Photoacoustic Spectroscopic Study of Optical Properties of $$\hbox {Cu}_{2}\hbox {GeTe}_{3}$$ in Temperature Range from 80 K to 300 K

We used photoacoustic spectroscopy to investigate the optical properties of \(\hbox {Cu}_{2}\hbox {GeTe}_{3}\). The temperature dependence of the bandgap energy was evaluated from optical absorption spectra obtained in the photon energy range of 0.76 eV to 0.81 eV between 80 K and 300 K. We used the empirical and semi-empirical models of Varshni, Viña, and Pässler to describe the observed bandgap shrinkage in this compound. The Debye temperature and effective phonon temperature of the compound were estimated to be approximately 227.4 K and 151.6 K, respectively. Thus, the temperature dependence of the bandgap is mediated by acoustic phonons.     

Thermodynamic Properties of Low-Density $${}^{132}hbox {Xe}$$ Gas in the Temperature Range 165–275 K

The method of static fluctuation approximation was used to calculate selected thermodynamic properties (internal energy, entropy, energy capacity, and pressure) for xenon in a particularly low-temperature range (165–270 K) under different conditions. This integrated microscopic study started from an initial basic assumption as the main input. The basic assumption in this method was to replace the local field operator with its mean value, then numerically solve a closed set of nonlinear equations using an iterative method, considering the Hartree–Fock B2-type dispersion potential as the most appropriate potential for xenon. The results are in very good agreement with those of an ideal gas.     

Measurement of Out-of-Plane Thermal Conductivity of Epitaxial $$\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-{\delta }}$$ Thin Films in the Temperature Range from 10 K to 300 K by Photothermal Reflectance

We measured the out-of-plane (c-axis) thermal conductivity of epitaxially grown \(\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-{\delta }}\) (YBCO) thin films (250 nm, 500 nm and 1000 nm) in the temperature range from 10 K to 300 K using the photothermal reflectance technique. The technique enables us to determine the thermal conductivity perpendicular to a thin film on a substrate by curve fitting analysis of the phase lag between the thermoreflectance signal and modulated heating laser beam in the frequency range from \(10^{2}\,\hbox {Hz}\) to \(10^{6}\,\hbox {Hz}\). The uncertainties of measured thermal conductivity of all samples were estimated to be within \({\pm }9\,\%\) at 300 K, \({\pm }12\,\%\) at 180 K, \({\pm }16\,\%\) at 90 K and \({\pm }20\,\%\) below 50 K. The experimental results show that the thermal conductivity is dependent on the thickness of the thin films across the entire temperature range. We also observed that the thermal conductivity of the present YBCO thin films showed \(T^{1.4}\) to \(T^{1.6}\) glass-like dependence below 50 K, even though the films are crystalline solids. In order to explain the reason for this temperature dependence, we attempted to analyze our results using phonon relaxation times for possible phonon scattering models, including stacking faults, grain boundary and tunneling states scattering models.     

Thermodynamic Investigation of the Eutectic Mixture of the $$\hbox {LiNO}_{3}$$–$$\hbox {NaNO}_{3}$$NaNO3–$$\hbox {KNO}_{3}$$KNO3–$$\hbox {Ca}(\hbox {NO}_{3})_{2}$$Ca(NO3)2 System

Molten nitrate salt is usually employed as heat transfer or energy storage medium in concentrating solar power systems to improve the overall efficiency of thermoelectric conversion. In the present work, the liquidus curves of the \(\hbox {LiNO}_{3}\)–\(\hbox {NaNO}_{3}\)–\(\hbox {KNO}_{3}\)–\(\hbox {Ca}(\hbox {NO}_{3})_{2}\) system is determined by conformal ionic solution theory according to the solid–liquid equilibrium state of the binary mixture. The calculated eutectic temperature of the mixture is \(93.17\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\), which is close to the experimental value of \(93.22\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\) obtained from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Visualization observation experiments reveal that the quaternary eutectic mixture begins to partially melt when the temperature reaches \(50\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\), and the degree of melting increases with temperature. The mixture is completely melted at \(\hbox {130}\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\). The observed changes in the dissolved state at different temperatures correlate well with the DSC heat flow curve fluctuations.     

