-sized ZnO layer for use in high-performance transparent and flexible film heaters (TFFHs). The low temperature atomic layer deposition of a nano-sized ZnO layer effectively filled the uncovered area of Ag network and improved the current spreading in the self-assembled Ag network without a change in the sheet resistance and optical transmittance as well as mechanical flexibility. The time-temperature profiles and heat distribution analysis demonstrate that the performance of the TFTH with the ZnO/Ag network is superior to that of a TFFH with Ag nanowire electrodes. In addition, themore » TFTHs with ZnO/Ag network exhibited better stability than the TFFH with a bare Ag network due to the effective current spreading through the nano-sized ZnO layer.« less

Transparent capacitors with hybrid ZnO:Al and Ag nanowires as electrodes.

PubMed

Zhang, Guozhen; Wu, Hao; Wang, Xiao; Wang, Ti; Liu, Chang

2016-03-11

Transparent conducting films with a composite structure of AlZnO-Ag nanowires (AgNWs) have been prepared by atomic layer deposition. The sheet resistance was reduced from 120 to 9 Ω when the AgNW networks were involved. Transparent capacitors with Al2O3-TiO2-Al2O3 dielectrics were fabricated on the composite electrodes and demonstrated a capacitance density of 10.1 fF μm(-2), which was significantly higher than that of capacitors with AlZnO electrodes (8.8 fF μm(-1)). The capacitance density remained almost unchanged in a broad frequency range from 3 kHz to 1 MHz. Moreover, a low leakage current density of 2.4 × 10(-7) A cm(-2) at 1 V was achieved. Transparent and flexible capacitors were also fabricated using the composite electrodes, and demonstrated an improved bendability. The transparent capacitors showed an average optical transmittance over 70% in the visible range, and thus open the door to practical applications in transparent integrated circuits.

Significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity of visible light responsive AgBr/Bi2Sn2O7 heterostructured composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chaohao; Zhuang, Jing; Zhong, Liansheng; Zhong, Yan; Wang, Dianhui; Zhou, Huaiying

2017-12-01

Heterostructured AgBr/Bi2Sn2O7 photocatalysts were synthesized successfully via the ultrasonic-assisted chemical precipitation method. XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, TEM, XPS, UV-vis-DRS and PL spectroscopy were used to characterize the phase structure, morphology, chemical composition, oxidation state, and optical properties of AgBr/Bi2Sn2O7 heterojunction. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. The obtained AgBr/Bi2Sn2O7 composite with the 1:1 molar ratio exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance. Further first-principles calculations indicated that the hybridization interaction between Ag and O atoms at AgBr/Bi2Sn2O7 interface is expected to be beneficial for enhancing the charge transfer and improving the photocatalytic activity of heterostructured composites.

Coexistence of bipolar and unipolar resistive switching behaviors in the double-layer Ag/ZnS-Ag/CuAlO2/Pt memory device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Xu, Haiyang; Wang, Zhongqiang; Yu, Hao; Ma, Jiangang; Liu, Yichun

2016-01-01

The coexistence of uniform bipolar and unipolar resistive-switching (RS) characteristics was demonstrated in a double-layer Ag/ZnS-Ag/CuAlO2/Pt memory device. By changing the compliance current (CC) from 1 mA to 10 mA, the RS behavior can be converted from the bipolar mode (BRS) to the unipolar mode (URS). The temperature dependence of low resistance states further indicates that the CFs are composed of the Ag atoms and Cu vacancies for the BRS mode and URS mode, respectively. For this double-layer structure device, the thicker conducting filaments (CFs) will be formed in the ZnS-Ag layer, and it can act as tip electrodes. Thus, the formation and rupture of these two different CFs are located in the CuAlO2 layer, realizing the uniform and stable BRS and URS.

Nafion-coating of the electrodes improves the flow-stability of the Ag/SiO2/Ag2O electroosmotic pump.

PubMed

Shin, Woonsup; Zhu, Enhua; Nagarale, Rajaram Krishna; Kim, Chang Hwan; Lee, Jong Myung; Shin, Samuel Jaeho; Heller, Adam

2011-06-15

When a current or a voltage is applied across the ceramic membrane of the nongassing Ag/Ag(2)O-SiO(2)-Ag/Ag(2)O pump, protons produced in the anodic reaction 2Ag(s) + H(2)O → Ag(2)O(s) + 2H(+) + 2e(-) are driven to the cathode, where they are consumed by the reaction Ag(2)O(s) + H(2)O + 2e(-) → 2Ag(s) + 2 OH(-). The flow of water is induced by momentum transfer from the electric field-driven proton-sheet at the surface of the ceramic membrane. About 10(4) water molecules flowed per reacted electron. Because dissolved ions decrease the field at the membrane surface, the flow decreases upon increasing the ionic strength. For this reason Ag(+) ions introduced through the anodic reaction and by dissolution of Ag(2)O decrease the flow. Their accumulation is reduced by applying Nafion-films to the electrodes. The 20 μL min(-1) flow rate of 6 mm i.d. pumps with Nafion coated electrodes operate daily for 5 min at 1 V for 1 month, for 70 h when the pump is pulsed for 30 s every 30 min, and for 2 h when operating continuously.

Infrared extinction and microwave absorption properties of hybrid Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag nanospheres synthesized via a facile seed-mediated growth route.

PubMed

Chen, Yongpeng; Li, Shichuan; Wei, Xuebin; Tang, Runze; Zhou, Zunning

2018-06-21

Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag ternary hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile seed-mediated growth route. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements were used to characterize the as-prepared product. The results indicated that the nanoparticles exhibited excellent magnetic properties and an extremely dense structure with Ag layer thicknesses of 30 nm, 40 nm, and 50 nm. Furthermore, the microwave shielding effectiveness exceeded 20 dB over almost the entire frequency range (2-18 GHz), and the effectiveness obviously improved as the thickness of the Ag layer increased. In addition, the IR extinction coefficient of the nanoparticles was calculated by a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, which showed that the nanoparticles can inherit the extinction performance of pure silver when the Ag shell thickness was 30 nm. Specifically, after assembling into chains, the peak position of the IR extinction curves displayed a significant redshift and an intensity increase as the number of nanoparticles increased in the chain, which dramatically promoted the IR extinction capability. As a result, the Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag nanoparticles are expected to be used as a new multispectral interference material. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Memristive switching induced by 100 MeV Ag7+ ion irradiation in Ag/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/Ag planar structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhavsar, K. H.; Joshi, U. S.; Mistry, B. V.; Khan, S. A.; Avasthi, D. K.

2011-09-01

Resistive random access memory is one of the candidate technologies for the promising next generation non-volatile memories with fast switching speed, low power consumption and non-destructive readout. The swift heavy ion (SHI)-induced resistive switching behavior of Ag/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/Ag planar structures, grown on SiO2 substrates by the chemical solution deposition technique, has been investigated. Five identical samples were irradiated by 100 MeV Ag7+ ions with fluence values ranging from 1×1011 to 5×1013 ions/cm2 at the Materials Science beamline of the IUAC, New Delhi. Upon irradiation, systematic amorphization and grain elongation was observed in the grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Four-terminal I-V curves indicate typical non-ohmic behavior of pristine Ag/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/Ag planar geometry at room temperature for several voltage-sweeping cycles. On the other hand, well-defined hysteresis loops with sharp on-off transition in the I-V curves were observed for the sample irradiated with 100 MeV Ag7+ ions at 1×1012 ions/cm2, indicating that the sample possesses low resistance state and high resistance state. A symmetrical resistance ratio (R high/R low) of ∼ 330% at-1.7 V has been achieved. The resistance switching is bipolar and may be attributed to SHI-induced defects in the device. Such defect-induced resistive switching has recently been proposed theoretically, and our results are direct evidence of the phenomenon.

Catalytic behavior of ‘Pt-atomic chain encapsulated gold nanotube’: A density functional study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nigam, Sandeep, E-mail: snigam@barc.gov.in; Majumder, Chiranjib

2016-05-23

With an aim to design novel material and explore its catalytic performance towards CO oxidation, Pt atomic chain was introduced inside gold nanotube (Au-NT). Theoretical calculations at the level of first principles formalism was carried out to investigate the atomic and electronic properties of the composite. Geometrically Pt atoms prefer to align in zig-zag fashion. Significant electronic charge transfer from inside Pt atoms to the outer wall Au atoms is observed. Interaction of O{sub 2} with Au-NT wall follows by injection of additional electronic charge in the anti-bonding orbital of oxygen molecule leading to activation of the O-O bond. Furthermore » interaction of CO molecule with the activated oxygen molecule leads to spontaneous oxidation reaction and formation of CO{sub 2}.« less

Ag-bridged Ag2O nanowire network/TiO2 nanotube array p-n heterojunction as a highly efficient and stable visible light photocatalyst.

PubMed

Liu, Chengbin; Cao, Chenghao; Luo, Xubiao; Luo, Shenglian

2015-03-21

A unique Ag-bridged Ag2O nanowire network/TiO2 nanotube array p-n heterojunction (Ag-Ag2O/TiO2 NT) was fabricated by simple electrochemical method. Ag nanoparticles were firstly electrochemically deposited onto the surface of TiO2 NT and then were partly oxidized to Ag2O nanowires while the rest of Ag mother nanoparticles were located at the junctions of Ag2O nanowire network. The Ag-Ag2O/TiO2 NT heterostructure exhibited strong visible-light response, effective separation of photogenerated carriers, and high adsorption capacity. The integration of Ag-Ag2O self-stability structure and p-n heterojunction permitted high and stable photocatalytic activity of Ag-Ag2O/TiO2 NT heterostructure photocatalyst. Under 140-min visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic removal efficiency of both dye acid orange 7 (AO7) and industrial chemical p-nitrophenol (PNP) over Ag-Ag2O/TiO2 NT reached nearly 100% much higher than 17% for AO7 or 13% for PNP over bare TiO2 NT. After 5 successive cycles under 600-min simulated solar light irradiation, Ag-Ag2O/TiO2 NT remained highly stable photocatalytic activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emerging magnetic order in platinum atomic contacts and chains

PubMed Central

Strigl, Florian; Espy, Christopher; Bückle, Maximilian; Scheer, Elke; Pietsch, Torsten

2015-01-01

The development of atomic-scale structures revealing novel transport phenomena is a major goal of nanotechnology. Examples include chains of atoms that form while stretching a transition metal contact or the predicted formation of magnetic order in these chains, the existence of which is still debated. Here we report an experimental study of the magneto-conductance (MC) and anisotropic MC with atomic-size contacts and mono-atomic chains of the nonmagnetic metal platinum. We find a pronounced and diverse MC behaviour, the amplitude and functional dependence change when stretching the contact by subatomic distances. These findings can be interpreted as a signature of local magnetic order in the chain, which may be of particular importance for the application of atomic-sized contacts in spintronic devices of the smallest possible size. PMID:25649440

Emerging magnetic order in platinum atomic contacts and chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strigl, Florian; Espy, Christopher; Bückle, Maximilian; Scheer, Elke; Pietsch, Torsten

2015-02-01

The development of atomic-scale structures revealing novel transport phenomena is a major goal of nanotechnology. Examples include chains of atoms that form while stretching a transition metal contact or the predicted formation of magnetic order in these chains, the existence of which is still debated. Here we report an experimental study of the magneto-conductance (MC) and anisotropic MC with atomic-size contacts and mono-atomic chains of the nonmagnetic metal platinum. We find a pronounced and diverse MC behaviour, the amplitude and functional dependence change when stretching the contact by subatomic distances. These findings can be interpreted as a signature of local magnetic order in the chain, which may be of particular importance for the application of atomic-sized contacts in spintronic devices of the smallest possible size.

Emerging magnetic order in platinum atomic contacts and chains.

PubMed

Strigl, Florian; Espy, Christopher; Bückle, Maximilian; Scheer, Elke; Pietsch, Torsten

2015-02-04

The development of atomic-scale structures revealing novel transport phenomena is a major goal of nanotechnology. Examples include chains of atoms that form while stretching a transition metal contact or the predicted formation of magnetic order in these chains, the existence of which is still debated. Here we report an experimental study of the magneto-conductance (MC) and anisotropic MC with atomic-size contacts and mono-atomic chains of the nonmagnetic metal platinum. We find a pronounced and diverse MC behaviour, the amplitude and functional dependence change when stretching the contact by subatomic distances. These findings can be interpreted as a signature of local magnetic order in the chain, which may be of particular importance for the application of atomic-sized contacts in spintronic devices of the smallest possible size.

Ultrasonic atomization of liquids in drop-chain acoustic fountains

PubMed Central

Simon, Julianna C.; Sapozhnikov, Oleg A.; Khokhlova, Vera A.; Crum, Lawrence A.; Bailey, Michael R.

2015-01-01

When focused ultrasound waves of moderate intensity in liquid encounter an air interface, a chain of drops emerges from the liquid surface to form what is known as a drop-chain fountain. Atomization, or the emission of micro-droplets, occurs when the acoustic intensity exceeds a liquid-dependent threshold. While the cavitation-wave hypothesis, which states that atomization arises from a combination of capillary-wave instabilities and cavitation bubble oscillations, is currently the most accepted theory of atomization, more data on the roles of cavitation, capillary waves, and even heat deposition or boiling would be valuable. In this paper, we experimentally test whether bubbles are a significant mechanism of atomization in drop-chain fountains. High-speed photography was used to observe the formation and atomization of drop-chain fountains composed of water and other liquids. For a range of ultrasonic frequencies and liquid sound speeds, it was found that the drop diameters approximately equalled the ultrasonic wavelengths. When water was exchanged for other liquids, it was observed that the atomization threshold increased with shear viscosity. Upon heating water, it was found that the time to commence atomization decreased with increasing temperature. Finally, water was atomized in an overpressure chamber where it was found that atomization was significantly diminished when the static pressure was increased. These results indicate that bubbles, generated by either acoustic cavitation or boiling, contribute significantly to atomization in the drop-chain fountain. PMID:25977591

Templated Atom-Precise Galvanic Synthesis and Structure Elucidation of a [Ag24Au(SR)18](-) Nanocluster.

PubMed

Bootharaju, Megalamane S; Joshi, Chakra P; Parida, Manas R; Mohammed, Omar F; Bakr, Osman M

2016-01-18

Synthesis of atom-precise alloy nanoclusters with uniform composition is challenging when the alloying atoms are similar in size (for example, Ag and Au). A galvanic exchange strategy has been devised to produce a compositionally uniform [Ag24Au(SR)18](-) cluster (SR: thiolate) using a pure [Ag25(SR)18](-) cluster as a template. Conversely, the direct synthesis of Ag24Au cluster leads to a mixture of [Ag(25-x)Au(x)(SR)18](-), x=1-8. Mass spectrometry and crystallography of [Ag24Au(SR)18](-) reveal the presence of the Au heteroatom at the Ag25 center, forming Ag24Au. The successful exchange of the central Ag of Ag25 with Au causes perturbations in the Ag25 crystal structure, which are reflected in the absorption, luminescence, and ambient stability of the particle. These properties are compared with those of Ag25 and Ag24Pd clusters with same ligand and structural framework, providing new insights into the modulation of cluster properties with dopants at the single-atom level. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Local atomic structure inheritance in Ag{sub 50}Sn{sub 50} melt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bai, Yanwen; Bian, Xiufang, E-mail: xfbian@sdu.edu.cn; Qin, Jingyu

2014-01-28

Local structure inheritance signatures were observed during the alloying process of the Ag{sub 50}Sn{sub 50} melt, using high-temperature X-ray diffraction and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The coordination number N{sub m} around Ag atom is similar in the alloy and in pure Ag melts (N{sub m} ∼ 10), while, during the alloying process, the local structure around Sn atoms rearranges. Sn-Sn covalent bonds were substituted by Ag-Sn chemical bonds, and the total coordination number around Sn increases by about 70% as compared with those in the pure Sn melt. Changes in the electronic structure of the alloy have been studied by Agmore » and Sn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as by calculations of the partial density of states. We propose that a leading mechanism for local structure inheritance in Ag{sub 50}Sn{sub 50} is due to s-p dehybridization of Sn and to the interplay between Sn-s and Ag-d electrons.« less

Preparation and Use of Photocatalytically Active Segmented Ag|ZnO and Coaxial TiO2-Ag Nanowires Made by Templated Electrodeposition

PubMed Central

Maijenburg, A. Wouter; Rodijk, Eddy J.B.; Maas, Michiel G.; ten Elshof, Johan E.

2014-01-01

Photocatalytically active nanostructures require a large specific surface area with the presence of many catalytically active sites for the oxidation and reduction half reactions, and fast electron (hole) diffusion and charge separation. Nanowires present suitable architectures to meet these requirements. Axially segmented Ag|ZnO and radially segmented (coaxial) TiO2-Ag nanowires with a diameter of 200 nm and a length of 6-20 µm were made by templated electrodeposition within the pores of polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE) or anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes, respectively. In the photocatalytic experiments, the ZnO and TiO2 phases acted as photoanodes, and Ag as cathode. No external circuit is needed to connect both electrodes, which is a key advantage over conventional photo-electrochemical cells. For making segmented Ag|ZnO nanowires, the Ag salt electrolyte was replaced after formation of the Ag segment to form a ZnO segment attached to the Ag segment. For making coaxial TiO2-Ag nanowires, a TiO2 gel was first formed by the electrochemically induced sol-gel method. Drying and thermal annealing of the as-formed TiO2 gel resulted in the formation of crystalline TiO2 nanotubes. A subsequent Ag electrodeposition step inside the TiO2 nanotubes resulted in formation of coaxial TiO2-Ag nanowires. Due to the combination of an n-type semiconductor (ZnO or TiO2) and a metal (Ag) within the same nanowire, a Schottky barrier was created at the interface between the phases. To demonstrate the photocatalytic activity of these nanowires, the Ag|ZnO nanowires were used in a photocatalytic experiment in which H2 gas was detected upon UV illumination of the nanowires dispersed in a methanol/water mixture. After 17 min of illumination, approximately 0.2 vol% H2 gas was detected from a suspension of ~0.1 g of Ag|ZnO nanowires in a 50 ml 80 vol% aqueous methanol solution. PMID:24837535

Anomalous I-V curve for mono-atomic carbon chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Bo; Sanvito, Stefano; Fang, Haiping

2010-10-01

The electronic transport properties of mono-atomic carbon chains were studied theoretically using a combination of density functional theory and the non-equilibrium Green's functions method. The I-V curves for the chains composed of an even number of atoms and attached to gold electrodes through sulfur exhibit two plateaus where the current becomes bias independent. In contrast, when the number of carbon atoms in the chain is odd, the electric current simply increases monotonically with bias. This peculiar behavior is attributed to dimerization of the chains, directly resulting from their one-dimensional nature. The finding is expected to be helpful in designing molecular devices, such as carbon-chain-based transistors and sensors, for nanoscale and biological applications.

Study on swift heavy ions induced modifications of Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, S. K.; Singhal, R.; Siva Kumar, V. V.

2017-03-01

In the present work, swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation induced modifications in structural and optical properties of Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin films have been investigated. Ag-ZnO nanocomposite (NCs) thin films were synthesized by RF magnetron sputtering technique and irradiated with 100 MeV Ag7+ ions at three different fluences 3 × 1012, 1 × 1013 and 3 × 1013 ions/cm2. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry revealed Ag concentration to be ∼8.0 at.%, and measured thickness of the films was ∼55 nm. Structural properties of pristine and irradiated films have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis and found that variation in crystallite size of the film with ion irradiation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicates the formation of Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin film with presence of Ag, Zn and O elements. Oxidation state of Ag and Zn also estimated by XPS analysis. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag nanoparticle has appeared at ∼475 nm in the pristine thin film, which is blue shifted by ∼30 nm in film irradiated at fluence of 3 × 1012 ions/cm2 and completely disappeared in film irradiated at higher fluences, 1 × 1013 and 3 × 1013 ions/cm2. A marginal change in the optical band gap of Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin film is also found with increasing ion fluence. Surface morphology of pristine and irradiated films have been studied using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Raman and Photo-luminance (PL) spectra of nanocomposite thin films have been investigated to understand the ion induced modifications such as lattice defects and disordering in the nanocomposite thin film.

Effects on the optical properties and conductivity of Ag-N co-doped ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhenchao; Hou, Qingyu; Qu, Lingfeng

2017-01-01

Nowadays, the studies of the effects on the optical bandgap, absorption spectrum, and electrical properties of Ag-N co-doped ZnO have been extensively investigated. However, Ag and N atoms in doped systems are randomly doped, and the asymmetric structure of ZnO is yet to be explored. In this paper, the geometric structure, stability, density of states, absorption spectra and conductivity of pure and Ag-N co-doped Zn1-xAgxO1-xNx(x=0.03125, 0.0417 and 0.0625) in different orientations are calculated by using plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential on the basis of density functional theory with GGA+U method. Results show that the volume, equivalent total energy and formation energy of the doped system increase as the concentration of Ag-N co-doped Zn1-xAgxO1-xNx increases at the same doping mode. The doped systems also become unstable, and difficulty in doping. At the same concentration of Ag-N co-doped Zn1-xAgxO1-xNx, the systems with Ag-N along the c-axis orientation is unstable, and doping is difficult. The optical bandgap of Ag-N co-doped systems is narrower than that of the pure ZnO. At the same doping mode, the optical bandgap of the systems with Ag-N perpendicular to the c-axis orientation becomes narrow as the concentration of Ag-N co-doped Zn1-xAgxO1-xNx increases. The absorption spectra of the doped systems exhibit a red shift, and this red shift becomes increasingly significant as the concentration of Ag-N co-doped Zn1-xAgxO1-xNx increases. Under the same condition, the relative hole concentrations of the doped systems increases, the hole effective mass in valence band maximum decreases, the hole mobility decreases, the ionization energy decreases, Bohr radius increases, the conductance increases and the conductivity become better. Our results may be used as a basis for the designing and preparation of new optical and electrical materials for Ag-N co-doped ZnO applied in low temperature end of temperature difference battery.

The Effect of Cu:Ag Atomic Ratio on the Properties of Sputtered Cu–Ag Alloy Thin Films

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Janghsing; Hung, Shunyang

2016-01-01

Cu–Ag thin films with various atomic ratios were prepared using a co-sputtering technique, followed by rapid thermal annealing at various temperatures. The films’ structural, mechanical, and electrical properties were then characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), FESEM, nano-indentation, and TEM as functions of compositions and annealing conditions. In the as-deposited condition, the structure of these films transformed from a one-phase to a dual-phase state, and the resistivity shows a twin-peak pattern, which can be explained in part by Nordheim’s Rule and the miscibility gap of Cu–Ag alloy. After being annealed, the films’ resistivity followed the mixture rule in general, mainly due to the formation of a dual-phase structure containing Ag-rich and Cu-rich phases. The surface morphology and structure also varied as compositions and annealing conditions changed. The recrystallization of these films varied depending on Ag–Cu compositions. The annealed films composed of 40 at % to 60 at % Cu had higher hardness and lower roughness than those with other compositions. Particularly, the Cu50Ag50 film had the highest hardness after being annealed. From the dissolution testing, it was found that the Cu-ion concentration was about 40 times higher than that of Ag. The galvanic effect and over-saturated state could be the cause of the accelerated Cu dissolution and the reduced dissolution of the Ag. PMID:28774033

High-resolution imaging of silicene on an Ag(111) surface by atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onoda, Jo; Yabuoshi, Keisuke; Miyazaki, Hiroki; Sugimoto, Yoshiaki

2017-12-01

Silicene, a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb arrangement of Si atoms, is expected to have better electronic properties than graphene and has been mostly synthesized on Ag surfaces. Although scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used for visualizing its atomic structure in real space, the interpretation of STM contrast is not straightforward and only the topmost Si atoms were observed on the (4 ×4 ) silicene/Ag(111) surface. Here, we demonstrate that high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) can resolve all constituent Si atoms in the buckled honeycomb arrangement of the (4 ×4 ) silicene. Site-specific force spectroscopy attributes the origin of the high-resolution AFM images to chemical bonds between the AFM probe apex and the individual Si atoms on the (4 ×4 ) silicene. A detailed analysis of the geometric parameters suggests that the pulling up of lower-buckled Si atoms by the AFM tip could be a key for high-resolution AFM, implying a weakening of the Si-Ag interactions at the interface. We expect that high-resolution AFM will also unveil atomic structures of edges and defects of silicene, or other emerging 2D materials.

Spin-polarized currents generated by magnetic Fe atomic chains.

PubMed

Lin, Zheng-Zhe; Chen, Xi

2014-06-13

Fe-based devices are widely used in spintronics because of high spin-polarization and magnetism. In this work, freestanding Fe atomic chains, the thinnest wires, were used to generate spin-polarized currents due to the spin-polarized energy bands. By ab initio calculations, the zigzag structure was found to be more stable than the wide-angle zigzag structure and had a higher ratio of spin-up and spin-down currents. By our theoretical prediction, Fe atomic chains have a sufficiently long thermal lifetime only at T ≦̸ 150 K, while C atomic chains are very stable even at T = 1000 K. This means that the spintronic devices based on Fe chains could work only at low temperatures. A system constructed by a short Fe chain sandwiched between two graphene electrodes could be used as a spin-polarized current generator, while a C chain could not be used in this way. The present work may be instructive and meaningful to further practical applications based on recent technical developments on the preparation of metal atomic chains (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 107 9055 (2010)).

Continuous electron stimulated desorption using a ZrO2/Ag permeation membrane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Outlaw, R. A.; Hoflund, Gar B.; Davidson, M. R.

1989-01-01

During the development of an atomic oxygen beam generator for laboratory simulation of the atmospheric conditions in low earth orbit, a new technique for performing electron stimulated desorption (ESD) in a continuous manner has been developed. In this technique, oxygen permeates through an Ag membrane at elevated temperature thereby providing a continuous supply of oxygen atoms to the 1000-A ZrO2 coating at the vacuum interface. ESD then results in a large peak of neutral O2 molecules which ultimately decay into steady-state desorption. The ESD signal is linear with respect to primary beam flux (0.035 O2 molecules per electron at a primary beam energy of 1 keV) but nonlinear with respect to primary beam energy.

Preparation of Ag@AgCl-doped TiO2/sepiolite and its photocatalytic mechanism under visible light.

PubMed

Liu, Shaomin; Zhu, Dinglong; Zhu, Jinglin; Yang, Qing; Wu, Huijun

2017-10-01

A cube-like Ag@AgCl-doped TiO 2 /sepiolite (denoted Ag@AgCl-TiO 2 /sepiolite) was successfully synthesized via a novel method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion X-ray fluorescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were performed to determine the structure and physicochemical properties of Ag@AgCl-TiO 2 /sepiolite. SEM micrographs revealed that Ag@AgCl nanoparticles and TiO 2 film are well deposited on the surface of tube-like sepiolite. As a result, Ag@AgCl-TiO 2 /sepiolite exhibits a red shift relative to TiO 2 /sepiolite. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the dosage of catalysts plays an important role during photocatalysis. The photoelectrochemical activities of Ag@AgCl-TiO 2 /sepiolite and TiO 2 /sepiolite were also investigated. Photocurrent responses confirmed that the ability of Ag@AgCl-TiO 2 /sepiolite to separate photo-generated electron-hole pairs is stronger than that of TiO 2 /sepiolite. Methylene Blue degradation is also improved under alkaline conditions and visible light irradiation because more OH is produced by visible light excitation. This excellent catalytic ability is mainly attributed to the formed Ag nanoparticles and the Schottky barrier at the Ag/TiO 2 interface. Active species analysis indicated that O 2 - and h + are implicated as active species in photocatalysis. Therefore, catalysts are excited to produce abundant electron-hole pairs after they absorb photons in photocatalysis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of silver thickness on structural, optical and morphological properties of nanocrystalline Ag/NiO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalili, S.; Hajakbari, F.; Hojabri, A.

2018-03-01

Silver (Ag) nanolayers were deposited on nickel oxide (NiO) thin films by DC magnetron sputtering. The thickness of Ag layers was in range of 20-80 nm by variation of deposition time between 10 and 40 s. X-ray diffraction results showed that the crystalline properties of the Ag/NiO films improved by increasing the Ag film thickness. Also, atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the surface morphology of the films was highly affected by film thickness. The film thickness and the size of particles change by elevating the Ag deposition times. The composition of films was determined by Rutherford back scattering spectroscopy. The transmission of light was gradually reduced by augmentation of Ag films thickness. Furthermore; the optical band gap of the films was also calculated from the transmittance spectra.

Preparation, structural and luminescent properties of nanocrystalline ZnO films doped Ag by close space sublimation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khomchenko, Viktoriya; Mazin, Mikhail; Sopinskyy, Mykola; Lytvyn, Oksana; Dan'ko, Viktor; Piryatinskii, Yurii; Demydiuk, Pavlo

2018-05-01

The simple way for silver doping of ZnO films is presented. The ZnO films were prepared by reactive rf-magnetron sputtering on silicon and sapphire substrates. Ag doping is carried out by sublimation of the Ag source located at close space at atmospheric pressure in air. Then the ZnO and ZnO-Ag films were annealed in wet media. The microstructure and optical properties of the films were compared and studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL). XRD results indicated that all the ZnO films have a polycrystalline hexagonal structure and a preferred orientation with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. The annealing and Ag doping promote increasing grain's sizes and modification of grain size distribution. The effect of substrate temperature, substrate type, Ag doping and post-growth annealing of the films was studied by PL spectroscopy. The effect of Ag doping was obvious and identical for all the films, namely the wide visible bands of PL spectra are suppressed by Ag doping. The intensity of ultraviolet band increased 15 times as compared to their reference films on sapphire substrate. The ultraviolet/visible emission ratio was 20. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) for a 380 nm band was 14 nm, which is comparable with that of epitaxial ZnO. The data implies the high quality of ZnO-Ag films. Possible mechanisms to enhance UV emission are discussed.

Preparation of Ag deposited TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) composites and investigation on visible-light photocatalytic degradation activity in magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L.; Ma, C. H.; Wang, J.; Li, S. G.; Li, Y.

2014-12-01

In this study, Ag deposited TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) composites were prepared by three different methods (Ultraviolet Irradiation Deposition (UID), Vitamin C Reduction (VCR) and Sodium Borohydride Reduction (SBR)) for the visible-light photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in magnetic field. And then the prepared Ag deposited TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) composites were characterized physically by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The visible-light photocatalytic activities of these three kinds of Ag deposited TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) composites were examined and compared through the degradation of several organic dyes under visible-light irradiation in magnetic field. In addition, some influence factors such as visible-light irradiation time, organic dye concentration, revolution speed, magnetic field intensity and organic dye kind on the visible-light photocatalytic activity of Ag deposited TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) composite were reviewed. The research results showed that the presence of magnetic field significantly enhanced the visible-light photocatalytic activity of Ag deposited TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) composites and then contributed to the degradation of organic dyes.

Resistive switching mechanism of Ag/ZrO2:Cu/Pt memory cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Shibing; Liu, Qi; Lv, Hangbing; Li, Yingtao; Wang, Yan; Zhang, Sen; Lian, Wentai; Zhang, Kangwei; Wang, Ming; Xie, Hongwei; Liu, Ming

2011-03-01

Resistive switching mechanism of zirconium oxide-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices composed of Cu-doped ZrO2 film sandwiched between an oxidizable electrode and an inert electrode was investigated. The Ag/ZrO2:Cu/Pt RRAM devices with crosspoint structure fabricated by e-beam evaporation and e-beam lithography show reproducible bipolar resistive switching. The linear I- V relationship of low resistance state (LRS) and the dependence of LRS resistance ( R ON) and reset current ( I reset) on the set current compliance ( I comp) indicate that the observed resistive switching characteristics of the Ag/ZrO2:Cu/Pt device should be ascribed to the formation and annihilation of localized conductive filaments (CFs). The physical origin of CF was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). CFs were directly observed by cross-sectional TEM. According to EDS and elemental mapping analysis, the main chemical composition of CF is determined by Ag atoms, coming from the Ag top electrode. On the basis of these experiments, we propose that the set and reset process of the device stem from the electrochemical reactions in the zirconium oxide under different external electrical stimuli.

Thermochemical properties of silver tellurides including empressite (AgTe) and phase diagrams for Ag-Te and Ag-Te-O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronin, Mikhail V.; Osadchii, Evgeniy G.; Brichkina, Ekaterina A.

2017-10-01

This study compiles original experimental and literature data on the thermodynamic properties (ΔfG°, S°, ΔfH°) of silver tellurides (α-Ag2Te, β-Ag2Te, Ag1.9Te, Ag5Te3, AgTe) obtained by the method of solid-state galvanic cell with the RbAg4I5 and AgI solid electrolytes. The thermodynamic data for empressite (AgTe, pure fraction from Empress Josephine Mine, Colorado USA) have been obtained for the first time by the electrochemical experiment with the virtual reaction Ag + Te = AgTe. The Ag-Te phase diagrams in the T - x and log fTe2 (gas) - 1/ T coordinates have been refined, and the ternary Ag-Te-O diagrams with Ag-Te-TeO2 (paratellurite) composition range have been calculated.

Toward Single Atom Chains with Exfoliated Tellurium.

PubMed

Churchill, Hugh O H; Salamo, Gregory J; Yu, Shui-Qing; Hironaka, Takayuki; Hu, Xian; Stacy, Jeb; Shih, Ishiang

2017-08-10

We demonstrate that the atom chain structure of Te allows it to be exfoliated as ultra-thin flakes and nanowires. Atomic force microscopy of exfoliated Te shows that thicknesses of 1-2 nm and widths below 100 nm can be exfoliated with this method. The Raman modes of exfoliated Te match those of bulk Te, with a slight shift (4 cm -1 ) due to a hardening of the A 1 and E modes. Polarized Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the crystal orientation of exfoliated Te flakes. These experiments establish exfoliation as a route to achieve nanoscale trigonal Te while also demonstrating the potential for fabrication of single atom chains of Te.

Dissociation energies of Ag–RG (RG = Ar, Kr, Xe) and AgO molecules from velocity map imaging studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cooper, Graham A.; Gentleman, Alexander S.; Iskra, Andreas

2015-09-28

The near ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of silver atom—rare gas dimers have been studied by velocity map imaging. Ag–RG (RG = Ar, Kr, Xe) species generated by laser ablation are excited in the region of the C ({sup 2}Σ{sup +})←X ({sup 2}Σ{sup +}) continuum leading to direct, near-threshold dissociation generating Ag* ({sup 2}P{sub 3/2}) + RG ({sup 1}S{sub 0}) products. Images recorded at excitation wavelengths throughout the C ({sup 2}Σ{sup +})←X ({sup 2}Σ{sup +}) continuum, coupled with known atomic energy levels, permit determination of the ground X ({sup 2}Σ{sup +}) state dissociation energies of 85.9 ± 23.4 cm{sup −1} (Ag–Ar), 149.3 ±more » 22.4 cm{sup −1} (Ag–Kr), and 256.3 ± 16.0 cm{sup −1} (Ag–Xe). Three additional photolysis processes, each yielding Ag atom photoproducts, are observed in the same spectral region. Two of these are markedly enhanced in intensity upon seeding the molecular beam with nitrous oxide, and are assigned to photodissociation of AgO at the two-photon level. These features yield an improved ground state dissociation energy for AgO of 15 965 ± 81 cm{sup −1}, which is in good agreement with high level calculations. The third process results in Ag atom fragments whose kinetic energy shows anomalously weak photon energy dependence and is assigned tentatively to dissociative ionization of the silver dimer Ag{sub 2}.« less

Synthesis and characterization of the NiFe2O4@TEOS-TPS@Ag nanocomposite and investigation of its antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allafchian, Ali R.; Jalali, S. A. H.; Amiri, R.; Shahabadi, Sh.

2016-11-01

In this study, the NiFe2O4 was embedded in (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (TPS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using the sol-gel method. These compounds were used as the support of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The NiFe2O4@TEOS-TPS@Ag nanocomposites were obtained with the development of bonding between the silver atoms of Ag NPs and the sulfur atoms of TPS molecule. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used for the characterization of the Ag nanocomposites. Also, the magnetic properties of these nanocomposites were studied by using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) technique. The disk diffusion, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) tests were used for the investigation of the antibacterial effect of this nanocomposite against bacterial strains. The synthesized nanocomposite presented high reusability and good antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Remarkably, this nanocomposite could be easily removed from the disinfected media by magnetic decantation.

Electronic structure and electron momentum densities of Ag2CrO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meena, Seema Kumari; Ahuja, B. L.

2018-05-01

We present the first-ever experimental electron momentum density of Ag2CrO4 using 661.65 keV γ-rays from 20 Ci 137Cs source. To validate our experimental data, we have also deduced theoretical Compton profiles, energy bands and density of states using linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method in the framework of density functional theory. It is seen that the DFT-LDA gives a better agreement with experimental data than free atom model. The energy bands and density of states are also discussed.

DOS cones along atomic chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwapiński, Tomasz

2017-03-01

The electron transport properties of a linear atomic chain are studied theoretically within the tight-binding Hamiltonian and the Green’s function method. Variations of the local density of states (DOS) along the chain are investigated. They are crucial in scanning tunnelling experiments and give important insight into the electron transport mechanism and charge distribution inside chains. It is found that depending on the chain parity the local DOS at the Fermi level can form cone-like structures (DOS cones) along the chain. The general condition for the local DOS oscillations is obtained and the linear behaviour of the local density function is confirmed analytically. DOS cones are characterized by a linear decay towards the chain which is in contrast to the propagation properties of charge density waves, end states and Friedel oscillations in one-dimensional systems. We find that DOS cones can appear due to non-resonant electron transport, the spin-orbit scattering or for chains fabricated on a substrate with localized electrons. It is also shown that for imperfect chains (e.g. with a reduced coupling strength between two neighboring sites) a diamond-like structure of the local DOS along the chain appears.

Synthesis of Ag-ZnO with multiple rods (multipods) morphology and its application in the simultaneous photo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue.

PubMed

Arab Chamjangali, M; Bagherian, G; Javid, A; Boroumand, S; Farzaneh, N

2015-11-05

In this study, the photo-decolorization of a mixture of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) was investigated using Ag-ZnO multipods. The photo-catalyst used, ZnO multipods, was successfully synthesized. The surface of ZnO microstructure was modified by deposition of different amounts of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the photo-reduction method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The photo-catalytic efficiency of Ag-ZnO is mainly controlled by the amount of Ag NPs deposited on the ZnO surface. The results obtained suggest that Ag-ZnO containing 6.5% Ag NPs, has the highest photo-catalytic performance in the simultaneous photo-degradation of dyes at a shorter time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterogeneous photocatalyst prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ran, Rong; McEvoy, Joanne Gamage; Centre for Catalysis Research and Innovation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5

Highlights: • The photocatalyst was hydrothermally prepared by adjusting the ratio of Ag to V. • Multi-phase Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} obtained exhibited multi-morphological features. • The photocatalyst exhibited strong visible light driven photoactivity towards RhB. - Abstract: A novel Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} photocatalyst was synthesized by adjusting the molar ratio of silver–vanadium (Ag–V) in a facile hydrothermal method to obtain multi-phase Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples was quantified by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) model organic pollutant under visible light irradiation.more » Compared to pure Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}, Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} and P25 TiO{sub 2}, respectively, the as-synthesized multi-phase Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} powders gave rise to a significantly higher photocatalytic activity, achieving up to 99% degradation of RhB in 2 h under visible light. This enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the effect of the multi-phase Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7} photocatalyst and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the incorporated metallic silver (Ag{sup 0}) nanoparticles (NPs) generated during the photocatalysis, as evidenced by post-use characterization, resulting in improved visible light absorption and electron-hole (e{sup −}-h{sup +}) separation. A mechanism was proposed for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB on the surface of Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 3}VO{sub 4}/Ag{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 7}.« less

MICROWAVE SPECTRA OF Ar\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAgI AND H_{2}O\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAgI PRODUCED BY LASER ABLATION

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullaney, John C.; Medcraft, Chris; Walker, Nick; Legon, Anthony

2017-06-01

Complexes of argon and water with silver iodide have been formed in the gas phase by laser ablation of a silver iodide rod and studied using a chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Ar\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAgI was characterized by its rotational spectrum and ab initio calculations carried out at the CCSD(T)(F12c)/cc-pVTZ-F12 explicitly correlated level of theory. The molecule was shown to be linear in the ground state, with atoms in the order shown. The Ar\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAg and Ag-I bond lengths, r_{0}(Ar\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAg) = 2.6759 Å{} and r_{0}(Ag-I) = 2.5356 Å, were determined. Other factors such as the dissociation energy, the intermolecular quadratic stretching force constant and the change in ionicity of AgI upon forming the complex were also determined and will be discussed with comparison to the series Ar\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAgX (X = F, Cl, Br and I). Data of the H_{2}O\\cdot\\cdot\\cdotAgI complex will also be presented with isotopic studies ongoing.

