Design of hybrid nanoheterostructure systems for enhanced quantum and solar conversion efficiencies in dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kılıç, Bayram; Telli, Hakan; Tüzemen, Sebahattin; Başaran, Ali; Pirge, Gursev

2015-04-01

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with an innovative design involving controlled-morphology vertically aligned (VA) ZnO nanowires within mesoporous TiO2 structures with ultrahigh surface area for implementation as photoanodes are herein reported. Although TiO2 nanostructures exhibit excellent power conversion efficiency, the electron transport rate is low owing to low electron mobility. To overcome this, ZnO nanowires with high electron mobility have been investigated as potential candidates for photoanodes. However, the power conversion efficiency of ZnO nanowires is still lower than that of TiO2 owing to their low internal surface area. Consequently, in this work, vertical growth of ZnO nanowires within mesoporous TiO2 structures is carried out to increase their solar power conversion efficiency. The photovoltaic performance of solar cells using ZnO nanowires, mesoporous TiO2, and TiO2/ZnO hybrid structures are compared. The VA TiO2/ZnO hybrid structures are found to provide direct electron transfer compared with the tortuous pathway of zero-dimensional nanostructures, resulting in an increased conversion efficiency. It is demonstrated that the light scattering of the photoanode film is increased and electron recombination is decreased when an appropriate amount of mesoporous TiO2 is used as a substrate for ZnO nanowires. The DSSC fabricated with the TiO2/ZnO hybrid photoanode prepared with 15.8 wt. % TiO2 showed the highest conversion efficiency of 7.30%, approximately 5%, 18%, and 40% higher than that of DSSCs fabricated with 3.99 wt. % TiO2, pure TiO2, and pure ZnO photoanodes, respectively.

Interface architecture determined electrocatalytic activity of Pt on vertically oriented TiO(2) nanotubes.

PubMed

Rettew, Robert E; Allam, Nageh K; Alamgir, Faisal M

2011-02-01

The surface atomic structure and chemical state of Pt is consequential in a variety of surface-intensive devices. Herein we present the direct interrelationship between the growth scheme of Pt films, the resulting atomic and electronic structure of Pt species, and the consequent activity for methanol electro-oxidation in Pt/TiO(2) nanotube hybrid electrodes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements were performed to relate the observed electrocatalytic activity to the oxidation state and the atomic structure of the deposited Pt species. The atomic structure as well as the oxidation state of the deposited Pt was found to depend on the pretreatment of the TiO(2) nanotube surfaces with electrodeposited Cu. Pt growth through Cu replacement increases Pt dispersion, and a separation of surface Pt atoms beyond a threshold distance from the TiO(2) substrate renders them metallic, rather than cationic. The increased dispersion and the metallic character of Pt results in strongly enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation. This study points to a general phenomenon whereby the growth scheme and the substrate-to-surface-Pt distance dictates the chemical state of the surface Pt atoms, and thereby, the performance of Pt-based surface-intensive devices.

Influence of Different Defects in Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes on TiO2 Nanoparticle Formation through Atomic Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Acauan, Luiz; Dias, Anna C; Pereira, Marcelo B; Horowitz, Flavio; Bergmann, Carlos P

2016-06-29

The chemical inertness of carbon nanotubes (CNT) requires some degree of "defect engineering" for controlled deposition of metal oxides through atomic layer deposition (ALD). The type, quantity, and distribution of such defects rules the deposition rate and defines the growth behavior. In this work, we employed ALD to grow titanium oxide (TiO2) on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT). The effects of nitrogen doping and oxygen plasma pretreatment of the CNT on the morphology and total amount of TiO2 were systematically studied using transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The induced chemical changes for each functionalization route were identified by X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies. The TiO2 mass fraction deposited with the same number of cycles for the pristine CNT, nitrogen-doped CNT, and plasma-treated CNT were 8, 47, and 80%, respectively. We demonstrate that TiO2 nucleation is dependent mainly on surface incorporation of heteroatoms and their distribution rather than structural defects that govern the growth behavior. Therefore, selecting the best way to functionalize CNT will allow us to tailor TiO2 distribution and hence fabricate complex heterostructures.

Roughness of Ti Substrates for Control of the Preferred Orientation of TiO 2 Nanotube Arrays as a New Orientation Factor

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

Seong, Won Mo; Kim, Dong Hoe; Park, Ik Jae

2015-06-11

We report the surface roughness of a Ti substrate as a critical factor for controlling the degree of the preferred orientation of anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) which are synthesized by anodization and a subsequent annealing process. The degree of the preferred orientation to the (004) plane of the anatase crystal structure has a strong dependency on the root-mean-square roughness (Sq) of the initial Ti substrate when the roughness-controlled substrates are anodized in an ethylene glycol-based electrolyte containing ~2 wt % of water. Highly preferred oriented NTAs were obtained from low-Sq (<10 nm) substrates, which were accompanied by uniform poremore » distribution and low concentration of hydroxyl ions in as-anodized amorphous NTAs. The mechanism of the preferred oriented crystallization of nanometer-scaled tube walls is explained considering the microscopic geometrical uniformity of the oxide barrier and nanopores at the early stage of anodization, which affected the local electric field and thus the insertion of the hydroxyl group into the amorphous TiO2 tube walls.« less

Picoampere Resistive Switching Characteristics Realized with Vertically Contacted Carbon Nanotube Atomic Force Microscope Probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Haruhisa; Takahashi, Makoto; Sato, Motonobu; Kotsugi, Masato; Ohkochi, Takuo; Muro, Takayuki; Nihei, Mizuhisa; Yokoyama, Naoki

2013-11-01

The resistive switching characteristics of a TiO2/Ti structure have been investigated using a conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with 5-nm-diameter carbon nanotube (CNT) probes. The resistive switching showed bipolar resistive random access memory (ReRAM) behaviors with extremely low switching currents in the order of Picoamperes when voltages were applied. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, we confirmed that filament-like nanocrystals, having a diameter of about 10 nm, existed in TiO2 films at resistive switching areas after not only set operation but also reset operation. Moreover, photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) analysis showed that the anatase-type TiO2 structure did not change after set and reset operations. From these results, we suggested that the Picoampere resistive switching occurred at the interface between the TiO2 dielectric and conductive nanocrystal without any structural changes in the TiO2 film and nanocrystal. The resistive switching mechanism we suggested is highly promising to realize extremely low-power-consumption ReRAMs with vertically contacted CNT electrodes.

Highly uniform and vertically aligned SnO2 nanochannel arrays for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jae-Yup; Kang, Jin Soo; Shin, Junyoung; Kim, Jin; Han, Seung-Joo; Park, Jongwoo; Min, Yo-Sep; Ko, Min Jae; Sung, Yung-Eun

2015-04-01

Nanostructured electrodes with vertical alignment have been considered ideal structures for electron transport and interfacial contact with redox electrolytes in photovoltaic devices. Here, we report large-scale vertically aligned SnO2 nanochannel arrays with uniform structures, without lateral cracks fabricated by a modified anodic oxidation process. In the modified process, ultrasonication is utilized to avoid formation of partial compact layers and lateral cracks in the SnO2 nanochannel arrays. Building on this breakthrough, we first demonstrate the photovoltaic application of these vertically aligned SnO2 nanochannel arrays. These vertically aligned arrays were directly and successfully applied in quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as photoanodes, yielding reasonable conversion efficiency under back-side illumination. In addition, a significantly short process time (330 s) for achieving the optimal thickness (7.0 μm) and direct utilization of the anodized electrodes enable a simple, rapid and low-cost fabrication process. Furthermore, a TiO2 shell layer was coated on the SnO2 nanochannel arrays by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for enhancement of dye-loading and prolonging the electron lifetime in the DSSC. Owing to the presence of the ALD TiO2 layer, the short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) and conversion efficiency were increased by 20% and 19%, respectively, compared to those of the DSSC without the ALD TiO2 layer. This study provides valuable insight into the development of efficient SnO2-based photoanodes for photovoltaic application by a simple and rapid fabrication process.Nanostructured electrodes with vertical alignment have been considered ideal structures for electron transport and interfacial contact with redox electrolytes in photovoltaic devices. Here, we report large-scale vertically aligned SnO2 nanochannel arrays with uniform structures, without lateral cracks fabricated by a modified anodic oxidation process. In the modified process, ultrasonication is utilized to avoid formation of partial compact layers and lateral cracks in the SnO2 nanochannel arrays. Building on this breakthrough, we first demonstrate the photovoltaic application of these vertically aligned SnO2 nanochannel arrays. These vertically aligned arrays were directly and successfully applied in quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as photoanodes, yielding reasonable conversion efficiency under back-side illumination. In addition, a significantly short process time (330 s) for achieving the optimal thickness (7.0 μm) and direct utilization of the anodized electrodes enable a simple, rapid and low-cost fabrication process. Furthermore, a TiO2 shell layer was coated on the SnO2 nanochannel arrays by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for enhancement of dye-loading and prolonging the electron lifetime in the DSSC. Owing to the presence of the ALD TiO2 layer, the short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) and conversion efficiency were increased by 20% and 19%, respectively, compared to those of the DSSC without the ALD TiO2 layer. This study provides valuable insight into the development of efficient SnO2-based photoanodes for photovoltaic application by a simple and rapid fabrication process. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00202h

Fabrication of Ti substrate grain dependent C/TiO2 composites through carbothermal treatment of anodic TiO2.

PubMed

Rüdiger, Celine; Favaro, Marco; Valero-Vidal, Carlos; Calvillo, Laura; Bozzolo, Nathalie; Jacomet, Suzanne; Hejny, Clivia; Gregoratti, Luca; Amati, Matteo; Agnoli, Stefano; Granozzi, Gaetano; Kunze-Liebhäuser, Julia

2016-04-07

Composite materials of titania and graphitic carbon, and their optimized synthesis are highly interesting for application in sustainable energy conversion and storage. We report on planar C/TiO2 composite films that are prepared on a polycrystalline titanium substrate by carbothermal treatment of compact anodic TiO2 with acetylene. This thin film material allows for the study of functional properties of C/TiO2 as a function of chemical composition and structure. The chemical and structural properties of the composite on top of individual Ti substrate grains are examined by scanning photoelectron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Through comparison of these data with electron backscatter diffraction, it is found that the amount of generated carbon and the grade of anodic film crystallinity correlate with the crystallographic orientation of the Ti substrate grains. On top of Ti grains with ∼(0001) orientations the anodic TiO2 exhibits the highest grade of crystallinity, and the composite contains the highest fraction of graphitic carbon compared to Ti grains with other orientations. This indirect effect of the Ti substrate grain orientation yields new insights into the activity of TiO2 towards the decomposition of carbon precursors.

Photocatalysis-assisted water filtration: using TiO2-coated vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube array for removal of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Oza, Goldie; Pandey, Sunil; Gupta, Arvind; Shinde, Sachin; Mewada, Ashmi; Jagadale, Pravin; Sharon, Maheshwar; Sharon, Madhuri

2013-10-01

A porous ceramic was coated with vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by spray pyrolysis. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were then coated onto this densely aligned MWCNT. The presence of TiO2/MWCNT interfacial arrays was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (SEM-EDAX) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). This is a novel report in which water loaded with a most dreadful enterohemorrhagic pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was filtered through TiO2/MWCNT coated porous ceramic filter and then analysed. Bacterial removal performance was found to be significantly lower in control i.e. plain porous ceramic (P<0.05) as compared to TiO2/MWCNT coated ceramic. The photocatalytic killing rate constant for TiO2-ceramic and MWCNT/TiO2-ceramic under fluorescent light was found be 1.45×10(-2) min(-1) and 2.23×10(-2) min(-1) respectively. Further, when I-V characteristics were performed for TiO2/MWCNT composite, it was corroborated that the current under light irradiation is comparatively higher than that in dark, thus proving it to be photocatalytically efficient system. The enhanced photocatalysis may be a contribution of increased surface area and charge transfer rate as a consequence of aligned MWCNT network. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flexible symmetric supercapacitors based on vertical TiO2 and carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chien, C. J.; Chang, Pai-Chun; Lu, Jia G.

2010-03-01

Highly conducting and porous carbon nanotubes are widely used as electrodes in double-layer-effect supercapacitors. In this presentation, vertical TiO2 nanotube array is fabricated by anodization process and used as supercapacitor electrode utilizing its compact density, high surface area and porous structure. By spin coating carbon nanotube networks on vertical TiO2 nanotube array as electrodes with 1M H2SO4 electrolyte in between, the specific capacitance can be enhanced by 30% compared to using pure carbon nanotube network alone because of the combination of double layer effect and redox reaction from metal oxide materials. Based on cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements, this type of hybrid electrode has proven to be suitable for high performance supercapacitor application and maintain desirable cycling stability. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique shows that the electrode has good electrical conductivity. Furthermore, we will discuss the prospect of extending this energy storage approach in flexible electronics.

Heterojunctions of mixed phase TiO2 nanotubes with Cu, CuPt, and Pt nanoparticles: interfacial band alignment and visible light photoelectrochemical activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kar, Piyush; Zhang, Yun; Mahdi, Najia; Thakur, Ujwal K.; Wiltshire, Benjamin D.; Kisslinger, Ryan; Shankar, Karthik

2018-01-01

Anodically formed, vertically oriented, self-organized cylindrical TiO2 nanotube arrays composed of the anatase phase undergo an interesting morphological and phase transition upon flame annealing to square-shaped nanotubes composed of both anatase and rutile phases. This is the first report on heterojunctions consisting of metal nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on square-shaped TiO2 nanotube arrays (STNAs) with mixed rutile and anatase phase content. A simple photochemical deposition process was used to form Cu, CuPt, and Pt NPs on the STNAs, and an enhancement in the visible light photoelectrochemical water splitting performance for the NP-decorated STNAs was observed over the bare STNAs. Under narrow band illumination by visible photons at 410 nm and 505 nm, Cu NP-decorated STNAs performed the best, producing photocurrents 80% higher and 50 times higher than bare STNAs, respectively. Probing the energy level structure at the NP-STNA interface using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy revealed Schottky barrier formation in the NP-decorated STNAs, which assists in separating the photogenerated charge carriers, as also confirmed by longer charge carrier lifetimes in NP-decorated STNAs. While all the NP-decorated STNAs showed enhanced visible light absorption compared to the bare STNAs, only the Cu NPs exhibited a clear plasmonic behavior with an extinction cross section that peaked at 550 nm.

Heterojunctions of mixed phase TiO2 nanotubes with Cu, CuPt, and Pt nanoparticles: interfacial band alignment and visible light photoelectrochemical activity.

PubMed

Kar, Piyush; Zhang, Yun; Mahdi, Najia; Thakur, Ujwal K; Wiltshire, Benjamin D; Kisslinger, Ryan; Shankar, Karthik

2018-01-05

Anodically formed, vertically oriented, self-organized cylindrical TiO 2 nanotube arrays composed of the anatase phase undergo an interesting morphological and phase transition upon flame annealing to square-shaped nanotubes composed of both anatase and rutile phases. This is the first report on heterojunctions consisting of metal nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on square-shaped TiO 2 nanotube arrays (STNAs) with mixed rutile and anatase phase content. A simple photochemical deposition process was used to form Cu, CuPt, and Pt NPs on the STNAs, and an enhancement in the visible light photoelectrochemical water splitting performance for the NP-decorated STNAs was observed over the bare STNAs. Under narrow band illumination by visible photons at 410 nm and 505 nm, Cu NP-decorated STNAs performed the best, producing photocurrents 80% higher and 50 times higher than bare STNAs, respectively. Probing the energy level structure at the NP-STNA interface using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy revealed Schottky barrier formation in the NP-decorated STNAs, which assists in separating the photogenerated charge carriers, as also confirmed by longer charge carrier lifetimes in NP-decorated STNAs. While all the NP-decorated STNAs showed enhanced visible light absorption compared to the bare STNAs, only the Cu NPs exhibited a clear plasmonic behavior with an extinction cross section that peaked at 550 nm.

Vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods-woven carbon fiber for reinforcement of both mechanical and anti-wear properties in resin composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Jie; Zhang, Chao; Luo, Dan; Cui, Yali; Li, Hejun; Lu, Zhaoqing; Huang, Jianfeng

2018-03-01

A series of TiO2 nanorods were successfully grown on woven carbon fiber by hydrothermal method to reinforce the resin composite. The TiO2 nanorods improved the mechanical interlocking among woven carbon fibers and resin matrix, resulting in better fibers/resin interfacial bonding. Compared with desized-woven carbon fiber, the uniform TiO2 nanorods array resulted in an improvement of 84.3% and 73.9% in the tensile and flexural strength of the composite. However, the disorderly TiO2 nanorods on woven carbon fiber leaded to an insignificant promotion of the mechanical strength. The enhanced performance of well-proportioned TiO2 nanorods-woven carbon fiber was also reflected in the nearly 56% decrease of wear rate, comparing to traditional woven carbon fiber reinforced composite.

Ultrafast dynamics of differently aligned COOH-DTE-BODIPY conjugates linked to the surface of TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweighöfer, Felix; Yüce, Imanuel; Dworak, Lars; Guo, Peng; Zastrow, Marc; Mayer, Kerstin; Barta, Christoph; Liebmann, Diana; Ziebart, Nandor; Rück-Braun, Karola; Wachtveitl, Josef

2018-02-01

The photoinduced dynamics of two DTE-BODIPY conjugates A, B with carboxylic acid anchoring groups coupled to the surface of TiO2 were studied by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. For compound A, with an orthogonal orientation of the BODIPY chromophore and the photoswitchable DTE unit, a charge separated state could not be reliably detected. Nevertheless, besides the energy transfer from the BODIPY to the ring-closed DTE-c, indications for an electron transfer reaction were found by analyzing fluorescence quenching on TiO2 in steady state fluorescence measurements. For compound B with a parallel orientation of chromophore and photoswitch, a charge separated state was conclusively identified for the coupled dyad (TiO2) via the observation of a positive absorption signal (at λ pr  >  610 nm) at later delay times. An electron transfer rate of 7  ×  1010 s-1 can be extracted, indicating slower processes in the dyads in comparison to previously published electron transfer reactions of DTE compounds coupled to TiO2.

Ultrafast dynamics of differently aligned COOH-DTE-BODIPY conjugates linked to the surface of TiO2.

PubMed

Schweighöfer, Felix; Yüce, Imanuel; Dworak, Lars; Guo, Peng; Zastrow, Marc; Mayer, Kerstin; Barta, Christoph; Liebmann, Diana; Ziebart, Nandor; Rück-Braun, Karola; Wachtveitl, Josef

2018-01-05

The photoinduced dynamics of two DTE-BODIPY conjugates A, B with carboxylic acid anchoring groups coupled to the surface of TiO 2 were studied by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. For compound A, with an orthogonal orientation of the BODIPY chromophore and the photoswitchable DTE unit, a charge separated state could not be reliably detected. Nevertheless, besides the energy transfer from the BODIPY to the ring-closed DTE-c, indications for an electron transfer reaction were found by analyzing fluorescence quenching on TiO 2 in steady state fluorescence measurements. For compound B with a parallel orientation of chromophore and photoswitch, a charge separated state was conclusively identified for the coupled dyad (TiO 2 ) via the observation of a positive absorption signal (at λ pr   >  610 nm) at later delay times. An electron transfer rate of 7  ×  10 10 s -1 can be extracted, indicating slower processes in the dyads in comparison to previously published electron transfer reactions of DTE compounds coupled to TiO 2 .

Analysis of morphological, structural and electrical properties of annealed TiO2 nanowires deposited by GLAD technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shougaijam, B.; Swain, R.; Ngangbam, C.; Lenka, T. R.

2017-06-01

The effect of annealing on vertically aligned TiO2 NWs deposited by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) method on Si substrate using pressed and sintered TiO2 pellets as source material is studied. The FE-SEM images reveal the retention of vertically aligned NWs on Si substrate after annealing process. The EDS analysis of TiO2 NWs sample annealed at 600 °C in air for 1 h shows the higher weight percentage ratio of ˜2.6 (i.e., 72.27% oxygen and 27.73% titanium). The XRD pattern reveals that the polycrystalline nature of anatase TiO2 dominates the annealed NWs sample. The electrical characteristics of Al/TiO2-NWs/TiO2-TF/p-Si (NW device) and Al/TiO2-TF/p-Si (TF device) based on annealed samples are compared. It is riveting to observe a lower leakage current of ˜1.32 × 10-7 A/cm2 at +1 V with interface trap density of ˜6.71 × 1011 eV-1 cm-2 in NW device compared to ˜2.23 × 10-7 A/cm2 in TF device. The dominant leakage mechanism is investigated to be generally Schottky emission; however Poole-Frenkel emission also takes place during high reverse bias beyond 4 V for NWs and 3 V for TF device.

Photodeposition of Gold, Platinum, or Silver onto Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles at Steps of Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taing, James

The photodeposition of gold, platinum, or silver nanoparticles selectively onto isolated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles created metal/TiO2 photocatalysts and heterogeneous catalysts, and validated the photocatalytic property of the semiconductor. The isolated and ordered TiO2 nanoparticles permitted clear observations of the stability, and changes in morphology, of the particles in various experimental conditions. The fabrication of TiO2 nanoparticles at the steps of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), utilizing physical vapor deposition, required heating the graphite substrate to a minimum of 800 °C. The production of a photocurrent, and plating of gold nanoparticles, confirmed the photocatalytic property of the TiO2 nanoparticles on HOPG when utilized as a photoelectrode in a two half-cell setup. Employing sodium chloride (1.0 M) as an electrolyte resulted in an increase/decrease of the photocurrent with the addition of gold cations to the half-cell without/with the TiO2 nanoparticles. A poor distribution of gold nanoparticles, roughly 40-45 nm wide, deposited around few of the TiO2 nanoparticles. A lower concentration of sodium chloride (0.1 M) resulted in a coalescence of Au nanoparticles, roughly 10 nm, around many TiO2 nanoparticles. Using sodium nitrate as an electrolyte resulted in a rapid decay in the photocurrent and a growth of an unidentified material on the TiO2 nanoparticles. The unidentified material hindered the reduction of gold cations introduced midway through the experiment. With gold cations present at the onset of the experiment, disperse gold nanoparticles (˜5-10 nm) deposited around the TiO2 nanoparticles. In the absence of additional electrolyte, many disperse gold nanoparticles less than 5 nm deposited onto the TiO2 nanoparticles. More platinum than gold selectively deposited onto the TiO2 nanoparticles. On the contrary, less silver selectively deposited onto the TiO2 nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy determined the morphology and distribution of the TiO2 nanoparticles and metal/TiO 2 nanocomposites. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy identified the composition of the materials.

Fabrication and Characterization of (100),(001)-Oriented Reduction-Resistant Lead-Free Piezoelectric (Ba,Ca)TiO3 Ceramics Using Platelike Seed Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, Hiroki; Sakamoto, Wataru; Akiyama, Yoshikazu; Maiwa, Hiroshi; Moriya, Makoto; Yogo, Toshinobu

2013-09-01

The preparation of reduction-resistant (Ba,Ca)TiO3 ceramics as lead-free piezoelectric materials was studied. To improve their electrical properties, (100),(001)-oriented (Ba0.85Ca0.15)TiO3 ceramics were fabricated by the reactive templated grain growth method using a mixture of platelike CaTiO3 and BaTiO3 particles. The platelike CaTiO3 and BaTiO3 particles were prepared through a topochemical microcrystal conversion process using CaBi4Ti4O15 and BaBi4Ti4O15 plate-like precursor crystals. The 100 orientation degree of the grain-oriented (Ba0.85Ca0.15)TiO3 ceramics was 92%, as estimated by Lotgering's equation. In addition, 1 mol % Ba excess and 1 mol % Mn-doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)TiO3 sintered bodies, which were sintered at 1350 °C in an Ar flow containing H2 (0.3%), had sufficient resistivity to allow the characterization of electrical properties. The ferroelectric and field-induced strain properties of the (Ba0.85Ca0.15)TiO3 ceramics, sintered in the reducing atmosphere, were markedly improved as a result of fabricating grain-oriented samples. The field-induced strain coefficient (estimated from the slope of the unipolar strain loop) of the nonreducible (100),(001)-oriented (Ba0.85Ca0.15)TiO3 ceramics reached 570 pm/V, which was higher than that of polycrystals (260 pm/V) with no preferential orientation.

Preferred Molecular Orientation of Coumarin 343 on TiO 2 Surfaces: Application to Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

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

McCree-Grey, Jonathan; Cole, Jacqueline M.; Evans, Peter J.

2015-07-21

The dye…TiO2 interfacial structure in working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) is known to influence its photovoltaic device performance. Despite this, direct and quantitative reports of such structure remain sparse. This case study presents the application of X-ray reflectometry to determine the preferred structural orientation and molecular packing of the organic dye, coumarin 343, adsorbed onto amorphous TiO2. Results show that the dye molecules are, on average, tilted by 61.1° relative to the TiO2 surface, and are separated from each other by 8.2 Å. These findings emulate the molecular packing arrangement of a monolayer of coumarin 343 within itsmore » crystal structure. This suggests that the dye adsorbs onto TiO2 in one of its lowest energy configurations, i.e. dye…TiO2 self assembly is driven more by thermodynamic rather than kinetic means. Complementary DSC device tests illustrate that this interfacial structure compromises photovoltaic performance, unless a suitably sized co-adsorbant is interdispersed between the coumarin 343 chromophores on the TiO2 surface.« less

Enhanced photochemical catalysis of TiO2 inverse opals by modification with ZnO or Fe2O3 using ALD and the hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiatong; Sun, Cuifeng; Fu, Ming; Long, Jie; He, Dawei; Wang, Yongsheng

2018-02-01

The development of porous materials exhibiting photon regulation abilities for improved photoelectrochemical catalysis performance is always one of the important goals of solar energy harvesting. In this study, methods to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 inverse opals were discussed. TiO2 inverse opals were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using colloidal crystal templates. In addition, TiO2 inverse opal heterostructures were fabricated using colloidal heterocrystals by repeated vertical deposition using different colloidal spheres. The hydrothermal method and ALD were used to prepare ZnO- or Fe2O3-modified TiO2 inverse opals on the internal surfaces of the TiO2 porous structures. Although the photonic reflection band was not significantly varied by oxide modification, the presence of Fe2O3 in the TiO2 inverse opals enhanced their visible absorption. The conformally modified oxides on the TiO2 inverse opals could also form energy barriers and avoid the recombination of electrons and holes. The fabrication of the TiO2 photonic crystal heterostructures and modification with ZnO or Fe2O3 can enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 inverse opals.

Orientation effect on microwave dielectric properties of Si-integrated Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 thin films for frequency agile devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun-Suk; Hyun, Tae-Seon; Kim, Ho-Gi; Kim, Il-Doo; Yun, Tae-Soon; Lee, Jong-Chul

2006-07-01

The effect of texture with (100) and (110) preferred orientations on dielectric properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST) thin films grown on SrO (9nm) and CeO2 (70nm ) buffered Si substrates, respectively, was investigated. The coplanar waveguide (CPW) phase shifter using (100) oriented BST films on SrO buffered Si exhibited a much-enhanced figure of merit of 24.7°/dB, as compared to that (10.2°/dB) of a CPW phase shifter using (110) oriented BST films on CeO2 buffered Si at 12GHz. This work demonstrates that the microwave properties of the Si-integrated BST thin films are highly correlated with crystal orientation.

Inverse Design, Development and Characterization of Catalytic Adsorbates at Semiconductor/Liquid Interfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-08

theoretical determination of orientation of Re(I) bipyridyl complexes for CO2 reduction on Au and on TiO2 . We have recently determined the binding...crystalline TiO2 (110) surfaces relative to (001) surfaces using vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. The SFG signal shows an...isotropic distribution with the rotation of the TiO2 (001) surface relative to the incident plane, but an anisotropic distribution with the rotation

TiO2 Nanowires/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Based Hybrid Photodetector: Improved Light Detection.

PubMed

Saha, S; Mondal, A; Choudhur, B; Goswami, T; Sarkar, M B; Chattopadhyay, K K

2016-03-01

Hybrid photodetector with a maximum external quantum efficiency of ~3.08% in the UV region at 370 nm, was fabricated by spin-coated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer onto glancing angle deposited (GLAD) vertically aligned TiO2 nanowire (NW) arrays. The TiO2 NWs/PMMA detector shows excellent rectification and constant 1.3 times photo-responsivity in the reverse bias condition from -1 V to -10 V. The photodiode possesses a low ideality factor of 5.1 as compared to bared TiO2 NWs device of 7.1. The hybrid device produces sharp turn-on of -0.8 s and turn-off transient of -0.9 s respectively.

Control of crystallographic texture and surface morphology of Pt/Tio2 templates for enhanced PZT thin film texture.

PubMed

Fox, Austin J; Drawl, Bill; Fox, Glen R; Gibbons, Brady J; Trolier-McKinstry, Susan

2015-01-01

Optimized processing conditions for Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si templating electrodes were investigated. These electrodes are used to obtain [111] textured thin film lead zirconate titanate (Pb[ZrxTi1-x ]O3 0 ≤ x ≤ 1) (PZT). Titanium deposited by dc magnetron sputtering yields [0001] texture on a thermally oxidized Si wafer. It was found that by optimizing deposition time, pressure, power, and the chamber pre-conditioning, the Ti texture could be maximized while maintaining low surface roughness. When oxidized, titanium yields [100]-oriented rutile. This seed layer has as low as a 4.6% lattice mismatch with [111] Pt; thus, it is possible to achieve strongly oriented [111] Pt. The quality of the orientation and surface roughness of the TiO2 and the Ti directly affect the achievable Pt texture and surface morphology. A transition between optimal crystallographic texture and the smoothest templating surface occurs at approximately 30 nm of original Ti thickness (45 nm TiO2). This corresponds to 0.5 nm (2 nm for TiO2) rms roughness as determined by atomic force microscopy and a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the rocking curve 0002 (200) peak of 5.5/spl degrees/ (3.1/spl degrees/ for TiO2). A Pb[Zr0.52Ti 0.48]O3 layer was deposited and shown to template from the textured Pt electrode, with a maximum [111] Lotgering factor of 87% and a minimum 111 FWHM of 2.4/spl degrees/ at approximately 30 nm of original Ti.

Giant piezoelectric property of (110) oriented BaxSr1-xTiO3 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Z. H.; Chen, Z.; Qiu, J. H.; Yuan, N. Y.; Ding, J. N.

2017-10-01

A phenomenological Landau-Devonshire theory is applied to investigate the phase diagrams and physical properties of (110) oriented BaxSr1-xTiO3 films. New ferroelectric phases, such as the tetragonal a1 phase and the orthorhombic a2 c phase, appear in the ;misfit strain-temperature; phase diagrams for (110) oriented films compared with that of (001) oriented films. Moreover, the orthorhombic a2 c phase, and the tetragonal c phase and the triclinic γ phase are stable at low temperature for x = 0.5 and x = 0.7 , respectively. The ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties strongly depend on the misfit strain and electric field. (110) oriented Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 film has the larger ferroelectric polarization and piezoelectric coefficient than that of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 film. The giant piezoelectric coefficient of 340 pm / V is obtained at the electric field of 50 KV / cm in (110) oriented Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 film, which is comparable with the values of Pb (Zr1-xTix)O3 and (1 - x) Pb (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 -xPbTiO3 films. It makes (110) oriented BaxSr1-xTiO3 films suitable for applications in electromechanical devices.

Tunable photovoltaic performance of preferentially oriented rutile TiO2 nanorod photoanode based dye sensitized solar cells with quasi-state electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabari Girisun, T. C.; Jeganathan, C.; Pavithra, N.; Anandan, S.

2018-02-01

Photoanodes made of highly oriented TiO2 nanorod (NR) arrays with different aspect ratios were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal technique. Preferentially oriented single crystalline rutile TiO2 was confirmed by the single peak in an XRD pattern (2θ = 63°, (0 0 2)). FESEM images evidenced the growth of an array of NRss having different geometries with respect to reaction time and solution refreshment rate. The length, diameter and aspect ratio of the NRs increased with reaction time as 4 h (1.98 μm, 121 nm, 15.32), 8 h (4 μm, 185 nm, 22.70), 12 h (5.6 μm, 242 nm, 27.24) and 16 h (8 μm, 254 nm, 38.02), respectively. Unlike a conventional dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with a liquid electrolyte, DSSCs were fabricated here using one-dimensional rutile TiO2 NR based photoanodes, N719 dye and a quasi-state electrolyte. The charge transport properties were investigated using current-voltage curves and fitted using the one-diode model. Interestingly the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs increased exponentially with the length of the NR and was attributed to a higher surface to volume ratio, more dye anchoring, and channelized electron transport. The higher photovoltaic performance (Jsc = 5.99 mA cm-2, Voc = 750 mV, η = 3.08%) was observed with photoanodes (16 h) made with the longer, densely packed TiO2 NRs (8 μm, 254 nm).

Tunable photovoltaic performance of preferentially oriented rutile TiO2 nanorod photoanode based dye sensitized solar cells with quasi-state electrolyte.

PubMed

Girisun, T C Sabari; Jeganathan, C; Pavithra, N; Anandan, S

2018-01-23

Photoanodes made of highly oriented TiO 2 nanorod (NR) arrays with different aspect ratios were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal technique. Preferentially oriented single crystalline rutile TiO 2 was confirmed by the single peak in an XRD pattern (2θ = 63°, (0 0 2)). FESEM images evidenced the growth of an array of NRss having different geometries with respect to reaction time and solution refreshment rate. The length, diameter and aspect ratio of the NRs increased with reaction time as 4 h (1.98 μm, 121 nm, 15.32), 8 h (4 μm, 185 nm, 22.70), 12 h (5.6 μm, 242 nm, 27.24) and 16 h (8 μm, 254 nm, 38.02), respectively. Unlike a conventional dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with a liquid electrolyte, DSSCs were fabricated here using one-dimensional rutile TiO 2 NR based photoanodes, N719 dye and a quasi-state electrolyte. The charge transport properties were investigated using current-voltage curves and fitted using the one-diode model. Interestingly the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs increased exponentially with the length of the NR and was attributed to a higher surface to volume ratio, more dye anchoring, and channelized electron transport. The higher photovoltaic performance (J sc  = 5.99 mA cm -2 , V oc  = 750 mV, η = 3.08%) was observed with photoanodes (16 h) made with the longer, densely packed TiO 2 NRs (8 μm, 254 nm).

Halide perovskite solar cells using monocrystalline TiO2 nanorod arrays as electron transport layers: impact of nanorod morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Ujwal Kumar; Askar, Abdelrahman M.; Kisslinger, Ryan; Wiltshire, Benjamin D.; Kar, Piyush; Shankar, Karthik

2017-07-01

This is the first report of a 17.6% champion efficiency solar cell architecture comprising monocrystalline TiO2 nanorods (TNRs) coupled with perovskite, and formed using facile solution processing without non-routine surface conditioning. Vertically oriented TNR ensembles are desirable as electron transporting layers (ETLs) in halide perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) because of potential advantages such as vectorial electron percolation pathways to balance the longer hole diffusion lengths in certain halide perovskite semiconductors, ease of incorporating nanophotonic enhancements, and optimization between a high contact surface area for charge transfer (good) versus high interfacial recombination (bad). These advantages arise from the tunable morphology of hydrothermally grown rutile TNRs, which is a strong function of the growth conditions. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of the HPSCs demonstrated a stronger quenching of the perovskite PL when using TNRs as compared to mesoporous/compact TiO2 thin films. Due to increased interfacial contact area between the ETL and perovskite with easier pore filling, charge separation efficiency is dramatically enhanced. Additionally, solid-state impedance spectroscopy results strongly suggested the suppression of interfacial charge recombination between TNRs and perovskite layer, compared to other ETLs. The optimal ETL morphology in this study was found to consist of an array of TNRs ∼300 nm in length and ∼40 nm in width. This work highlights the potential of TNR ETLs to achieve high performance solution-processed HPSCs.

β-Cyclodextrin's orientation onto TiO2 and its paradoxical role in guest's photodegradation.

PubMed

Zhang, Xu; Yang, Zixin; Li, Xuankun; Deng, Nansheng; Qian, Shahua

2013-01-28

This work revealed that β-cyclodextrin was attached onto the surface of TiO(2) predominately by its secondary ring side, which caused paradoxical functions of β-cyclodextrin in the photodegradation of the four bisphenols. The equilibrium between the guest adsorbed through β-cyclodextrin onto TiO(2) and the one locked in β-CD in water could also change the role of β-cyclodextrin in the degradation of a certain guest.

Orientation dependence of phase diagrams and physical properties in epitaxial Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, J. H.; Zhao, T. X.; Chen, Z. H.; Yuan, N. Y.; Ding, J. N.

2018-04-01

Orientation dependence of phase diagrams and physical properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 films are investigated by using a phenomenological Landau-Devonshire theory. New ferroelectric phases, such as the tetragonal a1 phase and the orthorhombic a2 c phase in (110) oriented film and the monoclinic MA phase in (111) oriented film, appear in the "misfit strain-temperature" phase diagrams as compared with (001) oriented film. Moreover, the phase diagrams of (110) and (111) oriented films are more complex than that of (001) oriented film due to the nonlinear coupling terms appeared in the thermodynamic potential. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties largely depend on the misfit strain and orientation. (111) oriented film has the better piezoelectric property than (110) oriented film. Furthermore, the compressive misfit strain is prone to induce the larger piezoelectric property than tensile misfit strain.

Highly Ordered TiO2 Microcones with High Rate Performance for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Storage.

PubMed

Rhee, Oonhee; Lee, Gibaek; Choi, Jinsub

2016-06-15

The perpendicularly oriented anatase TiO2 microcones for Li-ion battery application were synthesized via anodization of a Ti foil in aqueous HF + H3PO4 solution. The TiO2 microcones exhibited a high active surface area with a hollow core depending on applied voltage and reaction time, confirmed by SEM, XRD and TEM with EDS mapping. Li insertion/desertion into TiO2 microcones was evaluated for the first time in half-cell configuration in terms of various current density and long-term cyclability. The electrochemical experiments demonstrated that the as-prepared TiO2 microcones as anode material exhibited 3 times higher capacity as compared with TiO2 nanotubular structures, excellent rate performance (0.054 mAhcm(-2) even at 50 C) and reliable capacity retention during 500 cycles, which was attributed to facile diffusion of Li-ions induced in hollow anatase TiO2 microcones structure with multilayered nanofragment.

Fabrication and Characterization of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorod Arrays via Inverted Monolayer Colloidal Crystals Mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Cheng; Ding, Taotao; Qi, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Jun; Xu, Juan; Chen, Jingwen; Dai, Jiangnan; Chen, Changqing

2018-04-01

The periodically ordered ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays have been successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal approach on the silicon substrates by templating of the TiO2 ring deriving from the polystyrene (PS) nanosphere monolayer colloidal crystals (MCC). With the inverted MCC mask, sol-gel-derived ZnO seeds could serve as the periodic nucleation positions for the site-specific growth of ZnO NRs. The large-scale patterned arrays of single ZnO NR with good side-orientation can be readily produced. According to the experimental results, the as-integrated ZnO NR arrays showed an excellent crystal quality and optical property, very suitable for optoelectronic applications such as stimulated emitters and ZnO photonic crystal devices.

Electron microscopy observation of TiO2 nanocrystal evolution in high-temperature atomic layer deposition.

PubMed

Shi, Jian; Li, Zhaodong; Kvit, Alexander; Krylyuk, Sergiy; Davydov, Albert V; Wang, Xudong

2013-01-01

Understanding the evolution of amorphous and crystalline phases during atomic layer deposition (ALD) is essential for creating high quality dielectrics, multifunctional films/coatings, and predictable surface functionalization. Through comprehensive atomistic electron microscopy study of ALD TiO2 nanostructures at designed growth cycles, we revealed the transformation process and sequence of atom arrangement during TiO2 ALD growth. Evolution of TiO2 nanostructures in ALD was found following a path from amorphous layers to amorphous particles to metastable crystallites and ultimately to stable crystalline forms. Such a phase evolution is a manifestation of the Ostwald-Lussac Law, which governs the advent sequence and amount ratio of different phases in high-temperature TiO2 ALD nanostructures. The amorphous-crystalline mixture also enables a unique anisotropic crystal growth behavior at high temperature forming TiO2 nanorods via the principle of vapor-phase oriented attachment.

Quantum dot sensitized solar cell based on TiO2/CdS/Ag2S heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawar, Sachin A.; Patil, Dipali S.; Kim, Jin Hyeok; Patil, Pramod S.; Shin, Jae Cheol

2017-04-01

Quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) is fabricated based on a stepwise band structure of TiO2/CdS/Ag2S to improve the photoconversion efficiency of TiO2/CdS system by incorporating a low band gap Ag2S QDs. Vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods assembly is prepared by a simple hydrothermal technique. The formation of CdS and Ag2S QDs over TiO2 nanorods assembly as a photoanode is carried out by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The synthesized electrode materials are characterized by XRD, XPS, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Optical, solar cell and electrochemical performances. The results designate that the QDs of CdS and Ag2S have efficiently covered exterior surfaces of TiO2 nanorods assembly. A cautious evaluation between TiO2/CdS and TiO2/CdS/Ag2S sensitized cells tells that CdS and Ag2S synergetically helps to enhance the light harvesting ability. Under AM 1.5G illumination, the photoanodes show an improved power conversion efficiency of 1.87%, in an aqueous polysulfide electrolyte with short-circuit photocurrent density of 7.03 mA cm-2 which is four fold higher than that of a TiO2/CdS system.

Tunable photovoltaic performance of preferentially oriented rutile TiO₂ nanorod photoanodes based dye sensitized solar cells with quasi-state electrolyte.

PubMed

T C, Sabari Girisun; C, Jeganathan; N, Pavithra; Anandan, Sambandam

2017-12-20

Photoanodes made of highly oriented TiO2 nanorod arrays with different aspect ratios were synthesized via one-step hydrothermal technique. Preferentially oriented single crystalline rutile TiO2 was confirmed by the single peak in XRD pattern (2θ=63o, (0 0 2)). FESEM image evidence the growth of an array of nanorods having different geometry with respect to reaction time and solution refreshment rate. The length, diameter and aspect ratio of the nanorods increased with reaction time as 4 hours (1.98 μm, 121 nm, 15.32), 8 hours (4 μm, 185 nm, 22.70), 12 hours (5.6 μm, 242 nm, 27.24) and 16 hours (8 μm, 254 nm, 38.02) respectively. Unlike conventional Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) with a liquid electrolyte, DSSC were fabricated here using 1D rutile TiO2 nanorods based photoanodes, N719 dye and quasi-state electrolyte. The charge transport properties were investigated from current-voltage curves and fitted using one-diode model. Interestingly photovoltaic performance of DSSCs increased exponentially with the length of the nanorod and is attributed to the higher surface to volume ratio, more dye anchoring, and channelized electron transport. Higher photovoltaic performance (Jsc=5.99 mA/cm2, Voc=750 mV, η=3.08%) was observed with photoanodes (16 hours) made of densely packed longest TiO2 nanorods (8 µm, 254 nm). © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Improved performance of anodic titanium oxide nanotube arrays synthesized by sonoelectrochemical anodization method for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peighambardoust, Naeimeh-Sadat; Khameneh-Asl, Shahin; Azimi, Hamid

2017-05-01

With rising demand for using solar cell systems for energy and environmental applications, considerable interest in anode materials of these cells has dramatically emerged. In this work, TiO2 nanotubular electrodes of varying thicknesses as anode were fabricated using effective process in a short time by sonoelectrochemical anodizing of Ti using an organic electrolyte, containing Na2[H2EDTA]. Long TiO2 nanotubes about 30-40 μm thick containing ordered hexagonal TiO2 were achieved through manipulating anodization parameters. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with different TiO2 electrode morphologies of varying thicknesses were compared to DSSCs based on TiO2 Nanoparticle electrodes. The effect of controlling parameters of the sonoelectrochemical process including surface preparation and anodizing time was investigated. This report brings to attention the desirable properties of the structurally oriented TiO2 for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. It found that the best cell performance was achieved about 3.14% in the case of using TiO2 NT layers that were treated by TiCl4 treatment.

Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of highly (100)-oriented (Na 0.5Bi 0.5) 0.94Ba 0.06TiO 3 thin films grown on LaNiO 3/γ-Al 2O 3/Si substrates by chemical solution deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yiping; Akai, Daisuke; Sawada, Kazauki; Ishida, Makoto

2008-07-01

A (Na 0.5Bi 0.5) 0.94Ba 0.06TiO 3 chemical solution was prepared by using barium acetate, nitrate of sodium, nitrate of bismuth, and Ti-isopropoxide as raw materials. A white precipitation appeared during the preparation was analyzed to be Ba(NO 3) 2. We found that ethanolamine is a very effective coordinating ligand of Ba 2+. A transparent and stable (Na 0.5Bi 0.5) 0.94Ba 0.06TiO 3 precursor chemical solution has been achieved by using ethanolamine as a ligand of Ba 2+. (Na 0.5Bi 0.5) 0.94Ba 0.06TiO 3 films were grown on LaNiO 3/γ-Al 2O 3/Si substrates. Highly (100)-oriented (Na 0.5Bi 0.5) 0.94Ba 0.06TiO 3 films were obtained in this work due to lattice match growth. The dielectric, ferroelectric and insulative characteristics against applied field were studied. The conduction current shows an Ohmic conduction behavior at lower voltages and space-charge-limited behavior at higher voltages, respectively. These results indicate that, the (Na 0.5Bi 0.5) 0.94Ba 0.06TiO 3 film is a promising lead-free ferroelectric film.

Surface force analysis of glycine adsorption on different crystal surfaces of titanium dioxide (TiO2).

PubMed

Ganbaatar, Narangerel; Imai, Kanae; Yano, Taka-Aki; Hara, Masahiko

2017-01-01

Surface force analysis with atomic force microscope (AFM) in which a single amino acid residue was mounted on the tip apex of AFM probe was carried out for the first time at the molecular level on titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) as a representative mineral surface for prebiotic chemical evolution reactions. The force analyses on surfaces with three different crystal orientations revealed that the TiO 2 (110) surface has unique characteristics for adsorbing glycine molecules showing different features compared to those on TiO 2 (001) and (100). To examine this difference, we investigated thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and the interaction between the PEG cross-linker and the three TiO 2 surfaces. Our data suggest that the different single crystal surfaces would provide different chemical evolution field for amino acid molecules.

Synthesis and electronic properties of Fe 2TiO 5 epitaxial thin films

DOE PAGES

Osada, Motoki; Nishio, Kazunori; Hwang, Harold Y.; ...

2018-05-02

Here, we investigate the growth phase diagram of pseudobrookite Fe 2TiO 5 epitaxial thin films on LaAlO 3 (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Control of the oxygen partial pressure and temperature during deposition enabled selective stabilization of (100)- and (230)-oriented films. In this regime, we find an optical gap of 2.1 eV and room temperature resistivity in the range of 20–80 Ω cm, which are significantly lower than α-Fe 2O 3, making Fe 2TiO 5 potentially an ideal inexpensive visible-light harvesting semiconductor. These results provide a basis to incorporate Fe 2TiO 5 in oxide heterostructures for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemicalmore » applications.« less

Synthesis and electronic properties of Fe2TiO5 epitaxial thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osada, Motoki; Nishio, Kazunori; Hwang, Harold Y.; Hikita, Yasuyuki

2018-05-01

We investigate the growth phase diagram of pseudobrookite Fe2TiO5 epitaxial thin films on LaAlO3 (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Control of the oxygen partial pressure and temperature during deposition enabled selective stabilization of (100)- and (230)-oriented films. In this regime, we find an optical gap of 2.1 eV and room temperature resistivity in the range of 20-80 Ω cm, which are significantly lower than α-Fe2O3, making Fe2TiO5 potentially an ideal inexpensive visible-light harvesting semiconductor. These results provide a basis to incorporate Fe2TiO5 in oxide heterostructures for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications.

Synthesis and characterization of a mixed phase of anatase TiO2 and TiO2(B) by low pressure chemical vapour deposition (LPCVD) for high photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chimupala, Y.; Hyett, G.; Simpson, R.; Brydson, R.

2014-06-01

This project is concerned with enhancing photocatalytic activity by preparing a mixed phase of nano-sized TiO2. TiO2 thin films were synthesized by using Low Pressure Chemical Vapour Deposition (LPCVD). Titanium isopropoxide and N2 gas were used as the precursor and carrier gas respectively. The effects of reaction temperature, carrier gas flow rate and deposited area were studied. TiO2 thin films with nano-sized TiO2 particles were obtained under suitable conditions and SEM, TEM, powder XRD and Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the phase and physical appearance of synthesized materials. Preliminary results show that a dual phase (TiO2(B) and anatase) thin film nanopowder was successfully prepared by LPCVD with needle- and polygonal plate-shape crystallites respectively. This thin film deposit produced a preferred orientation of TiO2(B) needles in the [001] direction of average crystallite size 50-80 nm in length and 5-10 nm in width, whilst the crystallite size of anatase polygonal-plates was around 200 nm. The optimal LPCVD condition for preparing this mixed phase of TiO2 was 600°C with a 1 mL/s N2 flow rate.

The origin of facet selectivity and alignment in anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles in electrolyte solutions: implications for oriented attachment in metal oxides

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

Sushko, M. L.; Rosso, K. M.

Atomic-to-mesoscale simulations were used to reveal the origin of oriented attachment between anatase TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous HCl solutions. Analysis of the distance and pH dependence of interparticle interactions demonstrates that ion correlation forces are responsible for facet-specific attraction and rotation into lattice co-alignment at long-range. These forces give rise to a metastable solvent separated capture minimum on the disjoining pressure-distance curve, with the barrier to attachment largely due to steric hydration forces from structured intervening solvent.

Orientation dependence of ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 thin films on Pt(100)/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, G. D.

2006-11-01

Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BNT0.85) thin films with (100) [α(100)=87.8%], (117) [α(117)=77.1%], and (001) [α(001)=98.8%] preferred orientations were deposited on Pt(100)/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates using a metal organic decomposition process. The remanent polarization of (100)-predominant BNT0.85 film is about 50% and three times larger than those of (117)-preferred and (001)-oriented films, respectively, suggesting that the major polarization vector of BNT0.85 is close to the a axis rather than the c axis. This result can be further demonstrated by the piezoelectric measurements using an atomic force microscope in the piezoresponse mode.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2010-01-01

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

Giant strain with ultra-low hysteresis and high temperature stability in grain oriented lead-free K0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3-Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 piezoelectric materials

PubMed Central

Maurya, Deepam; Zhou, Yuan; Wang, Yaojin; Yan, Yongke; Li, Jiefang; Viehland, Dwight; Priya, Shashank

2015-01-01

We synthesized grain-oriented lead-free piezoelectric materials in (K0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3-xNa0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (KBT-BT-NBT) system with high degree of texturing along the [001]c (c-cubic) crystallographic orientation. We demonstrate giant field induced strain (~0.48%) with an ultra-low hysteresis along with enhanced piezoelectric response (d33 ~ 190pC/N) and high temperature stability (~160°C). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) results demonstrate smaller size highly ordered domain structure in grain-oriented specimen relative to the conventional polycrystalline ceramics. The grain oriented specimens exhibited a high degree of non-180° domain switching, in comparison to the randomly axed ones. These results indicate the effective solution to the lead-free piezoelectric materials. PMID:25716551

The effect of SiO2, Pt, and Pt /Au templates on the microstructure and permittivity of BaxSr1-xTiO3 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rundqvist, Pär; Liljenfors, Tomas; Vorobiev, Andrei; Olsson, Eva; Gevorgian, Spartak

2006-12-01

Ba0.25Sr0.75TiO3 (BSTO) and SrTiO3 (STO) ferroelectric thin films were grown on templates of SiO2/Si, Pt /TiO2/SiO2/Si, and Pt /Au/Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si using pulsed laser deposition. The microstructure and surface morphology of the multilayer stacks were studied using x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructural analysis shows that the ferroelectric films are polycrystalline textured with a columnar structure where the grain size is 50-100nm. The BSTO films deposited at 800°C on an amorphous SiO2/Si template reveal a textured structure with a dominant (110) orientation, which is explained by a dominant growth of BSTO (110) grains due to the lower surface energy of the (110) phase. The STO and BSTO films deposited at 650°C on the Pt /TiO2/SiO2/Si and Pt /Au/Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si templates, respectively, reveal a structure with a dominant (111) orientation, which is explained by the dominant growth of BSTO (STO) (111) grains imposed by the underlying Pt (111) texture. In all cases the ferroelectric films are subject to compressive in-plane strain which is different for different grain orientations. Strain modified permittivities of ferroelectric films grown on different templates are calculated from first principles for different orientations and compared with measured results. The correlations between grain orientations, grain sizes, grain boundaries, strain, and dielectric permittivity of ferroelectric films on different templates are discussed.

Wavelength-dependent visible light response in vertically aligned nanohelical TiO2-based Schottky diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Hyunah; Sung, Ji Ho; Lee, Yuna; Jo, Moon-Ho; Kim, Jong Kyu

2018-01-01

Enhancements in photocatalytic performance under visible light have been reported by noble metal functionalization on nanostructured TiO2; however, the non-uniform and discrete distribution of metal nanoparticles on the TiO2 surface makes it difficult to directly clarify the optical and electrical mechanisms. Here, we investigate the light absorption and the charge separation at the metal/TiO2 Schottky junctions by using a unique device architecture with an array of TiO2 nanohelixes (NHs) forming Schottky junctions both with Au-top and Pt-bottom electrodes. Wavelength-dependent photocurrent measurements through the Pt/TiO2 NHs/Au structures revealed that the origin of the visible light absorption and the separation of photogenerated carriers is the internal photoemission at the metal/nanostructured TiO2 Schottky junctions. In addition, a huge persistent photoconductivity was observed by the time-dependent photocurrent measurement, implying a long lifetime of the photogenerated carriers before recombination. We believe that the results help one to understand the role of metal functionalization on TiO2 and hence to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency by utilizing appropriately designed Schottky junctions.

Electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles onto ultra-fine TiO2 nanotube layer by electrochemical reaction in mixed electrolyte.

PubMed

Park, Su-Jung; Jang, Jae-Myung

2011-08-01

Electrochemical depositions of HAp nanoparticles onto Ultra-fine TiO2 nanotube layer were carried out by the electrochemical reaction in mixed electrolyte of 1.6 M (NH4)H2PO4 + 0.8 M NH4F containing 0.15 and 0.25 wt% HAp. The Ca/P ratios of the HAp nanoparticles were evaluated by EDS analysis and their values were 1.53 and 1.66 respectively. The distribution quantity of Ca and P were remained at the middle region of TiO2 nanotube, but the Ti element was mainly stayed at the bottom of barrier layer from the result of line scanning diagram. Especially, adsorbed phosphate ions facilitated nucleation of nanophase calcium phosphate material inside the TiO2 nanotubu layer that resulted in vertical growth of HAp nanoparticles. These surfaces and structures were all effective for biocompatibility from the SBF tests.

TiO2 effect on crystallization mechanism and physical properties of nano glass-ceramics of MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass system.

PubMed

Jo, Sinae; Kang, Seunggu

2013-05-01

The effect of TiO2 on the degree of crystallization, thermal properties and microstructure for MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass-ceramics system containing 0-13 wt% TiO2 and 0-1.5 wt% B2O3 in which the cordierite is the main phase was studied. Using Kissinger and Augis-Bennett equations, the activation energy, 510 kJ/mol and Avrami constant, 1.8 were calculated showing the surface-oriented crystallization would be preferred. The alpha-cordierite phase was generated in the glass-ceramics of containing TiO2 of 0-5.6 wt%. However, for the glass-ceramics of TiO2 content above 7 wt%, an alpha-cordierite disappeared and micro-cordierite phase was formed. The glass-ceramics of no TiO2 added had spherical crystals of few tens nanometer size spread in the matrix. As TiO2 content increased up to 5.6 wt%, a lump of dendrite was formed. In the glass-ceramics containing TiO2 7-13 wt%, in which the main phase is micro-cordierite, the dendrite crystal disappeared and a few hundred nanometer sized crystal particles hold tightly each other were generated. The thermal conductivity of glass-ceramics of both a-cordierite and micro-cordierite base decreased with TiO2 contend added. The thermal conductivity of glass-ceramics of 1.5 wt% TiO2 added was 3.4 W/mK which is 36% higher than that of glass-ceramics of no TiO2 added. The sintering temperature for 1.5 wt% TiO2 glass-ceramics was 965 degrees C which could be concluded as to apply to LTCC process for LED packaging.

Tunable growth of TiO2 nanostructures on Ti substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Xinsheng; Wang, Jingpeng; Thomas, Dan F.; Chen, Aicheng

2005-10-01

A simple and facile method is described to directly synthesize TiO2 nanostructures on titanium substrates by oxidizing Ti foil using small organic molecules as the oxygen source. The effect of reaction temperature and oxygen source on the formation of the TiO2 nanostructures has been studied using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and water contact angle measurement. Polycrystalline grains are formed when pure oxygen and formic acid are used as the oxygen source; elongated micro-crystals are produced when water vapour is used as the oxygen source; oriented and aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays are synthesized when ethanol, acetaldehyde or acetone are used as the oxygen source. The growth mechanism of the TiO2 nanostructures is discussed. The diffusion of Ti atoms to the oxide/gas interface via the network of the grain boundaries of the thin oxide layer is the determining factor for the formation of well-aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays. The wetting properties of the TiO2 nanostructured surfaces formed are dictated by their structure, varying from a hydrophilic surface to a strongly hydrophobic surface as the surface structure changes from polycrystalline grains to well-aligned nanorod arrays. This tunable growth of TiO2 nanostructures is desirable for promising applications of TiO2 nanostructures in the development of optical devices, sensors, photo-catalysts and self-cleaning coatings.

Chain-like nanostructures from anisotropic self-assembly of semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles with a block copolymer.

PubMed

Wang, Junzheng; Winardi, Suminto; Sugawara-Narutaki, Ayae; Kumamoto, Akihito; Tohei, Tetsuya; Shimojima, Atsushi; Okubo, Tatsuya

2012-11-21

A facile method is reported for the preparation of chain-like nanostructures by anisotropic self-assembly of TiO(2) and SnO(2) nanoparticles with the aid of a block copolymer in an aqueous medium. Well-defined crystallographic orientations between neighbouring nanoparticles are observed in TiO(2) nanochains, which is important for tailoring the grain boundaries and thus enhancing charge transport.

Development of Functional Inorganic Materials by Soft Chemical Process Using Ion-Exchange Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qi

Our study on soft chemical process using the metal oxide and metal hydroxide nanosheets obtained by exfoliation their layered compounds were reviewed. Ni(OH)2⁄MnO2 sandwich layered nanostructure can be prepared by layer by-layer stacking of exfoliated manganese oxide nanosheets and nickel hydroxide layers. Manganese oxide nanotubes can be obtained by curling the manganese oxide nanosheets using the cationic surfactants as the template. The layered titanate oriented thin film can be prepared by restacking the titanate nanosheets on a polycrystalline substrate, and transformed to the oriented BaTiO3 and TiO2 thin films by the topotactic structural transformation reactions, respectively. The titanate nanosheets can be transformed anatase-type TiO2 nanocrystals under hydrothermal conditions. The TiO2 nanocrystals are formed by a topotactic structural transformation reaction. The TiO2 nanocrystals prepared by this method expose specific crystal plane on their surfaces, and show high photocatalytic activity and high dye adsorption capacity for high performance dye-sensitized solar cell. A series of layered basic metal salt (LBMS) compounds were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of transition metal hydroxides and organic acids. We succeeded in the exfoliation of these LBMS compounds in alcohol solvents, and obtained the transition metal hydroxide nanosheets for the first time.

Experimental study on convective heat transfer of TiO2 nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vakili, M.; Mohebbi, A.; Hashemipour, H.

2013-08-01

In this study, nanofluids with different TiO2 nanoparticle concentrations were synthesized and measured in different constant heat fluxes for their heat transfer behavior upon flowing through a vertical pipe. Addition of nanoparticles into the base fluid enhances the forced convective heat transfer coefficient. The results show that the enhancement of the convective heat transfer coefficient in the mixture consisting of ethylene glycol and distilled water is more than distilled water as a base fluid.

Pyrrole-regulated precipitation of titania nanorods on polymer fabrics for photocatalytic degradation of trace toluene in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yi-Jie; Wen, Wei; Xu, Yang; Wu, Jin-Ming

2018-03-01

When compared with nanoparticulate counterparts, TiO2 thin films with vertically aligned one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity because of the highly accessible surface area. The perpendicular of the 1D nanostructure reduces the charge migration path and hence the carrier recombination rate, which also contributes to the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, TiO2 thin films on flexible substrates are more suitable to degrade pollutants in either water or air because of its easy recovery and free-bending shape. In this study, flexible polyethylene fabrics were firstly coated with a sol-gel nanoparticulate TiO2 seed layer. Quasi-aligned TiO2 nanorods were then precipitated homogeneously under an atmospheric pressure and a low temperature not exceeding 80 °C, using a peroxy-titanium complex precursor with the additive of pyrrole. It is found that the density of TiO2 nanorods increased with the increasing amount of pyrrole monomers. The resultant TiO2 film on polyethylene fabrics exhibited a much reduced band gap of ca. 2.86 eV, which can be attributed to the surface oxygen deficiencies. When utilized to assist photocatalytic degradation of trace toluene in air under the UV light illumination, the TiO2 film exhibited a gradually increased photocatalytic activity upon the increasing cycles for up to six, because of the gradual removal of trace organics on the TiO2 surface. The highest photocatalytic efficiency is recorded to be 5 times that of TiO2 nanotube arrays, which are regarded as an excellent photocatalyst for air cleaning.

Structural and characteristic variation of anodic oxide on pure Ti with anodization duration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizukoshi, Yoshiteru; Ohtsu, Naofhumi; Masahashi, Naoya

2013-10-01

Change in the structural and characteristic of the anodic oxide on pure Ti with the duration of anodization time was investigated. With the progress of the anodization, the phase of the formed TiO2 successively changed from anatase phase to rutile phase. In the transition process, peak intensities of rutile TiO2 1 0 1, 1 1 1 and 2 1 1 planes of X-ray diffraction characteristically increased. The contact angles of water droplets on the anodize TiO2 were monotonously decreased with the progress of the anodization except on the characteristically oriented rutile surface. In the evaluations of acetaldehyde photocatalysis under UV illumination, the anatase TiO2 anodized for short period exhibited high activities. On the other hand, when illuminated with visible light (>422 nm), rutile-structured TiO2 formed by anodization with a long duration exhibited superior photocatalytic activities probably due to high rutile fraction and sulfur incorporation from the electrolyte.

Oriented Nucleation of both Ge-Fresnoite and Benitoite/BaGe4O9 during the Surface Crystallisation of Glass Studied by Electron Backscatter Diffraction

PubMed Central

Wisniewski, Wolfgang; Patschger, Marek; Murdzheva, Steliana; Thieme, Christian; Rüssel, Christian

2016-01-01

Two glasses of the compositions 2 BaO - TiO2 - 2.75 GeO2 and 2 BaO – TiO2 –3.67 GeO2 (also known as BTG55) are annealed at temperatures from 680 to 970 °C to induce surface crystallization. The resulting samples are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Ge-Fresnoite (Ba2TiGe2O8, BTG) is observed at the immediate surface of all samples and oriented nucleation is proven in both compositions. After a very fast kinetic selection, the crystal growth of BTG into the bulk occurs via highly oriented dendrites where the c-axes are oriented perpendicular to the surface. The growth of this oriented layer is finally blocked by dendritc BTG originating from bulk nucleation. The secondary phases BaTiGe3O9 (benitoite) and BaGe4O9 are also identified near the surface by XRD and localized by EBSD which additionally indicates orientation preferences for these phases. This behaviour is in contrast with previous reports from the Ba2TiSi2O8 as well as the Sr2TiSi2O8 systems. PMID:26853738

Strong light extraction enhancement using TiO2 nanoparticles-based microcone arrays embossed on III-Nitride light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Désières, Yohan; Chen, Ding Yuan; Visser, Dennis; Schippers, Casper; Anand, Srinivasan

2018-06-01

Colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles were used for embossing of composite microcone arrays on III-Nitride vertical-thin-film blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as on silicon, glass, gallium arsenide, and gallium nitride surfaces. Ray tracing simulations were performed to optimize the design of microcones for light extraction and to explain the experimental results. An optical power enhancement of ˜2.08 was measured on III-Nitride blue LEDs embossed with a hexagonal array of TiO2 microcones of ˜1.35 μm in height and ˜2.6 μm in base width, without epoxy encapsulation. A voltage increase in ˜70 mV at an operating current density of ˜35 A/cm2 was measured for the embossed LEDs. The TiO2 microcone arrays were embossed on functioning LEDs, using low pressures (˜100 g/cm2) and temperatures ≤100 °C.

Dye-sensitized solar cells with vertically aligned TiO2 nanowire arrays grown on carbon fibers.

PubMed

Cai, Xin; Wu, Hongwei; Hou, Shaocong; Peng, Ming; Yu, Xiao; Zou, Dechun

2014-02-01

One-dimensional semiconductor TiO2 nanowires (TNWs) have received widespread attention from solar cell and related optoelectronics scientists. The controllable synthesis of ordered TNW arrays on arbitrary substrates would benefit both fundamental research and practical applications. Herein, vertically aligned TNW arrays in situ grown on carbon fiber (CF) substrates through a facile, controllable, and seed-assisted thermal process is presented. Also, hierarchical TiO2 -nanoparticle/TNW arrays were prepared that favor both the dye loading and depressed charge recombination of the CF/TNW photoanode. An impressive conversion efficiency of 2.48 % (under air mass 1.5 global illumination) and an apparent efficiency of 4.18 % (with a diffuse board) due to the 3D light harvesting of the wire solar cell were achieved. Moreover, efficient and inexpensive wire solar cells made from all-CF electrodes and completely flexible CF-based wire solar cells were demonstrated, taking into account actual application requirements. This work may provide an intriguing avenue for the pursuit of lightweight, cost-effective, and high-performance flexible/wearable solar cells. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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

Osada, Motoki; Nishio, Kazunori; Hwang, Harold Y.

Here, we investigate the growth phase diagram of pseudobrookite Fe 2TiO 5 epitaxial thin films on LaAlO 3 (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Control of the oxygen partial pressure and temperature during deposition enabled selective stabilization of (100)- and (230)-oriented films. In this regime, we find an optical gap of 2.1 eV and room temperature resistivity in the range of 20–80 Ω cm, which are significantly lower than α-Fe 2O 3, making Fe 2TiO 5 potentially an ideal inexpensive visible-light harvesting semiconductor. These results provide a basis to incorporate Fe 2TiO 5 in oxide heterostructures for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemicalmore » applications.« less

ALMA observations of TiO2 around VY Canis Majoris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Beck, E.; Vlemmings, W.; Muller, S.; Black, J. H.; O'Gorman, E.; Richards, A. M. S.; Baudry, A.; Maercker, M.; Decin, L.; Humphreys, E. M.

2015-08-01

Context. Titanium dioxide, TiO2, is a refractory species that could play a crucial role in the dust-condensation sequence around oxygen-rich evolved stars. To date, gas phase TiO2 has been detected only in the complex environment of the red supergiant VY CMa. Aims: We aim to constrain the distribution and excitation of TiO2 around VY CMa in order to clarify its role in dust formation. Methods: We analyse spectra and channel maps for TiO2 extracted from ALMA science verification data. Results: We detect 15 transitions of TiO2, and spatially resolve the emission for the first time. The maps demonstrate a highly clumpy, anisotropic outflow in which the TiO2 emission likely traces gas exposed to the stellar radiation field. An accelerating bipolar-like structure is found, oriented roughly east-west, of which the blue component runs into and breaks up around a solid continuum component. A distinct tail to the south-west is seen for some transitions, consistent with features seen in the optical and near-infrared. Conclusions: We find that a significant fraction of TiO2 remains in the gas phase outside the dust-formation zone and suggest that this species might play only a minor role in the dust-condensation process around extreme oxygen-rich evolved stars like VY CMa. Appendix A is available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Si NW network by Ag nanoparticle assisted etching and TiO2/Si NWs as photodetector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmik, Kishan; Mondal, Aniruddha

2015-03-01

Glancing angle deposited silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were employed to fabricate the silicon (Si) nanowire (NW) network on p-type Si substrate. The Si NWs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, which shows the (311) oriented single crystalline nature. The FEG-SEM images show that the nanowire diameters are in the order of 60-180 nm. The photoluminescence emission at 525 nm was recognized from the Si NWs. The Ag-TiO2 contacts exhibit Schottky behavior and higher photoconduction was observed for TiO2-Si NW detector than that of TiO2 Thin film under illumination up to 2.5 V applied potential. A threefold enhanced photodetection for the Silicon nanowire device was observed compared to the TiO2 thin film device, under applied voltages of 0.4-1.5 V. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Morphological alterations of T24 cells on flat and nanotubular TiO2 surfaces.

PubMed

Imani, Roghayeh; Kabaso, Doron; Erdani Kreft, Mateja; Gongadze, Ekaterina; Penic, Samo; Elersic, Kristina; Kos, Andrej; Veranic, Peter; Zorec, Robert; Iglic, Ales

2012-12-01

To investigate morphological alterations of malignant cancer cells (T24) of urothelial origin seeded on flat titanium (Ti) and nanotubular TiO(2) (titanium dioxide) nanostructures. Using anodization method, TiO(2) surfaces composed of vertically aligned nanotubes of 50-100 nm diameters were produced. The flat Ti surface was used as a reference. The alteration in the morphology of cancer cells was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A computational model, based on the theory of membrane elasticity, was constructed to shed light on the biophysical mechanisms responsible for the observed changes in the contact area of adhesion. Large diameter TiO(2) nanotubes exhibited a significantly smaller contact area of adhesion (P<0.0001) and had more membrane protrusions (eg, microvilli and intercellular membrane nanotubes) than on flat Ti surface. Numerical membrane dynamics simulations revealed that the low adhesion energy per unit area would hinder the cell spreading on the large diameter TiO(2) nanotubular surface, thus explaining the small contact area. The reduction in the cell contact area in the case of large diameter TiO(2) nanotube surface, which does not enable formation of the large enough number of the focal adhesion points, prevents spreading of urothelial cells.

3D mixing in hot Jupiters atmospheres. I. Application to the day/night cold trap in HD 209458b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parmentier, Vivien; Showman, Adam P.; Lian, Yuan

2013-10-01

Context. Hot Jupiters exhibit atmospheric temperatures ranging from hundreds to thousands of Kelvin. Because of their large day-night temperature differences, condensable species that are stable in the gas phase on the dayside - such as TiO and silicates - may condense and gravitationally settle on the nightside. Atmospheric circulation may counterbalance this tendency to gravitationally settle. This three-dimensional (3D) mixing of condensable species has not previously been studied for hot Jupiters, yet it is crucial to assess the existence and distribution of TiO and silicates in the atmospheres of these planets. Aims: We investigate the strength of the nightside cold trap in hot Jupiters atmospheres by investigating the mechanisms and strength of the vertical mixing in these stably stratified atmospheres. We apply our model to the particular case of TiO to address the question of whether TiO can exist at low pressure in sufficient abundances to produce stratospheric thermal inversions despite the nightside cold trap. Methods: We modeled the 3D circulation of HD 209458b including passive (i.e. radiatively inactive) tracers that advect with the 3D flow, with a source and sink term on the nightside to represent their condensation into haze particles and their gravitational settling. Results: We show that global advection patterns produce strong vertical mixing that can keep condensable species aloft as long as they are trapped in particles of sizes of a few microns or less on the nightside. We show that vertical mixing results not from small-scale convection but from the large-scale circulation driven by the day-night heating contrast. Although this vertical mixing is not diffusive in any rigorous sense, a comparison of our results with idealized diffusion models allows a rough estimate of the effective vertical eddy diffusivities in these atmospheres. The parametrization Kzz=5 × 104/ Pbar m2s-1, valid from ~1 bar to a few μbar, can be used in 1D models of HD 209458b. Moreover, our models exhibit strong spatial and temporal variability in the tracer concentration that could result in observable variations during either transit or secondary eclipse measurements. Finally, we apply our model to the case of TiO in HD 209458b and show that the day-night cold trap would deplete TiO if it condenses into particles bigger than a few microns on the planet's nightside, keeping it from creating the observed stratosphere of the planet. Appendix A is available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Growth of TiO2 nanofibers on FTO substrates and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryana, R.; Rahmawati, L. R.; Triyana, K.

2016-11-01

Growth of TiO2 nanofibers on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates have been performed using electrospinning method. Homogenous TiO2 solution as nanofibers material was prepared with titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP), ethanol, acetic acid and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) which was stirred for 24 h. TiO2 solution was loaded into the syringe pump. Electrospun voltage was operated under 15 kV with optimum distance between syringe tip and collector was 15 cm. FTO substrates were attached on the collector surface. Electrospinning coating time was varied at 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min. Then TiO2 nanofibers layer was annealed at temperature of 450° C for 3 h. X-ray diffraction spectrum of TiO2 nanofibers showed major anatase peaks at 25.3°, 48.0° and 37.8° correlating crystal orientation of (101), (200), and (004), respectively while only one rutile peak at 27.5°(110). TiO2 nanofibers diameter was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). TiO2 nanofibers have diameter in range of 100-1000 nm. The obtained-TiO2 nanofibers were applied in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with beta-carotene as dye, carbon as catalyst, and I-/I3- redox couple as electrolyte. DSSC performance was analyzed from I-V characterization. Growth of TiO2 nanofibers at electrospinning time for 45 min has highest efficiency that is 0.016%. It is considered that TiO2 nanofibers at electrospinning time for 45 min can produce optimum thickness so that it is speculated many dyes adsorb on the nanofiber surfaces and many electrons diffuse toward the electrodes.

Orienting numbers in mental space: horizontal organization trumps vertical.

PubMed

Holmes, Kevin J; Lourenco, Stella F

2012-01-01

While research on the spatial representation of number has provided substantial evidence for a horizontally oriented mental number line, recent studies suggest vertical organization as well. Directly comparing the relative strength of horizontal and vertical organization, however, we found no evidence of spontaneous vertical orientation (upward or downward), and horizontal trumped vertical when pitted against each other (Experiment 1). Only when numbers were conceptualized as magnitudes (as opposed to nonmagnitude ordinal sequences) did reliable vertical organization emerge, with upward orientation preferred (Experiment 2). Altogether, these findings suggest that horizontal representations predominate, and that vertical representations, when elicited, may be relatively inflexible. Implications for spatial organization beyond number, and its ontogenetic basis, are discussed.

Solvothermal synthesis of nanocrystalline TiO 2 in toluene with surfactant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chung-Sik; Moon, Byung Kee; Park, Jong-Ho; Choi, Byung-Chun; Seo, Hyo-Jin

2003-10-01

Synthesis of narrow-dispersed nanocrystalline TiO 2 was investigated by surfactant-aided solvothermal synthetic method in toluene solutions. Titanium isopropoxide (TIP) was used as precursor, which was decomposed at high temperature in the surfactant-dissolved solution. After the solution was thermally treated at 250°C for 20 h in an autoclave, low-dispersed TiO 2 nanocrystalline particles with average size of <6 nm were synthesized. When sufficient amount of TIP or surfactant was added in the solution, long dumbbell-shaped nanorods were formed, which may be due to the oriented growth of particles along [0 0 1] axis. Characterization of products was investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.

Direct Low-Temperature Growth of Single-Crystalline Anatase TiO2 Nanorod Arrays on Transparent Conducting Oxide Substrates for Use in PbS Quantum-Dot Solar Cells.

PubMed

Chung, Hyun Suk; Han, Gill Sang; Park, So Yeon; Shin, Hee-Won; Ahn, Tae Kyu; Jeong, Sohee; Cho, In Sun; Jung, Hyun Suk

2015-05-20

We report on the direct growth of anatase TiO2 nanorod arrays (A-NRs) on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrates that can be directly applied to various photovoltaic devices via a seed layer mediated epitaxial growth using a facile low-temperature hydrothermal method. We found that the crystallinity of the seed layer and the addition of an amine functional group play crucial roles in the A-NR growth process. The A-NRs exhibit a pure anatase phase with a high crystallinity and preferred growth orientation in the [001] direction. Importantly, for depleted heterojunction solar cells (TiO2/PbS), the A-NRs improve both electron transport and injection properties, thereby largely increasing the short-circuit current density and doubling their efficiency compared to TiO2 nanoparticle-based solar cells.

