Effect of the interface on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of bismuth telluride films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Tang-Yu; Wang, Kuan-Yu; Fang, Te-Hua; Huang, Chao-Chun

2018-02-01

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) is a type of thermoelectric material used for energy generation that does not cause pollution. Increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency (ZT) is one of the most important steps in the development of thermoelectric components. In this study, we use molecular dynamics to investigate the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of quintuple layers of Bi2Te3 nanofilms with different atomic arrangements at the interface and study the effects of varying layers, angles, and grain boundaries. The results indicate that the Bi2Te3 nanofilm perfect substrate has the ideal Young’s modulus and thermal conductivity, and the maximum yield stress is observed for a thickness of ∼90 Å. As the interface changed, the structural disorder of atomic arrangement affected the mechanical properties; moreover, the phonons encounter lattice disordered atomic region will produce scattering reduce heat conduction. The results of this investigation are helpful for the application of Bi2Te3 nanofilms as thermoelectric materials.

Carrier and photon dynamics in a topological insulator Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}/GaN type II staggered heterostructure

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

Chaturvedi, P.; Chouksey, S.; Banerjee, D.

2015-11-09

We have demonstrated a type-II band-aligned heterostructure between pulsed laser deposited topological insulator bismuth telluride and metal organic-chemical-vapour deposited GaN on a sapphire substrate. The heterostructure shows a large valence band-offset of 3.27 eV as determined from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which is close to the bandgap of GaN (3.4 eV). Further investigation using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrum reveals the stoichiometric and material properties of bismuth telluride on GaN. Steady state photon emission from GaN is found to be modulated by the charge transfer process due to diffusion across the junction. The time constant involved with the charge transfermore » process is found to be 0.6 ns by transient absorption spectroscopy. The heterostructure can be used for designing devices with different functionalities and improving the performance of the existing devices on GaN.« less

A passively mode locked thulium doped fiber laser using bismuth telluride deposited multimode interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, M.; Lee, J.; Song, W.; Lee, Y. L.; Lee, J. H.; Shin, W.

2016-05-01

We proposed a multimode interference (MMI) fiber based saturable absorber using bismuth telluride at  ∼2 μm region. Our MMI based saturable absorber was fabricated by fusion splicing with single mode fiber and null core fiber. The MMI functioned as both wavelength fixed filter and saturable absorber. The 3 dB bandwidth and insertion loss of MMI were 42 nm and 3.4 dB at wavelength of 1958 nm, respectively. We have also reported a passively mode locked thulium doped fiber laser operating at a wavelength of 1958 nm using a multimode interference. A temporal bandwidth of  ∼46 ps was experimentally obtained at a repetition rate of 8.58 MHz.

Influence of gamma ray irradiation on stoichiometry of hydrothermally synthesized bismuth telluride nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abishek, N. S.; Naik, K. Gopalakrishna

2018-05-01

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 200 °C for 24 h. The synthesized Bi2Te3 nanoparticles were irradiated with gamma rays at doses of 50 kGy and 100 kGy. The structural characterization of the pre-irradiated and post-irradiated samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction technique and was found to have rhombohedral phase having R3 ¯m (166) space group. The X-ray diffraction peaks were found to shift towards lower diffraction angle with gamma ray irradiation. The morphologies and compositions of the grown Bi2Te3 nanoparticles were studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray energy dispersive analysis, respectively. The possible cause for the shift in the X-ray diffraction peaks with gamma ray irradiation has been discussed in the present work.

Bulk Dissolution Rates of Cadmium and Bismuth Tellurides As a Function of pH, Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen.

PubMed

Biver, Marc; Filella, Montserrat

2016-05-03

The toxicity of Cd being well established and that of Te suspected, the bulk, surface-normalized steady-state dissolution rates of two industrially important binary tellurides-polycrystalline cadmium and bismuth tellurides- were studied over the pH range 3-11, at various temperatures (25-70 °C) and dissolved oxygen concentrations (0-100% O2 in the gas phase). The behavior of both tellurides is strikingly different. The dissolution rates of CdTe monotonically decreased with increasing pH, the trend becoming more pronounced with increasing temperature. Activation energies were of the order of magnitude associated with surface controlled processes; they decreased with decreasing acidity. At pH 7, the CdTe dissolution rate increased linearly with dissolved oxygen. In anoxic solution, CdTe dissolved at a finite rate. In contrast, the dissolution rate of Bi2Te3 passed through a minimum at pH 5.3. The activation energy had a maximum in the rate minimum at pH 5.3 and fell below the threshold for diffusion control at pH 11. No oxygen dependence was detected. Bi2Te3 dissolves much more slowly than CdTe; from one to more than 3.5 orders of magnitude in the Bi2Te3 rate minimum. Both will readily dissolve under long-term landfill deposition conditions but comparatively slowly.

Electrical Characterization of Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Electrodeposited from Tri-N Telluride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Windheim, Jesko A.

The electrical transport properties of CdTe electrodeposited from tri-n-butylphosphine telluride have been studied by resistivity and Hall effect measurements. Methods have been developed to reproducibly remove large area samples from their conducting substrates, and these samples were prepared for temperature dependent Hall measurements and resistivity measurements. Apparatus was designed and built to routinely measure Hall voltages as low as 250 muV for source impedances up to 10 ^{12} Omega. The central aspect of the measurement system was a low cost, differential electrometer amplifier designed around the AD549L monolithic electrometer operational amplifier. Temperature control was achieved via a Eurotherm 808 temperature controller, and a cooled stream of nitrogen gas. With this system, temperature could be maintained within +/- 0.5^circC at set points between -40^circC and +40^circC. Data collection, temperature ramping, and power to the magnet were all computer controlled, and resistivity measurements were fully automated. As-annealed electrodeposited CdTe was found to be consistently p-type, with resistivity values typically 10^6- 10^{7 } Omega-cm. Various donor and acceptor dopants have been incorporated into polycrystalline CdTe films by three methods: electrochemical codeposition, electromigration and vapour techniques. The dopants were Cd, Te, Cu, Ag, In, and O_2. The activity of the dopant was dependent on the method that was used for incorporation. Oxygen was found to only have a significant effect when it was incorporated in situ, during deposition. For Cd and Te, on the other hand, little effect was seen when their concentration was varied in situ. However, hole concentration increased substantially when Te was incorporated by diffusion, and a p to n conversion was observed when Cd was incorporated by diffusion. The carrier concentration of p-type CdTe could be systematically increased by increasing the current density for the electromigration of

Enhancing figure-of-merit of n-type Bi2Te3-xSex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xiao; Yang, Jian; Ma, Yi; Poudel, Bed; Lan, Yucheng; Wang, Dezhi; Ren, Zhifeng; Hao, Qing; Chen, Gang

2008-03-01

Themoelectric materials with high dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) are greatly demanded in energy industry, among which bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) exhibits decent ZT around room temperature. However, thermal conductivity of Bi2Te3 is still high which limits its wider use for low temperature cooling devices. Here we investigate nanostructured bulk n-type Bi2Te3-xSex by reducing the thermal conductivity via increased phonon scattering of the significantly increased grain boundaries due to nano size grains. We first make alloyed nanopowders by mechanical alloying a mixture of elements with the right ratio and then 100% nanostructured samples by hot press.

Thermoelectric properties of bismuth telluride nanoplate thin films determined using combined infrared spectroscopy and first-principles calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Kodai; Tomita, Koji; Takashiri, Masayuki

2018-06-01

The thermoelectric properties of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanoplate thin films were estimated using combined infrared spectroscopy and first-principles calculation, followed by comparing the estimated properties with those obtained using the standard electrical probing method. Hexagonal single-crystalline Bi2Te3 nanoplates were first prepared using solvothermal synthesis, followed by preparing Bi2Te3 nanoplate thin films using the drop-casting technique. The nanoplates were joined by thermally annealing them at 250 °C in Ar (95%)–H2 (5%) gas (atmospheric pressure). The electronic transport properties were estimated by infrared spectroscopy using the Drude model, with the effective mass being determined from the band structure using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient obtained using the combined analysis were higher than those obtained using the standard electrical probing method, probably because the contact resistance between the nanoplates was excluded from the estimation procedure of the combined analysis method.

Thermal transport in bismuth telluride quintuple layer: mode-resolved phonon properties and substrate effects

PubMed Central

Shao, Cheng; Bao, Hua

2016-01-01

The successful exfoliation of atomically-thin bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) quintuple layer (QL) attracts tremendous research interest in this strongly anharmonic quasi-two-dimensional material. The thermal transport properties of this material are not well understood, especially the mode-wise properties and when it is coupled with a substrate. In this work, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations and normal mode analysis to study the mode-resolved thermal transport in freestanding and supported Bi2Te3 QL. The detailed mode-wise phonon properties are calculated and the accumulated thermal conductivities with respect to phonon mean free path (MFP) are constructed. It is shown that 60% of the thermal transport is contributed by phonons with MFP longer than 20 nm. Coupling with a-SiO2 substrate leads to about 60% reduction of thermal conductivity. Through varying the interfacial coupling strength and the atomic mass of substrate, we also find that phonon in Bi2Te3 QL is more strongly scattered by interfacial potential and its transport process is less affected by the dynamics of substrate. Our study provides an in-depth understanding of heat transport in Bi2Te3 QL and is helpful in further tailoring its thermal property through nanostructuring. PMID:27263656

Flexible n-type thermoelectric composite films with enhanced performance through interface engineering and post-treatment.

PubMed

An, Hyeunhwan; Karas, Dale; Kim, Byung-Wook; Trabia, Sarah; Moon, Jaeyun

2018-07-06

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials, which are devices that convert thermal gradients to electrical energy, have attracted interest for practical energy-harvesting/recovery applications. However, as compared with p-type materials, the progress on the development of n-type TE flexible materials has been slow due to difficulties involved in n-type doping techniques. This study used high mobility carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a uniformly mixed hybrid-composite, resulting in an enhanced power factor by increasing electrical conductivity. The energy filtering effect and stoichiometric composition of the material used, bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) correlated to a significant enhancement in TE performance, with a power factor of 225.9 μW m -1 K -2 at room temperature: a factor of 65 higher than as-fabricated composite film. This paper describes a simplified synthesis for the preparation of the composite film that eliminates time-intensive and cost-prohibitive processing, traditionally seen during extrusion and dicing inorganic manufacturing. The resulting post-annealed composite film consisting of Bi 2 Te 3 nanowire and CNTs demonstrate a promising candidate for material that can be used for an n-type TE device that has improved energy conversion efficiency.

Flexible n-type thermoelectric composite films with enhanced performance through interface engineering and post-treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Hyeunhwan; Karas, Dale; Kim, Byung-Wook; Trabia, Sarah; Moon, Jaeyun

2018-07-01

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials, which are devices that convert thermal gradients to electrical energy, have attracted interest for practical energy-harvesting/recovery applications. However, as compared with p-type materials, the progress on the development of n-type TE flexible materials has been slow due to difficulties involved in n-type doping techniques. This study used high mobility carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a uniformly mixed hybrid-composite, resulting in an enhanced power factor by increasing electrical conductivity. The energy filtering effect and stoichiometric composition of the material used, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) correlated to a significant enhancement in TE performance, with a power factor of 225.9 μW m‑1K‑2 at room temperature: a factor of 65 higher than as-fabricated composite film. This paper describes a simplified synthesis for the preparation of the composite film that eliminates time-intensive and cost-prohibitive processing, traditionally seen during extrusion and dicing inorganic manufacturing. The resulting post-annealed composite film consisting of Bi2Te3 nanowire and CNTs demonstrate a promising candidate for material that can be used for an n-type TE device that has improved energy conversion efficiency.

Fabrication of large-scale single-crystal bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanosheet arrays by a single-step electrolysis process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Hung-Wei; Wang, Tsang-Hsiu; Chan, Tsung-Cheng; Chen, Pei-Ju; Chung, Chih-Chun; Yaghoubi, Alireza; Liao, Chien-Neng; Diau, Eric Wei-Guang; Chueh, Yu-Lun

2014-06-01

Nanolizing of thermoelectric materials is one approach to reduce the thermal conductivity and hence enhance the figure of merit. Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based materials have excellent figure of merit at room temperature. For device applications, precise control and rapid fabrication for the nanostructure of thermoelectric materials are essential issues. In the present study, we demonstrate a one-step electrolysis process to directly form Bi2Te3 nanosheet arrays (NSAs) on the surface of bulk Bi2Te3 with controllable spacing distance and depth by tuning the applied bias and duration. The single sheet of NSAs reveals that the average thickness and electrical resistivity of single crystalline Bi2Te3 in composition are 399.8 nm and 137.34 μΩ m, respectively. The formation mechanism of NSAs has been proposed. A 1.12% efficiency of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells with Bi2Te3 NSAs for counter electrode has been demonstrated, indicating that Bi2Te3 NSAs from top-down processing with a high ratio of surface area to volume are a promising candidate for possible applications such as thermoelectrics, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and lithium-ion batteries.Nanolizing of thermoelectric materials is one approach to reduce the thermal conductivity and hence enhance the figure of merit. Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based materials have excellent figure of merit at room temperature. For device applications, precise control and rapid fabrication for the nanostructure of thermoelectric materials are essential issues. In the present study, we demonstrate a one-step electrolysis process to directly form Bi2Te3 nanosheet arrays (NSAs) on the surface of bulk Bi2Te3 with controllable spacing distance and depth by tuning the applied bias and duration. The single sheet of NSAs reveals that the average thickness and electrical resistivity of single crystalline Bi2Te3 in composition are 399.8 nm and 137.34 μΩ m, respectively. The formation mechanism of NSAs has been proposed. A 1

Cadmium telluride photovoltaic radiation detector

DOEpatents

Agouridis, D.C.; Fox, R.J.

A dosimetry-type radiation detector is provided which employs a polycrystalline, chlorine-compensated cadmium telluride wafer fabricated to operate as a photovoltaic current generator used as the basic detecting element. A photovoltaic junction is formed in the wafer by painting one face of the cadmium telluride wafer with an n-type semi-conductive material. The opposite face of the wafer is painted with an electrically conductive material to serve as a current collector. The detector is mounted in a hermetically sealed vacuum containment. The detector is operated in a photovoltaic mode (zero bias) while DC coupled to a symmetrical differential current amplifier having a very low input impedance. The amplifier converts the current signal generated by radiation impinging upon the barrier surface face of the wafer to a voltage which is supplied to a voltmeter calibrated to read quantitatively the level of radiation incident upon the detecting wafer.

Cadmium telluride photovoltaic radiation detector

DOEpatents

Agouridis, Dimitrios C.; Fox, Richard J.

1981-01-01

A dosimetry-type radiation detector is provided which employs a polycrystalline, chlorine-compensated cadmium telluride wafer fabricated to operate as a photovoltaic current generator used as the basic detecting element. A photovoltaic junction is formed in the wafer by painting one face of the cadmium telluride wafer with an n-type semiconductive material. The opposite face of the wafer is painted with an electrically conductive material to serve as a current collector. The detector is mounted in a hermetically sealed vacuum containment. The detector is operated in a photovoltaic mode (zero bias) while DC coupled to a symmetrical differential current amplifier having a very low input impedance. The amplifier converts the current signal generated by radiation impinging upon the barrier surface face of the wafer to a voltage which is supplied to a voltmeter calibrated to read quantitatively the level of radiation incident upon the detecting wafer.

Photochemical Water Splitting by Bismuth Chalcogenide Topological Insulators.

PubMed

Rajamathi, Catherine R; Gupta, Uttam; Pal, Koushik; Kumar, Nitesh; Yang, Hao; Sun, Yan; Shekhar, Chandra; Yan, Binghai; Parkin, Stuart; Waghmare, Umesh V; Felser, Claudia; Rao, C N R

2017-09-06

As one of the major areas of interest in catalysis revolves around 2D materials based on molybdenum sulfide, we have examined the catalytic properties of bismuth selenides and tellurides, which are among the first chalcogenides to be proven as topological insulators (TIs). We find significant photochemical H 2 evolution activity with these TIs as catalysts. H 2 evolution increases drastically in nanosheets of Bi 2 Te 3 compared to single crystals. First-principles calculations show that due to the topology, surface states participate and promote the hydrogen evolution. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Heat-Pipe Bismuth Laser; Examination of Laser Action at 4722A in Bismuth Vapor

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-01

11, 15(1975). of Type 6p 3 -6p 2 7s in the Bismuth Atomic Spectrum in Intermediate Coupling," Acta Physica Polonica A47, 231(1975). 19. A.N. Nesmeyanov...Calculated Transit n Probabilities and Lifetimes for the First Excited Configuration np (n+l)s in the Neutral As, Sb and Bi Atoms, " Physica Scripta

International Round-Robin Study on Thermoelectric Transport Properties of n-type Half-Heusler from 300 K to 773 K

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

Wang, Hsin; Bai, Shengqiang; Chen, Lidong

2015-09-03

International transport property measurement round-robins have been conducted by the Thermoelectric Annex under the International Energy Agency (IEA) Implementing Agreement on Advanced Materials for Transportation (AMT). The previous round-robins used commercially available bismuth telluride as the testing material, with the goals of understanding measurement issues and developing standard testing procedures. The current round-robin extended the measurement temperature range to 773 K. It was designed to meet the increasing demands for reliable transport data of thermoelectric materials for power generation applications. Eleven laboratories from six IEA-AMT member countries participated in this study. Half-Heusler (n-type) material prepared by GMZ Energy was selectedmore » for the round-robin. The measured transport properties showed narrower distribution on uncertainties compared to previous round-robin efforts. The study intentionally included multiple testing methods and instrument types. Over the full temperature range, the measurement discrepancies on the figure of merit, ZT, in this round-robin were ±1.5 to ±16.4% from the averages.« less

Properties of Nitrogen-Doped Zinc Telluride Films for Back Contact to Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimpi, Tushar M.; Drayton, Jennifer; Swanson, Drew E.; Sampath, Walajabad S.

2017-08-01

Zinc telluride (ZnTe) films have been deposited onto uncoated glass superstrates by reactive radiofrequency (RF) sputtering with different amounts of nitrogen introduced into the process gas, and the structural and electronic transport properties of the resulting nitrogen-doped ZnTe (ZnTe:N) films characterized. Based on transmission and x-ray diffraction measurements, it was observed that the crystalline quality of the ZnTe:N films decreased with increasing nitrogen in the deposition process. The bulk carrier concentration of the ZnTe:N films determined from Hall-effect measurements showed a slight decrease at 4% nitrogen flow rate. The effect of ZnTe:N films as back contact to cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells was also investigated. ZnTe:N films were deposited before or after CdCl2 passivation on CdTe/CdS samples. Small-area devices were characterized for their electronic properties. Glancing-angle x-ray diffraction measurements and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed substantial loss of zinc from the samples where CdCl2 passivation was carried out after ZnTe:N film deposition.

Hierarchical heterostructures of p-type bismuth oxychloride nanosheets on n-type zinc ferrite electrospun nanofibers with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities and magnetic separation properties.

PubMed

Sun, Yucong; Shao, Changlu; Li, Xinghua; Guo, Xiaohui; Zhou, Xuejiao; Li, Xiaowei; Liu, Yichun

2018-04-15

P-type bismuth oxychloride (p-BiOCl) nanosheets were uniformly grown on n-type zinc ferrite (n-ZnFe 2 O 4 ) electrospun nanofibers via a solvothermal technique to form hierarchical heterostructures of p-BiOCl/n-ZnFe 2 O 4 (p-BiOCl/n-ZnFe 2 O 4 H-Hs). The density and loading amounts of the BiOCl nanosheets with exposed {0 0 1} facets were easily controlled by adjusting the reactant concentration in the solvothermal process. The p-BiOCl/n-ZnFe 2 O 4 H-Hs exhibited enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The apparent first-order rate of the p-BiOCl/n-ZnFe 2 O 4 H-Hs and its normalized constant were about 12.6- and 8-fold higher than pure ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers. This suggests that both the improved charge separation efficiency from the uniform p-n heterojunctions and the enlarged active surface sites from the hierarchical structures increase the photocatalytic performances. Furthermore, the p-BiOCl/n-ZnFe 2 O 4 H-Hs could be efficiently separated from the solution with an external magnetic field via the ferromagnetic behavior of ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers. The magnetic p-BiOCl/n-ZnFe 2 O 4 H-Hs with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performances might have potential applications in water treatment. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Polymorphic one-dimensional (N2H4)2ZnTe: soluble precursors for the formation of hexagonal or cubic zinc telluride.

PubMed

Mitzi, David B

2005-10-03

Two hydrazine zinc(II) telluride polymorphs, (N2H4)2ZnTe, have been isolated, using ambient-temperature solution-based techniques, and the crystal structures determined: alpha-(N2H4)2ZnTe (1) [P21, a = 7.2157(4) Angstroms, b = 11.5439(6) Angstroms, c = 7.3909(4) Angstroms, beta = 101.296(1) degrees, Z = 4] and beta-(N2H4)2ZnTe (2) [Pn, a = 8.1301(5) Angstroms, b = 6.9580(5) Angstroms, c = 10.7380(7) Angstroms, beta = 91.703(1) degrees, Z = 4]. The zinc atoms in 1 and 2 are tetrahedrally bonded to two terminal hydrazine molecules and two bridging tellurium atoms, leading to the formation of extended one-dimensional (1-D) zinc telluride chains, with different chain conformations and packings distinguishing the two polymorphs. Thermal decomposition of (N2H4)2ZnTe first yields crystalline wurtzite (hexagonal) ZnTe at temperatures as low as 200 degrees C, followed by the more stable zinc blende (cubic) form at temperatures above 350 degrees C. The 1-D polymorphs are soluble in hydrazine and can be used as convenient precursors for the low-temperature solution processing of p-type ZnTe semiconducting films.

Blocking contacts for N-type cadmium zinc telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahle, Carl M. (Inventor); Parker, Bradford H. (Inventor); Babu, Sachidananda R. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A process for applying blocking contacts on an n-type CdZnTe specimen includes cleaning the CdZnTe specimen; etching the CdZnTe specimen; chemically surface treating the CdZnTe specimen; and depositing blocking metal on at least one of a cathode surface and an anode surface of the CdZnTe specimen.

Ion mobility and transport properties of bismuth fluoride-containing solid solutions with tysonite-type structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavun, V. Ya.; Uvarov, N. F.; Slobodyuk, A. B.; Merkulov, E. B.; Polyantsev, M. M.

2018-07-01

The ion mobility and conductivity of solid solutions with tysonite-type structure obtained by doping bismuth trifluoride with lead (II) fluoride, and zirconium and bismuth oxides have been studied using 19F NMR, X-ray diffraction analysis, and impedance spectroscopy. The types of ionic motions in the fluoride sublattice of the synthesized solid solutions in the temperature range 150-450 K have been determined and the energy of their activation has been estimated. Due to high ionic conductivity, above 10-2 S/cm at 570 K, these solid solutions can be considered as superionic conductors.

Effect of preparation procedure and nanostructuring on the thermoelectric properties of the lead telluride-based material system AgPb{sub m}BiTe{sub 2+m} (BLST-m)

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

Falkenbach, Oliver; Koch, Guenter; Schlecht, Sabine

2016-06-07

We report on the preparation and thermoelectric properties of the quaternary system AgPb{sub m}BiTe{sub 2+m} (Bismuth-Lead-Silver-Tellurium, BLST-m) that were nanostructured by mechanical alloying. Nanopowders of various compositions were compacted by three different methods: cold pressing/annealing, hot pressing, and short term sintering. The products are compared with respect to microstructure and sample density. The thermoelectric properties were measured: thermal conductivity in the temperature range from 300 K to 800 K and electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient between 100 K and 800 K. The compacting method and the composition had a substantial impact on carrier concentration and mobility as well as on the thermoelectric parameters. Roommore » temperature Hall measurements yielded carrier concentrations in the order of 10{sup 19 }cm{sup −3}, slightly increasing with increasing content of the additive silver bismuth telluride to the lead telluride base. ZT values close to the ones of bulk samples were achieved. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed macroscopically homogeneous distributions of the constituting elements inside the nanopowders ensembles, indicating a solid solution. However, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed disorder on the nanoscale inside individual nanopowders grains.« less

Process for producing large grain cadmium telluride

DOEpatents

Hasoon, F.S.; Nelson, A.J.

1996-01-16

A process is described for producing a cadmium telluride polycrystalline film having grain sizes greater than about 20 {micro}m. The process comprises providing a substrate upon which cadmium telluride can be deposited and placing that substrate within a vacuum chamber containing a cadmium telluride effusion cell. A polycrystalline film is then deposited on the substrate through the steps of evacuating the vacuum chamber to a pressure of at least 10{sup {minus}6} torr.; heating the effusion cell to a temperature whereat the cell releases stoichiometric amounts of cadmium telluride usable as a molecular beam source for growth of grains on the substrate; heating the substrate to a temperature whereat a stoichiometric film of cadmium telluride can be deposited; and releasing cadmium telluride from the effusion cell for deposition as a film on the substrate. The substrate then is placed in a furnace having an inert gas atmosphere and heated for a sufficient period of time at an annealing temperature whereat cadmium telluride grains on the substrate grow to sizes greater than about 20 {micro}m.

Process for producing large grain cadmium telluride

DOEpatents

Hasoon, Falah S.; Nelson, Art J.

1996-01-01

A process for producing a cadmium telluride polycrystalline film having grain sizes greater than about 20 .mu.m. The process comprises providing a substrate upon which cadmium telluride can be deposited and placing that substrate within a vacuum chamber containing a cadmium telluride effusion cell. A polycrystalline film is then deposited on the substrate through the steps of evacuating the vacuum chamber to a pressure of at least 10.sup.-6 torr.; heating the effusion cell to a temperature whereat the cell releases stoichiometric amounts of cadmium telluride usable as a molecular beam source for growth of grains on the substrate; heating the substrate to a temperature whereat a stoichiometric film of cadmium telluride can be deposited; and releasing cadmium telluride from the effusion cell for deposition as a film on the substrate. The substrate then is placed in a furnace having an inert gas atmosphere and heated for a sufficient period of time at an annealing temperature whereat cadmium telluride grains on the substrate grow to sizes greater than about 20 .mu.m.

Telluride Misfit Layer Compounds: [(PbTe) 1.17 ] m (TiTe 2 ) n

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

Moore, Daniel B.; Beekman, Matt; Disch, Sabrina

Telluride misfit layer compounds are reported for the first time. These compounds were synthesized using a novel approach of structurally designing a precursor that would form the desired product upon low-temperature annealing, which allows the synthesis of kinetically stable products that do not appear on the equilibrium phase diagram. Four new compounds of the [(PbTe)1.17]m(TiTe2)n family are reported, and their structures were examined by a variety of X-ray diffraction techniques.

Telluride Misfit Layer Compounds: [(PbTe) 1.17 ] m (TiTe 2 ) n

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

Moore, Daniel B.; Beekman, Matt; Disch, Sabrina

2014-04-09

Telluride misfit layer compounds are reported for the first time. These compounds were synthesized using a novel approach of structurally designing a precursor that would form the desired product upon low-temperature annealing, which allows the synthesis of kinetically stable products that do not appear on the equilibrium phase diagram. Four new compounds of the [(PbTe)1.17]m(TiTe2)n family are reported, and their structures were examined by a variety of X-ray diffraction techniques.

Orogenic-type copper-gold-arsenic-(bismuth) mineralization at Flatschach (Eastern Alps), Austria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raith, Johann G.; Leitner, Thomas; Paar, Werner H.

2015-10-01

Structurally controlled Cu-Au mineralization in the historic Flatschach mining district (Styria, Austria) occurs in a NE-SW to NNE-WSW oriented vein system as multiple steep-dipping calcite-(dolomite)-quartz veins in amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks (banded gneisses/amphibolites, orthogneisses, metagranitoids) of the poly-metamorphosed Austroalpine Silvretta-Seckau nappe. Vein formation postdated ductile deformation events and Eoalpine (Late Cretaceous) peak metamorphism but predated Early to Middle Miocene sediment deposition in the Fohnsdorf pull-apart basin; coal-bearing sediments cover the metamorphic basement plus the mineralized veins at the northern edge of the basin. Three gold-bearing ore stages consist of a stage 1 primary hydrothermal (mesothermal?) ore assemblage dominated by chalcopyrite, pyrite and arsenopyrite. Associated minor minerals include alloclasite, enargite, bornite, sphalerite, galena, bismuth and matildite. Gold in this stage is spatially associated with chalcopyrite occurring as inclusions, along re-healed micro-fractures or along grain boundaries of chalcopyrite with pyrite or arsenopyrite. Sericite-carbonate alteration is developed around the veins. Stage 2 ore minerals formed by the replacement of stage 1 sulfides and include digenite, anilite, "blue-remaining covellite" (spionkopite, yarrowite), bismuth, and the rare copper arsenides domeykite and koutekite. Gold in stage 2 is angular to rounded in shape and occurs primarily in the carbonate (calcite, Fe-dolomite) gangue and less commonly together with digenite, domeykite/koutekite and bismuth. Stage 3 is a strongly oxidized assemblage that includes hematite, cuprite, and various secondary Cu- and Fe-hydroxides and -carbonates. It formed during supergene weathering. Stage 1 and 2 gold consists mostly of electrum (gold fineness 640-860; mean = 725; n = 46), and rare near pure gold (fineness 930-940; n = 6). Gold in stage 3 is Ag-rich electrum (fineness 350-490, n = 12), and has a

Measurement and simulation of thermoelectric efficiency for single leg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaokai; Yamamoto, Atsushi; Ohta, Michihiro; Nishiate, Hirotaka

2015-04-01

Thermoelectric efficiency measurements were carried out on n-type bismuth telluride legs with the hot-side temperature at 100 and 150 °C. The electric power and heat flow were measured individually. Water coolant was utilized to maintain the cold-side temperature and to measure heat flow out of the cold side. Leg length and vacuum pressure were studied in terms of temperature difference across the leg, open-circuit voltage, internal resistance, and heat flow. Finite-element simulation on thermoelectric generation was performed in COMSOL Multiphysics, by inputting two-side temperatures and thermoelectric material properties. The open-circuit voltage and resistance were in good agreement between the measurement and simulation. Much larger heat flows were found in measurements, since they were comprised of conductive, convective, and radiative contributions. Parasitic heat flow was measured in the absence of bismuth telluride leg, and the conductive heat flow was then available. Finally, the maximum thermoelectric efficiency was derived in accordance with the electric power and the conductive heat flow.

Synthesis and properties of nanocrystalline Bi-Te based thermoelectric materials for energy application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almohaimeed, Sulaiman

Thermoelectric phenomenon is the science associated with converting thermal energy into electricity based on the Seebeck effect. Bismuth telluride Bi 2Te3 is currently considered to be the state-of-the art thermoelectric material with high efficiency for low temperature applications and is therefore attractive for energy harvesting processes. Nanostructures thermoelectric materials provide a novel way to enhance thermoelectric properties and are considered to be the efficient building blocks for thermoelectric devices. In this work, n- and p-type bulk nanocrystalline Bismuth telluride thermoelectric materials were prepared by mechanical alloying / ball milling technique. The produced nano-crystalline powder were then consolidated using hot compaction under inert atmosphere. The novel processing of these materials maintained the nanostructure in both n- and p-type. Structural properties of the n- and p-types were characterized using X ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope. These techniques proved that the average grian size of the milled thermoelectric materials was about 20 nm. Accordingly, a Significant improvement in the figure of merit (ZT) is achieved through significant lattice thermal conductivity reduction and Seebeck coefficient improvement. The maximum ZT value for the n-type nanocrystalline thermoelectric was 1.67 at 373 K while the maximum ZT value for the p-type was 1.78 at the same temperature. These values are considered to be the highest values reported for similar materials. Evaluation of the mechanical properties was also performed through microhardness measurement using Vickers micro-hardness test, which shows an enhancement in mechanical properties for the produced materials.

Bismuth interstitial impurities and the optical properties of GaP 1- x - yBi xN y

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

Christian, Theresa M.; Beaton, Daniel A.; Perkins, John D.

Two distinctive regimes of behavior are observed from GaP 1-x-y Bi x N y alloys with x < 2.4%, y < 3.4% grown by molecular beam epitaxy. These regimes are correlated with abundant bismuth interstitial impurities that are encouraged or suppressed according to the sample growth temperature, with up to 55% of incorporated bismuth located interstitially. When bismuth interstitials are present, radiative recombination arises at near-band-edge localized states rather than from impurity bands and deep state luminescence. Finally, this change demonstrates a novel strategy for controlling luminescence in isoelectronic semiconductor alloys and is attributed to a disruption of carrier transfermore » processes.« less

Bismuth interstitial impurities and the optical properties of GaP 1- x - yBi xN y

DOE PAGES

Christian, Theresa M.; Beaton, Daniel A.; Perkins, John D.; ...

2017-10-10

Two distinctive regimes of behavior are observed from GaP 1-x-y Bi x N y alloys with x < 2.4%, y < 3.4% grown by molecular beam epitaxy. These regimes are correlated with abundant bismuth interstitial impurities that are encouraged or suppressed according to the sample growth temperature, with up to 55% of incorporated bismuth located interstitially. When bismuth interstitials are present, radiative recombination arises at near-band-edge localized states rather than from impurity bands and deep state luminescence. Finally, this change demonstrates a novel strategy for controlling luminescence in isoelectronic semiconductor alloys and is attributed to a disruption of carrier transfermore » processes.« less

Growth of lead tin telluride crystals in gels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barber, Patrick G.

1986-01-01

Improved gels and several geometries were investigated for use in growing crystals. The use of lead sulfide test crystals proved workable, but it was impossible to obtain and maintain a sufficiently concentrated telluride ion solution to successfully grow lead telluride crystals. It appears that oxygen in the solution is capable of oxidizing the telluride ion up to tellurium metal. The method may still be successful, but only if precautions are taken to eliminate dissolved oxygen from the gels and aqueous solutions and to maintain a suitable concentration of telluride, Te(2)-(aq.).

Palliative treatment with radiation-emitting metallic stents in unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Lu, Jian; Guo, Jin-He; Zhu, Hai-Dong; Zhu, Guang-Yu; Wang, Yong; Zhang, Qi; Chen, Li; Wang, Chao; Pan, Tian-Fan; Teng, Gao-Jun

2017-01-01

The emerging data for stenting in combination with brachytherapy in unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma are encouraging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiation-emitting metallic stents (REMS) for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous placement with REMS or uncovered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma between September 2011 and April 2016 were identified into this retrospective study. Data on patient demographics and overall survival, functional success, stent patency and complications were collected at the authors' hospital. A total of 59 patients were included: 33 (55.9%) in the REMS group and 26 (44.1%) in the SEMS group. The median overall survival was 338 days in the REMS group and 141 days in the SEMS group (p<0.001). The median stent patency time was 385 days for REMS and 142 days for SEMS (p<0.001). The functional success rate (87.9% vs 84.6%, p=0.722) and incidence of overall complications (27.3% vs 26.9%, p=0.999) did not differ in the two groups. Placement with REMS is safe and effective in palliation for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and seems to prolong survival as well as patency of stent in these patients.

Process for producing cadmium sulfide on a cadmium telluride surface

DOEpatents

Levi, Dean H.; Nelson, Art J.; Ahrenkiel, Richard K.

1996-01-01

A process for producing a layer of cadmium sulfide on a cadmium telluride surface to be employed in a photovoltaic device. The process comprises providing a cadmium telluride surface which is exposed to a hydrogen sulfide plasma at an exposure flow rate, an exposure time and an exposure temperature sufficient to permit reaction between the hydrogen sulfide and cadmium telluride to thereby form a cadmium sulfide layer on the cadmium telluride surface and accomplish passivation. In addition to passivation, a heterojunction at the interface of the cadmium sulfide and the cadmium telluride can be formed when the layer of cadmium sulfide formed on the cadmium telluride is of sufficient thickness.

Fabrication of Lanthanum Telluride 14-1-11 Zintl High-Temperature Thermoelectric Couple

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ravi, Vilupanur A.; Li, Billy Chun-Yip; Fleurial, Pierre; Star, Kurt

2010-01-01

The development of more efficient thermoelectric couple technology capable of operating with high-grade heat sources up to 1,275 K is key to improving the performance of radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Lanthanum telluride La3-xTe4 and 14-1-11 Zintls (Yb14MnSb11) have been identified as very promising materials. The fabrication of advanced high-temperature thermoelectric couples requires the joining of several dissimilar materials, typically including a number of diffusion bonding and brazing steps, to achieve a device capable of operating at elevated temperatures across a large temperature differential (up to 900 K). A thermoelectric couple typically comprises a heat collector/ exchanger, metallic interconnects on both hot and cold sides, n-type and ptype conductivity thermoelectric elements, and cold-side hardware to connect to the cold-side heat rejection and provide electrical connections. Differences in the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the materials that make up the thermoelectric couple, especially differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), result in undesirable interfacial stresses that can lead to mechanical failure of the device. The problem is further complicated by the fact that the thermoelectric materials under consideration have large CTE values, are brittle, and cracks can propagate through them with minimal resistance. The inherent challenge of bonding brittle, high-thermal-expansion thermoelectric materials to a hot shoe material that is thick enough to carry the requisite electrical current was overcome. A critical advantage over prior art is that this device was constructed using all diffusion bonds and a minimum number of assembly steps. The fabrication process and the materials used are described in the following steps: (1) Applying a thin refractory metal foil to both sides of lanthanum telluride. To fabricate the n-type leg of the advanced thermoelectric couple, the pre-synthesized lanthanum

Thermoelectric Coolers with Sintered Silver Interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kähler, Julian; Stranz, Andrej; Waag, Andreas; Peiner, Erwin

2014-06-01

The fabrication and performance of a sintered Peltier cooler (SPC) based on bismuth telluride with sintered silver interconnects are described. Miniature SPC modules with a footprint of 20 mm2 were assembled using pick-and-place pressure-assisted silver sintering at low pressure (5.5 N/mm2) and moderate temperature (250°C to 270°C). A modified flip-chip bonder combined with screen/stencil printing for paste transfer was used for the pick-and-place process, enabling high positioning accuracy, easy handling of the tiny bismuth telluride pellets, and immediate visual process control. A specific contact resistance of (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10-5 Ω cm2 was found, which is in the range of values reported for high-temperature solder interconnects of bismuth telluride pellets. The realized SPCs were evaluated from room temperature to 300°C, considerably outperforming the operating temperature range of standard commercial Peltier coolers. Temperature cycling capability was investigated from 100°C to 235°C over more than 200 h, i.e., 850 cycles, during which no degradation of module resistance or cooling performance occurred.

Process for producing cadmium sulfide on a cadmium telluride surface

DOEpatents

Levi, D.H.; Nelson, A.J.; Ahrenkiel, R.K.

1996-07-30

A process is described for producing a layer of cadmium sulfide on a cadmium telluride surface to be employed in a photovoltaic device. The process comprises providing a cadmium telluride surface which is exposed to a hydrogen sulfide plasma at an exposure flow rate, an exposure time and an exposure temperature sufficient to permit reaction between the hydrogen sulfide and cadmium telluride to thereby form a cadmium sulfide layer on the cadmium telluride surface and accomplish passivation. In addition to passivation, a heterojunction at the interface of the cadmium sulfide and the cadmium telluride can be formed when the layer of cadmium sulfide formed on the cadmium telluride is of sufficient thickness. 12 figs.

Assessment of a Thermoelectric Vest through Physical and Mental Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

system is a sandwich- type structure of doped bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) soldered between two ceramic plates. Bi2Te3 acts as a semiconductor and after... doping , the material becomes an efficient TE. Variations in doping create P-N junctions throughout the TE. Figure 3 shows a schematic of a TE...Excalibur Sport Ergonometer was used to increase subject’s core body temperature. The Excalibur Sport is a multi-adjustable ergonometer and is

Hepatic Artery Resection for Bismuth Type III and IV Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Reconstruction Always Required?

PubMed

Hu, Hai-Jie; Jin, Yan-Wen; Zhou, Rong-Xing; Shrestha, Anuj; Ma, Wen-Jie; Yang, Qin; Wang, Jun-Ke; Liu, Fei; Cheng, Nan-Sheng; Li, Fu-Yu

2018-03-06

The objective of the study is to examine the feasibility of hepatic artery resection (HAR) without subsequent reconstruction (RCS) in specified patients of Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed 63 patients who underwent hepatic artery resection for Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. These patients were subsequently enrolled into two groups based on whether the artery reconstruction was conducted. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term survival outcome were compared between the two groups. There were 29 patients in HAR group and 34 patients in the HAR + RCS group. Patients with hepatic artery reconstruction tended to have longer operative time (545.6 ± 143.1 min vs. 656.3 ± 192.8 min; P = 0.013) and smaller tumor size (3.0 ± 1.1 cm vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 cm; P = 0.036). The R0 resection margin was comparable between the HAR group and HAR + RCS group (86.2 vs. 85.3%; P > 0.05). Twelve patients (41.4%) with 24 complications in HAR group and 13 patients (38.2%) with 25 complications in HAR + RCS group were recorded (P = 0.799). The postoperative hepatic failure rate (13.8 vs. 5.9%) and postoperative mortality rate (3.4% vs. 2.9%) were also comparable between the two groups. In the HAR group, the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 72, 41, and 19%, respectively; while in the HAR + RCS group, the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 79, 45, and 25%, respectively (P = 0.928). Hepatic artery resection without reconstruction is also a safe and feasible surgical procedure for highly selected cases of Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Percutaneous intraductal radiofrequency ablation in the management of unresectable Bismuth types III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Wang, Yu; Cui, Wei; Fan, Wenzhe; Zhang, Yingqiang; Yao, Wang; Huang, Kunbo; Li, Jiaping

2016-08-16

To assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for unresectable Bismuth types III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Percutaneous intraductal RFA combined with metal stent placement was successful in all patients without any technical problems; the technical success rate was 100%. Chemotherapy was administered to two patients. After treatment, serum direct bilirubin levels were notably decreased. Six patients died during the follow-up period. Median stent patency from the time of the first RFA and survival from the time of diagnosis were 100 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 85-115 days) and 5.3 months (95% CI, 2.5-8.1 months), respectively. No acute pancreatitis, bile duct bleeding and perforation, bile leakage, or other severe complications occurred. Four cases of procedure-related cholangitis, three cases of postoperative abdominal pain, and five cases of asymptomatic transient increase in serum amylase were observed. One patient who presented with stent blockage 252 days' post-procedure underwent repeat ablation. Between September 2013 and May 2015, nine patients with unresectable Bismuth types III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma who were treated with percutaneous intraductal RFA combined with metal stent placement after the percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage were included in the retrospective analysis. Procedure-related complications, stent patency, and survival after treatment were investigated. Percutaneous intraductal RFA combined with metal stent placement is a technically safe and feasible therapeutic option for the palliative treatment of unresectable Bismuth types III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Its long-term efficacy and safety is promising, but needs further study via randomized and prospective trials that include a greater number of patients.

PROCESS OF COATING METALS WITH BISMUTH OR BISMUTH-BASE ALLOYS

DOEpatents

Beach, J.G.

1958-01-28

A method is described for producing coatings of bismuth or bismuth alloys on a metal base. This is accomplished by electrodepositing the bismuth from an aqueous solution of BiCl/sub 3/, and by making the metal base alternately the cathode and the anode, the cathode periods being twice as long as the anode periods. In one embodiment a nickel coating is first electrodeposited in a known way, and this nickel plated piece is tae base upon which tae bismuth is deposited by the process of this patent. The coated piece is then heat treated to produce a homogeneous Ni--Bi alloy by diffusion.

Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells | Photovoltaic Research | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells based on leadership. The United States is the leader in CdTe PV manufacturing, and NREL has been at the forefront of research and development (R&D) in this area. PV Research Other Materials & Devices pages: High

Bismuth-doped optical fibres: A new breakthrough in near-IR lasing media

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

Dianov, Evgenii M

Recent results demonstrate that bismuth-doped optical fibres have considerable potential as near-IR active lasing media. This paper examines bismuth-doped fibres intended for the fabrication of fibre lasers and optical amplifiers and reviews recent results on the luminescence properties of various types of bismuth-doped fibres and the performance of bismuth-doped fibre lasers and optical amplifiers for the spectral range 1150 - 1550 nm. Problems are discussed that have yet to be solved in order to improve the efficiency of the bismuth lasers and optical amplifiers. (optical fibres, lasers and amplifiers. properties and applications)

Thermoelectric properties of PbTe with indium and bismuth secondary phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bali, A.; Chetty, R.; Mallik, R. C.

2016-06-01

Lead telluride (PbTe) with indium (In) and bismuth (Bi) as micrometer sized secondary phases dispersed throughout the bulk has been prepared by matrix encapsulation method. In and Bi are not found to substitute in PbTe as shown by Rietveld and room temperature Raman studies but are present as secondary phases. Increased values of temperature dependent electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient show the effect of interfaces on electronic transport. As expected, thermal conductivity is found to reduce on addition of secondary phases due to a reduced electronic contribution, further confirming that electron scattering at interfaces is more important than phonon scattering in such systems for thermoelectric properties. However, due to the reduction in the power factor of the In and Bi added samples from that of the parent PbTe, the overall thermoelectric figure of merit ( zT) does not increase beyond that of PbTe, for which the highest value of 0.7 is obtained at 778 K.

Dismantling and chemical characterization of spent Peltier thermoelectric devices for antimony, bismuth and tellurium recovery.

PubMed

Balva, Maxime; Legeai, Sophie; Garoux, Laetitia; Leclerc, Nathalie; Meux, Eric

2017-04-01

Major uses of thermoelectricity concern refrigeration purposes, using Peltier devices, mainly composed of antimony, bismuth and tellurium. Antimony was identified as a critical raw material by EU and resources of bismuth and tellurium are not inexhaustible, so it is necessary to imagine the recycling of thermoelectric devices. That for, a complete characterization is needed, which is the aim of this work. Peltier devices were manually dismantled in three parts: the thermoelectric legs, the alumina plates on which remain the electrical contacts and the silicone paste used to connect the plates. The characterization was performed using five Peltier devices. It includes mass balances of the components, X-ray diffraction analysis of the thermoelectric legs and elemental analysis of each part of the device. It appears that alumina represents 45% of a Peltier device in weight. The electrical contacts are mainly composed of copper and tin, and the thermoelectric legs of bismuth, tellurium and antimony. Thermoelectric legs appear to be Se-doped Bi 2 Te 3 and (Bi 0,5 Sb 1,5 )Te 3 for n type and p type semiconductors, respectively. This work shows that Peltier devices can be considered as a copper ore and that thermoelectric legs contain high amounts of bismuth, tellurium and antimony compared to their traditional resources.

Investigation of Thermoelectric Parameters of Bi2Te3: TEGs Assembled using Pressure-Assisted Silver Powder Sintering-Based Joining Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stranz, Andrej; Waag, Andreas; Peiner, Erwin

2015-06-01

Operation of thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules based on bismuth telluride alloys at temperatures higher than 250°C is mostly limited by the melting point of the assembly solder. Although the thermoelectric parameters of bismuth telluride materials degrade for temperatures >130°C, the power output of the module can be enhanced with an increase in the temperature difference. For this, a temperature-stable joining technique, especially for the hot side of the modules, is required. Fabrication and process parameters of TEG modules consisting of bismuth telluride legs, alumina ceramics and copper interconnects using a joining technique based on pressure-assisted silver powder sintering are described. Measurements of the thermal force, electrical resistance, and output power are presented that were performed for hot side module temperatures up to 350°C and temperature differences higher than 300°C. Temperature cycling and results measured during extended high-temperature operation are addressed.

Bismuth-based oxide semiconductors: Mild synthesis and practical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timmaji, Hari Krishna

In this dissertation study, bismuth based oxide semiconductors were prepared using 'mild' synthesis techniques---electrodeposition and solution combustion synthesis. Potential environmental remediation and solar energy applications of the prepared oxides were evaluated. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) was prepared by electrodeposition and solution combustion synthesis. A two step electrosynthesis strategy was developed and demonstrated for the first time. In the first step, a Bi film was first electrodeposited on a Pt substrate from an acidic BiCl3 medium. Then, this film was anodically stripped in a medium containing hydrolyzed vanadium precursor, to generate Bi3+, and subsequent BiVO4 formation by in situ precipitation. The photoelectrochemical data were consistent with the in situ formation of n-type semiconductor films. In the solution combustion synthesis procedure, BiVO4 powders were prepared using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate as the bismuth precursor and either vanadium chloride or vanadium oxysulfate as the vanadium precursor. Urea, glycine, or citric acid was used as the fuel. The effect of the vanadium precursor on the photocatalytic activity of combustion synthesized BiVO 4 was evaluated in this study. Methyl orange was used as a probe to test the photocatalytic attributes of the combustion synthesized (CS) samples, and benchmarked against a commercial bismuth vanadate sample. The CS samples showed superior activity to the commercial benchmark sample, and samples derived from vanadium chloride were superior to vanadium oxysulfate counterparts. The photoelectrochemical properties of the various CS samples were also studied and these samples were shown to be useful both for environmental photocatalytic remediation and water photooxidation applications. Silver bismuth tungstate (AgBiW2O8) nanoparticles were prepared for the first time by solution combustion synthesis by using silver nitrate, bismuth nitrate, sodium tungstate as precursors for Ag, Bi, and W

Facile synthesis of bismuth oxyhalide nanosheet films with distinct conduction type and photo-induced charge carrier behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Huimin; He, Weiwei; Zhang, Beibei; Yao, Lei; Yang, Xiaokai; Zheng, Zhi

2018-05-01

A modified successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method was developed to fabricate 2D ordered BiOX (X = CI, Br, I) nanosheet array films on FTO substrates at room temperature. The formation of BiOX films were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The semiconductor surface states determine the type of semiconductor. Although BiOCI, BiOBr and BiOI belong to the bismuth oxyhalide semiconductor family and possess similar crystal and electronic structures, they show different conductivity types due to their respective surface states. Mott-Schottky curve results demonstrate that the BiOCl and BiOI nanosheet arrays display n-type semiconductor properties, while the BiOBr films exhibit p-type semiconductor properties. Assisted by surface photovoltage (SPV) and transient photovoltage (TPV) techniques, the photoinduced charge transfer dynamics on the surface/interface of the BiOX/FTO nanosheet films were systematically and comparatively investigated. As revealed by the results, both the separation and transfer dynamics of the photo-induced carrier are influenced by film thickness.

Thermoelectric transport properties of the n-type impurity Al in PbTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaworski, Christopher M.; Heremans, Joseph P.

2012-01-01

Because Tl and In are known to be resonant levels in IV-VI semiconductors, here we synthesize and electrically characterize lead telluride doped n-type with aluminum. The results show that Al behaves as a normal donor in PbTe, reaching a maximum electron concentration of 4 1019 cm-3. At 300 K, the thermopower, when plotted as function of electron concentration (the Pisarenko relation), follows the calculated line for the conduction band of PbTe, and no enhancement is observed that could indicate the presence of a resonant level.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Thick Films of Electrochemically Deposited Bi₂Te₃ and Sb₂Te₃ Thermoelectric Materials.

PubMed

Trung, Nguyen Huu; Sakamoto, Kei; Toan, Nguyen Van; Ono, Takahito

2017-02-10

This paper presents the results of the synthesis and evaluation of thick thermoelectric films that may be used for such applications as thermoelectric power generators. Two types of electrochemical deposition methods, constant and pulsed deposition with improved techniques for both N-type bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) and P-type antimony telluride (Sb₂Te₃), are performed and compared. As a result, highly oriented Bi₂Te₃ and Sb₂Te₃ thick films with a bulk-like structure are successfully synthesized with high Seebeck coefficients and low electrical resistivities. Six hundred-micrometer-thick Bi₂Te₃ and 500-µm-thick Sb₂Te₃ films are obtained. The Seebeck coefficients for the Bi₂Te₃ and Sb₂Te₃ films are -150 ± 20 and 170 ± 20 µV/K, respectively. Additionally, the electrical resistivity for the Bi₂Te₃ is 15 ± 5 µΩm and is 25 ± 5 µΩm for the Sb₂Te₃. The power factors of each thermoelectric material can reach 15 × 10 -4 W/mK² for Bi₂Te₃ and 11.2 × 10 -4 W/mK² for Sb₂Te₃.

Cadmium Telluride-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite for Photodegradation of Organic Substance.

PubMed

Ontam, Areeporn; Khaorapapong, Nithima; Ogawa, Makoto

2015-12-01

Cadmium telluride-titanium dioxide nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal reaction of sol-gel derived titanium dioxide and organically modified cadmium telluride. The crystallinity of titanium dioxide in the nanocomposite was higher than that of pure titanium dioxide obtained by the reaction under the same temperature and pressure conditions, showing that cadmium telluride induced the crystallization of titanium dioxide. Diffuse reflectance spectrum of the nanocomposite showed the higher absorption efficiency in the UV-visible region due to band-gap excitation of titanium dioxide. The nanocomposite significantly showed the improvement of photocatalytic activity for 4-chlorophenol with UV light.

In-Situ Grown P-N Junctions in MERCURY(1-X) Cadmium(x) Telluride for IR Detectors.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Vithal Rajaram

In-situ grown p-n junctions in mercury cadmium telluride (Hg_{1-x}Cd _{x}Te with x between 0.2-0.3) were fabricated and characterized in this study. Fabrication of these junctions involved the growth of p-n structures at 370^circC on CdTe substrates by Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy. P-type doping with arsenic was achieved by using tertiarybutylarsine as the precursor. N-type doping was obtained either with indium, using trimethylindium as the precursor or by leaving the layer undoped. These p-n structures were processed to fabricate photodiodes. Their electrical performance was evaluated and conclusions regarding current mechanisms which determine their behavior were drawn. By varying the Hg pressure between 0.07-0.13 atm, p-type doping level in the 10^{16 }/cm^3-rm2times10 ^{17}/cm^3 range was achieved. At higher values of Hg pressure, the arsenic doping level in the layer increased significantly. This is possibly due to an increase in Te vacancies, allowing arsenic to occupy more group VI sites where they behave as acceptors. The activation efficiency of arsenic in the layers was measured to be equal to 50%. A high temperature anneal at 415 ^circC for 15 minutes did not result in any increase in the activation efficiency, possibly indicating the presence of stable As-complexes in the layer. Growth of p^+n structures was carried out in a single run. The acceptor concentration in the p-type cap layer was 5-rm10times10 ^{16}/cm^3. Indium doped n-type base layers had a carrier concentration of 1- rm2times10^{16}/cm^3 , while undoped layers had a n-type background carrier concentration of 4-rm6times10^ {14}/cm^3. The cap layer was 3 μm thick with x = 0.30, while the base layer was 8mum thick with x = 0.26. Under the growth conditions, arsenic showed a diffusion coefficient of rm2times10 ^{13}cm^2/s, which was higher than the interdiffusion coefficient of the alloy junction. This resulted in placement of the p-n junction in the lower bandgap base layer, which is

Development of thermocouple generators for small-caliber munitions fuze. Phase I. Final report, 1 Feb--3 Sep 1974. [Aerodynamically heated thermoelectric converters to power rf proximity fuses

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

Eggers, P.E.

1975-03-01

An analytical study has been performed to assess the feasibility of using aerodynamically heated thermoelectric convertors to power RF proximity fuzes. The collective results of this study indicate that such a thermoelectric power supply is feasible for use with 20 mm projectiles and is compatible with the existing RF fuze circuit and safe arming distance requirements. A disc module concept has evolved from this study involving thin-film bismuth telluride as the basic thermoelectric element. Preliminary experimental studies were completed in order to identify principal parameters for the bismuth telluride.

Chemically Tunable Full Spectrum Optical Properties of 2D Silicon Telluride Nanoplates.

PubMed

Wang, Mengjing; Lahti, Gabriella; Williams, David; Koski, Kristie J

2018-06-07

Silicon telluride (Si 2 Te 3 ) is a two-dimensional, layered, p-type semiconductor that shows broad near-infrared photoluminescence. We show how, through various means of chemical modification, Si 2 Te 3 can have its optoelectronic properties modified in several independent ways without fundamentally altering the host crystalline lattice. Substitutional doping with Ge strongly redshifts the photoluminescence while substantially lowering the direct and indirect band gaps and altering the optical phonon modes. Intercalation with Ge introduces a sharp 4.3 eV ultraviolet resonance and shifts the bulk plasmon even while leaving the infrared response and band gaps virtually unchanged. Intercalation with copper strengthens the photoluminescence without altering its spectral shape. Thus silicon telluride is shown to be a chemically tunable platform of full spectrum optical properties promising for opto-electronic applications.

Synthesis of n-type Bi4-xLaxTi3O12 (x=0 to 0.45) by alternative mechanochemical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharanappa, Nagbasavanna

2017-05-01

Lanthanum doped bismuth titanate ceramic samples have been successfully synthesized by mechanochemical method showed good properties and have investigated the structure, microstructure, dielectric, Curie-Weiss behavior, thermoelectric properties, which resulted from substitution of La-ions in bismuth titanate. Plate-like shape with enhanced density is observed in the SEM micrographs. Ceramic samples exhibiting relaxor ferroelectric behavior by satisfying Curie-Weiss law. Thermoelectric studies reveal n-type semiconducting behavior of these samples. Synthesized compounds explored these desirable properties for innovative semiconductor based device applications.

Bismuth, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline

MedlinePlus

Helidac® (as a kit containing Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline) ... Bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline is used along with other ulcer medications to treat duodenal ulcers. It is in a ...

Investigation of the 6 p 2(3 P 0) n p Rydberg series of bismuth by multiphoton excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bühler, B.; Cremer, C.; Gerber, G.

1985-03-01

Rydberg states of the odd-parity series 6 p 2(3 p 0) n p of BiI are excited by a three-photon process. A two-photon dissociation of Bi2 into excited atomic states followed by a one-photon absorption leads to highly excited atomic Rydberg states up to n = 32. States of the even-parity Rydberg series 6 p 2(3 p 0) nsJ=1/2, ndJ=3/2 and ndJ=5/2 are also observed. In order to avoid the background caused by ionization of the bismuth molecules we performed a two-color excitation with pulsed dye lasers. With this experiment the 6 p 2(3 p 0) npJ=3/2 Rydberg series could be resolved up to n=75. The increasing quantum defect of this series is due to a perturbing state close to the first ionization limit. By a MQDT analysis we obtain the energy of the perturbing state and a value of 58,761.68±0.1 cm-1 for the first ionization limit of atomic bismuth.

Nano-scaled top-down of bismuth chalcogenides based on electrochemical lithium intercalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jikun; Zhu, Yingjie; Chen, Nuofu; Liu, Xinling; Sun, Zhengliang; Huang, Zhenghong; Kang, Feiyu; Gao, Qiuming; Jiang, Jun; Chen, Lidong

2011-12-01

A two-step method has been used to fabricate nano-particles of layer-structured bismuth chalcogenide compounds, including Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, and Bi2Se0.3Te2.7, through a nano-scaled top-down route. In the first step, lithium (Li) atoms are intercalated between the van der Waals bonded quintuple layers of bismuth chalcogenide compounds by controllable electrochemical process inside self-designed lithium ion batteries. And in the second step, the Li intercalated bismuth chalcogenides are subsequently exposed to ethanol, in which process the intercalated Li atoms would explode like atom-scaled bombs to exfoliate original microscaled powder into nano-scaled particles with size around 10 nm. The influence of lithium intercalation speed and amount to three types of bismuth chalcogenide compounds are compared and the optimized intercalation conditions are explored. As to maintain the phase purity of the final nano-particle product, the intercalation lithium amount should be well controlled in Se contained bismuth chalcogenide compounds. Besides, compared with binary bismuth chalcogenide compound, lower lithium intercalation speed should be applied in ternary bismuth chalcogenide compound.

Near Infrared Quantum Cutting Luminescence of Er3+/Tm3+ Ion Pairs in a Telluride Glass.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaobo; Li, Song; Hu, Lili; Wang, Kezhi; Zhao, Guoying; He, Lizhu; Liu, Jinying; Yu, Chunlei; Tao, Jingfu; Lin, Wei; Yang, Guojian; Salamo, Gregory J

2017-05-16

The multiphoton near-infrared, quantum cutting luminescence in Er 3+ /Tm 3+ co-doped telluride glass was studied. We found that the near-infrared 1800-nm luminescence intensity of (A) Er 3+ (8%)Tm 3+ (0.5%):telluride glass was approximately 4.4 to 19.5 times larger than that of (B) Tm 3+ (0.5%):telluride glass, and approximately 5.0 times larger than that of (C) Er 3+ (0.5%):telluride glass. Additionally, the infrared excitation spectra of the 1800 nm luminescence, as well as the visible excitation spectra of the 522 nm and 652 nm luminescence, of (A) Er 3+ (8%)Tm 3+ (0.5%):telluride glass are very similar to those of Er 3+ ions in (C) Er 3+ (0.5%):telluride glass, with respect to the shapes of their excitation spectral waveforms and peak wavelengths. Moreover, we found that there is a strong spectral overlap and energy transfer between the infrared luminescence of Er 3+ donor ions and the infrared absorption of Tm 3+ acceptor ions. The efficiency of this energy transfer { 4 I 13/2 (Er 3+ ) →  4 I 15/2 (Er 3+ ), 3 H 6 (Tm 3+ ) →  3 F 4 (Tm 3+ )} between the Er 3+ and Tm 3+ ions is approximately 69.8%. Therefore, we can conclude that the observed behaviour is an interesting multiphoton, near-infrared, quantum cutting luminescence phenomenon that occurs in novel Er 3+ -Tm 3+ ion pairs. These findings are significant for the development of next-generation environmentally friendly germanium solar cells, and near-to-mid infrared (1.8-2.0 μm) lasers pumped by GaN light emitting diodes.

Mineral resource of the month: bismuth

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carlin, James F.

2006-01-01

Bismuth compounds are most known for their soothing effects on the stomach, wounds and sores. These properties make the compounds an essential part of many medicinal and cosmetic preparations, which until 1930 accounted for about 90 percent of the bismuth used. The subsequent development of low-melting alloys and chemical catalysts containing bismuth, as well as its use as an additive to casting alloys, has resulted in a wider variety of industrial applications for bismuth.

Preparation and characterization of bismuth oxichloride (BiOCl) nanoparticles and nano zerovalent iron (nZVI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarwan, Bhawna; Pare, Brijesh; Deep Acharya, Aman

2017-05-01

In this work, we have synthesized nano scale zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles by borohydride reduction method and bismuth oxichloride (BiOCl) by a hydrolysis method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was used for the structural and chemical characterization, while scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) were employed to determine the physical properties of the nanoparticles. The reactivity of synthesized nanoparticles was compared by decolorization of nile blue (NB) dye under visible irradiation.

Facile formation of metallic bismuth/bismuth oxide heterojunction on porous carbon with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Zhang, Liping; Ghimire, Pramila; Phuriragpitikhon, Jenjira; Jiang, Baojiang; Gonçalves, Alexandre A S; Jaroniec, Mietek

2018-03-01

Bismuth/bismuth oxide heterojunction on porous carbon (Bi 0 /Bi 2 O 3 @C) was successfully prepared by a surfactant-assisted sol-gel method. This composite photocatalyst was fabricated by depositing Bi 2 O 3 and metallic bismuth nanoparticles (NPs) on porous carbon sheets. Bi NPs were created by in-situ reduction of Bi 2 O 3 with amorphous carbon. During the synthesis, bismuth and carbon precursors were mixed in different ratios, resulting in distinct amounts of metallic bismuth in the composites. The composites showed large specific surface area and pore volume as well as strong light absorption ability due to the existing carbon. In addition, the plasmonic bismuth NPs were found to behave as a noble metal, which is able to generate hot charge carriers under visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic performance of the Bi 0 /Bi 2 O 3 @C composites was investigated by degradation of methylene blue. It turned out that the composites showed much higher efficiency as compared to bare Bi 2 O 3 , which may be attributed to the synergistic effects of porous structures, improved optical absorption, and surface plasmon resonance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Group III-nitride thin films grown using MBE and bismuth

DOEpatents

Kisielowski, Christian K.; Rubin, Michael

2002-01-01

The present invention comprises growing gallium nitride films in the presence of bismuth using MBE at temperatures of about 1000 K or less. The present invention further comprises the gallium nitride films fabricated using the inventive fabrication method. The inventive films may be doped with magnesium or other dopants. The gallium nitride films were grown on sapphire substrates using a hollow anode Constricted Glow Discharge nitrogen plasma source. When bismuth was used as a surfactant, two-dimensional gallium nitride crystal sizes ranging between 10 .mu.m and 20 .mu.m were observed. This is 20 to 40 times larger than crystal sizes observed when GaN films were grown under similar circumstances but without bismuth. It is thought that the observed increase in crystal size is due bismuth inducing an increased surface diffusion coefficient for gallium. The calculated value of 4.7.times.10.sup.-7 cm.sup.2 /sec. reveals a virtual substrate temperature of 1258 K which is 260 degrees higher than the actual one.