Characterization and Comparison of Photocatalytic Activity Silver Ion doped on TiO2(TiO2/Ag+) and Silver Ion doped on Black TiO2(Black TiO2/Ag+)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin Yi; Sim, Ho Hyung; Song, Sinae; Noh, Yeoung Ah; Lee, Hong Woon; Taik Kim, Hee

2018-03-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the representative ceramic materials containing photocatalyst, optic and antibacterial activity. The hydroxyl radical in TiO2 applies to the intensive oxidizing agent, hence TiO2 is suitable to use photocatalytic materials. Black TiO2was prepared through reduction of amorphous TiO2 conducting under H2 which leads to color changes. Its black color is proven that absorbs 100% light across the whole-visible light, drawing enhancement of photocatalytic property. In this study, we aimed to compare the photocatalytic activity of silver ion doped on TiO2(TiO2/Ag+) and silver ion doped on black TiO2(black TiO2/Ag+) under visible light range. TiO2/Ag+ was fabricated following steps. 1) TiO2 was synthesized by a sol-gel method from Titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP). 2) Then AgNO3 was added during an aging process step for silver ion doping on the surface of TiO2. Moreover, Black TiO2/Ag+ was obtained same as TiO2/Ag+ except for calcination under H2. The samples were characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible reflectance (UV-vis DRS), and Methylene Blue degradation test. XRD analysis confirmed morphology of TiO2. The band gap of black TiO2/Ag+ was confirmed (2.6 eV) through UV-vis DRS, which was lower than TiO2/Ag+ (2.9 eV). The photocatalytic effect was conducted by methylene blue degradation test. It demonstrated that black TiO2/Ag+ had a photocatalytic effect under UV light also visible light.

Facile synthesis of Ag/ZnO heterostructures assisted by UV irradiation: Highly photocatalytic property and enhanced photostability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Zhongmei, E-mail: kalimodor@163.com; Zhang, Ping; Ding, Yanhuai

2011-10-15

Highlights: {yields} Fabrication of Ag/ZnO heterostructure between the two incompatible phases is realized under UV irradiation in the absence of surfactant. {yields} The synthetic method is facile, low cost, and low carbon, which depends on the photogenerated electrons produced by ZnO under UV light. {yields} Photocatalytic property of the as-synthesized samples is 3.0 times as good as the pure ZnO synthesized under the same condition or the commercial TiO{sub 2} (Degussa, P-25). {yields} The heterostructures exhibit good durability without significant change in the activity even after the third cycle compared to the pure ZnO. -- Abstract: We report a newmore » method to synthesize Ag/ZnO heterostructures assisted by UV irradiation. The formation of Ag/ZnO heterostructures depends on photogenerated electrons produced by ZnO under UV light to reduce high valence silver. Functional property of the Ag/ZnO heterostructures is evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV illumination. Results of photodegradation tests reveal that the optimal photocatalytic activity of as-syntheszied samples is about 1.5 times higher than the pure ZnO synthesized in the same condition or commercial TiO{sub 2} (P-25), showing the advantage of the unique structure in the Ag/ZnO heterostructure. Besides, due to the reduced activation of surface oxygen atom, photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts has no evident decrease even after three recycles.« less

From carbon nanotubes to carbon atomic chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casillas García, Gilberto; Zhang, Weijia; José-Yacamán, Miguel

2010-10-01

Carbyne is a linear allotrope of carbon. It is formed by a linear arrangement of carbon atoms with sp-hybridization. We present a reliable and reproducible experiment to obtain these carbon atomic chains using few-layer-graphene (FLG) sheets and a HRTEM. First the FLG sheets were synthesized from worm-like exfoliated graphite and then drop-casted on a lacey-carbon copper grid. Once in the TEM, two holes are opened near each other in a FLG sheet by focusing the electron beam into a small spot. Due to the radiation, the carbon atoms rearrange themselves between the two holes and form carbon fibers. The beam is concentrated on the carbon fibers in order excite the atoms and induce a tension until multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is formed. As the radiation continues the MWCNT breaks down until there is only a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Then, when the SWCNT breaks, an atomic carbon chain is formed, lasts for several seconds under the radiation and finally breaks. This demonstrates the stability of this carbon structure.

Atomic Structures of Silicene Layers Grown on Ag(111): Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy Observations

PubMed Central

Resta, Andrea; Leoni, Thomas; Barth, Clemens; Ranguis, Alain; Becker, Conrad; Bruhn, Thomas; Vogt, Patrick; Le Lay, Guy

2013-01-01

Silicene, the considered equivalent of graphene for silicon, has been recently synthesized on Ag(111) surfaces. Following the tremendous success of graphene, silicene might further widen the horizon of two-dimensional materials with new allotropes artificially created. Due to stronger spin-orbit coupling, lower group symmetry and different chemistry compared to graphene, silicene presents many new interesting features. Here, we focus on very important aspects of silicene layers on Ag(111): First, we present scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy (nc-AFM) observations of the major structures of single layer and bi-layer silicene in epitaxy with Ag(111). For the (3 × 3) reconstructed first silicene layer nc-AFM represents the same lateral arrangement of silicene atoms as STM and therefore provides a timely experimental confirmation of the current picture of the atomic silicene structure. Furthermore, both nc-AFM and STM give a unifying interpretation of the second layer (√3 × √3)R ± 30° structure. Finally, we give support to the conjectured possible existence of less stable, ~2% stressed, (√7 × √7)R ± 19.1° rotated silicene domains in the first layer. PMID:23928998

Adsorption, vibration and diffusion of oxygen on Ag(110)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawal, Takat; Hong, Sampyo; Pulkkinen, Aki; Alatalo, Matti; Rahman, Talat

2015-03-01

We have performed density functional theory calculations for the adsorption, vibration and diffusion of oxygen on Ag(110). At low coverage, O2 adsorbs at the four-fold hollow (FFH) with the molecular axis aligned along the [ 1 1 0 ] direction. The dissociation of O2 is easier along the [001] direction than along the [ 1 1 0 ] direction. For O2 species in FFH aligned along the [001] the O-O intra-molecular stretching mode is coupled with the substrate vibration and thus its dissociation can be induced by surface phonon. In addition, O diffusion barrier from FFH to next FFH along the [ 1 1 0 ] is small (0.07 eV only) but is by far larger (0.4 eV) along [001]. On the other hand, O species in the short-bride (SB) site prefers to diffuse along the [001] (to FFH) rather than along the [ 1 1 0 ] direction (to next SB). Finally, the preference of atomic oxygen to form O-Ag-O complex on Ag(110) is responsible for disordering of the surface by means of substantial lateral and vertical displacements of Ag atoms in the topmost layer. In fact, such disordering phase of Ag(110) may act as a precursor of the reconstructed phase of Ag(110). Work supported in part by NSF under Grant CHE-1310327.

Thermal-induced SPR tuning of Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin film for plasmonic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, S. K.; Singhal, R.

2018-05-01

The formation of silver (Ag) nanoparticles in a ZnO matrix were successfully synthesized by RF-magnetron sputtering at room temperature. As prepared Ag-ZnO nanocomposite (NCs) thin films were annealed in vacuum at three different temperatures of 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C, respectively. The structural modifications for as-deposited and annealed films were estimated by X-ray diffraction and TEM techniques. The crystalline behavior preferably along the c-axis of the hexagonal wurtzite structure was observed in as-deposited Ag-ZnO film and improved significantly with increasing the annealing temperature. The crystallite size of as-deposited film was measured to be 13.6 nm, and increases up to 28.5 nm at higher temperatures. The chemical composition and surface structure of the as-deposited films were estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of Ag nanoparticles with average size of 8.2 ± 0.2 nm, was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band was observed at the wavelength of ∼565 nm for as-deposited film and a remarkable red shift of ∼22 nm was recorded after the annealing treatment as confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the grain growth from 60.38 nm to 79.42 nm for as-deposited and higher temperature annealed film respectively, with no significant change in the surface roughness. Thermal induced modifications such as disordering and lattice defects in Ag-ZnO NCs thin films were carried out by Raman spectroscopy. High quality Ag-ZnO NCs thin films with minimum strain and tunable optical properties could be useful in various plasmonic applications.

Electrical conduction in PVDF/ZnO-Ag nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Utpal; Jha, Anal K.; Chandra, K. P.; Kolte, Jayant; Kulkarni, A. R.; Prasad, K.

2018-05-01

A hybrid combination of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles were utilized to fabricate PVDF/ZnO(90/10)-Ag nanocomposites (with Ag as filler: 0.5, 1 and 1.5%) utilizing melt-mixing technique. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the formations of nanocomposites. Electric modulus analysis indicated the dielectric relaxation in this system to be of non- Debye type. Correlated barrier hopping model successfully explained the charge conduction in PVDF/ZnO-Ag nanocomposites and ac conductivity data followed Jonscher's power law.

Bromine atom production and chain propagation during springtime Arctic ozone depletion events in Barrow, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Chelsea R.; Shepson, Paul B.; Liao, Jin; Huey, L. Greg; Cantrell, Chris; Flocke, Frank; Orlando, John

2017-03-01

Ozone depletion events (ODEs) in the Arctic are primarily controlled by a bromine radical-catalyzed destruction mechanism that depends on the efficient production and recycling of Br atoms. Numerous laboratory and modeling studies have suggested the importance of heterogeneous recycling of Br through HOBr reaction with bromide on saline surfaces. On the other hand, the gas-phase regeneration of bromine atoms through BrO-BrO radical reactions has been assumed to be an efficient, if not dominant, pathway for Br reformation and thus ozone destruction. Indeed, it has been estimated that the rate of ozone depletion is approximately equal to twice the rate of the BrO self-reaction. Here, we use a zero-dimensional, photochemical model, largely constrained to observations of stable atmospheric species from the 2009 Ocean-Atmosphere-Sea Ice-Snowpack (OASIS) campaign in Barrow, Alaska, to investigate gas-phase bromine radical propagation and recycling mechanisms of bromine atoms for a 7-day period during late March. This work is a continuation of that presented in Thompson et al. (2015) and utilizes the same model construct. Here, we use the gas-phase radical chain length as a metric for objectively quantifying the efficiency of gas-phase recycling of bromine atoms. The gas-phase bromine chain length is determined to be quite small, at < 1.5, and highly dependent on ambient O3 concentrations. Furthermore, we find that Br atom production from photolysis of Br2 and BrCl, which is predominately emitted from snow and/or aerosol surfaces, can account for between 30 and 90 % of total Br atom production. This analysis suggests that condensed-phase production of bromine is at least as important as, and at times greater than, gas-phase recycling for the occurrence of Arctic ODEs. Therefore, the rate of the BrO self-reaction is not a sufficient estimate for the rate of O3 depletion.

Optical properties of Ag nanoclusters formed by irradiation and annealing of SiO2/SiO2:Ag thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Güner, S.; Budak, S.; Gibson, B.; Ila, D.

2014-08-01

We have deposited five periodic SiO2/SiO2 + Ag multi-nano-layered films on fused silica substrates using physical vapor deposition technique. The co-deposited SiO2:Ag layers were 2.7-5 nm and SiO2 buffer layers were 1-15 nm thick. Total thickness was between 30 and 105 nm. Different concentrations of Ag, ranging from 1.5 to 50 molecular% with respect to SiO2 were deposited to determine relevant rates of nanocluster formation and occurrence of interaction between nanoclusters. Using interferometry as well as in situ thickness monitoring, we measured the thickness of the layers. The concentration of Ag in SiO2 was measured with Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). To nucleate Ag nanoclusters, 5 MeV cross plane Si ion bombardments were performed with fluence varying between 5 × 1014 and 1 × 1016 ions/cm2 values. Optical absorption spectra were recorded in the range of 200-900 nm in order to monitor the Ag nanocluster formation in the thin films. Thermal annealing treatment at different temperatures was applied as second method to form varying size of nanoclusters. The physical properties of formed super lattice were criticized for thermoelectric applications.

Plasmonic enhanced optical characteristics of Ag nanostructured ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Arijit; Gogurla, Narendar; Shivakiran Bhaktha, B. N.; Ray, Samit K.

2016-04-01

We have demonstrated the enhanced photoluminescence and photoconducting characteristics of plasmonic Ag-ZnO films due to the light scattering effect from Ag nanoislands. Ag nanoislands have been prepared on ITO-coated glass substrates by thermal evaporation followed by annealing. Plasmonic Ag-ZnO films have been fabricated by depositing ZnO over Ag nanoislands by sol-gel process. The band-edge emission of ZnO is enhanced for 170 nm sized Ag nanoislands in ZnO as compared to pure ZnO. The defect emission is also found to be quenched simultaneously for plasmonic Ag-ZnO films. The enhancement and quenching of photoluminescence at different wavelengths for Ag-ZnO films can be well understood from the localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoislands. The Ag-ZnO M-S-M photoconductor device showed a tenfold increment in photocurrent and faster photoresponse as compared to the control ZnO device. The enhancement in photoresponse of the device is due to the increased photon absorption in ZnO films via scattering of the incident illumination.

Unexpected Huge Dimerization Ratio in One-Dimensional Carbon Atomic Chains.

PubMed

Lin, Yung-Chang; Morishita, Shigeyuki; Koshino, Masanori; Yeh, Chao-Hui; Teng, Po-Yuan; Chiu, Po-Wen; Sawada, Hidetaka; Suenaga, Kazutomo

2017-01-11

Peierls theory predicted atomic distortion in one-dimensional (1D) crystal due to its intrinsic instability in 1930. Free-standing carbon atomic chains created in situ in transmission electron microscope (TEM)1-3 are an ideal example to experimentally observe the dimerization behavior of carbon atomic chain within a finite length. We report here a surprisingly huge distortion found in the free-standing carbon atomic chains at 773 K, which is 10 times larger than the value expected in the system. Such an abnormally distorted phase only dominates at the elevated temperatures, while two distinct phases, distorted and undistorted, coexist at lower or ambient temperatures. Atom-by-atom spectroscopy indeed shows considerable variations in the carbon 1s spectra at each atomic site but commonly observes a slightly downshifted π* peak, which proves its sp 1 bonding feature. These results suggest that the simple model, relaxed and straight, is not fully adequate to describe the realistic 1D structure, which is extremely sensitive to perturbations such as external force or boundary conditions.

The fabrication of visible light responsive Ag-SiO2 co-doped TiO2 thin films by the sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dam Le, Duy; Dung Dang, Thi My; Thang Chau, Vinh; Chien Dang, Mau

2010-03-01

In this study we have successfully deposited Ag-SiO2 co-doped TiO2 thin films on glass substrates by the sol-gel method. After being coated by a dip coating method, the film was transparent, smooth and had strong adhesion on the glass surface. The deposited film was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) to investigate its crystallization, transmittance and surface structure. The antifogging ability is explained by the contact angle of water on the surface of the glass substrates under visible-light. The obtained results show that Ag-SiO2 co-doped TiO2 film has potential applications for self cleaning and anti-bacterial ceramic tiles.

Plasmon-induced nonlinear response of silver atomic chains.

PubMed

Yan, Lei; Guan, Mengxue; Meng, Sheng

2018-05-10

Nonlinear response of a linear silver atomic chain upon ultrafast laser excitation has been studied in real time using the time-dependent density functional theory. We observe the presence of nonlinear responses up to the fifth order in tunneling current, which is ascribed to the excitation of high-energy electrons generated by Landau damping of plasmons. The nonlinear effect is enhanced after adsorption of polar molecules such as water due to the enhanced damping rates during plasmon decay. Increasing the length of atomic chains also increases the nonlinear response, favoring higher-order plasmon excitation. These findings offer new insights towards a complete understanding and ultimate control of plasmon-induced nonlinear phenomena to atomic precision.

Replacing Ag(TS)SCH(2)-R with Ag(TS)O(2)C-R in EGaIn-based tunneling junctions does not significantly change rates of charge transport.

PubMed

Liao, Kung-Ching; Yoon, Hyo Jae; Bowers, Carleen M; Simeone, Felice C; Whitesides, George M

2014-04-07

This paper compares rates of charge transport by tunneling across junctions with the structures Ag(TS) X(CH2 )2n CH3  //Ga2 O3  /EGaIn (n=1-8 and X= SCH2  and O2 C); here Ag(TS) is template-stripped silver, and EGaIn is the eutectic alloy of gallium and indium. Its objective was to compare the tunneling decay coefficient (β, Å(-1) ) and the injection current (J0 , A cm(-2) ) of the junctions comprising SAMs of n-alkanethiolates and n-alkanoates. Replacing Ag(TS) SCH2 -R with Ag(TS) O2 C-R (R=alkyl chains) had no significant influence on J0 (ca. 3×10(3)  A cm(-2) ) or β (0.75-0.79 Å(-1) )-an indication that such changes (both structural and electronic) in the Ag(TS) XR interface do not influence the rate of charge transport. A comparison of junctions comprising oligo(phenylene)carboxylates and n-alkanoates showed, as expected, that β for aliphatic (0.79 Å(-1) ) and aromatic (0.60 Å(-1) ) SAMs differed significantly. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Highly transparent and thermal-stable silver nanowire conductive film covered with ZnMgO by atomic-layer-deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Huang, Dongchen; Li, Min; Xu, Hua; Zou, Jianhua; Tao, Hong; Peng, Junbiao; Xu, Miao

2017-12-01

Solution-processed silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been considered as a promising material for next generation flexible transparent conductive electrodes. However AgNWs films have several intrinsic drawbacks, such as thermal stability and storage stability. Herein, we demonstrate a laminated ZnO/MgO (ZnMgO, ZMO) as a protective layer on the AgNWs films using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The fabricated films exhibited a low sheet resistance of 16 Ω/sq with high transmittance of 91% at 550 nm, an excellent thermal stability and bending property. The ZMO film grows perpendicularly on the surface of the AgNWs, making a perfect coverage of bulk silver nanowires and junction, which can effectively prompt the electrical transport behavior and enhance stability of the silver nanowires network.

High magnetic coercivity of FePt-Ag/MgO granular nanolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roghani, R.; Sebt, S. A.; Khajehnezhad, A.

2018-06-01

L10-FePt ferromagnetic nanoparticles have a hight coercivity of Tesla order. Thus, these nanoparticles, with size of 10 to 15 nm and uniform surface distribution, are suitable in magnetic data storage technology with density of more than 1GB. In order to improve structural and magnetic properties of FePt nanoparticles, some elements and combinations have been added to compound. In this research, we show that due to the presence of the Ag, the phase transition temperature of FePt from fcc to L10-fct phase decreases. The presence of Ag as an additive in FePt-Ag nanocomposite, increases the magnetic coercivity. This nanocomposite, with 10% Ag, was deposited by magnetron sputtering on the MgO heat layer. VSM results of 10 nm nanoparticles show that coercivity has increased up to 1.4 T. XRD and FESEM results confirm that the size of the L10-FePt nanoparticles are 10 nm and their surface distribution are uniform. Ag gradually form nano scale clusters with separate lattice and FePt-Ag nanocomposite appears. The result of this process is emptiness of Ag position in FePt-fcc lattice. So, the mobility of Fe and Pt atoms in this lattice increases and it can be possible for them to move in lower temperature. This mechanism explain the effect of Ag on decreasing the transition temperature to fct-L10 phase, and hight coercivity of FePt nanoparticles.

Photocatalytic degradation of acid blue 74 in water using Ag-Ag2O-Zno nanostuctures anchored on graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umukoro, Eseoghene H.; Peleyeju, Moses G.; Ngila, Jane C.; Arotiba, Omotayo A.

2016-01-01

Water pollution due to industrial effluents from industries which utilize dyes in the manufacturing of their products has serious implications on aquatic lives and the general environment. Thus, there is need for the removal of dyes from wastewater before being discharged into the environment. In this study, a nanocomposite consisting of silver, silver oxide (Ag2O), zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized, characterized and photocatalytically applied in the degradation (and possibly mineralization) of organic pollutants in water treatment process. The Ag-Ag2O-ZnO nanostructure was synthesized by a co-precipitation method and calcined at 400 °C. It was functionalized using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane and further anchored on carboxylated graphene oxide via the formation of an amide bond to give the Ag-Ag2O-ZnO/GO nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The applicability of Ag-Ag2O-ZnO/GO nanocomposite as a photocatalyst was investigated in the photocatalytic degradation of acid blue 74 dye under visible light irradiation in synthetic wastewater containing the dye. The results indicated that Ag-Ag2O-ZnO/GO nanocomposite has a higher photocatalytic activity (90% removal) compared to Ag-Ag2O-ZnO (85% removal) and ZnO (75% removal) respectively and thus lends itself to application in water treatment, where the removal of organics is very important.

Ag-ZnO nanostructure for ANTA explosive molecule detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaik, Ummar Pasha; Sangani, L. D. Varma; Gaur, Anshu

2016-05-23

Ag/ZnO nanostructure for surface enhanced Raman scattering application in the detection of ANTA explosive molecule is demonstrated. A highly rough ZnO microstructure was achieved by rapid thermal annealing of metallic Zn film. Different thickness Ag nanostructures are decorated over these ZnO microstructures by ion beam sputtering technique. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic studies carried out over Ag/ZnO substrates have shown three orders higher enhancement compared to bare Ag nanostructure deposited on the same substrate. The reasons behind such huge enhancement are discussed based on the morphology of the sample.

High-resolution studies of the Majorana atomic chain platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feldman, Benjamin E.; Randeria, Mallika T.; Li, Jian; Jeon, Sangjun; Xie, Yonglong; Wang, Zhijun; Drozdov, Ilya K.; Andrei Bernevig, B.; Yazdani, Ali

2017-03-01

Ordered assemblies of magnetic atoms on the surface of conventional superconductors can be used to engineer topological superconducting phases and realize Majorana fermion quasiparticles (MQPs) in a condensed matter setting. Recent experiments have shown that chains of Fe atoms on Pb generically have the required electronic characteristics to form a one-dimensional topological superconductor and have revealed spatially resolved signatures of localized MQPs at the ends of such chains. Here we report higher-resolution measurements of the same atomic chain system performed using a dilution refrigerator scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). With significantly better energy resolution than previous studies, we show that the zero-bias peak (ZBP) in Fe chains has no detectable splitting from hybridization with other states. The measurements also reveal that the ZBP exhibits a distinctive `double eye’ spatial pattern on nanometre length scales. Theoretically we show that this is a general consequence of STM measurements of MQPs with substantial spectral weight in the superconducting substrate, a conclusion further supported by measurements of Pb overlayers deposited on top of the Fe chains. Finally, we report experiments performed with superconducting tips in search of the particle-hole symmetric MQP signature expected in such measurements.

Antimicrobial effect of TiO2 doped with Ag and Cu on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelov, O.; Stoyanova, D.; Ivanova, I.

2016-10-01

Antimicrobial effect of TiO2 doped with Ag and Cu on Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida is studied. The thin films are deposited on glass substrates without heating during the deposition by r.f. magnetron co-sputtering of TiO2 target and pieces of Ag and Cu. The studied films, thickness about 65 nm, were as deposited and annealed (5200C, 4h, N2+5%H2, 4Pa). The as deposited thin films TiO2:Ag:Cu have band gap energy of 3.56 eV little higher than the band gap of crystalline anatase TiO2 which can be explained with the quantum effect of the granular structure of r.f. magnetron sputtered films. The annealed samples have band gap of 2.52 eV due to formation of donor levels from Ag and Cu atoms near the bottom of the conduction band. The toxic effect was determined through the classical Koch's method and the optical density measurements at λ=610 nm. The as deposited TiO2:Ag:Cu thin films demonstrate stronger inhibition effect - bactericidal for P. putida and bacteriostatic for E. coli (up to the 6th hour) in comparison with the annealed samples. The both methods of study show the same trends of the bacterial growth independently of their different sensitivity which confirms the observed effect.

Adsorption behavior of Fe atoms on a naphthalocyanine monolayer on Ag(111) surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Ling -Hao; Wu, Rong -Ting; Bao, De -Liang

2015-05-29

Adsorption behavior of Fe atoms on a metal-free naphthalocyanine (H 2Nc) monolayer on Ag(111) surface at room temperature has been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy combined with density functional theory (DFT) based calculations. We found that the Fe atoms adsorbed at the centers of H 2Nc molecules and formed Fe-H 2Nc complexes at low coverage. DFT calculations show that the configuration of Fe at the center of a molecule is the most stable site, in good agreement with the experimental observations. After an Fe-H 2Nc complex monolayer was formed, the extra Fe atoms self-assembled to Fe clusters of uniform sizemore » and adsorbed dispersively at the interstitial positions of Fe-H 2Nc complex monolayer. Furthermore, the H 2Nc monolayer grown on Ag(111) could be a good template to grow dispersed magnetic metal atoms and clusters at room temperature for further investigation of their magnetism-related properties.« less

Adsorption of O_{2} on Ag(111): Evidence of Local Oxide Formation.

PubMed

Andryushechkin, B V; Shevlyuga, V M; Pavlova, T V; Zhidomirov, G M; Eltsov, K N

2016-07-29

The atomic structure of the disordered phase formed by oxygen on Ag(111) at low coverage is determined by a combination of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory. We demonstrate that the previous assignment of the dark objects in STM to chemisorbed oxygen atoms is incorrect and incompatible with trefoil-like structures observed in atomic-resolution images in current work. In our model, each object is an oxidelike ring formed by six oxygen atoms around the vacancy in Ag(111).

Stability Enhancement of Silver Nanowire Networks with Conformal ZnO Coatings Deposited by Atmospheric Pressure Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Khan, Afzal; Nguyen, Viet Huong; Muñoz-Rojas, David; Aghazadehchors, Sara; Jiménez, Carmen; Nguyen, Ngoc Duy; Bellet, Daniel

2018-06-06

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks offer excellent electrical and optical properties and have emerged as one of the most attractive alternatives to transparent conductive oxides to be used in flexible optoelectronic applications. However, AgNW networks still suffer from chemical, thermal, and electrical instabilities, which in some cases can hinder their efficient integration as transparent electrodes in devices such as solar cells, transparent heaters, touch screens, and organic light emitting diodes. We have used atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD) to fabricate hybrid transparent electrode materials in which the AgNW network is protected by a conformal thin layer of zinc oxide. The choice of AP-SALD allows us to maintain the low-cost and scalable processing of AgNW-based transparent electrodes. The effects of the ZnO coating thickness on the physical properties of AgNW networks are presented. The composite electrodes show a drastic enhancement of both thermal and electrical stabilities. We found that bare AgNWs were stable only up to 300 °C when subjected to thermal ramps, whereas the ZnO coating improved the stability up to 500 °C. Similarly, ZnO-coated AgNWs exhibited an increase of 100% in electrical stability with respect to bare networks, withstanding up to 18 V. A simple physical model shows that the origin of the stability improvement is the result of hindered silver atomic diffusion thanks to the presence of the thin oxide layer and the quality of the interfaces of hybrid electrodes. The effects of ZnO coating on both the network adhesion and optical transparency are also discussed. Finally, we show that the AP-SALD ZnO-coated AgNW networks can be effectively used as very stable transparent heaters.

Formation and structural phase transition in Co atomic chains on a Cu(775) surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Syromyatnikov, A. G.; Kabanov, N. S.; Saletsky, A. M.

The formation of Co atomic chains on a Cu(775) surface is investigated by the kinetic Monte Carlo method. It is found that the length of Co atomic chains formed as a result of self-organization during epitaxial growth is a random quantity and its mean value depends on the parameters of the experiment. The existence of two structural phases in atomic chains is detected using the density functional theory. In the first phase, the separations between an atom and its two nearest neighbors in a chain are 0.230 and 0.280 nm. In the second phase, an atomic chain has identical atomicmore » spacings of 0.255 nm. It is shown that the temperature of the structural phase transition depends on the length of the atomic chain.« less

An investigation on magnetic responses in Ag-SiO2-Ag nanosandwich structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jen, Yi-Jun; Jhou, Jheng-Jie; Yu, Ching-Wei

2011-10-01

In this work, we investigate magnetic responses in various Ag-SiO2-Ag nanosandwich structures at visible wavelengths. The two electric resonant modes corresponding to the in-phase (symmetric) and anti-phase (asymmetric) electric dipole on the top and the bottom nanopillars are observed by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation. In the asymmetric resonant mode, the phases of electric fields oscillating in the top and bottom pillars have opposite directions, leading to a virtual current loop that induces the magnetic field reversal. The nanosandwich structure produces a large enhancement of the magnetic field as the thickness of SiO2 nanopillar is much smaller than wavelength. By increasing the diameter of nanopillars from 150 nm to 250 nm, the inverse magnetic response wavelength shifts from 532 nm to 690 nm. On account of the magnetic field reversal caused by the anti-phase electric dipole coupling, the real part of the equivalent permeability of the film is negative. Therefore, the wavelength range associated with the intensity of inverse magnetic response is tunable by varying the size of Ag-SiO2-Ag nanosandwich structure. The equivalent electromagnetic parameters of the Ag-SiO2-Ag nanosandwich thin film prepared by glancing angle deposition are derived from the transmission and the reflection coefficients measured by walk-off interferometers. The measured results indicate that film exhibit double negative properties and lead to negative values of the real parts of equivalent refractive indices -0.854, -1.179, and -1.492 for λ = 532 nm, 639 nm, and 690 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the real part of permeability is negatively enhanced to be -4.771 and the maximum value of figures of merit (FOM) recorded being 6.543 for p-polarized light at λ = 690 nm. Finally, we analyze the admittance loci for our nanosandwich thin film. This analysis can be applied to interpret extraordinary optical properties such as negative index of refraction from Ag-SiO2-Ag

Effect of Mixed Glass Former on Ionic Conductivity of Silver Boro Tungstate glass system x[0.75AgI:0.25AgCl]: (1-x) [Ag2O-{B2O3:WO3}

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehariya, Harsha; Kumar, R.; Polu, A. R.

2012-05-01

The idea to explore new 'Superionic Electrolytes', "Fast ionic conductors" is due to their tremendous potential applications in solid state electrochemical devices viz. solid state batteries, fuel cells, sensors, super capacitors. Superionic glasses have attracted great deal of attention due to their several advantageous over their crystalline counterparts such as high ionic conductivity, easy preparation, wide selection of compositions, isotropic properties and high stability etc [4-7]. Large numbers of silver ion based glasses have been reported in the literature for the glassy system of AgI:Ag2O: MxOy (MxOy = B2O3, SiO2, P2O5, GeO2, V2O5, As2O5, CrO3, SeO2, MoO3 & TeO3 etc many of them shows high silver ion conductivity [8]. Ion transport behavior of Silver Boro Tungstate glass system x[0.75AgI:0.25AgCl]: (1-x) [Ag2O{B2O3:WO3}], where 0 <= x <= 1 in molar wt% prepared by melt quench technique were reported. The new host [0.75AgI:0.25AgCl] was used as a better alternate in place of conventional host salt AgI. Conductivity measurement were carried out on this glass system as a function of frequency from 50 Hz to 5 MHz, over a temperature range of 27°C to 200°C, for different compositions by Impedance spectroscopy. The composition 0.7[0.75AgI:0.25AgCl]: 0.3[Ag2O{B2O3:WO3}] shows the highest conductivity of the order of σrt ~ 2.76 × 10-2 S/cm, referred to as the Optimum Conducting Composition (OCC). The enhancement in the conductivity has been obtained by mixed former effect. XRD result shows that the system is completely amorphous. Temperature dependence of conductivity of all compositions were studied & reported. Activation energies (Ea) were also evaluated from the slope of .Log(σ) vs 1000/T, Arrhenius plots.

Room-temperature synthesis of carnation-like ZnO@AgI hierarchical nanostructures assembled by AgI nanoparticles-decorated ZnO nanosheets with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Huang, He; Huang, Ni; Wang, Zhonghua; Xia, Guangqiang; Chen, Ming; He, Lingling; Tong, Zhifang; Ren, Chunguang

2017-09-15

The preparation of highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst for the photodegradation of organic pollutants has received much attention due to the increasing global energy crises and environmental pollution. In this study, carnation-like ZnO@AgI hierarchical nanostructures assembled by AgI nanoparticles-decorated ZnO nanosheets were successfully prepared via a room-temperature route. The as-prepared ZnO@AgI nanostructures exhibited highly efficient photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation (λ>400nm). Under optimized AgI content, the ZnO@AgI-5% sample showed high photocatalytic activity, which was 25.7 and 1.5 times the activity of pure ZnO and pure AgI, respectively. Mechanism studies indicated that superoxide anion radicals (O 2 - ) was the main reactive species in the photocatalytic process. The high photocatalytic activity of the ZnO@AgI nanostructures is attributed to the highly active AgI nanoparticles and the heterojunction between AgI nanoparticles and ZnO nanosheets. The heterojunction structure reduced the recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) of AgI nanoparticles by transferring the electrons from the CB of AgI nanoparticles to the CB of ZnO nanosheets. The composite of ZnO and AgI not only improves photocatalytic efficiency but also reduces photocatalyst cost, which is beneficial for practical application. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

First principles calculation of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Au-Pd atomic chains

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dave, Mudra R., E-mail: mdave-phy@yahoo.co.in; Sharma, A. C.

2015-06-24

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of free standing Au-Pd bimetallic atomic chain is studied using ab-initio method. It is found that electronic and magnetic properties of chains depend on position of atoms and number of atoms. Spin polarization factor for different atomic configuration of atomic chain is calculated predicting a half metallic behavior. It suggests a total spin polarised transport in these chains.

SiO2/TiO2/Ag multilayered microspheres: Preparation, characterization, and enhanced infrared radiation property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Xiaoyun; Cai, Shuguang; Zheng, Chan; Xiao, Xueqing; Hua, Nengbin; Huang, Yanyi

2015-08-01

SiO2/TiO2/Ag core-shell multilayered microspheres were successfully synthesized by the combination of anatase of TiO2 modification on the surfaces of SiO2 spheres and subsequent Ag nanoparticles deposition and Ag shell growth with face-centered cubic (fcc) Ag. The composites were characterized by TEM, FT-IR, UV-vis, Raman spectroscopy and XRD, respectively. The infrared emissivity values during 8-14 μm wavelengths of the composites were measured. The results revealed that TiO2 thin layers with the thickness of ∼10 nm were coated onto the SiO2 spheres of ∼220 nm in diameter. The thickness of the TiO2 layers was controlled by varying the amount of TBOT precursor. Homogeneous Ag nanoparticles of ∼20 nm in size were successfully deposited by ultrasound on the surfaces of SiO2/TiO2 composites, followed by complete covering of Ag shell. The infrared emissivity value of the SiO2/TiO2 composites was decreased than that of pure SiO2. Moreover, the introduction of the Ag brought the remarkably lower infrared emissivity value of the SiO2/TiO2/Ag multilayered microspheres with the lowest value down to 0.424. Strong chemical effects in the interface of SiO2/TiO2 core-shell composites and high reflection performance of the metal Ag are two decisive factors for the improved infrared radiation performance of the SiO2/TiO2/Ag multilayered microspheres.

Discrete hexamer water clusters and 2D water layer trapped in three luminescent Ag/tetramethylpyrazine/benzene-dicarboxylate hosts: 1D chain, 2D layer and 3D network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Hong-Xin; Zhang, Ting; Huang, Hua-Qi; Huang, Rong-Bin; Zheng, Lan-Sun

2016-03-01

Three mix-ligand Ag(I) coordination compounds, namely, {[Ag10(tpyz) 5(L1) 5(H2 O)2].(H2 O)4}n (1, tpyz = 2,3,4,5-tetramethylpyrazine, H2 L1 = phthalic acid), [Ag4(tpyz) 2(L2) 2(H2 O)].(H2 O)5}n (2, H2 L2 = isophthalic acid) {[Ag2(tpyz) 2(L3) (H2 O)4].(H2 O)8}n (3, H2 L3 = terephthalic acid), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, PXRD and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. 1 exhibits a 2D layer which can be simplified as a (4,4) net. 2 is a 3D network which can be simplified as a (3,3)-connected 2-nodal net with a point symbol of {102.12}{102}. 3 consists of linear [Ag(tpyz) (H2 O)2]n chain. Of particular interest, discrete hexamer water clusters were observed in 1 and 2, while a 2D L10(6) water layer exists in 3. The results suggest that the benzene dicarboxylates play pivotal roles in the formation of the different host architectures as well as different water aggregations. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and emissive behaviors of these compounds were investigated.

Evolution and tailoring of plasmonic properties in Ag:ZrO2 nanocomposite films by swift heavy ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Manish; Kulriya, P. K.; Pivin, J. C.; Avasthi, D. K.

2011-02-01

Ag:ZrO2 nanocomposite films have been synthesized by a sol-gel dip coating process at room temperature, followed by irradiation using swift heavy ions. The effect of electronic energy loss and fluences on the evolution and consequently on the tailoring of plasmonic properties of films has been studied. The optical study exhibits that color of films converts from transparent in pristine form into shiny yellow when films are irradiated by 100 MeV Ag ions at a fluence of 3×1012 ions/cm2. However, irradiation by 120 MeV O ions up to the fluence of 1 × 1014 ions/cm2 does not induce any coloration in films. The coloration is attributed to the evolution of plasmonic feature resulting in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) induced absorption peak in the visible region. Increase in fluence from 3 × 1012 to 6 × 1013 ions/cm2 of 100 MeV Ag ions induces a redshift in SPR induced peak position from 434 to 487 nm. Microstructural studies confirms the conversion of Ag2O3 (in pristine films) into cubic phase of metallic Ag and the increase of average size of particles with the increasing fluence up to 6 × 1013 ions/cm2. Further increase in fluence leads to the dissolution of Ag atoms in the ZrO2 matrix.

Synthesis of β-AgVO3 nanowires decorated with Ag2CrO4, with improved visible light photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Qi; Li, Zhonghua; Liu, Jiawen

2018-05-01

Silver chromate‑silver vanadate (Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3) heterojunction composites are synthesized through a facile precipitation process. The Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3 hybrids obtained exhibit better photocatalytic activity in degradation of RhB than both pure Ag2CrO4 and β-AgVO3 under visible light irradiation. The 20 wt% Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3 heterojunction possesses the best photocatalytic ability for degrading RhB: 24.4 times that of pristine β-AgVO3 nanowires and 3.2 times that of individual Ag2CrO4 particles. The phase of the nanocomposites was analyzed using x-ray diffraction as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The improvement in photocatalytic performance is chiefly ascribed to the synergies between Ag2CrO4/β-AgVO3 heterostructure, which can enhance the light absorbance ability and also accelerate the separation and transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes under visible light irradiation; this is also confirmed by UV–vis diffuse reflection spectrometry and fluorescence emission spectra.

Real-space localization and quantification of hole distribution in chain-ladder Sr3Ca11Cu24O41 superconductor.

PubMed

Bugnet, Matthieu; Löffler, Stefan; Hawthorn, David; Dabkowska, Hanna A; Luke, Graeme M; Schattschneider, Peter; Sawatzky, George A; Radtke, Guillaume; Botton, Gianluigi A

2016-03-01

Understanding the physical properties of the chain-ladder Sr3Ca11Cu24O41 hole-doped superconductor has been precluded by the unknown hole distribution among chains and ladders. We use electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) at atomic resolution to directly separate the contributions of chains and ladders and to unravel the hole distribution from the atomic scale variations of the O-K near-edge structures. The experimental data unambiguously demonstrate that most of the holes lie within the chain layers. A quantitative interpretation supported by inelastic scattering calculations shows that about two holes are located in the ladders, and about four holes in the chains, shedding light on the electronic structure of Sr3Ca11Cu24O41. Combined atomic resolution STEM-EELS and inelastic scattering calculations is demonstrated as a powerful approach toward a quantitative understanding of the electronic structure of cuprate superconductors, offering new possibilities for elucidating their physical properties.

Real-space localization and quantification of hole distribution in chain-ladder Sr3Ca11Cu24O41 superconductor

PubMed Central

Bugnet, Matthieu; Löffler, Stefan; Hawthorn, David; Dabkowska, Hanna A.; Luke, Graeme M.; Schattschneider, Peter; Sawatzky, George A.; Radtke, Guillaume; Botton, Gianluigi A.

2016-01-01

Understanding the physical properties of the chain-ladder Sr3Ca11Cu24O41 hole-doped superconductor has been precluded by the unknown hole distribution among chains and ladders. We use electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) at atomic resolution to directly separate the contributions of chains and ladders and to unravel the hole distribution from the atomic scale variations of the O-K near-edge structures. The experimental data unambiguously demonstrate that most of the holes lie within the chain layers. A quantitative interpretation supported by inelastic scattering calculations shows that about two holes are located in the ladders, and about four holes in the chains, shedding light on the electronic structure of Sr3Ca11Cu24O41. Combined atomic resolution STEM-EELS and inelastic scattering calculations is demonstrated as a powerful approach toward a quantitative understanding of the electronic structure of cuprate superconductors, offering new possibilities for elucidating their physical properties. PMID:27051872

ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite for visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of industrial textile effluents.

