Microscopic and macroscopic magnetic properties of MgAl<Subscript>x</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2 − 2x</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> spinel ferrite system

In order to study the effect of co-substitution of Al^{3 +} and Cr^{3 +} for Fe³⁺ in MgFe₂O₄ on its structural and magnetic properties, the spinel system MgAl _x Cr_xFe_{2 ? 2x}O₄ (x = 0.0–0.8) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, high field magnetization, low field a.c. susceptibility and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements. Contrary to the earlier reports, about 50% of Al^{3 +} is found to occupy the tetrahedral sites. The system exhibits canted spin structure and a central paramagnetic doublet was found superimposed on the magnetic sextet in the Mössbauer spectra (0.5 > x > 0.2). Thermal variation of a.c. susceptibility exhibits normal ferrimagnetic behaviour.     

Novel single-host Al<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Si<Subscript>x</Subscript>C<Subscript>x</Subscript>N<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>: Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> white phosphors for field emission displays

A white-emitting novel Al_1?x Si _x C _x N_1?x : Mn²⁺ carbidonitride phosphor was synthesized by introducing SiC into AlN: Mn²⁺at the temperature as low as 1500?°C. The influence of Mn²⁺ and SiC doping concentration on the structure, morphology and luminescent properties was systematically investigated by XRD, EDS, solid state NMR, FESEM, and PL. The relatively low calcination temperature endows AlN: Mn²⁺ with different luminescent properties. Under 254 nm UV excitation, it not only exhibits a characteristic red emission from Mn²⁺ but also covers a broad violet-blue-green emission from defects. The CIE coordinates (0.2999, 0.2510) precisely locate in the white region. With the introduction of SiC, an increasing of the red emission from Mn²⁺ is observed, while no variation occurs for the defect emission. The maximum red luminescence is attained for the composition of x?=?0.05 that has an improved thermal stability by 20%. Finally, a low-voltage FED device was fabricated by using Al_0.95Si_0.05C_0.05N_0.95: 0.7% Mn²⁺ carbidonitride phosphor. Under low-voltage excitation, it exhibits a high brightness, low saturation, and good color stability, which makes Al_1?xSi_xC_xN_1?x: Mn²⁺ carbidonitride phosphor have a great potential for full color FEDs.     

Laser and electromagnetic loss properties of Perovskite SmNi<Subscript>x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

SmNi_xFe_1?xO₃ (0?≤?x?≤?0.5) with perovskite-type structure has been successfully prepared by conventional solid-state reaction as a microwave and laser multi-functional material. The optimized synthesis temperature and the effects of Ni doping on the reflectivity, electromagnetic loss properties were investigated in details. XRD results shown that synthesis temperature did not change the perovskite structure of SmFeO₃. The reflectivity at 1.06 μm was about 0.33% at 1200–1300?°C. Doping Ni did not cause the change of perovskite structure. The incorporation of Ni in SmFeO₃ contributed to the decrease of reflectivity at a wider wavelength, SmNi_0.3Fe_0.7O₃ possessed the lowest reflectivity at 1.06 μm. Moreover, electromagnetic property was very sensitive to Ni content. The real and imaginary parts of complex permeability were enhanced remarkably at a certain frequency. The changes in magnetic performance provided possibility of choosing specific frequency of magnetic loss. The difference in electric and magnetic losses caused by Ni concentration could result in microwave absorption at different frequency. In a word, SmNi_xFe_1?xO₃ could be a promising candidate for a multi-functional material with compatible camouflage capability for radar and laser waveband.     

Y<Subscript>3−x</Subscript>Gd<Subscript>x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>: controlled synthesis,characterization and investigation of its magnetic properties

Gadolinium substituted yttrium iron garnet (Gd: YIG: Y_3?xGd_xFe₅O₁₂ where x?=?0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5) nanopowders were synthesized by microwave hydrothermal method. Phase structure of synthesized powders was examined using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) which revealed a cubic garnet structure. Spherical-like morphology of synthesized powders was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies. The synthesized powders were sintered at 1100?°C for 60 min using microwave furnace and characterized by using XRD and FESEM. Magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization and Curie temperature were measured using vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies respectively. Temperature stability of magnetization was measured using pulse magnetometer and complex permeability was measured over a frequency range of 100 kHz–1.8 GHz. The obtained results showed that the saturation magnetization as well as permeability decrease while curie temperature and temperature stability increase with Gd concentration. It is concluded that substitution of Gd makes the YIG better microwave magnetic material, which may be used in high power non-reciprocal microwave devices in the microwave region.     