Group III-nitride thin films grown using MBE and bismuth

DOEpatents

Kisielowski, Christian K.; Rubin, Michael

2000-01-01

The present invention comprises growing gallium nitride films in the presence of bismuth using MBE at temperatures of about 1000 K or less. The present invention further comprises the gallium nitride films fabricated using the inventive fabrication method. The inventive films may be doped with magnesium or other dopants. The gallium nitride films were grown on sapphire substrates using a hollow anode Constricted Glow Discharge nitrogen plasma source. When bismuth was used as a surfactant, two-dimensional gallium nitride crystal sizes ranging between 10 .mu.m and 20 .mu.m were observed. This is 20 to 40 times larger than crystal sizes observed when GaN films were grown under similar circumstances but without bismuth. It is thought that the observed increase in crystal size is due bismuth inducing an increased surface diffusion coefficient for gallium. The calculated value of 4.7.times.10.sup.-7 cm.sup.2 /sec. reveals a virtual substrate temperature of 1258 K which is 260 degrees higher than the actual one.

SEPARATION OF PLUTONIUM HYDROXIDE FROM BISMUTH HYDROXIDE

DOEpatents

Watt, G.W.

1958-08-19

An tmproved method is described for separating plutonium hydroxide from bismuth hydroxide. The end product of the bismuth phosphate processes for the separation amd concentration of plutonium is a inixture of bismuth hydroxide amd plutonium hydroxide. It has been found that these compounds can be advantageously separated by treatment with a reducing agent having a potential sufficient to reduce bismuth hydroxide to metalltc bisinuth but not sufficient to reduce the plutonium present. The resulting mixture of metallic bismuth and plutonium hydroxide can then be separated by treatment with a material which will dissolve plutonium hydroxide but not metallic bismuth. Sodiunn stannite is mentioned as a preferred reducing agent, and dilute nitric acid may be used as the separatory solvent.

Electrochemical Deposition of Lanthanum Telluride Thin Films and Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Su (Ike); Farias, Stephen; Cammarata, Robert

2013-03-01

Tellurium alloys are characterized by their high performance thermoelectric properties and recent research has shown nanostructured tellurium alloys display even greater performance than bulk equivalents. Increased thermoelectric efficiency of nanostructured materials have led to significant interests in developing thin film and nanowire structures. Here, we report on the first successful electrodeposition of lanthanum telluride thin films and nanowires. The electrodeposition of lanthanum telluride thin films is performed in ionic liquids at room temperature. The synthesis of nanowires involves electrodepositing lanthanum telluride arrays into anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanoporous membranes. These novel procedures can serve as an alternative means of simple, inexpensive and laboratory-environment friendly methods to synthesize nanostructured thermoelectric materials. The thermoelectric properties of thin films and nanowires will be presented to compare to current state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials. The morphologies and chemical compositions of the deposited films and nanowires are characterized using SEM and EDAX analysis.

Soluble Lead and Bismuth Chalcogenidometallates: Versatile Solders for Thermoelectric Materials

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

Zhang, Hao; Son, Jae Sung; Dolzhnikov, Dmitriy S.

Here we report the syntheses of largely unexplored lead and bismuth chalcogenidometallates in the solution phase. Using N2H4 as the solvent, new compounds such as K6Pb3Te6·7N2H4 were obtained. These soluble molecular compounds underwent cation exchange processes using resin chemistry, replacing Na+ or K+ by decomposable N2H5+ or tetraethylammonium cations. They also transformed into stoichiometric lead and bismuth chalcogenide nanomaterials with the addition of metal salts. Such a versatile chemistry led to a variety of composition-matched solders to join lead and bismuth chalcogenides and tune their charge transport properties at the grain boundaries. Solution-processed thin films composed of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 microparticles solderedmore » by (N2H5)6Bi0.5Sb1.5Te6 exhibited thermoelectric power factors (~28 μW/cm K2) comparable to those in vacuum-deposited Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films. The soldering effect can also be integrated with attractive fabrication techniques for thermoelectric modules, such as screen printing, suggesting the potential of these solders in the rational design of printable and moldable thermoelectrics.« less

Hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth germanium oxide

DOEpatents

Boyle, Timothy J.

2016-12-13

A method for the hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth germanium oxide comprises dissolving a bismuth precursor (e.g., bismuth nitrate pentahydrate) and a germanium precursor (e.g., germanium dioxide) in water and heating the aqueous solution to an elevated reaction temperature for a length of time sufficient to produce the eulytite phase of bismuth germanium oxide (E-BGO) with high yield. The E-BGO produced can be used as a scintillator material. For example, the air stability and radioluminescence response suggest that the E-BGO can be employed for medical applications.

Nanostructured silicon for thermoelectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stranz, A.; Kähler, J.; Waag, A.; Peiner, E.

2011-06-01

Thermoelectric modules convert thermal energy into electrical energy and vice versa. At present bismuth telluride is the most widely commercial used material for thermoelectric energy conversion. There are many applications where bismuth telluride modules are installed, mainly for refrigeration. However, bismuth telluride as material for energy generation in large scale has some disadvantages. Its availability is limited, it is hot stable at higher temperatures (>250°C) and manufacturing cost is relatively high. An alternative material for energy conversion in the future could be silicon. The technological processing of silicon is well advanced due to the rapid development of microelectronics in recent years. Silicon is largely available and environmentally friendly. The operating temperature of silicon thermoelectric generators can be much higher than of bismuth telluride. Today silicon is rarely used as a thermoelectric material because of its high thermal conductivity. In order to use silicon as an efficient thermoelectric material, it is necessary to reduce its thermal conductivity, while maintaining high electrical conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient. This can be done by nanostructuring into arrays of pillars. Fabrication of silicon pillars using ICP-cryogenic dry etching (Inductive Coupled Plasma) will be described. Their uniform height of the pillars allows simultaneous connecting of all pillars of an array. The pillars have diameters down to 180 nm and their height was selected between 1 micron and 10 microns. Measurement of electrical resistance of single silicon pillars will be presented which is done in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with nanomanipulators. Furthermore, measurement of thermal conductivity of single pillars with different diameters using the 3ω method will be shown.

Cadmium telluride in tellurium—cadmium films consisting of ultradispersed particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuleushev, Yu. Zh.; Volodin, V. N.; Migunova, A. A.; Lisitsyn, V. N.

2015-08-01

Solid solutions of tellurium in cadmium, cadmium in tellurium, and cadmium in cadmium telluride synthesized during sputtering are formed for the first time by ion-plasma sputtering and the codeposition of ultradispersed Te and Cd particle fluxes onto substrates moving with respect to the fluxes. This fact supports thermofluctuation melting and coalescence of small particles. The lattice parameter of cadmium telluride, which coexists with an amorphous solid solution of tellurium in cadmium in a coating, is smaller than the tabulated value and reaches it when the cadmium concentration in a coating increases to 70 at %. The lattice parameter of the fcc lattice of cadmium telluride increases with the cadmium concentration in a coating according to the linear relation a = 0.0002CCd + 0.6346 nm (where CCd is the cadmium concentration in the coating, at %), which is likely to indicate a certain broadening of the homogeneity area. The estimation of the particle size shows that the cadmium telluride grain size is 10-15 nm, which implies that the coatings are nanocrystalline. The absorption and transmission spectra of the tellurium—cadmium films at the fundamental absorption edge demonstrate that their energy gaps are larger than that of stoichiometric CdTe, which can be explained by the experimental conditions of crystal structure formation.

Build-up enhancement of photoluminescence from phenylazomethine bismuth dendrimer using Bi(OTf)3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kambe, Tetsuya; Imaoka, Shotaro; Imaoka, Takane; Yamamoto, Kimihisa

2018-05-01

Metal assembly to a dendrimer can provide various functionalities based on the branched structure. Here, we researched assembly phenomena of bismuth salts in the phenylazomethine dendrimer and achieved enhancement of emission intensity per metal unit by using Bi(OTf)3. This enhancement suggested increasing of Bi-N coordination bonds derived from the bismuth units in the dendrimer.

Comparison of analytical performances of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry for trace analysis of bismuth and bismuth oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medvedev, Nickolay S.; Shaverina, Anastasiya V.; Tsygankova, Alphiya R.; Saprykin, Anatoly I.

2018-04-01

The paper presents а comparison of analytical performances of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for trace analysis of high purity bismuth and bismuth oxide. Matrix effects in the ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods were studied as a function of Bi concentration, ICP power and nebulizer flow rate. For ICP-MS the strong dependence of the matrix effects versus the atomic mass of analytes was observed. For ICP-AES the minimal matrix effects were achieved for spectral lines of analytes with low excitation potentials. The optimum degree of sample dilution providing minimum values of the limits of detection (LODs) was chosen. Both methods let us to reach LODs from n·10-7 to n·10-4 wt% for more than 50 trace elements. For most elements the LODs of ICP-MS were lower in comparison to ICP-AES. Validation of accuracy of the developed techniques was performed by "added-found" experiments and by comparison of the results of ICP-MS and ICP-AES analysis of high-purity bismuth oxide.

Method and making group IIB metal - telluride films and solar cells

DOEpatents

Basol, Bulent M.; Kapur, Vijay K.

1990-08-21

A technique is disclosed forming thin films (13) of group IIB metal-telluride, such as Cd.sub.x Zn.sub.1-x Te (0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1), on a substrate (10) which comprises depositing Te (18) and at least one of the elements (19) of Cd, Zn, and Hg onto a substrate and then heating the elements to form the telluride. A technique is also provided for doping this material by chemically forming a thin layer of a dopant on the surface of the unreacted elements and then heating the elements along with the layer of dopant. A method is disclosed of fabricating a thin film photovoltaic cell which comprises depositing Te and at least one of the elements of Cd, Zn, and Hg onto a substrate which contains on its surface a semiconductor film (12) and then heating the elements in the presence of a halide of the Group IIB metals, causing the formation of solar cell grade Group IIB metal-telluride film and also causing the formation of a rectifying junction, in situ, between the semiconductor film on the substrate and the Group IIB metal-telluride layer which has been formed.

Bismuth Passivation Technique for High-Resolution X-Ray Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, James; Hess, Larry

2013-01-01

The Athena-plus team requires X-ray sensors with energy resolution of better than one part in 3,000 at 6 keV X-rays. While bismuth is an excellent material for high X-ray stopping power and low heat capacity (for large signal when an X-ray is stopped by the absorber), oxidation of the bismuth surface can lead to electron traps and other effects that degrade the energy resolution. Bismuth oxide reduction and nitride passivation techniques analogous to those used in indium passivation are being applied in a new technique. The technique will enable improved energy resolution and resistance to aging in bismuth-absorber-coupled X-ray sensors. Elemental bismuth is lithographically integrated into X-ray detector circuits. It encounters several steps where the Bi oxidizes. The technology discussed here will remove oxide from the surface of the Bi and replace it with nitridized surface. Removal of the native oxide and passivating to prevent the growth of the oxide will improve detector performance and insulate the detector against future degradation from oxide growth. Placing the Bi coated sensor in a vacuum system, a reduction chemistry in a plasma (nitrogen/hydrogen (N2/H2) + argon) is used to remove the oxide and promote nitridization of the cleaned Bi surface. Once passivated, the Bi will perform as a better X-ray thermalizer since energy will not be trapped in the bismuth oxides on the surface. A simple additional step, which can be added at various stages of the current fabrication process, can then be applied to encapsulate the Bi film. After plasma passivation, the Bi can be capped with a non-diffusive layer of metal or dielectric. A non-superconducting layer is required such as tungsten or tungsten nitride (WNx).

Modulation of magnetic interaction in Bismuth ferrite through strain and spin cycloid engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Rama Shanker; Reshi, Hilal Ahmad; Pillai, Shreeja; Rana, D. S.; Shelke, Vilas

2016-12-01

Bismuth ferrite, a widely studied room temperature multiferroic, provides new horizons of multifunctional behavior in phase transited bulk and thin film forms. Bismuth ferrite thin films were deposited on lattice mismatched LaAlO3 substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed nearly tetragonal (T-type) phase of thin film involving role of substrate induced strain. The film thickness of 56 nm was determined by X-ray reflectivity measurement. The perfect coherence and epitaxial nature of T- type film was observed through reciprocal space mapping. The room temperature Raman measurement of T-type bismuth ferrite thin film also verified phase transition with appearance of only few modes. In parallel, concomitant La and Al substituted Bi1-xLaxFe0.95Al0.05O3 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) bulk samples were synthesized using solid state reaction method. A structural phase transition into orthorhombic (Pnma) phase at x = 0.3 was observed. The structural distortion at x = 0.1, 0.2 and phase transition at x = 0.3 substituted samples were also confirmed by changes in Raman active modes. The remnant magnetization moment of 0.199 emu/gm and 0.28 emu/gm were observed for x = 0.2 and 0.3 bulk sample respectively. The T-type bismuth ferrite thin film also showed high remnant magnetization of around 20emu/cc. The parallelism in magnetic behavior between T-type thin film and concomitant La and Al substituted bulk samples is indication of modulation, frustration and break in continuity of spiral spin cycloid.

Thermochemically evolved nanoplatelets of bismuth selenide with enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit

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

Ali, Zulfiqar; Cao, Chuanbao, E-mail: cbcao@bit.edu.cn; Butt, Faheem K.

We firstly present a simple thermochemical method to fabricate high-quality Bi{sub 2}Se{sub 3} nanoplatelets with enhanced figure of merit using elemental bismuth and selenium powders as precursors. The crystal structure of as synthesized products is characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurements. Morphological and chemical synthetic parameters are investigated through a series of experiments; thickness and composition of the platelets are well controlled in large scale production. Subsequently spark plasma sintering (SPS) is performed to fabricate n-type nanostructured bulk thermoelectric materials. Raman Spectroscopy of the two selected samples with approximatelymore » of 50 and 100 nm thicknesses shows three vibrational modes. The lower thickness sample exhibits the maximum red shift of about 2.17 cm{sup -1} and maximum broadening of about 10 cm{sup -1} by in-plane vibrational mode E{sup 2}{sub g}. The enhanced value of figure of merit ∼0.41 is obtained for pure phase bismuth selenide to the best of our knowledge. We observe metallic conduction behavior while semiconducting behavior for nanostructured bismuth selenide is reported elsewhere which could be due to different synthetic techniques adopted. These results clearly suggest that our adopted synthetic technique has profound effect on the electronic and thermoelectric transport properties of this material.« less

BISMUTH PHOSPHATE CARRIER PROCESS FOR Pu RECOVERY

DOEpatents

Finzel, T.G.

1959-02-01

An improvement in the bismuth phosphate carrier precipitation process for recovering plutonium is described. It has been found that a more granular and more easily filterable carrier precipitiite is formed if the addition of the bismuth and phosphate ions is effected by first adding 9/10 of the bismuth ions necessary, then slowly adding all of the source of the phosphate ions to be incorporated in the precipitate, while digesting at 75 C and afterwards incorporating the remainder of the total bismuth ions necessary

Formation of randomly distributed nano-tubes, -rods and -plates of n-type and p-type bismuth telluride via molecular legation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram, Jasa; Ghosal, Partha

2015-08-01

Randomly distributed nanotubes, nanorods and nanoplates of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 and Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 ternary compounds have been synthesized via a high yield solvo-thermal process. Prior to solvo-thermal heating at 230 °C for crystallization, we ensured molecular legation in room temperature reaction by complete reduction of precursor materials, dissolved in ethylene glycol and confirmed it by replicating Raman spectra of amorphous and crystalline materials. These nanomaterials have also been characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, EDS and TEM. Possible formation mechanism is also discussed. This single process will enable development of thermoelectric modules and random distribution of diverse morphology will be beneficial in retaining nano-crystallite sizes.

High-Oriented Thermoelectric Nano-Bulk Fabricated from Thermoelectric Ink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyano, M.; Mizutani, S.; Hayashi, Y.; Nishino, S.; Miyata, M.; Tanaka, T.; Fukuda, K.

2017-05-01

Printing technology is expected to provide innovative and environmentally friendly processes for thermoelectric (TE) module fabrication. As described in this paper, we propose an orientation control process using plastic deformation at high temperatures and present high-oriented TE nano-bulks fabricated from bismuth telluride (Bi-Te) TE inks using this process. In the case of n-type Bi-Te, surface x-ray diffraction reveals that crystalline grains in the plastic-deformed nano-bulk demonstrate a c-plane orientation parallel to the pressed face. According to the high orientation, electrical resistivity ρ, thermal conductivity κ, and figure of merit ZT show anisotropic behavior. It is noteworthy that ( ZT)// almost reaches unity ( ZT)// ˜1 at 340 K, even at low temperatures of the plastic deformation process. In contrast, the ZT of plastic-deformed p-type nano-bulk indicates isotropic behavior. The difference in the process temperature dependence of ZT suggests that n-type and p-type nano-bulk orientation mechanisms mutually differ.

Possible bicollinear nematic state with monoclinic lattice distortions in iron telluride compounds

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

Bishop, Christopher B.; Herbrych, Jacek W.; Dagotto, Elbio R.

2017-07-15

Here, iron telluride (FeTe) is known to display bicollinear magnetic order at low temperatures together with a monoclinic lattice distortion. Because the bicollinear order can involve two different wave vectors (π/2,π/2) and (π/2,–π/2), symmetry considerations allow for the possible stabilization of a nematic state with short-range bicollinear order coupled to monoclinic lattice distortions at a T S higher than the temperature T N where long-range bicollinear order fully develops. As a concrete example, the three-orbital spin-fermion model for iron telluride is studied with an additional coupling ˜λ 12 between the monoclinic lattice strain and an orbital-nematic order parameter with Bmore » 2g symmetry. Monte Carlo simulations show that with increasing ˜λ 12 the first-order transition characteristic of FeTe splits and bicollinear nematicity is stabilized in a (narrow) temperature range. In this new regime, the lattice is monoclinically distorted and short-range spin and orbital order breaks rotational invariance. A discussion of possible realizations of this exotic state is provided.« less

Gravimetric Analysis of Bismuth in Bismuth Subsalicylate Tablets: A Versatile Quantitative Experiment for Undergraduate Laboratories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Eric; Cheung, Ken; Pauls, Steve; Dick, Jonathan; Roth, Elijah; Zalewski, Nicole; Veldhuizen, Christopher; Coeler, Joel

2015-01-01

In this laboratory experiment, lower- and upper-division students dissolved bismuth subsalicylate tablets in acid and precipitated the resultant Bi[superscript 3+] in solution with sodium phosphate for a gravimetric determination of bismuth subsalicylate in the tablets. With a labeled concentration of 262 mg/tablet, the combined data from three…

Ga-Doping-Induced Carrier Tuning and Multiphase Engineering in n-type PbTe with Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance.

PubMed

Wang, Zhengshang; Wang, Guoyu; Wang, Ruifeng; Zhou, Xiaoyuan; Chen, Zhiyu; Yin, Cong; Tang, Mingjing; Hu, Qing; Tang, Jun; Ang, Ran

2018-06-22

P-type lead telluride (PbTe) emerged as a promising thermoelectric material for intermediate-temperature waste-heat-energy harvesting. However, n-type PbTe still confronted with a considerable challenge owing to its relatively low figure of merit ZT and conversion efficiency η, limiting widespread thermoelectric applications. Here, we report that Ga-doping in n-type PbTe can optimize carrier concentration and thus improve the power factor. Moreover, further experimental and theoretical evidence reveals that Ga-doping-induced multiphase structures with nano- to micrometer size can simultaneously modulate phonon transport, leading to dramatic reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. As a consequence, a tremendous enhancement of ZT value at 823 K reaches ∼1.3 for n-type Pb 0.97 Ga 0.03 Te. In particular, in a wide temperature range from 323 to 823 K, the average ZT ave value of ∼0.9 and the calculated conversion efficiency η of ∼13% are achieved by Ga doping. The present findings demonstrate the great potential in Ga-doped PbTe thermoelectric materials through a synergetic carrier tuning and multiphase engineering strategy.

Effect of bismuth subcitrate on amphibian gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion.

PubMed Central

Shorrock, C J; Crampton, J R; Gibbons, L C; Rees, W D

1989-01-01

The ulcer healing and cytoprotective properties of colloidal bismuth (De-Nol) are well established although its mode of action is unclear. We have examined the action of bismuth subcitrate, the active ingredient of De-Nol, on gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion by isolated amphibian mucosa. Addition of bismuth subcitrate (10(-6) to 10(-4) M) to the luminal solution produced a dose dependent increase in bicarbonate secretion from both gastric and duodenal mucosae without a change in transmucosal potential difference. The magnitude of this stimulation was greater for gastric than duodenal mucosae at all dose ranges. A second bismuth salt, bismuth oxynitrate, produced similar increases in bicarbonate secretion from gastric mucosae. Pretreatment of gastric mucosa with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10(-5) and 10(-4) M), did not abolish the secretory response to bismuth subcitrate. Similar treatment with the chloride transport inhibitor, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS) (10(-3) M) prevented the secretory response to bismuth subcitrate. PMID:2788112

Wet-chemical synthesis of different bismuth telluride nanoparticles using metal organic precursors - single source vs. dual source approach.

PubMed

Bendt, Georg; Weber, Anna; Heimann, Stefan; Assenmacher, Wilfried; Prymak, Oleg; Schulz, Stephan

2015-08-28

Thermolysis of the single source precursor (Et2Bi)2Te in DIPB at 80 °C yielded phase-pure Bi4Te3 nanoparticles, while mixtures of Bi4Te3 and elemental Bi were formed at higher temperatures. In contrast, cubic Bi2Te particles were obtained by thermal decomposition of Et2BiTeEt in DIPB. Moreover, a dual source approach (hot injection method) using the reaction of Te(SiEt3)2 and Bi(NMe2)3 was applied for the synthesis of different pure Bi-Te phases including Bi2Te, Bi4Te3 and Bi2Te3, which were characterized by PXRD, REM, TEM and EDX. The influence of reaction temperature, precursor molar ratio and thermolysis conditions on the resulting material phase was verified. Moreover, reactions of alternate bismuth precursors such as Bi(NEt2)3, Bi(NMeEt)3 and BiCl3 with Te(SiEt3)2 were investigated.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Thick Films of Electrochemically Deposited Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 Thermoelectric Materials

PubMed Central

Trung, Nguyen Huu; Sakamoto, Kei; Toan, Nguyen Van; Ono, Takahito

2017-01-01

This paper presents the results of the synthesis and evaluation of thick thermoelectric films that may be used for such applications as thermoelectric power generators. Two types of electrochemical deposition methods, constant and pulsed deposition with improved techniques for both N-type bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and P-type antimony telluride (Sb2Te3), are performed and compared. As a result, highly oriented Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 thick films with a bulk-like structure are successfully synthesized with high Seebeck coefficients and low electrical resistivities. Six hundred-micrometer-thick Bi2Te3 and 500-µm-thick Sb2Te3 films are obtained. The Seebeck coefficients for the Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 films are −150 ± 20 and 170 ± 20 µV/K, respectively. Additionally, the electrical resistivity for the Bi2Te3 is 15 ± 5 µΩm and is 25 ± 5 µΩm for the Sb2Te3. The power factors of each thermoelectric material can reach 15 × 10−4 W/mK2 for Bi2Te3 and 11.2 × 10−4 W/mK2 for Sb2Te3. PMID:28772511

21 CFR 73.2162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice. (c) Labeling. The color additive and any mixture... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Cosmetics § 73.2162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity and specifications. (1) The color additive bismuth oxychloride shall conform in identity and specifications to the...

Bismuth Subgallate Toxicity in the Age of Online Supplement Use.

PubMed

Sampognaro, Paul; Vo, Kathy T; Richie, Megan; Blanc, Paul D; Keenan, Kevin

2017-11-01

Bismuth salts have been used to treat gastroenterological disorders and are readily available over-the-counter and via the internet. Even though generally considered safe, bismuth compounds can cause a syndrome of subacute, progressive encephalopathy when taken in large quantities. We present the case of woman who developed progressive encephalopathy, aphasia, myoclonus, and gait instability after chronically ingesting large amounts of bismuth subgallate purchased from a major online marketing website to control symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. After extensive neurological work-up, elevated bismuth levels in her blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis of bismuth-related neurotoxicity. She improved slowly following cessation of exposure. This case highlights bismuth subgallate as a neurotoxic bismuth formulation and reminds providers of the potential for safety misconceptions of positively reviewed online supplements.

A new solution chemical method to make low dimensional thermoelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Zhongfen

2001-11-01

Bismuth telluride and its alloys are currently the best thermoelectric materials known at room temperature and are therefore used for portable solid-state refrigeration. If the thermal electric figure of merit ZT could be improved by a factor of about 3, quiet and rugged solid-state devices could eventually replace conventional compressor based cooling systems. In order to test a theory that improved one-dimensional or two-dimensional materials could enhance ZT due to lower thermal conductivity, we are developing solution processing methods to make low dimensional materials. Bismuth telluride and its p-type and n-type alloys have layered structures consisting of 5 atom thick Te-Bi-Te-Bi-Te sheets, each sheet about 10 A thick. Lithium ions are intercalated into the layered materials using liquid ammonia. The lithium-intercalated materials are then exfoliated in water to form colloidal suspensions with narrow particle size distributions and are stable for more than 24 hours. The layers are then deposited on substrates, which after annealing at low temperatures, form highly c-axis oriented thin films. The exfoliated layers can potentially be restacked with other ions or layered materials in between the sheets to form novel structures. The restacked layers when treated with nitric acid and sonication form high yield nanorod structured materials. This new intercalation and exfoliation followed by sonication method could potentially be used for many other layered materials to make nanorod structured materials. The low dimensional materials are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and dynamic light scattering.

21 CFR 73.1162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Drugs § 73.1162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive bismuth oxychloride is a synthetically prepared white or nearly white amorphous or finely crystalline, odorless powder consisting principally of BiOCl. (2) Color additive mixtures for drug use made...

Application of an oscillation-type linear cadmium telluride detector to enhanced gadolinium K-edge computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Sato, Eiichi; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Nagao, Jiro; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2011-03-01

A linear cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector is useful for carrying out energy-discrimination X-ray imaging, including computed tomography (CT). To perform enhanced gadolinium K-edge CT, we used an oscillation-type linear CdTe detector with an energy resolution of 1.2 keV. CT is performed by repeating the linear scan and the rotation of an object. Penetrating X-ray photons from the object are detected by the CdTe detector, and event signals of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both the photon energy and the energy width are selected using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. In energy-discrimination CT, tube voltage and current were 80 kV and 20 μA, respectively, and X-ray intensity was 1.55 μGy/s at 1.0 m from the source at a tube voltage of 80 kV. Demonstration of enhanced gadolinium K-edge X-ray CT was carried out by selecting photons with energies just beyond gadolinium K-edge energy of 50.3 keV.

The Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager on AstroSat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhalerao, V.; Bhattacharya, D.; Vibhute, A.; Pawar, P.; Rao, A. R.; Hingar, M. K.; Khanna, Rakesh; Kutty, A. P. K.; Malkar, J. P.; Patil, M. H.; Arora, Y. K.; Sinha, S.; Priya, P.; Samuel, Essy; Sreekumar, S.; Vinod, P.; Mithun, N. P. S.; Vadawale, S. V.; Vagshette, N.; Navalgund, K. H.; Sarma, K. S.; Pandiyan, R.; Seetha, S.; Subbarao, K.

2017-06-01

The Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) is a high energy, wide-field imaging instrument on AstroSat. CZTI's namesake Cadmium Zinc Telluride detectors cover an energy range from 20 keV to >200 keV, with 11% energy resolution at 60 keV. The coded aperture mask attains an angular resolution of 17^' over a 4.6° × 4.6° (FWHM) field-of-view. CZTI functions as an open detector above 100 keV, continuously sensitive to GRBs and other transients in about 30% of the sky. The pixellated detectors are sensitive to polarization above ˜ 100 keV, with exciting possibilities for polarization studies of transients and bright persistent sources. In this paper, we provide details of the complete CZTI instrument, detectors, coded aperture mask, mechanical and electronic configuration, as well as data and products.

Synthesis of cross-linked chitosan modified with the glycine moiety for the collection/concentration of bismuth in aquatic samples for ICP-MS determination.

PubMed

Oshita, Koji; Noguchi, Osamu; Oshima, Mitsuko; Motomizu, Shoji

2007-10-01

A chelating resin, cross-linked chitosan modified with the glycine moiety (glycine-type chitosan resin), was developed for the collection and concentration of bismuth in aquatic samples for ICP-MS measurements. The adsorption behavior of bismuth and 55 elements on glycine-type chitosan resin was systematically examined by passing a sample solution containing 56 elements through a mini-column packed with the resin (wet volume; 1 ml). After eluting the elements adsorbed on the resin with nitric acid, the eluates were measured by ICP-MS. The glycine-type chitosan resin could adsorb several cations by a chelating mechanism and several oxoanions by an anion-exchange mechanism. Especially, the resin could adsorb almost 100% Bi(III) over a wide pH region from pH 2 to 6. Bismuth could be strongly adsorbed at pH 3, and eluted quantitatively with 10 ml of 3 M nitric acid. A column pretreatment method with the glycine-type chitosan resin was used prior to removal of high concentrations of matrices in a seawater sample and the preconcentration of trace bismuth in river water samples for ICP-MS measurements. The column pretreatment method was also applied to the determination of bismuth in real samples by ICP-MS. The LOD of bismuth was 0.1 pg ml(-1) by 10-fold column preconcentration for ICP-MS measurements. The analytical results for bismuth in sea and river water samples by ICP-MS were 22.9 +/- 0.5 pg ml(-1) (RSD, 2.2%) and 2.08 +/- 0.05 pg ml(-1) (RSD, 2.4%), respectively.

Valley polarization in bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauque, Benoit

2013-03-01

The electronic structure of certain crystal lattices can contain multiple degenerate valleys for their charge carriers to occupy. The principal challenge in the development of valleytronics is to lift the valley degeneracy of charge carriers in a controlled way. In bulk semi-metallic bismuth, the Fermi surface includes three cigar-shaped electron valleys lying almost perpendicular to the high symmetry axis known as the trigonal axis. The in-plane mass anisotropy of each valley exceeds 200 as a consequence of Dirac dispersion, which drastically reduces the effective mass along two out of the three orientations. According to our recent study of angle-dependent magnetoresistance in bismuth, a flow of Dirac electrons along the trigonal axis is extremely sensitive to the orientation of in-plane magnetic field. Thus, a rotatable magnetic field can be used as a valley valve to tune the contribution of each valley to the total conductivity. As a consequence of a unique combination of high mobility and extreme mass anisotropy in bismuth, the effect is visible even at room temperature in a magnetic field of 1 T. Thus, a modest magnetic field can be used as a valley valve in bismuth. The results of our recent investigation of angle-dependent magnetoresistance in other semi-metals and doped semiconductors suggest that a rotating magnetic field can behave as a valley valve in a multi-valley system with sizeable mass anisotropy.

Bismuth oxyfluoride @ CMK-3 nanocomposite as cathode for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Dan; Sun, Wang; Xie, Liqiang; Fan, Qinghua; Wang, Zhenhua; Sun, Kening

2018-01-01

Bismuth oxyfluoride impregnated CMK-3 nanocomposite is synthesized by a facile nanocasting approach. Mesoporous carbon CMK-3 can suppress the aggregation and growth of bismuth oxyfluoride particles and offer rapid electron and Li ion passageways. Bismuth oxyfluoride nanoparticles are embedded in the mesoporous channels with particle size less than 20 nm. The bismuth oxyfluoride@CMK-3 nanocomposite maintains 148 mA h g-1 after 40 cycles with the capacity from both the bismuth oxyfluoride and the functional groups on the mesoporous carbon. The hybrid with confined bismuth oxyfluoride nanoparticles, conductive carbon network, and oxygen functional groups on the carbon matrix exhibits higher capacity and cycling stability than bulk bismuth oxyfluoride particles when used as lithium ion batteries cathode.

21 CFR 73.1162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Bismuth oxychloride. 73.1162 Section 73.1162 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Drugs § 73.1162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity. (1) The...

21 CFR 73.1162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Bismuth oxychloride. 73.1162 Section 73.1162 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Drugs § 73.1162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity. (1) The...

21 CFR 73.1162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Bismuth oxychloride. 73.1162 Section 73.1162 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Drugs § 73.1162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity. (1) The...

P-n junctions formed in gallium antimonide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clough, R.; Richman, D.; Tietjen, J.

1970-01-01

Vapor phase deposition process forms a heavily doped n-region on a melt-grown p-type gallium antimonide substrate. HCl transports gallium to the reaction zone, where it combines with antimony hydride and the dopant carrier, hydrogen telluride. Temperatures as low as 400 degrees C are required.

Bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials: layered structures meet photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jie; Yu, Ying; Zhang, Lizhi

2014-07-01

In recent years, layered bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials have received more and more interest as promising photocatalysts because their unique layered structures endow them with fascinating physicochemical properties; thus, they have great potential photocatalytic applications for environment remediation and energy harvesting. In this article, we explore the synthesis strategies and growth mechanisms of layered bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials, and propose design principles of tailoring a layered configuration to control the nanoarchitectures for high efficient photocatalysis. Subsequently, we focus on their layered structure dependent properties, including pH-related crystal facet exposure and phase transformation, facet-dependent photoactivity and molecular oxygen activation pathways, so as to clarify the origin of the layered structure dependent photoreactivity. Furthermore, we summarize various strategies for modulating the composition and arrangement of layered structures to enhance the photoactivity of nanostructured bismuth oxyhalides via internal electric field tuning, dehalogenation effect, surface functionalization, doping, plasmon modification, and heterojunction construction, which may offer efficient guidance for the design and construction of high-performance bismuth oxyhalide-based photocatalysis systems. Finally, we highlight some crucial issues in engineering the layered-structure mediated properties of bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts and provide tentative suggestions for future research on increasing their photocatalytic performance.

Bismuth Nephrotoxicity: Report of a Case

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

Gryboski, Joyce D.; Gotoff, Samuel P.

1961-12-28

A case of renal poisoning by bismuth thioglycolate is reported which demonstrates the nephrotoxicity of bismuth compounds in the pediatric age group. For treatment of warts the patient received a relatively small amount of bismuth thioglycollate (1.3 mg/kg body wt), and although the symptomatology was mild, the degree of azotemia was severe. Evidence of both tubular and glomerular damage was present, the former reflected by fixed urinary specific gravity and minimal glycosuria in the presence of a normal blood sugar, and the latter by azotemia and mild proteinuria. Backward diffusion of creatinine through damaged tubular epithelium probably contributed to themore » observed elevated plasma creatinine value, and the presence of a high anion content of serum probably represented retained phosphate, sulfate, and organic acids. The observed maculopapular rash probably corresponded to the socalled erythema of the ninth day, described previously as a rare manifestation of bismuth toxicity. The therapy employed was that for acute renal failure, but chelating agents, which are potential nephrotoxins, were not employed because of the known rapid excretion of bismuth thioglycollate. Rehydration was carried out, and electrolyte and protein intake was limited until diuresis was well established and the blood urea nitrogen had begun to fall. To avoid hyperkalemia, potassium restriction was carried out. Normal renal function was restored within a month after the onset of renal injury. It is suggested that the degree of sensitivity to the metal was related to the age of the patient and to the structural maturity of the kidney, for all cases of bismuth nephropathy reported the past 15 yr have occurred in the pediatric age group, children less than 3 yr being the most severely affected.« less

A bismuth activation counter for high sensitivity pulsed 14 MeV neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, E. J. T.; Thacher, P. D.; Hassig, G. J.; Decker, R. D.; Romero, J. A.; Barrett, K. P.

2011-08-01

We have built a fast neutron bismuth activation counter that measures activation counts from pulsed 14-MeV neutron generators for incident neutron fluences between 30 and 300 neutrons/cm2 at 15.2 cm (6 in.). The activation counter consists of a large bismuth germanate (BGO) detector surrounded by a bismuth metal shield in front of and concentric with the cylindrical detector housing. The 14 MeV neutrons activate the 2.6-millisecond (ms) isomer in the shield and the detector by the reaction 209Bi (n,2nγ) 208mBi. The use of millisecond isomers and activation counting times minimizes the background from other activated materials and the environment. In addition to activation, the bismuth metal shields against other outside radiation sources. We have tested the bismuth activation counter, simultaneously, with two data acquisition systems (DASs) and both give similar results. The two-dimensional (2D) DAS and three dimensional (3D) DAS both consist of pulse height analysis (PHA) systems that can be used to discriminate against gamma radiations below 300 keV photon energy, so that the detector can be used strictly as a counter. If the counting time is restricted to less than 25 ms after the neutron pulse, there are less than 10 counts of background for single pulse operation in all our operational environments tested so far. High-fluence neutron generator operations are restricted by large dead times and pulse height saturation. When we operate our 3D DAS PHA system in list mode acquisition (LIST), real-time corrections to dead time or live time can be made on the scale of 1 ms time windows or dwell times. The live time correction is consistent with nonparalyzable models for dead time of 1.0±0.2 μs for our 3D DAS and 1.5±0.3 μs for our 2D DAS dominated by our fixed time width analog to digital converters (ADCs). With the same solid angle, we have shown that the bismuth activation counter has a factor of 4 increase in sensitivity over our lead activation counter

Thermodynamics Calculation and Experimental Study on Separation of Bismuth from a Bismuth Glance Concentrate Through a Low-Temperature Molten Salt Smelting Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jian-Guang; He, De-Wen; Tang, Chao-Bo; Chen, Yong-Ming; Sun, Ya-Hui; Tang, Mo-Tang

2011-08-01

The main purpose of this study is to characterize and separate bismuth from a bismuth glance concentrate through a low-temperature, sulfur-fixing smelting process. This article reports on a study conducted on the optimization of process parameters, such as Na2CO3 and zinc oxide wt pct in charging, smelting temperature, smelting duration on the bismuth yield, resultant crude bismuth grade, and sulfur-fixing rate. A maximum bismuth recovery of 97.31 pct, crude bismuth grade of 96.93 pct, and 98.23 pct sulfur-fixing rate are obtained when a charge (containing 63.50 wt pct of Na2CO3 and 22.50 wt pct of bismuth glance, as well as 5 pct in excess of the stoichiometric requirement of zinc oxide dosage) is smelted at 1000 K (727 °C) for 150 minutes. This smelting operation is free from atmospheric pollution because zinc oxide is used as the sulfur-fixing agent, which can capture sulfur from bismuth sulfide and form the more thermodynamic-stable compound, zinc sulfide. The solid residue is subjected to a mineral dressing operation to obtain suspension, which is filtered to produce a cake, representing the solid particles of zinc sulfide. Based on the results of the chemical content analysis of the as-resultant zinc sulfide, more than 93 pct zinc sulfide can be recovered, and the recovered zinc sulfide grade can reach 60.20 pct. This material can be sold as zinc sulfide concentrate or roasted to be regenerated as zinc oxide.

Standard triple, bismuth pectin quadruple and sequential therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication

PubMed Central

Gao, Xiao-Zhong; Qiao, Xiu-Li; Song, Wen-Chong; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Liu, Feng

2010-01-01

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of standard triple, bismuth pectin quadruple and sequential therapies for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in a randomized, double-blinded, comparative clinical trial in China. METHODS: A total of 215 H. pylori-positive patients were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into three groups: group A (n = 72) received a 10-d bismuth pectin quadruple therapy (20 mg rabeprazole bid, 1000 mg amoxicillin bid, 100 mg bismuth pectin qid, and 500 mg levofloxacin qd); group B (n = 72) received the sequential therapy (20 mg omeprazole bid, 1000 mg amoxicillin bid, in 5 d, followed by 20 mg omeprazole bid, 500 mg tinidazole bid, 500 mg clarithromycin bid, for another 5 d); group C (n = 71) received a standard 1-wk triple therapy (20 mg omeprazole bid, 1000 mg amoxicillin bid, 500 mg clarithromycin bid). After all these treatments, 20 mg omeprazole bid was administrated for 3 wk. H. pylori status was assessed by histology, 13C-urea breath test and rapid urease test at baseline and 4-6 wk after completion of treatment. Ulcer cicatrization was assessed by gastroscopy. χ2 test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the eradication rates and ulcer cicatrisation rates among the three groups. RESULTS: The eradication rate was 83.33% (60/72) in group A, 88.89% (64/72) in group B, and 80.56% (58/71) in group C. The ulcer cicatrisation rate was 86.44% (51/59) in group A, 90.16% (55/61) in group B, and 84.91% (45/53) in group C. The sequential therapy yielded a higher eradication rate and ulcer cicatrisation rate than the standard triple and bismuth pectin quadruple therapies. Statistically, the eradication rate of group B was significantly different from groups A and C (P < 0.05), but the difference of ulcer cicatrisation rate and side effects was not statistically significant among the three groups (P > 0.05). The three protocols were generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The sequential therapy has achieved a significantly higher eradication

Improved thermoelectric performance of p-type polycrystalline bismuth telluride via hydrothermal treatment with alkali metal salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Zhe

The field of thermoelectric research has attracted a lot of interest in hope of helping address the energy crisis. In recent years, low-dimensional thermoelectric materials have been found promising and thus become a popular school of thought. However, the high complexity and cost for fabricating low-dimensional materials give rise to the attempt to further improve conventional bulk polycrystalline materials. Polycrystals are featured by numerous grain boundaries that can scatter heat-carrying phonons to significantly reduce the thermal conductivity kappa whereas at the same time can unfortunately deteriorate the electrical resistivity rho. Aiming at the dualism of the grain boundaries in determining the transport properties of polycrystalline materials, a novel concept of "grain boundary engineering" has been proposed in order to have a thermoelectrically favorable grain boundary. In this dissertation, a polycrystalline p-type Bi2Te 3 system has been intensively investigated in light of such a concept that was realized through a hydrothermal nano-coating treatment technique. P-type Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 powder was hydrothermally treated with alkali metal salt XBH4 ( X = Na, K or Rb) solution. After the treatment, there formed an alkali-metal-containing surface layer of nanometers thick on the p-Bi2Te3 grains. The Na-treatment, leaving the Seebeck coefficient alpha almost untouched, lowered kappa the most while the Rb-treatment at the same time increased alpha slightly and decreased rho the most. Compared to the untreated sample, Na- and Rb-treatments improved the dimensionless figure of merit ZT by ˜ 30% due to the reduced kappa and ˜ 38% owing to the improved the power factor PF, respectively. The grain boundary phase provides a new avenue by which one can potentially decouple the otherwise inter-related alpha, rho and kappa within one thermoelectric material. The morphologic investigation showed this surface layer lacked crystallinity, if any, and was possibly an

Effect of high fluence neutron irradiation on transport properties of thermoelectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Leonard, K. J.

2017-07-01

Thermoelectric materials were subjected to high fluence neutron irradiation in order to understand the effect of radiation damage on transport properties. This study is relevant to the NASA Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) program in which thermoelectric elements are exposed to radiation over a long period of time in space missions. Selected n-type and p-type bismuth telluride materials were irradiated at the High Flux Isotope Reactor with a neutron fluence of 1.3 × 1018 n/cm2 (E > 0.1 MeV). The increase in the Seebeck coefficient in the n-type material was partially off-set by an increase in electrical resistivity, making the power factor higher at lower temperatures. For the p-type materials, although the Seebeck coefficient was not affected by irradiation, electrical resistivity decreased slightly. The figure of merit, zT, showed a clear drop in the 300-400 K range for the p-type material and an increase for the n-type material. Considering that the p-type and n-type materials are connected in series in a module, the overall irradiation damages at the device level were limited. These results, at neutron fluences exceeding a typical space mission, are significant to ensure that the radiation damage to thermoelectrics does not affect the performance of RTGs.

PROCESS USING BISMUTH PHOSPHATE AS A CARRIER PRECIPITATE FOR FISSION PRODUCTS AND PLUTONIUM VALUES

DOEpatents

Finzel, T.G.

1959-03-10

A process is described for separating plutonium from fission products carried therewith when plutonium in the reduced oxidation state is removed from a nitric acid solution of irradiated uranium by means of bismuth phosphate as a carrier precipitate. The bismuth phosphate carrier precipitate is dissolved by treatment with nitric acid and the plutonium therein is oxidized to the hexavalent oxidation state by means of potassium dichromate. Separation of the plutonium from the fission products is accomplished by again precipitating bismuth phosphate and removing the precipitate which now carries the fission products and a small percentage of the plutonium present. The amount of plutonium carried in this last step may be minimized by addition of sodium fluoride, so as to make the solution 0.03N in NaF, prior to the oxidation and prccipitation step.

Electrodeposition of bismuth:tellurium nanowire arrays into porous alumina templates for thermoelectric applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trahey, Lynn

Bismuth telluride is a well-known thermoelectric material for refrigeration applications. Thermoelectrics possess several advantages over conventional refrigeration and power generation devices, yet are not widely-used due to low efficiencies. It has been predicted and shown experimentally that the efficiency of thermoelectric devices increases when the semiconducting materials have reduced dimensions. Therefore, the aim of this research was to show enhanced thermoelectric efficiency in one-dimensional nanowires. The nanowires were synthesized via electrochemical deposition into porous alumina templates. Electrodeposition is a versatile technique that ensures electrical continuity in the deposited material. The nanowire templates, porous alumina, were made by the double anodization of high-purity aluminum foil in oxalic acid solutions. This technique produces parallel, hexagonally packed, and nanometer-range diameter pores that can reach high aspect ratios (greater than 2000:1). The main anodization variables (electrolyte concentration, applied potential, 2nd anodization time, and temperature) were studied systematically in order to deconvolute their effects on the resulting pores and to obtain high aspect ratio pores. The porous alumina is of great importance because the pore dimensions determine the dimensions of the electrodeposited nanowires, which influence the thermoelectric performance of the nanowire arrays. Nanowire arrays were characterized in several ways. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to assess crystallinity and preferred orientation of the nanowires, revealing that the nanowires are highly crystalline and grow with strong preferred orientation such that the material is suited for optimal thermoelectric performance. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the nanowire nucleation percentage and growth-front uniformity, both of which were enhanced by pulsed-potential electrodeposition. Compositional analysis via electron microprobe indicates

Bismuth-Silicon and Bismuth-Polyurethane Composite Shields for Breast Protection in Chest Computed Tomography Examinations

PubMed Central

Mehnati, Parinaz; Arash, Mehran; Akhlaghi, Parisa

2018-01-01

The article aims at constructing protective composite shields for breasts in chest computed tomography and investigating the effects of applying these new bismuth composites on dose and image quality. Polyurethane and silicon with 5% of bismuth were fabricated as a protective shield. At first, their efficiency in attenuating the X-ray beam was investigated by calculating the total attenuation coefficients at diagnostic energy range. Then, a physical chest phantom was scanned without and with these shields at tube voltage of 120 kVp, and image parameters together with dose values were studied. The results showed that these two shields have great effects on attenuating the X-ray beam, especially for lower energies (<40 kV), and in average, the attenuation coefficients of bismuth-polyurethane composite are higher in this energy range. The maximum relative differences between the average Hounsfield units (HUs) and noises of images without and with shield for both composites in 13 regions of interest were 4.5% and 15.7%, respectively. Moreover, primary investigation confirmed the ability of both shields (especially polyurethane-bismuth composite) in dose reduction. Comparing these two composites regarding the amount of dose reduction, the changes in HU and noise, and attenuation coefficients in diagnostic energy range, it seems that polyurethane composite is more useful for dose reduction, especially for higher tube voltages. PMID:29628636

Terrestrial growth of lead-tin-telluride by techniques related to low G growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jesser, W. A.

1982-01-01

A modified Bridgman-Stockbarger furnace was constructed for a study of the solidification of silver, germanium and lead-tin-telluride. The melt-solid interface position with respect to the furnace and its temperature profile was determined by measuring the discontinuity in the slope of temperature as a function of position in the melt and in the solid. The results show that the interface position of the semiconductors germanium and lead-tin-telluride was essentially constant with respect to the furnace and hence the growth rate was constant and equal to the sample translation rate of 0.046 cm/min and 0.178 cm/min in each case. The metal, silver, on the other hand showed a continuous interface migration toward the hot zone of the furnace and always exhibited a growth rate which was higher than the ampoule translation rate. The K sub L/K sub S ratio of lead-tin-telluride was determined to be 2.33 + or - 0.06 where K sub L,S denotes the thermal conductivity of the liquid, solid respectively. The value of K sub L was calculated to be about 0.054 Watt 0.1 cm 0.1 K. The diffusion boundary layer thickness was calculated for lead-tin-telluride to be about 0.05 cm using a liquid diffusivity of .00007 sq cm/sec.

Electrodeposition of Ni on Bi2Te3 and Interfacial Reaction Between Sn and Ni-Coated Bi2Te3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Yu-Chen; Lee, Hsuan; Hau, Nga Yu; Feng, Shien-Ping; Chen, Chih-Ming

2018-01-01

Bismuth-telluride (Bi2Te3)-based compounds are common thermoelectric materials used for low-temperature applications, and nickel (Ni) is usually deposited on the Bi2Te3 substrates as a diffusion barrier. Deposition of Ni on the p-type (Sb-doped) and n-type (Se-doped) Bi2Te3 substrates using electroplating and interfacial reactions between Sn and Ni-coated Bi2Te3 substrates are investigated. Electrodeposition of Ni on different Bi2Te3 substrates is characterized based on cyclic voltammetry and Tafel measurements. Microstructural characterizations of the Ni deposition and the Sn/Ni/Bi2Te3 interfacial reactions are performed using scanning electron microscopy. A faster growth rate is observed for the Ni deposition on the n-type Bi2Te3 substrate which is attributed to a lower activation energy of reduction due to a higher density of free electrons in the n-type Bi2Te3 material. The common Ni3Sn4 phase is formed at the Sn/Ni interfaces on both the p-type and n-type Bi2Te3 substrates, while the NiTe phase is formed at a faster rate at the interface between Ni and n-type Bi2Te3 substrates.

Enhancement of bismuth antibacterial activity with lipophilic thiol chelators.

PubMed Central

Domenico, P; Salo, R J; Novick, S G; Schoch, P E; Van Horn, K; Cunha, B A

1997-01-01

The antibacterial properties of bismuth are greatly enhanced when bismuth is combined with certain lipophilic thiol compounds. Antibacterial activity was enhanced from 25- to 300-fold by the following seven different thiols, in order of decreasing synergy: 1,3-propanedithiol, dimercaprol (BAL), dithiothreitol, 3-mercapto-2-butanol, beta-mercaptoethanol, 1-monothioglycerol, and mercaptoethylamine. The dithiols produced the greatest synergy with bismuth at optimum bismuth-thiol molar ratios of from 3:1 to 1:1. The monothiols were generally not as synergistic and required molar ratios of from 1:1 to 1:4 for optimum antibacterial activity. The most-active mono- or dithiols were also the most soluble in butanol. The intensity of the yellow formed by bismuth-thiol complexes reflected the degree of chelation and correlated with antibacterial potency at high molar ratios. The bismuth-BAL compound (BisBAL) was active against most bacteria, as assessed by broth dilution, agar diffusion, and agar dilution analyses. Staphylococci (MIC, 5 to 7 microM Bi3+) and Helicobacter pylori (MIC, 2.2 microM) were among the most sensitive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive (MIC, < 17 microM). Enterococci were relatively resistant (MIC, 63 microM Bi3+). The MIC range for anaerobes was 15 to 100 microM Bi3+, except for Clostridium difficile (MIC, 7.5 microM). Bactericidal activity averaged 29% above the MIC. Bactericidal activity increased with increasing pH and/or increasing temperature. Bismuth-thiol solubility, stability, and antibacterial activity depended on pH and the bismuth-thiol molar ratio. BisBAL was stable but ineffective against Escherichia coli at pH 4. Activity and instability (reactivity) increased with increasing alkalinity. BisBAL was acid soluble at a molar ratio of greater than 3:2 and alkaline soluble at a molar ratio of less than 2:3. In conclusion, certain lipophilic thiol compounds enhanced bismuth antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of

Electron mobility in mercury cadmium telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, James D.

1988-01-01

A previously developed program, which includes all electronic interactions thought to be important, does not correctly predict the value of electron mobility in mercury cadmium telluride particularly near room temperature. Part of the reason for this discrepancy is thought to be the way screening is handled. It seems likely that there are a number of contributors to errors in the calculation. The objective is to survey the calculation, locate reasons for differences between experiment and calculation, and suggest improvements.

Region 8: Colorado Telluride Adequate Letter (8/17/2011)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This March 4, 2011 letter from EPA to Chistopher E. Urbina M.D., MPH, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states that EPA has found that the Telluride, CO PM10 maintenance plan and the 2021 motor vehicle emisssions budget (MVEB) adequate

The efficacy of ranitidine bismuth citrate, amoxicillin and doxycycline or tetracycline regimens as a first line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

PubMed

Akyildiz, Murat; Akay, Sinan; Musoglu, Ahmet; Tuncyurek, Muge; Aydin, Ahmet

2009-01-01

The eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clearly decreased with standard PPI-based triple therapies. To assess the efficacy of two different triple therapies consisting of ranitidine bismuth citrate-amoxicillin-doxycycline and ranitidine bismuth citrate-amoxicillin-tetracycline combinations as a first line treatment option. One hundred and fifteen consecutive dyspeptic patients in whom H. pylori infection was diagnosed for the first time were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n=57) was assigned to receive a 14-day triple therapy consisting of ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg (b.i.d.), amoxicillin 1 g (b.i.d) and doxycycline 100 mg (b.i.d.). Group 2 (n=58) was assigned to receive a 14-day triple therapy consisting of ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg (b.i.d.), amoxicillin 1 g (b.i.d.) and tetracycline 500 mg (q.i.d.). The eradication was achieved in 45.7% (21/46) and 40.8% (20/49) of the patients in group 1 and group 2, according to per protocol analysis. The intention-to-treat eradication rates were 36.8% (21/57) and 34.5% (20/58) in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Two-week therapy with neither ranitidine bismuth citrate-amoxicillin-doxycycline nor ranitidine bismuth citrate-amoxicillin-tetracycline is adequately effective for H. pylori eradication as a first line therapy.

Liquid Bismuth Feed System for Electric Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markusic, T. E.; Polzin, K. A.; Stanojev, B. J.

2006-01-01

Operation of Hall thrusters with bismuth propellant has been shown to be a promising path toward high-power, high-performance, long-lifetime electric propulsion for spaceflight missions. For example, the VHITAL project aims td accurately, experimentally assess the performance characteristics of 10 kW-class bismuth-fed Hall thrusters - in order to validate earlier results and resuscitate a promising technology that has been relatively dormant for about two decades. A critical element of these tests will be the precise metering of propellant to the thruster, since performance cannot be accurately assessed without an accurate accounting of mass flow rate. Earlier work used a pre/post-test propellant weighing scheme that did not provide any real-time measurement of mass flow rate while the thruster was firing, and makes subsequent performance calculations difficult. The motivation of the present work was to develop a precision liquid bismuth Propellant Management System (PMS) that provides real-time propellant mass flow rate measurement and control, enabling accurate thruster performance measurements. Additionally, our approach emphasizes the development of new liquid metal flow control components and, hence, will establish a basis for the future development of components for application in spaceflight. The design of various critical components in a bismuth PMS are described - reservoir, electromagnetic pump, hotspot flow sensor, and automated control system. Particular emphasis is given to material selection and high-temperature sealing techniques. Open loop calibration test results are reported, which validate the systems capability to deliver bismuth at mass flow rates ranging from 10 to 100 mg/sec with an uncertainty of less than +/- 5%. Results of integrated vaporizer/liquid PMS tests demonstrate all of the necessary elements of a complete bismuth feed system for electric propulsion.

Bursting at the Seams: Rippled Monolayer Bismuth on NbSe 2

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

Fang, Alan; Adamo, Carolina; Jia, Shuang

Bismuth, one of the heaviest semimetals in nature, ignited the interest of the materials-physics community for its potential impact on topological quantum-material systems that utilize its strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and unique orbital hybridization. In particular, recent theoretical predictions of unique topological and superconducting properties of thin bismuth films and interfaces prompted intense research on the growth of sub- to a few monolayers of bismuth on different substrates. Similar to bulk rhombohedral bismuth, the initial growth of bismuth films on most substrates results in buckled bilayers that either grow in the (111) or (110) directions, with a lattice constant closemore » to that of bulk Bi. By contrast, in this paper we show a new growth pattern for bismuth monolayers on NbSe 2. We find that the initial growth of Bi can form a strongly bonded commensurate layer, resulting in a compressively strained two-dimensional triangular lattice. A unique pattern of 1D ripples and domain walls is observed. The single layer of bismuth also introduces strong marks on the electronic properties at the surface.« less

Bursting at the Seams: Rippled Monolayer Bismuth on NbSe 2

DOE PAGES

Fang, Alan; Adamo, Carolina; Jia, Shuang; ...

2018-04-13

Bismuth, one of the heaviest semimetals in nature, ignited the interest of the materials-physics community for its potential impact on topological quantum-material systems that utilize its strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and unique orbital hybridization. In particular, recent theoretical predictions of unique topological and superconducting properties of thin bismuth films and interfaces prompted intense research on the growth of sub- to a few monolayers of bismuth on different substrates. Similar to bulk rhombohedral bismuth, the initial growth of bismuth films on most substrates results in buckled bilayers that either grow in the (111) or (110) directions, with a lattice constant closemore » to that of bulk Bi. By contrast, in this paper we show a new growth pattern for bismuth monolayers on NbSe 2. We find that the initial growth of Bi can form a strongly bonded commensurate layer, resulting in a compressively strained two-dimensional triangular lattice. A unique pattern of 1D ripples and domain walls is observed. The single layer of bismuth also introduces strong marks on the electronic properties at the surface.« less

Spray pyrolysis deposition and photoelectrochemical properties of n-type BiOI nanoplatelet thin films.

PubMed

Hahn, Nathan T; Hoang, Son; Self, Jeffrey L; Mullins, C Buddie

2012-09-25

Bismuth oxy-iodide is a potentially interesting visible-light-active photocatalyst; yet there is little research regarding its photoelectrochemical properties. Herein we report the synthesis of BiOI nanoplatelet photoelectrodes by spray pyrolysis on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates at various temperatures. The films exhibited n-type conductivity, most likely due to the presence of anion vacancies, and optimized films possessed incident photon conversion efficiencies of over 20% in the visible range for the oxidation of I(-) to I(3)(-) at 0.4 V vs Ag/AgCl in acetonitrile. Visible-light photons (λ > 420 nm) contributed approximately 75% of the overall photocurrent under AM1.5G illumination, illustrating their usefulness under solar light illumination. A deposition temperature of 260 °C was found to result in the best performance due to the balance of morphology, crystallinity, impurity levels, and optical absorption, leading to photocurrents of roughly 0.9 mA/cm(2) at 0.4 V vs Ag/AgCl. Although the films performed stably in acetonitrile, their performance decreased significantly upon extended exposure to water, which was apparently caused by a loss of surface iodine and subsequent formation of an insulating bismuth hydroxide layer.

Localized Vibrations of Bi Bilayer Leading to Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity and High Thermoelectric Performance in Weak Topological Insulator n-Type BiSe.

PubMed

Samanta, Manisha; Pal, Koushik; Pal, Provas; Waghmare, Umesh V; Biswas, Kanishka

2018-05-02

Realization of high thermoelectric performance in n-type semiconductors is of imperative need on account of the dearth of efficient n-type thermoelectric materials compared to the p-type counterpart. Moreover, development of efficient thermoelectric materials based on Te-free compounds is desirable because of the scarcity of Te in the Earth's crust. Herein, we report the intrinsic ultralow thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance near room temperature in n-type BiSe, a Te-free solid, which recently has emerged as a weak topological insulator. BiSe possesses a layered structure consisting of a bismuth bilayer (Bi 2 ) sandwiched between two Bi 2 Se 3 quintuple layers [Se-Bi-Se-Bi-Se], resembling natural heterostructure. High thermoelectric performance of BiSe is realized through the ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (κ lat of ∼0.6 W/mK at 300 K), which is significantly lower than that of Bi 2 Se 3 (κ lat of ∼1.8 W/mK at 300 K), although both of them belong to the same layered homologous family (Bi 2 ) m (Bi 2 Se 3 ) n . Phonon dispersion calculated from first-principles and the experimental low-temperature specific heat data indicate that soft localized vibrations of bismuth bilayer in BiSe are responsible for its ultralow κ lat . These low energy optical phonon branches couple strongly with the heat carrying acoustic phonons, and consequently suppress the phonon mean free path leading to low κ lat . Further optimization of thermoelectric properties of BiSe through Sb substitution and spark plasma sintering (SPS) results in high ZT ∼ 0.8 at 425 K along the pressing direction, which is indeed remarkable among Te-free n-type thermoelectric materials near room temperature.

Solar Water Splitting and Nitrogen Fixation with Layered Bismuth Oxyhalides.

PubMed

Li, Jie; Li, Hao; Zhan, Guangming; Zhang, Lizhi

2017-01-17

Hydrogen and ammonia are the chemical molecules that are vital to Earth's energy, environmental, and biological processes. Hydrogen with renewable, carbon-free, and high combustion-enthalpy hallmarks lays the foundation of next-generation energy source, while ammonia furnishes the building blocks of fertilizers and proteins to sustain the lives of plants and organisms. Such merits fascinate worldwide scientists in developing viable strategies to produce hydrogen and ammonia. Currently, at the forefronts of hydrogen and ammonia syntheses are solar water splitting and nitrogen fixation, because they go beyond the high temperature and pressure requirements of methane stream reforming and Haber-Bosch reaction, respectively, as the commercialized hydrogen and ammonia production routes, and inherit the natural photosynthesis virtues that are green and sustainable and operate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The key to propelling such photochemical reactions lies in searching photocatalysts that enable water splitting into hydrogen and nitrogen fixation to make ammonia efficiently. Although the past 40 years have witnessed significant breakthroughs using the most widely studied TiO 2 , SrTiO 3 , (Ga 1-x Zn x )(N 1-x O x ), CdS, and g-C 3 N 4 for solar chemical synthesis, two crucial yet still unsolved issues challenge their further progress toward robust solar water splitting and nitrogen fixation, including the inefficient steering of electron transportation from the bulk to the surface and the difficulty of activating the N≡N triple bond of N 2 . This Account details our endeavors that leverage layered bismuth oxyhalides as photocatalysts for efficient solar water splitting and nitrogen fixation, with a focus on addressing the above two problems. We first demonstrate that the layered structures of bismuth oxyhalides can stimulate an internal electric field (IEF) that is capable of efficiently separating electrons and holes after their formation and of

Formation and possible growth mechanism of bismuth nanowires on various substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volkov, V. T.; Kasumov, A. Yu.; Kasumov, Yu. A.; Khodos, I. I.

2017-08-01

In this work, we report results of a study of bismuth nanowires growth on various substrates, including Fe, Ni, Co, W, Pt, Au thin films on oxidized Si, Si (111), oxidized Si (100), and fused quartz. The nanowires (NW) were prepared by RF diode sputtering of Bi onto a substrate heated to about 200 °C. The structure of the wires was studied by a scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The NWs are monocrystalline up to a length of several micrometers and possess a very thin (less than 2 nm) oxide layer. A major influence of the substrate type on the quantity and the length of the obtained nanowires is observed. Based on the above studies, we propose a possible mechanism of a bismuth nanowire growth.

Hydrolysis studies on bismuth nitrate: synthesis and crystallization of four novel polynuclear basic bismuth nitrates.

