Zn-Ge-Sb glass composite mixed with Ba2+ ions: a high capacity anode material for Na-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravuri, Balaji Rao; Gandi, Suman; Chinta, Srinivasa Rao

2018-06-01

(100-x)(0.7[0.625ZnO-0.375GeO2]-0.3Sb2O3)-xBaO (x = 0, 2, 4 and 6 mol%, labeled as ZGSB x ) glass anode samples are synthesized using a high-energy ball-milling method and employed as anode material for Na-ion batteries. The results on microstructures (XRD, SEM) and electrochemical properties (constant current charge/discharge tests, CV and EIS) indicated that the optimum concentration of Ba2+ ions in the Zn-Ge-Sb glass anode network exhibits the pillaring effect, which would lead to increased electrical conductivity, minimize the volume changes, cracks and voids to boost up electrochemical performance. The ZGSB4 glass anode sample exhibits good capacity retention even after 20 cycles with 95% coulombic efficiency, which is a significant trend for a successful anode network. Electrochemical performance is considerably enhanced by reducing the cut-off voltage from 2 to 1.25 V due to the disassembly of amorphous intermediate domains, optimum volume changes and increased electrical conductivity in this ZGSB x glass network.

Modeling the thermal conductivities of the zinc antimonides ZnSb and Zn4Sb3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bjerg, Lasse; Iversen, Bo B.; Madsen, Georg K. H.

2014-01-01

ZnSb and Zn4Sb3 are interesting as thermoelectric materials because of their low cost and low thermal conductivity. We introduce a model of the lattice thermal conductivity which is independent of fitting parameters and takes the full phonon dispersions into account. The model is found to give thermal conductivities with the correct relative magnitudes and in reasonable quantitative agreement with experiment for a number of semiconductor structures. The thermal conductivities of the zinc antimonides are reviewed and the relatively large effect of nanostructuring on the zinc antimonides is rationalized in terms of the mean free paths of the heat carrying phonons. The very low thermal conductivity of Zn4Sb3 is found to be intrinsic to the structure. However, the low-lying optical modes are observed in both Zn-Sb structures and involve both Zn and Sb vibrations, thereby strongly questioning dumbbell rattling. A mechanism for the very low thermal conductivity observed in Zn4Sb3 is identified. The large Grüneisen parameter of this compound is traced to the Sb atoms which coordinate only Zn atoms.

High temperature neutron powder diffraction study of the Cu12Sb4S13 and Cu4Sn7S16 phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemoine, Pierric; Bourgès, Cédric; Barbier, Tristan; Nassif, Vivian; Cordier, Stéphane; Guilmeau, Emmanuel

2017-03-01

Ternary copper-containing sulfides Cu12Sb4S13 and Cu4Sn7S16 have attracted considerable interest since few years due to their high-efficiency conversion as absorbers for solar energy and promising thermoelectric materials. We report therein on the decomposition study of Cu12Sb4S13 and Cu4Sn7S16 phases using high temperature in situ neutron powder diffraction. Our results obtained at a heating rate of 2.5 K/min indicate that: (i) Cu12Sb4S13 decomposes above ≈792 K into Cu3SbS3, and (ii) Cu4Sn7S16 decomposes above ≈891 K into Sn2S3 and a copper-rich sulfide phase of sphalerite ZnS-type structure with an assumed Cu3SnS4 stoichiometry. Both phase decompositions are associated to a sulfur volatilization. While the results on Cu12Sb4S13 are in fair agreement with recent published data, the decomposition behavior of Cu4Sn7S16 differs from other studies in terms of decomposition temperature, thermal stability and products of reaction. Finally, the crystal structure refinements from neutron powder diffraction data are reported and discussed for the Cu4Sn7S16 and tetrahedrite Cu12Sb4S13 phases at 300 K, and for the high temperature form of skinnerite Cu3SbS3 at 843 K.

Thermoelectric properties of AMg 2X 2, AZn 2Sb 2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = Sb, Bi), and Ba 2ZnX 2 (X = Sb, Bi) Zintl compounds

DOE PAGES

Sun, Jifeng; Singh, David J.

2017-04-03

In this paper, we report a theoretical investigation of the electronic structure and transport properties of eleven Zintl compounds including nine 122 phases (AMg 2X 2, AZn 2Sb 2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = Sb, Bi)) and two 212 phases (Ba 2ZnX 2 (X = Sb, Bi)). The electronic structures and electrical transport properties are studied using ab initio calculations and semi-classical Boltzmann theory within the constant relaxation time approximation. All the compounds are semiconducting. We find that the n-type 122 phases with the CaAl 2Si 2 structure type show better performance than p-type materials due to themore » multi-valley degeneracy with anisotropic carrier pockets at and near the conduction band minimum. The pocket anisotropy is beneficial in achieving high conductivity and Seebeck coefficient simultaneously. This mechanism yields substantial improvement in the power factor. Finally, the general performance of 212 phases is inferior to that of the 122 phases, with the Ba 2ZnSb 2 compound showing better performance.« less

The phase relations in the In 2O 3Fe 2ZnO 4ZnO system at 1350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Masaki; Kimizuka, Noboru; Mohri, Takahiko

1990-05-01

The phase relations in the In 2O 3Fe 2ZnO 4ZnO system at 1350°C are determined by means of a classical quenching method. There are a series of homologous solid solutions, In 1.28Fe 0.72O 3(ZnO)InFeO 3(ZnO), In 1.69Fe 0.31O 3(ZnO) 2InFeO 3(ZnO) 2In 0.85Fe 1.15O 3(ZnO) 2, In 2O 3(ZnO) 3InFeO 3(ZnO) 3In 0.78Fe 1.22O 3(ZnO) 3, In 2O 3(ZnO) 4InFeO 3(ZnO) 4In 0.62Fe 1.38O 3(ZnO) 4, In 2O 3(ZnO) 5InFeO 3(ZnO) 5In 0.67Fe 1.33O 3(ZnO) 5, In 2O 3(ZnO) 6InFeO 3(ZnO) 6In 0.60Fe 1.40O 3(ZnO) 6, In 2O 3(ZnO) 7InFeO 3(ZnO) 7In 0.51Fe 1.49O 3(ZnO) 7, In 2O 3(ZnO) 8InFeO 3(ZnO) 8In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) 8 (0.44 ≦ x ≦ 0.64), In 2O 3(ZnO) 9InFeO 3(ZnO) 9In 0.20Fe 1.80O 3(ZnO) 9, In 2O 3(ZnO) 10InFeO 3(ZnO) 10In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) 10 (0.74 ≦ x ≦ 0.89), In 2O 3(ZnO) 11InFeO 3(ZnO) 11In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) 11 (0.60 ≦ x < 1.00), and In 2O 3(ZnO) 13InFeO 3(ZnO) 13Fe 2O 3(ZnO) 13 having the layered structures with space group R overline3m (m = odd) or {P6 3}/{mmc} (m = even) for m in the InFeO 3(ZnO) m. We conclude that there are a series of homologous phases, (Fe 2O 3)(ZnO) m (m ≧ 12) , in the binary ZnOFe 2O 3 system. The lattice constants for these solid solutions are presented as a hexagonal crystal system. It is also concluded that the crystal structures for each solid solution consist of three kinds of layers which are stacked perpendicular to the c-axis in the hexagonal crystal system. In 1+ xFe 1- xO 3(ZnO) m (0 ≦ x ≦ 1) is composed of the InO 1.5, (In xFe 1- xZn)O 2.5, and ZnO layers, and In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) m (0 ≦ x ≦ 1) is composed of (In 1- xFe x)O 1.5, (FeZn)O 2.5, and ZnO layers, respectively. The solid solution range between Fe 2ZnO 4 and In xFe 2- xZnO 4 ( x = 0.40 ± 0.02) with a spinel structure is observed.

The two-dimensional tunnel structures of K3Sb5O14 and K2Sb4O11

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, H. Y.-P.

1974-01-01

The structures of K3Sb5O14 and K2Sb4O11 have been solved by the single-crystal X-ray direct method and the heavy-atom method, respectively. The structure of K3Sb5O14 is orthorhombic, with space group Pbam and cell parameters a = 24.247 (4), b = 7.157 (2), c = 7.334 (2) A, Z = 4. The structure of K2Sb4O11 is monoclinic, with space group C2/m and cell parameters a = 19.473 (4), b = 7.542 (1), c = 7.198 (1) A, beta = 94.82 (2) deg, Z = 4. A full-matrix least-squares refinement gave R = 0.072 and R = 0.067, respectively. In both structures, oxygen atoms form an octahedron around each Sb atom and an irregular polyhedron around each K atom. By sharing corners and edges, the octahedra form a skeleton network having intersecting b-axis and c-axis tunnels. The K(+) ions, which have more than ten oxygen near neighbors, are located in these tunnels. Evidence for K(+)-ion transport within and between tunnels comes from ion exchange of the alkali ions in molten salts and anisotropic temperature factors that are anomalously large in the direction of the tunnels.

Crystallisation of Ba1-xSrxZn2Si2O7 from BaO/SrO/ZnO/SiO2 glass with different ZrO2 and TiO2 concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vladislavova, Liliya; Kracker, Michael; Zscheckel, Tilman; Thieme, Christian; Rüssel, Christian

2018-04-01

The effect of different nucleation agents such as ZrO2 and TiO2 was investigated for a first time with respect to their crystallisation behaviour in the glass system BaO-SrO-ZnO-SiO2. In all studied glasses, a Ba1-xSrxZn2Si2O7 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) solid solution crystallized. This phase was first described in 2015 to possess a similar structure as the high temperature phase of BaZn2Si2O7 and a thermal expansion close to zero or even negative. It may find applications e.g. as cook panels, telescope mirrors, and furnace windows. Kinetic parameters of the crystallisation process were determined by supplying different heating rates in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results were evaluated using the equations of Ozawa and Kissinger with respect to the activation energies. Furthermore, the Ozawa method was used for the determination of Avrami parameters, which provides further information on the nucleation and crystallisation processes. Scanning electron microscopy including electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to characterise the microstructure, to determine the crystallite size and the crystal orientation. For the characterisation of the occurring crystalline phases, X-ray diffraction was used.

Electronic structure and chemical bonding of the electron-poor II-V semiconductors ZnSb and ZnAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benson, Daryn; Sankey, Otto F.; Häussermann, Ulrich

2011-09-01

The binary compounds ZnSb and ZnAs with the CdSb structure are semiconductors (II-V), although the average electron concentration (3.5 per atom) is lower than that of the tetrahedrally bonded III-V and II-VI archetype systems (four per atom). We report a detailed electronic structure and chemical bonding analysis for ZnSb and ZnAs based on first-principles calculations. ZnSb and ZnAs are compared to the zinc blende-type semiconductors GaSb, ZnTe, GaAs, and ZnSe, as well as the more ionic, hypothetical, II-V systems MgSb and MgAs. We establish a clearly covalent bonding scenario for ZnSb and ZnAs where multicenter bonded structural entities (rhomboid rings Zn2Sb2 and Zn2As2) are connected to each other by classical two-center, two-electron bonds. This bonding scenario is only compatible with a weak ionicity in II-V semiconductor systems, and weak ionicity appears as a necessary condition for the stability of the CdSb structure type. It is argued that a chemical bonding scenario with mixed multicenter and two-center bonding resembles that of boron and boron-rich compounds and is typical of electron-poor sp-bonded semiconductors with average valence electron concentrations below four per atom.

High temperature neutron powder diffraction study of the Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} and Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} phases

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

Lemoine, Pierric, E-mail: pierric.lemoine@univ-rennes1.fr; Bourgès, Cédric; Barbier, Tristan

Ternary copper-containing sulfides Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} and Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} have attracted considerable interest since few years due to their high-efficiency conversion as absorbers for solar energy and promising thermoelectric materials. We report therein on the decomposition study of Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} and Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} phases using high temperature in situ neutron powder diffraction. Our results obtained at a heating rate of 2.5 K/min indicate that: (i) Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} decomposes above ≈792 K into Cu{sub 3}SbS{sub 3}, and (ii) Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} decomposes above ≈891 K into Sn{sub 2}S{sub 3} and amore » copper-rich sulfide phase of sphalerite ZnS-type structure with an assumed Cu{sub 3}SnS{sub 4} stoichiometry. Both phase decompositions are associated to a sulfur volatilization. While the results on Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} are in fair agreement with recent published data, the decomposition behavior of Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} differs from other studies in terms of decomposition temperature, thermal stability and products of reaction. Finally, the crystal structure refinements from neutron powder diffraction data are reported and discussed for the Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} and tetrahedrite Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} phases at 300 K, and for the high temperature form of skinnerite Cu{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} at 843 K. - Graphical abstract: In situ neutron powder diffraction data (heating rate of 2.5 K/min) indicates that (i) the ternary Cu{sub 12}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 13} phase is stable up to 792 K and decomposes at higher temperature into Cu{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} and Cu{sub 1.5}Sb{sub 0.5}S{sub 2}, and (ii) the Cu{sub 4}Sn{sub 7}S{sub 16} phase is stable up to 891 K and decomposes at higher temperature into Sn{sub 2}S{sub 3} and a cubic phase of sphalerite ZnS-type structure. Sulfur volatilization likely occurs in order to balance the overall stoichiometry.« less

The hunt for LaFeSbO: Synthesis of La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} and a case of mistaken identity

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

Muir, Sean, E-mail: muirs@onid.orst.edu; Vielma, Jason, E-mail: vielmaj@onid.orst.edu; Schneider, Guenter, E-mail: guenter.schneider@oregonstate.edu

The phase La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} has been identified and characterized in the course of our efforts to realize LaFeSbO, a composition of great interest to the superconductor community. The compound La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} is a tetragonal layered oxypnictide containing La{sub 2}O{sub 2} layers similar to LaMPnO compositions (where M=transition metal, Pn=pnictide) separated by pnictide anion layers. In order to better understand why LaFeSbO has remained elusive, density functional theory calculations have been used to determine the ground state heats of formation for LaFeSbO, La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2}, and other competing phases within the La-Fe-Sb-O system, as well as the phonon spectrummore » for LaFeSbO. These efforts suggest that LaFeSbO is a potentially metastable composition. - Graphical abstract: The layered oxypnictide compounds La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} and La{sub 1.9}Sr{sub 0.1}SbO{sub 2} have been synthesized and investigated. Both crystallize in a ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2} type configuration and are semiconducting. Stability of the unreported compound LaFeSbO has been investigated using density functional theory. A case of mistaken identity in the literature regarding the composition LaNiBiO is addressed. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The composition La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} has been identified. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} belongs to an unusual group of materials containing Pn{sup 2-} anions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 2}SbO{sub 2} and La{sub 1.9}Sr{sub 0.1}SbO{sub 2} are both found to be semiconducting. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer DFT has been used to calculate heats of formation within the La-Fe-Sb-O system. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The phonon spectrum for LaFeSbO reveals no unstable lattice mode.« less

Efeitos do binarismo não resolvido na determinação da função de massa de aglomerados

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerber, L. O.; Santiago, B. X.

2003-08-01

Através de simulações numéricas buscamos quantificar os efeitos que o binarismo não resolvido causa na determinação da função de massa (MF) de aglomerados estelares. Geramos diagramas cor-magnitude (CMDs) artificiais simulando uma população única, caracterizada por estrelas de mesma idade e composição quí mica, com uma fração de binárias não resolvidas e distribuição em massa das estrelas dada por uma MF do tipo lei de potência. A presença de pares de estrelas não resolvidos faz com que a MF obtida da função de luminosidade (LF) tenha a têndencia de ser mais plana do que a MF que gerou o CMD artificial. Propomos um tratamento de correção para tal efeito. Outro efeito relacionado diz respeito ao alargamento do CMD, que apresenta-se como um indicador do número total de estrelas no domí nio de baixas massas (m < 0.6M¤). Todos os resultados acima possuem uma forte dependência com os erros fotométricos e estão baseados na hipótese de que ambas estrelas do par não resolvido são sorteadas de uma mesma MF de forma independente. O objetivo final é aplicarmos o tratamento aqui desenvolvido para implementarmos a análise da nossa amostra de aglomerados ricos da Grande Nuvem de Magalhães.

The Phase Relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO System at 1350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Masaki; Kimizuka, Noboru; Mohri, Takahiko; Isobe, Mitsumasa

1993-08-01

Phase relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO system at 1350°C are determined by a classical quenching method. This system consists of In 2O 3, Al 2ZnO 4, ZnO, and homologous phases InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 2, 3, …) having solid solutions with LuFeO 3(ZnO) m-type crystal structures. These solid solution ranges are as follows: In 1+ x1Al 1- x1O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x1 = 0.70)-In 1+ x2Al 1- x2O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x2 = 0.316-0.320), In 2O 3(ZnO) 3-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 3 ( x = 0.230), In 2O 3(ZnO) 4-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 4 ( x = 0.15-0.16), In 2O 3(ZnO) 5-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 5 ( x = 0.116-0.130), In 2O 3(ZnO) 6-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 6 ( x = 0.000-0.111), In 2O 3(ZnO) 7-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 7 ( x = 0.08), In 2O 3(ZnO) 8-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 8 ( x: undetermined), and In 2O 3(ZnO) m-InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19). The space groups of these homologous phases belong to R3¯ m for m = odd or P6 3/ mmc for m = even. Their crystal structures, In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) m (0 < x < 1), consist of three kinds of layers: an InO 1.5 layer, an (In xAl 1- xZn)O 2.5 layer, and ZnO layers. A comparison of the phase relations in the In 2O 3- M2ZnO 4-ZnO systems ( M = Fe, Ga, or Al) is made and their characteristic features are discussed in terms of the ionic radii and site preferences of the M cations.

Neutron and electron diffraction studies of La(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 perovskite.

PubMed

Ubic, Rick; Hu, Yi; Abrahams, Isaac

2006-08-01

The crystallography and microwave dielectric properties of La(Zn(1/2)Ti(1/2))O(3) (LZT) ceramics prepared via the mixed-oxide route were investigated in this study. While samples were largely single phase, small amounts of ZnO impurity were detected in sintered pellets. Observed reflections in electron and neutron diffraction patterns indicate that the symmetry of LZT is P2(1)/n. The B site is ordered on {110} or pseudocubic {111}, but the presence of the pseudocubic 1/2(111) reflection is in itself insufficient to indicate the existence of such order. Rietveld refinements of the neutron diffraction data yield an excellent fit for such a model. The structure is highly twinned, with variants related through common {211} composition planes and 90 degrees rotations about <011>. The microwave dielectric properties measured were epsilon(r) = 34, Qf = 36,090 and tau(f) = -70 MK(-1).

Phase relations in the pseudo ternary system In2O3-TiO2-BO (B: Zn, Co and Ni) at 1200 °C in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Francisco; Jacobo-Herrera, Ivan Edmundo; Alvarez-Montaño, Victor Emmanuel; Kimizuka, Noboru; Hirano, Tomonosuke; Sekine, Ryotaro; Denholme, Saleem J.; Miyakawa, Nobuaki; Kudo, Akihiko; Iwase, Akihide; Michiue, Yuichi

2018-02-01

Phase relations in the pseudo ternary systems In2O3-TiO2-ZnO, In2O3-TiO2-CoO and In2O3-TiO2-NiO at 1200 °C in air were determined by means of a classic quenching method. In6Ti6BO22 (B: Zn, Co and Ni) which has the monoclinic In(Fe1/4Ti3/4)O27/8-type of structure with a 4-dimensional super space group exists in a stable form. There exist homologous phases In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO)m (m: natural number, 0O3(ZnO)m-type of the layered crystal structures such as In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO) (0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.29), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-x(ZnO)2 (0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.50), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO)3 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.84), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-x(ZnO)4 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO)5 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-x(ZnO)6 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO)7 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-x(ZnO)8 (?1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO)9 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1), In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-x(ZnO)10 (?1/2Zn1/2)1-xO3(ZnO)11 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1)… without an upper limit of m in the pseudo ternary system In2O3-TiO2-ZnO. All the ions are on the trigonal lattice points, the In(III) is in the octahedral coordination with the oxygen and the {Inx(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-xZnm} is in the trigonalbipyramidal coordination with oxygen in the crystal structures of each homologous compound. They have R 3 bar m (No. 166) for m = odd or P63/mmc (No. 194) for m = even in space group. Lattice constants for each of the homologous compounds as a hexagonal setting and In6Ti6BO22 as the monoclinic system were determined by means of the powder X-ray diffraction method at room temperature. The temperature dependence of resistivity for In1+x(Ti1/2Zn1/2)1-x(ZnO)4 (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1) showed semiconducting-like behavior for all samples examined at T(K) = 2-300. The resistivity increased systematically with decreasing x (0.7 ≤ x ≤ 1), and it was found that samples where x ≤ 0.7 became insulators. The optical band gap Eg (eV) of In1+x(Ti1/2Zn

Amplified spontaneous emission from ZnO in n-ZnO/ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite/p-AlGaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Shih, Ying Tsang; Wu, Mong Kai; Li, Wei Chih; Kuan, Hon; Yang, Jer Ren; Shiojiri, Makoto; Chen, Miin Jang

2009-04-22

This study demonstrates amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of the ultraviolet (UV) electroluminescence (EL) from ZnO at lambda~380 nm in the n-ZnO/ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite/p- Al(0.12)Ga(0.88)N heterojunction light-emitting diode. A SiO(2) layer embedded with ZnO nanodots was prepared on the p-type Al(0.12)Ga(0.88)N using spin-on coating of SiO(2) nanoparticles followed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO. An n-type Al-doped ZnO layer was deposited upon the ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite layer also by the ALD technique. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals that the ZnO nanodots embedded in the SiO(2) matrix have diameters of 3-8 nm and the wurtzite crystal structure, which allows the transport of carriers through the thick ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite layer. The high quality of the n-ZnO layer was manifested by the well crystallized lattice image in the HRTEM picture and the low-threshold optically pumped stimulated emission. The low refractive index of the ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite layer results in the increase in the light extraction efficiency from n-ZnO and the internal optical feedback of UV EL into n-ZnO layer. Consequently, significant enhancement of the UV EL intensity and super-linear increase in the EL intensity, as well as the spectral narrowing, with injection current were observed owing to ASE in the n-ZnO layer.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-07-01

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

Assembly of a new inorganic-organic frameworks based on [Sb4Mo12(OH)6O48]10- polyanion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thabet, Safa; Ayed, Meriem; Ayed, Brahim; Haddad, Amor

2014-10-01

A new organic-inorganic hybrid material, (C4N2H7)8[K(H2O)]2[Sb4Mo12(OH)6O48]ṡ16H2O (1) has been isolated by the conventional solution method and characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry and TG-DTA analysis. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P - 1 with a = 13.407(6) Å, b = 13.906(2) Å, c = 14.657(7) Å, α = 77.216(9)°, β = 71.284(6)°, γ = 71.312(3)° and Z = 1. The crystal structure exhibits an infinite 1D inorganic structure built from [Sb4Mo12(OH)6O48]10- clusters and potassium cations; adjacent chains are further joined up hydrogen bonding interactions between protonated 2-methylimidazolim cations, water molecules and polyoxoanions to form a 3D supramolecular architecture.

Electroluminescence of ZnO nanocrystal in sputtered ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite light-emitting devices.

PubMed

Chen, Jiun-Ting; Lai, Wei-Chih; Chen, Chi-Heng; Yang, Ya-Yu; Sheu, Jinn-Kong; Lai, Li-Wen

2011-06-06

We have demonstrated the electroluminescence (EL) of Ga:ZnO/i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite/p-GaN n-i-p heterostructure light-emitting devices (LEDs). ZnO nano-clusters with sizes distributing from 2 to 7nm were found inside the co-sputtered i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite layer under the observation of high-resolution transparent electron microscope. A clear UV EL at 376 nm from i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite in these p-i-n heterostructure LEDs was observed under the forward current of 9 mA. The EL emission peak at 376 and 427nm of the Ga:ZnO/i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite/p-GaN n-i-p heterostructure LEDs were attributed to the radiative recombination from the ZnO clusters and the Mg acceptor levels in the p-GaN layer, respectively.

Theoretical prediction of the band offsets at the ZnO/anatase TiO2 and GaN/ZnO heterojunctions using the self-consistent ab initio DFT/GGA-1/2 method.

PubMed

Fang, D Q; Zhang, S L

2016-01-07

The band offsets of the ZnO/anatase TiO2 and GaN/ZnO heterojunctions are calculated using the density functional theory/generalized gradient approximation (DFT/GGA)-1/2 method, which takes into account the self-energy corrections and can give an approximate description to the quasiparticle characteristics of the electronic structure of semiconductors. We present the results of the ionization potential (IP)-based and interfacial offset-based band alignments. In the interfacial offset-based band alignment, to get the natural band offset, we use the surface calculations to estimate the change of reference level due to the interfacial strain. Based on the interface models and GGA-1/2 calculations, we find that the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum of ZnO, respectively, lie 0.64 eV and 0.57 eV above those of anatase TiO2, while lie 0.84 eV and 1.09 eV below those of GaN, which agree well with the experimental data. However, a large discrepancy exists between the IP-based band offset and the calculated natural band offset, the mechanism of which is discussed. Our results clarify band alignment of the ZnO/anatase TiO2 heterojunction and show good agreement with the GW calculations for the GaN/ZnO heterojunction.

The OsO(3)F(+) and mu-F(OsO(3)F)(2)(+) cations: their syntheses and study by Raman and (19)F NMR spectroscopy and electron structure calculations and X-ray crystal structures of [OsO(3)F][PnF(6)] (Pn = As, Sb), [OsO(3)F][HF](2)[AsF(6)], [OsO(3)F][HF][SbF(6)], and [OsO(3)F][Sb(3)F(16)].

PubMed

Gerken, Michael; Dixon, David A; Schrobilgen, Gary J

2002-01-28

The fluoride ion donor properties of OsO(3)F(2) have been investigated. The salts [OsO(3)F][AsF(6)], [OsO(3)F][HF](2)[AsF(6)], mu-F(OsO(3)F)(2)[AsF(6)], [OsO(3)F][HF](2)[SbF(6)], and [OsO(3)F][HF][SbF(6)] have been prepared by reaction of OsO(3)F(2) with AsF(5) and SbF(5) in HF solvent and have been characterized in the solid state by Raman spectroscopy. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of [OsO(3)F][AsF(6)] (P2(1)/n, a = 7.0001(11) A, c = 8.8629(13) A, beta = 92.270(7) degrees, Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0401 at -126 degrees C), [OsO(3)F][SbF(6)] (P2(1)/c, a = 5.4772(14) A, b = 10.115(3) A, c = 12.234(3) A, beta = 99.321(5) degrees, Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0325 at -173 degrees C), [OsO(3)F][HF](2)[AsF(6)] (P2(1)/n, a = 5.1491(9) A, b = 8.129(2) A, c = 19.636(7) A, beta = 95.099(7) degrees, Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0348 at -117 degrees C), and [OsO(3)F][HF][SbF(6)] (Pc, a = 5.244(4) A, b = 9.646(6) A, c = 15.269(10) A, beta = 97.154(13) degrees, Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0558 at -133 degrees C) have shown that the OsO(3)F(+) cations exhibit strong contacts to the anions and HF solvent molecules giving rise to cyclic, dimeric structures in which the osmium atoms have coordination numbers of 6. The reaction of OsO(3)F(2) with neat SbF(5) yielded [OsO(3)F][Sb(3)F(16)], which has been characterized by (19)F NMR spectroscopy in SbF(5) and SO(2)ClF solvents and by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the solid state (P4(1)m, a = 10.076(6) A, c = 7.585(8) A, Z = 2, and R(1) = 0.0858 at -113 degrees C). The weak fluoride ion basicity of the Sb(3)F(16)(-) anion resulted in an OsO(3)F(+) cation (C(3)(v) point symmetry) that is well isolated from the anion and in which the osmium is four-coordinate. The geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of OsO(3)F(+), ReO(3)F, mu-F(OsO(3)F)(2)(+), (FO(3)Os--FPnF(5))(2), and (FO(3)Os--(HF)(2)--FPnF(5))(2) (Pn = As, Sb) have been calculated using density functional theory methods.

Internally consistent database for sulfides and sulfosalts in the system Ag 2S-Cu 2S-ZnS-Sb 2S 3-As 2S 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sack, Richard O.

2000-11-01

An updated thermodynamic database for Ag 2S-Cu 2S-ZnS-Sb 2S 3-As 2S 3 sulfides and sulfosalts applicable to temperatures above 119°C is developed to calculate phase relations for polybasite-pearceite- and fahlore-bearing assemblages. It is based on pre-existing and new constraints on activity-composition, Ag-Cu and As-Sb partitioning, and other relations, and on experiments (200-300°C, evacuated silica tubes) conducted to define the stability of the polybasite-pearceite [(Ag 1- x,Cu x) 16(Sb 1- y,As y) 2S 11] + ZnS sphalerite assemblage with respect to assemblages containing (Ag,Cu) 2S sulfides coexisting with (Cu, Ag) 10Zn 2(Sb,As) 4S 13 fahlore sulfosalts. It was found that the thermodynamics of mixing of bcc- and hcp-(Ag,Cu) 2S solutions, which are fast-ion conductors, may be described by using site multiplicities of metals α Ag,Cu > 2 and temperature-dependent regular solution parameters. We obtained estimates for the Gibbs energies of formation for Ag 16Sb 2S 11 and Cu 16Sb 2S 11 polybasite endmembers from the simple sulfides (Ag 2S, Cu 2S, and Sb 2S 3) of -30.79 and -4.07 kJ/gfw at 200°C, and -32.04 and -0.59 kJ/gfw at 400°C, respectively, that are about one half kJ/gfw more positive and about 6 kJ/gfw more negative than those estimated by Harlov and Sack (1995b). The corresponding estimates for formation energies of Ag 10Zn 2Sb 4S 13 and Cu 10Zn 2Sb 4S 13 fahlores (-20.29 and -105.29 kJ/gfw at 200°C and -23.72 and -105.76 kJ/gfw at 400°C) are comparable to, and roughly 110 kJ/gfw more positive than, the corresponding estimates of Ebel and Sack (1994). We also determined that the Gibbs energies of the As-Sb exchange reactions: 1/4Ag 10Zn2Sb4S13+1/2Ag 16As2S11=1/2Ag 16Sb2S11+1/4Ag 10Zn2As4S13Sb-fahlorepearceitepolybasiteAs-fahlore and Ag3SbS3+1/2Ag 16As2S11=1/2Ag 16Sb2S11+Ag3AsS3pyrargyritepearceitepolybasiteproustite are, respectively, 8.75 and 0.40 kJ/gfw in the range 150-350°C, and these predictions are consistent with As-Sb partitioning relations

Mitochondrial and Chromosomal Damage Induced by Oxidative Stress in Zn2+ Ions, ZnO-Bulk and ZnO-NPs treated Allium cepa roots

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Bilal; Dwivedi, Sourabh; Abdin, Malik Zainul; Azam, Ameer; Al-Shaeri, Majed; Khan, Mohammad Saghir; Saquib, Quaiser; Al-Khedhairy, Abdulaziz A.; Musarrat, Javed

2017-01-01

Large-scale synthesis and release of nanomaterials in environment is a growing concern for human health and ecosystem. Therefore, we have investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), zinc oxide bulk (ZnO-Bulk), and zinc ions (Zn2+) in treated roots of Allium cepa, under hydroponic conditions. ZnO-NPs were characterized by UV-visible, XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy and TEM analyses. Bulbs of A. cepa exposed to ZnO-NPs (25.5 nm) for 12 h exhibited significant decrease (23 ± 8.7%) in % mitotic index and increase in chromosomal aberrations (18 ± 7.6%), in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microcopy and FT-IR data suggested surface attachment, internalization and biomolecular intervention of ZnO-NPs in root cells, respectively. The levels of TBARS and antioxidant enzymes were found to be significantly greater in treated root cells vis-à-vis untreated control. Furthermore, dose-dependent increase in ROS production and alterations in ΔΨm were observed in treated roots. FT-IR analysis of root tissues demonstrated symmetric and asymmetric P=O stretching of >PO2− at 1240 cm−1 and stretching of C-O ribose at 1060 cm−1, suggestive of nuclear damage. Overall, the results elucidated A. cepa, as a good model for assessment of cytotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage with ZnO-NPs and Zn2+ in plants. PMID:28120857

The Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Sb{sub 2}O{sub 5} system phase diagram refinement, Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11} structure peculiarities and magnetic properties

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

Egorysheva, A.V., E-mail: anna_egorysheva@rambler.ru; Ellert, O.G.; Gajtko, O.M.

