Thermal Stability of Amorphous Hydride Mg_(50)Ni_(50)H_(54) and Mg_(30)Ni_(70)H_(45)

The thermal stability of amorphous ternary hydrides Mg_(50)Ni_(50)H_(54) and Mg_(30)Ni_(70)H_(45) and their corre-sponding amorphous binary alloys Mg_(50)Ni_(50) and Mg_(30)Ni_(70) were studied with X-ray diffraction(XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). Samples of the amorphous alloys were preparedby mechanical alloying and the amorphous hydrides were obtained by charging the alloys with gas-eous hydrogen at 3.0 MPa and 423 K. It was found that the amorphous hydrides released most oftheir hydrogen before the crystallization of the essentially hydrogen depleted amorphous alloy. Thecrystallization temperature of amorphous Mg_(50)Ni_(50)H_(54) elevated and that of amorphousMg_(30)Ni_(70)H_(45) did not change in relation to the original binary amorphous alloy. This is very excep-tional for amorphous hydrides. The reason for the effects of hydrogen absorption/desorption on thecrystallization of amorphous alloys was discussed.     

Natural Passivity of Amorphous Fe_(40)Ni_(40)P_(14)B_6 and Fe_(54.6)Ni_(38)Si_(4.1)B_(2.3)V_1 Alloys

The natural passive films forrned on Fe_(40)Ni_(40)P_(14)B_6 and Fe_(54.6)Ni_(38)Si_(4.1)B_(2.3)V_1 amorphous alloys long-term exposed in air have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron (including Ar+ ion depth profiling) spectroscopy (AES). The following aspects have been investigated: (1) chemical states of the elements in the films. binding energies and the chemical shifts measured by XPSf (2) structure and composition of the films fand (3) thickness of the passive films determined by AES depth profiling and XPS analysis.     

Acousto-optic interaction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4)and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals

Experimental studies and analysis of acousto-optic diffraction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are given. Ultrasonic wave velocity, elastic compliance and stiffness coefficients, and piezo-optic and photoelastic coefficients of alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are determined. The acousto-optic figure of merit has been estimated for different possible geometries of acousto-optic interaction. It is shown that the acousto-optic figures of merit for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) crystals reach the value M(2)=(270 +/- 70) x 10(-15) s(3)/kg for the case of interaction with the slowest ultrasonic wave. The directions of propagation and polarization of those acoustic waves are obtained on the basis of construction of acoustic slowness surfaces. The acousto-optic diffraction is experimentally studied for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals.     

Nanomechanical characterization of one-step combustion-synthesized Al(4)B(2)O(9) and Al(18)B(4)O(33) nanowires

Two kinds of aluminum borate nanowires, Al(4)B(2)O(9) and Al(18)B(4)O(33), were successfully synthesized by a one-step combustion method through control of the Al:B atomic ratio and synthesis temperature. Both nanowires are single crystalline but have distinguishing growth habits. Nanoindentation tests were performed directly on individual nanowires to reveal their mechanical properties. A 70% reduction in elastic modulus was found in Al(18)B(4)O(33) nanowires compared with their bulk counterpart. Al(18)B(4)O(33) nanowires exhibited higher hardness and elastic modulus than Al(4)B(2)O(9) nanowires.     

Dumbbell-like PtPd-Fe(3)O(4) Nanoparticles for Enhanced Electrochemical Detection of H(2)O(2)

Dumbbell-like Pt(x)Pd(100-x)-Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and studied for electrocatalytic reduction and sensing of H(2)O(2). In 0.1 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, the 4-10 nm Pt(x)Pd(100-x)-Fe(3)O(4) NPs showed the Pt/Pd composition-dependent catalysis with Pt(48)Pd(52)-Fe(3)O(4) NPs having the best activity. The Pt(48)Pd(52)-Fe(3)O(4) NPs were tested for H(2)O(2) detection, and their H(2)O(2) detection limit reached 5 nM, which was suitable for monitoring H(2)O(2) generated from Raw 264.7 cells. These dumbbell-like PtPd-Fe(3)O(4) NPs are the most sensitive probe ever reported and can be used to achieve real-time quantitative detection of H(2)O(2) in biological environment for biological and biomedical applications.     