PubMed

Miersch, L; Rüffer, T; Schlesinger, M; Lang, H; Mehring, M

2012-09-03

Hydrolysis of Bi(NO(3))(3) in aqueous solution gave crystals of the novel compounds [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(5)(H(2)O)](NO(3)) (1) and [Bi(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O (2) among the series of hexanuclear bismuth oxido nitrates. Compounds 1 and 2 both crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n but show significant differences in their lattice parameters: 1, a = 9.2516(6) Å, b = 13.4298(9) Å, c = 17.8471(14) Å, β = 94.531(6)°, V = 2210.5(3) Å(3); 2, a = 9.0149(3) Å, b = 16.9298(4) Å, c = 15.6864(4) Å, β = 90.129(3)°, V = 2394.06(12) Å(3). Variation of the conditions for partial hydrolysis of Bi(NO(3))(3) gave bismuth oxido nitrates of even higher nuclearity, [{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(26)}·4DMSO][{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(24)}·4DMSO] (3) and [{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(26)}·2DMSO][{Bi(38)O(45)(NO(3))(24)(DMSO)(24)}·0.5DMSO] (5), upon crystallization from DMSO. Bismuth oxido clusters 3 and 5 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 both with two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The following lattice parameters are observed: 3, a = 20.3804(10) Å, b = 20.3871(9) Å, c = 34.9715(15) Å, α = 76.657(4)°, β = 73.479(4)°, γ = 60.228(5)°, V = 12021.7(9) Å(3); 5, a = 20.0329(4) Å, b = 20.0601(4) Å, c = 34.3532(6) Å, α = 90.196(1)°, β = 91.344(2)°, γ = 119.370(2)°, V = 12025.8(4) Å(3). Differences in the number of DMSO molecules (coordinated and noncoordinated) and ligand (nitrate, DMSO) coordination modes are observed.

Formation of Semimetallic Cobalt Telluride Nanotube Film via Anion Exchange Tellurization Strategy in Aqueous Solution for Electrocatalytic Applications.

PubMed

Patil, Supriya A; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Shrestha, Nabeen K; Chang, Jinho; Lee, Joong Kee; Han, Sung-Hwan

2015-11-25

Metal telluride nanostructures have demonstrated several potential applications particularly in harvesting and storing green energy. Metal tellurides are synthesized by tellurization process performed basically at high temperature in reducing gas atmosphere, which makes the process expensive and complicated. The development of a facile and economical process for desirable metal telluride nanostructures without complicated manipulation is still a challenge. In an effort to develop an alternative strategy of tellurization, herein we report a thin film formation of self-standing cobalt telluride nanotubes on various conducting and nonconducting substrates using a simple binder-free synthetic strategy based on anion exchange transformation from a thin film of cobalt hydroxycarbonate nanostructures in aqueous solution at room temperature. The nanostructured films before and after ion exchange transformation reaction are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analyzer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thin film X-ray diffraction technique, high resolution transmission electron microscope, and selected area electron diffraction analysis technique. After the ion exchange transformation of nanostructures, the film shows conversion from insulator to highly electrical conductive semimetallic characteristic. When used as a counter electrode in I3(-)/I(-) redox electrolyte based dye-sensitized solar cells, the telluride film exhibits an electrocatalytic reduction activity for I3(-) with a demonstration of solar-light to electrical power conversion efficiency of 8.10%, which is highly competitive to the efficiency of 8.20% exhibited by a benchmarked Pt-film counter electrode. On the other hand, the telluride film electrode also demonstrates electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction from oxidation of water.

Thermoelectric transport in surface- and antimony-doped bismuth telluride nanoplates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettes, Michael Thompson; Kim, Jaehyun; Wu, Wei; Bustillo, Karen C.; Shi, Li

2016-10-01

We report the in-plane thermoelectric properties of suspended (Bi1-xSbx)2Te3 nanoplates with x ranging from 0.07 to 0.95 and thicknesses ranging from 9 to 42 nm. The results presented here reveal a trend of increasing p-type behavior with increasing antimony concentration, and a maximum Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric figure of merit at x ˜ 0.5. We additionally tuned extrinsic doping of the surface using a tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ) coating. The lattice thermal conductivity is found to be below that for undoped ultrathin Bi2Te3 nanoplates of comparable thickness and in the range of 0.2-0.7 W m-1 K-1 at room temperature.

Structural variations in indium tin tellurides and their thermoelectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neudert, Lukas; Schwarzmüller, Stefan; Schmitzer, Silvia; Schnick, Wolfgang; Oeckler, Oliver

2018-02-01

Indium-doped tin tellurides are promising and thoroughly investigated thermoelectric materials. Due to the low solubility of In2Te3 in SnTe and vice versa, samples with the nominal composition (SnTe)3-3x(In2Te3)x with 0.136 ≤ x ≤ 0.75 consist of a defect-rocksalt-type Sn-rich and a defect-sphalerite-type In-rich phase which are endotaxially intergrown and form nanoscale heterostructures. Such nanostructures are kinetically inert and become more pronounced with increasing overall In content. The vacancies often show short-range ordering. These phenomena are investigated by temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction and HRTEM as well as STEM with element mapping by X-ray spectroscopy. The combination of real-structure effects leads to very low lattice thermal conductivity from room temperature up to 500 °C. Thermoelectric figures of merit ZT of heterostructured materials with x = 0.136 reach ZT values up to 0.55 at 400 °C.

Thermodynamics of Pb17Li-bismuth interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hubberstey, Peter; Sample, Tony

1994-09-01

Thermodynamic calculations of the PbBiLi ternary system have been completed to rationalise the formation of solid Li 3Bi on reaction of liquid Pb17Li with bismuth. At 723 K, the bismuth activity in equilibrium with liquid Pi17Li and solid Li 3Bi is calculated to be 9.50 × 10 -4; this can be correlated to a solubility of 2.09 × 10 -1 mol% Bi(2520 wppm). The corresponding bismuth activity in equilibrium with liquid Pb17Li and solid LiBi is 5.04 × 10 -2 (an extrapolated value as LiBi decomposes peritectically at 688 K). The minimum lithium content of PbLi alloys required to react with unit activity bismuth to form Li 3Bi at 723 K is calculated to be ˜ 1.8 mol% Li. The dominance of Li 3Bi in the PbBiLi system is attributed to its extreme stability as evidenced by both its high melting point (1418 K) and free energy of formation [ ΔGf0(Li 3Bi, c 723 K) = 212.8 kJ mol -1].

Microwave-induced Bismuth Salts-mediated Synthesis of Molecules of Medicinal Interests.

PubMed

Bandyopadhyay, Debasish; Chavez, Ashlee; Banik, Bimal K

2017-01-01

Bismuth salts-mediated reactions have become a powerful tool for the synthesis of diverse medicinally-significant compounds because of their low-toxicity (non-toxic) and Lewis acidic capacity. In fact, LD50 of bismuth nitrate is lower than table salt. On the other hand, microwave-induced chemical synthesis is considered as a major greener route in modern chemistry. A total of 139 publications (including a few authentic web links) have been reviewed mainly to discuss bismuth salts-induced electrophilic aromatic substitution, protection-deprotection chemistry of carbonyl compounds, enamination, oxidation, carbohydrate chemistry, hydrolysis, addition-elimination route, Paal-Knorr reaction, Clauson-kaas synthesis, Michael addition, aza-Michael addition, Hantzsch reaction, Biginelli reaction, Ferrier rearrangement, Pechmann condensation, Diels-Alder and aza-Diels- Alder reactions, as well as effects of microwave irradiation in a wide range of chemical transformations. Bismuth salts-mediated reactions are developed for the synthesis of diverse organic molecules of medicinal significance. Reactions conducted with bismuth salts are environmentally benign, economical, rapid and high yielding. Microwave irradiation has accelerated these reactions significantly. It is believed that bismuth salts released corresponding acids in the media during the reaction. However, a coordination of bismuth salt to the electronegative atom is also observed in the NMR study. Bismuth has much less control (less attractive forces) over anions (for example, halides, nitrate, sulfate and triflates) compared to alkali metals. Therefore, it forms weak bond with electronegative atoms more readily and facilitates the reactions significantly. Many products obtained via bismuth salts-mediated reactions are medicinally active or intermediate for the synthesis of biologically active molecules including antifungal, anti-parasitic, anticancer and antibacterial agents, as well as agents to prevent

Thermoelectric transport in surface- and antimony-doped bismuth telluride nanoplates

DOE PAGES

Pettes, Michael Thompson; Kim, Jaehyun; Wu, Wei; ...

2016-07-25

We report the in-plane thermoelectric properties of suspended (Bi 1–xSb x) 2Te 3 nanoplates with x ranging from 0.07 to 0.95 and thicknesses ranging from 9 to 42 nm. The results presented here reveal a trend of increasing p-type behavior with increasing antimony concentration, and a maximum Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric figure of merit at x ~ 0.5. We additionally tuned extrinsic doping of the surface using a tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F 4-TCNQ) coating. As a result, the lattice thermal conductivity is found to be below that for undoped ultrathin Bi 2Te 3 nanoplates of comparable thickness and in the range ofmore » 0.2–0.7 W m –1 K –1 at room temperature.« less

Recent Advances in Bismuth-Based Nanomaterials for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.

PubMed

Bhat, Swetha S M; Jang, Ho Won

2017-08-10

In recent years, bismuth-based nanomaterials have drawn considerable interest as potential candidates for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting owing to their narrow band gaps, nontoxicity, and low costs. The unique electronic structure of bismuth-based materials with a well-dispersed valence band comprising Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals offers a suitable band gap to harvest visible light. This Review presents significant advancements in exploiting bismuth-based nanomaterials for solar water splitting. An overview of the different strategies employed and the new ideas adopted to improve the PEC performance of bismuth-based nanomaterials are discussed. Morphology control, the construction of heterojunctions, doping, and co-catalyst loading are several approaches that are implemented to improve the efficiency of solar water splitting. Key issues are identified and guidelines are suggested to rationalize the design of efficient bismuth-based materials for sunlight-driven water splitting. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Improvements to a Flow Sensor for Liquid Bismuth-Fed Hall Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonds, Kevin; Polzin, Kurt A.

2010-01-01

Recently, there has been significant interest in using bismuth metal as a propellant in Hall Thrusters [1, 2]. Bismuth offers some considerable cost, weight, and space savings over the traditional propellant--xenon. Quantifying the performance of liquid metal-fed Hall thrusters requires a very precise measure of the low propellant flow rates [1, 2]. The low flow rates (10 mg/sec) and the temperature at which free flowing liquid bismuth exists (above 300 C) preclude the use of off-the-shelf flow sensing equipment [3]. Therefore a new type of sensor is required. The hotspot bismuth flow sensor, described in Refs. [1-5] is designed to perform a flow rate measurement by measuring the velocity at which a thermal feature moves through a flow chamber. The mass flow rate can be determined from the time of flight of the thermal peak, [4, 5]. Previous research and testing has been concerned mainly with the generation of the thermal peak and it's subsequent detection. In this paper, we present design improvements to the sensor concept; and the results of testing conducted to verify the functionality of these improvements. A ceramic material is required for the sensor body (see Fig. 1), which must allow for active heating of the bismuth flow channel to keep the propellant in a liquid state. The material must be compatible with bismuth and must be bonded to conductive elements to allow for conduction of current into the liquid metal and measurement of the temperature in the flow. The new sensor requires fabrication techniques that will allow for a very small diameter flow chamber, which is required to produce useful measurements. Testing of various materials has revealed several that are potentially compatible with liquid bismuth. Of primary concern in the fabrication and testing of a robust, working prototype, is the compatibility of the selected materials with one another. Specifically, the thermal expansion rates of the materials relative to the ceramic body cannot expand so

METHOD OF SEPARATING FISSION PRODUCTS FROM FUSED BISMUTH-CONTAINING URANIUM

DOEpatents

Wiswall, R.H.

1958-06-24

A process is described for removing metal selectively from liquid metal compositions. The method effects separation of flssion product metals selectively from dilute solution in fused bismuth, which contains uraniunn in solution without removal of more than 1% of the uranium. The process comprises contacting the fused bismuth with a fused salt composition consisting of sodium, potassium and lithium chlorides, adding to fused bismuth and molten salt a quantity of bismuth chloride which is stoichiometrically required to convert the flssion product metals to be removed to their chlorides which are more stable in the fused salt than in the molten metal and are, therefore, preferentially taken up in the fused salt phase.

Zerovalent bismuth nanoparticles inhibit Streptococcus mutans growth and formation of biofilm

PubMed Central

Hernandez-Delgadillo, Rene; Velasco-Arias, Donaji; Diaz, David; Arevalo-Niño, Katiushka; Garza-Enriquez, Marianela; De la Garza-Ramos, Myriam A; Cabral-Romero, Claudio

2012-01-01

Background and methods Despite continuous efforts, the increasing prevalence of resistance among pathogenic bacteria to common antibiotics has become one of the most significant concerns in modern medicine. Nanostructured materials are used in many fields, including biological sciences and medicine. While some bismuth derivatives has been used in medicine to treat vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain, the biocidal activity of zerovalent bismuth nanoparticles has not yet been studied. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the antimicrobial activity of bismuth nanoparticles against oral bacteria and their antibiofilm capabilities. Results Our results showed that stable colloidal bismuth nanoparticles had 69% antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans growth and achieved complete inhibition of biofilm formation. These results are similar to those obtained with chlorhexidine, the most commonly used oral antiseptic agent. The minimal inhibitory concentration of bismuth nanoparticles that interfered with S. mutans growth was 0.5 mM. Conclusion These results suggest that zerovalent bismuth nanoparticles could be an interesting antimicrobial agent to be incorporated into an oral antiseptic preparation. PMID:22619547

Helicobacter pylori second-line rescue therapy with levofloxacin- and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, after failure of standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple treatments.

PubMed

Gisbert, J P; Romano, M; Gravina, A G; Solís-Muñoz, P; Bermejo, F; Molina-Infante, J; Castro-Fernández, M; Ortuño, J; Lucendo, A J; Herranz, M; Modolell, I; Del Castillo, F; Gómez, J; Barrio, J; Velayos, B; Gómez, B; Domínguez, J L; Miranda, A; Martorano, M; Algaba, A; Pabón, M; Angueira, T; Fernández-Salazar, L; Federico, A; Marín, A C; McNicholl, A G

2015-04-01

The most commonly used second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens are bismuth-containing quadruple therapy and levofloxacin-containing triple therapy, both offering suboptimal results. Combining bismuth and levofloxacin may enhance the efficacy of rescue eradication regimens. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a second-line quadruple regimen containing levofloxacin and bismuth in patients whose previous H. pylori eradication treatment failed. This was a prospective multicenter study including patients in whom a standard triple therapy (PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin) or a non-bismuth quadruple therapy (PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin-metronidazole, either sequential or concomitant) had failed. Esomeprazole (40 mg b.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.d.), levofloxacin (500 mg o.d.) and bismuth (240 mg b.d.) was prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by (13) C-urea breath test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Incidence of adverse effects was evaluated by questionnaires. 200 patients were included consecutively (mean age 47 years, 67% women, 13% ulcer). Previous failed therapy included: standard clarithromycin triple therapy (131 patients), sequential (32) and concomitant (37). A total of 96% took all medications correctly. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 91.1% (95%CI = 87-95%) and 90% (95%CI = 86-94%). Cure rates were similar regardless of previous (failed) treatment or country of origin. Adverse effects were reported in 46% of patients, most commonly nausea (17%) and diarrhoea (16%); 3% were intense but none was serious. Fourteen-day bismuth- and levofloxacin-containing quadruple therapy is an effective (≥90% cure rate), simple and safe second-line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapies have failed. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of high fluence neutron irradiation on transport properties of thermoelectrics

DOE PAGES

Wang, H.; Leonard, K. J.

2017-07-25

Thermoelectric materials were subjected to high fluence neutron irradiation in order to understand the effect of radiation damage on transport properties. This paper is relevant to the NASA Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) program in which thermoelectric elements are exposed to radiation over a long period of time in space missions. Selected n-type and p-type bismuth telluride materials were irradiated at the High Flux Isotope Reactor with a neutron fluence of 1.3 × 10 18 n/cm 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). The increase in the Seebeck coefficient in the n-type material was partially off-set by an increase in electrical resistivity, makingmore » the power factor higher at lower temperatures. For the p-type materials, although the Seebeck coefficient was not affected by irradiation, electrical resistivity decreased slightly. The figure of merit, zT, showed a clear drop in the 300–400 K range for the p-type material and an increase for the n-type material. Considering that the p-type and n-type materials are connected in series in a module, the overall irradiation damages at the device level were limited. Finally, these results, at neutron fluences exceeding a typical space mission, are significant to ensure that the radiation damage to thermoelectrics does not affect the performance of RTGs.« less

Effect of high fluence neutron irradiation on transport properties of thermoelectrics

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

Wang, H.; Leonard, K. J.

Thermoelectric materials were subjected to high fluence neutron irradiation in order to understand the effect of radiation damage on transport properties. This paper is relevant to the NASA Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) program in which thermoelectric elements are exposed to radiation over a long period of time in space missions. Selected n-type and p-type bismuth telluride materials were irradiated at the High Flux Isotope Reactor with a neutron fluence of 1.3 × 10 18 n/cm 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). The increase in the Seebeck coefficient in the n-type material was partially off-set by an increase in electrical resistivity, makingmore » the power factor higher at lower temperatures. For the p-type materials, although the Seebeck coefficient was not affected by irradiation, electrical resistivity decreased slightly. The figure of merit, zT, showed a clear drop in the 300–400 K range for the p-type material and an increase for the n-type material. Considering that the p-type and n-type materials are connected in series in a module, the overall irradiation damages at the device level were limited. Finally, these results, at neutron fluences exceeding a typical space mission, are significant to ensure that the radiation damage to thermoelectrics does not affect the performance of RTGs.« less

Pairing from dynamically screened Coulomb repulsion in bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruhman, Jonathan; Lee, Patrick A.

2017-12-01

Recently, Prakash et al. have discovered bulk superconductivity in single crystals of bismuth, which is a semimetal with extremely low carrier density. At such low density, we argue that conventional electron-phonon coupling is too weak to be responsible for the binding of electrons into Cooper pairs. We study a dynamically screened Coulomb interaction with effective attraction generated on the scale of the collective plasma modes. We model the electronic states in bismuth to include three Dirac pockets with high velocity and one hole pocket with a significantly smaller velocity. We find a weak-coupling instability, which is greatly enhanced by the presence of the hole pocket. Therefore we argue that bismuth is the first material to exhibit superconductivity driven by retardation effects of Coulomb repulsion alone. By using realistic parameters for bismuth we find that the acoustic plasma mode does not play the central role in pairing. We also discuss a matrix element effect, resulting from the Dirac nature of the conduction band, which may affect Tc in the s -wave channel without breaking time-reversal symmetry.

Lead telluride as a thermoelectric material for thermoelectric power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dughaish, Z. H.

2002-09-01

The specialized applications of thermoelectric generators are very successful and have motivated a search for materials with an improved figure of merit Z, and also for materials which operate at elevated temperatures. Lead telluride, PbTe, is an intermediate thermoelectric power generator. Its maximum operating temperature is 900 K. PbTe has a high melting point, good chemical stability, low vapor pressure and good chemical strength in addition to high figure of merit Z. Recently, research in thermoelectricity aims to obtain new improved materials for autonomous sources of electrical power in specialized medical, terrestial and space applications and to obtain an unconventional energy source after the oil crises of 1974. Although the efficiency of thermoelectric generators is rather low, typically ∼5%, the other advantages, such as compactness, silent, reliability, long life, and long period of operation without attention, led to a wide range of applications. PbTe thermoelectric generators have been widely used by the US army, in space crafts to provide onboard power, and in pacemakers batteries. The general physical properties of lead telluride and factors affecting the figure of merit have been reviewed. Various possibilities of improving the figure of merit of the material have been given, including effect of grain size on reducing the lattice thermal conductivity λL. Comparison of some transport properties of lead telluride with other thermoelectric materials and procedures of preparing compacts with transport properties very close to the single crystal values from PbTe powder by cold and hot-pressing techniques are discussed.

Transport properties of Cu-doped bismuth selenide single crystals at high magnetic fields up to 60 Tesla: Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations and π-Berry phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanova, Taisiia A.; Knyazev, Dmitry A.; Wang, Zhaosheng; Sadakov, Andrey V.; Prudkoglyad, Valery A.

2018-05-01

We report Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) and Hall oscillations in Cu-doped high quality bismuth selenide single crystals. To increase the accuracy of Berry phase determination by means of the of the SdH oscillations phase analysis we present a study of n-type samples with bulk carrier density n ∼1019 -1020cm-3 at high magnetic field up to 60 Tesla. In particular, Landau level fan diagram starting from the value of the Landau index N = 4 was plotted. Thus, from our data we found π-Berry phase that directly indicates the Dirac nature of the carriers in three-dimensional topological insulator (3D TI) based on Cu-doped bismuth selenide. We argued that in our samples the magnetotransport is determined by a general group of carriers that exhibit quasi-two-dimensional (2D) behaviour and are characterized by topological π-Berry phase. Along with the main contribution to the conductivity the presence of a small group of bulk carriers was registered. For 3D-pocket Berry phase was identified as zero, which is a characteristic of trivial metallic states.

Seebeck and figure of merit enhancement in nanostructured antimony telluride by antisite defect suppression through sulfur doping.

PubMed

Mehta, Rutvik J; Zhang, Yanliang; Zhu, Hong; Parker, David S; Belley, Matthew; Singh, David J; Ramprasad, Ramamurthy; Borca-Tasciuc, Theodorian; Ramanath, Ganpati

2012-09-12

Antimony telluride has a low thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT < ∼0.3) because of a low Seebeck coefficient α arising from high degenerate hole concentrations generated by antimony antisite defects. Here, we mitigate this key problem by suppressing antisite defect formation using subatomic percent sulfur doping. The resultant 10-25% higher α in bulk nanocrystalline antimony telluride leads to ZT ∼ 0.95 at 423 K, which is superior to the best non-nanostructured antimony telluride alloys. Density functional theory calculations indicate that sulfur increases the antisite formation activation energy and presage further improvements leading to ZT ∼ 2 through optimized doping. Our findings are promising for designing novel thermoelectric materials for refrigeration, waste heat recovery, and solar thermal applications.

Synthesis, structure and photoluminescence properties of amine-templated open-framework bismuth sulfates

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

Marri, Subba R.; Behera, J.N., E-mail: jnbehera@niser.ac.in

2014-02-15

Two organically-templated bismuth sulfates of the compositions, [C{sub 6}N{sub 2}H{sub 14}] [Bi(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(NO{sub 3})], (1) and [C{sub 4}N{sub 2}H{sub 12}]{sub 4}[Bi{sub 4}(SO{sub 4}){sub 10}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}], (2), with open architecture have been synthesized and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 has a corrugated layered structure with 8-membered aperture wherein the SO{sub 4} tetrahedra and the BiO{sub 8} polyhedra join together to form (4, 4) net sheets of the metal centers while 2 has a three-dimensional structure possessing 8- and 12-membered channels. Both the compounds show good fluorescence properties exhibiting blue luminescence. Time-resolved fluorescence behavior of 1more » and 2 shows mean fluorescence life time of 0.9 and 1.0 ns, respectively. - Graphical abstract: Two open-framework bismuth sulfates with the layered and three-dimensional structures have been synthesized and characterized. Both the compounds show good fluorescence properties exhibiting blue luminescence. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Two organically-templated bismuth sulfates with open architecture have been synthesized and characterized. • One has a corrugated layered structure while the other one has a three-dimensional structure possessing channels. • They are novel in that open-framework three-dimensional main group metal sulfates are first to be reported. • They show good fluorescence properties exhibiting blue luminescence.« less

Living with wildfire in Telluride Fire Protection District, Colorado

Treesearch

James R. Meldrum; Lilia C. Falk; Jamie Gomez; Christopher M. Barth; Hannah Brenkert-Smith; Travis Warziniack; Patricia A. Champ

2017-01-01

Residents in the wildland-urban interface can play an important role in reducing wildfires’ negative effects by performing wildfire risk mitigation on their properties. This report offers insight into the wildfire risk mitigation activities and related considerations such as attitudes, experiences, and concern about wildfire, for residents of the Telluride Fire...

Interactions between N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected CdTe quantum dots and doxorubicin through spectroscopic method

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

Yang, Xiupei, E-mail: xiupeiyang@163.com; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000; Lin, Jia

2015-06-15

Highlights: • CdTe quantum dots with the diameter of 3–5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution. • The modified CdTe quantum dots showed well fluorescence properties. • The interaction between the CdTe quantum dots and doxorubicin (DR) was investigated. - Abstract: N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected cadmium telluride quantum dots with a diameter of 3–5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution. The interaction between N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots and doxorubicin was investigated by ultraviolet–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy at physiological conditions (pH 7.2, 37 °C). The results indicate that electron transfer has occurred between N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots and doxorubicin under light illumination.more » The quantum dots react readily with doxorubicin to form a N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride-quantum dots/doxorubicin complex via electrostatic attraction between the −NH{sub 3}{sup +} moiety of doxorubicin and the −COO{sup −} moiety of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots. The interaction of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride-quantum dots/doxorubicin complex with bovine serum albumin was studied as well, showing that the complex might induce the conformation change of bovine serum due to changes in microenvironment of bovine serum.« less

Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and bismuth shielding for evaluation of dose reduction to the eye and image quality during head CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Myeong Seong; Choi, Jiwon; Kim, Sun Young; Kweon, Dae Cheol

2014-03-01

There is a concern regarding the adverse effects of increasing radiation doses due to repeated computed tomography (CT) scans, especially in radiosensitive organs and portions thereof, such as the lenses of the eyes. Bismuth shielding with an adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) algorithm was recently introduced in our clinic as a method to reduce the absorbed radiation dose. This technique was applied to the lens of the eye during CT scans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reduction in the absorbed radiation dose and to determine the noise level when using bismuth shielding and the ASIR algorithm with the GE DC 750 HD 64-channel CT scanner for CT of the head of a humanoid phantom. With the use of bismuth shielding, the noise level was higher in the beam-hardening artifact areas than in the revealed artifact areas. However, with the use of ASIR, the noise level was lower than that with the use of bismuth alone; it was also lower in the artifact areas. The reduction in the radiation dose with the use of bismuth was greatest at the surface of the phantom to a limited depth. In conclusion, it is possible to reduce the radiation level and slightly decrease the bismuth-induced noise level by using a combination of ASIR as an algorithm process and bismuth as an in-plane hardware-type shielding method.

Charge carrier effective mass and concentration derived from combination of Seebeck coefficient and Te 125 NMR measurements in complex tellurides

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

Levin, E. M.

Thermoelectric materials utilize the Seebeck effect to convert heat to electrical energy. The Seebeck coefficient (thermopower), S, depends on the free (mobile) carrier concentration, n, and effective mass, m*, as S ~ m*/n 2/3. The carrier concentration in tellurides can be derived from 125Te nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-lattice relaxation measurements. The NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate, 1/T 1, depends on both n and m* as 1/T 1~(m*) 3/2n (within classical Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics) or as 1/T1~(m*) 2n 2/3 (within quantum Fermi-Dirac statistics), which challenges the correct determination of the carrier concentration in some materials by NMR. Here it is shown thatmore » the combination of the Seebeck coefficient and 125Te NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements in complex tellurides provides a unique opportunity to derive the carrier effective mass and then to calculate the carrier concentration. This approach was used to study Ag xSb xGe 50–2xTe 50, well-known GeTe-based high-efficiency tellurium-antimony-germanium-silver thermoelectric materials, where the replacement of Ge by [Ag+Sb] results in significant enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient. Thus, values of both m* and n derived using this combination show that the enhancement of thermopower can be attributed primarily to an increase of the carrier effective mass and partially to a decrease of the carrier concentration when the [Ag+Sb] content increases.« less

Charge carrier effective mass and concentration derived from combination of Seebeck coefficient and Te 125 NMR measurements in complex tellurides

DOE PAGES

Levin, E. M.

2016-06-27

Thermoelectric materials utilize the Seebeck effect to convert heat to electrical energy. The Seebeck coefficient (thermopower), S, depends on the free (mobile) carrier concentration, n, and effective mass, m*, as S ~ m*/n 2/3. The carrier concentration in tellurides can be derived from 125Te nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-lattice relaxation measurements. The NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate, 1/T 1, depends on both n and m* as 1/T 1~(m*) 3/2n (within classical Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics) or as 1/T1~(m*) 2n 2/3 (within quantum Fermi-Dirac statistics), which challenges the correct determination of the carrier concentration in some materials by NMR. Here it is shown thatmore » the combination of the Seebeck coefficient and 125Te NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements in complex tellurides provides a unique opportunity to derive the carrier effective mass and then to calculate the carrier concentration. This approach was used to study Ag xSb xGe 50–2xTe 50, well-known GeTe-based high-efficiency tellurium-antimony-germanium-silver thermoelectric materials, where the replacement of Ge by [Ag+Sb] results in significant enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient. Thus, values of both m* and n derived using this combination show that the enhancement of thermopower can be attributed primarily to an increase of the carrier effective mass and partially to a decrease of the carrier concentration when the [Ag+Sb] content increases.« less

Extreme Pressure Synergistic Mechanism of Bismuth Naphthenate and Sulfurized Isobutene Additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xin; Hu, Jianqiang; Yang, Shizhao; Xie, Feng; Guo, Li

A four-ball tester was used to evaluate the tribological performances of bismuth naphthenate (BiNap), sulfurized isobutene (VSB), and their combinations. The results show that the antiwear properties of BiNap and VSB are not very visible, but they possess good extreme pressure (EP) properties, particularly sulfur containing bismuth additives. Synergistic EP properties of BiNap with various sulfur-containing additives were investigated. The results indicate that BiNap exhibits good EP synergism with sulfur-containing additives. The surface analytical tools, such as X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), were used to investigate the topography, composition contents, and depth profile of some typical elements on the rubbing surface. Smooth topography of wear scar further confirms that the additive showed good EP capacities, and XPS and EDX analyzes indicate that tribochemical mixed protective films composed of bismuth, bismuth oxides, sulfides, and sulfates are formed on the rubbing surface, which improves the tribological properties of lubricants. In particular, a large number of bismuth atoms and bismuth sulfides play an important role in improving the EP properties of oils.

Localization and Related Phenomena in Multiply Connected Nanostructured Inverse Opal Bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bleiweiss, Michael; Saygi, Salih; Amirzadeh, Jafar; Datta, Timir; Lungu, Anca; Yin, Ming; Palm, Eric; Brandt, Bruce; Iqbal, Zafar

2001-03-01

The nanostructures were fabricated by pressure infiltration of bismuth into porous artificial opal and were characterized using SEM, EDX and XRD. These structures form a regular three-dimensional network in which the bismuth regions percolate in all directions between the close packed spheres of SiO_2. The sizes of the conducting regions are of the order of tens of nanometers. The static magnetic properties of both bismuth inverse opal and bulk bismuth were studied using a SQUID magnetometer. Transport measurements, including Hall, were done using standard ac four and six probe techniques in fields up to 17 T* and temperatures between 4.2 and 150 K. The results of these measurements, including the observation of localization phenomena, will be discussed. Comparisons will be made with published results on bismuth nanowires. *Performed at the National High Magnetic Field Lab (NHMFL) FSU, Tallahassee, FL. Partially supported by a grant from NASA.

Spectral analysis techniques for characterizing cadmium zinc telluride polarization modulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

FitzGerald, William R.; Taherion, Saeid; Kumar, F. Joseph; Giles, David; Hore, Dennis K.

2018-04-01

The low frequency electro-optic characteristics of cadmium zinc telluride are demonstrated in the mid-infrared, in the spectral range 2.5-11 μm. Conventional methods for characterizing the dynamic response by monitoring the amplitude of the time-varying light intensity do not account for spatial variation in material properties. In such cases, a more revealing method involves monitoring two distinct frequency components in order to characterize the dynamic and static contributions to the optical retardation. We demonstrate that, while this method works well for a ZnSe photo-elastic modulator, it does not fully capture the response of a cadmium zinc telluride electro-optic modulator. Ultimately, we show that acquiring the full waveform of the optical response enables a model to be created that accounts for inhomogeneity in the material that results in an asymmetric response with respect to the polarity of the driving voltage. This technique is applicable to broadband and fixed-wavelength applications in a variety of spectral ranges.

The performance of a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric generator (TEG) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bjørk, R.; Nielsen, K. K.

2015-10-01

The performance of a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric generator (TEG) system is examined using an analytical model for four different types of commercial PVs and a commercial bismuth telluride TEG. The TEG is applied directly on the back of the PV, so that the two devices have the same temperature. The PVs considered are crystalline Si (c-Si), amorphous Si (a-Si), copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) cells. The degradation of PV performance with temperature is shown to dominate the increase in power produced by the TEG, due to the low efficiency of the TEG. For c-Si, CIGS and CdTe PV cells the combined system produces a lower power and has a lower efficiency than the PV alone, whereas for an a-Si cell the total system performance may be slightly increased by the TEG.

Bismuth-based electrochemical stripping analysis

DOEpatents

Wang, Joseph

2004-01-27

Method and apparatus for trace metal detection and analysis using bismuth-coated electrodes and electrochemical stripping analysis. Both anodic stripping voltammetry and adsorptive stripping analysis may be employed.

Bismuth oxide aqueous colloidal nanoparticles inhibit Candida albicans growth and biofilm formation

PubMed Central

Hernandez-Delgadillo, Rene; Velasco-Arias, Donaji; Martinez-Sanmiguel, Juan Jose; Diaz, David; Zumeta-Dube, Inti; Arevalo-Niño, Katiushka; Cabral-Romero, Claudio

2013-01-01

Multiresistance among microorganisms to common antimicrobials has become one of the most significant concerns in modern medicine. Nanomaterials are a new alternative to successfully treat the multiresistant microorganisms. Nanostructured materials are used in many fields, including biological sciences and medicine. Recently, it was demonstrated that the bactericidal activity of zero-valent bismuth colloidal nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans; however the antimycotic potential of bismuth nanostructured derivatives has not yet been studied. The main objective of this investigation was to analyze the fungicidal activity of bismuth oxide nanoparticles against Candida albicans, and their antibiofilm capabilities. Our results showed that aqueous colloidal bismuth oxide nanoparticles displayed antimicrobial activity against C. albicans growth (reducing colony size by 85%) and a complete inhibition of biofilm formation. These results are better than those obtained with chlorhexidine, nystatin, and terbinafine, the most effective oral antiseptic and commercial antifungal agents. In this work, we also compared the antimycotic activities of bulk bismuth oxide and bismuth nitrate, the precursor metallic salt. These results suggest that bismuth oxide colloidal nanoparticles could be a very interesting candidate as a fungicidal agent to be incorporated into an oral antiseptic. Additionally, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration for the synthesized aqueous colloidal Bi2O3 nanoparticles. PMID:23637533

Compact and Integrated Liquid Bismuth Propellant Feed System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Stanojev, Boris; Korman, Valentin; Gross, Jeffrey T.

2007-01-01

Operation of Hall thrusters with bismuth propellant has been shown to be a promising path toward high-power, high-performance, long-lifetime electric propulsion for spaceflight missions [1]. There has been considerable effort in the past three years aimed at resuscitating this promising technology and validating earlier experimental results indicating the advantages of a bismuth-fed Hall thruster. A critical element of the present effort is the precise metering of propellant to the thruster, since performance cannot be accurately assessed without an accurate accounting of mass flow rate. Earlier work used a pre./post-test propellant weighing scheme that did not provide any real-time measurement of mass flow rate while the thruster was firing, and makes subsequent performance calculations difficult. The motivation of the present work is to develop a precision liquid bismuth Propellant Management System (PMS) that provides hot, molten bismuth to the thruster while simultaneously monitoring in real-time the propellant mass flow rate. The system is a derivative of our previous propellant feed system [2], but the present system represents a more compact design. In addition, all control electronics are integrated into a single unit and designed to reside on a thrust stand and operate in the relevant vacuum environment where the thruster is operating, significantly increasing the present technology readiness level of liquid metal propellant feed systems. The design of various critical components in a bismuth PMS are described. These include the bismuth reservoir and pressurization system, 'hotspot' flow sensor, power system and integrated control system. Particular emphasis is given to selection of the electronics employed in this system and the methods that were used to isolate the power and control systems from the high-temperature portions of the feed system and thruster. Open loop calibration test results from the 'hotspot' flow sensor are reported, and results of

40 CFR 471.10 - Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. 471.10 Section 471.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... METAL POWDERS POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Lead-Tin-Bismuth Forming Subcategory § 471.10 Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. This subpart applies to discharges of pollutants to...

40 CFR 471.10 - Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. 471.10 Section 471.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... METAL POWDERS POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Lead-Tin-Bismuth Forming Subcategory § 471.10 Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. This subpart applies to discharges of pollutants to...

40 CFR 471.10 - Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. 471.10 Section 471.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... METAL POWDERS POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Lead-Tin-Bismuth Forming Subcategory § 471.10 Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. This subpart applies to discharges of pollutants to...

SEPARATION OF POLONIUM, PROTACTINIUM OR MIXTURES THEREOF IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION FROM BISMUTH, LEAD, ZIRCONIUM AND/OR COLUMBIUM VALUES

DOEpatents

Van Winkle, Q.; Kraus, K.A.

1959-10-27

A process is presented for separating polonium, protactinium, or mixtures thereof in aqueous solution from bismuth, zirconium, lead, and niobium values contained in the solution. The method comprises providing hydrochloric acid in the solution in a concentration of at least 5N. contacting the aqueous solution with a substantially waterimmiscible organic solvent such as diisopropyl ketone, and separating the aqueous phase containing the bismuth, zirconium, lead, and niobium from the organic extract phase containing the polonium, protactinium, or mixture thereof.

Lifshitz topological transitions, induced by doping and deformation in single-crystal bismuth wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaeva, A. A.; Konopko, L. A.; Huber, T. E.; Kobylianskaya, A. K.; Para, Gh. I.

2017-02-01

The features associated with the manifestation of Lifshitz electron topological transitions (ETT) in glass-insulated bismuth wires upon qualitative changes to the topology of the Fermi surface are investigated. The variation of the energy spectrum parameters was implemented by doping Bi with an acceptor impurity Sn and using elastic strain of up to 2%, relative to the elongation in the weakly-doped p-type Bi wires. Pure and doped glass-insulated single-crystal bismuth with different diameters and (1011) orientations along the axis were prepared by the Ulitovsky liquid phase casting method. For the first time, ETT-induced anomalies are observed along the temperature dependences of the thermoemf α(T) as triple-changes of the α sign (given heavy doping of Bi wires with an acceptor impurity Sn). The concentration and energy position of the Σ-band given a high degree of bismuth doping with Sn was assessed using the Shubnikov-de Haas effect oscillations, which were detected both from L-electrons and from T-holes in magnetic fields of up to 14 T. It is shown that the Lifshitz electron-topological transitions with elastic deformation of weakly-doped p-type Bi wires are accompanied by anomalies along the deformation dependences of the thermoemf at low temperatures. The effect is interpreted in terms of the formation of a selective scattering channel of L-carriers into the T-band with a high density of states, which is in good agreement with existing theoretical ETT models.

120. VIEW, LOOKING SOUTHEAST, OF TELLURIDE IRON WORKS RETORT USED ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

120. VIEW, LOOKING SOUTHEAST, OF TELLURIDE IRON WORKS RETORT USED FOR FLASHING MERCURY OFF OF GOLD TO CREATE SOFT INGOTS CALLED "SPONGES." AT RIGHT ARE SAFES FOR STORING 22-POUND SPONGES WORTH OVER $60,000 EACH, CA. 1985. - Shenandoah-Dives Mill, 135 County Road 2, Silverton, San Juan County, CO

Polonium problem in lead-bismuth flow target

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

Pankratov, D.V.; Yefimov, E.I.; Bugreev, M.I.

1996-06-01

Alpha-active polonium nuclides Po198 - Po210 are formed in a lead-bismuth target as results of reactions Bi{sup 209}(n,{gamma})Bi{sup 210} {yields} Po{sup 210}, Bi{sup 209}(p,xn)Po{sup 210} {yields} Po{sup 210 {minus} x} (x = 1-12), Pb{sup 208}({alpha},xn) {yields} Po{sup 210 {minus} x + 2} (x = 2-14). The most important nuclides are Po-210 (T{sub {1/2}}=138.4 day), Po-209 (T{sub {1/2}}=102 years) and Po-208 (T{sub {1/2}}=2.9 years). Polonium activity of the circuit for SINQ - conditions is about 15,000 Ci after 1-year operation. Polonium radiation hazard is connected with its output from the coolant and formation of aerosol and surface alpha-activity after the circuitmore » break-down for repair works or in accidents. One of the important issues of polonium removal system creation is containing and storing polonium removed. Its storage in solidified alkaline is not expedient because of secondary neutron formation as a result of ({alpha},n) - reaction on oxygen and sodium nucleus. The estimations carried out demonstrated that by polonium concentration {approx} 100 Ci/l neutron current on the container surface can reach {approx} 10{sup 4}n/(cm{sup 2}s). Concentration and storage of polonium in solidified lead-bisumth seems the most convenient. The calculations demonstrated that in a 100 l container 50,000 Ci of polonium can be stored (as much as 3 times more than 1-year polonium product in SINQ-conditions) under temperature in the container less than melting point of lead bismuth (the wall temperature is about 100{degrees}C).« less

40 CFR 471.10 - Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. 471.10 Section 471.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Lead-Tin-Bismuth Forming Subcategory § 471.10 Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. This subpart applies to discharges of pollutants to waters of the...

40 CFR 471.10 - Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. 471.10 Section 471.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Lead-Tin-Bismuth Forming Subcategory § 471.10 Applicability; description of the lead-tin-bismuth forming subcategory. This subpart applies to discharges of pollutants to waters of the...

Promising ferroelectricity in 2D group IV tellurides: a first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Wenhui; Liu, Chang; Xiao, Wende; Yao, Yugui

2017-09-01

Based on the first-principles calculations, we investigated the ferroelectric properties of two-dimensional (2D) Group-IV tellurides XTe (X = Si, Ge, and Sn), with a focus on GeTe. 2D Group-IV tellurides energetically prefer an orthorhombic phase with a hinge-like structure and an in-plane spontaneous polarization. The intrinsic Curie temperature Tc of monolayer GeTe is as high as 570 K and can be raised quickly by applying a tensile strain. An out-of-plane electric field can effectively decrease the coercive field for the reversal of polarization, extending its potential for regulating the polarization switching kinetics. Moreover, for bilayer GeTe, the ferroelectric phase is still the ground state. Combined with these advantages, 2D GeTe is a promising candidate material for practical integrated ferroelectric applications.

Structural investigations of bismuth lead borosilicate glasses under the influence of gamma irradiation through ultrasonic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bootjomchai, Cherdsak; Laopaiboon, Jintana; Laopaiboon, Raewat

2012-04-01

The ultrasonic velocity measurements for different compositions of irradiated bismuth lead borosilicate glasses xBi2O3-(50-x)PbO-20B2O3-30SiO2 (x=2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mol.%) were performed at room temperature using pulse-echo technique. Densities of glass samples were measured by Archimedes' principle using n-hexane as the immersion liquid. The results from the studies show that ultrasonic velocity, elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, microhardness, and the Debye temperature increase with increasing bismuth oxide content and increasing gamma-radiation dose (3-12 Gy).

Burnout current density of bismuth nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornelius, T. W.; Picht, O.; Müller, S.; Neumann, R.; Völklein, F.; Karim, S.; Duan, J. L.

2008-05-01

Single bismuth nanowires with diameters ranging from 100nmto1μm were electrochemically deposited in ion track-etched single-pore polycarbonate membranes. The maximum current density the wires are able to carry was investigated by ramping up the current until failure occurred. It increases by three to four orders of magnitude for nanowires embedded in the template compared to bulk bismuth and rises with diminishing diameter. Simulations show that the wires are heated up electrically to the melting temperature. Since the surface-to-volume ratio rises with diminishing diameter, thinner wires dissipate the heat more efficiently to the surrounding polymer matrix and, thus, can tolerate larger current densities.

Short-term static corrosion tests in lead-bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soler Crespo, L.; Martín Muñoz, F. J.; Gómez Briceño, D.

2001-07-01

Martensitic steels have been proposed to be used as structural materials and as spallation target window in hybrid systems devoted to the transmutation of radioactive waste of long life and high activity. However, their compatibility with lead-bismuth in the operating conditions of these systems depends on the existence of a protective layer such as an oxide film. The feasibility of forming and maintaining an oxide layer or maintaining a pre-oxidised one has been studied. Martensitic steel F82Hmod. (8% Cr) has been tested in lead-bismuth under static and isothermal conditions at 400°C and 600°C. In order to study the first stages of the interaction between the steel and the eutectic, short-term tests (100 and 665 h) have been carried out. Pre-oxidised and as-received samples have been tested in atmospheres with different oxidant potential. For low oxygen concentration in lead-bismuth due to unexpected oxygen consumption in the experimental device, dissolution of as-received F82Hmod. occurs and pre-oxidation does not prevent the material dissolution. For high oxygen concentration, the pre-oxidation layer seems to improve the feasibility of protecting stainless steels controlling the oxygen potential of lead-bismuth with a gas phase.

Bismuth-induced Raman modes in GaP 1– xBi x

DOE PAGES

Christian, Theresa M.; Fluegel, Brian; Beaton, Daniel A.; ...

2016-09-02

Here, dilute bismide semiconductor alloys are a promising material platform for optoelectronic devices due to drastic impacts of bismuth on the electronic structure of the alloy. At the same time, the details of bismuth incorporation in the lattice are not fully understood. In this work, we conduct Raman scattering spectroscopy on GaP 1- xBi x epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and identify several bismuth-related Raman features including gap vibration modes at 296, 303, and 314 cm -1. This study paves the way for more detailed analysis of the local symmetry at bismuth incorporation sites in the dilute bismidemore » alloy regime.« less

METHOD OF PREPARING URANIUM, THORIUM, OR PLUTONIUM OXIDES IN LIQUID BISMUTH

DOEpatents

Davidson, J.K.; Robb, W.L.; Salmon, O.N.

1960-11-22

A method is given for forming compositions, as well as the compositions themselves, employing uranium hydride in a liquid bismuth composition to increase the solubility of uranium, plutonium and thorium oxides in the liquid bismuth. The finely divided oxide of uranium, plutonium. or thorium is mixed with the liquid bismuth and uranium hydride, the hydride being present in an amount equal to about 3 at. %, heated to about 5OO deg C, agitated and thereafter cooled and excess resultant hydrogen removed therefrom.

Defects in mercury-cadmium telluride heteroepitaxial structures grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on silicon substrates

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

Mynbaev, K. D., E-mail: mynkad@mail.ioffe.ru; Zablotsky, S. V.; Shilyaev, A. V.

Defects in mercury-cadmium-telluride heteroepitaxial structures (with 0.3 to 0.4 molar fraction of cadmium telluride) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on silicon substrates are studied. The low-temperature photoluminescence method reveals that there are comparatively deep levels with energies of 50 to 60 meV and shallower levels with energies of 20 to 30 meV in the band gap. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the minority carrier lifetime demonstrates that this lifetime is controlled by energy levels with an energy of ∼30 meV. The possible relationship between energy states and crystal-structure defects is discussed.

A multicenter, randomized, prospective study of 14-day ranitidine bismuth citrate- vs. lansoprazole-based triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients.

PubMed

Avşar, Erol; Tiftikçi, Arzu; Poturoğlu, Sule; Erzin, Yusuf; Kocakaya, Ozan; Dinçer, Dinç; Yıldırım, Bulut; Güliter, Sefa; Türkay, Cansel; Yılmaz, Uğur; Onuk, Mehmet Derya; Bölükbaş, Cengiz; Ellidokuz, Ender; Bektaş, Ahmet; Taşan, Güralp; Aytuğ, Necip; Ateş, Yüksel; Kaymakoğlu, Sabahattin

2013-01-01

Proton-pump inhibitor and ranitidine bismuth citrate-based triple regimens are the two recommended first line treatments for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of these two treatments in a prospective, multicentric, randomized study. Patients with dyspeptic complaints were recruited from 15 study centers. Presence of Helicobacter pylori was investigated by both histology and rapid urease test. The patients were randomized to either ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg bid plus amoxicillin 1 g bid plus clarithromycin 500 mg bid (n=149) or lansoprazole 30 mg bid plus amoxicillin 1 g bid plus clarithromycin 500 mg bid (n=130) treatment arm for 14 days. Adverse events have been recorded during the treatment phase. A 13 C urea breath test was performed 6 weeks after termination of treatment to assess the efficacy of the therapy. Eradication rate was calculated by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Two hundred seventy-nine patients (123 male, 156 female) were eligible for randomization. In per-protocol analysis (n=247), Helicobacter pylori was eradicated with ranitidine bismuth citrate- and lansoprazole-based regimens in 74,6% and 69,2% of cases, respectively (p>0,05). Intention-to-treat analysis (n=279) revealed that eradication rates were 65,1% and 63,6% in ranitidine bismuth citrate and in lansoprazole-based regimens, respectively (p>0,05). Both regimes were well-tolerated, and no serious adverse event was observed during the study. Ranitidine bismuth citrate-based regimen is at least as effective and tolerable as the classical proton-pump inhibitor-based regimen, but none of the therapies could achieve the recommendable eradication rate.

Bismuth Titanate Fabricated by Spray-on Deposition and Microwave Sintering For High-Temperature Ultrasonic Transducers.

PubMed

Searfass, Clifford T; Pheil, C; Sinding, K; Tittmann, B R; Baba, A; Agrawal, D K

2016-01-01

Thick films of ferroelectric bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) have been fabricated by spray-on deposition in conjunction with microwave sintering for use as high-temperature ultrasonic transducers. The elastic modulus, density, permittivity, and conductivity of the films were characterized. Electro-mechanical properties of the films were estimated with a commercial d33 meter which gave 16 pC/N. This value is higher than typically reported for bulk bismuth titanate; however, these films withstand higher field strengths during poling which is correlated with higher d33 values. Films were capable of operating at 650 °C for roughly 5 min before depoling and can operate at 600 °C for at least 7 days.

PRODUCTION OF PLUTONIUM FLUORIDE FROM BISMUTH PHOSPHATE PRECIPITATE CONTAINING PLUTONIUM VALUES

DOEpatents

Brown, H.S.; Bohlmann, E.G.

1961-05-01

A process is given for separating plutonium from fission products present on a bismuth phosphate carrier. The dried carrier is first treated with hydrogen fluoride at between 500 and 600 deg C whereby some fission product fluorides volatilize away from plutonium tetrafluoride, and nonvolatile fission product fluorides are formed then with anhydrous fluorine at between 400 and 500 deg C. Bismuth and plutonium distill in the form of volatile fluorides away from the nonvolatile fission product fluorides. The bismuth and plutonium fluorides are condensed at below 290 deg C.

Using quality control to limit bismuth in copper cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serrano, John R.; Berger, Dennis; Bridges, Bill

1994-10-01

This article describes quality-control work at Phelps Dodge, undertaken as part of ISO 9003 certification, to better identify and prevent the contamination of copper cathodes by bismuth. It also overviews the implementation of a production control system as well as associated training designed to minimize the possibility of bismuth-contaminated copper progressing beyond the cathode stage to other areas of manufacturing or distribution.

Region 8: Colorado Denver, Pagosa Springs and Telluride Adequate Letter (8/18/2000)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This letter from EPA to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment determined Denvers' Carbon Monoxide (CO) maintenance plan, Pagosa Springs and Tellurides' Particulate Matter (PM10) maintenance plans for Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets adequate

Stopping cross sections of He + ions in bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuldeep; Jain, Animesh K.

1985-06-01

The stopping cross sections, ɛ( E), of He + ions in bismuth have been measured by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) at incident energies ranging from E = 1.6-3.4 MeV. The energy loss of He + ions and thicknesses of the bismuth films deposited on aluminium substrates were determined from the RBS spectra at each energy for scattering angles of 130° and 165°. The film thicknesses of some of the samples were also measured by weighing and the results compared with those from RBS. Parameters for energy dependence of stopping cross section in the Varelas-Biersack interpolation formula have been obtained for bismuth from a fit to all the available experimental data. Accuracy of our method based on RBS is demonstrated by measurements on copper, for which ɛ( E) is already well studied. It is also shown that reliable ɛ( E) values may be obtained even on samples with non-uniform film thickness.

Chemical structure of bismuth compounds determines their gastric ulcer healing efficacy and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity.

PubMed

Sandha, G S; LeBlanc, R; Van Zanten, S J; Sitland, T D; Agocs, L; Burford, N; Best, L; Mahoney, D; Hoffman, P; Leddin, D J

1998-12-01

The recognition of the role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease has led to renewed interest in bismuth pharmacology since bismuth compounds have both anti-Helicobacter pylori and ulcer healing properties. The precise chemical structure of current bismuth compounds is not known. This has hindered the development of new and potentially more efficacious formulations. We have created two new compounds, 2-chloro-1,3-dithia-2-bismolane (CDTB) and 1,2-[bis(1,3-dithia-2-bismolane)thio]ethane (BTBT), with known structure. In a rat model of gastric ulceration, BTBT was comparable to, and CDTB was significantly less effective than colloidal bismuth subcitrate in healing cryoprobe-induced ulcers. However, both BTBT and CDTB inhibited H. pylori growth in vitro at concentrations <1/10 that of colloidal bismuth subcitrate. The effects on ulcer healing are not mediated by suppression of acid secretion, pepsin inhibition, or prostaglandin production. Since all treated animals received the same amount of elemental bismuth, it appears that the efficacy of bismuth compounds varies with compound structure and is not simply dependent on the delivery of bismuth ion. Because the structure of the novel compounds is known, our understanding of the relationship of bismuth compound structure and to biologic activity will increase. In the future it may be possible to design other novel bismuth compounds with more potent anti-H. pylori and ulcer healing effects.

121. FRONT ELEVATION OF TELLURIDE IRON WORKS 2.5 BY 4FOOT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

121. FRONT ELEVATION OF TELLURIDE IRON WORKS 2.5 BY 4-FOOT RETORT, USED TO FLASH MERCURY FROM GOLD. MERCURY VAPOR THEN CONDENSED ON INSIDE OF HOOD AND WAS COLLECTED FOR REUSE. - Shenandoah-Dives Mill, 135 County Road 2, Silverton, San Juan County, CO

A totally phosphine-free synthesis of metal telluride nanocrystals by employing alkylamides to replace alkylphosphines for preparing highly reactive tellurium precursors.

PubMed

Yao, Dong; Liu, Yi; Zhao, Wujun; Wei, Haotong; Luo, Xintao; Wu, Zhennan; Dong, Chunwei; Zhang, Hao; Yang, Bai

2013-10-21

Despite the developments in the wet chemical synthesis of high-quality semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) with diverse elemental compositions, telluride NCs are still irreplaceable materials owing to their excellent photovoltaic and thermoelectric performances. Herein we demonstrate the dissolution of elemental tellurium (Te) in a series of alkylamides by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction at relatively low temperature to produce highly reactive precursors for hot-injection synthesis of telluride NCs. The capability to tune the reactivity of Te precursors by selecting injection temperature permits control of NC size over a broad range. The current preparation of Te precursors is simple, economical, and totally phosphine-free, which will promote the commercial synthesis and applications of telluride NCs.

Precision timing detectors with cadmium-telluride sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bornheim, A.; Pena, C.; Spiropulu, M.; Xie, S.; Zhang, Z.

2017-09-01

Precision timing detectors for high energy physics experiments with temporal resolutions of a few 10 ps are of pivotal importance to master the challenges posed by the highest energy particle accelerators such as the LHC. Calorimetric timing measurements have been a focus of recent research, enabled by exploiting the temporal coherence of electromagnetic showers. Scintillating crystals with high light yield as well as silicon sensors are viable sensitive materials for sampling calorimeters. Silicon sensors have very high efficiency for charged particles. However, their sensitivity to photons, which comprise a large fraction of the electromagnetic shower, is limited. To enhance the efficiency of detecting photons, materials with higher atomic numbers than silicon are preferable. In this paper we present test beam measurements with a Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) sensor as the active element of a secondary emission calorimeter with focus on the timing performance of the detector. A Schottky type CdTe sensor with an active area of 1cm2 and a thickness of 1 mm is used in an arrangement with tungsten and lead absorbers. Measurements are performed with electron beams in the energy range from 2 GeV to 200 GeV. A timing resolution of 20 ps is achieved under the best conditions.

Tin-silver-bismuth solders for electronics assembly

DOEpatents

Vianco, Paul T.; Rejent, Jerome A.

1995-01-01

A lead-free solder alloy for electronic assemblies composed of a eutectic alloy of tin and silver with a bismuth addition, x, of 0bismuth added to the eutectic tin-silver alloy as determined by DSC analysis, 10.degree. C./min. A preferred alloy composition is 91.84Sn-3.33Ag-4.83Bi (weight percent based on total alloy weight).

Tin-silver-bismuth solders for electronics assembly

DOEpatents

Vianco, P.T.; Rejent, J.A.

1995-08-08

A lead-free solder alloy is disclosed for electronic assemblies composed of a eutectic alloy of tin and silver with a bismuth addition, x, of 0bismuth added to the eutectic tin-silver alloy as determined by DSC analysis, 10 C/min. A preferred alloy composition is 91.84Sn-3.33Ag-4.83Bi (weight percent based on total alloy weight). 4 figs.

Bismuth pyrochlore-based thin films for dielectric energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, Elizabeth K.

The drive towards the miniaturization of electronic devices has created a need for dielectric materials with large energy storage densities. These materials, which are used in capacitors, are a critical component in many electrical systems. Here, the development of dielectric energy storage materials for pulsed power applications, which require materials with the ability to accumulate a large amount of energy and then deliver it to the system rapidly, is explored. The amount of electrostatic energy that can be stored by a material is a function of the induced polarization and the dielectric breakdown strength of the material. An ideal energy storage dielectric would possess a high relative permittivity, high dielectric breakdown strength, and low loss tangent under high applied electric fields. The bismuth pyrochlores are a compositionally tunable family of materials that meet these requirements. Thin films of cubic pyrochlore bismuth zinc niobate, bismuth zinc tantalate, and bismuth zinc niobate tantalate, were fabricated using a novel solution chemistry based upon the Pechini method. This solution preparation is advantageous because it avoids the use of teratogenic solvents, such as 2-methoxyethanol. Crystalline films fabricated using this solution chemistry had very small grains that were approximately 27 nm in lateral size and 35 nm through the film thickness. Impedance measurements found that the resistivity of the grain boundaries was two orders of magnitude higher than the resistivity of the grain interior. The presence of many resistive grain boundaries impeded conduction through the films, resulting in high breakdown strengths for these materials. In addition to high breakdown strengths, this family of materials exhibited moderate relative permittivities of between 55 +/- 2 and 145 +/- 5, for bismuth zinc tantalate and bismuth zinc niobate, respectively, and low loss tangents on the order of 0.0008 +/- 0.0001. Increases in the concentration of the tantalum

OPTICAL FIBRES AND FIBREOPTIC SENSORS: Bismuth-ring-doped fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zlenko, Aleksandr S.; Akhmetshin, Ural G.; Dvoirin, Vladislav V.; Bogatyrev, Vladimir A.; Firstov, Sergei V.

2009-11-01

A new process for bismuth doping of optical fibres is proposed in which the dopant is introduced into a thin layer surrounding the fibre core. This enables bismuth stabilisation in the silica glass, with no limitations on the core composition. In particular, the GeO2 content of the fibre core in this study is 16 mol %. Spectroscopic characterisation of such fibres and optical gain measurements suggest that the proposed approach has considerable potential for laser applications.

Bioavailability and chronic toxicity of bismuth citrate to earthworm Eisenia andrei exposed to natural sandy soil.

PubMed

Omouri, Zohra; Hawari, Jalal; Fournier, Michel; Robidoux, Pierre Yves

2018-01-01

The present study describes bioavailability and chronic effects of bismuth to earthworms Eisenia andrei using OECD reproduction test. Adult earthworms were exposed to natural sandy soil contaminated artificially by bismuth citrate. Average total concentrations of bismuth in soil recovered by HNO 3 digestion ranged from 75 to 289mg/kg. Results indicate that bismuth decreased significantly all reproduction parameters of Eisenia andrei at concentrations ≥ 116mg/kg. However, number of hatched cocoons and number of juveniles seem to be more sensitive than total number of cocoons, as determined by IC 50 ; i.e., 182, 123 and > 289mg/kg, respectively. Bismuth did not affect Eisenia andrei growth and survival, and had little effect on phagocytic efficiency of coelomocytes. The low immunotoxicity effect might be explained by the involvement of other mechanisms i.e. bismuth sequestered by metal-binding compounds. After 28 days of exposure bismuth concentrations in earthworms tissue increased with increasing bismuth concentrations in soil reaching a stationary state of 21.37mg/kg dry tissue for 243mg Bi/kg dry soil total content. Data indicate also that after 56 days of incubation the average fractions of bismuth available extracted by KNO 3 aqueous solution in soil without earthworms varied from 0.0051 to 0.0229mg/kg, while in soil with earthworms bismuth concentration ranged between 0.310-1.347mg/kg dry soil. We presume that mucus and chelating agents produced by earthworms and by soil or/and earthworm gut microorganisms could explain this enhancement, as well as the role of dermal and ingestion routes of earthworms uptake to soil contaminant. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sensitive voltammetric determination of lead released from ceramic dishes by using of bismuth nanostructures anchored on biochar.

PubMed

Agustini, Deonir; Mangrich, Antonio Salvio; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

2015-09-01

A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed for determination of nanomolar levels of Pb(II) based on the voltammetric stripping response at a carbon paste electrode modified with biochar (a special charcoal) and bismuth nanostructures (nBi-BchCPE). The proposed methodology was based on spontaneous interactions between the highly functionalized biochar surface and Pb(II) ions followed by reduction of these ions into bismuth nanodots which promote an improvement on the stripping anodic current. The experimental procedure could be summarized in three steps: including an open circuit pre-concentration, reduction of accumulated lead ions at the electrode surface and stripping step under differential pulse voltammetric conditions (DPAdSV). SEM images revealed dimensions of bismuth nanodots ranging from 20 nm to 70 nm. The effects of main parameters related to biochar, bismuth and operational parameters were examined in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed sensor has exhibited linear range from 5.0 to 1000 nmol L(-1) and detection limit of 1.41 nmol L(-1) for Pb(II). The optimized method was successfully applied for determination of Pb(II) released from overglaze-decorated ceramic dishes. Results obtained were compared with those given by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and they are in agreement at 99% of confidence level. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Matrices of radiation-protective composites using bismuth oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yashkina, S. Yu; Doroganov, V. A.; Trepalina, Yu N.; Loktionov, V. A.; Evtushenko, E. I.

2018-03-01

The article presents the results of investigations of radiation-protective composites with two types of matrices based on chamotte and aluminous binders. The synthesis of binders was carried out according to the principles of the production of ceramic concrete based on the artificial ceramic binders (ACB). Bismuth oxide was selected as filler. Basic physical and mechanical, as well as radiation-protective characteristics, of composites with different ratios of ACB and Bi2O3 were shown. It was found out that binder of high-alumina chamotte can be used as an optimal matrix base. Composites on its basis have higher structural and radiation-protective properties.

The Effects of Bismuth Oxide on Microstructures and Magnetic Properties of Mn-Mg-Al Ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nekouee, Kh. A.; Rahimi, A. H.; Haghighi, M. Alineghad; Ehsani, N.

2018-04-01

In the present paper, the effects of bismuth oxide as an additive on microstructure and magnetic properties of Mg0.9Mn0.1Al0.4Fe1.6O4 were investigated. Mg-Mn-Al ferrite powders were prepared by the conventional solid state synthesis method. Two different amounts of bismuth oxide (2.5 wt.% and 5 wt.%) were utilized as the sintering aid and their microstructure and physical properties were compared to those of the sample without additives. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that crystal lattice distortion due to the microstructural constraints as the result from incorporation of bismuth oxide into the microstructure was developed by adding bismuth oxide. XRD Rietveld refinement was used to define the cation distribution and to refine the lattice parameter and oxygen parameter for the sample without bismuth oxide as (Mg0.16Mn0.02Al0.15Fe0.77)A(Mg0.74Mn0.08Al0.25Fe0.83)BO4 and 8.3308 Å and 0.2542, respectively. Microstructure studies show that a bismuth rich liquid phase forms during the sintering at 1250°C, which enhances the densification of sintered bodies up to 13% (a relative density of 93%). Magnetization of sintered samples were increased from 21.1 emu/g to 26.2 emu/g upon addition of 2.5 wt.% bismuth oxide and then decreased to 24.9 emu/g when 5 wt.% bismuth oxide was added.

