High-frequency magnetic properties of Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by a low temperature chemical method

Spinel-structured Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) have been directly synthesized by a low temperature co-precipitation method. The structure and high-frequency magnetic properties of the particles were investigated. The as-prepared Ni-Zn ferrite NPs demonstrate typical soft magnetic properties. The saturation magnetization (M_s), as high as about 60 emu/g, was achieved. The imaginary part μ^' ' of the permeability shows a broad peak in the frequency range 200 MHz~6 GHz, which indicates that the as-prepared Ni-Zn ferrite NPs have a remarkable feature of electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption in the high-frequency range. Hence, resultant Ni-Zn ferrite NPs can be used as efficient microwave absorbers and effective heating mediators for hyperthermia application in cancer therapy.     

Structure, thermal and magnetic characterization of hydrothermal synthesized Li2CuP2O7 crystals

New lithium copper(II) pyrophosphate, Li₂CuP₂O₇ crystals were synthesized by the hydrothermal technique at moderate temperature and pressure conditions. The as-synthesized compound was characterized by DTA/TGA, infrared radiation, single crystal XRD and magnetic susceptibility measurement. The compound has crystallized in monoclinic system with C2/c space group and cell parameters a = 15.3360(14) Å, b = 4.8733(13) Å, β = 114.8(1)°, V = 585.2(2) Å, having tunnel type of cavities in the structure. Thermal behaviour and structural coordination of the prepared materials were investigated, respectively, using DTA/TGA and FTIR measurements. Magnetic results have revealed; it is a frequency and temperature dependent prospective paramagnetic materials.     

Synthesis and electromagnetic properties of microwave absorbing material: Cox(Cu0.5Zn0.5)1−xFe2O4 (0 < x < 1) nanoparticles

Spinel ferrite Co_x(Cu_0.5Zn_0.5)_1−xFe₂O₄ over a compositional range 0 < x < 1 was prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. Particle sizes could be varied from 14 to 25 nm by changing the x value. X-ray diffraction results confirmed that all the as-prepared nanoparticles revealed typical spinel structure and transmission electron microscopy images showed that the particle size of the samples increased with increasing x value. The magnetic properties of the as-prepared Co_x(Cu_0.5Zn_0.5)_1−xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles have been systematically examined. The maximum saturation magnetization existed at the highest Co content (x = 1). The electromagnetic properties of all the samples have been measured by an Agilent network analyzer and the results showed that Co_0.1(Cu_0.5Zn_0.5)_0.9Fe₂O₄ possessed the best microwave absorbing properties.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of (Bi,K)TiO3 ferroelectrics

A lead-free ferroelectric (Bi,K)TiO₃ (BKT) was synthesized by a hydrothermal process and characterized systematically at various temperatures. Well-crystallized BKT in the tetragonal phase was identified at a hydrothermal temperature over 220 °C. Small cubic particles were observed, regardless of hydrothermal temperature. The BKT sintered at 1050 °C was observed to be a typical relaxor behavior and very stable against frequency and temperatures, respectively. The sintered-BKT ceramics exhibited a high temperature of maximum dielectric permittivity (T_max = 356 °C at 10⁶ Hz) with piezoelectric constant (d₃₃ = 65 pC/N) and electromechanical coupling factors (k_p = 0.22, k_t = 0.43). Thus, the sintered-BKT showed excellent temperature stability with a high-T_max and piezoelectric properties.     