PubMed

Saravanan, R; Mansoob Khan, M; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Mosquera, E; Gracia, F; Narayanan, V; Stephen, A

2015-08-15

A ternary ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite was synthesized using thermal decomposition method. The resulting nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation for the degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue compared with binary ZnO/Ag and ZnO/CdO nanocomposites. The ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite was also used for the degradation of the industrial textile effluent (real sample analysis) and degraded more than 90% in 210 min under visible light irradiation. The small size, high surface area and synergistic effect in the ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite is responsible for high photocatalytic activity. These results also showed that the Ag nanoparticles induced visible light activity and facilitated efficient charge separation in the ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite, thereby improving the photocatalytic performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Disinfection of Escherichia coli Gram negative bacteria using surface modified TiO2: optimization of Ag metallization and depiction of charge transfer mechanism.

PubMed

Gomathi Devi, LakshmipathiNaik; Nagaraj, Basavalingaiah

2014-01-01

The antibacterial activity of silver deposited TiO2 (Ag-TiO2 ) against Gram negative Escherichia coli bacteria was investigated by varying the Ag metal content from 0.10 to 0.50% on the surface of TiO2 . Ag depositions by the photoreduction method were found to be stable. Surface silver metallization was confirmed by EDAX and XPS studies. Photoluminescence studies show that the charge carrier recombination is less for 0.1% Ag-TiO2 and this catalyst shows superior bactericidal activity under solar light irradiation compared to Sol gel TiO2 (SG-TiO2 ) due to the surface plasmon effect. The energy levels of deposited Ag are dependent on the Ag content and it varies from -4.64 eV to -1.30 eV with respect to the vacuum energy level based on atomic silver to bulk silver deposits. The ability of electron transfer from Ag deposit to O2 depends on the position of the energy levels. The 0.25% and 0.50% Ag depositions showed detrimental effect on bactericidal activity due to the mismatch of energy levels. The effect of the EROS (External generation of the Reactive Oxygen Species by 0.1% Ag-TiO2 ) and IROS (Interior generation of Reactive Oxygen Species within the bacteria) on the bactericidal inactivation is discussed in detail. © 2014 The American Society of Photobiology.

Coating stainless steel plates with Ag/TiO2 for chlorpyrifos decontamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel Fattah, Wafa I.; Gobara, Mohammed M.; El-Hotaby, Walid; Mostafa, Sherif F. M.; Ali, Ghareib W.

2016-05-01

Spray coatings of either nanosilver (Ag), titanium (TiO2) or nanosilver titanium (Ag/TiO2) on stainless steel substrates prepared by sol-gel process were successfully achieved. The efficiency of the Ag/TiO2 coat onto 316 stainless steel surface towards cloropyrifos degradation as a chemical warfare agent (CWA) was proved. The crystalline structure and morphological characterization, as well as surface roughness measurements, were assessed. X-ray diffraction results proved the crystalline TiO2 anatase phase. The uniform distribution of Ag along with TiO2 nanoparticles was evidenced through transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy mapping. The hydrophilic nature of individual Ag, TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 coats was proved by contact angle measurements. The loading of Ag nanoparticles influenced positively the Ag/TiO2 coats surface roughness. The photocatalytic cloropyrifos degradation achieved about 50% within one-hour post UV treatment proving, therefore, the promising Ag/TiO2 continued decontamination efficiency. In conclusion, tuning the physical and morphological properties of TiO2 coated on stainless steel surface could be significantly enhanced by Ag nanoparticles incorporation. The developed Ag/TiO2 coat could be conveniently applied as CWA decontaminant.

Electron stimulated desorption of atomic oxygen from silver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Outlaw, R. A.; Peregoy, W. K.; Hoflund, Gar B.; Corallo, Gregory R.

1987-01-01

The electron stimulated desorption (ESD) of neutral oxygen atoms from polycrystalline silver and of oxygen ions from Ag(110) has been studied. Polycrystalline Ag charged with (16)O2 and (18)O2 and bombarded by low-energy electrons (approx 100 eV) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions emitted O atom flux levels of 1 x 10 to the 12th power/sq cm/s at a Ag temperature of 300 C. The flux was detected with a quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in the appearance potential mode. The neutral cross section at about 100 C was determined to be 7 x 10 to the -19 sq cm. Ancillary experiments conducted in a UHV chamber equipped with a cylindrical mirror analyzer and rigged for ion energy distribution and ion angular distribution were used to study O ions desorbed from Ag(110). Two primary O(+) energies of 2.4 and 5.4 eV were detected from the Ag(110) after having been dosed with 2500 L of (16)O2. It also appears that in both experiments there was strong evidence for directionality of the emitted flux. The results of this study serve as a proof of concept for the development of a laboratory atomic oxygen beam generator that simulates the gas flux environment experienced by orbiting vehicles.

High-performance lithium storage based on the synergy of atomic-thickness nanosheets of TiO2(B) and ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mujtaba, Jawayria; Sun, Hongyu; Zhao, Yanyan; Xiang, Guolei; Xu, Shengming; Zhu, Jing

2017-09-01

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are critical constituents of modern day vehicular and telecommunication technologies. Transition metal oxides and their composites have been extensively studied as potential electrode materials for LIBs. However, inefficient lithiation, poor electrical conductivity, and drastic volume change during cycling result in low reversible capacity and rapid capacity fading, and thus hinder the practical applications of those electrodes. In this work, we report a facile synthesis of a novel hierarchical composites, which consist of ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on TiO2(B) nanosheets with atomic thickness (Co3O4 NPs@TiO2(B) NSs). When tested as anode material for LIBs, the Co3O4 NPs@TiO2(B) NSs sample with optimized composition shows a reversible capacity of ∼677.3 mAhg-1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mAg-1. A capacity of 386.2 mAhg-1 is still achieved at 1000 mAg-1. The synergistic effect of ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles and atomic-thickness TiO2(B) nanosheets is responsible for the enhanced electrochemical performance.

Two dimensional Z-scheme AgCl/Ag/CaTiO3 nano-heterojunctions for photocatalytic hydrogen production enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ziyuan; Pan, Jiaqi; Wang, Beibei; Li, Chaorong

2018-04-01

The two dimensional(2D) Z-scheme AgCl/Ag/Ca/TiO3 nano-heterojunction is synthesized via simple preparation of hydrothermal-chemical co-deposition method. The results of SEM, EDS, elemental mapping, XRD, TEM, XPS and Raman shift imply that the AgCl/Ag nanoparticles have deposited on the surfaces of CaTiO3 nanosheets successfully. Compared with the unmodified samples, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared 2D AgCl/Ag/CaTiO3 nano-heterojunction exhibits a remarkable enhancement by the hydrogen production. Further, the photocatalytic process has been studied and the mechanism of the photocatalytic hydrogen production enhancement has been provided, which could be ascribed to the Z-scheme heterojunction and 2D lamellar structure of the CaTiO3.

Fast diffusion of silver in TiO2 nanotube arrays

PubMed Central

Zhang, Wanggang; Liu, Yiming; Zhou, Diaoyu; Wang, Hui

2016-01-01

Summary Using magnetron sputtering and heat treatment, Ag@TiO2 nanotubes are prepared. The effects of heat-treatment temperature and heating time on the evolution of Ag nanofilms on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes and microstructure of Ag nanofilms are investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Ag atoms migrate mainly on the outmost surface of the TiO2 nanotubes, and fast diffusion of Ag atoms is observed. The diffusivity for the diffusion of Ag atoms on the outmost surface of the TiO2 nanotubes at 400 °C is 6.87 × 10−18 m2/s, which is three orders of magnitude larger than the diffusivities for the diffusion of Ag through amorphous TiO2 films. The activation energy for the diffusion of Ag atoms on the outmost surface of the TiO2 nanotubes in the temperature range of 300 to 500 °C is 157 kJ/mol, which is less than that for the lattice diffusion of Ag and larger than that for the grain boundary diffusion. The diffusion of Ag atoms leads to the formation of Ag nanocrystals on the outmost surface of TiO2 nanotubes. Probably there are hardly any Ag nanocrystals formed inside the TiO2 nanotubes through the migration of Ag. PMID:27547630

The millimeter wave spectrum of silver monoxide, AgO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steimle, T.; Tanimoto, M.; Namiki, K.; Saito, S.

1998-05-01

The pure rotational spectra of 107AgO and 109AgO were recorded in the 117-380 GHz spectral region using a dc-sputtering absorption cell. The 107Ag(I=1/2) and 109Ag(I=1/2) magnetic hyperfine parameters are interpreted in terms of plausible electronic configuration contributions to the X 2Πi state. It is shown that the determined unusual sign of the Λ-doubling and Fermi contact parameters implies that the X 2Πi state is dominated by a three open shell configuration. A comparison with isovalent CuO is made.

An in-situ synthesis of Ag/AgCl/TiO2/hierarchical porous magnesian material and its photocatalytic performance

PubMed Central

Yang, Lu; Wang, Fazhou; Shu, Chang; Liu, Peng; Zhang, Wenqin; Hu, Shuguang

2016-01-01

The absorption ability and photocatalytic activity of photocatalytic materials play important roles in improving the pollutants removal effects. Herein, we reported a new kind of photocatalytic material, which was synthesized by simultaneously designing hierarchical porous magnesian (PM) substrate and TiO2 catalyst modification. Particularly, PM substrate could be facilely prepared by controlling its crystal phase (Phase 5, Mg3Cl(OH)5·4H2O), while Ag/AgCl particles modification of TiO2 could be achieved by in situ ion exchange between Ag+ and above crystal Phase. Physiochemical analysis shows that Ag/AgCl/TiO2/PM material has higher visible and ultraviolet light absorption response, and excellent gas absorption performance compared to other controls. These suggested that Ag/AgCl/TiO2/PM material could produce more efficient photocatalytic effects. Its photocatalytic reaction rate was 5.21 and 30.57 times higher than that of TiO2/PM and TiO2/imporous magnesian substrate, respectively. Thus, this material and its intergration synthesis method could provide a novel strategy for high-efficiency application and modification of TiO2 photocatalyst in engineering filed. PMID:26883972

Preparation and structure of Na2Ag5Fe3(P2O7)4 -Ag metal composite: Insights on electrochemistry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Yiman; Marschilok, Amy C.; Takeuchi, Esther S.

ABSTRACT Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4is a 3D structured material which has been recently studied as a possible cathode material for lithium batteries. Notably, Na 7Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4is reported to be a fast-ion conductor, yet poor electrical conductor. Here, partial replacement of Na +for Ag +yielded Na 2Ag 5Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4pyrophosphate framework where the formation of Ag metal is proposed to increase the intrinsic low electrical conductivity of this polyanion electrode. Specifically, the Ag 5Na 2Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4-Ag composite is synthesized via chemical reduction of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4using NaBH 4.more » The occupancy of Ag +and Na +in each site was determined via Rietveld analysis of the diffraction pattern. Electrochemistry of the Ag 5Na 2Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4-Ag metal composite was explored with voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The Ag 5Na 2Fe 3(P 2O 7) 4-Ag metal composite electrodes displayed good rate capability assisted by the presence of Ag metal from the chemical reduction and in-situ electrochemical formation of a Ag conductive network.« less

Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants over Flower-Like Bi2O2CO3 Dotted with Ag@AgBr

PubMed Central

Lin, Shuanglong; Wang, Miao; Liu, Li; Liang, Yinghua; Cui, Wenquan; Zhang, Zisheng; Yun, Nan

2016-01-01

A facile and feasible oil-in-water self-assembly approach was developed to synthesize flower-like Ag@AgBr/Bi2O2CO3 micro-composites. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated through methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation. Compared to Bi2O2CO3, flower-like Ag@AgBr/Bi2O2CO3 micro-composites show enhanced photocatalytic activities. In addition, results indicate that both the physicochemical properties and associated photocatalytic activities of Ag@AgBr/Bi2O2CO3 composites are shown to be dependent on the loading quantity of Ag@AgBr. The highest photocatalytic performance was achieved at 7 wt % Ag@AgBr, degrading 95.18% methylene blue (MB) after 20 min of irradiation, which is over 1.52 and 3.56 times more efficient than that of pure Ag@AgBr and pure Bi2O2CO3, respectively. Bisphenol A (BPA) was also degraded to further demonstrate the degradation ability of Ag@AgBr/Bi2O2CO3. A photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of organic compounds over Ag@AgBr/Bi2O2CO3 was proposed. Results from this study illustrate an entirely new approach to fabricate semiconductor composites containing Ag@AgX/bismuth (X = a halogen). PMID:28774002

Reducing Strength Prevailing at Root Surface of Plants Promotes Reduction of Ag+ and Generation of Ag0/Ag2O Nanoparticles Exogenously in Aqueous Phase

PubMed Central

Pardha-Saradhi, Peddisetty; Yamal, Gupta; Peddisetty, Tanuj; Sharmila, Peddisetty; Nagar, Shilpi; Singh, Jyoti; Nagarajan, Rajamani; Rao, Kottapalli S.

2014-01-01

Potential of root system of plants from wide range of families to effectively reduce membrane impermeable ferricyanide to ferrocyanide and blue coloured 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) to colourless DCPIPH2 both under non-sterile and sterile conditions, revealed prevalence of immense reducing strength at root surface. As generation of silver nanoparticles (NPs) from Ag+ involves reduction, present investigations were carried to evaluate if reducing strength prevailing at surface of root system can be exploited for reduction of Ag+ and exogenous generation of silver-NPs. Root system of intact plants of 16 species from 11 diverse families of angiosperms turned clear colorless AgNO3 solutions, turbid brown. Absorption spectra of these turbid brown solutions showed silver-NPs specific surface plasmon resonance peak. Transmission electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray confirmed the presence of distinct NPs in the range of 5–50 nm containing Ag. Selected area electron diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the silver NPs showed Bragg reflections, characteristic of crystalline face-centered cubic structure of Ag0 and cubic structure of Ag2O. Root system of intact plants raised under sterile conditions also generated Ag0/Ag2O-NPs under strict sterile conditions in a manner similar to that recorded under non-sterile conditions. This revealed the inbuilt potential of root system to generate Ag0/Ag2O-NPs independent of any microorganism. Roots of intact plants reduced triphenyltetrazolium to triphenylformazon and impermeable ferricyanide to ferrocyanide, suggesting involvement of plasma membrane bound dehydrogenases in reduction of Ag+ and formation of Ag0/Ag2O-NPs. Root enzyme extract reduced triphenyltetrazolium to triphenylformazon and Ag+ to Ag0 in presence of NADH, clearly establishing potential of dehydrogenases to reduce Ag+ to Ag0, which generate Ag0/Ag2O-NPs. Findings presented in this manuscript put forth a novel, simple

Highly Flexible and Transparent Ag Nanowire Electrode Encapsulated with Ultra-Thin Al2O3: Thermal, Ambient, and Mechanical Stabilities

PubMed Central

Hwang, Byungil; An, Youngseo; Lee, Hyangsook; Lee, Eunha; Becker, Stefan; Kim, Yong-Hoon; Kim, Hyoungsub

2017-01-01

There is an increasing demand in the flexible electronics industry for highly robust flexible/transparent conductors that can withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments. In this work, outstanding thermal and ambient stability is demonstrated for a highly transparent Ag nanowire electrode with a low electrical resistivity, by encapsulating it with an ultra-thin Al2O3 film (around 5.3 nm) via low-temperature (100 °C) atomic layer deposition. The Al2O3-encapsulated Ag nanowire (Al2O3/Ag) electrodes are stable even after annealing at 380 °C for 100 min and maintain their electrical and optical properties. The Al2O3 encapsulation layer also effectively blocks the permeation of H2O molecules and thereby enhances the ambient stability to greater than 1,080 h in an atmosphere with a relative humidity of 85% at 85 °C. Results from the cyclic bending test of up to 500,000 cycles (under an effective strain of 2.5%) confirm that the Al2O3/Ag nanowire electrode has a superior mechanical reliability to that of the conventional indium tin oxide film electrode. Moreover, the Al2O3 encapsulation significantly improves the mechanical durability of the Ag nanowire electrode, as confirmed by performing wiping tests using isopropyl alcohol. PMID:28128218

Unveiling the Structural Evolution of Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16 under Coulombically Controlled (De)Lithiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Jianping; Hu, Xiaobing; Brady, Alexander B.

MnO 2 materials are considered promising cathode materials for rechargeable lithium, sodium, and magnesium batteries due to their earth abundance and environmental friendliness. One polymorph of MnO 2, α-MnO 2, has 2 × 2 tunnels (4.6 Å × 4.6 Å) in its structural framework, which provide facile diffusion pathways for guest ions. In this work, a silver-ion-containing α-MnO 2 (Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16) is examined as a candidate cathode material for Li based batteries. Electrochemical stability of Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16 is investigated through Coulombically controlled reduction under 2 or 4 molar electron equivalents (e.e.). Terminal discharge voltage remains almostmore » constant under 2 e.e. of cycling, whereas it continuously decreases under repetitive reduction by 4 e.e. Thus, detailed structural analyses were utilized to investigate the structural evolution upon lithiation. Significant increases in lattice a (17.7%) and atomic distances (~4.8%) are observed when x in Li xAg 1.2Mn 8O 16 is >4. Ag metal forms at this level of lithiation concomitant with a large structural distortion to the Mn–O framework. In contrast, lattice a only expands by 2.2% and Mn–O/Mn-Mn distances show minor changes (~1.4%) at x < 2. The structural deformation (tunnel breakage) at x > 4 inhibits the recovery of the original structure, leading to poor cycle stability at high lithiation levels. This report establishes the correlation among local structure changes, amorphization processes, formation of Ag 0, and long-term cycle stability for this silver-containing α-MnO 2 type material at both low and high lithiation levels.« less

Unveiling the Structural Evolution of Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16 under Coulombically Controlled (De)Lithiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Jianping; Hu, Xiaobing; Brady, Alexander B.

MnO 2 materials are considered promising cathode materials for rechargeable lithium, sodium, and magnesi-um batteries due to their earth abundance and environmental friendliness. One polymorph of MnO 2, α-MnO 2, has 2×2 tunnels (4.6 Å × 4.6 Å) in its structural framework, which provide facile diffusion pathways for guest ions. In this work, a silver ion containing α-MnO 2 (Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16) is examined as a candidate cathode material for Li based batteries. Electro-chemical stability of Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16 is investigated through Coulombically controlled reduction under 2 or 4 molar electron equivalents (e.e.). Terminal discharge voltage remains almostmore » constant under 2 e.e. of cycling, whereas it continuously decreases under repetitive reduction by 4 e.e. Thus, detailed structural analyses were utilized to investigate the structural evolution upon lithiation. Significant increases in lattice a (17.7 %) and atomic distances (~4.8 %) are observed when x in Li xAg 1.2Mn 8O 16 is >4. Ag metal forms at this level of lithiation concomitant with a large structural distortion to the Mn-O framework. In contrast, lattice a only expands by 2.2 % and Mn-O/Mn-Mn distances show minor changes (~1.4 %) at x <2. The structural deformation (tunnel breakage) at x >4 inhibits the recovery of the original structure, leading to poor cycle stability at high lithiation levels. This report establishes the correlation among local structure changes, amorphization processes, formation of Ag 0 and long term cycle stability for this silver containing α-MnO 2 type material at both low and high lithiation levels.« less

Unveiling the Structural Evolution of Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16 under Coulombically Controlled (De)Lithiation

DOE PAGES

Huang, Jianping; Hu, Xiaobing; Brady, Alexander B.; ...

2017-12-17

MnO 2 materials are considered promising cathode materials for rechargeable lithium, sodium, and magnesi-um batteries due to their earth abundance and environmental friendliness. One polymorph of MnO 2, α-MnO 2, has 2×2 tunnels (4.6 Å × 4.6 Å) in its structural framework, which provide facile diffusion pathways for guest ions. In this work, a silver ion containing α-MnO 2 (Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16) is examined as a candidate cathode material for Li based batteries. Electro-chemical stability of Ag 1.2Mn 8O 16 is investigated through Coulombically controlled reduction under 2 or 4 molar electron equivalents (e.e.). Terminal discharge voltage remains almostmore » constant under 2 e.e. of cycling, whereas it continuously decreases under repetitive reduction by 4 e.e. Thus, detailed structural analyses were utilized to investigate the structural evolution upon lithiation. Significant increases in lattice a (17.7 %) and atomic distances (~4.8 %) are observed when x in Li xAg 1.2Mn 8O 16 is >4. Ag metal forms at this level of lithiation concomitant with a large structural distortion to the Mn-O framework. In contrast, lattice a only expands by 2.2 % and Mn-O/Mn-Mn distances show minor changes (~1.4 %) at x <2. The structural deformation (tunnel breakage) at x >4 inhibits the recovery of the original structure, leading to poor cycle stability at high lithiation levels. This report establishes the correlation among local structure changes, amorphization processes, formation of Ag 0 and long term cycle stability for this silver containing α-MnO 2 type material at both low and high lithiation levels.« less

Ag modified LaCoO3 perovskite oxide for photocatalytic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayapandi, S.; Prakasini, V. Anitha; Anitha, K.

2018-04-01

The present investigation has been carried out to develop a novel photocatalytic material based on lanthanum cobaltite (LaCoO3) and silver (Ag) doped LaCoO3 perovskite oxide. Pure LaCoO3 and 5 Mol% Ag doped LaCoO3 (Ag-LaCoO3) have been synthesized by simple co-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques and its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue under sunlight irradiation. The observed XRD, UV and PL results indicate that Ag influences on the crystallite size and absorption coefficient of LaCoO3 perovskite oxide. The percentage of dye degradations was calculated as 60% and 99 % for LaCoO3 and 5 Mol% Ag-LaCoO3 pervoskite oxides respectively for 10 minutes (10 min) exposure to sunlight, which indicates that 5 mol% of Ag-LaCoO3, has better photodegradation activity. Hence, the present investigation confirms that Ag influences the photocatalytic activity of a material and the observations will be helpful for further developing new photocatalytic materials.

X-ray diffraction analysis of LiCu2O2 crystals with additives of silver atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirotinkin, V. P.; Bush, A. A.; Kamentsev, K. E.; Dau, H. S.; Yakovlev, K. A.; Tishchenko, E. A.

2015-09-01

Silver-containing LiCu2O2 crystals up to 4 × 8 × 8 mm in size were grown by the crystallization of 80(1- x)CuO · 20 x AgNO3 · 20Li2CO3 (0 ≤ х ≤ 0.5) mixture melt. According to the X-ray spectral and Rietveld X-ray diffraction data, the maximum amount of silver incorporated in the LiCu2O2 structure is about 4 at % relative to the copper content. It was established that silver atoms occupy statistically crystallographic positions of lithium atoms. The incorporation of silver atoms is accompanied by a noticeable increase in parameter с of the LiCu2O2 rhombic unit cell, a slight increase in parameter а, and a slight decrease in parameter b.

Preparation of Transparent Bulk TiO2/PMMA Hybrids with Improved Refractive Indices via an in Situ Polymerization Process Using TiO2 Nanoparticles Bearing PMMA Chains Grown by Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.

PubMed

Maeda, Satoshi; Fujita, Masato; Idota, Naokazu; Matsukawa, Kimihiro; Sugahara, Yoshiyuki

2016-12-21

Transparent TiO 2 /PMMA hybrids with a thickness of 5 mm and improved refractive indices were prepared by in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles bearing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains grown using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP), and the effect of the chain length of modified PMMA on the dispersibility of modified TiO 2 nanoparticles in the bulk hybrids was investigated. The surfaces of TiO 2 nanoparticles were modified with both m-(chloromethyl)phenylmethanoyloxymethylphosphonic acid bearing a terminal ATRP initiator and isodecyl phosphate with a high affinity for common organic solvents, leading to sufficient dispersibility of the surface-modified particles in toluene. Subsequently, SI-ATRP of MMA was achieved from the modified surfaces of the TiO 2 nanoparticles without aggregation of the nanoparticles in toluene. The molecular weights of the PMMA chains cleaved from the modified TiO 2 nanoparticles increased with increases in the prolonging of the polymerization period, and these exhibited a narrow distribution, indicating chain growth controlled by SI-ATRP. The nanoparticles bearing PMMA chains were well-dispersed in MMA regardless of the polymerization period. Bulk PMMA hybrids containing modified TiO 2 nanoparticles with a thickness of 5 mm were prepared by in situ polymerization of the MMA dispersion. The transparency of the hybrids depended significantly on the chain length of the modified PMMA on the nanoparticles, because the modified PMMA of low molecular weight induced aggregation of the TiO 2 nanoparticles during the in situ polymerization process. The refractive indices of the bulk hybrids could be controlled by adjusting the TiO 2 content and could be increased up to 1.566 for 6.3 vol % TiO 2 content (1.492 for pristine PMMA).

The potentials and challenges of electron microscopy in the study of atomic chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banhart, Florian; Torre, Alessandro La; Romdhane, Ferdaous Ben; Cretu, Ovidiu

2017-04-01

The article is a brief review on the potential of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the investigation of atom chains which are the paradigm of a strictly one-dimensional material. After the progress of TEM in the study of new two-dimensional materials, microscopy of free-standing one-dimensional structures is a new challenge with its inherent potentials and difficulties. In-situ experiments in the TEM allowed, for the first time, to generate isolated atomic chains consisting of metals, carbon or boron nitride. Besides having delivered a solid proof for the existence of atomic chains, in-situ TEM studies also enabled us to measure the electrical properties of these fundamental linear structures. While ballistic quantum conductivity is observed in chains of metal atoms, electrical transport in chains of sp1-hybridized carbon is limited by resonant states and reflections at the contacts. Although substantial progress has been made in recent TEM studies of atom chains, fundamental questions have to be answered, concerning the structural stability of the chains, bonding states at the contacts, and the suitability for applications in nanotechnology. Contribution to the topical issue "The 16th European Microscopy Congress (EMC 2016)", edited by Richard Brydson and Pascale Bayle-Guillemaud

SiO2-Ag-SiO2 core/shell structure with a high density of Ag nanoparticles for CO oxidation catalysis.

PubMed

Feng, Xiaoqian; Li, Hongmo; Zhang, Qing; Zhang, Peng; Song, Xuefeng; Liu, Jing; Zhao, Liping; Gao, Lian

2016-11-11

SiO 2 -Ag-SiO 2 , a sandwiched core/shell structure with a layer of Ag nanoparticles (∼4 nm) encapsulated between a shallow SiO 2 surface layer and a SiO 2 submicrosphere substrate (∼200 nm), has been synthesized from [Formula: see text] and SiO 2 spheres by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The composite is proposed to result from the dynamic balance between the [Formula: see text] reduction and the dissolution-redeposition of SiO 2 in mild basic media. The synthetic mechanism and the roles of the reaction time, temperature, and the amount of ammonia in the formation of this unique structure are investigated and discussed. The composite structure shows superior catalytic performance in CO oxidation to the control Ag/SiO 2 structure prepared by impregnation. Pre-treatment by O 2 at 600 °C significantly improves the catalytic performance of the composite structure and preserves the nanocomposite structure well.

Vancomycin-modified Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers as effective antimicrobial agents.

PubMed

Wang, Chongwen; Zhang, Kehan; Zhou, Zhe; Li, Qingjun; Shao, Liting; Hao, Rong Zhang; Xiao, Rui; Wang, Shengqi

2017-01-01

Nanomaterials combined with antibiotics exhibit synergistic effects and have gained increasing interest as promising antimicrobial agents. In this study, vancomycin-modified magnetic-based silver microflowers (Van/Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ag microflowers) were rationally designed and prepared to achieve strong bactericidal ability, a wide antimicrobial spectrum, and good recyclability. High-performance Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ag microflowers served as a multifunction-supporting matrix and exhibited sufficient magnetic response property due to their 200 nm Fe 3 O 4 core. The microflowers also possessed a highly branched flower-like Ag shell that provided a large surface area for effective Ag ion release and bacterial contact. The modified-vancomycin layer was effectively bound to the cell wall of bacteria to increase the permeability of the cell membrane and facilitate the entry of the Ag ions into the bacterium, resulting in cell death. As such, the fabricated Van/Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ag microflowers were predicted to be an effective and environment-friendly antibacterial agent. This hypothesis was verified through sterilization of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 10 and 20 μg mL -1 , respectively. The microflowers also showed enhanced effect compared with bare Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ag microflowers and free-form vancomycin, confirming the synergistic effects of the combination of the two components. Moreover, the antimicrobial effect was maintained at more than 90% after five cycling assays, indicating the high stability of the product. These findings reveal that Van/Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Ag microflowers exhibit promising applications in the antibacterial fields.

Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity of visible-light-driven plasmonic Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Xiaojuan, E-mail: lixiaojuan@fzu.edu.cn; Tang, Duanlian; Tang, Fan

2014-08-15

Highlights: • A plasmonic Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized. • Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposites exhibit high visible light photocatalytic activity. • Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} photocatalyst is stable and magnetically separable. - Abstract: A visible-light-driven plasmonic Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized via a deposition–precipitation and photoreduction through a novel one-pot process. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were employed to investigate the crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, and optical properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites. The photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites were evaluated by photodegradationmore » of Rhodamine B (RhB) and phenol under visible light. The results demonstrated that the obtained Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity as compared to pure ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. In addition, the sample photoreduced for 20 min and calcined at 500 °C achieved the highest photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the Ag/AgBr/ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite has high stability under visible light irradiation and could be conveniently separated by using an external magnetic field.« less

Tunable Catalysis of Water to Peroxide with Anionic, Cationic, and Neutral Atomic Au, Ag, Pd, Rh, and Os

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suggs, K.; Kiros, F.; Tesfamichael, A.; Felfli, Z.; Msezane, A. Z.

2015-05-01

Fundamental anionic, cationic, and neutral atomic metal predictions utilizing density functional theory calculations validate the recent discovery identifying the interplay between Regge resonances and Ramsauer-Townsend minima obtained through complex angular momentum analysis as the fundamental atomic mechanism underlying nanoscale catalysis. Here we investigate the optimization of the catalytic behavior of Au, Ag, Pd, Rh, and Os atomic systems via polarization effects and conclude that anionic atomic systems are optimal and therefore ideal for catalyzing the oxidation of water to peroxide, with anionic Os being the best candidate. The discovery that cationic systems increase the transition energy barrier in the synthesis of peroxide could be important as inhibitors in controlling and regulating catalysis. These findings usher in a fundamental and comprehensive atomic theoretical framework for the generation of tunable catalytic systems. The ultimate aim is to design giant atomic catalysts and sensors, in the context of the recently synthesized tri-metal Ag@Au@Pt and bimetal Ag@Au nanoparticles for greatly enhanced plasmonic properties and improved chemical stability for chemical and biological sensing. Research was supported by U.S. DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

Improved electron transfer and plasmonic effect in dye-sensitized solar cells with bi-functional Nb-doped TiO2/Ag ternary nanostructures.

PubMed

Park, Jung Tae; Chi, Won Seok; Jeon, Harim; Kim, Jong Hak

2014-03-07

TiO2 nanoparticles are surface-modified via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with a hydrophilic poly(oxyethylene)methacrylate (POEM), which can coordinate to the Ag precursor, i.e. silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (AgCF3SO3). Following the reduction of Ag ions, a Nb2O5 doping process and calcination at 450 °C, bi-functional Nb-doped TiO2/Ag ternary nanostructures are generated. The resulting nanostructures are characterized by energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EF-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on the Nb-doped TiO2/Ag nanostructure photoanode with a polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) as the solid polymer electrolyte shows an overall energy conversion efficiency (η) of 6.9%, which is much higher than those of neat TiO2 (4.7%) and Nb-doped TiO2 (5.4%). The enhancement of η is mostly due to the increase of current density, attributed to the improved electron transfer properties including electron injection, collection, and plasmonic effects without the negative effects of charge recombination or problems with corrosion. These properties are supported by intensity modulated photocurrent/voltage spectroscopy (IMPS/IMVS) and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) measurements.

Vancomycin-modified Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers as effective antimicrobial agents

PubMed Central

Wang, Chongwen; Zhang, Kehan; Zhou, Zhe; Li, Qingjun; Shao, Liting; Hao, Rong Zhang; Xiao, Rui; Wang, Shengqi

2017-01-01

Nanomaterials combined with antibiotics exhibit synergistic effects and have gained increasing interest as promising antimicrobial agents. In this study, vancomycin-modified magnetic-based silver microflowers (Van/Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers) were rationally designed and prepared to achieve strong bactericidal ability, a wide antimicrobial spectrum, and good recyclability. High-performance Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers served as a multifunction-supporting matrix and exhibited sufficient magnetic response property due to their 200 nm Fe3O4 core. The microflowers also possessed a highly branched flower-like Ag shell that provided a large surface area for effective Ag ion release and bacterial contact. The modified-vancomycin layer was effectively bound to the cell wall of bacteria to increase the permeability of the cell membrane and facilitate the entry of the Ag ions into the bacterium, resulting in cell death. As such, the fabricated Van/Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers were predicted to be an effective and environment-friendly antibacterial agent. This hypothesis was verified through sterilization of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 10 and 20 μg mL−1, respectively. The microflowers also showed enhanced effect compared with bare Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers and free-form vancomycin, confirming the synergistic effects of the combination of the two components. Moreover, the antimicrobial effect was maintained at more than 90% after five cycling assays, indicating the high stability of the product. These findings reveal that Van/Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag microflowers exhibit promising applications in the antibacterial fields. PMID:28450783

Photocatalytic performance of Ag doped SnO2 nanoparticles modified with curcumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignesh, K.; Hariharan, R.; Rajarajan, M.; Suganthi, A.

2013-07-01

Visible light active Ag doped SnO2 nanoparticles modified with curcumin (Cur-Ag-SnO2) have been prepared by a combined precipitation and chemical impregnation route. The optical properties, phase structures and morphologies of the as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis-DRS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface area was measured by Brunauer. Emmett. Teller (B.E.T) analysis. Compared to bare SnO2, the surface modified photocatalysts (Ag-SnO2 and Cur-Ag-SnO2) showed a red shift in the visible region. The photocatalytic activity was monitored via the degradation of rose bengal (RB) dye and the results revealed that Cur-Ag-SnO2 shows better photocatalytic activity than that of Ag-SnO2 and SnO2. The superior photocatalytic activity of Cur-Ag-SnO2 could be attributed to the effective electron-hole separation by surface modification. The effect of photocatalyst concentration, initial dye concentration and electron scavenger on the photocatalytic activity was examined in detail. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the photocatalysts and the reusability of Cur-Ag-SnO2 were tested.

W{sub 18}O{sub 49} nanorods decorated with Ag/AgCl nanoparticles as highly-sensitive gas-sensing material and visible-light-driven photocatalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun Shibin; Chang Xueting, E-mail: xuetingchang@yahoo.cn; Dong Lihua

2011-08-15

A novel gas-sensing material and photocatalyst was successfully obtained by decorating Ag/AgCl nanoparticles on the W{sub 18}O{sub 49} nanorods through a clean photochemical route. The as-prepared samples were characterized using combined techniques of X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gas-sensing measurements indicate that the Ag/AgCl/W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs sensors exhibit superior reducing gas-sensing properties to those of bare W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs, and they are highly selective and sensitive to NH{sub 3}, acetone, and H{sub 2}S with short response and recovery times. The Ag/AgCl/W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs photocatlysts also possess higher photocatalytic performance thanmore » bare W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs for degradation of methyl orange under simulated sunlight irradiation. Possible mechanisms concerning the enhancement of gas-sensing and photocatalytic activities of the Ag/AgCl/W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs composite were proposed. - Graphical Abstract: The Ag/AgCl nanoparticles adhered well to the W{sub 18}O{sub 49} nanorod. The Ag could act as transfer center of the photoexcited carriers, prohibiting their recombinations in both W{sub 18}O{sub 49} and AgCl. Highlights: > Ag/AgCl/W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs were successfully obtained via a clean photochemical route. > The Ag/AgCl nanoparticles decorated on the W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs possessed cladding structure. > The Ag/AgCl/W{sub 18}O{sub 49} NRs exhibited excellent gas-sensing and photocatalytic properties.« less

Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of NiFe2O4/PAMA/Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allafchian, Alireza; Jalali, Seyed Amir Hossein; Bahramian, Hamid; Ahmadvand, Hossein

2016-04-01

We have described a facile fabrication of silver deposited on the TiO2, Poly Acrylonitrile Co Maleic Anhydride (PAMA) polymer and nickel ferrite composite (NiFe2O4/PAMA/Ag-TiO2) through a three-step procedure. A pre-synthesized NiFe2O4 was first coated with PAMA polymer and then Ag-TiO2 was deposited on the surface of PAMA polymer shell. After the characterization of this three-component composite by various techniques, such as FTIR, XRD, FESEM, BET, TEM and VSM, it was impregnated in standard antibiotic discs. The antibacterial activity of NiFe2O4/PAMA/Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite was investigated against some gram positive and gram negative bacteria by employing disc diffusion assay and then compared with that of naked NiFe2O4, NiFe2O4/Ag, AgNPs and NiFe2O4/PAMA. The results demonstrated that the AgNPs, when embedded in TiO2 and combined with NiFe2O4/PAMA, became an excellent antibacterial agent. The NiFe2O4/PAMA/Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite could be readily separated from water solution after the disinfection process by applying an external magnetic field.

Delicate Ag/V2O5/TiO2 ternary nanostructures as a high-performance photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xiao-Dong; Zheng, Ya-Lun; Feng, Yu-Jie; Sun, Ke-Ning

2018-02-01

Here we report, for the first time, delicate ternary nanostructures consisting of TiO2 nanoplatelets co-doped with Ag and V2O5 nanoparticles. The relationship between the composition and the morphology is systematically studied. We find a remarkable synergistic effect among the three components, and the resulting delicate Ag/V2O5/TiO2 ternary nanostructures exhibit a superior photocatalytic performance over neat TiO2 nanoplatelets as well as Ag/TiO2 and V2O5/TiO2 binary nanostructures for the degradation of methyl orange. We believe our delicate Ag/V2O5/TiO2 ternary nanostructures may lay a basis for developing next-generating, high-performance composite photocatalysts.

Tailoring the surface chemical bond states of the NbN films by doping Ag: Achieving hard hydrophobic surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Ping; Zhang, Kan; Du, Suxuan; Meng, Qingnan; He, Xin; Wang, Shuo; Wen, Mao; Zheng, Weitao

2017-06-01

Robust hydrophobic surfaces based on ceramics capable of withstanding harsh conditions such as abrasion, erosion and high temperature, are required in a broad range of applications. The metal cations with coordinative saturation or low electronegativity are commonly chosen to achieve the intrinsically hydrophobic ceramic by reducing Lewis acidity, and thus the ceramic systems are limited. In this work, we present a different picture that robust hydrophobic surface with high hardness (≥20 GPa) can be fabricated through doping Ag atoms into intrinsically hydrophilic ceramic film NbN by reactive co-sputtering. The transition of wettability from hydrophilic to hydrophobic of Nb-Ag-N films induced by Ag doping results from the appearance of Ag2O groups on the films surfaces through self-oxidation, because Ag cations (Ag+) in Ag2O are the filled-shell (4d105S0) electronic structure with coordinative saturation that have no tendency to interact with water. The results show that surface Ag2O benefited for hydrophobicity comes from the solute Ag atoms rather than precipitate metal Ag, in which the more Ag atoms incorporated into Nb-sublattice are able to further improve the hydrophobicity, whereas the precipitation of Ag nanoclusters would worsen it. The present work opens a window for fabricating robust hydrophobic surface through tailoring surface chemical bond states by doping Ag into transition metal nitrides.

LEED STUDY OF Ag(111)-(√ 7×√ 7)R19.1^o-4Ar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caragiu, Mellita; Diehl, Renee D.; Leatherman, Gerry S.

2000-03-01

Recent LEED studies of the adsorption geometries of Xe and Kr on metal surfaces have indicated that, contrary to expectations, the low-coordination adsorption sites are generally preferred, even on relatively corrugated surfaces such as Cu(1\\overline 1 0). This study extends the range of this phenomenon to include Ar. On Ag(111), Ar can form a commensurate structure, Ag(111)-(√ 7×√ 7)R19.1^o-4Ar, if the step sites are first blocked by preadsorbing another species such as CO. A dynamical LEED analysis of this structure at 33K indicates that the structure includes one atom per unit cell on a top site and the remaining three on bridge sites. This structure is clearly preferred over ones in which hollow sites are occupied, providing evidence that the preference of noble gases atoms for low-coordination sites on metals extends to Ar.