Synthesis of $$\hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {Se}$$–graphene–$$\hbox {TiO}_{2} $$TiO2 nanocomposite and analysis of photocatalytic activity of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$CO2 reduction to $$\hbox {CH}_{3}\hbox {OH}$$CH3OH

The present work deals with the development of a new ternary composite, \(\hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {Se}\)–\(\hbox {G}\)–\(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\), using ultrasonic techniques as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high transmission electron microscopy (HTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) analyses. The photocatalytic potential of nanocomposites is examined for \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) reduction to methanol under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation. \(\hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {Se}\)–\(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) with an optimum loading graphene of 10 wt% exhibited the maximum photoactivity, obtaining a total \(\hbox {CH}_{3}\hbox {OH}\) yield of 3.52 \(\upmu \hbox {mol}\,\hbox {g}^{-1}\,\hbox {h}^{-1}\) after 48 h. This outstanding photoreduction activity is due to the positive synergistic relation between \(\hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {Se}\) and graphene components in our heterogeneous system.     

Thermodynamic Properties of ^{4}He Gas in the Temperature Range 4.2–10 K

The thermodynamic properties of $^{4}$ He gas are investigated in the temperature-range 4.2–10 K, with special emphasis on the second virial coefficient in both the classical and quantum regimes. The main input in computing the quantum coefficient is the ‘effective’ phase shifts. These are calculated within the framework of the Galitskii–Migdal–Feynman (GMF) formalism, using the HFDHE2 and Sposito potentials. The virial equation of state is constructed. Extensive calculations are carried out for the pressure–volume–temperature (P–V–T) behavior, as well as chemical potential, and nonideality of the system. The following results are obtained. First, the validity of the GMF formalism for the present system is demonstrated beyond any doubt. Second, the boiling point (phase-transition point) of $^{4}$ He gas is determined from the P–V behavior using the virial equation of state, its value being closest than all previous results to the experimental value. Third, the chemical potential $\upmu $ is evaluated from the quantum second virial coefficient. It is found that $\upmu $ increases (becomes less negative) as the temperature decreases or the number density n increases. Further, $\upmu $ shows no sensitivity to the differences between the potentials used up to n = 10 $^{27}$ m $^{-3}$ . Finally, the compressibility Z is computed and discussed as a measure of the nonideality of the system.     

Thermodynamic Diagrams of 3He from 0.2 K to 300 K Based Upon its Debye Fluid Equation of State

On the basis of the equation of state and the phase equilibrium equations of helium-3 (³He), a computer program for calculating the thermodynamic properties of ³He has been created. With this program, many iso-property tables were prepared for generating p–h and T–s diagrams of ³He over the range of temperature from 0.2 K to 300 K and pressures up to 300 MPa. Compared with the previous diagrams plotted with interpolated experimental data sets, the new ones are more thermodynamically consistent and cover a broader temperature and pressure range. The estimated overall random errors of the diagrams are within 2 %.     

Comparison of the Calibration of Standard Platinum Thermometers by Comparison in the Range from $$-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ to $$300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$300∘C

In this paper, an interlaboratory comparison in the field of measurement of temperature is presented. Within the comparison, calibration of a standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) by comparisons in the range from \(-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) to \(300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) was performed. At the same time, in order to support the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) entries of the participating laboratories, we have registered this as EURAMET Project 1251 (Comparison of the calibration of standard platinum resistance thermometers in the range from \(-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) to \(300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) by comparison). It was recommended that the participants use their standard procedure for the calibration of the standard platinum resistance thermometers and follow instructions from the protocol of EURAMET Project 1251 during the temperature calibration and, if possible, avoid making extra time-consuming measurements. The interlaboratory comparison was organized by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Metrology and Quality (MIRS/UL-FE/LMK) in the scope of the IPA 2011 project. The interlaboratory comparison included a maximum of eleven measurement points. However, certain laboratories did not perform measurements at all points in the range. They have performed only measurements in the range that they cover. Prior to the calibration by comparison in each laboratory, a test measurement at the triple point of water or ice point was done in order to assess the stability of the instruments. Results of the comparison show that all the measurements agree within declared uncertainties and thus supporting declared capabilities of the participating laboratories.     

