Nanometric MgFe2O4: Synthesis, characterization and its application towards supercapacitor and electrochemical uric acid sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumder, S.; Kumar, S.; Banerjee, S.

2017-05-01

In this paper, we have synthesized nanocrystalline MgFe2O4 (S1) by auto-combustion assisted sol-gel method. The structure and morphology and elemental study of S1 are examined by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) techniques. The FESEM images reveal that the morphology of the sample is rough and average particle size is 50 nm. The PXRD study indicates that the samples are well crystalline and single phase in nature. Moreover, we have performed supercapacitor study by electrochemical galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurement, which shows pseudo capacitive behavior. S1 contains a high specific capacitance of 428.9 Fg-1 at the current density 0.0625 Ag-1 and can deliver high energy and power density of 18.01 Wh kg-1 and 21468 Wkg-1 respectively. Moreover, uric acid (UA) sensing study has also been performed by cyclic voltmetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement (EIS) of S1. We can use nanocrystalline MgFe2O4 as supercapacitor and UA sensor applications purpose.

Electrochemical synthesis of nanostructured Se-doped SnS: Effect of Se-dopant on surface characterizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafashan, Hosein; Azizieh, Mahdi; Balak, Zohre

2017-07-01

SnS1-xSex nanostructures with different Se-dopant concentrations were deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate through cathodic electrodeposition technique. The pH, temperature, applied potential (E), and deposition time remained were 2.1, 60 °C, -1 V, and 30 min, respectively. SnS1-xSex nanostructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microcopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), room temperature photoluminescence (PL), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The XRD patterns revealed that the SnS1-xSex nanostructures were polycrystalline with orthorhombic structure. FESEM showed various kinds of morphologies in SnS1-xSex nanostructures due to Se-doping. PL and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to evaluate the optical properties of SnS1-xSex thin films. The PL spectra of SnS1-xSex nanostructures displayed four emission peaks, those are a blue, a green, an orange, and a red emission. UV-vis spectra showed that the optical band gap energy (Eg) of SnS1-xSex nanostructures varied between 1.22-1.65 eV, due to Se-doping.

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) as an approach for nanoparticle detection inside cells.

PubMed

Havrdova, M; Polakova, K; Skopalik, J; Vujtek, M; Mokdad, A; Homolkova, M; Tucek, J; Nebesarova, J; Zboril, R

2014-12-01

When developing new nanoparticles for bio-applications, it is important to fully characterize the nanoparticle's behavior in biological systems. The most common techniques employed for mapping nanoparticles inside cells include transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). These techniques entail passing an electron beam through a thin specimen. STEM or TEM imaging is often used for the detection of nanoparticles inside cellular organelles. However, lengthy sample preparation is required (i.e., fixation, dehydration, drying, resin embedding, and cutting). In the present work, a new matrix (FTO glass) for biological samples was used and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to generate images comparable to those obtained by TEM. Using FE-SEM, nanoparticle images were acquired inside endo/lysosomes without disruption of the cellular shape. Furthermore, the initial steps of nanoparticle incorporation into the cells were captured. In addition, the conductive FTO glass endowed the sample with high stability under the required accelerating voltage. Owing to these features of the sample, further analyses could be performed (material contrast and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)), which confirmed the presence of nanoparticles inside the cells. The results showed that FE-SEM can enable detailed characterization of nanoparticles in endosomes without the need for contrast staining or metal coating of the sample. Images showing the intracellular distribution of nanoparticles together with cellular morphology can give important information on the biocompatibility and demonstrate the potential of nanoparticle utilization in medicine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental analysis of energy absorption behaviour of Al-tube filled with pumice lightweight concrete under axial loading condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajak, D. K.; Deshpande, P. G.; Kumaraswamidhas, L. A.

2017-08-01

This Paper aimed at experimental investigation of compressive behaviour of square tube filled with pumice lightweight concrete (PLC). Square section of 20×20×30 mm is investigated, which is the backbone structure. The compression deformation result shows the better folding mechanism, displacement value, and energy absorption. PLC concrete filled with aluminium thin-wall tubes has been revealed superior energy absorption capacity (EAC) under low strain rate at room temperature. Superior EAC resulted as a result of mutual deformation benefit between aluminium section and PLC is also analysed. PLC was characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX) analysis for better understanding of material behaviour. Individual and comparative load bearing graphs is logged for better prospective of analysing. Novel approach aimed at validation of porous lightweight concrete for better lightweight EA filler material.

Highly crystalline zinc incorporated hydroxyapatite nanorods' synthesis, characterization, thermal, biocompatibility, and antibacterial study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udhayakumar, Gayathri; Muthukumarasamy, N.; Velauthapillai, Dhayalan; Santhosh, Shanthi Bhupathi

2017-10-01

Highly crystalline zinc incorporated hydroxyapatite (Zn-HAp) nanorods have been synthesized using microwave irradiation method. To improve bioactivity and crystallinity of pure HAp, zinc was incorporated into it. As-synthesized samples were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and the thermal and crystallinity behavior of Zn-HAp nanoparticle were studied by thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Antibacterial activity of the as-synthesized nanorods was evaluated against two prokaryotic strains ( Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). The FT-IR studies show the presence of hydroxide and phosphate functional groups. HRTEM and FESEM images showed highly crystalline rod-shaped nanoparticles with the diameter of about 50-60 nm. EDAX revealed the presence of Ca, Zn, P, and O in the prepared samples. The crystallinity and thermal stability were further confirmed by TGA-DSC analysis. The biocompatibility evaluation results promoted that the Zn-HAp nanorods are biologically active apatites and potentially promising bone-substitute biomaterials for orthopaedic application.

Investigation on structural, optical and electrical properties of polythiophene-Al2O3 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijeth, H.; Yesappa, L.; Niranjana, M.; Ashokkumar, S. P.; Devendrappa, H.

2018-05-01

The polythiophene (PTH) and polythiophene-Al2O3 composites prepared by in situ chemical polymerisation in the presence of anionic surfactant camphor sulfonic acid (CSA). The formation of composite is confirmed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The surface morphology was studied using Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Optical properties was studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, it observed decrease in the band gap reveals material has potential application in optical devices. The dielectric constant and AC conductivity of composite have been studied for different temperature in the frequency range 1 kHz -1 MHz.

Characterization of Ni-P-SiO2 nano-composite coating on magnesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadreddini, S.; Salehi, Z.; Rassaie, H.

2015-01-01

In this study, the effects of SiO2 nanoparticles added to the electroless Ni-P coating were studied. The surface morphology, corrosion behavior, hardness and porosity of Ni-P-SiO2composite were investigated. The related microstructure was investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the amount of SiO2 was examined by Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-ray (EDX). The corrosion behavior was evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization techniques. The results illustrated that with increasing the quantity of the SiO2 nanoparticles, the corrosion rate decreased and the hardness increased.

Image and compositional characteristics of the LDEF Big Guy impact crater

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bunch, T. E.; Paque, Julie M.; Zolensky, Michael

1995-01-01

A 5.2 mm crater in Al-metal represents the largest found on LDEF. We have examined this crater by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and time-of-flight/secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS) in order to determine if there is any evidence of impactor residue. Droplet and dome-shaped columns, along with flow features, are evidence of melting. EDS from the crater cavity and rim show Mg, C, O and variable amounts of Si, in addition to Al. No evidence for a chondritic impactor was found, and it hypothesized that the crater may be the result of impact with space debris.

Recycling of pneumatic scrap tyre into nano-crumb rubber by pulsed laser ablation in different pH media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezaan Khamsan, Nur; Bidin, Noriah; Islam, Shumaila; Daud, Suzairi; Krishnan, Ganesan; Bakar, Mohamad Aizat A.; Naqiuddin Razali, Muhamad; Khamis, Jamil

2018-05-01

Nano crumb rubber from scrap tyre is synthesized via 1064 nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation in three different pH media i.e. DI-water (pH∼6.45), D-limonene (pH∼3.47) and NaOH solution (pH∼13.41). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) results show spherical morphology of crumb rubber with high degree of aggregation in DI-water and in D-limonene. However, dispersion of crumb rubbers is observed in NaOH solution. The smallest particles size is obtained in NaOH solution within the range of 10.9 nm – 74.3 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and FTIR analysis confirmed the elements distribution and chemical bonding of rubber with DI-water, D-limonene and NaOH solution. The experimental findings shows that pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation has potential for fabricating nano-crumb rubber in liquid media.

Visible-light-assisted SLCs template synthesis of sea anemone-like Pd/PANI nanocomposites with high electrocatalytic activity for methane oxidation in acidic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, De-Xin; Wang, Yan-Li

2018-03-01

Sea anemone-like palladium (Pd)/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites were synthesized via visible-light-assisted swollen liquid crystals (SLCs) template method. The resulting samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. The electrocatalytic properties of Pd/PANI nanocomposites modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) for methane oxidation were investigated by cycle voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. Those dispersed sea anemone-like Pd/PANI nanocomposites had an average diameter of 320 nm. The obtained Pd nanoparticles with an average diameter of about 45 nm were uniformly distributed in PANI matrix. Sea anemone-like Pd/PANI nanocomposites exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for oxidation of methane (CH4).

Biopolymer stabilized water dispersible polyaniline for supercapacitor electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anbalagan, Amarnath Chellachamy; Sawant, Shilpa Nandkishor

2018-04-01

Polyaniline colloidal nanoparticles (PANI CNs) were synthesized, employing biopolymer pectin (Pec) as a stabilizer along with hydrochloric acid dopant and ammonium persulfate oxidant. Chemical nature and electronic structure was studied by FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopy respectively. FE-SEM revealed spindle like morphology of PANI CNs and displayed the nearly discrete particles without aggregation, showing stabilizing capacity of the Pec. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements demonstrated the electroactivity and supercapacitive property of the PANI CNs in 1 M HCl. The specific capacitance of PANI CNs in 1 M HCl at 1.5 A/g was found to be 197 F/g, where 70% of specific capacitance was retained even after 1000 cycles. These findings establish the feasibility of using the PANI CNs as a potential material for energy storage in aqueous acidic medium. Furthermore, this colloidal dispersion can find potential application in electrodes of flexible supercapacitor device and printable electronics.

Electrochemical deposition of copper decorated titania nanotubes and its visible light photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Y. C.; Siti, A. S.; Nur Amiera, P.; Devagi, K.; Lim, Y. P.

2017-09-01

Coupling of titania with narrow band gap materials has been a promising strategy in preparing visible light responsive photocatalyst. In this work, self-organized copper decorated TiO2 nanotube (Cu/TNT) was prepared via electrodeposition of Cu onto highly ordered titania nanotube arrays (TNT). The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The DRS studies clearly show the extended absorption of Cu/TNT into the visible region and present a red shift of band gap to 2.1 eV. FESEM analysis has shown the dispersion of cubic-like Cu particles upon electrodeposition and EDX analysis supports the presence of copper species on the nanotubes surface. The photocatalytic ability of Cu/TNT was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange from aqueous solution under low power visible light illumination. Compared to TNT, an appreciable improvement in methyl orange removal was observed for Cu/TNT and the highest removal efficiency of 80% was achieved. The effects of catalyst loading and samples repeatability were investigated and under optimum conditions, the removal efficiency of methyl orange over Cu/TNT had further increased to 93.4%. This work has demonstrated a feasible and simple way to introduce narrow band gap transition metal into nanotube arrays, which could create novel properties for functionalized nanotube arrays as well as promise a wide range of applications.

Flake like V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanoparticles for ethanol sensing at room temperature

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

Chitra, M.; Uthayarani, K.; Rajasekaran, N.

2016-05-23

The versatile redox property of vanadium oxide explores it in various applications like catalysis, electrochromism, electrochemistry, energy storage, sensors, microelectronics, batteries etc., In this present work, vanadium oxide was prepared via hydrothermal route followed by calcination. The structural and lattice parameters were analysed from the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The morphology and the composition of the sample were obtained from Field emission Scanning electron microscopic (FeSEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) Spectrometric analysis respectively. The sensitivity, response – recovery time of the sample towards ethanol (0 ppm – 300 ppm) sensing at room temperature was measured and the present investigation onmore » vanadium oxide nanoparticles over the flakes shows better sensitivity (30%) at room temperature.« less

Preparation of CuO/NiO composite nanofibers by electrospinning and their application for electro-catalytic oxidation of hydrazine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Sayed Reza; Ghasemi, Shahram; Kamali-Rousta, Mina

2017-03-01

In present work, polyvinyl alcohol/copper acetate-nickel acetate composite nanofibers (PVA/Cu(OAc)2-Ni(OAc)2 NFs) with various weight percentages of Cu(OAc)2:Ni(OAc)2 such as 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 are fabricated by electrospinning method. After this, the CuO/NiO composite NFs are produced after thermal treatment. A calcination temperature at about 600 °C is determined by thermal gravimetric analysis. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) for morphology characterization indicates that large quantities of the prepared PVA/Cu(OAc)2-Ni(OAc)2 composite fibers have smooth and bead-free surfaces. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FE-SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are used to characterize the CuO/NiO composites. According to FE-SEM results, with increasing of Cu(OAc)2 content in polymeric solution, the fibers don't remain as continuous structures after calcination and accumulate in the form of nanoparticles. Also, a carbon paste electrode (CPE) bulky modified with CuO/NiO composites is used for investigation of the electro-catalytic oxidation of hydrazine hydrate in NaOH solution. The catalytic activities of the synthesized catalysts are studied through cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The obtained results demonstrate that the most appropriate proportion of Cu(OAc)2:Ni(OAc)2 in electrospinning solution to enhance the electro-catalytic ability is 25:75.

An evaluation of UO2-CNT composites made by SPS as an accident tolerant nuclear fuel pellet and the feasibility of SPS as an economical fabrication process for the nuclear fuel cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartas, Andrew R.

The innovative and advanced purpose of this study is to understand and establish proper sintering procedures for Spark Plasma Sintering process in order to fabricate high density, high thermal conductivity UO2 -CNT pellets. Mixing quality and chemical reactions have been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of various types of CNTs on the mixing and sintering quality of UO2-CNT pellets with SPS processing have been examined. The Archimedes Immersion Method, laser flash method, and FE-SEM will be used to investigate the density, thermal conductivity, grain size, pinning effects, and CNT dispersion of fabricated UO2-CNT pellets. Pre-fabricated CNT's were added to UO 2 powder and dispersed via sonication and/or ball milling and then made into composite nuclear pellets. An investigation of the economic impact of SPS on the nuclear fuel cycle for producing pure and composite UO2 fuels was conducted.

Characterization of ball-milled carbon nanotube dispersed aluminum mixed powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleque, M. A.; Abdullah, U.; Yaacob, I.; Ali, Y.

2016-04-01

Currently, carbon nanotube (CNT) is attracting much interest as fibrous materials for reinforcing aluminum matrix composites due to unique properties, such as high strength, elastic modulus, flexibility and high aspect ratios. However, the quality of the dispersion is the major concerning factor which determines the homogeneity of the enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of the composite. This work study and characterized carbon nanotube dispersion in ballmilled CNT-aluminum mixed powders with four different formulations such as 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 wt% CNT under high energy planetary ball milling operations. The ball milling was performed for two hours at constant milling speed of 250 rpm under controlled atmosphere. The characterization is performed using FESEM and EDX analyzer for mapping, elemental and line analysis. The experimental results showed homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in aluminum matrix. The composite mixture showed similar pattern from mapping, elemental and line analysis. Identification of only two peaks proved that controlled atmosphere during milling prevented the formation of inter metallic compounds such as aluminum carbide in the composite mixture. Therefore, this CNT-A1 composite powder mixture can be used for new nano-composite development without any agglomeration problem.

Effect of sintering temperature on physical, structural and optical properties of wollastonite based glass-ceramic derived from waste soda lime silica glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almasri, Karima Amer; Sidek, Hj. Ab Aziz; Matori, Khamirul Amin; Zaid, Mohd Hafiz Mohd

The impact of different sintering temperatures on physical, optical and structural properties of wollastonite (CaSiO3) based glass-ceramics were investigated for its potential application as a building material. Wollastonite based glass-ceramics was provided by a conventional melt-quenching method and followed by a controlled sintering process. In this work, soda lime silica glass waste was utilized as a source of silicon. The chemical composition and physical properties of glass were characterized by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Archimedes principle. The Archimedes measurement results show that the density increased with the increasing of sintering temperature. The generation of CaSiO3, morphology, size and crystal phase with increasing the heat-treatment temperature were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transforms infrared reflection spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average calculated crystal size gained from XRD was found to be in the range 60 nm. The FESEM results show a uniform distribution of particles and the morphology of the wollastonite crystal is in relict shapes. The appearance of CaO, SiO2, and Ca-O-Si bands disclosed from FTIR which showed the formation of CaSiO3 crystal phase. In addition to the calculation of the energy band gap which found to be increased with increasing sintering temperature.

Low temperature synthesis of coiled carbon nanotubes and their magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishna, Vemula Mohana; Somanathan, T.; Manikandan, E.

2018-04-01

In this paper, coiled like structure of carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) have been effectively grown on bi-metal substituted α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Highly graphitized and dense bundles of carbon product were attained at a low temperature of 550 °C. The coiled carbon nanostructures in very longer lengths were noticed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) observation. Furthermore, high purity material was achieved, which correlates the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) revealed the diameter and graphitization of coiled structures. The superparamagnetic like behavior was observed at room temperature for the as-synthesized product, which was found by VSM investigation.

Dispersion of Co/CNTs via strong electrostatic adsorption method: Thermal treatment effect

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

Akbarzadeh, Omid, E-mail: omid.akbarzadeh63@gmail.com; Abdullah, Bawadi, E-mail: bawadi-abdullah@petronas.com.my; Subbarao, Duvvuri, E-mail: duvvuri-subbarao@petronas.com.my

The effect of different thermal treatment temperature on the structure of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Co particle dispersion on CNTs support is studied using Strong electrostatic adsorption (SEA) method. The samples tested by N{sub 2}-adsorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). N{sub 2}-adsorption results showed BET surface area increased using thermal treatment and TEM images showed that increasing the thermal treatment temperature lead to flaky CNTs and defects introduced on the outer surface and Co particle dispersion increased.

Tartaric Acid as a Non-toxic and Environmentally-Friendly Anti-scaling Material for Using in Cooling Water Systems: Electrochemical and Surface Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asghari, Elnaz; Gholizadeh-Khajeh, Maryam; Ashassi-Sorkhabi, Habib

2016-10-01

Because of the major limitations in drinking water resources, the industries need to use unprocessed water sources for their cooling systems; these water resources contain major amount of hardening cations. So, mineral scales are formed in cooling water systems during the time and cause major problems. The use of green anti-scaling materials such as carboxylic acids is considered due to their low risks of environmental pollution. In the present work, the scale inhibition performance of tartaric acid as a green organic material was evaluated. Chemical screening tests, cathodic and anodic voltammetry measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive x-ray and x-ray diffraction, were used for the evaluation of the scale inhibition performance. The results showed that tartaric acid can prevent calcium carbonate precipitation significantly. The hard water solution with 2.0 mM of tartaric acid indicated the highest scale inhibition efficiency (ca. 68%). The voltammetry, EIS and FESEM results verified that tartaric acid can form smooth and homogeneous film on steel surface through formation of Fe(III)-tartrate complexes and retard the local precipitation of calcium carbonate deposits.

Tribological Behaviors of Graphene and Graphene Oxide as Water-Based Lubricant Additives for Magnesium Alloy/Steel Contacts.

PubMed

Xie, Hongmei; Jiang, Bin; Dai, Jiahong; Peng, Cheng; Li, Chunxia; Li, Quan; Pan, Fusheng

2018-01-29

The tribological behaviors of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) as water-based lubricant additives were evaluated by use of a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer for magnesium alloy-steel contacts. Three sets of test conditions were examined to investigate the effect of concentration, the capacity of carrying load and the endurance of the lubrication film, respectively. The results showed that the tribological behaviors of water can be improved by adding the appropriate graphene or GO. Compared with pure deionized water, 0.5 wt.% graphene nanofluids can offer reduction of friction coefficient by 21.9% and reduction of wear rate by 13.5%. Meanwhile, 0.5 wt.% GO nanofluids were found to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate up to 77.5% and 90%, respectively. Besides this, the positive effect of the GO nanofluids was also more pronounced in terms of the load-carrying capacity and the lubrication film endurance. The wear mechanisms have been tentatively proposed according to the observation of the worn surfaces by field emission scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (FESEM-EDS) and Raman spectrum as well as the wettability of the nanofluids on the magnesium alloy surface by goniometer.

Tribological Behaviors of Graphene and Graphene Oxide as Water-Based Lubricant Additives for Magnesium Alloy/Steel Contacts

PubMed Central

Xie, Hongmei; Jiang, Bin; Dai, Jiahong; Peng, Cheng; Li, Chunxia; Li, Quan; Pan, Fusheng

2018-01-01

The tribological behaviors of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) as water-based lubricant additives were evaluated by use of a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer for magnesium alloy-steel contacts. Three sets of test conditions were examined to investigate the effect of concentration, the capacity of carrying load and the endurance of the lubrication film, respectively. The results showed that the tribological behaviors of water can be improved by adding the appropriate graphene or GO. Compared with pure deionized water, 0.5 wt.% graphene nanofluids can offer reduction of friction coefficient by 21.9% and reduction of wear rate by 13.5%. Meanwhile, 0.5 wt.% GO nanofluids were found to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate up to 77.5% and 90%, respectively. Besides this, the positive effect of the GO nanofluids was also more pronounced in terms of the load-carrying capacity and the lubrication film endurance. The wear mechanisms have been tentatively proposed according to the observation of the worn surfaces by field emission scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (FESEM-EDS) and Raman spectrum as well as the wettability of the nanofluids on the magnesium alloy surface by goniometer. PMID:29382160

Influence of Mg doping on ZnO nanoparticles decorated on graphene oxide (GO) crumpled paper like sheet and its high photo catalytic performance under sunlight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labhane, P. K.; Sonawane, S. H.; Sonawane, G. H.; Patil, S. P.; Huse, V. R.

2018-03-01

Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles decorated on graphene oxide (GO) sheets were synthesized by a wet impregnation method. The effect of Mg doping on ZnO and ZnO-GO composite has been evaluated by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Williamson-Hall Plot (Wsbnd H Plot), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The physical parameters of as-prepared samples were estimated by XRD data. FESEM and HR-TEM images showed the uniform distribution of nanoparticles on GO crumpled paper like sheet. Solar light photocatalytic activities of samples were evaluated spectrophotometrically by the degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and indigo carmine (IC) solution. Mgsbnd ZnO decorated on GO sheets exhibit excellent catalytic efficiency compared to all other prepared samples under identical conditions, degrading PNP and IC nearly 99% within 60 min under sunlight. The effective degradation by Mgsbnd ZnO decorated on GO sheet would be due to extended solar light absorption, enhanced adsorptivity on the composite catalyst surface and efficient charge separation of photo-induced electrons. Finally, plausible mechanism was suggested with the help of scavengers study.

Effects of erbium, chromium:YSGG laser irradiation on root surface: morphological and atomic analytical studies.

PubMed

Kimura, Y; Yu, D G; Kinoshita, J; Hossain, M; Yokoyama, K; Murakami, Y; Nomura, K; Takamura, R; Matsumoto, K

2001-04-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and atomic changes on the root surface by stereoscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) after erbium, chromium:yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation in vitro. There have been few reports on morphological and atomic analytical study on root surface by Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation. Eighteen extracted human premolar and molar teeth were irradiated on root surfaces at a vertical position with water-air spray by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at the parameter of 5.0 W and 20 Hz for 5 sec while moving. The samples were then morphologically observed by stereoscopy and FE-SEM and examined atomic-analytically by SEM-EDX. Craters having rough but clean surfaces and no melting or carbonization were observed in the samples. An atomic analytical examination showed that the calcium ratio to phosphorus showed no significant changes between the control and irradiated areas (p > 0.01). These results showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser has a good cutting effect on root surface and causes no burning or melting after laser irradiation.

Polyamidoamine dendrimers-assisted electrodeposition of gold-platinum bimetallic nanoflowers.

PubMed

Qian, Lei; Yang, Xiurong

2006-08-24

Novel Au-Pt bimetallic flower nanostructures fabricated on a polyamidoamine dendrimers-modified surface by electrodeposition are reported. These polyamidoamine dendrimers were stable, and they assisted the formation of Au-Pt bimetallic nanoflowers during the electrodeposition process. These nanoflowers were characterized by field-emitted scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical methods. FE-SEM images showed that the bimetallic nanoflower included two parts: the "light" and the "pale" part. The two parts consisted of many small bimetallic nanoparticles, which was attributed to the progressive nucleation process. Moreover, the "light" part contained more bimetallic nanoparticles. The morphologies of bimetallic nanoflowers depended on the electrodeposition time and potential and the layer number of assembled dendrimers. The average size of nanoflowers increased with the increase in electrodeposition time. The layer number of assembled dendrimers obviously affected the size and morphologies of the "pale" parts of deposited nanoflowers. EDS and XPS indicated that the content of Au element was higher than that of Pt element in the nanoflowers. The bimetallic nanoflowers-modified electrode had electrochemical properties similar to those of bare gold and platinum electrodes. It also exhibited significant electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen reduction.

Copper diffusion in Ti Si N layers formed by inductively coupled plasma implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ee, Y. C.; Chen, Z.; Law, S. B.; Xu, S.; Yakovlev, N. L.; Lai, M. Y.

2006-11-01

Ternary Ti-Si-N refractory barrier films of 15 nm thick was prepared by low frequency, high density, inductively coupled plasma implantation of N into TixSiy substrate. This leads to the formation of Ti-N and Si-N compounds in the ternary film. Diffusion of copper in the barrier layer after annealing treatment at various temperatures was investigated using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS) depth profiling, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and sheet resistance measurement. The current study found that barrier failure did not occur until 650 °C annealing for 30 min. The failure occurs by the diffusion of copper into the Ti-Si-N film to form Cu-Ti and Cu-N compounds. FESEM surface morphology and EDX show that copper compounds were formed on the ridge areas of the Ti-Si-N film. The sheet resistance verifies the diffusion of Cu into the Ti-Si-N film; there is a sudden drop in the resistance with Cu compound formation. This finding provides a simple and effective method of monitoring Cu diffusion in TiN-based diffusion barriers.

Mechanical Properties and Durability of Ultra High Strength Concrete Incorporating Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

PubMed Central

Lu, Liulei; Ouyang, Dong; Xu, Weiting

2016-01-01

In this work, the effect of the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the mechanical properties and durability of ultra high strength concrete (UHSC) is reported. First, the MWCNTs were dispersed by a nano sand-mill in the presence of a surfactant in water. The UHSC specimens were prepared with various amounts of MWCNTs, ranging from 0% to 0.15% by weight of cement (bwoc). Results indicated that use of an optimal percentage of MWCNTs (0.05% bwoc) caused a 4.63% increase in compressive strength and a 24.0% decrease in chloride diffusion coefficient of UHSC at 28 days curing. Moreover, the addition of MWCNTs also improved the flexural strength and deformation ability. Furthermore, a field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe the dispersion of MWCNTs in the cement matrix and morphology of the hardened cement paste containing MWCNTs. FE-SEM observation revealed that MWCNTs were well dispersed in the matrix and no agglomerate was found and the reinforcing effect of MWCNTs on UHSC was thought to be pulling out and microcrack bridging of MWCNTs, which transferred the load in tension. PMID:28773541

Mechanical Properties and Durability of Ultra High Strength Concrete Incorporating Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

PubMed

Lu, Liulei; Ouyang, Dong; Xu, Weiting

2016-05-27

In this work, the effect of the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the mechanical properties and durability of ultra high strength concrete (UHSC) is reported. First, the MWCNTs were dispersed by a nano sand-mill in the presence of a surfactant in water. The UHSC specimens were prepared with various amounts of MWCNTs, ranging from 0% to 0.15% by weight of cement (bwoc). Results indicated that use of an optimal percentage of MWCNTs (0.05% bwoc) caused a 4.63% increase in compressive strength and a 24.0% decrease in chloride diffusion coefficient of UHSC at 28 days curing. Moreover, the addition of MWCNTs also improved the flexural strength and deformation ability. Furthermore, a field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe the dispersion of MWCNTs in the cement matrix and morphology of the hardened cement paste containing MWCNTs. FE-SEM observation revealed that MWCNTs were well dispersed in the matrix and no agglomerate was found and the reinforcing effect of MWCNTs on UHSC was thought to be pulling out and microcrack bridging of MWCNTs, which transferred the load in tension.

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide: Cement Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Babak, Fakhim; Abolfazl, Hassani; Alimorad, Rashidi; Parviz, Ghodousi

2014-01-01

We investigate the performance of graphene oxide (GO) in improving mechanical properties of cement composites. A polycarboxylate superplasticizer was used to improve the dispersion of GO flakes in the cement. The mechanical strength of graphene-cement nanocomposites containing 0.1–2 wt% GO and 0.5 wt% superplasticizer was measured and compared with that of cement prepared without GO. We found that the tensile strength of the cement mortar increased with GO content, reaching 1.5%, a 48% increase in tensile strength. Ultra high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) used to observe the fracture surface of samples containing 1.5 wt% GO indicated that the nano-GO flakes were well dispersed in the matrix, and no aggregates were observed. FE-SEM observation also revealed good bonding between the GO surfaces and the surrounding cement matrix. In addition, XRD diffraction data showed growth of the calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) gels in GO cement mortar compared with the normal cement mortar. PMID:24574878

UV shielding with visible transparency based properties of poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile)/Ag doped ZnO nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rajender; Verma, Karan; Singh, Tejbir; Barman, P. B.; Sharma, Dheeraj

2018-02-01

Development of ultraviolet (UV) shielding with visible transparency based thermoplastic polymer nanocomposite (PNs) presents an important requisite in terms of their efficiency and cost. Present study contributed for the same approach by dispersion of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles upto 10 wt% in poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) matrix by insitu emulsion polymerization method. The crystal and chemical structure of PNs has been analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier infrared spectrometer (FTIR) techniques. The morphological and elemental information of synthesized nanomaterial has been studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique. The optical properties of PNs has been studied by UV-visible spectroscopy technique. The incorporation of nanoparticles in polymer matrix absorb the complete UV light with visible transparency. The present reported polymer nanocomposite (PNs) have tuned refractive index with UV blocking and visible transparency based properties which can serve as a viable alternative as compared to related conventional materials.

Large-scale synthesis and microwave absorption enhancement of actinomorphic tubular ZnO/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites.

PubMed

Cao, Jing; Fu, Wuyou; Yang, Haibin; Yu, Qingjiang; Zhang, Yanyan; Liu, Shikai; Sun, Peng; Zhou, Xiaoming; Leng, Yan; Wang, Shuangming; Liu, Bingbing; Zou, Guangtian

2009-04-09

Actinomorphic tubular ZnO/CoFe(2)O(4) nanocomposites were fabricated in large scale via a simple solution method at low temperature. The phase structures, morphologies, particle size, shell thickness, chemical compositions of the composites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The as-synthesized nanocomposites were uniformly dispersed into the phenolic resin then the mixture was pasted on metal plate with the area of 200 mm x 200 mm as the microwave absorption test plate. The test of microwave absorption was carried out by the radar-absorbing materials (RAM) reflectivity far field radar cross-section (RCS) method. The range of microwave absorption is from 2 to 18 Hz and the best microwave absorption reach to 28.2 dB at 8.5 Hz. The results indicate that the composites are of excellence with respect to microwave absorption.

Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum catalysts supported on {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2} composite oxides

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

Farooq, Muhammad; Ramli, Anita; Subbarao, Duvvuri

2012-09-26

The physical and chemical properties of a catalyst play a vital role in various industrial applications. Molybdenum catalysts supported on {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2} mixed oxides with varying loading of CeO{sub 2} (5, 10, 15, 20 wt% with respect to {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) were prepared by wet impregnation method. The physiochemical properties of these synthesized Mo catalysts were studied with various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive analysis (FESEM-EDX) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The results showed that the addition of CeO{submore » 2} into the support affected the binding energies of the elements and reducibility of the metal oxides formed after calcination of catalyst samples due to the change in metal-support interaction. Further, the characterization techniques showed that the active metal was well dispersed on the surface of support material.« less

Additive assisted hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and optical properties of one dimensional DyPO4:Ce3+ nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khajuria, H.; Kumar, M.; Singh, R.; Ladol, J.; Nawaz Sheikh, H.

2018-05-01

One dimensional nanostructures of cerium doped dysprosium phosphate (DyPO4:Ce3+) were synthesized via hydrothermal route in the presence of different surfactants [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dodecyl sulfosuccinate (DSS), polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP)] and solvent [ethylene glycol and water]. The prepared nanostructures were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectrophotometer and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The PXRD and FTIR results indicate purity, good crystallinity and effective doping of Ce3+ in nanostructures. SEM and TEM micrographs display nanorods, nanowires and nanobundles like morphology of DyPO4:Ce3+. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS) of DyPO4:Ce3+nanostructures confirm the presence of dopant. UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra of prepared compounds are used to calculate band gap and explore their optical properties. Luminescent properties of DyPO4:Ce3+ was studied by using PL emission spectra. The effect of additives and solvents on the uniformity, morphology and optical properties of the nanostructures were studied in detail.

Microstructure control of SOFC cathode material: The role of dispersing agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, Ismariza; Jani, Abdul Mutalib Md; Osman, Nafisah

2017-09-01

In the present works, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) cathode powders were synthesized by a sol-gel method with the aid of ethylene glycol which served as the dispersing agent. The phase formation and morphology of the powders were examined by X-Ray diffractometer (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized cathode were obtained using an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The characteristic peaks for LSCF phase appears in the X-ray diffractogram after calcined at 500 °C and complete formation of LSCF single phase was attained at 700 °C. FESEM micrographs showed the presence of spherical particles of the powders with approximate particle size between 10 to 60 nm along with agglomerate morphologies. Well dispersed particles and fewer aggregates were observed for samples prepared with addition of ethylene glycol as the synthesizing aid. The surface area obtained for powder sample prepared with the aid of dispersing agent is 12.0 m2g-1. The EIS measurement results depicts a lower area specific resistance (ASR) obtained for sample prepared with addition of the ethylene glycol as compared to the pristine sample. The present results encourage the optimization of the cathode particle design in order to further improve the cathode performance.

Investigation of La and Al substitution on the spontaneous polarization and lattice dynamics of the Pb(1-x)LaxTi(1-x)AlxO3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Arun Kumar; Verma, Anita; Kumar, Sunil; Srihari, Velaga; Sinha, A. K.; Reddy, V. Raghavendra; Liu, Shun Wei; Biring, Sajal; Sen, Somaditya

2018-03-01

The phase purity and crystal structure of Pb(1-x)LaxTi(1-x)AlxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) samples (synthesized via the sol-gel process) were confirmed using synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) (wavelength, λ = 0.44573 Å). Rietveld analyses of powder x-ray diffraction data confirmed the tetragonal structure for compositions with x ≤ 0.18 and cubic structure for the sample with x = 0.25. Temperature-dependent XRD was performed to investigate the structural change from tetragonal to cubic structure phase transition. Raman spectroscopy at room temperature also confirmed this phase transition with compositions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) provided information about the surface morphology while an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer attached with FESEM confirmed the chemical compositions of samples. Temperature and frequency dependent dielectric studies showed that the tetragonal to cubic phase transition decreased from 680 K to 175 K with an increase in the x from 0.03 to 0.25, respectively. This is correlated with the structural studies. Electric field dependent spontaneous polarization showed a proper ferroelectric loop for 0.06 ≤ x ≤ 0.18 belonging to a tetragonal phase, while for x ≥ 0.25, the spontaneous polarization vanishes. Bipolar strain versus electric field revealed a butterfly loop for 0.06 ≤ x ≤ 0.18 compositions. Energy storage efficiency initially increases nominally with substitution but beyond x = 0.18 enhances considerably.

Understanding the formation and growth of Ag nanoparticles on silver chromate induced by electron irradiation in electron microscope: A combined experimental and theoretical study

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

Fabbro, Maria T.; Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Universitat Jaume I, Campus del Riu Sec, E-12071 Castellón; Gracia, Lourdes

Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. These microcrystals were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), micro-Raman (MR). XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement data showed that the material exhibits an orthorhombic structure without any deleterious phases. FE-SEM and TEM micrographs revealed the morphology and the growth of Ag nanoparticles on Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals during electron beam irradiation. These events were directly monitored in real-time. Their optical properties were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy that allowed the calculation of themore » optical band gap energy. Theoretical analyses based on the density functional theory level indicate that the incorporation of electrons is responsible for structural modifications and formation of defects on the [AgO{sub 6}] and [AgO{sub 4}] clusters, generating ideal conditions for the growth of Ag nanoparticles. - Graphical abstract: Theoretical representation of the Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} orthorhombic structure. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals indicate an orthorhombic structure. • The formation of Ag{sup 0} promotes Ag-nanoparticle growth on the surface of the Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4}. • Electron irradiation of the material induces the formation of Ag vacancies.« less

Effects of Starting Precursor Ratio on Optoelectrical Properties and Blue Emission of Nanostructured C-ZnS Thin Films Prepared by Spin Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimzadeh, N.; Ghodsi, F. E.; Mazloom, J.

2018-02-01

Nanocrystalline cubic zinc sulfide (C-ZnS) thin films have been elaborated by sol-gel spin-coating of Zn(Ac)/thiourea starting precursors at different molar ratios, and their structural, morphological, compositional, optical, electrical, and photoluminescence properties comprehensively investigated. x-ray diffraction results showed that the samples had dominant cubic structure and their crystallinity improved with increasing S content. Morphological characterization of the C-ZnS thin films was carried out by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), revealing that the films were smooth with spherical grains included in clusters. Energy-dispersive x-ray and Fourier-transform infrared spectra of ZnS compounds did not show any evidence of impurities. Optical characterization revealed increases of the average optical transmittance and bandgap (from 3.2 eV to 3.56 eV) with increasing S content. The refractive index in the visible region increased with the S content, while the extinction coefficient decreased. The compositional dependence of the optical dispersion parameters (oscillator and dispersion energy), dielectric constant, and surface energy loss function of the films was evaluated. Electrical characterization of the films was carried out using Hall-effect measurements. The ZnS thin films exhibited n-type conductivity, and the electrical resistivity decreased with increasing carrier concentration and mobility due to enhanced crystallite size and reduced structural disorder. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicated a blue-shift of the near-band-edge emission. The blue emission peaks centered at about 438 nm and 487 nm were enhanced due to transitions involving interstitial S atoms, surface states, and zinc vacancies.

Nanorods, nanospheres, nanocubes: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of nanoferrites of Mn, Co, Ni, Part-89

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

Singh, Supriya; Srivastava, Pratibha; Singh, Gurdip, E-mail: gsingh4us@yahoo.com

2013-02-15

Graphical abstract: Prepared nanoferrites were characterized by FE-SEM and bright field TEM micrographs. The catalytic effect of these nanoferrites was evaluated on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate using TG and TG–DSC techniques. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of AP was evaluated using isothermal TG data by model fitting as well as isoconversional method. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Synthesis of ferrite nanostructures (∼20.0 nm) by wet-chemical method under different synthetic conditions. ► Characterization using XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, TEM, HRTEM and SAED pattern. ► Catalytic activity of ferrite nanostructures on AP thermal decomposition by thermal techniques. ► Burning rate measurements ofmore » CSPs with ferrite nanostructures. ► Kinetics of thermal decomposition of AP + nanoferrites. -- Abstract: In this paper, the nanoferrites of Mn, Co and Ni were synthesized by wet chemical method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive, X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). It is catalytic activity were investigated on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and composite solid propellants (CSPs) using thermogravimetry (TG), TG coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) and ignition delay measurements. Kinetics of thermal decomposition of AP + nanoferrites have also been investigated using isoconversional and model fitting approaches which have been applied to data for isothermal TG decomposition. The burning rate of CSPs was considerably enhanced by these nanoferrites. Addition of nanoferrites to AP led to shifting of the high temperature decomposition peak toward lower temperature. All these studies reveal that ferrite nanorods show the best catalytic activity superior to that of nanospheres and nanocubes.« less

Structural morphology of zinc oxide structures with antibacterial application of calamine lotion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ann, Ling Chuo; Mahmud, Shahrom; Bakhori, Siti Khadijah Mohd; Sirelkhatim, Amna; Mohamad, Dasmawati; Hasan, Habsah; Seeni, Azman; Rahman, Rosliza Abdul

2015-04-01

In this study, we report the structural morphology of a zinc oxide (ZnO) sample and antibacterial application of the ZnO structures in calamine lotion. Antibacterial activities of the calamine lotion towards Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. The structural morphology of ZnO sample was studied using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The morphologies of the ZnO structure consisted of many rod and spherical structures. The particle sizes of the sample ranged from 40 nm to 150 nm. A calamine lotion was prepared through mixing the ZnO structures with other constituents in suitable proportion. The energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of large amount of ZnO structures whiles the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed a good crystalline property of ZnO in the calamine lotion mixture. The morphological structures of ZnO were found to remain unchanged in the calamine lotion mixture through FESEM imaging. In the antibacterial test, prepared calamine lotion exhibited a remarkable bacterial inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 24 h of treatment. The bactericidal capability of calamine lotion was largely due to the presence of ZnO structures which induce high toxicity and killing effect on the bacteria.

Comparative study of microfacies variation in two samples from the Chittenango member, Marcellus shale subgroup, western New York state, USA

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

Balulla, Shama, E-mail: shamamohammed77@outlook.com; Padmanabhan, E., E-mail: eswaran-padmanabhan@petronas.com.my; Over, Jeffrey, E-mail: over@geneseo.edu

This study demonstrates the significant lithologic variations that occur within the two shale samples from the Chittenango member of the Marcellus shale formation from western New York State in terms of mineralogical composition, type of lamination, pyrite occurrences and fossil content using thin section detailed description and field emission Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-Ray Spectrum (EDX). This study is classified samples as laminated clayshale and fossiliferous carbonaceous shale. The most important detrital constituents of these shales are the clay mineral illite and chlorite, quartz, organic matter, carbonate mineral, and pyrite. The laminated clayshale has a lower amountmore » of quartz and carbonate minerals than fossiliferous carbonaceous shale while it has a higher amount of clay minerals (chlorite and illite) and organic matter. FESEM analysis confirms the presence of chlorite and illite. The fossil content in the laminated clayshale is much lower than the fossiliferous carbonaceous shale. This can provide greater insights about variations in the depositional and environmental factors that influenced its deposition. This result can be compiled with the sufficient data to be helpful for designing the horizontal wells and placement of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas exploration and production.« less

Improving anti-felting characteristics of Merino wool fiber by 2.5 MHz atmosphere pressure air plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandwani, Nisha; Dave, Purvi; Jain, Vishal; Nema, Sudhir; Mukherjee, Subroto

2017-04-01

The present work investigates the effect of high frequency (2.5 MHz) Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) in air on surface characteristics of Merino wool as a function of plasma exposure time (5s to 15s). The FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrum) and Derivative ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection- Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectroscopy are used to study physio-chemical changes induced by plasma. These physio-chemical properties of fibers can be co-related with the felting behaviour of the wool fiber, which leads to shrinkage and pilling of garments while laundering. Felting occurs mainly because of presence of outermost hydrophobic cuticle layer having sharp scales. The FE-SEM analysis of wool fiber surface reveals that cuticle scales on wool fiber become blunt after plasma processing. The ATR-FTIR analysis along with second order derivative spectroscopy demonstrates the cleavage of di-sulphide bonds of cuticle and formation of sulphur-oxygen groups such as Cystine Sulphonate (-S-SO3-), cysteic acid (-SO3-), cystine monoxide(-SO-S-), cysteine di-oxide (-SO2-S-). A possible explanation about how the combined effect of morphological and chemical changes induced by plasma results in minimizing the felting of wool fibers is discussed.

Isolation and characterization of nanocrystalline cellulose from roselle-derived microcrystalline cellulose.

PubMed

Kian, Lau Kia; Jawaid, Mohammad; Ariffin, Hidayah; Karim, Zoheb

2018-07-15

Roselle fiber is a renewable and sustainable agricultural waste enriched with cellulose polysaccharides. The isolation of Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from roselle-derived microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an alternative approach to recover the agricultural roselle plant residue. In the present study, acid hydrolysis with different reaction time was carried out to degrade the roselle-derived MCC to form NCC. The characterizations of isolated NCC were conducted through Fourier Transform Infrared Ray (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). As evaluated from the performed morphological investigations, the needle-like shape NCC nanostructures were observed under TEM and AFM microscopy studies, while irregular rod-like shape of NCC was observed under FESEM analysis. With 60min hydrolysis time, XRD analysis demonstrated the highest NCC crystallinity degree with 79.5%. In thermal analysis by TGA and DSC, the shorter hydrolysis time tended to produce NCC with higher thermal stability. Thus, the isolated NCC from roselle-derived MCC has high potential to be used in application of pharmaceutical and biomedical fields for nanocomposite fabrication. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silicone intraocular lens surface calcification in a patient with asteroid hyalosis.

PubMed

Matsumura, Kazuhiro; Takano, Masahiko; Shimizu, Kimiya; Nemoto, Noriko

2012-07-01

To confirm a substance presence on the posterior intraocular lens (IOL) surface in a patient with asteroid hyalosis. An 80-year-old man had IOLs for approximately 12 years. Opacities and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet pits were observed on the posterior surface of the right IOL. Asteroid hyalosis and an epiretinal membrane were observed OD. An IOL exchange was performed on 24 March 2008, and the explanted IOL was analyzed using a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope with a scanning electron micrograph and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer for elemental analysis. To confirm asteroid hyalosis, asteroid bodies were examined with the ionic liquid (EtMeIm+ BF4-) method using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with digital beam control RGB mapping. X-ray spectrometry of the deposits revealed high calcium and phosphorus peaks. Spectrometry revealed that the posterior IOL surface opacity was due to a calcium-phosphorus compound. Examination of the asteroid bodies using FE-SEM with digital beam control RGB mapping confirmed calcium and phosphorus as the main components. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate deposits were probably responsible for the posterior IOL surface opacity. Furthermore, analysis of the asteroid bodies demonstrated that calcium and phosphorus were its main components.

Passive optical limiting studies of nanostructured Cu doped ZnO-PVA composite thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamgadge, Y. S.; Sunatkari, A. L.; Talwatkar, S. S.; Pahurkar, V. G.; Muley, G. G.

2016-01-01

We prepared undoped and Cu doped ZnO semiconducting nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical co-precipitation method and obtained Cu doped ZnO-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite thin films by spin coating to investigate third order nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties under cw laser excitation. Powder samples of NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. XRD pattern and FE-SEM micrograph revealed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite phase ZnO NPs having uniform morphology with average particle size of 20 nm. The presence of excitons and absorption peaks in the range 343-360 nm, revealed by UV-vis study, were attributed to excitons in n = 1 quantum state. Third order NLO properties of all composite thin films were investigated by He-Ne continuous wave (cw) laser of wavelength 632.8 nm using Z-scan technique. Thermally stimulated enhanced values of nonlinear refraction and absorption coefficients were obtained which may be attributed to self-defocusing effect, reverse saturable absorption, weak free carrier absorption and surface states properties originated from thermo optic effect. Optical limiting properties have been studied using cw diode laser of wavelength 808 nm and results are presented.

Synergistic effect of tartaric acid with 2,6-diaminopyridine on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl

PubMed Central

Qiang, Yujie; Guo, Lei; Zhang, Shengtao; Li, Wenpo; Yu, Shanshan; Tan, Jianhong

2016-01-01

The inhibitive ability of 2,6-diaminopyridine, tartaric acid and their synergistic effect towards mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M HCl solution was evaluated at various concentrations using potentiodynamic polarization measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss experiments. Corresponding surfaces of mild steel were examined by atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The experimental results are in good agreement and reveal a favorable synergistic effect of 2,6-diaminopyridine with tartaric acid, which could protect mild steel from corrosion effectively. Besides, quantum chemical calculations and Monte Carlo simulation were used to clarify the inhibition mechanism of the synergistic effect. PMID:27628901

Preparation of Ag-loaded octahedral Bi2WO6 photocatalyst and its photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Liang; Wang, Guanghui; Zhou, Xuan; Wang, Yi; Gao, Fang; Cheng, Yang

2014-12-01

In this work, an Ag-loaded octahedral Bi2WO6 photocatalyst has been successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method and photo deposition method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and ultra-violet adsorption spectrum (UV-Vis) were employed for characterization of the composite photocatalyst. Furthermore, two different photocatalysts including the obtained Ag-loaded octahedral Bi2WO6 were employed here for photodegradation of model contaminated water of Orange II (OII). Results show that Ag-loaded Bi2WO6 photocatalyst exhibits superior photocatalytic properties compared to the undoped Bi2WO6. The reasons for improvement in photocatalytic activity of the Ag-loaded octahedral Bi2WO6 were also discussed.

Filaments in Carbonaceous Meteorites: Mineral Crystals, Modern Bio-Contaminants or Indigenous Microfossils of Trichomic Prokaryotes?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, Richard B.; Borisyak, A. A.

2011-01-01

Environmental (ESEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations have resulted in the detection of a large number of complex filaments in a variety of carbonaceous meteorites. Many of the filaments were observed to be clearly embedded the rock matrix of freshly fractured interior surfaces of the meteorites. The high resolution images obtained combined with tilt and rotation of the stage provide 3-dimensional morphological and morphometric data for the filaments. Calibrated Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and 2-D elemental X-ray maps have provided information on the chemical compositions of the filaments and the minerals of the associated meteorite rock matrix. These observations are used to evaluate diverse hypotheses regarding the possible abiotic or biogenic nature of the filaments found embedded in these meteorites.

Copper oxide thin films anchored on glass substrate by sol gel spin coating technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnaprabha, M.; Venu, M. Parvathy; Pattabi, Manjunatha

2018-05-01

Owing to the excellent optical, thermal, electrical and photocatalytic properties, copper oxide nanoparticles/films have found applications in optoelectronic devices like solar/photovoltaic cells, lithium ion batteries, gas sensors, catalysts, magnetic storage media etc. Copper oxide is a p-type semiconductor material having a band gap energy varying from 1.2 eV-2.1 eV. Syzygium Samarangense fruit extract was used as reducing agent to synthesize copper oxide nanostructures at room temperature from 10 mM copper sulphate pentahydrate solution. The synthesized nanostructures are deposited onto glass substrate by spin coating followed by annealing the film at 200 °C. Both the copper oxide colloid and films are characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Presence of 2 peaks at 500 nm and a broad peak centered around 800 nm in the UV-Vis absorbance spectra of copper oxide colloid/films is indicative of the formation of anisotropic copper oxide nanostructures is confirmed by the FESEM images which showed the presence of triangular shaped and rod shaped particles. The rod shaped particles inside island like structures were found in unannealed films whereas the annealed films contained different shaped particles with reduced sizes. The elemental analysis using EDS spectra of copper oxide nanoparticles/films showed the presence of both copper and oxygen. Electrical properties of copper oxide nanoparticles are affected due to quantum size effect. The electrical studies carried out on both unannealed and annealed copper oxide films revealed an increase in resistivity with annealing of the films.

An easy and environmentally-friendly approach to superamphiphobicity of aluminum surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, R.; Hu, Y. M.; Wang, L.; Li, Zh. H.; Shen, T.; Zhu, Y.; Xiang, J. Zh.

2017-04-01

Superamphiphobic Al surfaces were achieved via an easy and environmentally-friendly approach. Aqueous mixed solution of 0.7 M CuSO4 and 1 M NaCl was used to etch polished Al surfaces to fabricate a rough morphology distributed with microscale step-like pits. The uniformly distributed nanoscale petals covered on the microscale pits were obtained by subsequent 96 °C hot deionized water bathing for 13 min. Thus, the hierarchical micro/nanometer scale roughness was formed which provided the structural basic of superamphiphobic Al surfaces. By 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorodecyl-triethoxysilane (PFDTS) derivatization, desirable superamphiphobic Al surfaces were achieved with the highest static contact angles of 162° for water, 156° for peanut oil, respectively. Meanwhile, the sliding angles were lower than 10° for both water and peanut oil droplets. The as-prepared Al surfaces were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and optical contact angle measurements. The FE-SEM images of as-prepared Al surfaces showed a hierarchical micro/nanometer scale morphology. XPS analyses demonstrated the PFDTS derivitization on Al surfaces. The superamphiphobic Al surfaces presented good mechanical durability and chemical stability which have a wide range of applications in fields such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-corrosion, oil transportation, energy harvesting, microfluidics, and so forth. The approach reported in this paper may easily realize the industrial production of superamphiphobic Al surfaces owing to the advantage of facile, low cost and environmentally-friendly.

Flexible, ferroelectric nanoparticle doped polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices for lower switching voltage and nanoenergy generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nimmy John, V.; Varanakkottu, Subramanyan Namboodiri; Varghese, Soney

2018-06-01

Flexible polymer dispersed liquid crystal (F-PDLC) devices were fabricated using transparent conducting ITO/PET film. Polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) method was used for pure and ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) and ZnO doped PDLC devices. The distribution of nanoparticles in the PDLC and the formation of micro cavities were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that the addition of ferroelectric BTO nanoparticles has reduced the threshold voltage (Vth) and saturation voltage (Vsat) of FNP-PDLC by 85% and 41% respectively due to the spontaneous polarization of ferroelectric nanoparticles. The ferroelectric properties of BTO and ZnO in the fabricated devices were investigated using dynamic contact electrostatic force microscopy (DC EFM). Flexing the device can generate a potential due to the piezo-tribo electric effect of the ferroelectric nanomaterial doped in the PDLC matrix, which could be utilized as an energy generating system. The switching voltage after multiple flexing was also studied and found to be in par with non-flexing situations.

Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Chitosan Composite Films Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofiber

PubMed Central

Choo, Kaiwen; Ching, Yern Chee; Chuah, Cheng Hock; Julai, Sabariah; Liou, Nai-Shang

2016-01-01

In this study microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was oxidized by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation. The treated cellulose slurry was mechanically homogenized to form a transparent dispersion which consisted of individual cellulose nanofibers with uniform widths of 3–4 nm. Bio-nanocomposite films were then prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan (CS) polymeric blend with different TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) contents (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt %) via the solution casting method. The characterizations of pure PVA/CS and PVA/CS/TOCN films were performed in terms of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results from FESEM analysis justified that low loading levels of TOCNs were dispersed uniformly and homogeneously in the PVA-CS blend matrix. The tensile strength and thermal stability of the films were increased with the increased loading levels of TOCNs to a maximum level. The thermal study indicated a slight improvement of the thermal stability upon the reinforcement of TOCNs. As evidenced by the FTIR and XRD, PVA and CS were considered miscible and compatible owing to hydrogen bonding interaction. These analyses also revealed the good dispersion of TOCNs within the PVA/CS polymer matrix. The improved properties due to the reinforcement of TOCNs can be highly beneficial in numerous applications. PMID:28773763

Bi2Te3 thin hexagonal nanoplatelets: Synthesis and its characterization studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinoth, S.; Balaganapathi, T.; KaniAmuthan, B.; Arun, T.; Muthuselvam, I. Panneer; Chou, Fang-Cheng; Thilakan, P.

2017-08-01

Solvothermal synthesis and optimization of pure Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) hexagonal nanoplatelets was carried out from Bismuth Oxide (Bi2O3) and Tellurium dioxide (TeO2). XRD measurements revealed a sensitive change in crystallization behaviour in correlation with variation in Te/Bi stoichiometry identified through the exchange in intensities between (10 10 ̅) and (110) peaks. Further, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis revealed the variation in Te/Bi ratio with respect to autoclave temperature. Field emission scanning electron Microscope (FESEM) and the high resolution transmission electron Microscope (HRTEM) studies show the complete growth of hexagonal nanoplatelets at 200 °C. Confocal Micro-Raman measurements revealed the occurrence of symmetry breaking in the synthesized hexagonal nanoplatelets. The electrical conductivity and the activation energy were recorded as 6.01×10-3 S/m and 0.042 eV respectively. Highest maximum absolute value of Seebeck coefficient of -355 μV/K was obtained for the hexagonal nanoplatelets.

Synthesis and characterization of single-crystalline zinc tin oxide nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jen-Bin; Wu, Po-Feng; Lin, Hsien-Sheng; Lin, Ya-Ting; Lee, Hsuan-Wei; Kao, Chia-Tze; Liao, Wei-Hsiang; Young, San-Lin

2014-05-01

Crystalline zinc tin oxide (ZTO; zinc oxide with heavy tin doping of 33 at.%) nanowires were first synthesized using the electrodeposition and heat treatment method based on an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane, which has an average diameter of about 60 nm. According to the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results, the synthesized ZTO nanowires are highly ordered and have high wire packing densities. The length of ZTO nanowires is about 4 μm, and the aspect ratio is around 67. ZTO nanowires with a Zn/(Zn + Sn) atomic ratio of 0.67 (approximately 2/3) were observed from an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and corresponding selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns demonstrated that the ZTO nanowire is hexagonal single-crystalline. The study of ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared (UV/Vis/NIR) absorption showed that the ZTO nanowire is a wide-band semiconductor with a band gap energy of 3.7 eV.

Synthesis and characterization of single-crystalline zinc tin oxide nanowires.

PubMed

Shi, Jen-Bin; Wu, Po-Feng; Lin, Hsien-Sheng; Lin, Ya-Ting; Lee, Hsuan-Wei; Kao, Chia-Tze; Liao, Wei-Hsiang; Young, San-Lin

2014-01-01

Crystalline zinc tin oxide (ZTO; zinc oxide with heavy tin doping of 33 at.%) nanowires were first synthesized using the electrodeposition and heat treatment method based on an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane, which has an average diameter of about 60 nm. According to the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results, the synthesized ZTO nanowires are highly ordered and have high wire packing densities. The length of ZTO nanowires is about 4 μm, and the aspect ratio is around 67. ZTO nanowires with a Zn/(Zn + Sn) atomic ratio of 0.67 (approximately 2/3) were observed from an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and corresponding selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns demonstrated that the ZTO nanowire is hexagonal single-crystalline. The study of ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared (UV/Vis/NIR) absorption showed that the ZTO nanowire is a wide-band semiconductor with a band gap energy of 3.7 eV.

Anti-fouling response of gold-carbon nanotubes composite for enhanced ethanol electrooxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai Siddhardha, R. S.; Anupam Kumar, Manne; Lakshminarayanan, V.; Ramamurthy, Sai Sathish

2014-12-01

We report the synthesis of gold carbon nanotubes composite through a one-pot surfactant free approach and its utility for ethanol electrooxidation reaction (EOR). The method involves the application of laser ablation for nanoparticle synthesis and simultaneous assembly of these on carbon nanotubes. The catalyst has been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques. A systematic study of gold carbon nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode for EOR has been pursued. The kinetic study revealed the excellent stability of the modified electrode even after 200 cycles of EOR and with an Arrhenius energy as low as ∼28 kJ mol-1. Tafel slopes that are the measure of electrode activity have been monitored as a function of temperature of the electrolyte. The results indicate that despite an increase in the reaction rate with temperature, the electrode surface has not been significantly passivated by carbonaceous species produced at high temperatures.

Ultrasonication of Bismuth Telluride Nanocrystals Fabricated by Solvothermal Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, Sang-Hyon; Choi, Sang H.; Kim, Jae-Woo; King, Glen C.; Elliott, James R.

2006-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of ultrasonication on bismuth telluride nanocrystals prepared by solvothermal method. In this study, a low dimensional nanocrystal of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) was synthesized by a solvothermal process in an autoclave at 180 C and 200 psi. During the solvothermal reaction, organic surfactants effectively prevented unwanted aggregation of nanocrystals in a selected solvent while controlling the shape of the nanocrystal. The atomic ratio of bismuth and tellurium was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The cavitational energy created by the ultrasonic probe was varied by the ultrasonication process time, while power amplitude remained constant. The nanocrystal size and its size distribution were measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and a dynamic light scattering system. When the ultrasonication time increased, the average size of bismuth telluride nanocrystal gradually increased due to the direct collision of nanocrystals. The polydispersity of the nanocrystals showed a minimum when the ultrasonication was applied for 5 min. Keywords: bismuth telluride, nanocrystal, low-dimensional, ultrasonication, solvothermal

Influences of Co doping on the structural and optical properties of ZnO nanostructured

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majeed Khan, M. A.; Wasi Khan, M.; Alhoshan, Mansour; Alsalhi, M. S.; Aldwayyan, A. S.

2010-07-01

Pure and Co-doped ZnO nanostructured samples have been synthesized by a chemical route. We have studied the structural and optical properties of the samples by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), field-emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The XRD patterns show that all the samples are hexagonal wurtzite structures. Changes in crystallite size due to mechanical activation were also determined from X-ray measurements. These results were correlated with changes in particle size followed by SEM and TEM. The average crystallite sizes obtained from XRD were between 20 to 25 nm. The TEM images showed the average particle size of undoped ZnO nanostructure was about 20 nm whereas the smallest average grain size at 3% Co was about 15 nm. Optical parameters such as absorption coefficient ( α), energy band gap ( E g ), the refractive index ( n), and dielectric constants ( σ) have been determined using different methods.

The effect of carbon nanotubes functionalization on the band-gap energy of TiO2-CNT nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahbazi, Hessam; Shafei, Alireza; Sheibani, Saeed

2018-01-01

In this paper the morphology and structure of TiO2-CNT nanocomposite powder obtained by an in situ sol-gel process were investigated. The synthesized nanocomposite powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The effect of functionalizing of CNT on the properties was studied. XRD results showed amorphous structure before calcination. Also, anatase phase TiO2 was formed after calcination at 400 °C. The SEM results indicate different distributions of TiO2 on CNTs. As a result, well dispersed TiO2 microstructure on the surface of CNTs was observed after functionalizing, while compact and large aggregated particles were found without functionalizing. The average thickness of uniform and well-defined coated TiO2 layer was in the range of 30-40 nm. The DRS results have determined the reflective properties and band gap energies of nanocomposite powders and have shown that functionalizing of CNTs caused the change of band-gap energy from 2.98 to 2.87 eV.

Ce(3+) /Tb(3+) non-/single-/co-doped K-Lu-F materials: synthesis, optical properties, and energy transfer.

PubMed

Cao, Chunyan; Xie, An; Noh, Hyeon Mi; Jeong, Jung Hyun

2016-08-01

Using a hydrothermal method, Ce(3+) /Tb(3+) non-/single-/co-doped K-Lu-F materials have been synthesized. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that the Ce(3+) and/or Tb(3+) doping had great effects on the crystalline phases of the final samples. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images indicated that the samples were in hexagonal disk or polyhedron morphologies in addition to some nanoparticles, which also indicated that the doping also had great effects on the sizes and the morphologies of the samples. The energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) patterns illustrated the constituents of different samples. The enhanced emissions of Tb(3+) were observed in the Ce(3+) /Tb(3+) co-doped K-Lu-F materials. The energy transfer (ET) efficiency ηT were calculated based on the fluorescence yield. The ET mechanism from Ce(3+) to Tb(3+) was confirmed to be the dipole-quadrupole interaction inferred from the theoretical analysis and the experimental data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Incident-response monitoring technologies for aircraft cabin air quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magoha, Paul W.

Poor air quality in commercial aircraft cabins can be caused by volatile organophosphorus (OP) compounds emitted from the jet engine bleed air system during smoke/fume incidents. Tri-cresyl phosphate (TCP), a common anti-wear additive in turbine engine oils, is an important component in today's global aircraft operations. However, exposure to TCP increases risks of certain adverse health effects. This research analyzed used aircraft cabin air filters for jet engine oil contaminants and designed a jet engine bleed air simulator (BAS) to replicate smoke/fume incidents caused by pyrolysis of jet engine oil. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) were used for elemental analysis of filters, and gas chromatography interfaced with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze used filters to determine TCP isomers. The filter analysis study involved 110 used and 90 incident filters. Clean air filter samples exposed to different bleed air conditions simulating cabin air contamination incidents were also analyzed by FESEM/EDS, NAA, and GC/MS. Experiments were conducted on a BAS at various bleed air conditions typical of an operating jet engine so that the effects of temperature and pressure variations on jet engine oil aerosol formation could be determined. The GC/MS analysis of both used and incident filters characterized tri- m-cresyl phosphate (TmCP) and tri-p-cresyl phosphate (TpCP) by a base peak of an m/z = 368, with corresponding retention times of 21.9 and 23.4 minutes. The hydrocarbons in jet oil were characterized in the filters by a base peak pattern of an m/z = 85, 113. Using retention times and hydrocarbon thermal conductivity peak (TCP) pattern obtained from jet engine oil standards, five out of 110 used filters tested had oil markers. Meanwhile 22 out of 77 incident filters tested positive for oil fingerprints. Probit analysis of jet engine oil aerosols obtained from BAS tests by optical particle counter (OPC) revealed lognormal distributions with the mean (range) of geometric mass mean diameter (GMMD) = 0.41 (0.39, 0.45) microm and geometric standard deviation (GSD), sigma g = 1.92 (1.87, 1.98). FESEM/EDS and NAA techniques found a wide range of elements on filters, and further investigations of used filters are recommended using these techniques. The protocols for air and filter sampling and GC/MS analysis used in this study will increase the options available for detecting jet engine oil on cabin air filters. Such criteria could support policy development for compliance with cabin air quality standards during incidents.

Structural morphology of zinc oxide structures with antibacterial application of calamine lotion

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

Ann, Ling Chuo; Mahmud, Shahrom; Bakhori, Siti Khadijah Mohd

In this study, we report the structural morphology of a zinc oxide (ZnO) sample and antibacterial application of the ZnO structures in calamine lotion. Antibacterial activities of the calamine lotion towards Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. The structural morphology of ZnO sample was studied using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The morphologies of the ZnO structure consisted of many rod and spherical structures. The particle sizes of the sample ranged from 40 nm to 150 nm. A calamine lotion was prepared through mixing the ZnO structures with other constituents in suitable proportion. Themore » energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of large amount of ZnO structures whiles the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed a good crystalline property of ZnO in the calamine lotion mixture. The morphological structures of ZnO were found to remain unchanged in the calamine lotion mixture through FESEM imaging. In the antibacterial test, prepared calamine lotion exhibited a remarkable bacterial inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 24 h of treatment. The bactericidal capability of calamine lotion was largely due to the presence of ZnO structures which induce high toxicity and killing effect on the bacteria.« less

In Vitro Assessment of Early Bacterial Activity on Micro/Nanostructured Ti6Al4V Surfaces.

PubMed

Valdez-Salas, Benjamin; Beltrán-Partida, Ernesto; Castillo-Uribe, Sandra; Curiel-Álvarez, Mario; Zlatev, Roumen; Stoytcheva, Margarita; Montero-Alpírez, Gisela; Vargas-Osuna, Lidia

2017-05-18

It is imperative to understand and systematically compare the initial interactions between bacteria genre and surface properties. Thus, we fabricated a flat, anodized with 80 nm TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs), and a rough Ti6Al4V surface. The materials were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We cultured in vitro Staphylococcus epidermidis ( S. epidermidis ) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) to evaluate the bacterial-surface behavior by FE-SEM and viability calculation. In addition, the initial effects of human osteoblasts were tested on the materials. Gram-negative bacteria showed promoted adherence and viability over the flat and rough surface, while NTs displayed opposite activity with altered morphology. Gram-positive bacteria illustrated similar cellular architecture over the surfaces but with promoted surface adhesion bonds on the flat alloy. Rough surfaces supported S. epidermidis viability, whilst NTs exhibited lower vitality. NTs advocated promoted better osteoblast organization with enhanced vitality. Gram-positive bacteria suggested preferred adhesion capability over flat and carbon-rich surfaces. Gram-negative bacteria were strongly disturbed by NTs but largely stimulated by flat and rough materials. Our work proposed that the chemical profile of the material surface and the bacterial cell wall characteristics might play an important role in the bacteria-surface interactions.

Eu2+,Dy3+ codoped SrAl2O4 nanocrystalline phosphor for latent fingerprint detection in forensic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Vishal; Das, Amrita; Kumar, Vinay

2016-01-01

In this work, europium and dysprosium doped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+) nanophosphor is synthesized and its novel application for the detection of latent fingerprints on various contact surfaces is reported. The SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ is synthesized using a combustion method and shows long-lasting afterglow luminescence. The powder particles are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), SEM-energy dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectrophotometry. The FE-SEM image analysis reveals that the nanoparticles are mostly 8-15 nm in size with an irregular spherical shape. This nano-structured powder was applied to fresh and aged fingerprints deposited on porous, semi-porous and non-porous contact surfaces, such as ordinary colored paper, glossy paper, glass, aluminum foil, a yellow foil chocolate wrapper, a soft drink can, a PET bottle, a compact disc and a computer mouse. The results are reproducible and show great sensitivity and high contrast in the developed fingermark regions on these surfaces. These nanophosphor particles also show a strong and long-lasting afterglow property, making them a suitable candidate for use as a fingerprint developing agent on luminescent and highly patterned surfaces. These kinds of powders have shown that they can remove the interference from background luminescence, which is not possible using ordinary luminescent fingerprinting powders.

TiO2-BASED Composite Films for the Photodegradation of Oxytetracycline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui; Guan, Ling-Xiao; Feng, Ji-Jun; Li, Fang; Yao, Ming-Ming

2015-02-01

The spread of the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) has been thought as a threat to the safety of drinking water. In this paper, the photocatalytic activity of the nanocrystalline Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite film for the degradation of OTC was studied. The films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and UV-Vis diffraction reflectance absorption spectra (DRS). The FE-SEM results indicated that the Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 film was composed of smaller nanoparticles compared to pure TiO2 or TiO2-SiO2 film. The BET surface area results showed that the specific surface area of the pure TiO2, TiO2-SiO2 and Ca2+/Fe3+ co-doped TiO2-SiO2 is 118.3 m2g-1, 294.3 m2g-1 and 393.7 m2g-1, respectively. The DRS and PL spectra revealed that the Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 film had strong visible light adsorption and diminished electrons/holes recombination. Experimental results showed that the Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 film is effective in the degradation of OTC under both UV and visible light irradiation.

Structure, glass transition temperature and spectroscopic properties of 10Li2O-xP2O5-(89-x)TeO2-1CuO (5≤x≤25 mol%) glass system.

PubMed

Upender, G; Babu, J Chinna; Mouli, V Chandra

2012-04-01

X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR), Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical absorption studies on 10Li2O-xP2O5-(89-x)TeO2-1CuO glasses (where x=5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) have been carried out. The amorphous nature of the glasses was confirmed using XRD and FESEM measurements. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of glass samples have been estimated from DSC traces and found that the Tg increases with increasing P2O5 content. Both the IR and Raman studies have been showed that the present glass system consists of [TeO3], [TeO4], [PO3] and [PO4] units. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters such as g∥, g⊥, and A∥ have been determined from EPR spectra and it was found that the Cu2+ ion is present in tetragonal distorted octahedral site with [Formula: see text] as the ground state. Bonding parameters and bonding symmetry of Cu2+ ions have been calculated by correlating EPR and optical data and were found to be composition dependent. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facile Synthesis of Efficient Antibacterial Agent as CoFe₂O₄/Ag Composite Material Against Both Gram-Negative Escherichia coli and Gram-Positive Bacillus subtilis Bacteria.

PubMed

Gankhuyag, Sukhbayar; Lee, Kyoung; Bae, Dong Sik

2018-09-01

We have suggested that a facile synthesis of CoFe2O4/Ag composite material as an antibacterial agent for substitution of a chlorination agent for microbial infected wastewater treatment. The CoFe2O4/Ag was synthesized by an impregnation method in assistance with trisodium citrate as a reducing agent. The as-prepared uncalcined CoFe2O4 (CFG), calcined CoFe2O4 (CFG600), and calcined CoFe2O4/Ag (CFG600/Ag) composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Antibacterial activities were also determined in liquid culture by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) bacteria in vitro. Results showed that CFG600/Ag composites had an excellent antibacterial activity in comparison with CFG and CFG600 composites. The CFG600/Ag composites have completely inhibited the growth of both E. coli and B. subtilis bacteria from concentrations of more than 0.25 mg/ml. Furthermore, the FE-SEM study demonstrated the physical damage of bacteria when treated with CFG600/Ag composite material at a concentration of 0.10 mg/ml.