Bactericidal impact of Ag, ZnO and mixed AgZnO colloidal nanoparticles on H37Rv Mycobacterium tuberculosis phagocytized by THP-1 cell lines.

PubMed

Jafari, Alireza; Mosavari, Nader; Movahedzadeh, Farahnaz; Nodooshan, Saeedeh Jafari; Safarkar, Roya; Moro, Rossella; Kamalzadeh, Morteza; Majidpour, Ali; Boustanshenas, Mina; Mosavi, Tahereh

2017-09-01

The purpose of this research project was to infection of human macrophages (THP-1) cell lines by H 37 Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H 37 RvMTB) and find out the ratio/dilution of mixture silver (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) whose ability to eliminate phagocytized bacteria compared to rifampicin. The colloidal Ag NPs and ZnO NPs were synthesized and their characteristics were evaluated. The THP-1 cell lines were infected with different concentration of H 37 RvMTB. Next, the infected cells were treated with different ratios/dilutions of Ag NPs, ZnO NPs and rifampicin. The THP-1 were lysed and were cultured in Lowenstein-Jensen agar medium, for eight weeks. The TEM and AFM images of NPs and H 37 RvMTB were supplied. It is observed that Ag NPs, 2 Ag :8 ZnO and 8 Ag :2 ZnO did not have any anti-tubercular effects on phagocytized H 37 RvMTB. Conversely, ZnO NPs somehow eliminated 18.7 × 10 4  CFU ml -1 of H 37 RvMTB in concentration of ∼ 0.468 ppm. To compare with 40 ppm of rifampicin, ∼ 0.663 ppm of 5 Ag :5 ZnO had the ability to kill of H 37 RvMTB, too. Based on previous research, ZnO NPs had strong anti-tubercular impact against H 37 RvMTB to in-vitro condition, but it was toxic in concentration of ∼ 0.468 ppm to both of THP-1 and normal lung (MRC-5) cell lines. It also seems that 5 Ag :5 ZnO is justified because in concentration of ∼ 0.663 ppm of 5 Ag :5 ZnO , phagocytized H 37 RvMTB into the THP-1 had died without any toxicity effects against THP-1 and also MRC-5 cell lines. It is obvious that the mixture of colloidal silver and zinc oxide NPs with ratio of 5 Ag :5 ZnO would be trustworthy options as anti-tubercular nano-drugs in future researches. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Halloysite Nanotubes Supported Ag and ZnO Nanoparticles with Synergistically Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Zhan; Zhang, Yi; Yang, Qian; Yang, Huaming

2017-02-01

Novel antimicrobial nanocomposite incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and silver (Ag) into zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is prepared by integrating HNTs and decorating Ag nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with a size of about 100 and 8 nm, respectively, are dispersively anchored onto HNTs. The synergistic effects of ZnO NPs, Ag NPs, and HNTs led to the superior antibacterial activity of the Ag-ZnO/HNTs antibacterial nanocomposites. HNTs facilitated the dispersion and stability of ZnO NPs and brought them in close contact with bacteria, while Ag NPs could promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and enhanced the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs. The close contact with cell membrane enabled the nanoparticles to produce the increased concentration of reactive oxygen species and the metal ions to permeate into the cytoplasm, thus induced quick death of bacteria, indicating that Ag-ZnO/HNTs antibacterial nanocomposite is a promising candidate in the antibacterial fields.

Ag nanoparticle-functionalized ZnO micro-flowers for enhanced photodegradation of herbicide derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yan; Wu, Shumin; Li, Xianliang; Meng, Hao; Zhang, Xia; Wang, Zhuopeng; Han, Yide

2017-07-01

We demonstrate a general strategy to design step by step the Ag nanoparticle-functionalized ZnO micro-flowers (Ag/ZnO composites). XRD patterns confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles in ZnO/Ag composites, and the SEM and TEM results further demonstrated that Ag nanoparticles were highly dispersed and anchored onto the surface of each ZnO nanosheets. By using the ZnO/Ag composites, the photodegradation of two herbicide derivatives, metamitron and metribuzin, were studied. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the fact that the Ag deposition could reduce the recombination probability of electron-hole pairs, and the photocatalytic mechanism were also investigated in this paper.

Selective hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane catalyzed by trace Pd decorated Ag/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by galvanic replacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jingya; Han, Yuxiang; Fu, Heyun; Wan, Haiqin; Xu, Zhaoyi; Zheng, Shourong

2018-01-01

Ag catalysts decorated by trace Pd supported on γ-Al2O3 with different structure and chemical properties were prepared using a combined impregnation and galvanic replacement method. For comparison, monometallic Ag/γ-Al2O3 and Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared using the impregnation method. Gas-phase catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane to ethylene was investigated on those catalysts. The structures and chemical compositions of bimetallic Pd-Ag particles in the catalysts were controlled by adjusting Pd replacement amount. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in-situ FTIR spectroscopy of CO adsorption. The results demonstrated that contiguous Pd sites dominated in the monometallic Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, while Pd atoms were separately decorated on the surface of Ag particles in the bimetallic Pd-Ag/γ-Al2O3 catalysts when Pd replacement amount was below 0.30 wt.%. At Pd replacement amount of 0.30 wt.%, Pd ensembles with contiguous Pd sites developed in the bimetallic catalyst. Thus, monometallic Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst displayed negligible ethylene selectivity toward the catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane, while bimetallic Pd-Ag/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with a Pd replacement amount of 0.13 wt.% exhibited 94.6% of ethylene selectivity. Furthermore, selectivity to incompletely dechlorinated byproduct chloroethylene decreased with Pd replacement amount, due to the enhanced decoration effect of Pd on large Ag ensembles. Findings in this work provide a promising bimetallic catalyst prepared by galvanic replacement for the selective catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane.

Tri-functional Fe2O3-encased Ag-doped ZnO nanoframework: magnetically retrievable antimicrobial photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karunakaran, Chockalingam; Vinayagamoorthy, Pazhamalai

2016-11-01

Fe2O3-encased ZnO nanoframework was obtained by hydrothermal method and was doped with Ag through photoreduction process. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM, selected area electron diffractometry, x-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy were employed for the structural characterization of the synthesized material. While the charge transfer resistance of the prepared nanomaterial is larger than those of Fe2O3 and ZnO the coercivity of the nanocomposite is less than that of hydrothermally obtained Fe2O3 nanostructures. Although Fe2O3/Ag-ZnO exhibits weak visible light absorption its band gap energy does not differ from that of ZnO. The photoluminescence of the fabricated nanoframework is similar to that of ZnO. The radiative recombination of charge carriers is slightly slower in Fe2O3/Ag-ZnO than in ZnO. The synthesized Fe2O3-encased Ag-doped ZnO, under UV A light, exhibits sustainable photocatalytic activity to degrade dye and is magnetically recoverable. Also, the Fe2O3/Ag-ZnO nanocomposite disinfects bacteria effectively in absence of direct illumination.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Physical Properties of New Layered Oxychalcogenide La2O2Bi3AgS6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hijikata, Yudai; Abe, Tomohiro; Moriyoshi, Chikako; Kuroiwa, Yoshihiro; Goto, Yosuke; Miura, Akira; Tadanaga, Kiyoharu; Wang, Yongming; Miura, Osuke; Mizuguchi, Yoshikazu

2017-12-01

We have synthesized a new layered oxychalcogenide La2O2Bi3AgS6. From synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement, the crystal structure of La2O2Bi3AgS6 was refined using a model of the P4/nmm space group with a = 4.0644(1) Å and c = 19.412(1) Å, which is similar to the related compound LaOBiPbS3, while the interlayer bonds (M2-S1 bonds) are apparently shorter in La2O2Bi3AgS6. The tunneling electron microscopy (TEM) image confirmed the lattice constant derived from Rietveld refinement (c ˜ 20 Å). The electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient suggested that the electronic states of La2O2Bi3AgS6 are more metallic than those of LaOBiS2 and LaOBiPbS3. The insertion of a rock-salt-type chalcogenide into the van der Waals gap of BiS2-based layered compounds, such as LaOBiS2, will be a useful strategy for designing new layered functional materials in the layered chalcogenide family.

Toward tailoring Majorana bound states in artificially constructed magnetic atom chains on elemental superconductors

PubMed Central

Thorwart, Michael

2018-01-01

Realizing Majorana bound states (MBS) in condensed matter systems is a key challenge on the way toward topological quantum computing. As a promising platform, one-dimensional magnetic chains on conventional superconductors were theoretically predicted to host MBS at the chain ends. We demonstrate a novel approach to design of model-type atomic-scale systems for studying MBS using single-atom manipulation techniques. Our artificially constructed atomic Fe chains on a Re surface exhibit spin spiral states and a remarkable enhancement of the local density of states at zero energy being strongly localized at the chain ends. Moreover, the zero-energy modes at the chain ends are shown to emerge and become stabilized with increasing chain length. Tight-binding model calculations based on parameters obtained from ab initio calculations corroborate that the system resides in the topological phase. Our work opens new pathways to design MBS in atomic-scale hybrid structures as a basis for fault-tolerant topological quantum computing. PMID:29756034

Toward tailoring Majorana bound states in artificially constructed magnetic atom chains on elemental superconductors.

PubMed

Kim, Howon; Palacio-Morales, Alexandra; Posske, Thore; Rózsa, Levente; Palotás, Krisztián; Szunyogh, László; Thorwart, Michael; Wiesendanger, Roland

2018-05-01

Realizing Majorana bound states (MBS) in condensed matter systems is a key challenge on the way toward topological quantum computing. As a promising platform, one-dimensional magnetic chains on conventional superconductors were theoretically predicted to host MBS at the chain ends. We demonstrate a novel approach to design of model-type atomic-scale systems for studying MBS using single-atom manipulation techniques. Our artificially constructed atomic Fe chains on a Re surface exhibit spin spiral states and a remarkable enhancement of the local density of states at zero energy being strongly localized at the chain ends. Moreover, the zero-energy modes at the chain ends are shown to emerge and become stabilized with increasing chain length. Tight-binding model calculations based on parameters obtained from ab initio calculations corroborate that the system resides in the topological phase. Our work opens new pathways to design MBS in atomic-scale hybrid structures as a basis for fault-tolerant topological quantum computing.

Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4-SiO2-AgCl photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husni, H. N.; Mahmed, N.; Ngee, H. L.

2016-07-01

Magnetite-silica-silver chloride (Fe3O4-SiO2-AgCl) coreshell particles with AgCl crystallite size of 117 nm was prepared by a wet chemistry method at ambient temperature. The magnetite-core was synthesized by using iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4•7H2O) and iron (III) sulfate hydrate (Fe2(SO4)3) with ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) as the precipitating agent. The silica-shell was synthesized by using a modified Stöber process. The silver ions (Ag+) was adsorbed onto the silica surface after Söber process, followed by the addition of Cl- and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for the formation of Fe3O4-SiO2-AgCl coreshell particles. The effectiveness of the synthesized photocatalyst was investigated by monitoring the degradation of the methylene blue (MB) under sunlight for five cycles. About 90 % of the MB solution can be degraded after 2 hours. The degradation of MB solution by the Fe3O4-SiO2-AgCl particles is highly efficient for first three cycles according to the MB concentration recorded by the UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Nevertheless, the synthesized particles could be a promising material for photocatalytic applications.

Effect of heavy Ag doping on the physical properties of ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Qingyu; Zhao, Chunwang; Jia, Xiaofang; Xu, Zhenchao

2018-04-01

The band structure, density of state and absorption spectrum of Zn1‑xAgxO (x = 0.02778, 0.04167) were calculated. Results indicated that a higher doping content of Ag led to a higher total energy, lower stability, higher formation energy, narrower bandgap, more significant red shift of the absorption spectrum, higher relative concentration of free hole, smaller hole effective mass, lower mobility and better conductivity. Furthermore, four types of model with the same doping content of double Ag-doped Zn1‑xAgxO (x = 0.125) but different manners of doping were established. Two types of models with different doping contents of double Ag-doped Zn1‑xAgxO (x = 0.0626, 0.0833) but the same manner of doping, were also established. Under the same doping content and different ordering occupations in Ag double doping, the doped system almost caused magnetic quenching upon the nearest neighbor -Ag-O-Ag- bonding at the direction partial to the a- or b-axis. Upon the next-nearest neighbor of -Ag-O-Zn-O-Ag- bonding at the direction partial to the c-axis, the total magnetic moment of the doped system increased, and the doped system reached a Curie temperature above the room-temperature. All these results indicated that the magnetic moments of Ag double-doped ZnO systems decreased with increased Ag doping content. Within the range of the mole number of the doping content of 0.02778-0.04167, a greater Ag doping content led to a narrower bandgap of the doped system and a more significant red shift in the absorption spectrum. The absorption spectrum of the doped ZnO system with interstitial Ag also shows a red shift.

Enhanced photocatalytic performances and magnetic recovery capacity of visible-light-driven Z-scheme ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jie; Cheng, Yahui; Wang, Tianzhao; Feng, Deqiang; Zheng, Lingcheng; Shao, Dawei; Wang, Weichao; Wang, Weihua; Lu, Feng; Dong, Hong; Zheng, Rongkun; Liu, Hui

2018-05-01

High efficiency, high stability and easy recovery are three key factors for practical photocatalysts. Z-scheme heterostructure is one of the most promising photocatalytic systems to meet all above requirements. However, efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts which could absorb visible light are still few and difficult to implement at present. In this work, the composite photocatalysts ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag were prepared through a two-step method. A ∼92% photodegradation rate on methyl orange was observed within 30 min under visible light, which is much better than that of individual ZnFe2O4 or AgBr/Ag. The stability was also greatly improved compared with AgBr/Ag. The increased performance is resulted from the suitable band alignment of ZnFe2O4 and AgBr, and it is defined as Z-scheme mechanism which was demonstrated by detecting active species and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Besides, ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag is ferromagnetic and can be recycled by magnet. These results show that ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag is a potential magnetically recyclable photocatalyst which can be driven by visible light.

Structure and properties of nanostructured ZnO arrays and ZnO/Ag nanocomposites fabricated by pulsed electrodeposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kopach, V. R.; Klepikova, K. S.; Klochko, N. P., E-mail: klochko-np@mail.ru

We investigate the structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of nanostructured ZnO arrays fabricated by pulsed electrodeposition, Ag nanoparticles precipitated from colloidal solutions, and a ZnO/Ag nanocomposite based on them. The electronic and electrical parameters of the ZnO arrays and ZnO/Ag nanocomposites are analyzed by studying the I–V and C–V characteristics. Optimal modes for fabricating the ZnO/Ag heterostructures with the high stability and sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation as promising materials for use in photodetectors, gas sensors, and photocatalysts are determined.

Preparation of TiO2/Ag/TiO2 (TAT) multilayer films with optical and electrical properties enhanced by using Cr-added Ag film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loka, Chadrasekhar; Lee, Kee-Sun

2017-09-01

The dielectric-metal-dielectric tri-layer films have attracted much attention by virtue of their low-cost and high quality device performance as a transparent conductive electrode. Here, we report the deposition of Cr doped Ag films sandwiched between thin TiO2 layers and investigation on the surface microstructure, optical and electrical properties depending on the thickness of the Ag(Cr). The activation energy (1.18 eV) for grain growth of Ag was calculated from the Arrhenius plot using the law Dn -D0n = kt , which was comparable to the bulk diffusion of Ag. This result indicated the grain growth of Ag was effectively retarded by the Cr addition, which was presumed to related with blocking the surface and grain boundary diffusion due to Cr segregation. Based on thermal stability of Cr added Ag film, we deposited TiO2/Ag(Cr)/TiO2 (TAT) multilayer thin films and with a 10 nm thick Ag(Cr), the TAT films showed high optical transmittance in the visible region (94.2%), low electrical resistivity (8.66 × 10-5 Ω cm), and hence the high figure of merit 57.15 × 10-3 Ω-1 was achieved. The high transmittance of the TAT film was believed to be attributed to the low optical loss due to a reduction in the Ag layer thickness, the surface plasmon effect, and the electron scattering reduced by the Ag layer with a low electrical resistivity.

Fabrication of Porous Ag/TiO2/Au Coatings with Excellent Multipactor Suppression

PubMed Central

Wu, Duoduo; Ma, Jianzhong; Bao, Yan; Cui, Wanzhao; Hu, Tiancun; Yang, Jing; Bai, Yuanrui

2017-01-01

Porous Ag/TiO2/Au coatings with excellent multipactor suppression were prepared by fabrication of porous Ag surface through two-step wet chemical etching, synthesis of TiO2 coatings by electroless-plating-like solution deposition and deposition of Au coatings via electroless plating. Porous structure of Ag surface, TiO2 coatings on porous Ag surface and Au coatings on porous Ag/TiO2 surface were verified by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, the composition and crystal type of TiO2 coatings was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Secondary electron yield (SEY) measurement was used to monitor the SEY coefficient of the porous Ag coatings and Ag/TiO2/Au coatings. The as-obtained porous Ag coatings were proved exhibiting low SEY below 1.2, and the process was highly reproducible. In addition, the porous Ag/TiO2/Au coatings showed excellent multipactor suppression with the SEY 1.23 and good environmental stability. It is worth mentioning that the whole preparation process is simple and feasible, which would provide a promising application in RF devices. PMID:28281546

Novel high-efficiency visible-light responsive Ag 4(GeO 4) photocatalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Xianglin; Wang, Peng; Li, Mengmeng

A novel high-efficiency visible-light responsive Ag 4(GeO 4) photocatalyst was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared Ag 4(GeO 4) was evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and water splitting experiments. The photodegradation efficiency and oxygen production efficiency of Ag 4(GeO 4) were detected to be 2.9 and 1.9 times higher than those of Ag 2O. UVvis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence experiment and photoelectric effect experiments prove that the good light response and high carrier separation efficiency facilitated by the internal electric field are the main reasons for Ag 4(GeO 4)'s excellent catalyticmore » activity. Radical-trapping experiments reveal that the photogenerated holes are the main active species. Lastly, first-principles theoretical calculations provide more insight into understanding the photocatalytic mechanism of the Ag 4(GeO 4) catalyst.« less

Novel high-efficiency visible-light responsive Ag 4(GeO 4) photocatalyst

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Xianglin; Wang, Peng; Li, Mengmeng; ...

2017-04-25

A novel high-efficiency visible-light responsive Ag 4(GeO 4) photocatalyst was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared Ag 4(GeO 4) was evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and water splitting experiments. The photodegradation efficiency and oxygen production efficiency of Ag 4(GeO 4) were detected to be 2.9 and 1.9 times higher than those of Ag 2O. UVvis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence experiment and photoelectric effect experiments prove that the good light response and high carrier separation efficiency facilitated by the internal electric field are the main reasons for Ag 4(GeO 4)'s excellent catalyticmore » activity. Radical-trapping experiments reveal that the photogenerated holes are the main active species. Lastly, first-principles theoretical calculations provide more insight into understanding the photocatalytic mechanism of the Ag 4(GeO 4) catalyst.« less

K0.78Na0.22MoO2AsO4

PubMed Central

Jouini, Raja; Bouzidi, Chahira; Zid, Mohamed Faouzi; Driss, Ahmed

2013-01-01

The title compound, potassium sodium dioxidomolybden­um(VI) arsenate, K0.78Na0.22MoO2AsO4, was synthesized by a solid-state reaction route. The structure is built up from corner-sharing MoO6 octa­hedra and AsO4 tetra­hedra, creating infinite [MoAsO8]∞ chains running along the b-axis direction. As, Mo and all but one O atom are on special positions (4c) with m symmetry and K (occupancy 0.78) is on a position (4a) of -1 in the tunnels. The possible motion of the alkali cations has been investigated by means of the bond-valance sum (BVS) model. The simulation shows that the Na+ motion appears to be easier mainly along the b-axis direction. Structural relationships between the different compounds of the AMoO2AsO4 (A = Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb) series and MXO8 (M = V; X = P, As) chains are discussed. PMID:24109253

Enhanced catalyst activity by decorating of Au on Ag@Cu2O nanoshell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lei; Liu, Maomao; Zhao, Yue; Kou, Qiangwei; Wang, Yaxin; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Yongjun; Yang, Jinghai; Jung, Young Mee

2018-03-01

We successfully synthesized Au-decorated Ag@Cu2O heterostructures via a simple galvanic replacement method. As the Au precursor concentration increased, the density of the Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the Ag@Cu2O surface increased, which changed the catalytic activity of the Ag@Cu2O-Au structure. The combination of Au, Ag, and Cu2O exhibited excellent catalytic properties, which can further effect on the catalyst activity of the Ag@Cu2O-Au structure. In addition, the proposed Ag@Cu2O-Au nanocomposite was used to transform the organic, toxic pollutant, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), into its nontoxic and medicinally important amino derivative via a catalytic reduction to optimize the material performance. The proposed Au-decorated Ag@Cu2O exhibited excellent catalytic activity, and the catalytic reduction time greatly decreased (5 min). Thus, three novel properties of Ag@Cu2O-Au, i.e., charge redistribution and transfer, adsorption, and catalytic reduction of organic pollutants, were ascertained for water remediation. The proposed catalytic properties have potential applications for photocatalysis and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)- and peroxidase-like catalysis.

Tailoring Thermal Conductivity of Single-stranded Carbon-chain Polymers through Atomic Mass Modification

PubMed Central

Liao, Quanwen; Zeng, Lingping; Liu, Zhichun; Liu, Wei

2016-01-01

Tailoring the thermal conductivity of polymers is central to enlarge their applications in the thermal management of flexible integrated circuits. Progress has been made over the past decade by fabricating materials with various nanostructures, but a clear relationship between various functional groups and thermal properties of polymers remains to be established. Here, we numerically study the thermal conductivity of single-stranded carbon-chain polymers with multiple substituents of hydrogen atoms through atomic mass modification. We find that their thermal conductivity can be tuned by atomic mass modifications as revealed through molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results suggest that heavy homogeneous substituents do not assist heat transport and trace amounts of heavy substituents can in fact hinder heat transport substantially. Our analysis indicates that carbon chain has the biggest contribution (over 80%) to the thermal conduction in single-stranded carbon-chain polymers. We further demonstrate that atomic mass modifications influence the phonon bands of bonding carbon atoms, and the discrepancies of phonon bands between carbon atoms are responsible for the remarkable drops in thermal conductivity and large thermal resistances in carbon chains. Our study provides fundamental insight into how to tailor the thermal conductivity of polymers through variable substituents. PMID:27713563

Polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane incorporated with Ag-SiO2 nanohybrid for effective fouling control.

PubMed

Wu, Huiqing; Huang, Jing; Liu, Yuejun

2017-06-01

An anti-fouling hybrid membrane was prepared by incorporating Ag-SiO 2 nanohybrid into a polysulfone (PSf) matrix. The addition of Ag-SiO 2 can significantly improve the hydrophilicity, separation property, anti-fouling ability, and especially anti-bacterial activity of hybrid membranes. The optimum performance of the Ag-SiO 2 /PSf hybrid membrane is achieved when the concentration of Ag-SiO 2 is as low as 0.45 wt%. Compared with PSf membrane and SiO 2 /PSf hybrid membrane, the Ag-SiO 2 /PSf hybrid membrane displays the best overall properties. The excellent performance of the Ag-SiO 2 /PSf hybrid membrane can be attributed to the well-tailored structure and unique property of Ag-SiO 2 nanohybrid, where nanosized Ag (∼5 nm) can densely and uniformly disperse on the surface of silica spheres. The obtained membrane could be a promising material for water treatment.

The adsorption and dissociation of oxygen on Ag (111) supported χ3 borophene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, W. W.; Liu, G.; Wang, X.; Lei, X. L.; Ouyang, C. Y.; Liu, S. Q.

2018-05-01

The superstructure of χ3 borophene on Ag (111) has recently been synthesized in experiment. In this work, we investigate its structural, electronic properties and the oxidation mechanism through first-principles calculations. We find the superstructure of χ3 borophene on Ag (111) maintain the planar characteristics, like its free-standing form, owing to the weakly interaction between adsorbate and substrate. Moreover, oxygen molecule can be spontaneously adsorbed on its superstructure in a manner of chemical adsorption. Importantly, the energy barrier of ∼0.35 eV for oxygen dissociation indicates its relative stability in ambient conditions compared with the active silicene. Furthermore, the mobility of O2-dissociation-induced O atom is poor at room temperature, implying the difficult migration of O atom on borophene surface. On the other hand, due to the strong Bsbnd O bonding, desorption of O2-dissociation-induced O atoms on superstructure of χ3 borophene becomes impossible, ultimately leading to form the boron oxides.

Synthesis of three-dimensional AgI@TiO2 nanoparticles with improved photocatalytic performance.

PubMed

An, Changhua; Jiang, Wen; Wang, Jizhuang; Wang, Shutao; Ma, Zhanhua; Li, Yanpeng

2013-06-28

Three-dimensional (3D) TiO2 with an acanthosphere-like morphology composed of nanothorns has been used as a suitable support to fabricate a visible-light-induced 3D AgI@TiO2 nanophotocatalyst. The structural characterization revealed that the size of the obtained AgI@TiO2 nanocomposite was close to that of pristine TiO2 particles, where AgI nanoparticles were evenly dispersed on the surfaces of "thorns" of TiO2. The as-achieved 3D AgI@TiO2 nanophotocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance towards photodegradation of organic pollutants, e.g., rhodamine B (RhB), in comparison with TiO2, P25, AgI and AgI@P25 with the same quantity. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the strong visible light absorption and the defined interfaces between AgI nanoparticles and TiO2 nanothorns with efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. The excellent performance of the 3D AgI@TiO2 nanophotocatalyst suggests its promising applications in water treatment and environmental remediation.

Synthesis, structure, and electronic structure of CsAgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mei Dajiang; Yin Wenlong; Feng Kai

2012-02-15

The new metal chalcogenide CsAgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4} has been synthesized by means of the reactive flux method. It crystallizes in the space group P2{sub 1}/c of the monoclinic system with cell dimensions of a=11.225(2) A, b=7.9443(16) A, c=21.303(4) A, {beta}=103.10(3), V=1850.3(6), and Z=8. The structure contains two-dimensional {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[AgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sup -} layers separated by Cs{sup +} cations. The {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[AgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sup -} superlayer possesses a novel chain-sublayer-chain structure: a {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[Ag{sub 2}GaSe{sub 6}]{sup 7-} sublayer, composed of {sub {infinity}}{sup 1}[AgGaSe{sub 4}]{sup 4-} chains that are further connected by Ag{sup +} ions, is sandwiched by parallelmore » {sub {infinity}}{sup 1}[Ga{sub 3}Se{sub 8}]{sup 7-} chains to generate the {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[AgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sup -} superlayer. From a band structure calculation, the orbitals of all atoms have contributions to the bottoms of conduction bands, but the band gap is mainly determined by the 4s, 4p orbitals of Ga and Se. - Graphical Abstract: CsAgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4} contains two-dimensional {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[AgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sup -} layers with a novel chain-sublayer-chain structure. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New chalcogenide CsAgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4} has been synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It possesses a new structure type with {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[AgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sup -} layers separated by Cs{sup +} cations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[AgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sup -} consists of a {sub {infinity}}{sup 2}[Ag{sub 2}GaSe{sub 6}]{sup 7-} sublayer sandwiched by {sub {infinity}}{sup 1}[Ga{sub 3}Se{sub 8}]{sup 7-} chains. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Band gap of CsAgGa{sub 2}Se{sub 4} is mainly determined by the 4s, 4p orbitals of Ga and Se.« less

Synthesis, characterization and multifunctional properties of plasmonic Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Jai; Kumar, Promod; Harris, R. A.; Swart, Chantel; Neethling, J. H.; Janse van Vuuren, A.; Swart, H. C.

2016-09-01

We report on the synthesis of multifunctional Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites and their optical, physio-chemical, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and antibacterial properties. A series of Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by sol-gel technique and characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersed x-ray analysis, photoluminescence, UV-vis, x-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The Ag nanoparticles (NPs) (7-20 nm) were found to be uniformly distributed around and strongly attached to TiO2 NPs. The novel optical responses of the nanocomposites are due to the strong electric field from the localized surface plasmon (LSP) excitation of the Ag NPs and decreased recombination of photo-induced electrons and holes at Ag-TiO2 interface providing potential materials for photocatalysis. The nanocomposites show enhancement in the SERS signals of methyl orange (MO) molecules with increasing Ag content attributed to the long-range electromagnetic enhancement from the excited LSP of the Ag NPs. To further understand the SERS activity, molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the geometries and SERS enhancement of MO adsorbed onto Ag-TiO2 respectively. Simulation results indicate that number of ligands (MO) that adsorb onto the Ag NPs as well as binding energy per ligand increases with increasing NP density and molecule-to-surface orientation is mainly flat resulting in strong bond strength between MO and Ag NP surface and enhanced SERS signals. The antimicrobial activity of the Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites was tested against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and enhanced antibacterial effect was observed with increasing Ag content explained by contact killing action mechanism. These results foresee promising applications of the plasmonic metal-semiconductor based nano-biocomposites for both chemical and biological samples.

Montmorillonite-supported Ag/TiO(2) nanoparticles: an efficient visible-light bacteria photodegradation material.

PubMed

Wu, Tong-Shun; Wang, Kai-Xue; Li, Guo-Dong; Sun, Shi-Yang; Sun, Jian; Chen, Jie-Sheng

2010-02-01

Montmorillonite (MMT)-supported Ag/TiO(2) composite (Ag/TiO(2)/MMT) has been prepared through a one-step, low-temperature solvothermal technique. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that the Ag particles coated with TiO(2) nanoparticles are well-dispersed on the surface of MMT in the composite. As a support for the Ag/TiO(2) composite, the MMT prevents the loss of the catalyst during recycling test. This Ag/TiO(2)/MMT composite exhibits high photocatalytic activity and good recycling performance in the degradation of E. coli under visible light. The high visible-light photocatalytic activity of the Ag/TiO(2)/MMT composite is ascribed to the increase in surface active centers and the localized surface plasmon effect of the Ag nanoparticles. The Ag/TiO(2)/MMT materials with excellent stability, recyclability, and bactericidal activities are promising photocatalysts for application in decontamination.

Preparation and characterization of double layer thin films ZnO/ZnO:Ag for methylene blue photodegradation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wibowo, Singgih, E-mail: singgih@st.fisika.undip.ac.id; Sutanto, Heri, E-mail: herisutanto@undip.ac.id

2016-02-08

Double layer (DL) thin films of zinc oxide and silver-doped zinc oxide (ZnO/ZnO:Ag) were deposited on glass substrate by sol-gel spray coating technique. The prepared thin films were subjected for optical and photocatalytic studies. UV-visible transmission spectra shows that the subtitution of Ag in ZnO leads to band gap reduction. The influence of Ag doping on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO for the degradation of methylene blue dye was studied under solar radiation. The light absorption over an extended visible region by Ag ion doping in ZnO film contributed equally to improve the photocatalytic activity up to 98.29%.

Antifungal mechanisms of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles to Sclerotinia homoeocarpa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junli; Sang, Hyunkyu; Guo, Huiyuan; Popko, James T.; He, Lili; White, Jason C.; Parkash Dhankher, Om; Jung, Geunhwa; Xing, Baoshan

2017-04-01

Fungicides have extensively been used to effectively combat fungal diseases on a range of plant species, but resistance to multiple active ingredients has developed in pathogens such as Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, the causal agent of dollar spot on cool-season turfgrasses. Recently, ZnO and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased attention due to their antimicrobial activities. In this study, the NPs’ toxicity and mechanisms of action were investigated as alternative antifungal agents against S. homoeocarpa isolates that varied in their resistance to demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. S. homoeocarpa isolates were treated with ZnO NPs and ZnCl2 (25-400 μg ml-1) and Ag NPs and AgNO3 (5-100 μg ml-1) to test antifungal activity of the NPs and ions. The mycelial growth of S. homoeocarpa isolates regardless of their DMI sensitivity was significantly inhibited on ZnO NPs (≥200 μg ml-1), Ag NPs (≥25 μg ml-1), Zn2+ ions (≥200 μg ml-1), and Ag+ ions (≥10 μg ml-1) amended media. Expression of stress response genes, glutathione S-transferase (Shgst1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (ShSOD2), was significantly induced in the isolates by exposure to the NPs and ions. In addition, a significant increase in the nucleic acid contents of fungal hyphae, which may be due to stress response, was observed upon treatment with Ag NPs using Raman spectroscopy. We further observed that a zinc transporter (Shzrt1) might play an important role in accumulating ZnO and Ag NPs into the cells of S. homoeocarpa due to overexpression of Shzrt1 significantly induced by ZnO or Ag NPs within 3 h of exposure. Yeast mutants complemented with Shzrt1 became more sensitive to ZnO and Ag NPs as well as Zn2+ and Ag+ ions than the control strain and resulted in increased Zn or Ag content after exposure. This is the first report of involvement of the zinc transporter in the accumulation of Zn and Ag from NP exposure in filamentous plant pathogenic fungi. Understanding the molecular

Structures of M2(SO2)6B12F12 (M = Ag or K) and Ag2(H2O)4B12F12: Comparison of the Coordination of SO2 versus H2O and of B12F122- versus Other Weakly Coordinating Anions to Metal Ions in the Solid State.

PubMed

Malischewski, Moritz; Peryshkov, Dmitry V; Bukovsky, Eric V; Seppelt, Konrad; Strauss, Steven H

2016-12-05

The structures of three solvated monovalent cation salts of the superweak anion B 12 F 12 2- (Y 2- ), K 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y, Ag 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y, and Ag 2 (H 2 O) 4 Y, are reported and discussed with respect to previously reported structures of Ag + and K + with other weakly coordinating anions. The structures of K 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y and Ag 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y are isomorphous and are based on expanded cubic close-packed arrays of Y 2- anions with M(OSO) 6 + complexes centered in the trigonal holes of one expanded close-packed layer of B 12 centroids (⊙). The K + and Ag + ions have virtually identical bicapped trigonal prism MO 6 F 2 coordination spheres, with M-O distances of 2.735(1)-3.032(2) Å for the potassium salt and 2.526(5)-2.790(5) Å for the silver salt. Each M(OSO) 6 + complex is connected to three other cationic complexes through their six μ-SO 2 -κ 1 O,κ 2 O' ligands. The structure of Ag 2 (H 2 O) 4 Y is unique [different from that of K 2 (H 2 O) 4 Y]. Planes of close-packed arrays of anions are offset from neighboring planes along only one of the linear ⊙···⊙···⊙ directions of the close-packed arrays, with [Ag(μ-H 2 O) 2 Ag(μ-H 2 O) 2 )] ∞ infinite chains between the planes of anions. There are two nearly identical AgO 4 F 2 coordination spheres, with Ag-O distances of 2.371(5)-2.524(5) Å and Ag-F distances of 2.734(4)-2.751(4) Å. This is only the second structurally characterized compound with four H 2 O molecules coordinated to a Ag + ion in the solid state. Comparisons with crystalline H 2 O and SO 2 solvates of other Ag + and K + salts of weakly coordinating anions show that (i) N[(SO 2 ) 2 (1,2-C 6 H 4 )] - , BF 4 - , SbF 6 - , and Al(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 4 - coordinate much more strongly to Ag + than does Y 2- , (ii) SnF 6 2- coordinates somewhat more strongly to K + than does Y 2- , and (iii) B 12 Cl 12 2- coordinates to K + about the same as, if not slightly weaker than, Y 2- .

Highly efficient and porous TiO2-coated Ag@Fe3O4@C-Au microspheres for degradation of organic pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Mao; Chen, Suqing; Jia, Wenping; Fan, Guodong; Jin, Yanxian; Liang, Huading

2016-12-01

In this paper, we reported a novel hierarchical porous Ag@Fe3O4@C-Au@TiO2 core@shell microspheres with a highly photocatalytic activity and magnetically separable properties. The synthesis method is included of a Fe3O4 magnetic embedded Ag core (Ag@Fe3O4), an interlayer of carbon modified by PEI to form sufficient amounts of amine functional groups (Ag@Fe3O4@C-PEI), the grafting of Au nanoparticles on the surface of Ag@Fe3O4@C-PEI (Ag@Fe3O4@C-Au), and an ordered porous TiO2 structured shell. As an example of the applications, the photocatalytic activities of the samples were investigated by the reduction of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. The results show that the porous Ag@Fe3O4@C-Au@TiO2 core@shell microspheres display higher adsorption and photocatalytic activities compared to the pure porous TiO2 and Ag@Fe3O4@C@TiO2 microspheres, which are attributed to the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) by the Ag and Au nanoparticles and the high specific surface area.

Ag nanoparticle-filled TiO2 nanotube arrays prepared by anodization and electrophoretic deposition for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Xing; Sugri Nbelayim, Pascal; Kawamura, Go; Muto, Hiroyuki; Matsuda, Atsunori

2017-03-01

A layer of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays with a thickness of 13 μm is synthesized by a two-step anodic oxidation from Ti metal foil. Surface charged Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by chemical reduction. After a pretreatment of the TNT arrays by acetone vapor, Ag NP filled TNT arrays can be achieved by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Effects of the applied voltage during EPD such as DC-AC difference, frequency and waveform are investigated by quantitative analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results show that the best EPD condition is using DC 2 V + AC 4 V and a square wave of 1 Hz as the applied voltage. Back illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells are fabricated from TNT arrays with and without Ag NPs. The efficiency increased from 3.70% to 5.01% by the deposition of Ag NPs.

Enhanced apatite-forming ability and antibacterial activity of porous anodic alumina embedded with CaO-SiO2-Ag2O bioactive materials.

PubMed

Ni, Siyu; Li, Xiaohong; Yang, Pengan; Ni, Shirong; Hong, Feng; Webster, Thomas J

2016-01-01

In this study, to provide porous anodic alumina (PAA) with bioactivity and anti-bacterial properties, sol-gel derived bioactive CaO-SiO2-Ag2O materials were loaded onto and into PAA nano-pores (termed CaO-SiO2-Ag2O/PAA) by a sol-dipping method and subsequent calcination of the gel-glasses. The in vitro apatite-forming ability of the CaO-SiO2-Ag2O/PAA specimens was evaluated by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF). The surface microstructure and chemical property before and after soaking in SBF were characterized. Release of ions into the SBF was also measured. In addition, the antibacterial properties of the samples were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results showed that CaO-SiO2-Ag2O bioactive materials were successfully decorated onto and into PAA nano-pores. In vitro SBF experiments revealed that the CaO-SiO2-Ag2O/PAA specimens dramatically enhanced the apatite-forming ability of PAA in SBF and Ca, Si and Ag ions were released from the samples in a sustained and slow manner. Importantly, E. coli and S. aureus were both killed on the CaO-SiO2-Ag2O/PAA (by 100%) samples compared to PAA controls after 3 days of culture. In summary, this study demonstrated that the CaO-SiO2-Ag2O/PAA samples possess good apatite-forming ability and high antibacterial activity causing it to be a promising bioactive coating candidate for implant materials for orthopedic applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ag2S atomic switch-based `tug of war' for decision making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, C.; Hasegawa, T.; Chikyow, T.

2016-07-01

For a computing process such as making a decision, a software controlled chip of several transistors is necessary. Inspired by how a single cell amoeba decides its movements, the theoretical `tug of war' computing model was proposed but not yet implemented in an analogue device suitable for integrated circuits. Based on this model, we now developed a new electronic element for decision making processes, which will have no need for prior programming. The devices are based on the growth and shrinkage of Ag filaments in α-Ag2+δS gap-type atomic switches. Here we present the adapted device design and the new materials. We demonstrate the basic `tug of war' operation by IV-measurements and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation. These devices could be the base for a CMOS-free new computer architecture.For a computing process such as making a decision, a software controlled chip of several transistors is necessary. Inspired by how a single cell amoeba decides its movements, the theoretical `tug of war' computing model was proposed but not yet implemented in an analogue device suitable for integrated circuits. Based on this model, we now developed a new electronic element for decision making processes, which will have no need for prior programming. The devices are based on the growth and shrinkage of Ag filaments in α-Ag2+δS gap-type atomic switches. Here we present the adapted device design and the new materials. We demonstrate the basic `tug of war' operation by IV-measurements and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation. These devices could be the base for a CMOS-free new computer architecture. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00690f

Ag/SiO2 surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for plasticizer detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ming-Chung; Lin, Ming-Pin; Lin, Ting-Han; Su, Wei-Fang

2018-04-01

In this study, we demonstrated a simple method of fabricating a high-performance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. Monodispersive SiO2 colloidal spheres were self-assembled on a silicon wafer, and then a silver layer was coated on it to obtain a Ag/SiO2 SERS substrate. The Ag/SiO2 SERS substrates were used to detect three kinds of plasticizer with different concentrations, namely, including bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The enhancement of Raman scattering intensity caused by surface plasmon resonance can be observed using the Ag/SiO2 SERS substrates. The Ag/SiO2 SERS substrate with a 150-nm-thick silver layer can detect plasticizers, and it satisfies the detection limit of plasticizers at 100 ppm. The developed highly sensitive Ag/SiO2 SERS substrates show a potential for the design and fabrication of functional sensors to identify the harmful plasticizers that plastic products release in daily life.

