Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Nanostructure”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Tailoring the Surface Structures of CuPt and CuPtRu 1D Nanostructures by Coupling Coreduction with Galvanic Replacement

1D metal nanostructures exhibit unique properties due to their high aspect ratio for use in many applications including electrocatalysis. This work develops a solution-based approach to 1D multimetal nanostructures with tunable surface structures by combining the two processes of coreduction and galvanic replacement. In this approach, noble metals of Pt and Ru are reduced in the presence of in situ formed Cu seeds. At high concentrations of noble metal precursors, coreduction dominates over galvanic replacement, leading to overgrowth of ultrafine, particulate, or branched structures on the surface of the 1D nanostructures. The surface roughness and composition can be tuned by varying the concentrations of noble metal precursors. The electrochemical reactivity is not only affected by the surface roughness (i.e., the size of particulates and the level of branches) but also the surface composition (i.e., the amount of Pt content). For trimetallic nanostructures, the alloy composition prevents the dissolution of Ru thereby improving electrocatalytic stability of the catalyst under acidic conditions. Lastly, the structure–property study reveals that the surface structure plays an important role in tailoring the electrocatalytic property of a catalyst.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Simple Hydrothermal Synthesis for Mesoporous Pebble-Like NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} Nanostructures and Their Attractive Magnetic Properties

The mesoporous pebble-like NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanostructures were smoothly obtained via a simple hydrothermal route and the succeeding annealing treatment. Various techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectra, FTIR, and MH curves have been used to study the obtained products. The obtained results exhibited that the morphology of spinel NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} could be controlled by adjusting the content of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The morphology of NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanostructures transformed from a 300-nm popcorn-like to 30–40-nm pebble-like nanostructure by changing the content of CTAB. Compared with the popcorn-like NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanostructures, the pebble-like samples showed effective blue shifting of Raman spectroscopy, which might be due to the nano-sized effect of NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} particles. Finally, vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements indicated the samples transformed from weak ferromagnetic (popcorn-like) to paramagnetic (pebble-like) due to small particle size.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of core–shell nanostructure consisting Si–Au–SiO{sub 2} based on manipulation of optical properties

In this article, we investigated some physical characteristics of core–shell nanostructure in optical regime and perturbation has been also introduced as an effective method in shaping of optical properties. The proposed nanostructures are composed of the selected materials as: Silicon, Silicon Dioxide and Gold. At first, the extinction cross section spectra are calculated for multilayer core–shell nanostructures in optical range and the configuration effect of the constructed materials in a multilayer nanostructure are investigated for determination of Plasmon range. Then, the new structures of core–shell nanoparticles (gold–silicon) are presented, which have an amount of impurity particle in their shells as perturbation and also their extinction cross section spectra are calculated. The obtained results in this article give a proper approach about perturbation effect in broadening, sharpening and shifting of optical response which are decisive factors especially nano-network systems. Indeed, it has been proposed that the impurity particles in the shells can be a mechanism for tuning of optical characteristics of the presented nanoparticles in practical fields and also creation of local oscillations as plasmonic resonances in a considered optical range. Besides, redshift in extinction cross section can be also created by particle perturbation. At the end, the effective permittivity of the perturbed core-shells are extracted. The optional frequency range is selected between 300 and 900 (THz).

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Phase transformations in Cd–Ni nanostructured system at elevated temperatures