Microwave enhanced Fenton-like process for the treatment of high concentration pharmaceutical wastewater

This paper explored a novel process for wastewater treatment, i.e. microwave enhanced Fenton-like process. This novel process was introduced to treat high concentration pharmaceutical wastewater with initial COD loading of 49,912.5 mg L⁻¹. Operating parameters were investigated and the optimal condition included as follows: microwave power was 300 W, radiation time was 6 min, initial pH was 4.42, H₂O₂ dosage was 1300 mg L⁻¹ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ dosage was 4900 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Within the present experimental condition used, the COD removal and UV₂₅₄ removal reached to 57.53% and 55.06%, respectively, and BOD₅/COD was enhanced from 0.165 to 0.470. The variation of molecular weight distribution indicated that both macromolecular substances and micromolecular substances were eliminated quite well. The structure of flocs revealed that one ferric hydrated ion seemed to connect with another ferric hydrated ion and/or organic compound molecule to form large-scale particles by means of van der waals force and/or hydrogen bond. Subsequently, these particles aggregated to form flocs and settled down. Comparing with traditional Fenton-like reaction and conventional heating assisted Fenton-like reaction, microwave enhanced Fenton-like process displayed superior treatment efficiency. Microwave was in favor of improving the degradation efficiency, the settling quality of sludge, as well as reducing the yield of sludge and enhancing the biodegradability of effluent. Microwave enhanced Fenton-like process is believed to be a promising treatment technology for high concentration and biorefractory wastewater.     

Dielectric and impedance properties’ studies of the of lead doped (PbO)-Co2Y type hexaferrite (Ba2Co2Fe12O22 (Co2Y))

In the present work, the preparation of a layered magnetic ceramic oxide Ba₂Co₂Fe₁₂O₂₂ (Co₂Y) is described by the solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to study the structural properties. The Rietveld refinement method has confirmed a hexagonal crystal structure with lattice parameters (a = b = 5.8560 ? and c = 43.4977 ?; α = β = 90° and γ = 120°). The dielectric and electrical modulus properties were studied over a range of frequency (1 Hz to 1 MHz) and temperature (313–493 K) using the complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) technique. The impedance plot showed the first semicircle at high frequency which corresponds to grain effect and the second semicircle at lower frequency which corresponds to grain boundary (conduction phenomenon). A complex modulus spectrum was carried out in order to understand the mechanism of the electrical transport process, which indicates that a non-exponential type of conductivity relaxation is present in this material. The values of the activation energy of the compound (calculated both from dc conductivity and modulus spectrum) are very similar, and hence the relaxation process may be attributed to the same type of charge carriers. The study of the dielectric property, conductivity and loss of ferrite materials, as a function of temperature, is important for microwave absorption applications. The protection of sensitive circuits from the interference of external microwave radiation, is an important technological application of these materials.     

Fabrication of p-type ZnO nanowires based heterojunction diode

Vertically aligned p-type ZnO (Li–N co-doped) nanowires have been synthesized by hydrothermal method on n-type Si substrate. X-ray diffraction pattern indicated a strong peak from (0 0 0 2) planes of ZnO. The appearance of a strong peak at 437 cm⁻¹ in Raman spectra was attributed to E₂ mode of ZnO. Fourier transformed infrared studies indicated the presence of a distinct characteristic absorption peaks at 490 cm⁻¹ for ZnO stretching mode. Compositional studies revealed the formation of Li–N co-doped ZnO, where Li was bonded with both O and N. The junction properties of p-type ZnO nanowires/n-Si heterojunction diodes were evaluated by measuring I–V and C–V characteristics. I–V characteristics exhibited the rectifying behavior of a typical p–n junction diode.     

Crystal structure and aggregation behavior in water of ionic liquid 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium Bromide

A large-transparent single crystal of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide monohydrate ([C₁₆mim]Br·H₂O) with 4-mm length was firstly obtained in the water-trichloromethane-toluene growth system (V_water:V_{trichloromethane}:V_toluene = 0.1:1:2). The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. It crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1, with unit cell parameters a = 5.4962(15) Å, b = 7.839(2) Å, c = 27.279(8) Å, α = 94.375°(4), β = 91.500°(5), γ = 101.999°(4), Z = 2, V = 1145.2(5)ų, Dc = 1.176 Mg/m³, μ = 1.804 mm^− 1, F(000) = 436, the final R1 = 0.0497, wR2 = 0.1154. The 3D supramolecular structure is constructed through the weak interactions between imidazolium cations, Br⁻ anions and lattice water molecules. The long alkyl chain to imidazolium ring and lattice water molecules play an important role in the self-assembled process. Moreover, it is proposed that [C₁₆mim]Br has the aggregation behavior in water at the higher concentration and the possible self-assembled structure is the interdigitated pattern.     