Surface Properties of Titanium dioxide and its Structural Modifications by Reactions with Transition Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halpegamage, Sandamali

Surfaces of metal oxides play a vital role in many technologically important applications. The surfaces of titanium dioxide, in particular, show quite promising properties that can be utilized in solid-state gas sensing and photocatalysis applications. In the first part of this dissertation we investigate these properties of TiO2 surfaces through a vigorous surface scientific approach. In the second part, we investigate the possibilities of modifying the TiO2 surfaces by depositing multi-component transition metal oxide monolayers so that the properties of bare TiO2 surface can be influenced in a beneficial way. For instance, via formation of new surface sites or cations that have different valance states, the chemisorption and catalytic properties can be modified. We use sophisticated experimental surface science techniques that are compatible with ultra-high vacuum technology for surface characterization. All the experimental results, except for the photocatalysis experiments, were compared to and verified by supporting DFT-based theoretical results produced by our theory collaborators. TiO2 based solid-state gas sensors have been used before for detecting trace amounts of explosives such as 2,4-dinitrololuene (DNT), a toxic decomposition product of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) that have very low vapor pressure. However, the adsorption, desorption and reaction mechanism were not well- understood. Here, we investigate 2,4-DNT adsorption on rutile-TiO2(110) surface in order to gain insight about these mechanisms in an atomistic level and we propose an efficient way of desorbing DNT from the surface through UV-light induced photoreactions. TiO2 exists in different polymorphs and the photocatalytic activity differs from one polymorph to another. Rutile and anatase are the most famous forms of TiO2 in photocatalysis and anatase is known to show higher activity than rutile. The photoactivity also varies depending on the surface orientation for the same polymorph. So far, a reasonable explanation as to why these differences exist was not reported. In our studies, we used high quality epitaxial rutile and anatase thin films which enabled isolating the surface effects from the bulk effects and show that it is the difference between the charge carrier diffusion lengths that causes this difference in activities. In addition to that, using different surface orientations of rutile-TiO 2, we show that the anisotropic bulk charge carrier mobility may contribute to the orientation dependent photoactivity. Moreover, we show that different surface preparation methods also affect the activity of the sample and vacuum reduction results in an enhanced activity. In an effort to modify the TiO2 surfaces with monolayer/mixed monolayer oxides, we carried out experiments on (011) orientation of single crystal rutile TiO2 with few of the selected transition metal oxides namely Fe, V, Cr and Ni. We found that for specific oxidation conditions a monolayer mixed oxide is formed for all M (M= Fe, V, Cr, Ni), with one common structure with the composition MTi2O5. For small amounts of M the surface segregates into pure TiO2(011)-2x1 and into domains of MTi2O5 indicating that this mixed monolayer oxide is a low energy line phase in a compositional surface phase diagram. The oxygen pressure required for the formation of this unique monolayer structure increases in the order of V

Characterization of N,C-codoped TiO 2 films prepared by reactive DC magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kee-Rong; Hung, Chung-Hsuang

2009-12-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) films are deposited by codoping nitrogen and carbon on indium tin oxide-coated substrates as visible light (Vis)-enabled catalysts. The X-ray diffraction peak intensity of the preferential orientation in (2 1 1) plane declines when the topmost 1.0 μm layer of the film is ground off. The decrease in the crystallite size and the crystallinity of anatase TiO 2 film is also evidenced by a shift towards the high wave number and broadening of the Raman spectra. Low doping concentrations of N (1.3%) and C (1.8%) are estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) which displays an N 1 s peak at 396.8 eV and a C 1 s peak at 282.1 eV, respectively. This is attributed to the substitution of the oxygen sites with nitrogen and carbon, which is believed to be responsible for the Vis photocatalytic activity into a wavelength of >500 nm. The cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy images show larger pores at the grain boundaries and in larger columnar crystals than in the undoped TiO 2 film. All of these results indicate that porosity, crystallinity and shift in the preferential orientation are more pronounced close to the surface than close to the bottom of the sample. Wettability upon measurement of the water contact angle, methylene blue degradation and radical formation tests under both ultraviolet and Vis irradiation demonstrate that the topmost surface renders not only a larger reactive surface area but also a better carrier transport route than the rest of the film, improving its photocatalytic activity. These results show that surface porosity of the film is dominant than the tailoring of the photocatalytic activities of N,C-codoped TiO 2 catalysts.

Texture and anisotropy in the bismuth sodium titanate system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fancher, Christoher M.

Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 has received interest as a potential replacement for lead containing ferroelectrics. However, the piezoelectric response of pure Bi0.5Na0.5TiO 3 does not compare to the strong piezoelectric response of lead based piezoelectrics. To increase the piezoelectric response, Bi0.5Na 0.5TiO3 has been alloyed with BaTiO3 and K 0.5Na0.5NbO3. Another route to enhance the response is to take advantage of the anisotropic properties by inducing a preferred crystallographic orientation. Both routes were used to investigate the effect a crystallographic texture has on the strain response of Bi0.5Na 0.5TiO3-based ceramics. A crystallographic texture was induced by templated grain growth of pure phase Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 templates using the tape casting method to orient template particles relative to the tape cast normal. Sintered Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based materials developed a strong (00l)pc fiber texture relative to the tape cast normal, with no preferential alignment relative to the tape cast plane. Textured Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-(5)BaTiO3 showed a piezoelectric response of 245 pC/N, a better than 50% enhancement from the 150 pC/N response of randomly oriented samples. The Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-(5)BaTiO3-(2)K 0.5Na0.5NbO3 (x,y) system has been shown to undergo electric-field-induced phase transformation from a pseudocubic to polar phase. For (7,2) a strong 8.7 multiples of a random distribution (MRD) crystallographic texture increased the macroscopic strain response by 50%. Applying the electric field perpendicular to the fiber texture axis reduces the macroscopic strain response of textured (7,2) by 17%. The affect field direction has on the electric-field-induced phase transformations of textured (7,2) was investigated using in situ electric field dependent diffraction. In situ diffraction data showed the high strain response of textured (7,2) can be attributed to a reversible pseudocubic to tetragonal transformation. The field-induced tetragonal phase nucleates preferentially with a strong c-axis alignment in the electric field direction, ferroelastic domain texture. In situ diffraction data suggests the origin of the reduction in strain associated with a field applied perpendicular to the fiber texture axis is the result of a shorter induced lattice spacing and lower domain texture.

Oriented TiO2 nanotubes as a lithium metal storage medium

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

Kim, Jae-Hun; Kang, Hee-Kook; Woo, Sang-Gil

2014-07-01

A new strategy for suppressing dendritic lithium growth in rechargeable lithium metal batteries is introduced, in which TiO2 nanotube (NT) array electrodes prepared by anodization are used as a metallic lithium storage medium. During the first charge process, lithium ions are inserted into the crystal structure of the TiO2 NT arrays, and then, lithium metal is deposited on the surfaces of the NT arrays, i.e., in the NT pores and between NT walls. From the second cycle onward, the TiO2 material is used as lithium ion pathways, which results in the effective current distribution for lithium deposition and prevents disintegrationmore » of the deposited metallic lithium. Compared to a Li(Cu foil)-LiCoO2 cell, the Li(TiO2 NT)-LiCoO2 cell exhibits enhanced cycling efficiency. This new concept will enable other 3D structured negative active materials to be used as lithium metal storage media for lithium metal batteries.« less

Epitaxial growth and dielectric properties of Pb0.4Sr0.6TiO3 thin films on (00l)-oriented metallic Li0.3Ni0.7O2 coated MgO substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, X. T.; Du, P. Y.; Mak, C. L.; Wong, K. H.

2007-06-01

Highly (00l)-oriented Li0.3Ni0.7O2 thin films have been fabricated on (001) MgO substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The Pb0.4Sr0.6TiO3 (PST40) thin film deposited subsequently also shows a significant (00l)-oriented texture. Both the PST40 and Li0.3Ni0.7O2 have good epitaxial behavior. The epitaxial growth of the PST40 thin film is more perfect with the Li0.3Ni0.7O2 buffer layer due to the less distortion in the film. The dielectric tunability of the PST40 thin film with Li0.3Ni0.7O2 buffer layer therefore reaches 70%, which is 75% higher than that without Li0.3Ni0.7O2 buffer layer, and the dielectric loss of the PST40 thin film is 0.06.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance from NiS/TiO2 p-n heterojunction nanosheet arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Long-Long; Li, Yan; Li, Jian-feng; Wang, Cheng-Wei

2018-05-01

A novel p-n heterostructural film photocatalyst of oriented NiS/TiO2 nanosheet arrays were designed and successfully fabricated via a simple two-step hydrothermal process, and its photodegradation activities of methyl orange (MO) were detailedly investigated. Combining p-type NiS nanoparticles with n-type TiO2 nanosheets to construct distributed p-n heterojunctions, the absorption edge of NiS/TiO2 red-shifted to about 471 nm and its photoresponse in visible range significantly enhanced. Compared with pure TiO2 nanosheet arrays (NSAs), the assembled NiS/TiO2 p-n heterostructural arrays with 0.003 M NiS in hydrothermal precursor solution showed an optimal degradation rate of k = 0.7368 h-1 for MO, achieving 76.3% photocatalytic efficiency within 120 min, which is about 2.34 times higher than that of pure TiO2 nanosheet arrays (k = 0.3144 h-1). Such enhanced photocatalytic activities should be attributed to both the high efficiency of photogenerated charge separation by the built-in electric field at interfaces of NiS-TiO2 and the oriented thin nanosheet structures for smoothly charge transportation for redox reactions at surfaces of NiS/TiO2.

Optofluidic Modulation of Self-Associated Nanostructural Units Forming Planar Bragg Microcavities.

PubMed

Oliva-Ramirez, Manuel; Barranco, Angel; Löffler, Markus; Yubero, Francisco; González-Elipe, Agustin R

2016-01-26

Bragg microcavities (BMs) formed by the successive stacking of nanocolumnar porous SiO2 and TiO2 layers with slanted, zigzag, chiral, and vertical configurations are prepared by physical vapor deposition at oblique angles while azimuthally varying the substrate orientation during the multilayer growth. The slanted and zigzag BMs act as wavelength-selective optical retarders when they are illuminated with linearly polarized light, while no polarization dependence is observed for the chiral and vertical cavities. This distinct optical behavior is attributed to a self-nanostructuration mechanism involving a fence-bundling association of nanocolumns as observed by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy in the slanted and zigzag microcavities. The outstanding retarder response of the optically active BMs can be effectively modulated by dynamic infiltration of nano- and mesopores with liquids of different refraction indices acting as a switch of the polarization behavior. The unprecedented polarization and tunable optofluidic properties of these nanostructured photonic systems have been successfully simulated with a simple model that assumes a certain birefringence for the individual stacked layers and accounts for the light interference phenomena developed in the BMs. The possibilities of this type of self-arranged nanostructured and optically active BMs for liquid sensing and monitoring applications are discussed.

Three-dimensional hot electron photovoltaic device with vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes.

PubMed

Goddeti, Kalyan C; Lee, Changhwan; Lee, Young Keun; Park, Jeong Young

2018-05-09

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanotubes with vertically aligned array structures show substantial advantages in solar cells as an electron transport material that offers a large surface area where charges travel linearly along the nanotubes. Integrating this one-dimensional semiconductor material with plasmonic metals to create a three-dimensional plasmonic nanodiode can influence solar energy conversion by utilizing the generated hot electrons. Here, we devised plasmonic Au/TiO 2 and Ag/TiO 2 nanodiode architectures composed of TiO 2 nanotube arrays for enhanced photon absorption, and for the subsequent generation and capture of hot carriers. The photocurrents and incident photon to current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) were obtained as a function of photon energy for hot electron detection. We observed enhanced photocurrents and IPCE using the Ag/TiO 2 nanodiode. The strong plasmonic peaks of the Au and Ag from the IPCE clearly indicate an enhancement of the hot electron flux resulting from the presence of surface plasmons. The calculated electric fields and the corresponding absorbances of the nanodiode using finite-difference time-domain simulation methods are also in good agreement with the experimental results. These results show a unique strategy of combining a hot electron photovoltaic device with a three-dimensional architecture, which has the clear advantages of maximizing light absorption and a metal-semiconductor interface area.

Modeling Excited States in TiO2 Nanoparticles: On the Accuracy of a TD-DFT Based Description

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

Berardo, Enrico; Hu, Hanshi; Shevlin, S. A.

2014-03-11

We have investigated the suitability of Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) to describe vertical low-energy excitations in naked and hydrated titanium dioxide nanoparticles through a comparison with results from Equation-of-Motion Coupled Cluster (EOM-CC) quantum chemistry methods. We demonstrate that for most TiO2 nanoparticles TD-DFT calculations with commonly used exchange-correlation (XC-)potentials (e.g. B3LYP) and EOM-CC methods give qualitatively similar results. Importantly, however, we also show that for an important subset of structures, TD-DFT gives qualitatively different results depending upon the XC-potential used and that in this case only TD-CAM-B3LYP and TD-BHLYP calculations yield results that are consistent with those obtained usingmore » EOM-CC theory. Moreover, we demonstrate that the discrepancies for such structures arise from a particular combination of defects, excitations involving which are charge-transfer excitations and hence are poorly described by XC-potentials that contain no or low fractions of Hartree-Fock like exchange. Finally, we discuss that such defects are readily healed in the presence of ubiquitously present water and that as a result the description of vertical low-energy excitations for hydrated TiO2 nanoparticles is hence non-problematic.« less

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles: some aspects of toxicity/focus on the development.

PubMed

Rollerova, E; Tulinska, J; Liskova, A; Kuricova, M; Kovriznych, J; Mlynarcikova, A; Kiss, A; Scsukova, S

2015-04-01

Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles belong to the most widely manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) on a global scale because of their photocatalytic properties and the related surface effects. TiO2 NPs are in the top five NPs used in consumer products. Ultrafine TiO2 is widely used in the number of applications, including white pigment in paint, ceramics, food additive, food packaging material, sunscreens, cosmetic creams, and, component of surgical implants. Data evidencing rapid distribution, slow or ineffective elimination, and potential long-time tissue accumulation are especially important for the human risk assessment of ultrafine TiO2 and represent new challenges to more responsibly investigate potential adverse effects by the action of TiO2 NPs considering their ubiquitous exposure in various doses. Transport of ultrafine TiO2 particles in systemic circulation and further transition through barriers, especially the placental and blood-brain ones, are well documented. Therefore, from the developmental point of view, there is a raising concern in the exposure to TiO2 NPs during critical windows, in the pregnancy or the lactation period, and the fact that human mothers, women and men in fertile age and last but not least children may be exposed to high cumulative doses. In this review, toxicokinetics and particularly toxicity of TiO2 NPs in relation to the developing processes, oriented mainly on the development of the central nervous system, are discussed Keywords: nanoparticles, nanotoxicity, nanomaterials, titanium dioxide, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, blood brain barrier, placental barrier.

Heating equipment installation system

DOEpatents

Meuschke, Robert E.; Pomaibo, Paul P.

1991-01-01

A method for installing a heater unit assembly (52, 54) in a reactor pressure vessel (2) for performance of an annealing treatment on the vessel (2), the vessel (2) having a vertical axis, being open at the top, being provided at the top with a flange (6) having a horizontal surface, and being provided internally, at a location below the flange (6), with orientation elements (8) which are asymmetrical with respect to the vertical axis, by the steps of: providing an orientation fixture (10) having an upwardly extending guide member (18) and orientation elements (14, 16) and installing the orientation fixture (10) in the vessel (2) so that the orientation elements (14,16) of the orientation fixture (10) mate with the orientation elements (8) of the pressure vessel (2) in order to establish a defined position of the orientation fixture (10) in the pressure vessel (2), and so that the guide member (18) projects above the pressure vessel (2) flange (6); placing a seal ring (30) in a defined position on the pressure vessel (2) flange (6) with the aid of the guide member (18); mounting at least one vertical, upwardly extending guide stud (40) upon the seal ring (30); withdrawing the orientation fixture (10) from the pressure vessel (2); and moving the heater unit assembly (52,54) vertically downwardly into the pressure vessel (2) while guiding the heater unit assembly (52,54) along a path with the aid of the guide stud (40).

Efficiency enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cells by use of ZrO2-doped TiO2 nanofibers photoanode.

PubMed

Mohamed, Ibrahim M A; Dao, Van-Duong; Barakat, Nasser A M; Yasin, Ahmed S; Yousef, Ahmed; Choi, Ho-Suk

2016-08-15

Due to the good stability and convenient optical properties, TiO2 nanostructures still the prominent photoanode materials in the Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs). However, the well-known low bandgap energy and weak adsorption affinity for the dye distinctly constrain the wide application. This work discusses the impact of Zr-doping and nanofibrous morphology on the performance and physicochemical properties of TiO2. Zr-doped TiO2 nanofibers (NFs), with various zirconia content (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2wt%) were prepared by calcination of electrospun mats composed of polyvinyl acetate, titanium isopropoxyl and zirconium n-propoxyl. For all formulations, the results have shown that the prepared materials are continuous, randomly oriented, and good morphology nanofibers. The average diameter decreased from 353.85nm to 210.78nm after calcination without a considerable influence on the nanofibrous structure regardless the zirconia content. XRD result shows that there is no Rutile nor Brookite phases in the obtained material and the average crystallite size of the sample is affected by the presence of Zr-doping and changed from 23.01nm to 37.63nm for TiO2 and Zr-doped TiO2, respectively. Optical studies have shown Zr-doped TiO2 NFs have more absorbance in the visible region than that of pristine TiO2 NFs; the maximum absorbance is corresponding to the NFs having 1wt% zirconia. The improved spectra of Zr-doped TiO2 in the visible region is attributed to the heterostructure composition resulting from Zr-doping. The absorption bandgaps were calculated using Tauc model as 3.202 and 3.217 for pristine and Zr (1wt%)-doped TiO2 NFs, respectively. Furthermore, in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells, utilizing Zr (1wt%)-doped TiO2 nanofibers achieved higher efficiency of 4.51% compared to the 1.61% obtained from the pristine TiO2 NFs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low temperature rf sputtering deposition of (Ba, Sr) TiO3 thin film with crystallization enhancement by rf power supplied to the substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimaru, Masaki; Takehiro, Shinobu; Abe, Kazuhide; Onoda, Hiroshi

2005-05-01

The (Ba, Sr) TiO3 thin film deposited by radio frequency (rf) sputtering requires a high deposition temperature near 500 °C to realize a high relative dielectric constant over of 300. For example, the film deposited at 330 °C contains an amorphous phase and shows a low relative dielectric constant of less than 100. We found that rf power supplied not only to the (Ba, Sr) TiO3 sputtering target, but also to the substrate during the initial step of film deposition, enhanced the crystallization of the (Ba, Sr) TiO3 film drastically and realized a high dielectric constant of the film even at low deposition temperatures near 300 °C. The 50-nm-thick film with only a 10 nm initial layer deposited with the substrate rf biasing is crystallized completely and shows a high relative dielectric constant of 380 at the deposition temperature of 330 °C. The (Ba, Sr) TiO3 film deposited at higher temperatures (upwards of 400 °C) shows <110> preferred orientation, while the film deposited at 330 °C with the 10 nm initial layer shows a <111> preferred orientation on a <001>-oriented ruthenium electrode. The unit cell of (Ba, Sr) TiO3 (111) plane is similar to that of ruthenium (001) plane. We conclude that the rf power supplied to the substrate causes ion bombardments on the (Ba, Sr) TiO3 film surface, which assists the quasiepitaxial growth of (Ba, Sr) TiO3 film on the ruthenium electrode at low temperatures of less than 400 °C.

Amino-Acid-Induced Preferential Orientation of Perovskite Crystals for Enhancing Interfacial Charge Transfer and Photovoltaic Performance.

PubMed

Shih, Yen-Chen; Lan, Yu-Bing; Li, Chia-Shuo; Hsieh, Hsiao-Chi; Wang, Leeyih; Wu, Chih-I; Lin, King-Fu

2017-06-01

Interfacial engineering of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is attracting intensive attention owing to the charge transfer efficiency at an interface, which greatly influences the photovoltaic performance. This study demonstrates the modification of a TiO 2 electron-transporting layer with various amino acids, which affects charge transfer efficiency at the TiO 2 /CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface in PSC, among which the l-alanine-modified cell exhibits the best power conversion efficiency with 30% enhancement. This study also shows that the (110) plane of perovskite crystallites tends to align in the direction perpendicular to the amino-acid-modified TiO 2 as observed in grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering of thin CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite film. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals less charge transfer resistance at the TiO 2 /CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface after being modified with amino acids, which is also supported by the lower intensity of steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and the reduced PL lifetime of perovskite. In addition, based on the PL measurement with excitation from different side of the sample, amino-acid-modified samples show less surface trapping effect compared to the sample without modification, which may also facilitate charge transfer efficiency at the interface. The results suggest that appropriate orientation of perovskite crystallites at the interface and trap-passivation are the niche for better photovoltaic performance. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Demonstration of Tuning to Stimulus Orientation in the Human Visual Cortex: A High-Resolution fMRI Study with a Novel Continuous and Periodic Stimulation Paradigm

PubMed Central

Sun, Pei; Gardner, Justin L.; Costagli, Mauro; Ueno, Kenichi; Waggoner, R. Allen; Tanaka, Keiji; Cheng, Kang

2013-01-01

Cells in the animal early visual cortex are sensitive to contour orientations and form repeated structures known as orientation columns. At the behavioral level, there exist 2 well-known global biases in orientation perception (oblique effect and radial bias) in both animals and humans. However, their neural bases are still under debate. To unveil how these behavioral biases are achieved in the early visual cortex, we conducted high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments with a novel continuous and periodic stimulation paradigm. By inserting resting recovery periods between successive stimulation periods and introducing a pair of orthogonal stimulation conditions that differed by 90° continuously, we focused on analyzing a blood oxygenation level-dependent response modulated by the change in stimulus orientation and reliably extracted orientation preferences of single voxels. We found that there are more voxels preferring horizontal and vertical orientations, a physiological substrate underlying the oblique effect, and that these over-representations of horizontal and vertical orientations are prevalent in the cortical regions near the horizontal- and vertical-meridian representations, a phenomenon related to the radial bias. Behaviorally, we also confirmed that there exists perceptual superiority for horizontal and vertical orientations around horizontal and vertical meridians, respectively. Our results, thus, refined the neural mechanisms of these 2 global biases in orientation perception. PMID:22661413

Vertical TiO2 Nanorods as a Medium for Stable and High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Modules.

PubMed

Fakharuddin, Azhar; Di Giacomo, Francesco; Palma, Alessandro L; Matteocci, Fabio; Ahmed, Irfan; Razza, Stefano; D'Epifanio, Alessandra; Licoccia, Silvia; Ismail, Jamil; Di Carlo, Aldo; Brown, Thomas M; Jose, Rajan

2015-08-25

Perovskite solar cells employing CH3NH3PbI3-xClx active layers show power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 20% in single cells and 13% in large area modules. However, their operational stability has often been limited due to degradation of the CH3NH3PbI3-xClx active layer. Here, we report a perovskite solar module (PSM, best and av. PCE 10.5 and 8.1%), employing solution-grown TiO2 nanorods (NRs) as the electron transport layer, which showed an increase in performance (∼5%) even after shelf-life investigation for 2500 h. A crucial issue on the module fabrication was the patterning of the TiO2 NRs, which was solved by interfacial engineering during the growth process and using an optimized laser pulse for patterning. A shelf-life comparison with PSMs built on TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs, best and av. PCE 7.9 and 5.5%) of similar thickness and on a compact TiO2 layer (CL, best and av. PCE 5.8 and 4.9%) shows, in contrast to that observed for NR PSMs, that PCE in NPs and CL PSMs dropped by ∼50 and ∼90%, respectively. This is due to the fact that the CH3NH3PbI3-xClx active layer shows superior phase stability when incorporated in devices with TiO2 NR scaffolds.

Texturing of sodium bismuth titanate-barium titanate ceramics by templated grain growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yilmaz, Huseyin

2002-01-01

Sodium bismuth titanate modified with barium titanate, (Na1/2Bi 1/2)TiO3-BaTiO3 (NBT-BT), is a candidate lead-free piezoelectric material which has been shown to have comparatively high piezoelectric response. In this work, textured (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO 3-BaTiO3 (5.5mol% BaTiO3) ceramics with <100> pc (where pc denotes the pseudocubic perovskite cell) orientation were fabricated by Templated Grain Growth (TGG) or Reactive Templated Grain Growth (RTGG) using anisotropically shaped template particles. In the case of TGG, molten salt synthesized SrTiO3 platelets were tape cast with a (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-5.5mol%BaTiO3 powder and sintered at 1200°C for up to 12 hours. For the RTGG approach, Bi4Ti3O12 (BiT) platelets were tape cast with a Na2CO3, Bi2O3, TiO 2, and BaCO3 powder mixture and reactively sintered. The TGG approach using SrTiO3 templates gave stronger texture along [001] compared to the RTGG approach using BiT templates. The textured ceramics were characterized by X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction for the quality of texture. The texture function was quantified by the Lotgering factor, rocking curve, pole figures, inverse pole figures, and orientation imaging microscopy. Electrical and electromechanical property characterization of randomly oriented and <001>pc textured (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO 3-5.5 mol% BaTiO3 rhombohedral ceramics showed 0.26% strain at 70 kV/cm, d33 coefficients over 500 pC/N have been obtained for highly textured samples (f ˜ 90%). The piezoelectric coefficient from Berlincourt was d33 ˜ 200 pC/N. The materials show considerable hysteresis. The presence of hysteresis in the unipolar-electric field curve is probably linked to the ferroelastic phase transition seen in the (Na 1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 system on cooling from high temperature at ˜520°C. The macroscopic physical properties (remanent polarization, dielectric constant, and piezoelectric coefficient) of random and textured ([001] pc) rhombohedral perovskites were estimated by linear averaging of single crystal data. However, the complete polarization, dielectric, and piezoelectric tensors are not available for NBT-BT single crystals. Therefore, the properties of lead based (PZT, 52/48) rhombohedral ferroelectric single domain-single crystals, whose properties (polarization, dielectric and piezoelectric) were computed using Landau-Ginsburg-Devonshire phenomenological theory (by Haun et. al.), were used in the calculations for random and textured cases. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Preparation and characterization of nanorod-like TiO2 and ZnO films used for charge-transport buffer layers in P3HT based organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thao, Tran Thi; Long, Dang Dinh; Truong, Vo-Van; Dinh, Nguyen Nang

2016-08-01

With the aim of findingout the appropriate buffer layers for organic solar cells (OSC), TiO2 and ZnO on ITO/glass were prepared as nanorod-like thin films. The TiO2 films were crystallyzed in the anatase phase and the ZnO films, in the wurtzite structure. The nanorods in both the fims have a similar size of 15 to 20 nm in diameter and 30 to 50 nm in length. The nanorods have an orientation nearly perpendicular to the ITO-substrate surface. From UV-Vis data the bandgap of the TiO2 and ZnO films were determined tobe 3.26 eV and 3.42 eV, respectively. The laminar organic solar cells with added TiO2 and ZnO, namely ITO/TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al (TBD) and ITO/ZnO/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al (ZBD)were made for characterization of the energy conversion performance. As a result, comparing to TiO2,the nanorod-likeZnO filmwas found to be a much better buffer layer that made the fill factor improve from a value of 0.60 for TBD to 0.82 for ZBD, and consequently thePCE was enhanced from 0.84 for TBD to 1.17% for ZBD.

Novel three-dimensionally ordered macroporous Fe3+-doped TiO2 photocatalysts for H2 production and degradation applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xiaoqing; Xue, Chao; Yang, Bolun; Yang, Guidong

2017-02-01

Novel three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Fe3+-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared using a colloidal crystal template method with low-cost raw material including ferric trichloride, isopropanol, tetrabutyl titanate and polymethyl methacrylate. The as-prepared 3DOM Fe3+-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by various analytical techniques. TEM and SEM results showed that the obtained photocatalysts possess well-ordered macroporous structure in three dimensional orientations. As proved by XPS and EDX analysis that Fe3+ ions have been introduced TiO2 lattice and the doped Fe3+ ions can act as the electron acceptor/donor centers to significantly enhance the electron transfer from the bulk to surface of TiO2, resulting in more electrons could take part in the oxygen reduction process thereby decreasing the recombination rate of photogenerated charges. Meanwhile, the 3DOM architecture with the feature of interfacial chemical reaction active sites and optical absorption active sites is remarkably favorable for the reactant transfer and light trapping in the photoreaction process. As a result, the 3DOM Fe3+-doped TiO2 photocatalysts show the considerably higher photocatalytic activity for decomposition of the Rhodamine B (RhB) and the generation of hydrogen under visible light irradiation due to the synergistic effects of open, interconnected macroporous network and metal ion doping.

Two-stage epitaxial growth of vertically-aligned SnO 2 nano-rods on(001) ceria

DOE PAGES

Solovyov, Vyacheslav F.; Wu, Li-jun; Rupich, Martin W.; ...

2014-09-20

Growth of high-aspect ratio oriented tin oxide, SnO 2, nano-rods is complicated by a limited choice of matching substrates. We show that a (001) cerium oxide, CeO 2, surface uniquely enables epitaxial growth of tin-oxide nano-rods via a two-stage process. First, (100) oriented nano-wires coat the ceria surface by lateral growth, forming a uniaxially-textured SnO 2 deposit. Second, vertical SnO 2nano-rods nucleate on the deposit by homoepitaxy. We demonstrate growth of vertically oriented 1-2 μm long nano-rods with an average diameter of ≈20 nm.

In-vitro bioactivity and electrochemical behavior of polyaniline encapsulated titania nanotube arrays for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agilan, P.; Rajendran, N.

2018-05-01

Titania nanotube arrays (TNTA) have attracted increasing attention due to their outstanding properties and potential applications in biomedical field. Fabrication of titania nanotubes on titanium surface enhances the biocompatibility. Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the best conducting polymers with remarkable corrosion resistance and reasonable biocompatibility. In this work, the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of polyaniline encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes for orthopaedic applications were investigated. The vertically oriented, highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated on titanium by electrochemical anodization process using fluoride containing electrolytes. The anodization parameters viz., voltage, pH, time and electrolyte concentration were optimized to get orderly arranged TNTA. Further, the conducting polymer PANI was encapsulated on TNTA by electropolymerization process to enhance the corrosion resistance. The nanostructure of the fabricated TNTA and polyaniline encapsulated titania nanotube arrays (PANI-TNTA) were investigated by HR SEM analysis. The formed phases and functional groups were find using XRD, ATR-FTIR. The hydrophilic surface of TNTA and PANI-TNTA was identified by water contact angle studies. The corrosion behavior of specimens was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization studies. In-vitro immersion studies were carried out in simulated body fluid solution (Hanks' solution) to evaluate the bioactivity of the TNTA and PANI-TNTA. The surface morphological studies revealed the formation of PANI on the TNTA surface. Formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the surfaces of TNTA and PANI-TNTA enhanced the bioactivity and corrosion resistance.

Matching characteristics of different buffer layers with VO2 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kai; Zhang, Dongping; Liu, Yi; Guan, Tianrui; Qin, Xiaonan; Zhong, Aihua; Cai, Xingmin; Fan, Ping; Lv, Weizhong

2016-10-01

VO2 thin films were fabricated by reactive DC magnetron sputtering on different buffer layers of MgF2, Al2O3 and TiO2, respectively. The crystallinity and orientation relationship, thickness of VO2 thin films, atoms vibrational modes, optical and electrical property, surface morphology of films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering microscopy, step profiler, spectrophotometer, four-probe technique, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. XRD results investigated that the films have preferential crystalline planes VO2 (011). The crystallinity of VO2 films grown on TiO2 buffer layers are superior to VO2 directly deposited on soda-lime glass. The Raman bands of the VO2 films correspond to an Ag symmetry mode of VO2 (M). The sample prepared on 100nm TiO2 buffer layer appears nanorods structure, and exhibits remarkable solar energy modulation ability as high as 5.82% in full spectrum and 23% in near infrared spectrum. Cross-sectional SEM image of the thin films samples indicate that MgF2 buffer layer has clear interface with VO2 layer. But there are serious interdiffusion phenomenons between Al2O3, TiO2 buffer layer with VO2 layer.

Origin of vertical orientation in two-dimensional metal halide perovskites and its effect on photovoltaic performance.

PubMed

Chen, Alexander Z; Shiu, Michelle; Ma, Jennifer H; Alpert, Matthew R; Zhang, Depei; Foley, Benjamin J; Smilgies, Detlef-M; Lee, Seung-Hun; Choi, Joshua J

2018-04-06

Thin films based on two-dimensional metal halide perovskites have achieved exceptional performance and stability in numerous optoelectronic device applications. Simple solution processing of the 2D perovskite provides opportunities for manufacturing devices at drastically lower cost compared to current commercial technologies. A key to high device performance is to align the 2D perovskite layers, during the solution processing, vertical to the electrodes to achieve efficient charge transport. However, it is yet to be understood how the counter-intuitive vertical orientations of 2D perovskite layers on substrates can be obtained. Here we report a formation mechanism of such vertically orientated 2D perovskite in which the nucleation and growth arise from the liquid-air interface. As a consequence, choice of substrates can be liberal from polymers to metal oxides depending on targeted application. We also demonstrate control over the degree of preferential orientation of the 2D perovskite layers and its drastic impact on device performance.

Tuning piezoelectric properties through epitaxy of La2Ti2O7 and related thin films

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

Kaspar, Tiffany C.; Hong, Seungbum; Bowden, Mark E.

2018-02-14

Current piezoelectric sensors and actuators are limited to operating temperatures less than ~200°C due to the low Curie temperature of the piezoelectric material. High temperature piezoelectric materials such as La2Ti2O7 (LTO) would facilitate the development of high-temperature sensors if the piezoelectric coupling coefficient could be maximized. We have deposited epitaxial LTO films on SrTiO3(001), SrTiO3(110), and rutile TiO2(110) substrates by pulsed laser deposition, and show that the crystalline orientation of the LTO film, and thus its piezoelectric coupling direction, can be controlled by epitaxial matching to the substrate. The structure and phase purity of the films were investigated by x-raymore » diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy. To characterize the piezoelectric properties, piezoresponse force microscopy was used to measure the in-plane and out-of-plane piezoelectric coupling in the films. We find that the strength of the out-of-plane piezoelectric coupling can be increased when the piezoelectric crystalline direction is rotated partially out-of-plane via epitaxy. The strongest out-of-plane coupling is observed for LTO/STO(001). Deposition on TiO2(110) results in epitaxial La2/3TiO3, an orthorhombic perovskite of interest as a microwave dielectric material. La2/3TiO3 can be difficult to stabilize in bulk form, and epitaxial deposition has not been previously reported. These results confirm that control of the crystalline orientation of LTO-based materials can increase the out-of-plane strength of its piezoelectric coupling, which can be exploited in piezoelectric devices.« less

Two-stage epitaxial growth of vertically-aligned SnO2 nano-rods on (001) ceria

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

Solovyov, VF; Wu, LJ; Rupich, MW

2014-12-15

Growth of high-aspect ratio oriented tin oxide, SnO2, nano-rods is complicated by a limited choice of matching substrates. We show that a (001) cerium oxide, CeO2, surface uniquely enables epitaxial growth of tin-oxide nano-rods via a two-stage process. First, (100) oriented nano-wires coat the ceria surface by lateral growth, forming a uniaxially-textured SnO2 deposit. Second, vertical SnO2 nano-rods nucleate on the deposit by homoepitaxy. We demonstrate growth of vertically oriented 1-2 mu m long nano-rods with an average diameter of approximate to 20 nm. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tunable top-down fabrication and functional surface coating of single-crystal titanium dioxide nanostructures and nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Seungkyu; Janissen, Richard; Ussembayev, Yera Ye.; van Oene, Maarten M.; Solano, Belen; Dekker, Nynke H.

2016-05-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a key component of diverse optical and electronic applications that exploit its exceptional material properties. In particular, the use of TiO2 in its single-crystalline phase can offer substantial advantages over its amorphous and polycrystalline phases for existing and yet-to-be-developed applications. However, the implementation of single-crystal TiO2 has been hampered by challenges in its fabrication and subsequent surface functionalization. Here, we introduce a novel top-down approach that allows for batch fabrication of uniform high-aspect-ratio single-crystal TiO2 nanostructures with targeted sidewall profiles. We complement our fabrication approach with a functionalization strategy that achieves dense, uniform, and area-selective coating with a variety of biomolecules. This allows us to fabricate single-crystal rutile TiO2 nanocylinders tethered with individual DNA molecules for use as force- and torque-transducers in an optical torque wrench. These developments provide the means for increased exploitation of the superior material properties of single-crystal TiO2 at the nanoscale.Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a key component of diverse optical and electronic applications that exploit its exceptional material properties. In particular, the use of TiO2 in its single-crystalline phase can offer substantial advantages over its amorphous and polycrystalline phases for existing and yet-to-be-developed applications. However, the implementation of single-crystal TiO2 has been hampered by challenges in its fabrication and subsequent surface functionalization. Here, we introduce a novel top-down approach that allows for batch fabrication of uniform high-aspect-ratio single-crystal TiO2 nanostructures with targeted sidewall profiles. We complement our fabrication approach with a functionalization strategy that achieves dense, uniform, and area-selective coating with a variety of biomolecules. This allows us to fabricate single-crystal rutile TiO2 nanocylinders tethered with individual DNA molecules for use as force- and torque-transducers in an optical torque wrench. These developments provide the means for increased exploitation of the superior material properties of single-crystal TiO2 at the nanoscale. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details (ESI Methods) of the optic axis orientation of TiO2 nanocylinders, Cr etch mask fabrication, surface functionalization and its evaluation using fluorescence microscopy, preparation of DNA constructs, assembly of flow cells, bioconjugation of TiO2 nanocylinders, OTW instrumentation and measurements; TiO2 dry etching optimization and the etching parameters employed (Tables S1 and S2); dimensional analysis of TiO2 nanocylinders (Table S3); diverse applications of TiO2 at the nanoscale (Fig. S1); selection of etch mask material (Fig. S2); control of sidewall profiles in TiO2 etching (Fig. S3); size distributions of TiO2 nanocylinders (Fig. S4); quantitative comparisons of different surface linker molecules (Fig. S5); DLS measurements on TiO2 nanocylinders (Fig. S6); optical trap calibration (Fig. S7); and supplementary references. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00898d

Influence of TiO2(110) surface roughness on growth and stability of thin organic films.

PubMed

Szajna, K; Kratzer, M; Wrana, D; Mennucci, C; Jany, B R; Buatier de Mongeot, F; Teichert, C; Krok, F

2016-10-14

We have investigated the growth and stability of molecular ultra-thin films, consisting of rod-like semiconducting para-hexaphenyl (6P) molecules vapor deposited on ion beam modified TiO 2 (110) surfaces. The ion bombarded TiO 2 (110) surfaces served as growth templates exhibiting nm-scale anisotropic ripple patterns with controllable parameters, like ripple depth and length. In turn, by varying the ripple depth one can tailor the average local slope angle and the local step density/terrace width of the stepped surface. Here, we distinguish three types of substrates: shallow, medium, and deep rippled surfaces. On these substrates, 6P sub-monolayer deposition was carried out in ultra-high vacuum by organic molecular beam evaporation (OMBE) at room temperature leading to the formation of islands consisting of upright standing 6P molecules, which could be imaged by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It has been found that the local slope and terrace width of the TiO 2 template strongly influences the stability of OMBE deposited 6P islands formed on the differently rippled substrates. This effect is demonstrated by means of tapping mode AFM, where an oscillating tip was used as a probe for testing the stability of the organic structures. We conclude that by increasing the local slope of the TiO 2 (110) surface the bonding strength between the nearest neighbor standing molecules is weakened due to the presence of vertical displacement in the molecular layer in correspondence to the TiO 2 atomic step height.

Fast fabrication of long TiO2 nanotube array with high photoelectrochemical property on flexible stainless steel.

PubMed

Tao, Jie; Wu, Tao; Gao, Peng

2012-03-01

Oriented highly ordered long TiO2 nanotube array films with nanopore structure and high photoelectrochemical property were fabricated on flexible stainless steel substrate (50 microm) by anodization treatment of titanium thin films in a short time. The samples were characterized by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoelectrochemical methods, respectively. The results showed that Ti films deposited at the condition of 0.7 Pa Ar pressure and 96 W sputtering power at room temperature was uniform and dense with good homogeneity and high crystallinity. The voltage and the anodization time both played significant roles in the formation of TiO2 nanopore-nanotube array film. The optimal voltage was 60 V and the anodization time is less than 30 min by anodizing Ti films in ethylene glycerol containing 0.5% (w) NH4F and 3% (w) H2O. The growth rate of TiO2 nanotube array was as high as 340 nm/min. Moreover, the photocurrent-potential curves, photocurrent response curves and electrochemical impedance spectra results indicated that the TiO2 nanotube array film with the nanoporous structure exhibited a better photo-response ability and photoelectrochemical performance than the ordinary TiO2 nanotube array film. The reason is that the nanoporous structure on the surface of the nanotube array can separate the photo electron-hole pairs more efficiently and completely than the tubular structure.

Fabrication and Piezoelectric Properties of Textured (Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 Ferroelectric Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagata, Hajime; Saitoh, Masahiro; Hiruma, Yuji; Takenaka, Tadashi

2010-09-01

Textured (Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 (BKT) ceramics were prepared by a reactive templated grain growth (RTGG) method to improve their piezoelectric properties. Also, a hot-pressing (HP) method was modified on the basis of RTGG method to obtain dense ceramics and promote the grain orientation. The textured BKT ceramics prepared by the RTGG and HP methods exhibited a relatively high orientation factor F of 0.82 and a high density ratio of 95-99%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the textured HP-BKT indicated a textured and poreless microstructure. In addition, the resistivity of the textured HP-BKT was 1.73×1013 Ω·cm. The piezoelectric strain constant d33 determined by means of resonance and antiresonance method was 125 pC/N for the direction parallel to the sheet-stacking direction of the RTGG process. From the measurement of field-induced stain, the normalized d33* (=Smax/Emax) at 80 kV/cm were 127 and 238 pm/V on the randomly oriented and textured samples (F=0.82) for the (∥) direction, respectively.

Low temperature growth of ZnO nanorods array via solution-immersion on TiO2 seed layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asib, N. A. M.; Aadila, A.; Afaah, A. N.; Rusop, M.; Khusaimi, Z.

2018-05-01

In this work, TiO2:ZNR thin films were successfully fabricated on glass substrates at low temperatures of 75 to 90°C. The substrates were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) using sol-gel spin coating, which act as seed layer to grow zinc oxide nanorods (ZNR) by solution-immersion method. At 90 and 95° C, ZNR with hexagonal tip are well dispersed without any aggregation and exhibit more uniform nanorods array as observed using FESEM. The diffraction peak intensity of the (0 0 2)-plane increased as the temperature increased, indicating improved orientation in the c-axis direction of the ZNR as detected in XRD patterns. From UV-Vis absorbance spectra, it was found that the samples has higher absorption properties at middle range of immersion temperatures; 80, 85 and 90°C.

Rutile IrO2/TiO2 superlattices: A hyperconnected analog to the Ruddelsden-Popper structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawasaki, Jason K.; Baek, David; Paik, Hanjong; Nair, Hari P.; Kourkoutis, Lena F.; Schlom, Darrell G.; Shen, Kyle M.

2018-05-01

Dimensionality and connectivity among octahedra play important roles in determining the properties, electronic structure, and phase transitions of transition-metal oxides. Here we demonstrate the epitaxial growth of (110)-oriented alternating layers of IrO2 and TiO2, both of which have the rutile structure. These (IrO2)n/(TiO2)2 superlattices consist of IrO6 and TiO6 octahedra tiled in a hyperconnected, edge- and corner-sharing network. Despite the large lattice mismatch between constituent layers (Δ d∥=-2.1 % and Δ c =+6.6 % ), our reactive molecular-beam epitaxy-grown superlattices show high structural quality as determined by x-ray diffraction and sharp interfaces as observed by transmission electron microscopy. The large strain at the interface is accommodated by an ordered interfacial reconstruction. The superlattices show persistent metallicity down to n =3 atomic layers, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements reveal quantized sub-bands with signatures of IrO2-IrO2 interlayer coupling.

Hydrothermal growth of highly textured BaTiO₃ films composed of nanowires.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhi; Lin, Yirong; Tang, Haixiong; Sodano, Henry A

2013-03-08

Textured barium titanate (BaTiO(3)) films are attracting immense research interest due to their lead-free composition and excellent piezoelectric and dielectric properties. Most synthesis methods for these films require a high temperature, leading to the formation of a secondary phase and an overall decrease in the electrical properties of the ceramic. In order to alleviate these issues, a novel fabrication method is introduced by transferring oriented rutile TiO(2) nanowires to a textured BaTiO(3) film at temperatures below 160 °C. The microstructure and thickness of the fabricated BaTiO(3) films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the crystal structure and degree of orientation were evaluated by x-ray diffraction patterns using the Lotgering method. It is shown that the thickness of the BaTiO(3) film can be controlled by the length of TiO(2) nanowire array template, and the degree of orientation of the textured BaTiO(3) films is highly dependent on the film thickness; the crystallographic orientation has been measured to reach up to 87%. The relative dielectric constant (ε(r) = 1300) and ferroelectric properties (P(r) = 2.7 μC cm(-2), E(c) = 4.0 kV mm(-1)) of the textured BaTiO(3) films were also characterized to demonstrate their potential application in sensors, random access memory, and micro-electromechanical systems.

Anatase TiO2 single crystals with dominant {0 0 1} facets: Synthesis, shape-control mechanism and photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Huifen; Zhou, Yingying; Chang, Gang; Li, Pai; Zhu, Ruizhi; He, Yunbin

2018-06-01

Anatase TiO2 micro-crystals with 51% surface exposing highly active {0 0 1} facets are prepared by hydrothermal synthesis using TiF4 as Ti resource and HF as morphology control agent. In addition, anatase TiO2 single crystals exposing large {0 0 1} crystal facets are facilely synthesized with "green" NaF plus HCl replacing HF for the morphology control. A series of comparative experiments are carried out for separately studying the effects of F- and H+ concentrations on the growth of TiO2 crystals, which have not been understood very much in depth so far. The results indicate that both F- and H+ synergistically affect the synthesis of truncated anatase octahedrons, where F- is preferentially adsorbed on the {0 0 1} facets resulting in lateral growth of these facets and H+ adjusts the growth rate of anatase TiO2 along different orientations by tuning the hydrolysis rate. Based on this information, anatase TiO2 single crystals with small size (1.3 μm) and large exposure of {0 0 1} facets (45%) are successfully prepared under optimal conditions ([H+]/[F-] = 20:1). Photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared products toward methylene blue photo-degradation are further tested. It is revealed that both crystal size and percentage of {0 0 1} facets are decisive for the photocatalytic performance, and the crystals with a small size (1.3 μm) and large exposure of {0 0 1} facets (45%) are catalytically most active. This work has clarified the main factors that control the growth process and morphology of anatase TiO2 single crystals for achieving superior photocatalytic properties.

Enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity of C-dots modified g-C3N4/TiO2 nanosheets composites.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Feng, Xionghan; Lu, Zhexue; Yin, Hui; Liu, Fan; Xiang, Quanjun

2018-03-01

As a new carbon-based material, carbon dots (C-dots) have got widely preference because of its excellent electronic transfer capability. In this work, a novel ternary layered C-dots/g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 nanosheets (CGT) composite photocatalysts were prepared by impregnation precipitation methods. The optimal ternary CGT composite samples revealed high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate in triethanolamine aqueous solutions, which exceeded the rate of the optimal g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 composite sample by a factor of 5 times. The improved photocatalytic activity is owed to the positive effects of C-dots and layered heterojunction structure of TiO 2 nanosheets and g-C 3 N 4 sheets. C-dots in the CGT composites can serve as electron reservoirs to capture the photo-induced electrons. The well-defined layered heterojunction structure of CGT provides the intimate contact and the strong interaction of anatase TiO 2 nanosheets and g-C 3 N 4 sheets via face-to-face orientation, which restrains the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, and thus enhances the photocatalytic H 2 -production activity. Electron paramagnetic resonance and transient photocurrent response proved the strong interaction and improved interfacial charge transfer of TiO 2 nanosheets and g-C 3 N 4 sheets, respectively. The mechanism of improving the photocatalytic H 2 -evolution activity was further confirmed by time-resolved fluorescence, electron paramagnetic resonance, transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Immobilization of Ag nanoparticles/FGF-2 on a modified titanium implant surface and improved human gingival fibroblasts behavior.

PubMed

Ma, Qianli; Mei, Shenglin; Ji, Kun; Zhang, Yumei; Chu, Paul K

2011-08-01

The objective of this study was to form a rapid and firm soft tissue sealing around dental implants that resists bacterial invasion. We present a novel approach to modify Ti surface by immobilizing Ag nanoparticles/FGF-2 compound bioactive factors onto a titania nanotubular surface. The titanium samples were anodized to form vertically organized TiO(2) nanotube arrays and Ag nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto the nanotubular surface, on which FGF-2 was immobilized with repeated lyophilization. A uniform distribution of Ag nanoparticles/FGF-2 was observed on the TiO(2) nanotubular surface. The L929 cell line was used for cytotoxicity assessment. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured on the modified surface for cytocompatibility determination. The Ag/FGF-2 immobilized samples displayed excellent cytocompatibility, negligible cytotoxicity, and enhanced HGF functions such as cell attachment, proliferation, and ECM-related gene expression. The Ag nanoparticles also exhibit some bioactivity. In conclusion, this modified TiO(2) nanotubular surface has a large potential for use in dental implant abutment. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Copper Nanowire Production for Interconnect Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Han, Jin-Woo (Inventor); Meyyappan, Meyya (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A method of fabricating metallic Cu nanowires with lengths up to about 25 micrometers and diameters in a range 20-100 nanometers, or greater if desired. Vertically oriented or laterally oriented copper oxide structures (CuO and/or Cu2O) are grown on a Cu substrate. The copper oxide structures are reduced with 99+ percent H or H2, and in this reduction process the lengths decrease (to no more than about 25 micrometers), the density of surviving nanostructures on a substrate decreases, and the diameters of the surviving nanostructures have a range, of about 20-100 nanometers. The resulting nanowires are substantially pure Cu and can be oriented laterally (for local or global interconnects) or can be oriented vertically (for standard vertical interconnects).

Structural characterization of oxidized titanium surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jobin, M.; Taborelli, M.; Descouts, P.

1995-05-01

Oxidized titanium surfaces resulting from various processes have been structurally characterized by means of scanning force microscopy, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with losses in the 0-100 eV range. It has been found that the surface morphology has a granular structure for electropolished titanium and for titanium evaporated on mica at low substrate temperature (570 K), but changes to flat terraces for the films evaporated at higher temperature (770 K). Angular-dependent XPS has revealed the presence of a Ti2O3 suboxide at the Ti/TiO2 interface for electropolished titanium. Dry oxidation has been performed at 770 and 970 K on both weakly and highly crystallized evaporated titanium films oriented along (0001). In the case of underlying crystallized metallic titanium, the resulting TiO2 films are crystallized with the anatase (004) orientation for oxidation at 770 K and with rutile (200) orientation for oxidation at 970 K. EELS spectra interpreted in terms of the molecular orbitals of a (TiO6)8- cluster show that the local octahedral environment of titanium atoms is preserved on native oxides, even if these oxides are not crystallized.

Distributed feedback laser biosensor incorporating a titanium dioxide nanorod surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Chun; Lu, Meng; Zhang, Wei; Cunningham, Brian T.

2010-04-01

A dielectric nanorod structure is used to enhance the label-free detection sensitivity of a vertically-emitting distributed feedback laser biosensor (DFBLB). The device is comprised of a replica molded plastic grating that is subsequently coated with a dye-doped polymer layer and a TiO2 nanorod layer produced by the glancing angle deposition technique. The DFBLB emission wavelength is modulated by the adsorption of biomolecules, whose greater dielectric permittivity with respect to the surrounding liquid media will increase the laser wavelength in proportion to the density of surface-adsorbed biomaterial. The nanorod layer provides greater surface area than a solid dielectric thin film, resulting in the ability to incorporate a greater number of molecules. The detection of a monolayer of protein polymer poly (Lys, Phe) is used to demonstrate that a 90 nm TiO2 nanorod structure improves the detection sensitivity by a factor of 6.6 compared to an identical sensor with a nonporous TiO2 surface.

Product selectivity of visible-light photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide using titanium dioxide doped by different nitrogen-sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhaoguo; Huang, Zhengfeng; Cheng, Xudong; Wang, Qingli; Chen, Yi; Dong, Peimei; Zhang, Xiwen

2015-11-01

The influence of nitrogen-source on the photocatalytic properties of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide is herein first investigated from the perspective of the chemical bond form of the nitrogen element in the nitrogen-source. The definitive role of groups such as Nsbnd N from the nitrogen-source on the surface of as-prepared samples in the selectivity of the dominant product of photocatalytic reduction is demonstrated. Well-crystallized one-dimensional Nsbnd TiO2 nanorod arrays with a preferred orientation of the rutile (3 1 0) facet are manufactured via a hydrothermal treatment using hydrazine and ammonia variously as the source of nitrogen. Significant selectivity of the dominant reduced products has been exhibited for Nsbnd TiO2 prepared from different nitrogen-sources in carbon dioxide photocatalytic reduction under visible light illumination. CH4 is the main product with N2H4-doped Nsbnd TiO2, while CO is the main product with NH3-doped Nsbnd TiO2, which can be attributed to the existence of the reducing Nsbnd N groups in the N2H4-doped Nsbnd TiO2 surfaces after the hydrothermal treatment. Compared with the approaches previously reported, the facile one-step route utilized here accomplishes the fabrication of Nsbnd TiO2 possessing visible-light activity and attainment of selectivity of dominant photocatalytic reduction product simultaneously by choosing a nitrogen-source with appropriate chemical bond form, which provides a completely new approach to understanding the effects of doping treatment on photocatalytic properties.

Fast growth with crystal splitting of morphology-controllable Bi2S3 flowers on TiO2 nanotube arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, L. X.; Ding, Y. B.; Luo, S. L.; Luo, Y.; Deng, F.; Li, Y.

2013-03-01

Bi2S3 crystals with flower-like morphologies are deposited on TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTs) by applying the cathodic pulse electrodeposition (PED) technique at 120 °C in 20 s. The highly oriented TiO2 NTs/Ti serving as substrate has high surface energy which is favorable for Gibbs free energy decreasing in nucleation process. Numerous boundaries between NTs are nucleation sites for atomic clusters, resulting in a fast nucleation velocity. Effective and fast heterogeneous nucleation initiates a thermodynamic control growth model and finally leads to the fast formation of highly crystallized Bi2S3 with a typical splitting property. Ethylene glycol (EG) was introduced into the electrolytes to inhibit the typical growth along the c axis ([0 0 1] plane) and facilitate the growth along the ab plane, producing Bi2S3 crystals with variable morphologies from sheaves to flowers by increasing EG contents.

Orientation dependent ferroelectric properties in samarium doped bismuth titanate thin films grown by the pulsed-laser-ablation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Zhenxiang; Kannan, Chinna Venkatasamy; Ozawa, Kiyoshi; Kimura, Hideo; Wang, Xiaolin

2006-07-01

Samarium doped bismuth titanate thin films with the composition of Bi3.25Sm0.75Ti3O12 and with strong preferred orientations along the c axis and the (117) direction were fabricated on Pt /TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate by pulsed laser ablation. Measurements on Pt /BSmT/Pt capacitors showed that the c-axis oriented film had a small remanent polarization (2Pr) of 5μC/cm2, while the highly (117) oriented film showed a 2Pr value of 54μC/cm2 at an electrical field of 268kV/cm and a coercive field Ec of 89kV/cm. This is different from the sol-gel derived c-axis oriented Bi3.15Sm0.85Ti3O12 film showing a 2Pr value of 49μC/cm2.

Transport and retention of engineered Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2 nanoparticles through various sedimentary rocks.

PubMed

Bayat, Ali Esfandyari; Junin, Radzuan; Shamshirband, Shahaboddin; Chong, Wen Tong

2015-09-16

Engineered aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized in a broad range of applications; causing noticeable quantities of these materials to be released into the environment. Issues of how and where these particles are distributed into the subsurface aquatic environment remain as major challenges for those in environmental engineering. In this study, transport and retention of Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2 NPs through various saturated porous media were investigated. Vertical columns were packed with quartz-sand, limestone, and dolomite grains. The NPs were introduced as a pulse suspended in aqueous solutions and breakthrough curves in the column outlet were generated using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. It was found that Al2O3 and TiO2 NPs are easily transported through limestone and dolomite porous media whereas NPs recoveries were achieved two times higher than those found in the quartz-sand. The highest and lowest SiO2-NPs recoveries were also achieved from the quartz-sand and limestone columns, respectively. The experimental results closely replicated the general trends predicted by the filtration and DLVO calculations. Overall, NPs mobility through a porous medium was found to be strongly dependent on NP surface charge, NP suspension stability against deposition, and porous medium surface charge and roughness.

In situ photoelectrochemical/photocatalytic study of a dye discoloration in a microreactor system using TiO2 thin films.

PubMed

Montero-Ocampo, C; Gago, A; Abadias, G; Gombert, B; Alonso-Vante, N

2012-11-01

In this work, we report in situ studies of UV photoelectrocatalytic discoloration of a dye (indigo carmine) by a TiO(2) thin film in a microreactor to demonstrate the driving force of the applied electrode potential and the dye flow rate toward dye discoloration kinetics. TiO(2) 65-nm-thick thin films were deposited by PVD magnetron sputtering technique on a conducting glass substrate of fluorinated tin oxide. A microreactor to measure the discoloration rate, the electrode potential, and the photocurrent in situ, was developed. The dye solutions, before and after measurements in the microreactor, were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. The annealed TiO(2) thin films had anatase structure with preferential orientation (101). The discoloration rate of the dye increased with the applied potential to TiO(2) electrode. Further, acceleration of the photocatalytic reaction was achieved by utilizing dye flow recirculation to the microreactor. In both cases the photoelectrochemical/photocatalytic discoloration kinetics of the dye follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, with first-order kinetics. The feasibility of dye discoloration on TiO(2) thin film electrodes, prepared by magnetron sputtering using a flow microreactor system, has been clearly demonstrated. The discoloration rate is enhanced by applying a positive potential (E (AP)) and/or increasing the flow rate. The fastest discoloration and shortest irradiation time (50 min) produced 80% discoloration with an external anodic potential of 0.931 V and a flow rate of 12.2 mL min(-1).

Sputtering characteristics, crystal structures, and transparent conductive properties of TiOxNy films deposited on α-Al2O3(0 0 0 1) and glass substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akazawa, Housei

2012-12-01

Adding N2 gas during reactive sputtering of a Ti target prevented the target surface from being severely poisoned by oxygen atoms and sustained a high deposition rate for titanium oxynitride films under metal-mode-like sputtering conditions. With progress in the degree of oxidization, films deposited onto a glass substrate varied from TiO1-xNx having a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure to TiO2-xNx having an anatase structure. Titanium oxynitride films deposited on an Al2O3(0 0 0 1) substrate were epitaxial with major orientations toward the (1 1 1) and (2 0 0) directions for fcc-TiO1-xNx and (1 1 2) for anatase-TiO2-xNx. Intermediately oxidized films between TiO1-xNx and TiO2-xNx were amorphous on the glass substrate but crystallized into a Magneli phase, TinO(N)2n-1, on the Al2O3(0 0 0 1) substrate. Partially substituting oxygen in TiO2 with nitrogen as well as continuously irradiating the growing film surface with a Xe plasma stream preferentially formed anatase rather than rutile. However, the occupation of anion sites with enough oxygen rather than nitrogen was the required condition for anatase crystals to form. The transparent conductive properties of epitaxial TiO2-xNx films on Al2O3(0 0 0 1) were superior to those of microcrystalline films on the glass substrate. Since resistivity and optical transmittance of TiOxNy films vary continuously with changing N2 flow rate, their transparent conductive properties can be controlled more easily than TiOx. Nb5+ ions could be doped as donors in TiO2-xNx anatase crystals.

One-reactor plasma assisted fabrication of ZnO@TiO 2 multishell nanotubes: assessing the impact of a full coverage on the photovoltaic performance.

PubMed

Filippin, Alejandro Nicolas; Macias-Montero, Manuel; Saghi, Zineb; Idígoras, Jesús; Burdet, Pierre; Sanchez-Valencia, Juan R; Barranco, Angel; Migdley, Paul A; Anta, Juan A; Borras, Ana

2017-08-29

This paper addresses the fabrication of vertically aligned ZnO@TiO 2 multishell nanotubes by a combined full vacuum-plasma approach at mild temperatures. The growth is carried out within the premises of a one-reactor approach, i.e. minimizing the number of vacuum chambers and sample transferences. In this way, the interface between ZnO and TiO 2 is fully preserved from humidity thus increasing ZnO durability and stability. These nanostructures are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in STEM (EDX-STEM). High density one-dimensional arrays of these nanotubes formed on FTO substrates are applied as photoanode in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC). The evolution of the dye adsorption capacity and solar cells parameters are explored as a function of the crystallinity and thickness of the TiO 2 shell. The results show the critical effect of a full coverage by TiO 2 of ZnO core to explain the mixed results found in the literature.

Structure and Properties of VO2 and Titanium Dioxide Based Epitaxial Heterostructures Integrated with Silicon and Sapphire Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayati, Mohammad Reza

The main focus of this study was placed on structure-property correlation in TiO2 and VO2 based epitaxial heterostructures where the photochemical and electrical properties were tuned through microstructural engineering. In the framework of domain matching epitaxy, epitaxial growth of TiO2 and VO2 heterostructures on different substrates were explained. The theta-2theta and ϕ scan X-ray diffraction measurements and detailed high resolution electron microscopy studies corroborated our understanding of the epitaxial growth and the crystallographic arrangement across the interfaces. The influence of the laser and substrate variables on structural characteristics of the films was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, room temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In addition, morphological studies were performed by atomic force microscopy. Photochemical properties of the heterostructures were assessed through measuring surface wettability characteristics and photocatalytic reaction rate constant of degradation of 4-chlorophenol under ultraviolet and visible irradiations. We also studied electrical properties employing 4-probe measurement technique. The effect of post treatment processes, such as vacuum annealing and laser treatment, on structure and properties was investigated as well. The role of point defects and deviation from the stoichiometry on photochemical and electrical properties was addressed. In this research, TiO2 epilayers with controlled phase structure, defect content, and crystallographic alignments were grown on sapphire and silicon substrates. Integration with silicon was achieved using cubic and tetragonal yttria-stabilized zirconia buffer layers. I was able to tune the phase structure of the TiO2 based heterostructures from pure rutile to pure anatase and establish an epitaxial relationship across the interfaces in each case. These heterostructures were used for two different purposes. First, their application in environmental remediation was taken into account. The photochemical efficiency of the samples was evaluated under ultraviolet and visible illuminations. I was able to establish a correlation between the growth conditions and the photocatalytic activity of single crystalline TiO 2 thin films. Visible-light-responsive TiO2 films were fabricated via vacuum annealing of the samples where point defects, namely oxygen vacancies and titanium interstitial, are surmised to play a critical role. An ultrafast switching was observed in wetting characteristics of the single crystalline rutile TiO2 films from a hydrophobic state to a superhydrophilic state by single pulsed excimer laser annealing. It was observed that the laser annealing almost doubles the photocatalytic efficiency of the anatase epitaxial thin films. I was able to measure the photochemical properties of the rutile and the anatase TiO2 heterostructures in a controlled way due to the single crystalline nature of the films. Second, the rutile TiO2 epilayers with different out-of-plane orientations were deposited and used as a platform for VO2 based epitaxial heterostructures with the aim of manipulating of microstructure and electrical properties of the VO 2 films. Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is an interesting material due to the abrupt change in electrical resistivity and infrared transmittance at about 68 °C. The transition temperature can be tuned through microstructural engineering. It was the idea behind using rutile TiO2 with different crystallographic orientations as a template to tune the semiconductor to metal transition characteristics of the VO2 top layer. I successfully grew VO2(001), VO2(100), and VO2(2¯01) epitaxial thin films on TiO2(100)/c-sapphire, TiO2(101)/r-sapphire, and TiO2(001)/ m-sapphire platforms, respectively. It was observed that tetragonal phase of VO2 was stabilized at lower temperatures leading to a significant decrease in the semiconductor to metal transition temperature. In other words, we were able to tune the transition temperature of the VO 2 epitaxial heterostructures. This achievement introduces the VO 2 based single crystalline heterostructures as a promising candidate for a wide range of applications where different transition temperatures are required. The epitaxial relationships were established and atomic arrangement across the interfaces was studied in detail.

Insights into Acetone Photochemistry on Rutile TiO2(110). 1. Off-Normal CH3 Ejection from Acetone Diolate.

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

Petrik, Nikolay G.; Henderson, Michael A.; Kimmel, Gregory A.

2015-06-04

Thermal- and photon-stimulated reactions of acetone co-adsorbed with oxygen on rutile TiO2(110) surface are studied with infrared reflection-adsorption spectroscopy (IRAS) combined with temperature programmed desorption and angle-resolved photon stimulated desorption. IRAS results show that n2-acetone diolate ((CH3)2COO) is produced via thermally-activated reactions between the chemisorbed oxygen with co-adsorbed acetone. Formation of acetone diolate is also consistent with 18O / 16O isotopic exchange experiments. During UV irradiation at 30 K, CH3 radicals are ejected from the acetone diolate with a distribution that is peaked at .-. +- 66 degrees from the surface normal along the azimuth (i.e. perpendicular to the rowsmore » of bridging oxygen and Ti5c ions). This distribution is also consistent with the orientation of the C–CH3 bonds in the n2-acetone diolate on TiO2(110). The acetone diolate peaks disappear from the IRAS spectra after UV irradiation and new peaks are observed and associated with n2-acetate. The data presented here demonstrate direct signatures of the proposed earlier 2-step mechanism for acetone photooxidation on TiO2(110)« less

Significant enhancement of power conversion efficiency for dye sensitized solar cell using 1D/3D network nanostructures as photoanodes

PubMed Central

Wang, Hao; Wang, Baoyuan; Yu, Jichao; Hu, Yunxia; Xia, Chen; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Rong

2015-01-01

The single–crystalline TiO2 nanorod arrays with rutile phase have attracted much attention in the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) applications because of their superior chemical stability, better electron transport properties, higher refractive index and low production cost. However, it suffers from a low surface area as compared with TiO2 nanoparticle films. In order to enlarge the surface area of TiO2 nanorod arrays, the 1D nanorods/3D nanotubes sample was synthesized using a facile two-step hydrothermal process involving hydrothermal growth 1D/3D nanorods and followed by post-etching treatment. In such bi-layer structure, the oriented TiO2 nanorods layer could provide direct pathway for fast electron transportation, and the 3D nanotubes layer offers a higher surface area for dye loading, therefore, the 1D nanorods/3D nanotubes photoanode exhibited faster electron transport and higher surface area than either 1D or 3D nanostructures alone, and an highest efficiency of 7.68% was achieved for the DSSCs based on 1D nanorods/3D nanotubes photoanode with further TiCl4 treatment. PMID:25800933

Probing structural changes in Ca(1-x)Nd2x/3TiO3 ceramics by Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowndes, Robert; Deluca, Marco; Azough, Feridoon; Freer, Robert

2013-01-01

Ceramics in the system Ca(1-x)Nd2x/3TiO3, intended for mobile communication applications, exhibit grossly non-linear variations in microwave dielectric properties with composition. There is evidence of a structural transition and the formation of vacancies on the A-site of the perovskite structure. High density, single phase perovskite Ca(1-x)Nd2x/3TiO3 ceramics have been prepared by the mixed oxide route. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the structural variations, which impact on dielectric properties. The Raman spectra show that with increasing Nd content, there is a transition from an ordered structure, to a disordered arrangement of cations and vacancies, and back to an ordered arrangement in Ca0.1Nd0.6TiO3. A structural phase transition from orthorhombic Pbnm to monoclinic C2/m coincides with the order-disorder transition at Ca0.1Nd0.6TiO3. Polarized Raman spectroscopy facilitated the assignment of the Raman modes and investigation of the role of importance of domain structures. Large variation in the plane angles was attributed to differences in domain structures. Differences in the angular dependence of the Raman modes with Nd content reflect changes in the preferred orientation of the domains from lamellar twins, to wedge shaped and back to lamellar twins.

Transport and retention of engineered Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2 nanoparticles through various sedimentary rocks

PubMed Central

Esfandyari Bayat, Ali; Junin, Radzuan; Shamshirband, Shahaboddin; Tong Chong, Wen

2015-01-01

Engineered aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized in a broad range of applications; causing noticeable quantities of these materials to be released into the environment. Issues of how and where these particles are distributed into the subsurface aquatic environment remain as major challenges for those in environmental engineering. In this study, transport and retention of Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2 NPs through various saturated porous media were investigated. Vertical columns were packed with quartz-sand, limestone, and dolomite grains. The NPs were introduced as a pulse suspended in aqueous solutions and breakthrough curves in the column outlet were generated using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. It was found that Al2O3 and TiO2 NPs are easily transported through limestone and dolomite porous media whereas NPs recoveries were achieved two times higher than those found in the quartz-sand. The highest and lowest SiO2-NPs recoveries were also achieved from the quartz-sand and limestone columns, respectively. The experimental results closely replicated the general trends predicted by the filtration and DLVO calculations. Overall, NPs mobility through a porous medium was found to be strongly dependent on NP surface charge, NP suspension stability against deposition, and porous medium surface charge and roughness. PMID:26373598

Development of TiO2 powder-coated food packaging film and its ability to inactivate Escherichia coli in vitro and in actual tests.

PubMed

Chawengkijwanich, Chamorn; Hayata, Yasuyoshi

2008-04-30

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has attracted a great deal of attention as a photocatalytic disinfecting material in the food and environmental industry. TiO2 has been used to inactivate a wide variety of microorganisms in many applications. In the present study, we aimed to develop a TiO2 powder-coated packaging film and clarify its ability to inactivate Escherichia coli both in vitro and in actual tests, using two different particle sizes and two types of illumination at different intensities. No inhibition effect of the testing method itself on the growth of E. coli was observed. The cells of E. coli were found to have decreased 3 log CFU/ml after 180 min of illumination by two 20 W black-light bulbs (wavelength of 300-400 nm) on TiO2-coated oriented-polypropylene (OPP) film, while E. coli decreased 1 log CFU/m with black-light illumination of uncoated OPP film. The results showed that both ultraviolet A (UVA; wavelength of 315-400 nm) alone and TiO2-coated OPP film combined with UVA reduced the number of E. coli cell in vitro, but that the reduction of E. coli cell numbers was greater by TiO2-coated OPP film combined with UVA. The antimicrobial effect of TiO2-coated film is dependent on the UVA light intensity (0, <0.05 and 1 mW/cm2) and the kind of artificial light (black-light and daylight fluorescent bulbs), but it is independent of the particle size of TiO2 coating on the surface of OPP film. The surviving cell numbers of E. coli on TiO2-coated film decreased 3 log and 0.35 log CFU/ml after 180 min of illumination by two 20 W black bulbs and two 20 W daylight fluorescent bulbs, respectively. Despite the lesser efficacy of the photocatalytic method with fluorescent lights, the survival of E. coli cells using this method was 50% of that using fluorescent lights alone. In the actual test, the number of E. coli cells from cut lettuce stored in a TiO2-coated film bag irradiated with UVA light decreased from 6.4 on Day 0 to 4.9 log CFU/g on Day 1, while that of an uncoated film bag irradiated with UVA light decreased from 6.4 to 6.1 log CFU/g after 1 day of storage. The result shows that the TiO2-coated film could reduce the microbial contamination on the surface of solid food products and thus reduce the risks of microbial growth on fresh-cut produce.

Get a Grip: Substrate Orientation and Digital Grasping Pressures in Strepsirrhines.

PubMed

Congdon, Kimberly A; Ravosa, Matthew J

2016-01-01

Skeletal functional morphology in primates underlies many fossil interpretations. Understanding the functional correlates of arboreal grasping is central to identifying locomotor signatures in extinct primates. We tested 3 predictions linking substrate orientation and digital grasping pressures: (1) below-branch pressures are greater than above-branch and vertical-branch pressures; (2) there is no difference in pressure exerted across digits within autopods at any substrate orientation, and (3) there is no difference in pressure exerted between homologous digits across autopods at any substrate orientation. Adult males and females from 3 strepsirrhine species crossed an artificial arboreal substrate oriented for above-, below- and vertical-branch locomotion. We compared digital pressures within and across behaviors via ANOVA and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. Results show limited support for all predictions: below-branch pressures exceeded vertical-branch pressures and above-branch pressures for some digits and species (prediction 1), lateral digits often exerted greater pressures than medial digits (prediction 2), and pedal digits occasionally exerted greater pressures than manual digits during above-branch and vertical orientations but less often for below-branch locomotion (prediction 3). We observed functional variability across autopods, substrate and species that could underlie morphological variation within and across primates. Future work should consider the complexity of arboreality when inferring locomotor modes in fossils. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Rational design of anatase TiO2 architecture with hierarchical nanotubes and hollow microspheres for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Jiuwang; Khan, Javid; Chai, Zhisheng; Yuan, Yufei; Yu, Xiang; Liu, Pengyi; Wu, Mingmei; Mai, Wenjie

2016-01-01

Large surface area, sufficient light-harvesting and superior electron transport property are the major factors for an ideal photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which requires rational design of the nanoarchitectures and smart integration of state-of-the-art technologies. In this work, a 3D anatase TiO2 architecture consisting of vertically aligned 1D hierarchical TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with ultra-dense branches (HTNTs, bottom layer) and 0D hollow TiO2 microspheres with rough surface (HTS, top layer) is first successfully constructed on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide glass through a series of facile processes. When used as photoanodes, the DSSCs achieve a very large short-current density of 19.46 mA cm-2 and a high overall power conversion efficiency of 8.38%. The remarkable photovoltaic performance is predominantly ascribed to the enhanced charge transport capacity of the NTs (function as the electron highway), the large surface area of the branches (act as the electron branch lines), the pronounced light harvesting efficiency of the HTS (serve as the light scattering centers), and the engineered intimate interfaces between all of them (minimize the recombination effect). Our work demonstrates a possibility of fabricating superior photoanodes for high-performance DSSCs by rational design of nanoarchitectures and smart integration of multi-functional components.

One-step synthesis of vertically aligned anatase thornbush-like TiO2 nanowire arrays on transparent conducting oxides for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Roh, Dong Kyu; Chi, Won Seok; Ahn, Sung Hoon; Jeon, Harim; Kim, Jong Hak

2013-08-01

Herein, we report a facile synthesis of high-density anatase-phase vertically aligned thornbush-like TiO2 nanowires (TBWs) on transparent conducting oxide glasses. Morphologically controllable TBW arrays of 9 μm in length are generated through a one-step hydrothermal reaction at 200 °C over 11 h using potassium titanium oxide oxalate dehydrate, diethylene glycol (DEG), and water. The TBWs consist of a large number of nanoplates or nanorods, as confirmed by SEM and TEM imaging. The morphologies of TBWs are controllable by adjusting DEG/water ratios. TBW diameters gradually decrease from 600 (TBW600) to 400 (TBW400) to 200 nm (TBW200) and morphologies change from nanoplates to nanorods with an increase in DEG content. TBWs are utilized as photoanodes for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (qssDSSCs) and solid-state DSSCs (ssDSSCs). The energy-conversion efficiency of qssDSSCs is in the order: TBW200 (5.2%)>TBW400 (4.5%)>TBW600 (3.4%). These results can be attributed to the different surface areas, light-scattering effects, and charge transport rates, as confirmed by dye-loading measurements, reflectance spectroscopy, and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency and intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy/intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy analyses. TBW200 is further treated with a graft-copolymer-directed organized mesoporous TiO2 to increase the surface area and interconnectivity of TBWs. As a result, the energy-conversion efficiency of the ssDSSC increases to 6.7% at 100 mW cm(-2) , which is among the highest values for N719-dye-based ssDSSCs. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

TiO₂ nanoparticle transport and retention through saturated limestone porous media under various ionic strength conditions.

PubMed

Esfandyari Bayat, Ali; Junin, Radzuan; Derahman, Mohd Nawi; Samad, Adlina Abdul

2015-09-01

The impact of ionic strength (from 0.003 to 500mM) and salt type (NaCl vs MgCl2) on transport and retention of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in saturated limestone porous media was systematically studied. Vertical columns were packed with limestone grains. The NPs were introduced as a pulse suspended in aqueous solutions and breakthrough curves in the column outlet were generated using an ultraviolent-visible spectrometry. Presence of NaCl and MgCl2 in the suspensions were found to have a significant influence on the electrokinetic properties of the NP aggregates and limestone grains. In NaCl and MgCl2 solutions, the deposition rates of the TiO2-NP aggregates were enhanced with the increase in ionic strength, a trend consistent with traditional Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Furthermore, the NP aggregates retention increased in the porous media with ionic strength. The presence of salts also caused a considerable delay in the NPs breakthrough time. MgCl2 as compared to NaCl was found to be more effective agent for the deposition and retention of TiO2-NPs. The experimental results followed closely the general trends predicted by the filtration and DLVO calculations. Overall, it was found that TiO2-NP mobility in the limestone porous media depends on ionic strength and salt type. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermophysical properties study of micro/nanoscale materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Xuhui

Thermal transport in low-dimensional structure has attracted tremendous attentions because micro/nanoscale materials play crucial roles in advancing micro/nanoelectronics industry. The thermal properties are essential for understanding of the energy conversion and thermal management. To better investigate micro/nanoscale materials and characterize the thermal transport, pulse laser-assisted thermal relaxation 2 (PLTR2) and transient electrothermal (TET) are both employed to determine thermal property of various forms of materials, including thin films and nanowires. As conducting polymer, Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin film is studied to understand its thermal properties variation with P3HT weight percentage. 4 P3HT solutions of different weight percentages are compounded to fabricate thin films using spin-coating technique. Experimental results indicate that weight percentage exhibits impact on thermophysical properties. When percentage changes from 2% to 7%, thermal conductivity varies from 1.29 to 1.67 W/m·K and thermal diffusivity decreases from 10-6 to 5×10-7 m2/s. Moreover, PLTR2 technique is applied to characterize the three-dimensional anisotropic thermal properties in spin-coated P3HT thin films. Raman spectra verify that the thin films embrace partially orientated P3HT molecular chains, leading to anisotropic thermal transport. Among all three directions, lowest thermal property is observed along out-of-plane direction. For in-plane characterization, anisotropic ratio is around 2 to 3, indicating that the orientation of the molecular chains has strong impact on the thermal transport along different directions. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin film is synthesized by electrospinning features porous structure composed by TiO2 nanowires with random orientations. The porous structure caused significant degradation of thermal properties. Effective thermal diffusivity, conductivity, and density of the films are 1.35˜3.52 × 10-6 m2/s, 0.06˜0.36 W/m·K, and 25.8˜373 kg/m3, respectively, much lower than bulk values. Then single anatase TiO2 nanowire is synthesized to understand intrinsic thermophysical properties and secondary porosity. Thermal diffusivity of nanowires varies from 1.76 to 5.08 × 10-6 m 2/s, while thermal conductivity alters from 1.38 to 6.01 W/m·K. SEM image of TiO2 nanowire shows secondary porous surface structure. In addition, nonlinear effects are also observed with experimental data. Two methods, generalized function analysis and direct capacitance derivation, are developed to suppress nonlinear effects. Effective thermal diffusivities from both modified analysis agree well with each other.

