Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “attributes”

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 1,117 records · Page 62
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Precipitation-hardening of superalloy 693 and modeling of initial stages of hardening

Highlights: • Isothermal Time-Temperature-Precipitation diagram of superalloy 693 established. • At 973–1173 K, increase in hardness up to 1.5 h of ageing followed by drop noticed. • Initial hardening of alloy at 973–1173 K is modeled by Johnson-Mehl-Avrami equation. • XRD, TEM but not SEM-EDS indicate formation of fine γ′ precipitates in aged samples. • Initial stages of hardening is attributed to formation of fine γ′ precipitates. - Abstract: Isothermal time-temperature-hardness behavior for Ni{sub 3}Al type phase in austenitic superalloy 693 was investigated by micro hardness measurements of the aged specimens. Ageing of the alloy between 973 K and 1173 K indicated an initial increase in micro hardness with ageing time attaining a peak at 1.5 h followed by a drop of its value. The early stages of hardening for the alloy was modeled by the expression: ΔH = (Kt){sup n}, where ΔH, t, n and K are increase in hardness, ageing time (h; in hour), time exponent and temperature-dependent rate constant (h{sup −1}) respectively. X-ray diffraction of solution-annealed and aged specimens indicated formation of Ni{sub 3}Al type precipitation-hardening (γ′) phase, while scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy could not clearly reveal the formation of γ′ phase. Transmission electron microscopy on peak-aged (1.5 h at 973 K, 1073 K, 1173 K) samples revealed formation of fine, face centered cubic, Ni{sub 3}Al type (γ′) precipitates, while over-aged (3 h at 973 K, 1073 K, 1173 K) specimens indicated coarsening of precipitates. The initial stages of hardening for the alloy (at 973 K, 1073 K, 1173 K) are attributed to formation of fine Ni{sub 3}Al type precipitates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Cyclic plastic deformation behaviour of a directionally solidified nickel base superalloy at 850 °C: Damage micromechanisms

Highlights: • Isothermal LCF life of CM 247 DS is reduced using R = 0 instead of R = −1. • Reduction in LCF life is significant at lower values of Δε/2. • Reduction in fatigue life is attributed to the development of sustained mean stress. • Sustained mean stress prevents the slip transfer from γ-channels to γ′-precipitates. • Sustained mean stress promotes dislocation network formation and looping. - Abstract: Dislocation based deformation micromechanisms during low cycle fatigue deformation of nickel base superalloy CM 247 DS LC at 850 °C was investigated by conducting fatigue tests employing constant strain amplitudes for strain ratio (R) values of 0, −1 and carrying out extensive SEM and TEM examinations. Cyclic life of the alloy reduces for all fatigue tests conducted employing R = 0 in comparison with R = −1 owing to sustained mean stress developed during fatigue at R = 0. TEM examinations confirmed that sustained mean stress developed during low strain amplitude fatigue test (Δε/2 = 0.5%) using R = 0 condition prevented slip transfer from γ-channels to γ′-precipitates and resulted in the formation of dislocation substructures such as networks, nodes etc. and also promoted dislocation looping around γ′-precipitates. Lower fatigue life at R = 0 is mainly attributed to the development of these types of substructures, which promotes strain localization in both intra as well intergranular regions. Whereas, in specimen fatigue tested (Δε/2 = 0.5%) using R = −1 condition, shearing of γ′-precipitates by APB coupled dislocation and formation of stacking faults were observed. The formation and nature of stacking faults were analysed using weak beam imaging technique. Stacking fault formed during fatigue tests using R = −1 condition matured to micro-twins when Δε/2 value was increased to 0.8%. The mechanism of formation of these microtwins is discussed in detail. SEM based microstructural and fractographic examinations revealed that mean stress induced creep effect resulted in intergranular crack initiation and grain boundary cavitation during fatigue tests under R = 0 condition and therefore verified the facts revealed in TEM studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

In-situ fabrication of graded material with the application of a horizontal magnetic field during directional solidification