Adverse events with bismuth salts for Helicobacter pylori eradication: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Ford, Alexander C; Malfertheiner, Peter; Giguère, Monique; Santana, José; Khan, Mostafizur; Moayyedi, Paul

2008-01-01

AIM: To assess the safety of bismuth used in Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) eradication therapy regimens. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (up to October 2007) to identify randomised controlled trials comparing bismuth with placebo or no treatment, or bismuth salts in combination with antibiotics as part of eradication therapy with the same dose and duration of antibiotics alone or, in combination, with acid suppression. Total numbers of adverse events were recorded. Data were pooled and expressed as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We identified 35 randomised controlled trials containing 4763 patients. There were no serious adverse events occurring with bismuth therapy. There was no statistically significant difference detected in total adverse events with bismuth [relative risk (RR) = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87-1.16], specific individual adverse events, with the exception of dark stools (RR = 5.06; 95% CI: 1.59-16.12), or adverse events leading to withdrawal of therapy (RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.54-1.37). CONCLUSION: Bismuth for the treatment of H pylori is safe and well-tolerated. The only adverse event occurring significantly more commonly was dark stools. PMID:19109870

A novel structure photonic crystal fiber based on bismuth-oxide for optical parametric amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Cang; Yuan, Jinhui; Yu, Chongxiu

2010-11-01

The heavy metal oxide glasses containing bismuth such as bismuth sesquioxide show unique high refractive index. In addition, the bismuth-oxide based glass does not include toxic elements such as Pb, As, Se, Te, and exhibits well chemical, mechanical and thermal stability. Hence, it is used to fabricate high nonlinear fiber for nonlinear optical application. Although the bismuth-oxide based high nonlinear fiber can be fusion-spliced to conventional silica fibers and have above advantages, yet it suffers from large group velocity dispersion because of material chromatic dispersion which restricts its utility. In regard to this, the micro-structure was introduced to adjust the dispersion of bismuth-oxide high nonlinear fiber in the 1550nm wave-band. In this paper, a hexagonal solid-core micro-structure is developed to balance its dispersion and nonlinearity. Our simulation and calculation results show that the bismuth-oxide based photonic crystal fiber has near zero dispersion around 1550nm where the optical parametric amplification suitable wavelength is. Its dispersion slop in the communication wavelength range is also relatively flat. Moreover, both nonlinear coefficient and model filed distribution were simulated, respectively.

[The safety and effect of transhepatic hilar approach for the treatment of bismuth type Ⅲ and Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma].

PubMed

He, M; Wang, H L; Yan, J Y; Xu, S W; Chen, W; Wang, J

2018-05-01

Objective: To compare the efficiency between the transhepatic hilar approach and conventional approach for the surgical treatment of Bismuth type Ⅲ and Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: There were 42 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma of Bismuth type Ⅲ and Ⅳ who underwent surgical treatment at Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University from January 2008 to December 2013.The transhepatic hilar approach was used in 19 patients and conventional approach was performed in 23 patients.There were no differences in clinical parameters between the two groups(all P >0.05). The t-test was used to analyze the measurement data, and the χ(2) test was used to analyze the count data.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the survival period.Multivariate COX regression analysis was used to analyze the prognosis factors. Results: Among the 19 patients who underwent transhepatic hilar approach, 3 patients changed the operative planning after reevaluated by exposing the hepatic hilus.The intraoperative blood was 300(250-400)ml in the transhepatic hilar approach group, which was significantly less than the conventional approach group, 800(450-1 300)ml( t =4.276, P =0.00 1), meanwhile, the R0 resection rate was significantly higher in the transhepatic hilar approach group than in the conventional approach group(89.4% vs . 52.2; χ(2)=6.773, P =0.009) and the 3-year and 5-year cumulative survival rate was better in the transhepatic hilar approach group than in the conventional approach group(63.2% vs . 47.8%, 26.3% vs . 0; χ(2)=66.363, 127.185, P =0.000). On univariate analysis, transhepatic hilar approach, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion, R0 resection and lymph node metastasis were significant risk factors for patient survival(all P <0.05). On multivariate analysis, use of transhepatic hilar approach, intraoperative blood loss, R0 resection and lymph node

Annealing effects on room temperature thermoelectric performance of p-type thermally evaporated Bi-Sb-Te thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sukhdeep; Singh, Janpreet; Tripathi, S. K.

2018-05-01

Bismuth antimony telluride (Bi-Sb-Te) compounds have been investigated for the past many decades for thermoelectric (TE) power generation and cooling purpose. We synthesized this compound with a stoichiometry Bi1.2Sb0.8Te3 through melt cool technique and thin films of as synthesized material were deposited by thermal evaporation. The prime focus of the present work is to study the influence of annealing temperature on the room temperature (RT) power factor of thin films. Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were studied and power factors were calculated which showed a peak value at 323 K. The compounds performance is comparable to some very efficient Bi-Sb-Te reported stoichiometries at RT scale. The values observed show that material has an enormous potential for energy production at ambient temperature scales.

[Geochemical distribution of dissolved bismuth in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea].

PubMed

Wu, Xiao-Dan; Song, Jin-Ming; Wu, Bin; Li, Xue-Gang

2014-01-01

Occurrence level, geochemical distribution of dissolved bismuth and its coupling relationship to eco-environment were investigated in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea to explore the source and influencing factors. The results showed that the concentration of dissolved bismuth was within the range of 0-0. 029 microg x L(-1) at the surface and 0.001-0.189 microg x L(-1) at the bottom, with the averages of 0.008 and 0.016 microg x L(-1), respectively. Horizontally, low value of dissolved bismuth exhibited the bidirectional extension feature, indicating that it could trace the path of Changjiang Diluted Water. High value of dissolved bismuth was observed where the Subei Costal Current and Yellow Sea Warm Current flowed and the Changjiang Diluted Water and Zhejiang-Fujian Coastal Current met, suggesting that it was controlled by the cycle of current system. Vertically, the coastal water was fully mixed by water convection and eddy mixing, and was divided from the stratified water by strong tidal front, which blocked the transport of dissolved bismuth to the open sea. Thus, the concentration in front area was significantly higher than that in the open sea. Diurnal variation of dissolved bismuth was related to the hydrodynamic conditions (tide, suspension and thermocline) instead of the environmental factors (temperature and salinity). Positive relationship to SPM (suspended particulate matter) clarified that bismuth was prone to release from solid phase to liquid phase. Furthermore, conditions with temperature ranging 22-27 degrees C, salinity ranging 28-31 and pH ranging 7.9-8.1 were shown to be optimal for the release process.

Ultrafast electronic relaxation in superheated bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamaly, E. G.; Rode, A. V.

2013-01-01

Interaction of moving electrons with vibrating ions in the lattice forms the basis for many physical properties from electrical resistivity and electronic heat capacity to superconductivity. In ultrafast laser interaction with matter the electrons are heated much faster than the electron-ion energy equilibration, leading to a two-temperature state with electron temperature far above that of the lattice. The rate of temperature equilibration is governed by the strength of electron-phonon energy coupling, which is conventionally described by a coupling constant, neglecting the dependence on the electron and lattice temperature. The application of this constant to the observations of fast relaxation rate led to a controversial notion of ‘ultra-fast non-thermal melting’ under extreme electronic excitation. Here we provide theoretical grounds for a strong dependence of the electron-phonon relaxation time on the lattice temperature. We show, by taking proper account of temperature dependence, that the heating and restructuring of the lattice occurs much faster than were predicted on the assumption of a constant, temperature independent energy coupling. We applied the temperature-dependent momentum and energy transfer time to experiments on fs-laser excited bismuth to demonstrate that all the observed ultra-fast transformations of the transient state of bismuth are purely thermal in nature. The developed theory, when applied to ultrafast experiments on bismuth, provides interpretation of the whole variety of transient phase relaxation without the non-thermal melting conjecture.

THORIUM DISPERSION IN BISMUTH

DOEpatents

Bryner, J.S.

1961-07-01

The growth of thorium bismutaide particles, which are formed when thorium is suspended in liquid bismuth, is inhibited when the liquid metal suspension is being flowed through a reactor and through a heat exchanger in sequence. It involves the addition of as little as 1 part by weight of tellurium to 100 parts of thorium. This addition is sufficient to inhibit particle growth and agglomeration.

Glutathione and multidrug resistance protein transporter mediate a self-propelled disposal of bismuth in human cells

PubMed Central

Hong, Yifan; Lai, Yau-Tsz; Chan, Godfrey Chi-Fung; Sun, Hongzhe

2015-01-01

Glutathione and multidrug resistance protein (MRP) play an important role on the metabolism of a variety of drugs. Bismuth drugs have been used to treat gastrointestinal disorder and Helicobacter pylori infection for decades without exerting acute toxicity. They were found to interact with a wide variety of biomolecules, but the major metabolic pathway remains unknown. For the first time (to our knowledge), we systematically and quantitatively studied the metabolism of bismuth in human cells. Our data demonstrated that over 90% of bismuth was passively absorbed, conjugated to glutathione, and transported into vesicles by MRP transporter. Mathematical modeling of the system reveals an interesting phenomenon. Passively absorbed bismuth consumes intracellular glutathione, which therefore activates de novo biosynthesis of glutathione. Reciprocally, sequestration by glutathione facilitates the passive uptake of bismuth and thus completes a self-sustaining positive feedback circle. This mechanism robustly removes bismuth from both intra- and extracellular space, protecting critical systems of human body from acute toxicity. It elucidates the selectivity of bismuth drugs between human and pathogens that lack of glutathione, such as Helicobacter pylori, opening new horizons for further drug development. PMID:25737551

Effect of bismuth substitution in strontium hexaferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahoo, M. R.; Kuila, S.; Sweta, K.; Barik, A.; Vishwakarma, P. N.

2018-05-01

Bismuth (Bi) substituted M-type strontium hexaferrite (Sr1-xBix Fe12O19, x=0 and 0.02) are synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) shows increase in lattice parameter and particle size (500 nm to 3 micron) respectively, for Bi substituted sample. Magnetization via M-H shows decrease in magnetic hardness for Bi substituted samples. M-T data for parent (x=0) sample shows an antiferromagnetic transition in the ZFC plot at 495 °C. This antiferromagnetic transition is replaced by a ferromagnetic transition for FCW measurement. Similar behavior is displayed by the Bi substituted sample with transition temperature reduced to 455 °C.

Development of Scintillators in Nuclear Medicine.

PubMed

Khoshakhlagh, Mohammad; Islamian, Jalil Pirayesh; Abedi, Seyed Mohammad; Mahmoudian, Babak

2015-01-01

High-quality image is necessary for accurate diagnosis in nuclear medicine. There are many factors in creating a good image and detector is the most important one. In recent years, several detectors are studied to get a better picture. The aim of this paper is comparison of some type of these detectors such as thallium activated sodium iodide bismuth germinate cesium activated yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG: Ce) YAP: Ce "lutetium aluminum garnet activated by cerium" CRY018 "CRY019" lanthanum bromide and cadmium zinc telluride. We studied different properties of these crystals including density, energy resolution and decay times that are more important factors affecting the image quality.

Hydrothermal synthesis of barium strontium titanate and bismuth titanate materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Huiwen

Hydrothermal processing facilitates the synthesis of crystalline ceramic materials of varying composition or complex crystal structure. The present work can be divided into two parts. First is to study the low temperature hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth titanate. Second is to study both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the hydrothermally synthesized barium strontium titanate. A chelating agent was used to form a Bi-Ti gel precursor. By hydrothermally treating the Bi-Ti gel, crystalline bismuth titanate has been synthesized at 160°C for the first time. Microstructural evolution during the low temperature synthesis of bismuth titanate can be divided into two stages, including condensation of Bi-Ti gel particles and crystallization of bismuth titanate. Crystallization of bismuth titanate occurred by an in situ transformation mechanism at an early stage followed by a dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism. Phase separation was observed in hydrothermally synthesized barium strontium titanate (BST). By hydrothermally treating BST powders between 250°C--300°C, an asymmetrical miscibility gap was found in the BaTiO3-SrTiO 3 system at low temperatures (T ≤ 320°C). A subregular solid solution model was applied to calculate the equilibrium compositions and the Gibbs free energy of formation of BST solid solution at low temperatures (T ≤ 320°C). The Gibbs free energy of formation of Sr-rich BST phase is larger than that of Ba-rich BST phase. Kinetic studies of single phase BST solid solution at 80°C show that, compared to the BaTiO3 or Ba-rich BST, SrTiO3 and Sr-rich BST powders form at lower reaction rates.

Enhanced detection of quantum dots labeled protein by simultaneous bismuth electrodeposition into microfluidic channel.

PubMed

Medina-Sánchez, Mariana; Miserere, Sandrine; Cadevall, Miquell; Merkoçi, Arben

2016-02-01

In this study, we propose an electrochemical immunoassay into a disposable microfluidic platform, using quantum dots (QDs) as labels and their enhanced detection using bismuth as an alternative to mercury electrodes. CdSe@ZnS QDs were used to tag human IgG as a model protein and detected through highly sensitive stripping voltammetry of the dissolved metallic component (cadmium in our case). The modification of the screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) was done by a simple electrodeposition of bismuth that was previously mixed with the sample containing QDs. A magneto-immunosandwich assay was performed using a micromixer. A magnet placed at its outlet in order to capture the magnetic beads used as solid support for the immunoassay. SPCEs were integrated at the end of the channel as detector. Different parameters such as bismuth concentration, flow rate, and incubation times, were optimized. The LOD for HIgG in presence of bismuth was 3.5 ng/mL with a RSD of 13.2%. This LOD was about 3.3-fold lower than the one obtained without bismuth. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the system was increased 100-fold respect to experiments carried out with classical screen-printed electrodes, both in presence of bismuth. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preparation of Ferroelectric Thin Films of Bismuth Layer Structured Compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Hitoshi; Mihara, Takashi; Yoshimori, Hiroyuki; Araujo, Carlos

1995-09-01

Ferroelectric thin films of bismuth layer structured compounds, SrBi2Ta2O9, SrBi2Nb2O9, SrBi4Ti4O15 and their solid solutions, were formed onto a sputtered platinum layer on a silicon substrate using spin-on technique and metal-organic decomposition (MOD) method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and some electrical measurements were performed on the prepared thin films. XRD results of SrBi2(Ta1- x, Nb x)2O9 films (0≤x≤1) showed that niobium ions substitute for tantalum ions in an arbitrary ratio without any change of the layer structure and lattice constants. Furthermore, XRD results of SrBi2 xTa2O9 films (0≤x≤1.5) indicated that the formation of the bismuth layer structure does not always require an accurate bismuth content. The layer structure was formed above 50% of the stoichiometric bismuth content in the general formula. SrBi2(Ta1- x, Nb x)2O9 films with various Ta/Nb ratios have large enough remanent polarization for nonvolatile memory application and have shown high fatigue resistance against 1011 cycles of full switching of the remanent polarization. Mixture films of the three compounds were also investigated.

Isotopic generator for bismuth-212 and lead-212 from radium

DOEpatents

Atcher, Robert W.; Friedman, Arnold M.; Hines, John

1987-01-01

A method and apparatus for providing radionuclides of bismuth-212 and lead-212. Thorium-228 and carrier solution starting material is input to a radiologically contained portion of an isotopic generator system, and radium-224 is separated from thorium-228 which is retained by a strongly basic anion exchange column. The separated radium-224 is transferred to an accessible, strongly acidic cationic exchange column. The cationic column retains the radium-224, and natural radioactive decay generates bismuth-212 and lead-212. The cationic exchange column can also be separated from the contained portion of the system and utilized without the extraordinary safety measures necessary in the contained portion. Furthermore, the cationic exchange column provides over a relatively long time period the short lived lead-212 and bismuth-212 radionuclides which are useful for a variety of medical therapies.

Liquid Bismuth Propellant Management System for the Very High Specific Impulse Thruster with Anode Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Markusic, T. E.; Stanojev, B. J.

2007-01-01

Two prototype bismuth propellant feed systems were constructed and operated in conjunction with a propellant vaporizer. One system provided bismuth to a vaporizer using gas pressurization but did not include a means to measure the flow rate. The second system incorporated an electromagnetic pump to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure and a new type of in-line flow sensor that was developed for accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of Macor for the main body of both components. Posttest inspections of both components revealed no degradation of the material. The gas pressurization system demonstrated continuous pressure control over a range from zero to 200 torr. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the electromagnetic pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, producing a pressure rise of 10 kPa at 30 A. Preliminary flow sensor operation indicated a bismuth flow rate of 6 mg/s with an uncertainty of plus or minus 6%. An electronics suite containing a real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.

Bismuth Propellant Feed System Development at NASA-MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.

2007-01-01

NASA-MSFC has been developing liquid metal propellant feed systems capable of delivering molten bismuth at a prescribed mass flow rate to the vaporizer of an electric thruster. The first such system was delivered to NASA-JPL as part of the Very High Isp Thruster with Anode Layer (VHITAL) program. In this system, the components pictured were placed in a vacuum chamber and heated while the control electronics were located outside the chamber. The system was successfully operated at JPL in conjunction with a propellant vaporizer, and data was obtained demonstrating a new liquid bismuth flow sensing technique developed at MSFC. The present effort is aimed at producing a feed-system for use in conjunction with a bismuth-fed Hall thruster developed by Busek Co. Developing this system is more ambitious, however, in that it is designed to self-contain all the control electronics inside the same vacuum chamber as an operating bismuth-fed thruster. Consequently, the entire system, including an on-board computer, DC-output power supplies, and a gas-pressurization electro-pneumatic regulator, must be designed to survive a vacuum environment and shielded to keep bismuth plasma from intruding on the electronics and causing a shortcircuit. In addition, the hot portions of the feed system must be thermally isolated from the electronics to avoid failure due to high heat loads. This is accomplished using a thermal protection system (TPS) consisting of multiple layers of aluminum foil. The only penetrations into the vacuum chamber are an electrically isolated (floating) 48 VDC line and a fiberoptic line. The 48 VDC provides power for operation of the power supplies and electronics co-located with the system in the vacuum chamber. The fiberoptic Ethernet connection is used to communicate user-input control commands to the on-board computer and transmit real-time data back to the external computer. The partially assembled second-generation system is shown. Before testing at Busek, a

75 FR 14491 - Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Bismuth Citrate

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-26

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FDA-2008-C-0098] Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Bismuth Citrate AGENCY: Food... amending the color additive regulations to increase the permitted use level of bismuth citrate as a color...

Electronic characterization of defects in narrow gap semiconductors: Comparison of electronic energy levels and formation energies in mercury cadmium telluride, mercury zinc telluride, and mercury zinc selenide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, James D.; Li, Wei-Gang

1995-01-01

The project has evolved to that of using Green's functions to predict properties of deep defects in narrow gap materials. Deep defects are now defined as originating from short range potentials and are often located near the middle of the energy gap. They are important because they affect the lifetime of charge carriers and hence the switching time of transistors. We are now moving into the arena of predicting formation energies of deep defects. This will also allow us to make predictions about the relative concentrations of the defects that could be expected at a given temperature. The narrow gap materials mercury cadmium telluride (MCT), mercury zinc telluride (MZT), and mercury zinc selenide (MZS) are of interest to NASA because they have commercial value for infrared detecting materials, and because there is a good possibility that they can be grown better in a microgravity environment. The uniform growth of these crystals on earth is difficult because of convection (caused by solute depletion just ahead of the growing interface, and also due to thermal gradients). In general it is very difficult to grow crystals with both radial and axial homogeneity.

Topological Insulator State in Thin Bismuth Films Subjected to Plane Tensile Strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demidov, E. V.; Grabov, V. M.; Komarov, V. A.; Kablukova, N. S.; Krushel'nitskii, A. N.

2018-03-01

The results of experimental examination of galvanomagnetic properties of thin bismuth films subjected to plane tensile strain resulting from the difference in thermal expansion coefficients of the substrate material and bismuth are presented. The resistivity, the magnetoresistance, and the Hall coefficient were studied at temperatures ranging from 5 to 300 K in magnetic fields as strong as 0.65 T. Carrier densities were calculated. A considerable increase in carrier density in films thinner than 30 nm was observed. This suggests that surface states are more prominent in thin bismuth films on mica substrates, while the films themselves may exhibit the properties of a topological insulator.

Taguchi optimization of bismuth-telluride based thermoelectric cooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anant Kishore, Ravi; Kumar, Prashant; Sanghadasa, Mohan; Priya, Shashank

2017-07-01

In the last few decades, considerable effort has been made to enhance the figure-of-merit (ZT) of thermoelectric (TE) materials. However, the performance of commercial TE devices still remains low due to the fact that the module figure-of-merit not only depends on the material ZT, but also on the operating conditions and configuration of TE modules. This study takes into account comprehensive set of parameters to conduct the numerical performance analysis of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) using a Taguchi optimization method. The Taguchi method is a statistical tool that predicts the optimal performance with a far less number of experimental runs than the conventional experimental techniques. Taguchi results are also compared with the optimized parameters obtained by a full factorial optimization method, which reveals that the Taguchi method provides optimum or near-optimum TEC configuration using only 25 experiments against 3125 experiments needed by the conventional optimization method. This study also shows that the environmental factors such as ambient temperature and cooling coefficient do not significantly affect the optimum geometry and optimum operating temperature of TECs. The optimum TEC configuration for simultaneous optimization of cooling capacity and coefficient of performance is also provided.

Evaluation of the strength and radiopacity of Portland cement with varying additions of bismuth oxide.

PubMed

Saliba, E; Abbassi-Ghadi, S; Vowles, R; Camilleri, J; Hooper, S; Camilleri, J

2009-04-01

To study the effect of addition of various proportions of bismuth oxide on compressive strength and radiopacity of Portland cement. The compressive strength of white Portland cement and cement replaced with 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% bismuth oxide was evaluated by testing cylinders 6 mm in diameter and 12 mm high. Twelve cylinders were tested for each material under study. The radiopacity of the cements tested was evaluated using an aluminium step-wedge and densitometer. The optical density was compared with the relevant thickness of aluminium (Al). Statistical analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with P = 0.05 and Tukey test to perform multiple comparison tests. Various additions of bismuth oxide had no significant effect on the strength of the material when compared with the unmodified Portland cement (P > 0.05). The radiopacity of the cements tested ranged from 2.02 mm Al for Portland cement to 9.79 mm Al for the highest bismuth replacement. Addition of bismuth oxide did not affect the compressive strength of Portland cement. All the bismuth oxide cement mixtures had radio-opacities higher than 3 mm thickness of aluminium.

Spin Hall effect and Landau spectrum of Dirac electrons in bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuseya, Yuki

2015-03-01

Bismuth has played an important role in solid-state physics. Many key phenomena were first discovered in bismuth, such as diamagnetism, Seebeck, Nernst, Shubnikov-de Haas, and de Haas-van Alphen effects. These phenomena result from particular electronic states of bismuth. The strong spin-orbit interaction (~ 1.5eV) causes strong spin-dependent interband couplings resulting in an anomalous spin magnetic moment. We investigate the spin Hall effect and the angular dependent Landau spectrum of bismuth paying special attention to the effect of the anomalous spin magnetic moment. It is shown that the spin Hall insulator is possible and there is a fundamental relationship between the spin Hall conductivity and orbital diamagnetism in the insulating state of the Dirac electrons. Based on this theoretical finding, the magnitude of spin Hall conductivity is estimated for bismuth by that of orbital susceptibility. The magnitude of spin Hall conductivity turns out to be as large as 104Ω-1 cm-1, which is about 100 times larger than that of Pt. It is also shown that the ratio of the Zeeman splitting to the cyclotron energy, which reflects the effect of crystalline spin-orbit interaction, for holes at the T-point can be larger than 1.0 (the maximum of previous theories) and exhibit strong angular dependence, which gives a possible solution to the long-standing mystery of holes at the T-point. In collaboration with Masao Ogata, Hidetoshi Fukuyama, Zengwei Zhu, Benoît Fauqué, Woun Kang, and Kamran Behnia. Supported by JSPS (KAKENHI 24244053, 25870231, and 13428660).

Correlation Between Bulk Material Defects and Spectroscopic Response in Cadmium Zinc Telluride Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Bradford H.; Stahle, C. M.; Barthelmy, S. D.; Parsons, A. M.; Tueller, J.; VanSant, J. T.; Munoz, B. F.; Snodgrass, S. J.; Mullinix, R. E.

1999-01-01

One of the critical challenges for large area cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detector arrays is obtaining material capable of uniform imaging and spectroscopic response. Two complementary nondestructive techniques for characterizing bulk CdZnTe have been developed to identify material with a uniform response. The first technique, infrared transmission imaging, allows for rapid visualization of bulk defects. The second technique, x-ray spectral mapping, provides a map of the material spectroscopic response when it is configured as a planar detector. The two techniques have been used to develop a correlation between bulk defect type and detector performance. The correlation allows for the use of infrared imaging to rapidly develop wafer mining maps. The mining of material free of detrimental defects has the potential to dramatically increase the yield and quality of large area CdZnTe detector arrays.

Oxide layer stability in lead-bismuth at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín, F. J.; Soler, L.; Hernández, F.; Gómez-Briceño, D.

2004-11-01

Materials protection by 'in situ' oxidation has been studied in stagnant lead-bismuth, with different oxygen levels (H 2/H 2O ratios of 0.3 and 0.03), at temperatures from 535 °C to 600 °C and times from 100 to 3000 h. The materials tested were the martensitic steels F82Hmod, EM10 and T91 and the austenitic stainless steels, AISI 316L and AISI 304L. The results obtained point to the existence of an apparent threshold temperature above which corrosion occurs and the formation of a protective and stable oxide layer is not possible. This threshold temperature depends on material composition, oxygen concentration in the liquid lead-bismuth and time. The threshold temperature is higher for the austenitic steels, especially for the AISI 304L, and it increases with the oxygen concentration in the lead-bismuth. The oxide layer formed disappear with time and, after 3000 h all the materials, except AISI 304L, suffer corrosion, more severe for the martensitic steels and at the highest temperature tested.

Thin-film cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Compaan, A. D.; Bohn, R. G.

1994-09-01

This report describes work to develop and optimize radio-frequency (RF) sputtering for the deposition of thin films of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and related semiconductors for thin-film solar cells. Pulsed laser physical vapor deposition was also used for exploratory work on these materials, especially where alloying or doping are involved, and for the deposition of cadmium chloride layers. The sputtering work utilized a 2-in diameter planar magnetron sputter gun. The film growth rate by RF sputtering was studied as a function of substrate temperature, gas pressure, and RF power. Complete solar cells were fabricated on tin-oxide-coated soda-lime glass substrates. Currently, work is being done to improve the open-circuit voltage by varying the CdTe-based absorber layer, and to improve the short-circuit current by modifying the CdS window layer.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Tin-Bismuth Solder Reinforced by Aluminum Borate Whiskers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Wei, Hongmei; He, Peng; Lin, Tiesong; Lu, Fengjiao

2015-10-01

Tin-bismuth solder has emerged as a promising lead-free alternative to tin-lead solder, especially for low-temperature packaging applications. However, the intrinsic brittleness of tin-bismuth solder alloy, aggravated by the coarse bismuth-rich phase and the thick interfacial intermetallic layer, notably limits the mechanical performance of the bonded joints. In this work, the microstructure and mechanical performance of solder joints were improved by adding 3.2 vol.% aluminum borate whiskers to the tin-bismuth solder alloy. This whisker-reinforced composite solder was fabricated through a simple process. Typically, 25- μm to 75- μm tin-bismuth particles were mixed with a small amount of aluminum borate whiskers with diameter of 0.5 μm to 1.5 μm and length of 5 μm to 15 μm. The addition of whiskers restrained the formation of coarse brittle bismuth-rich phase and decreased the lamellar spacing from 0.84 μm to 7.94 μm to the range of 0.22 μm to 1.80 μm. Moreover, the growth rate of the interfacial intermetallic layer during the remelting treatment decreased as well. The joint shear strength increased from 19.4 MPa to 24.7 MPa, and only declined by 4.9% (average, -5.9% to 15.8%) after the tenth remelting, while the shear strength of the joint without whiskers declined by 31.5% (average, 10.1-44.1%). The solder alloy was reinforced because of their high strength and high modulus and also the refinement effect on the solder alloy microstructure.

Bismuth doping effect on crystal structure and photodegradation activity of Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ming-Chung; Chang, Yin-Hsuan; Lin, Ting-Han

2017-04-01

The bismuth precursor is adopted as dopant to synthesize bismuth doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Bi-TiO2 NPs) with sol-gel method following by the thermal annealing treatment. We systematically developed a series of Bi-TiO2 NPs at several calcination temperatures and discovered the corresponding crystal structure by varying the bismuth doping concentration. At a certain 650 °C calcination temperature, the crystal structure of bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) is formed when the bismuth doping concentration is as high as 10.0 mol %. The photocatalytic activity of Bi-TiO2 NPs is increased by varying the doping concentration at the particular calcination temperature. By the definition X-ray diffraction (XRD) structural identification, a phase diagram of Bi-TiO2 NPs in doping concentration versus calcination temperature is provided. It can be useful for further study in the crystal structure engineering and the development of photocatalyst.

Bismuth molybdate thick films as ethanol sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Kiran; Kumar, Vipin; Gupta, H. P.; Rastogi, A. C.

2003-10-01

Ethanol sensitivity of bismuth molybdate thick films and sintered pellets were investigated. Sintered pellets were prepared by traditional ceramic processing. Thick films were prepared by metallorganic decomposition process. Ethanol gas sensitivity was measured at various temperatures and concentrations. Thick films of alpha phase bismuth molybdate prepared by spray pyrolysis showed a very fast response to ethanol detection. The response time for the bulk samples is about 40 sec which decreased to about 6 sec for thick films at an operating temperature of 300°C. An extremely low level approximately 10 ppm detection and fast response makes this technique ideal for sensor element fabrication for detection and estimation of alcohol in breath-analyzer. Unlike SnO2, the resistance of these sensors is not affected by humidity at the operating temperature.

Preparation and characterization of copper telluride thin films by modified chemical bath deposition (M-CBD) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathan, H. M.; Lokhande, C. D.; Amalnerkar, D. P.; Seth, T.

2003-09-01

Copper telluride thin films were deposited using modified chemical method using copper(II) sulphate; pentahydrate [CuSO 4·5H 2O] and sodium tellurite [Na 2TeO 3] as cationic and anionic sources, respectively. Modified chemical method is based on the immersion of the substrate into separately placed cationic and anionic precursors. The preparative conditions such as concentration, pH, immersion time, immersion cycles, etc. were optimized to get good quality copper telluride thin films at room temperature. The films have been characterized for structural, compositional, optical and electrical transport properties by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Rutherford back scattering (RBS), optical absorption/transmission, electrical resistivity and thermoemf measurement techniques.

Third order nonlinear optical properties of bismuth zinc borate glasses

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

Shanmugavelu, B.; Ravi Kanth Kumar, V. V., E-mail: ravi.phy@pondiuni.edu.in; Kuladeep, R.

2013-12-28

Third order nonlinear optical characterization of bismuth zinc borate glasses are reported here using different laser pulse durations. Bismuth zinc borate glasses with compositions xBi{sub 2}O{sub 3}-30ZnO-(70-x) B{sub 2}O{sub 3} (where x = 30, 35, 40, and 45 mol. %) have been prepared by melt quenching method. These glasses were characterized by Raman, UV-Vis absorption, and Z scan measurements. Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopic results indicate that non-bridging oxygens increase with increase of bismuth content in the glass. Nonlinear absorption and refraction behavior in the nanosecond (ns), picosecond (ps), and femtosecond (fs) time domains were studied in detail. Strong reverse saturable absorption due tomore » dominant two-photon absorption (TPA) was observed with both ps and fs excitations. In the case of ns pulse excitations, TPA and free-carrier absorption processes contribute for the nonlinear absorption. Two-photon absorption coefficient (β) and the absorption cross section due to free carriers (σ{sub e}) are estimated by theoretical fit of the open aperture Z-scan measurements and found to be dependent on the amount of bismuth oxide in the glass composition. In both ns and fs regimes the sign and magnitude of the third order nonlinearity are evaluated, and the optical limiting characteristics are also reported.« less

Reactive magnetron sputtering deposition of bismuth tungstate onto titania nanoparticles for enhancing visible light photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratova, Marina; Kelly, Peter J.; West, Glen T.; Tosheva, Lubomira; Edge, Michele

2017-01-01

Titanium dioxide - bismuth tungstate composite materials were prepared by pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputtering of bismuth and tungsten metallic targets in argon/oxygen atmosphere onto anatase and rutile titania nanoparticles. The use of an oscillating bowl placed beneath the two magnetrons arranged in a co-planar closed field configuration enabled the deposition of bismuth tungstate onto loose powders, rather than a solid substrate. The atomic ratio of the bismuth/tungsten coatings was controlled by varying the power applied to each target. The effect of the bismuth tungstate coatings on the phase, optical and photocatalytic properties of titania was investigated by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and an acetone degradation test. The latter involved measurements of the rate of CO2 evolution under visible light irradiation of the photocatalysts, which indicated that the deposition of bismuth tungstate resulted in a significant enhancement of visible light activity, for both anatase and rutile titania particles. The best results were achieved for coatings with a bismuth to tungsten atomic ratio of 2:1. In addition, the mechanism by which the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was enhanced by compounding it with bismuth tungstate was studied by microwave cavity perturbation. The results of these tests confirmed that such enhancement of the photocatalytic properties is due to more efficient photogenerated charge carrier separation, as well as to the contribution of the intrinsic photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6.

Bismuth- and lithium-loaded plastic scintillators for gamma and neutron detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherepy, Nerine J.; Sanner, Robert D.; Beck, Patrick R.; Swanberg, Erik L.; Tillotson, Thomas M.; Payne, Stephen A.; Hurlbut, Charles R.

2015-04-01

Transparent plastic scintillators based on polyvinyltoluene (PVT) have been fabricated with high loading of bismuth carboxylates for gamma spectroscopy, and with lithium carboxylates for neutron detection. When activated with a combination of standard fluors, 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and tetraphenylbutadiene (TPB), gamma light yields with 15 wt% bismuth tripivalate of 5000 Ph/MeV are measured. A PVT plastic formulation including 30 wt% lithium pivalate and 30 wt% PPO offers both pulse shape discrimination, and a neutron capture peak at 400 keVee. In another configuration, a bismuth-loaded PVT plastic is coated with ZnS(6Li) paint, permitting simultaneous gamma and neutron detection via pulse shape discrimination with a figure-of-merit of 3.8, while offering gamma spectroscopy with energy resolution of R(662 keV)=15%.

Increased InAs quantum dot size and density using bismuth as a surfactant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasika, Vaishno D.; Krivoy, E. M.; Nair, H. P.; Maddox, S. J.; Park, K. W.; Jung, D.; Lee, M. L.; Yu, E. T.; Bank, S. R.

2014-12-01

We have investigated the growth of self-assembled InAs quantum dots using bismuth as a surfactant to control the dot size and density. We find that the bismuth surfactant increases the quantum dot density, size, and uniformity, enabling the extension of the emission wavelength with increasing InAs deposition without a concomitant reduction in dot density. We show that these effects are due to bismuth acting as a reactive surfactant to kinetically suppress the surface adatom mobility. This mechanism for controlling quantum dot density and size has the potential to extend the operating wavelength and enhance the performance of various optoelectronic devices.

Oxidation mechanism of formic acid on the bismuth adatom-modified Pt(111) surface.

PubMed

Perales-Rondón, Juan Victor; Ferre-Vilaplana, Adolfo; Feliu, Juan M; Herrero, Enrique

2014-09-24

In order to improve catalytic processes, elucidation of reaction mechanisms is essential. Here, supported by a combination of experimental and computational results, the oxidation mechanism of formic acid on Pt(111) electrodes modified by the incorporation of bismuth adatoms is revealed. In the proposed model, formic acid is first physisorbed on bismuth and then deprotonated and chemisorbed in formate form, also on bismuth, from which configuration the C-H bond is cleaved, on a neighbor Pt site, yielding CO2. It was found computationally that the activation energy for the C-H bond cleavage step is negligible, which was also verified experimentally.

Advanced Soldier Thermoelectric Power System for Power Generation from Battlefield Heat Sources

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

Hendricks, Terry J.; Hogan, Tim; Case, Eldon D.

2010-09-01

The U.S. military uses large amounts of fuel during deployments and battlefield operations. This project sought to develop a lightweight, small form-factor, soldier-portable advanced thermoelectric (TE) system prototype to recover and convert waste heat from various deployed military equipment (i.e., diesel generators/engines, incinerators, vehicles, and potentially mobile kitchens), with the ultimate purpose of producing power for soldier battery charging, advanced capacitor charging, and other battlefield power applications. The technical approach employed microchannel technology, a unique “power panel” approach to heat exchange/TE system integration, and newly-characterized LAST (lead-antimony-silver-telluride) and LASTT (lead-antimony-silver-tin-telluride) TE materials segmented with bismuth telluride TE materials in designingmore » a segmented-element TE power module and system. This project researched never-before-addressed system integration challenges (thermal expansion, thermal diffusion, electrical interconnection, thermal and electrical interfaces) of designing thin “power panels” consisting of alternating layers of thin, microchannel heat exchangers (hot and cold) sandwiching thin, segmented-element TE power generators. The TE properties, structurally properties, and thermal fatigue behavior of LAST and LASTT materials were developed and characterized such that the first segmented-element TE modules using LAST / LASTT materials were fabricated and tested at hot-side temperatures = 400 °C and cold-side temperatures = 40 °C. LAST / LASTT materials were successfully segmented with bismuth telluride and electrically interconnected with diffusion barrier materials and copper strapping within the module electrical circuit. A TE system design was developed to produce 1.5-1.6 kW of electrical energy using these new TE modules from the exhaust waste heat of 60-kW Tactical Quiet Generators as demonstration vehicles.« less

Viability of Bismuth as a Green Substitute for Lead in Jacketed .357 Magnum Revolver Bullets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Joel

In seeking to develop environmentally friendly lead-free non-toxic bullets, the research ballistically evaluated the performance of copper-jacketed handgun bullets containing a pure bismuth core. The lead was first removed from 140 grain Hornady(TM) XTPRTM bullets of 38 caliber (.357 diameter) by melting. The empty jackets were then refilled with pure bismuth, including the forming of a correctly sized hollow-point cavity. Due to the lower density of bismuth as compared to lead, the bismuth-cored bullets consistently weighed 125 gains. Conveniently this allowed direct comparison to commercially available 125 grain Hornady(TM) XTPRTM lead-cored bullets of 38 caliber. Both bismuth-cored and lead-cored versions of the 125 grain bullets had identical nose dimensions and jacket material, the only dimensional difference being the bullet length below the cannelure. Shooting took place at an outdoor range using a 357 Magnum Ruger(TM) SP101RTM revolver with 3" barrel as the test weapon. FBI protocols were followed when firing through clothing, wallboard, plywood, steel plates and laminated glass. Wound paths and bullets were captured in ballistic gelatin, with data collected for velocity, penetration, expansion, and weight retention. Bismuth compared favorably with lead in all but the laminated glass test, where it under penetrated due to jacket separation.

Spectroscopic Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens: Suppression using Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Bismuth Thiols

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

Badireddy, Appala R.; Korpol, Bhoom Reddy; Chellam, Shankararaman

2008-10-21

Free and capsular EPS produced by Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens were characterized in detail using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Total EPS production decreased upon treatment with sub-inhibitory concentrations of lipophilic bismuth thiols (bismuth dimercaptopropanol, BisBAL; bismuth ethanedithiol, BisEDT; and bismuth pyrithione, BisPYR), BisBAL being most effective. Bismuth thiols also influenced acetylation and carboxylation of polysaccharides in EPS from S. marcescens. Extensive homology between EPS samples in the presence and absence of bismuth was observed with proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids varying predominantly only in the total amount expressed. Secondmore » derivative analysis of the amide I region of FTIR spectra revealed decreases in protein secondary structures in the presence of bismuth thiols. Hence, anti-fouling properties of bismuth thiols appear to originate in their ability to suppress O-acetylation and protein secondary structures in addition to total EPS secretion.« less

Seedless Growth of Bismuth Nanowire Array via Vacuum Thermal Evaporation

PubMed Central

Liu, Mingzhao; Nam, Chang-Yong; Zhang, Lihua

2015-01-01

Here a seedless and template-free technique is demonstrated to scalably grow bismuth nanowires, through thermal evaporation in high vacuum at RT. Conventionally reserved for the fabrication of metal thin films, thermal evaporation deposits bismuth into an array of vertical single crystalline nanowires over a flat thin film of vanadium held at RT, which is freshly deposited by magnetron sputtering or thermal evaporation. By controlling the temperature of the growth substrate the length and width of the nanowires can be tuned over a wide range. Responsible for this novel technique is a previously unknown nanowire growth mechanism that roots in the mild porosity of the vanadium thin film. Infiltrated into the vanadium pores, the bismuth domains (~ 1 nm) carry excessive surface energy that suppresses their melting point and continuously expels them out of the vanadium matrix to form nanowires. This discovery demonstrates the feasibility of scalable vapor phase synthesis of high purity nanomaterials without using any catalysts. PMID:26709727

Growth of Cadmium-Zinc Telluride Crystals by Controlled Seeding Contactless Physical Vapor Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palosz, W.; Grasza, K.; Gillies, D.; Jerman, G.

1996-01-01

Bulk crystals of cadmium-zinc telluride, 23 mm in diameter and up to 45 grams in weight were grown. Controlled seed formation procedure was used to limit the number of grains in the crystal. Most uniform distribution of ZnTe in the crystals was obtained using excess (Cd + Zn) pressure in the ampoule.

21 CFR 73.2162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Cosmetics § 73.2162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity and... following diluents: (i) For coloring cosmetics generally, only those diluents listed under § 73.1001(a)(1); (ii) For coloring externally applied cosmetics, only those diluents listed in § 73.1001(b) and, in...

21 CFR 73.2162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Cosmetics § 73.2162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity and... following diluents: (i) For coloring cosmetics generally, only those diluents listed under § 73.1001(a)(1); (ii) For coloring externally applied cosmetics, only those diluents listed in § 73.1001(b) and, in...

21 CFR 73.2162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Cosmetics § 73.2162 Bismuth oxychloride. (a) Identity and... following diluents: (i) For coloring cosmetics generally, only those diluents listed under § 73.1001(a)(1); (ii) For coloring externally applied cosmetics, only those diluents listed in § 73.1001(b) and, in...

Compositional dependence of optical band gap and refractive index in lead and bismuth borate glasses

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

Mallur, Saisudha B.; Czarnecki, Tyler; Adhikari, Ashish

2015-08-15

Highlights: • Refractive indices increase with increasing PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. • Optical band gap arises due to direct forbidden transition. • Optical band gaps decrease with increasing PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. • New empirical relation between the optical band gap and the refractive index. - Abstract: We prepared a series of lead and bismuth borate glasses by varying PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content and studied refractive index and optical band gap as a function of glass composition. Refractive indices were measured very accurately using a Brewster’s angle set up while the optical band gaps were determined by analyzing the opticalmore » absorption edge using the Mott–Davis model. Using the Lorentz–Lorentz method and the effective medium theory, we calculated the refractive indices and then compared them with the measured values. Bismuth borate glasses show better agreement between the calculated values of the refractive index and experimental values. We used a differential method based on Mott–Davis model to obtain the type of transition and optical band gap (E{sub opt}) which in turn was compared with the value of E{sub opt} obtained using the extinction coefficient. Our analysis shows that in both lead and bismuth borate glasses, the optical band gap arises due to direct forbidden transition. With increasing PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content, the absorption edge shifts toward longer wavelengths and the optical band gap decreases. This behavior can be explained in terms of changes to the Pb−O/Bi−O chemical bonds with glass composition. We obtained a new empirical relation between the optical band gap and the refractive index which can be used to accurately determine the electronic oxide polarizability in lead and bismuth oxide glasses.« less

Isotopic generator for bismuth-212 and lead-212 based on radium

DOEpatents

Hines, J.J.; Atcher, R.W.; Friedman, A.M.

1985-01-30

Disclosed are method and apparatus for providing radionuclides of bismuth-212 and lead-212. Thorium-228 and carrier solution starting material is input to a radiologically contained portion of an isotopic generator system, and radium-224 is separated from thorium-228 which is retained by a strongly basic anion exchange column. The separated radium-224 is transferred to an accessible, strongly acidic cationic exchange column. The cationic column retains the radium-224, and natural radioactive decay generates bismuth-212 and lead-212. The cationic exchange column can also be separated from the contained portion of the system and utilized without the extraordinary safety measures necessary in the contained portion. Furthermore, the cationic exchange column provides over a relatively long time period the short lived lead-212 and bismuth-212 radionuclides which are useful for a variety of medical therapies.

Bismuth- and lithium-loaded plastic scintillators for gamma and neutron detection

DOE PAGES

Cherepy, Nerine J.; Sanner, Robert D.; Beck, Patrick R.; ...

2015-01-09

In this paper, transparent plastic scintillators based on polyvinyltoluene (PVT) have been fabricated with high loading of bismuth carboxylates for gamma spectroscopy, and with lithium carboxylates for neutron detection. When activated with a combination of standard fluors, 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and tetraphenylbutadiene (TPB), gamma light yields with 15 wt% bismuth tripivalate of 5000 Ph/MeV are measured. A PVT plastic formulation including 30 wt% lithium pivalate and 30 wt% PPO offers both pulse shape discrimination, and a neutron capture peak at ~400 keVee. Finally, in another configuration, a bismuth-loaded PVT plastic is coated with ZnS( 6Li) paint, permitting simultaneous gamma and neutronmore » detection via pulse shape discrimination with a figure-of-merit of 3.8, while offering gamma spectroscopy with energy resolution of R(662 keV)=15%.« less

Influence of bismuth oxide concentration on the pH level and biocompatibility of white Portland cement.

PubMed

Marciano, Marina Angélica; Garcia, Roberto Brandão; Cavenago, Bruno Cavalini; Minotti, Paloma Gagliardi; Midena, Raquel Zanin; Guimarães, Bruno Martini; Ordinola-Zapata, Ronald; Duarte, Marco Antonio Hungaro

2014-01-01

To investigate if there is a relation between the increase of bismuth oxide and the decrease of pH levels and an intensification of toxicity in the Portland cement. White Portland cement (WPC) was mixed with 0, 15, 20, 30 and 50% bismuth oxide, in weight. For the pH level test, polyethylene tubes were filled with the cements and immersed in Milli-Q water for 15, 30 and 60 days. After each period, the increase of the pH level was assessed. For the biocompatibility, two polyethylene tubes filled with the cements were implanted in ninety albino rats (n=6). The analysis of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate was performed after 15, 30 and 60 days. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Friedman tests for the pH level and the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests for the biological analysis (p<0.05). The results showed an increase of the pH level after 15 days, followed by a slight increase after 30 days and a decrease after 60 days. There were no significant statistical differences among the groups (p>0.05). For the inflammatory infiltrates, no significant statistical differences were found among the groups in each period (p>0.05). The 15% WPC showed a significant decrease of the inflammatory infiltrate from 15 to 30 and 60 days (p<0.05). The addition of bismuth oxide into Portland cement did not affect the pH level and the biological response. The concentration of 15% of bismuth oxide resulted in significant reduction in inflammatory response in comparison with the other concentrations evaluated.

Ion beam sputter deposited zinc telluride films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gulino, D. A.

1986-01-01

Zinc telluride is of interest as a potential electronic device material, particularly as one component in an amorphous superlattice, which is a new class of interesting and potentially useful materials. Some structural and electronic properties of ZnTe films deposited by argon ion beam sputter deposition are described. Films (up to 3000 angstroms thick) were deposited from a ZnTe target. A beam energy of 1000 eV and a current density of 4 mA/sq cm resulted in deposition rates of approximately 70 angstroms/min. The optical band gap was found to be approximately 1.1 eV, indicating an amorphous structure, as compared to a literature value of 2.26 eV for crystalline material. Intrinsic stress measurements showed a thickness dependence, varying from tensile for thicknesses below 850 angstroms to compressive for larger thicknesses. Room temperature conductivity measurement also showed a thickness dependence, with values ranging from 1.86 x 10 to the -6th/ohm cm for 300 angstrom film to 2.56 x 10 to the -1/ohm cm for a 2600 angstrom film. Measurement of the temperature dependence of the conductivity for these films showed complicated behavior which was thickness dependent. Thinner films showed at least two distinct temperature dependent conductivity mechanisms, as described by a Mott-type model. Thicker films showed only one principal conductivity mechanism, similar to what might be expected for a material with more crystalline character.

Ion beam sputter deposited zinc telluride films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gulino, D. A.

1985-01-01

Zinc telluride is of interest as a potential electronic device material, particularly as one component in an amorphous superlattice, which is a new class of interesting and potentially useful materials. Some structural and electronic properties of ZnTe films deposited by argon ion beam sputter depoairion are described. Films (up to 3000 angstroms thick) were deposited from a ZnTe target. A beam energy of 1000 eV and a current density of 4 mA/sq. cm. resulted in deposition rates of approximately 70 angstroms/min. The optical band gap was found to be approximately 1.1 eV, indicating an amorphous structure, as compared to a literature value of 2.26 eV for crystalline material. Intrinsic stress measurements showed a thickness dependence, varying from tensile for thicknesses below 850 angstroms to compressive for larger thicknesses. Room temperature conductivity measurement also showed a thickness dependence, with values ranging from 1.86 x to to the -6/ohm. cm. for 300 angstrom film to 2.56 x 10 to the -1/ohm. cm. for a 2600 angstrom film. Measurement of the temperature dependence of the conductivity for these films showed complicated behavior which was thickness dependent. Thinner films showed at least two distinct temperature dependent conductivity mechanisms, as described by a Mott-type model. Thicker films showed only one principal conductivity mechanism, similar to what might be expected for a material with more crystalline character.

21 CFR 73.1162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Bismuth oxychloride. 73.1162 Section 73.1162 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF... subpart as safe in color additive mixtures for coloring externally applied drugs. (b) Specifications. The...

Bismuth zinc vanadate, BiZn{sub 2}VO{sub 6}: New crystal structure type and electronic structure

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

Eliziario Nunes, Sayonara; Department of Materials Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP; Wang, Chun-Hai

2015-02-15

We report a combined experimental and computational study of the crystal structure and electronic properties of bismuth zinc vanadate, BiZn{sub 2}VO{sub 6}, known for its visible light photocatalytic activity. The crystal structure has been solved from laboratory powder X-ray diffraction data using the repeated minimisations from random starting values method. BiZn{sub 2}VO{sub 6} adopts a new structure type, based on the following building blocks: corner- and edge-sharing ZnO{sub 4} tetrahedra, ZnO{sub 6} octahedra and VO{sub 4} tetrahedra, and Bi{sub 2}O{sub 12} dimers. It is the only known member of the BiM{sub 2}AO{sub 6} (M=Pb, Ca, Cd, Mn, Zn, Mg, Cu;more » A=V, P, As) family which does not appear to be structurally closely related to others. The electronic structure of BiZn{sub 2}VO{sub 6}, calculated by DFT methods, shows that it is an indirect gap semiconductor with a calculated band gap of 1.6 eV, which compares favourably to the experimentally measured value of 2.4 eV. - Graphical abstract: The crystal structure of BiZn{sub 2}VO{sub 6}, a new structure type in the BiM{sub 2}AO{sub 6} (M=Mg, Ca, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn; A=V, P, As) family. - Highlights: • Structure solution from PXRD data by repeated minimisations from random starting values. • New structure type in the BiM{sub 2}AO{sub 6} (M=Pb, Ca, Cd, Mn, Zn, Mg, Cu; A=V, P, As) family. • Electronic structure calculation.« less

Photoreflectance Study of Boron Ion-Implanted (100) Cadmium Telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amirtharaj, P. M.; Odell, M. S.; Bowman, R. C., Jr.; Alt, R. L.

1988-01-01

Ion implanted (100) cadmium telluride was studied using the contactless technique of photoreflectance. The implantations were performed using 50- to 400-keV boron ions to a maximum dosage of 1.5 x 10(16)/sq cm, and the annealing was accomplished at 500 C under vacuum. The spectral measurements were made at 77 K near the E(0) and E(1) critical points; all the spectra were computer-fitted to Aspnes' theory. The spectral line shapes from the ion damaged, partially recovered and undamaged, or fully recovered regions could be identified, and the respective volume fraction of each phase was estimated.

High resolution X-ray diffraction imaging of lead tin telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steiner, Bruce; Dobbyn, Ronald C.; Black, David; Burdette, Harold; Kuriyama, Masao; Spal, Richard; Simchick, Richard; Fripp, Archibald

1991-01-01

High resolution X-ray diffraction images of two directly comparable crystals of lead tin telluride, one Bridgman-grown on Space Shuttle STS 61A and the other terrestrially Bridgman-grown under similar conditions from identical material, present different subgrain structure. In the terrestrial, sample 1 the appearance of an elaborate array of subgrains is closely associated with the intrusion of regions that are out of diffraction in all of the various images. The formation of this elaborate subgrain structure is inhibited by growth in microgravity.

Bismuth Oxysulfide and Its Polymer Nanocomposites for Efficient Purification

PubMed Central

Luo, Yidong; Qiao, Lina; Wang, Huanchun; Lan, Shun; Shen, Yang; Lin, Yuanhua; Nan, Cewen

2018-01-01

The danger of toxic organic pollutants in both aquatic and air environments calls for high-efficiency purification material. Herein, layered bismuth copper oxychalcogenides, BiCuSO, nanosheets of high photocatalytic activity were introduced to the PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride). The fibrous membranes provide an easy, efficient, and recyclable way to purify organic pollutant. The physical and photophysical properties of the BiCuSO and its polymer composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (EPR). Photocatalysis of Congo Red reveals that the BiCuSO/PVDF shows a superior photocatalytic activity of a 55% degradation rate in 70 min at visible light. The high photocatalytic activity is attributed to the exposed active {101} facets and the triple vacant associates VBi‴VO••VBi‴. By engineering the intrinsic defects on the surface of bismuth oxysulfide, high solar-driven photocatalytic activity can be approached. The successful fabrication of the bismuth oxysulfide and its polymer nanocomposites provides an easy and general approach for high-performance purification materials for various applications. PMID:29562701

Tin, Bismuth, and Tin–Bismuth Alloy Electrodeposition from Chlorometalate Salts in Deep Eutectic Solvents

PubMed Central

Vieira, Luciana; Burt, Jennifer; Richardson, Peter W.; Schloffer, Daniel; Fuchs, David; Moser, Alwin; Bartlett, Philip N.; Reid, Gillian

2017-01-01

Abstract The electrodeposition of tin, bismuth, and tin–bismuth alloys from SnII and BiIII chlorometalate salts in the choline chloride/ethylene glycol (1:2 molar ratio) deep eutectic solvent was studied on glassy carbon and gold by cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The SnII‐containing electrolyte showed one voltammetric redox process corresponding to SnII/Sn0. The diffusion coefficient of [SnCl3]−, detected as the dominating species by Raman spectroscopy, was determined from Levich and Cottrell analyses. The BiIII‐containing electrolyte showed two voltammetric reduction processes, both attributed to BiIII/Bi0. Dimensionless current/time transients revealed that the electrodeposition of both Sn and Bi on glassy carbon proceeded by 3D‐progressive nucleation at a low overpotential and changed to instantaneous at higher overpotentials. The nucleation rate of Bi on glassy carbon was considerably smaller than that of Sn. Elemental Sn and Bi were electrodeposited on Au‐coated glass slides from their respective salt solutions, as were Sn–Bi alloys from a 2:1 SnII/BiIII solution. The biphasic Sn–Bi alloys changed from a Bi‐rich composition to a Sn‐rich composition by making the deposition potential more negative. PMID:28638772

Tin, Bismuth, and Tin-Bismuth Alloy Electrodeposition from Chlorometalate Salts in Deep Eutectic Solvents.

PubMed

Vieira, Luciana; Burt, Jennifer; Richardson, Peter W; Schloffer, Daniel; Fuchs, David; Moser, Alwin; Bartlett, Philip N; Reid, Gillian; Gollas, Bernhard

2017-06-01

The electrodeposition of tin, bismuth, and tin-bismuth alloys from Sn II and Bi III chlorometalate salts in the choline chloride/ethylene glycol (1:2 molar ratio) deep eutectic solvent was studied on glassy carbon and gold by cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The Sn II -containing electrolyte showed one voltammetric redox process corresponding to Sn II /Sn 0 . The diffusion coefficient of [SnCl 3 ] - , detected as the dominating species by Raman spectroscopy, was determined from Levich and Cottrell analyses. The Bi III -containing electrolyte showed two voltammetric reduction processes, both attributed to Bi III /Bi 0 . Dimensionless current/time transients revealed that the electrodeposition of both Sn and Bi on glassy carbon proceeded by 3D-progressive nucleation at a low overpotential and changed to instantaneous at higher overpotentials. The nucleation rate of Bi on glassy carbon was considerably smaller than that of Sn. Elemental Sn and Bi were electrodeposited on Au-coated glass slides from their respective salt solutions, as were Sn-Bi alloys from a 2:1 Sn II /Bi III solution. The biphasic Sn-Bi alloys changed from a Bi-rich composition to a Sn-rich composition by making the deposition potential more negative.

21 CFR 73.2162 - Bismuth oxychloride.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Bismuth oxychloride. 73.2162 Section 73.2162 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF... following diluents: (i) For coloring cosmetics generally, only those diluents listed under § 73.1001(a)(1...

CONCENTRATION AND DECONTAMINATION OF SOLUTIONS CONTAINING PLUTONIUM VALUES BY BISMUTH PHOSPHATE CARRIER PRECIPITATION METHODS

DOEpatents

Seaborg, G.T.; Thompson, S.G.

1960-08-23

A process is given for isolating plutonium present in the tetravalent state in an aqueous solution together with fission products. First, the plutonium and fission products are coprecipitated on a bismuth phosphate carrier. The precipitate obtained is dissolved, and the plutonium in the solution is oxidized to the hexavalent state (with ceric nitrate, potassium dichromate, Pb/ sub 3/O/sub 4/, sodium bismuthate and/or potassium dichromate). Thereafter a carrier for fission products is added (bismuth phosphate, lanthanum fluoride, ceric phosphate, bismuth oxalate, thorium iodate, or thorium oxalate), and the fission-product precipitation can be repeated with one other of these carriers. After removal of the fission-product-containing precipitate or precipitates. the plutonium in the supernatant is reduced to the tetravalent state (with sulfur dioxide, hydrogen peroxide. or sodium nitrate), and a carrier for tetravalent plutonium is added (lanthanum fluoride, lanthanum hydroxide, lanthanum phosphate, ceric phosphate, thorium iodate, thorium oxalate, bismuth oxalate, or niobium pentoxide). The plutonium-containing precipitate is then dissolved in a relatively small volume of liquid so as to obtain a concentrated solution. Prior to dissolution, the bismuth phosphate precipitates first formed can be metathesized with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate and plutonium-containing lanthanum fluorides with alkali-metal hydroxide. In the solutions formed from a plutonium-containing lanthanum fluoride carrier the plutonium can be selectively precipitated with a peroxide after the pH was adjusted preferably to a value of between 1 and 2. Various combinations of second, third, and fourth carriers are discussed.

Identification of Nanocrystalline Inclusions in Bismuth-Doped Silica Fibers and Preforms.

PubMed

Iskhakova, Liudmila D; Milovich, Filipp O; Mashinsky, Valery M; Zlenko, Alexander S; Borisovsky, Sergey E; Dianov, Evgeny M

2016-10-01

The nature of nanocrystalline inclusions and dopant distribution in bismuth-doped silicate fibers and preforms are studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy and wavelength-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The core compositions are Bi:SiO2, Bi:Al2O3-SiO2, Bi:GeO2-SiO2, Bi:Al2O3-GeO2-SiO2, and Bi:P2O5-Al2O3-GeO2-SiO2. Nanocrystals of metallic Bi, Bi2O3, SiO2, GeO2, and Bi4(GeO4)3 are observed in these glasses. These inclusions can be the reason for the background optical loss in bismuth-doped optical fibers. The bismuth concentration of 0.0048±0.0006 at% is directly measured in aluminosilicate optical fibers with effective laser generation (slope efficiency of 27% at room temperature).

Myoclonic encephalopathy due to bismuth salts: treatment with dimercaprol and analysis of CSF transmitters.

PubMed

Molina, J A; Calandre, L; Bermejo, F

1989-03-01

Two cases of myoclonic encephalopathy due to bismuth salts intoxication are reported. In both, treatment with dimercaprol led to clinical recovery. This therapy was shown to enhance bismuth clearance. We also present data on the CSF metabolites dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin of one patient.

Thermoelectric characterization of individual bismuth selenide topological insulator nanoribbons.

PubMed

Tang, Hao; Wang, Xiaomeng; Xiong, Yucheng; Zhao, Yang; Zhang, Yin; Zhang, Yan; Yang, Juekuan; Xu, Dongyan

2015-04-21

Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanoribbons have attracted tremendous research interest recently to study the properties of topologically protected surface states that enable new opportunities to enhance the thermoelectric performance. However, the thermoelectric characterization of individual Bi2Se3 nanoribbons is rare due to the technological challenges in the measurements. One challenge is to ensure good contacts between the nanoribbon and electrodes in order to determine the thermal and electrical properties accurately. In this work, we report the thermoelectric characterization of individual Bi2Se3 nanoribbons via a suspended microdevice method. Through careful measurements, we have demonstrated that contact thermal resistance is negligible after the electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) of platinum/carbon (Pt/C) composites at the contacts between the nanoribbon and electrodes. It is shown that the thermal conductivity of the Bi2Se3 nanoribbons is less than 50% of the bulk value over the whole measurement temperature range, which can be attributed to enhanced phonon boundary scattering. Our results indicate that intrinsic Bi2Se3 nanoribbons prepared in this work are highly doped n-type semiconductors, and therefore the Fermi level should be in the conduction band and no topological transport behavior can be observed in the intrinsic system.

Integrated Liquid Bismuth Propellant Feed System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Markusic, Thomas E.; Stanojev, Boris J.

2006-01-01

A prototype bismuth propellant feed and control system was constructed and tested. An electromagnetic pump was used in this system to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure, and a new type of in-line flow sensor was developed to provide an accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of macor for the main body of both components. Post-test inspections of both components revealed no cracks or leaking in either. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, with a pressure of 10 kPa at 30 A. Flow sensing was successfully demonstrated in a bench-top test using gallium as a substitute liquid metal. A real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.

Development of Scintillators in Nuclear Medicine

PubMed Central

Khoshakhlagh, Mohammad; Islamian, Jalil Pirayesh; Abedi, Seyed Mohammad; Mahmoudian, Babak

2015-01-01

High-quality image is necessary for accurate diagnosis in nuclear medicine. There are many factors in creating a good image and detector is the most important one. In recent years, several detectors are studied to get a better picture. The aim of this paper is comparison of some type of these detectors such as thallium activated sodium iodide bismuth germinate cesium activated yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG: Ce) YAP: Ce “lutetium aluminum garnet activated by cerium” CRY018 “CRY019” lanthanum bromide and cadmium zinc telluride. We studied different properties of these crystals including density, energy resolution and decay times that are more important factors affecting the image quality. PMID:26420984

Disturbed oxidative metabolism in organic brain syndrome caused by bismuth in skin creams.

PubMed

Krüger, G; Thomas, D J; Weinhardt, F; Hoyer, S

1976-09-04

Two patients are described with an organic brain syndrome thought to be due to bismuth (Bi) absorbed from a skin cream. Both patients had intellectual impairment and memory loss punctuated by periods of confusion, tremulousness, clumsiness, difficulty in walking, and myoclonic jerks. A similar clinical picture has been reported from Australia and France in patients taking insoluble bismuth salts by mouth. Bi was found in cerebral venous blood in both patients and in the cerebrospinal fluid in one. It is suggested that bismuth can cross the blood/brain barrier and disturb oxidative cerebral metabolism, because increased lactate production was found with decreased consumption of oxygen and glucose and lowered cerebral blood-flow.

