Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Synthesis”

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 1,513 records · Page 84
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Controllable synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic properties of Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} composites

Highlights: ► Facile sonochemical route. ► The content of Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} in the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} can be easily controlled. ► Structure and optical properties of Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} were discussed. ► Enhanced photocatalytic property of Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16}. ► Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} core/shell structures were more stable than single Cu{sub 2}O particles. -- Abstract: The controlled synthesis of Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} microcomposites with hierarchical structures had been prepared via a convenient sonochemical route. Ultrasonic irradiation of a mixture of Cu{sub 2}O and (NH{sub 2}){sub 2}CS in an aqueous medium yielded Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} composites. The content of Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} in the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} can be easily controlled by adjusting the synthesis time. The Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} layer not only protected and stabilized Cu{sub 2}O particles, but also prohibited the recombination of photogenerated electrons–holes pair between Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} and Cu{sub 2}O. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were used to characterize the products. Photocatalytic performance of the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} hierarchical structures was evaluated by measuring the decomposition rate of methyl orange solution under natural light. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the preparation and photocatalytic activity of Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} microcomposite. Additionally, the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} core/shell structures were more stable than single Cu{sub 2}O particles during photocatalytic process since the photocatalytic activity of the second reused architecture sample was much higher than that of pure Cu{sub 2}O. The Cu{sub 2}O/Cu{sub 31}S{sub 16} microcomposites may be a good promising candidate for wastewater treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis of BiFeO{sub 3} microcrystals and their visible-light photocatalytic activity

Highlights: ► Urea-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of pure BiFeO{sub 3} at 120 °C was reported. ► Possible formation mechanism of pure phase BiFeO{sub 3} at low temperature was illuminated. ► BiFeO{sub 3} microcrystals exhibited efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity. -- Abstract: Pure BiFeO{sub 3} (BFO) microcrystals were synthesized at the temperature as low as 120 °C via a urea-assisted hydrothermal process. The crystal structure, morphology and photocatalytic property of BFO microcrystals were investigated. The analysis reveals that the hydrolysis of urea in the hydrothermal process plays a key role in the synthesis of pure phase BFO microcrystals. FE-SEM and TEM results show that these BFO microcrystals present a nearly spherical microstructure, and specially exhibit superstructures consisting of large amounts of small particles with the size of 100–150 nm by further observation. Moreover, these BFO microcrystals exhibit efficient photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation, suggesting their promising applications as photocatalysts and related fields.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis, structure and electrochemical properties of polyaniline/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite for lithium battery

Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal method was introduced for the synthesis of MoO{sub 3} nanobelts and polyaniline (PANI)/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composites. The structure and morphology of the samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. We can see the presence of polyaniline on the MoO{sub 3} nanobelts surface in the TEM pictures as shown in Fig. (a). The pure MoO{sub 3} nanobelts exhibit the initial specific capacity 276 mAhg{sup −1}, whereas PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite shows little low initially 228 mAhg{sup −1} after that it has more stabilized specific capacity with increasing cycle numbers as shown in Fig. (b). The cyclic voltammograms of the PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite show better cyclic performance compared to pure MoO{sub 3} nanobelts. The electrochemical impedance spectres were studied for both the pure and PANI/MoO{sub 3} samples at 2.0 and 3.5 potentials. The role of the PANI polymeric component of the composite material seems to be the stabilization of the specific capacity due to probable homogeneous distribution of the induced stress during cycling. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Hydrothermal synthesis of MoO{sub 3}, PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelts. ► Samples were characterised by XRD, FTIR, DSC, SEM, TEM, CV and impedance. ► MoO{sub 3} nanobelts cathode battery shows initial specific capacity 276 mAhg{sup −1}. ► PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelts show initial specific capacity 228 mAhg{sup −1} but high stability. ► PANI/MoO{sub 3} sample studies by impedance at the potentials of 2.0 and 3.5 V. -- Abstract: The MoO{sub 3} nanobelts and polyaniline (PANI)/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite were synthesized using hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and morphology of the samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermo gravimetric (TG) measurements were carried out for PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite. The pure MoO{sub 3} nanobelts exhibit the initial specific capacity 276 mAhg{sup −1}, whereas PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite showed little low initially 228 mAhg{sup −1} after that it has more stabilized specific capacity with increasing cycle numbers at constant current density of 30.7 mAg{sup −1} in the potential range 1.0–4.0 V vs. Li/Li{sup +}. The electrochemical impedance profiles were also studied. The cyclic voltammograms of the PANI/MoO{sub 3} nanobelt composite showed better cyclic performance as compared with pure MoO{sub 3} nanobelts, this is due to the role of PANI polymeric component stabilization of the specific capacity by homogeneous distribution within nanobelts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and characterization of luminescent aluminium selenide nanocrystals

