Facile solvothermal synthesis of cube-like Ag@AgCl: a highly efficient visible light photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Lei; Wang, Ping; Zhu, Chengzhou; Zhai, Yueming; Dong, Shaojun

2011-07-01

In this paper, a stable and highly efficient plasmonic photocatalyst, Ag@AgCl, with cube-like morphology, has been successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. Using methylene dichloride as chlorine source in the synthesis can efficiently control the morphology of Ag@AgCl, due to the low release rate of chloride ions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra were used to characterize the obtained product. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained product was evaluated by the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, and it was found, interestingly, that Ag@AgCl exhibits high visible light photocatalytic activity and good stability.In this paper, a stable and highly efficient plasmonic photocatalyst, Ag@AgCl, with cube-like morphology, has been successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. Using methylene dichloride as chlorine source in the synthesis can efficiently control the morphology of Ag@AgCl, due to the low release rate of chloride ions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra were used to characterize the obtained product. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained product was evaluated by the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, and it was found, interestingly, that Ag@AgCl exhibits high visible light photocatalytic activity and good stability. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM images of the AgCl samples synthesized by changing the addition amount of PVP and AgNO3. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10247h

Temperature dependent and applied field strength dependent magnetic study of cobalt nickel ferrite nano particles: Synthesized by an environmentally benign method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sontu, Uday Bhasker; G, Narsinga Rao; Chou, F. C.; M, V. Ramana Reddy

2018-04-01

Spinel ferrites have come a long way in their versatile applications. The ever growing applications of these materials demand detailed study of material properties and environmental considerations in their synthesis. In this article, we report the effect of temperature and applied magnetic field strength on the magnetic behavior of the cobalt nickel ferrite nano powder samples. Basic structural properties of spinel ferrite nano particles, that are synthesized by an environmentally benign method of auto combustion, are characterized through XRD, TEM, RAMAN spectroscopy. Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) is done to understand the nickel substitution effect on the optical properties of cobalt ferrite nano particles. Thermo magnetic studies using SQUID in the temperature range 5 K to 400 K and room temperature (300 K) VSM studies are performed on these samples. Fields of 0Oe (no applied field: ZF), 1 kOe (for ZFC and FC curves), 5 kOe (0.5 T), 50 kOe (5T) (for M-H loop study) are used to study the magnetic behavior of these nano particles. The XRD,TEM analysis suggest 40 nm crystallites that show changes in the cation distribution and phase changes in the spinel structure with nickel substitution. Raman micrographs support phase purity changes and cation redistributions with nickel substitution. Diffuse reflectance study on powder samples suggests two band gap values for nickel rich compounds. The Magnetic study of these sample nano particles show varied magnetic properties from that of hard magnetic, positive multi axial anisotropy and single-magnetic-domain structures at 5 K temperature to soft magnetic core shell like structures at 300 K temperature. Nickel substitution effect is non monotonous. Blocking temperature of all the samples is found to be higher than the values suggested in the literature.

Study of lattice strain and optical properties of nanocrystalline SnO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Naseem; Khan, Shakeel; Bhargava, Richa; Ansari, Mohd Mohsin Nizam

2018-05-01

Nanocrystalline SnO2 has been synthesized by co-precipitation method by using two solvents (water and ethylene glycol). The structure and surface morphology were investigated using XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optical properties were studied using diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). From the XRD analysis, the prepared materials are found to be pure crystalline with tetragonal rutile structure. The lattice strain and crystallite size, were calculated using Williamson-Hall method, are found to be 0.00413 & 16.3 nm in water assisted SnO2 and 0.00495 & 35.6 nm for EG assisted SnO2. Study of surface morphology of the samples was carried out using SEM. It has been seen that the solvents which are used in synthesis can also alter the optical properties of the materials. The optical band gap of the water based SnO2 and EG based SnO2 are found to be 3.92eV and 3.86eV respectively.

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and bromophenol blue dyes in water using sol-gel synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhanalakshmi, J.; Pathinettam Padiyan, D.

2017-09-01

TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method using titanium tetra isopropoxide as a precursor. The structural, optical, morphological and electrical properties were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), a high resolution scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman analysis, Photoluminescence (PL) and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD and Raman spectra revealed that the synthesized samples are in pure anatase phase with an average crystallite size of 18 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated for the degradation of 10 ppm methyl orange (MO) and bromophenol blue (BPB) dye using 10 mg of catalyst. Anatase TiO2 exhibited the removal of 67.12% and 85.51% of MO and BPB, respectively, within 240 min. The photocatalytic degradation process is explained using pseudo second order kinetics and fits well with the higher correlation coefficient.

Synthesis, optical properties and efficient photocatalytic activity of CdO/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddy, Ch Venkata; Babu, B.; Shim, Jaesool

2018-01-01

Pure CdO, ZnO and CdO/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite photocatalyst were synthesized using simple co-precipitation technique and studied in detail. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using several measurements such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), surface analysis (BET), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, TG-DTA and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD results revealed that the hexagonal and cubic crystal structure of CdO and ZnO nanoparticles. The optical response for the composite showed the presence of separate absorption signature for CdO and ZnO in the visible region at about 510 nm and 360 nm respectively. The CdO/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity compared to pristine CdO and ZnO. The enhanced photocatalytic activity may be due to the higher specific surface area and significantly reduced the electron-hole recombination rate.

Eco-friendly and green synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticle using microwave irradiation as photocatalayst for the degradation of Alizarin Red S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, S. Daniel; David, S. Theodore; Bennie, R. Biju; Joel, C.; Kumar, D. Sanjay

2016-06-01

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanocrystals have been successfully synthesised using microwave-assisted combustion synthesis (MCS), and characterised using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectra, surface area analysis (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The XRD results confirmed the formation of monoclinic bismuth vanadate. The formations of BiO & VO43-vibrations were ascertained from FT-IR data. The morphology of hallow internal structural micro entities were confirmed by SEM. The optical properties were determined by DRS and PL spectra. Hence, the influence of the preparation methods on the structure, morphology and optical activities of bismuth vanadate was investigated systematically. Photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of Alizarin Red S (ARS), an effective disrupting chemical in aqueous medium was investigated using BiVO4 nanoparticles. The kinetics of PCD was found to follow pseudo first-order.

Optical and electrical studies of cerium mixed oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherly, T. R.; Raveendran, R.

2014-10-01

The fast development in nanotechnology makes enthusiastic interest in developing nanomaterials having tailor made properties. Cerium mixed oxide materials have received great attention due to their UV absorption property, high reactivity, stability at high temperature, good electrical property etc and these materials find wide applications in solid oxide fuel cells, solar control films, cosmetics, display units, gas sensors etc. In this study cerium mixed oxide compounds were prepared by co-precipitation method. All the samples were doped with Zn (II) and Fe (II). Preliminary characterizations such as XRD, SEM / EDS, TEM were done. UV - Vis, Diffuse reflectance, PL, FT-IR, Raman and ac conductivity studies of the samples were performed.

Crystal Structure, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Mn-Doped BiFeO₃ by Hydrothermal Synthesis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ning; Wei, Qinhua; Qin, Laishun; Chen, Da; Chen, Zhi; Niu, Feng; Wang, Jiangying; Huanag, Yuexiang

2017-01-01

In this paper, Mn doped BiFeO₃ were firstly synthesized by hydrothermal process. The influence of Mn doping on structural, optical and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ was studied. The different amounts of Mn doping in BiFeO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of pure phase rhombohedral structure in BiFe(1−x) Mn (x) O₃ (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) samples. The morphologies and chemical compositions of as-prepared samples could be observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope (EDS). A relative large saturated magnetization (Ms) of 0.53 emu/g for x = 0.07 sample was obtained at room temperature, which is considered to be Mn ions doping. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed strong absorption of light in the range of 200–1000 nm, indicating the optical band gap in the visible region for these samples. This implied that BiFe(1−x) Mn(x)O₃ may be a potential photocatalyst for utilizing solar energy.

Effect of annealing temperature on optical properties of binary zinc tin oxide nano-composite prepared by sol-gel route using simple precursors: structural and optical studies by DRS, FT-IR, XRD, FESEM investigations.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Mardani, Maryam

2015-02-25

Binary zinc tin oxide nano-composite was synthesized by a facile sol-gel method using simple precursors from the solutions consisting of zinc acetate, tin(IV) chloride and ethanol. Effect of annealing temperature on optical and structural properties was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD results revealed the existence of the ZnO and SnO2 phases. FESEM results showed that binary zinc tin oxide nano-composites ranges from 56 to 60 nm in diameter at 400°C and 500°C annealing temperatures respectively. The optical band gap was increased from 2.72 eV to 3.11 eV with the increasing of the annealing temperature. FTIR results confirmed the presence of zinc oxide and tin oxide and the broad absorption peaks at 3426 and 1602 cm(-1) can be ascribed to the vibration of absorptive water, and the absorption peaks at 546, 1038 and 1410 cm(-1) are due to the vibration of Zn-O or Sn-O groups in binary zinc tin oxide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of ZnO Nanoparticle as Sulphide Gas Sensor Using UV/VIS/NIR-Spectrophotometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juliasih, N.; Buchari; Noviandri, I.

2017-04-01

The nanoparticle of metal oxides has great unique characteristics that applicable to the wide industrial as sensors and catalysts for reducing environmental pollution. Sulphide gas monitors and detectors are required for assessing safety aspects, due to its toxicity level. A thin film of ZnO as the sulphide gas sensor was synthesised by the simple method of chemical liquid deposition with variation of annealing temperature from 200 ºC to 500 ºC, and characterised by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV/VIS/NIR-Spectrophotometer. Characterization studies showed nanoparticle size from the range 62 - 92 nm of diameters. The application this ZnO thin film to sulfide gas, detected by UV/VIS/NIR Spectrophotometer with diffuse reflectance, showed specific chemical reaction by the shifting of maximum % Reflectance peak. The gas sensing using this method is applicable at room.

Low Cost CaTiO3 Perovskite Synthesized from Scallop (Anadara granosa) Shell as Antibacterial Ceramic Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatimah, Is; Nur Ilahi, Rico; Pratami, Rismayanti

2018-01-01

Research on perovskite CaTiO3 synthesis from scallop (Anadara granosa) shell and its test as material for antibacterial ceramic application have been conducted. The synthesis was performed by calcium extraction from the scallop shell followed by solid-solid reaction of obtained calcium with TiO2. Physicochemical character of the perovskite wasstudied by measurement of crystallinity using x-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse-reflectance UV Visible spectrophotometry, scanning electrone microscope-energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX) and Fourier-Transform InfraRed. Considering the future application of the perovskite as antibacterial agent, laboratory test of the peroskite as material in antibacterial ceramic preparation was also conducted. Result of research indicated that perovskite formation was obtained and the material demonstrated photocatalytic activity as identified by band gap energy (Eg) value. The significant activity was also reflected by the antibacterial action of formed ceramic.

Template-directed synthesis of MS (M=Cd, Zn) hollow microsphere via hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shi-Ming; Wang, Qiong-Sheng; Wan, Qing-Li

2008-05-01

CdS, ZnS hollow microspheres were prepared with chitosan as the synthesis template at 140 and 150 °C, respectively, by hydrothermal method. The resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements in order to determine the crystalline phase of the products. The structural and morphological features of the nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The experimental results indicated that all the nanoparticles aggregated into hollow microspheres and chitosan as a template played an important role in the formation of hollow microspheres. In addition, an intermediate complex structure-controlling possible reaction mechanism was proposed in this paper.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 produced in a solid phase reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, Gang; Pan, Hongfei; Chen, Dan; Zhang, Zhihua; Wen, Bin

2013-02-01

N-doped TiO2 was synthesized by calcining a mixture of titanic acid and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) at temperatures above 500 °C. The final samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 was studied by assessing the degradation of methylene blue in an aqueous solution, under visible light and UV light irradiation. It was found that the N-doped TiO2 displayed higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2, under both visible and UV light.

ZnO:Gd nanocrystals for fluorescent applications

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

Divya, N. K., E-mail: divyank90@gmail.com; Pradyumnan, P. P.

2016-05-23

Gadolinium doped ZnO crystals within the solubility limit of gadolinium in ZnO matrix were prepared by solid state reaction technique. The method is relatively less expense and enables the production in large scale. The samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques. Fluorescent property studies of gadolinium doped ZnO at room temperature show enhanced visible light emission due to the defects and oxygen vacancies produced via doping. This work reports the impact of gadolinium doping in the structural, optical and luminescent properties of ZnO inmore » detail.« less

Morphological evolution of Bi2Se3 nanocrystalline materials synthesized by microwave assisted solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bera, Sumit; Behera, P.; Mishra, A. K.; Krishnan, M.; Patidar, M. M.; Singh, D.; Gangrade, M.; Venkatesh, R.; Deshpande, U. P.; Phase, D. M.; Ganesan, V.

2018-04-01

Structural, morphological and spectroscopic properties of Bi2Se3 nanoparticles synthesized by microwave assisted solvothermal method were investigated systematically. A controlled synthesis of different morphologies by a small variation in synthesis procedure is demonstrated. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of single phase. Crystallite and particle size reductions were studied with XRD and AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy). Different morphologies such as hexagonal nanoflakes with cross section of around˜6µm, nanoflower and octahedral agglomerated crystals of nearly ˜60 nm size have been observed in scanning electron microscope while varying the microwave assisted synthesis procedures. A significant blue shift observed in diffuse reflectance spectroscopy evidences the energy gap tuning as a result of morphological evolution. The difference in morphology observed in this three fast, facile and scalable synthesis is advantageous for tuning the thermoelectric figure of merit and for probing the surface states of these topological insulators. Low temperature resistivity remains similar for all three variants depicting a 2D character as evidenced by a -lnT term of localization.

Synergistic effect on the visible light activity of Ti3+ doped TiO2 nanorods/boron doped graphene composite

PubMed Central

Xing, Mingyang; Li, Xiao; Zhang, Jinlong

2014-01-01

TiO2/graphene (TiO2-x/GR) composites, which are Ti3+ self-doped TiO2 nanorods decorated on boron doped graphene sheets, were synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal method using low-cost NaBH4 as both a reducing agent and a boron dopant on graphene. The resulting TiO2 nanorods were about 200 nm in length with exposed (100) and (010) facets. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD results suggest that the prepared samples have an anatase crystalline structure. All of the composites tested exhibited improved photocatalytic activities as measured by the degradation of methylene blue and phenol under visible light irradiation. This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effect of Ti3+ self-doping on TiO2 nanorods and boron doping on graphene. PMID:24974890

Synthesis and characterization of Ce, Cu co-doped ZnS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harish, G. S.; Sreedhara Reddy, P.

2015-09-01

Ce, Cu co-doped ZnS nanoparticles were prepared at room temperature using a chemical co-precipitation method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X- ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) and high resolution Raman spectroscopic techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction studies showed that the diameter of the particles was around 2-3 nm. Broadened XRD peaks revealed the formation of nanoparticles with a face centered cubic (fcc) structure. DRS studies confirmed that the band gap increased with an increase in the dopant concentration. The Raman spectra of undoped and Ce, Cu ions co-doped ZnS nanoparticles showed longitudinal optical mode and transverse optical mode. Compared with the Raman modes (276 and 351 cm-1) of undoped ZnS nanoparticles, the Raman modes of Ce, Cu co- doped ZnS nanoparticles were slightly shifted towards lower frequency. PL spectra of the samples showed remarkable enhancement in the intensity upon doping.

One pot synthesis of pure micro/nano photoactive α-PbO crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhagat, Dharini; Waldiya, Manmohansingh; Vanpariya, Anjali; Mukhopadhyay, Indrajit

2018-05-01

The present study reports a simple, fast and cost effective precipitation technique for synthesis of pure α-PbO powder. Lead monoxide powder with tetragonal structure was synthesized chemically at an elevated temperature using lead acetate and sodium hydroxide solution bath. XRD powder diffraction was used to find the structural properties as well as phase transition from alpha to beta. Study revealed that synthesized PbO powder was crystalline with tetragonal symmetry, having an average crystallite size of 70 nm and lattice constants; a=3.97Å, b=3.97Å, and c=5.02Å. Phase transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic structure was studied by comparing the XRD data of the annealed samples in the temperature range from 200 °C to 600 °C. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to find out the optical properties of prepared PbO powder. Diffuse reflectance and absorbance spectra confirmed the formation of α-PbO with obtained direct band gap of 1.9 eV. Synthesized lead monoxide (α-PbO) powder has promising application in energy conversion as well as energy storage applications.

Efficient photo-catalytic degradation of malachite green using nickel tungstate material as photo-catalyst.

PubMed

Helaïli, N; Boudjamaa, A; Kebir, M; Bachari, K

2017-03-01

The present study focused on the evaluation of photo-catalytic and photo-electrochemical properties of the photo-catalyst based on nickel tungstate material prepared by a nitrate method through the degradation of malachite green (MG) dye's. The effect of catalyst loading and dye concentration was examined. Physico-chemical, optical, electrical, electrochemical, and photo-electrochemical properties of the prepared material were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET analysis, optical reflectance diffuse (DR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), electrical conductivity, cyclic voltammetry (CV), current intensity, mott-shottky, and nyquist. XRD revealed the formation of monoclinic structure with a small particle size. BET surface area of the sample was around 10 m 2 /g. The results show that the degradation of MG was more than 80%, achieved after 3 h of irradiation at pH 4.6 and with a catalyst loading of 75 mg. Also, it was found that the dye photo-degradation obeyed the pseudo-first order kinetic via Langmuir Hinshelwood model.

Non-Metal Doped Titania Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides Under Visible Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Joseph, Amala Infant Joice; Thiripuranthagan, Sivakumar

2018-05-01

Recombination of e-/h+ pair, the major issue of any titania based photocatalytic material, is addressed here by doping non-metals such as C, N, B, F into the lattice of nano TiO2. The as-synthesised catalysts were characterized by using various instrumental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nanosize of titania was confirmed by both XRD and TEM studies. Visible light inactivity of TiO2 is overcome by C, N, B, F doped titania catalysts in the degradation of neonicotinoid type insecticides namely imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (TMX). The degradation efficiencies of the catalysts under different irradiations namely UV, visible and solar were compared. Among the catalysts, CNBF/TiO2 degraded IMI completely at 150, 240 and 330 min whereas TMX has been degraded completely at 210, 270 and 420 min under UV, solar and visible irradiations respectively. The recyclability test of CNBF/TiO2 confirmed its stability towards photocatalytic reaction.

Synthesis and Characterization of ZNO/MN Nanocomposite by using Sol-Gel Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ningsih, S. K. W.; Bahrizal, B.; Nasra, E.; Nizar, U. K.; Farisya, R.

2018-04-01

Zink oxide doped Mn nanocomposites were synthesized by simple sol-gel method at low temperature by using combination of aquadest with methanol as the solvent and ethylene glycol as the additive. Zink acetate dehydrate and manganese chloride tetrahydrate were used as the precursors. Composition dopants were 1,3,5,and 7%. The crystals were formed by drying at 110°C for 1 hour, after which they were heated at ± 500°C for 2 hours. The as-prepared ZnO/Mn nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV Diffuse Reflectance Spectrometer (UVDRS). The XRD patterns of the ZnO nanocrystals showed that they are mostly hexagonal wurtzite with specific peaks at 2θ = 31, 34, 36, 47, 56, 63, 66 dan 69. The sizes of the ZnO doped Mn particles produced with 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% were18-95; 17-87; 18-96 19-98 nm, respectively. UVDRS analysis showed that the band gap of the ZnO were 2,60; 2,90; 2,99 dan 3,01 eV for 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% Mn respectively.

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

Chandraboss, V.L.; Natanapatham, L.; Karthikeyan, B.

Graphical abstract: The hetero-junctions that are formed between the ZnO and the Bi provide an internal electric field that facilitates separation of the electron-hole pairs and induces faster carrier migration. Thus they often enhanced photocatalytic reaction. - Highlights: • Bi-doped ZnO nanocomposite material was prepared by precipitation method. • Characterized by XRD, HR-SEM with EDX, UV–visible DRS and FT-RAMAN analysis. • Bi-doped ZnO nanocomposite material was used to photodegradation of Congo red. • Mechanism and photocatalytic effect of nanocomposite material have been discussed. - Abstract: Bismuth (Bi)-doped ZnO nanocomposite material was prepared by precipitation method with doping precursors of bismuthmore » nitrate pentahydrate and oxalic acid, characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, UV–visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–visible DRS) and Fourier Transform-Raman (FT-RAMAN) analysis. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Bi-doped ZnO is demonstrated through photodegradation of Congo red under UV-light irradiation. The mechanism of photocatalytic effect of Bi-doped ZnO nanocomposite material has been discussed.« less

Thermal annealing dynamics of carbon-coated LiFePO4 nanoparticles studied by in-situ analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krumeich, Frank; Waser, Oliver; Pratsinis, Sotiris E.

2016-10-01

The thermal behavior of core-shell carbon-coated lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4-C) nanoparticles made by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) during annealing was investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in-situ X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) as well as ex-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Crystallization of the initially glassy LiFePO4-C nanoparticles starts at quite low temperatures (T=400 °C), forming single crystals inside the confinement of the carbon shell. Upon increasing the temperature to T≥700 °C, LiFePO4 starts to diffuse through the carbon shell resulting in cavities inside the mostly intact carbon shell. By increasing the temperature further to T≥800 °C, the initial core-shell morphology converts into open carbon shells (flakes and cenospheres) and bulky LiFePO4 particles (diameter in the range 300-400 nm), in agreement with ex-situ experiments.

Antibacterial studies of novel Cu2WS4 ternary chalcogenide synthesized by hydrothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kannan, Selvaraj; Vinitha, Perumal; Mohanraj, Kannusamy; Sivakumar, Ganesan

2018-02-01

This is the first report for the synthesis of L-cysteine mediated Cu2WS4 nanoparticles for different temperatures by an inexpensive and less pollutive hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized particles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, UV-vis diffuse reflectance and PL spectra technique respectively. The phase purity and structural confirmation were studied by X-ray powder diffraction technique. It is observed that the synthesis temperature affecting the crystalline size. The optical analysis of the Cu2WS4 nanoparticles showed direct band gap in the range of 2.1-2.3 eV. The intensity of the PL emission spectra decreases with increase of reaction temperature. The antibacterial performance of Cu2WS4 nanoparticles were investigated by agar well diffusion method and the results confirm that the antibacterial activity of Cu2WS4 against Gram-positive (B. subtilis, M. luteus) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae) bacteria.

In-situ XRD and EDS method study on the oxidation behaviour of Ni-Cu sulphide ore.

PubMed

Li, Guangshi; Cheng, Hongwei; Xiong, Xiaolu; Lu, Xionggang; Xu, Cong; Lu, Changyuan; Zou, Xingli; Xu, Qian

2017-06-12

The oxidation mechanism of sulfides is the key issue during the sulphide-metallurgy process. In this study, the phase transformation and element migration were clearly demonstrated by in-situ laboratory-based X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The reaction sequence and a four-step oxidation mechanism were proposed and identified. The elemental distribution demonstrated that at a low temperature, the Fe atoms diffused outward and the Ni/Cu atoms migrated toward the inner core, whereas the opposite diffusion processes were observed at a higher temperature. Importantly, the unique visual presentation of the oxidation behaviour provided by the combination of in-situ XRD and EDS might be useful for optimising the process parameters to improve the Ni/Cu extraction efficiency during Ni-Cu sulphide metallurgy.

Magnetic, Mössbauer and optical spectroscopic properties of the AFe3O(PO4)3 (A = Ca, Sr, Pb) series of powder compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hafid, Hassan; Velázquez, Matias; El Jazouli, Abdelaziz; Wattiaux, Alain; Carlier, Dany; Decourt, Rodolphe; Couzi, Michel; Goldner, Philippe; Delmas, Claude

2014-10-01

AFe3O(PO4)3 (A = Ca, Sr and Pb) powder compounds were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) coupled with wavelength dispersion spectroscopy (WDS), Raman and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies, specific heat and magnetic properties measurements. Magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements carried out on AFe3O(PO4)3 (A = Sr, Ca and Pb) powders firmly establish a series of three ferromagnetic (FM)-like second order phase transitions spanned over the 32-8 K temperature range. Room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy and associated DFT calculations confirm the existence of three crystallographically non equivalent Fe3+ sites in the three compounds. Mössbauer spectra recorded as a function of temperature in the PbFe3O(PO4)3 compound also establishes the occurrence of two purely magnetic and reversible phase transitions at 32 and 10 K. Diffuse reflectance measurements reveal two broad absorption bands at 1047 and 837 nm, in both PbFe3O(PO4)3 and SrFe3O(PO4)3 powders, with peak cross sections ∼10-20 cm2 typical of spin-forbidden and forced electric dipole intraconfigurational transitions.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Nano-TiO2 Visible Light Photocatalysts: Vanadium Surface Doping Modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xia; Li, Zongbao; Jia, Lichao; Xing, Xiaobo

2018-05-01

A simple strategy to greatly increase the photocatalytic ability of nanocrystalline anatase has been put forward to fabricate efficient TiO2-based photocatalysts under visible irradiation. By surface modification with V ion, samples with different ratios were synthesized by using an incipient wetness impregnation method. The as-prepared specimens were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by using methylene blue degradations. Meanwhile, the optimized loading structure and electronic structures were calculated by using the density function theory (DFT). This work should provide a practical route to reasonably design and synthesize high-performance TiO2-based nanostructured photocatalysts.

Effect of sulfate ions on the crystallization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2/diatomite composite photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jinjun; Wang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Jimei; Wang, Jing; Ji, Zhijiang

2016-01-01

TiO2 nanoparticles were immobilized on diatomite by hydrolysis-deposition method using titanium tetrachloride as precursor. The effect of sulfate ions on the crystallization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2/diatomite composite photocatalyst was characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, BET surface area, SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, XPS and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results indicate that addition of a small amount of sulfate ions promotes the formation of anatase phase and inhibits the transformation from anatase to rutile. On the other hand, sulfate ions immobilized on the surface of TiO2/diatomite have strong affinity for electrons, capturing the photo-generated electrons, which hinders the recombination of electrons and holes.

Synthesis and characterization of polycrystalline brownmillerite cobalt doped Ca2Fe2O5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhankhar, Suchita; Bhalerao, Gopal; Baskar, K.; Singh, Shubra

2016-05-01

Brownmillerite compounds with general formula A2BB'O5 (BB' = Mn, Al, Fe, Co) have attracted attention in wide range of applications such as in solid oxide fuel cell, oxygen separation membrane and photocatalysis. Brownmillerite compounds have unique structure with alternate layers of BO6 octahedral layers and BO4 tetrahedral layers. Presence of dopants like Co in place of Fe increases oxygen vacancies. In the present work we have synthesized polycrystalline Ca2Fe2O5 and Ca2Fe1-xCoxO5 (x = 0.01, 0.03) by citrate combustion route. The as prepared samples were characterized by XRD using PANalytical X'Pert System, DRS (Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy).

Model of bidirectional reflectance distribution function for metallic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Zhu, Jing-Ping; Liu, Hong; Hou, Xun

2016-09-01

Based on the three-component assumption that the reflection is divided into specular reflection, directional diffuse reflection, and ideal diffuse reflection, a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model of metallic materials is presented. Compared with the two-component assumption that the reflection is composed of specular reflection and diffuse reflection, the three-component assumption divides the diffuse reflection into directional diffuse and ideal diffuse reflection. This model effectively resolves the problem that constant diffuse reflection leads to considerable error for metallic materials. Simulation and measurement results validate that this three-component BRDF model can improve the modeling accuracy significantly and describe the reflection properties in the hemisphere space precisely for the metallic materials.

New Insights into CO2 Adsorption on Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)-Based Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Nian; He, Tingyu; Liu, Jie; Li, Li; Shi, Han; Cen, Wanglai; Ye, Zhixiang

2018-02-01

The interlamellar spacing of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was enlarged by dodecyl sulfonate ions firstly, and then, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APS) was chemically grafted (APS/LDHs). The structural characteristics and thermal stability of these prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and elemental analysis (EA) respectively. The CO2 adsorption performance was investigated adopting TG and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The results presented that the CO2 adsorption capacity on APS/LDHs was as high as 90 mg/g and showed no obvious reduction during a five cyclic adsorption-desorption test, indicating its superior performance stability. The DRIFTS results showed that both carbamates and weakly bounded CO2 species were generated on APS/LDHs. The weakly adsorbed species was due to the different local chemical environment for CO2 capture provided by the surface moieties of LDHs like free silanol and hydrogen bonds.

Obtaining titanium dioxide nanoparticles with spherical shape and antimicrobial properties using M. citrifolia leaves extract by hydrothermal method.

PubMed

M, Sundrarajan; K, Bama; M, Bhavani; S, Jegatheeswaran; S, Ambika; A, Sangili; P, Nithya; R, Sumathi

2017-06-01

In this work, we synthesized titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles using leaf extract of Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) by the advanced hydrothermal method. The synthesized TiO 2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance (UV-Vis DRS), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM with EDX) techniques. The XRD major peak at 27.3° corresponds to the (110) lattice plane of tetragonal rutile TiO 2 phase and average crystalline size of nanoparticles is 10nm. The FT-IR result confirmed that TiO 2 nanoparticles and the presences of very few amount of anthraquinone and phenolic compounds of the leaf extract. The obtained nanoparticles were also characterized by UV-Vis DRS absorption spectroscopy and an intense band at 423nm clearly reveals the formation of nanoparticles. SEM images with EDX spectra clearly reveal the size of the nanoparticles, between 15 and 19nm in excellent quasi-spherical shape, by virtue of stabilization (capping) agent. The presence of elements-titanium and oxygen was verified with EDX spectrum. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of green synthesized TiO 2 nanoparticles was tested against human pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger by the agar well-diffusion method. The TiO 2 nanoparticles exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial value against pathogenic diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal annealing dynamics of carbon-coated LiFePO{sub 4} nanoparticles studied by in-situ analysis

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

Krumeich, Frank, E-mail: krumeich@inorg.chem.ethz.ch; Waser, Oliver; Pratsinis, Sotiris E.

The thermal behavior of core-shell carbon-coated lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO{sub 4}-C) nanoparticles made by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) during annealing was investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in-situ X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) as well as ex-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Crystallization of the initially glassy LiFePO{sub 4}-C nanoparticles starts at quite low temperatures (T=400 °C), forming single crystals inside the confinement of the carbon shell. Upon increasing the temperature to T≥700 °C, LiFePO{sub 4} starts to diffuse through the carbon shell resulting in cavities inside the mostly intact carbon shell. By increasing the temperature further tomore » T≥800 °C, the initial core-shell morphology converts into open carbon shells (flakes and cenospheres) and bulky LiFePO{sub 4} particles (diameter in the range 300–400 nm), in agreement with ex-situ experiments. - Graphical abstract: TEM images of a typical sample area recorded at room temperature and after heating in-situ heating reveal the growth of particles and the formation of empty carbon cages. - Highlights: • LiFePO{sub 4} coated by a carbon shell is produced by flame spray pyrolysis. • The amorphous LiFePO{sub 4} starts to crystallize at 400 °C as revealed by in-situ XRD. • Crystal growth was visualized by TEM heating experiments. • The formation of empty carbon cages starts at 700 °C.« less

Sulfur Nanoparticles Synthesis and Characterization from H2S Gas, Using Novel Biodegradable Iron Chelates in W/O Microemulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, Aniruddha S.; Khomane, Ramdas B.; Vaidya, Bhalchandra K.; Joshi, Renuka M.; Harle, Arti S.; Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.

2008-06-01

Sulfur nanoparticles were synthesized from hazardous H2S gas using novel biodegradable iron chelates in w/o microemulsion system. Fe3+ malic acid chelate (0.05 M aqueous solution) was studied in w/o microemulsion containing cyclohexane, Triton X-100 and n-hexanol as oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant, respectively, for catalytic oxidation of H2S gas at ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, and neutral pH. The structural features of sulfur nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), diffused reflectance infra-red Fourier transform technique, and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis indicates the presence of α-sulfur. TEM analysis shows that the morphology of sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system is nearly uniform in size (average particle size 10 nm) and narrow particle size distribution (in range of 5 15 nm) as compared to that in aqueous surfactant systems. The EDS analysis indicated high purity of sulfur (>99%). Moreover, sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system exhibit higher antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, yeast, and fungi) than that of colloidal sulfur.

Synthesis aspects, structural, spectroscopic, antimicrobial and room temperature ferromagnetism of zinc iodide complex with Schiff based ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shakila, K.; Kalainathan, S.

2015-01-01

In this paper, we report the successful growth of complex compound of zinc iodide with thiocarbamide by slow evaporation method. The single crystal XRD study reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with centrosymmetric space group and powder XRD analysis shows that the perfect crystalline nature of the crystal. The presence of functional group and element were confirmed from FT-IR and EDAX analysis. Optical absorbance of the grown crystal was studied by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optical constants were calculated from the optical absorbance data such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (K) and reflectance (R). The optical band gap (Eg) of thiocarbamide zinc iodide crystal is 4.22 eV. The magnetic properties of grown crystal have been determined by Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Room temperature magnetization revealed a ferromagnetic behaviour for the grown crystal. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the title compound were performed by well diffusion method and MIC method against the standard bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and against fungus like Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sps and Penicillium sps. Thermal behaviour of the crystal has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA).

Biosynthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles using the aqueous leaf extract of Imperata cylindrica L.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saputra, I. S.; Yulizar, Y.

2017-04-01

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were biosynthesized.The growth was observed by a sol-gel method. ZnO were successfully formed through the reaction of zinc nitrate tetrahydrate Zn(NO3)2.4H2O precursor with aqueous leaf extract of Imperata cylindrica L (ICL). The structural and optical properties of ZnO were investigated. The as-synthesized products were characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis), UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis absorption data showed hydrolysis and characteristic of absorption peak at 300 nm of Zn(OH)2. UV-DRS confirmed that ZnO NPs has the indirect band gap at 3.13 eV. FTIR spectrum revealed the functional groups and indicated the presence of protein as the capping and stabilizing agent on the ZnO surface. Powder XRD studies indicated the formation of pure wurtzite hexagonal structure with particle size of 11.9 nm. The detailed morphological and structural characterizations revealed that the synthesized products were hexagonal nanochip.

Template-Free Hydrothermal Synthesis, Mechanism, and Photocatalytic Properties of Core-Shell CeO2 Nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huijie; Meng, Fanming; Gong, Jinfeng; Fan, Zhenghua; Qin, Rui

2018-03-01

CeO2 nanospheres with the core-shell nanostructure have been successfully synthesized by a template-free hydrothermal method. The structures, morphologies and optical properties of core-shell CeO2 nanospheres were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TG, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, XRD, EDS, SAED, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, Raman analyses. The degradation efficiencies of core-shell CeO2 nanospheres for methyl orange were as high as 93.49, 95.67 and 98.28% within 160 min, and the rates of photo degradation of methyl orange by core-shell CeO2 nanospheres under UV-light were 0.01693, 0.01782 and 0.02375 min-1. Methyl orange was degraded in photocatalytic oxidation processes, which mainly gave the credit to a large number of reactive species including h+, surface superoxide species ·O2 -, and ·OH radicals. The core-shell structure, small crystallite size and the conversion between Ce3+ and Ce4+ of CeO2 nanospheres were of importance for its catalytic activity. These results demonstrated the possibility of improving the efficient catalysts of the earth abundant CeO2 catalysts.

ß-Ga2O3 nanorod synthesis with a one-step microwave irradiation hydrothermal method and its efficient photocatalytic degradation for perfluorooctanoic acid.

PubMed

Zhao, Baoxiu; Li, Xiang; Yang, Long; Wang, Fen; Li, Jincheng; Xia, Wenxiang; Li, Weijiang; Zhou, Li; Zhao, Colin

2015-01-01

ß-Ga2O3 nanorod was first directly prepared by the microwave irradiation hydrothermal way without any subsequent heat treatments, and its characterizations were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy techniques, and also its photocatalytic degradation for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was investigated. XRD patterns revealed that ß-Ga2O3 crystallization increased with the enhancement of microwave power and the adding of active carbon (AC). PFOA, as an environmental and persistent pollutant, is hard decomposed by hydroxyl radicals (HO·); however, it is facilely destroyed by ß-Ga2O3 photocatalytic reaction in an anaerobic atmosphere. The important factors such as pH, ß-Ga2O3 dosage and bubbling atmosphere were researched, and the degradation and defluorination was 98.8% and 56.2%, respectively. Reductive atmosphere reveals that photoinduced electron may be the major reactant for PFOA. Furthermore, the degradation kinetics for PFOA was simulated and constant and half-life was calculated, respectively. © 2014 The American Society of Photobiology.

Eco-friendly synthesis of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles and improvement of their solar photocatalytic activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerour, A.; Boudjadar, S.; Bourzami, R.; Allouche, B.

2018-07-01

In this work, we have synthesized cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles with octahedral and spherical like shapes by an ecofriendly, simple and coast effective method, by using the aqueous extract of Aloe vera and copper sulfate as solvent and precursor respectively. The effect of Aloe vera aqueous extract concentration on the morphological, structural and optical properties of as synthesized nanoparticles was studied by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform (FT-IR) spectroscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance. The SEM images showing octahedral and spherical agglomeration of nanoparticles. The cubic structure of Cu2O was confirmed by XRD analysis, the crystallites size depends to the concentration of Aloe vera aqueous extract with an average size ranged between 24 and 61 nm. The FT-IR vibration measurements valid the presence of pure Cu2O in the samples. The UV-visible spectra show that the prepared cuprous oxide (Cu2O) has a gap energy estimated from 2.5 to 2.62 eV. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared material were highly improvement by the fast degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution at room temperature under solar simulator irradiation.

Sulfur Nanoparticles Synthesis and Characterization from H2S Gas, Using Novel Biodegradable Iron Chelates in W/O Microemulsion

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

Sulfur nanoparticles were synthesized from hazardous H2S gas using novel biodegradable iron chelates in w/o microemulsion system. Fe3+–malic acid chelate (0.05 M aqueous solution) was studied in w/o microemulsion containing cyclohexane, Triton X-100 andn-hexanol as oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant, respectively, for catalytic oxidation of H2S gas at ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, and neutral pH. The structural features of sulfur nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), diffused reflectance infra-red Fourier transform technique, and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis indicates the presence of α-sulfur. TEM analysis shows that the morphology of sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system is nearly uniform in size (average particle size 10 nm) and narrow particle size distribution (in range of 5–15 nm) as compared to that in aqueous surfactant systems. The EDS analysis indicated high purity of sulfur (>99%). Moreover, sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system exhibit higher antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, yeast, and fungi) than that of colloidal sulfur.

Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 nano-crystalline powder by mechano-chemical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alirezazadeh, Farzaneh; Sheibani, Saeed; Rashchi, Fereshteh

2018-01-01

Copper zinc tin sulfide (Cu2ZnSnS4, CZTS) is one of the most promising ceramic materials as an absorber layer in solar cells due to its suitable band gap, high absorption coefficient and non-toxic and environmental friendly constituent elements. In this work, nano-crystalline CZTS powder was synthesized by mechanical milling. Elemental powders of Cu, Zn, Sn and were mixed in atomic ratio of 2:1:1:4 according to the stoichiometry of Cu2ZnSnS4 and then milled in a planetary high energy ball mill under argon atmosphere. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffusion reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). XRD results confirm the formation of single-phase CZTS with kesterite structure after 20 h of milling. Also, the mean crystallite size was about 35 nm. SEM results show that after 20 h of milling, the product has a relatively uniform particle size distribution. Optical properties of the product indicate that the band gap of prepared CZTS is 1.6 eV which is near to the optimum value for photovoltaic solar cells showing as a light absorber material in solar energy applications.

Probing the interaction of Rh, Co and bimetallic Rh-Co nanoparticles with the CeO2 support: catalytic materials for alternative energy generation.

PubMed

Varga, E; Pusztai, P; Óvári, L; Oszkó, A; Erdőhelyi, A; Papp, C; Steinrück, H-P; Kónya, Z; Kiss, J

2015-10-28

The interaction of CeO2-supported Rh, Co and bimetallic Rh-Co nanoparticles, which are active catalysts in hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethanol, a process related to renewable energy generation, was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy ion scattering (LEIS). Furthermore, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) of adsorbed CO as a probe molecule was used to characterize the morphology of metal particles. At small loadings (0.1%), Rh is in a much dispersed state on ceria, while at higher contents (1-5%), Rh forms 2-8 nm particles. Between 473-673 K pronounced oxygen transfer from ceria to Rh is observed and at 773 K significant agglomeration of Rh occurs. On reduced ceria, XPS indicates a possible electron transfer from Rh to ceria. The formation of smaller ceria crystallites upon loading with Co was concluded from XRD and HRTEM; for 10% Co, the CeO2 particle size decreased from 27.6 to 10.7 nm. A strong dissolution of Co into ceria and a certain extent of encapsulation by ceria were deduced by XRD, XPS and LEIS. In the bimetallic system, the presence of Rh enhances the reduction of cobalt and ceria. During thermal treatments, reoxidation of Co occurs, and Rh agglomeration as well as oxygen migration from ceria to Rh are hindered in the presence of cobalt.

Phase transition behavior of (K,Na)NbO3-based high-performance lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composite with different phase compositions depending on Na fraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Hideto; Matsuoka, Takayuki; Yamazaki, Masato; Ohbayashi, Kazushige; Ida, Takashi

2018-01-01

The structures of the main (K1- x Na x )NbO3 perovskite in a high-performance lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composite (K1- x Na x )0.86Ca0.04Li0.02Nb0.85O3-δ-K0.85Ti0.85Nb1.15O5-BaZrO3-MgO-Fe2O3 (x = 0.52 and 0.70) with trace amounts of LiMgFeTiO4 inverse spinel and (Li,K)2(Mg,Fe,Ti,Nb)6O13 layered structure have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) with varying temperatures. The bright-field TEM images have shown tetragonal 90°-domain contrasts at 80 and 40 °C, and the XRD profile has been simulated by adding an average structure of two differently oriented tetragonal structures bound by a 90°-domain wall for the x = 0.52 sample. Aggregates of tilted NbO6 nanodomains have been observed in a high-resolution TEM image, and the crossover of P4mm-Amm2 features from 60 to 20 °C and diffuse 2 × 2 × 2 superlattice reflections of the tilted NbO6 Imm2 structure have been observed in XRD data for the x = 0.70 sample.

The green synthesis of Ag/ZnO in montmorillonite with enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohrabnezhad, Sh.; Seifi, A.

2016-11-01

The Ag/ZnO-MMT nanocomposite was prepared using urtica dioica leaf extract. To improve the photocatalytic properties of ZnO-MMT nanocomposite, silver metal nanoparticles was deposited over nanocomposite. Zn(CH3COO)2, AgNO3 and Urtica dioica leaf extract were used as a zinc, silver precursor and reducing agent, respectively. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The powder X-ray diffraction showed that Ag/ZnO nanoparticles located on the surface MMT layers. The diffuse reflectance spectra of nanocomposite indicated a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band in the visible region, resulting from metallic Ag nanoparticles. TEM image demonstrated the presence of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 2-4 nm over both MMT and flower-shape ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite was studied for destructive reaction methylene blue dye under visible light. In addition, the effects of different parameters such as amount of nanocomposite, concentration of the dye and pH of the solution were studied. The results showed that modiffication of ZnO-MMT nanocomposite with silver nanoparticles increased the percentage of discoloration methylene blue (MB) from 38.95 to 91.95. MMT matrix showed an important role in the reduction of recombination of electron-hole in nanocomposite.

Quantitative XRD analysis of {110} twin density in biotic aragonites.

PubMed

Suzuki, Michio; Kim, Hyejin; Mukai, Hiroki; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Kogure, Toshihiro

2012-12-01

{110} Twin densities in biotic aragonite have been estimated quantitatively from the peak widths of specific reflections in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, as well as direct confirmation of the twins using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Influence of the twin density on the peak widths in the XRD pattern was simulated using DIFFaX program, regarding (110) twin as interstratification of two types of aragonite unit layers with mirrored relationship. The simulation suggested that the twin density can be estimated from the difference of the peak widths between 111 and 021, or between 221 and 211 reflections. Biotic aragonite in the crossed-lamellar microstructure (three species) and nacreous microstructure (four species) of molluscan shells, fish otoliths (two species), and a coral were investigated. The XRD analyses indicated that aragonite crystals in the crossed-lamellar microstructure of the three species contain high density of the twins, which is consistent with the TEM examination. On the other hand, aragonite in the nacre of the four species showed almost no difference of the peak widths between the paired reflections, indicating low twin densities. The results for the fish otoliths were varied between the species. Such variation of the twin density in biotic aragonites may reflect different schemes of crystal growth in biomineralization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of TiO{sub 2} nanostructures

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

Xia, X.H.; Liang, Y.; Wang, Z.

2008-08-04

TiO{sub 2} particles, rods, flowers and sheets were prepared by hydrothermal method via adjusting the temperature, the pressure and the concentration of TiCl{sub 4}. The as-prepared TiO{sub 2} powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption measurements. It was found that pressure is the most important factor influencing the morphology of TiO{sub 2}. The photocatalytic activity of the products was evaluated by the photodegradation of aqueous brilliant red X-3B solution under UV light. Among the as-prepared nanostructures, the flower-like TiO{sub 2}more » exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity.« less

Morphological effect of BiVO4 catalysts on degradation of aqueous paracetamol under visible light irradiation.

PubMed

Hu, Changying; Xu, Jie; Zhu, Yaqi; Chen, Acong; Bian, Zhaoyong; Wang, Hui

2016-09-01

Morphological effect of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) on visible light-driven catalytic degradation of aqueous paracetamol was carefully investigated using four monoclinic BiVO4 catalysts. The catalysts with different morphologies were controllably prepared by a hydrothermal method without any additions. The prepared catalysts were fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Under the visible light irradiation, these catalysts with different morphology were investigated to degrade aqueous paracetamol contaminant. The degradation effects were evaluated based on the catalyst morphology, solution pH, initial paracetamol concentration, and catalyst dosage. Cube-like BiVO4 powders exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance. The optimal photocatalytic performance of the cube-like BiVO4 in degrading paracetamol was achieved.

Depositing of CuS nanocrystals upon the graphene scaffold and their photocatalytic activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yongbin; Zhang, Lixin; Jiu, Hongfang; Li, Na; Sun, Yixin

2014-06-01

A series of copper sulfide nanocrystals/graphene nanocomposites (CuS/GR) with different weight ratios of GR were fabricated via a one-step hydrothermal approach by using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as the source of sulfur and solvent. The as-prepared samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), transmission scanning electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) are employed to determine the properties of the samples. The results show that the CuS nanocrystals with an average size of 16 nm almost overspread on the GR graphene scaffold. The samples exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities in degrading the methylene blue (MB) compared with pure CuS. This work shows that CuS/GR nanocomposites would be promising in dye wastewater treatment as Fenton-like reagents.

Effect of heating on the structural and optical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles: antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haq, Sirajul; Rehman, Wajid; Waseem, Muhammad; Javed, Rehan; Mahfooz-ur-Rehman; Shahid, Muhammad

2018-02-01

TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature by chemical precipitation method and were then heated at 120, 300, 600 and 900 °C temperatures. The phase transition and crystallite size variation were determined by X-rays diffraction (XRD) analysis. The surface area, pore volume and pore size were measured using Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) methods. The optical activity of heat treated and non-heat treated samples were carried out by diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy. Four different methods were used to calculate band gap energy. The results obtained from thermogravimetric and differential thermal gravimetric (TG/TDG) analyses and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy agreed with each other. Agar well diffusion method has been applied to explore the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles against different bacterial strains such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. It was observed that TiO2 nanoparticles heated at 120 °C displayed maximum antibacterial activity while those heated at higher temperature showed no activity against the examined bacteria.

Ultrathin Cr added Ru film as a seedless Cu diffusion barrier for advanced Cu interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Kuo-Chung; Perng, Dung-Ching; Yeh, Jia-Bin; Wang, Yi-Chun

2012-07-01

A 5 nm thick Cr added Ru film has been extensively investigated as a seedless Cu diffusion barrier. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy micrograph, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and Fourier transform-electron diffraction pattern reveal that a Cr contained Ru (RuCr) film has a glassy microstructure and is an amorphous-like film. XRD patterns and sheet resistance data show that the RuCr film is stable up to 650 °C, which is approximately a 200 °C improvement in thermal stability as compared to that of the pure Ru film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles show that the RuCr film can successfully block Cu diffusion, even after a 30-min 650 °C annealing. The leakage current of the Cu/5 nm RuCr/porous SiOCH/Si stacked structure is about two orders of magnitude lower than that of a pristine Ru sample for electric field below 1 MV/cm. The RuCr film can be a promising Cu diffusion barrier for advanced Cu metallization.

Preparation of InYO3 catalyst and its application in photodegradation of molasses fermentation wastewater.

PubMed

Qin, Zuzeng; Liang, Yi; Liu, Zili; Jiang, Weiqing

2011-01-01

An InYO3 photocatalyst was prepared through a precipitation method and used for the degradation of molasses fermentation wastewater. The InYO3 photocatalyst characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, surface area and porosimetry. Energy band structures and density of states were achieved using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy package (CASTEP). The results indicated that the photodegradation of molasses fermentation wastewater was significantly enhanced in the presence of InYO3 when compared with PbWO4. The calcination temperature was found to have a significant effect on the photocatalytic activity of InYO3. Specifically, InYO3 calcined at 700 degrees C had a considerably larger surface area and lower reflectance intensity and showed higher photocatalytic activity. The mathematical simulation results indicated that InYO3 is a direct band gap semiconductor, and its conduction band is composed of In 5p and Y 4d orbitals, whereas its valence band is composed of O 2p and In 5s orbitals.

Unpredictable adsorption and visible light induced decolorization of nano rutile for the treatment of crystal violet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yanling; Liu, Yang; Lu, Dingze; Zheng, Feng; Fang, Pengfei; Zhang, Haining

2017-04-01

Photocatalysts containing different ratios of anatase and rutile are prepared via heat treatment of Degussa P-25 titania. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Bruuauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), ultraviolet-visible light diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), Raman spectra (Raman), positron annihilation lifetime spectra (PAL) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) are applied to investigate the phase composition of the synthesized catalysts. Using crystal violet (CV) as the target pollutant, the unexpected visible light decolorization of rutile is observed. Despite the decreased specific surface area, the as-synthesized rutile samples exhibit much higher adsorption capability of CV than P-25 does, which in turn leads to improved photoreaction efficiency. Since the rutile samples can't absorb the visible light, the degradation under visible light irradiation is attributed to self-sensitization of CV on the surface of rutile.

Flux Growth of Highly Crystalline Photocatalytic BaTiO3 Particle Layers on Porous Titanium Sponge Substrate and Insights into the Formation Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Q.; Li, B.

2017-09-01

A unique architecture of idiomorphic and highly crystalline BaTiO3 particle layers directly grown on a porous titanium sponge substrate was successfully achieved for the first time using a facile molten salt method at a relatively low temperature of 700 °C. Specifically, the low-melting KCl-NaCl eutectic salts and barium hydroxide octahydrate were employed as the reaction medium and barium source, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry were used to characterize the structure, morphology and optical property of the obtained samples. The results revealed that the flux-grown tetragonal BaTiO3 products had well-defined and uniform morphology with an average size of 300 nm and a band gap of ∼3.16 eV. Based on XRD, EDS, SEM, and TEM, the possible formation mechanism responsible for the well-developed architecture of BaTiO3 particle layers was proposed and discussed. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the flux-grown BaTiO3 products for organic pollutant degradation under simulated sunlight irradiation was also investigated.

Adsorption of Cd2+ ions on plant mediated SnO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haq, Sirajul; Rehman, Wajid; Waseem, Muhammad; Shahid, Muhammad; Mahfooz-ur-Rehman; Hussain Shah, Khizar; Nawaz, Mohsan

2016-10-01

Plant mediated SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by using SnCl4.5H2O as a precursor material. The nanoparticles were then characterized for BET surface area measurements, energy dispersive x-rays (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectra and x-rays diffraction (XRD) analysis. The successful synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles was confirmed by EDX analysis. The particle sizes were in the range 19-27 nm whereas the crystallite size computed from XRD measurement was found to be 19.9 nm. Batch adsorption technique was employed for the removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. The sorption studies of Cd2+ ions were performed at pHs 4 and 6. The equilibrium concentration of Cd2+ ions was determined by atomic absorption spectrometer (flame mode). The uptake of Cd2+ ions was affected by initial concentration, pH and temperature of the electrolytic solution. It was observed that the adsorption of Cd2+ ions enhanced with increase in the initial concentration of Cd2+ ions whereas a decrease in the percent adsorption was detected. From the thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption process was found spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The n values confirmed 2:1 exchange mechanism between surface protons and Cd2+ ions.

Green synthesis and characterization of ANbO3 (A = Na, K) nanopowders fabricated using a biopolymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khorrami, Gh. H.; Mousavi, M.; Khayatian, S. A.; Kompany, A.; Khorsand Zak, A.

2017-10-01

Lead-free sodium niobate (NaNbO3, NN) and potassium niobate (KNbO3, KN) nanopowders were successfully synthesized by a simple and green synthesis process in gelatin media. Gelatin, which is a biopolymer, was used as stabilizer. In order to determine the lowest calcination temperature needed to obtain pure NN and KN nanopowders, the produced gels were analyzed by thermogravometric analyzer (TGA). The produced gels were calcined at 500∘C and 600∘C. The structural and optical properties of the prepared powders were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD results revealed that pure phase NN and KN nanopowders were formed at low temperature calcination of 500∘C and 600∘C, respectively. The Scherrer formula and size-strain plot (SSP) method were employed to estimate crystallite size and lattice strain of the samples. The TEM images show that the NN and KN samples calcined at 600∘C have cubic shape with an average particle size of 60.95 and 39.29 nm, respectively. The optical bandgap energy of the samples was calculated using UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra of the samples and Kubelka-Munck relation.

Synthesis, characterizations and anti-bacterial activities of pure and Ag doped CdO nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivakumar, S.; Venkatesan, A.; Soundhirarajan, P.; Khatiwada, Chandra Prasad

2015-02-01

In the present study, synthesized pure and Ag (1%, 2%, and 3%) doped Cadmium Oxide (CdO) nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method. Then, the synthesized products were characterized by thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Ultra violet-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) spectroscopy, and anti-bacterial activities, respectively. The transition temperatures and phase transitions of Cd(OH)2 to CdO at 400 °C was confirmed by TG-DTA analysis. The XRD patterns show the cubic shape and average particle sizes are 21, 40, 34, and 37 nm, respectively for pure and Ag doped samples. FT-IR study confirmed the presence of CdO and Ag at 677 and 459 cm-1, respectively. UV-Vis-DRS study shows the variation on direct and indirect band gaps. The surface morphologies and elemental analysis have been confirmed from SEM and with EDX. In addition, the synthesized products have been characterized by antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Further, the present investigation suggests that CdO nanoparticles have the great potential applications on various industrial and medical fields of research.

Effect of reaction atmosphere on structural and optical properties of hexagonal molybdenum oxide (h-MoO{sub 3})

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

Doss, V. Arumai; Chithambararaj, A.; Bose, A. Chandra, E-mail: acbose@nitt.edu

2016-05-23

The present work aims to synthesize single phase h-MoO{sub 3} nanocrytals by chemical precipitation method exposed under different reaction atmospheres. The reaction atmosphere have been successfully tuned as air, nitrogen and argon and studied its effects on structural, functional, morphology and optical properties by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) measurements. The XRD result indicates that the sample exhibits characteristic hexagonal phase of MoO{sub 3}. The crystallite size is estimated by well known Scherrer’s method. The crystallite size is relative small in the case of sample prepared atmore » argon atmosphere. The functional groups such as Mo-O, N-H and O-H are identified from FT-IR spectroscopy. The particle exhibits rod like morphology with perfect hexagonal cross-section. The optical absorption observed at 420-450 nm corresponds to fundamental optical absorption by h-MoO{sub 3}. The band gap values are estimated using Kublka-Munk (K-M) function and found to be 2. 87 eV, 2.93 eV and 2.97 eV for samples synthesized under air, nitrogen and argon, respectively.« less

Steam-assisted crystallization of TPA{sup +}-exchanged MCM-41 type mesoporous materials with thick pore walls

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

Chen, Hong Li; Zhang, Kun; Wang, Yi Meng, E-mail: ymwang@chem.ecnu.edu.cn

2012-07-15

Highlights: ► Mesoporous Ti-containing silica with thicker pore walls was synthesized. ► Ion-exchange and steam-assisted crystallization led to MCM-41/MFI composite. ► The introduction of Ti inhibited the formation of separated MFI particles. ► Lower temperature favored retaining mesoporous characteristics and morphology. -- Abstract: Hierarchical MCM-41/MFI composites were synthesized through ion-exchange of as-made MCM-41 type mesoporous materials with tetrapropylammonium bromide and subsequent steam-assisted recrystallization. The obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, {sup 1}H–{sup 13}C CP/MAS and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The XRD patterns show thatmore » the MCM-41/MFI composite possesses both ordered MCM-41 phase and zeolite MFI phase. SEM and TEM images indicate that the recrystallized materials retained the mesoporous characteristics and the morphology of as-made mesoporous materials without the formation of bulky zeolite, quite different from the mechanical mixture of MCM-41 and MFI structured zeolite. Among others, lower recrystallization temperature and the introduction of the titanium to the parent materials are beneficial to preserve the mesoporous structure during the recrystallization process.« less

Synthesis aspects, structural, spectroscopic, antimicrobial and room temperature ferromagnetism of zinc iodide complex with Schiff based ligand.

PubMed

Shakila, K; Kalainathan, S

2015-01-25

In this paper, we report the successful growth of complex compound of zinc iodide with thiocarbamide by slow evaporation method. The single crystal XRD study reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with centrosymmetric space group and powder XRD analysis shows that the perfect crystalline nature of the crystal. The presence of functional group and element were confirmed from FT-IR and EDAX analysis. Optical absorbance of the grown crystal was studied by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optical constants were calculated from the optical absorbance data such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (K) and reflectance (R). The optical band gap (Eg) of thiocarbamide zinc iodide crystal is 4.22 eV. The magnetic properties of grown crystal have been determined by Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Room temperature magnetization revealed a ferromagnetic behaviour for the grown crystal. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the title compound were performed by well diffusion method and MIC method against the standard bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and against fungus like Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sps and Penicillium sps. Thermal behaviour of the crystal has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Spinel NixZn1-xFe2O4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) nano-photocatalysts: Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmapriya, G.; Manikandan, A.; Krishnasamy, V.; Jaganathan, Saravana Kumar; Antony, S. Arul

2016-09-01

Spinel NixZn1-xFe2O4 (x = 0.0 to 1.0) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple microwave combustion method (MCM) using metal nitrates as raw materials and glycine as the fuel. The structural, morphological and opto-magnetic properties of the spinel NixZn1-xFe2O4 ferrites were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Powder XRD, and EDX analysis was confirmed the formation of pure phase of spinel ferrites. HR-SEM and HR-TEM analysis was confirmed the formation of sphere like-particle morphology of the samples with smaller agglomeration. VSM analysis clearly showed the superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic nature of the samples. The Ms value is 3.851 emu/g for undoped ZnFe2O4 sample and it increased with increase in Ni content. Photo-catalytic degradation (PCD) of methylene blue (MB) dye using the samples were carried out and observed good PCD results.

Efficient visible-light photocatalytic degradation of sulfadiazine sodium with hierarchical Bi₇O₉I₃under solar irradiation.

PubMed

Xu, MengMeng; Zhao, YaLei; Yan, QiShe

2015-01-01

Bi₇O₉I₃, a kind of visible-light-responsive photocatalyst, with hierarchical micro/nano-architecture was successfully synthesized by oil-bath heating method, with ethylene glycol as solvent, and applied to degrade sulfonamide antibiotics. The as-prepared product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible diffuse reflection spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD and XPS tests confirmed that the product was indeed Bi₇O₉I₃. The result of SEM observation shows that the as-synthesized Bi₇O₉I₃ consists of a large number of micro-sheets with parallel rectangle structure. The optical test exhibited strong photoabsorption in visible light irradiation, with 617 nm of absorption edges. Moreover, the difference in the photocatalytic efficiency of as-prepared Bi₇O₉I₃ at different seasons of a whole year was investigated in this study. The chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency and concentration of NO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-) of solution after reaction were also researched to confirm whether degradation of the pollutant was complete; the results indicated a high mineralization capacity of Bi₇O₉I₃. The as-synthesized Bi₇O₉I₃exhibits an excellent oxidizing capacity of sulfadiazine sodium and favorable stability during the photocatalytic reaction.

EPR and optical investigations of LaMgAl{sub 11}O{sub 19}:Cr{sup 3+} phosphor

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

Singh, Vijay, E-mail: vijayjiin2006@yahoo.com; Sivaramaiah, G.; Rao, J.L.

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: The EPR spectrum of as-prepared LaMgAl{sub 11}O{sub 19}:Cr{sup 3+} phosphor at 110 K. - Highlights: • Using the combustion synthesis, LaMgAl{sub 11}O{sub 19}:Cr{sup 3+} phosphor has been prepared in a few minutes. • Optical investigation indicates that Cr{sup 3+} ions are present in octahedral symmetry. • The EPR signals indicate that exchange coupled Cr{sup 3+}–Cr{sup 3+} ion pairs in weakly distorted sites. - Abstract: The LaMgAl{sub 11}O{sub 19}:Cr{sup 3+} phosphor has been prepared by a low-temperature combustion synthesis method. As-prepared combustion synthesized powder was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance (DRS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) andmore » photoluminescence (PL) studies. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals crystalline hexagonal phases. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum exhibits three broad bands characteristic of Cr{sup 3+} ions in octahedral symmetry. The EPR spectrum exhibits several resonance signals. The signals with the effective g values at g = 4.84, 3.64 and 2.26 have been attributed to the isolated Cr{sup 3+} ions. The signal with the effective g value at g = 1.94 has been attributed to exchange coupled Cr{sup 3+}–Cr{sup 3+} ion pairs. The PL studies exhibit several bands characteristic of Cr{sup 3+} ions in octahedral symmetry.« less

Reflection Matrix Method for Controlling Light After Reflection From a Diffuse Scattering Surface

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-22

reflective inverse diffusion, which was a proof-of-concept experiment that used phase modulation to shape the wavefront of a laser causing it to refocus...after reflection from a rough surface. By refocusing the light, reflective inverse diffusion has the potential to eliminate the complex radiometric model...photography. However, the initial reflective inverse diffusion experiments provided no mathematical background and were conducted under the premise that the

XRD measurement of mean crystallite thickness of illite and illite/smectite: Reappraisal of the Kubler index and the Scherrer equation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drits, Victor A.; Środoń, Jan; Eberl, D.D.

1997-01-01

The standard form of the Scherrer equation, which has been used to calculate the mean thickness of the coherent scattering domain (CSD) of illite crystals from X-ray diffraction (XRD) full width data at half maximum (FWHM) intensity, employs a constant, Ksh, of 0.89. Use of this constant is unjustified, even if swelling has no effect on peak broadening, because this constant is valid only if all CSDs have a single thickness. For different thickness distributions, the Scherrer “constant” has very different values.Analysis of fundamental particle thickness data (transmission electron microscopy, TEM) for samples of authigenic illite and illite/smectite from diagenetically altered pyroclastics and filamentous illites from sandstones reveals a unique family of lognormal thickness distributions for these clays. Experimental relations between the distributions' lognormal parameters and mean thicknesses are established. These relations then are used to calculate the mean thickness of CSDs for illitic samples from XRD FWHM, or from integral XRD peak widths (integrated intensity/maximum intensity).For mixed-layer illite/smectite, the measured thickness of the CSD corresponds to the mean thickness of the mixed-layer crystal. Using this measurement, the mean thickness of the fundamental particles that compose the mixed-layer crystals can be calculated after XRD determination of percent smectitic interlayers. The effect of mixed layering (swelling) on XRD peak width for these samples is eliminated by using the 003 reflection for glycolated samples, and the 001, 002 or 003 reflection for dehydrated, K-saturated samples. If this technique is applied to the 001 reflection of air-dried samples (Kubler index measurement), mean CSD thicknesses are underestimated due to the mixed-layering effect.The technique was calibrated using NEW MOD©-simulated XRD profiles of illite, and then tested on well-characterized illite and illite/smectite samples. The XRD measurements are in good agreement with estimates of the mean thickness of fundamental particles obtained both from TEM measurements and from fixed cations content, up to a mean value of 20 layers. Correction for instrumental broadening under the conditions employed here is unnecessary for this range of thicknesses.

