Preparation and thermoelectric transport properties of Ba-, La- and Ag- doped Ca3Co4O9 oxide materials

The Ba-, La- and Ag-doped polycrystalline Ca2.9M0.1Co4O9 (M=Ca, Ba, La, Ag) thermoelectric bulk samples were prepared via citrate acid sol-gel synthesis method followed by spark plasma sintering technique. The bulk samples were characterized and analyzed with regard to their phase compositions, grain orientations as well as microstructures. The high temperature thermoelectric transport properties of the bulk samples were studied in detail. All bulk samples were found to be single-phased with modified body texture. The electrical resistivity was modulated as a result of carrier concentration modification, however the carrier transport process was not influenced; the Seebeck coefficient was deteriorated simultaneously. The total thermal conductivity was remarkably reduced, on account of the decreasing of phonon thermal conductivity. The thermoelectric properties of the Ba-, La-, and Ag-doped bulk samples were optimized, and the Ba-doped Ca2.9Ba0.1Co4O9 system was found to have the highest dimensionless figure of merit ZT0.20 at 973K, which was remarkably higher than that of the un-doped sample.     

Synthesis of Al2O3/TiCN-0.2%Y2O3 Composite by Hot Pressing

Al2O3/TiCN composites were synthesized by hot pressing.The influences of components and HP temperature on mechanical properties,such as bending strength,breaking tenacity and Vickers hardness were investigated.The results showed that the mechanical properties of Al2O3/TiCN composite increased with temperature when hot pressing temperature is below 1650 ℃.The mechanical properties reached their maximums when the composites were sintered at 1650 ℃ for 30 min under hot pressing pressure of 35 MPa,the value of bending strength,breaking tenacity and Vickers hardness was 1015 MPa,6.89 MPa·m1/2,and 20.82 MPa,respectively.When hot pressing temperature was above 1650 ℃,density decreased because of decomposition with increased temperature,and mechanical properties dropped because of rapid growth of grains in size at high temperature.Microstructure analysis showed that the addition of Y2O3 led to the formation of YAG phase so as to inhibit the growth of crystals.This helped to improve breaking tenacity of the composites.TiCN particles with diameters of 1 μm dispersed at Al2O3 grain boundaries,inhibited grain growth and enhanced mechanical properties of the composites.SEM study of the propagation of indentation cracks showed that the bridge linking behavior between matrix and strengthening phase might lead to the formation of the coexisted field of crack deflection,branching and bridge linking.The mechanism of this phenomenon was that the addition of Y2O3 improved the dispersion of TiCN particles so as to enhance the tenacity of the composites.The breaking tenacity was changed from 5.94 to 6.89 MPa·m1/2.     

Research on Y2O3：Eu Phosphor Coated with In2O3

Y2O3：Eu red phosphor for FED application was prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction. The In2O3 coating by precipitation method to the phosphor was applied and the analyses of XRD, Zeta potential, SEM, EDS and low voltage cathodoluminescence （CL） were conducted for investigating the coating effect. The results showed that In2O3 coating promoted the low voltage CL of the phosphor efficiently. The promotion was possibly due to the enhancement of the surface conductivity of the phosphor grains.     

Ca3Co2O6块体的放电等离子烧结及热电性能研究

采用短时固相反应和放电等离子烧结(SR-SPS)方法, 制备了单相多晶Ca3Co2O6陶瓷块, 系统研究了制备条件及烧结工艺对Ca3Co2O6陶瓷块显微结构及热电性能的影响. 研究表明, 950 ℃下固相反应2 h即能得到单相树枝状, 尺寸约1～3 μm的Ca3Co2O6粉末, 延长焙烧时间虽然对物相影响不大, 但会引起粉末颗粒长大, 不利于SPS烧结;SPS烧结温度强烈影响着Ca3Co2O6陶瓷块的制备, 本实验范围内, Ca3Co2O6陶瓷块体的最佳制备条件为950 ℃固相反应2 h, SPS 900 ℃保温5 min, 此时Ca3Co2O6陶瓷块具有p型半导体特性, 电阻率ρ随温度的升高急剧下降, 然后趋于平缓(高于600 ℃);Seebeck系数S随温度(100 ℃以上)升高稍有下降, 热导率κ表现为先下降后增加, 在500 ℃时仅为1.73 W·m-1·K-1. 综合电性能与热性能结果, 其无量纲因子ZT随温度升高呈上升趋势, 在本实验范围内, 于700 ℃下达到最高值0.02.     