Highlights: ► Synthesis procedure of size and sharp controlled Al{sub 2}Se{sub 3} nanocrystals is introduced. ► Obtained nanoparticles are highly crystalline of hexagonal wurtzite type. ► Colloidal Al{sub 2}Se{sub 3} nanocrystals are highly luminescent in the near UV spectral region. ► They can be implemented in light emitters/collectors, concurring with II–VI nanodots. -- Abstract: We propose the synthesis and characterization of colloidal aluminium selenide nanocrystals using trioctylphosphine as a solvent. The nanoparticles have several absorption bands in the spectral region 330–410 nm and are bright UV-blue luminescent, which is well demanded in light collecting and emitting devices, e.g. for tuning their spectral characteristics to higher energy solar photons.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of zinc oxalate nanoparticles

Highlights: ► Synthesis of zinc oxalate nanoparticles via electrolysis of a zinc plate anode in sodium oxalate solutions. ► Design of a Taguchi orthogonal array to identify the optimal experimental conditions. ► Controlling the size and shape of particles via applied voltage and oxalate concentration. ► Characterization of zinc oxalate nanoparticles by SEM, UV–vis, FT-IR and TG–DTA. - Abstract: A rapid, clean and simple electrodeposition method was designed for the synthesis of zinc oxalate nanoparticles. Zinc oxalate nanoparticles in different size and shapes were electrodeposited by electrolysis of a zinc plate anode in sodium oxalate aqueous solutions. It was found that the size and shape of the product could be tuned by electrolysis voltage, oxalate ion concentration, and stirring rate of electrolyte solution. A Taguchi orthogonal array design was designed to identify the optimal experimental conditions. The morphological characterization of the product was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. UV–vis and FT-IR spectroscopies were also used to characterize the electrodeposited nanoparticles. The TG–DTA studies of the nanoparticles indicated that the main thermal degradation occurs in two steps over a temperature range of 350–430 °C. In contrast to the existing methods, the present study describes a process which can be easily scaled up for the production of nano-sized zinc oxalate powder.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Highly uniform YF{sub 3}:Ln{sup 3+} (Ln = Ce{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+}) walnut-like microcrystals: Hydrothermal synthesis and luminescent properties

Graphical abstract: The emission spectra of Y{sub 0.98−x}F{sub 3}:0.02Ce{sup 3+}, xTb{sup 3+} microcrystals with different Tb{sup 3+} concentrations demonstrated that energy transfer from the Ce{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} ions is highly efficient. The concentration quenching phenomenon occurs when the x = 0.13. We have discussed it in detail based on experiments and quantitative calculations. Highlights: ► YF{sub 3}:Ce{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} walnut-like microcrystals were prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis. ► The optical properties of YF{sub 3}:Ce{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} phosphors have been investigated in detail. ► The energy transfer distance and efficiency from Ce{sup 3+} to Tb{sup 3+} ions were calculated. ► The dipole–dipole interaction should be the dominant mechanism for energy transfer. - Abstract: Uniform and well-crystallized YF{sub 3} walnut-like microcrystals were prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis. The crystalline phase, size, morphology, and luminescence properties were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescent excitation spectra (PLE). The results revealed that the existence of Ce{sup 3+} (sensitizer) can dramatically enhance green emission centered at 545 nm of Tb{sup 3+} (activator) in codoped samples due to an efficient energy transfer from Ce{sup 3+} to Tb{sup 3+}. The critical energy transfer distance between Ce{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} was also calculated by methods of concentration quenching and spectral overlapping. Experimental analysis and theoretical calculations indicated that the dipole–dipole interaction should be the dominant mechanism for the Ce{sup 3+}–Tb{sup 3+} energy transfer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and structure of nanocrystalline mixed Ce–Yb silicates