Compression Freezing Kinetics of Water to Ice VII

DOE PAGES

Gleason, A. E.; Bolme, C. A.; Galtier, E.; ...

2017-07-11

Time-resolved x-ray diffraction (XRD) of compressed liquid water shows transformation to ice VII in 6 nsec, revealing crystallization rather than amorphous solidification during compression freezing. Application of classical nucleation theory indicates heterogeneous nucleation and one-dimensional (e.g., needlelike) growth. In conclusion, these first XRD data demonstrate rapid growth kinetics of ice VII with implications for fundamental physics of diffusion-mediated crystallization and thermodynamic modeling of collision or impact events on ice-rich planetary bodies.

Compression Freezing Kinetics of Water to Ice VII

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

Gleason, A. E.; Bolme, C. A.; Galtier, E.

Time-resolved x-ray diffraction (XRD) of compressed liquid water shows transformation to ice VII in 6 nsec, revealing crystallization rather than amorphous solidification during compression freezing. Application of classical nucleation theory indicates heterogeneous nucleation and one-dimensional (e.g., needlelike) growth. In conclusion, these first XRD data demonstrate rapid growth kinetics of ice VII with implications for fundamental physics of diffusion-mediated crystallization and thermodynamic modeling of collision or impact events on ice-rich planetary bodies.

Diffuse reflectance relations based on diffusion dipole theory for large absorption and reduced scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bremmer, Rolf H.; van Gemert, Martin J. C.; Faber, Dirk J.; van Leeuwen, Ton G.; Aalders, Maurice C. G.

2013-08-01

Diffuse reflectance spectra are used to determine the optical properties of biological samples. In medicine and forensic science, the turbid objects under study often possess large absorption and/or scattering properties. However, data analysis is frequently based on the diffusion approximation to the radiative transfer equation, implying that it is limited to tissues where the reduced scattering coefficient dominates over the absorption coefficient. Nevertheless, up to absorption coefficients of 20 m at reduced scattering coefficients of 1 and 11.5 mm-1, we observed excellent agreement (r2=0.994) between reflectance measurements of phantoms and the diffuse reflectance equation proposed by Zonios et al. [Appl. Opt. 38, 6628-6637 (1999)], derived as an approximation to one of the diffusion dipole equations of Farrell et al. [Med. Phys. 19, 879-888 (1992)]. However, two parameters were fitted to all phantom experiments, including strongly absorbing samples, implying that the reflectance equation differs from diffusion theory. Yet, the exact diffusion dipole approximation at high reduced scattering and absorption also showed agreement with the phantom measurements. The mathematical structure of the diffuse reflectance relation used, derived by Zonios et al. [Appl. Opt. 38, 6628-6637 (1999)], explains this observation. In conclusion, diffuse reflectance relations derived as an approximation to the diffusion dipole theory of Farrell et al. can analyze reflectance ratios accurately, even for much larger absorption than reduced scattering coefficients. This allows calibration of fiber-probe set-ups so that the object's diffuse reflectance can be related to its absorption even when large. These findings will greatly expand the application of diffuse reflection spectroscopy. In medicine, it may allow the use of blue/green wavelengths and measurements on whole blood, and in forensic science, it may allow inclusion of objects such as blood stains and cloth at crime scenes.

Novel preparation of highly photocatalytically active copper chromite nanostructured material via a simple hydrothermal route

PubMed Central

Beshkar, Farshad; Zinatloo-Ajabshir, Sahar; Bagheri, Samira; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud

2017-01-01

Highly photocatalytically active copper chromite nanostructured material were prepared via a novel simple hydrothermal reaction between [Cu(en)2(H2O)2]Cl2 and [Cr(en)3]Cl3.3H2O at low temperature, without adding any pH regulator or external capping agent. The as-synthesized nanostructured copper chromite was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results of the morphological investigation of the as-synthesized products illustrate that the shape and size of the copper chromite depended on the surfactant sort, reaction duration and temperature. Moreover, the photocatalytic behavior of as-obtained copper chromite was evaluated by photodegradation of acid blue 92 (anionic dye) as water pollutant. PMID:28582420

Biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using rambutan (Nephelium lappaceumL.) peel extract and their photocatalytic activity on methyl orange dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnan, Thenmozhi; Selvakumar, Stanly Arul Samuel

2016-12-01

In the present study, describes the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceumL.) peel extract via bio synthesis method and developed a new low cost technology to prepare ZnO nanoparticles. During the synthesis, fruit peel extract act as a natural ligation agent. The successfully prepared product was analyzed with some standard characterization studies like X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS Diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), High resolution transmittance electron microscope (HR-TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm and UV-Vis absorption Spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under UV light and the result depicts around 83.99% decolorisation efficiency at 120 min of illumination. In addition with photodecolorisation, mineralization was also achieved. The mineralization has been confirmed by measuring Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values.

Electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles on mesoporous TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode to enhance visible region photocurrent

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

Supriyono,; Krisnandi, Yuni Krisyuningsih; Gunlazuardi, Jarnuzi, E-mail: jarnuzi@ui.ac.id

2016-04-19

Electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode to enchance visible region photocurrent have been investigated. Mesoporous TiO{sub 2} was prepared by a sol gel method and immobilized to the fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by dip coating technique. Gold nanoparticles were electrodeposited on the TiO{sub 2} surface and the result FTO/TiO{sub 2}/Au was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The generated photocurrent was evaluated with an electrochemical workstation (e-DAQ/e-recorder 401) using 60 W wolfram lamp as visible lightmore » source. The photoelectrochemical evaluation indicated that the presence of gold nanoparticles on TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode shall enhance the photocurrent up to 50%.« less

Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2-production activity of CdS-loaded TiO2 microspheres with exposed (001) facets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Bifen; Yuan, Xia; Lu, Penghui; Lin, Bizhou; Chen, Yilin

2015-12-01

CdS-loaded TiO2 microspheres with highly exposed (001) facets were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of a TiF4-HCl-H2O mixed solution followed by a chemical bath deposition of CdS onto TiO2 microspheres. The crystal structure, surficial micro-structure and photo-absorption property of the samples were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, TEM and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, etc. The as-prepared samples exhibited superior visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2-production activity from lactic acid aqueous solution in comparison with CdS-sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles, whose surface was dominated by (101) facets. Photoelectrochemical measurement confirmed that (001) facet is beneficial for the transfer of photo-generated electron from CdS to TiO2 microsphere, which led to the unexpected high photocatalytic activity of CdS-loaded TiO2 microspheres.

AFM investigation and optical band gap study of chemically deposited PbS thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaman, S.; Mansoor, M.; Abubakar; Asim, M. M.

2016-08-01

The interest into deposition of nanocrystalline PbS thin films, the potential of designing and tailoring both the topographical features and the band gap energy (Eg) by controlling growth parameters, has significant technological importance. Nanocrystalline thin films of lead sulfide were grown onto glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The experiments were carried out by varying deposition temperature. We report on the modification of structural and optical properties as a function of deposition temperature. The morphological changes of the films were analyzed by using SEM and AFM. AFM was also used to calculate average roughness of the films. XRD spectra indicated preferred growth of cubic phase of PbS films in (200) direction with increasing deposition time. Optical properties have been studied by UV-Spectrophotometer. From the diffused reflectance spectra we have calculated the optical Eg shift from 0.649-0.636 eV with increasing deposition time.

Template-Free Solvothermal Synthesis of Flower-Like BiOBr Microspheres in Ethanol Medium for Photocatalytic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Shaoming; Ren, Huijun; Fang, Yanfeng; Huang, Yingping; Li, Ruiping

2018-05-01

Three-dimensionally (3D) BiOBr microflowers were prepared by a simple solvothermal method, employing Bi(NO3)3 · 5H2O and NaBr as starting reagents in ethanol. The structural, light absorption and morphological properties of as-prepared BiOBr microspheres were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), etc. The results showed that ethanol acted not only as a solvent but also as a template in 3D BiOBr preparation. The BiOBr microspheres exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared with 2D BiOBr nanosheets, far exceeding that of TiO2 (Degussa, P25). It was found that both superoxide radical (O2 •-) and holes (h+) played a key role in the degradation of RhB by BiOBr microflowers.

Investigation of structural, optical and electrical properties of Co3O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhargava, Richa; Khan, Shakeel; Ahmad, Naseem; Ansari, Mohd Mohsin Nizam

2018-05-01

In the current work, we report the synthesis of Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) NPs (NPs) by co-precipitation method. The structural analysis was confirmed by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) which shows that the Co3O4 NPs have cubic phase. The average crystallite size and the lattice parameter were calculated for Co3O4 NPs. The functional groups of the as-synthesized sample were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optical band gap of Co3O4 NPs was estimated by using UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and the Band gap was evaluated by using Tauc relation. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss were studied over a range of temperature 50-300 °C. The DC electrical resistivity of Co3O4 NPs shows a semiconducting behaviour and the value of activation energy was calculated by using Arrhenius equation.

Synthesis and characterization of polycrystalline brownmillerite cobalt doped Ca{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5}

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

Dhankhar, Suchita; Baskar, K.; Singh, Shubra, E-mail: shubra6@gmail.com

2016-05-23

Brownmillerite compounds with general formula A{sub 2}BB’O{sub 5} (BB’ = Mn, Al, Fe, Co) have attracted attention in wide range of applications such as in solid oxide fuel cell, oxygen separation membrane and photocatalysis. Brownmillerite compounds have unique structure with alternate layers of BO{sub 6} octahedral layers and BO{sub 4} tetrahedral layers. Presence of dopants like Co in place of Fe increases oxygen vacancies. In the present work we have synthesized polycrystalline Ca{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} and Ca{sub 2}Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}O{sub 5} (x = 0.01, 0.03) by citrate combustion route. The as prepared samples were characterized by XRD using PANalyticalmore » X’Pert System, DRS (Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy).« less

Preparation of TiO2-SiO2 via sol-gel method: Effect of Silica precursor on Catalytic and Photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatimah, I.

2017-02-01

TiO2-SiO2have been synthesized by the sol-gel method from titanium isopropoxide and varied silica precursors: tetraethyl orthosilicate and tetra methyl ortho silicate. To study the effect of the precursor, prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Diffuse Reflectance UV-vis optical absorption, and also gas sorption analysis. XRD patterns showed the formation of TiO2 anatase in the TiO2-SiO2 composite with different crystallite size from different silica precursor as well as the different surface morphology. The DRUV-vis absorption spectra exhibit similar band gap energy correspond to 3.21eV value while the surface area, pore volume and pore radius of the materials seems to be affected by the precursor. The higher specific surface area contributes to give the enhanced activity in phenol hydroxylation and methylene blue photodegradation.

Recent advances in polymer supporting layered double hydroxides nanocomposite for electrochemical biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhanasekaran, T.; Padmanaban, A.; Gnanamoorthy, G.; Manigandan, R.; Praveen Kumar, S.; Stephen, A.; Narayanan, V.

2018-01-01

In recent years, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) materials having emerging due to their ability of intercalate a variety of anions, either organic or inorganic molecules. The most significance of the LDHs has been found potential applications in catalysis, wastewater treatment, and electrochemical sensors. The Mg-Al LDHs (MAL) and Poly-o-phenylenediamine @ Mg-Al LDHs (P-MAL) was prepared via simple one step hydrothermal method. As prepared material was characterized using many techniques such as, the structural and crystal phase was determined from XRD and Raman analyses. The functional groups were depicted using FT-IR spectroscopy. The optical propertied studied using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy UV-vis spectroscopy and the emission property were analyzed from Photoluminescence spectroscopy. The surface morphology and average particle size was analyzed using FESEM microscopy. The prepared polymer composite material P-MAL was further used for highly sensitive electrochemical detection towards dopamine (DA).

Synthesis and characterization of CdS-based ternary composite for enhanced visible light-driven photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Arvind; Sinha, A. S. K.

2018-09-01

Active ternary graphite and alumina-supported cadmium sulphide (CdS) composite was synthesized by impregnation method followed by high-temperature solid-gas reaction and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The ternary CdS-graphite-alumina composite exhibited superior catalytic activity compared with the binary CdS-alumina composite due to its better visible-light absorption and higher charge separation. The ternary composite has a bed-type structure. It permits a greater interaction at the interface due to intimate contact between CdS and graphite in the ternary composite. This composite has a highly efficient visible light-driven photocatalytic activity for sustainable hydrogen production. It is also capable of degrading organic dyes in wastewater.

Effect of Ce doping on structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nano-structures.

PubMed

Selvam, N Clament Sagaya; Vijaya, J Judith; Kennedy, L John

2014-03-01

A novel self-assembled pure and Ce doped ZnO nano-particles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by a simple low temperature co-precipitation method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the prepared photocatalysts shows a novel morphology, high crystallinity, uniform size distribution, and more defects. Photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of nonylphenol, a potent endocrine disrupting chemical in aqueous medium was investigated. Higher amount of oxygen defects exhibits enhanced PCD of nonylphenol. In addition, the influence of the Ce contents on the structure, morphology, absorption, emission and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated systematically. The relative PCD efficiency of pure ZnO, Ce-doped ZnO NPs and commercial TiO2 (Degussa P-25) have also been discussed.

Surfactant-free Synthesis of CuO with Controllable Morphologies and Enhanced Photocatalytic Property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xing; Yang, Jiao; Shi, Liuxue; Gao, Meizhen

2016-03-01

A green synthesis for nanoleave, nanosheet, spindle-like, rugby-like, dandelion-like and flower-like CuO nanostructures (from 2D to 3D) is successfully achieved through simply hydrothermal synthetic method without the assistance of surfactant. The morphology of CuO nanostructures can be easily tailored by adjusting the amount of ammonia and the source of copper. By designing a time varying experiment, it is verified that the flower- and dandelion-like CuO structures are synthesized by the self-assembly and Ostwald ripening mechanism. Structural and morphological evolutions are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra. Additionally, the CuO nanostructures with different morphologies could serve as a potential photocatalyst on the photodecomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solutions in the presence of H2O2 under visible light irradiation.

Increased photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 mesoporous microspheres from codoping with transition metals and nitrogen

DOE PAGES

Mathis, John E.; Lieffers, Justin J.; Mitra, Chandrima; ...

2015-11-06

The composition of anatase TiO 2 was modified by codoping using combinations of a transition metal and nitrogen in order to increase its photocatalytic activity and extend it performance in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The transition metals (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu) were added during the hydrothermal preparation of mesoporous TiO 2 particles, and the nitrogen was introduced by post-annealing in flowing ammonia gas at high temperature. The samples were analyzed by SEM, XRD, BET, inductively-coupled plasma spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was assessed by observing the change in methylene blue concentrations under bothmore » UV-vis and visible-only light irradiation. As a result, the photocatalytic activity of the (Mn,N), (Co,N), (Cu,N), and Ni,N) codoped TiO 2 was significantly enhanced relative to (N) TiO 2.« less

Spherical V-Fe-MCM-48: The Synthesis, Characterization and Hydrothermal Stability.

PubMed

Qian, Wang; Wang, Haiqing; Chen, Jin; Kong, Yan

2015-04-14

Spherical MCM-48 mesoporous sieve co-doped with vanadium and iron was successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) techniques. Results indicated that the V-Fe-MCM-48 showed an ordered 3D cubic mesostructure with spherical morphology, narrow pore size distribution and high specific surface area. Most of vanadium and iron atoms existing as tetrahedral V 4+ and Fe 3+ species were co-doped into the silicate framework. The particle sizes of V-Fe-MCM-48 were smaller and the specific area was much higher than those of of V-MCM-48. Additionally, the synthesized V-Fe-MCM-48 exhibited improved hydrothermal stability compared with the pure MCM-48.

Manganese porphyrin immobilized on magnetic MCM-41 nanoparticles as an efficient and reusable catalyst for alkene oxidations with sodium periodate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajian, Robabeh; Ehsanikhah, Amin

2018-01-01

This study describes the immobilization of tetraphenylporphyrinatomanganese(III) chloride, (MnPor), onto imidazole functionalized MCM-41 with magnetite nanoparticle core (Fe3O4@MCM-41-Im). The resultant material (Fe3O4@MCM-41-Im@MnPor) was characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectrophotometry (DR UV-Vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), analyzer transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. This new heterogenized catalyst was applied as an efficient catalyst for the epoxidation of a variety of cyclic and linear olefins with NaIO4 under mild conditions. The prepared catalyst can be easily recovered through the application of an external magnet, and reused several times without any significant decrease in activity and magnetic properties.

Spherical V-Fe-MCM-48: The Synthesis, Characterization and Hydrothermal Stability

PubMed Central

Qian, Wang; Wang, Haiqing; Chen, Jin; Kong, Yan

2015-01-01

Spherical MCM-48 mesoporous sieve co-doped with vanadium and iron was successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) techniques. Results indicated that the V-Fe-MCM-48 showed an ordered 3D cubic mesostructure with spherical morphology, narrow pore size distribution and high specific surface area. Most of vanadium and iron atoms existing as tetrahedral V4+ and Fe3+ species were co-doped into the silicate framework. The particle sizes of V-Fe-MCM-48 were smaller and the specific area was much higher than those of of V-MCM-48. Additionally, the synthesized V-Fe-MCM-48 exhibited improved hydrothermal stability compared with the pure MCM-48. PMID:28788030

Measurement and Modeling of the Optical Scattering Properties of Crop Canopies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanderbilt, V. C. (Principal Investigator)

1985-01-01

The specular reflection process is shown to be a key aspect of radiation transfer by plant canopies. Polarization measurements are demonstrated as the tool for determining the specular and diffuse portions of the canopy radiance. The magnitude of the specular fraction of the reflectance is significant compared to the magnitude of the diffuse fraction. Therefore, it is necessary to consider specularly reflected light in developing and evaluating light-canopy interaction models for wheat canopies. Models which assume leaves are diffuse reflectors correctly predict only the diffuse fraction of the canopy reflectance factor. The specular reflectance model, when coupled with a diffuse leaf model, would predict both the specular and diffuse portions of the reflectance factor. The specular model predicts and the data analysis confirms that the single variable, angle of incidence of specularly reflected sunlight on the leaf, explains much of variation in the polarization data as a function of view-illumination directions.

Desulfurization from Bauxite Water Slurry (BWS) Electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Xuzhong; Ge, Lan; Wang, Zhi; Zhuang, Siyuan; Wang, Yuhua; Ren, Lihui; Wang, Mingyong

2016-02-01

Feasibility of high-sulfur bauxite electrolysis desulfurization was examined using the electrochemical characterization, XRD, DTA, and FTIR. The cyclic voltammetry curves indicated that bauxite water slurry (BWS) electrolysis in NaOH system was controlled by diffusion. Additionally, the desulfurization effect of NaCl as the electrolyte was significantly better than that of NaOH as an electrolyte. As the stirring rate increased, the desulfurization ratio in NaCl system was not increased obviously, while the desulfurization ratio in NaOH system increased significantly, indicating further that electrolysis desulfurization in NaOH solution was controlled by diffusion. According to XRD, DTA, and FTIR analysis, the characteristic peaks of sulfur-containing phase in bauxite after electrolysis weakened or disappeared, indicating that the pyrite in bauxite was removed from electrolysis. Finally, the electrolytic desulfurization technology of bauxite was proposed based on the characteristics of BWS electrolysis.

An improved method to estimate reflectance parameters for high dynamic range imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shiying; Deguchi, Koichiro; Li, Renfa; Manabe, Yoshitsugu; Chihara, Kunihiro

2008-01-01

Two methods are described to accurately estimate diffuse and specular reflectance parameters for colors, gloss intensity and surface roughness, over the dynamic range of the camera used to capture input images. Neither method needs to segment color areas on an image, or to reconstruct a high dynamic range (HDR) image. The second method improves on the first, bypassing the requirement for specific separation of diffuse and specular reflection components. For the latter method, diffuse and specular reflectance parameters are estimated separately, using the least squares method. Reflection values are initially assumed to be diffuse-only reflection components, and are subjected to the least squares method to estimate diffuse reflectance parameters. Specular reflection components, obtained by subtracting the computed diffuse reflection components from reflection values, are then subjected to a logarithmically transformed equation of the Torrance-Sparrow reflection model, and specular reflectance parameters for gloss intensity and surface roughness are finally estimated using the least squares method. Experiments were carried out using both methods, with simulation data at different saturation levels, generated according to the Lambert and Torrance-Sparrow reflection models, and the second method, with spectral images captured by an imaging spectrograph and a moving light source. Our results show that the second method can estimate the diffuse and specular reflectance parameters for colors, gloss intensity and surface roughness more accurately and faster than the first one, so that colors and gloss can be reproduced more efficiently for HDR imaging.

Angular distribution of diffuse reflectance from incoherent multiple scattering in turbid media.

PubMed

Gao, M; Huang, X; Yang, P; Kattawar, G W

2013-08-20

The angular distribution of diffuse reflection is elucidated with greater understanding by studying a homogeneous turbid medium. We modeled the medium as an infinite slab and studied the reflection dependence on the following three parameters: the incident direction, optical depth, and asymmetry factor. The diffuse reflection is produced by incoherent multiple scattering and is solved through radiative transfer theory. At large optical depths, the angular distribution of the diffuse reflection with small incident angles is similar to that of a Lambertian surface, but, with incident angles larger than 60°, the angular distributions have a prominent reflection peak around the specular reflection angle. These reflection peaks are found originating from the scattering within one transport mean free path in the top layer of the medium. The maximum reflection angles for different incident angles are analyzed and can characterize the structure of angular distributions for different asymmetry factors and optical depths. The properties of the angular distribution can be applied to more complex systems for a better understanding of diffuse reflection.

Facile and low temperature route to synthesis of CuS nanostructure in mesoporous material by solvothermal method.

PubMed

Sohrabnezhad, Sh; Zanjanchi, M A; Hosseingholizadeh, S; Rahnama, R

2014-04-05

The synthesis of CuS nanomaterial in MCM-41 matrix has been realized by chemical synthesis between MCM-41, copper sulfate pentahydrate and thiourea via a solvothermal method in ethylene glycol and water, separately. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were used to characterize the products. At synthesized CuS/MCM-41 sample in ethylene glycol, X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed pure covellite phase of copper sulfide with high crystality. But prepared CuS/MCM-41 sample in water shows the covellite, chalcocite and the djurleite phase of copper sulfide nanostructures. The formation of CuS nanostructures was confirmed by FT-IR. Photocatalytic activity of CuS/MCM-41 nanocomposites was studied for degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) under visible light. The CuS/MCM-41 nanocomposite is more effective nanocatalyst than synthesized CuS/MCM-41 sample in water for degradation of methylene blue. Several parameters were examined, catalyst amount (0.1-1gL(-1)), pH (1-13) and initial concentration of MB (0.96-10ppm). The extent of degradation was estimated from the residual concentration by spectrophotometrically. The support size was obtained in the range 60-145nm by TEM. In the same way, the average size of copper sulfide in CuSMCM-41E and CuS/MCM-41W nanostructures were obtained about 10nm and 16nm, respectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Titania-supported Copper Nanoparticles via Refined Alkoxide Sol-gel Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jeffrey C. S.; Tseng, I.-Hsiang; Chang, Wan-Chen

2001-06-01

Nanoparticles of titania and copper-loaded titania were synthesized by a refined sol-gel method using titanium butoxide. Unlike the conventional sol-gel procedure of adding water directly, the esterification of anhydrous butanol and glacial acetic acid provided the hydrolyzing water. In addition, acetic acid also served as a chelating ligand to stabilize the hydrolysis-condensation process and minimize the agglomeration of titania. Following the hydrolysis, Cu/TiO2 was prepared by adding copper chloride to titania sol. The sol was dried, then calcined at 500°C to remove organics and transformed to anatase titania which was verified by XRD. Cu/TiO2 was further hydrogen-reduced at 300°C. The recovery of Ti was exceeded by an average of 95% from titanium butoxide. TEM micrographs show that the Cu/TiO2 particles are near uniform. The average crystallite sizes are 17-20 nm estimated from the peak broadening of XRD spectra. The bandgaps of TiO2 and reduced Cu/TiO2 range from 2.70 to 3.15 eV estimated from the diffusive reflective UV-Vis spectra. XPS analysis shows that Cu 2p3/2 is 933.4 eV indicating primary Cu2O form on the TiO2 supports. The binding energy of Ti does not exhibit chemical shift suggesting negligible interaction of Cu cluster and TiO2 support.

In-situ Characterization of Cu/CeO 2 Nanocatalysts during CO 2 Hydrogenation: Morphological Effects of Nanostructured Ceria on the Catalytic Activity

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

Lin, Lili; Yao, Siyu; Liu, Zongyuan

Here, a combination of time-resolved X-ray diffraction (TR-XRD), ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was used to carry out an in-situ characterization of Cu/CeO 2 nanocatalysts during the hydrogenation of CO 2. Morphological effects of the ceria supports on the catalytic performances were investigated by examining the behavior of copper/ceria-nanorods (NR) and nanospheres (NS). At atmospheric pressures, the hydrogenation of CO 2 on the copper-ceria catalysts produced mainly CO through the reverse-water gas shift reaction (RWGS) and a negligible amount of methanol. The Cu/CeO 2-NR catalyst displayed the higher activity, which demonstrates thatmore » the RWGS is a structure sensitive reaction. In-situ TR-XRD and AP-XPS characterization showed significant changes in the chemical state of the catalysts under reaction conditions with the copper being fully reduced and a partial Ce 4+ to Ce 3+ transformation occurring. A more effective CO 2 dissociative activation at high temperature and a preferential formation of active bidentate carbonate and formate intermediates over CeO 2(110) terminations are probably the main reasons for the better performance of the Cu/CeO 2-NR catalyst in the RWGS reaction.« less

Reaction Heterogeneity in LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 Induced by Surface Layer

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

Grenier, Antonin; Liu, Hao; Wiaderek, Kamila M.

2017-08-15

Through operando synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of layered transition metal oxide electrodes of composition LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), we decouple the intrinsic bulk reaction mechanism from surface-induced effects. For identically prepared and cycled electrodes stored in different environments, we demonstrate that the intrinsic bulk reaction for pristine NCA follows solid-solution mechanism, not a two-phase as suggested previously. By combining high resolution powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and surface sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we demonstrate that adventitious Li2CO3 forms on the electrode particle surface during exposure to air, through reaction with atmospheric CO2. This surfacemore » impedes ionic and electronic transport to the underlying electrode, with progressive erosion of this layer during cycling giving rise to different reaction states in particles with an intact vs an eroded Li2CO3 surface-coating. This reaction heterogeneity, with a bimodal distribution of reaction states, has previously been interpreted as a “two-phase” reaction mechanism for NCA, as an activation step that only occurs during the first cycle. Similar surface layers may impact the reaction mechanism observed in other electrode materials using bulk probes such as operando powder XRD.« less

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of multicolor tunable GdNbO4: Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors based on energy transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lu; Yi, Shuangping; Hu, Xiaoxue; Liang, Boxin; Zhao, Weiren; Wang, Yinhai

2017-03-01

A color-tunable phosphor based on Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped GdNbO4 were synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra and decay curves were utilized to characterize the as-prepared phosphors. XRD result indicated that various concentrations Tb3+/Eu3+ single-doped and co-doped phosphors were well indexed to the pure GdNbO4 phase. The GdNbO4 host was proved to be a self-activated phosphor with broad absorption range from 200 nm to 325 nm. When Tb3+ ions were added into the host lattice, the energy transferring from host to Tb3+ was identified. And the broad absorption in the UV region was changed and enhanced. Therefore, we selected Tb3+ as the sensitizer ion, and adjusted red component from Eu3+ to control the emission color. The energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ was confirmed based on the luminescence spectra and decay curves. Furthermore, the energy transmission mechanism was deduced to be the dipole-quadrupole interaction. On the whole, the obtained GdNbO4, GdNbO4:Tb3+, and GdNbO4:Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors may have potential application in the UV white-light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs) and display devices.

Synthesis and structure of a new layered oxyfluoride Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F with photocatalytic property

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

Wang, Yongkun; Tang, Kaibin, E-mail: kbtang@ustc.edu.cn; Zhu, Baichuan

2015-05-15

Highlights: • A new oxyfluoride compound Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F was prepared by a solid state route. • The structure of this compound was determined by GSAS program based on XRD data. • The photocatalytic property was investigated under UV irradiation. - Abstract: A new Ruddlesden–Popper type scandium oxyfluoride, Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F, was synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction route. The detailed structure of Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The disorder distribution pattern of fluorine anions was determined by the {sup 19}F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. The compound crystallizesmore » in a K{sub 2}NiF{sub 4}-type tetragonal structure (space group I4/mmm) with O/F anions disordered over the apical sites of the perovskite-type Sc(O,F){sub 6} octahedron layers interleaved with strontium cations. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflection spectrum of the prepared Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F indicates that it has an absorption in the UV–vis region. The photocatalytic activity of Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F was further investigated, showing an effective photodegradation of Rhodamine-B (RB) within 2 h under UV light irradiation.« less

Biogenic hydroxysulfate green rust, a potential electron acceptor for SRB activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zegeye, Asfaw; Huguet, Lucie; Abdelmoula, Mustapha; Carteret, Cédric; Mullet, Martine; Jorand, Frédéric

2007-11-01

Microbiological reduction of a biogenic sulfated green rust (GR2(SO42-)), was examined using a sulfate reducing bacterium ( Desulfovibrio alaskensis). Experiments investigated whether GR2(SO42-) could serve as a sulfate source for D. alaskensis anaerobic respiration by analyzing mineral transformation. Batch experiments were conducted using lactate as the electron donor and biogenic GR2(SO42-) as the electron acceptor, at circumneutral pH in unbuffered medium. GR2(SO42-) transformation was monitored with time by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Mössbauer Spectroscopy (TMS), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The reduction of sulfate anions and the formation of iron sulfur mineral were clearly identified by XPS analyses. TMS showed the formation of additional mineral as green rust (GR) and vivianite. XRD analyses discriminated the type of the newly formed GR as GR1. The formed GR1 was GR1(CO32-) as indicated by DRIFTS analysis. Thus, the results presented in this study indicate that D. alaskensis cells were able to use GR2(SO42-) as an electron acceptor. GR1(CO32-), vivianite and an iron sulfur compound were formed as a result of GR2(SO42-) reduction by D. alaskensis. Hence, in environments where geochemical conditions promote biogenic GR2(SO42-) formation, this mineral could stimulate the anaerobic respiration of sulfate reducing bacteria.

Growth of ZnO films in sol-gel electrophoretic deposition by different solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallajzadeh, Amir Mohammad; Abdizadeh, Hossein; Taheri, Mahtab; Golobostanfard, Mohammad Reza

2018-01-01

This article introduces a process to fabricate zinc oxide (ZnO) films through combining sol preparation and electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The experimental results have proved that the EPD process is a powerful route to fabricate ZnO films with desire thickness from stable colloidal suspension under a direct current (DC) electric field. In this method, ZnO sol is prepared by dissolving zinc acetate dehydrate (ZAD) as the main precursor and diethanolamine (DEA) as the additive in various solvents such as methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and 2-proponal (2-PrOH). The deposition was performed under a constant voltage of 30 V for 2 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) were used to characterize ZnO films. XRD pattern of the ZnO film prepared by MeOH shows the highest degree of preferential orientation and this is mainly attributed to the higher dielectric constant of the MeOH which results in higher current density in electrophoretic deposit ion. The SEM cross section images also show that the thickness of the ZnO film enhances by decreasing the solvent chain length. According to SEM results, as the viscosity of the medium increased, more compact layers are formed, which can be attributed to the lower deposition rates in heavier alcohols.

Facile Synthesis of BiOI Nanoparticles at Room Temperature and Evaluation of their Photoactivity Under Sunlight Irradiation.

PubMed

Mahmoodi, Vahid; Ahmadpour, Ali; Rohani Bastami, Tahereh; Hamed Mousavian, Mohammad Taghi

2018-01-01

In this study, highly photoactive BiOI nanoparticles (NPs) under sunlight irradiation were synthesized by a facile precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at room temperature. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS). The results of XRD showed that PVP did not have any significant effect on tetragonal crystalline structure of BiOI. Also, using different amounts of PVP in the synthesis led to different morphologies and sizes of BiOI particles. It was found that using 0.2 g of PVP in the synthesis method changed morphology from 1-μm platelets to NPs with size under 10 nm. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of prepared photocatalysts was evaluated in the photodegradation of reactive blue 19 (RB19) dye under sunlight irradiation. The BiOI synthesized using 0.2 g PVP (BiOI0.2) showed higher degradation efficiency compared to BiOI prepared without any additive. Excellent visible light photocatalytic properties of nano-scaled BiOI0.2 samples compared to BiOI platelets could be attributed to higher surface-to-volume ratio and narrow band-gap energy of as-prepared BiOI0.2 NPs. © 2017 The American Society of Photobiology.

In-situ Characterization of Cu/CeO 2 Nanocatalysts during CO 2 Hydrogenation: Morphological Effects of Nanostructured Ceria on the Catalytic Activity

DOE PAGES

Lin, Lili; Yao, Siyu; Liu, Zongyuan; ...

2018-05-28

Here, a combination of time-resolved X-ray diffraction (TR-XRD), ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was used to carry out an in-situ characterization of Cu/CeO 2 nanocatalysts during the hydrogenation of CO 2. Morphological effects of the ceria supports on the catalytic performances were investigated by examining the behavior of copper/ceria-nanorods (NR) and nanospheres (NS). At atmospheric pressures, the hydrogenation of CO 2 on the copper-ceria catalysts produced mainly CO through the reverse-water gas shift reaction (RWGS) and a negligible amount of methanol. The Cu/CeO 2-NR catalyst displayed the higher activity, which demonstrates thatmore » the RWGS is a structure sensitive reaction. In-situ TR-XRD and AP-XPS characterization showed significant changes in the chemical state of the catalysts under reaction conditions with the copper being fully reduced and a partial Ce 4+ to Ce 3+ transformation occurring. A more effective CO 2 dissociative activation at high temperature and a preferential formation of active bidentate carbonate and formate intermediates over CeO 2(110) terminations are probably the main reasons for the better performance of the Cu/CeO 2-NR catalyst in the RWGS reaction.« less

A Fourier-Transform Infrared Study of Biochar Aging in Soils

PubMed Central

Singh, B.; Fang, Y.; Johnston, C.T.

2018-01-01

We used diffuse reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (DR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical and isotopic analyses to characterize the light fraction of four contrasting soils (control and biocharamended soils) to determine changes in biochar properties after aging. Two Eucalyptus saligna Sm. wood biochars, produced at 450°C (B450) and 550°C (B550), were incubated separately in each of the four soils for up to 12 mo at 20, 40, and 60°C. Total C and isotopic (δ13C) methods were used to quantify the amounts of biochar C and native C mineralized during incubation. The DR-FTIR spectra of the light fraction showed distinct absorption bands representing native soil organic C, biochar C, and mineral constituents present in the soils; the mineral bands were consistent with XRD data of the clay fraction of the four soils. Analysis of the DR-FTIR spectra in the ν(C–H) bands showed that the ratio of the aromatic ν(C–H) bands systematically increased relative to the aliphatic ν(C–H) bands with increasing mineralization of biochar C in the B550 amended soils, and this relationship was unique for each soil type. In contrast, this relationship was not observed for the B450 amended soils that contained a relatively smaller proportion of aromatic C. PMID:29657354

Synthesis of novel CeO2-BiVO4/FAC composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic properties.

PubMed

Zhang, Jin; Wang, Bing; Li, Chuang; Cui, Hao; Zhai, Jianping; Li, Qin

2014-09-01

To utilize visible light more effectively in photocatalytic reactions, a fly ash cenosphere (FAC)-supported CeO2-BiVO4 (CeO2-BiVO4/FAC) composite photocatalyst was prepared by modified metalorganic decomposition and impregnation methods. The physical and photophysical properties of the composite have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra. The XRD patterns exhibited characteristic diffraction peaks of both BiVO4 and CeO2 crystalline phases. The XPS results showed that Ce was present as both Ce(4+) and Ce(3+) oxidation states in CeO2 and dispersed on the surface of BiVO4 to constitute a p-n heterojunction composite. The absorption threshold of the CeO2-BiVO4/FAC composite shifted to a longer wavelength in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum compared to the pure CeO2 and pure BiVO4. The composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for Methylene Blue (MB) degradation under visible light irradiation. It was found that the 7.5wt.% CeO2-BiVO4/FAC composite showed the highest photocatalytic activity for MB dye wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Structural and optical properties of pure and copper doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajjad, Muhammad; Ullah, Inam; Khan, M. I.; Khan, Jamshid; Khan, M. Yaqoob; Qureshi, Muhammad Tauseef

2018-06-01

Pure and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method where hydrazine is used as reducing agent and aqueous extract of Euphorbia milii plant as capping agent. Main objectives of the reported work are to investigate the effect of copper doping on crystal structure of ZnO nanoparticles; to study the effect of copper doping on optical band gap of ZnO nanoparticles and photoluminescence (PL) study of pure and copper-doped ZnO nanoparticles. To achieve the aforementioned objectives, XRD and SEM tests were performed for the identification and confirmation of crystal structure and morphology of the prepared samples. From XRD data the average grain size for pure ZnO was observed to be 24.62 nm which was first decreased to 18.95 nm for 5 wt% Cu-doped sample and then it was found to increase up to 37.80 nm as the Cu doping was increased to 7 wt%. Optical band gap of pure and Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles was calculated from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) spectra and was found to decrease from 3.13 eV to 2.94 eV as the amount of Cu increases up to 7 wt%. In photoluminescence study, PL technique was used and enhanced visible spectrum was observed. For further characterization FT-IR and EDX tests were also carried out.

Investigations on surface chemical analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical properties of Dy3+-doped LiNa3P2O7 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munirathnam, K.; Dillip, G. R.; Chaurasia, Shivanand; Joo, S. W.; Deva Prasad Raju, B.; John Sushma, N.

2016-08-01

Near white-light emitting LiNa3P2O7:Dy3+ phosphors were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The orthorhombic crystal structure of the phosphors was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the valence states of the surface elements were determined from the binding energies of Li 1s, O 1s, Na 1s, P 2p, and Dy 3d by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) - Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was employed to identify the pyrophosphate groups in the phosphors. Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) show the absorption bands of the Dy3+ ions in the host material. Intense blue (481 nm) and yellow (575 nm) emissions were obtained at an excitation wavelength of 351 nm and are attributed to the 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transitions of Dy3+ ions, respectively. The combination of these two intense bands generates light emission in the near-white region of the chromaticity diagram.

The origin of the residual conductivity of GaN films on ferroelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kyoung-Keun; Cai, Zhuhua; Ziemer, Katherine; Doolittle, William Alan

2009-08-01

In this paper, the origin of the conductivity of GaN films grown on ferroelectric materials was investigated using XPS, AES, and XRD analysis tools. Depth profiles confirmed the existence of impurities in the GaN film originating from the substrates. Bonding energy analysis from XPS and AES verified that oxygen impurities from the substrates were the dominant origin of the conductivity of the GaN film. Furthermore, Ga-rich GaN films have a greater chance of enhancing diffusion of lithium oxide from the substrates, resulting in more substrate phase separation and a wider inter-mixed region confirmed by XRD. Therefore, the direct GaN film growth on ferroelectric materials causes impurity diffusion from the substrates, resulting in highly conductive GaN films. Future work needs to develop non-conductive buffer layers for impurity suppression in order to obtain highly resistive GaN films.

Applicability of a Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform handheld spectrometer to perform in situ analyses on Cultural Heritage materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arrizabalaga, Iker; Gómez-Laserna, Olivia; Aramendia, Julene; Arana, Gorka; Madariaga, Juan Manuel

2014-08-01

This work studies the applicability of a Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform handheld device to perform in situ analyses on Cultural Heritage assets. This portable diffuse reflectance spectrometer has been used to characterise and diagnose the conservation state of (a) building materials of the Guevara Palace (15th century, Segura, Basque Country, Spain) and (b) different 19th century wallpapers manufactured by the Santa Isabel factory (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain) and by the well known Dufour and Leroy manufacturers (Paris, France), all of them belonging to the Torre de los Varona Castle (Villanañe, Basque Country, Spain). In all cases, in situ measurements were carried out and also a few samples were collected and measured in the laboratory by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRIFT) in order to validate the information obtained by the handheld instrument. In the analyses performed in situ, distortions in the diffuse reflectance spectra can be observed due to the presence of specular reflection, showing the inverted bands caused by the Reststrahlen effect, in particular on those IR bands with the highest absorption coefficients. This paper concludes that the results obtained in situ by a diffuse reflectance handheld device are comparable to those obtained with laboratory diffuse reflectance spectroscopy equipment and proposes a few guidelines to acquire good spectra in the field, minimising the influence caused by the specular reflection.

Structural, thermal, optical, and photoacoustic study of nanocrystalline Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} produced by mechanical alloying

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

Souza, S. M.; Triches, D. M.; Poffo, C. M.

2011-01-01

Nanocrystalline Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} was produced by mechanical alloying and its properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). Combining the XRD and RS results, the volume fraction of the interfacial component in as-milled and annealed samples was estimated. The PAS results suggest that the contribution of the interfacial component to the thermal diffusivity of nanostructured Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} is very significant.

Dissolution Rates of Allophane, FE-Containing Allophane, and Hisingerite and Implications for Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ralston, S. J.; Hausrath, E. M.; Tschauner, O.; Rampe, E. B.; Christoffersen, R.

2018-01-01

Investigations with the CheMin Xray Diffractometer (XRD) onboard the Curiosity rover in Gale Crater demonstrate that all rock and soil samples measured to date contain approximately 15-70 weight percentage X-ray amorphous materials. The diffuse scattering hump from the X-ray amorphous materials in CheMin XRD patterns can be fit with a combination of allophane, ferrihydrite, and rhyolitic and basaltic glass. Because of the iron-rich nature of Mars' surface, Fe-rich poorly-crystalline phases, such as hisingerite, may be present in addition to allophane.

In Situ Ramp Anneal X-ray Diffraction Study of Atomic Layer Deposited Ultrathin TaN and Ta 1-x Al x N y Films for Cu Diffusion Barrier Applications

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

Consiglio, S.; Dey, S.; Yu, K.

2016-01-01

Ultrathin TaN and Ta 1-xAl xN y films with x = 0.21 to 0.88 were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and evaluated for Cu diffusion barrier effectiveness compared to physical vapor deposition (PVD) grown TaN. Cu diffusion barrier effectiveness was investigated using in-situ ramp anneal synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) on Cu/1.8 nm barrier/Si stacks. A Kissinger-like analysis was used to assess the kinetics of Cu 3Si formation and determine the effective activation energy (E a) for Cu silicidation. Compared to the stack with a PVD TaN barrier, the stacks with the ALD films exhibited a higher crystallization temperature (Tmore » c) for Cu silicidation. The Ea values of Cu 3Si formation for stacks with the ALD films were close to the reported value for grain boundary diffusion of Cu whereas the Ea of Cu 3Si formation for the stack with PVD TaN is closer to the reported value for lattice diffusion. For 3 nm films, grazing incidence in-plane XRD showed evidence of nanocrystallites in an amorphous matrix with broad peaks corresponding to high density cubic phase for the ALD grown films and lower density hexagonal phase for the PVD grown film further elucidating the difference in initial failure mechanisms due to differences in barrier crystallinity and associated phase.« less

Experimental study of the Ca-Mg-Zn system using diffusion couples and key alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yi-Nan; Kevorkov, Dmytro; Bridier, Florent; Medraj, Mamoun

2011-03-01

Nine diffusion couples and 32 key samples were prepared to map the phase diagram of the Ca-Mg-Zn system. Phase relations and solubility limits were determined for binary and ternary compounds using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystal structure of the ternary compounds was studied by XRD and electron backscatter diffraction. Four ternary intermetallic (IM) compounds were identified in this system: Ca3MgxZn15-x (4.6<=x<=12 at 335 °C, IM1), Ca14.5Mg15.8Zn69.7 (IM2), Ca2Mg5Zn13 (IM3) and Ca1.5Mg55.3Zn43.2 (IM4). Three binary compounds were found to have extended solid solubility into ternary systems: CaZn11, CaZn13 and Mg2Ca form substitutional solid solutions where Mg substitutes for Zn atoms in the first two compounds, and Zn substitutes for both Ca and Mg atoms in Mg2Ca. The isothermal section of the Ca-Mg-Zn phase diagram at 335 °C was constructed on the basis of the obtained experimental results. The morphologies of the diffusion couples in the Ca-Mg-Zn phase diagram at 335 °C were studied. Depending on the terminal compositions of the diffusion couples, the two-phase regions in the diffusion zone have either a tooth-like morphology or contain a matrix phase with isolated and/or dendritic precipitates.

Improved backward ray tracing with stochastic sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Seung Taek; Yoon, Kyung-Hyun

1999-03-01

This paper presents a new technique that enhances the diffuse interreflection with the concepts of backward ray tracing. In this research, we have modeled the diffuse rays with the following conditions. First, as the reflection from the diffuse surfaces occurs in all directions, it is impossible to trace all of the reflected rays. We confined the diffuse rays by sampling the spherical angle out of the reflected rays around the normal vector. Second, the traveled distance of reflected energy from the diffuse surface differs according to the object's property, and has a comparatively short reflection distance. Considering the fact that the rays created on the diffuse surfaces affect relatively small area, it is very inefficient to trace all of the sampled diffused rays. Therefore, we set a fixed distance as the critical distance and all the rays beyond this distance are ignored. The result of this research is that as the improved backward ray tracing can model the illumination effects such as the color bleeding effects, we can replace the radiosity algorithm under the limited environment.

Dynamic Structural Changes of SiO₂ Supported Pt-Ni Bimetallic Catalysts over Redox Treatments Revealed by NMR and EPR

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

Xu, Suochang; Walter, Eric D.; Zhao, Zhenchao

2015-08-18

SiO 2 supported Pt-Ni bimetallic catalysts with different nickel loadings were prepared and their structural changes after redox treatments were studied by XRD, NMR, and EPR. It is found that the paramagnetic Ni species are mainly located on the surface of silica lattice. The relaxation of detected 29Si nuclei in our samples is mainly governed by a spin-diffusion mechanism. The paramagnetic effects are reflected in the spin-lattice relaxation of Q 4 species, with the oxidized samples presenting faster relaxation rates than the corresponding reduced ones. Meanwhile the Q 3 species, which are in close contact with the paramagnetic nickel ions,more » are “spectrally invisible”. In reducing atmosphere Ni gradually diffuses into Pt NPs to form PtNi alloys. While under oxidization treatment, the alloyed Ni atoms migrate outward from the core of Pt NPs and are oxidized. The main EPR spectrum results from reduced nickel species, and the reduced samples show stronger EPR signal than the corresponding oxidized ones. However, in the reduced samples, the superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic metallic Ni particles were inside the PtNi NPs, making their influence on the 29Si relaxation in the SiO 2 support weaker than the oxidized samples.« less

Eco-friendly synthesis of TiO2, Au and Pt doped TiO2 nanoparticles for dye sensitized solar cell applications and evaluation of toxicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopinath, K.; Kumaraguru, S.; Bhakyaraj, K.; Thirumal, S.; Arumugam, A.

2016-04-01

Driven by the demand of pure TiO2, Au and Pt doped TiO2 NPs were successfully synthesized using Terminalia arjuna bark extract. The eco-friendly synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis-DRS, ATR-FT-IR, PL, XRD, Raman, SEM with EDX and TEM analysis. The synthesized NPs were investigation for dye sensitized solar cell applications. UV-Vis-Diffused Reflectance Spectra clearly showed that the expected TiO2 inter band absorption below 306 nm, incorporation of gold shows surface plasma resonant (SPR) near 555 nm and platinum incorporated TiO2 NPs shows absorbance at 460 nm. The energy conversion efficiency for Au doped TiO2 NPs when compared to pure and Pt doped TiO2 NPs. In addition to that, Au noble metal present TiO2 matrix and an improve open-circuit voltage (Voc) of DSSC. Synthesized NPs was evaluated into antibacterial and antifungal activities by disk diffusion method. It is observed that NPs have not shown any activities in all tested bacterial and fungal strains. In this eco-friendly synthesis method to provide non toxic and environmental friendly nanomaterials can be used for solar energy device application.

Natural zeolite reactivity towards ozone: the role of compensating cations.

PubMed

Valdés, Héctor; Alejandro, Serguei; Zaror, Claudio A

2012-08-15

Among indoor pollutants, ozone is recognised to pose a threat to human health. Recently, low cost natural zeolites have been applied as alternative materials for ozone abatement. In this work, the effect of compensating cation content of natural zeolite on ozone removal is studied. A Chilean natural zeolite is used here as starting material. The amount of compensating cations in the zeolite framework was modified by ion exchange using an ammonium sulphate solution (0.1 mol L(-1)). Characterisation of natural and modified zeolites were performed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption at 77K, elemental analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy (TGA-MS), and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH(3)-TPD). Ozone adsorption and/or decomposition on natural and modified zeolites were studied by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Results show that the zeolite compensating cation content affects ozone interaction with zeolite active sites. Ammonium ion-exchange treatments followed by thermal out-gassing at 823 K, reduces ozone diffusion resistance inside the zeolite framework, increasing ozone abatement on zeolite surface active sites. Weak and strong Lewis acid sites of zeolite surface are identified here as the main active sites responsible of ozone removal. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and kinetic studies of metal hydride hydrogen storage materials using thin film deposition and characterization techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Stephen Thomas

Hydrogen makes an attractive energy carrier for many reasons. It is an abundant chemical fuel that can be produced from a wide variety of sources and stored for very long periods of time. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen emits only water at the point of use, making it very attractive for mobile applications such as in an automobile. Metal hydrides are promising candidates for on-board reversible hydrogen storage in mobile applications due to their very high volumetric storage capacities---in most cases exceeding even that of liquid hydrogen. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has set fuel system targets for an automotive hydrogen storage system, but as of yet no single material meets all the requirements. In particular, slow reaction kinetics and/or inappropriate thermodynamics plague many metal hydride hydrogen storage materials. In order to engineer a practical material that meets the DOE targets, we need a detailed understanding of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of these materials during the phase change. In this work I employed sputter deposited thin films as a platform to study materials with highly controlled chemistry, microstructure and catalyst placement using thin film characterization techniques such as in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron reflectivity. I observed kinetic limitations in the destabilized Mg2Si system due to the slow diffusion of the host Mg and Si atoms while forming separate MgH2 and Si phases. Conversely, I observed that the presence of Al in the Mg/Al system inhibits hydrogen diffusion while the host Mg and Al atoms interdiffuse readily, allowing the material to fall into a kinetic and/or thermodynamic trap by forming intermetallic compounds such as Mg17Al 12. By using in situ XRD to analyze epitaxial Mg films grown on (001) oriented Al2O3 substrates I observed hydride growth consistent with a model of a planar hydride layer growing into an existing metal layer. Subsequent film cycling changes the hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics and degrades the material texture. Cycling the films to greater hydrogen loading accelerates the changes to the kinetics and material texture. In addition to in situ XRD experiments, in situ neutron reflectivity experiments on epitaxial Mg films exposed to hydrogen gas reveal details about the microstructural development of the growing hydride layer as the film absorbs and releases hydrogen. Small (10 wt%) additions of Ti to epitaxial Mg films during growth result in metastable solid solution films of Ti in Mg that deposit epitaxially on (001) Al2O3 substrates with epitaxy similar to the pure Mg films. These metastable alloy films absorb hydrogen faster than pure Mg films under identical conditions. Subsequent film cycling results in altered reaction kinetics and a transition to a different kinetic mechanism during desorption than for pure Mg films.

Transmitting and reflecting diffuser. [for ultraviolet light

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keafer, L. S., Jr.; Burcher, E. E.; Kopia, L. P. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

A near-Lambertian diffuser is described which transmits and reflects ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet grade fused silica substrate is coated with vaporized fuse silica. The coating thickness is controlled, one thickness causing ultraviolet light to diffuse and another thickness causing ultraviolet light to reflect a near Lambertian pattern.

Applicability of a Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform handheld spectrometer to perform in situ analyses on Cultural Heritage materials.

PubMed

Arrizabalaga, Iker; Gómez-Laserna, Olivia; Aramendia, Julene; Arana, Gorka; Madariaga, Juan Manuel

2014-08-14

This work studies the applicability of a Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform handheld device to perform in situ analyses on Cultural Heritage assets. This portable diffuse reflectance spectrometer has been used to characterise and diagnose the conservation state of (a) building materials of the Guevara Palace (15th century, Segura, Basque Country, Spain) and (b) different 19th century wallpapers manufactured by the Santa Isabel factory (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain) and by the well known Dufour and Leroy manufacturers (Paris, France), all of them belonging to the Torre de los Varona Castle (Villanañe, Basque Country, Spain). In all cases, in situ measurements were carried out and also a few samples were collected and measured in the laboratory by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRIFT) in order to validate the information obtained by the handheld instrument. In the analyses performed in situ, distortions in the diffuse reflectance spectra can be observed due to the presence of specular reflection, showing the inverted bands caused by the Reststrahlen effect, in particular on those IR bands with the highest absorption coefficients. This paper concludes that the results obtained in situ by a diffuse reflectance handheld device are comparable to those obtained with laboratory diffuse reflectance spectroscopy equipment and proposes a few guidelines to acquire good spectra in the field, minimising the influence caused by the specular reflection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

(U-Th)/He dating and He diffusion in calcite from veins and breccia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gautheron, C.; Cros, A.; Pagel, M.; Berthet, P.; Tassan-Got, L.; Douville, E.; Pinna-Jamme, R.; Sarda, P.

2013-12-01

Knowledge of He retention in crystalline calcite is mandatory to estimate the possibility of (U-Th)/He dating of calcite. To this aim, fault-filling calcite crystals from the Eocene/Oligocene Gondrecourt graben, Paris Basin, Eastern France, have been sampled, based on their relatively old, Eocene-Oligocene, precipitation age and cold thermal history (<40°C since precipitation). The samples were sorted into three main tectonic and morphological groups, including successively (1) micro-fracture calcites, (2) breccia and associated geodic calcites, and (3) vein and associated geodic calcites. (U-Th)/He dating of 63 calcite fragments yields ages dispersed from 0.2×0.02 to 35.8×2.7 Ma, as well as two older dates of 117×10 and 205×28 Ma (1s). These He ages correlate to grain chemistry, such as to Sr and ΣREE concentrations or (La/Yb)N ratios, and these correlations probably reflect the evolution of parent fluid. Only the oldest He ages are in agreement with the He-retentive character of calcite as determined by Copeland et al. (2007), and these ages were obtained for the most recently precipitated crystals. To better understand the large He-age scatter and why calcites precipitated earlier show younger ages, He diffusion experiments have been conducted on 10 Gondrecourt calcite fragments from 3 samples with He ages of 0.2 to 6 Ma. In addition, a crystallographic investigation by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) performed on similar samples reveals that the crystal structure evolves with increasing temperature, showing with micro-cracks and cleavage opening. These XRD results indicate that, in fault-filling calcite, He retention is controlled by multiple diffusion domains (MDD, Lovera et al., 1991) with various sizes, and therefore, evolves through time with strong consequences on (U-Th)/He age. We thus interpret the Gondrecourt calcite (U-Th)/He age scatter of older samples as a consequence of cleavage opening due to a succession of calcite crystallization phases related to the deformation history. Finally, we propose that the crystallization age of a calcite crystal with a known thermal history can nevertheless be retrieved by the (U-Th)/He method provided the He diffusion pattern can be measured by careful step-heating degassing analysis. Copeland, P., Watson, E.B., Urizar, S.C., Patterson, D., Lapen, T.J., 2007. Alpha thermochronology of carbonates. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 71: 4488-4511. Cros, A. Gautheron, C., Pagel, M., Berthet, P., Tassan-Got, L., Douville, E., Pinna-Jamme, R., Sarda, P., submitted GCA, He behavior in calcite filling viewed by (U-Th)/He dating, He diffusion and crystallographic studies. Lovera, O.M., Richter, F.M., Harrison, T.M., 1991. Diffusion domains determined by 39Ar released during step heating. Journal of Geophysical Research, 96: 2057-2069.

In-vivo Reflectance Measurements from Human Skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delgado, J. A.; Cornejo, A.; Cunill, M.; Báez, J. J.; Matos, R.; Anasagasti, L.; Santiago, C.

2006-09-01

We evaluate the potential of using a standard commercial spectrophotometer, specifically designed to meet the growing requirement for color control in the digital-imaging application field, to perform in-vivo diffuse reflectance measurements from adult human skin. We report and discuss diffuse reflectance spectra for three practical situations: a) reflectance versus skin type, b) reflectance from normal skin with different grade of solar exposition, c) reflectance from normal skin versus reflectance from seborrheic keratosis. Results show, that using the above spectrophotometer we can easily differentiate two sites of different solar exposition. Besides, significant differences are found in the normal skin diffuse reflectance for patients with different skin types.

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of pre- and post-treated oral submucous fibrosis: an in vivo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivabalan, S.; Ponranjini Vedeswari, C.; Jayachandran, S.; Koteeswaran, D.; Pravda, C.; Aruna, P.; Ganesan, S.

2010-02-01

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a high risk precancerous condition characterized by changes in the connective tissue fibers of the lamina propria and deeper parts leading to stiffness of the mucosa and restricted mouth opening, fibrosis of the lining mucosa of the upper digestive tract involving the oral cavity, oro- and hypo-pharynx and the upper two-thirds of the oesophagus. Optical reflectance measurements have been used to extract diagnostic information from a variety of tissue types, in vivo. We apply diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to quantitatively monitor tumour response to chemotherapy. Twenty patients with submucous fibrosis were diagnosed with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and treated with the chemotherapy drug, Dexamethasone sodium phosphate and Hyaluronidase injection for seven weeks and after the treatment they were again subjected to the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The major observed spectral alterations on pre and post treated submucous fibrosis is an increase in the diffuse reflectance from 450 to 600 nm. Normal mucosa has showed higher reflectance when compared to the pre and post-treated cases. The spectral changes were quantified and correlated to conventional diagnostic results viz., maximum mouth opening, tongue protrusion and burning sensation. The results of this study suggest that the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy may also be considered as complementary optical techniques to monitor oral tissue transformation.

Influence of diffuse reflectance measurement accuracy on the scattering coefficient in determination of optical properties with integrating sphere optics (a secondary publication).

PubMed

Horibe, Takuro; Ishii, Katsunori; Fukutomi, Daichi; Awazu, Kunio

2015-12-30

An estimation error of the scattering coefficient of hemoglobin in the high absorption wavelength range has been observed in optical property calculations of blood-rich tissues. In this study, the relationship between the accuracy of diffuse reflectance measurement in the integrating sphere and calculated scattering coefficient was evaluated with a system to calculate optical properties combined with an integrating sphere setup and the inverse Monte Carlo simulation. Diffuse reflectance was measured with the integrating sphere using a small incident port diameter and optical properties were calculated. As a result, the estimation error of the scattering coefficient was improved by accurate measurement of diffuse reflectance. In the high absorption wavelength range, the accuracy of diffuse reflectance measurement has an effect on the calculated scattering coefficient.

Grain growth and significant Fe diffusion in polycrystalline ZnS at elevated temperatures and pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gafarov, Ozarfar; Martyshkin, Dmitriy; Fedorov, Vladimir; Mirov, Sergey

2018-02-01

Middle-infrared (mid-IR) lasers enabling a wide range of scientific, medical, technological, and defense related applications continue to enjoy a strong demand. Transition metal (TM) doped II-VI chalcogenides are appealing mid-IR gain medial providing direct access to 1.8-6 μm spectral range. . II-VI chalcogenides are available in single crystal and in polycrystalline forms. With respect to single crystals, polycrystalline gain elements fabricated by postgrowth thermal diffusion of TM impurities in II-VI hosts feature better optical quality and enable superior laser characteristics. Despite significant progress in post-growth thermal diffusion technology, there are still some difficulties associated with the diffusion of certain TM ions in certain II-VI hosts. Specifically, the diffusion length Fe in ZnS during 1 month annealing at 950°C is of the order of 0.1 mm. In this work, enhancement of diffusion coefficient under Hot Isostatic Pressing, at temperature and pressure of 1350°C and 2000 atm, and effect of these extreme conditions on the overall optical quality of the crystal were studied. The high temperature was applied to increase the diffusion rate, and the high pressure was needed to suppress strong sublimation and sphalerite - wurtzite phase transition at elevated temperatures. Under these conditions, the diffusion coefficient Fe in ZnS was enhanced by 5500 times as compared to standard diffusion processes carried out at 950°C. It was also demonstrated that the grain size had grown from 30μm to 5.5mm, which is believed to be another reason for efficient diffusion besides the elevation of temperature. The XRD patterns were measured such that the X-ray beam falls on a single grain. The XRD patterns showed only peaks characteristic to single crystals with zinc blende structure. Lasing characterization was performed to investigate the optical quality of the crystal. Slope efficiencies of 23.2% and 15.4% were obtained for TM11 and TM00 modes of operation, respectively. The emission of the laser was demonstrated to be in the 3840-3920 nm.

Applications of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to surface analysis problems 2

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

Powell, G.L.; Milosevic, M.

Applications of infrared spectroscopy to surface analysis are described in terms of the combined use of a number of techniques to solve specific surface analysis problems involving both qualitative and quantitative analysis of surface species. Emphasis is placed on the characterization of both the substrate and the surface species and the application of this to the monitoring of surface processes and the inspection of manufactured items. Lithium Hydride has been studied using remote analysis by diffuse reflectance in glove boxes containing very pure argon or controlled moisture levels with robot-operated gravimetric monitoring. These experiments are supported by internal reflectance andmore » diffuse reflectance measurements in spectrometer sample compartments to characterize the reactants. Beryllium oxide has been studied using an evacuable diffuse reflectance cell to determine the effects of vacuum baking reexposure to moisture on the surface hydroxyl species. Diffuse reflectance and emission measurements have been used to monitor the curing and reaction of environmental gases with composite materials such as graphite-expoxy structures. A direct comparison of diffuse reflectance and emission spectra was done using a barrel ellipsoid diffuse reflectance/emission detector and Spectropus optical transfer system. Grazing-incidence external-reflectance with p-polarized light was used to study the oxidation in room air of polished uranium coupons. The absorption band at 570 cm{sup {minus}1} was used to monitor the extent of oxidation with a resolution of approximately one monolayer of UO{sub 2} and to distinguish the parabolic, linear, and breakaway corrosion domains. External reflectance is compared with diffuse reflectance as a method for stain analysis and for measuring the effects of H{sub 2}O in UO{sub 2} corrosion films.« less

Applications of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to surface analysis problems 2. Revision 1

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

Powell, G.L.; Milosevic, M.