Mathematical model of Boltzmann’s sigmoidal equation applicable to the set-up of the RF-magnetron co-sputtering in thin films deposition of $$\hbox {Ba}_{{x}}\hbox {Sr}_{1-{x}} \hbox {TiO}_{3}$$

In this work, we present the stoichiometric behaviour of \(\hbox {Ba}^{2+}\) and \(\hbox {Sr}^{2+}\) when they are deposited to make a solid solution of barium strontium titanate. \(\hbox {Ba}_{{x}}\hbox {Sr}_{1-{x}} \hbox {TiO}_{3}\) (BST) thin films of nanometric order on a quartz substrate were obtained by means of in-situ RF-magnetron co-sputtering at 495\({^{\circ }}\)C temperature, applying a total power of 120 W divided into intervals of 15 W that was distributed between two magnetron sputtering cathodes containing targets of \(\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}\) and \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\), as follows: 0–120, 15–105, 30–90, 45–75, 60–60, 75–45, 90–30, 105–15 and 120–0 W. Boltzmann’s sigmoidal modified equation (Boltzmann’s profile) is proposed to explain the behaviour and the deposition ratio Ba/Sr of the BST as a function of the RF-magnetron power. The Boltzmann’s profile proposal shows concordance with experimental data of deposits of BST on substrates of nichrome under the same experimental conditions, showing differences in the ratio Ba/Sr of the BST due to the influence of the substrate.     

Microwave dielectrics: solid solution,ordering and microwave dielectric properties of $$(1{-}x)\hbox {Ba}(\hbox {Mg}_{1/3}\hbox {Nb}_{2/3})\hbox {O}_{3}{-}x\hbox {Ba(Mg}_{1/8}\hbox {Nb}_{3/4})\hbox {O}_{3}$$ ceramics

The effect of Ba(\(\hbox {Mg}_{1/8}\hbox {Nb}_{3/4})\hbox {O}_{3}\) phase on structure and dielectric properties of \(\hbox {Ba(Mg}_{1/3}\hbox {Nb}_{2/3})\hbox {O}_{3}\) was studied by synthesizing \((1{-}x)\hbox {Ba(Mg}_{1/3}\hbox {Nb}_{2/3})\hbox {O}_{3}{-}x\hbox {Ba}(\hbox {Mg}_{1/8}\hbox {Nb}_{3/4})\hbox {O}_{3}\) (\(x = 0\), 0.005, 0.01 and 0.02) ceramics. Superlattice reflections due to 1:2 ordering appear as low as \(1000^{\circ }\hbox {C}\). \(\hbox {Ba}(\hbox {Mg}_{1/3}\hbox {Nb}_{2/3})\hbox {O}_{3}\) forms solid solution with \(\hbox {Ba}(\hbox {Mg}_{1/8}\hbox {Nb}_{3/4})\hbox {O}_{3}\) for all ‘x’ values studied until \(1350^{\circ }\hbox {C}\). Ordering was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction pattern, Raman study and HRTEM. Ceramic pucks can be sintered to density \({>}92\%\) of theoretical density. Temperature and frequency-stable dielectric constant and nearly zero dielectric loss (tan \(\delta \)) were observed at low frequencies (20 MHz). The sintered samples exhibit dielectric constant (\(\varepsilon _{\mathrm{r}})\) between 30 and 32, high quality factor between 37000 and 74000 GHz and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (\(\tau _{\mathrm{f}})\) between 21 and \(24\hbox { ppm }^{\circ }\hbox {C}^{-1}\).     

Cation substitution induced blue-shift of optical band gap in nanocrystalline $$\hbox {Zn}_{(1-x)} \hbox {Ca}_{x}\hbox {O}$$ thin films deposited by sol–gel dip coating technique

Transparent nanocrystalline \(\hbox {Zn}_{(1-x)}\hbox {Ca}_{x}\hbox {O }(0 \le x \le 0.20)\) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by sol–gel dip coating method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed the polycrystalline nature of the films with hexagonal wurtzite structure and confirmed the non-existence of the secondary phase corresponding to CaO indicating the monophasic nature of the deposited films. The crystallinity of the films deteriorated with higher dopant concentration due to the segregation or separation of dopant ions in grain boundaries. The lattice parameters and the unit cell volume increased to a higher Ca-dopant concentration. This was due to the successful incorporation of \(\hbox {Ca}^{2+}\) ions with larger ionic radius in the host zinc oxide (ZnO) lattice. The optical transmittance spectra of the samples showed transmittances above 60% in the visible spectral range and the absorption edge in the near ultra-violet region got blue-shifted with cation substitution. The estimated optical energy gaps confirmed the band gap widening with increase in Ca-dopant concentration. The calculated values increased from 3.30 eV for undoped ZnO to 3.73 eV for \(\hbox {Zn}_{0.8}\hbox {Ca}_{0.2}\hbox {O}\) thin films giving 13.03% enhancement in the energy gap value due to the electronic perturbation caused by cation substitution as well as deterioration in crystallinity.     