Magnetic cellulose/Ag as a novel eco-friendly nanobiocomposite to catalyze synthesis of chromene-linked nicotinonitriles.

PubMed

Maleki, Ali; Movahed, Hamed; Ravaghi, Parisa

2017-01-20

In this work, design, preparation and performance of magnetic cellulose/Ag nanobiocomposite as a recyclable and highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst is described. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) curve, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) were used for the characterization. Then, its activity was investigated in the synthesis of 2-amino-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4-phenylnicotinonitrile derivatives. The main advantages of the reaction are high yields and short reaction times. The remarkable magnetic property of the nanobiocomposite catalyst provides easy separation from the reaction mixture by an external magnet without considerable loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface morphology and molecular bonding of CaCO3 nanocrystallites by gas diffusion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulimai, N. H.; Rani, Rozina Abdul; Khusaimi, Z.; Abdullah, S.; Salifairus, M. J.; Alrokayan, Salman; Khan, Haseeb; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Calcium carbonate with the chemical formula of (CaCO3) is the most abundant element in the world. Its usage on certain applications is largely affected by its properties. The best means to control its properties is through controlled preparation of CaCO3. This study uses diffusion method between the precursors Calcium Chloride and Ammonium Carbonate. Instead of using water, ethanol was used to prepare the salt. Reaction was done in room temperature (RT) for 6h-24h. Smallest average crystallite size measured by FESEM micrograph is 500nm produced by synthesis of CaCO3 reacted for 168 hours. From energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum also indicated the smallest particle size is by CaCO3 reacted for 168 hours. Changes was seen for element Ca at 3.7keV.

Double-side illuminated titania nanotubes for high volume hydrogen generation by water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Susanta K.; Mahajan, Vishal K.; Misra, Mano

2007-11-01

A sonoelectrochemical anodization method is proposed to synthesize TiO2 nanotubular arrays on both sides of a titanium foil (TiO2/Ti/TiO2). Highly ordered TiO2 nanotubular arrays of 16 cm2 area with uniform surface distribution can be obtained using this anodization procedure. These double-sided TiO2/Ti/TiO2 materials are used as both photoanode (carbon-doped titania nanotubes) and cathode (Pt nanoparticles dispersed on TiO2 nanotubes; PtTiO2/Ti/PtTiO2) in a specially designed photoelectrochemical cell to generate hydrogen by water splitting at a rate of 38 ml h-1. The nanomaterials are characterized by FESEM, HRTEM, STEM, EDS, FFT, SAED and XPS techniques. The present approach can be used for large-scale hydrogen generation using renewable energy sources.

Synthesis of MnFe2O4 magnetic nano hollow spheres by a facile solvothermal route and its characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Chaitali; Chaudhuri, Arka; Goswami, Madhuri Mandal

2018-04-01

Herein, we report the synthesis of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) magnetic nano hollow sphere (NHS) by a solvothermal route. Crystalline phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Magnetic measurements were done in vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and morphological structure was analyzed by field emission high resolution scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and structural characterization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis was performed by thermo-gravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). The size of the NHS was around 470 nm, this large size may show a potential applicability in industrial application, like dye adsorption, catalysis etc. In addition, because of its ferromagnetic character at room temperature, it can be easily separated by external magnetic field after the application is done.

Nanostructured ZnO Films for Room Temperature Ammonia Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhivya Ponnusamy; Sridharan Madanagurusamy

2014-09-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films have been deposited by a reactive dc magnetron sputtering technique onto a thoroughly cleaned glass substrate at room temperature. X-ray diffraction revealed that the deposited film was polycrystalline in nature. The field emission scanning electron micrograph (FE-SEM) showed the uniform formation of a rugby ball-shaped ZnO nanostructure. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed that the film was stoichiometric and the direct band gap of the film, determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, was 3.29 eV. The ZnO nanostructured film exhibited better sensing towards ammonia (NH3) at room temperature (˜30°C). The fabricated ZnO film based sensor was capable of detecting NH3 at as low as 5 ppm, and its parameters, such as response, selectivity, stability, and response/recovery time, were also investigated.

Studies on the chemical synthesis and characterization of lead oxide nanoparticles with different organic capping agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arulmozhi, K. T.; Mythili, N.

2013-12-01

Lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles were chemically synthesized using Lead (II) acetate as precursor. The effects of organic capping agents such as Oleic acid, Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA) and Cetryl Tri Methyl Butoxide (CTAB) on the size and morphology of the nanoparticles were studied. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Photoluminescence (PL) Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to analyse the prepared nanoparticles for their physical, structural and optical properties. The characterization studies reveal that the synthesized PbO nanoparticles had well defined crystalline structure and sizes in the range of 25 nm to 36 nm for capping agents used and 40 nm for pure PbO nanoparticles.

Effect of particle morphology of Ni on the mechanical behavior of AZ91E-Ni coated nano Al2O3 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sameer Kumar, D.; Suman, K. N. S.; Poddar, Palash

2017-06-01

The properties of any composite always depend on the bonding between the matrix and reinforcement phases. One way of improving the wettability of reinforcement in a matrix is to apply a layer of coating on reinforcing particles. The present study aims at developing Ni coating on nano Al2O3 ceramic particles and dispersing them in AZ91E magnesium matrix material. The electroless plating method has been employed to coat the particles and semi solid stir casting technique was adopted to prepare the composites. Several weight fractions of dispersed phase are considered to analyze the behavior of the fabricated composites. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray diffraction analysis has been carried out to investigate the distribution of particles and phase characteristics of the proposed material. The physical and mechanical behavior of the material was examined through density measurements, hardness, elastic modulus, ductility and tensile strength calculations. The metal coating on reinforcement aids to promote metal-metal bonding interface reactions which result in improved properties of the composite. Tensile fractography was carried out under FESEM and presented.

The use of novel biodegradable, optically active and nanostructured poly(amide-ester-imide) as a polymer matrix for preparation of modified ZnO based bionanocomposites

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

Abdolmaleki, Amir, E-mail: abdolmaleki@cc.iut.ac.ir; Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Institute, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran; Mallakpour, Shadpour, E-mail: mallak@cc.iut.ac.ir

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A novel biodegradable and nanostructured PAEI based on two amino acids, was synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO nanoparticles were modified via two different silane coupling agents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PAEI/modified ZnO BNCs were synthesized through ultrasound irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO particles were dispersed homogeneously in PAEI matrix on nanoscale. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the properties of synthesized polymer was examined. -- Abstract: A novel biodegradable and nanostructured poly(amide-ester-imide) (PAEI) based on two different amino acids, was synthesized via direct polycondensation of biodegradable N,N Prime -bis[2-(methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate)]isophthaldiamide and N,N Prime -(pyromellitoyl)-bis-L-phenylalanine diacid. The resulting polymer was characterized by FT-IR, {sup 1}H NMR,more » specific rotation, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. The synthesized polymer showed good thermal stability with nano and sphere structure. Then PAEI/ZnO bionanocomposites (BNCs) were fabricated via interaction of pure PAEI and ZnO nanoparticles. The surface of ZnO was modified with two different silane coupling agents. PAEI/ZnO BNCs were studied and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, UV/vis, FE-SEM and TEM. The TEM and FE-SEM results indicated that the nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously in PAEI matrix on nanoscale. Furthermore the effect of ZnO nanoparticle on the thermal stability of the polymer was investigated with TGA and DSC technique.« less

Morphological and ultrastructural comparative analysis of bone tissue after Er:YAG laser and surgical drill osteotomy.

PubMed

Panduric, Dragana Gabric; Juric, Ivona Bago; Music, Svetozar; Molčanov, Krešimir; Sušic, Mato; Anic, Ivica

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze morphological, chemical, and crystallographic changes of bone tissue after osteotomy performed with an erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser and a low speed pilot drill. Bone blocks were prepared from porcine ribs, and on each block, two tunnel preparations were performed using the Er:YAG laser (pulse energy: 1000 mJ, pulse duration: 300 μs, pulse repetition rate: 20 Hz) or the low-speed surgical pilot drill. The morphological changes of the cortical and the spongious surface of the tunnel preparations were analyzed under the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) at low and high resolution. The distribution and the level of chemical elements in the treated surfaces were evaluated by qualitative and semiquantitative energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Diffraction x-ray analysis was used to detect any differences and thermally induced modifications of hydroxyapatite crystals. FE-SEM revealed sharp edges of the Er:YAG preparations, with empty intertrabecular spaces and no signs of carbonization. In the drill group, the surface of the preparations was smooth, completely covered with smear layer and microcracks, and with hairy-like irregularities on the edges. SEM-EDX analysis did not reveal any differences in the number of specific chemical elements between the laser and the drill group. There were no thermally induced modifications of hydroxyapatite crystal structure in the bone tissue in either group. The Er:YAG laser ablation did not cause any chemical or crystallographic changes of the bone tissue. Compared with the drill, Er:YAG laser created well-defined edges of the preparations, and cortical bone had no smear layer.

Magnetically recyclable Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/Zn0.95Ni0.05O nano-photocatalyst: structural, optical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties.

PubMed

Qasim, Mohd; Asghar, Khushnuma; Singh, Braj Raj; Prathapani, Sateesh; Khan, Wasi; Naqvi, A H; Das, Dibakar

2015-02-25

A novel visible light active and magnetically separable nanophotocatalyst, Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/Zn0.95Ni0.05O (denoted as NZF@Z), with varying amount of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, has been synthesized by egg albumen assisted sol gel technique. The structural, optical, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. Powder XRD, TEM, FTIR and energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) analyses confirm coexistence of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and Zn0.95Ni0.05O phases in the catalyst. Crystallite sizes of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and Zn0.95Ni0.05O in pure phases and nanocomposites, estimated from Debye-Scherrer equation, are found to be around 15-25 nm. The estimated particle sizes from TEM and FESEM data are ∼(22±6) nm. The calculated energy band gaps, obtained by Tauc relation from UV-Vis absorption spectra, of Zn0.95Ni0.05O, 15%NZF@Z, 40%NZF@Z and 60%NZF@Z are 2.95, 2.72, 2.64, and 2.54 eV respectively. Magnetic measurements (field (H) dependent magnetization (M)) show all samples to be super-paramagnetic in nature and saturation magnetizations (Ms) decrease with decreasing ferrite content in the nanocomposites. These novel nanocomposites show excellent photocatalytic activities on Rhodamin Dye. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Properties of Cement Mortar and Ultra-High Strength Concrete Incorporating Graphene Oxide Nanosheets.

PubMed

Lu, Liulei; Ouyang, Dong

2017-07-20

In this work, the effect of graphene oxide nanosheet (GONS) additives on the properties of cement mortar and ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC) is reported. The resulting GONS-cement composites were easy to prepare and exhibited excellent mechanical properties. However, their fluidity decreased with increasing GONS content. The UHSC specimens were prepared with various amounts of GONSs (0-0.03% by weight of cement). Results indicated that using 0.01% by weight of cement GONSs caused a 7.82% in compressive strength after 28 days of curing. Moreover, adding GONSs improved the flexural strength and deformation ability, with the increase in flexural strength more than that of compressive strength. Furthermore, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe the morphology of the hardened cement paste and UHSC samples. FE-SEM observations showed that the GONSs were well dispersed in the matrix and the bonding of the GONSs and the surrounding cement matrix was strong. Furthermore, FE-SEM observation indicated that the GONSs probably affected the shape of the cement hydration products. However, the growth space for hydrates also had an important effect on the morphology of hydrates. The true hydration mechanism of cement composites with GONSs needs further study.

Effects of SiO2 nano-particles on tribological and mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites by different dispersion methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azadi, Mahboobeh; Zolfaghari, Mehrdad; Rezanezhad, Saeid; Azadi, Mohammad

2018-05-01

This study has been presented with mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites, reinforced by SiO2 nano-particles. The stir casting method was employed to produce various aluminum matrix composites. Different composites by varying the SiO2 nano-particle content (including 0.5 and 1 weight percents) and two dispersion methods (including ball-milling and pre-heating) were made. Then, the density, the hardness, the compression strength, the wear resistance and the microstructure of nano-composites have been studied in this research. Besides, the distribution of nano-particles in the aluminum matrix for all composites has been also evaluated by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Obtained results showed that the density, the elongation and the ultimate compressive strength of various nano-composites decreased by the presence of SiO2 nano-particles; however, the hardness, the wear resistance, the yield strength and the elastic modulus of composites increased by auditioning of nano-particles to the aluminum alloy. FESEM images indicated better wetting of the SiO2 reinforcement in the aluminum matrix, prepared by the pre-heating dispersion method, comparing to ball-milling. When SiO2 nano-particles were added to the aluminum alloy, the morphology of the Si phase and intermetallic phases changed, which enhanced mechanical properties. In addition, the wear mechanism plus the friction coefficient value were changed for various nano-composites with respect to the aluminum alloy.

A convenient strategy to functionalize carbon nanotubes with ascorbic acid and its effect on the physical and thermomechanical properties of poly(amide–imide) composites

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

Mallakpour, Shadpour, E-mail: mallak@cc.iut.ac.ir; Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Institute, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, I.R. Iran; Zadehnazari, Amin

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized by ascorbic acid by a fast strategy under microwave irradiation to improve interfacial interactions and dispersion of CNTs in a poly(amide–imide) (PAI) matrix. This technique provides a rapid and economically viable route to produce covalently functionalized CNTs. The as-prepared, new type of functionalized CNTs were analyzed by several techniques. The thermal stabilities and mechanical interfacial properties of CNT/PAI composites were investigated using several techniques. The dispersion state of CNTs in the PAI matrix was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical interfacial property of the compositesmore » was significantly increased by the addition of ascorbic acid treated CNTs. The FE-SEM and TEM results showed that the separation and uniform dispersion of CNTs in the PAI matrix. The overview of these recent results is presented. -- Graphical abstract: Presentation of possible interactions of hydrogen bonding between the MWCNT-AS and the PAI chains. Highlights: • Surface functionalization of MWCNTs with ascorbic acid under microwave irradiation. • The MWCNT-AS/PAI composite films were fabricated by solution blending process. • Microstructure and MWCNT states in the composites were studied. • Thermal and mechanical properties of the composite films were evaluated. • Films of different contents of the MWCNTs-AS showed a superior tensile behavior.« less

Elucidating the real-time Ag nanoparticle growth on α-Ag2WO4 during electron beam irradiation: experimental evidence and theoretical insights.

PubMed

Pereira, Wyllamanney da Silva; Andrés, Juan; Gracia, Lourdes; San-Miguel, Miguel A; da Silva, Edison Z; Longo, Elson; Longo, Valeria M

2015-02-21

Why and how Ag is formed when electron beam irradiation takes place on α-Ag2WO4 in a vacuum transmission electron microscopy chamber? To find an answer, the atomic-scale mechanisms underlying the formation and growth of Ag on α-Ag2WO4 have been investigated by detailed in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) studies, density functional theory based calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The growth process at different times, chemical composition, size distribution and element distribution were analyzed in depth at the nanoscale level using FE-SEM, operated at different voltages (5, 10, 15, and 20 kV), and TEM with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) characterization. The size of Ag nanoparticles covers a wide range of values. Most of the Ag particles are in the 20-40 nm range. The nucleation and formation of Ag on α-Ag2WO4 is a result of structural and electronic changes in the AgOx (x = 2,4, 6, and 7) clusters used as constituent building blocks of this material, consistent with metallic Ag formation. First principle calculations point out that Ag-3 and Ag-4-fold coordinated centers, located in the sub-surface of the (100) surface, are the most energetically favorable to undergo the diffusion process to form metallic Ag. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and the nudged elastic band (NEB) method were used to investigate the minimum energy pathways of these Ag atoms from positions in the first slab layer to outward sites on the (100) surface of α-Ag2WO4. The results point out that the injection of electrons decreases the activation barrier for this diffusion step and this unusual behavior results from the presence of a lower energy barrier process.

Green synthesis of Copper nanoparticle using ionic liquid-based extraction from Polygonum minus and their applications.

PubMed

Ullah, Habib; Wilfred, Cecilia Devi; Shaharun, Maizatul Shima

2018-06-06

The present work reports the extraction of phenolic compounds from Polygonum minus using ionic liquid as extracting solvent. In this work, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [BMIM][HSO 4 ] was used for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Accordingly, ionic liquids based microwave-assisted extraction treatment for separating of bioactive compounds from polygonum minus was first performed in the present study. The results obtained in this work have high extraction yield in comparison with conventional solvent. UV/Vis results showed that microwave synthesis was fast, well dispersed and nanosized copper nanoparticle (CuNPs) in comparison with conventional synthesis. CuNPs was characterized by X-Rays diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive x-rays (FESEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All the instrumental analyses confirmed the particles were nanosized. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of as-synthesized CuNPs showed effective inhibitory zone against three different bacteria. The photocatalytic degradation of copper nanoparticles was studied using methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes under UV light and degraded 99.9% within short time 8 and 7 minutes.

Date Fruits-Assisted Synthesis and Biocompatibility Assessment of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Anchored onto Graphene Sheets for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Alshatwi, Ali A; Athinarayanan, Jegan; Periasamy, Vaiyapuri Subbarayan; Alatiah, Khalid A

2017-02-01

Nanographene- and graphene-based nanohybrids have garnered attention in the biomedical community owing to their biocompatibility, excellent aqueous processability, ease of cellular uptake, facile surface functionalization, and thermal and electrical conductivities. NiO nanoparticle-graphene nanohybrid (G-NiO) was synthesized by first depositing Ni(OH) 2 onto the surface of graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The Ni(OH) 2 -GO hybrids were then reduced to G-NiO using date palm syrup at 85 °C. The prepared G-NiO nanohybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The NiO nanoparticles, with a diameter of approximately 20-30 nm, were uniformly dispersed over the surface of the graphene sheets. The G-NiO hybrids exhibit biocompatibility in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) up to 100 μg/mL. The nanohybrids do not cause any significant changes in cellular and nuclear morphologies in hMSCs. The as-synthesized nanohybrids show excellent biocompatibility and could be a promising material for biomedical applications.

Fabrication and Characterizations of Ethanol Sensor Based on CuO Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Al-Hadeethi, Yas; Umar, Ahmad; Kumar, Rajesh; Al-Heniti, Saleh H; Raffah, Bahaaudin M

2018-04-01

In this paper, we report the synthesis, characterization and ethanol sensing applications of CuO nanoparticles. The CuO nanoparticles were prepared by a facile, low-temperature hydrothermal method and characterized in detail in terms of their structural, morphological, compositional and crystalline properties, through different characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) attached with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The detailed studies revealed that the synthesized CuO nanoparticles were well-crystalline and possessed monoclinic crystal structure. The synthesized CuO nanoparticles were utilized for the fabrication of highly sensitive ethanol gas sensor. At an optimized temperature of 320 °C, high sensitivity (Ra/Rg) of 39.29 was observed for 200 ppm of ethanol gas. Additionally, very low response (τres = 14 s) and recovery (τrec = 30 s) times were observed for 100 ppm of ethanol.

Effects of fines content on hydraulic conductivity and morphology of laterite soil as hydraulic barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bello Yamusa, Yamusa; Yunus, Nor Zurairahetty Mohd; Ahmad, Kamarudin; Rahman, Norhan Abd; Sa'ari, Radzuan

2018-03-01

Laterite soil was investigated to find out the effects of fines content and to identify the micro-structural and molecular characteristics to evaluate its potentiality as a compacted soil landfill liner material. Tests were carried out on natural soil and reconstituted soil by dry weight of soil samples to determine the physical and engineering properties of the soil. All tests were carried out on the samples by adopting the British Standard 1377:1990. The possible mechanisms that contributed to the clay mineralogy were analyzed using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The laterite soil was found to contain kaolinite as the major clay minerals. A minimum of 50% fines content of laterite soil met the required result for hydraulic barriers in waste containment facilities.

Effect of copper and nickel doping on the optical and structural properties of ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muǧlu, G. Merhan; Sarıtaş, S.; ćakıcı, T.; Şakar, B.; Yıldırım, M.

2017-02-01

The present study is focused on the Cu doped ZnO and Ni doped ZnO dilute magnetic semiconductor thin films. ZnO:Cu and ZnO:Ni thin films were grown by Chemically Spray Pyrolysis (CSP) method on glass substrates. Optical analysis of the films was done spectral absorption and transmittance measurements by UV-Vis double beam spectrophotometer technique. The structure, morphology, topology and elemental analysis of ZnO:Cu and ZnO:Ni dilute magnetic thin films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, respectively. Also The magnetic properties of the ZnO:Ni thin film was investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) method. VSM measurements of ZnO:Ni thin film showed that the ferromagnetic behavior.

Hexagonal pencil-like CdS nanorods: Facile synthesis and enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Liang; Wang, Guanghui; Zhao, Lei; Zhou, Yong; Gao, Fang; Cheng, Yang

2015-07-01

In the present study, hexagonal pencil-like CdS nanorods have been successfully synthesized through a typical facile and economical one-step hydrothermal method without using any surfactant or template. The product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX). The results revealed that the prepared CdS photocatalyst consisted of a large quantity of straight and smooth solid hexagonal nanorods and a few nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of CdS nanorods and commercial CdS powders were investigated by the photodegradation of Orange II (OII) in aqueous solution under visible light, and the CdS nanorods presented the highest photocatalytic activity. Its photocatalytic efficiency enhancement was attributed to the improved transmission of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the CdS nanostructures. The present findings may provide a facile approach to synthesize high efficient CdS photocatalysts.

Influence of defect luminescence and structural modification on the electrical properties of Magnesium Doped Zinc Oxide Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santoshkumar, B.; Biswas, Amrita; Kalyanaraman, S.; Thangavel, R.; Udayabhanu, G.; Annadurai, G.; Velumani, S.

2017-06-01

Magnesium doped zinc oxide nanorod arrays on zinc oxide seed layers were grown by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed the growth orientation along the preferential (002) direction. The hexagonal morphology was revealed from the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images. The elemental composition of the samples was confirmed by energy dispersive x-ray analysis spectra (EDS) and mapping dots. Carrier concentration, resistivity and mobility of the samples were obtained by Hall measurements. I-V characteristic curve confirmed the increase in resistivity upon doping. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra exposed the characteristic of UV emission along with defect mediated visible emission in the samples. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were undertaken to study the charge transport property. Owing to the change in the structural parameters and defect concentration the electrical properties of the doped samples were altered.

Alendronate-Eluting Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (BCP) Scaffolds Stimulate Osteogenic Differentiation

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung Eun; Lee, Deok-Won; Kang, Eun Young; Jeong, Won Jae; Lee, Boram; Jeong, Myeong Seon; Kim, Hak Jun; Park, Kyeongsoon; Song, Hae-Ryong

2015-01-01

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds have been widely used in orthopedic and dental fields as osteoconductive bone substitutes. However, BCP scaffolds are not satisfactory for the stimulation of osteogenic differentiation and maturation. To enhance osteogenic differentiation, we prepared alendronate- (ALN-) eluting BCP scaffolds. The coating of ALN on BCP scaffolds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). An in vitro release study showed that release of ALN from ALN-eluting BCP scaffolds was sustained for up to 28 days. In vitro results revealed that MG-63 cells grown on ALN-eluting BCP scaffolds exhibited increased ALP activity and calcium deposition and upregulated gene expression of Runx2, ALP, OCN, and OPN compared with the BCP scaffold alone. Therefore, this study suggests that ALN-eluting BCP scaffolds have the potential to effectively stimulate osteogenic differentiation. PMID:26221587

Synthesis, magnetic and ethanol gas sensing properties of semiconducting magnetite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed A.; Al-Hazmi, Faten; Al-Tuwirqi, R. M.; Alnowaiser, F.; Al-Hartomy, Omar A.; El-Tantawy, Farid; Yakuphanoglu, F.

2013-05-01

The superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with an average size of 7 nm were synthesized using a rapid and facile microwave hydrothermal technique. The structure of the magnetite nanoparticles was characterized by X-ray diffraction (X-ray), field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared Fe3O4 was shown to have a cubic phase of pure magnetite. Magnetization hysteresis loop shows that the synthesized magnetite exhibits no hysteretic features with a superparamagnetic behavior. The ethanol gas sensing properties of the synthesized magnetite were investigated, and it was found that the responsibility time is less than 10 s with good reproducibility for ethanol sensor. Accordingly, it is evaluated that the magnetite nanoparticles can be effectively used as a solid state ethanol sensor in industrial commercial product applications.

Nanoparticles of nickel oxide: growth and organization on zinc-substituted anionic clay matrix by one-pot route at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carja, Gabriela; Nakajima, Akira; Dranca, Cristian; Okada, Kiyoshi

2010-10-01

A room temperature nanocarving strategy is developed for the fabrication of nanoparticles of nickel oxide on zinc-substituted anionic clay matrix (Ni/ZnLDH). It is based on the growth and organization of nanoparticles of nickel oxide which occur during the structural reconstruction of the layered structure of the anionic clay in NiSO4 aqueous solution. No organic compounds are used during the fabrication. The described material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results show that the nickel-clay nanoarchitecture consists of small nanoparticles of nickel oxide (average size 7 nm) deposited on the larger nanoparticles (average size 90 nm) of zinc-substituted clay. The optical properties of the new nickel-zinc formulation are studied by UV-Vis.

Room temperature humidity sensor based on polyaniline-tungsten disulfide composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manjunatha, S.; Chethan, B.; Ravikiran, Y. T.; Machappa, T.

2018-05-01

Polyaniline-tungsten disulfide (PANI-WS2) composite was synthesized using in situ polymerization technique by adding finely grinded powder of WS2 during the polymerization of aniline. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed the granular morphology with porous nature. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of carbon, nitrogen, chlorine of PANI, tungsten and sulfur elements of WS2. Humidity sensing property of the composite was investigated by plotting change in its resistance with different relative humidity environments ranging from 10 to 97% RH. Decrease in resistance of the composite was observed with increase in relative humidity. Maximum sensing response of the composite was found to be 88.46%. Response and recovery times of the composite at 97%RH were fair enough to fabricate a sensor based on it. Stability of the composite with respect to the humidity sensing behavior was observed to be unchanged even after two months.

Au sensitized ZnO nanorods for enhanced liquefied petroleum gas sensing properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakate, U. T.; Bulakhe, R. N.; Lokhande, C. D.; Kale, S. N.

2016-05-01

The zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have grown on glass substrate by spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) method using zinc acetate solution. The phase formation, surface morphology and elemental composition of ZnO films have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensing response was remarkably improved by sensitization of gold (Au) surface noble metal on ZnO nanorods film. Maximum LPG response of 21% was observed for 1040 ppm of LPG, for pure ZnO nanorods sample. After Au sensitization on ZnO nanorods film sample, the LPG response greatly improved up to 48% at operating temperature 623 K. The improved LPG response is attributed Au sensitization with spill-over mechanism. Proposed model for LPG sensing mechanism discussed.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cordia dichotoma fruit extract and its enhanced antibacterial, anti-biofilm and photo catalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bharathi, Devaraj; Vasantharaj, Seerangaraj; Bhuvaneshwari, V.

2018-05-01

The present study describes the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and photo catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Cordia dichotoma fruits (Cd-AgNPs) for the first time. The phyto-synthesized Cd-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). FE-SEM and TEM observation showed that the average size of 2–60 nm with spherical shape of Cd-AgNPs and the presence of phyto-compounds which are responsible for capping and reduction were studied by FT-IR. XRD studies revealed the face-centered cubic structure of Cd-AgNPs. The synthesized Cd-AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, assayed using agar well diffusion method. Phyto-synthesized Cd-AgNPs exhibited more than 90% inhibition of biofilm activity formed by S. aureus and E. coli. Furthermore, photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet (CV) under UV light irradiation using Cd-AgNPs was performed. Synthesized Cd-AgNPs exhibited ∼85% degradation activity for CV. Collectively, our findings suggest that C.dichotoma is a green source for the eco-friendly synthesis of Cd-AgNPs, which further can be used as a novel biocidal agent against bacterial pathogens and a potent photo catalytic agent.

Development of TiN particulates reinforced SS316 based metal matrix composite by direct metal laser sintering technique and its characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Manowar; Mandal, Vijay; Kumar, Vikas; Das, A. K.; Ghosh, S. K.

2017-12-01

The present study describes the fabrication of TiN particulates reinforced SS316 based Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) in nitrogen and argon atmosphere. The influence of sintering process parameters on microstructure, density, porosity, wear rate and microhardness of the fabricated samples has been analyzed. The input variable process parameters, such as, laser power density (range: 4.13-5.57 W/cm2 (× 104)), scanning speed (range: 3500-4500 mm/min) and the constant parameters, such as, laser beam diameter (0.4 mm), hatching distance (0.2 mm) and layer thickness (0.4 mm) have been considered in the process. It has been observed from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis that TiN and SS316 powder mixture can be sintered in which chromium acts as a binder. Fine gaps are not found at the interface between TiN and SS316 when the mixture is sintered in nitrogen atmosphere. With an increase in the percentage of TiN, the density and wear rate decreases. However, when the reinforcement is taken beyond 18% by weight, the wear rate starts increasing. The microhardness also increases with an increase in the percentage of TiN. The microstructure, elemental compositions and phase characterization of the developed sintered MMCs have been examined by FESEM, EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffractometer) analysis, respectively. The results have demonstrated the suitability of the TiN reinforced SS316 MMCs for industrial applications.

Synthesis and spectroscopic study of CdS nanoparticles using hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-Mamoori, Mohammed H. K.; Mahdi, Dunia K.; Al-Shrefi, Saif M.

2018-05-01

In this work, cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (powder) with diameter 50.8 nm was prepared using hydrothermal method. The structural and optical properties of CdS nanoparticles was studied by X-ray diffraction, FESEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy and Photoluminance spectrum. X-ray diffraction reveal the formation the purity of prepared phase of CdS particles with hexagonal wurtzite structure with particle size 31.8nm by using sheerer equation. The energy dispersion scattering (EDS) examination explains that the sample is composed of a large amount of Cd and S which are exactly CdS nanoparticles and there is a very small trace of (Zn) and (O) element observed because of there is a small pollutions in the measurement place of samples. FESEM shows the spherical shape of nanoparticles with around 50.8 nm diameter. The optical absorption spectral study identified the red shift of the sample in comparison to bulk ZnO in three dimensions. Photoluminance spectrum (PL) at room temperature showed that there are two luminescence peaks at 433.14 nm and 518.21nm. Samples demonstrate a sharp emission band at around 433.18 nm, which is attributed to the typical exciton luminescence. The broad band at 518.21nm which were attributed to the trapped luminescence. The green emission band at 518.21 nm was associated with the emission due to electronic transition from the conduction band to an accepter level due to interstitial sulphur ion.

Construction of NiO/MnO2/CeO2 hybrid nanoflake arrays as platform for electrochemical energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Lihua; Cui, Jiewu; Zheng, Hongmei; Wang, Yan; Qin, Yongqiang; Shu, Xia; Liu, Jiaqin; Zhang, Yong; Wu, Yucheng

2017-09-01

Rational design and fabrication of novel electrode materials are of great importance for developing supercapacitors with remarkable capacitance and enhanced cycling stability. In this paper, we present a simple one-pot hydrothermal deposition followed by calcinations process for the in situ construction of homogeneous NiO/MnO2/CeO2 (NMC) nanoflake arrays on Ni foam substrate, which could be directly adopted as the binder-free electrode materials for high performance supercapacitors. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are carried out to investigate the morphology, microstructure and composition of NMC nanoflake arrays. As-prepared hierarchical NMC nanoflake arrays exhibit the specific capacitance of 1027.8 F g-1 at a current density of 3.1 A g-1 and excellent cycling stability of 97.8% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. This facile, cost-effective and controllable fabrication route and the robust supercapacitive activity suggest that the ordered NMC nanoflake arrays could be promising candidate electrode materials for high performance electrochemical energy storage devices.

Electrospinning Hetero-Nanofibers In2O3/SnO2 of Homotype Heterojunction with High Gas Sensing Activity

PubMed Central

Du, Haiying; Yao, PengJun; Sun, Yanhui; Wang, Jing; Wang, Huisheng; Yu, Naisen

2017-01-01

In2O3/SnO2 composite hetero-nanofibers were synthesized by an electrospinning technique for detecting indoor volatile organic gases. The physical and chemical properties of In2O3/SnO2 hetero-nanofibers were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), specific surface Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Gas sensing properties of In2O3/SnO2 composite hetero-nanofibers were measured with six kinds of indoor volatile organic gases in concentration range of 0.5~50 ppm at the operating temperature of 275 °C. The In2O3/SnO2 composite hetero-nanofibers sensor exhibited good formaldehyde sensing properties, which would be attributed to the formation of n-n homotype heterojunction in the In2O3/SnO2 composite hetero-nanofibers. Finally, the sensing mechanism of the In2O3/SnO2 composite hetero-nanofibers was analyzed based on the energy-band principle. PMID:28792433

Properties of Cement Mortar and Ultra-High Strength Concrete Incorporating Graphene Oxide Nanosheets

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Dong

2017-01-01

In this work, the effect of graphene oxide nanosheet (GONS) additives on the properties of cement mortar and ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC) is reported. The resulting GONS-cement composites were easy to prepare and exhibited excellent mechanical properties. However, their fluidity decreased with increasing GONS content. The UHSC specimens were prepared with various amounts of GONSs (0–0.03% by weight of cement). Results indicated that using 0.01% by weight of cement GONSs caused a 7.82% in compressive strength after 28 days of curing. Moreover, adding GONSs improved the flexural strength and deformation ability, with the increase in flexural strength more than that of compressive strength. Furthermore, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe the morphology of the hardened cement paste and UHSC samples. FE-SEM observations showed that the GONSs were well dispersed in the matrix and the bonding of the GONSs and the surrounding cement matrix was strong. Furthermore, FE-SEM observation indicated that the GONSs probably affected the shape of the cement hydration products. However, the growth space for hydrates also had an important effect on the morphology of hydrates. The true hydration mechanism of cement composites with GONSs needs further study. PMID:28726750

Optical, structural and electrochromic behavior studies on nanocomposite thin film of aniline, o-toluidine and WO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najafi-Ashtiani, Hamed; Bahari, Ali

2016-08-01

In the field of materials for electrochromic (EC) applications much attention was paid to the derivatives of aniline. We report on the optical, structural and electrochromic properties of electrochromic thin film based on composite of WO3 nanoparticles and copolymer of aniline and o-toluidine prepared by electrochemical polymerization method on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass. The thin film was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphology of prepared thin film was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) as well. The optical spectra of nanocomposite thin film were characterized in the 200-900 nm wavelength range and EC properties of nanocomposite thin film were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The calculation of optical band gaps of thin film exhibited that the thin film has directly allowed transition with the values of 2.63 eV on first region and 3.80 eV on second region. Dispersion parameters were calculated based on the single oscillator model. Finally, important parameters such as dispersion energy, oscillator energy and lattice dielectric constant were determined and compared with the data from other researchers. The nonlinear optical properties such as nonlinear optical susceptibility, nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index were extracted. The obtained results of nanocomposite thin film can be useful for the optoelectronic applications.

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

Li, Ao; Li, Weizhen; Ling, Yang

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were coated with silica by a sol–gel method to improve interfacial bonding and dispersion of nanotubes in the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) matrix. TEM and FE-SEM measurements showed that the silica shell was successfully coated on the surface of r-MWCNTs (as-received MWCNTs), and that the dispersion of MWCNT@SiO 2 in the epoxy matrix and interfacial adhesion between MWCNTs and epoxy were improved through the silica shell formation. The effects of silica-coated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT@SiO 2) addition on the curing behavior of epoxy resin, and on the physical and thermomechanical properties of epoxy composites,more » were studied. FT-IR measurements of different blends at different curing times indicated that the curing reaction was accelerated with the presence of MWCNTs and increased with the content of MWCNT@SiO 2. DSC results confirmed that the value of activation energy decreased with the introduction of MWCNTs in the order of MWCNT@SiO 2 < r-MWCNTs < epoxy. It was found that the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites were significantly enhanced by incorporation of MWCNT@SiO 2, relative to composites with r-MWCNTs, while the values of the glass transition temperature slightly increased, and the high electrical resistivity of these composites was retained overall.« less

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polymer composites in absence and presence of acrylic elastomer (ACM).

PubMed

Kumar, S; Rath, T; Mahaling, R N; Mukherjee, M; Khatua, B B; Das, C K

2009-05-01

Polyetherimide/Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) nanocomposites containing as-received and modified (COOH-MWNT) carbon nanotubes were prepared through melt process in extruder and then compression molded. Thermal properties of the composites were characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that the MWNTs were well dispersed and formed an intimate contact with the polymer matrix without any agglomeration. However the incorporation of modified carbon nanotubes formed fascinating, highly crosslinked, and compact network structure throughout the polymer matrix. This showed the increased adhesion of PEI with modified MWNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed high degree of dispersion of modified MWNTs along with broken ends. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed a marginal increase in storage modulus (E') and glass transition temperature (T(g)) with the addition of MWNTs. Increase in tensile strength and impact strength of composites confirmed the use the MWNTs as possible reinforcement agent. Both thermal and electrical conductivity of composites increased, but effect is more pronounced on modification due to formation of network of carbon nanotubes. Addition of acrylic elastomer to developed PEI/MWNTs (modified) nanocomposites resulted in the further increase in thermal and electrical properties due to the formation of additional bond between MWNTs and acrylic elastomers at the interface. All the results presented are well corroborated by SEM and FESEM studies.

Characterization and antibacterial properties of stable silver substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles synthesized through surfactant assisted microwave process

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

Iqbal, Nida; Abdul Kadir, Mohammed Rafiq, E-mail: rafiq@biomedical.utm.my; Nik Malek, Nik Ahmad Nazim

Highlights: • Stable nano sized silver substitute hydroxyapatite is prepared under surfactant assisted microwave process at 600 W power for 7 min. • The nanoparticles are in the size range of 58–72 nm and exert uniform elongated spheroid morphology. • Increase in silver concentration resulted in better dielectric properties. • Good antibacterial activity and silver release. - Abstract: The present study reports a relatively simple method for the synthesis of stable silver substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with controlled morphology and particle size. In order to achieve this, CTAB is included as a surfactant in the microwave refluxing process (600 W formore » 7 min). The nanoparticles produced with different silver ion concentrations (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 wt%) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. XRD and FTIR analyses reveal that the Ag-HA nanoparticles were phase pure at 1000 °C. FESEM images showed that the produced nanoparticles are in the size range of 58–72 nm and exert uniform elongated spheroid morphology. The dielectric properties suggest that the increase in dielectric constant (ε′) and dissipation factor (D) values with increasing Ag concentrations. Antibacterial performance of the Ag-HA samples elucidated using disk diffusion technique (DDT) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) demonstrates anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. This effect was dose dependent and was more pronounced against Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive organisms.« less

Nanostructure of aluminium (Al) - Doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussin, Rosniza; Husin, M. Asri

2017-12-01

Aluminium (Al)-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) was deposited on glass substrates by using the sol-gel dip coating technique. Next, AZO sol-gel solution was produced via sol-gel method. Al was used as doped element with molar ratios of 1%, 2%, and 3%, while the calcination temperatures were set at 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C for 2 hours. In fact, characterization was carried out in order to determine the effect of calcination temperature and molar ratio of doping by using several techniques, such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). XRD was performed to investigate the crystal structure in which the ZnO was in wurtzite hexagonal form. Next, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the composition of thin films where the result revealed the existence of zinc, oxygen, and aluminium. The roughness of the deposited film was later measured by using the AFM approach where the findings indicated increment in RMS from 8.496 nm to 35.883 nm as the temperature was increased. Additionally, FESEM was carried out to look into the microstructure surfaces of the deposited AZO thin film for increased temperature caused the particle to grow bigger for all molar ratio of dopant. Lastly, UV-Vis was conducted to study the optical properties of AZO, in which the result demonstrated that AZO thin film possessed the highest transmittance percentage among all samples above 90% with band gap value that ranged from 3.25 eV to 3.32 eV.

Nano-Structured Magnesium Oxide Coated Iron Ore: Its Application to the Remediation of Wastewater Containing Lead.

PubMed

Nagarajah, Ranjini; Jang, Min; Pichiah, Saravanan; Cho, Jongman; Snyder, Shane A

2015-12-01

Magnetically separable nano-structured magnesium oxide coated iron ore (IO(MgO)) was prepared using environmentally benign chemicals, such as iron ore (IO), magnesium(II) nitrate hexahydrate [Mg(NO3)2 x 6H2O] and urea; via an easy and fast preparation method. The lO(MgO) was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM) analyses. The isotherm and kinetic studies indicated that lO(MgO) has a comparably higher Langmuir constant (K(L), 1.69 L mg(-1)) and maximum sorption capacity (33.9 mg g(-1)) for lead (Pb) than other inorganic media. Based on MgO amount, the removal capacity of Pb by IO(MgO) was 2,724 mg Pb (g MgO)(-1), which was higher than that (1,980 mg g(-1)) for flowerlike magnesium oxide nanostructures reported by Cao et al. The kinetics, FE-SEM, elemental mapping and XRD results revealed that the substitution followed by precipitation was identified as the mechanism of Pb removal and plumbophyllite (Pb2Si4O10 x H2O) was the precipitated phase of Pb. A leaching test revealed that IOMgO) had negligible concentrations of leached Fe at pH 4-9. Since the base material, IO, is cheap and easily available, lO(MgO) could be produced in massive amounts and used for remediation of wastewater containing heavy metals, applying simple and fast magnetic separation.

Structural, magnetic and electronic structure properties of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles

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

Kumar, Shalendra, E-mail: shailuphy@gmail.com; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon, Gyeongnam 641-773; Song, T.K., E-mail: tksong@changwon.ac.kr

Highlights: • XRD and HR-TEM results show the single phase nature of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles. • XMCD and dc magnetization results indicate the RT-FM in Co doped ZnO nanoparticles. • Co L{sub 3,2} NEXAFS spectra infer that Co ions are in 2+ valence state. • O K edge NEXAFS spectra show that O vacancy increases with Co doping in ZnO. - Abstract: We reported structural, magnetic and electronic structure studies of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles. Doping of Co ions in ZnO host matrix has been studied and confirmed using various methods; such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanningmore » electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersed X-ray (EDX), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, magnetic hysteresis loop measurements and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). From the XRD and HR-TEM results, it is observed that Co doped ZnO nanoparticles have single phase nature with wurtzite structure and exclude the possibility of secondary phase formation. FE-SEM and TEM micrographs show that pure and Co doped nanoparticles are nearly spherical in shape. O K edge NEXAFS spectra indicate that O vacancies increase with Co doping. The Co L{sub 3,2} edge NEXAFS spectra revealed that Co ions are in 2+ valence state. DC magnetization hysteresis loops and XMCD results clearly showed the intrinsic origin of temperature ferromagnetism in Co doped ZnO nanoparticles.« less

Fabrication of polyamide thin-film nanocomposite membranes with enhanced surface charge for nitrate ion removal from water resources.

PubMed

Ghaee, A; Zerafat, M M; Askari, P; Sabbaghi, S; Sadatnia, B

2017-03-01

Exclusion due to membrane surface charge is considered as one of the main separation mechanisms occurring in charged membranes, which can be varied through various approaches to affect membrane rejection performance. In this study, thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes were fabricated via interfacial polymerization of m-phenylenediamine (m-PDA) and 2,4-diaminobenzene sulfonic acid with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on a polysulfone sub-layer. The ability of the prepared membrane to remove nitrate ions from water resources has been investigated. In order to improve membrane permeability, zeolite-PA thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were fabricated by incorporating natural zeolite nanoparticles obtained through ball milling of an Iranian natural zeolite powder in the interfacial polymerization process. The size, morphology and specific surface area of the as-obtained nanozeolite were characterized using particle size analysis, FE-SEM and BET. The functional groups, morphology and surface charge of the membrane were characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM and zeta potential analyses. Also, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine the distribution of nanozeolite in TFN membranes. The influence of zeolite addition to surface roughness was accessed by atomic force microscopy. The performance of TFC and TFN membranes was evaluated in terms of pure water flux and nitrate rejection. The results showed that in case of sulfonated diamine, nitrate ions rejection was enhanced from 63% to 85% which could be attributed to surface charge enhancement. TFN permeability was almost doubled by the addition of nanozeolite.

Determining the Effect of Centrifugal Force on the Desired Growth and Properties of PCPDTBT as p-Type Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doris, Muhamad; Aziz, Fakhra; Alhummiany, Haya; Bawazeer, Tahani; Alsenany, Nourah; Mahmoud, Alaa; Zakaria, Rozalina; Sulaiman, Khaulah; Supangat, Azzuliani

2017-01-01

In this study, low-bandgap polymer poly{[4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-cyclopenta-(2,1- b;3,4- b')dithiophen]-2,6-diyl- alt-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)-4,7-diyl} (PCPDTBT) nanostructures have been synthesized via a hard nanoporous alumina template of centrifugal process. Centrifuge has been used to infiltrate the PCPDTBT solution into the nanoporous alumina by varying the rotational speeds. The rotational speed of centrifuge is directly proportional to the infiltration force that penetrates into the nanochannels of the template. By varying the rotational speed of centrifuge, different types of PCPDTBT nanostructures are procured. Infiltration force created during the centrifugal process has been found a dominant factor in tuning the morphological, optical, and structural properties of PCPDTBT nanostructures. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images proved the formation of nanotubes and nanowires. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) analysis showed that the nanostructures were composed of PCPDTBT with complete dissolution of the template.

Galvanostatically deposited Fe: MnO2 electrodes for supercapacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubal, D. P.; Kim, W. B.; Lokhande, C. D.

2012-01-01

The present investigation describes the addition of iron (Fe) in order to improve the supercapacitive properties of MnO2 electrodes using galvanostatic mode. These amorphous worm like Fe: MnO2 electrodes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and wettability test. The supercapacitive properties of MnO2 and Fe: MnO2 electrodes are investigated using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and impedance techniques. It is seen that the supercapacitance increases with increase in Fe doping concentration and achieved a maximum of 173 F g-1 at 2 at% Fe doping. The maximum supercapacitance obtained is 218 F g-1 for 2 at% Fe: MnO2 electrode. This hydrous binary oxide exhibited ideal capacitive behavior with high reversibility and high pulse charge-discharge property between -0.1 and +0.9 V/SCE in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte indicating a promising electrode material for electrochemical supercapacitors.

Plant-mediated synthesis of biosilver nanoparticles using Pandanus amaryllifolius extract and its bactericidal activity

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

Akhir, Rabiatuladawiyah Md.; Fairuzi, Afiza Ahmad; Ismail, Nur Hilwani

In this work, we describe a cost effective, easily scaled up and environmental friendly technique for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from 5 mM AgNO{sub 3} solution using aqueous extract of Pandanus amaryllifolius (P. amaryllifolius) leaves as reducing agent. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was confirmed by sampling the reaction mixture at regular intervals and the absorption maxima was scanned by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy at wavelength of 200-500 nm. Images from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) have shown that the silver nanoparticles are 17-30 nm in range and assembled in mostly spherical shape. Elemental composition analysis by using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmedmore » the presence of silver. Low concentration of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have been found to exhibit good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with average mean diameter of zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 16 mm.« less

Microfossils in Carbonaceous Meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, Richard B.

2009-01-01

Microfossils of large filamentous trichomic prokaryotes have been detected during in-situ investigations of carbonaceous meteorites. This research has been carried out using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) to examine freshly fractured interior surfaces of the meteorites. The images obtained reveal that many of these remains are embedded in the meteorite rock matrix. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) studies establish that the filamentous microstructures have elemental compositions consistent with the meteorite matrix, but are often encased within carbon-rich electron transparent sheath-like structures infilled with magnesium sulfate. This is consistent with the taphonomic modes of fossilization of cyanobacteria and sulphur bacteria, since the life habits and processes of these microorganisms frequently result in distinctive chemical biosignatures associated with the properties of their cell-walls, trichomes, and the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the sheath. In this paper the evidence for biogenicity presented includes detailed morphological and morphometric data consistent with known characteristics of uniseriate and multiseriate cyanobacteria. Evidence for indigeneity includes the embedded nature of the fossils and elemental compositions inconsistent with modern biocontaminants.

Investigation of optical properties and the photocatalytic activity of synthesized YbYO4 nanoparticles and YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites by polymeric capping agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourmasoud, Saeid; Sobhani-Nasab, Ali; Behpour, Mohsen; Rahimi-Nasrabadi, Mehdi; Ahmadi, Farhad

2018-04-01

YbVO4 nanoparticles YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites were synthesized by simple and new method. The effect of various polymeric capping agents such as Tween 80, Tween 20 and PEG on the shape and size of YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites were investigated. YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites were analyzed through some techniques including, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). This attempt is the first study on the photocatalytic performance of the YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites in various conditions such as size of particles and kind of dyes (rhodamine B (Rh B), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and phenol red (Ph R)), under visible light.

Growth and photocatalytic properties of Sb-doped ZnO nanoneedles by hydrothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abaker, M.; Umar, Ahmad; Al-Sayari, S. A.; Dar, G. N.; Faisal, M.; Kim, S. H.; Hwang, S. W.

2011-10-01

This paper reports a facile hydrothermal synthesis of Sb-doped ZnO nanoneedles by using aqueous mixtures of zinc chloride, antimony (Sb) chloride, hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and ammonium hydroxide at low temperature of 110 °C. The morphological characterizations of as-synthesized nanoneedles were done by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) which reveals that the nanoneedles are grown in large-quantity and arranged in such a special manner that they made flower-like morphologies. The structural characterization of as-synthesized nanoneedles was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern which confirm the well-crystalline and wurtzite hexagonal phase of as-synthesized products. The compositional characterization of as-synthesized nanoneedles was characterized by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which verify that the synthesized nanoneedles are composed of zinc, Sb and oxygen. For application point of view, the synthesized nanoneedles were used as photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MBB) and it was found that it exhibit good photocatalytic properties towards the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.

The influence of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} concentration to the structure of silicon nanowire growth by metal-assisted chemical etching

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

Omar, Hafsa, E-mail: mrshafsaomar@gmail.com; Jani, Abdul Mutalib Md., E-mail: abdmutalib@perlis.uitm.edu.my; Abdullah, Saifollah, E-mail: saifollah@salam.utm.edu.my

2016-07-06

A simple and low cost method to produce well aligned silicon nanowires at large areas using Ag-assisted chemical etching at room temperature were presented. The structure of silicon nanowires growth by metal-assisted chemical etching was observed. Prior to the etching, the silicon nanowires were prepared by electroless metal deposited (EMD) in solution containing hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen peroxide in Teflon vessel. The silver particle was deposited on substrate by immersion in hydrofluoric acid and silver nitrate solution for sixty second. The silicon nanowires were growth in different hydrogen peroxide concentration which are 0.3M, 0.4M, 0.5M and 0.6M and 0.7M.The influencemore » of hydrogen peroxide concentration to the formation of silicon nanowires was studied. The morphological properties of silicon nanowires were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS).« less

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of CuO nanostructures templated by cotton fibers

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

Zou, Yunling, E-mail: zouyunling1999@126.com; Li, Yan; Guo, Ying

Highlights: ► Flower-like and corn-like CuO nanostructures were synthesized by a simple method. ► Cotton fibers purchased from commercially are used as template. ► The concentration of Cu(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} solution is an important parameter. -- Abstract: Flower-like and corn-like CuO nanostructures composed of CuO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via ultrasound-assisted template method, respectively, by controlling the initial concentration of Cu(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} solution. Here, cotton fibers were used as template agent. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The results demonstrated that the initialmore » concentration of Cu(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} solution was an important parameter for determining whether CuO nanoparticles assembled into flower-like structures or corn-like structures. The mechanism of forming different nanostructures of CuO was discussed.« less

Evaluation of hemocompatibility and in vitro immersion on microwave-assisted hydroxyapatite-alumina nanocomposites.

PubMed

Radha, G; Balakumar, S; Venkatesan, Balaji; Vellaichamy, Elangovan

2015-05-01

This study reports the microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of nHAp (nano-hydroxyapatite)-alumina composites. The crystalline phase and interaction of alumina with nHAp was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman microscopy analysis, respectively. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrographs exhibit morphological changes of nHAp composites with increasing alumina concentrations. Microhardness studies reveal the enhanced mechanical strength of nHAp10 and nHAp20 nanocomposites than pure nHAp. In vitro bioactivity of the nanocomposites was studied by immersing samples in simulated body fluid (Hank's solution) for 21 days. The surface of biomineralized samples were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Hemolytic assay revealed acceptable compatibility for varying concentrations of all the samples. Cell proliferation assay was systematically investigated for 1 day and 3 days on Saos-2 osteoblast-like cell lines and it was found that nHAp nanocomposites improved the proliferation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigations on the Behavior of HVOF and Cold Sprayed Ni-20Cr Coating on T22 Boiler Steel in Actual Boiler Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bala, Niraj; Singh, Harpreet; Prakash, Satya; Karthikeyan, J.

2012-01-01

High temperature corrosion accompanied by erosion is a severe problem, which may result in premature failure of the boiler tubes. One countermeasure to overcome this problem is the use of thermal spray protective coatings. In the current investigation high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) and cold spray processes have been used to deposit commercial Ni-20Cr powder on T22 boiler steel. To evaluate the performance of the coatings in actual conditions the bare as well as the coated steels were subjected to cyclic exposures, in the superheater zone of a coal fired boiler for 15 cycles. The weight change and thickness loss data were used to establish kinetics of the erosion-corrosion. X-ray diffraction, surface and cross-sectional field emission scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS) and x-ray mapping techniques were used to analyse the as-sprayed and corroded specimens. The HVOF sprayed coating performed better than its cold sprayed counterpart in actual boiler environment.

The preparation and cathodoluminescence of ZnS nanowires grown by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Meng-Wen; Cheng, Yin-Wei; Pan, Ko-Ying; Chang, Chen-Chuan; Shieu, F. S.; Shih, Han C.

2012-11-01

Single crystal ZnS nanowires were successfully synthesized in large quantities on Si (1 0 0) substrates by simple thermal chemical vapor deposition without using any catalyst. The morphology, composition, and crystal structure were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. SEM observations show that the nanowires have diameters about 20-50 nm and lengths up to several tens of micrometers. XRD and TEM results confirmed that the nanowires exhibited both wurtzite and zinc blende structures with growth directions aligned along [0 0 0 2] and [1 1 1], respectively. The CL spectrum revealed emission bands in the UV and blue regions. The blue emissions at 449 and ˜581 nm were attributed to surface states and impurity-related defects of the nanowires, respectively. The perfect crystal structure of the nanowires indicates their potential applications in nanotechnology and in the fabrication of nanodevices.

Elemental and Microscopic Analysis of Naturally Occurring C-O-Si Hetero-Fullerene-Like Structures.

PubMed

Hullavarad, Nilima V; Hullavarad, Shiva S; Fochesatto, Javier

2015-03-01

Carbon exhibits an ability to form a wide range of structures in nature. Under favorable conditions, carbon condenses to form hollow, spheroid fullerenes in an inert atmosphere. Using high resolution FESEM, we have concealed the existence of giant hetero-fullerene like structures in the natural form. Clear, distinct features of connected hexagons and pentagons were observed. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis depth-profile of natural fullerene structures indicates that Russian-doll-like configurations composed of C, 0, and Si rings exist in nature. The analysis is based on an outstanding molecular feature found in the size fraction of aerosols having diameters 150 nm to 1.0 µm. The fullerene like structures, which are ~ 150 nm in diameter, are observed in large numbers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct detailed observation of natural fullerene-like structures. This article reports inadvertent observation of naturally occurring hetero-fullerene-like structures in the Arctic.

Comparative study of the anchorage and the catalytic properties of nanoporous TiO2 films modified with ruthenium (II) and rhenium (I) carbonyl complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyarzún, Diego P.; Chardon-Noblat, Sylvie; Linarez Pérez, Omar E.; López Teijelo, Manuel; Zúñiga, César; Zarate, Ximena; Shott, Eduardo; Carreño, Alexander; Arratia-Perez, Ramiro

2018-02-01

In this article we study the anchoring of cis-[Ru(bpyC4pyr)(CO)2(CH3CN)2]2+, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(CO)2]2+ and cis-[Ru(bpyac)(CO)2Cl2], onto nanoporous TiO2 employing electropolymerization, electrostatic interaction and chemical bonding. Also, the [Re(bpyac)(CO)3Cl] rhenium(I) complex for chemical anchorage was analyzed. The characterization of TiO2/Ru(II) and TiO2/Re(I) nanocomposite films was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, for the more stable nanocomposites obtained, the catalytic properties (solar energy conversion and CO2 reduction) were evaluated. The efficiency improvement in redox process derived from the (photo)electrochemical evidence indicates that modified nanoporous TiO2 structures enhance the rate of charge transfer reactions.

Green synthesis of the Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide using barberry fruit extract and its application as a recyclable and heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes.

PubMed

Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud; Sajadi, S Mohammad; Rostami-Vartooni, Akbar; Alizadeh, Mohammad; Bagherzadeh, Mojtaba

2016-03-15

Through this manuscript the green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd NPs/RGO) under the mild conditions through reduction of the graphene oxide and Pd(2+) ions using barberry fruit extract as reducing and stabilizing agent is reported. The as-prepared Pd NPs/RGO was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The Pd NPs/RGO could be used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes using sodium borohydride in an environmental friendly medium. Excellent yields of products were obtained with a wide range of substrates and the catalyst was recycled multiple times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Room-temperature H2S Gas Sensor Based on Au-doped ZnFe2O4 Yolk-shell Microspheres.

PubMed

Yan, Yin; Nizamidin, Patima; Turdi, Gulmira; Kari, Nuerguli; Yimit, Abliz

2017-01-01

Room-temperature type H 2 S sensing devices that use Au-doped ZnFe 2 O 4 yolk-shell microspheres as the active material have been fabricated using a solvothermal method as well as subsequent annealing and a chemical etching process. The samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrate that the doping of Au does not change the spinel structure of the products, which were yolk-shell microspheres, while the particle size varied with the Au doping concentration. Also, the as-fabricated sensor device exhibited excellent selectivity toward H 2 S gas at the room temperature; the gas-sensing property of 2 wt% Au-doped ZnFe 2 O 4 microspheres was the best. The Au-doped ZnFe 2 O 4 yolk-shell microspheres can be promising as a sensing material for H 2 S gas detecting at room temperature.

A Study on the Effect of Ageing and Intermetallic Compound Growth on the Shear Strength of Surface Mount Technology Solder Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nath, Jyotishman; Mallik, Sabuj; Borah, Anil

2015-04-01

The effect of ageing and intermetallic compound formation on the surface mount solder joints and its shear strength behavior under extreme mechanical and thermal conditions have been discussed in this paper. The specimens used are solder paste (Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu), bench marker II printed circuit boards (PCB), resistors 1206 and the fabrication of solder joints makes use of conventional surface mount technology (SMT). Reflow process was carried out at a peak temperature of 250 °C and the test samples were exposed to isothermal ageing at a constant temperature of 150 °C for a period of 600 h. Shear test was conducted on the PCB's. The shear strength of the solder joints rapidly increased during isothermal ageing to a certain time period and then started decreasing. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrograph of the solder joint and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was performed on the solder sample to verify the formation of intermetallic compounds.

The effect of reaction temperature on the particle size of bismuth oxide nanoparticles synthesized via hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulkifli, Zulfa Aiza; Razak, Khairunisak Abdul; Rahman, Wan Nordiana Wan Abdul

2018-05-01

Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles have been synthesized at different temperatures from 70 to 120˚C without any subsequent heat treatment using hydrothermal method. The particle size, and crystal structure of as-synthesized particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform Infra-Red (FTIR). The nanoparticles are of a pure moniclinic Bi2O3 phase with rods shape. The average size of nanoparticles increases with the increase of reaction temperature. It was clear that longer reaction temperature allows precipitation completely occured and form larger nanoparticles (NPs). The crystallinity of Bi2O3 also are of high purity even at lower reaction temperature. The FTIR spectrum showed the absorption band at 845 cm-1 which is attributed to Bi-O-Bi bond, and the strong absorption band recorded at 424 cm-1 that is due to the stretching mode of Bi-O.

Achillea millefolium L. extract mediated green synthesis of waste peach kernel shell supported silver nanoparticles: Application of the nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of a variety of dyes in water.

PubMed

Khodadadi, Bahar; Bordbar, Maryam; Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud

2017-05-01

In this paper, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are synthesized using Achillea millefolium L. extract as reducing and stabilizing agents and peach kernel shell as an environmentally benign support. FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize peach kernel shell, Ag NPs, and Ag NPs/peach kernel shell. The catalytic activity of the Ag NPs/peach kernel shell was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), Methyl Orange (MO), and Methylene Blue (MB) at room temperature. Ag NPs/peach kernel shell was found to be a highly active catalyst. In addition, Ag NPs/peach kernel shell can be recovered and reused several times with no significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of mangenese(III) porphyrin supported on imidazole modified chloromethylated MIL-101(Cr): A heterogeneous and reusable catalyst for oxidation of hydrocarbons with sodium periodate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadehahmadi, Farnaz; Tangestaninejad, Shahram; Moghadam, Majid; Mirkhani, Valiollah; Mohammadpoor-Baltork, Iraj; Khosropour, Ahmad R.; Kardanpour, Reihaneh

2014-10-01

In the present work, chloromethylated MIL-101(Cr) modified with imidazole, Im-MIL-101, was applied as a support for immobilizing of tetraphenylporphyrinatomangenese(III) chloride. The imidazole-bound MIL-101, Im-MIL-101, not only used as support for immobilization of manganese porphyrin but also applied as a heterogeneous axial base. The Mn(TPP)Cl@Im-MIL-101 catalyst was characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) methods. The catalytic activity of this new catalytic system was investigated in the alkene epoxidation and alkane hydroxylation using NaIO4 as an oxidant in CH3CN/H2O at room temperature. This heterogeneous catalyst is highly efficient, stable and reusable in the oxidation of hydrocarbons.

Preparation of nanostructured and nanosheets of MoS2 oxide using oxidation method.

PubMed

Amini, Majed; Ramazani S A, Ahmad; Faghihi, Morteza; Fattahpour, Seyyedfaridoddin

2017-11-01

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), a two-dimensional transition metal has a 2D layered structure and has recently attracted attention due to its novel catalytic properties. In this study, MoS 2 has been successfully intercalated using chemical and physical intercalation techniques, while enhancing its surface properties. The final intercalated MoS 2 is of many interests because of its low-dimensional and potential properties in in-situ catalysis. In this research, we report different methods to intercalate the layers of MoS 2 successfully using acid-treatment, ultrasonication, oxidation and thermal shocking. The other goal of this study is to form SO bonds mainly because of expected enhanced in-situ catalytic operations. The intercalated MoS 2 is further characterized using analyses such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, Contact Angle, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and BET. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Studies on the sensing behaviour of nanocrystalline CuGa(2)O(4) towards hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas and ammonia.

PubMed

Biswas, Soumya Kanti; Sarkar, Arpita; Pathak, Amita; Pramanik, Panchanan

2010-06-15

In the present article, the gas sensing behaviour of nanocrystalline CuGa(2)O(4) towards H(2), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and NH(3) has been reported for the first time. Nanocrystalline powders of CuGa(2)O(4) having average particle sizes in the range of 30-60nm have been prepared through thermal decomposition of an aqueous precursor solution comprising copper nitrate, gallium nitrate and triethanol amine (TEA), followed by calcination at 750 degrees C for 2h. The synthesized nanocrystalline CuGa(2)O(4) powders have been characterised through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area measurement. The synthesized CuGa(2)O(4) having spinel structure with specific surface area of 40m(2)/g exhibits maximum sensitivity towards H(2), LPG, and NH(3) at 350 degrees C.

Tunable photoluminescence and magnetic properties of Dy(3+) and Eu(3+) doped GdVO4 multifunctional phosphors.

PubMed

Liu, Yanxia; Liu, Guixia; Dong, Xiangting; Wang, Jinxian; Yu, Wensheng

2015-10-28

A series of Dy(3+) or/and Eu(3+) doped GdVO4 phosphors were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The results indicate that the as-prepared samples are pure tetragonal phase GdVO4, taking on nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm. Under ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, the individual Dy(3+) or Eu(3+) ion activated GdVO4 phosphors exhibit excellent emission properties in their respective regions. The mechanism of energy transfer from the VO4(3-) group and the charge transfer band (CTB) to Dy(3+) and Eu(3+) ions is proposed. Color-tunable emissions in GdVO4:Dy(3+),Eu(3+) phosphors are realized through adopting different excitation wavelengths or adjusting the appropriate concentration of Dy(3+) and Eu(3+) when excited by a single excitation wavelength. In addition, the as-prepared samples show paramagnetic properties at room temperature. This kind of multifunctional color-tunable phosphor has great potential applications in the fields of photoelectronic devices and biomedical sciences.

Enhanced dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in natural rubber latex nanocomposites by surfactants bearing phenyl groups.

PubMed

Mohamed, Azmi; Anas, Argo Khoirul; Bakar, Suriani Abu; Ardyani, Tretya; Zin, Wan Manshol W; Ibrahim, Sofian; Sagisaka, Masanobu; Brown, Paul; Eastoe, Julian

2015-10-01

Here is presented a systematic study of the dispersibility of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in natural rubber latex (NR-latex) assisted by a series of single-, double-, and triple-sulfosuccinate anionic surfactants containing phenyl ring moieties. Optical polarising microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy have been performed to obtain the dispersion-level profiles of the MWCNTs in the nanocomposites. Interestingly, a triple-chain, phenyl-containing surfactant, namely sodium 1,5-dioxo-1,5-bis(3-phenylpropoxy)-3-((3-phenylpropoxy)carbonyl) pentane-2-sulfonate (TCPh), has a greater capacity the stabilisation of MWCNTs than a commercially available single-chain sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) surfactant. TCPh provides significant enhancements in the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites, up to ∼10(-2) S cm(-1), as measured by a four-point probe instrument. These results have allowed compilation of a road map for the design of surfactant architectures capable of providing the homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs required for the next generation of polymer-carbon-nanotube materials, specifically those used in aerospace technology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Taha, Mohd F., E-mail: faisalt@petronas.com.my; Shaharun, Maizatul S.; Shuib, Anis Suhaila, E-mail: anisuha@petronas.com.my

An attempt was made to investigate the potential of rice husk-based activated carbon as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions from single aqueous solution. Rice husk-based activated carbon was prepared via treatment of rice husk with NaOH followed by the carbonization process at 400°C for 2 hours. Three samples, i.e. raw rice husk, rice husk treated with NaOH and rice husk-based activated carbon, were analyzed for their morphological characteristics using field-emission scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM/EDX). These samples were also analyzed for their carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and silica contents using CHNmore » elemental analyzer and FESEM/EDX. The porous properties of rice husk-based activated carbon were determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, and its surface area and pore volume were 255 m{sup 2}/g and 0.17 cm{sup 2}/g, respectively. The adsorption studies for the removal of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions from single metal aqueous solution were carried out at a fixed initial concentration of metal ion (150 ppm) with variation amount of adsorbent (rice husk-based activated carbon) as a function of varied contact time at room temperature. The concentration of each metal ion was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained from adsorption studies indicate the potential of rice husk as an economically promising precursor for the preparation of activated carbon for removal of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions from single aqueous solution. Isotherm and kinetic model analyses suggested that the experimental data of adsorption studies fitted well with Langmuir, Freundlich and second-order kinetic models.« less

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

Byong-chul Kim; Sushil Gupta; David French

Iron minerals in coke can catalyze its gasification and may affect coke behavior in the blast furnace. The catalytic behavior of iron depends largely upon the nature of the iron-bearing minerals. To determine the mineralogical changes that iron could undergo in the blast furnace, cokes made from three coals containing iron present in different mineral forms (clays, carbonates, and pyrite) were examined. All coke samples were heat-treated in a horizontal furnace at 1373, 1573, and 1773 K and then gasified with CO{sub 2} at 1173 K in a fixed bed reactor (FBR). Coke mineralogy was characterized using quantitative X-ray diffractionmore » (XRD) analysis of coke mineral matter prepared by low-temperature ashing (LTA) and field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM/EDS). The mineralogy of the three cokes was most notably distinguished by differing proportions of iron-bearing phases. During heat treatment and subsequent gasification, iron-containing minerals transformed to a range of minerals but predominantly iron-silicides and iron oxides, the relative amounts of which varied with heat treatment temperature and gasification conditions. The relationship between initial apparent reaction rate and the amount of catalytic iron minerals - pyrrhotite, metallic iron, and iron oxides - was linear and independent of heat treatment temperature at total catalyst levels below 1 wt %. The study showed that the coke reactivity decreased with increasing temperature of heat treatment due to decreased levels of catalytic iron minerals (largely due to formation of iron silicides) as well as increased ordering of the carbon structure. The study also showed that the importance of catalytic mineral matter in determining reactivity declines as gasification proceeds. 37 refs., 13 figs., 7 tabs.« less

Composition and microstructure of MTA and Aureoseal Plus: XRF, EDS, XRD and FESEM evaluation.

PubMed

Cianconi, L; Palopoli, P; Campanella, V; Mancini, M

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the phases' microstructure of Aureoseal Plus (OGNA, Italy) and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, USA) and to compare their characteristics. Study Design: Comparing Aureoseal Plus and ProRoot MTA microstructure by means of several analyses type. The chemical analysis of the two cements was assessed following the UNI EN ISO 196-2 norm. X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to determine the element composition. The crystalline structure was analysed quantitatively using x-ray diffraction (XRD). Powders morphology was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with backscattering detectors, and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Elemental analysis was performed by energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS). The semi-quantitative XRF analysis showed the presence of heavy metal oxides in both cements. The XRD spectra of the two cements reported the presence of dicalcium silicate, tricalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate, tetracalcium aluminoferrite, bismuth oxide and gypsum. SEM analysis showed that ProRoot MTA powder is less coarse and more homogeneous than Aureoseal. Both powders are formed by particles of different shapes: round, prismatic and oblong. The EDS analysis showed that some ProRoot MTA particles, differently from Aureoseal, contain Ca, Si, Al and Fe. Oblong particles in ProRoot and Aureoseal are rich of bismuth. The strong interest in developing new Portland cement-based endodontic sealers will create materials with increased handling characteristics and physicochemical properties. A thorough investigation on two cement powders was carried out by using XRF, XRD, SEM and EDS analysis. To date there was a lack of studies on Aureoseal Plus. This cement is similar in composition to ProRoot MTA. Despite that it has distinctive elements that could improve its characteristics, resulting in a good alternative to MTA.

Role of Cu in engineering the optical properties of SnO2 nanostructures: Structural, morphological and spectroscopic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Virender; Singh, Kulwinder; Jain, Megha; Manju; Kumar, Akshay; Sharma, Jeewan; Vij, Ankush; Thakur, Anup

2018-06-01

We have carried out a systematic study to investigate the effect of Cu doping on the optical properties of SnO2 nanostructures synthesized by chemical route. Synthesized nanostructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-visible and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The Rietveld refinement analysis of XRD patterns of Cu-doped SnO2 samples confirmed the formation of single phase tetragonal rutile structure, however some localized distortion was observed for 5 mol% Cu-doped SnO2. Crystallite size was found to decrease with increase in dopant concentration. FE-SEM images indicated change in morphology of samples with doping. HR-TEM images revealed that synthesized nanostructures were nearly spherical and average crystallite size was in the range 12-21 nm. Structural defects, crystallinity and size effects on doping were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and results were complemented by FTIR spectroscopy. Optical band gap of samples was estimated from reflectance spectra. We have shown that band gap of SnO2 can be engineered from 3.62 to 3.82 eV by Cu doping. PL emission intensity increased as the doping concentration increased, which can be attributed to the development of defect states in the forbidden transition region of band gap of SnO2 with doping. We have also proposed a band model owing to defect states in SnO2 to explain the observed PL in Cu doped SnO2 nanostructures.