Applications of infrared spectroscopy to surface analysis are described in terms of the combined use of a number of techniques to solve specific surface analysis problems involving both qualitative and quantitative analysis of surface species. Emphasis is placed on the characterization of both the substrate and the surface species and the application of this to the monitoring of surface processes and the inspection of manufactured items. Lithium Hydride has been studied using remote analysis by diffuse reflectance in glove boxes containing very pure argon or controlled moisture levels with robot-operated gravimetric monitoring. These experiments are supported by internal reflectance andmore » diffuse reflectance measurements in spectrometer sample compartments to characterize the reactants. Beryllium oxide has been studied using an evacuable diffuse reflectance cell to determine the effects of vacuum baking reexposure to moisture on the surface hydroxyl species. Diffuse reflectance and emission measurements have been used to monitor the curing and reaction of environmental gases with composite materials such as graphite-expoxy structures. A direct comparison of diffuse reflectance and emission spectra was done using a barrel ellipsoid diffuse reflectance/emission detector and Spectropus optical transfer system. Grazing-incidence external-reflectance with p-polarized light was used to study the oxidation in room air of polished uranium coupons. The absorption band at 570 cm{sup {minus}1} was used to monitor the extent of oxidation with a resolution of approximately one monolayer of UO{sub 2} and to distinguish the parabolic, linear, and breakaway corrosion domains. External reflectance is compared with diffuse reflectance as a method for stain analysis and for measuring the effects of H{sub 2}O in UO{sub 2} corrosion films.« less

XRD measurement of mean thickness, thickness distribution and strain for illite and illite-smectite crystallites by the Bertaut-Warren-Averbach technique

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drits, Victor A.; Eberl, Dennis D.; Środoń, Jan

1998-01-01

A modified version of the Bertaut-Warren-Averbach (BWA) technique (Bertaut 1949, 1950; Warren and Averbach 1950) has been developed to measure coherent scattering domain (CSD) sizes and strains in minerals by analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. This method is used to measure CSD thickness distributions for calculated and experimental XRD patterns of illites and illite-smectites (I-S). The method almost exactly recovers CSD thickness distributions for calculated illite XRD patterns. Natural I-S samples contain swelling layers that lead to nonperiodic structures in the c* direction and to XRD peaks that are broadened and made asymmetric by mixed layering. Therefore, these peaks cannot be analyzed by the BWA method. These difficulties are overcome by K-saturation and heating prior to X-ray analysis in order to form 10-Å periodic structures. BWA analysis yields the thickness distribution of mixed-layer crystals (coherently diffracting stacks of fundamental illite particles). For most I-S samples, CSD thickness distributions can be approximated by lognormal functions. Mixed-layer crystal mean thickness and expandability then can be used to calculate fundamental illite particle mean thickness. Analyses of the dehydrated, K-saturated samples indicate that basal XRD reflections are broadened by symmetrical strain that may be related to local variations in smectite interlayers caused by dehydration, and that the standard deviation of the strain increases regularly with expandability. The 001 and 002 reflections are affected only slightly by this strain and therefore are suited for CSD thickness analysis. Mean mixed-layer crystal thicknesses for dehydrated I-S measured by the BWA method are very close to those measured by an integral peak width method.

Characteristics of WN{sub x}C{sub y} films deposited using remote plasma atomic layer deposition with ({sup Me}Cp)W(CO){sub 2}(NO) for Cu diffusion barrier

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

Kim, Hyunjung; Park, Jingyu; Jeon, Heeyoung

Diffusion barrier characteristics of tungsten–nitride–carbide (WN{sub x}C{sub y}) thin films interposed between Cu and SiO{sub 2} layers were studied. The WN{sub x}C{sub y} films were deposited by remote plasma atomic layer deposition (RPALD) using a metal organic source, ({sup Me}Cp)W(CO){sub 2}(NO), and ammonia. Auger electron spectroscopy analysis indicated the WN{sub x}C{sub y} films consisted of tungsten, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the film deposited at 350 °C was nanocrystalline. The resistivity of WN{sub x}C{sub y} film deposited by RPALD was very low compared to that in previous research because of the lower nitrogen content and differentmore » crystal structures of the WN{sub x}C{sub y}. To verify the diffusion barrier characteristics of the WN{sub x}C{sub y} film, Cu films were deposited by physical vapor deposition after WN{sub x}C{sub y} film was formed by RPALD on Si substrate. The Cu/WN{sub x}C{sub y}/Si film stack was annealed in a vacuum by rapid thermal annealing at 500 °C. Cu diffusion through the barrier layer was verified by XRD. Stable film properties were observed up to 500 °C, confirming that WN{sub x}C{sub y} film is suitable as a Cu diffusion barrier in microelectronic circuits.« less

Physicochemical and photocatalytic studies of Ln3+- ZnO for water disinfection and wastewater treatment applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Marwa M.; Asal, Saad

2017-12-01

In the present work, x mol Ln3+ modified ZnO Nano-particles (Ln = Sm3+, Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions; x = 0.008, 0.015, 0.025, 0.03 and 0.05) were synthesized by precipitation method. These Nano-particles are characterized by different advanced techniques; such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDX), UV-Visible diffuse reflectance, and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. Doping by lanthanides improves the crystal, surface area, porosity, morphology, as well as the optical adsorption and emission of UV light properties of the prepared photo-catalysts. Photo-catalytic activity for the prepared Nano-materials was determined using both, fluorescent probe and dye methods. Results showed that the highly active Nano-particle is 0.025 Gd3+-ZnO. The highly active sample (0.025 mol Gd3+- ZnO) successfully mineralized textile dye and real refractory wastewater samples under sunlight illumination using CPC photo-reactor. Prepared photo-catalysts were also applied for water disinfection.

Functionalized mesoporous silica supported copper(II) and nickel(II) catalysts for liquid phase oxidation of olefins.

PubMed

Nandi, Mahasweta; Roy, Partha; Uyama, Hiroshi; Bhaumik, Asim

2011-12-14

Highly ordered 2D-hexagonal mesoporous silica has been functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTES). This is followed by its condensation with a dialdehyde, 4-methyl-2,6-diformylphenol to produce an immobilized Schiff-base ligand (I). This material is separately treated with methanolic solution of copper(II) chloride and nickel(II) chloride to obtain copper and nickel anchored mesoporous materials, designated as Cu-AMM and Ni-AMM, respectively. The materials have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N(2) adsorption-desorption studies and (13)C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy. The metal-grafted mesoporous materials have been used as catalysts for the efficient and selective epoxidation of alkenes, viz. cyclohexene, trans-stilbene, styrene, α-methyl styrene, cyclooctene and norbornene to their corresponding epoxides in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant under mild liquid phase conditions.

Ultrasonic irradiation-assisted synthesis of Bi2S3 nanoparticles in aqueous ionic liquid at ambient condition.

PubMed

de la Parra-Arciniega, Salomé M; Garcia-Gomez, Nora A; Garza-Tovar, Lorena L; García-Gutiérrez, Domingo I; Sánchez, Eduardo M

2017-05-01

In this work, an easy, fast and environmentally friendly method to obtain Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures with sphere-like morphology is introduced. The promising material was successfully synthesized by a sonochemical route in 20% 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate [EMIM][EtSO 4 ] ionic liquid solution (IL). Morphological studies by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) show that the use of IL in the synthesis of Bi 2 S 3 favors the formation of nanocrystals non-agglomerated. Micro Raman and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) were used to determine the composition and purity of the synthesized material. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and selective area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed that ultrasonic radiation accelerated the crystallization of Bi 2 S 3 into orthorhombic bismuthinite structure. The band gap calculated from the diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) was found to be 1.5eV. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visible light assisted photodecolorization of eosin-Y in aqueous solution using hesperidin modified TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2012-03-01

Hesperidin a flavanoid, modified TiO2 nanoparticles (Hes-TiO2) was synthesized to improve the visible light driven photocatalytic performance of TiO2. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS), FT-IR, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of Hes-TiO2 was investigated based on the decolorization of eosin-Y under visible light irradiation. Hes-TiO2 showed high efficiency for the decolorization of eosin-Y. The influences of various reaction parameters like effect of pH, catalyst dosage and initial dye concentration on the photocatalytic efficiency were investigated. The adsorption of eosin-Y on Hes-TiO2 was found favorable by the Langmuir approach. The removal percentage of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was determined to evaluate the mineralization of eosin-Y during photodecolorization. Based on the intermediates obtained in the GC-MS spectroscopic technique, a probable degradation mechanism has been proposed.

Photocatalytic activity of attapulgite-TiO2-Ag3PO4 ternary nanocomposite for degradation of Rhodamine B under simulated solar irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hongcai; Jiang, Zhuolin; He, Zhaoling; Liu, Tao; Li, Enzhu; Li, Bao-Wen

2018-01-01

An excellent ternary composite photocatalyst consisting of silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4), attapulgite (ATP), and TiO2 was synthesized, in which heterojunction was formed between dissimilar semiconductors to promote the separation of photo-generated charges. The ATP/TiO2/Ag3PO4 composite was characterized by SEM, XRD, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The co-deposition of Ag3PO4 and TiO2 nanoparticles onto the surface of ATP forms a lath-particle structure. Compared with composite photocatalysts consisting of two phases, ATP/TiO2/Ag3PO4 ternary composite exhibits greatly improved photocatalytic activity for degradation of rhodamine B under simulated solar irradiation. Such ternary composite not only improves the stability of Ag3PO4, but also lowers the cost by reducing application amount of Ag3PO4, which provides guidance for the design of Ag3PO4- and Ag-based composites for photocatalytic applications.

Synthesis of ZnO and Zn nanoparticles in microwave plasma and their deposition on glass slides.

PubMed

Irzh, Alexander; Genish, Isaschar; Klein, Lior; Solovyov, Leonid A; Gedanken, Aharon

2010-04-20

This work represents a new method to synthesis of ZnO and/or Zn nanoparticles by means of microwave plasma whose electrons are the reducing agents. Glass quadratic slides sized 2.5 x 2.5 cm were coated by ZnO and/or Zn particles whose sizes ranged from a few micrometers to approximately 20 nm. The size of the particles can be controlled by the type of the precursor and its concentration. In the current paper, the mechanism of the reactions of ZnO and/or Zn formation was proposed. Longer plasma irradiation and lower precursor concentration favor the fabrication of metallic Zn nanoparticles. The nature of the precursor's ion (acetate, nitrate, or chloride) is also of importance in determining the composition of the product. The glass slides coated by ZnO and/or Zn nanoparticles were characterized by HR-SEM, HR-TEM, AFM, XRD, ESR, contact angle and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS).

The preparation and photocatalytic activity of CdS/(Cal-Ta2O5-SiO2) composite photocatalyst under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Juxia

2018-02-01

CdS/(Cal-Ta2O5-SiO2) composite photocatalyst has been successfully fabricated via wet chemistry method. Ta2O5-SiO2 with multi-step Ta2O5 deposition on SiO2 has more Ta2O5 on SiO2 to ensure the active sites. Trough multi-step calcination, Ta2O5 can load on SiO2 with uniform and stable, which make it have high photocatalytic activity. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Without any co-catalysts, the as-prepared CdS/(Cal-Ta2O5-SiO2) exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity and recyclability both in the degradation of rhodamine B and in the hydrogen production from water splitting under visible light.

Converting Y(OH){sub 3} nanofiber bundles to YVO{sub 4} polyhedrons for photodegradation of dye contaminants

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

Li, Li; School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan 232038; Zou, Lei

2015-08-15

Highlights: • YVO{sub 4} polyhedrons were prepared from Y(OH){sub 3} nanofiber bundles through a hydrothermal conversion process. • In contrast to the bulk oxide, the photocatalytic performance of the polyhedrons was much improved. • The main active species involved in photocatalytic oxidative reaction were also investigated. - Abstract: This paper reports a hydrothermal conversion process of rare earth microstructures, Y(OH){sub 3} nanofiber bundles, into YVO{sub 4} polyhedrons, together with the investigation on the related photocatalytic properties. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by a variety of techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of YVO{submore » 4} polyhedrons were comparatively evaluated by the photodegradation of Rhodamine B and methylene blue. In contrast to the bulk oxide, the photocatalytic performance of the polyhedrons was much improved. The mechanism and the main active species involved in photocatalytic oxidative reaction were also investigated through the carriers trapping experiments.« less

The influence of Ce doping of titania on the photodegradation of phenol.

PubMed

Martin, Marcela V; Villabrille, Paula I; Rosso, Janina A

2015-09-01

Pure and cerium-doped [0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 Ce nominal atomic % (at.%)] TiO2 was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman, and BET surface area measurement. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples for the oxidative degradation of phenol in aqueous suspension was investigated. The content of Ce in the catalysts increases both the transition temperature for anatase to rutile phase transformation and the specific surface area, and decreases the crystallite size of anatase phase, the crystallinity, and the band gap energy value. The material with higher efficiency corresponds to 0.1 Ce nominal at.%. Under irradiation with 350 nm lamps, the degradation of phenol could be described as an exponential trend, with an apparent rate constant of (9.1 ± 0.6) 10(-3) s(-1) (r(2) = 0.98). Hydroquinone was identified as the main intermediate.

Seedless-grown of ZnO thin films for photoelectrochemical water splitting application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Aidahani; Hamid, Muhammad Azmi Abdul; Chiu, W. S.

2018-04-01

We developed a seedless hydrothermal method to grow a flower like ZnO nanorods. Prior to the growth, a layer of Au thin film is sputtered onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. The morphological, structural and optical properties of the ZnO nanostructures were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflection measurement to understand the growth process of the working thin film. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) results suggest that the deposition of ZnO nanorods on Au nanoparticles plays an important role in enhancing the photoelectrode activity. H2 evolution from photo-splitting of water over Au-incorporated ZnO in the 0.1M NaOH liquid system was enhanced, compared to that over bare ZnO; particularly, the production of 15.5 µL of H2 gas after twenty five minutes exposure of ZnO grown on Au-coated thin film.

Ultrathin nanosheets of graphitic carbon nitride heterojunction with flower like Bi2O3 for photodegradation of organic pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bano, Zahira; Muhmood, Tahir; Xia, Mingzhu; Lei, Wu; Wang, Fengyun

2018-05-01

The flower like microrods (MR) of α-Bi2O3 defined as (MR-Bi2O3) and ultrathin g-C3N4(UT-C3N4) p-n junction was successfully prepared by loading different concentrations of UT-C3N4 over MR-Bi2O3. Their morphology and structure were thoroughly studied by XRD, SEM, XPS, TEM, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, FT-IR and PL spectra. The results showed that the UT-C3N4 has been wrapped in the flower like MR-Bi2O3. The designing of the p-n junction of UT- C3N4 and MR-Bi2O3 can enhance the separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB was drastically increased by designing of the p-n junction that is due to the photogenerated electron–hole pair’s separation efficiency.

Preservation of glutamic acid-iron chelate into montmorillonite to efficiently degrade Reactive Blue 19 in a Fenton system under sunlight irradiation at neutral pH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhujian; Wu, Pingxiao; Gong, Beini; Yang, Shanshan; Li, Hailing; Zhu, Ziao; Cui, Lihua

2016-05-01

To further enhance the visible light responsive property and the chemical stability of Fe/clay mineral catalysts, glutamic acid-iron chelate intercalated montmorillonite (G-Fe-Mt) was developed. The physiochemical properties of G-Fe-Mt were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), etc. The results showed that glutamic acid-iron chelates were successfully intercalated into the gallery of montmorillonite and the intercalated glutamic acid-iron chelate molecules were well preserved. The product G-Fe-Mt displayed excellent catalytic performance in heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction under sunlight irradiation at acidic and neutral pH values. The chelation and the visible light responsiveness of glutamic acid produce a synergistic effect leading to greatly enhanced sunlight-Fenton reaction catalyzed by the heterogeneous G-Fe-Mt under neutral pH. G-Fe-Mt is a promising catalyst for advanced oxidation processes.

Photoluminescence and energy transfer process in Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+}

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

Selvalakshmi, T.; Bose, A. Chandra, E-mail: acbose@nitt.edu

2016-05-23

Variation in photoluminescence (PL) properties of Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} as a function of co-dopant (Tb{sup 3+}) concentration are studied for Gd{sub 2-x-y}O{sub 3}: Eu{sup 3+}{sub x} Tb{sup 3+}{sub y} (x = 0.02, y = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05). The crystal structure analysis is carried out by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Absence of addition peaks corresponding europium or terbium phase confirms the phase purity. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) reveals the absorption peaks corresponding to host matrix, Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+}. The bandgap calculated from Kubelka – Munk function is also reported. PL spectra are recorded at the excitation wavelength ofmore » 307 nm and the emission peak corresponding to Eu{sup 3+} confirms the energy transfer from Tb{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 3+}. The agglomeration of particles acts as quenching centres for energy transfer at higher concentrations.« less

The incorporation of plutonium in lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregg, Daniel J.; Zhang, Yingjie; Middleburgh, Simon C.; Conradson, Steven D.; Triani, Gerry; Lumpkin, Gregory R.; Vance, Eric R.

2013-11-01

The incorporation of plutonium (Pu) within lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore was investigated using air, argon, and N2-3.5%H2 sintering atmospheres together with Ca2+ and Sr2+ incorporation for charge compensation. The samples have been characterised in the first instance by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results show Pu can be exchanged for La3+ on the A-site with and without charge compensation and for Zr4+ on the B-site. DRS measurements were made over the wavenumber range of 4000-19,000 cm-1 and the Pu in all air- and argon-sintered samples was found to be present as Pu4+ while that in samples sintered in N2-3.5%H2 was present as Pu3+. The Pu valence was confirmed for three of the samples using X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy (XANES). Pu valences >4+ were not observed in any of the samples.

The structure feature of layered M1/3TiNbO5 (M=Fe, Ce) and their photocatalytic oxidization performance for ethyl mercaptan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Rui; Wang, Yuan; Wang, Ningning; Xu, Lei; He, Jie; Wu, Shanshan; Lan, Yunxiang; Hu, Jinsong

2016-09-01

Layered photocatalytic materials M1/3TiNbO5 (M = Fe, Ce) were prepared by ion-exchange of KTiNbO5 with M(NO3)3. The parent KTiNbO5 was synthesized with titanium (IV) isopropoxide and niobium oxalate by a novel polymerized complex (PC) method. The micro-structures and spectral response features of the as-prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The results revealed that there was a significant interaction between the interlayer cation and the terminal Nbdbnd O (Tidbnd O) bond in the NbO6 (TiO6) unit of the laminates. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated in oxidation of ethyl mercaptan under natural and UV light irradiation. It can be deduced that the photocatalytic oxidization performance can be directly affected by the characteristics of the interlayer cations.

Synthesis of CdS/BiOBr nanosheets composites with efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Haojie; Zhou, Yawen; Mei, Jinfeng; Li, Zhongyu; Xu, Song; Yao, Chao

2018-01-01

The efficient charge separation action and visible-light responding could enhance the photocatalytic property of photocatalysts. In the present study, novel CdS/BiOBr nanosheets composites were synthesized by a three-step process. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). Under visible-light irradiation, the as-prepared CdS nanoparticles decorated BiOBr nanosheets exhibited the excellent photocatalytic activity and high stability for malachite green (MG) degradation. The photodegradation achieved maximum degradation efficiency (99%) using CdS/BiOBr-3 composites as photocatalyst. Furthermore, the possible photocatalytic mechanism upon CdS/BiOBr composites was also discussed through radical and holes trapping experiments. The heterostructure between CdS and BiOBr improved photocatalytic activity dramatically, which greatly promoted migration rate of the photoinduced electrons besides limiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.

Gold-Gilded Zinc Oxide Nanodiamonds: Plasmonic and Morphological Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, G. R.; Khan, R. A.

The novel properties, diverse applications and device performance of nanocomposites can be greatly modulated through astute combination of plasmonic and morphological effects. The biosensing sensitivity, semiconducting capability, photocatalytic efficiency and antibacterial efficacy of ZnO nanostructures can be enhanced by a diamond-like morphology of ZnO via incorporation of plasmonic gold owing to their exceptional specific surface area, outstanding photoluminescence and excellent biocompatibility. Toward the realization of this goal, Au-Zno nanodiamonds have been successfully synthesized by a microwave assisted solution phase route without use of any costly solvents, surfactants, substrates, post-synthesis treatment or hazardous ingredients. It shows the ability to control the concentration of Au nanoparticles in ZnO and the evolution of its growth in diamond shape. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by high-resolution measurements such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffractometory (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the results discussed in detail.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic opal/Fe3O4 colloidal crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmona-Carmona, A. J.; Palomino-Ovando, M. A.; Hernández-Cristobal, Orlando; Sánchez-Mora, E.; Toledo-Solano, M.

2017-03-01

We report an experimental study of colloidal crystals based on SiO2 artificial opals, infiltrated with 1.34(M1), 2.03(M2) and 24.4(M3) wt% Fe3O4 nanoparticles, using the co-assembly method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and Vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to study the structural, magnetic and optical properties of the samples. At 300 K all the samples exhibit superparamagnetic behavior due to the magnetic coupling of Fe3O4 nanoparticles infiltrated into opal. However, for higher concentration of nanoparticles this strong coupling distorts the opal network. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Kubelka-Munk theory were applied to determine that the energy band gap of the opal-magnetite composites can be adjusted by varying the concentration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. This values are between the energy band gap of SiO2 and Fe3O4.

Adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of S-doped SrTiO3 under simulated solar irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huynh, Phu Chi; Le, Vien Minh

2017-09-01

S-doped SrTiO3 (SSTO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method with Sr(NO3)2, n- Ti(OC4H9)4, and Thiourea as precursors. Several analytical techniques including XRD, SEM, BET were employed to characterize the physical properties of the product. High crystalline perovskite of SSTO powder was synthesized at 700 °C calcined temperature with the specific surface area of 20.71 m2/g. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra results of STO and 5SSTO present band gap energy of 3.2 and 2.95 eV respectively. Photocatalytic activity was determined through the photodegradation of Congo Red at the initial concentrations of 70 ppm under simulated solar irradiation using 26W mercury lamp (120V - 60Hz). The decompositions of approximately 90.4% was obtained after 210 minutes of illumination. The photocatalyst was stable in aqueous solution that its photocatalytic activity was merely reduced by 9% even after 4 reusing iterations.

Photocatalytic activity of Fe-doped CaTiO₃ under UV-visible light.

PubMed

Yang, He; Han, Chong; Xue, Xiangxin

2014-07-01

The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) over Fe-doped CaTiO₃ under UV-visible light was investigated. The as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) system, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results show that the doping with Fe significantly promoted the light absorption ability of CaTiO₃ in the visible light region. The Fe-doped CaTiO₃ exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than CaTiO₃ for the degradation of MB. However, the photocatalytic activity of the Fe-doped CaTiO₃ was greatly influenced by the calcination temperature during the preparation process. The Fe-doped CaTiO₃ prepared at 500°C exhibited the best photocatalytic activity, with degradation of almost 100% MB (10ppm) under UV-visible light for 180 min. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Multifunctionality of nanocrystalline lanthanum ferrite

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

Rai, Atma, E-mail: atma@iitp.ac.in; Thakur, Awalendra K.; Centre for Energy and Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Patna 800013 India

2016-05-06

Nanocrystalline lanthanum ferrite has been synthesized by adopting modified Pechini route. No evidence of impurity or secondary phase has been detected up to the detection of error limit of X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern reveals orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pnma (62).Crystallite size and lattice strain was found to be ∼42.8nm and 0.306% respectively. Optical band gap was found to be 2.109 eV, by UV-Visible diffused reflectance spectrum (DRS). Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area was found to be ∼3.45 m{sup 2}/g. Magnetization-hysteresis (M-H) loop was recorded at room temperature (300K) reveals weak ferromagnetism in Nanocrystalline lanthanummore » ferrite. The weak ferromagnetism in lanthanum ferrite is due to the uncompensated antiferromagnetic spin ordering. Ferroelectric loop hysteresis observed at room temperature at 100Hz depicts the presence of ferroelectric ordering in LaFeO{sub 3}.Simultanious presence of magnetic and ferroelectric ordering at room temperature makes it suitable candidate of Multiferroic family.« less

Cu3V2O8 hollow spheres in photocatalysis and primary lithium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shaoyan; Sun, Yan; Li, Chunsheng; Ci, Lijie

2013-11-01

In this paper, Cu3V2O8 hollow spheres have been successfully synthesized via a liquid precipitation method with colloidal carbon spheres as template followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. On the basis of XRD analysis, SEM observation, and TG-DSC analysis of the precursor and products, the formation mechanism of Cu3V2O8 hollow spheres was proposed. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed that the Cu3V2O8 hollow spheres exhibit strong absorption in a wide wavelength range from UV to visible light. The photocatalytic activity experiment indicated that the as-prepared Cu3V2O8 hollow spheres exhibited good photocatalytic activity in degradation of methyl orange (MO) under 150-W xenon arc lamp light irradiation. Furthermore, electrochemical measurements showed that the Cu3V2O8 hollow spheres exhibited high discharge capacity and excellent high-rate capability, indicating potential cathode candidates for primary lithium batteries used in long-term implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs).

Multifunctionality of nanocrystalline lanthanum ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Atma; Thakur, Awalendra K.

2016-05-01

Nanocrystalline lanthanum ferrite has been synthesized by adopting modified Pechini route. No evidence of impurity or secondary phase has been detected up to the detection of error limit of X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern reveals orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pnma (62).Crystallite size and lattice strain was found to be ˜42.8nm and 0.306% respectively. Optical band gap was found to be 2.109 eV, by UV-Visible diffused reflectance spectrum (DRS). Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area was found to be ˜3.45 m2/g. Magnetization-hysteresis (M-H) loop was recorded at room temperature (300K) reveals weak ferromagnetism in Nanocrystalline lanthanum ferrite. The weak ferromagnetism in lanthanum ferrite is due to the uncompensated antiferromagnetic spin ordering. Ferroelectric loop hysteresis observed at room temperature at 100Hz depicts the presence of ferroelectric ordering in LaFeO3.Simultanious presence of magnetic and ferroelectric ordering at room temperature makes it suitable candidate of Multiferroic family.

Diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst: Facile deposition synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baoying; Huang, Hongwei; Guo, Yuxi; Zhang, Yihe

2015-10-01

A novel diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst has been prepared by a facile one-step deposition process for the first time. The structure, morphology and optical property of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared BiOI/diatomite photocatalysts was studied by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) and monitoring photocurrent generation under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The results revealed that BiOI/diatomite composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine BiOI sample. This enhancement should be attributed to that diatomite can play as an excellent carrier platform to increase the reactive sites and promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In addition, the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the active species trapping experiments. This work shed new light on facile fabrication of novel composite photocatalyst based on natural mineral.

Structure and optical properties of ZnO produced from microwave hydrothermal hydrolysis of tris(ethylenediamine)zinc nitrate complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostafa, Nasser Y.; Heiba, Zein K.; Ibrahim, Mohamed M.

2015-01-01

ZnO powders were synthesized using a solution microwave hydrothermal hydrolysis process and tris(ethylenediamine)zinc nitrate {[Zn(en)3](NO3)2} (en = ethylenediamine) as a precursor. Hydrolysis of the precursor complex at different pH produced zinc oxide with a diversity of well-defined morphologies. The effect of hydrolysis pH values on the structural and optical properties has been explored using XRD, SEM, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). At pH = 7.0, randomly dispersed rods were formed. Whereas flower-like morphologies were obtained by treating the complex precursor in water at pH = 10.0 and 12.0. The ZnO4 tetrahedrons are greatly affected by the pH value. The band gap decreased sharply with increasing the pH value from 7.0 to 10.0, then slightly decreased with further increasing the pH to 12.0. The relationship between band gap and both structure and surface defects of the samples is also discussed.

Template-Free Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Uniform BiOCI Flower-Like Microspheres.

PubMed

Chang, Fei; Xie, Yunchao; Chen, Juan; Luo, Jieru; Li, Chenlu; Hu, Xuefeng; Xu, Bin

2015-02-01

Preparation of uniform BiOCI flower-like microspheres was facilely accomplished through a sim- ple protocol involving regulation of pH value in aqueous with sodium hydroxide in the presence of n-propanol. The as-prepared samples were characterized by a collection of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Based upon the SEM analyses, uniform microspheres could be formed with coexistence of some fragments of BiOCI nanosheets without n-propanol. The addition of appropriate amount of n-propanol was beneficial to provide BiOCI samples containing only flower-like microspheres, which were further subjected to the photocatalytic measurements towards Rhodamine B in aqueous under visible light irradiation and exhibited the best catalytic performance among all samples tested. In addition, the photocatalytic process was confirmed to undergo through a photosensitization pathway, in which superoxide radicals (.O-) played critical roles.

Effect of Ag nanoparticles deposition on photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 3}

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

Zhang, Xuan, E-mail: xzhang@dhu.edu.cn; Wang, Qi; Hu, Jin-Wen

Highlights: • Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 3} was developed as novel photocatalyst. • The effect of Ag nanoparticles deposition on photocatalytic activity was investigated. • The activation and deactivation mechanism was proposed. - Abstract: A novel photocatalyst Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 3} was prepared and the effect of Ag nanoparticles, photo-deposited on the surface of Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 3}, on its photocatalytic activity was investigated. The as-prepared photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photo-degradation of rhodamine B dye under UV light irradiation. It was found that the photocatalyticmore » activity of Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 3} was initially enhanced with deposition of Ag nanoparticles, but subsequently declined with Ag nanoparticles overloaded. The possible mechanism was proposed based on experimental results. These findings may contribute to developing novel photocatalysts and understanding of fundamentals of Ag-based photocatalytic materials.« less

Synthesis of BiOCl nanosheets with oxygen vacancies for the improved photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Yujie; Li, Dongya; Sun, Jingyu; Chen, Mengdie; Li, Yirui; Zou, Zhongwei; Zhang, Hua; Xu, Haiming; Xia, Dongsheng

2018-05-01

The square-sharped BiOCl nanosheets with oxygen vacancies were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route using xylitol as surfactant. The as-prepared BiOCl samples were characterized by Powder X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Electron spin resonance (ESR). The as-prepared samples were phase-pure with the width and the thickness were about 50-400 nm and 20-50 nm respectively. Besides, the photodegradation performances showed the BiOCl nanosheets with 0.1 g concentration of xylitol (BOC-1) had the best photocatalytic activity under visible light due to its special polycrystalline structure, grain boundary and an optimum concentration of oxygen vacancies. The h+ and radO2- were the two main active species during the photocatalytic process and the possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.

Synthesis, characterization and effect of calcination temperature on phase transformation and photocatalytic activity of Cu,S-codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamadanian, M.; Reisi-Vanani, A.; Majedi, A.

2010-01-01

A novel copper and sulfur codoped TiO 2 photocatalyst was synthesized by modified sol-gel method using titanium(IV) isopropoxide, CuCl 2·2H 2O and thiourea as precursors. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray micro-analysis (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. The XRD results showed undoped and Cu,S-codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles only include anatase phase. Effect of calcination temperature showed rutile phase appears in 650 and 700 °C for undoped and 0.1% Cu,S-codoped TiO 2, respectively. The SEM analysis revealed the doping of Cu and S does not leave any change in morphology of the catalyst surface. The increase of copper doping enhanced "red-shift" in the UV-vis absorption spectra. The TEM images confirmed the dopants suppressed the growth of TiO 2 grains. The photocatalytic activity of samples was tested for degradation of methyl orange (MO) solutions. The results showed photocatalytic activity of the catalysts with 0.05% Cu,0.05% S and 0.1% Cu,0.05% S were higher than that of other catalysts under ultraviolet (UV) and visible irradiation, respectively. Because of synergetic effect of S and Cu, the Cu,S-codoped TiO 2 catalyst has higher activity than undoped and Cu or S doped TiO 2 catalysts.

Photodegradation of microcystin-LR catalyzed by metal phthalocyanines immobilized on TiO2-SiO2 under visible-light irradiation.

PubMed

Peng, Guotao; Fan, Zhengqiu; Wang, Xiangrong; Sui, Xin; Chen, Chen

2015-01-01

Microcystins (MCs) are a group of monocyclic heptapeptide toxins produced by species of cyanobacteria. Since MCs exhibit acute and chronic effects on humans and wildlife by damaging the liver, they are of increasing concern worldwide. In this study, we investigated the ability of the phthalocyanine compound (ZnPc-TiO2-SiO2) to degrade microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in the presence of visible light. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS) were utilized to characterize the crystalline phase and the absorption behavior of this catalyst. According to the results, XRD spectra of ZnPc-TiO2-SiO2 powders taken in the 2θ configuration exhibited the peaks characteristic of the anatase phase. UV-Vis DRS showed that the absorption band wavelength shifted to the visible range when ZnPc was supported on the surface of TiO2-SiO2. Subsequently, several parameters including catalyst dose, MC-LR concentrations and pH were investigated. The MC-LR was quantified in each sample through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The maximum MC-LR degradation rate of 80.2% can be obtained within 300 minutes under the following conditions: catalyst dose of 7.50 g/L, initial MC-LR concentration of 17.35 mg/L, pH 6.76 and the first cycling run of the photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, the degradation process fitted well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.

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

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

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

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

Amorphous salts formed from rapid dehydration of multicomponent chloride and ferric sulfate brines: Implications for Mars.

PubMed

Sklute, Elizabeth C; Rogers, A Deanne; Gregerson, Jason C; Jensen, Heidi B; Reeder, Richard J; Dyar, M Darby

2018-03-01

Salts with high hydration states have the potential to maintain high levels of relative humidity (RH) in the near subsurface of Mars, even at moderate temperatures. These conditions could promote deliquescence of lower hydrates of ferric sulfate, chlorides, and other salts. Previous work on deliquesced ferric sulfates has shown that when these materials undergo rapid dehydration, such as that which would occur upon exposure to present day Martian surface conditions, an amorphous phase forms. However, the fate of deliquesced halides or mixed ferric sulfate-bearing brines are presently unknown. Here we present results of rapid dehydration experiments on Ca-, Na-, Mg- and Fe-chloride brines and multi-component (Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ± Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cl, HCO 3 ) brines at ∼21°C, and characterize the dehydration products using visible/near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy, mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. We find that rapid dehydration of many multicomponent brines can form amorphous solids or solids with an amorphous component, and that the presence of other elements affects the persistence of the amorphous phase under RH fluctuations. Of the pure chloride brines, only Fe-chloride formed an amorphous solid. XRD patterns of the multicomponent amorphous salts show changes in position, shape, and magnitude of the characteristic diffuse scattering observed in all amorphous materials that could be used to help constrain the composition of the amorphous salt. Amorphous salts deliquesce at lower RH values compared to their crystalline counterparts, opening up the possibility of their role in potential deliquescence-related geologic phenomena such as recurring slope lineae (RSLs) or soil induration. This work suggests that a wide range of aqueous mixed salt solutions can lead to the formation of amorphous salts and are possible for Mars; detailed studies of the formation mechanisms, stability and transformation behaviors of amorphous salts are necessary to further constrain their contribution to Martian surface materials.

Amorphous salts formed from rapid dehydration of multicomponent chloride and ferric sulfate brines: Implications for Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sklute, Elizabeth C.; Rogers, A. Deanne; Gregerson, Jason C.; Jensen, Heidi B.; Reeder, Richard J.; Dyar, M. Darby

2018-03-01

Salts with high hydration states have the potential to maintain high levels of relative humidity (RH) in the near subsurface of Mars, even at moderate temperatures. These conditions could promote deliquescence of lower hydrates of ferric sulfate, chlorides, and other salts. Previous work on deliquesced ferric sulfates has shown that when these materials undergo rapid dehydration, such as that which would occur upon exposure to present day Martian surface conditions, an amorphous phase forms. However, the fate of deliquesced halides or mixed ferric sulfate-bearing brines are presently unknown. Here we present results of rapid dehydration experiments on Ca-, Na-, Mg- and Fe-chloride brines and multicomponent (Fe2(SO4)3 ± Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cl, HCO3) brines at ∼21 °C, and characterize the dehydration products using visible/near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy, mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. We find that rapid dehydration of many multicomponent brines can form amorphous solids or solids with an amorphous component, and that the presence of other elements affects the persistence of the amorphous phase under RH fluctuations. Of the pure chloride brines, only Fe-chloride formed an amorphous solid. XRD patterns of the multicomponent amorphous salts show changes in position, shape, and magnitude of the characteristic diffuse scattering observed in all amorphous materials that could be used to help constrain the composition of the amorphous salt. Amorphous salts deliquesce at lower RH values compared to their crystalline counterparts, opening up the possibility of their role in potential deliquescence-related geologic phenomena such as recurring slope lineae (RSLs) or soil induration. This work suggests that a wide range of aqueous mixed salt solutions can lead to the formation of amorphous salts and are possible for Mars; detailed studies of the formation mechanisms, stability and transformation behaviors of amorphous salts are necessary to further constrain their contribution to Martian surface materials.

Amorphous salts formed from rapid dehydration of multicomponent chloride and ferric sulfate brines: Implications for Mars

PubMed Central

Sklute, Elizabeth C.; Rogers, A. Deanne; Gregerson, Jason C.; Jensen, Heidi B.; Reeder, Richard J.; Dyar, M. Darby

2018-01-01

Salts with high hydration states have the potential to maintain high levels of relative humidity (RH) in the near subsurface of Mars, even at moderate temperatures. These conditions could promote deliquescence of lower hydrates of ferric sulfate, chlorides, and other salts. Previous work on deliquesced ferric sulfates has shown that when these materials undergo rapid dehydration, such as that which would occur upon exposure to present day Martian surface conditions, an amorphous phase forms. However, the fate of deliquesced halides or mixed ferric sulfate-bearing brines are presently unknown. Here we present results of rapid dehydration experiments on Ca–, Na–, Mg– and Fe–chloride brines and multi-component (Fe2 (SO4)3 ± Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cl, HCO3) brines at ∼21°C, and characterize the dehydration products using visible/near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy, mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. We find that rapid dehydration of many multicomponent brines can form amorphous solids or solids with an amorphous component, and that the presence of other elements affects the persistence of the amorphous phase under RH fluctuations. Of the pure chloride brines, only Fe–chloride formed an amorphous solid. XRD patterns of the multicomponent amorphous salts show changes in position, shape, and magnitude of the characteristic diffuse scattering observed in all amorphous materials that could be used to help constrain the composition of the amorphous salt. Amorphous salts deliquesce at lower RH values compared to their crystalline counterparts, opening up the possibility of their role in potential deliquescence-related geologic phenomena such as recurring slope lineae (RSLs) or soil induration. This work suggests that a wide range of aqueous mixed salt solutions can lead to the formation of amorphous salts and are possible for Mars; detailed studies of the formation mechanisms, stability and transformation behaviors of amorphous salts are necessary to further constrain their contribution to Martian surface materials. PMID:29670302

Reduction of skylight reflection effects in the above-water measurement of diffuse marine reflectance.

PubMed

Fougnie, B; Frouin, R; Lecomte, P; Deschamps, P Y

1999-06-20

Reflected skylight in above-water measurements of diffuse marine reflectance can be reduced substantially by viewing the surface through an analyzer transmitting the vertically polarized component of incident radiance. For maximum reduction of effects, radiometric measurements should be made at a viewing zenith angle of approximately 45 degrees (near the Brewster angle) and a relative azimuth angle between solar and viewing directions greater than 90 degrees (backscattering), preferably 135 degrees. In this case the residual reflected skylight in the polarized signal exhibits minimum sensitivity to the sea state and can be corrected to within a few 10(-4) in reflectance units. For most oceanic waters the resulting relative error on the diffuse marine reflectance in the blue and green is less than 1%. Since the water body polarizes incident skylight, the measured polarized reflectance differs from the total reflectance. The difference, however, is small for the considered geometry. Measurements made at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier in La Jolla, Calif., with a specifically designed scanning polarization radiometer, confirm the theoretical findings and demonstrate the usefulness of polarization radiometry for measuring diffuse marine reflectance.

Methods for quantitative infrared directional-hemispherical and diffuse reflectance measurements using an FTIR and a commercial integrating sphere

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

Blake, Thomas A.; Johnson, Timothy J.; Tonkyn, Russell G.

Infrared integrating sphere measurements of solid samples are important in providing reference data for contact, standoff and remote sensing applications. At the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) we have developed protocols to measure both the directional-hemispherical ( and diffuse (d) reflectances of powders, liquids, and disks of powders and solid materials using a commercially available, matte gold-coated integrating sphere and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Detailed descriptions of the sphere alignment and its use for making these reflectance measurements are given. Diffuse reflectance values were found to be dependent on the bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) of the sample and themore » solid angle intercepted by the sphere’s specular exclusion port. To determine how well the sphere and protocols produce quantitative reflectance data, measurements were made of three diffuse and two specular standards prepared by the National institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA), LabSphere Infragold and Spectralon standards, hand-loaded sulfur and talc powder samples, and water. The five NIST standards behaved as expected: the three diffuse standards had a high degree of “diffuseness,” d/ = D > 0.9, whereas the two specular standards had D ≤ 0.03. The average absolute differences between the NIST and PNNL measurements of the NIST standards for both directional-hemispherical and diffuse reflectances are on the order of 0.01 reflectance units. Other quantitative differences between the PNNL-measured and calibration (where available) or literature reflectance values for these standards and materials are given and the possible origins of discrepancies are discussed. Random uncertainties and estimates of systematic uncertainties are presented. Corrections necessary to provide better agreement between the PNNL reflectance values as measured for the NIST standards and the NIST reflectance values for these same standards are also discussed.« less

Identification of Uranium Minerals in Natural U-Bearing Rocks Using Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Beiswenger, Toya N; Gallagher, Neal B; Myers, Tanya L; Szecsody, James E; Tonkyn, Russell G; Su, Yin-Fong; Sweet, Lucas E; Lewallen, Tricia A; Johnson, Timothy J

2018-02-01

The identification of minerals, including uranium-bearing species, is often a labor-intensive process using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence, or other solid-phase or wet chemical techniques. While handheld XRD and fluorescence instruments can aid in field applications, handheld infrared (IR) reflectance spectrometers can now also be used in industrial or field environments, with rapid, nondestructive identification possible via analysis of the solid's reflectance spectrum providing information not found in other techniques. In this paper, we report the use of laboratory methods that measure the IR hemispherical reflectance of solids using an integrating sphere and have applied it to the identification of mineral mixtures (i.e., rocks), with widely varying percentages of uranium mineral content. We then apply classical least squares (CLS) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) methods to better discriminate the minerals (along with two pure uranium chemicals U 3 O 8 and UO 2 ) against many common natural and anthropogenic background materials (e.g., silica sand, asphalt, calcite, K-feldspar) with good success. Ground truth as to mineral content was attained primarily by XRD. Identification is facile and specific, both for samples that are pure or are partially composed of uranium (e.g., boltwoodite, tyuyamunite, etc.) or non-uranium minerals. The characteristic IR bands generate unique (or class-specific) bands, typically arising from similar chemical moieties or functional groups in the minerals: uranyls, phosphates, silicates, etc. In some cases, the chemical groups that provide spectral discrimination in the longwave IR reflectance by generating upward-going (reststrahlen) bands can provide discrimination in the midwave and shortwave IR via downward-going absorption features, i.e., weaker overtone or combination bands arising from the same chemical moieties.

Special report, diffuse reflectivity of the lunar surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fastie, W. G.

1972-01-01

The far ultraviolet diffuse reflectivity of samples of lunar dust material is determined. Equipment for measuring the diffuse reflectivity of materials (e.g. paint samples) is already in existence and requires only minor modification for the proposed experiment which will include the measurement of the polarizing properties of the lunar samples. Measurements can be made as a function of both illumination angle and angle of observation.

Operando XRD studies as a tool for determination of transport parameters of mobile ions in electrode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondracki, Łukasz; Kulka, Andrzej; Świerczek, Konrad; Ziąbka, Magdalena; Molenda, Janina

2017-11-01

In this work a detailed operando XRD investigations of structural properties of LixMn2O4 manganese spinel are shown to be a complementary, successful method of determination of diffusion coefficient D and surface exchange coefficient k in the working electrode. Kinetics of lithium ions transport are estimated on the basis of rate of structural changes of the cathode material during a relaxation stage after a high current charge, i.e. during structural relaxation of the material. The presented approach seems to be applicable as a complementary method of determination of transport coefficients for all intercalation-type electrode materials.

Preparation, characterization, dielectric properties and diffusion studies of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)/manganous tungstate (MnWO4) nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasna, V. C.; Ramesan, M. T.

2017-06-01

Nanocomposites based on SBR with different content of manganous tungstate nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC and impedance analysis. The interaction between nanoparticles and the elastomer was clear from the shift in peaks of UV and FTIR. XRD and SEM analysis showed the uniform arrangement of nanoparticles in SBR matrix. Glass transition temperature, thermal stability and dielectric properties of composites were enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles. Sorption studies of nanocomposites were done in aromatic solvents at different temperature. Sorption data obtained were used to estimate the thermodynamic properties.

[Application of BaSO4 diffuser plate in 250-400 nm spectral radiance calibration].

PubMed

Jia, Hui; Li, Fu-tian

2004-01-01

Sprayed BaSO4 diffuser plate is the most Lambertian surface actually used in spectral radiance calibration known by now. Its hemispheric reflectance and Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Functions (BRDF) were measured in the experiment. Its diffuse characteristics were compared with Lambertian surface. In order to calibrate spectral radiance more accurately, the small variation of diffuser's BRDF with scattered angles and the nonuniformity of spectral irradiance on diffuser surface illuminated by the standard lamp should be considered. By integrating the radiation flux reflected by the element area and that entering the entrance slit within the viewing area of spectrometer, the measured spectral radiance can be calculated. Furthermore, the spectral radiance of Lambertian surface whose BRDF was derived from hemispheric reflectance was compared with that from the average of the measured BRDF.

Study on structural refinement and electrochemical behaviour of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kautkar, Pranay R.; Shirbhate, Shraddha C.; Acharya, Smita A.

2018-05-01

Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (BSCF) was prepared by ethylene glycol-citrate combined sol-gel combustion route and calcined at optimized temperature 1050°C. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) data revealing the crystal purity of BSCF cathode was refined by the Cubic-type structure having the space group Pm-3m by Rietveld analysis. Refined lattice parameter of BSCF cathode is a = 3.9759 Å and unit cell volume is 62.85 (4) Å3, Co/Fe-O bond length from VESTA program figured out to be 1.987 (3) Å. Electron density distribution (EDD) of the unit cell of BSCF cathode shows the bonding feature with oxygen ions, this could represent oxygen vacancies are present in the lattice. These results reflected in electrochemical impedance spectra measurement of symmetric cell. Area of specific resistance (ASR) of the BSCF cathode was found to be 0.17 Ω.cm2 at 700°C and respective activation energy (Ea) 1.15 eV. It shows surface exchange at cathode interface, surface diffusion and self-diffusion happened through Ce0.85Sd0.15O1.95 (SDC15) electrolyte.

Diffuse and specular characteristics of leaf reflectance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, Lois

1987-01-01

In this paper, the evolution of current understanding of the mechanisms of leaf reflectance is reviewed. The use of measurements of polarized reflectance to separate leaf reflectance into diffuse and specular components is discussed. A section on the factors influencing leaf reflectance - leaf structure and physiological disturbances - is included along with discussion on the manner in which these influences are manifested.

Modeling Suomi-NPP VIIRS Solar Diffuser Degradation due to Space Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, X.; Cao, C.

2014-12-01

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard Suomi-NPP uses a solar diffuser (SD) as on-board radiometric calibrator for the reflective solar band (RSB) calibration. Solar diffuser is made of Spectralon (one type of fluoropolymer) and was chosen because of its controlled reflectance in the VIS-NIR-SWIR region and its near-Lambertian reflectance profile. Spectralon is known to degrade in reflectance at the blue end of the spectrum due to exposure to space radiations such as solar UV radiation and energetic protons. These space radiations can modify the Spectralon surface through breaking C-C and C-F bonds and scissioning or cross linking the polymer, which causes the surface roughness and degrades its reflectance. VIIRS uses a SDSM (Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor) to monitor the change in the Solar Diffuser reflectance in the 0.4 - 0.94 um wavelength range and provide a correction to the calibration constants. The H factor derived from SDSM reveals that reflectance of 0.4 to 0.6um channels of VIIRS degrades faster than the reflectance of longer wavelength RSB channels. A model is developed to derive characteristic parameters such as mean SD surface roughness height and autocovariance length of SD surface roughness from the long term spectral degradation of SD reflectance as monitored by SDSM. These two parameters are trended to assess development of surface roughness of the SD over the operation period of VIIRS.

Contamination and UV ageing of diffuser targets used in satellite inflight and ground reference test site calibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaskuri, Anna; Greenwell, Claire; Hessey, Isabel; Tompkins, Jordan; Woolliams, Emma

2018-02-01

Diffuser reflectance targets are key components in in-orbit calibrations and for verifying ground reference test sites. In this work, Spectralon, Diffusil, and Heraeus diffusers were exposed to exhaust gases and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the ambient air conditions and their degradations were monitored by measuring changes in spectral reflectances. Spectralon is a state-of-the-art diffuser made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and Diffusil and Heraeus diffusers are made of fused silica with gas bubbles inside. Based on the contamination tests, Spectralon degrades faster than fused silica diffusers. For the samples exposed to contamination for 20 minutes, the 250 nm - 400 nm total diffuse spectral reflectance of Spectralon degraded 3-5 times more when exposed to petrol-like emission and 16-23 times more when exposed to diesel-like emission, compared with Diffusil. When the reflectance changes of Spectralon were compared with those of Heraeus, Spectralon degraded 3-4 times more when exposed to petrol-like emission for 20 minutes and 5-7 times more when exposed to diesel-like emission for 7.5 minutes. When the samples contaminated were exposed to UV radiation in the ambient air, their reflectance gradually restored back to the original level. In conclusion, fused silica diffusers are more resistant to hydrocarbon contaminants present in ground reference test sites, and thus more stable under UV radiation in the air.

In vivo assessment of liver fibrosis using diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy: a proof of concept.

PubMed

Fabila, Diego; de la Rosa, José Manuel; Stolik, Suren; Moreno, Edgard; Suárez-Álvarez, Karina; López-Navarrete, Giuliana; Guzmán, Carolina; Aguirre-García, Jesús; Acevedo-García, Christian; Kershenobich, David; Escobedo, Galileo

2012-12-01

A novel application of diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy in the assessment of liver fibrosis is here reported. To induce different stages of liver fibrosis, a sufficient number of male Wistar rats were differentially exposed to chronic administration with carbon tetrachloride. Then, diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectra were in vivo measured from the liver surface of each animal by a minimal invasive laparoscopic procedure. The liver fibrosis degree was conventionally determined by means of histological examination using the Mason's Trichrome stain, accompanied by hepatic expression of α-sma, and evaluation of the ALT/AST serum levels. The liver from rats exhibiting higher grades of fibrosis showed a significant increase in diffuse reflectance and fluorescence intensity when compared with control animals. At 365 nm, the diffuse reflectance spectrum exhibited an increase of 4 and 3-fold in mild and advanced fibrotic rats, respectively, when compared to the control group. Similarly, the fluorescence emission at 493 nm was 2-fold higher in fibrotic animals than in controls. By using fluorescence intensity, discrimination algorithms indicated 73% sensitivity and 94% specificity for recognition of hepatic fibrosis, while for diffuse reflectance, these values increased up to 85% and 100%, respectively. Taking into consideration there is a special need for developing new diagnostic approaches focused on detecting different stages of liver fibrosis with minimal invasiveness, these results suggest that diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy could be worthy of further exploration in patients with liver disease. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The angular distribution of diffusely backscattered light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vera, M. U.; Durian, D. J.

1997-03-01

The diffusion approximation predicts the angular distribution of light diffusely transmitted through an opaque slab to depend only on boundary reflectivity, independent of scattering anisotropy, and this has been verified by experiment(M.U. Vera and D.J. Durian, Phys. Rev. E 53) 3215 (1996). Here, by contrast, we demonstrate that the angular distribution of diffusely backscattered light depends on scattering anisotropy as well as boundary reflectivity. To model this observation scattering anisotropy is added to the diffusion approximation by a discontinuity in the photon concentration at the source point that is proportional to the average cosine of the scattering angle. We compare the resulting predictions with random walk simulations and with measurements of diffusely backscattered intensity versus angle for glass frits and aqueous suspensions of polystyrene spheres held in air or immersed in a water bath. Increasing anisotropy and boundary reflectivity each tend to flatten the predicted distributions, and for different combinations of anisotropy and reflectivity the agreement between data and predictions ranges from qualitatively to quantitatively good.

Design and evaluation of an imaging spectrophotometer incorporating a uniform light source.

PubMed

Noble, S D; Brown, R B; Crowe, T G

2012-03-01

Accounting for light that is diffusely scattered from a surface is one of the practical challenges in reflectance measurement. Integrating spheres are commonly used for this purpose in point measurements of reflectance and transmittance. This solution is not directly applicable to a spectral imaging application for which diffuse reflectance measurements are desired. In this paper, an imaging spectrophotometer design is presented that employs a uniform light source to provide diffuse illumination. This creates the inverse measurement geometry to the directional illumination/diffuse reflectance mode typically used for point measurements. The final system had a spectral range between 400 and 1000 nm with a 5.2 nm resolution, a field of view of approximately 0.5 m by 0.5 m, and millimeter spatial resolution. Testing results indicate illumination uniformity typically exceeding 95% and reflectance precision better than 1.7%.

Including scattering within the room acoustics diffusion model: An analytical approach.

PubMed

Foy, Cédric; Picaut, Judicaël; Valeau, Vincent

2016-10-01

Over the last 20 years, a statistical acoustic model has been developed to predict the reverberant sound field in buildings. This model is based on the assumption that the propagation of the reverberant sound field follows a transport process and, as an approximation, a diffusion process that can be easily solved numerically. This model, initially designed and validated for rooms with purely diffuse reflections, is extended in the present study to mixed reflections, with a proportion of specular and diffuse reflections defined by a scattering coefficient. The proposed mathematical developments lead to an analytical expression of the diffusion constant that is a function of the scattering coefficient, but also on the absorption coefficient of the walls. The results obtained with this extended diffusion model are then compared with the classical diffusion model, as well as with a sound particles tracing approach considering mixed wall reflections. The comparison shows a good agreement for long rooms with uniform low absorption (α = 0.01) and uniform scattering. For a larger absorption (α = 0.1), the agreement is moderate, due to the fact that the proposed expression of the diffusion coefficient does not vary spatially. In addition, the proposed model is for now limited to uniform diffusion and should be extended in the future to more general cases.

Characterizing the reflectivity of handheld display devices.

PubMed

Liu, Peter; Badano, Aldo

2014-08-01

With increased use of handheld and tablet display devices for viewing medical images, methods for consistently measuring reflectivity of the devices are needed. In this note, the authors report on the characterization of diffuse reflections for handheld display devices including mobile phones and tablets using methods recommended by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 18 (TG18). The authors modified the diffuse reflectance coefficient measurement method outlined in the TG18 report. The authors measured seven handheld display devices (two phones and five tablets) and three workstation displays. The device was attached to a black panel with Velcro. To study the effect of the back surface on the diffuse reflectance coefficient, the authors created Styrofoam masks with different size square openings and placed it in front of the device. Overall, for each display device, measurements of illuminance and reflected luminance on the display screen were taken. The authors measured with no mask, with masks of varying size, and with display-size masks, and calculated the corresponding diffuse reflectance coefficient. For all handhelds, the diffuse reflectance coefficient measured with no back panel were lower than measurements performed with a mask. The authors found an overall increase in reflectivity as the size of the mask decreases. For workstations displays, diffuse reflectance coefficients were higher when no back panel was used, and higher than with masks. In all cases, as luminance increased, illuminance increased, but not at the same rate. Since the size of handheld displays is smaller than that of workstation devices, the TG18 method suffers from a dependency on illumination condition. The authors show that the diffuse reflection coefficients can vary depending on the nature of the back surface of the illuminating box. The variability in the diffuse coefficient can be as large as 20% depending on the size of the mask. For all measurements, both luminance and illuminance increased as the size of the display window decreased. The TG18 method does not account for this variability. The authors conclude that the method requires a definitive description of the back panel used in the light source setup. The methods described in the TG18 document may need to be improved to provide consistent comparisons of desktop monitors, phones, and tablets.

Tissue differentiation by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for automated oral and maxillofacial laser surgery: ex vivo pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zam, Azhar; Stelzle, Florian; Tangermann-Gerk, Katja; Adler, Werner; Nkenke, Emeka; Schmidt, Michael; Douplik, Alexandre

2010-02-01

Remote laser surgery lacks of haptic feedback during the laser ablation of tissue. Hence, there is a risk of iatrogenic damage or destruction of anatomical structures like nerves or salivary glands. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy provides a straightforward and simple approach for optical tissue differentiation. We measured diffuse reflectance from seven various tissue types ex vivo. We applied Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to differentiate the seven tissue types and computed the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Special emphasis was taken on the identification of nerves and salivary glands as the most crucial tissue for maxillofacial surgery. The results show a promise for differentiating tissues as guidance for oral and maxillofacial laser surgery by means of diffuse reflectance.

Determining biological tissue optical properties via integrating sphere spatial measurements

DOEpatents

Baba, Justin S [Knoxville, TN; Letzen, Brian S [Coral Springs, FL

2011-01-11

An optical sample is mounted on a spatial-acquisition apparatus that is placed in or on an enclosure. An incident beam is irradiated on a surface of the sample and the specular reflection is allowed to escape from the enclosure through an opening. The spatial-acquisition apparatus is provided with a light-occluding slider that moves in front of the sample to block portions of diffuse scattering from the sample. As the light-occluding slider moves across the front of the sample, diffuse light scattered into the area of the backside of the light-occluding slider is absorbed by back side surface of the light-occluding slider. By measuring a baseline diffuse reflectance without a light-occluding slider and subtracting measured diffuse reflectance with a light-occluding slider therefrom, diffuse reflectance for the area blocked by the light-occluding slider can be calculated.

SeaWiFS long-term solar diffuser reflectance and sensor noise analyses.

PubMed

Eplee, Robert E; Patt, Frederick S; Barnes, Robert A; McClain, Charles R

2007-02-10

The NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group's Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) team has undertaken an analysis of the mission-long Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) solar calibration time series to assess the long-term degradation of the solar diffuser reflectance over 9 years on orbit. The SeaWiFS diffuser is an aluminum plate coated with YB71 paint. The bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the diffuser was not fully characterized before launch, so the Cal/Val team has implemented a regression of the solar incidence angles and the drift in the node of the satellite's orbit against the diffuser time series to correct for solar incidence angle effects. An exponential function with a time constant of 200 days yields the best fit to the diffuser time series. The decrease in diffuser reflectance over the mission is wavelength dependent, ranging from 9% in the blue (412 nm) to 5% in the red and near infrared (670-865 nm). The Cal/Val team has developed a methodology for computing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for SeaWiFS on orbit from the diffuser time series corrected for both the varying solar incidence angles and the diffuser reflectance degradation. A sensor noise model is used to compare on-orbit SNRs computed for radiances reflected from the diffuser with prelaunch SNRs measured at typical radiances specified for the instrument. To within the uncertainties in the measurements, the SNRs for SeaWiFS have not changed over the mission. The on-orbit performance of the SeaWiFS solar diffuser should offer insight into the long-term on-orbit performance of solar diffusers on other instruments, such as the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer [currently flying on the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites], the Visible and Infrared Radiometer Suite [scheduled to fly on the NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellites] and the Advanced Baseline Imager [scheduled to fly on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Geostationary Environmental Operational Satellite Series R (GOES-R) satellites].

SeaWiFS long-term solar diffuser reflectance and sensor noise analyses

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

Eplee, Robert E. Jr.; Patt, Frederick S.; Barnes, Robert A.

The NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group's Calibration and Validation(Cal/Val) team has undertaken an analysis of the mission-long Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS)solar calibration time series to assess the long-term degradation of the solar diffuser reflectance over 9 years on orbit. The SeaWiFS diffuser is an aluminum plate coated with YB71 paint. The bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the diffuser was not fully characterized before launch,so the Cal/Val team has implemented a regression of the solar incidence angles and the drift in the node of the satellite's orbit against the diffuser time series to correct for solar incidence angle effects. Anmore » exponential function with a time constant of 200 days yields the best fit to the diffuser time series.The decrease in diffuser reflectance over the mission is wavelength dependent,ranging from 9% in the blue(412 nm) to 5% in the red and near infrared(670-865 nm). The Cal/Val team has developed a methodology for computing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for SeaWiFS on orbit from the diffuser time series corrected for both the varying solar incidence angles and the diffuser reflectance degradation. A sensor noise model is used to compare on-orbit SNRs computed for radiances reflected from the diffuser with prelaunch SNRs measured at typical radiances specified for the instrument. To within the uncertainties in the measurements, the SNRs for SeaWiFS have not changed over the mission. The on-orbit performance of the SeaWiFS solar diffuser should offer insight into the long-term on-orbit performance of solar diffusers on other instruments, such as the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer [currently flying on the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites], the Visible and Infrared Radiometer Suite [scheduled to fly on the NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellites] and the Advanced Baseline Imager [scheduled to fly on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Geostationary Environmental Operational Satellite Series R (GOES-R) satellites].« less

SeaWiFS long-term solar diffuser reflectance and sensor noise analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eplee, Robert E., Jr.; Patt, Frederick S.; Barnes, Robert A.; McClain, Charles R.

2007-02-01

The NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group's Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) team has undertaken an analysis of the mission-long Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) solar calibration time series to assess the long-term degradation of the solar diffuser reflectance over 9 years on orbit. The SeaWiFS diffuser is an aluminum plate coated with YB71 paint. The bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the diffuser was not fully characterized before launch, so the Cal/Val team has implemented a regression of the solar incidence angles and the drift in the node of the satellite's orbit against the diffuser time series to correct for solar incidence angle effects. An exponential function with a time constant of 200 days yields the best fit to the diffuser time series. The decrease in diffuser reflectance over the mission is wavelength dependent, ranging from 9% in the blue (412 nm) to 5% in the red and near infrared (670-865 nm). The Cal/Val team has developed a methodology for computing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for SeaWiFS on orbit from the diffuser time series corrected for both the varying solar incidence angles and the diffuser reflectance degradation. A sensor noise model is used to compare on-orbit SNRs computed for radiances reflected from the diffuser with prelaunch SNRs measured at typical radiances specified for the instrument. To within the uncertainties in the measurements, the SNRs for SeaWiFS have not changed over the mission. The on-orbit performance of the SeaWiFS solar diffuser should offer insight into the long-term on-orbit performance of solar diffusers on other instruments, such as the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer [currently flying on the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites], the Visible and Infrared Radiometer Suite [scheduled to fly on the NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellites] and the Advanced Baseline Imager [scheduled to fly on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Geostationary Environmental Operational Satellite Series R (GOES-R) satellites].

Broadband diffuse terahertz wave scattering by flexible metasurface with randomized phase distribution

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yin; Liang, Lanju; Yang, Jing; Feng, Yijun; Zhu, Bo; Zhao, Junming; Jiang, Tian; Jin, Biaobing; Liu, Weiwei

2016-01-01

Suppressing specular electromagnetic wave reflection or backward radar cross section is important and of broad interests in practical electromagnetic engineering. Here, we present a scheme to achieve broadband backward scattering reduction through diffuse terahertz wave reflection by a flexible metasurface. The diffuse scattering of terahertz wave is caused by the randomized reflection phase distribution on the metasurface, which consists of meta-particles of differently sized metallic patches arranged on top of a grounded polyimide substrate simply through a certain computer generated pseudorandom sequence. Both numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate the ultralow specular reflection over a broad frequency band and wide angle of incidence due to the re-distribution of the incident energy into various directions. The diffuse scattering property is also polarization insensitive and can be well preserved when the flexible metasurface is conformably wrapped on a curved reflective object. The proposed design opens up a new route for specular reflection suppression, and may be applicable in stealth and other technology in the terahertz spectrum. PMID:27225031

Broadband diffuse terahertz wave scattering by flexible metasurface with randomized phase distribution.

PubMed

Zhang, Yin; Liang, Lanju; Yang, Jing; Feng, Yijun; Zhu, Bo; Zhao, Junming; Jiang, Tian; Jin, Biaobing; Liu, Weiwei

2016-05-26

Suppressing specular electromagnetic wave reflection or backward radar cross section is important and of broad interests in practical electromagnetic engineering. Here, we present a scheme to achieve broadband backward scattering reduction through diffuse terahertz wave reflection by a flexible metasurface. The diffuse scattering of terahertz wave is caused by the randomized reflection phase distribution on the metasurface, which consists of meta-particles of differently sized metallic patches arranged on top of a grounded polyimide substrate simply through a certain computer generated pseudorandom sequence. Both numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate the ultralow specular reflection over a broad frequency band and wide angle of incidence due to the re-distribution of the incident energy into various directions. The diffuse scattering property is also polarization insensitive and can be well preserved when the flexible metasurface is conformably wrapped on a curved reflective object. The proposed design opens up a new route for specular reflection suppression, and may be applicable in stealth and other technology in the terahertz spectrum.