Contrasting role of antimony and bismuth dopants on the thermoelectric performance of lead selenide

DOE PAGES

Lee, Yeseul; Lo, Shih -Han; Chen, Changqiang; ...

2014-05-02

Increasing the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric materials is a key scientific driver behind a worldwide effort to enable heat to electricity power generation at competitive cost. Here we report an increased performance for antimony-doped lead selenide with a thermoelectric figure of merit of ~1.5 at 800 K. This is in sharp contrast to bismuth doped lead selenide, which reaches a figure of merit of <1. Substituting antimony or bismuth for lead achieves maximum power factors between ~23–27μW cm –1 K –2 at temperatures above 400 K. The addition of small amounts (~0.25 mol%) of antimony generates extensive nanoscale precipitates, whereasmore » comparable amounts of bismuth results in very few or no precipitates. The antimony-rich precipitates are endotaxial in lead selenide, and appear remarkably effective in reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. As a result, the corresponding bismuth-containing samples exhibit smaller reduction in lattice thermal conductivity.« less

Separation of bismuth from gram amounts of thallium and silver by cation-exchange chromatography in nitric acid.

PubMed

Meintjies, E; Strelow, F W; Victor, A H

1987-04-01

Traces and small amounts of bismuth can be separated from gram amounts of thallium and silver by successively eluting these elements with 0.3M and 0.6M nitric acid from a column containing 13 ml (3 g) of AG50W-X4, a cation-exchanger (100-200 mesh particle size) with low cross-linking. Bismuth is retained and can be eluted with 0.2M hydrobromic acid containing 20% v/v acetone, leaving many other trace elements absorbed. Elution of thallium is quite sharp, but silver shows a small amount of tailing (less than 1 gmg/ml silver in the eluate) when gram amounts are present, between 20 and 80 mug of silver appearing in the bismuth fraction. Relevant elution curves and results for the analysis of synthetic mixtures containing between 50 mug and 10 mg of bismuth and up to more than 1 g of thallium and silver are presented, as well as results for bismuth in a sample of thallium metal and in Merck thallium(I) carbonate. As little as 0.01 ppm of bismuth can be determined when the separation is combined with electrothermal atomic-absorption spectrometry.

Arkachan: A new gold-bismuth-siderite-sulfide type of deposits in the West Verkhoyansky tin district, Yakutia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamyanin, G. N.; Vikent'eva, O. V.; Prokof'ev, V. Yu.; Bortnikov, N. S.

2015-11-01

The formation sequence of orebodies, chemical composition of gangue and ore minerals, fluid inclusions, REE patterns, 40Ar/39Ar isotopic age, and relationships of stable isotopes (C, O, S) in minerals of the Arkachan gold-bismuth-siderite-sulfide deposit have been studied. The deposit has been localized in the Kuranakh Anticlinorium of the Verkhoyansky Fold-Nappe Belt at the intersection of the near-meridional Kygyltas and the NE-trending North Tirekhtyakh faults. The orebodies are extended (>2 km) and steeply dipping zones of veins and veinlets are hosted in Carbonaceous and Permian sandstones and siltstones deformed in anticlines and cut through by dikes pertaining to diorite-granodiorite-granite association. The deposit was formed during hydrothermal-metamorphic, productive main gold, silver-polymetallic, and silver-antimony stages. The orebodies are largely composed of quartz and siderite; arsenopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite are widespread; bismuthinite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and bismuth sulfosalts (gustavite, cosalite, matildite) are less abundant. The REE patterns of carbonates and quartz are characterized by a negative Eu anomaly. Three types of fluid inclusions (FI) in quartz and carbonates are distinguished: (I) liquid H2O + CO2 ± CH4 + NaCl, (II) gaseous CO2 ± CH4, and (III) aqueous salt solutions. The homogenization temperature and salinity of FI I vary from 385 to 280°C and 18.8 to 26.2 wt % NaCl equiv, respectively, whereas in FI III these parameters vary from 261 to 324°C and 3.7 to 9.5 wt % NaCl equiv. The pressure is estimated at 1830 to 1060 bar. The δ18O of quartz II associated with siderite I, native gold, and sulfosalts changes from +13.6 to 16.3‰(SMOW); δ18O and δ13C of siderite I related to gold-ore stage vary from +13.6 to +17.7‰ (SMOW) and from-6.0 to-3.0 (PDB). A wide range of δ34S from-5.7 to 16.0‰ (CDT) has been obtained for sulfides. The isotopic 40Ar/39Ar age of muscovite is 101.9 ± 1.4 Ma. The isotopic

21 CFR 73.2110 - Bismuth citrate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... restrictions. The color additive bismuth citrate may be safely used in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on..., eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. (d) Labeling. (1) The label of the color... abraded scalp. Do not use to color eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp...

21 CFR 73.2110 - Bismuth citrate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... restrictions. The color additive bismuth citrate may be safely used in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on..., eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. (d) Labeling. (1) The label of the color... abraded scalp. Do not use to color eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp...

21 CFR 73.2110 - Bismuth citrate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... restrictions. The color additive bismuth citrate may be safely used in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on..., eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. (d) Labeling. (1) The label of the color... abraded scalp. Do not use to color eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp...

21 CFR 73.2110 - Bismuth citrate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... restrictions. The color additive bismuth citrate may be safely used in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on..., eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. (d) Labeling. (1) The label of the color... abraded scalp. Do not use to color eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp...

21 CFR 73.2110 - Bismuth citrate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... restrictions. The color additive bismuth citrate may be safely used in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on..., eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. (d) Labeling. (1) The label of the color... abraded scalp. Do not use to color eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp...

Shape-controlled solvothermal synthesis of bismuth subcarbonate nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Gang; Yang, Hanmin; Rong, Kaifeng; Lu, Zhong; Yu, Xianglin; Chen, Rong

2010-08-01

Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of novel nanostructured materials because of their unique properties and potential applications. Bismuth subcarbonate ((BiO) 2CO 3) is one of commonly used antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori). Different (BiO) 2CO 3 nanostructures such as cube-like nanoparticles, nanobars and nanoplates, were fabricated from bismuth nitrate via a simple solvothermal method. The nanostructures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that the solvents and precursors have an influence on the morphologies of (BiO) 2CO 3 nanostructures. The possible formation mechanism of different (BiO) 2CO 3 nanostructures fabricated under different conditions was also discussed.

Structural and optical characterization of bismuth sulphide nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, N. M.; Poria, K. C.

2017-05-01

In this work Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanorods with a high order of crystallinity is synthesized via hydrothermal method from aqueous solution of Bismuth Nitrate Pentahydrate and elemental Sulphur using Triethanolamine (TEA) as capping agent. The microstructures of Bi2S3 nanorods were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The positions and relative intensities of all the peaks in XRD pattern are in good agreement with those of the orthorhombic crystal structure of Bi2S3. TEM images shows that synthesized Bi2S3 has morphology of nanorods while selected area electron diffraction pattern indicates single crystalline nature. The analysis of diffuse reflectance (DR) spectrum of as synthesized Bi2S3 using Kubelka - Munk theory suggests direct energy band gap of 1.5 eV.

Volume and Surface Properties of a Bismuth-Containing Separating Nickel Melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, K. S.

2017-11-01

The influence of a bismuth impurity on the properties of solid and liquid alloys in the concentration range that obeys Henry's law is considered. The structural and physicochemical properties, specifically, the density and the surface tension, of real melts are studied on relatively pure metals. The changes in the properties of the melts are estimated from changes in the temperature dependences of the density and the surface tension upon heating and cooling and in the concentration dependences of these parameters at a constant temperature. These dependences exhibit a correlation between the volume and surface properties of the melts: the density and the surface tension increase or decrease simultaneously. The introduction of bismuth in the nickel melt is accompanied by the appearance of a relatively strong compression effect (i.e., a decrease in the melt volume). At a certain bismuth content in the melt, the compression effect weakens because of the appearance of an excess phase or its associates and melt separation.

Ambient temperature thermoelectric performance of thermally evaporated p-type Bi-Sb-Te thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sukhdeep; Singh, Janpreet; Tripathi, S. K.

2018-04-01

Bismuth antimony telluride (BST) compounds have shown a promising performance in low to medium temperature thermoelectric (TE) conversion. One such composition, Bi1.2Sb0.8Te3, was synthesized by melting elemental entities and thin films of the as-synthesized material were deposited by thermal evaporation. X-Ray Diffraction analysis was conducted to study the crystallographic phases and other structural properties. Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements of as-prepared thin films were conducted in the temperature range from 303-363 K with a view to study ambient temperature application of the synthesized material for power generation in which an increasing trend was observed in the Seebeck coefficient. Electrical conductivity displayed a maximum value of 0.22 × 104 Sm-1 that was comparable to other Bi-Sb-Te compositions whereas power factor had its peak at 323 K. These trends observed in electrical properties indicate that synthesized material can be used for room temperature TE module fabrication.

ADSORPTION-BISMUTH PHOSPHATE METHOD FOR SEPARATING PLUTONIUM

DOEpatents

Russell, E.R.; Adamson, A.W.; Boyd, G.E.

1960-06-28

A process is given for separating plutonium from uranium and fission products. Plutonium and uranium are adsorbed by a cation exchange resin, plutonium is eluted from the adsorbent, and then, after oxidation to the hexavalent state, the plutonium is contacted with a bismuth phosphate carrier precipitate.

Bismuth Sulfide Nanoflowers for Detection of X-rays in the Mammographic Energy Range

PubMed Central

Nambiar, Shruti; Osei, Ernest K.; Yeow, John T. W.

2015-01-01

The increased use of diagnostic x-rays, especially in the field of medical radiology, has necessitated a significant demand for high resolution, real-time radiation detectors. In this regard, the photoresponse of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3), an n-type semiconducting metal chalcogenide, to low energy x-rays has been investigated in this study. In recent years, several types of nanomaterials of Bi2S3 have been widely studied for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. However, photoresponse of Bi2S3 nanomaterials for dosimetric applications has not yet been reported. The photosensitivity of Bi2S3 with nanoscale “flower-like” structures was characterized under x-ray tube-potentials typically used in mammographic procedures. Both dark current and photocurrent were measured under varying x-ray doses, field sizes, and bias voltages for each of the tube potentials – 20, 23, 26 and 30 kV. Results show that the Bi2S3 nanoflowers instantaneously responded to even minor changes in the dose delivered. The photoresponse was found to be relatively high (few nA) at bias voltage as low as +1 V, and fairly repeatable for both short and long exposures to mammographic x-rays with minimal or no loss in sensitivity. The overall dose-sensitivity of the Bi2S3 nanoflowers was found to be similar to that of a micro-ionization chamber. PMID:25801531

A density-functional study on the electronic and vibrational properties of layered antimony telluride.

PubMed

Stoffel, Ralf P; Deringer, Volker L; Simon, Ronnie E; Hermann, Raphaël P; Dronskowski, Richard

2015-03-04

We present a comprehensive survey of electronic and lattice-dynamical properties of crystalline antimony telluride (Sb2Te3). In a first step, the electronic structure and chemical bonding have been investigated, followed by calculations of the atomic force constants, phonon dispersion relationships and densities of states. Then, (macroscopic) physical properties of Sb2Te3 have been computed, namely, the atomic thermal displacement parameters, the Grüneisen parameter γ, the volume expansion of the lattice, and finally the bulk modulus B. We compare theoretical results from three popular and economic density-functional theory (DFT) approaches: the local density approximation (LDA), the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and a posteriori dispersion corrections to the latter. Despite its simplicity, the LDA shows excellent performance for all properties investigated-including the Grüneisen parameter, which only the LDA is able to recover with confidence. In the absence of computationally more demanding hybrid DFT methods, the LDA seems to be a good choice for further lattice dynamical studies of Sb2Te3 and related layered telluride materials.

Bismuth knowledge during the Renaissance strengthened by its use in Italian lustres production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padeletti, G.; Fermo, P.

The knowledge of bismuth during the XV and XVI centuries represents an open question since, according to some authors, this element was confused with lead, tin and silver. On the contrary, G. Agricola (1494-1555), the pioneer of mineralogical science in Europe, in his two works (De Natura Fossilium, Lib X, 1546 and Bermannus Sive De Re Metallica Dialogus, 1528) asserts that bismuth was considered as an element distinct from the other metals at that time. This question gave rise to some interest, and von Lippmann in 1930 wrote a treatise dealing with the history of bismuth between 1400 and 1800. In this work we present the results obtained on Italian and Hispano-Moresque shards studied by means of X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. It seems that our work could provide a new and important contribution to this debate, because we found bismuth in lustre composition of Renaissance shards produced in central Italy. Furthermore, we found that it could also be considered as a discriminating element between Italian and Hispano-Moresque productions, useful to assess their origin.

Light-Induced Surface Reactions at the Bismuth Vanadate/Potassium Phosphate Interface.

PubMed

Favaro, Marco; Abdi, Fatwa F; Lamers, Marlene; Crumlin, Ethan J; Liu, Zhi; van de Krol, Roel; Starr, David E

2018-01-18

Bismuth vanadate has recently drawn significant research attention as a light-absorbing photoanode due to its performance for photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this study, we use in situ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with "tender" X-rays (4.0 keV) to investigate a polycrystalline bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) electrode in contact with an aqueous potassium phosphate (KPi) solution at open circuit potential under both dark and light conditions. This is facilitated by the creation of a 25 to 30 nm thick electrolyte layer using the "dip-and-pull" method. We observe that under illumination bismuth phosphate forms on the BiVO 4 surface leading to an increase of the surface negative charge. The bismuth phosphate layer may act to passivate surface states observed in photoelectrochemical measurements. The repulsive interaction between the negatively charged surface under illumination and the phosphate ions in solution causes a shift in the distribution of ions in the thin aqueous electrolyte film, which is observed as an increase in their photoelectron signals. Interestingly, we find that such changes at the BiVO 4 /KPi electrolyte interface are reversible upon returning to dark conditions. By measuring the oxygen 1s photoelectron peak intensities from the phosphate ions and liquid water as a function of time under dark and light conditions, we determine the time scales for the forward and reverse reactions. Our results provide direct evidence for light-induced chemical modification of the BiVO 4 /KPi electrolyte interface.

Bismuth oxide nanotubes-graphene fiber-based flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopalsamy, Karthikeyan; Xu, Zhen; Zheng, Bingna; Huang, Tieqi; Kou, Liang; Zhao, Xiaoli; Gao, Chao

2014-07-01

Graphene-bismuth oxide nanotube fiber as electrode material for constituting flexible supercapacitors using a PVA/H3PO4 gel electrolyte is reported with a high specific capacitance (Ca) of 69.3 mF cm-2 (for a single electrode) and 17.3 mF cm-2 (for the whole device) at 0.1 mA cm-2, respectively. Our approach opens the door to metal oxide-graphene hybrid fibers and high-performance flexible electronics.Graphene-bismuth oxide nanotube fiber as electrode material for constituting flexible supercapacitors using a PVA/H3PO4 gel electrolyte is reported with a high specific capacitance (Ca) of 69.3 mF cm-2 (for a single electrode) and 17.3 mF cm-2 (for the whole device) at 0.1 mA cm-2, respectively. Our approach opens the door to metal oxide-graphene hybrid fibers and high-performance flexible electronics. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Equations and characterization. SEM images of GGO, XRD and XPS of Bi2O3 NTs, HRTEM images and EDX Spectra of Bi2O3 NT5-GF, CV curves of Bi2O3NT5-GF, Bi2O3 NTs and bismuth nitrate in three-electrode system (vs. Ag/AgCl). CV and GCD curves of Bi2O3 NT1-GF and Bi2O3 NT3-GF. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02615b

Bismuth silicate glass containing heavy metal oxide as a promising radiation shielding material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elalaily, Nagia A.; Abou-Hussien, Eman M.; Saad, Ebtisam A.

2016-12-01

Optical and FTIR spectroscopic measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties have been utilized to investigate and characterize the given compositions of binary bismuth silicate glasses. In this work, it is aimed to study the possibility of using the prepared bismuth silicate glasses as a good shielding material for γ-rays in which adding bismuth oxide to silicate glasses causes distinguish increase in its density by an order of magnitude ranging from one to two more than mono divalent oxides. The good thermal stability and high density of the bismuth-based silicate glass encourage many studies to be undertaken to understand its radiation shielding efficiency. For this purpose a glass containing 20% bismuth oxide and 80% SiO2 was prepared using the melting-annealing technique. In addition the effects of adding some alkali heavy metal oxides to this glass, such as PbO, BaO or SrO, were also studied. EPR measurements show that the prepared glasses have good stability when exposed to γ-irradiation. The changes in the FTIR spectra due to the presence of metal oxides were referred to the different housing positions and physical properties of the respective divalent Sr2+, Ba2+ and Pb2+ ions. Calculations of optical band gap energies were presented for some selected glasses from the UV data to support the probability of using these glasses as a gamma radiation shielding material. The results showed stability of both optical and magnetic spectra of the studied glasses toward gamma irradiation, which validates their irradiation shielding behavior and suitability as the radiation shielding candidate materials.

LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5}—A lithium bismuth sulfide with strong cation disorder

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

Nakhal, Suliman; Wiedemann, Dennis, E-mail: dennis.wiedemann@chem.tu-berlin.de; Stanje, Bernhard

Among chalcogenide semiconductors for thermoelectric applications, alkali-metal bismuth compounds occur in many complex compositions favorable for high performance. Although LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} had been announced in 1977, the potential 1D lithium-ion conductor has hitherto eluded selective synthesis and structure determination. In this study, we present a solid-state route to phase-pure LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} powder starting from LiBiS{sub 2} and Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}. Neutron diffractograms and lithium NMR spectra reveal its crystal structure to be a cation-disordered variety of the AgBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} type (synthetic pavonite; monoclinic, C2/m). Topological analyses and lithium NMR relaxometry suggest that correlated lithium-ion diffusion with activationmore » energies up to 0.66(2) eV occurs along the channels in b direction including tetrahedral voids. Because of cation disorder, immobile bismuth(III) ions clog these pathways, making LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} a moderate to poor ionic conductor. The synthesis route reported is nonetheless promising for new lithium bismuth sulfides with, possibly ordered, structure types of the pavonite homologous series. - Graphical abstract: Phase-pure LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} has been synthesized and shown to crystallize in cation-disordered variety of the AgBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} type (synthetic pavonite, C2/m) using neutron diffractometry. Topological analyses and NMR relaxometry suggest that immobile Bi{sup 3+} ions clog migration channels along b, making the material a poor lithium conductor. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Phase-pure LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} has been synthesized using a promising solid-state route. • LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} crystallizes in a cation-disordered variant of the AgBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} type. • Topological analyses suggest lithium diffusion in channels along b. • NMR relaxometry finds activation energies of diffusion as high as 0.66(2) eV. • Because of disorder, LiBi{sub 3}S{sub 5} is a moderate to poor lithium

Acute Esophageal Necrosis: A Case of Black Esophagus Associated with Bismuth Subsalicylate Ingestion

PubMed Central

Mankal, Pavan; Judeh, Hani; Kim, Sang

2014-01-01

We present a case of acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) likely caused by chronic use of bismuth subsalicylate, an active ingredient in over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol®, which contains 220 g of salicylic acid in each 30 mL quantity. While aspirin is known to cause gastritis and gastric ulcers, this is the first case, to our knowledge, reporting AEN after chronic bismuth subsalicylate use. PMID:26157851

Structural Dynamics and Evolution of Bismuth Electrodes during Electrochemical Reduction of CO 2 in Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Solutions

DOE PAGES

Medina-Ramos, Jonnathan; Lee, Sang Soo; Fister, Timothy T.; ...

2017-09-12

Real-time changes in the composition and structure of bismuth electrodes used for catalytic conversion of CO 2 into CO were examined via X-ray absorption spectroscopy (including XANES and EXAFS), electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and in situ X-ray reflectivity (XR). Measurements were performed with bismuth electrodes immersed in acetonitrile (MeCN) solutions containing a 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([BMIM] +) ionic liquid promoter or electrochemically inactive tetrabutylammonium supporting electrolytes (TBAPF 6 or TBAOTf). Altogether, these measurements show that bismuth electrodes are originally a mixture of bismuth oxides (including Bi 2O 3) and metallic bismuth (Bi 0), and that the reduction of oxidized bismuth speciesmore » to Bi 0 is fully achieved under potentials at which CO 2 activation takes place. Furthermore, EQCM measurements conducted during cyclic voltammetry revealed that a bismuth-coated quartz crystal exhibits significant shifts in resistance (ΔR) prior to the onset of CO 2 reduction near -1.75 V vs. Ag/AgCl and pronounced hysteresis in frequency (Δf) and ΔR, which suggests significant changes in roughness or viscosity at the Bi/[BMIM] + solution interface. In situ XR performed on rhombohedral Bi (001) oriented films indicates extensive restructuring of the bismuth film cathodes takes place upon polarization to potentials more negative than -1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is characterized by a decrease of the Bi (001) Bragg peak intensity of ≥50% in [BMIM]OTf solutions in the presence and absence of CO 2. Over 90% of the reflectivity is recovered during the anodic half-scan, suggesting that the structural changes are mostly reversible. By contrast, such a phenomenon is not observed for thin Bi (001) oriented films in solutions of tetrabutylammonium salts that do not promote CO 2 reduction. In conclusion, these results highlight that Bi electrodes undergo significant potential-dependent chemical and structural transformations in

Atomic Layer Deposition of Bismuth Vanadates for Solar Energy Materials.

PubMed

Stefik, Morgan

2016-07-07

The fabrication of porous nanocomposites is key to the advancement of energy conversion and storage devices that interface with electrolytes. Bismuth vanadate, BiVO4 , is a promising oxide for solar water splitting where the controlled fabrication of BiVO4 layers within porous, conducting scaffolds has remained a challenge. Here, the atomic layer deposition of bismuth vanadates is reported from BiPh3 , vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide, and water. The resulting films have tunable stoichiometry and may be crystallized to form the photoactive scheelite structure of BiVO4 . A selective etching process was used with vanadium-rich depositions to enable the synthesis of phase-pure BiVO4 after spinodal decomposition. BiVO4 thin films were measured for photoelectrochemical performance under AM 1.5 illumination. The average photocurrents were 1.17 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode using a hole-scavenging sulfite electrolyte. The capability to deposit conformal bismuth vanadates will enable a new generation of nanocomposite architectures for solar water splitting. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multi-elemental bio-imaging of rat tissue from a study investigating the bioavailability of bismuth from shotgun pellets.

PubMed

Urgast, Dagmar S; Ellingsen, Dag G; Berlinger, Balázs; Eilertsen, Einar; Friisk, Grete; Skaug, Vidar; Thomassen, Yngvar; Beattie, John H; Kwun, In-Sook; Feldmann, Jörg

2012-07-01

In recent years, bismuth has been promoted as a "green element" and is used as a substitute for the toxic lead in ammunition and other applications. However, the bioavailability and toxicity of bismuth is still not very well described. Following a hunting accident with bismuth-containing shots, a bioavailability study of bismuth from metal pellets inoculated into rat limb muscles was carried out. Bismuth could be found in urine and blood of the animals. Bio-imaging using laser ablation ICP-MS of thin sections of the tissue around the metal implant was carried out to find out more about the distribution of the metal diffusing into the tissue. Two laser ablation systems with different ablation cell designs were compared regarding their analytical performance. Low concentrations of bismuth showing a non-symmetrical pattern were detected in the tissue surrounding the metal implant. This was partly an artefact from cutting the thin sections but also bio-mobilisation of the metals of the implant could be seen. An accumulation of zinc around the implant was interpreted as a marker of inflammation. Challenges regarding sample preparation for laser ablation and bio-imaging of samples of diverse composition became apparent during the analysis.

Role of Hydrogen in Defining the n-Type Character of BiVO 4 Photoanodes

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

Cooper, Jason K.; Scott, Soren B.; Ling, Yichuan

The roles of hydrogen impurity and oxygen vacancy defects on defining the conductivity, and hence photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance characteristics, of monoclinic scheelite bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4) are investigated using a combination of experiment and theory. We find that elemental hydrogen is present as an impurity in as-synthesized BiVO 4 and that increasing its concentration by annealing in H 2 at temperatures up to 290°C leads to near-complete elimination of majority carrier transport limitations, a beneficial shift in the photoanodic current onset potential, and improved fill factor. Magnetic resonance measurements reveal that hydrogen can be incorporated in at least two differentmore » chemical environments, which are assigned to interstitial and substitutional sites. Incorporation of hydrogen leads to a shift of the Fermi level toward the conduction band edge, indicating that n-type character is correlated with increased hydrogen content. This finding is in agreement with theory and reveals that hydrogen acts as a donor in BiVO 4. Sub-bandgap photoluminescence is observed from as-synthesized material and is consistent with deep electronic states associated with oxygen vacancies. Hydrogen treatment leads to reduced emission from these states. These findings support the conclusion that hydrogen, rather than oxygen vacancies, is dominant in determining the n-type conductivity of BiVO 4. These findings have important implications for controlling the electronic properties and functional characteristics of this promising photoanode material.« less

Role of Hydrogen in Defining the n-Type Character of BiVO 4 Photoanodes

DOE PAGES

Cooper, Jason K.; Scott, Soren B.; Ling, Yichuan; ...

2016-07-19

The roles of hydrogen impurity and oxygen vacancy defects on defining the conductivity, and hence photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance characteristics, of monoclinic scheelite bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4) are investigated using a combination of experiment and theory. We find that elemental hydrogen is present as an impurity in as-synthesized BiVO 4 and that increasing its concentration by annealing in H 2 at temperatures up to 290°C leads to near-complete elimination of majority carrier transport limitations, a beneficial shift in the photoanodic current onset potential, and improved fill factor. Magnetic resonance measurements reveal that hydrogen can be incorporated in at least two differentmore » chemical environments, which are assigned to interstitial and substitutional sites. Incorporation of hydrogen leads to a shift of the Fermi level toward the conduction band edge, indicating that n-type character is correlated with increased hydrogen content. This finding is in agreement with theory and reveals that hydrogen acts as a donor in BiVO 4. Sub-bandgap photoluminescence is observed from as-synthesized material and is consistent with deep electronic states associated with oxygen vacancies. Hydrogen treatment leads to reduced emission from these states. These findings support the conclusion that hydrogen, rather than oxygen vacancies, is dominant in determining the n-type conductivity of BiVO 4. These findings have important implications for controlling the electronic properties and functional characteristics of this promising photoanode material.« less

Exploring reaction pathways in the hydrothermal growth of phase-pure bismuth ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldman, Abby R.; Fredricks, Jeremy L.; Estroff, Lara A.

2017-06-01

Phase-pure bismuth ferrites (BiFeO3 and Bi2Fe4O9) are grown using hydrothermal synthesis. In addition to varying the KOH, bismuth, and iron salt concentrations to tune which crystalline phases are formed, we identified that a 48 h, pre-furnace, room temperature reaction is critical for the formation of phase-pure BiFeO3. To understand the reaction pathways leading to the different bismuth ferrite phases, we investigate the changes in composition of the intermediate products as a function of reagent concentrations and room temperature reaction times. During the syntheses that included a room temperature reaction, Bi25FeO40 is formed in the intermediate products, and BiFeO3 is the majority phase of the final products. The BiFeO3 crystals grown using this method are clusters of faceted subunits. These results indicate that forming Bi25FeO40 is a productive route to the formation of BiFeO3. Bi2Fe4O9 is formed via an alternate reaction pathway that proceeded via an amorphous precursor. This improved understanding of how hydrothermal synthesis can be used to control the phase-purity and morphology of bismuth ferrites opens doors to explore the multiferroic properties of BiFeO3 with complex morphologies.

Second-line bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication and impact of diabetes

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung Eun; Park, Moo In; Park, Seun Ja; Moon, Won; Kim, Jae Hyun; Jung, Kyoungwon; Kim, Hae Koo; Lee, Young Dal

2017-01-01

AIM To investigate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rates using second-line bismuth-containing quadruple therapy and to identify predictors of eradication failure. METHODS This study included 636 patients who failed first-line triple therapy and received 7 d of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy between January 2005 and December 2015. We retrospectively demonstrated H. pylori eradication rates with respect to the year of therapy as well as demographic and clinical factors. H. pylori eradication was confirmed by a 13C-urea breath test or a rapid urease test at least 4 wk after the completion of bismuth-based quadruple therapy: proton pump inhibitor, metronidazole, bismuth, and tetracycline. RESULTS The overall eradication rates by intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis were 73.9% (95%CI: 70.1%-77.4%) and 94.5% (95%CI: 92.4%-96.5%), respectively. Annual eradication rates from 2005 to 2015 were 100.0%, 92.9%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 97.4%, 100.0%, 93.8%, 84.4%, 98.9%, and 92.5%, respectively, by per-protocol analysis. A multivariate analysis showed that diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.99, 95%CI: 1.56-10.20, P = 0.004) was associated with H. pylori eradication therapy failure. CONCLUSION The second-line bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori infection is still effective in Korea, and diabetes mellitus is suggested to be a risk factor for eradication failure. PMID:28246480

Two-color detector: Mercury-cadmium-telluride as a terahertz and infrared detector

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

Sizov, F.; Zabudsky, V.; Petryakov, V.

2015-02-23

In this paper, issues associated with the development of infrared (IR) and terahertz (THz) radiation detectors based on HgCdTe are discussed. Two-color un-cooled and cooled to 78 K narrow-gap mercury-cadmium-telluride semiconductor thin layers with antennas were considered both as sub-THz (sub-THz) direct detection bolometers and 3–10 μm IR photoconductors. The noise equivalent power (NEP) for one of the detectors studied at ν ≈ 140 GHz reaches NEP{sub 300 K} ≈ 4.5 × 10{sup −10} W/Hz{sup 1/2} and NEP{sub 78 K} ≈ 5 × 10{sup −9} W/Hz{sup 1/2}. The same detector used as an IR photoconductor showed the responsivity at temperatures T = 78 K and 300 K with signal-to-noisemore » ratio S/N ≈ 750 and 50, respectively, under illumination by using IR monochromator and globar as a thermal source.« less

76 FR 46288 - Adequacy Determination for Colorado Springs, Cañon City, Greeley, Pagosa Springs, and Telluride...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-02

... Springs, Ca[ntilde]on City, Greeley, Pagosa Springs, and Telluride; Carbon Monoxide and PM 10 Maintenance... transportation conformity purposes: ``Revised Carbon Monoxide Attainment/Maintenance Plan Colorado Springs Attainment/ Maintenance Area'' and ``Revised Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan Greeley Attainment/Maintenance...

Influence of proton-pump inhibitors on stomach wall uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in cadmium-zinc-telluride SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging.

PubMed

Mouden, Mohamed; Rijkee, Karlijn S; Schreuder, Nanno; Timmer, Jorik R; Jager, Pieter L

2015-02-01

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) induce potentially interfering stomach wall activity in single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc)-sestamibi. However, no data are available for (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin. We assessed the influence of prolonged (>2 weeks) PPI use on the stomach wall uptake of (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin in patients referred for stress MPI with a cadmium-zinc-telluride-based SPECT camera and its relation with dyspepsia symptoms. Consecutive patients (n=127) underwent a 1-day adenosine stress-first SPECT-MPI with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin, of whom 54 (43%) patients had been on PPIs for more than 2 weeks. Stomach wall activity was identified on stress SPECT using computed tomographic attenuation maps and was scored using a four-point grading scale into clinically relevant (scores 2 or 3) or nonrelevant (scores 0 or 1).Patients on PPIs had stomach wall uptake more frequently as compared with patients not using PPIs (22 vs. 7%, P=0.017). Dyspepsia was similar in both groups. Prolonged use of PPIs is associated with stomach wall uptake of (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin in stress cadmium-zinc-telluride-SPECT images. Gastric symptoms were not associated with stomach wall uptake.

Performance of a Thermoelectric Device with Integrated Heat Exchangers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, Matthew M.; Agbim, Kenechi A.; Chyu, Minking K.

2015-06-01

Thermoelectric devices (TEDs) convert heat directly into electrical energy, making them well suited for waste heat recovery applications. An integrated thermoelectric device (iTED) is a restructured TED that allows more heat to enter the p-n junctions, thus producing a greater power output . An iTED has heat exchangers incorporated into the hot-side interconnectors with flow channels directing the working fluid through the heat exchangers. The iTED was constructed of p- and n-type bismuth-telluride semiconductors and copper interconnectors and rectangular heat exchangers. The performance of the iTED in terms of , produced voltage and current , heat input and conversion efficiency for various flow rates (), inlet temperatures (C) ) and load resistances () with a constant cold-side temperature ( = 0C) was conducted experimentally. An increase in had a greater effect on the performance than did an increase in . A 3-fold increase in resulted in a 3.2-, 3.1-, 9.7-, 3.5- and 2.8-fold increase in and respectively. For a constant of 50C, a 3-fold increase in from 3300 to 9920 resulted in 1.6-, 1.6-, 2.6-, 1.5- and 1.9-fold increases in , , , and respectively.

Seeded Physical Vapor Transport of Cadmium-Zinc Telluride Crystals: Growth and Characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palosz, W.; George, M. A.; Collins, E. E.; Chen, K.-T.; Zhang, Y.; Burger, A.

1997-01-01

Crystals of Cd(1-x)Zn(x)Te with x = 0.2 and 40 g in weight were grown on monocrystalline cadmium-zinc telluride seeds by closed-ampoule physical vapor transport with or without excess (Cd + Zn) in the vapor phase. Two post-growth cool-down rates were used. The crystals were characterized using low temperature photoluminescence, atomic force microscopy, chemical etching, X-ray diffraction and electrical measurements. No formation of a second, ZnTe-rich phase was observed.

Dual-modality, fluorescent, PLGA encapsulated bismuth nanoparticles for molecular and cellular fluorescence imaging and computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swy, Eric R.; Schwartz-Duval, Aaron S.; Shuboni, Dorela D.; Latourette, Matthew T.; Mallet, Christiane L.; Parys, Maciej; Cormode, David P.; Shapiro, Erik M.

2014-10-01

Reports of molecular and cellular imaging using computed tomography (CT) are rapidly increasing. Many of these reports use gold nanoparticles. Bismuth has similar CT contrast properties to gold while being approximately 1000-fold less expensive. Herein we report the design, fabrication, characterization, and CT and fluorescence imaging properties of a novel, dual modality, fluorescent, polymer encapsulated bismuth nanoparticle construct for computed tomography and fluorescence imaging. We also report on cellular internalization and preliminary in vitro and in vivo toxicity effects of these constructs. 40 nm bismuth(0) nanocrystals were synthesized and encapsulated within 120 nm Poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles by oil-in-water emulsion methodologies. Coumarin-6 was co-encapsulated to impart fluorescence. High encapsulation efficiency was achieved ~70% bismuth w/w. Particles were shown to internalize within cells following incubation in culture. Bismuth nanocrystals and PLGA encapsulated bismuth nanoparticles exhibited >90% and >70% degradation, respectively, within 24 hours in acidic, lysosomal environment mimicking media and both remained nearly 100% stable in cytosolic/extracellular fluid mimicking media. μCT and clinical CT imaging was performed at multiple X-ray tube voltages to measure concentration dependent attenuation rates as well as to establish the ability to detect the nanoparticles in an ex vivo biological sample. Dual fluorescence and CT imaging is demonstrated as well. In vivo toxicity studies in rats revealed neither clinically apparent side effects nor major alterations in serum chemistry and hematology parameters. Calculations on minimal detection requirements for in vivo targeted imaging using these nanoparticles are presented. Indeed, our results indicate that these nanoparticles may serve as a platform for sensitive and specific targeted molecular CT and fluorescence imaging.Reports of molecular and cellular imaging using

"Chemical contraction" in rubidium-bismuth melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khairulin, R. A.; Abdullaev, R. N.; Stankus, S. V.

2017-10-01

The density and thermal expansion of liquid rubidium and rubidium-bismuth alloy containing 25.0 at % Bi were measured by the gamma-ray attenuation technique at temperatures from liquidus to 1000 K. The results of this study were compared with the data obtained by other authors. The molar volume of the Rb75Bi25 melt strongly deviates from the additivity rule for ideal solutions.

The Effect of Microgravity on the Growth of Lead Tin Telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, R.

2000-01-01

The main objective of this research was to present a model for the prediction of the effect of the microgravity environment on the growth of Lead Tin Telluride. The attitude change and its relation to the experimental objectives: The main objective for the AADSF experiment on USMP 3 involving LTT growth was to estimate the effect of ampoule orientation on the axial and radial segregation of tin telluride. As the furnace was not situated on a gimbal there was no possibility to reorient the ampoule during the flight. Instead the only way to change the growth orientation was to change the attitude of the orbiter. This was accomplished by vernier rocket firings. In what follows it must be noted that the orbiter body coordinates are such that the positive z axis points outward from the 'belly', the positive 'x' axis points outwards from the nose and the positive 'y' axis points outwards from the starboard side. The furnace which was in the pay load had its axis aligned with the orbiter's 'z' axis with the hot end closest to the shuttle body. There were basically three orientations that were desired. These corresponded to the ampoule being seen as a heated from above (thermally stable-solutally unstable) configuration, the heated from below (where the instabilities were reversed from the first orientation) configuration and an 'in between' case where the ampoule axis was misaligned with respect to the orbiters 'g(sub z)' axis.

Evolution of microstructural disorder in annealed bismuth telluride nanowires

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

Erickson, Kristopher J.; Limmer, Steven J.; Yelton, W. Graham

Controlling the distribution of structural defects in nanostructures is important since such defects can strongly affect critical properties, including thermal and electronic transport. However, characterizing the defect arrangements in individual nanostructures is difficult because of the small length scales involved. Here, we investigate the evolution of microstructural disorder with annealing in electrochemically deposited Bi2Te3 nanowires, which are of interest for thermoelectrics. We combine Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) to provide the necessary spatial and orientational resolution. We find that despite their large initial grain sizes and strong Formula crystallographic texturing, the as-deposited nanowires stillmore » exhibit significant intragranular orientational disorder. Annealing drives both grain growth and a significant reduction in the intragranular disorder. The results are discussed in the context of the existing understanding of the initial microstructure of electrodeposited materials and the understanding of annealing microstructures in both electrochemically deposited and bulk-deformed materials. Finally, this analysis highlights the importance of assessing both the grain size and intragranular disorder in understanding the microstructural evolution of individual nanostructures.« less

Evolution of microstructural disorder in annealed bismuth telluride nanowires

DOE PAGES

Erickson, Kristopher J.; Limmer, Steven J.; Yelton, W. Graham; ...

2017-03-01

Controlling the distribution of structural defects in nanostructures is important since such defects can strongly affect critical properties, including thermal and electronic transport. However, characterizing the defect arrangements in individual nanostructures is difficult because of the small length scales involved. Here, we investigate the evolution of microstructural disorder with annealing in electrochemically deposited Bi2Te3 nanowires, which are of interest for thermoelectrics. We combine Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) to provide the necessary spatial and orientational resolution. We find that despite their large initial grain sizes and strong Formula crystallographic texturing, the as-deposited nanowires stillmore » exhibit significant intragranular orientational disorder. Annealing drives both grain growth and a significant reduction in the intragranular disorder. The results are discussed in the context of the existing understanding of the initial microstructure of electrodeposited materials and the understanding of annealing microstructures in both electrochemically deposited and bulk-deformed materials. Finally, this analysis highlights the importance of assessing both the grain size and intragranular disorder in understanding the microstructural evolution of individual nanostructures.« less

Power Generation Evaluated on a Bismuth Telluride Unicouple Module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaokai; Nagase, Kazuo; Jood, Priyanka; Ohta, Michihiro; Yamamoto, Atsushi

2015-06-01

The power generated by a thermoelectric unicouple module made of Bi2Te3 alloy was evaluated by use of a newly developed instrument. An electrical load was connected to the module, and the terminal voltage and output power of the module were obtained by altering electric current. Water flow was used to cool the cold side of the module and for heat flow measurement, by monitoring inlet and outlet temperatures. When the electric current was increased, heat flow was enhanced as a result of the Peltier effect and Joule heating. Voltage, power, heat flow, and efficiency as functions of current were determined for hot-side temperatures from 50 to 220°C. Maximum power output and peak conversion efficiency could thus be easily derived for each temperature.

Bismuth-embedded SBA-15 mesoporous silica for radioactive iodine capture and stable storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jae Hwan; Cho, Yong-Jun; Shin, Jin Myeong; Yim, Man-Sung

2015-10-01

Efficient capture and stable storage of the long-lived iodine-129 (129I), released as off-gas from nuclear fuel reprocessing, have been of significant concern in the waste management field. In this study, bismuth-embedded SBA-15 mesoporous silica was firstly applied for iodine capture and storage. SBA-15 was functionalized with thiol (-SH) groups, followed by bismuth adsorption with Bi-S bonding, which was thermally treated to form Bi2S3 within SBA-15. The bismuth-embedded SBA-15s demonstrated high iodine loading capacities (up to 540 mg-I/g-sorbent), which benefitted from high surface area and porosity of SBA-15 as well as the formation of thermodynamically stable BiI3 compound. Iodine physisorption was effectively suppressed due to the large pores present in SBA-15, resulting in chemisorption as a main mechanism for iodine confinement. Furthermore, a chemically durable iodine-bearing material was made with a facile post-sorption process, during which the iodine-incorporated phase was changed from BiI3 to chemically durable Bi5O7I. Thus, our results showed that both efficient capture and stabilization of 129I would be possible with the bismuth-embedded SBA-15, in contrast to other sorbents mainly focused on iodine capture.

Formation and acceleration of uniformly filled ellipsoidal electron bunches obtained via space-charge-driven expansion from a cesium-telluride photocathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piot, P.; Sun, Y.-E.; Maxwell, T. J.; Ruan, J.; Secchi, E.; Thangaraj, J. C. T.

2013-01-01

We report the experimental generation, acceleration, and characterization of a uniformly filled electron bunch obtained via space-charge-driven expansion (often referred to as “blow-out regime”) in an L-band (1.3-GHz) radiofrequency photoinjector. The beam is photoemitted from a cesium-telluride semiconductor photocathode using a short (<200fs) ultraviolet laser pulse. The produced electron bunches are characterized with conventional diagnostics and the signatures of their ellipsoidal character are observed. We especially demonstrate the production of ellipsoidal bunches with charges up to ˜0.5nC corresponding to a ˜20-fold increase compared to previous experiments with metallic photocathodes.

Two-week, high-dose proton pump inhibitor, moxifloxacin triple Helicobacter pylori therapy after failure of standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple treatments.

PubMed

Gisbert, Javier P; Romano, Marco; Molina-Infante, Javier; Lucendo, Alfredo J; Medina, Enrique; Modolell, Inés; Rodríguez-Tellez, Manuel; Gomez, Blas; Barrio, Jesús; Perona, Monica; Ortuño, Juan; Ariño, Inés; Domínguez-Muñoz, Juan Enrique; Perez-Aisa, Ángeles; Bermejo, Fernando; Domínguez, Jose Luis; Almela, Pedro; Gomez-Camarero, Judith; Millastre, Judith; Martin-Noguerol, Elisa; Gravina, Antonietta G; Martorano, Marco; Miranda, Agnese; Federico, Alessandro; Fernandez-Bermejo, Miguel; Angueira, Teresa; Ferrer-Barcelo, Luis; Fernández, Nuria; Marín, Alicia C; McNicholl, Adrián G

2015-02-01

Aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a moxifloxacin-containing second-line triple regimen in patients whose previous Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment failed. Prospective multicentre study including patients in whom a triple therapy or a non-bismuth-quadruple-therapy failed. Moxifloxacin (400mg qd), amoxicillin (1g bid), and esomeprazole (40 mg bid) were prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by (13)C-urea-breath-test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. 250 patients were consecutively included (mean age 48 ± 15 years, 11% with ulcer). Previous (failed) therapy included: standard triple (n = 179), sequential (n = 27), and concomitant (n = 44); 97% of patients took all medications, 4 were lost to follow-up. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 82.4% (95% CI, 77-87%) and 85.7% (95% CI, 81-90%). Cure rates were similar independently of diagnosis (ulcer, 77%; dyspepsia, 82%) and previous treatment (standard triple, 83%; sequential, 89%; concomitant, 77%). At multivariate analysis, only age was associated with eradication (OR = 0.957; 95% CI, 0.933-0.981). Adverse events were reported in 25.2% of patients: diarrhoea (9.6%), abdominal pain (9.6%), and nausea (9.2%). 14-day moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy is an effective and safe second-line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple therapy or non-bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapy has failed, providing a simple alternative to bismuth quadruple regimen. Copyright © 2014 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of ranitidine and bismuth derived from two compound preparations

PubMed Central

Zhou, Quan; Ruan, Zou-Rong; Yuan, Hong; Jiang, Bo; Xu, Dong-Hang

2006-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the bioequivalence of ranitidine and bismuth derived from two compound preparations. METHODS: The bioavailability was measured in 20 healthy male Chinese volunteers following a single oral dose (equivalent to 200 mg of ranitidine and 220 mg of bismuth) of the test or reference products in the fasting state. Then blood samples were collected for 24 h. Plasma concentrations of ranitidine and bismuth were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The non-compartmental method was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. Log-transformed Cmax, AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity) were tested for bioequivalence using ANOVA and Schuirmann two-one sided t-test. Tmax was analyzed by Wilcoxon’s test. RESULTS: Various pharmacokinetic parameters of ranitidine derived from the two compound preparations, including Cmax, AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), Tmax and T1/2, were nearly consistent with previous observations. These parameters derived from test and reference drug were as follows: Cmax (0.67 ± 0.21 vs 0.68 ± 0.22 mg/L), AUC(0-t) (3.1 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.7 mg/L per hour), AUC(0-infinity) (3.3 ± 0.6 vs 3.2 ± 0.8 mg/L per hour), Tmax (2.3 ± 0.9 vs 2.1 ± 0.9 h) and T1/2 (2.8 ± 0.3 vs 3.1 ± 0.4 h). In addition, double-peak absorption profiles of ranitidine were found in some Chinese volunteers. For bismuth, those parameters derived from test and reference drug were as follows: Cmax (11.80 ± 7.36 vs 11.40 ± 6.55 μg/L), AUC(0-t) (46.65 ± 16.97 vs 47.03 ± 21.49 μg/L per hour), Tmax (0.50 ± 0.20 vs 0.50 ± 0.20 h) and T1/2 (10.2 ± 2.3 vs 13.0 ± 6.9 h). Ninety percent of confidence intervals for the test/reference ratio of Cmax, AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity) derived from both ranitidine and bismuth were found within the bioequivalence acceptable range of 80%-125%. No significant difference was found in Tmax derived from both ranitidine and bismuth. CONCLUSION: The two compound preparations

Temperature-dependent phase transition and comparative investigation on enhanced magnetic and optical properties between sillenite and perovskite bismuth ferrite-rGO nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalil, M. A.; Chowdhury, Sayeed Shafayet; Alam Sakib, Mashnoon; Enamul Hoque Yousuf, S. M.; Khan Ashik, Emran; Firoz, Shakhawat H.; Basith, M. A.

2017-08-01

The manuscript reports the synthesis as well as a comparative investigation of the structural, magnetic, and optical properties between sillenite and perovskite type bismuth ferrite-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites. Graphite oxide is prepared using the modified Hummers' method, followed by hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth ferrite-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites at different reaction temperatures. The X-ray diffraction measurements confirm the formation of perovskite type BiFeO3-rGO nanocomposites at a reaction temperature of 200 °C. This is the lowest temperature to obtain perovskite type BiFeO3-rGO nanocomposites under the reaction procedure adopted, however, a structural transition to sillenite type Bi25FeO40-rGO is observed at 180 °C. The FESEM images demonstrate that the particle size of the perovskite nanocomposite is 25-60 nm, and for the sillenite phase nanocomposite it is 10-30 nm. The as-synthesized nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced saturation magnetization over pure BiFeO3 nanoparticles, with the sillenite Bi25FeO40-rGO nanocomposite having higher saturation magnetization than perovskite BiFeO3-rGO. The optical characteristics of the as-synthesized nanocomposites demonstrate considerably higher absorbance in the visible range with significantly lower band gap in comparison to undoped BiFeO3. Again, the sillenite Bi25FeO40-rGO nanocomposite is shown to have a lower band gap compared to the perovskite counterpart. Our investigation provides a means of selective phase formation as desired between sillenite Bi25FeO40-rGO and perovskite BiFeO3-rGO by controlling the hydrothermal reaction temperature. The outcome of our investigation suggests that the formation of nanocomposite of sillenite bismuth ferrite with reduced graphene oxide is promising to improve the magnetic and optical properties for potential technological applications.

Preparation of bismuth titanate/calcium alginate composite bead and its photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Huihui; Dong, Nanyang; Lu, Linxiao; Fu, Yan; Zhang, Huining; Qian, Yongxin; Zhang, Kefeng; Jin, Huixia

2017-08-01

In this study, the bismuth titanate/calcium alginate composite bead was synthesized by immobilizing bismuth titanate Bi4Ti3O12 particles into 1.5% sodium alginate (SA) matrix. The Bi4Ti3O12 particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye Rhodamine B in solution by as-prepared bismuth titanate/calcium alginate composite bead was investigated. The as-prepared composite beads CA/BTO-700 exhibited best photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of RhB compared with CA/BTO-800 and CA/BTO-900 under simulated solar light. After 4 cycles in photocatalytic degradation of RhB, the degradation rate of the CA/BTO-700 nearly remained unchanged.

Beta-decay measurements of neutron-rich thallium, lead, and bismuth by means of resonant laser ionisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franchoo, S.; de Witte, H.; Andreyev, A. N.; Cederka¨Ll, J.; Dean, S.; de Smet, A.; Eeckhaudt, S.; Fedorov, D. V.; Fedosseev, V. N.; G´Rska, M.; Huber, G.; Huyse, M.; Janas, Z.; Ko¨Ster, U.; Kurcewicz, W.; Kurpeta, J.; Mayer, P.; Płchocki, A.; van de Vel, K.; van Duppen, P.; Weissman, L.; Isolde Collaboration

2004-04-01

Neutron-rich thallium, lead, and bismuth isotopes were investigated at the ISOLDE facility. After mass separation and resonant laser ionisation of the produced activity, new spectroscopic data were obtained for 215,218Bi and 215Pb. An attempt to reach heavy thallium had to be abandoned because of a strong francium component in the beam that gave rise to a neutron background through (α,n) reactions on the aluminium walls of the experimental chamber.

Evaluation of the gamma radiation shielding parameters of bismuth modified quaternary glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Parminder; Singh, K. J.; Thakur, Sonika

2018-05-01

Glasses modified with heavy metal oxides (HMO) are an interesting area of research in the field of gamma-ray shielding. Bismuth modified lithium-zinc-borate glasses have been studied whereby bismuth oxide is added from 0 to 50 mol%. The gamma ray shielding properties of the glasses were evaluated at photon energy 662 keV with the help of XMuDat computer program by using the Hubbell and Seltzer database. Various gamma ray shielding parameters such as attenuation coefficient, shield thickness in terms of half and tenth value layer, effective atomic number have been studied in this work. A useful comparison of this glass system has been made with standard radiation shielding concretes viz. ordinary, barite and iron concrete. The glass samples containing 20 to 50 mol% bismuth oxide have shown better gamma ray shielding properties and hence have the potential to become good radiation absorbers.

Energy Harvesting & Recapture from Human Subjects: Dual-Stage MEMS Cantilever Energy Harvester

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

15 Figure 5. (a) In-plane overlap-varying capacitive harvester, (b) In-plane gap-closing capacitive harvester, (c) Out -of-plane gap-closing...capacitive harvester, (c) Out -of-plane gap-closing capacitive harvester [1] The two-way arrows in each subpart of Figure 5 indicate the shuttle’s direction...are compatible with other wafer -based technologies. Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3), a common Seebeck thermoelectric material, is able to be processed

Computational chemistry calculations of stability for bismuth nanotubes, fullerene-like structures and hydrogen-containing nanostructures.

PubMed

Kharissova, Oxana V; Osorio, Mario; Vázquez, Mario Sánchez; Kharisov, Boris I

2012-08-01

Using molecular mechanics (MM+), semi-empirical (PM6) and density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP) methods we characterized bismuth nanotubes. In addition, we predicted the bismuth clusters {Bi(20)(C(5V)), Bi(24)(C(6v)), Bi(28)(C(1)), B(32)(D(3H)), Bi(60)(C(I))} and calculated their conductor properties.

Explanation of the conductivity minimum in tin- and tellurium-doped bismuth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Arpita; Banerjee, Dipali; Bhattacharya, Ramendranarayan

1995-01-01

The presence of a minimum observed in the variation of conductivity of bismuth with impurity concentrations at a constant temperature (4.2 K) has remained unexplained for a long time. An attempt to explain this anomalous behavior is reported here. In order to do so, a calculation has been made to find the change in the number of free carriers in bismuth with the addition of impurities (donors or acceptors). The calculation has been made using simple parabolic bands. It is known that when tin or tellurium atoms are added as impurities to bismuth all of the atoms are ionized. It has been found here that the number of free carriers initially shows a slow rate of decrease (for donors) or a slow rate of increase (for acceptors) as the impurity concentration is increased, as long as the impurity concentration is small, i.e., as long as the shift of the Fermi level is small. For a higher impurity concentration the number of carriers increases at a rate equal to that of the impurity concentration. This finding, combined with the scattering by impurity ions, could explain the anomalous behavior satisfactorily.

Dual-modality, fluorescent, PLGA encapsulated bismuth nanoparticles for molecular and cellular fluorescence imaging and computed tomography.

PubMed

Swy, Eric R; Schwartz-Duval, Aaron S; Shuboni, Dorela D; Latourette, Matthew T; Mallet, Christiane L; Parys, Maciej; Cormode, David P; Shapiro, Erik M

2014-11-07

Reports of molecular and cellular imaging using computed tomography (CT) are rapidly increasing. Many of these reports use gold nanoparticles. Bismuth has similar CT contrast properties to gold while being approximately 1000-fold less expensive. Herein we report the design, fabrication, characterization, and CT and fluorescence imaging properties of a novel, dual modality, fluorescent, polymer encapsulated bismuth nanoparticle construct for computed tomography and fluorescence imaging. We also report on cellular internalization and preliminary in vitro and in vivo toxicity effects of these constructs. 40 nm bismuth(0) nanocrystals were synthesized and encapsulated within 120 nm Poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles by oil-in-water emulsion methodologies. Coumarin-6 was co-encapsulated to impart fluorescence. High encapsulation efficiency was achieved ∼70% bismuth w/w. Particles were shown to internalize within cells following incubation in culture. Bismuth nanocrystals and PLGA encapsulated bismuth nanoparticles exhibited >90% and >70% degradation, respectively, within 24 hours in acidic, lysosomal environment mimicking media and both remained nearly 100% stable in cytosolic/extracellular fluid mimicking media. μCT and clinical CT imaging was performed at multiple X-ray tube voltages to measure concentration dependent attenuation rates as well as to establish the ability to detect the nanoparticles in an ex vivo biological sample. Dual fluorescence and CT imaging is demonstrated as well. In vivo toxicity studies in rats revealed neither clinically apparent side effects nor major alterations in serum chemistry and hematology parameters. Calculations on minimal detection requirements for in vivo targeted imaging using these nanoparticles are presented. Indeed, our results indicate that these nanoparticles may serve as a platform for sensitive and specific targeted molecular CT and fluorescence imaging.

Energy-discrimination x-ray computed tomography system utilizing a scanning cadmium-telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Abduraxit, Ablajan; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Takahashi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-04-01

An energy-discrimination K-edge x-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for controlling the image contrast of a target region by selecting both the photon energy and the energy width. The CT system has an oscillation-type linear cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectror. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. Penetrating x-ray photons from the object are detected by a CdTe detector, and event signals of x-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both photon energy and energy width are selected out using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. In energy-discrimination CT, the tube voltage and tube current were 80 kV and 20 μA, respectively, and the x-ray intensity was 1.92 μGy/s at a distance of 1.0 m from the source and a tube voltage of 80 kV. The energy-discrimination CT was carried out by selecting x-ray photon energies.

Element Distribution in the Oxygen-Rich Side-Blow Bath Smelting of a Low-Grade Bismuth-Lead Concentrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tianzu; Xiao, Hui; Chen, Lin; Chen, Wei; Liu, Weifeng; Zhang, Duchao

2018-03-01

Oxygen-rich side-blow bath smelting (OSBS) technology offers an efficient method for processing complex bismuth-lead concentrates; however, the element distributions in the process remain unclear. This work determined the distributions of elements, i.e., bismuth, lead, silver, copper, arsenic and antimony, in an industrial-scale OSBS process. The feed, oxidized slag and final products were collected from the respective sampling points and analyzed. For the oxidative smelting process, 65% of bismuth and 76% of silver in the concentrate report to the metal alloy, whereas less lead reports to the metal ( 31%) than the oxidized slag ( 44%). Approximately 50% of copper enters the matte, while more than 63% of arsenic and antimony report to the slag. For the reductive smelting process, less than 4.5% of bismuth, lead, silver and copper in the oxidized slag enter the reduced slag, indicating high recoveries of these metal values.

Element Distribution in the Oxygen-Rich Side-Blow Bath Smelting of a Low-Grade Bismuth-Lead Concentrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tianzu; Xiao, Hui; Chen, Lin; Chen, Wei; Liu, Weifeng; Zhang, Duchao

2018-06-01

Oxygen-rich side-blow bath smelting (OSBS) technology offers an efficient method for processing complex bismuth-lead concentrates; however, the element distributions in the process remain unclear. This work determined the distributions of elements, i.e., bismuth, lead, silver, copper, arsenic and antimony, in an industrial-scale OSBS process. The feed, oxidized slag and final products were collected from the respective sampling points and analyzed. For the oxidative smelting process, 65% of bismuth and 76% of silver in the concentrate report to the metal alloy, whereas less lead reports to the metal ( 31%) than the oxidized slag ( 44%). Approximately 50% of copper enters the matte, while more than 63% of arsenic and antimony report to the slag. For the reductive smelting process, less than 4.5% of bismuth, lead, silver and copper in the oxidized slag enter the reduced slag, indicating high recoveries of these metal values.

Ranitidine bismuth citrate and ranitidine do not affect gastric emptying of a radio-labelled liquid meal.

PubMed Central

Parikh, R; Sweetland, J; Forster, E R; Bedding, A W; Farr, S J; Smith, J T

1994-01-01

Ranitidine bismuth citrate, a new chemical entity which is a salt complex of ranitidine and bismuth citrate, is being developed for the treatment of relapse of benign gastric and duodenal ulcer and eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of the present study was to establish whether ranitidine bismuth citrate (800 mg) or ranitidine hydrochloride (300 mg) have any effect on gastric emptying of a liquid meal using gamma scintigraphy. On three separate occasions, each of twelve subjects received a single oral tablet of 800 mg ranitidine bismuth citrate, 300 mg ranitidine hydrochloride or placebo in random order. Thirty minutes after dosing each subject was given 375 ml of 99mTc-DTPA (diethylene triaminepentaacetic acid) labelled Clinifeed-ISO. The primary endpoint was the time to 50% gastric emptying (t50%). The proportion of the meal remaining was summarised by weighted mean proportion of the meal remaining in the stomach over 0-60 min and 0-180 min, separately. No differences were observed for t50%, weighted mean 0-60 min, and weighted mean 0-180 min between any two treatments. In man, we have detected no significant effect of single oral doses of ranitidine bismuth citrate 800 mg or ranitidine hydrochloride 300 mg on the rate of gastric emptying of a liquid meal when compared with placebo. PMID:7888296

How reliable are environmental data on 'orphan' elements? The case of bismuth concentrations in surface waters.

PubMed

Filella, Montserrat

2010-01-01

Like all elements of the periodic table, bismuth is ubiquitously distributed throughout the environment as a result of natural processes and human activities. It is present as Bi(III) in environmental, biological and geochemical samples. Although bismuth and its compounds are considered to be non-toxic to humans, its increasing use as a replacement for lead has highlighted how little is known about its environmental and ecotoxicological behaviour. In this first critical review paper on the existing information on bismuth occurrence in natural waters, 125 papers on fresh and marine waters have been collated. Although the initial objective of this study was to establish the range of the typical concentrations of total dissolved bismuth in natural waters, this proved impossible to achieve due to the wide, and hitherto unexplained, dispersion of published data. Since analytical limitations might be one of the reasons underlying value dispersion, new analytical methods published since 2000--intended to be applied to natural waters--have also been reviewed. Disappointingly, the detection limits of the bulk of them are well above those required; they are thus of limited usefulness. Analysis of the existing information on bismuth in secondary references (i.e., books, review chapters) and on its chemical speciation in seawater revealed that the uncritical reproduction of old data is a widespread practice.

System Analysis for Decay Heat Removal in Lead-Bismuth Cooled Natural Circulated Reactors

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

Takaaki Sakai; Yasuhiro Enuma; Takashi Iwasaki

2002-07-01

Decay heat removal analyses for lead-bismuth cooled natural circulation reactors are described in this paper. A combined multi-dimensional plant dynamics code (MSG-COPD) has been developed to conduct the system analysis for the natural circulation reactors. For the preliminary study, transient analysis has been performed for a 100 MWe lead-bismuth-cooled reactor designed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). In addition, decay heat removal characteristics of a 400 MWe lead-bismuth-cooled natural circulation reactor designed by Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) has been evaluated by using MSG-COPD. PRACS (Primary Reactor Auxiliary Cooling System) is prepared for the JNC's concept to get sufficient heatmore » removal capacity. During 2000 sec after the transient, the outlet temperature shows increasing tendency up to the maximum temperature of 430 Centigrade, because the buoyancy force in a primary circulation path is temporary reduced. However, the natural circulation is recovered by the PRACS system and the out let temperature decreases successfully. (authors)« less

System Analysis for Decay Heat Removal in Lead-Bismuth-Cooled Natural-Circulation Reactors

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

Sakai, Takaaki; Enuma, Yasuhiro; Iwasaki, Takashi

2004-03-15

Decay heat removal analyses for lead-bismuth-cooled natural-circulation reactors are described in this paper. A combined multidimensional plant dynamics code (MSG-COPD) has been developed to conduct the system analysis for the natural-circulation reactors. For the preliminary study, transient analysis has been performed for a 300-MW(thermal) lead-bismuth-cooled reactor designed by Argonne National Laboratory. In addition, decay heat removal characteristics of a 400-MW(electric) lead-bismuth-cooled natural-circulation reactor designed by the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) has been evaluated by using MSG-COPD. The primary reactor auxiliary cooling system (PRACS) is prepared for the JNC concept to get sufficient heat removal capacity. During 2000 smore » after the transient, the outlet temperature shows increasing tendency up to the maximum temperature of 430 deg. C because the buoyancy force in a primary circulation path is temporarily reduced. However, the natural circulation is recovered by the PRACS system, and the outlet temperature decreases successfully.« less

Two-band induced superconductivity in single-layer graphene and topological insulator bismuth selenide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talantsev, E. F.; Crump, W. P.; Tallon, J. L.

2018-01-01

Proximity-induced superconductivity in single-layer graphene (SLG) and in topological insulators represent almost ideal examples of superconductivity in two dimensions. Fundamental mechanisms governing superconductivity in the 2D limit are of central interest for modern condensed-matter physics. To deduce fundamental parameters of superconductor/graphene/superconductor and superconductor/bismuth selenide/superconductor junctions we investigate the self-field critical currents in these devices using the formalism of the Ambegaokar-Baratoff model. Our central finding is that the induced superconducting state in SLG and bismuth selenide each exhibits gapping on two superconducting bands. Based on recent results obtained on ultra-thin films of natural superconductors, including single-atomic layer of iron selenide, double and triple atomic layers of gallium, and several atomic layer tantalum disulphide, we conclude that a two-band induced superconducting state in SLG and bismuth selenide is part of a wider, more general multiple-band phenomenology of currently unknown origin.

