Solar photocatalysts from Gd–La codoped TiO2 nanoparticles

Gd–La codoped TiO₂ nanoparticles with diameter of 10 nm were successfully synthesized via a sol–gel method. The photocatalytic activity of the Gd–La codoped TiO₂ nanoparticles evaluated by photodegrading methyl orange has been significantly enhanced compared to that of undoped or Gd or La monodoped TiO₂. Ti⁴⁺ may substitute for La³⁺ and Gd³⁺ in the lattices of rare earth oxides to create abundant oxygen vacancies and surface defects for electron trapping and dye adsorption, accelerating the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and methyl orange photodegradation. The formation of an excitation energy level below the conduction band of TiO₂ from the binding of electrons and oxygen vacancies decreases the excitation energy of Gd–La codoped TiO₂, resulting in versatile solar photocatalysts. The results suggest that Gd–La codoped TiO₂ nanoparticles are promising for future solar photocatalysts.     

Solar photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye using TiO2 nanoparticles synthesised by sol–gel method in neutral medium

Anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesised by the sol–gel method in neutral medium, and its photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl orange dye under sunlight has been studied. The nanoparticles were characterised using high-resolution X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, micro Raman analysis and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The blueshift and asymmetrical broadening associated with phonon confinement effect has been observed in the Raman spectra of pristine nanoparticles. The high temperature annealing of as prepared anatase samples resulted in the phase transformation in to rutile. The mixture of anatase and rutile TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited faster photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl orange than the pristine anatase and rutile phases. The significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of mixed TiO₂ nanoparticles is due to the synergistic effects that consist of the antenna effect by the rutile phase and the activation effect by the anatase phase. Since method of preparation of the catalyst is comparatively simple and cost effective, and the energy source used is sunlight, the method can be easily implemented in waste water treatments.     

Preparation of graphene–TiO2 nanocomposite and photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B under solar light irradiation

GR–TiO₂ nanocomposite was prepared by simple chemical method using graphene oxide and titanium isopropoxide (Ti [OCH (CH₃)₂]₄) precursors. The crystalline nature of the composite was characterised by powder X-ray diffraction and the intercalation was explained by Raman spectroscopy. The morphology of the composite was analysed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The elemental and quantitative measurement of the composite was determined by electron dispersive spectroscopy. The shape and size of the particle was measured by transmission electron spectroscopy and high resolution spectroscopy. The surface area and elemental composition of the composite was studied by using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photo-generated electrons were studied by photoluminescence spectra. The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite was investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) in an aqueous solution under solar light irradiation. The GR–TiO₂ demonstrates photocatalytic activity in the degradation with a removal rate of 98% under solar light irradiation as compared with pure TiO₂ (42%), graphite oxide (19%), and mechanical mixture GR + TiO₂ (60%) due to the increased light absorption intensity and reduction of electron–hole pair recombination with the intercalation of graphene and TiO₂. The results indicated that the GR–TiO₂ could be used as a catalyst to degrade Rh-B from coloured wastewater.     

Modified twinning behaviour induced by texture evolution in hot rolled Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy

Abstract

Compressive deformation along the rolling direction (RD) of a hot rolled Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy is applied to investigate the texture evolution and the recompressive yield strength (RYST) along the transverse direction (TD). Preferential orientation of the basal and prismatic planes is generated by the plastic deformation. Precompression along RD results in one plane of {10–10} aligned nearly perpendicular to the normal direction to the rolling plane. As the compressive strain along RD increases, the RYST shows an earlier raised and later decreased trend. The modified twinning mechanism is investigated using X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction observations. The results reveal that {10–12} twinning in the matrix dominates the recompression along TD, while the formation of {10–12}–{10–12} twins becomes comparatively easier to occur in the previous {10–12} twins for large precompressed samples.     