Micro-X-ray diffraction assessment of shock stage in enstatite chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izawa, Matthew R. M.; Flemming, Roberta L.; Banerjee, Neil R.; McCausland, Philip J. A.

2011-05-01

A new method for assessing the shock stage of enstatite chondrites has been developed, using in situ micro-X-ray diffraction (μXRD) to measure the full width at half maximum (FWHMχ) of peak intensity distributed along the direction of the Debye rings, or chi angle (χ), corresponding to individual lattice reflections in two-dimensional XRD patterns. This μXRD technique differs from previous XRD shock characterization methods: it does not require single crystals or powders. In situ μXRD has been applied to polished thin sections and whole-rock meteorite samples. Three frequently observed orthoenstatite reflections were measured: (020), (610), and (131); these were selected as they did not overlap with diffraction lines from other phases. Enstatite chondrites are commonly fine grained, stained or darkened by weathering, shock-induced oxidation, and metal/sulfide inclusions; furthermore, most E chondrites have little olivine or plagioclase. These characteristics inhibit transmitted-light petrography, nevertheless, shock stages have been assigned MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 02837 (EL3) S3, Pecora Escarpment (PCA) 91020 (EL3) S5, MAC 02747 (EL4) S4, Thiel Mountains (TIL) 91714 (EL5) S2, Allan Hills (ALHA) 81021 (EL6) S2, Elephant Moraine (EET) 87746 (EH3) S3, Meteorite Hills (MET) 00783 (EH4) S4, EET 96135 (EH4-5) S2, Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88180 (EH5) S2, Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94204 (EH7) S2, LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02225 (EH impact melt) S1; for the six with published shock stages, there is agreement with the published classification. FWHMχ plotted against petrographic shock stage demonstrates positive linear correlation. FWHMχ ranges corresponding to shock stages were assigned as follows: S1 < 0.7°, S2 = 0.7-1.2°, S3 = 1.2-2.3°, S4 = 2.3-3.5°, S5 > 3.5°, S6—not measured. Slabs of Abee (EH impact-melt breccia), and Northwest Africa (NWA) 2212 (EL6) were examined using μXRD alone; FWHMχ values place both in the S2 range, consistent with literature values. Micro-XRD analysis may be applicable to other shocked orthopyroxene-bearing rocks.

X-ray diffraction, Raman, and photoacoustic studies of ZnTe nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ersching, K.; Campos, C. E. M.; de Lima, J. C.; Grandi, T. A.; Souza, S. M.; da Silva, D. L.; Pizani, P. S.

2009-06-01

Nanocrystalline ZnTe was prepared by mechanical alloying. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic absorption spectroscopy techniques were used to study the structural, chemical, optical, and thermal properties of the as-milled powder. An annealing of the mechanical alloyed sample at 590 °C for 6 h was done to investigate the optical properties in a defect-free sample (close to bulk form). The main crystalline phase formed was the zinc-blende ZnTe, but residual trigonal tellurium and hexagonal ZnO phases were also observed for both as-milled and annealed samples. The structural parameters, phase fractions, average crystallite sizes, and microstrains of all crystalline phases were obtained from Rietveld analyses of the X-ray patterns. Raman results corroborate the XRD results, showing the longitudinal optical phonons of ZnTe (even at third order) and those modes of trigonal Te. Nonradiative surface recombination and thermal bending heat transfer mechanisms were proposed from photoacoustic analysis. An increase in effective thermal diffusivity coefficient was observed after annealing and the carrier diffusion coefficient, the surface recombination velocity, and the recombination time parameters remained the same.

Effect of deposition temperature on thermal stabilities of copper-carbon films in barrier-less Cu metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Huan; Fu, Zhiqiang; Xie, Qi; Yue, Wen; Wang, Chengbiao; Kang, Jiajie; Zhu, Lina

2018-01-01

Copper-carbon alloy films have been applied in barrier-less Cu metallization as seed layers for improving the thermal stabilities. The effect of the deposition temperature on the microstructure and properties of C-doped Cu films on Si substrates was investigated. The films were prepared by ion beam-assisted deposition at various deposition temperatures by co-sputtering of Cu and graphite targets. No inter-diffusion between Cu and Si was observed in Cu(C) films throughout this experiment, because XRD patterns corresponding to their deep-level reaction product, namely, Cu3Si, were not observed in XRD patterns and EDS results of Cu(C) films. Amorphous carbon layer and SiC layer were found in the interface of Cu(C) as-deposited films when deposition temperature rose to 100 °C by TEM, high-resolution image and Fourier transformation pattern. The Cu(C) films deposited at 100 °C had the best thermal stabilities and the lowest electrical resistivity of 4.44 μW cm after annealing at 400 °C for 1 h. Cu agglomeration was observed in Cu(C) alloy films with deposition temperatures of 200, 300 and 400 °C, and the most serious agglomeration occurred in Cu(C) films deposited at 200 °C. Undesired Cu agglomeration resulted in a sharp increase in the resistivity after annealing at 300 °C for 1 h. The deposition temperature of 100 °C reflected the superior thermal stabilities of Cu(C) seed layers compared with those of other layers.

Synthesis and characterization of C-doped TiO2 thin films for visible-light-induced photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Mohamed Elfatih; Cong, Longchao; Liu, Guanglong; Zhu, Duanwei; Cai, Jianbo

2014-03-01

C-TiO2 thin films were synthesized by a modified sol-gel route based on the self-assembly technique exploiting Tween80 (T80) as a pore directing agent and carbon source. The effect of calcination time on the photocatalytic activity of C-doped TiO2 catalyst was studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The XRD results showed that C-TiO2 sample calcined at 400 °C for various times exhibited anatase phase and no other crystal phase was identified. C-TiO2 exhibited a shift in an absorption edge of samples in the visible region than that of conventional or reference TiO2. The XPS results showed an existence of C in the TiO2 catalysts and C might be existed as Csbnd Osbnd Ti group. Moreover, the C-TiO2 thin film calcined at 400 °C for 30 min showed the lowest PL intensity due to a decrease in the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes under UV light irradiation. Also the photocatalytic activity of synthesized catalyst was evaluated by decomposition of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the optimum preparations of C-TiO2 thin films were found to be under calcination temperature of 400, calcination time of 30 min, and with preparation 9 layers film.

Synthesis, characterization and magneto optical properties of BaBixLaxYxFe12-3xO19 (0.0≤x≤0.33) hexaferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Güner, S.; Auwal, I. A.; Baykal, A.; Sözeri, H.

2016-10-01

BaBixLaxYxFe12-3xO19 (0.0≤x≤0.33) hexaferrites were synthesized by sol-gel autocombustion method and the effects of Bi, La, Y substitutions on structural, magneto-optical properties of barium hexaferrite were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Percent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DR %), were used to study the physical properties. XRD peaks showed pure single phase of hexagonal ferrites and the average crystallite size varies in a range of 42.35-49.90 nm. Room temperature (RT) specific magnetization (σ-H) data revealed the strong ferromagnetic nature of hexaferrite with remanant specific magnetization (σr) in the range of 29.9-34.6 Am2/kg and extrapolated specific saturation magnetization (σs) in the range 53.69-67.42 Am2/kg. The maximum coercive field (Hc) of 3.812×105 A/m (belongs to BaFe12O19) decreases to minimum 2.177×105 A/m with increasing ion substitution. Magnetic anisotropy was confirmed as uniaxial and effective anisotropy constant (Keff) takes values between 2.532×105 J/m3 and 3.105×105 J/m3. The anisotropy field (Ha) around 1.6 T revealed that all samples are magnetically hard materials. The Tauc graphs were plotted to estimate the direct optical energy band gap (Eg) of hexaferrite. The Eg values decreased from 1.88 eV to 1.69 eV with increasing Bi, La, Y compositions.

Improved solar-driven photocatalytic performance of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} prepared in-situ

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

Zhong, Junbo, E-mail: junbozhong@163.com; Li, Jianzhang, E-mail: lschmanuscript@163.com; Huang, Shengtian

Highlights: • Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} photocatalysts were prepared in-situ. • The photo-induced charge separation rate has been greatly increased. • The photocatalytic activity has been greatly promoted. - Abstract: Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} composites have been fabricated in-situ via a facile parallel flaw co-precipitation method. The specific surface area, structure, morphology, and the separation rate of photo-induced charge pairs of the photocatalysts were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy, respectively. XRD patterns and DRS demonstrated that Ag{submore » 2}CO{sub 3} has no effect on the crystal phase and bandgap of (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3}. The existence of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} in the composites enhances the separation rate of photo-induced charge pairs of the photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} was evaluated by the decolorization of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation. It was found that the simulated solar-induced photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} copmposites was significantly improved, which was mainly attributed to the enhanced surface area and the separation rate of photo-induced charge pairs.« less

Ultra-broadband and planar sound diffuser with high uniformity of reflected intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Xu-Dong; Zhu, Yi-Fan; Liang, Bin; Yang, Jing; Yang, Jun; Cheng, Jian-Chun

2017-09-01

Schroeder diffusers, as a classical design of acoustic diffusers proposed over 40 years ago, play key roles in many practical scenarios ranging from architectural acoustics to noise control to particle manipulation. Despite the great success of conventional acoustic diffusers, it is still worth pursuing ideal acoustic diffusers that are essentially expected to produce perfect sound diffuse reflection within the unlimited bandwidth. Here, we propose a different mechanism for designing acoustic diffusers to overcome the basic limits in intensity uniformity and working bandwidth in the previous designs and demonstrate a practical implementation by acoustic metamaterials with dispersionless phase-steering capability. In stark contrast to the existing production of diffuse fields relying on random scattering of sound energy by using a specific mathematical number sequence of periodically distributed unit cells, we directly mold the reflected wavefront into the desired shape by precisely manipulating the local phases of individual subwavelength metastructures. We also benchmark our design via numerical simulation with a commercially available Schroeder diffuser, and the results verify that our proposed diffuser scatters incident acoustic energy into all directions more uniformly within an ultra-broad band regardless of the incident angle. Furthermore, our design enables further improvement of the working bandwidth just by simply downscaling each individual element. With ultra-broadband functionality and high uniformity of reflected intensity, our metamaterial-based production of the diffusive field opens a route to the design and application of acoustic diffusers and may have a significant impact on various fields such as architectural acoustics and medical ultrasound imaging/treatment.

Near-infrared diffuse reflection systems for chlorophyll content of tomato leaves measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Huanyu; Ying, Yibin; Lu, Huishan

2006-10-01

In this study, two measuring systems for chlorophyll content of tomato leaves were developed based on near-infrared spectral techniques. The systems mainly consists of a FT-IR spectrum analyzer, optic fiber diffuses reflection accessories and data card. Diffuse reflectance of intact tomato leaves was measured by an optics fiber optic fiber diffuses reflection accessory and a smart diffuses reflection accessory. Calibration models were developed from spectral and constituent measurements. 90 samples served as the calibration sets and 30 samples served as the validation sets. Partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) technique were used to develop the prediction models by different data preprocessing. The best model for chlorophyll content had a high correlation efficient of 0.9348 and a low standard error of prediction RMSEP of 4.79 when we select full range (12500-4000 cm -1), MSC path length correction method by the log(1/R). The results of this study suggest that FT-NIR method can be feasible to detect chlorophyll content of tomato leaves rapidly and nondestructively.

Noble metal-modified titania with visible-light activity for the decomposition of microorganisms

PubMed Central

Endo, Maya; Wei, Zhishun; Wang, Kunlei; Karabiyik, Baris; Yoshiiri, Kenta; Rokicka, Paulina; Ohtani, Bunsho

2018-01-01

Commercial titania photocatalysts were modified with silver and gold by photodeposition, and characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). It was found that silver co-existed in zero valent (core) and oxidized (shell) forms, whereas gold was mainly zero valent. The obtained noble metal-modified samples were examined with regard to antibacterial (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger (A. niger), Aspergillus melleus (A. melleus), Penicillium chrysogenum (P. chrysogenum), Candida albicans (C. albicans)) activity under visible-light irradiation and in the dark using disk diffusion, suspension, colony growth (“poisoned food”) and sporulation methods. It was found that silver-modified titania, besides remarkably high antibacterial activity (inhibition of bacterial proliferation), could also decompose bacterial cells under visible-light irradiation, possibly due to an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species and the intrinsic properties of silver. Gold-modified samples were almost inactive against bacteria in the dark, whereas significant bactericidal effect under visible-light irradiation suggested that the mechanism of bacteria inactivation was initiated by plasmonic excitation of titania by localized surface plasmon resonance of gold. The antifungal activity tests showed efficient suppression of mycelium growth by bare titania, and suppression of mycotoxin generation and sporulation by gold-modified titania. Although, the growth of fungi was hardly inhibited through disc diffusion (inhibition zones around discs), it indicates that gold does not penetrate into the media, and thus, a good stability of plasmonic photocatalysts has been confirmed. In summary, it was found that silver-modified titania showed superior antibacterial activity, whereas gold-modified samples were very active against fungi, suggesting that bimetallic photocatalysts containing both gold and silver should exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties. PMID:29600144

Impact of pentacene film thickness on the photoresponse spectra: Determination of the photocarrier generation mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorgolis, S.; Giannopoulou, A.; Anastassopoulos, D.; Kounavis, P.

2012-07-01

Photocurrent response, optical absorption, and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements in pentacene films grown on glass substrates are performed in order to obtain an insight into the mobile photocarriers generation mechanism. For film thickness of the order of 50 nm and lower, the photocurrent response spectra are found to follow the optical absorption spectra demonstrating the so-called symbatic response. Upon increasing the film thickness, the photoresponse demonstrates a transition to the so-called antibatic response, which is characterized by a maximum and minimum photocurrent for photon energies of minimum and maximum optical absorption, respectively. The experimental results are not in accordance with the model of important surface recombination rate. By taking into account the XRD patterns, the experimental photoresponse spectra can be reproduced by model simulations assuming efficient exciton dissociation at a narrow layer of the order of 20 nm near the pentacene-substrate interface. The simulated spectra are found sensitive to the film thickness, the absolute optical absorption coefficient, and the diffusion exciton length. By comparing the experimental with the simulated spectra, it is deduced that the excitons, which are created by optical excitation in the spectral region of 1.7-2.2 eV, diffuse with a diffusion length of the order of 10-80 nm to the pentacene-substrate interface where efficiently dissociate into mobile charge carriers.

Graphene oxide coated with porous iron oxide ribbons for 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) removal.

PubMed

Nethaji, S; Sivasamy, A

2017-04-01

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from commercially available graphite powder. Porous iron oxide ribbons were grown on the surface of GO by solvothermal process. The prepared GO-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites are characterized by FT-IR, XRD, VSM, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, surface functionality and zero point charge studies. The morphology of the iron oxide ribbons grown on GO is demonstrated with TEM at various magnifications. The presence of magnetite nanoparticles is evident from XRD peaks and the magnetization value is found to be 37.28emu/g. The ratio of intensity of D-peak to G-peak from Raman spectrum is 0.995. The synthesized Graphene oxide-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites (GO-Fe 3 O 4 ) were explored for its surface adsorptive properties by using a model organic compound, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption studies were performed and the equilibrium data are modelled with Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. The maximum monolayer capacity from Langmuir isotherm is 67.26mg/g. Kinetic studies were also carried out and the studied adsorption process followed pseudo second-order rate equation. Mechanism of the adsorption process is studied by fitting the data with intraparticle diffusion model and Boyd plot. The studied adsorption process is both by film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Growth of crack-free GaN films on Si(111) substrate by using Al-rich AlN buffer layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yuan; Cong, Guangwei; Liu, Xianglin; Lu, Da-Cheng; Zhu, Qinsheng; Wang, Xiaohui; Wu, Jiejun; Wang, Zhanguo

2004-11-01

GaN epilayers were grown on Si(111) substrate by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. By using the Al-rich AlN buffer which contains Al beyond stoichiometry, crack-free GaN epilayers with 1 μm thickness were obtained. Through x-ray diffraction (XRD) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy analyses, it was found that a lot of Al atoms have diffused into the under part of the GaN epilayer from the Al-rich AlN buffer, which results in the formation of an AlxGa1-xN layer at least with 300 nm thickness in the 1 μm thick GaN epilayer. The Al fraction x was estimated by XRD to be about 2.5%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth analysis was also applied to investigate the stoichiometry in the Al-rich buffer before GaN growth. It is suggested that the underlayer AlxGa1-xN originated from Al diffusion probably provides a compressive stress to the upper part of the GaN epilayer, which counterbalances a part of tensile stress in the GaN epilayer during cooling down and consequently reduces the cracks of the film effectively. The method using the Al diffusion effect to form a thick AlGaN layer is really feasible to achieve the crack-free GaN films and obtain a high crystal quality simultaneously.

Hazard calculations of diffuse reflected laser radiation for the SELENE program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miner, Gilda A.; Babb, Phillip D.

1993-01-01

The hazards from diffuse laser light reflections off water clouds, ice clouds, and fog and from possible specular reflections off ice clouds were assessed with the American National Standards (ANSI Z136.1-1986) for the free-electron-laser parameters under consideration for the Segmented Efficient Laser Emission for Non-Nuclear Electricity (SELENE) Program. Diffuse laser reflection hazards exist for water cloud surfaces less than 722 m in altitude and ice cloud surfaces less than 850 m in altitude. Specular reflections from ice crystals in cirrus clouds are not probable; however, any specular reflection is a hazard to ground observers. The hazard to the laser operators and any ground observers during heavy fog conditions is of such significant magnitude that the laser should not be operated in fog.

Improved algorithm for estimating optical properties of food and biological materials using spatially-resolved diffuse reflectance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this research, the inverse algorithm for estimating optical properties of food and biological materials from spatially-resolved diffuse reflectance was optimized in terms of data smoothing, normalization and spatial region of reflectance profile for curve fitting. Monte Carlo simulation was used ...

Properties of seismic absorption induced reflections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Haixia; Gao, Jinghuai; Peng, Jigen

2018-05-01

Seismic reflections at an interface are often regarded as the variation of the acoustic impedance (product of seismic velocity and density) in a medium. In fact, they can also be generated due to the difference in absorption of the seismic energy. In this paper, we investigate the properties of such reflections. Based on the diffusive-viscous wave equation and elastic diffusive-viscous wave equation, we investigate the dependency of the reflection coefficients on frequency, and their variations with incident angles. Numerical results at a boundary due to absorption contrasts are compared with those resulted from acoustic impedance variation. It is found that, the reflection coefficients resulted from absorption depend significantly on the frequency especially at lower frequencies, but vary very slowly at small incident angles. At the higher frequencies, the reflection coefficients of diffusive-viscous wave and elastic diffusive-viscous wave are close to those of acoustic and elastic cases, respectively. On the other hand, the reflections caused by acoustic impedance variation are independent of frequency but vary distinctly with incident angles before the critical angle. We also investigate the difference between the seismograms generated in the two different media. The numerical results show that the amplitudes of these reflected waves are attenuated and their phases are shifted. However, the reflections obtained by acoustic impedance contrast, show no significant amplitude attenuation and phase shift.

Reversed nanoscale Kirkendall effect in Au–InAs hybrid nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Liu, Jing; Amit, Yorai; Li, Yuanyuan; ...

2016-10-10

Metal–semiconductor hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) offer interesting synergistic properties, leading to unique behaviors that have already been exploited in photocatalysis, electrical, and optoelectronic applications. A fundamental aspect in the synthesis of metal–semiconductor hybrid NPs is the possible diffusion of the metal species through the semiconductor lattice. The importance of understanding and controlling the co-diffusion of different constituents is demonstrated in the synthesis of various hollow-structured NPs via the Kirkendall effect. Here, we used a postsynthesis room-temperature reaction between AuCl 3 and InAs nanocrystals (NCs) to form metal–semiconductor core–shell hybrid NPs through the “reversed Kirkendall effect”. In the presented system, the diffusionmore » rate of the inward diffusing species (Au) is faster than that of the outward diffusing species (InAs), which results in the formation of a crystalline metallic Au core surrounded by an amorphous, oxidized InAs shell containing nanoscale voids. We used time-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to monitor the diffusion process and found that both the size of the Au core and the extent of the disorder of the InAs shell depend strongly on the Au-to-NC ratio. We have determined, based on multielement fit analysis, that Au diffuses into the NC via the kick-out mechanism, substituting for In host atoms; this compromises the structural stability of the lattice and triggers the formation of In–O bonds. These bonds were used as markers to follow the diffusion process and indicate the extent of degradation of the NC lattice. Time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to measure the changes in the crystal structures of InAs and the nanoscale Au phases. By combining the results of XAFS, XRD, and electron microscopy, we correlated the changes in the local structure around Au, As, and In atoms and the changes in the overall InAs crystal structure. This correlative analysis revealed a co-dependence of different structural consequences when introducing Au into the InAs NCs. As a result this study of diffusion effects in nanocrystals has relevance to powerful concepts in solid-state nanochemistry related to processes of cation exchange, doping reactions, and diffusion mechanisms.« less

Reversed Nanoscale Kirkendall Effect in Au–InAs Hybrid Nanoparticles

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

Liu, Jing; Amit, Yorai; Li, Yuanyuan

2016-11-08

Metal–semiconductor hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) offer interesting synergistic properties, leading to unique behaviors that have already been exploited in photocatalysis, electrical, and optoelectronic applications. A fundamental aspect in the synthesis of metal–semiconductor hybrid NPs is the possible diffusion of the metal species through the semiconductor lattice. The importance of understanding and controlling the co-diffusion of different constituents is demonstrated in the synthesis of various hollow-structured NPs via the Kirkendall effect. Here, we used a postsynthesis room-temperature reaction between AuCl 3 and InAs nanocrystals (NCs) to form metal–semiconductor core–shell hybrid NPs through the “reversed Kirkendall effect”. In the presented system, the diffusionmore » rate of the inward diffusing species (Au) is faster than that of the outward diffusing species (InAs), which results in the formation of a crystalline metallic Au core surrounded by an amorphous, oxidized InAs shell containing nanoscale voids. We used time-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to monitor the diffusion process and found that both the size of the Au core and the extent of the disorder of the InAs shell depend strongly on the Au-to-NC ratio. We have determined, based on multielement fit analysis, that Au diffuses into the NC via the kick-out mechanism, substituting for In host atoms; this compromises the structural stability of the lattice and triggers the formation of In–O bonds. These bonds were used as markers to follow the diffusion process and indicate the extent of degradation of the NC lattice. Time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to measure the changes in the crystal structures of InAs and the nanoscale Au phases. By combining the results of XAFS, XRD, and electron microscopy, we correlated the changes in the local structure around Au, As, and In atoms and the changes in the overall InAs crystal structure. This correlative analysis revealed a co-dependence of different structural consequences when introducing Au into the InAs NCs. Therefore, this study of diffusion effects in nanocrystals has relevance to powerful concepts in solid-state nanochemistry related to processes of cation exchange, doping reactions, and diffusion mechanisms.« less

Intensity-Value Corrections for Integrating Sphere Measurements of Solid Samples Measured Behind Glass

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

Johnson, Timothy J.; Bernacki, Bruce E.; Redding, Rebecca L.

2014-11-01

Accurate and calibrated directional-hemispherical reflectance spectra of solids are important for both in situ and remote sensing. Many solids are in the form of powders or granules and to measure their diffuse reflectance spectra in the laboratory, it is often necessary to place the samples behind a transparent medium such as glass for the ultraviolet (UV), visible, or near-infrared spectral regions. Using both experimental methods and a simple optical model, we demonstrate that glass (fused quartz in our case) leads to artifacts in the reflectance values. We report our observations that the measured reflectance values, for both hemispherical and diffusemore » reflectance, are distorted by the additional reflections arising at the air–quartz and sample–quartz interfaces. The values are dependent on the sample reflectance and are offset in intensity in the hemispherical case, leading to measured values up to ~6% too high for a 2% reflectance surface, ~3.8% too high for 10% reflecting surfaces, approximately correct for 40–60% diffuse-reflecting surfaces, and ~1.5% too low for 99% reflecting Spectralon® surfaces. For the case of diffuse-only reflectance, the measured values are uniformly too low due to the polished glass, with differences of nearly 6% for a 99% reflecting matte surface. The deviations arise from the added reflections from the quartz surfaces, as verified by both theory and experiment, and depend on sphere design. Finally, empirical correction factors were implemented into post-processing software to redress the artifact for hemispherical and diffuse reflectance data across the 300–2300 nm range.« less

Sol–gel synthesis of SnO{sub 2}–MgO nanoparticles and their photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue degradation

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

Bayal, Nisha; Jeevanandam, P., E-mail: jeevafcy@iitr.ernet.in

2013-10-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A simple sol–gel method for the synthesis of SnO{sub 2}–MgO nanoparticles is reported. • Band gap of SnO{sub 2} can be tuned by varying the magnesium content in SnO{sub 2}–MgO. • SnO{sub 2}–MgO shows good photocatalytic activity towards degradation of methylene blue. - Abstract: SnO{sub 2}–MgO mixed metal oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a simple sol–gel method. The nanoparticles were characterized by power X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results indicate the formation of mixed metal oxide nanoparticles and alsomore » a decrease of SnO{sub 2} crystallite size in the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles with increasing magnesium oxide content. The reflectance spectroscopy results show a blue shift of the band gap of SnO{sub 2} in the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the SnO{sub 2}–MgO nanoparticles was tested using the photodegradation of aqueous methylene blue in the presence of sunlight. The results indicate that the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles possess higher efficiency for the photodegradation of methylene blue compared to pure SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles.« less

Optical properties of nanocrystalline Y2O3 thin films grown on quartz substrates by electron beam deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiktorczyk, Tadeusz; Biegański, Piotr; Serafińczuk, Jarosław

2016-09-01

Yttrium oxide thin films of a thickness 221-341 nm were formed onto quartz substrates by reactive physical vapor deposition in an oxygen atmosphere. An electron beam gun was applied as a deposition source. The effect of substrate temperature during film deposition (in the range of 323-673 K) on film structure, surface morphology and optical properties was investigated. The surface morphology studies (with atomic force microscopy and diffuse spectra reflectivity) show that the film surface was relatively smooth with RMS surface roughness in the range of 1.7-3.8 nm. XRD analysis has revealed that all diffraction lines belong to a cubic Y2O3 structure. The films consisted of small nanocrystals. Their average grain size increases from 1.6 nm to 22 nm, with substrate temperature rising from 323 K to 673 K. Optical examinations of transmittance and reflectance were performed in the spectral range of 0.2-2.5 μm. Optical constants and their dispersion curves were determined. Values of the refractive index of the films were in the range of n = 1.79-1.90 (at 0.55 μm) for substrate temperature during film deposition of 323-673 K. The changes in the refractive index upon substrate temperature correspond very well with the increase in the nanocrystals grain diameter and with film porosity.

New mounting improves solar-cell efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shepard, N. F., Jr.

1980-01-01

Method boosts output by about 20 percent by trapping and redirecting solar radiation without increasing module depth. Mounted solar-cell array is covered with internally reflecting plate. Plate is attached to each cell by transparent adhesive, and space between cells is covered with layer of diffusely reflecting material. Solar energy falling on space between cells is diffused and reflected internally by plate until it is reflected onto solar cell.

Diffuse reflectance of TiO 2 pigmented paints: Spectral dependence of the average pathlength parameter and the forward scattering ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas, William E.; Amador, Alvaro; Niklasson, Gunnar A.

2006-05-01

Diffuse reflectance spectra of paint coatings with different pigment concentrations, normally illuminated with unpolarized radiation, have been measured. A four-flux radiative transfer approach is used to model the diffuse reflectance of TiO2 (rutile) pigmented coatings through the solar spectral range. The spectral dependence of the average pathlength parameter and of the forward scattering ratio for diffuse radiation, are explicitly incorporated into this four-flux model from two novel approximations. The size distribution of the pigments has been taken into account to obtain the averages of the four-flux parameters: scattering and absorption cross sections, forward scattering ratios for collimated and isotropic diffuse radiation, and coefficients involved in the expansion of the single particle phase function in terms of Legendre polynomials.

The study of frequency-scan photothermal reflectance technique for thermal diffusivity measurement

DOE PAGES

Hua, Zilong; Ban, Heng; Hurley, David H.

2015-05-05

A frequency scan photothermal reflectance technique to measure thermal diffusivity of bulk samples is studied in this manuscript. Similar to general photothermal reflectance methods, an intensity-modulated heating laser and a constant intensity probe laser are used to determine the surface temperature response under sinusoidal heating. The approach involves fixing the distance between the heating and probe laser spots, recording the phase lag of reflected probe laser intensity with respect to the heating laser frequency modulation, and extracting thermal diffusivity using the phase lag – (frequency) 1/2 relation. The experimental validation is performed on three samples (SiO 2, CaF 2 andmore » Ge), which have a wide range of thermal diffusivities. The measured thermal diffusivity values agree closely with literature values. Lastly, compared to the commonly used spatial scan method, the experimental setup and operation of the frequency scan method are simplified, and the uncertainty level is equal to or smaller than that of the spatial scan method.« less

The study of frequency-scan photothermal reflectance technique for thermal diffusivity measurement

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

Hua, Zilong; Ban, Heng; Hurley, David H.

A frequency scan photothermal reflectance technique to measure thermal diffusivity of bulk samples is studied in this manuscript. Similar to general photothermal reflectance methods, an intensity-modulated heating laser and a constant intensity probe laser are used to determine the surface temperature response under sinusoidal heating. The approach involves fixing the distance between the heating and probe laser spots, recording the phase lag of reflected probe laser intensity with respect to the heating laser frequency modulation, and extracting thermal diffusivity using the phase lag – (frequency) 1/2 relation. The experimental validation is performed on three samples (SiO 2, CaF 2 andmore » Ge), which have a wide range of thermal diffusivities. The measured thermal diffusivity values agree closely with literature values. Lastly, compared to the commonly used spatial scan method, the experimental setup and operation of the frequency scan method are simplified, and the uncertainty level is equal to or smaller than that of the spatial scan method.« less

Electrochemical deposition of layered copper thin films based on the diffusion limited aggregation

PubMed Central

Wei, Chenhuinan; Wu, Guoxing; Yang, Sanjun; Liu, Qiming

2016-01-01

In this work layered copper films with smooth surface were successfully fabricated onto ITO substrate by electrochemical deposition (ECD) and the thickness of the films was nearly 60 nm. The resulting films were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, XPS, and XRD. We have investigated the effects of potential and the concentration of additives and found that 2D dendritic-like growth process leaded the formation of films. A suitable growth mechanism based on diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) mechanism for the copper films formation is presented, which are meaningful for further designing homogeneous and functional films. PMID:27734900

Soft tissue differentiation by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zam, Azhar; Stelzle, Florian; Nkenke, Emeka; Tangermann-Gerk, Katja; Schmidt, Michael; Adler, Werner; Douplik, Alexandre

2009-07-01

Laser surgery gives the possibility to work remotely which leads to high precision, little trauma and high level sterility. However these advantages are coming with the lack of haptic feedback during the laser ablation of tissue. Therefore additional means are required to control tissue-specific ablation during laser surgery supporting the surgeon regardless of experience and skills. Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy provides a straightforward and simple approach for optical tissue differentiation. We measured diffuse reflectance from four various tissue types ex vivo. We applied Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to differentiate the four tissue types and computed the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Special emphasis was taken on the identification of nerve as the most crucial tissue for maxillofacial surgery. The results show a promise for differentiating soft tissues as guidance for tissue-specific laser surgery by means of the diffuse reflectance.

Photovoltaic characteristics of natural light harvesting dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafez, H. S.; Shenouda, S. S.; Fadel, M.

2018-03-01

In this work of research, anthocyanin as a natural dye obtained from raspberry fruits, was used and tested as a photon harvesting/electron donating dye in titanium dioxide nanoparticle-based DSSCs. A working photoelectrode made from TiO2 nanoparticles with an average particle size (10-40 nm) that is coated on Florine doped tin-oxide substrate, was prepared via a simple and low cost hydrothermal method. A detailed structural and morphological analysis of the TiO2 photoactive electrode was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectrometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Complete photovoltaic characteristics including (current, voltage, outpower, and responsivity) of the natural anthocyanin based dye sensitized solar cell have been investigated under different illumination intensity ranging from 10 to 100 mW.cm- 2. The cell responsivity and efficiency of the fabricated solar cell under different illumination intensity were found to be in the range (R = 15.6-23.8 mA.W- 1 and η = 0.13-0.25) at AM = 1.5 conditions. This study is important for enhancing the future applications of the promising DSSC technology.

AgBr/MgBi2O6 heterostructured composites with highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-06-01

AgBr/MgBi2O6 heterostructured photocatalysts were synthesized by the deposition-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) were employed to examine the phase structure, morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by decomposing methylene blue (MB) solution under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). AgBr/MgBi2O6 composites exhibited significantly enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties in comparison with pure MgBi2O6 and AgBr. When the molar ratio of AgBr to MgBi2O6 was 3:1, the composite catalyst showed the optimal photocatalytic activity and excellent stability. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of AgBr/MgBi2O6 composites was attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunction between AgBr and MgBi2O6, thereby resulting in the effective separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons-hole pairs.

TiO2-PANI/Cork composite: A new floating photocatalyst for the treatment of organic pollutants under sunlight irradiation.

PubMed

Sboui, Mouheb; Nsib, Mohamed Faouzi; Rayes, Ali; Swaminathan, Meenakshisundaram; Houas, Ammar

2017-10-01

A novel photocatalyst based on TiO 2 -PANI composite supported on small pieces of cork has been reported. It was prepared by simple impregnation method of the polyaniline (PANI)-modified TiO 2 on cork. The TiO 2 -PANI/Cork catalyst shows the unique feature of floating on the water surface. The as-synthesized catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Characterization suggested the formation of anatase highly dispersed on the cork surface. The prepared floating photocatalyst showed high efficiency for the degradation of methyl orange dye and other organic pollutants under solar irradiation and constrained conditions, i.e., no-stirring and no-oxygenation. The TiO 2 -PANI/Cork floating photocatalyst can be reused for at least four consecutive times without significant decrease of the degradation efficiency. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon and photocatalytic activity on BG and MB dyes under sunlight radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ragupathy, S.; Raghu, K.; Prabu, P.

2015-03-01

Synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon (TiO2/CNSAC) had been undertaken using sol-gel method and their application in BG and MB dyes removal under sunlight radiation has been investigated. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The various experimental parameters like amount of catalyst, contact time for efficient dyes degradation of BG and MB were concerned in this study. Activity measurements performed under solar irradiation has shown good results for the photodegradation of BG and MB in aqueous solution. It was concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in TiO2/CNSAC was due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst. The kinetic data were also described by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models.

Comparative study of biogenic and abiotic iron-containing materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherkezova-Zheleva, Z.; Shopska, M.; Paneva, D.; Kovacheva, D.; Kadinov, G.; Mitov, I.

2016-12-01

Series of iron-based biogenic materials prepared by cultivation of Leptothrix group of bacteria in different feeding media ( Sphaerotilus-Leptothrix group of bacteria isolation medium, Adler, Lieske and silicon-iron-glucose-peptone) were studied. Control samples were obtained in the same conditions and procedures but the nutrition media were not infected with bacteria, i.e. they were sterile. Room and low temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (IRS) were used to reveal the composition and physicochemical properties of biomass and respective control samples. Comparative analysis showed differences in their composition and dispersity of present phases. Sample composition included different ratio of nanodimensional iron oxyhydroxide and oxide phases. Relaxation phenomena such as superparamagnetism or collective magnetic excitation behaviour were registered for some of them. The experimental data showed that the biogenic materials were enriched in oxyhydroxides of high dispersion. Catalytic behaviour of a selected biomass and abiotic material were studied in the reaction of CO oxidation. In situ diffuse-reflectance (DR) IRS was used to monitor the phase transformations in the biomass and CO conversion.

Preparation high photocatalytic activity of CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites with hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Weinan; Ni, Liang; Huo, Pengwei; Lu, Ziyang; Liu, Xinlin; Luo, Yingying; Yan, Yongsheng

2012-10-01

A novel nanocatalyst CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was synthesized by hydrothermal method with direct growth of CdS nanoparticles on the surface of HNTs. The as-prepared photocatalysts had been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and the thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. Benefit from the excellent properties of CdS and HNTs, the photocatalyst exhibited good photocatalytic activity and stability. In order to find out the optimum synthesis condition to obtain the best photocatalytic activity, a series of experiments were performed with different CdS loading capacity, different sources of sulfide and different hydrothermal temperatures, etc. The best photodegradation rate could reach 93% in 60 min under visible light irradiation. Therefore, the combination of CdS nanoparticles with HNTs endowed this material with a potential use in environmental treatments in industries.

Investigation on the photophysical properties of tungsten trioxide and tungstate based nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanisamy, G.; Pazhanivel, T.

2018-04-01

Tungsten trioxide (WO3), Metal tungstates (SrWO4, Cr2WO6), WO3/SrWO4 and WO3/Cr2WO6 nanocomposites were successfully prepared by microwave irradiation method at relatively low temperature (500 °C). The synthesized samples were subjected to different investigation techniques, to know the materials physical and chemical properties. The structural and phase change formation of nanoparticles were investigated through XRD analysis. It shows that, the nanoparticles have highly crystalline nature. The shape and composition of the prepared nanoparticles were investigated through SEM and EDAX analysis. The optical properties of the synthesized samples were verified by Ultraviolet-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectrometer. The emission intensity maximum of WO3 nanoparticle was red shifted when compared to composites. It may be due to the effect of delocalized electrons in the parent material. Simultaneously, the emission intensity was decreased because of trap states occurred on the surface of the composite nanoparticles. The photoluminescence spectra of the synthesized samples exhibit different emission (violet and blue) behavior. Hence, it may be useful for light emitting diode (LED) applications.

Preparation, characterization and activity evaluation of heterostructure In(2)O(3)/In(OH)(3) photocatalyst.

PubMed

Shifu, Chen; Xiaoling, Yu; Huaye, Zhang; Wei, Liu

2010-08-15

In this paper, the heterostructure In(2)O(3)/In(OH)(3) photocatalyst was prepared by programmed thermal treatment of In(OH)(3) using In(NO(3))(3).9H(2)O as the precursor. Various characterization methods such as X-ray power diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the structure, morphologies, and optical properties. Terephthalic acid was used as a probe molecule to detect the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) on the surface of UV-illuminated photocatalyst by a photoluminescence (PL) technique. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the heterostructure In(2)O(3)/In(OH)(3) was higher than that of single In(2)O(3) or In(OH)(3). The increased photocatalytic activity may be attributed to the formation of the heterojunction between In(2)O(3) and In(OH)(3), which suppresses the recombination of photoexcited electrons-hole pairs. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Carbon Black on Elastomer Blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Si, Mayu; Koga, Tadanori; Ji, Yuan; Seo, Young-Soo; Rafailovich, Miriam; Sokolov, Jonathan; Gerspacher, M.; Dias, A. J.; Karp, Kriss R.; Satija, Sushil; Lin, Min Y.

2003-03-01

The effects of untreated and heat-treated carbon black N299 on the interfacial properties of PB (Polybutadiene) and terpolymer BIMS [brominated Poly(isobutylene-co-methyl styrene)] were investigated by neutron reflectivity (NR) and lateral force microscopy (LFM). The NR results show that the addition of carbon black significantly slows down the interfacial broadening while heat-treated carbon black has less effect on slowing down the diffusion compared with untreated carbon black. These results were confirmed by the LFM data, which shows the magnitude of lateral force loop of heat-treated carbon black is bigger than that of untreated one. Ultra small and small angle neutron scattering (USANS and SANS) were used to probe the morphology and surface lateral force. Increasing volume concentration of carbon black to 5glass transition temperature of BIMS is also decreased, which was measured by Differential scanning Calorimeter (DSC). XRD analysis indicates that the heat treatment crystallizes the carbon black and strong graphitic peaks are observed. The large degree of crystallization decreases the interaction with the polymer matrix and hence minimizes the effect on the internal dynamics

Photo-induced self-cleaning and sterilizing activity of Sm3+ doped ZnO nanomaterials.

PubMed

Saif, M; Hafez, H; Nabeel, A I

2013-01-01

Highly active samarium doped zinc oxide self-cleaning and biocidal surfaces (x mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO where x=0, 1, 2 and 4 mol%) with crystalline porous structures were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Sm(3+)/ZnO thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS), UV-visible diffuse reflectance and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. The combination between doping and hydrothermal treatments significantly altered the morphology of ZnO into rod and plate-like nanoshapes structure and enhanced its absorption and emission of ultraviolet radiation. The photo-activity in term of quantitative determination of the active oxidative species (()OH) produced on the thin film surfaces was evaluated using fluorescent probe method. The results showed that, the hydrothermally treated 2.0 mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO film (S2) is the highly active one. The optical, structural, morphology and photo-activity properties of the highly active thin film (S2) make it promising surface for self-cleaning and sterilizing applications. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of visible-light photoactivity by polypropylene coated plasmonic Au/TiO2 for dye degradation in water solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Amato, C. A.; Giovannetti, R.; Zannotti, M.; Rommozzi, E.; Ferraro, S.; Seghetti, C.; Minicucci, M.; Gunnella, R.; Di Cicco, A.

2018-05-01

A new approach to obtain a heterogeneous photocatalytic material with gold nanoparticles and TiO2 semiconductor was performed exploiting the reducing ability of acetylacetone, a chemical present in the TiO2 paste formulation. Gold/TiO2 heterogeneous catalyst supported on polypropylene [PP@Au-TiO2]A was prepared; composition, structure and morphology of this new material were defined by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Raman Spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. The new material was tested in the photocatalytic degradation of Alizarin Red S in water solution, as target pollutant, under visible light and correlated with structural and spectroscopic characterizations. [PP@Au-TiO2]A showed higher photocatalytic activity respect to pure [PP@TiO2]A with an improvement of photodegradation kinetic. The best performance was obtained using [PP@Au-TiO2]A sample with 0.006 wt.% of Au and the photocatalytic improvement was correlated with the band gap energy decrease of photocatalyst.

Effect of water vapor on NH3-NO/NO2 SCR performance of fresh and aged MnOx-NbOx-CeO2 catalysts.

PubMed

Chen, Lei; Si, Zhichun; Wu, Xiaodong; Weng, Duan; Wu, Zhenwei

2015-05-01

A MnOx-NbOx-CeO2 catalyst for low temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3 was prepared by a sol-gel method, and characterized by NH3-NO/NO2 SCR catalytic activity, NO/NH3 oxidation activity, NOx/NH3 TPD, XRD, BET, H2-TPR and in-situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The results indicate that the MnOx-NbOx-CeO2 catalyst shows excellent low temperature NH3-SCR activity in the temperature range of 150-300°C. Water vapor inhibits the low temperature activity of the catalyst in standard SCR due to the inhibition of NOx adsorption. As the NO2 content increases in the feed, water vapor does not affect the activity in NO2 SCR. Meanwhile, water vapor significantly enhances the N2 selectivity of the fresh and the aged catalysts due to its inhibition of the decomposition of NH4NO3 into N2O. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Role of calcium on chloride binding in hydrated Portland cement–metakaolin–limestone blends

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

Shi, Zhenguo; Geiker, Mette Rica; De Weerdt, Klaartje

Chloride binding is investigated for Portland cement–metakaolin–limestone pastes exposed to CaCl{sub 2} and NaCl solutions. The phase assemblages and the amount of Friedel's salt are evaluated using TGA, XRD and thermodynamic modeling. A larger amount of Friedel's salt is observed in the metakaolin blends compared to the pure Portland cement. A higher total chloride binding is observed for the pastes exposed to the CaCl{sub 2} solution relative to those in the NaCl solution. This is reflected by the fact that calcium increases the quantity of Friedel's salt in the metakaolin blends by promoting the transformation of strätlingite and/or monocarbonate tomore » Friedel's salt. Calcium increases also the amount of chloride in the diffuse layer of the C-S-H for the pure cement. A linear correlation between the total bound chloride and the uptake of calcium from the CaCl{sub 2} solution is obtained and found to be independent on the type of cement blend.« less

DeNOx Abatement over Sonically Prepared Iron-Substituted Y, USY and MFI Zeolite Catalysts in Lean Exhaust Gas Conditions

PubMed Central

Stachurska, Patrycja; Kuterasiński, Łukasz; Dziedzicka, Anna; Górecka, Sylwia; Chmielarz, Lucjan; Łojewska, Joanna; Sitarz, Maciej

2018-01-01

Iron-substituted MFI, Y and USY zeolites prepared by two preparation routes—classical ion exchange and the ultrasound modified ion-exchange method—were characterised by micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet (UV)/visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/Vis DRS). Ultrasound irradiation, a new technique for the preparation of the metal salt suspension before incorporation to the zeolite structure, was employed. An experimental study of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3 on both iron-substituted reference zeolite catalysts and those prepared through the application of ultrasound conducted during an ion-exchange process is presented. The prepared zeolite catalysts show high activity and selectivity in SCR deNOx abatement. The MFI-based iron catalysts, especially those prepared via the sonochemical method, revealed superior activity in the deNOx process, with almost 100% selectivity towards N2. The hydrothermal stability test confirmed high stability and activity of MFI-based catalysts in water-rich conditions during the deNOx reaction at 450 °C. PMID:29301370

Enhancing the photocatalytic degradation of Fe-Ti over SiO2 nanocomposite material for paraquat removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruanetr, Senee; Wanchanthuek, Ratchaneekorn

2018-05-01

The effect of Fe and Ti loaded over SiO2 (called FeTi/SiO2) in paraquat degradation was studied for both the catalytic activity and the catalyst surface properties. Sufficient characterization techniques were used to obtain the physical and chemical properties of the FeTi/SiO2 system, such as the adsorption-desorption isotherm, surface area and porous structure, XRD diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflection spectrometry and XPS spectroscopy. The catalytic activity in paraquat degradation studies showed that the bimetallic Fe-Ti over SiO2 had higher activity than the monometallic of either Fe or Ti over SiO2 and also the order of the Fe and Ti loading was the significant parameter affecting the activity. The XPS showed that the level of Fe3+ over the catalyst was related to the obtained activity. Moreover, the optimum Fe:Ti ratio in the FeTi/SiO2 system was 1:1 (by weight). Finally, the effect of the support pretreatment (SiO2 pretreatment) was studied and showed a negative effect on the expressed activity.

Transition metal ions effect on the properties and photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline TiO2 prepared in an ionic liquid.

PubMed

Ghasemi, S; Rahimnejad, S; Setayesh, S Rahman; Rohani, S; Gholami, M R

2009-12-30

TiO(2) and transition metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) doped TiO(2) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method using 2-hydroxylethylammonium formate as an ionic liquid. All the prepared samples were calcined at 500 degrees C and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area determination, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) techniques. The studies revealed that transition metal (TM) doped nanoparticles have smaller crystalline size and higher surface area than pure TiO(2). Dopant ions in the TiO(2) structure caused significant absorption shift into the visible region. The results of photodegradation of Acid Blue92 (AB92) in aqueous medium under UV light showed that photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) nanoparticles was significantly enhanced by the presence of some transition metal ions. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of dye solutions were done at regular intervals gave a good idea about mineralization of dye.

Synthesis of N-doped potassium tantalate perovskite material for environmental applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Martha Purnachander; Nandhini, Vellangattupalayam Ponnusamy; Wu, Jerry J.; Syed, Asad; Ameen, Fuad; Anandan, Sambandam

2018-02-01

Nitrogen containing potassium tantalate perovskite material has been synthesized by the solvothermal method using urea (CH4N2O) as a nitrogen source. The as-prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The particle size of nitrogen containing KTaO3 observed from SEM images was found to be 100-150 nm. Doping KTaO3 with nitrogen causes reduction of band gap from 3.5 to 2.54 eV. The incorporation of Nitrogen into the crystal lattice of KTaO3 not only extended the absorption of light from UV (ultraviolet) region to visible region and also enhanced the photocatalytic activity. As prepared nitrogen containing KTaO3 samples exhibit cubic-like morphology and noticed efficient photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue dye degradation under visible light illumination. The intermediates formed during photodegradation were identified by mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and proposed suitable degradation pathway.

Synthesis process and photocatalytic properties of BiOBr nanosheets for gaseous benzene.

PubMed

Liu, Yu; Yin, Yongquan; Jia, Xueqing; Cui, Xiangyu; Tian, Canrui; Sang, Yuanhua; Liu, Hong

2016-09-01

A series of nano-BiOBr were prepared by an effective hydrothermal method in the presence of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethanol at different calcination temperatures. The as-prepared nano-BiOBr samples were characterized by measuring the specific area (S BET), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the calcination temperature has an important impact on the morphology and microstructure of BiOBr. The nano-BiOBr calcined at 120 °C showed excellent photocatalytic degradation properties for benzene, with photocatalytic degradation rate of 75 % for benzene under UV irradiation for 90 min, and removal efficiency of benzene was significantly enhanced by using nano-BiOBr catalyst compared to UV irradiation alone. BiOBr catalyst possessed good photocatalytic activity even after three consecutive photocatalytic reaction cycles, illustrating its excellent stability. The photocatalytic degradation of benzene followed the first-order kinetics, and the good catalytic capability of nano-BiOBr catalyst can be attributed to its crystalline, hierarchical nanostructure and nanosheet thickness.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2/graphitic carbon nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanag, Agnieszka; Kusiak-Nejman, Ewelina; Kowalczyk, Łukasz; Kapica-Kozar, Joanna; Ohtani, Bunsho; Morawski, Antoni W.

2018-04-01

In this paper titanium dioxide carbon modification with benzene as a carbon source is presented. A TiO2/graphitic carbon nanocomposites were synthesized by thermal modification in the presence of benzene vapours at different temperature (300-700 °C). The new materials were characterized by a various techniques, such as: X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis/DR), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. BET specific surface area was also measured. The photocatalytic activity of obtained nanocomposites was measured by the decomposition of acetic acid and methylene blue under UV-vis irradiation. The results show that photocatalytic activity increasing with increase in carbon concentration and temperature of modification. It can be noted that adsorption degree has a very high impact on methylene blue decomposition. The highest photocatalytic activity was found for the photocatalyst modified at 600 °C contains 1.13 wt% of carbon. It should be noted that, the influence of crystallite size, crystal structure changes and specific surface area for photocatalytic activity are presented.

A comprehensive study on the photocatalytic activity of coupled copper oxide-cadmium sulfide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senobari, Samaneh; Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh, Alireza

2018-05-01

Coupled CdS-CuO nanoparticles (NPs) subjected in the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. The calcination temperature and the crystallite phase of CuO had a significant role on the photocatalytic activity of the coupled system and CuO200/2h-CdS catalyst (containing CuO calcined at 200 °C for 2 h) showed the best photocatalytic activity. The coupled system showed increased activity with respect to the monocomponent semiconductors. The prepared catalysts characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer, x-ray mapping, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The best degradation extent of MB was obtained at: CMB: 1 mg L-1, pH 5, 80 min irradiation time and 0.8 g L-1 of the CuO200/2h-CdS catalyst. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) confirmed about 83% of MB molecules can be mineralized at the optimum conditions.

Photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon herbicide over TiO2/Al-MCM-41 composite systems using solar light.

PubMed

Phanikrishna Sharma, M V; Durga Kumari, V; Subrahmanyam, M

2008-06-01

The present investigation covers immobilization of TiO2 using a simple solid state dispersion technique over mesoporous Al-MCM-41 support for the treatment of isoproturon herbicide. Catalysts are characterized by XRD, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), surface area, UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), SEM and TEM. A detailed photocatalytic degradation study of isoproturon under solar light in aqueous suspensions is reported. The 10 wt% TiO2/Al-MCM-41 composite system found to be optimum with high degradation activity. The reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics. The parameters like TiO2 loading over Al-MCM-41, amount of catalyst, concentration of substrate, pH effect, durability of the catalyst, activity comparison of TiO2 and Al-MCM-41 supported system are studied. The mineralization of isoproturon is monitored by TOC. Based on the degradation products detected through LC-MS, a plausible degradation mechanism is proposed. The data indicates that TiO2/Al-MCM-41 composite system is an effective photocatalyst for treatment of isoproturon in contaminated water.

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ Composite Films for the Photodegradation of Formaldehyde and Oxytetracycline under Visible Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Wei, Min; Peng, Xue-Lei; Liu, Qi-Sheng; Li, Fang; Yao, Ming-Ming

2017-06-14

In order to effectively photodegradate organic pollutants, ZnO composite and Co-B codoped TiO₂ films were successfully deposited on glass substrates via a modified sol-gel method and a controllable dip-coating technique. Combining with UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) analyses, the multi-modification could not only extend the optical response of TiO₂ to visible light region but also decrease the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs. XRD results revealed that the multi-modified TiO₂ film had an anatase-brookite biphase heterostructure. FE-SEM results indicated that the multi-modified TiO₂ film without cracks was composed of smaller round-like nanoparticles compared to pure TiO₂. BET surface area results showed that the specific surface area of pure TiO₂ and the multi-modified TiO₂ sample was 47.8 and 115.8 m²/g, respectively. By degradation of formaldehyde and oxytetracycline, experimental results showed that the multi-modified TiO₂ film had excellent photodegradation performance under visible light irradiation.

Improving the catalytic activity of magnetic Fe3O4/ZnO-CdO/reduced graphene oxide for ultrasonic degradation of the organic pollutants and the green oxidation of olefins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirzazadeh, Hoda; Lashanizadegan, Maryam

2018-05-01

Magnetic Fe3O4/ZnO-CdO/reduced graphene oxide (MFZC/RGO) has been synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MFZC/RGO was applied as catalyst in degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamin B (RhB) and methylorange (MO) under ultrasonic irradiation. Based on the results, excellent degradation efficiencies of MB, RhB and MO (>99%) were achieved within 10, 20 and 20 min, respectively under oxygen flow. Moreover the catalytic property of MFZC/RGO was investigated in oxidation of styrene, α-methyl styrene, cyclohexene and cyclooctene under oxygen flow. In addition, MFZC/RGO can be easily collected and separated by an external magnet. The catalyst displayed negligible loss in activity and selectivity within several successive runs due to super paramagnetism.

Solar photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon over TiO2/H-MOR composite systems.

PubMed

Sharma, Mangalampalli V Phanikrishna; Durgakumari, Valluri; Subrahmanyam, Machiraju

2008-12-30

The photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of isoproturon herbicide was investigated in aqueous solution containing TiO2 over H-mordenite (H-MOR) photocatalysts under solar light. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform-infra red spectra (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effect of TiO2, H-MOR support and different wt% of TiO2 over the support on the photocatalytic degradation and influence of parameters such as TiO2 loading, catalyst amount, pH and initial concentration of isoproturon on degradation are evaluated. 15wt% TiO2/H-MOR composite is found to be optimum. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics and is discussed in terms of Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The extent of isoproturon mineralization studied with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements and approximately 80% mineralization occurred in 5h. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on the intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS).

Novel Bi/BiOBr/AgBr composite microspheres: Ion exchange synthesis and photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyu, Jianchang; Li, Zhenlu; Ge, Ming

2018-06-01

Novel Bi/BiOBr/AgBr composite microspheres were prepared by a rational in situ ion exchange reaction between Bi/BiOBr microspheres and AgNO3. The characteristic of the as-obtained ternary microspheres was tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). Under visible light irradiation, Bi/BiOBr/AgBr microspheres exhibited an excellent photocatalytic efficiency for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation, which was about 1.4 and 4.9 times as high as that of Bi/BiOBr and BiOBr/AgBr, demonstrating that the highest separation efficiency of charge carriers in the heterostructured Bi/BiOBr/AgBr. The photocatalytic activity of Bi/BiOBr/AgBr microspheres just exhibited a slight decrease after three consecutive cycles. The photocatalytic mechanism investigation confirmed that the superoxide radicals (O2•-) were the dominant reactive oxygen species for RhB degradation in Bi/BiOBr/AgBr suspension.

Preparation of Ag/AgCl/BiMg{sub 2}VO{sub 6} composite and its visible-light photocatalytic activity

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

Guo, Rui; Zhang, Gaoke, E-mail: gkzhang@whut.edu.cn; Liu, Jiu

2013-05-15

Graphical abstract: - Abstract: A novel composite photocatalyst Ag/AgCl/BiMg{sub 2}VO{sub 6} was synthesized by depositing Ag/AgCl nanoparticles on BiMg{sub 2}VO{sub 6} substrate via a precipitation–photoreduction method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalyst showed high and stable photocatalytic activity for photocatalytic degradation of acid red G under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). In addition, the active ·O{sub 2}{sup −} and h{sup +}, as main reactive species, played the major roles during the reaction process.more » The high photocatalytic activity of the composite may be related to the efficient electron–hole pairs separation at the photocatalyst interfaces, as well as the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles formed on AgCl particles in the degradation reaction.« less

New ZnO@Cardanol Porphyrin Composite Nanomaterials with Enhanced Photocatalytic Capability under Solar Light Irradiation

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, Viviane Gomes Pereira; Marcelo, Ana Maria Pereira; da Silva, Kássia Teixeira; da Silva, Fernando Luiz Firmino; Mota, João Paulo Ferreira; do Nascimento, João Paulo Costa; Sombra, Antonio Sérgio Bezerra; Clemente, Claudenilson da Silva; Mazzetto, Selma Elaine

2017-01-01

This work describes the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of new composite nanomaterials based on ZnO nanostructures impregnated by lipophlilic porphyrins derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The obtained nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and steady-state photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results confirm nanostructures showing average diameter of 55 nm and an improved absorption in the visible region. Further, the FTIR analysis proved the existence of non-covalent interactions between the porphyrin molecules and ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of prepared photocatalysts was investigated by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation and natural sunlight. It was demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity increases in the presence of the porphyrins and, also, depends on the irradiation source. The development of composite photocatalysts based on porphyrins derived from CNSL provides an alternative approach to eliminate efficiently toxic wastes from water under ambient conditions. PMID:28934117

Bismuth Oxysulfide and Its Polymer Nanocomposites for Efficient Purification

PubMed Central

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

2018-01-01

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

Photocatalytic degradation of an azo textile dye (C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF)) in aqueous solution over copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Rezvani, Zoya

2015-08-01

The degradation of C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF) in aqueous solution using copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method was studied. Structural, optical and morphological properties of nanocomposite coatings were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The nanoparticles exhibit a particle size of 31 nm, showing a good nanoscale crystalline morphology. The photocatalytic activity of copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass was studied by performing the photocatalytic degradation of 3BF at different irradiation time. The effect of irradiation time on the degradation of 3BF was studied and the results showed that more than 85% of the 3BF was degraded in 45 min of irradiation. The pseudo-first-order kinetic models were used and the rate constants were evaluated with pseudo first order rate constants of 4.10 × 10-2 min-1. The main advantage of the photocatalyst coated on glass overcomes the difficulties in separation and recycle of photocatalyst suspensions.

Easy synthesis of bismuth iron oxide nanoparticles as photocatalyst for solar hydrogen generation from water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Jinyi

In this study, high purity bismuth iron oxide (BiFeO3/BFO) nanoparticles of size 50-80 nm have been successfully synthesized by a simple sol-gel method using urea and polyvinyl alcohol at low temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement is used to optimize the synthetic process to get highly crystalline and pure phase material. Diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible (DRUV-Vis) spectrum indicates that the absorption cut-off wavelength of the nanoparticles is about 620 nm, corresponding to an energy band gap of 2.1 eV. Compared to BaTiO3, BFO has a better degradation of methyl orange under light radiation. Also, photocatalytic tests prove this material to be efficient towards water splitting under simulated solar light to generate hydrogen. The simple synthetic methodology adopted in this paper will be useful in developing low-cost semiconductor materials as effective photocatalysts for hydrogen generation. Photocatalytic tests followed by gas chromatography (GC) analyses show that BiFeO3 generates three times more hydrogen than commercial titania P25 catalyst under the same experimental conditions.

Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composites for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaojuan; Jin, Bo; Huang, Jingwen; Zhang, Qingchun; Peng, Rufang; Chu, Shijin

2018-06-01

In this study, novel ternary Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) composites were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) measurement, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation indicated that the ZFO composites calcined at 500 °C has the best photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency can reach up to 95.7% within 60 min) and can maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least three cycles. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZFO composites toward dye decomposition follows the order cationic Rh B > anionic methyl orange. Finally, using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species during the degradation reaction of Rh B.

Dielectric properties of A- and B-site doped BaTiO 3: Effect of La and Ga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulwade, Devidas; Gopalan, Prakash

2009-06-01

Extremely small amounts of La and Ga doping on the A- and B-site of BaTiO 3, respectively, resulting in a solid solution of the type Ba 1-3xLa 2xTi 1-3yGa 4yO 3 have been investigated. The present work dwells on the influence of the individual dopants, namely La and Ga, on the dielectric properties of BaTiO 3. The compositions have been prepared by solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the presence of tetragonal (P4/mmm) phase. The XRD data has been analyzed using FULLPROF, a Rietveld refinement package. The microstructure have been studied by orientation imaging microscopy (OIM). The compositions have been characterized by dielectric spectroscopy between room temperature and 250 °C. Further, the nature of phase transition has been studied using high temperature XRD. The resulting compounds exhibit high dielectric constant, enhanced diffuseness and low temperature coefficient of capacitance.

Comparative study of the methane and methanol mass transfer in the mesoporous H-ZSM-5/alumina extruded pellet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhokh, Alexey A.; Strizhak, Peter E.

2018-07-01

H-ZSM-5/alumina catalyst pellet was prepared using extrusion method. The as-prepared mesoporous material was characterized using nitrogen adsorption, IR, XRD, and TEM methods. Transport of methane and methanol in the obtained H-ZSM-5/alumina extruded grain was studied. We demonstrate that the methanol transport may be described by the time-fractional diffusion equation in a fairly good manner. The measured value of the fractional order of the time-fractional derivative reveals the fast super-diffusive regime of the methanol transport in the mesoporous solid. Contrary, the methane transport has been found to follow a standard diffusion and described by the second Fick's law. These findings show that mass transfer kinetics is characterized by the order of the temporal derivative. The latter is a unique property of the individual porous media and the diffusing agent.

Comparative study of the methane and methanol mass transfer in the mesoporous H-ZSM-5/alumina extruded pellet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhokh, Alexey A.; Strizhak, Peter E.

2018-01-01

H-ZSM-5/alumina catalyst pellet was prepared using extrusion method. The as-prepared mesoporous material was characterized using nitrogen adsorption, IR, XRD, and TEM methods. Transport of methane and methanol in the obtained H-ZSM-5/alumina extruded grain was studied. We demonstrate that the methanol transport may be described by the time-fractional diffusion equation in a fairly good manner. The measured value of the fractional order of the time-fractional derivative reveals the fast super-diffusive regime of the methanol transport in the mesoporous solid. Contrary, the methane transport has been found to follow a standard diffusion and described by the second Fick's law. These findings show that mass transfer kinetics is characterized by the order of the temporal derivative. The latter is a unique property of the individual porous media and the diffusing agent.

Quantitative analysis of binary polymorphs mixtures of fusidic acid by diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance FT-NIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and multivariate calibration.