Using X-ray diffraction (both in vacuum and in air), derivatomass-spectrometry and thermo-programmed oxidation, phase transformations in nanostructured Cd–Ni system occurring while heating up 720 °C were described. These metal powders were obtained by joint reduction from aqueous solutions of salts with hydrazine. When study their composition, earlier unknown phases were detected (intermetallide CdNi{sub 3} and solid solution Cd{sub x}Ni{sub 1–x} with face centered cubic structure) and among the known intermetallides (Cd{sub 5}Ni and CdNi), only Cd{sub 5}Ni was found. As a consequence, phase transformations in the obtained nanostructured powders were remarkably different from those present on the Cd–Ni phase diagram. The intermediates and FCC phase decompose independently with formation of individual initial components (Cd and Ni) without intermediate product. At relatively high Cd concentration in the system, intermediate CdNi{sub 3} phase formation from Cd{sub 5}Ni and Cd{sub x}Ni{sub 1–x} phases, which are polar opposites in composition, is possible. The decomposition temperatures of Cd{sub 5}Ni and melting point of Cd in the nanostructured state were lower than those specified by the phase diagram by 170 and 70 °C, respectively, which well corresponded to the concept of effective (high) temperatures attributed to the nanostructured systems due to the energy saturation of the con stituent nanocrystallites.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

An Artificial Neural Network Model to Predict the Bainite Plate Thickness of Nanostructured Bainitic Steels Using an Efficient Network-Learning Algorithm

Nanostructured bainitic steel has an extraordinary ultrahigh strength of about 2.0 GPa along with good toughness of 30 MPa m{sup 1/2}. The finer thickness of plate 20-80 nm is largely responsible for achieving such a large hardness of 690-720 HV. In this work, a multilayer perceptron-based artificial neural network (ANN) model has been developed to predict the thickness of bainite plate pertaining to nanostructured bainitic steels. The inputs of the ANN model are, namely, Gibbs free energy for bainitic transformation, austenite strength, transformation temperature for bainite and carbon concentration in the steel. The model prediction revealed that the bainite plate thickness critically depends on austenite strength and Gibbs free energy. From the neural prediction, it is concluded that formation of nanostructured bainitic steel is feasible only if sufficient austenite strength (above 165 MPa) has been achieved. This can be accomplished with a minimum carbon content of 0.5 wt.% in steel and transformation temperature below 300 °C. Higher driving force (Gibbs free energy) below − 1800 J/mol is another prerequisite condition of formation of nanostructured bainite steel. The network-learning architecture has been optimized using the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) algorithm to minimize the network training error within eight training cycles. The algorithm facilitates a faster convergence of network training and testing errors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Real time imaging of two-dimensional iron oxide spherulite nanostructure formation

The formation of complex hierarchical nanostructures has attracted a lot of attention from both the fundamental science and potential applications point of view. Spherulite structures with radial fibrillar branches have been found in various solids; however, their growth mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report real time imaging of the formation of two-dimensional (2D) iron oxide spherulite nanostructures in a liquid cell using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By tracking the growth trajectories, we show the characteristics of the reaction front and growth kinetics. Our observations reveal that the tip of a growing branch splits as the width exceeds certain sizes (5.5–8.5 nm). The radius of a spherulite nanostructure increases linearly with time at the early stage, transitioning to nonlinear growth at the later stage. Furthermore, a thin layer of solid is accumulated at the tip and nanoparticles from secondary nucleation also appear at the growing front which later develop into fibrillar branches. The spherulite nanostructure is polycrystalline with the co-existence of ferrihydrite and Fe3O4 through-out the growth. Finally, a growth model is further established, which provides rational explanations on the linear growth at the early stage and the nonlinearity at the later stage of growth.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Bubble formation in helium-implanted nanostructured ferritic alloys at elevated temperatures