Combined use of FE-SEM+EDS, ToF-SIMS, XPS, XRD and OM for the study of ancient gilded artefacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ingo, G. M.; Riccucci, C.; Pascucci, M.; Messina, E.; Giuliani, C.; Biocca, P.; Tortora, L.; Fierro, G.; Di Carlo, G.

2018-07-01

Gilded brooches dating back to 16th-17th centuries CE were investigated by means of integrated and complementary analytical techniques such as high spatial resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (FE-SEM+EDS), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy (OM). The results reveal in detail the surface and subsurface morphology and the chemical features of the micrometric decorative Au layer that has been deposited by means of the so-called fire-gilding technique based on the use of an amalgam. Moreover, the results allow to recognise chlorine, sulphur and phosphorous species as the main degradation agents and to identify the corrosion products naturally formed during the long-term interaction with the burial soil constituents. The findings show also that the galvanic coupling between the two dissimilar metals, i.e. Cu and Au, lead to enhancement of corrosion phenomena causing the spalling of the gold thin film and the disfigurement of the object. From a conservation point of view, the results suggest a targeted use of low-toxic inhibitors to hinder the detrimental role of chlorine as possible responsible of future further severe degradation phenomena. In conclusions, the micro and nano-chemical, structural and morphological investigations in a depth range from a few nanometers to micrometers have revealed the complex nature of corroded surface of ancient gold coated artefacts, highlighting some specific aspects related to their peculiar degradation mechanisms thus extending the scientific relevance of the tailored use of complementary and integrated surface and subsurface analytical techniques for the investigation of ancient coated artefacts.

Effects of heating time on the growth and behavior of amorphous carbon nanostructures from ferrocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafiqul Islam, Md; Rashid, A. K. M. B.; Ferdous, Md; Shafiul Azam, Md

2017-05-01

Heating time is one of the crucial factors in various methods employed for the synthesis of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) from ferrocene. However, the effects of heating time on the growth and morphology of the nanostructured materials has not been well explored yet, particularly for amorphous carbon. Herein, we investigate how the variation of heating time impacts the growth of CNSs by carrying out the reaction between ferrocene and ammonium chloride in a solvent free condition at 250 °C. Several different forms of carbon nanostructures yielded from this reaction at 25 min (CNS-25), 30 min (CNS-30), 35 min (CNS-35) and 40 min (CNS-40) were analyzed by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The final product CNS-40 was washed several times with concentrated hydrochloric acid solution to remove the impurities and then characterized by the means of similar techniques. FTIR spectra of all the nanostructures confirmed the presence of several functional groups such as C  =  C, C-O and -OH etc, which are common in carbonaceous nanostructures. However, the FESEM images obtained are significantly different and suggest a gradual growth of the carbon nanostructures ending up with long carbon nanotubes after 40 min. No absorption peak in the visible region of the UV-Vis spectra of the final product confirms the amorphous nature, which is also supported by XRD of the synthesized nanotube. Moreover, a noteworthy redshift in the UV-Vis peaks reflecting a huge increase in length and diameter of the nanostructures indicates the maximum longitudinal growth of the carbon nanotubes occurs during 35 min to 40 min.

Effects of silica-coated carbon nanotubes on the curing behavior and properties of epoxy composites

DOE PAGES

Li, Ao; Li, Weizhen; Ling, Yang; ...

2016-02-22

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were coated with silica by a sol–gel method to improve interfacial bonding and dispersion of nanotubes in the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) matrix. TEM and FE-SEM measurements showed that the silica shell was successfully coated on the surface of r-MWCNTs (as-received MWCNTs), and that the dispersion of MWCNT@SiO 2 in the epoxy matrix and interfacial adhesion between MWCNTs and epoxy were improved through the silica shell formation. The effects of silica-coated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT@SiO 2) addition on the curing behavior of epoxy resin, and on the physical and thermomechanical properties of epoxy composites,more » were studied. FT-IR measurements of different blends at different curing times indicated that the curing reaction was accelerated with the presence of MWCNTs and increased with the content of MWCNT@SiO 2. DSC results confirmed that the value of activation energy decreased with the introduction of MWCNTs in the order of MWCNT@SiO 2 < r-MWCNTs < epoxy. It was found that the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites were significantly enhanced by incorporation of MWCNT@SiO 2, relative to composites with r-MWCNTs, while the values of the glass transition temperature slightly increased, and the high electrical resistivity of these composites was retained overall.« less

Amorphous V-O-C composite nanofibers electrospun from solution precursors as binder- and conductive additive-free electrodes for supercapacitors with outstanding performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xia; Zhao, Bote; Cai, Yong; Tadé, Moses O.; Shao, Zongping

2013-11-01

Flexible V-O-C composite nanofibers were fabricated from solution precursors via electrospinning and were investigated as free-standing and additive-free film electrodes for supercapacitors. Specifically, composite nanofibers (V0, V5, V10 and V20) with different vanadyl acetylacetonate (VO(acac)2) contents of 0, 5, 10 and 20 wt% with respect to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were prepared. The composite nanofibers were comparatively studied using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, N2 adsorption-desorption, FE-SEM, TEM and S-TEM. The vanadium element was found to be well-dispersed in the carbon nanofibers, free from the formation of an aggregated crystalline phase, even in the case of V20. A specific surface area of 587.9 m2 g-1 was reached for V10 after calcination, which is approximately twice that of the vanadium-free carbon nanofibers (V0, 300.9 m2 g-1). To perform as an electrode for supercapacitors in an aqueous electrolyte, the V10 film delivered a specific capacitance of 463 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. V10 was also able to retain a specific capacitance of 380 F g-1, even at a current density of 10 A g-1. Additionally, very stable cycling stability was achieved, maintaining an outstanding specific capacitance of 400 F g-1 at 5 A g-1 after charge-discharge cycling 5000 times. Thus, V-O-C composite nanofibers are highly attractive electrode materials for flexible, high-power, thin film energy storage devices and applications.Flexible V-O-C composite nanofibers were fabricated from solution precursors via electrospinning and were investigated as free-standing and additive-free film electrodes for supercapacitors. Specifically, composite nanofibers (V0, V5, V10 and V20) with different vanadyl acetylacetonate (VO(acac)2) contents of 0, 5, 10 and 20 wt% with respect to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were prepared. The composite nanofibers were comparatively studied using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, N2 adsorption-desorption, FE-SEM, TEM and S-TEM. The vanadium element was found to be well-dispersed in the carbon nanofibers, free from the formation of an aggregated crystalline phase, even in the case of V20. A specific surface area of 587.9 m2 g-1 was reached for V10 after calcination, which is approximately twice that of the vanadium-free carbon nanofibers (V0, 300.9 m2 g-1). To perform as an electrode for supercapacitors in an aqueous electrolyte, the V10 film delivered a specific capacitance of 463 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. V10 was also able to retain a specific capacitance of 380 F g-1, even at a current density of 10 A g-1. Additionally, very stable cycling stability was achieved, maintaining an outstanding specific capacitance of 400 F g-1 at 5 A g-1 after charge-discharge cycling 5000 times. Thus, V-O-C composite nanofibers are highly attractive electrode materials for flexible, high-power, thin film energy storage devices and applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: FE-SEM image. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr04484j

Effect of thickness on surface morphology, optical and humidity sensing properties of RF magnetron sputtered CCTO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadipour, Mohsen; Ain, Mohd Fadzil; Ahmad, Zainal Arifin

2016-11-01

In this study, calcium copper titanate (CCTO) thin films were deposited on ITO substrates successfully by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method in argon atmosphere. The CCTO thin films present a polycrystalline, uniform and porous structure. The surface morphology, optical and humidity sensing properties of the synthesized CCTO thin films have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-vis spectrophotometer and current-voltage (I-V) analysis. XRD and AFM confirmed that the intensity of peaks and pore size of CCTO thin films were enhanced by increasing the thin films. Tauc plot method was adopted to estimate the optical band gaps. The surface structure and energy band gaps of the deposited films were affected by film thickness. Energy band gap of the layers were 3.76 eV, 3.68 eV and 3.5 eV for 200 nm, 400 nm, and 600 nm CCTO thin films layer, respectively. The humidity sensing properties were measured by using direct current (DC) analysis method. The response times were 12 s, 22 s, and 35 s while the recovery times were 500 s, 600 s, and 650 s for 200 nm, 400 nm, and 600 nm CCTO thin films, respectively at humidity range of 30-90% relative humidity (RH).

Development of bimetal oxide doped multifunctional polymer nanocomposite for water treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, Swati; Saxena, Umesh

2016-08-01

Bimetal oxide doped polymer nanocomposite was developed using Alumina and Iron (III) Oxide as nanoparticles with Nylon 6, 6 and Poly (sodium-4-styrenesulphonate) as polymer matrix for removal of pollutants from water. The blend sample of polymers was prepared by well established solution blending technique and their nanocomposite samples were prepared through dispersion technique during the solution casting of blend sample. The fabricated composites were characterized adopting FTIR, XRD, FESEM and EDX techniques. XRD and FESEM were used for morphological characterization of nano phase, while FTIR and EDX analysis were adopted for characterization of chemical moieties in composites. In the study of pollutant removal capacities of prepared composites, 6 % nanocomposite provided the best results. It exhibited the maximum removal of all parameters. The removal of total alkalinity was 66.67 %, total hardness 42.85 %, calcium 66.67 %, magnesium 25 %, chloride 58.66 %, nitrate 34.78 %, fluoride 63.85 %, TDS 41.27 % and EC was up to the level of 41.37 % by this composite. The study is a step towards developing multifunctional, cost-effective polymer nanocomposites for water remediation applications.

Self catalytic growth of indium oxide (In2O3) nanowires by resistive thermal evaporation.

PubMed

Kumar, R Rakesh; Rao, K Narasimha; Rajanna, K; Phani, A R

2014-07-01

Self catalytic growth of Indium Oxide (In2O3) nanowires (NWs) have been grown by resistive thermal evaporation of Indium (In) in the presence of oxygen without use of any additional metal catalyst. Nanowires growth took place at low substrate temperature of 370-420 degrees C at an applied current of 180-200 A to the evaporation boat. Morphology, microstructures, and compositional studies of the grown nanowires were performed by employing field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. Nanowires were uniformly grown over the entire Si substrate and each of the nanowire is capped with a catalyst particle at their end. X-ray diffraction study reveals the crystalline nature of the grown nanowires. Transmission electron microscopy study on the nanowires further confirmed the single crystalline nature of the nanowires. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis on the nanowires and capped nanoparticle confirmed that Indium act as catalyst for In2O3 nanowires growth. A self catalytic Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) growth mechanism was responsible for the growth of In2O3 nanowires. Effect of oxygen partial pressure variation and variation of applied currents to the evaporation boat on the nanowires growth was systematically studied. These studies concluded that at oxygen partial pressure in the range of 4 x 10(-4), 6 x 10(-4) mbar at applied currents to the evaporation boat of 180-200 A were the best conditions for good nanowires growth. Finally, we observed another mode of VLS growth along with the standard VLS growth mode for In2O3 nanowires similar to the growth mechanism reported for GaAs nanowires.

Graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto chitin nanofiber to improve dispersibility in basic water.

PubMed

Ifuku, Shinsuke; Iwasaki, Masayoshi; Morimoto, Minoru; Saimoto, Hiroyuki

2012-09-01

Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) on chitin nanofibers was carried out with potassium persulfate as a free radical initiator in an aqueous medium. The molar ratio of grafted AA increased with the AA concentration. The grafted chitin nanofibers were characterized by FT-IR, FE-SEM, UV-vis, XRD, and TGA. After polymerization, the characteristic morphology of chitin nanofibers was maintained. Chitin nanofibers grafted with AA were efficiently dissociated and dispersed homogeneously in basic water because of the electrostatic repulsion effect between nanofibers. AA was grafted on the surface and amorphous part of chitin nanofibers, and the original crystalline structure of α-chitin was maintained. At 330 °C, the weight residue of the graft copolymer increased with the grafted AA content. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and Shear Strength in Brazing Joint of Mo-Cu Composite with 304 Stainless Steel by Ni-Cr-P Filler Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Juan; Wang, Jiteng; Li, Yajiang; Zheng, Deshuang

2015-07-01

The brazing of Mo-Cu composite and 304 stainless steel was carried out in vacuum with Ni-Cr-P filler metal at 980 °C for 20 min. Microstructure in Mo-Cu/304 stainless steel joint was investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and shear strength was measured by shearing test. The results indicate that shear strength of the Mo-Cu/304 stainless steel joint is about 155 MPa. There forms eutectic structure of γ-Ni solid solution with Ni3P in the braze seam. Ni-Cu(Mo) and Ni-Fe solid solution are at the interface beside Mo-Cu composite and 304 stainless steel, respectively. Shear fracture exhibits mixed ductile-brittle fracture feature with trans-granular fracture, ductile dimples and tearing edges. Fracture originates from the interface between brazing seam and Mo-Cu composite and it propagates to the braze seam due to the formation of brittle Ni5P2 and Cr3P precipitation.

SAPO-34/AlMCM-41, as a novel hierarchical nanocomposite: preparation, characterization and investigation of synthesis factors using response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roohollahi, Hossein; Halladj, Rouein; Askari, Sima; Yaripour, Fereydoon

2018-06-01

SAPO-34/AlMCM-41, as a new hierarchical nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via hydrothermal and dry-gel conversion. In an experimental and statistical study, effect of five input parameters including synthesis period, drying temperature, NaOH/Si, water/dried-gel and SAPO% were investigated on range-order degree of mesochannels and the relative crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were recorded to characterize the ordered AlMCM-41 and crystalline SAPO-34 structures. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field-emission SEM (FESEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS-Map) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the textural properties, morphology and surface elemental composition. Two reduced polynomials were fitted to the responses with good precision. Further, based on analysis of variances, SAPO% and time duration of dry-gel conversion were observed as the most effective parameters on the composite structure. The hierarchical porosity, narrow pore size distribution, high external surface area and large specific pore volume were of interesting characteristics for this novel nanocomposite.

Large-scale synthesis of coiled-like shaped carbon nanotubes using bi-metal catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishna, Vemula Mohana; Somanathan, T.; Manikandan, E.; Umar, Ahmad; Maaza, M.

2018-02-01

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with coiled structure exhibit scientifically fascinating. They may be projected as an innovative preference to future technological materials. Coiled carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) on a large-scale were successfully synthesized with the help of bi-metal substituted α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. Highly spring-like carbon nanostructures were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) examination. Furthermore, the obtained material has high purity, which correlates the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the carbon multi layers are well graphitized and crystalline, even if they have defects in its structure due to coiled morphology. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) describes internal structure and dia of the product. Ultimately, results support the activity of bi-metal impregnated α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst to determine the high yield, graphitization and internal structure of the material. We have also studied the purified c-CNTs magnetic properties at room temperature and will be an added advantage in several applications.

In situ mineralization of hydroxyapatite on electrospun chitosan-based nanofibrous scaffolds.

PubMed

Yang, Dongzhi; Jin, Yu; Zhou, Yingshan; Ma, Guiping; Chen, Xiangmei; Lu, Fengmin; Nie, Jun

2008-03-10

A biocomposite of hydroxyapatite (HAp) with electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds was prepared by using chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) and N-carboxyethyl chitosan/PVA (CECS/PVA) electrospun membranes as organic matrix, and HAp was formed in supersaturated CaCl2 and KH2PO4 solution. The influences of carboxylic acid groups in CECS/PVA fibrous scaffold and polyanionic additive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in the incubation solution on the crystal distribution of the HAp were investigated. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the deposited mineral phase on the scaffolds. It was found that addition of PAA to the mineral solution and use of matrix with carboxylic acid groups promoted mineral growth and distribution of HAp. MTT testing and SEM imaging from mouse fibroblast (L929) cell culture revealed the attachment and growth of mouse fibroblast on the surface of biocomposite scaffold, and that the cell morphology and viability were satisfactory for the composite to be used in bioapplications.

Effect of both deposition temperature and indium doping on the properties of sol-gel dip-coated SnO2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caglar, Mujdat; Atar, Kadir Cemil

2012-10-01

Using indium chloride as an In source, In-doped SnO2 films were fabricated by sol-gel method through dip-coating on borofloat glass substrates. The undoped SnO2 films were deposited in air between 400 and 600 °C to get optimum deposition temperature in terms of crystal quality and hence In-doped SnO2 films were deposited in air at 600 °C. The effect of both deposition temperature and In content on structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties was investigated. The crystalline structure and orientation of the films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface morphology was studied by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The compositional analysis of the films was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The absorption band edge of the SnO2 films shifted from 3.88 to 3.66 eV with In content. The van der Pauw method was used to measure the sheet resistance of the films. The sheet resistance was affected significantly by deposition temperature and In content.

Surface enhanced Raman spectral studies of 2-bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone.

PubMed

Geetha, K; Umadevi, M; Sathe, G V; Vanelle, P; Terme, T; Khoumeri, O

2015-03-05

Silver nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple and inexpensive solution combustion method with urea as fuel. The structural and morphology of the silver nanoparticles were investigated through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersion Spectra (EDS) techniques. Structural and morphological results confirmed the nanocrystalline nature of the silver nanoparticles. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were also performed to study the ground and excited state behavior of 2-bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-BrNQ) and 2-BrNQ on silver nanoparticles. Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectra of 2-BrNQ adsorbed on silver nanoparticles were investigated. The CO, CH in-plane bending and CBr stretching modes were enhanced in SERS spectrum with respect to normal Raman spectrum. The spectral analysis reveals that the 2-BrNQ adsorbed 'stand-on' orientation on the silver surface. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations are also performed to study the vibrational features of 2-BrNQ molecule and 2-BrNQ molecule on silver surface. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calcination temperature effect on the microstructure and dielectric properties of M-type strontium hexagonal ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, J.; Sharma, Jyoti; Kumar, Sachin; Trudel, T. T. Carol; Srivastava, A. K.

2017-07-01

M-type hexagonal ferrites have found wide application in electronics industry due to the possibility of tuning properties such as dielectric properties. An improved dielectric property is useful in high frequency application. In this paper, we studied the effect of calcination temperature on structural and dielectric properties of Al-Mn substituted M-type strontium hexagonal ferrites with chemical composition Sr1-xAlxFe12-yMnyO19 (x=0.3 and y=0.6) synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method. The prepared sample was sintered at four different temperatures (T=750°C, 850°C, 950°C and 1050°C) for 5 hours. Characterisations of the synthesized samples were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), impedance analyser, field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The dielectric properties were explained on the basis of Koop's phenomenological theory and Maxwell Wagner theory. The sample calcinated at 750°C shows the highest value of dielectric constant and AC conductivity whereas that calcinated at 1050°C exhibit the lowest dielectric losses.

Facile one-pot synthesis of hexagons of NaSrB5O9:Tb3+ phosphor for solid-state lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramesh, B.; Dillip, G. R.; Deva Prasad Raju, B.; Somasundaram, K.; Prasad Peddi, Siva; de Carvalho dos Anjos, Virgilio; Joo, S. W.

2017-04-01

NaSrB5O9:Tb3+ hexagons were synthesized by a facile solid-state reaction method. The synthesized powders were structurally examined by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Rietveld refinement was performed using the XRD data and Fullprof software. Hexagon-like morphology was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The elemental composition of the phosphors was investigated qualitatively by energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS) and quantitatively by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The phosphor has a strong green emission at 545 nm under excitation of 379 nm, which is due to the 5{{\\text{D}}4}{{\\to}7}{{\\text{F}}5} transition of the Tb3+ ion. A lifetime of 3.48 ms was obtained for the phosphor. The important parameters of the light source were determined, such as the thermal quenching, critical distance, the nature of the dopant ion interaction, color coordinates, and quantum yield values. Other reported properties include the site occupancy of the dopant, surface properties, morphological properties, and optical properties.

Fabrication of free-standing copper foils covered with highly-ordered copper nanowire arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaraska, Leszek; Sulka, Grzegorz D.; Jaskuła, Marian

2012-07-01

The through-hole nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with relatively large surface area (ca. 2 cm2) were employed for fabrication of free-standing and mechanically stable copper foils covered with close-packed and highly-ordered copper nanowire arrays. The home-made AAO membranes with different pore diameters and interpore distances were fabricated via a two-step self-organized anodization of aluminum performed in sulfuric acid, oxalic acid and phosphoric acid followed by the pore opening/widening procedure. The direct current (DC) electrodeposition of copper was performed efficiently on both sides of AAO templates. The bottom side of the AAO templates was not insulated and consequently Cu nanowire arrays on thick Cu layers were obtained. The proposed template-assisted fabrication of free-standing copper nanowire array electrodes is a promising method for synthesis of nanostructured current collectors. The composition of Cu nanowires was confirmed by energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The structural features of nanowires were evaluated from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images and compared with the characteristic parameters of anodic alumina membranes.

Application of fluorinated nanofluid for production enhancement of a carbonate gas-condensate reservoir through wettability alteration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakhaei, Zahra; Azin, Reza; Naghizadeh, Arefeh; Osfouri, Shahriar; Saboori, Rahmatollah; Vahdani, Hosein

2018-03-01

Condensate blockage phenomenon in near-wellbore region decreases gas production rate remarkably. Wettability alteration using fluorinated chemicals is an efficacious way to vanquish this problem. In this study, new synthesized fluorinated silica nanoparticles with an optimized condition and mean diameter of 50 nm is employed to modify carbonate rock surface wettability. Rock characterization tests consisting Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) were utilized to assess the nanofluid adsorption on rock surface after treatment. Contact angle, spontaneous imbibition and core flooding experiments were performed to investigate the effect of synthesized nanofluid adsorption on wettability of rock surface and liquid mobility. Results of contact angle experiments revealed that wettability of rock could alter from strongly oil-wetting to the intermediate gas-wetting even at elevated temperature. Imbibition rates of oil and brine were diminished noticeably after treatment. 60% and 30% enhancement in pressure drop of condensate and brine floods after wettability alteration with modified nanofluid were observed which confirm successful field applicability of this chemical.

Fabrication of band gap engineered nanostructured tri-metallic (Mn-Co-Ti) oxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansoor, Muhammad Adil; Yusof, Farazila Binti; Nay-Ming, Huang

2018-04-01

In continuation of our previous studies on photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of titanium based composite oxide thin films, an effort is made to develop thin films of 1:1:2 manganese-cobalt-titanium oxide composite, Mn2O3-Co2O3-4TiO2 (MCT), using Co(OAc)2 and a bimetallic manganese-titanium complex, [Mn2Ti4(TFA)8(THF)6(OH)4(O)2].0.4THF (1), where OAc = acetato, TFA = trifluoroacetato and THF = tetrahydrofuran, via aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic analyses confirmed formation of thin film of Mn2O3-Co2O3-4TiO2 composite material with uniformly distributed agglomerated particles. The average size of 39.5 nm, of the particles embedded inside agglomerates, was estimated by Scherer's equation. Further, UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to estimate the band gap of 2.62 eV for MCT composite thin film.

Synthesis and luminescence properties of cinnamide based nanohybrid materials containing Eu (II) ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiran Kumar, A. B. V.; Jayasimhadri, M.; Cha, Hyeongrae; Chen, Kuangcai; Lim, Jae-Min; Lee, Yong-Ill

2011-07-01

In the present work, the cinnamide based organic-inorganic hybrid luminescent materials were prepared by using sol-gel technique, in which both the components are covalently linked via Si-C bonds. The organic precursor N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)cinnamide (Cn-Si) was synthesized by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane being reacted with cinnamoyal chloride. Finally, novel hybrid materials were prepared successfully through hydrolysis and polycondensation processes between the alkoxide groups of precursors Cn-Si and tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS) in the presence of europium nitrate. We have characterized thoroughly the prepared samples using FT-IR, thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results indicate that these materials exhibit the excellent thermal stability up to 350 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of the developed materials. The rare-earth doped hybrid materials have exhibited an intense green emission at 530 nm with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.4801, 0.4669). Whereas, the un-doped one gives some remarkable blue emission properties under UV excitation.

Interference of three herbicides on iron acquisition in maize plants.

PubMed

Bartucca, Maria Luce; Di Michele, Alessandro; Del Buono, Daniele

2018-05-07

The use of herbicides to control weed species could lead to environmental threats due to their persistence and accumulation in the ecosystems and cultivated fields. Nonetheless, the effect of these compounds on plant mineral nutrition in crops has been barely investigated. This study aimed at ascertaining the effect of three herbicides (S-metolachlor, metribuzin and terbuthylazine) on the capacity of maize to acquire iron (Fe). Interferences on plant growth and reductions on the Fe contents were found in the plants treated. Furthermore, root cell viability and functionality losses were ascertained following the treatments, which, in turn, decreased the amount of phytosiderophores (PSs) released by the roots. An investigation carried out in greater depth on root apices of treated plants using an FE-SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) coupled with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) indicated that the reductions on Fe content started in this part of the roots. Lastly, decreases were found also in copper (Cu +2 ), zinc (Zn +2 ) and manganese (Mn +2 ) content in root apices. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Iron doped SnO2/Co3O4 nanocomposites synthesized by sol-gel and precipitation method for metronidazole antibiotic degradation.

PubMed

Agarwal, Shilpi; Tyagi, Inderjeet; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Sohrabi, Maryam; Mohammadi, Sanaz; Golikand, Ahmad Nozad; Fakhri, Ali

2017-01-01

Sol-gel and precipitation reaction methods were used to synthesize Un-doped and Fe-doped SnO 2 /Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites under UV light; the synthesized nanocomposites were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of metronidazole antibiotic. The developed photo catalyst was well characterized using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-Visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Effective parameters such as pH, photocatalyst dose and contact time was optimized and well investigated. From the obtained facts it is clear that the 98.3% of MTZ was degraded with in 15min, pH6 and 0.1g catalyst when the Fe molar ratio was 1:1 at %. As compared to results obtained from un-doped SnO 2 /Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites Fe doped SnO 2 /Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites possess greater photocatalytic efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analytical study of Saint Gregory Nazianzen Icon, Old Cairo, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Issa, Yousry M.; Abdel-Maksoud, Gomaa; Magdy, Mina

2015-11-01

The study aims to evaluate the state of icon through characterization of the icon layers (ground, paint and varnish layers) and to provide tools for assessment the impact of aging and environmental conditions in order to produce some solutions for conservation of the icon. Analytical techniques used in this study were attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) and amino acid analyzer (AAA). The results obtained revealed that gypsum and lead white were used for ground layer. The identified pigments were lamp carbon black, brown ochre, Prussian blue, yellow ochre and gold leaf. Egg yolk was the binder used with most of pigments and animal glue was used with gold color. The varnish used was shellac resin. It was concluded that stable pigments gave permanent colors and environmental conditions had an influence on promotion of oxidation process. Auto-oxidation of binder and varnish materials occurred by the action of pigment components and light result in cracking of the paint film and fading of the varnish glaze.

Synthesis of Fluorinated Graphene/CoAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Composites as Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Peng, Weijun; Li, Hongqiang; Song, Shaoxian

2017-02-15

CoAl-layered double hydroxide/fluorinated graphene (CoAl-LDH/FGN) composites were fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal method. The synthesized CoAl-LDH/FGN composites have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that the fluorinated carbon with various configuration forms were grafted onto the framework of graphene, and the C-F bond configuration and fluorine content could be tuned by the fluorination time. Most of semi-ionic C-F bonds were formed at an appropriate fluorination time and, then, converted into fluorine rich surface groups (such as CF 2 , CF 3 , etc.) which were electrochemically inactive as the fluorination time prolonged. Moreover, the CoAl-LDH/FGN composites prepared at the optimal fluorination time exhibited the highest specific capacitance (1222 F/g at 1 A/g), the best rate capability, and the most stable capacitance retention, which offered great promise as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Self-assembled synthesis of 3D Cu(In1 - xGax)Se2 nanoarrays by one-step electroless deposition into ordered AAO template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bin; Zhou, Tao; Zheng, Maojun; Xiong, Zuzhou; Zhu, Changqing; Li, Hong; Wang, Faze; Ma, Li; Shen, Wenzhong

2014-07-01

Quaternary nanostructured Cu(In1 - xGax)Se2 (CIGS) arrays were successfully fabricated via a novel and simple solution-based protocol on the electroless deposition method, using a flexible, highly ordered anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) substrate. This method does not require electric power, complicated sensitization processes, or complexing agents, but provides nearly 100% pore fill factor to AAO templates. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images show that we obtained uniformly three-dimensional nanostructured CIGS arrays, and we can tailor the diameter and wall thicknesses of the nanostructure by adjusting the pore diameter of the AAO and metal Mo layer. Their chemical composition was determined by energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis, which is very close to the stoichiometric value. The Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further confirm the formation of nanostructured CIGS with prominent chalcopyrite structure. The nanostructured CIGS arrays can support the design of low-cost, highlight-trapping, and enhanced carrier collection nanostructured solar cells.

TiO2-NT electrodes modified with Ag and diamond like carbon (DLC) for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baran, Evrim; Baz, Zeynep; Esen, Ramazan; Yazici Devrim, Birgül

2017-10-01

In present work, the two-step anodization technique was applied for synthesis of TiO2 nanotube (NT). Silver and diamond like carbon (DLC) were coated on the surface of as prepared TiO2-NT using chemical reduction method and MW ECR plasma system. The morphology, composition and structure of the electrodes were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that Ag nanoparticles, having size in the range of 48-115 nm, are evenly distributed on the top, inside and outside surface of TiO2-NT and when DLC was coated on the surface of TiO2-NT and TiO2-NT-Ag, the top of nanotubes were partially open and the pore diameter of hexagonal structure decreased from 165 nm to of 38-80 nm. On the other hand, the microhardness test and contact angle measurements revealed that additions of Ag and diamond like carbon have a positive effect on the mechanical properties of TiO2-NT film. The electrocatalytic properties of the electrodes towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were investigated by the electrochemical measurements recorded in 1 M KOH solution. In addition, long-term durability of electrodes towards HER and the energy consumption of alkaline electrolysis were investigated. The energy requirement showed that while the deposition of silver provides approximately 14.95% savings of the energy consumption, the DLC coating causes increase in energy consumption.

Neurite outgrowth stimulatory effects of myco synthesized AuNPs from Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. on pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells

PubMed Central

Raman, Jegadeesh; Lakshmanan, Hariprasath; John, Priscilla A; Zhijian, Chan; Periasamy, Vengadesh; David, Pamela; Naidu, Murali; Sabaratnam, Vikineswary

2015-01-01

Background Hericium erinaceus has been reported to have a wide range of medicinal properties such as stimulation of neurite outgrowth, promotion of functional recovery of axonotmetic peroneal nerve injury, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties. In recent years, the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has attracted intense interest due to the potential use in biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AuNPs from aqueous extract of H. erinaceus on neurite outgrowth of rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells. Methods The formation of AuNPs was characterized by UV–visible spectrum, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the neurite extension study of synthesized AuNPs was evaluated by in vitro assay. Results The AuNPs exhibited maximum absorbance between 510 and 600 nm in UV–visible spectrum. FESEM and TEM images showed the existence of nanoparticles with sizes of 20–40 nm. FTIR measurements were carried out to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the nanoparticles. The purity and the crystalline properties were confirmed by EDX diffraction analysis, which showed strong signals with energy peaks in the range of 2–2.4 keV, indicating the existence of gold atoms. The synthesized AuNPs showed significant neurite extension on PC-12 cells. Nerve growth factor 50 ng/mL was used as a positive control. Treatment with different concentrations (nanograms) of AuNPs resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation. AuNPs induced maximum neurite outgrowth of 13% at 600 ng/mL concentration. Conclusion In this study, the AuNPs synthesis was achieved by a simple, low-cost, and rapid bioreduction approach. AuNPs were shown to have potential neuronal differentiation and stimulated neurite outgrowth. The water-soluble bioconstituents could be responsible for the neuroactivity. This is the first report for the biosynthesis of AuNPs using the hot aqueous extract of H. erinaceus. PMID:26425086

Neurite outgrowth stimulatory effects of myco synthesized AuNPs from Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. on pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells.

PubMed

Raman, Jegadeesh; Lakshmanan, Hariprasath; John, Priscilla A; Zhijian, Chan; Periasamy, Vengadesh; David, Pamela; Naidu, Murali; Sabaratnam, Vikineswary

2015-01-01

Hericium erinaceus has been reported to have a wide range of medicinal properties such as stimulation of neurite outgrowth, promotion of functional recovery of axonotmetic peroneal nerve injury, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties. In recent years, the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has attracted intense interest due to the potential use in biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AuNPs from aqueous extract of H. erinaceus on neurite outgrowth of rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells. The formation of AuNPs was characterized by UV-visible spectrum, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the neurite extension study of synthesized AuNPs was evaluated by in vitro assay. The AuNPs exhibited maximum absorbance between 510 and 600 nm in UV-visible spectrum. FESEM and TEM images showed the existence of nanoparticles with sizes of 20-40 nm. FTIR measurements were carried out to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the nanoparticles. The purity and the crystalline properties were confirmed by EDX diffraction analysis, which showed strong signals with energy peaks in the range of 2-2.4 keV, indicating the existence of gold atoms. The synthesized AuNPs showed significant neurite extension on PC-12 cells. Nerve growth factor 50 ng/mL was used as a positive control. Treatment with different concentrations (nanograms) of AuNPs resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation. AuNPs induced maximum neurite outgrowth of 13% at 600 ng/mL concentration. In this study, the AuNPs synthesis was achieved by a simple, low-cost, and rapid bioreduction approach. AuNPs were shown to have potential neuronal differentiation and stimulated neurite outgrowth. The water-soluble bioconstituents could be responsible for the neuroactivity. This is the first report for the biosynthesis of AuNPs using the hot aqueous extract of H. erinaceus.

Hyaluronan degrading silica nanoparticles for skin cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scodeller, P.; Catalano, P. N.; Salguero, N.; Duran, H.; Wolosiuk, A.; Soler-Illia, G. J. A. A.

2013-09-01

We report the first nanoformulation of Hyaluronidase (Hyal) and its enhanced adjuvant effect over the free enzyme. Hyaluronic acid (HA) degrading enzyme Hyal was immobilized on 250 nm silica nanoparticles (SiNP) maintaining specific activity of the enzyme via the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. This process was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and enzymatic activity measurements. The nanoparticles were tested in vivo as adjuvants of carboplatin (CP), peritumorally injected in A375 human melanoma bearing mice and compared with the non-immobilized enzyme, on the basis of equal enzymatic activity. Alcian Blue staining of A375 tumors indicated large overexpression of hyaluronan. At the end of the experiment, tumor volume reduction with SiNP-immobilized Hyal was significantly enhanced compared to non-immobilized Hyal. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images together with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra confirmed the presence of SiNP on the tumor. We mean a proof of concept: this extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzyme, immobilized on SiNP, is a more effective local adjuvant of cancer drugs than the non-immobilized enzyme. This could prove useful in future therapies using other or a combination of ECM degrading enzymes.We report the first nanoformulation of Hyaluronidase (Hyal) and its enhanced adjuvant effect over the free enzyme. Hyaluronic acid (HA) degrading enzyme Hyal was immobilized on 250 nm silica nanoparticles (SiNP) maintaining specific activity of the enzyme via the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. This process was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and enzymatic activity measurements. The nanoparticles were tested in vivo as adjuvants of carboplatin (CP), peritumorally injected in A375 human melanoma bearing mice and compared with the non-immobilized enzyme, on the basis of equal enzymatic activity. Alcian Blue staining of A375 tumors indicated large overexpression of hyaluronan. At the end of the experiment, tumor volume reduction with SiNP-immobilized Hyal was significantly enhanced compared to non-immobilized Hyal. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images together with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra confirmed the presence of SiNP on the tumor. We mean a proof of concept: this extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzyme, immobilized on SiNP, is a more effective local adjuvant of cancer drugs than the non-immobilized enzyme. This could prove useful in future therapies using other or a combination of ECM degrading enzymes. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02787b

Plasmonic characterization of photo-induced silver nanoparticles extracted from silver halide based TEM film

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

Sudheer,, E-mail: sudheer@rrcat.gov.in; Tiwari, P.; Rai, V. N.

The plasmonic responses of silver nanoparticles extracted from silver halide based electron microscope film are investigated. Photo-reduction process is carried out to convert the silver halide grains into the metallic silver. The centrifuge technique is used for separating the silver nanoparticles from the residual solution. Morphological study performed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) shows that all the nanoparticles have an average diameter of ~120 nm with a high degree of mono dispersion in size. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption peak at ~537 nm confirms the presence of large size silver nanoparticles.

PLGA/nHA hybrid nanofiber scaffold as a nanocargo carrier of insulin for accelerating bone tissue regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haider, Adnan; Gupta, Kailash Chandra; Kang, Inn-Kyu

2014-06-01

The development of tissue engineering in the field of orthopedic surgery is booming. Two fields of research in particular have emerged: approaches for tailoring the surface properties of implantable materials with osteoinductive factors as well as evaluation of the response of osteogenic cells to these fabricated implanted materials (hybrid material). In the present study, we chemically grafted insulin onto the surface of hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA). The insulin-grafted nHAs (nHA-I) were dispersed into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer solution, which was electrospun to prepare PLGA/nHA-I composite nanofiber scaffolds. The morphology of the electrospun nanofiber scaffolds was assessed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). After extensive characterization of the PLGA/nHA-I and PLGA/nHA composite nanofiber scaffolds by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the PLGA/nHA-I and PLGA/nHA (used as control) composite nanofiber scaffolds were subjected to cell studies. The results obtained from cell adhesion, alizarin red staining, and Von Kossa assay suggested that the PLGA/nHA-I composite nanofiber scaffold has enhanced osteoblastic cell growth, as more cells were proliferated and differentiated. The fact that insulin enhanced osteoblastic cell proliferation will open new possibilities for the development of artificial scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.

The role of support morphology on the performance of Cu/ZnO-catalyst for hydrogenation of CO{sub 2} to methanol

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

Tasfy, Sara Faiz Hanna, E-mail: miss25208@gmail.com; Zabidi, Noor Asmawati Mohd, E-mail: noorasmawati-mzabidi@petronas.com.my; Shaharun, Maizatul Shima, E-mail: maizats@petronas.com.my

The effects of SBA-15 support morphology on the activity of Cu/ZnO catalyst in the hydrogenation of CO{sub 2} to methanol was investigated. In the hydrogenation of CO{sub 2} to methanol at 210°C, 2.25 MPa, H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} ratio of three remarkable difference was obtained using Cu/ZnO catalyst supported on SBA-15 with different morphology. The catalysts were characterized using N{sub 2}-adsorption, field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). Characterization of the catalyst showed that support morphology, surface area, metals dispersion, and reducibility influenced the catalytic performance. On the fiber-shaped SBA-15, copper dispersion was 29 % whereasmore » on the spherical-shaped SBA-15, the dispersion was 20 %. The experimental results showed that the catalyst supported over fiber-shaped SBA-15 exhibit higher CO{sub 2} conversion (13.96 %) and methanol selectivity (91.32 %) compare to catalyst supported over spherical-shaped SBA-15.« less

Silk fibroin/gold nanocrystals: a new example of biopolymer-based nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noinville, S.; Garnier, A.; Courty, A.

2017-05-01

The dispersion of nanoparticles in ordered polymer nanostructures can provide control over particle location and orientation, and pave the way for tailored nanomaterials that have enhanced mechanical, electrical, or optical properties. Here we used silk fibroin, a natural biopolymer, to embed gold nanocrystals (NCs), so as to obtain well-ordered structures such as nanowires and self-assembled triangular nanocomposites. Monodisperse gold NCs synthesized in organic media are mixed to silk fibroin and the obtained nanocomposites are characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Infrared spectroscopy. The optical properties study of gold NCs and silk-gold nanocomposites shows that the Surface Plasmon band is blue shifted compared to gold NCs. The size and shape of NCs gold superlattices can be well controlled by the presence of silk fibroin giving nanowires and also self-assembled triangular nanocomposites as characterized by TEM, FE-SEM and AFM. The strong interaction between gold NCs and silk fibroin is also revealed by the conformation change of silk protein in presence of gold NCs, as shown by FTIR analysis. The formation of such ordered nanocomposites (gold NCs/silk fibroin) will provide new nanoplasmonic devices.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle composite with poly(p-Br-phenylsilane).

PubMed

Kim, Myoung-Hee; Lee, Jun; Mo, Soo-Yong; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Yang, Kap Seung; Kim, Bo-Hye; Lee, Byeong-Gweon; Sohn, Honglae

2012-05-01

The one-pot synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle-poly(p-Br-phenylsilane) composites have been carried out. The conversion of silver(+1) salt to stable silver(0) nanoparticles is promoted by poly(p-Br-phenylsilane), Br-PPS possessing both possible reactive Si-H bonds in the polymer backbone and C-Br bonds in the substituents. The composites were characterized using XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, and solid-state UV-vis analytical techniques. TEM and FE-SEM data show the formation of the composites where large number of silver nanoparticles (less than 30 nm of size) are well dispersed throughout the Br-PPS matrix. XRD patterns are consistent with that for fcc-typed silver. The elemental analysis for Br atom and the polymer solubility confirm that the cleavage of C-Br bond and the Si-Br dative bonding were not occurred appreciably at ambient temperature. Nonetheless, TGA data suggest that some sort of cross-linking was occurred at high temperature. The size and processability of such nanoparticles depend on the ratio of metal to Br-PPS. In the absence of Br-PPS, most of the silver particles undergo macroscopic aggregation, which indicates that the polysilane is necessary for stabilizing the silver nanoparticles.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Au-MWCNTs) via deposition precipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulikifli, Farah Wahida Ahmad; Yazid, Hanani; Halim, Muhammad Zikri Budiman Abdul; Jani, Abdul Mutalib Md

2017-09-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received impressive consideration as support materials of noble metal catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis due to their good mechanical strength, large surface area and good durability under harsh conditions. The interaction between CNTs and noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) gives an unusual unique microstructure properties and or modification of the electron density of the noble metal clusters, and enhances the catalytic activity. In this study, the MWCNTs were first treated with a mixture of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid by sonication to improve its dispersibility and to introduce the carboxylic (-COOH) groups on CNTs surfaces. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by the deposition precipitation (DP) method as this method is simpler, low cost, and excellent method. Then, the effect of reducing agent (NaBH4) on gold distribution on the support of MWCNTs was also studied. Dispersion test, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) are all used to characterize the functionalized MWCNTs (fCNTs) and the Au NPs-fCNTs catalyst. There are three important peaks in functionalized MWCNTs which correspond to C=O, O-H, and C-O absorption peaks, as a result of the oxidation of COOH groups on the surface of CNTs. The absorption band at 1717 cm-1 is corresponded to C=O stretching of COOH, while the absorption bands at 3384 cm-1 and 1011cm-1 are associated with O-H bending and C-O stretching, respectively. Surface morphology of Au NPs-fCNTs R4 and Au NPs- fCNTs WR catalyst by FESEM showed that the Au NPs of 19.22 ± 2.33 nm and 23.05 ± 2.57 nm size were successfully deposited on CNTs, respectively.

Green synthesis of stabilized spherical shaped gold nanoparticles using novel aqueous Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) leaves extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Tausif; Bustam, Mohamad Azmi; Irfan, Muhammad; Moniruzzaman, Muhammad; Anwaar Asghar, Hafiz Muhammad; Bhattacharjee, Sekhar

2018-05-01

In the last decade, development of bioinspired protocols to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using plants and their extracts have been dealt by researchers due to their low cost, renewability and non-toxic features. A simple, cheap and ecofriendly method is reported to synthesize stabilized AuNPs of size 35-75 nm at room temperature using aqueous Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) leaves extract without addition of any external agent. Oil palm leaves mediated AuNPs were characterized using FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometer, EDAX, XPS, FESEM, TEM, DLS and TGA. FTIR spectra results revealed contribution of phenolic, carboxylic, amines and amides in reduction of trivalent gold ions and stabilization of formed gold atoms. Reaction solution color change and UV-vis spectra confirmed reduction of gold ions to generate gold atoms. Reaction mechanism explained the role of phenolic compounds in reduction reaction using FTIR and UV-vis spectra results. EDAX and XPS results further validated the formation of metallic gold particles through bioreduction of gold ions. Crystal structure of metallic gold particles was confirmed through XRD peaks indexing to (111), (200), (220) and (311) planes. TEM and FESEM particles size measurements exhibited the formation of nanostructured AuNPs. Synthesis of well scattered and spherical shaped AuNPs was revealed through FESEM and TEM images. The excellent stability of AuNPs was shown through high negative zeta potential value (-14.7 ± 4.68 mV) and uniform dispersion in aqueous media. Our results disclosed the excellent potential of Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) leaves as reducing and stabilizing agents in green synthesis of well scattered spherical shaped AuNPs, which can be employed as strong candidates in medical drug delivery and industrial applications.

Study of mixed ternary transition metal ferrites as potential electrodes for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhujun, Bhamini; Tan, Michelle T. T.; Shanmugam, Anandan S.

Nanocrystallites of three mixed ternary transition metal ferrite (MTTMF) were prepared by a facile sol-gel method and adopted as electrode material for supercapacitors. The phase development of the samples was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of a single-phase spinel ferrite in CuCoFe2O4 (CuCoF), NiCoFe2O4 (NiCoF) and NiCuFe2O4 (NiCuF). The surface characteristics and elemental composition of the nanocomposites have been studied by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), as well as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical performance of the nanomaterials was evaluated using a two-electrode configuration by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic technique in 1 M KOH electrolyte and was found to be in the order of: CuCoF > NiCoF > NiCuF. A maximum specific capacitance of 221 Fg-1 was obtained with CuCoF at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1. In addition to an excellent cycling stability, an energy density of 7.9 kW kg-1 was obtained at a current density of 1 Ag-1. The high electrochemical performance of the MTTMF nanocomposites obtained indicates that these materials are promising electrodes for supercapacitors.

Treatment of Pb ion contaminated wastewater using hazardous parthenium (P. hysterophorus L.) weed.

PubMed

Samal, Kulbhushan; Mohanty, Kaustubha; Das, Chandan

2017-01-01

In this study, a low-cost, sustainable biosorbent parthenium (P. hysterophorus L.) weed powder was investigated for the treatment of Pb contaminated wastewater. Physicochemical characteristics of the biosorbent were measured, namely, bulk density as 0.42 g cm -3 , porosity as 45%, BET surface area as 20.79 m 2 g -1 , particle size as <125 μm, moisture content as 68% and point of zero charge as 5.6. The various parameters of biosorption process were examined. The maximum percentage removal of Pb ion achieved was 98.3% with 1.0 g L -1 of biosorbent dose for 50 mg L -1 initial Pb ion concentration at process condition of pH 4, temperature 30 °C (303 K), agitation speed 200 rpm and 150 min of equilibrium contact time. The equilibrium data were examined by various rate kinetics models and adsorption isotherm models. Sorption of Pb ion onto biosorbent was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) transmittance spectra and field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) analysis of native as well as Pb ion adsorbed biosorbent. The change in thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) was calculated. The results suggest that biosorption process using parthenium (P. hysterophorus L.) weed powder as biosorbent was a spontaneous, feasible and efficient method for treatment of Pb-bearing wastewater.

Fabrication of n-ZnO/ p-Si (100) and n-ZnO:Al/ p-Si (100) Heterostructures and Study of Current-Voltage, Capacitance-Voltage and Room-Temperature Photoluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, M. A. H.; Khan, M. K. R.; Tanveer Karim, A. M. M.; Rahman, M. M.; Kamruzzaman, M.

2018-01-01

Heterojunction diodes of n-ZnO/ p-Si (100) and n-ZnO:Al/ p-Si (100) were fabricated by spray pyrolysis technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the as-prepared samples. The XRD pattern indicates the hexagonal wurzite structure of zinc oxide (ZnO) and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films grown on Si (100) substrate. The compositional analysis by EDX indicates the presence of Al in the AZO structure. The FESEM image indicates the smooth and compact surface of the heterostructures. The current-voltage characteristics of the heterojunction confirm the rectifying diode behavior at different temperatures and illumination intensities. For low forward bias voltage, the ideality factors were determined to be 1.24 and 1.38 for un-doped and Al-doped heterostructures at room temperature (RT), respectively, which indicates the good diode characteristics. The capacitance-voltage response of the heterojunctions was studied for different oscillation frequencies. From the 1/ C 2- V plot, the junction built-in potentials were found 0.30 V and 0.40 V for un-doped and Al-doped junctions at RT, respectively. The differences in built-in potential for different heterojunctions indicate the different interface state densities of the junctions. From the RT photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the n-ZnO/ p-Si (100) heterostructure, an intense main peak at near band edge (NBE) 378 nm (3.28 eV) and weak deep-level emissions (DLE) centered at 436 nm (2.84 eV) and 412 nm (3.00 eV) were observed. The NBE emission is attributed to the radiative recombination of the free and bound excitons and the DLE results from the radiative recombination through deep level defects.

Structural studies of ZnO nanostructures by varying the deposition parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunus, S. H. A.; Sahdan, M. Z.; Ichimura, M.; Supee, A.; Rahim, S.

2017-01-01

The effect of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) thin film on the growth of ZnO nanorods (NRs) was investigated. The structures of ZnO NRs were synthesized by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method in aqueous solution of N2O6Zn.6H2O and C6H12N4 at 90°C of deposition temperature. One of the ZnO NRs samples was deposited on a ZnO seed layer coated on a glass substrate to investigate the properties of ZnO NRs without receiving effect of other materials. Next, for diode application, the ZnO NRs was deposited on tin monosulfide (SnS) coated on indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate (SnS/ITO). The next, the ZnO structural properties were studied from surface morphology, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) spectra, and chemical composition by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), XRD and energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The growth of ZnO NRs on ZnO seed layer was investigated by ZnO seed layer condition while the growth of ZnO NRs on SnS/ITO was investigated by deposition time and deposition temperature parameters. From FESEM images, aligned ZnO NRs were obtained, and the diameters of ZnO NRs were 0.024-3.94 µm. The SnS thin film was affected by the diameter of ZnO NRs which are the ZnO NRs grow on SnS thin films has a larger diameter compared to ZnO NRs grow on ZnO seed layer. Besides that, all of ZnO peaks observed from XRD corresponding to the wurzite structure and preferentially oriented along the c-axis. In addition, EDX shows a high composition of zinc (Zn) and oxygen (O) signals, which indicated that the NRs are indeed made up of Zn and O.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in settled dust from informal electronic waste recycling workshops and nearby highways in urban centers and suburban industrial roadsides of Chennai city, India: Levels, congener profiles and exposure assessment.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Paromita; Prithiviraj, Balasubramanian; Selvaraj, Sakthivel; Kumar, Bhupander

2016-12-15

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were quantified in settled dust collected from informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workshops and nearby highways in the urban centers and roadside dust from the suburban industrial belt of Chennai city in India. Further dust samples were subjected to a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (FESEM/EDX) to characterize the shape, size and elemental composition of the dust particles. Geomean of total PCB concentration followed the following order: informal e-waste metal recovery workshops (53ngg -1 )>e-waste dismantling sites (3.6ngg -1 )>nearby highways (1.7ngg -1 )>suburban industrial roadsides (1.6ngg -1 ). In e-waste workshops, tetra, penta and hexa-PCB homologs contributed two third of Σ 26 PCB concentration. Informal e-waste recycling workshops contributed more than 80% concentration of all the PCB congeners loaded in the first principal component. Predominance of dioxin like PCBs, PCB-l14, -118 and -126 in the e-waste metal recovery sites were presumably due to combustion and pyrolytic processes performed during recycling of electrical components. According to the morphology and elemental composition, settled dust from e-waste workshops were irregular particles heavily embedded with toxic metals and industrial roadside dust were distinct angular particles. FESEM revealed that average particle size (in Ferret diameter) increased in the following order: e-waste recycling workshops (0.5μm)

Characterisation of calcium phosphate crystals on calcified human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells and potential role of magnesium.

PubMed

Louvet, Loïc; Bazin, Dominique; Büchel, Janine; Steppan, Sonja; Passlick-Deetjen, Jutta; Massy, Ziad A

2015-01-01

Cardiovascular disease including vascular calcification (VC) remains the leading cause of death in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). The process of VC seems likely to be a tightly regulated process where vascular smooth muscle cells are playing a key role rather than just a mere passive precipitation of calcium phosphate. Characterisation of the chemical and crystalline structure of VC was mainly led in patients or animal models with CKD. Likewise, Mg2+ was found to be protective in living cells although a potential role for Mg2+ could not be excluded on crystal formation and precipitation. In this study, the crystal formation and the role of Mg2+ were investigated in an in vitro model of primary human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMC) with physical techniques. In HAVSMC incubated with increased Ca x Pi medium, only calcium phosphate apatite crystals (CPA) were detected by Micro-Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (µFTIR) and Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) at the cell layer level. Supplementation with Mg2+ did not alter the crystal composition or structure. The crystal deposition was preferentially positioned near or directly on cells as pictured by FE-SEM observations and EDX measurements. Large µFTIR maps revealed spots of CPA crystals that were associated to the cellular layout. This qualitative analysis suggests a potential beneficial effect of Mg2+ at 5 mM in noticeably reducing the number and intensities of CPA µFTIR spots. For the first time in a model of HAVSMC, induced calcification led to the formation of the sole CPA crystals. Our data seems to exclude a physicochemical role of Mg2+ in altering the CPA crystal growth, composition or structure. Furthermore, Mg2+ beneficial role in attenuating VC should be linked to an active cellular role.

Processing and characterization of laser sintered hybrid B4C/cBN reinforced Ti-based metal matrix composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Ankit; Hussain, Manowar; Misra, Saurav; Das, Alok Kumar; Mandal, Amitava

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study is to make a boron carbide (B4C) and cubic boron nitride (cBN) reinforced Ti6Al4V metal matrix composites (MMC's) by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique using the continuous wave (CW) SPI fiber laser and to check the feasibility of the formation of three dimensional objects by this process. For this study, the process parameters like laser power density (3.528-5.172 W/cm2 (×104), scanning speed (3500-4500 mm/min), composition of the reinforced materials B4C (5-25% by volume) and cBN (3% by volume) were taken as input variables and hatching gap (0.2 mm), spot diameter (0.4 mm), layer thickness (0.4 mm) were taken as constant. It was analyzed that surface characteristic, density and the mechanical properties of sintered samples were greatly influenced by varying the input process parameters. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) were performed for microstructural analysis, elemental analysis, and recognition of intermetallic compounds respectively. Mechanical properties like micro-hardness & wear rate were examined by Vickers micro-hardness tester & pin on disc arrangement respectively. From hardness tests, it was observed that hardness property of the sintered specimens was increased as compared to the parent material. The XRD results show that there is a good affinity between Ti6Al4V-B4C-cBN to produce various intermetallic compounds which themselves enhance the mechanical properties of the samples. From FESEM analysis, we can conclude that there is a uniform distribution of reinforcements in the titanium alloy matrix. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction (COF) was characterized by the irregular pattern and it tends to decrease with an increase in the volume % of reinforcement. The results obtained in this work may be useful in preparing the MMC's with improved mechanical properties and overall characteristics.

An investigation of down-conversion luminescence properties of rare earth doped CaMoO4 phosphors for solar cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Akta; Sharma, S. K.

2018-05-01

In the present work, we have synthesized a CaMoO4:(1%)Er3+,(1%)Yb3+ down-converting phosphor by hydrothermal method. The primary goal of studying down-conversion is to enhance the conversion efficiency of Si-solar cell by converting one high energy (UV) photon into two low energy (NIR) photons. The various characterization such as XRD, FESEM and Photoluminescence (PL) were carried out. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern exhibit tetragonal crystal structure and has a space group of I41a (88). The FESEM microphotograph shows surface morphology having a abundance of particles in spherical shape. The PL emission spectra were recorded both in Visible and NIR regions. There is hypertensive emission peak at 555 nm in the visible region due to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions and an emission at 980 nm (2F5/2 → 2F7/2) due to Yb3+ ions. The result shows a demand of this down-converting material in the field of solar energy to improve the efficiency of Si-solar-cell.

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

Gantayat, S., E-mail: subhra-gantayat@rediffmail.com; Rout, D.; Swain, S. K.

The effect of the functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotube on the structure and electrical properties of composites was investigated. Samples based on epoxy resin with different weight percentage of MWCNTs were prepared and characterized. The interaction between MWCNT & epoxy resin was noticed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) reinforced epoxy composite was studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The dispersion of f-MWCNT in epoxy resin was evidenced by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Electrical properties of epoxy/f-MWCNT nanocomposites were measured & the result indicated that the conductivity increasedmore » with increasing concentration of f-MWCNTs.« less

CdS loaded on coal based activated carbon nanofibers with enhanced photocatalytic property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jixi; Guo, Mingxi; Jia, Dianzeng; Song, Xianli; Tong, Fenglian

2016-08-01

The coal based activated carbon nanofibers (CBACFs) were prepared by electrospinning a mixture of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and acid treated coal. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles loaded on CBACFs were fabricated by solvothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by FESEM, TEM, and XRD. The results reveal that the CdS nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed on the surfaces of CBACFs. The CdS/CBACFs nanocomposites exhibited higher photoactivity for photodegradation of methyl blue (MB) under visible light irradiation than pure CdS nanoparticles. CBACFs can be used as low cost support materials for the preparation of nanocomposites with high photocatalytic activity.

Cobalt ferrite nano-composite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method for photo-catalytic degradation of an azo textile dye Reactive Red 4: XRD, FESEM and DRS investigations.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Parhizkar, Janan

2015-11-05

Cobalt ferrite nano-composite was prepared by hydrothermal route using cobalt nitrate, iron nitrate and ethylene glycol as chelating agent. The nano-composite was coated on glass by Doctor Blade method and annealed at 300 °C. The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). Powder XRD analysis confirmed formation of CoFe2O4 spinel phase. The estimated particle size from FESEM data was 50 nm. The calculated energy band gaps, obtained by Tauc relation from UV-Vis absorption spectra was 1.3 eV. Photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Red 4 as an azo textile was investigated in aqueous solution under irradiation showed 68.0% degradation of the dye within 100 min. The experimental enhanced activity compare to pure Fe2O3 can be ascribed to the formation of composite, which was mainly attributable to the transfer of electron and hole to the surface of composite and hinder the electron hole recombination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication, Characterization and Cytotoxicity of Spherical-Shaped Conjugated Gold-Cockle Shell Derived Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiranda, Hanan Karimah; Mahmud, Rozi; Abubakar, Danmaigoro; Zakaria, Zuki Abubakar

2018-01-01

The evolution of nanomaterial in science has brought about a growing increase in nanotechnology, biomedicine, and engineering fields. This study was aimed at fabrication and characterization of conjugated gold-cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Au-CSCaCO3NPs) for biomedical application. The synthetic technique employed used gold nanoparticle citrate reduction method and a simple precipitation method coupled with mechanical use of a Programmable roller-ball mill. The synthesized conjugated nanomaterial was characterized for its physicochemical properties using transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). However, the intricacy of cellular mechanisms can prove challenging for nanomaterial like Au-CSCaCO3NPs and thus, the need for cytotoxicity assessment. The obtained spherical-shaped nanoparticles (light-green purplish) have an average diameter size of 35 ± 16 nm, high carbon and oxygen composition. The conjugated nanomaterial, also possesses a unique spectra for aragonite polymorph and carboxylic bond significantly supporting interactions between conjugated nanoparticles. The negative surface charge and spectra absorbance highlighted their stability. The resultant spherical shaped conjugated Au-CSCaCO3NPs could be a great nanomaterial for biomedical applications.

Synthesis of SiO(x) powder using DC arc plasma.

PubMed

Jung, Chan-Ok; Park, Dong-Wha

2013-02-01

SiO(x) was prepared by DC arc plasma and applied to the anode material of lithium ion batteries. A pellet of a mixture of Si and SiO2 was used as the raw material. The ratios of the silicon and silicon dioxide (SiO2) mixtures were varied by controlling the Si-SiO2 molar ratio (Si-SiO2 = 1-4). Hydrogen gas was used as the reduction atmosphere in the chamber. The prepared SiO(x) was collected on the chamber wall. The obtained SiO(x) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD and TEM showed that the phase composition of the prepared particles was composed of amorphous SiO(x) and crystalline Si. The prepared SiO(x) showed wire and spherical morphology. XPS indicated the bonding state and 'x' value of the prepared SiO(x), which was close to one. The result of prepared SiO(x) is discussed from thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. The electrochemical behavior of the silicon monoxide anode was investigated.

Novel Weed-Extracted Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Appraisal against a Rare Bacterium from River and Sewage Treatment Plan.

PubMed

Syafiuddin, Achmad; Hadibarata, Tony; Beng Hong Kueh, Ahmad; Razman Salim, Mohd

2017-12-26

This is the first investigation to demonstrate the use of biochemical contents present within Cyperus rotundus , Eleusin indica , Euphorbia hirta , Melastoma malabathricum , Clidemia hirta and Pachyrhizus erosus extracts for the reduction of silver ion to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) form. In addition, the antibacterial capability of the synthesized AgNPs and plant extracts alone against a rare bacterium, Chromobacterium haemolyticum ( C. haemolyticum ), was examined. Moreover, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) of the synthesized AgNPs were characterized. The smallest AgNPs can be produced when Cyperus rotundus extracts were utilized. In addition, this study has found that the synthesis efficiencies using all plant extracts are in the range of 72% to 91% with the highest percentage achieved when Eleusin indica extract was employed. All synthesized AgNPs have antibacterial capability against all examined bacteria depending on their size and bacteria types. Interestingly, Melastoma malabathricum and Clidemia hirta extracts have demonstrated an antibacterial ability against C. haemolyticum .

Novel Weed-Extracted Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Appraisal against a Rare Bacterium from River and Sewage Treatment Plan

PubMed Central

Hadibarata, Tony; Beng Hong Kueh, Ahmad; Razman Salim, Mohd

2017-01-01

This is the first investigation to demonstrate the use of biochemical contents present within Cyperus rotundus, Eleusin indica, Euphorbia hirta, Melastoma malabathricum, Clidemia hirta and Pachyrhizus erosus extracts for the reduction of silver ion to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) form. In addition, the antibacterial capability of the synthesized AgNPs and plant extracts alone against a rare bacterium, Chromobacterium haemolyticum (C. haemolyticum), was examined. Moreover, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) of the synthesized AgNPs were characterized. The smallest AgNPs can be produced when Cyperus rotundus extracts were utilized. In addition, this study has found that the synthesis efficiencies using all plant extracts are in the range of 72% to 91% with the highest percentage achieved when Eleusin indica extract was employed. All synthesized AgNPs have antibacterial capability against all examined bacteria depending on their size and bacteria types. Interestingly, Melastoma malabathricum and Clidemia hirta extracts have demonstrated an antibacterial ability against C. haemolyticum. PMID:29278389

Functional Nanoarchitectures For Enhanced Drug Eluting Stents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleh, Yomna E.; Gepreel, Mohamed A.; Allam, Nageh K.

2017-01-01

Different strategies have been investigated to allow for optimum duration and conditions for endothelium healing through the enhancement of coronary stents. In this study, a nanoarchitectured system is proposed as a surface modification for drug eluting stents. Highly oriented nanotubes were vertically grown on the surface of a new Ni-free biocompatible Ti-based alloy, as a potential material for self-expandable stents. The fabricated nanotubes were self-grown from the potential stent substrate, which are also proposed to enhance endothelial proliferation while acting as drug reservoir to hinder Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC) proliferation. Two morphologies were synthesized to investigate the effect of structure homogeneity on the intended application. The material was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nanoindentation technique was used to study the mechanical properties of the fabricated material. Cytotoxicity and proliferation studies were performed and compared for the two fabricated nanoarchitectures, versus smooth untextured samples, using in-vitro cultured endothelial cells. Finally, the drug loading capacity was experimentally studied and further supported by computational modeling of the release profile.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of biocompatible silver sulfide nanoworms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Ruimin; Liu, Shanhu; Tian, Shufang

2011-10-01

In this study, silver sulfide nanoworms were prepared via a rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal method by reacting silver nitrate and thioacetamide in the aqueous solution of the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein. The morphology, composition, and crystallinity of the nanoworms were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results show that the nanoworms were assembled by multiple adjacent Ag2S nanoparticles and stabilized by a layer of BSA attached to their surface. The nanoworms have the sizes of about 50 nm in diameter and hundreds of nanometers in length. The analyses of high-resolution TEM and their correlative Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) indicate that the adjacent Ag2S nanoparticles grow by misoriented attachment at the connective interfaces to form the nanoworm structure. In vitro assays on the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa show that the nanoworms exhibit good biocompatibility due to the presence of BSA coating. This combination of features makes the nanoworms attractive and promising building blocks for advanced materials and devices.

Electrochemical deposited nickel nanowires: influence of deposition bath temperature on the morphology and physical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sofiah, A. G. N.; Kananathan, J.; Samykano, M.; Ulakanathan, S.; Lah, N. A. C.; Harun, W. S. W.; Sudhakar, K.; Kadirgama, K.; Ngui, W. K.; Siregar, J. P.

2017-10-01

This paper investigates the influence of the electrolytic bath temperature on the morphology and physical properties of nickel (Ni) nanowires electrochemically deposited into the anodic alumina oxide porous membrane (AAO). The synthesis was performed using nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4.6H2O) and boric acid (H3BO3) as an electrolytic bath for the electrochemical deposition of Ni nanowires. During the experiment, the electrolyte bath temperature varied from 40°C, 80°C, and 120°C. After the electrochemical deposition process, AAO templates cleaned with distilled water preceding to dissolution in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to obtain free-standing Ni nanowires. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to characterize the morphology and physical properties of the synthesized Ni nanowires. Finding reveals the electrodeposition bath temperature significantly influences the morphology and physical properties of the synthesized Ni nanowires. Rougher surface texture, larger crystal size, and longer Ni nanowires obtained as the deposition bath temperature increased. From the physical properties properties analysis, it can be concluded that deposition bath temperature influence the physical properties of Ni nanowires.

Temperature and pH effect on reduction of graphene oxides in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tai, Guoan; Zeng, Tian; Li, Hongxiang; Liu, Jinsong; Kong, Jizhou; Lv, Fuyong

2014-09-01

Reduced graphene oxides (RGOs) have usually been obtained by hydrazine reduction, but hydrazine-related compounds are corrosive, highly flammable and very hazardous, and the obtained RGOs heavily aggregated. Here we investigated extensively the effect of temperature and pH value on the structure of RGOs in hydrothermal environments without any reducing agents. The attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra showed that reduction rate of GOs remarkably increased with the temperature from 100 to 180 °C and with pH value from 3 to 10. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) exhibited the structural transition of the RGOs. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) showed the reduction degree of the RGO samples quantitatively. The results demonstrate that the GOs can be reduced controllably by a hydrothermal reduction process at pH value of 10 at 140 °C, and the large-scale RGOs are cut into small nanosheets with size from several to a few tens of nanometers with increasing temperature and duration. This study provides a feasible approach to controllably reduce GO with different nanostructures such as porous structures and quantum dots for applications in optoelectronics and biomedicals.

Fabrication of multicolor fluorescent polyvinyl alcohol through surface modification with conjugated polymers by oxidative polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hai, Thien An Phung; Sugimoto, Ryuichi

2018-06-01

A simple method for the preparation of multicolor polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by chemical oxidative polymerization is introduced. The PVA surface was successfully modified with conjugated polymers composed of 3-hexylthiophene (3HT) and fluorene (F). The incorporation of the 3HT/F copolymer onto the PVA surface was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), and fluorescence spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Different 3HT/F ratios on the PVA surface result in optical properties that include multicolor-emission and absorption behavior. The color of the resultant (3HT/F)-g-PVA shifted from red to blue, and the quantum yield increased with increasing F content. The surface hydrophobicity of the modified PVA increased significantly through grafting with the conjugated polymers, with the water contact angle increasing by 30° compared to pristine PVA. The PVA XRD peaks were less intense following surface modification. Thermogravimetric analyses reveal that the thermal stability of the PVA decreases as a result of grafting with the 3HT/F copolymers.

Lithium-doped hydroxyapatite nano-composites: Synthesis, characterization, gamma attenuation coefficient and dielectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badran, H.; Yahia, I. S.; Hamdy, Mohamed S.; Awwad, N. S.

2017-01-01

Lithium-hydroxyapatite (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% Li-HAp) nano-composites were synthesized by sol-gel technique followed by microwave-hydrothermal treatment. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman techniques. Gamma attenuation coefficient and the dielectric properties for all composites were investigated. The crystallinity degree of Li-doped HAp was higher than that of un-doped HAp. Gamma attenuation coefficient values increased from 0.562 cm-1 for 0 wt% Li-HAp to 2.190 cm-1 for 40 wt% Li-HAp. The alternating current conductivity increased with increasing frequency. The concentration of Li affect the values of dielectric constant where Li doped HAp of low dielectric constant can have an advantage for healing in bone fractures. The calcium to phosphorus ratio decreased from 1.43 to 1.37 with the addition of lithium indicating the Ca deficiency in the studied composites. Our findings lead to the conclusion that Li-HAp is a new nano-composite useful for medical applications and could be doped with gamma shield materials.

Facile preparation of dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures on the surface of Cu foil for application as a SERS-substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Zao; Tan, Xiulan; Niu, Gao; Xu, Xibin; Li, Xibo; Ye, Xin; Luo, Jiangshan; Luo, Binchi; Wu, Weidong; Tang, Yongjian; Yi, Yougen

2012-05-01

Dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures have been synthesized on the surface of Cu foil via a multi-stage galvanic replacement reaction (MGRR) of Ag dendrites in a Na2PdCl4 solution. After five stages of replacement reaction, one obtained structures with protruding Ag-Pd flakes; these will mature into many porous structures with a few Ag atoms that are left over dendrites. The dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the products strongly depended on the stage of galvanic replacement reaction and reaction temperature. The morphology and composition-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of the as-synthesized Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures were investigated. The effectiveness of these dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures on the surface of Cu foil as substrates toward SERS detection was evaluated by using rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a probe molecule. The results indicate that as-synthesized dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures are good candidates for SERS spectroscopy.

Improving the tribocorrosion resistance of Ti6Al4V surface by laser surface cladding with TiNiZrO2 composite coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obadele, Babatunde Abiodun; Andrews, Anthony; Mathew, Mathew T.; Olubambi, Peter Apata; Pityana, Sisa

2015-08-01

Ti6Al4V alloy was laser cladded with titanium, nickel and zirconia powders in different ratio using a 2 kW CW ytterbium laser system (YLS). The microstructures of the cladded layers were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Corrosion and tribocorrosion tests were performed on the cladded surface in 1 M H2SO4 solution. The microstructure revealed the transformation from a dense dendritic structure in TiNi coating to a flower-like structure observed in TiNiZrO2 cladded layers. There was a significant increase in surface microindentation hardness values of the cladded layers due to the present of hard phase ZrO2 particles. The results obtained show that addition of ZrO2 improves the corrosion resistance property of TiNi coating but decrease the tribocorrosion resistance property. The surface hardening effect induced by ZrO2 addition, combination of high hardness of Ti2Ni phase could be responsible for the mechanical degradation and chemical wear under sliding conditions.

The experimental study of the effect of microwave on the physical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

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

Haque, A.K.M. Mahmudul; Oh, Geum Seok; Kim, Taeoh

Highlights: • We study the microwave effect on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). • We examine the non uniform heating effect on the physical structure of MWCNTs. • We examine the purification of MWCNTs by microwave. • We analyze the thermal characteristics of microwave treated MWCNTs. - Abstract: This paper reports the effect of microwave on the physical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) where different power levels of microwave were applied on MWCNTs in order to apprehend the effect of microwave on MWCNTs distinctly. A low energy ball milling in aqueous circumstance was also applied on both MWCNTs andmore » microwave treated MWCNTs. Temperature profile, morphological analysis by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), defect analysis by Raman spectroscopy, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity as well as heat transfer coefficient enhancement ratio were studied which expose some strong witnesses of the effect of microwave on the both purification and dispersion properties of MWCNTs in base fluid distilled water. The highest thermal conductivity enhancement (6.06% at 40 °C) of MWCNTs based nanofluid is achieved by five minutes microwave treatment as well as wet grinding at 500 rpm for two hours.« less

Improvement in the water retention characteristics of sandy loam soil using a newly synthesized poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)/AlZnFe2O4 superabsorbent hydrogel nanocomposite material.