PubMed

Guo, Canyong; Luo, Xuefang; Zhou, Xiaohua; Shi, Beijia; Wang, Juanjuan; Zhao, Jinqi; Zhang, Xiaoxia

2017-06-05

Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as infrared, near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy have become popular in detecting and quantifying polymorphism of pharmaceutics since they are fast and non-destructive. This study assessed the ability of three vibrational spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis to quantify a low-content undesired polymorph within a binary polymorphic mixture. Partial least squares (PLS) regression and support vector machine (SVM) regression were employed to build quantitative models. Fusidic acid, a steroidal antibiotic, was used as the model compound. It was found that PLS regression performed slightly better than SVM regression in all the three spectroscopic techniques. Root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) were ranging from 0.48% to 1.17% for diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy and 1.60-1.93% for diffuse reflectance FT-NIR spectroscopy and 1.62-2.31% for Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy offers significant advantages in providing accurate measurement of polymorphic content in the fusidic acid binary mixtures, while Raman spectroscopy is the least accurate technique for quantitative analysis of polymorphs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectrophotometric Method for Differentiation of Human Skin Melanoma. I. Optical Diffuse Reflection Coefficient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petruk, V. G.; Ivanov, A. P.; Kvaternyuk, S. M.; Barun, V. V.

2016-03-01

We have designed an experimental setup, based on two integrating spheres, that lets us measure the optical diffuse reflectance spectra (diffuse reflection coefficient vs. wavelength) of human skin quickly under clinical conditions in vivo. For the wavelength interval 520-1100 nm, we give the values of the diffuse reflection coefficient for healthy tissue, skin with a benign nevus, and skin with a malignant melanoma for a large group of test subjects. We experimentally established a number of wavelengths in the red-near IR region of the spectrum which can be used for early differential diagnosis of nevi and melanoma in patient cancer screening. According to the Kramer-Welch test, the probability of the diffuse reflection coefficient for skin with melanoma and a nevus having different distributions is >0.94, and at many wavelengths it is >0.999. By solving the inverse problem, we estimated the changes in a number of structural and biophysical parameters of the tissue on going from healthy skin to nevus and melanoma. The results obtained can provide a basis for developing a clinical approach to identifying the risk of malignant transformation of the skin before surgery and histological analysis of the tissue.

In vivo soft tissue differentiation by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zam, Azhar; Stelzle, Florian; Tangermann-Gerk, Katja; Adler, Werner; Nkenke, Emeka; Neukam, Friedrich Wilhelm; Schmidt, Michael; Douplik, Alexandre

Remote laser surgery does not provide haptic feedback to operate layer by layer and preserve vulnerable anatomical structures like nerve tissue or blood vessels. The aim of this study is identification of soft tissue in vivo by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to set the base for a feedback control system to enhance nerve preservation in oral and maxillofacial laser surgery. Various soft tissues can be identified by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in vivo. The results may set the base for a feedback system to prevent nerve damage during oral and maxillofacial laser surgery.

Optical device for thermal diffusivity determination in liquids by reflection of a thermal wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Pérez, C.; De León-Hernández, A.; García-Cadena, C.

2017-08-01

In this work, we present a device for determination of the thermal diffusivity using the oblique reflection of a thermal wave within a solid slab that is in contact with the medium to be characterized. By using the reflection near a critical angle under the assumption that thermal waves obey Snell's law of refraction with the square root of the thermal diffusivities, the unknown thermal diffusivity is obtained by simple formulae. Experimentally, the sensor response is measured using the photothermal beam deflection technique within a slab that results in a compact device with no contact of the laser probing beam with the sample. We describe the theoretical basis and provide experimental results to validate the proposed method. We determine the thermal diffusivity of tridistilled water and glycerin solutions with an error of less than 0.5%.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and photocatalytic activity of a new two-layer Ruddlesden-Popper phase, Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7}

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

Liang Zhenhua; Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026; Tang Kaibin

2008-04-15

A new two-layer Ruddlesden-Popper phase Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} has been synthesized for the first time. The detailed structure determination of Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} performed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (ED) shows that it crystallizes in the space group Fmmm [a{approx}5.5153(1), b{approx}5.4646(1), c{approx}18.2375(3)A]. UV-visible diffuse reflection spectrum of the prepared Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} indicates that it had absorption in the UV region. The photocatalytic activity of the Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} powders was evaluated by degradation of RhB molecules in water under ultra visible light irradiation. The results showed that Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} hasmore » high photocatalytic activity at room temperature. Therefore, the preparation and properties studies of Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} with a two-layer Ruddlesden-Popper structure suggest potential future applications in photocatalysis. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure of a two-layer Ruddlesden-Popper phase Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} A new two-layer Ruddlesden-Popper phase Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} has been synthesized for the first time. Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} crystallizes in the space group Fmmm determined by powder X-ray and electron diffraction. UV-visible diffuse reflection spectra and the photocatalytic degradation of RhB molecules in water under ultra visible light irradiation show that Li{sub 2}CaTa{sub 2}O{sub 7} is a potential material in photocatalysis.« less

Influence of Li+ charge compensator ion on the energy transfer from Pr3 + to Gd3 + ions in Ca9Mg(PO4)6F2:Gd3 +, Pr3 +, Li+ phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamboli, Sumedha; Dhoble, S. J.

2017-09-01

Phototherapy is a renowned treatment for curing skin diseases since ancient times. Phototherapeutic treatment for psoriasis and many other diseases require narrow band ultra violet-B (NB-UVB) light with peak intensity at 313 nm to be exposed to the affected part of body. In this paper, we report combustion synthesis of NB-UVB - 313 nm emitting Ca9Mg(PO4)6F2 phosphors doped with Gd3 +, Pr3 + and Li+ ions. The phase formation was confirmed by obtaining X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and morphology was studied with the Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra show intense narrow band emission at 313 nm under 274 nm excitation wavelengths. Emission intensity was enhanced when Ca9Mg(PO4)6F2 compound is co-doped with Pr3 + ions. Excitation spectra of Ca9Mg(PO4)6F2:Gd3 +, Pr3 + doped samples shows broad excitation in ultra violet C (UVC) region. Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), obtained by UV-visible spectrophotometer, measures the absorption properties of the material. By applying Kubelka Munk function on the diffuse reflectance spectra, band gap of the material is determined. PL decay curves were examined which indicates efficient energy transfer between Pr3 + and Gd3 + ions. Charge compensation effect was also studied by co-doping Li+ ion in host. Emission intensity was found to increase with the addition of charge compensator. The prepared phosphor has potential to convert UVC light into NB-UVB. The luminescence intensity of Gd3 + shows remarkable increase when it is sensitized with Pr3 +, and an addition of charge compensator in the form of Li+, show even better results. This phosphor surely has the potential to be used as phototherapy lamp phosphor.

Clinical system model for monitoring the physiological status of jaundice by extracting bilirubin components from skin diffuse reflectance spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Alla S.; Clark, Joseph; Beyette, Fred R., Jr.

2009-02-01

Neonatal jaundice is a medical condition which occurs in newborns as a result of an imbalance between the production and elimination of bilirubin. The excess bilirubin in the blood stream diffuses into the surrounding tissue leading to a yellowing of the skin. As the bilirubin levels rise in the blood stream, there is a continuous exchange between the extra vascular bilirubin and bilirubin in the blood stream. Exposure to phototherapy alters the concentration of bilirubin in the vascular and extra vascular regions by causing bilirubin in the skin layers to be broken down. Thus, the relative concentration of extra vascular bilirubin is reduced leading to a diffusion of bilirubin out of the vascular region. Diffuse reflectance spectra from human skin contains physiological and structural information of the skin and nearby tissue. A diffuse reflectance spectrum must be captured before and after blanching in order to isolate the intravascular and extra vascular bilirubin. A new mathematical model is proposed with extra vascular bilirubin concentration taken into consideration along with other optical parameters in defining the diffuse reflectance spectrum from human skin. A nonlinear optimization algorithm has been adopted to extract the optical properties (including bilirubin concentration) from the skin reflectance spectrum. The new system model and nonlinear algorithm have been combined to enable extraction of Bilirubin concentrations within an average error of 10%.

Vanadium diffusion coating on HT-9 cladding for mitigating the fuel cladding chemical interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, Wei-Yang; Yang, Yong

2014-08-01

Fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) has been identified as one of the crucial issues for developing Ferritic/Martensitic (F/M) stainless steel claddings for metallic fuels in a fast reactor. The anticipated elevated temperature and high neutron flux can significantly aggravate the FCCI, in terms of formation of inter-diffusion and lower melting point eutectic phases. To mitigate the FCCI, vanadium carbide coating as a diffusion barrier was deposited on the HT-9 substrate using a pack cementation diffusion coating (PCDC) method, and the processing temperature was optimized down to 730 °C. A solid metallurgical bonding between the coating layer and substrate was achieved, and the coating is free from through depth cracks. The microstructural characterizations using SEM and TEM show a nanostructured grain structure. EDS/WDS and XRD analysis confirm the phase of coating layer as V2C. Diffusion couple tests at 660 °C for 100 h demonstrate that V2C layer with a thickness of less than 5 μm can effectively eliminate the inter-diffusion between the lanthanide cerium and HT-9 steel.

Reconstructing in-vivo reflectance spectrum of pigmented skin lesion by Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuang; He, Qingli; Zhao, Jianhua; Lui, Harvey; Zeng, Haishan

2012-03-01

In dermatology applications, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy has been extensively investigated as a promising tool for the noninvasive method to distinguish melanoma from benign pigmented skin lesion (nevus), which is concentrated with the skin chromophores like melanin and hemoglobin. We carried out a theoretical study to examine melanin distribution in human skin tissue and establish a practical optical model for further pigmented skin investigation. The theoretical simulation was using junctional nevus as an example. A multiple layer skin optical model was developed on established anatomy structures of skin, the published optical parameters of different skin layers, blood and melanin. Monte Carlo simulation was used to model the interaction between excitation light and skin tissue and rebuild the diffuse reflectance process from skin tissue. A testified methodology was adopted to determine melanin contents in human skin based on in vivo diffuse reflectance spectra. The rebuild diffuse reflectance spectra were investigated by adding melanin into different layers of the theoretical model. One of in vivo reflectance spectra from Junctional nevi and their surrounding normal skin was studied by compare the ratio between nevus and normal skin tissue in both the experimental and simulated diffuse reflectance spectra. The simulation result showed a good agreement with our clinical measurements, which indicated that our research method, including the spectral ratio method, skin optical model and modifying the melanin content in the model, could be applied in further theoretical simulation of pigmented skin lesions.

A method of online quantitative interpretation of diffuse reflection profiles of biological tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisenko, S. A.; Kugeiko, M. M.

2013-02-01

We have developed a method of combined interpretation of spectral and spatial characteristics of diffuse reflection of biological tissues, which makes it possible to determine biophysical parameters of the tissue with a high accuracy in real time under conditions of their general variability. Using the Monte Carlo method, we have modeled a statistical ensemble of profiles of diffuse reflection coefficients of skin, which corresponds to a wave variation of its biophysical parameters. On its basis, we have estimated the retrieval accuracy of biophysical parameters using the developed method and investigated the stability of the method to errors of optical measurements. We have showed that it is possible to determine online the concentrations of melanin, hemoglobin, bilirubin, oxygen saturation of blood, and structural parameters of skin from measurements of its diffuse reflection in the spectral range 450-800 nm at three distances between the radiation source and detector.

Combination of acoustical radiosity and the image source method.

PubMed

Koutsouris, Georgios I; Brunskog, Jonas; Jeong, Cheol-Ho; Jacobsen, Finn

2013-06-01

A combined model for room acoustic predictions is developed, aiming to treat both diffuse and specular reflections in a unified way. Two established methods are incorporated: acoustical radiosity, accounting for the diffuse part, and the image source method, accounting for the specular part. The model is based on conservation of acoustical energy. Losses are taken into account by the energy absorption coefficient, and the diffuse reflections are controlled via the scattering coefficient, which defines the portion of energy that has been diffusely reflected. The way the model is formulated allows for a dynamic control of the image source production, so that no fixed maximum reflection order is required. The model is optimized for energy impulse response predictions in arbitrary polyhedral rooms. The predictions are validated by comparison with published measured data for a real music studio hall. The proposed model turns out to be promising for acoustic predictions providing a high level of detail and accuracy.

Optical diffuse reflectance accessory for measurements of skin tissue by near-infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marbach, R.; Heise, H. M.

1995-02-01

An optimized accessory for measuring the diffuse reflectance spectra of human skin tissue in the near-infrared spectral range is presented. The device includes an on-axis ellipsoidal collecting mirror with efficient illumination optics for small sampling areas of bulky body specimens. The optical design is supported by the results of a Monte Carlo simulation study of the reflectance characteristics of skin tissue. Because the results evolved from efforts to measure blood glucose noninvasively, the main emphasis is placed on the long-wavelength near-infrared range where sufficient penetration depth for radiation into tissue is still available. The accessory is applied for in vivo diffuse reflectance measurements.

Influence of temperature on oxidation mechanisms of fiber-textured AlTiTaN coatings.

PubMed

Khetan, Vishal; Valle, Nathalie; Duday, David; Michotte, Claude; Delplancke-Ogletree, Marie-Paule; Choquet, Patrick

2014-03-26

The oxidation kinetics of AlTiTaN hard coatings deposited at 265 °C by DC magnetron sputtering were investigated between 700 and 950 °C for various durations. By combining dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (D-SIMS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations of the different oxidized coatings, we were able to highlight the oxidation mechanisms involved. The TEM cross-section observations combined with XRD analysis show that a single amorphous oxide layer comprising Ti, Al, and Ta formed at 700 °C. Above 750 °C, the oxide scale transforms into a bilayer oxide comprising an Al-rich upper oxide layer and a Ti/Ta-rich oxide layer at the interface with the coated nitride layer. From the D-SIMS analysis, it could be proposed that the oxidation mechanism was governed primarily by inward diffusion of O for temperatures of ≤700 °C, while at ≥750 °C, it is controlled by outward diffusion of Al and inward diffusion of O. Via a combination of structural and chemical analysis, it is possible to propose that crystallization of rutile lattice favors the outward diffusion of Al within the AlTiTa mixed oxide layer with an increase in the temperature of oxidation. The difference in the mechanisms of oxidation at 700 and 900 °C also influences the oxidation kinetics with respect to oxidation time. Formation of a protective alumina layer decreases the rate of oxidation at 900 °C for long durations of oxidation compared to 700 °C. Along with the oxidation behavior, the enhanced thermal stability of AlTiTaN compared to that of the TiAlN coating is illustrated.

Thickness engineering of atomic layer deposited Al2O3 films to suppress interfacial reaction and diffusion of Ni/Au gate metal in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs up to 600 °C in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suria, Ateeq J.; Yalamarthy, Ananth Saran; Heuser, Thomas A.; Bruefach, Alexandra; Chapin, Caitlin A.; So, Hongyun; Senesky, Debbie G.

2017-06-01

In this paper, we describe the use of 50 nm atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 to suppress the interfacial reaction and inter-diffusion between the gate metal and semiconductor interface, to extend the operation limit up to 600 °C in air. Suppression of diffusion is verified through Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and is further supported with electrical characterization. An ALD Al2O3 thin film (10 nm and 50 nm), which functions as a dielectric layer, was inserted between the gate metal (Ni/Au) and heterostructure-based semiconductor material (AlGaN/GaN) to form a metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT). This extended the 50 nm ALD Al2O3 MIS-HEMT (50-MIS) current-voltage (Ids-Vds) and gate leakage (Ig,leakage) characteristics up to 600 °C. Both, the 10 nm ALD Al2O3 MIS-HEMT (10-MIS) and HEMT, failed above 350 °C, as evidenced by a sudden increase of approximately 50 times and 5.3 × 106 times in Ig,leakage, respectively. AES on the HEMT revealed the formation of a Ni-Au alloy and Ni present in the active region. Additionally, XRD showed existence of metal gallides in the HEMT. The 50-MIS enables the operation of AlGaN/GaN based electronics in oxidizing high-temperature environments, by suppressing interfacial reaction and inter-diffusion of the gate metal with the semiconductor.

In Situ Neutron Diffraction of Rare-Earth Phosphate Proton Conductors Sr/Ca-doped LaPO4 at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Wahish, Amal; Al-Binni, Usama; Bridges, C. A.; Huq, A.; Bi, Z.; Paranthaman, M. P.; Tang, S.; Kaiser, H.; Mandrus, D.

Acceptor-doped lanthanum orthophosphates are potential candidate electrolytes for proton ceramic fuel cells. We combined neutron powder diffraction (NPD) at elevated temperatures up to 800° C , X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the crystal structure, defect structure, thermal stability and surface topography. NPD shows an average bond length distortion in the hydrated samples. We employed Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to study the proton dynamics of the rare-earth phosphate proton conductors 4.2% Sr/Ca-doped LaPO4. We determined the bulk diffusion and the self-diffusion coefficients. Our results show that QENS and EIS are probing fundamentally different proton diffusion processes. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Picosecond dynamics of excited singlet states in organic microcrystals: Diffuse reflectance laser photolysis study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, Noriaki; Koshioka, Masanori; Masuhara, Hiroshi; Yoshihara, Keitaro

1988-09-01

Absorption spectra and picosecond dynamics of the singlet exciton states of benzil and p-terphenyl in a microcrystal have been measured for the first time by analyzing the diffuse reflected spectra of the picosecond continuum.

Regression-based model of skin diffuse reflectance for skin color analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumura, Norimichi; Kawazoe, Daisuke; Nakaguchi, Toshiya; Ojima, Nobutoshi; Miyake, Yoichi

2008-11-01

A simple regression-based model of skin diffuse reflectance is developed based on reflectance samples calculated by Monte Carlo simulation of light transport in a two-layered skin model. This reflectance model includes the values of spectral reflectance in the visible spectra for Japanese women. The modified Lambert Beer law holds in the proposed model with a modified mean free path length in non-linear density space. The averaged RMS and maximum errors of the proposed model were 1.1 and 3.1%, respectively, in the above range.

Light distribution modulated diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Huang, Pin-Yuan; Chien, Chun-Yu; Sheu, Chia-Rong; Chen, Yu-Wen; Tseng, Sheng-Hao

2016-06-01

Typically, a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) system employing a continuous wave light source would need to acquire diffuse reflectances measured at multiple source-detector separations for determining the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of turbid samples. This results in a multi-fiber probe structure and an indefinite probing depth. Here we present a novel DRS method that can utilize a few diffuse reflectances measured at one source-detector separation for recovering the optical properties of samples. The core of innovation is a liquid crystal (LC) cell whose scattering property can be modulated by the bias voltage. By placing the LC cell between the light source and the sample, the spatial distribution of light in the sample can be varied as the scattering property of the LC cell modulated by the bias voltage, and this would induce intensity variation of the collected diffuse reflectance. From a series of Monte Carlo simulations and phantom measurements, we found that this new light distribution modulated DRS (LDM DRS) system was capable of accurately recover the absorption and scattering coefficients of turbid samples and its probing depth only varied by less than 3% over the full bias voltage variation range. Our results suggest that this LDM DRS platform could be developed to various low-cost, efficient, and compact systems for in-vivo superficial tissue investigation.

Design and validation of a diffuse reflectance and spectroscopic microendoscope with poly(dimethylsioxane)-based phantoms

PubMed Central

Greening, Gage J.; Powless, Amy J.; Hutcheson, Joshua A.; Prieto, Sandra P.; Majid, Aneeka A.; Muldoon, Timothy J.

2015-01-01

Many cases of epithelial cancer originate in basal layers of tissue and are initially undetected by conventional microendoscopy techniques. We present a bench-top, fiber-bundle microendoscope capable of providing high resolution images of surface cell morphology. Additionally, the microendoscope has the capability to interrogate deeper into material by using diffuse reflectance and broadband diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The purpose of this multimodal technique was to overcome the limitation of microendoscopy techniques that are limited to only visualizing morphology at the tissue or cellular level. Using a custom fiber optic probe, high resolution surface images were acquired using topical proflavine to fluorescently stain non-keratinized epithelia. A 635 nm laser coupled to a 200 μm multimode fiber delivers light to the sample and the diffuse reflectance signal was captured by a 1 mm image guide fiber. Finally, a tungsten-halogen lamp coupled to a 200 μm multimode fiber delivers broadband light to the sample to acquire spectra at source-detector separations of 374, 729, and 1051 μm. To test the instrumentation, a high resolution proflavine-induced fluorescent image of resected healthy mouse colon was acquired. Additionally, five monolayer poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based optical phantoms with varying absorption and scattering properties were created to acquire diffuse reflectance profiles and broadband spectra. PMID:25983372

Light distribution modulated diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Huang, Pin-Yuan; Chien, Chun-Yu; Sheu, Chia-Rong; Chen, Yu-Wen; Tseng, Sheng-Hao

2016-01-01

Typically, a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) system employing a continuous wave light source would need to acquire diffuse reflectances measured at multiple source-detector separations for determining the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of turbid samples. This results in a multi-fiber probe structure and an indefinite probing depth. Here we present a novel DRS method that can utilize a few diffuse reflectances measured at one source-detector separation for recovering the optical properties of samples. The core of innovation is a liquid crystal (LC) cell whose scattering property can be modulated by the bias voltage. By placing the LC cell between the light source and the sample, the spatial distribution of light in the sample can be varied as the scattering property of the LC cell modulated by the bias voltage, and this would induce intensity variation of the collected diffuse reflectance. From a series of Monte Carlo simulations and phantom measurements, we found that this new light distribution modulated DRS (LDM DRS) system was capable of accurately recover the absorption and scattering coefficients of turbid samples and its probing depth only varied by less than 3% over the full bias voltage variation range. Our results suggest that this LDM DRS platform could be developed to various low-cost, efficient, and compact systems for in-vivo superficial tissue investigation. PMID:27375931

Influence of Acoustic Reflection on the Inertial Cavitation Dose in a Franz Diffusion Cell.

PubMed

Robertson, Jeremy; Becker, Sid

2018-05-01

The exposure of the skin to low-frequency (20-100 kHz) ultrasound is a well-established method for increasing its permeability to drugs. The mechanism underlying this permeability increase has been found to be inertial cavitation within the coupling fluid. This study investigated the influence of acoustic reflections on the inertial cavitation dose during low-frequency (20 kHz) exposure in an in vitro skin sonoporation setup. This investigation was conducted using a passive cavitation detector that monitored the broadband noise emission within a modified Franz diffusion cell. Two versions of this diffusion cell were employed. One version had acoustic conditions that were similar to those of a standard Franz diffusion cell surrounded by air, whereas the second was designed to greatly reduce the acoustic reflection by submerging the diffusion cell in a water bath. The temperature of the coupling fluid in both setups was controlled using a novel thermoelectric cooling system. At an ultrasound intensity of 13.6 W/cm 2 , the median inertial cavitation dose when the acoustic reflections were suppressed, was found to be only about 15% lower than when reflections were not suppressed. Copyright © 2018 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spectrophotometric Method for Differentiation of Human Skin Melanoma. II. Diagnostic Characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petruk, V. G.; Ivanov, A. P.; Kvaternyuk, S. M.; Barunb, V. V.

2016-05-01

Experimental data on the spectral dependences of the optical diffuse reflection coefficient for skin from different people with melanoma or nevus are presented in the form of the probability density of the diffuse reflection coefficient for the corresponding pigmented lesions. We propose a noninvasive technique for differentiating between malignant and benign tumors, based on measuring the diffuse reflection coefficient for a specific patient and comparing the value obtained with a pre-set threshold. If the experimental result is below the threshold, then it is concluded that the person has melanoma; otherwise, no melanoma is present. As an example, we consider the wavelength 870 nm. We determine the risk of malignant transformation of a nevus (its transition to melanoma) for different measured diffuse reflection coefficients. We have studied the errors in the method, its operating characteristics and probability characteristics as the threshold diffuse reflection coefficient is varied. We find that the diagnostic confidence, sensitivity, specificity, and effectiveness (accuracy) parameters are maximum (>0.82) for a threshold of 0.45-0.47. The operating characteristics for the proposed technique exceed the corresponding parameters for other familiar optical approaches to melanoma diagnosis. Its distinguishing feature is operation at only one wavelength, and consequently implementation of the experimental technique is simplified and made less expensive.

Hyperspectral diffuse reflectance for determination of the optical properties of milk and fruit and vegetable juices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Jianwei; Lu, Renfu

2005-11-01

Absorption and reduced scattering coefficients are two fundamental optical properties for turbid biological materials. This paper presents the technique and method of using hyperspectral diffuse reflectance for fast determination of the optical properties of fruit and vegetable juices and milks. A hyperspectral imaging system was used to acquire spatially resolved steady-state diffuse reflectance over the spectral region between 530 and 900 nm from a variety of fruit and vegetable juices (citrus, grapefruit, orange, and vegetable) and milks with different fat levels (full, skim and mixed). The system collected diffuse reflectance in the source-detector separation range from 1.1 to 10.0 mm. The hyperspectral reflectance data were analyzed by using a diffusion theory model for semi-infinite homogeneous media. The absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of the fruit and vegetable juices and milks were extracted by inverse algorithms from the scattering profiles for wavelengths of 530-900 nm. Values of the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient at 650 nm were highly correlated to the fat content of the milk samples with the correlation coefficient of 0.990 and 0.989, respectively. The hyperspectral imaging technique can be extended to the measurement of other liquid and solid foods in which light scattering is dominant.

Design and validation of a diffuse reflectance and spectroscopic microendoscope with poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based phantoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greening, Gage J.; Powless, Amy J.; Hutcheson, Joshua A.; Prieto, Sandra P.; Majid, Aneeka A.; Muldoon, Timothy J.

2015-03-01

Many cases of epithelial cancer originate in basal layers of tissue and are initially undetected by conventional microendoscopy techniques. We present a bench-top, fiber-bundle microendoscope capable of providing high resolution images of surface cell morphology. Additionally, the microendoscope has the capability to interrogate deeper into material by using diffuse reflectance and broadband diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The purpose of this multimodal technique was to overcome the limitation of microendoscopy techniques that are limited to only visualizing morphology at the tissue or cellular level. Using a custom fiber optic probe, high resolution surface images were acquired using topical proflavine to fluorescently stain non-keratinized epithelia. A 635 nm laser coupled to a 200 μm multimode fiber delivers light to the sample and the diffuse reflectance signal was captured by a 1 mm image guide fiber. Finally, a tungsten-halogen lamp coupled to a 200 μm multimode fiber delivers broadband light to the sample to acquire spectra at source-detector separations of 374, 729, and 1051 μm. To test the instrumentation, a high resolution proflavine-induced fluorescent image of resected healthy mouse colon was acquired. Additionally, five monolayer poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based optical phantoms with varying absorption and scattering properties were created to acquire diffuse reflectance profiles and broadband spectra.

Fe(Ⅲ) ions enhanced catalytic properties of (BiO)2CO3 nanowires and mechanism study for complete degradation of xanthate.

PubMed

Guo, Yujiao; Cui, Kuixin; Hu, Mingyi; Jin, Shengming

2017-08-01

The wire-like Fe 3+ -doped (BiO) 2 CO 3 photocatalyst was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic property of Fe 3+ -doped (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanowires was evaluated through degradation of sodium isopropyl xanthate under UV-visible light irradiation. The as-prepared Fe 3+ -doped (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in detail. The results of XRD showed that the crystallinity of (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanowires decreased when Fe 3+ ions were introduced into the solution system. XPS results illustrated that xanthate could be absorbed on the surface of Fe 3+ -doped (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanowires to produce BiS bond at the beginning of the reaction, which could broaden the visible light absorption. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of SO 4 2- after photocatalytic decomposition of xanthate solution. The Fe 3+ -doped (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanowires showed an enhanced photocatalytic activity for decomposition of xanthate due to the narrower band gap and larger BET surface area, comparing with pure (BiO) 2 CO 3 nanowires. By the results of UV-vis spectra of the solution and FTIR spectra of recycled Fe 3+ -doped (BiO) 2 CO 3 , the xanthate was oxidized completely into CO 2 and SO 4 2- . The photocatalytic degradation process of xanthate followed a pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity was proposed as well. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Room-temperature ferromagnetic Zn1- x Ni x S nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunapalli, Chaitanya Kumar; Shaik, Kaleemulla

2018-05-01

Nickel-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles (Zn1- x Ni x S) at x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.10 were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The (nickel sulfide) NiS and (zinc sulfide) ZnS nanoparticles in desired ratios were taken, mixed and ground for 6 h at a speed rate of 300 rpm using a planetary ball mill. The milled nanoparticles were sintered at 600 °C for 8 h using a high-temperature vacuum furnace. The structural, optical, luminescence and magnetic properties of the Zn1- x Ni x S nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). No change in crystal structure was observed from XRD by substitution of Ni into ZnS lattice. The mean crystallite size was found to be 37 nm. The band gap of Zn1- x Ni x S nanoparticles decreased from 3.57 to 3.37 eV on increasing the dopant concentration. The room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Zn1- x Ni x S nanoparticles showed two broad and intense emission peaks at 420 and 438 nm with excitation wavelength of 330 nm. The Zn1- x Ni x S nanoparticles showed ferromagnetism at 100 K and at room temperature (300 K) and also the strength of magnetization increased with Ni concentration. The maximum magnetization value of 0.18 emu/g was observed for x = 0.10 at 100 K. The strength of the magnetization observed at 100 K was higher than that of magnetization observed at 300 K.

Biological approach to synthesize TiO2 nanoparticles using Aeromonas hydrophila and its antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayaseelan, Chidambaram; Rahuman, Abdul Abdul; Roopan, Selvaraj Mohana; Kirthi, Arivarasan Vishnu; Venkatesan, Jayachandran; Kim, Se-Kwon; Iyappan, Moorthy; Siva, Chinnadurai

2013-04-01

Nanosized materials have been an important subject in basic and applied sciences. A novel, low-cost, green and reproducible bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila mediated biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was reported. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, XRD, AFM and FESEM with EDX. FTIR showed characteristic bands (1643 and 3430 cm-1) finds the role of carboxyl group Osbnd H stretching amine Nsbnd H stretch in the formation of TiO2 NPs. The XRD spectrum confirmed that the synthesized TiO2 NPs were in the form of nanocrystals, as evidenced by the peaks at 2θ values of 27.47°, 31.77°, 36.11°, 41.25°, 54.39°, 56.64° and 69.54° were identified as 110, 100, 101, 111, 211, 220 and 301 reflections, respectively. The crystallite sizes were calculated using Scherrer's formula applied to the major intense peaks and found to be the size of 40.50 nm. The morphological characterization was analyzed by FESEM and the analysis showed the NPs smooth shaped, spherical and uneven. GC-MS analysis showed the main compounds found in A. hydrophila were uric acid (2.95%), glycyl-L-glutamic acid (6.90%), glycyl-L-proline (74.41%) and l-Leucyl-d-leucine (15.74%). The potential glycyl-L-proline could have played an important role as a capping agent. A possible mechanism for the biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs has been proposed. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized TiO2 NPs was assessed by well diffusion method toward A. hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis and showed effective inhibitory activity against S. aureus (33 mm) and S. pyogenes (31 mm).

Photocatalytic oxidation of organic dyes with visible-light-driven codoped TiO2 photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dongfang; Zeng, Fanbin

2011-06-01

A novel copper (II) and zinc (II) codoped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a modified sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide, Zn(NO3)2 · 6H2O and copper(Il) nitrate as precursors. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photo-luminescence spectra (PL). The XRD results showed undoped and Zn, Cu-codoped TiO2 nanoparticles mainly including anatase phase and a tiny amount of Zn- and Cu-oxides exist in the mixed system, which is attributed to the decomposition of copper and zinc nitrates in the TiO2 gel to form CuO and ZnO and randomly dispersed on the TiO2 surface. On the basis of the optical characterization results, we found that the codoping of copper (II) and zinc (II) resulted a red shift of adsorption and lower recombination probability between electrons and holes, which were the reasons for high photocatalytic activity of Zn, Cu-codoped TiO2 nanoparticles under visible light (λ > 400 nm). The photocatalytic activity of samples was tested for degradation of methyl orange (MO) in solutions. The results indicated that the visible-light driven capability of the codoped catalyst were much higher than that of the pure TiO2 catalyst under visible irradiation. Because of the synergetic effect of copper (II) and zinc (II) element, the Zn, Cu-codoped TiO2 catalyst will show higher quantum yield and enhance absorption of visible light. In the end, a key mechanism was proposed in order to account for the enhanced activity.

Photocatalytic property and structural stability of CuAl-based layered double hydroxides

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

Lv, Ming; Liu, Haiqiang, E-mail: Liuhaiqiang1980@126.com

2015-07-15

Three types of CuMAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs, M=Mg, Zn, Ni) were successfully synthesized by coprecipitation. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis) were used to confirm the formation of as-synthesized solids with good crystal structure. The photocatalytic activity of those LDH materials for CO{sub 2} reduction under visible light was investigated. The experimental results show that CuNiAl-LDHs with narrowest band gap and largest surface areas behave highest efficiency for methanol generation under visible light compared with CuMgAl-LDHs and CuZnAl-LDHs. The CuNiAL-LDH showed high yield for methanol production i.e. 0.210more » mmol/g h, which was high efficient. In addition, the influence of the different M{sup 2+} on the structures and stability of the CuMAl-LDHs was also investigated by analyzing the geometric parameters, electronic arrangement, charge populations, hydrogen-bonding, and binding energies by density functional theory (DFT) analysis. The theoretical calculation results show that the chemical stability of LDH materials followed the order of CuMgAl-LDHs>CuZnAl-LDHs>CuNiAl-LDHs, which is just opposite with the photocatalytic activity and band gaps of three materials. - Graphical abstract: The host–guest calculation models and XRD patterns of CuMAl-LDHs: CuMgAl-LDHs (a), CuZnAl-LDHs (b) and CuNiAl-LDHs (c). - Highlights: • Three types of CuMAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs, M=Mg, Zn, Ni) has been synthesized. • CuMgNi shows narrower band gap and more excellent textural properties than other LDHs. • The band gap: CuMgAl« less

Co-precipitation synthesis and characterization of tin-doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansour, Houda; Bargougui, Radhouane; Autret-Lambert, Cécile; Gadri, Abdellatif; Ammar, Salah

2018-03-01

In this study, Sn-doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles with various dopant concentrations ranging from 1 to 6 mol% were prepared successfully using a simple co-precipitation technique. The effects of Sn doping on the structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and a superconducting quantum interference device. XRD analysis showed that all of the samples had a typical hematite-type hexagonal structure of Fe2O3 without any additional peaks due to spurious phases. The cell parameters a and c decreased monotonically as the Sn content increased, thereby indicating that Sn ions were substituted into the α-Fe2O3 lattice. These results and the TEM analyses showed that the size of the nanoparticles decreased to 10 nm as the Sn doping concentration increased. UV-visible absorption measurements showed that the decrease in particle size was accompanied by a decrease in the band gap value from 2.07 eV for α-Fe2O3 to 1.87 eV with 6 mol% Sn doping. Furthermore, the magnetic properties demonstrated that all of the samples exhibited ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were studied based on the degradation of methylene blue as a model compound, where the results showed that an appropriate amount of Sn dopant could greatly increase the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated by α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, which were responsible for the obvious increase in the photocatalytic activity.

Combustion synthesis and characterization of blue long lasting phosphor CaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ and its novel application in latent fingerprint and lip mark detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Vishal; Das, Amrita; Kumar, Vijay; Kumar, Vinay; Verma, Kartikey; Swart, H. C.

2018-04-01

This work investigates the structural, optical and photometric characterization of a Eu2+/Dy3+ doped calcium aluminates phosphor (CaAl2O4: Eu2+/Dy3+) for finger and lip print detections. Synthesis of CaAl2O4: Eu2+/Dy3+ (CAED) phosphors were carried out via a combustion synthesis method with urea as a fuel. Eu2+/Dy3+ doped CaAl2O4 phosphors have been studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy Selected Area Diffraction (SAED) and High resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM). The XRD pattern shows that the synthesized Eu2+/Dy3+ doped CaAl2O4 phosphor have a single monoclinic structure and show that the addition of the dopant/co-dopants didn't change the crystal structure. The formation of monoclinic phase was confirmed by the selected area diffraction pattern. The TEM micrograph displays the morphology of the synthesized Eu2+/Dy3+ doped CaAl2O4 phosphors as spherical particles with an average particle size of 33 nm. The optical band gap was calculated using the diffuse reflectance for the synthesized nanophosphor powders. The photoluminescence emission spectra was recorded for the synthesized powder, with an excitation wavelength of 326 nm and the major bands was recorded at 447 nm corresponding to the blue color and two minor bands were recorded at 577 nm and 616 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to show the use of CaAl2O4: Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphor in developing latent fingerprint and lip print effectively.

Biological approach to synthesize TiO2 nanoparticles using Aeromonas hydrophila and its antibacterial activity.

PubMed

Jayaseelan, Chidambaram; Rahuman, Abdul Abdul; Roopan, Selvaraj Mohana; Kirthi, Arivarasan Vishnu; Venkatesan, Jayachandran; Kim, Se-Kwon; Iyappan, Moorthy; Siva, Chinnadurai

2013-04-15

Nanosized materials have been an important subject in basic and applied sciences. A novel, low-cost, green and reproducible bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila mediated biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was reported. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, XRD, AFM and FESEM with EDX. FTIR showed characteristic bands (1643 and 3430 cm(-1)) finds the role of carboxyl group OH stretching amine NH stretch in the formation of TiO2 NPs. The XRD spectrum confirmed that the synthesized TiO2 NPs were in the form of nanocrystals, as evidenced by the peaks at 2θ values of 27.47°, 31.77°, 36.11°, 41.25°, 54.39°, 56.64° and 69.54° were identified as 110, 100, 101, 111, 211, 220 and 301 reflections, respectively. The crystallite sizes were calculated using Scherrer's formula applied to the major intense peaks and found to be the size of 40.50 nm. The morphological characterization was analyzed by FESEM and the analysis showed the NPs smooth shaped, spherical and uneven. GC-MS analysis showed the main compounds found in A. hydrophila were uric acid (2.95%), glycyl-L-glutamic acid (6.90%), glycyl-L-proline (74.41%) and L-Leucyl-D-leucine (15.74%). The potential glycyl-L-proline could have played an important role as a capping agent. A possible mechanism for the biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs has been proposed. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized TiO2 NPs was assessed by well diffusion method toward A. hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis and showed effective inhibitory activity against S. aureus (33 mm) and S. pyogenes (31 mm). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of Sm3+ doped zinc aluminate phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahajan, Rubby; Kumar, Sandeep; Prakash, Ram; Kumar, Vinay

2018-05-01

Zinc Aluminate (ZnAl2O4) is a well-known wide band gap oxide that belongs to a class of mixed-metal oxides knows as spinels (AB2O4) where A and B are divalent and trivalent cations. Herein, the structural and photoluminescence properties of Sm3+ ion doped with ZnAl2O4 phosphors are reported. The nanophosphors were synthesized via solution combustion synthesis route at temperature 570 °C. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The XRD pattern confirms the cubic phase of phosphor. The calculated lattice parameter were found as a = b = c = 8.0517Å and V = 521.85Å3. The crystallite size of the phosphor was calculated using the Debye-Scherrer formula and found to be ˜19 nm. The emission spectrum at excitation wavelength of 401 nm gave the emission peaks at 563 nm, 601 nm, 648 nm, 697 nm corresponding to the transitions 4G5/2→ 6H5/2, 4G5/2→6H7/2, 4G5/2→6H9/2, 4G5/2 → 6H11/2 of Sm3+ ions, respectively. The diffuse reflectance spectrum was used to calculate the band gap of material and found to be 5.12 eV. The CIE coordinates were found to be (x = 0.56, y = 0.40) that falls in the orange red region of the color gamut. The present phosphor may have potential applications as phosphor for near UV WLED for solid state lighting.

Preparation and characterization of visible-light-driven TiO2 photocatalyst Co-doped with nitrogen and erbium.

PubMed

Chen, Guihua; Wang, Yong; Zhang, Juihui; Wu, Chenglin; Liang, Huading; Yang, Hui

2012-05-01

A series of nitrogen and erbium co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared by sol-hydrothermal method. The structure and properties of the photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The XRD and BET results showed that co-doping inhibited the increase of crystallite size and enlarged specific surface areas. XPS spectroscopy indicated nitrogen atoms were incorporated into TiO2 lattice, and erbium atoms mostly existed in the forms of Er2O3. A shift of the absorption edge to the lower energy and four absorption bands located at 654, 544, 524 and 489 nm attributed to the 4f transitions of 4I15/2 --> 4F2/9, 4I15/2 --> 4S3/2, 4I15/2 --> 2H11/2, 4I15/2 --> 4F7/2 of Er3+ were observed using DRS spectroscopy. The catalytic efficency was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the photocatalytic performance of the co-doped TiO2 was related with the hydrothermal temperature and the molar ratio of N/Ti, and they showed higher acitivites than pure TiO2. Results determined by fluorescence technique revealed that irradiation (lambda > 400 nm) of TiO2 photocatalyst dispersed in MO solution induces the generation of the highly active hydroxyl radicals (OH). It indicated the photocatalytic activities of TiO2 photocatalyst were correlation with the formation rate of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and other active oxygen species.

Study of Nickel Silicide as a Copper Diffusion Barrier in Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

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

Kale, Abhijit; Beese, Emily; Saenz, Theresa

NiSi as a conductive diffusion barrier to silicon has been studied. We demonstrate that the NiSi films formed using the single step annealing process are as good as the two step process using XRD and Raman. Quality of NiSi films formed using e-beam Ni and electroless Ni process has been compared. Incomplete surface coverage and presence of constituents other than Ni are the main challenges with electroless Ni. We also demonstrate that Cu reduces the thermal stability of NiSi films. The detection of Cu has proven to be difficult due to temperature limitations.

NIST High Accuracy Reference Reflectometer-Spectrophotometer

PubMed Central

Proctor, James E.; Yvonne Barnes, P.

1996-01-01

A new reflectometer-spectrophotometer has been designed and constructed using state-of-the-art technology to enhance optical properties of materials measurements over the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) wavelength range (200 nm to 2500 nm). The instrument, Spectral Tri-function Automated Reference Reflectometer (STARR), is capable of measuring specular and diffuse reflectance, bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of diffuse samples, and both diffuse and non-diffuse transmittance. Samples up to 30 cm by 30 cm can be measured. The instrument and its characterization are described. PMID:27805081

Wavelength Coded Image Transmission and Holographic Optical Elements.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-08-20

system has been designed and built for transmitting images of diffusely reflecting objects through optical fibers and displaying those images at a...passive components at the end of a fiber-optic designed to transmit high-resolution images of diffusely imaging system as described in this paper... designing a system for viewing diffusely reflecting The authors are with University of Minnesota. Electrical Engi- objects, one must consider that a

Measurement and Interpretation of Diffuse Scattering in X-Ray Diffraction for Macromolecular Crystallography

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

Wall, Michael E.

X-ray diffraction from macromolecular crystals includes both sharply peaked Bragg reflections and diffuse intensity between the peaks. The information in Bragg scattering reflects the mean electron density in the unit cells of the crystal. The diffuse scattering arises from correlations in the variations of electron density that may occur from one unit cell to another, and therefore contains information about collective motions in proteins.

To See the World in a Grain of Sand: Recognizing the Origin of Sand Specimens by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Multivariate Exploratory Data Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pezzolo, Alessandra De Lorenzi

2011-01-01

The diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra of sand samples exhibit features reflecting their composition. Basic multivariate analysis (MVA) can be used to effectively sort subsets of homogeneous specimens collected from nearby locations, as well as pointing out similarities in composition among sands of different origins.…

Adsorption of vitamin E on mesoporous titania nanocrystals

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

Shih, C.J., E-mail: cjshih@kmu.edu.tw; Lin, C.T.; Wu, S.M.

2010-07-15

Tri-block nonionic surfactant and titanium chloride were used as starting materials for the synthesis of mesoporous titania nanocrystallite powders. The main objective of the present study was to examine the synthesis of mesoporous titania nanocrystals and the adsorption of vitamin E on those nanocrystals using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms. When the calcination temperature was increased to 300 {sup o}C, the reflection peaks in the XRD pattern indicated the presence of an anatase phase. The crystallinity of the nanocrystallites increased from 80% to 98.6% with increasing calcination temperature from 465 {sup o}C tomore » 500 {sup o}C. The N{sub 2} adsorption data and XRD data taken after vitamin E adsorption revealed that the vitamin E molecules were adsorbed in the mesopores of the titania nanocrystals.« less

[The study of aluminium diffuser calibration in the UV].

PubMed

Li, Cong; Wang, Yong-Mei; Zhang, Zhong-Mou

2008-04-01

A bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) measurement setup in the ultraviolet spectral range was established. The BRDF of the aluminium diffusers at a given orientation was measured. The relative accuracy of the BRDF measurement is better than 2.5%. The hemispheric reflectance of the aluminium diffusers was measured in the wavelength range from 250 to 650 nm. It increases with the wavelength, and changes about 6% from 300 to 360 nm. It decreases with the time. Since the diffuser was made (about one year ago), from 250 to 300 nm, the peak decrease in the hemispheric reflectance can reach 2.6%, and the average decrease is 1.5%. From 300 to 360 nm, it has an average decrease of 0.9% decrease, and 0.8% when wavelength is longer than 360 nm.

Spectral and geometrical variation of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function of diffuse reflectance standards.

PubMed

Ferrero, Alejandro; Rabal, Ana María; Campos, Joaquín; Pons, Alicia; Hernanz, María Luisa

2012-12-20

A study on the variation of the spectral bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of four diffuse reflectance standards (matte ceramic, BaSO(4), Spectralon, and white Russian opal glass) is accomplished through this work. Spectral BRDF measurements were carried out and, using principal components analysis, its spectral and geometrical variation respect to a reference geometry was assessed from the experimental data. Several descriptors were defined in order to compare the spectral BRDF variation of the four materials.

Comparison of the Radiative Two-Flux and Diffusion Approximations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spuckler, Charles M.

2006-01-01

Approximate solutions are sometimes used to determine the heat transfer and temperatures in a semitransparent material in which conduction and thermal radiation are acting. A comparison of the Milne-Eddington two-flux approximation and the diffusion approximation for combined conduction and radiation heat transfer in a ceramic material was preformed to determine the accuracy of the diffusion solution. A plane gray semitransparent layer without a substrate and a non-gray semitransparent plane layer on an opaque substrate were considered. For the plane gray layer the material is semitransparent for all wavelengths and the scattering and absorption coefficients do not vary with wavelength. For the non-gray plane layer the material is semitransparent with constant absorption and scattering coefficients up to a specified wavelength. At higher wavelengths the non-gray plane layer is assumed to be opaque. The layers are heated on one side and cooled on the other by diffuse radiation and convection. The scattering and absorption coefficients were varied. The error in the diffusion approximation compared to the Milne-Eddington two flux approximation was obtained as a function of scattering coefficient and absorption coefficient. The percent difference in interface temperatures and heat flux through the layer obtained using the Milne-Eddington two-flux and diffusion approximations are presented as a function of scattering coefficient and absorption coefficient. The largest errors occur for high scattering and low absorption except for the back surface temperature of the plane gray layer where the error is also larger at low scattering and low absorption. It is shown that the accuracy of the diffusion approximation can be improved for some scattering and absorption conditions if a reflectance obtained from a Kubelka-Munk type two flux theory is used instead of a reflection obtained from the Fresnel equation. The Kubelka-Munk reflectance accounts for surface reflection and radiation scattered back by internal scattering sites while the Fresnel reflection only accounts for surface reflections.

In vivo burn diagnosis by camera-phone diffuse reflectance laser speckle detection.

PubMed

Ragol, S; Remer, I; Shoham, Y; Hazan, S; Willenz, U; Sinelnikov, I; Dronov, V; Rosenberg, L; Bilenca, A

2016-01-01

Burn diagnosis using laser speckle light typically employs widefield illumination of the burn region to produce two-dimensional speckle patterns from light backscattered from the entire irradiated tissue volume. Analysis of speckle contrast in these time-integrated patterns can then provide information on burn severity. Here, by contrast, we use point illumination to generate diffuse reflectance laser speckle patterns of the burn. By examining spatiotemporal fluctuations in these time-integrated patterns along the radial direction from the incident point beam, we show the ability to distinguish partial-thickness burns in a porcine model in vivo within the first 24 hours post-burn. Furthermore, our findings suggest that time-integrated diffuse reflectance laser speckle can be useful for monitoring burn healing over time post-burn. Unlike conventional diffuse reflectance laser speckle detection systems that utilize scientific or industrial-grade cameras, our system is designed with a camera-phone, demonstrating the potential for burn diagnosis with a simple imager.

In vivo burn diagnosis by camera-phone diffuse reflectance laser speckle detection

PubMed Central

Ragol, S.; Remer, I.; Shoham, Y.; Hazan, S.; Willenz, U.; Sinelnikov, I.; Dronov, V.; Rosenberg, L.; Bilenca, A.

2015-01-01

Burn diagnosis using laser speckle light typically employs widefield illumination of the burn region to produce two-dimensional speckle patterns from light backscattered from the entire irradiated tissue volume. Analysis of speckle contrast in these time-integrated patterns can then provide information on burn severity. Here, by contrast, we use point illumination to generate diffuse reflectance laser speckle patterns of the burn. By examining spatiotemporal fluctuations in these time-integrated patterns along the radial direction from the incident point beam, we show the ability to distinguish partial-thickness burns in a porcine model in vivo within the first 24 hours post-burn. Furthermore, our findings suggest that time-integrated diffuse reflectance laser speckle can be useful for monitoring burn healing over time post-burn. Unlike conventional diffuse reflectance laser speckle detection systems that utilize scientific or industrial-grade cameras, our system is designed with a camera-phone, demonstrating the potential for burn diagnosis with a simple imager. PMID:26819831

Polarization properties and microfacet-based modelling of white, grey and coloured matte diffuse reflection standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quast, T.; Schirmacher, A.; Hauer, K.-O.; Koo, A.

2018-02-01

To elucidate the influence of polarization in diffuse reflectometry, we performed a series of measurements in several bidirectional geometries and determined the Stokes parameters of the diffusely reflected radiation. Different types of matte reflection standards were used, including several common white standards and ceramic colour standards. The dependence of the polarization on the sample type, wavelength and geometry have been studied systematically, the main influence factors have been identified: The effect is largest at large angles of incidence or detection and at wavelengths where the magnitude of the reflectance is small. The results for the colour standards have been modelled using a microfacet-based reflection theory which is derived from the well-known model of Torrance and Sparrow. Although the theory is very simple and only has three free parameters, the agreement with the measured data is very good, all essential features of the data can be reproduced by the model.

Debye–Waller coefficient of heavily deformed nanocrystalline iron1

PubMed Central

Abdellatief, M.

2017-01-01

Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns from an extensively ball-milled iron alloy powder were collected at 100, 200 and 300 K. The results were analysed together with those using extended X-ray absorption fine structure, measured on the same sample at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) and at room temperature (300 K), to assess the contribution of static disorder to the Debye–Waller coefficient (B iso). Both techniques give an increase of ∼20% with respect to bulk reference iron, a noticeably smaller difference than reported by most of the literature for similar systems. Besides good quality XRD patterns, proper consideration of the temperature diffuse scattering seems to be the key to accurate values of the Debye–Waller coefficient. Molecular dynamics simulations of nanocrystalline iron aggregates, mapped on the evidence provided by XRD in terms of domain size distribution, shed light on the origin of the observed B iso increase. The main contribution to the static disorder is given by the grain boundary, while line and point defects have a much smaller effect. PMID:28381974

Debye–Waller coefficient of heavily deformed nanocrystalline iron

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

Scardi, P.; Rebuffi, L.; Abdellatief, M.

2017-02-17

Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns from an extensively ball-milled iron alloy powder were collected at 100, 200 and 300 K. The results were analysed together with those using extended X-ray absorption fine structure, measured on the same sample at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) and at room temperature (300 K), to assess the contribution of static disorder to the Debye–Waller coefficient (B iso). Both techniques give an increase of ~20% with respect to bulk reference iron, a noticeably smaller difference than reported by most of the literature for similar systems. Besides good quality XRD patterns, proper consideration of themore » temperature diffuse scattering seems to be the key to accurate values of the Debye–Waller coefficient. Molecular dynamics simulations of nanocrystalline iron aggregates, mapped on the evidence provided by XRD in terms of domain size distribution, shed light on the origin of the observedB isoincrease. The main contribution to the static disorder is given by the grain boundary, while line and point defects have a much smaller effect.« less

In situ SAXS study on size changes of platinum nanoparticles with temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W.; Chen, X.; Cai, Q.; Mo, G.; Jiang, L. S.; Zhang, K.; Chen, Z. J.; Wu, Z. H.; Pan, W.

2008-09-01

Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)-coated platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were prepared in methanol-water reduction method. In situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to probe the size change of particles and crystallites with temperature. Tangent-by-tangent (TBT) method of SAXS data analysis was improved and used to get the particle size distribution (PSD) from SAXS intensity. Scherrer’s equation was used to derive the crystallite size from XRD pattern. Combining SAXS and XRD results, a step-like characteristic of the Pt nanoparticle growth has been found. Three stages (diffusion, aggregation, and agglomeration) can be used to describe the growth of the Pt nanoparticles and nanocrystallites. Aggregation was found to be the main growth mode of the Pt nanoparticles during heating. The maximum growth rates of Pt nanoparticles and Pt nanocrystallites, as well as the maximum aggregation degree of Pt nanocrystallites were found, respectively, at 250 °C, 350 °C and 300 °C. These results are helpful to understanding the growth mode of nanoparticles, as well as controlling the nanoparticle size.

CdS quantum dots confined in mesoporous TiO2 with exceptional photocatalytic performance for degradation of organic polutants.

PubMed

Zhou, Panpan; Xie, Yu; Fang, Jing; Ling, Yun; Yu, Changling; Liu, Xiaoming; Dai, Yuhua; Qin, Yuancheng; Zhou, Dan

2017-07-01

In this paper, the mesoporous TiO 2 with different concentration of CdS quantum dots (i.e., x% CdS/TiO 2 ) was successfully fabricated by the sol-gel method. The composition, structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis/DRS) and nitrogen physical adsorption test and so on. The proportion of CdS and TiO 2 is very important for the photocatalytic performance. As a result, the photocatalytic degradation performance from the most to the least is in the order of 2% CdS/TiO 2 , 4% CdS/TiO 2 , 8% CdS/TiO 2 , pure TiO 2 and 1% CdS/TiO 2 . The photocatalytic (PC) activity of the 2% CdSTiO 2 is characterized by photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange, which can be completely degraded within 45 min better than 60 min TiO 2 takes. It is also much better than CdS. Moreover, other four organic pollutants, such as methylthionine chloride, bisphenol A, rhodamine B, malachite green can also be degraded quickly on the condition of 2% CdS/TiO 2 . What's more, the chemical stability and cycling capability of 2% CdS/TiO 2 are reflected by five cyclic degradation of methyl orange. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Artificial neural networks for retrieving absorption and reduced scattering spectra from frequency-domain diffuse reflectance spectroscopy at short source-detector separation

PubMed Central

Chen, Yu-Wen; Chen, Chien-Chih; Huang, Po-Jung; Tseng, Sheng-Hao

2016-01-01

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) based on the frequency-domain (FD) technique has been employed to investigate the optical properties of deep tissues such as breast and brain using source to detector separation up to 40 mm. Due to the modeling and system limitations, efficient and precise determination of turbid sample optical properties from the FD diffuse reflectance acquired at a source-detector separation (SDS) of around 1 mm has not been demonstrated. In this study, we revealed that at SDS of 1 mm, acquiring FD diffuse reflectance at multiple frequencies is necessary for alleviating the influence of inevitable measurement uncertainty on the optical property recovery accuracy. Furthermore, we developed artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained by Monte Carlo simulation generated databases that were capable of efficiently determining FD reflectance at multiple frequencies. The ANNs could work in conjunction with a least-square optimization algorithm to rapidly (within 1 second), accurately (within 10%) quantify the sample optical properties from FD reflectance measured at SDS of 1 mm. In addition, we demonstrated that incorporating the steady-state apparatus into the FD DRS system with 1 mm SDS would enable obtaining broadband absorption and reduced scattering spectra of turbid samples in the wavelength range from 650 to 1000 nm. PMID:27446671

SeaWiFS long-term solar diffuser reflectance trend analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eplee, Robert E., Jr.; Patt, Frederick S.; Barnes, Robert A.; McClain, Charles R.

2006-08-01

The NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group's Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Team implemented daily solar calibrations of SeaWiFS to look for step-function changes in the instrument response and has used these calibrations to supplement the monthly lunar calibrations in monitoring the radiometric stability of SeaWiFS during its first year of on-orbit operations. The Team has undertaken an analysis of the mission-long solar calibration time series, with the lunar-derived radiometric corrections over time applied, to assess the long-term degradation of the solar diffuser reflectance over nine years on orbit. The SeaWiFS diffuser is an aluminum plate coated with YB71 paint. The bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the diffuser was not fully characterized before launch, so the Cal/Val Team has implemented a regression of the solar incidence angles and the drift in the node of the satellite's orbit against the diffuser time series to correct for solar incidence angle effects. An exponential function with a time constant of 200 days yields the best fit to the diffuser time series. The decrease in diffuser reflectance over the mission is wavelength-dependent, ranging from 9% in the blue (412 nm) to 5% in the red and near infrared (670-865 nm). The degradation of diffuser reflctance is similar to that observed for SeaWiFS radiometric response itself from lunar calibration time series for bands 1-5 (412-555 nm), though the magnitude of the change is four times larger for the diffuser. Evidently, the same optical degradation process has affected both the telescope optics and the solar diffuser in the blue and green. The Cal/Val Team has developed a methodology for computing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for SeaWiFS on orbit from the diffuser time series. The on-orbit change in the SNR for each band over the nine-year mission is less than 7%. The on-orbit performance of the SeaWiFS solar diffuser should offer insight into the long-term on-orbit performance of solar diffusers on other instruments, such as MODIS, VIIRS, and ABI.

Determination of Structural and Morphological Parameters of Human Bulbar Conjunctiva from Optical Diffuse Reflectance Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisenko, S. A.; Firago, V. A.; Kugeiko, M. M.; Kubarko, A. I.

2016-09-01

We have developed a method for on-the-fl y retrieval of the volume concentration of blood vessels, the average diameter of the blood vessels, the blood oxygenation level, and the molar concentrations of chromophores in the bulbar conjunctiva from its diffuse reflectance spectra, measured when the radiation delivery and detection channels are spatially separated. The relationship between the diffuse reflectance spectrum of the conjunctiva and its unknown parameters is described in terms of an analytical model, constructed on the basis of a highly accurate approximation analog of the Monte Carlo method. We have studied the effect of localization of hemoglobin in erythrocytes and localization of erythrocytes in the blood vessels on the power of the retrieval of structural and morphological parameters for the conjunctiva. We developed a device for obtaining video images of the conjunctiva and contactless measurements of its diffuse reflectance spectrum. By comparing simulated diffuse reflectance spectra of the conjunctiva with the experimental measurements, we established a set of chromophores which must be taken into account in the model for reproducing the experimental data within the measurement error. We observed absorption bands for neuroglobin in the experimental spectra, and provided a theoretical basis for the possibility of determining its absolute concentrations in the conjunctiva. We have shown that our method can detect low bilirubin concentrations in blood.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2006-11-01

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

Parameterization and sensitivity analyses of a radiative transfer model for remote sensing plant canopies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Carlton Raden

A major objective of remote sensing is determination of biochemical and biophysical characteristics of plant canopies utilizing high spectral resolution sensors. Canopy reflectance signatures are dependent on absorption and scattering processes of the leaf, canopy properties, and the ground beneath the canopy. This research investigates, through field and laboratory data collection, and computer model parameterization and simulations, the relationships between leaf optical properties, canopy biophysical features, and the nadir viewed above-canopy reflectance signature. Emphasis is placed on parameterization and application of an existing irradiance radiative transfer model developed for aquatic systems. Data and model analyses provide knowledge on the relative importance of leaves and canopy biophysical features in estimating the diffuse absorption a(lambda,m-1), diffuse backscatter b(lambda,m-1), beam attenuation alpha(lambda,m-1), and beam to diffuse conversion c(lambda,m-1 ) coefficients of the two-flow irradiance model. Data sets include field and laboratory measurements from three plant species, live oak (Quercus virginiana), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) sampled on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center Florida in March and April of 1997. Features measured were depth h (m), projected foliage coverage PFC, leaf area index LAI, and zenith leaf angle. Optical measurements, collected with a Spectron SE 590 high sensitivity narrow bandwidth spectrograph, included above canopy reflectance, internal canopy transmittance and reflectance and bottom reflectance. Leaf samples were returned to laboratory where optical and physical and chemical measurements of leaf thickness, leaf area, leaf moisture and pigment content were made. A new term, the leaf volume correction index LVCI was developed and demonstrated in support of model coefficient parameterization. The LVCI is based on angle adjusted leaf thickness Ltadj, LAI, and h (m). Its function is to translate leaf level estimates of diffuse absorption and backscatter to the canopy scale allowing the leaf optical properties to directly influence above canopy estimates of reflectance. The model was successfully modified and parameterized to operate in a canopy scale and a leaf scale mode. Canopy scale model simulations produced the best results. Simulations based on leaf derived coefficients produced calculated above canopy reflectance errors of 15% to 18%. A comprehensive sensitivity analyses indicated the most important parameters were beam to diffuse conversion c(lambda, m-1), diffuse absorption a(lambda, m-1), diffuse backscatter b(lambda, m-1), h (m), Q, and direct and diffuse irradiance. Sources of error include the estimation procedure for the direct beam to diffuse conversion and attenuation coefficients and other field and laboratory measurement and analysis errors. Applications of the model include creation of synthetic reflectance data sets for remote sensing algorithm development, simulations of stress and drought on vegetation reflectance signatures, and the potential to estimate leaf moisture and chemical status.

Diffuse characteristics study of laser target board using Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Pengling; Wu, Yong; Wang, Zhenbao; Tao, Mengmeng; Wu, Junjie; Wang, Ping; Yan, Yan; Zhang, Lei; Feng, Gang; Zhu, Jinghui; Feng, Guobin

2013-05-01

In this paper, Torrance-Sparrow and Oren-Nayar model is adopt to study diffuse characteristics of laser target board. The model which based on geometric optics, assumes that rough surfaces are made up of a series of symmetric V-groove cavities with different slopes at microscopic level. The distribution of the slopes of the V-grooves are modeled as beckman distribution function, and every microfacet of the V-groove cavity is assumed to behave like a perfect mirror, which means the reflected ray follows Fresnel law at the microfacet. The masking and shadowing effects of rough surface are also taken into account through geometric attenuation factor. Monte Carlo method is used to simulate the diffuse reflectance distribution of the laser target board with different materials and processing technology, and all the calculated results are verified by experiment. It is shown that the profile of bidirectional reflectance distribution curve is lobe-shaped with the maximum lies along the mirror reflection direction. The width of the profile is narrower for a lower roughness value, and broader for a higher roughness value. The refractive index of target material will also influence the intensity and distribution of diffuse reflectance of laser target surface.

Dual-modality optical biopsy of glioblastomas multiforme with diffuse reflectance and fluorescence: ex vivo retrieval of optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du Le, Vinh Nguyen; Provias, John; Murty, Naresh; Patterson, Michael S.; Nie, Zhaojun; Hayward, Joseph E.; Farrell, Thomas J.; McMillan, William; Zhang, Wenbin; Fang, Qiyin

2017-02-01

Glioma itself accounts for 80% of all malignant primary brain tumors, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for 55% of such tumors. Diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy have the potential to discriminate healthy tissues from abnormal tissues and therefore are promising noninvasive methods for improving the accuracy of brain tissue resection. Optical properties were retrieved using an experimentally evaluated inverse solution. On average, the scattering coefficient is 2.4 times higher in GBM than in low grade glioma (LGG), and the absorption coefficient is 48% higher. In addition, the ratio of fluorescence to diffuse reflectance at the emission peak of 460 nm is 2.6 times higher for LGG while reflectance at 650 nm is 2.7 times higher for GBM. The results reported also show that the combination of diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy could achieve sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90% in discriminating GBM from LGG during ex vivo measurements of 22 sites from seven glioma specimens. Therefore, the current technique might be a promising tool for aiding neurosurgeons in determining the extent of surgical resection of glioma and, thus, improving intraoperative tumor identification for guiding surgical intervention.