Helium bubble formation was examined by scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) in Fe-9/10Cr binary alloys and two dispersion strengthened nanostructured alloys (CNA3 and 14YWT containing 5–10 nm diameter carbide and oxide particles, respectively) after ex-situ and in-situ He implantation to ~10,000 appm at 500 to 900 °C. The combination of high-resolution STEM images and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) revealed that the Y-Ti-O nanoparticles in 14YWT were uniformly distributed and exhibited a one-to-one relationship for bubble attachment to the nanoclusters. In the in-situ experiment at 900 °C, grain boundary cracking was severe in the Fe-10Cr model alloy, but not in the nanostructured alloys. From 500 to 900 °C, the bubble size generally increased with increasing irradiation temperature, while the bubble density decreased with increasing temperature. At the same temperatures, the bubble size in the implanted materials was in the order of Fe-9/10Cr > CNA3 > 14YWT, while the bubble density showed the opposite order. The observed bubble number densities for the nanostructured alloys are comparable to the nanoparticle density, suggesting that the nanoparticles in both alloys were effective in trapping He. Overall, our results indicate that very high He concentrations can be managed in nanostructured alloys by sequestering the helium into smaller bubbles (which leads to a lower volume swelling value) and to shield He from the grain boundaries. This can be attributed to the much higher sink strength associated with the nanoclusters or the He trapping ability between different types of nanoclusters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Ethanol-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical properties of coral-like {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanostructures

Highly uniform, porous {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanostructures with an appearance reminding of certain spherical corals were synthesized via a facile, one-step hydrothermal route using ethanol-water mixtures as solvents. The rough surfaces of the nanostructures consist of numerous randomly distributed, interconnecting nanoflakes, resulting in a network-like structure with many cavities. The coral-like product has a high Brunauer-Emmet-Teller specific surface area of 163 m{sup 2}/g. The diameter of the coral-like {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanostructures is adjustable from 800 nm to 2 {mu}m. The effects of the ethanol/water ratio, the Co{sup 2+} concentration, the hydrothermal temperature, and the reaction time on the formation of the coral-like structures were investigated. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests show that the {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} possesses excellent capacitive properties. This is mainly attributed to the high porosity, which allows a deep penetration by electrolytes. - Abstract: Coral-like {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} nanostructures were synthesized via a facile ethanol-assisted hydrothermal route. Their high porosity facilitates a deep penetration by electrolytes and thus contributes to the excellent capacitive properties.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Unexpected formation by pulsed laser deposition of nanostructured Fe/olivine thin films on MgO substrates

Olivine-type LiFePO{sub 4} thin films were grown on MgO (1 0 0) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The formation of an original nanostructure is evidenced by transmission electron microscopy measurements. Indeed, on focused ion beam prepared cross sections of the thin film, we observe, the amazing formation of metallic iron/olivine nanostructures. The appearance of such a structure is explained owing to a topotactic relation between the two phases as well as a strong Mg diffusion from the substrate to the film surface. Magnesium migration is thus concomitant with the creation of metallic iron domains that grow from the core of the film to the surface leading to large protuberances. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on iron extrusion from the olivine-type LiFePO{sub 4}. -- Graphical Abstract: HRTEM image of olivine/Fe nanostructure obtained by PLD. Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} This manuscript describes the attempt to prepare textured LiFePO{sub 4} by PLD. This is presently a challenge to better understand the physical properties of the material, used as cathode in lithium ion batteries. {yields} We describe for the first time the iron extrusion from this material. Indeed, there were recent reports on the possible non-stoichiometry, i.e. lithium or oxygen. However, on the iron side, only some defect were observed for hydrothermally prepared material but the extrusion is new in this paper. {yields} We prepared interesting nanostructures which could be used for different fundamental studies: electric and magnetic measurements.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid nanostructures produced in the presence of the titanium dioxide and bioactive organic substances by hydrothermal method