Highlights: • The horizontal magnetic field caused the migration of primary grains and the formation of graded material. • TEMF play a major effect on the formation of graded material. • The magnitude of TEMF increases with the increase of magnetic field intensity. • This work initiates a new method to prepare the “graded material” via an applied horizontal magnetic field. - Abstract: The present paper proposes a method of graded materials preparation under a low horizontal magnetic field during directional solidification. The external horizontal magnetic field was applied to the mushy zone of the directionally solidified Al-10 wt% Cu and Al-18 wt% Si samples, which was perpendicular to the growth direction. Experimental results demonstrate that the applied horizontal magnetic field produces a gradient size distribution of the primary α(Al) grains in Al-10 wt% Cu alloys and a gradient fraction distribution of primary Si particles in Al-18 wt% Si alloys. 3D numerical simulations indicate that the formation of graded structure should be attributed to the migration of primary phase driven by the thermoelectric magnetic force (TEMF). The formation of segregation channel should be attributed to the TEM convection (TEMC) in the mushy zone. Further, in situ synchrotron X-ray radiography observations of the initial transient of directional solidification show that the primary α(Al) phases were migrated approximately along the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. These results suggest that the TEM effects can greatly change the growth of primary grains and the solidification structure, and the application of an external horizontal magnetic field would be beneficial to fabricate the graded material during directional solidification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Development of high Fe content squeeze cast 2A16 wrought Al alloys with enhanced mechanical properties at room and elevated temperatures

Highlights: • Applied pressure improved tensile properties at both room and elevated temperatures. • Experimental alloys meet the requirement of safety-critical component in automotive industry. • Increasing value of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures resulting from pressure decreases - Abstract: In this study, the evolution of iron-rich intermetallics and their effects on room and elevated-temperature tensile properties of gravity die cast and squeeze cast 2A16 wrought Al alloys with high Fe content of 0.5% after T7 heat treatment were investigated by various methods. Compared to gravity die-cast alloys, squeeze cast 2A16 wrought Al alloys showed superior tensile properties at both room and elevated temperatures, especially in terms of elongation. This can be attributed to refinement in grain size and iron-rich intermetallics, which decreased porosity and raised dispersoids in α(Al) matrix. However, the increase in mechanical properties at high temperature resulting from applied pressure was lower than that obtained at room temperature. The results were attributed to the refinement in grain size and the weakness of grain boundary at elevated temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Control on the homogeneity and crystallinity of Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanocomposite by different reaction conditions with high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water

Highlights: • The effects of the various reaction conditions are investigated. • Different photocatalytic activities attributed to the different homogeneity and crystallinity of the nanoparticles. • Combination of good crystallinityand homogeneityresulted in an excellent photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: Zn{sub 0.5}Cd{sub 0.5}S nanoparticles with phase homojunctions were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method with thioacetamide as sulfur source. The effects of the various reaction conditions, such as initial concentrations of Zn and Cd ions, initial content of sulfur source in the reaction mixture, and the temperature rising rate, are investigated. The photocatalytic activities for H{sub 2} evolution from water in the presence of sacrificial reagents of these Zn{sub 0.5}Cd{sub 0.5}S nanoparticles were significantly affected by the reaction conditions. These differences on the photocatalytic activities can be attributed to the different homogeneity and crystallinity of the nanoparticles prepared at different reaction conditions. A faster reaction rate leads to the formation of Zn{sub 0.5}Cd{sub 0.5}S nanoparticles with bad crystallinity, but good homogeneity. On the contrary, a slow reaction rate results in a bad homogeneity, but better crystallinity. Combination of good crystallinity and homogeneity in a Zn{sub 0.5}Cd{sub 0.5}S nanocomposite resulted in an excellent photocatalytic activity. The highest rate of H{sub 2} evolution achieved for these phase-homojunctions materials under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm) reached 1252.7 μmol h{sup −1} with an apparent quantum efficiency of 21.46% at 420 nm. The H{sub 2} evolution rate did not reduce distinctively in a continuous 15 hour test for H{sub 2} evolution, indicating an excellent stability for this material. This work not only demonstrates a facile method to produce highly active phase-homojunctions containing Zn{sub 0.5}Cd{sub 0.5}S solid solutions for photocatalytic hydrogen production from the perspective of controlling various reaction conditions, but also provides new insights into understanding the importance of the homogeneity and crystallinity for enhancing photocatalytic activity and stability of Zn{sub 0.5}Cd{sub 0.5}S solid solutions. It is expected that the strategies of modifying the homogeneity and crystallinity by controlling various reaction conditions can be extracted and used when designing other efficient and robust photocatalysts in the future.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