TiO2 nanowire-templated hierarchical nanowire network as water-repelling coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hang, Tian; Chen, Hui-Jiuan; Xiao, Shuai; Yang, Chengduan; Chen, Meiwan; Tao, Jun; Shieh, Han-ping; Yang, Bo-ru; Liu, Chuan; Xie, Xi

2017-12-01

Extraordinary water-repelling properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them novel candidates for a great variety of potential applications. A general approach to achieve superhydrophobicity requires low-energy coating on the surface and roughness on nano- and micrometre scale. However, typical construction of superhydrophobic surfaces with micro-nano structure through top-down fabrication is restricted by sophisticated fabrication techniques and limited choices of substrate materials. Micro-nanoscale topographies templated by conventional microparticles through surface coating may produce large variations in roughness and uncontrollable defects, resulting in poorly controlled surface morphology and wettability. In this work, micro-nanoscale hierarchical nanowire network was fabricated to construct self-cleaning coating using one-dimensional TiO2 nanowires as microscale templates. Hierarchical structure with homogeneous morphology was achieved by branching ZnO nanowires on the TiO2 nanowire backbones through hydrothermal reaction. The hierarchical nanowire network displayed homogeneous micro/nano-topography, in contrast to hierarchical structure templated by traditional microparticles. This hierarchical nanowire network film exhibited high repellency to both water and cell culture medium after functionalization with fluorinated organic molecules. The hierarchical structure templated by TiO2 nanowire coating significantly increased the surface superhydrophobicity compared to vertical ZnO nanowires with nanotopography alone. Our results demonstrated a promising strategy of using nanowires as microscale templates for the rational design of hierarchical coatings with desired superhydrophobicity that can also be applied to various substrate materials.

TiO2 nanowire-templated hierarchical nanowire network as water-repelling coating

PubMed Central

Hang, Tian; Chen, Hui-Jiuan; Xiao, Shuai; Yang, Chengduan; Chen, Meiwan; Tao, Jun; Shieh, Han-ping; Yang, Bo-ru; Liu, Chuan

2017-01-01

Extraordinary water-repelling properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them novel candidates for a great variety of potential applications. A general approach to achieve superhydrophobicity requires low-energy coating on the surface and roughness on nano- and micrometre scale. However, typical construction of superhydrophobic surfaces with micro-nano structure through top-down fabrication is restricted by sophisticated fabrication techniques and limited choices of substrate materials. Micro-nanoscale topographies templated by conventional microparticles through surface coating may produce large variations in roughness and uncontrollable defects, resulting in poorly controlled surface morphology and wettability. In this work, micro-nanoscale hierarchical nanowire network was fabricated to construct self-cleaning coating using one-dimensional TiO2 nanowires as microscale templates. Hierarchical structure with homogeneous morphology was achieved by branching ZnO nanowires on the TiO2 nanowire backbones through hydrothermal reaction. The hierarchical nanowire network displayed homogeneous micro/nano-topography, in contrast to hierarchical structure templated by traditional microparticles. This hierarchical nanowire network film exhibited high repellency to both water and cell culture medium after functionalization with fluorinated organic molecules. The hierarchical structure templated by TiO2 nanowire coating significantly increased the surface superhydrophobicity compared to vertical ZnO nanowires with nanotopography alone. Our results demonstrated a promising strategy of using nanowires as microscale templates for the rational design of hierarchical coatings with desired superhydrophobicity that can also be applied to various substrate materials. PMID:29308265

Photocatalytic activity of self-assembled porous TiO2 nano-columns array fabricated by oblique angle sputter deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Pengjun; Li, Xibo; Zhang, Qiuju; Yi, Zao; Luo, Jiangshan

2018-04-01

A well-separated and oriented TiO2 nano-columns arrays with porous structure were fabricated by the oblique angle sputter deposition technique and subsequently annealing at 450 °C in Ar/O2 mixed atmosphere. The deposited substrate was firstly modified by a template of self-assembled close-packed arrays of 500 nm-diameter silica (SiO2) spheres. Scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) images show that the porous columnar nanostructure is formed as a result of the geometric shadowing effect and surface diffusion of the adatoms in oblique angle deposition (OAD). X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements reveal that the physically OAD film with annealing treatment are generally mixed phase of rutile and anatase TiO2 polymorphic forms. The morphology induced absorbance and band gap tuning by different substrates was demonstrated by the UV–vis spectroscopy. The well-separated one-dimensional (1D) nano-columns array with specific large porous surface area is beneficial for charge separation in photocatalytic degradation. Compared with compact thin film, such self-assembled porous TiO2 nano-columns array fabricated by oblique angle sputter deposition performed an enhanced visible light induced photocatalytic activity by decomposing methyl orange (MO) solution. The well-designed periodic array-structured porous TiO2 films by using modified patterned substrates has been demonstrated significantly increased absorption edge in the UV-visible light region with a narrower optical band gap, which are expected to be favorable for application in photovoltaic, lithium-ion insertion and photocatalytic, etc.

Design of a Vertical Composite Thin Film System with Ultralow Leakage To Yield Large Converse Magnetoelectric Effect.

PubMed

Wu, Rui; Kursumovic, Ahmed; Gao, Xingyao; Yun, Chao; Vickers, Mary E; Wang, Haiyan; Cho, Seungho; MacManus-Driscoll, Judith L

2018-05-30

Electric field control of magnetism is a critical future technology for low-power, ultrahigh density memory. However, despite intensive research efforts, no practical material systems have emerged. Interface-coupled, composite systems containing ferroelectric and ferri-/ferromagnetic elements have been widely explored, but they have a range of problems, for example, substrate clamping, large leakage, and inability to miniaturize. In this work, through careful material selection, design, and nanoengineering, a high-performance room-temperature magnetoelectric system is demonstrated. The clamping problem is overcome by using a vertically aligned nanocomposite structure in which the strain coupling is independent of the substrate. To overcome the leakage problem, three key novel advances are introduced: a low leakage ferroelectric, Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 ; ferroelectric-ferrimagnetic vertical interfaces which are not conducting; and current blockage via a rectifying interface between the film and the Nb-doped SrTiO 3 substrate. The new multiferroic nanocomposite (Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 -CoFe 2 O 4 ) thin-film system enables, for the first time, large-scale in situ electric field control of magnetic anisotropy at room temperature in a system applicable for magnetoelectric random access memory, with a magnetoelectric coefficient of 1.25 × 10 -9 s m -1 .

Orientation of Vanadium Dioxide Grains on Various Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivera, Felipe; Davis, Robert; Vanfleet, Richard

2010-10-01

Crystalline vanadium dioxide VO2 experiences a fast and reversible semiconductor-to-metal structural phase transition near 68^oC. The changes exhibited during this phase transition comprise a well known change in resistivity of several orders of magnitude, as well as a significant drop in optical transmittance in the infrared. Due to the changes in these optical and electronic properties, vanadium dioxide shows promise as a material to be used in many applications ranging from thermochromic window coatings to optoelectronic devices. However, since there is a structural component to the phase transition of VO2, it is of interest to study the orientation of the crystalline grains deposited. Substrates such as glass, SiO2, Sapphire, and TiO2 have been used for the deposition of this material. We used orientation imaging microscopy to study and characterize the orientation of the grains deposited on several of these substrates. Here we present results on this study.

Exploring doxorubicin localization in eluting TiO2 nanotube arrays through fluorescence correlation spectroscopy analysis.

PubMed

De Santo, Ilaria; Sanguigno, Luigi; Causa, Filippo; Monetta, Tullio; Netti, Paolo A

2012-11-07

Drug elution properties of TiO(2) nanotube arrays have been largely investigated by means of solely macroscopic observations. Controversial elution performances have been reported so far and a clear comprehension of these phenomena is still missing as a consequence of a lack of molecular investigation methods. Here we propose a way to discern drug elution properties of nanotubes through the evaluation of drug localization by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) analysis. We verified this method upon doxorubicin elution from differently loaded TiO(2) nanotubes. Diverse elution profiles were obtained from nanotubes filled by soaking and wet vacuum impregnation methods. Impregnated nanotubes controlled drug diffusion up to thirty days, while soaked samples completed elution in seven days. FCS analysis of doxorubicin motion in loaded nanotubes clarified that more than 90% of drugs dwell preferentially in inter-nanotube spaces in soaked samples due to decorrelation in a 2D fashion, while a 97% fraction of molecules showed 1D mobility ascribable to displacements along the nanotube vertical axis of wet vacuum impregnated nanotubes. The diverse drug localizations inferred from FCS measurements, together with distinct drug-surface interaction strengths resulting from diverse drug filling techniques, could explain the variability in elution kinetics.

Anticipating the effects of visual gravity during simulated self-motion: estimates of time-to-passage along vertical and horizontal paths.

PubMed

Indovina, Iole; Maffei, Vincenzo; Lacquaniti, Francesco

2013-09-01

By simulating self-motion on a virtual rollercoaster, we investigated whether acceleration cued by the optic flow affected the estimate of time-to-passage (TTP) to a target. In particular, we studied the role of a visual acceleration (1 g = 9.8 m/s(2)) simulating the effects of gravity in the scene, by manipulating motion law (accelerated or decelerated at 1 g, constant speed) and motion orientation (vertical, horizontal). Thus, 1-g-accelerated motion in the downward direction or decelerated motion in the upward direction was congruent with the effects of visual gravity. We found that acceleration (positive or negative) is taken into account but is overestimated in module in the calculation of TTP, independently of orientation. In addition, participants signaled TTP earlier when the rollercoaster accelerated downward at 1 g (as during free fall), with respect to when the same acceleration occurred along the horizontal orientation. This time shift indicates an influence of the orientation relative to visual gravity on response timing that could be attributed to the anticipation of the effects of visual gravity on self-motion along the vertical, but not the horizontal orientation. Finally, precision in TTP estimates was higher during vertical fall than when traveling at constant speed along the vertical orientation, consistent with a higher noise in TTP estimates when the motion violates gravity constraints.

Interaction of Formaldehyde with the Rutile TiO 2 (110) Surface: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

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

Yu, Xiaojuan; Zhang, Zhenrong; Yang, Chengwu

2016-06-16

The adsorption and reaction of formaldehyde (CH 2O) on the oxidized rutile TiO 2(110) surface were studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental and theoretical data reveal the presence of various species depending on the temperature and coverage. After formaldehyde adsorption on TiO 2(110) at 65 K, the multilayer CH 2O was detected, which desorbs completely upon heating to 120 K. The isolated CH 2O monomer was identified after submonolayer adsorption at low temperatures (45-65 K), in which CH 2O is bound to the surfacemore » Ti5c sites via σ-donation and adopts a tilted geometry. With heating to higher temperatures the CH 2O monomers remain stable up to 70 K and then undergo coupling reactions to form paraformaldehyde (polyoxymethylene, POM) at the Ti 5c rows. The POM chain is oriented primarily along the [001] direction in a slightly disordered configuration. POM becomes the predominant species at 120 K and is decomposed releasing CH 2O at about 250 K. In addition, dioxymethylene (DOM) was detected as minority species formed via reaction of Ti 5c-bound CH 2O with both neighboring O 2c along the [1-10] direction and oxygen adatoms (Oad) at Ti 5c sites along [001] on the oxidized TiO 2(110) surface.« less

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

Argondizzo, Adam; Cui, Xuefeng; Wang, Cong

We investigate the spectroscopy and photoinduced electron dynamics within the conduction band of reduced rutile TiO2(110) surface by multiphoton photoemission (mPP) spectroscopy with wavelength tunable ultrafast (!20 fs) laser pulse excitation. Tuning the mPP photon excitation energy between 2.9 and 4.6 eV reveals a nearly degenerate pair of new unoccupied states located at 2.73 ± 0.05 and 2.85 ± 0.05 eV above the Fermi level, which can be analyzed through the polarization and sample azimuthal orientation dependence of the mPP spectra. Based on the calculated electronic structure and optical transition moments, as well as related spectroscopic evidence, we assign thesemore » resonances to transitions between Ti 3d bands of nominally t2g and eg symmetry, which are split by crystal field. The initial states for the optical transition are the reduced Ti3+ states of t2g symmetry populated by formation oxygen vacancy defects, which exist within the band gap of TiO2. Furthermore,we studied the electron dynamics within the conduction band of TiO2 by three-dimensional time-resolved pump-probe interferometric mPP measurements. The spectroscopic and time-resolved studies reveal competition between 2PP and 3PP processes where the t2g-eg transitions in the 2PP process saturate, and are overtaken by the 3PP process initiated by the band-gap excitation from the valence band of TiO2.« less

Transport properties of ultra-thin VO2 films on (001) TiO2 grown by reactive molecular-beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paik, Hanjong; Moyer, Jarrett A.; Spila, Timothy; Tashman, Joshua W.; Mundy, Julia A.; Freeman, Eugene; Shukla, Nikhil; Lapano, Jason M.; Engel-Herbert, Roman; Zander, Willi; Schubert, Jürgen; Muller, David A.; Datta, Suman; Schiffer, Peter; Schlom, Darrell G.

2015-10-01

We report the growth of (001)-oriented VO2 films as thin as 1.5 nm with abrupt and reproducible metal-insulator transitions (MIT) without a capping layer. Limitations to the growth of thinner films with sharp MITs are discussed, including the Volmer-Weber type growth mode due to the high energy of the (001) VO2 surface. Another key limitation is interdiffusion with the (001) TiO2 substrate, which we quantify using low angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with electron energy loss spectroscopy. We find that controlling island coalescence on the (001) surface and minimization of cation interdiffusion by using a low growth temperature followed by a brief anneal at higher temperature are crucial for realizing ultrathin VO2 films with abrupt MIT behavior.

Describing excited state relaxation and localization in TiO 2 nanoparticles using TD-DFT

DOE PAGES

Berardo, Enrico; Hu, Han -Shi; van Dam, Hubertus J. J.; ...

2014-02-26

We have investigated the description of excited state relaxation in naked and hydrated TiO 2 nanoparticles using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) with three common hybrid exchange-correlation (XC) potentials; B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP and BHLYP. Use of TD-CAM-B3LYP and TD-BHLYP yields qualitatively similar results for all structures, which are also consistent with predictions of coupled cluster theory for small particles. TD-B3LYP, in contrast, is found to make rather different predictions; including apparent conical intersections for certain particles that are not observed with TD-CAM-B3LYP nor with TD-BHLYP. In line with our previous observations for vertical excitations, the issue with TD-B3LYP appears to bemore » the inherent tendency of TD-B3LYP, and other XC potentials with no or a low percentage of Hartree-Fock Like Exchange, to spuriously stabilize the energy of charge-transfer (CT) states. Even in the case of hydrated particles, for which vertical excitations are generally well described with all XC potentials, the use of TD-B3LYP appears to result in CT-problems for certain particles. We hypothesize that the spurious stabilization of CT-states by TD-B3LYP even may drive the excited state optimizations to different excited state geometries than those obtained using TD-CAM-B3LYP or TD-BHLYP. In conclusion, focusing on the TD-CAM-B3LYP and TD-BHLYP results, excited state relaxation in naked and hydrated TiO 2 nanoparticles is predicted to be associated with a large Stokes’ shift.« less

Describing excited state relaxation and localization in TiO 2 nanoparticles using TD-DFT

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

Berardo, Enrico; Hu, Han -Shi; van Dam, Hubertus J. J.

We have investigated the description of excited state relaxation in naked and hydrated TiO 2 nanoparticles using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) with three common hybrid exchange-correlation (XC) potentials; B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP and BHLYP. Use of TD-CAM-B3LYP and TD-BHLYP yields qualitatively similar results for all structures, which are also consistent with predictions of coupled cluster theory for small particles. TD-B3LYP, in contrast, is found to make rather different predictions; including apparent conical intersections for certain particles that are not observed with TD-CAM-B3LYP nor with TD-BHLYP. In line with our previous observations for vertical excitations, the issue with TD-B3LYP appears to bemore » the inherent tendency of TD-B3LYP, and other XC potentials with no or a low percentage of Hartree-Fock Like Exchange, to spuriously stabilize the energy of charge-transfer (CT) states. Even in the case of hydrated particles, for which vertical excitations are generally well described with all XC potentials, the use of TD-B3LYP appears to result in CT-problems for certain particles. We hypothesize that the spurious stabilization of CT-states by TD-B3LYP even may drive the excited state optimizations to different excited state geometries than those obtained using TD-CAM-B3LYP or TD-BHLYP. In conclusion, focusing on the TD-CAM-B3LYP and TD-BHLYP results, excited state relaxation in naked and hydrated TiO 2 nanoparticles is predicted to be associated with a large Stokes’ shift.« less

Comparative studies for two different orientations of pebble bed in an HCCB blanket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paritosh, CHAUDHURI; Chandan, DANANI; E, RAJENDRAKUMAR

2017-12-01

The Indian Test Blanket Module (TBM) program in ITER is one of the major steps in its fusion reactor program towards DEMO and the future fusion power reactor vision. Research and development (R&D) is focused on two types of breeding blanket concepts: lead-lithium ceramic breeder (LLCB) and helium-cooled ceramic breeder (HCCB) blanket systems for the DEMO reactor. As part of the ITER-TBM program, the LLCB concept will be tested in one-half of ITER port no. 2, whose materials and technologies will be tested during ITER operation. The HCCB concept is a variant of the solid breeder blanket, which is presently part of our domestic R&D program for DEMO relevant technology development. In the HCCB concept Li2TiO3 and beryllium are used as the tritium breeder and neutron multiplier, respectively, in the form of a packed bed having edge-on configuration with reduced activation ferritic martensitic steel as the structural material. In this paper two design schemes, mainly two different orientations of pebble beds, are discussed. In the current concept (case-1), the ceramic breeder beds are kept horizontal in the toroidal-radial direction. Due to gravity, the pebbles may settle down at the bottom and create a finite gap between the pebbles and the top cooling plate, which will affect the heat transfer between them. In the alternate design concept (case-2), the pebble bed is vertically (poloidal-radial) orientated where the side plates act as cooling plates instead of top and bottom plates. These two design variants are analyzed analytically and 2D thermal-hydraulic simulation studies are carried out with ANSYS, using the heat loads obtained from neutronic calculations. Based on the analysis the performance is compared and details of the thermal and radiative heat transfer studies are also discussed in this paper.

Effect of RuO2 growth temperature on ferroelectric properties of RuO2/Pb(Zr, Ti)O3/RuO2/Pt capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norga, G. J.; Fè, Laura; Wouters, D. J.; Maes, H. E.

2000-03-01

We present a promising method for obtaining Pb(Zr, Ti)O3(PZT) layers with excellent endurance and pulse-switching properties on RuO2 electrodes using the sol-gel method. As the substrate temperature during reactive sputtering of the RuO2 bottom electrode layer is reduced, the (111) PZT texture component becomes more pronounced, an effect attributed to the change from columnar to granular RuO2 film morphology. Reducing the residual PZT (100) and (101) texture components was found to be a necessary condition for obtaining optimal pulse switching and endurance properties of the layers. Highly (111)-oriented PZT layers, obtained on RuO2 grown at 150 °C exhibit a net switched charge of >60 μC/cm2 during pulse measurement and <10% degradation after 1011 fatigue cycles.

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

Henderson, Michael A.; Lyubinetsky, Igor

The field of heterogeneous photocatalysis has grown considerably in the decades since Fujishima and Honda's ground-breaking publications of photoelectrochemistry on TiO2. Numerous review articles continue to point to both progress made in the use of heterogeneous materials (such as TiO2) to perform photoconversion processes, and the many opportunities and challenges in heterogeneous photocatalysis research such as solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. The past decade has also seen an increase in the use of molecular-level approaches applied to model single crystal surfaces in an effort to obtain new insights into photocatalytic phenomena. In particular, scanning probe techniques (SPM) have enabledmore » researchers to take a ‘nanoscale’ approach to photocatalysis that includes interrogation of the reactivities of specific sites and adsorbates on a model photocatalyst surface. The rutile TiO2(110) surface has become the prototypical oxide single crystal surface for fundamental studies of many interfacial phenomena. In particular, TiO2(110) has become an excellent model surface for probing photochemical and photocatalytic reactions at the molecular level. A variety of experimental approaches have emerged as being ideally suited for studying photochemical reactions on TiO2(110), including desorption-oriented approaches and electronic spectroscopies, but perhaps the most promising techniques for evaluating site-specific properties are those of SPM. In this review, we highlight the growing use of SPM techniques in providing molecular-level insights into surface photochemistry on the model photocatalyst surface of rutile TiO2(110). Our objective is to both illustrate the unique knowledge that scanning probe techniques have already provided the field of photocatalysis, and also to motivate a new generation of effort into the use of such approaches to obtain new insights into the molecular level details of photochemical events occurring at interfaces. Discussion will start with an examination of how scanning probe techniques are being used to characterize the TiO2(110) surface in ways that are relevant to photocatalysis. We will then discuss specific classes of photochemical reaction on TiO2(110) for which SPM has proven indispensible in providing unique molecular-level insights, and conclude with discussion of future areas in which SPM studies may prove valuable to photocatalysis on TiO2. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences. I.L. was partially supported by a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Chemical Imaging Initiative project. PNNL is a multiprogram national laboratory operated for DOE by Battelle.« less

Arthropod vertical stratification in temperate deciduous forests: Implications for conservation oriented management

Treesearch

Ulyshen Michael

2011-01-01

Studies on the vertical distribution patterns of arthropods in temperate deciduous forests reveal highly stratified (i.e., unevenly vertically distributed) communities. These patterns are determined by multiple factors acting simultaneously, including: (1) time (forest age, season, time of day); (2) forest structure (height, vertical foliage complexity, plant surface...

From nanocorals to nanorods to nanoflowers nanoarchitecture for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells at relatively low film thickness: All Hydrothermal Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mali, Sawanta S.; Betty, Chirayath A.; Bhosale, Popatrao N.; Patil, Pramod S.; Hong, Chang Kook

2014-06-01

Simple and low temperature hydrothermal process is employed to synthesize exotic nanostructures of TiO2. The nanostructures are obtained merely by changing the nature of the precursors and processing parameters. The chloride and isopropoxide salts of titanium are used to grow high quality thin films comprising anatase nanocorals, rutile nanorods and rutile nanoflowers respectively. A novel route of addition of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) is used to synthesize hitherto unexplored nano-morphologies. The Bronsted Acidic Ionic Liquid [BAIL] 0.01 M, 1: 3-ethoxycarbonylethyl-1-methyl-imidazolium chloride [CMIM][HSO4] RTIL directed growth of TiO2 flowers with bunch of aligned nanorods are obtained. The structural, optical and morphological properties of hydrothermally grown TiO2 samples are studied with the different characterization techniques. The influence of these exotic nano-morphologies on the performance of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is investigated in detail. It is found that [CMIM][HSO4] can facilitate the formation of novel nanoflower morphology with uniform, dense, and collectively aligned in regular petal like oriented TiO2 nanorods and hence improves the dye adsorption and the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs, typically in short-circuit photocurrent and power conversion efficiency. A best power conversion efficiency of 6.63% has been achieved on a DSSC based on nanoflowers (TNF) film obtained from a [CMIM][HSO4] solution.

Interaction of fibrinogen and albumin with titanium dioxide nanoparticles of different crystalline phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marucco, Arianna; Fenoglio, Ivana; Turci, Francesco; Fubini, Bice

2013-04-01

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are contained in different kinds of industrial products including paints, self-cleaning glasses, sunscreens. TiO2 is also employed in photocatalysis and it has been proposed for waste water treatment. Micrometric TiO2 is generally considered a safe material, while there is concern on the possible health effects of nanometric titania. Due to their small size NPs may migrate within the human body possibly entering in the blood stream. Therefore studies on the interaction of NPs with plasma proteins are needed. In fact, the interaction with proteins is believed to ultimately influences the NPs biological fate. Fibrinogen and albumin are two of the most abundant plasma proteins. They are involved in several important physiological functions. Furthermore, fibrinogen is known to trigger platelet adhesion and inflammation. For these reasons the study of the interaction between these protein and nanoparticles is an important step toward the understanding of the behavior of NPs in the body. In this study we investigated the interaction of albumin and fibrinogen with TiO2 nanoparticles of different crystal phases (rutile and anatase) using an integrated set of techniques. The amount of adsorbed fibrinogen and albumin for each TiO2 surface was investigated by using the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA). The variation of the surface charge of the NP-protein conjugates respect to the naked NPs was used to indirectly estimate both surface coverage and reversibility of the adsorption upon dilution. Surface charge was monitored by measuring the ζ potential with a conventional electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) system. The extent of protein deformation was evaluated by Raman Spectroscopy. We found that both proteins adsorb irreversibly against electrostatic repulsion, likely undergoing conformational changes or selective orientation upon adsorption. The size of primary particles and the particles aggregation rather than the crystal phase modulate the affinity of fibrinogen for the TiO2 surfaces.

Kinesthetic perceptions of earth- and body-fixed axes.

PubMed

Darling, W G; Hondzinski, J M

1999-06-01

The major purpose of this research was to determine whether kinesthetic/proprioceptive perceptions of the earth-fixed vertical axis are more accurate than perceptions of intrinsic axes. In one experiment, accuracy of alignment of the forearm to earth-fixed vertical and head- and trunk-longitudinal axes by seven blindfolded subjects was compared in four tasks: (1) Earth-Arm--arm (humerus) orientation was manipulated by the experimenter; subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the vertical axis, which was also aligned with the head and trunk longitudinal axis; (2) Head--head, trunk, and upper-limb orientations were manipulated by the experimenter, subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head using only elbow flexion/extension and shoulder internal/external rotation; (3) Trunk--same as (2), except that subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the trunk-longitudinal axis; (4) Earth--same as (2), except that subjects aligned the forearm parallel to the earth-fixed vertical. Head, trunk, and gravitational axes were never parallel in tasks 2, 3, and 4 so that subjects could not simultaneously match their forearm to all three axes. The results showed that the errors for alignment of the forearm with the earth-fixed vertical were lower than for the trunk- and head-longitudinal axes. Furthermore, errors in the Earth condition were less dependent on alterations of the head and trunk orientation than in the Head and Trunk conditions. These data strongly suggest that the earth-fixed vertical is used as one axis for the kinesthetic sensory coordinate system that specifies upper-limb orientation at the perceptual level. We also examined the effects of varying gravitational torques at the elbow and shoulder on the accuracy of forearm alignment to earth-fixed axes. Adding a 450 g load to the forearm to increase gravitational torques when the forearm is not vertical did not improve the accuracy of forearm alignment with the vertical. Furthermore, adding small, variably sized loads (between which the subjects could not distinguish at the perceptual level) to the forearm just proximal to the wrist produced similar errors in aligning the forearm with the vertical and horizontal. Forearm-positioning errors were not correlated with the size of the load, as would be expected if gravitational torques affected forearm-position sense. We conclude that gravitational torques exerted about the shoulder and elbow do not make significant contributions to sensing forearm-orientation relative to earth-fixed axes when the upper-limb segments are not constrained by external supports.

Magnetic structure of Ba (TiO ) Cu4(PO4)4 probed using spherical neutron polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babkevich, P.; Testa, L.; Kimura, K.; Kimura, T.; Tucker, G. S.; Roessli, B.; Rønnow, H. M.

2017-12-01

The antiferromagnetic compound Ba (TiO ) Cu4(PO4)4 contains square cupola of corner-sharing CuO4 plaquettes, which were proposed to form effective quadrupolar order. To identify the magnetic structure, we have performed spherical neutron polarimetry measurements. Based on symmetry analysis and careful measurements, we conclude that the orientation of the Cu2 + spins form a noncollinear in-out structure with spins approximately perpendicular to the CuO4 motif. Strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction naturally lends itself to explain this phenomenon. The identification of the ground-state magnetic structure should serve well for future theoretical and experimental studies into this and closely related compounds.

Decorating TiO2 Nanowires with BaTiO3 Nanoparticles: A New Approach Leading to Substantially Enhanced Energy Storage Capability of High-k Polymer Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Kang, Da; Wang, Guanyao; Huang, Yanhui; Jiang, Pingkai; Huang, Xingyi

2018-01-31

The urgent demand of high energy density and high power density devices has triggered significant interest in high dielectric constant (high-k) flexible nanocomposites comprising dielectric polymer and high-k inorganic nanofiller. However, the large electrical mismatch between polymer and nanofiller usually leads to earlier electric failure of the nanocomposites, resulting in an undesirable decrease of electrical energy storage capability. A few studies show that the introduction of moderate-k shell onto a high-k nanofiller surface can decrease the dielectric constant mismatch, and thus, the corresponding nanocomposites can withstand high electric field. Unfortunately, the low apparent dielectric enhancement of the nanocomposites and high electrical conductivity mismatch between matrix and nanofiller still result in low energy density and low efficiency. In this study, it is demonstrated that encapsulating moderate-k nanofiller with high-k but low electrical conductivity shell is effective to significantly enhance the energy storage capability of dielectric polymer nanocomposites. Specifically, using BaTiO 3 nanoparticles encapsulated TiO 2 (BaTiO 3 @TiO 2 ) core-shell nanowires as filler, the corresponding poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropylene) nanocomposites exhibit superior energy storage capability in comparison with the nanocomposites filled by either BaTiO 3 or TiO 2 nanowires. The nanocomposite film with 5 wt % BaTiO 3 @TiO 2 nanowires possesses an ultrahigh discharged energy density of 9.95 J cm -3 at 500 MV m -1 , much higher than that of commercial biaxial-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) (3.56 J cm -3 at 600 MV m -1 ). This new strategy and corresponding results presented here provide new insights into the design of dielectric polymer nanocomposites with high electrical energy storage capability.

Concentrated solar energy used for sintering magnesium titanates for electronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apostol, Irina; Rodríguez, Jose; Cañadas, Inmaculada; Galindo, Jose; Mendez, Senen Lanceros; de Abreu Martins, Pedro Libȃnio; Cunha, Luis; Saravanan, Kandasamy Venkata

2018-04-01

Solar energy is an important renewable source of energy with many advantages: it is unlimited, clean and free. The main objective of this work was to sinter magnesium titanate ceramics in a solar furnace using concentrated solar energy, which is a novel and original process. The direct conversion of solar power into high temperature makes this process simple, feasible and ecologically viable/environmentally sustainable. We performed the solar sintering experiments at Plataforma Solar de Almeria-CIEMAT, Spain. This process takes place in a vertical axis solar furnace (SF5-5 kW) hosting a mobile flat mirror heliostat, a fixed parabolic mirror concentrator, an attenuator and a test table the concentrator focus. We sintered (MgO)0.63(TiO2)0.37, (MgO)0.49(TiO2)0.51, (MgO)0.50(TiO2)0.50 ceramics samples in air at about 1100 °C for a duration of 16 min, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h in the solar furnace. The MgO/TiO2 ratio and the dwell time was varied in order to obtain phase pure MgTiO3 ceramic. We obtained a pure MgTiO3 geikielite phase by solar sintering of (MgO)0.63(TiO2)0.37 samples at 1100 °C (16 min-3 h). Samples of (MgO)0.63(TiO2)0.37, solar sintered at 1100 °C for 3 h, resulted in well-sintered, non-porous samples with good density (3.46 g/cm3). The sintered samples were analyzed by XRD for phase determination. The grain and surface morphology was observed using SEM. Electrical measurements were carried out on solar sintered samples. The effect of processing parameters on microstructure and dielectric properties were investigated and is presented.

Growth of highly textured PbTiO3 films on conductive substrate under hydrothermal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Haixiong; Zhou, Zhi; Bowland, Christopher C.; Sodano, Henry A.

2015-08-01

Perovskite structure (ABO3) thin films have wide applications in electronic devices due to their unique properties, including high dielectric permittivity, ferroelectricity and piezoelectric coupling. Here, we report an approach to grow highly textured thick lead titanate (PbTiO3) films on conductive substrates by a two-step hydrothermal reaction. Initially, vertically aligned TiO2 nanowire arrays are grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass, which act as template crystals for conversion to the perovskite structure. The PbTiO3 films are then converted from TiO2 NW arrays by diffusing Pb2+ ions into the template through a second hydrothermal reaction. The dielectric permittivity and piezoelectric coupling coefficient (d33) of the PbTiO3 films are as high as 795 at 1 kHz and 52 pm V-1, respectively. The reported process can also potentially be expanded for the assembly of other complex perovskite ATiO3 (A = Ba, Ca, Cd, etc) films by using the highly aligned TiO2 NW arrays as templates. Therefore, the approach introduced here opens up a new door to synthesize ferroelectric thin films on conductive substrates for application in sensors, actuators, and ultrasonic transducers that are important in various industrial and scientific areas.

Role of cerebellar nodulus and uvula on the vestibular quick phase spatial constancy.

PubMed

Pettorossi, V E; Grassi, S; Errico, P; Barmack, N H

2001-01-01

We investigated the orientation of quick phases (QPs) of vestibularly-induced eye movements in rabbits in response to "off-vertical" sinusoidal vestibular stimulation. We also examined the possible role of the cerebellar nodulus and ventral uvula in controlling QP spatial orientation and modification. During "off-vertical" vestibular stimulation QPs remained aligned with the earth's horizontal plane, while the slow phases (SPs) were aligned with the plane of vestibular stimulation. This suggests that QPs are coded in gravito-inertial coordinates and SPs in head coordinates. When rabbits were oscillated in the light (20 degrees peak-to-peak; 0.2 Hz) about an "off-vertical" axis for 2 h, the QPs changed their trajectory, abandoning the earth's horizontal plane to approach the plane of the stimulus. By contrast, in the absence of conjunctive optokinetic stimulation, QPs remained fixed in the earth's horizontal plane even after 2 h of "off-vertical" stimulation. The conjunctive combination of optokinetic and vestibular stimulation caused QPs to change their plane of rotation. After lesion of the nodulus-uvula the ability of rabbits to reorient QPs during conjoint vestibular-optokinetic stimulation was maintained. We conclude that the space orientation and adaptation of QPs do not require cerebellar control.

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility studies in Tertiary ridge-parallel dykes (Iceland), Tertiary margin-normal Aishihik dykes (Yukon), and Proterozoic Kenora Kabetogama composite dykes (Minnesota and Ontario)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craddock, John P.; Kennedy, Bryan C.; Cook, Avery L.; Pawlisch, Melissa S.; Johnston, Stephen T.; Jackson, Mike

2008-02-01

Mafic dykes of different ages were collected from three different tectonic settings and analyzed using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) as a proxy for magmatic flow during intrusion. In Iceland, ridge-parallel basaltic dykes were sampled on each side of the active tectonic boundary. The dykes are < 10 m wide along a 1-2 km strike, and are the result of a single intrusion from 1-2 km deep magma chambers in oceanic crust. Thirteen samples were collected (7 N. American plate; 6 European) and 153 cores were analyzed by AMS and preserve a vertical Kmax orientation indicating vertical emplacement. The Eocene Aishihik dyke swarm intrudes the Yukon-Tanana terrane in the Yukon province, Canada over an area ~ 200 by 60 km. These dykes were intruded normal to the accretionary margin, are porphyritic andesites, and have an intermediate geochemical signature based on major and trace element analyses. Ten dykes were sampled and 111 cores analyzed using AMS, and the dykes preserve a vertical Kmax orientation, indicating intrusion was vertical through ~ 30 km of continental crust. The 2.06 Ga Kenora-Kabetogama dykes in northern Minnesota and western Ontario crosscut a variety of Archean terranes (thickness ~ 50 km) in a radiating pattern. The unmetamorphosed basaltic dykes are 1-120 m wide, 10-110 km in length, are vertical in orientation and can be grouped as either being single intrusion or multiple intrusion (composite) dykes. AMS data preserve a vertical Kmax orientation for the southerly locations (2 dykes, n = 53) and horizontal Kmax for the remainder to the northwest (15 dykes, n = 194). Maximum magnetic susceptibility axes (4 dykes, n = 92) for composite dykes are scattered and yield inconsistent flow directions with regard to the dyke margin. Almost all of our results are "normal" in that, the magnetic foliation (the plane containing Kmax and Kint, normal to Kmin) is parallel to the dyke planes, which gives us confidence that the magnetic lineations (i.e., Kmax orientations) are parallel to magmatic flow.

Approaching Piezoelectric Response of Pb-Piezoelectrics in Hydrothermally Synthesized Bi0.5(Na1- xK x)0.5TiO3 Nanotubes.

PubMed

Ghasemian, Mohammad Bagher; Rawal, Aditya; Liu, Yun; Wang, Danyang

2018-06-20

A large piezoelectric coefficient of 76 pm/V along the diameter direction, approaching that of lead-based piezoelectrics, is observed in hydrothermally synthesized Pb-free Bi 0.5 (Na 0.8 K 0.2 ) 0.5 TiO 3 nanotubes. The 30-50 nm diameter nanotubes are formed through a scrolling and wrapping mechanism without the need of a surfactant or template. A molar ratio of KOH/NaOH = 0.5 for the mineralizers yields the Na/K ratio of ∼0.8:0.2, corresponding to an orthorhombic-tetragonal (O-T) phase boundary composition. X-ray diffraction patterns along with transmission electron microscopy analysis ascertain the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal phases with (110) and (001) orientations along the nanotube length direction, respectively. 23 Na NMR spectroscopy confirms the higher degree of disorder in Bi 0.5 (Na 1- x K x ) 0.5 TiO 3 nanotubes with O-T phase coexistence. These findings present a significant advance toward the application of Pb-free piezoelectric materials.

Double-phase-functionalized magnetic Janus polymer microparticles containing TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated in mussel-inspired amphiphilic polymers.

PubMed

Yabu, Hiroshi; Ohshima, Hiroyuki; Saito, Yuta

2014-10-22

Recently, anisotropic colloidal polymeric materials including Janus microparticles, which have two distinct aspects on their surfaces or interiors, have garnered much interest due to their anisotropic alignment and rotational orientation with respect to external electric or magnetic fields. Janus microparticles are also good candidates for pigments in "twisting ball type" electronic paper, which is considered promising for next-generation flexible display devices. We demonstrate here a universal strategy to encapsulate inorganic nanoparticles and to introduce different such inorganic nanoparticles into distinct polymer phases in Janus microparticles. TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles were separately encapsulated in two different mussel-inspired amphiphilic copolymers, and then organic-inorganic composite Janus microparticles were prepared by simple evaporation of solvent from the dispersion containing the polymer and nanoparticle. These Janus microparticles were observed to rotate quickly in response to applied magnetic fields.

Epitaxial Ferroelectric Ba(0.5)Sr(0.5)TiO3 Thin Films for Room-Temperature High-Frequency Tunable Element Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. L.; Feng, H. H.; Zhang, Z.; Brazdeikis, A.; Miranda, F. A.; VanKeuls, F. W.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Huang, Z. J.; Liou, Y.; Chu, W. K.;

Significantly Enhanced Energy Density in Nanocomposite Capacitors Combining the TiO2 Nanorod Array with Poly(vinylidene fluoride).

PubMed

Yao, Lingmin; Pan, Zhongbin; Liu, Shaohui; Zhai, Jiwei; Chen, Haydn H D

2016-10-05

A novel inorganic/polymer nanocomposite, using 1-dimensional TiO 2 nanorod array as fillers (TNA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as matrix, has been successfully synthesized for the first time. A carefully designed process sequence includes several steps with the initial epitaxial growth of highly oriented TNA on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass. Subsequently, PVDF is embedded into the nanorods by the spin-coating method followed by annealing and quenching processes. This novel structure with dispersive fillers demonstrates a successful compromise between the electric displacement and breakdown strength, resulting in a dramatic increase in the electric polarization which leads to a significant improvement on the energy density and discharge efficiency. The nanocomposites with various height ratios of fillers between the TNA and total film thickness were investigated by us. The results show that nanocomposite with 18% height ratio fillers obtains maximum increase in the energy density (10.62 J cm -3 ) at a lower applied electric field of 340 MV m -1 , and it also illustrates a higher efficiency (>85%) under the electric field less than 100 MV m -1 . Even when the electric field reached 340 MV m -1 , the efficiency of nanocomposites can still maintained at ∼70%. This energy density exceeds most of the previously reported TiO 2 -based nanocomposite values at such a breakdown strength, which provides another promising design for the next generation of dielectric nanocomposite material, by using the highly oriented nanorod array as fillers for the higher energy density capacitors. Additionally, the finite element simulation has been employed to analyze the distribution of electric fields and electric flux density to explore the inherent mechanism of the higher performance of the TNA/PVDF nanocomposites.

Exploration of sensing of nitrogen dioxide and ozone molecules using novel TiO2/Stanene heterostructures employing DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, Amirali; Sardroodi, Jaber Jahanbin

2018-06-01

Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we explored the sensing capabilities and electronic structures of TiO2/Stanene heterostructures as novel and highly efficient materials for detection of toxic NO2 and O3 molecules in the environment. Studied gas molecules were positioned at different sites and orientations towards the nanocomposite, and the adsorption process was examined based on the most stable structures. We found that both of these molecules are chemically adsorbed on the TiO2/Stanene heterostructures. The calculations of the adsorption energy indicate that the fivefold coordinated titanium sites of the TiO2/Stanene are the most stable sites for the adsorption of NO2 and O3 molecules. The side oxygen atoms of the gas molecules were found to be chemically bonded to these titanium atoms. The adsorption of gas molecules is an exothermic process, and the adsorption on the pristine nanocomposite is more favorable in energy than that on the nitrogen-doped nanocomposite. The effects of van der Waals interactions were taken into account, which indicate the adsorption energies were increased for the most sable configurations. The gas sensing response and charge transfers were analyzed in detail. The pristine nanocomposites have better sensing response than the doped ones. The spin density distribution plots indicate that the magnetization was mainly located over the adsorbed gas molecules. Mulliken charge analysis reveals that both NO2 and O3 molecules behave as charge acceptors, as evidenced by the accumulation of electronic charges on the adsorbed molecules predicted by charge density difference calculations. Our DFT results provide a theoretical basis for an innovative gas sensor system designed from a sensitive TiO2/Stanene heterostructures for efficient detection of harmful air pollutants such as NO2 and O3.

Orientation of human optokinetic nystagmus to gravity: a model-based approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gizzi, M.; Raphan, T.; Rudolph, S.; Cohen, B.

1994-01-01

Optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) was induced by having subjects watch a moving display in a binocular, head-fixed apparatus. The display was composed of 3.3 degrees stripes moving at 35 degrees/s for 45 s. It subtended 88 degrees horizontally by 72 degrees vertically of the central visual field and could be oriented to rotate about axes that were upright or tilted 45 degrees or 90 degrees. The head was held upright or was tilted 45 degrees left or right on the body during stimulation. Head-horizontal (yaw axis) and head-vertical (pitch axis) components of OKN were recorded with electro-oculography (EOG). Slow phase velocity vectors were determined and compared with the axis of stimulation and the spatial vertical (gravity axis). With the head upright, the axis of eye rotation during yaw axis OKN was coincident with the stimulus axis and the spatial vertical. With the head tilted, a significant vertical component of eye velocity appeared during yaw axis stimulation. As a result the axis of eye rotation shifted from the stimulus axis toward the spatial vertical. Vertical components developed within 1-2 s of stimulus onset and persisted until the end of stimulation. In the six subjects there was a mean shift of the axis of eye rotation during yaw axis stimulation of approximately 18 degrees with the head tilted 45 degrees on the body. Oblique optokinetic stimulation with the head upright was associated with a mean shift of the axis of eye rotation toward the spatial vertical of 9.2 degrees. When the head was tilted and the same oblique stimulation was given, the axis of eye rotation rotated to the other side of the spatial vertical by 5.4 degrees. This counterrotation of the axis of eye rotation is similar to the "Muller (E) effect," in which the perception of the upright is counterrotated to the opposite side of the spatial vertical when subjects are tilted in darkness. The data were simulated by a model of OKN with a "direct" and "indirect" pathway. It was assumed that the direct visual pathway is oriented in a body, not a spatial frame of reference. Despite the short optokinetic after-nystagmus time constants, strong horizontal to vertical cross-coupling could be produced if the horizontal and vertical time constants were in proper ratio and there were no suppression of nystagmus in directions orthogonal to the stimulus direction. The model demonstrates that the spatial orientation of OKN can be achieved by restructuring the system matrix of velocity storage. We conclude that an important function of velocity storage is to orient slow-phase velocity toward the spatial vertical during movement in a terrestrial environment.

On the consistency of QCBED structure factor measurements for TiO 2 (Rutile)

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Bin; Zuo, Jian -Min; Friis, Jesper; ...

2003-09-16

The same Bragg reflection in TiO 2 from twelve different CBED patterns (from different crystals, orientations and thicknesses) are analysed quantitatively in order to evaluate the consistency of the QCBED method for bond-charge mapping. The standard deviation in the resulting distribution of derived X-ray structure factors is found to be an order of magnitude smaller than that in conventional X-ray work, and the standard error (0.026% for F X(110)) is slightly better than obtained by the X-ray Pendellosung method applied to silicon. This is sufficiently accuracy to distinguish between atomic, covalent and ionic models of bonding. We describe the importancemore » of extracting experimental parameters from CCD camera characterization, and of surface oxidation and crystal shape. Thus, the current experiments show that the QCBED method is now a robust and powerful tool for low order structure factor measurement, which does not suffer from the large extinction (multiple scattering) errors which occur in inorganic X-ray crystallography, and may be applied to nanocrystals. Our results will be used to understand the role of d electrons in the chemical bonding of TiO 2.« less

Effect of Sn doping on the structural, optical and electrical properties of TiO2 films prepared by spray pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arunachalam, A.; Dhanapandian, S.; Manoharan, C.

2016-02-01

In this work, highly oriented pure and Tin-doped Titanium dioxide (Sn-doped TiO2) with porous nature photoelectrodes were deposited on ITO glass plates using spray pyrolysis technique. The XRD pattern revealed the formation of anatase TiO2 with the maximum intensity of (101) plane while doping 6 at% of Sn. The morphological studies depicted the porous nature with the uniform arrangement of small-sized grains. The presence of tin confirmed with the EDX spectra. The size of particles of 13 nm was observed from High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis. The average transmittance was about 85% for the doped photoelectrode and was observed for the photoelectrode deposited with 6 at% of tin, with decreased energy band gap. The PL study showed the emission peak at 391 nm. The maximum carrier concentration and Hall mobility was observed for the photoelectrode deposited with 6 at% of tin. With these studies, the DSSCs were prepared separately with the dye extracted from Hibiscus Rosasinesis and Hibiscus Surttasinesis and their efficiency was maximum for the DSSC prepared with 6 at% of tin.

Effect of Ultrasonic Surface Treatment on the Transparency and Orientation of Fresnoite Surface Crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endo, A.; Sakida, S.; Benino, Y.; Nanba, T.

2011-10-01

Surface crystallized glass ceramics with fresnoite (Ba2TiSi2O8) phase were prepared by conventional heat treatment of 30BaO-20TiO2-50SiO2 glass together with ultrasonic surface treatment (UST) technique. The precursor glass was fully crystallized in a bulk form without any cracks, and the optical transparency and crystallographic orientation of the crystalline layers were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and XRD diffraction analyses, respectively. These properties were both enhanced significantly by applying UST using fresnoite/water suspension before the crystallization process, which is advantage for nonlinear optical applications of bulk glass ceramics. The effects of UST on the crystallization behavior were investigated by applying UST with various conditions.

Gravity response mechanisms of lateral organs and the control of plant architecture in Arabidopsis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullen, J.; Hangarter, R.

Most research on gravity responses in plants has focused on primary roots and shoots, which typically grow in a vertical orientation. However, the patterns of lateral organ formation and their growth orientation, which typically are not vertical, govern plant architecture. For example, in Arabidopsis, when lateral roots emerge from the primary root, they grow at a nearly horizontal orientation. As they elongate, the roots slowly curve until they eventually reach a vertical orientation. The regulation of this lateral root orientation is an important component affecting the overall root system architecture. We have found that this change in orientation is not simply due to the onset of gravitropic competence, as non-vertical lateral roots are capable of both positive and negative gravitropism. Thus, the horizontal growth of the new lateral roots is determined by what is called the gravitropic set-point angle (GSA). In Arabidopsis shoots, rosette leaves and inflorescence branches also display GSA-dependent developmental changes in their orientation. The developmental control of the GSA of lateral organs in Arabidopsis provides us with a useful system for investigating the components involved in regulating directionality of tropistic responses. We have identified several Arabidopsis mutants that have either altered lateral root orientations, altered orientation of lateral organs in the shoot, or both, but maintain normal primary organ orientation. The mgsa ({m}odified {g}ravitropic {s}et-point {a}ngle) mutants with both altered lateral root and shoot orientation show that there are common components in the regulation of growth orientation in the different organs. Rosette leaves and lateral roots also have in common a regulation of positioning by red light. Further molecular and physiological analyses of the GSA mutants will provide insight into the basis of GSA regulation and, thus, a better understanding of how gravity controls plant architecture. [This work was supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through grant no. NCC 2-1200.

Preparation of directionally solidified BaTi2O5-Ba6Ti17O40 eutectic by the floating zone method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiga, K.; Katsui, H.; Goto, T.

2017-02-01

The BaTi2O5-Ba6Ti17O40 eutectic (BaO-68.7 mol% TiO2) was directionally solidified by the floating zone (FZ) method and crystalline phases, microstructures and orientation were investigated. Ba6Ti17O40 with faceted rod-like shape was dispersed in the BaTi2O5 matrix. The growth directions of BaTi2O5 and Ba6Ti17O40 were parallel to the b and a axis, respectively, and the orientation relations were BaTi2O5 (010)//Ba6Ti17O40(60 2 ̅) and BaTi2O5 (001)//Ba6Ti17O40 (001).

Fibre Optic Connections And Method For Using Same

DOEpatents

Chan, Benson; Cohen, Mitchell S.; Fortier, Paul F.; Freitag, Ladd W.; Hall, Richard R.; Johnson, Glen W.; Lin, How Tzu; Sherman, John H.

2004-03-30

A package is described that couples a twelve channel wide fiber optic cable to a twelve channel Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) transmitter and a multiple channel Perpendicularly Aligned Integrated Die (PAID) receiver. The package allows for reduction in the height of the assembly package by vertically orienting certain dies parallel to the fiber optic cable and horizontally orienting certain other dies. The assembly allows the vertically oriented optoelectronic dies to be perpendicularly attached to the horizontally oriented laminate via a flexible circuit.

Hydrothermally grown and self-assembled modified titanium and nickel oxide composite nanosheets on Nitinol-based fibers for efficient solid phase microextraction.

PubMed

Wang, Huiju; Song, Wenlan; Zhang, Min; Zhen, Qi; Guo, Mei; Zhang, Yida; Du, Xinzhen

2016-10-14

A novel titanium and nickel oxide composite nanosheets (TiO 2 /NiOCNSs) coating was in situ grown on a Nitinol (NiTi) wire by direct hydrothermal treatment and modified by self-assembly of trichlorophenylsilane for solid phase microextraction (SPME). TiO 2 /NiOCNSs were radially oriented and chemically bonded to the NiTi substrate with double-faced open access sites. Moreover the phenyl modified TiO 2 /NiOCNSs (TiO 2 /NiOCNSs-Ph) coating exhibited original surface supporting framework favorable for effective SPME. The extraction performance of TiO 2 /NiOCNSs-Ph coated NiTi (NiTi-TiO 2 /NiOCNSs-Ph) fiber was investigated for the concentration and detection of ultraviolet (UV) filters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate acid esters and polychlorinated biphenyls coupled to HPLC with UV detection. The novel fiber exhibited better selectivity for UV filters and PAHs and presented greater extraction capability compared to commercial polydimethylsiloxane and polyacrylate fibers. Under the optimized conditions for SPME of UV filters, the proposed method presented linear ranges from 0.1 to 300μg/L with correlation coefficients of higher than 0.999 and limits of detection from 0.030μg/L to 0.064μg/L. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 7.16% and 8.42% for intra-day and inter-day measurements with the single fiber, respectively. Furthermore RSDs for fiber-to-fiber reproducibility from 6.57% to 8.93% were achieved. The NiTi-TiO 2 /NiOCNSs-Ph fiber can be used up to 200 times. The proposed method was successfully applied to the preconcentration and determination of trace target UV filters in different environmental water samples. The relative recoveries from 87.3% to 104% were obtained with RSDs less than 8.7%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of crystallographic orientation on the anodic formation of nanoscale pores/tubes in TiO 2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalantar-zadeh, K.; Sadek, A. Z.; Zheng, H.; Partridge, J. G.; McCulloch, D. G.; Li, Y. X.; Yu, X. F.; Wlodarski, W.

2009-10-01

Self-organized nanopores and nanotubes have been produced in thin films of titanium (Ti) prepared using filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA), DC- and RF-sputter deposition systems. The anodization process was performed using a neutral electrolyte containing fluoride ions with an applied potential between 2 and 20 V (for clarity the results are only presented for 5 V). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to characterise the films. It was found that the crystallographic orientation of the Ti films played a significant role in determining whether pores or tubes were formed during the anodic etching process.

Enhanced influence of early-spring tropical Indian Ocean SST on the following early-summer precipitation over Northeast China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Tingting; He, Shengping; Wang, Huijun; Hao, Xin

2017-04-01

The relationship between the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and East Asian summer monsoon/precipitation has been documented in many studies. However, the precursor signals of summer precipitation in the TIO sea surface temperature (SST), which is important for climate prediction, have drawn little attention. This study identified a strong relationship between early-spring TIO SST and subsequent early-summer precipitation in Northeast China (NEC) since the late 1980s. For 1961-1986, the correlations between early-spring TIO SST and early-summer NEC precipitation were statistically insignificant; for 1989-2014, they were positively significant. Since the late 1980s, the early-spring positive TIO SST anomaly was generally followed by a significant anomalous anticyclone over Japan; that facilitated anomalous southerly winds over NEC, conveying more moisture from the North Pacific. Further analysis indicated that an early TIO SST anomaly showed robust persistence into early summer. However, the early-summer TIO SST anomaly displayed a more significant influence on simultaneous atmospheric circulation and further affected NEC precipitation since the late 1980s. In 1989-2014, the early-summer Hadley and Ferrell cell anomalies associated with simultaneous TIO SST anomaly were much more significant and extended further north to mid-latitudes, which provided a dynamic foundation for the TIO-mid-latitude connection. Correspondingly, the TIO SST anomaly could lead to significant divergence anomalies over the Mediterranean. The advections of vorticity by the divergent component of the flow effectively acted as a Rossby wave source. Thus, an apparent Rossby wave originated from the Mediterranean and propagated east to East Asia; that further influenced the NEC precipitation through modulation to the atmospheric circulation (e.g., surface wind, moisture, vertical motion).

Optimization of PZT Thin Film Crystalline Orientation Through Optimization of TiO2/Pt Templates

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

with 90% textured volume fraction, which is expected to improve electrical properties of the PZT films. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Sputter film, Pt...INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. 1 1. Introduction A wide variety of the physical properties of materials ...device fabrication. Because the Pt electrode crystallographic texture acts as a template for PZT film growth, the properties of ferroelectric PZT

The orientation of the cervical vertebral column in unrestrained awake animals. I. Resting position.

PubMed

Vidal, P P; Graf, W; Berthoz, A

1986-01-01

The orientation of the cervical vertebral column was studied by X-ray photography of the region containing the head and the neck in nine unrestrained species of vertebrates (man, monkey, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, chicken, frog, lizard). In addition, the orientation of the horizontal semicircular canals was measured in four species using landmarks on the skull. In all vertebrates studied, with the exception of frog and lizard, the general orientation of the cervical vertebral column was vertical when animals were at rest, and not horizontal or oblique as suggested by the macroscopic appearance of the neck. The posture of the animal, whether lying, sitting or standing, had little effect on this general vertical orientation, although some variability was noticed depending on the species. This finding prompted the definition of a resting zone, where the cervical column can take any orientation within a narrow range around a mean position. The cervical vertebral column composes part of the S-shaped structure of the entire vertebral column, with one inflection around the cervico-thoracic (C7/Th1) junction. This feature is already noticable in the lizard. The vertical orientation of the cervical vertebral column is interpreted to provide a stable and energy saving balance of the head. Furthermore, when the head is lowered or raised, the atlanto-occipital and cervico-thoracic junctions are predominantly involved, while the entire cervical column largely preserves its intrinsic configuration. The curved configuration of the cervico-thoracic vertebral column embedded in long spring-like muscles is interpreted to function as a shock absorber. At rest, animals did not hold their heads with the horizontal canals oriented earth horizontally all the time, but often maintained them pitched up by ca. 5 deg, as has been reported for man. At other times, presumably when the vigilance level increased, the horizontal canals were brought into the earth horizontal plane. The vertical orientation of the cervical column results in a vertical positioning of the odontoid process of the axis (second cervical vertebra, C2), which thus provides the axis of rotation for yaw movements of the head. This axis corresponds to that of the horizontal semicircular canals. The vertical organization of the cervical vertebral column in birds and mammals, whether the animal is quadrupedal or bipedal, points to a common organizational principle for eye and head movement systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Carbon-Based Nano-Electro-Mechanical-Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, A. B.; Khan, A. R.; Megerian, K. G.; Epp, L.; LeDuc, G.; Bagge, L.; Jennings, A. T.; Jang, D.; Greer, J. R.

2011-01-01

We provide an overview of our work where carbon-based nanostructures have been applied to two-dimensional (2D) planar and three-dimensional (3D) vertically-oriented nano-electro-mechanical (NEM) switches. In the first configuration, laterally oriented single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were implemented for forming bridge-type 2D NEMS switches, where switching voltages were on the order of a few volts. In the second configuration, vertically oriented carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesized using plasma-enhanced (PE) CVD have been explored for their potential application in 3D NEMS. We have performed nanomechanical measurements on such vertically oriented tubes using nanoindentation to determine the mechanical properties of the CNFs. Electrostatic switching was demonstrated in the CNFs synthesized on refractory metallic nitride substrates, where a nanoprobe was used as the actuating electrode inside a scanning-electron-microscope. The switching voltages were determined to be in the tens of volts range and van der Waals interactions at these length scales appeared significant, suggesting such structures are promising for nonvolatile memory applications. A finite element model was also developed to determine a theoretical pull-in voltage which was compared to experimental results.

Synthesis of Ferroelectric Lead Titanate Nanohoneycomb Arrays via Lead Supplement Process

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

Kim, Bongsoo; Hong, Seungbum; Ahn, Gun

In this paper, we demonstrate a novel process to convert TiO 2 nanotubes into ferroelectric nanohoneycombs, comprised of vertically aligned PbTiO 3 nanotubes. Tube bottom opening process enabled effective infiltration of lead acetate precursor into the nanotubes. Finally, nanohoneycombs, which were converted via additional lead supplement process, showed uniform conversion and well-defined ferroelectric properties with the effective piezoelectric coefficient of approximately 20 pm/V, which was measured by piezoresponse force microscopy.

Synthesis of Ferroelectric Lead Titanate Nanohoneycomb Arrays via Lead Supplement Process

DOE PAGES

Kim, Bongsoo; Hong, Seungbum; Ahn, Gun; ...

2016-05-14

In this paper, we demonstrate a novel process to convert TiO 2 nanotubes into ferroelectric nanohoneycombs, comprised of vertically aligned PbTiO 3 nanotubes. Tube bottom opening process enabled effective infiltration of lead acetate precursor into the nanotubes. Finally, nanohoneycombs, which were converted via additional lead supplement process, showed uniform conversion and well-defined ferroelectric properties with the effective piezoelectric coefficient of approximately 20 pm/V, which was measured by piezoresponse force microscopy.

Research and Development of High-Performance Axial-Flow Turbomachinery

DTIC Science & Technology

1968-05-01

following conditions: 1. At any orientation of the turbocompressor in a zero to 0.18-g accelera- tion field; 2. At any angle between zero and 180...degrees shaft angle (where zero would correspond to a vertically oriented shaft with the compressor-end up and 180 degrees would be vertical with the...rpm. Hence, the absolute values of bearing forces in the vicinity of the rigid body criticals are approximate. Over the range of 40,000 to 60,000 rpm

Effect of micro-scale wind on the measurement of airborne pollen concentrations using volumetric methods on a building rooftop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miki, Kenji; Kawashima, Shigeto; Fujita, Toshio; Nakamura, Kimihito; Clot, Bernard

2017-06-01

Evaluating airborne pollen concentrations is important for the understanding of the spatiotemporal dispersion of pollen grains. Using two identical pollen monitors in parallel, we performed two experiments in order to study the influences of a) the physical characteristics (orientation) of the air inlet and b) the presence of obstacles in proximity to the monitors on airborne pollen concentration data. The first experiment consisted of an evaluation of airborne pollen concentrations using two different types of orifices; 1) a vertically oriented inlet and 2) a wind vane intake, both attached to the same type of automatic pollen sampler. The second experiment investigated the relationship between vertical wind speed and horizontal wind direction around an obstacle with the goal of studying the impact of micro-scale wind on pollen sampling efficiency. The results of the two experiments suggest that the wind path near an obstacle might be redirected in a vertical direction before or after the wind flows over the obstacle, which causes measurement errors of airborne pollen concentrations that are proportional to the vertical wind speed, especially when a vertically oriented inlet is used.

Postdictive modulation of visual orientation.

PubMed

Kawabe, Takahiro

2012-01-01

The present study investigated how visual orientation is modulated by subsequent orientation inputs. Observers were presented a near-vertical Gabor patch as a target, followed by a left- or right-tilted second Gabor patch as a distracter in the spatial vicinity of the target. The task of the observers was to judge whether the target was right- or left-tilted (Experiment 1) or whether the target was vertical or not (Supplementary experiment). The judgment was biased toward the orientation of the distracter (the postdictive modulation of visual orientation). The judgment bias peaked when the target and distracter were temporally separated by 100 ms, indicating a specific temporal mechanism for this phenomenon. However, when the visibility of the distracter was reduced via backward masking, the judgment bias disappeared. On the other hand, the low-visibility distracter could still cause a simultaneous orientation contrast, indicating that the distracter orientation is still processed in the visual system (Experiment 2). Our results suggest that the postdictive modulation of visual orientation stems from spatiotemporal integration of visual orientation on the basis of a slow feature matching process.

Dynamic modulation of ocular orientation during visually guided saccades and smooth-pursuit eye movements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, Bernhard J M.; Angelaki, Dora E.

2003-01-01

Rotational disturbances of the head about an off-vertical yaw axis induce a complex vestibuloocular reflex pattern that reflects the brain's estimate of head angular velocity as well as its estimate of instantaneous head orientation (at a reduced scale) in space coordinates. We show that semicircular canal and otolith inputs modulate torsional and, to a certain extent, also vertical ocular orientation of visually guided saccades and smooth-pursuit eye movements in a similar manner as during off-vertical axis rotations in complete darkness. It is suggested that this graviceptive control of eye orientation facilitates rapid visual spatial orientation during motion.

Genetic analysis of the gravitropic set-point angle in lateral roots of Arabidopsis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mullen, J. L.; Hangarter, R. P.; Kiss, J. Z. (Principal Investigator)

2003-01-01

Research on gravity responses in plants has mostly focused on primary roots and shoots, which typically orient to a vertical orientation. However, the distribution of lateral organs and their characteristically non-vertical growth orientation are critical for the determination of plant form. For example, in Arabidopsis, when lateral roots emerge from the primary root, they grow at a nearly horizontal orientation. As they elongate, the roots slowly curve until they eventually reach a vertical orientation. The regulation of this lateral root orientation is an important component affecting overall root system architecture. We found that this change in orientation is not simply due to the onset of gravitropic competence, as non-vertical lateral roots are capable of both positive and negative gravitropism. Thus, the horizontal growth of new lateral roots appears to be determined by what is called the gravitropic set-point angle (GSA). This developmental control of the GSA of lateral roots in Arabidopsis provides a useful system for investigating the components involved in regulating gravitropic responses. Using this system, we have identified several Arabidopsis mutants that have altered lateral root orientations but maintain normal primary root orientation. c2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Mass and Angular Momentum Balance of the Zonally-Averaged Global Circulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

2 2SFSf F SO~ ABSTRACT (0m-l n oerse~e side Ht moeoeei md fdeutly’ by Week now"*ee Li ATTACHED hO u 47 EDI TIo OP 1 NOV6 Ies OBSOLETE UNCLASS 82 09 28...eddies, and transient circulat.@ns, respec tively. rigeree 12 and 13 displa the vertical sad meridional distribution of relat’.ve angular momentum trass...the transient component is the dominant mode of angular momentum transport in January. It is poleward at virtually all latitudes in each hemisphere

Enhancement of the spring East China precipitation response to tropical sea surface temperature variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Mengqi; Sun, Jianqi

2017-12-01

The boreal spring relationship between variabilities of East China precipitation (ECP) and tropical Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) during the period 1951-2014 is investigated in this study. The results show that the leading mode of the ECP variability exhibits an enhanced response to the anomalous El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-like SST after the late 1970s, when the SST underwent a decadal change, with two positive centers over the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). To further understand the relative roles of the ETP and TIO SST anomalies (SSTAs) in the variability of ECP after the late 1970s, partial regression and correlation methods are used. It is found that, without the contribution of the TIO, ETP SSTA plays a limited role in the variability of ECP after the late 1970s; comparatively, a significant correlation between TIO SST and ECP is identified during the same period, when the ETP signal is linearly removed. Physical analyses show that, after the late 1970s, the TIO SSTA affects East Asian atmospheric circulation in two ways: by exciting a zonal wave-train pattern over the mid-latitude Eurasian Continent and by inducing anomalous convection over the Maritime Continent. Via these two mechanisms, the TIO SST variability results in an anomalous East Asian trough and vertical motion over East China and consequently leads to anomalous precipitation over the region. The physical processes linking the ECP and TIO SST are confirmed by an atmospheric general circulation model experiment forced with idealized TIO warming.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-03-01

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

Magnetosensitive neurons mediate geomagnetic orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Vidal-Gadea, Andrés; Ward, Kristi; Beron, Celia; Ghorashian, Navid; Gokce, Sertan; Russell, Joshua; Truong, Nicholas; Parikh, Adhishri; Gadea, Otilia; Ben-Yakar, Adela; Pierce-Shimomura, Jonathan

2015-01-01

Many organisms spanning from bacteria to mammals orient to the earth's magnetic field. For a few animals, central neurons responsive to earth-strength magnetic fields have been identified; however, magnetosensory neurons have yet to be identified in any animal. We show that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans orients to the earth's magnetic field during vertical burrowing migrations. Well-fed worms migrated up, while starved worms migrated down. Populations isolated from around the world, migrated at angles to the magnetic vector that would optimize vertical translation in their native soil, with northern- and southern-hemisphere worms displaying opposite migratory preferences. Magnetic orientation and vertical migrations required the TAX-4 cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel in the AFD sensory neuron pair. Calcium imaging showed that these neurons respond to magnetic fields even without synaptic input. C. elegans may have adapted magnetic orientation to simplify their vertical burrowing migration by reducing the orientation task from three dimensions to one. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07493.001 PMID:26083711

Network of vertically c-oriented prismatic InN nanowalls grown on c-GaN/sapphire template by chemical vapor deposition technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barick, B. K.; Saroj, Rajendra Kumar; Prasad, Nivedita; Sutar, D. S.; Dhar, S.

2018-05-01

Networks of vertically c-oriented prism shaped InN nanowalls, are grown on c-GaN/sapphire templates using a CVD technique, where pure indium and ammonia are used as metal and nitrogen precursors. A systematic study of the growth, structural and electronic properties of these samples shows a preferential growth of the islands along [ 1 1 2 bar 0 ] and [0 0 0 1] directions leading to the formation of such a network structure, where the vertically [0 0 0 1] oriented tapered walls are laterally align along one of the three [ 1 1 2 bar 0 ] directions. Inclined facets of these walls are identified as semipolar (1 1 2 bar 2) -planes of wurtzite InN. Onset of absorption for these samples is observed to be higher than the band gap of InN suggesting a high background carrier concentration in this material. Study of the valence band edge through XPS indicates the formation of positive depletion regions below the surface of the side facets [(1 1 2 bar 2) -planes] of the walls. This is in contrast with the observation for c-plane InN epilayers, where electron accumulation is often reported below the top surface.

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility versus lattice- and shape-preferred orientation in the Lac Tio hemo-ilmenite ore body (Grenville province, Quebec)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolle, Olivier; Charlier, Bernard; Bascou, Jérôme; Diot, Hervé; McEnroe, Suzanne A.

2014-08-01

The Lac Tio hemo-ilmenite ore body crops out in the outer portion of the 1.06 Ga Lac Allard anorthosite, a member of the Havre-Saint-Pierre anorthosite suite from the Grenville province of North America. It is made up of ilmenitite (commonly with more than 95% hemo-ilmenite) associated with noritic lithologies and anorthosite. The present study compares the magnetic fabric of the ore body, as deduced from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurements, with the crystallographic and shape fabrics, obtained from lattice-preferred orientation (LPO) and shape-preferred orientation (SPO) measurements made using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and 3D image analysis, respectively. Room-temperature hysteresis measurements, thermomagnetic curves and values of the bulk magnetic susceptibility reveal a magnetic mineralogy dominated by a mixed contribution of hemo-ilmenite and magnetite. The hemo-ilmenite grains display a LPO characterized by a strong preferred orientation of the basal (0001) plane of ilmenite along which hematite was exsolved. This LPO and the magnetic fabric fit well (angle between the crystallographic c-axis and the axis of minimum susceptibility ≤ ca. 15° for most samples), and the latter is thus strongly influenced by the hemo-ilmenite magneto-crystalline anisotropy. A magnetite SPO, concordant with the hemo-ilmenite LPO, may also influence and even dominate the magnetic fabric. The rock shape fabric is coaxial with the magnetic fabric that can thus be used to perform detailed structural mapping. Interpretation of the magnetic fabric and field structural data suggests that the Lac Tio ore body would be a sag point at the margin of the Lac Allard anorthosite, deformed by ballooning during the final stage of diapiric emplacement of the anorthosite body.

Hyperbranched quasi-1D nanostructures for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Passoni, Luca; Ghods, Farbod; Docampo, Pablo; Abrusci, Agnese; Martí-Rujas, Javier; Ghidelli, Matteo; Divitini, Giorgio; Ducati, Caterina; Binda, Maddalena; Guarnera, Simone; Li Bassi, Andrea; Casari, Carlo Spartaco; Snaith, Henry J; Petrozza, Annamaria; Di Fonzo, Fabio

2013-11-26

In this work we demonstrate hyperbranched nanostructures, grown by pulsed laser deposition, composed of one-dimensional anatase single crystals assembled in arrays of high aspect ratio hierarchical mesostructures. The proposed growth mechanism relies on a two-step process: self-assembly from the gas phase of amorphous TiO2 clusters in a forest of tree-shaped hierarchical mesostructures with high aspect ratio; oriented crystallization of the branches upon thermal treatment. Structural and morphological characteristics can be optimized to achieve both high specific surface area for optimal dye uptake and broadband light scattering thanks to the microscopic feature size. Solid-state dye sensitized solar cells fabricated with arrays of hyperbranched TiO2 nanostructures on FTO-glass sensitized with D102 dye showed a significant 66% increase in efficiency with respect to a reference mesoporous photoanode and reached a maximum efficiency of 3.96% (among the highest reported for this system). This result was achieved mainly thanks to an increase in photogenerated current directly resulting from improved light harvesting efficiency of the hierarchical photoanode. The proposed photoanode overcomes typical limitations of 1D TiO2 nanostructures applied to ss-DSC and emerges as a promising foundation for next-generation high-efficiency solid-state devices comprosed of dyes, polymers, or quantum dots as sensitizers.

A highly selective and picomolar level photoelectrochemical sensor for PCB 101 detection in environmental water samples.

PubMed

Shi, Huijie; Zhao, Jinzhi; Wang, Yingling; Zhao, Guohua

2016-07-15

A highly selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was fabricated for fast and convenient detection of PCB 101 in environmental water samples with a low detection limit of 1.0×10(-14)molL(-1) based on single crystalline TiO2 nanorods (NRs). By integration with molecular imprinting (MI) technique, the PEC sensor's selectivity towards PCB 101 was significantly improved, so that the interference caused by 100-fold excess of PCB 126 and PCB 77 which had similar structure with PCB 101 was below 37%, not to mention other coexisted pollutants. This high selectivity could be attributed to the high-quality expression of the molecular imprinting sites on the rigid and smooth surface of single crystalline TiO2 NRs on which PCB 101 could be selectively and preferentially adsorbed. The oriented and multiple halogen bonds formed between PCB 101 and the molecular imprinting sites played a critical role in improving the recognition ability of the PEC sensor. Meanwhile, the one dimensional nanorods structure of TiO2 was beneficial for the efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, leading to enhanced photocurrent response and further improving the sensitivity of the PEC sensor. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of the infragranular striate cortex broadens orientation tuning of supragranular visual neurons in the cat.

PubMed

Allison, J D; Bonds, A B

1994-01-01

Intracortical inhibition is believed to enhance the orientation tuning of striate cortical neurons, but the origin of this inhibition is unclear. To examine the possible influence of ascending inhibitory projections from the infragranular layers of striate cortex on the orientation selectivity of neurons in the supragranular layers, we measured the spatiotemporal response properties of 32 supragranular neurons in the cat before, during, and after neural activity in the infragranular layers beneath the recorded cells was inactivated by iontophoretic administration of GABA. During GABA iontophoresis, the orientation tuning bandwidth of 15 (46.9%) supragranular neurons broadened as a result of increases in response amplitude to stimuli oriented about +/- 20 degrees away from the preferred stimulus angle. The mean (+/- SD) baseline orientation tuning bandwidth (half width at half height) of these neurons was 13.08 +/- 2.3 degrees. Their mean tuning bandwidth during inactivation of the infragranular layers increased to 19.59 +/- 2.54 degrees, an increase of 49.7%. The mean percentage increase in orientation tuning bandwidth of the individual neurons was 47.4%. Four neurons exhibited symmetrical changes in their orientation tuning functions, while 11 neurons displayed asymmetrical changes. The change in form of the orientation tuning functions appeared to depend on the relative vertical alignment of the recorded neuron and the infragranular region of inactivation. Neurons located in close vertical register with the inactivated infragranular tissue exhibited symmetric changes in their orientation tuning functions. The neurons exhibiting asymmetric changes in their orientation tuning functions were located just outside the vertical register. Eight of these 11 neurons also demonstrated a mean shift of 6.67 +/- 5.77 degrees in their preferred stimulus orientation. The magnitude of change in the orientation tuning functions increased as the delivery of GABA was prolonged. Responses returned to normal approximately 30 min after the delivery of GABA was discontinued. We conclude that inhibitory projections from neurons within the infragranular layers of striate cortex in cats can enhance the orientation selectivity of supragranular striate cortical neurons.

c-Axis oriented epitaxial Ba 0.25Sr 0.75TiO 3 films display Curie-Weiss behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boikov, Yu. A.; Claeson, T.

2002-02-01

Thin films of ferroelectrics have inferior dielectric properties, including microwave losses, compared to bulk material and generally do not display a proper Curie-Weiss behavior. This study shows that the film properties can be improved considerably, with a Curie-Weiss behavior, by choosing lattice matched electrodes and proper stoichiometry. A 700 nm thick Ba 0.25Sr 0.75TiO 3 layer was inserted, by laser ablation, between two epitaxial metallic oxide (200 nm) SrRuO 3 electrodes. Because of compressive stress in the plane of the substrate, the c-axis of the unit cell in the Ba 0.25Sr 0.75TiO 3 layer was normal to the substrate plane. Grains were of the order of 100-200 nm (with small misorientation angles in a× b plane) as determined by X-rays and AFM. The positions of pronounced maxima in the temperature dependence of the permittivity depended on external bias voltage applied between the SrRuO 3 electrodes to the dielectric film. The measured ε( T) curves agreed well with existing theoretical models at temperatures below and above the ferroelectric phase transition point. At T≈200 K, ε/ ε0 for the Ba 0.25Sr 0.75TiO 3 layer was suppressed up to 85% (from 4400 down to 560) when ±2.5 V bias voltage was applied to the metallic oxide electrodes. Well saturated polarization-vs.-voltage hysteresis loops were measured for the Ba 0.25Sr 0.75TiO 3 layer in the temperature interval 4.2-200 K. Because of depolarization effects, the polarization of the Ba 0.25Sr 0.75TiO 3 layer was suppressed at positive voltage applied between the electrodes, as compared with a negative one.

Insights Into the Solution Crystallization of Oriented Alq3 and Znq2 Microprisms and Nanorods.

