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At least 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Structure determination and optical properties of CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4}

Graphical abstract: Projection of the CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} structure viewing along the a axis. - Highlights: • Single crystal of a new polyphosphate CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} has been synthesized. • The obtained compound has been characterized by several techniques. • The crystal structure of CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} has been resolved. • Spectroscopic properties of Sm{sup 3+} in CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} have been performed. - Abstract: A new alkali metal-rare earth polyphosphate CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} has been synthesized by flux method. The obtained compound has been characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman scattering spectroscopies. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2{sub 1}/n with the following unit-cell parameters: a = 10.382(2), b = 8.978(6), c = 11.205(4) Å, β = 106.398(3)° and Z = 4. The structure of CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} is an infinite three-dimensional framework made up of double spiral (PO{sub 3}){sub n} chains linked with neighboring SmO{sub 8} and CsO{sub 11} polyhedra. Spectroscopic properties of Sm{sup 3+} in this new compound including excitation, emission, and kinetic measurement have been performed. The emission spectrum shows four transitions characteristics of Sm{sup 3+} in the orange–red region by excitation wavelength at 400 nm. The decay time curve of {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 7/2} transition has been also registered and fitted to a single exponential function.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of indium and antimony doping in SnS single crystals

Highlights: • Single crystals growth of pure SnS, indium doped SnS and antimony doped SnS by direct vapour transport (DVT) technique. • Doping of In and Sb occurred in SnS single crystals by cation replacement. • The replacement mechanism ascertained by EDAX, XRD and substantiated by Raman spectra analysis. • Dopants concentration affects the optical energy bandgap. • Doping influences electrical transport properties. - Abstract: Single crystals of pure SnS, indium (In) doped SnS and antimony (Sb) doped SnS were grown by direct vapour transport (DVT) technique. Two doping concentrations of 5% and 15% each were employed for both In and Sb dopants. Thus in total five samples were studied viz., pure SnS (S1), 5% In doped SnS (S2), 15% In doped SnS (S3), 5% Sb doped SnS (S4) and 15% Sb doped SnS (S5). The grown single crystal samples were characterized by evaluating their surface microstructure, stoichiometric composition, crystal structure, Raman spectroscopy, optical and electrical transport properties using appropriate techniques. The d.c. electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power variations with temperature showed semiconducting and p-type nature of the as-grown single crystal samples. The room temperature Hall Effect measurements further substantiated the semiconducting and p-type nature of the as-grown single crystal samples. The obtained results are deliberated in detail.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Growth and characterization of new semiorganic nonlinear optical and piezoelectric lithium sulfate monohydrate oxalate single crystals

Highlights: • A new semiorganic single crystal of LSO grown by slow evaporation technique. • Morphological studies of the LSO crystal deduced by BFDH law. • In the UV–vis spectrum wide transparent region and large band gap were found. • SHG is equal to KDP crystal and d{sub 33} was found to be equal to 6pC/N. • Grown crystal belongs to softer category. - Abstract: New semiorganic crystal of lithium sulfate monohydrate oxalate (LSO) for nonlinear application was synthesized by controlled slow evaporation method. The growth rate of various planes of the grown crystal was estimated by morphological study. Single crystal XRD analysis confirmed that the crystal belongs to triclinic lattice with space group P1. High transparency (∼95%) with large band gap (4.57 eV) was analyzed by UV–vis studies. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify various functional groups present in the LSO crystal. SHG efficiency was found to be equal to the KDP crystal. Thermal stability (up to 117.54 °C) and melting point (242 °C) of the crystal were studied by TG-DTA. In dielectric measurements, the value of dielectric constant decreases with increase in frequency. Hardness studies confirmed soft nature of crystals. The piezoelectric coefficient was found to be 6pC/N along [0 0 1].

