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Reaction path model of the formation of abiotic immiscible hydrocarbon fluids in subducted carbonated serpentinites, Lanzo Massif (Western Italian Alps)
Fluids generated from subducted slabs participate in the cycling of deep carbon in the crust and upper mantle. In these fluids, aqueous carbon species vary in oxidation state between +IV and -IV depending on whether the fluids are oxidizing or reducing, respectively. Most studies of subduction-zone fluids have focused on oxidized carbon species. However, recent studies of natural samples have demonstrated the occurrence of deep, reducing fluids, generated in both subducted oceanic upper mantle and crustal rocks. CH 4 -H 2 -rich fluid inclusions in subducted carbonated serpentinites have demonstrated the existence of abiotic, immiscible, hydrocarbon fluids at upper mantle conditions. To investigate the formation of such immiscible hydrocarbon fluids during the evolution of subducted carbonated serpentinites, we used equilibrium constants from the Deep Earth Water model to carry out predictive chemical mass transfer modeling to simulate the alteration reactions. A novel feature of the models was the inclusion of an immiscible hydrocarbon fluid containing six components (CH 4,f , C 2 H 6,f , C 3 H 8,f , isoC 4 H 10,f , CO 2,f , H 2,f ). This feature enabled prediction of the formation of a separate immiscible fluid in equilibrium with aqueous species and minerals. We developed a predictive reaction path model of invasive H 2,f reacting with carbonated serpentinites and interstitial aqueous fluids for comparison with the natural samples from the Lanzo Massif, western Italian Alps. Over a range of temperatures and pressures, immiscible hydrocarbon fluids formed in association with altered mineral assemblages. Reaction progress caused the transformation of carbonated serpentinites and the formation of clinopyroxene, brucite, graphite, and hydrocarbon fluids, along with changes of pH, logfO 2 , and aqueous species. CH 4,f was the most abundant hydrocarbon species in all the models. The overall results at 2.0 GPa and 400 to 450 °C were consistent with the natural samples from the Lanzo Massif. Interestingly, large amounts of H 2 O formed due to oxidation of H 2 . More hydrocarbons and H 2 O formed in models with lower fluid/rock mass ratios or with more reactant H 2 . Models at different pressure and temperature conditions showed similar results with some variation in the relative stabilities of aragonite, graphite and olivine solid solution, and associated differences in mineral sequences, hydrocarbon fluids, values of aqueous species, and the final log fO 2 and pH. As a result, our models strongly support the laboratory and field evidence that reduction of carbonated serpentinites by infiltrating H 2 fluids can cause the formation of immiscible, abiotic hydrocarbon fluids in subduction zones.
Structure analysis of aluminium silicon manganese nitride precipitates formed in grain-oriented electrical steels
We report a detailed structural and chemical characterisation of aluminium silicon manganese nitrides that act as grain growth inhibitors in industrially processed grain-oriented (GO) electrical steels. The compounds are characterised using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), while their crystal structures are analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM in electron diffraction (ED), dark-field, high-resolution and automated crystallographic orientation mapping (ACOM) modes. The chemical bonding character is determined using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Despite the wide variation in composition, all the precipitates exhibit a hexagonal close-packed (h.c.p.) crystal structure and lattice parameters of aluminium nitride. The EDX measurement of ∼ 900 stoichiometrically different precipitates indicates intermediate structures between pure aluminium nitride and pure silicon manganese nitride, with a constant Si/Mn atomic ratio of ∼ 4. It is demonstrated that aluminium and silicon are interchangeably precipitated with the same local arrangement, while both Mn{sup 2+} and Mn{sup 3+} are incorporated in the h.c.p. silicon nitride interstitial sites. The oxidation of the silicon manganese nitrides most likely originates from the incorporation of oxygen during the decarburisation annealing process, thus creating extended planar defects such as stacking faults and inversion domain boundaries. The chemical composition of the inhibitors may be written as (AlN){sub x}(SiMn{sub 0.25}N{sub y}O{sub z}){sub 1−x} with x ranging from 0 to 1. - Highlights: • We study the structure of (Al,Si,Mn)N inhibitors in grain oriented electrical steels. • Inhibitors have the hexagonal close-packed symmetry with lattice parameters of AlN. • Inhibitors are intermediate structures between pure AlN and (Si,Mn)N with Si/Mn ∼ 4. • Al and Si share the same local arrangement; Mn is incorporated in both Mn{sup 2+} and Mn{sup 3+}. • Oxygen incorporation is invoked to account for the thermal stability of (Al,Si,Mn)N.