Micro-structural,dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of mechanically processed (Pb<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>La<Subscript>x</Subscript>)(Zr<Subscript>0.60</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>0.40</Subscript>)O<Subscript>3</Subscript> ceramics

In this work, (Pb_1?xLa_x)(Zr_0.60Ti_0.40)O₃ (PLZT x/60/40, x?=?at.%) ceramics were prepared by using high energy mechanical ball milling followed by cold isostatic pressing (CIP), investigated for their micro-structural, dielectirc, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Mechanical activation results in the highly reactive nature of the nano size milled PLZT powders, which enables the partial perovskite phase formation, confirmed by room temperature XRD patterns. CIP leads to a higher density with a closely packed dense microstructure of sintered PLZT ceramics shown in SEM images. The grain size of PLZT x/60/40 ceramics was found to be decreasing with increasing La³⁺ content. The highest relative density of ~?97% was found to be for PLZT 8/60/40 ceramics with grain size of ~?1.35 µm. The PLZT 8/60/40 system also shows the highest dielectric constant of ~?1976, remnant polarization of 29.1 µC/cm², piezoelectric coefficients (d₃₃?\(~ \cong ~\)?570 pC/N, g₃₃?\(~ \cong ~\)?28.03?×?10^?3 Vm/N) and electromechanical coupling factors (k_p?=?k₃₃?=?64.1% and k₃₁?=?54%). The elastic compliances for the PLZT x/60/40 ceramics were also obtained.     

Study on the mechanism of NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>-selective catalytic reduction over CuCe<Subscript>x</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>1–x</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Copper-cerium-zirconium catalysts loaded on TiO₂ prepared by a wet impregnation method were investigated for NH₃-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO_x. The reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of results from in situ diffuse reflectance infrared transform spectroscopy (DRIFT). When NH3 is introduced, ammonia bonded to Lewis acid sites is more stable over CuCe_0.25Zr_0.75/TiO₂ at high temperature, while Brønsted acid sites are more important than Lewis acid sites at low temperature. For the NH₃+NO+O₂ co-adsorption, NH3 species occupy most of activity sites on CuCe_0.25Zr_0.75/TiO₂ catalyst, and mainly exist in the forms of NH₄ ⁺ (at low temperature) and NH₃ coordinated (at high temperature), playing a crucial role in the NH₃-SCR process. Two different reaction routes, the L-H mechanism at low temperature (< 200°C) and the E-R mechanism at high temperature (> 200°C), are presented for the SCR reaction over CuCe_0.25Zr_0.75/TiO₂ catalyst.     

Characterization and electrical conductivity of La<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>x</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>3</Subscript> NTC ceramics

The La_1?xSr_xCrO₃ (x?=?0–0.1) negative temperature coefficient (NTC) ceramics have been prepared by the traditional solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has revealed that the as-sintered ceramics crystallize in a single perovskite structure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images show that the doped Sr²⁺ contributes to in the decrease in porosity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicates the existence of Cr³⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ ions on lattice sites, which result in hopping conduction. The presence of the Cr⁶⁺ is one of the key factors that affect the electrical conductivity of La_1?xSr_xCrO₃. Resistance–temperature characteristics were studied in the range of ?80 to 10?°C for the ceramic samples, the electrical characterizations show that the electrical resistivity and material constant B decrease with the increase of the strontium content.     