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Growth and luminescent properties of scintillators based on the single crystalline films of Lu{sub 3−x}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce garnet

Highlights: • Single crystalline films of Lu{sub 3−x}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12} garnets at x = 0 ÷ 3.0 were grown by LPE method onto YAG substrates. • Lattice constant of Lu{sub 3−}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce film and the misfit m between films and YAG substrate changed linearly with increasing of Gd content. • Effective Gd{sup 3+}–Ce{sup 3+} energy transfer occurs in the Lu{sub 3−x}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce films. • Best scintillation light yield is observed in the Lu{sub 3}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce and Lu{sub 2.4}Gd{sub 0.6}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce films. • Increase of the Gd content in x = 1.5–2.5 range results in decreasing the scintillation LY of Lu{sub 3−x}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce films. - Abstract: The work is related to the growth of scintillators based on the single crystalline films (SCF) of Ce{sup 3+} doped Lu{sub 3−}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12} mixed rare-earth garnets by Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE) method. We have shown, that full set of Lu{sub 3−}Gd{sub x}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12} SCFs with x values ranging from 0 to 3.0 can be successfully crystallized by the LPE method onto Y{sub 3}Al{sub 5}O{sub 12} (YAG) substrates from the melt-solutions based on PbO-B{sub 2}O{sub 3} flux. The absorption, X-ray excited luminescence, photoluminescence, thermoluminescence and light yield measurements, the latter under excitation by α-particles of {sup 239}Pu and {sup 241}Am radioisotopes, were applied for their characterization.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Alternating-current conductivity and dielectric relaxation of bulk iodoargentate

Graphical abstract: The electric modulus shows single dielectric relaxation process in the measured frequency range. - Highlights: • The conduction mechanism is described by quantum mechanical tunneling model. • The applications of dielectric modulus give a simple method for evaluating the activation energy of the dielectric relaxation. • The [Ag{sub 2}I{sub 4}]{sup 2−}1-D chain and [Cu(en){sub 2}]{sup 2+} cation column form the layered stacks by hydrogen bond interactions. - Abstract: An inorganic-organic hybrid compound Cu(en){sub 2}Ag{sub 2}I{sub 4} (en = ethylenediamine) (1) was synthesized and single crystal structurally characterized. Along the [001] direction, the inorganic parts form an infinite 1-D chain and [Cu(en){sub 2}]{sup 2+} cations are separated by inorganic chain. The electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of 1 have been investigated over wide ranges of frequency. The alternating-current conductivities have been fitted to the Almond–West type power law expression with use of a single value of S. It is found that S values for 1 are nearly temperature-independent, which indicates that the conduction mechanism could be quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) model. The dielectric loss and electric modulus show single dielectric relaxation process. The activation energy obtained from temperature-dependent electric modulus compare with the calculated from the dc conductivity plots.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Preparation and characterization of Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} films deposited on MgO (1 0 0) by MOCVD

Highlights: • Ternary Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} alloy films were deposited on MgO (1 0 0) by MOCVD. • The microstructure of the Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} films were studied upon HRTEM. • Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} alloy films exhibited great optical transparency in the visible wavelength range. • The band gap of the Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} films can be modulated by controlling the Al contents in the samples. - Abstract: The ternary Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} films with different compositions x[Al/(Al + In) atomic ratio] have been fabricated on the MgO (1 0 0) substrates by the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method. The influence of different Al contents on the structural, optical and electrical properties of Al{sub 2x}In{sub 2−2x}O{sub 3} films has been studied. The structural studies reveal a change from single crystalline structure of cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} to amorphous as the Al content increases. The average transmittances of all samples in the visible range are over 80%. The optical band gap is observed to increase monotonically from 3.67 to 5.38 eV as the Al content increases from 0.1 to 0.9.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Investigation of multiferroic behaviour of TbMnO{sub 3} nanoplates