PubMed

Shahid, Shaukat Ali; Qidwai, Ansar Ahmad; Anwar, Farooq; Ullah, Inam; Rashid, Umer

2012-08-03

The use of some novel and efficient crop nutrient-based superabsorbent hydrogel nanocomposites (SHNCs), is currently becoming increasingly important to improve the crop yield and productivity, due to their water retention properties. In the present study a poly(Acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)/AlZnFe2O4 superabsorbent hydrogel nanocomposite was synthesized and its physical properties characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), FE-SEM and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. The effects of different levels of SHNC were studied to evaluate the moisture retention properties of sandy loam soil (sand 59%, silt 21%, clay 19%, pH 7.4, EC 1.92 dS/m). The soil amendment with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 w/w% of SHNC enhanced the moisture retention significantly at field capacity compared to the untreated soil. Besides, in a separate experiment, seed germination and seedling growth of wheat was found to be notably improved with the application of SHNC. A delay in wilting of seedlings by 5-8 days was observed for SHNC-amended soil, thereby improving wheat plant growth and establishment.

Enhancement of the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles toward methanol electro-oxidation using doped-SnO2 supporting materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merati, Zohreh; Basiri Parsa, Jalal

2018-03-01

Catalyst supports play important role in governing overall catalyst activity and durability. In this study metal oxides (SnO2, Sb and Nb doped SnO2) were electrochemically deposited on titanium substrate (Ti) as a new support material for Pt catalyst in order to electro-oxidation of methanol. Afterward platinum nanoparticles were deposited on metal oxide film via electro reduction of platinum salt in an acidic solution. The surface morphology of modified electrodes were evaluated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques. The electro-catalytic activities of prepared electrodes for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) absorbed on Pt was considered with cyclic voltammetry. The results showed high catalytic activity for Pt/Nb-SnO2/Ti electrode. The electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of a platinum electro-catalyst was determined by hydrogen adsorption. Pt/Nb-SnO2/Ti electrode has highest ECSA compared to other electrode resulting in high activity toward methanol electro-oxidation and CO stripping experiments. The doping of SnO2 with Sb and Nb improved ECSA and MOR activity, which act as electronic donors to increase electronic conductivity.

Highly Sensitive and Selective In-Situ SERS Detection of Pb(2+), Hg(2+), and Cd(2+) Using Nanoporous Membrane Functionalized with CNTs.

PubMed

Shaban, Mohamed; Galaly, A R

2016-05-04

Porous Anodic Alumina (PAA) membrane was functionalized with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and used as a substrate for the growing of very long helical-structured Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) with a diameter less than 20 nm. The structures and morphologies of the fabricated nanostructures were characterized by field emission- scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Raman spectroscopy. By uploading the CNTs on PAA, the characteristic Raman peaks of CNTs and PAA showed 4 and 3 times enhancement, respectively, which leads to more sensitive Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates. For comparison, PAA and CNTs/PAA arrays were used as SERS substrates for the detection of Hg(2+), Cd(2+), and Pb(2+). The proposed sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity between these heavy metal ions. CNTs/PAA sensor showed excellent selectivity toward Pb(2+) over other metal ions, where the enhancement factor is decreased from ~17 for Pb(2+) to ~12 for Hg(2+) and to ~4 for Cd(2+). Therefore, the proposed CNTs/PAA sensor can be used as a powerful tool for the determination of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions.

Highly Sensitive and Selective In-Situ SERS Detection of Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+ Using Nanoporous Membrane Functionalized with CNTs

PubMed Central

Shaban, Mohamed; Galaly, A. R.

2016-01-01

Porous Anodic Alumina (PAA) membrane was functionalized with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and used as a substrate for the growing of very long helical-structured Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) with a diameter less than 20 nm. The structures and morphologies of the fabricated nanostructures were characterized by field emission- scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Raman spectroscopy. By uploading the CNTs on PAA, the characteristic Raman peaks of CNTs and PAA showed 4 and 3 times enhancement, respectively, which leads to more sensitive Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates. For comparison, PAA and CNTs/PAA arrays were used as SERS substrates for the detection of Hg2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+. The proposed sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity between these heavy metal ions. CNTs/PAA sensor showed excellent selectivity toward Pb2+ over other metal ions, where the enhancement factor is decreased from ~17 for Pb2+ to ~12 for Hg2+ and to ~4 for Cd2+. Therefore, the proposed CNTs/PAA sensor can be used as a powerful tool for the determination of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. PMID:27143512

Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Properties of Ti-Ni-Si-O Nanostructures on Ti-Ni-Si Alloy

PubMed Central

Dong, Zhenbiao; Ning, Congqin

2017-01-01

Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were successfully prepared on Ti-1Ni-5Si alloy foils via electrochemical anodization in ethylene glycol/glycerol solutions containing a small amount of water. The Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance absorption spectra. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical water splitting properties of the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure films were investigated. It was found that, after anodization, three different kinds of Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures formed in the α-Ti phase region, Ti2Ni phase region, and Ti5Si3 phase region of the alloy surface. Both the anatase and rutile phases of Ti-Ni-Si-O oxide appeared after annealing at 500 °C for 2 h. The photocurrent density obtained from the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure photoanodes was 0.45 mA/cm2 at 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 1 M KOH solution. The above findings make it feasible to further explore excellent photoelectrochemical properties of the nanostructure-modified surface of Ti-Ni-Si ternary alloys. PMID:29088083

Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Properties of Ti-Ni-Si-O Nanostructures on Ti-Ni-Si Alloy.

PubMed

Li, Ting; Ding, Dongyan; Dong, Zhenbiao; Ning, Congqin

2017-10-31

Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were successfully prepared on Ti-1Ni-5Si alloy foils via electrochemical anodization in ethylene glycol/glycerol solutions containing a small amount of water. The Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance absorption spectra. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical water splitting properties of the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure films were investigated. It was found that, after anodization, three different kinds of Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructures formed in the α-Ti phase region, Ti₂Ni phase region, and Ti₅Si₃ phase region of the alloy surface. Both the anatase and rutile phases of Ti-Ni-Si-O oxide appeared after annealing at 500 °C for 2 h. The photocurrent density obtained from the Ti-Ni-Si-O nanostructure photoanodes was 0.45 mA/cm² at 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 1 M KOH solution. The above findings make it feasible to further explore excellent photoelectrochemical properties of the nanostructure-modified surface of Ti-Ni-Si ternary alloys.

Corrosion Behavior and Microhardness of Ni-P-SiO2-Al2O3 Nano-composite Coatings on Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadreddini, S.; Rahemi Ardakani, S.; Rassaee, H.

2017-05-01

In the present work, nano-composites of Ni-P-SiO2-Al2O3 were coated on AZ91HP magnesium alloy. The surface morphology of the nano-composite coating was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The amount of SiO2 in the coating was determined by energy-dispersive analysis of x-ray (EDX), and the crystalline structure of the coating was examined by x-ray diffractometer (XRD). All the experiments concerning the corrosion behavior of the coating carried out in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization technique. The results showed that an incorporation of SiO2 and Al2O3 in Ni-P coating at the SiO2 concentration of 10 g/Land 14 g/LAl2O3 led to the lowest corrosion rate ( i corr = 1.3 µA/cm2), the most positive E corr and maximum microhardness (496 VH). Furthermore, Ni-P-SiO2-Al2O3 nano-composite coating possesses less porosity than that in Ni-P coating, resulting in improving corrosion resistance.

An investigation of GaN thin films on AlN on sapphire substrate by sol-gel spin coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amin, Nur Fahana Mohd; Ng, Sha Shiong

2017-12-01

In this research, the gallium nitride (GaN) thin films were deposited on aluminium nitride on sapphire (AlN/Al2O3) substrate by sol-gel spin coating method. Simple ethanol-based precursor with the addition of diethanolamine solution was used. The structural and morphology properties of synthesized GaN thin films were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction, Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. While the elemental compositions and the lattice vibrational properties of the films were investigated by means of the Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. All the results revealed that the wurtzite structure GaN thin films with GaN(002) preferred orientation and smooth surface morphology were successfully grown on AlN/Al2O3 substrate by using inexpensive and simplified sol-gel spin coating technique. The sol-gel spin coated GaN thin film with lowest oxygen content was also achieved.FESEM images show that GaN thin films with uniform and packed grains were formed. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that wurtzite structure GaN thin films were successfully deposited on AlN/Al2O3 substrate.

Synthesis and optimization of the magnetic properties of aligned strontium ferrite nanowires

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

Ebrahimi, Fatemeh, E-mail: F.Ebrahimi@ma.iut.ac.ir; Bakhshi, Saeed Reza; Ashrafizadeh, Fakhreddin

Highlights: • Dip coating method was used to synthesize strontium ferrite nanowires in template. • Size of nanowires was controlled via anodization parameters. • Fe/Sr ratio was optimized in precursor. • Magnetic properties of nanowires and nanopowders were compared. - Abstract: High aspect ratio strontium hexaferrite nanowires were fabricated by dip coating in alumina template. Fe/Sr ratio was changed from 10 to 12 in precursor, and the samples were annealed at a range of temperatures 500–900 °C in order to optimize the magnetic properties of strontium ferrite in the form of nanowires. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) proved themore » formation of nanowires in the templates, while TEM images revealed a high degree of crystallinity. The ferrites were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Magnetic properties of the specimens were studied by a SQUID at 10–300 K. The results showed that the coercivity of packed density nanowires in the template was much less than that of the nanopowders. On the other hand, the coercivity of nanowires at ambient temperature was less than low temperature coercivity.« less

Corrosion Protection of Nd-Fe Magnets via Phophatization, Silanization and Electrostatic Spraying with Organic Resin Composite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Xia; Li, Jingjie; Li, Musen; Ge, Shengsong; Wang, Xiuchun; Ding, Kaihong; Cui, Shengli; Sun, Yongcong

2014-09-01

Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets possess excellent properties. However, they are highly sensitive to the attack of corrosive environment. The aim of this work is to improve the corrosion resistance of the magnets by phosphatization, silanization, and electrostatic spraying with organic resin composite coatings. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) tests showed that uniform phosphate conversion coatings and spray layers were formed on the surface of the Nd-Fe-B magnets. Neutral salt spray tests exhibited that, after treated by either phosphating, silanization or electrostatic spraying, the protectiveness of Nd-Fe-B alloys was apparently increased. And corrosion performance of magnets treated with silane only was slightly inferior to those of phosphatized ones. However, significant improvement in corrosion protection was achieved after two-step treatments, i.e. by top-coating spray layer with phosphate or silane films underneath. Grid test indicated that the phosphate and silane coating were strongly attached to the substrate while silane film was slightly weaker than the phosphate-treated ones. Magnetic property analysis revealed phosphatization, silanization, and electrostatic spraying caused decrease in magnetism, but silanization had the relatively smaller effect.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using crystal compound of sodium para-hydroxybenzoate tetrahydrate isolated from Vitex negundo. L leaves and its apoptotic effect on human colon cancer cell lines.

PubMed

Durai, Prabhu; Chinnasamy, Arulvasu; Gajendran, Babu; Ramar, Manikandan; Pappu, Srinivasan; Kasivelu, Govindaraju; Thirunavukkarasu, Ashokkumar

2014-09-12

Metallic nanoparticles are major concern, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in various applications. In the present investigation, we report a novel strategy with biological approach for synthesis of AgNPs using sodium para-hydroxybenzoate tetrahydrate (SPHT) isolated from Vitex negundo leaves. The synthesized SPHT-AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The various pH and temperature were evaluated to find their stability effects on SPHT-AgNPs synthesis peak at 430 nm. The size of SPHT-AgNPs were ranging from 26 to 39 nm and were spherical in shape. The hydroxyl and carboxylic functional groups from bio-reducing mediators of SPHT have a stronger ability towards synthesis of AgNPs, which was confirmed using FT-IR spectrum. In addition, anticancer activity were determined by MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI and cell cycle analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effect of both deposition temperature and indium doping on the properties of sol-gel dip-coated SnO2 films.

PubMed

Caglar, Mujdat; Atar, Kadir Cemil

2012-10-01

Using indium chloride as an In source, In-doped SnO(2) films were fabricated by sol-gel method through dip-coating on borofloat glass substrates. The undoped SnO(2) films were deposited in air between 400 and 600 °C to get optimum deposition temperature in terms of crystal quality and hence In-doped SnO(2) films were deposited in air at 600 °C. The effect of both deposition temperature and In content on structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties was investigated. The crystalline structure and orientation of the films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface morphology was studied by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The compositional analysis of the films was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The absorption band edge of the SnO(2) films shifted from 3.88 to 3.66 eV with In content. The van der Pauw method was used to measure the sheet resistance of the films. The sheet resistance was affected significantly by deposition temperature and In content. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The choice of ultrasound assisted extraction coupled with spectrophotometric for rapid determination of gallic acid in water samples: Central composite design for optimization of process variables.

PubMed

Pooralhossini, Jaleh; Ghaedi, Mehrorang; Zanjanchi, Mohammad Ali; Asfaram, Arash

2017-01-01

A sensitive procedure namely ultrasound-assisted (UA) coupled dispersive nano solid-phase microextraction spectrophotometry (DNSPME-UV-Vis) was designed for preconcentration and subsequent determination of gallic acid (GA) from water samples, while the detailed of composition and morphology and also purity and structure of this new sorbent was identified by techniques like field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. Among conventional parameters viz. pH, amount of sorbent, sonication time and volume of elution solvent based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and central composite design according to statistics based contour the best operational conditions was set at pH of 2.0; 1.5mg sorbent, 4.0min sonication and 150μL ethanol. Under these pre-qualified conditions the method has linear response over wide concentration range of 15-6000ngmL -1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The good figure of merits like acceptable LOD (S/N=3) and LOQ (S/N=10) with numerical value of 2.923 and 9.744ngmL -1 , respectively and relative recovery between 95.54 and 100.02% show the applicability and efficiency of this method for real samples analysis with RSDs below 6.0%. Finally the method with good performance were used for monitoring under study analyte in various real samples like tap, river and mineral waters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of potato starch nanocrystal reinforced natural rubber nanocomposites.

PubMed

Rajisha, K R; Maria, H J; Pothan, L A; Ahmad, Zakiah; Thomas, S

2014-06-01

Potato starch nanocrystals were found to serve as an effective reinforcing agent for natural rubber (NR). Starch nanocrystals were obtained by the sulfuric acid hydrolysis of potato starch granules. After mixing the latex and the starch nanocrystals, the resulting aqueous suspension was cast into film by solvent evaporation method. The composite samples were successfully prepared by varying filler loadings, using a colloidal suspension of starch nanocrystals and NR latex. The morphology of the nanocomposite prepared was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FESEM analysis revealed the size and shape of the crystal and their homogeneous dispersion in the composites. The crystallinity of the nanocomposites was studied using XRD analysis which indicated an overall increase in crystallinity with filler content. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites such as stress-strain behavior, tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break were measured according to ASTM standards. The tensile strength and modulus of the composites were found to improve tremendously with increasing nanocrystal content. This dramatic increase observed can be attributed to the formation of starch nanocrystal network. This network immobilizes the polymer chains leading to an increase in the modulus and other mechanical properties. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of multiwall carbon nanotubes on viscoelastic properties of magnetorheological elastomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, Siti Aishah Abdul; Amri Mazlan, Saiful; Intan Nik Ismail, Nik; Ubaidillah, U.; Choi, Seung-Bok; Khairi, Muntaz Hana Ahmad; Azhani Yunus, Nurul

2016-07-01

The effect of different types of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the morphological, magnetic and viscoelastic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are studied in this work. A series of natural rubber MRE are prepared by adding MWCNTs as a new additive in MRE. Effects of functionalized MWCNT namely carboxylated MWCNT (COOH-MWCNT) and hydroxylated MWCNT (OH-MWCNT) on the rheological properties of MREs are investigated and the pristine MWCNTs is referred as a control. Epoxidised palm oil (EPO) is used as a medium to disperse carbonyl iron particle (CIP) and sonicate the MWCNTs. Morphological and magnetic properties of MREs are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Rheological properties under different magnetic field are evaluated by using parallel plate rheometer. From the results obtained, FESEM images indicate that COOH-MWCNT and CIP have better compatibility which leads to the formation of interconnected network in the matrix. In addition, by adding functionalized COOH-MWCNT, it is shown that the saturation magnetization is 5% higher than the pristine MWCNTs. It is also found that with the addition of COOH-MWCNT, the magnetic properties are improved parallel with enhancement of MR effect particularly at low strain amplitude. It is finally shown that the use of EPO also can contribute to the enhancement of MR performance.

Investigations in structural morphological and optical properties of Bi-Pb-S system thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malika, Boukhalfa; Noureddine, Benramdane; Mourad, Medles; Abdelkader, Outzourhit; Attouya, Bouzidi; Hind, Tabet-derraz

Bi2S3, PbS and Bi-Pb-S system thin films were grown on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique. The films growth was realized by the reaction of aqueous solutions of bismuth trichloride (BiCl3) and trihydrate Lead Acetate (TLA) (Pb(CH3COO)2.3H2O) with thiourea on heated substrates. The films study was performed as a function of the TLA volume ratio (TLA vol. ratio) in the solution obtained by the mixture of BiCl3 and thiourea used as precursor solution (PrS). X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emitting scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used for structural and compositional analysis of the as deposited films. With the structural investigations, Bi2S3, PbS thin films and PbS-Bi2S3 composite thin films formation was confirmed. Optical properties of the deposited films were obtained using transmittance and reflectance measurements in the wavelength range [200-2500 nm]. The absorption edge shows a shift towards low energy with the increase of the TLA vol. ratio.The optical bandgaps for the films with various TLA vol. ratio are found to lie between those of the Bi2S3 and PbS ones. The optical parameters (extinction coefficient, refractive index, real and imaginary parts if the complex dielectric constant) of the thin films are also investigated. These are found to be dependent on the TLA vol. ratio.

Nano-mineralogy of suspended sediment during the beginning of coal rejects spill.

PubMed

Civeira, Matheus S; Ramos, Claudete G; Oliveira, Marcos L S; Kautzmann, Rubens M; Taffarel, Silvio R; Teixeira, Elba C; Silva, Luis F O

2016-02-01

Ultrafine and nanometric sediment inputs into river systems can be a major source of nutrients and hazardous elements and have a strong impact on water quality and ecosystem functions of rivers and lakes regions. However, little is known to date about the spatial distribution of sediment sources in most large scale river basins in South America. The objective of this work was to study the coal cleaning rejects (CCRs) spill that occurred from a CCRs impoundment pond into the Tubarão River, South Brazil, provided a unique occasion to study the importance and role of incidental nanoparticles associated with pollutant dispersal from a large-scale, acute aquatic pollution event. Multifaceted geochemical research by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Transmission Electron microscopy (HR-TEM)/(Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) EDS/(selected-area diffraction pattern) SAED, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM)/EDS, and Raman spectroscopy, provided an in-depth understanding of importance of a nano-mineralogy approach of Aqueous Pollution Scenarios. The electron beam studies showed the presence of a number of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) in nanoparticles (amorphous and minerals). Some of the neoformed ultrafine/nanoparticles found in the contaminated sediments are the same as those commonly associated with oxidation/transformation of oxides, silicates, sulfides, and sulfates. These data of the secondary ultra/nanoparticles, puts in evidence their ability to control the mobility of PHEs, suggesting possible presentations in environmental technology, including recuperation of sensitive coal mine. The developed methodology facilitated the sediment transport of the catchment providing consistent results and suggesting its usefulness as a tool for temporary rivers management. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficiently Visible-Light Driven Photoelectrocatalytic Oxidation of As(III) at Low Positive Biasing Using Pt/TiO2 Nanotube Electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Yanyan; Li, Yilian; Tian, Zhen; Wu, Yangling; Cui, Yanping

2016-01-01

A constant current deposition method was selected to load highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotubes in this paper, to extend the excited spectrum range of TiO2-based photocatalysts to visible light. The morphology, elemental composition, and light absorption capability of as-obtained Pt/TiO2 nanotubes electrodes were characterized by FE-SEM, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and UV-vis spectrometer. The photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of As(III) using a Pt/TiO2 nanotube arrays electrode under visible light ( λ > 420 nm) irradiation were investigated in a divided anode/cathode electrolytic tank. Compared with pure TiO2 which had no As(III) oxidation capacity under visible light, Pt/TiO2 nanotubes exhibited excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance toward As(III), even at dark condition. In anodic cell, As(III) could be oxidized with high efficiency by photoelectrochemical process with only 1.2 V positive biasing. Experimental results showed that photoelectrocatalytic oxidation process of As(III) could be well described by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Rate constants depended on initial concentration of As(III), applied bias potential and solution pH. At the same time, it was interesting to find that in cathode cell, As(III) was also continuously oxidized to As(V). Furthermore, high-arsenic groundwater sample (25 m underground) with 0.32 mg/L As(III) and 0.35 mg/L As(V), which was collected from Daying Village, Datong basin, Northern China, could totally transform to As(V) after 200 min under visible light in this system.

Synthesis of nanostructured titanium dioxide layer onto kaolin hollow fibre membrane via hydrothermal method for decolourisation of reactive black 5.

PubMed

Mohtor, Nur Hamizah; Othman, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan; Bakar, Suriani Abu; Kurniawan, Tonni Agustiono; Dzinun, Hazlini; Norddin, Muhammad Noorul Anam Mohd; Rajis, Zanariah

2018-05-28

Hydrothermal method has been proven to be an effective method to synthesise the nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) with good morphology and uniform distribution at low temperature. Despite of employing a well-known and commonly used glass substrate as the support to hydrothermally synthesise the nanostructured TiO 2 , this study emphasised on the application of kaolin hollow fibre membrane as the support for the fabrication of kaolin/TiO 2 nanorods (TNR) membrane. By varying the hydrothermal reaction times (2 h, 6 h, and 10 h), the different morphology, distribution, and properties of TiO 2 nanorods on kaolin support were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was found that the well-dispersed of TiO 2 nanorods have improved the surface affinity of kaolin/TNR membrane towards water, allowing kaolin/TNR membrane prepared from 10 h of hydrothermal reaction to exhibit the highest water permeation of 165 L/h.m 2 .bar. In addition, this prepared membrane also showed the highest photocatalytic activity of 80.3% in the decolourisation of reactive black 5 (RB5) under UV irradiation. On top of that, the kaolin/TNR membrane prepared from 10 h of hydrothermal reaction also exhibited a good resistance towards photocorrosion, enabling the reuse of this membrane for three consecutive cycles of photocatalytic degradation of RB5 without showing significant reduction in photocatalytic efficiency towards the decolourisation of RB5. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of substrate temperature on structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of Bi-doped MnInS4 thin films prepared by nebuliser spray pyrolysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, A.; Senthil Kumar, V.; Pradeev Raj, K.

2017-11-01

Bismuth (Bi)-doped manganese indium sulphide (MnInS4) thin films were deposited on heated glass substrates using an aqueous solution of MnCl2, InCl3, (NH2)2CS and BiCl3 by the common nebuliser spray pyrolysis technique. The thin films were grown at various substrate temperatures ranging from 250 to 400 °C with a constant spray time (5 min). The present work aims to study the effect of substrate temperature on the structural, optical, photoluminescence and electrical properties of the grown thin films using various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra (PL) and four probe methods. The XRD pattern reveals that the Bi-doped MnInS4 thin films were polycrystalline in nature with a cubic spinel structure whose particle size varies between 8.2 and 23.5 nm. From the FE-SEM micrographs, due to the change in the substrate temperature, shapes such as spherical, needle-shaped and T-shaped grains were observed throughout the surface of the films. The energy dispersive analysis spectrum (EDS) shows the presence of Mn, In, S and Bi in the film grown at 250 °C. It is interesting to note that the structural homogeneity and crystallinity of the film is improved due to the decrease in the absorption coefficient (α) and extinction coefficient (K) with an increase in substrate temperature. Also, with an increase in the substrate temperature, the calculated band gap energy was found to decrease from 1.87 to 1.59 eV. From the PL spectra, several intense peaks corresponding to blue, green, yellow, orange and red band emissions were observed in the wavelength region of 350-650 nm. Moreover as the intensity of the peak increases with increase in the substrate temperature, the crystallinity of the material of the film greatly improves concomitant with minimum strain and defect states. From the electrical studies, the electrical conductivity increases with increase in substrate temperature and a maximum electrical conductivity of 3.73 × 10-3 Ω-1m-1 were obtained for the film prepared at 400 °C. The thickness of the films was also measured and the values ranged between 743 nm (250 °C) to 629 nm (400 °C). The high absorption coefficient (1.85 × 104 cm-1) and high transmittance of the films make them an efficient window layer for solar cell applications. Incorporation of Bismuth (Bi) into MnInS4 matrix leads to improve the optical transmittance (85%) and electrical conductivity (3.11 × 10-3 Ω-1 m-1) of the film grown at 400 °C. Other important parameters like dislocation density (δ), strain (ε), the number of crystallites per unit area (N) and lattice distortion (LD), which are commonly used to describe the structural analysis were also presented. Bi-doped MnInS4 thin films were grown by a variety of deposition methods. Among them, spray pyrolysis is an eco-friendly method because of its low cost, mass production capacity, large area coatings and minimum wastage of the source materials.

Effect of concentrated epoxidised natural rubber and silica masterbatch for tyre application

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

Azira, A. A., E-mail: azira@lgm.gov.my; Kamal, M. M., E-mail: mazlina@lgm.gov.my; Verasamy, D., E-mail: devaraj@lgm.gov.my

The availability of concentrated epoxidised natural rubber (ENR-LC) has provided a better opportunity for using epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) with silica to reinforce natural rubber for tyre application. ENR-LC mixed directly with silica to rubber by high speed stirrer without using any coupling agent. Some rubber compounds were prepared by mixing a large amount of precipitated amorphous white silica with natural rubber. The silica was prepared in aqueous dispersion and the filler was perfectly dispersed in the ENR-LC. The performance of the composites was evaluated in this work for the viability of ENR-LC/Si in tyre compounding. Compounding was carried outmore » on a two roll mill, where the additives and curing agents was later mixed. Characterization of these composites was performed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for dispersion as well as mechanical testing. C-ENR/Si showed efficient as primary reinforcing filler in ENR with regard to modulus and tensile strength, resulting on an increase in the stiffness of the rubbers compared to ENR latex. Overall improvement in the mechanical properties for the ENR-LC over the control crosslinked rubber sample was probably due to synergisms of silica reinforcement and crosslinking of the polymeric matrix phase.« less

Effect of concentrated epoxidised natural rubber and silica masterbatch for tyre application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azira, A. A.; Verasamy, D.; Kamal, M. M.

2016-07-01

The availability of concentrated epoxidised natural rubber (ENR-LC) has provided a better opportunity for using epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) with silica to reinforce natural rubber for tyre application. ENR-LC mixed directly with silica to rubber by high speed stirrer without using any coupling agent. Some rubber compounds were prepared by mixing a large amount of precipitated amorphous white silica with natural rubber. The silica was prepared in aqueous dispersion and the filler was perfectly dispersed in the ENR-LC. The performance of the composites was evaluated in this work for the viability of ENR-LC/Si in tyre compounding. Compounding was carried out on a two roll mill, where the additives and curing agents was later mixed. Characterization of these composites was performed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for dispersion as well as mechanical testing. C-ENR/Si showed efficient as primary reinforcing filler in ENR with regard to modulus and tensile strength, resulting on an increase in the stiffness of the rubbers compared to ENR latex. Overall improvement in the mechanical properties for the ENR-LC over the control crosslinked rubber sample was probably due to synergisms of silica reinforcement and crosslinking of the polymeric matrix phase.

Design and fabrication of an electrochemical aptasensor using Au nanoparticles/carbon nanoparticles/cellulose nanofibers nanocomposite for rapid and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Ranjbar, Saba; Shahrokhian, Saeed

2018-04-27

Since that pathogenic bacteria are major threats to human health, this paper describes the fabrication of an effective and durable sensing platform based on gold nanoparticles/carbon nanoparticles/cellulose nanofibers nanocomposite (AuNPs/CNPs/CNFs) at the surface of glassy carbon electrode for sensitive and selective detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The AuNPs/CNPs/CNFs nanocomposite with the high surface area, excellent conductivity, and good biocompatibility was used for self-assembled of the thiolated specific S. aureus aptamer as a sensing element. The surface morphology of AuNPs/CNPs/CNFs nanocomposite was characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometric methods. Each aptasensor modification step was monitored with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The fabricated aptasensor exhibited a wide linear dynamic range (1.2 × 10 1 to 1.2 × 10 8 ) CFU mL -1 with a LOD of 1 CFU mL -1 and was be capable to accurate detection and determination of Staphylococcus aureus in human blood serum as a clinical sample with a complex matrix. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coriandrum sativum mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of their biological characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senthilkumar, N.; Aravindhan, V.; Ruckmani, K.; Vetha Potheher, I.

2018-05-01

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by percolated green synthesis method using Coriandrum sativum leaf, root, seed and stem extracts and reported its antibacterial activity. The synthesized Ag NPs were confirmed by UV–visible Spectroscopy, Powder x-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) Spectroscopy analyzes. The Maximum absorbance observed around 400–450 nm reveal the characteristic absorbance of Ag NPs. The Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis shows the stability of synthesized NPs with average size varying from 35 to 53 nm and also zeta potential stability varying from ‑20 to ‑30 mV. The cubic structure, crystalline nature and purity of the material was confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction studies. FT-IR spectrum shows the presence of various functional groups in the resultant material. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) image shows the surface morphology of the synthesized NPs and the Energy Dispersive x-ray Analysis (EDAX) confirms the presence of silver metal ions. The Coriandrum sativum aqueous extract exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram -ve) bacteria. Numerous studies have been made previously in our field of study but optimization has not been carried out by both extract (different parts like leaf, root, seed and stem) and without addition of any external source such as chemicals, heat etc.

Preparation of thin hexagonal highly-ordered anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template onto silicon substrate and growth ZnO nanorod arrays by electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chahrour, Khaled M.; Ahmed, Naser M.; Hashim, M. R.; Elfadill, Nezar G.; Qaeed, M. A.; Bououdina, M.

2014-12-01

In this study, anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates of Aluminum thin films onto Ti-coated silicon substrates were prepared for growth of nanostructure materials. Hexagonally highly ordered thin AAO templates were fabricated under controllable conditions by using a two-step anodization. The obtained thin AAO templates were approximately 70 nm in pore diameter and 250 nm in length with 110 nm interpore distances within an area of 3 cm2. The difference between first and second anodization was investigated in details by in situ monitoring of current-time curve. A bottom barrier layer of the AAO templates was removed during dropping the voltage in the last period of the anodization process followed by a wet etching using phosphoric acid (5 wt%) for several minutes at ambient temperature. As an application, Zn nanorod arrays embedded in anodic alumina (AAO) template were fabricated by electrodeposition. Oxygen was used to oxidize the electrodeposited Zn nanorods in the AAO template at 700 °C. The morphology, structure and photoluminescence properties of ZnO/AAO assembly were analyzed using Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL).

Effect of 120 MeV 28Si9+ ion irradiation on structural and magnetic properties of NiFe2O4 and Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, R.; Raghuvanshi, S.; Satalkar, M.; Kane, S. N.; Tatarchuk, T. R.; Mazaleyrat, F.

2018-05-01

NiFe2O4, Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 samples were synthesized using sol-gel auto combustion method, and irradiated by using 120 MeV 28Si9+ ion with ion fluence of 1×1012 ions/cm2. Characterization of pristine, irradiated samples were done using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). XRD validates the single phase nature of pristine, irradiated Ni- Zn nano ferrite except for Ni ferrite (pristine, irradiated) where secondary phases of α-Fe2O3 and Ni is observed. FE- SEM images of pristine Ni, Ni-Zn ferrite show inhomogeneous nano-range particle size distribution. Presence of diamagnetic ion (Zn2+) in NiFe2O4 increases oxygen positional parameter (u 4¯3m ), experimental, theoretical saturation magnetization (Msexp., Msth.), while decreases the grain size (Ds) and coercivity (Hc). With irradiation Msexp., Msth. increases but not much change are observed in Hc. New antistructure modeling for the pristine, irradiated Ni and Ni-Zn ferrite samples was used for describing the surface active centers.

Method to characterize inorganic particulates in lung tissue biopsies using field emission scanning electron microscopy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lowers, Heather; Breit, George N.; Strand, Matthew; Pillers, Renee M.; Meeker, Gregory P.; Todorov, Todor I.; Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Wolf, Ruth E.; Robinson, Maura; Parr, Jane; Miller, Robert J.; Groshong, Steve; Green, Francis; Rose, Cecile

2018-01-01

Humans accumulate large numbers of inorganic particles in their lungs over a lifetime. Whether this causes or contributes to debilitating disease over a normal lifespan depends on the type and concentration of the particles. We developed and tested a protocol for in situ characterization of the types and distribution of inorganic particles in biopsied lung tissue from three human groups using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Many distinct particle types were recognized among the 13 000 particles analyzed. Silica, feldspars, clays, titanium dioxides, iron oxides and phosphates were the most common constituents in all samples. Particles were classified into three general groups: endogenous, which form naturally in the body; exogenic particles, natural earth materials; and anthropogenic particles, attributed to industrial sources. These in situ results were compared with those using conventional sodium hypochlorite tissue digestion and particle filtration. With the exception of clays and phosphates, the relative abundances of most common particle types were similar in both approaches. Nonetheless, the digestion/filtration method was determined to alter the texture and relative abundances of some particle types. SEM/EDS analysis of digestion filters could be automated in contrast to the more time intensive in situ analyses.

Effect of copper concentration in the electrolyte on the surface morphology and the microstructure of CuInSe2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, Pin-Kun; Kuo, Ting-Wei; Huang, Kuo-Chan; Wang, Na-Fu; Hsieh, Po-Tsung; Houng, Mau-Phon

2012-07-01

The surface morphology and the microstructure of CuInSe2 precursor films have been investigated by co-electrodeposition with different [Cu2+] concentrations from 2 mM to 4 mM. The characteristic of the precursor films was examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), glancing incidence angle X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and micro-Raman spectrometer, respectively. The surface morphology of the precursor films become more smoother and compact with choice of appropriate [Cu2+] concentration (3-3.5 mM) in the electrolyte. The relation between surface morphology and [Cu2+] concentration is also considered in terms of electrodeposition nucleation mechanisms using the mathematical models of Scharifker and Hills. It is suggested that the higher [Cu2+] concentrations can provide more numbers of nucleation sites on the surface of the electrode. Results simulated from the Rietveld refinement method suggest that decreasing dCusbnd Se is related to charge transfer from interstitial copper atoms and can affect the film microstructure. Micro-Raman spectrum also shows that the excess Cu atoms in the precursor films does not contribute significantly to large amounts of secondary phases but rather exists in the crystallite structure as other defect types.

Rational design of Ag/TiO2 nanosystems by a combined RF-sputtering/sol-gel approach.

PubMed

Armelao, Lidia; Barreca, Davide; Bottaro, Gregorio; Gasparotto, Alberto; Maccato, Chiara; Tondello, Eugenio; Lebedev, Oleg I; Turner, Stuart; Van Tendeloo, Gustaaf; Sada, Cinzia; Stangar, Urska Lavrencic

2009-12-21

The present work is devoted to the preparation of Ag/TiO(2) nanosystems by an original synthetic strategy, based on the radio-frequency (RF) sputtering of silver particles on titania-based xerogels prepared by the sol-gel (SG) route. This approach takes advantage of the synergy between the microporous xerogel structure and the infiltration power characterizing RF-sputtering, whose combination enables the obtainment of a tailored dispersion of Ag-containing particles into the titania matrix. In addition, the system's chemico-physical features can be tuned further through proper ex situ thermal treatments in air at 400 and 600 degrees C. The synthesized composites are extensively characterized by the joint use of complementary techniques, that is, X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopies (XPS, XE-AES), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), high-angle annular dark field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM), energy-filtered TEM (EF-TEM) and optical absorption spectroscopy. Finally, the photocatalytic performances of selected samples in the decomposition of the azo-dye Plasmocorinth B are preliminarily investigated. The obtained results highlight the possibility of tailoring the system characteristics over a broad range, directly influencing their eventual functional properties.

Green in-situ synthesized silver nanoparticles embedded in bacterial cellulose nanopaper as a bionanocomposite plasmonic sensor.

PubMed

Pourreza, Nahid; Golmohammadi, Hamed; Naghdi, Tina; Yousefi, Hossein

2015-12-15

Herein, we introduce a new strategy for green, in-situ generation of silver nanoparticles using flexible and transparent bacterial cellulose nanopapers. In this method, adsorbed silver ions on bacterial cellulose nanopaper are reduced by the hydroxyl groups of cellulose nanofibers, acting as the reducing agent producing a bionanocomposite "embedded silver nanoparticles in transparent nanopaper" (ESNPs). The fabricated ESNPs were investigated and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The important parameters affecting the ESNPs were optimized during the fabrication of specimens. The resulting ESNPs were used as a novel and sensitive probe for the optical sensing of cyanide ion (CN(-)) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) in water samples with satisfactory results. The change in surface plasmon resonance absorption intensity of ESNPs was linearly proportional to the concentration in the range of 0.2-2.5 µg mL(-1) and 2-110 µg mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.012 µg mL(-1) and 1.37 µg mL(-1) for CN(-) and MBT, respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploration of zwitterionic cellulose acetate antifouling ultrafiltration membrane for bovine serum albumin (BSA) separation.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Huang, Haitao; Huo, Pengfei; Gu, Jiyou

2017-06-01

This study focused on the preparation of a new kind of membrane material, zwitterionic cellulose acetate (ZCA), via a three-step procedure consist of oxidization, Schiff base and quaternary amination reaction, and the fabrication of antifouling ZCA ultrafiltration membrane by the non-solvent-induced phase separation method (NIPS). The morphologies, surface chemical structures and compositions of the obtained CA and ZCA membranes were thoroughly characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Meanwhile, the thermal stability, porosity and average pore size of two investigated membranes were also studied. As a result, the ZCA membrane displayed significantly improved hydrophilicity and water permeability compared with those of the reference CA membrane, despite a slight decrease in the protein rejection ratio. According to the cycle ultrafiltration performance of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution and protein adsorption experiment, ZCA membrane exhibited better flux recovery property and fouling resistant ability, especially irreversible fouling resistant ability, suggesting superior antifouling performance. This new approach gives polymer-based membrane a long time life and excellent ultrafiltration performance, and seems promising for potential applications in the protein separation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation of porous palladium nanowire arrays and their catalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide electroreduction in acid medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin; Ye, Ke; Gao, Yinyi; Zhang, Hongyu; Cheng, Kui; Xiao, Xue; Wang, Guiling; Cao, Dianxue

2016-01-01

Nanoporous palladium supported on the carbon coated titanium carbide (C@TiC) nanowire arrays (Pd NP/C@TiC) are successfully prepared by a facile chemical vapor deposition of three-dimensional (3D) C@TiC substrate, followed by electrochemical codeposition of Pd-Ni and removal of Ni via dealloying. The structure and morphology of the obtained Pd NP/C@TiC electrodes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used to examine the catalytic performances of the electrodes for H2O2 electroreduction in H2SO4 solution. The Pd NP/C@TiC electrode exhibits a largely effective specific surface area owing to its open nanoporous structure allowing the full utilization of Pd surface active sites. At the potential of 0.2 V in 2.0 mol L-1 H2O2 and 2 mol L-1 H2SO4 solutions, the reduction current density reaches 3.47 A mg-1, which is significantly higher than the catalytic activity of H2O2 electroreduction achieved previously with precious metals as catalysts.

Indigenous Carbonaceous Matter in the Nakhla Mars Meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clemett, S. J.; Thomas-Keprta, K. L.; Rahman, Z.; Le, L.; Wentworth, S. J.; Gibson, E. K.; McKay, D. S.

2016-01-01

Detailed microanalysis of the Martian meteorite Nakhla has shown there are morphologically distinct carbonaceous features spatially associated with low-T aqueous alteration phases including salts and id-dingsite. A comprehensive suite of analytical instrumentation including optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), two-step laser mass spectrometry (mu-L(sup 2)MS), laser mu-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) are being used to characterize the carbonaceous matter and host mineralogy. The search for carbonaceous matter on Mars has proved challenging. Viking Landers failed to unambiguously detect simple organics at either of the two landing sites although the Martian surface is estimated to have acquired at least 10(exp15) kg of C as a consequence of meteoritic accretion over the last several Ga. The dearth of organics at the Martian surface has been attributed to various oxidative processes including UV photolysis and peroxide activity. Consequently, investigations of Martian organics need to be focused on the sub-surface regolith where such surface processes are either severely attenuated or absent. Fortuitously since Martian meteorites are derived from buried regolith materials they provide a unique opportunity to study Martian organic geochemistry.

Synthesis and characterization of mangenese(III) porphyrin supported on imidazole modified chloromethylated MIL-101(Cr): A heterogeneous and reusable catalyst for oxidation of hydrocarbons with sodium periodate

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

Zadehahmadi, Farnaz; Tangestaninejad, Shahram, E-mail: stanges@sci.ui.ac.ir; Moghadam, Majid, E-mail: moghadamm@sci.ui.ac.ir

2014-10-15

In the present work, chloromethylated MIL-101(Cr) modified with imidazole, Im-MIL-101, was applied as a support for immobilizing of tetraphenylporphyrinatomangenese(III) chloride. The imidazole-bound MIL-101, Im-MIL-101, not only used as support for immobilization of manganese porphyrin but also applied as a heterogeneous axial base. The Mn(TPP)Cl@Im-MIL-101 catalyst was characterized by UV–vis, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N{sub 2} adsorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) methods. The catalytic activity of this new catalytic system was investigated in the alkene epoxidation and alkane hydroxylation using NaIO{sub 4} as an oxidant in CH{sub 3}CN/H{submore » 2}O at room temperature. This heterogeneous catalyst is highly efficient, stable and reusable in the oxidation of hydrocarbons. - Highlights: • MIL-101 was modified by covalent post synthetic modification. • Mn(TPP)Cl was anchored to imidazole modified MIL-101 by covalent attachment. • A heterogeneous catalyst was prepared. • The catalyst was used for epoxidation of alkenes and hydroxylation of alkanes. • The catalyst was reusable.« less

Porosity and wear resistance of flame sprayed tungsten carbide coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winarto, Winarto; Sofyan, Nofrijon; Rooscote, Didi

2017-06-01

Thermal-sprayed coatings offer practical and economical solutions for corrosion and wear protection of components or tools. To improve the coating properties, heat treatment such as preheat is applied. The selection of coating and substrate materials is a key factor in improving the quality of the coating morphology after the heat treatment. This paper presents the experimental results regarding the effect of preheat temperatures, i.e. 200°C, 300°C and 400°C, on porosity and wear resistance of tungsten carbide (WC) coating sprayed by flame thermal coating. The powders and coatings morphology were analyzed by a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (FE-SEM/EDS), whereas the phase identification was performed by X-Ray diffraction technique (XRD). In order to evaluate the quality of the flame spray obtained coatings, the porosity, micro-hardness and wear rate of the specimens was determined. The results showed that WC coating gives a higher surface hardness from 1391 HVN up to 1541 HVN compared to that of the non-coating. Moreover, the wear rate increased from 0.072 mm3/min. to 0.082 mm3/min. when preheat temperature was increased. Preheat on H13 steel substrate can reduce the percentage of porosity level from 10.24 % to 3.94% on the thermal spray coatings.

Fabrication of superhydrophobic nano-aluminum films on stainless steel meshes by electrophoretic deposition for oil-water separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhe; Jiang, Deyi; Wei, Zhibo; Chen, Jie; Jing, Jianfeng

2018-01-01

Stainless steel meshes with superhydrophobic surfaces were successfully fabricated via a facile electrophoretic deposition process. The surface morphology and chemical compositions were characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). After stearic acid modification, the obtained nano-aluminum films on stainless steel meshes showed an excellent superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle of 160° ± 1.2° and a water sliding angle of less than 5°. In addition, on the basis of the superhydrophobic meshes, a simple, continuous oil-water separation apparatus was designed, and the oil-water separation efficiency was up to 95.8% ± 0.9%. Meanwhile, after 20 oil-water separation cycles, the separation efficiency without significant reduction suggested the stable performance of superhydrophobic stainless steel meshes on the oil-water separation. Moreover, the flow rate of oil-water mixture and effective separation length were investigated to determine their effects on the oil-water separation efficiency, respectively. Our work provides a cost-efficient method to prepare stable superhydrophobic nano-Al films on stainless steel meshes, and it has promising practical applications on oil-water separation.

Improvement of energy conversion efficiency and power generation in direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell: The effect of Ni-M core-shell nanoparticles (M = Pt, Pd, Ru)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, M. G.; Mahmoodi, R.

2017-12-01

In this study, core@shell nanoparticles with Ni as a core material and Pt, Pd and Ru as shell materials are synthesized on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as catalyst support using the sequence reduction method. The influence of Ni@Pt, Ni@Pd and Ni@Ru core@shell nanoparticles on MWCNT toward borohydride oxidation in alkaline solution is investigated by various three-electrode electrochemical techniques. Also, the impact of these anodic electrocatalysts on the performance of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHPFC) is evaluated. The structural and morphological properties of electrocatalysts are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results of three electrode investigations show that Ni@Pd/MWCNT has excellent catalytic activity since borohydride oxidation current density on Ni@Pd/MWCNT (34773.27 A g-1) is 1.37 and 9.19 times higher than those of Ni@Pt/MWCNT (25347.27 A g-1) and Ni@Ru/MWCNT (3782.83 A g-1), respectively. Also, the energy conversion efficiency and power density of DBHPFC with Ni@Pd/MWCNT (246.82 mW cm-2) increase to 34.27% and 51.53% respect to Ni@Pt/MWCNT (162.24 mW cm-2) and Ni@Ru/MWCNT (119.62 mW cm-2), respectively. This study reveals that Ni@Pd/MWCNT has highest activity toward borohydride oxidation and stability in fuel cell.

High-temperature Friction and Wear Resistance of Ni-Co-SiC Composite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Fang; Sun, Wan-chang; Jia, Zong-wei; Liu, Xiao-jia; Dong, Ya-ru

2018-05-01

Ni-Co alloy and SiC micro-particles were co-deposited on 45 steel by electrodeposition for high temperature performance. The high temperature tribological characteristics were studied by use of a ball-on-disk method. The micrographs and phase structure of the Ni-Co-SiC composite coatings after high-temperature friction were observed by using a field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM). The results reveal that the Ni-Co-SiC composite coating presents better wear resistance and lower friction coefficient at high temperature in comparison with that of Ni-Co coating and 45 steel substrate. The embedded SiC particles could strengthen the alloy coating by dispersion strengthening effect and changing the friction mechanism from adhesive wear to abrasive wear.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of MWCNT / Nanoclay Reinforced Aluminium alloy Metal Matrix Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratna Kumar, P. S. Samuel; Robinson Smart, D. S.; Alexis, S. John

2018-04-01

Aluminium alloy 5083 (AA5083) is a widely used material in aerospace, marine, defence and structural applications were mechanical and corrosion resistance property plays a vital role. For the present work, MWCNT / Nanoclay (montmorillonite (MMT) K10) mixed with AA5083 for different composition in weight percentage to enhance the mechanical property. Semi-solid state casting method (Compo-casting) was used to fabricate the composite materials. By using Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) the uniform dispersion of the reinforcement and microstructure were studied. Finally, the addition of Nanoclay shows decrease in tensile strength compared to the AA5083 / MWCNT composites and hardness value of the composites (AA5083 / MWCNT and AA5083 / Nanoclay) was found to increase significantly.

Microstructural, dielectric and magnetic properties of multiferroic composite system barium strontium titanate – nickel cobalt ferrite

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

Pahuja, Poonam, E-mail: poonampahuja123@gmail.com; Tandon, R. P., E-mail: ram-tandon@hotmail.com

2015-05-15

Multiferroic composites (1-x) Ba{sub 0.95}Sr{sub 0.05}TiO{sub 3} + (x) Ni{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (where x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) has been prepared by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis of the composite samples confirmed the presence of both barium strontium titanate (BST) and nickel cobalt ferrite (NCF) phases. FESEM images indicated the well dispersion of NCF grains among BST grains. Dielectric constant and loss of the composite samples decreases with increase in frequency following Maxwell-Wagner relaxation mechanism. Composite sample with highest ferrite content possesses highest values of remanent and saturation magnetization.

Characterization and morphology of prepared titanium dioxide nanofibers by electrospinning.

PubMed

Park, Ju-Young; Lee, In-Hwa

2010-05-01

Dispersed titanium dioxide in polymer nanofibers were prepared by sol-gel processing and electrospinning techniques using titanium isopropoxide (TiP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution. The prepared titanium dioxide nanofibers were characterized by FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, and FT-IR. Pure titanium dioxide nanofibers were obtained from calcination of inorganic-organic composite fiber. The diameter of titanium oxide nanofibers were in the range of 70 nm to 150 nm. Prepared titanium dioxide nanofibers show rough surface and rather small diameter compare with TiP/PVP composite nanofibers. After calcined at 500 degrees C, TiO2 nanofibers convert into anatase and rutile mixed phased from amorphous structure. Calcination of these composite fibers above 600 degrees C resulted in pure rutile TiO2 nanofibers.

Biomineralization and biosignatures of coralloid-type speleothems from lava tubes of Galapagos Islands: evidences on the fossil record of prokaryotes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Ana Z.; Garcia-Sanchez, Angela M.; Pereira, Manuel F. C.; Gazquez, Fernando; Calaforra, José M.; Forti, Paolo; Toulkeridis, Theofilos; Martínez-Frías, Jesús; Saiz-Jimenez, Cesareo

2016-04-01

Lava tubes have traditionally been considered of little interest from a mineralogical point of view. Recently, this type of volcanic caves has received particular attention because lava tubes have been described on Mars. Speleothems, or secondary mineral deposits in lava tubes are mainly composed of siliceous minerals. Coralloid-type speleothems are found either on basaltic cave walls or on the surface of other speleothems. Several authors attribute a microbially mediated origin to their formation. This type of speleothems was recorded within Royal Palm Cave of Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos Archipelago (Ecuador), a lava tube 600 m long, 5 to 15 m height and 2 to 10 m width. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of 19 volcanic islands located some 1500 km west of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean. These islands host one of the most biodiverse settings on Earth, studied by Charles Darwin. Beige and greyish small coralloids were collected in Royal Palm Cave and analysed by field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and mineralogical analyses for morphological, 3D microstructural and compositional characterization, as well as for assessing microbe-mineral interactions and biogenicity. In addition, 16S rRNA gene analyses were performed to identify microbial communities associated with the coralloid-type speleothems. The coralloids showed internal compositional zonation along the growth direction of the speleothems, according to micro-CT data. Internal layering was clearly discernable by the differences in opacity of the distinct mineralogical phases to X-rays, being dominated by alteration products of siliceous composition, whereas more opaque phases, usually Ca-rich minerals, were dominant in the outermost part of the speleothems. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy reinforced that the first stage of deposition is mainly composed of opal A and clay minerals, whereas the final stage mainly consists of low crystalline calcite. FESEM-EDS analysis revealed mineralized bacterial filaments rich in Si on the coralloid samples, as well as minerals precipitation associated with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which serve as nuclei for preferential precipitation on the extracellular sheaths. This suggests that biological activity played a major role in the development of these speleothems. In addition, imprints of filamentous cells and microboring readily preserved on siliceous minerals were observed on the coralloid speleothems. These features are recognized as biosignatures valuable for astrobiology and may represent modern analogs of the fossil record of prokaryotes. DNA-based analyses showed that bacteria belonging to Actinobacteria (31%) Gemmatimonadetes (25%) and Proteobacteria (24%) phyla dominated in this cave ecosystem, followed by Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and Nitrospirae. Most of the identified phylotypes were affiliated to chemoautotrophs, including thermophilic bacteria such as Ferrithrix thermotolerans, and other mineral utilizing microorganisms like Aciditerrimonas ferrireducens, Desulfuromonas sp. and Desulfovibrio sp., indicating that Galapagos lava tubes host highly specialized subsurface biosphere dominated by microorganisms able to interact with minerals and promote biomineralization. Acknowledgments: This work has been supported by the project PC-65-14 from the Ministry of Environment of Ecuador. AZM acknowledges the support from the Marie Curie Fellowship of the 7th EC Framework Programme (PIEF-GA-2012-328689-DECAVE). The authors acknowledge the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (project CGL2013-41674-P) and FEDER funds for financial support.

Enhanced larvicidal, antibacterial, and photocatalytic efficacy of TiO2 nanohybrids green synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus.

PubMed

Thandapani, Keerthika; Kathiravan, Manikandan; Namasivayam, Elangovan; Padiksan, Indira Arulselvi; Natesan, Geetha; Tiwari, Manish; Giovanni, Benelli; Perumal, Venkatachalam

2018-04-01

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are emerging as a biocompatible nanomaterial with multipurpose bioactivities. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles were effectively synthesized using the aqueous leaf extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus prepared by microwave irradiation. TiO 2 nanoparticles were fabricated by treating the P. hysterophorus leaf extracts with the TiO 4 solution. Biologically active compounds such as alcohols, phenols, alkanes, and fluoroalkanes were involved in bioreduction of TiO 4 into TiO 2 . The formation of green-engineered TiO 2 nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. UV-vis spectroscopy analysis showed maximum absorbance at 420 nm due to surface plasmon resonance of synthesized TiO 2 NPs. FTIR spectrum of the engineered TiO 2 NPs showed the presence of bioactive compounds in the leaf extract, which acted as capping and reducing agents. FESEM exhibited an average size of 20-50 nm and a spherical shape of TiO 2 NPs. EDX analysis indicated the presence of TiO 2 NPs by observing the peaks of titanium ions. XRD results pointed out the crystalline nature of engineered TiO 2 NPs. The larvicidal activity of TiO 2 NPs was studied on fourth instar larvae of dengue, Zika virus, and filariasis mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Antimicrobial efficacy of TiO 2 NPs was assessed on clinically isolated pathogens Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Besides, we found that TiO 2 NPs are able to quickly degrade the industrially harmful pigments methylene blue, methyl orange, crystal violet, and alizarin red dyes under sunlight illumination. Overall, this novel, simple, and eco-friendly approach can be of interest for the control of vector-borne diseases, as well as to formulate new bactericidal agents and to efficiently degrade dye solutions in the polluted areas.

Performance of RF sputtered p-Si/n-ZnO nanoparticle thin film heterojunction diodes in high temperature environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Satyendra Kumar; Hazra, Purnima

2017-04-01

In this article, temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics of n-ZnO/p-Si nanoparticle thin film heterojunction diode grown by RF sputtering technique are analyzed in the temperature range of 300-433 k to investigate the performance of the device in high temperature environment. The microstructural, morphological, optical and temptrature dependent electrical properties of as-grown nanoparticle thin film were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emmision scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), variable angle ellipsometer and semiconductor device analyzer. XRD spectra of as-grown ZnO films are exhibited that highly c-axis oriented ZnO nanostructures are grown on p- Si〈100〉 substrate whereas AFM and FESEM images confirm the homogeneous deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on surface of Si substratewith minimum roughness.The optical propertiesof as-grown ZnO nanoparticles have been measured in the spectral range of 300-800 nm using variable angle ellipsometer.To measure electrical parameters of the device prototype in the temperature range of room temperature (300 K) to 433 K, large area ohmic contacts were fabricated on both side of the ZnO/Si heterostructure. From the current-voltage charcteristics of ZnO/Si heterojunction device, it is observed that the device exhibits rectifing nature at room temperature. However, with increase in temperature, reverse saturation current and barrier height are found to increase, whereas ideality factor is started decreasing. This phenomenon confirms that barrier inhomogeneities are present at the interface of ZnO/Si heterojunction, as a result of lattice constant and thermal coefficient mismatch between Si and ZnO. Therefore, a modified value of Richardson constant [33.06 Acm-2K-2] has been extracted from the temperature-dependent electrical characteristics after assuming the Gaussian distribution of special barrier height inhomogeneities across the Si/ZnO interface which is close to its theoretical value [32 Acm-2K-2]. This result indicates that regardless of presence of barrier height inmogeneities, ZnO/Si heterojunction diode still hasability to perform well in high temperature environment.

Evaluation of heavy metals in hazardous automobile shredder residue thermal residue and immobilization with novel nano-size calcium dispersed reagent.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Hyeon; Truc, Nguyen Thi Thanh; Lee, Byeong-Kyu; Mitoma, Yoshiharu; Mallampati, Srinivasa Reddy

2015-10-15

This study was conducted to synthesize and apply a nano-size calcium dispersed reagent as an immobilization material for heavy metal-contaminated automobile shredder residues (ASR) dust/thermal residues in dry condition. Simple mixing with a nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 dispersion mixture immobilized 95-100% of heavy metals in ASR dust/thermal residues (including bottom ash, cavity ash, boiler and bag filter ash). The quantity of heavy metals leached from thermal residues after treatment by nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 was lower than the Korean standard regulatory limit for hazardous waste landfills. The morphology and elemental composition of the nanometallic Ca/CaO-treated ASR residue were characterized by field emission scanning election microscopy combined with electron dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS). The results indicated that the amounts of heavy metals detectable on the ASR thermal residue surface decreased and the Ca/PO4 mass percent increased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis indicated that the main fraction of enclosed/bound materials on ASR residue included Ca/PO4- associated crystalline complexes, and that immobile Ca/PO4 salts remarkably inhibited the desorption of heavy metals from ASR residues. These results support the potential use of nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 as a simple, suitable and highly efficient material for the gentle immobilization of heavy metals in hazardous ASR thermal residue in dry condition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Environmental Synthesis of Few Layers Graphene Sheets Using Ultrasonic Exfoliation with Enhanced Electrical and Thermal Properties.

PubMed

Noroozi, Monir; Zakaria, Azmi; Radiman, Shahidan; Abdul Wahab, Zaidan

2016-01-01

In this paper, we report how few layers graphene that can be produced in large quantity with low defect ratio from exfoliation of graphite by using a high intensity probe sonication in water containing liquid hand soap and PVP. It was founded that the graphene powder obtained by this simple exfoliation method after the heat treatment had an excellent exfoliation into a single or layered graphene sheets. The UV-visible spectroscopy, FESEM, TEM, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy was used to analyse the graphene product. The thermal diffusivity of the samples was analysed using a highly accurate thermal-wave cavity photothermal technique. The data obtained showed excellent enhancement in the thermal diffusivity of the graphene dispersion. This well-dispersed graphene was then used to fabricate an electrically conductive polymer-graphene film composite. The results demonstrated that this low cost and environmental friendly technique allowed to the production of high quality layered graphene sheets, improved the thermal and electrical properties. This may find use in the wide range of applications based on graphene.

Environmental Synthesis of Few Layers Graphene Sheets Using Ultrasonic Exfoliation with Enhanced Electrical and Thermal Properties

PubMed Central

Noroozi, Monir; Zakaria, Azmi; Radiman, Shahidan; Abdul Wahab, Zaidan

2016-01-01

In this paper, we report how few layers graphene that can be produced in large quantity with low defect ratio from exfoliation of graphite by using a high intensity probe sonication in water containing liquid hand soap and PVP. It was founded that the graphene powder obtained by this simple exfoliation method after the heat treatment had an excellent exfoliation into a single or layered graphene sheets. The UV-visible spectroscopy, FESEM, TEM, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy was used to analyse the graphene product. The thermal diffusivity of the samples was analysed using a highly accurate thermal-wave cavity photothermal technique. The data obtained showed excellent enhancement in the thermal diffusivity of the graphene dispersion. This well-dispersed graphene was then used to fabricate an electrically conductive polymer-graphene film composite. The results demonstrated that this low cost and environmental friendly technique allowed to the production of high quality layered graphene sheets, improved the thermal and electrical properties. This may find use in the wide range of applications based on graphene. PMID:27064575

Ultrasound assisted microextraction-nano material solid phase dispersion for extraction and determination of thymol and carvacrol in pharmaceutical samples: experimental design methodology.

PubMed

Roosta, Mostafa; Ghaedi, Mehrorang; Daneshfar, Ali; Sahraei, Reza

2015-01-15

In the present study, for the first time, a new extraction method based on "ultrasound assisted microextraction-nanomaterial solid phase dispersion (UAME-NMSPD)" was developed to preconcentrate the low quantity of thymol and carvacrol in pharmaceutical samples prior to their HPLC-UV separation/determination. The analytes were accumulated on nickel sulfide nanomaterial loaded on activated carbon (NiS-NP-AC) that with more detail identified by XRD, FESEM and UV-vis technique. Central composite design (CCD) combined with desirability function (DF) was used to search for optimum operational conditions. Working under optimum conditions specified as: 10 min ultrasonic time, pH 3, 0.011 g of adsorbent and 600 μL extraction solvent) permit achievement of high and reasonable linear range over 0.005-2.0 μg mL(-1) (r(2)>0.9993) with LOD of thymol and carvacrol as 0.23 and 0.21 μg L(-1), respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 4.93% (n=3). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of the addition mode of carbon nanotubes for the production of chitosan hydrogel core-shell beads on adsorption of Congo red from aqueous solution.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Sudipta; Chatterjee, Tania; Lim, Seong-Rin; Woo, Seung H

2011-03-01

The adsorption performance of chitosan (CS) hydrogel beads (CSBs) generated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gelation with multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) impregnation was investigated for Congo red removal as a model anionic dye. CNT-impregnated CSBs were prepared by four different strategies for dispersing CNTs: (a) in CS solution (CSBN1), (b) in SDS solution (CSBN2), (c) in CS solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) (CSBN3), and (d) in SDS solution for gelation with CTAB-containing CS solution (CSBN4). It was observed from FE-SEM study that depending on nature of CNT dispersion, CNTs were found on the outer surface of CSBN2 and CSBN4 only. The adsorption capacity of the CSBs varied with the strategy used for CNT impregnation, and CSBN4 exhibited the highest maximum adsorption capacity (375.94 mg/g) from the Sips model. The lowest Sips maximum adsorption capacity by CSBN3 (121.07 mg/g) suggested significant blocking of binding sites of CS by CNT impregnation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Formation of Sol Gel Dried Droplets of Carbon Doped Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) at Low Temperature via Electrospraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halimi, S. U.; Hashib, S. Abd; Abu Bakar, N. F.; Ismail, S. N.; Nazli Naim, M.; Rahman, N. Abd; Krishnan, J.

2018-05-01

The high band gap energy of TiO2 and inconsistency in particles size has imposed a significant drawback on TiO2 applications. Dried droplets of carbon-doped TiO2 fine particles were produced by using electrospraying technique. The C-doped TiO2 particles were prepared by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide with the addition of carbon precursor followed by electrospraying the suspension in stable Taylor cone-jet mode. Coulomb fission of charged droplets from the electrospraying technique successfully transformed dispersed liquid C-doped TiO2 particles into solid. The deposited C-doped TiO2 droplets were collected on aluminium substrates placed at working distances of 10 to 20 cm from the tip of the electrospray needle. The collected C-doped TiO2 droplets were characterized by using FESEM, UV-Vis, FTIR and XRD. By increasing the working distance, the average droplets size of the deposited C-doped TiO2 was reduced from ±163.2 nm to ±147.56 nm. UV-Vis analysis showed a strong absorption in the visible-light region and about 93 nm red shift of the onset spectrum for C-doped TiO2. The red shift indicates an increase in photocatalytic efficiency by reducing the TiO2 band gap energy from 3.0 eV to 2.46 eV and shifting its activity to the visible-light region. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of Ti-C and C-O chemical bonding in the C-doped TiO2.

Photocatalytic degradation effect of malachite green and catalytic hydrogenation by UV-illuminated CeO2/CdO multilayered nanoplatelet arrays: Investigation of antifungal and antimicrobial activities.

PubMed

Maria Magdalane, C; Kaviyarasu, K; Judith Vijaya, J; Jayakumar, C; Maaza, M; Jeyaraj, B

2017-04-01

CeO 2 /CdO multi-layered nanoplatelet arrays have been synthesized by sol-gel method at two different temperatures using Citrus limonum fruit extract and the effect of particle size on the photocatalytic performance is studied. The particle size and phases was analysed by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) which brought out the formation of cubic phase in the synthesized samples. Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed the surface morphology and made up of cumulative form of platelet shaped arrays with an average size of 10nm. The elemental composition and the purity of the nanomaterials were confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). CeO 2 /CdO multilayered binary metal oxide nanoplatelet arrays were formed which was further explored with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), it reveals that the nanocomposites contain CeO and CdO bonds. Determination of the direct and indirect bandgap energy of the nanoplatelet arrays was carried out by UV-Vis-DRS studies. In MG degradation, both the hole (h + ) and hydroxyl radical (OH) played a major role than the superoxide radical (O 2 - ). Possible photo degradation mechanisms are proposed and discussed in this article. CeO 2 /CdO multi-layered nanoplatelet arrays showed antibacterial activity and among the tested ones, it showed better growth inhibition towards P. aeruginosa MTCC73. Thus, this greener synthetic procedure was a highly effective method due to low-cost, highly effective UV light responsive material for environmental safety. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effects of surface treatment of aluminium alloy 1050 on the adhesion and anticorrosion properties of the epoxy coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharifi Golru, S.; Attar, M. M.; Ramezanzadeh, B.

2015-08-01

The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of zirconium-based (Zr) conversion coating on the adhesion properties and corrosion resistance of an epoxy/polyamide coating applied on the aluminium alloy 1050 (AA1050). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and contact angle measuring device were employed in order to characterize the surface characteristics of the Zr treated AA1050 samples. The epoxy/polyamide coating was applied on the untreated and Zr treated samples. The epoxy coating adhesion to the aluminium substrate was evaluated by pull-off test before and after 30 days immersion in 3.5% w/w NaCl solution. In addition, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray tests were employed to characterize the corrosion protection properties of the epoxy coating applied on the AA1050 samples. Results revealed that the surface treatment of AA1050 by zirconium conversion coating resulted in the increase of surface free energy and surface roughness. The dry and recovery (adhesion strength after 30 days immersion in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution) adhesion strengths of the coatings applied on the Zr treated aluminium samples were greater than untreated sample. In addition, the adhesion loss of the coating applied on the Zr treated aluminium substrate was lower than other samples. Also, the results obtained from EIS and salt spray test clearly revealed that the Zr conversion coating could enhance the corrosion protective performance of the epoxy coating significantly.

Application of high-resolution linear Radon transform for Rayleigh-wave dispersive energy imaging and mode separating

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luo, Y.; Xia, J.; Miller, R.D.; Liu, J.; Xu, Y.; Liu, Q.

2008-01-01

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) analysis is an efficient tool to obtain the vertical shear-wave profile. One of the key steps in the MASW method is to generate an image of dispersive energy in the frequency-velocity domain, so dispersion curves can be determined by picking peaks of dispersion energy. In this paper, we image Rayleigh-wave dispersive energy and separate multimodes from a multichannel record by high-resolution linear Radon transform (LRT). We first introduce Rayleigh-wave dispersive energy imaging by high-resolution LRT. We then show the process of Rayleigh-wave mode separation. Results of synthetic and real-world examples demonstrate that (1) compared with slant stacking algorithm, high-resolution LRT can improve the resolution of images of dispersion energy by more than 50% (2) high-resolution LRT can successfully separate multimode dispersive energy of Rayleigh waves with high resolution; and (3) multimode separation and reconstruction expand frequency ranges of higher mode dispersive energy, which not only increases the investigation depth but also provides a means to accurately determine cut-off frequencies.

Influence of surface morphology and UFG on damping and mechanical properties of composite reinforced with spinel MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}-SiC core-shell microcomposites

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

Singh, Subhash; Pal, Kaushik, E-mail: pl_kshk@yaho

Interface between ceramic particulate and matrix is known to control the response of the materials and functionality of the composite. Among numerous physical properties, grain structure of the materials has also played a significant role in defining the behaviour of metal matrix composites. Usually, silicon carbide (SiC) particles show poor interfacial wettability in aluminium melt. Herein, we were successfully synthesized magnesium oxide (MgO) and nanocrystalline magnesium aluminate (MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}) spinel coated silicon carbide (SiC) core-shell micro-composites through sol-gel technique to improve the wettability of dispersoids. Core-shell structures of submicron size were thoroughly investigated by various characterization techniques. Further, aluminiummore » matrix composites incorporated with pristine SiC, MgO grafted SiC and MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} grafted SiC particles were fabricated by stir casting technique, respectively. Additionally, as-cast composites were processed via friction stir processing (FSP) technique to observe the influence of grain refinement on mechanical and damping properties. Electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDX) analysis were conducted for investigating grain size refinement, adequate dispersion, stability and de-agglomeration of encapsulated SiC particles in aluminium matrix. The mechanical as well as thermal cyclic (from − 100 to 400 °C) damping performance of the as-cast and friction stir processed composites were studied, respectively. Finally, the enhanced properties were attributable to reduced agglomeration, stabilization and proper dispersion of the tailored SiC particles Al matrix. - Highlights: •Synthesizing a novel coating layer of MgO and MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel onto SiC particles •Significant improvement in UTS and hardness by reinforcing tailored SiC in Al •Significant grain refinements were obtained through FSP •SiC/MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}/Al exhibits ~ 61% higher storage modulus as compare to pure Al after FSP.« less

Effect of Temperature and Growth Time on Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorods by Simplified Hydrothermal Technique for Photoelectrochemical Cells.

PubMed

Mohd Fudzi, Laimy; Zainal, Zulkarnain; Lim, Hong Ngee; Chang, Sook-Keng; Holi, Araa Mebdir; Sarif Mohd Ali, Mahanim

2018-04-29

Despite its large band gap, ZnO has wide applicability in many fields ranging from gas sensors to solar cells. ZnO was chosen over other materials because of its large exciton binding energy (60 meV) and its stability to high-energy radiation. In this study, ZnO nanorods were deposited on ITO glass via a simple dip coating followed by a hydrothermal growth. The morphological, structural and compositional characteristics of the prepared films were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Photoelectrochemical conversion efficiencies were evaluated via photocurrent measurements under calibrated halogen lamp illumination. Thin film prepared at 120 °C for 4 h of hydrothermal treatment possessed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with the crystallite size of 19.2 nm. The average diameter of the ZnO nanorods was 37.7 nm and the thickness was found to be 2680.2 nm. According to FESEM images, as the hydrothermal growth temperature increases, the nanorod diameter become smaller. Moreover, the thickness of the nanorods increase with the growth time. Therefore, the sample prepared at 120 °C for 4 h displayed an impressive photoresponse by achieving high current density of 0.1944 mA/cm².

Iron oxide inside SBA-15 modified with amino groups as reusable adsorbent for highly efficient removal of glyphosate from water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiorilli, Sonia; Rivoira, Luca; Calì, Giada; Appendini, Marta; Bruzzoniti, Maria Concetta; Coïsson, Marco; Onida, Barbara

2017-07-01

Iron oxide clusters were incorporated into amino-functionalized SBA-15 in order to obtain a magnetically recoverable adsorbent. The physical-chemical properties of the material were characterized by FE-SEM, STEM, XRD, TGA, XPS, FT-IR and acid-base titration analysis. Iron oxide nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed into the pore of mesoporous silica and that the adsorbent is characterized high specific surface area (177 m2/g) and accessible porosity. The sorbent was successfully tested for the removal of glyphosate in real water matrices. Despite the significant content of inorganic ions, a quantitative removal of the contaminant was found. The complete regeneration of the sorbent after the adsorption process through diluted NaOH solution was also proved.