(5 − x)BaO-xMgO-2Nb2O5 ceramics prepared using a reaction-sintering process

(5 − x)BaO-xMgO-2Nb₂O₅ (x = 0.5 and 1; 5MBN and 10MBN) microwave ceramics prepared using a reaction-sintering process were investigated. Without any calcinations involved, the mixture of BaCO₃, MgO, and Nb₂O₅ was pressed and sintered directly. MBN ceramics were produced after 2-6 h of sintering at 1350-1500 °C. The formation of (BaMg)₅Nb₄O₁₅ was a major phase in producing 5MBN ceramics, and the formation of Ba(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ was a major phase in producing 10MBN ceramics. As CuO (1 wt%) was added, the sintering temperature dropped by more than 150 °C. We produced 5MBN ceramics with these dielectric properties: ?_r = 36.69, Qf = 20,097 GHz, and τ_f = 61.1 ppm/°C, and 10MBN ceramics with these dielectric properties: ?_r = 39.2, Qf = 43,878 GHz, and τ_f = 37.6 ppm/°C. The reaction-sintering process is a simple and effective method for producing (5 − x)BaO-xMgO-2Nb₂O₅ ceramics for applications in microwave dielectric resonators.     

Vanadium dioxide nanobelts: Hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic properties

VO₂ (B) nanobelts were prepared by a hydrothermal method at 180 °C using V₂O₅·nH₂O sol and H₂C₂O₄·2H₂O as starting agents. The obtained nanobelts have diameters ranging from 50 to 100 nm in width, 20-30 nm in thickness with lengths up to 1.5 μm. Measurements of the static magnetic susceptibility provide evidence for two phase transitions at T₁ = 225 K and T₂ = 290 K, respectively. Below T₁, the data suggest the presence quasi-free as well as of strongly antiferromagnetic correlated spins associated to V⁴⁺-ions.     

Temperature compensated Sr2Al2SiO7 ceramic for microwave applications

The Sr–Gehlenite (Sr₂Al₂SiO₇) ceramic has been prepared by the conventional solid-state ceramic route. Phase pure Sr₂Al₂SiO₇ (SAS) ceramic sintered at 1525 °C for 4 h has ?_r = 7.2 and Q_u × f = 33,000 GHz. The SAS showed large negative τ_f of −37.0 ppm/ °C. A low value of τ_f was achieved by preparing SAS–CaTiO₃ composite. The composite with 0.04 volume fractions (V_f) CaTiO₃ sintered at 1500 °C for 4 h showed good microwave dielectric properties: ?_r = 8.6, Q_u × f = 20,400 GHz and τ_f = +8.5 ppm/°C.     

Microwave driven hydrothermal synthesis of Ba1−xSrxTiO3 nanoparticles

Ba_1−xSr_xTiO₃ (BST) nanopowders with composition x = 0.1-0.4 have been prepared using microwave driven hydrothermal synthesis (MDHS). A low temperature process has been chosen in order to avoid high temperature heat treatment leading to particle growth and agglomeration. MDHS method allows obtaining the nanocrystalline powder samples during relatively short period of time (10 min) and therefore MDHS was optimized. In case of the phase evolution studies the XRD measurements were performed. The average size of crystallites was estimated using Scherrer equation. TEM and SEM images were taken for the detailed analysis of the grain size, surface and morphology.     

