Andreev reflections in a Bi<Subscript>1.8</Subscript>Pb<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>1.9</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>x</Subscript> break junction

The current-voltage characteristic (CVC) of a break junction made from polycrystalline Bi_1.8Pb_0.3Sr_1.9Ca₂Cu₃O_x is investigated. The experimental CVC has a hysteretic feature that reflects part of the curve with a negative differential resistance. The CVC is discussed within the framework of the Kümmel-Gunsenheimer-Nicolsky theory that takes into account multiple Andreev reflections in superconductor/normalmetal/superconductor junctions.     

Magnetoelectrical effect in layered composites PbZr<Subscript>0.53</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>0.47</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Mn<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The magnetoelectric (ME) effect in two- and three-layered composites made up of polarized ceramic plates of lead zirconate-titanate PbZr_0.53Ti_0.47O₃ (PZT) and manganese-zinc ferrite Mn_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ (MZF) has been studied. Dependences of the transverse ME voltage coefficient (α₃₁) on the magnetostrictive layer thickness and the magnetic field intensity and frequency have been established. The mechanical coupling coefficient of the composite plates has been estimated. Results obtained for two-layered PZT-MZF structures have been analyzed using the method of efficient medium parameters.     

Up-Date of a Thermodynamic Database of the ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> System for TBC Applications

The thermodynamic database of the ZrO₂-Gd₂O₃-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ system is up-dated taking into account new data on lattice stabilities of ZrO₂, Gd₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ and heat capacity measurements for the monoclinic phase Gd₄Al₂O₉ and phase with garnet structure Gd₃Al₅O₁₂. New data for the heat capacities of Gd₂Zr₂O₇ (pyrochlore) and GdAlO₃ (perovskite) as well as on the enthalpy of formation of fluorite solid solutions (Zr_1−x Gd _x )O_2−x/2 were found to be in good agreement with calculated results. In comparison with the previous assessment, taking into account new experimental data resulted in a change of the melting character of the Gd₄Al₂O₉ phase from a peritectic one to a congruent one in the Gd₂O₃-Al₂O₃ system. Correspondently, in the ternary system ZrO₂-Gd₂O₃-Al₂O₃, the melting character of the three-phase assemblage Gd₂O₃ (B), Gd₄Al₂O₉ and GdAlO₃ changed from eutectic to transition type U. The T ₀-lines for T/M and F/T diffusionless transformations and driving force of partitioning to equilibrium assemblage T + F were calculated in the ZrO₂-Gd₂O₃-Y₂O₃ system.     

Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of amorphous Co<Subscript>69</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>4.5</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Si<Subscript>10</Subscript>B<Subscript>15</Subscript> alloy

The corrosion behavior of an amorphous Co₆₉Fe_4.5Ni_1.5Si₁₀B₁₅ alloy ribbon was examined as a function of solution temperature (15 °C to 55 °C) and pH (3 to 11). The results of potentiodynamic polarization tests in H2SO4 solution, NaCl solution, and HCl + NaOH solution at various levels of pH showed that the corrosion resistance for the alloy ribbon significantly deteriorated with increasing temperature and decreasing pH for given conditions. The Co₆₉Fe_4.5Ni_1.5Si₁₀B₁₅ alloy was actively dissolved in solutions at pH 3 to 9 but passivated in a solution at pH 11. By comparison of the corrosion behaviors of Co₆₉Fe_4.5(Nb,Cr,Ni)_1.5Si₁₀B₁₅ alloys in the solution at pH 11, Ni was considered to contribute less in improving the corrosion resistance of the alloy than did Cr and Nb.     

Preparation and characterization of nanostructured Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Se<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Sn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Se<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Nanostructured Bi₂Se₃ and Sn_0.5-Bi₂Se₃ were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal coreduction from SnCl₂·H₂O and the oxides of Bi and Se. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Bi₂Se₃ powders obtained at 180°C and 150°C consist of hexagonal flakes of 50–150 nm in side length and nanorods of 30–100 nm in diameter and more than 1 μm in length. The product obtained at 120°C is composed of thin irregular nanosheets with a size of 100–200 nm and several nanometers in thickness. The major phase of Sn_0.5-Bi₂Se₃ synthesized at 180°C is similar to that of Bi₂Se₃. Sn_0.5-Bi₂Se₃ powders are primarily nanorod structures, but small amount of powders demonstrate irregular morphologies.     