Platinum-gold nanoclusters as catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Giorgi, L; Giorgi, R; Gagliardi, S; Serra, E; Alvisi, M; Signore, M A; Piscopiello, E

2011-10-01

Nanosized platinum-gold alloys clusters have been deposited on gas diffusion electrode by sputter deposition. The deposits were characterized by FE-SEM, TEM and XPS in order to verify the formation of alloy nanoparticles and to study the influence of deposition technique on the nanomorphology. The deposition by sputtering process allowed a uniform distribution of metal particles on porous surface of carbon supports. Typical island growth mode was observed with the formation of a dispersed metal nanoclusters (mean size about 5 nm). Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine the electrochemical active surface and the electrocatalytic performance of the PtAu electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction. The data were re-calculated in the form of mass specific activity (MSA). The sputter-catalyzed electrodes showed higher performance and stability compared to commercial catalysts.

Photoluminescence properties of phosphors based on Lu3+-stabilized Gd3Al5O12:Tb3+/Ce3+ garnet solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jinkai; Li, Ji-Guang; Li, Xiaodong; Sun, Xudong

2016-12-01

The Gd3Al5O12:Tb/Ce (GdAG:Tb/Ce) garnet solutions effectively stabilized by Lu3+ have been achieved by calcining their precursor at 1300 °C. Detailed characterizations are given to the materials in terms of XRD, FE-SEM, BET, PL/PLE, and fluorescence decay analysis. The occurrence of Gd3+ and Tb3+ transitions from the photoluminescence excitation spectrum monitoring the Ce3+ yellow emission strongly confirmed the efficient Gd3+ → Ce3+ and Tb3+ → Ce3+ energy transfer. The [(Gd0.8Lu0.2)0.99-xCe0.01Tbx]AG (x = 0-0.1) phosphors with good dispersion and uniform particle size exhibit various luminescent properties under different excitation wavelength of 275, 338, and 457 nm, respectively. The photoluminescence comparison indicated that owing to the Gd3+ → Ce3+ and Tb3+ → Ce3+ energy transfer, the best luminescent phosphor [(Gd0.8Lu0.2)0.89Ce0.01 Tb0.1]AG is almost identical to the well-known YAG:Ce, higher than LuAG:Ce in emission intensity, and has a substantially red-shifted emission band that is desired for warm-white lighting. The Tb3+ → Ce3+ energy transfer was suggested to be electric multipolar interactions, and the processes of energy migration among the optically active Gd3+, Tb3+, and Ce3+ ions were discussed in detail. Fluorescence decay analysis found the lifetime for the Ce3+ emission hardly changes with the Tb3+ incorporation. The [(Gd0.8Lu0.2)0.99-xCe0.01Tbx]AG garnets developed in this work may serve as a new type of phosphor that hopefully meets the requirements of various lighting, optical display, and scintillation applications.

Poly(ethylene glycol) layered silicate nanocomposites for retarded drug release prepared by hot-melt extrusion.

PubMed

Campbell, Kayleen; Craig, Duncan Q M; McNally, Tony

2008-11-03

Composites of paracetamol loaded poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with a naturally derived and partially synthetic layered silicate (nanoclay) were prepared using hot-melt extrusion. The extent of dispersion and distribution of the paracetamol and nanoclay in the PEG matrix was examined using a combination of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). The paracetamol polymorph was shown to be well dispersed in the PEG matrix and the nanocomposite to have a predominately intercalated and partially exfoliated morphology. The form 1 monoclinic polymorph of the paracetamol was unaltered after the melt mixing process. The crystalline behaviour of the PEG on addition of both paracetamol and nanoclay was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarised hot-stage optical microscopy. The crystalline content of PEG decreased by up to 20% when both drug and nanoclay were melt blended with PEG, but the average PEG spherulite size increased by a factor of 4. The time taken for 100% release of paracetamol from the PEG matrix and corresponding diffusion coefficients were significantly retarded on addition of low loadings of both naturally occurring and partially synthetic nanoclays. The dispersed layered silicate platelets encase the paracetamol molecules, retarding diffusion and altering the dissolution behaviour of the drug molecule in the PEG matrix.

Dispersion Energy Analysis of Rayleigh and Love Waves in the Presence of Low-Velocity Layers in Near-Surface Seismic Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mi, Binbin; Xia, Jianghai; Shen, Chao; Wang, Limin

2018-03-01

High-frequency surface-wave analysis methods have been effectively and widely used to determine near-surface shear (S) wave velocity. To image the dispersion energy and identify different dispersive modes of surface waves accurately is one of key steps of using surface-wave methods. We analyzed the dispersion energy characteristics of Rayleigh and Love waves in near-surface layered models based on numerical simulations. It has been found that if there is a low-velocity layer (LVL) in the half-space, the dispersion energy of Rayleigh or Love waves is discontinuous and ``jumping'' appears from the fundamental mode to higher modes on dispersive images. We introduce the guided waves generated in an LVL (LVL-guided waves, a trapped wave mode) to clarify the complexity of the dispersion energy. We confirm the LVL-guided waves by analyzing the snapshots of SH and P-SV wavefield and comparing the dispersive energy with theoretical values of phase velocities. Results demonstrate that LVL-guided waves possess energy on dispersive images, which can interfere with the normal dispersion energy of Rayleigh or Love waves. Each mode of LVL-guided waves having lack of energy at the free surface in some high frequency range causes the discontinuity of dispersive energy on dispersive images, which is because shorter wavelengths (generally with lower phase velocities and higher frequencies) of LVL-guided waves cannot penetrate to the free surface. If the S wave velocity of the LVL is higher than that of the surface layer, the energy of LVL-guided waves only contaminates higher mode energy of surface waves and there is no interlacement with the fundamental mode of surface waves, while if the S wave velocity of the LVL is lower than that of the surface layer, the energy of LVL-guided waves may interlace with the fundamental mode of surface waves. Both of the interlacements with the fundamental mode or higher mode energy may cause misidentification for the dispersion curves of surface waves.

Rayleigh-wave dispersive energy imaging using a high-resolution linear radon transform

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luo, Y.; Xia, J.; Miller, R.D.; Xu, Y.; Liu, J.; Liu, Q.

2008-01-01

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) analysis is an efficient tool to obtain the vertical shear-wave profile. One of the key steps in the MASW method is to generate an image of dispersive energy in the frequency-velocity domain, so dispersion curves can be determined by picking peaks of dispersion energy. In this paper, we propose to image Rayleigh-wave dispersive energy by high-resolution linear Radon transform (LRT). The shot gather is first transformed along the time direction to the frequency domain and then the Rayleigh-wave dispersive energy can be imaged by high-resolution LRT using a weighted preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm. Synthetic data with a set of linear events are presented to show the process of generating dispersive energy. Results of synthetic and real-world examples demonstrate that, compared with the slant stacking algorithm, high-resolution LRT can improve the resolution of images of dispersion energy by more than 50%. ?? Birkhaueser 2008.

Comparison on characteristic of Mesoparticle Graphene Sand Composite (MGSC) using different types of sugar to remove methylene blue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zularisam, A. W.; Wahida, Norul; Alfian, Ahmad

2017-07-01

This paper presents the green method to synthesis two types of adsorbent called mesoparticle graphene sand composite (MGSC) by using table sugar (MGSCts) and arenga palm sugar (MGSCaps) as different carbon sources to remove methylene blue acted as a dye model. Immobilisations of these materials on sand were introduced by using pyrolysis method without binder usage. Sand was treated by removing deleterious materials before sieved. The solutions of sugar were prepared and heated to 95 °C. The sand and sugar solutions were mixed and constantly stirred before putting them in furnace with nitrogen environment to produce MGSCts and MGSCaps. The composites were activated by using concentrated sulphuric acid to open the pores and maximise the capacity of absorbency. The analyses on the characteristic of both MGSCts and MGSCaps were conducted through field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), elemental dispersive x-ray (EDX) and elemental mapping (EM). FESEM analyses exhibited that the coating process was done uniformly as there were layers of coating sheets formation on the sand particles surfaces. After conducting EDX and EM, there were major elements found in both MGSCts and MGSCaps which were carbon, oxygen and silica. EM exhibited the distribution of these elements were scattered on the MGSC’s surfaces. Removal of methylene blue was successfully carried out by using both MGSCts and MGSCaps, with maximum removal up to 40% at the first hour of contact time.

Coal emissions adverse human health effects associated with ultrafine/nano-particles role and resultant engineering controls.

PubMed

Oliveira, Marcos L S; Navarro, Orlando G; Crissien, Tito J; Tutikian, Bernardo F; da Boit, Kátia; Teixeira, Elba C; Cabello, Juan J; Agudelo-Castañeda, Dayana M; Silva, Luis F O

2017-10-01

There are multiple elements which enable coal geochemistry: (1) boiler and pollution control system design parameters, (2) temperature of flue gas at collection point, (3) feed coal and also other fuels like petroleum coke, tires and biomass geochemistry and (4) fuel feed particle size distribution homogeneity distribution, maintenance of pulverisers, etc. Even though there is a large number of hazardous element pollutants in the coal-processing industry, investigations on micrometer and nanometer-sized particles including their aqueous colloids formation reactions and their behaviour entering the environment are relatively few in numbers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Transmission Electron microscopy (HR-TEM)/ (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) EDS/ (selected-area diffraction pattern) SAED, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM)/EDS and granulometric distribution analysis were used as an integrated characterization techniques tool box to determine both geochemistry and nanomineralogy for coal fly ashes (CFAs) from Brazil´s largest coal power plant. Ultrafine/nano-particles size distribution from coal combustion emissions was estimated during the tests. In addition the iron and silicon content was determined as 54.6% of the total 390 different particles observed by electron bean, results aimed that these two particles represent major minerals in the environment particles normally. These data may help in future investigations to asses human health actions related with nano-particles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microstructural Anisotropy of Magnetocaloric Gadolinium Cylinders: Effect on the Mechanical Properties of the Material

PubMed Central

Petrovič, Darja Steiner; Šturm, Roman; Naglič, Iztok; Markoli, Boštjan; Pepelnjak, Tomaž

2016-01-01

The development of advanced materials and technologies based on magnetocaloric Gd and its compounds requires an understanding of the dependency of mechanical properties on their underlying microstructure. Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize microstructural inhomogeneities in the gadolinium that can be used in magnetocaloric refrigeration systems. Microstructures of magnetocaloric gadolinium cylinders were investigated by light microscopy and FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), and BSE (Back-scattered Electrons) in both the extrusion and the extrusion-transversal directions. XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analyses were performed to reveal the presence of calcium- and fluorine-based compounds. Metallographic characterization showed an oxidized and inhomogeneous microstructure of the cross-sections. The edges and the outer parts of the cylinders were oxidized more intensively on the surfaces directly exposed to the processing tools. Moreover, a significant morphological anisotropy of the non-metallic inclusions was observed. CaF inclusions act as active nucleation sites for internal oxidation. The non-metallic, Ca- and F-containing inclusions can be classified as complex calciumoxyfluorides. The solubility of Er and Yb in the CaF was negligible compared to the Gd matrix and/or the oxide phase. Lower mechanical properties of the material are a consequence of the lower structural integrity due to selective oxidation of surfaces and interfaces. PMID:28773502

Effect of various filler types on the properties of porous asphalt mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukry, Nurul Athma Mohd; Hassan, Norhidayah Abdul; Ezree Abdullah, Mohd; Rosli Hainin, Mohd; Yusoff, Nur Izzi Md; Putra Jaya, Ramadhansyah; Mohamed, Azman

2018-04-01

The open structure of porous asphalt exposes a large surface area to the effects of air and water, which accelerates the oxidation rate and affects the coating properties of the binder. These factors may influence the adhesive strength of the binder-aggregate and lead to cohesive failure within the binder film, contributing to aggregate stripping and moisture damage. The addition of fillers in asphalt mixtures has been identified to stiffen the asphalt binder and improve mixture strength. This study investigates the effect of various filler types (hydrated lime, cement, and diatomite) on the properties of porous asphalt. Compacted samples of porous asphalt were prepared using Superpave gyratory compactor at the target air void content of 21%. Each sample was incorporated with 2% of filler and polymer-modified binder of PG76. The morphology and chemical composition of fillers were investigated with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The properties of porous asphalt were evaluated in terms of permeability, abrasion loss, resilient modulus, and indirect tensile strength. All mixtures were found to show high permeability rates. Mixtures with hydrated lime exhibited lower abrasion loss compared to mixtures with cement and diatomite. The use of diatomite increases the resistance of the mixtures to rutting and moisture damage compared to other fillers as shown by the enhanced resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength.

Photocatalytic and antibacterial activity of cadmium sulphide/zinc oxide nanocomposite with varied morphology.

PubMed

Jana, T K; Maji, S K; Pal, A; Maiti, R P; Dolai, T K; Chatterjee, K

2016-10-15

Nanocomposites with multifunctional application prospects have already dragged accelerating interests of materials scientists. Here we present CdS/ZnO nanocomposites with different morphology engineering the precursor molar ratio in a facile wet chemical synthesis route. The materials were structurally and morphologically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The growth mechanism of the composite structure with varying molar ratio is delineated with oriented attachment self assemble techniques. Photocatalytic activity of CdS/ZnO nanocomposites with varying morphology were explored for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye in presence of visible light irradiation and the results reveal that the best catalytic performance arises in CdS/ZnO composite with 1: 1 ratio. The antibacterial efficiency of all nanocomposites were investigated on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia without light irradiation. Antibacterial activity of CdS/ZnO nanocomposites were studied using the bacteriological test-well diffusion agar method and results showed significant antibacterial activity in CdS/ZnO composite with 1:3 ratio. Overall, CdS/ZnO nanocomposites excel in different potential applications, such as visible light photocatalysis and antimicrobial activity with their tuneable structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2@Y2MoO6:Eu3+ Core-Shell Structured Spherical Phosphors by Sol-Gel Process.

PubMed

Li, G Z; Liu, F H; Chu, Z S; Wu, D M; Yang, L B; Li, J L; Wang, M N; Wang, Z L

2016-04-01

SiO2@Y2MoO6:Eu3+ core-shell phosphors were prepared by the sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as kinetic decays were used to characterize the resulting SiO2@Y2MoO6:Eu3+ core-shell phosphors. The XRD results demonstrated that the Y2MoO6:Eu3+ layers on the SiO2 spheres crystallized after being annealed at 700 °C and the crystallinity increased with raising the annealing temperature. The obtained core-shell phosphors have spherical shape with narrow size distribution (average size ca. 640 nm), non-agglomeration, and smooth surface. The thickness of the Y2MoO6:Eu3+ shells on the SiO2 cores could be easily tailored by varying the number of deposition cycles (70 nm for four deposition cycles). The Eul+ shows a strong PL emission (dominated by 5D0-7F2 red emission at 614 nm) under the excitation of 347 nm UV light. The PL intensity of Eu3+ increases with increasing the annealing temperature and the number of coating cycles.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using latex of Calotropis gigantea L.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkuberan, Chandrasekaran; Sudha, Kannaiah; Sathishkumar, Gnanasekar; Sivaramakrishnan, Sivaperumal

2015-02-01

The present study aimed to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a greener route using aqueous latex extract of Calotropis gigantea L. toward biomedical applications. Initially, synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy which shows the surface plasmonic resonance peak (SPR) at 420 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis provides clear evidence that protein fractions present in the latex extract act as reducing and stabilizing bio agents. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectroscopy confirms the presence of silver as a major constituent element. X-ray diffractograms displays that the synthesized AgNPs were biphasic crystalline nature. Electron microscopic studies such as Field emission scanning electron microscopic (Fe-SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) reveals that synthesized AgNPs are spherical in shape with the size range between 5 and 30 nm. Further, crude latex aqueous extract and synthesized AgNPs were evaluated against different bacterial pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Enterococci sp, Shigella sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Compared to the crude latex aqueous extract, biosynthesized AgNPs exhibits a remarkable antimicrobial activity. Likewise invitro anticancer study manifests the cytotoxicity value of synthesized AgNPs against tested HeLa cells. The output of this study clearly suggesting that biosynthesized AgNPs using latex of C. gigantea can be used as promising nanomaterial for therapeutic application in context with nanodrug formulation.

Thickness Dependent Structural and Dielectric Properties of Calcium Copper Titanate Thin Films Produced by Spin-Coating Method for Microelectronic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiruramanathan, P.; Sankar, S.; Marikani, A.; Madhavan, D.; Sharma, Sanjeev K.

2017-07-01

Calcium copper titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12, CCTO) thin films have been deposited on platinized silicon [(111)Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si] substrate through a sol-gel spin coating technique and annealed at 600-900°C with a variation of 100°C per sample for 3 h. The activation energy for crystalline growth, as well as optimal annealing temperature (900°C) of the CCTO crystallites was studied by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Thickness dependent structural, morphological, and optical properties of CCTO thin films were observed. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) verified that the CCTO thin films are uniform, fully covered, densely packed, and the particle size was found to be increased with film thickness. Meanwhile, quantitative analysis of dielectric properties (interfacial capacitance, dead layers, and bulk dielectric constant) of CCTO thin film with metal-insulator-metal (M-I-M) structures has been investigated systematically using a series capacitor model. Room temperature dielectric properties of all the samples exhibit dispersion at low frequencies, which can be explained based on Maxwell-Wagner two-layer models and Koop's theory. It was found that the 483 nm thick CCTO film represents a high dielectric constant ( ɛ r = 3334), low loss (tan δ = 3.54), capacitance ( C = 4951 nF), which might satisfy the requirements of embedded capacitor.

A top-down method to fabricate SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ nanosheets from commercial blocky phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haoran; Xue, Zhiping; Lei, Bingfu; Dong, Hanwu; Zhang, Haiming; Deng, Suqing; Zheng, Mingtao; Liu, Yingliang; Xiao, Yong

2014-09-01

By using commercial SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor as raw material, we have developed a novel and simple top-down method to fabricate SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ nanosheets that are useful for potential practical applications, especially as fluorescent labels for biomolecules and mechano-optical nano-devices. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results demonstrate that the treated samples are still pure-phase of SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicate that the treated SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphors are built up by nanosheets bundles. Excitation and emission spectra, afterglow emission spectra and decay curves are used to analyze the luminescence properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ nanosheets, and the results show that, compared with commercial samples, the treated samples show similar spectra characteristic including the spectra shapes and the band position. Furthermore, the fluorescence and afterglow intensity of SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ nanosheets can be tuned linearly by changing the circumstance temperatures, which further indicates its potential applications in fiber-optical thermometer materials.

The surface characteristics of hyperbranched polyamide modified corncob and its adsorption property for Cr(VI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hai; Han, Shaoke; Dong, Yingbo; He, Yinhai

2017-08-01

A low-cost anion adsorbent for Cr(VI) effectively removing was synthesized by hyperbranched polyamide modified corncob (HPMC). Samples were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and zeta potential analysis. Kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics studies of HPMC for Cr(VI) adsorption were investigated in batch static experiments, in the temperature range of 25-45 °C, pH = 2.0. Results showed that the adsorption was rapid and stable, with the uptake capacity higher than 80% after 30 min. Adsorption behavior and rate-controlling mechanisms were analyzed using three kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, intra-particle kinetic model). Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of HPMC to Cr(VI) relied the pseudo-second-order model, and controlled both by the intra-particle diffusion and film diffusion. Equilibrium data was tested by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. Langmuir model was more suitable to indicate a homogeneous distribution of active sites on HPMC and monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity from the Langmuir model, qmax, was 131.6 mg/g at pH 2.0 and 45 °C for HPMC. Thermodynamic parameters revealed spontaneous and endothermic nature of the Cr(VI) adsorption onto HPMC.

Self-assembled 3D sphere-like SrMoO4 and SrMoO4:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu, Sm, Tb, Dy) microarchitectures: facile sonochemical synthesis and optical properties.

PubMed

Zhang, Junjun; Li, Ruiqing; Liu, Lu; Li, Linlin; Zou, Lianchun; Gan, Shucai; Ji, Guijuan

2014-09-01

Three-dimensional (3D) well-defined SrMoO4 and SrMoO4:Ln(3+) (Ln=Eu, Sm, Tb, Dy) hierarchical structures of obvious sphere-like shape have been successfully synthesized using a large-scale and facile sonochemical route without using any catalysts or templates. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were used to characterize the samples. The intrinsic structural feature of SrMoO4 and external factor, namely the ultrasonic time and the pH value, are responsible for the ultimate shape evolutions of the product. The possible formation mechanism for the product is presented. Additionally, the PL properties of SrMoO4 and SrMoO4:Ln(3+) (Ln=Eu, Sm, Tb, Dy) hierarchical structures were investigated in detail. The Ln(3+) ions doped SrMoO4 samples exhibit respective bright red-orange, yellow, green and white light of Eu(3+), Sm(3+), Tb(3+) and Dy(3+) under ultraviolet excitation, and have potential application in the field of color display. Simultaneously, this novel and efficient pathway could open new opportunities for further investigating about the properties of molybdate materials. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical and NO2 sensing characteristics of Pd/ZnO nanoparticles based Schottky diode at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, Lalit; Sahu, Praveen Kumar; Dwivedi, R.; Mishra, V. N.

2017-12-01

The present work deals with Pd/ZnO nanoparticles based Schottky diode for detection of NO2 at room temperature (298 K). To fabricate Pd/ZnO Schottky diode, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) based film was developed on glass substrate using sol-gel spin coating process. Subsequently; Pd was deposited on ZnO using thermal evaporation technique. The structural properties of developed ZnO film were studied using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The particles size of the developed film was in range of ~25 to ~110 nm. The response of fabricated Pd/ZnO Schottky diode was studied upon exposure to NO2 in terms of change in I-V characteristics. The magnitude of barrier height and ideality factor has been evaluated with concentration of NO2 ranging from 10 to 50 ppm. The developed sensor has good sensitivity of ~45.2%, with fast response and recovery time; 67 s and 250 s respectively for 50 ppm concentration of NO2 with excellent repeatability. The obtained results have been explained in terms of surface and subsurface adsorption of NO2 on Pd, subsequently dissociation of NO2 and its diffusion, which creates dipole moment at the Pd/ZnO interface.

Effect of annealing temperature and copper mole ratio on the morphology, structure and magnetic properties of Mg0.5-xCuxZn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles prepared by the modified Pechini method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loghman-Estarki, M. R.; Torkian, S.; Rastabi, R. Amini; Ghasemi, A.

2017-11-01

In this study, magnesium copper zinc ferrite (MCZ) nanoparticles were synthesized by the modified Pechini method. In this approach, the magnesium nitrate, copper nitrate, zinc nitrate, iron nitrate, citric acid and diethylene glycol (instead of ethylene glycol in conventional Pechini method) were used as a source of Mg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, complex and stabilizer and solvent agent, respectively. The effect of annealing temperature and copper mole ratio on the morphology, structural and magnetic properties of Mg0.5xCuxZn0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0-0.5) nanoparticles were investigated. Various characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FeSEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray mapping, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), adsorption-desorption isotherm and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to study the phase, microstructure, particle size, elemental distribution, functional group determination, porosity and magnetic properties of nanoparticles, respectively. The results showed that cubic spinel phase with various morphologies such as semi-spherical, sheet-like shapes was obtained by the modified Pechini method. Furthermore, the nanoparticles with the x value of 0.2, annealed at 700 °C have the highest saturation magnetization (Ms = 56.5 emu/g) among the other synthesized MCZ ferrite nanoparticles.

Fabrication and durable antibacterial properties of 3D porous wet electrospun RCSC/PCL nanofibrous scaffold with silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Mei; Lin, Han; Wang, Yilong; Yang, Guang; Zhao, He; Sun, Dahui

2017-08-01

Electrospunnanofibers are used as three-dimensional (3D) scaffold materials that can alter cell attachment and cell proliferation, change the antibacterial properties of materials, and can be used as wound dressings. But the fabrication of porous 3D scaffold structure and the antibacterial properties enhancing are challenges remained to improve. With the states here, a Ranachensinensis skin collagen (RCSC)/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)AgNP-loaded3D nanofiber scaffold is fabricated as a wound dressing material by using an improved wet electrospinning method (blending). The nanoscale of the AgNPs is proved. The 3D porous morphologies of the materials with different AgNP loadings, are determined with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the presence and uniformity distribution of AgNPs is confirmed by Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The silver-ion release rates, antibacterial properties, and cytotoxicities of dressing materials with different AgNP contents are evaluated using ICP-AES, the zone inhibition method, and MTT testing. These results showed that the improved wet electrospun is an effective way to fabricate AgNP loaded 3D scaffold materials with porous structure and nearly 90% porosity and the presence of AgNPs in dressing materials strengthen the antibacterial properties. The RCSC/PCL 3D scaffold materials containing 2.0%AgNP would be promising for dressing materials application nearly without cytotoxicities.

Strength and Microstructure of Concrete with Iron Ore Tailings as Replacement for River Sand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umara Shettima, Ali; Ahmad, Yusof; Warid Hussin, Mohd; Zakari Muhammad, Nasiru; Eziekel Babatude, Ogunbode

2018-03-01

River Sand is one of the basic ingredients used in the production of concrete. Consequently, continuous consumption of sand in construction industry contributes significantly to depletion of natural resources. To achieve more sustainable construction materials, this paper reports the use of iron ore tailings (IOT) as replacement for river sand in concrete production. IOT is a waste product generated from the production of iron ore and disposed to land fill without any economic value. Concrete mixtures containing different amount of IOT were designed for grade C30 with water to cement ratio of 0.60. The percentage ratios of the river sand replacements by IOT were 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Concrete microstructure test namely, XRD and Field Emission Scanned Electron Microscopic/Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM/EDX) were conducted for control and IOT concretes in order to determine the interaction and performance of the concrete containing IOT. Test results indicated that the slump values of 130 mm and 80 to 110 mm were recorded for the control and IOT concretes respectively. The concrete sample of 50% IOT recorded the highest compressive strength of 37.7 MPa at 28 days, and the highest flexural strength of 5.5 MPa compared to 4.7 MPa for reference concrete. The texture of the IOT is rough and angular which was able to improve the strength of the concrete.

Effect of modification substrate on the microstructure of hydroxyapatite coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Realpe-Jaramillo, J.; Morales-Morales, J. A.; González-Sánchez, J. A.; Cabanzo, R.; Mejía-Ospino, E.; Rodríguez-Pereira, J.

2017-01-01

Bioactive hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings were fabricated by a precipitation, sol-gel and dip-coating method. The effects of the aging time and the base used to adjust pH and substrate materials on the phases and microstructures of HA coatings were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy FESEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS, and the vibrations of the phosphate groups were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that all the films were composed of the phases of TiO2 and HA. With coated titanium substrate with TiO2, the crystallinity of the HA coating increases, the structure became more compact and the Ca/P ratio increased because of the loss of P in the films. The addition of sodium hydroxide (adjusting the pH level to about 10) can increase the HA content in the coating. XPS and EDS results for steel substrate and titanium showed poor calcium content as obtained with a Ca/P ratio of 1.38 and 1.58, respectively, composition is similar to that of natural apatite. However, spectroscopic results suggest the presence of a mixture of hydroxyapatite and octacalcium phosphate. The different substrate materials have a high influence on the microstructure of the separated double films. However, hydroxyapatite nanopowders coatings were obtained using a simple method, with potential biomedical applications.

Microstructure, ferromagnetic and photoluminescence properties of ITO and Cr doped ITO nanoparticles using solid state reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, S. Harinath; Kaleemulla, S.; Rao, N. Madhusudhana; Rao, G. Venugopal; Krishnamoorthi, C.

2016-11-01

Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) (In0.95Sn0.05)2O3 and Cr doped indium-tin-oxide (In0.90Sn0.05Cr0.05)2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using simple low cost solid state reaction method and characterized by different techniques to study their structural, optical and magnetic properties. Microstructures, surface morphology, crystallite size of the nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). From these methods it was found that the particles were about 45 nm. Chemical composition and valence states of the nanoparticles were studied using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From these techniques it was observed that the elements of indium, tin, chromium and oxygen were present in the system in appropriate ratios and they were in +3, +4, +3 and -2 oxidation states. Raman studies confirmed that the nanoparticle were free from unintentional impurities. Two broad emission peaks were observed at 330 nm and 460 nm when excited wavelength of 300 nm. Magnetic studies were carried out at 300 K and 100 K using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and found that the ITO nanoparticles were ferromagnetic at 100 K and 300 K. Where-as the room temperature ferromagnetism completely disappeared in Cr doped ITO nanoparticles at 100 K and 300 K.

Chromium immobilization by extra- and intraradical fungal structures of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses.

PubMed

Wu, Songlin; Zhang, Xin; Sun, Yuqing; Wu, Zhaoxiang; Li, Tao; Hu, Yajun; Lv, Jitao; Li, Gang; Zhang, Zhensong; Zhang, Jing; Zheng, Lirong; Zhen, Xiangjun; Chen, Baodong

2016-10-05

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance plant Cr tolerance through immobilizing Cr in mycorrhizal roots. However, the detailed processes and mechanisms are unclear. The present study focused on cellular distribution and speciation of Cr in both extraradical mycelium (ERM) and mycorrhizal roots exposed to Cr(VI) by using field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (FE-SEM-EDS), scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy (STXM) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy techniques. We found that amounts of particles (possibly extracellular polymeric substances, EPS) were produced on the AM fungal surface upon Cr(VI) stress, which contributed greatly to Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization. With EDS of the surface of AM fungi exposed to various Cr(VI) levels, a positive correlation between Cr and P was revealed, suggesting that phosphate groups might act as counter ions of Cr(III), which was also confirmed by the XAFS analysis. Besides, STXM and XAFS analyses showed that Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) in AM fungal structures (arbuscules, intraradical mycelium, etc.) and cell walls in mycorrhizal roots, and complexed possibly with carboxyl groups or histidine analogues. The present work provided evidence of Cr immobilization on fungal surface and in fungal structures in mycorrhizal roots at a cellular level, and thus unraveled the underlying mechanisms by which AM symbiosis immobilize Cr. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of laser remelting on microstructures and immersion corrosion performance of arc sprayed Al coating in 3.5% NaCl solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ze; Zhang, Donghui; Yan, Baoxu; Kong, Dejun

2018-02-01

An arc sprayed aluminum (Al) coating on S355 steel was processed using a laser remelting (LR). The microstructures, chemical element composition, and phases of the obtained Al coating were analyzed using a field mission scanning electronic microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively, and the residual stresses were measured using an X-ray diffraction stress tester. The immersion corrosion tests and potentiodynamic polarization of Al coating in 3.5% NaCl solution were performed to investigate the effects of LR on its immersion corrosion behaviors, and the corrosion mechanism of Al coating was also discussed. The results show that the arc sprayed Al coating is composed of Al phase, while that by LR is composed of Al-Fe and AlO4FeO6 phases, and the porosities and cracks in the arc sprayed Al coating are eliminated by LR, The residual stress of arc sprayed Al coating is -5.6 ± 18 MPa, while that after LR is 137.9 ± 12 MPa, which deduces the immersion corrosion resistance of Al coating. The corrosion mechanism of arc sprayed Al coating is pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion, while that by LR is uniform corrosion and pitting corrosion. The corrosion potential of arc sprayed Al coating by LR shifts positively, which improves its immersion corrosion resistance.

Accumulation and interparticle connections of triangular Ag-coated Au nanoprisms by oil-coating method for surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noda, Yuta; Asaka, Toru; Fudouzi, Hiroshi; Hayakawa, Tomokatsu

2018-03-01

To examine the optical responses of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for tuned plasmonic nanoparticles, triangular Ag-coated Au (Au@Ag) nanoprisms with different sizes were separately synthesized, which were well controlled in their size (edge-length) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength (69.0 ± 8.4 to 173.8 ± 25.6 nm in size and 662-943 nm in LSPR wavelength). The mechanism of Ag shell formation on the Au nanoprisms was also studied with scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS). The Au@Ag nanoprisms were immobilized by covering a colloidal solution containing the nanoprisms with silicone oil and evaporating the solvent in the oil (oil-coating method) so as to form a layer of accumulated plasmonic Au@Ag nanoprisms that had LSPR peak wavelengths tuned from 839 to 1182 nm. The accumulation conditions were analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and a Raman mapping technique. The Au@Ag nanoprisms under excitation at 632.8 nm exhibited higher SERS signals of rhodamine 6G, and SERS-mapped images of the novel immobilized films were obtained at different magnifications. It was concluded that accumulated Au@Ag nanoprisms undergoing tip-planar interconnections could produce enhanced local fields, resulting in higher SERS signals.

Micro- to nanostructure and geochemistry of extant crinoidal echinoderm skeletons.

PubMed

Gorzelak, P; Stolarski, J; Mazur, M; Meibom, A

2013-01-01

This paper reports the results of micro- to nanostructural and geochemical analyses of calcitic skeletons from extant deep-sea stalked crinoids. Fine-scale (SEM, FESEM, AFM) observations show that the crinoid skeleton is composed of carbonate nanograins, about 20-100 nm in diameter, which are partly separated by what appears to be a few nm thick organic layers. Sub-micrometre-scale geochemical mapping of crinoid ossicles using a NanoSIMS ion microprobe, combined with synchrotron high-spatial-resolution X-ray micro-fluorescence (μ-XRF) maps and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) show that high Mg concentration in the central region of the stereom bars correlates with the distribution of S-sulphate, which is often associated with sulphated polysaccharides in biocarbonates. These data are consistent with biomineralization models suggesting a close association between organic components (including sulphated polysaccharides) and Mg ions. Additionally, geochemical analyses (NanoSIMS, energy dispersive spectroscopy) reveal that significant variations in Mg occur at many levels: within a single stereom trabecula, within a single ossicle and within a skeleton of a single animal. Together, these data suggest that physiological factors play an important role in controlling Mg content in crinoid skeletons and that great care should be taken when using their skeletons to reconstruct, for example, palaeotemperatures and Mg/Ca palaeo-variations of the ocean. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Highly sensitive NO2 sensor using brush-coated ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, Lalit; Dwivedi, R.; Mishra, V. N.

2017-10-01

This work reports the sensing properties of a ZnO nanoparticle (NP) based gas sensor. A sol-gel method was used for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, and a brush coating technique for applying these in a thick film over the gold electrode. The structural properties of the ZnO film so developed have been studied using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing a hexagonal wurtzite structure having particle size of ~25 to ~110 nm and roughness of ~136.303 nm. The sensitivity of the sensor to NO2, H2, CO, ethanol and propanol gases in the temperature range from 150 to 350 °C has been tested. Among all these gases, sensitivity to NO2 was found to be highest, at around fifty times greater than the next highest sensitivity, for ethanol gas. The sensor’s response to NO2 gas has been measured at ~945.12%/ppt (parts per thousand), with fast response time and recovery time at operating temperature 280 °C. The obtained result has been discussed with the help of surface and subsurface adsorption and desorption of NO2 molecules at the available trap sites (oxygen ions) on the ZnO nanoparticle surface. This sensor also exhibits excellent repeatability.

Investigation of temperature, catalyst thickness and substrate effects in In2O3 nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuzluca, Fatma Nur; Yesilbag, Yasar Ozkan; Ertugrul, Mehmet

2017-12-01

This study successfully synthesized In2O3 nanotowers (NTs), nanowires (NWs), nanochains (NChs) and nanocrystals (NCs) on n-type Si(100) and quartz substrates at temperature of 900-1000 °C by using Au catalysts via the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technique. The analyses of experimental results revealed that In2O3 nanostructures (NSs) grew in different morphologies due to variable parameters, such as temperature, thickness of catalyst and substrate type. This was because these In2O3 NSs were formed by both the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) and the Vapor-Solid (VS) growth mechanisms. For instance, In2O3 NTs and NChs were formed by the VLS growth mechanism; In2O3 NCs were formed by the VS growth mechanism and In2O3 NWs were formed by both the VLS and VS growth mechanisms. Morphology and crystal structures were identified through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Moreover, photoluminescence (PL) peaks of In2O3 NSs were measured to be 367 nm, 470 nm, and 630 nm at room temperature (RT). These measurement results indicated that structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of synthesized In2O3 NSs correlated with growth parameters.

Studies on visible light photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of nanostructured cobalt doped ZnO thin films prepared by sol-gel spin coating method.

PubMed

Poongodi, G; Anandan, P; Kumar, R Mohan; Jayavel, R

2015-09-05

Nanostructured cobalt doped ZnO thin films were deposited on glass substrate by sol-gel spin coating technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD results showed that the thin films were well crystalline with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The results of EDAX and XPS revealed that Co was doped into ZnO structure. FESEM images revealed that the films possess granular morphology without any crack and confirm that Co doping decreases the grain size. UV-Vis transmission spectra show that the substitution of Co in ZnO leads to band gap narrowing. The Co doped ZnO films were found to exhibit improved photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light in comparison with the undoped ZnO film. The decrease in grain size and extending light absorption towards the visible region by Co doping in ZnO film contribute equally to the improved photocatalytic activity. The bactericidal efficiency of Co doped ZnO films were investigated against a Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and a Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The optical density (OD) measurement showed better bactericidal activity at higher level of Co doping in ZnO. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of CNT-CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite

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

Kaur, Jasmeet, E-mail: jasmeet.dayal@gmail.com; Anand, Kanika; Singh, Ravi Chand

2015-06-24

This paper reports decoration of CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes through a reflux process in which Ce (NO{sub 3}) {sub 3}·6H{sub 2}O serves as precursor and hydrazine hydrate (N{sub 2}H{sub 4}.H{sub 2}O) as reducing agent. Successful deposition of cubic fluorite CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes has been confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles formed in the presence of CNTs were larger as compared to pure CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles. Raman analysis showed that CeO{sub 2} induced a decreasemore » in the size of the carbon grain in the CNTs. A red shift from 460 cm{sup −1} to 463 cm{sup −1} for F{sub 2g} mode of CeO{sub 2} has also been observed in Raman spectra of CNT- CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite as compared to pure CeO{sub 2}. The CeO{sub 2} coated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNT-CeO{sub 2}) nanocomposite would be a promising candidate for practical applications such as catalysis, sensing and power source applications.« less

Sonochemical Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of Gallium Oxynitride Nanosheets and their Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Applications.

PubMed

Iqbal, Naseer; Khan, Ibrahim; Yamani, Zain H; Qurashi, Ahsanullhaq

2016-08-26

Gallium oxynitride (GaON) nanosheets for photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis are synthesized via direct solvothermal approach. Their FE-SEM revealed nanosheets morphology of GaON prepared at a reaction time of 24 hours at 180 °C. The elemental composition and mapping of Ga, O and N are carried out through electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The cubic structure of GaON nanosheets is elucidated by X-ray diffraction (XRD)analysis. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirms Ga, O and N in their respective ratios and states. The optical properties of GaON nanosheets are evaluated via UV-Visible, Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy's. The band gap energy of ~1.9 eV is calculated from both absorption and diffused reflectance spectroscopy's which showed stronger p-d repulsions in the Ga (3d) and N (2p) orbitals. This effect and chemical nitridation caused upward shift of valence band and band gap reduction. The GaON nanosheets are investigated for PEC studies in a standard three electrode system under 1 Sun irradiation in 0.5 M Na2SO4. The photocurrent generation, oxidation and reduction reactions during the measurements are observed by Chronoampereometry, linear sweep Voltametry (LSV) and Cyclic Voltametry (CV) respectively. Henceforward, these GaON nanosheets can be used as potential photocatalyts for solar water splitting.

Sonochemical Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of Gallium Oxynitride Nanosheets and their Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Applications

PubMed Central

Iqbal, Naseer; Khan, Ibrahim; Yamani, Zain H.; Qurashi, Ahsanullhaq

2016-01-01

Gallium oxynitride (GaON) nanosheets for photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis are synthesized via direct solvothermal approach. Their FE-SEM revealed nanosheets morphology of GaON prepared at a reaction time of 24 hours at 180 °C. The elemental composition and mapping of Ga, O and N are carried out through electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The cubic structure of GaON nanosheets is elucidated by X-ray diffraction (XRD)analysis. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirms Ga, O and N in their respective ratios and states. The optical properties of GaON nanosheets are evaluated via UV-Visible, Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy’s. The band gap energy of ~1.9 eV is calculated from both absorption and diffused reflectance spectroscopy’s which showed stronger p-d repulsions in the Ga (3d) and N (2p) orbitals. This effect and chemical nitridation caused upward shift of valence band and band gap reduction. The GaON nanosheets are investigated for PEC studies in a standard three electrode system under 1 Sun irradiation in 0.5 M Na2SO4. The photocurrent generation, oxidation and reduction reactions during the measurements are observed by Chronoampereometry, linear sweep Voltametry (LSV) and Cyclic Voltametry (CV) respectively. Henceforward, these GaON nanosheets can be used as potential photocatalyts for solar water splitting. PMID:27561646

Crystallization process of zeolite rho prepared by hydrothermal synthesis using 18-crown-6 ether as organic template.

PubMed

Araki, Sadao; Kiyohara, Yasato; Tanaka, Shunsuke; Miyake, Yoshikazu

2012-06-15

There are many viewpoints on the formation mechanisms for zeolites, but the details are not clear. An understanding of the elementary steps for their formation is important for the development of large-scale membranes and efficient manufacturing processes. In this study, the effects of silicon, aluminum, and the incorporation of 18-crown-6 (18C6) ether, on the formation of zeolite rho, using 18C6 as the structure directing agent (SDA) have been investigated by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDX), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and the pH measurement. These results suggested that a zeolite rho has four synthesis steps; (1) 0-3 h, the dehydration and condensation reaction between the silica and alumina to form amorphous aluminosilicates; (2) 3-20 h, the particle growth and aggregation process for the amorphous aluminosilicates; (3) 20-48 h, the crystallization and crystal growth of zeolite rho, with the incorporation of 18C6; and (4) 48-96 h, gentle growth with an increase in Na/Si ratio and a change in rate for the bounding state between the silica- and the alumina-based species. We consider the above to reflect the four steps for the formation of zeolite rho. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation, characterization, and optical properties of gold, silver, and gold-silver alloy nanoshells having silica cores.

PubMed

Kim, Jun-Hyun; Bryan, William W; Lee, T Randall

2008-10-07

This report describes the structural and optical properties of a series of spherical shell/core nanoparticles in which the shell is comprised of a thin layer of gold, silver, or gold-silver alloy, and the core is comprised of a monodispersed silica nanoparticle. The silica core particles were prepared using the Stöber method, functionalized with terminal amine groups, and then seeded with small gold nanoparticles (approximately 2 nm in diameter). The gold-seeded silica particles were coated with a layer of gold, silver, or gold-silver alloy via solution-phase reduction of an appropriate metal ion or mixture of metal ions. The size, morphology, and elemental composition of the composite nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, which showed strong absorptions ranging from 400 nm into the near-IR region, where the position of the plasmon band reflected not only the thickness of the metal shell, but also the nature of the metal comprising the shell. Importantly, the results demonstrate a new strategy for tuning the position of the plasmon resonance without having to vary the core diameter or the shell thickness.

A Comparative Study of the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Ni- or Fe- Based Composite Coatings by Laser Cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, M. Q.; Shi, J.; Lei, L.; Cui, Z. Y.; Wang, H. L.; Wang, X.

2018-04-01

Ni- and Fe-based composite coatings were laser cladded on 40Cr steel to improve the surface mechanical property and corrosion resistance, respectively. The microstructure and phase composition were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The micro-hardness, tribological properties and electrochemical corrosion behavior of the coatings were evaluated. The results show that the thickness of both the coatings is around 0.7 mm, the Ni-based coating is mainly composed of γ-(Ni, Fe), FeNi3, Ni31Si12, Ni3B, CrB and Cr7C3, and the Fe-based coating is mainly composed of austenite and (Fe, Cr)7C3. Micro-hardness of the Ni-based composite coating is about 960 HV0.3, much higher than that of Fe-based coating (357.4 HV0.3) and the 40Cr substrate (251 HV0.3). Meanwhile, the Ni-based composite coating possesses better wear resistance than the Fe-based coating validated by the worn appearance and the wear loss. Electrochemical results suggested that Ni-based coating exhibited better corrosion resistance than the Fe-based coating. The 40Cr substrate could be well protected by the Ni-based coating.

Highly sensitive immunosensing of prostate specific antigen using poly cysteine caped by graphene quantum dots and gold nanoparticle: A novel signal amplification strategy.

PubMed

Malekzad, Hediyeh; Hasanzadeh, Mohammad; Shadjou, Nasrin; Jouyban, Abolghasem

2017-12-01

A mediator-free electrochemical immunosensor for quantitation of prostate specific antigen (PSA) based on dual signal amplification strategy was fabricated. In this work, PSA-antibody (anti-PSA) was immobilized onto a green and biocompatible nanocomposite containing poly l-cysteine (P-Cys) as conductive matrix and graphene quantum dots (GQDs)/gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as dual signal amplification elements. Therefore, a novel multilayer film based on P-Cys, GQDs, and GNPs was exploited to develop a highly sensitive amperometric immunosensor for detection of PSA. Fully electrochemical methodology was used to prepare a new transducer on a gold surface which provided a high surface area to immobilize a high amount of the anti-PSA. Importantly, GNPs prepared by soft template synthesized method lead to compact morphology was achieved. The surface morphology of electrode surface was characterized by high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). Chemical compositions of the gold nanoparticles were analysed by an EDX. The immunosensor was employed for the detection of PSA in physiological pH. Under optimized condition the calibration curve for PSA concentration was linear up to 2-9pgmL -1 with lower limit of quantification of 1.8pgmL -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of electrochemical migration on Sn-0.7Cu-0.3Ag-0.03P-0.005Ni solder alloy in HNO3 solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarveswaran, C.; Othman, N. K.; Ali, M. Yusuf Tura; Ani, F. Che; Samsudin, Z.

2015-09-01

Current issue in lead-free solder in term of its reliability is still under investigation. This high impact research attempts to investigate the electrochemical migration (ECM) on Sn-0.7Cu-0.3Ag-0.03P-0.005Ni solder alloy by Water Drop Test (WDT) in different concentration of HNO3 solution. The concentration of HNO3 solution used in this research was 0.05, 0.10, 0.50 and 1M. Optical Microscope (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) were carried out in order to analysis the ECM behavior based on the growth of dendrite formation after WDT. In general, the results demonstrated that dendrite growth is faster in higher concentration compared with low concentration of HNO3. The concentration of HNO3 solution used has a strong correlation with Mean-Time-To-Failure (MTTF). As the concentration of HNO3 increases, the MTTF value decreases. Based on the MTTF results the solder alloy in 1M HNO3 solution is most susceptible to ECM. SnO2 forms as a corrosion by-product in the samples proved by EDX analysis. The solder alloy poses a high reliability risk in microelectronic devices during operation in 1M HNO3 solution.

Investigation of corrosion on SAC 305, SAC 0307 and SAC 0307-0.03 P-0.005 Ni solder paste alloys in simulated body fluid (SBF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarveswaran, C.; Salleh, Emee Marina; Jalar, A.; Samsudin, Z.; Ali, M. Yusuf Tura; Ani, F. Che; Othman, N. K.

2017-05-01

The electrochemical migration (ECM) behaviour of SAC 305, SAC 0307 and SAC 0307-0.03 P-0.005 Ni has been investigated by using simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Water drop test (WDT) was performed to compute the mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) of each sample while its electrical behaviour was examined using four-point probe test station. The microstructure of each solder paste alloy was observed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to analyse the elemental composition of the solder alloy. The MTTF result shows that SAC 305 has the fastest time-to-failure (TTF) due to short circuit. The corrosion susceptibility of SAC 305 was higher compared with SAC 0307-0.03P-0.005Ni. This was because of the influence of dopant phosphorus and nickel incorporation in the SAC 0307-0.03 P-0.005 Ni. The four point-probe test station reveals that SAC 305 is a good electric conductor whilst SAC 0307-0.03 P-0.005 Ni is a poor electric conductor. The rate of dendritic growth was influenced by the alloying element of the solder. Therefore, SAC 0307-0.03 P-0.005 Ni have a good corrosion resistance in SBF medium.

Construction of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes/Gold Nanoparticles for Trace Determination of Amoxicillin in Bovine Milk.

PubMed

Muhammad, Aliyu; Yusof, Nor Azah; Hajian, Reza; Abdullah, Jaafar

2016-01-20

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated for determination of amoxicillin in bovine milk samples by decoration of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using ethylenediamine (en) as a cross linker (AuNPs/en-MWCNTs). The constructed nanocomposite was homogenized in dimethylformamide and drop casted on screen printed electrode. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the synthesized nanocomposites. The results show that the synthesized nanocomposites induced a remarkable synergetic effect for the oxidation of amoxicillin. Effect of some parameters, including pH, buffer, scan rate, accumulation potential, accumulation time and amount of casted nanocomposites, on the sensitivity of fabricated sensor were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, there was two linear calibration ranges from 0.2-10 µM and 10-30 µM with equations of Ipa (µA) = 2.88C (µM) + 1.2017; r = 0.9939 and Ipa (µA) = 0.88C (µM) + 22.97; r = 0.9973, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were calculated as 0.015 µM and 0.149 µM, respectively. The fabricated electrochemical sensor was successfully applied for determination of Amoxicillin in bovine milk samples and all results compared with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) standard method.

Nano-photo active cellulosic fabric through in situ phytosynthesis of star-like Ag/ZnO nanocomposites: Investigation and optimization of attributes associated with photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Aladpoosh, Razieh; Montazer, Majid

2016-05-05

In this study, nano-photo active cellulosic fabric was prepared through in situ phytosynthesis of star-like Ag/ZnO nanocomposites using the ashes of Seidlitzia rosmarinus plants so-called Keliab. This is provided alkali media as a vital condition for synthesis of nanocomposites, further increasing the reduce-ability of cellulosic chains by activation of hydroxyl groups. The intermolecular dehydrolysis of intermediates ions under thermal and alkaline conditions leads to formation of Ag/ZnO heterostructure. Various analytical techniques were employed to confirm Ag/ZnO nanocomposites on the cotton fabric. The surface morphology, crystal phase and chemical structure of the treated fabrics were characterized by field emission and scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM and SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Moreover, influence of precursors: silver nitrate, zinc acetate and Keliab solution on attributes associated with photocatalytic activities including self-cleaning, whiteness and wettability was investigated via central composite design (CCD). The treated cotton samples exhibited self-cleaning activities through methylene blue degradation under day-light exposure along with improved wettability and whiteness. The prepared sample in optimized conditions showed good antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with enhanced fabric tensile strength. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis, characterization and evaluation of biocompatibility of silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahamed, Maqusood; Majeed Khan, M. A.; Siddiqui, M. K. J.; AlSalhi, Mohamad S.; Alrokayan, Salman A.

2011-04-01

Although green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by various plants and microorganisms has been reported, the potential of plants as biological materials for the synthesis of nanoparticles and their compatibility to biological systems is yet to be fully explored. In this study, we report a simple green method for the synthesis of Ag NPs using garlic clove extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. In addition to green synthesis, biological response of Ag NPs in human lung epithelial A549 cells was also assessed. Ag NPs were rapidly synthesized using garlic clove extract and the formation of nanoparticles was observed within 30 min. The green synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Characterization data demonstrated that the particles were crystalline in nature and spherical shaped with an average diameter of 12 nm. Measurements of cell viability, cell membrane integrity and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species have shown that the green synthesized Ag NPs were nontoxic to human lung epithelial A549 cells. This study demonstrated a simple, cost-effective and environmentally benign synthesis of Ag NPs with excellent biocompatibility to human lung epithelial A549 cells. This preliminary in vitro investigation needs to be followed up by future studies with various biological systems.

Cytotoxic effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Padina tetrastromatica on breast cancer cell line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnana Selvi, B. Clara; Madhavan, J.; Santhanam, Amutha

2016-09-01

In recent years researchers were attracted towards marine sources due to the presence of active components in it. Seaweeds were widely used in pharmaceutical research for their known biological activities. The biological synthesis method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Padina tetrastromatica seaweed extract and their cytotoxicity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells was reported in this study. The synthesized AgNPs using seaweed extract were subjected to x-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray, zeta potential to elucidate the structural, morphology, size as well as surface potential parameters. An absorption peak at 430 nm in UV-visible spectrum reveals the excitation and surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. FE-SEM micrographs exhibits the biosynthesized AgNPs, which are pre-dominantly round shaped and the size ranges between 40-50 nm. The zeta potential value of -27.6 mV confirms the stable nature of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biological synthesized Ag NPs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was found for AgNPs against MCF-7 at 24 h incubation. Biological method of synthesizing silver nanoparticles shows a environmental friendly property which helps in effective electrifying usage in many fields.

RETRACTED: Facile, eco-friendly and template free photosynthesis of cauliflower like ZnO nanoparticles using leaf extract of Tamarindus indica (L.) and its biological evolution of antibacterial and antifungal activities.

PubMed

Elumalai, K; Velmurugan, S; Ravi, S; Kathiravan, V; Ashokkumar, S

2015-02-05

In the present investigation, we chose the very simple and eco-friendly chemical method for synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from leaf extract of Tamarindus indica (L.) (T. indica) and developed the new green route for synthesis of nanoparticles. Formed product has been studied by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and with corresponding energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Mainly, the present results depicted that the synthesized nanoproducts are moderately stable, hexagonal phase, roughly spherical with maximum particles in size range within 19-37 nm in diameter. The antibacterial and fungal activities of aqueous extracts of T. indica were ended with corresponding disk diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The highest mean zones of inhibition were observed in the ZnO NPs (200 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus (13.1±0.28). Finally, it can be concluded that microbial activity of ZnO NPs has more susceptible S. aureus than the other micro organisms. Further, the present investigation suggests that ZnO NPs has the potential applications for various medical and industrial fields. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-pressure homogenization associated hydrothermal process of palygorskite for enhanced adsorption of Methylene blue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhifang; Wang, Wenbo; Wang, Aiqin

2015-02-01

Palygorskite (PAL) was modified by a high-pressure homogenization assisted hydrothermal process. The effects of modification on the morphology, structure and physicochemical properties of PAL were systematically investigated by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Zeta potential analysis techniques, and the adsorption properties were systematically evaluated using Methylene blue (MB) as the model dye. The results revealed that the crystal bundles were disaggregated and the PAL nanorods became more even after treated via associated high-pressure homogenization and hydrothermal process, and the crystal bundles were dispersed as nanorods. The intrinsic crystal structure of PAL was remained after hydrothermal treatment, and the pore size calculated by the BET method was increased. The adsorption properties of PAL for MB were evidently improved (from 119 mg/g to 171 mg/g) after modification, and the dispersion of PAL before hydrothermal reaction is favorable to the adsorption. The desorption evaluation confirms that the modified PAL has stronger affinity with MB, which is benefit to fabricate a stable organic-inorganic hybrid pigment.

Effects of annealing temperature on the physicochemical, optical and photoelectrochemical properties of nanostructured hematite thin films prepared via electrodeposition method

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

Phuan, Yi Wen; Chong, Meng Nan, E-mail: Chong.Meng.Nan@monash.edu; Sustainable Water Alliance, Advanced Engineering Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 46150 Selangor DE

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Nanostructured hematite thin films were synthesized via electrodeposition method. • Effects of annealing on size, grain boundary and PEC properties were examined. • Photocurrents generation was enhanced when the thin films were annealed at 600 °C. • The highest photocurrent density of 1.6 mA/cm{sup 2} at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl was achieved. - Abstract: Hematite (α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) is a promising photoanode material for hydrogen production from photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its wide abundance, narrow band-gap energy, efficient light absorption and high chemical stability under aqueous environment. The key challenge to the wider utilisation of nanostructuredmore » hematite-based photoanode in PEC water splitting, however, is limited by its low photo-assisted water oxidation caused by large overpotential in the nominal range of 0.5–0.6 V. The main aim of this study was to enhance the performance of hematite for photo-assisted water oxidation by optimising the annealing temperature used during the synthesis of nanostructured hematite thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-based photoanodes prepared via the cathodic electrodeposition method. The resultant nanostructured hematite thin films were characterised using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for their elemental composition, average nanocrystallites size and morphology; phase and crystallinity; UV-absorptivity and band gap energy; and the functional groups, respectively. Results showed that the nanostructured hematite thin films possess good ordered nanocrystallites array and high crystallinity after annealing treatment at 400–600 °C. FE-SEM images illustrated an increase in the average hematite nanocrystallites size from 65 nm to 95 nm when the annealing temperature was varied from 400 °C to 600 °C. As the crystallites size increases, the grain boundaries reduce and this suppresses the recombination rate of electron–hole pairs on the nanostructured hematite thin films. As a result, the measured photocurrent densities of nanostructured hematite thin films also increased. The highest measured photocurrent density of 1.6 mA/cm{sup 2} at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl in 1 M NaOH electrolyte was achieved for the nanostructured hematite thin film annealed at 600 °C. This study had confirmed that strong interdependencies exist between the average hematite nanocrystallites size and grain boundaries with annealing temperature on the eventual PEC water splitting performance of nanostructured hematite thin films. The annealed hematite thin films at a higher temperature will enhance the nanocrystals growth and thus, suppressing the electron–hole pairs recombination rate, lowering the grain boundary resistance and enabling higher photocurrent flow at the molecular level. As a result, the photocurrent density and thus, the overall PEC water splitting performance of the nanostructured hematite thin films are significantly enhanced.« less

Structural characterizations of pure SnS and In-doped SnS thin films using isotropic and anisotropic models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafashan, Hosein

2018-04-01

An electrochemical route has been employed to prepare pure SnS and indium-doped SnS thin films. Six samples including undoped SnS and In-doped SnS thin films deposited on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates. An aqueous solution having SnCl2 and Na2S2O3 used as the primary electrolyte. Different In-doped SnS samples were prepared by adding a different amount of 1 mM InCl3 solution into the first electrolyte. The applied potential (E), time of deposition (t), pH and bath temperature (T) were kept at ‑1 V, 30 min, 2.1 and 60 °C, respectively. For all samples, except the In-dopant concentration, all the deposition parameters are the same. After preparation, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX) attachment, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine structural properties of as-deposited films. XRD patterns revealed that the synthesized undoped- and In-doped SnS thin films were crystallized in the orthorhombic structure. The shape of SnS crystals was spherical in the TEM image. X-ray peak broadening studies was done by applying Scherrer’s method, Williamson-Hall (W–H) models (including uniform deformation model (UDM), uniform strain deformation model (UDSM), and uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM)), and size-strain plot (SSP) method. Using these techniques, the crystallite size and the lattice strains have been predicted. There was a good agreement in the particle size achieved by W–H- and SSP methods with TEM image.

Characterization of Individual Aerosol Particles Associated with Clouds (CRYSTAL-FACE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buseck, Peter R.

2004-01-01

The aim of our research was to obtain data on the chemical and physical properties of individual aerosol particles from near the bottoms and tops of the deep convective systems that lead to the generation of tropical cirrus clouds and to provide insights into the particles that serve as CCN or IN. We used analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM), including energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and field-emission electron microscopy (FESEM) to compare the compositions, concentrations, size distributions, shapes, surface coatings, and degrees of aggregation of individual particles from cloud bases and the anvils near the tropopause. Aggregates of sea salt and mineral dust, ammonium sulfate, and soot particles are abundant in in-cloud samples. Cirrus samples contain many H2SO4 droplets, but acidic sulfate particles are rare at the cloud bases. H2SO4 probably formed at higher altitudes through oxidation of SO2 in cloud droplets. The relatively high extent of ammoniation in the upper troposphere in-cloud samples appears to have resulted from vertical transport by strong convection. The morphology of H2SO4 droplets indicates that they had been at least yartiy ammoniated at the time of collection. They are internally mixed with organic materials, metal sulfates, and solid particles of various compositions. Ammoniation and internal mixing of result in freezing at higher temperature than in pure H2SO4 aerosols. K- and S-bearing organic particles and Si-Al-rich particles are common throughout. Sea salt and mineral dust were incorporated into the convective systems from the cloud bases and worked as ice nuclei while being vertically transported. The nonsulfate particles originated from the lower troposphere and were transported to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

Investigation and characterization of ZnO single crystal microtubes

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

Al-Naser, Qusay A.H.; Zhou, Jian, E-mail: jianzhou@whut.edu.cn; Liu, Guizhen

2016-04-15

Morphological, structural, and optical characterization of microwave synthesized ZnO single crystal microtubes were investigated in this work. The structure and morphology of the ZnO microtubes are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), single crystal diffraction (SCD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results reveal that the as-synthesized ZnO microtube has a highly regular hexagonal cross section and smooth surfaces with an average length of 650–700 μm, an average outer diameter of 50 μm and wall thickness of 1–3 μm, possessing a single crystal wurtzite hexagonal structure. Optical properties of ZnOmore » single crystal microtubes were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption techniques. Room-temperature PL spectrum of the microtube reveal a strong UV emission peak at around 375.89 nm and broad and a weak visible emission with a main peak identified at 577 nm, which was assigned to the nearest band-edge emission and the deep-level emission, respectively. The band gap energy of ZnO microtube was found to be 3.27 eV. - Highlights: • ZnO microtube length of 650–700 μm, diameter of 50 μm, wall thickness of 1–3 μm • ZnO microtube possesses a single crystal wurtzite hexagonal structure. • The crystal system is hexahedral oriented along a-axis with indices of (100). • A strong and sharp UV emission at 375.89 nm (3.29 eV) • One prominent absorption band around 378.88 nm (3.27 eV)« less

Advanced light element and low energy X-ray line analysis using Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) with Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salge, T.; Palasse, L.; Berlin, J.; Hansen, B.; Terborg, R.; Falke, M.

2013-12-01

Introduction: Characterization at the micro- to nano-scale is crucial for understanding many processes in earth, planetary, material and biological sciences. The composition of thin electron transparent samples can be analyzed in the nm-range using transmission electron microscopes (TEM) or, specific sample holders provided, in the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Nevertheless both methods often require complex sample preparation. An alternative method is to analyze bulk samples with a FE-SEM. In order to decrease the excitation volume for generated X-rays, low accelerating voltages (HV<10) are required. Consequently, only low to intermediate energy X-ray lines can be evaluated and many peak overlaps have to be deconvoluted since the high energy range is not available. Methods: A BRUKER Quantax EDS system with an XFlash Silicon Drift Detector acquired EDS spectra in spectrum images. To separate overlapping peaks, an extended atomic database [1] was used. For single channel EDS the electron beam current, solid angle, take-off angle and exposure time can be optimized to investigate the element composition. Multiple SDD setups ensure an even higher efficiency and larger collection angles for the X-ray analysis than single channel detectors. Shadowing effects are minimized in element distribution maps so that samples can be investigated quickly and sometimes in a close to natural state, with little preparation. A new type of EDS detector, the annular four channel SDD (XFlash 5060F), is placed between the pole piece and sample. It covers a very large solid angle (1.1 sr) and allows sufficient data collection at low beam currents on beam sensitive samples with substantial surface topography. Examples of applications: Results demonstrate that SDD-based EDS analysis contributes essential information on the structure at the micro- to nano scale of the investigated sample types. These include stardust analogue impact experiments [2], Chicxulub asteroid impactites [3,4], ore characterization of the Sudbury igneous complex [5], biomineralization in bacteria and insects [6], and characterization of ceramics [7] and ceramic metal joints [8]. We conclude that improvements in SDD and pulse processor technology including multi-detector and multi-segment options provide new insights because a vast amount of detailed information can be collected in a short period of time. Using the XFlash QUAD 5060F, samples can be analyzed rapidly at low beam current without carbon coating. [1] A. Assmann, A. and M. Wendt 2003. Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 58: 711-716. [2] A.T. Kearsley et al. 2013. 44th LPSC, 18-22.03.2013, The Woodlands, USA: #1910. [3] P. Schulte et al. 2010. Science 327: 1214-1218. [4] M. Nelson et al. 2012. GCA 86: 1-20. [5] Salge et al. 2013. LPI Contrib .No. 1737: 89. [6] M. Falke et al. 2013. EURO BioMat. 23-24.04.2013, Weimar, Germany. [7] H. Yurdakul et al. 2013.accepted for MC 2013, 25-30.08.2013, Regensburg, Germany [8] O. Tunckan 2010. PhD thesis. Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey.

Carbon nanotubes enhanced the lead toxicity on the freshwater fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, D. S. T.; Alves, O. L.; Barbieri, E.

2013-04-01

Carbon nanotubes are promising nanostructures for many applications in materials industry and biotechnology. However, it is mandatory to evaluate their toxicity and environmental implications. We evaluated nitric acid treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (HNO3-MWCNT) toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and also the lead (Pb) toxicity modulation after the nanotube interaction. Industrial grade multiwalled carbon nanotubes [Ctube 100, CNT Co. Ltd] were treated with 9M HNO3 for 12h at 150°C to generate oxygenated groups on the nanotube surface, to improve water dispersion and heavy metal interaction. The HNO3-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes were physico-chemically characterized by several techniques [e.g. TEM, FE-SEM, TGA, ζ-potential and Raman spectroscopy]. HNO3-MWCNT did not show toxicity on Nile tilapia when the concentration ranged from 0.1 to 3.0 mg/L, and the maximum exposure time was 96h. After 24, 48, 72 and 96h the LC50 values of Pb were 1.65, 1.32, 1.10 and 0.99 mg/L, respectively. To evaluate the Pb-nanotube interaction influence on the ecotoxicity, we submitted the Nile tilapia to different concentrations of Pb mixed with a non-toxic concentration of HNO3-MWCNT (1.0 mg/L). After 24, 48, 72, 96 h the LC50 values of Pb plus nanotubes were: 0.32, 0.25, 0.20, 0.18 mg/L, respectively. These values showed a synergistic effect after Pb-nanotube interaction since Pb toxicity increased over five times. X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to confirm lead adsorption on the carbon nanotube oxidized surface. The exposure of Nile tilapia to Pb plus HNO3-MWCNT caused both oxygen consumption and ammonium excretion decrease, when compared to the control. Finally, our results show that carbon nanotubes interact with classical pollutants drawing attention to the environmental implications.

Study of distribution of Carbon nanotube in Al-CNT nanocomposite synthesized via Spark-Plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiti, A.; Laha, T.

2018-03-01

In the present study, first ever attempt has been made to develop physically functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced Al-11 5Si alloy nanocomposites synthesized via novel consolidation technique viz spark plasma sintering (SPS). There is a recent trend in employing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), an allotrope of carbon, as reinforcement for high strength structural metallic composite materials, as these cylindrical nano-fibers poses extremely unique mechanical properties such as very high elastic modulus (~ 300 GPa to 1.5 TPa) as well as tensile strength (~150 GPa). However, it has remained as an ever-existing problem to achieve a porosity-free nanocrystalline matrix with homogenously dispersed CNTs, owing to the very high coagulation tendency of CNTs. The gas-atomized, spherical Al-11.5Si alloy powders (1-8 μm) were subjected to high energy ball milling for the purpose of achieving nanocrystallinity in the powders. The improvement in MWCNT dispersion was effort by treating the MWCNTs with a physical surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The nano-grained ball-milled Al-Si powders with varying MWCNT content (0.5 and 1 wt%) were consolidated via spark plasma sintering in order to retain the nano-sized grains in the Al-Si matrix, attributed to the faster and highly effective sintering kinetics of the sintering techniques. FESEM study shows problem of MWCNT agglomeration persists by addition of non-SDS treated as pristine MWCNT in the composite. After treated with SDS, MWCNTs are well separated out from each other and as a result of that good morphological and mechanical property such as high hardness value obtained after analysis. Detailed TEM study of the 0.5wt% MWCNT reinforced SPS nanocomposite revealed that the distribution of CNTs in the matrix. Mechanical analysis study of the nanocomposite attributes higher hardness in case of SDS treated CNT reinforced nanocomposite owing to less agglomeration problem of the CNT in the matrix. Nano-tribological data attributed variation of surface roughness after consolidated by SPS.

Fossils of Cyanobacteria in CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites: Implications to Life on Comets, Europa, and Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoover, Richard B.

Environmental (ESEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations of the internal surfaces of the CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites have yielded images of large complex filaments. The filaments have been observed to be embedded in freshly fractured internal surfaces of the stones. They exhibit features (e.g., the size and size ranges of the internal cells and their location and arrangement within sheaths) that are diagnostic of known genera and species of trichomic cyanobacteria and other trichomic prokaryotes such as the filamentous sulfur bacteria. ESEM and FESEM studies of living and fossil cyanobacteria show similar features in uniseriate and multiseriate, branched or unbranched, isodiametric or tapered, polarized or unpolarized filaments with trichomes encased within thin or thick external sheaths. Filaments found in the CI1 meteorites have also been detected that exhibit structures consistent with the specialized cells and structures used by cyanobacteria for reproduction (baeocytes, akinetes and hormogonia), nitrogen fixation (basal, intercalary or apical heterocysts) and attachment or motility (fimbriae). Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) studies indicate that the meteorite filaments are typically carbon rich sheaths infilled with magnesium sulfate and other minerals characteristic of the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites. The size, structure, detailed morphological characteristics and chemical compositions of the meteorite filaments are not consistent with known species of minerals. The nitrogen content of the meteorite filaments are almost always below the detection limit of the EDS detector. EDS analysis of terrestrial minerals and biological materials (e.g., fibrous epsomite, filamentous cyanobacteria; mummy and mammoth hair/tissues, and fossils of cyanobacteria, trilobites, insects in amber) indicate that nitrogen remains detectable in biological materials for thousands of years but is undetectable in the ancient fossils. These studies have led to the conclusion that the filaments found in the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites are indigenous fossils rather than modern terrestrial biological contaminants that entered the meteorites after arrival on Earth. The δ13C and D/H content of amino acids and other organics found in these stones are shown to be consistent with the interpretation that comets represent the parent bodies of the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites. The implications of the detection of fossils of cyanobacteria in the CI1 meteorites to the possibility of life on comets, Europa and Enceladus are discussed.

In situ preparation of MgCo2O4 nanosheets on Ni-foam as a binder-free electrode for high performance hybrid supercapacitors.

PubMed

Vijayakumar, Subbukalai; Nagamuthu, Sadayappan; Ryu, Kwang-Sun

2018-05-15

A binder-free, MgCo2O4 nanosheet-like architecture was prepared on Ni-foam using a hydrothermal method. MgCo2O4/Ni-foam was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The FESEM image revealed a nanosheet array-like architecture. The MgCo2O4 nanosheets grown on Ni-foam exhibited the maximum specific capacity of 947 C g-1 at a specific current of 2 A g-1. Approximately 96% of the specific capacity was retained from the maximum specific capacity after 5000 continuous charge-discharge cycles. This hybrid device exhibited a maximum specific capacity of 52 C g-1 at a specific current of 0.5 A g-1, and also exhibited a maximum specific energy of 12.99 W h kg-1 at a specific power of 448.7 W kg-1. These results confirmed that the binder-free MgCo2O4 nanosheets grown on Ni-foam are a suitable positive electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors.

Characterization of two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride using scanning electron and scanning helium ion microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hongxuan; Gao, Jianhua; Ishida, Nobuyuki; Xu, Mingsheng; Fujita, Daisuke

2014-01-01

Characterization of the structural and physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as layer number and inelastic mean free path measurements, is very important to optimize their synthesis and application. In this study, we characterize the layer number and morphology of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets on a metallic substrate using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and scanning helium ion microscopy (HIM). Using scanning beams of various energies, we could analyze the dependence of the intensities of secondary electrons on the thickness of the h-BN nanosheets. Based on the interaction between the scanning particles (electrons and helium ions) and h-BN nanosheets, we deduced an exponential relationship between the intensities of secondary electrons and number of layers of h-BN. With the attenuation factor of the exponential formula, we calculate the inelastic mean free path of electrons and helium ions in the h-BN nanosheets. Our results show that HIM is more sensitive and consistent than FE-SEM for characterizing the number of layers and morphology of 2D materials.

Influence of Iron Doping on Structural, Optical and Magnetic Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahid, R.; Manzoor, M.; Rafiq, A.; Ikram, M.; Nafees, M.; Butt, A. R.; Hussain, S. G.; Ali, S.