PubMed

Boulet, Joel; Mohammadpour, Arash; Shankar, Karthik

2015-09-01

Optimized solution-based methods to grow high quality micro- and nanocrystals of organic semi-conductors with defined size, shape and orientation are important to a variety of optoelectronic applications. In this context, we report the growth of single crystal micro- and nanostructures of the organic semiconductors Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) and bis(8-hydroxyquinoline)zinc (Znq2) terminating in flat crystal planes using a combination of evaporative and antisolvent crystallization. By controlling substrate-specific nucleation and optimizing the conditions of growth, we generate vertically-oriented hexagonal prism arrays of Alq3, and vertical half-disks and sharp-edged rectangular prisms of Znq2. The effect of process variables such as ambient vapour pressure, choice of anti-solvent and temperature on the morphology and crystal habit of the nanostructures were studied and the results of varying them catalogued to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of growth.

Decomposition of banten ilmenite by caustic fusion process for TiO2 photocatalytic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aristanti, Y.; Supriyatna, Y. I.; Masduki, N. P.; Soepriyanto, S.

2018-01-01

Decomposition of Banten ilmenite by caustic fusion process for TiO2 photocatalytic applications has been done. Caustic fusion process using NaOH to obtain sodium titanate compound which is soluble in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to produces TiOSO4 as a precursor. Synthesis of TiO2 from TiOSO4 precursors by variations of pH hydrolysis are 1.0 (TiO2 A), 1.5 (TiO2 B) and 2.0 (TiO2 C). XRD pattern identified TiO2 structures crystals are anatase phase and traces α-Fe2O3 as an impurity. Presence of Fe2O3 as an impurities give positive effect on TiO2 photocatalytic activity that is to narrower the band gap energy thus facilitates of electrons excitation from valence band to conduction band and enlarge the specific surface area thus reaction between Rhodamin B solution and TiO2 surface can be faster. TiO2 A, TiO2 B and TiO2 C was compared to TiO2 M (commercial TiO2) in Rhodamin B solution for the photocatalytic activity where the maximum TiO2 degradation efficiency was obtained at TiO2 C 80.0 % while TiO2 M 59.8 %.

Highly c-axis-oriented monocrystalline Pb(Zr, Ti)O₃ thin films on si wafer prepared by fast cooling immediately after sputter deposition.

PubMed

Yoshida, Shinya; Hanzawa, Hiroaki; Wasa, Kiyotaka; Esashi, Masayoshi; Tanaka, Shuji

2014-09-01

We successfully developed sputter deposition technology to obtain a highly c-axis-oriented monocrystalline Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 (PZT) thin film on a Si wafer by fast cooling (~-180°C/min) of the substrate after deposition. The c-axis orientation ratio of a fast-cooled film was about 90%, whereas that of a slow-cooled (~-40°C/min) film was only 10%. The c-axis-oriented monocrystalline Pb(Zr0.5, Ti0.5)O3 films showed reasonably large piezoelectric coefficients, e(31,f) = ~-11 C/m(2), with remarkably small dielectric constants, ϵ(r) = ~220. As a result, an excellent figure of merit (FOM) was obtained for piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) such as a piezoelectric gyroscope. This c-axis orientation technology on Si will extend industrial applications of PZT-based thin films and contribute further to the development of piezoelectric MEMS.

Ru-bis(pyridine)pyrazolate (bpp)-Based Water-Oxidation Catalysts Anchored on TiO2: The Importance of the Nature and Position of the Anchoring Group.

PubMed

Francàs, Laia; Richmond, Craig; Garrido-Barros, Pablo; Planas, Nora; Roeser, Stephan; Benet-Buchholz, Jordi; Escriche, Lluís; Sala, Xavier; Llobet, Antoni

2016-04-04

Three distinct functionalisation strategies have been applied to the in,in-[{Ru(II)(trpy)}2(μ-bpp)(H2O)2](3+) (trpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, bpp=bis(pyridine)pyrazolate) water-oxidation catalyst framework to form new derivatives that can adsorb onto titania substrates. Modifications included the addition of sulfonate, carboxylate, and phosphonate anchoring groups to the terpyridine and bis(pyridyl)pyrazolate ligands. The complexes were characterised in solution by using 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis and electrochemical techniques. The complexes were then anchored on TiO2-coated fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) films, and the reactivity of these new materials as water-oxidation catalysts was tested electrochemically through controlled-potential electrolysis (CPE) with oxygen evolution detected by headspace analysis with a Clark electrode. The results obtained highlight the importance of the catalyst orientation with respect to the titania surface in regard to its capacity to catalytically oxidize water to dioxygen. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of nuclear vibrations, temperature, and orientation on injection and recombination conditions in amino-phenyl acid dyes on TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzhos, Sergei; Segawa, Hiroshi; Yamashita, Koichi

2012-06-01

Adsorption geometry, nuclear vibrations, and molecular orientation of the dye with respect to the oxide surface affect significantly the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. We compute the influence of these factors on injection and recombination conditions in organic amino-phenyl acid dyes differing by the donor group on the anatase (101) surface of titania. Nuclear motions affect significantly and differently between the dyes the driving force to injection Δ G. A temperature increase from 300 to 350 K does not have a noticeable effect on the distribution of injection rates in all studied system. Molecular dynamics simulations predict configurations in which dyes tend to lay flat on the oxide surface. The resulting proximity of the oxidation equivalent hole to the oxide is expected to promote recombination. Temporal evolution of the driving force to injection is found to be independent of dye orientation and uncorrelated to the oscillations of the Odye Ti bonds through which the dye is attached to the surface. We conclude that the dynamics of Δ G(t) is explained by uncorrelated evolution of the energies of the dye excited state and of the conduction band minimum of the oxide due to their respective vibrations. This suggests that it must be possible to control independently conditions of recombination (e.g. by preventing the dye oxidation hole from approaching TiO2 by using co-adsorbates) and of injection (e.g. by designing dyes where non-equilibrium geometries strongly destabilize dye's LUMO to increase Δ G).

Adsorption orientation effects of porphyrin dyes on the performance of DSSC: Comparison of benzoic acid and tropolone anchoring groups binding onto the TiO2 anatase (101) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Han-Cheng; Zhang, Ji; Wang, Ying-Lin

2018-03-01

A new porphyrin dye with tropolone anchoring group showing superior stability but lower efficiency versus the promising dye YD2-o-C8 with benzoic acid anchoring group was theoretically investigated for the first time. A series of important parameters related to the efficiency of DSSC were calculated to explore the nature of the experimentally observed lower efficiency and superior stability of tropolone-based solar cells. We found these two dyes with different anchoring groups show comparable electron injection and dye regeneration process. Interestingly, the red-shifted absorption spectrum, relatively weaker ability of releasing protons, and the larger conduction band energy shift of tropolone-based dyes all demonstrated it should show better performance than the benzoic acid dyes, which contradicts with the experimental results. However, through investigating the interaction between the porphyrin dye and the semiconductor by analyzing the electron localization function of the porphyrin dye and preforming energy decomposition analysis, we found that the direction of lone-pair electrons of carbonyl oxygen in the tropolone-based dye makes the dye prefer to adsorb on the surface in an inclined way, in contrary to the benzoic acid-based dye that favored a vertical adsorption. The inclined adsorption could significantly accelerate the charge recombination process between the injected electrons and the oxidized dye, leading to a decreased efficiency of DSSC.

Low-energy measurements of electron-photon angular correlation in electron-impact excitation of the 2/sup 1/P state of helium

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

Steph, N.C.; Golden, D.E.

1983-03-01

Electron-photon angular correlations between electrons which have excited the 2/sup 1/P state of He and photons from the 2/sup 1/P..-->..1/sup 1/S transition have been studied for 27-, 30-, 35-, and 40-eV incident electrons. Values of lambda and Vertical BarchiVertical Bar obtained from these measurements are compared to values obtained in distorted-wave and R-matrix calculations. The values of lambda and Vertical BarchiVertical Bar have been combined to examine the behavior of Vertical BarO/sub 1//sub -//sup colvertical-bar/ (lambda(1-lambda)sinVertical BarchiVertical Bar), the nonvanishing component of orientation. At 27 eV, a substantial decrease was observed in the values of lambda and Vertical BarO/sub 1//submore » -//sup colvertical-bar/, compared with their values for E> or =30 eV.« less

Spatial Coding of Eye Movements Relative to Perceived Orientations During Roll Tilt with Different Gravitoinertial Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, Scott; Clement, Gilles

2013-01-01

This purpose of this study was to examine the spatial coding of eye movements during roll tilt relative to perceived orientations while free-floating during the microgravity phase of parabolic flight or during head tilt in normal gravity. Binocular videographic recordings obtained in darkness from six subjects allowed us to quantify the mean deviations in gaze trajectories along both horizontal and vertical coordinates relative to the aircraft and head orientations. Both variability and curvature of gaze trajectories increased during roll tilt compared to the upright position. The saccades were less accurate during parabolic flight compared to measurements obtained in normal gravity. The trajectories of saccades along perceived horizontal orientations tended to deviate in the same direction as the head tilt, while the deviations in gaze trajectories along the perceived vertical orientations deviated in the opposite direction relative to the head tilt. Although subjects were instructed to look off in the distance while performing the eye movements, fixation distance varied with vertical gaze direction independent of whether the saccades were made along perceived aircraft or head orientations. This coupling of horizontal vergence with vertical gaze is in a consistent direction with the vertical slant of the horopter. The increased errors in gaze trajectories along both perceived orientations during microgravity can be attributed to the otolith's role in spatial coding of eye movements.

Characterization of fracture permeability with high-resolution vertical flow measurements during borehole pumping.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paillet, Frederick L.; Hess, A.E.; Cheng, C.H.; Hardin, E.

1987-01-01

The distribution of fracture permeability in granitic rocks was investigated by measuring the distribution of vertical flow in boreholes during periods of steady pumping. Pumping tests were conducted at two sites chosen to provide examples of moderately fractured rocks near Mirror Lake, New Hampshire and intensely fractured rocks near Oracle, Arizona. A sensitive heat-pulse flowmeter was used for accurate measurements of vertical flow as low as 0.2 liter per minute. Results indicate zones of fracture permeability in crystalline rocks are composed of irregular conduits that cannot be approximated by planar fractures of uniform aperture, and that the orientation of permeability zones may be unrelated to the orientation of individual fractures within those zones.-Authors

A severe capacity limit in the consolidation of orientation information into visual short-term memory.

PubMed

Becker, Mark W; Miller, James R; Liu, Taosheng

2013-04-01

Previous research has suggested that two color patches can be consolidated into visual short-term memory (VSTM) via an unlimited parallel process. Here we examined whether the same unlimited-capacity parallel process occurs for two oriented grating patches. Participants viewed two gratings that were presented briefly and masked. In blocks of trials, the gratings were presented either simultaneously or sequentially. In Experiments 1 and 2, the presentation of the stimuli was followed by a location cue that indicated the grating on which to base one's response. In Experiment 1, participants responded whether the target grating was oriented clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to vertical. In Experiment 2, participants indicated whether the target grating was oriented along one of the cardinal directions (vertical or horizontal) or was obliquely oriented. Finally, in Experiment 3, the location cue was replaced with a third grating that appeared at fixation, and participants indicated whether either of the two test gratings matched this probe. Despite the fact that these responses required fairly coarse coding of the orientation information, across all methods of responding we found superior performance for sequential over simultaneous presentations. These findings suggest that the consolidation of oriented gratings into VSTM is severely limited in capacity and differs from the consolidation of color information.

Interfacial dislocations in (111) oriented (Ba 0.7Sr 0.3)TiO 3 films on SrTiO 3 single crystal

DOE PAGES

Shen, Xuan; Yamada, Tomoaki; Lin, Ruoqian; ...

2015-10-08

In this study, we have investigated the interfacial structure of epitaxial (Ba,Sr)TiO 3 films grown on (111)-oriented SrTiO 3 single-crystal substrates using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Compared with the (100) epitaxial perovskite films, we observe dominant dislocation half-loop with Burgers vectors of a<110> comprised of a misfit dislocation along <112>, and threading dislocations along <110> or <100>. The misfit dislocation with Burgers vector of a <110> can dissociate into two ½ a <110> partial dislocations and one stacking fault. We found the dislocation reactions occur not only between misfit dislocations, but also between threading dislocations. Via three-dimensional electron tomography,more » we retrieved the configurations of the threading dislocation reactions. The reactions between threading dislocations lead to a more efficient strain relaxation than do the misfit dislocations alone in the near-interface region of the (111)-oriented (Ba 0.7Sr 0.3)TiO 3 films.« less

The applicability of PEEK-based abutment screws.

PubMed

Schwitalla, Andreas Dominik; Abou-Emara, Mohamed; Zimmermann, Tycho; Spintig, Tobias; Beuer, Florian; Lackmann, Justus; Müller, Wolf-Dieter

2016-10-01

The high-performance polymer PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) is more and more being used in the field of dentistry, mainly for removable and fixed prostheses. In cases of screw-retained implant-supported reconstructions of PEEK, an abutment screw made of PEEK might be advantageous over a conventional metal screw due to its similar elasticity. Also in case of abutment screw fracture, a screw of PEEK could be removed more easily. M1.6-abutment screws of four different PEEK compounds were subjected to tensile tests to set their maximum tensile strengths in relation to an equivalent stress of 186MPa, which is aused by a tightening torque of 15Ncm. Two screw types were manufactured via injection molding and contained 15% short carbon fibers (sCF-15) and 40% (sCF-40), respectively. Two screw types were manufactured via milling and contained 20% TiO2 powder (TiO2-20) and >50% parallel orientated, continuous carbon fibers (cCF-50). A conventional abutments screw of Ti6Al4V (Ti; CAMLOG(®) abutment screw, CAMLOG, Wimsheim, Germany) served as control. The maximum tensile strength was 76.08±5.50MPa for TiO2-20, 152.67±15.83MPa for sCF-15, 157.29±20.11MPa for sCF-40 and 191.69±36.33MPa for cCF-50. The maximum tensile strength of the Ti-screws amounted 1196.29±21.4MPa. The results of the TiO2-20 and the Ti screws were significantly different from the results of the other samples, respectively. For the manufacturing of PEEK abutment screws, PEEK reinforced by >50% continuous carbon fibers would be the material of choice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and electrical properties of (111) textured (Ba0.6Sr0.4)TiO3 film on platinized Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yi; Liu, Baoting; Wei, Feng; Yang, Zhimin; Du, Jun

2007-01-01

The authors report the fabrication of (Ba0.6Sr0.4)TiO3 (BST) film on Pt /Si(001) substrate without Ti adhesion layer by magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction technique is used to characterize the orientation and phase purity of BST/Pt heterostructure. It is found that both BST and Pt films are (111) textured. The (111) BST films are observed to have high tunability of 49.4%; the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the BST film are about 682 and 0.015, respectively. The leakage current density of BST film agrees well with the space-charge-limited current theory at room temperature and is only 3.90×10-8A/cm2 at 455kV/cm.

Anisotropic perception of visual angle: implications for the horizontal-vertical illusion, overconstancy of size, and the moon illusion.

PubMed

Higashiyama, A

1992-03-01

Three experiments investigated anisotropic perception of visual angle outdoors. In Experiment 1, scales for vertical and horizontal visual angles ranging from 20 degrees to 80 degrees were constructed with the method of angle production (in which the subject reproduced a visual angle with a protractor) and the method of distance production (in which the subject produced a visual angle by adjusting viewing distance). In Experiment 2, scales for vertical and horizontal visual angles of 5 degrees-30 degrees were constructed with the method of angle production and were compared with scales for orientation in the frontal plane. In Experiment 3, vertical and horizontal visual angles of 3 degrees-80 degrees were judged with the method of verbal estimation. The main results of the experiments were as follows: (1) The obtained angles for visual angle are described by a quadratic equation, theta' = a + b theta + c theta 2 (where theta is the visual angle; theta', the obtained angle; a, b, and c, constants). (2) The linear coefficient b is larger than unity and is steeper for vertical direction than for horizontal direction. (3) The quadratic coefficient c is generally smaller than zero and is negatively larger for vertical direction than for horizontal direction. And (4) the obtained angle for visual angle is larger than that for orientation. From these results, it was possible to predict the horizontal-vertical illusion, over-constancy of size, and the moon illusion.

Orientation perception in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

PubMed

Wakita, Masumi

2008-07-01

It was previously demonstrated that monkeys divide the orientation continuum into cardinal and oblique categories. However, it is still unclear how monkeys perceive within-category orientations. To better understand monkeys' perception of orientation, two experiments were conducted using five monkeys. In experiment 1, they were trained to identify either one cardinal or one oblique target orientation out of six orientations. The results showed that they readily identified the cardinal target whether it was oriented horizontally or vertically. However, a longer training period was needed to identify the oblique target orientation regardless of its degree and direction of tilt. In experiment 2, the same monkeys were trained to identify two-oblique target orientations out of six orientations. These orientations were paired, either sharing the degree of tilt, direction of tilt, or neither property. The results showed that the monkeys readily identified oblique orientations when they had either the same degree or direction of tilt. However, when the target orientations had neither the same degree nor direction of tilt, the animals had difficulty in identifying them. In summary, horizontal and vertical orientations are individually processed, indicating that monkeys do not have a category for cardinal orientation, but they may recognize cardinal orientations as non-obliques. In addition, monkeys efficiently abstract either the degree or the direction of tilt from oblique orientations, but they have difficulty combining these features to identify an oblique orientation. Thus, not all orientations within the oblique category are equally perceived.

Nano-Scaled Particles of Titanium Dioxide Convert Benign Mouse Fibrosarcoma Cells into Aggressive Tumor Cells

PubMed Central

Onuma, Kunishige; Sato, Yu; Ogawara, Satomi; Shirasawa, Nobuyuki; Kobayashi, Masanobu; Yoshitake, Jun; Yoshimura, Tetsuhiko; Iigo, Masaaki; Fujii, Junichi; Okada, Futoshi

2009-01-01

Nanoparticles are prevalent in both commercial and medicinal products; however, the contribution of nanomaterials to carcinogenesis remains unclear. We therefore examined the effects of nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) on poorly tumorigenic and nonmetastatic QR-32 fibrosarcoma cells. We found that mice that were cotransplanted subcutaneously with QR-32 cells and nano-sized TiO2, either uncoated (TiO2−1, hydrophilic) or coated with stearic acid (TiO2−2, hydrophobic), did not form tumors. However, QR-32 cells became tumorigenic after injection into sites previously implanted with TiO2−1, but not TiO2−2, and these developing tumors acquired metastatic phenotypes. No differences were observed either histologically or in inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression between TiO2−1 and TiO2−2 treatments. However, TiO2−2, but not TiO2−1, generated high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell-free conditions. Although both TiO2−1 and TiO2−2 resulted in intracellular ROS formation, TiO2−2 elicited a stronger response, resulting in cytotoxicity to the QR-32 cells. Moreover, TiO2−2, but not TiO2−1, led to the development of nuclear interstices and multinucleate cells. Cells that survived the TiO2 toxicity acquired a tumorigenic phenotype. TiO2-induced ROS formation and its related cell injury were inhibited by the addition of antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine. These results indicate that nano-sized TiO2 has the potential to convert benign tumor cells into malignant ones through the generation of ROS in the target cells. PMID:19815711

The Marine Physical Laboratory Multi-Disciplinary Ocean Science and Technology Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-01

1793 INTRODUCTION Two specific objectives were planned for the next year: an updating and completion of a world-wide catalog of fish sounds, and a...separated rhe walls of Cauldron (’rater consist of nearly vertical cliffs by younger ponds of cream colored calcareous ooze. The out- (black in Figure 2h...2 SiO2 49.78 50.02 5014 50.60 50.14 49.84 50.00 50.54 49.95 48.83 51.83 TiO2 1.07 1.13 1.12 1.23 1.13 1.10 1.09 1.02 1.76 1.75 1.38 A12 0 3 16.15

Preparation and solar-light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 composites: TiO2/kaolin, TiO2/diatomite, and TiO2/zeolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-12-01

Three TiO2 loaded composites, TiO2/kaolin, TiO2/diatomite, and TiO2/zeolite, were prepared in order to improve the solar-light photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity could obviously be enhanced by loading appropriate amount of inorganic mineral materials. Meanwhile, TiO2 content, heat-treatment temperature and heat-treatment time on the photocatalytic activity were reviewed. Otherwise, the effect of solar light irradiation time and dye concentration on the photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red B was investigated. Furthermore, the degradation mechanism and adsorption process were also discussed.

Preparation and Characterization of RF Sputtered BARIUM(2) SILICON(2) Titanium OXYGEN(8) Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi.

Thin films of barium titanium silicate ( Ba_2Si_2TiO_8) are grown on crystalline (100) Si at substrate temperatures raging from 750 to 955^circC by the radio-frequency triode sputtering technique. The chemical composition, microstructure, physical properties, and growth conditions of the deposited films are investigated by dc and high-frequency dielectric measurements, wavelength dispersive and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometries, x-ray diffraction spectrometry, and optical and scanning electron microscopies. The results of the x-ray diffraction analysis show that the Ba_2Si_2TiO _8 films deposited at the optimum condition of substrate temperature of 845^circ C, 4 cm source-substance distance, 50 W rf power, and 1.2 times 10^ {-3} torr pressure of Ar, are highly c -axis oriented. The as-deposited films are smooth, glossy, polycrystalline films, exhibiting a bulk resistivity range of 10^6 Omegacdotcm, and an isotropic surface resistivity of 1.5 times 10^3 Omegacdot cm. The relative dielectric constant is 0.05, and the dielectric loss is lower than 1.0, in the frequency band 9 ~ 1000 MHz. The high-frequency impedance of BST films, which is typical for piezoelectric materials, gives a minimum impedance frequency of 9.0 MHz and a series resonant frequency of 9.5 MHz. Optical and SEM observations show that the film texture is dependent on the substrate conditions. The non-liquid-like grain coalescence of the Ba_2Si_2TiO _8 grains is characteristic of a strong film -substrate interaction. The grain growth kinetics obtained from "short-time" sputtering gives an initial lateral grain growth rate of 770 nm/min at 845^circ C, which decreases with the grain size. The initial film growth rate in the direction of thickness, measured from SEM micrographs, is 1.95 nm/min, and decreases with sputtering time. The activation free energy for grain growth is 359 +/- 30 KJ/mol for the initial stage, decreasing to 148 +/- 20 KJ/mol for the final stage. The variation of the grain growth rate and the activation energy with grain size is the result of a combined nucleation and growth mechanism in the initial stage of the film growth, and a coalescence -dominated growth mechanism at longer sputtering time and at higher temperature. Film orientation is sensitive to the supersaturation adjacent to the film surface, which depends on the source-substrate distance and substrate temperature. The effect of the substrate temperature on the orientation of the film is investigated over a wide temperature range using (100) and (111) Si substrates. Several orientations for the BST films, including an amorphous state, are obtained with increasing substrate temperature. This is discussed in relation to the atomic plane density and the energetics for the deposition process.

Enhancement of local piezoelectric properties of a perforated ferroelectric thin film visualized via piezoresponse force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, M. S.; Sherstyuk, N. E.; Mishina, E. D.; Khomchenko, V. A.; Tselev, A.; Mukhortov, V. M.; Paixão, J. A.; Kholkin, A. L.

2017-10-01

The local piezoresponse in a Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 epitaxial ferroelectric film perforated by cylindrical channels has been investigated experimentally by means of piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). A large enhancement of the effective values for both lateral and vertical components of piezoelectric tensor was experimentally detected in the perforated film as compared to non-perforated structure—by a factor of 8 for the lateral and by a factor 2 for the vertical piezoresponse. This result is consistent with the previously reported enhancement of the optical second harmonic generation over perforated films observed in macroscopic experiments. We assume that a possible mechanism for the increased PFM response is due to reduction of stress and clamping in the film imposed by the substrate. The obtained insight is critical for understanding nanoscale piezo- and ferroelectric responses in photonic crystals fabricated by focused ion beam milling.

Unsteady free convection flow past a semi-infinite vertical plate with constant heat flux in water based nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narahari, Marneni

2018-04-01

The unsteady free convective flow of nanofluids past a semi-infinite vertical plate with uniform heat flux has been investigated numerically. An implicit finite difference technique of Crank-Nicolson scheme has been employed to solve the governing partial differential equations. Five different types of water based nanofluids containing Cu, Ag, Al2O3, CuO and TiO2 nanoparticles are considered to study the fluid flow characteristics with various time and solid volume fraction parameters. It is found that the local as well as the average Nusselt number for nanofluids is higher than the pure fluid (water). The local skin-friction is higher for pure fluid as compared to the nanofluids. The present numerical results obtained for local Nusselt number are validated with the previously published correlation results for a limiting case and it is found that the results are in good agreement.

Target-object integration, attention distribution, and object orientation interactively modulate object-based selection.

PubMed

Al-Janabi, Shahd; Greenberg, Adam S

2016-10-01

The representational basis of attentional selection can be object-based. Various studies have suggested, however, that object-based selection is less robust than spatial selection across experimental paradigms. We sought to examine the manner by which the following factors might explain this variation: Target-Object Integration (targets 'on' vs. part 'of' an object), Attention Distribution (narrow vs. wide), and Object Orientation (horizontal vs. vertical). In Experiment 1, participants discriminated between two targets presented 'on' an object in one session, or presented as a change 'of' an object in another session. There was no spatial cue-thus, attention was initially focused widely-and the objects were horizontal or vertical. We found evidence of object-based selection only when targets constituted a change 'of' an object. Additionally, object orientation modulated the sign of object-based selection: We observed a same-object advantage for horizontal objects, but a same-object cost for vertical objects. In Experiment 2, an informative cue preceded a single target presented 'on' an object or as a change 'of' an object (thus, attention was initially focused narrowly). Unlike in Experiment 1, we found evidence of object-based selection independent of target-object integration. We again found that the sign of selection was modulated by the objects' orientation. This result may reflect a meridian effect, which emerged due to anisotropies in the cortical representations when attention is oriented endogenously. Experiment 3 revealed that object orientation did not modulate object-based selection when attention was oriented exogenously. Our findings suggest that target-object integration, attention distribution, and object orientation modulate object-based selection, but only in combination.

Single-walled carbon nanotube-facilitated dispersion of particulate TiO2 on ZrO2 ceramic membrane filters.

PubMed

Yao, Yuan; Li, Gonghu; Gray, Kimberly A; Lueptow, Richard M

2008-07-15

We report that SWCNTs substantially improve the uniformity and coverage of TiO2 coatings on porous ZrO2 ceramic membrane filters. The ZrO2 filters were dip coated with 100 nm anatase TiO2, TiO2/SWCNT composites, a TiO2+SWCNT mixture, and a TiO2/MWCNT composite at pH 3, 5, and 8. Whereas the TiO2+SWCNT mixture and the TiO2/MWCNT composite promote better coverage and less clumping than TiO2 alone, the TiO2/SWCNT composite forms a complete uniform coating without cracking at pH 5 ( approximately 100% coverage). A combination of chemical and electrostatic effects between TiO2 and SWCNTs forming the composite as well as between the composite and the ZrO2 surface explains these observations.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres on carbon fabric and FTO substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu; Gu, Jian; Zhang, Mengqi

2018-06-01

The wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres on carbon fabric (TiO2-CF) and FTO substrates (TiO2-FTO) have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method in alkali environment, using commercial TiO2 (P25) as precursors. The XRD results indicate that the as-prepared TiO2 have good crystallinity. And the SEM images show that the wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres with a diameter of 2-3 μm are composed of TiO2 nanowires, which have a diameter of 50 nm. The photocatalytic behavior of the wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres, TiO2-CF and TiO2-FTO under ultraviolet light was investigated by a pseudo first-order kinetic model, using methyl orange (MO) as pollutant. The wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres obtained a degradation rate constant (Kap) of 6.91×10-3 min-1 . The Kap values of TiO2-FTO and TiO2-CF reach 13.97×10-3 min-1 and 11.80×10-3 min-1, which are 2.0 and 1.7 times higher than that of pristine wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres due to the "sum effect" between TiO2 and substrates. This study offers a facile hydrothermal method to prepare wool-ball-like TiO2 microspheres on CF and FTO substrates, which will improve the recyclability of phtocatalysts and can be extended to other fields.

Formation of hydroxyl radicals and kinetic study of 2-chlorophenol photocatalytic oxidation using C-doped TiO2, N-doped TiO2, and C,N Co-doped TiO2 under visible light.

PubMed

Ananpattarachai, Jirapat; Seraphin, Supapan; Kajitvichyanukul, Puangrat

2016-02-01

This work reports on synthesis, characterization, adsorption ability, formation rate of hydroxyl radicals (OH(•)), photocatalytic oxidation kinetics, and mineralization ability of C-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2), N-doped TiO2, and C,N co-doped TiO2 prepared by the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to analyze the titania. The rate of formation of OH(•) for each type of titania was determined, and the OH-index was calculated. The kinetics of as-synthesized TiO2 catalysts in photocatalytic oxidation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) under visible light irradiation were evaluated. Results revealed that nitrogen was incorporated into the lattice of titania with the structure of O-Ti-N linkages in N-doped TiO2 and C,N co-doped TiO2. Carbon was joined to the Ti-O-C bond in the C-doped TiO2 and C,N co-doped TiO2. The 2-CP adsorption ability of C,N co-doped TiO2 and C-doped TiO2 originated from a layer composed of a complex carbonaceous mixture at the surface of TiO2. C,N co-doped TiO2 had highest formation rate of OH(•) and photocatalytic activity due to a synergistic effect of carbon and nitrogen co-doping. The order of photocatalytic activity per unit surface area was the same as that of the formation rate of OH(•) unit surface area in the following order: C,N co-doped TiO2 > C-doped TiO2 > N-doped TiO2 > undoped TiO2.

Monte Carlo modeling of ultrasound probes for image guided radiotherapy

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

Bazalova-Carter, Magdalena, E-mail: bazalova@uvic.ca; Schlosser, Jeffrey; Chen, Josephine

2015-10-15

Purpose: To build Monte Carlo (MC) models of two ultrasound (US) probes and to quantify the effect of beam attenuation due to the US probes for radiation therapy delivered under real-time US image guidance. Methods: MC models of two Philips US probes, an X6-1 matrix-array transducer and a C5-2 curved-array transducer, were built based on their megavoltage (MV) CT images acquired in a Tomotherapy machine with a 3.5 MV beam in the EGSnrc, BEAMnrc, and DOSXYZnrc codes. Mass densities in the probes were assigned based on an electron density calibration phantom consisting of cylinders with mass densities between 0.2 andmore » 8.0 g/cm{sup 3}. Beam attenuation due to the US probes in horizontal (for both probes) and vertical (for the X6-1 probe) orientation was measured in a solid water phantom for 6 and 15 MV (15 × 15) cm{sup 2} beams with a 2D ionization chamber array and radiographic films at 5 cm depth. The MC models of the US probes were validated by comparison of the measured dose distributions and dose distributions predicted by MC. Attenuation of depth dose in the (15 × 15) cm{sup 2} beams and small circular beams due to the presence of the probes was assessed by means of MC simulations. Results: The 3.5 MV CT number to mass density calibration curve was found to be linear with R{sup 2} > 0.99. The maximum mass densities in the X6-1 and C5-2 probes were found to be 4.8 and 5.2 g/cm{sup 3}, respectively. Dose profile differences between MC simulations and measurements of less than 3% for US probes in horizontal orientation were found, with the exception of the penumbra region. The largest 6% dose difference was observed in dose profiles of the X6-1 probe placed in vertical orientation, which was attributed to inadequate modeling of the probe cable. Gamma analysis of the simulated and measured doses showed that over 96% of measurement points passed the 3%/3 mm criteria for both probes placed in horizontal orientation and for the X6-1 probe in vertical orientation. The X6-1 probe in vertical orientation caused the highest attenuation of the 6 and 15 MV beams, which at 10 cm depth accounted for 33% and 43% decrease compared to the respective (15 × 15) cm{sup 2} open fields. The C5-2 probe in horizontal orientation, on the other hand, caused a dose increase of 10% and 53% for the 6 and 15 MV beams, respectively, in the buildup region at 0.5 cm depth. For the X6-1 probe in vertical orientation, the dose at 5 cm depth for the 3-cm diameter 6 MV and 5-cm diameter 15 MV beams was attenuated compared to the corresponding open fields to a greater degree by 65% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions: MC models of two US probes used for real-time image guidance during radiotherapy have been built. Due to the high beam attenuation of the US probes, the authors generally recommend avoiding delivery of treatment beams that intersect the probe. However, the presented MC models can be effectively integrated into US-guided radiotherapy treatment planning in cases for which beam avoidance is not practical due to anatomy geometry.« less

Reaction Kinetics of Water Molecules with Oxygen Vacancies on Rutile TiO 2(110)

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

Petrik, Nikolay G.; Kimmel, Gregory A.

2015-09-16

The formation of bridging hydroxyls (OHb) via reactions of water molecules with oxygen vacancies (VO) on reduced TiO 2(110) surfaces is studied using infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), electron-stimulated desorption (ESD), and photon-stimulated desorption (PSD). Narrow IRAS peaks at 2737 cm-1 and 3711 cm -1 are observed for stretching vibrations of OD b and OH b on TiO 2(110), respectively. IRAS measurements with s- and p-polarized light demonstrate that the bridging hydroxyls are oriented normal to the (110) surface. The IR peaks disappear after the sample is exposed to O 2 or annealed in the temperature range of 400 – 600more » K (correlating with the temperature at which pairs of OHb’s reform water and then desorb), which is consistent with their identification as bridging hydroxyls. We have studied the kinetics of water reacting with the vacancies by monitoring the formation of bridging hydroxyls (using IRAS) as a function of the annealing temperature for a small amount of water initially dosed on the TiO 2(110) at low temperature. Separate experiments have also monitored the loss of water molecules (using water ESD) and vacancies (using the CO photooxidation reaction) due to the reactions of water molecules with the vacancies. All three techniques show that the reaction rate becomes appreciable for T > 150 K and that the reactions largely complete for T > 250 K. The temperature-dependent water-VO reaction kinetics are consistent with a Gaussian distribution of activation energies with E a = 0.545 eV, ΔE a(FWHM) = 0.125 eV, and a “normal” prefactor, v = 10 12 s -1. In contrast, a single activation energy with a physically reasonable prefactor does not fit the data well. Our experimental activation energy is close to theoretical estimates for the diffusion of water molecules along the Ti 5c rows on the reduced TiO 2(110) surface, which suggests that the diffusion of water controls the water – V O reaction rate.« less

Wet-Chemical Preparation of TiO2-Based Composites with Different Morphologies and Photocatalytic Properties

PubMed Central

Xiang, Liqin; Zhao, Xiaopeng

2017-01-01

TiO2-based composites have been paid significant attention in the photocatalysis field. The size, crystallinity and nanomorphology of TiO2 materials have an important effect on the photocatalytic efficiency. The synthesis and photocatalytic activity of TiO2-based materials have been widely investigated in past decades. Based on our group’s research works on TiO2 materials, this review introduces several methods for the fabrication of TiO2, rare-earth-doped TiO2 and noble-metal-decorated TiO2 particles with different morphologies. We focused on the preparation and the formation mechanism of TiO2-based materials with unique structures including spheres, hollow spheres, porous spheres, hollow porous spheres and urchin-like spheres. The photocatalytical activity of urchin-like TiO2, noble metal nanoparticle-decorated 3D (three-dimensional) urchin-like TiO2 and bimetallic core/shell nanoparticle-decorated urchin-like hierarchical TiO2 are briefly discussed. PMID:28991208

Sol-gel preparation of self-cleaning SiO2-TiO2/SiO2-TiO2 double-layer antireflective coating for solar glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Wensheng; Zheng, Jiaxian; Yan, Lianghong; Zhang, Xinxiang

2018-03-01

Self-cleaning SiO2-TiO2/SiO2-TiO2 double-layer antireflective (AR) coating is prepared by sol-gel process. SiO2 sol is prepared by using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as precursor and ammonia as catalyst, while TiO2 sol was prepared by using tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT) as precursor and hydrochloric acid as catalyst. The effect of TiO2 content on refractive index, abrasion-resistance and photo-catalytic activity of SiO2-TiO2 hybrid thin films or powders is systematically investigated. It is found that the refractive index of SiO2-TiO2 hybrid thin films increases gradually from 1.18 to 1.53 as the weight ratio of TiO2 to SiO2 increased from 0 to 1.0. The SiO2-TiO2 hybrid thin film and powder possesses good abrasion-resistance and photo-catalytic activity, respectively, as the weight ratio of TiO2 to SiO2 is 0.4. The degradation degree of Rhodamine B by SiO2-TiO2 hybrid powder is 88.3%. Finally, SiO2-TiO2/SiO2-TiO2 double-layer AR coating with high transmittance, abrasion-resistance and self-cleaning property is realized.

Computational Approach for Epitaxial Polymorph Stabilization through Substrate Selection.

PubMed

Ding, Hong; Dwaraknath, Shyam S; Garten, Lauren; Ndione, Paul; Ginley, David; Persson, Kristin A

2016-05-25

With the ultimate goal of finding new polymorphs through targeted synthesis conditions and techniques, we outline a computational framework to select optimal substrates for epitaxial growth using first principle calculations of formation energies, elastic strain energy, and topological information. To demonstrate the approach, we study the stabilization of metastable VO2 compounds which provides a rich chemical and structural polymorph space. We find that common polymorph statistics, lattice matching, and energy above hull considerations recommends homostructural growth on TiO2 substrates, where the VO2 brookite phase would be preferentially grown on the a-c TiO2 brookite plane while the columbite and anatase structures favor the a-b plane on the respective TiO2 phases. Overall, we find that a model which incorporates a geometric unit cell area matching between the substrate and the target film as well as the resulting strain energy density of the film provide qualitative agreement with experimental observations for the heterostructural growth of known VO2 polymorphs: rutile, A and B phases. The minimal interfacial geometry matching and estimated strain energy criteria provide several suggestions for substrates and substrate-film orientations for the heterostructural growth of the hitherto hypothetical anatase, brookite, and columbite polymorphs. These criteria serve as a preliminary guidance for the experimental efforts stabilizing new materials and/or polymorphs through epitaxy. The current screening algorithm is being integrated within the Materials Project online framework and data and hence publicly available.

Computational Approach for Epitaxial Polymorph Stabilization through Substrate Selection

DOE PAGES

Ding, Hong; Dwaraknath, Shyam S.; Garten, Lauren; ...

2016-05-04

With the ultimate goal of finding new polymorphs through targeted synthesis conditions and techniques, we outline a computational framework to select optimal substrates for epitaxial growth using first principle calculations of formation energies, elastic strain energy, and topological information. To demonstrate the approach, we study the stabilization of metastable VO 2 compounds which provides a rich chemical and structural polymorph space. Here, we find that common polymorph statistics, lattice matching, and energy above hull considerations recommends homostructural growth on TiO 2 substrates, where the VO 2 brookite phase would be preferentially grown on the a-c TiO 2 brookite plane whilemore » the columbite and anatase structures favor the a-b plane on the respective TiO 2 phases. Overall, we find that a model which incorporates a geometric unit cell area matching between the substrate and the target film as well as the resulting strain energy density of the film provide qualitative agreement with experimental observations for the heterostructural growth of known VO 2 polymorphs: rutile, A and B phases. The minimal interfacial geometry matching and estimated strain energy criteria provide several suggestions for substrates and substrate-film orientations for the heterostructural growth of the hitherto hypothetical anatase, brookite, and columbite polymorphs. Our criteria serve as a preliminary guidance for the experimental efforts stabilizing new materials and/or polymorphs through epitaxy. The current screening algorithm is being integrated within the Materials Project online framework and data and hence publicly available.« less

Computational Approach for Epitaxial Polymorph Stabilization through Substrate Selection

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

Ding, Hong; Dwaraknath, Shyam S.; Garten, Lauren

With the ultimate goal of finding new polymorphs through targeted synthesis conditions and techniques, we outline a computational framework to select optimal substrates for epitaxial growth using first principle calculations of formation energies, elastic strain energy, and topological information. To demonstrate the approach, we study the stabilization of metastable VO2 compounds which provides a rich chemical and structural polymorph space. We find that common polymorph statistics, lattice matching, and energy above hull considerations recommends homostructural growth on TiO2 substrates, where the VO2 brookite phase would be preferentially grown on the a-c TiO2 brookite plane while the columbite and anatase structuresmore » favor the a-b plane on the respective TiO2 phases. Overall, we find that a model which incorporates a geometric unit cell area matching between the substrate and the target film as well as the resulting strain energy density of the film provide qualitative agreement with experimental observations for the heterostructural growth of known VO2 polymorphs: rutile, A and B phases. The minimal interfacial geometry matching and estimated strain energy criteria provide several suggestions for substrates and substrate-film orientations for the heterostructural growth of the hitherto hypothetical anatase, brookite, and columbite polymorphs. These criteria serve as a preliminary guidance for the experimental efforts stabilizing new materials and/or polymorphs through epitaxy. The current screening algorithm is being integrated within the Materials Project online framework and data and hence publicly available.« less

Computational Approach for Epitaxial Polymorph Stabilization through Substrate Selection

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

Ding, Hong; Dwaraknath, Shyam S.; Garten, Lauren

With the ultimate goal of finding new polymorphs through targeted synthesis conditions and techniques, we outline a computational framework to select optimal substrates for epitaxial growth using first principle calculations of formation energies, elastic strain energy, and topological information. To demonstrate the approach, we study the stabilization of metastable VO 2 compounds which provides a rich chemical and structural polymorph space. Here, we find that common polymorph statistics, lattice matching, and energy above hull considerations recommends homostructural growth on TiO 2 substrates, where the VO 2 brookite phase would be preferentially grown on the a-c TiO 2 brookite plane whilemore » the columbite and anatase structures favor the a-b plane on the respective TiO 2 phases. Overall, we find that a model which incorporates a geometric unit cell area matching between the substrate and the target film as well as the resulting strain energy density of the film provide qualitative agreement with experimental observations for the heterostructural growth of known VO 2 polymorphs: rutile, A and B phases. The minimal interfacial geometry matching and estimated strain energy criteria provide several suggestions for substrates and substrate-film orientations for the heterostructural growth of the hitherto hypothetical anatase, brookite, and columbite polymorphs. Our criteria serve as a preliminary guidance for the experimental efforts stabilizing new materials and/or polymorphs through epitaxy. The current screening algorithm is being integrated within the Materials Project online framework and data and hence publicly available.« less

Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under UV Light Irradiation on Prepared Carbonaceous TiO2

PubMed Central

Che Ramli, Zatil Amali; Asim, Nilofar; Isahak, Wan N. R. W.; Emdadi, Zeynab; Ahmad-Ludin, Norasikin; Yarmo, M. Ambar; Sopian, K.

2014-01-01

This study involves the investigation of altering the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 using composite materials. Three different forms of modified TiO2, namely, TiO2/activated carbon (AC), TiO2/carbon (C), and TiO2/PANi, were compared. The TiO2/carbon composite was obtained by pyrolysis of TiO2/PANi prepared by in situ polymerization method, while the TiO2/activated carbon (TiO2/AC) was obtained after treating TiO2/carbon with 1.0 M KOH solution, followed by calcination at a temperature of 450°C. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to characterize and evaluate the prepared samples. The specific surface area was determined to be in the following order: TiO2/AC > TiO2/C > TiO2/PANi > TiO2 (179 > 134 > 54 > 9 m2 g−1). The evaluation of photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation was also of the same order, with 98 > 84.7 > 69% conversion rate, which is likely to be attributed to the porosity and synergistic effect in the prepared samples. PMID:25013855

On the measurement of fiber orientation in fiberboard

Treesearch

Otto Suchsland; Charles W. McMillin

1983-01-01

An attempt to measure the vertical component of fiber orientation in fiberboard is described. The experiment is based on the obvious reduction of the furnish fiber length which occurs by cutting thin microtome sections of the board parallel to the board plane. Only when no vertical fiber orientation component is present will the fibers contained in these sections have...

Anisotropic Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of the As-Fabricated Ti-Rich and Equiatomic Ti-Ni Alloys Induced by Preferential Grain Orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhong-Xun; Ma, Xiao; Cao, Shan-Shan; Ke, Chang-Bo; Zhang, Xin-Ping

2017-12-01

The present study focuses on the anisotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of Ti-rich (Ti54Ni46) and equiatomic Ti-Ni (Ti50Ni50) alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting and without subsequent plastic deformation. Both alloys exhibit NTE responses in vertical and horizontal directions, and the total strains and CTEs of the NTE stage along the two mutually perpendicular measuring directions are obviously different, indicating obvious anisotropic NTE behavior of the alloys. Besides, the numerical differences between the starting temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation and between the finishing temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation are very small, which indicates that an apparent relationship exists between the NTE behavior and the phase transformation. The microstructure in the vertical cross sections shows obviously preferential orientation characteristics: Ti2Ni phases of both alloys grow along the vertical direction, and B19' martensite of Ti50Ni50 alloy has distinct preferential orientation, which results from a large temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the button ingots during solidification. The microstructure with preferential orientation induces the anisotropic NTE behavior of the samples.

Anisotropic Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of the As-Fabricated Ti-Rich and Equiatomic Ti-Ni Alloys Induced by Preferential Grain Orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhong-Xun; Ma, Xiao; Cao, Shan-Shan; Ke, Chang-Bo; Zhang, Xin-Ping

2018-03-01

The present study focuses on the anisotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of Ti-rich (Ti54Ni46) and equiatomic Ti-Ni (Ti50Ni50) alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting and without subsequent plastic deformation. Both alloys exhibit NTE responses in vertical and horizontal directions, and the total strains and CTEs of the NTE stage along the two mutually perpendicular measuring directions are obviously different, indicating obvious anisotropic NTE behavior of the alloys. Besides, the numerical differences between the starting temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation and between the finishing temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation are very small, which indicates that an apparent relationship exists between the NTE behavior and the phase transformation. The microstructure in the vertical cross sections shows obviously preferential orientation characteristics: Ti2Ni phases of both alloys grow along the vertical direction, and B19' martensite of Ti50Ni50 alloy has distinct preferential orientation, which results from a large temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the button ingots during solidification. The microstructure with preferential orientation induces the anisotropic NTE behavior of the samples.

Reduced Oblique Effect in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

PubMed Central

Sysoeva, Olga V.; Davletshina, Maria A.; Orekhova, Elena V.; Galuta, Ilia A.; Stroganova, Tatiana A.

2016-01-01

People are very precise in the discrimination of a line orientation relative to the cardinal (vertical and horizontal) axes, while their orientation discrimination sensitivity along the oblique axes is less refined. This difference in discrimination sensitivity along cardinal and oblique axes is called the “oblique effect.” Given that the oblique effect is a basic feature of visual processing with an early developmental origin, its investigation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may shed light on the nature of visual sensory abnormalities frequently reported in this population. We examined line orientation sensitivity along oblique and vertical axes in a sample of 26 boys with ASD (IQ > 68) and 38 typically developing (TD) boys aged 7–15 years, as well as in a subsample of carefully IQ-matched ASD and TD participants. Children were asked to detect the direction of tilt of a high-contrast black-and-white grating relative to vertical (90°) or oblique (45°) templates. The oblique effect was reduced in children with ASD as compared to TD participants, irrespective of their IQ. This reduction was due to poor orientation sensitivity along the vertical axis in ASD children, while their ability to discriminate line orientation along the oblique axis was unaffected. We speculate that this deficit in sensitivity to vertical orientation may reflect disrupted mechanisms of early experience-dependent learning that takes place during the critical period for orientation selectivity. PMID:26834540

Horizontal and Vertical Structures: The Dynamics of Organization in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keeling, Richard P.; Underhile, Ric; Wall, Andrew F.

2007-01-01

The organization of institutions of higher education has been seen as operating with ambiguous purposes in vertically oriented structures that are only loosely connected. The rationale for this ambiguity is twofold: (1) to allow for creative thinking, and (2) to respect--and even encourage--the autonomy of different disciplines. But ambiguity of…

Palladium nanoparticles supported on vertically oriented reduced graphene oxide for methanol electro-oxidation.

PubMed

Yang, Liming; Tang, Yanhong; Luo, Shenglian; Liu, Chengbin; Song, Hejie; Yan, Dafeng

2014-10-01

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a promising support material for nanosized electrocatalysts. However, the conventional stacking arrangement of rGO sheets confines the electrocatalysts between rGO layers, which decreases the number of catalytic sites substantially. We report here a facile synthesis of vertically oriented reduced graphene oxide (VrGO) through cyclic voltammetric electrolysis of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of Na2 PdCl4 . Experiments without Pd nanoparticles or with a low loading amount of Pd nanoparticles results in the deposition of rGO parallel to the electrodes. The vertical orientation of Pd/rGO nanoflakes causes a remarkable enhancement of the catalytic activity toward methanol electro-oxidation. The mass activity (620.1 A gPd (-1) ) of Pd/VrGO is 1.9 and 6.2 times that of Pd/flat-lying rGO (331.8 A gPd (-1) ) and commercial Pd/C (100.5 A gPd (-1) ), respectively. Furthermore, the Pd/VrGO catalyst shows excellent resistance to CO poisoning. This work provides a simple wet-chemical method for VrGO preparation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electrochemical growth behavior, surface properties, and enhanced in vivo bone response of TiO2 nanotubes on microstructured surfaces of blasted, screw-shaped titanium implants

PubMed Central

Sul, Young-Taeg

2010-01-01

TiO2 nanotubes are fabricated on TiO2 grit-blasted, screw-shaped rough titanium (ASTM grade 4) implants (3.75 × 7 mm) using potentiostatic anodization at 20 V in 1 M H3PO4 + 0.4 wt.% HF. The growth behavior and surface properties of the nanotubes are investigated as a function of the reaction time. The results show that vertically aligned nanotubes of ≈700 nm in length, with highly ordered structures of ≈40 nm spacing and ≈15 nm wall thickness may be grown independent of reaction time. The geometrical properties of nanotubes increase with reaction time (mean pore size, pore size distribution [PSD], and porosity ≈90 nm, ≈40–127 nm and 45%, respectively for 30 minutes; ≈107 nm, ≈63–140 nm and 56% for one hour; ≈108 nm, ≈58–150 nm and 60% for three hours). It is found that the fluorinated chemistry of the nanotubes of F-TiO2, TiOF2, and F-Ti-O with F ion incorporation of ≈5 at.%, and their amorphous structure is the same regardless of the reaction time, while the average roughness (Sa) gradually decreases and the developed surface area (Sdr) slightly increases with reaction time. The results of studies on animals show that, despite their low roughness values, after six weeks the fluorinated TiO2 nanotube implants in rabbit femurs demonstrate significantly increased osseointegration strengths (41 vs 29 Ncm; P = 0.008) and new bone formation (57.5% vs 65.5%; P = 0.008) (n = 8), and reveal more frequently direct bone/cell contact at the bone–implant interface by high-resolution scanning electron microscope observations as compared with the blasted, moderately rough implants that have hitherto been widely used for clinically favorable performance. The results of the animal studies constitute significant evidence that the presence of the nanotubes and the resulting fluorinated surface chemistry determine the nature of the bone responses to the implants. The present in vivo results point to potential applications of the TiO2 nanotubes in the field of bone implants and bone tissue engineering. PMID:20463928

Structural Secrets of Multiferroic Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyerheim, H. L.; Klimenta, F.; Ernst, A.; Mohseni, K.; Ostanin, S.; Fechner, M.; Parihar, S.; Maznichenko, I. V.; Mertig, I.; Kirschner, J.

2011-02-01

We present an experimental and theoretical study of the geometric structure of ultrathin BaTiO3 films grown on Fe(001). Surface x-ray diffraction reveals that the films are terminated by a BaO layer, while the TiO2 layer is next to the top Fe layer. Cations in termination layers have incomplete oxygen shells inducing strong vertical relaxations. Onset of polarization is observed at a minimum thickness of two unit cells. Our findings are supported by first-principles calculations providing a quantitative insight into the multiferroic properties on the atomic scale.

Synergistic effects between TiO2 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a TiO2/CNTs system under visible light irradiation.

PubMed

Wu, Chung-Hsin; Kuo, Chao-Yin; Chen, Shih-Ting

2013-01-01

This study synthesized a TiO2/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite via the sol-gel method. The surface characteristics of the TiO2/CNTs composite were determined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, specific surface area analyser, ultraviolent (UV)-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectrometer. The photocatalytic activity ofthe TiO2/CNTs composite was evaluated by decolourizing C.I. Reactive Red 2 (RR2) under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the effects of calcination temperature, pH, RR2 concentration, and the TiO2/CNTs composite dosage on RR2 decolourization were determined simultaneously. The optimal calcination temperature to generate TiO2 and the TiO2/CNTs composite was 673 K, as the percentage of anatase crystallization at this temperature was highest. The specific surface area of the TiO2/CNTs composite and TiO2 were 45 and 42 m2/g, respectively. The band gap of TiO2 and the TiO2/CNTs composite was 2.97 and 2.71 eV by UV-vis measurements, respectively. Experimental data indicate that the Ti-O-C bond formed in the TiO2/CNTs composite. The RR2 decolourization rates can be approximated by pseudo-first-order kinetics; moreover, only the TiO2/CNTs composite had photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. At pH 7, the RR2 decolourization rate constant of 0.5, 1 and 2 g/L TiO2/CNTs addition was 0.005, 0.0015, and 0.0047 min(-1), respectively. Decolourization rate increased as pH and the RR2 concentration decreased. The CNTs functioned as electron acceptors, promoting separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs to retard their recombination; thus, photocatalytic activity of the TiO2/CNTs composite exceeded that of TiO2.

Microstructural constraints on complex thermal histories of refractory CAI-like objects in an amoeboid olivine aggregate from the ALHA77307 CO3.0 chondrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jangmi; Brearley, Adrian J.

2016-06-01

We have carried out a FIB/TEM study of refractory CAI-like objects in one AOA from the ALHA77307 CO3.0 chondrite. The CAI-like objects in the AOA consist of a zoned sequence with a spinel-rich core through an intergrowth layer of spinel and Al-Ti-rich diopside to a diopside rim. The spinel-rich core consists of polycrystalline aggregates of spinel and ±minor melilite showing equilibrated grain boundary textures. The intergrowth layer contains fine-grained diopside and spinel with minor anorthite with highly curved and embayed grain boundaries. The diopside rim consists of polycrystalline aggregates of diopside. The compositions of pyroxene change significantly outward from Al-Ti-rich diopside in contact with the spinel-rich core to Al-Ti-poor diopside next to the surrounding olivine of the AOA. Overall microstructural and chemical characteristics suggest that the spinel-rich core formed under equilibrium conditions whereas the intergrowth layer is the result of reactions that occurred under conditions that departed significantly from equilibrium. The remarkable changes in formation conditions of the CAI-like objects may have been achieved by transport and injection of refractory objects into a region of a partially-condensed, Ca,Ti-saturated gas which reacted with spinel and melilite to form Al-Ti-rich diopside. Crystallographically-oriented TiO2 nanoparticles decorate the grain boundaries between spinel grains and between spinel and Al-Ti-rich diopside grains. During the disequilibrium back-reaction of spinel with a partially-condensed, Ca,Ti-saturated gas, metastable TiO2 nanoparticles may have condensed by an epitaxial nucleation mechanism and grown on the surface of spinel. These TiO2 nanoparticles are disordered intergrowths of the two TiO2 polymorphs, anatase and rutile. These nanoparticles are inferred to have nucleated as anatase that underwent partial transformation into rutile. The local presence of the TiO2 nanoparticles and intergrowth of anatase and rutile imply that the disequilibrium back-reaction of spinel with the gas occurred on a short timescale, i.e., minutes to hours at maximum.

The organization of the cone photoreceptor mosaic measured in the living human retina

PubMed Central

Sawides, Lucie; de Castro, Alberto; Burns, Stephen A.

2016-01-01

The cone photoreceptors represent the initial fundamental sampling step in the acquisition of visual information. While recent advances in adaptive optics have provided increasingly precise estimates of the packing density and spacing of the cone photoreceptors in the living human retina, little is known about the local cone arrangement beyond a tendency towards hexagonal packing. We analyzed the cone mosaic in data from 10 normal subjects. A technique was applied to calculate the local average cone mosaic structure which allowed us to determine the hexagonality, spacing and orientation of local regions. Using cone spacing estimates, we find the expected decrease in cone density with retinal eccentricity and higher densities along the horizontal meridians as opposed to the vertical meridians. Orientation analysis reveals an asymmetry in the local cone spacing of the hexagonal packing, with cones having a larger local spacing along the horizontal direction. This horizontal/vertical asymmetry is altered at eccentricities larger than 2 degrees in the superior meridian and 2.5 degrees in the inferior meridian. Analysis of hexagon orientations in the central 1.4° of the retina show a tendency for orientation to be locally coherent, with orientation patches consisting of between 35 and 240 cones. PMID:27353225

Growth and quantum transport properties of vertical Bi2Se3 nanoplate films on Si substrates.

PubMed

Li, Mingze; Wang, Zhenhua; Yang, Liang; Pan, Desheng; Li, Da; Gao, Xuan P A; Zhang, Zhidong

2018-08-03

Controlling the growth direction (planar versus vertical) and surface-to-bulk ratio can lead to lots of unique properties for two-dimensional layered materials. We report a simple method to fabricate continuous films of vertical Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates on Si substrate and investigate the quantum transport properties of such films. In contrast to (001) oriented planar Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplate film, vertical Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplate films are enclosed by (015) facets, which possess high surface-to-bulk ratio that can enhance the quantum transport property of topological surface states. And by controlling the compactness of vertical Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates, we realized an effective tuning of the weak antilocalization effect from topological surface states in Bi 2 Se 3 films. Our work paves a way for exploring the unique transport properties of this unconventional structure topological insulator film.

23327Enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by the incorporation of flower-like Bi2S3:Eu3+ sub-microspheres.

PubMed

Xu, Bingyu; Wang, Guofeng; Fu, Honggang

2016-03-21

In this paper, TiO2-Bi2S3 and TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu(3+) composite photoanodes were successfully designed, which can not only fully absorb visible light but also transfer the electron from Bi2S3 to TiO2 conduction band due to the narrow band gap and high conduction band of Bi2S3. Compared to pure TiO2 cell, the photoelectric conversion efficiencies of TiO2-Bi2S3 and TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu(3+) composite cells were increased significantly. In addition, the efficiency of TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu(3+) composite cells were higher than that of TiO2-Bi2S3 cell which could be attributed to the larger BET surface area of Bi2S3:Eu(3+). The electron transport and interfacial recombination kinetics were investigated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy. The results indicated that the interfacial resistance of the TiO2-dye|I3(-)/I(-) electrolyte interface of TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu(3+) composite cell was much bigger than that of pure TiO2 cell. In addition, the TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu(3+) cell has longer electron recombination time and longer electron transport time than pure TiO2 cell. The charge collection efficiency of TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu(3+) composite cell was higher than that of pure TiO2 cell.

Integrated Metamaterials and Nanophotonics in CMOS-Compatible Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reshef, Orad

This thesis explores scalable nanophotonic devices in integrated, CMOS-compatible platforms. Our investigation focuses on two main projects: studying the material properties of integrated titanium dioxide (TiO2), and studying integrated metamaterials in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technologies. We first describe the nanofabrication process for TiO2 photonic integrated circuits. We use this procedure to demonstrate polycrystalline anatase TiO2 ring resonators with high quality factors. We measure the thermo-optic coefficient of TiO2 and determine that it is negative, a unique property among CMOS-compatible dielectric photonic platforms. We also derive a transfer function for ring resonators in the presence of reflections and demonstrate using full-wave simulations that these reflections produce asymmetries in the resonances. For the second half of the dissertation, we design and demonstrate an SOI-based photonic-Dirac-cone metamaterial. Using a prism composed of this metamaterial, we measure its index of refraction and unambiguously determine that it is zero. Next, we take a single channel of this metamaterial to form a waveguide. Using interferometry, we independently confirm that the waveguide in this configuration preserves the dispersion profile of the aggregate medium, with a zero phase advance. We also characterize the waveguide, determining its propagation loss. Finally, we perform simulations to study nonlinear optical phenomena in zero-index media. We find that an isotropic refractive index near zero relaxes certain phase-matching constraints, allowing for more flexible configurations of nonlinear devices with dramatically reduced footprints. The outcomes of this work enable higher quality fabrication of scalable nanophotonic devices for use in nonlinear applications with passive temperature compensation. These devices are CMOS-compatible and can be integrated vertically for compact, device-dense industrial applications. It also provides access to a versatile, scalable and integrated medium with a refractive index that can be continuously engineered between n = -0.20 and n = +0.50. This opens the door to applications in high-precision interferometry, sensing, quantum information technologies and compact nonlinear applications.

Decoupling of superposed textures in an electrically biased piezoceramic with a 100 preferred orientation

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

Fancher, Chris M.; Blendell, John E.; Bowman, Keith J.

2017-02-07

A method leveraging Rietveld full-pattern texture analysis to decouple induced domain texture from a preferred grain orientation is presented in this paper. The proposed method is demonstrated by determining the induced domain texture in a polar polymorph of 100 oriented 0.91Bi 1/2Na 1/2TiO 3-0.07BaTiO 3-0.02K 0.5Na 0.5NbO 3. Domain textures determined using the present method are compared with results obtained via single peak fitting. Texture determined using single peak fitting estimated more domain alignment than that determined using the Rietveld based method. These results suggest that the combination of grain texture and phase transitions can lead to single peak fittingmore » under or over estimating domain texture. Finally, while demonstrated for a bulk piezoelectric, the proposed method can be applied to quantify domain textures in multi-component systems and thin films.« less

Influence of Au and TiO2 structures on hydrogen dissociation over TiO2/Au(100)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, I.; Mantoku, H.; Furukawa, T.; Takahashi, A.; Fujitani, T.

2012-11-01

We performed H2-D2 exchange reactions over TiOx/Au(100) and compared the observed reaction kinetics with those reported for TiOx/Au(111) in order to clarify the influence of the Au and TiO2 structures on dissociation of H2 molecules. Low energy electron diffraction observations showed that the TiO2 produced on Au(100) was disordered, in contrast to the comparatively ordered TiO2 structure formed on Au(111). The activation energies and the turnover frequencies for HD formation over TiO2/Au(100) agreed well with those for TiO2/Au(111), clearly indicating that the hydrogen dissociation sites created over TiO2/Au(100) were the perimeter interface between stoichiometric TiO2 and Au, as was previously concluded for TiO2/Au(111). We concluded that the creation of active sites for hydrogen dissociation was independent of the Au and TiO2 structures consisting perimeter interface, and that local bonds that formed between Au and O atoms of stoichiometric TiO2 were essential for the creation of active sites.

Taxel-addressable matrix of vertical nanowire piezotronic transistors

DOEpatents

Wang, Zhong Lin; Wu, Wenzhuo; Wen, Xiaonan

2015-05-05

A tactile sensing matrix includes a substrate, a first plurality of elongated electrode structures, a plurality of vertically aligned piezoelectric members, an insulating layer infused into the piezoelectric members and a second plurality of elongated electrode structures. The first plurality of elongated electrode structures is disposed on the substrate along a first orientation. The vertically aligned piezoelectric members is disposed on the first plurality of elongated electrode structures and form a matrix having columns of piezoelectric members disposed along the first orientation and rows of piezoelectric members disposed along a second orientation that is transverse to the first orientation. The second plurality of elongated electrode structures is disposed on the insulating layer along the second orientation. The elongated electrode structures form a Schottky contact with the piezoelectric members. When pressure is applied to the piezoelectric members, current flow therethrough is modulated.

Preparation and photocatalytic properties of nanometer-sized magnetic TiO2/SiO2/CoFe2O4 composites.

PubMed

Li, Hansheng; Zhang, Yaping; Wu, Qin; Wang, Xitao; Liu, Changhao

2011-11-01

Magnetic TiO2/SiO2/CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (TiO2/SCFs) were prepared by a sol-gel process in a reverse microemulsion combined with solvent-thermal technique. TiO2/SCFs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometry, TEM, BET specific surface area measurement, and magnetic analysis. Structure analyses indicated that TiO2/SCFs presented a core-shell structure with TiO2 uniformly coating on SiO2/CoFe2O4 nanomagnets (SCFs) and typical ferromagnetic hysteresis. TiO2/SCFs showed larger specific surface area and better photocatalytic activities than TiO2 and TiO2/CoFe2O4 photocatalysts prepared by the same method. The doping interaction between TiO2 and CoFe2O4 reduced thanks to the inert SiO2 mesosphere.

Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Spirally Fluted Tubing,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-08-01

Condensation of Helically Fluted Tubes in a Vertical Configuration 7 2. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM 2.1 Water Flow Facility 13 2.2 Test Section Construction...transfer on the outside of the tube is achieved. In a vertical orientation with fluid condensing on the outside of the helically fluted tube, the...transfer performance on the inside of helically fluted tubes as indicated by the Nusselt modulus, Nu/Pr0 .4 . as a function of the Reynolds number is

Copper doping enhanced the oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles in A549 cells.

PubMed

Ahmad, J; Siddiqui, M A; Akhtar, M J; Alhadlaq, H A; Alshamsan, A; Khan, S T; Wahab, R; Al-Khedhairy, A A; Al-Salim, A; Musarrat, J; Saquib, Q; Fareed, M; Ahamed, M

2018-05-01

Physicochemical properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) can be tuned by doping with metals or nonmetals. Copper (Cu) doping improved the photocatalytic behavior of TiO 2 NPs that can be applied in various fields such as environmental remediation and nanomedicine. However, interaction of Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs with human cells is scarce. This study was designed to explore the role of Cu doping in cytotoxic response of TiO 2 NPs in human lung epithelial (A549) cells. Characterization data demonstrated the presence of both TiO 2 and Cu in Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs with high-quality lattice fringes without any distortion. The size of Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs (24 nm) was lower than pure TiO 2 NPs (30 nm). Biological results showed that both pure and Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Low mitochondrial membrane potential and higher caspase-3 enzyme (apoptotic markers) activity were also observed in A549 cells exposed to pure and Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs. We further observed that cytotoxicity caused by Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs was higher than pure TiO 2 NPs. Moreover, antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine effectively prevented the reactive oxygen species generation, glutathione depletion, and cell viability reduction caused by Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs. This is the first report showing that Cu-doped TiO 2 NPs induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in A549 cells. This study warranted further research to explore the role of Cu doping in toxicity mechanisms of TiO 2 NPs.

Improving device performance of perovskite solar cells by micro-nanoscale composite mesoporous TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ting, Hungkit; Zhang, Danfei; He, Yihao; Wei, Shiyuan; Li, Tieyi; Sun, Weihai; Wu, Cuncun; Chen, Zhijian; Wang, Qi; Zhang, Guoyi; Xiao, Lixin

2018-02-01

In perovskite solar cells, the morphology of the porous TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) largely determines the quality of the perovskites. Here, we chose micro-scale TiO2 (0.2 µm) and compared it with the conventional nanoscale TiO2 (20 nm) in relation to the crystallinity of perovskites. The results show that the micro-scale TiO2 is favorable for increasing the grain size of the perovskites and enhancing the light scattering. However, the oversized TiO2 results in an uneven surface. The evenness of the perovskites can be improved by nanoscale TiO2, while the crystallinity and compactness are not as good as those of the films based on micro-scale TiO2. To combine the advantages of both micro-scale and nanoscale TiO2, by mixing 0.2 µm/20 nm TiO2 with a ratio of 1:2 as the composite ETL, the device average power conversion efficiency was increased to 11.2% from 9.9% in the case of only 20 nm TiO2.

Formation mechanism of Ruddlesden-Popper-type antiphase boundaries during the kinetically limited growth of Sr rich SrTiO3 thin films

PubMed Central

Xu, Chencheng; Du, Hongchu; van der Torren, Alexander J. H.; Aarts, Jan; Jia, Chun-Lin; Dittmann, Regina

2016-01-01

We elucidated the formation process for Ruddlesden-Popper-type defects during pulsed laser deposition of Sr rich SrTiO3 thin films by a combined analysis of in-situ atomic force microscopy, low energy electron diffraction and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. At the early growth stage of 1.5 unit cells, the excess Sr results in the formation of SrO on the surface, resulting in a local termination change from TiO2 to SrO, thereby forming a Sr rich (2 × 2) surface reconstruction. With progressive SrTiO3 growth, islands with thermodynamically stable SrO rock-salt structure are formed, coexisting with TiO2 terminated islands. During the overgrowth of these thermodynamically stable islands, both lateral as well as vertical Ruddlesden-Popper-type anti-phase boundaries are formed, accommodating the Sr excess of the SrTiO3 film. We suggest the formation of thermodynamically stable SrO rock-salt structures as origin for the formation of Ruddlesden-Popper-type antiphase boundaries, which are as a result of kinetic limitations confined to certain regions on the surface. PMID:27922069

Formation mechanism of Ruddlesden-Popper-type antiphase boundaries during the kinetically limited growth of Sr rich SrTiO3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Chencheng; Du, Hongchu; van der Torren, Alexander J. H.; Aarts, Jan; Jia, Chun-Lin; Dittmann, Regina

2016-12-01

We elucidated the formation process for Ruddlesden-Popper-type defects during pulsed laser deposition of Sr rich SrTiO3 thin films by a combined analysis of in-situ atomic force microscopy, low energy electron diffraction and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. At the early growth stage of 1.5 unit cells, the excess Sr results in the formation of SrO on the surface, resulting in a local termination change from TiO2 to SrO, thereby forming a Sr rich (2 × 2) surface reconstruction. With progressive SrTiO3 growth, islands with thermodynamically stable SrO rock-salt structure are formed, coexisting with TiO2 terminated islands. During the overgrowth of these thermodynamically stable islands, both lateral as well as vertical Ruddlesden-Popper-type anti-phase boundaries are formed, accommodating the Sr excess of the SrTiO3 film. We suggest the formation of thermodynamically stable SrO rock-salt structures as origin for the formation of Ruddlesden-Popper-type antiphase boundaries, which are as a result of kinetic limitations confined to certain regions on the surface.

Photocatalytic activity of TiO2/Nb2O5/PANI and TiO2/Nb2O5/RGO as new nanocomposites for degradation of organic pollutants.

PubMed

Zarrin, Saviz; Heshmatpour, Felora

2018-06-05

In this study, highly active titanium dioxide modified by niobium oxide (Nb 2 O 5 ), polymer (PANI) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were successfully prepared. The morphology, structure, surface area and light absorption properties of the present nanocomposites for removal of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) were investigated and compared with those of TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 and TiO 2 nanoparticles. The characterization techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, SEM, EDX, BET and TEM were employed in order to identify the nanocomposites. Also, photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 /PANI and TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 /RGO nanocomposites under visible light irradiation were studied. In this way, the obtained results were compared to each other and also compared to TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 and TiO 2 nanoparticles. In this context, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal follows the photodegradation in observed performance. The results indicate that reduced TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 nanocomposite is effectively modified by graphene oxide to give TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 /RGO composite. The TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 /RGO exhibits significantly higher photocatalytic activity in degradation of organic dyes under visible light rather than that of TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 /PANI, TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 and pure TiO 2 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unconventionally prepared TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troppová, Ivana; Šihor, Marcel; Reli, Martin; Ritz, Michal; Praus, Petr; Kočí, Kamila

2018-02-01

The TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with the various TiO2:g-C3N4 weight ratios from 1:1 to 1:3 were prepared unconventionally by pressurized hot water processing in a flow regime. The parent TiO2 and g-C3N4 was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and thermal annealing, respectively. The nanocomposites as well as parent TiO2 and g-C3N4 were characterized using several complementary characterization methods and investigated in the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O under UVA (λ = 365 nm) irradiation. All the prepared TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed higher photocatalytic activity in comparison with the pure g-C3N4 and chiefly pure TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites was decreasing in the following sequence: TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:3) > TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:2) > TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:1). In comparison with the parent TiO2 or g-C3N4, the TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites' photocatalytic capability was significantly enhanced by coupling TiO2 with g-C3N4. The generation of TiO2/g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalyst mainly benefited from the effective separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and the extended optical absorption range. The TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:3) nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic behavior in a consequence of the optimal weight ratio of TiO2:g-C3N4 and the lowest band gap energy from all nanocomposites. The N2O conversion in its presence was 70.6% after 20 h of UVA irradiation.

Vertically oriented graphene bridging active-layer/current-collector interface for ultrahigh rate supercapacitors.

PubMed

Bo, Zheng; Zhu, Weiguang; Ma, Wei; Wen, Zhenhai; Shuai, Xiaorui; Chen, Junhong; Yan, Jianhua; Wang, Zhihua; Cen, Kefa; Feng, Xinliang

2013-10-25

Dense networks of graphene nanosheets standing vertically on a current collector can work as numerous electrically conductive bridges to facilitate charge transport and mitigate the constriction/spreading resistance at the interface between the active material and the current collector. The vertically oriented graphene-bridged supercapacitors present excellent rate and power capabilities. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced electrochromic properties of TiO2 nanoporous film prepared based on an assistance of polyethylene glycol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shunjian; Luo, Xiaorui; Xiao, Zonghu; Luo, Yongping; Zhong, Wei; Ou, Hui; Li, Yinshuai

2017-01-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was employed as pore-forming agent to prepare TiO2 nanoporous film based on spin-coating a TiO2 nanoparticle mixed paste on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass. The electrochromic and optical properties of the obtained TiO2 film were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results show that the PEG in the mixed paste endows the TiO2 film with well-developed porous structure and improves the uniformity of the TiO2 film, which are helpful for the rapid intercalation and extraction of lithium ions within the TiO2 film and the strengthening of the diffuse reflection of visible light in the TiO2 film. As a result, the TiO2 film derived from the mixed paste with PEG displays higher electrochemical activity and more excellent electrochromic performances compared with the TiO2 film derived from the mixed paste without PEG. The switching times of coloration/bleaching are respectively 10.16/5.65 and 12.77/6.13 s for the TiO2 films with PEG and without PEG. The maximum value of the optical contrast of the TiO2 film with PEG is 21.2% while that of the optical contrast of the TiO2 film without PEG is 14.9%. Furthermore, the TiO2 film with PEG has better stability of the colored state than the TiO2 film without PEG.

Preparation of anatase TiO2 thin film by low temperature annealing as an electron transport layer in inverted polymer solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noh, Hongche; Oh, Seong-Geun; Im, Seung Soon

2015-04-01

To prepare the anatase TiO2 thin films on ITO glass, amorphous TiO2 colloidal solution was synthesized through the simple sol-gel method by using titanium (IV) isopropoxide as a precursor. This amorphous TiO2 colloidal solution was spread on ITO glass by spin-coating, then treated at 450 °C to obtain anatase TiO2 film (for device A). For other TiO2 films, amorphous TiO2 colloidal solution was treated through solvothermal process at 180 °C to obtain anatase TiO2 colloidal solution. This anatase TiO2 colloidal solution was spread on ITO glass by spin coating, and then annealed at 200 °C (for device B) and 130 °C (for device C), respectively. The average particle size of amorphous TiO2 colloidal solution was about 1.0 nm and that of anatase TiO2 colloidal solution was 10 nm. The thickness of TiO2 films was about 15 nm for all cases. When inverted polymer solar cells were fabricated by using these TiO2 films as an electron transport layer, the device C showed the highest PCE (2.6%) due to the lack of defect, uniformness and high light absorbance of TiO2 films. The result of this study can be applied for the preparation of inverted polymer solar cell using TiO2 films as a buffer layer at low temperature on plastic substrate by roll-to roll process.

Synthesis of TiO2 NRs - ZnO Composite for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Photoanodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Ramelan, A. H.; Hidayat, R.; Fadillah, G.; Munawaroh, H.; Saputri, L. N. M. Z.

2017-07-01

Composite of TiO2 NRs - ZnO were synthesized for DSSCs photoanode materials. TiO2 NRs was synthesized from TiO2 anatase by mechanochemical technique using ball milling process with agitation speed of 1000 rpm. While, the further hydrothermal refluxing process was conducted at 120°C under various concentration of NaOH in aqueous solution. The starting material of ZnO was prepared from ZnSO4.7H2O as a precursor. The hydrothermal treated TiO2 was added to the ZnO powder in a certain composition of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 (w/w), and the mixtures were then annealed at 400°C. The resulting material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Surface area analyzer (SAA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Thermogravimetry/Differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The TiO2 revolution occurs from anatase phase into brookite phase. Rutile TiO2 phase was increasing when the NaOH was added at about 12 M. Nanograf of TEM showed the optimum condition for the formation of TiO2 NRs was obtained when 12 M NaOH was used. Structural transformation to 1D nanorods of TiO2 capable increase surface area up to 79 m2/g. TiO2 NRs-ZnO composite was prepared from TiO2 NRs and ZnO using comparation of TiO2 NRs: ZnO = 1:1, 1:2, dan 2:1. Anatase phase TiO2 as a single phase TiO2 was obtained in the TiO2-ZnO composite (1:1 w/w) upon heating the sample until 400°C. Difference TiO2 NRs-ZnO composite materials were investigated as good photovoltaic materials. Evaluation of the performance of DSSCs was conducted by I-V Keithley 2602A measurement indicate that photoanode built of TiO2 NRs - ZnO thin film has a higher solar cell efficiency than that of TiO2 thin film photoanode.

Postural orientation in microgravity depends on straightening up movement performed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaugoyeau, Marianne; Assaiante, Christine

2009-08-01

Whether the vertical body orientation depends on the initial posture and/or the type of straightening up movement is the main question raised in this paper. Another objective was to specify the compensatory role of visual input while adopting an erected posture during microgravity. The final body orientation was analysed in microgravity during parabolic flights. After either (1) straightening up movement from a crouching or (2) a sitting posture, with and without vision. The main results are the following: (1) a vertical erected final posture is correctly achieved after sit to stand movement, whereas all subjects were tilted forward after straightening up from a crouching posture and (2) vision may contribute to correct final posture. These results suggest the existence of a re-weighting of the remaining sensory information, visual information, contact cutaneous cues and proprioceptive information under microgravity condition. We can put forward the alternative hypothesis that the control of body orientation under microgravity condition may also be achieved on the basis of a postural body scheme, that seems to be dependant on the type of movement and/ or the initial position of the whole body.