Stabilization of Ferromagnetic Order in La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3)-SrRuO(3) Superlattices

The study of spatially confined complex oxides is of wide interest, since correlated electrons at interfaces might form exotic phases. Here La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3)/SrRuO(3) superlattices with coherently grown interfaces were studied by structural techniques, magnetization, and magnetotransport measurements. Magnetization measurements showed that ferromagnetic order in ultrathin La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) layers is stabilized in the superlattices down to layer thicknesses of at least two unit cells. This stabilization is destroyed, if the ferromagnetic layers are separated by two unit cell thick SrTiO(3) layers. The resistivity of the superlattices showed metallic behavior and was dominated by the conducting SrRuO(3) layers, the off-diagonal resistivity showed an anomalous Hall effect from both SrRuO(3) and La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) layers. This shows that the La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) layers are not only ferromagnetic but also highly conducting; probably a conducting hole gas is induced at the interfaces that stabilizes the ferromagnetic order. This result opens up an alternative route for the fabrication of two-dimensional systems with long-range ferromagnetic order.     

Plasma surface treatments of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)

The surfaces of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were modified by oxygen and nitrogen plasma treatments. The physical and chemical surface characteristics were evaluated by contact angle tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The plasma treatments caused an increase in both contact angle and roughening, altered the surface morphology, inserted polar groups, and, consequently, enhanced the hydrophilicity for both PLLA and PHBV polymers.     

Work Functions of Pd_(83.5)Si_(16.5)and Cu_(70)Ti_(30)Glassy Alloys

The work functions before and aftercrystallization of two glassy alloys,Pd_(83.5)Si_(16.5) andCu_(70)Ti_(30) have been measured by means of the con-tact potential difference method in the secondaryelectron field at room temperature under 10~(-5) Pavacuum.The results show that the work functionsof both glassy alloys are higher than those of thecorresponding crystalline alloys.     

Thermosensitive nanocontainers prepared from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-(hydroxylmethyl) acrylamide)-g-poly(lactide)

Thermally-responsive graft copolymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-(hydroxylmethyl)acrylamide)-g-poly(lactide) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide (LA). The polymerization was initiated by the hydroxy group of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-N-(hydroxylmethyl) acrylamide), using stannous octoate as catalyst. The resulting polymer was temperature-sensitive and the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was affected by their composition. The chemical structure and physical properties of the grafted copolymers were investigated by various methods. Nanocontainers formed from the self-assembly of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-(hydroxylmethyl) acrylamide)-g-poly(lactide) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a spherical structure was observed. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results indicate that the particle size increased with the increase of polylactide content in the copolymer. The properties of this polymer are interesting for both industrial application and fundamental research. In particular it will combine a spatial specificity in a passive manner and a temperature-responsive active targeting mechanism for drug delivery system.     

Normal-incidence reflectance of crystalline K(6)C(60), Rb(6)C(60), and Cs(6)C(60)

The structure factors and normal-incidence reflectances of the alkali-metal-doped fulleride crystals M(6)C(60) (where M = K, Rb, or Cs) were calculated, and the peak reflectances are in the 2-20% range for incident wavelengths of 9-17 ?, which indicates that C(60) may be a promising transmissive (spacer) material for normal-incidence mirrors that have relatively high normal-incidence reflectance in the x-ray region.     

金属玻璃Pd_(77.5)Ni_(6.0)Si_(16.5)的晶化过程

本文报道了三元金属玻璃Pd_(77·5)Ni_(5·)Si_(·5)经不同温度退火后的透射电子显微镜观察结果。初步确定了Pd_(77·5)Ni_(6·)Si_(16·s)的晶化过程和亚稳相的结构。由于Ni元素的加入,使其晶化过程相对于二元金属玻璃Pd_(su)Si_(2u)变得更加复杂。     

Multiferroic and fatigue behavior of BiFe(0.95)Mn(0.05)O3/Bi(0.90)La(0.10)Fe(0.85)Zn(0.15)O3 bilayered thin films

Bilayered thin films consisting of BiFe(0.95)Mn(0.05)O(3) (BFMO) and Bi(0.90)La(0.10)Fe(0.85)Zn(0.15O3) (BLFZO) layers were prepared on Pt-coated silicon substrates without any buffer layers by RF sputtering. The (110) orientation was induced with a high phase purity for all bilayers as a result of the introduction of the bottom (110)-oriented BLFZO layer. The low leakage current density of BFMO/BLFZO bilayers could be attributed to a combined effect of the BFMO and BLFZO layers. The dielectric constant increases, the remanent polarization decreases, and the coercive field slightly increases with increasing thickness of the BLFZO layer in BFMO/BLFZO bilayers. Magnetic properties in BFMO/BLFZO bilayers are improved by increasing the BFMO layer thicknesses. A large polarization value of 2Pr ~ 189.5 μC/cm2 is obtained for the BFMO/ BLFZO bilayer with a thickness ratio of 3:1, which is much larger than those reported for BFO-based single layers or multilayers, and a good fatigue behavior is demonstrated with an increase in measurement frequencies and driving electric fields.     