2015-05-15

The refinement of the Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Sb{sub 2}O{sub 5} system phase diagram has been performed and the existence of the two ternary compounds has been confirmed. The first one with a pyrochlore-type structure (sp. gr. Fd 3-barm) exists in the wide solid solution region, (Bi{sub 2−x}Fe{sub x})Fe{sub 1+y}Sb{sub 1−y}O{sub 7±δ}, where x=0.1–0.4 and y=−0.13–0.11. The second one, Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11}, corresponds to the cubic KSbO{sub 3}-type structure (sp. gr. Pn 3-bar) with unit cell parameter a=9.51521(2) Å. The Rietveld structure refinement showed that this compound is characterized by disordered structure. The Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11} factor groupmore » analysis has been carried out and a Raman spectrum has been investigated. According to magnetization measurements performed at the temperature range 2–300 K it may be concluded that the Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11} magnetic properties can be substantially described as a superposition of strong short-range antiferromagnetic exchange interactions realizing inside the [(FeSb{sub 2})O{sub 9}] 3D-framework via different pathways. - Graphical abstract: The refinement of the Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Sb{sub 2}O{sub 5} system phase diagram has been performed and the existence of the solid solution with a pyrochlore-type structure (sp. gr. Fd 3-barm) and Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11}, correspond of the cubic KSbO{sub 3}-type structure (sp. gr. Pn 3-bar has been confirmed. The structure refinement, Raman spectroscopy as well as magnetic measurements data of Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11} are presented. - Highlights: • The Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Sb{sub 2}O{sub 5} system phase diagram refinement has been performed. • The Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11} existence along with pyrochlore structure compound is shown. • It was determined that the Bi{sub 3}FeSb{sub 2}O{sub 11} is of disordered cubic KSbO{sub 3}-type structure. • Factor group

Short range structure of 0.35Sb2O3-0.65(Li2O-P2O5) glass: A neutron diffraction study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinde, A. B.; Krishna, P. S. R.

2018-04-01

Neutron diffraction studies on Li2O-P2O5 and 0.35Sb2O3-0.65(Li2O-P2O5) glass are performed up to a Qmax of 15 Å-1 on the High-Q diffractometer, Dhruva. MCGR method is used to find pair correlation functions (g(r)) functions from experimentally obtained S(Q). We found that the Li-O and first Sb-O correlations to be around 2.04 Å & 2.15 Å. The O-O correlation from Phosphate & Antimony networks are found to be around 2.7 Å. The short range order of Sb is similar to its crystalline polymorph of valentinite instead of senarmonite. The short range order and network connectivity in this glass implies a structure composed of chains of corner sharing SbO3 pyramidal units connected to PO4 tetrahedra while Li acts as a modifier.

Origin of Blue-Green Emission in α-Zn2P2O7 and Local Structure of Ln3+ Ion in α-Zn2P2O7:Ln3+ (Ln = Sm, Eu): Time-Resolved Photoluminescence, EXAFS, and DFT Measurements.

PubMed

Gupta, Santosh Kumar; Ghosh, Partha Sarathi; Yadav, Ashok Kumar; Jha, Shambhu Nath; Bhattacharyya, Dibyendu; Kadam, Ramakant Mahadeo

2017-01-03

Considering the fact that pyrophosphate-based hosts are in high demand for making highly efficient luminescence materials, we doped two visible lanthanide ions, viz. Sm 3+ and Eu 3+ , in Zn 2 P 2 O 7 . Interestingly, it was oberved that pure Zn 2 P 2 O 7 displayed blue-green dual emission on irradiation with ultraviolet light. Emission and lifetime spectroscopy shows the presence of defects in pyrophosphate samples which are responsible for such emission. DFT calculations clearly pinpointed that the electronic transitions between defect states located at just below the conduction band minimum (arises due to V O 1+ and V O 2+ defects) and valence band maximum, as well as impurity states situated in the band gap, can lead to dual emission in the blue-green region, as is also indicated by emission and lifetime spectra. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) shows the stabilization of europium as well as samarium ion in the +3 oxidation state in α-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 . The fact that α-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 has two different coordination numbers for zinc ions, i.e. five- and six-coordinate, the study of dopant ion distribution in this particular matrix will be an important step in realizing a highly efficient europium- and samarium-based red-emitting phosphor. Time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) shows that both of these ions are heterogeneously distributed between five- and six-coordinated Zn 2+ sites and it is the six-coordinated Zn 2+ site which is the most favorable for lanthanide ion doping. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements also suggested that a six-coordinated zinc ion is the preferred site occupied by trivalent lanthanide ions, which is in complete agreement with TRPL results. It was observed that there is almost complete transfer of photon energy from Zn 2 P 2 O 7 to Eu 3+ , whereas this transfer is inefficient and almost incomplete in case of Sm 3+ , which is indeed important information for the realization of pyrophosphate

Photoemission study of the electronic structure and charge density waves of Na2Ti2Sb2O.

PubMed

Tan, S Y; Jiang, J; Ye, Z R; Niu, X H; Song, Y; Zhang, C L; Dai, P C; Xie, B P; Lai, X C; Feng, D L

2015-04-30

The electronic structure of Na2Ti2Sb2O single crystal is studied by photon energy and polarization dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The obtained band structure and Fermi surface agree well with the band structure calculation of Na2Ti2Sb2O in the non-magnetic state, which indicates that there is no magnetic order in Na2Ti2Sb2O and the electronic correlation is weak. Polarization dependent ARPES results suggest the multi-band and multi-orbital nature of Na2Ti2Sb2O. Photon energy dependent ARPES results suggest that the electronic structure of Na2Ti2Sb2O is rather two-dimensional. Moreover, we find a density wave energy gap forms below the transition temperature and reaches 65 meV at 7 K, indicating that Na2Ti2Sb2O is likely a weakly correlated CDW material in the strong electron-phonon interaction regime.

Photoluminescence properties of a new orange-red-emitting Sm(3+)-La3SbO7 phosphor.

PubMed

Li, Zeng-Mei; Deng, Li-Gang; Zhao, Shan-Cang; Zhang, Shu-Qiu; Guo, Chang-Ying; Liang, Jing-Yun; Yue, Hui; Wan, Chun-Yan

2016-03-01

The antimonate compound La3SbO7 has high chemical stability, lattice stiffness and thermal stability. Orange-red-emitting antimonate-based phosphors La3SbO7:xSm(3+) (x = 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) were synthesized. The phase structure and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors were investigated. The emission spectrum obtained on excitation at 407 nm contained exclusively the characteristic emissions of Sm(3+) at 568, 608, 654 and 716 nm, which correspond to the transitions from (4)G5/2 to (6)H5/2, (6)H7/2, (6)H9/2 and (6)H11/2 of Sm(3+), respectively. The strongest emission was located at 608 nm due to the (4)G5/2→(6)H7/2 transition of Sm(3+), generating bright orange-red light. The critical quenching concentration of Sm(3+) in La3SbO7:Sm(3+) phosphor was determined as 10% and the energy transfer between Sm(3+) was found to be through an exchange interaction. The International Commission on Illumination chromaticity coordinates of the La3SbO7:0.10Sm(3+) phosphors are located in the orange-red region. The La3SbO7:Sm(3+) phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stibiconite (Sb3O6OH), senarmontite (Sb2O3) and valentinite (Sb2O3): Dissolution rates at pH 2-11 and isoelectric points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biver, M.; Shotyk, W.

2013-05-01

Batch reactor experiments were carried out in order to derive rate laws for the proton promoted dissolution of the main natural antimony oxide phases, namely stibiconite (idealized composition SbSb2O6OH), senarmontite (cubic Sb2O3) and (metastable) valentinite (orthorhombic Sb2O3) over the range 2 ⩽ pH ⩽ 11, under standard conditions and ionic strength I = 0.01 mol l-1. The rates of antimony release by stibiconite were r = (2.2 ± 0.2) × 10-9 a(H+)0.11±0.01 mol m-2 s-1 for 2.00 ⩽ pH ⩽ 4.74 and r = (4.3 ± 0.2) × 10-10 a(H+)-0.030±0.003 mol m-2 s-1 for 4.74 ⩽ pH ⩽ 10.54. The rates of dissolution of senarmontite were r = (5.3 ± 2.2) × 10-7 a(H+)0.54±0.05 mol m-2 s-1 for 2.00 ⩽ pH ⩽ 6.93 and r = (1.4 ± 0.3) × 10-14 a(H+)-0.53±0.07 mol m-2 s-1 for 6.93 ⩽ pH ⩽ 10.83. The rates of dissolution of valentinite were r = (6.3 ± 0.2) × 10-8 a(H+)0.052±0.003 mol m-2 s-1 for 1.97 ⩽ pH ⩽ 6.85. Above pH = 6.85, valentinite was found to dissolve at a constant rate of r = (2.79 ± 0.05) × 10-8 mol m-2 s-1. Activation energies were determined at selected pH values in the acidic and basic domain, over the temperature range 25-50 °C. The values for stibiconite are -10.6 ± 1.9 kJ mol-1 (pH = 2.00) and 53 ± 14 kJ mol-1 (pH = 8.7). For senarmontite, we found 46.6 ± 4.7 kJ mol-1 (pH = 3.0) and 68.1 ± 6.1 kJ mol-1 (pH = 9.9) and for valentinite 41.9 ± 1.1 kJ mol-1 (pH = 3.0) and 39.0 ± 4.6 kJ mol-1 (pH = 9.9). These activation energies are interpreted in the text. The solubility of stibiconite at 25 °C in the pH domain from 2 to 10 was determined; solubilities decrease from 452.0 μg l-1 (as Sb) at pH = 2.00 to 153.2 μg l-1 at pH = 7.55 and increase again in the basic region, up to 176.6 μg l-1 at pH = 9.92. A graphical synopsis of all the kinetic results, including those of stibnite (Sb2S3) from earlier work, is presented. This allows an easy comparison between the dissolution rates of stibnite and the minerals examined in the present work

Controllable crystal growth and fast reversible crystallization-to-amorphization in Sb2Te-TiO2 films.

PubMed

Wang, Guoxiang; Li, Chao; Shi, Daotian; Nie, Qiuhua; Wang, Hui; Shen, Xiang; Lu, Yegang

2017-04-11

The structure evolution and crystallization processes of Sb 2 Te-TiO 2 films have been investigated. The Sb 2 Te-rich nanocrystals, surrounded by TiO 2 amorphous phases, are observed in the annealed Sb 2 Te-TiO 2 composite films. The segregated domains exhibit obvious chalcogenide/TiO x interfaces, which elevate crystallization temperature, impede the grain growth and increase crystalline resistance. Compared with that in conventional Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 film, the shorter time for onset crystallization (25 ns) and amorphization (100 ns) has been achieved in as-deposited (Sb 2 Te) 94.7 (TiO 2 ) 5.3 film under 60 mW laser irradiation. The corresponding recrystallization and re-amorphization can also be realized in the film. From Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) analysis, it is further found that the one-dimensional grain growth with controlled interface is dominant for the film during the fast phase-change process. Therefore, (Sb 2 Te) 94.7 (TiO 2 ) 5.3 film with improved crystallization mechanism is promising for high-stable and fast-speed memory applications.

Investigation of high density two-dimensional electron gas in Zn-polar BeMgZnO/ZnO heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, K.; Ullah, M. B.; Avrutin, V.; Özgür, Ü.; Morkoç, H.

2017-10-01

Zn-polar BeMgZnO/ZnO heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy on high resistivity GaN templates producing high-density two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) are investigated. This is motivated by the need to reach plasmon-longitudinal optical (LO) phonon resonance for attaining minimum LO phonon lifetime. Achievement of high 2DEG concentration in MgZnO/ZnO heterostructures requires growth of the MgZnO barrier at relatively low temperatures, which compromises the ternary quality that in turn hinders potential field effect transistor performance. When this ternary is alloyed further with BeO, the sign of strain in the BeMgZnO barrier on ZnO switches from compressive to tensile, making the piezoelectric and spontaneous polarizations to be additive in the BeMgZnO/ZnO heterostructures much like the Ga-polar AlGaN/GaN heterostructures. As a result, a 2DEG concentration of 1.2 × 1013 cm-2 is achieved in the Be0.03Mg0.41Zn0.56O/ZnO heterostructure. For comparison, a 2DEG concentration of 7.7 × 1012 cm-2 requires 2% Be and 26% Mg in the barrier, whereas the same in the MgZnO/ZnO system would require incorporation of more than 40% Mg into the barrier, which necessitates very low growth temperatures. Our results are consistent with the demands on achieving short LO phonon lifetimes through plasmon-LO phonon resonance for high carrier velocity.

The effects of gamma irradiation on electrical characteristics of Zn/ZnO/n-Si/Au-Sb structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salari, M. Abdolahpour; Güzeldir, B.; Saǧlam, M.

2018-02-01

In this research, we have investigated the electrical characteristics of Zn/ZnO/n-Si/Au-Sb structure before and after 60Co gamma (γ)-ray source irradiation with the total dose range of 0-500 kGy at room temperature. Electrical measurements of this structure have been performed using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) techniques. Experimental results show that the values of the ideality factor obtained from I-V measurements increased and the values of the barrier height obtained from reverse-bias C-V measurements decreased after gamma-irradiation. The results show that the main effect of the radiation is the generation of laterally inhomogeneous defects near the semiconductor surface.

Controllable crystal growth and fast reversible crystallization-to-amorphization in Sb2Te-TiO2 films

PubMed Central

Wang, Guoxiang; Li, Chao; Shi, Daotian; Nie, Qiuhua; Wang, Hui; Shen, Xiang; Lu, Yegang

2017-01-01

The structure evolution and crystallization processes of Sb2Te-TiO2 films have been investigated. The Sb2Te-rich nanocrystals, surrounded by TiO2 amorphous phases, are observed in the annealed Sb2Te-TiO2 composite films. The segregated domains exhibit obvious chalcogenide/TiOx interfaces, which elevate crystallization temperature, impede the grain growth and increase crystalline resistance. Compared with that in conventional Ge2Sb2Te5 film, the shorter time for onset crystallization (25 ns) and amorphization (100 ns) has been achieved in as-deposited (Sb2Te)94.7(TiO2)5.3 film under 60 mW laser irradiation. The corresponding recrystallization and re-amorphization can also be realized in the film. From Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) analysis, it is further found that the one-dimensional grain growth with controlled interface is dominant for the film during the fast phase-change process. Therefore, (Sb2Te)94.7(TiO2)5.3 film with improved crystallization mechanism is promising for high-stable and fast-speed memory applications. PMID:28397858

Structure of (Ga2O3)2(ZnO)13 and a unified description of the homologous series (Ga2O3)2(ZnO)(2n + 1).

PubMed

Michiue, Yuichi; Kimizuka, Noboru; Kanke, Yasushi; Mori, Takao

2012-06-01

The structure of (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(13) has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. In the monoclinic structure of the space group C2/m with cell parameters a = 19.66 (4), b = 3.2487 (5), c = 27.31 (2) Å, and β = 105.9 (1)°, a unit cell is constructed by combining the halves of the unit cell of Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(6) and Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(7) in the homologous series Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(m). The homologous series (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(2n + 1) is derived and a unified description for structures in the series is presented using the (3+1)-dimensional superspace formalism. The phases are treated as compositely modulated structures consisting of two subsystems. One is constructed by metal ions and another is by O ions. In the (3 + 1)-dimensional model, displacive modulations of ions are described by the asymmetric zigzag function with large amplitudes, which was replaced by a combination of the sawtooth function in refinements. Similarities and differences between the two homologous series (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(2n + 1) and Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(m) are clarified in (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace. The validity of the (3 + 1)-dimensional model is confirmed by the refinements of (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(13), while a few complex phenomena in the real structure are taken into account by modifying the model.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2011-10-01

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

Using the Semiconductors Materials of InSb-ZnTe System in Sensors for Gas Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shubenkova, E. G.

2017-04-01

The samples of thin film semiconductor compounds InSb, ZnTe and solid solutions based on them were obtained by vapor deposition of components on a dielectric substrate in a vacuum, followed by annealing and their surface properties in CO, O2 and NH3 gas atmospheres were investigated. Identification of the samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction techniques. In the temperature range 253 ÷ 403 K and a pressure range of 1÷12 Pa the gas adsorption was measured by piezoelectric microbalance technique. In order to establish the basic regularities of processes flowing on samples surface in addition to the electrophisical were used Infrared and Raman spectroscopic measurements. The resulting addiction “surface property - composition” is extreme and have allowed to determine solid solution InSb0,95-ZnTe0,05 as the most sensitive to the presence of ammonia, selective and this sample exhibits a negligible oxidation of surface.

Synthesis and Optimization of Thermoelectric Properties of Zn(x)Sb3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doan-Nguyen, Vicky V.

2005-01-01

High-performance thermoelectric materials are studied to investigate their abilities to optimize electrical and minimize thermal conductivities. A stoichiometric range of p-type zinc antimonide compounds was synthesized to analyze the trends in their thermoelectric properties. Zn(x)Sb3 (x=3.80, 3.85, 3.90, 3.95, 4.00, 4.05, 4.10) was reacted at 750 C and annealed at 300 C for 24 hours at each temperature. Electronic transport properties such as Seebeck and Hall Effect were measured to analyze possible trends in the set of compositions. SEM, EDS, and XRD were used to quantify both ingots and hot-pressed samples to confirm that they were single-phase and of the expected stoichiometries. Recent SEM data indicated that Zn(3.90)Sb3 and Zn(4.00)Sb3 samples were actually Zn3Sb2. In hopes of further improving the figure-of-merit (ZT) of the binary system, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, In, and Sn were used to dope (Zn(0.95)M(0.05))(3.95)Sb3.

The role of Sb in solar cell material Cu 2ZnSnS 4

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Xiaoli; Han, Miaomiao; Zeng, Zhi; ...

2017-03-03

In this paper, based on first-principles calculations we report a possible mechanism of the efficiency improvement of the Sb-doped Cu 2ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) solar cells from the Sb-related defect point of view. Different from Sb in CuInSe 2 which substituted the Cu atomic site and acted as group-13 elements on the Cu-poor growth condition, we find out that Sb prefers to substitute Sn atomic site and acts as group-14 elements on the Cu-poor growth condition in CZTS. At low Sb concentration, Sb Sn produces a deep defect level which is detrimental for the solar cell application. At high Sb concentration,more » Sb 5s states form an isolated half-filled intermediate band at 0.5 eV above the valence band maximum which will increase the photocurrent as well as the solar cell efficiency.« less

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

PubMed

Krishnakumar, B; Swaminathan, M

2012-12-01

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

Crystal structures of K2[XSi5O12] (X = Fe2+, Co, Zn) and Rb2[XSi5O12] (X = Mn) leucites: comparison of monoclinic P21/c and Ia{\\overline 3}d polymorph structures and inverse relationship between tetrahedral cation (T = Si and X)-O bond distances and intertetrahedral T-O-T angles.

PubMed

Bell, Anthony M T; Henderson, C Michael B

2018-06-01

The leucite tectosilicate mineral analogues K 2 X 2+ Si 5 O 12 (X = Fe 2+ , Co, Zn) and Rb 2 X 2+ Si 5 O 12 (X = Mn) have been synthesized at elevated temperatures both dry at atmospheric pressure and at controlled water vapour pressure; for X = Co and Zn both dry and hydrothermally synthesized samples are available. Rietveld refinement of X-ray data for hydrothermal K 2 X 2+ Si 5 O 12 (X = Fe 2+ , Co, Zn) samples shows that they crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /c and have tetrahedral cations (Si and X) ordered onto distinct framework sites [cf. hydrothermal K 2 MgSi 5 O 12 ; Bell et al. (1994a), Acta Cryst. B50, 560-566]. Dry-synthesized K 2 X 2+ Si 5 O 12 (X = Co, Zn) and Rb 2 X 2+ Si 5 O 12 (X = Mn) samples crystallize in the cubic space group Ia{\\overline 3}d and with Si and X cations disordered in the tetrahedral framework sites as typified by dry K 2 MgSi 5 O 12 . Both structure types have tetrahedrally coordinated SiO 4 and XO 4 sharing corners to form a partially substituted silicate framework. Extraframework K + and Rb + cations occupy large channels in the framework. Structural data for the ordered samples show that mean tetrahedral Si-O and X-O bond lengths cover the ranges 1.60 Å (Si-O) to 2.24 Å (Fe 2+ -O) and show an inverse relationship with the intertetrahedral angles (T-O-T) which range from 144.7° (Si-O-Si) to 124.6° (Si-O-Fe 2+ ). For the compositions with both disordered and ordered tetrahedral cation structures (K 2 MgSi 5 O 12 , K 2 CoSi 5 O 12 , K 2 ZnSi 5 O 12 , Rb 2 MnSi 5 O 12 and Cs 2 CuSi 5 O 12 leucites) the disordered polymorphs always have larger unit-cell volumes, larger intertetrahedral T-O-T angles and smaller mean T-O distances than their isochemical ordered polymorphs. The ordered samples clearly have more flexible frameworks than the disordered structures which allow the former to undergo a greater degree of tetrahedral collapse around the interframework cavity cations. Multivariant linear regression has

Effect of p–d hybridization, structural distortion and cation electronegativity on electronic properties of ZnSnX{sub 2} (X=P, As, Sb) chalcopyrite semiconductors

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

Mishra, S.; Ganguli, B., E-mail: biplabg@nitrkl.ac.in

2013-04-15

Significant effects of p–d hybridization, structural distortion and cation-electro-negativity are found on band gap in ZnSnX{sub 2} (X=P, As, Sb). Our study suggests these compounds to be direct band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 1.23, 0.68 and 0.19 eV respectively. Lattice constants, tetragonal distortion (η), anion displacement, bond lengths and bulk moduli are calculated by Density Functional Theory based on Tight binding Linear Muffin-Tin orbital method. Our result of structural properties is in good agreement with the available experimental and other theoretical results. Calculated band gaps also agree well with the experimental works within LDA limitation. Unlike other semiconductorsmore » in the group II–IV–V{sub 2}, there is a reduction in the band gap of 0.22, 0.20 and 0.24 eV respectively in ZnSnX{sub 2} (X=P, As, Sb) due to p–d hybridization. Structural distortion decreases band gap by 0.20, 0.12 and 0.10 eV respectively. We find that cation electronegativity effect is responsible for increasing the band gap relative to their binary analogs GaInP{sub 2}, InGaAs{sub 2} and GaInSb{sub 2} respectively and increment are 0.13, 0.04 and 0.13 eV respectively. - Graphical abstract: One unit cell of ZnSnX{sub 2} (X=P, As, Sb) chalcopyrite semiconductor. Semiconductors ZnSnX{sub 2} (X=P, As, Sb) are found to be direct band gap semiconductors with band gaps 1.23, 0.68 and 0.19 eV respectively. The quantitative estimate of effects of p–d hybridization, structural distortion and cation electronegativity shows band gaps change significantly due to these effects. Highlights: ► ZnSnX{sub 2} (X=P, As, Sb) are direct band gap semiconductors. ► These have band gaps of 1.23 eV, 0.68 eV and 0.19 eV respectively. ► The band gap reduction due to p–d hybridization is 13.41%, 18.51% and 40% respectively. ► Band gap reduction due to structural distortion is 12.12%, 11.11% and 16.66% respectively. ► Band gap increases 8.38%, 3.70% and 21

Expansion of antimonato polyoxovanadates with transition metal complexes: (Co(N3C5H15)2)2[{Co(N3C5H15)2}V15Sb6O42(H2O)]·5H2O and (Ni(N3C5H15)2)2[{Ni(N3C5H15)2}V15Sb6O42(H2O)]·8H2O.

PubMed

Antonova, Elena; Näther, Christian; Kögerler, Paul; Bensch, Wolfgang

2012-02-20

Two new polyoxovanadates (Co(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2))(2)[{Co(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)}V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)]·5H(2)O (1) and (Ni(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2))(2)[{Ni(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)}V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)]·8H(2)O (2) (N(3)C(5)H(15) = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. In both structures the [V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](6-) shell displays the main structural motif, which is strongly related to the {V(18)O(42)} archetype cluster. Both compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 14.3438(4), b = 16.6471(6), c = 18.9186(6) Å, α = 87.291(3)°, β = 83.340(3)°, γ = 78.890(3)°, and V = 4401.4(2) Å(3) (1) and a = 14.5697(13), b = 15.8523(16), c = 20.2411(18) Å, α = 86.702(11)°, β = 84.957(11)°, γ = 76.941(11)°, and V = 4533.0(7) Å(3) (2). In the structure of 1 the [V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](6-) cluster anion is bound to a [Co(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)](2+) complex via a terminal oxygen atom. In the Co(2+)-centered complex, one of the amine ligands coordinates in tridentate mode and the second one in bidentate mode to form a strongly distorted CoN(5)O octahedron. Similarly, in compound 2 an analogous NiN(5)O complex is joined to the [V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](6-) anion via the same attachment mode. A remarkable difference between the two compounds is the orientation of the noncoordinated propylamine group leading to intermolecular Sb···O contacts in 1 and to Sb···N interactions in 2. In the solid-state lattices of 1 and 2, two additional [M(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)](2+) complexes act as countercations and are located between the [{M(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)}V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](4-) anions. Between the anions and cations strong N-H···O hydrogen bonds are observed. In both compounds the clusters are stacked along the b axis in an ABAB fashion with cations and water molecules occupying the space between the clusters. Magnetic characterization demonstrates that the Ni(2+) and Co(2+) cations do not

Contrastive Study on the Structure and the Ultraviolet Absorption Property of Multiple-Doped and Element-Doped ZnO Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yunyun; Zhang, Tao; Lin, Zhenrong; Tian, Yanfeng; Zhou, Shandan

Sb2O3- and CeO2-doped ZnO thin films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering technique. The influence of Sb2O3 and CeO2 on the structure and ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties was studied by X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Results show that multiple doping of films had a prominent effect on the development of crystal grains and the UV absorption property. Ce and Sb exist in many forms in the ZnO film. The multiple-doped films also show enhanced UVA absorption, and the UV absorption peak widens and the absorption intensity increases. Sb plays a dominant role on the structure and UV absorption of ZnO thin films, which are enhanced by Ce.

Chemical route for formation of intermetallic Zn 4Sb 3 phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denoix, A.; Solaiappan, A.; Ayral, R. M.; Rouessac, F.; Tedenac, J. C.

2010-05-01

Synthesis of intermetallic zinc antimonide phases via low temperature solution route was investigated. Trial experiments were carried out under inert atmosphere at 70 °C using metallic Zn, SbCl 3 and NaBH 4 as reactants and tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as organic media. Powder X-ray analysis confirmed the nucleation and growth of ZnSb phases in presence of excess Zn. SEM analysis revealed the existence of core-shell structure comprising of Zn core and Sb shell. Such particles get transformed into Zn 4Sb 3 crystalline phases upon thermal treatment at 300 °C/6 h in a silica tube closed under high secondary vacuum.

ZnGeSb2: a promising thermoelectric material with tunable ultra-high conductivity.

PubMed

Sreeparvathy, P C; Kanchana, V; Vaitheeswaran, G; Christensen, N E

2016-09-21

First principles calculations predict the promising thermoelectric material ZnGeSb 2 with a huge power factor (S 2 σ/τ) on the order of 3 × 10 17 W m -1 K -2 s -1 , due to the ultra-high electrical conductivity scaled by a relaxation time of around 8.5 × 10 25 Ω -1 m -1 s -1 , observed in its massive Dirac state. The observed electrical conductivity is higher than the well-established Dirac materials, and is almost carrier concentration independent with similar behaviour of both n and p type carriers, which may certainly attract device applications. The low range of thermal conductivity is also evident from the phonon dispersion. Our present study further reports the gradual phase change of ZnGeSb 2 from a normal semiconducting state, through massive Dirac states, to a topological semi-metal. The maximum power factor is observed in the massive Dirac states compared to the other two states.

Crystal structures of ZnCl2·2.5H2O, ZnCl2·3H2O and ZnCl2·4.5H2O

PubMed Central

Hennings, Erik; Schmidt, Horst; Voigt, Wolfgang

2014-01-01

The formation of different complexes in aqueous solutions is an important step in understanding the behavior of zinc chloride in water. The structure of concentrated ZnCl2 solutions is governed by coordination competition of Cl− and H2O around Zn2+. According to the solid–liquid phase diagram, the title compounds were crystallized below room temperature. The structure of ZnCl2·2.5H2O contains Zn2+ both in a tetra­hedral coordination with Cl− and in an octa­hedral environment defined by five water mol­ecules and one Cl− shared with the [ZnCl4]2− unit. Thus, these two different types of Zn2+ cations form isolated units with composition [Zn2Cl4(H2O)5] (penta­aqua-μ-chlorido-tri­chlorido­di­zinc). The trihydrate {hexa­aqua­zinc tetra­chlorido­zinc, [Zn(H2O)6][ZnCl4]}, consists of three different Zn2+ cations, one of which is tetra­hedrally coordinated by four Cl− anions. The two other Zn2+ cations are each located on an inversion centre and are octa­hedrally surrounded by water mol­ecules. The [ZnCl4] tetra­hedra and [Zn(H2O)6] octa­hedra are arranged in alternating rows parallel to [001]. The structure of the 4.5-hydrate {hexa­aqua­zinc tetra­chlorido­zinc trihydrate, [Zn(H2O)6][ZnCl4]·3H2O}, consists of isolated octa­hedral [Zn(H2O)6] and tetra­hedral [ZnCl4] units, as well as additional lattice water mol­ecules. O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the water mol­ecules as donor and ZnCl4 tetra­hedra and water mol­ecules as acceptor groups leads to the formation of a three-dimensional network in each of the three structures. PMID:25552980

Role of Zn doping in oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahamed, Maqusood; Khan, M. A. Majeed; Akhtar, Mohd Javed; Alhadlaq, Hisham A.; Alshamsan, Aws

2016-07-01

We investigated the effect of Zn-doping on structural and optical properties as well as cellular response of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. A library of Zn-doped (1-10 at wt%) TiO2 NPs was prepared. Characterization data indicated that dopant Zn was incorporated into the lattice of host TiO2. The average particle size of TiO2 NPs was decreases (38 to 28 nm) while the band gap energy was increases (3.35 eV-3.85 eV) with increasing the amount of Zn-doping. Cellular data demonstrated that Zn-doped TiO2 NPs induced cytotoxicity (cell viability reduction, membrane damage and cell cycle arrest) and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species generation & glutathione depletion) in MCF-7 cells and toxic intensity was increases with increasing the concentration of Zn-doping. Molecular data revealed that Zn-doped TiO2 NPs induced the down-regulation of super oxide dismutase gene while the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 gene in MCF-7 cells. Cytotoxicity induced by Zn-doped TiO2 NPs was efficiently prevented by N-acetyl-cysteine suggesting that oxidative stress might be the primarily cause of toxicity. In conclusion, our data indicated that Zn-doping decreases the particle size and increases the band gap energy as well the oxidative stress-mediated toxicity of TiO2 NPs in MCF-7 cells.