Dual-modality optical biopsy of glioblastomas multiforme with diffuse reflectance and fluorescence: ex vivo retrieval of optical properties.

PubMed

Du Le, Vinh Nguyen; Provias, John; Murty, Naresh; Patterson, Michael S; Nie, Zhaojun; Hayward, Joseph E; Farrell, Thomas J; McMillan, William; Zhang, Wenbin; Fang, Qiyin

2017-02-01

Glioma itself accounts for 80% of all malignant primary brain tumors, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for 55% of such tumors. Diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy have the potential to discriminate healthy tissues from abnormal tissues and therefore are promising noninvasive methods for improving the accuracy of brain tissue resection. Optical properties were retrieved using an experimentally evaluated inverse solution. On average, the scattering coefficient is 2.4 times higher in GBM than in low grade glioma (LGG), and the absorption coefficient is 48% higher. In addition, the ratio of fluorescence to diffuse reflectance at the emission peak of 460 nm is 2.6 times higher for LGG while reflectance at 650 nm is 2.7 times higher for GBM. The results reported also show that the combination of diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy could achieve sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90% in discriminating GBM from LGG during ex vivo measurements of 22 sites from seven glioma specimens. Therefore, the current technique might be a promising tool for aiding neurosurgeons in determining the extent of surgical resection of glioma and, thus, improving intraoperative tumor identification for guiding surgical intervention.

Determination of the optical properties of semi-infinite turbid media from frequency-domain reflectance close to the source.

PubMed

Kienle, A; Patterson, M S

1997-09-01

We investigate theoretically the errors in determining the reduced scattering and absorption coefficients of semi-infinite turbid media from frequency-domain reflectance measurements made at small distances between the source and the detector(s). The errors are due to the uncertainties in the measurement of the phase, the modulation and the steady-state reflectance as well as to the diffusion approximation which is used as a theoretical model to describe light propagation in tissue. Configurations using one and two detectors are examined for the measurement of the phase and the modulation and for the measurement of the phase and the steady-state reflectance. Three solutions of the diffusion equation are investigated. We show that measurements of the phase and the steady-state reflectance at two different distances are best suited for the determination of the optical properties close to the source. For this arrangement the errors in the absorption coefficient due to typical uncertainties in the measurement are greater than those resulting from the application of the diffusion approximation at a modulation frequency of 200 MHz. A Monte Carlo approach is also examined; this avoids the errors due to the diffusion approximation.

Identification of Uranium Minerals in Natural U-Bearing Rocks Using Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

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

Beiswenger, Toya N.; Gallagher, Neal B.; Myers, Tanya L.

The identification of minerals, including uranium-bearing minerals, is traditionally a labor-intensive-process using x-ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence, or other solid-phase and wet chemical techniques. While handheld XRD and fluorescence instruments can aid in field identification, handheld infrared reflectance spectrometers can also be used in industrial or field environments, with rapid, non-destructive identification possible via spectral analysis of the solid’s reflectance spectrum. We have recently developed standard laboratory measurement methods for the infrared (IR) reflectance of solids and have investigated using these techniques for the identification of uranium-bearing minerals, using XRD methods for ground-truth. Due to the rich colors of such species,more » including distinctive spectroscopic signatures in the infrared, identification is facile and specific, both for samples that are pure or are partially composed of uranium (e.g. boltwoodite, schoepite, tyuyamunite, carnotite, etc.) or non-uranium minerals. The method can be used to detect not only pure and partial minerals, but is quite sensitive to chemical change such as hydration (e.g. schoepite). We have further applied statistical methods, in particular classical least squares (CLS) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) for discrimination of such uranium minerals and two uranium pure chemicals (U3O8 and UO2) against common background materials (e.g. silica sand, asphalt, calcite, K-feldspar) with good success. Each mineral contains unique infrared spectral features; some of the IR features are similar or common to entire classes of minerals, typically arising from similar chemical moieties or functional groups in the minerals: phosphates, sulfates, carbonates, etc. These characteristic 2 infrared bands generate the unique (or class-specific) bands that distinguish the mineral from the interferents or backgrounds. We have observed several cases where the chemical moieties that provide the spectral discrimination in the longwave IR do so by generating upward-going reststrahlen bands in the reflectance data, but the same minerals have other weaker (overtone) bands, sometimes from the same chemical groups, that are manifest as downward-going transmission-type features in the midwave and shortwave infrared.« less

Online high-speed NIR diffuse-reflectance imaging spectroscopy in food quality monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driver, Richard D.; Didona, Kevin

2009-05-01

The use of hyperspectral technology in the NIR for food quality monitoring is discussed. An example of the use of hyperspectral diffuse reflectance scanning and post-processing with a chemometric model shows discrimination between four pharmaceutical samples comprising Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.

Further laboratory study of the diffuse reflectance spectra of frosts occurring on astronomical objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaser, F. M.

1976-01-01

Oligoclase and bloedite, two mined samples, have been investigated, and the diffuse reflectance spectra are presented. These data are for powdered material, 50 microns to 5 microns size mixture, cooled to 160 K. The reflectivity of the oligoclase sample was also measured at room temperature, about 290 K, and the results at these two temperatures do indicate some tentative differences. A frost of ordinary water was prepared and its spectral reflectance is presented. This result compares reasonably well with measurements made by other investigators.

Mössbauer and XRD study of novel quaternary Sn-Fe-Co-Ni electroplated alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzmann, E.; Sziráki, L.; Stichleutner, S.; Homonnay, Z.; Lak, G. B.; El-Sharif, M.; Chisholm, C. U.

2017-11-01

Constant current electrochemical deposition technique was used to obtain quaternary alloys of Sn-Fe-Co-Ni from a gluconate electrolyte, which to date have not been reported in the literature. For the characterization of electroplated alloys, 57Fe and 119Sn Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (CEMS), XRD and SEM/EDAX were used. XRD revealed the amorphous character of the novel Sn-Fe-Co-Ni electrodeposited alloys. 57Fe Mössbauer spectrum of quaternary deposit with composition of 37.0 at% Sn, 38.8 at% Fe, 16.8 at% Co and 7.4 at% Ni displayed a magnetically split sextet (B = 28.9T) with broad lines typical of iron bearing ferromagnetic amorphous alloys. Magnetically split 119Sn spectra reflecting a transferred hyperfine field (B = 2.3T) were also observed. New quaternary Sn-Fe-Co-Ni alloys were successfully prepared.

A study on micro-structural and optical parameters of InxSe1-x thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, P. B.; Desai, H. N.; Dhimmar, J. M.; Modi, B. P.

2018-04-01

Thin film of Indium Selenide (InSe) has been deposited by thermal evaporation technique onto pre cleaned glass substrate under high vacuum condition. The micro-structural and optical properties of InxSe1-x (x = 0.6, 1-x = 0.4) thin film have been characterized by X-ray diffractrometer (XRD) and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The XRD spectra showed that InSe thin film has single phase hexagonal structure with preferred orientation along (1 1 0) direction. The micro-structural parameters (crystallite size, lattice strain, dislocation density, domain population) for InSe thin film have been calculated using XRD spectra. The optical parameters (absorption, transmittance, reflectance, energy band gap, Urbach energy) of InSe thin film have been evaluated from absorption spectra. The direct energy band gap and Urbach energy of InSe thin film is found to be 1.90 eV and 235 meV respectively.

Synthesis, characterization, temperature dependent electrical and magnetic properties of Ca3Co4O9 by a starch assisted sol-gel combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agilandeswari, K.; Ruban Kumar, A.

2014-09-01

In this present work we discussed the synthesis of pure Ca3Co4O9 ceramic powder by a starch assisted sol-gel combustion method. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TGA-DTA), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the formation of single phase Ca3Co4O9 at a sintering temperature of 1073 K, and it is also confirmed in the thermal analysis. SEM images indicate the presence of diffused microporous sphere like morphology and the grain sizes are in the range of 150-300 nm. Optical properties of Ca3Co4O9 ceramic show a band gap at an energy level of 2.10 eV. A maximum electrical resistivity of 0.002 mΩ cm was exhibited by Ca3Co4O9 that was decreased to 0.0012 mΩ cm, when the temperature increased from 300 K to 473 K. Dielectric studies were conducted at various temperatures from room temperature to 673 K and the results indicate that the space charge polarization contributes to the conduction mechanism. It also shows that the dielectric relaxation with activation energy is 0.96 eV. The magnetic properties as a function of temperature represent the ferri-paramagnetic phase transition at above 50 K. M-H curve shows the hysteresis loop with saturation magnetization (Ms) and confirms the presence of soft magnetic materials.

Adsorption of toxic metal ion Cr(VI) from aqueous state by TiO2-MCM-41: equilibrium and kinetic studies.

PubMed

Parida, Kulamani; Mishra, Krushna Gopal; Dash, Suresh Kumar

2012-11-30

This paper deals with the immobilization of various weight percentage of TiO(2) on mesoporous MCM-41, characterization of the materials by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and evaluation of the adsorption capacity toward Cr(VI) removal. It is found that the MCM-41 structure retained after loading of TiO(2) but the surface area and pore diameter decreased due to pore blockage. Adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous state was investigated on TiO(2)-MCM-41 by changing various parameters such as pH, metal ion concentration, and the temperature. When TiO(2) loading was more than 20 wt.%, the adsorption activity (25)TiO(2)-MCM-41 reduced significantly due to considerable decrease in the surface area. It is also observed that TiO(2) and neat MCM-41 exhibits very less Cr(VI) adsorption compared to TiO(2)-MCM-41. The adsorption of Cr(VI) onto (20)TiO(2)-MCM-41 at pH~5.5 and temperature 323 K was 91% at 100mg/L Cr(VI) metal ion concentration in 80 min. The experimental data fitted well to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on TiO(2)-MCM-41 followed a second order kinetics with higher values of intra-particle diffusion rate. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption process is endothermic in nature and desorption studies indicated a chemisorption mode. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

One-step growth of nanosheet-assembled BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres for highly efficient visible photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jinfeng; Lv, Jiali; Dai, Kai; Liang, Changhao; Liu, Qi

2018-02-01

In this work, we have developed a simple synthetic approach of nanosheet-assembled BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres by an ethylene glycol (EG)-assisted hydrothermal method. The crystalline form, morphology, chemical composition, optical performance and surface area of BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra (EDX), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analysis, high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres were nanosheet-assembled particles, which possessed visible light absorption under LED light irridation. Additionally, the methylene blue (MB) photodegradation performance of different BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres irradiated under 410 nm LED light arrays were investigated, the results exhibited that as-prepared BiOCl/BiOBr products showed higher catalytic effiency than pure BiOCl or BiOBr. By optimizing the composition ration of the BiOCl and BiOBr, up to 93% degradation rate can be obtained in the 40%BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism of BiOCl/BiOBr microspheres had been proposed.

Synthesis of two-dimensional nanowall of Cu-Doped TiO2 and its application as photoanode in DSSCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahlan, Dahyunir; Md Saad, Siti Khatijah; Berli, Ade Usra; Bajili, Abdil; Umar, Akrajas Ali

2017-07-01

Two-dimensional nanowall of Cu-doped TiO2 (CuTNW) has been prepared in this work to study the role of Cu doping on its photoactivity properties and its photovoltaic performance as photoanode in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). TiO2 nanowall with five Cu ion doping, i.e. 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mM, were prepared via a liquid-phase deposition method using ammoniumhexafluorotitanate and hexamethylenetetramine as the reagents with a growth temperature of 90 °C. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray energy dispersion (EDX) and diffuse optical reflectance spectroscopy analysis results confirmed the successfulness of the Cu doping process in the TiO2 nanowall and effective modification on the photoactivity of the TiO2 nanowall. We found that the power conversion efficiency of the DSSC utilizing TiO2 nanowall as photoanode can be enhanced up to 2 times, i.e. from 0.2% to 0.44%, when the TiO2 nanowall doped with Cu ion. The nanostructure preparation, device fabrication and the mechanism for the device performance enhancement will be discussed.

Preparation and visible light photocatalytic activity of Bi2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, C. Y.; Yi, W. T.; Xiong, J.; Ma, J.

2018-03-01

The Bi2O3 nanorods, flower-like Bi2WO6 and Bi2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction composites with the molar ratio of nBi:nW from 2:1, 2.5:1, to 3:1 have been synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method and two-step hydrothermal method, respectively. The products are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photocatalytic experiments indicate that such Bi2O3/Bi2WO6 composite possesses higher photocatalytic activity for RhB degradation under visible-light irradiation in comparison with pure Bi2O3 and Bi2WO6. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the Bi2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction catalysts can be ascribed to the reduced recombination of the photoexcited electrons and holes during the photocatalytic reaction. The effect of the molar ratio of nBi:nW on the catalytic performance of the heterojunction catalysts was also investigated. And the optimal molar ratio of nBi:nW is 2.5:1 which was synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method.

High photoactive and visible-light responsive graphene/titanate nanotubes photocatalysts: preparation and characterization.

PubMed

Qianqian, Zhai; Tang, Bo; Guoxin, Hu

2011-12-30

A series of graphene/titanate nanotubes (TNTs) photocatalysts using graphene and nanoscale TiO(2) or P25 as original materials were fabricated by hydrothermal method. Both low hydrothermal temperature and proper amount of graphene are propitious to better photoactivity. The photocatalytic activities of these nanocomposites far exceed that of P25, pure TNTs and reported TiO(2)-based nanocomposites for the degradation of Rhodamine-B under visible-light irradiation. These prepared photocatalysts were characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, BET, FTIR and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra, and the results indicate that the outstanding photoactivities in visible-light region result from sensitization effect of graphene rather than impurity level in the band gap of TNTs. Furthermore, large BET surface areas of these photocatalysts (almost 10 times larger than that of previously reported graphene/TiO(2) nanoparticles) evidently enhance their absorption abilities and photocatalytic performances (the rate constants of degrading Rhodamine-B are at least 5 times higher than that of previously reported photocatalysts). These photocatalysts show good stability, and their photoactivities do not obviously decrease after four times of repeated uses. A detailed photocatalytic mechanism is suggested, as well. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Constructing a MoS₂ QDs/CdS Core/Shell Flowerlike Nanosphere Hierarchical Heterostructure for the Enhanced Stability and Photocatalytic Activity.

PubMed

Liang, Shijing; Zhou, Zhouming; Wu, Xiuqin; Zhu, Shuying; Bi, Jinhong; Zhou, Limin; Liu, Minghua; Wu, Ling

2016-02-15

MoS₂ quantum dots (QDs)/CdS core/shell nanospheres with a hierarchical heterostructure have been prepared by a simple microwave hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples are characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and N₂-sorption in detail. The photocatalytic activities of the samples are evaluated by water splitting into hydrogen. Results show that the as-prepared MoS₂ QDs/CdS core/shell nanospheres with a diameter of about 300 nm are composed of the shell of CdS nanorods and the core of MoS₂ QDs. For the photocatalytic reaction, the samples exhibit a high stability of the photocatalytic activity and a much higher hydrogen evolution rate than the pure CdS, the composite prepared by a physical mixture, and the Pt-loaded CdS sample. In addition, the stability of CdS has also been greatly enhanced. The effect of the reaction time on the formations of nanospheres, the photoelectric properties and the photocatalytic activities of the samples has been investigated. Finally, a possible photocatalytic reaction process has also been proposed.

Synthesis of CdS/ZnO/graphene composite with high-efficiency photoelectrochemical activities under solar radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Weijia; Ren, Long; Qi, Xiang; Liu, Yundan; Wei, Xiaolin; Huang, Zongyu; Zhong, Jianxin

2014-04-01

A novel ternary CdS/ZnO/graphene composite has been successfully prepared by loading ZnO and CdS nanoparticles in graphene nanosheets via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The microstructures and properties have been examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), transmission electron microscopy, Raman and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The characterization results reveal that the crystalline of the composite is very well, the graphene sheets were tightly coated with ZnO and CdS nanoparticles, and the light-harvesting was effectively strengthened. Taking photoelectrochemical test, the ternary CdS/ZnO/graphene composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with its foundation matrix binary composites and pure ZnO and CdS. The improved photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the enhanced light absorption, the extremely efficient charge separation, as well as superior durability of the ternary composite. It is proposed that graphene-based composites by coupling graphene to suitable, multiple semiconductors can not only greatly improve the capacity for photocatalytic, but also expand the exploration and utilization of graphene-based nanocomposites for energy conversion.

Photocatalytic degradation of metronidazole and methylene blue by PVA-assisted Bi2WO6-CdS nanocomposite film under visible light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajendran, Ranjith; Varadharajan, Krishnakumar; Jayaraman, Venkatesan; Singaram, Boobas; Jeyaram, Jayaprakash

2018-02-01

The enhanced photocatalytic performance of nanocomposite is synthesized via the hydrothermal method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Under visible light irradiation, PVA assisted Bi2WO6-CdS nanocomposite film displayed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and inhibition of photocorrosion as compared with pure CdS, pure Bi2WO6 and Bi2WO6-CdS composite. The PVA assisted Bi2WO6-CdS composite film catalyst showed stable catalytic performance until seven successive runs with 92% of methylene blue(MB) degradation, and easy to recover after degradation of organic pollutant. PVA assisted Bi2WO6-CdS nanocomposite film has optimal band edge position for superior photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, the trapping experiment was carried out using different scavenger for active species. Among the active species, OH· are the most responsive species which play a vital role in the degradation of metronidazole and MB.

Synthesis and characterization of Ag embedded graphitic carbon nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, P. C.; Mohapatra, Y. N.

2018-05-01

Silver embedded graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4:Ag) was prepared by a simple wet chemical pathway using dimethylformamide (DMF) as a common solvent which facilitate homogenous distribution of Ag nanoparticles under ambient conditions. The phase, chemical structure and thermal stability of the as prepared g-C3N4:Ag composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical properties of g-C3N4:Ag were investigated by diffuse reflectance UV/vis spectroscopy and steady state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The bandgap of g-C3N4:Ag is determined to be 2.72 eV compared to 2.85 eV for that of pure g-C3N4 using Kubelka-Monk function. Comparing the UV/vis spectra, there is a broad spectrum in the region 2.3 to 2.6 eV in the case of g-C3N4:Ag, which is attributed to the presence of Ag nanoparticles. The emission peak of g-C3N4:Ag is slightly broadened and quenched in intensity to that of pure g-C3N4.

Facile room-temperature synthesis of carboxylated graphene oxide-copper sulfide nanocomposite with high photodegradation and disinfection activities under solar light irradiation

PubMed Central

Yu, Shuyan; Liu, Jincheng; Zhu, Wenyu; Hu, Zhong-Ting; Lim, Teik-Thye; Yan, Xiaoli

2015-01-01

Carboxylic acid functionalized graphene oxide-copper (II) sulfide nanoparticle composite (GO-COOH-CuS) was prepared from carboxylated graphene oxide and copper precursor in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by a facile synthesis process at room temperature. The high-effective combination, the interaction between GO-COOH sheets and CuS nanoparticles, and the enhanced visible light absorption were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The as-synthesized GO-COOH-CuS nanocomposite exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation performance of phenol and rhodamine B, high antibacterial activity toward E. coli and B. subtilis, and good recovery and reusability. The influence of CuS content, the synergistic reaction between CuS and GO-COOH, and the charge-transfer mechanism were systematically investigated. The facile and low-energy synthesis process combined with the excellent degradation and antibacterial performance signify that the GO-COOH-CuS has a great potential for water treatment application. PMID:26553709

Effect of Thermal Processes on the Electrical and Optical Properties of Fe2TiO5 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajarin, R.; Widyastuti; Baqiya, M. A.; Putri, I. Y. S.

2017-05-01

Pseudobrookite (Fe2TiO5) is one of the Fe-Ti oxides that have been commonly studied. It is the most stable phase among the Fe-titanates. The multiferroic properties of Fe2TiO5 make the material can be used as a potential candidate for new applications due to the combination of semiconducting, magnetic, dielectric, and optical properties. In this research, Fe2TiO5 ceramics were synthesized using mechanical milling method for 7 h with various temperatures of 1100 °C, 1200 °C, and 1300 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to analyze the microstructures and crystal structures of the Fe2TiO5 ceramics. In order to investigate the band gap of the Fe2TiO5, the UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance measurements were conducted. It has been found that the Fe2TiO5 ceramic can be applied as a promising candidate for semiconducting devices in which the electrical conductivity and the band gap of the Fe2TiO5 ceramic were 1.73 × 10-7 Ω-1.cm-1 and 1.71 eV, respectively.

Metallic phases of cobalt-based catalysts in ethanol steam reforming: The effect of cerium oxide

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

Lin, Sean S.-Y.; Kim, Do Heui; Ha, Su Y.

2009-02-28

The catalytic activity of cobalt in the production of hydrogen via ethanol steam reforming has been investigated in its relation to the crystalline structure of metallic cobalt. At a reaction temperature of 350 8C, the specific hydrogen production rates show that hexagonal close-packed (hcp) cobalt possesses higher activity than face-centered cubic (fcc) cobalt. However, at typical reaction temperatures (400– 500 8C) for ethanol steam reforming, hcp cobalt is transformed to less active fcc cobalt, as confirmed by in situ X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The addition of CeO2 promoter (10 wt.%) stabilizes the hcp cobalt structure at reforming temperatures up to 600more » 8C. Moreover, during the pre-reduction process, CeO2 promoter prevents sintering during the transformation of Co3O4 to hcp cobalt. Both reforming experiments and in situ diffuse-reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed that the surface reactions were modified by CeO2 promoter on 10% Ce–Co (hcp) to give a lower CO selectivity and a higher H2 yield as compared with the unpromoted hcp Co.« less

Augmented Photoelectrochemical Efficiency of ZnO/TiO2 Nanotube Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boda, Muzaffar Ahmad; Shah, Mohammad Ashraf

2017-11-01

ZnO/TiO2 nanotube heterostructures have been fabricated by electrodeposition of ZnO microcrystals over electrochemically anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays. The resulting ZnO/TiO2 nanotube heterostructures showed enhanced photocurrent density of 5.72 mA cm-2, about 1.5 times the value of 3.68 mA cm-2 shown by bare compact TiO2 nanotubes. This enhanced photocurrent density of the ZnO/TiO2 nanotube heterostructures is due to high electron mobility in the ZnO crystals, thereby decreasing the electron-hole recombination process, good interfacial quality between the ZnO and TiO2 structures, and a proposed smooth charge-transfer mechanism due to band bending at the interface. The morphological features of the as-prepared heterostructures were determined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The crystallinity and phase purity of the samples were confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The light absorption properties of the prepared samples were investigated by ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The photoelectrochemical efficiency of bare and ZnO-modified TiO2 nanotube heterostructures was determined by electrochemical analyzer.

As-synthesis of nanostructure AgCl/Ag/MCM-41 composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohrabnezhad, Sh.; Pourahmad, A.

2012-02-01

In this work, we present the simple synthetic route for silver chloride/silver nanoparticles (AgCl/Ag-NPs) using as-synthesis method. The structure, composition and optical properties of such material were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that when AgNO 3 content is below 0.1 wt.% in synthetic gel, the guest AgCl/Ag-NPs is formed on the silica channel wall, and lower exists in the crystalline state. When AgNO 3 content exceeds this value, AgCl/Ag nanoparticles can be observed in high crystalline state. The absorption at 327 nm ascribed to the characteristic absorption of the AgCl semiconductor. Ag nanoparticles have been shown to exist in the nanocomposite at 375 nm. When AgNO 3 content is above 0.1 wt.% in synthetic gel, spectra exhibited stronger absorption at 450-700 nm that was attributed to the surface plasmonic resonance of silver nanoparticles. The obtained AgCl/Ag/MCM-41 sample exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation.

Reduced graphene oxide modified NiFe-calcinated layered double hydroxides for enhanced photocatalytic removal of methylene blue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guoqing; Li, Caifeng; Wu, Xia; Yu, Jingang; Jiang, Xinyu; Hu, Wenjihao; Jiao, Feipeng

2018-03-01

Calcined layered double hydroxides (CLDH) are one of the remarkable photocatalysts passionately studied for photodecolorization of organic dyes. NiFe-CLDH was successfully modified by reduced graphene oxide (RGO) through a facile in situ crystallization technique. The obtained RGO/NiFe-CLDH composites were fully characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results analysis indicated that RGO sheets could work as base course to prompt the growth of LDH crystallites and NiFe-LDH lamellar crystal promiscuously distributed on the sheets with a strong interplay between each other. The photocatalytic performance of RGO/NiFe-CLDH composites toward decolorization of methylene blue tightly depended on the mass fraction of RGO and calcinated temperature. At the RGO weight loading of 1%, calcination temperature of 500 °C, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of RGO/NiFe-CLDH composites reached 93.0% within 5.0 h. The enhanced activity of RGO/NiFe-CLDH composites may be due to the concerted catalysis effect between two constituents of as-prepared composites.

Characterization and activity of visible-light-driven TiO 2 photocatalyst codoped with lanthanum and iodine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ling; Zhuang, Huisheng; Bu, Dan

2011-08-01

The novel visible-light-activated La/I/TiO 2 nanocomposition photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using precipitation-dipping method, and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The photocatalytic activity of La/I/TiO 2 was evaluated by studying photodegradation of reactive blue 19 as a probe reaction under simulated sunlight irradiation. Photocatalytic experiment results showed that the maximum specific photocatalytic activity of the La/I/TiO 2 photocatalyst appeared when the molar ratio of La/Ti was 2.0 at%, calcined at 350 °C for 2 h, due to the sample with good crystallization, high BET surface area and small crystal size. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the degradation of reactive blue 19 aqueous solution reached 98.6% in 80 min, which showed La/I/TiO 2 photocatalyst to be much higher photocatalytic activity compared to standard Degussa P25 photocatalyst. The higher visible light activity is due to the codoping of lanthanum and iodine.

One-step in situ synthesis of graphene–TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

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

Sun, Mingxuan, E-mail: mingxuansun@sues.edu.cn; Li, Weibin; Sun, Shanfu

2015-01-15

Chemically bonded graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composites with superior dispersity were synthesized by a one-step in situ hydrothermal method using graphene oxide (GO) and TiO{sub 2} (P25) as the starting materials. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, Raman, N{sub 2} adsorption, and UV–vis DRS techniques. Enhanced light absorption and a red shift of absorption edge were observed for the composites in the ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). Their effective photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. An enhancement of photocatalytic performance was observed over graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanorodmore » hybrid composite photocatalysts, as 3.7 times larger than that of pristine TiO{sub 2} nanorods. This work demonstrated that the synthesis of TiO{sub 2} nanorods and simultaneous conversion of GO to graphene “without using reducing agents” had shown to be a rapid, direct and clean approach to fabricate chemically bonded graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composites with enhanced photocatalytic performance.« less

Fabrication of meso-porous BiOI sensitized zirconia nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignesh, K.; Suganthi, A.; Min, Bong-Ki; Kang, Misook

2015-01-01

In this present work, BiOI sensitized zirconia (BiOI-ZrO2) nanoparticles were fabricated using a precipitation-deposition method. The physicochemical characteristics of BiOI/ZrO2 were studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BET-surface area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy techniques. The absorption maximum of ZrO2 was shifted to the visible region after sensitization with BiOI. BET-surface area results inferred that the prepared hetero-junctions were meso-porous in nature. The photocatalytic activity of BiOI-ZrO2 for the degradation of methyl violet (MV) dye under simulated solar light irradiation was investigated in detail. 3% BiOI-ZrO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance (98% of MV degradation) when compared with ZrO2 and BiOI. The enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of BiOI-ZrO2 is ascribed to the sensitization effect of BiOI, suppression of electron-hole recombination and the formation of p-n hetero-junction.

Preparation of poly-o-phenylenediamine/TiO 2/fly-ash cenospheres and its photo-degradation property on antibiotics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Pengwei; Yan, Yongsheng; Li, Songtian; Li, Huaming; Huang, Weihong

2010-03-01

A series of poly-o-phenylenediamine/TiO 2/fly-ash cenospheres(POPD/TiO 2/fly-ash cenospheres) composites have been prepared from o-phenylenediamine and TiO 2/fly-ash cenospheres under various polymerization conditions. The properties of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), specific surface area (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV-vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity was studied by degradation of antibiotics waste water under visible light. The results indicate that the photo-induced method is viable for preparing modified photocatalysts, and the modified photocatalysts have good absorption in visible light range. The photocatalysts of POPD/TiO 2/fly-ash cenospheres which have good performance are prepared at pH 3 and 4, and the polymerized time around 40 min. When the photocatalysts are prepared under the conditions of pH 3 and polymerized time 40 min, the degradation rate of roxithromycin waste water could reach near 60%, and it indicates that the way of POPD modified TiO 2/fly-ash cenospheres to degrade the antibiotics waste water is viable.

Mesoporous titanosilicates with high loading of titanium synthesized in mild acidic buffer solution.

PubMed

Tang, Jianting; Liu, Jian; Yang, Jie; Feng, Zhaochi; Fan, Fengtao; Yang, Qihua

2009-07-15

Mesoporous titanosilicates with high titanium content were synthesized under mild acidic conditions (pH=4.4, HAc-NaAc buffer solution) by co-condensation of acetylacetone-modified titanium isopropoxide (Ti(OBu(n))(3) (acac)) and mixture of sodium silicate with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) or tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) or tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)orthosilicate (EGMS), using block copolymer Pluronic P123 as template. The combined results of XRD, N(2) sorption and TEM show that the highly regular structure of the mesoporous titanosilicates can still be obtained when Ti/Si molar ratio in the final product is as high as 0.059. The results of UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and UV resonance Raman spectra show that the framework titanium species are predominant in the mesoporous titanosilicates when Ti/Si molar ratio in the final product is less than 0.042. The mixture of sodium silicate and EGMS was proved to be the best silicon source for the synthesis of titanosilicates with ordered mesostructure and high titanium content. The efficiency of this synthetic method may be attributed to the mild acidic medium as well as the modified hydrolysis-condensation rate and hydrophility of the precursors.

Dry Reforming of Ethane and Butane with CO 2 over PtNi/CeO 2 Bimetallic Catalysts

DOE PAGES

Yan, Binhang; Yang, Xiaofang; Yao, Siyu; ...

2016-09-21

Dry reforming is a potential process to convert CO 2 and light alkanes into syngas (H 2 and CO), which can be subsequently transformed to chemicals and fuels. Here in this work, PtNi bimetallic catalysts have been investigated for dry reforming of ethane and butane using both model surfaces and supported powder catalysts. The PtNi bimetallic catalyst shows an improvement in both activity and stability as compared to the corresponding monometallic catalysts. The formation of PtNi alloy and the partial reduction of Ce 4+ to Ce 3+ under reaction conditions are demonstrated by in-situ Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (AP-XPS),more » X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) measurements. A Pt-rich bimetallic surface is revealed by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) following CO adsorption. Combined in-situ experimental results and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the Pt-rich PtNi bimetallic surface structure would weaken the binding of surface oxygenates/carbon species and reduce the activation energy for C-C bond scission, leading to an enhanced dry reforming activity.« less

Preparation and characterization of Bi-doped TiO{sub 2} and its solar photocatalytic activity for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide

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

Reddy, Police Anil Kumar; Srinivas, Basavaraju; Kala, Pruthu

Highlights: {yields} Visible active Bi-TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst preparation and thorough charaterization. {yields} Bi-TiO{sub 2} shows high activity for isoproturon degradation under solar light irradiation. {yields} The spectral response of TiO{sub 2} shifts from UV to visible light region by Bi doping. {yields} Bi{sup 3+{delta}+} species are playing a vital role in minimizing e{sup -}/h{sup +} recombination. -- Abstract: Bi-doped TiO{sub 2} catalyst was prepared by sol-gel method and was characterized by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD), X-ray photo electronic spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis ofmore » X-rays (EDAX) and BET surface area. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were evaluated for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide under solar light irradiation. The UV-Visible DRS of Bi-doped TiO{sub 2} showed red shift in optical absorption. The presence of Bi{sup 3+{delta}+} species are playing a vital role in minimizing the electron hole recombination resulting higher activity compared to bare TiO{sub 2}.« less

Dry Reforming of Ethane and Butane with CO 2 over PtNi/CeO 2 Bimetallic Catalysts

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

Yan, Binhang; Yang, Xiaofang; Yao, Siyu

Dry reforming is a potential process to convert CO 2 and light alkanes into syngas (H 2 and CO), which can be subsequently transformed to chemicals and fuels. Here in this work, PtNi bimetallic catalysts have been investigated for dry reforming of ethane and butane using both model surfaces and supported powder catalysts. The PtNi bimetallic catalyst shows an improvement in both activity and stability as compared to the corresponding monometallic catalysts. The formation of PtNi alloy and the partial reduction of Ce 4+ to Ce 3+ under reaction conditions are demonstrated by in-situ Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (AP-XPS),more » X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) measurements. A Pt-rich bimetallic surface is revealed by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) following CO adsorption. Combined in-situ experimental results and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the Pt-rich PtNi bimetallic surface structure would weaken the binding of surface oxygenates/carbon species and reduce the activation energy for C-C bond scission, leading to an enhanced dry reforming activity.« less

Photovoltaic characteristics of natural light harvesting dye sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Hafez, H S; Shenouda, S S; Fadel, M

2018-03-05

In this work of research, anthocyanin as a natural dye obtained from raspberry fruits, was used and tested as a photon harvesting/electron donating dye in titanium dioxide nanoparticle-based DSSCs. A working photoelectrode made from TiO 2 nanoparticles with an average particle size (10-40nm) that is coated on Florine doped tin-oxide substrate, was prepared via a simple and low cost hydrothermal method. A detailed structural and morphological analysis of the TiO 2 photoactive electrode was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectrometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Complete photovoltaic characteristics including (current, voltage, outpower, and responsivity) of the natural anthocyanin based dye sensitized solar cell have been investigated under different illumination intensity ranging from 10 to 100mW.cm -2 . The cell responsivity and efficiency of the fabricated solar cell under different illumination intensity were found to be in the range (R=15.6-23.8mA.W -1 and η=0.13-0.25) at AM=1.5 conditions. This study is important for enhancing the future applications of the promising DSSC technology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In Situ Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles on Wool Powder and Their Catalytic Application.

PubMed

Tang, Bin; Zhou, Xu; Zeng, Tian; Lin, Xia; Zhou, Ji; Ye, Yong; Wang, Xungai

2017-03-15

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in situ on wool powder (WP) under heating conditions. Wool powder not only reduced Au ions to AuNPs, but also provided a support for as-synthesized AuNPs. WPs were treated under different concentrations of Au ions, and corresponding optical features and morphologies of the treated WPs were investigated by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were also employed to characterize the WP treated with AuNPs. The results demonstrate that AuNPs were produced in the presence of WP and distributed over the wool particles. The porous structure led to the synthesis of AuNPs in the internal parts of WP. Acid conditions and high temperature facilitated the synthesis of AuNPs by WP in aqueous solution. The reducibility of wool was improved after being converted to powder from fibers, due to exposure of more active groups. Moreover, the obtained AuNP-WP complexes showed significant catalytic activity to accelerate the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by sodium borohydride (NaBH₄).

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon and photocatalytic activity on BG and MB dyes under sunlight radiation.

PubMed

Ragupathy, S; Raghu, K; Prabu, P

2015-03-05

Synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon (TiO2/CNSAC) had been undertaken using sol-gel method and their application in BG and MB dyes removal under sunlight radiation has been investigated. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The various experimental parameters like amount of catalyst, contact time for efficient dyes degradation of BG and MB were concerned in this study. Activity measurements performed under solar irradiation has shown good results for the photodegradation of BG and MB in aqueous solution. It was concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in TiO2/CNSAC was due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst. The kinetic data were also described by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elaboration of nano titania-magnetic reduced graphene oxide for degradation of tartrazine dye in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nada, Amr A.; Tantawy, Hesham R.; Elsayed, Mohamed A.; Bechelany, Mikhael; Elmowafy, Mohamed E.

2018-04-01

In this paper, magnetic nanocomposites are synthesized by loading reduced graphene oxide (RG) with two components of nanoparticles consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and magnetite (Fe3O4) with varying amounts. The structural and magnetic features of the prepared composite photocatalysts were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis/DRS), Raman and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The resulting TiO2/magnetite reduced graphene oxide (MRGT) composite demonstrated intrinsic visible light photocatalytic activity, on degradation of tartrazine (TZ) dye from a synthetic aqueous solution. Specifically, it exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than magnetite reduced graphene oxide (MRG) and TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic degradation of TZ dye when using MRG and TiO2 for 3 h under visible light was 35% and 10% respectively, whereas for MRGT it was more than 95%. The higher photocatalytic efficiency of MRGT is due to the existence of reduced graphene oxide and magnetite which enhances the photocatalytic efficiency of the composite in visible light towards the degradation of harmful soluble azo dye (tartrazine).

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of nonmetal Co-doped titanium dioxide photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiaogang; Xing, Jun; Qiu, Jingping

2016-06-01

A series of boron and sulfur co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts were prepared by a sol-gel method using boric acid, thiourea and tetrabutyl titanate [Ti(OC4H9)4] as precursors. The photoabsorbance of as-prepared photocatalysts was measured by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and its microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. The prepared photocatalysts consisted of the anatase phase mainly in the form of spherical particles. The photocatalytic performance was studied by photodegradation of methyl blue (MB) in water under UV and visible light irradiation. The calcination temperature and the codoping content influenced the photoactivity. The synergistic effect of boron and sulfur co-doping played an important role in improving the photocatalytic activity. In addition, the possibility of cyclic usage of codoped TiO2 was also confirmed, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 remained above 91% of that of the fresh sample after being used four times. It was shown that the co-doped TiO2 could be activated by visible light and could thus be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants.

Improving the visible light photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO2 via the synergetic effects of B doping and Ag loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Baozhu; Shao, Zhimang; Ma, Yunfei; Zhang, Jinlong; Chen, Feng

2011-11-01

B-doped together with Ag-loaded mesoporous TiO2 (Ag/B-TiO2) was prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method in the presence of boric acid, triblock copolymer surfactant, and silver nitrate, followed by heat treatment. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. It was revealed that all samples consist of highly crystalline anatase with mesoporous structure. For Ag/B-TiO2, B was doped into TiO2 matrix in the form of both interstitial B and substitutional B while Ag was deposited on the surface of B-TiO2 in the form of metallic silver. Compared with the single B-doped or Ag-loaded TiO2 one, mesoporous Ag/B-TiO2 exhibits much higher visible light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine 6G, which can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of B doping and Ag loading by narrowing the band gap of the photocatalyst and preventing the fast recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers, respectively.

Energy band gap and spectroscopic studies in Mn{sub 1-x}Cu{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.125)

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

Mal, Priyanath; Rambabu, P.; Turpu, G. R.

2016-05-06

A study on the effect of nonmagnetic Cu{sup 2+} substitution at Mn{sup 2+} site on the structural and energy band gap of the MnWO{sub 4} is reported. Convenient solid state reaction route has been adopted for the synthesis of Mn{sub 1-x}Cu{sub x}WO{sub 4}. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed high crystalline quality of the prepared samples. Raman spectroscopic studies were carried out to understand the structural aspects of the doping. 15 Raman active modes were identified out of 18, predicted for wolframite type monoclinic structure of MnWO{sub 4}. UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra were recorded and analyzed to get energy band gapmore » of the studied system and are found in the range of 2.5 eV to 2.04 eV with a systematic decrease with the increase in Cu{sup 2+} concentration. Energy band gap values are verified by Density Functional Theory calculations based on projector augmented wave (PAW) method. The calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental data.« less

Fabrication of CaFe2O4 nanofibers via electrospinning method with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jianmin; Wang, Yunan; Liu, Yinglei; Li, Song; Cao, Feng; Qin, Gaowu

CaFe2O4 nanofibers with diameters of about 130nm have been fabricated via a facile electrospinning method. The structures, morphologies and optical properties of the obtained CaF2O4 nanofibers have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. The photocatalytic activities of the CaFe2O4 nanofibers are evaluated by the photo-degradation of Methyl orange (MO). The results show that the CaFe2O4 nanofibers (72%) exhibit much higher photocatalytic performance than the CaFe2O4 powders (27%) prepared by conventional method under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of CaFe2O4 nanofibers could be attributed to the large surface area, high photogenerated charge carriers density and low charge transfer resistance, as revealed by photoelectrochemical measurement. And fundamentally, it could be attributed to the decreased particle size and the fibrous nanostructure. This work not only provides an efficient way to improve the photocatalytic activity of CaFe2O4, but also provides a new method for preparing materials with nanofibrous structure.

Facile Preparation of Nano-Bi₂MoO₆/Diatomite Composite for Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance under Visible Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Cai, Lu; Gong, Jiuyan; Liu, Jianshe; Zhang, Hailong; Song, Wendong; Ji, Lili

2018-02-09

In this work, a new nano-Bi₂MoO₆/diatomite composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) were employed to investigate the morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties. It was shown that nanometer-scaled Bi₂MoO₆ crystals were well-deposited on the surface of Bi₂MoO₆/diatomite. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under the visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Moreover, trapping experiments were performed to investigate the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism. The results showed that the nano-Bi₂MoO₆/diatomite composite with the mass ratio of Bi₂MoO₆ to diatomaceous earth of 70% exhibited the highest activity, and the RhB degradation efficiency reached 97.6% within 60 min. The main active species were revealed to be h⁺ and•O 2- . As a photocatalytic reactor, its recycling performance showed a good stability and reusability. This new composite photocatalyst material holds great promise in the engineering field for the environmental remediation.

Facile Synthesis of g-C3N4 Nanosheets/ZnO Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Reduction of Aqueous Chromium(VI) under Visible Light

PubMed Central

Yuan, Xiaoya; Zhou, Chao; Jing, Qiuye; Tang, Qi; Mu, Yuanhua; Du, An-ke

2016-01-01

Graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets (CN)/ZnO photocatalysts (CN/ZnO) with different CN loadings were successfully prepared via a simple precipitation-calcination in the presence of exfoliated C3N4 nanosheets. Their morphology and structure were thoroughly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results showed that hexagonal wurzite-phase ZnO nanoparticles were randomly distributed onto the CN nanosheets with a well-bonded interface between the two components in the CN/ZnO composites. The performance of the photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction indicated that CN/ZnO exhibited better photocatalytic activity than pure ZnO under visible-light irradiation and the photocatalyst composite with a lower loading of CN sheets eventually displayed higher activity. The enhanced performance of CN/ZnO photocatalysts could be ascribed to the increased absorption of the visible light and the effective transfer and separation of the photogenerated charge carriers. PMID:28335301

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

PubMed Central

Dong, Zhenbiao; Ning, Congqin

2017-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-10-31

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

TiO₂ supported over SBA-15: an efficient photocatalyst for the pesticide degradation using solar light.

PubMed

Phanikrishna Sharma, M V; Durga Kumari, V; Subrahmanyam, M

2008-11-01

Photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of pesticides are studied over TiO(2) supported mesoporous SBA-15 composite system using solar light. TiO(2) is immobilized over SBA-15 by solid sate dispersion method. The catalysts are characterized by XRD, surface area, UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra, SEM and TEM. The detailed photocatalytic degradation studies are carried out over TiO(2), SBA-15 and different TiO(2) wt% supported SBA-15. The activity evaluation parameters such as catalyst amount, pH, and pollutant initial concentration are studied taking isoproturon as a model compound and established conditions for pesticide degradation. The optimum degradation is achieved over 10 wt% TiO(2)/SBA-15 within 30 min and the reaction is following pseudo-first order kinetics. The isoproturon mineralization is monitored with TOC reduction and it takes around 9h for disappearance. The commercial pesticide solutions containing imidacloprid and phosphamidon are also successfully degraded over these composites with the established conditions. The data indicates that 10 wt% TiO(2)/SBA-15 composite is an effective and highly active system for the pesticide degradations.

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of ZrO2 nanoparticles and their application to improve the chemical stability of Nafion membrane in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.

PubMed

Taghizadeh, Mohammad Taghi; Vatanparast, Morteza

2016-12-01

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles were fabricated successfully via ultrasonic-assisted method using ZrO(NO3)2·H2O, ethylenediamine and hydrazine as precursors in aqueous solution. Morphology, structure and composition of the obtained products were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Then, the synthesized nanoparticles were used to prepare Nafion/ZrO2 nanocomposite membranes. The properties of the membranes were studied by ion exchange capacity (IEC) proton conductivity (σ), thermal stability and water uptake measurements. The ex-situ Fenton's test was used to investigate the chemical stability of the membranes. From our results, compared with Nafion membrane, the nanocomposite membrane exhibited lower fluoride release and weight loss. Therefore, it can concluded that Nafion/ZrO2 nanocomposite exhibit more chemical stability than the pure Nafion membrane. ATR-FTIR spectra and SEM surface images of membranes also confirm these results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of reaction time on the structural, optical and electrical performance of copper antimony sulfide nanoparticles using solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Bincy; Genifer Silvena, G.; Leo Rajesh, A.

2018-05-01

The less toxic and cost effective ternary Cu-Sb-S nanoparticles and thin films were synthesized and deposited using solvothermal and drop casting method. The reactions were carried out at different timings as 12-48 h, in steps of 12 h using ethylene glycol as solvent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as surfactant. Systematic analysis revealed that due to the influence of different reaction time, significant and unique changes were occurring on the crystal structure, optical and electrical properties of the material. The synthesized nanopowders and deposited films were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Raman analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer, UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and hall measurement. XRD results showed that as the time increases crystallinity improves and phase transformation from chalcostibite to tetrahedrite occurs. The Optical performance revealed that the bandgap of nanoparticles were in the range of 1.21-1.49 eV. Hall measurements showed that the deposited Cu12Sb4S13 and CuSbS2 films exhibited p-type conductivity with carrier concentration ranging from 1016-1019 cm-3, indicating a promising p-type absorber material for photovoltaic applications.

Photocatalytic detoxification of Acid Red 18 by modified ZnO catalyst under sunlight irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senthilraja, A.; Subash, B.; Dhatshanamurthi, P.; Swaminathan, M.; Shanthi, M.

2015-03-01

In this work, hybrid structured Bi-Au-ZnO composite was prepared by precipitation-decomposition method. This method is mild, economical and efficient. Bi-Au-ZnO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. Photocatalytic activity of Bi-Au-ZnO was evaluated by irradiating the Acid Red 18 (AR 18) dye solution under sun light. Heterostructured Bi-Au-ZnO photocatalyst showed higher photocatalytic activity than those of individual Bi-ZnO, Au-ZnO, bare ZnO, and TiO2-P25 at pH 11. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of catalyst dosage, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization of AR 18 dye have been analyzed. The mineralization of AR 18 has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A possible mechanism is proposed for the degradation of AR 18 under sun light. Finally, Bi-Au-ZnO heterojunction photocatalyst was more stable and could be easily recycled several times opening a new avenue for potential industrial applications.

Photocatalytic degradation of an azo textile dye (C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF)) in aqueous solution over copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Rezvani, Zoya

2015-08-05

The degradation of C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF) in aqueous solution using copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method was studied. Structural, optical and morphological properties of nanocomposite coatings were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The nanoparticles exhibit a particle size of 31 nm, showing a good nanoscale crystalline morphology. The photocatalytic activity of copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass was studied by performing the photocatalytic degradation of 3BF at different irradiation time. The effect of irradiation time on the degradation of 3BF was studied and the results showed that more than 85% of the 3BF was degraded in 45 min of irradiation. The pseudo-first-order kinetic models were used and the rate constants were evaluated with pseudo first order rate constants of 4.10 × 10(-2) min(-1). The main advantage of the photocatalyst coated on glass overcomes the difficulties in separation and recycle of photocatalyst suspensions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of mixed oxides derived from ZnAlTi ternary layered double hydroxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, R. K.; Mohanta, B. S.; Das, N. N.

2013-09-01

A new series of Ti4+ containing ZnAl-LDHs with varying Zn:Al:Ti (~3:1:0-3:0.5:0.5) ratio were prepared by coprecipitation of homogeneous solution metal salts and characterized by various physicochemical methods. Powder XRD revealed the formation of well crystallized LDH even at the highest Ti4+ content. On thermal treatment at 450 °C, the well crystallized LDH precursors yielded mixed oxides with BET surface area in the range 92-118 m2/g. UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) showed a marginal decrease of band gap energy for calcined ZnAlTi-LDHs in comparison to either ZnO or TiO2-P25. The TEM analyses of a representative sample (as-synthesized and calcined) indicated more or less uniform distribution of titanium species. The derived mixed oxides from titanium containing LDH precursors demonstrated better activity toward photodegradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B than those of a physical mixture of ZnO and TiO2. Moreover, the present work not only provided a first hand understanding about semiconductor properties of ZnAlTi-LDHs but also demonstrated their potential as photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride/cadmium sulfide heterojunctions by protonating treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Mengdie; Ma, Yushuang; Zhang, Huanhuan; Ye, Boyong; Dong, Xiaoping

2018-05-01

Highly efficient visible-light-driven protonated g-C3N4 (pg-C3N4)/CdS heterojunctions with different weight ratios of CdS were prepared by treating g-C3N4 with hydrochloric acid and using an in-situ precipitation method. The structure and morphology of heterojunctions were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nitrogen adsorption technology. The as-prepared pg-C3N4/CdS heterojunction with 50 wt% of g-C3N4 exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) than pg-C3N4, CdS and g-C3N4/CdS without protonation as well, which could be contributed to the activation of hydrochloric acid treatment and the improved electron-hole separation due to their overlapping band structure of CdS and pg-C3N4. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of the pg-C3N4/CdS heterojunctions with superoxide radical species as the main active species in photocatalysis was proposed on the basis of experimental results.

Precursor effect on the property and catalytic behavior of Fe-TS-1 in butadiene epoxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Mei; Zhao, Huahua; Yang, Jian; Zhao, Jun; Song, Huanling; Chou, Lingjun

2017-11-01

The effect of iron precursor on the property and catalytic behavior of iron modified titanium silicalite molecular sieve (Fe-TS-1) catalysts in butadiene selective epoxidation has been studied. Three Fe-TS-1 catalysts were prepared, using iron nitrate, iron chloride and iron sulfate as precursors, which played an important role in adjusting the textural properties and chemical states of TS-1. Of the prepared Fe-TS-1 catalysts, those modified by iron nitrate (FN-TS-1) exhibited a significant enhanced performance in butadiene selective epoxidation compared to those derived from iron sulfate (FS-TS-1) or iron chloride (FC-TS-1) precursors. To obtain a deep understanding of their structure-performance relationship, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Temperature programmed desorption of NH3 (NH3-TPD), Diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectra (DR UV-Vis), Fourier transformed infrared spectra (FT-IR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted to characterize Fe-TS-1 catalysts. Experimental results indicated that textural structures and acid sites of modified catalysts as well as the type of Fe species influenced by the precursors were all responsible for the activity and product distribution.

Optical and magnetic properties of Co-doped CuO flower/plates/particles-like nanostructures.

PubMed

Basith, N Mohamed; Vijaya, J Judith; Kennedy, L John; Bououdina, M; Hussain, Shamima

2014-03-01

In this study, pure and Co-doped CuO nanostructures (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at wt% of Co) were synthesized by microwave combustion method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Powder X-ray diffraction patterns refined by the Rietveld method indicated the formation of single-phase monoclinic structure. The surface morphology and elemental analysis of Co-doped CuO nanostructures were studied by using HR-SEM and EDX. Interestingly, the morphology was found to change considerably from nanoflowers to nanoplates then to nanoparticles with the variation of Co concentration. The optical band gap calculated using DRS was found to be 2.1 eV for pure CuO and increases up to 3.4 eV with increasing cobalt content. Photoluminescence measurements also confirm these results. The magnetic measurements indicated that the obtained nanostructures were ferromagnetic at room temperature with an optimum value of saturation magnetization at 1.0 wt.% of Co-doped CuO, i.e., 970 micro emu/g.

Limitations of the commonly used simplified laterally uniform optical fiber probe-tissue interface in Monte Carlo simulations of diffuse reflectance

PubMed Central

Naglič, Peter; Pernuš, Franjo; Likar, Boštjan; Bürmen, Miran

2015-01-01

Light propagation models often simplify the interface between the optical fiber probe tip and tissue to a laterally uniform boundary with mismatched refractive indices. Such simplification neglects the precise optical properties of the commonly used probe tip materials, e.g. stainless steel or black epoxy. In this paper, we investigate the limitations of the laterally uniform probe-tissue interface in Monte Carlo simulations of diffuse reflectance. In comparison to a realistic probe-tissue interface that accounts for the layout and properties of the probe tip materials, the simplified laterally uniform interface is shown to introduce significant errors into the simulated diffuse reflectance. PMID:26504647

[Application of near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to the detection and identification of transgenic corn].

PubMed

Rui, Yu-kui; Luo, Yun-bo; Huang, Kun-lun; Wang, Wei-min; Zhang, Lu-da

2005-10-01

With the rapid development of the GMO, more and more GMO food has been pouring into the market. Much attention has been paid to GMO labeling under the controversy of GMO safety. Transgenic corns and their parents were scanned by continuous wave of near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy range of 12000-4000 cm(-1); the resolution was 4 cm(-1); scanning was carried out for 64 times; BP algorithm was applied for data processing. The GMO food was easily resolved. Near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is unpolluted and inexpensive compared with PCR and ELISA, so it is a very promising detection method for GMO food.

Transfer matrix method for four-flux radiative transfer.

PubMed

Slovick, Brian; Flom, Zachary; Zipp, Lucas; Krishnamurthy, Srini

2017-07-20

We develop a transfer matrix method for four-flux radiative transfer, which is ideally suited for studying transport through multiple scattering layers. The model predicts the specular and diffuse reflection and transmission of multilayer composite films, including interface reflections, for diffuse or collimated incidence. For spherical particles in the diffusion approximation, we derive closed-form expressions for the matrix coefficients and show remarkable agreement with numerical Monte Carlo simulations for a range of absorption values and film thicknesses, and for an example multilayer slab.

Selective mode excitation in finite size plasma crystals by diffusely reflected laser light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schablinski, Jan; Block, Dietmar

2015-02-01

The possibility to use diffuse reflections of a laser beam to exert a force on levitating dust particles is studied experimentally. Measurements and theoretical predictions are found to be in good agreement. Further, the method is applied to test the selective excitation of breathing-like modes in finite dust clusters.

Diffuse-reflectance fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy as a method of characterizing changes in soil organic matter

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Diffuse-Reflectance Fourier-Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MidIR) can identify the presence of important organic functional groups in soil organic matter (SOM). Soils contain myriad organic and inorganic components that absorb in the MidIR so spectral interpretation needs to be validated in or...

Li diffusion in epitaxial (11 $bar 2$ 0) ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, P.; Zhong, J.; Emanetoglu, N. W.; Chen, Y.; Muthukumar, S.; Lu, Y.

2004-06-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) possesses many interesting properties, such as a wide energy bandgap, large photoconductivity, and high excitonic binding energy. Chemical-vapor-deposition-grown ZnO films generally show n-type conductivity. A compensation doping process is needed to achieve piezoelectric ZnO, which is needed for surface acoustic wave (SAW), bulk acoustic wave, and micro-electromechanical system devices. In this work, a gas-phase diffusion process is developed to achieve piezoelectric (11bar 20) ZnO films. Comparative x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements confirmed that high crystal quality and good surface morphology were preserved after diffusion. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show a broad band emission with a peak wavelength at ˜580 nm, which is associated with Li doping. The SAW, including both Rayleigh-wave and Love-wave modes, is achieved along different directions in piezoelectric (11bar 20) ZnO films grown on an r-plane sapphire substrate.

Orickite and coyoteite, two new sulfide minerals from Coyote Peak, Humboldt County, California.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Erd, Richard C.; Czamanske, G.K.

1983-01-01

Minute quantities of orickite and coyoteite occur with rare alkali iron sulphides in a mafic alkalic diatreme near Orick, Humboldt County. Orickite, NaxKyCu0.95Fe1.06zH2O (x,y < 0.03, z < 0.5), is hexagonal, a 3.695, c 6.16 A, D 4.212 g/cm3, Z = 4. The strongest XRD reflections are 3.08(100), 3.20(90), 2.84(60), 1.73(55), 1.583(30) A. The mineral is brass yellow, opaque, weakly pleochroic, but strongly anisotropic (greyish brown to greyish blue) in reflected light. Orickite is compositionally near to Fe-rich chalcopyrite, but it may be related to synthetic chalcogenides with a distorted wurtzite-(2H) structure. Coyoteite, NaFe3S5.2H2O, is triclinic, P1 or P1, a 7.409(8), b 9.881(6), c 6.441(3) A, alpha 100o25(3)', beta 104o37(5)', gamma 81o29(5)', D 2.879 g/cm3, Z = 2; strongest XRD reflections are 5.12(100), 7.13(90), 3.028(80), 3.080(70), 9.6(60), 5.60(60) A. Coyoteite is black, opaque, weakly pleochroic (pale brownish grey) and strongly anisotropic (grey to dull golden orange) in reflected light. It is unstable under normal atmospheric conditions. -J.A.Z.

Interface morphology of Mo/Si multilayer systems with varying Mo layer thickness studied by EUV diffuse scattering.

PubMed

Haase, Anton; Soltwisch, Victor; Braun, Stefan; Laubis, Christian; Scholze, Frank

2017-06-26

We investigate the influence of the Mo-layer thickness on the EUV reflectance of Mo/Si mirrors with a set of unpolished and interface-polished Mo/Si/C multilayer mirrors. The Mo-layer thickness is varied in the range from 1.7 nm to 3.05 nm. We use a novel combination of specular and diffuse intensity measurements to determine the interface roughness throughout the multilayer stack and do not rely on scanning probe measurements at the surface only. The combination of EUV and X-ray reflectivity measurements and near-normal incidence EUV diffuse scattering allows to reconstruct the Mo layer thicknesses and to determine the interface roughness power spectral density. The data analysis is conducted by applying a matrix method for the specular reflection and the distorted-wave Born approximation for diffuse scattering. We introduce the Markov-chain Monte Carlo method into the field in order to determine the respective confidence intervals for all reconstructed parameters. We unambiguously detect a threshold thickness for Mo in both sample sets where the specular reflectance goes through a local minimum correlated with a distinct increase in diffuse scatter. We attribute that to the known appearance of an amorphous-to-crystallization transition at a certain thickness threshold which is altered in our sample system by the polishing.

Portable total reflection x-ray fluorescence analysis in the identification of unknown laboratory hazards

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

Liu, Ying, E-mail: liu.ying.48r@st.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Imashuku, Susumu; Sasaki, Nobuharu

In this study, a portable total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer was used to analyze unknown laboratory hazards that precipitated on exterior surfaces of cooling pipes and fume hood pipes in chemical laboratories. With the aim to examine the accuracy of TXRF analysis for the determination of elemental composition, analytical results were compared with those of wavelength-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry, energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, x-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Detailed comparison of data confirmed that the TXRF method itself was not sufficient tomore » determine all the elements (Z > 11) contained in the samples. In addition, results suggest that XRD should be combined with XPS in order to accurately determine compound composition. This study demonstrates that at least two analytical methods should be used in order to analyze the composition of unknown real samples.« less

Epithelial cancers and photon migration: Monte Carlo simulations and diffuse reflectance measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tubiana, Jerome; Kass, Alex J.; Newman, Maya Y.; Levitz, David

2015-07-01

Detecting pre-cancer in epithelial tissues such as the cervix is a challenging task in low-resources settings. In an effort to achieve low cost cervical cancer screening and diagnostic method for use in low resource settings, mobile colposcopes that use a smartphone as their engine have been developed. Designing image analysis software suited for this task requires proper modeling of light propagation from the abnormalities inside tissues to the camera of the smartphones. Different simulation methods have been developed in the past, by solving light diffusion equations, or running Monte Carlo simulations. Several algorithms exist for the latter, including MCML and the recently developed MCX. For imaging purpose, the observable parameter of interest is the reflectance profile of a tissue under some specific pattern of illumination and optical setup. Extensions of the MCX algorithm to simulate this observable under these conditions were developed. These extensions were validated against MCML and diffusion theory for the simple case of contact measurements, and reflectance profiles under colposcopy imaging geometry were also simulated. To validate this model, the diffuse reflectance profiles of tissue phantoms were measured with a spectrometer under several illumination and optical settings for various homogeneous tissues phantoms. The measured reflectance profiles showed a non-trivial deviation across the spectrum. Measurements of an added absorber experiment on a series of phantoms showed that absorption of dye scales linearly when fit to both MCX and diffusion models. More work is needed to integrate a pupil into the experiment.

Time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for in vivo characterization of pediatric epileptogenic brain lesions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Sanghoon; Ragheb, John; Bhatia, Sanjiv; Sandberg, David; Johnson, Mahlon; Fernald, Bradley; Lin, Wei-Chiang

2008-02-01

Optical spectroscopy for in vivo tissue diagnosis is performed traditionally in a static manner; a snap shot of the tissue biochemical and morphological characteristics is captured through the interaction between light and the tissue. This approach does not capture the dynamic nature of a living organ, which is critical to the studies of brain disorders such as epilepsy. Therefore, a time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system with a fiber-optic probe was designed and developed. The system was designed to acquire broadband diffuse reflectance spectra (240 ~ 932 nm) at an acquisition rate of 33 Hz. The broadband spectral acquisition feature allows simultaneous monitoring of various physiological characteristics of tissues. The utility of such a system in guiding pediatric epilepsy surgery was tested in a pilot clinical study including 13 epilepsy patients and seven brain tumor patients. The control patients were children undergoing suregery for brain tumors in which measurements were taken from normal brain exposed during the surgery. Diffuse reflectance spectra were acquired for 12 seconds from various parts of the brain of the patients during surgery. Recorded spectra were processed and analyzed in both spectral and time domains to gain insights into the dynamic changes in, for example, hemodynamics of the investigated brain tissue. One finding from this pilot study is that unsynchronized alterations in local blood oxygenation and local blood volume were observed in epileptogenic cortex. These study results suggest the advantage of using a time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system to study epileptogenic brain in vivo.

Fabrication, characterization and annealing of polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Trupti; Singhal, R.; Vishnoi, R.; Biswas, S. K.

2017-05-01

The structural and optical properties of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cell devices have been studied before and after heat treatment. The BHJ structure is fabricated by making the blend of Poly [3-hexylthiophene] (P3HT) and Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for active layer. After the heat treatment at 140 °C temperature, the device is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, Raman spectroscopy and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The reduced intensity of XRD peak corresponding to (100) plane and decreased crystallite size was observed after annealing. The Raman peak intensity corresponding to C=C stretching mode and optical absorption peak intensity is also found to be reduced after the heat treatment to the device. The diminished intensitiesafter annealing may be due to diffusion of Al into active layer.

Infrared deflectometry for the inspection of diffusely specular surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Höfer, Sebastian; Burke, Jan; Heizmann, Michael

2016-12-01

Deflectometry is a full-field gradient technique that lends itself very well to testing specular surfaces. It uses the geometry of specular reflection to determine the gradient of the surface under inspection. In consequence, a necessary precondition to apply deflectometry is the presence of at least partially specular reflection. Surfaces with larger roughness have increasingly diffuse reflection characteristics, making them inaccessible to usual deflectometry. However, many industrially relevant surfaces exist that change their reflection characteristic during production and processing. An example is metal sheets that are used as car body parts. Whereas the molded but otherwise raw metal sheets show a mostly diffuse reflection without sufficient specular reflection, the final car body panels have a high specular reflectance due to the lacquering. In consequence, it would be advantageous to apply the same inspection approach both for the raw material and for the final product. To solve this challenge, specular reflection from rough surfaces can be achieved using light with a larger wavelength, as the specular reflectivity of a surface depends on the ratio of the surface roughness and the wavelength of the light applied. Wavelengths in the thermal infrared range create enough specular reflection to apply deflectometry on many visually rough metal surfaces. This contribution presents the principles of thermal deflectometry, its special challenges, and illustrates its use with examples from the inspection of industrially produced surfaces.