Hybrid nanostructures produced by hydrothermal treatment of TiO{sub 2} in the presence of bioactive organic substances such as chitosan, aminoterephthalic acid and their mixture have been investigated. Sodium polytitanates as one-dimensional elongated structures with lengths of several hundred of nanometers were obtained in the presence of chitosan and aminoterephthalic acid. With chitosan the elongated nanostructures are formed by successive superposition of structural fragments-nanostrips with well-ordered multilayered morphology and increased distance between successive layers to 1.2 nm. Quite different amorphous products as agglomerates with roundest and rhomboid morphology are formed when the mixture of chitosan and aminoterephthalic acid is added to the reaction system. One can propose that main reason of such behavior is a low rate of diffusion of dissolved Ti(IV) ions in the high viscous mixed chitosan-aminoterephthalic system. An effect of organic substances on the formation, morphology and transformation of various titanates is discussed. - Graphical abstract: The typical images of hybrid nanostructures produced by hydrothermal treatment of TiO{sub 2} in the presence chitosan and mixed chitosan with aminoterephthalic acid. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Various shapes of TiO{sub 2} based structures can be produced in the presence of organic. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An addition of chitosan results in the formation of the elongated nanostructures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer These structures have multilayered morphology and increased distance between layers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Different agglomerates are formed when chitosan and aminoterephthalic acid are mixed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Morphology and phase transformations of tin oxide nanostructures synthesized by the hydrothermal method in the presence of dicarboxylic acids

A new approach to the synthesis of non-stoichiometric tin oxide structures with different morphologies and the phase compositions has been evaluated. The nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of the mixtures of dicarboxylic acids ― aminoterephthalic or oxalic ― with nanocrystalline SnO{sub 2} powder, which was obtained via the sol-gel technology. The products were characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy, SEM, HRTEM, and XRD analysis. It was shown that the controlled addition of a dicarboxylic acid leads not only to a change in the morphology of the nanostructures, but also to SnO{sub 2}–SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–SnO phase transformations. A single-phase Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} in the form of the well-separated hexagonal nanoplates and mixed SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} phases in the form of hierarchical flower-like structures were obtained in the presence of organic additives. The effects of concentration, redox activity of the acids and heat treatment on the basic characteristics of the synthesized tin oxide nanostructures and phase transformations in the synthesized materials are discussed. - Graphical abstract: The controlled addition of aminoterephthalic or oxalic acid leads not only to a change in the morphology of the nanostructures, but also to SnO{sub 2}–SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–SnO phase transformations. - Highlights: • A new approach to the synthesis of non-stoichiometric tin oxide structures is studied. • Tin oxide structures are synthesized via hydrothermal method with dicarboxylic acids. • Morphology and phase composition are changed with redox activity and dosage of acid. • The redox activity of acid has an effect on ratio of SnO and SnO{sub 2} in crystal structure. • A pure phase Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoplates and SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} hierarchical structures are formed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Facile synthesis of ZnO nanostructures and investigation of structural and optical properties

ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by chemical bath deposition method, using zinc nitrate [Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}] and hexa-methylene-tetra-amine [(HMT),C(H{sub 2}){sub 6}N{sub 4}] as precursors. Controlled size and shape evolution of ZnO nanostructures were achieved by changing the HMT concentration from 0.025 M to 0.1 M, whereas Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} concentration kept constant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman study confirmed the formation of single crystalline, hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. Sharp peaks in Raman spectra, corresponding to E{sub 2}(low) and E{sub 2}(high) referred to wurtzite structure with higher order of crystallinity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the shape and size of the nanostructures reduced, with increasing concentration of HMT. Further, effect of structure's size was observed in the band gap (shift). Photoluminescence study showed two peaks at ∼ 380 nm and ∼ 540 nm corresponding to the band to band transition and defect transitions. Modifications of properties are explained in detail on the basis of shape and size change of the structures and possible mechanism is discussed. - Highlights: • ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by chemical bath deposition method. • Particle’s shape and sizes were controlled by varying the HMT concentrations. • Effect of particle’s sizes was observed in the band gap (shift) and photoluminescence. • HMT is an effective suppressor of ZnO directional growth. • Shape evolution of ZnO particles can be tailored by varying the HMT concentrations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Study of the microstructure of plasma sprayed coatings obtained from Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–13TiO{sub 2} nanostructured and conventional powders