Highlights: • Hydrothermal synthesis of TbMnO{sub 3} nanoplate. • Morphology induced defects detected by Raman spectroscopy. • Magnetic and dielectric anomalies confirmed multiferroic behavior is retained in TbMnO{sub 3} nanoplates. - Abstract: In the present study, hydrothermally prepared TbMnO{sub 3} in plates-like morphology at nanoscale are investigated in multiferroic view point. X-ray diffraction study confirms the orthorhombic phase of as-synthesized TbMnO{sub 3}. Microstructural features studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy show the plates-like morphology of as-synthesized TbMnO{sub 3} at nanoscale. Local distortions investigated by FT-Raman exhibits redshift in T mode by about 20 cm{sup −1} as compared to that of the single crystal. The redshift in T mode is mainly due to defect by tilting of octahedra and respective changes in bond angle of Mn–O(1)–Mn. This is assigned to the size-morphology induced defects. The temperature dependent zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization are measured at H = 50 Oe and in the temperature range 2–300 K. The anomalies in magnetization are obtained at 8 and 42 K. Bifurcation of the ZFC and FC curves are observed very close to magnetic transition temperature 42 K. The 42 K anomaly is related to the sine wave ordering of Mn{sup 3+} moment; and 8 K anomaly is associated with magnetic ordering of the Tb{sup 3+}-sublattice propagation vector. The anomalies in the electric properties, ϵ′ (T), tan δ (T), which are noticed within the 28 K range, coincide with the temperature of incommensurate–commensurate (or lock-in) magnetic transition of TbMnO{sub 3.} This study confirms that multiferroic behavior is retained in TbMnO{sub 3} nanoplates.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Transmission, reflection and thermoluminescence studies on GaS{sub 0.75}Se{sub 0.25} layered single crystals

Highlights: • Optical and thermoluminescence properties of Ga{sub 4}S{sub 3}Se crystals were investigated. • Indirect and direct band gap energies were found as 2.39 and 2.53 eV, respectively. • The activation energy of the trap center was determined as 495 meV. - Abstract: Optical and thermoluminescence properties on GaS{sub 0.75}Se{sub 0.25} crystals were investigated in the present work. Transmission and reflection measurements were performed at room temperature in the wavelength range of 400–1000 nm. Analysis revealed the presence of indirect and direct transitions with band gap energies of 2.39 and 2.53 eV, respectively. TL spectra obtained at low temperatures (10–300 K) exhibited one peak having maximum temperature of 168 K. Observed peak was analyzed using curve fitting, initial rise and peak shape methods to calculate the activation energy of the associated trap center. All applied methods were consistent with the value of 495 meV. Attempt-to-escape-frequency and capture cross section of the trap center were determined using the results of curve fitting. Heating rate dependence studies of the glow curve in the range of 0.4–0.8 K/s resulted with decrease of TL intensity and shift of the peak maximum temperature to higher values.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural and spectroscopic properties of pure and doped LiCe(PO{sub 3}){sub 4}

Graphical abstract: Emission and excitation and spectra of Eu{sup 3+} doped LiCe(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} host lattice with 1, 2, 3 and 4 mol%. - Highlights: • Europium–doped LiCe(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} were prepared by flux method. • It was analyzed by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. • LiCe(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} doped with Eu{sup 3+} ions as luminophore host materials to produce an intense red. - Abstract: Single crystals of LiCe(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} polyphosphate have been synthesized by the flux method and its structural and luminescence properties have been investigated. This compound crystallizes in the space group C2/c with unit cell dimensions a = 16.52(7) Å, b = 7.09(4) Å, c = 9.83 (4)Å, β = 126.29(4)°, Z = 8 and V = 927.84(3) Å{sup 3}. The obtained polytetraphosphate exhibits very small crystals and the dopant Eu{sup 3+} ions were successfully incorporated into the sites of Ce{sup 3+} ions of the host lattice. The spectroscopy properties confirm the potentiality of present LiCe(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} doped with Eu{sup 3+} ions as luminophore host materials to produce an intense red luminescence at 628 nm corresponding to {sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2} emission level and have significant importance in the development of emission optical systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