Bismuth-, Tin-, and Lead-Containing Metal-Organic Materials: Synthesis, Structure, Photoluminescence, Second Harmonic Generation, and Ferroelectric Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wibowo, Arief Cahyo

polymer ranging from 1D supramolecular structures to true 3D coordination polymers is covered in Chapter 4. The observation of a new 2D Kagome lattice and unique layered perovskite-type bismuth-based coordination polymers and their photoluminescence properties is the focus of Chapter 5. In chapters 6 and 7, a successful approach to implement our novel hybrid strategy for synthesizing enantiomerically pure single crystals consisting of Second Order Jahn Teller (SOJT)-possessing main group metal cations, specifically bismuth and tin, and homochiral ligands or unsymmetric ligands is discussed. The new MOMs with polar space groups exhibit second harmonic generation and have potential for ferroelectric properties.

Energy-discriminating X-ray computed tomography system utilizing a cadmium telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Abderyim, Purkhet; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Takahasi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawae, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-07-01

An energy-discriminating K-edge X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for increasing contrast resolution of a target region utilizing contrast media and for reducing the absorbed dose for patients. The CT system is of the first-generation type with a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, and a projection curve is obtained by translation scanning using the CdTe detector in conjunction with an x-stage. An object is rotated by the rotation step angle using a turntable between the translation scans. Thus, CT is carried out by repeating the translation scanning and the rotation of an object. Penetrating X-ray photons from the object are detected by the CdTe detector, and event signals of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both the photon energy and the energy width are selected by use of a multi-channel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. Demonstration of enhanced iodine K-edge X-ray CT was carried out by selecting photons with energies just beyond the iodine K-edge energy of 33.2 keV.

Ni-rich precipitates in a lead bismuth eutectic loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, K.; Saito, S.; Hamaguchi, D.; Tezuka, M.

2010-03-01

Solidified LBE was sampled from the specimens, electro-magnetic pump, filter, drain valve and oxygen sensor at the JAEA Lead Bismuth Loop-1 (JLBL-1) where the structural material was made of SS316. The concentration of Ni, Fe and Cr in LBE were analyzed by the Inductive Coupled Plasma atomic emission spectrometer. It was concluded that the solution of Ni into LBE was not saturated although the concentration of Fe and Cr almost achieved to the values in the literature. A needle-type structure appeared on the surface of solidified LBE inside the tube specimens. It was found to be Ni-rich precipitates by X-ray analyses (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, FE-SEM). LBE samples collected from a circulating loop after discharging did not show the amount of impurities equivalent to the LBE bulk property.

High Photon-to-Current Conversion in Solar Cells Based on Light-Absorbing Silver Bismuth Iodide.

PubMed

Zhu, Huimin; Pan, Mingao; Johansson, Malin B; Johansson, Erik M J

2017-06-22

Here, a lead-free silver bismuth iodide (AgI/BiI 3 ) with a crystal structure with space group R3‾ m is investigated for use in solar cells. Devices based on the silver bismuth iodide deposited from solution on top of TiO 2 and the conducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as a hole-transport layer are prepared and the photovoltaic performance is very promising with a power conversion efficiency over 2 %, which is higher than the performance of previously reported bismuth-halide materials for solar cells. Photocurrent generation is observed between 350 and 700 nm, and the maximum external quantum efficiency is around 45 %. The results are compared to solar cells based on the previously reported material AgBi 2 I 7 , and we observe a clearly higher performance for the devices with the new silver and bismuth iodides composition and different crystal structure. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the most efficient silver bismuth iodide material shows a hexagonal crystal structure with space group R3‾ m, and from the light absorption spectrum we obtain an indirect band gap energy of 1.62 eV and a direct band gap energy of 1.85 eV. This report shows the possibility for finding new structures of metal-halides efficient in solar cells and points out new directions for further exploration of lead-free metal-halide solar cells. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Preparation and Characterization of Niobium Doped Lead-Telluride Glass Ceramics

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

Sathish, M.; Eraiah, B.; Anavekar, R. V.

2011-07-15

Niobium-lead-telluride glass ceramics of composition xNb{sub 2}O{sub 5}-(20-x) pbO-80TeO{sub 2}(where x = 0.1 mol% to 0.5 mol%) were prepared by using conventional melt quenching method. The prepared glass samples were initially amorphous in nature after annealed at 400 deg. c all samples were crystallized. This was confined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The particle size of these glass ceramics have been calculated by using Debye-Scherer formula and the particle size is in the order of 15 nm to 60 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photograph shows the presence of needle-like crystals in these samples.

Fast oxygen diffusion in bismuth oxide probed by quasielastic neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Mamontov, Eugene

2016-09-24

In this paper, we present the first, to our knowledge, study of solid state oxygen translational diffusion by quasielastic neutron scattering. Such studies in the past might have been precluded by relatively low diffusivities of oxygen anions in the temperature range amenable to neutron scattering experiments. To explore the potential of the quasielastic scattering technique, which can deduce atomic diffusion jump length of oxygen anions through the momentum transfer dependence of the scattering signal, we have selected the fastest known oxygen conductor, bismuth oxide. Finally, we have found the oxygen anion jump length in excellent agreement with the nearest oxygen-vacancymore » distance in the anion sublattice of the fluorite-related structure of bismuth oxide.« less

Conduction mechanism in bismuth silicate glasses containing titanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dult, Meenakshi; Kundu, R. S.; Murugavel, S.; Punia, R.; Kishore, N.

2014-11-01

Bismuth silicate glasses mixed with different concentrations of titanium dioxide having compositions xTiO2-(60-x)Bi2O3-40SiO2 with x=0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 were prepared by the normal melt quench technique. The frequency dependence of the ac electrical conductivity of different compositions of titanium bismuth silicate glasses has been studied in the frequency range 10-1 Hz to 10 MHz and in the temperature range 623-703 K. The temperature and frequency dependent conductivity is found to obey Jonscher's universal power law for all the compositions of titanium bismuth silicate glass system. The dc conductivity (σdc), so called crossover frequency (ωH), and frequency exponent (s) have been estimated from the fitting of experimental data of ac conductivity with Jonscher's universal power law. Enthalpy to dissociate the cation from its original site next to a charge compensating center (Hf) and enthalpy of migration (Hm) have also been estimated. The conductivity data have been analyzed in terms of different theoretical models to determine the possible conduction mechanism. Analysis of the conductivity data and the frequency exponent shows that the correlated barrier hopping of electrons between Ti3+ and Ti4+ ions in the glasses is the most favorable mechanism for ac conduction. The temperature dependent dc conductivity has been analyzed in the framework of theoretical variable range hopping model (VRH) proposed by Mott which describe the hopping conduction in disordered semiconducting systems. The various polaron hopping parameters have also been deduced. Mott's VRH model is found to be in good agreement with experimental data and the values of inverse localization length of s-like wave function (α) obtained by this model with modifications suggested by Punia et al. are close to the ones reported for a number of oxide glasses.

Chromium substitution in mullite type bismuth aluminate: Bi{sub 2}Cr{sub x}Al{sub 4−x}O{sub 9} with 0≤x≤2.0

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

Debnath, Tapas, E-mail: debnath@du.ac.bd; Ullah, Ahamed; Rüscher, Claus H.

2014-12-15

Nominal compositions Bi{sub 2}Cr{sub x}Al{sub 4−x}O{sub 9} with 0.0≤x≤2.0 (Δx=0.2) were prepared using appropriate amounts of nitrates dissolved in glycerine and heated at 800 °C for 24 h as we previously used for the preparation of solid solution series Bi{sub 2}M{sub x}/M′{sub 4−x}O{sub 9} (M/M′=Fe/Al, Ga/Al and Fe/Ga). The samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR and optical microscopic techniques. Analyses of XRD data show mullite type single phase can be prepared up to x=1.2. The lattice parameters (a, b and c) increases with increasing Cr content. Further increase in x (i.e., x≥1.4) show the presence of some additional phases indicatingmore » a limiting value for Cr doping is in the range of 1.2≤x<1.4. The effect of Cr incorporation could also be observed in the infrared absorption spectra via systematic hard mode shifts of certain lattice modes, e.g. the Bi–O related vibration changes from 96 cm{sup −1} to 93 cm{sup −1} with increasing x up to 1.2 and certain intensity changes together with shift in peak positions. Interestingly, the absence of any splitting and shift of the high energy IR absorption peak at 821 cm{sup −1} as assigned to the characteristic tetrahedral type dimer, Al{sub 2}O{sub 7}, indicate that the Cr thus partially substitutes only the octahedrally coordinated Al. This is confirmed by Rietveld structure refinements, too. - Graphical abstract: Structural model of Cr doped bismuth aluminate, Bi{sub 2}Cr{sub x}Al{sub 4−x}O{sub 9}. - Highlights: • Chromium doped bismuth aluminate, Bi{sub 2}Cr{sub x}Al{sub 4−x}O{sub 9} with mullite type structure are synthesized. • The samples are characterized by XRD and FTIR techniques. • Cr can replace only certain amount of octahedrally coordinated Al in Bi{sub 2}Al{sub 4}O{sub 9} under present experimental conditions.« less

Electrical Nanocontact Between Bismuth Nanowire Edges and Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, Masayuki; Nakamura, Daiki; Hasegawa, Yasuhiro; Komine, Takashi; Uematsu, Daisuke; Nakamura, Shinichiro; Taguchi, Takashi

2010-09-01

Three methods for attaching electrodes to a bismuth nanowire sample were investigated. In the first and second methods, thin layers of titanium and copper were deposited by ion plating under vacuum onto the edge surface of individual bismuth nanowire samples that were encapsulated in a quartz template. Good electrical contact between the electrodes and the nanowire was achieved using silver epoxy and conventional solder on the thin-film layers in the first and second methods, respectively. In the third method, a low-melting-point solder was utilized and was also successful in achieving good electrical contact in air atmosphere. The connection methods showed no difference in terms of resistivity temperature dependence or Seebeck coefficient. The third method has an advantage in that nanocontact is easily achieved; however, diffusion of the solder into the nanowire allows contamination near the melting point of the solder. In the first and second methods, the thin-film layer enabled electrical contact to be more safely achieved than the direct contact used in the third method, because the thin-film layer prevented diffusion of binder components.

Temperature and pressure effects on elastic properties of relaxor ferroelectrics and thermoelectrics: A resonant ultrasound spectroscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tennakoon, Sumudu P.

Relaxor ferroelectric lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) material exhibits exceptional electromechanical properties. The material undergoes a series of structural phase transitions with changes in temperature and the chemical composition. The work covered in this dissertation seek to gain insight into the phase diagram of PMN-PT using temperature and pressure dependence of the elastic properties. Single crystal PMN-PT with a composition near morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was investigated using a resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) methodologies in the temperature range of 293 K - 800 K and the pressure range from near vacuum to 3.4 MPa. At atmospheric pressure, significantly high acoustic attenuation of PMN-PT is observed at temperatures below 400 K. A strong stiffening is observed in the temperature range of 400 K - 673 K, followed by a gradual softening at higher temperatures. With varying pressure, an increased pressure sensitivity of the elastic properties of PMN-PT is observed at the temperatures in the stiffening phase. Elastic behavior at elevated temperatures and pressures were studied for correlations with the ferroelectric domains at temperatures below the Curie temperature (TC), the locally polarized nano-regions, and an existence of pseudo-cubic crystalline at higher temperatures between (TC and TB). Thermoelectric lanthanum tellurides and skutterudites are being investigated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for advanced thermoelectric generates (TEGs). Effects of nickel (Ni) doping on elastic properties of lanthanum tellurides at elevated temperatures were investigated in the temperature range of 293 K - 800 K. A linear stiffening was observed with increasing the Ni content in the material. Elastic properties of p-type and n-type bismuth-based skutterudites were investigated in the temperature range of 293 K - 723 K. Elastic properties of rare-earth doped strontium titanate were also investigated in the temperature range of 293 K

Li3PO4 Matrix Enables a Long Cycle Life and High Energy Efficiency Bismuth-Based Battery.

PubMed

Sun, Chuan-Fu; Hu, Junkai; Wang, Peng; Cheng, Xi-Yuan; Lee, Sang Bok; Wang, YuHuang

2016-09-14

Bismuth is a lithium-ion battery anode material that can operate at an equilibrium potential higher than graphite and provide a capacity twice as high as that of Li4Ti5O12, making it intrinsically free from lithium plating that may cause catastrophic battery failure. However, the potential of bismuth is hampered by its inferior cyclability (limited to tens of cycles). Here, we propose an "ion conductive solid-state matrix" approach to address this issue. By homogeneously confining bismuth nanoparticles in a solid-state γ-Li3PO4 matrix that is electrochemically formed in situ, the resulting composite anode exhibits a reversible capacity of 280 mA hours per gram (mA h/g) at a rate of 100 mA/g and a record cyclability among bismuth-based anodes up to 500 cycles with a capacity decay rate of merely 0.071% per cycle. We further show that full-cell batteries fabricated from this composite anode and commercial LiFePO4 cathode deliver a stable cell voltage of ∼2.5 V and remarkable energy efficiency up to 86.3%, on par with practical batteries (80-90%). This work paves a way for harnessing bismuth-based battery chemistry for the design of high capacity, safer lithium-ion batteries to meet demanding applications such as electric vehicles.

Glass composite waste forms for iodine confined in bismuth-embedded SBA-15

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jae Hwan; Park, Hwan Seo; Ahn, Do-Hee; Yim, Man-Sung

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to stabilize bismuth-embedded SBA-15 that captured iodine gas by fabrication of monolithic waste forms. The iodine containing waste was mixed with Bi2O3 (a stabilizing additive) and low-temperature sintering glass followed by pelletizing and the sintering process to produce glass composite materials. Iodine volatility during the sintering process was significantly affected by the ratio of Bi2O3 and the glass composition. It was confirmed that BiI3, the main iodine phase within bismuth-embedded SBA-15, was effectively transformed to the mixed phases of Bi5O7I and BiOI. The initial leaching rates of iodine from the glass composite waste forms ranged 10-3-10-2 g/m2 day, showing the stability of the iodine phases encapsulated by the glassy networks. It was also observed that common groundwater anions (e.g., chloride, carbonate, sulfite, and fluoride) elevated the iodine leaching rate by anion exchange reactions. The present results suggest that the glass composite waste form of bismuth-embedded SBA-15 could be a candidate material for stable storage of 129I.

Effect of absorption recovery in bismuth-doped silica glass at 1450 nm on soliton grouping in fiber laser

PubMed Central

Gumenyuk, R.; Melkumov, M. A.; Khopin, V. F.; Dianov, E. M.; Okhotnikov, O. G.

2014-01-01

Saturable absorption in bismuth-doped glasses was found to have a noticeable influence on soliton interaction and group formation. This phenomenon, observed in 1450 nm mode-locked bismuth-doped fiber laser, shows the distinct feature of the multiple pulse regime, which appears as a stationary pulse group whose length can be spread over the whole cavity length by variation of the pump power and polarization. Pulse positioning within the ensemble depends on the saturation fluence and the relatively fast recovery dynamics of bismuth fiber. PMID:25391808

Two basic bismuth nitrates: [Bi6O6(OH)2](NO3)4 · 2H2O with superior photodegradation activity for rhodamine B and [Bi6O5(OH)3](NO3)5 · 3H2O with ultrahigh adsorption capacity for methyl orange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Jiawei; Han, Qiaofeng; Liu, Weiqi; Shen, Zichen; Wang, Xin; Zhu, Junwu

2017-11-01

A novel basic bismuth nitrate, [Bi6O6(OH)2](NO3)4·2H2O (denoted as BiON-4N), was easily obtained at room temperature in the existence of 2-methoxyethanol (CH3OCH2CH2OH; 2ME) with a pH value ranging from 4.5 to 7.0. The morphology of BiON-4N could be easily tailored by changing the variety and amount of bases like urea, hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), NaOH and NH3·H2O. When the solution pH was decreased lower than 4.5, another basic bismuth nitrate, [Bi6O5(OH)3](NO3)5·3H2O (denoted as BiON-5N), could be synthesized. Among those, BiON-4N nanoparticles obtained with 40 mmol of HMTA exhibited superior photocatalytic activity for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation with an efficiency of 100% within 4 min of UV light irradiation, which was much higher than that of commercial TiO2 (P25). The excellent photocatalytic performance of BiON-4N was mainly attributed to higher surface area (13.1 m2 g-1) in comparison with other basic bismuth nitrates. Furthermore, the as-prepared BiON-5N revealed excellent adsorption performance for the anions like methyl orange (MO) and K2Cr2O7, and especially for MO, the maximum adsorption capacity arrived up to 730 mg g-1, which should be relevant to highly positively charged surface. This work provides a new strategy for developing bismuth-based nanomaterials in the big bismuth family as potential photocatalyst and adsorbent for the removal of dyes and contaminants.

Bi2Te3 based passively Q-switched at 1042.76 and 1047 nm wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salim, M. A. M.; Shaharuddin, R. A.; Ismail, M. A.; Harun, S. W.; Ahmad, H.; Azzuhri, Saaidal R.

2017-12-01

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate the generation of dual wavelength based photonic crystal fiber passively Q-switched using few-layer TI:Bi2Te3 (bismuth telluride) saturable absorbers in a 1 micron waveband. The system employs a few-layer bismuth, induced onto a fiber ferrule using a dry oven method. A centered dual-wavelength output at 1042.76 and 1047.0 nm was produced from the Ytterbium doped fiber laser setup by incorporating 10 cm of photonic crystal fiber and finely adjusting the polarization controller. The self-started Q-switch had a pump power of 132.15 mW and a frequency ranging from 3.79 to 15.63 kHz. Therefore, TI:Bi2Te3 was suitable as a potential broadband SA in a 1 micron region.

Analysis of the color alteration and radiopacity promoted by bismuth oxide in calcium silicate cement.

PubMed

Marciano, Marina Angélica; Estrela, Carlos; Mondelli, Rafael Francisco Lia; Ordinola-Zapata, Ronald; Duarte, Marco Antonio Hungaro

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to determine if the increase in radiopacity provided by bismuth oxide is related to the color alteration of calcium silicate-based cement. Calcium silicate cement (CSC) was mixed with 0%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 50% of bismuth oxide (BO), determined by weight. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was the control group. The radiopacity test was performed according to ISO 6876/2001. The color was evaluated using the CIE system. The assessments were performed after 24 hours, 7 and 30 days of setting time, using a spectrophotometer to obtain the ΔE, Δa, Δb and ΔL values. The statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn and ANOVA/Tukey tests (p<0.05). The cements in which bismuth oxide was added showed radiopacity corresponding to the ISO recommendations (>3 mm equivalent of Al). The MTA group was statistically similar to the CSC/30% BO group (p>0.05). In regard to color, the increase of bismuth oxide resulted in a decrease in the ΔE value of the calcium silicate cement. The CSC group presented statistically higher ΔE values than the CSC/50% BO group (p<0.05). The comparison between 24 hours and 7 days showed higher ΔE for the MTA group, with statistical differences for the CSC/15% BO and CSC/50% BO groups (p<0.05). After 30 days, CSC showed statistically higher ΔE values than CSC/30% BO and CSC/50% BO (p<0.05). In conclusion, the increase in radiopacity provided by bismuth oxide has no relation to the color alteration of calcium silicate-based cements.

Fabrication and modeling of bismuth titanate-PZT ceramic transducers for high temperature applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhardt, B.; Searfass, C.; Cyphers, R.; Sinding, K.; Pheil, C.; Tittmann, B.

2013-01-01

Utilization of a spray-on deposition technique of ferroelectric bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) composites has a competitive advantage to standard ultrasonic transducers. These can conform to curved surfaces, can operate at high temperature (Curie-Weiss temperature 685 °C) and are mechanically well-coupled to a substrate. However, an issue with many high temperature transducers such as bismuth titanate ceramics is that they have relatively low transduction efficiency, i.e. d33 is about 12-14 pC/F in Bi4Ti3O12 versus 650 pC/F in PZT-5H. It is a common conception that high-temperature capability comes at the cost of electro-mechanical coupling. It will be shown that the high temperature capability of bismuth-titanate-PZT composite transducers using the spray-on deposition technique previously developed, improves the electro-mechanical coupling while maintaining the high temperature performance and mechanical coupling. This material could provide advantages in harsh environments where high signal-to-noise ratios are needed.

Thermoelectric Generators for Automotive Waste Heat Recovery Systems Part I: Numerical Modeling and Baseline Model Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sumeet; Heister, Stephen D.; Xu, Xianfan; Salvador, James R.; Meisner, Gregory P.

2013-04-01

A numerical model has been developed to simulate coupled thermal and electrical energy transfer processes in a thermoelectric generator (TEG) designed for automotive waste heat recovery systems. This model is capable of computing the overall heat transferred, the electrical power output, and the associated pressure drop for given inlet conditions of the exhaust gas and the available TEG volume. Multiple-filled skutterudites and conventional bismuth telluride are considered for thermoelectric modules (TEMs) for conversion of waste heat from exhaust into usable electrical power. Heat transfer between the hot exhaust gas and the hot side of the TEMs is enhanced with the use of a plate-fin heat exchanger integrated within the TEG and using liquid coolant on the cold side. The TEG is discretized along the exhaust flow direction using a finite-volume method. Each control volume is modeled as a thermal resistance network which consists of integrated submodels including a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric device. The pressure drop along the TEG is calculated using standard pressure loss correlations and viscous drag models. The model is validated to preserve global energy balances and is applied to analyze a prototype TEG with data provided by General Motors. Detailed results are provided for local and global heat transfer and electric power generation. In the companion paper, the model is then applied to consider various TEG topologies using skutterudite and bismuth telluride TEMs.

Assessment of color stability of white mineral trioxide aggregate angelus and bismuth oxide in contact with tooth structure.

PubMed

Marciano, Marina Angélica; Costa, Reginaldo Mendonça; Camilleri, Josette; Mondelli, Rafael Francisco Lia; Guimarães, Bruno Martini; Duarte, Marco Antonio Hungaro

2014-08-01

Dental discoloration with use of materials containing bismuth oxide has been reported. It is postulated that the discoloration is a result of chemical interaction of bismuth oxide with dentin. The aim of the study was to analyze dental color alteration and the chemical interaction of bismuth oxide with the main components present in composite (methacrylate) and in dentin (collagen). Fifty bovine teeth were prepared and filled with white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, Portland cement (PC) with 20% zirconium oxide, or PC with 20% calcium tungstate and then sealed with composite. Triple antibiotic paste and unfilled samples were the positive and negative controls, respectively. The specimens were stored in separate flasks immersed in tap water at 37°C with ambient light blocked out. The color assessment was performed with a spectrophotometer at different intervals, namely before filling and 24 hours, 15 days, and 30 days after filling. The color change and the luminosity were calculated. The statistical analysis was performed by using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (P < .05). The interaction of the bismuth oxide, zirconium oxide, and calcium tungstate with collagen and methacrylate was assessed by placing the materials in contact, followed by color assessment. The analysis of color change values showed that all the materials presented color alteration after the evaluated periods. Statistically higher luminosity was verified for PC/20% zirconium oxide in comparison with white MTA Angelus (P < .05). The teeth filled with white MTA Angelus demonstrated a grayish discoloration with evident dentin staining. Bismuth oxide exhibited a color change when in contact with collagen. The color of white MTA Angelus was altered in contact with dental structures. Collagen, which is present in dentin matrix, reacted with bismuth oxide, resulting in a grayish discoloration. The use of an alternative radiopacifier to replace bismuth in white MTA is indicated

Inadvertent exaggerated anticoagulation following use of bismuth subsalicylate in an enterally fed patient receiving warfarin therapy.

PubMed

Bingham, Angela L; Brown, Rex O; Dickerson, Roland N

2013-12-01

We report a case of an inadvertent increase in the international normalized ratio (INR) after the addition of bismuth subsalicylate for the treatment of diarrhea in an enterally fed patient receiving warfarin therapy. A 56-year-old Caucasian female presented to the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) with multiple lower extremity fractures. Warfarin was initiated for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis due to the patient's inability to ambulate. The target INR was 2-3. Continuous intragastric enteral feeding was withheld 1 hour before and 1 hour after intragastric administration of warfarin. Bismuth subsalicylate 30 mL every 4 hours was prescribed for diarrhea. Within 3 days after starting bismuth subsalicylate therapy, the patient's INR increased from 2.56 to 3.54 and minor bleeding was noted from the patient's tracheostomy site. No significant change in warfarin dosage, variability in vitamin K intake, or medications that potentially alter warfarin metabolism were present during the unexpected rise in INR. When the bismuth subsalicylate was discontinued, the patient's INR stabilized into the target range on the same warfarin dose given at the time of the supratherapeutic INR. Salicylate displaces warfarin from plasma protein binding sites and may result in a significant increase in INR secondary to redistribution of warfarin to the free active form. Evaluation of this case report using the Drug Interaction Probability Scale and Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale yielded scores consistent with a probable adverse drug interaction. Bismuth subsalicylate exaggerates warfarin's anticoagulant response and its concurrent use during warfarin therapy should be avoided.

Bismuth chalcogenide compounds Bi 2 × 3 (X=O, S, Se): Applications in electrochemical energy storage

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

Ni, Jiangfeng; Bi, Xuanxuan; Jiang, Yu

2017-04-01

Bismuth chalcogenides Bi2×3 (X=O, S, Se) represent a unique type of materials in diverse polymorphs and configurations. Multiple intrinsic features of Bi2×3 such as narrow bandgap, ion conductivity, and environmental friendliness, have render them attractive materials for a wide array of energy applications. In particular, their rich structural voids and the alloying capability of Bi enable the chalcogenides to be alternative electrodes for energy storage such as hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), sodium (Na) storage and supercapacitors. However, the low conductivity and poor electrochemical cycling are two key challenges for the practical utilization of Bi2×3 electrodes. Great efforts have been devotedmore » to mitigate these challenges and remarkable progresses have been achieved, mainly taking profit of nanotechnology and material compositing engineering. In this short review, we summarize state-of-the-art research advances in the rational design of diverse Bi2×3 electrodes and their electrochemical energy storage performance for H, Li, and Na and supercapacitors. We also highlight the key technical issues at present and provide insights for the future development of bismuth based materials in electrochemical energy storage devices.« less

Estimation of Phonon and Carrier Thermal Conductivities for Bulk Thermoelectric Materials Using Transport Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otsuka, Mioko; Homma, Ryoei; Hasegawa, Yasuhiro

2017-05-01

The phonon and carrier thermal conductivities of thermoelectric materials were calculated using the Wiedemann-Franz law, Boltzmann equation, and a method we propose in this study called the Debye specific heat method. We prepared polycrystalline n-type doped bismuth telluride (BiTe) and bismuth antimony (BiSb) bulk alloy samples and measured six parameters (Seebeck coefficient, resistivity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, magneto-resistivity, and Hall coefficient). The carrier density and mobility were estimated for calculating the carrier thermal conductivity by using the Boltzmann equation. In the Debye specific heat method, the phonon thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity were calculated from the temperature dependence of the effective specific heat by using not only the measured thermal conductivity and Debye model, but also the measured thermal diffusivity. The carrier thermal conductivity was also evaluated from the phonon thermal conductivity by using the specific heat. The ratio of carrier thermal conductivity to thermal conductivity was evaluated for the BiTe and BiSb samples, and the values obtained using the Debye specific heat method at 300 K were 52% for BiTe and <5.5% for BiSb. These values are either considerably larger or smaller than those obtained using other methods. The Dulong-Petit law was applied to validate the Debye specific heat method at 300 K, which is significantly greater than the Debye temperature of the BiTe and BiSb samples, and it was confirmed that the phonon specific heat at 300 K has been accurately reproduced using our proposed method.

Study of the bismuth oxide concentration required to provide Portland cement with adequate radiopacity for endodontic use.

PubMed

Bueno, Carlos Eduardo da Silveira; Zeferino, Eduardo Gregatto; Manhães, Luiz Roberto Coutinho; Rocha, Daniel Guimarães Pedro; Cunha, Rodrigo Sanches; De Martin, Alexandre Sigrist

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the ideal concentration of bismuth oxide in white Portland cement to provide it with sufficient radiopacity for use as an endodontic material (ADA specification #57). 2-mm thick standardized test specimens of white MTA and of white Portland cement, as controls, and of white Portland cement with the experimental addition of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or 30% of bismuth oxide were radiographed and compared with various thicknesses of pure aluminum, using optic density to determine the observed grayscale levels of radiopacity in a scale ranging from 0 to 255. The data was submitted to ANOVA (p<0.05) and the Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welch and Quiot test (REGWQ) for multiple comparison of the means. White Portland cement with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of bismuth oxide presented mean readings of 63.3, 95.7, 110.7, 142.7, 151.3, 161.0 and 180.0 respectively. MTA presented a mean reading of 157.3. The readings of MTA and white Portland cement with 15% bismuth oxide did not differ significantly from the reading observed for a thickness of 4 mm of aluminum (145.3), which is considered ideal for a test specimen by ADA specification #57 (2 mm above the thickness of the test specimen). White MTA and white Portland cement with 15% bismuth oxide presented the radiopacity required for an endodontic cement.

Hydrothermal synthesis of nanocubes of sillenite type compounds for photovoltaic applications and solar energy conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels

DOEpatents

Subramanian, Vaidyanathan; Murugesan, Sankaran

2014-04-29

The present invention relates to formation of nanocubes of sillenite type compounds, such as bismuth titanate, i.e., Bi.sub.12TiO.sub.20, nanocubes, via a hydrothermal synthesis process, with the resulting compound(s) having multifunctional properties such as being useful in solar energy conversion, environmental remediation, and/or energy storage, for example. In one embodiment, a hydrothermal method is disclosed that transforms nanoparticles of TiO.sub.2 to bismuth titanate, i.e., Bi.sub.12TiO.sub.20, nanocubes, optionally loaded with palladium nanoparticles. The method includes reacting titanium dioxide nanotubes with a bismuth salt in an acidic bath at a temperature sufficient and for a time sufficient to form bismuth titanate crystals, which are subsequently annealed to form bismuth titanate nanocubes. After annealing, the bismuth titanate nanocubes may be optionally loaded with nano-sized metal particles, e.g., nanosized palladium particles.

Diffraction imaging (topography) with monochromatic synchrotron radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steiner, Bruce; Kuriyama, Masao; Dobbyn, Ronald C.; Laor, Uri

1988-01-01

Structural information of special interest to crystal growers and device physicists is now available from high resolution monochromatic synchrotron diffraction imaging (topography). In the review, the importance of superior resolution in momentum transfer and in space is described, and illustrations are taken from a variety of crystals: gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, mercuric iodide, bismuth silicon oxide, and lithium niobate. The identification and understanding of local variations in crystal growth processes are shown. Finally, new experimental opportunities now available for exploitation are indicated.

Thermoelectric Transport in Surface- and Antimony-Doped Bismuth Telluride Nanoplates

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-25

0.50) using two different electron microscopes with two different high sensitivity energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detectors (FEI Nova...Figure 1(b)) using an electrochemically sharpened probe. Transfer was performed in ambient conditions under an optical microscope . Samples were then...attributed to additional alloy scattering in the (Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 samples studied here. Additionally, the room temperature κlattice for bulk compounds Reuse of

Advanced methods for preparation and characterization of infrared detector materials. [mercury cadmium telluride alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehoczky, S. L.; Szofran, F. R.

1981-01-01

Differential thermal analysis data were obtained on mercury cadmium telluride alloys in order to establish the liquidus temperatures for the various alloy compositions. Preliminary theoretical analyses was performed to establish the ternary phase equilibrium parameters for the metal rich region of the phase diagram. Liquid-solid equilibrium parameters were determined for the pseudobinary alloy system. Phase equilibrium was calculated and Hg(l-x) Cd(x) Te alloys were directionally solidified from pseudobinary melts. Electrical resistivity and Hall coefficient measurements were obtained.

GEODE 2: Manufacturing large area format cadmium-mercury-telluride crystals in a microgravity environment. Pressure sensor proof of concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gale, M. R.; Beattie, D. A.

In the GEODE 1 experiment, a semiconductor Cd-Hg telluride crystal was grown in the MASER1 sounding rocket. It was shown that bulk-quench Cd-Hg telluride crystallization in a microgravity environment results in a more homogeneous crystal structure than can be achieved terrestrially. In the GEODE 2 program, the wall thickness of the quartz ampoule containing the crystal will be reduced to improve the heat transfer characteristics during crystallization. Ampoule explosion must be prevented by active control of the pressure surrounding the weaker, thin-walled ampoule to match that inside the furnace. A prototype pressure sensor that uses the absorption of ultraviolet light by Hg vapor has been built and tested. Pressures from 4 to 40 atmospheres have been measured with a resolution better than 0.35 atmospheres over the entire range. The feasibility of the pressure measurement technique has been demonstrated, although some design improvements are required in order to make measurements more repeatable.

Electronic Characterization of Defects in Narrow Gap Semiconductors-Comparison of Electronic Energy Levels and Formation Energies in Mercury Cadmium Telluride, Mercury Zinc Telluride, and Mercury Zinc Selenide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, James D.

1996-01-01

We have used a Green's function technique to calculate the energy levels and formation energy of deep defects in the narrow gap semiconductors mercury cadmium telluride (MCT), mercury zinc telluride (MZT) and mercury zinc selenide (MZS). The formation energy is calculated from the difference between the total energy with an impurity cluster and the total energy for the perfect crystal. Substitutional (including antisite), interstitial (self and foreign), and vacancy deep defects are considered. Relaxation effects are calculated (with molecular dynamics). By use of a pseudopotential, we generalize the ideal vacancy model so as to be able to consider relaxation for vacancies. Different charge states are considered and the charged state energy shift (as computed by a modified Haldane-Anderson model) can be twice that due to relaxation. Different charged states for vacancies were not calculated to have much effect on the formation energy. For all cases we find deep defects in the energy gap only for cation site s-like orbitals or anion site p-like orbitals, and for the substitutional case only the latter are appreciably effected by relaxation. For most cases for MCT, MZT, MZS, we consider x (the concentration of Cd or Zn) in the range appropriate for a band gap of 0.1 eV. For defect energy levels, the absolute accuracy of our results is limited, but the precision is good, and hence chemical trends are accurately predicted. For the same reason, defect formation energies are more accurately predicted than energy level position. We attempt, in Appendix B, to calculate vacancy formation energies using relatively simple chemical bonding ideas due to Harrison. However, these results are only marginally accurate for estimating vacancy binding energies. Appendix C lists all written reports and publications produced for the grant. We include abstracts and a complete paper that summarizes our work which is not yet available.

Synthesis and structural characterization of a novel Sillén - Aurivillius bismuth oxyhalide, PbBi3VO7.5Cl, and its derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charkin, Dmitri O.; Plokhikh, Igor V.; Kazakov, Sergey M.; Kalmykov, Stepan N.; Akinfiev, Victor S.; Gorbachev, Anatoly V.; Batuk, Maria; Abakumov, Artem M.; Teterin, Yury A.; Maslakov, Konstantin I.; Teterin, Anton Yu; Ivanov, Kirill E.

2018-01-01

A new Sillén - Aurivillius family of layered bismuth oxyhalides has been designed and successfully constructed on the basis of PbBiO2X (X = halogen) synthetic perites and γ-form of Bi2VO5.5 solid electrolyte. This demonstrates, for the first time, the ability of the latter to serve as a building block in construction of mixed-layer structures. The parent compound PbBi3VO7.5-δCl (δ ≤ 0.05) has been investigated by powder XRD, TEM, XPS methods and magnetic susceptibility measurements. An unexpected but important condition for the formation of the mixed-layer structure is partial (ca. 5%) reduction of VV into VIV which probably suppresses competitive formation of apatite-like Pb - Bi vanadates. This reduction also stabilizes the γ polymorphic form of Bi2VO5.5 not only in the intergrowth structure, but in Bi2V1-xMxO5.5-y (M = Nb, Sb) solid solutions.

Growth-induced anisotropy in bismuth - Rare-earth iron garnets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fratello, V. J.; Slusky, S. E. G.; Brandle, C. D.; Norelli, M. P.

1986-01-01

The bismuth-doped rare-earth iron garnets, (R3-x-yBixPby)Fe5O12 (Bi:RIG, R = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y), were prepared under constant growth conditions to investigate the influence of ionic species on the bismuth-based growth-induced uniaxial anisotropy K(u) exp g. The effect of ionic species on growth-induced anisotropy in Bi:RIG was not consistent with the ionic size model of site ordering. In particular, Bi:SmIG, Bi:EuIG, and Bi:TbIG displayed high growth-induced anisotropies, up to 331,000 erg/cu cm at room temperature for x of about 0.5. The temperature dependence of these K(u) exp gs was somewhat higher than that of the well studied Bi:YIG. The site ordering of Bi can be modeled by assuming that small, low-oxygen-coordination BiOw exp +3-2 w melt complexes have a strong site selectivity for small, high-oxygen coordination sites at the growth interface.

Bismuth Infusion of ABS Enables Additive Manufacturing of Complex Radiological Phantoms and Shielding Equipment.

PubMed

Ceh, Justin; Youd, Tom; Mastrovich, Zach; Peterson, Cody; Khan, Sarah; Sasser, Todd A; Sander, Ian M; Doney, Justin; Turner, Clark; Leevy, W Matthew

2017-02-24

Radiopacity is a critical property of materials that are used for a range of radiological applications, including the development of phantom devices that emulate the radiodensity of native tissues and the production of protective equipment for personnel handling radioactive materials. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a fabrication platform that is well suited to creating complex anatomical replicas or custom labware to accomplish these radiological purposes. We created and tested multiple ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) filaments infused with varied concentrations of bismuth (1.2-2.7 g/cm³), a radiopaque metal that is compatible with plastic infusion, to address the poor gamma radiation attenuation of many mainstream 3D printing materials. X-ray computed tomography (CT) experiments of these filaments indicated that a density of 1.2 g/cm³ of bismuth-infused ABS emulates bone radiopacity during X-ray CT imaging on preclinical and clinical scanners. ABS-bismuth filaments along with ABS were 3D printed to create an embedded human nasocranial anatomical phantom that mimicked radiological properties of native bone and soft tissue. Increasing the bismuth content in the filaments to 2.7 g/cm³ created a stable material that could attenuate 50% of 99m Technetium gamma emission when printed with a 2.0 mm wall thickness. A shielded test tube rack was printed to attenuate source radiation as a protective measure for lab personnel. We demonstrated the utility of novel filaments to serve multiple radiological purposes, including the creation of anthropomorphic phantoms and safety labware, by tuning the level of radiation attenuation through material customization.

Cadmium Telluride Semiconductor Detector for Improved Spatial and Energy Resolution Radioisotopic Imaging

PubMed Central

Abbaspour, Samira; Mahmoudian, Babak; Islamian, Jalil Pirayesh

2017-01-01

The detector in single-photon emission computed tomography has played a key role in the quality of the images. Over the past few decades, developments in semiconductor detector technology provided an appropriate substitution for scintillation detectors in terms of high sensitivity, better energy resolution, and also high spatial resolution. One of the considered detectors is cadmium telluride (CdTe). The purpose of this paper is to review the CdTe semiconductor detector used in preclinical studies, small organ and small animal imaging, also research in nuclear medicine and other medical imaging modalities by a complete inspect on the material characteristics, irradiation principles, applications, and epitaxial growth method. PMID:28553175

Red light emission from europium doped zinc sodium bismuth borate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegde, Vinod; Viswanath, C. S. Dwaraka; Upadhyaya, Vyasa; Mahato, K. K.; Kamath, Sudha D.

2017-12-01

Zinc sodium bismuth borate (ZNBB) glasses doped with different concentrations of europium were prepared by conventional melt quenching method and characterized through the measurements of density, refractive index, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra, optical absorption, luminescence and radiative lifetimes. FTIR spectra showed seven characteristic peaks of bismuth and borate functional groups in the range of 400-1600 cm-1. The optical band gap and bonding parameters have been calculated from absorption spectra. Photoluminescence spectra recorded in the visible region with 394 nm excitation are used to calculate the Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters (Ω2 and Ω4). The JO intensity parameters have been used to calculate the radiative parameters such as branching ratio (β), stimulated emission cross-section (σse), transition probability (A) for the fluorescent level of 5D0→7F2. Decay rates through single exponential are used to calculate the lifetime (τm) of the meta-stable state 5D0 of (Eu3+ ion) these glasses. The radiative parameters measured for all these glasses show 0.7 mol% europium doped zinc sodium bismuth borate glass 5D0→7F2 transition has the potential for red laser applications. The quality of the colour emitted by the present glasses are estimated quantitatively by CIE chromaticity coordinates, which confirms the suitability of these glasses as a red emitting material for field emission technologies and LEDs.

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals.

PubMed

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph; Kempf, Nicholas; Han, Chao; Gamarachchi, Pasindu; Estrada, David; Mehta, Rutvik J; Zhang, Yanliang

2016-09-12

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstrate a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm(2) with 60 °C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. The highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals

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

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstratemore » a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm 2 with 60°C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. In conclusion, the highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.« less

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals

DOE PAGES

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph; ...

2016-09-12

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstratemore » a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm 2 with 60°C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. In conclusion, the highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.« less

High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals

PubMed Central

Varghese, Tony; Hollar, Courtney; Richardson, Joseph; Kempf, Nicholas; Han, Chao; Gamarachchi, Pasindu; Estrada, David; Mehta, Rutvik J.; Zhang, Yanliang

2016-01-01

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstrate a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm2 with 60 °C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. The highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications. PMID:27615036

Optical characteristics of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) thin films.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoud, S.; Eid, A. H.; Omar, H.

Thin films of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) were grown by two deposition techniques, by thermal evaporation and by chemical deposition. The thermally deposited reactions consisted in depositing the individual elements, namely bismuth and sulfur, sequentially from a tungsten boat source and allowing the layers to interdiffuse to form the compound during the heat-treatment. The chemical deposition was based on the reaction between the triethanolamine compex of Bi3+ ions and thiourea in basic media. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis were made on as-deposited and on annealed films to determine their structure. The different electronic transitions and the optical constants are determined from the transmision and reflection data of these thin films for normal incidence. The optical gaps of Bi2S3 films show a remarkable dependence on the preparation method.

Novel aspects of application of cadmium telluride quantum dots nanostructures in radiation oncology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fazaeli, Yousef; Zare, Hakimeh; Karimi, Shokufeh; Rahighi, Reza; Feizi, Shahzad

2017-08-01

In the last two decades, quantum dots nanomaterials have garnered a great deal of scientific interest because of their unique properties. Quantum dots (QDs) are inorganic fluorescent nanocrystals in the size range between 1 and 20 nm. Due to their structural properties, they possess distinctive properties and behave in different way from crystals in macro scale, in many branches of human life. Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) were labeled with 68Ga radio nuclide for fast in vivo targeting and coincidence imaging of tumors. Using instant paper chromatography, the physicochemical properties of the Cadmium telluride quantum dots labeled with 68Ga NPs (68Ga@ CdTe QDs) were found high enough stable in organic phases, e.g., a human serum, to be reliably used in bioapplications. In vivo biodistribution of the 68Ga@ CdTe QDs nanoconposite was investigated in rats bearing fibro sarcoma tumor after various post-injection periods of time. The 68Ga NPs exhibited a rapid as well as high tumor uptake in a very short period of time (less than 10 min), resulting in an efficient tumor targeting/imaging agent. Meantime, the low lipophilicity of the 68Ga NPs caused to their fast excretion throughout the body by kidneys (as also confirmed by the urinary tract). Because of the short half-life of 68Ga radionuclide, the 68Ga@ CdTe QDs with an excellent tumor targeting/imaging and fast washing out from the body can be suggested as one of the most effective and promising nanomaterials in nanotechnology-based cancer diagnosis and therapy.

The thermoelectric properties of bulk crystalline n- and p-type Mg2Si prepared by the vertical Bridgman method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akasaka, Masayasu; Iida, Tsutomu; Matsumoto, Atsunobu; Yamanaka, Kohei; Takanashi, Yoshifumi; Imai, Tomohiro; Hamada, Noriaki

2008-07-01

Bulk Mg2Si crystals were grown using the vertical Bridgman melt growth method. The n-type and p-type dopants, bismuth (Bi) and silver (Ag), respectively, were incorporated during the growth. X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed clear peaks of Mg2Si with no peaks associated with the metallic Mg and Si phases. Residual impurities and process induced contaminants were investigated by using glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). A comparison between the results of GDMS and Hall effect measurements indicated that electrical activation of the Bi doping in the Mg2Si was sufficient, while activation of the Ag doping was relatively smaller. It was shown that an undoped n-type specimen contained a certain amount of aluminum (Al), which was due either to residual impurities in the Mg source or the incorporation of process-induced impurities. Thermoelectric properties such as the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical and thermal conductivities were measured as a function of temperature up to 850 K. The dimensionless figures of merit for Bi-doped and Ag-doped samples were 0.65 at 840 K and 0.1 at 566 K, respectively. Temperature dependence of the observed Seebeck coefficient was fitted well by the two-carrier model. The first-principles calculations were carried out by using the all-electron band-structure calculation package (ABCAP) in which the full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave method was employed. The ABCAP calculation adequately presents characteristics of the Seebeck coefficients for the undoped and heavily Bi-doped samples over the whole measured temperature range from room temperature to 850 K. The agreement between the theory and the experiment is poorer for the Ag-doped p-type samples.

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.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Bismuth Particles: Tuning Particle Shape through Substrate Type within a Narrow Potential Window

PubMed Central

Bilican, Doga; Fornell, Jordina; Sort, Jordi; Pellicer, Eva

2017-01-01

Bismuth (Bi) electrodeposition was studied on Si/Ti/Au, FTO-, and ITO-coated glasses from acidic nitrate solutions with and without gluconate within a narrow potential window (ΔE = 80 mV). This potential range was sufficient to observe a change in particle shape, from polyhedrons (including hexagons) to dendrites, the trend being slightly different depending on substrate activity. In all cases, though, the formation of dendrites was favoured as the applied potential was made more negative. Bi particles were more uniformly distributed over the substrate when sodium gluconate was added to the electrolyte. X-ray diffraction analyses of dendrites grown at −0.28 V indicated that they exhibit the rhombohedral phase of Bi and are predominantly oriented along the (003) plane. This orientation is exacerbated at the lowest applied potential (−0.20 V vs. Ag|AgCl) on glass/ITO substrate, for which completed and truncated hexagons are observed from the top view scanning electron microscopy images. PMID:28772402

Codoping method for the fabrication of low-resistivity wide band-gap semiconductors in p-type GaN, p-type AlN and n-type diamond: prediction versus experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katayama-Yoshida, H.; Nishimatsu, T.; Yamamoto, T.; Orita, N.

2001-10-01

We review our new valence control method of a co-doping for the fabrication of low-resistivity p-type GaN, p-type AlN and n-type diamond. The co-doping method is proposed based upon ab initio electronic structure calculation in order to solve the uni-polarity and the compensation problems in the wide band-gap semiconductors. In the co-doping method, we dope both the acceptors and donors at the same time by forming the meta-stable acceptor-donor-acceptor complexes for the p-type or donor-acceptor-donor complexes for the n-type under thermal non-equilibrium crystal growth conditions. We propose the following co-doping method to fabricate the low-resistivity wide band-gap semiconductors; p-type GaN: [Si + 2 Mg (or Be)], [H + 2 Mg (or Be)], [O + 2 Mg (or Be)], p-type AlN: [O + 2 C] and n-type diamond: [B + 2 N], [H + S], [H + 2 P]. We compare our prediction of the co-doping method with the recent successful experiments to fabricate the low-resistivity p-type GaN, p-type AlN and n-type diamond. We show that the co-doping method is the efficient and universal doping method by which to avoid carrier compensation with an increase of the solubility of the dopant, to increase the activation rate by decreasing the ionization energy of acceptors and donors, and to increase the mobility of the carrier.

Dietary intake of barium, bismuth, chromium, lithium, and strontium in a Spanish population (Canary Islands, Spain).

PubMed

González-Weller, Dailos; Rubio, Carmen; Gutiérrez, Ángel José; González, Gara Luis; Caballero Mesa, José María; Revert Gironés, Consuelo; Burgos Ojeda, Antonio; Hardisson, Arturo

2013-12-01

The aim of this study was to analyze barium, bismuth, chromium, lithium, and strontium contents in food and beverages consumed by the population of the Canary Islands (Spain) as well as determine dietary intake of these metals in the archipelago as a whole and in its individual islands. To this end, 440 samples were analyzed by ICP-OES and GFAAS. Barium concentrations ranged from 5.210 ± 2.117 mg/kg in nuts to 0.035 ± 0.043 mg/L in water. Viscera exhibited the highest levels of bismuth (38.07 ± 36.80 mg/kg). The cold meat and sausages group stood out for its high chromium concentrations (0.494 ± 0.257 mg/kg). The highest concentration of lithium and strontium came out in nuts (8.761 ± 5.368 mg/kg and 9.759 ± 5.181 mg/kg, respectively). The total intakes of barium, bismuth, chromium, lithium, and strontium were 0.685, 1.274, 0.087, 3.674, and 1.923 mg/day, respectively. Cereals turned out to contribute most to the dietary intake of barium, bismuth, chromium, and lithium in the Canary Islands, while fruit contributes most to the strontium intake. We also performed a metal intake study by age and sex of the population and compared the outcome with data from other regions, both national and international.

Effect of bismuth subcitrate and sucralfate on rat duodenal and human gastric bicarbonate secretion in vivo.

PubMed Central

Shorrock, C J; Garner, A; Hunter, A H; Crampton, J R; Rees, W D

1990-01-01

Acid and alkali secretion have been examined together with prostaglandin E2 production in response to two mucosal protective drugs, colloidal bismuth subcitrate and sucralfate. Doses of colloidal bismuth subcitrate in the therapeutic range (120 and 1200 mg) had no effect on alkali secretion or luminal PGE2 output when perfused into the stomach of human volunteers. Similarly, in the anaesthetised rat, neither gastric acid nor duodenal alkali secretions were influenced by iv (12 mg/kg) or topical (120 mg/ml) administration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate. In contrast, perfusion of the human stomach with 1 g sucralfate stimulated bicarbonate output by 50%, a response which was unaffected by indomethacin (25 mg/h). A rise of 64% in gastric PGE2 output after sucralfate was, however, prevented by indomethacin pretreatment. Alkali secretion by rat duodenum was also increased by sucralfate but the response depended on the basal secretory rate. Low basal secretors (less than 3 mumol) showed a 75% stimulation whereas rats with high basal secretory rates (greater than 3 mumol) showed no significant response. All duodenal preparations regardless of basal secretory rate showed a stimulation of bicarbonate output with topical PGE2. The results suggest that enhancement of gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion may play a role in the protective action of sucralfate but is unlikely to explain mucosal protection by colloidal bismuth subcitrate. PMID:2318428

Transport properties of lithium- lead-vanadium-telluride glass and glass ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathish, M.; Eraiah, B.

2014-04-01

Glasses with the chemical composition 35Li2O-(45-x)V2O5-20PbO-xTeO2 (where x = 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 mol %) have prepared by conventional melt quenching method. The electrical conductivity of Li+ ion conducting lead vanadium telluride glass samples has been carried out both as a function of temperature and frequency in the temperature range 503K-563K and over frequencies 40 Hz to 10 MHz. The electronic conduction has been observed in the present systems. When these samples annealed around 400°C for 2hour become the glass ceramic, which also shows increase tendency of conductivity. SEM confines glass and glass ceramic nature of the prepared samples.

Bi{sub 6}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 3}O{sub 5}Br{sub 2}: A new bismuth oxo-selenite bromide

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

Berdonosov, Peter S., E-mail: berdonosov@inorg.chem.msu.ru; Olenev, Andrei V.; Kirsanova, Maria A.

2012-12-15

A new bismuth oxo-selenite bromide Bi{sub 6}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 3}O{sub 5}Br{sub 2} was synthesized and structurally characterized. The crystal structure belongs to the triclinic system (space group P1-bar , Z=2, a=7.1253(7) A, b=10.972(1) A, c=12.117(1) A, {alpha}=67.765(7) Degree-Sign , {beta}=82.188(8) Degree-Sign , {gamma}=78.445(7) Degree-Sign ) and is unrelated to those of other known oxo-selenite halides. It can be considered as an open framework composed of BiO{sub x} or BiO{sub y}Br{sub z} polyhedrons forming channels running along [1 0 0] direction which contain the selenium atoms in pyramidal shape oxygen coordination (SeO{sub 3}E). The spectroscopic properties and thermal stability were studied. Themore » new compound is stable up to 400 Degree-Sign C. - graphical abstract: New bismuth oxo-selenite bromide with new open framework structure. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New bismuth oxo-selenite bromide was found and structurally characterized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bi{sub 6}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 3}O{sub 5}Br{sub 2} exhibit a new open framework structure type. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BiO{sub x} or BiO{sub y}Br{sub z} polyhedrons form channels in the structure which are decorated by [SeO{sub 3}E] groups.« less

Flow injection-hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric determination of selenium, arsenic and bismuth.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanlin; Adeloju, Samuel B

2008-08-15

A simple and robust flow injection system which permits low sample and reagent consumption is described for rapid and reliable hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric determination of selenium, arsenic and bismuth. The system, which composed of one peristaltic pump and one four channel solenoid valve, used water as the carrier streams for both sample and NaBH(4) solution. Rapid off-line pre-reduction of the analytes was achieved by using hydroxylamine hydrochloride for selenium and a mixture of potassium iodide and ascorbic acid for arsenic and bismuth. Transition metal interference was eliminated with the addition of thiourea and EDTA into the NaBH(4) solution and significant sensitivity enhancement was observed for selenium in the presence of thiourea in the reductant solution. Under optimised conditions, the method achieved detection limits of 0.2 ng mL(-1) for Se, 0.5 ng mL(-1) for As and 0.3 ng mL(-1) for Bi. The method was very reproducible, achieving relative standard deviations of 6.3% for Se, 3.6% for As and 4.7% for Bi, and has a sample throughput of 360 h(-1). Successful application of the method to the quantification of selenium, arsenic and bismuth in a certified reference river sediment sample is reported.

Intense 2.7 µm emission and structural origin in Er3+-doped bismuthate (Bi2O3-GeO2-Ga2O3-Na2O) glass.

PubMed

Guo, Yanyan; Li, Ming; Hu, Lili; Zhang, Junjie

2012-01-15

The 2.7 μm emission properties in Er3+-doped bismuthate (Bi2O3-GeO2-Ga2O3-Na2O) glass were investigated in the present Letter. An intense 2.7 μm emission in Er3+-doped bismuthate glass was observed. It is found that Er3+-doped bismuthate glass possesses high spontaneous transition probability A (65.26 s(-1)) and large 2.7 μm emission cross section σ(em) (9.53×10(-21) cm2) corresponding to the stimulated emission of Er3+:4I11/2→4I13/2 transition. The emission characteristic and energy transfer process upon excitation of a conventional 980 nm laser diode in bismuthate glass were analyzed. Additionally, the structure of bismuthate glass was analyzed by the Raman spectrum. The advantageous spectroscopic characteristics of Er3+ single-doped bismuthate glass together with the prominent thermal property indicate that bismuthate glass might become an attractive host for developing solid-state lasers around 2.7 μm.

Cadmium zinc telluride as a mid-infrared variable retarder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

FitzGerald, William; Taherion, Saeid; Kumar, F. Joseph; Giles, David; Hore, Dennis

2018-04-01

The electro-optic behavior of cadmium zinc telluride is examined in the mid-infrared region between 3 and 11 μm, for applied DC field strengths of up to 106 V/m. The measurements performed here include full characterization of the polarization state of the transmitted light by means of the Stokes vector. We demonstrate the suitability of this material for DC variable retarder applications such as those achieved by quarter- or half-wave retardation. A comparison of two different metallic coatings for electrodes, gold and indium, reveals important differences in performance that are attributed to the homogeneity of the field through the bulk of the crystal. We illustrate that, in the case of both metals, the same electro-optic coefficients are measured, but regions of higher and lower retardation result in significant depolarization in the case of gold. Such depolarization may adversely affect the contrast ratio in a light valve, or increase the voltage necessary for the operation of an arbitrary polarization state generator.

Vapor crystal growth technology development: Application to cadmium telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz; Banish, Michael; Duval, Walter M. B.

1991-01-01

Growth of bulk crystals by physical vapor transport was developed and applied to cadmium telluride. The technology makes use of effusive ampoules, in which part of the vapor contents escapes to a vacuum shroud through defined leaks during the growth process. This approach has the advantage over traditional sealed ampoule techniques that impurity vapors and excess vapor constituents are continuously removed from the vicinity of the growing crystal. Thus, growth rates are obtained routinely at magnitudes that are rather difficult to achieve in closed ampoules. Other advantages of this effusive ampoule physical vapor transport (EAPVT) technique include the predetermination of transport rates based on simple fluid dynamics and engineering considerations, and the growth of the crystal from close to congruent vapors, which largely alleviates the compositional nonuniformities resulting from buoyancy driven convective transport. After concisely reviewing earlier work on improving transport rates, nucleation control, and minimization of crystal wall interactions in vapor crystal growth, a detail account is given of the largely computer controlled EAPVT experimentation.

Coexistence of Topological Edge State and Superconductivity in Bismuth Ultrathin Film.

PubMed

Sun, Hao-Hua; Wang, Mei-Xiao; Zhu, Fengfeng; Wang, Guan-Yong; Ma, Hai-Yang; Xu, Zhu-An; Liao, Qing; Lu, Yunhao; Gao, Chun-Lei; Li, Yao-Yi; Liu, Canhua; Qian, Dong; Guan, Dandan; Jia, Jin-Feng

2017-05-10

Ultrathin freestanding bismuth film is theoretically predicted to be one kind of two-dimensional topological insulators. Experimentally, the topological nature of bismuth strongly depends on the situations of the Bi films. Film thickness and interaction with the substrate often change the topological properties of Bi films. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy or spectroscopy and first-principle calculation, the properties of Bi(111) ultrathin film grown on the NbSe 2 superconducting substrate have been studied. We find the band structures of the ultrathin film is quasi-freestanding, and one-dimensional edge state exists on Bi(111) film as thin as three bilayers. Superconductivity is also detected on different layers of the film and the pairing potential exhibits an exponential decay with the layer thicknesses. Thus, the topological edge state can coexist with superconductivity, which makes the system a promising platform for exploring Majorana Fermions.

Bismuth oxide nanotubes-graphene fiber-based flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Gopalsamy, Karthikeyan; Xu, Zhen; Zheng, Bingna; Huang, Tieqi; Kou, Liang; Zhao, Xiaoli; Gao, Chao

2014-08-07

Graphene-bismuth oxide nanotube fiber as electrode material for constituting flexible supercapacitors using a PVA/H3PO4 gel electrolyte is reported with a high specific capacitance (Ca) of 69.3 mF cm(-2) (for a single electrode) and 17.3 mF cm(-2) (for the whole device) at 0.1 mA cm(-2), respectively. Our approach opens the door to metal oxide-graphene hybrid fibers and high-performance flexible electronics.

An ecotoxicological study on tin- and bismuth-catalysed PDMS based coatings containing a surface-active polymer.

PubMed

Pretti, Carlo; Oliva, Matteo; Mennillo, Elvira; Barbaglia, Martina; Funel, Marco; Reddy Yasani, Bhaskar; Martinelli, Elisa; Galli, Giancarlo

2013-12-01

Novel films were prepared by condensation curing reaction of a poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) matrix with bismuth neodecanoate and dibutyltin diacetate catalysts. An ecotoxicological study was performed on the leachates of the coatings using the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, the unicellular alga Dunaliella tertiolecta, the crustacean Artemia salina and the fish Sparus aurata (larvae) as testing organisms. A copper-based self-polishing commercial paint was also tested as reference. The results showed that the tin-catalysed coatings and the copper paint were highly toxic against at least two of the four test organisms, whereas bismuth-catalysed coatings did not show any toxic effect. Moreover, the same biological assessment was also carried out on PDMS coatings containing a surface-active fluorinated polymer. The toxicity of the entire polymeric system resulted only from the tin catalyst used for the condensation curing reaction, as the bismuth catalysed coatings incorporating the surface-active polymer remained atoxic toward all the tested organisms. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strongly Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Defect Physics of Air-Stable Bismuth Oxyiodide (BiOI)

DOE PAGES

Hoye, Robert L. Z.; Lee, Lana C.; Kurchin, Rachel C.; ...

2017-07-17

Bismuth-based compounds have recently gained increasing attention as potentially nontoxic and defect-tolerant solar absorbers. However, many of the new materials recently investigated show limited photovoltaic performance. Herein, one such compound is explored in detail through theory and experiment: bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). BiOI thin films are grown by chemical vapor transport and found to maintain the same tetragonal phase in ambient air for at least 197 d. The computations suggest BiOI to be tolerant to antisite and vacancy defects. All-inorganic solar cells (ITO|NiO x|BiOI|ZnO|Al) with negligible hysteresis and up to 80% external quantum efficiency under select monochromatic excitation are demonstrated. Themore » short-circuit current densities and power conversion efficiencies under AM 1.5G illumination are nearly double those of previously reported BiOI solar cells, as well as other bismuth halide and chalcohalide photovoltaics recently explored by many groups. Through a detailed loss analysis using optical characterization, photoemission spectroscopy, and device modeling, direction for future improvements in efficiency is provided. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that BiOI, previously considered to be a poor photocatalyst, is promising for photovoltaics.« less

The cytotoxicity of organobismuth compounds with certain molecular structures can be diminished by replacing the bismuth atom with an antimony atom in the molecules.

PubMed

Kohri, Kumiko; Yoshida, Eiko; Yasuike, Shuji; Fujie, Tomoya; Yamamoto, Chika; Kaji, Toshiyuki

2015-06-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid molecules, which are composed of an organic structure and metal(s), are indispensable for synthetic chemical reactions; however, their toxicity has been incompletely understood. In the present study, we discovered two cytotoxic organobismuth compounds whose cytotoxicity diminished upon replacement of the intramolecular bismuth atom with an antimony atom. The intracellular accumulation of the organobismuth compounds was much higher than that of the organoantimony compounds with the corresponding organic structures. We also showed that both the organic structure and bismuth atom are required for certain organobismuth compounds to exert their cytotoxic effect, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of such a compound is a result of an interaction between the organic structure and the bismuth atom. The present data suggest that organobismuth compounds with certain molecular structures exhibit cytotoxicity via an interaction between the molecular structure and the bismuth atom, and this cytotoxicity can be diminished by replacing the bismuth atom with an antimony atom, resulting in lower intracellular accumulation.

Mixed-layered bismuth-oxygen-iodine materials for capture and waste disposal of radioactive iodine

DOEpatents

Krumhansl, James L; Nenoff, Tina M

2013-02-26

Materials and methods of synthesizing mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine materials, which can be synthesized in the presence of aqueous radioactive iodine species found in caustic solutions (e.g. NaOH or KOH). This technology provides a one-step process for both iodine sequestration and storage from nuclear fuel cycles. It results in materials that will be durable for repository conditions much like those found in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and estimated for Yucca Mountain (YMP). By controlled reactant concentrations, optimized compositions of these mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine inorganic materials are produced that have both a high iodine weight percentage and a low solubility in groundwater environments.

Optical and structural properties of cadmium telluride films grown by glancing angle deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehsani, M. H.; Rezagholipour Dizaji, H.; Azizi, S.; Ghavami Mirmahalle, S. F.; Siyanaki, F. Hosseini

2013-08-01

Cadmium telluride films were grown by the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique. The samples were prepared under different incident deposition flux angles (α = 0°, 20° and 70° measured from the normal to the substrate surface). During deposition, the substrate temperature was maintained at room temperature. The structural study was performed using an x-ray diffraction diffractometer. The samples were found to be poly-crystalline with cubic structure for those deposited at α = 0° and 20° and hexagonal structure for the one deposited at 70°. The images of samples obtained by the field emission scanning electron microscopy technique showed that the GLAD method could produce a columnar layer tilted toward the incident deposition flux. The optical properties study by the UV-Vis spectroscopy technique showed that the use of this growth technique affected the optical properties of the films. A higher absorption coefficient in the visible and near-IR spectral range was observed for the sample deposited at α = 70°. This is an important result from the photovoltaic applications point of view where absorber materials with large absorption coefficients are needed. Also, it seems that the sample with a high incident deposition flux angle has the capability of making an n-CdTe/p-CdTe homo-junction.