Grain refinement of Cu–Zn–Al and Cu–Al–Ni by Ti addition

Abstract

To obtain fine grained Cu based shape memory alloys after thermomechanical processing, Ti is added to β-Cu–Zn–Al or β-Cu–Al–Ni as a particle forming element. This work consists of a study of the mechanism that controls the grain growth limiting effect during the final annealing treatment. A critical evaluation of the grain growth models in particle containing materials and comparison with the experimental results lead to the conclusion that the grain growth inhibition is mainly attributable to the effect of the second phase particles but also to the influence of Ti atoms in solid solution.

MST/678     

Phase Relations in the Systems Al2TiO5–Fe2O3 , Al2O3–TiO2–Fe2O3 , and Al2TiO5–Cr2O3

Phase relations in the systems Al₂TiO₅–Fe₂O₃, Al₂TiO₅–Cr₂O₃, and Al₂O₃–TiO₂–Fe₂O₃ are investigated, and the composition ranges of pseudobrookite Al_{2 – 2x} M_2x TiO₅ (M = Fe, Cr) solid solutions are determined.     

Microstructure and properties of ZrO2-, TiO2-doped Ca–Si–B based ceramics

The microstructure, sintering and dielectric properties of ZrO₂-, TiO₂-doped Ca–Si–B based ceramics prepared by solid-phase process were investigated, and the effects of ZrO₂, TiO₂ content on these performances were analyzed. The Ca–Si–B based ceramics without additive (ZrO₂ or TiO₂) showed a high sintering temperature (1,100?°C) and had the dielectric properties: dielectric constant (ε_r) of 8.38, dielectric loss (tanδ) of 1.51?×?10^?3 at 1?MHz, and volume density of 2.47?g/cm³. The addition of ZrO_2, TiO₂ was revealed to lower the sintering temperature of Ca–Si–B based ceramics to 1,000?°C and enhance the sintering and dielectric properties: ρ?=?2.61?g/cm³, ε_r?=?5.85, tanδ?=?1.59?×?10^?4 (1?MHz) with ZrO₂ addition, and ρ?=?2.65?g/cm³, ε_r?=?6.12, tanδ?=?6.4?×?10^?4 (1?MHz) with TiO₂ addition, which are superior to the pure Ca–Si–B. The results show that ZrO₂, TiO₂ as nucleating agents, are conducive to the precipitation of crystals, thus decrease the sintering temperature and improve the dielectric properties of Ca–Si–B based ceramics.     

Al2TiO5–Al2O3–TiO2 nanocomposite: Structure,mechanical property and bioactivity studies

Novel biomaterials are of prime importance in tissue engineering. Here, we developed novel nanostructured Al₂TiO₅–Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite as a biomaterial for bone repair. Initially, nanocrystalline Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite powder was synthesized by a sol–gel process. The powder was cold compacted and sintered at 1300–1500 °C to develop nanostructured Al₂TiO₅–Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite. Nano features were retained in the sintered structures while the grains showed irregular morphology. The grain-growth and microcracking were prominent at higher sintering temperatures. X-ray diffraction peak intensity of β-Al₂TiO₅ increased with increasing temperature. β-Al₂TiO₅ content increased from 91.67% at 1300 °C to 98.83% at 1500 °C, according to Rietveld refinement. The density of β-Al₂TiO₅ sintered at 1300 °C, 1400 °C and 1500 °C were computed to be 3.668 g cm^?3, 3.685 g cm^?3 and 3.664 g cm^?3, respectively.Nanocrystalline grains enhanced the flexural strength. The highest flexural strength of 43.2 MPa was achieved. Bioactivity and biomechanical properties were assessed in simulated body fluid. Electron microscopy confirmed the formation of apatite crystals on the surface of the nanocomposite. Spectroscopic analysis established the presence of Ca and P ions in the crystals. Results throw light on biocompatibility and bioactivity of β-Al₂TiO₅ phase, which has not been reported previously.     

Photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene over TiO2–SiO2 composite nanotubes synthesized by sol–gel with template technique

TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanotubes were successfully synthesized by a facile sol–gel technique utilizing ZnO nanowires as template. The nanotubes were well characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The nanotubular TiO₂–SiO₂ composite photocatalysts showed diameter of 300–325 nm, fine mesoporous structure and high specific surface area. The results indicated that the degradation efficiency of gaseous toluene could get 65% after 4 h reaction using the TiO₂–SiO₂ composite as the photocatalyst under UV light illumination, which was higher than that of P25.     

Photocatalytic decomposition of VOCs by AC–TiO2 and EG–TiO2 nanocomposites

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs)-based catalysts were prepared for the photocatalytic removal of toluene as a model VOC from air under UV light....     

Phase Composition of Zn2TiO4–Zn2ZrO4Materials Prepared by Low-Temperature Plasma Synthesis and Ceramic Processing

Zn₂Ti_{1 – x} Zr _x O₄solid solutions were prepared by low-temperature plasma synthesis and solid-state reactions, and their properties were compared. The Zn₂TiO₄–Zn₂ZrO₄pseudobinary system was found to contain two broad solid-solution ranges with inverted spinel structures: phase at 0 < x< 0.3, witha= 8.474–8.555 Å, and phase at 0.5 < x< 1.0, with a= 8.615–8.740 Å and c= 8.733–9.120 Å. The conductivity of the solid solutions notably decreases upon substitution of Zr⁴⁺for Ti⁴⁺and varies exponentially with temperature.     

Formation mechanism of ZrB2–Al2O3 nanocomposite powder by mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction

ZrB₂–Al₂O₃ nanocomposite powder was produced by aluminothermic reduction in Al/ZrO₂/B₂O₃ system. In this research, high energy ball milling was used to produce the necessary conditions to induce a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction. The ignition time of the composite formation was found to be about 13 min. The synthesis mechanism in this system was investigated by examining the corresponding sub-reactions as well as changing the stoichiometry of reactants. Thermal behavior of the system was also studied.     

Thermal stability of the αZn–Mg2Zn11 and αZn–βAl eutectics obtained by Bridgman growth

The thermal stability of rod-like Zn–Mg2Zn11 and lamellar Zn–Al eutectics obtained by Bridgman growth of Zn–3.1 wt% Mg and Zn–5 wt% Al has been studied for soaking times up to 10 h at 300 and 350°C, respectively. Two-dimensional coarsening resulted for Zn–Mg2Zn11 grown at 0.5 and 1 mm s-1 while fault migration was operative for lamellar Zn–Al grown at 0.1 and 1 mm s-1. Hardness decreased with increased soaking time according to a Hall–Petch relationship with mean interphase spacing and the values H0 and kY accord well with the values obtained from the Hall–Petch relationship for HV of as-solidified Zn–Mg2Zn11 and Zn–Al with eutectic interphase spacing, respectively. © 1998 Chapman & Hall     

Adsorption and photocatalysis of nanocrystalline TiO2 particles prepared by sol–gel method for methylene blue degradation

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) powders were synthesized by using TiO₂ colloidal sol prepared from titanium-tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) and used as a starting material by applying the sol–gel method. The effect of aging times and temperatures on physical and chemical properties of TiO₂ sol particles was systematically investigated. The results showed that the crystallinity and average particle size of TiO₂ can be successfully controlled by adjusting the aging time and temperature. The samples after calcination of TiO₂ powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption measurements. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of synthesized TiO₂ powders was evaluated by studying the degradation of 10 ppm aqueous methylene blue dye under 32 W high pressure mercury vapor lamp with 100 mg of TiO₂ powders. The highest photocatalytic activity was observed in TiO₂ powder synthesized at 90 °C for 0 h attributed to the presence of anatase and rutile phases in an 80:20 ratio.     