Influence of B2O3 on Spectroscopic Properties of Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ Co-Doped Tungsten-Tellurite Glasses

A series of novel Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ co-doped （85- x ） TeO2-15WO3-xB2O3 （TWB;x=2%,5%,8%（mole fraction） ） glasses were prepared. Influence of B203 on the spectroscopic properties of Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ co-doped tungsten-tellurite glasses were investigated. It is found that the intensity of 1.5μm fluorescence, lifetime of the ^4I13/2 level and upconversion fluorescence all decrease with the increase of B2O3 content. The product of full width at half maximum （FWHM） and stimulated emission cross-section （σe^peak） of Er^3＋ ：^4I13/2→^4I15/2 transition has an optimum when B203 is 5% （mole fraction）. The emission spectra of Er^3＋ ： ^4I13/2→^4I15/2 transition was analyzed using peak-fit routine, and an equivalent four-level system was proposed to estimate the stark splitting for the 411512 and ^4I13/2 levels of Er^3＋ ions in TWB glasses at room temperature.     

Photoluminescent properties of Ca2Gd8（SiO4）6O2： Dy^3＋ phosphor films prepared by sol-gel process

There are growing interests on phosphor thin films owing to their potential application in high-resolution devices such as cathode ray tubes and flat panel display devices. The solution-based sol-gel method is one of the most important techniques for the synthesis of various functional coating films. Compounds with the apatite structure are very suitable host lattices for various luminescent ions. Ca2RE8（SiO4）6O2 （ RE=Y, Gd, La ） is a kind of ternary rare-earth-metal silicate with oxyapatite structure, which has been used as host material for the luminescence of various rare earth and mercury-like ions. In this article, Ca2Gd8（SiO4）6O2：Dy^3＋phosphor films were dip-coated on quartz glass substrates through the sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, atomic force microscopy （AFM）, photoluminescence （PL） spectra, as well as lifetimes were used to characterize the resulting films. AFM study revealed that the phosphor films consisted of homogeneous particles. The Dy^3＋ showed its characteristic emission in crystalline phosphor films, i.e., ^4F9/2-^6H15/2 and ^4F9/2-^6H13/2.     

Physicochemical properties of a novel composite polymer electrolyte doped with vinyltrimethoxylsilane-modified nano-La2O3

Nano-La2O3 was modified with the vinyltrimethoxylsilane by hydrolysis and a novel poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) based composite polymer electrolyte doped with the modified nano-La2O3 was prepared by phase inversion method. The physicochemical properties were studied by SEM, FT-IR, XRD, TG and electrochemical methods. The results of FT-IR indicated that the nano-La2O3 was successfully modified with vinyltrimethoxylsilane. The XRD analysis showed that the incorporation of modified nano-La2O3 into the polymer electrolyte membranes could effectively reduce the crystallinity of PVDF-HFP, and the characterizations also suggested that thermal stability and electrochemical stability window could reach to 382°C and 5.1V, respectively; the reciprocal temperature dependence of ionic conductivity followed Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) relation, ionic conductivity at room temperature was up to 3.5×10-3S/cm and lithium ions transference number was up to 0.42; the interfacial resistance increased at initial value about353Ω/cm2 and reached a steady value about 559Ω/cm2 after 5d storage at 30°C. The fabricated Li/As-prepared electrolytes/LiCoO2 coin cell showed excellent rate and cycle performances.     

Luminescence properties of Mn2） ions doped Lu2CaMg2Si3O1） garnet phosphors

Yttrium aluminum garnet structure phosphors Lu2CaMg2Si3O12:Mn2+ were synthesized by conventional high temperature solid-state reaction in reductive atmosphere. The structure and optical properties of samples were characterized by application of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the phosphors mainly presented garnet structure with a few weak peaks of impurity phases. Lu2-xCaMg2Si3O12:xMn2+ (x=0.01-0.8) phosphors showed a broad emission band peaking at around 590 nm under ultraviolet (UV) light of 408 nm when Mn2+ concentration was less than 0.08 mol. With an increase in the Mn2+ concentration (above 0.08), another broad emission band peaking at 720 nm besides 590 nm was observed, which may be due to manganese ion having different valence and occupying different host lattice. The critical quenching concentrations of manganese ion in the wavelength of 590 and 720 nm were about 0.06 and 0.2 mol, respectively. With 408 nm excitation wavelength, emission color of the samples had a red shift trend as the Mn2+ concentration increased. All the results indicated that the Lu2CaMg2Si3O12:Mn2+ phosphors could be applicable to n-UV based white LEDs.     

Band gap and structure characterization of Tm2O3 films

Single crystalline Tm2O3 films were grown on Si (001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy using metallic Tm source and atomic oxygen source. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were employed to investigate the compositions, surface morphology and microstructure of the sample. A very flat surface with a root mean square roughness of 0.3 nm could be reached, and a sharp interface between the film and the Si substrate was achieved. The result of optical spectrum at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths showed that the band gap of the Tm2O3 film was 5.76 eV.     