Ag loading induced visible light photocatalytic activity for pervoskite SrTiO3 nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yeqiu; He, Tao

2018-06-01

The synthesis and photocatalytic activities of Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers were reported in this work. The fabricated Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers were characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, DRS and ESR techniques. The XRD and IR results show that Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers have a perovskite structure after the heat treatment at 700 °C. The XPS result shows that Ag element exists as Ag0 in the fabricated Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers. The SEM and TEM images indicate the obtaining of nanofibers with porous structure. The photocatalytic activity of Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers was evaluated by degrading RhB and MB under visible light irradiation. The Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers show excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation because of the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag0. In the photocatalysis process of RhB and MB, lots of hydroxyl radicals were generated, which plays the key role in the decomposition of organic pollutants.

Ag loading induced visible light photocatalytic activity for pervoskite SrTiO3 nanofibers.

PubMed

Wu, Yeqiu; He, Tao

2018-06-15

The synthesis and photocatalytic activities of Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers were reported in this work. The fabricated Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers were characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, DRS and ESR techniques. The XRD and IR results show that Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers have a perovskite structure after the heat treatment at 700°C. The XPS result shows that Ag element exists as Ag 0 in the fabricated Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers. The SEM and TEM images indicate the obtaining of nanofibers with porous structure. The photocatalytic activity of Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers was evaluated by degrading RhB and MB under visible light irradiation. The Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers show excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation because of the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag 0 . In the photocatalysis process of RhB and MB, lots of hydroxyl radicals were generated, which plays the key role in the decomposition of organic pollutants. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical chirality in AgCl-Ag thin films through formation of laser-induced planar crossed-chain nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nahal, Arashmid; Kashani, Somayeh

2017-09-01

Irradiation of AgCl-Ag thin films by a linearly polarized He-Ne laser beam results in the formation of self-organized periodic nanostructures. As a result of secondary irradiation of the initially exposed sample by the same linearly polarized He-Ne laser beam, but with different orientations of polarization, a complex crossed-chain nanostructure forms. We found that such a complex nanostructure has noticeable chirality and increased optical anisotropy, resulting in optical activity of the sample. Double exposure produces two gratings, crossing each other with angle α, which leads to the formation of crossed building blocks with chiroptical effects. It is established that the amount and the sign of the angle between the two laser-induced gratings (±α) determine the amount and the direction of rotation of the linearly polarized probe beam, respectively. We have also observed an induced anisotropy-dependent ellipticity for the probe light, which is passed through the sample. It is shown that the amount of ellipticity depends on the angle α.

Theoretical realization of cluster-assembled hydrogen storage materials based on terminated carbon atomic chains.

PubMed

Liu, Chun-Sheng; An, Hui; Guo, Ling-Ju; Zeng, Zhi; Ju, Xin

2011-01-14

The capacity of carbon atomic chains with different terminations for hydrogen storage is studied using first-principles density functional theory calculations. Unlike the physisorption of H(2) on the H-terminated chain, we show that two Li (Na) atoms each capping one end of the odd- or even-numbered carbon chain can hold ten H(2) molecules with optimal binding energies for room temperature storage. The hybridization of the Li 2p states with the H(2)σ orbitals contributes to the H(2) adsorption. However, the binding mechanism of the H(2) molecules on Na arises only from the polarization interaction between the charged Na atom and the H(2). Interestingly, additional H(2) molecules can be bound to the carbon atoms at the chain ends due to the charge transfer between Li 2s2p (Na 3s) and C 2p states. More importantly, dimerization of these isolated metal-capped chains does not affect the hydrogen binding energy significantly. In addition, a single chain can be stabilized effectively by the C(60) fullerenes termination. With a hydrogen uptake of ∼10 wt.% on Li-coated C(60)-C(n)-C(60) (n = 5, 8), the Li(12)C(60)-C(n)-Li(12)C(60) complex, keeping the number of adsorbed H(2) molecules per Li and stabilizing the dispersion of individual Li atoms, can serve as better building blocks of polymers than the (Li(12)C(60))(2) dimer. These findings suggest a new route to design cluster-assembled hydrogen storage materials based on terminated sp carbon chains.

Majorana spin in magnetic atomic chain systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Jeon, Sangjun; Xie, Yonglong; Yazdani, Ali; Bernevig, B. Andrei

2018-03-01

In this paper, we establish that Majorana zero modes emerging from a topological band structure of a chain of magnetic atoms embedded in a superconductor can be distinguished from trivial localized zero energy states that may accidentally form in this system using spin-resolved measurements. To demonstrate this key Majorana diagnostics, we study the spin composition of magnetic impurity induced in-gap Shiba states in a superconductor using a hybrid model. By examining the spin and spectral densities in the context of the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) particle-hole symmetry, we derive a sum rule that relates the spin densities of localized Shiba states with those in the normal state without superconductivity. Extending our investigations to a ferromagnetic chain of magnetic impurities, we identify key features of the spin properties of the extended Shiba state bands, as well as those associated with a localized Majorana end mode when the effect of spin-orbit interaction is included. We then formulate a phenomenological theory for the measurement of the local spin densities with spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques. By combining the calculated spin densities and the measurement theory, we show that spin-polarized STM measurements can reveal a sharp contrast in spin polarization between an accidental-zero-energy trivial Shiba state and a Majorana zero mode in a topological superconducting phase in atomic chains. We further confirm our results with numerical simulations that address generic parameter settings.

Preparation of SiO2@Ag Composite Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Activity.

PubMed

Qin, Rui; Li, Guian; Pan, Liping; Han, Qingyan; Sun, Yan; He, Qiao

2017-04-01

At normal atmospheric temperature, the modified sol–gel method was employed to synthesize SiO2 nanospheres (SiO2 NSs) whose average size was about 352 nm. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were uniformly distributed on the surface of SiO2 nanospheres (SiO2 NSs) by applying chemical reduction method at 95 °C and the size of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) could be controlled by simply tuning the reaction time and the concentration of sodium citrate. Besides, the size, morphology, structure and optical absorption properties of SiO2@Ag composite nanoparticles were measured and characterized by laser particle size analyzer (LPSA), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet visible absorption spectrometer (UV-Vis), respectively. Furthermore, antimicrobial effect experiments that against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) were carried out to characterize the antibacterial activity of synthesized SiO2@Ag composite nanoparticles. The results show that the prepared SiO2@Ag composite nanoparticles have strong antimicrobial activity, which is associated with the size of silver nanoparticles.

Enhanced wound healing activity of Ag-ZnO composite NPs in Wistar Albino rats.

PubMed

Kantipudi, Sravani; Sunkara, Jhansi Rani; Rallabhandi, Muralikrishna; Thonangi, Chandi Vishala; Cholla, Raga Deepthi; Kollu, Pratap; Parvathaneni, Madhu Kiran; Pammi, Sri Venkata Narayana

2018-06-01

In the present study, silver (Ag) and Ag-zinc oxide (ZnO) composite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised and studied their wound-healing efficacy on rat model. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of AgNPs displayed an intense surface plasmon (SP) resonance absorption at 450 nm. After the addition of aqueous Zn acetate solution, SP resonance band has shown at 413.2 nm indicating a distinct blue shift of about 37 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis Ag-ZnO composite NPs displayed existence of two mixed sets of diffraction peaks, i.e. both Ag and ZnO, whereas AgNPs exhibited face-centred cubic structures of metallic Ag. Scanning electron microscope (EM) and transmission EM analyses of Ag-ZnO composite NPs revealed the morphology to be monodispersed hexagonal and quasi-hexagonal NPs with distribution of particle size of 20-40 nm. Furthermore, the authors investigated the wound-healing properties of Ag-ZnO composite NPs in an animal model and found that rapid healing within 10 days when compared with pure AgNPs and standard drug dermazin.

Synthesis of Ag metallic nanoparticles by 120 keV Ag- ion implantation in TiO2 matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Himanshu; Singhal, Rahul

2017-12-01

TiO2 thin film synthesized by the RF sputtering method has been implanted by 120 keV Ag- ion with different doses (3 × 1014, 1 × 1015, 3 × 1015, 1 × 1016 and 3 × 1016 ions/cm2). Further, these were characterized by Rutherford back Scattering, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Here we reported that after implantation, localized surface Plasmon resonance has been observed for the fluence 3 × 1016 ions/cm2, which was due to the formation of silver nanoparticles. Ag is in metallic form in the matrix of TiO2, which is very interestingly as oxidation of Ag was reported after implantation. Also, we have observed the interaction between nanoparticles of Ag and TiO2, which results in an increasing intensity in lower charge states (Ti3+) of Ti. This interaction is supported by XPS and fluorescence spectroscopy, which can help improve photo catalysis and antibacterial properties.

X-ray diffraction analysis of LiCu{sub 2}O{sub 2} crystals with additives of silver atoms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sirotinkin, V. P., E-mail: irotinkin.vladimir@mail.ru; Bush, A. A.; Kamentsev, K. E.

2015-09-15

Silver-containing LiCu{sub 2}O{sub 2} crystals up to 4 × 8 × 8 mm in size were grown by the crystallization of 80(1-x)CuO · 20{sub x}AgNO{sub 3} · 20Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) mixture melt. According to the X-ray spectral and Rietveld X-ray diffraction data, the maximum amount of silver incorporated in the LiCu{sub 2}O{sub 2} structure is about 4 at % relative to the copper content. It was established that silver atoms occupy statistically crystallographic positions of lithium atoms. The incorporation of silver atoms is accompanied by a noticeable increase in parameter c of the LiCu{sub 2}O{submore » 2} rhombic unit cell, a slight increase in parameter a, and a slight decrease in parameter b.« less

Visible-light induced photocatalysis of AgCl@Ag/titanate nanotubes/nitrogen-doped reduced graphite oxide composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Hongfei; Zhao, Xiaona; Fu, Zhanming; Tu, Wenmao; Fang, Pengfei; Zhang, Haining

2018-06-01

High recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and relatively narrow photoresponsive range of TiO2-based photocatalysts are the remaining challenges for their practical applications. To address such challenges, photocatalysts consisting of AgCl covered Ag nanoparticles (AgCl@Ag), titanate nanotubes (TiNT), and nitrogen-doped reduced graphite oxide (rGON) are fabricated through alkaline hydrothermal process, followed by deposition and in situ surface-oxidation of silver nanoparticles. In the synthesized photocatalysts, the titanate nanotubes have average length of about 100 nm with inner diameters of about 5 nm and the size of the formed silver nanoparticles is in the range of 50-100 nm. The synthesized photocatalyst degrades almost all the model organic pollutant Rhodamine B in 35 min and remains 90% of photocatalytic efficiency after 5 degradation cycles under visible light irradiation. Since the oxidant FeCl3 applied for oxidation of surface Ag to AgCl is difficult to be completely removed due to the high adsorption capacity of TiNT and rGON, the effect of reside Fe atoms on photocatalytic activity is evaluated and the results reveal that the residue Fe atom only affect the initial photodegradation performance. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that the formed composite catalyst is a promising candidate for antibiosis and remediation in aquatic environmental contamination.

Oil-in-Water Self-Assembled Synthesis of Ag@AgCl Nano-Particles on Flower-like Bi2O2CO3 with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity

PubMed Central

Lin, Shuanglong; Liu, Li; Liang, Yinghua; Cui, Wenquan; Zhang, Zisheng

2016-01-01

In this work, a series of novel flower-like Ag@AgCl/Bi2O2CO3 were prepared by simple and feasible oil-in-water self-assembly processes. The phase structures of as-prepared samples were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), etc. The characterization results indicated that the presence of Ag@AgCl did not affect the crystal structure, but exerted a great influence on the photocatalytic activity of Bi2O2CO3 and enhanced the absorption band of pure Bi2O2CO3. The photocatalytic activities of the Ag@AgCl/Bi2O2CO3 samples were determined by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The Ag@AgCl (10 wt %)/Bi2O2CO3 composite showed the highest photocatalytic activity, degrading 97.9% MB after irradiation for 20 min, which is over 1.64 and 3.66 times faster than that of pure Ag@AgCl (calculated based on the equivalent Ag@AgCl content in Ag@AgCl (10 wt %)/Bi2O2CO3) and pure Bi2O2CO3, respectively. Bisphenol A (BPA) was also degraded to further prove the degradation ability of Ag@AgCl/Bi2O2CO3. Photocurrent studies indicated that the recombination of photo-generated electron–hole pairs was decreased effectively due to the formation of heterojunctions between flower-like Bi2O2CO3 and Ag@AgCl nanoparticles. Trapping experiments indicated that O2−, h+ and Cl° acted as the main reactive species for MB degradation in the present photocatalytic system. Furthermore, the cycling experiments revealed the good stability of Ag@AgCl/Bi2O2CO3 composites. Based on the above, a photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of organic compounds over Ag@AgCl/Bi2O2CO3 was proposed. PMID:28773607

Effect of vertically oriented few-layer graphene on the wettability and interfacial reactions of the AgCuTi-SiO2f/SiO2 system.

PubMed

Sun, Z; Zhang, L X; Qi, J L; Zhang, Z H; Hao, T D; Feng, J C

2017-03-22

With the aim of expanding their applications, particularly when joining metals, a simple but effective method is reported whereby the surface chemical reactivity of SiO 2f /SiO 2 (SiO 2f /SiO 2 stands for silica fibre reinforced silica based composite materials and f is short for fibre) composites with vertically oriented few-layer graphene (VFG, 3-10 atomic layers of graphene vertically oriented to the substrate) can be tailored. VFG was uniformly grown on the surface of a SiO 2f /SiO 2 composite by using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). The wetting experiments were conducted by placing small pieces of AgCuTi alloy foil on SiO 2f /SiO 2 composites with and without VFG decoration. It was demonstrated that the contact angle dropped from 120° (without VFG decoration) to 50° (with VFG decoration) when the holding time was 10 min. The interfacial reaction layer in SiO 2f /SiO 2 composites with VFG decoration became continuous without any unfilled gaps compared with the composites without VFG decoration. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was employed to investigate the interaction between VFG and Ti from the AgCuTi alloy. The results showed that VFG possessed high chemical reactivity and could easily react with Ti even at room temperature. Finally, a mechanism of how VFG promoted the wetting of the SiO 2f /SiO 2 composite by the AgCuTi alloy is proposed and thoroughly discussed.

Redetermination of AgPO(3).

PubMed

Terebilenko, Katherina V; Zatovsky, Igor V; Ogorodnyk, Ivan V; Baumer, Vyacheslav N; Slobodyanik, Nikolay S

2011-02-09

Single crystals of silver(I) polyphosphate(V), AgPO(3), were prepared via a phospho-ric acid melt method using a solution of Ag(3)PO(4) in H(3)PO(4). In comparison with the previous study based on single-crystal Weissenberg photographs [Jost (1961 ▶). Acta Cryst. 14, 779-784], the results were mainly confirmed, but with much higher precision and with all displacement parameters refined anisotropically. The structure is built up from two types of distorted edge- and corner-sharing [AgO(5)] polyhedra, giving rise to multidirectional ribbons, and from two types of PO(4) tetra-hedra linked into meandering chains (PO(3))(n) spreading parallel to the b axis with a repeat unit of four tetra-hedra. The calculated bond-valence sum value of one of the two Ag(I) ions indicates a significant strain of the structure.

Sulfonated graphene oxide-ZnO-Ag photocatalyst for fast photodegradation and disinfection under visible light.

PubMed

Gao, Peng; Ng, Kokseng; Sun, Darren Delai

2013-11-15

Synthesis of efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst is urgent but challenging for environmental remediation. In this work, for the first time, the hierarchical plasmonic sulfonated graphene oxide-ZnO-Ag (SGO-ZnO-Ag) composites were prepared through nanocrystal-seed-directed hydrothermal method combining with polyol-reduction process. The results indicated that SGO-ZnO-Ag exhibited much faster rate in photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and disinfection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), than ZnO, SGO-ZnO and ZnO-Ag. SGO-ZnO-Ag totally degraded RhB dye and kill 99% of E. coli within 20 min under visible light irradiation. The outstanding performances of SGO-ZnO-Ag were attributed to the synergetic merits of SGO sheets, ZnO nanorod arrays and Ag nanoparticles. Firstly, the light absorption ability of SGO-ZnO-Ag composite in the visible region was enhanced due to the surface plasmon resonance of Ag. In addition, the hierarchical structure of SGO-ZnO-Ag composite improved the incident light scattering and reflection. Furthermore, SGO sheets facilitated charge transfer and reduce electron-hole recombination rate. Finally, the tentative mechanism was proposed and verified by the photoluminescence (PL) measurement as well as the theoretical finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. In view of above, this work paves the way for preparation of multi-component plasmonic composites and highlights the potential applications of SGO-ZnO-Ag in photocatalytic wastewater treatment field. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrically conductive nanostructured silver doped zinc oxide (Ag:ZnO) prepared by solution-immersion technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Afaah, A. N., E-mail: afaahabdullah@yahoo.com; Asib, N. A. M., E-mail: amierahasib@yahoo.com; Aadila, A., E-mail: aadilaazizali@gmail.com

2016-07-06

p-type ZnO films have been fabricated on ZnO-seeded glass substrate, using AgNO{sub 3} as a source of silver dopant by facile solution-immersion. Cleaned glass substrate were seeded with ZnO by mist-atomisation, and next the seeded substrates were immersed in Ag:ZnO solution. The effects of Ag doping concentration on the Ag-doped ZnO have been investigated. The substrates were immersed in different concentrations of Ag dopant with variation of 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 at. %. The surface morphology of the films was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). In order to investigate the electrical properties, the films weremore » characterized by Current-Voltage (I-V) measurement. FESEM micrographs showed uniform distribution of nanostructured ZnO and Ag:ZnO. Besides, the electrical properties of Ag-doped ZnO were also dependent on the doping concentration. The I-V measurement result indicated the electrical properties of 1 at. % Ag:ZnO thin film owned highest electrical conductivity.« less

Ag/AgO Nanoparticles Grown via Time Dependent Double Mechanism in a 2D Layered Ni-PCP and Their Antibacterial Efficacy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Rashmi A.; Gupta, Neeraj K.; Singh, Rajan; Nigam, Shivansh; Ateeq, Bushra

2017-03-01

A simple synthesis route for growth of Ag/AgO nanoparticles (NPs) in large quantitative yields with narrow size distribution from a functional, non-activated, Ni (II) based highly flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP) as a template has been demonstrated. This template is a stable storage media for the NPs larger than the pore diameters of the PCP. From EPR study it was concluded that NPs were synthesized via two mechanisms i.e. acid formation and the redox activity of the framework. Size range of Ag/AgO NPs is sensitive to choice of solvent and reaction time. Direct use of Ag/AgO@Ni-PCP shows influential growth inhibition towards Escherichia coli and the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium at extremely low concentrations. The pristine template shows no cytotoxic activity, even though it contains Ni nodes in the framework.

Correlating structural dynamics and catalytic activity of AgAu nanoparticles with ultrafast spectroscopy and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Ferbonink, G F; Rodrigues, T S; Dos Santos, D P; Camargo, P H C; Albuquerque, R Q; Nome, R A

2018-05-29

In this study, we investigated hollow AgAu nanoparticles with the goal of improving our understanding of the composition-dependent catalytic activity of these nanoparticles. AgAu nanoparticles were synthesized via the galvanic replacement method with controlled size and nanoparticle compositions. We studied extinction spectra with UV-Vis spectroscopy and simulations based on Mie theory and the boundary element method, and ultrafast spectroscopy measurements to characterize decay constants and the overall energy transfer dynamics as a function of AgAu composition. Electron-phonon coupling times for each composition were obtained from pump-power dependent pump-probe transients. These spectroscopic studies showed how nanoscale surface segregation, hollow interiors and porosity affect the surface plasmon resonance wavelength and fundamental electron-phonon coupling times. Analysis of the spectroscopic data was used to correlate electron-phonon coupling times to AgAu composition, and thus to surface segregation and catalytic activity. We have performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of model hollow AgAu core-shell nanoparticles to characterize nanoparticle stability and equilibrium structures, besides providing atomic level views of nanoparticle surface segregation. Overall, the basic atomistic and electron-lattice dynamics of core-shell AgAu nanoparticles characterized here thus aid the mechanistic understanding and performance optimization of AgAu nanoparticle catalysts.

Atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 on V2O5 xerogel film for enhanced lithium-ion intercalation stability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Dawei; Liu, Yanyi; Candelaria, Stephanie L.

V2O5 xerogel films were fabricated by casting V2O5 sols onto fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates at room temperature. Five, ten and twenty atomic layers of Al2O3 were grown onto as-fabricated films respectively. The bare film and Al2O3-deposited films all exhibited hydrous V2O5 phase only. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study revealed increased surface charge-transfer resistance of V2O5 films as more Al2O3 atomic layers were deposited. Lithium-ion intercalation tests at 600 mAg_1 showed that bare V2O5 xerogel film possessed high initial discharge capacity of 219 mAhg_1 but suffered from severe capacity degradation, i.e., having only 136 mAhg_1 after 50 cycles. After deposition ofmore » ten atomic layers of Al2O3, the initial discharge capacity was 195 mAhg_1 but increased over cycles before stabilizing; after 50 cycles, the discharge capacity was as high as 225 mAhg_1. The noticeably improved cyclic stability of Al2O3-deposited V2O5 xerogel film could be attributed to the improved surface chemistry and enhanced mechanical strength. During repeated lithium-ion intercalation/de-intercalation, atomic layers of Al2O3 which were coated onto V2O5 surface could prevent V2O5 electrode dissolution into electrolyte by reducing direct contact between active electrode and electrolyte while at the same time acting as binder to maintain good mechanical contact between nanoparticles inside the film. VC 2012 American Vacuum Society.« less

Atomic spin-chain realization of a model for quantum criticality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toskovic, R.; van den Berg, R.; Spinelli, A.; Eliens, I. S.; van den Toorn, B.; Bryant, B.; Caux, J.-S.; Otte, A. F.

2016-07-01

The ability to manipulate single atoms has opened up the door to constructing interesting and useful quantum structures from the ground up. On the one hand, nanoscale arrangements of magnetic atoms are at the heart of future quantum computing and spintronic devices; on the other hand, they can be used as fundamental building blocks for the realization of textbook many-body quantum models, illustrating key concepts such as quantum phase transitions, topological order or frustration as a function of system size. Here, we use low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy to construct arrays of magnetic atoms on a surface, designed to behave like spin-1/2 XXZ Heisenberg chains in a transverse field, for which a quantum phase transition from an antiferromagnetic to a paramagnetic phase is predicted in the thermodynamic limit. Site-resolved measurements on these finite-size realizations reveal a number of sudden ground state changes when the field approaches the critical value, each corresponding to a new domain wall entering the chains. We observe that these state crossings become closer for longer chains, suggesting the onset of critical behaviour. Our results present opportunities for further studies on quantum behaviour of many-body systems, as a function of their size and structural complexity.

Mechanism of strong visible light photocatalysis by Ag2O-nanoparticle-decorated monoclinic TiO2(B) porous nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Kamal Kumar; Ghosh, Ramesh; Giri, P. K.

2016-08-01

We report on the ultra-high rate of photodegradation of organic dyes under visible light illumination on Ag2O-nanoparticle-decorated (NP) porous pure B-phase TiO2 (TiO2(B)) nanorods (NRs) grown by a solvothermal route. The as-grown TiO2(B) NRs are found to be nanoporous in nature and the Ag2O NPs are uniformly decorated over its surface, since most of the pores work as nucleation sites for the growth of Ag2O NPs. The effective band gap of the TiO2(B)/Ag2O heterostructure (HS), with a weight ratio of 1:1, has been significantly reduced to 1.68 eV from the pure TiO2(B) band gap of 2.8 eV. Steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) studies show the reduced intensity of visible PL and slower recombination dynamics in the HS samples. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the TiO2(B)/Ag2O HS has been investigated using aqueous methyl orange and methylene blue as reference dyes under visible light (390-800 nm) irradiation. It is found that photodegradation by the TiO2(B)/Ag2O HS is about one order of magnitude higher than that of bare TiO2(B) NRs and Ag2O NPs. The optimized TiO2(B)/Ag2O HS exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency, with 88.2% degradation for 30 min irradiation. The corresponding first order degradation rate constant is 0.071 min-1, which is four times higher than the reported values. Furthermore, cyclic stability studies show the high stability of the HS photocatalyst for up to four cycles of use. The major improvement in photocatalytic efficiency has been explained on the basis of enhanced visible light absorption and band-bending-induced efficient charge separation in the HS. Our results demonstrate the long-term stability and superiority of the TiO2(B)/Ag2O HS over the bare TiO2(B) NRs and other TiO2-based photocatalysts for its cutting edge application in hydrogen production and environmental cleaning driven by solar light photocatalysis.

Preparation of core-shell Ag@CeO2 nanocomposite by LSPR photothermal induced interface reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, H. X.; Wei, Y.; Yue, Y. Z.; Zhang, L. H.; Liu, Y.

2016-04-01

The core-shell structure of Ag@CeO2 was prepared by a novel and facile method, which was based on the photothermal effect of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Nanoparticles (NPs) of Ag were dispersed in a solution containing citric acid, ethylene glycol and cerium nitrate, then under irradiation, Ag NPs generated heat from LSPR and the heat-induced polymerization reaction in the interface between Ag and the sol resulted in cerium gel formation only on the surface of the Ag NPs. After calcination, Ag@CeO2 was successfully obtained, then Ag@CeO2/SiO2 was prepared by loading Ag@CeO2 on SiO2. The resultant catalyst exhibited favorable activity and stability for CO oxidation. The preparation method proposed here should be extendable to other composites with metallic cores and oxide shells in which the metallic nanoparticle possesses LSPR properties.

An Atomically Precise Au10 Ag2 Nanocluster with Red-Near-IR Dual Emission.

PubMed

Lei, Zhen; Guan, Zong-Jie; Pei, Xiao-Li; Yuan, Shang-Fu; Wan, Xian-Kai; Zhang, Jin-Yuan; Wang, Quan-Ming

2016-08-01

A red-near-IR dual-emissive nanocluster with the composition [Au10 Ag2 (2-py-C≡C)3 (dppy)6 ](BF4 )5 (1; 2-py-C≡C is 2-pyridylethynyl, dppy=2-pyridyldiphenylphosphine) has been synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that 1 has a trigonal bipyramidal Au10 Ag2 core that contains a planar Au4 (2-py-C≡C)3 unit sandwiched by two Au3 Ag(dppy)3 motifs. Cluster 1 shows intense red-NIR dual emission in solution. The visible emission originates from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) from silver atoms to phosphine ligands in the Au3 Ag(dppy)3 motifs, and the intense NIR emission is associated with the participation of 2-pyridylethynyl in the frontier orbitals of the cluster, which is confirmed by a time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Three-Dimensional Ordered Mesoporous MnO2-Supported Ag Nanoparticles for Catalytic Removal of Formaldehyde.

PubMed

Bai, Bingyang; Qiao, Qi; Arandiyan, Hamidreza; Li, Junhua; Hao, Jiming

2016-03-01

Three-dimensional (3D) ordered mesoporous Ag/MnO2 catalyst was prepared by impregnation method based on 3D-MnO2 and used for catalytic oxidation of HCHO. Ag nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the polycrystalline wall of 3D-MnO2. The addition of Ag does not change the 3D ordered mesoporous structure of the Ag/MnO2, but does reduce the pore size and surface area. Ag nanoparticles provide sufficient active site for the oxidation reaction of HCHO, and Ag (111) crystal facets in the Ag/MnO2 are active faces. The 8.9% Ag/MnO2 catalyst shows a higher normalized rate (10.1 nmol·s(-1)·m(-2) at 110 °C) and TOF (0.007 s(-1) at 110 °C) under 1300 ppm of HCHO and 150 000 h(-1) of GHSV, and its apparent activation energy of the reaction is the lowest (39.1 kJ/mol). More Ag active sites, higher low-temperature reducibility, more abundant surface lattice oxygen species, oxygen vacancies, and lattice defects generated from interaction Ag with MnO2 are responsible for the excellent catalytic performance of HCHO oxidation on the 8.9% Ag/MnO2 catalyst. The 8.9% Ag/MnO2 catalyst remained highly active and stable under space velocity increasing from 60 000 to 150 000 h(-1), under initial HCHO concentration increasing from 500 to 1300 ppm, and under the presence of humidity, respectively.

Enhancement of Ag nanoparticles concentration by prior ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Xiaoyu; Wang, Jun; Liu, Changlong

2017-09-01

Thermally grown SiO2 layer on Si substrates were singly or sequentially implanted with Zn or Cu and Ag ions at the same fluence of 2 × 1016/cm2. The profiles of implanted species, structure, and spatial distribution of the formed nanoparticles (NPs) have been characterized by the cross-sectional transmission electron microscope (XTEM) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). It is found that pre-implantation of Zn or Cu ions could suppress the self sputtering of Ag atoms during post Ag ion implantation, which gives rise to fabrication of Ag NPs with a high density. Moreover, it has also been demonstrated that the suppressing effect strongly depends on the applied energy and mobility of pre-implanted ions. The possible mechanism for the enhanced Ag NPs concentration has been discussed in combination with SRIM simulations. Both vacancy-like defects acting as the increased nucleation sites for Ag NPs and a high diffusivity of prior implanted ions in SiO2 play key roles in enhancing the deposition of Ag implants.

Synthesis and PPy loading for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of new POMOFs containing silver chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sha, Jing-Quan; Yang, Xi-Ya; Sheng, Ning; Liu, Guo-Dong; Li, Ji-Sen; Yang, Jian-Bo

2018-07-01

A new polyoxometalate based hybrid compound containing Ag-Ag chain, [Ag29(trz)18][SiWV7WVI5O40] (Ag29SiW12), was synthesized by the simple one-step hydrothermal reaction of silver nitrate, 1, 2, 3- triazole (trz), and [SiW12O40]4- polyanion. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the [SiW12O40]4- polyanions as coordinating guests were successfully encapsulated into the metal-organic framework host matrix. The Keggin [SiW12O40]n- polyanions as templates and trz molecules as the small and delicate ligands play the decisive factors to the formation of silver chain. In addition, to improve the photocatalytic activity of the new compound Ag29SiW12, its polypyrrole (PPy) composite (PPy@Ag29SiW12) has been prepared and exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity (93.1% for MB and 48.8% for RhB) and selectivity adsorption (16.2 mg/g for MB and 1.60 mg/g for RhB) for organic dyes under the visible light radiation.

Both Enhanced Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Activity in Ag-Decorated TiO2 Nanotubes

PubMed Central

Lan, Ming-Ying; Liu, Chia-Pei; Huang, Her-Hsiung; Lee, Sheng-Wei

2013-01-01

In this study, Ag is electron-beam evaporated to modify the topography of anodic TiO2 nanotubes of different diameters to obtain an implant with enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. We found that highly hydrophilic as-grown TiO2 nanotubes became poorly hydrophilic with Ag incorporation; however they could effectively recover their wettability to some extent under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results obtained from antibacterial tests suggested that the Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes could greatly inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation indicated that fibroblast cells exhibited an obvious diameter-dependent behavior on both as-grown and Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes. Most importantly, of all samples, the smallest diameter (25-nm-diameter) Ag-decorated nanotubes exhibited the most obvious biological activity in promoting adhesion and proliferation of human fibroblasts, and this activity could be attributed to the highly irregular topography on a nanometric scale of the Ag-decorated nanotube surface. These experimental results demonstrate that by properly controlling the structural parameters of Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes, an implant surface can be produced that enhances biocompatibility and simultaneously boosts antibacterial activity. PMID:24124484

Photocatalytic degradation of lignin on synthesized Ag-AgCl/ZnO nanorods under solar light and preliminary trials for methane fermentation.

PubMed

Li, Huifang; Lei, Zhongfang; Liu, Chunguang; Zhang, Zhenya; Lu, Baowang

2015-01-01

New photocatalysts, Ag-AgCl/ZnO nanorods, were successfully synthesized in this study by using microwave assisted chemical precipitation and deposition-precipitation-photoreduction methods. The optimal preparation condition was determined as pH 9 in distilled water and 40min for UV light photoreduction of Ag (i.e. Ag40-AgCl/ZnO) by degradation of methyl orange. This work investigated the feasibility of using Ag40-AgCl/ZnO to degrade lignin under natural solar light and then subsequent methane production with influencing factors like solution pH, dosage of catalyst and initial lignin concentration being considered. OH radicals were found to play the most important role in the photocatalytic process, and the new prepared catalyst possessed stable photocatalytic activity after 7 cycles' utilization. During the subsequent biogasification, the degraded lignin obtained from 120min photocatalysis yielded 184ml methane and 325ml biogas for per gram of removed total organic carbon, increased by 10.9% and 23.1%, respectively compared to the control. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficient interfacial charge transfer through plasmon sensitized Ag@Bi2O3 hierarchical photoanodes for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of chlorinated phenols.

PubMed

Eswar, Neerugatti KrishnaRao; Adhikari, Sangeeta; Ramamurthy, Praveen C; Madras, Giridhar

2018-01-31

The present work demonstrates an extremely proficient and robust study of efficient interfacial charge transfer through plasmonic Ag decorated Bi 2 O 3 hierarchical photoanodes for the photoelectrochemical treatment of chlorinated phenols. Unique 2D flake-like Bi 2 O 3 hierarchical nanostructures were grown onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by a simple chemical bath deposition method using triethanolamine as complexing agent. The formation of Bi 2 O 3 on FTO was governed by the decomposition of a nucleated bismuth-hydroxyl complex (Bi 2 O 1-x (OH) x ) and modification to the electrode was carried out by the deposition of Ag via a chemical reduction method using hydrazine hydrate. Both the fabricated electrodes were well characterized for their photo- and electro-optical properties. Efficient charge separation was observed due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon of silver nanoparticles with the favorable intrinsic properties of Bi 2 O 3 under application of a small electric bias of 1 V preventing the recombination of charge carriers and thereby increasing the rate of photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the chlorinated phenols. PEC degradation using the Ag@Bi 2 O 3 photoelectrode followed the trend 4-CP < 2,4-DCP < 2,4,6-TCP < P-CP due to efficient attack at the chlorinated positions by reactive oxygen species with increasing chlorine substitution and also due to the absence of an expected chain reaction of the generated chlorine radicals (Cl˙) during the PEC reaction. The PEC activity of Ag@Bi 2 O 3 was 1.5 times higher than a Bi 2 O 3 nanoflake electrode for 4-CP over 2 h. The fabricated Ag@Bi 2 O 3 proved to be an efficient photoelectrode with synergistic solar-induced photoactivity. A detailed mechanistic study in the presence of scavengers suggests degradation by produced hydroxyl radical species. Thus, physical insights into the degradation of chlorinated phenols were obtained.

Redetermination of AgPO3

PubMed Central

Terebilenko, Katherina V.; Zatovsky, Igor V.; Ogorodnyk, Ivan V.; Baumer, Vyacheslav N.; Slobodyanik, Nikolay S.

2011-01-01

Single crystals of silver(I) polyphosphate(V), AgPO3, were prepared via a phospho­ric acid melt method using a solution of Ag3PO4 in H3PO4. In comparison with the previous study based on single-crystal Weissenberg photographs [Jost (1961 ▶). Acta Cryst. 14, 779–784], the results were mainly confirmed, but with much higher precision and with all displacement parameters refined anisotropically. The structure is built up from two types of distorted edge- and corner-sharing [AgO5] polyhedra, giving rise to multidirectional ribbons, and from two types of PO4 tetra­hedra linked into meandering chains (PO3)n spreading parallel to the b axis with a repeat unit of four tetra­hedra. The calculated bond-valence sum value of one of the two AgI ions indicates a significant strain of the structure. PMID:21522230

Ag/Bi2MoO6-x with enhanced visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activities via the synergistic effect of surface oxygen vacancies and surface plasmon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Danjun; Shen, Huidong; Guo, Li; Wang, Chan; Fu, Feng; Liang, Yucang

2018-04-01

In this study, a heterostructured Ag/Bi2MoO6-x photocatalyst was rationally designed and successfully fabricated via the deposition of plasmonic silver nanoparticles onto the surface of Bi2MoO6 with surface oxygen vacancy (denoted as Bi2MoO6-x). Bi2MoO6-x (Abbr. BMO6-x was first synthesized via a solvothermal synthesis and calcination process. The plasmonic silver nanoparticles were then loaded onto the surface of BMO6-x using a simple photoreduction process to form Ag/BMO6-x composite. Surface oxygen vacancies (SOVs) in BMO6-x were confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum. The structures of BMO6-xand Ag/BiMoO6-x) were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Under visible light irradiation, sample Ag/BMO6-x exhibits a highest visible-light-responsive photocatalytic performance compared to those of pure-Bi2MoO6 (BMO), BMO6-x and Ag/BMO for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), which is attributed predominantly to the synergistic effect of SOVs and Ag surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) on the surface of Bi2MoO6-x leading to the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated electrons/holes and hence broadening light responsive region. The significant improvement of the migration and separation of photogenerated electrons/holes in the Ag/BMO6-x was evidenced by photoluminescence spectra, time-resolved fluorescence decay, photocurrent, and electrochemical impedance spectrum. The ESR with spin-trap technique and reactive species trapping experiments confirm that the mainly active species O2- and h+ are playing key roles in the RhB photodegradation process over Ag/BMO6-x. This study not only provides an understandable synergistic effect of SOVs and SPR Ag but also pioneers a new approach for fabricating a series of highly catalytically active metal-semiconductor photocatalysts with surface atom defects.

Degradation of microcystin-LR by highly efficient AgBr/Ag3PO4/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalyst under simulated solar light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin; Utsumi, Motoo; Yang, Yingnan; Li, Dawei; Zhao, Yingxin; Zhang, Zhenya; Feng, Chuanping; Sugiura, Norio; Cheng, Jay Jiayang

2015-01-01

A novel photocatalyst AgBr/Ag3PO4/TiO2 was developed by a simple facile in situ deposition method and used for degradation of mirocystin-LR. TiO2 (P25) as a cost effective chemical was used to improve the stability of AgBr/Ag3PO4 under simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity tests for this heterojunction were conducted under simulated solar light irradiation using methyl orange as targeted pollutant. The results indicated that the optimal Ag to Ti molar ratio for the photocatalytic activity of the resulting heterojunction AgBr/Ag3PO4/TiO2 was 1.5 (named as 1.5 BrPTi), which possessed higher photocatalytic capacity than AgBr/Ag3PO4. The 1.5 BrPTi heterojunction was also more stable than AgBr/Ag3PO4 in photocatalysis. This highly efficient and relatively stable photocatalyst was further tested for degradation of the hepatotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The results suggested that MC-LR was much more easily degraded by 1.5 BrPTi than by AgBr/Ag3PO4. The quenching effects of different scavengers proved that reactive h+ and •OH played important roles for MC-LR degradation.

Organic pollutant photodecomposition by Ag/KNbO 3 nanocomposites: A combined experimental and theoretical study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Tingting; Liu, Ping; Lei, Wanying

In this study, Ag nanoparticles supported on well-defined perovskite orthorhombic KNbO 3 nanowires are synthesized via facile photoreduction and systematically characterized by XRD, Raman, DRUV–vis, XPS, PL, TEM, HRTEM, and HAADF-STEM. The photoreactivity of Ag/KNbO 3 nanocomposites as a function of Ag contents (0.4–2.8 wt %) is assessed toward aqueous rhodamine B degradation under UV- and visible-light, respectively. It is found that the UV-induced photoreactivity initially increases and then decreases with increasing Ag contents. At an optimal Ag content (ca. 1.7 wt %), the greatest photoreactivity is achieved under UV light, with the photocatalytic reaction rate of 1.7 wt %more » Ag/KNbO 3 exceeding that of pristine KNbO 3 by a factor of ca. 13. In contrast, visible light-induced photoreactivity monotonically increases with increasing Ag contents in the range of 0.4–2.8 wt %. On the basis of the detected active species and intermediate products in the photocatalytic processes, conjugated structure cleavage and N-deethylation are revealed to be the respective predominant pathway under UV and visible-light illumination. To gain an insight into the observed photoreactivity, the electronic properties of Ag/KNbO 3 have been investigated using spin-polarized DFT calculations. Herein, Ag extended adlayers (1–4 ML) on the slab models of KNbO 3 (101) are employed to mimic large supported Ag nanoparticles. A Bader analysis of the electron density shows a small net charge transfer (ca. 0.1 e) from KNbO 3 to Ag. The electron localization function of Ag/KNbO 3 (101) illustrates that Ag adlayers with thickness larger than 2 ML are essentially metallic, and weak polarization occurs at the interface. In addition, the metallic Ag adlayers generate a continuum of Ag bandgap states, which play a key role in determining different Ag content-dependent behavior between UV and visible-light illumination.« less

Organic pollutant photodecomposition by Ag/KNbO 3 nanocomposites: A combined experimental and theoretical study

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Tingting; Liu, Ping; Lei, Wanying; ...