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • New method of synthesis of nanocrystalline mixed lanthanide silicates is proposed. • Formation of A-type (Ce{sub 1−y}Yb{sub y}){sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} in well dispersed Ce{sub 1−x}Yb{sub x}O{sub 2−(x/2)}–SiO{sub 2} system. • Formation of Yb{sub y}Ce{sub 9.33−y}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}O{sub 2} in agglomerated Ce{sub 1−x}Yb{sub x}O{sub 2−(x/2)}–SiO{sub 2} system. - Abstract: This work presents results of studies on synthesis and structure of mixed, nanocrystalline Ce–Yb silicates. Using TEM, XRD and FTIR we showed that heat treatment of nanocrystalline Ce{sub 1−x}Yb{sub x}O{sub 2−(x/2)} (x = 0.3, 0.5) mixed oxide supported on amorphous silica in reducing atmosphere, results in formation of Ce–Yb mixed silicates. Dispersion of the oxide on the silica surface and thus a local lanthanide/Si atomic ratio determines the stoichiometry of the silicate. Oxide crystallites uniformly dispersed on the silica surface transformed into A-(Ce{sub 1−y}Yb{sub y}){sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} disilicate, while the agglomerated nanoparticles converted into Yb{sub y}Ce{sub 9.33−y}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}O{sub 2} oxyapatite silicate as an intermediate phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Controlled synthesis of snowflake-like self-assemblies palladium nanostructures under microwave irradiation

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • We demonstrated the synthesis of snowflake-like palladium nanostructures for the first time. • We discussed the influencing factors on the synthesis of snowflake-like Pd nanostructures. • The molar ratio of H{sub 2}Pd{sub 4} to PVP at 5 is the optimal selection. • The growth process was discussed. - Abstract: Self-assembly snowflake-like palladium nanostructures were synthesized under microwave irradiation using H{sub 2}PdCl{sub 4} as precursor, benzyl alcohol as both solvent and reducing agent, and PVP as stabilizer. The Pd snowflake-like nanostructures were formed and then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction. The TEM images showed that the Pd nano-snowflakes were self-assemblies organized by hundreds of small spherical nanoparticles. Pd snowflake-like nanostructures with well-defined shape and uniform size can be obtained by tuning the concentration of palladium precursor, the molar ratio of H{sub 2}PdCl{sub 4}/PVP, as well as the heating time by microwave irradiation. The possible growing process of the snowflake-like Pd structures was also proposed on the basis of investigating the properties of as-synthesized Pd nanostructures under different conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Wet chemical synthesis of quantum confined nanostructured tin oxide thin films by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Quantum confined SnO{sub 2} thin films were synthesized at 80 °C by SILAR technique. • Film formation mechanism is discussed. • Films with snow like crystallite morphology offer high specific surface area. • The blue-shifted value of band gap confirmed the quantum confinement effect. • Present synthesis has advantages – low cost, low temperature and green friendly. - Abstract: Quantum confined nanostructured SnO{sub 2} thin films were synthesized at 353 K using ammonium chloride (NH{sub 4}Cl) and other chemicals by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique. Film formation mechanism is discussed. Structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties were investigated and compared with the as-grown and annealed films fabricated without NH{sub 4}Cl solution. SnO{sub 2} films were polycrystalline with crystallites of tetragonal structure with grain sizes lie in the 5–8 nm range. Films with snow like crystallite morphology offer high specific surface area. The blue-shifted value of band gap of as-grown films confirmed the quantum confinement effect of grains. Refractive index of the films lies in the 2.1–2.3 range. Films prepared with NH{sub 4}Cl exhibit relatively lower resistivity of the order of 10{sup 0}–10{sup −1} Ω cm. The present synthesis has advantages such as low cost, low temperature and green friendly, which yields small particle size, large surface–volume ratio, and high crystallinity SnO{sub 2} films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Sol–gel auto combustion synthesis of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone nanocomposite with ethylene glycol: Its magnetic characterization

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was generated by sol–gel autocombustion using 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and ethylene glycol. • The presence of spin-disordered surface layer on magnetic core was established. • A linear dependence of the coercivity on temperature was fitted to Kneller's law. - Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles were generated by sol–gel auto combustion synthesis of metal salts in the presence of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, a functional solvent and ethylene glycol as usual solvent. The average crystallite size was obtained by using line profile fitting as 11 ± 5 nm. The saturation magnetization value decreases with usage of the ethylene glycol in synthesis. The observed exchange bias effect further confirms the existence of the magnetically ordered core surrounded by spin-disordered surface layer and the ethylene glycol. Square-root temperature dependence of coercivity can be fitted to Kneller's law in the temperature range of 10–400 K. The reduced remanent magnetization values lower than the theoretical value of 0.5 for non-interacting single domain particles indicate the CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone nanocomposite to have uniaxial anisotropy instead of the expected cubic anisotropy according to the Stoner–Wohlfarth model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Hydrothermal synthesis and metal ions doping effects of single-crystal Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Dopant species and dopant/Mn molar ratio affect the shape of Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} microcrystal. • For Cu and Ni doped Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}, the spontaneous valence changes of dopant taken place. • An apparent change in the energy bandgap of Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} with the metal doping. - Abstract: Synthesis of undoped and transition metal ion doped Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} microcrystals were achieved through a simple hydrothermal route. The morphologies and structures of the obtained products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results revealed that the low volume percentage of ethanol in the precursor solution limited formation of Mn{sup 2+}, while the introduction of doping ions into the precursor solution caused a direct synthesis of single phase Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} crystals. For Cu and Ni doping ions, the spontaneous valence changes during the doping process were taken place. The possible doping mechanisms for the formation of single-phase Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} were discussed briefly. UV–vis spectroscopic studies showed an apparent change in the energy bandgap of Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} with the metal doping.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of the p-type semiconducting ternary oxide CuAlO{sub 2} using the Pechini method