Semiconducting and quartz microbalance (QCM) humidity sensor properties of TiO2 by sol gel calcination method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakuphanoglu, Fahrettin

2012-06-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) material was synthesized using the sol gel calcination method. The structural properties of the TiO2 semiconductor were investigated by atomic force microscopy. The electrical conductivity of the TiO2 was measured as a function of temperature and TiO2 exhibits a conductivity of 2.55 × 10-6 S/m at room temperature with activation energy of 104 meV. The electrical conductivity of the TiO2 at room temperature is higher than that of nanocrystalline TiO2 (3 × 10-7 S/m) and TiO2 thin film in air (5 × 10-9 S/m) and in vacuum (8.8 × 10-10 S/m). It was found that the electrical transport mechanism of the TiO2 is controlled by thermally activated mechanism. The optical band gap of the TiO2 powder sample was determined to be 3.17 eV, which is good in agreement with the bulk TiO2 (Eg = 3.2 eV). Up to our knowledge, there is no any reported data about the band gap of TiO2 nanopowder based on the diffused reflectance calculation. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) TiO2 humidity sensor was prepared. The sensor indicates a large frequency change with an interaction occurred between TiO2 and humidity molecules. The sensor exhibits a good repeatability when it was exposed to the moist air of 65% RH.

Improved photoelectrical performance of graphene supported highly crystallized anatase TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Sun, Qiong; Zhao, Mei; Li, Yang; Liu, Qiuhong; Dong, Lifeng

2015-08-01

In this study, titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO4) and graphene were used as titanium source and supporter, respectively, to synthesize anatase TiO2-graphene (TiO2-G) composite. Crystal structure, morphology, and composition of TiO2-G were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. Both TiO2-G and blank TiO2 powders exhibit spindle-shaped structure with the long axis along [001]. Compared to unsupported TiO2, TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly formed on graphene surface. When fabricated into dye-sensitized solar cells, photoelectrical conversion efficiency of TiO2-G (2.3 %) was much higher than that of blank TiO2 (0.89 %) prepared at the same conditions. Moreover, high sintering temperature enhanced photoelectrical performance of the composite. When the temperature was increased from 450 to 600 °C, the efficiency was improved from 1.5 to 2.6 %. The findings above demonstrate that TiO2-G has great potential for applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Differential Growth of and Nanoscale TiO2 Accumulation in Tetrahymena thermophila by Direct Feeding versus Trophic Transfer from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Mielke, Randall E.; Priester, John H.; Werlin, Rebecca A.; Gelb, Jeff; Horst, Allison M.; Orias, Eduardo

2013-01-01

Nanoscale titanium dioxide (TiO2) is increasingly used in consumer goods and is entering waste streams, thereby exposing and potentially affecting environmental microbes. Protozoans could either take up TiO2 directly from water and sediments or acquire TiO2 during bactivory (ingestion of bacteria) of TiO2-encrusted bacteria. Here, the route of exposure of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila to TiO2 was varied and the growth of, and uptake and accumulation of TiO2 by, T. thermophila were measured. While TiO2 did not affect T. thermophila swimming or cellular morphology, direct TiO2 exposure in rich growth medium resulted in a lower population yield. When TiO2 exposure was by bactivory of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the T. thermophila population yield and growth rate were lower than those that occurred during the bactivory of non-TiO2-encrusted bacteria. Regardless of the feeding mode, T. thermophila cells internalized TiO2 into their food vacuoles. Biomagnification of TiO2 was not observed; this was attributed to the observation that TiO2 appeared to be unable to cross the food vacuole membrane and enter the cytoplasm. Nevertheless, our findings imply that TiO2 could be transferred into higher trophic levels within food webs and that the food web could be affected by the decreased growth rate and yield of organisms near the base of the web. PMID:23851096

Slingram EMI prospection: Are vertical orientated devices a suitable solution in archaeological and pedological prospection?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiesson, Julien; Rousselle, Gabrielle; Simon, François Xavier; Tabbagh, Alain

2011-12-01

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) is one of the geophysical techniques widely used in soil studies, the slingram devices being held horizontally over the soil surface, i.e. with the coils located at the same height above the ground surface. Our study aims assessing the abilities of slingram devices when held vertically. 1D and 3D modelling have been achieved in order to compare the theoretical responses of vertical devices to the horizontal ones. Some comparative surveys were also undertaken in archaeological contexts to confirm the reliability of theoretical conclusions. Both approaches show that vertical slingram devices are suitable for survey and can constitute an alternative to the usual horizontal orientation. We give a table in Appendix A which contains the calibration coefficient allowing transforming of the values given by some of commercially available devices which would be advantageous to use in vertical orientation

Study on nanomagnets supported TiO2 photocatalysts prepared by a sol-gel process in reverse microemulsion combining with solvent-thermal technique.

PubMed

Li, Hansheng; Zhang, Yaping; Wang, Shiying; Wu, Qin; Liu, Changhao

2009-09-30

A sol-gel process in reverse microemulsion combined with solvent-thermal technique was developed for synthesizing a series of nanomagnets supported TiO(2) (TiO(2)/NMs) photocatalysts in this study. The structure of TiO(2)/NMs photocatalysts was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), TG-DSC, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometry, TEM, BET, and VSM. The influence of CoFe(2)O(4) dosage on the photocatalytic activity and magnetism of TiO(2)/NMs photocatalysts was investigated. The results showed that nanosized anatase TiO(2) were uniformly coated on spinel CoFe(2)O(4) in the prepared TiO(2)/NMs photocatalysts. They possessed typical ferromagnetic hysteresis and performed better photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue than TiO(2) prepared by the same method. The existence of CoFe(2)O(4) nanomagnets played an important role on the crystalline grain size of TiO(2) and the specific surface area of the prepared TiO(2)/NMs photocatalysts, thus had an important influence on its photocatalytic performance and magnetism. The photocatalytic performance of TiO(2)/NMs photocatalysts is related to their specific surface area, crystalline grain sizes of TiO(2) and particle size, as well as the doping effect of Fe(3+). The highest photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue for TiO(2)/NMs photocatalysts at the CoFe(2)O(4) content of 20wt.% was achieved, with k(p) 28.32% higher than that of pure TiO(2) photocatalyst. Moreover, the experiments on recycled use of TiO(2)/NMs photocatalyst demonstrated a good repeatability of the photocatalytic activity.

Exchange of TiO2 nanoparticles between streams and streambeds.

PubMed

Boncagni, Natalia Ticiana; Otaegui, Justo Manuel; Warner, Evelyn; Curran, Trisha; Ren, Jianhong; de Cortalezzi, Maria Marta Fidalgo

2009-10-15

The expanding use of manufactured nanoparticles has increased the potential for their release into the natural environment. Particularly, TiO2 nanoparticles pose significant exposure risk to humans and other living species due to their extensive use in a wide range of fields. To better understand the environmental and health risks associated with the release of TiO2 nanoparticles, knowledge on their fate and transport is needed. This study evaluates the transport of two different TiO2 nanoparticles: one commercially available (P25 TiO2 and the other synthesized at a lab scale (synthesized TiO2). Laboratory flume, column, and batch experiments were conducted to investigate the processes dominating the transport of TiO2 nanoparticles between streams and streambeds and to characterize the properties of these nanoparticles under different physicochemical conditions. Results show that the synthesized TiO2 was more stable compared to the P25 TiO2, which underwent significant aggregation under the same experimental conditions. As a result, P25 TiO2 deposited at a faster rate than the synthesized TiO2 in the streambed. Both types of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited in the streambed were easily released when the stream velocity was increased. The aggregation and deposition of P25 TiO2 were highly dependent on pH. A process-based colloid exchange model was applied to interpret the observed transport behavior of the TiO2 nanoparticles.

Direction-specific van der Waals attraction between rutile TiO2 nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin; He, Yang; Sushko, Maria L.; Liu, Jia; Luo, Langli; De Yoreo, James J.; Mao, Scott X.; Wang, Chongmin; Rosso, Kevin M.

2017-04-01

Mutual lattice orientations dictate the types and magnitudes of forces between crystalline particles. When lattice polarizability is anisotropic, the van der Waals dispersion attraction can, in principle, contribute to this direction dependence. We report measurement of this attraction between rutile nanocrystals, as a function of their mutual orientation and surface hydration extent. At tens of nanometers of separation, the attraction is weak and shows no dependence on azimuthal alignment or surface hydration. At separations of approximately one hydration layer, the attraction is strongly dependent on azimuthal alignment and systematically decreases as intervening water density increases. Measured forces closely agree with predictions from Lifshitz theory and show that dispersion forces can generate a torque between particles interacting in solution and between grains in materials.

Investigation of energy band alignments and interfacial properties of rutile NMO2/TiO2 (NM = Ru, Rh, Os, and Ir) by first-principles calculations.

PubMed

Yang, Chen; Zhao, Zong-Yan

2017-11-08

In the field of photocatalysis, constructing hetero-structures is an efficient strategy to improve quantum efficiency. However, a lattice mismatch often induces unfavorable interfacial states that can act as recombination centers for photo-generated electron-hole pairs. If the hetero-structure's components have the same crystal structure, this disadvantage can be easily avoided. Conversely, in the process of loading a noble metal co-catalyst onto the TiO 2 surface, a transition layer of noble metal oxides is often formed between the TiO 2 layer and the noble metal layer. In this article, interfacial properties of hetero-structures composed of a noble metal dioxide and TiO 2 with a rutile crystal structure have been systematically investigated using first-principles calculations. In particular, the Schottky barrier height, band bending, and energy band alignments are studied to provide evidence for practical applications. In all cases, no interfacial states exist in the forbidden band of TiO 2 , and the interfacial formation energy is very small. A strong internal electric field generated by interfacial electron transfer leads to an efficient separation of photo-generated carriers and band bending. Because of the differences in the atomic properties of the components, RuO 2 /TiO 2 and OsO 2 /TiO 2 hetero-structures demonstrate band dividing, while RhO 2 /TiO 2 and IrO 2 /TiO 2 hetero-structures have a pseudo-gap near the Fermi energy level. Furthermore, NMO 2 /TiO 2 hetero-structures show upward band bending. Conversely, RuO 2 /TiO 2 and OsO 2 /TiO 2 hetero-structures present a relatively strong infrared light absorption, while RhO 2 /TiO 2 and IrO 2 /TiO 2 hetero-structures show an obvious absorption edge in the visible light region. Overall, considering all aspects of their properties, RuO 2 /TiO 2 and OsO 2 /TiO 2 hetero-structures are more suitable than others for improving the photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 . These findings will provide useful information for understanding the role and effects of a noble metal dioxide as a transition layer between a noble metal co-catalyst and a TiO 2 photocatalyst.

Origin of the OFF state variability in ReRAM cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salaoru, Iulia; Khiat, Ali; Li, Qingjiang; Berdan, Radu; Papavassiliou, Christos; Prodromakis, Themistoklis

2014-04-01

This work exploits the switching dynamics of nanoscale resistive random access memory (ReRAM) cells with particular emphasis on the origin of the observed variability when cells are consecutively cycled/programmed at distinct memory states. It is demonstrated that this variance is a common feature of all ReRAM elements and is ascribed to the formation and rupture of conductive filaments that expand across the active core, independently of the material employed as the active switching core, the causal physical switching mechanism, the switching mode (bipolar/unipolar) or even the unit cells' dimensions. Our hypothesis is supported through both experimental and theoretical studies on TiO2 and In2O3 : SnO2 (ITO) based ReRAM cells programmed at three distinct resistive states. Our prototypes employed TiO2 or ITO active cores over 5 × 5 µm2 and 100 × 100 µm2 cell areas, with all tested devices demonstrating both unipolar and bipolar switching modalities. In the case of TiO2-based cells, the underlying switching mechanism is based on the non-uniform displacement of ionic species that foster the formation of conductive filaments. On the other hand, the resistive switching observed in the ITO-based devices is considered to be due to a phase change mechanism. The selected experimental parameters allowed us to demonstrate that the observed programming variance is a common feature of all ReRAM devices, proving that its origin is dependent upon randomly oriented local disorders within the active core that have a substantial impact on the overall state variance, particularly for high-resistive states.

Co-adsorption of oxygen and formic acid on rutile TiO2 (110) studied by infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattsson, Andreas; Österlund, Lars

2017-09-01

Adsorption of formic acid and co-adsorption with oxygen have been investigated on the rutile TiO2(110) surface using p- and s-polarized infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) at O2 exposures between 45 L to 8100 L and at temperatures between 273 K and 343 K. On the clean surface formic acid dissociates into a formate ion (formate) and a proton. Formate binds to two five-fold coordinated Ti atoms in the troughs along the [001] direction, and the proton binds to neighboring bridging O atoms. Exposure of adsorbed formate to O2 leads to a decrease in the asymmetric νas(OCO) band at 1532 cm-1 and to the concomitant formation of a new vibration band at 1516 cm-1. From the s-and p-polarized IRRAS measurements performed at different O2 exposures, surface pre-treatments and substrate temperatures, and by comparisons with previous reports, we conclude that the new species is a bidentate surface hydrogen carbonate, which is formed by reaction between formate and oxygen adatoms on the surface. The σv reflection plane of the surface hydrogen carbonate molecule is oriented along the [001] direction, i.e. the same direction as the adsorbed formate molecule. On the clean TiO2(110) surface exposed to O2 prior to formic acid adsorption, similar results are obtained. The reaction rate to form surface hydrogen carbonate from formate is found to follow first-order kinetics, with an apparent activation energy of Er=0.25 eV.

Photocatalytic Oxidation of Acetone Over High Thermally Stable TiO2 Nanosheets With Exposed (001) Facets.

PubMed

Shi, Ting; Duan, Youyu; Lv, Kangle; Hu, Zhao; Li, Qin; Li, Mei; Li, Xiaofang

2018-01-01

Anatase TiO 2 (A-TiO 2 ) usually exhibits superior photocatalytic activity than rutile TiO 2 (R-TiO 2 ). However, the phase transformation from A-TiO 2 to R-TiO 2 will inevitably happens when the calcination temperature is up to 600°C, which hampers the practical applications of TiO 2 photocatalysis in hyperthermal situations. In this paper, high energy faceted TiO 2 nanosheets (TiO 2 -NSs) with super thermal stability was prepared by calcination of TiOF 2 cubes. With increase in the calcination temperature from 300 to 600°C, TiOF 2 transforms into TiO 2 hollow nanoboxes (TiO 2 -HNBs) assembly from TiO 2 -NSs via Ostwald Rippening process. Almost all of the TiO 2 -HNBs are disassembled into discrete TiO 2 -NSs when calcination temperature is higher than 700°C. Phase transformation from A-TiO 2 to R-TiO 2 begins at 1000°C. Only when the calcination temperature is higher than 1200°C can all the TiO 2 -NSs transforms into R-TiO 2 . The 500°C-calcined sample (T500) exhibits the highest photoreactivity toward acetone oxidation possibly because of the production of high energy TiO 2 -NSs with exposed high energy (001) facets and the surface adsorbed fluorine. Surface oxygen vacancy, due to the heat-induced removal of surface adsorbed fluoride ions, is responsible for the high thermal stability of TiO 2 -NSs which are prepared by calcination of TiOF 2 cubes.

Distinct toxic interactions of TiO2 nanoparticles with four coexisting organochlorine contaminants on algae.

PubMed

Zhang, Shuai; Deng, Rui; Lin, Daohui; Wu, Fengchang

Engineered nanoparticles are increasingly discharged into the environment. After discharge, these nanoparticles can interact with co-existing organic contaminants, resulting in a phenomena referred to as 'joint toxicity'. This study evaluated joint toxicities of TiO 2 nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) with four different (atrazine, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, and 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl) organochlorine contaminants (OCs) toward algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa). The potential mechanisms underlying the joint toxicity were discussed, including TiO 2 NPs-OC interactions, effects of TiO 2 NPs and OCs on biophysicochemical properties of algae and effects of TiO 2 NPs and OCs on each other's bioaccumulation in algae. The results indicate that coexposure led to a synergistic effect on the joint toxicity for TiO 2 NPs-atrazine, antagonistic effect for TiO 2 NPs-hexachlorobenzene and TiO 2 NPs-3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, and an additive effect for TiO 2 NPs-pentachlorobenzene. There was nearly no adsorption of OCs by TiO 2 NPs, and the physicochemical properties of TiO 2 NPs were largely unaltered by the presence of OCs. However, both OCs and NPs affected the biophysicochemical properties of algal cells and thereby influenced the cell surface binding and/or internalization. TiO 2 NPs significantly increased the bioaccumulation of each OC. However, with the exception of atrazine, the bioaccumulation of TiO 2 NPs decreased when used with each OC. The distinct joint toxicity outcomes were a result of the balance between the increased toxicities of OCs (increased bioaccumulations) and the altered toxicity of TiO 2 NPs (bioaccumulation can either increase or decrease). These results can significantly improve our understanding of the potential environmental risks associated with NPs.

Comparison study on photocatalytic oxidation of pharmaceuticals by TiO2-Fe and TiO2-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites immobilized on optical fibers.

PubMed

Lin, Lu; Wang, Huiyao; Jiang, Wenbin; Mkaouar, Ahmed Radhi; Xu, Pei

2017-07-05

Incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) or Fe 3+ ions in TiO 2 photocatalyst could enhance photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in aqueous solutions. This study characterized the photocatalytic activities of TiO 2 -Fe and TiO 2 -rGO nanocomposites immobilized on optical fibers synthesized by polymer assisted hydrothermal deposition method. The photocatalysts presented a mixture phase of anatase and rutile in the TiO 2 -rGO and TiO 2 -Fe nanocomposites. Doping Fe into TiO 2 particles (2.40eV) could reduce more band gap energy than incorporating rGO (2.85eV), thereby enhancing utilization efficiency of visible light. Incorporating Fe and rGO in TiO 2 decreased significantly the intensity of TiO 2 photoluminescence signals and enhanced the separation rate of photo-induced charge carriers. Photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanocomposites was measured by the degradation of three pharmaceuticals under UV and visible light irradiation, including carbamazepine, ibuprofen, and sulfamethoxazole. TiO 2 -rGO exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of pharmaceuticals under UV irradiation, while TiO 2 -Fe demonstrated more suitable for visible light oxidation. The results suggested that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 -rGO could be attributed to reduced recombination rate of photoexcited electrons-hole pairs, but for TiO 2 -Fe nanocomposite, narrower band gap would contribute to increased photocatalytic activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A topological screening heuristic for low-energy, high-index surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wenhao; Ceder, Gerbrand

2018-03-01

Robust ab initio investigations of nanoparticle surface properties require a method to identify candidate low-energy surface facets a priori. By assuming that low-energy surfaces are planes with high atomic density, we devise an efficient algorithm to screen for low-energy surface orientations, even if they have high (hkl) miller indices. We successfully predict the observed low-energy, high-index { 10 12 bar } and { 10 1 bar 4 } surfaces of hematite α-Fe2O3, the {311} surfaces of cuprite Cu2O, and the {112} surfaces of anatase TiO2. We further tabulate candidate low-energy surface orientations for nine of the most common binary oxide structures. Screened surfaces are found to be generally applicable across isostructural compounds with varying chemistries, although relative surface energies between facets may vary based on the preferred coordination of the surface atoms.

Radar Differential Phase Signatures of Ice Orientation for the Prediction of Lightning Initiation and Cessation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carey, L.D.; Petersen, W.A.; Deierling, W.

2009-01-01

The majority of lightning-related casualties typically occur during thunderstorm initiation (e.g., first flash) or dissipation (e.g., last flash). The physics of electrification and lightning production during thunderstorm initiation is fairly well understood. As such, the literature includes a number of studies presenting various radar techniques (using reflectivity and, if available, other dual-polarimetric parameters) for the anticipation of initial electrification and first lightning flash. These radar techniques have shown considerable skill at forecasting first flash. On the other hand, electrical processes and lightning production during thunderstorm dissipation are not nearly as well understood and few, if any, successful techniques have been developed to anticipate the last flash and subsequent cessation of lightning. One promising approach involves the use of dual-polarimetric radar variables to infer the presence of oriented ice crystals in lightning producing storms. In the absence of strong vertical electric fields, ice crystals fall with their largest (semi-major) axis in the horizontal associated with gravitational and aerodynamic forces. In thunderstorms, strong vertical electric fields (100-200 kV m(sup -1)) have been shown to orient small (less than 2 mm) ice crystals such that their semi-major axis is vertical (or nearly vertical). After a lightning flash, the electric field is typically relaxed and prior radar research suggests that ice crystals rapidly resume their preferred horizontal orientation. In active thunderstorms, the vertical electric field quickly recovers and the ice crystals repeat this cycle of orientation for each nearby flash. This change in ice crystal orientation from primarily horizontal to vertical during the development of strong vertical electric fields prior to a lightning flash forms the physical basis for anticipating lightning initiation and, potentially, cessation. Research has shown that radar reflectivity (Z) and other co-polar back-scattering radar measurements like differential reflectivity (Z(sub dr)) typically measured by operational dual-polarimetric radars are not sensitive to these changes in ice crystal orientation. However, prior research has demonstrated that oriented ice crystals cause significant propagation effects that can be routinely measured by most dual-polarimetric radars from X-band (3 cm) to S-band (10 cm) wavelengths using the differential propagation phase shift (often just called differential phase, phi(sub dp)) or its range derivative, the specific differential phase (K(sub dp)). Advantages of the differential phase include independence from absolute or relative power calibration, attenuation, differential attenuation and relative insensitivity to ground clutter and partial beam occultation effects (as long as the signal remains above noise). In research mode, these sorts of techniques have been used to anticipate initial cloud electrification, lightning initiation, and cessation. In this study, we develop a simplified model of ice crystal size, shape, orientation, dielectric, and associated radar scattering and propagation effects in order to simulate various idealized scenarios of ice crystals responding to a hypothetical electric field and their dual-polarimetric radar signatures leading up to lightning initiation and particularly cessation. The sensitivity of the K(sub dp) ice orientation signature to various ice properties and radar wavelength will be explored. Since K(sub dp) is proportional to frequency in the Rayleigh- Gans scattering regime, the ice orientation signatures should be more obvious at higher (lower) frequencies (wavelengths). As a result, simulations at radar wavelengths from 10 cm down to 1 cm (Ka-band) will be conducted. Resonance effects will be considered using the T-matrix method. Since most K(sub dp) Vbased observations have been shown at S-band, we will present ice orientation signatures from C-band (UAH/NASA ARMOR) and X-bd (UAH MAX) dual-polarimetric radars located in Northern Alabama. Issues related to optimal radar scanning for the detection of oriented ice will be discussed. Preliminary suggestions on how these differential phase signatures of oriented ice could contribute to lightning initiation and cessation algorithms will be presented.

Fabrication of SnO2-TiO2 core-shell nanopillar-array films for enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Hsyi-En; Lin, Chun-Yuan; Hsu, Ching-Ming

2017-02-01

Immobilized or deposited thin film TiO2 photocatalysts are suffering from a low photocatalytic activity due to either a low photon absorption efficiency or a high carrier recombination rate. Here we demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 can be effectively improved by the SnO2-TiO2 core-shell nanopillar-array structure which combines the benefits of SnO2/TiO2 heterojunction and high reaction surface area. The SnO2-TiO2 core-shell nanopillar-array films were fabricated using atomic layer deposition and dry etching techniques via barrier-free porous anodic alumina templates. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared films was evaluated by methylene blue (MB) bleaching under 352 nm UV light irradiation. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 film was 45% improved by introducing a SnO2 film between TiO2 and ITO glass substrate and was 300% improved by using the SnO2-TiO2 core-shell nanopillar-array structure. The 45% improvement by the SnO2 interlayer is attributed to the SnO2/TiO2 heterojunction which separates the photogenerated electron-hole pairs in TiO2 for MB degradation, and the high photocatalytic activity of the SnO2-TiO2 core-shell nanopillar-array films is attributed to the three dimensional SnO2/TiO2 heterojunction which owns both the carrier separation ability and the high photocatalytic reaction surface area.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity towards degradation and H2 evolution over one dimensional TiO2@MWCNTs heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao; Cao, Shuang; Wu, Zhijiao; Zhao, Suling; Piao, Lingyu

2017-04-01

With the distinct electronic and optical properties, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are identified as an outstanding catalyst support, which can effectively improve the performance of the TiO2 photocatalysts. Herein, the unique one dimensional TiO2@MWCNTs nanocomposites have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The TiO2 coating layers are extremely uniform and the thickness is adjustable for different nanocomposites. XPS measurements confirm that intimate electronic interactions are existed between MWCNTs and TiO2 via interfacial Tisbnd Osbnd C bond and the photoluminescence intensity of the TiO2@MWCNTs nanocomposites are effectively quenched compared with pure TiO2, suggesting the fast electron transfer rates. The thickness of TiO2 coating layers of the TiO2@MWCNTs nanocomposites plays a significant role in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, such as methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB), and photocatalytic H2 evolution from water. Due to the formation of one dimensional heterojunction of TiO2@MWCNTs nanocomposites and the positive synergistic effect between TiO2 and carbon nanotubes, it is found that the photocatalytic activity of the system is significantly improved.

DFT study on the interaction of TiO2 (001) surface with HCHO molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Guofei; Zhao, Cuihua; Guo, Changqing; Chen, Jianhua; Zhang, Yibing; Li, Yuqiong

2018-01-01

The interactions of formaldehyde (HCHO) molecule with TiO2 (001) surface were studied using density functional theory calculations. HCHO molecules are dissociated by the cleavage of Csbnd H bonds after adsorption on TiO2 surface. The strong interactions between HCHO melecules and TiO2 surface are largely attributed to the bonding of hydrogen of HCHO and oxygen of TiO2 surface, which is mainly from the hybridization of the H 1s, O 2p and O 2s. The newly formed Hsbnd O bonds cause the structure changes of TiO2 surface, and lead to the cleavage of Osbnd Ti bond of TiO2 surface. The Csbnd O bond that the dissociated remains of HCHO and newly formed Hsbnd O bond can be oxidized to form carbon dioxide and water in subsequent action by oxygen from the atomosphere. The charges transfer from HCHO to TiO2 surface, and the sum amount of the charges transferred from four HCHO molecules to TiO2 surface is bigger than that from one HCHO molecule to TiO2 surface due to the combined interaction of four HCHO molecules with TiO2 surface.

Photoelectrochemical Degradation of Organic Compounds Coupled with Molecular Hydrogen Generation Using Electrochromic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays.

PubMed

Koo, Min Seok; Cho, Kangwoo; Yoon, Jeyong; Choi, Wonyong

2017-06-06

Vertically aligned TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) were prepared by electrochemical anodization, and then cathodically polarized with dark blue coloration for the dual-functional photoelectrochemical water treatment of organic substrates degradation and accompanying H 2 generation. The resulting Blue-TNTs (inner diameter: ∼40 nm; length: ∼9 μm) showed negligible shift in X-ray diffraction pattern compared with the intact TNTs, but the X-ray photoelectron spectra indicated a partial reduction of Ti 4+ to Ti 3+ on the surface. The electrochemical analyses of Blue-TNTs revealed a marked enhancement in donor density and electrical conductivity by orders of magnitude. Degradations of test organic substrates on Blue-TNTs were compared with the intact TNTs in electrochemical (EC), photocatalytic (PC), and photoelectrochemical (PEC) conditions (potential bias: 1.64 V NHE ; λ > 320 nm). The degradation of 4-chlorophenol was greatly enhanced on Blue-TNTs particularly in PEC condition, whereas the PC activities of the Blue- and intact TNTs were similar. The potential bias of 1.64 V NHE did not induce any noticeable activity in EC condition. Similar trends were observed for the degradation of humic acid and fulvic acid, where main working oxidants were found to be the surface hydroxyl radical as confirmed by hydroxyl radical probe and scavenger tests. H 2 generation coupled with the organic degradation was observed only in PEC condition, where the H 2 generation rate with Blue-TNTs was more than doubled from that of intact TNTs. Such superior PEC activity was not observed when a common TiO 2 nanoparticle film was used as a photoanode. The enhanced electric conductivity of Blue-TNTs coupled with a proper band bending in PEC configuration seemed to induce a highly synergic enhancement.

Photocatalytic degradation properties of V-doped TiO2 to automobile exhaust.

PubMed

Wang, Tong; Shen, Dongya; Xu, Tao; Jiang, Ruiling

2017-05-15

To improve the photocatalytic degradation properties of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) used as raw materials for purifying automobile exhaust (AE), the vanadium (V)-doped TiO 2 samples were prepared. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of V-doped TiO 2 to each component in AE were evaluated under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation, respectively. Results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of V-doped TiO 2 to AE was higher than that of pure TiO 2 , and the optimal V dopant content of TiO 2 was 1.0% under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiencies of V-doped TiO 2 to NOx and HC were higher than those to CO 2 and CO in AE because of the reversible reaction between CO 2 and CO. In addition, it was found that the photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of V-doped TiO 2 to each component in AE were also increased under visible light irradiation. The V-doped TiO 2 also showed higher degradation efficiencies to NOx and HC than those to CO 2 and CO under visible light irradiation. The V doped TiO 2 presented higher photocatalytic activity to CO 2 than that to CO, but the reversible reaction between CO and CO 2 was not found under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic reactions of pure and V-doped TiO 2 samples to each component in AE followed the first order kinetic pathway under the two light irradiations. It is concluded that the V doping is a feasible method to improve the photocatalytic degradation properties of TiO 2 to AE for air purification, developing a sustainable environmental purification technology based on TiO 2 materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Orbit orientation in didelphid marsupials (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

PubMed Central

Pilatti, Patricia

2017-01-01

Abstract Usually considered a morphologically conservative group, didelphid marsupials present considerable variation in ecology and body size, some of which were shown to relate to morphological structures. Thus, changes on orbit morphology are likely and could be related to that variation. We calculated orbit orientation in 873 specimens of 16 Didelphidae genera yielding estimates of orbits convergence (their position relative to midsagittal line) and verticality (their position relative to frontal plane). We then compared similarities in these variables across taxa to ecological, morphological and phylogenetic data to evaluate the influencing factors on orbit orientation in didelphids. We found an inverse relation between convergence and verticality. Didelphids orbits have low verticality but are highly convergent, yet orbit orientation differs significantly between taxa, and that variation is related to morphological aspects of the cranium. Rostral variables are the only morphological features correlated with orbit orientation: increasing snout length yields more convergent orbits, whereas increase on snout breadth imply in more vertical orbits. Size and encephalization quotients are uncorrelated with orbit orientation. Among ecological data, diet showed significant correlation whereas locomotion is the factor that less affects the position of orbits. Phylogeny is uncorrelated to any orbital parameters measured. Ecological factors seemingly play a more important role on orbit orientation than previously expected, and differentiation on orbit orientation seems to be more functional than inherited. Thus, despite the apparent homogeneity on didelphid morphology, there is subtle morphological variability that may be directly related to feeding behavior. PMID:29492000

Piezoelectricity and rotostriction through polar and non-polar coupled instabilities in bismuth-based piezoceramics

PubMed Central

Acosta, Matias; Schmitt, Ljubomira A.; Cazorla, Claudio; Studer, Andrew; Zintler, Alexander; Glaum, Julia; Kleebe, Hans-Joachim; Donner, Wolfgang; Hoffman, Mark; Rödel, Jürgen; Hinterstein, Manuel

2016-01-01

Coupling of order parameters provides a means to tune functionality in advanced materials including multiferroics, superconductors, and ionic conductors. We demonstrate that the response of a frustrated ferroelectric state leads to coupling between order parameters under electric field depending on grain orientation. The strain of grains oriented along a specific crystallographic direction, 〈h00〉, is caused by converse piezoelectricity originating from a ferrodistortive tetragonal phase. For 〈hhh〉 oriented grains, the strain results from converse piezoelectricity and rotostriction, as indicated by an antiferrodistortive instability that promotes octahedral tilting in a rhombohedral phase. Both strain mechanisms combined lead to a colossal local strain of (2.4 ± 0.1) % and indicate coupling between oxygen octahedral tilting and polarization, here termed “rotopolarization”. These findings were confirmed with electromechanical experiments, in situ neutron diffraction, and in situ transmission electron microscopy in 0.75Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-0.25SrTiO3. This work demonstrates that polar and non-polar instabilities can cooperate to provide colossal functional responses. PMID:27364037

TiO2 and its composites as effective photocatalyst for glucose degradation processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukh, A. A.; Ivanenko, I. M.; Astrelin, I. M.

2018-03-01

Titanium-dioxide photocatalyst was impregnated onto the activated carbon using originally developed low-temperature sol-gel method to form a TiO2:AC composite material. 15% (mass.) solution Ti2(SO4)3 in sulphuric acid was used as a precursor for photocatalyst synthesis. The highly effective composite material was obtained through a combination of properties of titanium dioxide and activated carbon. Synthesized composites TiO2 with activated carbon demonstrate highly developed surface characteristics and exhibit significantly higher activity in comparison with samples of pure TiO2 synthesized the same way, existing analogues of pure TiO2 synthesized from TiCl3 and even industrial photocatalyst. This was testified by the degradation of 1% aqueous glucose solution using TiO2:AC, samples of pure TiO2 and commercial TiO2 AEROXIDE® TiO2 P25 produced by EVONIK Industries.

High photocatalytic activity of Fe2O3/TiO2 nanocomposites prepared by photodeposition for degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

PubMed

Lee, Shu Chin; Lintang, Hendrik O; Yuliati, Leny

2017-01-01

Two series of Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 samples were prepared via impregnation and photodeposition methods. The effect of preparation method on the properties and performance of Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 for photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) under UV light irradiation was examined. The Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 nanocomposites prepared by impregnation showed lower activity than the unmodified TiO 2 , mainly due to lower specific surface area caused by heat treatment. On the other hand, the Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 nanocomposites prepared by photodeposition showed higher photocatalytic activity than the unmodified TiO 2 . Three times higher photocatalytic activity was obtained on the best photocatalyst, Fe 2 O 3 (0.5)/TiO 2 . The improved activity of TiO 2 after photodeposition of Fe 2 O 3 was contributed to the formation of a heterojunction between the Fe 2 O 3 and TiO 2 nanoparticles that improved charge transfer and suppressed electron-hole recombination. A further investigation on the role of the active species on Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 confirmed that the crucial active species were both holes and superoxide radicals. The Fe 2 O 3 (0.5)/TiO 2 sample also showed good stability and reusability, suggesting its potential for water purification applications.

PM 2.5 mass concentrations in comparison with aerosol optical depths over the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean during winter monsoon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramachandran, S.

An analysis of PM 2.5 mass concentrations and 0.5 μm aerosol optical depths (AODs) during the Northeast winter monsoon seasons of 1996-2000 is performed and intercompared. AODs are found to show diurnal variations over Coastal India (CI) (west coast) while they are relatively smooth over the Arabian Sea (AS) (5-20°N) and tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) (5°N-20°S). PM 2.5, PM 10 and total mass concentrations show less variations in a day over these oceanic regions. Columnar AODs are found to increase with an increase in the marine boundary layer aerosol concentrations over CI and AS while an opposite trend is seen over TIO. The yearly-mean AODs and mass concentrations are found to increase over CI and AS, over TIO the mass concentrations increased while the AODs decreased during 1996-2000. It is found from the 7-days air back trajectory analyses that at different altitudes air masses can originate from different source regions leading to changes in chemical, physical and optical characteristics of the aerosol between the surface and column. The differences in the surface and columnar measurements could also occur due to changes in the meteorological conditions, wind patterns, in addition to changes in production and subsequently the transport of aerosols. Least-squares fits to the above intercomparison resulted in intercepts of 0.24 and 0.22 over CI and AS indicating that the background AODs over these oceanic regions are higher. An examination of the daily-mean wind speeds and PM 2.5 mass concentrations yielded an index of wind dependence of 0.04 for AS and 0.07 for TIO. The background PM 2.5 mass concentrations are also found to be high at 36 and 25 μg m -3 over AS and TIO, respectively, indicating a stronger influence from the continent. Frequency distribution figures show that 28% of the PM 2.5 values over CI lie in the 60-80 μg m -3 range. Over AS the dominant mode of distribution is 40-60 μg m -3 with a peak value of 42%. Over TIO PM 2.5 values are found to peak in the lower mass bin of 0-20 μg m -3 at 33%. A latitudinal gradient is seen in the peak bin value of PM 2.5 as the ship moves away from the coast. About half the days over CI and 20% over AS and TIO, PM 2.5 values are found unhealthy indicating the influence of anthropogenic pollution and long-range transport of pollutants from the surrounding continental locations across these oceanic regimes. AODs are found to peak in the 0.2-0.4 bin at 52% over CI and 47% over AS. Over AS 32% of the AODs are found to be <0.2. More than 90% of AODs over TIO are <0.2. The feature is different when compared to three maritime locations in the Pacific where 75% or more cases have AODs <0.1. α values are found to peak in the 1.5-2 range over CI at 55% while they peak in the lower range of 1-1.5 at 49% and 26% over AS and TIO, respectively. Over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in more than 90% of the cases α was ⩽1.5, indicating that the amount of smaller and larger particles are higher over the Indian Ocean when compared to the Pacific and Atlantic. The spread in PM 2.5 and AOD indicates that it is a challenging task to obtain a good relation without additional inputs on the vertical distribution of aerosols as varied kinds of aerosols from different source regions contribute at different heights over these oceanic regions.

The Effect of fluid buoyancy and fracture orientation on CaCO3 Formation in a Fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Z.; Li, Q.; Sheets, J.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Jun, Y. S.; Cole, D. R.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

2016-12-01

Sealing fractures through mineral precipitation is a potential way for improving caprock integrity in subsurface reservoirs. We investigated the effect of buoyancy and fracture orientation on the amount and spatial distribution of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitates in a fracture. To monitor mineral precipitation during reactive flow, transparent acrylic casts of an induced fracture in Austin chalk were used. To trigger CaCO3 precipitates, 1M CaCl2 with either 0.6M NaHCO3 solution (for surface adhering precipitation), or 0.3M Na2CO3 solution (for pore filling precipitation) were injected simultaneously into a saturated fracture. Experiments were performed with the fracture plane oriented either parallel or perpendicular to gravity. Acoustic wave transmission (compressional wave, 1 MHz) and optical imaging were used to monitor the sample prior to, during and after fluid injection. Complementary X-ray computed tomography was performed throughout the experiments on vertical fractures and post injection for the horizontal fractures. For the vertical fractures, the denser CaCl2 almost completely displaced the carbonate solution in the fracture and caused strong localization of the precipitates. The width of the precipitated region grew slowly over time. The horizontal fracture caused the less dense carbonate to flow over the CaCl2 solution thus resulting in more mixing and a more even distribution of precipitates throughout the fracture. The acoustic signatures depended on the type of precipitation that occurred. For pore filling experiments, the compressional wave amplitude increased by 5-20% and the velocity increased for both the vertical and horizontal fractures. However, the acoustic responses differed between the vertical and horizontal fractures for surface adhering experiments. Based on the acoustic response, surface adhering precipitation increased fracture specific stiffness more in the horizontal fracture than in the vertical fracture. The horizontal fracture enabled more mixing of the two solutions within the fracture than the vertical fracture. This work was supported by the Center for Nanoscale Controls on Geologic CO (NCGC), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences under Award # DE-AC02-05CH11231

Eosin-Y sensitized core-shell TiO2-ZnO nano-structured photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

PubMed

Manikandan, V S; Palai, Akshaya K; Mohanty, Smita; Nayak, Sanjay K

2018-06-01

In the current investigation, TiO 2 and TiO 2 -ZnO (core-shell) spherical nanoparticles were synthesized by simple combined hydrolysis and refluxing method. A TiO 2 core nanomaterial on the shell material of ZnO was synthesized by utilizing variable ratios of ZnO. The structural characterization of TiO 2 -ZnO core/shell nanoparticles were done by XRD analysis. The spherical structured morphology of the TiO 2 -ZnO has been confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The UV-visible spectra of TiO 2 -ZnO nanostructures were also compared with the pristine TiO 2 to investigate the shift of wavelength. The TiO 2 -ZnO core/shell nanoparticles at the interface efficiently collect the photogenarated electrons from ZnO and also ZnO act a barrier for reduced charge recombination of electrolyte and dye-nanoparticles interface. This combination improved the light absorption which induced the charge transfer ability and dye loading capacity of core-shell nanoparticles. An enhancement in the short circuit current (J sc ) from 1.67 mA/cm 2 to 2.1 mA/cm 2 has been observed for TiO 2 -ZnObased photoanode (with platinum free counter electrode), promises an improvement in the energy conversion efficiency by 57% in comparison with that of the DSSCs based on the pristine TiO 2 . Henceforth, TiO 2 -ZnO photoelectrode in ZnO will effectively act as barrier at the interface of TiO 2 -ZnO and TiO 2 , ensuring the potential for DSSC application. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of orientation reference selection in motion sickness, supplement 2S

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterka, Robert J.; Black, F. Owen

1987-01-01

Previous experiments with moving platform posturography have shown that different people have varying abilities to resolve conflicts among vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive sensory signals. The conceptual basis of the present proposal hinges on the similarities between the space motion sickness problem and the sensory orientation reference selection problems associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) syndrome. These similarities include both etiology related to abnormal vertical canal-otolith function, and motion sickness initiating events provoked by pitch and roll head movements. The objectives are to explore and quantify the orientation reference selection abilities of subjects and the relation of this selection to motion sickness in humans. The overall objectives are to determine: if motion sickness susceptibility is related to sensory orientation reference selection abilities of subjects; if abnormal vertical canal-otolith function is the source of abnormal posture control strategies and if it can be quantified by vestibular and oculomotor reflex measurements, and if it can be quantified by vestibular and oculomotor reflex measurements; and quantifiable measures of perception of vestibular and visual motion cues can be related to motion sickness susceptibility and to orientation reference selection ability.

Updating of the spatial reference frame of head direction cells in response to locomotion in the vertical plane

PubMed Central

Wang, Sarah S.; Kim, Stanley Y.; Frohardt, Russell J.

2013-01-01

Many species navigate in three dimensions and are required to maintain accurate orientation while moving in an Earth vertical plane. Here we explored how head direction (HD) cells in the rat anterodorsal thalamus responded when rats locomoted along a 360° spiral track that was positioned vertically within the room at the N, S, E, or W location. Animals were introduced into the vertical plane either through passive placement (experiment 1) or by allowing them to run up a 45° ramp from the floor to the vertically positioned platform (experiment 2). In both experiments HD cells maintained direction-specific firing in the vertical plane with firing properties that were indistinguishable from those recorded in the horizontal plane. Interestingly, however, the cells' preferred directions were linked to different aspects of the animal's environment and depended on how the animal transitioned into the vertical plane. When animals were passively placed onto the vertical surface, the cells switched from using the room (global cues) as a reference frame to using the vertically positioned platform (local cues) as a reference frame, independent of where the platform was located. In contrast, when animals self-locomoted into the vertical plane, the cells' preferred directions remained anchored to the three-dimensional room coordinates and their activity could be accounted for by a simple 90° rotation of the floor's horizontal coordinate system to the vertical plane. These findings highlight the important role that active movement signals play for maintaining and updating spatial orientation when moving in three dimensions. PMID:23114216

Hyperbranched polyglycerol-grafted titanium oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, derivatization, characterization, size separation, and toxicology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Hongmei; Maruyama, Kyouhei; Amano, Tsukuru; Murakami, Takashi; Komatsu, Naoki

2016-10-01

We have been developing surface functionalization of various nanoparticles including nanodiamond and iron oxide nanoparticles in view of biomedical applications. In this context, TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) are functionalized with polyglycerol (PG) to provide water-dispersible TiO2-PG, which is further derivatized through multi-step organic transformations. The resulting TiO2-PG and its derivatives are fully characterized by various analyses including solution-phase 1H and 13C NMR. TiO2-PG was size-tuned with centrifugation by changing the acceleration and duration. At last, no cytotoxicity of TiO2 NP, TiO2-PG, and TiO2-PG functionalized with RGD peptide was observed under dark conditions.

Hierarchical TiO2/C micro-nano spheres as high-performance anode materials for sodium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiao; Zhang, Zhihui; Tian, Jianliya; Xu, Beibei; Ping, Qiushi; Wang, Baofeng

The hierarchical TiO2/C microspheres were obtained via a facile method of in-situ hydrolysis and spray drying. Antase TiO2 nanoparticles were coherent to microspheres TiO2/C due to the pyrolysis of carbon source (PVP). Besides, the favorable electron transfer from carbon to TiO2 improves the electronic conductivity of TiO2 via the presence of Ti-C bond within TiO2/C composite. Charge-discharge tests show that TiO2/C microspheres delivered a good rate capability of 106.1mAhg‑1 at the high current density of 5Ag‑1 and an enhanced cyclic capacity. The superior electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the porous micro-nano structure, smaller crystal size and increased conductivity. The synthesis of TiO2/C microspheres is easy to scale up for satisfying high-performance sodium storage.

Electron Microscopy Characterization of Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films and Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivera, Felipe

Vanadium dioxide (VO_2) is a material of particular interest due to its exhibited metal to insulator phase transition at 68°C that is accompanied by an abrupt and significant change in its electronic and optical properties. Since this material can exhibit a reversible drop in resistivity of up to five orders of magnitude and a reversible drop in infrared optical transmission of up to 80%, this material holds promise in several technological applications. Solid phase crystallization of VO_2 thin films was obtained by a post-deposition annealing process of a VO_{x,x approx 2} amorphous film sputtered on an amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO_2) layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) were utilized to study the morphology of the solid phase crystallization that resulted from this post-deposition annealing process. The annealing parameters ranged in temperature from 300°C up to 1000°C and in time from 5 minutes up to 12 hours. Depending on the annealing parameters, EBSD showed that this process yielded polycrystalline vanadium dioxide thin films, semi-continuous thin films, and films of isolated single-crystal particles. In addition to these films on SiO_2, other VO_2 thin films were deposited onto a-, c-, and r-cuts of sapphire and on TiO_2(001) heated single-crystal substrates by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). The temperature of the substrates was kept at ˜500°C during deposition. EBSD maps and orientation imaging microscopy were used to study the epitaxy and orientation of the VO_2 grains deposited on the single crystal substrates, as well as on the amorphous SiO_2 layer. The EBSD/OIM results showed that: 1) For all the sapphire substrates analyzed, there is a predominant family of crystallographic relationships wherein the rutile VO_2{001} planes tend to lie parallel to the sapphire's {10-10} and the rutile VO_2{100} planes lie parallel to the sapphire's {1-210} and {0001}. Furthermore, while this family of relationships accounts for the majority of the VO_2 grains observed, due to the sapphire substrate's geometry there were variations within these rules that changed the orientation of VO_2 grains with respect to the substrate's normal direction. 2) For the TiO_2, a substrate with a lower lattice mismatch, we observe the expected relationship where the rutile VO_2 [100], [110], and [001] crystal directions lie parallel to the TiO_2 substrate's [100], [110], and [001] crystal directions respectively. 3) For the amorphous SiO_2 layer, all VO_2 crystals that were measurable (those that grew to the thickness of the deposited film) had a preferred orientation with the the rutile VO_2[001] crystal direction tending to lie parallel to the plane of the specimen. The use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is presented as a tool for further characterization studies of this material and its applications. In this work TEM diffraction patterns taken from cross-sections of particles of the a- and r-cut sapphire substrates not only solidified the predominant family mentioned, but also helped lift the ambiguity present in the rutile VO_2{100} axes. Finally, a focused-ion beam technique for preparation of cross-sectional TEM samples of metallic thin films deposited on polymer substrates is demonstrated.

Vertically oriented arrays of ReS 2 nanosheets for electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis

DOE PAGES

Gao, Jian; Li, Lu; Tan, Jiawei; ...

2016-05-17

Here, transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanolayers show potential as high-performance catalysts in energy conversion and storage devices. Synthetic TMDs produced by chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) methods tend to grow parallel to the growth substrate. Here, we show that with the right precursors and appropriate tuning of the CVD growth conditions, ReS 2 nanosheets can be made to orient perpendicular to the growth substrate. This accomplishes two important objectives; first, it drastically increases the wetted or exposed surface area of the ReS 2 sheets, and second, it exposes the sharp edges and corners of the ReS 2 sheets. We show that these structuralmore » features of the vertically grown ReS 2 sheets can be exploited to significantly improve their performance as polysulfide immobilizers and electrochemical catalysts in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries and in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). After 300 cycles, the specific capacity of the Li–S battery with vertical ReS 2 catalyst is retained above 750 mA h g –1, with only ~0.063% capacity decay per cycle, much better than the baseline battery (without ReS 2), which shows ~0.184% capacity decay per cycle under the same test conditions. As a HER catalyst, the vertical ReS 2 provides very small onset overpotential (<100 mV) and an exceptional exchange-current density (~67.6 μA/cm 2), which is vastly superior to the baseline electrode without ReS 2.« less

Hierarchical TiO2/C nanocomposite monoliths with a robust scaffolding architecture, mesopore-macropore network and TiO2-C heterostructure for high-performance lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hai-Bo; Yang, Yue; Chen, Li-Hua; Wang, Yun; Huang, Shao-Zhuan; Tao, Jia-Wei; Ma, Xiao-Ting; Hasan, Tawfique; Li, Yu; Xu, Yan; Su, Bao-Lian

2016-05-01

Engineering hierarchical structures of electrode materials is a powerful strategy for optimizing the electrochemical performance of an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report the fabrication of hierarchical TiO2/C nanocomposite monoliths by mediated mineralization and carbonization using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a scaffolding template as well as a carbon source. TiO2/C has a robust scaffolding architecture, a mesopore-macropore network and TiO2-C heterostructure. TiO2/C-500, obtained by calcination at 500 °C in nitrogen, contains an anatase TiO2-C heterostructure with a specific surface area of 66.5 m2 g-1. When evaluated as an anode material at 0.5 C, TiO2/C-500 exhibits a high and reversible lithium storage capacity of 188 mA h g-1, an excellent initial capacity of 283 mA h g-1, a long cycle life with a 94% coulombic efficiency preserved after 200 cycles, and a very low charge transfer resistance. The superior electrochemical performance of TiO2/C-500 is attributed to the synergistic effect of high electrical conductivity, anatase TiO2-C heterostructure, mesopore-macropore network and robust scaffolding architecture. The current material strategy affords a general approach for the design of complex inorganic nanocomposites with structural stability, and tunable and interconnected hierarchical porosity that may lead to the next generation of electrochemical supercapacitors with high energy efficiency and superior power density.Engineering hierarchical structures of electrode materials is a powerful strategy for optimizing the electrochemical performance of an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report the fabrication of hierarchical TiO2/C nanocomposite monoliths by mediated mineralization and carbonization using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a scaffolding template as well as a carbon source. TiO2/C has a robust scaffolding architecture, a mesopore-macropore network and TiO2-C heterostructure. TiO2/C-500, obtained by calcination at 500 °C in nitrogen, contains an anatase TiO2-C heterostructure with a specific surface area of 66.5 m2 g-1. When evaluated as an anode material at 0.5 C, TiO2/C-500 exhibits a high and reversible lithium storage capacity of 188 mA h g-1, an excellent initial capacity of 283 mA h g-1, a long cycle life with a 94% coulombic efficiency preserved after 200 cycles, and a very low charge transfer resistance. The superior electrochemical performance of TiO2/C-500 is attributed to the synergistic effect of high electrical conductivity, anatase TiO2-C heterostructure, mesopore-macropore network and robust scaffolding architecture. The current material strategy affords a general approach for the design of complex inorganic nanocomposites with structural stability, and tunable and interconnected hierarchical porosity that may lead to the next generation of electrochemical supercapacitors with high energy efficiency and superior power density. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Characterizing BC aerogel; TG/DTA curves of BC@TiO2; EDX spectrum of TiO2/C-500; photograph of BC@TiO2 and TiO2/C-500 monoliths; XRD patterns of TiO2/C-T monoliths under a nitrogen atmosphere; characterizing TiO2/C-T and TiO2-500; XPS of TiO2/C-500; cycling performance of TiO2/C-T; capacity retention plots, coulombic efficiency, EIS spectra after 10 cycles and the initial EIS spectra of TiO2/C-500; XRD patterns of TiO2/C-500 before and after 150 discharge-charge cycles at 0.5 C. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr09149g

High-surface-area mesoporous TiO2 microspheres via one-step nanoparticle self-assembly for enhanced lithium-ion storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hsin-Yi; Chen, Jiazang; Hy, Sunny; Yu, Linghui; Xu, Zhichuan; Liu, Bin

2014-11-01

Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres assembled from TiO2 nanoparticles with specific surface areas as high as 150 m2 g-1 were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal reaction of titanium isopropoxide and anhydrous acetone. Aldol condensation of acetone gradually releases structural H2O, which hydrolyzes and condenses titanium isopropoxide, forming TiO2 nanocrystals. Simultaneous growth and aggregation of TiO2 nanocrystals leads to the formation of high-surface-area TiO2 microspheres under solvothermal conditions. After a low-temperature post-synthesis calcination, carbonate could be incorporated into TiO2 as a dopant with the carbon source coming from the organic byproducts during the synthesis. Carbonate doping modifies the electronic structure of TiO2 (e.g., Fermi level, Ef), and thus influences its electrochemical properties. Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation, which is not common for titania, could be initiated in carbonate-doped TiO2 due to elevated Ef. After removing carbonate dopants by high-temperature calcination, the mesoporous TiO2 microspheres showed much improved performance in lithium insertion and stability at various current rates, attributed to a synergistic effect of high surface area, large pore size and good anatase crystallinity.Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres assembled from TiO2 nanoparticles with specific surface areas as high as 150 m2 g-1 were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal reaction of titanium isopropoxide and anhydrous acetone. Aldol condensation of acetone gradually releases structural H2O, which hydrolyzes and condenses titanium isopropoxide, forming TiO2 nanocrystals. Simultaneous growth and aggregation of TiO2 nanocrystals leads to the formation of high-surface-area TiO2 microspheres under solvothermal conditions. After a low-temperature post-synthesis calcination, carbonate could be incorporated into TiO2 as a dopant with the carbon source coming from the organic byproducts during the synthesis. Carbonate doping modifies the electronic structure of TiO2 (e.g., Fermi level, Ef), and thus influences its electrochemical properties. Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation, which is not common for titania, could be initiated in carbonate-doped TiO2 due to elevated Ef. After removing carbonate dopants by high-temperature calcination, the mesoporous TiO2 microspheres showed much improved performance in lithium insertion and stability at various current rates, attributed to a synergistic effect of high surface area, large pore size and good anatase crystallinity. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr04729j

Bra strap orientations and designs to minimise bra strap discomfort and pressure during sport and exercise in women with large breasts.

PubMed

Coltman, Celeste E; McGhee, Deirdre E; Steele, Julie R

2015-01-01

Bra straps are a primary source of discomfort during sport and exercise, particularly for women with large breasts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of altering bra strap orientation and design on bra strap comfort, pressure and breast support in women with large breasts. This is a descriptive laboratory study. Bra strap discomfort (visual analogue scale, 0 to 10), pressure (custom-designed 10 mm 2 calibrated pressure sensor, 0.5 to 24 kPa range, 50 Hz, S2011, Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany, placed under the right bra strap at the crest of each participant's shoulder), preference ranking and vertical breast displacement (VBD; Optotrak Certus® motion capture system, 200 Hz, Northern Digital, Ontario, Canada) data during dynamic treadmill running and static upright standing (pressure only) were collected for 23 active women with large breasts (D+ cup size) while they wore an encapsulation sports bra with six different bra strap conditions (two bra strap orientations: vertical and cross-back; three bra strap designs: standard width, wide and gel). Bra strap discomfort was significantly less ( p  ≤ 0.001) in the vertical compared to the cross-back strap orientation, which was the most preferred orientation despite no significant difference in strap pressure. The wide strap design had the lowest discomfort scores, significantly lower strap pressure compared to the standard width and gel strap designs ( p  < 0.001), and was equally the most preferred design with the gel straps. There was no significant difference in VBD among the six strap conditions. Bra straps that are vertically orientated and wide (approximately 4.5 cm in width) are preferable for women with large breasts during sport and exercise to minimise bra strap pressure and discomfort. The addition of gel pads under bra straps may also decrease discomfort and prevent straps slipping off the shoulders, although this notion warrants further investigation.

ZrO2-modified mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2-xNx as efficient visible light photocatalysts.

PubMed

Wang, Xinchen; Yu, Jimmy C; Chen, Yilin; Wu, Ling; Fu, Xianzhi

2006-04-01

Mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2-xNx and TiO2-xNx/ZrO2 visible-light photocatalysts have been prepared by a sol-gel method. The photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, TEM, XPS, UV/Vis, and IR spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the decomposition of ethylene in air under visible light (lambda > 450 nm) illumination. Results revealed that nitrogen was doped into the lattice of TiO2 by the thermal treatment of NH3-adsorbed TiO2 hydrous gels, converting the TiO2 into a visible-light responsive catalyst. The introduction of ZrO2 into TiO2-xNx considerably inhibits the undesirable crystal growth during calcination. Consequently, the ZrO2-modified TiO2-xNx displays higher porosity, higher specific surface area, and an improved thermal stability over the corresponding unmodified TiO2-xNx samples.

Contour symmetry detection: the influence of axis orientation and number of objects.

PubMed

Friedenberg, J; Bertamini, M

2000-09-01

Participants discriminated symmetrical from random contours connected by straight lines to form part of one- or two-objects. In experiment one, symmetrical contours were translated or reflected and presented at vertical, horizontal, and oblique axis orientations with orientation constant within blocks. Translated two-object contours were detected more easily than one, replicating a "lock-and-key" effect obtained previously for vertical orientations only [M. Bertamini, J.D. Friedenberg, M. Kubovy, Acta Psychologica, 95 (1997) 119-140]. A second experiment extended these results to a wider variety of axis orientations under mixed block conditions. The pattern of performance for translation and reflection at different orientations corresponded in both experiments, suggesting that orientation is processed similarly in the detection of these symmetries.

Surface-area-controlled synthesis of porous TiO2 thin films for gas-sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jae Young; Kim, Ho-hyoung; Rana, Dolly; Jamwal, Deepika; Katoch, Akash

2017-03-01

Surface-area-controlled porous TiO2 thin films were prepared via a simple sol-gel chemical route, and their gas-sensing properties were thoroughly investigated in the presence of typical oxidizing NO2 gas. The surface area of TiO2 thin films was controlled by developing porous TiO2 networked by means of controlling the TiO2-to-TTIP (titanium isopropoxide, C12H28O4Ti) molar ratio, where TiO2 nanoparticles of size ˜20 nm were used. The sensor’s response was found to depend on the surface area of the TiO2 thin films. The porous TiO2 thin-film sensor with greater surface area was more sensitive than those of TiO2 thin films with lesser surface area. The improved sensing ability was ascribed to the porous network formed within the thin films by TiO2 sol. Our results show that surface area is a key parameter for obtaining superior gas-sensing performance; this provides important guidelines for preparing and using porous thin films for gas-sensing applications.

The Influence of NiO Addition in TiO2 Structure and Its Photoactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Ramelan, A. H.; Purwanti, P. D.; Munawaroh, H.; Ichsan, S.; Kristiawan, Y. R.

2018-03-01

The synthesis of TiO2 together with the TiO2-NiO composite using various annealing temperatures has been studied. The synthesis of TiO2 was performed by sol gel method using Titanium Tetra Isopropoxide (TTIP) precursor, whereas the synthesis of TiO2-NiO composite was done by wet impregnation method using NiNO3.6H2O precursor. This study aims to determine the influence of NiO addition in its structure and photoactivity. The diffraction of synthesized TiO2 at 400 °C temperature shows anatase TiO2 peak at 2θ = 25.35 °. The addition of NiO dopant to the synthesis of TiO2 process is carried out by annealing at 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C, respectively. The TiO2-NiO composite has been prepared and shows the diffraction peak of NiO at 2θ=43° about 33.08 to 36.68%. The optimum result of Rhodamine B photodegradation with TiO2 was 43.15%, while the optimum result of Rhodamine B degradation with TiO2-NiO composite was 92.85%.

Preparation of rutile TiO(2) coating by thermal chemical vapor deposition for anticoking applications.

PubMed

Tang, Shiyun; Wang, Jianli; Zhu, Quan; Chen, Yaoqiang; Li, Xiangyuan

2014-10-08

To inhibit the metal catalytic coking and improve the oxidation resistance of TiN coating, rutile TiO2 coating has been directly designed as an efficient anticoking coating for n-hexane pyrolysis. TiO2 coatings were prepared on the inner surface of SS304 tubes by a thermal CVD method under varied temperatures from 650 to 900 °C. The rutile TiO2 coating was obtained by annealing the as-deposited TiO2 coating, which is an alternative route for the deposition of rutile TiO2 coating. The morphology, elemental and phase composition of TiO2 coatings were characterized by SEM, EDX and XRD, respectively. The results show that deposition temperature of TiO2 coatings has a strong effect on the morphology and thickness of as-deposited TiO2 coatings. Fe, Cr and Ni at.% of the substrate gradually changes to 0 when the temperature is increased to 800 °C. The thickness of TiO2 coating is more than 6 μm and uniform by metalloscopy, and the films have a nonstoichiometric composition of Ti3O8 when the deposition temperature is above 800 °C. The anticoking tests show that the TiO2 coating at a deposition temperature of 800 °C is sufficiently thick to cover the cracks and gaps on the surface of blank substrate and cut off the catalytic coke growth effect of the metal substrate. The anticoking ratio of TiO2 coating corresponding to each 5 cm segments is above 65% and the average anticoking ratio of TiO2 coating is up to 76%. Thus, the TiO2 coating can provide a very good protective layer to prevent the substrate from severe coking efficiently.

Highly ordered Fe3+/TiO2 nanotube arrays for efficient photocataltyic degradation of nitrobenzene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yiyang; Gu, Di; Zhu, Lingyue; Wang, Baohui

2017-10-01

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs) were prepared through a facile two-step electrochemical anodization, subsequently, active iron ions were introduced into the TiO2 NTs via a direct impregnation method. The XPS results showed that the iron elements existed in TiO2 NTs in the form of Fe3+ ions. Compared with the undoped TiO2 NTs, the absorption edge of Fe3+/TiO2 NTs showed an overt red shift and the photocurrent improved obviously, which indicated that Fe3+/TiO2 had a much higher photocatalytic activity. The optimal doping content was tested to be 0.1 mol/L which could make the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NTs obviously improves under both visible and ultraviolent light. The prepared samples were adopted as photocatalyst to degrade nitrobenzene (NB). The reaction rate constants ks under UV light were in the order kone-stepTiO2NTs = 0.00338

Photoinduced Glycerol Oxidation over Plasmonic Au and AuM (M = Pt, Pd and Bi) Nanoparticle-Decorated TiO2 Photocatalysts

PubMed Central

Jedsukontorn, Trin; Saito, Nagahiro; Hunsom, Mali

2018-01-01

In this study, sol-immobilization was used to prepare gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-decorated titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts at different Au weight % (wt. %) loading (Aux/TiO2, where x is the Au wt. %) and Au–M NP-decorated TiO2 photocatalysts (Au3M3/TiO2), where M is bismuth (Bi), platinum (Pt) or palladium (Pd) at 3 wt. %. The Aux/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited a stronger visible light absorption than the parent TiO2 due to the localized surface plasmon resonance effect. Increasing the Au content from 1 wt. % to 7 wt. % led to increased visible light absorption due to the increasing presence of defective structures that were capable of enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared catalyst. The addition of Pt and Pd coupled with the Au3/TiO2 to form Au3M3/TiO2 improved the photocatalytic activity of the Au3/TiO2 photocatalyst by maximizing their light-absorption property. The Au3/TiO2, Au3Pt3/TiO2 and Au3Pd3/TiO2 photocatalysts promoted the formation of glyceraldehyde from glycerol as the principle product, while Au3Bi3/TiO2 facilitated glycolaldehyde formation as the major product. Among all the prepared photocatalysts, Au3Pd3/TiO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with a 98.75% glycerol conversion at 24 h of reaction time. PMID:29690645

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-04-01

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

Degradation of organic dyes using spray deposited nanocrystalline stratified WO3/TiO2 photoelectrodes under sunlight illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunge, Y. M.; Yadav, A. A.; Mahadik, M. A.; Bulakhe, R. N.; Shim, J. J.; Mathe, V. L.; Bhosale, C. H.

2018-02-01

The need to utilize TiO2 based metal oxide hetero nanostructures for the degradation of environmental pollutants like Rhodamine B and reactive red 152 from the wastewater using stratified WO3/TiO2 catalyst under sunlight illumination. WO3, TiO2 and stratified WO3/TiO2 catalysts were prepared by a spray pyrolysis method. It was found that the stratified WO3/TiO2 heterostructure has high crystallinity, no mixed phase formation occurs, strong optical absorption in the visible region of the solar spectrum, and large surface area. The photocatalytic activity was tested for degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) and reactive red 152 in an aqueous medium. TiO2 layer in stratified WO3/TiO2 catalyst helps to extend its absorption spectrum in the solar light region. Rh B and Reactive red 152is eliminated up to 98 and 94% within the 30 and 40 min respectively at optimum experimental condition by stratified WO3/TiO2. Moreover, stratified WO3/TiO2 photoelectrode has good stability and reusability than individual TiO2 and WO3 thin film in the degradation of Rh B and reactive red 152. The photoelectrocatalytic experimental results indicate that stratified WO3/TiO2 photoelectrode is a promising material for dye removal.

Effect of HCl and H2SO4 treatment of TiO2 powder on the photosensitized degradation of aqueous rhodamine B under visible light.

PubMed

Park, Se-Keun; Shin, Hyunho

2014-10-01

The acid treatments of TiO2 nanopowder with HCI or H2SO4 solution increase the concentration of the hydroxyl group on TiO2 surfaces compared to bare TiO2, which acts as a Brønsted acid site. For the case of the HCl-treated TiO2, the dissociation of Brønsted acid (proton donor) sites on TiO2 leads to a drop in the pH levels of rhodamine B (RhB) dye solutions (leading to the protonation of the RhB molecule), which allows the physisorption of the uncharged carboxyl acid group on the positively charged TiO2 surface. The carboxyl acid group is believed to afford a more efficient charge injection from the Visible-light-excited RhB to the conduction band of TiO2 compared to the N-ethyl group, yielding a significantly enhanced photodegradation of RhB mainly via the N-de-ethylation pathway. For the case of the H2SO4-treated TiO2, although the dissociation of Brønsted acid sites on TiO2 is also achieved, its photoactivity is much lower than that of the HCl-treated TiO2. It seems that the presence of SO4(2-) on the H2SO4-treated TiO2 behaves as an *OH scavenger to prevent the photodegradation of the dye.

Transparent nanostructured Fe-doped TiO2 thin films prepared by ultrasonic assisted spray pyrolysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasoulnezhad, Hossein; Hosseinzadeh, Ghader; Ghasemian, Naser; Hosseinzadeh, Reza; Homayoun Keihan, Amir

2018-05-01

Nanostructured TiO2 and Fe-doped TiO2 thin films with high transparency were deposited on glass substrate through ultrasonic-assisted spray pyrolysis technique and were used in the visible light photocatalytic degradation of MB dye. The resulting thin films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy techniques. Based on Raman spectroscopy results, both of the TiO2 and Fe-doped TiO2 films have anatase crystal structure, however, because of the insertion of Fe in the structure of TiO2 some point defects and oxygen vacancies are formed in the Fe-doped TiO2 thin film. Presence of Fe in the structure of TiO2 decreases the band gap energy of TiO2 and also reduces the electron–hole recombination rate. Decreasing of the electron–hole recombination rate and band gap energy result in the enhancement of the visible light photocatalytic activity of the Fe-doped TiO2 thin film.

MoSe2 modified TiO2 nanotube arrays with superior photoelectrochemical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yaping; Zhu, Haifeng; Yu, Lianqing; He, Jiandong; Huang, Chengxing

2018-04-01

TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) are first prepared by anodization Ti foils in ethylene glycol electrolyte. Then, MoSe2 deposites electrochemically on TNTs. The as-synthesized MoSe2/TiO2 composite has a much higher photocurrent density of 1.07 mA cm‑2 at 0 V than pure TNTs of 0.38 mA cm‑2, which suggests that the MoSe2/TiO2 composite film has optimum photoelectrocatalysis properties. The electron transport resistances of the MoSe2/TiO2 decreases to half of pure TiO2, at 295.6 ohm/cm2. Both photocurrent-time and Mott-Schottky plots indicate MoSe2 a p-type semiconductor characteristics. MoSe2/TiO2 composite can achieve a maximum 5 orders of magnitude enhancement in carrier density (4.650 × 1027 cm‑3) than that of pure TiO2 arrays. It can be attributed to p-n heterojunction formed between MoSe2 and TiO2, and the composite can be potentially applied in photoelectrochemical, photocatalysis fields.

[TiO2-Induced Photodegradation of Levofloxacin by Visible Light and Its Mechanism].

PubMed

Guo, Hong-sheng; Liu, Ya-nan; Qiao, Qi; Wei, Hong; Dong, Cheng-xing; Xue, Jie; Li, Ke-bin

2015-05-01

Levofloxacin is an emerging pollutant. Single levofloxacin and TiO2 have no visible-light activity. However, photodegradation of levofloxacin dramatically enhanced in the presence of TiO2 under visible light irradiation. Considering this finding, he photodegradation of levofloxacin over TiO2 was investigated under visible light irradiation. Effects of TiO2 dosage, levofloxacin concentration, and solution pH on levofloxacin photodegradation were examined by monitoring its concentration decay with time. The results showed that levofloxacin photodegradation fitted the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model. Solution pH, TiO2 dose, and levofloxacin concentration had significant effects on the photodegradation rates. In addition, batch adsorption experiments revealed that adsorption of levofloxacin on TiO2 conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm. DRS spectrum of levofloxacin-adsorbed TiO2 suggested that a surface complex was formed between levofloxacin and TiO2. Addition of radical scavengers and N2-degassing affecting levofloxacin photodegradation indicated that the superoxide ion radical was mainly active species. UV-Vis spectra of a deaerated TiO2 and levofloxacin suspensions further confirmed that the electron injection into TiO2 conduction band took place under visible light irradiation. Based on these results, a charge-transfer mechanism initiated by photoexcitation of TiO2/ levofloxacin surface complex was proposed for levofloxacin photocatalytic degradation over TiO2 under visible light. This study indicates that the charge-transfer-complex-mediated photocatalytic technique has promising applications in the removal of colorless organic pollutants.

Rough gold films as broadband absorbers for plasmonic enhancement of TiO2 photocurrent over 400–800 nm

PubMed Central

Tan, Furui; Li, Tenghao; Wang, Ning; Lai, Sin Ki; Tsoi, Chi Chung; Yu, Weixing; Zhang, Xuming

2016-01-01

Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest in highly-efficient absorbers of visible light for the conversion of solar energy into electrochemical energy. This study presents a TiO2-Au bilayer that consists of a rough Au film under a TiO2 film, which aims to enhance the photocurrent of TiO2 over the whole visible region and may be the first attempt to use rough Au films to sensitize TiO2. Experiments show that the bilayer structure gives the optimal optical and photoelectrochemical performance when the TiO2 layer is 30 nm thick and the Au film is 100 nm, measuring the absorption 80–90% over 400–800 nm and the photocurrent intensity of 15 μA·cm−2, much better than those of the TiO2-AuNP hybrid (i.e., Au nanoparticle covered by the TiO2 film) and the bare TiO2 film. The superior properties of the TiO2-Au bilayer can be attributed to the rough Au film as the plasmonic visible-light sensitizer and the photoactive TiO2 film as the electron accepter. As the Au film is fully covered by the TiO2 film, the TiO2-Au bilayer avoids the photocorrosion and leakage of Au materials and is expected to be stable for long-term operation, making it an excellent photoelectrode for the conversion of solar energy into electrochemical energy in the applications of water splitting, photocatalysis and photosynthesis. PMID:27608836

Inter comparison of Tropical Indian Ocean features in different ocean reanalysis products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Ananya; Parekh, Anant; Chowdary, J. S.; Gnanaseelan, C.

2017-09-01

This study makes an inter comparison of ocean state of the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) in different ocean reanalyses such as global ocean data assimilation system (GODAS), ensemble coupled data assimilation (ECDA), ocean reanalysis system 4 (ORAS4) and simple ocean data assimilation (SODA) with reference to the in-situ buoy observations, satellite observed sea surface temperature (SST), EN4 analysis and ocean surface current analysis real time (OSCAR). Analysis of mean state of SST and sea surface salinity (SSS) reveals that ORAS4 is better comparable with satellite observations as well as EN4 analysis, and is followed by SODA, ECDA and GODAS. The surface circulation in ORAS4 is closer to OSCAR compared to the other reanalyses. However mixed layer depth (MLD) is better simulated by SODA, followed by ECDA, ORAS4 and GODAS. Seasonal evolution of error indicates that the highest deviation in SST and MLD over the TIO exists during spring and summer in GODAS. Statistical analysis with concurrent data of EN4 for the period of 1980-2010 supports that the difference and standard deviation (variability strength) ratio for SSS and MLD is mostly greater than one. In general the strength of variability is overestimated by all the reanalyses. Further comparison with in-situ buoy observations supports that MLD errors over the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) and the Bay of Bengal are higher than with EN4 analysis. Overall ORAS4 displays higher correlation and lower error among all reanalyses with respect to both EN4 analysis and buoy observations. Major issues in the reanalyses are the underestimation of upper ocean stability in the TIO, underestimation of surface current in the EIO, overestimation of vertical shear of current and improper variability in different oceanic variables. To improve the skill of reanalyses over the TIO, salinity vertical structure and upper ocean circulation need to be better represented in reanalyses.

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped TiO2 hollow nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyung-Joon; Hwang, Poong-Gok; Jung, Dongwoon

2011-12-01

TiO2 hollow nanospheres were prepared using silicon oxide as a template. N-doped titanium oxide hollow spheres, TiO2-xNx were synthesized by reacting TiO2 hollow spheres with thiourea at 500 °C. XRD and XPS data showed that oxygen was successfully substituted by nitrogen through the nitrogen-doping reaction, and finally N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres were formed. The N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres showed new absorption shoulder in visible light region so that they were expected to exhibit photocatalytic activity in the visible light. The photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres under visible light was similar to that of normal spherical TiO2-xNx in spite of the structural difference.

Shape-Related Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanofibres

PubMed Central

Allegri, Manfredi; Bianchi, Massimiliano G.; Chiu, Martina; Varet, Julia; Costa, Anna L.; Ortelli, Simona; Blosi, Magda; Bussolati, Ovidio; Poland, Craig A.; Bergamaschi, Enrico

2016-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibres are a novel fibrous nanomaterial with increasing applications in a variety of fields. While the biological effects of TiO2 nanoparticles have been extensively studied, the toxicological characterization of TiO2 nanofibres is far from being complete. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of commercially available anatase TiO2 nanofibres using TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) and crocidolite asbestos as non-fibrous or fibrous benchmark materials. The evaluated endpoints were cell viability, haemolysis, macrophage activation, trans-epithelial electrical resistance (an indicator of the epithelial barrier competence), ROS production and oxidative stress as well as the morphology of exposed cells. The results showed that TiO2 nanofibres caused a cell-specific, dose-dependent decrease of cell viability, with larger effects on alveolar epithelial cells than on macrophages. The observed effects were comparable to those of crocidolite, while TiO2 NP did not decrease cell viability. TiO2 nanofibres were also found endowed with a marked haemolytic activity, at levels significantly higher than those observed with TiO2 nanoparticles or crocidolite. Moreover, TiO2 nanofibres and crocidolite, but not TiO2 nanoparticles, caused a significant decrease of the trans-epithelial electrical resistance of airway cell monolayers. SEM images demonstrated that the interaction with nanofibres and crocidolite caused cell shape perturbation with the longest fibres incompletely or not phagocytosed. The expression of several pro-inflammatory markers, such as NO production and the induction of Nos2 and Ptgs2, was significantly increased by TiO2 nanofibres, as well as by TiO2 nanoparticles and crocidolite. This study indicates that TiO2 nanofibres had significant toxic effects and, for most endpoints with the exception of pro-inflammatory changes, are more bio-active than TiO2 nanoparticles, showing the relevance of shape in determining the toxicity of nanomaterials. Given that several toxic effects of TiO2 nanofibres appear comparable to those observed with crocidolite, the possibility that they exert length dependent toxicity in vivo seems worthy of further investigation. PMID:26999274

The mandibular third molar position as a predictive criteria for risk for pericoronitis: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Halverson, B A; Anderson, W H

1992-03-01

During the 6-month period from mid February 1988 to mid August 1988, 148 patients presented with 154 diagnosed cases of mandibular third molar pericoronitis. All patients were members of the recruit population stationed at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. Selected clinical parameters relating to the orientation and eruption status of these third molars were collected and analyzed. The goal was to obtain a predictive clinical profile of the impacted mandibular third molar (MTM) at greatest risk for pericoronitis in the young naval and Marine Corps personnel. The majority of pericoronitis cases, 120 of 148 or 81.0%, involved vertically oriented MTMs; of this total, 79.1% were erupted to the approximate height of the occlusal plane of the arch. The remaining 20.9% were at or below the height of contour of the adjacent tooth. Mesioangular impacted MTMs accounted for only 11.2% of pericoronitis cases. The remaining cases comprised distoangular and horizontally impacted MTMs (3.4% and 3.8%, respectively). Involvement by impinging maxillary dentition was observed in 39.7% of the vertically oriented MTMs, 56.2% of the mesioangular oriented MTMs, 40.0% of the distoangular MTMs, and 14.0% of the horizontally impacted MTMs. The mean value for occlusal coverage by a soft tissue operculum observed for all MTMs in this study was 49%. In the population studied, risk for pericoronitis appears to increase with greater vertical orientation and height of eruption. The absence of impinging maxillary dentition did not eliminate the risk of mandibular third molar pericoronitis. These data have implications for targeting treatment needs of naval and Marine Corps personnel who may be without dental support for extended periods of time.