Magnetic measurements,Raman and infrared spectra of metal–ligand complex derived from $$\hbox {CoCl}_{2}\cdot \hbox {6H}_{2}\hbox {O}$$ and 2-benzoyl pyridine

Nanocrystalline complex of \(\hbox {CoCl}_{2}\cdot 6\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}{-}2\)-benzoyl pyridine is prepared by chemical route. Each component of the desired complex is identified by analysing the X-ray diffractograms. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) data confirmed the presence of the desired elements of the sample. Theoretical optimized structure of the complex was derived using ab initio density functional level of theory (DFT) method of calculation. The average nanocrystallite size estimated from the XRD data is \(\sim \)43 nm. Static magnetic property of the complex is studied in the temperature range from 300 K down to 14 K. The estimated magnetic moment of the complex is high when compared to that of the free ion magnetic moment of \(\hbox {Co}^{2+}\) and this is attributed to the less effect of the crystal field acting on the ion in the organic complex due to which orbital moments are not fully quenched. The magnetic property of the complex is also remarkably enhanced compared to that of the diamagnetic 2-benzoyl pyridine which may be suitable for applications in devices. FTIR and Raman spectra of the ligand, 2-benzoyl pyridine and the synthesized complex are recorded at room temperature, which not only confirm the presence of each phase in the complex, but some interesting results are also extracted from the analyses of different Raman active modes of the complex.     

Transfer Partial Molar Isentropic Compressibilities of (l-Alanine/l-Glutamine/Glycylglycine) from Water to 0.512 {\mathrm{mol}}\!\cdot \!{\mathrm{kg}}^{-1} Aqueous {\mathrm{KNO}}_{3}/0.512\, {\mathrm{mol}}\!\cdot \! {\mathrm{kg}}^{-1} Aqueous {\mathrm{K}}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4} Solutions Between 298.15 K and 323.15 K

Speeds of sound of (l-alanine/l-glutamine/glycylglycine $\,+\, 0.512\, {\mathrm{mol}}\cdot {\mathrm{kg}}^{-1}$ + 0.512 mol · kg ? 1 aqueous ${\mathrm{KNO}}_{3}/0.512\, {\mathrm{mol}}\cdot {\mathrm{kg}}^{-1}$ KNO 3 / 0.512 mol · kg ? 1 aqueous ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$ K 2 SO 4 ) systems have been measured for several molal concentrations of amino acid/peptide at different temperatures: $T$ T = (298.15 to 323.15) K. Using the speed-of-sound and density data, the parameters, partial molar isentropic compressibilities $\phi _{\kappa }^{0}$ ? κ 0 and transfer partial molar isentropic compressibilities $\Delta _{\mathrm{tr}} \phi _{\kappa }^{0}$ Δ tr ? κ 0 , have been computed. The trends of variation of $\phi _{\kappa }^{0}$ ? κ 0 and $\Delta _{\mathrm{tr}} \phi _{\kappa }^{0}$ Δ tr ? κ 0 with changes in molal concentration of the solute and temperature have been discussed in terms of zwitterion–ion, zwitterion–water dipole, ion–water dipole, and ion–ion interactions operative in the systems.     

Lattice Dynamical,Elastic and Thermodynamical Properties of III–V Semiconductor AlSb,GaSb and Their Mixed Semiconductor $$\hbox {Ga}_{\mathrm{1-x}}\hbox {Al}_{\mathrm{x}}\hbox {Sb}$$

A proposed eleven-parameter three-body shell model is used to study the lattice dynamical properties such as phonon dispersion relations along high symmetry directions, phonon density of states, variation of specific heat and Debye characteristic temperature with absolute temperature, elastic constants and related properties for III–V semiconductor AlSb, GaSb and their mixed semiconductor \(\hbox {Ga}_{\mathrm{1-x}}\hbox {Al}_{\mathrm{x}}\hbox {Sb}\) having zinc-blende structure. We found an overall good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results available in the literature.     