2018-05-01

In this study, various concentrations of Fe doped TiO2 nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using the sol-gel method. A variety of characterization techniques as ultra-violet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed to analyze the prepared nanopowders. XRD measurement confirmed the substitution of Fe ion without disturbing the tetragonal crystal system of TiO2. The crystallite size was found to decrease and lattice strain increases upon doping estimated by Williamson Hall plot. Furthermore, the average grain size calculated by FESEM found was between 10 and 30 nm for pure and doped TiO2. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed an increase in absorption accompanied red shift and increase in band gap energies from 3.36 to 3.62 eV with the addition of Fe. The FTIR spectroscopy was employed to confirm the presence of functional groups in the fabricated nanopowders. Upon mixing the saturation magnetization (Ms) varying from (2.12 to 1.51)10-2 emu/g was observed.

Effect of polyaniline on MWCNTs supercapacitor properties prepared by electrophoretic deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razak, Rozelia Azila Abd; Eleas, Nor Hamizah; Mohammad, Nurul Nazwa; Yusof, Azmi Mohamed; Zaine, Intan Syaffinazzilla

2017-08-01

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is widely used as supercapacitor electrode material. However, the specific capacitance of MWCNTs cannot achieve optimum value to facilitate required demand. Conducting polymers have been introduced to achieve optimum energy density and power density of supercapacitor electrode material. Previous work had demonstrated the effects of adding conducting polymer into carbon base material to get pseudocapacitance effect. Nevertheless the effects specifically of polyaniline (PANi) to MWCNTs were significantly low. This work describes the effect of PANi adding on MWCNTs film prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique in order to increase the specific capacitance of MWCNTs. The commercial MWCNTs is dispersed in deionized water by using crystal violet. The admixtures without PANi (sample A), 5wt.% of PANi (sample B) and 10wt.% of PANi (sample C) have been prepared by ex-situ polymerization. The voltage supplied for film deposition is 8 V for 5 minutes. The morphology, functional group and electrochemical properties of MWCNTs due to the presence of PANi had been studied. From FESEM analysis, the presence of PANi can be clearly observed for sample B and sample C while FTIR analysis, proves PANi structure on MWCNTs with its functional group presence in sample B and sample C through the absorbtion band which obviously shifted to higher value compare to sample A. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) analysis shown redox activity occurred in sample B and sample C with identical anodic and cathodic peaks. Sample B hold the higher specific capacitance and higher energy density compared than sample A and sample B. From galvanostatic charge-discharge (CD) measurement, the charge and discharge process for sample B is longer than sample A and sample C which consequently lower its power density. The presence of PANi at 5wt.% is able to increase specific capacitance as well as energy density to optimum value.

Nonstoichiometry and phase stability of Al and Cr substituted Mg ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by citrate method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ateia, Ebtesam. E.; Mohamed, Amira. T.

2017-03-01

The spinel ferrite Mg0.7Cr0.3Fe2O4, and Mg0.7Al0.3Fe2O4 were prepared by the citrate technique. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Micrographs (HRTEM), Energy Dispersive X ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). XRD confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure of the investigated samples. The average crystallite sizes were found to be between 24.7 and 27.5 nm for Al3+ and Mg2+ respectively. The substitution of Cr3+/Al3+ in place of Mg2+ ion initiates a crystalline anisotropy due to large size mismatch between Cr /Al and Mg2+, which creates strain inside the crystal volume. According to VSM results, by adding Al3+ or Cr3+ ions at the expense of Mg2+, the saturation magnetization increased. The narrow hysteresis loop of the samples indicates that the amount of dissipated energy is small, which is desirable for soft magnetic applications. Magnetic dynamics of the samples were studied by measuring magnetic susceptibility versus temperature at different magnetic fields. The band gap energy, which was calculated from near infrared (NIR) and visible (VIS) reflectance spectra using the Kubelka-Munk function, decreases with increasing the particle size. Furthermore, the band gaps were quite narrow (1.5-1.7 eV), hence the investigated samples could act as visible light driven photo catalysts. To sum up the addition of trivalent Al3+, and Cr3+ ions enhanced the optical, magnetic and structure properties of the samples. Mg0.7 Cr0.3Fe2O4 sample will be a better candidate for the optical applications and will also be a guaranteeing hopeful for technological applications.

Microstructural Modification of Sn-0.7Cu Solder Alloys by Fe/Bi-Addition for Achieving High Mechanical Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Bakhtiar; Sabri, Mohd Faizul Mohd; Said, Suhana Mohd; Mahdavifard, Mohammad Hossein; Sukiman, Nazatul Liana; Jauhari, Iswadi

2017-08-01

In this work, we studied the Fe/Bi-bearing tin-copper (Sn-0.7Cu) solders for their microstructural and mechanical properties. The microstructure was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with a backscattered electron (BSE) detector, x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The microstructure study showed that Fe forms very few FeSn2 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and does not significantly alter the microstructure of Sn-0.7Cu, whereas Bi controls the size of inter-dendritic regions containing Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn IMCs of the alloy, as well as significantly refines its primary β-Sn dendrites. Moreover, Bi atoms dissolve in β-Sn matrix, which in turn strengthen the solder by the Bi solid solution strengthening mechanism. Such microstructural modification leads to significant improvements in various mechanical properties of the alloy, including shear strength, impact toughness, and hardness values. Shear tests were performed with a 0.25 mm/min shear speed. The results showed that shear strength improves from 16.57 MPa to 38.36 MPa with the addition of Fe/Bi to Sn-0.7Cu, raising by about 130%. The energy absorbed during impact tests was measured for samples with the help of a Charpy impact testing machine with a 5.4 m/s impact speed. The results revealed that the addition of Fe/Bi to Sn-0.7Cu improves its impact absorbed energy by over 35%, increasing it from 7.5 J to 10.3 J. Vickers hardness tests were carried out for the test samples with a 245.2 mN applied load and 10 s dwell time. The results showed that the hardness number improves from 9.89 to 24.13 with Fe/Bi to Sn-0.7Cu, increasing by about 140%.

Synthesis of TiS2 nanodiscs for supercapacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvaz, M.; Ahmed, Sultan; Khan, Mohd Bilal; Rahul, Ahmad, Sultan; Khan, Zishan H.

2018-05-01

Titanium disulfide, being one of the popular transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials, shows great properties. TiS2 nanodiscs have been synthesized by solid state reaction (SSR) method. FESEM images confirm the synthesis of TiS2 nanodiscs. XRD spectra suggest the crystalline structure of as-prepared TiS2 nanodiscs. Electrochemical properties of the synthesized nanodiscs were studied in 6 M KOH aqueous solution. The observed results indicates the promisibilty of TiS2 as electrode material in energy storage devices.

Nanostructured Coatings of Inner Surfaces in Microporous Matrixes

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

SURFACE ENERGY _.I", DISPERSED MATERIAL............................ ,BULK MATERIp,’ t. i02 10’ iol LM Figure 1. a) Surface arising due to process of...material dispersion . b) Surface energy per cm3 of dispersed material versus characteristic size of dispersed particles - nanostructures with different...growth and lateral microstructuring techniques have made it possible to realise low-dimensional electronic systems with quantum confined energy structure

Impact of mixing time and energy on the dispersion effectiveness and droplets size of oil.

PubMed

Pan, Zhong; Zhao, Lin; Boufadel, Michel C; King, Thomas; Robinson, Brian; Conmy, Robyn; Lee, Kenneth

2017-01-01

The effects of mixing time and energy on Alaska Northern Slope (ANS) and diluted bitumen Cold Lake Blend (CLB) were investigated using EPA baffled flask test. Dispersion effectiveness and droplet size distribution were measured after 5-120 min. A modeling method to predict the mean droplet size was introduced for the first time to tentatively elucidate the droplet size breakup mechanism. The ANS dispersion effectiveness greatly increased with dispersant and mixing energy. However, little CLB dispersion was noted at small energy input (ε = 0.02 Watt/kg). With dispersant, the ANS droplet size distribution reached quasi-equilibrium within 10 min, but that of CLB seems to reach quasi-equilibrium after 120 min. Dispersants are assumed ineffective on high viscosity oils because dispersants do not penetrate them. We provide an alternative explanation based on the elongation time of the droplets and its residence in high intensity zones. When mixing energy is small, CLB did not disperse after 120 min, long enough to allow the surfactant penetration. Our findings suggest that dispersants may disperse high viscosity oils at a rougher sea state and a longer time. The latter could determine how far offshore one can intervene for effective responses to a high viscosity oil spill offshore. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The mechanics of explosive seed dispersal in orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Marika; Feilich, Kara L.; Ellerby, David J.

2009-01-01

Explosive dehiscence ballistically disperses seeds in a number of plant species. During dehiscence, mechanical energy stored in specialized tissues is transferred to the seeds to increase their kinetic and potential energies. The resulting seed dispersal patterns have been investigated in some ballistic dispersers, but the mechanical performance of a launch mechanism of this type has not been measured. The properties of the energy storage tissue and the energy transfer efficiency of the launch mechanism were quantified in Impatiens capensis. In this species the valves forming the seed pod wall store mechanical energy. Their mass specific energy storage capacity (124 J kg−1) was comparable with that of elastin and spring steel. The energy storage capacity of the pod tissues was determined by their level of hydration, suggesting a role for turgor pressure in the energy storage mechanism. During dehiscence the valves coiled inwards, collapsing the pod and ejecting the seeds. Dehiscence took 4.2±0.4 ms (mean ±SEM, n=13). The estimated efficiency with which energy was transferred to the seeds was low (0.51±0.26%, mean ±SEM, n=13). The mean seed launch angle (17.4±5.2, mean ±SEM, n=45) fell within the range predicted by a ballistic model to maximize dispersal distance. Low ballistic dispersal efficiency or effectiveness may be characteristic of species that also utilize secondary seed dispersal mechanisms. PMID:19321647

The mechanics of explosive seed dispersal in orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis).

PubMed

Hayashi, Marika; Feilich, Kara L; Ellerby, David J

2009-01-01

Explosive dehiscence ballistically disperses seeds in a number of plant species. During dehiscence, mechanical energy stored in specialized tissues is transferred to the seeds to increase their kinetic and potential energies. The resulting seed dispersal patterns have been investigated in some ballistic dispersers, but the mechanical performance of a launch mechanism of this type has not been measured. The properties of the energy storage tissue and the energy transfer efficiency of the launch mechanism were quantified in Impatiens capensis. In this species the valves forming the seed pod wall store mechanical energy. Their mass specific energy storage capacity (124 J kg(-1)) was comparable with that of elastin and spring steel. The energy storage capacity of the pod tissues was determined by their level of hydration, suggesting a role for turgor pressure in the energy storage mechanism. During dehiscence the valves coiled inwards, collapsing the pod and ejecting the seeds. Dehiscence took 4.2+/-0.4 ms (mean +/-SEM, n=13). The estimated efficiency with which energy was transferred to the seeds was low (0.51+/-0.26%, mean +/-SEM, n=13). The mean seed launch angle (17.4+/-5.2, mean +/-SEM, n=45) fell within the range predicted by a ballistic model to maximize dispersal distance. Low ballistic dispersal efficiency or effectiveness may be characteristic of species that also utilize secondary seed dispersal mechanisms.

Photocatalytic Degradation of DIPA Using Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 Photocatalyst under Visible Light Irradiation

PubMed Central

Bustam, Mohamad Azmi; Chong, Fai Kait; Man, Zakaria B.; Khan, Muhammad Saqib; Shariff, Azmi M.

2014-01-01

Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using wet impregnation (WI) method with TiO2 (Degussa-P25) as support and calcined at different temperatures (180, 200, and 300°C) for the photodegradation of DIPA under visible light. The photocatalysts were characterized using TGA, FESEM, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The results from the photodegradation experiments revealed that the Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited much higher photocatalytic activities compared to bare TiO2. It was found that photocatalyst calcined at 200°C had the highest photocatalyst activities with highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (86.82%). According to the structural and surface analysis, the enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to its strong absorption into the visible region and high metal dispersion. PMID:25105158

A new simple synthesis of CdS nano-particles by composite-molten-salt method and their high photocatalytic degradation activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Donghu; Zhu, Yabo; Cai, Cunjin; He, Zhanjun; Liu, Zhangsheng; Yin, Dagen; Luo, Jin

2011-12-01

Nano-CdS crystal has been succesfully synthesized by composite molten salt (CMS) method for the first time, using composite molten salt as a reaction solvent, sodium sulfide and cadmium nitrate hexahydrate as reactants at temperature of 200 °C for 24 h in the absence of organic dispersant or capping agents. X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images indicated that the as-synthesized product were well crystallized and belonged to nano-scale. Their UV-vis absorption spectrum demonstrated a band gap of 2.49 eV corresponding to the absorption edge of 499 nm. The experimental result of photocatalytic degradation on methyl orange by the nano-CdS showed much better photocatalysis than that by the commercial CdS powder under the irradiation of ultraviolet light source.

Silver (Ag)-Graphene oxide (GO) - Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanostructured composites with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moharana, Srikanta; Mahaling, Ram Naresh

2017-07-01

The Silver (Ag)-Graphene oxide (GO)-Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) composites were prepared by solution casting techniques and their dielectric properties were measured. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray analysis (XRD) confirmed that Ag layers were formed on the surface of the Graphene oxide sheets and homogeneously dispersed into the PVDF-HFP matrix. The result showed that the incorporation of Ag-GO nanoparticles greatly improved the dielectric constant value nearly about 65 at 100 Hz, which is comparatively much higher than that of pure PVDF-HFP. Furthermore, the dielectric loss of the composite remained at a low level (<0.1 at 100 Hz). A percolation threshold of 1.5 vol% of Ag-GO was calculated and explained accordingly. The composite having high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss might be used as dielectric materials for electronic capacitors.

Low temperature growth of ZnO nanorods array via solution-immersion on TiO2 seed layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asib, N. A. M.; Aadila, A.; Afaah, A. N.; Rusop, M.; Khusaimi, Z.

2018-05-01

In this work, TiO2:ZNR thin films were successfully fabricated on glass substrates at low temperatures of 75 to 90°C. The substrates were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) using sol-gel spin coating, which act as seed layer to grow zinc oxide nanorods (ZNR) by solution-immersion method. At 90 and 95° C, ZNR with hexagonal tip are well dispersed without any aggregation and exhibit more uniform nanorods array as observed using FESEM. The diffraction peak intensity of the (0 0 2)-plane increased as the temperature increased, indicating improved orientation in the c-axis direction of the ZNR as detected in XRD patterns. From UV-Vis absorbance spectra, it was found that the samples has higher absorption properties at middle range of immersion temperatures; 80, 85 and 90°C.

High Coke-Resistance Pt/Mg1-xNixO Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane

PubMed Central

Al-Doghachi, Faris A. J.; Islam, Aminul; Zainal, Zulkarnain; Saiman, Mohd Izham; Embong, Zaidi; Taufiq-Yap, Yun Hin

2016-01-01

A highly active and stable nano structured Pt/Mg1-xNixO catalysts was developed by a simple co-precipitation method. The obtained Pt/Mg1-xNixO catalyst exhibited cubic structure nanocatalyst with a size of 50–80 nm and realized CH4 and CO2 conversions as high as 98% at 900°C with excellent stability in the dry reforming of methane. The characterization of catalyst was performed using various kinds of analytical techniques including XRD, BET, XRF, TPR-H2, TGA, TEM, FESEM, FT-IR, and XPS analyses. Characterization of spent catalyst further confirms that Pt/Mg1-xNixO catalyst has high coke-resistance for dry reforming. Thus, the catalyst demonstrated in this study, offers a promising catalyst for resolving the dilemma between dispersion and reducibility of supported metal, as well as activity and stability during high temperature reactions. PMID:26745623

In situ synthesis carbonated hydroxyapatite layers on enamel slices with acidic amino acids by a novel two-step method.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaoguang; Zhao, Xu; Li, Yi; Yang, Tao; Yan, Xiujuan; Wang, Ke

2015-09-01

In situ fabrication of carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) remineralization layer on an enamel slice was completed in a novel, biomimetic two-step method. First, a CaCO3 layer was synthesized on the surface of demineralized enamel using an acidic amino acid (aspartic acid or glutamate acid) as a soft template. Second, at the same concentration of the acidic amino acid, rod-like carbonated hydroxyapatite was produced with the CaCO3 layer as a sacrificial template and a reactant. The morphology, crystallinity and other physicochemical properties of the crystals were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), respectively. Acidic amino acid could promote the uniform deposition of hydroxyapatite with rod-like crystals via absorption of phosphate and carbonate ions from the reaction solution. Moreover, compared with hydroxyapatite crystals coated on the enamel when synthesized by a one-step method, the CaCO3 coating that was synthesized in the first step acted as an active bridge layer and sacrificial template. It played a vital role in orienting the artificial coating layer through the template effect. The results show that the rod-like carbonated hydroxyapatite crystals grow into bundles, which are similar in size and appearance to prisms in human enamel, when using the two-step method with either aspartic acid or acidic glutamate (20.00 mmol/L). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of concentration ratio and type of functional group on synthesis of CNT-ZnO hybrid nanomaterial by an in situ sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini Largani, Sekineh; Akbarzadeh Pasha, Mohammad

2017-12-01

In this research, MWCNT-ZnO hybrid nanomaterials were synthesized by a simple sol-gel process using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and functionalized MWCNT with carboxyl(COOH) and hydroxyl(OH) groups. Three different mass ratios of MWCNT:ZnO = 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 were examined. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Successful growth of MWCNT-ZnO hybrids for both COOH and OH functional groups and all the three mass ratios were obtained. The ZnO nanoparticles attached on the surfaces of CNTs have rather spherical shapes and hexagonal crystal structure. By increasing the concentration of ZnO, the number and average size of ZnO nanoparticles decorated the body of CNTs in hybrid structures increase. By increasing the ZnO precursor, the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles that appeared on the surface of CNTs becomes more uniform. The SEM observation beside EDX analysis revealed that at the same concentration ratio the amount of ZnO loading on the surface of MWCNT-COOH is more than MWCNT-OH. Moreover, the average size of ZnO nanoparticles attached on the surface of COOH functionalized CNTs is relatively smaller than that of OH functionalized ones.

Effects of Co contents on the microstructures and properties of the electrodeposited NiCo–Zr composite coatings

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

Cai, Fei; Jiang, Chuanhai, E-mail: chuanhaijiang1963@163.com; Zhao, Yuantao

2015-05-15

Highlights: • The novel NiCo–Zr coatings were prepared by electro-deposition. • Surface morphology, crystal structure, grain size and microstrain were examined. • Texture, residual stress and corrosion resistance were investigated. • Addition of Co increased the hardness and corrosion resistance of the coatings. - Abstract: In this study, the NiCo–Zr composite coatings were prepared from the electrolytes with different Co{sup 2+} concentrations by electrodeposition method. The effects of Co contents on the crystal structure, surface morphology, grain size, microstrain and residual stress were examined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) andmore » atomic force microscope (AFM). The corrosion resistance of the composite coatings was also examined by the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance (EIS) measurements. The results revealed that the crystal structures of the coatings were dependent on the Co contents and addition of Co content of 58 wt% resulted in the formation of hexagonal (hcp) Co. The increasing Co contents in the NiCo–Zr composite coatings resulted in the smoother and more compact surface, decreased the grain size and increased the microstrain. The micro-hardness and residual stress also increased with increasing Co contents. The addition of Co increased the corrosion resistance of the NiCo–Zr composite coatings compared with the Ni–Zr coating while the corrosion resistance of the NiCo–Zr composite coatings decreased as the Co contents increased.« less

Facile synthesis of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@ porous hollow yeast-based carbonaceous microspheres for fluorescent whitening agent-VBL wastewater treatment

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

Zheng, Pei; Tong, Zhiqing; Bai, Bo, E-mail: baibochina@163.com

Porous hollow carbonaceous microspheres (PHCMs) fabricated from yeast cells by hydrothermal treatment have stimulated interest because of their outstanding chemical and physical properties. Herein, the functionalizations of PHCMs by further coating of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles onto the surface were carried out. The structure of resulted α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@PHCMs products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and BET specific surface area measurements (BET), respectively. Its promising application was evaluated by the Fenton-like degradation of fluorescent whitening agent-VBL from aqueous solutions. - Graphical abstract: In thismore » work, novel α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@porous hollow carbonaceous microspheres (α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@PHCMs) were synthesized through a combination of hydrothermal method and calcinations route and achieved excellent removal efficiency for fluorescent whitening Agent-VBL. - Highlights: • The hybrid α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@ porous hollow microspheres (PHCMs) were firstly fabricated. • The formation mechanism of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@PHCMs microspheres was proposed and verified. • Dithizone played a key role in the synthesis of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}@PHCMs composites. • A favorable removal for the fluorescent whitening agent-VBL were achieved.« less

Investigation of electrochemical migration on Sn-0.7Cu-0.3Ag-0.03P-0.005Ni solder alloy in HNO{sub 3} solution

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

Sarveswaran, C.; Othman, N. K.; Ali, M. Yusuf Tura

2015-09-25

Current issue in lead-free solder in term of its reliability is still under investigation. This high impact research attempts to investigate the electrochemical migration (ECM) on Sn-0.7Cu-0.3Ag-0.03P-0.005Ni solder alloy by Water Drop Test (WDT) in different concentration of HNO{sub 3} solution. The concentration of HNO{sub 3} solution used in this research was 0.05, 0.10, 0.50 and 1M. Optical Microscope (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) were carried out in order to analysis the ECM behavior based on the growth of dendrite formation after WDT. In general, the results demonstrated that dendrite growth ismore » faster in higher concentration compared with low concentration of HNO{sub 3}. The concentration of HNO{sub 3} solution used has a strong correlation with Mean-Time-To-Failure (MTTF). As the concentration of HNO{sub 3} increases, the MTTF value decreases. Based on the MTTF results the solder alloy in 1M HNO{sub 3} solution is most susceptible to ECM. SnO{sub 2} forms as a corrosion by-product in the samples proved by EDX analysis. The solder alloy poses a high reliability risk in microelectronic devices during operation in 1M HNO{sub 3} solution.« less

Synthesis of NiS-Graphene Nanocomposites and its Electrochemical Performance for Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Chandan Abhishek; Ravuri, Syamsai; Ramachandran, R.; Santhosh, R.; Ghosh, Sourav; Sitaraman, S. R.; Grace, Andrews Nirmala

The aim of this work is to synthesize nickel sulfide-graphene (NiS/G) nanocomposites with different compositions and to analyze the structural and electrochemical capacity and compatibility for their application as supercapacitor material with enhanced charge storage capacity and reduced impedance. NiS nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on graphene were synthesized at various concentrations of graphene by a simple hydrothermal route from nickel sulphate and graphene oxide as precursors in the presence of PVP as surfactant and thioacetamide (TAA) as sulfur source. The composites structural, morphological and physical properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform-infrared (FT-IR) analysis. SEM measurements showed the presence of surface attachment of the NiS NPs onto the graphene sheets. To assess the properties of the nanocomposites for their applicability in supercapacitors, electrochemical analysis was carried out in 6M KOH electrolyte. Three different samples with different graphene contents — GNiS-10 with 10 wt.%, GNiS-20 with 20 wt.% and GNiS-40 with 40 wt.% were prepared. The specific capacitances obtained for the nanocomposites were calculated to be 84.33F/g, 129.66F/g, 187.53F/g at 10mV/s scan rate, respectively. The EIS data showed that the loading of NiS NPs on graphene caused the reduction in impedance at high frequency and has a long cycle life (over 1000 cycles).

Evidence for Microfossils in Ancient Rocks and Meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, Richard B.; Rozanov, A. Y.; Zhmur, S. I.; Gorlenko, V. M.

1998-01-01

The McKay et all. detection of chemical biomarkers and possible microfossils in an ancient meteorite from Mars (ALH84001) stimulated research in several areas of importance to the newly emerging field of Astrobiology. Their report resulted in a search for additional evidence of microfossils in ancient terrestrial rocks and meteorites. These studies of ancient rocks and meteorites were conducted independently (and later collaboratively) in the United States and Russia using the SEM, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). We have encountered in-situ in freshly broken carbonaceous chondrites a large number of complex microstructures that appear to be lithified microbial forms. The meteoritic microstructures have characteristics similar to the lithified remains of filamentous cyanobacteria and bacterial microfossils we have found in ancient phosphorites, ancient graphites and oil shales. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Link microprobe analysis shows the possible microfossils have a distribution of chemical elements characteristic of the meteorite rock matrix, although many exhibit a superimposed carbon enhancement. We have concluded that the mineralized bodies encountered embedded in the rock matrix of freshly fractured meteoritic surfaces can not be dismissed as recent surface contaminants. Many of the forms found in-situ in the Murchison, Efremovka, and Orgueil carbonaceous meteorites are strikingly similar to microfossils of coccoid bacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi such as we have found in the Cambrian phosphorites of Khubsugul, Mongolia and high carbon Phanerozoic and Precambrian rocks of the Siberian and Russian Platforms.

The photocatalytic properties of hollow (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x composite nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ding; Zhang, Minglu; Zhuang, Huaijuan; Chen, Xu; Wang, Xianying; Zheng, Xuejun; Yang, Junhe

2017-02-01

(GaN)1-x(ZnO)x composite nanofibers with hollow structure were prepared by initial electrospinning, and the subsequent calcination and nitridation. The structure and morphology characteristics of samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characterization results showed the phase transition from ZnGa2O4 to (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x solid-solution under ammonia atmosphere. The preparation conditions were explored and the optimum nitridation temperature and holding time are 750 °C and 2 h, respectively. The photocatalytic properties of (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x with different Ga:Zn atomic ratios were investigated by degrading Rhodamine B under the visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity sequence is (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x (Ga:Zn = 1:2) > (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x (Ga:Zn = 1:3) > ZnO nanofibers > (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x (Ga:Zn = 1:4) > (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x (Ga:Zn = 1:1). The photocatalytic mechanism of the (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x hollow nanofibers was further studied by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The excellent photocatalytic performance of (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x hollow nanofibers was attributed to the narrow band gap and high surface area of porous nanofibers with hollow structure.

Experimental and computational assessment of mycosynthesized CdO nanoparticles towards biomedical applications.

PubMed

S, Gowri; K, Gopinath; A, Arumugam

2018-03-01

The present study reports the biogenic synthesis of Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles (CdO NPs) using plant pathogenic fungus Nigrospora oryzae culture filtrate. Further, the effect of the NPs on the cancer cell line (HeLa) is explored. The sample was characterized using Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal (TG/DTA), Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) analysis. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains and it showed maximum activity against Proteus vulgaris. The larvicidal activity was performed to evaluate the maximum ability of synthesized CdO NPs against Anopheles stephensi. Subsequently, MTT assay also depicted the dose-dependent anticancer activity of CdO NPs against cancer cell line (HeLa). Additionally, the inhibitory effect of CdO NPs was analyzed through extensive docking with cancerous protein agent. Results enlighten that Transketolase protein exhibited high docking score of -4.8 k/mol with H-bond interactions found with Lys75 and Asn185 amino acid residues. DFT study was performed on CdO to understand the charge transfer reaction for the inhibitory mechanism. Convincingly, this study explores the understanding of CdO NPs against HeLa cells. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Activated carbon-based magnetic TiO2 photocatalyst codoped with iodine and nitrogen for organic pollution degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xuejiang; Song, Jingke; Huang, Jiayu; Zhang, Jing; Wang, Xin; Ma, RongRong; Wang, Jiayi; Zhao, Jianfu

2016-12-01

Magnetic photocatalyst - iodine and nitrogen codoped TiO2 based on chitosan decorated magnetic activated carbon (I-N-T/CMAC) was prepared via simple coprecipitation and sol-gel method. The characteristics of photocatalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). It turned out that the prepared material had large surface area, enhanced absorption of visible light, and magnetically separable properties when mole ratio of I/Ti was 0.1. Iodine-nitrogen codoped magnetic photocatalyst was used for the removal of salicylic acid (SA), and the rate of adsorption reaction for SA by I0.1-N-T/CMAC followed the pseudo second-order kinetic. Under visible light irradiation, 89.71% SA with initial concentration = 30 mg/L could be removed by I0.1-N-T/CMAC, and photodegradation rate of SA on I0.1-N-T/CMAC composites was 0.0084 min-1 which is about 4 times higher than that of magnetic photocatalyst with nitrogen doped only. The effects of SA initial concentration, pH, coexisting anions and humic acid to the degradation of SA with the prepared material were also investigated. Main oxidative species in the photodegradation process are rad OH and h+.

Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized In-situ by solution spraying onto cellulose.

PubMed

Yan, Jinhua; Abdelgawad, Abdelrahman M; El-Naggar, Mehrez E; Rojas, Orlando J

2016-08-20

Spray technique was used for the adsorption of in-situ silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto and inside the surface of nano- and micro- fibrillar cellulose (NFC and MFC) as well as filter paper. The abundance of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups located in NFC and MFC are used to stabilize Ag ions (Ag(+)) which were then in-situ reduced to (AgNPs) by chemical or UV reduction. The surface characteristic features, elemental analysis, particle size as well as size distribution of the obtained MFC, NFC and filter paper loaded with AgNPs were characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy connected to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM- EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The associated chemical changes after growth of AgNPs onto the cellulose substrates were assessed by fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) while the thermal stability of such systems were investigated by thermogravimetrical analyses (TGA). The antibacterial properties of AgNPs loaded NFC, MFC and filter paper as well was investigated against Escherichia Coli. The resulted data indicate that the particle size was found to be 11 and 26nm for AgNPs nucleated on NFC and MFC-based papers respectively. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs loaded MFC exhibited higher antibacterial activity than that of AgNPs loaded NFC. Overall, the present research demonstrates facile and fast method for in-situ antibacterial AgNPs loading on cellulose substrates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of boric acid (H3BO3) concentration on the physical properties of electrochemical deposited nickel (Ni) nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kananathan, J.; Sofiah, A. G. N.; Samykano, M.; Ulakanathan, S.; Lah, N. A. C.; Harun, W. S. W.; Sudhakar, K.; Kadirgama, K.; Ngui, W. K.; Siregar, J. P.

2017-10-01

Authors have investigated the influence of the stabilizer (Boric Acid) concentration during the template-assisted electrochemical deposition of Nickel (Ni) nanowires in Anodic Alumina Oxide (AAO) templates. The synthesis was performed using Ni Sulfate Hexahydrate (NiSO4.6H2O) as metal salts and Boric Acid (H3BO3) as a stabilizer. The mixture of both solutions creates electrolyte and utilized for the electrochemical deposition of Ni nanowires. During the experiment, the boric acid concentration varied between 5 g/L, 37.5 g/L and 60 g/L with a deposition temperature of 80 °C (constant). After the electrochemical deposition process, AAO templates were cleaned with distilled water before dissolution in Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution to obtain the freestanding Ni nanowires. Physical properties of the synthesized Ni nanowires were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The physical properties of obtained Ni nanowires has eloborated by taking into account the effect of boric acid concentration on the surface morphology, growth length, elemental composition and crystal orientation crystal of the synthesized nickel nanowires. The finding exposes that the boric acid concentration does not influence all aspects in the physicals properties of the synthesized Ni nanowires. The boric acid concentration did not affect the surface texture and crystal orientation. However, shorter Ni nanowires obtained as the concentration of boric acid increased.

Phenolic sensor development based on chromium oxide-decorated carbon nanotubes for environmental safety.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammed M; Balkhoyor, Hasan B; Asiri, Abdullah M

2017-03-01

A nanocomposite (NC) composed of chromium(III)oxide nanomaterials decorated carbon nanotubes (Cr 2 O 3 -CNT NC) was prepared via a simple solution method with reducing agents in an alkaline medium. The Cr 2 O 3 -CNT NC was characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vs.) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XEDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The Cr 2 O 3 -CNT composite was deposited on a flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with conducting nafion (5%) binders to produce a sensor that exhibited fast response and high selectivity toward 4-methoxyphenol (4MP) in phosphate buffer phase at pH 7. Furthermore, the sensor performance parameters, including the sensitivity, lower detection range, reliability, and reproducibility, ease of integration, long-term stability, and selectivity were investigated in detail. The calibration plot was found to be linear in the concentration range of 0.01 nM-0.1 μM. The sensitivity and detection limit were calculated as 1.4768 μA cm -2  μM -1 and 0.06428 ± 0.0002 nM (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3), respectively. Thus, it was concluded that the proposed selective and efficient sensor represents a promising approach to effectively detect toxic phenolic compounds in the environment with acceptable and reliable results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficient degradation of Methylene Blue dye over highly reactive Cu doped strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanoparticles photocatalyst under visible light.

PubMed

Rahman, Qazi Inamur; Ahmad, Musheer; Misra, Sunil Kumar; Lohani, Minaxi

2012-09-01

Visible light induced photocatalysts of Cu doped SrTiO3 (Cu/SrTiO3) nanoparticles with the size -60-75 nm were prepared via facile sol-gel method. The morphological, optical, crystalline properties and compositions of synthesized Cu/SrTiO3 nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). A significant red shift in the UV-diffused reflectance spectrum was observed and the absorption edge shifted to visible region by the Cu doping. Surprisingly, the band gap of SrTiO3 was changed from 3.2 eV drop to 2.96 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized Cu/SrTiO3 nanoparticles was demonstrated for the degradation of Methylene Blue dye under visible light irradiation. The formation of new acceptor region in Cu/SrTiO3 was responsible for high photocatalytic activity of Cu/SrTiO3 nanoparticles. The results showed that the Methylene Blue dye was degraded by -66% within time span of 2 h over the Cu/SrTiO3 nanoparticles. This dye degradation reaction followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics and also exhibited first order reaction rate. The calculated rate constant for the degradation reaction following first order kinetics was k = 0.0016 min(-1).

Manipulating the Temperature of Sulfurization to Synthesize α-NiS Nanosphere Film for Long-Term Preservation of Non-enzymatic Glucose Sensors.

PubMed

Lin, Hsien-Sheng; Shi, Jen-Bin; Peng, Cheng-Ming; Zheng, Bo-Chi; Cheng, Fu-Chou; Lee, Ming-Way; Lee, Hsuan-Wei; Wu, Po-Feng; Liu, Yi-Jui

2018-04-19

In this study, alpha nickel sulfide (α-NiS) nanosphere films have been successfully synthesized by electroplating the nickel nanosheet film on the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate and sulfuring nickel-coated ITO glass substrate. First, we electrodeposited the nickel nanosheet films on the ITO glass substrates which were cut into a 0.5 × 1 cm 2 size. Second, the nanosheet nickel films were annealed in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules with sulfur sheets at different annealing temperatures (300, 400, and 500 °C) for 4 h in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules. The α-NiS films were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), variable vacuum scanning electron microscopy (VVSEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (FE-SEM/EDS), cyclic voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared (UV/Visible/NIR) spectra, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Many nanospheres were observed on the surface of the α-NiS films at the annealing temperature 400 °C for 4 h. We also used the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) for the analysis of the α-NiS nanospheres. We demonstrated that our α-NiS nanosphere film had a linear current response to different glucose concentrations. Additionally, our α-NiS nanosphere films were preserved at room temperature for five and a half years and were still useful for detecting glucose at low concentration.

3,4-Diaminotoluene sensor development based on hydrothermally prepared MnCoxOy nanoparticles.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammed M; Alam, M M; Asiri, Abdullah M; Islam, M A

2018-01-01

A facile hydrothermal process was used to prepare MnCo x O y nanoparticles (NPs) in alkaline medium (pH~10.5) at room temperature. The NPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV/vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). A thin layer of NPs film as a chemical sensor was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the help of a conducting binder. The sensor was implemented successfully for the detection 3,4-DAT with reliable I-V approach at low potential. The sensor-features include good sensitivity (0.37 mAµmolL -1 cm -2 ), low detection limit (LOD=0.26±0.01 pmolL -1 at a signal to noise ratio of 3), low limit of quantification (LOQ=7.80±0.01 pmolL -1 ), good reliability, good reproducibility, ease of integration, and long-term stability were investigated. The sensor response towards 3,4-DAT is linear in logarithmic scale over a large concentration range (1.0 pmolL -1 to 1.0 µmolL -1 ). This work is introduced a route for future sensitive sensor development based on MnCo x O y NPs by reliable I-V method for the detection of hazardous and carcinogenic toxins in environmental and health care fields. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Manipulating the Temperature of Sulfurization to Synthesize α-NiS Nanosphere Film for Long-Term Preservation of Non-enzymatic Glucose Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hsien-Sheng; Shi, Jen-Bin; Peng, Cheng-Ming; Zheng, Bo-Chi; Cheng, Fu-Chou; Lee, Ming-Way; Lee, Hsuan-Wei; Wu, Po-Feng; Liu, Yi-Jui

2018-04-01

In this study, alpha nickel sulfide (α-NiS) nanosphere films have been successfully synthesized by electroplating the nickel nanosheet film on the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate and sulfuring nickel-coated ITO glass substrate. First, we electrodeposited the nickel nanosheet films on the ITO glass substrates which were cut into a 0.5 × 1 cm2 size. Second, the nanosheet nickel films were annealed in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules with sulfur sheets at different annealing temperatures (300, 400, and 500 °C) for 4 h in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules. The α-NiS films were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), variable vacuum scanning electron microscopy (VVSEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (FE-SEM/EDS), cyclic voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared (UV/Visible/NIR) spectra, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Many nanospheres were observed on the surface of the α-NiS films at the annealing temperature 400 °C for 4 h. We also used the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) for the analysis of the α-NiS nanospheres. We demonstrated that our α-NiS nanosphere film had a linear current response to different glucose concentrations. Additionally, our α-NiS nanosphere films were preserved at room temperature for five and a half years and were still useful for detecting glucose at low concentration.

Preparation, characterization and adsorption study of o-cresol molecularly imprinted grafted silica gel sorbent synthesized by sol-gel polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinalibdin, Mohamad Raizul; Jaafar, Jafariah; Majid, Zaiton Abdul; Sanagi, Mohd Marsin

2017-11-01

In this study, a new composite core-shell of o-cresol molecularly imprinted polymer grafted silica gel (MIP@SiO2) was prepared via sol-gel polymerization. It was synthesized using o-cresol as the template molecule, 3-propyl(metacrylate)trimethoxysilane (3-PMTMOS) as the functional monomer, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the cross-linker and ethanol as the porogenic solvent in the surface of silica gel. The non-imprinted polymer-grafted silica gel (NIP@SiO2) was prepared with the same technique but without template molecule. This analyte was selected as a template due to the fact that it is one of toluene metabolites. The characterization of MIP@SiO2 and NIP@SiO2 were observed by N2 adsorption analysis and Field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray (FESEM-EDX). The MIP@SiO2 and NIP@SiO2 were employed as an adsorbent for the extraction of o-cresol, a metabolite in urine sample for the monitoring of occupational toluene exposure in workers. Based on the results of the adsorption study, the MIP prepared using 0.5 mmol 3-(propylmethacrylate)trimethoxysilane), 10 mL of ethanol, 4 mmol TEOS,0.05 mmol o-cresol, 0.1g silica gel and 1mL of 0.01 mol/L acetic acid was found the adsorption capacity (0.9920 mg g-1) and imprint factor (5.21).

Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles at Apricot kernel shell substrate using Salvia hydrangea extract: Catalytic activity for reduction of organic dyes.

PubMed

Khodadadi, Bahar; Bordbar, Maryam; Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud

2017-03-15

For the first time the extract of the plant of Salvia hydrangea was used to green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on Apricot kernel shell as an environmentally benign support. The Pd NPs/Apricot kernel shell as an effective catalyst was prepared through reduction of Pd 2+ ions using Salvia hydrangea extract as the reducing and capping agent and Pd NPs immobilization on Apricot kernel shell surface in the absence of any stabilizer or surfactant. According to FT-IR analysis, the hydroxyl groups of phenolics in Salvia hydrangea extract as bioreductant agents are directly responsible for the reduction of Pd 2+ ions and formation of Pd NPs. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesized catalyst was used in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), Methyl Orange (MO), Methylene Blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB), and Congo Red (CR) at room temperature. The Pd NPs/Apricot kernel shell showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of these organic dyes. In addition, it was found that Pd NPs/Apricot kernel shell can be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Matrix Structure Evolution and Nanoreinforcement Distribution in Mechanically Milled and Spark Plasma Sintered Al-SiC Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Saheb, Nouari; Aliyu, Ismaila Kayode; Hassan, Syed Fida; Al-Aqeeli, Nasser

2014-09-19

Development of homogenous metal matrix nanocomposites with uniform distribution of nanoreinforcement, preserved matrix nanostructure features, and improved properties, was possible by means of innovative processing techniques. In this work, Al-SiC nanocomposites were synthesized by mechanical milling and consolidated through spark plasma sintering. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) facility was used for the characterization of the extent of SiC particles' distribution in the mechanically milled powders and spark plasma sintered samples. The change of the matrix crystallite size and lattice strain during milling and sintering was followed through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The density and hardness of the developed materials were evaluated as function of SiC content at fixed sintering conditions using a densimeter and a digital microhardness tester, respectively. It was found that milling for 24 h led to uniform distribution of SiC nanoreinforcement, reduced particle size and crystallite size of the aluminum matrix, and increased lattice strain. The presence and amount of SiC reinforcement enhanced the milling effect. The uniform distribution of SiC achieved by mechanical milling was maintained in sintered samples. Sintering led to the increase in the crystallite size of the aluminum matrix; however, it remained less than 100 nm in the composite containing 10 wt.% SiC. Density and hardness of sintered nanocomposites were reported and compared with those published in the literature.

Synthesis, growth and characterization of ZnO microtubes using a traveling-wave mode microwave system

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

Al-Naser, Qusay A.H.; Zhou, Jian, E-mail: jianzhou@whut.edu.cn; Wang, Han

Highlights: • ZnO microtubes were successfully synthesized within 15 min. • Introducing a design of a traveling-wave mode microwave system. • Growth temperature of ZnO microtubes becomes predominant between 1350 °C and 1400 °C. • ZnO microtube showed a strong ultraviolet and a weak and broad green emission. • ZnO microtube is composed only of ZnO with high crystallinity. - Abstract: Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) investigation reveals that zinc oxide (ZnO) microtubes have been successfully synthesized via a traveling-wave mode microwave system. These products are hexagonal tubular crystals with an average diameter of 60 μm and 250 μmmore » in length, having a well faceted end and side surfaces. The wall thickness of the ZnO tubes is about 3–5 μm. The influence of reaction temperature on the formation of crystalline ZnO hexagonal tubes is studied. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra have also been examined to explore the optical property which exhibits strong ultraviolet emission at 377.422 nm and a weak and broad green emission band at 587.548 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) show that the product is composed only of ZnO with high crystallinity. The presented synthesis method possesses several advantages, which would be significant to the deeper study and wide applications of ZnO tubes in the future.« less

Construction of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes/Gold Nanoparticles for Trace Determination of Amoxicillin in Bovine Milk

PubMed Central

Muhammad, Aliyu; Yusof, Nor Azah; Hajian, Reza; Abdullah, Jaafar

2016-01-01

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated for determination of amoxicillin in bovine milk samples by decoration of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using ethylenediamine (en) as a cross linker (AuNPs/en-MWCNTs). The constructed nanocomposite was homogenized in dimethylformamide and drop casted on screen printed electrode. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the synthesized nanocomposites. The results show that the synthesized nanocomposites induced a remarkable synergetic effect for the oxidation of amoxicillin. Effect of some parameters, including pH, buffer, scan rate, accumulation potential, accumulation time and amount of casted nanocomposites, on the sensitivity of fabricated sensor were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, there was two linear calibration ranges from 0.2–10 µM and 10–30 µM with equations of Ipa (µA) = 2.88C (µM) + 1.2017; r = 0.9939 and Ipa (µA) = 0.88C (µM) + 22.97; r = 0.9973, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were calculated as 0.015 µM and 0.149 µM, respectively. The fabricated electrochemical sensor was successfully applied for determination of Amoxicillin in bovine milk samples and all results compared with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) standard method. PMID:26805829

Demonstration of passive saturable absorber by utilizing MWCNT-ABS filament as starting material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuikafly, S. N. F.; Ahmad, F.; Ibrahim, M. H.; Latif, A. A.; Harun, S. W.

2017-06-01

This work demonstrated a stable passively Q-switched laser with the employment MWCNTs dispersed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin (MWCNTs-ABS) based filament as passive saturable absorber. The simple fabrication process of the SA is further explained, started from the process of extruding the filament through a 3D printer nozzle at 210 °C to reduce the diameter from 1.75 mm to 200 μm. It is then weighed to about 25 mg and mixed with 1 ml acetone before sonicated for 5 minutes to dissolve the ABS. The resultant MWCNTs-acetone suspension is dropped on a glass slide to be characterized using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Raman spectroscopy. It is also drop-casted on the end of a fiber ferrule to be integrated in the laser cavity. The proposed work revealed that the laser oscillated at about 1558 nm with threshold input pump power of 22.54 mW and maximum input pump power of 108.8 mW. The increase in pump power resulted in the increase in repetition rate where the pulse train increases from 8.96 kHz to 39.34 kHz while the pulse width decreases from 33.58 μs to 5.14 μs. The generated pulsed laser yields a maximum of 1.01 mW and 5.53 nJ of peak power and pulse energy respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio of 40 dB indicates that the generated pulse is stable.

Relativistic energy-dispersion relations of 2D rectangular lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ata, Engin; Demirhan, Doğan; Büyükkılıç, Fevzi

2017-04-01

An exactly solvable relativistic approach based on inseparable periodic well potentials is developed to obtain energy-dispersion relations of spin states of a single-electron in two-dimensional (2D) rectangular lattices. Commutation of axes transfer matrices is exploited to find energy dependencies of the wave vector components. From the trace of the lattice transfer matrix, energy-dispersion relations of conductance and valence states are obtained in transcendental form. Graphical solutions of relativistic and nonrelativistic transcendental energy-dispersion relations are plotted to compare how lattice parameters V0, core and interstitial size of the rectangular lattice affects to the energy-band structures in a situation core and interstitial diagonals are of equal slope.

Structural, optical, and electrical properties of Ni-doped ZnO nanorod arrays prepared via sonicated sol-gel immersion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, A. S.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Saidi, S. A.; Yusoff, M. M.; Mohamed, R.; Sin, N. D. Md; Suriani, A. B.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Nickel (Ni)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod array films were synthesised using sonicated sol-gel immersion method. The FESEM images showed that the Ni-doped ZnO nanorod arrays possess hexagonal shape with average diameter about 120 nm and thickness about 1.10 µm. The Ni-doped ZnO nanorod arrays possess better transmittance properties with 3.27 eV of optical band gap energy and 40 meV of urbach energy. The current-voltage (I-V) measurement indicated that the conductivity of ZnO film slightly improved with Ni-doping. The doped film displayed good humidity sensing performance with sensitivity of 1.21.

0.8 V nanogenerator for mechanical energy harvesting using bismuth titanate-PDMS nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abinnas, N.; Baskaran, P.; Harish, S.; Ganesh, R. Sankar; Navaneethan, M.; Nisha, K. D.; Ponnusamy, S.; Muthamizhchelvan, C.; Ikeda, H.; Hayakawa, Y.

2017-10-01

We present a novel, low-cost approach to fabricate piezoelectric nanogenerators using Bismuth titanate (BiT)/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite. The nanogenerator has the advantage of the simple process of fabrication and is eco-friendly. This simple device was fabricated to harvest the energy released from finger tapping. This device generated an output of 0.8 V. The BiT samples were synthesized by wet chemical method. The structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the samples were analyzed. Phase analysis using X-ray diffraction indicated that the phase structure was orthorhombic. The FESEM images of the sample calcined at 700 °C exhibited sheet-like morphology. Further characterizations like XPS, Raman studies, TEM were done.

Reinforcing the inner phase of the filled hydrogels with CNTs alters drug release properties and human keratinocyte morphology: A study on the gelatin- tamarind gum filled hydrogels.

PubMed

Maharana, Vivek; Gaur, Deepanjali; Nayak, Suraj K; Singh, Vinay K; Chakraborty, Subhabrata; Banerjee, Indranil; Ray, Sirsendu S; Anis, Arfat; Pal, Kunal

2017-11-01

The study reports the synthesis and characterization of gelatin-tamarind gum (TG) based filled hydrogels for drug delivery applications. In this study, three different types of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated within the dispersed TG phase of the filled hydrogels. The prepared hydrogels were thoroughly characterised using bright field microscope, FESEM, FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, and mechanical tester. The swelling and the drug (salicylic acid) release properties of the filled hydrogels were also evaluated. The micrographs revealed the formation of biphasic systems. The internal phase appeared as agglomerates, and the CNTs were confined within the dispersed TG phase. FTIR and XRD studies revealed that CNTs promoted associative interactions among the components of the hydrogel, which promoted the formation of large crystallite size. The mechanical study indicated better resistance to the breakdown of the architecture of the CNT-containing filled hydrogels. Drug release studies, both passive and iontophoretic, suggested that the non-Fickian diffusion of the drug was prevalent during its release from hydrogel matrices. The prepared hydrogels were cytocompatible with human keratinocytes. The results suggested the probable use of such hydrogels in wound healing, tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How Constant Momentum Acceleration Decouples Energy and Space Focusing in Distance-of-Flight and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometries

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

Dennis, Elise; Gundlach-Graham, Alexander W.; Enke, Chris

2013-05-01

Time-of-flight (TOF) and distance-of-flight (DOF) mass spectrometers require means for focusing ions at the detector(s) because of initial dispersions of position and energy at the time of their acceleration. Time-of-flight mass spectrometers ordinarily employ constant energy acceleration (CEA), which creates a space-focus plane at which the initial spatial dispersion is corrected. In contrast, constant-momentum acceleration (CMA), in conjunction with an ion mirror, provides focus of the initial energy dispersion at the energy focus time for ions of all m/z at their respective positions along the flight path. With CEA, the initial energy dispersion is not simultaneously correctable as its effectmore » on ion velocity is convoluted with that of the spatial dispersion. The initial spatial dispersion with CMA remains unchanged throughout the field-free region of the flight path, so spatial dispersion can be reduced before acceleration. Improved focus is possible when each dispersion can be addressed independently. With minor modification, a TOF mass spectrometer can be operated in CMA mode by treating the TOF detector as though it were a single element in the array of detectors that would be used in a DOF mass spectrometer. Significant improvement in mass resolution is thereby achieved, albeit over a narrow range of m/z values. In this paper, experimental and theoretical results are presented that illustrate the energy-focusing capabilities of both DOF and TOF mass spectrometry.« less

High energy dispersion relations for the high temperature Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 superconductor from laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

PubMed

Zhang, Wentao; Liu, Guodong; Meng, Jianqiao; Zhao, Lin; Liu, Haiyun; Dong, Xiaoli; Lu, Wei; Wen, J S; Xu, Z J; Gu, G D; Sasagawa, T; Wang, Guiling; Zhu, Yong; Zhang, Hongbo; Zhou, Yong; Wang, Xiaoyang; Zhao, Zhongxian; Chen, Chuangtian; Xu, Zuyan; Zhou, X J

2008-07-04

Laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements have been carried out on the high energy electron dynamics in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 high temperature superconductor. Our superhigh resolution data, momentum-dependent measurements, and complete analysis provide important information to judge the nature of the high energy dispersion and kink. Our results rule out the possibility that the high energy dispersion from the momentum distribution curve (MDC) may represent the true bare band as believed in previous studies. We also rule out the possibility that the high energy kink represents electron coupling with some high energy modes as proposed before. Through detailed MDC and energy distribution curve analyses, we propose that the high energy MDC dispersion may not represent intrinsic band structure.

Importance of dispersion and electron correlation in ab initio protein folding.

PubMed

He, Xiao; Fusti-Molnar, Laszlo; Cui, Guanglei; Merz, Kenneth M

2009-04-16

Dispersion is well-known to be important in biological systems, but the effect of electron correlation in such systems remains unclear. In order to assess the relationship between the structure of a protein and its electron correlation energy, we employed both full system Hartree-Fock (HF) and second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation (MP2) calculations in conjunction with the Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM) on the native structures of two proteins and their corresponding computer-generated decoy sets. Because of the expense of the MP2 calculation, we have utilized the fragment molecular orbital method (FMO) in this study. We show that the sum of the Hartree-Fock (HF) energy and force field (LJ6)-derived dispersion energy (HF + LJ6) is well correlated with the energies obtained using second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation (MP2) theory. In one of the two examples studied, the correlation energy as well as the empirical dispersive energy term was able to discriminate between native and decoy structures. On the other hand, for the second protein we studied, neither the correlation energy nor dispersion energy showed discrimination capabilities; however, the ab initio MP2 energy and the HF+LJ6 both ranked the native structure correctly. Furthermore, when we randomly scrambled the Lennard-Jones parameters, the correlation between the MP2 energy and the sum of the HF energy and dispersive energy (HF+LJ6) significantly drops, which indicates that the choice of Lennard-Jones parameters is important.

On an energy-latitude dispersion pattern of ion precipitation potentially associated with magnetospheric EMIC waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Jun; Donovan, E.; Ni, B.; Yue, C.; Jiang, F.; Angelopoulos, V.

2014-10-01

Ion precipitation mechanisms are usually energy dependent and contingent upon magnetospheric/ionospheric locations. Therefore, the pattern of energy-latitude dependence of ion precipitation boundaries seen by low Earth orbit satellites can be implicative of the mechanism(s) underlying the precipitation. The pitch angle scattering of ions led by the field line curvature, a well-recognized mechanism of ion precipitation in the central plasma sheet (CPS), leads to one common pattern of energy-latitude dispersion, in that the ion precipitation flux diminishes at higher (lower) latitudes for protons with lower (higher) energies. In this study, we introduce one other systematically existing pattern of energy-latitude dispersion of ion precipitation, in that the lower energy ion precipitation extends to lower latitude than the higher-energy ion precipitation. Via investigating such a "reversed" energy-latitude dispersion pattern, we explore possible mechanisms of ion precipitation other than the field line curvature scattering. We demonstrate via theories and simulations that the H-band electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave is capable of preferentially scattering keV protons in the CPS and potentially leads to the reversed energy-latitude dispersion of proton precipitation. We then present detailed event analyses and provide support to a linkage between the EMIC waves in the equatorial CPS and ion precipitation events with reversed energy-latitude dispersion. We also discuss the role of ion acceleration in the topside ionosphere which, together with the CPS ion population, may result in a variety of energy-latitude distributions of the overall ion precipitation.

Effect of rutile titania dioxide nanoparticles on the mechanical property, thermal stability, weathering resistance and antibacterial property of styrene acrylic polyurethane coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vuong Nguyen, Thien; Nguyen, Tuan Anh; Dao, Phi Hung; Phuc Mac, Van; Hiep Nguyen, Anh; Thanh Do, Minh; Nguyen, The Huu

2016-12-01

This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties, thermal stability, weathering resistance and antibacterial property of a styrene acrylic polyurethane coating by adding rutile titania dioxide (R-TiO2) nanoparticles in coating formulation. The styrene acrylic polyurethane/R-TiO2 nanocomposite had been prepared by using ultrasonication. The effects of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and weathering resistance of as-prepared coatings were investigated by using the adhesion strength and ball impact tests, the Fourier transform infrared and UV-vis analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV/condensation weathering chamber equipped with UVA-340 fluorescent lamps, respectively. The disperse quality of nanoparticles in the coating was examined by using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The mechanical test results showed that suitable content of R-TiO2 nanoparticles in the nanocomposite coating was 2 wt%. The FESEM images indicated that the nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously into the entire volume of the coating. For the nanocomposite prepared by 3 h of ultrasonication, the average size of nanoparticles was in range of 40-50 nm. The ball impact and adhesion tests showed that the incorporation of nanoparticles into the coating significantly enhanced the impact strength from 120 to 145 kg cm and increased the adhesion from level 1 to level 0. The TGA test illustrated that in presence of nanoparticles, the decomposition temperature of coating increased from 146.9 °C to 154.21 °C. For the temperature at 50% loss in mass (T 50%), it was found that the T 50% of the neat coating is 351.86 °C. Adding the 2 wt% R-TiO2 nanoparticles into coating increased the T 50% value to 360.06 °C. After UV/condensation accelerated weathering test (30 cycles), the significant improvement in weight loss, impact strength and adhesion of the neat coating was observed with the presence of nanoparticles. The antibacterial test showed that in the nanocomposite coating, R-TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited their photocatalytic effect in the inhibition against E. coli bacterial growth. Incorporating 2 wt% of R-TiO2 nanoparticles into the coating reduced the bacterial concentration by 6.1% after 60 min of culture.

Well-dispersed Pt cubes on porous Cu foam: high-performance catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of glucose in neutral media.

PubMed

Niu, Xiangheng; Lan, Minbo; Zhao, Hongli; Chen, Chen

2013-07-15

The investigation of highly efficient catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of glucose is the most critical challenge to commercialize nonenzymatic glucose sensors, which display a few attractive superiorities including the sufficient stability of their properties and the desired reproducibility of results over enzyme electrodes. Herein we propose a new and very promising catalyst: Pt cubes well-dispersed on the porous Cu foam, for the the electrochemical oxidation reaction of glucose in neutral media. The catalyst is fabricated in situ on a homemade screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) substrate through initially synthesizing the three-dimensional (3D) porous Cu foam using a hydrogen evolution assisted electrodeposition strategy, followed by electrochemically reducing the platinic precursor simply and conveniently. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proofs demonstrate that Pt cubes, with an average size (the distance of opposite faces) of 185.1 nm, highly dispersed on the macro/nanopore integrated Cu foam support can be reproducibly obtained. The results of electrochemical tests indicate that the cubic Pt-based catalyst exhibits significant enhancement on the catalytic activity towards the electrooxidation of glucose in the presence of chloride ions, providing a specific activity 6.7 times and a mass activity 5.3 times those of commercial Pt/C catalysts at -0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). In addition, the proposed catalyst shows excellent stability of performance, with only a 2.8% loss of electrocatalytic activity after 100 repetitive measurements. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Universal High Energy Anomaly in the Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectra of High Temperature Superconductors: Possible Evidence of Spinon and Holon Branches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graf, J.; Gweon, G.-H.; McElroy, K.; Zhou, S. Y.; Jozwiak, C.; Rotenberg, E.; Bill, A.; Sasagawa, T.; Eisaki, H.; Uchida, S.; Takagi, H.; Lee, D.-H.; Lanzara, A.

2007-02-01

A universal high energy anomaly in the single particle spectral function is reported in three different families of high temperature superconductors by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. As we follow the dispersing peak of the spectral function from the Fermi energy to the valence band complex, we find dispersion anomalies marked by two distinctive high energy scales, E1≈0.38eV and E2≈0.8eV. E1 marks the energy above which the dispersion splits into two branches. One is a continuation of the near parabolic dispersion, albeit with reduced spectral weight, and reaches the bottom of the band at the Γ point at ≈0.5eV. The other is given by a peak in the momentum space, nearly independent of energy between E1 and E2. Above E2, a bandlike dispersion reemerges. We conjecture that these two energies mark the disintegration of the low-energy quasiparticles into a spinon and holon branch in the high Tc cuprates.

MAVEN Observations of Energy-Time Dispersed Electron Signatures in Martian Crustal Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harada, Y.; Mitchell, D. L.; Halekas, J. S.; McFadden, J. P.; Mazelle, C.; Connerney, J. E. P.; Espley, J.; Brain, D. A.; Larson, D. E.; Lillis, R. J.;

A study on the structural and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline CuS thin films grown by chemical bath deposition technique

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

Mukherjee, Nillohit; Sinha, Arijit; Khan, Gobinda Gopal

2011-01-15

We report a chemical route for the deposition of nanocrystalline thin films of CuS, using aqueous solutions of Cu(CH{sub 3}COO){sub 2}, SC(NH{sub 2}){sub 2} and N(CH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OH){sub 3} [triethanolamine, i.e. TEA] in proper concentrations and ratios. The films were structurally characterized using X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and optical analysis [both photo luminescence (PL) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis)]. Optical studies showed a large blue shift in the band gap energy of the films due to quantum confinement effect exerted by the nanocrystals. From both XRD and FESEM analyses, formation of CuS nanocrystals with sizes withinmore » 10-15 nm was evident. A study on the mechanical properties was carried out using nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques, which showed good mechanical stability and high adherence of the films with the bottom substrate. Such study on the mechanical properties of the CuS thin films is being reported here for the first time. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements were also carried out for the films, which showed p-type conductivity.« less

Size-dependent photocatalytic activity of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmani Afje, F.; Ehsani, M. H.

2018-04-01

Synthesize of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) manganite were carried out in different particle sizes by hydrothermal method. Structural and optical properties of the prepared specimens were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD study, coupled with the Rietveld refinement, exhibited rhombohedral structure with R-3C space group. Using the FT-IR and FESEM analyses, the perovskite structure of the samples with Nano-rod-like morphologies were inferred. Furthermore, the average sizes of 48.11, 70.99 and 111.45 nm were obtained for the ones sintered at 800, 900, and 1000 °C temperatures, respectively. The optical research showed that band gap energy is about 2.13 eV, being suitable in visible-light photocatalytic activity for water purification from dyes and toxic organic materials. The photo-degradation efficiency for decolorizing methyl orange solution (10 ppm) for various samples (100 ppm) were systematically probed and a strong relation is concluded between particle size and photocatalytic activity.

Chemical synthesis of hierarchical NiCo2S4 nanosheets like nanostructure on flexible foil for a high performance supercapacitor.

PubMed

Kim, D -Y; Ghodake, G S; Maile, N C; Kadam, A A; Sung Lee, Dae; Fulari, V J; Shinde, S K

2017-08-29

In this study, hierarchical interconnected nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo 2 S 4 ) nanosheets were effectively deposited on a flexible stainless steel foil by the chemical bath deposition method (CBD) for high-performance supercapacitor applications. The resulting NiCo 2 S 4 sample was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and electrochemical measurements. XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the formation of the ternary NiCo 2 S 4 sample with a pure cubic phase. FE-SEM and HR-TEM revealed that the entire foil surface was fully covered with the interconnected nanosheets like surface morphology. The NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheets demonstrated impressive electrochemical characteristics with a specific capacitance of 1155 F g -1 at 10 mV s -1 and superior cycling stability (95% capacity after 2000 cycles). These electrochemical characteristics could be attributed to the higher active area and higher conductivity of the sample. The results demonstrated that the interconnected NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheets are promising as electrodes for supercapacitor and energy storage applications.

Optimizing use of the structural chemical analyser (variable pressure FESEM-EDX Raman spectroscopy) on micro-size complex historical paintings characterization.

PubMed

Guerra, I; Cardell, C

2015-10-01

The novel Structural Chemical Analyser (hyphenated Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X-ray detector) is gaining popularity since it allows 3-D morphological studies and elemental, molecular, structural and electronic analyses of a single complex micro-sized sample without transfer between instruments. However, its full potential remains unexploited in painting heritage where simultaneous identification of inorganic and organic materials in paintings is critically yet unresolved. Despite benefits and drawbacks shown in literature, new challenges have to be faced analysing multifaceted paint specimens. SEM-Structural Chemical Analyser systems differ since they are fabricated ad hoc by request. As configuration influences the procedure to optimize analyses, likewise analytical protocols have to be designed ad hoc. This paper deals with the optimization of the analytical procedure of a Variable Pressure Field Emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X-ray detector Raman spectroscopy system to analyse historical paint samples. We address essential parameters, technical challenges and limitations raised from analysing paint stratigraphies, archaeological samples and loose pigments. We show that accurate data interpretation requires comprehensive knowledge of factors affecting Raman spectra. We tackled: (i) the in-FESEM-Raman spectroscopy analytical sequence, (ii) correlations between FESEM and Structural Chemical Analyser/laser analytical position, (iii) Raman signal intensity under different VP-FESEM vacuum modes, (iv) carbon deposition on samples under FESEM low-vacuum mode, (v) crystal nature and morphology, (vi) depth of focus and (vii) surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect. We recommend careful planning of analysis strategies prior to research which, although time consuming, guarantees reliable results. The ultimate goal of this paper is to help to guide future users of a FESEM-Structural Chemical Analyser system in order to increase applications. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Structural and optical properties of pulse laser deposited Ag2O thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agasti, Souvik; Dewasi, Avijit; Mitra, Anirban

2018-05-01

We deposited Ag2O films in PLD system on glass substrate for a fixed partial oxygen gas pressure (70 mili Torr) and, with a variation of laser energy from 75 to 215 mJ/Pulse. The XRD patterns confirm that the films have well crystallinity and deposited as hexagonal lattice. The FESEM images show that the particle size of the films increased from 34.84 nm to 65.83 nm. The composition of the films is analyzed from EDX spectra which show that the percentage of oxygen increased by the increment of laser energy. From the optical characterization, it is observed that the optical band gap appears in the visible optical range in an increasing order from 0.87 to 0.98 eV with the increment of laser energy.

Non-pairwise additivity of the leading-order dispersion energy

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

Hollett, Joshua W., E-mail: j.hollett@uwinnipeg.ca

2015-02-28

The leading-order (i.e., dipole-dipole) dispersion energy is calculated for one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) infinite lattices, and an infinite 1D array of infinitely long lines, of doubly occupied locally harmonic wells. The dispersion energy is decomposed into pairwise and non-pairwise additive components. By varying the force constant and separation of the wells, the non-pairwise additive contribution to the dispersion energy is shown to depend on the overlap of density between neighboring wells. As well separation is increased, the non-pairwise additivity of the dispersion energy decays. The different rates of decay for 1D and 2D lattices of wells is explained inmore » terms of a Jacobian effect that influences the number of nearest neighbors. For an array of infinitely long lines of wells spaced 5 bohrs apart, and an inter-well spacing of 3 bohrs within a line, the non-pairwise additive component of the leading-order dispersion energy is −0.11 kJ mol{sup −1} well{sup −1}, which is 7% of the total. The polarizability of the wells and the density overlap between them are small in comparison to that of the atomic densities that arise from the molecular density partitioning used in post-density-functional theory (DFT) damped dispersion corrections, or DFT-D methods. Therefore, the nonadditivity of the leading-order dispersion observed here is a conservative estimate of that in molecular clusters.« less

Electromagnetic energy flux vector for a dispersive linear medium.

PubMed

Crenshaw, Michael E; Akozbek, Neset

2006-05-01

The electromagnetic energy flux vector in a dispersive linear medium is derived from energy conservation and microscopic quantum electrodynamics and is found to be of the Umov form as the product of an electromagnetic energy density and a velocity vector.

Ultrasonic assisted synthesis of Bikitaite zeolite: A potential material for hydrogen storage application.

PubMed

Roy, Priyanka; Das, Nandini

2017-05-01

Li containing Bikitaite zeolite has been synthesized by an ultrasound-assisted method and used as a potential material for hydrogen storage application. The Sonication energy was varied from 150W to 250W and irradiation time from 3h to 6h. The Bikitaite nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectral analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) thermo-gravimetrical analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA, DTA). XRD and IR results showed that phase pure, nano crystalline Bikitaite zeolites were started forming after 3h irradiation and 72h of aging with a sonication energy of 150W and nano crystalline Bikitaite zeolite with prominent peaks were obtained after 6h irradiation of 250W sonic energy. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of the powder by N 2 adsorption-desorption measurements was found to be 209m 2 /g. The TEM micrograph and elemental analysis showed that desired atomic ratio of the zeolite was obtained after 6h irradiation. For comparison, sonochemical method, followed by the hydrothermal method, with same initial sol composition was studied. The effect of ultrasonic energy and irradiation time showed that with increasing sonication energy, and sonication time phase formation was almost completed. The FESEM images revealed that 50nm zeolite crystals were formed at room temperature. However, agglomerated particles having woollen ball like structure was obtained by sonochemical method followed by hydrothermal treatment at 100°C for 24h. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of Bikitaite zeolite with different Li content, has been investigated. Experimental results indicated that the hydrogen adsorption capacities were dominantly related to their surface areas as well as total pore volume of the zeolite. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of 143.2c.c/g was obtained at 77K and ambient pressure of (0.11MPa) for the Bikitaite zeolite with 100% Li, which was higher than the reported values for other zeolites. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the synthesis of a Bikitaite zeolite by sonochemical method for H 2 storage. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Non-expanded dispersion and induction energies, and damping functions, for molecular interactions with application to HF-He

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knowles, Peter J.; Meath, William J.

The evaluation of second order non-expanded dispersion and induction energies, and the associated damping functions, for interactions involving molecules is discussed with emphasis placed on using the time-dependent coupled Hartree-Fock method. Results are given for the HF-He interaction for all individual partial wave non-expanded dispersion and induction energies varying asymptotically for large R through O(R-8) and O(R-10) respectively and for most of the individual dispersion energies varying as R-9 and R-10. They are used to illustrate various features of charge overlap effects and the damping functions for molecular interactions, which are considerably more complicated than for atom-atom interactions.

Fossils of Cyanobacteria in CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites: Implications to Life on Comets, Europa and Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoover, Richard B.

2011-10-01

Environmental (ESEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations of the internal surfaces of the CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites have yielded images of large complex filaments. The filaments have been observed to be embedded in freshly fractured internal surfaces of the stones. They exhibit recognizable features (e.g., the size and size ranges of the internal cells and their location and arrangement within sheaths) that are diagnostic of known genera and species of filamentous trichomic cyanobacteria and other trichomic prokaryotes (such as filamentous sulfur bacteria). ESEM and FESEM studies of living and fossil cyanobacteria show features similar to the filaments found in the meteorites -- uniseriate and multiseriate, branched or unbranched, isodiametric or tapered, polarized or unpolarized filaments with trichomes encased within thin or thick external sheaths. Some of the filaments found in the CI1 meteorites also exhibit specialized cells and structures used by cyanobacteria for reproduction (baeocytes, akinetes and hormogonia), nitrogen fixation (basal, intercalary or apical heterocysts), attachment (pili or fimbriae) or indicative of oscillatoria type locomotion (escaped or coiling hormogonia and flattened and coiled empty sheaths). Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) studies indicate that the Orgueil meteorite filaments are typically carbon-rich sheaths infilled with magnesium sulfate and other minerals characteristic of the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites. However, the size, structure, detailed morphological characteristics and chemical compositions of the meteorite filaments are not consistent with known species of abiotic minerals. The nitrogen content of the meteorite filaments are almost always below the detection limit of the EDS detector. EDS analysis of living and dead biological materials (e.g., filamentous cyanobacteria; bacteria, mummy and mammoth hair and tissues, and fossils of cyanobacteria, trilobites and insects in amber) indicate that nitrogen remains detectable in biological materials for many thousands of years but is undetectable in the truly ancient fossils. These studies have led to the conclusion that the filaments found in the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites are indigenous fossils rather than modern terrestrial biological contaminants that entered the meteorites after arrival on Earth. The δ13C and D/H content of amino acids and other organics found in these stones are shown to be consistent with the interpretation that comets represent the parent bodies of the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites. The implications of the detection of fossils of cyanobacteria in the CI1 meteorites to the possibility of life on comets, Europa and Enceladus are discussed.

Non-expanded dispersion energies and damping functions for Ar 2 and Li 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knowles, Peter J.; Meath, William J.

1986-02-01

The non-expanded second-order dispersion energies and damping functions associated with the long-range dispersion energies varying as R-6, R-8and R-10 have been calculated for Ar 2 and Li 2 with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock method, using extended Gaussian basis sets. These results are used to discuss the difficulties associated with ab initio computations of these quantities.

iVPIC: A low-­dispersion, energy-­conserving relativistic PIC solver for LPI simulations

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

Chacon, Luis

We have developed a novel low-­dispersion, exactly energy-­conserving PIC algorithm for the relativistic Vlasov-­Maxwell system. The approach features an exact energy conservation theorem while preserving the favorable performance and numerical dispersion properties of explicit PIC. The new algorithm has the potential to enable much longer laser-­plasma-­interaction (LPI) simulations than are currently possible.

Ni/CdS bifunctional Ti@TiO2 core-shell nanowire electrode for high-performance nonenzymatic glucose sensing.