Atom probe study of grain boundary segregation in technically pure molybdenum
Molybdenum, a metal with excellent physical, chemical and high-temperature properties, is an interesting material for applications in lighting-technology, high performance electronics, high temperature furnace construction and coating technology. However, its applicability as a structural material is limited because of the poor oxidation resistance at high temperatures and a brittle-to-ductile transition around room temperature, which is influenced by the grain size and the content of interstitial impurities at the grain boundaries. Due to the progress of the powder metallurgical production during the last decades, the amount of impurities in the current quality of molybdenum has become so small that surface sensitive techniques are not applicable anymore. Therefore, the atom probe, which allows the detection of small amounts of impurities as well as their location, seems to be a more suitable technique. However, a site-specific specimen preparation procedure for grain boundaries in refractory metals with a dual focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope is still required. The present investigation describes the development and successful application of such a site-specific preparation technique for grain boundaries in molybdenum, which is significantly improved by a combination with transmission electron microscopy. This complimentary technique helps to improve the visibility of grain boundaries during the last preparation steps and to evidence the presence of grain and subgrain boundaries without segregants in atom probe specimens. Furthermore, in industrially processed and recrystallized molybdenum sheets grain boundary segregation of oxygen, nitrogen and potassium is successfully detected close to segregated regions which are believed to be former sinter pores. - Highlights: • First study of grain boundary segregation in molybdenum by atom probe • Site-specific preparation technique by FIB and TEM successfully developed • Grain boundary segregation of oxygen, nitrogen and potassium found • Segregation in former sinter-pores detected • Presence of grain boundaries without segregation evidenced.
Elemental segregation and subsequent precipitation during solidification of continuous cast Nb–V–Ti high-strength low-alloy steels
In this study, elemental segregation during solidification and subsequent precipitation behaviour in a continuous cast Nb–V–Ti high-strength low-alloy steel was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermodynamic modelling. It is known that for steels with low carbon contents the pearlite that forms on slow cooling does so where the interdendritic liquid was present prior to final solidification. The alloying elements of Nb, Ti, Mn and V segregate into the interdendritic liquid during solidification, while Al preferentially segregates into the solidifying solid phase. The composition analysis on the slab samples verified the predicted element segregation behaviour, with a smaller difference in the concentrations of Mn and V in the pearlite and dendritic ferrite regions being observed compared to the Nb levels. Small (30–100 nm) spherical or irregular shaped Nb-rich precipitates (Nb(C, N) and (Nb, V)(C, N)) were mainly found in the pearlite regions, while angular Al-rich (60–300 nm) precipitates were found in the dendritic ferrite regions, in the form of AlN and complex AlN–V(C, N) precipitates. Small isolated ferrite regions surrounded by pearlite were observed in the microstructure and has two origins: one type is dendritic ferrite that appears as an isolated island due to a sectioning effect when observing the two-dimensional microstructure; the other is a ferrite idiomorph that forms in the interdendritic region due to the low carbon content of the steel. Accordingly, in these isolated ferrite islands two different precipitation behaviours are found; predominantly Al-rich particles in the dendritic regions or predominantly Nb-rich precipitates in the interdendritic ferrite idiomorphs. No Al-rich precipitates were observed in the interdendritic regions (pearlite or isolated ferrite idiomorphs) despite the Thermo-Calc predictions indicating a higher volume fraction of AlN in these regions compared to the dendritic regions. This is believed to be due to back diffusion of nitrogen after solidification reducing the available nitrogen, which reacts with the high Nb levels present. - Highlights: • Nb-rich precipitates (Nb(C, N) and (Nb, V)(C, N)) were mainly found in pearlite. • Angular Al-rich precipitates (AlN and AlN–V(C, N)) were found in dendritic ferrite. • Precipitation behaviour in isolated ferrite islands within pearlite was revealed. • Segregation of substitutional elements during solidification is retained. • Back diffusion of interstitial elements (C, N) occurred.