Synthesis of ZrO2-HfO2-Y2O3-Sc2O3 Nano-Particles by Sol-Gel Technique in Aqueous Solution of Alcohol

Zirconium dioxide is a significant material withgood physicochemical characteristics . It is used inmanyfields such as energysources ,material and envi-ronment . Cubic phase zirconium dioxide doped withyttria (YSZ) is alreadyin wide use in solid oxygenfu-…     

Effect of Fe2O3 Loading Amount on Catalytic Properties of Monolithic Fe2O3/Ce0.67Zr0.33O2 -Al2O3 Catalyst for Methane Combustion

Ce0.67Zr0.33O2-Al2O3 solid solution was prepared by the co-precipitation method. Fe2O3-based catalysts supported on the solid solution were obtained by the impregnation method. The article revealed that the optimal loading amount of Fe2O3 on Ce0.67Zr0.33 O2-Al2O3 in our experimental condition for catalytic combustion of methane was 8% （ mass fraction）. The prepared catalysts were characterized by BET, TPR, XRD analyses, and their catalytic activity was investigated after being calcined at 873 K and after being aged in water gas at 1273 K. When the loading amount of Fe203 was 8% （ mass fraction）, the catalyst held the highest activity, and the best temperature speciality and thermal stability. The complete-conversion temperature of methane for fresh and aged sample was 788 and 838 K, respectively. The range between the light-off temperature and the complete-conversion temperature was only 15 K. The characterization results of XRD indicated that Fe2O3 was well dispersed on the Ce0.67Zr0.33O2-Al2O3 matrix. The results of BET and TPR were in good harmony with the catalytic activity results.     

Effect of La2O3 on Microstructure and Transmittance of Transparent Alumina Ceramics

Optically transparent alumina ceramics were fabricated by conventional process and sintered without pressure in H2 atmosphere. The results indicate that relative densities of alumina specimens increase to theoretical densities （T. D. ） with increasing content of La2O3. With increasing holding time during sintering, much less pores and larger grains were found in the sintered alumina samples. Higher transmittance was achieved in alumina codoped with MgO and La2O3 as compared with that doped with MgO only. The total-transmittance of alumina sample is up to 86% at twavelength range of 300 - 800 nm.     

Luminescence Properties of Sm^3＋ doped Bi2ZnB2O7

The phosphors of （Bi1- x Smx ） 2ZnB2O7 （ x = 0. 01, 0. 03, 0. 05, 0. 07, and 0. 09） were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction. The purity of all samples was checked by X-ray powder diffraction （XRD）. XRD analysis shows that all these compounds are of a single phase of Bi2ZnB2O7, indicating that the Bi^3＋ in Bi2ZnB2O7 can be partly replaced by the Sm^3＋ without the change of crystal structure. The excitation and emission spectra at room temperature show the typical 4f-4f transitions of Sm^3＋ . The dominant excitation line is around 404 nm due to ^6H5/2→^4K11/2 and the emission spectrum consists of a series of lines at 563, 599, 646, and 704 nm due to ^4G5/2→^6H5/2, ^6H7/2, ^6H9/2, and ^6H11/2, respectively. The optimal concentration of Sm^3＋ in Bi2ZnB2O7 is about 3mol% （relative to lmol Bi^3＋ ） and the critical distance Rc was calculated as 2.1 nm. The temperature dependence of the emission intensity of Bi1.94Sm0.06ZnB2O7 was examined in the temperature range between 100 and 450 K. The quenching temperature where the intensity has dropped to half of the initial intensity is 280 K. The lifetime for Sm^3＋ in Bi1.94Sm0.06ZnB2O7 is fitted as a value of 0.29 and 1.03 ms.     

Effects of crystal field on photoluminescence properties of Ca2Al2SiO7:Eu2+ phosphors

A series of single-phased Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Eu²⁺ phosphors were synthesized by the solid-state reaction. Their structure and photolumi-nescence properties were investigated by the X-ray powder diffraction （XRD） and excitation and emission spectra in detail. The emission spectra of Ca₂Al₂SiO₇:Eu²⁺ phosphors consisted of blue and green band located at419 and542 nm, respectively. The relative intensities of the blue and green emission changed with Eu²⁺ concentration and were sensitive to the excitation wavelength. The unique photoluminescence property originated from the 4f⁷→4f⁶5d transition of Eu²+ at different energy levels, on which the effect of the crystal field strength was con-sidered to be tailed by adjusting the host composition.     

Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane over Ni/CeO2-ZrO2-Al2O3

Nickel catalysts supported on CeO2-ZrO2-CeO2,ZrO2-Al2O3 and Al2O3 were prepared and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction（XRD）,BET areas,H2 temperature-programmed reduction（H2-TPR）,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）.Through the test of catalytic partial oxidation of methane（CPOM）,Ni/CeO2-ZrO2-Al2O3 displayed the highest activity,which resulted from its largest BET area and best NiO dispersion.Furthermore,Ni/CeO2-ZrO2-Al2O3 maintained a long-time stability in CPOM,which was attributed to its best coking resistance among all the prepared catalysts.     