First principle investigation of electronic structure, chemical bonding and optical properties of tetrabarium gallium trinitride oxide single crystal

The electronic band structure, valence electron charge density and optical susceptibilities of tetrabarium gallium trinitride (TGT) were calculated via first principle study. The electronic band structure calculation describes TGT as semiconductor having direct band gap of 1.38 eV. The valence electronic charge density contour verified the non-polar covalent nature of the bond. The absorption edge and first peak of dielectric tensor components showed electrons transition from N-p state to Ba-d state. The calculated uniaxial anisotropy (0.4842) and birefringence (−0.0061) of present paper is prearranged as follow the spectral components of the dielectric tensor. The first peak in energy loss function (ELOS) shows the energy loss of fast traveling electrons in the material. The first sharp peak produced in ELOS around 10.5 eV show plasmon loss having plasma frequencies 0.1536, 0.004 and 0.066 of dielectric tensor components. This plasmon loss also cause decrease in reflectivity spectra.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

The crystal structure, electronic, and magnetic properties of NaPd{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}

Highlights: • Correct crystal structure of NaPd{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} is solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction. • NaPd{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} is found to crystallize in the ErRh{sub 3}Si{sub 2} structure type. • NaPd{sub 3}Si{sub 2}, NaPd{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} and NaPd{sub 3}Sn{sub 2} are found to be metals down to 2 K. • All three compounds show a weak diamagnetic response down to 2 K. • Trend of p-block atom dimer breaking as function of size. - Abstract: Crystals of NaPd{sub 3}X{sub 2}, (X = Si, Ge, Sn) were synthesized and their crystal structures investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The previously reported structures of NaPd{sub 3}Si{sub 2} and NaPd{sub 3}Sn{sub 2} were confirmed. NaPd{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} was found to have a different unit cell from that originally reported; therefore the structure was solved. It is an orthorhombically distorted version of the hexagonal CeCo{sub 3}Be{sub 2}-type structure, in space group Imma, with cell parameters a = 7.244(1) Å, b = 9.938(1) Å, c = 5.767(2) Å. The originally reported cell is explained through triple twinning of the true cell. The structure of NaPd{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} fits the trend of decreasing X–X dimerization as a function of increasing period from Si–Sn. All three compounds are metals showing weak diamagnetism with increasing resistivity from NaPd{sub 3}Si{sub 2}–NaPd{sub 3}Sn{sub 2}; no superconductivity is observed down to 2 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Growth and characterization of a third order nonlinear optical single crystal: Ethylenediamine-4-nitrophenolate monohydrate

Highlights: • EDA4NPH crystal possesses negative nonlinear refractive index. • The crystal exhibits high third-order NLO susceptibility. • Wide transparency of the crystal makes it suitable for NLO applications. • Dielectric studies substantiate the suitability for electro-optic applications. • The crystal possesses suitable mechanical strength for device fabrication. - Abstract: Bulk crystals of the charge-transfer complex, ethylenediamine-4-nitrophenolate monohydrate, were grown by slow solvent evaporation method from aqueous solution at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the crystal belongs to centrosymmetric space group C2/c of monoclinic system. The functional groups in the complex were identified using FTIR, FTRaman and FTNMR analyses. The Z-scan measurements revealed the negative nonlinear refractive index of the crystal. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and third order nonlinear optical susceptibility calculated from the measurements were −3.5823 × 10{sup −3} cm/W and 2.3762 × 10{sup −6} esu respectively. The crystal was shown to be highly transparent above 366 nm by UV–vis spectroscopy and a yellow fluorescence was observed from PL spectrum. The TG–DTA and DSC analyses showed that the crystal is thermally stable up to 117.4 °C. The crystals were characterized by dielectric, etching and microhardness studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis of novel 3D SnO flower-like hierarchical architectures self-assembled by nano-leaves and its photocatalysis