1-D and 2-D morphology of metal cation co-doped (Zn, Mn) TiO2 and investigation of their photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benjwal, Poonam; De, Bibekananda; Kar, Kamal K.

2018-01-01

Morphology and electronic bandgap of titania (TiO2) are considered to be the primary factors for determining the photocatalytic efficiency, as they determine the number of active sites for the photocatalytic reactions. In the present study, two different morphologies of TiO2 (nanosphere and nanorod) with varying Zn and Mn co-doping were synthesized by solvothermal and hydrothermal methods to examine their photocatalytic efficiency by methylene blue degradation. The co-doped photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, Raman, FTIR and UV-vis DRS. Further, a comparison has been made with co-doped TiO2 nanospheres and TiO2 nanorods, where Zn, Mn co-doped TiO2 nanorods show higher photocatalytic activity compared to nanospheres. This higher photocatalytic activity of co-doped TiO2 is attributed to its polymorphic phases, as they act as heterojunctions for TiO2. Further, being 1-D nanostructure, the TiO2 nanorods exhibit the straight diffusion path for charge carriers, which reduces the recombination possibilities. The obtained results suggest that the photocatalysis efficiency of TiO2 can be significantly enhanced by tailoring the shape and co-doping concentration, which enforce a new concept for developing the new nanostructures of TiO2.

Horizontal versus vertical orientation of the loop for tension band wiring of transverse patella fractures.

PubMed

Lee, Sang Ki; Hwang, Yoon Sub; Choy, Won Sik

2014-03-01

Conventional operative treatments of patella fractures are frequently associated with implant failure or displacement. Recent biomechanical studies showed that the orientation of the wire loop and the site of the wire twist can affect the fixation strength. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of the tension band technique with loops in different orientations and different knot positions. For this retrospective study, 72 patella fractures (71 patients) were fixed with figure-of-eight configurations in combination with 2 K-wires. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the orientation of tension band construct. A total of 40 patella fractures were placed with figure-of-eight configurations in a vertical orientation either with 1 wire twist (group 1; 16 patella fractures) or with 2 wire twists at the adjacent corners (group 2; 24 patella fractures). Thirty-two patella fractures were placed with figure-of-eight configurations in a horizontal orientation with 2 wire twists at the adjacent corners (group 3). Range of motion, complication rates, and knee scoring scales (Hospital for Special Surgery and Lysholm) were assessed during serial follow-up. Satisfactory reductions were achieved in all groups, but functional results in the early stage were different. Group 3 had better Hospital for Special Surgery and Lysholm scores at 3 months postoperatively; however, at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, all groups had similar scores. At the 1-year follow-up, all groups achieved acceptable flexion and range of motion. The overall complication rate was lower in the horizontal group (12.5%). Placing the figure-of-eight tension band construct in a horizontal orientation can provide functional benefits in the early stage after patella fractures. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Rapid photo-degradation of 2-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation using cobalt oxide-loaded TiO2/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite from aqueous media.

PubMed

Sharma, Ajit; Lee, Byeong-Kyu

2016-01-01

The photocatalytic removal of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) from water environment was investigated by TiO2-RGO-CoO. Cobalt oxide-loaded TiO2 (TiO2-CoO) supported with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was synthesized using a sol-gel method and then annealed at 500 °C for 5 min. The material characteristics were analyzed by UV-Vis analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Incorporation of cobalt oxide and RGO into the TiO2 system (TiO2-RGO-CoO) lowered the band gap energy to 2.83 eV, which greatly enhanced the visible light absorption. The TiO2-RGO-CoO photocatalyst showed complete removal of 20 mg/L 2-CP within 8 h with the addition of 0.01% H2O2 under 100 W visible light irradiation. The photo-degradation efficiency of 2-CP (10 mg/L) was 35.2, 48.9, 58.9 and 98.2% for TiO2, TiO2-RGO, TiO2-CoO and TiO2-RGO-CoO, respectively, in the presence of visible light irradiation at solution pH of 6.0. The TiO2-RGO-CoO photocatalyst retained its high removal efficiency even after five photocatalytic cycles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid detection of TiO2 (E171) in table sugar using Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Tan, Chen; Zhao, Bin; Zhang, Zhiyun; He, Lili

2017-02-01

The potential toxic effects of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) to humans remain debatable despite its broad application as a food additive. Thus, confirmation of the existence of TiO 2 particles in food matrices and subsequently quantifying them are becoming increasingly critical. This study developed a facile, rapid (< 30 min) and highly reliable method to detect and quantify TiO 2 particles (E171) from food products (e.g., table sugar) by Raman spectroscopy. To detect TiO 2 particles from sugar solution, sequential centrifugation and washing procedures were effectively applied to separate and recover 97% of TiO 2 particles from the sugar solution. The peak intensity of TiO 2 sensitively responded to the concentration of TiO 2 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.073 mg kg -1 . In the case of sugar granules, a mapping technique was applied to directly estimate the level of TiO 2 , which can be potentially used for rapid online monitoring. The plot of averaged intensity to TiO 2 concentration in the sugar granules exhibited a good linear relationship in the wide range of 5-2000 mg kg -1 , with an LOD of 8.46 mg kg -1 . Additionally, we applied Raman spectroscopy to prove the presence of TiO 2 in sugar-coated doughnuts. This study begins to fill in the analytical gaps that exist regarding the rapid detection and quantification of TiO 2 in food, which facilitate the risk assessment of TiO 2 through food exposure.

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

PubMed

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

2017-03-22

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

Horizontal and Vertical Attentional Orienting in Parkinson's Disease

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nys, Gudrun M. S.; Santens, Patrick; Vingerhoets, Guy

2010-01-01

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) typically suffer from an asymmetric degeneration of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra, resulting in right-sided (RPD) or left-sided (LPD) predominance of motor symptomatology. As the dopaminergic system is also involved in attention, we examined horizontal and vertical orienting of attention in LPD…

Increase of electrodeposited catalyst stability via plasma grown vertically oriented graphene nanoparticle movement restriction.

PubMed

Vanrenterghem, Bart; Hodnik, Nejc; Bele, Marjan; Šala, Martin; Amelinckx, Giovanni; Neukermans, Sander; Zaplotnik, Rok; Primc, Gregor; Mozetič, Miran; Breugelmans, Tom

2017-08-17

Beside activity, electrocatalyst stability is gaining in importance. The most common degradation mechanism is the loss of the active surface area due to nanoparticle growth via coalescence/agglomeration. We propose a particle confinement strategy via vertically oriented graphene deposition to overcome degradation of the nanoparticles.

A novel bio-degradable polymer stabilized Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites and their catalytic activity on reduction of methylene blue under natural sun light.

PubMed

Geetha, D; Kavitha, S; Ramesh, P S

2015-11-01

In the present work we defined a novel method of TiO2 doped silver nanocomposite synthesis and stabilization using bio-degradable polymers viz., chitosan (Cts) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These polymers are used as reducing agents. The instant formation of AgNPs was analyzed by visual observation and UV-visible spectrophotometer. TiO2 nanoparticles doped at different concentrations viz., 0.03, 0.06 and 0.09mM on PEG/Cts stabilized silver (0.04wt%) were successfully synthesized. This study presents a simple route for the in situ synthesis of both metal and polymer confined within the nanomaterial, producing ternary hybrid inorganic-organic nanomaterials. The results reveal that they have higher photocatalytic efficiencies under natural sun light. The synthesized TiO2 doped Ag nanocomposites (NCs) were characterized by SEM/EDS, TEM, XRD, FTIR and DLS with zeta potential. The stability of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite is due to the high negative values of zeta potential and capping of constituents present in the biodegradable polymer which is evident from zeta potential and FT-IR studies. The XRD and EDS pattern of synthesized Ag/TiO2 NCs showed their crystalline structure, with face centered cubic geometry oriented in (111) plane. AFM and DLS studies revealed that the diameter of stable Ag/TiO2 NCs was approximately 35nm. Moreover the catalytic activity of synthesize Ag/TiO2 NCs in the reduction of methylene blue was studied by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The synthesized Ag/TiO2 NCs are observed to have a good catalytic activity on the reduction of methylene blue by bio-degradable which is confirmed by the decrease in absorbance maximum value of methylene blue with respect to time using UV-vis spectrophotometer. The significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites under sun light irradiation can be ascribed to the effect of noble metal Ag by acting as electron traps in TiO2 band gap. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Visible light driven photocatalyst of vanadium (V3+) doped TiO2 synthesized using sonochemical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aini, N.; Ningsih, R.; Maulina, D.; Lami’, F. F.; Chasanah, S. N.

2018-03-01

TiO2 has been widely investigated due to its superior photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet irradiation among the photocatalyst materials. In this research, vanadium (V3+) was doped into TiO2 to enhance its light response under visible irradiation for wider application. Vanadium was introduced into TiO2 lattice at various concentration respectively 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9% using simple and fast sonochemical method. X-Ray Diffraction data show that vanadium doped TiO2 crystallized in anatase phase with I41amd space group. X-Ray Diffraction pattern shifted to lower value of 2θ due to vanadium dopant. It indicated that V3+ was incorporated into anatase lattice. UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectra was revealed that the doped TiO2 has lowered reflectance and enhanced absorption coefficient in visible region than undoped TiO2 and commercial anatase TiO2. Band gap energy for undoped and doped TiO2 were respectively 3.22, 3.05, 2.93, 3.03 and 2.40 eV. Therefore vanadium doped TiO2 had potential to be applied under visible light.

Well-crystallized mesoporous TiO2 shells for enhanced photocatalytic activity: prepared by carbon coating and silica-protected calcination.

PubMed

Zhang, Zewu; Zhou, Yuming; Zhang, Yiwei; Zhou, Shijian; Shi, Junjun; Kong, Jie; Zhang, Sicheng

2013-04-14

Mesoporous anatase-phase TiO2 hollow shells were successfully fabricated by the solvothermal and calcination process. This method involves preparation of SiO2@TiO2 core-shell colloidal templates, sequential deposition of carbon and then silica layers through solvothermal and sol-gel processes, crystallization of TiO2 by calcination and finally removal of the inner and outer silica to produce hollow anatase TiO2 shells. The prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The results show that a uniform carbon layer is coated on the core-shell particles through the solvothermal process. The combustion of carbon offers the space for the TiO2 to further grow into large crystal grains, and the outer silica layer serves as a barrier against the excessive growth of anatase TiO2 nanocrystals. Furthermore, the initial crystallization of TiO2 generated in the carbon coating step and the heat generated by the combustion of the carbon layer allow the crystallization of TiO2 at a relatively low temperature without changing the uniform structure. When used as photocatalysts for the oxidation decomposition of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution under UV irradiation, the hollow TiO2 shells showed enhanced catalytic activity. Moreover, the TiO2 hollow shells prepared with optimal crystallinity by this method showed a higher performance than commercial P25 TiO2.

Highly efficient indoor air purification using adsorption-enhanced-photocatalysis-based microporous TiO2 at short residence time.

PubMed

Lv, Jinze; Zhu, Lizhong

2013-01-01

A short residence time is a key design parameter for the removal of organic pollutants in catalyst-based indoor air purification systems. In this study, we synthesized a series of TiO2 with different micropore volumes and studied their removal efficiency of indoor carbonyl pollutants at a short residence time. Our results indicated that the superior adsorption capability of TiO2 with micropores improved its performance in the photocatalytic degradation of cyclohexanone, while the photocatalytic removal of the pollutant successfully kept porous TiO2 from becoming saturated. When treated with 1 mg m(-3) cyclohexanone at a relatively humidity of 18%, the adsorption amount on microporous TiO2 was 5.4-7.9 times higher than that on P25. Removal efficiency via photocatalysis followed'the same order as the adsorption amount: TiO2-5 > TiO2-20 > TiO2-60 > TiO2-180 > P25. The advantage of microporous TiO2 over P25 became more pronounced when the residence time declined from 0.072 to 0.036 s. Moreover, as the concentration of cyclohexanone deceased from 1000 ppb to 500 ppb, removal efficiency by microporous TiO2 increased more rapidly than P25.

The influence of material type and composition of TiO2- ZnO on manufacturing of paste for the application of DSSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retnaningsih, L.; Muliani, L.; Aggraini, P. N.; Hidayat, J.

2016-11-01

Research, fabrication and material selection for the application of Dye- sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been performed on glass FTO (Flour Tin Oxide). The material is used in the form of TiO2 paste, TiO2 powder and ZnO powder. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), is a fotoelektrokimia-based solar cells where the absorption process light done by the dye molecules and the process of separation of inorganic semiconductor materials by charge of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO). The purpose of this research is to know the exact composition of TiO2 and ZnO materials in order to produce the best efficiency with DSSC. On this research was done making prototype dye-sensitized solar cell using dye Z 907, and semiconductor nanoparticles TiO2 and ZnO powder that is made into a paste by mixing different composition in two variations of samples: A = ZnO (powder) + 40% TiO2 (powder) and B = 60% TiO2 (powder) (40%) + TiO2 (pasta) 60%. The second variation of this high efficiency is value at sample B i.e. TiO2 (powder) + 40% TiO2 (paste) of 60%.

Surface Properties and Catalytic Performance of Activated Carbon Fibers Supported TiO2 Photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Huifen; Fu, Pingfeng

Activated carbon fibers supported TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2/ACF) in felt-form was successfully prepared with a dip-coating process using organic silicon modified acrylate copolymer as a binder followed by calcination at 500°C in a stream of Ar gas. The photocatalyst was characterized by SEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and BET surface area. Most of carbon fibers were coated with uniformly distributed TiO2 clusters of nearly 100 nm. The loaded TiO2 layer was particulate for the organic binder in the compact film was carbonized. According to XPS and FTIR analysis, amorphous silica in carbon grains was synthesized after carbonizing organic silicon groups, and the Ti-O-Si bond was formed between the interface of loaded TiO2 and silica. Additionally, the space between adjacent carbon fibers still remained unfilled after TiO2 coating, into which both UV light and polluted solutions could penetrate to form a three-dimensional environment for photocatalytic reactions. While loaded TiO2 amount increased to 456 mg TiO2/1 g ACF, the TiO2/ACF catalyst showed its highest photocatalytic activity, and this activity only dropped about 10% after 12 successive runs, exhibiting its high fixing stability of coated TiO2.

[Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of Supported TiO2 Photocatalytic Material].

PubMed

Guo, Yu; Jin, Yu-jia; Wu, Hong-mei; Li, Dong-xin

2015-06-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) supported on spherical alumina substrate was prepared by using sol-gel method combined with dip-coating process. The surface morphology and structure of the synthesized samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The results show that the morphology of the supported TiO2 composite material was obviously different from that of the original support. It reveals a layer formed by anatase TiO2 nanoparticles of 10-20 nm was deposited on the alumina substrate. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses on the spherical alumina substrate and the resulting TiO2 composite catalyst were performed to determine the TiO2 loading content in the samples. It indicates that the TiO2 loading content on alumina substrate could be effectively increased by increasing the times of dip-coating alumina support in TiO2 sol. When dip-coating times increased to 5, the TiO2 loading content increased from 3.8 Wt. % to 15.7 Wt. %. In addition, the photocatalytic performances of the supported TiO2 materials prepared by different dip-coating times have been investigated by degrading methylene blue. It was found that the surface morphology of the supported TiO2 material was not only improved, but also the photocatalytic activity could be promoted significantly by increasing the dip-coating times. When the alumina substrate was dip-coated in TiO2 sol from 1 to 4 times, the degradation rate of methylene blue increased from 40% to 83.1%. However, after dip-coating the alumina support in TiO2 sol for 5 times, the degradation of methylene blue was only up to 85.6%. This indicates that the photocatalytic activity increased slowly when the TiO2 content in the supported catalyst was up to some extent. It is attributed to the continuous dip-coating resulted in less opportunities and weak intensity of illumination for the TiO2 nano-particles that under lower layer. The photocatalytic activity was relatively stable after repeated use of the supported TiO2 material for 5 times.

Vertically oriented metamaterial broadband linear polariser

DOE PAGES

Campione, Salvatore; Burckel, David Bruce

2018-03-14

Control and manipulation of polarization is an important topic for imaging and light matter interactions. In the infrared regime, the large wavelengths make wire grid polarizers a viable option, as it is possible to create periodic arrays of metallic wires at that scale. The recent advent of metamaterials has spurred an increase in non-traditional polarizer motifs centred around more complicated repeat units, which potentially provide more functionality. In this paper we explore the use of two-dimensional (2D) arrays of single and back-to-back vertically oriented cross dipoles arranged in a cubic in-plane silicon matrix. Here, we show that both single andmore » back-to-back versions have higher rejection ratios and larger bandwidths than either wire grid polarizers or 2D arrays of linear dipoles.« less

Biological effect of food additive titanium dioxide nanoparticles on intestine: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Song, Zheng-Mei; Chen, Ni; Liu, Jia-Hui; Tang, Huan; Deng, Xiaoyong; Xi, Wen-Song; Han, Kai; Cao, Aoneng; Liu, Yuanfang; Wang, Haifang

2015-10-01

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely found in food-related consumer products. Understanding the effect of TiO2 NPs on the intestinal barrier and absorption is essential and vital for the safety assessment of orally administrated TiO2 NPs. In this study, the cytotoxicity and translocation of two native TiO2 NPs, and these two TiO2 NPs pretreated with the digestion simulation fluid or bovine serum albumin were investigated in undifferentiated Caco-2 cells, differentiated Caco-2 cells and Caco-2 monolayer. TiO2 NPs with a concentration less than 200 µg ml(-1) did not induce any toxicity in differentiated cells and Caco-2 monolayer after 24 h exposure. However, TiO2 NPs pretreated with digestion simulation fluids at 200 µg ml(-1) inhibited the growth of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells. Undifferentiated Caco-2 cells swallowed native TiO2 NPs easily, but not pretreated NPs, implying the protein coating on NPs impeded the cellular uptake. Compared with undifferentiated cells, differentiated ones possessed much lower uptake ability of these TiO2 NPs. Similarly, the traverse of TiO2 NPs through the Caco-2 monolayer was also negligible. Therefore, we infer the possibility of TiO2 NPs traversing through the intestine of animal or human after oral intake is quite low. This study provides valuable information for the risk assessment of TiO2 NPs in food. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical growth of ZnO nanorod arrays on textured nanoparticle nanoribbons and its second-harmonic generation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Zhou; Wang, Xian; Liu, Jian; Yan, Shanshan; Ding, Yanyan; Wang, Zhengzhou; Hu, Yuan

2006-07-01

On the basis of the highly oriented ZnO nanoparticle nanoribbons as the growth seed layer (GSL) and solution growth technique, we have synthesized vertical ZnO nanorod arrays with high density over a large area and multi-teeth brush nanostructure, respectively, according to the density degree of the arrangement of nanoparticle nanoribbons GSL on the glass substrate. This controllable and convenient technique opens the possibility of creating nanostructured film for industrial fabrication and may represent a facile way to get similar structures of other compounds by using highly oriented GSL to promote the vertical arrays growth. The growth mechanism of the formation of the ordered nanorod arrays is also discussed. The second-order nonlinear optical coefficient d31 of the vertical ZnO nanorod arrays measured by the Maker fringes technique is 11.3 times as large as that of d36 KH 2PO 4 (KDP).

Structural secrets of multiferroic interfaces.

PubMed

Meyerheim, H L; Klimenta, F; Ernst, A; Mohseni, K; Ostanin, S; Fechner, M; Parihar, S; Maznichenko, I V; Mertig, I; Kirschner, J

2011-02-25

We present an experimental and theoretical study of the geometric structure of ultrathin BaTiO(3) films grown on Fe(001). Surface x-ray diffraction reveals that the films are terminated by a BaO layer, while the TiO(2) layer is next to the top Fe layer. Cations in termination layers have incomplete oxygen shells inducing strong vertical relaxations. Onset of polarization is observed at a minimum thickness of two unit cells. Our findings are supported by first-principles calculations providing a quantitative insight into the multiferroic properties on the atomic scale. © 2011 American Physical Society

TiO2 Nanoparticles Are Phototoxic to Marine Phytoplankton

PubMed Central

Miller, Robert J.; Bennett, Samuel; Keller, Arturo A.; Pease, Scott; Lenihan, Hunter S.

2012-01-01

Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (TiO2) is highly photoactive, and its function as a photocatalyst drives much of the application demand for TiO2. Because TiO2 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), nanoparticulate TiO2 has been used in antibacterial coatings and wastewater disinfection, and has been investigated as an anti-cancer agent. Oxidative stress mediated by photoactive TiO2 is the likely mechanism of its toxicity, and experiments demonstrating cytotoxicity of TiO2 have used exposure to strong artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In vivo tests of TiO2 toxicity with aquatic organisms have typically shown low toxicity, and results across studies have been variable. No work has demonstrated that photoactivity causes environmental toxicity of TiO2 under natural levels of UVR. Here we show that relatively low levels of ultraviolet light, consistent with those found in nature, can induce toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles to marine phytoplankton, the most important primary producers on Earth. No effect of TiO2 on phytoplankton was found in treatments where UV light was blocked. Under low intensity UVR, ROS in seawater increased with increasing nano-TiO2 concentration. These increases may lead to increased overall oxidative stress in seawater contaminated by TiO2, and cause decreased resiliency of marine ecosystems. Phototoxicity must be considered when evaluating environmental impacts of nanomaterials, many of which are photoactive. PMID:22276179

TiO2 micro-flowers composed of nanotubes and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Kim, Woong-Rae; Park, Hun; Choi, Won-Youl

2014-02-24

TiO2 micro-flowers were made to bloom on Ti foil by the anodic oxidation of Ti-protruding dots with a cylindrical shape. Arrays of the Ti-protruding dots were prepared by photolithography, which consisted of coating the photoresists, attaching a patterned mask, illuminating with UV light, etching the Ti surface by reactive ion etching (RIE), and stripping the photoresist on the Ti foil. The procedure for the blooming of the TiO2 micro-flowers was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) as the anodizing time was increased. Photoelectrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 micro-flowers. Bare TiO2 nanotube arrays were used for reference samples. The short-circuit current (Jsc) and the power conversion efficiency of the DSCs based on the TiO2 micro-flowers were 4.340 mA/cm2 and 1.517%, respectively. These values of DSCs based on TiO2 micro-flowers were higher than those of bare samples. The TiO2 micro-flowers had a larger surface area for dye adsorption compared to bare TiO2 nanotube arrays, resulting in improved Jsc characteristics. The structure of the TiO2 micro-flowers allowed it to adsorb dyes very effectively, also demonstrating the potential to achieve higher power conversion efficiency levels for DSCs compared to a bare TiO2 nanotube array structure and the conventional TiO2 nanoparticle structure.

TiO2 micro-flowers composed of nanotubes and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

TiO2 micro-flowers were made to bloom on Ti foil by the anodic oxidation of Ti-protruding dots with a cylindrical shape. Arrays of the Ti-protruding dots were prepared by photolithography, which consisted of coating the photoresists, attaching a patterned mask, illuminating with UV light, etching the Ti surface by reactive ion etching (RIE), and stripping the photoresist on the Ti foil. The procedure for the blooming of the TiO2 micro-flowers was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) as the anodizing time was increased. Photoelectrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 micro-flowers. Bare TiO2 nanotube arrays were used for reference samples. The short-circuit current (Jsc) and the power conversion efficiency of the DSCs based on the TiO2 micro-flowers were 4.340 mA/cm2 and 1.517%, respectively. These values of DSCs based on TiO2 micro-flowers were higher than those of bare samples. The TiO2 micro-flowers had a larger surface area for dye adsorption compared to bare TiO2 nanotube arrays, resulting in improved Jsc characteristics. The structure of the TiO2 micro-flowers allowed it to adsorb dyes very effectively, also demonstrating the potential to achieve higher power conversion efficiency levels for DSCs compared to a bare TiO2 nanotube array structure and the conventional TiO2 nanoparticle structure. PMID:24565201

TiO2 micro-flowers composed of nanotubes and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Woong-Rae; Park, Hun; Choi, Won-Youl

2014-02-01

TiO2 micro-flowers were made to bloom on Ti foil by the anodic oxidation of Ti-protruding dots with a cylindrical shape. Arrays of the Ti-protruding dots were prepared by photolithography, which consisted of coating the photoresists, attaching a patterned mask, illuminating with UV light, etching the Ti surface by reactive ion etching (RIE), and stripping the photoresist on the Ti foil. The procedure for the blooming of the TiO2 micro-flowers was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) as the anodizing time was increased. Photoelectrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 micro-flowers. Bare TiO2 nanotube arrays were used for reference samples. The short-circuit current ( J sc) and the power conversion efficiency of the DSCs based on the TiO2 micro-flowers were 4.340 mA/cm2 and 1.517%, respectively. These values of DSCs based on TiO2 micro-flowers were higher than those of bare samples. The TiO2 micro-flowers had a larger surface area for dye adsorption compared to bare TiO2 nanotube arrays, resulting in improved J sc characteristics. The structure of the TiO2 micro-flowers allowed it to adsorb dyes very effectively, also demonstrating the potential to achieve higher power conversion efficiency levels for DSCs compared to a bare TiO2 nanotube array structure and the conventional TiO2 nanoparticle structure.

Crystal orientation dependence of the dielectric properties for epitaxial BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, J.; Yuan, J.; Wu, H.; Yang, S. B.; Xu, B.; Cao, L. X.; Zhao, B. R.

2007-01-01

Epitaxial Ba0.15Zr0.85TiO3 (BZT) ferroelectric thin films with (001), (011), and (111) orientations were, respectively, grown on La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) buffered LaAlO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition method. The dc electric-field dependence of permittivity and dielectric loss of (001)-, (011)-, and (111)-oriented BZT/LSMO heterostructures obeys the Johnson formula, and the ac electric-field dependence of that obeys the Rayleigh law under the subswitching field region. The anisotropic dielectric properties are attributed to the higher mobility of the charge carriers, the concentration of mobile interfacial domain walls, and boundaries in the (111)-oriental films than in the (110)- and (100)-oriented films.

Effect of TiO2 addition on surface microstructure and bioactivity of fluorapatite coatings deposited using Nd:YAG laser.

PubMed

Chien, Chi-Sheng; Ko, Yu-Sheng; Kuo, Tsung-Yuan; Liao, Tze-Yuan; Lee, Tzer-Min; Hong, Ting-Fu

2014-04-01

To study the effect of titania (TiO2) addition on the surface microstructure and bioactivity of fluorapatite coatings, fluorapatite was mixed with TiO2 in 1:0.5 (FA + 0.5TiO2), 1:0.8 (FA + 0.8TiO2), and 1:1 (FA + TiO2) ratios (wt%) and clad on Ti-6Al-4V substrates using an Nd:YAG laser system. The experimental results show that the penetration depth of the weld decreases with increasing TiO2 content. Moreover, the subgrain structure of the coating layer changes from a fine cellular-like structure to a cellular-dendrite-like structure as the amount of TiO2 increases. Consequently, as the proportion of TiO2 decreases (increase in fluorapatite content), the Ca/P ratio of the coating layer also decreases. The immersion of specimens into simulated body fluid resulted in the formation of individual apatite. With a lower Ca/P ratio before immersion, the growth of the apatite was faster and then the coating layer provided a better bioactivity. X-ray diffraction analysis results show that prior to simulated body fluid immersion, the coating layer in all three specimens was composed mainly of fluorapatite, CaTiO3, and Al2O3 phases. Following simulated body fluid immersion, a peak corresponding to hydroxycarbonated apatite appeared after 2 days in the FA + 0.5TiO2 and FA + 0.8TiO2 specimens and after 7 days in the FA + TiO2 specimen. Overall, the results show that although the bioactivity of the coating layer tended to decrease with increasing TiO2 content, in accordance with the above-mentioned ratios, the bioactivity of all three specimens remained generally good.

Retinal constraints on orientation specificity in cat visual cortex.

PubMed

Schall, J D; Vitek, D J; Leventhal, A G

1986-03-01

Most retinal ganglion cells (Levick and Thibos, 1982) and cortical cells (Leventhal, 1983; Leventhal et al., 1984) subserving peripheral vision respond best to stimuli that are oriented radially, i.e., like the spokes of a wheel with the area centralis at the hub. We have extended this work by comparing directly the distributions of orientations represented in topographically corresponding regions of retina and visual cortex. Both central and peripheral regions were studied. The relations between the orientations of neighboring ganglion cells and the manner in which the overrepresentation of radial orientations is accommodated in the functional architecture of visual cortex were also studied. Our results are based on an analysis of the orientations of the dendritic fields of 1296 ganglion cells throughout the retina and the preferred orientations of 1389 cells located in retinotopically corresponding regions of cortical areas 17, 18, and 19 in the cat. We find that horizontal and vertical orientations are overrepresented in regions of both retina and visual cortex subserving the central 5 degrees of vision. The distributions of the orientations of retinal ganglion cells and cortical cells subserving the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal meridians outside the area centralis differ significantly. The distribution of the preferred orientations of the S (simple) cells in areas 17, 18 and 19 subserving a given part of the retina corresponds to the distribution of the dendritic field orientations of the ganglion cells in that part of retina. The distribution of the preferred orientations of C (complex) cells with narrow receptive fields in area 17 but not C cells with wide receptive fields in areas 17, 18, or 19 subserving a given part of the retina matches the distribution of the orientations of the ganglion cells in that part of retina. The orientations of all of the alpha-cells in 5-9 mm2 patches of retina along the horizontal, vertical, and oblique meridians were determined. A comparison of the orientations of neighboring cells indicates that other than a mutual tendency to be oriented radially, ganglion cells with similar orientations are not clustered in the retina. Reconstructions of electrode penetrations into regions of visual cortex representing peripheral retina indicate that columns subserving radial orientations are wider than those subserving nonradial orientations. Our results provide evidence that the distribution of the preferred orientations of simple cells in visual cortex subserving any region of the visual field matches the distribution of the orientations of the ganglion cells subserving the same region of the visual field.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The Influence of Cr3+ on TiO2 Crystal Growth and Photoactivity Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Hidayatika, W. N.; Sari, P. L.; Sari, P. P.; Hidayat, R.; Munawaroh, H.; Ramelan, A. H.

2018-03-01

The photocatalyst technology is an integrated combination of photochemical processes and catalysis in order to carry out a chemical transformation reaction. One of the semiconductor materials that have good photocatalytic activity is TiO2 anatase. This study aim to determine the effect of the Cr3+ addition on the growth of TiO2 rutile crystal and the increasing of TiO2 photoactivity. Diffractogram X-Ray of the samples showed that the synthesized TiO2 at 400 °C has been produced 100% TiO2 anatase. Synthesis of TiO2 doped Cr3+ composite was using wet impregnation method. The TiO2 doped Cr3+ composites have beed grown by annealed at a temperature of 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C, respectively Annealing process have capabled to gain to the TiO2 doped Cr3+ nanocomposite. The result product annealed at 500 °C only appear anatase phase due to the Cr3+ addition influence that was able to suppress the growth of rutile. Identification of TiO2 doped Cr3+ composite using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) showed O-Cr vibration at 2283.72 cm-1. The TiO2 doped Cr3+ photoactivity was studied to degrade Rhodamin B. The best result on photodegradation of Rhodamin B was performed by using TiO2 doped Cr3+ composite which was annealed at 700 °C i.e. 74.71%.

Nanoparticle size and combined toxicity of TiO2 and DSLS (surfactant) contribute to lysosomal responses in digestive cells of mussels exposed to TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Jimeno-Romero, A; Oron, M; Cajaraville, M P; Soto, M; Marigómez, I

2016-10-01

The aim of this investigation was to understand the bioaccumulation, cell and tissue distribution and biological effects of disodium laureth sulfosuccinate (DSLS)-stabilised TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in marine mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed in vivo to 0.1, 1 and 10 mg Ti/L either as TiO2 NPs (60 and 180 nm) or bulk TiO2, as well as to DSLS alone. A significant Ti accumulation was observed in mussels exposed to TiO2 NPs, which were localised in endosomes, lysosomes and residual bodies of digestive cells, and in the lumen of digestive tubules, as demonstrated by ultrastructural observations and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. TiO2 NPs of 60 nm were internalised within digestive cell lysosomes to a higher extent than TiO2 NPs of 180 nm, as confirmed by the quantification of black silver deposits after autometallography. The latter were localised mainly forming large aggregates in the lumen of the gut. Consequently, lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) was significantly reduced upon exposure to both TiO2 NPs although more markedly after exposure to TiO2-60 NPs. Exposure to bulk TiO2 and to DSLS also affected the stability of the lysosomal membrane. Thus, effects on the lysosomal membrane depended on the nanoparticle size and on the combined biological effects of TiO2 and DSLS.

Preparation of RuO2-TiO2/Nano-graphite composite anode for electrochemical degradation of ceftriaxone sodium.

PubMed

Li, Dong; Guo, Xiaolei; Song, Haoran; Sun, Tianyi; Wan, Jiafeng

2018-06-05

Graphite-like material is widely used for preparing various electrodes for wastewater treatment. To enhance the electrochemical degradation efficiency of Nano-graphite (Nano-G) anode, RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G composite anode was prepared through the sol-gel method and hot-press technology. RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and N 2 adsorption-desorption. Results showed that RuO 2 , TiO 2 and Nano-G were composited successfully, and RuO 2 and TiO 2 nanoparticles were distributed uniformly on the surface of Nano-G sheet. Specific surface area of RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G composite was higher than that of TiO 2 /Nano-G composite and Nano-G. Electrochemical performances of RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G anode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G anode was applied to electrochemical degradation of ceftriaxone. The generation of hydroxyl radical (OH) was measured. Results demonstrated that RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G anode displayed enhanced electrochemical degradation efficiency towards ceftriaxone and yield of OH, which is derived from the synergetic effect between RuO 2 , TiO 2 and Nano-G, which enhance the specific surface area, improve the electrochemical oxidation activity and lower the charge transfer resistance. Besides, the possible degradation intermediates and pathways of ceftriaxone sodium were identified. This study may provide a viable and promising prospect for RuO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G anode towards effective electrochemical degradation of antibiotics from wastewater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Functionalization of TiO2 Nanotube Array Sensors with Pd Nanoparticles on Their Selectivity

PubMed Central

Park, Sunghoon; Kim, Soohyun; Park, Suyoung; Lee, Wan In; Lee, Chongmu

2014-01-01

This study compared the responses of Pd-functionalized and pristine titanate (TiO2) nanotube arrays to ethanol with those to acetone to determine the effects of functionalization of TiO2 nanotubes with Pd nanoparticles on the sensitivity and selectivity. The responses of pristine and Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays to ethanol gas at 200 °C were ∼2877% and ∼21,253%, respectively. On the other hand, the responses of pristine and Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays to acetone gas at 250 °C were ∼1636% and 8746% respectively. In the case of ethanol sensing, the response and recovery times of Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes (10.2 and 7.1 s) were obviously shorter than those of pristine TiO2 nanotubes (14.3 and 8.8 s), respectively. In contrast, in the case of acetone sensing the response and recovery times of Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes (42.5 and 19.7 s) were almost the same as those of pristine TiO2 nanotubes (47.2 and 17.9 s). TiO2 nanotube arrays showed the strongest response to ethanol and Pd functionalization was the most effective in improving the response of TiO2 nanotubes to ethanol among six different types of gases: ethanol, acetone, CO, H2, NH3 and NO2. The origin of the superior sensing properties of Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes toward ethanol to acetone is also discussed. PMID:25166499

Titanium mesh supported TiO2 nanowire arrays/upconversion luminescence Er3+-Yb3+ codoped TiO2 nanoparticles novel composites for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wenwu; Zhang, Huanyu; Wang, Hui-gang; Zhang, Mei; Guo, Min

2017-11-01

Ti-mesh supported TiO2 nanowire arrays (NWAs)/upconversion luminescence Er3+-Yb3+ codoped TiO2 nanoparticles (UC-EY-TiO2 NPs) composite structured photoanodes for fully flexible dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were firstly constructed via a hydrothermal and spin coating process. UV-vis-NIR absorption spectra of the TiO2 NWAs/UC-EY-TiO2 NPs composites exhibited strong absorption around near infrared (NIR) 980 nm. The composites excited by 980 nm NIR laser could emit upconversion fluorescence at 489, 526, 549 and 658 nm, which expanded the spectral response range and sunlight capturing capability of formed flexible DSSCs. Moreover, the TiO2 NWAs/UC-EY-TiO2 NPs was coated with an Nb2O5 thin layer to further suppress electron recombination losses. The complete flexible DSSCs based on Nb2O5 coated TiO2 NWAs/2.0 mol% Er3+-1.0 mol% Yb3+ codoped TiO2 NPs photoanode and Pt/ITO-PEN counter electrode exhibited an enhanced photon to current conversion efficiency of 8.10%, a 68% improvement compared to TiO2 NWAs/undoped TiO2 NPs based DSSCs (4.82%).

Nanostructured 2D Diporphyrin Honeycomb Film: Photoelectrochemistry, Photodegradation, and Antibacterial Activity.

PubMed

Zhao, Yuewu; Shang, Qiuwei; Yu, Jiachao; Zhang, Yuanjian; Liu, Songqin

2015-06-10

Surface patterns of well-defined nanostructures play important roles in fabrication of optoelectronic devices and applications in catalysis and biology. In this paper, the diporphyrin honeycomb film, composed of titanium dioxide, protoporphyrin IX, and hemin (TiO2/PPIX/Hem), was synthesized using a dewetting technique with the well-defined polystyrene (PS) monolayer as a template. The TiO2/PPIX/Hem honeycomb film exhibited a higher photoelectrochemical response than that of TiO2 or TiO2/PPIX, which implied a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and a synergistic effect between the two kinds of porphyrins. The TiO2/PPIX/Hem honeycomb film was also a good photosensitizer due to its ability to generate singlet oxygen ((1)O2) under irradiation by visible light. This led to the use of diporphyrin TiO2/PPIX/Hem honeycomb film for the photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria. In addition, the photocatalytic activities of other metal-diporphyrin-based honeycomb films, such as TiO2/MnPPIX/Hem, TiO2/CoPPIX/Hem, TiO2/NiPPIX/Hem, TiO2/CuPPIX/Hem, and TiO2/ZnPPIX/Hem, were investigated. The result demonstrated that the photoelectric properties of diporphyrin-based film could be effectively enhanced by further coupling of porphyrin with metal ions. Such enhanced performance of diporphyrin compounds opened a new way for potential applications in various photoelectrochemical devices and medical fields.

An external template-free route to uniform semiconducting hollow mesospheres and their use in photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Di; Wang, Mengye; Zou, Bin; Zhang, Gu Ling; Lin, Zhiqun

2015-07-01

Solid amorphous TiO2 mesospheres were synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of Ti-containing precursors. Subsequently, solid TiO2 mesospheres were exploited as scaffolds and subjected to a one-step external template-free hydrothermal treatment, yielding intriguing hollow anatase TiO2 mesospheres. The synthetic protocol was optimized by investigating the effect of buffer reagents and fluoride ions on the formation of hollow TiO2 spheres. The diameter of hollow mesospheres, ranging from 308 to 760 nm, can be readily tailored by varying the precursor concentration. The average thickness of a shell composed of TiO2 nanocrystals was approximately 40 nm with a mean crystal size of 12.4-20.0 nm. Such hollow TiO2 mesospheres possessed a large surface area and were employed in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation. Interestingly, the synthetic conditions were found to exert a significant influence on the photocatalytic ability of hollow TiO2 mesospheres. The correlation between the degradation ability of hollow TiO2 mesospheres and the precursor concentration as well as the hydrothermal time was scrutinized. The optimal photocatalytic performance of hollow TiO2 mesospheres was identified.Solid amorphous TiO2 mesospheres were synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of Ti-containing precursors. Subsequently, solid TiO2 mesospheres were exploited as scaffolds and subjected to a one-step external template-free hydrothermal treatment, yielding intriguing hollow anatase TiO2 mesospheres. The synthetic protocol was optimized by investigating the effect of buffer reagents and fluoride ions on the formation of hollow TiO2 spheres. The diameter of hollow mesospheres, ranging from 308 to 760 nm, can be readily tailored by varying the precursor concentration. The average thickness of a shell composed of TiO2 nanocrystals was approximately 40 nm with a mean crystal size of 12.4-20.0 nm. Such hollow TiO2 mesospheres possessed a large surface area and were employed in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation. Interestingly, the synthetic conditions were found to exert a significant influence on the photocatalytic ability of hollow TiO2 mesospheres. The correlation between the degradation ability of hollow TiO2 mesospheres and the precursor concentration as well as the hydrothermal time was scrutinized. The optimal photocatalytic performance of hollow TiO2 mesospheres was identified. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02685g

Orientation of Ordered Structures of Cytosine and Cytidine 5'-Monophosphate Adsorbed at Au(110)/Liquid Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weightman, P.; Dolan, G. J.; Smith, C. I.; Cuquerella, M. C.; Almond, N. J.; Farrell, T.; Fernig, D. G.; Edwards, C.; Martin, D. S.

2006-03-01

It is demonstrated using reflection anisotropy spectroscopy that the adsorption of cytosine and cytidine 5'-monophosphate at the Au(110) 1×2/electrolyte interface gives rise to ordered structures in which the base is oriented vertical to the surface and parallel to the [11¯0] axis of the Au(110) plane.

Efficient adsorption concentration and photolysis of acetaldehyde on titania-mesoporous silica composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Satoshi; Matsumoto, Akihiko

2017-07-01

Titania-mesoporous silica composite (TiO2/MCM) was prepared by hydrolysis of titaniumtetraisopropoxide (TTIP) with the presence of mesoporous silica MCM-41. The TiO2/MCM samples consisted of highly dispersed TiO2 on the surface of MCM-41. Dynamic adsorption and photocatalytic decomposition features for acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) were measured by flow method. The amount of CH3CHO decomposition on TiO2/MCM-41 increased with the TiO2 amount, suggesting that a large amount of CH3CHO was adsorbed on mesopores of MCM-41 of the TiO2/MCM and was efficiently decomposed on finely dispersed TiO2 surface by ultraviolet irradiation.

Electrical properties of TiO2 at different deposition frequencies and their application in ZnO/TiO2 based dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saurdi, I.; Shafura, A. K.; Mamat, M. H.; Ishak, A.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

In this work, the titanium oxide (TiO2) films were deposited on glass substrate at different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) and therefore different of thicknesses been produced by using spin coating technique and their electrical and structural properties were investigated. The thicknesses of TiO2 films at different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) were 900μm, 1815μm, 2710μm and 3620μm respectively. Meanwhile, the resistivities of TiO2 films at different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) were 5.41 × 106Ωcm, 2.28 × 106Ωcm, 2.78 × 105Ωcm and 8.37 × 106Ωcm, respectively. The ZnO/TiO2 composite for ZnO nanorod and TiO2 been produced by deposited the TiO2 on top of ZnO nanorod at different deposition frequencies on ITO-coated glass substrate. The fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells of ZnO nanorod without TiO2, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 900μm, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 1815μm, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 2710μm, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 3620μm on top of ZnO nanorod were investigated. From the solar simulator measurement under AM 1.5 the solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of ZnO nanorod without TiO2, ZnO/TiO2- 900μm, ZnO/TiO2-1815μm, ZnO/TiO2-2710μm and ZnO/TiO2-3620μm were 0.99%, 1.87%, 2.11%, 2.54%, 2.27%, respectively. The DSSCs ZnO/TiO2 show better of efficiency as compared to ZnO nanorod without TiO2. Furthermore, the enhancement of ZnO/TiO2-2710μm DSSC also closely related with the improvement of electrical and structural properties of TiO2 at 3 deposition frequencies as compared with TiO2 at 1, 2 and 4 deposition frequencies.

Preparation of TiO2/(TiO2-V2O5)/polypyrrole nanocomposites and a study on catalytic activities of the hybrid materials under UV/Visible light and in the dark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piewnuan, C.; Wootthikanokkhan, J.; Ngaotrakanwiwat, P.; Meeyoo, V.; Chiarakorn, S.

2014-11-01

Hybrid metal oxides/polymer nanocomposites, namely TiO2/(TiO2-V2O5)/polypyrrole (PPy), were synthesized via in situ polymerization. Structures of the products were characterized by SEM-EDX, XRD, and FTIR techniques. The light absorbance and band gap energy values of the materials were evaluated by UV/Visible spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the materials was determined from a degradation of methylene blue. It was found that, regardless of the polymerization time, the absorbance of TiO2/(TiO2-V2O5)/PPy was greater than those of TiO2/PPy and the neat TiO2, respectively. This was in accordance with the decrease in the band gap energy of the materials. The catalytic activity of TiO2/(TiO2-V2O5) was also observed in the dark. After polymerization, the catalytic activity of nanocomposite under UV/Visible light and in the dark was compromised. The above effects are discussed in the light of the energy storage ability of V2O5 and capability of the polymer in acting as a binder for the system.

Bilayer insulator tunnel barriers for graphene-based vertical hot-electron transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaziri, S.; Belete, M.; Dentoni Litta, E.; Smith, A. D.; Lupina, G.; Lemme, M. C.; Östling, M.

2015-07-01

Vertical graphene-based device concepts that rely on quantum mechanical tunneling are intensely being discussed in the literature for applications in electronics and optoelectronics. In this work, the carrier transport mechanisms in semiconductor-insulator-graphene (SIG) capacitors are investigated with respect to their suitability as electron emitters in vertical graphene base transistors (GBTs). Several dielectric materials as tunnel barriers are compared, including dielectric double layers. Using bilayer dielectrics, we experimentally demonstrate significant improvements in the electron injection current by promoting Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (FNT) and step tunneling (ST) while suppressing defect mediated carrier transport. High injected tunneling current densities approaching 103 A cm-2 (limited by series resistance), and excellent current-voltage nonlinearity and asymmetry are achieved using a 1 nm thick high quality dielectric, thulium silicate (TmSiO), as the first insulator layer, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a high electron affinity second layer insulator. We also confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach in a full GBT structure which shows dramatic improvement in the collector on-state current density with respect to the previously reported GBTs. The device design and the fabrication scheme have been selected with future CMOS process compatibility in mind. This work proposes a bilayer tunnel barrier approach as a promising candidate to be used in high performance vertical graphene-based tunneling devices.

Effect of dissolved ozone or ferric ions on photodegradation of thiacloprid in presence of different TiO2 catalysts.

PubMed

Cernigoj, Urh; Stangar, Urska Lavrencic; Jirkovský, Jaromír

2010-05-15

Combining TiO(2) photocatalysis with inorganic oxidants (such as O(3) and H(2)O(2)) or transition metal ions (Fe(3+), Cu(2+) and Ag(+)) often leads to a synergic effect. Electron transfer between TiO(2) and the oxidant is usually involved. Accordingly, the degree of synergy could be influenced by TiO(2) surface area. With this in mind, the disappearance of thiacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, was studied applying various photochemical AOPs and different TiO(2) photocatalysts. In photocatalytic ozonation experiments, synergic effect of three different TiO(2) photocatalysts was quantified. Higher surface area resulted in a more pronounced synergic effect but an increasing amount of TiO(2) did not influence the degree of the synergy. This supports the theory that the synergy is a consequence of adsorption of ozone on the TiO(2) surface. No synergy was observed in photocatalytic degradation of thiacloprid in the presence of dissolved iron(III) species performed under varied experimental conditions (concentration, age of iron(III) solution, different TiO(2) films, usage of TiO(2) slurries). This goes against the literature for different organic compounds (i.e., monuron). It indicates different roles of iron(III) in the photodegradation of different organic molecules. Moreover, TiO(2) surface area did not affect photodegradation efficiency in iron(III)-based experiments which could confirm absence of electron transfer between TiO(2) photocatalyst and iron(III). Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved performance of Ag-doped TiO2 synthesized by modified sol-gel method as photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Arun Kumar; Srivastava, Pankaj; Bahadur, Lal

2016-08-01

Ag-doped TiO2 with Ag content ranging from 1 to 7 mol% was synthesized by a modified sol-gel route, and its performance as the photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was compared with undoped TiO2 photoanode. Titanium(IV)isopropoxide was used as precursor and hexamethylenetetramine as the capping agent. XRD results show the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 5 nm (1 % Ag-doped TiO2) and 9 nm (undoped TiO2), respectively. The TiO2 nanopowder was used to prepare its thin film photoelectrode using doctor's blade method. Significant improvement in light-to-energy conversion efficiency was achieved when thin films of 1 % Ag-doped TiO2 were applied as photoanode in DSSC taking N719 as the sensitizer dye. As evidenced by EIS measurements, the electron lifetime of DSSC with Ag-doped TiO2 increased from 1.33 (for undoped TiO2) to 2.05 ms. The short-circuit current density ( J sc), open-circuit voltage ( V oc), fill factor (FF) and the overall energy conversion efficiency ( η) were 1.07 mA cm-2, 0.72 V, 0.73 and 0.40 %, respectively, with the use of 1 % Ag-doped TiO2 photoanode, whereas with undoped TiO2 under similar conditions, J sc = 0.63 mA cm-2, V oc = 0.70 V, fill factor 0.45 and conversion efficiency 0.14 % could be obtained. Therefore, compared with the reference DSSC containing an undoped TiO2 photoanode, the power conversion efficiency of the cell based on Ag-doped TiO2 has been remarkably enhanced by ~70 %. The substantial improvement in the device performance is attributed to the reduced band-gap energy, retarded charge recombination and greater surface coverage of the sensitizing dye over Ag-doped TiO2, which ultimately resulted in improved IPCE, J SC and η values.

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on human keratinocytes

PubMed Central

Wright, Clayton; Iyer, Anand Krishnan V.; Wang, Liying; Wu, Nianqiang; Yakisich, Juan S.; Rojanasakul, Yon; Azad, Neelam

2016-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a ubiquitous whitening compound widely used in topical products such as sunscreens, lotions and facial creams. The damaging health effects of TiO2 inhalation has been widely studied in rats, mice and humans showing oxidative stress increase, DNA damage, cell death and inflammatory gene upregulation in lung and throat cells; however, the effects on skin cells from long-term topical use of various products remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of specific TiO2 nanoparticles (H2TiO7) on a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). We performed a comparative analysis using three TiO2 particles varying in size (Fine, Ultrafine and H2TiO7) and analyzed their effects on HaCaTs. There is a clear dose-dependent increase in superoxide production, caspase 8 and 9 activity, and apoptosis in HaCaTs after treatment with all three forms of TiO2; however, there is no consistent effect on cell viability and proliferation with either of these TiO2 particles. While there is data suggesting UV exposure can enhance the carcinogenic effects of TiO2, we did not observe any significant effect of UV-C exposure combined with TiO2 treatment on HaCaTs. Furthermore, TiO2-treated cells showed minimal effects on VEGF upregulation and Wnt signaling pathway thereby showing no potential effect on angiogenesis and malignant transformation. Overall, we report here an increase in apoptosis, which may be caspase 8/Fas-dependent, and that the H2TiO7 nanoparticles, despite their smaller particle size, had no significant enhanced effect on HaCaT cells as compared to Fine and Ultrafine forms of TiO2. PMID:27310834

The effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-objects, and their aggregates and agglomerates greater than 100nm (NOAA) on microbes under UV irradiation.

PubMed

Yamada, Ikuho; Nomura, Kazuki; Iwahashi, Hitoshi; Horie, Masanori

2016-01-01

Today, nanoparticles are used in many products. One of the most common nanoparticles is titanium dioxide (TiO2). These particles generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon UV irradiation. Although nanoparticles are very useful in many products, there are concerns about their biological and ecological effects when released into the environment. Thus, it was assessed that the effect of TiO2 nano-objects, and their aggregates and agglomerates greater than 100nm (NOAA) on microbes under UV irradiation by using Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ROS generation was evaluated by adding TiO2 nanoparticles and methylene blue to distilled water. We also assessed growth inhibition by adding TiO2 nanoparticles and microbes in minimal agar medium. Moreover, microbial inactivation was assessed by adding TiO2 nanoparticles and microbes to PBS. Upon UV irradiation, TiO2-NOAAs decomposed methylene blue and generated ROS. TiO2-NOAAs also decomposed methylene blue in minimal agar medium under UV irradiation; however, they did not inhibit microbial growth. Surprisingly, TiO2-NOAAs in the medium protect microbes from UV irradiation as colony formation was observed only near TiO2-NOAAs. In PBS, TiO2-NOAAs did not inactivate microbes but instead protected microbes from lethal UV irradiation. These results suggest that the amount of ROS generated by TiO2-NOAAs is not enough to inactivate microbes. In fact, our results suggest that TiO2-NOAAs may protect microbes from UV irradiations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil device based on TiO2/ZnS nanotubes.

PubMed

Faria, Henrique Antonio Mendonça; de Queiroz, Alvaro Antonio Alencar

2015-11-01

The structural and electronic properties of titanium oxide nanotubes (TiO2) have attracted considerable attention for the development of therapeutic devices and imaging probes for nanomedicine. However, the fluorescence response of TiO2 has typically been within ultraviolet spectrum. In this study, the surface modification of TiO2 nanotubes with ZnS quantum dots was found to produce a red shift in the ultra violet emission band. The TiO2 nanotubes used in this work were obtained by sol-gel template synthesis. The ZnS quantum dots were deposited onto TiO2 nanotube surface by a micelle-template inducing reaction. The structure and morphology of the resulting hybrid TiO2/ZnS nanotubes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. According to the results of fluorescence spectroscopy, pure TiO2 nanotubes exhibited a high emission at 380nm (3.26eV), whereas TiO2/ZnS exhibited an emission at 410nm (3.02eV). The TiO2/ZnS nanotubes demonstrated good bio-imaging ability on sycamore cultured plant cells. The biocompatibility against mammalian cells (Chinese Hamster Ovarian Cells-CHO) suggesting that TiO2/ZnS may also have suitable optical properties for use as biological markers in diagnostic medicine. The drug release characteristic of TiO2/ZnS nanotubes was explored using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug used in photodynamic therapy. The results show that the TiO2/ZnS nanotubes are a promising candidate for anticancer drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Cu2O morphology on photocatalytic hydrogen generation and chemical stability of TiO2/Cu2O composite.

PubMed

Zhu, Lihong; Zhang, Junying; Chen, Ziyu; Liu, Kejia; Gao, Hong

2013-07-01

Improving photocatalytic activity and stability of TiO2/Cu2O composite is a challenge in generating hydrogen from water. In this paper, the TiO2 film/Cu2O microgrid composite was prepared via a microsphere lithography technique, which possesses a remarkable performance of producing H2 under UV-vis light irradiation, in comparison with pure TiO2 film, Cu2O film and TiO2 film/Cu2O film. More interesting is that in TiO2 film/Cu2O microgrid, photo-corrosion of Cu2O can be retarded. After deposition of Pt on its surface, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/Cu2O microgrid in producing H2 is improved greatly.

Mechanical Grinding Preparation and Characterization of TiO2-Coated Wollastonite Composite Pigments

PubMed Central

Chen, Wanting; Liang, Yu; Hou, Xifeng; Zhang, Jing; Ding, Hao; Sun, Sijia; Cao, Hu

2018-01-01

TiO2-coated wollastonite composite pigments were prepared by the mechano-chemical grinding of wollastonite and TiO2 powder together in a wet ultrafine stirred mill. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectra were used to investigate the microstructures and morphologies of the composite and the reaction mechanism. The results indicate that the TiO2-coated wollastonite composite pigments have similar properties to titanium dioxide pigment, showing much better properties than dry and wet mixing of wollastonite and TiO2. The hiding power of TiO2-coated wollastonite composite pigments (45% TiO2) is 17.97 g/m2, reaching 81.08% of titanium dioxide. A firm combination between wollastonite and TiO2 is obtained through a surface dehydroxylation reaction during the mechano-chemical method. PMID:29649116

Cyclic Solvent Vapor Annealing for Rapid, Robust Vertical Orientation of Features in BCP Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paradiso, Sean; Delaney, Kris; Fredrickson, Glenn

2015-03-01

Methods for reliably controlling block copolymer self assembly have seen much attention over the past decade as new applications for nanostructured thin films emerge in the fields of nanopatterning and lithography. While solvent assisted annealing techniques are established as flexible and simple methods for achieving long range order, solvent annealing alone exhibits a very weak thermodynamic driving force for vertically orienting domains with respect to the free surface. To address the desire for oriented features, we have investigated a cyclic solvent vapor annealing (CSVA) approach that combines the mobility benefits of solvent annealing with selective stress experienced by structures oriented parallel to the free surface as the film is repeatedly swollen with solvent and dried. Using dynamical self-consistent field theory (DSCFT) calculations, we establish the conditions under which the method significantly outperforms both static and cyclic thermal annealing and implicate the orientation selection as a consequence of the swelling/deswelling process. Our results suggest that CSVA may prove to be a potent method for the rapid formation of highly ordered, vertically oriented features in block copolymer thin films.

Laser device

DOEpatents

Scott, Jill R.; Tremblay, Paul L.

2008-08-19

A laser device includes a virtual source configured to aim laser energy that originates from a true source. The virtual source has a vertical rotational axis during vertical motion of the virtual source and the vertical axis passes through an exit point from which the laser energy emanates independent of virtual source position. The emanating laser energy is collinear with an orientation line. The laser device includes a virtual source manipulation mechanism that positions the virtual source. The manipulation mechanism has a center of lateral pivot approximately coincident with a lateral index and a center of vertical pivot approximately coincident with a vertical index. The vertical index and lateral index intersect at an index origin. The virtual source and manipulation mechanism auto align the orientation line through the index origin during virtual source motion.

Vertical III-V nanowire device integration on Si(100).

PubMed

Borg, Mattias; Schmid, Heinz; Moselund, Kirsten E; Signorello, Giorgio; Gignac, Lynne; Bruley, John; Breslin, Chris; Das Kanungo, Pratyush; Werner, Peter; Riel, Heike

2014-01-01

We report complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible integration of compound semiconductors on Si substrates. InAs and GaAs nanowires are selectively grown in vertical SiO2 nanotube templates fabricated on Si substrates of varying crystallographic orientations, including nanocrystalline Si. The nanowires investigated are epitaxially grown, single-crystalline, free from threading dislocations, and with an orientation and dimension directly given by the shape of the template. GaAs nanowires exhibit stable photoluminescence at room temperature, with a higher measured intensity when still surrounded by the template. Si-InAs heterojunction nanowire tunnel diodes were fabricated on Si(100) and are electrically characterized. The results indicate a high uniformity and scalability in the fabrication process.

The design, fabrication, and photocatalytic utility of nanostructured semiconductors: focus on TiO2-based nanostructures

PubMed Central

Banerjee, Arghya Narayan

2011-01-01

Recent advances in basic fabrication techniques of TiO2-based nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanoplatelets, and both physical- and solution-based techniques have been adopted by various research groups around the world. Our research focus has been mainly on various deposition parameters used for fabricating nanostructured materials, including TiO2-organic/inorganic nanocomposite materials. Technically, TiO2 shows relatively high reactivity under ultraviolet light, the energy of which exceeds the band gap of TiO2. The development of photocatalysts exhibiting high reactivity under visible light allows the main part of the solar spectrum to be used. Visible light-activated TiO2 could be prepared by doping or sensitizing. As far as doping of TiO2 is concerned, in obtaining tailored material with improved properties, metal and nonmetal doping has been performed in the context of improved photoactivity. Nonmetal doping seems to be more promising than metal doping. TiO2 represents an effective photocatalyst for water and air purification and for self-cleaning surfaces. Additionally, it can be used as an antibacterial agent because of its strong oxidation activity and superhydrophilicity. Therefore, applications of TiO2 in terms of photocatalytic activities are discussed here. The basic mechanisms of the photoactivities of TiO2 and nanostructures are considered alongside band structure engineering and surface modification in nanostructured TiO2 in the context of doping. The article reviews the basic structural, optical, and electrical properties of TiO2, followed by detailed fabrication techniques of 0-, 1-, and quasi-2-dimensional TiO2 nanomaterials. Applications and future directions of nanostructured TiO2 are considered in the context of various photoinduced phenomena such as hydrogen production, electricity generation via dye-sensitized solar cells, photokilling and self-cleaning effect, photo-oxidation of organic pollutant, wastewater management, and organic synthesis. PMID:24198485

Black Hydroxylated Titanium Dioxide Prepared via Ultrasonication with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

PubMed Central

Fan, Chenyao; Chen, Chao; Wang, Jia; Fu, Xinxin; Ren, Zhimin; Qian, Guodong; Wang, Zhiyu

2015-01-01

The amorphous TiO2 derived from hydroxylation has become an effective approach for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of TiO2 since a kind of special black TiO2 was prepared by engineering disordered layers on TiO2 nanocrystals via hydrogenation. In this contribution, we prepared totally amorphous TiO2 with various degrees of blackness by introducing hydroxyls via ultrasonic irradiation, through which can we remarkably enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 with improved light harvesting and narrowed band gap. PMID:26133789

The effect of Schorl on the photocatalytic properties of the TiO2/Schorl composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, ShuYan; Wu, Chao; Wang, De Peng; Xu, HuanYan

The TiO2/Schorl composite materials were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The results showed that the amount of Schorl obviously affected the photocatalytic performance of the TiO2/Schorl. The fluorescence intensity of all TiO2/Schorl samples was weaker than that of the pure TiO2 implying the Schorl could effectively reduce the recombination rate of the excitation electron and hole. The highest photocatalytic efficiency reached to 99.4% of TiO2/3%Schorl.

Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission X-Ray Microscopy Studies on the Bioaccumulation and Tissue Level Absorption of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Daphnia magna.

PubMed

Kwon, Dongwook; Nho, Hyun Woo; Yoon, Tae Hyun

2015-06-01

In this study, bioaccumulation and tissue-level absorption of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in freshwater invertebrates were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). The TiO2 NPs were used to test impacts of core sizes (i.e., 5 ± 2 nm and 23 ± 7 nm for TiO2(SYN) and TiO2(P25), respectively) and agglomerations (i.e., well dispersed vs. highly agglomerated) on the uptake of TiO2 NPs in Daphnia magna (D. magna). Highly agglomerated TiO2 NPs, regardless of their core sizes, were heavily taken up into the digestive tract of D. magna and no detectable penetration of both TiO2 NPs into the gut epithelial cells of D. magna was observed in TEM and STXM images. However, significant damages involving morphological changes in the microvilli and gut epithelial cells (e.g., irregular shaped microvilli, epithelial cell protrusion, and dilatation of cytoplasmic inclusion) were observed only with the commercial TiO2 NPs (TiO2(P25)) with larger core size and mixed crystalline phase, while the laboratory synthesized TiO2 NPs (TiO2(Syn)) with smaller core size and single crystalline phase showed slight morphological changes in the gut microvilli and epithelial cells. In the case of D. magna exposed to the well dispersed synthetic TiO2 NP ((Cit)TiO2(Syn)), only a negligible amount of TiO2 NPs were found within the digestive tract of the D. magna without any significant damages in the gut microvilli and epithelial cells and any detectable penetrations of TiO2 NPs into epithelial cells of D. magna gut. These TEM and STXM observations confirmed us that uptake of NP into D. magna are strongly dependent on their agglomeration (i.e., hydrodynamic sizes), rather than their core sizes, while direct penetration of NPs into tissues of digestive tract seems unlikely without significant morphological changes (e.g., collapse of the epithelial tissue) caused by high toxicity of NPs or released metal ions.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-05-01

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

Structural and fractal characterization of tungstophosphoric acid modified titanium dioxide photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, S.; Rožić, Lj; Vuković, Z.; Grbić, B.; Radić, N.; Stojadinović, S.; Vasilić, R.

2017-04-01

This article presents the comparison of structural and fractal properties of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) and TiO2 modified with tungstophosphoric acid (TiO2/HPW) and their impact on the photocatalytic degradation of hazardous water pollutants. TiO2 and TiO2/HPW samples were synthesized by a combined sol-gel and hydrothermal processing. The XRD analysis of pure TiO2 samples revealed that phase composition was mainly dependent on the calcination temperature, changing from amorphous TiO2 to crystalline anatase and rutile by increasing the temperature. On the other hand, the XRD of TiO2/HPW samples calcined at temperatures above 600 °C showed crystalline peaks associated to formation of WO3 and WO2.92 crystalline domains. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm and pore size distribution of TiO2/HPW samples detected the existence of mesoporous characteristic with very narrow bimodal pores in the mesoporous region. The structural heterogeneity of samples was analyzed by means of pore size distribution functions, while the variation in fractal dimension were determined from the nitrogen adsorption isotherms, using the modified Frenkel-Halsey-Hill method. The results demonstrate that the approach is capable of characterizing complex textures such as those present in the TiO2 and TiO2/HPW photocatalysts. Besides, the effect of calcinations condition on photocatalytic properties of the samples was also investigated. The highest efficiency with respect to methyl orange photodecomposition was observed for TiO2/HPW photocatalysts calcined at 700 °C.

Investigation of the adsorption of ozone molecules on TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites by DFT computations: Applications to gas sensor devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, Amirali; Sardroodi, Jaber Jahanbin

2018-04-01

The adsorption of O3 molecule on the undoped and N-doped TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites was studied using first principles density functional theory calculations. O3 interaction with TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites is considered so as to investigate WSe2 effects on the adsorption process. WSe2 favors the adsorption of O3 on TiO2 particles. In other words, WSe2 is conducive to the interaction of O3 molecule with fivefold coordinated titanium sites of TiO2. The effects of vdW interactions were taken into account in order to obtain equilibrium geometries of O3 molecules at TiO2/WSe2 interfaces. For all adsorption configurations, the binding site was positioned on the fivefold coordinated titanium atoms. The results show that the interactions between O3 and TiO2 in TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites are stronger than those between O3 and bare TiO2, suggesting that WSe2 helps to strengthen the interaction of ozone molecule with TiO2 particles. The results also indicate that the adsorption of the O3 molecule on the N-doped TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposite is more energetically favorable than the adsorption of O3 on the pristine one, representing that the N-doped nanocomposites are more sensitive than the undoped ones. Our DFT results clearly show that the N-doped TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposite would be a promising O3 gas sensor. The electronic structure of the adsorption system was also investigated, including analysis of the total and projected density of states, and charge density differences of the TiO2/WSe2 with adsorbed O3 molecules. The charge density difference calculations indicate that the charges were accumulated over the adsorbed O3 molecule. Besides, the N-doped nanocomposites have better sensing response than the pristine ones. This work was devoted to provide the theory basis for the design and development of novel and advanced O3 sensors based on modified TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites.

A TiO2 abundance map for the northern maria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, T. V.; Saunders, R. S.; Matson, D. L.; Mosher, J. A.

1977-01-01

A map of TiO2 abundance for most of the northern maria is presented. The telescopic data base used is the 0.38/0.56-micron ratio mosaic from Johnson et at. (1977). The titanium content has been estimated using the correlation established by Charette et al. (1974). The combination of observational, processing, and calibration errors indicates that the TiO2 map is accurate to + or - 2% (wt% TiO2) for high TiO2 content (more than 5%) and + or - 1% for low values of TiO2. Analysis of the lunar sample and telescopic data suggests strongly that the spectral parameter mapped is sensitive primarily to TiO2 abundance in the range 3-9% and does not correlate directly with iron content. It is suggested, however, that for the low TiO2 mare regions (less than 2-3% TiO2) there may be a relation between the spectral ratio and iron content and that some of the reddest mare areas in the Imbrium region may have low iron contents as well as low titanium abundances.

Air-suspended TiO2-based HCG reflectors for visible spectral range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemi, Ehsan; Bengtsson, Jörgen; Gustavsson, Johan; Carlsson, Stefan; Rossbach, Georg; Haglund, Åsa

2015-02-01

For GaN-based microcavity light emitters, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and resonant cavity light emitting diodes (RCLEDs) in the blue-green wavelength regime, achieving a high reflectivity wide bandwidth feedback mirror is truly challenging. The material properties of the III-nitride alloys are hardly compatible with the conventional distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) and the newly proposed high-contrast gratings (HCGs). Alternatively, at least for the top outcoupling mirror, dielectric materials offer more suitable material combinations not only for the DBRs but also for the HCGs. HCGs may offer advantages such as transverse mode and polarization control, a broader reflectivity spectrum than epitaxially grown DBRs, and the possibility to set the resonance wavelength after epitaxial growth by the grating parameters. In this work we have realized an air-suspended TiO2 grating with the help of a SiO2 sacrificial layer. The deposition processes for the dielectric layers were fine-tuned to minimize the residual stress. To achieve an accurate control of the grating duty cycle, a newly developed lift-off process, using hydrogen silesquioxan (HSQ) and sacrificial polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) resists, was applied to deposit the hard mask, providing sub-10 nm resolution. The finally obtained TiO2/air HCGs were characterized in a micro-reflectance measurement setup. A peak power reflectivity in excess of 95% was achieved for TM polarization at the center wavelength of 435 nm, with a reflectivity stopband width of about 80 nm (FWHM). The measured HCG reflectance spectra were compared to corresponding simulations obtained from rigorous coupled-wave analysis and very good agreement was found.

TiO2-BASED Composite Films for the Photodegradation of Oxytetracycline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-02-01

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

Measurement of Posterior Corneal Astigmatism by the IOLMaster 700.

PubMed

LaHood, Benjamin R; Goggin, Michael

2018-05-01

To provide the first description of posterior corneal astigmatism as measured by the IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) and assess how its characteristics compare to previous measurements from other devices. A total of 1,098 routine IOLMaster 700 biometric measurements were analyzed to provide magnitudes and orientation of steep and flat axes of anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess correlation of posterior corneal astigmatism characteristics to anterior corneal astigmatism and describe the distribution of posterior corneal astigmatism with age. Mean posterior corneal astigmatism was 0.24 ± 0.15 diopters (D). The steep axis of posterior corneal astigmatism was vertically oriented in 73.32% of measurements. Correlation between the magnitude of anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism was greatest when the steep axis of the anterior corneal astigmatism was oriented vertically (r = 0.68, P < .0001). Vertical orientation of the steep axis of anterior corneal astigmatism became less common as age increased, whereas for posterior corneal astigmatism it remained by far the most common orientation. This first description of posterior corneal astigmatism measurement by the IOLMaster 700 found the average magnitude of posterior corneal astigmatism and proportion of vertical orientation of steep axis was lower than previous estimates. The IOLMaster 700 appears capable of providing enhanced biometric measurement for individualized surgical planning. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(5):331-336.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.

Accuracy of saccades to remembered targets as a function of body orientation in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vogelstein, Joshua T.; Snyder, Lawrence H.; Angelaki, Dora E.

2003-01-01

A vertical asymmetry in memory-guided saccadic eye movements has been previously demonstrated in humans and in rhesus monkeys. In the upright orientation, saccades generally land several degrees above the target. The origin of this asymmetry has remained unknown. In this study, we investigated whether the asymmetry in memory saccades is dependent on body orientation in space. Thus animals performed memory saccades in four different body orientations: upright, left-side-down (LSD), right-side-down (RSD), and supine. Data in all three rhesus monkeys confirm previous observations regarding a significant upward vertical asymmetry. Saccade errors made from LSD and RSD postures were partitioned into components made along the axis of gravity and along the vertical body axis. Up/down asymmetry persisted only in body coordinates but not in gravity coordinates. However, this asymmetry was generally reduced in tilted positions. Therefore the upward bias seen in memory saccades is egocentric although orientation in space might play a modulatory role.

Two-dimensional GaSe/MoSe2 misfit bilayer heterojunctions by van der Waals epitaxy.

PubMed

Li, Xufan; Lin, Ming-Wei; Lin, Junhao; Huang, Bing; Puretzky, Alexander A; Ma, Cheng; Wang, Kai; Zhou, Wu; Pantelides, Sokrates T; Chi, Miaofang; Kravchenko, Ivan; Fowlkes, Jason; Rouleau, Christopher M; Geohegan, David B; Xiao, Kai

2016-04-01

Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures hold the promise for future atomically thin electronics and optoelectronics because of their diverse functionalities. Although heterostructures consisting of different 2D materials with well-matched lattices and novel physical properties have been successfully fabricated via van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy, constructing heterostructures from layered semiconductors with large lattice misfits remains challenging. We report the growth of 2D GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures with a large lattice misfit using two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Both vertically stacked and lateral heterostructures are demonstrated. The vertically stacked GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures exhibit vdW epitaxy with well-aligned lattice orientation between the two layers, forming a periodic superlattice. However, the lateral heterostructures exhibit no lateral epitaxial alignment at the interface between GaSe and MoSe2 crystalline domains. Instead of a direct lateral connection at the boundary region where the same lattice orientation is observed between GaSe and MoSe2 monolayer domains in lateral GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures, GaSe monolayers are found to overgrow MoSe2 during CVD, forming a stripe of vertically stacked vdW heterostructures at the crystal interface. Such vertically stacked vdW GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures are shown to form p-n junctions with effective transport and separation of photogenerated charge carriers between layers, resulting in a gate-tunable photovoltaic response. These GaSe/MoSe2 vdW heterostructures should have applications as gate-tunable field-effect transistors, photodetectors, and solar cells.

Two-dimensional GaSe/MoSe2 misfit bilayer heterojunctions by van der Waals epitaxy

PubMed Central

Li, Xufan; Lin, Ming-Wei; Lin, Junhao; Huang, Bing; Puretzky, Alexander A.; Ma, Cheng; Wang, Kai; Zhou, Wu; Pantelides, Sokrates T.; Chi, Miaofang; Kravchenko, Ivan; Fowlkes, Jason; Rouleau, Christopher M.; Geohegan, David B.; Xiao, Kai

2016-01-01

Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures hold the promise for future atomically thin electronics and optoelectronics because of their diverse functionalities. Although heterostructures consisting of different 2D materials with well-matched lattices and novel physical properties have been successfully fabricated via van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy, constructing heterostructures from layered semiconductors with large lattice misfits remains challenging. We report the growth of 2D GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures with a large lattice misfit using two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Both vertically stacked and lateral heterostructures are demonstrated. The vertically stacked GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures exhibit vdW epitaxy with well-aligned lattice orientation between the two layers, forming a periodic superlattice. However, the lateral heterostructures exhibit no lateral epitaxial alignment at the interface between GaSe and MoSe2 crystalline domains. Instead of a direct lateral connection at the boundary region where the same lattice orientation is observed between GaSe and MoSe2 monolayer domains in lateral GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures, GaSe monolayers are found to overgrow MoSe2 during CVD, forming a stripe of vertically stacked vdW heterostructures at the crystal interface. Such vertically stacked vdW GaSe/MoSe2 heterostructures are shown to form p-n junctions with effective transport and separation of photogenerated charge carriers between layers, resulting in a gate-tunable photovoltaic response. These GaSe/MoSe2 vdW heterostructures should have applications as gate-tunable field-effect transistors, photodetectors, and solar cells. PMID:27152356

Optimisation of preparation conditions for Ti nanowires and suitability as an antibacterial material.

PubMed

Munisparan, Thivyah; Yang, Evyan Chia Yan; Paramasivam, Ragul; Dahlan, Nuraina Anisa; Pushpamalar, Janarthanan

2018-06-01

Ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanowires were synthesised using a hydrothermal method with different volumes of ethylene glycol (EG) and annealing temperatures. It shows that sodium titanate nanowires synthesised using 5 and 10 ml EG, which annealed at 400°C produced TiO 2 nanowires that correspond to a photochemically active phase, which is anatase. The influences of annealing temperatures (400-600°C) on the morphological arrangement of TiO 2 nanowires were evident in the field emission scanning electron microscopy. The annealing temperature of 500°C led to agglomeration, which formed a mixture of TiO 2 nanoparticles and nanowires. High thermal stability of TiO 2 nanowires revealed by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum showed the presence of the Ti-O-Ti vibrations as evidenced due to TiO 2 lattices. An antibacterial study using TiO 2 nanowires toward Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed large zones of inhibition that indicated susceptibility of the microbe toward TiO 2 . Growth kinetic analysis shows that addition of TiO 2 has reduced optical density (OD) suggesting an inhibition of the growth of bacteria. These results indicate TiO 2 nanowires can be effectively used as an antimicrobial agent against gram-bacteria. The TiO 2 nanowires could be exploited in the medical, packaging and detergent formulation industries and wastewater treatment.

Designed synthesis and stacking architecture of solid and mesoporous TiO(2) nanoparticles for enhancing the light-harvesting efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Ahn, Ji Young; Moon, Kook Joo; Kim, Ji Hoon; Lee, Sang Hyun; Kang, Jae Wook; Lee, Hyung Woo; Kim, Soo Hyung

2014-01-22

We fabricated solid and mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with relatively large primary sizes of approximately 200 nm via inorganic templates for aero-sol-gel and subsequent aqueous-washing processes. The amount of dye molecules adsorbed by the internal pores in the mesoporous TiO2 NPs was increased by creating the nanopores within the solid TiO2 NPs. Simultaneously, the light-scattering effect of the mesoporous TiO2 NPs fabricated by this approach was secured by maintaining their spherical shape and relatively large average size. By precisely accumulating the fabricated solid or mesoporous 200 nm diameter TiO2 NPs on top of a conventional 25 nm diameter TiO2 NP-based underlayer, we could systematically examine the effect of the solid and mesoporous TiO2 NPs on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Consequently, the stacking architecture of the mesoporous TiO2 NP-based overlayer, which functioned as both a light-scattering and dye-supporting medium, on top of a conventional solid TiO2 NP-based underlayer in a DSSC photoelectrode (i.e., double-layer structures) was found to be very promising for significantly improving the photovoltaic properties of conventional solid TiO2 NP single-layer-based DSSCs.