Role of Zn doping in oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

PubMed Central

Ahamed, Maqusood; Khan, M. A. Majeed; Akhtar, Mohd Javed; Alhadlaq, Hisham A.; Alshamsan, Aws

2016-01-01

We investigated the effect of Zn-doping on structural and optical properties as well as cellular response of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. A library of Zn-doped (1–10 at wt%) TiO2 NPs was prepared. Characterization data indicated that dopant Zn was incorporated into the lattice of host TiO2. The average particle size of TiO2 NPs was decreases (38 to 28 nm) while the band gap energy was increases (3.35 eV–3.85 eV) with increasing the amount of Zn-doping. Cellular data demonstrated that Zn-doped TiO2 NPs induced cytotoxicity (cell viability reduction, membrane damage and cell cycle arrest) and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species generation & glutathione depletion) in MCF-7 cells and toxic intensity was increases with increasing the concentration of Zn-doping. Molecular data revealed that Zn-doped TiO2 NPs induced the down-regulation of super oxide dismutase gene while the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 gene in MCF-7 cells. Cytotoxicity induced by Zn-doped TiO2 NPs was efficiently prevented by N-acetyl-cysteine suggesting that oxidative stress might be the primarily cause of toxicity. In conclusion, our data indicated that Zn-doping decreases the particle size and increases the band gap energy as well the oxidative stress-mediated toxicity of TiO2 NPs in MCF-7 cells. PMID:27444578

Ba(1-x)Sr(x)Zn2Si2O7--A new family of materials with negative and very high thermal expansion.

PubMed

Thieme, Christian; Görls, Helmar; Rüssel, Christian

2015-12-15

The compound BaZn2Si2O7 shows a high coefficient of thermal expansion up to a temperature of 280 °C, then a transition to a high temperature phase is observed. This high temperature phase exhibits negative thermal expansion. If Ba(2+) is successively replaced by Sr(2+), a new phase with a structure, similar to that of the high temperature phase of BaZn2Si2O7, forms. At the composition Ba0.8Sr0.2Zn2Si2O7, this new phase is completely stabilized. The crystal structure was determined with single crystal X-ray diffraction using the composition Ba0.6Sr0.4Zn2Si2O7, which crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm. The negative thermal expansion is a result of motions and distortions inside the crystal lattice, especially inside the chains of ZnO4 tetrahedra. Dilatometry and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction were used to verify the negative thermal expansion. Coefficients of thermal expansion partially smaller than -10·10(-6) K(-1) were measured.

Thermoelectric properties of Zn4Sb3/CeFe(4-x)CoxSb12 nano-layered superlattices modified by MeV Si ion beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budak, S.; Guner, S.; Minamisawa, R. A.; Muntele, C. I.; Ila, D.

2014-08-01

We prepared multilayers of superlattice thin film system with 50 periodic alternating nano-layers of semiconducting half-Heusler β-Zn4Sb3 and skutterudite CeFe2Co2Sb12 compound thin films using ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) with Au layers deposited on both sides as metal contacts. The deposited multilayer thin films have alternating layers about 5 nm thick. The total thickness of the multilayer system is 275 nm. The superlattices were then bombarded by 5 MeV Si ion at six different fluences to form nano-cluster structures. The film thicknesses and composition were monitored by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) before and after MeV ion bombardment. We have measured the thermoelectric efficiency, Figure of Merit ZT, of the fabricated device by measuring the cross plane thermal conductivity by the 3rd harmonic (3ω) method, the cross plane Seebeck coefficient, and the electrical conductivity using the van der Pauw method before and after the MeV ion bombardments. We reached the remarkable thermoelectric Figure of Merit results at optimal fluences.

Synthesis, crystal structures, and physical properties of the new Zintl phases A{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Pn{sub 18} (A=Ca, Eu; Pn=As, Sb)—Versatile arrangements of [ZnPn{sub 4}] tetrahedra

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

Suen, Nian-Tzu; Wang, Yi; Bobev, Svilen, E-mail: bobev@udel.edu

Four new Zintl phases, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}, Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} have been synthesized by metal flux reactions. Their structures have been established from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Despite the similar chemical makeup and the identical formulae, the structures of the four compounds are not the same—Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18} crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12, Z=4) with the β-Ca{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} structure type, while Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} adopts the Ba{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} structure type withmore » the orthorhombic space group Cmce (No. 64, Z=8). Both structures are based on ZnAs{sub 4} or ZnSb{sub 4} tetrahedra, linked in slightly different ways, and Ca{sup 2+} and Eu{sup 2+} cations that fill the space between them. The structural relationships between the title compounds and other known ternary phases with intricate structures are discussed. Electrical resistivity measurement on single-crystalline Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} suggests an intrinsic semiconductor behavior with a band gap of ca. 0.2 eV. The temperature dependent DC magnetization measurement on the same material indicates Curie–Weiss paramagnetism in the high-temperature regime, and a spontaneous antiferromagnetic ordering below 8 K. The calculated effective moments of Eu confirm the divalent Eu{sup 2+} ground state, as expected from the Zintl–Klemm concept. - Graphical abstract: The four new Zintl phases—Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}, Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}—crystallize in two structure types, showing the versatility in the arrangements of ZnAs{sub 4} and ZnSb{sub 4} tetrahedra. - Highlights: • Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}, Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb

Absence of magnetic long-range order in Y2CrSbO7 : Bond-disorder-induced magnetic frustration in a ferromagnetic pyrochlore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, L.; Greaves, C.; Riyat, R.; Hansen, T. C.; Blackburn, E.

2017-09-01

The consequences of random nonmagnetic-ion dilution for the pyrochlore family Y2(M 1 -xN x)2O7 (M = magnetic ion, N = nonmagnetic ion) have been investigated. As a first step, we experimentally examine the magnetic properties of Y2CrSbO7 (x =0.5 ), in which the magnetic sites (Cr3 +) are percolative. Although the effective Cr-Cr spin exchange is ferromagnetic, as evidenced by a positive Curie-Weiss temperature, ΘCW ≃19.5 K , our high-resolution neutron powder diffraction measurements detect no sign of magnetic long-range order down to 2 K. In order to understand our observations, we construct a lattice model to numerically study the bond disorder introduced by the ionic size mismatch between M and N , which reveals that the bond disorder percolates at xb ≃0.23 , explaining the absence of magnetic long-range order. This model could be applied to a series of frustrated magnets with a pyrochlore sublattice, for example, the spinel compound Zn (Cr1 -xGax )2O4 , wherein a Néel to spin glass phase transition occurs between x =0.2 and 0.25 [Lee et al., Phys. Rev. B 77, 014405 (2008), 10.1103/PhysRevB.77.014405]. Our study stresses the non-negligible role of bond disorder on magnetic frustration, even in ferromagnets.

Study of Substitution of Zn FOR Cu in YBa2Cu3O7 System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, P. K.; Samariya, A.; Dhawan, M. S.; Singhal, R. K.

The polycrystalline YBa2(Cu1-XZnX)3O7-δ samples (x=0.0 to 0.06) were synthesized and studied using X Ray diffraction, titration, resistivity, magnetization and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results show that O2 stoichiometry (δ) changes on Zn substitution which affects their normal state resistivity as well as the TC. Zn also induces local magnetic moment as evidenced from magnetization results. A combination of change in O2 stoichiometry and magnetic pair breaking is found to be responsible for a rapid suppression of superconductivity.

Synthesis, energy transfer and tunable emission properties of SrSb2O6:Eu3 +, Bi3 + phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Renping; Fu, Ting; Peng, Dedong; Cao, Chunyan; Ruan, Wen; Yu, Xiaoguang

2016-12-01

Host SrSb2O6, SrSb2O6:Bi3 +, SrSb2O6:Eu3 +, and SrSb2O6:Eu3 +, Bi3 + phosphors are synthesized by solid state reaction method in air. Host SrSb2O6 with excitation 254 nm shows weak green-yellow emission in the range of 320-780 nm due to Sb5 + → O2- transition. SrSb2O6:Bi3 + phosphor with excitation 365 nm emits green light within the range 400-650 nm owing to the 3P1 → 1S0 transition of Bi3 + ion. SrSb2O6:Eu3 + phosphor with excitation 254 nm exhibits a systematically varied hue from green to orange-red light by increasing Eu3 + concentration from 0 to 7 mol%, and that with excitation 394 nm only shows orange-red light. The optimal Eu3 + concentration is 4 mol% in SrSb2O6:Eu3 + phosphor. SrSb2O6:Eu3 +, Bi3 + phosphor with excitation 254 and 394 nm emits orange-red light. Emission intensity of SrSb2O6:Eu3 + phosphor may be enhanced > 2 times by co-doping Bi3 + ion because of the fluxing agent and energy transfer roles of Bi3 + ion in SrSb2O6:Eu3 +, Bi3 + phosphor. The luminous mechanism of SrSb2O6:Eu3 +, Bi3 + phosphor is analyzed and explained by the simplified energy level diagrams of Sb2O62 - group, Bi3 + and Eu3 + ions, and energy transfer processes between them.

Vibrational spectroscopic study of the antimonate mineral bindheimite Pb 2Sb 2O 6(O,OH)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahfenne, Silmarilly; Frost, Ray L.

2009-09-01

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise the antimonate mineral bindheimite Pb 2Sb 2O 6(O,OH). The mineral is characterised by an intense Raman band at 656 cm -1 assigned to SbO stretching vibrations. Other lower intensity bands at 664, 749 and 814 cm -1 are also assigned to stretching vibrations. This observation suggests the non-equivalence of SbO units in the structure. Low intensity Raman bands at 293, 312 and 328 cm -1 are assigned to the OSbO bending vibrations. Infrared bands at 979, 1008, 1037 and 1058 cm -1 may be assigned to δOH deformation modes of SbOH units. Infrared bands at 1603 and 1640 cm -1 are assigned to water bending vibrations, suggesting that water is involved in the bindheimite structure. Broad infrared bands centred upon 3250 cm -1 supports this concept. Thus the true formula of bindheimite is questioned and probably should be written as Pb 2Sb 2O 6(O,OH,H 2O).

Electrical Transport Properties of Single-Crystalline β-Zn4Sb3 Prepared Through the Zn-Sn Mixed-Flux Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongxia; Deng, Shuping; Shen, Lanxian; Wang, Jinsong; Feng, Cheng; Deng, Shukang

2017-03-01

β-Zn4Sb3 is a promising p-type thermoelectric material for utilization in moderate temperatures. This study prepares a group of single-crystalline β-Zn4Sb3 samples using the Zn-Sn mixed-flux method based on the stoichiometric ratios of Zn4+ x Sb3Sn y . The effect of Zn-to-Sn proportion in the flux on the structure and electrical transport properties is investigated. All samples are strip-shaped single crystals of different sizes. The actual Zn content of the present samples is improved (>3.9) compared with that of the samples prepared through the Sn flux method. Larger lattice parameters are also obtained. The carrier concentration of all the samples is in the order of over 1019 cm-3. With increasing Sn rate in the flux, this carrier concentration decreases, whereas mobility is significantly enhanced. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficients of all the samples exhibit a behavior that of a degenerate semiconductor transport. Electrical conductivity initially increases and then decreases as the Sn ratio in the flux increases. The electrical conductivity of the x: y = 5:1 sample reaches 6.45 × 104 S m-1 at 300 K. Benefitting from the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, the flux proportion of the x: y = 7:1 sample finally achieves the highest power factor value of 1.4 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 598 K.

Antimicrobial activity of ZnO-TiO2 nanomaterials synthesized from three different precursors of ZnO: influence of ZnO/TiO2 weight ratio.

PubMed

Daou, Ikram; Moukrad, Najia; Zegaoui, Omar; Rhazi Filali, Fouzia

2018-03-01

In this study, ZnO-TiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized from three different precursors for ZnO (zinc acetate di-hydrate, zinc nitrate hexahydrate and zinc sulfate heptahydrate) and titanium (IV) isopropoxide for TiO 2 . The prepared nanomaterials were calcined at 500 °C for 3 h and characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy, combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS). The obtained results showed that the crystalline structure, size and morphology of the ZnO-TiO 2 nanoparticles are strongly influenced by the nature of the precursor of ZnO, as well as the ZnO/TiO 2 weight ratio. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized nanomaterials were evaluated, in the dark, against five multi-resistant of Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella Paratyphi A) bacteria and a fungus (Candida albicans), which are pathogenic for humans. The obtained results showed that pure TiO 2 anatase is inactive against the tested strains, while the addition of ZnO to TiO 2 improves noticeably the effectiveness of TiO 2 nanoparticles, depending on the nature of the precursor of ZnO and the ZnO/TiO 2 weight ratio.

DA-9801 promotes neurite outgrowth via ERK1/2-CREB pathway in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Won, Jong Hoon; Ahn, Kyong Hoon; Back, Moon Jung; Ha, Hae Chan; Jang, Ji Min; Kim, Ha Hyung; Choi, Sang-Zin; Son, Miwon; Kim, Dae Kyong

2015-01-01

In the present study, we examined the mechanisms underlying the effect of DA-9801 on neurite outgrowth. We found that DA-9801 elicits its effects via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. DA-9801, an extract from a mixture of Dioscorea japonica and Dioscorea nipponica, was reported to promote neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. The effects of DA-9801 on cell viability and expression of neuronal markers were evaluated in PC12 cells. To investigate DA-9801 action, specific inhibitors targeting the ERK signaling cascade were used. No cytotoxicity was observed in PC12 cells at DA-9801 concentrations of less than 30 µg/mL. In the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF, 2 ng/mL), DA-9801 promoted neurite outgrowth and increased the relative mRNA levels of neurofilament-L (NF-L), a marker of neuronal differentiation. The Raf-1 inhibitor GW5074 and MEK inhibitor PD98059 significantly attenuated DA-9801-induced neurite outgrowth. Additionally, the MEK1 and MEK2 inhibitor SL327 significantly attenuated the increase in the percentage of neurite-bearing PC12 cells induced by DA-9801 treatment. Conversely, the selective p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 did not attenuate the DA-9801 treatment-induced increase in the percentage of neurite-bearing PC12 cells. DA-9801 enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB in PC12 cells incubated with and without NGF. Pretreatment with PD98059 blocked the DA-9801-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB. In conclusion, DA-9801 induces neurite outgrowth by affecting the ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway. Insights into the mechanism underlying this effect of DA-9801 may suggest novel potential strategies for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

Indium doped ZnO nano-powders prepared by RF thermal plasma treatment of In2O3 and ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Mi-Yeon; Song, Min-Kyung; Seo, Jun-Ho; Kim, Min-Ho

2015-06-01

Indium doped ZnO nano-powders were synthesized by the RF thermal plasma treatment of In2O3 and ZnO. For this purpose, micron-sized ZnO powder was mixed with In2O3 powder at the In/Zn ratios of 0.0, 1.2, and 2.4 at. % by ball milling for 1 h, after which the mixtures were injected into RF thermal plasma generated at the plate power level of ˜140 kV A. As observed from the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images of the RF plasma-treated powders, hexagonal prism-shaped nano-crystals were mainly obtained along with multi-pod type nano-particles, where the number of multi-pods decreased with increasing In/Zn ratios. In addition, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data for the as-treated nano-powders showed the diffraction peaks for the In2O3 present in the precursor mixture to disappear, while the crystalline peaks for the single phase of ZnO structure shifted toward lower Bragg angles. In the UV-vis absorption spectra of the as-treated powders, redshifts were also observed with increases of the In/Zn ratios. Together with the FE-SEM images and the XRD data, the redshifts were indicative of the doping process of ZnO with indium, which took place during the RF thermal plasma treatment of In2O3 and ZnO.

Spinel, YbFe2O4, and Yb2Fe3O7 types of structure for compounds in the In2O3 and Sc2O3-A2O3-BO systems (A: Fe, Ga, or Al; B: Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, or Zn) at temperatures over 1000C

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

Kimizuka, N.; Mohri, T.

In the Sc2O3-Ga2O3-CuO, Sc2O3-Ga2O3-ZnO, and Sc2O3-Al2O3-CuO systems, ScGaCuO4, ScGaZnO4, and ScAlCuO4 with the YbFe2O4-type structure and Sc2Ga2CuO7 with the Yb2Fe3O7-type structure were obtained. In the In2O3-A2O3-BO systems (A: Fe, Ga, or Al; B: Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, or Zn), InGaFeO4, InGaNiO4, and InFeT MgO4 with the spinel structure, InGaZnO4, InGaMgO4, and InAl-CuO4 with the YbFe2O4-type structure, and In2Ga2MnO7 and In2Ga2ZnO7 with the Yb2Fe3O7-type structure were obtained. InGaMnO4 and InFe2O4 had both the YbFe2O4-type and spinel-type structures. The revised classification for the crystal structures of AB2O4 compounds is presented, based upon the coordination numbers of constituent A and B cations. 5more » references, 2 tables.« less

The thermodynamic activity of ZnO in silicate melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes, R. A.; Gaskell, D. R.

1983-12-01

The activity of ZnO in ZnO-SiO2 and CaO-ZnO-SiO2 melts has been measured at 1560 °C using a transpiration technique with CO-CO2 mixtures as the carrier gas. The activities of ZnO in dilute solution in 42 wt pct SiO2-38 wt pct CaO-20 wt pct A12O3 in the range 1400° to 1550 °C and in 62 wt pct SiO2-23.3 wt pct CaO-14.7 wt pct A12O3 at 1550 °C have also been measured. The measured free energies of formation of ZnO-SiO2 melts are significantly more negative than published estimated values and this, together with the behavior observed in the system CaO-Al2O3-SiO2, indicate that ZnO is a relatively basic oxide. The results are discussed in terms of the polymerization model of binary silicate melts and ideal silicate mixing in ternary silicate melts. The behavior of ZnO in dilute solution in CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 melts is discussed in terms of the possibility of the fluxing of ZnO by iron blast furnace slags.

Structural and magnetic properties of two branches of the tripod-kagome-lattice family A2R3Sb3O14 (A = Mg, Zn; R = Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dun, Z. L.; Trinh, J.; Lee, M.; Choi, E. S.; Li, K.; Hu, Y. F.; Wang, Y. X.; Blanc, N.; Ramirez, A. P.; Zhou, H. D.

2017-03-01

We present a systematic study of the structural and magnetic properties of two branches of the rare-earth tripod-kagome-lattice (TKL) family A2R3Sb3O14 (A = Mg, Zn; R = Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb; here, we use abbreviation A-R, as in MgPr for Mg2Pr3Sb3O14 ), which complements our previously reported work on MgDy, MgGd, and MgEr [Z. L. Dun et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 157201 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.157201]. The present susceptibility (χdc, χac) and specific-heat measurements reveal various magnetic ground states, including the nonmagnetic singlet state for MgPr, ZnPr; long-range orderings (LROs) for MgGd, ZnGd, MgNd, ZnNd, and MgYb; a long-range magnetic charge ordered state for MgDy, ZnDy, and potentially for MgHo; possible spin-glass states for ZnEr, ZnHo; the absence of spin ordering down to 80 mK for MgEr, MgTb, ZnTb, and ZnYb compounds. The ground states observed here bear both similarities as well as striking differences from the states found in the parent pyrochlore systems. In particular, while the TKLs display a greater tendency towards LRO, the lack of LRO in MgHo, MgTb, and ZnTb can be viewed from the standpoint of a balance among spin-spin interactions, anisotropies, and non-Kramers nature of single-ion state. While substituting Zn for Mg changes the chemical pressure, and subtly modifies the interaction energies for compounds with larger R ions, this substitution introduces structural disorder and modifies the ground states for compounds with smaller R ions (Ho, Er, Yb).

Reduced anti-ferromagnetism promoted by Zn 3d 10 substitution at CuO 2 planar sites of Cu 0.5Tl 0.5Ba 2Ca 3Cu 4O 12-δ superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumtaz, M.; Khan, Nawazish A.

2009-11-01

The role of charge carriers in ZnO 2/CuO 2 planes of Cu 0.5Tl 0.5Ba 2Ca 3Cu 4-yZn yO 12-δ material in bringing about superconductivity has been explained. Due to suppression of anti-ferromagnetic order with Zn 3d 10 ( S=0) substitution at Cu 3d 9(S={1}/{2}) sites in the inner CuO 2 planes of Cu 0.5Tl 0.5Ba 2Ca 3Cu 4O 12-δ superconductor, the distribution of charge carriers becomes homogeneous and optimum, which is evident from the enhanced superconductivity parameters. The decreased c-axis length with the increase of Zn doping improves interlayer coupling and hence the three dimensional (3D) conductivity in the unit cell is enhanced. Also the softening of phonon modes with the increased Zn doping indicates that the electron-phonon interaction has an essential role in the mechanism of high- Tc superconductivity in these compounds.

Low temperature Zn diffusion for GaSb solar cell structures fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sulima, Oleg V.; Faleev, Nikolai N.; Kazantsev, Andrej B.; Mintairov, Alexander M.; Namazov, Ali

1995-01-01

Low temperature Zn diffusion in GaSb, where the minimum temperature was 450 C, was studied. The pseudo-closed box (PCB) method was used for Zn diffusion into GaAs, AlGaAs, InP, InGaAs and InGaAsP. The PCB method avoids the inconvenience of sealed ampoules and proved to be simple and reproducible. The special design of the boat for Zn diffusion ensured the uniformality of Zn vapor pressure across the wafer surface, and thus the uniformity of the p-GaSb layer depth. The p-GaSb layers were studied using Raman scattering spectroscopy and the x-ray rocking curve method. As for the postdiffusion processing, an anodic oxidation was used for a precise thinning of the diffused GaSb layers. The results show the applicability of the PCB method for the large-scale production of the GaSb structures for solar cells.

Effect of Dielectric Material Films on Crystallization Characteristics of Ge2Sb2Te5 Phase-Change Memory Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiuchi, Kenichi; Yamada, Noboru; Kawahara, Katsumi; Kojima, Rie

2007-11-01

Reduction of the film thickness of phase-change film and the adoption of GeN- or ZrO2-based dielectric films are both effective in achieving good thermal stability in phase-change optical disks. It was experimentally confirmed that, at a heating rate of 10 °C/min, the crystallization temperature Tx of the Ge2Sb2Te5 amorphous film when sandwiched by ZnS-SiO2 films markedly increases from 162 to 197 °C, while the thickness of the Ge2Sb2Te5 film decreases from 10 to 3 nm. Tx also slightly increases when ZnS-SiO2 films are substituted for GeN-based films (from 162 to 165 °C) and ZrO2-based films (from 162 to 167 °C). At the same time, the activation energy of crystallization is 2.4 eV for both GeN- and ZrO2-based films, and is higher than 2.2 eV for ZnS-SiO2 films.

Mechanism of Zn Particle Oxidation by H2O and CO2 in the Presence of ZnO

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this work we investigate the mechanism of Zn oxidation with CO2 and/or H2O to produce solar derived fuels (CO and/or H2) as part of the Zn/ZnO thermochemical redox cycle. It has been observed that the ZnO contamination of Zn produced by solar thermal reduction of ZnO (solar Zn) facilitates oxidation of the metallic Zn by CO2 and H2O, allowing for nearly complete conversion at temperatures as low as 350 °C. Reaching the same reaction extent starting with pure Zn requires considerably higher temperatures which imposes use of unconventional hard-to-operate reaction configurations utilizing Zn as vapor. The mechanism of this enhancement is investigated by studying the oxidation of solid Zn diluted with ZnO or Al2O3 at 350–400 °C utilizing thermogravimetry. It is found that ZnO acts as the site for the oxidation of Zn originating from the vapor phase, thereby serving as a sink for Zn vapor and maintaining the driving force for sustainable Zn sublimation. As this Zn sublimation competes with the growth of an impervious ZnO scale over the surface of the remaining solid Zn, the presence of the ZnO increases the reaction extent according to the magnitude of its surface area. This mechanism is supported by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, revealing a substantial deposition of produced ZnO over the surface of the ZnO-seeded Al2O3 diluent. PMID:26692637

Mechanism of Zn Particle Oxidation by H2O and CO2 in the Presence of ZnO.

PubMed

Weibel, David; Jovanovic, Zoran R; Gálvez, Elena; Steinfeld, Aldo

2014-11-25

In this work we investigate the mechanism of Zn oxidation with CO 2 and/or H 2 O to produce solar derived fuels (CO and/or H 2 ) as part of the Zn/ZnO thermochemical redox cycle. It has been observed that the ZnO contamination of Zn produced by solar thermal reduction of ZnO (solar Zn) facilitates oxidation of the metallic Zn by CO 2 and H 2 O, allowing for nearly complete conversion at temperatures as low as 350 °C. Reaching the same reaction extent starting with pure Zn requires considerably higher temperatures which imposes use of unconventional hard-to-operate reaction configurations utilizing Zn as vapor. The mechanism of this enhancement is investigated by studying the oxidation of solid Zn diluted with ZnO or Al 2 O 3 at 350-400 °C utilizing thermogravimetry. It is found that ZnO acts as the site for the oxidation of Zn originating from the vapor phase, thereby serving as a sink for Zn vapor and maintaining the driving force for sustainable Zn sublimation. As this Zn sublimation competes with the growth of an impervious ZnO scale over the surface of the remaining solid Zn, the presence of the ZnO increases the reaction extent according to the magnitude of its surface area. This mechanism is supported by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, revealing a substantial deposition of produced ZnO over the surface of the ZnO-seeded Al 2 O 3 diluent.

Effect of Varying Pnictogen Elements (Pn=N, P, As, Sb, Bi) on the Optoelectronic Properties of SrZn2Pn2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murtaza, G.; Yousaf, N.; Laref, A.; Yaseen, M.

2018-03-01

Pnictogen-based Zintl compounds have fascinating properties. Nowadays these compounds have gained exceptional interest in thermoelectric and optoelectronic fields. Therefore, in this work the structural, electronic and optical properties of SrZn2Pn2 (Pn=N, P, As, Sb, Bi) compounds were studied using state-of-the-art density functional theory. The optimised lattice parameters (ɑ, c, c/ɑ and bond lengths) are consistent with the experimental results. The bulk moduli and c/a showed a decrease when changing the Pnictogen (Pn) anion from N to Bi in SrZn2Pn2 (Pn=N, P, As, Sb, Bi). The modified Becke-Johnson potential is used for band structure calculations. All compounds show semiconducting behaviour except SrZn2Bi2, which is metallic. Pn-p, Zn-d and Sr-d play an important role in defining the electronic structure of the compounds. The optical conductivity and absorption coefficient strength are high in visible and ultraviolet regions. These band structures and optical properties clearly show that SrZn2Pn2 compounds are potential candidates in the fields of optoelectronic and photonic devices.

CdTe Nanocrystal Hetero-Junction Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage Based on Sb-doped TiO2 Electron Acceptor Materials

PubMed Central

Li, Miaozi; Liu, Xinyan; Wen, Shiya; Liu, Songwei; Heng, Jingxuan; Qin, Donghuan; Hou, Lintao; Wu, Hongbin; Xu, Wei; Huang, Wenbo

2017-01-01

We propose Sb-doped TiO2 as electron acceptor material for depleted CdTe nanocrystal (NC) hetero-junction solar cells. Novel devices with the architecture of FTO/ZnO/Sb:TiO2/CdTe/Au based on CdTe NC and TiO2 precursor are fabricated by rational ambient solution process. By introducing TiO2 with dopant concentration, we are able to tailor the optoelectronic properties of NC solar cells. Our novel devices demonstrate a very high open circuit voltage of 0.74 V, which is the highest Voc reported for any CdTe NC based solar cells. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells increases with the increase of Sb-doped content from 1% to 3%, then decreases almost linearly with further increase of Sb content due to the recombination effect. The champion device shows Jsc, Voc, FF, and PCE of 14.65 mA/cm2, 0.70 V, 34.44, and 3.53% respectively, which is prospective for solution processed NC solar cells with high Voc. PMID:28467347

Limits on superconductivity-related magnetization in Sr 2RuO 4 and PrOs 4Sb 12 from scanning SQUID microscopy

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

Moler, Kathryn

2010-08-26

We present scanning SQUID microscopy data on the superconductors Sr{sub 2}RuO{sub 4} (T{sub c} = 1.5 K) and PrOs{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} (T{sub c} = 1.8 K). In both of these materials, superconductivity-related time-reversal symmetry-breaking fields have been observed by muon spin rotation; our aim was to visualize the structure of these fields. However in neither Sr{sub 2}RuO{sub 4} nor PrOs{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} do we observe spontaneous superconductivity-related magnetization. In Sr{sub 2}RuO{sub 4}, many experimental results have been interpreted on the basis of a p{sub x} {+-} ip{sub y} superconducting order parameter. This order parameter is expected to give spontaneous magneticmore » induction at sample edges and order parameter domain walls. Supposing large domains, our data restrict domain wall and edge fields to no more than {approx}0.1% and {approx}0.2% of the expected magnitude, respectively. Alternatively, if the magnetization is of the expected order, the typical domain size is limited to {approx}30 nm for random domains, or {approx} 500 nm for periodic domains.« less

New ternary phosphides and arsenides. Syntheses, crystal structures, physical properties of Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2}, Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}

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

Wang, Jian; Xia, Sheng-Qing, E-mail: shqxia@sdu.edu.cn; Tao, Xu-Tang

2013-09-15

Three new europium pnictides Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2}, Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} have been synthesized and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2} is isotypic with Yb{sub 2}CdSb{sub 2} (Cmc2{sub 1} (No. 36); cell parameters a=4.1777(7) Å, b=15.925(3) Å, c=7.3008(12) Å), while the latter two compounds crystallize with the Ba{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}Sb{sub 3} structure type (C2/m (No. 12); cell parameters a=15.653(5)/16.402(1) Å, b=4.127(1)/4.445(4) Å, c=11.552(4)/12.311(1) Å and β=126.647(4)/126.515(7)° for Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}, respectively). Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the interval 5–300 K confirm paramagnetic behavior and effectivemore » magnetic moments characteristic of Eu{sup 2+} ([Xe] 4f{sup 7}) ground states. Temperature-dependent electrical conductivity measurements also prove that Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} is a semiconducting compound with a narrow band gap of 0.059 eV below 100 K. According to TG/DSC analyses, Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} starts to decompose at about 950 K. - Graphical abstract: A polyhedral view of the crystal structure of new pnictides Eu{sub 2}T{sub 2}Pn{sub 3} (T=Zn or Cd; Pn=P or As). Display Omitted - Highlights: • Three new ternary pnictide Zintl compounds, Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2}, Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}, have been synthesized and characterized. • The europium cations are divalent and ferromagnetically coupled in both Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}. • Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} has a very small band gap of 0.06 eV and starts to decompose over 950 K.« less

Disordered Zinc in Zn4Sb3 with Phonon-Glass and Electron-Crystal Thermoelectric Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, G. Jeffrey; Christensen, Mogens; Nishibori, Eiji; Caillat, Thierry; Brummerstedt Iversen, Bo

2004-01-01

By converting waste heat into electricity, thermoelectric generators could be an important part of the solution to today's energy challenges. The compound Zn4Sb3 is one of the most efficient thermoelectric materials known. Its high efficiency results from an extraordinarily low thermal conductivity in conjunction with the electronic structure of a heavily doped semiconductor. Previous structural studies have been unable to explain this unusual combination of properties. Here, we show through a comprehensive structural analysis using single-crystal X-ray and powder-synchrotron-radiation diffraction methods, that both the electronic and thermal properties of Zn4Sb3 can be understood in terms of unique structural features that have been previously overlooked. The identification of Sb3- ions and Sb-2(4-) dimers reveals that Zn4Sb3 is a valence semiconductor with the ideal stoichiometry Zn13Sb10. In addition, the structure contains significant disorder, with zinc atoms distributed over multiple positions. The discovery of glass-like interstitial sites uncovers a highly effective mechanism for reducing thermal conductivity. Thus Zn4Sb3 is in many ways an ideal 'phonon glass, electron crystal' thermoelectric material.