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of ZnO-B2O3 added （Ca0.254Li0.19Sm0.14）TiO3 ceramics

The effects of ZnO-B2O3 (ZB2) on the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of (Ca0.254Li0.19Sm0.14)TiO3 ceramics were investigated.The densities of the specimens reached the maximum value by adding 3 wt.% ZB2 and then decreased.The sintering temperature of the specimens was lowered from 1300 to 1100°C without degradation of the microwave dielectric properties.The (Ca0.254Li0.19Sm0.14)TiO3 + 3 wt.% ZB2 sintered at 1100°C for 3 h showed good microwave dielectric properties,εr = 108.2,Qf = 6545 GHz,and τf = 6.5 ppm/°C,respectively,indicating that ZB2 was an effective sintering aid to improve the densification and microwave dielectric properties of (Ca0.254Li0.19Sm0.14)TiO3 ceramics.     

Thermodynamic Assessment of PrCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>-CaCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> and NdCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>-CaCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> Systems

By using the CALPHAD technique, an assessment of the binary PrCl₃-CaCl₂ and NdCl₃-CaCl₂ systems have been carried out. From measured phase equilibrium data and experimental integral properties, the PrCl₃-CaCl₂ and NdCl₃-CaCl₂ phase diagrams were optimized and calculated. A set of thermodynamic functions has been optimized based on an interactive computer-assisted analysis. The calculated results by present method agree well with the experimental data.     

Sol-gel preparation and characterization of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7（PO4）3 sintered with flux of LiBO2

Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ pellets sintered with different mole fractions of LiBO₂ were prepared by sol-gel method. The structural identification, surface morphology, ionic conductivity, and activation energy of the pellets were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that all the Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ pellets sintered with different mole fractions of LiBO₂ have similar X-ray diffraction patterns. The sintered pellet becomes denser and the boundary and corner of the particles become illegible with the increase of LiBO₂. Among the Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₃)₄ pellets sintered with different mole fractions of LiBO₂, the one sintered with 1 mol% LiBO₂ shows the highest ionic conductivity of 3.95×10⁻⁴ S.cm⁻¹ and the lowest activation energy of 0.2469 eV.     

AgNO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-LiNO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-RbNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> phase diagram

The ternary system of silver, lithium, and rubidium nitrates has been studied. Five vertical sections were established: AgNO₃-Li_0.5Rb_0.5NO₃; Li_0.5Rb_0.5NO₃-Ag_0.5Rb_0.5NO₃; 20 mol% AgNO₃; 80 mol% AgNO₃; and the section 5 mol% LiNO₃. Ten invariant points were found. A schematic representation of ternary equilibria is given. The three binary systems are also reported.     

Synthesis and characterization of Li<Subscript>1.3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>1.7</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>-coated LiMn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> by wet chemical route

Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃-coated LiMn₂O₄ was prepared by wet chemical route. The phase, surface morphology, and electrochemical properties of the prepared powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrograph, and galvanostatic charge-discharge experiments. Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃-coated LiMn₂O₄ has similar X-ray diffraction patterns as LiMn₂O₄. The corner and border of Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃-coated LiMn₂O₄ particles are not as clear as the uncoated one. The two powders show similar values of lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. When cycled at room temperature and 55°C for 40 times at the charge-discharge rate of 0.2C, Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃-coated LiMn₂O₄ shows the capacity retentions of 98.2% and 93.9%, respectively, which are considerably higher than the values of 85.4% and 79.1% for the uncoated one. Both the capacity retention differences between Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃-coated LiMn₂O₄ and LiMn₂O₄ cycling at room temperature and 55°C become larger with the increase of charge-discharge rate. When the charge-discharge rate reaches 2C, the capacity retention of LATP-coated LiMn₂O₄ becomes 8.4% higher than the uncoated LiMn₂O₄ for room temperature cycling, and it becomes 11.1% higher than the latter when cycled at 55°C.     

Dilatometric analysis of the process of the nanocrystallization of Fe<Subscript>72.5</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>1</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Si<Subscript>14</Subscript>B<Subscript>9</Subscript> soft magnetic alloy

The process of the nanocrystallization of magnetically soft Fe_72.5Cu₁Nb₂Mo_1.5Si₁₄B₉ alloy has been studied using dilatometry and thermomagnetic analysis, together with structural investigations. It has been shown that the amount of nanocrystalline phase precipitated upon heating of the amorphous precursor is in good agreement with a shortening of the ribbon length in the course of crystallization. Thermal expansion at the different stages of heating and cooling depends on the structural and phase states, as well as on the magnetic state of the alloy. The numerical value of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion decreases with an increase in the fraction of the ferromagnetic crystalline phase.     