The grain refinement mechanisms of various phases in shot-peened Nickel-Aluminum bronze (NAB) alloy

Highlights: • There exist two grain refinement mechanisms at the same time in the α phase. • The refinement of β' phase is attributed to the formation of dense and ordered nano twins. • The brittle strip-shape κ{sub iii} phases are fragmented after large deformation. • The κ{sub iv} and κ{sub ii} phases exhibit the twinning and dislocation deformation modes, separately. • The microhardness increases significantly owing to work hardening effect and grain refinement. - Abstract: In this study, coarse-grained Nickel-Aluminum bronze (NAB) alloy is subjected to shot-peening (SP) treatment, and the grain refinement mechanisms of various phases in shot-peened NAB alloy are investigated separately. The results show that severe deformation layers are produced on the surface. Meanwhile, refined grains with the average size below 100 nm are induced through SP treatment indicated by the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Various phases in NAB alloy including α, β' and three intermetallic phases (κ{sub ii}, κ{sub iii} and κ{sub iv}) display different grain refinement mechanisms. The grain refinement in the α phase involves dislocation segmentation in the precipitation-free zone and the twinning intersection in the precipitation zone. The formation of nanotwins by emitting partial dislocations at the grain boundary is found to be responsible for the grain refinement in the β' phase. As for the κ phases, the strip-shaped κ{sub iii} phases are fragmented after severe deformation, and the κ{sub iv} and κ{sub ii} phases exhibit the twinning and dislocation deformation modes, respectively. Also, the microhardness is significantly enhanced after SP treatment, which is mainly attributed to the work hardening effect and grain refinement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Isothermal deformation and spheroidization mechanism of (TiB + La2O3)/Ti composites with different initial structures

Highlights: • Different initial microstructures were obtained through designed heat treatment. • Refined lamellar microstructures promoted dynamic recrystallization. • The spheroidization mechanism was attributed to dynamic recrystallization. • The micron TiB and submicron La{sub 2}O{sub 3} impeded dislocation movement. (TiB + La{sub 2}O{sub 3})/Ti composites with different initial structures were obtained through designed heat treatment. The isothermal deformation and spheroidization mechanisms of (TiB + La{sub 2}O{sub 3})/Ti composites with different initial structures were investigated. Initial structures were refined as the heat treatment temperature decreased. Simultaneously, the quenching and reheating resulted in finer α lamella colonies and α interlamellar spacing compared to the furnace cooling. The flow resistance of furnace cooled samples was lower than the quenched and reheated samples in terms of flow stress data. Following the deformation at 920 °C, the furnace cooled samples demonstrated lamellar α phase and partial spheroidized structure. Moreover, the spheroidization mechanism was similar to the boundary splitting model. Recrystallized grains of approximately 1 μm in diameter were obtained in the quenched and reheated sample following deformation at 920 °C. The spheroidization mechanism was attributed to the development of finer needles through quenching and reheating, as well as to subsequent dynamic recrystallization during the hot deformation. Additionally, the dislocation movement was blocked by the reinforcements on account of the composites with micron TiB and submicron La{sub 2}O{sub 3} during the hot deformation. Furthermore, the reinforcements could facilitate the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) of the α phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

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

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

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

The site occupation and valence of Mn ions in the crystal lattice of Sr{sub 4}Al{sub 14}O{sub 25} and its deep red emission for high color-rendering white light-emitting diodes