Microstructural characterization of weld joints of 9Cr reduced activation ferritic martensitic steel fabricated by different joining methods
This paper presents a detailed electron microscopy study on the microstructure of various regions of weldment fabricated by three welding methods namely tungsten inert gas welding, electron beam welding and laser beam welding in an indigenously developed 9Cr reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel. Electron back scatter diffraction studies showed a random micro-texture in all the three welds. Microstructural changes during thermal exposures were studied and corroborated with hardness and optimized conditions for the post weld heat treatment have been identified for this steel. Hollomon–Jaffe parameter has been used to estimate the extent of tempering. The activation energy for the tempering process has been evaluated and found to be corresponding to interstitial diffusion of carbon in ferrite matrix. The type and microchemistry of secondary phases in different regions of the weldment have been identified by analytical transmission electron microscopy. - Highlights: • Comparison of microstructural parameters in TIG, electron beam and laser welds of RAFM steel • EBSD studies to illustrate the absence of preferred orientation and identification of prior austenite grain size using phase identification map • Optimization of PWHT conditions for indigenous RAFM steel • Study of kinetics of tempering and estimation of apparent activation energy of the process.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of a high strength dual-phase steel under monotonic loading
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microstructures of a high-strength dual-phase steel DP800 have been examined after moderate plastic deformations in simple shear and uniaxial tension. Special attention has been paid to the effect of the intergranular hard phase (martensite) on the microstructure evolution in the near-grain boundary regions. Quantitative parameters of dislocation patterning have been determined and compared with the similar characteristics of previously examined single-phase steels. The dislocation patterning in the interiors of the ferrite grains in DP800 steel is found to be similar to that already observed in the single-phase IF (Interstitial Free) steel whereas the martensite-affected zones present a delay in patterning and display very high gradients of continuous (gradual) disorientations associated with local internal stresses. The above stresses are shown to control the work-hardening of dual-phase materials at moderate strains for monotonic loading and are assumed to influence their microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior under strain-path changes. - Highlights: • The microstructure evolution has been studied by TEM in a DP800 steel. • It is influenced by both martensite and dislocations in the initial state. • The DP800 steel presents a high work-hardening rate due to internal stresses.
Annealing texture of nanostructured IF steel
In the present work, the evolution of annealing texture in nanostructured interstitial free steel fabricated via accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was investigated. Textural evolution after post-annealing of ARB-processed samples was evaluated using X-ray diffraction. There were several texture transitions in the γ-fiber and ζ-fiber during ARB and post-annealing treatment. It was found that with increasing the number of ARB cycles, the volume fraction of the low angle grain boundary decreased and the high angle grain boundary fraction increased. Also, the shear texture was dominant after the first cycle, while for other samples, the rolling texture was dominant. The one-cycle sample clearly indicated a weak α-fiber and γ-fiber and a relatively strong ζ-fiber. In addition, during the recrystallization and before the grain growth, the intensity of α-fiber and γ-fiber decreased, the intensity of ζ-fiber increased, and the intensity of (011)〈100〉 orientation in the ε-fiber and η-fiber increased. Moreover, it was concluded that the transition from the rolling texture to the shear one was a sign of occurrence of the recrystallization (before the grain growth). Finally, with increasing the number of ARB cycles, the intensity of rolling and shear textures saturated and a stable texture formed. - Highlights: • There were texture transitions in the γ-fiber and ζ-fiber. • When the number of cycles increased, the low angle grain boundaries decreased. • The shear texture was dominant after the first cycle. • Transition from rolling texture to shear one was a sign of recrystallization. • With increasing the number of ARB cycles, a stable texture formed.