New ternary compound La<Subscript>8</Subscript>Al<Subscript>13</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>3</Subscript>

A new ternary compound La₈Al₁₃Sn₃ was synthesized and studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction technique. The compound La₈Al₁₃Sn₃ crystallizes in a hexagonal AlB₂-type structure with space group P6/mmm (No. 191) and the lattice parameters a = 0.44919(1) nm and c = 0.43835(1) nm. The Smith and Snyder figure of merit for index, F _N , is F ₃₀ = 197.3(30). The Rietveld refinement for the crystal structure of the compound was carried out successfully. The liability R-factors of Rietveld refinement are R _p = 0.114 and R _wp = 0.148. The compound La₈Al₁₃Sn₃ decomposes into LaAl₂ with cubic structure and space group Fd $ \bar 3 $ \bar 3 m (227), LaAl₃ with hexagonal structure and space group P6₃/mmc (194), and Sn at 720°C.     

Viscosity and Structure of CaO-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>-Fe<Subscript>t</Subscript>O System with Varying P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> and FeO Content

A rotary viscosimeter and Raman spectrum were employed to measure the viscosity and structural information of the CaO-SiO₂-P₂O₅-Fe_tO system at 1673 K. The experimental data have been compared with the calculated results using different viscosity models. It shows that the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Pal models fit the CaO-SiO₂-P₂O₅-FeO_t system better. With the P₂O₅ content increasing from 5% to 14%, the viscosity increases from 0.12 Pa s to 0.27 Pa s. With the FeO content increasing from 30% to 40%, the viscosity decreases from 0.21 Pa s to 0.12 Pa s. Increasing FeO content makes the complicated molten melts become simple, and increasing P₂O₅ content will complicate the molten melts. The linear relation between viscosity and structure parameter Q(Si + P) was obtained by regression analysis. The calculated viscosity by using the optimized NPL and Pal model are almost identical with the fitted values.     

Electrical resistivity and thermal electromotive force of Ni<Subscript>75</Subscript>V<Subscript>25</Subscript>, Ni<Subscript>72</Subscript>V<Subscript>28</Subscript>, and Ni<Subscript>67</Subscript>V<Subscript>33</Subscript> alloys at high temperatures

The temperature dependences of the electrical resistivity and thermal electromotive force (thermal e.m.f.) of the Ni–25 at % V, Ni–28 at % V, and Ni–33 at % V alloys in a temperature range of 300–1600 K have been reported; the dependences have been measured during slow heating and cooling of quenched and annealed samples. It has been shown that, near the order–disorder phase-transformation temperature, the temperature dependences of the electrical resistivity of the Ni₇₅V₂₅ and Ni₆₇V₃₃ alloys demonstrate a kink (second-order phase transition) and a jump (first-order phase transition), respectively. The behavior of the experimental dependences is discussed in terms of the band Mott s–d scattering model.     

Thermoelectric properties of In<Subscript>z</Subscript>Co<Subscript>4</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>12</Subscript> skutterudites

In this study, indium-filled CoSb₃ skutterudite is synthesized via encapsulated induction melting and subsequent annealing at 823 K for six days, and the crystal structure, lattice constant, filler position, phase homogeneity and stability were investigated. All of the In-filled CoSb₃ samples were n-type conducting samples. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity showed In_zCo₄Sb₁₂ is a highly degenerate semiconducting material. The thermal conductivity was reduced considerably by In filling. The highest thermoelectric figure of merit value was achieved when the In filling fraction is 0.25. It was found that the ZT of the In-filled CoSb₃ (In_zCo₄Sb₁₂) was higher than that of the In-substituted CoSb₃ (Co_3.75In_0.25Sb₁₂ and Co₄Sb_11.75In_0.25). This is mainly due to the lower thermal conductivity and higher Seebeck coefficient.     