Hydrothermal formation of Ni-Zn ferrite from heavy metal co-precipitates

The hydrothermal synthesis of Ni-Zn ferrite from simulated wastewater containing Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions has been studied. The influence of co-precipitation order, the existence of Na⁺ in suspension, the hydrothermal reaction time and temperature on the composition, morphology and saturation magnetization (_s) of the hydrothermal products is reported. Adding the simulated wastewater to the NaOH solution can prevent the formation of -Fe₂O₃ in the Ni-Zn ferrite. Increasing the hydrothermal reaction time improved the magnetization of the Ni-Zn ferrite, while the influence of temperature, stirring intensity and Na⁺ in suspension on the hydrothermal formation of ferrite were not obvious. Thermodynamic calculation indicated that under hydrothermal conditions (180–240°C), the order of chemical stability is as follows: NiFe₂O₄ > Fe₂O₃ > Na₂Fe₂O₄. The high Gibbs formation energy of Na₂Fe₂O₄ prevented the incorporation of Na⁺ into the ferrite lattice.     

Structural and electrochromic properties of molybdenum doped vanadium pentoxide thin films by sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis

Molybdenum-doped vanadium pentoxide (Mo-doped V₂O₅) thin films with doping levels of 3-10 mol% were prepared by dip-coating technique from a stable Mo-doped V₂O₅ sol synthesized by sol-gel and hydrothermal reaction. The Mo-doped V₂O₅ films had a layered V₂O₅ matrix structure along c-axis orientation with Mo⁶⁺ as substitutes. Values of the inserted and extracted charge density of 21.4 and 21.3 mC·cm^− 2 and the transmittance variation (ΔT at 640 nm) between anodic (+ 1.0 V) and cathodic (− 1.0 V) colored states of 41% were observed for the films with 5 mol% Mo⁶⁺ doping. Above this dopant concentration, the charge capacity and ΔT decreased. The enhancement of the electrochemical and electrochromic properties of the films is related to changes in the electronic properties of V₂O₅ films due to the creation of energy levels in the band gap of V₂O₅ by the Mo doping, accompanied by the reduction of the forbidden-band width and the increase of the conductivity.     

Synthesis of single-phase Sr3Co2Fe24O41 Z-type ferrite by polymerizable complex method

Synthesis of single-phase Sr₃Co₂Fe₂₄O₄₁ Z-type (Sr₃Co₂Z) ferrite was realized by adopting the polymerizable complex method. Crystal structure of samples has been investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Single-phase Sr₃Co₂Z ferrite was obtained by heating at 1473 K for 5 h in air. Magnetic properties were discussed by measurements of M-H curves with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Sr₃Co₂Z ferrite prepared by polymerizable complex method showed typical M-H curve of soft ferrite, with a saturation magnetization of 21.5μ_B/formula unit (50.5 emu/g) and a coercive force of 0.014 T at room temperature.     

Sintering behavior, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Li2+xTiO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2)

Sintering behavior, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Li_2+xTiO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectra, dilatometery and microwave resonant measurement in this research. Homogeneous non-stoichiometric composition with rock salt structure existed for Li_2+xTiO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics. The sintering temperature was successfully reduced and highly densified sample could be obtained with appropriate excessive amount of lithium (x = 0.08). A transient reactive liquid phase sintering mechanism was proposed. The preferred orientation of grain growth and micro-cracks existed in the Li₂TiO₃ (x = 0) sample disappeared in the lithium excessive samples with x ≥ 0.08. The microwave dielectric properties varied significantly with the excessive amount of lithium. Optimized microwave dielectric properties were obtained for the x = 0.08 composition: ?_r = 24.6, Q × f = 66,000 GHz, and τ_f = 22.1 ppm/°C.     