Microstructural characterization of sulfur-doped Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} crystals
In this study, the detailed microstructure of sulfur-doped Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and the distribution of sulfur dopants were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD result indicates that the interplanar distances of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} are shortened after introducing sulfur dopants. HRTEM reveals that the unit cell lengths along [001, 100] are decreased as a result of the substitution of Te by smaller S atoms on the anion lattice. XRD and HRTEM analysis suggest that the distortion of the crystal lattice in Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} is induced by doping sulfur. High annular angler dark field scanning electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) image shows obvious contrast variations in the Te atomic columns, indicating that Te sites were unevenly substituted by S dopants. Te columns with least contrast intensity correspond to the preferential occupation sites of S atoms. The replacement of Te atoms by S can be attributed to the evaporated sulfur powder in the gas reaction procedure. The present work is not only contributed to obtain a better understanding of the distribution of sulfur dopants introduced by gas reaction, but also can help explore the structural-property relationship of sulfur-doped Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}. - Highlights: • Sulfur-doped Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} was synthesized through modified Bridgeman method. • The introduction of S dopants results in shortening the lattice spacing of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}. • HRTEM analysis indicates that S was doped through substituting Te atoms instead of incorporating interstitially. • HAADF-STEM analysis shows that Te columns with least intensity correspond to the preferential occupation sites of S.
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties on an ARB processed IF steel studied by X-ray diffraction and EBSD
Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) is one of the so-called severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes, allowing the production of metals and alloys with ultrafine (micro-nano) structures. Materials with ultrafine grains present attractive properties like the simultaneous increase in strength and ductility. Our interest in these materials is focused on their microstructural evolution during ARB processing, eventually responsible for the enhancement of those mechanical properties. In the current work we follow the evolution of the microstructure in an interstitial-free (IF) steel deformed by ARB after consecutive processing cycles, by means of Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particularly, we present results related to texture, grain (GS) and domain sizes, grain boundary character, density of Geometrically Necessary Dislocations (GND), Grain Orientation Spread (GOS), lattice parameters, microstrain, dislocation density and their spatial arrangement. After 5 ARB cycles the system shows a microstructure constituted mainly by submicrometric grains with high angle boundaries and low presence of dislocations inside the grains. - Highlights: •The evolution of microstructure is followed simultaneously by using GAM, GOS and GND (EBSD) and XRD. •LAGBs and subgrains disappear after few cycles SSDs and HAGBs persist at the end. •Dynamic recrystallization counterbalances dislocation arrays and diminishes hardening rate. •Grain size stabilization is revealed as a mechanism for increasing ductility after few ARB cycles.
Radiation-induced extreme elastic and inelastic interactions in concentrated solid solutions
One of the biggest challenges in the radiation induced defect science is to understand the complex nature of ion-atom interactions under highly extreme conditions. Here, we report the irradiation induced non-equilibrium defect formation in NiCoCr single phase concentrated solid solution alloy due to (i) the extreme inelastic and (ii) the coupled inelastic and elastic ion-atom interactions. These two conditions are achieved at 5 and 30 μm penetration depths along the paths of swift heavy ions (1.542 GeV Bi). In general, the irradiation induced damage consists of interstitial-type dislocation loops and vacancy-type stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT). Near the surface (~5 μm) where electronic energy loss is dominating (~62.5 keV nm –1 ), the atomic motion primarily results in the formation of SFT. A noticeable increase of dislocation loop formation is observed at 30 μm near the maximum energy deposition from elastic interactions (~4.9 keV nm –1 ), as compared to the near surface region (~0.06 keV nm –1 ). As a result, insights on the complex electronic and atomic correlations of extreme energy deposition and dissipation on defect dynamics and structural stability may pave the way for new design principles of radiation–tolerant structural alloys.