Hysteresis and Instability in Some IPRT Sensors Within Temperature Ranges Extending from $$-196\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ to $$150\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$150∘C

Industrial platinum resistance thermometer (IPRT) sensors or probes suffer from some instability on cycling over significant ranges of temperature and, specifically, from hysteresis in which the resistance tends to follow different paths for increasing temperatures compared with decreasing temperatures. The effect is well known, and cases of quite large hysteresis have been reported in the literature. Therefore, in establishing calibration and measurement capabilities for IPRT calibrations it is important to include an assessment of the performance which can be expected of a ‘typical good’ IPRT and to include this in the overall uncertainty which the laboratory can expect to achieve in such calibrations, even though the effect itself is outside the laboratory’s control. This paper presents results which have been obtained in cycling IPRT probes from four sources within various temperature ranges of current interest at NPL, between \(-196\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) and \(150\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\), to see what levels of hysteresis may be expected. The cycles were carried out quite quickly in order to detect the hysteresis before it was mitigated by relaxation effects, but the time dependence was not itself studied. In most cases, hysteresis was \({<}0.0025\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) between \(0\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) and \(100\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\), and \({<}0.0035\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) when the range extended down to \(-80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) or up to \(150\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\). Greater instability occurred when the sensors were cooled to \(-196\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\).     

Determination of the Thermal Diffusivity of Electrically Non-Conductive Solids in the Temperature Range from 80 K to 300 K by Laser-Flash Measurement

The adoption of the popular laser-flash method at temperatures far below 300 K is restricted by the weak signal-to-noise ratio and the limited spectral bandwidth of the commonly used mercury cadmium tellurite (MCT) infrared (IR) detector used as a non-contacting temperature probe. In this work, a different approach to measure the temperature rise in pulse heating experiments is described and evaluated. This method utilizes the change of the temperature-dependent electrical resistance of a thin strip of sputtered gold for the detection of a temperature rise as it was proposed by Kogure et al. The main advantage of this method at lower temperatures is the significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to the commonly used IR detectors. A newly developed laser-flash apparatus using this detection method for the determination of the thermal diffusivity in the temperature range from 80 K to 300 K is presented. To test the accuracy of the new detection method, the thermal diffusivity of a borosilicate crown glass (BK7) specimen at 300 K was determined and compared to results derived with a MCT detector. Good agreement of the derived thermal diffusivity values within 3 % was found. The thermal diffusivity of BK7 and polycrystalline aluminum nitride (AlN) was measured at temperatures between 80 K and 300 K by a laser-flash method to test the functionality of the apparatus. Finally, the thermal conductivity was calculated using values for the specific heat capacity determined by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Comparisons with literature data confirm the reliability of the experimental setup.     

Simulation and Experimental Study on Thermal Conductivity of [EMIM][DEP] + $$\mathbf{H}_\mathbf{2}{} \mathbf{O}$$ + SWCNTs Nanofluids as a New Working Pairs

In this paper, the single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were dispersed into ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([EMIM][DEP]), and its aqueous solution [EMIM][DEP](1) + \(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}(2)\) to enhance the thermal conductivity of base liquids, which will be the promising working pairs for absorption heat pumps and refrigerators. The enhancement effects on thermal conductivity were studied by experiment and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) methods. The thermal conductivities of [EMIM][DEP] + SWCNTs (INF) and [EMIM][DEP](1) + \(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}(2)\) + SWCNT(SNF) both with SWCNT mass fraction of 0.5, 1, and 2 (wt%) were measured by transient hot-wire method. The results indicate that the enhancement ratio of thermal conductivity of INF, and SNF can approach 1.30 when SWCNT is 2 (wt%). Moreover, SWCNTs has a higher enhancement ratio than multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Density and thermal conductivity of [EMIM][DEP], [EMIM][DEP](1) + \(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}(2)\), INF and SNF systems, together with self-diffusion coefficients of \(\hbox {[EMIM]}^{+}\), \(\hbox {[DEP]}^{-}\), [EMIM][DEP] and water in solution [EMIM][DEP](1) + \(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}(2)\), were investigated by MD simulations. The results indicate that the maximum relative error between the simulated and experimental densities is about 2 %, and the simulated self-diffusion coefficient of [EMIM][DEP] is in the order of magnitude of \(10^{-11}\,\hbox {m}^{2}\cdot \hbox {s}^{-1}\). The average relative deviation for the simulated thermal conductivity of [EMIM][DEP](1) + \(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}(2)\), INF and SNF from experimental ones are 23.57 %, 5 %, and 5 %, respectively. In addition, the contributions of kinetic energy, potential energy, and virial and partial enthalpy terms to thermal conductivity were also calculated. The results indicate that virial term’s contribution to thermal conductivity is the maximum, which accounts for 75 % to 80 % of total thermal conductivity.