Fluorescence properties of Dy(3+) doped La(3)Ga(5.5)Nb(0.5)O(14) nanocrystals

The effects of Dy(3+) doping concentration and calcinations on the fluorescence properties of La(3)Ga(5.5)Nb(0.5)O(14) (Dy:LGN) nanocrystals were examined for the first time. High quality Dy:LGN nanocrystals were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The room temperature fluorescence spectra were measured; they showed a yellow emission, which can be attributed to the (4)F(9/2)-(6)H(13/2) transition. The relationship between the relative emission intensity and the doping concentration of the specimens, sintered at different temperatures, is consistent with a Gaussian distribution according a fitted and modified formula. The optimum value of the Dy(3+) doping concentration in LGN nanocrystals is in the range 2.0-2.5%. Moreover, in LGN bulk crystal for laser use, the optimum value, calculated through the obtained formula, is presumed in the range 1.5-2.0%. The fluorescent lifetime of a 2.0% Dy:LGN nanocrystal is quite short, only about 8.5?ns.     

Kinetics of Fe(3)O(4)-CoO/Al(2)O(3) catalytic ozonation of the herbicide 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propionic acid

The presence of Fe(3)O(4)-CoO/Al(2)O(3) can improve degradation efficiency significantly during the ozonation of the herbicide 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propionic acid (2,4-DP). The main factors affecting degradation efficiency, such as pH, the catalyst concentration and addition of the scavenger, were investigated. The kinetics of the catalytic ozonation are also discussed. The results indicate that two factors, the oxidation after adsorption of 2,4-DP and the oxidation of hydroxyl radicals (OH), lead to a great enhancement in ozonation efficiency during the catalytic ozonation of 2,4-DP in the presence of Fe(3)O(4)-CoO/Al(2)O(3), in which the oxidation of the OH plays an important role. Under controlled conditions, the apparent reaction rate constants for the degradation of 2,4-DP were determined to be 2.567 × 10(-4)s(-1) for O(3) and 1.840 × 10(-3)s(-1) for O(3)/Fe(3)O(4)-CoO/Al(2)O(3). The results from the analysis of the reaction kinetics using the relative method showed that O(3)/Fe(3)O(4)-CoO/Al(2)O(3) possessed a larger R(ct) (R(ct) is defined as the ratio of the ·OH exposure to the O(3) exposure, R(ct) = ∫C(t)(OH) dt/C(t)O(3)dt) than O(3), indicating that O(3)/Fe(3)O(4)-CoO/Al(2)O(3) produced more hydroxyl radicals.     

Crystal structure and dielectric properties of Ca(0.85)Nd(0.1)TiO(3) - LnAlO(3) ceramics

The microwave dielectric properties of Ca(0.85)Nd(0.1)TiO(3) - LnAlO(3) (Ln = Sm, Gd, Dy, Er) ceramics are investigated in this paper. The structural characteristics of the specimens were evaluated by Rietveld refinement of Xray diffraction (XRD) patterns and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Solid solution limits were dependent on the ionic radius of Ln(3+) ions. With the decrease of the ionic radius of the Ln(3+) ions, the thermal stability of the resonant frequency decreases. This can be attributed to the increased level of oxygen octahedral distortion caused by the increase in the B-site bond valence in the ABO(3) perovskite structure. The dielectric constant (K) and the quality factor (Qf) of the specimens were dependent on the polarizability and grain size, respectively.     

Electrical properties of nanocrystalline Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) (0.1 < or = x < or = 0.3) ceramics for IT-SOFC

Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) (0.1 < or = x < or = 0.3) nano-sized powders were successfully synthesized by the solution combustion synthesis process. The calcined nanopowders showed a ceria-based single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. In this study, we discussed the structural and electrical characteristics of the sintered Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta). We obtained high-quality Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) ceramics with a high density, ultra-fine grain size, and high electrical conductivity even at low sintering temperature using the nanosized powders. The electrical conductivities at 800 degrees C for the Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1400 degrees C and the Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1350 degrees C were 0.110 and 0.104 Scm(-1), respectively.     