Effects of Fe atoms on hardening of a nickel matrix: Nanoindentation experiments and atom-scale numerical modeling
Significant hardening effect due to Fe concentrations in Ni-based alloys with face-centered-cubic structure has been studied by using a combined experimental and atomistic-based computational approach via nanoindentation tests. The obtained experimental load–displacement data for the [0 0 1] crystal orientation reached a qualitative good agreement with molecular dynamics simulations results, leading to strong evidence that the main strengthening factors are associated to sluggish dislocation diffusion, reduced defect sizes and the nucleation of tetrahedral stacking faults. Here, interstitial type prismatic dislocation loops mainly formed by $\frac{1}{6}$$\langle$1 1 2$\rangle$ Shockley dislocations are nucleated during the loading process, where their interaction leads to the formation of pyramidal shaped stacking fault which are mainly created by $\frac{1}{3}$$\langle$1 0 0$\rangle$ Hirth dislocations lines. Observing both types of defects coexisting in the same plastic deformation zone by both approaches. Reported mechanical data, measured experimentally and interpreted numerically, are also in accordance with microstructural SEM and TEM investigations.
Analysis of position-dependent cavity parameters in irradiated metals to obtain insight on fundamental defect migration phenomena
Motion of point defects is a fundamental process that governs microstructure and properties of materials. Here, we examine the near-surface and grain boundary cavity swelling depth profiles in neutron- and ion-irradiated simple metals (Cu, Ni, and Fe-Cr) and investigate diffusional broadening of implanted Ni ions in Fe-Cr alloys. Vacancy migration energies and radiation-enhanced diffusion were experimentally estimated. Cavity denuded zone widths near planar sinks are shown to be dependent on temperature, damage rate, balance of point defects and sinks, and vacancy migration energies. An enhanced cavity swelling zone adjacent to the void-denuded zone was observed in specimens with low to moderate sink strength and interpreted as evidence of 1D gliding interstitial clusters. Radiation-enhanced diffusional broadening of implanted Ni ions (at 400–550 °C) in Fe and Fe-Cr was up to 250 nm toward the surface, which leads to a much broader near-peak-damage region where cavity swelling is suppressed. Diffusional broadening of implanted ions is calculated to be similarly pronounced for self-ion irradiations, particularly near the peak and higher swelling temperature regimes. Adequately high ion energies (~8–15 MeV) are recommended for ion-irradiation studies to provide a sufficiently broad midrange safe analysis region with minimized surface and injected ion effects.
Solidification cracking of refractory alloys: a computational and machine learning study to investigate composition-dependence for improved weldability and additive manufacturability
Large-batch numerical, CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD)-based solidification cracking calculations are performed and then analyzed with machine learning methods to generate models that relate chemistry of refractory alloys to cracking susceptibility. Kou’s solidification cracking index is used to study the refractory alloys including O, N, C binary mixtures with Mo, Ta, Nb, and W, the molybdenum-based TZM, Niobium-based C103, and Tantalum-based T111 and Ta-10 W, as well as hypothetical refractory ternary alloys. Findings strongly validate Kou’s Crack Susceptibility Index (CSI) against Varestraint test data for Nb- and Ta-based alloys, establishing CSI thresholds where refractory alloys with CSI < 15,000 K are likely weldable, CSI > 15,000 K are prone to cracking, and CSI > 25,000 K are likely unweldable (or unprintable). Furthermore, interstitial elements C, N, and O significantly increase crack susceptibility, with some existing material specifications coinciding with peak cracking susceptibility concentrations. Finally, machine learning-derived elemental potency factors enable rapid prediction of CSI from alloy chemistry for C103, TZM, Ta-10 W, and T-111 alloys. These results provide practical guidance for feedstock selection, powder reuse limits, and alloy specification amendments for welding and additive manufacturing applications.
Tunneling behavior in ion-assist ion-beam sputtered CoFe/MgO/NiFe magnetic tunnel junctions
Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Dual ion beam sputtered MgO barrier for MTJs. ► ∼12% TMR at 60 K. ► Glazman and Matveev model fitted for quantification of elastic and inelastic tunneling conductance through barrier. -- Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) consisting of CoFe and NiFe as ferromagnetic electrodes and MgO as insulating barrier fabricated through in situ shadow masking employing ion beam sputtering are studied for their tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) and temperature dependence of the tunneling conductance behavior. The tunneling characteristics of these MTJs exhibited barrier height of 0.7 eV and width of 3.3 nm. These MTJs possessed ∼12% TMR at 60 K. The temperature dependence of conductance behavior of these junctions have revealed finite contributions from inelastic tunneling through the barrier via hopping conduction via present localized states which arise due to the presence of ionic interstitial defects in the MgO oxide barrier. The fitting of the data reveals that thirteenth order of hopping conduction is operative through MgO barrier.