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • We have prepared single-phase samples of the semiconducting oxide CuAlO{sub 2} using the Pechini method. • Reaction times are reduced relative to conventional solid-state synthesis. • Products have high surface area suitable for ceramic processing. • Product composition is dictated by thermodynamic control; CuAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} is obtained preferentially at lower temperature. - Abstract: The synthesis of the delafossite phase CuAlO{sub 2} using the Pechini method was investigated. Powder X-ray diffraction data showed that pure, single-phase samples were obtained after only 3 h heating at 1100 °C. CuAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}, which contains Cu(II) rather than Cu(I), was the dominant phase between 700 and 1100 °C. Conversion to CuAlO{sub 2} is promoted by the positive entropy change associated with the evolution of oxygen. No mixed Cu–Al oxide was formed below 700 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis and characterization of WO{sub 3} spherical nanoparticles and nanorods

Graphical abstract: Two different morphology WO{sub 3} nanoparticles are synthesized by a simple and new wet chemical route through control over pH, temperature and structure directing agents. Reaction mechanism has been proposed for the formation of different morphologies. Nanorod WO{sub 3} has better crystallinity with less specific surface area compared to the spherical nanoparticles. Comparable band gaps are obtained for both the nanoparticles. - Highlights: • Spherical WO{sub 3} nanoparticle and nanorod synthesis mechanisms proposed. • Thermal analysis and spectroscopy confirms the intermediate reactions. • Both of the morphology has pure and monoclinic phase with identical band gap energy. - Abstract: Simple and new wet chemical routes are adopted for the synthesis of tungsten trioxide (WO{sub 3}) nanopowders having two different morphologies such as spherical and rod-like. Acid catalyzed exothermic reaction and a structure directing reagent have been used to control the formation of spherical and rod shaped nanoparticles, respectively. Thermal analysis and FTIR spectral data have been used to confirm the formation of the intermediate and the ultimate reaction products. X-ray and Raman spectroscopic data indicate the monoclinic structure of both forms of the particles. Rod shaped WO{sub 3} particles exhibit better crystallinity and low specific surface area compared to those exhibited by spherical particles. Band gaps are found to be nearly identical irrespective of the morphology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Controlled synthesis of novel octapod platinum nanocrystals under microwave irradiation

Graphical abstract: Under microwave irradiation, novel octapod Pt nanocrystals were synthesized by reducing H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} in TEG with PVP as a stabilizer. The as-prepared Pt nanocrystals displayed a unique octapod nanostructure with five little mastoids in each concave center. The use of KI was crucial to the formation of novel Pt octapods. Novel Octapod Platinum Nanocrystals. - Highlights: • A novel octapod Pt nanocrystals different from the common octapod were obtained. • The use of KI was crucial to the formation of the novel Pt octapods. • Microwave was readily employed in controlled synthesis of the novel Pt octapods. - Abstract: Microwave was employed in the shape-controlled synthesis of Pt nanoparticles. Novel octapod Pt nanocrystals enclosed with (1 1 1) facets were readily synthesized with H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} as a precursor, tetraethylene glycol (TEG) as both a solvent and a reducing agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer in the presence of an appropriate amount of KI under microwave irradiation for 140 s. The as-prepared Pt nanocrystals displayed a unique octapod nanostructure with five little mastoids in each concave center and exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity than commercial Pt black in the electro-oxidations of methanol and formic acid. The results demonstrated that the use of KI was crucial to the formation of Pt octapods. KI determined the formation of the novel octapod Pt nanocrystals by tuning up the reduction kinetics and adsorbing on the surfaces of growing Pt nanoparticles. The optimum molar ratio of H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6}/KI/PVP was 1/30/45.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Rapid synthesis of barium titanate microcubes using composite-hydroxides-mediated avenue