A Model for Predicting Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Seungwon; VonAllmen, Paul

2009-01-01

A parameterized orthogonal tight-binding mathematical model of the quantum electronic structure of the bismuth telluride molecule has been devised for use in conjunction with a semiclassical transport model in predicting the thermoelectric properties of doped bismuth telluride. This model is expected to be useful in designing and analyzing Bi2Te3 thermoelectric devices, including ones that contain such nano - structures as quantum wells and wires. In addition, the understanding gained in the use of this model can be expected to lead to the development of better models that could be useful for developing other thermoelectric materials and devices having enhanced thermoelectric properties. Bi2Te3 is one of the best bulk thermoelectric materials and is widely used in commercial thermoelectric devices. Most prior theoretical studies of the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 have involved either continuum models or ab-initio models. Continuum models are computationally very efficient, but do not account for atomic-level effects. Ab-initio models are atomistic by definition, but do not scale well in that computation times increase excessively with increasing numbers of atoms. The present tight-binding model bridges the gap between the well-scalable but non-atomistic continuum models and the atomistic but poorly scalable ab-initio models: The present tight-binding model is atomistic, yet also computationally efficient because of the reduced (relative to an ab-initio model) number of basis orbitals and flexible parameterization of the Hamiltonian.

Crystal growth, fabrication and evaluation of cadmium manganese telluride gamma ray detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burger, Arnold; Chattopadhyay, Kaushik; Chen, Henry; Olivier Ndap, Jean; Ma, Xiaoyan; Trivedi, Sudhir; Kutcher, Susan W.; Chen, Rujin; Rosemeier, Robert D.

1999-03-01

Cadmium manganese telluride (Cd 1- xMn xTe) is a diluted magnetic semiconductor material which forms the basis for many important devices such as IR detectors, solar cells, magnetic field sensors, optical isolators, and visible and near IR lasers. High resistivity (>10 10 Ω cm) and high μ τ (>10 -6 cm 2/V) material, which are the two prerequisites in the fabrication of radiation detectors, has recently been demonstrated at Brimrose Corp. This paper presents the crystal growth of intentionally vanadium doped crystals, the surface preparation and contacting procedure, as well as the best detector performance obtained so far. Dark current characteristics, and low temperature photoluminescence results are also presented and discussed.

Optical Properties of Bismuth Tellurite Based Glass

PubMed Central

Oo, Hooi Ming; Mohamed-Kamari, Halimah; Wan-Yusoff, Wan Mohd Daud

2012-01-01

A series of binary tellurite based glasses (Bi2O3)x (TeO2)100−x was prepared by melt quenching method. The density, molar volume and refractive index increase when bismuth ions Bi3+ increase, this is due to the increased polarization of the ions Bi3+ and the enhanced formation of non-bridging oxygen (NBO). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results show the bonding of the glass sample and the optical band gap, Eopt decreases while the refractive index increases when the ion Bi3+ content increases. PMID:22605999

The network modifier and former role of the bismuth ions in the bismuth-lead-germanate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rada, M.; Rus, L.; Rada, S.; Culea, E.; Rusu, T.

2014-11-01

The present work is focused on the enhancement of network former environment in lead-germanate glasses by bismuth ions doping. A series of bismuth-lead-germanate glasses with the xBi2O3·(100 - x)[7GeO2·3PbO] composition glass where 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 30 mol% Bi2O3 were synthesized by melt-quenching method. The FTIR, UV-VIS spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were conducted on these samples to evaluate the doping effect of structure of the host matrix network. Our results indicate that direct incorporation of Bi2O3 into the lead-germanate network modifies the lead-germanate network and the internal structure of glass network is rearranged. The structural flexibility of the lead-germanate network is possible due to its incapacity to accommodate with the excess of oxygen atoms and the creation of bridging oxygen ions. Optical gap energy and refractive index were obtained as a function of Bi2O3 content. Gap energy values decrease as Bi2O3 content increased from 0 to 10 mol%. Further increase of Bi2O3 concentration beyond 10 mol% increased the gap energy values. These behaviors of the glass system can be explained by two mechanisms: (i) for x ⩽ 10 mol% Bi2O3 - increase of degree of disorder of the host matrix because Bi2O3 is network modifier and (ii) for x > 10 mol% - Bi2O3 acts as a network former. Cyclic voltammetry measurements using the glass system with 10Bi2O3·90[7GeO2·3PbO] composition as working electrode show the mobility of the lead ions, in agreement with UV-VIS data.

Superconductivity in Bismuth. A New Look at an Old Problem

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

To investigate the relationship between atomic topology, vibrational and electronic properties and superconductivity of bismuth, a 216-atom amorphous structure (a-Bi216) was computer-generated using our undermelt-quench approach. Its pair distribution function compares well with experiment. The calculated electronic and vibrational densities of states (eDOS and vDOS, respectively) show that the amorphous eDOS is about 4 times the crystalline at the Fermi energy, whereas for the vDOS the energy range of the amorphous is roughly the same as the crystalline but the shapes are quite different. A simple BCS estimate of the possible crystalline superconducting transition temperature gives an upper limit of 1.3 mK. The e-ph coupling is more preponderant in a-Bi than in crystalline bismuth (x-Bi) as indicated by the λ obtained via McMillan’s formula, λc = 0.24 and experiment λa = 2.46. Therefore with respect to x-Bi, superconductivity in a-Bi is enhanced by the higher values of λ and of eDOS at the Fermi energy. PMID:26815431

Superconductivity in Bismuth. A New Look at an Old Problem.

PubMed

Mata-Pinzón, Zaahel; Valladares, Ariel A; Valladares, Renela M; Valladares, Alexander

2016-01-01

To investigate the relationship between atomic topology, vibrational and electronic properties and superconductivity of bismuth, a 216-atom amorphous structure (a-Bi216) was computer-generated using our undermelt-quench approach. Its pair distribution function compares well with experiment. The calculated electronic and vibrational densities of states (eDOS and vDOS, respectively) show that the amorphous eDOS is about 4 times the crystalline at the Fermi energy, whereas for the vDOS the energy range of the amorphous is roughly the same as the crystalline but the shapes are quite different. A simple BCS estimate of the possible crystalline superconducting transition temperature gives an upper limit of 1.3 mK. The e-ph coupling is more preponderant in a-Bi than in crystalline bismuth (x-Bi) as indicated by the λ obtained via McMillan's formula, λc = 0.24 and experiment λa = 2.46. Therefore with respect to x-Bi, superconductivity in a-Bi is enhanced by the higher values of λ and of eDOS at the Fermi energy.

Selective resputtering of bismuth in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grace, J. M.; McDonald, D. B.; Reiten, M. T.; Olson, J.; Kampwirth, R. T.; Gray, K. E.

1991-10-01

We present studies using a dc magnetron in an on-axis configuration to sputter Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films from a composite target. These studies show that bismuth can be preferentially resputtered. The influence of ozone, molecular oxygen, and total pressure on the resputtering of bismuth is investigated and discussed. Ozone, in low concentrations, can dramatically affect the degree of resputtering. By comparing the effects of molecular oxygen and ozone, some insight is gained regarding the possible mechanisms of negative ion formation in the magnetron environment. Based on our results we suggest that molecular oxygen can bring about resputtering primarily by forming O+2, which collides with the target to produce energetic negative oxygen ions. In contrast, ozone may form negative ions by electron impact in the dark space above the target, giving rise to lower-energy negative ions, which can traverse the plasma unneutralized and can be stopped with an applied bias on the sample block. With no added oxidant, negative oxygen ions from the target oxygen may dominate the background resputtering. Similarity is found between our results and those for similar studies on Y-Ba-Cu-O by other workers. Bismuth in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O behaves as barium in Y-Ba-Cu-O with regards to preferential resputtering; furthermore, the response of strontium, calcium, and copper to oxygen in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O is similar to what is observed for copper in Y-Ba-Cu-O.

Compact thermoelectric converter systems technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A schematic of the developed tubular thermoelectric module is shown. It consists of alternate washers of n- and p-type lead telluride, separated by thin natural mica washers. Electrical continuity within the circuit is accomplished by cylindrical conductor rings located at the I.D. and O.D. of the lead telluride washers. The conductor rings are also separated by the same mica which separate the lead telluride washers. The result is a radially serpentine current path along the length of the module. The circuit is isolated from the structural claddings by thin sleeves of boron nitride. Circuit containment and heat transfer surfaces are provided by the inner and outer cladding, heat being transferred from a heat source at the inner clad, conducted radially outward through the lead telluride to the outer clad where the waste heat is removed by a heat rejection system.

Materials Based on Antimony and Bismuth for Sodium Storage: A Review.

PubMed

Li, Xinyan; Ni, Jiangfeng; Savilov, S V; Li, Liang

2018-06-06

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) that efficiently store electricity into chemical energy have been extensively pursued because of their great potential for low-cost and large-scale stationary application such as smart grid and renewable energy. Successful deployment of SIBs requires efficient anode materials that could store Na+ ions via a reversible way at reasonable rates. Materials based on antimony and bismuth are capable of storing a high-concentration of Na+ ions via a reversible alloying reaction at suitable redox potentials, and thus havedrawn substantial attention. However, these electrode materials are facing significant technical challenges, such as poor conductivity, multiple phase transformation, and severe volume swelling and shrinking, which make efficient materials design a necessity. In this review, we will give a latest overview of research progress in the design and application of electrode materials based on antimony and bismuth, and offer some value insights into their future development in sodium storage. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Temperature and frequency dependent conductivity of bismuth zinc vanadate semiconducting glassy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Punia, R.; Kundu, R. S.; Dult, Meenakshi; Murugavel, S.; Kishore, N.

2012-10-01

The ac conductivity of bismuth zinc vanadate glasses with compositions 50V2O5. xBi2O3. (50-x) ZnO has been studied in the frequency range 10-1 Hz to 2 MHz and in temperature range 333.16 K to 533.16 K. The temperature and frequency dependent conductivity is found to obey Jonscher's universal power law for all the compositions of bismuth zinc vanadate glass system. The dc conductivity (σdc), crossover frequency (ωH), and frequency exponent (s) have been estimated from the fitting of experimental data of ac conductivity with Jonscher's universal power law. Enthalpy to dissociate the cation from its original site next to a charge compensating center (Hf) and enthalpy of migration (Hm) have also been estimated. It has been observed that mobility of charge carriers and ac conductivity in case of zinc vanadate glass system increases with increase in Bi2O3 content. In order to determine the conduction mechanism, the ac conductivity and its frequency exponent have been analyzed in the frame work of various theoretical models based on classical hopping over barriers and quantum mechanical tunneling. The ac conduction takes place via tunneling of overlapping large polarons in all the compositions of presently studied vanadate glasses. The fitting of experimental data of ac conductivity with overlapping large polarons tunneling model has also been done. The parameters; density of states at Fermi level (N(EF)), activation energy associated with charge transfer between the overlapping sites (WHO), inverse localization length (α) and polaron radius (rp) obtained from fitting of this model with experimental data are reasonable.

Facile synthesis of light harvesting semiconductor bismuth oxychloride nano photo-catalysts for efficient removal of hazardous organic pollutants

PubMed Central

Seddigi, Zaki S.; Baig, Umair; Ahmed, Saleh A.; Abdulaziz, M. A.; Danish, Ekram Y.; Khaled, Mazen M.; Lais, Abul

2017-01-01

In the present work, bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles–a light harvesting semiconductor photocatalyst–were synthesized by a facile hydrolysis route, with sodium bismuthate and hydroxylammonium chloride as the precursor materials. The as-synthesized semiconductor photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The crystal structure, morphology, composition, and optical properties of these facile synthesized bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles (BiOCl NPs) were compared to those of traditional bismuth oxychloride. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs and traditional BiOCl, as applied to the removal of hazardous organic dyes under visible light illumination, is thoroughly investigated. Our results reveal that facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs display strong UV-Vis light adsorption, improved charge carrier mobility and an inhibited rate of charge carrier recombination, when compared to traditional BiOCl. These enhancements result in an improved photocatalytic degradation rate of hazardous organic dyes under UV-Vis irradiance. For instance, the facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs attained 100% degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes in approximately 30 mins under UV-Vis irradiation, against 55% degradation for traditional BiOCl under similar experimental conditions. PMID:28245225

Facile synthesis of light harvesting semiconductor bismuth oxychloride nano photo-catalysts for efficient removal of hazardous organic pollutants.

PubMed

Seddigi, Zaki S; Gondal, Mohammed A; Baig, Umair; Ahmed, Saleh A; Abdulaziz, M A; Danish, Ekram Y; Khaled, Mazen M; Lais, Abul

2017-01-01

In the present work, bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles-a light harvesting semiconductor photocatalyst-were synthesized by a facile hydrolysis route, with sodium bismuthate and hydroxylammonium chloride as the precursor materials. The as-synthesized semiconductor photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The crystal structure, morphology, composition, and optical properties of these facile synthesized bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles (BiOCl NPs) were compared to those of traditional bismuth oxychloride. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs and traditional BiOCl, as applied to the removal of hazardous organic dyes under visible light illumination, is thoroughly investigated. Our results reveal that facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs display strong UV-Vis light adsorption, improved charge carrier mobility and an inhibited rate of charge carrier recombination, when compared to traditional BiOCl. These enhancements result in an improved photocatalytic degradation rate of hazardous organic dyes under UV-Vis irradiance. For instance, the facile-synthesized BiOCl NPs attained 100% degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes in approximately 30 mins under UV-Vis irradiation, against 55% degradation for traditional BiOCl under similar experimental conditions.

Content and distribution of arsenic, bismuth, lithium and selenium in mineral and synthetic fertilizers and their contribution to soil

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

Senesi, N.; Polemio, M.; Lorusso, L.

1979-01-01

Concentrations of arsenic, bismuth, lithium and selenium were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 32 samples of commercial fertilizers from various manufacturers and distributors. Arsenic and lithium were detected in all investigated samples, bismuth in 50% of samples and selenium only in two samples. Arsenic content ranged from 2 to 321 ppM; lithium varied from 5 to 0.1 ppM; bismuth was always lower than 0.5 ppM; selenium was detectable at the levels of 10 and 13 ppM. Fertilizers made from rock phosphates contained trace element amounts generally higher than those derived from rock carbonates, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and potassium sulphate.more » Additions of trace elements from fertilizers applied at common rates to cultivated soils are tabulated and discussed on the basis of the natural soil reserves and toxicity levels for plants. Whereas applications of bismuth resulted always very low to influence the usual soil content and plant uptakes and selenium was only rarely present in fertilizers, lithium and moreover arsenic additions by fertilizers could influence the trace element status in soil, overcoming occasionally the toxicity levels for more sensitive crops.« less

Thermodynamic Stability and Defect Chemistry of Bismuth-Based Lead-Free Double Perovskites.

PubMed

Xiao, Zewen; Meng, Weiwei; Wang, Jianbo; Yan, Yanfa

2016-09-22

Bismuth- or antimony-based lead-free double perovskites represented by Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 have recently been considered promising alternatives to the emerging lead-based perovskites for solar cell applications. These new perovskites belong to the Fm3‾ m space group and consist of two types of octahedra alternating in a rock-salt face-centered cubic structure. We show, by density functional theory calculations, that the stable chemical potential region for pure Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 is narrow. Ag vacancies are a shallow accepters and can easily form, leading to intrinsic p-type conductivity. Bi vacancies and Ag Bi antisites are deep acceptors and should be the dominant defects under the Br-rich growth conditions. Our results suggest that the growth of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 under Br-poor/Bi-rich conditions is preferred for suppressing the formation of the deep defects, which is beneficial for maximizing the photovoltaic performance. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Protective effect of compound bismuth and magnesium granules on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats].

PubMed

Mu, F H; Hu, F L; Wei, H; Zhang, Y Y; Yang, G B; Lei, X Y; Yang, Y P; Sun, W N; Cui, M H

2016-02-01

To investigate the protective effect of compound bismuth and magnesium granules on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats and its possible mechanism. Acute gastric mucosal injury model was developed with intraperitoneal injection of aspirin in Wistar rats. The rats were divided into normal control group, injury group, sucralfate protection group, compound bismuth and magnesium granules protection group and its herbal components protection group(each group 12 rats). In the protection groups, drugs as mentioned above were administered by gavage before treated with intraperitoneal injection of aspirin. To evaluate the extent of gastric mucosal injury and the protective effect of drugs, gastric mucosal lesion index, gastric mucosal blood flow, content of gastric mucosal hexosamine, prostaglandins (PG), nitric oxide(NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin (IL) -1, 2, 8 were measured in each group, and histological changes were observed by gross as well as under microscope and electron microscope. Contents of hexosamine, NO, and PG in all the protection groups were significantly higher than those in the injury group (all P<0.01), and content of NO in the compound bismuth and magnesium granules group was significantly higher than that in the sucralfate group ((11.29±0.51) vs(10.80±0.36)nmol/ml, P<0.05). The gastric mucosal lesion index, contents of TNF, and IL-1, 2, 8 were significantly lower in all the protection groups than in the injury group (all P<0.01), and contents of IL-2 and IL-8 in the compound bismuth and magnesium granules group were significantly lower than those in the sucralfate group ((328.17±6.56) vs(340.23±8.05)pg/ml, P<0.01; (170.82±7.31) vs(179.31±7.80)pg/ml, P<0.05). Tissue injury and inflammatory reaction in all the protection groups were obviously mitigated compared with the injury group. Compound bismuth and magnesium granules and its herbal components may have significant protective effect on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal

Chemical-free n-type and p-type multilayer-graphene transistors

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

Dissanayake, D. M. N. M., E-mail: nandithad@voxtel-inc.com; Eisaman, M. D.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794

A single-step doping method to fabricate n- and p-type multilayer graphene (MG) top-gate field effect transistors (GFETs) is demonstrated. The transistors are fabricated on soda-lime glass substrates, with the n-type doping of MG caused by the sodium in the substrate without the addition of external chemicals. Placing a hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) barrier layer between the MG and the substrate blocks the n-doping, resulting in p-type doping of the MG above regions patterned with HSQ. The HSQ is deposited in a single fabrication step using electron beam lithography, allowing the patterning of arbitrary sub-micron spatial patterns of n- and p-type doping.more » When a MG channel is deposited partially on the barrier and partially on the glass substrate, a p-type and n-type doping profile is created, which is used for fabricating complementary transistors pairs. Unlike chemically doped GFETs in which the external dopants are typically introduced from the top, these substrate doped GFETs allow for a top gate which gives a stronger electrostatic coupling to the channel, reducing the operating gate bias. Overall, this method enables scalable fabrication of n- and p-type complementary top-gated GFETs with high spatial resolution for graphene microelectronic applications.« less

Mixed-layered bismuth--oxygen--iodine materials for capture and waste disposal of radioactive iodine

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

Krumhansl, James L; Nenoff, Tina M

2015-01-06

Materials and methods of synthesizing mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine materials, which can be synthesized in the presence of aqueous radioactive iodine species found in caustic solutions (e.g. NaOH or KOH). This technology provides a one-step process for both iodine sequestration and storage from nuclear fuel cycles. It results in materials that will be durable for repository conditions much like those found in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and estimated for Yucca Mountain (YMP). By controlled reactant concentrations, optimized compositions of these mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine inorganic materials are produced that have both a high iodine weight percentage and a low solubility inmore » groundwater environments.« less

Saccharomyces boulardii and bismuth subsalicylate as low-cost interventions to reduce the duration and severity of cholera.

PubMed

Sheele, Johnathan; Cartowski, Jessica; Dart, Angela; Poddar, Arjun; Gupta, Shikha; Stashko, Eric; Ravi, Bhaskara S; Nelson, Crawford; Gupta, Ajay

2015-09-01

We conducted a randomised single-blinded clinical trial of 100 cholera patients in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to determine if the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii and the anti-diarrhoeal drug bismuth subsalicylate (BS) were able to reduce the duration and severity of cholera. Subjects received either: S. boulardii 250 mg, S. boulardii 250 mg capsule plus BS 524 mg tablet, BS 524 mg, or two placebo capsules every 6 hours alongside standard treatment for cholera. The length of hospitalisation plus the number and volume of emesis, stool and urine were recorded every 6 hours until the study subject was discharged (n = 83), left against medical advice (n = 11), or requested removal from the study (n = 6). There were no reported deaths or adverse study-related events. There were no statistically significant differences between the study arms and the outcomes of interest.

Electromechanical properties of A-site (LiCe)-modified sodium bismuth titanate (Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15) piezoelectric ceramics at elevated temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chun-Ming; Wang, Jin-Feng; Zhang, Shujun; Shrout, Thomas R.

2009-05-01

The Aurivillius-type bismuth layer-structured (NaBi)0.46(LiCe)0.04Bi4Ti4O15 (NBT-LiCe) piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized using conventional solid-state processing. Phase analysis was performed by x-ray diffraction and microstructural morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and electromechanical properties of NBT-LiCe ceramics were investigated. The piezoelectric activities were found to be significantly enhanced compared to NBT ceramics, which can be attributed to the lattice distortion and the presence of bismuth vacancies. The dielectric and electromechanical properties of NBT-LiCe ceramics at elevated temperature were investigated in detail. The excellent piezoelectric, dielectric, and electromechanical properties, coupled with high Curie temperature (Tc=660 °C), demonstrated that the NBT-LiCe ceramics are the promising candidates for high temperature applications.

Strongly Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Defect Physics of Air-Stable Bismuth Oxyiodide (BiOI).

PubMed

Hoye, Robert L Z; Lee, Lana C; Kurchin, Rachel C; Huq, Tahmida N; Zhang, Kelvin H L; Sponseller, Melany; Nienhaus, Lea; Brandt, Riley E; Jean, Joel; Polizzotti, James Alexander; Kursumović, Ahmed; Bawendi, Moungi G; Bulović, Vladimir; Stevanović, Vladan; Buonassisi, Tonio; MacManus-Driscoll, Judith L

2017-09-01

Bismuth-based compounds have recently gained increasing attention as potentially nontoxic and defect-tolerant solar absorbers. However, many of the new materials recently investigated show limited photovoltaic performance. Herein, one such compound is explored in detail through theory and experiment: bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). BiOI thin films are grown by chemical vapor transport and found to maintain the same tetragonal phase in ambient air for at least 197 d. The computations suggest BiOI to be tolerant to antisite and vacancy defects. All-inorganic solar cells (ITO|NiO x |BiOI|ZnO|Al) with negligible hysteresis and up to 80% external quantum efficiency under select monochromatic excitation are demonstrated. The short-circuit current densities and power conversion efficiencies under AM 1.5G illumination are nearly double those of previously reported BiOI solar cells, as well as other bismuth halide and chalcohalide photovoltaics recently explored by many groups. Through a detailed loss analysis using optical characterization, photoemission spectroscopy, and device modeling, direction for future improvements in efficiency is provided. This work demonstrates that BiOI, previously considered to be a poor photocatalyst, is promising for photovoltaics. © 2017 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microstructure Analysis of Bismuth Absorbers for Transition-Edge Sensor X-ray Microcalorimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Daikang; Divan, Ralu; Gades, Lisa M.; Kenesei, Peter; Madden, Timothy J.; Miceli, Antonino; Park, Jun-Sang; Patel, Umeshkumar M.; Quaranta, Orlando; Sharma, Hemant; Bennett, Douglas A.; Doriese, William B.; Fowler, Joseph W.; Gard, Johnathon D.; Hays-Wehle, James P.; Morgan, Kelsey M.; Schmidt, Daniel R.; Swetz, Daniel S.; Ullom, Joel N.

2018-03-01

Given its large X-ray stopping power and low specific heat capacity, bismuth (Bi) is a promising absorber material for X-ray microcalorimeters and has been used with transition-edge sensors (TESs) in the past. However, distinct X-ray spectral features have been observed in TESs with Bi absorbers deposited with different techniques. Evaporated Bi absorbers are widely reported to have non-Gaussian low-energy tails, while electroplated ones do not show this feature. In this study, we fabricated Bi absorbers with these two methods and performed microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction microscopy. The two types of material showed the same crystallographic structure, but the grain size of the electroplated Bi was about 40 times larger than that of the evaporated Bi. This distinction in grain size is likely to be the cause of their different spectral responses.

Synthesis and Characterisation of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Bismuth Composite for Electrodes in Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices.

PubMed

Wang, Jiabin; Zhang, Han; Hunt, Michael R C; Charles, Alasdair; Tang, Jie; Bretcanu, Oana; Walker, David; Hassan, Khalil T; Sun, Yige; Šiller, Lidija

2017-01-20

A reduced graphene oxide/bismuth (rGO/Bi) composite was synthesized for the first time using a polyol process at a low reaction temperature and with a short reaction time (60 °C and 3 hours, respectively). The as-prepared sample is structured with 20-50 nm diameter bismuth particles distributed on the rGO sheets. The rGO/Bi composite displays a combination of capacitive and battery-like charge storage, achieving a specific capacity value of 773 C g -1 at a current density of 0.2 A g -1 when charged to 1 V. The material not only has good power density but also shows moderate stability in cycling tests with current densities as high as 5 A g -1 . The relatively high abundance and low price of bismuth make this rGO/Bi material a promising candidate for use in electrode materials in future energy storage devices. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A binder-free wet chemical synthesis approach to decorate nanoflowers of bismuth oxide on Ni-foam for fabricating laboratory scale potential pencil-type asymmetric supercapacitor device.

PubMed

Shinde, N M; Xia, Qi Xun; Yun, Je Moon; Singh, Saurabh; Mane, Rajaram S; Kim, Kwang-Ho

2017-05-23

The present study involves the synthesis of a bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) electrode consisting of an arranged nano-platelets for evolving a flower-type surface appearance on nickel-foam (Bi 2 O 3 -Ni-F) by a simple, inexpensive, binder-free and one-step chemical bath deposition (CBD) method, popularly known as a wet chemical method. The as-prepared Bi 2 O 3 on Ni-foam, as an electrode material, demonstrates 557 F g -1 specific capacitance (SC, at 1 mA cm -2 ), of which 85% is retained even after 2000 cycles. With specific power density of 500 kW kg -1 , the Bi 2 O 3 -Ni-F electrode documents a specific energy density of 80 Wh kg -1 . Furthermore, a portable asymmetric supercapacitor device, i.e. a pencil-type cell consisting of Bi 2 O 3 -Ni-F as an anode and graphite as a cathode in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte solution, confirms 11 Wh kg -1 and 720 kW kg -1 specific energy and specific power densities, respectively. An easy and a simple synthesis approach for manufacturing a portable laboratory scale pencil-type supercapacitor device is a major outcome of this study, which can also be applied for ternary and quaternary metal oxides for recording an enhanced performance. In addition, we presented a demonstration of lighting a light emitting diode (LED) using a home-made pencil-type supercapacitor device which, finally, has confirmed the scaling and technical potentiality of Bi 2 O 3 -Ni-F in energy storage devices.

METHOD FOR RECOVERING PLUTONIUM VALUES FROM SOLUTION USING A BISMUTH HYDROXIDE CARRIER PRECIPITATE

DOEpatents

Faris, B.F.

1961-04-25

Carrier precipitation processes for separating plutonium values from aqueous solutions are described. In accordance with the invention a bismuth hydroxide precipitate is formed in the plutonium-containing solution, thereby carrying plutonium values from the solution.

Simultaneous quantitative analysis of arsenic, bismuth, selenium, and tellurium in soil samples using multi-channel hydride-generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Zhang, Gai

2011-03-01

The basic principles and the application of hydride-generation multi-channel atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-MC-AFS) in soil analysis are described. It is generally understood that only one or two elements can be simultaneously detected by commonly used one- or two-channel HG-AFS. In this work, a new sample-sensitive and effective method for the analysis of arsenic, bismuth, tellurium, and selenium in soil samples by simultaneous detection using HG-MC-AFS was developed. The method detection limits for arsenic, bismuth, tellurium, and selenium are 0.19 μg/g, 0.10 μg/g, 0.11 μg/g, and 0.08 μg/g, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of arsenic, bismuth, tellurium, and selenium in soil samples.

Solid-state reaction synthesis for mixed-phase Eu3+-doped bismuth molybdate and its luminescence properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Danyang; Ding, Yu; Wang, Nan; Cai, Xiaomeng; Li, Jia; Han, Linyu; Wang, Shiqi; Han, Yuanyuan; Jia, Guang; Wang, Liyong

2017-09-01

A method for mixed-phase bismuth molybdate doped with Eu3+ ions was developed by solid-state reaction assisting with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The results of powder X-ray diffraction showed a mixed-phase structure and the microscopical characterization technology revealed the formation process with the addition of PVA. As a structure inducer, the PVA molecules played a vital role in the formation of phase structure. The as-obtained Eu3+-doped bismuth molybdates were also characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques including FTIR and photoluminescence (PL). The results show that doping concentration, PVA addition and calcination temperature affect photoluminescence properties remarkably.

Shape evolution for neutron-deficient bismuth isotopes studied by resonance laser ionization spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molkanov, P. L.; Barzakh, A. E.; Fedorov, D. V.; Ivanov, V. S.; Moroz, F. V.; Orlov, S. Yu.; Panteleev, V. N.; Seliverstov, M. D.; Volkov, Yu. M.

2017-11-01

In-source laser spectroscopy experiments for bismuth isotopes at the 306.77 nm atomic transition has been carried out at the IRIS (Investigation of Radioactive Isotopes at Synchrocyclotron) facility of Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute. New data on isotope shifts for 189-198,211Bi isotopes and isomers have been obtained. The changes in the mean-square charge radii were deduced. The large isomer shift has been observed for the intruder isomer states of Bi with spin I = 1/2 ( A = 193, 195, 197). This testifies to the shape coexistence in these nuclei with the intruder isomer states more deformed than the ground states. Marked deviation from the nearly spherical behavior for ground states of the even-neutron Bi isotopes at N < 109 is demonstrated, in contrast to the Pb and Tl isotopic chains.

Synthesis of p-type GaN nanowires.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Wook; Park, Youn Ho; Kim, Ilsoo; Park, Tae-Eon; Kwon, Byoung Wook; Choi, Won Kook; Choi, Heon-Jin

2013-09-21

GaN has been utilized in optoelectronics for two decades. However, p-type doping still remains crucial for realization of high performance GaN optoelectronics. Though Mg has been used as a p-dopant, its efficiency is low due to the formation of Mg-H complexes and/or structural defects in the course of doping. As a potential alternative p-type dopant, Cu has been recognized as an acceptor impurity for GaN. Herein, we report the fabrication of Cu-doped GaN nanowires (Cu:GaN NWs) and their p-type characteristics. The NWs were grown vertically via a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism using a Au/Ni catalyst. Electrical characterization using a nanowire-field effect transistor (NW-FET) showed that the NWs exhibited n-type characteristics. However, with further annealing, the NWs showed p-type characteristics. A homo-junction structure (consisting of annealed Cu:GaN NW/n-type GaN thin film) exhibited p-n junction characteristics. A hybrid organic light emitting diode (OLED) employing the annealed Cu:GaN NWs as a hole injection layer (HIL) also demonstrated current injected luminescence. These results suggest that Cu can be used as a p-type dopant for GaN NWs.

Adsorption and desorption of hexavalent chromium in an alluvial aquifer near Telluride, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stollenwerk, K.G.; Grove, D.B.

1985-01-01

A laboratory investigation of reactions between hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and alluvium was conducted to evaluate reactions of Cr(VI) contaminating an alluvial aquifer near Telluride, CO and to determine the mechanisms responsible for these reactions. Uncontaminated alluvium and groundwater (spiked with CrO42-) from the study site were used in batch and column experiments. Results of these experiments show that Cr(VI) was adsorbed by the alluvium. Distribution coefficients from batch experiments ranged from 52 L/kg at an equilibrium CrO42- concentration of 0.4 ??mol/L to 1.7 L/kg at an equilibrium concentration of 1400 ??mol/L. The zero point of charge for the alluvium was approximately 8.3, and the alluvium had a positive net charge at the groundwater pH of 6.8. Visual and chemical evidence indicated that Fe oxide and hydroxide coatings on the alluvial particles principally were responsible for the absorption of Cr(VI). During column experiments, Cr(VI) initially was desorbed easily from the alluvium by Cr-free groundwater; however, the rate of desorption decreased rapidly, and > 60 pore volumes of groundwater were required to decrease the effluent concentration of Cr(VI) to 3 ??mol/L [drinking water standard for Cr(VI) = 1 ??mol/L]. The quantity of Cr(VI) adsorbed varied with the type and concentration of other anions in solution.

In vivo comparison of tantalum, tungsten, and bismuth enteric contrast agents to complement intravenous iodine for double-contrast dual-energy CT of the bowel

PubMed Central

Rathnayake, Samira; Mongan, John; Torres, Andrew S.; Colborn, Robert; Gao, Dong-Wei; Yeh, Benjamin M; Fu, Yanjun

2016-01-01

To assess the ability of dual-energy CT (DECT) to separate intravenous contrast of bowel wall from intraluminal contrast, we scanned 16 rabbits on a clinical DECT scanner: n=3 using only iodinated intravenous contrast; and n=13 double-contrast enhanced scans using iodinated intravenous contrast and experimental enteric non-iodinated contrast agents in the bowel lumen (5 bismuth-, 4 tungsten-, and 4 tantalum-based). Representative image pairs from conventional CT images and DECT iodine density maps of small bowel (116 pairs from 232 images) were viewed by four abdominal imaging attending radiologists to independently score each comparison pair on a visual analog scale (−100 to +100%) for: 1) preference in small bowel wall visualization; and 2) preference in completeness of intraluminal enteric contrast subtraction. Median small bowel wall visualization was scored 39 and 42 percentage points (95% CI: 30–44% and 36–45%, p<0.001 both) higher at double-contrast DECT than at conventional CT with enteric tungsten and tantalum contrast, respectively. Median small bowel wall visualization at double-contrast DECT was scored 29 and 35 percentage points (95% CI: 20–35% and 33–39%, p<0.001 both) higher with enteric tungsten and tantalum, respectively, than with bismuth contrast. Median completeness of intraluminal enteric contrast subtraction in double-contrast DECT iodine density maps was scored 28 and 29 percentage points (95% CI: 15–31% and 28–33%, p<0.001 both) higher with enteric tungsten and tantalum, respectively, than with bismuth contrast. Results suggest that in vivo double-contrast DECT with iodinated intravenous and either tantalum- or tungsten-based enteric contrast provide better visualization of small bowel than conventional CT. PMID:26892945

Inverting polar domains via electrical pulsing in metallic germanium telluride

PubMed Central

Nukala, Pavan; Ren, Mingliang; Agarwal, Rahul; Berger, Jacob; Liu, Gerui; Johnson, A. T. Charlie; Agarwal, Ritesh

2017-01-01

Germanium telluride (GeTe) is both polar and metallic, an unusual combination of properties in any material system. The large concentration of free-carriers in GeTe precludes the coupling of external electric field with internal polarization, rendering it ineffective for conventional ferroelectric applications and polarization switching. Here we investigate alternate ways of coupling the polar domains in GeTe to external electrical stimuli through optical second harmonic generation polarimetry and in situ TEM electrical testing on single-crystalline GeTe nanowires. We show that anti-phase boundaries, created from current pulses (heat shocks), invert the polarization of selective domains resulting in reorganization of certain 71o domain boundaries into 109o boundaries. These boundaries subsequently interact and evolve with the partial dislocations, which migrate from domain to domain with the carrier-wind force (electrical current). This work suggests that current pulses and carrier-wind force could be external stimuli for domain engineering in ferroelectrics with significant current leakage. PMID:28401949

Time resolved photo-luminescent decay characterization of mercury cadmium telluride focal plane arrays

DOE PAGES

Soehnel, Grant

2015-01-20

The minority carrier lifetime is a measurable material property that is an indication of infrared detector device performance. To study the utility of measuring the carrier lifetime, an experiment has been constructed that can time resolve the photo-luminescent decay of a detector or wafer sample housed inside a liquid nitrogen cooled Dewar. Motorized stages allow the measurement to be scanned over the sample surface, and spatial resolutions as low as 50µm have been demonstrated. A carrier recombination simulation was developed to analyze the experimental data. Results from measurements performed on 4 mercury cadmium telluride focal plane arrays show strong correlationmore » between spatial maps of the lifetime, dark current, and relative response.« less

An on-line system using ion-imprinted polymer for preconcentration and determination of bismuth in seawater employing atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

PubMed

Felix, Caio S A; Silva, Darllen G; Andrade, Heloysa M C; Riatto, Valeria B; Victor, Mauricio M; Ferreira, Sergio L C

2018-07-01

This work proposes an on-line preconcentration system using ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) for determination of bismuth in seawater employing atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). The polymer was synthesized using 2- (5-bromo-2-pyridylazo) -5-diethylaminophenol (Br-PADAP) for complex formation, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), cross-linking reagent and methacrylic acid (AMA) reagents, used as the functional monomer, 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile was used as the radical initiator. The polymer was characterized employing the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The determination of bismuth was performed employing hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG AFS) and the experimental conditions were optimized using a Box Behnken design involving the factors sample pH, eluent concentration and sodium tetrahydroborate concentration. So, using the optimized conditions the system allows the determination of bismuth with limits of detection and quantification of 26 and 88 ng L -1 , a preconcentration factor of 19.8. All these parameters were determined using a sample volume of 25 mL. The precision expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD%) was 3.7% for a bismuth(III) solution of concentration 0.25 µg L -1 . The system proposed was applied for the determination of bismuth in four seawater samples collected in Salvador City, Bahia State, Brazil. The concentrations obtained varied from 0.38 to 0.45 μg L -1 . The accuracy was evaluated by addition/recovery test, and the recoveries found varied from 92% to 101%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bismuth and antimony-based oxyhalides and chalcohalides as potential optoelectronic materials

DOE PAGES

Ran, Zhao; Wang, Xinjiang; Li, Yuwei; ...

2018-03-22

In the last decade the ns 2 cations (e.g., Pb 2+ and Sn 2+)-based halides have emerged as one of the most exciting new classes of optoelectronic materials, as exemplified by for instance hybrid perovskite solar absorbers. These materials not only exhibit unprecedented performance in some cases, but they also appear to break new ground with their unexpected properties, such as extreme tolerance to defects. However, because of the relatively recent emergence of this class of materials, there remain many yet to be fully explored compounds. Here, we assess a series of bismuth/antimony oxyhalides and chalcohalides using consistent first principlesmore » methods to ascertain their properties and obtain trends. Based on these calculations, we identify a subset consisting of three types of compounds that may be promising as solar absorbers, transparent conductors, and radiation detectors. Their electronic structure, connection to the crystal geometry, and impact on band-edge dispersion and carrier effective mass are discussed.« less

Bismuth and antimony-based oxyhalides and chalcohalides as potential optoelectronic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ran, Zhao; Wang, Xinjiang; Li, Yuwei; Yang, Dongwen; Zhao, Xin-Gang; Biswas, Koushik; Singh, David J.; Zhang, Lijun

2018-03-01

In the last decade the ns2 cations (e.g., Pb2+ and Sn2+)-based halides have emerged as one of the most exciting new classes of optoelectronic materials, as exemplified by for instance hybrid perovskite solar absorbers. These materials not only exhibit unprecedented performance in some cases, but they also appear to break new ground with their unexpected properties, such as extreme tolerance to defects. However, because of the relatively recent emergence of this class of materials, there remain many yet to be fully explored compounds. Here, we assess a series of bismuth/antimony oxyhalides and chalcohalides using consistent first principles methods to ascertain their properties and obtain trends. Based on these calculations, we identify a subset consisting of three types of compounds that may be promising as solar absorbers, transparent conductors, and radiation detectors. Their electronic structure, connection to the crystal geometry, and impact on band-edge dispersion and carrier effective mass are discussed.

Bismuth Based Hybrid Perovskites A3Bi2 I9 (A: Methylammonium or Cesium) for Solar Cell Application.

PubMed

Park, Byung-Wook; Philippe, Bertrand; Zhang, Xiaoliang; Rensmo, Håkan; Boschloo, Gerrit; Johansson, Erik M J

2015-11-18

Low-toxic bismuth-based perovskites are prepared for the possible replacement of lead perovskite in solar cells. The perovskites have a hexagonal crystalline phase and light absorption in the visible region. A power conversion efficiency of over 1% is obtained for a solar cell with Cs3 Bi2 I9 perovskite, and it is concluded that bismuth perovskites have very promising properties for further development in solar cells. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

First-line Bismuth-containing Five-day Concomitant Quintuple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication.

PubMed

Dolapcioglu, Can; Sayiner, Mehmet; Akkus, Esra Elif; Kural, Abdulaziz; Dolapcioglu, Hatice; Dabak, Resat; Ahishali, Emel

2016-04-01

Widespread use of antibiotics has resulted in increased rates of antibiotic resistance and decreased rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, leading to a search for newer therapeutic options. This study aimed to examine the efficacy, tolerability, and patient compliance of a first-line bismuth-containing 5-day concomitant quintuple therapy. This prospective study included 144 eradication treatment naïve H. pylori positive patients with dyspeptic complaints. Patients received the following concomitant quintuple therapy for 5 days: bismuth subcitrate 300 mg q.i.d, omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d, clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., and metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. Eradication was assessed with H. pylori stool antigen test or urea-breath test 6 weeks after the completion of therapy. Treatment compliance rate in this study was 97.2%. Intention to treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 134/144 (93.1%, 95% CI, 88.9-97.2) and 134/140 (95.7%, 95% CI, 92.2-98.6), respectively. Side effect was reported by 8.5% of the patients that attended follow-up visits, including epigastric pain (2.8%), nausea/vomiting (2.1%), diarrhea (1.4%), taste disturbance (1.4%), and fatigue (0.7%). Bismuth-containing, short course, quintuple concomitant therapy appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the first-line H. pylori eradication, particularly in populations with high resistance. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Calcium-bismuth electrodes for large-scale energy storage (liquid metal batteries)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hojong; Boysen, Dane A.; Ouchi, Takanari; Sadoway, Donald R.

2013-11-01

Calcium is an attractive electrode material for use in grid-scale electrochemical energy storage due to its low electronegativity, earth abundance, and low cost. The feasibility of combining a liquid Ca-Bi positive electrode with a molten salt electrolyte for use in liquid metal batteries at 500-700 °C was investigated. Exhibiting excellent reversibility up to current densities of 200 mA cm-2, the calcium-bismuth liquid alloy system is a promising positive electrode candidate for liquid metal batteries. The measurement of low self-discharge current suggests that the solubility of calcium metal in molten salt electrolytes can be sufficiently suppressed to yield high coulombic efficiencies >98%. The mechanisms giving rise to Ca-Bi electrode overpotentials were investigated in terms of associated charge transfer and mass transport resistances. The formation of low density Ca11Bi10 intermetallics at the electrode-electrolyte interface limited the calcium deposition rate capability of the electrodes; however, the co-deposition of barium into bismuth from barium-containing molten salts suppressed Ca-Bi intermetallic formation thereby improving the discharge capacity.

Capacity extended bismuth-antimony cathode for high-performance liquid metal battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Tao; Zhao, Yue; Ning, Xiao-Hui; Lakshmi Narayan, R.; Li, Ju; Shan, Zhi-wei

2018-03-01

Li-Bi based liquid metal batteries (LMBs) have attracted interest due to their potential for solving grid scale energy storage problems. In this study, the feasibility of replacing the bismuth cathode with a bismuth-antimony alloy cathode in lithium based LMBs is investigated. The influence of the Bi:Sb ratio on voltage characteristics is evaluated via the constant current discharge method and electrochemical titration. On observing the cross section of the electrode at various stages of discharge, it is determined that both Sb and Bi form solid intermetallics with Li on the cathode. Additionally, the addition of Bi not only reduces the melting temperature of the Bi:Sb intermetallic but also actively contributes to the electrode capacity. Thereafter, a Li|LiCl-LiF|Sb-Bi liquid metal battery with 3 A h nameplate capacity, assembled and cycled at 1 C rate, is found to possess a stable capacity for over 160 cycles. The overall performance of this battery is discussed in the context of cost effectiveness, energy and coulombic efficiencies.

REMOVAL OF CERTAIN FISSION PRODUCT METALS FROM LIQUID BISMUTH COMPOSITIONS

DOEpatents

Dwyer, O.E.; Howe, H.E.; Avrutik, E.R.

1959-11-24

A method is described for purifying a solution of urarium in liquid bismuth containing at least one metal from the group consisting of selenium, tellurium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, niobium, and zirconium. The solution is contacted with zinc in an inert atmosphere to form a homogeneous melt, a solid zinc phase is formed, and the zinc phase containing the metal is separated from the melt.

High precision hyperfine measurements in Bismuth challenge bound-state strong-field QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullmann, Johannes; Andelkovic, Zoran; Brandau, Carsten; Dax, Andreas; Geithner, Wolfgang; Geppert, Christopher; Gorges, Christian; Hammen, Michael; Hannen, Volker; Kaufmann, Simon; König, Kristian; Litvinov, Yuri A.; Lochmann, Matthias; Maaß, Bernhard; Meisner, Johann; Murböck, Tobias; Sánchez, Rodolfo; Schmidt, Matthias; Schmidt, Stefan; Steck, Markus; Stöhlker, Thomas; Thompson, Richard C.; Trageser, Christian; Vollbrecht, Jonas; Weinheimer, Christian; Nörtershäuser, Wilfried

2017-05-01

Electrons bound in highly charged heavy ions such as hydrogen-like bismuth 209Bi82+ experience electromagnetic fields that are a million times stronger than in light atoms. Measuring the wavelength of light emitted and absorbed by these ions is therefore a sensitive testing ground for quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects and especially the electron-nucleus interaction under such extreme conditions. However, insufficient knowledge of the nuclear structure has prevented a rigorous test of strong-field QED. Here we present a measurement of the so-called specific difference between the hyperfine splittings in hydrogen-like and lithium-like bismuth 209Bi82+,80+ with a precision that is improved by more than an order of magnitude. Even though this quantity is believed to be largely insensitive to nuclear structure and therefore the most decisive test of QED in the strong magnetic field regime, we find a 7-σ discrepancy compared with the theoretical prediction.

High precision hyperfine measurements in Bismuth challenge bound-state strong-field QED.

PubMed

Ullmann, Johannes; Andelkovic, Zoran; Brandau, Carsten; Dax, Andreas; Geithner, Wolfgang; Geppert, Christopher; Gorges, Christian; Hammen, Michael; Hannen, Volker; Kaufmann, Simon; König, Kristian; Litvinov, Yuri A; Lochmann, Matthias; Maaß, Bernhard; Meisner, Johann; Murböck, Tobias; Sánchez, Rodolfo; Schmidt, Matthias; Schmidt, Stefan; Steck, Markus; Stöhlker, Thomas; Thompson, Richard C; Trageser, Christian; Vollbrecht, Jonas; Weinheimer, Christian; Nörtershäuser, Wilfried

2017-05-16

Electrons bound in highly charged heavy ions such as hydrogen-like bismuth 209 Bi 82+ experience electromagnetic fields that are a million times stronger than in light atoms. Measuring the wavelength of light emitted and absorbed by these ions is therefore a sensitive testing ground for quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects and especially the electron-nucleus interaction under such extreme conditions. However, insufficient knowledge of the nuclear structure has prevented a rigorous test of strong-field QED. Here we present a measurement of the so-called specific difference between the hyperfine splittings in hydrogen-like and lithium-like bismuth 209 Bi 82+,80+ with a precision that is improved by more than an order of magnitude. Even though this quantity is believed to be largely insensitive to nuclear structure and therefore the most decisive test of QED in the strong magnetic field regime, we find a 7-σ discrepancy compared with the theoretical prediction.

High precision hyperfine measurements in Bismuth challenge bound-state strong-field QED

PubMed Central

Ullmann, Johannes; Andelkovic, Zoran; Brandau, Carsten; Dax, Andreas; Geithner, Wolfgang; Geppert, Christopher; Gorges, Christian; Hammen, Michael; Hannen, Volker; Kaufmann, Simon; König, Kristian; Litvinov, Yuri A.; Lochmann, Matthias; Maaß, Bernhard; Meisner, Johann; Murböck, Tobias; Sánchez, Rodolfo; Schmidt, Matthias; Schmidt, Stefan; Steck, Markus; Stöhlker, Thomas; Thompson, Richard C.; Trageser, Christian; Vollbrecht, Jonas; Weinheimer, Christian; Nörtershäuser, Wilfried

2017-01-01

Electrons bound in highly charged heavy ions such as hydrogen-like bismuth 209Bi82+ experience electromagnetic fields that are a million times stronger than in light atoms. Measuring the wavelength of light emitted and absorbed by these ions is therefore a sensitive testing ground for quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects and especially the electron–nucleus interaction under such extreme conditions. However, insufficient knowledge of the nuclear structure has prevented a rigorous test of strong-field QED. Here we present a measurement of the so-called specific difference between the hyperfine splittings in hydrogen-like and lithium-like bismuth 209Bi82+,80+ with a precision that is improved by more than an order of magnitude. Even though this quantity is believed to be largely insensitive to nuclear structure and therefore the most decisive test of QED in the strong magnetic field regime, we find a 7-σ discrepancy compared with the theoretical prediction. PMID:28508892

The influence of reaction times on structural, optical and luminescence properties of cadmium telluride nanoparticles prepared by wet-chemical process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiprotich, Sharon; Dejene, Francis B.; Ungula, Jatani; Onani, Martin O.

2016-01-01

This paper explains one pot synthesis of type II water soluble L-cysteine capped cadmium telluride (CdTe) core shell quantum dots using cadmium acetate, potassium tellurite and L-cysteine as the starting materials. The reaction was carried out in a single three necked flask without nitrogen under reflux at 100 °C. Results from PL show a sharp absorption excitonic band edge of the CdTe core with respect to the core shell which loses its shoulder during the growth of the shell on the core. The PL spectra indicate a drastic shift in emission window of the core which is simultaneously accompanied by an increase in emission intensity. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of hexagonal phase for all samples. Some difference in absorption edges were observed due to varying synthesis time of CdTe NPs. The position of the absorption band is observed to shift towards the lower wavelength side for shorter durations of synthesis.

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 X-ray structures of dilithium complexes of the phosphonate anions [PhP(E)(N(t)Bu)(2)](2-) (E = O, S, Se, Te) and dimethylaluminum derivatives of [PhP(E)(N(t)Bu)(NH(t)Bu)](-) (E = S, Se).

PubMed

Briand, Glen G; Chivers, Tristram; Krahn, Mark; Parvez, Masood

2002-12-16

The dilithium salts of the phosphonate dianions [PhP(E)(N(t)Bu)(2)](2-) (E = O, S, Se) are generated by the lithiation of [PhP(E)(NH(t)Bu)(2)] with n-butyllithium. The formation of the corresponding telluride (E = Te) is achieved by oxidation of [Li(2)[PhP(N(t)Bu)(2)

Temperature-dependent thermal and thermoelectric properties of n -type and p -type S c1 -xM gxN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Bivas; Perez-Taborda, Jaime Andres; Bahk, Je-Hyeong; Koh, Yee Rui; Shakouri, Ali; Martin-Gonzalez, Marisol; Sands, Timothy D.

2018-02-01

Scandium Nitride (ScN) is an emerging rocksalt semiconductor with octahedral coordination and an indirect bandgap. ScN has attracted significant attention in recent years for its potential thermoelectric applications, as a component material in epitaxial metal/semiconductor superlattices, and as a substrate for defect-free GaN growth. Sputter-deposited ScN thin films are highly degenerate n -type semiconductors and exhibit a large thermoelectric power factor of ˜3.5 ×10-3W /m -K2 at 600-800 K. Since practical thermoelectric devices require both n- and p-type materials with high thermoelectric figures-of-merit, development and demonstration of highly efficient p-type ScN is extremely important. Recently, the authors have demonstrated p-type S c1 -xM gxN thin film alloys with low M gxNy mole-fractions within the ScN matrix. In this article, we demonstrate temperature dependent thermal and thermoelectric transport properties, including large thermoelectric power factors in both n- and p-type S c1 -xM gxN thin film alloys at high temperatures (up to 850 K). Employing a combination of temperature-dependent Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity measurements, as well as detailed Boltzmann transport-based modeling analyses of the transport properties, we demonstrate that p-type S c1 -xM gxN thin film alloys exhibit a maximum thermoelectric power factor of ˜0.8 ×10-3W /m -K2 at 850 K. The thermoelectric properties are tunable by adjusting the M gxNy mole-fraction inside the ScN matrix, thereby shifting the Fermi energy in the alloy films from inside the conduction band in case of undoped n -type ScN to inside the valence band in highly hole-doped p -type S c1 -xM gxN thin film alloys. The thermal conductivities of both the n- and p-type films were found to be undesirably large for thermoelectric applications. Thus, future work should address strategies to reduce the thermal conductivity of S c1 -xM gxN thin-film alloys, without affecting

Radiation dose reduction to the breast in thoracic CT: Comparison of bismuth shielding, organ-based tube current modulation, and use of a globally decreased tube current

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

Wang Jia; Duan Xinhui; Christner, Jodie A.

2011-11-15

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate dose performance and image quality in thoracic CT using three techniques to reduce dose to the breast: bismuth shielding, organ-based tube current modulation (TCM) and global tube current reduction. Methods: Semi-anthropomorphic thorax phantoms of four different sizes (15, 30, 35, and 40 cm lateral width) were used for dose measurement and image quality assessment. Four scans were performed on each phantom using 100 or 120 kV with a clinical CT scanner: (1) reference scan; (2) scan with bismuth breast shield of an appropriate thickness; (3) scan with organ-based TCM; and (4)more » scan with a global reduction in tube current chosen to match the dose reduction from bismuth shielding. Dose to the breast was measured with an ion chamber on the surface of the phantom. Image quality was evaluated by measuring the mean and standard deviation of CT numbers within the lung and heart regions. Results: Compared to the reference scan, dose to the breast region was decreased by about 21% for the 15-cm phantom with a pediatric (2-ply) shield and by about 37% for the 30, 35, and 40-cm phantoms with adult (4-ply) shields. Organ-based TCM decreased the dose by 12% for the 15-cm phantom, and 34-39% for the 30, 35, and 40-cm phantoms. Global lowering of the tube current reduced breast dose by 23% for the 15-cm phantom and 39% for the 30, 35, and 40-cm phantoms. In phantoms of all four sizes, image noise was increased in both the lung and heart regions with bismuth shielding. No significant increase in noise was observed with organ-based TCM. Decreasing tube current globally led to similar noise increases as bismuth shielding. Streak and beam hardening artifacts, and a resulting artifactual increase in CT numbers, were observed for scans with bismuth shields, but not for organ-based TCM or global tube current reduction. Conclusions: Organ-based TCM produces dose reduction to the breast similar to that achieved with bismuth shielding

Thermoelectric properties of rare earth chalcogenides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danielson, L. R.; Raag, V.; Wood, C.

1985-01-01

The rare earth chalcogenides are important thermoelectric materials due to their high melting points, self-doping capabilities, and low thermal conductivities. Lanthanum sulfides and lanthanum tellurides have been synthesized in quartz ampules, hot-pressed into samples, and measured. The n-type Seebeck coefficients, electrical resistivities, and power factors generally all increased as the temperature increased from 200 to 1000 C. The figure-of-merit for nonstoichiometric lanthanum telluride was 0.001/deg C at 1000 C, considerably higher than for silicon-germanium. Thermoelectric measurements were made for LaTe(2) and YbS(1.4), and p-type behavior was observed for these compounds from 300 to 1100 C.

Laser-generated bismuth nanoparticles for applications in imaging and radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torrisi, L.; Silipigni, L.; Restuccia, N.; Cuzzocrea, S.; Cutroneo, M.; Barreca, F.; Fazio, B.; Di Marco, G.; Guglielmino, S.

2018-08-01

Bismuth nanoparticles were obtained by laser ablation in water and characterized by using different physical techniques. Their shape, estimated by SEM measurements, was approximately spherical with an average diameter of about 25 nm, and a solution concentration of about 0.8 mg/ml was prepared. The formation of pure Bi nanoparticles was also confirmed by micro-Raman spectra which showed the characteristic first order Raman modes of rhombohedral bismuth. The presence of this phase was also supported by the XRD pattern. The EDX analysis indicated that the as-prepared nanoparticles contained Bi metallic element. The high Z of the nanoparticles in the solution shows effects of surface plasmon resonance in the near ultraviolet and visible regions, high mass absorption coefficient for X-ray interaction and high electronic and nuclear stopping powers for electron and ion beams. Such biocompatible solution can be injected in living systems, such as mice, in order to study the presence of uptake in different organs with high contrast spatial localization in the tissues where Bi nanoparticles are confined. The results indicate that Bi nanoparticles can be employed as high contrast medium for high resolution imaging in biological systems as well as target for exposition to ionizing radiation during radiotherapy or to visible light during hyperthermia of diseased cells.

Energy transition characterization of 1.18 and 1.3 {mu}m bands of bismuth fiber by spectroscopy of the transient oscillations

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

Gumenyuk, Regina; Okhotnikov, Oleg G.; Golant, Konstantin

2011-05-09

The experimental evidence of laser transition type in bismuth-doped silica fibers operating at different spectral bands is presented. Spectrally resolved transient (relaxation) oscillations studied for a Bi-doped fiber laser at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures allow to identify the three- and four-level energy bands. 1.18 {mu}m short-wavelength band is found to be a three-level system at room temperature with highly populated terminal energy level of laser transition. The depopulation of ground level by cooling the fiber down to liquid-nitrogen temperature changes the transition to four-level type. Four-level energy transition distinguished at 1.32 {mu}m exhibits the net gain at room temperature.

n-Type diamond and method for producing same

DOEpatents

Anderson, Richard J.

2002-01-01

A new n-type semiconducting diamond is disclosed, which is doped with n-type dopant atoms. Such diamond is advantageously formed by chemical vapor deposition from a source gas mixture comprising a carbon source compound for the diamond, and a volatile hot wire filament for the n-type impurity species, so that the n-type impurity atoms are doped in the diamond during its formation. A corresponding chemical vapor deposition method of forming the n-type semiconducting diamond is disclosed. The n-type semiconducting diamond of the invention may be usefully employed in the formation of diamond-based transistor devices comprising pn diamond junctions, and in other microelectronic device applications.

Behaviour of F82H mod. stainless steel in lead-bismuth under temperature gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez Briceño, D.; Martín Muñoz, F. J.; Soler Crespo, L.; Esteban, F.; Torres, C.

2001-07-01

Austenitic steels can be used in a hybrid system in contact with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic if the region of operating temperatures is not beyond 400°C. For higher temperatures, martensitic steels are recommended. However, at long times, the interaction between the structural material and the eutectic leads to the dissolution of some elements of the steel (Ni, Cr and Fe, mainly) in the liquid metal. In a non-isothermal lead-bismuth loop, the material dissolution takes place at the hot leg of the circuit and, due to the mass transfer, deposition occurs at the cold leg. One of the possible ways to improve the performance of structural materials in lead-bismuth is the creation of an oxide layer. Tests have been performed in a small natural convection loop built of austenitic steel (316L) that has been operating for 3000 h. This loop contains a test area in which several samples of F82Hmod. martensitic steel have been tested at different times. A gas with an oxygen content of 10 ppm was bubbled in the hot area of the circuit during the operation time. The obtained results show that an oxide layer is formed on the samples introduced in the loop at the beginning of the operation and this layer increases with time. However, the samples introduced at different times during the loop operation, are not protected by oxide layers and present material dissolution in some cases.

Dental discoloration caused by bismuth oxide in MTA in the presence of sodium hypochlorite.

PubMed

Marciano, Marina Angélica; Duarte, Marco Antonio Hungaro; Camilleri, Josette

2015-12-01

The aim of this research was to analyse the dental discolouration caused by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) induced by bismuth oxide and also assess the colour stability of other dental cements. Bismuth oxide, calcium tungstate and zirconium oxide were placed in contact with sodium hypochlorite for 24 h after which they were dried and photographed. Phase analyses were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) of radiopacifiers before and after immersion in sodium hypochlorite. Furthermore, teeth previously immersed in water or sodium hypochlorite were filled with MTA Angelus, Portland cement (PC), PC with 20 % zirconium oxide, PC with 20 % calcium tungstate and Biodentine. Teeth were immersed for 28 days in Hank's balanced salt solution after which they were sectioned and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive mapping and stereomicroscopy. Bismuth oxide in contact with sodium hypochlorite exhibited a change in colour from light yellow to dark brown. XRD analysis demonstrated peaks for radiopacifier and sodium chloride in samples immersed in sodium hypochlorite. The SEM images of the dentine to material interface showed alteration in material microstructure for MTA Angelus and Biodentine with depletion in calcium content in the material. The energy-dispersive maps showed migration of radiopacifier and silicon in dentine. MTA Angelus in contact with a tooth previously immersed in sodium hypochlorite resulted in colour alteration at the cement/dentine interface. MTA Angelus should not be used after irrigation with sodium hypochlorite as this will result in tooth discoloration.

Large-scale synthesis of lead telluride (PbTe) nanotube-based nanocomposites with tunable morphology, crystallinity and thermoelectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kee-Ryung; Cho, Hong-Baek; Song, Yoseb; Kim, Seil; Kwon, Young-Tae; Ryu, Seung Han; Lim, Jae-Hong; Lee, Woo-Jin; Choa, Yong-Ho

2018-04-01

A few millimeter-long lead telluride (PbTe) hollow nanofibers with thermoelectric properties was synthesized for the first time with high through manner via three-step sequential process of electrospinning, electrodeposition and cationic exchange reaction. As-synthesized electrospun Ag nanofibers with ultra-long aspect ratio of 10,000 were Te electrodeposited to obtain silver telluride nanotubes and underwent cationic exchange reaction in Pb(NO3)2 solution to obtain polycrystalline PbTe nanotubes with average diameter of 100 nm with 20 nm of wall thickness. Variation of the Ag-to-Pb ratio in the AgxTey-PbTe nanocomposites during the cationic exchange reaction enabled to control the thermoelectric properties of resulting 1D hollow nanofibers. The diameter of Ag nanofiber is the key factor to determine the final dimension of the PbTe nanotubes in the topotactic transformation and the content of Ag ion leads to the enhancement of thermoelectric properties in the AgxTey-PbTe nanocomposites. The synthesized 1D nanocomposite mats showed the highest value of Seebeck coefficient of 433 μV/K (at 300 K) when the remained Ag content was 30%, while the power factor reached highest to 0.567 μW/mK2 for the pure PbTe nanotubes. The enhancement of thermoelectric properties and the composite crystallinity are elucidated with relation to Ag contents in the resulting 1D nanocomposites.

Dynamic behavior of pump light radiation induced photo-bleaching effect on BAC-Si in bismuth/erbium co-doped optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Mingjie; Luo, Yanhua; Wen, Jianxiang; Peng, Gang-Ding

2018-02-01

Ultra-wide emission in bismuth doped optical fiber has been extremely studied for the development of the laser and amplifier working at near infrared band. In our homemade bismuth/erbium co-doped optical fiber, bismuth active center associated with silica (BAC-Si) has been found that when pumping at its resonant wavelength at 830 nm the NIR emission could be partially bleached. In addition, a self-recovery process has been observed at room temperature. However, the exact mechanism is still unclear. In this work, we have investigated the photo-bleaching effect on the BAC-Si via the pump power, pump wavelength and temperature dependence. Based on analyzing the result using stretched exponential function, it shows that the bleaching effect on BAC-Si has a strong link with the excitation process of Bi ion in BAC-Si. A potential energy curve model is used to illustrate the BAC-Si photo-bleaching process.

Two-dimensional ferroelectric topological insulators in functionalized atomically thin bismuth layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Liangzhi; Fu, Huixia; Ma, Yandong; Yan, Binghai; Liao, Ting; Du, Aijun; Chen, Changfeng

2018-02-01

We introduce a class of two-dimensional (2D) materials that possess coexisting ferroelectric and topologically insulating orders. Such ferroelectric topological insulators (FETIs) occur in noncentrosymmetric atomic layer structures with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC). We showcase a prototype 2D FETI in an atomically thin bismuth layer functionalized by C H2OH , which exhibits a large ferroelectric polarization that is switchable by a ligand molecule rotation mechanism and a strong SOC that drives a band inversion leading to the topologically insulating state. An external electric field that switches the ferroelectric polarization also tunes the spin texture in the underlying atomic lattice. Moreover, the functionalized bismuth layer exhibits an additional quantum order driven by the valley splitting at the K and K' points in the Brillouin zone stemming from the symmetry breaking and strong SOC in the system, resulting in a remarkable state of matter with the simultaneous presence of the quantum spin Hall and quantum valley Hall effect. These phenomena are predicted to exist in other similarly constructed 2D FETIs, thereby offering a unique quantum material platform for discovering novel physics and exploring innovative applications.