Sb:SnO2 thin films-synthesis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhadrapriya B., C.; Varghese, Anitta Rose; Amarendra, G.; Hussain, Shamima

2018-04-01

Transparent thin films of antimony doped SnO2 have been synthesized and characterized using optical spectroscopy, XRD, RAMAN and FESEM. The band gap of Sb doped tin oxide thin film samples were found to vary from 3.26 eV to 3.7 eV. The XRD peaks showed prominent rutile SnO2 peaks with diminished intensity due to antimony doping. A wide band in the range 550-580 cm-1 was observed in raman spectra and is a feature of nano-sized SnO2. SEM images showed flower-like structures on thin film surface, a characteristic feature of antimony.

Comparative optical studies of ZnO and ZnO-TiO2 - Metal oxide nanoparticle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayalakshmi, R. Vanathi; Asvini, V.; Kumar, P. Praveen; Ravichandran, K.

2018-05-01

A comparative study was carried out to show the enhancement in optical activity of bimetal oxide nanoparticle (ZnO - TiO2) than metal oxide nanoparticle (ZnO), which can preferably be used for optical applications. The samples were prepared by wet chemical method and crystalline structure of the samples as hexagonal - primitive for ZnO and tetragonal - bcc for ZnO-TiO2 was confirmed by XRD measurements. The average grain size of ZnO - 19.89nm and ZnO-TiO2- 49.89 nm was calculated by Debye- Scherrer formula. The structure and particle size of the sample was analyzed by FESEM images. The direct band gap energy of ZnO (3.9eV) and ZnO - TiO2(4.68eV) was calculated by Kubelka-Munk Function, from which it is clear that the band gap energy increases in bimetal oxide to a desired level than in its pure form. The photoluminescence study shows that the emitted wavelength of the samples lies exactly around the visible region.

Novel ZnO/MgO/Fe2O3 composite optomagnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kamińska, I; Sikora, B; Fronc, K; Dziawa, P; Sobczak, K; Minikayev, R; Paszkowicz, W; Elbaum, D

2013-05-15

A facile sol-gel synthesis of novel ZnO/MgO/Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) is reported and their performance is compared to that of ZnO/MgO. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal the crystal structure of the prepared samples. The average particle size of the sample was found to be 4.8 nm. The optical properties were determined by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence measurements. The NPs are stable in biologically relevant solutions (phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 20 mM, pH = 7.0) contrary to ZnO/MgO NPs which degrade in the presence of inorganic phosphate. Superparamagnetic properties were determined with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Biocompatible and stable in PBS ZnO/MgO/Fe2O3 core/shell composite nanocrystals show luminescent and magnetic properties confined to a single NP at room temperature (19-24 ° C), which may render the material to be potentially useful for biomedical applications.

Sonocatalytic degradation of some dyestuffs and comparison of catalytic activities of nano-sized TiO2, nano-sized ZnO and composite TiO2/ZnO powders under ultrasonic irradiation.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Jiang, Zhe; Zhang, Liqun; Kang, Pingli; Xie, Yingpeng; Lv, Yanhui; Xu, Rui; Zhang, Xiangdong

2009-02-01

Here, a novel sonocatalyst, composite TiO2/ZnO powder, was prepared through the combination of nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO powders. Because of the appropriate adsorbability to organic pollutants and special crystal interphase between TiO2 and ZnO particles, the composite TiO2/ZnO powder exhibits a high sonocatalytic activity under ultrasonic irradiation during the degradation of acid red B. Especially, the sonocatalytic activity of composite TiO2/ZnO powder with 4:1 molar proportion treated at 500 degrees C for 50 min showed obvious improvement compared with pure nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO powders. When the experimental conditions such as 10mg/L acid red B concentration, 1.0 g/L catalyst addition amount, pH=7.0, 20 degrees C system temperature, 100 min ultrasonic time and 50 mL total volume were adopted, the satisfactory degradation ratio and rate were obtained. All experiments indicate that the sonocatalytic method using composite TiO2/ZnO powder may be a more advisable choice for the treatments of non- or low-transparent organic wastewaters in future.

Heterogeneous in-situ nanostructure contributes to the thermoelectric performance of Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3}

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

Lin, Jianping; Ma, Lingzhi; Yang, Baifeng

Single-phase Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} and ZnSb-containing samples were prepared by Plasma Activated Sintering. An abrupt decrease of thermal conductivity was found at about 400 K, which is attributed to the microstructure change of Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3}. Nanoscale inclusions and compositional inhomogeneities were found in Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} sample at 473 K by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The phonon scattering is enhanced by increasing grain boundaries and chaotic structure, which reduces the thermal conductivity and increases the thermoelectric performance of Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} at elevated temperature. The Rietveld refinement results show that large ZnSb grains in ZnSb-containing samples will accommodate excessmore » Zn atoms, and then reduce thermoelectric performance.« less

Behavior of GaSb (100) and InSb (100) surfaces in the presence of H2O2 in acidic and basic cleaning solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Dongwan; Na, Jihoon; Lee, Seunghyo; Lim, Sangwoo

2017-03-01

Gallium antimonide (GaSb) and indium antimonide (InSb) have attracted strong attention as new channel materials for transistors due to their excellent electrical properties and lattice matches with various group III-V compound semiconductors. In this study, the surface behavior of GaSb (100) and InSb (100) was investigated and compared in hydrochloric acid/hydrogen peroxide mixture (HPM) and ammonium hydroxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture (APM) solutions. In the acidic HPM solution, surface oxidation was greater and the etching rates of the GaSb and InSb surfaces increased when the solution is concentrated, which indicates that H2O2 plays a key role in the surface oxidation of GaSb and InSb in acidic HPM solution. However, the GaSb and InSb surfaces were hardly oxidized in basic APM solution in the presence of H2O2 because gallium and indium are in the thermodynamically stable forms of H2GaO3- and InO2-, respectively. When the APM solution was diluted, however, the Ga on the GaSb surface was oxidized by H2O, increasing the etching rate. However, the effect of dilution of the APM solution on the oxidation of the InSb surface was minimal; thus, the InSb surface was less oxidized than the GaSb surface and the change in the etching rate of InSb with dilution of the APM solution was not significant. Additionally, the oxidation behavior of gallium and indium was more sensitive to the composition of the HPM and APM solutions than that of antimony. Therefore, the surface properties and etching characteristics of GaSb and InSb in HPM and APM solutions are mainly dependent on the behavior of the group III elements rather than the group V elements.

Au/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts impregnated in N-doped graphene for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid, acetaminophen and dopamine.

PubMed

Chen, Xianlan; Zhang, Guowei; Shi, Ling; Pan, Shanqing; Liu, Wei; Pan, Hiabo

2016-08-01

The formation of nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene uses hydrothermal method with urea as reducing agent and nitrogen source. The surface elemental composition of the catalyst was analyzed through XPS, which showed a high content of a total N species (7.12at.%), indicative of the effective N-doping, present in the form of pyridinic N, pyrrolic N and graphitic N groups. Moreover, Au nanoparticles deposited on ZnO nanocrystals surface, forming Au/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts, undergo a super-hydrophobic to super-hydrophilic conversion. Herein, we present Au/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts impregnated in N-doped graphene sheets through sonication technique of the Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene hybrid nanostructures. The as-prepared Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene hybrid nanostructure modified glassy carbon electrode (Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene/GCE) was first employed for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and acetaminophen (AC). The oxidation over-potentials of AA, DA and AC decreased dramatically, and their oxidation peak currents increased significantly at Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene/GCE compared to those obtained at the N-doped graphene/GCE and bare CCE. The peak separations between AA and DA, DA and AC, and AC and AA are large up to 195, 198 and 393mV, respectively. The calibration curves for AA, DA and AC were obtained in the range of 30.00-13.00×10(3), 2.00-0.18×10(3) and 5.00-3.10×10(3)μM, respectively. The detection limits (S/N=3) were 5.00, 0.40 and 0.80μM for AA, DA and AC, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The study of glass transition temperature in Sb-V2O5-TeO2 glasses at different heating rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souri, Dariush

2015-12-01

The glass transition of xSb-(60 - x)V2O5-40TeO2 glasses with 0 < x <15 (in mol%) at different heating rates ( φ = 3-12 K/min) has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The glass transition temperature ( T g) and crystallization temperature ( T cr) of these glasses have been determined. The effects of the heating rate and the Sb content on T g have been discussed. It has been observed that the transition region shifts to higher temperatures when the measuring time is reduced. The compositional dependence of T g has been determined and so an empirical equation has been deduced relating the glass transition temperature with the Sb concentration. Also, the value of glass-forming tendency has been studied for the present glasses.

Zincobotryogen, ZnFe3+(SO4)2(OH)ṡ7H2O: validation as a mineral species and new data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhuming; Giester, Gerald; Mao, Qian; Ma, Yuguang; Zhang, Di; Li, He

2017-06-01

Zincobotryogen occurs in the oxidation zone of the Xitieshan lead-zinc deposit, Qinghai, China. The mineral is associated with jarosite, copiapite, zincocopiapite, and quartz. The mineral forms prismatic crystals, 0.05 to 2 mm in size. It is optically positive (2Vcalc = 54.1°), with Z ‖ b and X ∧ c = 10°. The elongation is negative. The refractive indices are n α = 1.542(5), n β = 1.551(5), n γ = 1.587(5). The pleochroism scheme is X = colorless, Y = light yellow, Z = yellow. Microprobe analysis gave (in wt%): SO3 = 38.04, Al2O3 = 0.04, Fe2O3 = 18.46, ZnO = 13.75, MgO = 1.52, MnO = 1.23, H2O = 31.06 (by calculation), Total = 104.10. The simplified formula is (Zn,Mg)Fe3+(SO4)2(OH)ṡ7H2O. The mineral is monoclinic, P121/ n1, a = 10.504(2), b = 17.801(4), c = 7.1263(14) Å, and β = 100.08(3)°, V = 1311.9(5) Å3, Z = 4. The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern d(I)( hkl) are: 8.92 (100)(110), 6.32 (77)(-101), 5.56 (23)(021), 4.08 (22)(-221),3.21 (31)(231), 3.03 (34)(032), 2.77 (22)(042). The crystal structure was refined using 2816 unique reflections to R1( F) = 0.0355 and wR2( F 2) = 0.0651. The refined formula is (Zn0.84Mg0.16)Fe3+(SO4)2(OH)ṡ7H2O. The atomic arrangement is characterized by chains with composition [Fe3+(SO4)2(OH)(H2O)]2- and 7 Å repeat distance running parallel to the c-axis. The chain links to a [ MO(H2O)5] octahedron ( M = Zn, Mg) and an unshared H2O molecule, and forms a larger chain building module with composition [ M 2+Fe3+(SO4)2(OH)(H2O)6(H2O)]. The inter-chain module linkage involves only hydrogen bonding.

Solid Liquid Interdiffusion Bonding of Zn4Sb3 Thermoelectric Material with Cu Electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Y. C.; Lee, K. T.; Hwang, J. D.; Chu, H. S.; Hsu, C. C.; Chen, S. C.; Chuang, T. H.

2016-10-01

The ZnSb intermetallic compound may have thermoelectric applications because it is low in cost and environmentally friendly. In this study, a Zn4Sb3 thermoelectric element coated with a Ni barrier layer and a Ag reaction layer was bonded with a Ag-coated Cu electrode using a Ag/Sn/Ag solid-liquid interdiffusion bonding process. The results indicated that a Ni5Zn21 intermetallic phase formed easily at the Zn4Sb3/Ni interface, leading to sound adhesion. In addition, Sn film was found to react completely with the Ag layer to form a Ag3Sn intermetallic layer having a melting point of 480°C. The resulting Zn4Sb3 thermoelectric module can be applied at the optimized operation temperature (400°C) of Zn4Sb3 material as a thermoelectric element. The bonding strengths ranged from 14.9 MPa to 25.0 MPa, and shear tests revealed that the Zn4Sb3/Cu-joints fractured through the interior of the thermoelectric elements.

12CaO-7Al2O3 Electride Hollow Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, John D. (Inventor); Rand, Lauren P. (Inventor); Martinez, Rafael A. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

The use of the electride form of 12CaO-7Al2O3, or C12A7, as a low work function electron emitter in a hollow cathode discharge apparatus is described. No heater is required to initiate operation of the present cathode, as is necessary for traditional hollow cathode devices. Because C12A7 has a fully oxidized lattice structure, exposure to oxygen does not degrade the electride. The electride was surrounded by a graphite liner since it was found that the C12A7 electride converts to it's eutectic (CA+C3A) form when heated (through natural hollow cathode operation) in a metal tube.

Highly efficient and mild electrochemical mineralization of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C10) by Ti/SnO2-Sb-Ce, Ti/SnO2-Sb/Ce-PbO2, and Ti/BDD electrodes.

PubMed

Lin, Hui; Niu, Junfeng; Xu, Jiale; Huang, Haiou; Li, Duo; Yue, Zhihan; Feng, Chenghong

2013-11-19

The electrochemical mineralization of environmentally persistent long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), i.e., perfluorononanoic acid (C8F17COOH, PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (C9F19COOH, PFDA) was investigated in aqueous solutions (0.25 mmol L(-1)) over Ti/SnO2-Sb-Ce (SnO2), Ti/SnO2-Sb/Ce-PbO2 (PbO2), and Ti/BDD (BDD) anodes under galvanostatic control at room temperature. Based on PFCA decay rate, total organic carbon (TOC) reduction, defluorination ratio, safety, and energy consumption, the performance of PbO2 electrode was comparable with that of BDD electrode. After 180 min electrolysis, the PFNA removals on BDD and PbO2 electrodes were 98.7 ± 0.4% and 97.1 ± 1.0%, respectively, while the corresponding PFDA removals were 96.0 ± 1.4% and 92.2 ± 1.9%. SnO2 electrode yielded lower PFCA removals and led to notable secondary pollution by Sb ions. The primary mineralization product, F(-), as well as trace amounts of intermediate PFCAs with shortened chain lengths, were detected in aqueous solution after electrolysis. On the basis of these results, a degradation mechanism including three potential routes is proposed: via formation of short-chain PFCAs by stepwise removal of CF2; direct mineralization to CO2 and HF; conversion to volatile fluorinated organic compounds. The results presented here demonstrate that electrochemical technique exhibits high efficiency in mineralizing PFNA and PFDA under mild conditions, and is promising for the treatment of long-chain PFCAs in wastewater.

H2 gas sensing properties of a ZnO/CuO and ZnO/CuO/Cu2O Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ababii, N.; Postica, V.; Hoppe, M.; Adelung, R.; Lupan, O.; Railean, S.; Pauporté, T.; Viana, B.

2017-03-01

The most important parameters of gas sensors are sensitivity and especially high selectivity to specific chemical species. To improve these parameters we developed sensor structures based on layered semiconducting oxides, namely CuO/Cu2O, CuO:Zn/Cu2O:Zn, NiO/ZnO. In this work, the ZnO/CuxO (where x = 1, 2) bi-layer heterostructure were grown via a simple synthesis from chemical solution (SCS) at relatively low temperatures (< 95 °C), representing a combination of layered n-type and p-type semiconducting oxides which are widely used as sensing material for gas sensors. The main advantages of the developed device structures are given by simplicity of the synthesis and technological cost-efficiency. Structural investigations showed high crystallinity of synthesized layers confirming the presence of zinc oxide nanostructures on the surface of the copper oxide film deposited on glass substrate. Structural changes in morphology of grown nanostructures induced by post-grown thermal annealing were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations, and were studied in detail. The influence of thermal annealing type on the optical properties was also investigated. As an example of practical applications, the ZnO/CuxO bi-layer heterojunctions and ZnO/CuO/Cu2O three-layered structures were integrated into sensor structures and were tested to different types of reducing gases at different operating temperatures (OPT), showing promising results for fabrication of selective gas sensors.

Hybrid TiO2/ZnO and TiO2/Al plasmon impregnated ZnO nanocomposite photoanodes for DSSCs: synthesis and characterisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pugazhendhi, K.; D’Almeida, Steven; Naveen Kumar, P.; Sahaya Selva Mary, J.; Tenkyong, Tenzin; Sharmila, D. J.; J, Madhavan; Merline Shyla, J.

2018-04-01

The proposed work reports the synthesis and characterisation of novel and hybrid nanocomposites TiO2/ZnO and TiO2/Al plasmon impregnated ZnO, prepared using sol-gel method. X-Ray Diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanocomposites with high degree of purity and the crystallite size was found to be 22 nm (TiO2/ZnO) and 21 nm (TiO2/Al-ZnO) using Scherrer’s formula. The surface chemistry, elemental compositions and purity were investigated and established using Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis. The specific surface area of TiO2/ZnO was observed to be 23 m2 g‑1 whereas on comparison, a slight decrease was observed in the case of TiO2/Al-ZnO to 19 m2 g‑1 from Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and in addition, both the samples were identified to be mesoporous in nature. The vibrational assignments were observed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy and results confirmed the existence of TiO2, ZnO and Al groups. The electrical response of the nanocomposites to the incident radiation with applied electric field was examined using Field Dependent Dark and Photo conductivity studies. The observed measurements revealed that the photocurrent values are greater than the dark currents which confirmed the photoconductive nature of the nanocomposites. While both the prepared nanocomposites qualify as good candidates for usage as efficient photoanodes for DSSCs, TiO2/Al-ZnO indicates a slight edge over the other.

A comparison of the transport properties of lithium-stuffed garnets and the conventional phases Li 3Ln3Te 2O 12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cussen, Edmund J.; Yip, Thomas W. S.; O'Neill, Gemma; O'Callaghan, Michael P.

2011-02-01

The structures of new phases Li 6CaLa 2Sb 2O 12 and Li 6.4Ca 1.4La 2Sb 2O 12 have been characterised using neutron powder diffraction. Rietveld analyses show that both compounds crystallise in the space group la3¯ d and contain the lithium cations in a complex arrangement with occupational disorder across oxide tetrahedra and distorted oxide octahedra, with considerable positional disorder in the latter. Variable temperature neutron diffraction experiments on Li 6.4Ca 1.4La 2Sb 2O 12 show the structure is largely invariant with only a small variation in the lithium distribution as a function of temperature. Impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the total conductivity of Li 6CaLa 2Sb 2O 12 is several orders of magnitude smaller than related lithium-stuffed garnets with σ=10 -7 S cm -1 at 95 °C and an activation energy of 0.82(3) eV. The transport properties of the conventional garnets Li 3Gd 3Te 2O 12, Li 3Tb 3Te 2O 12, Li 3Er 3Te 2O 12 and Li 3Lu 3Te 2O 12 have been evaluated and consistently show much lower values of conductivity, σ≤4.4×10 -6 S cm -1 at 285 °C and activation energies in the range 0.77(4)≤ Ea/eV≤1.21(3).

Geology, S-Pb isotopes, and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the Zhaxikang Sb-Pb-Zn-Ag deposit in Southern Tibet: implications for multiple mineralization events at Zhaxikang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiang; Zheng, Youye; Pirajno, Franco; McCuaig, T. Campbell; Yu, Miao; Xia, Shenlan; Song, Qingjie; Chang, Huifang

2018-03-01

Several Au, Sb, Sb-Au, Pb-Zn, and Sb-Pb-Zn-Ag deposits are present throughout the North Himalaya in southern Tibet, China. The largest Sb-Pb-Zn-Ag deposit is Zhaxikang (18 Mt at 0.6 wt% Sb, 2.0 wt% Pb, 3.5 wt% Zn, and 78 g/t Ag). Zhaxikang veins are hosted within N-S trending faults, which crosscut the Early-Middle Jurassic Ridang Formation consisting of shale interbedded with sandstone and limestone deposited on a passive continental margin. Ore paragenesis indicates that Zhaxikang mineralization occurred in two main phases composed of six total stages. The initial phase was characterized by assemblages of fine-grained Mn-Fe carbonate + arsenopyrite + pyrite + sphalerite (stage 1), followed by relatively coarse-grained Mn-Fe carbonate + Fe-rich sphalerite + galena + pyrite (stage 2). The second phase was marked by assemblages of quartz + pyrite + Fe-poor sphalerite and Ag-rich galena + tetrahedrite + sericite (stage 3), quartz + Sb-Pb sulfosalt minerals mainly composed of boulangerite and jamesonite (stage 4), quartz + stibnite ± cinnabar (stage 5), and quartz ± calcite (stage 6). Sulfides of stage 2 have δ34SV-CDT of 8.4-12.0‰, 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 19.648 to 19.659, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.788 to 15.812, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 40.035 to 40.153. Sulfides of stage 3 have similar δ34SV-CDT of 6.1-11.2‰ and relatively more radiogenic lead isotopes (206Pb/204Pb = 19.683-19.792). Stage 4 Sb-Pb sulfosalt minerals have δ34SV-CDT of 5.0-7.2‰ and even more radiogenic lead (206Pb/204Pb = 19.811-19.981). By contrast, stibnite of stage 5 has δ34SV-CDT of 4.5-7.8‰ and less radiogenic lead (206Pb/204Pb = 18.880-18.974). Taken together with the geological observations that the Pb-Zn-bearing Mn-Fe carbonate veins were crosscut by various types of quartz veins, sphalerite and galena of stage 2 underwent dissolution and remobilization, and that Sb-Pb(-Fe) sulfosalts formed at the expense of Pb from stage 2 galena and of Fe from stage 2 sphalerite, we argue that

Core-shell TiO2@ZnO nanorods for efficient ultraviolet photodetection.

PubMed

Panigrahi, Shrabani; Basak, Durga

2011-05-01

Core-shell TiO(2)@ZnO nanorods (NRs) have been fabricated by a simple two step method: growth of ZnO NRs' array by an aqueous chemical technique and then coating of the NRs with a solution of titanium isopropoxide [Ti(OC(3)H(7))(4)] followed by a heating step to form the shell. The core-shell nanocomposites are composed of single-crystalline ZnO NRs, coated with a thin TiO(2) shell layer obtained by varying the number of coatings (one, three and five times). The ultraviolet (UV) emission intensity of the nanocomposite is largely quenched due to an efficient electron-hole separation reducing the band-to-band recombinations. The UV photoconductivity of the core-shell structure with three times TiO(2) coating has been largely enhanced due to photoelectron transfer between the core and the shell. The UV photosensitivity of the nanocomposite becomes four times larger while the photocurrent decay during steady UV illumination has been decreased almost by 7 times compared to the as-grown ZnO NRs indicating high efficiency of these core-shell structures as UV sensors. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Core-shell TiO2@ZnO nanorods for efficient ultraviolet photodetection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panigrahi, Shrabani; Basak, Durga

2011-05-01

Core-shell TiO2@ZnO nanorods (NRs) have been fabricated by a simple two step method: growth of ZnO NRs' array by an aqueous chemical technique and then coating of the NRs with a solution of titanium isopropoxide [Ti(OC3H7)4] followed by a heating step to form the shell. The core-shell nanocomposites are composed of single-crystalline ZnO NRs, coated with a thin TiO2 shell layer obtained by varying the number of coatings (one, three and five times). The ultraviolet (UV) emission intensity of the nanocomposite is largely quenched due to an efficient electron-hole separation reducing the band-to-band recombinations. The UV photoconductivity of the core-shell structure with three times TiO2 coating has been largely enhanced due to photoelectron transfer between the core and the shell. The UV photosensitivity of the nanocomposite becomes four times larger while the photocurrent decay during steady UV illumination has been decreased almost by 7 times compared to the as-grown ZnO NRs indicating high efficiency of these core-shell structures as UV sensors.

On the tin impurity in the thermoelectric compound ZnSb: Charge-carrier generation and compensation

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

Prokofieva, L. V., E-mail: lprokofieva496@gmail.com; Konstantinov, P. P.; Shabaldin, A. A.

2016-06-15

The technique for measuring the Hall coefficient and electrical conductivity in the thermal cycling mode is used to study the effect of the Sn impurity on the microstructure and properties of pressed ZnSb samples. Tin was introduced as an excess component (0.1 and 0.2 at %) and as a substitutional impurity for Zn and Sb atoms in a concentration of (2–2.5) at % The temperature dependences of the parameters of lightly doped samples are fundamentally like similar curves for ZnSb with 0.1 at % of Cu. The highest Hall concentration, 1.4 × 10{sup 19} cm{sup –3} at 300 K, ismore » obtained upon the introduction of 0.1 at % of Sn; the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit attains its maximum value of 0.85 at 660 K. The experimental data are discussed under the assumption of two doping mechanisms, which are effective in different temperature ranges, with zinc vacancies playing the decisive role of acceptor centers. In two ZnSb samples with SnSb and ZnSn additives, the charge-carrier compensation effect is observed; this effect depends on temperature and markedly changes with doping type. As in p-type A{sup IV}–B{sup VI} materials with a low Sn content, hole compensation can be attributed to atomic recharging Sn{sup 2+} → Sn{sup 4+}. Types of compensating complexes are considered.« less

Fermi Level Unpinning of GaSb (100) using Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2O3

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

of high-/GaSb semiconductor interface. GaSb has a highly reactive surface and on exposure to air it will form a native oxide layer composed of Ga2O3 ...and Sb2O3 2GaSb+3O2→ Ga2O3 +Sb2O3. The Sb2O3 can fur- ther react with the GaSb surface forming elemental Sb and Ga2O3 Sb2O3+2GaSb→ Ga2O3 +4Sb.5,6...rights_and_permissions mentioned before, Sb2O3 reacts with GaSb forming Ga2O3 and elemental Sb.6 The kinetics of this reaction is enhanced at higher temperatures200 °C.14

Intrinsic and extrinsic doping of ZnO and ZnO alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellmer, Klaus; Bikowski, André

2016-10-01

In this article the doping of the oxidic compound semiconductor ZnO is reviewed with special emphasis on n-type doping. ZnO naturally exhibits n-type conductivity, which is used in the application of highly doped n-type ZnO as a transparent electrode, for instance in thin film solar cells. For prospective application of ZnO in other electronic devices (LEDs, UV photodetectors or power devices) p-type doping is required, which has been reported only minimally. Highly n-type doped ZnO can be prepared by doping with the group IIIB elements B, Al, Ga, and In, which act as shallow donors according to the simple hydrogen-like substitutional donor model of Bethe (1942 Theory of the Boundary Layer of Crystal Rectifiers (Boston, MA: MIT Rad Lab.)). Group IIIA elements (Sc, Y, La etc) are also known to act as shallow donors in ZnO, similarly explainable by the shallow donor model of Bethe. Some reports showed that even group IVA (Ti, Zr, Hf) and IVB (Si, Ge) elements can be used to prepare highly doped ZnO films—which, however, can no longer be explained by the simple hydrogen-like substitutional donor model. More probably, these elements form defect complexes that act as shallow donors in ZnO. On the other hand, group V elements on oxygen lattice sites (N, P, As, and Sb), which were viewed for a long time as typical shallow acceptors, behave instead as deep acceptors, preventing high hole concentrations in ZnO at room temperature. Also, ‘self’-compensation, i.e. the formation of a large number of intrinsic donors at high acceptor concentrations seems to counteract the p-type doping of ZnO. At donor concentrations above about 1020 cm-3, the electrical activation of the dopant elements is often less than 100%, especially in polycrystalline thin films. Reasons for the electrical deactivation of the dopant atoms are (i) the formation of dopant-defect complexes, (ii) the compensation of the electrons by acceptors (Oi, VZn) or (iii) the formation of secondary phases, for

Structural phase transition and phonon instability in Cu 12Sb 4S 13

DOE PAGES

May, Andrew F.; Delaire, Olivier A.; Niedziela, Jennifer L.; ...

2016-02-08

In this study, a structural phase transition has been discovered in the synthetic tetrahedrite Cu 12Sb 4S 13 at approximately 88 K. Upon cooling, the material transforms from its known cubic symmetry to a tetragonal unit cell that is characterized by an in-plane ordering that leads to a doubling of the unit cell volume. Specific heat capacity measurements demonstrate a hysteresis of more than two degrees in the associated anomaly. A similar hysteresis was observed in powder x-ray diffraction measurements, which also indicate a coexistence of the two phases, and together these results suggest a first-order transition. This structural transitionmore » coincides with a recently-reported metal-insulator transition, and the structural instability is related to the very low thermal conductivity κ in these materials. Inelastic neutron scattering was used to measure the phonon density of states in Cu 12Sb 4S 13 and Cu 10Zn 2Sb 4S 13, both of which possess a localized, low-energy phonon mode associated with strongly anharmonic copper displacements that suppress κ. In Cu 12Sb 4S 13, signatures of the phase transition are observed in the temperature dependence of the localized mode, which disappears at the structural transition. In contrast, in the cubic Zn-doped material, the mode is at slightly higher-energy but observable for all temperatures, though it softens upon cooling.« less

Near-infrared luminescence of Bi2ZnOB2O6:Nd3+/PMMA composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaroszewski, K.; Głuchowski, P.; Chrunik, M.; Jastrząb, R.; Majchrowski, A.; Kasprowicz, D.