Approaches for evaluating Young's and shear moduli in terms of a single SAW velocity via the SAM technique

In ultrasonic material investigations Young's modulus, E, and shear modulus, G, conventionally expressed in terms of the velocities of longitudinal (V_L,) and transverse (V_T) modes, are usually difficult to determine from a single measurement, in particular for scanning acoustic microscopy. Therefore, using Viktorov formula and physically acceptable approximations, we derive simple expressions for E and G in terms of the velocity, V_i, of just one propagating mode (including Rayleigh mode V_R). It was found that (E, G) = (α_i, β_i)ρV_i². The validity of these expressions is successfully tested, analytically and graphically, for a great number of materials representing a large spectrum of densities, 1000 kg/m³ < ρ < 22 000 kg/m³, and characterized by a wide interval of velocities, 1400 m/s < V_L < 12 000 m/s.     

Langmuir probe diagnostics of microwave electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma

A Langmuir probe diagnostics is done on the microwave ECR generated plasma in a 2.45 GHz, 1.5 kW facility set up in our laboratory (for thin film deposition) by inserting a probe in the plasma close to substrate location (640 mm away from main ECR zone). A program using Graphical User Interface (GUI) was used for data analysis of I-V probe characteristics to obtain the radial electron energy distribution function (EEDF) in plasma. Plasma parameters such as charged particle density (n_e and n_i), electron temperature (T_e), plasma potential (V_pl) and floating potential (V_float) were estimated at substrate location for two incident microwave power levels at a fixed operating pressure. These parameters were estimated by different methods like orbital motion limited (OML) theory, electron energy distribution function (EEDF) and conventional method. The results obtained by the different methods are compared and observed differences are explained. The results indicate that even though the diffusion of plasma at the substrate location is mainly forced by particle collisions that lead to radial plasma uniformity, it still shows a non-Maxwellian behavior for the electrons with two groups having different energies.     

Fabrication of n-type Schottky barrier thin-film transistor with channel length and width of 0.1 μm and erbium silicide source/drain

In this paper, a Schottky barrier polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor (SB TFT) with erbium silicide source/drain is demonstrated using low temperature processes. A low temperature oxide is used for a gate dielectric and the transistor channel is crystallized by a metal-induced lateral crystallization process. An n-type SB TFT shows a normal electrical performance with subthreshold slope of 239 mV/dec, I_ON/I_OFF ratio of 5.8 × 10⁴ and I_ON of 2 μA/µm at V_G = 3 V, V_D = 2.5 V for 0.1 μm device. A process temperature is maintained at less than 600 °C throughout the whole processes. The SB TFT is expected to be a promising candidate for a next system-on-glass technology and an alternative 3D integration technology.     

The effect of high temperature annealing on Schottky diode characteristics of Au/n-Si contacts

The current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics of Au/n-Si/Al Schottky barrier diode were measured in the temperature range of 100-800 °C. Au/n-Si/Al Schottky barrier diode annealed at temperatures from 100 °C to 400 °C for 5 min and from 500 °C to 800 °C for 7 min in N₂ atmosphere. The electronic parameters such as barrier height and ideality factor (n) of the device were determined using Cheung's method. To determine whether or not a Schottky diode is ideal it can be used the ideality factor (n) found from its forward current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. It has been found that the value of Φ_b (0.82 or 0.83 eV) remains constant up to 500 °C and 0.80 and 0.79 eV in 600, 750 °C respectively in the forward I-V mode. An ideality factor value of 1.04 was obtained for as-deposited sample. The ideality factor n varied from 1.04 to 2.30. The experimental results have shown that the ideality factor (n) values increases with increasing annealing temperature up to 750 °C. This has been explained in terms of the presence of different metallic-like phases produced by chemical reactions between the Au and Si substrate because of the annealing process. The Φ_b (C-V) values obtained from the reverse-bias C⁻²-V curves of the as-deposited and annealed diode are in the range 0.99-1.12 eV. The difference between Φ_b (C-V) and the Φ_b (I-V) is in close agreement with values reported in literature. Besides Fermi energy level and carrier concentration determined by using thermionic emission (TE) mechanism show strong temperature dependence. It has been seen current-voltage characteristics of the diode show an ideal behavior.