Highlights: • Different valences of Mn ions in Sr{sub 4}Al{sub 14}O{sub 25} were identified using XANES and EPR. • Red luminescence was attributed to Mn{sup 4+} occupying the center of AlO{sub 6} octahedron. • The Mn{sup 3+} incorporated in the center of AlO{sub 4} tetrahedron was non-luminescent. • The bond-valence theory was used to analyze the effective valences of cations. • A white LED device with CRI up to Ra 93.23 was packaged by using the red phosphor. - Abstract: The synthesis and component of red phosphor, Sr{sub 4}Al{sub 14}O{sub 25}: Mn, were optimized for application in white light-emitting diodes. The microstructure and morphology were investigated by the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Different valences of Mn ions in Sr{sub 4}Al{sub 14}O{sub 25} were discriminated using the electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy techniques. The bond-valence theory was used to analyze the effective valences of Sr{sup 2+} and Al{sup 3+} in Sr{sub 4}Al{sub 14}O{sub 25}. As a result, the strong covalence of Al{sup 3+} in the AlO{sub 4} tetrahedron other than in the AlO{sub 6} octahedron is disclosed. The deep red emission is attributed to Mn{sup 4+} occupying the center of AlO{sub 6} octahedron. The mechanism of energy transfer is mainly through dipole–dipole interaction, revealed by the analyses of critical distance and concentration quench. A high color rendering white LED prototype with color-rendering index up to Ra 93.23 packaged by using the red phosphor demonstrates its applicability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Manifested luminescence and magnetic responses of stoichiometry dependent Cd{sub 1− x}Mn{sub x}Se quantum dots

Highlights: • Thio-glycolic acid (TGA) coated Cd{sub 1−x}Mn{sub x}Se quantum dots have been prepared with varying x • Formation of QD heterostructure can be expected at a nonzero, but higher value of x. • The deep defect related emission can be attributed to V{sub Cd}–V{sub Se} di-vacancies, which is dominant for smaller values of x. • An appreciable charge transfer between Mn{sup 2+} ions and capping agent TGA is anticipated. - Abstract: We report on stoichiometry dependent manifested physical properties of thioglycolic acid (TGA) coated Cd{sub 1− x}Mn{sub x}Se QDs. While possessing a wurtzite phase, with increasing x, the QDs exhibited a notable blue-shifting of the onset of absorption. Attributed to V{sub Cd}–V{sub Se} di-vacancies, the QDs describe an intense deep-defect related emission response at smaller values of x (=0 to 0.3). Due to the facilitation of magnetic Mn{sup 2+} ion migration from the core to the QD surfaces, {sup 4}T{sub 1}–{sup 6}A{sub 1} transition based Mn{sup 2+} orange emission get suppressed at a higher x (=0.6 to 1). While the FT-IR spectra of the alloyed QDs display characteristic Mn–OH stretching mode at ∼644 cm{sup −1}, the peak located at ∼703 cm{sup −1} is assigned to Cd-Se bending. Furthermore, the QDs with a low x (=0.3), exhibit paramagnetic characteristics owing to the presence of uncorrelated, isolated Mn{sup 2+} spins. The collective luminescence and magnetic features would find immense scope in bio-labeling and imaging applications, apart from solid state luminescent components.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dependence of microwave dielectric properties on crystallization behaviour of CaMgSi{sub 2}O{sub 6} glass-ceramics

The effects of the crystallization behaviour of CaMgSi{sub 2}O{sub 6} (diopside) glass-ceramics on their microwave dielectric properties were investigated as functions of the Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content and heat-treatment method used (one or two steps). The crystallization behaviours of the specimens were affected by the Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content as well as by the heat-treatment method employed, and were evaluated using X-ray diffraction and the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio (RIR) method. The dielectric constants (K) of the specimens did not change significantly with an increase in the Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. The quality factor (Qf) of the specimens increased for Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} contents of up to 0.5 wt% Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, but then decreased for higher contents. These results could be attributed to the degree of crystallization. For the same Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content, the specimens that underwent a two-step heat treatment showed lower K values and higher Qf values than those heat-treated in one-step. These results could be attributed to the smaller crystallite size and higher degree of crystallization in the specimens obtained from the two-step heat treatment compared with those of the specimens heat-treated in one-step method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