Study of concentration-dependent cobalt ion doping of TiO2 and TiO(2-x)Nx at the nanoscale.

PubMed

Gole, James L; Prokes, Sharka M; Glembocki, O J; Wang, Junwei; Qiu, Xiaofeng; Burda, Clemens

2010-07-01

Experiments with a porous sol-gel generated TiO(2) nanocolloid and its corresponding oxynitride TiO(2-x)N(x) are carried out to evaluate those transformations which accompany additional doping with transition metals. In this study, doping with cobalt (Co(ii)) ions is evaluated using a combination of core level and VB-photoelectron and optical spectroscopy, complementing data obtained from Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy suggests that cobalt doping of porous sol-gel generated anatase TiO(2) and nitridated TiO(2-x)N(x) introduces a spinel-like structure into the TiO(2) and TiO(2-x)N(x) lattices. TEM and XPS data complemented by valence band-photoelectron spectra demonstrate that metallic cobalt clusters are not formed even at high doping levels. As evidenced by Raman spectroscopy, the creation of a spinel-like structure is commensurate with the room temperature conversion of the oxide and its oxynitride from the anatase to the rutile form. The onset of this kinetically driven process correlates with the formation of spinel sites within the TiO(2) and TiO(2-x)N(x) particles. Despite their visible light absorption, the photocatalytic activity of these cobalt seeded systems is diminished relative to the oxynitride TiO(2-x)N(x).

Fast detection and low power hydrogen sensor using edge-oriented vertically aligned 3-D network of MoS2 flakes at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, A. V.; Kumar, R.; Venkatesan, S.; Zakhidov, A.; Zhu, Z.; Bao, Jiming; Kumar, Mahesh; Kumar, Mukesh

2017-08-01

The increased usage of hydrogen as a next generation clean fuel strongly demands the parallel development of room temperature and low power hydrogen sensors for their safety operation. In this work, we report strong evidence for preferential hydrogen adsorption at edge-sites in an edge oriented vertically aligned 3-D network of MoS2 flakes at room temperature. The vertically aligned edge-oriented MoS2 flakes were synthesised by a modified CVD process on a SiO2/Si substrate and confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and PL spectroscopy reveal the signature of few-layer MoS2 flakes in the sample. The sensor's performance was tested from room temperature to 150 °C for 1% hydrogen concentration. The device shows a fast response of 14.3 s even at room temperature. The sensitivity of the device strongly depends on temperature and increases from ˜1% to ˜11% as temperature increases. A detail hydrogen sensing mechanism was proposed based on the preferential hydrogen adsorption at MoS2 edge sites. The proposed gas sensing mechanism was verified by depositing ˜2-3 nm of ZnO on top of the MoS2 flakes that partially passivated the edge sites. We found a decrease in the relative response of MoS2-ZnO hybrid structures. This study provides a strong experimental evidence for the role of MoS2 edge-sites in the fast hydrogen sensing and a step closer towards room temperature, low power (0.3 mW), hydrogen sensor development.

Interactions of ciprofloxacin (CIP), titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and natural organic matter (NOM) in aqueous suspensions.

PubMed

Fries, Elke; Crouzet, Catherine; Michel, Caroline; Togola, Anne

2016-09-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate interactions of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) and natural organic matter (NOM) in aqueous suspensions. The mean hydrodynamic diameter of particles of TiO2 NP and NOM in the suspensions ranged from 113 to 255nm. During batch experiments the radioactivity resulting from (14)CIP was determined in the filtrate (filter pore size 100nm) by scintillation measurements. Up to 72h, no significant sorption of NOM to TiO2 NP was observed at a TiO2 NP concentration of 5mg/L. When the concentration of TiO2 NP was increased to 500mg/L, a small amount of NOM of 9.5%±0.6% was sorbed at 72h. The low sorption affinity of NOM on TiO2 NP surfaces could be explained by the negative charge of both components in alkaline media or by the low hydrophobicity of the NOM contents. At a TiO2 NP concentration of 5mgL(-1), the sorption of CIP on TiO2 NP was insignificant (TiO2 NP/CIP ratio: 10). When the TiO2 NP/CIP ratio was increased to 1000, a significant amount of 53.6%±7.2% of CIP was sorbed on TiO2 NP under equilibrium conditions at 64h. In alkaline media, CIP is present mainly as zwitterions which have an affinity to sorb on negatively charged TiO2 NP surfaces. The sorption of CIP on TiO2 NP in the range of TiO2 NP concentrations currently estimated for municipal wastewater treatment plants is estimated to be rather low. The Freundlich sorption coefficients (KF) in the presence of NOM of 2167L(n)mgmg(-n)kg(-1) was about 10 times lower than in the absence of NOM. This is an indication that the particle fraction of NOM<100nm could play a role as a carrier for ionic organic micro-pollutants as CIP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

First-principles atomistic Wulff constructions for an equilibrium rutile TiO2 shape modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Fengzhou; Yang, Lei; Zhou, Dali; He, Gang; Zhou, Jiabei; Wang, Fanhou; Chen, Zhi-Gang

2018-04-01

Identifying the exposed surfaces of rutile TiO2 crystal is crucial for its industry application and surface engineering. In this study, the shape of the rutile TiO2 was constructed by applying equilibrium thermodynamics of TiO2 crystals via first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and Wulff principles. From the DFT calculations, the surface energies of six low-index stoichiometric facets of TiO2 are determined after the calibrations of crystal structure. And then, combined surface energy calculations and Wulff principles, a geometric model of equilibrium rutile TiO2 is built up, which is coherent with the typical morphology of fully-developed equilibrium TiO2 crystal. This study provides fundamental theoretical guidance for the surface analysis and surface modification of the rutile TiO2-based materials from experimental research to industry manufacturing.

Synthesis of TiO2-CNT hybrid nanocatalyst and its application in direct oxidation of H2S to S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daraee, Maryam; Baniadam, Majid; Rashidi, Alimorad; Maghrebi, Morteza

2018-07-01

In this study, a TiO2-CNT hybrid catalyst has been synthesized and its catalytic activity in the oxidation of H2S to S has been investigated and compared with those of TiO2 nanoparticles and pyrolyzed TiO2-CNT hybrid (P-TiO2-CNT). The optimum catalyst amount was determined using central composite design (CCD) method. Catalysts were characterized by various analytical techniques. The H2S conversion, sulfur selectivity and yield at the optimal temperature of 200 °C and O2/H2S ratio of 0.5 were 98.3, 99.5 and 97%, respectively. TiO2-CNT16% catalyst has a higher surface area than TiO2 nanoparticles and P-TiO2-CNT. In addition, the former catalyst gives a high conversion of H2S and sulfur selectivity at 200 °C and O2/H2S ratio of 0.5 compared with the latter two catalysts. The superior conversion (over 10%) of TiO2-CNT16% hybrid compared to TiO2 nanoparticles can be attributed to the synergistic effects of TiO2 and CNT, the reduced band gap of TiO2-CNT16% hybrid and high specific surface area of the catalyst.

Large perceptual distortions of locomotor action space occur in ground-based coordinates: Angular expansion and the large-scale horizontal-vertical illusion.

PubMed

Klein, Brennan J; Li, Zhi; Durgin, Frank H

2016-04-01

What is the natural reference frame for seeing large-scale spatial scenes in locomotor action space? Prior studies indicate an asymmetric angular expansion in perceived direction in large-scale environments: Angular elevation relative to the horizon is perceptually exaggerated by a factor of 1.5, whereas azimuthal direction is exaggerated by a factor of about 1.25. Here participants made angular and spatial judgments when upright or on their sides to dissociate egocentric from allocentric reference frames. In Experiment 1, it was found that body orientation did not affect the magnitude of the up-down exaggeration of direction, suggesting that the relevant orientation reference frame for this directional bias is allocentric rather than egocentric. In Experiment 2, the comparison of large-scale horizontal and vertical extents was somewhat affected by viewer orientation, but only to the extent necessitated by the classic (5%) horizontal-vertical illusion (HVI) that is known to be retinotopic. Large-scale vertical extents continued to appear much larger than horizontal ground extents when observers lay sideways. When the visual world was reoriented in Experiment 3, the bias remained tied to the ground-based allocentric reference frame. The allocentric HVI is quantitatively consistent with differential angular exaggerations previously measured for elevation and azimuth in locomotor space. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Large perceptual distortions of locomotor action space occur in ground-based coordinates: Angular expansion and the large-scale horizontal-vertical illusion

PubMed Central

Klein, Brennan J.; Li, Zhi; Durgin, Frank H.

2015-01-01

What is the natural reference frame for seeing large-scale spatial scenes in locomotor action space? Prior studies indicate an asymmetric angular expansion in perceived direction in large-scale environments: Angular elevation relative to the horizon is perceptually exaggerated by a factor of 1.5, whereas azimuthal direction is exaggerated by a factor of about 1.25. Here participants made angular and spatial judgments when upright or on their sides in order to dissociate egocentric from allocentric reference frames. In Experiment 1 it was found that body orientation did not affect the magnitude of the up-down exaggeration of direction, suggesting that the relevant orientation reference frame for this directional bias is allocentric rather than egocentric. In Experiment 2, the comparison of large-scale horizontal and vertical extents was somewhat affected by viewer orientation, but only to the extent necessitated by the classic (5%) horizontal-vertical illusion (HVI) that is known to be retinotopic. Large-scale vertical extents continued to appear much larger than horizontal ground extents when observers lay sideways. When the visual world was reoriented in Experiment 3, the bias remained tied to the ground-based allocentric reference frame. The allocentric HVI is quantitatively consistent with differential angular exaggerations previously measured for elevation and azimuth in locomotor space. PMID:26594884

Titanium Dioxide Particle Type and Concentration Influence the Inflammatory Response in Caco-2 Cells

PubMed Central

Tada-Oikawa, Saeko; Ichihara, Gaku; Fukatsu, Hitomi; Shimanuki, Yuka; Tanaka, Natsuki; Watanabe, Eri; Suzuki, Yuka; Murakami, Masahiko; Izuoka, Kiyora; Chang, Jie; Wu, Wenting; Yamada, Yoshiji; Ichihara, Sahoko

2016-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used in cosmetics, sunscreens, biomedicine, and food products. When used as a food additive, TiO2 nanoparticles are used in significant amounts as white food-coloring agents. However, the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on the gastrointestinal tract remain unclear. The present study was designed to determine the effects of five TiO2 particles of different crystal structures and sizes in human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. Twenty-four-hour exposure to anatase (primary particle size: 50 and 100 nm) and rutile (50 nm) TiO2 particles reduced cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner in THP-1 macrophages, but in not Caco-2 cells. However, 72-h exposure of Caco-2 cells to anatase (50 nm) TiO2 particles reduced cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose (50 µg/mL) of anatase (100 nm), rutile (50 nm), and P25 TiO2 particles also reduced cellular viability in Caco-2 cells. The production of reactive oxygen species tended to increase in both types of cells, irrespective of the type of TiO2 particle. Exposure of THP-1 macrophages to 50 µg/mL of anatase (50 nm) TiO2 particles increased interleukin (IL)-1β expression level, and exposure of Caco-2 cells to 50 µg/mL of anatase (50 nm) TiO2 particles also increased IL-8 expression. The results indicated that anatase TiO2 nanoparticles induced inflammatory responses compared with other TiO2 particles. Further studies are required to determine the in vivo relevance of these findings to avoid the hazards of ingested particles. PMID:27092499

Cd2+ Toxicity to a Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as Influenced by Its Adsorption on TiO2 Engineered Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Yang, Wei-Wan; Miao, Ai-Jun; Yang, Liu-Yan

2012-01-01

In the present study, Cd2+ adsorption on polyacrylate-coated TiO2 engineered nanoparticles (TiO2-ENs) and its effect on the bioavailability as well as toxicity of Cd2+ to a green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were investigated. TiO2-ENs could be well dispersed in the experimental medium and their pHpzc is approximately 2. There was a quick adsorption of Cd2+ on TiO2-ENs and a steady state was reached within 30 min. A pseudo-first order kinetics was found for the time-related changes in the amount of Cd2+ complexed with TiO2-ENs. At equilibrium, Cd2+ adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm with the maximum binding capacity 31.9, 177.1, and 242.2 mg/g when the TiO2-EN concentration was 1, 10, and 100 mg/l, respectively. On the other hand, Cd2+ toxicity was alleviated in the presence of TiO2-ENs. Algal growth was less suppressed in treatments with comparable total Cd2+ concentration but more TiO2-ENs. However, such toxicity difference disappeared and all the data points could be fitted to a single Logistic dose-response curve when cell growth inhibition was plotted against the free Cd2+ concentration. No detectable amount of TiO2-ENs was found to be associated with the algal cells. Therefore, TiO2-ENs could reduce the free Cd2+ concentration in the toxicity media, which further lowered its bioavailability and toxicity to C. reinhardtii. PMID:22403644

First-Principles Modeling of Polaron Formation in TiO2 Polymorphs.

PubMed

Elmaslmane, A R; Watkins, M B; McKenna, K P

2018-06-21

We present a computationally efficient and predictive methodology for modeling the formation and properties of electron and hole polarons in solids. Through a nonempirical and self-consistent optimization of the fraction of Hartree-Fock exchange (α) in a hybrid functional, we ensure the generalized Koopmans' condition is satisfied and self-interaction error is minimized. The approach is applied to model polaron formation in known stable and metastable phases of TiO 2 including anatase, rutile, brookite, TiO 2 (H), TiO 2 (R), and TiO 2 (B). Electron polarons are predicted to form in rutile, TiO 2 (H), and TiO 2 (R) (with trapping energies ranging from -0.02 eV to -0.35 eV). In rutile the electron localizes on a single Ti ion, whereas in TiO 2 (H) and TiO 2 (R) the electron is distributed across two neighboring Ti sites. Hole polarons are predicted to form in anatase, brookite, TiO 2 (H), TiO 2 (R), and TiO 2 (B) (with trapping energies ranging from -0.16 eV to -0.52 eV). In anatase, brookite, and TiO 2 (B) holes localize on a single O ion, whereas in TiO 2 (H) and TiO 2 (R) holes can also be distributed across two O sites. We find that the optimized α has a degree of transferability across the phases, with α = 0.115 describing all phases well. We also note the approach yields accurate band gaps, with anatase, rutile, and brookite within six percent of experimental values. We conclude our study with a comparison of the alignment of polaron charge transition levels across the different phases. Since the approach we describe is only two to three times more expensive than a standard density functional theory calculation, it is ideally suited to model charge trapping at complex defects (such as surfaces and interfaces) in a range of materials relevant for technological applications but previously inaccessible to predictive modeling.

Effect of outboard vertical-fin position and orientation on the low-speed aerodynamic performance of highly swept wings. [supersonic cruise aircraft research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, V. S.; Coe, P. L., Jr.

1979-01-01

A theoretical study was conducted to determine the potential low-speed performance improvements which can be achieved by altering the position and orientation of the outboard vertical fins of low-aspect-ratio highly swept wings. Results show that the magnitude of the performance improvements is solely a function of the span-load distribution. Both the vertical-fin-chordwise position and toe angle provided effective means for adjusting the overall span-load distribution.

A Facile Method for Loading CeO2 Nanoparticles on Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays.

PubMed

Liao, Yulong; Yuan, Botao; Zhang, Dainan; Wang, Xiaoyi; Li, Yuanxun; Wen, Qiye; Zhang, Huaiwu; Zhong, Zhiyong

2018-04-03

In this paper, a facile method was proposed to load CeO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) on anodic TiO 2 nanotube (NT) arrays, which leads to a formation of CeO 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions. Highly ordered anatase phase TiO 2 NT arrays were fabricated by using anodic oxidation method, then these individual TiO 2 NTs were used as tiny "nano-containers" to load a small amount of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 solutions. The loaded anodic TiO 2 NTs were baked and heated to a high temperature of 450 °C, under which the Ce(NO 3 ) 3 would be thermally decomposed inside those nano-containers. After the thermal decomposition of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 , cubic crystal CeO 2 NPs were obtained and successfully loaded into the anodic TiO 2 NT arrays. The prepared CeO 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction structures were characterized by a variety of analytical technologies, including XRD, SEM, and Raman spectra. This study provides a facile approach to prepare CeO 2 /TiO 2 films, which could be very useful for environmental and energy-related areas.

Remediation of 17-α-ethinylestradiol aqueous solution by photocatalysis and electrochemically-assisted photocatalysis using TiO2 and TiO2/WO3 electrodes irradiated by a solar simulator.

PubMed

Oliveira, Haroldo G; Ferreira, Leticia H; Bertazzoli, Rodnei; Longo, Claudia

2015-04-01

TiO2 and TiO2/WO3 electrodes, irradiated by a solar simulator in configurations for heterogeneous photocatalysis (HP) and electrochemically-assisted HP (EHP), were used to remediate aqueous solutions containing 10 mg L(-1) (34 μmol L(-1)) of 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), active component of most oral contraceptives. The photocatalysts consisted of 4.5 μm thick porous films of TiO2 and TiO2/WO3 (molar ratio W/Ti of 12%) deposited on transparent electrodes from aqueous suspensions of TiO2 particles and WO3 precursors, followed by thermal treatment at 450 (°)C. First, an energy diagram was organized with photoelectrochemical and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy data and revealed that EE2 could be directly oxidized by the photogenerated holes at the semiconductor surfaces, considering the relative HOMO level for EE2 and the semiconductor valence band edges. Also, for the irradiated hybrid photocatalyst, electrons in TiO2 should be transferred to WO3 conduction band, while holes move toward TiO2 valence band, improving charge separation. The remediated EE2 solutions were analyzed by fluorescence, HPLC and total organic carbon measurements. As expected from the energy diagram, both photocatalysts promoted the EE2 oxidation in HP configuration; after 4 h, the EE2 concentration decayed to 6.2 mg L(-1) (35% of EE2 removal) with irradiated TiO2 while TiO2/WO3 electrode resulted in 45% EE2 removal. A higher performance was achieved in EHP systems, when a Pt wire was introduced as a counter-electrode and the photoelectrodes were biased at +0.7 V; then, the EE2 removal corresponded to 48 and 54% for the TiO2 and TiO2/WO3, respectively. The hybrid TiO2/WO3, when compared to TiO2 electrode, exhibited enhanced sunlight harvesting and improved separation of photogenerated charge carriers, resulting in higher performance for removing this contaminant of emerging concern from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles isolated from confectionery products on the metabolic stress pathway in human lung fibroblast cells.

PubMed

Periasamy, Vaiyapuri Subbarayan; Athinarayanan, Jegan; Al-Hadi, Ahmed M; Juhaimi, Fahad Al; Alshatwi, Ali A

2015-04-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common additive in many foods, pigments, personal care products, and other consumer products used in daily life. Despite the widespread use of nanoscale TiO2 and composites of nanoscale TiO2 in the food industry, there is a serious lack of awareness of the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) among consumers and manufacturers. There is an urgent need for toxicological studies of TiO2 NPs. TiO2 food additives separated from marketed foods were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the effects of TiO2 NPs on metabolic stress in WI-38 cells were analyzed. Cell viability, total ROS, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔψM), cell cycle, and metabolism-related gene expression were analyzed. The results indicate that TiO2 NPs have a significant concentration-dependent toxic effect in lung cells. The ΔψM, the intracellular ROS level, and the stages of the WI-38 cell cycle were altered by increasing TiO2 concentrations after exposure for 24 and 48 h relative to the control. Cytochrome P450 1A, GSTM3, and glutathione S-transferase A4 upregulation in response to the TiO2 NPs was observed. These findings suggest that the toxicity of TiO2 from confectionery products in WI-38 cells may be mediated through an increase in oxidative stress. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the nanotoxicological effects of TiO2 on WI-38 cells and will be useful for nanotoxicological indexing.

Hydrophilic TiO2 porous spheres anchored on hydrophobic polypropylene membrane for wettability induced high photodegrading activities.

PubMed

Niu, Fang; Zhang, Le-Sheng; Chen, Chao-Qiu; Li, Wei; Li, Lin; Song, Wei-Guo; Jiang, Lei

2010-08-01

TiO(2) porous nanospheres on polypropylene (PP) films (TiO(2)/PP composite) are produced at ambient temperature. Particle/pore size match up is the key anchoring point to overcome the low affinity between hydrophilic materials and hydrophobic materials. With the hydrophilic TiO(2) catalyst evenly dispersed on a hydrophobic surface, the aqueous solution will selectively skip the substrate and wet the catalysts. Such a wettability-induced smart system maximizes the degrading activity of the TiO(2) catalyst. In photodegrading reactions, the resulting TiO(2)/PP composite film exhibits a 10 times higher activity in flow-type setup than the same TiO(2) catalyst in a traditional batch-type setup.

Improving surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties of TiO(2) nanoparticles by metal Co doping.

PubMed

Yang, Libin; Qin, Xiaoyu; Gong, Mengdi; Jiang, Xin; Yang, Ming; Li, Xiuling; Li, Guangzhi

2014-04-05

In this paper, pure and different amount Co ions doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-hydrothermal method and were served as SERS-active substrate. The effect of metal Co doping on SERS properties of TiO2 nanoparticles was mostly investigated. The results indicate that abundant metal doping energy levels can be formed in the energy gap of TiO2 by an appropriate amount Co ions doping, which can promote the charge transfer from TiO2 to molecule, and subsequently enhance SERS signal of adsorbed molecule on TiO2 substrate, and improve remarkably SERS properties of TiO2 nanoparticles. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High surface area TiO2/SBA-15 nanocomposites: Synthesis, microstructure and adsorption-enhanced photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, J. Q.; Chen, X. J.; Wang, P. F.; Han, Y. B.; Xu, J. C.; Hong, B.; Jin, H. X.; Jin, D. F.; Peng, X. L.; Li, J.; Yang, Y. T.; Ge, H. L.; Wang, X. Q.

2018-06-01

Mesoporous SBA-15 was used to anchor TiO2 nanoparticles into the mesopores to form high surface area TiO2/SBA-15 nanocomposites, and then the influence of mesoporous-structure on the photocatalytic performance was investigated. TiO2/SBA-15 nanocomposites possessed the high specific surface area and appropriate pore size, indicating the excellent adsorption performance. TiO2/SBA-15 nanocomposites exhibited the higher photocatalytic activity to degrade dyes (methylene blue: MB) than TiO2 (removing SBA-15), which should attributed to the excellent adsorption performance of the nanocomposites. MB was absorbed to form the higher concentration near TiO2/SBA-15 photocatalysts, and the photocatalytic degradation for MB was improved.

Modeling Conformal Growth in Photonic Crystals and Comparing to Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brzezinski, Andrew; Chen, Ying-Chieh; Wiltzius, Pierre; Braun, Paul

2008-03-01

Conformal growth, e.g. atomic layer deposition (ALD), of materials such as silicon and TiO2 on three dimensional (3D) templates is important for making photonic crystals. However, reliable calculations of optical properties as a function of the conformal growth, such as the optical band structure, are hampered by difficultly in accurately assessing a deposited material's spatial distribution. A widely used approximation ignores ``pinch off'' of precursor gas and assumes complete template infilling. Another approximation results in non-uniform growth velocity by employing iso-intensity surfaces of the 3D interference pattern used to create the template. We have developed an accurate model of conformal growth in arbitrary 3D periodic structures, allowing for arbitrary surface orientation. Results are compared with the above approximations and with experimentally fabricated photonic crystals. We use an SU8 polymer template created by 4-beam interference lithography, onto which various amounts of TiO2 are grown by ALD. Characterization is performed by analysis of cross-sectional scanning electron micrographs and by solid angle resolved optical spectroscopy.

The effect of humic acid on the aggregation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles under different pH and ionic strengths.

PubMed

Zhu, Miao; Wang, Hongtao; Keller, Arturo A; Wang, Tao; Li, Fengting

2014-07-15

With the increasingly widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), the particles' environmental impacts have attracted concern, making it necessary to understand the fate and transport of TiO2 NPs in aqueous media. In this study, we investigated TiO2 NP aggregation caused by the effects of humic acid (HA), ionic strength (IS) and different pH using dynamic light scattering (DLS) to monitor the size distribution of the TiO2 NPs continuously. It was determined that HA can influence the stability of TiO2 NPs through charge neutralization, steric hindrance and bridging effects. In the absence of IS, aggregation was promoted by adding HA only when the pH (pH=4) is less than the point of zero charge for the TiO2 NPs (pHPZC≈6) because HA reduces the zeta potential of the TiO2 NPs via charge neutralization. At pH=4 and when the concentration of HA is 94.5 μg/L, the zeta potential of TiO2 NPs is close to zero, and they reach an aggregation maximum. A higher concentration of HA results in more negatively charged TiO2 NP surfaces, which hinder their aggregation. When the pH is 5.8, HA enhances the negative zeta potential of the TiO2 NPs and increases their stability via electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance. When the pH (pH=8) is greater than pHpzc, the zeta potential of the TiO2 NPs is high (~40 mV), and it barely changes with increasing HA concentration. Thus, the TiO2 NPs are notably stable, and their size does not grow at pH8. The increase in the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of TiO2 NPs indicated that there is steric hindrance after the addition of HA. HA can enhance the coagulation of TiO2 NPs, primarily due to bridging effect. These findings are useful in understanding the size change of TiO2 NPs, as well as the removal of TiO2 NPs and HA from aqueous media. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and antibacterial property of in situ TiO(2) nanotube layers/titanium biocomposites.

PubMed

Cui, C X; Gao, X; Qi, Y M; Liu, S J; Sun, J B

2012-04-01

The TiO(2) nanotube layer was in situ synthesized on the surface of pure titanium by the electrochemical anodic oxidation. The diameter of nano- TiO(2) nanotubes was about 70~100 nm. The surface morphology and phase compositions of TiO(2) nanotube layers were observed and analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The important processing parameters, including anodizing voltage, reaction time, concentration of electrolyte, were optimized in more detail. The photocatalytic activity of the nano- TiO(2) nanotube layers prepared with optimal conditions was evaluated via the photodegradation of methylthionine in aqueous solution. The antibacterial property of TiO(2) nanotube layers prepared with optimal conditions was evaluated by inoculating Streptococcus mutans on the TiO(2) nanotube layers in vitro. The results showed that TiO(2) nanotube layers/Ti biocomposites had very good antibacterial activity to resist Streptococcus mutans. As a dental implant biomaterial, in situ TiO(2) nanotube layer/Ti biocomposite has better and wider application prospects. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Thin Film for Sensor Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latha, H. K. E.; Lalithamba, H. S.

2018-03-01

Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (metal oxide semiconductor) are successfully synthesized using hydrothermal method for sensor application. Titanium dioxide and Sodium hydroxide are used as precursors. These reactants are mixed and calcinated at 400 °C to produce TiO2 nanoparticles. The crystalline structure, morphology of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles are studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results revealed that the prepared TiO2 sample is highly crystalline, having Anatase crystal structure. FT-IR spectra peak at 475 cm‑1 indicated characteristic absorption bands of TiO2 nanoparticles. The XRD and FTIR result confirmed the formation of high purity of TiO2 nanoparticles. The SEM image shows that TiO2 nanoparticles prepared in this study are spherical in shape. Synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on glass substrate at room temperature using E beam evaporation method to determine gauge factor and found to be 4.7. The deposited TiO2 thin films offer tremendous potential in the applications of electronic and magneto–electric devices.

Visible-Light-Induced Bactericidal Activity of a Nitrogen-Doped Titanium Photocatalyst against Human Pathogens

PubMed Central

Wong, Ming-Show; Chu, Wen-Chen; Sun, Der-Shan; Huang, Hsuan-Shun; Chen, Jiann-Hwa; Tsai, Pei-Jane; Lin, Nien-Tsung; Yu, Mei-Shiuan; Hsu, Shang-Feng; Wang, Shih-Lien; Chang, Hsin-Hou

2006-01-01

The antibacterial activity of photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) substrates is induced primarily by UV light irradiation. Recently, nitrogen- and carbon-doped TiO2 substrates were shown to exhibit photocatalytic activities under visible-light illumination. Their antibacterial activity, however, remains to be quantified. In this study, we demonstrated that nitrogen-doped TiO2 substrates have superior visible-light-induced bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli compared to pure TiO2 and carbon-doped TiO2 substrates. We also found that protein- and light-absorbing contaminants partially reduce the bactericidal activity of nitrogen-doped TiO2 substrates due to their light-shielding effects. In the pathogen-killing experiment, a significantly higher proportion of all tested pathogens, including Shigella flexneri, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were killed by visible-light-illuminated nitrogen-doped TiO2 substrates than by pure TiO2 substrates. These findings suggest that nitrogen-doped TiO2 has potential application in the development of alternative disinfectants for environmental and medical usages. PMID:16957236

Influences of TiO2 phase structures on the structures and photocatalytic hydrogen production of CuOx/TiO2 photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuanxu; Wang, Zhonglei; Huang, Weixin

2016-12-01

CuOx/TiO2 photocatalysts employing TiO2 with different phase structures as well as P25 as supports were prepared, and their structures and activity for photocatalytic H2 production in methanol/water solution under simulated solar light were comparatively studied. Structural characterization results demonstrated that the TiO2 phase structure strongly affects the CuOx-TiO2 interaction and copper species in various CuOx/TiO2 photocatalysts. The Cu2O-rutile TiO2 interaction is much stronger than the Cu2O-anatase TiO2 interaction, facilitates the interfacial charge transfer process within the Cu2O-rutile TiO2 heterojunction but disables supported Cu2O to catalyze the hole-participated methanol oxidation. The Cu2O-anatase TiO2 heterojunction with the appropriate Cu2O-anatase TiO2 interaction and thus the balancing efficiencies between the interfacial charge transfer process and hole-participated methanol oxidation is most photocatalytic active, and CuOx/P25 with the largest population of Cu2O-anatase TiO2 heterojunction exhibits the highest photocatalytic H2 production. These results provide novel insights in the applied surface science of CuOx/TiO2 photocatalysts.

Defective TiO2 with oxygen vacancies: synthesis, properties and photocatalytic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Xiaoyang; Yang, Min-Quan; Fu, Xianzhi; Zhang, Nan; Xu, Yi-Jun

2013-04-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2), as an important semiconductor metal oxide, has been widely investigated in the field of photocatalysis. The properties of TiO2, including its light absorption, charge transport and surface adsorption, are closely related to its defect disorder, which in turn plays a significant role in the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. Among all the defects identified in TiO2, oxygen vacancy is one of the most important and is supposed to be the prevalent defect in many metal oxides, which has been widely investigated both by theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations. Here, we give a short review on the existing strategies for the synthesis of defective TiO2 with oxygen vacancies, and the defect related properties of TiO2 including structural, electronic, optical, dissociative adsorption and reductive properties, which are intimately related to the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. In particular, photocatalytic applications with regard to defective TiO2 are outlined. In addition, we offer some perspectives on the challenge and new direction for future research in this field. We hope that this tutorial minireview would provide some useful contribution to the future design and fabrication of defective semiconductor-based nanomaterials for diverse photocatalytic applications.Titanium dioxide (TiO2), as an important semiconductor metal oxide, has been widely investigated in the field of photocatalysis. The properties of TiO2, including its light absorption, charge transport and surface adsorption, are closely related to its defect disorder, which in turn plays a significant role in the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. Among all the defects identified in TiO2, oxygen vacancy is one of the most important and is supposed to be the prevalent defect in many metal oxides, which has been widely investigated both by theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations. Here, we give a short review on the existing strategies for the synthesis of defective TiO2 with oxygen vacancies, and the defect related properties of TiO2 including structural, electronic, optical, dissociative adsorption and reductive properties, which are intimately related to the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. In particular, photocatalytic applications with regard to defective TiO2 are outlined. In addition, we offer some perspectives on the challenge and new direction for future research in this field. We hope that this tutorial minireview would provide some useful contribution to the future design and fabrication of defective semiconductor-based nanomaterials for diverse photocatalytic applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00476g

Large-scale horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays with controlled orientation, periodic distribution as building blocks for chip-in piezo-phototronic LEDs.

PubMed

Guo, Zhen; Li, Haiwen; Zhou, Lianqun; Zhao, Dongxu; Wu, Yihui; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Wei; Li, Chuanyu; Yao, Jia

2015-01-27

A novel method of fabricating large-scale horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays with controlled orientation and periodic distribution via combing technology is introduced. Horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays with uniform orientation and periodic distribution can be realized based on the conventional bottom-up method prepared vertically aligned ZnO microrod matrix via the combing method. When the combing parameters are changed, the orientation of horizontally aligned ZnO microrod arrays can be adjusted (θ = 90° or 45°) in a plane and a misalignment angle of the microrods (0.3° to 2.3°) with low-growth density can be obtained. To explore the potential applications based on the vertically and horizontally aligned ZnO microrods on p-GaN layer, piezo-phototronic devices such as heterojunction LEDs are built. Electroluminescence (EL) emission patterns can be adjusted for the vertically and horizontally aligned ZnO microrods/p-GaN heterojunction LEDs by applying forward bias. Moreover, the emission color from UV-blue to yellow-green can be tuned by investigating the piezoelectric properties of the materials. The EL emission mechanisms of the LEDs are discussed in terms of band diagrams of the heterojunctions and carrier recombination processes. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Effects of Leaching Process to the TiO2 Synthesis from Bangka Ilmenite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Ramelan, A. H.; Pramono, E.; Argawan, P.; Djatisulistya, A.; Firdiyono, F.; Sulistiyono, E.; Sari, P. P.

2018-03-01

Ilmenite mineral is a naturally occurring iron titanate (FeTiO3) and is abundant in nature. The separation of components into TiO2 and Fe2O3 must be expand. The purpose of this research is to synthesis TiO2 nanoparticles from the filtrate of Bangka ilmenite leaching process. Leaching of ilmenite was done with H2SO4 and HCl at various concentrations. The formation of TiO2 crystal determined by hydrolysis conditions and condensation reaction. TiO2 synthesized from the filtrate of sulfuric acid leaching that produced from TiO2 anatase phase when hydrolyzed in an aquaregia solvent and low concentrations of HCl (0.1M). Hydrolysis conditions at higher concentrations of HCl (1M) was produced TiO2 anatase-rutile phase. The synthesis of TiO2 from the filtrate of hydrochloric acid leaching was produced anatase phase. While the condition under the alcoholic solvent (2-propanol: H2O (v/v) = 9: 1) anatase phase crystallites grow in the temperature range up to 550 °C, above this temperature, TiO2 transform into rutile phase.

Whiter, brighter, and more stable cellulose paper coated with TiO2 /SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles using a layer-by-layer approach.

PubMed

Cheng, Fei; Lorch, Mark; Sajedin, Seyed Mani; Kelly, Stephen M; Kornherr, Andreas

2013-08-01

To inhibit the photocatalytic degradation of organic material supports induced by small titania (TiO2 ) nanoparticles, four kinds of TiO2 nanoparticles, that is, commercial P25-TiO2 , commercial rutile phase TiO2 , rutile TiO2 nanorods and rutile TiO2 spheres, prepared from TiCl4 , were coated with a thin, but dense, coating of silica (SiO2 ) using a conventional sol-gel technique to form TiO2 /SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles. These core/shell particles were deposited and fixed as a very thin coating onto the surface of cellulose paper samples by a wet-chemistry polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer approach. The TiO2 /SiO2 nanocoated paper samples exhibit higher whiteness and brightness and greater stability to UV-bleaching than comparable samples of blank paper. There are many potential applications for this green chemistry approach to protect cellulosic fibres from UV-bleaching in sunlight and to improve their whiteness and brightness. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Control of spatial orientation of the angular vestibuloocular reflex by the nodulus and uvula.

PubMed

Wearne, S; Raphan, T; Cohen, B

1998-05-01

Spatial orientation of the angular vestibuloocular reflex (aVOR) was studied in rhesus monkeys after complete and partial ablation of the nodulus and ventral uvula. Horizontal, vertical, and torsional components of slow phases of nystagmus were analyzed to determine the axes of eye rotation, the time constants (Tcs) of velocity storage, and its orientation vectors. The gravito-inertial acceleration vector (GIA) was tilted relative to the head during optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN), centrifugation, and reorientation of the head during postrotatory nystagmus. When the GIA was tilted relative to the head in normal animals, horizontal Tcs decreased, vertical and/or roll time constants (Tc(vert/roll)) lengthened according to the orientation of the GIA, and vertical and/or roll eye velocity components appeared (cross-coupling). This shifted the axis of eye rotation toward alignment with the tilted GIA. Horizontal and vertical/roll Tcs varied inversely, with T(chor) being longest and T(cvert/roll) shortest when monkeys were upright, and the reverse when stimuli were around the vertical or roll axes. Vertical or roll Tcs were longest when the axes of eye rotation were aligned with the spatial vertical, respectively. After complete nodulo-uvulectomy, T(chor) became longer, and periodic alternating nystagmus (PAN) developed in darkness. T(chor) could not be shortened in any of paradigms tested. In addition, yaw-to-vertical/roll cross-coupling was lost, and the axes of eye rotation remained fixed during nystagmus, regardless of the tilt of the GIA with respect to the head. After central portions of the nodulus and uvula were ablated, leaving lateral portions of the nodulus intact, yaw-to-vertical/roll cross-coupling and control of Tc(vert/roll) was lost or greatly reduced. However, control of Tchor was maintained, and T(chor) continued to vary as a function of the tilted GIA. Despite this, the eye velocity vector remained aligned with the head during yaw axis stimulation after partial nodulo-uvulectomy, regardless of GIA orientation to the head. The data were related to a three-dimensional model of the aVOR, which simulated the experimental results. The model provides a basis for understanding how the nodulus and uvula control processing within the vestibular nuclei responsible for spatial orientation of the aVOR. We conclude that the three-dimensional dynamics of the velocity storage system are determined in the nodulus and ventral uvula. We propose that the horizontal and vertical/roll Tcs are separately controlled in the nodulus and uvula with the dynamic characteristics of vertical/roll components modulated in central portions and the horizontal components laterally, presumably in a semicircular canal-based coordinate frame.

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

PubMed

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

2018-04-01

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

Optimal levels of oxygen deficiency in the visible light photocatalyst TiO2-x and long-term stability of catalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Takuma; Ito, Ryosuke; Kogoshi, Sumio; Katayama, Noboru

2016-11-01

The dependence of the visible light-responsive photocatalytic activity of oxygen deficient TiO2 (TiO2-x) prepared by Ar/H2 plasma surface treatment on the degree of oxygen deficiency (x) was assessed to determine the deficiency region associated with highest performance. The highest activity was obtained at x=0.06 (TiO1.94). The maximum visible light activity for this material, estimated from the formaldehyde (HCHO) removal rate, was three times higher than that exhibited by nitrogen-doped TiO2 (TiO2-xNx). The catalytic ability was found to decrease over the first week after fabrication of the material, after which it became stable, and the performance of TiO2-x at this point was found to be nearly equal to that of TiO2-xNx. The results of ab initio calculations of density of states for TiO2-x suggest that new oxygen deficiency states emerge at almost the exact center between the valence and conduction bands when x>0.06, which increases the recombination rate between electrons and holes. Therefore the declining performance of TiO2-x at larger x values is attributed to the emergence of new oxygen deficient states.

Visual Search for Object Orientation Can Be Modulated by Canonical Orientation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballaz, Cecile; Boutsen, Luc; Peyrin, Carole; Humphreys, Glyn W.; Marendaz, Christian

2005-01-01

The authors studied the influence of canonical orientation on visual search for object orientation. Displays consisted of pictures of animals whose axis of elongation was either vertical or tilted in their canonical orientation. Target orientation could be either congruent or incongruent with the object's canonical orientation. In Experiment 1,…

Targeted sonodynamic therapy using protein-modified TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ninomiya, Kazuaki; Ogino, Chiaki; Oshima, Shuhei; Sonoke, Shiro; Kuroda, Shun-ichi; Shimizu, Nobuaki

2012-05-01

Our previous study suggested new sonodynamic therapy for cancer cells based on the delivery of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanoparticles (NPs) modified with a protein specifically recognizing target cells and subsequent generation of hydroxyl radicals from TiO(2) NPs activated by external ultrasound irradiation (called TiO(2)/US treatment). The present study first examined the uptake behavior of TiO(2) NPs modified with pre-S1/S2 (model protein-recognizing hepatocytes) by HepG2 cells for 24h. It took 6h for sufficient uptake of the TiO(2) NPs by the cells. Next, the effect of the TiO(2)/US treatment on HepG2 cell growth was examined for 96 h after the 1 MHz ultrasound was irradiated (0.1 W/cm(2), 30s) to the cells which incorporated the TiO(2) NPs. Apoptosis was observed at 6h after the TiO(2)/US treatment. Although no apparent cell-injury was observed until 24h after the treatment, the viable cell concentration had deteriorated to 46% of the control at 96 h. Finally, the TiO(2)/US treatment was applied to a mouse xenograft model. The pre-S1/S2-immobilized TiO(2) (0.1mg) was directly injected into tumors, followed by 1 MHz ultrasound irradiation at 1.0 W/cm(2) for 60s. As a result of the treatment repeated five times within 13 days, tumor growth could be hampered up to 28 days compared with the control conditions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vertical or horizontal orientation of foot radiographs does not affect image interpretation

PubMed Central

Ferran, Nicholas Antonio; Ball, Luke; Maffulli, Nicola

2012-01-01

Summary This study determined whether the orientation of dorsoplantar and oblique foot radiographs has an effect on radiograph interpretation. A test set of 50 consecutive foot radiographs were selected (25 with fractures, and 25 normal), and duplicated in the horizontal orientation. The images were randomly arranged, numbered 1 through 100, and analysed by six image interpreters. Vertical and horizontal area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each image interpreter. There was no significant difference in the area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity or specificity of image interpretation between images viewed in the vertical or horizontal orientation. While conventions for display of radiographs may help to improve the development of an efficient visual search strategy in trainees, and allow for standardisation of publication of radiographic images, variation from the convention in clinical practice does not appear to affect the sensitivity or specificity of image interpretation. PMID:23738310

The impact of orientation filtering on face-selective neurons in monkey inferior temporal cortex.

PubMed

Taubert, Jessica; Goffaux, Valerie; Van Belle, Goedele; Vanduffel, Wim; Vogels, Rufin

2016-02-16

Faces convey complex social signals to primates. These signals are tolerant of some image transformations (e.g. changes in size) but not others (e.g. picture-plane rotation). By filtering face stimuli for orientation content, studies of human behavior and brain responses have shown that face processing is tuned to selective orientation ranges. In the present study, for the first time, we recorded the responses of face-selective neurons in monkey inferior temporal (IT) cortex to intact and scrambled faces that were filtered to selectively preserve horizontal or vertical information. Guided by functional maps, we recorded neurons in the lateral middle patch (ML), the lateral anterior patch (AL), and an additional region located outside of the functionally defined face-patches (CONTROL). We found that neurons in ML preferred horizontal-passed faces over their vertical-passed counterparts. Neurons in AL, however, had a preference for vertical-passed faces, while neurons in CONTROL had no systematic preference. Importantly, orientation filtering did not modulate the firing rate of neurons to phase-scrambled face stimuli in any recording region. Together these results suggest that face-selective neurons found in the face-selective patches are differentially tuned to orientation content, with horizontal tuning in area ML and vertical tuning in area AL.

Adsorption properties and photocatalytic activity of TiO2/activated carbon fiber composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Shuhua; Song, Shuangping; Shi, Zhongliang

2014-06-01

Photocatalysts of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and TiO2/activated carbon fiber (TiO2/ACF) composite were prepared by sol-gel method, followed by calcining the pure TiO2 sols and the TiO2/ACF sols at 500°C for 2 h in a N2 atmosphere, respectively. These photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms measurement. Batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption property of TiO2/ACF composite using methylene blue as adsorbate. The adsorption data obtained from different batch experiments were analyzed using pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the experimental data can be adequately described by the pseudo-second-order equation. The photodecomposition behavior of TiO2/ACF was investigated in aqueous solution using methylene blue as target pollutant. It was found that methylene blue could be removed rapidly from water by TiO2/ACF, the photocatalytic decomposition was obviously improved when the photocatalyst was used. Kinetics analysis revealed that the photocatalytic decomposition reaction can be described well by a first-order rate equation.

Effects of the interaction between TiO2 with different percentages of exposed {001} facets and Cu2+ on biotoxicity in Daphnia magna

PubMed Central

Liu, Lingling; Fan, Wenhong; Lu, Huiting; Xiao, Wei

2015-01-01

Anatase TiO2 nanosheets (NSs) with exposed {001} facets have been widely used because of their high activity and particular surface atomic configuration. However, investigations on their biotoxicity are rare. In this study, bioaccumulation of five different TiO2 (with 10%, 61%, 71%, 74% and 78% exposed {001} facets), as well as copper and enzyme activities in Daphnia magna, are systematically investigated and rationalized. The results indicated that the addition of Cu2+ enhanced agglomeration–sedimentation of TiO2, resulting in the reduction of TiO2 bioaccumulation by 10% to 26%. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) increased copper bioaccumulation by 9.8%, whereas the other four TiO2 nanosheets (NSs) decreased it by 43% to 53%, which depended on TiO2 variant adsorption and free Cu2+ concentrations in the supernatant. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and Na+/K+-ATPase activities suggested that oxidative stress, instead of membrane damage, was the main toxicity in D. magna. Meanwhile, the SOD enzyme activities increased with decreasing Cu accumulation and increasing Ti accumulation because of the different functions of Cu and Ti in organisms. This research highlighted the important role of the percentage of exposed {001} facets in nanostructured TiO2 on bioaccumulation and biotoxicity of TiO2 and Cu2+ in Daphnia magna. PMID:26242603

Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of the CO2 chemisorption mechanism on Na2TiO3: Experimental and theoretical evidences

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

Duan, Yuhua

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT: Sodium metatitanate (Na2TiO3) was successfully synthesized via a solid-state reaction. The Na2TiO3 structure and microstructure were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption. Then, the CO2 chemisorption mechanism on Na2TiO3 was systematically analyzed to determine the influence of temperature. The CO2 chemisorption capacity of Na2TiO3 was evaluated both dynamically and isothermally, and the products were reanalyzed to elucidate the Na2TiO3-CO2 reaction mechanism. Different chemical species (Na2CO3, Na2O, and Na4Ti5O12 or Na16Ti10O28) were identified during the CO2 capture process in Na2TiO3. In addition, some CO2 chemisorption kinetic parameters were determined. The ΔH‡ was found tomore » be 140.9 kJ/mol, to the Na2TiO3-CO2 system, between 600 and 780 °C. Results evidenced that CO2 chemisorption on Na2TiO3 highly depends on the reaction temperature. Furthermore, the experiments were theoretically supported by different thermodynamic calculations. The calculated thermodynamic properties of CO2 capture reactions by (Na2TiO3, Na4Ti5O12, and Na16Ti10O28) sodium titanates were fully investigated.« less

Magnetic properties and thermal stability of Ti-doped CrO2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Cheng, M.; Lu, Z.; Yu, Z.; Liu, S.; Liang, R.; Liu, Y.; Shi, J.; Xiong, R.

2018-04-01

Chromium dioxide (CrO2) is a striking half metal material which may have important applications in the field of spintronics. However, pure CrO2 film is metastable at room temperature and the synthesis process can be only performed in a narrow temperature range of 390-410 °C with TiO2 used as substrate material. Here, we report the preparation and investigation of (1 0 0) oriented Ti-doped CrO2 films on TiO2 substrates. It is found that Ti-doped films can maintain pure rutile phase even after a 510 °C post-annealing, showing much better thermal stability than pure CrO2 films. Ti-doped films can be prepared in a wider temperature window (390-470 °C), which may be attributed to the improvement of thermal stability. The broadening of process window may be beneficial for further improvement of film quality by optimizing growth temperature in a larger range. In addition to the improvement of thermal stability, the magnetic properties of Ti-doped CrO2 are also found to be tuned by Ti doping: saturation magnetizations of Ti-doped films at room temperature are significantly lower, and magnetic anisotropy decreases as the Ti-concentration increases, which is beneficial for decreasing switching current density in STT-based spintronic devices.

Application of Effective Medium Theory to the Three-Dimensional Heterogeneity of Mantle Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, X.; Jordan, T. H.

2015-12-01

A self-consistent theory for the effective elastic parameters of stochastic media with small-scale 3D heterogeneities has been developed using a 2nd-order Born approximation to the scattered wavefield (T. H. Jordan, GJI, in press). Here we apply the theory to assess how small-scale variations in the local anisotropy of the upper mantle affect seismic wave propagation. We formulate a anisotropic model in which the local elastic properties are specified by a constant stiffness tensor with hexagonal symmetry of arbitrary orientation. This orientation is guided by a Gaussian random vector field with transversely isotropic (TI) statistics. If the outer scale of the statistical variability is small compared to a wavelength, then the effective seismic velocities are TI and depend on two parameters, a horizontal-to-vertical orientation ratio ξ and a horizontal-to-vertical aspect ratio, η. If ξ = 1, the symmetry axis is isotropically distributed; if ξ < 1, it is vertical biased (bipolar distribution), and if ξ > 1, it is horizontally biased (girdle distribution). If η = 1, the heterogeneity is geometrically isotropic; as η à∞, the medium becomes a horizontal stochastic laminate; as η à0, the medium becomes a vertical stochastic bundle. Using stiffness tensors constrained by laboratory measurements of mantle xenoliths, we explore the dependence of the effective P and S velocities on ξ and η. The effective velocities are strongly controlled by the orientation ratio ξ; e.g., if the hexagonal symmetry axis of the local anisotropy is the fast direction of propagation, then vPH > vPV and vSH > vSV for ξ > 1. A more surprising result is the 2nd-order insensitivity of the velocities to the heterogeneity aspect ratio η. Consequently, the geometrical anisotropy of upper-mantle heterogeneity significantly enhances seismic-wave anisotropy only through local variations in the Voigt-averaged velocities, which depend primarily on rock composition and not deformation history.

Band edge movement and structural modifications in transition metal doped TiO2 nanocrystals for the application of DSSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patle, L. B.; Huse, V. R.; Chaudhari, A. L.

2017-10-01

Nanocrystalline undoped and transition metal ion doped (TM:Cu2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+) TiO2 nanoparticles, with 1 mol% were synthesized by a simple and cost effective modified co-precipitation method at room temperature and were successfully used as photoanode for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The effect of transition metal ions into TiO2 nano crystalline powder has been systematically investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results of XRD confirm nanocrystalline anatase tetragonal structure of prepared undoped and TM doped TiO2 semiconductor. The influence of doping on band edge movement has been estimated using UV-visible spectroscopy. The SEM results indicate that microscopic effect of doping on morphology of the TiO2. The peaks of EDX signify incorporation of transition metal cations into TiO2 lattice. The effect of doping on flat band potential was estimated using interpolation on Mott-Schottky plot. The performances of DSSCs of undoped and doped TiO2 photoelectrodes were investigated under light illumination. In comparison with undoped and (Cu2+, Fe3+) doped TiO2 photoanodes we found that incorporation of Mn2+ into TiO2 exhibits improvement in photoconversion efficiency (η). There is increase in photoconversion efficiency of DSSCs with Mn2+ doped TiO2 by 6% as compared to that of undoped TiO2 photoanode.

Study on preparation of SnO2-TiO2/Nano-graphite composite anode and electro-catalytic degradation of ceftriaxone sodium.

PubMed

Guo, Xiaolei; Wan, Jiafeng; Yu, Xiujuan; Lin, Yuhui

2016-12-01

In order to improve the electro-catalytic activity and catalytic reaction rate of graphite-like material, Tin dioxide-Titanium dioxide/Nano-graphite (SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G) composite was synthesized by a sol-gel method and SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode was prepared in hot-press approach. The composite was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared, Raman, N 2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electrons microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical performance of the SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G anode electrode was investigated via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electro-catalytic performance was evaluated by the degradation of ceftriaxone sodium and the yield of ·OH radicals in the reaction system. The results demonstrated that TiO 2 , SnO 2 and Nano-G were composited successfully, and TiO 2 and SnO 2 particles dispersed on the surface and interlamination of the Nano-G uniformly. The specific surface area of SnO 2 modified anode was higher than that of TiO 2 /Nano-G anode and the degradation rate of ceftriaxone sodium within 120 min on SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode was 98.7% at applied bias of 2.0 V. The highly efficient electro-chemical property of SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode was attributed to the admirable conductive property of the Nano-G and SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode. Moreover, the contribution of reactive species ·OH was detected, indicating the considerable electro-catalytic activity of SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Raman Microspectroscopic Mapping with Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) Applied to the High-Pressure Polymorph of Titanium Dioxide, TiO2-II.

PubMed

Smith, Joseph P; Smith, Frank C; Ottaway, Joshua; Krull-Davatzes, Alexandra E; Simonson, Bruce M; Glass, Billy P; Booksh, Karl S

2017-08-01

The high-pressure, α-PbO 2 -structured polymorph of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 -II) was recently identified in micrometer-sized grains recovered from four Neoarchean spherule layers deposited between ∼2.65 and ∼2.54 billion years ago. Several lines of evidence support the interpretation that these layers represent distal impact ejecta layers. The presence of shock-induced TiO 2 -II provides physical evidence to further support an impact origin for these spherule layers. Detailed characterization of the distribution of TiO 2 -II in these grains may be useful for correlating the layers, estimating the paleodistances of the layers from their source craters, and providing insight into the formation of the TiO 2 -II. Here we report the investigation of TiO 2 -II-bearing grains from these four spherule layers using multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) applied to Raman microspectroscopic mapping. Raman spectra provide evidence of grains consisting primarily of rutile (TiO 2 ) and TiO 2 -II, as shown by Raman bands at 174 cm -1 (TiO 2 -II), 426 cm -1 (TiO 2 -II), 443 cm -1 (rutile), and 610 cm -1 (rutile). Principal component analysis (PCA) yielded a predominantly three-phase system comprised of rutile, TiO 2 -II, and substrate-adhesive epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggests heterogeneous grains containing polydispersed micrometer- and submicrometer-sized particles. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares applied to the Raman microspectroscopic mapping yielded up to five distinct chemical components: three phases of TiO 2 (rutile, TiO 2 -II, and anatase), quartz (SiO 2 ), and substrate-adhesive epoxy. Spectral profiles and spatially resolved chemical maps of the pure chemical components were generated using MCR-ALS applied to the Raman microspectroscopic maps. The spatial resolution of the Raman microspectroscopic maps was enhanced in comparable, cost-effective analysis times by limiting spectral resolution and optimizing spectral acquisition parameters. Using the resolved spectra of TiO 2 -II generated from MCR-ALS analysis, a Raman spectrum for pure TiO 2 -II was estimated to further facilitate its identification.

Photocatalytic thin films containing TiO2:N nanopowders obtained by the layer-by-layer self-assembling method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rojas-Blanco, L.; Urzúa, M. D.; Ramírez-Bon, R.; Espinoza Beltrán, F. J.

2012-01-01

In this work, TiO2-N powders were synthesized by high-energy ball milling, using commercial titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the anatase phase and urea to introduce nitrogen into TiO2 in order to enhance their photocatalytic properties in the visible spectral region. Several samples were prepared by milling a mixture of TiO2-urea during 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the coexistence of anatase and high-pressure srilankite TiO2 crystalline phases in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the grain size of the powder samples decreases to 200 nm at 24 h milling time. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopic data showed a clear red-shift in the onset of light absorption from 387 to 469 nm as consequence of nitrogen doping in the samples. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-N samples was evaluated by methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation. It was found that TiO2-N samples had higher photocatalytic activity than undoped TiO2 samples, which could be assigned to the effect of introducing N atoms and XPS results confirm it. Using polyethylenimine (PEI), transparent thin films of TiO2-N nanoparticles were prepared by layer-by-layer self assembly method. UV-visible spectrophotometry was employed in a quantitative manner to monitor the adsorbed mass of TiO2 and PEI after each dip cycle. The adsorption of both TiO2 and PEI showed a saturation dip time of 15 min.

Preparation of Sb2S3 nanocrystals modified TiO2 dendritic structure with nanotubes for hybrid solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yingpin; Wei, Yanan; Feng, Kangning; Hao, Yanzhong; Pei, Juan; Sun, Bao

2018-06-01

Array of TiO2 dendritic structure with nanotubes was constructed on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO) with titanium potassium oxalate as titanium source. Sb2S3 nanocrystals were successfully deposited on the TiO2 substrate via spin-coating method. Furthermore, TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT/PEDOT:PSS composite film was prepared by successively spin-coating P3HT and PEDOT:PSS on TiO2/Sb2S3. It was demonstrated that the modification of TiO2 dendritic structure with Sb2S3 could enhance the light absorption in the visible region. The champion hybrid solar cell assembled by TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT/PEDOT:PSS composite film achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.56%.

Cellulose Tailored Anatase TiO2 Nanospindles in Three-Dimensional Graphene Composites for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Ding, Yangbin; Bai, Wei; Sun, Jinhua; Wu, Yu; Memon, Mushtaque A; Wang, Chao; Liu, Chengbin; Huang, Yong; Geng, Jianxin

2016-05-18

The morphologies of transition metal oxides have decisive impact on the performance of their applications. Here, we report a new and facile strategy for in situ preparation of anatase TiO2 nanospindles in three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (RGO) structure (3D TiO2@RGO) using cellulose as both an intermediate agent eliminating the negative effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the growth of TiO2 crystals and as a structure-directing agent for the shape-controlled synthesis of TiO2 crystals. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometer analysis indicated that the spindle shape of TiO2 crystals was formed through the restriction of the growth of high energy {010} facets due to preferential adsorption of cellulose on these facets. Because of the 3D structure of the composite, the large aspect ratio of the TiO2 nanospindles, and the exposed high-energy {010} facets of the TiO2 crystals, the 3D TiO2@RGO(Ce 1.7) exhibited excellent capacitive performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors, with a high specific capacitance (ca. 397 F g(-1)), a high energy density (55.7 Wh kg(-1)), and a high power density (1327 W kg(-1)) on the basis of the masses of RGO and TiO2. These levels of capacitive performance far exceed those of previously reported TiO2-based composites.

Photocatalytic removal of phenol over titanium dioxide- reduced graphene oxide photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shuhada Alim, Nor; Lintang, Hendrik O.; Yuliati, Leny

2016-02-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been one of the most investigated semiconductors due to its high activity for the removal of organic pollutants. In order to improve the efficiency of the TiO2, series of TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites with various loading amounts of graphene oxide (GO), which were 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 wt% were prepared by UV- assisted photocatalytic reduction method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirmed that all the TiO2-rGO composites samples were successfully synthesized without disrupting the structure of the TiO2. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed the role of the rGO to reduce the electron-hole recombination on the TiO2, while the transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X- ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) confirmed the morphology and the presence of both TiO2 and rGO. In the photocatalytic removal of phenol, all the TiO2-rGO composites showed better photocatalytic activities than the TiO2 under UV light irradiation. The activity of the TiO2 was enhanced by more than two times with the addition of the GO with the optimum amount (3 wt%). It was proposed that the good photocatalytic performance obtained on the composites were caused by the successful suppression of electron-hole recombination by the rGO on the TiO2.

Amplification of arsenic genotoxicity by TiO2 nanoparticles in mammalian cells: new insights from physicochemical interactions and mitochondria.

PubMed

Wang, Xinan; Liu, Yun; Wang, Juan; Nie, Yaguang; Chen, Shaopeng; Hei, Tom K; Deng, Zhaoxiang; Wu, Lijun; Zhao, Guoping; Xu, An

2017-10-01

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) have shown great adsorption capacity for arsenic (As); however, the potential impact of TiO 2 NPs on the behavior and toxic responses of As remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we focused on the physicochemical interaction between TiO 2 NPs and As(III) to clarify the underlying mechanisms involved in their synergistic genotoxic effect on mammalian cells. Our data showed that As(III) mainly interacted with TiO 2 NPs by competitively occupying the sites of hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO 2 NP aggregates, resulting in more aggregation of TiO 2 NPs. Although TiO 2 NPs at concentrations used here had no cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on cells, they efficiently increased the genotoxicity of As(III) in human-hamster hybrid (A L ) cells. The synergistic genotoxicity of TiO 2 NPs and As(III) was partially inhibited by various endocytosis pathway inhibitors while it was completely blocked by an As(III)-specific chelator. Using a mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence probe, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe together with mitochondrial DNA-depleted ρ 0 A L cells, we discovered that mitochondria were essential for mediating the synergistic DNA-damaging effects of TiO 2 NPs and As(III). These data provide novel mechanistic proof that TiO 2 NPs enhanced the genotoxicity of As(III) via physicochemical interactions, which were mediated by mitochondria-dependent ROS.

Application of titanium dioxide in arsenic removal from water: A review.

PubMed

Guan, Xiaohong; Du, Juanshan; Meng, Xiaoguang; Sun, Yuankui; Sun, Bo; Hu, Qinghai

2012-05-15

Natural arsenic pollution is a global phenomenon and various technologies have been developed to remove arsenic from drinking water. The application of TiO(2) and TiO(2)-based materials in removing inorganic and organic arsenic was summarized. TiO(2)-based arsenic removal methods developed to date have been focused on the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of arsenite/organic arsenic to arsenate and adsorption of inorganic and organic arsenic. Many efforts have been taken to improve the performance of TiO(2) by either combing TiO(2) with adsorbents with good adsorption property in one system or developing bifunctional adsorbents with both great photocatalytic ability and high adsorption capacity. Attempts have also been made to immobilize fine TiO(2) particles on supporting materials like chitosan beads or granulate it to facilitate its separation from water. Among the anions commonly exist in groundwater, humic acid and bicarbonate have significant influence on TiO(2) photocatalyzed oxidation of As(III)/organic arsenic while phosphate, silicate, fluoride, and humic acid affect arsenic adsorption by TiO(2)-based materials. There has been a controversy over the TiO(2) PCO mechanisms of arsenite for the past 10 years but the adsorption mechanisms of inorganic and organic arsenic onto TiO(2)-based materials are relatively well established. Future needs in TiO(2)-based arsenic removal technology are proposed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photo degradation of methyl orange by attapulgite-SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposites.

PubMed

Zhang, Lili; Lv, Fujian; Zhang, Weiguang; Li, Rongqing; Zhong, Hui; Zhao, Yijiang; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Xin

2009-11-15

Photocatalytic removal of methyl orange under ultraviolet radiation has been studied using attapulgite (ATT) composites, which were synthesized by depositing SnO(2)-TiO(2) hybrid oxides on the surface of ATT to form a composite photocatalyst (denoted ATT-SnO(2)-TiO(2)) using an in situ sol-gel technique. Results showed that SnO(2)-TiO(2) nanocomposite particles with average size of about 10nm were loaded successfully on to the surface of ATT fibers and were widely dispersed. Correspondingly, the photocatalytic activity of ATT was improved significantly by loading SnO(2)-TiO(2). The photoactivity of the composite photocatalyst decreased in the sequence ATT-SnO(2)-TiO(2)>ATT-SnO(2)>ATT-TiO(2)>ATT. In order to achieve the best photocatalyst, the molar ratio of SnO(2) and TiO(2) in the ATT-SnO(2)-TiO(2) composites was adjusted to give a series with proportions r=n(Ti)/(n(Ti)+n(Sn))=0.0, 0.25, 0.33, 0.50, 0.67, 0.75, 0.80, 0.82, 0.86, 1.0. Results indicated that the proportion of SnO(2) and TiO(2) had a critical effect on the photocatalytic activity, which increased as the content of TiO(2) increased to r0.82. The highest degradation rate of methyl orange was 99% within 30 min obtained by using ATT-SnO(2)-TiO(2) with r=0.82. The repeated use of the composite photocatalyst was also confirmed.

Preparation of MoS2/TiO2 based nanocomposites for photocatalysis and rechargeable batteries: progress, challenges, and perspective.

PubMed

Chen, Biao; Meng, Yuhuan; Sha, Junwei; Zhong, Cheng; Hu, Wenbin; Zhao, Naiqin

2017-12-21

The rapidly increasing severity of the energy crisis and environmental degradation are stimulating the rapid development of photocatalysts and rechargeable lithium/sodium ion batteries. In particular, MoS 2 /TiO 2 based nanocomposites show great potential and have been widely studied in the areas of both photocatalysis and rechargeable lithium/sodium ion batteries due to their superior combination properties. In addition to the low-cost, abundance, and high chemical stability of both MoS 2 and TiO 2 , MoS 2 /TiO 2 composites also show complementary advantages. These include the strong optical absorption of TiO 2 vs. the high catalytic activity of MoS 2 , which is promising for photocatalysis; and excellent safety and superior structural stability of TiO 2 vs. the high theoretic specific capacity and unique layered structure of MoS 2 , thus, these composites are exciting as anode materials. In this review, we first summarize the recent progress in MoS 2 /TiO 2 -based nanomaterials for applications in photocatalysis and rechargeable batteries. We highlight the synthesis, structure and mechanism of MoS 2 /TiO 2 -based nanomaterials. Then, advancements and strategies for improving the performance of these composites in photocatalytic degradation, hydrogen evolution, CO 2 reduction, LIBs and SIBs are critically discussed. Finally, perspectives on existing challenges and probable opportunities for future exploration of MoS 2 /TiO 2 -based composites towards photocatalysis and rechargeable batteries are presented. We believe the present review would provide enriched information for a deeper understanding of MoS 2 /TiO 2 composites and open avenues for the rational design of MoS 2 /TiO 2 based composites for energy and environment-related applications.

Low-temperature crystallization of anodized TiO2 nanotubes at the solid-gas interface and their photoelectrochemical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jing; Liu, Zhaoyue; Zhang, Tierui; Zhai, Jin; Jiang, Lei

2013-06-01

TiO2 nanotubular arrays formed by electrochemical anodization have attracted significant attention for photoelectrochemical applications that utilize solar energy. However, the as-anodized TiO2 nanotubes are amorphous, and need to be crystallized by high-temperature thermal annealing. Herein, we describe a low-temperature hydrothermal solid-gas route to crystallize TiO2 nanotubes. In this process, the as-anodized TiO2 hydroxo nanotubes are dehydrated to yield anatase phase via solid-gas interface reaction in an autoclave at a temperature of less than 180 °C. The solid-gas interface reaction alleviates the collapse of as-anodized TiO2 nanotubes during hydrothermal process efficiently. Compared with the common thermal annealing at the same temperature but at atmospheric pressure, the hydrothermal route improves the photocurrent density of TiO2 nanotubes by ~10 times in KOH electrolyte. The duration of the hydrothermal reaction has a substantial effect on the photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes, which is ascribed to the synergetic effect between the crystallization and structural evolution. Electron donors can further suppress the charge recombination in the low-temperature crystallized TiO2 nanotubes and boost the photocurrent density by ~120%.TiO2 nanotubular arrays formed by electrochemical anodization have attracted significant attention for photoelectrochemical applications that utilize solar energy. However, the as-anodized TiO2 nanotubes are amorphous, and need to be crystallized by high-temperature thermal annealing. Herein, we describe a low-temperature hydrothermal solid-gas route to crystallize TiO2 nanotubes. In this process, the as-anodized TiO2 hydroxo nanotubes are dehydrated to yield anatase phase via solid-gas interface reaction in an autoclave at a temperature of less than 180 °C. The solid-gas interface reaction alleviates the collapse of as-anodized TiO2 nanotubes during hydrothermal process efficiently. Compared with the common thermal annealing at the same temperature but at atmospheric pressure, the hydrothermal route improves the photocurrent density of TiO2 nanotubes by ~10 times in KOH electrolyte. The duration of the hydrothermal reaction has a substantial effect on the photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes, which is ascribed to the synergetic effect between the crystallization and structural evolution. Electron donors can further suppress the charge recombination in the low-temperature crystallized TiO2 nanotubes and boost the photocurrent density by ~120%. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Morphology images of TiO2 nanotubular arrays crystallized by hydrothermal solid-liquid reaction at 130 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C for 4 h. Cross-sectional image of TiO2 nanotubular arrays prepared by anodizing Ti foil at 20 V for 20 min in 0.5 wt% HF solution followed by drying in air at 100 °C for 1 h; Photocurrent density-potential curves of TiO2 nanotubular arrays crystallized by thermal annealing at 450 °C and atmospheric pressure for 4 h. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01286g

TiO2-SnS2 nanocomposites: solar-active photocatalytic materials for water treatment.

PubMed

Kovacic, Marin; Kusic, Hrvoje; Fanetti, Mattia; Stangar, Urska Lavrencic; Valant, Matjaz; Dionysiou, Dionysios D; Bozic, Ana Loncaric

2017-08-01

The study is aimed at evaluating TiO 2 -SnS 2 composites as effective solar-active photocatalysts for water treatment. Two strategies for the preparation of TiO 2 -SnS 2 composites were examined: (i) in-situ chemical synthesis followed by immobilization on glass plates and (ii) binding of two components (TiO 2 and SnS 2 ) within the immobilization step. The as-prepared TiO 2 -SnS 2 composites and their sole components (TiO 2 or SnS 2 ) were inspected for composition, crystallinity, and morphology using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) analyses. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was used to determine band gaps of immobilized TiO 2 -SnS 2 and to establish the changes in comparison to respective sole components. The activity of immobilized TiO 2 -SnS 2 composites was tested for the removal of diclofenac (DCF) in aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation and compared with that of single component photocatalysts. In situ chemical synthesis yielded materials of high crystallinity, while their morphology and composition strongly depended on synthesis conditions applied. TiO 2 -SnS 2 composites exhibited higher activity toward DCF removal and conversion in comparison to their sole components at acidic pH, while only in situ synthesized TiO 2 -SnS 2 composites showed higher activity at neutral pH.

Synthesis and visible-light-induced catalytic activity of Ag2S-coupled TiO2 nanoparticles and nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yi; Heo, Sung Hwan; Kim, Yong Nam; Yoo, Seung Hwa; Cho, Sung Oh

2010-01-01

We present the synthesis and visible-light-induced catalytic activity of Ag2S-coupled TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and TiO2 nanowires (NWs). Through a simple wet chemical process from a mixture of peroxo titanic acid (PTA) solution, thiourea and AgAc, a composite of Ag2S NPs and TiO2 NPs with sizes of less than 7 nm was formed. When the NP composite was further treated with NaOH solution followed by annealing at ambient conditions, a new nanocomposite material comprising Ag2S NPs on TiO2 NWs was created. Due to the coupling with such a low bandgap material as Ag2S, the TiO2 nanocomposites could have a visible-light absorption capability much higher than that of pure TiO2. As a result, the synthesized Ag2S/TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited much higher catalytic efficiency for the decomposition of methyl orange than commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25, Germany) under visible light.

CdS Nanoparticle-Modified α-Fe2O3/TiO2 Nanorod Array Photoanode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation.

PubMed

Yin, Ruiyang; Liu, Mingyang; Tang, Rui; Yin, Longwei

2017-09-02

In this work, we demonstrate a facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process accompanied by hydrothermal method to synthesize CdS nanoparticle-modified α-Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 nanorod array for efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. By integrating CdS/α-Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 ternary system, light absorption ability of the photoanode can be effectively improved with an obviously broadened optical-response to visible light region, greatly facilitates the separation of photogenerated carriers, giving rise to the enhancement of PEC water oxidation performance. Importantly, for the designed abnormal type-II heterostructure between Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , the conduction band position of Fe 2 O 3 is higher than that of TiO 2 , the photogenerated electrons from Fe 2 O 3 will rapidly recombine with the photogenerated holes from TiO 2 , thus leads to an efficient separation of photogenerated electrons from Fe 2 O 3 /holes from TiO 2 at the Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 interface, greatly improving the separation efficiency of photogenerated holes within Fe 2 O 3 and enhances the photogenerated electron injection efficiency in TiO 2 . Working as the photoanodes of PEC water oxidation, CdS/α-Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 heterostucture electrode exhibits improved photocurrent density of 0.62 mA cm - 2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in alkaline electrolyte, with an obviously negatively shifted onset potential of 80 mV. This work provides promising methods to enhance the PEC water oxidation performance of the TiO 2 -based heterostructure photoanodes.

Architecture engineering toward highly active palladium integrated titanium dioxide yolk-double-shell nanoreactor for catalytic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Baocang; Wang, Qin; Yu, Shengli; Jing, Peng; Liu, Lixia; Xu, Guangran; Zhang, Jun

2014-09-01

Rational design of the hierarchical architecture of a material with well controlled functionality is crucially important for improving its properties. In this paper, we present the general strategies for rationally designing and constructing three types of hierarchical Pd integrated TiO2 double-shell architectures, i.e. yolk-double-shell TiO2 architecture (Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2) with yolk-type Pd nanoparticles residing inside the central cavity of the hollow TiO2 structure; ultrafine Pd nanoparticles homogenously dispersed on both the external and internal surfaces of the inner TiO2 shell; and double-shell TiO2 architecture (@TiO2/Pd@TiO2) with Pd nanoparticles solely loaded on the external surface of the inner TiO2 shell, and double-shell TiO2 architecture (@TiO2@Pd@TiO2) with Pd nanoparticles dispersed in the interlayer space of double TiO2 shells, via newly developed Pd2+ ion-diffusion and Pd sol impregnation methodologies. These architectures are well controlled in structure, size, morphology, and configuration with Pd nanoparticles existing in various locations. Owing to the variable synergistic effects arising from the location discrepancies of Pd nanoparticle in the architectures, they exhibit remarkable variations in catalytic activity. In particular, different from previously reported yolk-shell structures, the obtained yolk-double-shell Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2 architecture, which is revealed for the first time, possesses a uniform hierarchical structure, narrow size distribution, and good monodispersibility, and it creates two Pd-TiO2 interfaces on the external and internal surfaces of the inner TiO2 shell, leading to the strongest synergistic effect of Pd nanoparticles with TiO2 shell. Furthermore, the interlayer chamber between the double TiO2 shells connecting with the central cavity of the hollow TiO2 structure through the mesoporous TiO2 wall forms a nanoreactor for enriching the reactants and preventing the deletion of Pd nanoparticles during the reaction, thus greatly accelerating the reaction speed. Owing to its structural features, yolk-double-shell Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2 architecture exhibits extremely high catalytic performance on the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. The synthetic methodologies are robust for fabricating double-shell architectures with various configurations for applications such as in catalysis, drug delivery, and medicine release. The obtained double-shell architectures may be used as novel catalyst systems with highly efficient catalytic performance for other catalytic reactions.Rational design of the hierarchical architecture of a material with well controlled functionality is crucially important for improving its properties. In this paper, we present the general strategies for rationally designing and constructing three types of hierarchical Pd integrated TiO2 double-shell architectures, i.e. yolk-double-shell TiO2 architecture (Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2) with yolk-type Pd nanoparticles residing inside the central cavity of the hollow TiO2 structure; ultrafine Pd nanoparticles homogenously dispersed on both the external and internal surfaces of the inner TiO2 shell; and double-shell TiO2 architecture (@TiO2/Pd@TiO2) with Pd nanoparticles solely loaded on the external surface of the inner TiO2 shell, and double-shell TiO2 architecture (@TiO2@Pd@TiO2) with Pd nanoparticles dispersed in the interlayer space of double TiO2 shells, via newly developed Pd2+ ion-diffusion and Pd sol impregnation methodologies. These architectures are well controlled in structure, size, morphology, and configuration with Pd nanoparticles existing in various locations. Owing to the variable synergistic effects arising from the location discrepancies of Pd nanoparticle in the architectures, they exhibit remarkable variations in catalytic activity. In particular, different from previously reported yolk-shell structures, the obtained yolk-double-shell Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2 architecture, which is revealed for the first time, possesses a uniform hierarchical structure, narrow size distribution, and good monodispersibility, and it creates two Pd-TiO2 interfaces on the external and internal surfaces of the inner TiO2 shell, leading to the strongest synergistic effect of Pd nanoparticles with TiO2 shell. Furthermore, the interlayer chamber between the double TiO2 shells connecting with the central cavity of the hollow TiO2 structure through the mesoporous TiO2 wall forms a nanoreactor for enriching the reactants and preventing the deletion of Pd nanoparticles during the reaction, thus greatly accelerating the reaction speed. Owing to its structural features, yolk-double-shell Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2 architecture exhibits extremely high catalytic performance on the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. The synthetic methodologies are robust for fabricating double-shell architectures with various configurations for applications such as in catalysis, drug delivery, and medicine release. The obtained double-shell architectures may be used as novel catalyst systems with highly efficient catalytic performance for other catalytic reactions. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthetic schemes, TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-DRS spectra, TPR, and catalytic data. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02692f

Improved conversion efficiency of dye sensitized solar cell using Zn doped TiO2-ZrO2 nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomar, Laxmi J.; Bhatt, Piyush J.; Desai, Rahul K.; Chakrabarty, B. S.; Panchal, C. J.