Study of interatomic potential and thermal structural properties of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3}
Highlights: ► The multi-body interatomic potentials of various models of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} have been developed to describe atomic interactions. ► The radial distribution function shows that the 10% vacancy of Zn site leads to the disorder of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3}. ► The 10% vacancy of Zn site is the main cause of the exceptional low thermal conductivity. -- Abstract: Previous experimental research shows that the disordered Zn atoms in β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} may have an important influence on its exceptionally low thermal conductivity and easily occurred phase transition. So the present work aims to study the influence of disordered Zn atoms on thermodynamics properties of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} by using molecular dynamics (MD) method. Firstly, based on first principles calculation and experimental results, the interatomic potentials of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} and MD analysis method are established, and the feasibility is verified. Then, the influence of disordered Zn atoms on thermal conductivity of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3} is studied in detail. The simulation results indicate that the 10% vacant Zn atoms is the main reason for the exceptionally low thermal conductivity of β-Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 3}, and it seems that the interstitial Zn atoms have little effect on its thermal conductivity.
Cation distribution in Ni–Cu–Zn nanoferrites from {sup 57}Fe in-field Mössbauer spectra
Highlights: • Occupancy of copper ions at about 20% towards tetrahedral sites. • Distribution is proposed on the basis of % of Fe ions at both A and B sites. • Distribution is checked by estimating the theoretical lattice constant values. - Abstract: The nanoparticles of Ni{sub 1−x}Cu{sub x}Zn{sub 0.35}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were synthesized by sol–gel method using polyvinyl alcohol as a chelating agent. X-ray diffraction patterns of all the samples confirmed the single phase spinel structure. The site occupancy of copper in the nanosized nickel–zinc ferrite spinels was investigated with the help of in-field Mössbauer spectroscopy. Cation distribution for the whole series of compositions was proposed by considering the amounts of iron ions present at both tetrahedral and octahedral interstitial sites in the spinel lattice. Confirmation of the proposed distributions was done by estimating quantitatively the lattice parameters for these compositions and comparing their values with those of the experimentally observed ones.
Photocatalytic characteristics of single phase Fe-doped anatase TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles sensitized with vitamin B{sub 12}
Highlights: • Anatase TiO{sub 2}/B{sub 12} hybrid nanostructured catalyst was successfully synthesized by sol–gel technique. • The nanoparticle catalyst was doped with iron at several concentrations. • Nanoparticles were characterized in detail by XRD, Raman, TEM, EDS, and spectroscopy techniques. • The formation mechanism and role of point defects on photocatalytic properties were discussed. • A structure-property-processing correlation was established. - Abstract: We report a processing-structure-property correlation in B{sub 12}-anatase titania hybrid catalysts doped with several concentrations of iron. Our results clearly show that low-level iron doping alters structure, defect content, and photocatalytic characteristics of TiO{sub 2}. XRD and Raman studies revealed formation of a single-phase anatase TiO{sub 2} where no iron based segregation in particular iron oxide, was detected. FT-IR spectra clearly confirmed sensitization of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles with vitamin B{sub 12}. TEM micrographs and diffraction patterns confirmed crystallization of anatase nanoparticles with a radius of 15–20 nm. Both XRD and Raman signals showed a peak shift and a peak broadening which are surmised to originate from creation of point defects, namely oxygen vacancy and titanium interstitial. The doped samples revealed a narrower band gap as compared to undoped samples. Photocatalytic activity of the samples was assessed through measuring the decomposition rate of rhodamine B. It was found that sensitization with vitamin B{sub 12} and Fe-doping significantly enhances the photocatalytic efficiency of the anatase nanoparticles. We also showed that there is an optimum Fe-doping level where the maximum photocatalytic activity is achieved. The boost of photocatalytic activity was qualitatively understood to originate from a more effective use of the light photons, formation of point defects, which enhance the charge separation, higher carrier mobility.