SiO{sub 2}/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} nanocomposites with high photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Highlights: • The SiO{sub 2}/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} composite photocatalysts were synthesized. • SiO{sub 2}/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} showed better photocatalytic performance than pure SiO{sub 2} and Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}. • The photocatalytic mechanism of SiO{sub 2}/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} composite was also proposed. - Abstract: The effect of SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles on Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} photocatalytic performance was described. The results indicated that SiO{sub 2} nanospheres were dispersed on Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} nanosheets to form heterostructures with higher specific surface area and more intensive absorption within the visible light range in comparison with pure Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}. These excellent structural and spectral properties endowed the SiO{sub 2}–Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} composites with enhanced photocatalytic activities. The photocatalytic results for the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) indicated that the most active composite proportion is 13.4%SiO{sub 2}–Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}. The high visible light photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect between SiO{sub 2} and Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}, intensive absorption within the visible light range, and high specific surface area. It was also found that the photodegradation of Rh B molecules is mainly attributed to the oxidation action of the generated O{sub 2}·{sup −} radicals and partly to the action of h{sub vb}{sup +} through direct hole oxidation process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Difference in the luminescence properties of orthorhombic and monoclinic forms of Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}:Ln (Ln = Tb{sup 3+} and Dy{sup 3+})

Highlights: • Improved emission colour purity with orthorhombic form of Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}. • Non-stationary quenching exists in orthorhombic and monoclinic forms of Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}:Tb. • Ion pair formation and cross relaxation quenching operating for Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}:Dy samples. - Abstract: The luminescence properties of Tb{sup 3+} and Dy{sup 3+} doped orthorhombic and monoclinic forms of Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5} are significantly different. Orthorhombic Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5} doped with Tb{sup 3+} and Dy{sup 3+} ions gives bright green and blue emission upon UV light excitation with CIE coordinates (0.25, 0.46) and (0.25, 0.24), respectively. The monoclinic Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5} doped with these ions exhibits light green and yellowish white emissions, respectively. This has been attributed to the differences in crystallographic environments around Y{sup 3+} ions in orthorhombic and monoclinic forms of Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}. Quantum yield of emission for orthorhombic Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}:Tb (∼29%) is significantly higher than that of the monoclinic Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5}:Tb (∼14%). Lifetime values corresponding to {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} level of Dy{sup 3+} ions in both monoclinic and orthorhombic forms of Y{sub 2}GeO{sub 5} follow an opposite trend with respect to {sup 5}D{sub 4} level of Tb{sup 3+} ions. This is attributed to difference in the concentration quenching mechanism operating for Tb{sup 3+} and Dy{sup 3+} ions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Hyperfine and magnetic properties of a Y{sub x}La{sub 1−x}FeO{sub 3} series (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)

Highlights: • Y{sub x}La{sub 1−x}FeO{sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was synthesized by mechanochemistry. • Two magnetic contributions were identified in the series. • A paramagnetic state is associated with a fraction of the smallest particles. • A ferromagnetic state is attributed to the larger particles. • Annealing of samples favored the formation of Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} impurities. - Abstract: A series of orthoferrites Y{sub x}La{sub 1−x}FeO{sub 3} in the entire range of composition was synthesized at room temperature by mechanochemical activation of oxide mixtures. Phase composition, structure and microstructure of the obtained powder materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Hyperfine interactions and magnetic properties were determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy, SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometry. Two magnetic contributions could be identified in the series of materials: a paramagnetic state, associated with a fraction of the smallest particles and a ferromagnetic state, attributed to the larger particles. The results showed that the relative proportion of both contributions is very dependent on x, the Y content of samples. From M vs T measurements, it was possible to estimate the blocking temperature distribution for the end members of the series. Annealing of samples produced the elimination of the superparamagnetic behavior and the formation of Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} impurities.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Near white light emitting ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} nanocrystals: Sol–gel synthesis and luminescence studies