Characterization of In<Subscript>1 − x</Subscript>Cd<Subscript>x</Subscript>S,In<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> and CdS thin films grown by SILAR method

Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique was used to deposit In_1???xCd_xS, In₂S₃ and CdS thin films on glass substrate at room temperature. The crystal structure and crystal size of the thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to determine morphology and composition of the films. Optical and electrical properties of these films have been investigated as a function of temperature. The photoluminescence measurements were carried out at room temperature and absorption measurements were carried out in the temperature range 10–320 K with a step of 10 K. The band gap energies for CdS, In_0.8Cd_0.2S, In_0.6Cd_0.4S, In_0.4Cd_0.6S, In_0.2Cd_0.8S and In₂S₃ thin films were found as 2.22 eV, 2.56 eV, 2.52 eV, 2.46 eV, 2.38 eV, and 2.72 eV, respectively. The refractive indices (n), optical static and high frequency dielectric constants (\({\in }_{0}\), \({\in }_{{\infty}}\)) values have been calculated by using the energy bandgap values. The electrical resistivity of CdS, Cd_0.5In_0.5S and In₂S₃ thin films have been determined using a ‘dc’ two probe method, in the temperature range of 300–450 K. The electrical resistivity values have been calculated at 300 K.     

Effect of annealing on exchange bias in Mg<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>x</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>1.8−x</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nano oxides

Magnesium-iron chromium oxides (Mg_0.2Cr_1.8?x Fe _x O₃ with x varying from 0.3 to 0.9) produced by hydrothermal process in a stirred pressure reactor from pure metal chlorides have been annealed at 700 °C. Single phase corundum structure and nanophase structure of the as-synthesized samples were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Instead of the correlation between H _EB and D _XRD observed at T _A = 600 °C, we find significant changes. The H _EB increases with decreasing particle size reaches a maximum at ~43 nm (x = 0.5) then decreases.     

Structural,magnetic and magnetocaloric investigation of La<Subscript>0.67</Subscript>Ba<Subscript>0.33</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>x</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> (x = 0, 0.025 and 0.075) manganite

In this paper, we report the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ni-doped La_0.67Ba_0.33Mn_1?xNi_xO₃ (x?=?0, 0.025 and 0.075) manganites. Our compounds were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The structural analysis using Rietveld refinement shows that Ni-doped LaBaMnO₃ system crystallizes in the rhombohedral symmetry with \({\text{R}}\bar {3}{\text{c}}\) space group. Magnetization measurements versus temperature in a magnetic applied field of 0.05 T reveal that all the compositions exhibit a transition from a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase with increasing temperature. A systematic decrease in the transition temperature is clearly observed upon Ni doping and a near room temperature T_C (302 K) is achieved with x?=?0.075 composition. The maximum magnetic entropy change \(\left( { - ~\Delta {\text{S}}_{{\text{M}}}^{{\hbox{max} }}} \right)\) in a magnetic field change of 5 T is found to be 2.12, 2.78 and 1.78 J/kg K for x?=?0, 0.025 and 0.075, respectively. At this value of magnetic field, large relative cooling power values are obtained in our samples, especially for x?=?0.075 (271 J/kg) making it a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration near room temperature.     

Microstructure and properties of the Ba<Subscript>0.75−x</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>x</Subscript>La<Subscript>0.25</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>11.6</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.25</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>0.15</Subscript>O<Subscript>19</Subscript> hexaferrites

In the case of Ti⁴⁺ remain unchanged, the Ca²⁺ substituted Ba_0.75?xCa_xLa_0.25Fe_11.6Co_0.25Ti_0.15O₁₉ (0?≤?x?≤?0.05) were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method at temperature of 1280 °C. A ball-to-power weight ratio of 10:1. Their crystal structure and magnetic properties were mainly investigated. The results show that the single magnetoplumbite phase structure transformed into the multiphase structure. Meanwhile, the small amount of α-Fe₂O₃ phase existed in M-type phase. The micrographs were observed by a field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to analyze the magnetic properties. The saturation magnetization (M _s ) first increases then decreases when x from 0 to 0.03. But, when x from 0.03 to 0.05, the saturation magnetization (M _s ) first increases then decreases too. The maximum value is at x?=?0.04 (M _s ?=?70.73 emu/g). The value of coercivity (H _c ) first increases then decreases when x from 0 to 0.04. But, the value increased when x from 0.04 to 0.05. The maximum value is at x?=?0.02 (H _c ?=?1691 Oe).     