Highlights: • Novel 3D SnO flowers self-assembled by 2D nano-leaves were synthesized by hydrothermal method. • The SnO nano-leaf is of single crystalline nature. • The band gap of 2.59 eV of as-prepared products was obtained. • The as-synthesized material will be a promising photocatalytic material. - Abstract: In this report, the novel 3D SnO flower-like hierarchical architectures self-assembled by 2D SnO nano-leaves are successfully synthesized via template-free hydrothermal approach under facile conditions. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results demonstrate that the 2D nano-leaves structure is of single crystalline nature. The band gap 2.59 eV for prepared product is obtained from UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. The photocatalysis of the as prepared SnO for degrading methyl orange (MO) has been studied. A good photocatalytic activity is obtained and the mechanism is discussed in detail. Results indicate that the SnO nanostructures are the potential candidates for photocatalyst applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis, structure and photoluminescence of (PLAGH){sub 2}[ZnCl{sub 4}] and comparative analysis of photoluminescence properties with tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)

Highlights: • New zinc(II) complex with pyridoxalaminoguanidine was synthesized. • The enhancement of the photoluminescence due to the compound formation was achieved. • Very high photoluminescence of Zn(II) compound was noticed. • Comparative analysis of photoluminescence with tris(2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) was provided. - Abstract: The first compound of zinc(II) containing pyridoxalaminoguanidine has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, conductometric measurements and X-ray crystallography. Single crystals of the compound were obtained in the reaction of methanolic solution of zinc(II) chloride and pyridoxalaminoguanidine hydrochloride. In this compound the coordination of chelate ligand is absent and tetrachlorido complex of zinc(II) with pyridoxalaminuguanidinium cation as contraion is obtained. Photoluminescence spectra were measured. Lorentzian multipeak technique was used to determine peak wavelengths and their intensities. Photoluminescence spectroscopy upon 325, 488 and 514 nm laser excitation light was used to obtain results. This novel compound of zinc(II) was compared to the well-known organic light emitting diode material—ruthenium(II) complex with bypiridine i.e., tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II), under the same circumstances and the identical experimental setup. A scheme of energy levels and transitions is proposed to explain the obtained experimental results.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structural and optical effects induced by gamma irradiation on NdPO{sub 4}: X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic and luminescence study

Highlights: • Inorganic NdPO{sub 4} crystal was grown first time using potassium polyphosphate (K{sub 6}P{sub 4}O{sub 13}) flux. • NdPO{sub 4} crystal is insoluble in water, non-hygroscopic and high radiation resistance favoring for actinides host. • Actinide immobilization can be made at 1273 K. • High yield of 1061 nm photon emission. - Abstract: Rare earth orthophosphate (NdPO{sub 4}) monazite single crystals were grown using high temperature flux growth method employing K{sub 6}P{sub 4}O{sub 13} (K{sub 6}) as molten solvent. Their structural parameters were studied using single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The grown crystals were examined by SEM and EDX techniques for their homogeniousity and inclusion in the crystals. The influence of gamma irradiation in structural and optical absorption properties were studied by the powder XRD, FTIR and reflectance spectroscopy. The effect of gamma irradiation on luminescence properties was recorded. No significant structural change is observed up to 150 kGy gamma dose. The gamma ray induced charge trap in the crystal was saturated to 40 kGy dose. The luminescence intensity decreases with an increase in the irradiation. The emission of luminescence intensity stabilizes above 40 kGy gamma dose.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Energy transfer and 2.0 μm emission in Tm{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} co-doped α-NaYF{sub 4} single crystals