2016-05-01

TiO2-ZrO2 and Zn doped TiO2-ZrO2 nanocomposites were prepared by hydrothermal method for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. The structural and optical properties were investigated by X -ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectroscopy respectively. XRD results revealed the formation of material in nano size. The average crystallite size is 22.32 nm, 17.41 nm and 6.31 nm for TiO2, TiO2-ZrO2 and Zn doped TiO2-ZrO2 nanocomposites respectively. The optical bandgap varies from 2.04 eV to 3.75 eV. Dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated using the prepared material. Pomegranate juice was used as a sensitizer and graphite coated conducting glass plate was used as counter electrode. The I - V characteristics were recorded to measure photo response of DSSC. Photovoltaic parameter like open circuit voltage, power conversion efficiency, and fill factor were evaluated for fabricated solar cell. The power conversion efficiency of DSSC fabricated with TiO2, TiO2-ZrO2 and Zn doped TiO2-ZrO2 nanocomposites were found 0.71%, 1.97% and 4.58% respectively.

Photoassist-phosphorylated TiO2 as a catalyst for direct formation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural from glucose.

PubMed

Hattori, Masashi; Kamata, Keigo; Hara, Michikazu

2017-02-01

Photo-assisted phosphorylation of an anatase TiO 2 catalyst was examined to improve its catalytic performance for the direct production of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), a versatile chemical platform, from glucose. In phosphorylation based on simple esterification between phosphoric acid and surface OH groups on anatase TiO 2 with water-tolerant Lewis acid sites, the density of phosphates immobilized on TiO 2 is limited to 2 phosphates nm -2 , which limits selective HMF production. Phosphorylation of the TiO 2 surface under fluorescent light irradiation increases the surface phosphate density to 50%, which is higher than the conventional limit, thus preventing the adsorption of hydrophilic glucose molecules on TiO 2 and resulting in a more selective HMF production over photoassist-phosphorylated TiO 2 .

Fabrication of Photocatalytic Paper Using TiO2 Nanoparticles Confined in Hollow Silica Capsules.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Kensei; Kuwahara, Yasutaka; Sumida, Yuki; Yamashita, Hiromi

2017-01-10

TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in hollow silica spheres (TiO 2 @HSSs) show a shielding-effect that can insulate photocatalytically active TiO 2 NPs from the surrounding environment and thus prohibit the self-degradation of organic support materials under ultraviolet (UV)-light irradiation. In this study, photocatalytically active papers were fabricated by combining TiO 2 @HSS and cellulose fibers, and their photocatalytic activities and durability under UV-light irradiation were examined. The yolk-shell nanostructured TiO 2 @HSS, which has an ample void space between inner TiO 2 NPs and an outer silica shell, was synthesized using a facile single-step method utilizing an oil-in-water microemulsion as an organic template. The thus-prepared TiO 2 @HSS particles were deposited onto a cellulose paper either by the chemical adhesion process via ionic bonding or by the physical adhesion process using a dual polymer system. The obtained paper containing TiO 2 @HSS particles with high air permeability exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity in the photocatalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds than unsupported powdery TiO 2 @HSS particles because of the uniform dispersion on the paper with a reticular fiber network. In addition, the paper was hardly damaged under UV-light irradiation, whereas the paper containing naked TiO 2 NPs showed a marked deterioration with a considerably decreased strength, owing to the ability of the silica shell to prevent direct contact between TiO 2 and organic fibers. This study can offer a promising method to fabricate photocatalytically active papers with a photoresistance property available for real air cleaning.

Influence of TiO2 hollow sphere size on its photo-reduction activity for toxic Cr(VI) removal.

PubMed

Cai, Jiabai; Wu, Xueqing; Zheng, Fengying; Li, Shunxing; Wu, Yaling; Lin, Yanping; Lin, Liting; Liu, Biwen; Chen, Qiaoying; Lin, Luxiu

2017-03-15

After polystyrene@titanium dioxide (PS@TiO 2 ) composite with different size was calcined at designated temperature, TiO 2 hollow sphere with controllable size was obtained for high efficient photo-reduction of Cr(VI). The feature of the TiO 2 hollow sphere was investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence. The photo-reduction of Cr(VI) were measured for the performance assessment of the TiO 2 hollow sphere, Cr(VI) was used as an electron acceptor. After irradiation for 2h, the photo-reduction rate of Cr(VI) (pH=2.82) for TiO 2 (450nm) was 96%, which exhibited an increase of 5% and 8% compared with TiO 2 (370nm) and TiO 2 (600nm). The absorption edges of TiO 2 hollow sphere (450nm) was largest with the increasing of hollow sphere size from 370 to 600nm. The optimal hollow sphere size of TiO 2 was 450nm for the photo-reduction of Cr(VI), because the light-harvesting efficiency (the best of absorption edge) and photo-generated electron-hole separation rate (the best of photo-reduction rate) of TiO 2 hollow sphere were controlled by its hollow sphere size. In addition, we find that the behavior of the hydrogen production was inhibited by the coexistence Cr(VI) solution. This study can improve our understanding of the mechanism for the activity enhancement by the optimal hollow sphere size of TiO 2 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photodegradation of gaseous acetaldehyde and methylene blue in aqueous solution with titanium dioxide-loaded activated carbon fiber polymer materials and aquatic plant ecotoxicity tests.

PubMed

Kadirova, Zukhra C; Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos; Katsumata, Ken-ichi; Isobe, Toshihiro; Matsushita, Nobuhiro; Nakajima, Akira; Okada, Kiyoshi

2014-03-01

TiO2-supported activated carbon felts (TiO2-ACFTs) were prepared by dip coating of felts composed of activated carbon fibers (ACFs) with either polyester fibers (PS-A20) and/or a polyethylene pulp (PE-W15) in a TiO2 aqueous suspension followed by calcination at 250 °C for 1 h. The as-prepared TiO2-ACFTs with 29-35 wt.% TiO2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption. The TiO2-ACFT(PS-A20) samples with 0 and 29 wt.% TiO2 were microporous with specific surface areas (S BET) of 996 and 738 m(2)/g, respectively, whereas the TiO2-ACFT(PE-W15) samples with 0 and 35 wt.% TiO2 were mesoporous with S BET of 826 and 586 m(2)/g, respectively. Adsorption and photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by measuring adsorption in the dark and photodegradation of gaseous acetaldehyde (AcH) and methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under UV light. The TiO2 loading caused a considerable decrease in the S BET and MB adsorption capacity along with an increase in MB photodegradation and AcH mineralization. Lemna minor was chosen as a representative aquatic plant for ecotoxicity tests measuring detoxification of water obtained from the MB photodegradation reaction with the TiO2-ACFT samples under UV light.

Structural effects of TiO2 nanoparticles and doxorubicin on DNA and their antiproliferative roles in T47D and MCF7 cells.

PubMed

Hekmat, Azadeh; Saboury, Ali Akbar; Divsalar, Adeleh; Seyedarabi, Arefeh

2013-07-01

The structural changes in DNA caused by the combined effects of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and doxorubicin (DOX) were investigated along with their corresponding inhibitory roles in the growth of T47D and MCF7 cells. The UV-visible titration studies showed that DOX+ TiO2 NPs could form a novel complex with DNA. The data also reveal that the TiO2-DOX complex forms through a 1:4 stoichiometric ratio in solution. The values of binding constants reveal that DOX+TiO2 NPs interact more strongly with DNA as compared to TiO2 NPs or DOX alone. CD data show that DOX+TiO2 NPs can noticeably cause disturbance on DNA structure compared to TiO2 NPs or DOX alone, considering that DNA is relatively thermally stable in the condition used. The anticancer property of 0.3 µM DOX+ 60 µM TiO2 NPs and 0.4 µM DOX+ 670 µM TiO2 NPs by MTT assay and DAPI stain demonstrates that this combination can tremendously diminish proliferation of T47D and MCF7cells compared to DOX or TiO2 NPs alone. The UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy experiments show much more enhancement of DOX uptake through the use of TiO2 NPs. These results reveal that DOX+TiO2 NPs could proffer a novel strategy for the development of promising and efficient chemotherapy agents.

Degradation product analysis from the photocatalytic oxidation/reduction of 2,4-dichlorophenol in the presence of mesoporous silica encapsulated TiO2 particles and TiO2 dispersions (presentation)

EPA Science Inventory

Thin films of Degussa P-25 TiO2 encapsulated in an SBA-15 mesoporous silica matrix were prepared. The TiO2/SBA-15 thin film structure was verified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray diffraction (XRD). During irradiation with 350 nm light, the TiO...

Enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic behaviors of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co, Zn and Sr) modified TiO2 nanorod arrays

PubMed Central

Gao, Xin; Liu, Xiangxuan; Zhu, Zuoming; Wang, Xuanjun; Xie, Zheng

2016-01-01

Modified TiO2 nanomaterials are considered to be promising in energy conversion and ferrites modification may be one of the most efficient modifications. In this research, various ferrites, incorporated with various cations (MFe2O4, M = Ni, Co, Zn, and Sr), are utilized to modify the well aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRAs), which is synthesized by hydrothermal method. It is found that all MFe2O4/TiO2 NRAs show obvious red shift into the visible light region compared with the TiO2 NRAs. In particular, NiFe2O4 modification is demonstrated to be the best way to enhance the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NRAs. Furthermore, the separation and transfer of charge carriers after MFe2O4 modification are clarified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Finally, the underlying mechanism accounting for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of MFe2O4/TiO2 NRAs is proposed. Through comparison among different transition metals modified TiO2 with the same synthesis process and under the same evaluating condition, this work may provide new insight in designing modified TiO2 nanomaterials as visible light active photocatalysts. PMID:27464888

Enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic behaviors of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co, Zn and Sr) modified TiO2 nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Xin; Liu, Xiangxuan; Zhu, Zuoming; Wang, Xuanjun; Xie, Zheng

2016-07-01

Modified TiO2 nanomaterials are considered to be promising in energy conversion and ferrites modification may be one of the most efficient modifications. In this research, various ferrites, incorporated with various cations (MFe2O4, M = Ni, Co, Zn, and Sr), are utilized to modify the well aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRAs), which is synthesized by hydrothermal method. It is found that all MFe2O4/TiO2 NRAs show obvious red shift into the visible light region compared with the TiO2 NRAs. In particular, NiFe2O4 modification is demonstrated to be the best way to enhance the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NRAs. Furthermore, the separation and transfer of charge carriers after MFe2O4 modification are clarified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Finally, the underlying mechanism accounting for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of MFe2O4/TiO2 NRAs is proposed. Through comparison among different transition metals modified TiO2 with the same synthesis process and under the same evaluating condition, this work may provide new insight in designing modified TiO2 nanomaterials as visible light active photocatalysts.

TiO2 Nanorods Preparation from Titanyl Sulphate Produced by Dissolution of Ilmenite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Rinawati, L.; Munifa, R. M. I.; Ramelan, A. H.; Sulistyono, Eko

2017-02-01

One-dimensional titanium oxides (TiO2) nanorods have substantial applications in photocatalytic, nanoelectronic, and photoelectrochemical solar cells. These applications require large quantities of materials and a production technique suitable for future industry fabrication. We demonstrate here a new method of TiO2 nanorods production from ilmenite sands (FeTiO3). In this process, the roasted ilmenite sand was separated from the iron content and dissolved in the sulphuric acid solution. Separation process of TiO2 from ilmenite has been carried out by roasting, leaching and precipitation processes. The roasting process was conducted by the addition of Na2S at a temperature of 800°C that had been deomposed ilmenite into hematite (Fe2O3), anatase TiO2, rutile TiO2, Na2SO4, NaFeS2 and NaFeO2. Separation TiO2 from titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4) after leaching in H2SO4 solution was conducted by hydrolysis-condensation step and complexation step of Fe2+ content. KCNS solution was used as a complexing agent. The xerogel synthesized TiO2 then was prepared to 1-D nanostructure of TiO2 nanorods by hydrothermal process under alkaline condition. By the two-step method, we finally gain the 1D nanorods TiO2 extracted from ilmenite sand. The characterization using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) obtained the nanorod morphology at a diameter about 9.6 nm.

TiO2 nanoparticles versus TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites: A comparative study of photo catalysis on acid red 88

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balachandran, K.; Venckatesh, Rajendran; Sivaraj, Rajeshwari; Rajiv, P.

2014-07-01

A novel, simple, less time-consuming and cost-effective wet chemical technique was used to synthesis TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites using Titanium tetra isopropoxide (TTIP) as a precursor relatively at low temperature in acidic pH. Titania sol was prepared by hydrolysis of TTIP and was mixed with silicic acid and tetrahydrofuran mixture. The reaction was carried out under vigorous stirring for 6 h and dried at room temperature. The resulting powders were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The grain size of the particles was calculated by X-ray diffraction, surface morphology and chemical composition was determined from scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, metal oxide stretching was confirmed from FT-IR spectroscopy, band gap was calculated using UV-Visible spectroscopy. Surface area of the composite as calculated by BET analyzer and it was found to be 65 and 75 m2/g for TiO2 and TiO2-SiO2 respectively. The photocatalytic experiments were performed with aqueous solution of acid red 88 with TiO2 and TiO2-SiO2 batch studies for 4 h irradiation, direct photolysis of TiO2 and TiO2-SiO2 contributed 94.2% and 96.5% decomposition in solar radiation for the optimized concentration of acid red 88.

Enhanced properties of nanostructured TiO2-graphene composites by rapid sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shon, In-Jin; Yoon, Jin-Kook; Hong, Kyung-Tae

2018-01-01

Despite of many attractive properties of TiO2, the drawback of TiO2 ceramic is low fracture toughness for widely industrial application. The method to improve the fracture toughness and hardness has been reported by addition of reinforcing phase to fabricate a nanostructured composite. In this regard, graphene has been evaluated as an ideal second phase in ceramics. Nearly full density of nanostructured TiO2-graphene composite was achieved within one min using pulsed current activated sintering. The effect of graphene on microstructure, fracture toughness and hardness of TiO2-graphene composite was evaluated using Vickers hardness tester and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The grain size of TiO2 in the TiO2-x vol% (x = 0, 1, 3, and 5) graphene composite was greatly reduced with increase in addition of graphene. Both hardness and fracture toughness of TiO2-graphene composites simultaneously increased in the addition of graphene.

Systematic investigation of structural and morphological studies on doped TiO2 nanoparticles for solar cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murugadoss, G.; Jayavel, R.; Rajesh Kumar, M.

2014-12-01

Optical, structural and thermal properties of the doped with different ions (transition metals, other metals or post transition metals, non-metals, alkali metals and lanthanides) in TiO2 nanocrystals were investigated. The doped nanoparticles were synthesized by modified chemical method. Ethanol-deionised water mixer (20:1) was used as solvent for synthesize of the undoped and doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Systematic studies on structural and morphological changes by thermal treatment on TiO2 were examined. It has been observed that with Eu and Al doping TiO2, the phase transition temperature for anatase to rutile phase increased. Blue and red shifting absorptions were observed for doped TiO2 in visible region. Among the dopant, significant blue shift was obtained for Cu, Cd, Ag, Y, Ce and In doped TiO2 and red shift was obtained for Zr, Sm, Al, Na, S, Fe, Ni, Eu and Gd doped TiO2 nanoparticles.

Photoinactivation and Toxicity of Nano-sized TiO2 on Paint Microflora Using Visible Lights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obidi, Olayide; Halverson, Larry

2016-04-01

Traditional TiO2 has been used as an antimicrobial additive to paints, but more recently the use of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) has been proposed as an alternative because of its ability to induce oxidative damage to the cell membrane of bacteria. This study focused on how photoinactivation of TiO2 NPs by fluorescent and halogen lights (400-700 nm) influenced survival of Bacillus sphaericus (Gram-positive bacterium) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram-negative bacterium) isolated from spoiled paints. The loss of viability of the test organisms in the presence of TiO2 NPs determined by culturable (plate) count technique indicated a decrease in viable bacteria that was predominant after 24-h exposure. The TiO2 NPs showed higher antibacterial performance under fluorescent light than halogen light with increasing irradiation time and confirms the photokilling effect of TiO2 NPs. TiO2 NPs were also bactericidal under dark conditions, suggesting potential antibacterial applications in the paint industry.

Single-Nanoparticle Photoelectrochemistry at a Nanoparticulate TiO2 -Filmed Ultramicroelectrode.

PubMed

Peng, Yue-Yi; Ma, Hui; Ma, Wei; Long, Yi-Tao; Tian, He

2018-03-26

An ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical method for achieving real-time detection of single nanoparticle collision events is presented. Using a micrometer-thick nanoparticulate TiO 2 -filmed Au ultra-microelectrode (TiO 2 @Au UME), a sub-millisecond photocurrent transient was observed for an individual N719-tagged TiO 2 (N719@TiO 2 ) nanoparticle and is due to the instantaneous collision process. Owing to a trap-limited electron diffusion process as the rate-limiting step, a random three-dimensional diffusion model was developed to simulate electron transport dynamics in TiO 2 film. The combination of theoretical simulation and high-resolution photocurrent measurement allow electron-transfer information of a single N719@TiO 2 nanoparticle to be quantified at single-molecule accuracy and the electron diffusivity and the electron-collection efficiency of TiO 2 @Au UME to be estimated. This method provides a test for studies of photoinduced electron transfer at the single-nanoparticle level. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Recovery TiO2 by leaching process of carbothermic reduced Kalimantan ilmenite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Sari, P. P.; Ramelan, A. H.

2018-05-01

Ilmenite naturally occurred in iron titanate (FeTiO3) minerals. The separation of natural ilmenite into TiO2 and Fe2O3 need to be explored to gain the high purity separation product. A new combination method named of carbothermic reduction, acidic-leaching and complexation by EDTA were proposed for separation TiO2 from Ilmenite. Roasting of ilmenite was carried out at 950 °C for 1 h by the addition of activated carbon with mass ratio of ilmenite : activated carbon =4:3. The carbothermic reduction was carried out to yield a high separation of initial content of ilmenite that will be easily to dissolve within hydrochloric acid solution in leaching process. The composition of ilmenite observed by X-Ray Fluoresences (XRF) changed after the carbothermic reduction process and the dominant content is TiO2 (57.56%). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) of roasted ilmenite composed of decomposed product of ilmenite i.e. hematite (Fe2O3), TiO2 anatase, TiO2 rutile, and inorganic salt. The leaching of the roasted ilmenite has been done by sulphuric acid solution (6 M) to gain the titanyl sulphate solution. Separation of iron impurities of TiO2 gel from titanyl sulphate (TiOSO4) solution was conducted by complexation method using EDTA as a complexation agent. The characteristic of TiO2 obtained using XRD showed that TiO2 is anatase type and the percentage of TiO2 using XRF showed that TiO2 content of 86,03%.

An innovative approach to synthesize highly-ordered TiO2 nanotubes.

PubMed

Isimjan, Tayirjan T; Yang, D Q; Rohani, Sohrab; Ray, Ajay K

2011-02-01

An innovative route to prepare highly-ordered and dimensionally controlled TiO2 nanotubes has been proposed using a mild sonication method. The nanotube arrays were prepared by the anodization of titanium in an electrolyte containing 3% NH4F and 5% H2O in glycerol. It is demonstrated that the TiO2 nanostructures has two layers: the top layer is TiO2 nanowire and underneath is well-ordered TiO2 nanotubes. The top layer can easily fall off and form nanowires bundles by implementing a mild sonication after a short annealing time. We found that the dimensions of the TiO2 nanotubes were only dependent on the anodizing condition. The proposed technique may be extended to fabricate reproducible well-ordered TiO2 nanotubes with large area on other metals.

Defect-rich TiO2-δ nanocrystals confined in a mooncake-shaped porous carbon matrix as an advanced Na ion battery anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hanna; Zhang, Qi; Wang, Haiyan; Zhang, Hehe; Li, Jiadong; Peng, Zhiguang; Tang, Yougen; Shao, Minhua

2017-06-01

Inferior electronic conductivity and sluggish sodium ion diffusion are still two big challenges for TiO2 anode material for Na ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we synthesize TiO2/C composites by the pyrolysis of MIL-125(Ti) precursor and successfully introduce defects to TiO2/C composite by a simple magnesium reduction. The as-prepared defect-rich TiO2-δ/C composite shows mooncake-shaped morphology consisting of TiO2-δ nanocrystals with an average particle size of 5 nm well dispersed in the carbon matrix. When used as a SIBs anode, the defect-rich TiO2-δ/C composite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 330.2 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 at the voltage range of 0.001-3.0 V and long-term cycling stability with negligible decay after 5000 cycles. Compared with other four TiO2/C samples, the electrochemical performance of defect-rich TiO2-δ/C is highly improved, which may benefit from the enhanced electronic/ionic conductivities owing to the defect-rich features, high surface area rendering shortened electronic and ionic diffusion path, and the suppress of the TiO2 crystal aggregation during sodiation and desodiation process by the carbon matrix.

High-Level ab Initio Predictions for the Ionization Energies, Bond Dissociation Energies, and Heats of Formation of Titanium Oxides and Their Cations (TiOn/TiOn+, n = 1 and 2).

PubMed

Pan, Yi; Luo, Zhihong; Chang, Yih-Chung; Lau, Kai-Chung; Ng, C Y

2017-01-26

The ionization energies (IEs) of TiO and TiO 2 and the 0 K bond dissociation energies (D 0 ) and the heats of formation at 0 K (ΔH° f0 ) and 298 K (ΔH° f298 ) for TiO/TiO + and TiO 2 /TiO 2 + are predicted by the wave-function-based CCSDTQ/CBS approach. The CCSDTQ/CBS calculations involve the approximation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit at the coupled cluster level up to full quadruple excitations along with the zero-point vibrational energy (ZPVE), high-order correlation (HOC), core-valence (CV) electronic, spin-orbit (SO) coupling, and scalar relativistic (SR) effect corrections. The present calculations yield IE(TiO) = 6.815 eV and are in good agreement with the experimental IE value of 6.819 80 ± 0.000 10 eV determined in a two-color laser-pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) study. The CCSDT and MRCI+Q methods give the best predictions to the harmonic frequencies: ω e (ω e + ) = 1013 (1069) and 1027 (1059) cm -1 and the bond lengths r e (r e + ) = 1.625 (1.587) and 1.621 (1.588) Å, for TiO (TiO + ) compared with the experimental values. Two nearly degenerate, stable structures are found for TiO 2 cation: TiO 2 + (C 2v ) structure has two equivalent TiO bonds, while the TiO 2 + (C s ) structure features a long and a short TiO bond. The IEs for the TiO 2 + (C 2v )←TiO 2 and TiO 2 + (C s )←TiO 2 ionization transitions are calculated to be 9.515 and 9.525 eV, respectively, giving the theoretical adiabatic IE value in good agreement with the experiment IE(TiO 2 ) = 9.573 55 ± 0.000 15 eV obtained in the previous vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-PFI-PE study of TiO 2 . The potential energy surface of TiO 2 + along the normal vibrational coordinates of asymmetric stretching mode (ω 3 + ) is nearly flat and exhibits a double-well potential with the well of TiO 2 + (C s ) situated around the central well of TiO 2 + (C 2v ). This makes the theoretical calculation of ω 3 + infeasible. For the symmetric stretching (ω 1 + ), the current theoretical predictions overestimate the experimental value of 829.1 ± 2.0 cm -1 by more than 100 cm -1 . This work together with the previous experimental and theoretical investigations supports the conclusion that the CCSDTQ/CBS approach is capable of providing reliable IE and D 0 predictions for TiO/TiO + and TiO 2 /TiO 2 + with error limits less than or equal to 60 meV. The CCSDTQ/CBS calculations give the predictions of D 0 (Ti + -O) - D 0 (Ti-O) = 0.004 eV and D 0 (O-TiO) - D 0 (O-TiO + ) = 2.699 eV, which are also consistent with the respective experimental determination of 0.008 32 ± 0.000 10 and 2.753 75 ± 0.000 18 eV.

Highly efficient and recyclable triple-shelled Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants and reduction of hexavalent chromium ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Jianwei; Zhang, Yunxia; Xu, Sichao; Wang, Shuan; Ding, Hualin; Pan, Shusheng; Wang, Guozhong; Li, Guanghai; Zhao, Huijun

2014-04-01

Herein, we demonstrate the design and fabrication of the well-defined triple-shelled Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 nanospheres with burr-shaped hierarchical structures, in which the multiple distinct functional components are integrated wonderfully into a single nanostructure. In comparison with commercial TiO2 (P25), pure TiO2 microspheres, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 and annealed Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposites, the as-obtained amorphous triple-shelled Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 hierarchical nanospheres exhibit a markedly enhanced visible light or sunlight photocatalytic activity towards the photodegradation of methylene blue and photoreduction of hexavalent chromium ions in wastewater. The outstanding photocatalytic activities of the plasmonic photocatalyst are mainly due to the enhanced light harvesting, reduced transport paths for both mass and charge transport, reduced recombination probability of photogenerated electrons/holes, near field electromagnetic enhancement and efficient scattering from the plasmonic nanostructure, increased surface-to-volume ratio and active sites in three dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous nanostructures, and improved photo/chemical stability. More importantly, the hierarchical nanostructured Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 photocatalysts could be easily collected and separated by applying an external magnetic field and reused at least five times without any appreciable reduction in photocatalytic efficiency. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and excellent chemical stability, in combination with the magnetic recyclability, make these multifunctional nanostructures promising candidates to remediate aquatic contaminants and meet the demands of future environmental issues.Herein, we demonstrate the design and fabrication of the well-defined triple-shelled Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 nanospheres with burr-shaped hierarchical structures, in which the multiple distinct functional components are integrated wonderfully into a single nanostructure. In comparison with commercial TiO2 (P25), pure TiO2 microspheres, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 and annealed Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposites, the as-obtained amorphous triple-shelled Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 hierarchical nanospheres exhibit a markedly enhanced visible light or sunlight photocatalytic activity towards the photodegradation of methylene blue and photoreduction of hexavalent chromium ions in wastewater. The outstanding photocatalytic activities of the plasmonic photocatalyst are mainly due to the enhanced light harvesting, reduced transport paths for both mass and charge transport, reduced recombination probability of photogenerated electrons/holes, near field electromagnetic enhancement and efficient scattering from the plasmonic nanostructure, increased surface-to-volume ratio and active sites in three dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous nanostructures, and improved photo/chemical stability. More importantly, the hierarchical nanostructured Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 photocatalysts could be easily collected and separated by applying an external magnetic field and reused at least five times without any appreciable reduction in photocatalytic efficiency. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and excellent chemical stability, in combination with the magnetic recyclability, make these multifunctional nanostructures promising candidates to remediate aquatic contaminants and meet the demands of future environmental issues. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis of TiO2 microspheres; synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 nanospheres; synthesis of Ag@Fe3O4@TiO2 nanospheres; SEM images of the as-prepared products: (a) Ag@Fe3O4, (b) Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2 and (c) Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 (Fig. S1); TEM images of the Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2 synthesized with adding different amount of TEOS (Fig. S2); SEM, TEM and EDS spectrum of Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 NPs (Fig. S3); SEM and TEM images of as-prepared TiO2 microspheres (Fig. S4); nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm and pore size distribution plot for as-prepared Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 and TiO2 microspheres (Fig. S5); adsorption rate curve of MB in dark for Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 samples (Fig. S6); photocatalytic degradation of MB over unannealed Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 (3 mg) and P25 (10 mg) under Xe lamp illumination (Fig. S7). See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00534a

Enhanced antibacterial activity through the controlled alignment of graphene oxide nanosheets.

PubMed

Lu, Xinglin; Feng, Xunda; Werber, Jay R; Chu, Chiheng; Zucker, Ines; Kim, Jae-Hong; Osuji, Chinedum O; Elimelech, Menachem

2017-11-14

The cytotoxicity of 2D graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) is highly important for engineered applications and environmental health. However, the isotropic orientation of GBNs, most notably graphene oxide (GO), in previous experimental studies obscured the interpretation of cytotoxic contributions of nanosheet edges. Here, we investigate the orientation-dependent interaction of GBNs with bacteria using GO composite films. To produce the films, GO nanosheets are aligned in a magnetic field, immobilized by cross-linking of the surrounding matrix, and exposed on the surface through oxidative etching. Characterization by small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy confirms that GO nanosheets align progressively well with increasing magnetic field strength and that the alignment is effectively preserved by cross-linking. When contacted with the model bacterium Escherichia coli , GO nanosheets with vertical orientation exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity compared with random and horizontal orientations. Further characterization is performed to explain the enhanced antibacterial activity of the film with vertically aligned GO. Using phospholipid vesicles as a model system, we observe that GO nanosheets induce physical disruption of the lipid bilayer. Additionally, we find substantial GO-induced oxidation of glutathione, a model intracellular antioxidant, paired with limited generation of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that oxidation occurs through a direct electron-transfer mechanism. These physical and chemical mechanisms both require nanosheet penetration of the cell membrane, suggesting that the enhanced antibacterial activity of the film with vertically aligned GO stems from an increased density of edges with a preferential orientation for membrane disruption. The importance of nanosheet penetration for cytotoxicity has direct implications for the design of engineering surfaces using GBNs.

Architecture engineering toward highly active palladium integrated titanium dioxide yolk-double-shell nanoreactor for catalytic applications.

PubMed

Liu, Baocang; Wang, Qin; Yu, Shengli; Jing, Peng; Liu, Lixia; Xu, Guangran; Zhang, Jun

2014-10-21

Rational design of the hierarchical architecture of a material with well controlled functionality is crucially important for improving its properties. In this paper, we present the general strategies for rationally designing and constructing three types of hierarchical Pd integrated TiO2 double-shell architectures, i.e. yolk-double-shell TiO2 architecture (Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2) with yolk-type Pd nanoparticles residing inside the central cavity of the hollow TiO2 structure; ultrafine Pd nanoparticles homogenously dispersed on both the external and internal surfaces of the inner TiO2 shell; and double-shell TiO2 architecture (@TiO2/Pd@TiO2) with Pd nanoparticles solely loaded on the external surface of the inner TiO2 shell, and double-shell TiO2 architecture (@TiO2@Pd@TiO2) with Pd nanoparticles dispersed in the interlayer space of double TiO2 shells, via newly developed Pd(2+) ion-diffusion and Pd sol impregnation methodologies. These architectures are well controlled in structure, size, morphology, and configuration with Pd nanoparticles existing in various locations. Owing to the variable synergistic effects arising from the location discrepancies of Pd nanoparticle in the architectures, they exhibit remarkable variations in catalytic activity. In particular, different from previously reported yolk-shell structures, the obtained yolk-double-shell Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2 architecture, which is revealed for the first time, possesses a uniform hierarchical structure, narrow size distribution, and good monodispersibility, and it creates two Pd-TiO2 interfaces on the external and internal surfaces of the inner TiO2 shell, leading to the strongest synergistic effect of Pd nanoparticles with TiO2 shell. Furthermore, the interlayer chamber between the double TiO2 shells connecting with the central cavity of the hollow TiO2 structure through the mesoporous TiO2 wall forms a nanoreactor for enriching the reactants and preventing the deletion of Pd nanoparticles during the reaction, thus greatly accelerating the reaction speed. Owing to its structural features, yolk-double-shell Pd@TiO2/Pd@TiO2 architecture exhibits extremely high catalytic performance on the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. The synthetic methodologies are robust for fabricating double-shell architectures with various configurations for applications such as in catalysis, drug delivery, and medicine release. The obtained double-shell architectures may be used as novel catalyst systems with highly efficient catalytic performance for other catalytic reactions.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles alter cellular morphology via disturbing the microtubule dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Zhilei; Xu, Bo; Ji, Xiaoli; Zhou, Kun; Zhang, Xuemei; Chen, Minjian; Han, Xiumei; Tang, Qiusha; Wang, Xinru; Xia, Yankai

2015-04-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in our daily lives, for example, in the areas of sunscreens, cosmetics, toothpastes, food products, and nanomedical reagents. Recently, increasing concern has been raised about their neurotoxicity, but the mechanisms underlying such toxic effects are still unknown. In this work, we employed a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) to study the effects of TiO2 NPs on neurological systems. Our results showed that TiO2 NPs did not affect cell viability but induced noticeable morphological changes until 100 μg ml-1. Immunofluorescence detection showed disorder, disruption, retraction, and decreased intensity of the microtubules after TiO2 NPs treatment. Both α and β tubule expressions did not change in the TiO2 NP-treated group, but the percentage of soluble tubules was increased. A microtubule dynamic study in living cells indicated that TiO2 NPs caused a lower growth rate and a higher shortening rate of microtubules as well as shortened lifetimes of de novo microtubules. TiO2 NPs did not cause changes in the expression and phosphorylation state of tau proteins, but a tau-TiO2 NP interaction was observed. TiO2 NPs could interact with tubule heterodimers, microtubules and tau proteins, which led to the instability of microtubules, thus contributing to the neurotoxicity of TiO2 NPs.Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in our daily lives, for example, in the areas of sunscreens, cosmetics, toothpastes, food products, and nanomedical reagents. Recently, increasing concern has been raised about their neurotoxicity, but the mechanisms underlying such toxic effects are still unknown. In this work, we employed a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) to study the effects of TiO2 NPs on neurological systems. Our results showed that TiO2 NPs did not affect cell viability but induced noticeable morphological changes until 100 μg ml-1. Immunofluorescence detection showed disorder, disruption, retraction, and decreased intensity of the microtubules after TiO2 NPs treatment. Both α and β tubule expressions did not change in the TiO2 NP-treated group, but the percentage of soluble tubules was increased. A microtubule dynamic study in living cells indicated that TiO2 NPs caused a lower growth rate and a higher shortening rate of microtubules as well as shortened lifetimes of de novo microtubules. TiO2 NPs did not cause changes in the expression and phosphorylation state of tau proteins, but a tau-TiO2 NP interaction was observed. TiO2 NPs could interact with tubule heterodimers, microtubules and tau proteins, which led to the instability of microtubules, thus contributing to the neurotoxicity of TiO2 NPs. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01448d

Single-step One-pot Synthesis of TiO2 Nanosheets Doped with Sulfur on Reduced Graphene Oxide with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity.

PubMed

Wang, Weilin; Wang, Zhaofeng; Liu, Jingjing; Luo, Zhu; Suib, Steven L; He, Peng; Ding, Guqiao; Zhang, Zhengguo; Sun, Luyi

2017-04-21

A hybrid photocatalyst based on anatase TiO 2 was designed by doping TiO 2 with sulfur and incorporating reduced graphene oxide (TiO 2 -S/rGO hybrid), with an aim to narrow the band gap to potentially make use of visible light and decrease the recombination of excitons, respectively. This TiO 2 -S/rGO hybrid was successfully synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method via single-step reaction. The structure and morphology of the TiO 2 -S/rGO hybrid catalyst was carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Its photocatalytic reactivity was evaluated by the degradation of methyl blue. The results showed that both the doping of sulfur and the introduction of rGO worked as designed, and the TiO 2 -S/rGO hybrid exhibited high photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight. Considering both the facile and scalable reaction to synthesize TiO 2 -S/rGO hybrid, and its excellent photocatalytic performance, such TiO 2 -S/rGO hybrids are expect to find practical applications in environmental and energy sectors.

Single-step One-pot Synthesis of TiO2 Nanosheets Doped with Sulfur on Reduced Graphene Oxide with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weilin; Wang, Zhaofeng; Liu, Jingjing; Luo, Zhu; Suib, Steven L.; He, Peng; Ding, Guqiao; Zhang, Zhengguo; Sun, Luyi

2017-04-01

A hybrid photocatalyst based on anatase TiO2 was designed by doping TiO2 with sulfur and incorporating reduced graphene oxide (TiO2-S/rGO hybrid), with an aim to narrow the band gap to potentially make use of visible light and decrease the recombination of excitons, respectively. This TiO2-S/rGO hybrid was successfully synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method via single-step reaction. The structure and morphology of the TiO2-S/rGO hybrid catalyst was carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Its photocatalytic reactivity was evaluated by the degradation of methyl blue. The results showed that both the doping of sulfur and the introduction of rGO worked as designed, and the TiO2-S/rGO hybrid exhibited high photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight. Considering both the facile and scalable reaction to synthesize TiO2-S/rGO hybrid, and its excellent photocatalytic performance, such TiO2-S/rGO hybrids are expect to find practical applications in environmental and energy sectors.

An external template-free route to uniform semiconducting hollow mesospheres and their use in photocatalysis.

PubMed

Yang, Di; Wang, Mengye; Zou, Bin; Zhang, Gu Ling; Lin, Zhiqun

2015-08-14

Solid amorphous TiO2 mesospheres were synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of Ti-containing precursors. Subsequently, solid TiO2 mesospheres were exploited as scaffolds and subjected to a one-step external template-free hydrothermal treatment, yielding intriguing hollow anatase TiO2 mesospheres. The synthetic protocol was optimized by investigating the effect of buffer reagents and fluoride ions on the formation of hollow TiO2 spheres. The diameter of hollow mesospheres, ranging from 308 to 760 nm, can be readily tailored by varying the precursor concentration. The average thickness of a shell composed of TiO2 nanocrystals was approximately 40 nm with a mean crystal size of 12.4-20.0 nm. Such hollow TiO2 mesospheres possessed a large surface area and were employed in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation. Interestingly, the synthetic conditions were found to exert a significant influence on the photocatalytic ability of hollow TiO2 mesospheres. The correlation between the degradation ability of hollow TiO2 mesospheres and the precursor concentration as well as the hydrothermal time was scrutinized. The optimal photocatalytic performance of hollow TiO2 mesospheres was identified.

Hybrid TiO2 -Ruthenium Nano-photosensitizer Synergistically Produces Reactive Oxygen Species in both Hypoxic and Normoxic Conditions.

PubMed

Gilson, Rebecca C; Black, Kvar C L; Lane, Daniel D; Achilefu, Samuel

2017-08-28

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used to treat diverse diseases, but its dependence on oxygen to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) diminishes the therapeutic effect in a hypoxic environment, such as solid tumors. Herein, we developed a ROS-producing hybrid nanoparticle-based photosensitizer capable of maintaining high levels of ROS under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Conjugation of a ruthenium complex (N3) to a TiO 2 nanoparticle afforded TiO 2 -N3. Upon exposure of TiO 2 -N3 to light, the N3 injected electrons into TiO 2 to produce three- and four-fold more hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, than TiO 2 at 160 mmHg. TiO 2 -N3 maintained three-fold higher hydroxyl radicals than TiO 2 under hypoxic conditions via N3-facilitated electron-hole reduction of adsorbed water molecules. The incorporation of N3 transformed TiO 2 from a dual type I and II PDT agent to a predominantly type I photosensitizer, irrespective of the oxygen content. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The paradox of vertical σ2 in foreland fold and thrust belts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavani, Stefano

2014-05-01

Occurrence of aesthetically appealing thrust systems and associated large scale anticlines, in both active and fossil foreland fold and thrust belts, is commonly interpreted as an evidence for Andersonian compressional framework. Indeed, these structures would testify for a roughly vertical σ3. Such a correlation between thrusts occurrence and stress field orientation, however, frequently fails to explain denser observations at a smaller scale. The syn-orogenic deformation meso-structures hosted in exposed km-scale thrust-related folds, in fact, frequently and paradoxically witness for a syn-thrusting strike-slip stress configuration, with a near-vertical σ2 and a sub-horizontal σ3. This apparent widespread inconsistency between syn-orogenic meso-structures and stress field orientation is here named "the σ2 paradox". A possible explanation for such a paradox is provided by inherited extensional deformation structures commonly developed prior to thrusting, in the flexural foreland basins located ahead of fold and thrust belts. Thrust nucleation and propagation is facilitated and driven by the positive inversion of the extensional inheritances, and their subsequent linkage. This process eventually leads to the development of large reverse fault zones and can occur both in compressive and strike-slip stress configurations.

Characteristics of ionic polymer-metal composite with chemically doped TiO2 particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Youngsoo; Kim, Seong Jun; Kim, Kwang J.; Lee, Deuk Yong

2011-12-01

Many studies have investigated techniques to improve the bending performance of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators, including 'doping' of metal particles in the polymer membrane usually by means of physical processes. This study is mainly focused on the characterization of the physical, electrochemical and electromechanical properties of TiO2-doped ionic polymer membranes and IPMCs prepared by the sol-gel method, which results in a uniform distribution of the particles inside the polymer membrane. X-ray and UV-visible spectra indicate the presence of anatase-TiO2 in the modified membranes. TiO2-doped membranes (0.16 wt%) exhibit the highest level of water uptake. The glass transition temperature of these membranes, measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), increases with the increase of the amount of TiO2 in the membrane. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated that the storage modulus of dried TiO2-doped ionic polymer membranes increases as the amount of TiO2 in the membrane increases, whereas the storage modulus of hydrated samples is closely related to the level of water uptake. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows that the conductivity of TiO2-doped membranes decreases with increasing TiO2 content in spite of an internal resistance drop in the samples. Above all, bending deflection of TiO2-doped IPMC decreased with higher TiO2 content in the membrane while the blocking force of each sample increased with the higher TiO2 content. Additionally, it was determined that the lifetime of IPMC is strongly dependent on the level of water uptake.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Anatase and Rutile TiO2 Thin Films on CHO-K1 Cells in Vitro

PubMed Central

Cervantes, Blanca; López-Huerta, Francisco; Vega, Rosario; Hernández-Torres, Julián; García-González, Leandro; Salceda, Emilio; Herrera-May, Agustín L.; Soto, Enrique

2016-01-01

Cytotoxicity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells was evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h of culture. The TiO2 thin films were deposited using direct current magnetron sputtering. These films were post-deposition annealed at different temperatures (300, 500 and 800 °C) toward the anatase to rutile phase transformation. The root-mean-square (RMS) surface roughness of TiO2 films went from 2.8 to 8.08 nm when the annealing temperature was increased from 300 to 800 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results showed that the TiO2 films’ thickness values fell within the nanometer range (290–310 nm). Based on the results of the tetrazolium dye and trypan blue assays, we found that TiO2 thin films showed no cytotoxicity after the aforementioned culture times at which cell viability was greater than 98%. Independently of the annealing temperature of the TiO2 thin films, the number of CHO-K1 cells on the control substrate and on all TiO2 thin films was greater after 48 or 72 h than it was after 24 h; the highest cell survival rate was observed in TiO2 films annealed at 800 °C. These results indicate that TiO2 thin films do not affect mitochondrial function and proliferation of CHO-K1 cells, and back up the use of TiO2 thin films in biomedical science. PMID:28773740

Adsorption and photocatalysis for methyl orange and Cd removal from wastewater using TiO2/sewage sludge-based activated carbon nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Eltaher, M. A.; Abdou, A. N. A.

2017-01-01

Nanocomposite TiO2/ASS (TiO2 nanoparticle coated sewage sludge-based activated carbon) was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The changes in surface properties of the TiO2/ASS nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence. The prepared TiO2/ASS nanocomposite was applied for simultaneous removal of methyl orange dye (MO) and Cd2+ from bi-pollutant solution. The factors influencing photocatalysis (TiO2 : ASS ratios, initial pollutant concentrations, solution pH, nanocomposite dosage and UV irradiation time) were investigated. The results revealed that high removal efficiency of methyl orange dye (MO) and Cd2+ from bi-pollutant solution was achieved with TiO2/ASS at a ratio (1 : 2). The obtained results revealed that degradation of MO dye on the TiO2/ASS nanocomposite was facilitated by surface adsorption and photocatalytic processes. The coupled photocatalysis and adsorption shown by TiO2/ASS nanocomposite resulted in faster and higher degradation of MO as compared to MO removal by ASS adsorbent. The removal efficiency of MO by ASS adsorbent and TiO2/ASS (1 : 2) nanocomposite at optimum pH value 7 were 74.14 and 94.28%, respectively, while for Cd2+ it was more than 90%. The experimental results fitted well with the second-order kinetic reaction. PMID:29308227

Adsorption and photocatalysis for methyl orange and Cd removal from wastewater using TiO2/sewage sludge-based activated carbon nanocomposites.

PubMed

Rashed, M Nageeb; Eltaher, M A; Abdou, A N A

2017-12-01

Nanocomposite TiO 2 /ASS (TiO 2 nanoparticle coated sewage sludge-based activated carbon) was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The changes in surface properties of the TiO 2 /ASS nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence. The prepared TiO 2 /ASS nanocomposite was applied for simultaneous removal of methyl orange dye (MO) and Cd 2+ from bi-pollutant solution. The factors influencing photocatalysis (TiO 2  : ASS ratios, initial pollutant concentrations, solution pH, nanocomposite dosage and UV irradiation time) were investigated. The results revealed that high removal efficiency of methyl orange dye (MO) and Cd 2+ from bi-pollutant solution was achieved with TiO 2 /ASS at a ratio (1 : 2). The obtained results revealed that degradation of MO dye on the TiO 2 /ASS nanocomposite was facilitated by surface adsorption and photocatalytic processes. The coupled photocatalysis and adsorption shown by TiO 2 /ASS nanocomposite resulted in faster and higher degradation of MO as compared to MO removal by ASS adsorbent. The removal efficiency of MO by ASS adsorbent and TiO 2 /ASS (1 : 2) nanocomposite at optimum pH value 7 were 74.14 and 94.28%, respectively, while for Cd 2+ it was more than 90%. The experimental results fitted well with the second-order kinetic reaction.

Adsorption and photocatalysis for methyl orange and Cd removal from wastewater using TiO2/sewage sludge-based activated carbon nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashed, M. Nageeb; Eltaher, M. A.; Abdou, A. N. A.

2017-12-01

Nanocomposite TiO2/ASS (TiO2 nanoparticle coated sewage sludge-based activated carbon) was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The changes in surface properties of the TiO2/ASS nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence. The prepared TiO2/ASS nanocomposite was applied for simultaneous removal of methyl orange dye (MO) and Cd2+ from bi-pollutant solution. The factors influencing photocatalysis (TiO2 : ASS ratios, initial pollutant concentrations, solution pH, nanocomposite dosage and UV irradiation time) were investigated. The results revealed that high removal efficiency of methyl orange dye (MO) and Cd2+ from bi-pollutant solution was achieved with TiO2/ASS at a ratio (1 : 2). The obtained results revealed that degradation of MO dye on the TiO2/ASS nanocomposite was facilitated by surface adsorption and photocatalytic processes. The coupled photocatalysis and adsorption shown by TiO2/ASS nanocomposite resulted in faster and higher degradation of MO as compared to MO removal by ASS adsorbent. The removal efficiency of MO by ASS adsorbent and TiO2/ASS (1 : 2) nanocomposite at optimum pH value 7 were 74.14 and 94.28%, respectively, while for Cd2+ it was more than 90%. The experimental results fitted well with the second-order kinetic reaction.

Pt-Enhanced Mesoporous Ti3+/TiO2 with Rapid Bulk to Surface Electron Transfer for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

PubMed

Lian, Zichao; Wang, Wenchao; Li, Guisheng; Tian, Fenghui; Schanze, Kirk S; Li, Hexing

2017-05-24

Pt-doped mesoporous Ti 3+ self-doped TiO 2 (Pt-Ti 3+ /TiO 2 ) is in situ synthesized via an ionothermal route, by treating metallic Ti in an ionic liquid containing LiOAc, HOAc, and a H 2 PtCl 6 aqueous solution under mild ionothermal conditions. Such Ti 3+ -enriched environment, as well as oxygen vacancies, is proven to be effective for allowing the in situ reduction of Pt 4+ ions uniformly located in the framework of the TiO 2 bulk. The photocatalytic H 2 evolution of Pt-Ti 3+ /TiO 2 is significantly higher than that of the photoreduced Pt loaded on the original TiO 2 and commercial P25. Such greatly enhanced activity is due to the various valence states of Pt (Pt n+ , n = 0, 2, or 3), forming Pt-O bonds embedded in the framework of TiO 2 and ultrafine Pt metal nanoparticles on the surface of TiO 2 . Such Pt n+ -O bonds could act as the bridges for facilitating the photogenerated electron transfer from the bulk to the surface of TiO 2 with a higher electron carrier density (3.11 × 10 20 cm -3 ), about 2.5 times that (1.25 × 10 20 cm -3 ) of the photoreduced Pt-Ti 3+ /TiO 2 sample. Thus, more photogenerated electrons could reach the Pt metal for reducing protons to H 2 .

Role of orientation reference selection in motion sickness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterka, Robert J.; Black, F. Owen

1987-01-01

The objectives of this proposal were developed to further explore and quantify the orientation reference selection abilities of subjects and the relation, if any, between motion sickness and orientation reference selection. The overall objectives of this proposal are to determine (1) if motion sickness susceptibility is related to sensory orientation reference selection abilities of subjects, (2) if abnormal vertical canal-otolith function is the source of these abnormal posture control strategies and if it can be quantified by vestibular and oculomotor reflex measurements, and (3) if quantifiable measures of perception of vestibular and visual motion cues can be related to motion sickness susceptibility and to orientation reference selection ability demonstrated by tests which systematically control the sensory imformation available for orientation.

Melting of 2D colloidal crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maret, G.; Eisenmann, C.; Gasser, U.; Vongruenberg, H. H.; Keim, P.; Zahn, K.

2004-11-01

We study melting of 2D crystals of super-paramagnetic colloidal particles confined by gravity to a flat air-water interface. The effective system temperature is given by the strength of the dipolar inter-particle interaction controlled by an external magnetic field B. Particle positions are obtained by video-microscopy. In vertical B-field crystals are hexagonal and we find all features of the 2-step melting scenario predicted by KTHNY-theory. In particular, quantitative agreement is found for the translational and orientational order parameters related to bound and isolated dislocations and disclinations. From particle position fluctuations wave-vector (q) dependent normal-mode spring constants are obtained in agreement with phonon band structure calculations. The elastic constants (q=0 limit) soften near melting in quantitative agreement with KTHNY. By tilting B away from vertical anisotropic 2D crystals are generated; at small tilting angles they melt through a quasi-hexatic phase, while at higher tilts a centered rectangular phase is found which melts into a 2D smectic-like phase through orientation-dependent dislocations.

Bactericidal effects of silver plus titanium dioxide-coated endotracheal tubes on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Tarquinio, Keiko M; Kothurkar, Nikhil K; Goswami, Dharendra Y; Sanders, Ronald C; Zaritsky, Arno L; LeVine, Ann Marie

2010-01-01

Purpose: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial infection resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are pathogens associated with VAP. Silver (Ag) coating of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) reduces bacterial colonization, however titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating has not been studied. Methods: Five types of ETT coatings were applied over silica layer: Ag, solgel TiO2, solgel TiO2 with Ag, Degussa P25 TiO2 (Degussa TiO2), and Degussa TiO2 with Ag. After ETTs were incubated with P. aeruginosa or S. aureus; colonization was determined quantitatively. Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus grew for 5 days on standard ETTs. Compared to standard ETTs, P. aeruginosa growth was significantly inhibited by solgel TiO2 with Ag at 24 hours, and by Degussa TiO2 with Ag at 24 and 48 hours after inoculation. No significant difference in S. aureus growth was observed between the control and any of the five coatings for 5 days. Conclusion: In vitro, solgel TiO2 with Ag and Degussa TiO2 with Ag both attenuated P. aeruginosa growth, but demonstrated no effect on S. aureus colonization. Further studies using alternative coating and incorporating UV light exposure are needed to identify their potential utility in reducing VAP. PMID:20463933

Photodecomposition of volatile organic compounds using TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Jwo, Ching-Song; Chang, Ho; Kao, Mu-Jnug; Lin, Chi-Hsiang

2007-06-01

This study examined the photodecomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using TiO2 catalyst fabricated by the Submerged Arc Nanoparticle Synthesis System (SANSS). TiO2 catalyst was employed to decompose volatile organic compounds and compare with Degussa-P25 TiO2 in terms of decomposition efficiency. In the electric discharge manufacturing process, a Ti bar, applied as the electrode, was melted and vaporized under high temperature. The vaporized Ti powders were then rapidly quenched under low-temperature and low-pressure conditions in deionized water, thus nucleating and forming nanocrystalline powders uniformly dispersed in the base solvent. The average diameter of the TiO2 nanoparticles was 20 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles in the deionized water were Anatase type TiO2. It was found that gaseous toluene exposed to UV irradiation produced intermediates that were even harder to decompose. After 60-min photocomposition, Degussa-P25 TiO2 reduced the concentration of gaseous toluene to 8.18% while the concentration after decomposition by SANSS TiO2 catalyst dropped to 0.35%. Under UV irradiation at 253.7 +/- 184.9 nm, TiO2 prepared by SANSS can produce strong chemical debonding energy, thus showing great efficiency, superior to that of Degussa-P25 TiO2, in decomposing gaseous toluene and its intermediates.

Morphology modulation of SrTiO3/TiO2 heterostructures for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance.

PubMed

Jiao, Zhengbo; Chen, Tao; Yu, Hongchao; Wang, Teng; Lu, Gongxuan; Bi, Yingpu

2014-04-01

Design and fabrication of nanoscale semiconductors with regulatable morphology or structure has attracted tremendous interest due to the dependency relationship between properties and architectures. Two types of SrTiO3/TiO2 nanocomposites with different morphologies and structures have been fabricated by controlling the kinetics of hydrothermal reactions. One is TiO2 nanotube arrays densely wrapped by SrTiO3 film and the other is SrTiO3 nanospheres distributed on the top region of TiO2 nanotube arrays, which has been firstly fabricated. It has been found that the photoelectrochemical performances of these heterostructures are crucially dominated by their architectures. Heterostructured SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by traditional method in the absence of NaOH and they exhibited higher photoelectrochemical performance than pure TiO2 nanotube arrays. However, the compact SrTiO3 coating film on the sidewalls of TiO2 nanotube arrays could inevitably destroy the tubular structures of TiO2 and thus go against the vectorial transport of electrons. Interestingly, when excess NaOH was added into the growth solution, SrTiO3 nanospheres would be rationally grafted on the top of TiO2 nanotube arrays, which could preserve the tubular structures of TiO2, and thus further improve the photoelectrochemical performance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Graphene quantum dots to enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency of anatase TiO2 with exposed {001} facet.

PubMed

Yu, Shan; Zhong, Yun-Qian; Yu, Bao-Quan; Cai, Shi-Yi; Wu, Li-Zhu; Zhou, Ying

2016-07-27

Hydrogen evolution through photocatalysis is promising with respect to the environmental problems and challenges of energy shortage that we encounter today. In this paper, we have combined graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and {001} faceted anatase TiO2 (with an exposed percentage of 65-75%) together for effective photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. A series of characterizations including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy have been carried out to study the structure of the as-prepared GQDs/{001}TiO2 composite. It turns out that GQDs could be effectively decorated on {001}TiO2 sheet without changing its intrinsic structure. With an optimum loading amount of GQDs (0.5 wt% to {001}TiO2), GQDs/{001}TiO2 exhibits a hydrogen evolution efficiency 8 times higher than that of bare {001}TiO2, which is a significantly more obvious improvement than many other photocatalytic systems relevant to GQDs and TiO2 hybrids. In addition, GQDs/{001}TiO2 could stand long-term photocatalytic experiments. Photocurrent tests show that such an improvement of the photocatalytic efficiency over GQDs/{001}TiO2 may originate from a higher charge separation efficiency. The present study could offer reference for the construction of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution systems with low cost and long term stability.

The effects of solvent on photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction under visible light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qiyao; Huang, Yunfang; Xu, Hui; Luo, Dan; Huang, Feiyue; Gu, Lin; Wei, Yuelin; Zhao, Huang; Fan, Leqing; Wu, Jihuai

2018-04-01

Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts with two different microstructures were controllably fabricated via a facile two-step synthetic route. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET-surface, DRS, PL spectra, photoelectrochemical measurement (Mott-Schottky), and zeta-potential analyzer were employed to clarify structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained products. The results showed that Bi2WO6 nanoparticles/nanosheets grew on the primary TiO2 nanorods. The TiO2 nanorods used as a synthetic template inhibit the growth of Bi2WO6 crystals along the c-axis, resulting in Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterostructure with one-dimensional (1D) morphology. The photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts were strongly dependent on their shapes and structures. Compared with bare Bi2WO6 and TiO2, Bi2WO6/TiO2 composite have stronger adsorption ability and better visible light photocatalytic activities towards organic dyes. The Bi2WO6/TiO2 composite prepared in EG solvent with optimal Bi:Ti ratio of 2:12 (S-TB2) showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which could totally decompose Rhodamine B within 10 min upon irradiation with visible light (λ > 422 nm), and retained the high photocatalytic performance after five recycles, confirming its stability and practical usability. The results of PL indicated that Bi2WO6 and TiO2 could combine well to form a heterojunction structure which facilitated electron-hole separation, and lead to the increasing photocatalytic activity.

Photocatalysis effect of nanometer TiO2 and TiO2-coated ceramic plate on Hepatitis B virus.

PubMed

Zan, Ling; Fa, Wenjun; Peng, Tianyou; Gong, Zhen-Kui

2007-02-01

The photocatalysis effect of nanometer TiO2 particles and TiO2-coated ceramic plate on Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) was investigated. The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) standard method was used to assess the efficiency of TiO2 material to destroy the HBsAg. The research has shown that the suspension of TiO2 (0.5g/L) can destroy most of the HBsAg under the irradiation of mercury lamp, with the light intensity of 0.6mW/cm(2) at 365nm wavelength, or under the sunlight irradiation for a few hours. TiO2-coated ceramic plates can also destroy the HBsAg under the irradiation of mercury lamp, with the light intensity of 0.05mW/cm(2) at 365nm wavelength or under the room daylight for a few hours.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of WO3-surface modified TiO2 thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qamar, Mohammad; Drmosh, Qasem; Ahmed, Muhammad I.; Qamaruddin, Muhammad; Yamani, Zain H.

2015-02-01

Development of nanostructured photocatalysts for harnessing solar energy in energy-efficient and environmentally benign way remains an important area of research. Pure and WO3-surface modified thin films of TiO2 were prepared by magnetron sputtering on indium tin oxide glass, and photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities of these films were studied. TiO2 particles were <50 nm, while deposited WO3 particles were <20 nm in size. An enhancement in the photocurrent was observed when the TiO2 surface was modified WO3 nanoparticles. Effect of potential, WO3 amount, and radiations of different wavelengths on the photoelectrochemical activity of TiO2 electrodes was investigated. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and WO3-modified TiO2 for the decolorization of methyl orange was tested.

Engineering of highly ordered TiO2 nanopore arrays by anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huijie; Huang, Zhennan; Zhang, Li; Ding, Jie; Ma, Zhaoxia; Liu, Yong; Kou, Shengzhong; Yang, Hangsheng

2016-07-01

Finite element analysis was used to simulate the current density distributions in the TiO2 barrier layer formed at the initial stage of Ti anodization. The morphology modification of the barrier layer was found to induce current density distribution change. By starting the anodization with proper TiO2 barrier layer morphology, the current density distribution can be adjusted to favor the formation of either nanotube arrays or nanopore arrays of anodic TiO2. We also found that the addition of sodium acetate into the electrolyte suppressed both the field-assisted chemical dissolution of TiO2 and the TiF62- hydrolysis induced TiO2 deposition during anodization, and thus further favored the nanopore formation. Accordingly, highly ordered anodic TiO2 nanopore arrays, similar to anodic aluminum oxide nanopore arrays, were successfully prepared.

Enhanced Dispersion of TiO2 Nanoparticles in a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Nanocomposite via Plasma-Liquid Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yazi; Sun, Dan; Askari, Sadegh; Patel, Jenish; Macias-Montero, Manuel; Mitra, Somak; Zhang, Richao; Lin, Wen-Feng; Mariotti, Davide; Maguire, Paul

2015-10-01

A facile method to synthesize a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposite material in aqueous solution through direct current (DC) plasma processing at atmospheric pressure and room temperature has been demonstrated. The dispersion of the TiO2 nanoparticles is enhanced and TiO2/polymer hybrid nanoparticles with a distinct core shell structure have been obtained. Increased electrical conductivity was observed for the plasma treated TiO2/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite. The improvement in nanocomposite properties is due to the enhanced dispersion and stability in liquid polymer of microplasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles. Both plasma induced surface charge and nanoparticle surface termination with specific plasma chemical species are proposed to provide an enhanced barrier to nanoparticle agglomeration and promote nanoparticle-polymer binding.

Y-doping TiO2 nanorod arrays for efficient perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Xinlian; Wang, Yanqing; Cui, Zhendong; Li, Long; Shi, Chengwu

2018-05-01

To improve the electron transportation in TiO2 nanorod arrays and charge separation in the interface of TiO2/perovskite, Y-doping TiO2 nanorod arrays with the length of 200 nm, diameter of 11 nm and areal density of 1050 μm-2 were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method and the influence of Y/Ti molar ratios of 0%, 3%, 5% in the hydrothermal grown solutions on the growth of TiO2 nanorod arrays was investigated. The results revealed that the appropriate Y/Ti molar ratios can increase the areal density of the corresponding TiO2 nanorod arrays and improve the charge separation in the interface of the TiO2/perovskite. The Y-doping TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells with the Y/Ti molar ratio of 3% exhibited a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.11% along with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.06 V, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 22.50 mA cm-2 and fill factor (FF) of 76.16%, while the un-doping TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells gave a PCE of 16.42% along with Voc of 1.04 V, Jsc of 21.66 mA cm-2 and FF of 72.97%.

Highly efficient low-temperature plasma-assisted modification of TiO2 nanosheets with exposed {001} facets for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Li, Beibei; Zhao, Zongbin; Zhou, Quan; Meng, Bo; Meng, Xiangtong; Qiu, Jieshan

2014-11-03

Anatase TiO2 nanosheets with exposed {001} facets have been controllably modified under non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with various working gas, including Ar, H2 , and NH3 . The obtained TiO2 nanosheets possess a unique crystalline core/amorphous shell structure (TiO2 @TiO2-x ), which exhibit the improved visible and near-infrared light absorption. The types of dopants (oxygen vacancy/surface Ti(3+) /substituted N) in oxygen-deficient TiO2 can be tuned by controlling the working gases during plasma discharge. Both surface Ti(3+) and substituted N were doped into the lattice of TiO2 through NH3 plasma discharge, whereas the oxygen vacancy or Ti(3+) (along with the oxygen vacancy) was obtained after Ar or H2 plasma treatment. The TiO2 @TiO2-x from NH3 plasma with a green color shows the highest photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation compared with the products from Ar plasma or H2 plasma due to the synergistic effect of reduction and simultaneous nitridation in the NH3 plasma. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Comparing Multi-Step IMAC and Multi-Step TiO2 Methods for Phosphopeptide Enrichment

PubMed Central

Yue, Xiaoshan; Schunter, Alissa; Hummon, Amanda B.

2016-01-01

Phosphopeptide enrichment from complicated peptide mixtures is an essential step for mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic studies to reduce sample complexity and ionization suppression effects. Typical methods for enriching phosphopeptides include immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) beads, which have selective affinity and can interact with phosphopeptides. In this study, the IMAC enrichment method was compared with the TiO2 enrichment method, using a multi-step enrichment strategy from whole cell lysate, to evaluate their abilities to enrich for different types of phosphopeptides. The peptide-to-beads ratios were optimized for both IMAC and TiO2 beads. Both IMAC and TiO2 enrichments were performed for three rounds to enable the maximum extraction of phosphopeptides from the whole cell lysates. The phosphopeptides that are unique to IMAC enrichment, unique to TiO2 enrichment, and identified with both IMAC and TiO2 enrichment were analyzed for their characteristics. Both IMAC and TiO2 enriched similar amounts of phosphopeptides with comparable enrichment efficiency. However, phosphopeptides that are unique to IMAC enrichment showed a higher percentage of multi-phosphopeptides, as well as a higher percentage of longer, basic, and hydrophilic phosphopeptides. Also, the IMAC and TiO2 procedures clearly enriched phosphopeptides with different motifs. Finally, further enriching with two rounds of TiO2 from the supernatant after IMAC enrichment, or further enriching with two rounds of IMAC from the supernatant TiO2 enrichment does not fully recover the phosphopeptides that are not identified with the corresponding multi-step enrichment. PMID:26237447

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles: a review of current toxicological data.

PubMed

Shi, Hongbo; Magaye, Ruth; Castranova, Vincent; Zhao, Jinshun

2013-04-15

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are manufactured worldwide in large quantities for use in a wide range of applications. TiO2 NPs possess different physicochemical properties compared to their fine particle (FP) analogs, which might alter their bioactivity. Most of the literature cited here has focused on the respiratory system, showing the importance of inhalation as the primary route for TiO2 NP exposure in the workplace. TiO2 NPs may translocate to systemic organs from the lung and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) although the rate of translocation appears low. There have also been studies focusing on other potential routes of human exposure. Oral exposure mainly occurs through food products containing TiO2 NP-additives. Most dermal exposure studies, whether in vivo or in vitro, report that TiO2 NPs do not penetrate the stratum corneum (SC). In the field of nanomedicine, intravenous injection can deliver TiO2 nanoparticulate carriers directly into the human body. Upon intravenous exposure, TiO2 NPs can induce pathological lesions of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain. We have also shown here that most of these effects may be due to the use of very high doses of TiO2 NPs. There is also an enormous lack of epidemiological data regarding TiO2 NPs in spite of its increased production and use. However, long-term inhalation studies in rats have reported lung tumors. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the toxicology of TiO2 NPs and points out areas where further information is needed.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles: a review of current toxicological data

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are manufactured worldwide in large quantities for use in a wide range of applications. TiO2 NPs possess different physicochemical properties compared to their fine particle (FP) analogs, which might alter their bioactivity. Most of the literature cited here has focused on the respiratory system, showing the importance of inhalation as the primary route for TiO2 NP exposure in the workplace. TiO2 NPs may translocate to systemic organs from the lung and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) although the rate of translocation appears low. There have also been studies focusing on other potential routes of human exposure. Oral exposure mainly occurs through food products containing TiO2 NP-additives. Most dermal exposure studies, whether in vivo or in vitro, report that TiO2 NPs do not penetrate the stratum corneum (SC). In the field of nanomedicine, intravenous injection can deliver TiO2 nanoparticulate carriers directly into the human body. Upon intravenous exposure, TiO2 NPs can induce pathological lesions of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain. We have also shown here that most of these effects may be due to the use of very high doses of TiO2 NPs. There is also an enormous lack of epidemiological data regarding TiO2 NPs in spite of its increased production and use. However, long-term inhalation studies in rats have reported lung tumors. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the toxicology of TiO2 NPs and points out areas where further information is needed. PMID:23587290

Ultrafast Flame Annealing of TiO2 Paste for Fabricating Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency.

PubMed

Kim, Jung Kyu; Chai, Sung Uk; Cho, Yoonjun; Cai, Lili; Kim, Sung June; Park, Sangwook; Park, Jong Hyeok; Zheng, Xiaolin

2017-11-01

Mesoporous TiO 2 nanoparticle (NP) films are broadly used as electrodes in photoelectrochemical cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and perovskite solar cells (PSCs). State-of-the-art mesoporous TiO 2 NP films for these solar cells are fabricated by annealing TiO 2 paste-coated fluorine-doped tin oxide glass in a box furnace at 500 °C for ≈30 min. Here, the use of a nontraditional reactor, i.e., flame, is reported for the high throughput and ultrafast annealing of TiO 2 paste (≈1 min). This flame-annealing method, compared to conventional furnace annealing, exhibits three distinct benefits. First, flame removes polymeric binders in the initial TiO 2 paste more completely because of its high temperature (≈1000 °C). Second, flame induces strong interconnections between TiO 2 nanoparticles without affecting the underlying transparent conducting oxide substrate. Third, the flame-induced carbothermic reduction on the TiO 2 surface facilitates charge injection from the dye/perovskite to TiO 2 . Consequently, when the flame-annealed mesoporous TiO 2 film is used to fabricate DSSCs and PSCs, both exhibit enhanced charge transport and higher power conversion efficiencies than those fabricated using furnace-annealed TiO 2 films. Finally, when the ultrafast flame-annealing method is combined with a fast dye-coating method to fabricate DSSC devices, its total fabrication time is reduced from over 3 h to ≈10 min. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Influence of Fe2O3 Addition on the Tio2 Structure and Photoactivity Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Ramelan, A. H.; Prasetyawati, L.; Saputri, L. N. M. Z.; Ichsan, S.; Kristiawan, Y. R.

2018-03-01

The influence of Fe2O3 addition on the TiO2 structure and photoactivity properties have been studied. The addition of Fe2O3 on the TiO2 done by TiO2-Fe2O3 synthesized with variation of annealing temperature. The result showed that peak of anatase TiO2 at 2θ = 25.35° and Fe2O3 at 2θ = 54.20°. The XRD of TiO2 show annealing temperature at 400°C is anatase phase and the composite with annealing at temperature 150°C, 300°C, 400°C and 500°C is crystalline anatase phase, due to the addition of Fe2O3. Photodegradation of Rhodamin B with TiO2 at 400°C annealing temperature showed optimum degradation 36.2 %, and the composite with annealing at 400°C showed optimum degradation 44.3% for 300 minutes irradiation.

Heterogeneous nanocrystals assembled TiO2/SnO2/C composite for improved lithium storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Qinghua; Mao, Yuning; Zhang, Xuzhen; Yang, Li

2018-07-01

Using stable TiO2 and flexible carbon as double-functional structure protector of nanostructural SnO2 to fabricate TiO2/SnO2/C composites is widely considered as a favorable strategy for improving the lithium storage performance of SnO2 anodes. But, it is still a challenge to obtain a satisfying TiO2/SnO2/C composite. Herein, an interesting porous nanostructure of TiO2/SnO2/C nanosphere composite assembled by TiO2 and SnO2 nanocrystals with an outer carbon coating has been fabricated by a well-designed approach. Thanks to the perfectly combined action of porous spherical nanostructure, TiO2 and SnO2 nanocrystals and carbon coating, the as-prepared composite obtains excellent structure stability and improved electrochemcial properties. When used as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteres, it exhibits outstanding lithium storage performance, delivering a high capacity of 687.2 mAh g-1 after even 400 cycles.

Five-Axis, Three-Magnetic-Bearing Dynamic Spin Rig

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Carlos R.; Provenza, Andrew; Kurkov, Anatole; Mehmed, Oral; Johnson, Dexter; Montague, Gerald; Duffy, Kirsten; Jansen, Ralph

2005-01-01

The Five-Axis, Three-Magnetic-Bearing Dynamic Spin Rig is an apparatus for vibration testing of turbomachine blades in a vacuum at rotational speeds from 0 to 40,000 rpm. This rig includes (1) a vertically oriented shaft on which is mounted an assembly comprising a rotor holding the blades to be tested, (2) two actively controlled heteropolar radial magnetic bearings at opposite ends of the shaft, and (3) an actively controlled magnetic thrust bearing at the upper end of the shaft. This rig is a more capable successor to a prior apparatus, denoted the Dynamic Spin Rig (DSR), that included a vertically oriented shaft with a mechanical thrust bearing at the upper end and a single actively controlled heteropolar radial magnetic bearing at the lower end.

Defect assisted coupling of a MoS2/TiO2 interface and tuning of its electronic structure.

PubMed

Chen, Guifeng; Song, Xiaolin; Guan, Lixiu; Chai, Jianwei; Zhang, Hui; Wang, Shijie; Pan, Jisheng; Tao, Junguang

2016-09-02

Although MoS2 based heterostructures have drawn increased attention, the van der Waals forces within MoS2 layers make it difficult for the layers to form strong chemical coupled interfaces with other materials. In this paper, we demonstrate the successful strong chemical attachment of MoS2 on TiO2 nanobelts after appropriate surface modifications. The etch-created dangling bonds on TiO2 surfaces facilitate the formation of a steady chemically bonded MoS2/TiO2 interface. With the aid of high resolution transmission electron microscope measurements, the in-plane structure registry of MoS2/TiO2 is unveiled at the atomic scale, which shows that MoS2[1-10] grows along the direction of TiO2[001] and MoS2[110] parallel to TiO2[100] with every six units of MoS2 superimposed on five units of TiO2. Electronically, type II band alignments are realized for all surface treatments. Moreover, the band offsets are delicately correlated to the surface states, which plays a significant role in their photocatalytic performance.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-08-01

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

Reflectance modulation using SiO2/TiO2 multilayer structures prepared by sol-gel spin coating process for optical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubey, R. S.; Ganesan, V.

2017-11-01

Passive devices made of SiO2/TiO2 bilayers have been demanded for the molding of electromagnetic waves in optical waveguides, microcavities, solar cells, sensors and so on. Here, we present the fabrication and characterization of SiO2/TiO2 multilayer structures as reflectors. The refractive indices were found to be 1.43 & 2.0 with thicknesses 230 & 70 nm corresponding to the SiO2 and TiO2 films respectively. AFM surface topography study showed little bit large surface roughness of the TiO2 as compared to SiO2 film due to its large grain size. The corresponding reflectance enhancement was noticed with the increased number of bilayers of SiO2/TiO2 films. Furthermore, six alternate layers of SiO2/TiO2 demonstrated the as much as 78% reflectance in the near-infrared wavelength range.

Photocatalytic decomposition of N2O over TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kočí, K.; Reli, M.; Troppová, I.; Šihor, M.; Kupková, J.; Kustrowski, P.; Praus, P.

2017-02-01

TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with the various TiO2/g-C3N4 weight ratios from 1:2 to 1:6 were fabricated by mechanical mixing in water suspension followed by calcination. Pure TiO2 was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and pure g-C3N4 was prepared from commercial melamine by thermal annealing at 620 °C. All the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical measurements and nitrogen physisorption. The prepared mixtures along with pure TiO2 and g-C3N4 were tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide under UVC (λ = 254 nm), UVA (λ = 365 nm) and Vis (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. The TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed moderate improvement compared to pure g-C3N4 but pure TiO2 proved to be a better photocatalyst under UVC irradiation. However, under UVA irradiation conditions, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:2) nanocomposite exhibited an increase compared to pure TiO2. Nevertheless, further increase of g-C3N4 amount leads/led to a decrease in reactivity. These results are suggesting the nanocomposite with the optimal weight ratio of TiO2 and g-C3N4 have shifted absorption edge energy towards longer wavelengths and decreased the recombination rate of charge carriers compared to pure g-C3N4. This is probably due to the generation of heterojunction on the TiO2/g-C3N4 interface.

Titanium dioxide fine structures by RF magnetron sputter method deposited on an electron-beam resist mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashiba, Hideomi; Miyazaki, Yuta; Matsushita, Sachiko

2013-09-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been draw attention for wide range of applications from photonic crystals for visible light range by its catalytic characteristics to tera-hertz range by its high refractive index. We present an experimental study of fabrication of fine structures of TiO2 with a ZEP electron beam resist mask followed by Ti sputter deposition techniques. A TiO2 thin layer of 150 nm thick was grown on an FTO glass substrate with a fine patterned ZEP resist mask by a conventional RF magnetron sputter method with Ti target. The deposition was carried out with argon-oxygen gases at a pressure of 5.0 x 10 -1 Pa in a chamber. During the deposition, ratio of Ar-O2 gas was kept to the ratio of 2:1 and the deposition ratio was around 0.5 Å/s to ensure enough oxygen to form TiO2 and low temperature to avoid deformation of fine pattern of the ZPU resist mask. Deposited TiO2 layers are white-transparent, amorphous, and those roughnesses are around 7 nm. Fabricated TiO2 PCs have wider TiO2 slabs of 112 nm width leaving periodic 410 x 410 nm2 air gaps. We also studied transformation of TiO2 layers and TiO2 fine structures by baking at 500 °C. XRD measurement for TiO2 shows that the amorphous TiO2 transforms to rutile and anatase forms by the baking while keeping the same profile of the fine structures. Our fabrication method can be one of a promising technique to optic devices on researches and industrial area.

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-24

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

Preparation of Pd-loaded La-doped TiO2 nanotubes and investigation of their photocatalytic activity under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zong, Lanlan; Li, Qiuye; Zhang, Jiwei; Wang, Xiaodong; Yang, Jianjun

2013-11-01

Orthorhombic titanic acid nanotubes (TAN) have large BET surface area and small-diameter one-dimensional nanotubular morphology, so they can work as a good supporter and a precursor of TiO2. However, in our former research, we found that calcination of TAN to anatase TiO2 would destroy the nanotubular structure and decrease the BET surface area sharply. In this work, we utilized the pillar effect of the foreign nanoparticles (La2O3) to keep the nanotubular morphology of TiO2, and obtained the anatase TiO2 nanotubes with large BET surface area. For improving the photocatalytic activity, Pd nanoparticles were loaded as the electron traps on the surface of La-doped TiO2 by photo-deposition method. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectra, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms measurement. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the removal of propylene under visible light irradiation ( λ ≥ 420 nm). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of Pd-loaded La-doped TiO2 nanotubes improved effectively compared with that of La-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2.

Synthesis of TiO2 nanorods from titania and titanyl sulfate produced from ilmenite dissolution by hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuningsih, S.; Ramelan, A. H.; Munifa, R. M. I.; Saputri, L. N. M. Z.; Chasanah, U.

2016-11-01

TiO2 powder has been synthesized through hydrolysis-condensation of titanyl sulfate solution to a starting material of TiO2 nanorods formation. This processing was conducted by the solid separation of TiO2 from ilmenite by roasting ilmenite, acidic leaching (hydrolysis), and co-precipitation (condensation). Roasting of ilmenite was carried out by the addition of Na2S at a temperature of 800°C. While the acidic leaching process was conducted by sulfuric acid at a various concentrations of 3, 3.5, 4.5, 6, and 9 M. The result shown that the solubility optimum occurs in H2SO4 6 M condition. Separation of Fe impurities of TiO2 gel from titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4) solution was done through complexation using KCNS addition. The characteristic of TiO2 obtained using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed good crystallinity and purity. Further treatment of the TiO2 is the formation of one-dimensional nano-size (1-D nanorods) through a hydrothermal method under basic condition NaOH 12M solution. TiO2 nanorods were confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) which indicated that the diameter of TiO2 nanorods was about 7.02 nm in size.