Magnetism in BiFe<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>x</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>: studied through electron spin resonance spectroscopy

The effect of Ni doping in BiFe_1?xNi_xO₃ (BFNO) multiferroics are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hysteresis loop (M–H), temperature dependent magnetization (FC-ZFC) measurements and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. The XRD and FTIR studies indicate that the BFNO compounds remain in rhombohedral (R3c) phase without appearance of any structural transformation due to Ni doping. The XPS studies show the oxidation states of Fe ions as 3⁺, whereas Bi is found to be in a mixed valence state of 2⁺ and 3⁺ in BFNO. The Ni ion doping enhances the saturation magnetization from 0.179 emu/g (x?=?0.025) to 2.38 emu/g (x?=?0.20), which is higher than the reported values found in literature. The FC-ZFC magnetization studies suggest the presence of a magnetic phase transition from a weak ferromagnetic to a spin glass state at low temperature. The ESR studies confirm the ferromagnetic state of BFNO samples.     

Ba<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>La<Subscript>x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>19</Subscript> (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) hollow microspheres: material parameters,magnetic and microwave absorbing properties

Ba_1?xLa_xFe₁₂O₁₉ (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) hollow ceramic microspheres (HCMs) have been prepared by combining self-reactive quenching method with heat treatment. Their material parameters, magnetic and microwave absorbing properties were investigated. It was observed that after doping of lanthanum, the material parameters showed a little change except hexagonal crystal disappearing. And the magnetic properties of HCMs were decided by lanthanum content and material parameters. With the lathanum increases from 0.0 to 0.6, the saturation magnetization (Ms) values initially increased, and then decreased sharply to a minimum value, and increased again, moreover, the coercive force (Hc) values were reduced first, and then increased, and decrease to a minimum value. Absorbing properties tests indicate that after La³⁺-doped, at 2 mm thickness, the effective absorbing band (<?10 dB) was reduced to 4.7, 5 and 4.4 GHz, respectively, the minimum reflectance would decrease in low substituted level (x ≤ 0.4) and increase in high level (x = 0.6), and the frequency shifts to low frequency with the increasing of doping content. In 1.5–3 mm range, with the increasing of thickness, the absorption peak of Ba_1?xLa_xFe₁₂O₁₉ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) HCMs shifts to low frequency and the absorption intensity increases, the effective absorbing band can up to 10, 8.1 and 8 GHz, respectively.     

Microstructure and electrical properties of (Na<Subscript>1.015−x</Subscript>K<Subscript>x</Subscript>)NbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> lead-free piezoceramics

In order to obtain the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) and good piezoelectric properties, lead-free (Na_1.015−xK_x)NbO₃ (x = 0.32–0.35) piezoceramics were synthesized by conventional solid state sintering. The x-ray diffraction results show that the lattice parameters of the monoclinic primitive cell peak at x = 0.34. The scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy reveal that the excess sodium may be an important reason for the abnormal growth of the grains larger than 20 μm. All the samples exhibit double-like hysteresis loops and it may also be attributed to the excess Na⁺. Although the salient microstructure was found in the studied range, the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties changed slightly with increasing x from 0.32 to 0.35. The values of piezoelectric coefficient d ₃₃ obtained in this study are as high as about 75 pC/N which is close to that of normally prepared (Na_0.5K_0.5)NbO₃ ceramics with MPB structure.     

La<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Ag<Subscript>x</Subscript>FeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/halloysites nanocomposite with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

La_1?xAg_xFeO₃/halloysites nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposite was synthesized by sol–gel method. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy measurements. The photo-activity of the La_1?xAg_xFeO₃/HNTs nanocomposite was evaluated via degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation. The results showed that the HNTs with unique pore structure favored the adsorption of organic molecules. Adequate Ag⁺ doping improved the absorption ability for visible light. The La_0.95Ag_0.05FeO₃/HNTs demonstrated the best photocatalytic performance, which achieved as high as 99 % for MB degradation exposed 2 h irradiation. However,further increasing of Ag⁺ doping gradually reduced the photocatalytic activity. The nanocomposite catalyst showed outstanding recyclability after eight cycles which still remained up to 90 %.     