Physiological basis for noninvasive skin cancer diagnosis using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yao; Markey, Mia K.; Tunnell, James W.

2017-02-01

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy offers a noninvasive, fast, and low-cost alternative to visual screening and biopsy for skin cancer diagnosis. We have previously acquired reflectance spectra from 137 lesions in 76 patients and determined the capability of spectral diagnosis using principal component analysis (PCA). However, it is not well elucidated why spectral analysis enables tissue classification. To provide the physiological basis, we used the Monte Carlo look-up table (MCLUT) model to extract physiological parameters from those clinical data. The MCLUT model results in the following physiological parameters: oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration, melanin concentration, vessel radius, and scattering parameters. Physiological parameters show that cancerous skin tissue has lower scattering and larger vessel radii, compared to normal tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for detection of early precancerous changes in tissue. In the future, a diagnostic algorithm that combines these physiological parameters could be enable non-invasive diagnosis of skin cancer.

Reflectance spectroscopy for noninvasive evaluation of hair follicle stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Caihua; Guan, Yue; Wang, Jianru; Zhong, Xiewei; Liu, Xiuli; Zhu, Dan

2015-05-01

Hair follicle offers an excellent model for systems biology and regenerative medicine. So far, the stages of hair follicle growth have been evaluated by histological examination. In this work, a noninvasive spectroscopy was proposed by measuring the diffuse reflectance of mouse skin and analyzing the melanin value. Results show that the skin diffuse reflectance was relatively high when hair follicles were at the telogen stage and at the beginning of the anagen stage, and decreased with the progression of the anagen stage. When the hair follicle entered into the catagen stage, the diffuse reflectance gradually increased. The changes in the melanin content of skin had contrary dynamics. Substages of the hair follicle cycle could be distinguished by comparing the changes in melanin value with the histological examination. This study provided a new method for noninvasive evaluation of the hair follicle stage, and should be valuable for basic and therapeutic investigations on hair regeneration.

Sound propagation in street canyons: comparison between diffusely and geometrically reflecting boundaries

PubMed

Kang

2000-03-01

This paper systematically compares the sound fields in street canyons with diffusely and geometrically reflecting boundaries. For diffuse boundaries, a radiosity-based theoretical/computer model has been developed. For geometrical boundaries, the image source method has been used. Computations using the models show that there are considerable differences between the sound fields resulting from the two kinds of boundaries. By replacing diffuse boundaries with geometrical boundaries, the sound attenuation along the length becomes significantly less; the RT30 is considerably longer; and the extra attenuation caused by air or vegetation absorption is reduced. There are also some similarities between the sound fields under the two boundary conditions. For example, in both cases the sound attenuation along the length with a given amount of absorption is the highest if the absorbers are arranged on one boundary and the lowest if they are evenly distributed on all boundaries. Overall, the results suggest that, from the viewpoint of urban noise reduction, it is better to design the street boundaries as diffusely reflective rather than acoustically smooth.

Relationships between diffuse reflectance and vegetation canopy variables based on the radiative transfer theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, J. K.; Deering, D. W.

1981-01-01

Out of the lengthy original expression of the diffuse reflectance formula, simple working equations were derived by employing characteristic parameters, which are independent of the canopy coverage and identifiable by field observations. The typical asymptotic nature of reflectance data that is usually observed in biomass studies was clearly explained. The usefulness of the simplified equations was demonstrated by the exceptionally close fit of the theoretical curves to two separately acquired data sets for alfalfa and shortgrass prairie canopies.

Diffusely Reflecting Paints Containing TFE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shai, M. C.; Schutt, J. B.

1985-01-01

Highly reflective, diffused coatings developed by incorporating polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) pigment with alcohol-soluble binders. Alcohol and binder mixed together in blender before adding TFE. TFE preferably outgassed in mechanical-pump vacuum for typical interval of 4 hours before adding to liquid. Like wetting agent, vacuum treatment helps to prevent clumping of TFE and eases dispersion throughout mixture. Mixture blended for 3 to 5 minutes before used. Coatings useful on reflectance-standard surfaces for calibrating radiometric instruments in both laboratory and field. Paints washable and usable as optical reference surfaces.

Noninvasive diagnostics of skin microphysical parameters based on spatially resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisenko, S. A.; Kugeiko, M. M.

2013-01-01

The ability to determine noninvasively microphysical parameters (MPPs) of skin characteristic of malignant melanoma was demonstrated. The MPPs were the melanin content in dermis, saturation of tissue with blood vessels, and concentration and effective size of tissue scatterers. The proposed method was based on spatially resolved spectral measurements of skin diffuse reflectance and multiple regressions between linearly independent measurement components and skin MPPs. The regressions were established by modeling radiation transfer in skin with a wide variation of its MPPs. Errors in the determination of skin MPPs were estimated using fiber-optic measurements of its diffuse reflectance at wavelengths of commercially available semiconductor diode lasers (578, 625, 660, 760, and 806 nm) at source-detector separations of 0.23-1.38 mm.

Determination of optical band gap of powder-form nanomaterials with improved accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahsan, Ragib; Khan, Md. Ziaur Rahman; Basith, Mohammed Abdul

2017-10-01

Accurate determination of a material's optical band gap lies in the precise measurement of its absorption coefficients, either from its absorbance via the Beer-Lambert law or diffuse reflectance spectrum via the Kubelka-Munk function. Absorption coefficients of powder-form nanomaterials calculated from absorbance spectrum do not match those calculated from diffuse reflectance spectrum, implying the inaccuracy of the traditional optical band gap measurement method for such samples. We have modified the Beer-Lambert law and the Kubelka-Munk function with proper approximations for powder-form nanomaterials. Applying the modified method for powder-form nanomaterial samples, both absorbance and diffuse reflectance spectra yield exactly the same absorption coefficients and therefore accurately determine the optical band gap.

Landsat test of diffuse reflectance models for aquatic suspended solids measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munday, J. C., Jr.; Alfoldi, T. T.

1979-01-01

Landsat radiance data were used to test mathematical models relating diffuse reflectance to aquatic suspended solids concentration. Digital CCT data for Landsat passes over the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia were analyzed on a General Electric Co. Image 100 multispectral analysis system. Three data sets were studied separately and together in all combinations with and without solar angle correction. Statistical analysis and chromaticity analysis show that a nonlinear relationship between Landsat radiance and suspended solids concentration is better at curve-fitting than a linear relationship. In particular, the quasi-single-scattering diffuse reflectance model developed by Gordon and coworkers is corroborated. The Gordon model applied to 33 points of MSS 5 data combined from three dates produced r = 0.98.

Cortexin diffusion in human eye sclera

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

Genina, Elina A; Bashkatov, A N; Tuchin, Valerii V

2011-05-31

Investigation of the diffusion of cytamines, a typical representative of which is cortexin, is important for evaluating the drug dose, necessary to provide sufficient concentration of the preparation in the inner tissues of the eye. In the present paper, the cortexin diffusion rate in the eye sclera is measured using the methods of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance spectroscopy. The technique for determining the diffusion coefficient is based on the registration of temporal dependence of the eye sclera scattering parameters caused by partial replacement of interstitial fluid with the aqueous cortexin solution, which reduces the level of the OCTmore » signal and decreases the reflectance of the sclera. The values of the cortexin diffusion coefficient obtained using two independent optical methods are in good agreement. (optical technologies in biophysics and medicine)« less

Implementation of cost-effective diffuse light source mechanism to reduce specular reflection and halo effects for resistor-image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yung-Sheng; Wang, Jeng-Yau

2015-09-01

Light source plays a significant role to acquire a qualified image from objects for facilitating the image processing and pattern recognition. For objects possessing specular surface, the phenomena of reflection and halo appearing in the acquired image will increase the difficulty of information processing. Such a situation may be improved by the assistance of valuable diffuse light source. Consider reading resistor via computer vision, due to the resistor's specular reflective surface it will face with a severe non-uniform luminous intensity on image yielding a higher error rate in recognition without a well-controlled light source. A measurement system including mainly a digital microscope embedded in a replaceable diffuse cover, a ring-type LED embedded onto a small pad carrying a resistor for evaluation, and Arduino microcontrollers connected with PC, is presented in this paper. Several replaceable cost-effective diffuse covers made by paper bowl, cup and box inside pasted with white paper are presented for reducing specular reflection and halo effects and compared with a commercial diffuse some. The ring-type LED can be flexibly configured to be a full or partial lighting based on the application. For each self-made diffuse cover, a set of resistors with 4 or 5 color bands are captured via digital microscope for experiments. The signal-to-noise ratio from the segmented resistor-image is used for performance evaluation. The detected principal axis of resistor body is used for the partial LED configuration to further improve the lighting condition. Experimental results confirm that the proposed mechanism can not only evaluate the cost-effective diffuse light source but also be extended as an automatic recognition system for resistor reading.

Diffuse interstellar bands in reflection nebulae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, O.; Henning, Thomas; Pfau, Werner; Stognienko, R.

1994-01-01

A Monte Carlo code for radiation transport calculations is used to compare the profiles of the lambda lambda 5780 and 6613 Angstrom diffuse interstellar bands in the transmitted and the reflected light of a star embedded within an optically thin dust cloud. In addition, the behavior of polarization across the bands were calculated. The wavelength dependent complex indices of refraction across the bands were derived from the embedded cavity model. In view of the existence of different families of diffuse interstellar bands the question of other parameters of influence is addressed in short.

MODIS Solar Diffuser Attenuation Screen Modeling Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waluschka, Eugene; Xuong, Xiaoxiong; Guenther, Bruce; Barnes, William

2004-01-01

On-orbit calibration of the reflected solar bands on the EOS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is accomplished by have the instrument view a high reflectance diffuse surface illuminated by the sun. For some of the spectral bands this proves to be much too bright a signal that results in the saturation of detectors designed for measuring low reflectance (ocean) surfaces signals. A mechanical attenuation device in the form of a pin hole screen is used to reduce the signals to calibrate these bands. The sensor response to solar illumination of the SD with and without the attenuation screen in place will be presented. The MODIS detector response to the solar diffuser is smooth when the attenuation screen is absent, but has structures up to a few percent when the attenuation screen is present. This structure corresponds to non-uniform illumination from the solar diffuser. Each pin hole produces a pin-hole image of the sun on the solar diffuser, and there are very many pin hole images of the sun on the solar diffuser for each MODIS detector. Even though there are very many pin-hole images of the sun on the solar diffuser, it is no longer perfectly uniformly illuminated. This non-uniformly illuminated solar diffuser produces intensity variation on the focal planes. The results of a very detailed simulation will be discussed which show how the illumination of the focal plane changes as a result of the attenuation, and the impacts on the calibration will be discussed.

Bidirectional reflectance distribution function effects in ladar-based reflection tomography.

PubMed

Jin, Xuemin; Levine, Robert Y

2009-07-20

Light reflection from a surface is described by the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). In this paper, BRDF effects in reflection tomography are studied using modeled range-resolved reflection from well-characterized geometrical surfaces. It is demonstrated that BRDF effects can cause a darkening at the interior boundary of the reconstructed surface analogous to the well-known beam hardening artifact in x-ray transmission computed tomography (CT). This artifact arises from reduced reflection at glancing incidence angles to the surface. It is shown that a purely Lambertian surface without shadowed components is perfectly reconstructed from range-resolved measurements. This result is relevant to newly fabricated carbon nanotube materials. Shadowing is shown to cause crossed streak artifacts similar to limited-angle effects in CT reconstruction. In tomographic reconstruction, these effects can overwhelm highly diffuse components in proximity to specularly reflecting elements. Diffuse components can be recovered by specialized processing, such as reducing glints via thresholded measurements.

Electrochemical Study of Cobalt in Urea and Choline Chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Min; Shi, Zhongning; Wang, Zhaowen; Reddy, Ramana G.

The nucleation mechanism of Co(II) in urea-choline chloride-CoCl2 melt at 373 K was studied using chronoamperometry. Chronoamperometry experiments confirm that the electrodeposition of cobalt on tungsten electrode is governed by three-dimensional (3D) progressive nucleation and diffusion-controlled growth mechanisms. The average diffusion coefficient of Co(II) in the melt at 373 K is 1.1 × 10-6 cm2 s-1, which is in good agreement with the estimated value obtained from cyclic voltammetry data. Characterization of the Co electrodeposit using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques indicate that the electrodeposit obtained at -0.75 V and 373 K contain dense and compact surface formed from pure cobalt metal.

Numerical Modelling of the Sound Fields in Urban Streets with Diffusely Reflecting Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

KANG, J.

2002-12-01

A radiosity-based theoretical/computer model has been developed to study the fundamental characteristics of the sound fields in urban streets resulting from diffusely reflecting boundaries, and to investigate the effectiveness of architectural changes and urban design options on noise reduction. Comparison between the theoretical prediction and the measurement in a scale model of an urban street shows very good agreement. Computations using the model in hypothetical rectangular streets demonstrate that though the boundaries are diffusely reflective, the sound attenuation along the length is significant, typically at 20-30 dB/100 m. The sound distribution in a cross-section is generally even unless the cross-section is very close to the source. In terms of the effectiveness of architectural changes and urban design options, it has been shown that over 2-4 dB extra attenuation can be obtained either by increasing boundary absorption evenly or by adding absorbent patches on the façades or the ground. Reducing building height has a similar effect. A gap between buildings can provide about 2-3 dB extra sound attenuation, especially in the vicinity of the gap. The effectiveness of air absorption on increasing sound attenuation along the length could be 3-9 dB at high frequencies. If a treatment is effective with a single source, it is also effective with multiple sources. In addition, it has been demonstrated that if the façades in a street are diffusely reflective, the sound field of the street does not change significantly whether the ground is diffusely or geometrically reflective.

MODIS Solar Diffuser On-orbit Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xiong, Xiaoxiong; Chen, H.; Choi, T.; Sun, J.; Angal, A.

2008-01-01

MODIS is a key instrument for the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS), currently operated on both the Terra and Aqua missions. Each MODIS instrument has 20 reflective solar bands (RSBs) and 16 thermal emissive bands (TEBs). MODIS RSB on-orbit calibration is reflectance based using an on-board solar diffuser (SD). The SD bi-directional reflectance factors (BRFs) were characterized pre-launch using reference diffuser samples, which are traceable to NIST reflectance standards. The SD BRF on-orbit degradation (or change) is tracked by another onboard device, called the solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). The SDSM is operated during each scheduled SD calibration event, making alternate observations of direct sunlight and the diffusely reflected sunlight from the SD. The time series of the ratios of SDSM's SD view to its Sun view provide SD degradation information. This paper presents and compares the Terra and Aqua MODIS SD on-orbit performance. Results show that the SD on-orbit degradation depends on the amount of solar exposure of the SD plate. In addition, it is strongly wavelengthdependent, with a larger degradation rate at shorter wavelengths. For Terra MODIS, an SD door anomaly occurred in May 2003 that led to a decision to fix the door permanently at an "open" position. Since then, the SD degradation rate has significantly increased due to more frequent solar exposure. As expected, the SD on-orbit performance directly impacts the RSB calibration performance. The lessons learned from MODIS on-orbit calibration will provide useful insights into the development and operation of future SD calibration systems.

Accelerated rescaling of single Monte Carlo simulation runs with the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

PubMed

Yang, Owen; Choi, Bernard

2013-01-01

To interpret fiber-based and camera-based measurements of remitted light from biological tissues, researchers typically use analytical models, such as the diffusion approximation to light transport theory, or stochastic models, such as Monte Carlo modeling. To achieve rapid (ideally real-time) measurement of tissue optical properties, especially in clinical situations, there is a critical need to accelerate Monte Carlo simulation runs. In this manuscript, we report on our approach using the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to accelerate rescaling of single Monte Carlo runs to calculate rapidly diffuse reflectance values for different sets of tissue optical properties. We selected MATLAB to enable non-specialists in C and CUDA-based programming to use the generated open-source code. We developed a software package with four abstraction layers. To calculate a set of diffuse reflectance values from a simulated tissue with homogeneous optical properties, our rescaling GPU-based approach achieves a reduction in computation time of several orders of magnitude as compared to other GPU-based approaches. Specifically, our GPU-based approach generated a diffuse reflectance value in 0.08ms. The transfer time from CPU to GPU memory currently is a limiting factor with GPU-based calculations. However, for calculation of multiple diffuse reflectance values, our GPU-based approach still can lead to processing that is ~3400 times faster than other GPU-based approaches.

Improving the Corrosion Resistance of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys by Diffusion Coating Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, Galit Katarivas; Aghion, Eli

Magnesium alloys suffer from accelerated corrosion in physiological environment and hence their use as a structural material for biodegradable implants is limited. The present study focuses on a diffusion coating treatment that amplifies the beneficial effect of Neodymium on the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. The diffusion coating layer was obtained by applying 1 µm Nd coating on EW10X04 magnesium alloy using Electron-gun evaporator and PVD process. The coated alloy was heat treated at 350°C for 3 hours in a protective atmosphere of N2+0.2%SF6. The micro structure characteristics were evaluated by SEM, XRD, and XPS; the corrosion resistance was examined by potentiodynamic polarization and EIS analysis. The corrosion resistance of the diffusion coated alloy was significantly improved compared to the uncoated material. This was related to: (i) formation of Nd2O3 in the outer scale, (ii) integration of Nd in the MgO oxide layer, and (iii) formation of secondary phase Mg41Nd5 along the grain boundaries of α-Mg.

Reflectance spectroscopy can quantify cutaneous haemoglobin oxygenation by oxygen uptake from the atmosphere after epidermal barrier disruption.

PubMed

Heise, H M; Lampen, P; Stücker, M

2003-11-01

The supply of oxygen to the viable skin tissue within the upper layers is not only secured by the cutaneous blood vascular system, but to a significant part also by oxygen diffusion from the atmosphere through the horny layer. The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in haemoglobin oxygenation can be observed within the isolated perfused bovine udder skin used as a skin model by removing the upper horny layer by adhesive tape stripping. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the visible spectral range was used for non-invasive characterisation of haemoglobin oxygenation in skin under in vitro conditions. Mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy was employed for analysing the surface layer of the stratum corneum with respect to keratin, water and lipid components. Skin barrier disruption was achieved by repeated stripping of superficial corneocyte layers by adhesive tape. Significant changes in skin haemoglobin oxygenation were observed for skin areas with reduced lipid concentration and a reduced stratum corneum layer, as determined from the quantitative evaluation of the diffuse reflectance skin spectra. The result can be interpreted as an increase of oxygen diffusion after the removal of the upper horny layer.

Technique for examining biological materials using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and the kubelka-munk function

DOEpatents

Alfano, Robert R.; Yang, Yuanlong

2003-09-02

Method and apparatus for examining biological materials using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and the Kubelka-Munk function. In one aspect, the method is used to determine whether a tissue sample is cancerous or not and comprises the steps of (a) measuring the diffuse reflectance from the tissue sample at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength selected from the group consisting of 255-265 nm and wherein the second wavelength is a wavelength selected from the group consisting of 275-285 nm; (b) using the Kubelka-Munk function to transform the diffuse reflectance measurement obtained at the first and second wavelengths; and (c) comparing a ratio or a difference of the transformed Kubelka-Munk measurements at the first and second wavelengths to appropriate standards determine whether or not the tissue sample is cancerous. One can use the spectral profile of KMF between 250 nm to 300 nm to determine whether or not the tissue sample is cancerous or precancerous. According to the value at the first and second wavelengths determine whether or not the malignant tissue is invasive or mixed invasive and in situ or carcinoma in situ.

Role of Multiple Atmospheric Reflections in Formation of Electron Distribution Function in the Diffuse Aurora Region. Chapter 9

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, George V.; Himwich, Elizabeth W.; Glocer, Alex; Sibeck, David G.

2015-01-01

The precipitation of high-energy magnetospheric electrons (E greater than 500-600 electronvolts) in the diffuse aurora contributes significant energy flux into Earth's ionosphere. In the diffuse aurora, precipitating electrons initially injected from the plasmasheet via wave-particle interaction processes degrade in the atmosphere toward lower energies and produce secondary electrons via impact ionization of the neutral atmosphere. These initially precipitating electrons of magnetospheric origin can be additionally reflected back into the magnetosphere by the two magnetically conjugated atmospheres, leading to a series of multiple reflections that can greatly influence the initially precipitating flux at the upper ionospheric boundary (700-800 kilometers) and the resultant population of secondary electrons and electrons cascading toward lower energies. We present the solution of the Boltzmann.Landau kinetic equation that uniformly describes the entire electron distribution function in the diffuse aurora, including the affiliated production of secondary electrons (E is less than or equal to 600 electronvolts) and their energy interplay in the magnetosphere and two conjugated ionospheres. This solution takes into account the role of multiple atmospheric reflections of the precipitated electrons that were initially moved into the loss cone via wave.particle interaction processes in Earth's plasmasheet.

Spatially resolved, diffuse reflectance imaging for subsurface pattern visualization toward development of a lensless imaging platform: phantom experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schelkanova, Irina; Pandya, Aditya; Saiko, Guennadi; Nacy, Lidia; Babar, Hannan; Shah, Duoaud; Lilge, Lothar; Douplik, Alexandre

2016-01-01

A portable, spatially resolved, diffuse reflectance lensless imaging technique based on the charge-coupled device or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor directly coupled to the fiber optic bundle is proposed for visualization of subsurface structures such as superficial microvasculature in the epithelium. We discuss an experimental method for emulating a lensless imaging setup via raster scanning a single fiber-optic cable over a microfluidic phantom containing periodic hemoglobin absorption contrast. To evaluate the ability of the technique to recover information about the subsurface linear structures, scattering layers formed of the Sylgard® 184 Silicone Elastomer and titanium dioxide were placed atop the microfluidic phantom. Thickness of the layers ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 mm, and the values of the reduced scattering coefficient (μs‧) were between 0.85 and 4.25 mm-1. The results demonstrate that fiber-optic, lensless platform can be used for two-dimensional imaging of absorbing inclusions in diffuse reflectance mode. In these experiments, it was shown that diffuse reflectance imaging can provide sufficient spatial sampling of the phantom for differentiation of 30 μm structural features of the embedded absorbing pattern inside the scattering media.

ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERIC DIFFUSION EQUATION WITH MULTIPLE SOURCES AND HEIGHT-DEPENDENT WIND SPEED AND EDDY DIFFUSIVITIES. (R825689C072)

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract

Three-dimensional analytical solutions of the atmospheric diffusion equation with multiple sources and height-dependent wind speed and eddy diffusivities are derived in a systematic fashion. For homogeneous Neumann (total reflection), Dirichlet (total adsorpti...

ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERIC DIFFUSION EQUATION WITH MULTIPLE SOURCES AND HEIGHT-DEPENDENT WIND SPEED AND EDDY DIFFUSIVITIES. (R825689C048)

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract

Three-dimensional analytical solutions of the atmospheric diffusion equation with multiple sources and height-dependent wind speed and eddy diffusivities are derived in a systematic fashion. For homogeneous Neumann (total reflection), Dirichlet (total adsorpti...

Temperature dependence of copper diffusion in different thickness amorphous tungsten/tungsten nitride layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asgary, Somayeh; Hantehzadeh, Mohammad Reza; Ghoranneviss, Mahmood

2017-11-01

The amorphous W/WN films with various thickness (10, 30 and 40 nm) and excellent thermal stability were successfully prepared on SiO2/Si substrate with evaporation and reactive evaporation method. The W/WN bilayer has technological importance because of its low resistivity, high melting point, and good diffusion barrier properties between Cu and Si. The thermal stability was evaluated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In annealing process, the amorphous W/WN barrier crystallized and this phenomenon is supposed to be the start of Cu atoms diffusion through W/WN barrier into Si. With occurrence of the high-resistive Cu3Si phase, the W/WN loses its function as a diffusion barrier. The primary mode of Cu diffusion is the diffusion through grain boundaries that form during heat treatments. The amorphous structure with optimum thickness is the key factor to achieve a superior diffusion barrier characteristic. The results show that the failure temperature increased by increasing the W/WN film thickness from 10 to 30 nm but it did not change by increasing the W/WN film thickness from 30 to 40 nm. It is found that the 10 and 40 nm W/WN films are good diffusion barriers at least up to 800°C while the 30 nm W/WN film shows superior properties as a diffusion barrier, but loses its function as a diffusion barrier at about 900°C (that is 100°C higher than for 10 and 40 nm W/WN films).

Effective emissivities of isothermal blackbody cavities calculated by the Monte Carlo method using the three-component bidirectional reflectance distribution function model.

PubMed

Prokhorov, Alexander

2012-05-01

This paper proposes a three-component bidirectional reflectance distribution function (3C BRDF) model consisting of diffuse, quasi-specular, and glossy components for calculation of effective emissivities of blackbody cavities and then investigates the properties of the new reflection model. The particle swarm optimization method is applied for fitting a 3C BRDF model to measured BRDFs. The model is incorporated into the Monte Carlo ray-tracing algorithm for isothermal cavities. Finally, the paper compares the results obtained using the 3C model and the conventional specular-diffuse model of reflection.

Retrieval of optical properties of skin from measurement and modeling the diffuse reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douven, Lucien F. A.; Lucassen, Gerald W.

2000-06-01

We present results on the retrieval of skin optical properties obtained by fitting of measurements of the diffuse reflectance of human skin. Reflectance spectra are simulated using an analytical model based on the diffusion approximation. This model is implemented in a simplex fit routine. The skin optical model used consists of five layers representing epidermis, capillary blood plexus, dermis, deep blood plexus and hypodermis. The optical properties of each layer are assumed homogeneously distributed. The main optical absorbers included are melanin in epidermis and blood. The experimental setup consists of a HP photospectrometer equipped with a remote fiber head. Total reflectance spectra were measured in the 400 - 820 nm wavelength range on the volar underarm of 19 volunteers under various conditions influencing the blood content and oxygenation degree. Changes in the reflectance spectra were observed. Using the fit routine changes in blood content in the capillary blood plexus and in the deep blood plexus could be quantified. These showed different influences on the total reflectance. The method can be helpful to quantitatively assess changes in skin color appearance such as occurs in the treatment of port wine stains, blanching, skin irritation and tanning.

Margaritasite: a new mineral of hydrothermal origin from the Pena Blanca uranium district, Mexico.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wenrich, K.J.; Modreski, P.J.; Zielinski, R.A.; Seeley, J.L.

1982-01-01

Margaritasite, (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2V2O8.nH2O (where Cs > K, H3O and n approx 1), a 10.514, b 8.425, c 7.25 A, beta 106.01o, P21/a, Z = 2, is a newly recognized uranium ore mineral named for the Margaritas deposit, Pena Blanca uranium district, Chihuahua, Mexico, at which it was discovered. A Cs-rich analogue of carnotite, margaritasite is the natural equivalent of synthetic Cs-uranyl vanadate (A.M. 43- 799, 50-825). A fine-grained yellow mineral, it is most easily distinguished from carnotite by XRD; X-ray powder patterns (CuKalpha radiation) show that the (001) reflection of margaritasite lies at 12.7o (2theta ), while that of carnotite is found at 13.8o (2theta ). The shift of the (001) reflection in margaritasite reflects the structural changes caused when Cs occupies the sites filled by K in carnotite. Synthesis experiments indicate that margaritasite also differs from carnotite in a higher-T hydrothermal origin. Chemical analyses and XRD data for margaritasite and synthetic Cs- carnotite, and chemical analyses for rocks from Sierra Pena Blanca and vicinity, are tabulated.-J.A.Z.

Monitoring of caffeine consumption effect on skin blood properties by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milanic, Matija; Marin, Ana; Stergar, Jost; Verdel, Nina; Majaron, Boris

2017-07-01

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. It affects many tissues and organs, in particular central nervous system, heart, and blood vessels. The effect of caffeine on vascular smooth muscle cells is an initial transient contraction followed by significant vasodilatation. In this study we investigate the use of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) for monitoring of vascular changes in human skin induced by caffeine consumption. DRS spectra were recorded on volar sides of the forearms of ten healthy volunteers at time delays of 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after consumption of caffeine, while one subject served as a negative control. Analytical diffusion approximation solutions for diffuse reflectance from three-layer structures were used to assess skin composition (e.g., dermal blood volume fraction and oxygen saturation) by fitting to experimental data. The results demonstrate that cutaneous vasodynamics induced by caffeine consumption can be monitored by DRS, while changes in the control subject not consuming caffeine were insignificant.

Method for Calculating the Optical Diffuse Reflection Coefficient for the Ocular Fundus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisenko, S. A.; Kugeiko, M. M.

2016-07-01

We have developed a method for calculating the optical diffuse reflection coefficient for the ocular fundus, taking into account multiple scattering of light in its layers (retina, epithelium, choroid) and multiple refl ection of light between layers. The method is based on the formulas for optical "combination" of the layers of the medium, in which the optical parameters of the layers (absorption and scattering coefficients) are replaced by some effective values, different for cases of directional and diffuse illumination of the layer. Coefficients relating the effective optical parameters of the layers and the actual values were established based on the results of a Monte Carlo numerical simulation of radiation transport in the medium. We estimate the uncertainties in retrieval of the structural and morphological parameters for the fundus from its diffuse reflectance spectrum using our method. We show that the simulated spectra correspond to the experimental data and that the estimates of the fundus parameters obtained as a result of solving the inverse problem are reasonable.

Characterization of LANDSAT Panels Using the NIST BRDF Scale from 1100 nm to 2500 nm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markham, Brian; Tsai, Benjamin K.; Allen, David W.; Cooksey, Catherine; Yoon, Howard; Hanssen, Leonard; Zeng, Jinan; Fulton, Linda; Biggar, Stuart; Markham, Brian

2010-01-01

Many earth observing sensors depend on white diffuse reflectance standards to derive scales of radiance traceable to the St Despite the large number of Earth observing sensors that operate in the reflective solar region of the spectrum, there has been no direct method to provide NIST traceable BRDF measurements out to 2500 rim. Recent developments in detector technology have allowed the NIST reflectance measurement facility to expand the operating range to cover the 250 nm to 2500 nm range. The facility has been modified with and additional detector using a cooled extended range indium gallium arsenide (Extended InGaAs) detector. Measurements were made for two PTFE white diffuse reflectance standards over the 1100 nm to 2500 nm region at a 0' incident and 45' observation angle. These two panels will be used to support the OLI calibration activities. An independent means of verification was established using a NIST radiance transfer facility based on spectral irradiance, radiance standards and a diffuse reflectance plaque. An analysis on the results and associated uncertainties will be discussed.

[Comparative study of reflectance spectroscopy of women's acupoints around menstruation].

PubMed

Jiang, Xing-Hui; Liu, Han-Ping; Guo, Zhou-Yi; Meng, Yao-Yong; Zeng, Chang-Chun; Liu, Song-Hao

2010-12-01

Acupoint was reaction of viscera and its optical parameter was an important characteristic of tissue. In the present work, in order to discuss specificity of acupuncture on the response of qi and blood in human body, we compared the diffuse reflectance of Taichong (LV3), Taibai (SP3), and Chongyang (ST42) before, during and after menstruation. All the acupoints had the same shape of the spectrum and troughs were all at 423.16, 544.06 and 577.47 nm. The values of reflectance during menstruation were greater than before and after menstruation, especially for SP3 and ST42 (P < 0.05). SP3 and ST42 were more sensitive to the changes of qi and blood than LV3, and it was asymmetric and we found no evidence for the imbalance of the left side and right. These results indicated that acupoint diffuse reflectance changed with qi and blood, and that SP3 and ST42 had close relationship with menstruation. Diffuse reflectance may be possibly used in the quantitative analysis of qi and blood.

Photothermal Radiometry and Diffuse Reflectance Analysis of Thermally Treated Bones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trujillo, S.; Martínez-Torres, P.; Quintana, P.; Alvarado-Gil, Juan Jose

2010-05-01

Different fields such as archaeology, biomedicine, forensic science, and pathology involve the analysis of burned bones. In this work, the effects of successive thermal treatments on pig long bones, measured by photothermal radiometry and diffuse reflectance are reported. Measurements were complemented by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Samples were thermally treated for 1 h within the range of 25 °C to 350 °C. The thermal diffusivity and reflectance increase in the low-temperature range, reaching a maximum around 125 °C and decaying at higher temperatures. These results are the consequence of complex modifications occurring in the inorganic and organic bone structure. For lower temperatures dehydration, dehydroxilation, and carbonate loss processes are dominant, followed by collagen denaturing and decompositions, which have an influence on the bone microstructure.

Powder XRD and dielectric studies of gel grown calcium pyrophosphate crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parekh, Bharat; Parikh, Ketan; Joshi, Mihir

2013-06-01

Formation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in soft tissues such as cartilage, meniscus and synovial tissue leads to CPPD deposition diseases. The appearance of these crystals in the synovial fluid can give rise to an acute arthritic attack with pain and inflammation of the joints, a condition called pseudo-gout. The growth of CPP crystals has been carried out, in the present study, using the single diffusion gel growth technique, which can broadly mimic in vitro the condition in soft tissues. The crystals were characterized by different techniques. The FTIR study revealed the presence of various functional groups. Powder XRD study was also carried out to verify the crystal structure. The dielectric study was carried out at room temperature by applying field of different frequency from 500 Hz to 1 MHz. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and a.c. resistivity decreased as frequency increased, whereas the a.c. conductivity increased as frequency increased.

Novel perovskite coating of strontium zirconate in Inconel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatesh, G.; Blessto, B.; Rao, C. Santhosh Kumar; Subramanian, R.; Berchmans, L. John

2018-02-01

Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC) provides a low thermal conductivity barrier to heat transfer from the hot gas in the engine to the surface of the coated alloy component. SrZrO3 powder are prepared by Sol Gel synthesis method. The synthesized powder sample is characterized by X Ray Diffraction Technique (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and the results are interpreted. The Polycrystalline nature of SrZrO3 is confirmed and lattice spacing are determined in XRD. SEM shows sub-micron sized particles and a fringed pattern is observed in TEM. The IN718 specimen is Wire Cut and Sand Blasted. A SrZrO3 double layer is coated over the Inconel specimen through a Bond Coat made of NiCoCrAlY by Plasma spraying Process and also characterized. SEM analysis of the Coating shows diffusion of Fe, Sr into the substrate.

Study of the oxidation of uranium by external and diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy using remote-sensing and evacuable cell techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, G. L.; Dobbins, A.; Cristy, S. S.; Cliff, T. L.; Meyer, H. M., III; Lucania, J.; Milosevic, Milan

1994-01-01

This report describes the application of reflectance FTIR spectroscopy to the measurement of the oxidation rate of uranium by environmental gases near room temperature. It also describes very efficient evacuable cells designed for 75 degree(s) external reflectance with polarized light and for diffuse reflectance using mid-infrared FTIR spectroscopy. These cells, along with functionally similar remote sensing accessories, have been applied to the study of the oxidation of uranium metal in air, oxygen, and water vapor by precisely measuring the 575 cm-1 band of UO2 and other properties of the corrosion film such as absorbed water and reflective losses caused by film degradation related to pitting or nucleation phenomena.

Spectroscopic investigations on oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

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

Anandhi, C. M. S.; Premkumar, S.; Asath, R. Mohamed

2016-05-06

The pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized by the ultrasonication process. The oxidized MWCNTs were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform -Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopic techniques. The XRD analysis confirms that the oxidized MWCNTs exist in a hexagonal structure and the sharp XRD peak corresponds to the (002) Bragg’s reflection plane, which indicates that the MWCNTs have higher crystalline nature. The UV-Vis analysis confirms that the MWCNTs functionalized with the carboxylic acid. The red shift was observed corresponds to the D band in the Raman spectrum, which reveals that the reduced disordered graphitic structure ofmore » oxidized MWCNTs. The strong Raman peak was observed at 2563 cm{sup -1} corresponds to the overtone of the D band, which is the characteristic vibrational mode of oxidized MWCNTs. The carboxylic acid functionalization of MWCNTs enhances the dispersibility, which paves the way for potential applications in the field of biosensors and targeted drug delivery.« less

Light polarization measurements - A method to determine the specular and diffuse light-scattering properties of both leaves and plant canopies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanderbilt, V. C.; Grant, L.

1984-01-01

The contributions of diffuse and specular reflection to the total canopy reflection of sunlight are determined experimentally for wheat at two stages of development using spectroradiometer measurements obtained at 13 wavelengths in the 480-720-nm range with a polarizing film in maximum and minimum signal-amplitude positions. The data and computation techniques are presented in tables, diagrams, and graphs, and the need to take specular reflection into account in constructing models of light/canopy interaction is stressed.

Ultraviolet stability and contamination analysis of Spectralon diffuse reflectance material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiegman, Albert E.; Bruegge, Carol J.; Springsteen, Arthur W.

1993-01-01

A detailed chemical analysis was carried out on Spectralon, a highly Lambertian, diffuse reflectance material. Results of this investigation unambiguously identified the presence of an organic (hydrocarbon) impurity intrinsic to the commercial material. This impurity could be removed by a vacuum bake-out procedure and was identified as the cause of optical changes (degradation) that occur in the material when exposed to UV light. It was found that when this impurity was removed, the Spectralon material was photochemically stable and maintained its reflectance properties even after extensive solar UV exposure.

Tandem transmission/reflection mode XRD instrument including XRF for in situ measurement of Martian rocks and soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delhez, Robert; Van der Gaast, S. J.; Wielders, Arno; de Boer, J. L.; Helmholdt, R. B.; van Mechelen, J.; Reiss, C.; Woning, L.; Schenk, H.

2003-02-01

The mineralogy of the surface material of Mars is the key to disclose its present and past life and climates. Clay mineral species, carbonates, and ice (water and CO2) are and/or contain their witnesses. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) is the most powerful analytical method to identify and quantitatively characterize minerals in complex mixtures. This paper discusses the development of a working model of an instrument consisting of a reflection mode diffractometer and a transmission mode CCD-XRPD instrument, combined with an XRF module. The CCD-XRD/XRF instrument is analogous to the instrument for Mars missions developed by Sarrazin et al. (1998). This part of the tandem instrument enables "quick and dirty" analysis of powdered (!) matter to monitor semi-quantitatively the presence of clay minerals as a group, carbonates, and ices and yields semi-quantitative chemical information from X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The reflection mode instrument (i) enables in-situ measurements of rocks and soils and quantitative information on the compounds identified, (ii) has a high resolution and reveals large spacings for accurate identification, in particular of clay mineral species, and (iii) the shape of the line profiles observed reveals the kind and approximate amounts of lattice imperfections present. It will be shown that the information obtained with the reflection mode diffractometer is crucial for finding signs of life and changes in the climate on Mars. Obviously this instrument can also be used for other extra-terrestrial research.

Radiative transfer simulations of the two-dimensional ocean glint reflectance and determination of the sea surface roughness.

PubMed

Lin, Zhenyi; Li, Wei; Gatebe, Charles; Poudyal, Rajesh; Stamnes, Knut

2016-02-20

An optimized discrete-ordinate radiative transfer model (DISORT3) with a pseudo-two-dimensional bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) is used to simulate and validate ocean glint reflectances at an infrared wavelength (1036 nm) by matching model results with a complete set of BRDF measurements obtained from the NASA cloud absorption radiometer (CAR) deployed on an aircraft. The surface roughness is then obtained through a retrieval algorithm and is used to extend the simulation into the visible spectral range where diffuse reflectance becomes important. In general, the simulated reflectances and surface roughness information are in good agreement with the measurements, and the diffuse reflectance in the visible, ignored in current glint algorithms, is shown to be important. The successful implementation of this new treatment of ocean glint reflectance and surface roughness in DISORT3 will help improve glint correction algorithms in current and future ocean color remote sensing applications.

Radiative Transfer Simulations of the Two-Dimensional Ocean Glint Reflectance and Determination of the Sea Surface Roughness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Zhenyi; Li, Wei; Gatebe, Charles; Poudyal, Rajesh; Stamnes, Knut

2016-01-01

An optimized discrete-ordinate radiative transfer model (DISORT3) with a pseudo-two-dimensional bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) is used to simulate and validate ocean glint reflectances at an infrared wavelength (1036 nm) by matching model results with a complete set of BRDF measurements obtained from the NASA cloud absorption radiometer (CAR) deployed on an aircraft. The surface roughness is then obtained through a retrieval algorithm and is used to extend the simulation into the visible spectral range where diffuse reflectance becomes important. In general, the simulated reflectances and surface roughness information are in good agreement with the measurements, and the diffuse reflectance in the visible, ignored in current glint algorithms, is shown to be important. The successful implementation of this new treatment of ocean glint reflectance and surface roughness in DISORT3 will help improve glint correction algorithms in current and future ocean color remote sensing applications.

Classification of road sign type using mobile stereo vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLoughlin, Simon D.; Deegan, Catherine; Fitzgerald, Conor; Markham, Charles

2005-06-01

This paper presents a portable mobile stereo vision system designed for the assessment of road signage and delineation (lines and reflective pavement markers or "cat's eyes"). This novel system allows both geometric and photometric measurements to be made on objects in a scene. Global Positioning System technology provides important location data for any measurements made. Using the system it has been shown that road signs can be classfied by nature of their reflectivity. This is achieved by examining the changes in the reflected light intensity with changes in range (facilitated by stereo vision). Signs assessed include those made from retro-reflective materials, those made from diffuse reflective materials and those made from diffuse reflective matrials with local illumination. Field-testing results demonstrate the systems ability to classify objects in the scene based on their reflective properties. The paper includes a discussion of a physical model that supports the experimental data.

An efficient adsorption of indigo carmine dye from aqueous solution on mesoporous Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide nanoparticles prepared by controlled sol-gel route.

PubMed

Ahmed, M A; Brick, A A; Mohamed, A A

2017-05-01

A new approach for removal of indigo carmine blue (IC) dye which is extensively used in jeans manufacture was successfully performed on novel mesoporous [LDH] nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel route using CTAB as shape and pore directing agent. The physicochemical features were monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformer infra-red (FTIR), N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, Field emission electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The influence of reaction parameters affecting dye adsorption including contact time, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were investigated. Textural analysis and HRTEM images indicate the existence of mesoporous spherical nanoparticles of size = 26 nm connected to each other's and embedded large numbers of mesopores of average pore radius = 43.5 Å. A successful adsorption of IC on LDH nanoparticles of surface area = 85.6 m 2 /g at various pH with maximum adsorption capacity = 62.8 mg/g at pH = 9.5. Langmuir model is more favorable to describe the adsorption of IC rather than Freundlich model which reflecting the preferential formation of monolayer on the surface of LDH. Both film diffusion and the intraparticle diffusion affect the dye adsorption. The values of enthalpy change (ΔH) for and (ΔS) are + 28.18 and + 0.118 kJ/mol, respectively indicating that the removal process is endothermic. The results indicated that LDH nanoparticles conserved a good activity even after five consecutive cycles of reuse. Our results suggest that mesoporous LDH nanoparticles are considered a potential novel adsorbent for remediation of wastewater containing IC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of pharmaceutical surfactant templated mesoporous silica: Its application to controlled delivery of duloxetine

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

Mani, Ganesh; Pushparaj, Hemalatha; Peng, Mei Mei

2014-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Usefulness of dual pharmaceutical surfactants in silica synthesis was evaluated. • Effects of concentration of secondary template (Tween-40) were studied. • Effects of fixed solvothermal condition on mesostructure formation were studied. • Duloxetine drug loading capability was studied. • Sustained release of duloxetine was evaluated. - Abstract: A new group of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized using combination pharmaceutical surfactants, Triton X-100 and Tween-40 as template and loaded with duloxetine hydrochloride (DX), for improving the sustained release of DX and patterns with high drug loading. Agglomerated spherical silica MSNs were synthesized by sol–gel andmore » solvothermal methods. The calcined and drug loaded MSNs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Braunner–Emmett–Teller (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), diffuse reflectance ultraviolet–visible (DRS-UV–vis) spectroscopy. MSNs with high surface area and pore volume were selected and studied for their DX loading and release. The selected MSNs can accommodate a maximum of 34% DX within it. About 90% was released at 200 h and hence, the synthesized MSNs were capable of engulfing DX and sustain its release. Further form the Ritger and Peppas, Higuchi model for mechanism drug release from all the MSN matrices follows anomalous transport or Non-Fickian diffusion with the ‘r’ and ‘n’ value 0.9 and 0.45 < n < 1, respectively. So, from this study it could be concluded that the MSNs synthesized using pharmaceutical templates were better choice of reservoir for the controlled delivery of drug which requires sustained release.« less

Diffusion, sorption, and retardation processes of anions in bentonite and organo-bentonites for multibarrier systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schampera, Birgit; Dultz, Stefan

2013-04-01

The low permeability, high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and plasticity of bentonites favor their use in multibarrier systems of waste deposits [1]. Bentonites have a high CEC but their ability to sorb anions is very low. There is, however, need for retardation of anions and organic pollutants in many applications. Bentonites, modified with certain organic cations, have the capacity to sorb anions and non-polar organic compounds in addition to cations. Investigations on organically modified clays address a wide variety of applications including immobilization of pollutants in contaminated soils, waste water treatment and in situ placement for the protection of ground water [2]. Many experiments on anion and cation sorption of organo-clays were conducted in the batch mode which does not reflect solid-liquid ratios and material densities in barrier systems. Diffusion experiments on compacted clays allow the evaluation of transport processes and sorption of pollutants at conditions relevant for repositories. For organo-clays only few diffusion studies are published e.g. [3] measured the diffusion of tritium and [4] the diffusion of H2O in bentonite and organo-bentonites. The organic cation hexadecylpyridinium (HDPy) was added to Wyoming bentonite (MX-80) in amounts corresponding to 2-400 % of the CEC. The uptake of organic cations was determined by the C-content, XRD and IR-spectroscopy. Wettability was analyzed by the contact angle. Physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of clays were characterized. Diffusion experiments were carried out in situ in a cell attached to the ATR-unit of a FTIR-spectrometer. For H2O-diffusion the compacted organo-clays are saturated first with D2O, afterwards H2O is supplied to the surface at the top of the clay platelet. Anion-diffusion was conducted with NO3--solution instead of H2O only having characteristic IR band positions at 1350 cm-1. Three different concentrations (0.25M, 0.5M and 1M) were used. Additional batch experiments with NO3- will support the understanding of sorption behavior of the anions. All hydrophilic samples have a higher retardation capacity, indicated by diffusion coefficients of 2.44 x 10-11 m/s2 for original bentonite and ˜2.1 x 10-11m/s2 for hydrophilic organo-clays. For hydrophobic organo-clays the H2O diffusion can be higher and is increased at high bulk density (1-1.5 g/m3) up to 2.76 x 10-10m2/s. Experiments with NO3- at bulk density of 1.5 g/m3 reveal that the apparent diffusion coefficients of nitrate are with results up to 5.61 x 1012 m2/s distinctively lower than free diffusion of nitrate in pure water (6.46 x 1010 m2/s at experimental conditions) and nitrate diffusion in natural bentonite (2.63 x 1011 m2/s). The measurements allow the interpretation of the different sorption mechanisms, retardation capacity and diffusion behavior of the analyzed clays at different anion concentrations. Ongoing molecular dynamic simulations will contribute understanding of diffusion processes in organo-clays including the conditions at the interface of the clay minerals and in solution. References: [1] Shackelford, C.D., Moore S.M. (2013) Fickian diffusion of radionuclides for engineered containment barriers: Diffusion coefficients, porosities, and complicating issues. Engineering Geology, 152, 133-147. [2] Rytwo, G., Nir, S., Shuali, U. (2012) Clay and water treatment. Applied Clay Science, 67-68, 117-118. [3] Lorenzetti, R.L., Bartelt-Hunt, S.L., Burns, S.E., Smith, J.A. (2005) Hydraulic conductivities and effective diffusion coefficients of geosynthetic clay liners with organobentonite amendments. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 23, 385-400. [4] Schampera, B., Dultz, S. (2011) H2O self-diffusion in compacted clays as influenced by surface charge and wettability - obstruction effects of bound H2O layers. Clay and Clay Minerals,59, 42-57.

Diffusely reflecting paints including polytetrafluoroethylene and method of manufacture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schutt, J. B.; Shai, M. C. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

The invention pertains to a high diffuse, reflective paint comprising an alcohol soluble binder, polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and an alcohol for coating a substrate and forming an optical reference with a superior Lambertian characteristic. A method for making the paint by first mixing the biner and alcohol, and thereafter by mixing in outgassed TFE is described. A wetting agent may be employed to aid the mixing process.

Improvement of direct determination of trace nickel in environmental samples by diffuse reflection spectroscopy using chromaticity characteristics.

PubMed

Ershova, N I; Ivanov, V M

2000-05-01

Cellulose and chromaton-N-super as solid supports for direct determination of the immobilized nickel complexes with dimethylglyoxime and benzyldioxime by diffuse reflection spectroscopy were compared. The advantage of chromaton-N-super with use of benzyldioxime is shown. Detection limit is 0.02 microg/mL. The proposed method was applied for the analysis of soil.

Two years comparative studies on biological effects of environmental UV radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grof, P.; Ronto, Gyorgyi; Gaspar, S.; Berces, A.; Szabo, Laszlo D.

1994-07-01

A method has been developed for determination of the biologically effective UV dose based on T7 phage as biosensor. In field experiments clockwork driven telescope has been used for determining doses from direct and global (direct plus diffuse) solar radiation. On fine summer days at mid-latitude this arrangement allowed the following comparisons: measured doses from direct and global radiation obtained at the same time and measuring site reflecting the biological importance of diffuse radiation; direct and global radiation obtained at the same time and measuring site reflecting the biological importance of diffuse radiation; direct and global doses obtained at the same time on different measuring sites (downtown, suburb, outside the town) reflecting the differences caused by air quality; direct and global doses obtained on the same measuring place, in summertime of two different years reflecting the importance of the long-term measurements for estimating the biological risk caused by increased UV-B radiation; measured data and model calculations.

Polarimetric phenomenology in the reflective regime: a case study using polarized hyperspectral data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibney, Mark

2016-05-01

Understanding the phenomenology of polarimetric data is necessary if we want to obtain the maximum benefit when we exploit that data. To first order, polarimetric phenomenology is driven by two things; the target material type (specular or diffuse) and the illuminating source (point (sun) or extended (body emission)). Polarimetric phenomenology can then be broken into three basic categories; ([specular material/sun source], [diffuse/sun], [specular/body]) where we have assigned body emission to the IR passband where materials are generally specular. The task of interest determines the category of interest since the task determines the dominant target material and the illuminating source (eg detecting diffuse targets under trees in VNIR = [diffuse/sun] category). In this paper, a specific case study for the important [diffuse/sun] category will be presented. For the reflective regime (0.3 - 3.0um), the largest polarimetric signal is obtained when the sun illuminates a significant portion of the material BRDF lobe. This naturally points us to problems whose primary target materials are diffuse since the BRDF lobe for specular materials is tiny (low probability of acquiring on the BRDF lobe) and glinty (high probability of saturating the sensor when on lobe). In this case study, we investigated signatures of solar illuminated diffuse paints acquired by a polarimetric hyperspectral sensor. We will discuss the acquisition, reduction and exploitation of that data, and use it to illustrate the primary characteristics of reflective polarimetric phenomenology.

Preliminary results of BTDF calibration of transmissive solar diffusers for remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgiev, Georgi T.; Butler, James J.; Thome, Kurt; Cooksey, Catherine; Ding, Leibo

2016-09-01

Satellite instruments operating in the reflected solar wavelength region require accurate and precise determination of the optical properties of their diffusers used in pre-flight and post-flight calibrations. The majority of recent and current space instruments use reflective diffusers. As a result, numerous Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) calibration comparisons have been conducted between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other industry and university-based metrology laboratories. However, based on literature searches and communications with NIST and other laboratories, no Bidirectional Transmittance Distribution Function (BTDF) measurement comparisons have been conducted between National Measurement Laboratories (NMLs) and other metrology laboratories. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in the use of transmissive diffusers in the calibration of satellite, air-borne, and ground-based remote sensing instruments. Current remote sensing instruments employing transmissive diffusers include the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite instrument (OMPS) Limb instrument on the Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) platform,, the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) on the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's (KARI) Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura platform, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument and the Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS).. This ensemble of instruments requires validated BTDF measurements of their onboard transmissive diffusers from the ultraviolet through the near infrared. This paper presents the preliminary results of a BTDF comparison between the NASA Diffuser Calibration Laboratory (DCL) and NIST on quartz and thin Spectralon samples.

Discovery of the linear region of Near Infrared Diffuse Reflectance spectra using the Kubelka-Munk theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Shengyun; Pan, Xiaoning; Ma, Lijuan; Huang, Xingguo; Du, Chenzhao; Qiao, Yanjiang; Wu, Zhisheng

2018-05-01

Particle size is of great importance for the quantitative model of the NIR diffuse reflectance. In this paper, the effect of sample particle size on the measurement of harpagoside in Radix Scrophulariae powder by near infrared diffuse (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy was explored. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed as a reference method to construct the quantitative particle size model. Several spectral preprocessing methods were compared, and particle size models obtained by different preprocessing methods for establishing the partial least-squares (PLS) models of harpagoside. Data showed that the particle size distribution of 125-150 μm for Radix Scrophulariae exhibited the best prediction ability with R2pre=0.9513, RMSEP=0.1029 mg·g-1, and RPD = 4.78. For the hybrid granularity calibration model, the particle size distribution of 90-180 μm exhibited the best prediction ability with R2pre=0.8919, RMSEP=0.1632 mg·g-1, and RPD = 3.09. Furthermore, the Kubelka-Munk theory was used to relate the absorption coefficient k (concentration-dependent) and scatter coefficient s (particle size-dependent). The scatter coefficient s was calculated based on the Kubelka-Munk theory to study the changes of s after being mathematically preprocessed. A linear relationship was observed between k/s and absorption A within a certain range and the value for k/s was greater than 4. According to this relationship, the model was more accurately constructed with the particle size distribution of 90-180 μm when s was kept constant or in a small linear region. This region provided a good reference for the linear modeling of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. To establish a diffuse reflectance NIR model, further accurate assessment should be obtained in advance for a precise linear model.

Characterization of the Waukesha Illite: A mixed-polytype illite in the Clay Mineral Society repository

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grathoff, Georg H.; Moore, D.M.

2002-01-01

The Waukesha Illite is an excellent example of the illites found in argillaceous rocks, typical for Paleozoic shales that have undergone significant burial diagenesis during their geologic history. It consists of a mixture of detrital 2M1, interpreted to be a residuum of karstification within Silurian carbonates, and diagenetic 1M and 1Md illite. The chemistry and the age of the illite polytypes are different. Extrapolating to 100%, the 1M and 1Md polytypes have an apparent diagenetic age between 295 and 325 Ma. The chemistry of the 1M polytype could not be determined because of its low abundance. The approximate chemical composition of the 1Md polytype is 0.67 K, 3.6 Si, and 1.9 Al per half unit cell. The 2M1 polytype has an apparent detrital age between 440 and 520 Ma, and an approximate chemical composition per half unit cell of 0.78 K, 3.4 Si, and 2.1 Al, all within our margin of error. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of both random powder and oriented preparations both indicate that the Waukesha Illite consists of a mixture of illites. The XRD patterns of the random powder preparation indicate it is a physical mixture of three different illite polytypes. This result was confirmed using 3 different methods: (1) by measuring illite polytype-specific reflections; (2) by mixing illite polytype reference samples; and (3) by mixing WILDFIRE calculated XRD patterns. Decomposition of the illite 001 XRD peak from oriented preparations also indicates mixtures of illites. However, the proportions of the three illitic components derived from the oriented 001 peak decomposition differ from those results derived from the analysis of the random powder data. Therefore, the shape of the 001 reflection of the Waukesha Illite cannot be explained by mixing the three different illite polytypes.

Spectral distribution of UV range diffuse reflectivity for Si+ ion implanted polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balabanov, S.; Tsvetkova, T.; Borisova, E.; Avramov, L.; Bischoff, L.

2008-05-01

The analysis of the UV range spectral characteristics can supply additional information on the formed sub-surface buried layer with implanted dopants. The near-surface layer (50÷150 nm) of bulk polymer samples have been implanted with silicon (Si+) ions at low energies (E = 30 keV) and a wide range of ion doses (D = 1.1013 ÷ 1, 2.1017 cm-2). The studied polymer materials were: ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), poly-methyl-metacrylate (PMMA) and poly-tetra-fluor-ethylene (PTFE). The diffuse optical reflectivity spectra Rd = f(λ) of the ion implanted samples have been measured in the UV range (λ = 220÷350 nm). In this paper the dose dependences of the size and sign of the diffuse optical reflectivity changes λRd = f(D) have been analysed.

Prepreg cure monitoring using diffuse reflectance-FTIR. [Fourier Transform Infrared Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, P. R.; Chang, A. C.

1984-01-01

An in situ diffuse reflectance-Fourier transform infrared technique was developed to determine infrared spectra of graphite fiber prepregs as they were being cured. A bismaleimide, an epoxy, and addition polyimide matrix resin prepregs were studied. An experimental polyimide adhesive was also examined. Samples were positioned on a small heater at the focal point of diffuse reflectance optics and programmed at 15 F/min while FTIR spectra were being scanned, averaged, and stored. An analysis of the resulting spectra provided basic insights into changes in matrix resin molecular structure which accompanied reactions such as imidization and crosslinking. An endo-exothermal isomerization involving reactive end-caps was confirmed for the addition polyimide prepregs. The results of this study contribute to a fundamental understanding of the processing of composites and adhesives. Such understanding will promote the development of more efficient cure cycles.

Magneto-optical and catalytic properties of Fe3O4@HA@Ag magnetic nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amir, Md.; Güner, S.; Yıldız, A.; Baykal, A.

2017-01-01

Fe3O4@HA@Ag magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) were successfully synthesized by the simple reflux method for the removal of azo dyes from the industrial aqueous media. Fe3O4@HA@AgMNCs exhibited high catalytic activity to reduce MB within 20 min from the waste water. The obtained materials were characterized by the means of different techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the single-phase of Fe3O4 spinel structure. SEM and TEM analysis indicated that Fe3O4@HA@AgMNCs were nanoparticles like structure with small agglomeration. TG result showed that the products contained 9% of HA. The characteristic peaks of HA at 1601 cm-1 and 1703 cm-1 was observed by the means of FT-IR spectra of Fe3O4@HA@AgMNCs. The hysteresis (σ-H) curves revealed Fe3O4@HA@Ag MNCs exhibit a typical superparamagnetic characteristic with a saturation magnetization of 59.11 emu/g and measured magnetic moment is 2.45 μB. The average magnetic particle dimension (Dmag) is 13.25 nm. In accordance, the average crystallite and particle dimensions were obtained as 11.50 nm and 13.10 nm from XRD and TEM measurements, respectively. Magnetocrystalline anisotropy was offered as uniaxial and calculated effective anisotropy constant (Keff) is 2.96×105 Erg/g. The blocking temperature was estimated as 522 K. The size-dependent saturation magnetization suggests the existence of a magnetically dead layer as 0.793 nm for Fe3O4@HA@Ag MNCs. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Kubelka-Munk theory were applied to determine the optical properties of powder samples. The direct optical energy band gap (Eg) values were estimated from Tauc plots between 1.62 eV and 2.12 eV.

Combustion synthesized TiO{sub 2} for enhanced photocatalytic activity under the direct sunlight-optimization of titanylnitrate synthesis

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

Daya Mani, A.; Laporte, V.; Ghosal, P.

2012-09-15

Graphical abstract: Effect of oxidant on the combustion synthesis of TiO{sub 2} has been studied by preparing titanylnitrate in four different ways from Ti(IV) iso-propoxide. It is observed that oxidant preparation method has a significant effect on physico-chemical as well as photocatalytic properties of TiO{sub 2}. All the catalysts showed excellent photocatalytic activity than Degussa P-25 under direct sunlight for the degradation of a textile dye (methylene blue), without the need of external light sources, oxygen supply and reactor systems. Highlights: ► Optimized synthesis of titanylnitrate. ► Influence of titanylnitrate synthesis on the physico-chemical properties of TiO{sub 2} prepared bymore » combustion synthesis. ► Development of highly efficient TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts those are active under the direct sunlight in open atmosphere. ► Degradation of the textile dye (methylene blue) under direct sunlight. -- Abstract: Optimized synthesis of Ti-precursor ‘titanylnitrate’ for one step combustion synthesis of N- and C-doped TiO{sub 2} catalysts were reported and characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffused reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, N{sub 2} adsorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD confirmed the formation of TiO{sub 2} anatase and nano-crystallite size which was further confirmed by TEM. UV-DRS confirmed the decrease in the band gap to less than 3.0 eV, which was assigned due to the presence of C and N in the framework of TiO{sub 2} as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under the direct sunlight was carried out and typical results indicated the better performance of the synthesized catalysts than Degussa P-25.« less

Enhanced photo-catalytic activity of Sr and Ag co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for the degradation of Direct Green-6 and Reactive Blue-160 under UV & visible light.

PubMed

Naraginti, Saraschandra; Thejaswini, T V L; Prabhakaran, D; Sivakumar, A; Satyanarayana, V S V; Arun Prasad, A S

2015-10-05

This work is focused on sol-gel synthesis of silver and strontium co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles and their utilization as photo-catalysts in degradation of two textile dyes. Effect of pH, intensity of light, amount of photo-catalyst, concentration of dye, sensitizers, etc., were studied to optimize conditions for obtaining enhanced photo-catalytic activity of synthesized nanoparticles. XRD, BET, HR-TEM, EDAX and UV-Vis (diffused reflectance mode) techniques were used to characterize the nanoparticles. Interestingly, band gap of Sr and Ag co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles showed considerable narrowing (2.6 eV) when compared to Ag doped TiO2 (2.7 eV) and undoped TiO2 (3.17 eV) nanoparticles. Incorporation of Ag and Sr in the lattice of TiO2 could bring isolated energy levels near conduction and valence bands thus narrowing band gap. The XRD analysis shows that both Ag and Sr nanoparticles are finely dispersed on the surface of titania framework, without disturbing its crystalline structure. TEM images indicate that representative grain sizes of Ag-doped TiO2 & Sr and Ag co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles are in the range of 8-20 nm and 11-25 nm, respectively. Effective degradation of Direct Green-6 (DG-6) and Reactive Blue-160 (RB-160) under UV and visible light has been achieved using the photo-catalysts. Sr and Ag co-doped TiO2 photo-catalysts showed higher catalytic activity during degradation process in visible region when compared to Ag-doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles which could be attributed to the interactive effect caused by band gap narrowing and enhancement in charge separation. For confirming degradation of the dyes, total organic carbon (TOC) content was monitored periodically. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A little adjustment of synthetic strategy led to a new highly repeated heteropolyblue: Structure, characterizations and photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wu-Hua; Zhang, Zhu-Sen; Zhao, Jin-Hua; Qiu, Ze-Hai; Yuan, Qiu-Lan; Huang, Tian-Fu; Lin, Xue-Yu; Hu, Zhi-Biao

2017-06-01

Hydrothermal synthesis is known as the most efficient method to prepare novel structural polyoxometalate (POM)-based materials, but controlled synthesis of a structure-directing POM is always challenging task. The experimental repeatability is usually one of the key topics. To explore a reliable hydrothermal synthesis approach for new POMs will be a meaningful work. Our previous work, which we have hydrothermally synthesized the first Cr-complexes-capped Keggin-type POM, [Hdma]3[H2phen]{[Cr(phen)]2[MoV8MoVI4O36(PO4)]}·nH2O (n ≈ 2) (Chen et al., polyhedron, 2015, 85, 117), afford us some commendable synthetic experiences, arouse us some introspections as well for its tricky preparation conditions and low experimental repeatability. Based on the aforementioned work, a new high-repetition-rate and more steady heteropolyblue, [H3O]0.5(Hdma)2.5(dma)0.25{[Cr(phen)]2[MoV6MoVI6O8(PO4)]}·2H2O (1) (dma = dimethylamine (C2H7N), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline (C12H8N2)), has been successfully obtained by virtue of reasonably adjusting synthetic strategy. The adjustment of synthetic strategy includes controlling ratio of reactants and aging time, reasonably using redoxes and stepwise self-assembly plans. Compound 1 is the second POM with Keggin-type polyanion capped by Cr-complexes. Experiments demonstrate that compound 1 has good catalytic activity in the both degradation reactions of rhodamine B (RHB) and methyl orange (MO) under ultraviolet (UV)-light and oxidant H2O2 conditions. Detailed structural characterizations include single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses, elemental analyses, cerate oxidimetry, powder XRD, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) solid diffuse reflection spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The electrochemical property (cyclic voltammetry (CV)) of compound 1 has also been studied.

Visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using Mg doped cobalt ferrite spinel nanoparticles synthesized by microwave combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundararajan, M.; John Kennedy, L.; Nithya, P.; Judith Vijaya, J.; Bououdina, M.

2017-09-01

Co1-xMgxFe2O4 (0≤x≤0.5) spinel nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple microwave combustion method. The characterization of the samples were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron (SEM) microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, UV-visible and diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analysis. The XRD patterns indicate the formation of cubic inverse spinel structure. The calculated average crystallite size using Debye Scherrer's equation is found to be around 46-38 nm. The morphology of spinel nanoparticles was observed from SEM images and the elemental mapping of magnesium doped cobalt ferrite was obtained by using energy dispersive X-ray technique. Optical studies were carried out for the deeper understanding of the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) edges of the synthesized nanoparticles. The intrinsic stretching vibrations of Fe3+-O2- in tetrahedral sites leads to the appearance of IR band at around 573 cm-1. The magnetic properties such as remanence magnetization (Mr), coercivity (Hc) and saturation magnetization (Ms) were calculated from the hysteresis curves. The maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency for Co0.6Mg0.4Fe2O4 is around (99.5%) when compared to that of CoFe2O4 whose efficiency is around (73.0%). The improvement in photocatalytic degradation efficiency is due to the effective separation and prevention of electron-hole pair recombination. The R2 values for the first order rate kinetics are found to be better than R2 values for the second order rate kinetics and this proves that photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye follows first order kinetics. The probable mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye is proposed.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Fe-Doped TiO2 Nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marami, Mohammad Bagher; Farahmandjou, Majid; Khoshnevisan, Bahram

2018-03-01

Fe-doped TiO2 powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as the starting material, ethanol as solvent, and ethylene glycol (EG) as stabilizer. These prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses to study their structure, morphology, and optical properties. The particle size of Fe-doped TiO2 was in the range of 18-39 nm and the minimum crystallite size was achieved for 4 mol.% of Fe. The XRD result of the samples that were doped with Fe showed a tetragonal structure. It also revealed the coexistence of the anatase and rutile phases, and showed that their ratio changed with various molar concentrations of Fe dopant. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of the Ti-O vibration band in the samples. PL analysis revealed the PL property in the UV region. Visible irradiation and the intensity of PL spectra were both reduced by doping TiO2 with 3 mol.% of Fe as compared to the pure variety. The spectra from the DRS showed a red shift and a reduction of 2.6 eV in the band gap energy for 4 mol.% Fe-doped TiO2. The optimum level of impurity (4 mol.%) for Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which improve the optical and electrical properties by using new precursors and can be used in solar cells and electronic devices, was determined. The novelty of this work consists of: the Fe/TiO2 NPs are synthesized by new precursors from sol-gel synthesis of iron and TTIP using acetic acid-catalyzed solvolysis (original idea) and the optical properties optimized with a mixture of phases (anatase/rutile) of Fe-doped TiO2 by this facile method.

Investigation of polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol-titanium dioxide composite films for photo-catalytic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Shaoqiang; Zhang, Hongyang; Song, Yuanqing; Zhang, Jianling; Yang, Haigang; Jiang, Long; Dan, Yi

2015-07-01

Polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol-titanium dioxide (PPy/PVA-TiO2) composite films used as photo-catalysts were fabricated by combining TiO2 sol with PPy/PVA solution in which PPy was synthesized by in situ polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and loaded on glass. The prepared photo-catalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and photoluminescence (PL). The results indicate that the composites have same crystal structure as the TiO2 and extend the optic absorption from UV region to visible light region. By detecting the variation ratio, detected by ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy, of model pollutant rhodamine B (RhB) solution in the presence of the composite films under both UV and visible light irradiation, the photo-catalytic performance of the composite films was investigated. The results show that the PPy/PVA-TiO2 composite films show better photo-catalytic properties than TiO2 film both under UV and visible light irradiation, and the photo-catalytic degradation of RhB follows the first-order kinetics. The effects of the composition of composite films and the concentration of RhB on the photo-catalytic performance, as well as the possible photo-catalytic mechanism, were also discussed. By photo-catalytic recycle experiments, the structure stability of the PPy/PVA-TiO2 composite film was investigated and the results show that the photo-catalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation have no significant decrease after four times of recycle experiments, suggesting that the photo-catalyst film is stable during the photo-catalytic process, which was also confirmed by the XRD pattern and FT-IR spectra of the composite film before and after photo-catalytic.

Down-top nanofabrication of binary (CdO)x (ZnO)1-x nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity.

PubMed

Al-Hada, Naif Mohammed; Mohamed Kamari, Halimah; Abdullah, Che Azurahanim Che; Saion, Elias; Shaari, Abdul H; Talib, Zainal Abidin; Matori, Khamirul Amin

2017-01-01

In the present study, binary oxide (cadmium oxide [CdO]) x (zinc oxide [ZnO]) 1-x nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentrations of precursor in calcination temperature were prepared using thermal treatment technique. Cadmium and zinc nitrates (source of cadmium and zinc) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (capping agent) have been used to prepare (CdO) x (ZnO) 1-x NPs samples. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD patterns analysis revealed that NPs were formed after calcination, which showed a cubic and hexagonal crystalline structure of (CdO) x (ZnO) 1-x NPs. The phase analysis using EDX spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Cd and Zn as the original compounds of prepared (CdO) x (ZnO) 1-x NP samples. The average particle size of the samples increased from 14 to 33 nm as the concentration of precursor increased from x=0.20 to x=0.80, as observed by TEM results. The surface composition and valance state of the prepared product NPs were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Diffuse UV-visible reflectance spectra were used to determine the optical band gap through the Kubelka-Munk equation; the energy band gap was found to decrease for CdO from 2.92 to 2.82 eV and for ZnO from 3.22 to 3.11 eV with increasing x value. Additionally, photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that the intensity in PL increased with an increase in particle size. In addition, the antibacterial activity of binary oxide NP was carried out in vitro against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Gram (-ve), Salmonella choleraesuis ATCC 10708, and Bacillus subtilis UPMC 1175 Gram (+ve). This study indicated that the zone of inhibition of 21 mm has good antibacterial activity toward the Gram-positive B. subtilis UPMC 1175.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Fe-Doped TiO2 Nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marami, Mohammad Bagher; Farahmandjou, Majid; Khoshnevisan, Bahram

2018-07-01

Fe-doped TiO2 powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as the starting material, ethanol as solvent, and ethylene glycol (EG) as stabilizer. These prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses to study their structure, morphology, and optical properties. The particle size of Fe-doped TiO2 was in the range of 18-39 nm and the minimum crystallite size was achieved for 4 mol.% of Fe. The XRD result of the samples that were doped with Fe showed a tetragonal structure. It also revealed the coexistence of the anatase and rutile phases, and showed that their ratio changed with various molar concentrations of Fe dopant. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of the Ti-O vibration band in the samples. PL analysis revealed the PL property in the UV region. Visible irradiation and the intensity of PL spectra were both reduced by doping TiO2 with 3 mol.% of Fe as compared to the pure variety. The spectra from the DRS showed a red shift and a reduction of 2.6 eV in the band gap energy for 4 mol.% Fe-doped TiO2. The optimum level of impurity (4 mol.%) for Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which improve the optical and electrical properties by using new precursors and can be used in solar cells and electronic devices, was determined. The novelty of this work consists of: the Fe/TiO2 NPs are synthesized by new precursors from sol-gel synthesis of iron and TTIP using acetic acid-catalyzed solvolysis (original idea) and the optical properties optimized with a mixture of phases (anatase /rutile) of Fe-doped TiO2 by this facile method.

Developments in the realization of diffuse reflectance scales at NPL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chunnilall, Christopher J.; Clarke, Frank J. J.; Shaw, Michael J.

2005-08-01

The United Kingdom scales for diffuse reflectance are realized using two primary instruments. In the 360 nm to 2.5 μm spectral region the National Reference Reflectometer (NRR) realizes absolute measurement of reflectance and radiance factor by goniometric measurements. Hemispherical reflectance scales are obtained through the spatial integration of these goniometric measurements. In the mid-infrared region (2.5 μm - 55 μm) the hemispherical reflectance scale is realized by the Absolute Hemispherical Reflectometer (AHR). This paper describes some of the uncertainties resulting from errors in aligning the NRR and non-ideality in sample topography, together with its use to carry out measurements in the 1 - 1.6 μm region. The AHR has previously been used with grating spectrometers, and has now been coupled to a Fourier transform spectrometer.

Effect of the Platinum Electroplated Layer Thickness on the Coatings' Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zagula-Yavorska, Maryana; Gancarczyk, Kamil; Sieniawski, Jan

2017-03-01

CMSX 4 and Inconel 625 superalloys were coated by platinum layers (3 and 7 μm thick) in the electroplating process. The heat treatment of platinum layers (at 1,050 ˚C for 2 h) was performed to increase platinum adherence to the superalloys substrate. The diffusion zone obtained on CMSX 4 superalloy (3 and 7 μm platinum thick before heat treatment) consisted of two phases: γ-Ni(Al, Cr) and (Al0.25Pt0.75)Ni3. The diffusion zone obtained on Inconel 625 superalloy (3 μm platinum thick before heat treatment) consisted of the α-Pt(Ni, Cr, Al) phase. Moreover, γ-Ni(Cr, Al) phase was identified. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed the presence of platinum in the diffusion zone of the heat-treated coating (7 μm platinum thick) on Inconel 625 superalloy. The surface roughness parameter Ra of heat-treated coatings increased with the increase of platinum layers thickness. This was due to the unequal mass flow of platinum and nickel.

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for optical nerve identification. Preliminary ex vivo results for feedback controlled oral and maxillofacial laser surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stelzle, Florian; Zam, Azhar; Adler, Werner; Douplik, Alexandre; Tangermann-Gerk, Katja; Nkenke, Emeka; Neukam, Friedrich Wilhelm; Schmidt, Michael

Objective: Laser surgery has many advantages. However, due to a lack of haptic feedback it is accompanied by the risk of iatrogenic nerve damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibilities of optical nerve identification by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to set the base for a feedback control system to enhance nerve preservation in oral and maxillofacial laser surgery. Materials and Methods: Diffuse reflectance spectra of nerve tissue, skin, mucosa, fat tissue, muscle, cartilage and bone (15120 spectra) of ex vivo pig heads were acquired in the wavelength range of 350-650 nm. Tissue differentiation was performed by principal components analysis (PCA) followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Specificity and sensitivity were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under curve (AUC). Results: Nerve tissue could correctly be identified and differed from skin, mucosa, fat tissue, muscle, cartilage and bone in more than 90% of the cases (AUC results) with a specificity of over 78% and a sensitivity of more than 86%. Conclusion: Nerve tissue can be identified by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with high precision and reliability. The results may set the base for a feedback system to prevent iatrogenic nerve damage performing oral and maxillofacial laser surgery.

Probe pressure effects on human skin diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements

PubMed Central

Lim, Liang; Nichols, Brandon; Rajaram, Narasimhan; Tunnell, James W.

2011-01-01

Diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy are popular research techniques for noninvasive disease diagnostics. Most systems include an optical fiber probe that transmits and collects optical spectra in contact with the suspected lesion. The purpose of this study is to investigate probe pressure effects on human skin spectroscopic measurements. We conduct an in-vivo experiment on human skin tissue to study the short-term (<2 s) and long-term (>30 s) effects of probe pressure on diffuse reflectance and fluorescence measurements. Short-term light probe pressure (P0 < 9 mN∕mm2) effects are within 0 ± 10% on all physiological properties extracted from diffuse reflectance and fluorescence measurements, and less than 0 ± 5% for diagnostically significant physiological properties. Absorption decreases with site-specific variations due to blood being compressed out of the sampled volume. Reduced scattering coefficient variation is site specific. Intrinsic fluorescence shows a large standard error, although no specific pressure-related trend is observed. Differences in tissue structure and morphology contribute to site-specific probe pressure effects. Therefore, the effects of pressure can be minimized when the pressure is small and applied for a short amount of time; however, long-term and large pressures induce significant distortions in measured spectra. PMID:21280899

On the renormalisation of the diffusion asymptotics in the problem of reflection of a narrow optical beam from a biological medium

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

Appanov, A Yu; Barabanenkov, Yu N

2005-12-31

An analytic hybrid method is considered for solving the stationary radiation transfer equation in the problem on reflection of a narrow laser beam from biological media such as the 2% aqueous solution of intralipid and erythrocyte suspension with the volume concentration (hematocrit) H=0.41. The method is based on the reciprocity of the Green function in the radiation transfer theory and on the iteration solution of the integral equation for this function. As a result, the ray intensity is represented as a sum of two terms. The first of them describes the contribution of finite-order scattering to the intensity of amore » beam diffusely reflected from the medium. The second term contains the explicit analytic expression for a spatially distributed effective source of diffuse radiation emerging from the deep layers of the medium to the surface. This approach substantially improves the diffusion approximation for the problem under study and allows one to obtain the uniform asymptotics of the reflection coefficient at the specified interval of distances between the radiation source and detector on the medium surface with the relative error within {+-}6% for the 2% intralipid emulsion and erythrocyte suspension (H=0.41). (radiation scattering)« less

Corrosion Behavior of Ti60 Alloy under a Solid NaCl Deposit in Wet Oxygen Flow at 600 °C

PubMed Central

Fan, Lei; Liu, Li; Yu, Zhongfen; Cao, Min; Li, Ying; Wang, Fuhui

2016-01-01

The corrosion behavior of Ti60 alloy covered with a solid NaCl deposit in wet oxygen flow at 600 °C has been studied further by SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, TEM and EPMA analysis. The results show that solid NaCl and H2O react with Ti oxides, which destroyed the Ti oxide scale to yield the non-protective Na4Ti5O12 and other volatile species. The resulting corrosion product scale was multilayered and contained abundant rapid diffusion channels leading to the fast diffusion which improved the corrosion rate. A possible mechanism has been proposed for the NaCl-covered Ti60 alloy, based on the experimental results. PMID:27357732

A fabrication and characterictics of microbolometer detectors using VOx/ZnO/VOx multilayer thin film processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Myung-Soo; Kim, Dae Hyeon; Ko, Hang Ju; Shin, Jae Chul; Kim, Hyo Jin; Kim, Do Gun

2014-06-01

In this work, a novel fabrication method for VOx-ZnO multilayers with mixed phase of the VO2 and V2O3 through the diffusion of oxygen by annealing at low temperature is presented. A stable sandwich structure of a VOx/ZnO/VOx multilayer was deposited at room temperature, through the oxygen gas flow rate, by RF sputtering system, and the mixed phase was formed through oxygen diffusion by annealing at O2 atmosphere. The results show that the single phase like multilayer formed by this process has a high TCR of more than -2.5%/K and low resistance of about 100 kohm at room temperature. XRD results for the as-deposited VOx/ZnO/VOx multilayer.

Synthesis of size controllable cu-phthalocyanine nanofibers by simple solvent diffusion method and their electrochemical properties.

PubMed

Gao, Junshan; Cheng, Chuanwei; Zhou, Xuechao; Li, Yingying; Xu, Xiaoqi; Du, Xiguang; Zhang, Haiqian

2010-02-15

Tetra (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy) substituted Cu-phthalocyanine nanofibers were obtained in large scale by a simple solvent diffusion method. The sizes of the fibers can be finely tuned under different solvent temperature. FE-SEM micrographs indicate that the length of the fibers changed from several hundreds micrometers to several hundreds nanometers and the width changed from several micrometers to several decade nanometers. XRD measurement showed a highly long-range ordered lamellar arrangement of the substituted Cu-phthalocyanine molecules in the microfiber and the UV-vis absorption spectrum of the fibers indicated an H-aggregate of the phthalocyanine molecules. The CV curves elucidate the CuPc fibers can be fabricated Faraday pseudocapacitor. Crown Copyright 2009. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optical Reflectance Measurements for Commonly Used Reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janecek, Martin; Moses, William W.

2008-08-01

When simulating light collection in scintillators, modeling the angular distribution of optical light reflectance from surfaces is very important. Since light reflectance is poorly understood, either purely specular or purely diffuse reflectance is generally assumed. In this paper we measure the optical reflectance distribution for eleven commonly used reflectors. A 440 nm, output power stabilized, un-polarized laser is shone onto a reflector at a fixed angle of incidence. The reflected light's angular distribution is measured by an array of silicon photodiodes. The photodiodes are movable to cover 2pi of solid angle. The light-induced current is, through a multiplexer, read out with a digital multimeter. A LabVIEW program controls the motion of the laser and the photodiode array, the multiplexer, and the data collection. The laser can be positioned at any angle with a position accuracy of 10 arc minutes. Each photodiode subtends 6.3deg, and the photodiode array can be positioned at any angle with up to 10 arc minute angular resolution. The dynamic range for the current measurements is 10 5:1. The measured light reflectance distribution was measured to be specular for several ESR films as well as for aluminum foil, mostly diffuse for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape and titanium dioxide paint, and neither specular nor diffuse for Lumirrorreg, Melinexreg and Tyvekreg. Instead, a more complicated light distribution was measured for these three materials.

Fabrication, characterization, and photocatalytic property of α-Fe2O3/graphene oxide composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hong; Zhao, Qidong; Li, Xinyong; Zhu, Zhengru; Tade, Moses; Liu, Shaomin

2013-06-01

Spindle-shaped microstructure of α-Fe2O3 was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The α-Fe2O3/graphene oxide (GO) composites was prepared using a modified Hummers' strategy. The properties of the samples were systematically investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope, atomic force microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy (Raman) techniques. GO nanosheets act as supporting materials for anchoring the α-Fe2O3 particles. The average crystallite sizes of the α-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/GO samples are ca. 27 and 24 nm, respectively. The possible growth of α-Fe2O3 onto GO layers led to a higher absorbance capacity for visible light by α-Fe2O3/GO than α-Fe2O3 composite. The photocatalytic degradation of toluene over the α-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/GO samples under xenon-lamp irradiation was comparatively studied by in situ FTIR technique. The results indicate that the α-Fe2O3/GO sample synthesized exhibited a higher capacity for the degradation of toluene. The composite of α-Fe2O3/GO could be promisingly applied in photo-driven air purification.

Photocatalytic performance of Ag doped SnO2 nanoparticles modified with curcumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2013-07-01

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

Methanol steam reforming over Ni-CeO 2 model and powder catalysts: Pathways to high stability and selectivity for H 2/CO 2 production

DOE PAGES

Liu, Zongyuan; Yao, Siyu; Johnston-Peck, Aaron; ...

2017-08-25

Here, nickel-ceria has been reported as a very good catalysts for the reforming of methane. Here, the methanol steam reforming reaction on both powder (Ni-CeO 2) and model (Ni-CeO 2-x(111)) catalysts was investigated. The active phase evolution and surface species transformation on powder catalysts were studied via in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance infrared transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Phase transitions of NiO → NiC → Ni and CeO 2 → CeO 2-x were observed during the reaction. The simultaneous production of H 2/CO 2 demonstrates that the active phase of the catalysts contains metallic Ni supported over partially reducedmore » ceria. The DRIFTS experiments indicate that a methoxy to formate transition is associated with the reduction of ceria whereas the formation of carbonate species results from the presence of metallic Ni. A study of the reaction of methanol with Ni-CeO 2-x(111) by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) points to the essential role of metal-support interactions in an oxygen transfer from ceria to Ni that contributes to the high selectivity of the catalysts.« less

Potential of Sm3+ doped LiSrVO4 nanophosphor to fill amber gap in LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, P.; Kumar, Vinay; Sharma, Vishal; Bedyal, A. K.; Padha, Naresh; Swart, H. C.

2018-04-01

The LiSrVO4:Sm3+ phosphor powders were synthesized by the combustion method by varying the concentration of the Sm3+ ions from 0.25 mol% to 2.5 mol%. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed that the phosphors were crystallized as monoclinic structure belonging to space group P2/m and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed nanosized grains of the powders. The Fourier transform infrared studies (FTIR) established the formation of non-hygroscopic vanadate powders. The photoluminescence (PL) and diffused reflectance studies (DRS) were also carried out and discussed. Under 401 nm excitation, the optimized phosphor exhibited the characteristic 568, 600, 646 and 704 nm emissions of Sm3+ which corresponded to the orange-red (amber) color with (0.59, 0.41) Commission Internationale de' Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates. Concentration quenching of phosphor intensity on account of non-radiative energy transfer was ascribed to dipole-dipole interaction between activators. DRS study reveals that the host of the phosphor is a wide bandgap material which accommodates the dopant successfully. The present results signify that the LiSrVO4:Sm3+ phosphor can suitably be excited by the GaN family of UV-LEDs chips for efficient amber LEDs applications.

Facile synthesis of 2-D Cu doped WO3 nanoplates with structural, optical and differential anti cancer characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehmood, Faisal; Iqbal, Javed; Gul, Asma; Ahmed, Waqqar; Ismail, M.

2017-04-01

Simple chemical co-precipitation method has been employed to synthesize two dimensional copper (Cu) doped tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoplates. A numbers of characterization techniques have been used to investigate their structural, optical and biocompatible anti cancer properties. The XRD results have confirmed the monoclinic crystal structure of WO3 nanoplates, and also successful doping of Cu ions into the WO3 crystal lattice. The presence of functional groups and chemical bonding have been verified through FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM images demonstrate that both undoped and Cu doped WO3 samples have squares plate like morphology. The EDX spectra confirm the presence of Cu, W and O ions. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analysis has revealed a substantial red-shift in the absorption edge and a decrease in the band gap energy of nanoplates with Cu doping. Photoluminescence spectroscopy has been used to study the presence of defects like oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the differential cytotoxic properties of Cu doped WO3 samples have been evaluated against human breast (MCF-7) and liver (Hep-2) cancer cells with ectocervical epithelial (HECE) healthy cells. The present findings confirm that the Cu doped WO3 nanoplates can be used as an efficient biocompatible anti cancer agent.

Pd-MnO2 nanoparticles/TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) photo-electrodes photo-catalytic properties and their ability of degrading Rhodamine B under visible light.

PubMed

Thabit, Mohamed; Liu, Huiling; Zhang, Jian; Wang, Bing

2017-10-01

Pd-MnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) photo-electrodes were successfully fabricated via anodization and electro deposition subsequently; the obtained Pd-MnO 2 /TiO 2 NTAs photo electrodes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and characterized accordingly. Moreover, the light harvesting and absorption properties were investigated via ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS); photo degradation efficiency was investigated via analyzing the photo catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B under visible illumination (xenon light). The performed analyses illustrated that Pd-MnO 2 codoped particles were successfully deposited onto the surface of the TiO 2 nanotube arrays; DRS results showed significant improvement in visible light absorption which was between 400 and 700nm. Finally, the photo catalytic degradation efficiency results of the designated organic pollutant (Rhodamine B) illustrated a superior photocatalytic (PC) efficiency of approximately 95% compared to the bare TiO 2 NTAs, which only exhibited a photo catalytic degradation efficiency of approximately 61%, thus it indicated the significant enhancement of the light absorption properties of fabricated photo electrodes and their yield of OH radicals. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Layered double hydroxide of Cd-Al/C for the Mineralization and De-coloration of Dyes in Solar and Visible Light Exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Shahid Ali; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Asiri, Abdullah M.

2016-11-01

Cd-Al/C layered double hydroxide (Cd-Al/C-LDH) and Cd-Sb/C nanocatalyst are reported here for the de-coloration and mineralization of organic dyes. These catalysts were largely characterized by FESEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, XPS, PL and DRS. The diffuse reflectance data showed a band gap at 2.92 and 2.983 eV for Cd-Al/C-LDH and Cd-Sb/C respectively. The band gap suggested that both catalysts work well in visible range. The photoluminescence spectra indicated a peak at 623 nm for both the catalysts which further support the effectiveness of the respective catalyst in visible range. Both catalysts also showed good recyclability and durability till 4th cycle. Five dyes, acridine orange (AO), malachite green (MG), crystal violet (CV), congo red (CR) and methyl orange (MO) were used in this experiment. Various parameters of different light intensity such as visible, ultraviolet, sunlight and dark condition are observed for the de-coloration of these dyes. The de-coloration phenomenon was proceeded through adsorption assisted phot-degradation. The low cost, abundant nature, good recyclability and better dye removal efficiency make these catalysts suitable candidates for the de-coloration and mineralization of organic dyes.

Novel room temperature synthesis of ZnO nanosheets, characterization and potentials in light harvesting applications and electrochemical devices.

PubMed

Mansournia, Mohammadreza; Rafizadeh, Somayeh; Hosseinpour-Mashkani, S Mostafa; Motaghedifard, Mohammad Hassan

2016-08-01

Zinc oxide nanosheets (ZnONSs) were successfully synthesized using Zn(NO3)2·4H2O as the starting reagent in ammonia atmosphere at room temperature by a novel gas-solution precipitation method. XRD and EDS patterns indicated that pure ZnONSs were produced only in 15min reaction time. Besides, investigating the optical properties of the as-prepared ZnO nanosheets using UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) exhibited their semiconducting property by revealing one optical band gap in 3.3eV. Moreover, rhodamine B and methylene blue degradation were used as a probe reaction to test the as-synthesized ZnONSs photoactivity. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism for ZnONSs formation was discussed. On the other hand, operation of ZnONSs in Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was investigated by current density-voltage (Jsc-Voc) curve. Finally, a pencil graphite electrode was decorated using ZnONSs and pure MWCNT to provide an electrochemical device for Pb(+2) ions sensing. This modified electrode showed agreeable responses to trace amounts of Pb(+2) in NaOAC/HOAC buffer solutions. The limit of detection was found to be 0.112nmolL(-1) for Pb(+2). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A photoelectrochemical immunosensor for detection of α-fetoprotein based on Au-ZnO flower-rod heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Zhizhong; Luo, Min; Chen, Li; Chen, Jinghua; Li, Chunyan

2017-04-01

In this work, a novel label free photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor has been developed for the detection of α-fetoprotein (AFP). The immunosensor was based on Au-ZnO flower-rods (FRs) heterostructure, where Au nanoparticles (NPs) were firstly electrodeposited by cyclic voltammetry methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mott-Schottky plot (MS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum and fluorescence emission spectrum were used for the characterizations of Au-ZnO FRs. The results demonstrated that Au NPs not only obviously enhanced the visible light absorption of ZnO FRs due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) but also improved the separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. Therefore, the photocurrent of Au-ZnO FRs was increased under simulated sunlight. The photocurrent was reduced after the specific antibody-antigen immune reaction. And the photocurrent decrement was linear with the logarithm of AFP antigen concentration in the range from 0.005 ng mL-1 to 50 ng mL-1 with a low detection limit of 0.56 pg mL-1 (S/N = 3). The PEC immunosensor also exhibited high anti-interference property and acceptable stability. This work would provide a promising photoelectrochemical strategy for the detection of other proteins in clinical diagnosis.

Utilization of visible to NIR light energy by Yb+3, Er+3 and Tm+3 doped BiVO4 for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regmi, Chhabilal; Kshetri, Yuwaraj K.; Ray, Schindra Kumar; Pandey, Ramesh Prasad; Lee, Soo Wohn

2017-01-01

Lanthanide-doped BiVO4 semiconductors with efficient photocatalytic activities over a broad range of the solar light spectrum have been synthesized by the microwave hydrothermal method using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the as-synthesized samples were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The chemical compositions were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The toxicity of the samples was measured using Mus musculus skin melanoma cells (B16-F10 (ATCC® CRL-6475™)) and were found to be nontoxic for human cells. The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared samples was evaluated by methylene blue (MB) degradation. The best photocatalytic activity was shown by BiVO4 with 6:3:3 mol percentage of Yb+3:Er+3:Tm+3 in all solar light spectrum. The synthesized samples possess low band gap energy and a hollow structure suitable for the better photocatalytic activity. The observed NIR photoactivity supports that the upconversion mechanism is involved in the overall photocatalytic process. Therefore, this approach provides a better alternative upconversion material for integral solar light absorption.

Characterization and activity of Pd-modified TiO2 catalysts for photocatalytic oxidation of NO in gas phase.

PubMed

Wu, Zhongbiao; Sheng, Zhongyi; Liu, Yue; Wang, Haiqiang; Tang, Nian; Wang, Jie

2009-05-30

Pd-modified TiO(2) prepared by thermal impregnation method was used in this study for photocatalytic oxidation of NO in gas phase. The physico-chemical properties of Pd/TiO(2) catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectrum analysis (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). It was found that Pd dopant existed as PdO particles in as-prepared photocatalysts. The results of PL spectra indicated that the photogenerated electrons and holes were efficiently separated after Pd doping. During in situ XPS study, it was found that the content of hydroxyl groups on the surface of Pd/TiO(2) increased when the catalyst was irradiated by UV light, which could result in the improvement of photocatalytic activity. The activity test showed that the optimum Pd dopant content was 0.05 wt.%. And the maximum conversion of NO was about 72% higher than that of P25 when the initial concentration of NO was 200 ppm, which showed that Pd/TiO(2) photocatalysts could be potentially applied to oxidize higher concentration of NO.

Self-assembly and enhanced photocatalytic properties of BiOI hollow microspheres via a reactable ionic liquid.

PubMed

Xia, Jiexiang; Yin, Sheng; Li, Huaming; Xu, Hui; Yan, Yongsheng; Zhang, Qi

2011-02-01

BiOI uniform flowerlike hollow microspheres with a hole in its surface structures have been successfully synthesized through an EG-assisted solvothermal process in the presence of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodine ([Bmim]I). The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), nitrogen sorption, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). A possible formation mechanism for the growth of hollow microspheres was discussed. During the reactive process, ionic liquid not only acted as solvents and templates but also as an I source for the fabrication of BiOI hollow microspheres and was vital for the structure of hollow microspheres. Additionally, we evaluated the photocatalytic activities of BiOI on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation and found that as-prepared BiOI hollow microspheres exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than BiOI nanoplates and TiO(2) (Degussa, P25) did. On the basis of such analysis, it can be assumed that the enhanced photocatalytic activities of BiOI hollow microspheres could be ascribed to its energy band structure, high BET surface area, high surface-to-volume ratios, and light absorbance.

Facile Preparation of Nano-Bi2MoO6/Diatomite Composite for Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance under Visible Light Irradiation

PubMed Central

Gong, Jiuyan; Liu, Jianshe; Song, Wendong; Ji, Lili

2018-01-01

In this work, a new nano-Bi2MoO6/diatomite composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) were employed to investigate the morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties. It was shown that nanometer-scaled Bi2MoO6 crystals were well-deposited on the surface of Bi2MoO6/diatomite. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under the visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Moreover, trapping experiments were performed to investigate the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism. The results showed that the nano-Bi2MoO6/diatomite composite with the mass ratio of Bi2MoO6 to diatomaceous earth of 70% exhibited the highest activity, and the RhB degradation efficiency reached 97.6% within 60 min. The main active species were revealed to be h+ and•O2−. As a photocatalytic reactor, its recycling performance showed a good stability and reusability. This new composite photocatalyst material holds great promise in the engineering field for the environmental remediation. PMID:29425138

CTAB-assisted synthesis of monoclinic BiVO4 photocatalyst and its highly efficient degradation of organic dye under visible-light irradiation.

PubMed

Yin, Wenzong; Wang, Wenzhong; Zhou, Lin; Sun, Songmei; Zhang, Ling

2010-01-15

A highly efficient monoclinic BiVO(4) photocatalyst (C-BVO) was synthesized by an aqueous method with the assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The structure, morphology and photophysical properties of the C-BVO were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic efficiencies were evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation, revealing that the degradation rate over the C-BVO was much higher than that over the reference BiVO(4) prepared by aqueous method and over the one prepared by solid-state reaction. The efficiency of de-ethylation and that of the cleavage of conjugated chromophore structure were investigated, respectively. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) values of the RhB were measured after the photocatalytic degradation over the C-BVO and demonstrated a 53% decrease in COD. The effects of CTAB on the synthesis of C-BVO were investigated, which revealed that CTAB not only changed the reaction process via the formation of BiOBr as an intermediate, but also facilitated the transition from BiOBr to BiVO(4). Comparison experiments were carried out and showed that the existence of impurity level makes significant contribution to the high photocatalytic efficiency of the C-BVO.

Facile fabrication of CuO-Pb2O3 nanophotocatalyst for efficient degradation of Rose Bengal dye under visible light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaraj, Eswaran; Somasundaram, Sivaraman; Balasubramani, Kavitha; Eswaran, Muthu Prema; Muthuramalingam, Rajarajan; Park, Sanghyuk

2018-03-01

A p-type CuO/n-type Pb2O3 heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared by a simple wet chemical process and the photocatalytic ability was evaluated for the degradation of Rose Bengal (RB) under visible light irradiation. Synthesized nanocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The p-n heterojunction of CuO-Pb2O3 nanostructures can promote the light absorption capability of photocatalyst and charge separation of electron-hole pairs. Photodegradation assays showed that the addition of CuO effectively enhanced the photocatalytic activity of CuO-Pb2O3 under visible light irradiation (λmax > 420 nm). Compared with pure Pb2O3 and CuO, the CuO-Pb2O3 exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity. The reaction rate constant of CuO-Pb2O3 is 0.092 min-1, which is much higher than those of CuO (0.073 min-1) and Pb2O3 (0.045 min-1).

The evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of magnetic and non-magnetic polymorphs of Fe2O3 in natural sunlight exposure: A comparison of photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aslam, M.; Qamar, M. Tariq; Rehman, Ateeq Ur; Soomro, M. Tahir; Ali, Shahid; Ismail, I. M. I.; Hameed, A.

2018-09-01

The non-magnetic and magnetic polymorphs of iron oxide (Fe2O3) namely: α-Fe2O3 (hematite) and γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) respectively, were synthesized by a facile surfactant aided hydrogel route. The synthesized polymorphs were characterized by diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence and raman spectroscopy for optical properties whereas the morphological, structural, chemical and electronic state evaluation were performed by FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, and XPS. The charge transport and the stability of the materials were examined electrochemically. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized polymorphs was evaluated for the degradation of 2-chlorophenol and 2-nitrophenol in the exposure of the visible region and complete spectrum natural sunlight. Both the polymorphs exhibited a significantly high activity for the degradation of the phenolic substrate in the exposure of the complete spectrum of sunlight, however, the activity in the visible region of the sunlight was relatively lower. A substantial increase in the activity in the visible region was noticed when the polymorphs were exposed to complete spectrum sunlight prior to the photocatalytic experiments. The comparison of the exposed and unexposed samples revealed the induction of defects that served as traps for the excited electrons and increased activity of the polymorphs.

Radiolytic stability of gibbsite and boehmite with adsorbed water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huestis, Patricia; Pearce, Carolyn I.; Zhang, X.; N'Diaye, Alpha T.; Rosso, Kevin M.; LaVerne, Jay A.

2018-04-01

Aluminum oxyhydroxide (boehmite, AlOOH) and aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite, Al(OH)3) powders with adsorbed water were irradiated with γ-rays and 5 MeV He ions (α-particles) in order to determine overall radiation stability and chemical modification to the surface. No variation in overall phase or crystallinity due to radiolysis was observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for doses up to 2 MGy with γ-rays and 175 MGy with α-particles. Temperature programed desorption (TPD) of the water from the surface to the gas phase indicated that the water was chemisorbed and strongly bound. Water adsorption sites are of similar energy for both gibbsite and boehmite. Observation of the water adsorbed on the surface of gibbsite and boehmite with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed broad peaks at 3100-3600 cm-1 due to OH stretching that slowly decreased on heating to 500 °C, which corresponds well with the water vapor evolution observed with TPD. Both materials were found to be amorphous following heating to 500 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated surface reduction of Al(III) to Al metal on radiolysis with α-particles. Complete loss of chemisorbed water and the formation of bulk O atoms was observed following radiolysis with α-particles.

Radiolytic stability of gibbsite and boehmite with adsorbed water

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

Huestis, Patricia; Pearce, Carolyn I.; Zhang, X.

Aluminum oxyhydroxide (boehmite, AlOOH) and aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite, Al(OH)3) powders with adsorbed water were irradiated with -rays and 5 MeV He ions (α-particles) in order to determine overall radiation stability and chemical modification to the surface. No variation in overall phase or crystallinity due to radiolysis was observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for doses up to 2 MGy with -rays and 175 MGy with α-particles. Temperature programed desorption (TPD) of the water from the surface to the gas phase indicated that the water was chemisorbed and strongly bound. Water adsorption sites are of similar energy for bothmore » gibbsite and boehmite. Observation of the water adsorbed on the surface of gibbsite and boehmite with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed broad peaks at 3100-3600 cm-1 due to OH stretching that slowly decreased on heating to 500oC, which corresponds well with the water vapor evolution observed with TPD. Both materials were found to be amorphous following heating to 500oC. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated surface reduction of Al(III) to Al metal on radiolysis with α-particles. Complete loss of chemisorbed water and the formation of bulk O atoms was observed following radiolysis with α-particles.« less

Methanol steam reforming over Ni-CeO 2 model and powder catalysts: Pathways to high stability and selectivity for H 2/CO 2 production

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

Liu, Zongyuan; Yao, Siyu; Johnston-Peck, Aaron

Here, nickel-ceria has been reported as a very good catalysts for the reforming of methane. Here, the methanol steam reforming reaction on both powder (Ni-CeO 2) and model (Ni-CeO 2-x(111)) catalysts was investigated. The active phase evolution and surface species transformation on powder catalysts were studied via in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance infrared transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Phase transitions of NiO → NiC → Ni and CeO 2 → CeO 2-x were observed during the reaction. The simultaneous production of H 2/CO 2 demonstrates that the active phase of the catalysts contains metallic Ni supported over partially reducedmore » ceria. The DRIFTS experiments indicate that a methoxy to formate transition is associated with the reduction of ceria whereas the formation of carbonate species results from the presence of metallic Ni. A study of the reaction of methanol with Ni-CeO 2-x(111) by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) points to the essential role of metal-support interactions in an oxygen transfer from ceria to Ni that contributes to the high selectivity of the catalysts.« less

Characterization of La/Fe/TiO2 and Its Photocatalytic Performance in Ammonia Nitrogen Wastewater

PubMed Central

Luo, Xianping; Chen, Chunfei; Yang, Jing; Wang, Junyu; Yan, Qun; Shi, Huquan; Wang, Chunying

2015-01-01

La/Fe/TiO2 composite photocatalysts were synthesized by Sol-Gel method and well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen-physical adsorption, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS). It is interesting that the doped catalysts were in anatase phase while the pure TiO2 was in rutile phase. In addition, the composites possessed better physical chemical properties in photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2: stronger visible-light-response ability, larger specific surface area, and more regular shape in morphology. The photodegradation results of ammonia nitrogen indicate that: the La/Fe/TiO2 had higher catalytic activity to ammonia nitrogen waste water compared pure TiO2 and the other single metal-doped TiO2. pH 10 and 2 mmol/L H2O2 were all beneficial to the removal of ammonia nitrogen by La/Fe/TiO2. However, the common inorganic ions of Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, HCO3−/CO32−, Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in water all inhibited the degradation of ammonia nitrogen. By balance calculation, at least 20% of ammonia nitrogen was converted to N2 during the 64.6% removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen. PMID:26593929

Fabrication, characterization of two nano-composite CuO-ZnO working electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cell.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Karimi, Bahareh; Zendehdel, Mahmoud; Habibi, Mehdi

2013-12-01

Two kind of CuO-ZnO nanocomposite working electrodes were synthesized by sol-gel technology and applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their characteristics were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS). CuO-ZnO nanocomposite thin films were prepared doctor blade technique on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and used as working electrodes in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Their photovoltaic behavior were compared with standard using D35 dye and an electrolyte containing [Co(bpy)3](PF6)2, [Co(pby)3](PF6)3, LiClO4, and 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP). The ranges of short-circuit current (JSC) from 0.18 to 0.21 (mA/cm(2)), open-circuit voltage (VOC) from 0.24 to 0.55V, and fill factor from 0.34 to 0.39 were obtained for the DSSCs made using the working electrodes. The efficiency of the working electrodes after the addition of TBL was more than doubled. The light scattering and carrier transport properties of these composites promote the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Co2+-doped Fe2O3 photocatalyst for degradation of pararosaniline dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, R.; Giribabu, K.; Manigandan, R.; Mangalaraja, R. V.; Solorza, Jorge Yanez; Stephen, A.; Narayanan, V.

2017-06-01

In this paper, x (=2, 5, 7 and 10mol%) Co2+-doped Fe2O3 (xCo:Fe2O3) nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity have been reported. xCo:Fe2O3 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by co-precipitation followed thermal decomposition method. The structural, optical and morphological properties of the prepared samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance (DR) UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results revealed that Co2+ ions were well doped within the lattices of Fe2O3. Also, Co2+ ions suppress the formation of the most stable α- Fe2O3 and stabilize less stable γ-Fe2O3 at 450 °C. The photocatalytic activity of xCo:Fe2O3 was examined by using pararosaniline (PR) dye. It was found that photocatalytic degradation of PR depends on dopant concentration (Co2+ ions). Relatively, the highest photocatalytic activity was observed for 5%Co:Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The plausible photocatalytic degradation pathway of PR at xCo:Fe2O3 surface has also been proposed.

Low-Temperature Synthesis of Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles with Tunable Surface Charges for Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity

PubMed Central

Li, Ye; Qin, Zhenping; Guo, Hongxia; Yang, Hanxiao; Zhang, Guojun; Ji, Shulan; Zeng, Tingying

2014-01-01

In this work, the positively or negatively charged anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via a low temperature precipitation-peptization process (LTPPP) in the presence of poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and poly(sodium4- styrenesulfonate) (PSS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) confirmed the anatase crystalline phase. The charges of the prepared TiO2, PEI-TiO2 and PSS-TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated by zeta potentials. The results showed that the zeta potentials of PEI-TiO2 nanoparticles can be tuned from +39.47 mV to +95.46 mV, and that of PSS-TiO2 nanoparticles can be adjusted from −56.63 mV to −119.32 mV. In comparison with TiO2, PSS-TiO2 exhibited dramatic adsorption and degradation of dye molecules, while the PEI modified TiO2 nanoparticles showed lower photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic performances of these charged nanoparticles were elucidated by the results of UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and the photoluminescence (PL) spectra, which indicated that the PSS-TiO2 nanoparticles showed a lower recombination rate of electron-hole pairs than TiO2 and PEI-TiO2. PMID:25506839

Chemically reduced graphene oxide-P25-Au nanocomposite materials and their photoelectrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications.

PubMed

Praveen, Raju; Ramaraj, Ramasamy

2016-10-05

Visible light active photocatalysts consisting of gold nanoparticle (Au NP) decorated chemically reduced graphene oxide-P25 nanocomposite materials (CRGO-P25-Au NCMs) were prepared through a one-pot chemical reduction method. The nanocomposite materials were characterized using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. The performances of CRGO-P25-Au NCM modified ITO electrodes were evaluated towards the photoelectrochemical oxidation of methanol. The photoelectrode fabricated using CRGO-P25-Au NCM exhibited a higher photocurrent of 293 μA cm -2 compared to other control electrodes. The CRGO-P25-Au NCMs were also used for the photocatalytic reduction of highly toxic chromium(vi) ions to chromium(iii) ions in the presence of oxalic acid as a sacrificial electron donor. The results showed that around 75% of the Cr(vi) ions were photocatalytically reduced to Cr(iii) ions by the CRGO-P25-Au NCM within the light irradiation time of 1 h. In both applications, the enhanced catalytic activity of the CRGO-P25-Au NCM was attributed to the improved visible light absorption and the reduced charge recombination exerted by the interaction of CRGO and Au NPs with P25 and their synergistic effects.

Specular, diffuse and polarized imagery of an oat canopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanderbilt, Vern C.; De Venecia, Kurt J.

1988-01-01

Light, polarized by specular reflection, has been found to be an important part of the light scattered by several measured plant canopies. The authors investigate for one canopy the relative importance of specularly reflected sunlight, specularly reflected light from other sources including skylight, and diffusely upwelling light. Polarization images are used to gain increased understanding of the radiation transfer process in a plant canopy. Analysis of the results suggests that properly analyzed polarized remotely sensed data, acquired under specific atmospheric conditions by a specially designed sensor, potentially provide measures of physiological and morphological states of plants in a canopy.

Neutron Reflectivity Measurement for Polymer Dynamics near Graphene Oxide Monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Jaseung

We investigated the diffusion dynamics of polymer chains confined between graphene oxide layers using neutron reflectivity (NR). The bilayers of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA)/ deuterated PMMA (d-PMMA) films and polystyrene (PS)/d-PS films with various film thickness sandwiched between Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers of graphene oxide (GO) were prepared. From the NR results, we found that PMMA diffusion dynamics was reduced near the GO surface while the PS diffusion was not significantly changed. This is due to the different strength of GO-polymer interaction. In this talk, these diffusion results will be compared with dewetting dynamics of polymer thin films on the GO monolayers. This has given us the basis for development of graphene-based nanoelectronics with high efficiency, such as heterojunction devices for polymer photovoltaic (OPV) applications.

Exploring the effect of diffuse reflection on indoor localization systems based on RSSI-VLC.

PubMed

Mohammed, Nazmi A; Elkarim, Mohammed Abd

2015-08-10

This work explores and evaluates the effect of diffuse light reflection on the accuracy of indoor localization systems based on visible light communication (VLC) in a high reflectivity environment using a received signal strength indication (RSSI) technique. The effect of the essential receiver (Rx) and transmitter (Tx) parameters on the localization error with different transmitted LED power and wall reflectivity factors is investigated at the worst Rx coordinates for a directed/overall link. Since this work assumes harsh operating conditions (i.e., a multipath model, high reflectivity surfaces, worst Rx position), an error of ≥ 1.46 m is found. To achieve a localization error in the range of 30 cm under these conditions with moderate LED power (i.e., P = 0.45 W), low reflectivity walls (i.e., ρ = 0.1) should be used, which would enable a localization error of approximately 7 mm at the room's center.

Specular Reflection and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy of Soils

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Studies on the occurrence and effects of specular reflection in mid-infrared spectra of soils have shown that distortions due to specular reflection occur for both organic (humic acid) and non-organic fractions (carbonates, silica, ashed fraction of soil). The results demonstrated explain why the s...

Acoustic radiosity for computation of sound fields in diffuse environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muehleisen, Ralph T.; Beamer, C. Walter

2002-05-01

The use of image and ray tracing methods (and variations thereof) for the computation of sound fields in rooms is relatively well developed. In their regime of validity, both methods work well for prediction in rooms with small amounts of diffraction and mostly specular reflection at the walls. While extensions to the method to include diffuse reflections and diffraction have been made, they are limited at best. In the fields of illumination and computer graphics the ray tracing and image methods are joined by another method called luminous radiative transfer or radiosity. In radiosity, an energy balance between surfaces is computed assuming diffuse reflection at the reflective surfaces. Because the interaction between surfaces is constant, much of the computation required for sound field prediction with multiple or moving source and receiver positions can be reduced. In acoustics the radiosity method has had little attention because of the problems of diffraction and specular reflection. The utility of radiosity in acoustics and an approach to a useful development of the method for acoustics will be presented. The method looks especially useful for sound level prediction in industrial and office environments. [Work supported by NSF.

Re-evaluation of model-based light-scattering spectroscopy for tissue spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Lau, Condon; Šćepanović, Obrad; Mirkovic, Jelena; McGee, Sasha; Yu, Chung-Chieh; Fulghum, Stephen; Wallace, Michael; Tunnell, James; Bechtel, Kate; Feld, Michael

2009-01-01

Model-based light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) seemed a promising technique for in-vivo diagnosis of dysplasia in multiple organs. In the studies, the residual spectrum, the difference between the observed and modeled diffuse reflectance spectra, was attributed to single elastic light scattering from epithelial nuclei, and diagnostic information due to nuclear changes was extracted from it. We show that this picture is incorrect. The actual single scattering signal arising from epithelial nuclei is much smaller than the previously computed residual spectrum, and does not have the wavelength dependence characteristic of Mie scattering. Rather, the residual spectrum largely arises from assuming a uniform hemoglobin distribution. In fact, hemoglobin is packaged in blood vessels, which alters the reflectance. When we include vessel packaging, which accounts for an inhomogeneous hemoglobin distribution, in the diffuse reflectance model, the reflectance is modeled more accurately, greatly reducing the amplitude of the residual spectrum. These findings are verified via numerical estimates based on light propagation and Mie theory, tissue phantom experiments, and analysis of published data measured from Barrett’s esophagus. In future studies, vessel packaging should be included in the model of diffuse reflectance and use of model-based LSS should be discontinued. PMID:19405760

Characterization of MODIS and SeaWiFS Solar Diffuser On-Orbit Degradation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xiong, X.; Eplee, R. E., Jr.; Sun, J.; Patt, F. S.; Angal, A.; McClain, C. R.

2009-01-01

MODIS has 20 reflective solar bands (RSB), covering the VIS, NIR, and SWIR spectral regions. They are calibrated on-orbit using a solar diffuser (SD) panel, made of space-grade Spectralon. The SD bi-directional reflectance factor (BRF) was characterized pre-launch by the instrument vendor reference to the NIST reflectance standard. Its on-orbit degradation is tracked by an on-board solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). The SeaWifS on-orbit calibration strategy uses monthly lunar observations to monitor the long-term radiometric stability of the instrument and applies daily observations of its solar diffuser (an aluminum plate coated with YB71 paint) to track the short-term changes in the instrument response. This paper provides an overview of MODIS and SeaWiFS SD observations, applications, and approaches used to track their on-orbit degradations. Results from sensors are presented with emphasis on the spectral dependence and temporal trends of the SD degradation. Lessons and challenges from the use of SD for sensor on-orbit calibration are also discussed.

Influence of earlobe thickness on near infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jingying; Wang, Tianpei; Li, Si; Li, Lin; Liu, Jiajia; Xu, Kexin

2017-03-01

Near-infrared spectroscopy has been recognized as a potential technology for noninvasive blood glucose sensing. However, the detected spectral signal is unstable mainly because of (1) the weak light absorption of glucose itself within NIR range, (2) the influence of temperature and individual differences of biotissue. Our previous results demonstrated that the synergistic effect of both transmittance and reflectance could enhance the strength of the detection signal. In this talk, we design a set of experiments to analyze the effect of earlobe thickness on Near Infrared spectroscopic measurement by using home-made optical fiber probe within the wavelength of 1000-1600nm. Firstly, we made a MC simulation of single-layer skin model and five-layer skin model to get the diffused transmittance spectra and diffused reflectance spectra under different optaical path lengths. And then we obtain the spectra of the earlobes from different volunteers by the same way. The experimental results showed that with the increase of the thickness,the light intensity of diffused transmittance decreases, and the light intensity of diffused reflectance remaines substantially unchanged.

Au5+ ion implantation induced structural phase transitions probed through structural, microstructural and phonon properties in BiFeO3 ceramics, using synergistic ion beam energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Ranajit; Bajpai, P. K.

2018-04-01

Implanted Au5+-ion-induced modification in structural and phonon properties of phase pure BiFeO3 (BFO) ceramics prepared by sol-gel method was investigated. These BFO samples were implanted by 15.8 MeV ions of Au5+ at various ion fluence ranging from 1 × 1014 to 5 × 1015 ions/cm2. Effect of Au5+ ions' implantation is explained in terms of structural phase transition coupled with amorphization/recrystallization due to ion implantation probed through XRD, SEM, EDX and Raman spectroscopy. XRD patterns show broad diffuse contributions due to amorphization in implanted samples. SEM images show grains collapsing and mounds' formation over the surface due to mass transport. The peaks of the Raman spectra were broadened and also the peak intensities were decreased for the samples irradiated with 15.8 MeV Au5+ ions at a fluence of 5 × 1015 ion/cm2. The percentage increase/decrease in amorphization and recrystallization has been estimated from Raman and XRD data, which support the synergistic effects being operative due to comparable nuclear and electronic energy losses at 15.8 MeV Au5+ ion implantation. Effect of thermal treatment on implanted samples is also probed and discussed.

Surfactant-free bio-synthesised Tio2 nanorods from Turbinaria conoides-a study on photocatalytic and anti-bacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhapriya, S.; Gomathipriya, P.

2018-06-01

In this study, Titania nanorods were synthesised from aqueous extract of Turbinaria conoides (brown seaweeds) (TiO2NRs-TC) under surfactant free medium. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesised nanorods was tested towards the photocatalytic decolourization using simulated dye wastewater containing Navy Blue HER (NBHER). The synthesised Titania nanorods were characterized by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrophotometer (EDS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). XRD pattern confirms the anatase phase formation and HR-SEM micrograph shows the presence of rod like structure with the size of about 50 nm. TEM analysis proves the rod like structure with a size of 45–50 nm which was in agreement with the XRD analysis and HR-SEM images. EDS and XDS confirmed the formation of Titania nanoparticles. The formation of TiO2NRs-TC has a beneficial influence on the dye Navy blue HER photodegradation. TiO2-TC nano rods also show superior photocatalytic ability in hydrogen generation (2.1 mmol/h‑1g‑1). The antibacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was examined using disc diffusion method which showed diverse susceptibility of microorganisms to the Titania nanoparticles.

Nanocrystallization in Cu-Zr-Al-Sm Bulk Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikan, Fatih; Yasar, Bengisu; Kalay, Ilkay

2018-04-01

The effect of rare-earth element (Sm) microalloying on the thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of melt-spun ribbons and suction-cast rods of Zr48Cu38.4Al9.6Sm4 alloy were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). The XRD results of constant heating rate annealing indicated that amorphous Zr48Cu38.4Al9.6Sm4 melt-spun ribbons devitrifies into Cu2Sm at 673 K (400 °C). The sequence continues with the precipitation of Cu10Zr7 and then these two phases coexist. XRD and TEM studies on 1 mm diameter as suction-cast rods indicated the precipitation of 30-nm-mean size Cu2Sm crystals during solidification. TEM investigation of the isothermal crystallization sequence of melt-spun ribbons and 1-mm-diameter suction-cast rods revealed the precipitation of Cu2Sm nanocrystals at the onset of crystallization and the restriction of the growth of these nanocrystals up to 10 nm diameter with further annealing. APT analysis of 1-mm-diameter suction-cast rods showed that the limited growth of Cu2Sm nanocrystals is due to sluggish diffusion of Sm and Al-Zr pile up at the interface.

Dynamics of controllably induced bruises assessed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and pulsed photothermal radiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marin, Ana; Milanič, Matija; Verdel, Nina; Vidovič, Luka; Majaron, Boris

2018-02-01

Combination of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR) was recently successfully used to study evolution of accidental traumatic bruises. Yet, accidental bruises introduce many unknowns into the evolution analysis and thus a more controllable and repeatable approach for bruising is desired. In this study, evolution of bruises induced by aluminum projectiles of known mass and velocity were studied by DRS and PPTR. Bruises were induced on volar forearm skin of two healthy volunteers. Inverse Monte Carlo including four-layer skin model, was used to analyze the DRS and PPTR data to determine skin chromophores, their concentrations and depths. For bruise analysis, a bruise model was constructed and evolved according to hemoglobin diffusion kinetics. Bruise analysis of PPTR signals yielded bruise evolution parameters, most importantly hemoglobin diffusion constant, hemoglobin decomposition time and blood pool depth. The study results show that chronological tracking of hemoglobin decomposition can be assessed by the combined DRS and PPTR technique on induced bruise. Parameters of individual bruises were compared and two trends in chronological behavior of hemoglobin decomposition time discerned. Changes in bruise diffuse reflectance spectra were noted. Induced bruise parameters, however, still showed some scatter and thus further research is needed to reduce bruise variability.

Non-destructive Techniques for Classifying Aircraft Coating Degradation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

model is bidirectional reflectance distribution func- tions ( BRDF ) which describes how much radiation is reflected for each solid angle and each...incident angle. An intermediate model between ideal reflectors and BRDF is to assume all reflectance is a combination of diffuse and specular reflectance...19 K-Fold Cross Validation

[Achievement of the noninvasive measurement for human blood glucose with NIR diffusion reflectance spectrum method].

PubMed

Zhang, Hong-yan; Ding, Dong; Song, Li-qiang; Gu, Lin-na; Yang, Peng; Tang, Yu-guo

2005-06-01

The noninvasive measurement of human blood glucose was achieved with NIR diffusion reflectance spectrum method. The thumb fingertip NIR diffusion reflectance spectra of six different age healthy volunteers were collected using Nexus-870 and its NIR fiber port smart accessory. The test was implemented with changing the blood glucose concentration for the limosis and satiation of every volunteer. The calibration model was set up using PLS method with the smoothing, baseline correction and first derivatives pretreatment spectrum in the 7500-8500 cm(-1) region for single volunteer, the same age combination and that of different age. When the spectrum was obtained, the actual blood glucose value of every spectrun sample was demarcated using ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The correlation between the calibration value and true value for single volunteer is better than that for the combination of volunteers, the correlative coefficients are all over 0.90471, RMSECs are all less than 0.171.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF BTDF CALIBRATION OF TRANSMISSIVE SOLAR DIFFUSERS FOR REMOTE SENSING.

PubMed

Georgiev, Georgi T; Butler, James J; Thome, Kurt; Cooksey, Catherine; Ding, Leibo

2016-01-01

Satellite instruments operating in the reflected solar wavelength region require accurate and precise determination of the optical properties of their diffusers used in pre-flight and post-flight calibrations. The majority of recent and current space instruments use reflective diffusers. As a result, numerous Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) calibration comparisons have been conducted between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other industry and university-based metrology laboratories. However, based on literature searches and communications with NIST and other laboratories, no Bidirectional Transmittance Distribution Function (BTDF) measurement comparisons have been conducted between National Measurement Laboratories (NMLs) and other metrology laboratories. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in the use of transmissive diffusers in the calibration of satellite, air-borne, and ground-based remote sensing instruments. Current remote sensing instruments employing transmissive diffusers include the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite instrument (OMPS) Limb instrument on the Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) platform,, the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) on the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's (KARI) Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura platform, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument and the Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS).. This ensemble of instruments requires validated BTDF measurements of their on-board transmissive diffusers from the ultraviolet through the near infrared. This paper presents the preliminary results of a BTDF comparison between the NASA Diffuser Calibration Laboratory (DCL) and NIST on quartz and thin Spectralon samples.

Preliminary Results of BTDF Calibration of Transmissive Solar Diffusers for Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Georgiev, Georgi T.; Butler, James J.; Thome, Kurt; Cooksey, Catherine; Ding, Leibo

2016-01-01

Satellite instruments operating in the reflected solar wavelength region require accurate and precise determination of the optical properties of their diffusers used in pre-flight and post-flight calibrations. The majority of recent and current space instruments use reflective diffusers. As a result, numerous Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) calibration comparisons have been conducted between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other industry and university-based metrology laboratories. However, based on literature searches and communications with NIST and other laboratories, no Bidirectional Transmittance Distribution Function (BTDF) measurement comparisons have been conducted between National Measurement Laboratories (NMLs) and other metrology laboratories. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in the use of transmissive diffusers in the calibration of satellite, air-borne, and ground-based remote sensing instruments. Current remote sensing instruments employing transmissive diffusers include the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite instrument (OMPS) Limb instrument on the Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) platform,, the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) on the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's (KARI) Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura platform, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument and the Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS).. This ensemble of instruments requires validated BTDF measurements of their on-board transmissive diffusers from the ultraviolet through the near infrared. This paper presents the preliminary results of a BTDF comparison between the NASA Diffuser Calibration Laboratory (DCL) and NIST on quartz and thin Spectralon samples.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF BTDF CALIBRATION OF TRANSMISSIVE SOLAR DIFFUSERS FOR REMOTE SENSING

PubMed Central

Georgiev, Georgi T.; Butler, James J.; Thome, Kurt; Cooksey, Catherine; Ding, Leibo

2016-01-01

Satellite instruments operating in the reflected solar wavelength region require accurate and precise determination of the optical properties of their diffusers used in pre-flight and post-flight calibrations. The majority of recent and current space instruments use reflective diffusers. As a result, numerous Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) calibration comparisons have been conducted between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other industry and university-based metrology laboratories. However, based on literature searches and communications with NIST and other laboratories, no Bidirectional Transmittance Distribution Function (BTDF) measurement comparisons have been conducted between National Measurement Laboratories (NMLs) and other metrology laboratories. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in the use of transmissive diffusers in the calibration of satellite, air-borne, and ground-based remote sensing instruments. Current remote sensing instruments employing transmissive diffusers include the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite instrument (OMPS) Limb instrument on the Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) platform,, the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) on the Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s (KARI) Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura platform, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument and the Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS).. This ensemble of instruments requires validated BTDF measurements of their on-board transmissive diffusers from the ultraviolet through the near infrared. This paper presents the preliminary results of a BTDF comparison between the NASA Diffuser Calibration Laboratory (DCL) and NIST on quartz and thin Spectralon samples. PMID:28003712

Highly reflective Ag-Cu alloy-based ohmic contact on p-type GaN using Ru overlayer.

PubMed

Son, Jun Ho; Jung, Gwan Ho; Lee, Jong-Lam

2008-12-15

We report on a metallization scheme of high reflectance, low resistance, and smooth surface morphology ohmic contact on p-type GaN. Ag-Cu alloy/Ru contact showed low contact resistivity as low as 6.2 x 10(-6) Ohms cm(2) and high reflectance of 91% at 460 nm after annealing at 400 degrees C in air ambient. The oxidation annealing promoted the out-diffusion of Ga atoms to dissolve in an Ag-Cu layer with the formation of an Ag-Ga solid solution, lowering the contact resistivity. The Ru overlayer acts as a diffusion barrier for excessive oxygen incorporation during oxidation annealing, resulting in high reflectance, good thermal stability, and smooth surface quality of the contact.

On the Symmetry of Molecular Flows Through the Pipe of an Arbitrary Shape (I) Diffusive Reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusumoto, Yoshiro

Molecular gas flows through the pipe of an arbitrary shape is mathematically considered based on a diffusive reflection model. To avoid a perpetual motion, the magnitude of the molecular flow rate must remain invariant under the exchange of inlet and outlet pressures. For this flow symmetry, the cosine law reflection at the pipe wall was found to be sufficient and necessary, on the assumption that the molecular flux is conserved in a collision with the wall. It was also shown that a spontaneous flow occurs in a hemispherical apparatus, if the reflection obeys the n-th power of cosine law with n other than unity. This apparatus could work as a molecular pump with no moving parts.

Discrete ordinates solutions of nongray radiative transfer with diffusely reflecting walls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menart, J. A.; Lee, Haeok S.; Kim, Tae-Kuk

1993-01-01

Nongray gas radiation in a plane parallel slab bounded by gray, diffusely reflecting walls is studied using the discrete ordinates method. The spectral equation of transfer is averaged over a narrow wavenumber interval preserving the spectral correlation effect. The governing equations are derived by considering the history of multiple reflections between two reflecting wails. A closure approximation is applied so that only a finite number of reflections have to be explicitly included. The closure solutions express the physics of the problem to a very high degree and show relatively little error. Numerical solutions are obtained by applying a statistical narrow-band model for gas properties and a discrete ordinates code. The net radiative wail heat fluxes and the radiative source distributions are obtained for different temperature profiles. A zeroth-degree formulation, where no wall reflection is handled explicitly, is sufficient to predict the radiative transfer accurately for most cases considered, when compared with increasingly accurate solutions based on explicitly tracing a larger number of wail reflections without any closure approximation applied.