Highlights: • ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} spinel synthesized using sol–gel method. • Characterized by XRD, SEM and PL spectroscopy. • Investigations of emission, excitation and lifetime properties. • Evaluation of defect centers and trap parameters of the system. • Evaluation of CIE indices of near white light emitting phosphor. - Abstract: ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} nanoparticles were synthesized using citrate sol–gel method and characterized systematically using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Emission spectrum of pure ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} shows intense violet blue emission under ultra violet irradiation. Based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results; it was attributed to presence of singly ionized oxygen vacancy centres in ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}. On doping Dy{sup 3+} in ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}, complete host–dopant energy transfer does not take place. Local structural investigation and lifetime measurements reveal that dysprosium ion is distributed between both Zn{sup 2+} and Al{sup 3+} sites. Near white light from ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} is attributed to combined host and dopant luminescence. The trap parameters such as activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) for TSL glow peak 165 °C were determined using different heating rate method. Thermally stimulated emission showed the presence of oxygen related defect centre.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Er-doped Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10}: Facile synthesis and photocatalytic mechanism

Highlights: • Er-doped Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10} have been prepared via a one-pot solvothermal method. • Er doping drastically improves the photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10}. • The enhanced activity is attributed to effective electron trapping and up-conversion process resulting from Er{sup 3+}. • Holes and super-oxide radicals are main active species. - Abstract: Erbium (Er) doped Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10} samples were successfully prepared by using a solvothermal method. The samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET, DRS, PL and EIS. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The result shows that Er dopant induces a significant improvement in the photocatalytic activity. 1.0% Er–Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10} sample exhibits the best photocatalytic performance. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the effective trapping of photogenerated electron by Er{sup 3+} ion and the up-conversion process resulting from Er dopant. In addition, it is found that holes and super-oxide radicals play main role in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB and MO.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Silica supported TiO{sub 2} nanostructures for highly efficient photocatalytic application under visible light irradiation

Highlights: • Synthesis of silica–titania nanocomposite by simple and facile chemical route and characterization of the materials. • Excellent catalytic activity on organic pollutant methylene blue under the visible light irradiation. • Photocatalytic rate is much higher than commercial P25 TiO{sub 2} catalyst powder. • The higher activity is attributed to the special structure and synergistic effect of the materials which has immense application potential. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide decorated silica nanospheres have been synthesized by a simple wet chemical approach. X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that anatase phase of TiO{sub 2} nanostructures, with exposed {0 0 1} and {1 0 1} facets, are anchored onto the amorphous silica spheres of ∼60 nm diameter. The photocatalytic activity of the sample under visible light irradiation was examined. It is found that photocatalytic efficiency of the material is better than commercial P25 TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst and the result is attributed to the unique synergistic effect of SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite structure resulting enhanced charge separation and charge transfer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of A-site deficiency in LaMn{sub 0.9}Co{sub 0.1}O{sub 3} perovskites on their catalytic performance for soot combustion

Highlights: • A-site defective perovskites increases the oxidation state of the B-cation. • Not always non-stoichiometric perovskites exhibit higher catalytic activity in soot combustion. • The highly symmetric cubic crystalline structure diminishes the redox properties of perovskites. - Abstract: The influence of lanthanum stoichiometry in Ag-doped (La{sub 1-x}Ag{sub x}Mn{sub 0.9}Co{sub 0.1}O{sub 3}) and A-site deficient (La{sub 1-x}Mn{sub 0.9}Co{sub 0.1}O{sub 3-δ}) perovskites with x equal to 10, 20 and 30 at.% has been investigated in catalysts for soot combustion. The catalysts were prepared by the amorphous citrate method and characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption, XPS, O{sub 2}-TPD and TPR. The formation of a rhombohedral excess-oxygen perovskite for Ag-doped and a cubic perovskite structure for an A-site deficient series is confirmed. The efficient catalytic performance of the larger Ag-doped perovskite structure is attributed to the rhombohedral crystalline structure, Ag{sub 2}O segregated phases and the redox pair Mn{sup 4+}/Mn{sup 3+}. A poor catalytic activity for soot combustion was observed with A-site deficient perovskites, despite the increase in the redox pair Mn{sup 4+}/Mn{sup 3+}, which is attributed to the cubic crystalline structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