Experimental study of the Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> pseudo-binary system

As part of a general contribution to the study of accelerator driven system (ADS) nuclear reactor feasibility, a study of the five-component system Bi-Fe-Hg-O-Pb was undertaken. New results about the quasi-binary Bi₂O₃-Fe₂O₃ are presented in this paper. The phase diagram was reinvestigated by differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis. A new compound was discovered and characterized: Bi₂₅FeO₄₀. Its crystallographic structure was refined. Invariant and transition temperatures are given, as well as phase compositions.     

Phase Equilibria in the Tl<Subscript>2</Subscript>Te-Tl<Subscript>5</Subscript>Te<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Tl<Subscript>9</Subscript>TmTe<Subscript>6</Subscript> Section of the Tl-Tm-Te System

Phase equilibria in the Tl₂Te-Tl₅Te₃-Tl₉TmTe₆ section of the Tl-Tm-Te ternary system were experimentally studied by using the powder x-ray diffraction technique, differential thermal analysis, as well as microhardness measurements applied to equilibrated alloys. Several isopleth sections and isothermal section at 680 K, as well as projections of the liquidus and solidus surfaces, were constructed. The Tl₅Te₃-Tl₉TmTe₆ section is characterized by the formation of continuous series of solid solutions (δ-phase) with Tl₅Te₃ tetragonal structure, which penetrate deep into the concentration triangle and occupy more than 90% of its area. A narrow area of solid solutions (α-phase) based on Tl₂Te was detected.     

Magnetic properties and crystallization kinetics of Zn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Precursor of nanocrystalline Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 was obtained by grinding mixture of ZnSO4·7H2O,NiSO4·6H2O,FeSO4·7H2O,and Na2CO3·10H2O under the condition of surfactant polyethylene glycol(PEG)-400 being present at room temperature,washing the mixture with water to remove soluble inorganic salts and drying it at 373 K.The spinel Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 was obtained via calcining precursor above 773 K.The precursor and its calcined products were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) ,Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) ,X-ray diffraction(XRD) ,and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM) .The result showed that Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 obtained at 1073 K had a saturation magnetization of 74 A·m2·kg-1.Kinetics of the crystallization process of Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 was studied using DSC technique,and kinetic parameters were determined by Kissinger equation and Moynihan et al.equation.The value of the activation energy associated with the crystallization process of Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 is 220.89 kJ·mol-1.The average value of the Avrami exponent,n,is equal to 1.59±0.13,which suggests that crystallization process of Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 is the random nucleation and growth of nuclei reaction.     

Surface modification of LiNi<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Co<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> with Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> for lithium ion batteries

Cr 2 O 3-coated LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 cathode materials were synthesized by a novel method. The structure and electrochemical properties of prepared cathode materials were measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), charge-discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The measured results indicate that surface coating with 1.0 wt% Cr 2 O 3 does not affect the LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 crystal structure (α-NaFeO 2 ) of the cathode material compared to the pristine material, the surfaces of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 samples are covered with Cr 2 O 3 well, and the LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 material coated with Cr 2 O 3 has better electrochemical performance under a high cutoff voltage of 4.5 V. Moreover, at room temperature, the initial discharging capacity of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 material coated with 1.0 wt.% Cr 2 O 3 at 0.5C reaches 169 mAh·g 1 and the capacity retention is 83.1% after 30 cycles, while that of the bare LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 is only 160.8 mAh·g 1 and 72.5%. Finally, the coated samples are found to display the improved electrochemical performance, which is mainly attributed to the suppression of the charge-transfer resistance at the interface between the cathode and the electrolyte.     

Effect of ion irradiation on the nanocrystallization and magnetic properties of soft magnetic Fe7<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>1</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Si<Subscript>14</Subscript>B<Subscript>9</Subscript> alloy

The effect of accelerated Ar⁺ ions on the crystallization process and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe_72.5Cu₁Nb₂Mo_1.5Si₁₄B₉ alloy has been studied using X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, thermomagnetic analysis, and other magnetic methods. Irradiation by Ar⁺ ions with an energy of 30 keV and a fluence of 3.75 × 10¹⁵ cm^–2 at short-term heating to a temperature of 620 K (which is 150 K below the thermal threshold of crystallization) leads to the complete crystallization of amorphous alloy, which is accompanied by the precipitation of the α-Fe(Si) solid solution crystals (close in composition to Fe₈₀Si₂₀), Fe₃Si stable phase, and metastable hexagonal phases. The crystallization caused by irradiation leads to an increase in the grain size and changes the morphology of grain boundaries and volume fraction of crystalline phases, which is accompanied by changes in the magnetic properties.