2016-01-12

In this study, Ag nanoparticles supported on well-defined perovskite orthorhombic KNbO 3 nanowires are synthesized via facile photoreduction and systematically characterized by XRD, Raman, DRUV–vis, XPS, PL, TEM, HRTEM, and HAADF-STEM. The photoreactivity of Ag/KNbO 3 nanocomposites as a function of Ag contents (0.4–2.8 wt %) is assessed toward aqueous rhodamine B degradation under UV- and visible-light, respectively. It is found that the UV-induced photoreactivity initially increases and then decreases with increasing Ag contents. At an optimal Ag content (ca. 1.7 wt %), the greatest photoreactivity is achieved under UV light, with the photocatalytic reaction rate of 1.7 wt %more » Ag/KNbO 3 exceeding that of pristine KNbO 3 by a factor of ca. 13. In contrast, visible light-induced photoreactivity monotonically increases with increasing Ag contents in the range of 0.4–2.8 wt %. On the basis of the detected active species and intermediate products in the photocatalytic processes, conjugated structure cleavage and N-deethylation are revealed to be the respective predominant pathway under UV and visible-light illumination. To gain an insight into the observed photoreactivity, the electronic properties of Ag/KNbO 3 have been investigated using spin-polarized DFT calculations. Herein, Ag extended adlayers (1–4 ML) on the slab models of KNbO 3 (101) are employed to mimic large supported Ag nanoparticles. A Bader analysis of the electron density shows a small net charge transfer (ca. 0.1 e) from KNbO 3 to Ag. The electron localization function of Ag/KNbO 3 (101) illustrates that Ag adlayers with thickness larger than 2 ML are essentially metallic, and weak polarization occurs at the interface. In addition, the metallic Ag adlayers generate a continuum of Ag bandgap states, which play a key role in determining different Ag content-dependent behavior between UV and visible-light illumination.« less

A mixture toxicity approach to predict the toxicity of Ag decorated ZnO nanomaterials.

PubMed

Azevedo, S L; Holz, T; Rodrigues, J; Monteiro, T; Costa, F M; Soares, A M V M; Loureiro, S

2017-02-01

Nanotechnology is a rising field and nanomaterials can now be found in a vast variety of products with different chemical compositions, sizes and shapes. New nanostructures combining different nanomaterials are being developed due to their enhancing characteristics when compared to nanomaterials alone. In the present study, the toxicity of a nanostructure composed by a ZnO nanomaterial with Ag nanomaterials on its surface (designated as ZnO/Ag nanostructure) was assessed using the model-organism Daphnia magna and its toxicity predicted based on the toxicity of the single components (Zn and Ag). For that ZnO and Ag nanomaterials as single components, along with its mixture prepared in the laboratory, were compared in terms of toxicity to ZnO/Ag nanostructures. Toxicity was assessed by immobilization and reproduction tests. A mixture toxicity approach was carried out using as starting point the conceptual model of Concentration Addition. The laboratory mixture of both nanomaterials showed that toxicity was dependent on the doses of ZnO and Ag used (immobilization) or presented a synergistic pattern (reproduction). The ZnO/Ag nanostructure toxicity prediction, based on the percentage of individual components, showed an increase in toxicity when compared to the expected (immobilization) and dependent on the concentration used (reproduction). This study demonstrates that the toxicity of the prepared mixture of ZnO and Ag and of the ZnO/Ag nanostructure cannot be predicted based on the toxicity of their components, highlighting the importance of taking into account the interaction between nanomaterials when assessing hazard and risk. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ag nanodots decorated SiO2 coated ZnO core-shell nanostructure with enhanced luminescence property as potential imaging agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Jagriti; Barick, K. C.; Hassan, P. A.; Bahadur, Dhirendra

2018-04-01

Ag decorated silica coated ZnO nanocomposite (Ag@SiO2@ZnO NCs) has been synthesized by soft chemical approach. The physico-chemical properties of Ag@SiO2@ZnO NCs are investigated by various sophisticated characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption and photoluminescent spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction confirms the phase formation of ZnO and Ag in nanocomposite. TEM micrograph clearly shows that Ag nanodots are well decorated over silica coated ZnO NCs. The photoluminescent study reveals the enhancement in the photoluminance property when the Ag nanodots are decorated over silica coated ZnO nanocomposite due to an electromagnetic coupling between excitons and plasmons. Furthermore, the photoluminescent property is an important tool for bio-imaging application, reveal that NCs give green and red emission after excitation with 488 and 535 nm. Therefore, low cytotoxicity and excellent fluorescence stability in vitro makes it a more suitable material for both cellular imaging and therapy for biomedical applications.

Enhancing the ag precipitation by surface mechanical attrition treatment on Cu-Ag alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiabin; Zhang, Lehao; Liu, Jingjing; Huang, Liuyi; Gu, Hao; Fang, Youtong; Meng, Liang; Zhang, Jian

2016-09-01

The influence of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on Ag precipitation in Cu-Ag alloys was investigated. Cu-6 wt% Ag was melt, cold rolled and solution treated to be Cu-Ag solid solution, which was either aged at 250 and 350 °C for 24 h directly or SMAT-ed before aging. Ag precipitates were hard be found in the directly aged Cu-Ag sample while they were observed clearly in the SMAT-ed counterpart at 250 °C. The Ag precipitates formed in the surface layer by SMAT are much coarser than those in the un-SMAT-ed sample. It is obvious that the precipitating behavior of Ag was promoted significantly by SMAT approach. A large number of defects were generated by SMAT and they were acting as fast atomic diffusion channels that facilitated the atomic diffusion of Ag.

Strong damping of the localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles by Ag2O.

PubMed

Wu, Qingmen; Si, Mengting; Zhang, Bing; Zhang, Kang; Li, Huanhuan; Mi, Longfei; Jiang, Yang; Rong, Yan; Chen, Junling; Fang, Yingcui

2018-07-20

By studying oxidation of AgNPs (Ag nanoparticles) and decomposition of the produced silver oxide, we demonstrate that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AgNPs was damped by Ag 2 O produced during oxygen plasma irradiation (OPI). The AgNPs were fabricated by evaporation of high pure silver under high vacuum. The oxidation was conducted in oxygen plasma generated by radio frequency glow discharging in vacuum, and the decomposition was performed by annealing the silver oxide in nitrogen ambient at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 450 °C. Samples were characterized by color, absorption spectra, surface enhanced Raman scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The bandgap of the silver oxide was calculated. We propose that AgNPs are only partially oxidized into silver oxide during OPI, and the LSPR of the AgNPs left without being oxidation is strongly damped by the produced silver oxide. This LSPR damping is responsible for the transparency of the sample after OPI for 2 s.

Strong damping of the localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles by Ag2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qingmen; Si, Mengting; Zhang, Bing; Zhang, Kang; Li, Huanhuan; Mi, Longfei; Jiang, Yang; Rong, Yan; Chen, Junling; Fang, Yingcui

2018-07-01

By studying oxidation of AgNPs (Ag nanoparticles) and decomposition of the produced silver oxide, we demonstrate that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AgNPs was damped by Ag2O produced during oxygen plasma irradiation (OPI). The AgNPs were fabricated by evaporation of high pure silver under high vacuum. The oxidation was conducted in oxygen plasma generated by radio frequency glow discharging in vacuum, and the decomposition was performed by annealing the silver oxide in nitrogen ambient at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 450 °C. Samples were characterized by color, absorption spectra, surface enhanced Raman scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The bandgap of the silver oxide was calculated. We propose that AgNPs are only partially oxidized into silver oxide during OPI, and the LSPR of the AgNPs left without being oxidation is strongly damped by the produced silver oxide. This LSPR damping is responsible for the transparency of the sample after OPI for 2 s.

Smooth ZnO:Al-AgNWs Composite Electrode for Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Device.

PubMed

Wang, Hu; Li, Kun; Tao, Ye; Li, Jun; Li, Ye; Gao, Lan-Lan; Jin, Guang-Yong; Duan, Yu

2017-12-01

The high interest in organic light-emitting device (OLED) technology is largely due to their flexibility. Up to now, indium tin oxide (ITO) films have been widely used as transparent conductive electrodes (TCE) in organic opto-electronic devices. However, ITO films, typically deposited on glass are brittle and they make it difficult to produce flexible devices, restricting their use for flexible devices. In this study, we report on a nano-composite TCE, which is made of a silver nanowire (AgNW) network, combined with aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al, AZO) by atomic layer deposition. The AgNWs/AZO composite electrode on photopolymer substrate shows a low sheet resistance of only 8.6 Ω/sq and a high optical transmittance of about 83% at 550 nm. These values are even comparable to conventional ITO on glass. In addition, the electrodes also have a very smooth surface (0.31 nm root-mean-square roughness), which is flat enough to contact the OLED stack. Flexible OLED were built with AgNWs/AZO electrodes, which suggests that this approach can replace conventional ITO TCEs in organic electronic devices in the future.

Smooth ZnO:Al-AgNWs Composite Electrode for Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hu; Li, Kun; Tao, Ye; Li, Jun; Li, Ye; Gao, Lan-Lan; Jin, Guang-Yong; Duan, Yu

2017-01-01

The high interest in organic light-emitting device (OLED) technology is largely due to their flexibility. Up to now, indium tin oxide (ITO) films have been widely used as transparent conductive electrodes (TCE) in organic opto-electronic devices. However, ITO films, typically deposited on glass are brittle and they make it difficult to produce flexible devices, restricting their use for flexible devices. In this study, we report on a nano-composite TCE, which is made of a silver nanowire (AgNW) network, combined with aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al, AZO) by atomic layer deposition. The AgNWs/AZO composite electrode on photopolymer substrate shows a low sheet resistance of only 8.6 Ω/sq and a high optical transmittance of about 83% at 550 nm. These values are even comparable to conventional ITO on glass. In addition, the electrodes also have a very smooth surface (0.31 nm root-mean-square roughness), which is flat enough to contact the OLED stack. Flexible OLED were built with AgNWs/AZO electrodes, which suggests that this approach can replace conventional ITO TCEs in organic electronic devices in the future.

ZnO:Ag nanorods as efficient photocatalysts: Sunlight driven photocatalytic degradation of sulforhodamine B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raji, R.; K. S., Sibi; K. G., Gopchandran

2018-01-01

Visible light responsive highly photocatalytic ZnO:Ag nanorods with varying Ag concentration were synthesized via co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite phase for these ZnO:Ag nanorods with preferential growth along the (101) plane. Raman shift and luminescence measurements indicated that the incorporation of Ag influences the lattice vibrational modes; there by causing distortion in lattice, inducing silent vibrational modes and emission behavior by quenching of both the band edge and visible emissions respectively. The photocatalytic performance of these nanorods as catalysts was tested by observing the photodegradation of a representative dye pollutant, viz., sulforhodamine B under sunlight irradiation. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated by determining the rate of reaction kinetics, photodegradation efficiency and mineralization efficiency. A high rate constant of 0.552 min-1, chemical oxygen demand value of 5.8 ppm and a mineralization efficiency of 94% were obtained when ZnO: Ag nanorods with an Ag content of 1.5 at.% were used as catalysts. The observed increase in photocatalytic efficiency with Ag content in ZnO:Ag nanorods is attributed to the electron scavenging action of silver, Schottky barrier between the Ag and ZnO interface and the better utilization of sunlight due to enhanced absorption due to plasmons in the visible region. BET analysis indicated that silver doping causes effective surface area of nanorods to increase, which in turn increases the photocatalytic efficiency. The possible mechanism for degradation of dye under sunlight irradiation is described with a schematic and the photostability of the ZnO:Ag nanorods were also tested through five repetitive cycles. This work suggests that the prepared ZnO:Ag nanorods are excellent reusable photocatalysts for the degradation of toxic organic waste in water, which causes severe

Si Nanoribbons on Ag(110) Studied by Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, and Density-Functional Theory: Evidence of a Pentamer Chain Structure.

PubMed

Prévot, Geoffroy; Hogan, Conor; Leoni, Thomas; Bernard, Romain; Moyen, Eric; Masson, Laurence

2016-12-30

We report a combined grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXD), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and density-functional theory (DFT) study which clearly elucidates the atomic structure of the Si nanoribbons grown on the missing-row reconstructed Ag(110) surface. Our study allows us to discriminate between the theoretical models published in the literature, including the most stable atomic configurations and those based on a missing-row reconstructed Ag(110) surface. GIXD measurements unambiguously validate the pentamer model grown on the reconstructed surface, obtained from DFT. This pentamer atomistic model accurately matches the high-resolution STM images of the Si nanoribbons adsorbed on Ag(110). Our study closes the long-debated atomic structure of the Si nanoribbons grown on Ag(110) and definitively excludes a honeycomb structure similar to that of freestanding silicene.

Seed-mediated photodeposition route to Ag-decorated SiO2@TiO2 microspheres with ideal core-shell structure and enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jianqi; Guo, Xiaohua; Ge, Hongguang; Tian, Guanghui; Zhang, Qiang

2018-03-01

Ag-decorated SiO2@TiO2 microspheres (SiO2@TiO2-Ag) with ideal core-shell structure and enhanced photocatalytic activity were successfully fabricated by combining both coating anatase TiO2 on the surface of SiO2 spheres and subsequent depositing face-centered cubic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on the coated TiO2 surface via novel sol-gel method and Ag-seed-mediated photodeposition (PD) route, respectively. The morphology, structure, composition and optical properties of the resulting composites were characterized in detail. The results reveal that the monodisperse SiO2 spheres of ∼260 nm were covered uniformly and perfectly by the TiO2 nanoparticle coating layer with the thickness of ca. 55 nm by the novel sol-gel method. Further, homogeneously and highly dispersed Ag NPs with an average size of 8 ± 1.5 nm were strongly anchored onto the TiO2 surface in SiO2@TiO2 core-shell spheres by the modified PD process (Ag-seed-mediated PD route), whereas polydispersed Ag aggregates and detached Ag NPs were irregularly deposited over the TiO2 surface in previous works, which is the inherent problem and has not been effectively solved for depositing noble metal NPs such as Au, Ag, Pt, Pd on TiO2 surface by conventional PD method. The formation mechanism of small and uniformly dispersed Ag NPs with narrow size distribution via the modified PD method is tentatively explained by both nucleation kinetics and growth kinetics. The key reason is that the pre-deposited seeds firmly tethered on SiO2@TiO2 spheres served as nucleation sites and anchoring points for the further nucleation and subsequent growth of Ag via photoreduction of Ag+.

Structural investigation of the substituted pyrochlore AgSbO3 through total scattering techniques.

PubMed

Laurita, Geneva; Page, Katharine; Sleight, A W; Subramanian, M A

2013-10-07

Polycrystalline samples of the pyrochlore series Ag(1-x)M(n)(x)SbO(3+x[(n-1)/2]) (M = Na, K, and Tl) have been structurally analyzed through total scattering techniques. The upper limits of x obtained were 0.05 for Na, 0.16 for K, and 0.17 for Tl. The Ag(+) cation occupies a site with inversion symmetry on a 3-fold axis. When the smaller Na(+) cation substitutes for Ag(+), it is displaced by about 0.6 Å perpendicular to the 3-fold axis to achieve some shorter Na-O bond distances. When the larger Tl(+) cation substitutes for Ag(+), it is displaced by about 1.14 Å along the 3-fold axis and achieves an environment typical of a lone pair cation. Some of the Tl(3+) from the precursor remains unreduced, leading to a formula of Ag(0.772(1))Tl(+)(0.13(2))Tl(3+)(0.036(1))SbO(3.036(1)). The position of the K(+) dopant was effectively modeled assuming that K(+) occupied the same site as Ag(+). The expansion of the lattice caused by substitution of the larger K(+) and Tl(+) cations results in longer Ag-O bond lengths, which would reduce the overlap of the Ag 4d and O 2p orbitals that compose the valence band maximum. Substitution of the smaller Na(+) results in a decrease in the Ag-O bond distance, thus increasing the overlap of the Ag 4d and O 2p orbitals. This will have a direct influence on the band composition and observed properties of this material of interest.

Self-sterilization using silicone catheters coated with Ag and TiO2 nanocomposite thin film.

PubMed

Yao, Yanyan; Ohko, Yoshihisa; Sekiguchi, Yuki; Fujishima, Akira; Kubota, Yoshinobu

2008-05-01

Ag/titanium dioxide (TiO(2))-coated silicon catheters were easily fabricated with Ag nanoparticles deposition on both the inside wall and the outside wall of TiO(2)-coated catheters by TiO(2) photocatalysis. This is an application of the silicon catheters coated with TiO(2), which possess a self-sterilizing and self-cleaning property combining with UV light illumination (Ohko et al., J Biomed Mater Res: Appl Biomater 2001;58:97). Ag/TiO(2)-coated silicon catheters exhibited a strong bactericidal effect even in the dark. When the 2-5 x 10(5) of colony-forming units of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Staphylococcus aureus were respectively applied to the surface of the Ag/TiO(2) catheters, which were loaded with approximately 15 nmol cm(-2) of Ag, 99% effective sterilization occurred in a very short time: 20 min for E. coli, 60 min for P. aeruginosa, and 90 min for S. aureus. Additionally, the Ag/TiO(2)-coated catheters possessed a strong self-cleaning property. Using UV illumination, the photocatalytic decomposition rate of methylene blue dye representing the self-cleaning capability, on an Ag/TiO(2) catheter which was loaded with 2 nmol cm(-2) of Ag, was approximately 1.2 times higher (at maximum) than that on TiO(2) coating alone. Furthermore, the Ag nanoparticles can be pre-eminently and uniformly deposited onto the TiO(2) coating, and the amount of Ag was easily controllable from a few nanomoles per square centimeter to approximately 70 nmol cm(-2) by changing the UV illumination time for TiO(2) photocatalysis. This type of catheter shows a great promise in lowering the incidence of catheter-related bacterial infections. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preparation and self-sterilizing properties of Ag@TiO2-styrene-acrylic complex coatings.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiang-dong; Chen, Feng; Yang, Jin-tao; Yan, Xiao-hui; Zhong, Ming-qiang

2013-04-01

In this study, we report a simple and cost-effective method for self-sterilized complex coatings obtained by Ag@TiO2 particle incorporation into styrene-acrylic latex. The Ag@TiO2 particles were prepared via a coupling agent modification process. The composite latices characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study were highly homogeneous at the nanometric scale, and the Ag@TiO2 particles were well dispersed and exhibited an intimate contact between both the organic and inorganic components. The Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles significantly enhanced the absorption in the visible region and engendered a good heat-insulating effect of the complex coatings. Moreover, the Ag@TiO2 nanoparticle incorporation into this polymer matrix renders self-sterilized nanocomposite materials upon light excitation, which are tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The complex coatings display an impressive performance in the killing of all micro-organisms with a maximum for a Ag@TiO2 loading concentration of 2-5 wt.%. The weathering endurance of the complex coating was also measured. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of NiO spin orientation on the magnetic anisotropy of the Fe film in epitaxially grown Fe/NiO/Ag(001) and Fe/NiO/MgO(001)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, W.; Jin, E.; Wu, J.

Single crystalline Fe/NiO bilayers were epitaxially grown on Ag(001) and on MgO(001), and investigated by Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE), and X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism (XMLD). We find that while the Fe film has an in-plane magnetization in both Fe/NiO/Ag(001) and Fe/NiO/MgO(001) systems, the NiO spin orientation changes from in-plane direction in Fe/NiO/Ag(001) to out-of-plane direction in Fe/NiO/MgO(001). These two different NiO spin orientations generate remarkable different effects that the NiO induced magnetic anisotropy in the Fe film is much greater in Fe/NiO/Ag(001) than in Fe/NiO/MgO(001). XMLD measurement shows that the much greater magnetic anisotropy inmore » Fe/NiO/Ag(001) is due to a 90{sup o}-coupling between the in-plane NiO spins and the in-plane Fe spins.« less

Molecular oxygen adsorption and dissociation on Au12M clusters with M = Cu, Ag or Ir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Díaz, Laura M.; Pérez, Luis A.

2018-03-01

In this work, we present a density functional theory study of the structural and electronic properties of isolated neutral clusters of the type Au12M, with M = Cu, Ag, or Ir. On the other hand, there is experimental evidence that gold-silver, gold-copper and gold-iridium nanoparticles have an enhanced catalytic activity for the CO oxidation reaction. In order to address these phenomena, we also performed density functional calculations of the adsorption and dissociation of O2 on these nanoparticles. Moreover, to understand the effects of Cu, Ag, and Ir impurity atoms on the dissociation of O2, we also analyze this reaction in the corresponding pure gold cluster. The results indicate that the substitution of one gold atom in a Au13 cluster by Ag, Cu or Ir diminishes the activation energy barrier for the O2 dissociation by nearly 1 eV. This energy barrier is similar for Au12Ag and Au12Cu, whereas for Au12Ir is even lower. These results suggest that the addition of other transition metal atoms to gold nanoclusters can enhance their catalytic activity towards the CO oxidation reaction, independently of the effect that the substrate could have on supported nanoclusters.

Heterogeneous Ag-TiO2-SiO2 composite materials as novel catalytic systems for selective epoxidation of cyclohexene by H2O2

PubMed Central

Wang, Xin; Xue, Jianyue; Wang, Xinyun; Liu, Xiaoheng

2017-01-01

TiO2-SiO2 composites were synthesized using cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the structure directing template. Self-assembly hexadecyltrimethyl- ammonium bromide TiO2-SiO2/(CTAB) were soaked into silver nitrate (AgNO3) aqueous solution. The Ag-TiO2-SiO2(Ag-TS) composite were prepared via a precipitation of AgBr in soaking process and its decomposition at calcination stage. Structural characterization of the materials was carried out by various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Characterization results revealed that Ag particles were incorporated into hierarchical TiO2-SiO2 without significantly affecting the structures of the supports. Further heating-treatment at 723 K was more favorable for enhancing the stability of the Ag-TS composite. The cyclohexene oxide was the major product in the epoxidation using H2O2 as the oxidant over the Ag-TS catalysts. Besides, the optimum catalytic activity and stability of Ag-TS catalysts were obtained under operational conditions of calcined at 723 K for 2 h, reaction time of 120 min, reaction temperature of 353 K, catalyst amount of 80 mg, aqueous H2O2 (30 wt.%) as oxidant and chloroform as solvent. High catalytic activity with conversion rate up to 99.2% of cyclohexene oxide could be obtainable in water-bathing. The catalyst was found to be stable and could be reused three times without significant loss of catalytic activity under the optimized reaction conditions. PMID:28493879

Investigation of Pd-Modified Ag-CuO Air Braze Filler Metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Darsell, Jens T.; Hardy, John S.; Kim, Jin Yong

2006-01-10

Palladium was added as a ternary component to a series of silver - copper oxide alloys in an effort to increase the use temperature of these materials for potential ceramic air brazing applications. Large portions of the silver component of the Ag-CuO system were substituted by palladium forming the following alloys: (100-y)[(100-z)Pd - (z)Ag] - (y)CuOx where y = 0 - 34 mol% CuOx, z = 50 - 100 mol% silver, and x = 0, 0.5, and 1, denoting copper metal, Cu2O, or CuO. From differential scanning calorimetry, it was determined that the addition of palladium causes an increase inmore » the solidus and liquidus temperatures of the resulting Pd-Ag-CuO brazes. In general, the liquidus was found to increase by approximately 220°C for the (100-y)(25Pd - 75Ag) - (z)CuOx filler metal compositions relative to comparable Ag-CuOx alloys. Likewise, the solidus was found to increase for these alloys, respectively by 185°C and 60°C, respectively for CuOx contents of y = 0 - 1mol% and 4 - 10 mol%. For the (100-y)(50Pd - 50Ag) - (y)CuOx alloys, the solidus increased between 280 - 390°C over a copper oxide compositional range of x = 0 to 8 mol%. It was determined from sessile drop experiments that palladium causes an increase in the wetting angle for all of the samples tested. Alloy compositions of (100-y)(25Pd - 75Ag) - (y)CuOx displayed increased wetting angles of 5-20° relative to comparable binary compositions. (100-y)(50Pd - 50Ag) - (y)CuOx alloys exhibited an increase in contact angle of 10-60° and compositions containing less than 10 mol% CuOx were not able to wet the substrate. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that the microstructure of the braze consists of Ag-Pd solid solution with CuOx precipitates. In general, a reaction layer consisting of CuAlO2 forms adjacent to the alumina substrate. However, the formation of this layer is apparently hindered by the addition of large amounts of palladium, causing poor wetting behavior, as denoted by substantial porosity

Sensory and short-term memory formations observed in a Ag2S gap-type atomic switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohno, Takeo; Hasegawa, Tsuyoshi; Nayak, Alpana; Tsuruoka, Tohru; Gimzewski, James K.; Aono, Masakazu

2011-11-01

Memorization caused by the change in conductance in a Ag2S gap-type atomic switch was investigated as a function of the amplitude and width of input voltage pulses (Vin). The conductance changed little for the first few Vin, but the information of the input was stored as a redistribution of Ag-ions in the Ag2S, indicating the formation of sensory memory. After a certain number of Vin, the conductance increased abruptly followed by a gradual decrease, indicating the formation of short-term memory (STM). We found that the probability of STM formation depends strongly on the amplitude and width of Vin, which resembles the learning behavior of the human brain.

Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Ag Doping in 2D Layered Material (PbSe) 5(Bi 2Se 3) 3

DOE PAGES

Ren, Xiaochen; Singh, Arunima K.; Fang, Lei; ...

2016-09-07

Impurity doping in two-dimensional (2D) materials can provide a route to tuning electronic properties, so it is important to be able to determine the distribution of dopant atoms within and between layers. Here we report the totnographic mapping of dopants in layered 2D materials with atomic sensitivity and subnanometer spatial resolution using atom, probe tomography (APT). Also, APT analysis shows that Ag dopes both Bi 2Se 3 and PbSe layers in (PbSe) 5(Bi 2Se 3) 3, and correlations :in the position of Ag atoms suggest a pairing across neighboring Bi 2Se 3 and PbSe layers. Finally, density functional theory (DFT)more » calculations confirm the favorability of substitutional-doping for both Pb and Bi and provide insights into the,observed spatial correlations in dopant locations.« less

Study of the Ag-Doped Effect on the LPD-TiO2 Gas Sensing Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgieva, V. B.; Stefchev, P. L.; Stefanov, P. K.; Raicheva, Z. G.; Atanassov, M. J.; Lazarov, Y. V.

2010-01-01

In this investigation, the gas-sensing properties of TiO2 thin layers are enhanced by Ag-doping. The TiO2 layers are prepared by the method of Liquid Phase Deposition (LPD) through a reaction between the metal fluorocomplex and boric acid in aqueous solution. The LPD-TiO2 layers are grown on AT-cut quartz resonators with gold electrodes (4 mm diameter). The prepared samples are divided in two (Ag-Doped TiO2 and un-doped TiO2) groups. The Ag-doped TiO2 thin films are created by vertically dipping in AgNO3 diluted water solution and UV irradiation with nine lamps of 6 W power each and light intensity of 0.35 mW/cm2 at room temperature. The sensing properties of two kinds of layers (Ag-doped TiO2 and un-doped TiO2) to NH3 are being studied by the method of Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). The experiments are implemented at different NH3 concentrations—from 10 to 1000 ppm on a special laboratory set-up in dynamic regime. Comparing the results of measured sorbed mass of both kinds of layers show that the sensitivity of TiO2 is significantly affected by Ag presence. The role of Ag is to generate more active surface for TiO2 sorption. The obtained results show that the system QCM—LPD Ag TiO2 can be successfully applied as sensor element for NH3 registration in environment.

Dynamical Negative Differential Resistance in Antiferromagnetically Coupled Few-Atom Spin Chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolf-Pissarczyk, Steffen; Yan, Shichao; Malavolti, Luigi; Burgess, Jacob A. J.; McMurtrie, Gregory; Loth, Sebastian

2017-11-01

We present the appearance of negative differential resistance (NDR) in spin-dependent electron transport through a few-atom spin chain. A chain of three antiferromagnetically coupled Fe atoms (Fe trimer) was positioned on a Cu2 N /Cu (100 ) surface and contacted with the spin-polarized tip of a scanning tunneling microscope, thus coupling the Fe trimer to one nonmagnetic and one magnetic lead. Pronounced NDR appears at the low bias of 7 mV, where inelastic electron tunneling dynamically locks the atomic spin in a long-lived excited state. This causes a rapid increase of the magnetoresistance between the spin-polarized tip and Fe trimer and quenches elastic tunneling. By varying the coupling strength between the tip and Fe trimer, we find that in this transport regime the dynamic locking of the Fe trimer competes with magnetic exchange interaction, which statically forces the Fe trimer into its high-magnetoresistance state and removes the NDR.

Mechanistic Investigation of Ethanol SCR of NOx over Ag/Al2O3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, William L; Fisher, Galen; Toops, Todd J

2012-01-01

A 2 wt.% Ag/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst was studied for the ethanol selective catalytic reduction of NO{sub x} from 200 to 550 C and space velocities between 30,000 h{sup -1} and 140,000 h{sup -1}. Peak NO{sub x} conversions reached 85% at 400 C, and an activation energy was determined to be 57 kJ/mol with a feed of ethanol to NO{sub x} or HC{sub 1}/NO{sub x} = 3. Up to 80% of the NO is oxidized to NO{sub 2} at 250 C, but overall NO{sub x} conversion is only 15%. Interestingly, ethanol oxidation occurs at much lower temperatures than NO{sub x}more » reduction; at 250 C, ethanol oxidation is 80% when flowing ethanol + NO + O{sub 2}. This increased reactivity, compared to only 15% when flowing only ethanol + O{sub 2}, combined with the observation that NO is not oxidized to NO{sub 2} in the absence of ethanol illustrates a synergistic relationship between the reactants. To further investigate this chemistry, a series of DRIFTS experiments were performed. To form nitrates/nitrites on the catalysts it was necessary to include ethanol in the feed with NO. These nitrates/nitrites were readily formed when flowing NO{sub 2} over the catalyst. It is proposed that ethanol adsorbs through an ethoxy-intermediate that results in atomic hydrogen on the surface. This hydrogen aids the release of NO{sub 2} from Ag to the gas-phase which, can be subsequently adsorbed at {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} sites away from Ag. The disappearance of these nitrates/nitrites at higher temperatures proceeds in parallel with the increase in NO{sub x} reduction reactivity between 300 and 350 C observed in the kinetic study. It is therefore proposed that the consumption of nitrates is involved in the rate determining step for this reaction.« less

A new method of preparation of AgBr/TiO2 composites and investigation of their photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Yangyang; Li, Rui; Li, Qiuye; Yang, Jianjun

2012-12-01

Silver bromide/titanium dioxide composites were first prepared using titanic acid nanobelts (TAN) as the TiO2 source. First, TAN reacted with AgNO3 to prepare Ag-incorporated TAN by the ion-exchange method, and then AgBr/TAN was obtained after adding NaBr. Finally, AgBr/TAN was transformed to AgBr/TiO2 composites by calcination. The post-treated calcination would not only convert TAN to TiO2 (H2Ti2O4(OH)2 → 2H2O + 2TiO2), but also increase the effective contact between AgBr and TiO2, further to improve the separation of photo-generated electron-holes. The advantage of this preparation method is the small particle size (ca. 10-20 nm) and well dispersion of AgBr on the surface of TiO2, and close contact between AgBr and TiO2. The effect of the different calcination temperature on the morphology, structure, and properties of AgBr/TiO2 composites was investigated in detail. The AgBr/TiO2 composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS). Comparing with pure TAN, AgBr, and AgBr/P25 mixture, the AgBr/TiO2 composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in decomposition of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation.

Synthesis and characterization of CuAlO(2) and AgAlO(2) delafossite oxides through low-temperature hydrothermal methods.

PubMed

Xiong, Dehua; Zeng, Xianwei; Zhang, Wenjun; Wang, Huan; Zhao, Xiujian; Chen, Wei; Cheng, Yi-Bing

2014-04-21

In this work, we present one-step low temperature hydrothermal synthesis of submicrometer particulate CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 delafossite oxides, which are two important p-type transparent conducting oxides. The synthesis parameters that affect the crystal formation processes and the product morphologies, including the selection of starting materials and their molar ratios, the pH value of precursors, the hydrothermal temperature, pressure, and reaction time, have been studied. CuAlO2 crystals have been synthesized from the starting materials of CuCl and NaAlO2 at 320-400 °C, and from Cu2O and Al2O3 at 340-400 °C, respectively. AgAlO2 crystals have been successfully synthesized at the low temperature of 190 °C, using AgNO3 and Al(NO3)3 as the starting materials and NaOH as the mineralizer. The detailed elemental compositions, thermal stability, optical properties, and synthesis mechanisms of CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 also have been studied. Noteworthy is the fact that both CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 can be stabilized up to 800 °C, and their optical transparency can reach 60%-85% in the visible range. Besides, it is believed the crystal formation mechanisms uncovered in the synthesis of CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 will prove insightful guildlines for the preparation of other delafossite oxides.

Structural variability in Cu(I) and Ag(I) coordination polymers with a flexible dithione ligand: Synthesis, crystal structure, microbiological and theoretical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beheshti, Azizolla; Nozarian, Kimia; Babadi, Susan Soleymani; Noorizadeh, Siamak; Motamedi, Hossein; Mayer, Peter; Bruno, Giuseppe; Rudbari, Hadi Amiri

2017-05-01

Two new compounds namely [Cu(SCN)(μ-L)]n (1) and {[Ag (μ2-L)](ClO4)}n (2) have been synthesized at room temperature by one-pot reactions between the 1,1-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(1,3-dihydro-3-methyl-1H-imidazole- 2-thione) (L) and appropriate copper(I) and silver(I) salts. These polymers have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, XRPD, TGA, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, antibacterial activity and scanning probe microscopy studies. In the crystal structure of 1, copper atoms have a distorted trigonal planar geometry with a CuS2N coordination environment. Each of the ligands in the structure of 1 acting as a bidentate S-bridging ligand to form a 1D chain structure. Additionally, the adjacent 1D chains are interconnected by the intermolecular C-H…S interactions to create a 2D network structure. In contrast to 1, in the cationic 3D structure of 2 each of the silver atoms exhibits an AgS4 tetrahedral geometry with 4-membered Ag2S2 rings. In the structure of 2, the flexible ligand adopts two different conformations; gauche-anti-gauche and anti-anti-anti. The antibacterial studies of these polymers showed that polymer 2 is more potent antibacterial agent than 1. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) study of the treated bacteria was carried out to investigate the structural changes cause by the interactions between the polymers and target bacteria. Theoretical study of polymer 1 investigated by the DFT calculations indicates that observed transitions at 266 nm and 302 nm in the UV-vis spectrum could be attributed to the π→π* and MLCT transitions, respectively.

Bimetallic AgCu/Cu2O hybrid for the synergetic adsorption of iodide from solution.

PubMed

Mao, Ping; Liu, Ying; Liu, Xiaodong; Wang, Yuechan; Liang, Jie; Zhou, Qihang; Dai, Yuexuan; Jiao, Yan; Chen, Shouwen; Yang, Yi

2017-08-01

To further improve the capacity of Cu 2 O to absorb I - anions from solution, and to understand the difference between the adsorption mechanisms of Ag/Cu 2 O and Cu/Cu 2 O adsorbents, bimetallic AgCu was doped into Cu 2 O through a facile solvothermal route. Samples were characterized and employed to adsorb I - anions under different experimental conditions. The results show that the Cu content can be tuned by adding different volumes of Ag sols. After doping bimetallic AgCu, the adsorption capacity of the samples can be increased from 0.02 mmol g -1 to 0.52 mmol g -1 . Moreover, the optimal adsorption is reached within only 240 min. Meanwhile, the difference between the adsorption mechanisms of Ag/Cu 2 O and Cu/Cu 2 O adsorbents was verified, and the cooperative adsorption mechanism of the AgCu/Cu 2 O hybrid was proposed and verified. In addition, the AgCu/Cu 2 O hybrid showed excellent selectivity, e.g., its adsorption efficiencies are 85.1%, 81.9%, 85.9% and 85.7% in the presence of the Cl - , CO 3 2- , SO 4 2- and NO 3 - competitive anions, respectively. Furthermore, the AgCu/Cu 2 O hybrid can worked well in other harsh environments (e.g., acidic, alkaline and seawater environments). Therefore, this study is expected to promote the development of Cu 2 O into a highly efficient adsorbent for the removal of iodide from solution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The interaction of Ag with Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dou, S. X.; Song, K. H.; Liu, H. K.; Sorrell, C. C.; Apperley, M. H.; Gouch, A. J.; Savvides, N.; Hensley, D. W.

1989-10-01

Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor compounds have been doped with up to 30 wt% Ag, sintered under variable oxygen partial pressure, and characterised in terms of the electrical and crystallographic behaviour. In contrast to previous reports that claim that Ag is the only metal non-poisoning to the superconductivity of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (BSCCO), it has been found that Ag additions to Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O depress Tc and Jc drastically and cause a large decrease in lattice parameters when samples are treated in air or pure oxygen. However, the lattice parameters, Tc and Jc remain unaffected by Ag additions when samples are heat treated in 0.030-0.067 atm oxygen. It is clear that the Ag reacts with and destabilises the superconducting phase when the samples are treated in air or pure oxygen while, when the samples are heat treated in low oxygen partial pressures, the Ag remains as an isolated inert metal phase that improves the weak links between the grains. This discovery clearly shows the feasibility of Ag-clad superconductor wire. For Ag-clad superconductor tape of 0.1 mm 2 cross sectional area heat treated in air, Jc was measured to be 54 A/cm 2. The same specimen sintered in 0.067 atm oxygen showed that the Jc increased to 2078 A/cm 2.

Selective divalent cobalt ions detection using Ag2O3-ZnO nanocones by ICP-OES method for environmental remediation.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammed M; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Marwani, Hadi M; Asiri, Abdullah M

2014-01-01

Here, we have synthesized Ag2O3-ZnO nanocones (NCs) by a wet-chemical route using reducing agents at low temperature. The structural, optical and morphological properties of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs were investigated by several conventional techniques such as powder XRD, XPS, FESEM, XEDS, FTIR and UV/vis. spectroscopy. The analytical parameters of prepared NCs were also calculated for a selective detection of divalent cobalt [Co(II)] prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The selectivity of NCs toward various metal ions, including Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II) was studied. Results of the selectivity study demonstrated that Ag2O3-ZnO NC phase was the most selective towards Co(II) ion. The uptake capacity for Co(II) ion was experimentally calculated to be ∼76.69 mgg-1. Moreover, adsorption isotherm data provided that the adsorption process was mainly monolayer on homogeneous adsorbent surfaces of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs. Kinetic study revealed that the adsorption of Co(II) on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs phase followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, thermodynamic results provided that the adsorption mechanism of Co(II) ions on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs was a spontaneous process and thermodynamically favorable. Finally, the proposed method was validated by applying it to real environmental water samples with reasonable results.

Battery Relevant Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 : Contrasting Contributions from the Redox Chemistries of Ag + and Fe 3+

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Yiman; Kirshenbaum, Kevin C.; Marschilok, Amy C.

Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is an example of an electrochemical displacement material which contains two different electrochemically active metal cations, where one cation (Ag +) forms metallic silver nanoparticles external to the crystals of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 via an electrochemical reduction displacement reaction, while the other cation (Fe +3) is electrochemically reduced with the retention of iron cations within the anion structural framework concomitant with lithium insertion. These contrasting redox chemistries within one pure cathode material enable high rate capability and reversibility when Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is employed asmore » cathode material in a lithium ion battery (LIB). Further, pyrophosphate materials are thermally and electrically stable, desirable attributes for cathode materials in LIBs. In this article, a bimetallic pyrophosphate material Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is synthesized and confirmed to be a single phase by Rietveld refinement. Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is reported for the first time in the context of lithium based batteries using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling. The reduction displacement reaction and the lithium (de)insertion processes are investigated using ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of electrochemically reduced and oxidized Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4. Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 exhibits good reversibility at the iron centers indicated by ~80% capacity retention over 100 cycles following the initial formation cycle and excellent rate capability exhibited by ~70% capacity retention upon a 4-fold increase in current.« less

Battery Relevant Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 : Contrasting Contributions from the Redox Chemistries of Ag + and Fe 3+

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Yiman; Kirshenbaum, Kevin C.; Marschilok, Amy C.; ...