Design of alumina forming FeCrAl steels for lead or lead-bismuth cooled fast reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jun; Hwang, Il Soon; Kim, Ji Hyun

2013-10-01

Iron-chromium-aluminum alloys containing 15-20 wt.% Cr and 4-6 wt.% Al have shown excellent corrosion resistance in the temperature range up to 600 °C or higher in liquid lead and lead-bismuth eutectic environments by the formation of protective Al2O3 layers. However, the higher Cr and Al concentrations in ferritic alloys could be problematic because of severe embrittlement in the manufacturing process as well as in service, caused by the formation of brittle phases. For this reason, efforts worldwide have so far mainly focused on the development of aluminizing surface treatments. However, aluminizing surface treatments have major disadvantages of cost, processing difficulties and reliability issues. In this study, a new FeCrAl alloy is proposed for structural materials in lead and lead-bismuth cooled nuclear applications. The alloy design relied on corrosion experiments in high temperature lead and lead-bismuth eutectic environments and computational thermodynamic calculations using the commercial software, JMatPro. The design of new alloys has focused on the optimization of Cr and Al levels for the formation of an external Al2O3 layer which can provide excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance in liquid lead alloys in the temperature range 300-600 °C while still retaining workable mechanical properties.

Transition-metal doped sulfide, selenide, and telluride laser crystal and lasers

DOEpatents

Krupke, W.F.; Page, R.H.; DeLoach, L.D.; Payne, S.A.

1996-07-30

A new class of solid state laser crystals and lasers are formed of transition metal doped sulfide, selenide, and telluride host crystals which have four fold coordinated substitutional sites. The host crystals include II-VI compounds. The host crystal is doped with a transition metal laser ion, e.g., chromium, cobalt or iron. In particular, Cr{sup 2+}-doped ZnS and ZnSe generate laser action near 2.3 {micro}m. Oxide, chloride, fluoride, bromide and iodide crystals with similar structures can also be used. Important aspects of these laser materials are the tetrahedral site symmetry of the host crystal, low excited state absorption losses and high luminescence efficiency, and the d{sup 4} and d{sup 6} electronic configurations of the transition metal ions. The same materials are also useful as saturable absorbers for passive Q-switching applications. The laser materials can be used as gain media in amplifiers and oscillators; these gain media can be incorporated into waveguides and semiconductor lasers. 18 figs.

Transition-metal doped sulfide, selenide, and telluride laser crystal and lasers

DOEpatents

Krupke, William F.; Page, Ralph H.; DeLoach, Laura D.; Payne, Stephen A.

1996-01-01

A new class of solid state laser crystals and lasers are formed of transition metal doped sulfide, selenide, and telluride host crystals which have four fold coordinated substitutional sites. The host crystals include II-VI compounds. The host crystal is doped with a transition metal laser ion, e.g., chromium, cobalt or iron. In particular, Cr.sup.2+ -doped ZnS and ZnSe generate laser action near 2.3 .mu.m. Oxide, chloride, fluoride, bromide and iodide crystals with similar structures can also be used. Important aspects of these laser materials are the tetrahedral site symmetry of the host crystal, low excited state absorption losses and high luminescence efficiency, and the d.sup.4 and d.sup.6 electronic configurations of the transition metal ions. The same materials are also useful as saturable absorbers for passive Q-switching applications. The laser materials can be used as gain media in amplifiers and oscillators; these gain media can be incorporated into waveguides and semiconductor lasers.

[The high fermentative capacity of colonic bacteria in the origin of flatulence and its sensibility to bismuth subsalicylate].

PubMed

León-Barúa, Raúl; Alvarez De Roig, Maritza; Roig-Arosemena, Javier; Berendson-Seminario, Roberto; Torres-Zevallos, Hernando

2007-01-01

Using a previously described technique, "in vitro" determinations were carried out for faecal fermentation (FF): basal faecal fermentation (BFF), i.e, only with faeces, with faeces and lactulose (LFF) and with faeces, lactulose and bismuth subsalicylate (BiLFF) in 34 patients with flatulence. The media+d.s. of the difference between the LFFand BFF levels (LFF-BFF) in patients with flatulence was significant and markedly higher than the respective media +d.s. in 30 normal control patients previously studied (9.1+4.7 vs. 3.9+3.2 ml gas/24 hrs; p<0.000001 respectively). And, although FF was reduced by adding bismuth salicylate in only 24% (70.6%) of the patients with flatulence but not in the remaining 10 (29.4%), in total the media+d.s. of the differences between the levels BiLFF and BFF (BiLFFBFF) was significantly lower that the media+d.s. of the differences between the LFF and BFF levels (LFF-BFF) (6.0+4.2 vs 9.1+4.7 ml gas/24 hrs; p<0.01 respectively). These results confirm that: 1) The fermentative capacity of the colonic bacteriae is most likely to be abnormally intense in peoples with flatulence and 2) Bismuth subsalicylate can be useful in the control of excessive colonic fermentation and flatulence; they raise, furthermore, the interesting possibility that we may have found the way to predict when the use of bismuth subsalicylate could be effective in the treatment of a patient with flatulence.

Bismuth(III) 5-sulfosalicylate complexes: structure, solubility and activity against Helicobacter pylori.

PubMed

Andrews, Philip C; Deacon, Glen B; Ferrero, Richard L; Junk, Peter C; Karrar, Abdulgader; Kumar, Ish; MacLellan, Jonathan G

2009-08-28

Treatment of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (H(3)Ssal) with BiPh(3) results in the formation of the first dianionic carboxylate-sulfonate bismuth complex, [PhBi(HSsal)H(2)O](infinity) 1a, and its ethanol analogue [PhBi(HSsal)EtOH](infinity) 1b (space group P2(1)/c), while Bi(OAc)(3) gives the mixed monoanionic and dianionic complex, {[Bi(HSsal)(H(2)Ssal)(H(2)O)(3)](2) x 2 H(2)O}(infinity) 2 (space group P1). The three complexes are all polymeric in the solid state as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, with extended frameworks constructed from dimeric [Bi(HSsal)](2), 1a and 1b, or from [Bi(HSsal)(H(2)Ssal)](2) units, 2. The heteroleptic bismuth complexes 1a and 2 display remarkable aqueous solubility, 10 and 2.5 mg ml(-1) respectively, resulting in a clear solution of pH 1.5. In contrast, 1b is essentially insoluble in aqueous environments. All three complexes show significant activity against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori of <6.25 microg ml(-1).

Deposition Time Dependent Properties of Copper Tin Telluride (Cu₂SnTe₃) Nanoparticles for Solar Absorber Applications.

PubMed

Rakspun, Jariya; Tubtimtae, Auttasit; Vailikhit, Veeramol; Teesetsopon, Pichanan; Choopun, Supab

2018-06-01

We report the growth of copper tin telluride nanoparticles as an absorber layer using a chemical bath deposition (CBD) process for solar selective applications. The XRD results showed the phase of Cu2SnTe3 with a cubical structure. The larger-sized nanoparticles resulted with increased absorption properties and the optical band gap ranging from 1.93, 1.90, 1.58 and 1.56 eV for deposition times of 20-120 min, respectively. Then, the electrical properties of Cu2SnTe3 nanoparticles were also provided a higher current (~6-8 mA) with bias potential of zero.

Peculiarities of electron density distribution in bismuth chalcogenides, iron pnictides, cuprates and related unconventional superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlov, V. G.; Sergeev, G. S.

2018-05-01

With the aim to reveal the origin of instabilities in the electron subsystem of unconventional superconductors, such as stripes or nematic symmetry breaking, electron band structure calculations were performed for a number of bismuth chalcogenides, bismuth oxide, iron pnictides, as well as for Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8, YBa2Cu3O7 and La2CuO4. It was found that bond critical points in the electron density distribution ρ(r) of all the studied compounds were characterized by positive sign of electron density Laplacian evidencing on depletion of electron charge from the area of bond critical points. A correlation was found between the Tc and the value of electron density Laplacian in the strongest bond critical points of superconductors and related substances.

CoBi3-the first binary compound of cobalt with bismuth: high-pressure synthesis and superconductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tencé, S.; Janson, O.; Krellner, C.; Rosner, H.; Schwarz, U.; Grin, Y.; Steglich, F.

2014-10-01

The first compound in the cobalt bismuth system was synthesized by high-pressure high-temperature synthesis at 5 GPa and 450 °C. CoBi3 crystallizes in space group Pnma (no. 62) with lattice parameters of a = 8.8464(7) Å, b = 4.0697(4) Å and c = 11.5604(9) Å adopting a NiBi3-type crystal structure. CoBi3 undergoes a superconducting transition at Tc = 0.48(3) K as evidenced by electrical-resistivity and specific-heat measurements. Based on the anomaly of the specific heat at Tc and considering the estimated electron-phonon coupling, the new Bi-rich compound can be classified as a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer-type superconductor with weak electron-phonon coupling. Density-functional theory calculations disclose a sizable influence of the spin-orbit coupling to the valence states and proximity to a magnetic instability, which accounts for a significantly enhanced Sommerfeld coefficient.

Modelling of illuminated current-voltage characteristics to evaluate leakage currents in long wavelength infrared mercury cadmium telluride photovoltaic detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopal, Vishnu; Qiu, WeiCheng; Hu, Weida

2014-11-01

The current-voltage characteristics of long wavelength mercury cadmium telluride infrared detectors have been studied using a recently suggested method for modelling of illuminated photovoltaic detectors. Diodes fabricated on in-house grown arsenic and vacancy doped epitaxial layers were evaluated for their leakage currents. The thermal diffusion, generation-recombination (g-r), and ohmic currents were found as principal components of diode current besides a component of photocurrent due to illumination. In addition, both types of diodes exhibited an excess current component whose growth with the applied bias voltage did not match the expected growth of trap-assisted-tunnelling current. Instead, it was found to be the best described by an exponential function of the type, Iexcess = Ir0 + K1 exp (K2 V), where Ir0, K1, and K2 are fitting parameters and V is the applied bias voltage. A study of the temperature dependence of the diode current components and the excess current provided the useful clues about the source of origin of excess current. It was found that the excess current in diodes fabricated on arsenic doped epitaxial layers has its origin in the source of ohmic shunt currents. Whereas, the source of excess current in diodes fabricated on vacancy doped epitaxial layers appeared to be the avalanche multiplication of photocurrent. The difference in the behaviour of two types of diodes has been attributed to the difference in the quality of epitaxial layers.

Thermoelectric materials and methods for synthesis thereof

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng; Zhang, Qinyong; Zhang, Qian; Chen, Gang

2015-08-04

Materials having improved thermoelectric properties are disclosed. In some embodiments, lead telluride/selenide based materials with improved figure of merit and mechanical properties are disclosed. In some embodiments, the lead telluride/selenide based materials of the present disclosure are p-type thermoelectric materials formed by adding sodium (Na), silicon (Si) or both to thallium doped lead telluride materials. In some embodiments, the lead telluride/selenide based materials are formed by doping lead telluride/selenides with potassium.

In-plane optical anisotropy of layered gallium telluride

DOE PAGES

Huang, Shengxi; Tatsumi, Yuki; Ling, Xi; ...

2016-08-16

Layered gallium telluride (GaTe) has attracted much attention recently, due to its extremely high photoresponsivity, short response time, and promising thermoelectric performance. Different from most commonly studied two-dimensional (2D) materials, GaTe has in-plane anisotropy and a low symmetry with the C 2h 3 space group. Investigating the in-plane optical anisotropy, including the electron–photon and electron–phonon interactions of GaTe is essential in realizing its applications in optoelectronics and thermoelectrics. In this work, the anisotropic light-matter interactions in the low-symmetry material GaTe are studied using anisotropic optical extinction and Raman spectroscopies as probes. Our polarized optical extinction spectroscopy reveals the weak anisotropymore » in optical extinction spectra for visible light of multilayer GaTe. Polarized Raman spectroscopy proves to be sensitive to the crystalline orientation of GaTe, and shows the intricate dependences of Raman anisotropy on flake thickness, photon and phonon energies. Such intricate dependences can be explained by theoretical analyses employing first-principles calculations and group theory. Furthermore, these studies are a crucial step toward the applications of GaTe especially in optoelectronics and thermoelectrics, and provide a general methodology for the study of the anisotropy of light-matter interactions in 2D layered materials with in-plane anisotropy.« less

Laboratory-Scale Bismuth Phosphate Extraction Process Simulation To Track Fate of Fission Products

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

Serne, R. JEFFREY; Lindberg, Michael J.; Jones, Thomas E.

2007-02-28

Recent field investigation that collected and characterized vadose zone sediments from beneath inactive liquid disposal facilities at the Hanford 200 Areas show lower than expected concentrations of a long-term risk driver, Tc-99. Therefore laboratory studies were performed to re-create one of the three processes that were used to separate the plutonium from spent fuel and that created most of the wastes disposed or currently stored in tanks at Hanford. The laboratory simulations were used to compare with current estimates based mainly on flow sheet estimates and spotty historical data. Three simulations of the bismuth phosphate precipitation process show that lessmore » that 1% of the Tc-99, Cs-135/137, Sr-90, I-129 carry down with the Pu product and thus these isotopes should have remained within the metals waste streams that after neutralization were sent to single shell tanks. Conversely, these isotopes should not be expected to be found in the first and subsequent cycle waste streams that went to cribs. Measurable quantities (~20 to 30%) of the lanthanides, yttrium, and trivalent actinides (Am and Cm) do precipitate with the Pu product, which is higher than the 10% estimate made for current inventory projections. Surprisingly, Se (added as selenate form) also shows about 10% association with the Pu/bismuth phosphate solids. We speculate that the incorporation of some Se into the bismuth phosphate precipitate is caused by selenate substitution into crystal lattice sites for the phosphate. The bulk of the U daughter product Th-234 and Np-237 daughter product Pa-233 also associate with the solids. We suspect that the Pa daughter products of U (Pa-234 and Pa-231) would also co-precipitate with the bismuth phosphate induced solids. No more than 1 % of the Sr-90 and Sb-125 should carry down with the Pu product that ultimately was purified. Thus the current scheme used to estimate where fission products end up being disposed overestimates by one order of magnitude

Solution combustion synthesis and characterization of nanosized bismuth ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai Kumar, V. Sesha; Rao, K. Venkateswara; Krishnaveni, T.; Kishore Goud, A. Shiva; Reddy, P. Ranjith

2012-06-01

The present paper describes a simple method of nanosized BiFeO3 by the solution combustion synthesis using bismuth and iron nitrates as oxidizers and the combination fuel of citric acid and ammonium hydroxide, with fuel to oxidizer ratio (Ψ = 1) one. The X-ray Diffraction results indicated rhombohedral phase (R3m) with JCPDS data card no: 72-2035. The ferroelectric transition of the sample at 8310C was detected by differential thermal analysis. Thermal analysis was done by Thermal gravimetric-Differential thermal analyzer and obtained results were presented in this paper.

Role of Bismuth in the Electrokinetics of Silicon Photocathodes for Solar Rechargeable Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries.

PubMed

Flox, Cristina; Murcia-López, Sebastián; Carretero, Nina M; Ros, Carles; Morante, Juan R; Andreu, Teresa

2018-01-10

The ability of crystalline silicon to photoassist the V 3+ /V 2+ cathodic reaction under simulated solar irradiation, combined with the effect of bismuth have led to important electrochemical improvements. Besides the photovoltage supplied by the photovoltaics, additional decrease in the onset potentials, high reversibility of the V 3+ /V 2+ redox pair, and improvement in the electrokinetics were attained thanks to the addition of bismuth. In fact, Bi 0 deposition has shown to slightly decrease the photocurrent, but the significant enhancement in the charge transfer, reflected in the overall electrochemical performance clearly justifies its use as additive in a photoassisted system for maximizing the efficiency of solar charge to battery. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Determination of carrier diffusion length in p- and n-type GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafiz, Shopan; Metzner, Sebastian; Zhang, Fan; Monavarian, Morteza; Avrutin, Vitaliy; Morkoç, Hadis; Karbaum, Christopher; Bertram, Frank; Christen, Jürgen; Gil, Bernard; Özgür, Ümit

2014-03-01

Diffusion lengths of photo-excited carriers along the c-direction were determined from photoluminescence (PL) measurements in p- and n-type GaN epitaxial layers grown on c-plane sapphire by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The investigated samples incorporate a 6 nm thick In0.15Ga0.85N active layer capped with either 500 nm p- GaN or 1300 nm n-GaN. The top GaN layers were etched in steps and PL from the InGaN active region and the underlying layers was monitored as a function of the top GaN thickness upon photogeneration near the surface region by above bandgap excitation. Taking into consideration the absorption in the active and underlying layers, the diffusion lengths at 295 K and at 15 K were measured to be about 92 ± 7 nm and 68 ± 7 nm for Mg-doped p-type GaN and 432 ± 30 nm and 316 ± 30 nm for unintentionally doped n-type GaN, respectively. Cross-sectional cathodoluminescence line-scan measurement was performed on a separate sample and the diffusion length in n-type GaN was measured to be 280 nm.

Bismuth oxychloride homogeneous phasejunction BiOCl/Bi12O17Cl2 with unselectively efficient photocatalytic activity and mechanism insight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Lin; Huang, Hongwei; Guo, Yuxi; Du, Xin; Zhang, Yihe

2017-10-01

Fabrication of homo/hetero-junctions by coupling of wide-band gap semiconductor and narrow-band gap semiconductor is desirable as they can achieve a decent balance between photoabsorption and photo-redox ability. Herein, a n-n type bismuth oxychloride homogeneous phasejunction BiOCl/Bi12O17Cl2 was developed by facilely manipulating the basicity in a one-pot hydrothermal process. Compared with BiOCl which only responds to UV light, the photo-responsive range is remarkably extended to visible region. The BiOCl/Bi12O17Cl2 phasejunctions show much higher photocatalytic activity than the single BiOCl and Bi12O17Cl2 toward degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light. In particular, it presented a high photo-oxidation ability in degrading diverse industrial contaminants including 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), phenol, bisphenol A (BPA) and tetracycline hydrochloride. Based on a series of photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence measurements, the fortified photocatalytic performance of BiOCl/Bi12O17Cl2 phasejunctions was manifested to be attributed to the efficient separation and transfer efficiencies of photoinduced electron-hole pairs because of the junctional interface formed between BiOCl and Bi12O17Cl2. The study may not only furnish a high-effective photocatalyst in the application of environment purification, but also pave a path to fabricate agnate phase-junctional photocatalyst.

Nanoscale arrays of antimony telluride single crystals by selective chemical vapor deposition

PubMed Central

Huang, Ruomeng; Benjamin, Sophie L.; Gurnani, Chitra; Wang, Yudong; Hector, Andrew L.; Levason, William; Reid, Gillian; De Groot, C. H. (Kees)

2016-01-01

Arrays of individual single nanocrystals of Sb2Te3 have been formed using selective chemical vapor deposition (CVD) from a single source precursor. Crystals are self-assembled reproducibly in confined spaces of 100 nm diameter with pitch down to 500 nm. The distribution of crystallite sizes across the arrays is very narrow (standard deviation of 15%) and is affected by both the hole diameter and the array pitch. The preferred growth of the crystals in the <1 1 0> orientation along the diagonal of the square holes strongly indicates that the diffusion of adatoms results in a near thermodynamic equilibrium growth mechanism of the nuclei. A clear relationship between electrical resistivity and selectivity is established across a range of metal selenides and tellurides, showing that conductive materials result in more selective growth and suggesting that electron donation is of critical importance for selective deposition. PMID:27283116

Synthesis and Characterization of Rare-Earth Tellurides and Their Composites For High-Temperature Thermoelectric Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheikh, Dean

Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are solid-state energy conversion devices and have been a vital power generation technology for deep space missions conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). At the heart of these generators are thermoelectric materials that convert heat given off by a radioisotope decay into electricity through the Seebeck effect. While these systems have demonstrated long-term reliability, the current state-of-practice materials have thermoelectric figures of merit, ZT, near 1, leading to low system level efficiencies of 6.5%. The figure of merit is defined as ZT = sigmaS 2/kappa T where sigma, S, kappa, and T are electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, and temperature, respectively. Development of higher ZT materials would enable future NASA missions to perform a greater number of scientific experiments and extend mission lifetimes. Lanthanum telluride (La3-xTe4) is a state-of-the-art n-type high-temperature thermoelectric material, with a ZT of 1.1 at 1275 K. It has been demonstrated that the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient of this material can be decoupled when nickel inclusions are added to form a composite. This new phenomenon, known as composite assisted funneling of electrons (CAFE), allows for the resistivity of the composite to decrease while leaving the Seebeck coefficient unaffected when 12-15 vol% nickel was incorporated. The initial work presented in this dissertation focused on microstructural modifications to La3-xTe4-Ni composites to attain a better understanding of the CAFE mechanism. This investigation was conducted by varying the size of the nickel particles compared to what were used in the previous composite study. A 60% increase in ZT to a value of 1.9 at 1200 K for the composites with the smallest Ni particle size was obtained due to an increased Seebeck coefficient and decreased thermal conductivity. The next study focused on the extension

Charge trapping in detector grade thallium bromide and cadmium zinc telluride: Measurement and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elshazly, Ezzat S.; Tepper, Gary; Burger, Arnold

2010-08-01

Carrier trapping times were measured in detector grade thallium bromide (TlBr) and cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) from 300 to 110 K and the experimental data were analyzed using a trapping model. In CZT, because the majority carrier concentration is close to the intrinsic carrier concentration, the trapping time increases exponentially as the temperature decreases below about 160 K. In TlBr, the majority carrier concentration is many orders of magnitude greater than the intrinsic carrier concentration and the trapping time followed a (1/ T) 1/2 temperature dependence over the range of temperatures studied. The results of the model suggest that a moderately deep compensation center could be used to significantly increase the room temperature trapping time in TlBr.

Charge Sharing and Charge Loss in a Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Fine-Pixel Detector Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaskin, J. A.; Sharma, D. P.; Ramsey, B. D.; Six, N. Frank (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Because of its high atomic number, room temperature operation, low noise, and high spatial resolution a Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) multi-pixel detector is ideal for hard x-ray astrophysical observation. As part of on-going research at MSFC (Marshall Space Flight Center) to develop multi-pixel CdZnTe detectors for this purpose, we have measured charge sharing and charge loss for a 4x4 (750micron pitch), lmm thick pixel array and modeled these results using a Monte-Carlo simulation. This model was then used to predict the amount of charge sharing for a much finer pixel array (with a 300micron pitch). Future work will enable us to compare the simulated results for the finer array to measured values.

Role of intestinal microbiota in transformation of bismuth and other metals and metalloids into volatile methyl and hydride derivatives in humans and mice.

PubMed

Michalke, Klaus; Schmidt, Annette; Huber, Britta; Meyer, Jörg; Sulkowski, Margareta; Hirner, Alfred V; Boertz, Jens; Mosel, Frank; Dammann, Philip; Hilken, Gero; Hedrich, Hans J; Dorsch, Martina; Rettenmeier, Albert W; Hensel, Reinhard

2008-05-01

The present study shows that feces samples of 14 human volunteers and isolated gut segments of mice (small intestine, cecum, and large intestine) are able to transform metals and metalloids into volatile derivatives ex situ during anaerobic incubation at 37 degrees C and neutral pH. Human feces and the gut of mice exhibit highly productive mechanisms for the formation of the toxic volatile derivative trimethylbismuth [(CH(3))(3)Bi] at rather low concentrations of bismuth (0.2 to 1 mumol kg(-1) [dry weight]). An increase of bismuth up to 2 to 14 mmol kg(-1) (dry weight) upon a single (human volunteers) or continuous (mouse study) administration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate resulted in an average increase of the derivatization rate from approximately 4 pmol h(-1) kg(-1) (dry weight) to 2,100 pmol h(-1) kg(-1) (dry weight) in human feces samples and from approximately 5 pmol h(-1) kg(-1) (dry weight) to 120 pmol h(-1) kg(-1) (dry weight) in mouse gut samples, respectively. The upshift of the bismuth content also led to an increase of derivatives of other elements (such as arsenic, antimony, and lead in human feces or tellurium and lead in the murine large intestine). The assumption that the gut microbiota plays a dominant role for these transformation processes, as indicated by the production of volatile derivatives of various elements in feces samples, is supported by the observation that the gut segments of germfree mice are unable to transform administered bismuth to (CH(3))(3)Bi.

Effect of the Different High Volume Fraction of SiC Particles on the Junction of Bismuthate Glass-SiCp/Al Composite

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoqiang

2018-01-01

The in-house developed bismuthate glass and the SiCp/Al composites with different volume fractions of SiC particles (namely, 60 vol.%, 65 vol.%, 70 vol.%, and 75 vol.%) were jointed by vacuum hot-pressing process. The novel material can be used for the space mirror. The SiCp is an abbreviation for SiC particle. Firstly, the SiCp/Al composites with different vol.% of SiC particle were manufactured by using infiltration process. In order to obtain a stable bonding interface, the preoxide layers were fabricated on the surfaces of these composites for reacting with the bismuthate glass. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was carried out for characterizing the difference between the composites and bismuthate glass. The sealing quality of the composites and the bismuthate glass was quantified by using shear strength testing. The optical microstructures showed the particles were uniformly distributed in the Al matrix. The SEM image shows that a smooth oxidation layer was generated on the SiCp/Al composite. The CTE testing result indicated that the higher the vol.% of the particles in the composite, the lower the CTE value. The shear strength testing result disclosed that SiCp/Al composite with relatively low CTE value was favorable to obtain a bonding interface with high strength. PMID:29675118

Effect of the Different High Volume Fraction of SiC Particles on the Junction of Bismuthate Glass-SiCp/Al Composite.

PubMed

Wang, Bin; Qu, Shengguan; Li, Xiaoqiang

2018-01-01

The in-house developed bismuthate glass and the SiC p /Al composites with different volume fractions of SiC particles (namely, 60 vol.%, 65 vol.%, 70 vol.%, and 75 vol.%) were jointed by vacuum hot-pressing process. The novel material can be used for the space mirror. The SiCp is an abbreviation for SiC particle. Firstly, the SiC p /Al composites with different vol.% of SiC particle were manufactured by using infiltration process. In order to obtain a stable bonding interface, the preoxide layers were fabricated on the surfaces of these composites for reacting with the bismuthate glass. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was carried out for characterizing the difference between the composites and bismuthate glass. The sealing quality of the composites and the bismuthate glass was quantified by using shear strength testing. The optical microstructures showed the particles were uniformly distributed in the Al matrix. The SEM image shows that a smooth oxidation layer was generated on the SiC p /Al composite. The CTE testing result indicated that the higher the vol.% of the particles in the composite, the lower the CTE value. The shear strength testing result disclosed that SiC p /Al composite with relatively low CTE value was favorable to obtain a bonding interface with high strength.

Electromechanical properties of A-site (LiCe)-modified sodium bismuth titanate (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 4.5}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 15}) piezoelectric ceramics at elevated temperature

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

Wang Chunming; Wang Jinfeng; Zhang Shujun

2009-05-01

The Aurivillius-type bismuth layer-structured (NaBi){sub 0.46}(LiCe){sub 0.04}Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 15} (NBT-LiCe) piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized using conventional solid-state processing. Phase analysis was performed by x-ray diffraction and microstructural morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and electromechanical properties of NBT-LiCe ceramics were investigated. The piezoelectric activities were found to be significantly enhanced compared to NBT ceramics, which can be attributed to the lattice distortion and the presence of bismuth vacancies. The dielectric and electromechanical properties of NBT-LiCe ceramics at elevated temperature were investigated in detail. The excellent piezoelectric, dielectric, and electromechanical properties, coupled with high Curiemore » temperature (T{sub c}=660 deg. C), demonstrated that the NBT-LiCe ceramics are the promising candidates for high temperature applications.« less

Bismuth-doped fibre amplifier operating between 1600 and 1800 nm

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

Firstov, S V; Alyshev, S V; Riumkin, K E

2015-12-31

We report the first bismuth-doped fibre amplifier operating between 1600 and 1800 nm, which utilises bidirectional pumping (co-propagating and counter-propagating pump beams) by laser diodes at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The largest gain coefficient of the amplifier is 23 dB, at a wavelength of 1710 nm. It has a noise figure of 7 dB, 3-dB gain bandwidth of 40 nm and gain efficiency of 0.1 dB mW{sup -1}. (letters)

Preparation and elastic moduli of germanate glass containing lead and bismuth.

PubMed

Sidek, Hj A A; Bahari, Hamid R; Halimah, Mohamed K; Yunus, Wan M M

2012-01-01

This paper reports the rapid melt quenching technique preparation for the new family of bismuth-lead germanate glass (BPG) systems in the form of (GeO(2))(60)-(PbO)(40-) (x)-(½Bi(2)O(3))(x) where x = 0 to 40 mol%. Their densities with respect of Bi(2)O(3) concentration were determined using Archimedes' method with acetone as a floatation medium. The current experimental data are compared with those of bismuth lead borate (B(2)O(3))(20)-(PbO)(80-) (x)-(Bi(2)O(3))(x). The elastic properties of BPG were studied using the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique where both longitudinal and transverse sound wave velocities have been measured in each glass samples at a frequency of 15 MHz and at room temperature. Experimental data shows that all the physical parameters of BPG including density and molar volume, both longitudinal and transverse velocities increase linearly with increasing of Bi(2)O(3) content in the germanate glass network. Their elastic moduli such as longitudinal, shear and Young's also increase linearly with addition of Bi(2)O(3) but the bulk modulus did not. The Poisson's ratio and fractal dimensionality are also found to vary linearly with the Bi(2)O(3) concentration.

Sb- and Bi-doped Mg2Si: location of the dopants, micro- and nanostructures, electronic structures and thermoelectric properties.

PubMed

Farahi, Nader; VanZant, Mathew; Zhao, Jianbao; Tse, John S; Prabhudev, Sagar; Botton, Gianluigi A; Salvador, James R; Borondics, Ferenc; Liu, Zhenxian; Kleinke, Holger

2014-10-28

Due to increasing global energy concerns, alternative sustainable methods to create energy such as thermoelectric energy conversion have become increasingly important. Originally, research into thermoelectric materials was focused on tellurides of bismuth and lead because of the exemplary thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 and PbTe. These materials, however, contain toxic lead and tellurium, which is also scarce and thus expensive. A viable alternative material may exist in Mg2Si, which needs to be doped and alloyed in order to achieve reasonable thermoelectric efficiency. Doping is a major problem, as p-type doping has thus far not produced competitive efficiencies, and n-type doping is problematic because of the low solubility of the typical dopants Sb and Bi. This investigation shows experimentally that these dopants can indeed replace Si in the crystal lattice, and excess Sb and Bi atoms are present in the grain boundaries in the form of Mg3Sb2 and Mg3Bi2. As a consequence, the carrier concentration is lower than the formal Sb/Bi concentration suggests, and the thermal conductivity is significantly reduced. DFT calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data, including the band gap and the Seebeck coefficient. Overall, this results in competitive efficiencies despite the low carrier concentration. While ball-milling was previously shown to enhance the solubility of the dopants and thus the carrier concentration, this did not lead to enhanced thermoelectric properties.

Cation distribution, magnetic properties and cubic-perovskite phase transition in bismuth-doped nickel ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gore, Shyam K.; Jadhav, Santosh S.; Tumberphale, Umakant B.; Shaikh, Shoyeb M.; Naushad, Mu; Mane, Rajaram S.

2017-12-01

The phase transition of bismuth-substituted nickel ferrite, synthesized by using a simple sol-gel autocombustion method, from cubic to perovskite is confirmed from the X-ray diffraction spectrums. The changes in isomer shift, hyperfine field and cation distribution are obtained from the Mossbauer spectroscopy analysis. The cation distribution demonstrates Ni2+ cations occupy tetrahedral sites, while Fe3+ and Bi3+ occupy both tetrahedral as well as octahedral sites. For higher concentrations of bismuth, saturation magnetization is increased whereas, coercivity is decreased which is related to phase change. The variations of dielectric constant, tangent loss and conductivity (ac) with frequency (10 Hz-5 MHz) have been explored with Bi3+-doping i.e. 'x'. According to Maxwell-Wagener model, there is an involvement of electron hopping kinetics as both dielectric constant and tangent loss are decreased with increasing frequency. Increase of conductivity with frequency (measured at room temperature, 27 °C) is attributed to increase of number of carriers and mobility.

Effect of steady crucible rotation on segregation in high-pressure vertical Bridgman growth of cadmium zinc telluride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeckel, Andrew; Patrick Doty, F.; Derby, Jeffrey J.

1999-05-01

Three-dimensional axisymmetric, time-dependent simulations of the high-pressure vertical Bridgman growth of large-diameter cadmium zinc telluride are performed to study the effect of steady crucible rotation on axial and radial segregation in the grown crystal. The model includes details of heat transfer, melt convection, solid-liquid interface shape, and pseudo-binary zinc segregation. Imposing a moderate rotation rate of 10 rpm on the system slightly improves axial segregation but makes radial segregation much worse. Moreover, values of dimensionless thermal Rossby and Taylor numbers calculated for this system indicate that the baroclinic instability may occur at the rotation rates studied.

Thermodynamic properties and equation of state of liquid lead and lead bismuth eutectic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobolev, V. P.; Schuurmans, P.; Benamati, G.

2008-06-01

Since the 1950s, liquid lead (Pb) and lead-bismuth eutectic (Pb-Bi) have been studied in the USA, Canada and in the former-USSR as potential coolants for nuclear installations due to their very attractive thermophysical and neutronic properties. However, experimental data on the thermal properties of these coolants in the temperature range of interest are still incomplete and often contradictory. This makes it very difficult to perform design calculations and to analyse the normal and abnormal behaviour of nuclear installations where these coolants are expected to be used. Recently, a compilation of heavy liquid metal (HLM) properties along with recommendations for its use was prepared by the OECD/NEA Working Party on Fuel Cycle (WPFC) Expert Group on Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Technology. A brief review of this compilation and some new data are presented in this article. A set of correlations for the temperature dependence of the main thermodynamic properties of Pb and Pb-Bi(e) at normal pressure, and a set of simplified thermal and caloric equations of state for the liquid phase are proposed.

Methylammonium Bismuth Iodide as a Lead-Free, Stable Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Solar Absorber.

PubMed

Hoye, Robert L Z; Brandt, Riley E; Osherov, Anna; Stevanović, Vladan; Stranks, Samuel D; Wilson, Mark W B; Kim, Hyunho; Akey, Austin J; Perkins, John D; Kurchin, Rachel C; Poindexter, Jeremy R; Wang, Evelyn N; Bawendi, Moungi G; Bulović, Vladimir; Buonassisi, Tonio

2016-02-18

Methylammonium lead halide (MAPbX3 ) perovskites exhibit exceptional carrier transport properties. But their commercial deployment as solar absorbers is currently limited by their intrinsic instability in the presence of humidity and their lead content. Guided by our theoretical predictions, we explored the potential of methylammonium bismuth iodide (MBI) as a solar absorber through detailed materials characterization. We synthesized phase-pure MBI by solution and vapor processing. In contrast to MAPbX3, MBI is air stable, forming a surface layer that does not increase the recombination rate. We found that MBI luminesces at room temperature, with the vapor-processed films exhibiting superior photoluminescence (PL) decay times that are promising for photovoltaic applications. The thermodynamic, electronic, and structural features of MBI that are amenable to these properties are also present in other hybrid ternary bismuth halide compounds. Through MBI, we demonstrate a lead-free and stable alternative to MAPbX3 that has a similar electronic structure and nanosecond lifetimes. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Using atomistic simulations to model cadmium telluride thin film growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Miao; Kenny, Steven D.

2016-03-01

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is an excellent material for low-cost, high efficiency thin film solar cells. It is important to conduct research on how defects are formed during the growth process, since defects lower the efficiency of solar cells. In this work we use computer simulation to predict the growth of a sputter deposited CdTe thin film. On-the-fly kinetic Monte Carlo technique is used to simulate the CdTe thin film growth on the (1 1 1) surfaces. The results show that on the (1 1 1) surfaces the growth mechanisms on surfaces which are terminated by Cd or Te are quite different, regardless of the deposition energy (0.1∼ 10 eV). On the Te-terminated (1 1 1) surface the deposited clusters first form a single mixed species layer, then the Te atoms in the mixed layer moved up to form a new layer. Whilst on the Cd-terminated (1 1 1) surface the new Cd and Te layers are formed at the same time. Such differences are probably caused by stronger bonding between ad-atoms and surface atoms on the Te layer than on the Cd layer.

Energy discriminating x-ray camera utilizing a cadmium telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Purkhet, Abderyim; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Wantanabe, Manabu; Nagao, Jiro; Nomiya, Seiichiro; Hitomi, Keitaro; Tanaka, Etsuro; Kawai, Toshiaki; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2009-07-01

An energy-discriminating x-ray camera is useful for performing monochromatic radiography using polychromatic x rays. This x-ray camera was developed to carry out K-edge radiography using iodine-based contrast media. In this camera, objects are exposed by a cone beam from a cerium x-ray generator, and penetrating x-ray photons are detected by a cadmium telluride detector with an amplifier unit. The optimal x-ray photon energy and the energy width are selected out using a multichannel analyzer, and the photon number is counted by a counter card. Radiography was performed by the detector scanning using an x-y stage driven by a two-stage controller, and radiograms obtained by energy discriminating are shown on a personal computer monitor. In radiography, the tube voltage and current were 60 kV and 36 μA, respectively, and the x-ray intensity was 4.7 μGy/s. Cerium K-series characteristic x rays are absorbed effectively by iodine-based contrast media, and iodine K-edge radiography was performed using x rays with energies just beyond iodine K-edge energy 33.2 keV.

1T' transition metal telluride atomic layers for plasmon-free SERS at femtomolar levels.

PubMed

Tao, Li; Chen, Kun; Chen, Zefeng; Cong, Chunxiao; Qiu, Caiyu; Chen, Jiajie; Wang, Ximiao; Chen, Huanjun; Yu, Ting; Xie, Weiguang; Deng, Shaozhi; Xu, Jianbin

2018-06-21

Plasmon-free surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on the chemical mechanism (CM) is drawing great attention due to its capability for controllable molecular detection. However, in comparison to the conventional noble-metal-based SERS technique driven by plasmonic electromagnetic mechanism (EM), the low sensitivity in the CM-based SERS is the dominant barrier towards its practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate the 1T' transition metal telluride atomic layers (WTe2 and MoTe2) as ultrasensitive platforms for CM-based SERS. The SERS sensitivities of analyte dyes on 1T'-W(Mo)Te2 reach EM-comparable ones and become even greater when it is integrated with a Bragg reflector. In addition, the dye fluorescence signals are efficiently quenched, making the SERS spectra more distinguishable. As a proof of concept, the SERS signals of analyte Rhodamine 6G (R6G) are detectable even with an ultralow concentration of 40 (400) fM on pristine 1T'-W(Mo)Te2, and the corresponding Raman enhancement factor (EF) reaches 1.8×109 (1.6×108). The limit concentration of detection and the EF of R6G can be further enhanced into 4 (40) fM and 4.4×1010 (6.2×109), respectively, when 1T'-W(Mo)Te2 is integrated on the Bragg reflector. The strong interaction between the analyte and 1T'-W(Mo)Te2 and the abundant density of states near the Fermi level of the semimetal 1T'-W(Mo)Te2 in combination gives rise to the promising SERS effects by promoting the charge transfer resonance in the analyte-telluride complex. Our findings reveal that the 1T'-W(Mo)Te2 as a plasmon-free SERS mediator can deliver an ultrahigh Raman enhancement for analytes, whose EF is even comparable to that by plasmon-driven noble metal SERS materials.

A novel approach of chemical mechanical polishing for cadmium zinc telluride wafers.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenyu; Wang, Bo; Zhou, Ping; Kang, Renke; Zhang, Bi; Guo, Dongming

2016-05-26

A novel approach of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is developed for cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) wafers. The approach uses environment-friendly slurry that consists of mainly silica, hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. This is different from the previously reported slurries that are usually composed of strong acid, alkali, and bromine methanol, and are detrimental to the environment and operators. Surface roughness 0.5 nm and 4.7 nm are achieved for Ra and peak-to-valley (PV) values respectively in a measurement area of 70 × 50 μm(2), using the developed novel approach. Fundamental polishing mechanisms are also investigated in terms of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. Hydrogen peroxide dominates the passivating process during the CMP of CZT wafers, indicating by the lowest passivation current density among silica, citric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution. Chemical reaction equations are proposed during CMP according to the XPS and electrochemical measurements.

A novel approach of chemical mechanical polishing for cadmium zinc telluride wafers

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhenyu; Wang, Bo; Zhou, Ping; Kang, Renke; Zhang, Bi; Guo, Dongming

2016-01-01

A novel approach of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is developed for cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) wafers. The approach uses environment-friendly slurry that consists of mainly silica, hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. This is different from the previously reported slurries that are usually composed of strong acid, alkali, and bromine methanol, and are detrimental to the environment and operators. Surface roughness 0.5 nm and 4.7 nm are achieved for Ra and peak-to-valley (PV) values respectively in a measurement area of 70 × 50 μm2, using the developed novel approach. Fundamental polishing mechanisms are also investigated in terms of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. Hydrogen peroxide dominates the passivating process during the CMP of CZT wafers, indicating by the lowest passivation current density among silica, citric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution. Chemical reaction equations are proposed during CMP according to the XPS and electrochemical measurements. PMID:27225310

P-type surface effects for thickness variation of 2um and 4um of n-type layer in GaN LED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halim, N. S. A. Abdul; Wahid, M. H. A.; Hambali, N. A. M. Ahmad; Rashid, S.; Ramli, M. M.; Shahimin, M. M.

2017-09-01

The internal quantum efficiency of III-Nitrides group, GaN light-emitting diode (LED) has been considerably limited due to the insufficient hole injection and this is caused by the lack of performance p-type doping and low hole mobility. The low hole mobility makes the hole less energetic, thus reduced the performance operation of GaN LED itself. The internal quantum efficiency of GaN-based LED with surface roughness (texture) can be changed by texture size, density, and thickness of GaN film or by the combined effects of surface shape and thickness of GaN film. Besides, due to lack of p-type GaN, attempts to look forward the potential of GaN LED relied on the thickness of n-type layer and surface shape of p-type GaN layer. This work investigates the characteristics of GaN LED with undoped n-GaN layer of different thickness and the surface shape of p-type layer. The LEDs performance is significantly altered by modifying the thickness and shape. Enhancement of n-GaN layer has led to the annihilation of electrical conductivity of the chip. Different surface geometry governs the emission rate extensively. Internal quantum efficiency is also predominantly affected by the geometry of n-GaN layer which subjected to the current spreading. It is recorded that the IQE droop can be minimized by varying the thickness of the active layer without amplifying the forward voltage. Optimum forward voltage (I-V), total emission rate relationship with the injected current and internal quantum efficiency (IQE) for 2,4 µm on four different surfaces of p-type layer are also reported in this paper.

High performance Aurivillius phase sodium-potassium bismuth titanate lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with lithium and cerium modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chun-Ming; Wang, Jin-Feng

2006-11-01

The piezoelectric properties of the lithium and cerium modified A-site vacancies sodium-potassium bismuth titanate (NKBT) lead-free piezoceramics are investigated. The piezoelectric activity of NKBT ceramics is significantly improved by the modification of lithium and cerium. The Curie temperature TC, piezoelectric coefficient d33, and mechanical quality factor Qm for the NKBT ceramics modified with 0.10mol% (LiCe) are found to be 660°C, 25pC/N, and 3135, respectively. The Curie temperature gradually decreases from 675to650°C with the increase of (LiCe) modification. The dielectric spectroscopy shows that all the samples possess stable piezoelectric properties, demonstrating that the (LiCe) modified NKBT-based ceramics are the promising candidates for high temperature applications.

Graphite felt modified with bismuth nanoparticles as negative electrode in a vanadium redox flow battery.

PubMed

Suárez, David J; González, Zoraida; Blanco, Clara; Granda, Marcos; Menéndez, Rosa; Santamaría, Ricardo

2014-03-01

A graphite felt decorated with bismuth nanoparticles was studied as negative electrode in a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The results confirm the excellent electrochemical performance of the bismuth modified electrode in terms of the reversibility of the V(3+) /V(2+) redox reactions and its long-term cycling performance. Moreover a mechanism that explains the role that Bi nanoparticles play in the redox reactions in this negative half-cell is proposed. Bi nanoparticles favor the formation of BiHx , an intermediate that reduces V(3+) to V(2+) and, therefore, inhibits the competitive irreversible reaction of hydrogen formation (responsible for the commonly observed loss of Coulombic efficiency of VRFBs). Thus, the total charge consumed during the cathodic sweep in this electrode is used to reduce V(3+) to V(2+) , resulting in a highly reversible and efficient process. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermoelectric module

DOEpatents

Kortier, William E.; Mueller, John J.; Eggers, Philip E.

1980-07-08

A thermoelectric module containing lead telluride as the thermoelectric mrial is encapsulated as tightly as possible in a stainless steel canister to provide minimum void volume in the canister. The lead telluride thermoelectric elements are pressure-contacted to a tungsten hot strap and metallurgically bonded at the cold junction to iron shoes with a barrier layer of tin telluride between the iron shoe and the p-type lead telluride element.

First-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori in Lebanon: Comparison of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy versus 14-days sequential therapy.

PubMed

Tarhini, Mahdi; Fayyad-Kazan, Mohammad; Fayyad-Kazan, Hussein; Mokbel, Mahmoud; Nasreddine, Mohammad; Badran, Bassam; Kchour, Ghada

2018-04-01

Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and represents a strong risk factor for gastric cancer. Treatment of H. Pylori is, therefore, a persistent need to avoid serious medical complications. Resistance to antibiotics remains to be the major challenge for H. Pylori eradication. In this study, we determined the prevalence of H. pylori infection and evaluated H. pylori eradication efficacy of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (Pylera) versus 14-days sequential therapy in treatment naïve-Lebanese patients. 1030 patients, showing symptoms of peptic ulcer (PU) and gastritis, underwent 14 C-Urea Breath Test and esophagogastroduodenoscopy to examine H. Pylori infection and gastrointestinal disorders. Among the H. Pylori-positive patients 60 individuals were randomly selected, separated into two groups (each consisting of 30 patients) and treated with either bismuth-containing quadruple therapy or 14-days sequential therapy. We show that of the 1050 patients tested: 46.2% were H. pylori-positive, 55% had gastritis, 46.2% had both gastritis and H. pylori infection, 8.8% had gastritis but no H. pylori infection, 44.9% had neither gastritis nor H. pylori infection. Following the 14-days sequential therapy, the eradication rate was significantly higher than that obtained upon using bismuth-containing quadruple therapy [80% (24/30) versus 50% (15/30), χ 2  = 5.93, P = 0.015]. In conclusion, we determined H. pylori and gastritis prevalence among Lebanese PU-patients and showed that 14-days sequential therapy is more efficient than bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in terms of H. Pylori-eradication. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Modelling of illuminated current–voltage characteristics to evaluate leakage currents in long wavelength infrared mercury cadmium telluride photovoltaic detectors

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

Gopal, Vishnu, E-mail: vishnu-46@yahoo.com, E-mail: wdhu@mail.sitp.ac.cn; Qiu, WeiCheng; Hu, Weida, E-mail: vishnu-46@yahoo.com, E-mail: wdhu@mail.sitp.ac.cn

2014-11-14

The current–voltage characteristics of long wavelength mercury cadmium telluride infrared detectors have been studied using a recently suggested method for modelling of illuminated photovoltaic detectors. Diodes fabricated on in-house grown arsenic and vacancy doped epitaxial layers were evaluated for their leakage currents. The thermal diffusion, generation–recombination (g-r), and ohmic currents were found as principal components of diode current besides a component of photocurrent due to illumination. In addition, both types of diodes exhibited an excess current component whose growth with the applied bias voltage did not match the expected growth of trap-assisted-tunnelling current. Instead, it was found to be themore » best described by an exponential function of the type, I{sub excess} = I{sub r0} + K{sub 1} exp (K{sub 2} V), where I{sub r0}, K{sub 1}, and K{sub 2} are fitting parameters and V is the applied bias voltage. A study of the temperature dependence of the diode current components and the excess current provided the useful clues about the source of origin of excess current. It was found that the excess current in diodes fabricated on arsenic doped epitaxial layers has its origin in the source of ohmic shunt currents. Whereas, the source of excess current in diodes fabricated on vacancy doped epitaxial layers appeared to be the avalanche multiplication of photocurrent. The difference in the behaviour of two types of diodes has been attributed to the difference in the quality of epitaxial layers.« less

Growth rates and interface shapes in germanium and lead tin telluride observed in-situ, real-time in vertical Bridgman furnaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barber, P. G.; Berry, R. F.; Debnam, W. J.; Fripp, A. L.; Woodell, G.; Simchick, R. T.

1995-01-01

Using the advanced technology developed to visualize the melt-solid interface in low Prandtl number materials, crystal growth rates and interface shapes have been measured in germanium and lead tin telluride semiconductors grown in vertical Bridgman furnaces. The experimental importance of using in-situ, real time observations to determine interface shapes, to measure crystal growth rates, and to improve furnace and ampoule designs is demonstrated. The interface shapes observed in-situ, in real-time were verified by quenching and mechanically induced interface demarcation, and they were also confirmed using machined models to ascertain the absence of geometric distortions. Interface shapes depended upon the interface position in the furnace insulation zone, varied with the nature of the crystal being grown, and were dependent on the extent of transition zones at the ends of the ampoule. Actual growth rates varied significantly from the constant translation rate in response to the thermophysical properties of the crystal and its melt and the thermal conditions existing in the furnace at the interface. In the elemental semiconductor germanium the observed rates of crystal growth exceeded the imposed translation rate, but in the compound semiconductor lead tin telluride the observed rates of growth were less than the translation rate. Finally, the extent of ampoule thermal loading influenced the interface positions, the shapes, and the growth rates.

Layer Formation On Metal Surfaces In Lead-Bismuth At High Temperatures In Presence Of Zirconium

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

Loewen, Eric Paul; Yount, Hannah J.; Volk, Kevin

If the operating temperature lead–bismuth cooled fission reactor could be extended to 800 °C, they could produce hydrogen directly from water. A key issue for the deployment of this technology at these temperatures is the corrosion of the fuel cladding and structural materials by the lead–bismuth. Corrosion studies of several metals were performed to correlate the interaction layer formation rate as a function of time, temperature, and alloy compositions. The interaction layer is defined as the narrow band between the alloy substrate and the solidified lead–bismuth eutectic on the surface. Coupons of HT-9, 410, 316L, and F22 were tested atmore » 550 and 650 °C for 1000 h inside a zirconium corrosion cell. The oxygen potential ranged from approximately 10-22 to 10-19 Pa. Analyses were performed on the coupons to determine the depth of the interaction layer and the composition, at each time step (100, 300, and 1000 h). The thickness of the interaction layer on F22 at 550 °C was 25.3 µm, the highest of all the alloys tested, whereas at 650 °C, the layer thickness was only 5.6 µm, the lowest of all the alloys tested. The growth of the interaction layer on F22 at 650 °C was suppressed, owing to the presence of Zr (at 1500 wppm) in the LBE. In the case of 316L, the interaction layers of 4.9 and 10.6 µm were formed at 550 and 650 °C, respectively.« less

Azobenzene Pd(II) complexes with N^N- and N^O-type ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaeva, M. V.; Puzyk, An. M.; Puzyk, M. V.

2017-05-01

Methods of synthesis of cyclometalated azobenzene palladium(II) complexes of [Pd(N^N)Azb]ClO4 and [Pd(N^O)Azb]ClO4 types (where Azb- is the deprotonated form of azobenzene; N^N is 2NH3, ethylenediamine, or 2,2'-bipyridine; and (N^O)- is the deprotonated form of amino acid (glycine, α-alanine, β-alanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan)) are developed. The electronic absorption and the electrochemical properties of these complexes are studied.

Improvement in crystal quality and optical properties of n-type GaN employing nano-scale SiO2 patterned n-type GaN substrate.

PubMed

Jo, Min Sung; Sadasivam, Karthikeyan Giri; Tawfik, Wael Z; Yang, Seung Bea; Lee, Jung Ju; Ha, Jun Seok; Moon, Young Boo; Ryu, Sang Wan; Lee, June Key

2013-01-01

n-type GaN epitaxial layers were regrown on the patterned n-type GaN substrate (PNS) with different size of silicon dioxide (SiO2) nano dots to improve the crystal quality and optical properties. PNS with SiO2 nano dots promotes epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELOG) for defect reduction and also acts as a light scattering point. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis suggested that PNS with SiO2 nano dots have superior crystalline properties. Hall measurements indicated that incrementing values in electron mobility were clear indication of reduction in threading dislocation and it was confirmed by TEM analysis. Photoluminescence (PL) intensity was enhanced by 2.0 times and 3.1 times for 1-step and 2-step PNS, respectively.

Intimate contacted two-dimensional/zero-dimensional composite of bismuth titanate nanosheets supported ultrafine bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles for enhanced antibiotic residue degradation.

PubMed

Liu, Wenwen; Dai, Zhiqiang; Liu, Yi; Zhu, Anquan; Zhong, Donglin; Wang, Juan; Pan, Jun

2018-05-31

Constructing a two-dimensional/zero-dimensional (2D/0D) composite with matched crystal structure, suitable energy band structure as well as intimate contact interface is an effective way to improve carriers separation for achieving highly photocatalytic performance. In this work, a novel bismuth titanate/bismuth oxychloride (Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 /BiOCl) composite consisting of 2D Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 nanosheets and 0D BiOCl nanoparticles was constructed for the first time. Germinating ultrafine BiOCl nanoparticles on Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 nanosheets can provide abundant contact interface and shorten migration distance of photoinduced carriers via two-step synthesis contained molten salt process and facile chemical transformation process. The obtained Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 /BiOCl 2D/0D composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance for antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride degradation. The rate constant of optimal Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 /BiOCl composite was about 4.4 times higher than that of bare Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 although Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 /BiOCl composite appeared lesser photoabsorption. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be mainly ascribed to matched crystal structure, suitable energy band structure and intimate contact interface between Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 nanosheets and ultrafine BiOCl nanoparticles as well as unique 2D/0D composite structure. Besides, a probable degradation mechanism on the basis of active species trapping experiments, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent responses and energy band structures was proposed. This work may be stretched to other 2D/0D composite photocatalysts construction, which is inspiring for antibiotic residue treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bismuth as a general internal standard for lead in atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Bechlin, Marcos A; Fortunato, Felipe M; Ferreira, Edilene C; Gomes Neto, José A; Nóbrega, Joaquim A; Donati, George L; Jones, Bradley T

2014-06-11

Bismuth was evaluated as internal standard for Pb determination by line source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (LS FAAS), high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) and line source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (LS GFAAS). Analysis of samples containing different matrices indicated close relationship between Pb and Bi absorbances. Correlation coefficients of calibration curves built up by plotting A(Pb)/A(Bi)versus Pb concentration were higher than 0.9953 (FAAS) and higher than 0.9993 (GFAAS). Recoveries of Pb improved from 52-118% (without IS) to 97-109% (IS, LS FAAS); 74-231% (without IS) to 96-109% (IS, HR-CS FAAS); and 36-125% (without IS) to 96-110% (IS, LS GFAAS). The relative standard deviations (n=12) were reduced from 0.6-9.2% (without IS) to 0.3-4.3% (IS, LS FAAS); 0.7-7.7% (without IS) to 0.1-4.0% (IS, HR-CS FAAS); and 2.1-13% (without IS) to 0.4-5.9% (IS, LS GFAAS). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards optimization of ACRT schedules applied to the gradient freeze growth of cadmium zinc telluride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divecha, Mia S.; Derby, Jeffrey J.

2017-12-01

Historically, the melt growth of II-VI crystals has benefitted from the application of the accelerated crucible rotation technique (ACRT). Here, we employ a comprehensive numerical model to assess the impact of two ACRT schedules designed for a cadmium zinc telluride growth system per the classical recommendations of Capper and co-workers. The ;flow maximizing; ACRT schedule, with higher rotation, effectively mixes the solutal field in the melt but does not reduce supercooling adjacent to the growth interface. The ACRT schedule derived for stable Ekman flow, with lower rotation, proves more effective in reducing supercooling and promoting stable growth. These counterintuitive results highlight the need for more comprehensive studies on the optimization of ACRT schedules for specific growth systems and for desired growth outcomes.

Effect of Fe2O3 on the physical and structural properties of bismuth silicate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parmar, Rajesh; Kundu, R. S.; Punia, R.; Aghamkar, P.; Kishore, N.

2013-06-01

Iron containing bismuth silicate glasses with compositions 70SiO2ṡ(100-x)Bi2O3ṡxFe2O3 have been prepared using conventional melt-quenching method and their amorphous nature has been investigated using XRD. Density has been measured using Archimedes' principle and molar volume (Vm) have also been estimated. With increase in Fe2O3 content, there is a decrease in density and molar volume of the glass samples. The glass transition temperature (Tg) have been determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and are observed to increase with increase in Fe2O3 content. In the present glass system bismuth and iron plays the role of network modifier and the symmetry of silicate network goes on increasing with Fe2O3 content and it modifies the physical and structural properties of these glasses.

A DFT study on NEA GaN photocathode with an ultrathin n-type Si-doped GaN cap layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Sihao; Liu, Lei; Kong, Yike; Diao, Yu

2016-10-01

Due to the drawbacks of conventional negative electron affinity (NEA) GaN photocathodes activated by Cs or Cs/O, a new-type NEA GaN photocathodes with heterojunction surface dispense with Cs activation are proposed. This structure can be obtained through the coverage of an ultrathin n-type Si-doped GaN cap layer on the p-type Mg-doped GaN emission layer. The influences of the cap layer on the photocathode are calculated using DFT. This study indicates that the n-type cap layer can promote the photoemission characteristics of GaN photocathode and demonstrates the probability of the preparation of a NEA GaN photocathode with an n-type cap layer.

Preparation and Elastic Moduli of Germanate Glass Containing Lead and Bismuth

PubMed Central

Sidek, Hj A. A.; Bahari, Hamid R.; Halimah, Mohamed K.; Yunus, Wan M. M.

2012-01-01

This paper reports the rapid melt quenching technique preparation for the new family of bismuth-lead germanate glass (BPG) systems in the form of (GeO2)60–(PbO)40−x–(½Bi2O3)x where x = 0 to 40 mol%. Their densities with respect of Bi2O3 concentration were determined using Archimedes’ method with acetone as a floatation medium. The current experimental data are compared with those of bismuth lead borate (B2O3)20–(PbO)80−x–(Bi2O3)x. The elastic properties of BPG were studied using the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique where both longitudinal and transverse sound wave velocities have been measured in each glass samples at a frequency of 15 MHz and at room temperature. Experimental data shows that all the physical parameters of BPG including density and molar volume, both longitudinal and transverse velocities increase linearly with increasing of Bi2O3 content in the germanate glass network. Their elastic moduli such as longitudinal, shear and Young’s also increase linearly with addition of Bi2O3 but the bulk modulus did not. The Poisson’s ratio and fractal dimensionality are also found to vary linearly with the Bi2O3 concentration. PMID:22606000

Electrical Characteristics of MnO2 Doped Bismuth Borate Glass Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nissar, Umair; Ahmad, Javed; Rana, Anwar Manzoor; Bukhari, S. H.; Jamil, M. T.; Khan, J. Alam; Shakeel, R.; Nadeem, M. Y.

2018-02-01

Transparent glasses have a large number of applications in the industry of electronics as well as optical devices. xMnO2-(25- x) Bi2O3-75H3BO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5 mol.%) transparent glasses have been prepared via melt-quench technique and characterized using dc electrical measurements, and by analyzing x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. These characteristics were examined to understand the role of modifier oxides, i.e., Bi2O3 and MnO2 in the B2O3 glass network. Adding MnO2 into a glass network causes structural changes, which are responsible for any variations in electrical characteristics of bismuth borate glasses. Manganese bismuth borate glasses (MBBG) show Ohmic conduction at low fields; however, glasses with higher manganese content seem to conduct through bulk limited Poole-Frenkel mechanism. FTIR spectroscopy analyses depict the presence of BO3 and BO4 groups along with B-O-B and Bi-O-Bi bonding vibrations. Glasses with higher MnO2 content also show Mn-O bond vibrations. The reduction of BO4 groups and increase of BO3 units lead to the formation of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) which are responsible for the variations in the electrical properties of these glasses.

Dislocation Density Reduction in Cadmium Telluride and Mercury Cadmium Telluride Grown on Silicon Using Thermal Cycle Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrell, Stuart Bennett

Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) is a material of great importance for infrared focal plane array applications. In order to produce large format detector arrays this material needs to be grown on a large area substrate, with silicon being the most mature substrate, it is the optimal choice for large format arrays. To help mitigate the effect of the lattice mismatch between the two materials, cadmium telluride (CdTe) is used as a buffer layer. The CdTe itself has nearly the same lattice mismatch (19.3%) to silicon, but due to the technological advantages it offers and compatibility with HgCdTe, it is the best buffer layer choice. The lattice mismatch between HgCdTe/CdTe and the silicon substrate leads to the formation of dislocations at densities in the mid 106 to low 107 cm-2 range in the epilayers. Such a high dislocation density greatly effects detector device performance quantities such as operability and sensitivity. Hence, the dislocation density should be brought down by at least an order of magnitude by adopting novel in situ and ex situ material processing techniques. In this work, in situ and ex situ thermal cycle annealing (TCA) methods have been used to decrease dislocation density in CdTe and HgCdTe. During the molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of the CdTe buffer layer, the growth was interrupted and the layer was subjected to an annealing cycle within the growth chamber under tellurium overpressure. During the annealing cycle the temperature is raised to beyond the growth temperature (290 → 550 °C) and then allowed to cool before resuming growth again. This process was repeated several times during the growth. After growth, a portion of the material was subjected to a dislocation decoration etch in order to count the etch pit density (EPD) which has a direct correspondence with the dislocation density in the crystal. The crystalline quality was also characterized by x-ray diffraction rocking curves and photoluminescence. The in situ TCA

Development and evaluation of polycrystalline cadmium telluride dosimeters for accurate quality assurance in radiation therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, K.; Han, M.; Kim, K.; Heo, Y.; Moon, C.; Park, S.; Nam, S.

2016-02-01

For quality assurance in radiation therapy, several types of dosimeters are used such as ionization chambers, radiographic films, thermo-luminescent dosimeter (TLD), and semiconductor dosimeters. Among them, semiconductor dosimeters are particularly useful for in vivo dosimeters or high dose gradient area such as the penumbra region because they are more sensitive and smaller in size compared to typical dosimeters. In this study, we developed and evaluated Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) dosimeters, one of the most promising semiconductor dosimeters due to their high quantum efficiency and charge collection efficiency. Such CdTe dosimeters include single crystal form and polycrystalline form depending upon the fabrication process. Both types of CdTe dosimeters are commercially available, but only the polycrystalline form is suitable for radiation dosimeters, since it is less affected by volumetric effect and energy dependence. To develop and evaluate polycrystalline CdTe dosimeters, polycrystalline CdTe films were prepared by thermal evaporation. After that, CdTeO3 layer, thin oxide layer, was deposited on top of the CdTe film by RF sputtering to improve charge carrier transport properties and to reduce leakage current. Also, the CdTeO3 layer which acts as a passivation layer help the dosimeter to reduce their sensitivity changes with repeated use due to radiation damage. Finally, the top and bottom electrodes, In/Ti and Pt, were used to have Schottky contact. Subsequently, the electrical properties under high energy photon beams from linear accelerator (LINAC), such as response coincidence, dose linearity, dose rate dependence, reproducibility, and percentage depth dose, were measured to evaluate polycrystalline CdTe dosimeters. In addition, we compared the experimental data of the dosimeter fabricated in this study with those of the silicon diode dosimeter and Thimble ionization chamber which widely used in routine dosimetry system and dose measurements for radiation