2018-01-01

Near-infrared luminescence of a novel polymer composite system: PMMA doped with Bi2ZnOB2O6:Nd3+ microparticles, is reported for the first time. Luminescence properties of Bi2ZnOB2O6:Nd3+/PMMA were analyzed on the basis on excitation and emission spectra as well as fluorescence decay profiles. Excitation spectra monitored at 1062 nm (4F3/2 → 4I11/2) indicate numerous bands related to the optical transition of Nd3+ ions: from the 4I9/2 ground state to the 4D3/2, 2P1/2, 2K15/2, 4G7/2 + 4G9/2, 2K13/2, 4G5/2 + 2G7/2, 2H11/2, 4F9/2, 4F7/2 + 4S3/2, 4F5/2 + 2H9/2, 4F3/2 excited states. Many of them may be utilized to excite near-infrared emission of Nd3+ ions. In particular, distinctive Nd3+ emissions of the 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transitions were detected, under excitation at 514 nm. The fluorescence decay profiles monitored at 1062 nm, excited at 514 nm, show relatively long emission lifetime of the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition equal to 85 μs. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine vibrational properties and homogeneity of Bi2ZnOB2O6:Nd3+/PMMA composites. The obtained results suggest that Bi2ZnOB2O6:Nd3+/PMMA composite may be applied as an effective source of near-infrared emission in a new integrated optoelectronic devices.

Electrochemical Degradation of Rhodamine B over Ti/SnO2-Sb Electrode.

PubMed

Maharana, Dusmant; Niu, Junfeng; Gao, Ding; Xu, Zesheng; Shi, Jianghong

2015-04-01

Electrochemical degradation of rhodamine B (C28H31ClN2O3) over Ti/SnO2-Sb anode was investigated in a rectangular cell. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The degradation efficiency of rhodamine B attained >90.0% after 20 minutes of electrolysis at initial concentrations of 5 to 200 mg/L at a constant current density of 20 mA/cm2 with a 10 mmol/L Na2SO4 supporting electrolyte solution. Rhodamine B (50 mg/L) degradation and total organic carbon (TOC) removal ratio achieved 99.9 and 86.7%, respectively, at the optimal conditions after 30 minutes of electrolysis. The results showed that the energy efficiency of rhodamine B (50 mg/L) degradation at the optimal current densities from 2 to 30 mA/cm2 were 23.2 to 84.6 Wh/L, whereas the electrolysis time for 90% degradation of rhodamine B with Ti/SnO2-Sb anode was 36.6 and 7.3 minutes, respectively. The electrochemical method can be an advisable option for the treatment of dyes such as rhodamine B in wastewater.

Two-dimensional electron gases in MgZnO/ZnO and ZnO/MgZnO/ZnO heterostructures grown by dual ion beam sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rohit; Arif Khan, Md; Sharma, Pankaj; Than Htay, Myo; Kranti, Abhinav; Mukherjee, Shaibal

2018-04-01

This work reports on the formation of high-density (~1013-1014 cm-2) two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in ZnO-based heterostructures, grown by a dual ion beam sputtering system. We probe 2DEG in bilayer MgZnO/ZnO and capped ZnO/MgZnO/ZnO heterostructures utilizing MgZnO barrier layers with varying thickness and Mg content. The effect of the ZnO cap layer thickness on the ZnO/MgZnO/ZnO heterostructure is also studied. Hall measurements demonstrate that the addition of a 5 nm ZnO cap layer results in an enhancement of the 2DEG density by about 1.5 times compared to 1.11 × 1014 cm-2 for the uncapped bilayer heterostructure with the same 30 nm barrier thickness and 30 at.% Mg composition in the barrier layer. From the low-temperature Hall measurement, the sheet carrier concentration and mobility are both found to be independent of the temperature. The capacitance-voltage measurement suggests a carrier density of ~1020 cm-3, confined in 2DEG at the MgZnO/ZnO heterointerface. The results presented are significant for the optimization of 2DEG for the eventual realization of cost-effective and large-area MgZnO/ZnO-based high-electron-mobility transistors.

Effects of Cr/Zn Substitutions on Dielectric Properties of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}(CCTO) Ceramics

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

Rajmi, R.; Yahya, A. K.; Deni, M. S. M.

2010-07-07

Effects of Zn and Cr substitutions on dielectric properties of CaCu{sub 3-x}Zn{sub x}Ti{sub 4-y}Cr{sub y}O{sub 12} ceramics are reported. Dielectric measurements at room temperature for un-substituted CaCu{sub 3-x}Zn{sub x}Ti{sub 4-y}Cr{sub y}O{sub 12}(x = 0, y = 0) between 10{sup 2}-10{sup 6} Hz showed dielectric constant of 2.7x10{sup 4} at 10{sup 2} Hz. Substitution of Zn for Cu in CaCu{sub 3-x}Zn{sub xTi{sub 4{sub -{sub yCr{sub yO{sub 1{sub 2}}}}}}}(y = 0, x = 0.10, 0.50)caused dielectric constant to drop with increasing x. Cr substitution at Ti-site in CaCu{sub 3-x}Zn{sub xTi{sub 4{sub -{sub yCr{sub yO{sub 1{sub 2}}}}}}}(x = 0, x = 0,) alsomore » caused decrease in dielectric constant. However, at x = 0.50, the dielectric constant at low frequency was enhanced compared to the un-substituted sample. Our results indicate that Cu and Ti sites play an important role in the formation of Internal Barrier Layer Capacitance (IBLC) in CCTO.« less

Initial Transient in Zn-doped InSb Grown in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostrogorsky, A G.; Marin, C.; Volz, M.; Duffar, T.

2009-01-01

Three Zn-doped InSb crystals were directionally solidified under microgravity conditions at the International Space Station (ISS) Alpha. The distribution of the Zn was measured using SIMS. A short diffusion-controlled transient, typical for systems with k greater than 1 was demonstrated. Static pressure of approximately 4000 N/m2 was imposed on the melt, to prevent bubble formation and dewetting. Still, partial de-wetting has occurred in one experiment, and apparently has disturbed the diffusive transport of Zn in the melt.

Nonstoichiometric Zn Ferrite and ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 Composite Spheres: Preparation, Magnetic Properties, and Chromium Removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hang, Chun-Liang; Yang, Li-Xia; Sun, Chang-Mei; Liang, Ying

2018-03-01

Monodisperse and porous nonstoichiometric Zn ferrite can be prepared by a solvothermal method. Such non-Zn ferrite was used to be the precursor for synthesis of ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 composite via calcination at 600°C for 3 h in air. X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) proved the nonstoichiometry of Zn ferrite synthesized by solvothermal method and the formation of ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 composite via calcination. TEM image showed that non-Zn ferrite spheres with wormlike nanopore structure were made of primary nanocrystals. BET surface area of non-Zn ferrite was much higher than that of ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 composite. Saturation magnetization of non-Zn ferrites was significantly higher than that of ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 composites. Calcination of non-Zn ferrite resulted in the formation of large amount of non-magnetic Fe2O3,which caused a low magnetization of composite. Because of higher BET surface area and higher saturation magnetization, non-Zn ferrite presented better Cr6+ adsorption property than ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 composites.

Comparison of the solar photocatalytic activity of ZnO-Fe2O3 and ZnO-Fe(0) on 2,4-D degradation in a CPC reactor.

PubMed

Maya-Treviño, M L; Villanueva-Rodríguez, M; Guzmán-Mar, J L; Hinojosa-Reyes, L; Hernández-Ramírez, A

2015-03-01

In this work a comparative study of the catalytic activity of ZnO-Fe2O3 and ZnO-Fe(0) 0.5 wt% materials was carried out in the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as a commercial formulation Hierbamina®, using a compound parabolic collector (CPC) reactor. The catalysts were synthesized by the sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy. The textural properties of solids were determined from N2 adsorption isotherms using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The incorporation of Fe(0) onto ZnO was demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The photocatalytic tests were performed at pH 7, using 10 mg L(-1) of herbicide and 0.5 g L(-1) of catalyst loading. The decay in herbicide concentration was followed by reversed-phase chromatography. A complete degradation of 2,4-D was achieved using ZnO-Fe(0) while 47% of herbicide removal was attained with ZnO-Fe2O3 mixed oxide for an accumulated energy QUV ≈ 2 kJ L(-1). The removal percentage of total organic carbon (TOC) during the solar photocatalytic process was superior using ZnO-Fe(0), achieving 45% compared to the 15% obtained with the mixed oxide catalyst.

Preparation and Thermoelectric Properties of Semiconcucting Zn(sub 4) Sb(sub 3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caillat, T.; Fleurial, J. P.; Barshchevsky, A.

1996-01-01

Hot-pressed samples fothe semiconducting compound Beta - Zn(sub 4) Sb(sub 3) were prepared and characterized by x-ray and microprobe analysis. Some physical properties of Beta - Zn(sub 4) Sb(sub 3) were determined and its thermoelectric properties measured between room temperature and 650K.

Fabrication of hierarchical porous ZnO-Al2O3 microspheres with enhanced adsorption performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Chunsheng; Pi, Meng; Xu, Difa; Jiang, Chuanjia; Cheng, Bei

2017-12-01

Hierarchical porous ZnO-Al2O3 microspheres were fabricated through a simple hydrothermal route. The as-prepared hierarchical porous ZnO-Al2O3 composites were utilized as adsorbents to remove organic dye Congo red (CR) from water. The ZnO-Al2O3 composites had morphology of microspheres with diameters in the range of 12-16 μm, which were assembled by nanosheets with thicknesses of approximately 60 nm. The adsorption kinetics of CR onto the ZnO-Al2O3 composites was properly fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium adsorption data were perfectly described by the Langmuir isotherm and had a maximum adsorption capacity that reached 397 mg/g, which was significantly higher than the value of the pure alumina (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) samples. The superior CR removal efficiency of the ZnO-Al2O3 composites was attributed to its well-developed hierarchical porous structures and larger specific surface area (201 m2/g), which were conducive to the diffusion and adsorption of CR molecules. Moreover, the regeneration study reveals that the ZnO-Al2O3 composites have suitable stability and reusability. The results also indicate that the as-prepared sample can act as a highly effective adsorbent in anionic dye removal from wastewater.

Dielectric and varistor properties of rare-earth-doped ZnO and CaCu3Ti4O12 composite ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Huafei; Lin, Yuanhua; Yuan, Jiancong; Nan, Cewen; Chen, Kexin

2013-02-01

To investigate the multi-functional ceramics with both high permittivity and large nonlinear coefficient, we have prepared rare-earth Tb-and-Co doped ZnO and TiO2-rich CaCu3Ti4O12 (TCCTO) powders by chemical co-precipitation and sol-gel methods respectively, and then obtained the TCCTO/ZnO composite ceramics, sintered at 1100°C for 3 h in air. Analyzing the composite ceramics of the microstructure and phase composition indicated that the composite ceramics were composed of the main phases of ZnO and CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO). Our results revealed that the TCCTO/ZnO composite ceramics showed both high dielectric and good nonlinear electrical behaviors. The composite ceramic of TCCTO: ZnO = 0.3 exhibited a high dielectric constant of 210(1 kHz) with a nonlinear coefficient of 11. The dielectric behavior of TCCTO/ZnO composite could be explained by the mixture rule. With the high dielectric permittivity and tunable varistor behaviors, the composite ceramics has a potential application for the higher voltage transportation devices.

Fluoride ion donor properties of cis-OsO(2)F(4): synthesis, raman spectroscopic study, and X-ray crystal structure of [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)].

PubMed

Hughes, Michael J; Mercier, Hélène P A; Schrobilgen, Gary J

2010-01-04

The salt, [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)], has been synthesized by dissolution of cis-OsO(2)F(4) in liquid SbF(5), followed by removal of excess SbF(5) at 0 degrees C to yield orange, crystalline [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)]. The X-ray crystal structure (-173 degrees C) consists of an OsO(2)F(3)(+) cation fluorine bridged to an Sb(2)F(11)(-) anion. The light atoms of OsO(2)F(3)(+) and the bridging fluorine atom form a distorted octahedron around osmium in which the osmium atom is displaced from its center toward an oxygen atom and away from the trans-fluorine bridge atom. As in other transition metal dioxofluorides, the oxygen ligands are cis to one another and the fluorine bridge atom is trans to an oxygen ligand and cis to the remaining oxygen ligand. The Raman spectrum (-150 degrees C) of solid [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)] was assigned on the basis of the ion pair observed in the low-temperature crystal structure. Under dynamic vacuum, [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)] loses SbF(5), yielding the known [mu-F(OsO(2)F(3))(2)][Sb(2)F(11)] salt with no evidence for [OsO(2)F(3)][SbF(6)] formation. Attempts to synthesize [OsO(2)F(3)][SbF(6)] by the reaction of [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)] with an equimolar amount of cis-OsO(2)F(4) or by a 1:1 stoichiometric reaction of cis-OsO(2)F(4) with SbF(5) in anhydrous HF yielded only [mu-F(OsO(2)F(3))(2)][Sb(2)F(11)]. Quantum-chemical calculations at the SVWN and B3LYP levels of theory and natural bond orbital analyses were used to calculate the gas-phase geometries, vibrational frequencies, natural population analysis charges, bond orders, and valencies of OsO(2)F(3)(+), [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)], [OsO(2)F(3)][SbF(6)], and Sb(2)F(11)(-). The relative thermochemical stabilities of [OsO(2)F(3)][SbF(6)], [OsO(2)F(3)][Sb(2)F(11)], [OsO(2)F(3)][AsF(6)], [mu-F(OsO(2)F(3))(2)][SbF(6)], [mu-F(OsO(2)F(3))(2)][Sb(2)F(11)], and [mu-F(OsO(2)F(3))(2)][AsF(6)] were assessed using the appropriate Born-Haber cycles to account for the preference for [mu-F(OsO(2)F(3))(2

Popcorn balls-like ZnFe2O4-ZrO2 microsphere for photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xi; Liu, Yutang; Xia, Xinnian; Wang, Longlu

2017-06-01

In this paper, novel popcorn balls-like ZnFe2O4-ZrO2 composite microspheres were successfully fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and optical property of the microspheres were characterized. The microspheres were used as the photocatalysts to degrade 2,4-dinitrophenol, and exhibited superior photocatalytic performance. Under simulated solar visible light irradiation, the degradation rate of ZnFe2O4-ZrO2 photocatalyst (mass ratio of ZnFe2O4/ZrO2 = 2:1) was almost 7.4 and 2.4 times higher than those of pure ZnFe2O4 and ZrO2. The enhancement could attribute to stronger light absorption, lower carrier recombination and multi-porous structure of the microspheres. Moreover, the popcorn balls-like photocatalysts can be easily separated, because of the magnetism of the samples. After five times runs, the photocatalyst still showed 90% of its photocatalytic degradation efficiency. This work demonstrated a good prospect for removing organic pollutants in water.

Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 Multilayer Transparent Conducting Films For Ultraviolet Organic Light-emitting Diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Chunyan; Zhang, Nan; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-01-01

A novel UV transparent conducting films based on Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 (SAS) structure, which were prepared by an electron-beam thermal evaporation at room temperature. This SAS exhibits excellent electrical, optical and stable properties. Especially for UV region, the SAS has high transmittance of 80% at 306 nm and 92% at 335 nm, meanwhile achieving low sheet resistance ( ≤ 10 Ω sq-1). The UV OLED based on the SAS show competitive device performance. The UV OLED obtains the peak of UV electroluminescence at 376 nm and shows a very high maximum EQE of 4.1% with the maximum output power density of 5.18 mW cm-2. These results indicate that the potential of SAS applications in deep UV transparent electrodes and large-scale flexible transparent electronics.

Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 Multilayer Transparent Conducting Films For Ultraviolet Organic Light-emitting Diode.

PubMed

Song, Chunyan; Zhang, Nan; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-01-25

A novel UV transparent conducting films based on Sb 2 O 3 /Ag/Sb 2 O 3 (SAS) structure, which were prepared by an electron-beam thermal evaporation at room temperature. This SAS exhibits excellent electrical, optical and stable properties. Especially for UV region, the SAS has high transmittance of 80% at 306 nm and 92% at 335 nm, meanwhile achieving low sheet resistance ( ≤ 10 Ω sq -1 ). The UV OLED based on the SAS show competitive device performance. The UV OLED obtains the peak of UV electroluminescence at 376 nm and shows a very high maximum EQE of 4.1% with the maximum output power density of 5.18 mW cm -2 . These results indicate that the potential of SAS applications in deep UV transparent electrodes and large-scale flexible transparent electronics.

Eu-doped ZnO-HfO2 hybrid nanocrystal-embedded low-loss glass-ceramic waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Subhabrata; N, Shivakiran Bhaktha B.

2016-03-01

We report on the sol-gel fabrication, using a dip-coating technique, of low-loss Eu-doped 70SiO2 -(30-x) HfO2-xZnO (x = 2, 5, 7 and 10 mol%) ternary glass-ceramic planar waveguides. Transmission electron microscopy and grazing incident x-ray diffraction experiments confirm the controlled growth of hybrid nanocrystals with an average size of 3 nm-25 nm, composed of ZnO encapsulated by a thin layer of nanocrystalline HfO2, with an increase of ZnO concentration from x = 2 mol% to 10 mol% in the SiO2-HfO2 composite matrix. The effect of crystallization on the local environment of Eu ions, doped in the ZnO-HfO2 hybrid nanocrystal-embedded glass-ceramic matrix, is studied using photoluminescence spectra, wherein an intense mixed-valence state (divalent as well as trivalent) emission of Eu ions is observed. The existence of Eu2+ and Eu3+ in the SiO2-HfO2-ZnO ternary matrix is confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Importantly, the Eu{}2+,3+-doped ternary waveguides exhibit low propagation losses (0.3 ± 0.2 dB cm-1 at 632.8 nm) and optical transparency in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which makes ZnO-HfO2 nanocrystal-embedded SiO2-HfO2-ZnO waveguides a viable candidate for the development of on-chip, active, integrated optical devices.

ZnS-Sb2S3@C Core-Double Shell Polyhedron Structure Derived from Metal-Organic Framework as Anodes for High Performance Sodium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Dong, Shihua; Li, Caixia; Ge, Xiaoli; Li, Zhaoqiang; Miao, Xianguang; Yin, Longwei

2017-06-27

Taking advantage of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), ZnS-Sb 2 S 3 @C core-double shell polyhedron structure is synthesized through a sulfurization reaction between Zn 2+ dissociated from ZIF-8 and S 2- from thioacetamide (TAA), and subsequently a metal cation exchange process between Zn 2+ and Sb 3+ , in which carbon layer is introduced from polymeric resorcinol-formaldehyde to prevent the collapse of the polyhedron. The polyhedron composite with a ZnS inner-core and Sb 2 S 3 /C double-shell as anode for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) shows us a significantly improved electrochemical performance with stable cycle stability, high Coulombic efficiency and specific capacity. Peculiarly, introducing a carbon shell not only acts as an important protective layer to form a rigid construction and accommodate the volume changes, but also improves the electronic conductivity to optimize the stable cycle performance and the excellent rate property. The architecture composed of ZnS inner core and a complex Sb 2 S 3 /C shell not only facilitates the facile electrolyte infiltration to reduce the Na-ion diffusion length to improve the electrochemical reaction kinetics, but also prevents the structure pulverization caused by Na-ion insertion/extraction. This approach to prepare metal sulfides based on MOFs can be further extended to design other nanostructured systems for high performance energy storage devices.

Study of ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles by sol-gel process

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

Ansari, Mohd Meenhaz, E-mail: meenhazphysics@gmail.com; Arshad, Mohd; Tripathi, Pushpendra

Nano-crystalline undoped and Mg doped ZnO (Mg-ZnO) nanoparticles with compositional formula Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O (x=0,1,3,5,7,10 and 12 %) were synthesized using sol-gel process. The XRD diffraction peaks match with the pattern of the standard hexagonal structure of ZnO that reveals the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure in all samples. SEM images demonstrates clearly the formation of spherical ZnO nanoparticles, and change of the morphology of the nanoparticles with the concentration of the magnesium, which is in close agreement with that estimated by Scherer formula based on the XRD pattern. To investigate the doping effect on optical properties, the UV–VIS absorptionmore » spectra was obtained and the band gap of the samples calculated.« less

Phase Equilibria Studies in the System ZnO-``FeO''-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 Relevant to Imperial Smelting Furnace Slags: Part I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baojun; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2010-04-01

The phase equilibria and liquidus temperatures in the system ZnO-“FeO”-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 in equilibrium with metallic iron have been determined experimentally in the temperature range of 1423 K to 1553 K. The experimental conditions were focused on the composition range relevant to Imperial Smelting Furnace slags. The results are presented in the form of a pseudo-ternary section ZnO-“FeO”-(CaO + SiO2 + Al2O3) in which CaO/SiO2 = 0.93 and (CaO + SiO2)/Al2O3 = 7.0. It was found that wustite and spinel are the major primary phases and that zincite and melilite are also present in the composition range investigated. Wustite (Fe2+,Zn)O and spinel (Fe2+,Zn)O (A1,Fe3+)2O3 solid solutions are formed in this system, and the ZnO concentration in the spinel phase is found to be much greater than in the liquid phase.

Selectivity shifting behavior of Pd nanoparticles loaded zinc stannate/zinc oxide (Zn2SnO4/ZnO) nanowires sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arafat, M. M.; Ong, J. Y.; Haseeb, A. S. M. A.

2018-03-01

In this research, the gas sensing behavior of Pd nanoparticles loaded zinc stannate/zinc oxide (Zn2SnO4/ZnO) nanowires were investigated. The Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires were grown on Au interdigitated alumina substrate by carbon assisted thermal evaporation process. Pd nanoparticles were loaded on the Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires by wet reduction process. The nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope. The Zn2SnO4/ZnO and Pd nanoparticles loaded Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires were investigated for detecting H2, H2S and C2H5OH gases in N2 background. Results revealed that the average diameter and length of as-grown Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires were 74 nm and 30 μm, respectively. During wet reduction process,Pd particles having size of 20-60 nm were evenly distributed on the Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires. The Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires based sensors showed selective response towards C2H5OH whereas Pd nanoparticles loaded Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires showed selective response towards H2. The recovery time of the sensors reduced with Pd loading on Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires. A mechanism is proposed to elucidate the gas sensing mechanism of Pd nanoparticles loaded Zn2SnO4/ZnO nanowires.

12Cao-7Al2o3 Electride Hollow Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Rafael A. (Inventor); Williams, John D. (Inventor); Rand, Lauren P. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

The use of the electride form of 12CaO-7Al.sub.2O.sub.3, or C12A7, as a low work function electron emitter in a hollow cathode discharge apparatus is described. No heater is required to initiate operation of the present cathode, as is necessary for traditional hollow cathode devices. Because C12A7 has a fully oxidized lattice structure, exposure to oxygen does not degrade the electride. The electride was surrounded by a graphite liner since it was found that the C12A7 electride converts to it's eutectic (CA+C3A) form when heated (through natural hollow cathode operation) in a metal tube.

Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 Multilayer Transparent Conducting Films For Ultraviolet Organic Light-emitting Diode

PubMed Central

Song, Chunyan; Zhang, Nan; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-01-01

A novel UV transparent conducting films based on Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 (SAS) structure, which were prepared by an electron-beam thermal evaporation at room temperature. This SAS exhibits excellent electrical, optical and stable properties. Especially for UV region, the SAS has high transmittance of 80% at 306 nm and 92% at 335 nm, meanwhile achieving low sheet resistance ( ≤ 10 Ω sq−1). The UV OLED based on the SAS show competitive device performance. The UV OLED obtains the peak of UV electroluminescence at 376 nm and shows a very high maximum EQE of 4.1% with the maximum output power density of 5.18 mW cm−2. These results indicate that the potential of SAS applications in deep UV transparent electrodes and large-scale flexible transparent electronics. PMID:28120888

S-Doped Sb2O3 Nanocrystal: an Efficient Visible-Light Catalyst for Organic Degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Hun; Lin, Xinyi; Chen, Qinghua; Qian, Qingrong; Lin, Suying; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Yang, Da-Peng; Xiao, Liren

2018-04-01

The S-doped Sb2O3 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized using SbCl3 and thioacetamide (TAA) as precursors via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The effects of pH of the precursor reaction solution on the product composition and property were determined. The results indicated that the doping amount of S could be tuned by adjusting the pH of the precursor solution. Furthermore, the S entered into the interstitial site of Sb2O3 crystals as S2-, which broadened the absorption wavelength range of the Sb2O3 nanocrystal. The S-doped Sb2O3 exhibited an excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methyl orange and 4-phenylazophenol. Last, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of the S-doped Sb2O3 under visible light irradiation was proposed.

Dilute electrodeposition of TiO2 and ZnO thin film memristors on Cu substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauzi, F. B.; Ani, M. H.; Herman, S. H.; Mohamed, M. A.

2018-03-01

Memristor has become one of the alternatives to replace the current memory technologies. Fabrication of titanium dioxide, TiO2 memristor has been extensively studied by using various deposition methods. However, recently more researches have been done to explore the compatibility of other transition metal oxide, TMO such as zinc oxide, ZnO to be used as the active layer of the memristor. This paper highlights the simple and easy-control electrodeposition to deposit titanium, Ti and zinc, Zn thin film at room temperature and subsequent thermal oxidation at 600 °C. Gold, Au was then sputtered as top electrode to create metal-insulator-metal, MIM sandwich of Au/TiO2-Cu2O-CuO/Cu and Au/ZnO-Cu2O-CuO/Cu memristors. The structural, morphological and memristive properties were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, FESEM, X-Ray Diffraction, XRD and current-voltage, I-V measurement. Both Au/TiO2-Cu2O-CuO/Cu and Au/ZnO-Cu2O-CuO/Cu memristivity were identified by the pinched hysteresis loop with resistive ratio of 1.2 and 1.08 respectively. Empirical study on diffusivity of Ti4+, Zn2+ and O2‑ ions in both metal oxides show that the metal vacancies were formed, thus giving rise to its memristivity. The electrodeposited Au/TiO2-Cu2O-CuO/Cu and Au/ZnO-Cu2O-CuO/Cu memristors demonstrate comparable performances to previous studies using other methods.

Neuroprotective Effect of CeO2@PAA-LXW7 Against H2O2-Induced Cytotoxicity in NGF-Differentiated PC12 Cells.

PubMed

Jia, Jingjing; Zhang, Ting; Chi, Jieshan; Liu, Xiaoma; Sun, Jingjing; Xie, Qizhi; Peng, Sijia; Li, Changyan; Yi, Li

2018-06-07

CeO 2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) have been used in many studies as a powerful free radical scavenger, and LXW7, a small-molecule peptide, can specifically target the integrin αvβ3, whose neuroprotective effects have also been demonstrated. The objective of this study is to observe the neuroprotective effect and potential mechanism of CeO 2 @PAA-LXW7, a new compound that couples CeO 2 @PAA (nanoceria modified with the functional group of polyacrylic acid) with LXW7 via a series of chemical reactions, in H 2 O 2 -induced NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. We examined the effects of LXW7, CeO 2 @PAA, and CeO 2 @PAA-LXW7 on the viability of primary hippocampal neurons and found that there was no significant difference under control conditions, but increased cellular viability was observed in the case of H 2 O 2 -induced injury. We used H 2 O 2 -induced NGF-differentiated PC12 cells as the classical injury model to investigate the neuroprotective effect of CeO 2 @PAA-LXW7. In this study, LXW7, CeO 2 @PAA, and CeO 2 @PAA-LXW7 inhibit H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating Bax/Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3 and mitochondrial cytochrome C (cyto C) in the apoptotic signaling pathways. We found that the levels of phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) increased significantly in H 2 O 2 -induced NGF-differentiated PC12 cells, whereas LXW7, CeO 2 @PAA, and CeO 2 @PAA-LXW7 suppressed the increase to different degrees. Among the abovementioned changes, the inhibitory effect of CeO 2 @PAA-LXW7 on H 2 O 2 -induced changes, including the increases in the levels of p-FAK and p-STAT3, is more obvious than that of LXW7 or CeO 2 @PAA alone. In summary, these results suggest that integrin signaling participates in the regulation of apoptosis via the regulation of ROS and of the apoptosis pathway in H 2 O 2 -induced NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. LXW7, CeO

Lattice dynamics of A Sb2O6 (A =Cu , Co) with trirutile structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maimone, D. T.; Christian, A. B.; Neumeier, J. J.; Granado, E.

2018-03-01

Raman spectroscopy experiments on single crystals of CuSb2O6 and CoSb2O6 quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnets with trirutile crystal structure were performed, with a focus on the first material. The observed Raman-active phonon modes and previously reported infrared-active modes were identified with the aid of ab initio lattice dynamics calculations. The structural transition between monoclinic β -CuSb2O6 and tetragonal α -CuSb2O6 phases at Ts=400 K is manifested in our spectra by a "repulsion" of two accidentally quasidegenerate symmetric modes below Ts, caused by a phonon mixing effect that is only operative in the monoclinic β -CuSb2O6 phase due to symmetry restrictions. Also, two specific phonons, associated with CuO6 octahedra rotation and with a Jahn-Teller elongation mode, soften and broaden appreciably as T →Ts . A crossover from a displacive to an order-disorder transition at Ts is inferred.

The Osmium(VIII) Oxofluoro Cations OsO(2)F(3)(+) and F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+): Syntheses, Characterization by (19)F NMR Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Crystal Structure of F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+)Sb(2)F(11)(-), and Density Functional Theory Calculations of OsO(2)F(3)(+), ReO(2)F(3), and F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+).

PubMed

Casteel, William J.; Dixon, David A.; Mercier, Hélène P. A.; Schrobilgen, Gary J.

1996-07-17

Osmium dioxide tetrafluoride, cis-OsO(2)F(4), reacts with the strong fluoride ion acceptors AsF(5) and SbF(5) in anhydrous HF and SbF(5) solutions to form orange salts. Raman spectra are consistent with the formation of the fluorine-bridged diosmium cation F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+), as the AsF(6)(-) and Sb(2)F(11)(-) salts, respectively. The (19)F NMR spectra of the salts in HF solution are exchange-averaged singlets occurring at higher frequency than those of the fluorine environments of cis-OsO(2)F(4). The F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+)Sb(2)F(11)(-) salt crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Imma. At -107 degrees C, a = 12.838(3) Å, b = 10.667(2) Å, c = 11.323(2) Å, V = 1550.7(8) Å(3), and Z = 4. Refinement converged with R = 0.0469 [R(w) = 0.0500]. The crystal structure consists of discrete fluorine-bridged F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+) and Sb(2)F(11)(-) ions in which the fluorine bridge of the F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+) cation is trans to an oxygen atom (Os-O 1.676 Å) of each OsO(2)F(3) group. The angle at the bridge is 155.2(8) degrees with a bridging Os---F(b) distance of 2.086(3) Å. Two terminal fluorine atoms (Os-F 1.821 Å) are cis to the two oxygen atoms (Os-O 1.750 Å), and two terminal fluorine atoms of the OsO(2)F(3) group are trans to one another (1.813 Å). The OsO(2)F(3)(+) cation was characterized by (19)F NMR and by Raman spectroscopy in neat SbF(5) solution but was not isolable in the solid state. The NMR and Raman spectroscopic findings are consistent with a trigonal bipyramidal cation in which the oxygen atoms and a fluorine atom occupy the equatorial plane and two fluorine atoms are in axial positions. Density functional theory calculations show that the crystallographic structure of F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+) is the energy-minimized structure and the energy-minimized structures of the OsO(2)F(3)(+) cation and ReO(2)F(3) are trigonal bipyramidal having C(2)(v)() point symmetry. Attempts to prepare the OsOF(5)(+) cation by oxidative fluorination of cis-OsO

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.