2016-10-12

Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is an example of an electrochemical displacement material which contains two different electrochemically active metal cations, where one cation (Ag +) forms metallic silver nanoparticles external to the crystals of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 via an electrochemical reduction displacement reaction, while the other cation (Fe +3) is electrochemically reduced with the retention of iron cations within the anion structural framework concomitant with lithium insertion. These contrasting redox chemistries within one pure cathode material enable high rate capability and reversibility when Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is employed asmore » cathode material in a lithium ion battery (LIB). Further, pyrophosphate materials are thermally and electrically stable, desirable attributes for cathode materials in LIBs. In this article, a bimetallic pyrophosphate material Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is synthesized and confirmed to be a single phase by Rietveld refinement. Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is reported for the first time in the context of lithium based batteries using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling. The reduction displacement reaction and the lithium (de)insertion processes are investigated using ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of electrochemically reduced and oxidized Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4. Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 exhibits good reversibility at the iron centers indicated by ~80% capacity retention over 100 cycles following the initial formation cycle and excellent rate capability exhibited by ~70% capacity retention upon a 4-fold increase in current.« less

Synthesis of Bifunctional Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag Magnetic-Plasmonic Nanoparticles by an Ultrasound Assisted Chemical Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Dung Tien; Sai, Doanh Cong; Luu, Quynh Manh; Tran, Hong Thi; Quach, Truong Duy; Kim, Dong Hyun; Nguyen, Nam Hoang

2017-06-01

Bifunctional magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs)—Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag were successfully synthesized by an ultrasound assisted chemical method. Silver ions were absorbed and then reduced by sodium borohydride on the surface of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized silica-coated magnetic NPs, then they were reduced under the influence of a 200 W ultrasonic wave for 60 min. When the amount of precursor silver ions increased, the relative intensity of diffraction peaks of silver crystals in all samples increased with the atomic ratio of silver/iron increasing from 0.208 to 0.455 and saturation magnetization ( M s) decreasing from 44.68 emu/g to 34.74 emu/g. The NPs have superparamagnetic properties and strong surface plasmon absorption at 420 nm, which make these particles promising for biomedical applications.

Excellent selector performance in engineered Ag/ZrO2:Ag/Pt structure for high-density bipolar RRAM applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao; Song, Bing; Zeng, Zhongming

2017-12-01

A high-performance selector with bidirectional threshold switching (TS) characteristics of Ag/ZrO2/Pt structure was prepared by incorporating metallic Ag into the ZrO2 matrix. The bidirectional TS device exhibited excellent switching uniformity, forming-free behavior, ultra-low off current of <1 nA and adjustable selectivity (from 102 to 107). The experiment results confirmed that metallic Ag clusters were penetrated into the ZrO2 matrix during the annealing process, which would function as an effective active source responsible for the bidirectional TS. The volatile behavior could be explained by the self-dissolution of unstable filaments caused by minimization of the interfacial energy and thermal effect. Furthermore, a bipolar-type one selector-one resistor (1S-1R) memory device was successfully fabricated and exhibited significant suppression of the undesired sneak current, indicating the great potential as selector in a cross-point array.

Core-shell AgSiO2-protoporphyrin IX nanoparticle: Effect of the Ag core on reactive oxygen species generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lismont, M.; Pá; ez-Martinez, C.; Dreesen, L.

2015-03-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer is based on the use of a light sensitive molecule to produce, under specific irradiation, toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). A way to improve the therapy efficiency is to increase the amount of produced ROS near cancer cells. This aim can be achieved by using a metal enhanced process arising when an optically active molecule is located near a metallic nanoparticle (NP). Here, the coupling effect between silver (Ag) NPs and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) molecules, a clinically approved photosensitizer, is studied compared first, to PpIX fluorescence yield and second, to ROS production efficiency. By applying a modified Stöber process, PpIX was encapsulated into a silica (SiO2) shell, surrounding a 60 nm sized Ag core. We showed that, compared to SiO2-PpIX NPs, Ag coated SiO2-PpIX NPs dramatically decreased PpIX fluorescence together with singlet oxygen production efficiency. However, after incubation time in the dark, the amount of superoxide anions generated by the Ag doped sample was higher than the control sample one.

Multi-angle ZnO microstructures grown on Ag nanorods array for plasmon-enhanced near-UV-blue light emitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Anil Kumar; Bharathi Mohan, D.

2017-10-01

Metal enhanced ultraviolet light emission has been explored in ZnO/Ag hybrid structures prepared by hydrothermal growth of multi-angled ZnO nanorods on slanted Ag nanorods array fabricated by the thermal evaporation technique. Slanted Ag nanorods are realized to be the stacking of non-spherical Ag nanoparticles, resulting in asymmetric surface plasmon resonance spectra. The surface roughness of Ag nanorod array films significantly influences the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods, leading to the formation of multi-angled ZnO microflowers. ZnO/Ag hybrid structures facilitate the interfacial charge transfer from Ag to ZnO with the realization of negative shift in binding energy of Ag 3d orbitals by ˜0.8 eV. These high quality ZnO nanorods in ZnO/Ag hybrid nanostructures exhibit strong ultraviolet emission in the 383-396 nm region without broad deep level emission, which can be explained by a suitable band diagram. The metal enhanced photoluminescence is witnessed mainly due to interfacial charge transfer with its dependence on surface roughness of bottom layer Ag nanorods, number density of ZnO nanorods and diversity in the interfacial area between Ag and ZnO nanorods. The existence of strong ultraviolet light with minor blue light emission and appearance of CIE shade in strong violet-blue region by ZnO/Ag hybrid structures depict exciting possibilities towards near UV-blue light emitting devices.

Multi-angle ZnO microstructures grown on Ag nanorods array for plasmon-enhanced near-UV-blue light emitter.

PubMed

Pal, Anil Kumar; Mohan, D Bharathi

2017-10-13

Metal enhanced ultraviolet light emission has been explored in ZnO/Ag hybrid structures prepared by hydrothermal growth of multi-angled ZnO nanorods on slanted Ag nanorods array fabricated by the thermal evaporation technique. Slanted Ag nanorods are realized to be the stacking of non-spherical Ag nanoparticles, resulting in asymmetric surface plasmon resonance spectra. The surface roughness of Ag nanorod array films significantly influences the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods, leading to the formation of multi-angled ZnO microflowers. ZnO/Ag hybrid structures facilitate the interfacial charge transfer from Ag to ZnO with the realization of negative shift in binding energy of Ag 3d orbitals by ∼0.8 eV. These high quality ZnO nanorods in ZnO/Ag hybrid nanostructures exhibit strong ultraviolet emission in the 383-396 nm region without broad deep level emission, which can be explained by a suitable band diagram. The metal enhanced photoluminescence is witnessed mainly due to interfacial charge transfer with its dependence on surface roughness of bottom layer Ag nanorods, number density of ZnO nanorods and diversity in the interfacial area between Ag and ZnO nanorods. The existence of strong ultraviolet light with minor blue light emission and appearance of CIE shade in strong violet-blue region by ZnO/Ag hybrid structures depict exciting possibilities towards near UV-blue light emitting devices.

Degradation of blue and red inks by Ag/AgCl photocatalyst under UV light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daupor, Hasan; Chenea, Asmat

2017-08-01

Objective of this research, cubic Ag/AgCl photocatalysts with an average particle size of 500 nm has been successfully synthesized via a modified precipitation reaction between ZrCl4 and AgNO3. Method for analysis, the crystal structure of the product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphology and composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis diffuse-reflection spectra (DRS) and so on. The result showed that the optical absorption spectrum exhibited strong absorption in the visible region around 500-600 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metallic silver nanoparticles. SEM micrographs showed that the obtained Ag/AgCl had cubic morphology and appeared on the porous surface as the cubic cage morphology. As a result, this porous surface also positively affected the photocatalytic reaction. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained product was evaluated by the photodegradation of blue and red ink solutions under UV light irradiation, and it was interestingly, discovered that AgCl could degrade 0.25% and 0.10% in 7 hours for blue and red inks solution respectively, Which were higher than of commercial AgCl. The result suggested that the morphology of Ag/AgCl strongly affected their photocatalytic activities. O2-, OH- reaction. radicals and Cl° atom are main species during photocatalytic reaction.

Space Survivability of Main-Chain and Side-Chain POSS-Kapton Polyimides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomczak, Sandra J.; Wright, Michael E.; Guenthner, Andrew J.; Pettys, Brian J.; Brunsvold, Amy L.; Knight, Casey; Minton, Timothy K.; Vij, Vandana; McGrath, Laura M.; Mabry, Joseph M.

2009-01-01

Kapton® polyimde (PI) is extensively used in solar arrays, spacecraft thermal blankets, and space inflatable structures. Upon exposure to atomic oxygen (AO) in low Earth orbit (LEO), Kapton® is severely degraded. An effective approach to prevent this erosion is chemically bonding polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) into the polyimide matrix by copolymerization of POSS-diamine with the polyimide monomers. POSS is a silicon and oxygen cage-like structure surrounded by organic groups and can be polymerizable. The copolymerization of POSS provides Si and O in the polymer matrix on the nano level. During POSS polyimide exposure to atomic oxygen, organic material is degraded and a silica passivation layer is formed. This silica layer protects the underlying polymer from further degradation. Ground-based studies and MISSE-1 and MISSE-5 flight results have shown that POSS polyimides are resistant to atomic-oxygen attack in LEO. In fact, 3.5 wt% Si8O11 main-chain POSS polyimide eroded about 2 μm during the 3.9 year flight in LEO, whereas 32 μm of 0 wt% POSS polyimide would have eroded within 4 mos. The atomic-oxygen exposure of main-chain POSS polyimides and new side-chain POSS polyimides has shown that copolymerized POSS imparts similar AO resistance to polyimide materials regardless of POSS monomer structure.

Chalcone dendrimer stabilized core-shell nanoparticles—a comparative study on Co@TiO2, Ag@TiO2 and Co@AgCl nanoparticles for antibacterial and antifungal activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanathi Vijayalakshmi, R.; Praveen Kumar, P.; Selvarani, S.; Rajakumar, P.; Ravichandran, K.

2017-10-01

A series of core@shell nanoparticles (Co@TiO2, Ag@TiO2 and Co@AgCl) stabilized with zeroth generation triazolylchalcone dendrimer was synthesized using reduction transmetalation method. The coordination of chalcone dendrimer with silver ions was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum ensures the number of protons and carbon signals in the chalcone dendrimer. The prepared samples were structurally characterized by XRD, FESEM and HRTEM analysis. The SAED and XRD analyses exhibited the cubic structure with d hkl   =  2.2 Å, 1.9 Å and 1.38 Å. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the dendrimer stabilized core@shell nanoparticles (DSCSNPs) were tested against the pathogens Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, Candida albicans and Aspergillus nigir from which it is identified that the dendrimer stabilized core shell nanoparticles with silver ions at the shell (Co@AgCl) shows effectively high activity against the tested pathogen following the other core@shell nanoparticles viz Ag@TiO2 and Co@TiO2.

Selective Divalent Cobalt Ions Detection Using Ag2O3-ZnO Nanocones by ICP-OES Method for Environmental Remediation

PubMed Central

Rahman, Mohammed M.; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Marwani, Hadi M.; Asiri, Abdullah M.

2014-01-01

Here, we have synthesized Ag2O3-ZnO nanocones (NCs) by a wet-chemical route using reducing agents at low temperature. The structural, optical and morphological properties of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs were investigated by several conventional techniques such as powder XRD, XPS, FESEM, XEDS, FTIR and UV/vis. spectroscopy. The analytical parameters of prepared NCs were also calculated for a selective detection of divalent cobalt [Co(II)] prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The selectivity of NCs toward various metal ions, including Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II) was studied. Results of the selectivity study demonstrated that Ag2O3-ZnO NC phase was the most selective towards Co(II) ion. The uptake capacity for Co(II) ion was experimentally calculated to be ∼76.69 mgg−1. Moreover, adsorption isotherm data provided that the adsorption process was mainly monolayer on homogeneous adsorbent surfaces of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs. Kinetic study revealed that the adsorption of Co(II) on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs phase followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, thermodynamic results provided that the adsorption mechanism of Co(II) ions on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs was a spontaneous process and thermodynamically favorable. Finally, the proposed method was validated by applying it to real environmental water samples with reasonable results. PMID:25464507

Polymorphism in 'L' shaped lipids: structure of N-, O-diacylethanolamines with mixed acyl chains.

PubMed

Tarafdar, Pradip K; Swamy, Musti J

2009-11-01

Although solid state polymorphism in lipids has been established by spectroscopic and calorimetric studies long ago, only in a few cases crystal structures of different polymorphs of the same compound have been reported, possibly due to difficulties in obtaining high quality single crystals of individual polymorphs. Recent studies show that N-, O-diacylethanolamines (DAEs) can be derived by the O-acylation of the stress-related lipids, the N-acylethanolamines under physiological conditions. In this study, two DAEs with mixed acyl chains, namely N-palmitoyl, O-octanoylethanolamine and N-palmitoyl, O-decanoylethanolamine have been synthesized and their three-dimensional structures were determined. Both the compounds were found to adopt 'L' shaped structures and exist in two polymorphic forms, alpha and beta. In the alpha form a mixed-type chain packing has been observed whereas in the beta form the chain packing is symmetric. Similar polymorphic forms are likely to exist in other 'L' shaped lipids such as 1,3-diacylglycerols and ceramides, where polymorphism has been detected earlier, but three-dimensional structures - which can give precise information about the packing at atomic resolution - have not been reported.

Preparation, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Ag/TiO2 Nanoparticle Semiconductor Catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yaoyao; Li, Mengyao; Guo, Yinli

2018-01-01

A series of Ag-doped TiO2 powder photocatalysts were prepared by the sol-gel method. The phase structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The persistent organic pollutant sodium pentachlorophenol ate (PCP-Na) was selected as the target pollutant, and the photocatalytic property of the material Ag/TiO2 was evaluated by PCP-Na degradation rate. It was found that the calcination at 450 °C was conducive to form the anatase structure with high catalytic activity, and the catalytic activity was higher when the silver mole fraction of Ag/TiO2 was 0.50%. The influence of Ag/TiO2 dosage, hydrogen peroxide volume, silver mole fraction and PCP-Na initial concentration was investigated by the single factor experiment.

Ag-Modified In2O3/ZnO Nanobundles with High Formaldehyde Gas-Sensing Performance

PubMed Central

Fang, Fang; Bai, Lu; Song, Dongsheng; Yang, Hongping; Sun, Xiaoming; Sun, Hongyu; Zhu, Jing

2015-01-01

Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles with micro/nano porous structures have been designed and synthesized with by hydrothermal method continuing with dehydration process. Each bundle consists of nanoparticles, where nanogaps of 10–30 nm are present between the nanoparticles, leading to a porous structure. This porous structure brings high surface area and fast gas diffusion, enhancing the gas sensitivity. Consequently, the HCHO gas-sensing performance of the Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles have been tested, with the formaldehyde-detection limit of 100 ppb (parts per billion) and the response and recover times as short as 6 s and 3 s, respectively, at 300 °C and the detection limit of 100 ppb, response time of 12 s and recover times of 6 s at 100 °C. The HCHO sensing detect limitation matches the health standard limitation on the concentration of formaldehyde for indoor air. Moreover, the strategy to synthesize the nanobundles is just two-step heating and easy to scale up. Therefore, the Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles are ready for industrialization and practical applications. PMID:26287205

Surfactant-assisted atomic-level engineering of spin valves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chopra, Harsh Deep; Yang, David X.; Chen, P. J.; Egelhoff, W. F.

2002-03-01

Surfactant Ag is successfully used to atomically engineer interfaces and nanostructure in NiO-Co-Cu-based bottom spin valves. At a Cu spacer thickness of 1.5 nm, a strong net ferromagnetic (or positive) coupling >13.92 kA/m (>175 Oe) between NiO-pinned and ``free'' Co layers leads to a negligible ``giant'' magnetoresistance (GMR) effect (<0.7%) in Ag-free samples. In contrast, the net ferromagnetic coupling could be reduced by a factor of 2 or more in spin valves deposited in the presence of ~1-3 ML of surfactant Ag, and such samples exhibit more than an order of magnitude increase in GMR (8.5-13 %). Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a large contribution to net ferromagnetic coupling in Ag-free samples could be directly attributed to the presence of numerous pinholes. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and TEM studies show that surfactant Ag floats out to the surface during deposition of successive Co and Cu overlayers, leaving behind smooth interfaces and continuous layers that are less prone to intermixing and pinholes. The use of surfactants in the present study also illustrates their potential use in atomic engineering of magnetoelectronics devices and other multilayer systems.

Charge transfer process at the Ag/MPH/TiO2 interface by SERS: alignment of the Fermi level.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaolei; Sui, Huimin; Wang, Xiaolei; Su, Hongyang; Cheng, Weina; Wang, Xu; Zhao, Bing

2016-11-02

A nanoscale metal-molecule-semiconductor assembly (Ag/4-mercaptophenol/TiO 2 ) has been fabricated over Au nanoparticle (NP) films as a model to study the interfacial charge transfer (CT) effects involved in Ag/MPH/TiO 2 . Due to the interaction between Au NPs and Ag NPs, some distinct differences occur in the SERS spectra. We also measured the SERS of Ag/MPH (4-mercaptophenol), Ag/MPH/TiO 2 , and Au/Ag/MPH/TiO 2 assemblies at excitation wavelengths of 477, 514, 532, 633, and 785 nm. We found that the changes in the CT process, caused by the introduction of TiO 2 and Au, can be reflected in SERS. Then in combination with other detection methods, we proposed a possible CT process involved in the Ag/MPH, Ag/MPH/TiO 2 , and Au/Ag/MPH/TiO 2 assemblies. A Pt/Ag/MPH/TiO 2 assembly was also constructed to verify our proposed CT mechanism. This work not only provides more details about CT between metal-molecule-semiconductor interfaces but also aids in constructing nanoscale models to study interfacial problems with the SERS technique.

Chiral SiO2 and Ag@SiO2 Materials Templated by Complexes Consisting of Comblike Polyethyleneimine and Tartaric Acid.

PubMed

Yao, Dong-Dong; Murata, Hiroki; Tsunega, Seiji; Jin, Ren-Hua

2015-10-26

A facile avenue to fabricate micrometer-sized chiral (L-, D-) and meso-like (dl-) SiO2 materials with unique structures by using crystalline complexes (cPEI/tart), composed of comblike polyethyleneimine (cPEI) and L-, D-, or dl-tartaric acid, respectively, as catalytic templates is reported. Interestingly, both chiral crystalline complexes appeared as regularly left- and right-twisted bundle structures about 10 μm in length and about 5 μm in diameter, whereas the dl-form occurred as circular structures with about 10 μm diameter. Subsequently, SiO2 @cPEI/tart hybrids with high silica content (>55.0 wt %) were prepared by stirring a mixture containing tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and the aggregates of the crystalline complexes in water. The chiral SiO2 hybrids and calcined chiral SiO2 showed very strong CD signals and a nanofiber-based morphology on their surface, whereas dl-SiO2 showed no CD activity and a nanosheet-packed disklike shape. Furthermore, metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were encapsulated in each silica hybrid to obtain chiral (D and L forms) and meso-like (dl form) Ag@SiO2 composites. Also, the reaction between L-cysteine (Lcys) and these Ag@SiO2 composites was preliminarily investigated. Only chiral L- and D-Ag@SiO2 composites promoted the reaction between Lcys and Ag NPs to produce a molecular [Ag-Lcys]n complex with remarkable exciton chirality, whereas the reaction hardly occurred in the case of meso-like (dl-) Ag@SiO2 composite. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis, characterization, and thermal stability of SiO2/TiO2/CR-Ag multilayered nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz, Gabriela; Chang, Yao-Jen; Philipossian, Ara

2018-06-01

The controllable synthesis and characterization of novel thermally stable silver-based particles are described. The experimental approach involves the design of thermally stable nanostructures by the deposition of an interfacial thick, active titania layer between the primary substrate (SiO2 particles) and the metal nanoparticles (Ag NPs), as well as the doping of Ag nanoparticles with an organic molecule (Congo Red, CR). The nanostructured particles were composed of a 330-nm silica core capped by a granular titania layer (10 to 13 nm in thickness), along with monodisperse 5 to 30 nm CR-Ag NPs deposited on top. The titania-coated support (SiO2/TiO2 particles) was shown to be chemically and thermally stable and promoted the nucleation and anchoring of CR-Ag NPs, which prevented the sintering of CR-Ag NPs when the structure was exposed to high temperatures. The thermal stability of the silver composites was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Larger than 10 nm CR-Ag NPs were thermally stable up to 300 °C. Such temperature was high enough to destabilize the CR-Ag NPs due to the melting point of the CR. On the other hand, smaller than 10 nm Ag NPs were stable at temperatures up to 500 °C because of the strong metal-metal oxide binding energy. Energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was carried out to qualitatively analyze the chemical stability of the structure at different temperatures which confirmed the stability of the structure and the existence of silver NPs at temperatures up to 500 °C.

Photodegradation of Acid Violet 7 with AgBr-ZnO under highly alkaline conditions.

PubMed

Krishnakumar, B; Swaminathan, M

2012-12-01

The photocatalytic activity of AgBr-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) in aqueous solution using UV-A light. AgBr-ZnO is found to be more efficient than commercial ZnO and prepared ZnO at pH 12 for the mineralization of AV 7. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. Expect oxone, other oxidants decrease the degradation efficiency. Addition of metal ions and anions decrease the degradation efficiency of AgBr-ZnO significantly. The mineralization of AV 7 has also been confirmed by COD measurements. The mechanism of degradation by AgBr-ZnO is proposed to explain its higher activity under UV light. The catalyst is found to be reusable. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of highly efficient antibacterial agent Ag doped ZnO nanorods: Structural, Raman and optical properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jan, Tariq; Iqbal, Javed, E-mail: javed.saggu@iiu.edu.pk; Ismail, Muhammad

Here, synthesis, structural, morphological, Raman, optical properties and antibacterial activity of undoped and Ag doped ZnO nanorods by chemical co-precipitation technique have been reported. Structural analysis has revealed that Ag doping cannot deteriorate the structure of ZnO and wurtzite phase is maintained. Lattice constants are found to be decreased with the Ag doping. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy also confirm the X-ray diffraction results. Scanning electron microscopy results have demonstrated the formation of ZnO nanorods with average diameter and length of 96 nm and 700 nm, respectively. Raman spectroscopy results suggest that the Ag doping enhances the number of defects inmore » ZnO crystal. It has been found from optical study that Ag doping results in positional shift of band edge absorption peak. This is attributed to the successful incorporation of Ag dopant into ZnO host matrix. The antibacterial activity of prepared nanorods has been determined by two different methods and compared to that of undoped ZnO nanorods. Ag doped ZnO nanorods exhibit excellent antibacterial activity as compared to that of undoped ZnO nanorods. This excellent antibacterial activity may be attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies and Zn{sup 2+} interstitial defects. Our preliminary findings suggest that Ag doped ZnO nanorods can be used externally to control the spreading of infections related with tested bacterial strains.« less

Ionic liquid-assisted photochemical synthesis of ZnO/Ag2O heterostructures with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Shuo; Zhang, Yiwei; Zhou, Yuming; Zhang, Chao; Fang, Jiasheng; Sheng, Xiaoli

2017-07-01

ZnO/Ag2O heterostructures have been successfully fabricated using ionic liquids (ILs) as templates by a simple photochemical route. The influence of the type of ionic liquid and synthetic method on the morphology of ZnO, as well as the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation was studied. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, PL and UV-vis DRS. The results established that the type of ionic liquid and synthetic method played an important role in the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. And as-fabricated ZnO/Ag2O materials exhibited self-assembled flower-like architecture whose size was about 3 μm. Moreover, as-prepared ZnO/Ag2O exhibited the enhanced photocatalytic activity than ZnO sample, which may be due to the special structure, heterojunction, enhanced adsorption capability of dye, the improved separation rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. According to the results of radical trapping experiments, it can be found that •OH and h+ were the main active species for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. It is valuable to develop this facile route preparing the highly dispersive flower-like ZnO/Ag2O materials, which can be beneficial for environmental protection.

Preparation of surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on magnetic core/shell Fe3O4/SiO2 and Fe3O4/Ag/SiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Liying; Sun, Ying; Wang, Jing; Wang, Jian; Yu, Aimin; Zhang, Hanqi; Song, Daqian

2011-06-01

In this paper, surface plasmon resonance biosensors based on magnetic core/shell Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2) and Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/SiO(2) nanoparticles were developed for immunoassay. With Fe(3)O(4) and Fe(3)O(4)/Ag nanoparticles being used as seeding materials, Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2) and Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/SiO(2) nanoparticles were formed by hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The aldehyde group functionalized magnetic nanoparticles provide organic functionality for bioconjugation. The products were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), FTIR and UV-vis absorption spectrometry. The magnetic nanoparticles possess the unique superparamagnetism property, exceptional optical properties and good compatibilities, and could be used as immobilization matrix for goat anti-rabbit IgG. The magnetic nanoparticles can be easily immobilized on the surface of SPR biosensor chip by a magnetic pillar. The effects of Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2) and Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/SiO(2) nanoparticles on the sensitivity of SPR biosensors were also investigated. As a result, the SPR biosensors based on Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2) nanoparticles and Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/SiO(2) nanoparticles exhibit a response for rabbit IgG in the concentration range of 1.25-20.00 μg ml(-1) and 0.30-20.00 μg ml(-1), respectively. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hierarchical assembly of AgCl@Sn-TiO2 microspheres with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganeshraja, Ayyakannu Sundaram; Zhu, Kaixin; Nomura, Kiyoshi; Wang, Junhu

2018-05-01

The hierarchical silver chloride loaded tin-doped titania (AgCl@Sn-TiO2) microspheres were first time prepared by a hydrothermal method and annealing at different temperatures. The catalyst showed the enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity as compared to the plasmonic photocatalysts of AgCl and Ag/AgCl, and commercial Degussa P25 (TiO2). The improved efficiency is considered to local surface plasmonic resonance (AgCl could reduce to Ag0 during photocatalytic reaction) in enhanced broad band visible light absorption in addition to the characteristics of heterojunction between Sn-TiO2 and AgCl NPs. Moreover, the surface and bulk properties of as-synthesized samples were analyzed by 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. The magnetic property of the bulk was studied as a function of magnetic field with different temperatures. These results signify the clear details of the magnetic and visible light photocatalytic activities of hierarchical AgCl@Sn-TiO2 microspheres.

Design of plasmonic Ag-TiO2/H3PW12O40 composite film with enhanced sunlight photocatalytic activity towards o-chlorophenol degradation.

PubMed

Lu, Nan; Wang, Yaqi; Ning, Shiqi; Zhao, Wenjing; Qian, Min; Ma, Ying; Wang, Jia; Fan, Lingyun; Guan, Jiunian; Yuan, Xing

2017-12-11

A series of plasmonic Ag-TiO 2 /H 3 PW 12 O 40 composite films were fabricated and immobilized by validated preparation technique. The chemical composition and phase, optical, SPR effect and pore-structure properties together with the morphology of as-prepared composite film are well-characterized. The multi-synergies of as-prepared composite films were gained by combined action of electron-capture action via H 3 PW 12 O 40 , visible-response induced by Ag, and Schottky-junction formed between TiO 2 -Ag. Under simulated sunlight, the maximal K app of o-chlorophenol (o-CP) reached 0.0075 min -1 which was 3.95-fold larger than that of TiO 2 film, while it was restrained obviously under acid condition. In the photocatalytic degradation process, ·OH and ·O 2 - attacked preferentially ortho and para position of o-CP molecule, and accordingly the specific degradation pathways were speculated. The novel composite film exhibited an excellent applicability due to self-regeneration of H 3 PW 12 O 40 , well-protection of metal Ag° and favorable immobilization.

Photoelectrochemical Properties and Photostabilities of High Surface Area CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-Doped CuBi 2O 4 Photocathodes

DOE PAGES

Kang, Donghyeon; Hill, James C.; Park, Yiseul; ...

2016-06-09

Here, electrochemical synthesis methods were developed to produce CuBi 2O 4, a promising p-type oxide for use in solar water splitting, as high surface area electrodes with uniform coverage. These methods involved electrodepositing nanoporous Cu/Bi films with a Cu:Bi ratio of 1:2 from dimethyl sulfoxide or ethylene glycol solutions, and thermally oxidizing them to CuBi 2O 4 at 450°C in air. Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes were also prepared by adding a trace amount of Ag+ in the plating medium and codepositing Ag with the Cu/Bi films. In the Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4, Ag+ ions substitutionally replaced Bi3+ ions andmore » increased the hole concentration in CuBi 2O 4. As a result, photocurrent enhancements for both O 2 reduction and water reduction were achieved. Furthermore, while undoped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes suffered from anodic photocorrosion during O 2 reduction due to poor hole transport, Ag-doped CuBiO 4 effectively suppressed anodic photocorrosion. The flat-band potentials of CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes prepared in this study were found to be more positive than 1.3 V vs RHE in a 0.1 M NaOH solution (pH 12.8), which make these photocathodes highly attractive for use in solar hydrogen production. The optimized CuBi 2O 4/Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photocathode showed a photocurrent onset for water reduction at 1.1 V vs RHE, achieving a photovoltage higher than 1 V for water reduction. The thermodynamic feasibility of photoexcited electrons in the conduction band of CuBi 2O 4 to reduce water was also confirmed by detection of H 2 during photocurrent generation. This study provides new understanding for constructing improved CuBi 2O 4 photocathodes by systematically investigating photocorrosion as well as photoelectrochemical properties of high-quality CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photoelectrodes for photoreduction of both O 2 and water.« less

Photoelectrochemical Properties and Photostabilities of High Surface Area CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-Doped CuBi 2O 4 Photocathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Donghyeon; Hill, James C.; Park, Yiseul

Here, electrochemical synthesis methods were developed to produce CuBi 2O 4, a promising p-type oxide for use in solar water splitting, as high surface area electrodes with uniform coverage. These methods involved electrodepositing nanoporous Cu/Bi films with a Cu:Bi ratio of 1:2 from dimethyl sulfoxide or ethylene glycol solutions, and thermally oxidizing them to CuBi 2O 4 at 450°C in air. Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes were also prepared by adding a trace amount of Ag+ in the plating medium and codepositing Ag with the Cu/Bi films. In the Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4, Ag+ ions substitutionally replaced Bi3+ ions andmore » increased the hole concentration in CuBi 2O 4. As a result, photocurrent enhancements for both O 2 reduction and water reduction were achieved. Furthermore, while undoped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes suffered from anodic photocorrosion during O 2 reduction due to poor hole transport, Ag-doped CuBiO 4 effectively suppressed anodic photocorrosion. The flat-band potentials of CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes prepared in this study were found to be more positive than 1.3 V vs RHE in a 0.1 M NaOH solution (pH 12.8), which make these photocathodes highly attractive for use in solar hydrogen production. The optimized CuBi 2O 4/Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photocathode showed a photocurrent onset for water reduction at 1.1 V vs RHE, achieving a photovoltage higher than 1 V for water reduction. The thermodynamic feasibility of photoexcited electrons in the conduction band of CuBi 2O 4 to reduce water was also confirmed by detection of H 2 during photocurrent generation. This study provides new understanding for constructing improved CuBi 2O 4 photocathodes by systematically investigating photocorrosion as well as photoelectrochemical properties of high-quality CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photoelectrodes for photoreduction of both O 2 and water.« less

Facile synthesis of microporous SiO2/triangular Ag composite nanostructures for photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirohi, Sidhharth; Singh, Anandpreet; Dagar, Chakit; Saini, Gajender; Pani, Balaram; Nain, Ratyakshi

2017-11-01

In this article, we present a novel fabrication of microporous SiO2/triangular Ag nanoparticles for dye (methylene blue) adsorption and plasmon-mediated degradation. Microporous SiO2 nanoparticles with pore size <2 nm were synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a structure-directing agent and functionalized with APTMS ((3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane) to introduce amine groups. Amine-functionalized microporous silica was used for adsorption of triangular silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The synthesized microporous SiO2 nanostructures were investigated for adsorption of different dyes including methylene blue, congo red, direct green 26 and curcumin crystalline. Amine-functionalized microporous SiO2/triangular Ag nanostructures were used for plasmon-mediated photocatalysis of methylene blue. The experimental results revealed that the large surface area of microporous silica facilitated adsorption of dye. Triangular Ag nanoparticles, due to their better charge carrier generation and enhanced surface plasmon resonance, further enhanced the photocatalysis performance.

Ag2O:SiO2:V2O5 Glass System:. a Novel Reference Electrode for SO2 Gas Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, K.; Lad, A.; Bhoga, S. S.

2002-12-01

Ag2O:SiO2:V2O5 glass system with 0.5≤ y ≥ 0.66 for fixed n = 9 is synthesized, structurally and electrically characterized with a view to have high glass transition temperature (Tg ≈ 500°C) which can be used as solid reference electrode in electrochemical SOx gas sensor application. 10Ag2O:40SiO2:50V2O5 glass having Tg ≈ 502°C exhibits maximum bulk and electronic conductivity 3.67*10-3 and 4.47*10-2 S/cm, respectively at 450°C. The increase in conductivity is understood to be due to a mixed former effect. A few galvanic SOx sensors fabricated utilizing optimized glass as reference and Ag+ conducting solid electrolyte responds to change in PSOx according to 2 electron cell reaction.

Doping Ag in ZnO Nanorods to Improve the Performance of Related Enzymatic Glucose Sensors.

PubMed

Zhou, Fan; Jing, Weixuan; Liu, Pengcheng; Han, Dejun; Jiang, Zhuangde; Wei, Zhengying

2017-09-27

In this paper, the performance of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-based enzymatic glucose sensor was enhanced with silver (Ag)-doped ZnO (ZnO-Ag) nanorods. The effect of the doped Ag on the surface morphologies, wettability, and electron transfer capability of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, as well as the catalytic character of glucose oxidase (GOx) and the performance of the glucose sensor was investigated. The results indicate that the doped Ag slightly weakens the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, but remarkably increases their electron transfer ability and enhances the catalytic character of GOx. Consequently, the combined effects of the above influencing factors lead to a notable improvement of the performance of the glucose sensor, that is, the sensitivity increases and the detection limit decreases. The optimal amount of the doped Ag is determined to be 2 mM, and the corresponding glucose sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 3.85 μA/(mM·cm²), detection limit of 1.5 μM, linear range of 1.5 × 10 -3 -6.5 mM, and Michaelis-Menten constant of 3.87 mM. Moreover, the glucose sensor shows excellent selectivity to urea, ascorbic acid, and uric acid, in addition to displaying good storage stability. These results demonstrate that ZnO-Ag nanorods are promising matrix materials for the construction of other enzymatic biosensors.

Doping Ag in ZnO Nanorods to Improve the Performance of Related Enzymatic Glucose Sensors

PubMed Central

Zhou, Fan; Jing, Weixuan; Liu, Pengcheng; Han, Dejun; Jiang, Zhuangde; Wei, Zhengying

2017-01-01

In this paper, the performance of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-based enzymatic glucose sensor was enhanced with silver (Ag)-doped ZnO (ZnO-Ag) nanorods. The effect of the doped Ag on the surface morphologies, wettability, and electron transfer capability of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, as well as the catalytic character of glucose oxidase (GOx) and the performance of the glucose sensor was investigated. The results indicate that the doped Ag slightly weakens the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, but remarkably increases their electron transfer ability and enhances the catalytic character of GOx. Consequently, the combined effects of the above influencing factors lead to a notable improvement of the performance of the glucose sensor, that is, the sensitivity increases and the detection limit decreases. The optimal amount of the doped Ag is determined to be 2 mM, and the corresponding glucose sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 3.85 μA/(mM·cm2), detection limit of 1.5 μM, linear range of 1.5 × 10−3–6.5 mM, and Michaelis-Menten constant of 3.87 mM. Moreover, the glucose sensor shows excellent selectivity to urea, ascorbic acid, and uric acid, in addition to displaying good storage stability. These results demonstrate that ZnO-Ag nanorods are promising matrix materials for the construction of other enzymatic biosensors. PMID:28953217

Environment-resistive coating for the thin-film-based superconducting fault-current limiter Ag/Au-Ag/YBa 2Cu 3O 7/CeO 2/Al 2O 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsui, H.; Kondo, W.; Tsukada, K.; Sohma, M.; Yamaguchi, I.; Kumagai, T.; Manabe, T.; Arai, K.; Yamasaki, H.

2010-02-01

We have studied environment-resistive coatings (ERC) for the thin-film-based superconducting fault-current limiter (SFCL) Ag/Au-Ag/YBa 2Cu 3O 7/CeO 2/Al 2O 3. We evaluated nine candidate ERC materials by two accelerating-environment tests, and revealed that the shellac- and the fluorine-resin have a high environmental resistance. Especially, the shellac resin almost completely protected Jc of an element exposed to 60 °C saturated water vapor for 2 h (3.4->3.2 MA/cm 2). We also performed a practical operation test of SFCL using an element half covered by shellac, and found that the ERC does not diminish the current limiting properties similarly to the previous results of the Teflon-coated SFCL [1].

Highly recyclable and ultra-rapid catalytic reduction of organic pollutants on Ag-Cu@ZnO bimetal nanocomposite synthesized via green technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangarapu, Manjari; Sarangapany, Saran; Suja, Devipriya P.; Arava, Vijaya Bhaskara Rao

2018-04-01

In this study, synthesis of Ag-Cu alloy bimetal nanoparticles anchored on high surface and porous ZnO using a facile, greener and low-cost aqeous bark extract of Aglaia roxburghiana for highly active, ultra-rapid and stable catalyst is performed. The nanocomposite was scrupulously characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrophotometer, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, selected area (electron) diffraction, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the green synthesized Ag-Cu bimetal nanocomposite was evaluated in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B) dyes. The different types of dye exhibited very high and effective catalytic activity within few seconds. The theoretical investigations reveal that the unique synergistic effect of Ag-Cu nanoparticles and immobilization over ZnO assists in the reduction of 4-NP, MB and Rh B. Loading and leaching of metal nanoparticles were obtained using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Moreover, the stable and efficient recyclability of nanocomposite by centrifugation after completion of the reaction was demonstrated. The results lead to the design different possible bimetal on ZnO with boosting and an effective catalyst for the environmental applications.

Template free synthesis of ZnO/Ag2O nanocomposites as a highly efficient visible active photocatalyst for detoxification of methyl orange.

PubMed

Kadam, Abhijit; Dhabbe, Rohant; Gophane, Anna; Sathe, Tukaram; Garadkar, Kalyanrao

2016-01-01

A simple and effective route for the synthesis of ZnO/Ag2O nanocomposites with different weight ratios (4:1 to 4:4) have been successfully obtained by combination of thermal decomposition and precipitation technique. The structure, composition, morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared ZnO/Ag2O composites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, EDS, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis DRS and PL, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of the photocatalysts was evaluated towards the degradation of a methyl orange (MO) under UV and visible light. More specifically, the results showed that the photocatalytic activity with highest rate constant of MO degradation over ZnO/Ag2O (4:2) nanocomposites is more than 22 and 4 times than those of pure ZnO and Ag2O under visible light irradiation, respectively. An improved photocatalytic activity was attributed to the formation of heterostructure between Ag2O and ZnO, the strong visible light absorption and more separation efficiency of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the ZnO/Ag2O (4:2) nanocomposite showed excellent stability towards the photodegradation of MO under visible light. Finally, a possible mechanism for enhanced charge separation and photodegrdation is proposed. Genotoxicity of MO before and after photodegradation was also evaluated by simple comet assay technique. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Ti seed layers on structure of self-organized epitaxial face-centered-cubic-Ag(001) oriented nanodots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kamiko, M.; Nose, K.; Suenaga, R.