Highlights: • Cubic NaYF{sub 4} single crystals co-doped with ∼1.90 mol% Tm{sup 3+} and various Ho{sup 3+} concentrations were grown by Bridgman method. • The maximum fluorescence lifetime was 23.23 ms for Tm{sup 3+} (1.90 mol%)/Ho{sup 3+} (3.89 mol%) co-doped α-NaYF{sub 4}. • The obtained energy transfer rate (W{sub ET}) and energy transfer efficiency (η) of Tm{sup 3+}:{sup 3}F{sub 4} are 1077 s{sup −1} and 95.0%, respectively. • The maximum emission cross section reached 1.06 × 10{sup −20} cm{sup 2}. - Abstract: Cubic NaYF{sub 4} single crystals co-doped with ∼1.90 mol% Tm{sup 3+} and various Ho{sup 3+} concentrations were grown by Bridgman method. The energy transfer from Tm{sup 3+} to Ho{sup 3+} and the optimum fluorescence emission around 2.04 μm of Ho{sup 3+} ion were investigated based on the measured absorption spectra, emission spectra, emission cross section and decay curves under excitation of 800 nm LD. The emission intensity at 2.04 μm increased with the increase of Ho{sup 3+} concentration from 0.96 mol% to 3.89 mol% when the concentration of Tm{sup 3+} was held constantly at ∼1.90 mol%. Moreover, the maximum emission cross section reached 1.06 × 10{sup −20} cm{sup 2} and the maximum fluorescence lifetime was 23.23 ms for Tm{sup 3+}(1.90 mol%)/Ho{sup 3+}(3.89 mol%) co-doped one. According to the measured lifetime of Tm{sup 3+} single-doped and Tm{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} co-doped samples, the maximum energy transfer efficiency of Tm{sup 3+}:{sup 3}F{sub 4} level was 95.0%. Analysis on the fluorescence dynamics indicated that electric dipole–dipole is dominant for the energy transfer from Tm{sup 3+} to Ho{sup 3+}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of doping ions on the structural defect and the electrical behavior of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} ceramics

Graphical abstract: The dielectric constant decreases with Ta doping, increases with Y doping and keeps almost constant with Zr doping compared with that of pure CCTO. - Highlights: • Y and Ta doping cause different defect types and concentration. • Defect influences the grain boundary mobility and results in different grain size. • Y doping increases the dielectric constant and decreases the nonlinear property. • Ta doping decreases the dielectric constant and enhances the nonlinear property. • Zr doped sample has nearly the defect type and dielectric properties as CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}. - Abstract: The microstructure, dielectric and electrical properties of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4−x}R{sub x}O{sub 12} (R = Y, Zr, Ta; x = 0 and 0.005) ceramics were investigated by XRD, Raman spectra, SEM and dielectric spectrum measurements. Positron annihilation measurements have been performed to investigate the influence of doping on the defects. The results show that all samples form a single crystalline phase. Y and Ta doping cause different defect types and increase the defect size and concentration, which influence the mobility of grain boundary and result in the different grain size. Y doping increases the dielectric constant and decreases the nonlinear property while Ta doping lead to an inverse result. Zr-doped sample has nearly the defect type, grain morphology and dielectric properties as pure CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}. The effects of microstructure including the grain morphology and the vacancy defects on the mechanism of the dielectric and electric properties by doping are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis of belt-like BiOBr hierarchical nanostructure with high photocatalytic performance

Highlights: • BiOBr hierarchical nanobelts (NBs) were solvothermally prepared. • NBs show higher specific surface area and photoabsorption than BiOBr nanosheets. • NBs exhibit higher photoactivity than the nanosheets. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX) hierarchical nanostructures are always difficult to prepare. Herein, we report, for the first time, a simple synthesis of BiOBr nanobelts (NBs) via a facile solvothermal route, using bismuth subsalicylate as the template and bismuth source. The BiOBr nanobelts are composed of irregular single crystal nanoparticles with highly exposed (0 1 0) facets. Compared with the BiOBr nanosheets (NSs) with dominant exposed (0 0 1) facets, they exhibit higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue under visible light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic performance of BiOBr NBs arises from their larger specific surface area and higher photoabsorption capability. This study provides a simple route for synthesis of belt-like Bi-based hierarchical nanostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