The microstructure of coatings obtained from nanostructured or conventional Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–13TiO{sub 2} powders and deposited by plasma spraying technique on low-carbon steel was examined by transmission electron microscopy techniques. The dominating phase in both coatings was γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} phase. It has been observed that the grains of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} grew in various shapes and sizes, that are particularly visible in the case of coating sprayed from nanostructured powder. The coatings obtained from the fully melted conventional powders exhibited a typical lamellar microstructure, into which the strips of TiO{sub 2} phase were extended. The microstructure of coatings produced from agglomerates of nanostructured particles also revealed the regions consisting of partially melted α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} powders surrounded by the net-like structure formed from fully melted oxides that improved the coating properties. Along with the observed morphology diversity some changes in the chemical composition on the cross sections of obtained coatings have been also noticed. - Highlights: • Plasma sprayed Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–13TiO{sub 2} coatings reveal diversity of microstructure. • Microstructure of conventional coating was formed from fully melted crushed powders. • Nanostructured coating contains completely and partially melted initial agglomerates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Microstructural characterization of Charpy-impact-tested nanostructured bainite

In this work, a possible cause of the extraordinary low impact toughness of nanostructured bainite has been investigated. The microstructure of nanostructured bainite consisted chiefly of carbide-free bainitic ferrite with retained austenite films. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) measurement indicated that no retained austenite existed in the fractured surface of the Charpy-impact-tested specimens. Fractographs showed that cracks propagated mainly along bainitic ferrite platelet boundaries. The change in microstructure after impact loading was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, confirming that retained austenite was completely transformed to strain-induced martensite during the Charpy impact test. However, the zone affected by strained-induced martensite was found to be extremely shallow, only to a depth of several micrometers from the fracture surface. It is appropriately concluded that upon impact, as the crack forms and propagates, strain-induced martensitic transformation immediately occurs ahead of the advancing crack tip. The successive martensitic transformation profoundly facilitates the crack propagation, resulting in the extremely low impact toughness of nanostructured bainite. Retained austenite, in contrast to its well-known beneficial role, has a deteriorating effect on toughness during the course of Charpy impact. - Highlights: • The microstructure of nanostructured bainite consisted of nano-sized bainitic ferrite subunits with retained austenite films. • Special sample preparations for SEM, XRD and TEM were made, and the strain-affected structures have been explored. • Retained austenite films were found to transform into martensite after impact loading, as evidenced by XRD and TEM results. • The zone of strain-induced martensite was found to extend to only several micrometers from the fracture surface. • The poor Charpy impact toughness is associated with the fracture of martensite at a high strain rate during impact loading.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of surface nanostructuring on corrosion behavior of Ti–6Al–4V alloy

Surface nanostructure was induced in Ti–6Al–4V alloy by ultrasonic shot peening (USSP) for different durations, from 15 s to 30 min, and the modified surface was characterized by optical, scanning, atomic force and transmission electron microscopy. Nano size grains were observed to form on surface of the USSPed samples and surface roughness was increased with duration of USSP. Polarization study was carried out in Ringer's solution to examine the effect of surface nanostructuring on corrosion resistance of this alloy. Electrochemical corrosion was carried out for all the USSPed specimens as well as the non-USSPed sample in Ringer's solution. Surface morphology of the corroded samples was examined by SEM. In general, corrosion resistance was improved by USSP up to the duration of 15 min and there was maximum improvement in the specimen USSPed for 1 min. However, corrosion resistance was drastically reduced due to USSP for long duration of 30 min. - Highlights: •Nanostructure was induced by USSP on alloy Ti–6Al–4V of about 28 nm. •Grain refinement was confirmed by XRD and TEM. •USSP is an effective technique for the improvement in corrosion resistance. •Nanostructured surface promotes formation of protective surface layer of TiO{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Synthesis and characterization of different nanostructures of cobalt phosphate