PubMed

Guo, Chunyan; Huo, Huanhuan; Han, Xu; Xu, Cailing; Li, Hulin

2014-01-07

In this work, a Ni/CdS bifunctional Ti@TiO2 core-shell nanowire electrode with excellent electrochemical sensing property was successfully constructed through a hydrothermal and electrodeposition method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to confirm the synthesis and characterize the morphology of the as-prepared samples. The results revealed that the CdS layer between Ni and TiO2 plays an important role in the uniform nucleation and the following growth of highly dispersive Ni nanoparticle on the Ti@TiO2 core-shell nanowire surface. The bifunctional nanostructured electrode was applied to construct an electrochemical nonenzymatic sensor for the reliable detection of glucose. Under optimized conditions, this nonenzymatic glucose sensor displayed a high sensitivity up to 1136.67 μA mM(-1) cm(-2), a wider liner range of 0.005-12 mM, and a lower detection limit of 0.35 μM for glucose oxidation. The high dispersity of Ni nanoparticles, combined with the anti-poisoning faculty against the intermediate derived from the self-cleaning ability of CdS under the photoexcitation, was considered to be responsible for these enhanced electrochemical performances. Importantly, favorable reproducibility and long-term performance were also obtained thanks to the robust frameworks. All these results indicate this novel electrode is a promising candidate for nonenzymatic glucose sensing.

Antibacterial nanocomposites based on chitosan/Co-MCM as a selective and efficient adsorbent for organic dyes.

PubMed

Khan, Shahid Ali; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Kamal, Tahseen; Yasir, Muhammad; Asiri, Abdullah M

2016-10-01

Chitosan/cobalt-silica (Co-MCM) nanocomposites were synthesized for the purification of effluent by adding 5, 15 and 25mL of Co-MCM solution to the aqueous chitosan solution for the formation of chitosan/Co-MCM-5, chitosan/Co-MCM-15 and chitosan/Co-MCM-25, respectively. These different nanocomposites were characterized by FESEM, EDS, X-ray crystallography and IR spectrophotometer and employed for the adsorption of various dyes (methyl orange, acridine orange, indigo carmine and congo red). The respective nanocomposites showed good adsorption toward methyl orange, indigo carmine and congo red while all nanocomposites were inactive for acridine orange dye. Among the nanocomposites, chitosan/Co-MCM-15 showed the highest adsorption performance which might be due to ideal dispersion of Co-MCM inside the chitosan polymer host. Chitosan/Co-MCM-15 exhibited high adsorption for methyl orange as compared to indigo carmine. We have further checked the biological potential of chitosan/Co-MCM nanocomposites against gram positive and negative bacteria as well as multi drug resistant bacteria. The results favor the strongest bioactivities of chitosan/Co-MCM-15 against various gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as multi drug resistant bacteria, which further suggest the ideal dispersion of Co-MCM in chitosan polymer host and is responsible for the improvement of both adsorption as well as biological performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of EGFR exon21 L858R point mutation as lung cancer biomarker by electrochemical DNA biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide /functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon/Ni-oxytetracycline metallopolymer nanoparticles modified pencil graphite electrode.

PubMed

Shoja, Yalda; Kermanpur, Ahmad; Karimzadeh, Fathallah

2018-08-15

In this present work we made a novel, fast, selective and sensitive electrochemical genobiosensor to detection of EGFR exon 21 point mutation based on two step electropolymerization of Ni(II)-oxytetracycline conducting metallopolymer nanoparticles (Ni-OTC NPs) on the surface of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) which was modified by reduced graphene oxide/carboxyl functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon (rGO/f-OMC) nanocomposite. ssDNA capture probe with amine groups at the5' end which applied as recognition element was immobilized on the rGO/f-OMC/PGE surface via the strong amide bond. Ni-OTC metallopolymer NPs were electropolymerized to rGO/ssDNA-OMC/PGE surface and then hybridization fallows through the peak current change in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using Ni-OTC NPs as a redox label. The biosensor was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), cyclic voltammetry and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The Ni-OTC current response verified only the complementary sequence indicating a significant reduction current signal in comparison to single point mismatched and non-complementary and sequences. Under optimal conditions, the prepared biosensor showed long-term stability (21 days) with a wide linear range from 0.1 µM to 3 µM with high sensitivity (0.0188 mA/µM) and low detection limit (120 nM). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals: Solvatochromic behaviour, sensing solvent molecules and gas sorption property

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

Yang, Ji-Min; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276005; Liu, Qing

2014-10-15

Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals with controllable morphology and size were successfully obtained by solvothermal method. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), elemental analysis, UV–vis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The factors influencing the crystal morphology and size were investigated. The gas sorption measurements reveal that highly crystalline particles have large Langmuir surface area. It was found that the Co(II)-doped MOF-5 shows enhanced hydrostability and the sorption profiles of the Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals are dependent on the morphology and sizemore » of the particles. Porous Co(II)-doped MOF-5 is stable upon the removal of guest molecules and exhibits different colour with accommodating different solvent molecule, which means that it can act as solvatochromic sensing materials for recognition of solvent molecules. - Graphical abstract: Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals with different shapes and sizes were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, which not only enhance gas sorption properties and structural stability of MOFs towards moisture, but also act as new sensing materials for sensing small molecules. - Highlights: • Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals with controllable morphology and size were obtained. • Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals enhance the structural stability towards moisture. • Co(II)-doped MOF-5 can act as new sensing material for sensing small molecules.« less

Characterization and antibacterial activity of silver exchanged regenerated NaY zeolite from surfactant-modified NaY zeolite.

PubMed

Salim, Mashitah Mad; Malek, Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik

2016-02-01

The antibacterial activity of regenerated NaY zeolite (thermal treatment from cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified NaY zeolite and pretreatment with Na ions) loaded with silver ions were examined using the broth dilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against Escherichia coli (E. coli ATCC 11229) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ATCC 6538). X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and chemical elemental analyses were used to characterize the regenerated NaY and AgY zeolites. The XRD patterns indicated that the calcination and addition of silver ions on regenerated NaY zeolite did not affect the structure of the regenerated NaY zeolite as the characteristic peaks of the NaY zeolite were retained, and no new peaks were observed. The regenerated AgY zeolite showed good antibacterial activity against both bacteria strains in distilled water, and the antibacterial activity of the samples increased with increasing Ag loaded on the regenerated AgY zeolite; the regenerated AgY zeolite was more effective against E. coli than S. aureus. However, the antibacterial activity of the regenerated AgY was not effective in saline solution for both bacteria. The study showed that CTAB-modified NaY zeolite materials could be regenerated to NaY zeolite using thermal treatment (550°C, 5h) and this material has excellent performance as an antibacterial agent after silver ions loading. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of novel Cu(II) complex coated Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles for catalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud; Sajjadi, Mohaddeseh; Khonakdar, Hossein Ali

2018-06-01

In this study, a convenient method for the synthesis of arylaminotetrazoles has been developed using a copper (II)-aminotetrazole complex immobilized on silica-coated Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@SiO2) nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-aminotet-Cu(II)) as a novel and efficient magnetically catalyst. The constructed superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticles were successfully prepared, as proven using different spectroscopic techniques such as fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The applicability of Fe3O4@SiO2-aminotet-Cu(II) magnetic catalyst allows the efficient synthesis of a variety of arylaminotetrazoles from the reaction between various arylcyanamides with sodium azide in high yields. The effect of catalyst loading was investigated. In addition, the reaction mechanism for the synthesis of arylaminotetrazoles was reasonably proposed. Results show that the 1-aryl-5-amino-1H-tetrazole (B isomer) and 5-arylamino-1H-tetrazole (A isomer) can be obtained from the arylcyanamides carrying electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents, respectively. This procedure offers a simple methodology, relatively short reaction times, easy work-up, high yields of the products and a cleaner reaction with elimination of hydrazoic acid (HN3). Moreover, catalyst can be conveniently recovered through the use of external magnet and reused for at least 6 times without any significant loss of its activity.

Potentiodynamic studies of Ni-P-TiO2 nano-composited coating on the mild steel deposited by electroless plating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uttam, Vibha; Duchaniya, R. K.

2016-05-01

Now a days, corrosion studies are important for reducing the wastage of metals. The importance of corrosion studies is two folds i.e. first is economic, including the reduction of material losses resulting from the wasting away or sudden failure of materials and second is conservation Electroless process is an autocatalytic reduction method in which metallic ions are reduced in the solution. Nanocomposite coatings of Ni-P-TiO2 on mild steel are deposited by varying volume of TiO2 nano-powder by electroless method from Ni-P plating bath containing Nickel Sulphate as a source of nickel ions, sodium hypophosphite as the reducing agent, lactic acid as a complexing agents and TiO2 nano powder. Electroless Ni-P-TiO2 coating have been widely used in the chemical process industries, mechanical industries, electronic industries and chloroalkali industries due to their excellent corrosion with mechanical properties. In the present work, deposition of Ni-P alloy coating and Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposited coatings were done on the mild steel and corrosion properties were studied with Potentio-dynamic polarization measurements method in 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution. It showed in the experiments that Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposited coating has better corrosion resistance as comparedthan Ni-P alloy coating. Morphological studies were done by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These studies confirmed the deposition of Ni-P alloy coating and Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposited coating.

Corrosion and magnetic properties of encapsulated carbonyl iron particles in aqueous suspension by inorganic thin films for magnetorheological finishing application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esmaeilzare, Amir; Rezaei, Seyed Mehdi; Ramezanzadeh, Bahram

2018-04-01

Magnetorheological fluid is composed of micro-size carbonyl iron (CI) particles for polishing of optical substrates. In this paper, the corrosion resistance of carbonyl iron (CI) particles modified with three inorganic thin films based on rare earth elements, including cerium oxide (CeO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3) and praseodymium oxide (Pr2O3), was investigated. The morphology and chemistry of the CI-Ce, CI-Pr and CI-La particles were examined by high resolution Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests were carried out to investigate the corrosion behavior of CI particles in aquatic environment. In addition, the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) technique was utilized for determination of magnetic saturation properties of the coated particles. Afterwards, gas pycnometry and contact angle measurement methods were implemented to evaluate the density and hydrophilic properties of these particles. The results showed that deposition of all thin films increased the hydrophilic nature of these particles. In addition, it was observed that the amount of magnetic saturation properties attenuation for Pr2O3 and La2O3 films is greater than the CeO2 film. The EIS and polarization tests results confirmed that the CI-Ce had the maximum corrosion resistant among other samples. In addition, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the ceria coating provided particles with enhanced surface oxidation resistance.

The biomineralization process of uranium(VI) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae - transformation from amorphous U(VI) to crystalline chernikovite.

PubMed

Shen, Yanghao; Zheng, Xinyan; Wang, Xiaoyu; Wang, Tieshan

2018-05-01

Microorganisms play a significant role in uranium(VI) biogeochemistry and influence U(VI) transformation through biomineralization. In the present work, the process of uranium mineralization was investigated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The toxicity experiments showed that the viability of cell was not significantly affected by 100 mg L -1 U(VI) under 4 days of exposure time. The batch experiments showed that the phosphate concentration and pH value increased over time during U(VI) adsorption. Meanwhile, thermodynamic calculations demonstrated that the adsorption system was supersaturated with respect to UO 2 HPO 4 . The X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicated that the U(VI) was first attached onto the cell surface and reacted with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phosphate groups through electrostatic interactions and complexation. As the immobilization of U(VI) transformed it from the ionic to the amorphous state, lamellar uranium precipitate was formed on the cell surface. With the prolongation of time, the amorphous uranium compound disappeared, and there were some crystalline substances observed extracellularly, which were well-characterized as tetragonal-chernikovite. Furthermore, the size of chernikovite was regulated at nano-level by cells, and the perfect crystal was formed finally. These findings provided an understanding of the non-reductive transformation process of U(VI) from the amorphous to crystalline state within microbe systems, which would be beneficial for the U(VI) treatment and reuse of nuclides and heavy metals.

Sonocatalytic activity of a heterostructured β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 nanoplate in degradation of bisphenol A.

PubMed

Lee, Gooyong; Ibrahim, Shaliza; Kittappa, Shanmuga; Park, Heekyung; Park, Chang Min

2018-06-01

Novel heterostructured β-Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 nanoplates (hBN) were synthesized to observe the sonocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) (widely used as a model pollutant) under ultrasonic (US) irradiation. Prior to obtaining the hBN, the Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 micropowder precursor was prepared under hydrothermal conditions and then converted to hBN by increasing the calcination temperature to 300 °C. The synthesized hBN samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hBN/US system exhibited greater sonocatalytic activity for the degradation of BPA than the US treatment with the single element bismuth oxide, β-Bi 2 O 3 prepared by annealing the Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 precursor at 400 °C for 1 h. The US frequency and US power intensity in the hBN/US system were the key operating parameters, which were responsible for the complete degradation of BPA during 6 h of reactions. The degradation efficiency of BPA under the US irradiation was positively correlated with the dose of hBN. Our findings indicate that heterostructured hBN can be used as an efficient sonocatalyst for the catalytic degradation of BPA in water and wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Amorphous V-O-C composite nanofibers electrospun from solution precursors as binder- and conductive additive-free electrodes for supercapacitors with outstanding performance.

PubMed

Chen, Xia; Zhao, Bote; Cai, Yong; Tadé, Moses O; Shao, Zongping

2013-12-21

Flexible V-O-C composite nanofibers were fabricated from solution precursors via electrospinning and were investigated as free-standing and additive-free film electrodes for supercapacitors. Specifically, composite nanofibers (V0, V5, V10 and V20) with different vanadyl acetylacetonate (VO(acac)2) contents of 0, 5, 10 and 20 wt% with respect to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were prepared. The composite nanofibers were comparatively studied using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, N2 adsorption-desorption, FE-SEM, TEM and S-TEM. The vanadium element was found to be well-dispersed in the carbon nanofibers, free from the formation of an aggregated crystalline phase, even in the case of V20. A specific surface area of 587.9 m(2) g(-1) was reached for V10 after calcination, which is approximately twice that of the vanadium-free carbon nanofibers (V0, 300.9 m(2) g(-1)). To perform as an electrode for supercapacitors in an aqueous electrolyte, the V10 film delivered a specific capacitance of 463 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1). V10 was also able to retain a specific capacitance of 380 F g(-1), even at a current density of 10 A g(-1). Additionally, very stable cycling stability was achieved, maintaining an outstanding specific capacitance of 400 F g(-1) at 5 A g(-1) after charge-discharge cycling 5000 times. Thus, V-O-C composite nanofibers are highly attractive electrode materials for flexible, high-power, thin film energy storage devices and applications.

Synthesis and characterization of Acacia gum-Fe0Np-silica nanocomposite: an efficient Fenton-like catalyst for the degradation of Remazol Brilliant Violet dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vandana; Singh, Jadveer; Srivastava, Preeti

2018-04-01

Acacia gum-Fe0Np-silica nanocomposite (GFS1) has been crafted through sol-gel technique using a two-step process that involved the reduction of iron salt to zerovalent iron nanoparticles (Fe0Nps) followed by their impregnation within Acacia gum-silica matrix. GFS1 was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. GFS1 is decorated with Fe0Nps of 5 nm average size. The VSM study revealed that GFS1 has ferromagnetic nature. GFS1 was used as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for the degradation of azo dyes using Remazol Brilliant Violet (RBV) dye as a model dye. In first 5 min of operation, > 86% dye degradation was achieved and 94% dye (from 100 mg L-1 dye solution) was successfully degraded in 50 min. The dye degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The GFS1 performed efficiently well over the wide range of dye concentrations (25-200 mg L-1). The catalyst was reused for eight repeated cycles where 12.5% dye degradation was possible even in the eighth cycle. The catalyst behaved fairly well for the degradation of Metanil Yellow (MY) and Orange G (OG) dyes also. Under the optimum conditions of RBV dye degradation, Metanil Yellow (MY) and Orange G (OG) dyes were degraded to the extent of 97 and 26.3%, respectively.

Anti-acne, anti-dandruff and anti-breast cancer efficacy of green synthesised silver nanoparticles using Coriandrum sativum leaf extract.

PubMed

Sathishkumar, Palanivel; Preethi, Johnson; Vijayan, Raji; Mohd Yusoff, Abdull Rahim; Ameen, Fuad; Suresh, Sadhasivam; Balagurunathan, Ramasamy; Palvannan, Thayumanavan

2016-10-01

In this present investigation, AgNPs were green synthesised using Coriandrum sativum leaf extract. The physicochemical properties of AgNPs were characterised using UV-visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM/EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Further, in vitro anti-acne, anti-dandruff and anti-breast cancer efficacy of green synthesised AgNPs were assessed against Propionibacterium acnes MTCC 1951, Malassezia furfur MTCC 1374 and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line, respectively. The flavonoids present in the plant extract were responsible for the AgNPs synthesis. The green synthesised nanoparticles size was found to be ≈37nm. The BET analysis result shows that the surface area of the synthesised AgNPs was found to be 33.72m(2)g(-1). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs for acne causative agent P. acnes and dandruff causative agent M. furfur was found to be at 3.1 and 25μgmL(-1), respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of the AgNPs for MCF-7 cells was calculated as 30.5μgmL(-1) and complete inhibition was observed at a concentration of 100μgmL(-1). Finally, our results proved that green synthesised AgNPs using C. sativum have great potential in biomedical applications such as anti-acne, anti-dandruff and anti-breast cancer treatment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Photo-sensitization of ZnS nanoparticles with renowned ruthenium dyes N3, N719 and Z907 for application in solid state dye sensitized solar cells: A comparative study.

PubMed

Nosheen, Erum; Shah, Syed Mujtaba; Hussain, Hazrat; Murtaza, Ghulam

2016-09-01

This article presents a comprehensive relative report on the grafting of ZnS with renowned ruthenium ((Ru) dyes i.e. N3, N719 and Z907) and gives insight into their charge transfer interaction and sensitization mechanism for boosting solar cell efficiency. Influence of dye concentration on cell performance is also reported here. ZnS nanoparticles synthesized by a simple coprecipitation method with an average particle size of 15±2nm were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Elemental dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), tunneling electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. UV-Vis, photoluminescence (PL) and Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirms the successful grafting of these dyes over ZnS nanoparticles surface. Low-energy metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition (MLCT) bands of dyes are mainly affected on grafting over the nanoparticle surface. Moreover their current voltage (I-V) results confirm the efficiency enhancement in ZnS solid state dye sensitized solar cells (SSDSSCs) owing to effective sensitization of this material with Ru dyes and helps in finding the optimum dye concentration for nanoparticles sensitization. Highest rise in overall solar cell efficiency i.e. 64% of the reference device has been observed for 0.3mM N719-ZnS sample owing to increased open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF). Experimental and proposed results were found in good agreement with each other. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of zinc and copper co-doped WO3 nanoparticles: Application in photocatalysis and photobiology.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Sanaz; Sohrabi, Maryam; Golikand, Ahmad Nozad; Fakhri, Ali

2016-08-01

In this study, pure, Zn, Cu, Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 nanoparticles samples were prepared by precipitation and co-precipitation methods. These nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The synthesized pure, Zn, Cu, Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 nanoparticles have smart optical properties and average sizes with 3.2, 3.12, 3.08 and 2.97eV of band-gap, 18.1, 23.2, 25.7 and 30.2nm, respectively. Photocatalytic activity of four nanoparticles was studying towards degradation of gentamicin antibiotic under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. The result showed that Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 possessed high photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity of WO3 nanoparticles could be remarkably increased by doping the Zn and Cu impurity. This can be attributed to the fact that the red shift of absorption edge and the trapping effect of the mono and co-doped WO3 nanoparticles. The research result presents a general and effective way to prepare different photocatalysts with enhanced visible and UV light-driven photocatalytic performance. Antibacterial activity of four different WO3 nanoparticles against Escherichia coli bacterium has been assessed by the agar disc method under light irradiation and dark medium. It is concluded from the present findings that WO3 nanoparticles can be used as an efficient antibacterial agent. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Laser beam welding of Waspaloy: Characterization and corrosion behavior evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoja Razavi, Reza

2016-08-01

In this work, a study on Nd:YAG laser welding of Waspaloy sheets has been made. Microstructures, phase changes and hardness of the laser joint were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and vickers microhardness (HV0.3). Corrosion behavior of the weldment at low temperature in 3.5%wt NaCl solution at room temperature was also investigated using open circuit potential and cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests. Hot corrosion studies were conducted on samples in the molten salt environment (Na2SO4-60%V2O5) at 900 °C for 50 h. Results indicated that the microstructure of weld zone was mainly dendritic grown epitaxially in the direction perpendicular to the weld boundary and heat transfer. Moreover, the Ti-Mo carbide particles were observed in the structure of the weld zone and base metal. The average size of carbides formed in the base metal (2.97±0.5 μm) was larger than that of the weld zone (0.95±0.2 μm). XRD patterns of the weld zone and base metal showed that the laser welding did not alter the phase structure of the weld zone, being in γ-Ni(Cr) single phase. Microhardness profile showed that the hardness values of the weld zone (210-261 HV) were lower than that of the base metal (323-330 HV). Electrochemical and hot corrosion tests indicated that the corrosion resistance of the weld metal was greater than the base metal in both room and high temperatures.

Gamma ray shielding characteristic of BiZnBo-SLS and PbZnBo-SLS glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syuhada Ahmad, Nor; Shahrim Mustafa, Iskandar; Mansor, Ishak; Malik, Muhammad Fadhirul Izwan bin Abdul; Ain Nabilah Razali, Nur; Nordin, Sufiniza

2018-05-01

The radiation shielding and optical properties of x [RmOn] (0.5‑x) [ZnO] 0.2 [B2O3] 0.3 [SLS], where RmOn are Bi2O3 and PbO with x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.45 have been prepared by using the melt-quenching method at 1200 °C and was investigated on their physical, structural and gamma ray shielding properties. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) data revealed that the particle morphologies is aggregated and irregular in shapes and size. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping data confirmed that all mentioned element all present on the prepared glass. Soda Lime Silica (SLS) that is mainly composed of SiO2 has been utilized in this study as the source of SiO2 for fabrication of glass system. From the result, the density and molar volume of both glass samples increased as Bi2O3 and PbO content increased. The gamma ray shielding properties, such as linear attenuation and mass attenuation coefficient, were increased while half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were decreased as the increased in Bi2O3 and PbO concentrations. It is recognized that the mass attenuation coefficient value of Bi2O3 and PbO glass are slightly different. From this study, it can be concluded that from the non-toxicity and shielding point of view, the bismuth glass is a good shield to gamma radiation as compared to lead glass.

Surfactant mediated hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and luminescent properties of GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} @ GdPO{sub 4} core shell nanorods

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

Khajuria, Heena; Ladol, Jigmet; Khajuria, Sonika

Highlights: • Core shell nanorods were synthesised by surfactant assisted hydrothermal method. • Morphology of core shell nanorods resembles those of core nanorods indicating coating of shell on cores. • More uniform and non-aggregated core shell nanorods were prepared in presence of surfactants. • Surfactant assisted prepared core shell nanorods show intense emission as compared to uncoated core nanorods. - Abstract: Core shell GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} @ GdPO{sub 4} nanorods were synthesized via hydrothermal route in the presence of different surfactants [cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)]. The nanorods were characterized by powder X-ray diffractionmore » (PXRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The X-ray diffraction results indicate good crystallinity and effective doping in core and core shell nanorods. SEM and TEM micrographs show that all of the as prepared gadolinium phosphate products have rod like shape. The compositional analysis of GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} core was done by EDS. The emission intensity of the GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} @ GdPO{sub 4} core shell increased significantly with respect to those of GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} core nanorods. The effect of surfactant on the uniformity, thickness and luminescence of the core shell nanorods was investigated.« less

The effect of Cu/Zn molar ratio on CO{sub 2} hydrogenation over Cu/ZnO/ZrO{sub 2}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst

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

Shaharun, Salina, E-mail: salinashaharun@gmail.com, E-mail: maizats@petronas.com.my; Shaharun, Maizatul S., E-mail: salinashaharun@gmail.com, E-mail: maizats@petronas.com.my; Taha, Mohd F., E-mail: faisalt@petronas.com.my

2014-10-24

Catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) to methanol is an attractive way to recycle and utilize CO{sub 2}. A series of Cu/ZnO/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/ZrO{sub 2} catalysts (CZAZ) containing different molar ratios of Cu/Zn were prepared by the co-precipitation method and investigated in a stirred slurry autoclave system. The catalysts were characterized by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive analysis (FESEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption. Higher surface area, SA{sub BET} values (42.6–59.9 m{sup 2}/g) are recorded at low (1) and high (5) Cu/Zn ratios with the minimum value of 35.71 m{sup 2}/g found formore » a Cu/Zn of 3. The reducibility of the metal oxides formed after calcination of catalyst samples was also affected due to change in metal-support interaction. At a low reaction temperature of 443 K, total gas pressure of 3.0 MPa and 0.1 g/mL of the CZAZ catalyst, the selectivity to methanol decreased as the Cu/Zn molar ratio increased, and the maximum selectivity of 67.73 was achieved at Cu/Zn molar ratio of 1. With a reaction time of 3h, the best performing catalyst was CZAZ75 with Cu/Zn molar ratio of 5 giving methanol yield of 79.30%.« less

Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles and ethyl acetate's metabolites of the potent halophilic (marine) bacterium, Bacillus cereus A30 on multidrug resistant bacteria.

PubMed

Arul, Dhayalan; Balasubramani, Govindasamy; Balasubramanian, Velramar; Natarajan, Thillainathan; Perumal, Pachiappan

2017-10-01

Bacteria are generally responsible for the prevalence of several diseases and pathogenic bacteria are showing increasing resistance to different antibacterials. During the present study an extremophilic bacterium-A30 isolated from the marine waters was characterized and evaluated against four multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens, viz; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sensitivity pattern of the selected pathogens was tested with 31 antibiotics. Among the 47 marine microbial extracts tested on 4-MDR pathogens viz: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, only our strain A30 strain exhibited highest efficacy. This strain was subsequently subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing which confirmed its allocation as Bacillus cereus. Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) synthesis and ethyl acetate extraction were performed using the supernatant of B. cereus. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible, Fourier-transform infra-red (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Zeta potential analyses. The presence of functional groups and 13 bioactive components in the ethyl acetate extract were analyzed using FT-IR and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The synthesized of AgNPs and the ethyl acetate extract showed preponderant activity against P. aeruginosa and MRSA, respectively. The effects of AgNPs were significant when compared to ethyl acetate extract. Therefore, the halophilic bacterium, B. cereus mediated AgNPs could provide antibacterial applications in the biomedical industries.

Preparation method of Ni@Pt/C nanocatalyst affects the performance of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell: Improved power density and increased catalytic oxidation of borohydride.

PubMed

Hosseini, Mir Ghasem; Mahmoodi, Raana

2017-08-15

The Ni@Pt/C electrocatalysts were synthesized using two different methods: with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and without SDS. The metal loading in synthesized nanocatalysts was 20wt% and the molar ratio of Ni: Pt was 1:1. The structural characterizations of Ni@Pt/C electrocatalysts were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The electrocatalytic activity of Ni@Pt/C electrocatalysts toward BH 4 - oxidation in alkaline medium was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that Ni@Pt/C electrocatalyst synthesized without SDS has superior catalytic activity toward borohydride oxidation (22016.92Ag Pt -1 ) in comparison with a catalyst prepared in the presence of SDS (17766.15Ag Pt -1 ) in NaBH 4 0.1M at 25°C. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) used in fuel cell set-up was fabricated with catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) technique. The effect of Ni@Pt/C catalysts prepared with two methods as anode catalyst on the performance of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell was studied. The maximum power density was obtained using Ni@Pt/C catalyst synthesized without SDS at 60°C, 1M NaBH 4 and 2M H 2 O 2 (133.38mWcm -2 ). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morphology variation, composition alteration and microstructure changes in ion-irradiated 1060 aluminum alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Hao; Si, Naichao; Wang, Quan; Zhao, Zhenjiang

2018-02-01

Morphology variation, composition alteration and microstructure changes in 1060 aluminum irradiated with 50 keV helium ions were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with x-ray elemental scanning, 3D measuring laser microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that, helium ions irradiation induced surface damage and Si-rich aggregates in the surfaces of irradiated samples. Increasing the dose of irradiation, more damages and Si-rich aggregates would be produced. Besides, defects such as dislocations, dislocation loops and dislocation walls were the primary defects in the ion implanted layer. The forming of surface damages were related with preferentially sputtering of Al component. While irradiation-enhanced diffusion and irradiation-induced segregation resulted in the aggregation of impurity atoms. And the aggregation ability of impurity atoms were discussed based on the atomic radius, displacement energy, lattice binding energy and surface binding energy.

Mechanical & morphological properties of attapulgite/NR composites: Effect of mixing time variation

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

Nor, Nor Aina Mohd, E-mail: ayena90@yahoo.com; Othman, Nadras, E-mail: srnadras@usm.my; Ismail, Hanafi, E-mail: ihanafi@usm.my

2015-07-22

The development of composite material based on attapulgite clay (ATP) as a filler and natural rubber (NR) matrices were prepared by combination of melt mixing and latex compounding methods. Sonication technique was chosen in this work to disperse the attapulgite suspension. 6 phr of attapulgite loading was fabricated using different time of mixing ranging from 30 minutes until 2 hours and sonication time was kept constant at 15 minutes. Then, co-coagulating HA latex with attapulgite clay suspension through latex compounding method produced the masterbatch. The masterbatch was compounded with natural rubber by melt mixing method. The mechanical and morphological characteristicsmore » were investigated in this work. From mechanical testing, M1 showed the highest value of tensile and tear strength. By comparing with M30 and M2, M1 shows high 300% tensile modulus and lower crosslink density. However, when the time of mixing was prolonged to 2 hours, the results for tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength were decreased. This is due to flocculation of attapulgite particles. Sonication techniques also proved that the tensile strength and elongation at break of these three samples were higher compared to gum NR (NR) and attapulgite compounded with NR using a conventional method (in-situ 6). From field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) results, it revealed that M1 had good dispersion in the NR system. It is proved that the higher tensile strength was due to good dispersion of attapulgite clay in the NR matrix. It was also supported from crosslink density, which is lower than NR and in-situ 6 results. It showed that the penetration of toluene solvent into rubber compound was restricted. The optimum time, M1 give the best results, which can be compared to control the sample.« less

Processing and properties of carbon nanofibers reinforced epoxy powder composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palencia, C.; Mazo, M. A.; Nistal, A.; Rubio, F.; Rubio, J.; Oteo, J. L.

2011-11-01

Commercially available CNFs (diameter 30-300 nm) have been used to develop both bulk and coating epoxy nanocomposites by using a solvent-free epoxy matrix powder. Processing of both types of materials has been carried out by a double-step process consisting in an initial physical premix of all components followed by three consecutive extrusions. The extruded pellets were grinded into powder and sieved. Carbon nanofibers powder coatings were obtained by electrostatic painting of the extruded powder followed by a curing process based in a thermal treatment at 200 °C for 25 min. On the other hand, for obtaining bulk carbon nanofibers epoxy composites, a thermal curing process involving several steps was needed. Gloss and mechanical properties of both nanocomposite coatings and bulk nanocomposites were improved as a result of the processing process. FE-SEM fracture surface microphotographs corroborate these results. It has been assessed the key role played by the dispersion of CNFs in the matrix, and the highly important step that is the processing and curing of the nanocomposites. A processing stage consisted in three consecutive extrusions has reached to nanocomposites free of entanglements neither agglomerates. This process leads to nanocomposite coatings of enhanced properties, as it has been evidenced through gloss and mechanical properties. A dispersion limit of 1% has been determined for the studied system in which a given dispersion has been achieved, as the bending mechanical properties have been increased around 25% compared with the pristine epoxy resin. It has been also demonstrated the importance of the thickness in the nanocomposite, as it involves the curing stage. The complex curing treatment carried out in the case of bulk nanocomposites has reached to reagglomeration of CNFs.

An Investigation of the Effects of Deposit Feeding Invertebrates on the Structural Properties of Clay Minerals.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

Dennis M. Lavoie of NORDA for chemical analysis of clay minerals with the x-ray energy dispersive spectrometer. We thank Fred Bowles, Peter Fleischer...diffractograi of Nuculana acuta fecal pellet 11 residue (illite experiment). TABLES TABLE 1. X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer chemical 8 analysis for...inontmorillonite experiments. Counts for elements after background counts removed. TABLE 2. X-ray energy dispersive spectroneter chemical analysis 12 for

The influence of the directional energy distribution on the nonlinear dispersion relation in a random gravity wave field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, N. E.; Tung, C.-C.

1977-01-01

The influence of the directional distribution of wave energy on the dispersion relation is calculated numerically using various directional wave spectrum models. The results indicate that the dispersion relation varies both as a function of the directional energy distribution and the direction of propagation of the wave component under consideration. Furthermore, both the mean deviation and the random scatter from the linear approximation increase as the energy spreading decreases. Limited observational data are compared with the theoretical results. The agreement is favorable.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Fe-Doped TiO2 Nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marami, Mohammad Bagher; Farahmandjou, Majid; Khoshnevisan, Bahram

2018-03-01

Fe-doped TiO2 powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as the starting material, ethanol as solvent, and ethylene glycol (EG) as stabilizer. These prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses to study their structure, morphology, and optical properties. The particle size of Fe-doped TiO2 was in the range of 18-39 nm and the minimum crystallite size was achieved for 4 mol.% of Fe. The XRD result of the samples that were doped with Fe showed a tetragonal structure. It also revealed the coexistence of the anatase and rutile phases, and showed that their ratio changed with various molar concentrations of Fe dopant. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of the Ti-O vibration band in the samples. PL analysis revealed the PL property in the UV region. Visible irradiation and the intensity of PL spectra were both reduced by doping TiO2 with 3 mol.% of Fe as compared to the pure variety. The spectra from the DRS showed a red shift and a reduction of 2.6 eV in the band gap energy for 4 mol.% Fe-doped TiO2. The optimum level of impurity (4 mol.%) for Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which improve the optical and electrical properties by using new precursors and can be used in solar cells and electronic devices, was determined. The novelty of this work consists of: the Fe/TiO2 NPs are synthesized by new precursors from sol-gel synthesis of iron and TTIP using acetic acid-catalyzed solvolysis (original idea) and the optical properties optimized with a mixture of phases (anatase/rutile) of Fe-doped TiO2 by this facile method.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Fe-Doped TiO2 Nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marami, Mohammad Bagher; Farahmandjou, Majid; Khoshnevisan, Bahram

2018-07-01

Fe-doped TiO2 powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as the starting material, ethanol as solvent, and ethylene glycol (EG) as stabilizer. These prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses to study their structure, morphology, and optical properties. The particle size of Fe-doped TiO2 was in the range of 18-39 nm and the minimum crystallite size was achieved for 4 mol.% of Fe. The XRD result of the samples that were doped with Fe showed a tetragonal structure. It also revealed the coexistence of the anatase and rutile phases, and showed that their ratio changed with various molar concentrations of Fe dopant. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of the Ti-O vibration band in the samples. PL analysis revealed the PL property in the UV region. Visible irradiation and the intensity of PL spectra were both reduced by doping TiO2 with 3 mol.% of Fe as compared to the pure variety. The spectra from the DRS showed a red shift and a reduction of 2.6 eV in the band gap energy for 4 mol.% Fe-doped TiO2. The optimum level of impurity (4 mol.%) for Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which improve the optical and electrical properties by using new precursors and can be used in solar cells and electronic devices, was determined. The novelty of this work consists of: the Fe/TiO2 NPs are synthesized by new precursors from sol-gel synthesis of iron and TTIP using acetic acid-catalyzed solvolysis (original idea) and the optical properties optimized with a mixture of phases (anatase /rutile) of Fe-doped TiO2 by this facile method.

Evaluation of the ability of calcite, bentonite and barite to enhance oil dispersion under arctic conditions.

PubMed

Jézéquel, Ronan; Receveur, Justine; Nedwed, Tim; Le Floch, Stéphane

2018-02-01

A test program was conducted at laboratory and pilot scale to assess the ability of clays used in drilling mud (calcite, bentonite and barite) to create oil-mineral aggregates and disperse crude oil under arctic conditions. Laboratory tests were performed in order to determine the most efficient conditions (type of clay, MOR (Mineral/Oil Ratio), mixing energy) for OMA (Oil Mineral Aggregate) formation. The dispersion rates of four crude oils were assessed at two salinities. Dispersion was characterized in terms of oil concentration in the water column and median OMA size. Calcite appeared to be the best candidate at a MOR of 2:5. High mixing energy was required to initiate OMA formation and low energy was then necessary to prevent the OMAs from resurfacing. Oil dispersion using Corexit 9500 was compared with oil dispersion using mineral fines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dispersion and thermal properties of lithium aluminum silicate glasses doped with Cr3+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Diasty, Fouad; Abdel-Baki, Manal; Abdel Wahab, Fathy A.; Darwish, Hussein

2006-10-01

A series of new lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glass systems doped with chromium ion is prepared. The reflectance and transmittance of the glass slabs are recorded. By means of an iteration procedure, the glass refractive index n and the extinction coefficient k and their dispersions are obtained. Across a wide spectral range of 0.2-1.6 μm, the dispersion curves are used to determine the atomic and quantum constants of the prepared glasses. These findings provide the average oscillator wavelength, the average oscillator strength, oscillator energy, dispersion energy, lattice energy, and material dispersion of the glass materials to be calculated. For optical waveguide applications, the wavelength for zero material dispersion is obtained. Dilatometric measurements are performed and the thermal expansion coefficient is calculated to throw some light on the thermo-optical properties of the present glasses correlating them with their structure and the presence of nonbridging oxygen ions.

Nonperturbative theory for the dispersion self-energy of atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiyam, Priyadarshini; Persson, C.; Brevik, I.; Sernelius, Bo E.; Boström, Mathias

2014-11-01

We go beyond the approximate series expansions used in the dispersion theory of finite-size atoms. We demonstrate that a correct, and nonperturbative, theory dramatically alters the dispersion self-energies of atoms. The nonperturbed theory gives as much as 100 % corrections compared to the traditional series-expanded theory for the smaller noble gas atoms.

Study of Wrinkle Resistant, Breathable, Anti-Uv Nanocoated Woven Polyester Fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Memon, Hafeezullah; Yasin, Sohail; Khoso, Nazakat Ali; Memon, Samiulah

2016-02-01

The multifunctional textiles are interesting areas to be researched on. In this paper, the effect of the fiber nanocoating on the wrinkle recovery, air permeability and anti-Ultraviolet (UV) property of different woven fabrics using sol-gel method has been studied. The sol-gel method has various advantages over other methods. Along with these properties, no change in visual appearance has also been discussed in this paper. The dispersion of nanoparticles of titanium was obtained into silica sol. The characterization of nanocoating was done using Field emission scanning electron micrograph (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The fabric wrinkle recovery properties, air permeability and anti-UV performance were analyzed using three different immersion timings into the nanosol. The results revealed that both wrinkle recovery properties and anti-UV performance have increased with respect to immersing time of the nanocoating although a slight decrease in air permeability and whiteness index of the fabric was also observed.

Facile synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle/bis(o-phenolpropyl)silicone composites using a gold catalyst.

PubMed

Roh, Sung-Hee; Cheong, Hyeonsook; Kim, Do-Heyoung; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Lee, Byeong-Gweon; Yang, Kap-Seung; Kim, Bo-Hye; Sohn, Honglae

2013-01-01

The generation of silver nanoparticle/bis(o-phenolpropyl)silicone composites have been facilitated by the addition of sodium tetrachloroaurate or gold(Ill) chloride (< 1 wt% of NaAuCl4 or AuCl3) to the reaction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with bis(o-phenolpropyl)silicone [BPPS, (o-phenolpropyl)2(SiMe2O)n, n = 2,3,8,236]. TEM and FE-SEM data showed that the silver nanoparticles having the size of < 20 nm are well dispersed throughout the BPPS silicone matrix in the composites. XRD patterns are consistent with those for polycrystalline silver. The size of silver nanoparticles augmented with increasing the relative molar concentration of AgNO3 added with respect to BPPS. The addition of gold complexes (1-3 wt%) did not affect the size distribution of silver nanoparticles appreciably. In the absence of BPPS, the macroscopic precipitation of silver by agglomeration, indicating that BPPS is necessary to stabilize the silver nanoparticles surrounded by coordination.

Novel one-step route for synthesizing CdS/polystyrene nanocomposite hollow spheres.

PubMed

Wu, Dazhen; Ge, Xuewu; Zhang, Zhicheng; Wang, Mozhen; Zhang, Songlin

2004-06-22

CdS/polystyrene nanocomposite hollow spheres with diameters between 240 and 500 nm were synthesized under ambient conditions by a novel microemulsion method in which the polymerization of styrene and the formation of CdS nanoparticles were initiated by gamma-irradiation. The product was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which show the walls of the hollow spheres are porous and composed of polystyrene containing homogeneously dispersed CdS nanoparticles. The quantum-confined effect of the CdS/polystyrene nanocomposite hollow spheres is confirmed by the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescent (PL) spectra. We propose that the walls of these nanocomposite hollow spheres originate from the simultaneous synthesis of polystyrene and CdS nanoparticles at the interface of microemulsion droplets. This novel method is expected to produce various inorganic/polymer nanocomposite hollow spheres with potential applications in the fields of materials science and biotechnology.

Fabrication of Cu-Ag core-shell bimetallic superfine powders by eco-friendly reagents and structures characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jun; Zhang, Dongming; Zhao, Jie

2011-09-01

Superfine bimetallic Cu-Ag core-shell powders were synthesized by reduction of copper sulfate pentahydrate and silver nitrate with eco-friendly ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and cyclodextrins as a protective agent in an aqueous system. The influence of Ag/Cu ratio on coatings was investigated. Ag was homogeneously distributed on the surface of Cu particles at a mole ratio of Ag/Cu=1. FE-SEM showed an uniformity of Ag coatings on Cu particles. Antioxidation of Cu particles was improved by increasing Ag/Cu ratio. TEM-EDX and UV-vis spectra also revealed that Cu cores were covered by Ag nanoshells on the whole. The surface composition analysis by XPS indicated that only small parts of Cu atoms in the surface were oxidized. It was noted that the hindrance of cyclodextrins chemisorbed on particles plays an important role in forming high quality and good dispersity Cu-Ag (Cu@Ag) core-shell powders.

Removal of heavy metals using bentonite supported nano-zero valent iron particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarime, Nur Aishah; Yaacob, Wan Zuhari Wan; Jamil, Habibah

2018-04-01

This study reports the composite nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) which was successfully synthesized using low cost natural clay (bentonite). Bentonite composite nZVI (B-nZVI) was introduced to reduce the agglomeration of nZVI particles, thus will used for heavy metals treatment. The synthesized material was analyzed using physical, mineralogy and morphology analysis such as Brunnaer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The batch adsorption test of Bentonite and B-nZVI with heavy metals solutions (Pb, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni and Zn) was also conducted to determine their effectiveness in removing heavy metals. Through Batch test, B-nZVI shows the highest adsorption capacity (qe= 50.25 mg/g) compared to bentonite (qe= 27.75 mg/g). This occurred because B-nZVI can reduce aggregation of nZVI, dispersed well in bentonite layers thus it can provide more sites for adsorbing heavy metals.

CH3NH3PbI3 based solar cell: Modified by antisolvent treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandi, Pronoy; Giri, Chandan; Bansode, Umesh; Topwal, D.

2017-05-01

Solar cells based on new class of organic inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 were prepared by Ethyl acetate (EA); antisolvent treatment for the first time. This treatment results in new morphology for CH3NH3PbI3 thin film. FESEM image shows microrod type structures of CH3NH3PbI3 after EA antisolvent treatment. Energy band diagram was constructed using photoluminescence and photoemission studies. A better power conversion efficiency was achieved in EA treated film compare to without EA treated film.

A low sludge generated anode by hybrid solar electrocoagulation for the removal of lead

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussin, F.; Aroua, M. K.

2017-06-01

In this work, perforated zinc is proposed as a new anode for lead removal by hybrid solar electrocoagulation. The characteristics of the sludge were investigated to understand the behaviour of lead removal during electrocoagulation. Sludge products formed were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). In addition, the pH variation during electrocoagulation and effects on the sludge products were examined. At optimum conditions showed that the perforated zinc electrode produced better performance with high removal efficiency, low sludge volume index and less energy consumption.

Hydrothermal synthesis of CdS nanorods anchored on α-Fe2O3 nanotube arrays with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties.

PubMed

Lei, Rui; Ni, Hongwei; Chen, Rongsheng; Gu, Huazhi; Zhang, Bowei; Zhan, Weiting

2018-03-15

As an n-type semiconductor with an excellent physicochemical properties, iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) has been extensively used in the fields of environmental pollution control and solar energy conversion. However, the high recombination rate of the photoinduced electron-hole pairs and poor charge mobility for Fe 2 O 3 nanomaterial generally result in low photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, an uniform CdS nanorods grown directly on one-dimensional α-Fe 2 O 3 nanotube arrays (NTAs) are successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and the constructed heterojunction can be a kind of efficient and recyclable photocatalysts. Successful deposition of CdS nanorods onto the α-Fe 2 O 3 NTAs is verified by field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicates that α-Fe 2 O 3 /CdS NTAs possess the intense visible light absorption and also display a red-shift of the band-edge compared with the pure α-Fe 2 O 3 NTAs. The as-obtained α-Fe 2 O 3 /CdS NTAs display excellent photocatalytic activity for decomposition of methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and phenol under visible light illumination. Among all the tested photocatalysts, the film synthesized for 3h with good stability exhibits the best photocatalytic properties and produces the highest photocurrent of 1.43 mA/cm 2 at 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode, owing to its well formed heterojunction structure, effective electron-hole pair separation and direct electron transfer pathway along the CdS nanorods and α-Fe 2 O 3 NTAs. Besides, the photogenerated holes (h + ) and superoxide radicals (O 2 - ) play dominant roles in the photocatalytic process. On the basis of the photocatalytic results and energy band diagram, the photocatalytic process mechanism is proposed. Considering the easy preparation and excellent performance, α-Fe 2 O 3 /CdS NTAs could be a promising and competitive visible-light-driven photocatalyst in the field of environment remediation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical, structural and combustion characteristics of carbonaceous products obtained by hydrothermal carbonization of palm empty fruit bunches.

PubMed

Parshetti, Ganesh K; Kent Hoekman, S; Balasubramanian, Rajasekhar

2013-05-01

A carbon-rich solid product, denoted as hydrochar, was synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB), at different pre-treatment temperatures of 150, 250 and 350 °C. The conversion of the raw biomass to its hydrochar occurred via dehydration and decarboxylation processes. The hydrochar produced at 350 °C had the maximum energy-density (>27 MJ kg(-1)) with 68.52% of raw EFB energy retained in the char. To gain a detailed insight into the chemical and structural properties, carbonaceous hydrochar materials were characterized by FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. This work also investigated the influence of hydrothermally treated hydrochars on the co-combustion characteristics of low rank Indonesian coal. Conventional thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) parameters, kinetics and activation energy of different hydrochar and coal blends were estimated. Our results show that solid hydrochars improve the combustion of low rank coals for energy generation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Localized overlap algorithm for unexpanded dispersion energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rob, Fazle; Misquitta, Alston J.; Podeszwa, Rafał; Szalewicz, Krzysztof

2014-03-01

First-principles-based, linearly scaling algorithm has been developed for calculations of dispersion energies from frequency-dependent density susceptibility (FDDS) functions with account of charge-overlap effects. The transition densities in FDDSs are fitted by a set of auxiliary atom-centered functions. The terms in the dispersion energy expression involving products of such functions are computed using either the unexpanded (exact) formula or from inexpensive asymptotic expansions, depending on the location of these functions relative to the dimer configuration. This approach leads to significant savings of computational resources. In particular, for a dimer consisting of two elongated monomers with 81 atoms each in a head-to-head configuration, the most favorable case for our algorithm, a 43-fold speedup has been achieved while the approximate dispersion energy differs by less than 1% from that computed using the standard unexpanded approach. In contrast, the dispersion energy computed from the distributed asymptotic expansion differs by dozens of percent in the van der Waals minimum region. A further increase of the size of each monomer would result in only small increased costs since all the additional terms would be computed from the asymptotic expansion.

Energy allocation during the maturation of adults in a long-lived insect: implications for dispersal and reproduction.

PubMed

David, G; Giffard, B; van Halder, I; Piou, D; Jactel, H

2015-10-01

Energy allocation strategies have been widely documented in insects and were formalized in the context of the reproduction process by the terms 'capital breeder' and 'income breeder'. We propose here the extension of this framework to dispersal ability, with the concepts of 'capital disperser' and 'income disperser', and explore the trade-off in resource allocation between dispersal and reproduction. We hypothesized that flight capacity was sex-dependent, due to a trade-off in energy allocation between dispersal and egg production in females. We used Monochamus galloprovincialis as model organism, a long-lived beetle which is the European vector of the pine wood nematode. We estimated the flight capacity with a flight mill and used the number of mature eggs as a proxy for the investment in reproduction. We used the ratio between dry weights of the thorax and the abdomen to investigate the trade-off. The probability of flying increased with the adult weight at emergence, but was not dependent on insect age or sex. Flight distance increased with age in individuals but did not differ between sexes. It was also positively associated with energy allocation to thorax reserves, which increased with age. In females, the abdomen weight and the number of eggs also increase with age with no negative effect on flight capacity, indicating a lack of trade-off. This long-lived beetle has a complex strategy of energy allocation, being a 'capital disperser' in terms of flight ability, an 'income disperser' in terms of flight performance and an 'income breeder' in terms of egg production.

Acoustic Rectification in Dispersive Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, John H.

2008-01-01

It is shown that the shapes of acoustic radiation-induced static strain and displacement pulses (rectified acoustic pulses) are defined locally by the energy density of the generating waveform. Dispersive properties are introduced analytically by assuming that the rectified pulses are functionally dependent on a phase factor that includes both dispersive and nonlinear terms. The dispersion causes an evolutionary change in the shape of the energy density profile that leads to the generation of solitons experimentally observed in fused silica.

Effect of dispersion on convective mixing in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Baole; Hesse, Marc; Geological porous media Group Team

2017-11-01

We investigate the effect of dispersion on convection in porous media by performing direct numerical simulations (DNS) in a 2D Rayleigh-Darcy domain. Scaling analysis of the governing equations shows that the dynamics of this system is not only controlled by the classical Rayleigh-Darcy number based on molecular diffusion, Ram , and the domain aspect ratio, but also controlled by two other dimensionless parameters: the dispersive Rayleigh number Rad = H /αt and the dispersivity ratio r =αl /αt , where H is the domain height, αt and αl are the transverse and longitudinal dispersivities, respectively. For Ram << Rad , the effect of dispersion on convection is negligible; for Ram >> Rad , however, the flow pattern is determined by Rad while the mass transport flux F Ram at high- Ram regime. Our DNS results also show that the increase of the mechanical dispersion (i.e. decreasing Rad) will broaden the plume spacing and coarsen the convective pattern. Moreover, for r >> 1 the anisotropy of dispersion destroys the slender columnar structure of the primary plumes at large Ram and therefore reduces the mass transport rate. This work was supported by the Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy Security, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0001114.

Electromagnetic energy momentum in dispersive media

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

Philbin, T. G.

2011-01-15

The standard derivations of electromagnetic energy and momentum in media take Maxwell's equations as the starting point. It is well known that for dispersive media this approach does not directly yield exact expressions for the energy and momentum densities. Although Maxwell's equations fully describe electromagnetic fields, the general approach to conserved quantities in field theory is not based on the field equations, but rather on the action. Here an action principle for macroscopic electromagnetism in dispersive, lossless media is used to derive the exact conserved energy-momentum tensor. The time-averaged energy density reduces to Brillouin's simple formula when the fields aremore » monochromatic. The time-averaged momentum density for monochromatic fields corresponds to the familiar Minkowski expression DxB, but for general fields in dispersive media the momentum density does not have the Minkowski value. The results are unaffected by the debate over momentum balance in light-matter interactions.« less

A pitfall of muting and removing bad traces in surface-wave analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yue; Xia, Jianghai; Mi, Binbin; Cheng, Feng; Shen, Chao

2018-06-01

Multi-channel analysis of surface/Love wave (MASW/MALW) has been widely used to construct the shallow shear (S)-wave velocity profile. The key step in surface-wave analysis is to generate accurate dispersion energy and pick the dispersive curves for inversion along the peaks of dispersion energy at different frequencies. In near-surface surface-wave acquisition, bad traces are very common and inevitable due to the imperfections in the recording instruments or others. The existence of bad traces will cause some artifacts in the dispersion energy image. To avoid the interference of bad traces on the surface-wave analysis, the bad traces should be alternatively muted (zeroed) or removed (deleted) from the raw surface-wave data before dispersion measurement. Most geophysicists and civil engineers, however, are not aware of the differences and implications between muting and removing of bad traces in surface-wave analysis. A synthetic test and a real-world example demonstrate the potential pitfalls of applying muting and removing on bad traces when using different dispersion-imaging methods. We implement muting and removing on bad traces respectively before dispersion measurement, and compare the influence of the two operations on three dispersion-imaging methods, high-resolution linear Radon transform (HRLRT), f-k transformation, and phase shift method. Results indicate that when using the HRLRT to generate the dispersive energy, muting bad traces will cause an even more complicated and discontinuous dispersive energy. When f-k transformation is utilized to conduct dispersive analysis, bad traces should be muted instead of removed to generate an accurate dispersion image to avoid the uneven sampling problem in the Fourier transform. As for the phase shift method, the difference between the two operations is slight, but we suggest that removal should be chosen because the integral for the phase-shift operator of the zeroed traces would bring in the sloped aliasing. This study provides a pre-process guidance for the real-world surface-wave data processing when the recorded shot gather contains inevitable bad traces.

Energy Dispersive Spectrometry and Quantitative Analysis Short Course. Introduction to X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectrometry and Quantitative Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, Paul; Curreri, Peter A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This course will cover practical applications of the energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to x-ray microanalysis. Topics covered will include detector technology, advances in pulse processing, resolution and performance monitoring, detector modeling, peak deconvolution and fitting, qualitative and quantitative analysis, compositional mapping, and standards. An emphasis will be placed on use of the EDS for quantitative analysis, with discussion of typical problems encountered in the analysis of a wide range of materials and sample geometries.

Neutron scattering study of yttrium iron garnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamoto, Shin-ichi; Ito, Takashi U.; Onishi, Hiroaki; Yamauchi, Hiroki; Inamura, Yasuhiro; Matsuura, Masato; Akatsu, Mitsuhiro; Kodama, Katsuaki; Nakao, Akiko; Moyoshi, Taketo; Munakata, Koji; Ohhara, Takashi; Nakamura, Mitsutaka; Ohira-Kawamura, Seiko; Nemoto, Yuichi; Shibata, Kaoru

2018-02-01

The nuclear and magnetic structure and full magnon dispersions of yttrium iron garnet Y3Fe5O12 have been studied using neutron scattering. The refined nuclear structure is distorted to a trigonal space group of R 3 ¯ . The highest-energy dispersion extends up to 86 meV. The observed dispersions are reproduced by a simple model with three nearest-neighbor-exchange integrals between 16 a (octahedral) and 24 d (tetrahedral) sites, Ja a, Ja d, and Jd d, which are estimated to be 0.00 ±0.05 , -2.90 ±0.07 , and -0.35 ±0.08 meV, respectively. The lowest-energy dispersion below 14 meV exhibits a quadratic dispersion as expected from ferromagnetic magnons. The imaginary part of q -integrated dynamical spin susceptibility χ″(E ) exhibits a square-root energy dependence at low energies. The magnon density of state is estimated from χ″(E ) obtained on an absolute scale. The value is consistent with the single chirality mode for the magnon branch expected theoretically.

Effect of substrate nature on the electrochemical deposition of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gualdrón-Reyes, A. F.; Domínguez-Vélez, V.; Morales-Morales, J. A.; Cabanzo, R.; Meléndez, A. M.

2017-01-01

Calcium phosphates were obtained by reducing nitrate ions to produce hydroxide ions on TiO2/stainless steel and TiO2/titanium electrodes. TiO2 coatings on metallic substrates were prepared by sol-gel dip-coating method. The morphology of deposits was observed by FESEM. Chemical nature of calcium phosphate deposits was identified by Raman micro-spectroscopy and FESEM/EDS microanalysis. Electrochemical behavior of nitrate and nitrite reduction on stainless steel and titanium electrodes was studied by linear sweep voltammetry. In addition, voltammetric study of the calcium phosphate electrodeposition on both electrodes was performed. From these measurements was selected the potential to form a calcium phosphate. A catalytic current associated to nitrate reduction reaction was obtained for stainless steel electrode, leading to significant deposition of calcium phosphate. Ca/P ratio for both substrates was less than 1.67. The formation of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy.

Dispersion correction derived from first principles for density functional theory and Hartree-Fock theory.

PubMed

Guidez, Emilie B; Gordon, Mark S

2015-03-12

The modeling of dispersion interactions in density functional theory (DFT) is commonly performed using an energy correction that involves empirically fitted parameters for all atom pairs of the system investigated. In this study, the first-principles-derived dispersion energy from the effective fragment potential (EFP) method is implemented for the density functional theory (DFT-D(EFP)) and Hartree-Fock (HF-D(EFP)) energies. Overall, DFT-D(EFP) performs similarly to the semiempirical DFT-D corrections for the test cases investigated in this work. HF-D(EFP) tends to underestimate binding energies and overestimate intermolecular equilibrium distances, relative to coupled cluster theory, most likely due to incomplete accounting for electron correlation. Overall, this first-principles dispersion correction yields results that are in good agreement with coupled-cluster calculations at a low computational cost.

Influence of gravity level and interfacial energies on dispersion-forming tendencies in hypermonotectic Cu-Pb-Al alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. B.; Curreri, P. A.; Sandlin, A. C.

1988-01-01

Results on the nondirectional solidification of several hypermonotectic Cu-Pb-Al alloys were obtained aboard NASA's KC-135 zero-gravity aircraft in order to determine the influence of interfacial energies and gravity levels on dispersion-forming tendencies. The Al content was systematially varied in the alloys. The dispersion-forming ability is correlated with gravity level during solidification, the interfacial energy between the immiscible phases, and the tendency for the minority immiscible phase to wet the walls of the crucible.

In vacuo dispersion features for gamma-ray-burst neutrinos and photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amelino-Camelia, Giovanni; D'Amico, Giacomo; Rosati, Giacomo; Loret, Niccoló

2017-07-01

Over the past 15 years there has been considerable interest in the possibility of quantum-gravity-induced in vacuo dispersion, the possibility that spacetime itself might behave essentially like a dispersive medium for particle propagation. Two recent studies have exposed what might be in vacuo dispersion features for gamma-ray-burst (GRB) neutrinos of energy in the range of 100 TeV and for GRB photons with energy in the range of 10 GeV. We here show that these two features are roughly compatible with a description such that the same effects apply over four orders of magnitude in energy. We also show that it should not happen so frequently that such pronounced features arise accidentally, as a result of (still unknown) aspects of the mechanisms producing photons at GRBs or as a result of background neutrinos accidentally fitting the profile of a GRB neutrino affected by in vacuo dispersion.

Origin of strong dispersion in Hubbard insulators

DOE PAGES

Wang, Y.; Wohlfeld, K.; Moritz, B.; ...

2015-08-10

Using cluster perturbation theory, we explain the origin of the strongly dispersive feature found at high binding energy in the spectral function of the Hubbard model. By comparing the Hubbard and $t₋J₋3s$ model spectra, we show that this dispersion does not originate from either coupling to spin fluctuations ($∝ J$ ) or the free hopping ($∝ t$ ). Instead, it should be attributed to a long-range, correlated hopping $∝ t²/U$ which allows an effectively free motion of the hole within the same antiferromagnetic sublattice. This origin explains both the formation of the high-energy anomaly in the single-particle spectrum and themore » sensitivity of the high-binding-energy dispersion to the next-nearest-neighbor hopping $t'$ .« less

Particle and surfactant interactions effected polar and dispersive components of interfacial energy in nanocolloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harikrishnan, A. R.; Das, Sarit K.; Agnihotri, Prabhat K.; Dhar, Purbarun

2017-08-01

We segregate and report experimentally for the first time the polar and dispersive interfacial energy components of complex nanocolloidal dispersions. In the present study, we introduce a novel inverse protocol for the classical Owens Wendt method to determine the constitutive polar and dispersive elements of surface tension in such multicomponent fluidic systems. The effect of nanoparticles alone and aqueous surfactants alone are studied independently to understand the role of the concentration of the dispersed phase in modulating the constitutive elements of surface energy in fluids. Surfactants are capable of altering the polar component, and the combined particle and surfactant nanodispersions are shown to be effective in modulating the polar and dispersive components of surface tension depending on the relative particle and surfactant concentrations as well as the morphological and electrostatic nature of the dispersed phases. We observe that the combined surfactant and particle colloid exhibits a similar behavior to that of the particle only case; however, the amount of modulation of the polar and dispersive constituents is found to be different from the particle alone case which brings to the forefront the mechanisms through which surfactants modulate interfacial energies in complex fluids. Accordingly, we are able to show that the observations can be merged into a form of quasi-universal trend in the trends of polar and dispersive components in spite of the non-universal character in the wetting behavior of the fluids. We analyze the different factors affecting the polar and dispersive interactions in such complex colloids, and the physics behind such complex interactions has been explained by appealing to the classical dispersion theories by London, Debye, and Keesom as well as by Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory. The findings shed light on the nature of wetting behavior of such complex fluids and help in predicting the wettability and the degree of interfacial interaction with a substrate in such multicomponent nanocolloidal systems.

A low-dispersion, exactly energy-charge-conserving semi-implicit relativistic particle-in-cell algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Guangye; Luis, Chacon; Bird, Robert; Stark, David; Yin, Lin; Albright, Brian

2017-10-01

Leap-frog based explicit algorithms, either ``energy-conserving'' or ``momentum-conserving'', do not conserve energy discretely. Time-centered fully implicit algorithms can conserve discrete energy exactly, but introduce large dispersion errors in the light-wave modes, regardless of timestep sizes. This can lead to intolerable simulation errors where highly accurate light propagation is needed (e.g. laser-plasma interactions, LPI). In this study, we selectively combine the leap-frog and Crank-Nicolson methods to produce a low-dispersion, exactly energy-and-charge-conserving PIC algorithm. Specifically, we employ the leap-frog method for Maxwell equations, and the Crank-Nicolson method for particle equations. Such an algorithm admits exact global energy conservation, exact local charge conservation, and preserves the dispersion properties of the leap-frog method for the light wave. The algorithm has been implemented in a code named iVPIC, based on the VPIC code developed at LANL. We will present numerical results that demonstrate the properties of the scheme with sample test problems (e.g. Weibel instability run for 107 timesteps, and LPI applications.

Spectrum splitting using multi-layer dielectric meta-surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Yuhan; Liu, He; Wu, Wei

2014-06-01

We designed a high-efficiency dispersive mirror based on multi-layer dielectric meta-surfaces. By replacing the secondary mirror of a dome solar concentrator with this dispersive mirror, the solar concentrator can be converted into a spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system with higher energy harvesting efficiency and potentially lower cost. The meta-surfaces are consisted of high-index contrast gratings (HCG). The structures and parameters of the dispersive mirror (i.e. stacked HCG) are optimized based on finite-difference time-domain and rigorous coupled-wave analysis method. Our numerical study shows that the dispersive mirror can direct light with different wavelengths into different angles in the entire solar spectrum, maintaining very low energy loss. Our approach will not only improve the energy harvesting efficiency, but also lower the cost by using single junction cells instead of multi-layer tandem solar cells. Moreover, this approach has the minimal disruption to the existing solar concentrator infrastructures.

Gold nanoparticles-immobilized, hierarchically ordered, porous TiO2 nanotubes for biosensing of glutathione

PubMed Central

Mers, SV Sheen; Kumar, Elumalai Thambuswamy Deva; Ganesh, V

2015-01-01

Glutathione (GSH) is vital for several functions of our human body such as neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds, maintaining the active forms of vitamin C and E, regulation of nitric oxide cycle, iron metabolism, etc. It is also an endogenous antioxidant in most of the biological reactions. Given the importance of GSH, a simple strategy is proposed in this work to develop a biosensor for quantitative detection of GSH. This particular biosensor comprises of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs)-immobilized, hierarchically ordered titanium dioxide (TiO2) porous nanotubes. Hexagonally arranged, honeycomb-like nanoporous tubular TiO2 electrodes are prepared by using a simple electrochemical anodization process by applying a constant potential of 30 V for 24 hours using ethylene glycol consisting of ammonium fluoride as an electrolytic medium. Structural morphology and crystalline nature of such TiO2 nanotubes are analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Interestingly, nanocomposites of TiO2 with Au NPs is prepared in an effort to alter the intrinsic properties of TiO2, especially tuning of its band gap. Au NPs are prepared by a well-known Brust and Schiffrin method and are immobilized onto TiO2 electrodes which act as a perfect electrochemical sensing platform for GSH detection. Structural characterization and analysis of these modified electrodes are performed using FESEM, XRD, and UV-visible spectroscopic studies. GSH binding events on Au NPs-immobilized porous TiO2 electrodes are monitored by electrochemical techniques, namely, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Several parameters such as sensitivity, selectivity, stability, limit of detection, etc are investigated. In addition, Au NPs dispersed in aqueous medium are also explored for naked-eye detection of GSH using UV-visible spectroscopy in order to compare the performance of the proposed sensor. Our studies clearly indicate that these materials could potentially be used for GSH sensing applications. PMID:26491318

Allochthonous Addition of Meteoritic Organics to the Lunar Regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas-Keprta, K. L.; Clemett, S.; Ross, D. K.; Le, L.; Rahman, Z.; McKay, D. S.; Gibson, E. K.; Gonzalez, C.

2013-01-01

Preparation of lunar samples 74220,861 was discussed in detail in [3, 4]. Our analysis sequence was as follows: optical microscopy, UV fluorescence imaging, -Raman, FESEM-EDX imaging and mapping, FETEMEDX imaging and mapping of a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) extracted section, and NanoSIMs analysis. We observed fluffytextured C-rich regions of interest (ROI) on three different volcanic glass beads. Each ROI was several m2 in size and fluoresced when exposed to UV. Using FESEM/EDX, the largest ROI measured 36 m and was located on an edge of a plateau located on the uppermost surface of the bead. The ROI was covered on one edge by a siliceous filament emanating from the plateau surface indicating it was attached to the bead while on the Moon. EDX mapping of the ROI shows it is composed primarily of heterogeneously distributed C. Embedded with the carbonaceous phase are localized concentrations of Si, Fe, Al and Ti indicating the presence of glass and/or minerals grains. -Raman showed strong D- and G-bands and their associated second order bands; intensity and location of these bands indicates the carbonaceous matter is structurally disorganized. A TEM thin section was extracted from the surface of a glass bead using FIB microscopy. High resolution TEM imaging and selected area electron diffraction demonstrate the carbonaceous layer to be amorphous; it lacked any long or short range order characteristic of micro- or nanocrystalline graphite. Additionally TEM imaging also revealed the presence of submicron mineral grains, typically < 50 nm in size, dispersed within the carbonaceous layer. NanoSIMs data will be presented and discussed at the meeting. Given the noted similarities between the carbonaceous matter present on 74220 glass beads and meteoritic kerogen, we suggest the allochthonous addition of meteoritic organics as the most probable source for the C-rich ROIs.

The role of poly(methacrylic acid) conformation on dispersion behavior of nano TiO2 powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Bimal P.; Nayak, Sasmita; Samal, Samata; Bhattacharjee, Sarama; Besra, Laxmidhar

2012-02-01

To exploit the advantages of nanoparticles for various applications, controlling the dispersion and agglomeration is of paramount importance. Agglomeration and dispersion behavior of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was investigated using electrokinetic and surface chemical properties. Nanoparticles are generally stabilized by the adsorption of a dispersant (polyelectrolyte) layer around the particle surface and in this connection ammonium salt of polymethacrylic acid (Darvan C) was used as dispersant to stabilize the suspension. The dosages of polyelectrolyte were optimized to get best dispersion stability by techniques namely particle charge detector (13.75 mg/g) and adsorption (14.57 mg/g). The surface charge of TiO2 particles changed significantly in presence of dispersant Darvan C and isoelectric point (iep) shifted significantly towards lower pH from 5.99 to 3.37. The shift in iep has been quantified in terms of free energy of interaction between the surface sites of TiO2 and the adsorbing dispersant Darvan C. Free energies of adsorption were calculated by electrokinetic data (-9.8 RT unit) and adsorption isotherms (-10.56 RT unit), which corroborated well. The adsorption isotherms are of typical Langmuir type and employed for calculation of free energy. The results indicated that adsorption occurs mainly through electrostatic interactions between the dispersant molecule and the TiO2 surface apart from hydrophobic interactions.

Synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO thin films by electron beam evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondkar, V.; Rukade, D.; Bhattacharyya, V.

2018-05-01

Nanocrystalline ZnO thin films have potential for applications in variety of optoelectronic devices. In the present study, nanocrystalline thin films of ZnO are grown on fused silica substrate using electron beam (e-beam) evaporation technique. Phase identification is carried out using Glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic analysis is carried out to calculate energy band gap of the ZnO film. Surface morphology of the film is investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Highly quality nanocrystalline thin films of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO are synthesized using e-beam evaporation technique.

Organoclay hybrid materials as precursors of porous ZnO/silica-clay heterostructures for photocatalytic applications.

PubMed

Akkari, Marwa; Aranda, Pilar; Ben Haj Amara, Abdessalem; Ruiz-Hitzky, Eduardo

2016-01-01

In this study, ZnO/SiO 2 -clay heterostructures were successfully synthesized by a facile two-step process applied to two types of clays: montmorillonite layered silicate and sepiolite microfibrous clay mineral. In the first step, intermediate silica-organoclay hybrid heterostructures were prepared following a colloidal route based on the controlled hydrolysis of tetramethoxysilane in the presence of the starting organoclay. Later on, pre-formed ZnO nanoparticles (NP) dispersed in 2-propanol were incorporated under ultrasound irradiation to the silica-organoclay hybrid heterostructures dispersed in 2-propanol, and finally, the resulting solids were calcinated to eliminate the organic matter and to produce ZnO nanoparticles (NP) homogeneously assembled to the clay-SiO 2 framework. In the case of montmorillonite the resulting materials were identified as delaminated clays of ZnO/SiO 2 -clay composition, whereas for sepiolite, the resulting heterostructure is constituted by the assembling of ZnO NP to the sepiolite-silica substrate only affecting the external surface of the clay. The structural and morphological features of the prepared heterostructures were characterized by diverse physico-chemical techniques (such as XRD, FTIR, TEM, FE-SEM). The efficiency of these new porous ZnO/SiO 2 -clay heterostructures as potential photocatalysts in the degradation of organic dyes and the removal of pharmaceutical drugs in water solution was tested using methylene blue and ibuprofen compounds, respectively, as model of pollutants.

Enhanced biological properties of biomimetic apatite fabricated polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibrous bio-composite for tendon and ligament regeneration.