Highlights: • Barium titanate oxides microcubes can be synthesized within 1 min. • Composite-hydroxides-mediated strategy provided a possible large scale production. • BST obtained in the strategy showed fairly good crystallinity and tetragonality. - Abstract: This paper reports the rapid synthesis of barium titanate (BaTiO{sub 3}, BTO) microcubes via composite-hydroxides-mediated reaction within 1 min. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) results confirmed both cubic and tetragonal lattices in the sample and the uniform microcubes with an average size of 1 μm. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum indicated that the band gap of the BTO powder was 3.05 eV. Ferroelectric polarization vs. electric field (P–E) tests showed that the ferroelectric domains had formed in the as-synthesized BTO microcubes and sintered ceramics. BTO ceramics sintered at 1100 °C for 3 h showed fairly good tetragonality and possessed a maximum polarization of 0.21 μC/cm{sup 2}, indicating that the sintering temperature for the BTO powders prepared via this method was relatively low. The process and equipment reported herein provided a potential method for the rapid synthesis of titanate based perovskites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis, structural and optical properties of BaMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} shuttle like phosphors

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • BaMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized by a facile synthesis route. • PL and CL spectra showed dominant emissions due to ({sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2}) hypersensitive transitions. • The excitation wavelengths in the UV-B region make BaMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors as a good candidate in the red region for the development of UV-based white LEDs. • PL and CL spectra showed similar CIE values close to the commercially available Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+} ions doped BaMoO{sub 4} phosphor samples were synthesized by a facile synthesis process. The tetragonal phase of the host lattice was substantiated by the X-ray diffraction patterns. The morphological studies were carried out by taking the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images and confirmed the formation of shuttle like particles with perpendicular protrusions in the middle of the particle. The single crystalline nature of the phosphors was confirmed by the selected area electron diffraction pattern. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the Eu{sup 3+} ions doped samples revealed good emission with a high asymmetry ratio when excited with ultraviolet B wavelengths (between 280 and 315 nm). The cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra showed similar results to the PL spectra. The calculated CIE values based on the PL and CL spectra were almost similar and confirmed the rich red emission.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Surfactant-assisted synthesis of mono-dispersed cubic BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles

Mono-dispersed BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles have been prepared via the assistance of capping agent poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). - Highlights: • BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles with single cubic crystal structure. • Poor dispersibility of nanoparticles has been overcome by in situ modification way. • Growth competition between BaTiO3 core and polymer shell. - Abstract: In this study, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-assisted synthesis of mono-dispersed BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles have been reported. The various processing parameters, namely, refluxing temperature, KOH concentration, and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) concentration, have been varied, and the effects on the growth of BaTiO{sub 3} particles have been analyzed systematically. X-ray diffraction studies indicated that poly(vinylpyrrolidone) did not affect the crystal structure, but rather influenced the crystal lattice structure. In addition, the use of surfactant poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hindered the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, and facilitated the formation of mono-dispersed core–shell organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite. Furthermore, the mineralizer KOH promoted the dissolution of reactants and promoted the crystallization of BaTiO{sub 3} particles. Accordingly, the dissolution-precipitation scheme was believed to be the mechanism underlying the formation of BaTiO{sub 3} particles. This was further substantiated by the experimental observations, which indicated that the nucleation and crystallization of the particles was affected by the KOH concentration in the reaction system. Finally, the formation of mono-dispersed core–shell nanocomposites proceeded via reaction limited cluster aggregation. We believe that the method proposed in this study could be extended for the synthesis of mono-dispersed nanoparticles for industrial applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Facile synthesis of size-tunable CuO/graphene composites and their high photocatalytic performance

Graphical abstract: A novel leaf-like CuO/graphene nanosheet (GNS) with tunable size was prepared by a facile hydrothermal process, and the stirring temperature in synthesis was found to be effective for controlling its size. - Highlights: • Leaf-like CuO/GNS nanocomposites with tunable size was prepared via hydrothermal method. • With increase of stirring temperature, the surface area becomes larger. • The morphology of nanocomposites plays an important role in photocatalysis. - Abstract: Size-tunable leaf-like copper oxide modified by graphene nanosheets was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Stirring temperature control during synthesis was found to be important in effectively controlling the size of CuO nanoparticles, with smaller size CuO nanoparticles produced by increasing the stirring temperature. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, TEM, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The nanocomposites exhibited better catalytic activity than pure CuO toward the degradation of rhodamine B in the presence of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} under visible light irradiation. The catalytic performance was improved with decreasing particle size of the nanocomposites, which was attributed to the increased in the rate of interelectron transfer at the interface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