Amphiphilic zwitterionic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-contained poly(ether amine) (Z-SiPEA) as the responsive polymeric dispersant

We demonstrated here a novel concept of the responsive dispersant based on the amphiphilic zwitterionic poly(ether amine) (Z-SiPEAs), which can control the dispersion of dyes and pigments in water. Z-SiPEAs are composed of short poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) chain in the backbone and Jeffamine L100 as graft chain. The amino groups in the backbone and carboxyl groups grafted to the backbone make the obtained Z-SiPEAs zwitterionic. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results revealed that the obtained Z-SiPEAs can self-assemble into nanoparticles in water, which possessed sharp response to temperature, pH, and ionic strength with the tunable clouding point (CP). In the presence of Z-SiPEAs, not only hydrophobic dyes such as Nile Red can be dispersed in water, but the hydrophilic dye Rose Bengal (RB) can be dispersed in unpolar solvents. Further more, Z-SiPEAs can enhance the dispersion of inorganic pigments Titanium White, Iron Red and Chrome Yellow very efficiently in most solvents. It should be noted that the dispersion of organic dyes and inorganic pigments in water can be controlled by temperature in the presence of Z-SiPEAs. 1H NMR and FT-IR revealed the strong coordination between carboxyl groups in Z-SiPEAs and metal atoms of inorganic pigments. These characteristics will give Z-SiPEAs potential as the novel responsive polymeric dispersant.     

Electrochemiluminescence from Os(phen)2(dppene)2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and dppene = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene)

The electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Os(phen)2(dppene)2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and dppene = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene) is reported in mixed CH3CN/H2O (50:50 v/v) and aqueous (0.1 M KH2PO4) solutions with tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) as an oxidative-reductive coreactant. ECL efficiencies (phi(ecl) = photons emitted/redox event) of 2.0 in aqueous, and 0.95 in mixed for Os(phen)2(dppene)2+ were obtained using Ru(bpy)3(2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) as a relative standard (phi(ecl) = 1). Photoluminescence (PL) efficiencies of 0.094 and 0.053 were obtained in aqueous and mixed solutions, respectively, as compared to Ru(bpy)3(2+) (phi(em) = 0.042). The ECL spectra were identical to photoluminescence spectra (lambda(max) approximately 584 nm), indicating formation of the same metal-to-ligand (MLCT) excited states in both ECL and PL. The ECL is linear over several orders of magnitude in aqueous and mixed solution, with theoretical detection limits (blank plus three times the standard deviation of the noise) of 16.9 nM in H2O and 0.29 nM in CH3CN/H2O (50:50 v/v).     

(PANI)98-(PEG)136-(PANI)98三嵌段共聚物的自组装

采用化学氧化法合成了(PANI)98-(PEG)136-(PANI)98三嵌段共聚物,使用激光光散射研究了它在选择性溶剂中的聚集行为, 并用扫描电镜观察了嵌段共聚物在选择性溶剂中的自组装行为.结果表明在DMF溶剂中,732个(PANI)98-(PEG)136-(PANI)98三嵌段共聚物形成了结构稳定的球形胶束.在不同的选择性溶剂中, (PANI)98-(PEG)136-(PANI)98三嵌段共聚物能形成球形、棒状、囊泡、花瓣状等不同的自组装结构.     

Resistive-switching behavior in polycrystalline CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12) nanorods

Highly aligned CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12) nanorod arrays were grown on Si/SiO(2)/Ti/Pt substrates by radio-frequency sputtering at a low deposition temperature of 300 °C and room temperature. Structural and morphological studies have shown that the nanostructures have a polycrystalline nature and are oriented perpendicular to the substrate. The high density of grain boundaries in the nanorods is responsible for the nonlinear current behavior observed in these arrays. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics observed in nanorods were attributed to the resistive memory phenomenon. The electrical resistance of microcapacitors composed of CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12) nanorods could be reversibly switched between two stable resistance states by varying the applied electric field. In order to explain this switching mechanism, a model based on the increase/decrease of electrical conduction controlled by grain boundary polarization has been proposed.