Detection of esophageal cancer cell by photoelectrochemical Cu2O/ZnO biosensor (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chao-Hsin; Chu, Cheng-Hsun; Chen, Weichung; Wu, I.-Chen; Wu, Ming Tsang; Kuo, Chie-Tong; Tsiang, Raymond Chien-Chao; Wang, Hsiang-Chen

2016-03-01

We have demonstrated a Cu2O/ZnO nanorods (NRs) array p-n heterostructures photoelectrochemical biosensor. The electrodeposition of Cu2O at pH 12 acquired the preferably (111) lattice planes, resulting in the largest interfacial electric field between Cu2O and ZnO, which finally led to the highest separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. High verticality ZnO nanorods by seed layer and thermal annealing assist the hydrothermal growth. The optimized Cu2O/ZnO NRs array p-n heterostructures exhibited enhanced PEC performance, such as elevated photocurrent and photoconversion efficiency, as well as excellent sensing performance for the sensitive detection of four strains of different races and different degree of cancer cell which made the device self-powered. We got spectral response characteristics and operating wavelength range of biosensor, and to verify the biological characteristics of cancer cells wafer react with different stages of cancer characterized by a cancer measured reaction experiment.

Static and dynamical properties of the spin-1/2 equilateral triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Ba 3CoSb 2O 9

DOE PAGES

Ma, Jie; Kamiya, Yoshitomo; Hong, Tao; ...

2016-02-24

We present single-crystal neutron scattering measurements of the spin-1/2 equilateral triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Ba 3CoSb 2O 9. Besides confirming that the Co 2+ magnetic moments lie in the ab plane for zero magnetic field and then determining all the exchange parameters of the minimal quasi-2D spin Hamiltonian, we provide conclusive experimental evidence of magnon decay through observation of intrinsic line broadening. Through detailed comparisons with the linear and nonlinear spin-wave theories, we also point out that the large-S approximation, which is conventionally employed to predict magnon decay in noncollinear magnets, is inadequate to explain our experimental observation. Hence, our results callmore » for a new theoretical framework for describing excitation spectra in low-dimensional frustrated magnets under strong quantum effects.« less

Surface electronic properties of polycrystalline bulk and thin film In2O3(ZnO)k compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopper, E. Mitchell; Zhu, Qimin; Gassmann, Jürgen; Klein, Andreas; Mason, Thomas O.

2013-01-01

The surface electronic potentials of In2O3(ZnO)k compounds were measured by X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Both thin film (k = 2) and bulk specimens (k = 3, 5, 7, 9) were studied. All bulk specimens exhibited In enrichment at the surface. All samples showed an increase of In core level binding energies compared to pure and Sn-doped In2O3. The work functions and Fermi levels spanned a range similar to those of the basis oxides In2O3 and ZnO, and the ionization potential was similar to that of both In2O3 and ZnO processed under similar conditions (7.7 eV). This ionization potential was independent of both composition and post-deposition oxidation and reduction treatments. Kelvin probe measurements of cleaned and UV-ozone treated specimens under ambient conditions were in agreement with the photoelectron spectroscopy measurements.

Homologous compounds of type ARO3(ZnO)m in the system Ga-Sn-Zn-O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichhorn, Simon; Schmid, Herbert; Assenmacher, Wilfried; Mader, Werner

2017-02-01

Several members of hitherto unknown homologous compounds [Sn0.5Zn0.5]GaO3(ZnO)m (m=3-7) of the general formula ARO3(ZnO)m were prepared by solid state methods from the binary oxides in sealed Pt-tubes. UV-vis measurements confirm these compounds to be transparent oxides with an optical band gap in the UV region with Eg≈3 eV. Rietveld refinements on powder samples of [Sn0.5Zn0.5]GaO3(ZnO)m proved the compounds to be isostructural with InGaO3(ZnO)m, where In3+ on octahedral sites is replaced statistically by Sn4+ and Zn2+ in equal amounts preserving an average charge of 3+. Additionally, the structure of [Sn0.5Zn0.5]GaO3(ZnO)3 has been determined from flux-grown single crystals by X-ray diffraction (R 3 ̅ m , Z=3, a=3.2387(7) Å, c=41.78(1) Å, 19 parameters, 201 independent reflections, R1=0.047, wR2=0.074). The compound [Sn0.5Zn0.5]GaO3(ZnO)3 is isostructural with InGaO3(ZnO)3. [Sn0.5Zn0.5]GaO3(ZnO)3 was furthermore analyzed by High Angle Annular Dark Field (HAADF) scanning TEM and EELS spectroscopic imaging, supporting the structure model derived from X-ray diffraction data.

Preparation and photoluminescence properties of red-emitting phosphor ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ with an intense 5D0 → 7F2 transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Can; Ji, Haipeng; Huang, Zhaohui; Zhang, Xiaoguang; Liu, Haitao; Liu, Silin; Liu, Yangai; Fang, Minghao; Wu, Xiaowen; Min, Xin

2018-02-01

A series of ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors was synthesized by a modified co-precipitation method. The phase structure and photoluminescence properties were examined and extensively discussed. Composition-optimized ZnAl1.97O4:0.03Eu3+ exhibited sharp, intense red characteristic emissions with the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage coordinates of (0.62, 0.33) peaking at 620 nm under an excitation at 394 nm, corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+. The quenching concentration of Eu3+ in ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors was approximately 0.03. In addition, the concentration quenching mechanism, fluorescence decay curves, and thermally stable luminescence properties of ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors were investigated. The results indicated that ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors demonstrate potential applications in near-ultraviolet light-emitting diode pumped white light lamps.

Preparation of Sb2S3 nanocrystals modified TiO2 dendritic structure with nanotubes for hybrid solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yingpin; Wei, Yanan; Feng, Kangning; Hao, Yanzhong; Pei, Juan; Sun, Bao

2018-06-01

Array of TiO2 dendritic structure with nanotubes was constructed on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO) with titanium potassium oxalate as titanium source. Sb2S3 nanocrystals were successfully deposited on the TiO2 substrate via spin-coating method. Furthermore, TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT/PEDOT:PSS composite film was prepared by successively spin-coating P3HT and PEDOT:PSS on TiO2/Sb2S3. It was demonstrated that the modification of TiO2 dendritic structure with Sb2S3 could enhance the light absorption in the visible region. The champion hybrid solar cell assembled by TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT/PEDOT:PSS composite film achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.56%.

Batagayite, CaZn2(Zn,Cu)6(PO4)4(PO3OH)3·12H2O, a new phosphate mineral from Këster tin deposit (Yakutia, Russia): occurrence and crystal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakovenchuk, Victor N.; Pakhomovsky, Yakov A.; Konopleva, Nataliya G.; Panikorovskii, Taras L.; Bazai, Ayya; Mikhailova, Julia A.; Bocharov, Vladimir N.; Ivanyuk, Gregory Yu.; Krivovichev, Sergey V.

2017-12-01

Batagayite, CaZn2(Zn,Cu)6(PO4)4(PO3OH)3·12H2O, is a new secondary phosphate mineral from the Këster deposit, Arga-Ynnykh-Khai massif, NE Yakutia, Russia. It is monoclinic, P21, a = 8.4264(4), b = 12.8309(6), c = 14.6928(9) Å, β = 98.514(6)o, V = 1571.05(15) Å3 and Z = 2 (from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data). Batagayite crystals are blades up to 2 mm long, flattened on {001} and elongated on [100]; blades often grow in radial aggregates. Associated minerals are arsenolite, native copper, epifanovite, fluorapatite, libethenite, Na-analogue of batagayite, pseudomalachite, quartz, sampleite, tobermorite, and Mg-analogue of hopeite. The streak is white and the luster is vitreous. The mineral is brittle and has a perfect cleavage on {001}, no parting was observed. The Mohs hardness is 3. Density, determined by the float-sink method in Clerici solution, is 2.90(3) g/cm3, and the calculated density is 3.02 g/cm3 (using the empirical formula and single-crystal unit-cell parameters). Batagayite is biaxial, optically negative, α = 1.566 ± 0.002, β = 1.572 ± 0.002, γ = 1.573 ± 0.002 at 589 nm. 2V meas. = 40(5)°, 2V calc = 44.3°. Optical orientation: Z is perpendicular to (001), further details unclear. No dispersion or pleochroism were observed. The mean chemical composition determined by electron microprobe is: Na2O 0.31, MgO 1.39, Al2O3 0.55, SiO2 0.48, P2O5 34.37, K2O 0.17, CaO 2.76, MnO 1.03, CuO 5.80, ZnO 35.62, CdO 0.24 wt%. The H2O content estimated from the crystal-structure refinement is 16.83 wt%, giving a total of 99.55 wt%. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of P + Si = 7 is (Zn6.22Cu1.04Ca0.70Mg0.49Mn0.21Al0.15Na0.14K0.05Cd0.03)Σ9.03(P6.89Si0.11)Σ7.00O24.91(OH)3.09·12.10H2O. The mineral easily dissolves in 10% room-temperature HCl. The eight diagnostic lines in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern are (I-d[Å]-hkl): 100-14.59-001, 25-6.34-012, 11-6.02-111, 37-4.864-003, 13-4.766-112, 20-3.102-1 \\overline {2} \\overline {4} , 11-2.678-2

First-principles study of the interaction of H2O with the GaSb (001) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermudez, V. M.

2013-05-01

The adsorption of H2O on the GaSb (001) surface, both clean and with pre-adsorbed H atoms, has been studied computationally using dispersion-corrected density functional theory. The model employed is the α-(4×3) reconstruction consisting of Ga-Sb dimers adsorbed on the Sb-terminated surface, a disordered version of which is believed to constitute the frequently observed Sb-rich (1×3) surface. On the clean surface, molecular adsorption of H2O at a coordinatively unsaturated Ga site is exothermic (ΔE = -0.57 eV), but dissociation of this adsorbed H2O is significantly endothermic (ΔE = +0.45 eV or more). Dissociation can form either a (HO)Ga-Sb(H) site involving a Ga-Sb dimer or a (H)Ga-O(H)-Sb bridge. Other reactions are also energetically feasible, depending on the bond strength of different inequivalent Ga-Sb dimers. The two structures have essentially the same energy, and both can undergo an exothermic reaction with a second H2O. For the (HO)Ga-Sb(H) site, this reaction leads to the breaking of the dimer bond and the adsorption of molecular water, while the (H)Ga-O(H)-Sb bridge transforms to (HO)Ga-O(H)-Sb with the release of H2. On the H-terminated surface, molecular adsorption of H2O can be suppressed and dissociative adsorption enhanced, which means that formation of an OH-terminated surface may be easier when starting with an H-terminated vs. a clean surface. The implications of these results for the growth of oxide/GaSb heterostructures via atomic layer deposition are discussed.

Tuning the optical bandgap in multi-cation compound transparent conducting-oxides: The examples of In2ZnO4 and In4Sn3O12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabino, Fernando P.; Oliveira, Luiz N.; Wei, Su-Huai; Da Silva, Juarez L. F.

2018-02-01

Transparent conducting oxides such as the bixbyite In2O3 and rutile SnO2 systems have large disparities between the optical and fundamental bandgaps, ΔEgO F , because selection rules forbid dipolar transitions from the top of the valence band to the conduction-band minimum; however, the optical gaps of multi-cation compounds with the same chemical species often coincide with their fundamental gaps. To explain this conundrum, we have employed density-functional theory to compute the optical properties of multi-cation compounds, In2ZnO4 and In4Sn3O12, in several crystal structures. We show that a recently proposed mechanism to explain the disparity between the optical and fundamental gaps of M2O3 (M = Al, Ga, and In) applies also to other binary systems and to multi-compounds. Namely, a gap disparity will arise if the following three conditions are satisfied: (i) the crystal structure has inversion symmetry; (ii) the conduction-band minimum is formed by the cation and O s-orbitals; and (iii) there is strong p-d coupling and weak p-p in the vicinity of the valence-band maximum. The third property depends critically on the cationic chemical species. In the structures with inversion symmetry, Zn (Sn) strengthens (weakens) the p-d coupling in In2ZnO4 (In4Sn3O12), enhancing (reducing) the gap disparity. Furthermore, we have also identified a In4Sn3O12 structure that is 31.80 meV per formula unit more stable than a recently proposed alternative model.

Review of the Two-Step H2O/CO2-Splitting Solar Thermochemical Cycle Based on Zn/ZnO Redox Reactions

PubMed Central

Loutzenhiser, Peter G.; Meier, Anton; Steinfeld, Aldo

2010-01-01

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the work to date on the two‑step solar H2O and/or CO2 splitting thermochemical cycles with Zn/ZnO redox reactions to produce H2 and/or CO, i.e., synthesis gas—the precursor to renewable liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The two-step cycle encompasses: (1) The endothermic dissociation of ZnO to Zn and O2 using concentrated solar energy as the source for high-temperature process heat; and (2) the non-solar exothermic oxidation of Zn with H2O/CO2 to generate H2/CO, respectively; the resulting ZnO is then recycled to the first step. An outline of the underlying science and the technological advances in solar reactor engineering is provided along with life cycle and economic analyses. PMID:28883361

Electronic state and superconductivity of YBa2Cu3-xO7-y (M=Al,Zn and Sn) systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhao, Y.; Zhang, Q. R.; Zhang, H.

1990-01-01

A series of YBa2Cu(3-x)MxO(7-y) (M=Al,Zn and Sn) single phase samples were prepared, and the measurements of the crystal structure, oxygen content, electric resistivity, thermoelectric power, Mossbauer spectrum, XPS and superconductivity were performed. The experimental results of X ray powder diffraction, Mossbauer spectrum and oxygen content show that the Zn(2+) and the Al(3+) occupy the Cu(2) site in Cu-O planes and the Cu(1) site in Cu-O chains respectively, but the Sn(4+) occupies both the Cu(1) sites. As regards the properties in superconducting state, both the Zn(2+) and the Al(3+) depress T(sub c) strongly, but the Sn(4+) does not. As for the electronic transport properties in normal state, the system doped by Al(3+) displays a rapid increase of resistivity and some electron localization-like effects, and the thermoelectric power enhances obviously; the series contained Zn(2+) almost shows no changes of electric resistivity but the sign of the thermoelectric power is reversed. Other results are given and briefly discussed.

Effect of laser irradiation on Ag4In12Sb56Te28

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinnusamy, Rangasami

2018-04-01

Ag4In12Sb56Te28 has been synthesized by melt-quench method. Phase homogeneity, crystal structure and effect of laser irradiation have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of crystal structure revealed that Ag4In12Sb56Te28 is a multiphase system with AgIn3Te5, Sb8Te3 and Sb phases. Combined optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy have been used to understand the distribution of different phases on the surface of the samples, which substantiated the results of Rietveld analysis. Interaction of 20 mW laser beam with samples has been investigated using Raman measurements. The results have shown that regions with large phase fraction of AgIn3Te5 become amorphous during laser-sample interaction, but the starting phase remains nearly same after the interaction. Regions with AgIn3Te5 and nearly equal or larger amount of Sb8Te3 have shown significant growth of α-Sb2O3 during and after laser-sample interaction. Regions rich in Sb have shown formation of AgIn3Te5 and growth of α-Sb2O3 during and after interaction. These observations have been explained based on the maximum temperature rise at different regions during laser-sample interaction.

Magnetically separable core–shell ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO nanoparticles for visible light photodegradation of methyl orange

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

Kulkarni, Suresh D., E-mail: suresh.dk@manipal.edu; Kumbar, Sagar; Menon, Samvit G.

Highlights: • Phase pure, magnetic ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO nanoparticles synthesized with excellent yield. • ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO displayed higher UV photocatalytic efficiency than ZnO nanoparticles. • First report on visible light photodegradation of methyl orange by ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO. • Excellent reusability of ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO nanoparticles observed for azo dye removal. - Abstract: Visible light photodegradation of aqueous methyl orange using magnetically separable core–shell ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO nanoparticles is reported. A combination of low temperature (190 °C) microwave synthesis and hydrothermal method were used to prepare phase pure material with excellent yield (95%). The magnetic separability, surface area ofmore » 41 m{sup 2}/g and visible light absorption make ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO nanoparticles a good solar photocatalyst. ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO displayed greater UV photocatalytic efficiency than ZnO owing to the generation of large number of electron-hole pairs. Visible light photodegradation of MO using ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO nanoparticles is reported for the first time. Higher first order rate constants under both UV and visible light for core-shell nanoparticles suggested their superiority over its individual oxides. The ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@ZnO showed excellent reusability with high photocatalytic efficiencies suggesting its suitability for solar photocatalytic applications.« less

Investigation of the transport properties and compositions of the Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} series (RE=Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy; Pn=Sb, Bi)

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

Forbes, Scott; Yuan, Fang; Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044

The Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases (RE=Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy; Pn=Sb, Bi) were successfully prepared from high temperature reactions at 1225–1300 °C. These phases maintain the same structure types as the parent RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases, except for a Ca/RE mixing. The study and preparation of these phases was motivated by the desire to shift the metallic type properties of the parent RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases to a level more suitable for thermoelectric applications. Electrical resistivity measurements performed on pure, bulk samples indicated all phases to be narrow band gap semiconductors or semimetals, supporting the charge balancedmore » electron count of the Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} composition. Unfortunately, all samples are too electrically resistive for any potential usage as thermoelectrics. Electronic band structure calculations performed on idealized RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} structures revealed the presence of a pseudogap at the Fermi level, which is consistent with the observed electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient behavior. - Graphical abstract: Ca substitution in RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} leads to charge-balanced Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases with semiconducting or semimetallic properties. - Highlights: • The RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} structure may be stabilized with calcium substitution in the form of Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5}. • The Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases maintain the parent P 4/n structure, albeit with Ca/RE mixing. • The Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Sb{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases behave as semiconductors while Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Bi{sub 5}O{sub 5} are semimetals with electron-electron correlations. • Electronic structure calculations yield a semimetal-like density of states for both Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Sb{sub 5}O{sub 5} and Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Bi{sub 5}O{sub 5}.« less

Sr(1.7)Zn(0.3)CeO4: Eu3+ novel red-emitting phosphors: synthesis and photoluminescence properties.

PubMed

Li, Haifeng; Zhao, Ran; Jia, Yonglei; Sun, Wenzhi; Fu, Jipeng; Jiang, Lihong; Zhang, Su; Pang, Ran; Li, Chengyu

2014-03-12

A series of novel red-emitting Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors were synthesized through conventional solid-state reactions. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinement verified the similar phase of Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) to that of Sr2CeO4. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibits that peak located at 614 nm ((5)D0-(7)F2) dominates the emission of Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors. Because there are two regions in the excitation spectrum originating from the overlap of the Ce(4+)-O(2-) and Eu(3+)-O(2-) charge-transfer state band from 200 to 440 nm, and from the intra-4f transitions at 395 and 467 nm, the Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors can be well excited by the near-UV light. The investigation of the concentration quenching behavior, luminescence decay curves, and lifetime implies that the dominant mechanism type leading to concentration quenching is the energy transfer among the nearest neighbor or next nearest neighbor activators. The discussion about the dependence of photoluminescence spectra on temperature shows the better thermal quenching properties of Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:0.3Eu(3+) than that of Sr2CeO4:Eu(3+). The experimental data indicates that Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors have the potential as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

Synthesis and Characterization of Photocatalytic TiO 2 -ZnFe 2 O 4 Nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Srinivasan, Sesha S.; Wade, Jeremy; Stefanakos, Elias K.

2006-01-01

A new coprecipimore » tation/hydrolysis synthesis route is used to create a TiO 2 -ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite that is directed towards extending the photoresponse of TiO 2 from UV to visible wavelengths ( > 400   nm ). The effect of TiO 2 's accelerated anatase-rutile phase transformation due to the presence of the coupled ZnFe 2 O 4 narrow-bandgap semiconductor is evaluated. The transformation's dependence on pH, calcinations temperature, particle size, and ZnFe 2 O 4 concentration has been analyzed using XRD, SEM, and UV-visible spectrometry. The requirements for retaining the highly photoactive anatase phase present in a ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite are outlined. The visible-light-activated photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 -ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites has been compared to an Aldrich TiO 2 reference catalyst, using a solar-simulated photoreactor for the degradation of phenol.« less

Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C Hollow Nanocages as Cathode Catalysts for Aluminum-O2 Batteries.

PubMed

Liu, Yisi; Jiang, Hao; Hao, Jiayu; Liu, Yulong; Shen, Haibo; Li, Wenzhang; Li, Jie

2017-09-20

Aluminum-air battery is a promising candidate for large-scale energy applications because of its low cost and high energy density. Remarkably, tremendous efforts have been concentrated on developing efficient and stable cathode electrocatalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction. In this work, a hydrothermal-calcination approach was utilized to prepare novel reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-supported hollow ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 nanoparticle-embedded carbon nanocages (ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 /C@rGO) using a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67)/graphene oxide/zinc nitrate composite as the precursor. The ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 /C@rGO hybrid exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction under alkaline conditions and superior stability and methanol tolerance to those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, novel and simple Al-air coin cells were first fabricated using the hybrid materials as cathode catalysts under ambient air conditions to further investigate their catalytic performance. The coin cell with the ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 /C@rGO cathode catalyst displays a higher open circuit voltage and discharge voltage and more sluggish potential drop than those of the cell with the ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 /C cathode catalyst, which confirms that rGO can enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the catalyst system. The excellent electrocatalytic performance of the ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 /C@rGO hybrid is attributed to the prominent conductivity and high specific surface area resulting from rGO, the more accessible catalytic active sites induced by the unique porous hollow nanocage structure, and synergic covalent coupling between rGO sheets and ZnO/ZnCo 2 O 4 /C nanocages.

Combined Effect of Ultrasound Stimulations and Autoclaving on the Enhancement of Antibacterial Activity of ZnO and SiO2/ZnO Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Rokbani, Hajer; Ajji, Abdellah

2018-01-01

This study investigates the antibacterial activity (ABA) of suspensions of pure ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and mesoporous silica doped with ZnO (ZnO-UVM7), as well as electrospun nanofibers containing those nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these two materials were also determined under the same conditions. The results showed a concentration-dependent effect of antibacterial nanoparticles on the viability of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, the combination of the stimulations and sterilization considerably enhanced the antimicrobial activity (AMA) of the ZnO suspensions. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) solutions in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) were mixed with different contents of nanoparticles and spun into nonwoven mats by the electrospinning process. The morphology of the mats was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of nanoparticles contained in the mats was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained PLA-based mats showed a fibrous morphology, with an average diameter ranging from 350 to 450 nm, a porosity above 85%, but with the nanoparticles agglomeration on their surface. TGA analysis showed that the loss of ZnO-NPs increased with the increase of ZnO-NPs content in the PLA solutions and reached 79% for 1 wt % of ZnO-NPs, which was mainly due to the aggregation of nanoparticles in solution. The ABA of the obtained PLA mats was evaluated by the dynamic method according to the ASTM standard E2149. The results showed that, above an optimal concentration, the nanoparticle agglomeration reduced the antimicrobial efficiency of PLA mats. These mats have potential features for use as antimicrobial food packaging material. PMID:29495334

Synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes with ZnO nanoparticles to achieve antibacterial properties and stem cell compatibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wenwen; Su, Penglei; Chen, Su; Wang, Na; Ma, Yuanping; Liu, Yiran; Wang, Jinshu; Zhang, Zhenting; Li, Hongyi; Webster, Thomas J.

2014-07-01

To endow titanium (Ti) with antibacterial properties, different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were decorated on anodized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes by a simple hydrothermal treatment method. The particle sizes of ZnO, which were evenly distributed and tightly adherent to the walls of the Ti nanotubes, ranged from 20-50 nm. Results from this study showed that Zn was released from the TiO2 nanotubes in a constant, slow, and biologically inspired manner. Importantly, the results showed that the ZnO decorated TiO2 nanotubular samples inhibited Streptococcus mutants and Porphyromonas gingivalis growth compared to control unmodified Ti samples. Specifically, S. mutants and P. gingivalis growth were both reduced 45-85% on the ZnO decorated Ti samples compared to Ti controls after 7 days of culture. When examining the mechanism of action, it has been further found for the first time that the ZnO decorated Ti samples inhibited the expression of Streptococcus mutans bacterial adhesion genes. Lastly, the results showed that the same samples which decreased bacterial growth the most (0.015 M precursor Zn(NO3)2 samples) did not inhibit mesenchymal stem cell growth compared to Ti controls for up to 7 days. In summary, results from this study showed that compared to plain TiO2 nanotubes, TiO2 decorated with 0.015 M ZnO provided unprecedented antibacterial properties while maintaining the stem cell proliferation capacity necessary for enhancing the use of Ti in numerous medical applications, particularly in dentistry.

Synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes with ZnO nanoparticles to achieve antibacterial properties and stem cell compatibility.

PubMed

Liu, Wenwen; Su, Penglei; Chen, Su; Wang, Na; Ma, Yuanping; Liu, Yiran; Wang, Jinshu; Zhang, Zhenting; Li, Hongyi; Webster, Thomas J

2014-08-07

To endow titanium (Ti) with antibacterial properties, different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were decorated on anodized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes by a simple hydrothermal treatment method. The particle sizes of ZnO, which were evenly distributed and tightly adherent to the walls of the Ti nanotubes, ranged from 20-50 nm. Results from this study showed that Zn was released from the TiO2 nanotubes in a constant, slow, and biologically inspired manner. Importantly, the results showed that the ZnO decorated TiO2 nanotubular samples inhibited Streptococcus mutants and Porphyromonas gingivalis growth compared to control unmodified Ti samples. Specifically, S. mutants and P. gingivalis growth were both reduced 45-85% on the ZnO decorated Ti samples compared to Ti controls after 7 days of culture. When examining the mechanism of action, it has been further found for the first time that the ZnO decorated Ti samples inhibited the expression of Streptococcus mutans bacterial adhesion genes. Lastly, the results showed that the same samples which decreased bacterial growth the most (0.015 M precursor Zn(NO3)2 samples) did not inhibit mesenchymal stem cell growth compared to Ti controls for up to 7 days. In summary, results from this study showed that compared to plain TiO2 nanotubes, TiO2 decorated with 0.015 M ZnO provided unprecedented antibacterial properties while maintaining the stem cell proliferation capacity necessary for enhancing the use of Ti in numerous medical applications, particularly in dentistry.

Improved Optical Transmittance and Crystal Characteristics of ZnS:TbOF Thin Film on Bi4Ti3O12/Indium Tin Oxide/Glass Substrate by Using a SiO2 Buffer Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chia, Wei‑Kuo; Yokoyama, Meiso; Yang, Cheng‑Fu; Chiang, Wang‑Ta; Chen, Ying‑Chung

2006-07-01

Bi4Ti3O12 thin films are deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates using RF magnetron sputtering technology and are annealed at 675 °C in a rapid thermal annealing furnace in an oxygen atmosphere. The resulting films have high optical transmittances and good crystalline characteristics. ZnS:TbOF films are then deposited on the Bi4Ti3O12 films, causing the originally highly transparent specimens to blacken and to resemble a glass surface coated with carbon powder. The optical transmittance of the specimen is less than 15% under the visible wavelength range, and neither a crystalline phase nor a distinct ZnS grain structure is evident in X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) analysis reveals the occurrence of interdiffusion between the ZnS and Bi4Ti3O12 layers. This suggests that one or more unknown chemical reactions take place among the elements Bi, S, and O at the interface during the deposition of ZnS:TbOF film on a Bi4Ti3O12/ITO/glass substrate. These reactions cause the visible transmittance of the specimens to deteriorate dramatically. To prevent interdiffusion, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) buffer layer 100 nm thick was grown on the Bi4Ti3O12/ITO/glass substrate using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), then the ZnS:TbOF film was grown on the SiO2 buffer layer. The transmittance of the resulting specimen is enhanced approximately 8-fold in the visible region. XRD patterns reveal the ZnS(111)-oriented phase is dominant. Furthermore, dense, crack-free ZnS:TbOF grains are observed by SEM. The results imply that the SiO2 buffer layer sandwiched between the ZnS:TbOF and Bi4Ti3O2 layers effectively separates the two layers. Therefore, interdiffusion and chemical reactions are prevented at the interface of the two layers, and the crystalline characteristics of the ZnS:TbOF layer and the optical transmittance of the specimen are improved as a result. Finally, the dielectric

2D Heisenberg Triangular Antiferromagnet in Ba3CoSb2O9

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biffin, Alun; Demmel, Franz; Walker, Helen; Hayward, Michael; Coldea, Radu

We present inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments on the triangular antiferromagnet (TAF) Ba3CoSb2O9. High energy INS measurements allowed the crystal field levels of Co2+ ions to be resolved, and subsequently the terms relevant to its single ion Hamiltonian to be derived with the conclusion that the ions have a Jeff = 1 / 2 doublet as their groundstate with relatively weak local trigonal distortion of CoO6 octahedra. The result is a system which is a rare realisation of the canonical spin 1/2 Heisenberg TAF. Following this, low energy, high-resolution INS experiments have been performed which reveal the spin wave excitations emanating from the 120° ordered phase below TN = 3 . 8 K. However, as will be seen, linear spin wave calculations are not sufficient to describe all the features of the data, and these anomalies hint at quantum dynamics beyond linear spin wave theory within this realisation of the canonical S=1/2 TAF system.

Pressure-induced anomalies and structural instability in compressed β-Sb 2 O 3

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

Zou, Yongtao; Zhang, Wei; Li, Xuefei

2018-01-01

Here, we have discovered a new high-pressure phase of Sb 2 O 3 , and reported pressure-induced anomalies in orthorhombic β-Sb 2 O 3 (valentinite) by the combination of synchrotron in situ X-ray diffraction and first-principles theoretical calculations up to 40.5 GPa.

Maximization of current efficiency for organic pollutants oxidation at BDD, Ti/SnO2-Sb/PbO2, and Ti/SnO2-Sb anodes.