Die attach properties of Zn–Al–Mg–Ga based high-temperature lead-free solder on Cu lead-frame

Several candidate alloys have been suggested as high-temperature lead-free solder for Si die attachment by different researchers. Among them, Zn–Al based alloys have proper melting range and excellent thermal/electrical properties. In this study, Zn–Al–Mg–Ga solder wire was used to attach Ti/Ni/Ag metallized Si die on Cu lead-frame in an automatic die attach machine. Die attachment was performed in a forming gas environment at temperature ranging from 370 to 400 °C. At the interface with Cu lead-frame, CuZn₄, Cu₅Zn₈ and CuZn intermetallic compound (IMC) layers were formed. At the interface with Si, Al₃Ni₂ IMC formed when 200 nm Ag layer was used at the die back and AgZn and AgZn₃ IMC layers when the Ag layer was 2,000 nm thick. Microstructure of the bulk solder consists of mainly two phases: one with a brighter contrast (about 80.9 wt% Zn) and the other one is a mixture of light (about 73.7 wt% Zn) and dark phases (about 45 wt% Al). Zn–Al–Mg–Ga solder wetted well on Cu lead-frame, covered entire die area and flowed in all directions under the Si die. Less than 10% voids were found in the die attach samples at die attach temperatures of 380 and 390 °C. Die shear strength was found within the acceptable limit (21.8–29.4 MPa) for all the die attach temperatures. Die shear strength of standard Pb–Sn solder was also measured for comparison and was found to be 29.3 MPa. In electrical test, maximum deviation of output voltage after 1,000 thermal cycles was found 12.1%.     

In vitro degradation behavior and biocompatibility of Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy by hydrofluoric acid treatment

In this paper, Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy (denoted as JDBM) coated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) chemical conversion film (MgF₂) was researched as a potential biodegradable cardiovascular stent material. The microstructures, in vitro degradation and biocompatibility were investigated. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that a compact MgF₂ film was formed on the surface of JDBM. The corrosion rate decreased in artificial plasma from 0.337 to 0.253 mm·y^? 1 and the electrochemical measurement demonstrated that the corrosion resistance of JDBM alloy could be obviously improved due to the protective MgF₂ film on the surface of the substrate. Meanwhile, the hemolysis ratio of JDBM decreased from 52.0% to 10.1% and the cytotoxicity met the requirement of cellular application after HF treatment. In addition, JDBM and MgF₂ film showed good anti-platelet adhesion, which is a very favorable property for implant material in contact with blood directly.     

Improvement of cement-based mortars by application of photocatalytic active Ti–Zn–Al nanocomposites

Photocatalytic active TiO₂ has been extensively applied in construction material science due to its ability to remove pollutants from material surfaces. New inorganic–inorganic nanocomposite photocatalyst based on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) associated to TiO₂ were introduced in order to increase the compatibility of photocatalyst with cement-based mortars. Different materials were prepared and characterized: cement paste with Ti–Zn–Al powder, mortar with cement paste finishing layer containing Ti–Zn–Al LDH and mortar with Ti–Zn–Al coatings. Degradation of methylene blue under UV light was selected as photocatalytic test reaction. The correlation between surface properties and photocatalytic activity was analyzed. The synergetic effect between TiO₂ and Zn–Al-LDH contributes to pronounced photocatalytic performances, improving at the same time mortar performances as an important indicator of the compatibility of photocatalyst with mortar. The photocatalyst introduction procedure influences the active sites surface concentration, giving preference to surface coating method. However, introduction of photocatalyst into the bulk, having lower photocatalytic activity, results in an overall more stable system for prolonged application.     

Structural and hardness inhomogeneities in Mg–Al–Zn alloys processed by high-pressure torsion

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the evolution of structure and hardness in processing by high-pressure torsion (HPT) of the magnesium AZ91 and AZ31 alloys. Both alloys were processed by HPT at room temperature for 1/4, 1, and 5 turns using a rotation speed of 1 rpm. Structure observations and microhardness measurements were undertaken on vertical cross-sectional planes cut through the HPT disks. The results demonstrate that the deformation is heterogeneous across the vertical cross sections but with a gradual evolution toward homogeneity with increasing numbers of revolutions.