Preparation and Characterization of Gd3Sc2Ga3O12 Polycrystalline Material by Co-Precipitation Method

Gd3Sc2Ga3O12 polycrystalline material for single crystal growth was prepared with Ga, Gd2O3 and Sc2O3 as starting materials and aqueous ammonia as the precipitator by co-precipitation method. The precursors sintered at various temperatures were characterized by infrared spectra （IR）, X-ray diffractometry （XRD） and transmitted electron microscopy （TEM）. The results showed that pure GSGG phase could be obtained at 900 ℃. The sintered powders were well-dispersed and less-aggregated in the sintered temperature range of 900 - 1000 ℃. XRD and TEM show that the polycrystalline particle sizes of the polycrystalline powders were about 20 - 50 nm. Compared with the method that Ga2O3, Gd2O3 and Sc2O3 were mixed directly and sintered to get polycrystalline materials, the synthesized temperature was lower and sintered time was shorter. Thus co-precipitation was a good method to synthesize GSGG polycrystalline material.     

Effects of La2O3/Li2O/TiO2- Coating on Electrochemical Performance of LiCoO2 Cathode

Conventional cathode material （LiCoO2） was modified by coating with a thin layer of La2O3/Li2O/TiO2 for improving its performance for lithium ion battery. The morphology and structure of the modified cathode material was characterized by SEM, XRD, and Auger electron spectroscopy. The performance of the cells with the modified cathode material was examined, including the cycling stability, the diffusion coefficient under different voltages, and the C-rate discharge. The results showed that the cell composed of the coated cathode material discharged at a large current density, and possesses a stable cycle performance in the range from 3.0 to 4.4 V. It was explained that the rate of Li ion diffusion increased in the cell while using La2O3/Li2O/TiO2-coated LiCoO2 as the cathode and the coating layer may act as a faster ion conductor （La2O3/Li2O/TiO2）.     

Spectral variations of Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce phosphors via substitution and energy transfer

The luminescence intensity of emission peak at around 525 nm decreased in the Ce3+ and Er3+ co-doped Ca3Sc2Si3O12 phosphors. Mg2+ ion, which was likely incorporated into the Sc3+ position of the host crystal, was co-doped to adjust the crystal field and compensate for the excess positive charge due to the doping of Ce3+. The green emission belonged to the 5d→4f transition of Ce3+ moved toward longer wavelength by addition of Mg2+ in Ce3+ and Er3+ co-doped Ca3Sc2Si3O12 phosphor, which could increase the brightness of the phosphor. However, the position of weakening of luminescence intensity at around 525 nm remained basically unchanged by increasing the amount of Mg2+. The results showed that the weakening of luminescence intensity at around 525 nm caused by the absorption of Er3+, which had little influence on the environment of the crystal field.     

Effect of Y-filling on thermoelectric properties of CoSb3

The CoSb3 and Y0.18Co4Sb12 compounds were synthesized by a metallurgical route. Their bulk materials were prepared by the hot-pressed process under vacuum. Thermoelectric properties of the samples were measured by the thermoelectric measurement system and the laser flash diffusivity apparatus. The carrier type conversion of hot-pressed CoSb3 was found at about 530 K, while the conversion was missed for the Y0.18Co4Sb12 sample. Electrical conductivity of the Y0.18Co4Sb12 sample increased due to the increase of carrier concentration, and its thermal conductivity decreased due to the enhancement of phonon scattering. The value of ZT, figure of merit, for the Y0.18Co4Sb12 sample was obviously enhanced due to positive contribution of the electrical conductivity and the thermal conductivity.     

Sintering effect on ageing behavior of rare earths （Pr6O11-Er2O3-Y2O3 ）-doped ZnO varistor ceramics

The electrical properties and ageing behavior of the rare earths (Pr6O11-Er2O3-Y2O3)-doped ZnO varistor ceramics were systematically investigated at sintering temperature range of 1335-1350°C. With an increase in the sintering temperature, the sintered density increased from 5.41 to 5.64g/cm3 and the average grain size increased from 5.8 to 7.9μm. The varistor properties and ageing behavior were significantly affected by small sintering temperature range of 1335-1350°C. The breakdown field noticeably decreased from 5767 to 3628V/cm with an increase in the sintering temperature. The varistor ceramics exhibited the highest nonlinear coefficient (43.2) at the sintering temperature of 1340°C. The varistor ceramics sintered at 1350°C exhibited a surprisingly excellent stability by exhibiting 0.3% in the variation rate of the breakdown field and 0.3% in the variation rate of the nonlinear coefficient for ageing stress of 0.95 E1mA/150°C/24 h.