PubMed

Xing, Xuan; Ni, Jinren; Zhu, Xiuping; Jiang, Yi; Xia, Jianxin

2018-08-01

Whereas electrochemical oxidation is noted for its ability to degrade bio-refractory organics, it has also been incorrectly criticized for excessive energy consumption. The present paper rectifies this misunderstanding by demonstrating that the energy actually consumed in the degradation process is much less than that wasted in the side reaction of oxygen evolution. To minimize the side reaction, the possible highest instantaneous current efficiency (PHICE) for electrochemical oxidation of phenol at Boron-doped Diamond (BDD), Ti/SnO 2 -Sb/PbO 2 (PbO 2 ), and Ti/SnO 2 -Sb (SnO 2 ) anodes has been investigated systematically, and found to reach almost 100% at the BDD anode compared with 23% at the PbO 2 anode and 9% at the SnO 2 anode. The significant discrepancy between PHICE values at the various anodes is interpreted in terms of different existing forms of hydroxyl radicals. For each anode system, the PHICEs are maintained experimentally using a computer-controlled exponential decay current mode throughout the electrolysis process. For applications, the minimized energy consumption is predicted by response surface methodology, and demonstrated for the BDD anode system. Consequently, almost 100% current efficiency is achieved (for a relatively meagre energy consumption of 17.2 kWh kgCOD -1 ) along with excellent COD degradation efficiency by optimizing the initial current density, flow rate, electrolysis time, and exponential decay constant. Compared with galvanostatic conditions, over 70% of the energy is saved in the present study, thus demonstrating the great potential of electrochemical oxidation for practical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis of one-dimensional hollow Sb2O3@TiO2 composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhaomin; Cheng, Yong; Li, Qian; Chang, Limin; Wang, Limin

2018-06-01

Metallic Sb is deemed as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to its flat voltage platform and high security. Nevertheless, the limited capacity restricts its large-scale application. Therefore, a simple and effective method to explore novel antimony trioxide with high capacity used as anode material for LIBs is imperative. In this work, we report a facile and efficient strategy to fabricate 1D hollow Sb2O3@TiO2 composites by using the Kirkendall effect. When used as an anode material for LIBs, the optimal Sb2O3@TiO2 composite displays a high reversible discharge capacity of 593 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles and a relatively superior discharge capacity of 439 mAh g-1 at a current density of 500 mA g-1 even after 600 cycles. In addition, a reversible discharge capacity of 334 mAh g-1 can also be obtained even at a current density of 2000 mA g-1. The excellent cycling stability and rate performance of the Sb2O3@TiO2 composite can be attributed to the synergistic effect of TiO2 shell and hollow structure of Sb2O3, both of which can effectively buffer the volume expansion and maintain the integrity of the electrode during the repeated charge-discharge cycles.

Temperature- and frequency-dependent dielectric behaviors of insulator/semiconductor (Al2O3/ZnO) nanolaminates with various ZnO thicknesses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jin; Bi, Xiaofang

2016-07-01

Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminates (NLs) with various ZnO sublayer thicknesses were prepared by atomic layer deposition. The Al2O3 sublayers are characterized as amorphous and the ZnO sublayers have an oriented polycrystalline structure. As the ZnO thickness decreases to a certain value, each NL exhibits a critical temperature at which its dielectric constant starts to rise quickly. Moreover, this temperature increases as the ZnO thickness is decreased further. On the other hand, the permittivity demonstrates a large value of several hundred at a frequency  ⩽1000 Hz, followed by a steplike decrease at a higher frequency. The change in the cut-off frequency with ZnO thickness is characterized by a hook function. It is revealed that the Coulomb confinement effect becomes predominant in the dielectric behaviors of the NLs with very thin ZnO. As the ZnO thickness decreases to about the same as or even smaller than the Bohr radius of ZnO, a great change in the carrier concentration and effective mass of ZnO is induced, which is shown to be responsible for the peculiar dielectric behaviors of Al2O3/ZnO with very thin ZnO. These findings provide insight into the prevailing mechanisms to optimize the dielectric properties of semiconductor/insulator laminates with nanoscale sublayer thickness.

Compositional tuning of atomic layer deposited MgZnO for thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wrench, J. S.; Brunell, I. F.; Chalker, P. R.; Jin, J. D.; Shaw, A.; Mitrovic, I. Z.; Hall, S.

2014-11-01

Thin film transistors (TFTs) have been fabricated using magnesium zinc oxide (MgZnO) layers deposited by atomic layer deposition at 200 °C. The composition of the MgZnO is systematically modified by varying the ratio of MgO and ZnO deposition cycles. A blue-shift of the near band-edge photoluminescence after post-deposition annealing at 300 °C indicates significant activation of the Mg dopant. A 7:1 ratio of ZnO:MgO deposition cycles was used to fabricate a device with a TFT channel width of 2000 μm and a channel length of 60 μm. This transistor yielded an effective saturation mobility of 4 cm2/V s and a threshold voltage of 7.1 V, respectively. The on/off ratio was 1.6 × 10 6 and the maximum interface state density at the ZnO/SiO2 interface is ˜ 6.5 × 10 12 cm-2.

Hybrid ZnO/phthalocyanine photovoltaic device with highly resistive ZnO intermediate layer.

PubMed

Izaki, Masanobu; Chizaki, Ryo; Saito, Takamasa; Murata, Kazufumi; Sasano, Junji; Shinagawa, Tsutomu

2013-10-09

We report a hybrid photovoltaic device composed of a 3.3 eV bandgap zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductor and metal-free phthalocyanine layers and the effects of the insertion of the highly resistive ZnO buffer layer on the electrical characteristics of the rectification feature and photovoltaic performance. The hybrid photovoltaic devices have been constructed by electrodeposition of the 300 nm thick ZnO layer in a simple zinc nitrate aqueous solution followed by vacuum evaporation of 50-400 nm thick-phthalocyanine layers. The ZnO layers with the resistivity of 1.8 × 10(3) and 1 × 10(8) Ω cm were prepared by adjusting the cathodic current density and were installed into the hybrid photovoltaic devices as the n-type and buffer layer, respectively. The phthalocyanine layers with the characteristic monoclinic lattice showed a characteristic optical absorption feature regardless of the thickness, but the preferred orientation changed depending on the thickness. The ZnO buffer-free hybrid 50 nm thick phthalocyanine/n-ZnO photovoltaic device showed a rectification feature but possessed a poor photovoltaic performance with a conversion efficiency of 7.5 × 10(-7) %, open circuit voltage of 0.041 V, and short circuit current density of 8.0 × 10(-5) mA cm(-2). The insertion of the ZnO buffer layer between the n-ZnO and phthalocyanine layers induced improvements in both the rectification feature and photovoltaic performance. The excellent rectification feature with a rectification ratio of 3188 and ideally factor of 1.29 was obtained for the hybrid 200 nm thick phthalocyanine/ZnO buffer/n-ZnO photovoltaic device, and the hybrid photovoltaic device possessed an improved photovoltaic performance with the conversion efficiency of 0.0016%, open circuit voltage of 0.31 V, and short circuit current density of 0.015 mA cm(-2).

Construction of 1D SnO2-coated ZnO nanowire heterojunction for their improved n-butylamine sensing performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Liwei; Li, Jintao; Wang, Yinghui; Yu, Kefu; Tang, Xingying; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Wang, Shaopeng; Wei, Chaoshuai

2016-10-01

One-dimensional (1D) SnO2-coated ZnO nanowire (SnO2/ZnO NW) N-N heterojunctions were successfully constructed by an effective solvothermal treatment followed with calcination at 400 °C. The obtained samples were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, Scanning TEM coupled with EDS and XPS analysis, which confirmed that the outer layers of N-type SnO2 nanoparticles (avg. 4 nm) were uniformly distributed onto our pre-synthesized n-type ZnO nanowire supports (diameter 80~100 nm, length 12~16 μm). Comparisons of the gas sensing performances among pure SnO2, pure ZnO NW and the as-fabricated SnO2/ZnO NW heterojunctions revealed that after modification, SnO2/ZnO NW based sensor exhibited remarkably improved response, fast response and recovery speeds, good selectivity and excellent reproducibility to n-butylamine gas, indicating it can be used as promising candidates for high-performance organic amine sensors. The enhanced gas-sensing behavior should be attributed to the unique 1D wire-like morphology of ZnO support, the small size effect of SnO2 nanoparticles, and the semiconductor depletion layer model induced by the strong interfacial interaction between SnO2 and ZnO of the heterojunctions. The as-prepared SnO2/ZnO NW heterojunctions may also supply other novel applications in the fields like photocatalysis, lithium-ion batteries, waste water purification, and so on.

NO2 Gas Sensing Properties of Multiple Networked ZnGa2O4 Nanorods Coated with TiO2.

PubMed

An, Soyeon; Park, Sunghoon; Ko, Hyunsung; Jin, Changhyun; Lee, Chongmu

2015-01-01

The NO2 gas sensing properties of ZnGa2O4-TiO2 heterostructure nanorods was examined. ZnGa2O4-core/TiO2-shell nanorods were fabricated by the thermal evaporation of a mixture of Zn and GaN powders and the sputter deposition of TiO2. Multiple networked ZnGa2O4-core/TiO2-shell nanorod sensors showed the response of 876% at 10 ppm NO2 at 300 degrees C. This response value at 10 ppm NO2 is approximately 4 times larger than that of bare ZnGa2O4 nanorod sensors. The response values obtained by the ZnGa2O4-core/TiO2-shell nanorods in this study are more than 13 times higher than those obtained previously by the SnO2-core/ZnO-shell nanofibers at 5% NO2. The significant enhancement in the response of ZnGa2O4 nanorods to NO2 gas by coating them with TiO2 can be explained based on the space-charge model.

Preparation and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles Supported on Amorphous SiO2

PubMed Central

Chen, Ying; Ding, Hao; Sun, Sijia

2017-01-01

In order to reduce the primary particle size of zinc oxide (ZnO) and eliminate the agglomeration phenomenon to form a monodisperse state, Zn2+ was loaded on the surface of amorphous silica (SiO2) by the hydrogen bond association between hydroxyl groups in the hydrothermal process. After calcining the precursors, dehydration condensation among hydroxyl groups occurred and ZnO nanoparticles supported on amorphous SiO2 (ZnO–SiO2) were prepared. Furthermore, the SEM and TEM observations showed that ZnO nanoparticles with a particle size of 3–8 nm were uniformly and dispersedly loaded on the surface of amorphous SiO2. Compared with pure ZnO, ZnO–SiO2 showed a much better antibacterial performance in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and the antibacterial properties of the paint adding ZnO–SiO2 composite. PMID:28796157

TiO2/ZnO and ZnO/TiO2 core/shell nanofibers prepared by electrospinning and atomic layer deposition for photocatalysis and gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyadjiev, Stefan I.; Kéri, Orsolya; Bárdos, Péter; Firkala, Tamás; Gáber, Fanni; Nagy, Zsombor K.; Baji, Zsófia; Takács, Máté; Szilágyi, Imre M.

2017-12-01

In the present work, core TiO2 and ZnO oxide nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning, then shell oxide (ZnO, TiO2) layers were deposited on them by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The aim of preparing ZnO and TiO2 nanofibers, as well as ZnO/TiO2 and TiO2/ZnO nanocomposites is to study the interaction between the oxide materials when a pure oxide fiber is covered with thin film of the other oxide, and explore the influence of exchanging the core and shell materials on their photocatalytic and gas sensing properties. The composition, structure and morphology of the pure and composite nanofibers were studied by SEM-EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-vis and Raman. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared materials was analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy through decomposing aqueous methyl orange under UV irradiation. The gas sensing of the nanofibers was investigated by detecting 100 ppm NH3 at 150 and 220 °C using interdigital electrode based sensors.

Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Assisted Synthesis of Fiber-Like ZnO-ZnFe2O4 Composites with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Aijun; Guo, Aiying; Du, Liqiang; Chang, Yongfang; Wang, Xiuping

2018-05-01

In this article, fiber-like ZnO-ZnFe2O4 composites are obtained by using nanofibrillated cellulose as a biotemplate. The as-prepared composites exhibit strong absorbance in the visible-light region. The ZnO-ZnFe2O4 composites exhibit a similar bandgap (1.88 eV) compared with the ZnFe2O4 (1.85 eV). The ZnO-ZnFe2O4 composites can be easily collected by an external magnet, which contributes to improving the utilization efficiency of the photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO-ZnFe2O4 catalysts was evaluated by photodegrading rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. Compared with ZnO and ZnFe2O4, the ZnO-ZnFe2O4 catalysts show higher photocatalytic activity due to the efficient electron-hole separation.

Feasibility of applying the LED-UV-induced TiO2/ZnO-supported H3PMo12O40 nanoparticles in photocatalytic degradation of aniline.

PubMed

Taghavi, Mahmoud; Ghaneian, Mohammad Taghi; Ehrampoush, Mohammad Hasan; Tabatabaee, Masoumeh; Afsharnia, Mojtaba; Alami, Ali; Mardaneh, Jalal

2018-03-03

In the present study, TiO 2 /ZnO-supported phosphomolybdic acid nanoparticles are investigated by the impregnation method, followed by analyzing their photocatalytic activity under UV-LED light and degradation kinetics degrading aniline as an organic pollutant model. Nanoparticle characteristics and the remaining Keggin structure in the nanocomposites were confirmed by means of FESEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. Heterogenization of phosphomolybdic acid on TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticles resulted in the improved light absorption intensity and decreased band gap of nanocomposites. Photocatalytic degradation of aniline was also improved for composite nanoparticles and reached to 25.62, 43.48, and 38.25% for TiO 2 /HPMo, ZnO/HPMo, and TiO 2 /ZnO/HPMo, respectively. Overall, the results showed a good fit to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.

ZnO/(Hf,Zr)O2/ZnO-trilayered nanowire capacitor structure fabricated solely by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujisawa, Hironori; Kuwamoto, Kei; Nakashima, Seiji; Shimizu, Masaru

2016-02-01

HfO2-based thin films are one of the key dielectric and ferroelectric materials in Si-CMOS LSIs as well as in oxide electronic nanodevices. In this study, we demonstrated the fabrication of a ZnO/(Hf,Zr)O2/ZnO-trilayered nanowire (NW) capacitor structure solely by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). 15-nm-thick dielectric (Hf,Zr)O2 and 40-nm-thick top ZnO electrode layers were uniformly grown by MOCVD on a ZnO NW template with average diameter, length, and aspect ratio of 110 nm, 10 µm, and ˜90, respectively. The diameter and aspect ratio of the resultant trilayerd NWs are 200-300 nm and above 30, respectively. The crystalline phase of HfO2 and stacked the structure are also discussed.

TANK 40 FINAL SB7B CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION RESULTS

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

Bannochie, C.

2012-03-15

A sample of Sludge Batch 7b (SB7b) was taken from Tank 40 in order to obtain radionuclide inventory analyses necessary for compliance with the Waste Acceptance Product Specifications (WAPS). The SB7b WAPS sample was also analyzed for chemical composition including noble metals and fissile constituents, and these results are reported here. These analyses along with the WAPS radionuclide analyses will help define the composition of the sludge in Tank 40 that is currently being fed to the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) as SB7b. At the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) the 3-L Tank 40 SB7b sample was transferred frommore » the shipping container into a 4-L high density polyethylene bottle and solids were allowed to settle over the weekend. Supernate was then siphoned off and circulated through the shipping container to complete the transfer of the sample. Following thorough mixing of the 3-L sample, a 558 g sub-sample was removed. This sub-sample was then utilized for all subsequent analytical samples. Eight separate aliquots of the slurry were digested, four with HNO{sub 3}/HCl (aqua regia) in sealed Teflon{reg_sign} vessels and four with NaOH/Na{sub 2}O{sub 2} (alkali or peroxide fusion) using Zr crucibles. Two Analytical Reference Glass - 1 (ARG-1) standards were digested along with a blank for each preparation. Each aqua regia digestion and blank was diluted to 1:100 mL with deionized water and submitted to Analytical Development (AD) for inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis, inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA) for As and Se, and cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AA) for Hg. Equivalent dilutions of the alkali fusion digestions and blank were submitted to AD for ICP-AES analysis. Tank 40 SB7b supernate was collected from a mixed slurry sample in the SRNL Shielded Cells and submitted to AD for ICP-AES, ion chromatography (IC

Effects of antimony (Sb) on electron trapping near SiO{sub 2}/4H-SiC interfaces

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

Mooney, P. M.; Jiang, Zenan; Basile, A. F.

To investigate the mechanism by which Sb at the SiO{sub 2}/SiC interface improves the channel mobility of 4H-SiC MOSFETs, 1 MHz capacitance measurements and constant capacitance deep level transient spectroscopy (CCDLTS) measurements were performed on Sb-implanted 4H-SiC MOS capacitors. The measurements reveal a significant concentration of Sb donors near the SiO{sub 2}/SiC interface. Two Sb donor related CCDLTS peaks corresponding to shallow energy levels in SiC were observed close to the SiO{sub 2}/SiC interface. Furthermore, CCDLTS measurements show that the same type of near-interface traps found in conventional dry oxide or NO-annealed capacitors are present in the Sb implanted samples. Thesemore » are O1 traps, suggested to be carbon dimers substituted for O dimers in SiO{sub 2}, and O2 traps, suggested to be interstitial Si in SiO{sub 2}. However, electron trapping is reduced by a factor of ∼2 in Sb-implanted samples compared with samples with no Sb, primarily at energy levels within 0.2 eV of the SiC conduction band edge. This trap passivation effect is relatively small compared with the Sb-induced counter-doping effect on the MOSFET channel surface, which results in improved channel transport.« less

Preparation, characterizations and photocatalytic activity of a ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachom, Vichuda; Poolcharuansin, Phitsanu; Laokul, Paveena

2017-03-01

Nanoparticles of TiO2, ZnO and nanocomposite ZnO/TiO2 were prepared via a co-precipitation method. The precursor powders were calcined in air at 400 and 500 °C for 2 h. Crystallite sizes of the calcined samples ranged from 11-43 nm. The XRD patterns of ZnO/TiO2 powder showed two phases of anatase and wurtzite, with no ZnTiO3 impurity phase. TEM images showed three types of particles in the ZnO/TiO2 samples: a fine particle type of TiO2 and submicron ellipsoidal and rod-like particles of ZnO. The energy gap (E g) of the calcined powders was evaluated using UV-vis absorption spectra and found to be in the range of 3.15-3.60 eV. Photodegradation efficiencies of the prepared samples in methyl orange aqueous solution were investigated under UVA irradiation. The results showed that nanocomposite ZnO/TiO2 calcined at 400 °C exhibited the highest apparent rate constant (k), and a higher capacity for methyl orange removal than TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles.

Modulation-Doped In2 O3 /ZnO Heterojunction Transistors Processed from Solution.

PubMed

Khim, Dongyoon; Lin, Yen-Hung; Nam, Sungho; Faber, Hendrik; Tetzner, Kornelius; Li, Ruipeng; Zhang, Qiang; Li, Jun; Zhang, Xixiang; Anthopoulos, Thomas D

2017-05-01

This paper reports the controlled growth of atomically sharp In 2 O 3 /ZnO and In 2 O 3 /Li-doped ZnO (In 2 O 3 /Li-ZnO) heterojunctions via spin-coating at 200 °C and assesses their application in n-channel thin-film transistors (TFTs). It is shown that addition of Li in ZnO leads to n-type doping and allows for the accurate tuning of its Fermi energy. In the case of In 2 O 3 /ZnO heterojunctions, presence of the n-doped ZnO layer results in an increased amount of electrons being transferred from its conduction band minimum to that of In 2 O 3 over the interface, in a process similar to modulation doping. Electrical characterization reveals the profound impact of the presence of the n-doped ZnO layer on the charge transport properties of the isotype In 2 O 3 /Li-ZnO heterojunctions as well as on the operating characteristics of the resulting TFTs. By judicious optimization of the In 2 O 3 /Li-ZnO interface microstructure, and Li concentration, significant enhancement in both the electron mobility and TFT bias stability is demonstrated. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Growth of Lattice-Matched ZnTeSe Alloys on (100) and (211)B GaSb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, J.; Lee, K.-K.; Doyle, K.; Dinan, J. H.; Myers, T. H.

2012-10-01

A key issue with the current HgCdTe/Si system is the high dislocation density due to the large mismatch between HgCdTe and Si. An alternative system that has superior lattice matching is HgCdSe/GaSb. A buffer layer to mitigate issues with direct nucleation of HgCdSe on GaSb is ZnTe1- x Se x . We have performed preliminary studies into the growth of lattice-matched ZnTe1- x Se x on both (100) and (211)B GaSb. The effects of substrate orientation, substrate temperature, and growth conditions on the morphology and crystallography of ZnTe0.99Se0.01 alloys were investigated. The lattice-matching condition yielded minimum root-mean-square (rms) roughness of 1.1 nm, x-ray rocking curve full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) value of ~29 arcsec, and density of nonradiative defects of mid-105 cm-2 as measured by imaging photoluminescence.

The Assessment for Sensitivity of a NO2 Gas Sensor with ZnGa2O4/ZnO Core-Shell Nanowires—a Novel Approach

PubMed Central

Chen, I-Cherng; Lin, Shiu-Shiung; Lin, Tsao-Jen; Hsu, Cheng-Liang; Hsueh, Ting Jen; Shieh, Tien-Yu

2010-01-01

The application of novel core-shell nanowires composed of ZnGa2O4/ZnO to improve the sensitivity of NO2 gas sensors is demonstrated in this study. The growth of ZnGa2O4/ZnO core-shell nanowires is performed by reactive evaporation on patterned ZnO:Ga/SiO2/Si templates at 600 °C. This is to form the homogeneous structure of the sensors investigated in this report to assess their sensitivity in terms of NO2 detection. These novel NO2 gas sensors were evaluated at working temperatures of 25 °C and at 250 °C, respectively. The result reveals the ZnGa2O4/ZnO core-shell nanowires present a good linear relationship (R2 > 0.99) between sensitivity and NO2 concentration at both working temperatures. These core-shell nanowire sensors also possess the highest response (<90 s) and recovery (<120 s) values with greater repeatability seen for NO2 sensors at room temperature, unlike traditional sensors that only work effectively at much higher temperatures. The data in this study indicates the newly-developed ZnGa2O4/ZnO core-shell nanowire based sensors are highly promising for industrial applications. PMID:22319286

Optimization of the Al2O3/GaSb Interface and a High-Mobility GaSb pMOSFET

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

explored the use of in situ deposition of Al2O3 on GaSb grown on InP using molecular beam epitaxy and reported Dit values in the low 1012/cm2eV range near...M. Heyns, M. Caymax, and J. Dekoster, “GaSb mole- cular beam epitaxial growth on p-InP(001) and passivation with in situ deposited Al2O3 gate oxide...transmission electron microscopy. Capacitors were made on these films using platinum (Pt) electrode deposited in an e- beam evaporator through a shadow

Photoluminescence analysis of Ce3+:Zn2SiO4 & Li++ Ce3+:Zn2SiO4: phosphors by a sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, B. Chandra; Vandana, C. Sai; Guravamma, J.; Rudramadevi, B. Hemalatha; Buddhudu, S.

2015-06-01

Here, we report on the development and photoluminescence analysis of Zn2SiO4, Ce3+:Zn2SiO4 & Li+ + Ce3+: Zn2SiO4 novel powder phosphors prepared by a sol-gel technique. The total amount of Ce3+ ions was kept constant in this experiment at 0.05 mol% total doping. The excitation and emission spectra of undoped (Zn2SiO4) and Ce3+ doped Zn2SiO4 and 0.05 mol% Li+ co-doped samples have been investigated. Cerium doped Zn2SiO4 powder phosphors had broad blue emission corresponding to the 2D3/2→2FJ transition at 443nm. Stable green-yellow-red emission has been observed from Zn2SiO4 host matrix and also we have been observed the enhanced luminescence of Li+ co-doped Zn2SiO4:Ce3+. Excitation and emission spectra of these blue luminescent phosphors have been analyzed in evaluating their potential as luminescent screen coating phosphors.

ZnO and MgZnO Nanocrystalline Flexible Films: Optical and Material Properties

DOE PAGES

Huso, Jesse; Morrison, John L.; Che, Hui; ...

2011-01-01

An emore » merging material for flexible UV applications is Mg x Zn 1 − x O which is capable of tunable bandgap and luminescence in the UV range of ~3.4 eV–7.4 eV depending on the composition x . Studies on the optical and material characteristics of ZnO and Mg 0.3 Zn 0.7 O nanocrystalline flexible films are presented. The analysis indicates that the ZnO and Mg 0.3 Zn 0.7 O have bandgaps of 3.34 eV and 4.02 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) of the ZnO film was found to exhibit a structural defect-related emission at ~3.316 eV inherent to the nanocrystalline morphology. The PL of the Mg 0.3 Zn 0.7 O film exhibits two broad peaks at 3.38 eV and at 3.95 eV that are discussed in terms of the solubility limit of the ZnO-MgO alloy system. Additionally, external deformation of the film did not have a significant impact on its properties as indicated by the Raman LO-mode behavior, making these films attractive for UV flexible applications.« less

Effect of the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio and FeO content on the viscosity of CaO-SiO2-"FeO"-12wt%ZnO-3wt%Al2O3 slags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, Jian-fang; Jin, Zhe-nan; Yang, Hong-ying; Tong, Lin-lin; Chen, Guo-bao; Xiao, Fa-xin

2017-07-01

An effective process for recycling lead from hazardous waste cathode ray tubes (CRTs) funnel glass through traditional lead smelting has been presented previously. The viscous behavior of the molten high lead slag, which is affected by the addition of funnel glass, plays a critical role in determining the production efficiency. Therefore, the viscosities of the CaO-SiO2-"FeO"-12wt%ZnO-3wt%Al2O3 slags were measured in the current study using the rotating spindle method. The slag viscosity decreases as the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio is increased from 0.8 to 1.2 and also as the FeO content is increased from 8wt% to 20wt%. The breaking temperature of the slag is lowered substantially by the addition of FeO, whereas the influence of the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio on the breaking temperature is complex. The structural analysis of quenched slags using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy reveals that the silicate network structure is depolymerized with increasing CaO/SiO2 mass ratio or increasing FeO content. The [FeO6]-octahedra in the slag melt increase as the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio or the FeO content increases. This increase can further decrease the degree of polymerization (DOP) of the slag. Furthermore, the activation energy for viscous flow decreases both with increasing CaO/SiO2 mass ratio and increasing FeO content.

Photodecolorisation of melanoidins in vinasse with illuminated TiO2-ZnO/activated carbon composite.

PubMed

Otieno, Benton O; Apollo, Seth O; Naidoo, Bobby E; Ochieng, Aoyi

2017-06-07

A hybrid photo-catalyst, TiO 2 -ZnO, was synthesized by immobilizing ZnO on commercial TiO 2 (aeroxide P25). Activated carbon (AC) was subsequently used to support the hybrid, thus forming a TiO 2 -ZnO/AC composite catalyst. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy integrated with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) investigations revealed successful catalyst synthesis. Optical properties of the hybrid determined from photoluminescence (PL) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy confirmed a restrained recombination of electron-hole pairs and reduced energy band gap due to a successful heterojunction formation. The prepared catalysts were used to photodecolorise vinasse in a 12-W UVC batch photoreactor. TiO 2 -ZnO had improved photocatalytic activity compared with TiO 2 and ZnO separately. On supporting the hybrid onto AC, both adsorption and photocatalytic activities were further enhanced with improved overall color removal of 86% from 68%. Photodecolorisation followed the pseudo-first-order reaction model with the rate constant ([Formula: see text]) observed decreasing from 0.0701 to 0.0436 min -1 on increasing the initial concentration from 5,000 to 14,000 ppm. The UV process was found to be 33-fold less energy intensive for color reduction as compared to total organic carbon (TOC) reduction. Formation of nitrates during the photodecolorisation process was attributed to the mineralization of nitrogen heteroatoms in the color-causing melanoidin compounds.

ZnO Quantum Dot Decorated Zn2SnO4 Nanowire Heterojunction Photodetectors with Drastic Performance Enhancement and Flexible Ultraviolet Image Sensors.

PubMed

Li, Ludong; Gu, Leilei; Lou, Zheng; Fan, Zhiyong; Shen, Guozhen

2017-04-25

Here we report the fabrication of high-performance ultraviolet photodetectors based on a heterojunction device structure in which ZnO quantum dots were used to decorate Zn 2 SnO 4 nanowires. Systematic investigations have shown their ultrahigh light-to-dark current ratio (up to 6.8 × 10 4 ), specific detectivity (up to 9.0 × 10 17 Jones), photoconductive gain (up to 1.1 × 10 7 ), fast response, and excellent stability. Compared with a pristine Zn 2 SnO 4 nanowire, a quantum dot decorated nanowire demonstrated about 10 times higher photocurrent and responsivity. Device physics modeling showed that their high performance originates from the rational energy band engineering, which allows efficient separation of electron-hole pairs at the interfaces between ZnO quantum dots and a Zn 2 SnO 4 nanowire. As a result of band engineering, holes migrate to ZnO quantum dots, which increases electron concentration and lifetime in the nanowire conduction channel, leading to significantly improved photoresponse. The enhancement mechanism found in this work can also be used to guide the design of high-performance photodetectors based on other nanomaterials. Furthermore, flexible ultraviolet photodetectors were fabricated and integrated into a 10 × 10 device array, which constitutes a high-performance flexible ultraviolet image sensor. These intriguing results suggest that the band alignment engineering on nanowires can be rationally achieved using compound semiconductor quantum dots. This can lead to largely improved device performance. Particularly for ZnO quantum dot decorated Zn 2 SnO 4 nanowires, these decorated nanowires may find broad applications in future flexible and wearable electronics.

Facile synthesis of p-type Zn-doped α-Fe2O3 films for solar water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Chun-Lin; Hsu, Yu-Kuei; Lin, Yan-Gu

2014-10-01

A facile and simple fabrication of Zn-doped α-Fe2O3 thin films as a photocathode for solar hydrogen generation was proposed in this report. Transparent Zn-doped α-Fe2O3 films were prepared by a deposition-annealing (DA) process using nontoxic iron(III) chloride as the Fe precursor and zinc chloride as a acceptor dopant, followed by annealing at 550 °C in air. In terms of the structural examination of as-grown samples, X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated an increase in the lattice parameters of Zn incorporated in Fe2O3 by substituting Fe in the host lattice. No second phase was determined, indicating no phase separation in the ternary materials. Energy dispersive spectroscopy results demonstrated that Zn, Fe, and O elements existed in the deposits. Furthermore, impedance measurements show that the Zn-dopant serves as an hole acceptor and increases the acceptor concentration by increasing concentration of zinc precursor. Significantly, the photoelectrochemical measurements exhibited remarkable cathodic current, corresponding to the reduction reaction of hydrogen. Finally, the optimum photocurrent can be achieved by controlled variation of the Fe and Zni precursor concentration, annealing conditions, and the number of DA cycles. According to our investigation, the understandings of morphology effect on PEC activity give the blueprint for materials design in the application of solar hydrogen.

Moessbauer studies in Zn(2+)0.3 Mn(2+)0.7 Mn(3+) (2-y) Fe(3+) (2-y) O4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, R. G.; Mendiratta, R. G.; Escue, W. T.