In this research, different nanostructures of cobalt phosphate were successfully prepared. Flowerlike cobalt phosphate and platelike ammonium cobalt phosphate were made by coprecipitation method without any use of surfactant or capping agent as structure directors. Reverse micelle route in water/CTAB/n-hexanol microemulsion system was used to synthesize cobalt phosphate nanoparticles. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemical analysis, and BET. The SEM images showed that the flowerlike nanostructure is an arrangement of cobalt phosphate plates. TEM images revealed that the nanoparticles are spherical with the diameter of 30-50 nm. The purity of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles was confirmed by chemical analysis. Finally, the possible mechanisms which can describe the formation of these nanostructures were discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Solution precursor plasma deposition of nanostructured ZnO coatings

Highlights: {yields} The solution precursor route employed is an inexpensive process with capability to produce large scale coatings at fast rates on mass scale production. {yields} It is highly capable of developing tailorable nanostructures. {yields} This technique can be employed to spray the coatings on any kind of substrates including polymers. {yields} The ZnO coatings developed via solution precursor plasma spray process have good electrical conductivity and reflectivity properties in spite of possessing large amount of particulate boundaries, porosity and nanostructured grains. -- Abstract: Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide band gap semiconducting material that has various applications including optical, electronic, biomedical and corrosion protection. It is usually synthesized via processing routes, such as vapor deposition techniques, sol-gel, spray pyrolysis and thermal spray of pre-synthesized ZnO powders. Cheaper and faster synthesis techniques are of technological importance due to increased demand in alternative energy applications. Here, we report synthesis of nanostructured ZnO coatings directly from a solution precursor in a single step using plasma spray technique. Nanostructured ZnO coatings were deposited from the solution precursor prepared using zinc acetate and water/isopropanol. An axial liquid atomizer was employed in a DC plasma spray torch to create fine droplets of precursor for faster thermal treatment in the plasma plume to form ZnO. Microstructures of coatings revealed ultrafine particulate agglomerates. X-ray diffraction confirmed polycrystalline nature and hexagonal Wurtzite crystal structure of the coatings. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed fine grains in the range of 10-40 nm. Observed optical transmittance ({approx}65-80%) and reflectivity ({approx}65-70%) in the visible spectrum, and electrical resistivity (48.5-50.1 m{Omega} cm) of ZnO coatings are attributed to ultrafine particulate morphology of the coatings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Solution precursor plasma deposition of nanostructured CdS thin films

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inexpensive process with capability to produce large scale nanostructured coatings. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Technique can be employed to spray the coatings on any kind of substrates including polymers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The CdS coatings developed have good electrical conductivity and optical properties. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Coatings possess large amount of particulate boundaries and nanostructured grains. -- Abstract: Cadmium sulfide (CdS) films are used in solar cells, sensors and microelectronics. A variety of techniques, such as vapor based techniques, wet chemical methods and spray pyrolysis are frequently employed to develop adherent CdS films. In the present study, rapid deposition of CdS thin films via plasma spray route using a solution precursor was investigated, for the first time. Solution precursor comprising cadmium chloride, thiourea and distilled water was fed into a DC plasma jet via an axial atomizer to create ultrafine droplets for instantaneous and accelerated thermal decomposition in the plasma plume. The resulting molten/semi-molten ultrafine/nanoparticles of CdS eventually propel toward the substrate to form continuous CdS films. The chemistry of the solution precursor was found to be critical in plasma pyrolysis to control the stoichiometry and composition of the films. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed hexagonal {alpha}-CdS structure. Surface morphology and microstructures were investigated to compare with other synthesis techniques in terms of process mechanism and structural features. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed nanostructures in the atomized particulates. Optical measurements indicated a decreasing transmittance in the visible light with increasing the film thickness and band gap was calculated to be {approx}2.5 eV. The electrical resistivity of the films (0.243 {+-} 0.188 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 5} {Omega} cm) was comparable with the literature values. These nanostructured polycrystalline CdS films could be useful in sensing and solar applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