Effects on dielectric and magnetic properties of Cr-doped Bi<Subscript>0.9</Subscript>Ba<Subscript>0.1</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>x</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> ceramic

In this paper, Cr-doped Bi_0.9Ba_0.1Fe_1?xCr_xO₃ (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ceramic materials were prepared by traditional state solid synthesized method, and the effects of Cr³⁺ ion on magnetic and dielectric properties were investigated. All samples showed BiFeO₃ phase formation were successful synthesized. The SEM images showed the shape of samples changed from regular to irregular shape. With increasing of Cr²⁺ ions, Saturation magnetization (M _s) increased from 5.24 to 8.6 emu/g, and then decreased to 7.31 emu/g, and coercivity (H _c) increased from 110.66 to 256.49 Oe. All the samples showed high dielectric constants at low frequency and the values of dielectric constants decreased slightly with frequency increasing. Delectric loss (tanδ) values kept a steady in a wide range frequency of 10–600 MHz. They ranged in tanδ from 0.01 to 0.07, which was a low dielectric loss in Bi_0.9Ba_0.1Fe_1?xCr_xO₃ ceramics.     

Microstrucutre and thermoelectric properties of rapidly prepared Sn<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>x</Subscript>Te alloys

Sn_1?xMn_xTe (x?=?0, 0.09, 0.15, 0.20) bulk materials were prepared by melt spinning combined with spark plasma sintering process. Nanoscale grains were obtained, and the solid solubility of Mn was much enhanced by the ultrafast-cooling synthesis technique. The maximum of Seebeck coefficient and power factor are 242 µVK^?1 and 19.97 µW cm^?1K^?2 at 873 K with the doping concentration of 15 at% Mn. A large amount of grain boundaries and doped atoms improve the scattering of heat-carrying phonons in a wide range of frequencies, and the scattering mechanisms are also explained by theoretical calculation. As a result, the minimum of lattice thermal conductivity is 0.66 µVK^?1 at 873 K, the corresponding figure of merit is 1.26 for Sn_0.85Mn_0.15Te sample. This value is improved by 35% comparing with previously reported result. Our work indicates that melt spinning process is effective to develop SnTe related thermoelectric materials with excellent thermoelectric properties, which has the widespread commercial value and the prospects for development.     

Novel temperature stable Ba<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>x</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> microwave dielectric ceramics with ultra-low sintering temperature

New temperature stability Ba_1?xSr_xV₂O₆ (0.35?≤?x?≤?0.55) microwave dielectric ceramics prepared by the conventional solid-state route were investigated. X-ray diffraction confirmed that all the specimens formed a solid solution single phase with orthorhombic structure. The microwave dielectric properties strongly depended on the compositions, densification and microstructure of the specimens. Furthermore, partial Sr ions substitution for Ba ions in Ba_1?xSr_xV₂O₆ lattices not only successfully improved the temperature stability of BaV₂O₆-based ceramic but also promoted the sinterability of SrV₂O₆-based one. Out of these compositions, Ba_0.5Sr_0.5V₂O₆ sintered at 625?°C exhibited a near-zero τ_f together with a low permittivity ε_r?~?11.5 and a quality factor Q?×?f?~?14 100 GHz, which also showed good chemical compatibility with Al electrodes.     

Influence of Dy-doping on ferroelectric and dielectric properties in Bi<Subscript>1.05−x</Subscript>Dy<Subscript>x</Subscript>FeO<Subscript>3</Subscript> ceramics

Bi_1.05−xDy_xFeO₃ (BDFO) (x = 0−0.2) ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The influence of Dy dopant on crystal structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties was investigated. The lattice parameter and the Curie temperature of BDFO were degraded continuously with increasing contents of Dy³⁺ cations. Leakage current density, ferroelectric polarization and dielectric loss were improved by appropriate Dy doping. When x = 0.1, BDFO showed the best electric properties. At applied electric field of 53 kV/cm, the remnant polarization (2P _r ) was 12.2 μC/cm².These improvements in electric properties in BDFO ceramics could have resulted from the relatively low oxygen vacancy concentration and structural distortion.     

Synthesis,structural analysis and microwave dielectric properties of LnTiSb<Subscript>x</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> (Ln = Ce,Pr) ceramics

LnTiSb_xNb_1−xO₆ (Ln = Ce, Pr) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid state ceramic route for x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.25. The structure of the materials was analyzed using X-ray diffraction techniques. The cell parameters and the theoretical densities of the samples were calculated using least square methods. The samples are sintered to more than 90% of the theoretical density at 1,325–1,350 °C. The microwave dielectric properties were measured using the cavity resonator method. The surface morphology of the sintered sample was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. All the materials have good microwave dielectric properties and are suitable for dielectric resonator applications.