1975-01-01

The Mossbauer effect has proven to be effective in the study of nuclear hyperfine interactions. Ferrite systems having the formula (Zn(2+)0.3)(Mn(2+)0.7)(Mn(3+)y)(Fe(3+)2-y)(O4) were prepared and studied. These systems can be interpreted as mangacese-doped zinc and a part of iron ions. A systematic study of these systems is presented to promote an understanding of their microstructure for which various theories were proposed.

A densely packed Sb2O3 nanosheet-graphene aerogel toward advanced sodium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Zhou, Jing; Yan, Bingyi; Yang, Jie; Yang, Yun; Zhou, Wei; Lan, Hao; Wang, Hua; Guo, Lin

2018-05-17

As a promising anodic material for rechargeable batteries, Sb2O3 has drawn increasing attention due to its high theoretical capacity and abundant natural deposits. However, poor cyclability and rate performance of Sb2O3 derived from a large volume change during insertion/desertion reactions as well as a sluggish kinetic process restrict its practical application. Herein, we report a facile amorphous-to-crystalline strategy to synthesize a densely packed Sb2O3 nanosheet-graphene aerogel as a novel anode for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). This Sb2O3/graphene composite displays a reversible capacity as high as 657.9 mA h g-1 even after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1, along with an excellent rate capacity of 356.8 mA h g-1 at 5.0 A g-1. The superior electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of densely packed Sb2O3 nanosheets and graphene aerogel, which serves as both a robust support and stable buffer layer to maintain the structural stability of the nanocomposite, and enhances the electrode kinetics of electrolyte diffusion and electron transfer simultaneously. Hence, this densely-packed two-dimensional Sb2O3 nanosheet-graphene aerogel can be a promising anode material for rechargeable SIBs due to its facile synthesis process and outstanding electrochemical performance.

Stabilization of cubic Li7La3Hf2O12 by Al-doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baklanova, Yana V.; Tyutyunnik, Alexander P.; Tarakina, Nadezda V.; Fortes, A. Dominic; Maksimova, Lidiya G.; Korona, Daniil V.; Denisova, Tatyana A.

2018-07-01

In this paper we report on the stabilization of cubic Li7La3Hf2O12 by Al3+ doping and present a detailed crystal structure study and lithium ion conductivity measurements of the obtained compound. Polycrystalline Al-doped Li7La3Hf2O12 was prepared by a modified solid state method. The compound consists of micrometer size grains encapsulated by a glassy phase, which helps preventing the volatilization of lithium during annealing. Al-doped Li7La3Hf2O12 crystallizes in the garnet-related structure with a cubic unit cell (sp. gr. Ia 3 bar d (230)). A structural refinement using X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data showed that the Al3+ ions occupy only tetrahedral Li+ sites in the structure. The presence of overextended leading edges of the peaks on the XRD and NPD data is described by the introduction of an additional phase with rhombohedral distortion that occurs through a stretching of the cubic phase along the body diagonal. The activation energy as well as the total conductivity at room temperature are close to values obtained for un-doped cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 and Li7La3Hf2O12 garnets, which make Al-doped Li7La3Hf2O12 a potential candidate for the application as solid electrolyte in solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Photocatalytic application of Pd-ZnO-exfoliated graphite nanocomposite for the enhanced removal of acid orange 7 dye in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umukoro, Eseoghene H.; Madyibi, Siposetu S.; Peleyeju, Moses G.; Tshwenya, Luthando; Viljoen, Elvera H.; Ngila, Jane C.; Arotiba, Omotayo A.

2017-12-01

In this work, a nanocomposite photocatalyst which consists of palladium (Pd), zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as exfoliated graphite (EG) was synthesised, characterised and applied to the removal of acid orange 7 dye as a model organic pollutant. The Pd-ZnO-EG nanocomposite was synthesised by a one-pot hydrothermal technique in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave at 160 °C for a period of 12 h, cooled, washed and dried. The nanocomposite was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The as-prepared materials were further applied for the degradation of acid orange 7 dye photocatalytically. Results obtained showed that Pd-ZnO-EG composite displayed a better photocatalytic performance, giving better removal efficiency of 87% in comparison with ZnO and Pd-ZnO which gave 3 and 25% percentage removal respectively.

Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of ZnO-ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falak, P.; Hassanzadeh-Tabrizi, S. A.; Saffar-Teluri, A.

2017-11-01

In the present research, a magnetic ZnO-ZnFe2O4 binary nanocomposite was synthesized by a one-step microemulsion method. The characteristics of the synthesized powders were characterized using various analytical instruments including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The results of transmission electron microscope proved that the synthesized nanoparticles have irregular morphologies and the average particle size is about 20 nm. The photocatalytic investigation of ZnO-ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles was carried out using methylene blue solution under UV light. The synthesized nanoparticles showed enhanced photocatalytic performance in comparison with the ZnO nanoparticles more than 40%. The magnetization saturation value of ZnO-ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles was about 5.8 emu/g, which was high enough to be magnetically removed by applying a magnetic field. The results showed that the magnetization and coercivity of the samples reduced by increasing calcination temperature.

Synthesis of nanocrystalline α - Zn 2SiO 4 at ZnO-porous silicon interface: Phase transition study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, R. G.; Singh, Fouran; Mehra, R. M.; Kanjilal, D.; Agarwal, V.

2011-05-01

Thermal annealing induced formation of nanocrystalline Zinc silicate (α-Zn 2SiO 4) at the interface of ZnO-porous silicon (PSi) nanocomposites is reported. The PSi templates were formed by electrochemical anodization of p-type (100) Si and ZnO crystallites were deposited on the PSi surface by a Sol-gel spin coating process. The formation of α-Zn 2SiO 4 is confirmed by glancing angle X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. The presence of intense yellow-green emission also confirms the formation of α-Zn 2SiO 4. The mechanism of silicate phase formation at the ZnO-PSi interface and the origin of various photoluminescence (PL) bands are discussed in view of its potential applications in advanced optoelectronic devices.

Roles of K2O on the CaO-ZnO Catalyst and Its Influence on Catalyst Basicity for Biodiesel Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchori, Luqman; Istadi, I.; Purwanto; Marpaung, Louis Claudia; Safitri, Rahmatika Luthfiani

2018-02-01

This research aimed to study the effect of K2O impregnation on the basicity of the CaO-ZnO catalyst and its effect on biodiesel production. The effect of mole ratio of CaO to ZnO catalyst and %wt K2O were also studied. The mole ratio of CaO to ZnO catalyst was varied at 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, and 3:1, while the %wt K2O was varied at 1, 3, and 5 %. The catalyst basicity was determined by titration method. The basicity of the catalyst increased after the CaO-ZnO catalyst was impregnated with K2O in all mole ratios of CaO-ZnO catalyst. The addition of K2O as a promoter also increase the basicity. The highest basicity was obtained at the CaO-ZnO mole ratio of 3:1 and 5%wt K2O. The tranesterification process was carried out in a batch reactor at a methanol to oil mole ratio of 15:1, a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 4 h, and a catalyst loading of 5%wt oil. The FAME yields obtained were 41.33%. These results proved that K2O plays a role in enhancing the catalyst basicity. In addition, K2O also serves as a binding agent to improve the mechanical properties of the catalyst.

Gas Sensing Properties of ZnO-SnO2 Nanostructures.

PubMed

Chen, Weigen; Li, Qianzhu; Xu, Lingna; Zeng, Wen

2015-02-01

One-dimensional (1D) semiconductor metal oxide nanostructures have attracted increasing attention in electrochemistry, optics, magnetic, and gas sensing fields for the good properties. N-type low dimensional semiconducting oxides such as SnO2 and ZnO have been known for the detection of inflammable or toxic gases. In this paper, we fabricated the ZnO-SnO2 and SnO2 nanoparticles by hydrothermal synthesis. Microstructure characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface morphologies for both the pristine and doped samples were observed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Then we made thin film gas sensor to study the gas sensing properties of ZnO-SnO2 and SnO2 gas sensor to H2 and CO. A systematic comparison study reveals an enhanced gas sensing performance for the sensor made of SnO2 and ZnO toward H2 and CO over that of the commonly applied undecorated SnO2 nanoparticles. The improved gas sensing properties are attributed to the size of grains and pronounced electron transfer between the compound nanostructures and the absorbed oxygen species as well as to the heterojunctions of the ZnO nanoparticles to the SnO2 nanoparticles, which provide additional reaction rooms. The results represent an advance of compound nanostructures in further enhancing the functionality of gas sensors, and this facile method could be applicable to many sensing materials, offering a new avenue and direction to detect gases of interest based on composite tin oxide nanoparticles.

Fabrication and enhanced photoluminescence properties of Sm3+-doped ZnO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 glass derived willemite glass-ceramic nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarafder, Anal; Molla, Atiar Rahaman; Mukhopadhyay, Sunanda; Karmakar, Basudeb

2014-07-01

The transparent willemite, Zn2SiO4 (ZS) glass-ceramic nanocomposites were prepared from melt-quench derived ZnO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 (ZABS) precursor glass by an isothermal heat-treatment process. The generation of willemite crystal phase, size and morphology with increase in heat-treatment time was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The average calculated crystallite size obtained from XRD is found to be in the range 80-120 nm. The decreased refractive index with increase in heat-treatment time attributed to partial replacement of ZnO4 units of willemite nanocrystals by AlO4 units and simultaneous generation of vacancies in the Zn-site. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopy exhibits the structural evolution of willemite glass-ceramics. The photoluminescence spectra of Sm3+ ions exhibit emission transitions of 4G5/2 → 6HJ (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, 11/2) and its excitation spectra shows an intense absorption band at 402 nm. These spectra reveal that the luminescence performance of the glass-ceramic nanocomposites is enhanced up to 14-fold with crystallization into willemite.

Synthesis of SiO2-Coated Core-Shell ZnO Composites for Preparing High-Voltage Varistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Xiao; Yao, Da-Chuan; Liu, Jin-Ran; Wang, Mao-Hua; Zhang, Han-Ping

2018-01-01

Monodispersed ZnO composite microspheres were successfully prepared by a facile ultrasound irradiation method. Then, the uniform core-shell structured composites were synthesized through the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate on the surface of the ZnO composite microspheres. Microstructural studies of the as-obtained powders were carried out using the techniques of the x-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results show that the pink ZnO composite powders as the core were spherical structures with the size of approximately 100 nm, and the SiO2 shell was fully coated on the surface of the core. On the basis of these results, the effect of SiO2 content on the thickness of the synthesized composites and microstructure, as well as the electrical properties of the ZnO varistors sintered in air at 1150°C for 2 h, were fully studied. In particular, the ZnO varistor prepared with the appropriate amount of the SiO2 coating (˜40 nm) leads to a superior electrical performance with the high breakdown voltage of 418 V mm-1 and an excellent nonlinear coefficient of 70.7, compared with the varistors obtained without the SiO2 coating. The high performance is attributed to the smaller and more homogeneous ZnO grains obtained via the SiO2 coating.

Comparison of the structural properties of Zn-face and O-face single crystal homoepitaxial ZnO epilayers grown by RF-magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schifano, R.; Riise, H. N.; Domagala, J. Z.; Azarov, A. Yu.; Ratajczak, R.; Monakhov, E. V.; Venkatachalapathy, V.; Vines, L.; Chan, K. S.; Wong-Leung, J.; Svensson, B. G.

2017-01-01

Homoepitaxial ZnO growth is demonstrated from conventional RF-sputtering at 400 °C on both Zn and O polar faces of hydrothermally grown ZnO substrates. A minimum yield for the Rutherford backscattering and channeling spectrum, χmin, equal to ˜3% and ˜12% and a full width at half maximum of the 00.2 diffraction peak rocking curve of (70 ± 10) arc sec and (1400 ± 100) arc sec have been found for samples grown on the Zn and O face, respectively. The structural characteristics of the film deposited on the Zn face are comparable with those of epilayers grown by more complex techniques like molecular beam epitaxy. In contrast, the film simultaneously deposited on the O-face exhibits an inferior crystalline structure ˜0.7% strained in the c-direction and a higher atomic number contrast compared with the substrate, as revealed by high angle annular dark field imaging measurements. These differences between the Zn- and O-face films are discussed in detail and associated with the different growth mechanisms prevailing on the two surfaces.

Origin and tectonic implications of the Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag deposit in northern Himalaya: evidence from structures, Re-Os-Pb-S isotopes, and fluid inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Qing; Li, Wenchang; Qing, Chengshi; Lai, Yang; Li, Yingxu; Liao, Zhenwen; Wu, Jianyang; Wang, Shengwei; Dong, Lei; Tian, Enyuan

2018-04-01

The Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag-(Au) deposits, located in the eastern part of northern Himalaya, totally contain more than 1.146 million tonnes (Mt) of Pb, 1.407 Mt of Zn, 0.345 Mt of Sb, and 3 kilotonnes (kt) of Ag. Our field observations suggest that these deposits are controlled by N-S trending and west- and steep-dipping normal faults, suggesting a hydrothermal rather than a syngenetic sedimentary origin. The Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag-(Cu-Au) mineralization formed in the Eocene as indicated by a Re-Os isochron age of 43.1 ± 2.5 Ma. Sulfide minerals have varying initial Pb isotopic compositions, with (206Pb/204Pb)i of 19.04-19.68, (207Pb/204Pb)i of 15.75-15.88, and (208Pb/204Pb)i of 39.66-40.31. Sulfur isotopic values display a narrow δ34S interval of +7.8-+12.2‰. These Pb-S isotopic data suggest that the Zhaxikang sources of Pb and S should be mainly from the coeval felsic magmas and partly from the surrounding Mesozoic strata including metasedimentary rocks and layered felsic volcanic rocks. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that the hydrothermal fluids have medium temperatures (200-336 °C) but varying salinities (1.40-18.25 wt.% NaCl equiv.) with densities of 0.75-0.95 g/cm3, possibly suggesting an evolution mixing between a high salinity fluid, perhaps of magmatic origin, with meteoric water.

Crystallization kinetics of bioactive glasses in the ZnO-Na2O-CaO-SiO2 system.

PubMed

Malavasi, Gianluca; Lusvardi, Gigliola; Pedone, Alfonso; Menziani, Maria Cristina; Dappiaggi, Monica; Gualtieri, Alessandro; Menabue, Ledi

2007-08-30

The crystallization kinetics of Na(2)O.CaO.2SiO(2) (x = 0) and 0.68ZnO.Na(2)O.CaO.2SiO(2) (x = 0.68, where x is the ZnO stoichiometric coefficient in the glass formula) bioactive glasses have been studied using both nonisothermal and isothermal methods. The results obtained from isothermal XRPD analyses have showed that the first glass crystallizes into the isochemical Na(2)CaSi(2)O(6) phase, whereas the Na(2)ZnSiO(4) crystalline phase is obtained from the Zn-rich glass, in addition to Na(2)CaSi(2)O(6). The activation energy (Ea) for the crystallization of the Na(2)O.CaO.2SiO(2) glass is 193 +/- 10 and 203 +/- 5 kJ/mol from the isothermal in situ XRPD and nonisothermal DSC experiments, respectively. The Avrami exponent n determined from the isothermal method is 1 at low temperature (530 degrees C), and its value increases linearly with temperature increase up to 2 at 607 degrees C. For the crystallization of Na(2)CaSi(2)O(6) from the Zn-containing glass, higher values of both the crystallization temperature (667 and 661 degrees C) and Ea (223 +/- 10 and 211 +/- 5 kJ/mol) have been found from the isothermal and nonisothermal methods, respectively. The Na(2)ZnSiO(4) crystalline phase crystallizes at lower temperature with respect to Na(2)CaSi(2)O(6), and the Ea value is 266 +/- 20 and 245 +/- 15 kJ/mol from the isothermal and nonisothermal methods, respectively. The results of this work show that the addition of Zn favors the crystallization from the glass at lower temperature with respect to the Zn-free glass. In fact, it causes an increase of Ea for the Na diffusion process, determined using MD simulations, and consequently an overall increase of Ea for the crystallization process of Na(2)CaSi(2)O(6). Our results show good agreement between the Ea and n values obtained with the two different methods and confirm the reliability of the nonisothermal method applied to kinetic crystallization of glassy systems. This study allows the determination of the temperature

Sintering effects on dielectric properties of Zn-doped CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic synthesized by modified sol-gel route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Laxman; Rai, U. S.; Rai, Alok Kumar; Mandal, K. D.

2013-01-01

CaCu2.90Zn0.10Ti4O12 ceramic was synthesized by a novel semi-wet route and calcined at 800°C in air for 8 h. The obtained powder was divided into three parts and sintered in air at 950°C for 6 h, 8 h, and 12 h, separately. XRD results confirmed the single phase formation of all the sintered samples with similar cubic structure of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO). Scanning electron micrographs of the CaCu2.9Zn0.1Ti4O12 ceramic sintered for 6 h shows bimodal grain size distribution. Increasing the sintering time significantly promotes the grain growth and microstructural densification. The sintering duration was found to have tremendous influence on microstructure and dielectric properties of CaCu2.90Zn0.10Ti4O12 ceramic. The CaCu2.9Zn0.1Ti4O12 ceramic sintered for 12 h exhibited high dielectric constant ɛ r ˜ 5971 at 1 kHz and room temperature. It is found that ɛ r is independent at high frequency and weakly dependent on temperature.

Determination of Carrier Lifetimes in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Solar Cells Based on Sb2S3 by Using the Time-Resolved Photocurrent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Hyun-Jun; Mun, Young Hee; Kim, Jong Su; Kim, Seung Hyun; Lee, Sang-Ju; Sung, Shi-Joon; Kim, Dae-Hwan

2018-03-01

This paper presents organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells (SCs) based on ZnO/Sb2S3/P3HT heterojunctions. The ZnO and the Sb2S3 layers were grown using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Although four cells were fabricated on one substrate by using the same process, their open-circuit voltages ( V OC ) and short-circuit current densities ( J SC ) were different. The SC with a high V OC has a low J SC . The causes of the changes in the V OC and the JSC were investigated by using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and optically-biased time-resolved photocurrent (TRPC) measurements. The PL results at 300 K showed that the emission positions of the Sb2S3 layers in all cells were similar at approximately 1.71 eV. The carrier lifetime of the SCs was calculated from the TRPC results. The lifetime of cell 4 with the highest J SC decreased drastically with increasing intensity of the continuous-wave optical bias beam. Therefore, the defect states in the ZnO layer contribute to the J SC , but degrade the V OC .

Effects of SnO2, WO3, and ZrO2 addition on the magnetic and mechanical properties of NiCuZn ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Sea-Fue; Yang, Hsiao-Ching; Hsu, Yung-Fu; Hsieh, Chung-Kai

2015-01-01

In this study, the effects of SnO2, WO3 and ZrO2 addition at levels up to 5 wt% on the magnetic and mechanical properties of Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramics were investigated. Only Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramic with a SnO2 addition of ≥3.5 wt% required a densification temperature of 1150 °C, while the others reached maximum densification at 1075 °C. All samples revealed a pure spinel phase and a uniform microstructure, except for the Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramic with the WO3 addition, which showed an exaggerated grain growth accompanied with a small amount of needle-shaped Cu0.85Zn0.15WO4 second phase. The fracture mode in the pure Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramic revealed a transgranular phase, as the CuO second phase increased the grain boundary strength; the Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramics sintered with 5 wt% additives showed an intergranular phase. The Vickers hardness and the bending strength of the Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramic were 733.6 and 62.0 MPa, respectively. The Vickers hardness of the ferrite with added SnO2 or ZrO2 showed only a slight improvement, while an apparent change (832.7) was observed with the addition of 5.0 wt% WO3. The bending strength of the ferrite was optimized at 75.7 MPa with 2.0 wt% SnO2 and at 90.5 MPa with 3.5 wt% ZrO2, while that of the ferrite sintered with WO3 added dropped gradually from 62.0 to 47.7 MPa as the amount of WO3 was increased from 0 to 5.0 wt% due to the non-uniform microstructure. The pure Ni0.5Cu0.3Zn0.2Fe2O4 ceramic sintered at 1075 °C had an initial permeability of 356.9 and a quality factor of 71.2. The addition of ZrO2 led to a significant increase in the initial permeability (588.4 at 5.0 wt% ZrO2), but a slight decline in the quality factor (56.6 at 5.0 wt% ZrO2).

ZnO/Sn:In2O3 and ZnO/CdTe band offsets for extremely thin absorber photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaspar, T. C.; Droubay, T.; Jaffe, J. E.

2011-12-01

Band alignments were measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for thin films of ZnO on polycrystalline Sn:In2O3 (ITO) and single crystal CdTe. Hybrid density functional theory calculations of epitaxial zinc blende ZnO(001) on CdTe(001) were performed to compare with experiment. A conduction band (CB) offset of -0.6 eV was measured for ZnO/ITO, which is larger than desired for efficient electron injection. For ZnO/CdTe, the experimental conduction band offset of 0.25 eV is smaller than the calculated value of 0.67 eV, possibly due to the TeOx layer at the ZnO/CdTe interface. The measured conduction band offset for ZnO/CdTe is favorable for photovoltaic devices.

Piezo-/dielectric properties of perovskite-structure high-temperature relaxor ferroelectrics: The Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}–Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}–PbTiO{sub 3} ternary ceramics

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

Li, Tao; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Long, Xifa, E-mail: lxf@fjirsm.ac.cn

2014-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-based ternary ferroelectric ceramics were prepared by solid-state synthesis method. • Morphotropic phase boundary region has been determined by XRD, di-/piezoelectric properties. • The compositions near MPB region exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties. - Abstract: A new compositional system of relaxor ferroelectrics was investigated based on the high piezoelectricity Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}–PbTiO{sub 3} ferroelectric perovskite family. Compositions were fabricated near an estimated morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of the Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}–Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}–PbTiO{sub 3} (PLZNT) ternary system by a two-step synthetic process. Their structures have been analyzed by means ofmore » X-ray diffraction technique. On the basis of X-ray powder diffraction, the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region for the ternary system was obtained. The Curie temperature T{sub C} of ternary system varied from 240 °C to 330 °C and the coercive fields E{sub c}s > 10 kV/cm. The values of piezoelectric coefficients d{sub 33} vary in the range of 260–450 pC/N with different PZN contents. It is worth noting that the optimum compositions were located at MPB region but near the tetragonal phase. The new PLZNT ceramics exhibit wider range of T{sub C}s and E{sub c}s, making it a promising material for high-powder ultrasound transducers using in a large temperature range.« less

UV-activated ZnO films on a flexible substrate for room temperature O2 and H2O sensing.

PubMed

Jacobs, Christopher B; Maksov, Artem B; Muckley, Eric S; Collins, Liam; Mahjouri-Samani, Masoud; Ievlev, Anton; Rouleau, Christopher M; Moon, Ji-Won; Graham, David E; Sumpter, Bobby G; Ivanov, Ilia N

2017-07-20

We demonstrate that UV-light activation of polycrystalline ZnO films on flexible polyimide (Kapton) substrates can be used to detect and differentiate between environmental changes in oxygen and water vapor. The in-plane resistive and impedance properties of ZnO films, fabricated from bacteria-derived ZnS nanoparticles, exhibit unique resistive and capacitive responses to changes in O 2 and H 2 O. We propose that the distinctive responses to O 2 and H 2 O adsorption on ZnO could be utilized to statistically discriminate between the two analytes. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) of O 2 and H 2 O adsorption energy on ZnO surfaces were performed using the large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) with a reactive force-field (ReaxFF). These simulations suggest that the adsorption mechanisms differ for O 2 and H 2 O adsorption on ZnO, and are governed by the surface termination and the extent of surface hydroxylation. Electrical response measurements, using DC resistance, AC impedance spectroscopy, and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), demonstrate differences in response to O 2 and H 2 O, confirming that different adsorption mechanisms are involved. Statistical and machine learning approaches were applied to demonstrate that by integrating the electrical and kinetic responses the flexible ZnO sensor can be used for detection and discrimination between O 2 and H 2 O at low temperature.

Enhancement of thermoelectric figure of merit in β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} by indium doping control

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

Wei, Pai-Chun, E-mail: pcwei68@gmail.com, E-mail: cheny2@phys.sinica.edu.tw; Hsu, Chia-Hao; Chang, Chung-Chieh

2015-09-21

We demonstrate the control of phase composition in Bridgman-grown β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} crystals by indium doping, an effective way to overcome the difficulty of growing very pure β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} thermoelectric material. The crystal structures are characterized by Rietveld refinement with synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. The results show an anisotropic lattice expansion in In-doped β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} wherein the zinc atoms are partially substituted by indium ones at 36f site of R-3c symmetry. Through the elimination of ZnSb phase, all the three individual thermoelectric properties are simultaneously improved, i.e., increasing electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient while reducing thermal conductivity. Undermore » an optimal In concentration (x = 0.05), pure phase β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} crystal can be obtained, which possesses a high figure of merit (ZT) of 1.4 at 700 K.« less

Facile synthesis of core-shell Cu2O@ ZnO structure with enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yong-Hui; Jiu, Bei-Bei; Gong, Fei-Long; Lu, Kuan; Jiang, Nan; Zhang, Hao-Li; Chen, Jun-Li

2018-05-01

Core-shell Cu2O@ZnO composites were synthesized successfully based on a one-pot hydrothermal method in the presence of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) surfactant. The Cu2O can be converted to rough core-shell Cu2O@ZnO structure by adjusting the amount of zinc powder added. The as-synthesized Cu2O@ZnO composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and the amount of H2 generated using these composites was 4.5-fold more than that produced with Cu2O cubes. A possible photocatalytic mechanism for the Cu2O@ZnO composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity could be the separation by ZnO of the effective charge carriers.

SYNTHESIS AND Zn2+ ION CONDUCTION OF A PEROVSKITE (La, Zn)TiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashiko, W.; Katsumata, T.; Inaguma, Y.

(La,Zn)TiO3 was synthesized by an ion exchange method using ZnCl2 molten salt. By a powder X-ray diffraction, it was confirmed that perovskite structure was retained after ion exchange. The composition of ion exchanged sample was determined to be La0.55(6)Li0.064(4)Zn0.13(1)Ti1.0(1)O2.97 by ICP analysis, and the homogeneous distribution of Zn in this sample was confirmed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The bulk and total conductivity of the sample at the room temperature was measured to be 6.9 × 10-7 S·cm-1, 1.7 × 10-7 S·cm-1, respectively. The mobile species was confirmed to be Zn2+ by the electrolysis at 500°C.

Distribution and mobility of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and antimony (Sb) from ammunition residues on shooting ranges for small arms located on mires.

PubMed

Mariussen, Espen; Johnsen, Ida Vaa; Strømseng, Arnljot Einride

2017-04-01

An environmental survey was performed on shooting ranges for small arms located on minerotrophic mires. The highest mean concentrations of Pb (13 g/kg), Cu (5.2 g/kg), Zn (1.1 g/kg), and Sb (0.83 g/kg) in the top soil were from a range located on a poor minerotrophic and acidic mire. This range had also the highest concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Sb in discharge water (0.18 mg/L Pb, 0.42 mg/L Cu, 0.63 mg/L Zn, and 65 μg/L Sb) and subsurface soil water (2.5 mg/L Pb, 0.9 mg/L Cu, 1.6 mg/L Zn, and 0.15 mg/L Sb). No clear differences in the discharge of ammunition residues between the mires were observed based on the characteristics of the mires. In surface water with high pH (pH ~7), there was a trend with high concentrations of Sb and lower relative concentrations of Cu and Pb. The relatively low concentrations of ammunition residues both in the soil and soil water, 20 cm below the top soil, indicates limited vertical migration in the soil. Channels in the mires, made by plant roots or soil layer of less decomposed materials, may increase the rate of transport of contaminated surface water into deeper soil layers and ground water. A large portion of both Cu and Sb were associated to the oxidizable components in the peat, which may imply that these elements form inner-sphere complexes with organic matter. The largest portion of Pb and Zn were associated with the exchangeable and pH-sensitive components in the peat, which may imply that these elements form outer-sphere complexes with the peat.

Superspin glass phase and hierarchy of interactions in multiferroic PbFe1/2Sb1/2O3: an analog of ferroelectric relaxors?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laguta, V. V.; Stephanovich, V. A.; Savinov, M.; Marysko, M.; Kuzian, R. O.; Kondakova, I. V.; Olekhnovich, N. M.; Pushkarev, A. V.; Radyush, Yu V.; Raevski, I. P.; Raevskaya, S. I.; Prosandeev, S. A.

2014-11-01

We have fabricated new perovskite multiferroic PbFe1/2Sb1/2O3 with a high degree (up to 0.9) of chemical ordering and unexpectedly high-temperature magnetic relaxor properties, which can barely be described within concepts of conventional spin glass physics. Notably, we found that the field-temperature phase diagram of this material, in the extremely wide temperature interval, contains the de Almeida-Thouless-type critical line, which has been the subject of long debates regarding its possible experimental realization. We explain our findings by the creation, at high temperatures of not less than 250 K, of giant superspins (SSs), owing, curiously enough, to the antiferromagnetic superexchange interaction. We show that these SSs are capable of strong high-temperature magnetic relaxation in the relaxor phase, down to about 150 K, where they transform into a SS glass phase. On further cooling, the material experiences another striking transition, this time, into an ordinary (single-spin) antiferromagnetic phase. We comprehensively analyze the above complex physical picture in terms of three complimentary theoretical approaches. Namely, the ab initio calculations elucidate the microscopic mechanism of giant SS formation, the high-temperature expansion accounts for the morphology of these clusters, and the random field approach provides the description of disorder-related characteristics.

TiO2 nanoparticles alleviate toxicity by reducing free Zn2+ ion in human primary epidermal keratinocytes exposed to ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kathawala, Mustafa Hussain; Ng, Kee Woei; Loo, Say Chye Joachim

2015-06-01

Nanoparticles have been a subject of intense safety screenings due to their influx in various applications. Although recent studies have reported on the plausible cytotoxicity of nanoparticles, many of these focused only on single-material nanoparticles, while the cytotoxicity of dual-nanoparticle systems (e.g., ZnO with TiO2) has remained unexplored. For example, commercial products like sunscreens and cosmetics contain both nano-sized ZnO and TiO2, but cytotoxicity studies of such systems are meager. In this paper, the cytotoxicity of this dual-nanoparticle system comprising both ZnO and TiO2 was evaluated in vitro on skin-mimicking human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HPEKs). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy were used to investigate the uptake of nanoparticles and free ions. Results revealed that ZnO nanoparticles were partially soluble (up to 20 μg ml-1 after 1 day) and could induce strong cytotoxicity as compared to the insoluble TiO2 nanoparticles which remained non-toxic until very high concentrations. It was found that TiO2 nanoparticles could play "vigilante" by protecting keratinocytes from acute toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles. This is in agreement with the observation that TiO2 nanoparticles caused an attenuation of free intracellular Zn2+ ions concentration, by adsorbing and immobilizing free Zn2+ ions. This study reveals a unique dual-nanoparticle observation in vitro on HPEKs, and highlights the importance of dual-nanoparticulate toxicity studies, especially in applications where more than one nanoparticle material-type is present.

Decoupling the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient in the RE2SbO2 compounds through local structural perturbations.