2013-12-28

The influence of Ti seed layers on the structure of self-organized Ag nanodots, obtained with a Ti seed-layer-assisted thermal agglomeration method, has been investigated. The samples were grown on MgO(001) single crystal substrates by RF magnetron sputter deposition. The samples were deposited at room temperature and post-annealed at 350 °C for 4 h while maintaining the chamber vacuum conditions. The results of atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations indicated that the insertion of the Ti seed layer (0.6–5.0 nm) between the MgO substrate and Ag layer promotes the agglomeration process, forming the nanodot array. Comparisons between the AFM images revealed thatmore » the size of the Ag nanodots was increased with an increase in the Ti seed layer thickness. The atomic concentration of the film surface was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS result suggested that the nanodot surface mainly consisted of Ag. Moreover, X-ray diffraction results proved that the initial deposition of the Ti seed layer (0.6–5.0 nm) onto MgO(001) prior to the Ag deposition yielded high-quality fcc-Ag(001) oriented epitaxial nanodots. The optical absorbance spectra of the fabricated Ag nanodots with various Ti seed layer thicknesses were obtained in the visible light range.« less

Synthesis, crystal structures and luminescent properties of two 4 d-4 f Ln-Ag heterometallic coordination polymers based on anion template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Le-Qing; Chen, Yuan; Wu, Ji-Huai; Huang, Yun-Fang

2011-04-01

Two new 4 d-4 f Ln-Ag heterometallic coordination polymers, {[ Ln3Ag 5(IN) 10(H 2O) 7]·4(ClO 4)·4(H 2O)} n ( Ln=Eu ( 1) and Sm ( 2), HIN=isonicotinic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by reactions of Ln2O 3, AgNO 3, HIN and HClO 4, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermal analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It is proved that HClO 4 not only adjusts the pH value of the reaction mixture, but also acts as anion template. The structure determination reveals that 1 and 2 are isostructural and feature a novel two-dimensional (2D) layered hetrometallic structure constructed from one-dimensional Ln-carboxylate chains and pillared Ag(IN) 2 units. The 2D layers are further interlinked through Ag⋯Ag and Ag⋯O(ClO 4-) multiple weak interactions, which form a rare Ag-ClO 4 ribbon in lanthanide-transition metal coordination polymers, to give rise to a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Moreover, the luminescent properties of these two compounds have also been investigated at room temperature.

Interaction transfer of silicon atoms forming Co silicide for Co/√(3)×√(3)R30°-Ag/Si(111) and related magnetic properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Cheng-Hsun-Tony; Fu, Tsu-Yi; Tsay, Jyh-Shen, E-mail: jstsay@phy.ntnu.edu.tw

Combined scanning tunneling microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and surface magneto-optic Kerr effect studies were employed to study the microscopic structures and magnetic properties for ultrathin Co/√(3)×√(3)R30°-Ag/Si(111). As the annealing temperature increases, the upward diffusion of Si atoms and formation of Co silicides occurs at temperature above 400 K. Below 600 K, the √(3)×√(3)R30°-Ag/Si(111) surface structure persists. We propose an interaction transferring mechanism of Si atoms across the √(3)×√(3)R30°-Ag layer. The upward transferred Si atoms react with Co atoms to form Co silicide. The step height across the edge of the island, a separation of 0.75 nm from the analysis of the 2 × 2 structure,more » and the calculations of the normalized Auger signal serve as strong evidences for the formation of CoSi{sub 2} at the interface. The interaction transferring mechanism for Si atoms enhances the possibility of interactions between Co and Si atoms. The smoothness of the surface is advantage for that the easy axis of magnetization for Co/√(3)×√(3)R30°-Ag/Si(111) is in the surface plane. This provides a possible way of growing flat magnetic layers on silicon substrate with controllable silicide formation and shows potential applications in spintronics devices.« less

Photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4 nanoparticle/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ruoyu; Hu, Peiguang; Chen, Shaowei

2012-10-01

Heterostructures based on Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanobelts were prepared by a coprecipitation method. The crystalline structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements. Electron microscopic studies showed that the Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanobelts were in intimate contact which might be exploited to facilitate charge transfer between the two semiconductor materials. In fact, the heterostructures exhibited markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared with unmodified TiO2 nanobelts or commercial TiO2 colloids in the photodegradation of methyl orange under UV irradiation. This was accounted for by the improved efficiency of interfacial charge separation thanks to the unique alignments of their band structures. Remarkably, whereas the photocatalytic activity of the heterostructure was comparable to that of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles alone, the heterostructures exhibited significantly better stability and reusability in repeated tests than the Ag3PO4 nanoparticles.

Ftmw Observation and Analysis of the {p}-H_2-{AgCl} and {o}-H_2-{AgCl} Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grubbs, G. S.; Obenchain, D. A.; Pickett, H. M.; Novick, S. E.

2013-06-01

The rotational spectrum of p-H_2-{AgCl} and o-H_2-{AgCl} has been measured for the first time using a Balle-Flygare type Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectrometer. {(B+C)}/{2}'s, nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, and centrifugal distortion constants have been determined for multiple isotopologues of both species while spin-spin coupling constants have also been determined for at least one isotopologue of the o-H_2 species. Substantial changes in the eQq value from the monomer occur at the Cl nucleus upon complexation with the H_2 and will be discussed. Experimental r_0's for the H_2 C.O.M. distance to Ag and Ag distance to Cl are 1.809(2)Å and 2.2656(2)Å , respectively, for the p-H_2 species and will be compared to theory. Quantum chemical calculations were performed with an APFD density functional and MP2 with an aug-cc-pVQZ basis set for the hydrogen and chlorine with the effective core potential ECP28MDF_AVQZ for the Ag and will be presented. K. D. Hensel, C. Styger, W. Jäger, A. J. Merer, and M. C. L. Gerry, J. Chem. Phys., 99(1993) 3320. A. Austin, G. A. Petersson, M. J. Frisch, F. J. Dobek, G. Scalmani, and K. J. Throsselll. Chem. Theor. Comp., 8(2012) 4989. D. Figgen, G. Rauhut, M. Dolg, and H. Stoll. Chem. Phys., 311(2005) 227. K. A. Peterson and C. Puzzarini. Theor. Chem. Acc., 114(2005) 283.

Structure reactivity relationships during N2O hydrogenation over Au-Ag alloys: A study by field emission techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Luc; Barroo, Cédric; Gilis, Natalia; Lambeets, Sten V.; Genty, Eric; Visart de Bocarmé, Thierry

2018-03-01

To make available atomic oxygen at the surface of a catalyst is the key step for oxidation reactions on Au-based catalysts. In this context, Au-Ag alloys catalysts exhibit promising properties for selective oxidation reactions of alcohols: low temperature activity and high selectivity. The presence of O(ads) and its effects on the catalytic reactivity is studied via the N2O dissociative adsorption and subsequent hydrogenation. Field emission techniques are particularly suited to study this reaction: Field Ion Microscopy (FIM) and Field Emission Microscopy (FEM) enable to image the extremity of sharp metallic tips, the size and morphology of which are close to those of one single catalytic particle. The reaction dynamics is studied in the 300-320 K temperature range and at a pressure of 3.5 × 10-3 Pa. The main results are a strong structure/reactivity relationship during N2O + H2 reaction over Au-8.8 at.%Ag model catalysts. Comparison of high-resolution FIM images of the clean sample and FEM images during reaction shows a sensitivity of the reaction to the local structure of the facets, independently of the used partial pressures of both N2O and H2. This suggests a localised dissociative adsorption step for N2O and H2 with the formation of a reactive interface around the {210} facets.

A two-dimensional silver(I) coordination polymer constructed from 4-aminophenylarsonate and triphenylphosphane: poly[[(μ₃-4-aminophenylarsonato-κ³N:O:O)(triphenylphosphane-κP)silver(I)] monohydrate].

PubMed

Xiao, Zu-Ping; Wen, Meng; Wang, Chun-Ya; Huang, Xi-He

2015-04-01

The title compound, {[Ag(C6H7AsNO3)(C18H15P)]·H2O}n, has been synthesized from the reaction of 4-aminophenylarsonic acid with silver nitrate, in aqueous ammonia, with the addition of triphenylphosphane (PPh3). The Ag(I) centre is four-coordinated by one amino N atom, one PPh3 P atom and two arsonate O atoms, forming a severely distorted [AgNPO2] tetrahedron. Two Ag(I)-centred tetrahedra are held together to produce a dinuclear [Ag2O2N2P2] unit by sharing an O-O edge. 4-Aminophenylarsonate (Hapa(-)) adopts a μ3-κ(3)N:O:O-tridentate coordination mode connecting two dinuclear units, resulting in a neutral [Ag(Hapa)(PPh3)]n layer lying parallel to the (101̄) plane. The PPh3 ligands are suspended on both sides of the [Ag(Hapa)(PPh3)]n layer, displaying up and down orientations. There is an R2(2)(8) hydrogen-bonded dimer involving two arsonate groups from two Hapa(-) ligands related by a centre of inversion. Additionally, there are hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the solvent water molecules and the arsonate and amine groups of the Hapa(-) ligands, and weak π-π stacking interactions within the [Ag(Hapa)(PPh3)]n layer. These two-dimensional layers are further assembled by weak van der Waals interactions to form the final architecture.

Studies on optical and electrical properties of green synthesized TiO2@Ag core-shell nanocomposite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganapathy, M.; Senthilkumar, N.; Vimalan, M.; Jeysekaran, R.; Vetha Potheher, I.

2018-04-01

Newly adopted green approach has been used to synthesize pure titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and silver deposited titanium dioxide (TiO2@Ag) core–shell nanocomposite (CSNC) from Nigella Sativa (black cumin) seed extract for the first time. The phytochemicals available in Nigella Sativa (NS) seed extract acts as reducing agent in the formation of nanoparticles as well as nanocomposite. The morphology, crystal structure, particle size and phase composition of green synthesized TiO2 NPs and TiO2@Ag CSNC are investigated by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT–Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The red shift in (from 333 nm to 342 nm) UV–Vis spectrum confirmed the deposition of Ag on TiO2. The reduced intensity peaks of Photoluminescence spectra (PL) also indicate the deposition of Ag on TiO2. Further the electrical properties of pure TiO2 and TiO2@Ag CSNC have studied by dielectric studies and ac conductivity measurements. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss of TiO2@Ag CSNC are better than pure TiO2. From these improved results, the green synthesized TiO2@Ag CSNC from NS seed extract is may be a suitable material for device fabrication in the visible region.

Tuning the emission of ZnO nanorods based light emitting diodes using Ag doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echresh, Ahmad; Chey, Chan Oeurn; Shoushtari, Morteza Zargar; Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus

2014-11-01

We have fabricated, characterized, and compared ZnO nanorods/p-GaN and n-Zn0.94Ag0.06O nanorods/p-GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs). Current-voltage measurement showed an obvious rectifying behaviour of both LEDs. A reduction of the optical band gap of the Zn0.94Ag0.06O nanorods compared to pure ZnO nanorods was observed. This reduction leads to decrease the valence band offset at n-Zn0.94Ag0.06O nanorods/p-GaN interface compared to n-ZnO nanorods/p-GaN heterojunction. Consequently, this reduction leads to increase the hole injection from the GaN to the ZnO. From electroluminescence measurement, white light was observed for the n-Zn0.94Ag0.06O nanorods/p-GaN heterojunction LEDs under forward bias, while for the reverse bias, blue light was observed. While for the n-ZnO nanorods/p-GaN blue light dominated the emission in both forward and reverse biases. Further, the LEDs exhibited a high sensitivity in responding to UV illumination. The results presented here indicate that doping ZnO nanorods might pave the way to tune the light emission from n-ZnO/p-GaN LEDs.

Carbon-coated ZnO mat passivation by atomic-layer-deposited HfO2 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Jung, Mi-Hee

2017-11-01

ZnO has had little consideration as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries compared with other transition-metal oxides due to its inherent poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion upon cycling and pulverization of ZnO-based electrodes. A logical design and facile synthesis of ZnO with well-controlled particle sizes and a specific morphology is essential to improving the performance of ZnO in lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, a simple approach is reported that uses a cation surfactant and a chelating agent to synthesize three-dimensional hierarchical nanostructured carbon-coated ZnO mats, in which the ZnO mats are composed of stacked individual ZnO nanowires and form well-defined nanoporous structures with high surface areas. In order to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries, HfO 2 is deposited on the carbon-coated ZnO mat electrode via atomic layer deposition. Lithium-ion battery devices based on the carbon-coated ZnO mat passivation by atomic layer deposited HfO 2 exhibit an excellent initial discharge and charge capacities of 2684.01 and 963.21mAhg -1 , respectively, at a current density of 100mAg -1 in the voltage range of 0.01-3V. They also exhibit cycle stability after 125 cycles with a capacity of 740mAhg -1 and a remarkable rate capability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gamma ray irradiated AgFeO{sub 2} nanoparticles with enhanced gas sensor properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Xiuhua, E-mail: xhwang@mail.ahnu.edu.cn; Shi, Zhijie; Yao, Shangwu

2014-11-15

AgFeO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and irradiated by various doses of gamma ray. The products were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, UV–vis absorption spectrum and transmission electron microscope. The results revealed that the crystal structure, morphology and size of the samples remained unchanged after irradiation, while the intensity of UV–Vis spectra increased with irradiation dose increasing. In addition, gamma ray irradiation improved the performance of gas sensor based on the AgFeO{sub 2} nanoparticles including the optimum operating temperature and sensitivity, which might be ascribed to the generation of defects. - Graphical abstract: Gamma ray irradiationmore » improved the performance of gas sensor based on the AgFeO{sub 2} nanoparticles including sensitivity and optimum operating temperature, which might be ascribed to the generation of defects. - Highlights: • AgFeO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized and irradiated with gamma ray. • AgFeO{sub 2} nanoparticles were employed to fabricate gas sensors to detect ethanol. • Gamma ray irradiation improved the sensitivity and optimum operating temperature.« less

O-GlcNAc transferase enables AgRP neurons to suppress browning of white fat

PubMed Central

Ruan, Hai-Bin; Dietrich, Marcelo O.; Liu, Zhong-Wu; Zimmer, Marcelo R.; Li, Min-Dian; Singh, Jay Prakash; Zhang, Kaisi; Yin, Ruonan; Wu, Jing; Horvath, Tamas L.; Yang, Xiaoyong

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Induction of beige cells causes the browning of white fat and improves energy metabolism. However, the central mechanism that controls adipose tissue browning and its physiological relevance are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that fasting and chemical-genetic activation of orexigenic AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus suppress the browning of white fat. O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins regulates fundamental cellular processes. The levels of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAc modification are enriched in AgRP neurons and are elevated by fasting. Genetic ablation of OGT in AgRP neurons inhibits neuronal excitability through the voltage-dependent potassium channel, promotes white adipose tissue browning, and protects mice against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. These data reveal adipose tissue browning as a highly dynamic physiological process under central control, in which O-GlcNAc signaling in AgRP neurons is essential for suppressing thermogenesis to conserve energy in response to fasting. PMID:25303527

Novel Flexible Transparent Conductive Films with Enhanced Chemical and Electromechanical Sustainability: TiO2 Nanosheet-Ag Nanowire Hybrid.

PubMed

Sohn, Hiesang; Kim, Seyun; Shin, Weonho; Lee, Jong Min; Lee, Hyangsook; Yun, Dong-Jin; Moon, Kyoung-Seok; Han, In Taek; Kwak, Chan; Hwang, Seong-Ju

2018-01-24

Flexible transparent conductive films (TCFs) of TiO 2 nanosheet (TiO 2 NS) and silver nanowire (Ag NW) network hybrid were prepared through a simple and scalable solution-based process. The as-formed TiO 2 NS-Ag NW hybrid TCF shows a high optical transmittance (TT: 97% (90.2% including plastic substrate)) and low sheet resistance (R s : 40 Ω/sq). In addition, the TiO 2 NS-Ag NW hybrid TCF exhibits a long-time chemical/aging and electromechanical stability. As for the chemical/aging stability, the hybrid TCF of Ag NW and TiO 2 NS reveals a retained initial conductivity (ΔR s /R s < 1%) under ambient oxidant gas over a month, superior to that of bare Ag NW (ΔR s /R s > 4000%) or RuO 2 NS-Ag NW hybrid (ΔR s /R s > 200%). As corroborated by the density functional theory simulation, the superb chemical stability of TiO 2 NS-Ag NW hybrid is attributable to the unique role of TiO 2 NS as a barrier, which prevents Ag NW's chemical corrosion via the attenuated adsorption of sulfidation molecules (H 2 S) on TiO 2 NS. With respect to the electromechanical stability, in contrast to Ag NWs (ΔR/R 0 ∼ 152.9%), our hybrid TCF shows a limited increment of fractional resistivity (ΔR/R 0 ∼ 14.4%) after 200 000 cycles of the 1R bending test (strain: 6.7%) owing to mechanically welded Ag NW networks by TiO 2 NS. Overall, our unique hybrid of TiO 2 NS and Ag NW exhibits excellent electrical/optical properties and reliable chemical/electromechanical stabilities.

Impact of ZnO and Ag Nanoparticles on Bacterial Growth and Viability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olson, M. S.; Digiovanni, K. A.

2007-12-01

Hundreds of consumer products containing nanomaterials are currently available in the U.S., including computers, clothing, cosmetics, sports equipment, medical devices and product packaging. Metallic nanoparticles can be embedded in or coated on product surfaces to provide antimicrobial, deodorizing, and stain- resistant properties. Although these products have the potential to provide significant benefit to the user, the impact of these products on the environment remains largely unknown. The purpose of this project is to study the effect of metallic nanoparticles released to the environment on bacterial growth and viability. Inhibition of bacterial growth was tested by adding doses of suspended ZnO and Ag nanoparticles into luria broth prior to inoculation of Escherichia coli cells. ZnO particles (approximately 40 nm) were obtained commercially and Ag particles (12-14 nm) were fabricated by reduction of silver nitrate with sodium borohydride. Toxicity assays were performed to test the viability of E. coli cells exposed to both ZnO and Ag nanoparticles using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability kit (Invitrogen). Live cells stain green whereas cells with compromised membranes that are considered dead or dying stain red. Cells were first grown, stained, and exposed to varying doses of metallic nanoparticles, and then bacterial viability was measured hourly using fluorescence microscopy. Results indicate that both ZnO and Ag nanoparticles inhibit the growth of E. coli in liquid media. Preliminary results from toxicity assays confirm the toxic effect of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles on active cell cultures. Calculated death rates resulting from analyses of toxicity studies will be presented.

Effect of deposition of Ag on TiO2 nanoparticles on the photodegradation of Reactive Yellow-17.

PubMed

Rupa, A Valentine; Manikandan, D; Divakar, D; Sivakumar, T

2007-08-25

Nanoparticles of TiO(2) were synthesized by sol-gel technique and the photodeposition of about 1% Ag on TiO(2) particles was carried out. Ag-deposited TiO(2) catalyst was characterised by XRD, TEM and UV-vis spectroscopy. The Ag-TiO(2) catalyst was evaluated for their photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of Reactive Yellow-17 (RY-17) under UV and visible light irradiations. Then the results were compared with synthesized nano-TiO(2) sol and P-25 Degussa and the enhanced degradation was obtained with Ag-deposited TiO(2). This enhanced activity of Ag-TiO(2) may be attributed to the trapping of conduction band electrons. The effect of initial dye concentration, pH and electron acceptors such as H(2)O(2), K(2)S(2)O(8) on the photocatalytic activity were studied and the results obtained were fitted with Langmuir-Hinshelwood model to study the degradation kinetics and discussed in detail.

Ag/α-Fe2O3 hollow microspheres: Preparation and application for hydrogen peroxide detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Xinyuan; Wu, Zhiping; Liao, Fang; Zhang, Tingting; Guo, Tingting

2015-09-01

In this paper, we demonstrated a simple approach for preparing α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres by mixing ferric nitrate aqueous and glucose in 180 °C. The glucose was found to act as a soft template in the process of α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres formation. Ag/α-Fe2O3 hollow nanocomposite was obtained under UV irradiation without additional reducing agents or initiators. Synthesized Ag/α-Fe2O3 hollow composites exhibited remarkable catalytic performance toward H2O2 reduction. The electrocatalytic activity mechanism of Ag/α-Fe2O3/GCE were discussed toward the reduction of H2O2 in this paper.

Electrical mobility of silver ion in Ag2O-B2O3-P2O5-TeO2 glasses.

PubMed

Sklepić, Kristina; Vorokhta, Maryna; Mošner, Petr; Koudelka, Ladislav; Moguš-Milanković, Andrea

2014-10-16

The effect of adding TeO(2) into (100 - x)[0.5Ag(2)O - 0.1B(2)O(3) - 0.4P(2)O(5)] - xTeO(2), with 0-80 mol % TeO(2) glass, on the structural changes and electrical properties has been investigated. DSC and thermodilatomery were used to study their thermal behavior, structure was studied by Raman spectroscopy, and electrical properties have been studied by impedance spectroscopy over a wide temperature and frequency range. The introduction of TeO(2) as a third glass former to the glass network causes the structural transformation from TeO(3) (tp) to TeO(4) (tbp) which contributes to the changes in conductivity. The glasses with low TeO(2) content show only a slow decrease in dc conductivity with addition of TeO(2) due to the increase of the number of nonbridging oxygens, which increases the mobility of Ag(+) ions. The steep decrease in conductivity for glasses containing more than 40 mol % TeO(2) is a result of decrease of the Ag(2)O content and stronger cross-linkage in glass network through the formation of more Te-(eq)O(ax)-Te bonds in TeO(4) tbp units. The glasses obey ac conductivity scaling with respect to temperature, implying that the dynamic process is not temperature dependent. On the other hand, the scaling of the spectra for different glass compositions showed the deviations from the Summerfield scaling because of the local structural disorder which occurs as a result of the structural modifications in the tellurite glass network.

Photocatalytic activity of undoped and Ag-doped TiO{sub 2}-supported zeolite for humic acid degradation and mineralization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lazau, C.; Ratiu, C.; National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest

2011-11-15

Highlights: {yields} Hybrid materials based on natural zeolite and TiO{sub 2} obtained by solid-state reaction. {yields} XRD proved the presence of anatase form of undoped and Ag-doped TiO{sub 2} onto zeolite. {yields} FT-IR spectra evidenced the presence on TiO{sub 2} bounded at the zeolite network. {yields} Ag-doped TiO{sub 2} onto zeolitic matrix exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity. -- Abstract: The hybrid materials based on natural zeolite and undoped and Ag-doped TiO{sub 2}, i.e., Z-Na-TiO{sub 2} and Z-Na-TiO{sub 2}-Ag, were successfully synthesized by solid-state reaction in microwave-assisted hydrothermal conditions. Undoped TiO{sub 2} and Ag-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals were previously synthesized bymore » sol-gel method. The surface characterization of undoped TiO{sub 2}/Ag-doped TiO{sub 2} and natural zeolite hybrid materials has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, DRUV-VIS spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, BET analysis, SEM microscopy and EDX analysis. The results indicated that anatase TiO{sub 2} is the dominant crystalline type as spherical form onto zeolitic matrix. The presence of Ag into Z-Na-TiO{sub 2}-Ag was confirmed by EDX analysis. The DRUV-VIS spectra showed that Z-Na-TiO{sub 2}-Ag exhibited absorption within the range of 400-500 nm in comparison with Z-Na-TiO{sub 2} catalyst. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Z-Na-TiO{sub 2}-Ag catalyst is proved through the degradation and mineralization of humic acid under ultraviolet and visible irradiation.« less

Non-adiabatic quantum state preparation and quantum state transport in chains of Rydberg atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostmann, Maike; Minář, Jiří; Marcuzzi, Matteo; Levi, Emanuele; Lesanovsky, Igor

2017-12-01

Motivated by recent progress in the experimental manipulation of cold atoms in optical lattices, we study three different protocols for non-adiabatic quantum state preparation and state transport in chains of Rydberg atoms. The protocols we discuss are based on the blockade mechanism between atoms which, when excited to a Rydberg state, interact through a van der Waals potential, and rely on single-site addressing. Specifically, we discuss protocols for efficient creation of an antiferromagnetic GHZ state, a class of matrix product states including a so-called Rydberg crystal and for the state transport of a single-qubit quantum state between two ends of a chain of atoms. We identify system parameters allowing for the operation of the protocols on timescales shorter than the lifetime of the Rydberg states while yielding high fidelity output states. We discuss the effect of positional disorder on the resulting states and comment on limitations due to other sources of noise such as radiative decay of the Rydberg states. The proposed protocols provide a testbed for benchmarking the performance of quantum information processing platforms based on Rydberg atoms.

Synthesis of Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles by combining laser decomposition of titanium isopropoxide and ablation of Ag for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Kamal, Ahmed Kamal

Nanostructured powders of TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 are synthesized by a novel pulsed-laser process that combines laser ablation of a silver (Ag) disc with laser decomposition of a titanium tetra-isopropoxide (TTIP) solution. Nanoparticles are formed by rapid condensation of vaporized species in the plasma plume generated by the high power laser, resulting in the formation of rapidly quenched Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles that have far-from-equilibrium or metastable structures. The uniqueness of the new ablation process is that it is a one-step process, in contrast to the two-step process developed by previous researchers in the field. Moreover, its ability to synthesize an extended-solid solution phase of Ag in TiO 2 may also be unique. The present work implies that other oxide phases, such as Al2O3, MgO and MgAl2O4, can be doped with normally insoluble metals, such as Pt and Ir, thus opening new opportunities for catalytic applications. Again, there is the prospect of being able to synthesize nanopowders of diamond, c-BN, and mixtures thereof, which are of interest for applications in machine tools, rock-drill bits, and lightweight armor. A wet-chemistry method is also investigated, which has much in common with that adopted by previous workers in the field. However, photo-voltaic properties do not measure up to expectations based on published data. A possible explanation is that the selected Ag concentrations are too high, so that recombination of holes and electrons occurs via a quantum-tunneling mechanism reduces photo-activity. Future work, therefore, will investigate lower concentrations of Ag dopant in TiO2, while also examining the effects of metastable states, including extended solid solution, amorphous, and semi-crystalline structures.

Controlled preparation of M(Ag, Au)/TiO2 through sulfydryl-assisted method for enhanced photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Hongbo; Wu, Suli; Bi, Jiajie; Zhang, Shufen

2017-11-01

Here a simple and effective method was explored to fabricate M/TiO2 (M = Ag, Au) composites, which required neither pre-treatment of TiO2 nor any additives as reducing agent. Using amorphous TiO2 spheres functionalized with SH groups as starting materials, the noble metallic ions (Ag, Au) can be adsorbed by TiO2 due to their special affinity with SH groups, which is beneficial to the uniform dispersion of metallic ions on the surface of TiO2. Then the adsorbed ions were reduced to form noble metal nanoparticles by heating process (95 °C) directly without additive as reduction agent. Meanwhile, the amorphous TiO2 was transformed into anatase phase during the heating process. Thus, the transformation of TiO2 along with the reduction of noble metallic ions (Ag, Au) was simultaneously carried out by heating. The XRD patterns proved the formation of anatase TiO2 after heating. The characterizations of XPS and TEM proved the formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2. The element mapping indicated that Ag nanoparticles are dispersed uniformly on the surface of TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of the composites has been investigated by the degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The results showed that when Ag/TiO2 (2.8 wt%) was used as photocatalyst, about 98% of the MO molecules were degraded in 70 min.

Photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO core-shell nanoparticles with shell thickness as controlling parameter under green environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajbongshi, Himanshu; Bhattacharjee, Suparna; Datta, Pranayee

2017-02-01

Plasmonic Ag/ZnO core-shell nanoparticles have been synthesized via a simple two-step wet chemical method for application in Photocatalysis. The morphology, size, crystal structure, composition and optical properties of the nanoparticles are investigated by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The shell thicknesses are varied by varying the concentration of zinc nitrate hexa-hydrate and triethanolamine. The ZnO shell coating over Ag core enhances the charge separation, whereas the larger shell thickness and increased refractive index of surrounding medium cause red shifts of surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of Ag core. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Ag/ZnO core-shell show that the larger shell thickness quenches the near band edge UV emission of ZnO. The electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) i.e. Nyquist plots also confirm the higher charge transfer efficiency of the Ag/ZnO core-shell nanoparticles. The Photocatalytic activities of Ag/ZnO core-shell nanoparticles are investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under direct sunlight irradiation. Compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), Ag/ZnO core-shell NPs display efficient sunlight plasmonic photocatalytic activity because of the influence of SPR of Ag core and the electron sink effect. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO core-shell NPs is found to be enhanced with increase in shell thickness.

Aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template for enhanced gas-sensing properties.

PubMed

Yin, Zhouping; Wang, Xiaomei; Sun, Fazhe; Tong, Xiaohu; Zhu, Chen; Lv, Qiying; Ye, Dong; Wang, Shuai; Luo, Wei; Huang, YongAn

2017-09-22

Gas sensing performance can be improved significantly by the increase in both the effective gas exposure area and the surface reactivitiy of ZnO nanorods. Here, we propose aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays (h-Ag/ZnO-NAs) via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template, together with a subsequent hydrothermal synthesis and photoreduction reaction. The h-Ag/ZnO-NAs scatter at top for higher specific surface areas with the air, simultaneously contact at root for the electrical conduction. Besides, the ZnO nanorods are uniformly coated with dispersed Ag nanoparticles, resulting in a tremendous enhancement of the surface reactivity. Compared with pure ZnO, such h-Ag/ZnO-NAs exhibit lower electrical resistance and faster responses. Moreover, they demonstrate enhanced NO 2 gas sensing properties. Self-assembly via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template paves a new way for the preparation of high performance gas sensors.

Three-dimensional Ag2O/Bi5O7I p-n heterojunction photocatalyst harnessing UV-vis-NIR broad spectrum for photodegradation of organic pollutants.

PubMed

Chen, Yannan; Zhu, Gangqiang; Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos; Gao, Jianzhi; Zhu, Runliang; Wang, Chenghui; Wei, Xiumei; Liu, Peng

2018-02-15

Ag 2 O nanoparticles-loaded Bi 5 O 7 I microspheres forming a three dimensional Ag 2 O/Bi 5 O 7 I p-n heterojunction photocatalyst with wide-spectrum response were synthesized in this study. The results of transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that the Ag 2 O nanoparticles with the diameter of ca. 10-20nm were distributed on the surfaces of Bi 5 O 7 I nanosheets. The as-synthesized Ag 2 O/Bi 5 O 7 I exhibited an excellent wide-spectrum response to wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR), indicating its potential for effective utilization of solar energy. Compared with pure Bi 5 O 7 I, the Ag 2 O/Bi 5 O 7 I composite also demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Bisphenol A and phenol in aqueous solution under visible LED light irradiation. Among samples, the 20% Ag 2 O/Bi 5 O 7 I composite photocatalyst showed the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Bisphenol A and phenol in aqueous solution. In addition, the 20% Ag 2 O/Bi 5 O 7 I composite also exhibited a photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Bisphenol A under NIR light irradiation. The improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of a p-n heterojunction between Ag 2 O and Bi 5 O 7 I, allowing the efficient utilization of solar energy (from UV to NIR) and high separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The present work is desirable to explore a possible avenue for the full utilization of solar energy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coupled antiferromagnetic spin-1/2 chains in green dioptase, Cu6 [Si6O18.6] H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesnyak, Andrey; Anovitz, L. M.; Kolesnikov, A. I.; Matsuda, M.; Prisk, T. R.; Ehlers, G.; Toth, S.

Gem crystals of natural dioptase with colors ranging from emerald-green to bluish have delighted people since ancient times and still attract attention of mineral collectors around the globe. The crystal structure of green dioptase (space group R 3) consists of corrugated silicate rings Si6O<18 interconnected by Cu2+ ions. Oxygen atoms form axially-elongated octahedral of CuO4(H2O)2. The magnetic ground state of green dioptase remains controversial. We report inelastic neutron scattering measurements of the magnetic excitations of green dioptase Cu6 [ Si6O18.6 ] H2O. The observed spectrum contains two magnetic modes and a prominent spin gap that is consistent with the ordered ground state of Cu moments coupled antiferromagnetically in spiral chains along the c axis and ferromagnetically in ab planes on the hexagonal cell. The data are in excellent agreement with a spin-1/2 Hamiltonian that includes AFM nearest-neighbor intra-chain coupling Jc = 10 . 6 (1) meV, ferromagnetic inter-chain coupling Jab = - 1 . 2 (1) meV and exchange anisotropy ΔJc = 0 . 14 (1) meV. This appears compatible with reduced Nèel temperature, TN = 14 . 5 K <

Hyperbolic and Plasmonic Properties of Silicon/Ag Aligned Nanowire Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-17

Cleveland, J. D. Caldwell, E. Foos, J. Niinistö, and M. Ritala, “Spoof-like plasmonic behavior of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition grown Ag thin...M. Leskela, “ Plasma -enhanced atomic layer deposition of silver thin films,” Chem. Mater. 23(11), 2901–2907 (2011). 52. O. J. Glembocki, S. M. Prokes...all principal components of the dielectric permittivity tensor are positive, the iso-frequency surface is “closed” and forms a spheroid or ellipsoid

Reducing the contact resistance in bottom-contact-type organic field-effect transitors using an AgO x interface layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minagawa, Masahiro; Kim, Yeongin; Claus, Martin; Bao, Zhenan

2017-09-01

Bottom-contact organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are prepared by inserting an AgO x layer between a pentacene layer and the source-drain electrodes. The contact resistance in the device is ˜8.1 kΩ·cm with an AgO x layer oxidized for 60 s but reaches 116.9 kΩ·cm with a non-oxidized Ag electrode. The drain current and mobility in the OFETs with the AgO x layer increase with the oxidization time and then gradually plateau, and this trend strongly depends on the work function of the Ag surface. Further, the hole injection is enhanced by the presence of Ag2O but inhibited by the presence of AgO.

Growth model and structure evolution of Ag layers deposited on Ge films.

PubMed

Ciesielski, Arkadiusz; Skowronski, Lukasz; Górecka, Ewa; Kierdaszuk, Jakub; Szoplik, Tomasz

2018-01-01

We investigated the crystallinity and optical parameters of silver layers of 10-35 nm thickness as a function 2-10 nm thick Ge wetting films deposited on SiO 2 substrates. X-ray reflectometry (XRR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements proved that segregation of germanium into the surface of the silver film is a result of the gradient growth of silver crystals. The free energy of Ge atoms is reduced by their migration from boundaries of larger grains at the Ag/SiO 2 interface to boundaries of smaller grains near the Ag surface. Annealing at different temperatures and various durations allowed for a controlled distribution of crystal dimensions, thus influencing the segregation rate. Furthermore, using ellipsometric and optical transmission measurements we determined the time-dependent evolution of the film structure. If stored under ambient conditions for the first week after deposition, the changes in the transmission spectra are smaller than the measurement accuracy. Over the course of the following three weeks, the segregation-induced effects result in considerably modified transmission spectra. Two months after deposition, the slope of the silver layer density profile derived from the XRR spectra was found to be inverted due to the completed segregation process, and the optical transmission spectra increased uniformly due to the roughened surfaces, corrosion of silver and ongoing recrystallization. The Raman spectra of the Ge wetted Ag films were measured immediately after deposition and ten days later and demonstrated that the Ge atoms at the Ag grain boundaries form clusters of a few atoms where the Ge-Ge bonds are still present.

UV-visible light-activated Ag-decorated, monodisperse TiO2 aggregates for treatment of the pharmaceutical oxytetracycline.

PubMed

Han, Changseok; Likodimos, Vlassis; Khan, Javed Ali; Nadagouda, Mallikarjuna N; Andersen, Joel; Falaras, Polycarpos; Rosales-Lombardi, Pablo; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

2014-10-01

Noble metal Ag-decorated, monodisperse TiO2 aggregates were successfully synthesized by an ionic strength-assisted, simple sol-gel method and were used for the photocatalytic degradation of the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) under both UV and visible light (UV-visible light) irradiation. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD); UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM); high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM); micro-Raman, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS); and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the uniformity of TiO2 aggregates was finely tuned by the sol-gel method, and Ag was well decorated on the monodisperse TiO2 aggregates. The absorption of the samples in the visible light region increased with increasing Ag loading that was proportional to the amount of Ag precursor added in the solution over the tested concentration range. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (The BET) surface area slightly decreased with increasing Ag loading on the TiO2 aggregates. Ag-decorated TiO2 samples demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of OTC under UV-visible light illumination compared to that of pure TiO2. The sample containing 1.9 wt% Ag showed the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of OTC under both UV-visible light and visible light illumination. During the experiments, the detected Ag leaching for the best TiO2-Ag photocatalyst was much lower than the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation for Ag limit (0.1 mg L(-1)) issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Optical properties of ordered ZnO/Ag thin films on polystyrene spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiu; Chen, Xiuyan; Xin, Zhiqing; Li, Luhai; Xu, Yanfang

2017-08-01

A thorough research of the optical properties of ZnO/Ag structures sputtered by RF on PS colloidal crystal molds with different diameters is reported. The influences of the period of the substrates on the performance of ZnO thin films were studied. The results of scanning electron microscopic, X-ray diffraction patterns and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy indicated that the ZnO/Ag thin films were well-covering on PS colloidal crystal molds. The diameter of the polystyrene particles significantly influenced the PL spectrum intensity of ZnO/Ag by affecting the interferences of light. After adding PS colloidal crystal molds with different diameters, all the samples show two luminescent regions, namely a strong, narrow UV emission peak and a wide, weak visible emission band. However, the signal of UV emission increases more significantly. In particular, the maximum enhancement occurs when the diameter is 300 nm. This work proposes an effective way to improve ZnO light emission based on a simple, rapid and cost effective method to fabricate ordered periodic substrates by preparing single layer polystyrene microspheres masks.

A study on the resistance switching of Ag2Se and Ta2O5 heterojunctions using structural engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Tae Sung; Lee, Nam Joo; Abbas, Haider; Hu, Quanli; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Lee, Hyun Ho; Le Shim, Ee; Kang, Chi Jung

2018-01-01

The resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices with heterostuctures have been investigated due to cycling stability, nonlinear switching, complementary resistive switching and self-compliance. The heterostructured devices can modulate the resistive switching (RS) behavior appropriately by bilayer structure with a variety of materials. In this study, the bipolar resistive switching characteristics of the bilayer structures composed of Ta2O5 and Ag2Se, which are transition-metal oxide (TMO) and silver chalcogenide, were investigated. The bilayer devices of Ta2O5 deposited on Ag2Se (Ta2O5/Ag2Se) and Ag2Se deposited on Ta2O5 (Ag2Se/Ta2O5) were fabricated for investigation of the RS characteristics by stacking sequence of Ta2O5 and Ag2Se. All operating voltages were applied to the Ag top electrode with the Pt bottom electrode grounded. The Ta2O5/Ag2Se device showed that a negative voltage sweep switched the device from high resistance state (HRS) to low resistance state (LRS) and a positive voltage sweep switched the device from LRS to HRS. On the contrary, for the Ag2Se/Ta2O5 device a positive voltage sweep switched the device from HRS to LRS, and a negative voltage sweep switched it from LRS to HRS. The polarity dependence of RS was attributed to the stacking sequence of Ta2O5 and Ag2Se. In addition, the combined heterostructured device of both bilayer stacks, Ta2O5/Ag2Se and Ag2Se/Ta2O5, exhibited the complementary switching characteristics. By using threshold switching devices, sneak path leakage can be reduced without additional selectors. The bilayer heterostructures of Ta2O5 and Ag2Se have various advantages such as self-compliance, reproducibility and forming-free stable RS. It confirms the possible applications of TMO and silver chalcogenide heterostructures in RRAM.

Silver transfer in proustite Ag{sub 3}AsS{sub 3} at high temperatures: Conductivity and single-crystal X-ray studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gagor, Anna; Pawlowski, Antoni; Pietraszko, Adam

2009-03-15

Single crystals of proustite Ag{sub 3}AsS{sub 3} have been characterised by impedance spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the temperature ranges of 295-543 and 295-695 K, respectively. An analysis of the one-particle potential of silver atoms shows that in the whole measuring temperature range defects in the silver substructure play a major role in the conduction mechanism. Furthermore, the silver transfer is equally probable within silver chains and spirals, as well as between chains and spirals. The trigonal R3c room temperature phase does not change until the decomposition of the crystal. The electric anomaly of the first-order character which appearsmore » near 502 K is related to an increase in the electronic component of the total conductivity resulting from Ag{sub 2}S deposition at the sample surface. - Joint probability density function map of silver atoms at T=695 K.« less

Correlation between morphology, electron band structure, and resistivity of Pb atomic chains on the Si(5 5 3)-Au surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jałochowski, M.; Kwapiński, T.; Łukasik, P.; Nita, P.; Kopciuszyński, M.

2016-07-01

Structural and electron transport properties of multiple Pb atomic chains fabricated on the Si(5 5 3)-Au surface are investigated using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, reflection high electron energy diffraction, angular resolved photoemission electron spectroscopy and in situ electrical resistance. The study shows that Pb atomic chains growth modulates the electron band structure of pristine Si(5 5 3)-Au surface and hence changes its sheet resistivity. Strong correlation between chains morphology, electron band structure and electron transport properties is found. To explain experimental findings a theoretical tight-binding model of multiple atomic chains interacting on effective substrate is proposed.