PubMed

Wu, Geng; Deng, Xuefeng; Song, Jinqi; Chen, Feiqiang

2018-01-01

The development of tailored nanofibrous scaffolds for tendon and ligament tissue engineering has been a goal of clinical research for current researchers. Here, we establish a formation of novel nanofibrous matrix with significant mechanical and biological properties by electro-spinning process. The fine fibrous morphology of the nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HAp) dispersed in the polycaprolactone/chitosan (HAp-PCL/CS) nanofibrous matrix was exhibited by microscopic (SEM and TEM) techniques. The favorable mechanical properties (load and modulus) were achieved. The load and modulus of the HAp-PCL/CS composite fibers was 250.1N and 215.5MPa, which is very similar to that of standard value of the human tendon and ligament tissues. The cellular responses and biocompatibility of HAp-PCL/CS nanofibrous scaffolds were investigated with human osteoblast (HOS) cells for tendon regeneration and examined the primary osteoblast mechanism by in vitro method. The morphological (FE-SEM and fluorescence) microscopic images clearly exhibited that HOS cells are well attached and flatted on the nanofibrous composites. The HAp dispersed PCL/CS nanofibrous scaffolds promoted higher adhesion and proliferation of HOS cells comparable to the nanofibrous scaffolds without HAp nanoparticles. The physic-chemical and biological properties of the synthesized nanofibrous scaffold were very close to that of normal ligament and tendon in human body. Over all, these studied results confirmed that the prepared nanofibrous scaffolds will be effective biomaterial of tendon ligament regeneration applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graded Interface Models for more accurate Determination of van der Waals-London Dispersion Interactions across Grain Boundaries

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

van Benthem, Klaus; Tan, Guolong; French, Roger H

2006-01-01

Attractive van der Waals V London dispersion interactions between two half crystals arise from local physical property gradients within the interface layer separating the crystals. Hamaker coefficients and London dispersion energies were quantitatively determined for 5 and near- 13 grain boundaries in SrTiO3 by analysis of spatially resolved valence electron energy-loss spectroscopy (VEELS) data. From the experimental data, local complex dielectric functions were determined, from which optical properties can be locally analysed. Both local electronic structures and optical properties revealed gradients within the grain boundary cores of both investigated interfaces. The obtained results show that even in the presence ofmore » atomically structured grain boundary cores with widths of less than 1 nm, optical properties have to be represented with gradual changes across the grain boundary structures to quantitatively reproduce accurate van der Waals V London dispersion interactions. London dispersion energies of the order of 10% of the apparent interface energies of SrTiO3 were observed, demonstrating their significance in the grain boundary formation process. The application of different models to represent optical property gradients shows that long-range van der Waals V London dispersion interactions scale significantly with local, i.e atomic length scale property variations.« less

Platinum nanoparticles decorated dendrite-like gold nanostructure on glassy carbon electrodes for enhancing electrocatalysis performance to glucose oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Hongmei; Chang, Gang; Lei, Ming; He, Hanping; Liu, Xiong; Shu, Honghui; Xia, Tiantian; Su, Jie; He, Yunbin

2016-10-01

Platinum nanoparticles decorated dendrite-like gold nanostructure, bimetal composite materials on glassy carbon electrode (Pt/DGNs/GC) for enhancing electrocatalysis to glucose oxidation was designed and successfully fabricated by a facile two-step deposition method without any templates, surfactants, or stabilizers. Dendrite-like gold nanostructure was firstly deposited on the GC electrode via the potentiostatic method, and then platinum nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of gold substrate through chemical reduction deposition. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were applied to characterize the evolution of morphology and structure of the as-prepared Pt/DGNs/GC. Based on electrochemical measurements such as cyclic voltammetry, linear voltammetry and chronoamperometry, Pt/DGNs/GC exhibited significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance to glucose oxidation compared those of pure dendrite-like Au nanoparticles in our previous report. Controlling chemical reduction deposition time, the amount of platinum nanoparticles on Au surface could be regulated, which further tuned electrocatalytic properties toward glucose oxidation. The dendrite-like gold surface partially covered by platinum nanoparticles dramatically enhanced the electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation of glucose because of excellent synergetic effects between gold and platinum species and the increased electrochemical active area from Pt nanoparticles loading. The non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on Pt/DGNs/GC showed a rapid respond time (within 2 s), wide linear range (from 0.1 mM to 14 mM), low detection limit (0.01 mM), supernal sensitivity (275.44 μA cm-2 mM-1, R = 0.993), satisfactory reproducibility and good stability for glucose sensing. It was demonstrated that Pt/DGNs/GC could work as promising candidate for factual non-enzymatic glucose detection.

High-resolution structural and elemental analyses of calcium storage structures synthesized by the noble crayfish Astacus astacus.

PubMed

Luquet, Gilles; Salomé, Murielle; Ziegler, Andreas; Paris, Céline; Percot, Aline; Dauphin, Yannicke

2016-11-01

During premolt, crayfish develop deposits of calcium ions, called gastroliths, in their stomach wall. The stored calcium is used for the calcification of parts of the skeleton regularly renewed for allowing growth. Structural and molecular analyses of gastroliths have been primarily performed on three crayfish species, Orconectes virilis, Procambarus clarkii, and more recently, Cherax quadricarinatus. We have performed high-resolution analyses of gastroliths from the native noble crayfish, Astacus astacus, focusing on the microstructure, the mineralogical and elemental composition and distribution in a comparative perspective. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations showed a classical layered microstructure composed of 200-nm diameter granules aligned along fibers. These granules are themselves composed of agglomerated nanogranules of 50nm-mean diameters. Denser regions of bigger fused granules are also present. Micro-Raman spectroscopy show that if A. astacus gastroliths, similarly to the other analyzed gastroliths, are mainly composed of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), they are also rich in amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). The presence of a carotenoid pigment is also observed in A. astacus gastrolith contrary to C. quadricarinatus. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses demonstrate the presence of minor elements such as Mg, Sr, Si and P. The distribution of this last element is particularly heterogeneous. X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) reveals an alternation of layers more or less rich in phosphorus evidenced in the mineral phase as well as in the organic matrix in different molecular forms. Putative functions of the different P-comprising molecules are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modifying glass fiber surface with grafting acrylamide by UV-grafting copolymerization for preparation of glass fiber reinforced PVDF composite membrane.

PubMed

Luo, Nan; Zhong, Hui; Yang, Min; Yuan, Xing; Fan, Yaobo

2016-01-01

Experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the modification of conditions for glass surface grafting with acrylamide (AM) monomer for preparation of a glass fiber reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite membrane (GFRP-CM). The factors considered for experimental design were the UV (ultraviolet)-irradiation time, the concentrations of the initiator and solvent, and the kinds and concentrations of the silane coupling agent. The optimum operating conditions determined were UV-irradiation time of 25 min, an initiator concentration of 0-0.25 wt.%, solvent of N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC), and silane coupling agent KH570 with a concentration of 7 wt.%. The obtained optimal parameters were located in the valid region and the experimental confirmation tests conducted showed good accordance between predicted and experimental values. Under these optimal conditions, the water absorption of the grafted modified glass fiber was improved from 13.6% to 23%; the tensile strength was enhanced and the peeling strength of the glass fiber reinforced PVDF composite membrane was improved by 23.7% and 32.6% with an AM concentration at 1 wt.% and 2 wt.%. The surface composition and microstructure of AM grafted glass fiber were studied via several techniques including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The analysis of the EDX and FTIR-ATR results confirmed that the AM was grafted to the glass fiber successfully by detecting and proving the existence of nitrogen atoms in the GFRP-CM. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

Örnek, Ahmet, E-mail: ahmetornek@kafkas.edu.tr; Can, Mustafa; Yeşildağ, Ali

Nanostructured LiCo{sub 1−x}Mn{sub x}PO{sub 4}/C (x = 0 and 0.05) materials were successfully produced as superior quality cathodes by combined sol-gel and carbothermal reduction methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic measurements were applied to determine the phase purity, morphology and electrochemical qualifications. HR-TEM analysis reveals that the thickness of the surface carbon layer of 5 to 10 nm range with the uniform distribution. LiCo{sub 0·95}Mn{sub 0·05}PO{sub 4}/C particles were betweenmore » 40 and 80 nm and the same material exhibits a higher and stable reversible capacity (140 mA h g{sup −1}) with the long voltage plateau (4.76 V). Substitution of Co{sup 2+} with Mn{sup 2+} in LiCoPO{sub 4}/C has an influence on the initial discharge capacity and excellent cycling behaviour. The obtained results have attributed that production dynamics in nano-synthesis, the coating process with proper carbon source and an effective doping represent three parameters to prepare favorable cathode materials. - Highlights: • Structural, morphological and electrochemical effects of Mn doped LiCo{sub 1−x}Mn{sub x}PO{sub 4}–C electrodes are investigated. • Cheap, effective and simple sol-gel assisted carbothermal reduction approach is used. • After 60th cycle, capacity retention is almost 92% for LiCo{sub 0·95}Mn{sub 0.05}PO{sub 4}–C electrode. • Mn-doped sample exhibits distinctive oxidation (4.76 V and 4.12 V) peaks.« less

Optimized hydrogen sensing characteristic of Pd/ZnO nanoparticles based Schottky diode on glass substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, Lalit; Sahu, Praveen Kumar; Dwivedi, R.; Mishra, V. N.

2017-10-01

The present work deals with the development of the Pd/ZnO naoparticles based sensor for detection of hydrogen (H2) gas at relatively low temperature (75-110 °C). Pd/ZnO Schottky diode was fabricated by ZnO nanoparticles based thin film on glass substrate using sol-gel spin coating technique. These ZnO nanoparticles have been characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope (EDS), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) which reveals the ZnO film having particles size in the range of ~25 to ~110 nm with ~52.73 nm surface roughness. Gas dependent diode parameters such as barrier height and ideality factor have been evaluated upon exposure of H2 gas concentration in the range from 200-2000 ppm over the temperature range from 75 to 110 °C. The sensitivity of the Pd/ZnO sensor has been studied in terms of change in diode forward current upon exposure to H2 gas. Experimental result shows the optimized sensitivity ~246.22% for H2 concentration of 2000 ppm at temperature 90 °C. The hydrogen sensing mechanism has been explained by surface and subsurface adsorption of H2 molecules on Pd surface; subsequently, dissociation of H2 molecules into H  +  H atoms and diffusion to trap sites (oxygen ions) available on ZnO surface, resulting in formation of dipole moments at Pd/ZnO interface. The variation in the sensitivity, response and recovery time with temperature of Pd/ZnO sensor has also been studied.

Comparison of removal torques between laser-treated and SLA-treated implant surfaces in rabbit tibiae

PubMed Central

Kang, Nam-Seok; Li, Lin-Jie

2014-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare removal torques and surface topography between laser treated and sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) treated implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laser-treated implants (experimental group) and SLA-treated implants (control group) 8 mm in length and 3.4 mm in diameter were inserted into both sides of the tibiae of 12 rabbits. Surface analysis was accomplished using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM; Hitachi S-4800; Japan) under ×25, ×150 and ×1,000 magnification. Surface components were analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Rabbits were sacrificed after a 6-week healing period. The removal torque was measured using the MGT-12 digital torque meter (Mark-10 Co., Copiague, NY, USA). RESULTS In the experimental group, the surface analysis showed uniform porous structures under ×25, ×150 and ×1,000 magnification. Pore sizes in the experimental group were 20-40 mm and consisted of numerous small pores, whereas pore sizes in the control group were 0.5-2.0 mm. EDS analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups. The mean removal torque in the laser-treated and the SLA-treated implant groups were 79.4 Ncm (SD = 20.4; range 34.6-104.3 Ncm) and 52.7 Ncm (SD = 17.2; range 18.7-73.8 Ncm), respectively. The removal torque in the laser-treated surface implant group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=.004). CONCLUSION In this study, removal torque values were significantly higher for laser-treated surface implants than for SLA-treated surface implants. PMID:25177474

Sodium citrate (Na{sub 3}Cit)-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of uniform spindle-like SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors

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

Ren, Xiaolei; Zhang, Yu; Li, Qiuyu

2014-11-15

Graphical abstract: A facile hydrothermal method for the synthesis of uniform spindle-like SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors with the assistance of sodium citrate (Na{sub 3}Cit). - Highlights: • Well-crystallized spindle-like SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors have been synthesized. • The influence of the reaction temperature and reaction time were clearly shown. • The dosage of Na{sub 3}Cit has a strong effect on the spindle-like SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors. • The growth mechanism for the formation of final samples was proposed. - Abstract: Highly uniform spindle-like SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal method using sodium citrate (Na{sub 3}Cit)more » as the chelating reagent. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) were used to characterize the resulting samples. The dosage of sodium citrate, reaction temperature and reaction time play key roles in the formation of the final samples. The possible formation mechanism for SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors has been proposed. Upon excitation by ultraviolet radiation, the as-synthesized SrMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors show the characteristic {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub J} (J = 1, 2, 3, 4) emission lines with red emission {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 2} (613 nm) as the most prominent group.« less

Aptamer immobilization on amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks: an ultrasensitive platform for the electrochemical diagnostic of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Shahrokhian, Saeed; Ranjbar, Saba

2018-07-07

Herein, we report the development of an electrochemical biosensor for Escherichia coli O157:H7 diagnostic based on amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a new generation of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites. The electrical and morphological properties of MOFs were enhanced by interweaving each isolated MOF crystal with polyaniline (PANI). Subsequent attachment of the amine-modified aptamer to the polyanilinated MOFs was accomplished using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linking agent. The prepared biocompatible platform was carefully characterized by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) techniques. The biosensor fabrication and its electrochemical characterizations were monitored by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied to monitoring and quantitation of the interaction between the aptamer and E. coli O157:H7 using methylene blue (MB) as an electrochemical indicator. Changes in the reduction peak current of MB in the presence of E. coli O157:H7 was recorded as an analytical signal and indicated a relationship with the logarithm of the E. coli O157:H7 concentration in the range of 2.1 × 10 1 to 2.1 × 10 7 CFU mL -1 with a LOQ of 21 CFU mL -1 and LOD of 2 CFU mL -1 . The electrochemical aptasensor displayed good recovery values for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 in environmental real samples and also could act as a smart device to investigate the effects of antibacterial agents against E. coli O157:H7.

Synthesis and structural characterization of magnetic cadmium sulfide-cobalt ferrite nanocomposite, and study of its activity for dyes degradation under ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farhadi, Saeed; Siadatnasab, Firouzeh

2016-11-01

Cadmium sulfide-cobalt ferrite (CdS/CFO) nanocomposite was easily synthesized by one-step hydrothermal decomposition of cadmium diethyldithiocarbamate complex on the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles at 200 °C. Spectroscopic techniques of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and magnetic measurements were applied for characterizing the structure and morphology of the product. The results of FT-IR, XRD and EDX indicated that the CdS/CFO was highly pure. SEM and TEM results revealed that the CdS/CFO nanocomposite was formed from nearly uniform and sphere-like nanoparticles with the size of approximately 20 nm. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of the CdS/CFO nanocomposite showed the band gap of 2.21 eV, which made it suitable for sono-/photo catalytic purposes. By using the obtained CdS/CFO nanocomposite, an ultrasound-assisted advanced oxidation process (AOP) has been developed for catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO)) in the presence of H2O2 as a green oxidant. CdS/CFO nanocomposite exhibited excellent sonocatalytic activity, so that, dyes were completely degraded in less than 10 min. The influences of crucial factors such as the H2O2 amount and catalyst dosage on the degradation efficiency were evaluated. The as-prepared CdS/CFO nanocomposite exhibited higher catalytic activity than pure CdS nanoparticles. Moreover, the magnetic property of CoFe2O4 made the nanocomposite recyclable.

Sonocatalytic performance of magnetically separable CuS/CoFe2O4 nanohybrid for efficient degradation of organic dyes.

PubMed

Siadatnasab, Firouzeh; Farhadi, Saeed; Khataee, Alireza

2018-06-01

The sonocatalytic activity of the magnetic CuS/CoFe 2 O 4 (CuS/CFO) nanohybrid was studied through the H 2 O 2 -assisted system for degradation of water soluble organic pollutants such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO). The CuS/CFO nanohybrid was fabricated at 200 °C by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and Brunauere-Emmette-Teller (BET) were employed for the characterizing the structure and morphology of the so-synthesized nanohybrid. Compared with sonolysis/H 2 O 2 , the higher degradation of MB (25 mg/L) was achieved via sonocatalytic process. The degradation efficiency of sonolysis/H 2 O 2 , sonocatalysis using CuS/H 2 O 2 , CFO/H 2 O 2 and CuS/CFO/H 2 O 2 systems was 6%, 62%, 23% and 100% within reaction time of 30 min for MB, respectively. The integration of H 2 O 2 and catalyst dosage intensified the sonocatalytic degradation of MB. On the other hand, adding a hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenger (tert-butyl alcohol) and a hole scavenger (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate) decreased the degradation efficiency from 100% to 35% and 72% within 30 min, indicating the OH radicals as prominent oxidizing agent of this process. Furthermore, the magnetic property of the sample helped for easier separation of the nanohybrid, made it recyclable with a negligible decline in the performance even after four consecutive runs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Temperature Exposure Studies of HVOF-Sprayed Cr3C2-25(NiCr)/(WC-Co) Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Harpreet; Kaur, Manpreet; Prakash, Satya

2016-08-01

In this research, development of Cr3C2-25(NiCr) + 25%(WC-Co) composite coating was done and investigated. Cr3C2-25(NiCr) + 25%(WC-Co) composite powder [designated as HP2 powder] was prepared by mechanical mixing of [75Cr3C2-25(NiCr)] and [88WC-12Co] powders in the ratio of 75:25 by weight. The blended powders were used as feedstock to deposit composite coating on ASTM SA213-T22 substrate using High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) spray process. High-temperature oxidation/corrosion behavior of the bare and coated boiler steels was investigated at 700 °C for 50 cycles in air, as well as, in Na2SO4-82%Fe2(SO4)3 molten salt environment in the laboratory. Erosion-corrosion behavior was investigated in the actual boiler environment at 700 ± 10 °C under cyclic conditions for 1500 h. The weight-change technique was used to establish the kinetics of oxidation/corrosion/erosion-corrosion. X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), and EDS elemental mapping techniques were used to analyze the exposed samples. The uncoated boiler steel suffered from a catastrophic degradation in the form of intense spalling of the scale in all the environments. The oxidation/corrosion/erosion-corrosion resistance of the HVOF-sprayed HP2 coating was found to be better in comparison with standalone Cr3C2-25(NiCr) coating. A simultaneous formation of protective phases might have contributed the best properties to the coating.

Nanoparticulate mineral matter from basalt dust wastes.

PubMed

Dalmora, Adilson C; Ramos, Claudete G; Querol, Xavier; Kautzmann, Rubens M; Oliveira, Marcos L S; Taffarel, Silvio R; Moreno, Teresa; Silva, Luis F O

2016-02-01

Ultra-fine and nano-particles derived from basalt dust wastes (BDW) during "stonemeal" soil fertilizer application have been the subject of some concern recently around the world for their possible adverse effects on human health and environmental pollution. Samples of BDW utilized were obtained from companies in the mining district of Nova Prata in southern Brazil for chemical characterization and nano-mineralogy investigation, using an integrated application of advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Transmission Electron microscopy (HR-TEM)/(Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) EDS/(selected-area diffraction pattern) SAED, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM)/EDS and granulometric distribution analysis. The investigation has revealed that BDW materials are dominated by SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, with a complex micromineralogy including alkali feldspar, augite, barite, labradorite, hematite, heulandrite, gypsum, kaolinite, quartz, and smectite. In addition we have identified a number of trace metals such as Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn that are preferentially concentrated into the finer, inhalable, dust fraction and could so present a health hazard in the urban areas around the basalt mining zone. The implication of this observation is that use of these nanometric-sized particulates as soil fertilizer may present different health challenges to those of conventional fertilizers, inviting future work regarding the relative toxicities of these materials. Our investigation on the particle size distribution, nano-particle mineralogy and chemical composition in typical BDW samples highlights the need to develop cleaning procedures to minimise exposure to these natural fertilizing basalt dust wastes and is thus of direct relevance to both the industrial sector of basalt mining and to agriculture in the region. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using aqueous ethanol extract of Curcuma mangga rhizomes as reducing agent

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

Yee, Foo Yiing; Malek, Sri Nurestri Abd; Periasamy, Vengadesh

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) had been developed as an alternative to chemical and physical methods due to its simplicity, cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness. The high biocompatibility and biostability features of AuNPs have found importance in biomedical applications in recent years. In this study, aqueous ethanol extract of Curcuma mangga rhizomes which acts as reducing and stabilizing agent was used to synthesize stable AuNPs by bioreduction of chloroauric acid. The formation of AuNPs was highlighted by the color change of the suspension from light yellow to reddish purple. Time-evolution was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy, while surface plasmon (SP) absorptionmore » band of the AuNPs suspension was observed at a maximum absorption of 540 nm. Hydrodynamic radii and size distribution of the AuNPs in the suspension were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurement demonstrated negative surface charge. The particle size was calculated in the range of 2-30 nm using High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The morphology and elemental composition were further determined by Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy meanwhile was used to confirm the presence of AuNPs and functional groups involved in the gold bio-reduction process. Influence of the volume of extract and concentration of gold (III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl{sub 4}.3H{sub 2}O) on the synthesis of AuNPs were also investigated. The results obtained indicate potential optimization and functionalization of AuNPs for future applications in bionanotechnology especially in the field of medicine.« less

3D nanospherical CdxZn1-xS/reduced graphene oxide composites with superior photocatalytic activity and photocorrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Meina; Yu, Jianhua; Deng, Changshun; Huang, Yingheng; Fan, Minguang; Li, Bin; Tong, Zhangfa; Zhang, Feiyue; Dong, Lihui

2016-03-01

Herein, a series of CdxZn1-xS and sulfide/graphene photocatalysts with 3D nanospherical framework have been successfully fabricated by one-pot solvothermal method for the first time. The morphology and structure of samples were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry, N2 adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The as-prepared samples exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities and photocorrosion resistance in the degradation of dyes under visible light. The Cd0.5Zn0.5S/rGO sample shows the most efficient in the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). It takes about 30 min for degradation completely. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is mainly attributed to the slow photon enhancement of the 3D structure, and the heterojunction between the 3D nanospherical Cd0.5Zn0.5S solid solutions and a high quality 2D rGO support, which can greatly promote the separation of light-induced electrons and holes. Moreover, the large SBET and extended light absorption range also play an important role for improving the photocatalytic activity. The high photocatalytic stability is due to the successful inhibition of the photocorrosion of Cd0.5Zn0.5S/rGO by forming heterojunction between CdS and ZnS, and transferring the photogenerated electrons of Cd0.5Zn0.5S to rGO. The present work can provide rational design of graphene-based photocatalysts with large contact interface and strong interaction between the composites for other application.

Simultaneous catalytic degradation of 2,4-D and MCPA herbicides using sulfate radical-based heterogeneous oxidation over persulfate activated by natural hematite (α-Fe2O3/PS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kermani, Majid; Mohammadi, Farzad; Kakavandi, Babak; Esrafili, Ali; Rostamifasih, Zeinab

2018-06-01

Herein, a sulfate radical (SO4rad -)-based oxidation process was utilized for simultaneous degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) herbicides using mesoporous hematite-based natural semi-conductor minerals (HM-NSMs) as efficient activators of persulfate (PS). The features of the catalyst were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM); Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) analysis; X-ray diffraction (XRD); and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The effect of some operational parameters, including solution pH, catalyst loading, PS dosage and temperature, on the performance system of PS/HM-NSMs was examined. A plausible oxidation mechanism for degradation of both pollutants was also proposed. Increasing the removal efficiency of herbicides follows the order of PS/HM-NSM > HM-NSM > PS. In all experiments, the 2,4-D removal rates were slightly lower than those for MCPA, indicating that 2,4-D has a more recalcitrant nature than MCPA. Under optimized conditions, degradation rates of 68.1% and 74.5% were achieved for 2,4-D and MCPA, respectively, during a 120-min reaction. HM-NSM displays a highly synergistic effect on the degradation of herbicides in the presence of PS. The trapping experiments demonstrated that both OHrad and SO4rad - radicals contribute significantly during the degradation of 2,4-D and MCPA and that sulfate radicals were the dominant species. A mineralization degree of 36% was obtained under optimum conditions. In conclusion, the coupling of PS and HM-NSM is a promising and effective technique to degrade organic matter for the treatment of herbicide-contaminated waters and wastewaters under real conditions.

The durability of phosphoric acid promoted bioglass-dentin interaction layer.

PubMed

Bakry, A S; Takahashi, H; Otsuki, M; Tagami, J

2013-04-01

Phosphoric acid-Bioglass 45S5 paste can create an interaction layer formed of calcium-phosphate crystals on the dentin surface. In this study, the efficiency of decreasing the dentin permeability exerted by the interaction layer formed between bioglass and dentin was compared to a resin-containing oxalate desensitizing agent (MS Coat One) and a resin-free oxalate desensitizing agent (Super Seal). Dentin permeability was measured before/after a brushing abrasion challenge, followed by examining the top and the fractured dentin surfaces with a field emission scanning electron microscope. Moreover, the chemical nature of the compounds formed on top of the dentin surface was examined using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), and the crystalline structures of the dentinal surfaces were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that application of 45S5 bioglass paste to dentin was able to occlude patent dentinal tubule orifices with a layer of calcium-phosphate crystals, while the oxalate containing agents were able to form small crystals which were found in dentinal tubule orifices and scattered along the superficial parts of the dentinal tubule lumen. The brushing-abrasion challenge significantly increased the permeability of dentin treated by Super Seal and MS Coat One, while these challenges had no significant effect on the dentin permeability of specimens treated with 45S5 bioglass paste. The new technique provided better durability than two products available on the market. Moreover, our previous research showed the biocompatibility of using this technique on dental pulp cells, suggesting that this technique can aid in treating dentin hypersensitivity cases. Copyright © 2012 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of oil based nanofluid for quench medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahiswara, E. P.; Harjanto, S.; Putra, W. N.; Ramahdita, G.; Yahya, S. S.; Kresnodrianto

2018-01-01

The choice of quench medium depends on the hardenability of the metal alloy, the thickness of the component, and the geometry of the component. Some of these will determine the cooling rate required to obtain the desired microstructure and material properties. Improper quench media will cause the material to become brittle, suffers from geometric distortion, or having a high undesirable residual stresses in the components. In heat treatment industries, oil and water are frequently used as the quench media. Recently, nanofluid as a quench medium has also been studied using several different fluids as the solvent. Examples of frequently used solvents include polymers, vegetable oils, and mineral oil. In this research, laboratory-grade carbon powder were used as nanoparticle. Oil was used as the fluid base in this research as the main observation focus. To obtain nanoscale carbon particles, planetary ball mill was used to ground laboratory grade carbon powder to decrease the particle size. This method was used to lower the cost for nanoparticle synthesis. Milling speed and duration were set at 500 rpm and 15 hours. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) measurement were carried out to determine the particle size, material identification, particle morphology, and surface change of samples. The carbon nanoparticle content in nanofluid quench mediums for this research were varied at 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4, and 0.5 % volume. Furthermore, these mediums were used to quench JIS S45C or AISI 1045 carbon steel samples which annealed at 1000°C. Hardness testing and metallography observation were then conducted to further examine the effect of different quench medium in steel samples.

Nanoscale Mineralogy and Composition of Experimental Regolith Agglutinates Produced under Asteroidal Impact Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christoffersen, Roy; Cintala, M. J.; Keller, L. P.; See, T. H.; Horz, F.

2013-01-01

On the Moon, the energetics of smaller impactors and the physical/chemical characteristics of the granular regolith target combine to form a key product of lunar space weathering: chemically reduced shock melts containing optically-active nanophase Fe metal grains (npFe0) [1]. In addition to forming the optically dark glassy matrix phase in lunar agglutinitic soil particles [1], these shock melts are becoming increasingly recognized for their contribution to optically active patina coatings on a wide range of exposed rock and grain surfaces in the lunar regolith [2]. In applying the lessons of lunar space weathering to asteroids, the potential similarities and differences in regolith-hosted shock melts on the Moon compared to those on asteroids has become a topic of increasing interest [3,4]. In a series of impact experiments performed at velocities applicable to the asteroid belt [5], Horz et al. [6] and See and Horz [7] have previously shown that repeated impacts into a gabbroic regolith analog target can produce melt-welded grain aggregates morphologically very similar to lunar agglutinates [6,7]. Although these agglutinate-like particles were extensively analyzed by electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as part of the original study [7], a microstructural and compositional comparison of these aggregates to lunar soil agglutinates at sub-micron scales has yet to be made. To close this gap, we characterized a representative set of these aggregates using a JEOL 7600 field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and JEOL 2500SE field-emission scanning transmission electron microscope (FE-STEM) both optimized for energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) compositional spectrum imaging at respective analytical spatial resolutions of 0.5 to 1 micron, and 2 to 4 nm.

Cave speleothems as repositories of microbial biosignatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Ana Z.; Jurado, Valme; Pereira, Manuel F. C.; Fernández, Octavio; Calaforra, José M.; Dionísio, Amélia; Saiz-Jimenez, Cesareo

2015-04-01

The need to better understand the biodiversity, origins of life on Earth and on other planets, and the wide applications of the microbe-mineral interactions have led to a rapid expansion of interest in subsurface environments. Recently reported results indicated signs of an early wet Mars and rather recent volcanic activity which suggest that Mars's subsurface can house organic molecules or traces of microbial life, making the search for microbial life on Earth's subsurface even more compelling. Caves on Earth are windows into the subsurface that harbor a wide variety of mineral-utilizing microorganisms, which may contribute to the formation of biominerals and unusual microstructures recognized as biosignatures. These environments contain a wide variety of redox interfaces and stable physicochemical conditions, which enhance secondary mineral precipitation and microbial growth under limited organic nutrient inputs. Enigmatic microorganisms and unusual mineral features have been found associated with secondary mineral deposits or speleothems in limestone caves and lava tubes. In this study, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were conducted on cave speleothem samples to assess microbe-mineral interactions, evaluate biogenicity, as well as to describe unusual mineral formations and microbial features. Microbial mats, extracellular polymeric substances, tubular empty sheaths, mineralized cells, filamentous fabrics, as well as "cell-sized" etch pits or microborings produced by bacterial cells were observed on minerals. These features evidence microbe-mineral interactions and may represent mineralogical signatures of life. We can thus consider that caves on Earth are plausible repositories of terrestrial biosignatures where we can look for microbial signatures. Acknowledgments: AZM acknowledges the support from the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship within the 7th European Community Framework Programme (PIEF-GA-2012-328689- DECAVE). The authors acknowledge the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (project CGL2013-41674-P) for financial support.

Surface pre-treatment of aluminium by cleaning, chemical ething and conversion coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaki, Mohammad Hafizudden Mohd; Mohd, Yusairie; Isa, Nik Norziehana Che

2017-12-01

Surface pre-treatment is one of the critical treatments for surface modification of aluminium (Al). In this study, pre-treatment of Al surface involved three stages; (1) cleaning (polishing and degreasing), (2) chemical etching (alkaline and acid) and (3) conversion coating (ie: zincate treatment). Cleaning process of Al was conducted by polishing and degreasing with acetone while etching process was done by immersion in 1.25 M NaOH solution (i.e: alkaline etching) followed with acid etching using 8 M HNO3 solution. The zincate treatment was conducted via electroless coating method by immersion of Al into a bath solution containing 0.5 M Zn(NO3)2, 0.1 M HNO3 and 0.2 M NaBH4 (reducing agent) for one hour. Different temperatures (ie: 25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, 90 °C) of bath solutions at pH 4 were used to investigate the effect of temperature on zincate treatment. Surface morphology and chemical composition of the pre-treated Al were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX), respectively. The results showed that oxide layer on Al surface decreased after chemical etching process. Temperature of zincate solution has significantly affected the conversion coating process of aluminium. It was found that zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc borate (ZnO.B2O3) were dominantly formed after zincate treatment at high temperature (ie:90 °C) with curved blade-like structure and composition of Zn, B and O with 13.70 wt.%, 3.52 wt.% and 54.39 wt.%, respectively. However, zincate treatment at low temperature (ie:<50 °C) has produced low metallic Zn.

Sonochemical assisted synthesis MnO2/RGO nanohybrid as effective electrode material for supercapacitor.

PubMed

Ghasemi, Shahram; Hosseini, Sayed Reza; Boore-Talari, Omid

2018-01-01

Manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) needle-like nanostructures are successfully synthesized by a sonochemical method from an aqueous solution of potassium bromate and manganese sulfate. Also, hybride of MnO 2 nanoparticles wrapped with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets are fabricated through an electrostatic coprecipitation procedure. With adjusting pH at 3.5, positive and negative charges are created on MnO 2 and on GO, respectively which can electrostatically attract to each other and coprecipitate. Then, MnO 2 /GO pasted on stainless steel mesh is electrochemically reduced by applying -1.1V to obtain MnO 2 /RGO nanohybrid. The structure and morphology of the MnO 2 and MnO 2 /RGO nanohybrid are examined by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The capacitive behaviors of MnO 2 and MnO 2 /RGO active materials on stainless steel meshes are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) by a three-electrode experimental setup in an aqueous solution of 0.5M sodium sulfate in the potential window of 0.0-1.0V. The electrochemical investigations reveal that MnO 2 /RGO exhibits high specific capacitance (C s ) of 375Fg -1 at current density of 1Ag -1 and good cycle stability (93% capacitance retention after 500 cycles at a scan rate of 200mVs -1 ). The obtained results give good prospect about the application of electrostatic coprecipitation method to prepare graphene/metal oxides nanohybrids as effective electrode materials for supercapacitors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of In2O3 nanostructures with different morphologies as potential supercapacitor electrode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuzluca, Fatma Nur; Yesilbag, Yasar Ozkan; Ertugrul, Mehmet

2018-01-01

In this study performed using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system, one-dimensional (1-D) single crystal indium oxide (In2O3) nanotowers, nanobouqets, nanocones, and nanowires were investigated as a candidate for a supercapacitor electrode material. These nanostructures were grown via Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) and Vapor-Solid (VS) mechanisms according to temperature differences (1000-600 °C). The morphologies, growth mechanisms and crystal structures of these 1-D single crystal In2O3 nanostructures were defined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy analyses. The elemental analyses of the nanostructures were carried out by energy dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS); they gave photoluminescence (PL) spectra with 3.39, 2.65, and 1.95 eV band gap values, corresponding to 365 nm, 467 nm, and 633 wavelengths, respectively. The electrochemical performances of these 1-D single crystal In2O3 nanostructures in an aqueous electrolyte solution (1 M Na2SO4) were determined by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. According to GCD measurements at 0.04 mA cm-2 current density, areal capacitance values were 10.1 mF cm-2 and 6.7 mF cm-2 for nanotowers, 12.5 mF cm-2 for nanobouquets, 4.9 mF cm-2 for nanocones, and 16.6 mF cm-2 for nanowires. The highest areal capacitance value was observed in In2O3 nanowires, which retained 66.8% of their initial areal capacitance after a 10000 charge-discharge cycle, indicating excellent cycle stability.

Effect of calcination temperature on the photodegradation efficiency of Ni/ZnO composite in removal of organic dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thein, Myo Thuya; Pung, Swee-Yong; Aziz, Azizan; Lockman, Zainovia; Itoh, Mitsuru

2017-07-01

ZnO based composite is an attractive UV light driven semiconductor photocatalyst to degrade organic compounds attributed to its wide bandgap (3.37 eV). In this study, Ni/ZnO composites were synthesized via solution precipitation method. The composites were calcinated at various temperature, i.e. from 250 °C to 700 °C and subsequently annealed at 500°C in reductive environment (hydrogen atmosphere). The diffraction peaks of all samples could be indexed to the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO. No diffraction peaks from Ni could be observed in all samples, suggesting that the amount of Ni in the composites were below the detection limit of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images confirm that all samples were rod-like structure with hexagonal tips. In addition, small Ni particles were homogeneously deposited on the surface of ZnO rods. This observation is supported by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, showing present of Zn, O and Ni elements. It is noted that ZnO rods coupled with Ni experienced quenching of visible emission and enhancing of UV emission in room temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) analysis. The photodegradation efficiency of Ni/ZnO rods was improved when a higher calcination temperature was used. The removal of RhB dye under UV light (352 nm) by these photocatalysts followed pseudo first-order kinetic reaction. The Ni/ZnO composites synthesized at calcination temperature of 500 °C demonstrated the highest photodegradation efficiency of 37 % and the largest rate constant of 0.0053 min-1 after 75 min UV irradiation.

The Photocatalytic Application of Semiconductor Stibnite Nanostructure Synthesized via a Simple Microwave-Assisted Approach in Propylene Glycol for Degradation of Dye Pollutants and its Optical Property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saksornchai, Eksuree; Kavinchan, Jutarat; Thongtem, Somchai; Thongtem, Titipun

2017-11-01

Stibnite (Sb2S3) semiconducting material was successfully synthesized by a rapid and facile microwave route using antimony chloride (SbCl3) and sodiumthiosulfate (Na2S2O3) dissolved in propylene glycol (PG) containing different hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) masses. The phase identification, morphology, and elemental composition of products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field- emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results revealed the orthorhombic phase of Sb2S3 single crystal-forming sheaf-like nanostructure, and a possible formation mechanism was proposed and discussed. Its direct band gap calculated from UV-visible absorption is 1.60 eV. In this research, the photocatalytic activities of Sb2S3 nanostructure were investigated through the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The as-obtained 0.30 g HEC-added solution (0.3 HEC-Sb2S3) photocatalyst exhibited better photocatalytic activity than the other products, which degraded 91% of MO within 300 min and 90% of MB within 240 min under the Xe-lamp irradiation. The first-order plot was fitted with this experiment which the rate constant ( k) of 0.3 HEC-Sb2S3 for MO and MB degradation are 0.0085 and 0.0098 min-1, respectively. Therefore, the new experience with a novel and simple synthetic procedure of Sb2S3 photocatalyst that exhibits the characteristics of a highly effective photocatalyst under visible light irradiation was discovered.

Excellent sun-light-driven photocatalytic activity by aurivillius layered perovskites, Bi₅-xLaxTi₃FeO₁₅ (x = 1, 2).

PubMed

Naresh, Gollapally; Mandal, Tapas Kumar

2014-12-10

Aurivillius phase layered perovskites, Bi5-xLaxTi3FeO15 (x = 1, 2) are synthesized by solid-state reaction. The compounds are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance (UV-vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. UV-vis DRS data revealed that the compounds are visible light absorbing semiconductors with band gaps ranging from ∼2.0-2.7 eV. Photocatalytic activity studies by Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under sun-light irradiation showed that these layered oxides are very efficient photocatalysts in mild acidic medium. Scavenger test studies demonstrated that the photogenerated holes and superoxide radicals (O2(•-)) are the active species responsible for RhB degradation over the Aurivillius layered perovskites. Comparison of PL intensity, dye adsorption and ζ-potential suggested that a slow e(-)-h(+) recombination and effective dye adsorption are crucial for the degradation process over these photocatalysts. Moreover, relative positioning of the valence and conduction band edges of the semiconductors, O2/O2(•-), (•)OH/H2O potential and HOMO-LUMO levels of RhB appears to be responsible for making the degradation hole-specific. Photocatalytic cycle tests indicated high stability of the catalysts in the reaction medium without any observable loss of activity. This work shows great potential in developing novel photocatalysts with layered structures for sun-light-driven oxidation and degradation processes largely driven by holes and without any intervention of hydroxyl radicals, which is one of the most common reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many advanced oxidation processes.

Ultrasensitive and selective 4-aminophenol chemical sensor development based on nickel oxide nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotube nanocomposites for green environment.

PubMed

Hussain, Mohammad Musarraf; Rahman, Mohammed M; Asiri, Abdullah M

2017-03-01

Nickel oxide nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotube nanocomposites (NiO·CNT NCs) were prepared in a basic medium by using facile wet-chemical routes. The optical, morphological, and structural properties of NiO·CNT NCs were characterized using Fourier transformed infra-red (FT-IR), Ultra-violet visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray energy dispersed spectroscopy (XEDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Selective 4-aminophenol (4-AP) chemical sensor was developed by a flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE, surface area: 0.0316cm 2 ) fabricated with a thin-layer of NCs. Electrochemical responses including higher sensitivity, large dynamic range (LDR), limit of detection (LOD), and long-term stability towards 4-AP were obtained using the fabricated chemical sensors. The calibration curve was found linear (R 2 =0.914) over a wide range of 4-AP concentration (0.1nmol/L-0.1mol/L). In perspective of slope (2×10 -5 μA/μM), LOD and sensitivity were calculated as 15.0±0.1pM and ~6.33×10 -4 μA/(μM·cm) respectively. The synthesized NiO·CNT NCs using a wet-chemical method is a significant route for the development of ultrasensitive and selective phenolic sensor based on nano-materials for environmental toxic substances. It is suggested that a pioneer and selective development of 4-AP sensitive sensor using NiO·CNT NCs by a facile and reliable current vs voltage (I-V) method for the major application of toxic agents in biological, green environmental, and health-care fields in near future. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

An electrochemical biosensor based on nanoporous stainless steel modified by gold and palladium nanoparticles for simultaneous determination of levodopa and uric acid.

PubMed

Rezaei, Behzad; Shams-Ghahfarokhi, Leila; Havakeshian, Elaheh; Ensafi, Ali A

2016-09-01

In this paper, an electrochemical biosensor based on gold and palladium nano particles-modified nanoporous stainless steel (Au-Pd/NPSS) electrode has been introduced for the simultaneous determination of levodopa (LD) and uric acid (UA). To prepare the electrode, the stainless steel was anodized to fabricate NPSS and then Cu was electrodeposited onto the nanoporous steel by applying the multiple step potential. Finally, the electrode was immersed into a gold and palladium precursor's solution by the atomic ratio of 9:1 to form Au-Pd/NPSS through the galvanic replacement reaction. Morphological aspects, structural properties and the electroanalytical behavior of the Au-Pd/NPSS electrode were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltammetric techniques. Also, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for the simultaneous determination of LD and UA. According to results, the surface of Au-Pd/NPSS electrode contained Au and Pd nanoparticles with an average diameter of 75nm. The electrode acted better than Au/NPSS and Pd/NPSS electrodes for the simultaneous determination of LD and UA, with the peak separation potential of about 220mV. Also, the calibration plot for LD was in two linear concentration ranges of 5.0-10.0 and 10.0-55.0μmolL(-1) and for UA, it was in the range of 100-1200μmolL(-1). The detection limit for LD and UA was 0.2 and 15μmolL(-1), respectively. The modified electrode had a good performance for LD and UA detection in urine, blood serum and levodopa C-Forte tablet. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using aqueous ethanol extract of Curcuma mangga rhizomes as reducing agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yee, Foo Yiing; Periasamy, Vengadesh; Malek, Sri Nurestri Abd

2015-04-01

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) had been developed as an alternative to chemical and physical methods due to its simplicity, cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness. The high biocompatibility and biostability features of AuNPs have found importance in biomedical applications in recent years. In this study, aqueous ethanol extract of Curcuma mangga rhizomes which acts as reducing and stabilizing agent was used to synthesize stable AuNPs by bioreduction of chloroauric acid. The formation of AuNPs was highlighted by the color change of the suspension from light yellow to reddish purple. Time-evolution was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy, while surface plasmon (SP) absorption band of the AuNPs suspension was observed at a maximum absorption of 540 nm. Hydrodynamic radii and size distribution of the AuNPs in the suspension were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurement demonstrated negative surface charge. The particle size was calculated in the range of 2-30 nm using High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The morphology and elemental composition were further determined by Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy meanwhile was used to confirm the presence of AuNPs and functional groups involved in the gold bio-reduction process. Influence of the volume of extract and concentration of gold (III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) on the synthesis of AuNPs were also investigated. The results obtained indicate potential optimization and functionalization of AuNPs for future applications in bionanotechnology especially in the field of medicine.

Synthesis, vibrational spectrometry and thermal characterizations of coordination polymers derived from divalent metal ions and hydroxyl terminated polyurethane as ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laxmi; Khan, Shabnam; Kareem, Abdul; Zafar, Fahmina; Nishat, Nahid

2018-01-01

A series of novel coordination polyurethanes [HTPU-M, where M = Mn(II) 'd5', Ni(II) 'd8', and Zn(II) 'd10'] have been synthesized to investigate the effect of divalent metal ions coordination on structure, thermal and adsorption properties of low molecular weight hydroxyl terminated polyurethane (HTPU). HTPU-M have been synthesized in situ where, sbnd OH group of HTPU (synthesized by the condensation polymerization reaction of ethylene glycol (EG) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in presence of catalyst) on condensation polymerization with metal acetate in presence of acid catalyst synthesized HTPU-M followed by coordination of metal ions with hetero atoms. The structure, composition and geometry of HTPU-M have been confirmed by vibrational spectrometry (FTIR), 1H NMR, elemental analysis and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Morphological structures of HTPU-M were analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM) techniques. The thermal degradation pattern and thermal stability of HTPU-M in comparison to HTPU was investigated by thermal-gravimetric (TG)/differential thermal (DT), analyses along with Integral procedure decomposition temperature (IPDT) by Doyle method. The molecular weight of HTPU was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The preliminary adsorption/desorption studies of HTPU-M for Congo red (CR) was studied by batch adsorption techniques. The results indicated that HTPU-M have amorphous, layered morphology with higher number of nano-sized grooves in comparison to HTPU. Coordination of metal to HTPU plays a key role in enhancing the thermal stability [HTPU-Ni(II) > HTPU-Mn(II) > HTPU-Zn(II) > HTPU]. The HTPU-M can be utilized for industrial waste water treatment by removing environmental pollutants.

Realistic representation of Bacillus subtilis biofilms architecture using combined microscopy (CLSM, ESEM and FESEM).

PubMed

Bridier, A; Meylheuc, T; Briandet, R

2013-05-01

In this contribution, we used a set of microscopic techniques including confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to analyze the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of cells and their surrounding matrix in Bacillus subtilis biofilm. The combination of the different techniques enabled a deeper and realistic deciphering of biofilm architecture by providing the opportunity to overcome the limits of each single technique. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing the dispersive and electrostatic components of the cohesive energy of ionic liquids using molecular dynamics simulations and molar refraction data.

PubMed

Shimizu, Karina; Tariq, Mohammad; Costa Gomes, Margarida F; Rebelo, Luís P N; Canongia Lopes, José N

2010-05-06

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to calculate the density and the cohesive molar internal energy of seventeen different ionic liquids in the liquid phase. The results were correlated with previously reported experimental density and molar refraction data. The link between the dispersive component of the total cohesive energy of the fluid and the corresponding molar refraction was established in an unequivocal way. The results have shown that the two components of the total cohesive energy (dispersive and electrostatic) exhibit strikingly different trends and ratios along different families of ionic liquids, a notion that may help explain their diverse behavior toward different molecular solutes and solvents.

Energy and pitch angle-dispersed auroral electrons suggesting a time-variable, inverted-V potential structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnoldy, R. L.; Lynch, K. A.; Austin, J. B.; Kintner, P. M.

1999-10-01

High temporal resolution electron detectors aboard the PHAZE II rocket flight have shown that the energy-dispersed, field-aligned bursts (FABs) are time coincident with pitch angle-dispersed electrons having energies at the maximum voltage of the inverted-V potential. This modulation of the energetic inverted-V electrons is superimposed upon an energy-diffused background resulting in a peak-to-valley ratio of ~2 for the pitch angle-dispersed electrons. Since the characteristic energy of the FABs, the order of an eV, is considerably less than that of the plasma sheet electrons (the order of a keV) presumably falling through the inverted-V potential to create the discrete aurora, the modulation mechanism has to be independent of the electron temperature. The mechanism must accelerate the cold electrons over a range of energies from the inverted-V energy down to a few tens of eV. It must do this at the same time it is creating a population of hot, pitch angle-dispersed electrons at the inverted-V energy. Both the energy dispersion of the FABs and the pitch angle dispersion of the inverted-V electrons can be used to determine a source height assuming both populations start from the same source region at the same time. These calculations give source heights between 3500 and 5300 km for various events and disagreement between the two methods the order of 20%, which is within the rather substantial error limits of both calculations. A simple mechanism of providing a common start time for both populations of electrons would be a turning on/off of a spatially limited (vertically), inverted-V potential. The energy-dispersed FABs can be reconstructed at rocket altitudes if one assumes that cold electrons are accelerated to an energy determined by how much of the inverted-V potential they fall through when it is turned on. Similarly, the pitch angle-dispersed, inverted-V electrons can be modeled at rocket altitudes if one assumes that the plasma sheet electrons falling through the entire potential drop all start to do so at the same time when the potential is turned on. The FABs seem to fluctuate at either ~10 Hz or near 100 Hz. An important constraint of the on/off mechanism is whether cold electrons (1 eV) can fill the inverted-V volume during the off cycle. The maximum vertical height of the 10 kV potential region for the 10 Hz events would be the order of 100 and 10 km for the 100 Hz events. To get 10 kV, these heights require parallel electric fields of 0.1 and 1 V/m respectively for the 10 and 100 Hz events assuming that the filling is along B from below the inverted-V potential. Alternative mechanisms are also discussed in the light of the data presented.

Two- and three-body interatomic dispersion energy contributions to binding in molecules and solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anatole von Lilienfeld, O.; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

2010-06-01

We present numerical estimates of the leading two- and three-body dispersion energy terms in van der Waals interactions for a broad variety of molecules and solids. The calculations are based on London and Axilrod-Teller-Muto expressions where the required interatomic dispersion energy coefficients, C6 and C9, are computed "on the fly" from the electron density. Inter- and intramolecular energy contributions are obtained using the Tang-Toennies (TT) damping function for short interatomic distances. The TT range parameters are equally extracted on the fly from the electron density using their linear relationship to van der Waals radii. This relationship is empiricially determined for all the combinations of He-Xe rare gas dimers, as well as for the He and Ar trimers. The investigated systems include the S22 database of noncovalent interactions, Ar, benzene and ice crystals, bilayer graphene, C60 dimer, a peptide (Ala10), an intercalated drug-DNA model [ellipticine-d(CG)2], 42 DNA base pairs, a protein (DHFR, 2616 atoms), double stranded DNA (1905 atoms), and 12 molecular crystal polymorphs from crystal structure prediction blind test studies. The two- and three-body interatomic dispersion energies are found to contribute significantly to binding and cohesive energies, for bilayer graphene the latter reaches 50% of experimentally derived binding energy. These results suggest that interatomic three-body dispersion potentials should be accounted for in atomistic simulations when modeling bulky molecules or condensed phase systems.

Two and three-body interatomic dispersion energy contributions to binding in molecules and solids.

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

von Lilienfeld-Toal, Otto Anatole; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

We present numerical estimates of the leading two- and three-body dispersion energy terms in van der Waals interactions for a broad variety of molecules and solids. The calculations are based on London and Axilrod-Teller-Muto expressions where the required interatomic dispersion energy coefficients, C{sub 6} and C{sub 9}, are computed 'on the fly' from the electron density. Inter- and intramolecular energy contributions are obtained using the Tang-Toennies (TT) damping function for short interatomic distances. The TT range parameters are equally extracted on the fly from the electron density using their linear relationship to van der Waals radii. This relationship is empiriciallymore » determined for all the combinations of He-Xe rare gas dimers, as well as for the He and Ar trimers. The investigated systems include the S22 database of noncovalent interactions, Ar, benzene and ice crystals, bilayer graphene, C{sub 60} dimer, a peptide (Ala{sub 10}), an intercalated drug-DNA model [ellipticine-d(CG){sub 2}], 42 DNA base pairs, a protein (DHFR, 2616 atoms), double stranded DNA (1905 atoms), and 12 molecular crystal polymorphs from crystal structure prediction blind test studies. The two- and three-body interatomic dispersion energies are found to contribute significantly to binding and cohesive energies, for bilayer graphene the latter reaches 50% of experimentally derived binding energy. These results suggest that interatomic three-body dispersion potentials should be accounted for in atomistic simulations when modeling bulky molecules or condensed phase systems.« less

Superstructure and physical properties of skutterudite-related phase CoGe1.5Se1.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Y.; Fang, B.; Zhu, X. M.; Liang, M. M.

2017-03-01

CoGe1.5Se1.5 skutterudite-related phase with a homogeneity range has been synthesized by solid-state reaction. The phase purity, homogeneity range, crystal structure, thermal stability and electrical resistivity were studied. XRD data indicates that CoGe1.5Se1.5 crystallized in a modification of the skutterudite CoAs3 type structure with space group R\\bar{3} (a = b = 11.751(1) Å, c = 14.36(1) Å). HRTEM-SAED shows more information about the superstructure to confirm the rhombohedral symmetry with space group R\\bar{3}. The lattice parameter of this skutterudite-related phase was found to be dependent on the concentration of Ge and Se. CoGe1.5Se1.5 decomposed between 1073 K and 1173 K under argon atmosphere investigated by in-situ XRD, suggesting a good thermal stability. CoGe1.49Se1.42, CoGe1.43Se1.34 and CoGe1.50Se1.15 dense bulk samples were obtained by hot-press technique. The chemical composition detected by FESEM/EDS suggests the homogeneity range and the existence of voids at framework positions. The electrical resistivity of the compounds decreases with increasing temperature, acting as a semiconductor. The chemical composition has a big influence on the value of electrical resistivity and energy gap.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanofibrous Polyaniline Thin Film Prepared by Novel Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerization Technique

PubMed Central

Park, Choon-Sang; Kim, Dong Ha; Shin, Bhum Jae; Tae, Heung-Sik

2016-01-01

This work presents a study on the preparation of plasma-polymerized aniline (pPANI) nanofibers and nanoparticles by an intense plasma cloud type atmospheric pressure plasma jets (iPC-APPJ) device with a single bundle of three glass tubes. The nano size polymer was obtained at a sinusoidal wave with a peak value of 8 kV and a frequency of 26 kHz under ambient air. Discharge currents, photo-sensor amplifier, and optical emission spectrometer (OES) techniques were used to analyze the plasma produced from the iPC-APPJ device. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques were used to analyze the pPANI. FE-SEM and TEM results show that pPANI has nanofibers, nanoparticles morphology, and polycrystalline characteristics. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis show the characteristic polyaniline peaks with evidence that some quinone and benzene rings are broken by the discharge energy. GPC results show that pPANI has high molecular weight (Mw), about 533 kDa with 1.9 polydispersity index (PDI). This study contributes to a better understanding on the novel growth process and synthesis of uniform polyaniline nanofibers and nanoparticles with high molecular weights using the simple atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization technique. PMID:28787838

Temperature dependent dielectric relaxation and ac-conductivity of alkali niobate ceramics studied by impedance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Abhinav; Mantry, Snigdha Paramita; Fahad, Mohd.; Sarun, P. M.

2018-05-01

Sodium niobate (NaNbO3) ceramics is prepared by conventional solid state reaction method at sintering temperature 1150 °C for 4 h. The structural information of the material has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The XRD analysis of NaNbO3 ceramics shows an orthorhombic structure. The FE-SEM micrograph of NaNbO3 ceramics exhibit grains with grain sizes ranging between 1 μm to 5 μm. The surface coverage and average grain size of NaNbO3 ceramics are found to be 97.6 % and 2.5 μm, respectively. Frequency dependent electrical properties of NaNbO3 is investigated from room temperature to 500 °C in wide frequency range (100 Hz-5 MHz). Dielectric constant, ac-conductivity, impedance, modulus and Nyquist analysis are performed. The observed dielectric constant (1 kHz) at transition temperature (400 °C) are 975. From conductivity analysis, the estimated activation energy of NaNbO3 ceramics is 0.58 eV at 10 kHz. The result of Nyquist plot shows that the electrical behavior of NaNbO3 ceramics is contributed by grain and grain boundary responses. The impedance and modulus spectrum asserts that the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior and non-Debye type relaxation in NaNbO3.

Effect of bismuth doping on the structural and magnetic properties of zinc-ferrite nanoparticles prepared by a microwave combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoushtari, Morteza Zargar; Emami, Akram; Ghahfarokhi, Seyed Ebrahim Mosavi

2016-12-01

In this study, we examine the bismuth doping effect on the structural, magnetic and microstructural properties of zinc-ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2-xBixO4 with x=0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.1, 0.15) which have been prepared by a microwave combustion method. The structural, morphological and electromagnetic properties and also Curie temperature of the samples were examined by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and LCR meter, respectively. In order to measure the energy band gap, the FTIR spectra of the samples were also considered. The XRD patterns of the samples revealed that all of them are ZnFe2O4 structure and no additional peak was observed in their patterns. This implied that the samples were single-phase up to bismuth solubility of 0.15 in Zinc-Ferrite. The results of XRD patterns also showed that the value lattice parameter increases with increasing the bismuth doping. The FESEM results revealed an ascending trend in the size of the nanoparticles. Also considering the VSM results characterized that an increasing the bismuth doping leads to lower the saturation magnetization. The Curie temperatures of the samples were reduced as a result of increasing the amount of bismuth.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanofibrous Polyaniline Thin Film Prepared by Novel Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerization Technique.

PubMed

Park, Choon-Sang; Kim, Dong Ha; Shin, Bhum Jae; Tae, Heung-Sik

2016-01-11

This work presents a study on the preparation of plasma-polymerized aniline (pPANI) nanofibers and nanoparticles by an intense plasma cloud type atmospheric pressure plasma jets (iPC-APPJ) device with a single bundle of three glass tubes. The nano size polymer was obtained at a sinusoidal wave with a peak value of 8 kV and a frequency of 26 kHz under ambient air. Discharge currents, photo-sensor amplifier, and optical emission spectrometer (OES) techniques were used to analyze the plasma produced from the iPC-APPJ device. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques were used to analyze the pPANI. FE-SEM and TEM results show that pPANI has nanofibers, nanoparticles morphology, and polycrystalline characteristics. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis show the characteristic polyaniline peaks with evidence that some quinone and benzene rings are broken by the discharge energy. GPC results show that pPANI has high molecular weight ( M w ), about 533 kDa with 1.9 polydispersity index (PDI). This study contributes to a better understanding on the novel growth process and synthesis of uniform polyaniline nanofibers and nanoparticles with high molecular weights using the simple atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization technique.

Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory interaction energy decomposition for some noble gas complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cukras, Janusz; Sadlej, Joanna

2008-06-01

This Letter contains a study of the interaction energy in HArF⋯N 2 and HArF⋯P 2 complexes. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) has been applied to analyze the electrostatic, induction, dispersion and exchange contributions to the total interaction energy. The interaction energy has also been obtained by supermolecular method at the MP2, MP4, CCSD, CCSD(T) levels. The interaction energy for the studied complexes results from a partial cancelation of large attractive electrostatic, induction, dispersion terms by a strong repulsive exchange contribution. The induction and dispersion effects proved to be crucial in establishing the preference for the colinear HArF⋯N 2 and HArF⋯P 2 structures and shift direction of νHAr stretching vibrations.

Energy-efficient methane production from macroalgal biomass through chemo disperser liquefaction.

PubMed

Tamilarasan, K; Kavitha, S; Rajesh Banu, J; Arulazhagan, P; Yeom, Ick Tae

2017-03-01

In this study, an effort has been made to reduce the energy cost of liquefaction by coupling a mechanical disperser with a chemical (sodium tripolyphosphate). In terms of the cost and specific energy demand of liquefaction, the algal biomass disintegrated at 12,000rpm for 30min, and an STPP dosage of about 0.04g/gCOD was chosen as an optimal parameter. Chemo disperser liquefaction (CDL) was found to be energetically and economically sustainable in terms of liquefaction, methane production, and net profit (15%, 0.14gCOD/gCOD, and 4 USD/Ton of algal biomass) and preferable to disperser liquefaction (DL) (10%, 0.11 gCOD/gCOD, and -475 USD/Ton of algal biomass). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Klein tunneling and electron optics in Dirac-Weyl fermion systems with tilted energy dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, V. Hung; Charlier, J.-C.

2018-06-01

The transport properties of relativisticlike fermions have been extensively studied in solid-state systems with isotropic energy dispersions. Recently, several two-dimensional and three-dimensional Dirac-Weyl (DW) materials exhibiting tilted energy dispersions around their DW cones have been explored. Here, we demonstrate that such a tilt character could induce drastically different transport phenomena, compared to the isotropic-dispersion cases. Indeed, the Klein tunneling of DW fermions of opposite chiralities is predicted to appear along two separated oblique directions. In addition, valley filtering and beam splitting effects are easily tailored by dopant engineering techniques whereas the refraction of electron waves at a (p -n )-doped interface is dramatically modified by the tilt, thus paving the way for emerging applications in electron optics and valleytronics.

Two types of energy-dispersed ion structures at the plasma sheet boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauvaud, J.-A.; Kovrazhkin, R. A.

2004-12-01

We study two main types of ion energy dispersions observed in the energy range ˜1 to 14 keV on board the Interball-Auroral (IA) satellite at altitudes 2-3 RE at the poleward boundary of the plasma sheet. The first type of structure is named velocity dispersed ion structures (VDIS). It is known that VDIS represent a global proton structure with a latitudinal width of ˜0.7-2.5°, where the ion overall energy increases with latitude. IA data allow to show that VDIS are made of substructures lasting for ˜1-3 min. Inside each substructure, high-energy protons arrive first, regardless of the direction of the plasma sheet boundary crossing. A near-continuous rise of the maximal and minimal energies of consecutive substructures with invariant latitude characterizes VDIS. The second type of dispersed structure is named time-of-flight dispersed ion structures (TDIS). TDIS are recurrent sporadic structures in H+ (and also O+) with a quasi-period of ˜3 min and a duration of ˜1-3 min. The maximal energy of TDIS is rather constant and reaches ≥14 keV. During both poleward and equatorward crossings of the plasma sheet boundary, inside each TDIS, high-energy ions arrive first. These structures are accompanied by large fluxes of upflowing H+ and O+ ions with maximal energies up to 5-10 keV. In association with TDIS, bouncing H+ clusters are observed in quasi-dipolar magnetic field tubes, i.e., equatorward from TDIS. The electron populations generally have different properties during observations of VDIS and TDIS. The electron flux accompanying VDIS first increases smoothly and then decreases after Interball-Auroral has passed through the proton structure. The average electron energy in the range ˜0.5-2 keV is typical for electrons from the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL). The electron fluxes associated with TDIS increases suddenly at the polar boundary of the auroral zone. Their average energy, reaching ˜5-8 keV, is typical for CPS. A statistical analysis shows that VDIS are observed mainly during magnetically quiet times and during the recovery phase of substorms, while sporadic and recurrent TDIS are observed during the onset and main phases of substorms and magnetic storms and, although less frequently, during substorm recovery phases. From the slope of the (velocity)-1 versus time dispersions of TDIS, we conclude that they have a sporadic source located at the outer boundary of the central plasma sheet, at distances from 8 to 40 RE in the equatorial plane. The disappearance of the PSBL associated with TDIS can be tentatively linked to a reconfiguration of the magnetotail, which disconnects from the Earth the field lines forming the "quiet" PSBL. We show that VDIS consist of ion beams ejected from an extended current sheet at different distances. These ion beams could be formed in the neutral sheet at distance ranging from ˜30 RE to ˜100 RE from the Earth. Inside each substructure the time-of-flight dispersion of ions generally dominate over any latitudinal dispersion induced by a dawn-dusk electric field. These two main types of energy-dispersed ion structures reflect probably two main states of the magnetotail, quiet and active. Finally, it must be stressed that only ˜49% (246 over 501) of the Interball-Auroral auroral zone-polar cap boundary crossings can be described as VDIS or TDIS. On the other 51% of the crossings of the plasma sheet boundary, no well-defined ion dispersed structures were observed.

Rayleigh-wave mode separation by high-resolution linear radon transform

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luo, Y.; Xia, J.; Miller, R.D.; Xu, Y.; Liu, J.; Liu, Q.

2009-01-01

Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method is an effective tool for obtaining vertical shear wave profiles from a single non-invasive measurement. One key step of the MASW method is generation of a dispersion image and extraction of a reliable dispersion curve from raw multichannel shot records. Because different Rayleigh-wave modes normally interfere with each other in the time and space domain, it is necessary to perform mode separation and reconstruction to increase the accuracy of phase velocities determined from a dispersion image. In this paper, we demonstrate the effectiveness of high-resolution linear Radon transform (LRT) as a means of separating and reconstructing multimode, dispersive Rayleigh-wave energy. We first introduce high-resolution LRT methods and Rayleigh-wave mode separation using high-resolution LRT. Next, we use synthetic data and a real-world example to demonstrate the effectiveness of Rayleigh-wave mode separation using high-resolution LRT. Our synthetic and real-world results demonstrate that (1) high-resolution LRT successfully separates and reconstructs multimode dispersive Rayleigh-wave energy with high resolution allowing the multimode energy to be more accurately determined. The horizontal resolution of the Rayleigh-wave method can be increased by extraction of dispersion curves from a pair of traces in the mode-separated shot gather and (2) multimode separation and reconstruction expand the usable frequency range of higher mode dispersive energy, which increases the depth of investigation and provides a means for accurately determining cut-off frequencies. ?? 2009 The Authors Journal compilation ?? 2009 RAS.

Improvement in the Characterization of the 2099 Al-Li Alloy by FE-SEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodusch, Nicolas; Trudeau, Michel L.; Michaud, Pierre; Brochu, Mathieu; Rodrigue, Lisa; Boselli, Julien; Gauvin, Raynald

This paper describes how state-of-the-art Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) can contribute to the characterization of the 2099 aluminum-lithium alloy, and metallic alloys in general. Investigations were carried out on bulk and thinned samples. BSE imaging at 3kV and STEM imaging at 30kV along with highly efficient microanalysis permitted to correlate experimental and expected structures. Although our results confirm previous studies, this work points out possible substitutions of Mg and Zn with Li, Al and Cu in the T1 precipitates. Zinc and magnesium are also present in "rice grain" shaped precipitates at the grain boundaries. The versatility of the FE-SEM is highlighted in that it can provide information at the macro and micro scales with relevant details. Its ability to probe the distribution of precipitates from nano-to micro-sizes throughout the matrix makes Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy a suitable technique for the characterization of metallic alloys.

Evolution of velocity dispersion along cold collisionless flows

DOE PAGES

Banik, Nilanjan; Sikivie, Pierre

2016-05-01

We found that the infall of cold dark matter onto a galaxy produces cold collisionless flows and caustics in its halo. If a signal is found in the cavity detector of dark matter axions, the flows will be readily apparent as peaks in the energy spectrum of photons from axion conversion, allowing the densities, velocity vectors and velocity dispersions of the flows to be determined. We also discuss the evolution of velocity dispersion along cold collisionless flows in one and two dimensions. A technique is presented for obtaining the leading behaviour of the velocity dispersion near caustics. The results aremore » used to derive an upper limit on the energy dispersion of the Big Flow from the sharpness of its nearby caustic, and a prediction for the dispersions in its velocity components.« less

Temperature dependent dispersion and electron-phonon coupling surface states on Be(1010)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Shu-Jung; Ismail; Sprunger, Philip; Plummer, Ward

2002-03-01

Temperature dependent dispersion and electron-phonon coupling surface states on Be(10-10) S.-J Tang*, Ismail* , P.T . Sprunger#, E. W. Plummer* * Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN37996 , # Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD), Louisiana State University The surface states dispersing in a large band gap from -A to -Γ in Be(10-10) were studied with high-resolution, angle-resolved photoemission. Spectra reveal that the two zone-boundary surface states, S1 and S2, behave significantly different with respect to band dispersion, the temperature dependence of binding energies, and the electron-phonon coupling. The band dispersion of S1 is purely free-electron like with the maximum binding energy of 0.37+-0.05 eV at -A and effective mass m*/m =0835. However, the maximum binding energy 2.74+-0.05 eV of the S2 is located 0.2Åaway from -A and disperses into the bulk band edge at a binding energy of 1.75+-0.05 eV. Temperature dependent data reveal that the binding energies of S1 and S2 at -A shift in opposite directions at the rate of (-0.61+-0.3)+- 10E-4 eV/K and (1.71+-0.8)+-10E-4 eV/K, respectively. Moreover, from the temperature-dependent spectral widths of the surface states S1 and S2 at , the electron-phonon coupling parameters,λ, have been determined. Unusually different, the coupling strength λ for S1 and S2 are 0.67+-0.03 and 0.51+-0.04, respectively. The differences between the electron-phonon coupling, temperature dependent binding energies, and dispersions between these two zone-centered surface states will be discussed in light unique bonding at the surface and localization.

Studies of dispersion energy in hydrogen-bonded systems. H2O-HOH, H2O-HF, H3N-HF, HF-HF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szcześniak, M. M.; Scheiner, Steve

1984-02-01

Dispersion energy is calculated in the systems H2O-HOH, H2O-HF, H3N-HF, and HF-HF as a function of the intermolecular separation using a variety of methods. M≂ller-Plesset perturbation theory to second and third orders is applied in conjunction with polarized basis sets of 6-311G** type and with an extended basis set including a second set of polarization functions (DZ+2P). These results are compared to a multipole expansion of the dispersion energy, based on the Unsöld approximation, carried out to the inverse tenth power of the intermolecular distance. Pairwise evaluation is also carried out using both atom-atom and bond-bond formulations. The MP3/6-311G** results are in generally excellent accord with the leading R-6 term of the multipole expansion. This expansion, if carried out to the R-10 term, reproduces extremely well previously reported dispersion energies calculated via variation-perturbation theory. Little damping of the expansion is required for intermolecular distances equal to or greater than the equilibrium separation. Although the asymptotic behavior of the MP2 dispersion energy is somewhat different than that of the other methods, augmentation of the basis set by a second diffuse set of d functions leads to quite good agreement in the vicinity of the minima. Both the atom-atom and bond-bond parametrization schemes are in good qualitative agreement with the other methods tested. All approaches produce similar dependence of the dispersion energy upon the angular orientation between the two molecules involved in the H bond.

Simulating dispersal of reintroduced species within heterogeneous landscapes

Treesearch

Robert H. Gardner; Eric J. Gustafson

2004-01-01

This paper describes the development and application of a spatially explicit, individual based model of animal dispersal (J-walk) to determine the relative effects of landscape heterogeneity, prey availability, predation risk, and the energy requirements and behavior of dispersing organisms on dispersal success. Significant unknowns exist for the simulation of complex...

Evaluating Chemical Dispersant Efficacy In An Experimental Wave Tank: 1, Dispersant Effectiveness As A Function Of Energy Dissipation Rate

EPA Science Inventory

Numerous laboratory test systems have been developed for the comparison of efficacy between various chemical oil dispersant formulations. However, for the assessment of chemical dispersant effectiveness under realistic sea state, test protocols are required to produce hydrodynam...

Comparison of Dorris-Gray and Schultz methods for the calculation of surface dispersive free energy by inverse gas chromatography.

PubMed

Shi, Baoli; Wang, Yue; Jia, Lina

2011-02-11

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) is an important technique for the characterization of surface properties of solid materials. A standard method of surface characterization is that the surface dispersive free energy of the solid stationary phase is firstly determined by using a series of linear alkane liquids as molecular probes, and then the acid-base parameters are calculated from the dispersive parameters. However, for the calculation of surface dispersive free energy, generally, two different methods are used, which are Dorris-Gray method and Schultz method. In this paper, the results calculated from Dorris-Gray method and Schultz method are compared through calculating their ratio with their basic equations and parameters. It can be concluded that the dispersive parameters calculated with Dorris-Gray method will always be larger than the data calculated with Schultz method. When the measuring temperature increases, the ratio increases large. Compared with the parameters in solvents handbook, it seems that the traditional surface free energy parameters of n-alkanes listed in the papers using Schultz method are not enough accurate, which can be proved with a published IGC experimental result. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical properties of Sulfur doped InP single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nahass, M. M.; Youssef, S. B.; Ali, H. A. M.

2014-05-01

Optical properties of InP:S single crystals were investigated using spectrophotometric measurements in the spectral range of 200-2500 nm. The absorption coefficient and refractive index were calculated. It was found that InP:S crystals exhibit allowed and forbidden direct transitions with energy gaps of 1.578 and 1.528 eV, respectively. Analysis of the refractive index in the normal dispersion region was discussed in terms of the single oscillator model. Some optical dispersion parameters namely: the dispersion energy (Ed), single oscillator energy (Eo), high frequency dielectric constant (ɛ∞), and lattice dielectric constant (ɛL) were determined. The volume and the surface energy loss functions (VELF & SELF) were estimated. Also, the real and imaginary parts of the complex conductivity were calculated.

Techniques Suitable for a Portable Wear Metal Analyzer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

measured by a detector. Commonly used detectors are semiconductor detectors or proportional counters. b. Energy-Dispersive XRPS . In the energy-dispersive...because the sample must be charred before the analysis. C. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Normally the counting time for XRPS is 100 seconds