Mesoporous CuO/TixZr1 − xO2 catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation

Mesoporous CuO/Ti_xZr_1 − xO₂ catalysts were prepared by a surfactant-assisted method, and characterized by N₂ adsorption/desorption, TEM, XPS, in-situ FTIR and H₂-TPR. The catalysts exhibited high specific surface area (S_BET = 241 m²/g) and uniform pore size distribution. XPS and in-situ FTIR displayed that Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺ species coexisted in the catalysts. The CuO/Ti_xZr_1 − xO₂ catalysts presented obviously higher activity in CO oxidation reaction than the CuO/TiO₂ and CuO/ZrO₂ catalysts. Effect of molar ratios of Ti to Zr and calcination temperature on catalytic activity was investigated. The CuO/Ti_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ catalyst calcined at 400 °C exhibited excellent activity with 100% CO conversion at 140 °C.     

Electrical and mechanical properties of BZT − xBCT lead-free piezoceramics

In this study, lead-free (1 − x)Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃ − x(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃ compositions are synthesized via conventional solid oxide route, and the ceramics are fabricated with normal sintering in air. The effects of composition fluctuations on dielectric, piezoelectric, and mechanical properties are investigated. The phase structure and the microstructure are analyzed with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The best dielectric and piezoelectric properties of ε_r = 11 207 and d₃₃ = 330 pC/N were obtained for BZT−0.35BCT and BZT−0.5BCT ceramics, respectively. The mechanical behavior—in terms of Vickers hardness and compressive and flexural strengths—was investigated, and the best mechanical behavior was found in the vicinity of the phase transition boundary with x values between 0.5 and 0.6.     

Oxyacetylene ablation of (Hf0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2)C at 1350 − 2050 °C

Ablation resistance of a multi-component carbide (Hf_0.2Ti_0.2Zr_0.2Ta_0.2Nb_0.2)C (HTZTNC) was investigated using an oxyacetylene flame apparatus. When the surface temperature of the HTZTNC was below 1800 °C, (Nb, Ta)₂O₅, (Hf, Zr)TiO₄, and (Hf, Zr)O₂ were found to be the main oxidation products, while at higher temperature, formation of (Hf, Zr, Ti, Ta, Nb)O_x was favored and its content gradually increased with the increase in ablation temperature. Based on the ablation results and thermodynamic simulation analysis, a possible ablation mechanism of HTZTNC was proposed. Active oxidation of TiC and outward diffusion of TiO were demonstrated to occur during the ablation process, which constitute the critical steps for the ablation of HTZTNC. These results can contribute to the design of ablation resistant ultra-high-temperature ceramics.     

Low temperature sintering and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg3 − xZnx)(VO4)2 ceramics

This paper describes the effects of Zn substitution for Mg on the microwave dielectric properties of (Mg_3 − xZn_x)(VO₄)₂ ceramics. As for the XRPD patterns of (Mg_3 − xZn_x)(VO₄)₂ ceramics sintered at the sintering temperature of 750 °C, no secondary phase was detected over the whole composition range. However, in the case of the sample sintered at 850 °C, the Zn₄V₂O₉ and Zn₂V₂O₇ compounds were identified by using XRPD; this result was attributed to the decomposition of Zn₃(VO₄)₂ phase. From crystal structure analysis, it was found that the atomic distances of M(1)O (M = Mg and Zn) and M(2)O in MO₆ octahedra increased, though that of VO in VO₄ tetrahedron decreased. Moreover, the slight tilting of M(2)O₆ octahedron was observed by the Zn substitution. As for the covalency of cation–oxygen bond, the covalency of MO bond in M(1)O₆ and M(2)O₆ octahedra decreased because of the increase in the atomic distance of MO, whereas that of VO increased with increasing the Zn addition. However, as a result, the slight decrease in the covalency of cation–oxygen bond was recognized because the variation in the covalency of MO bond is predominant in this crystal structure. The dielectric constants of the samples range from 4.4 to 11.1. The decrease in the covalency may be related to the difference in the dielectric constant of each composition. The maximum Q · f value of bulk densities is effected by varying the chemical composition of (Mg_3 − xZn_x)(VO₄)₂ ceramics and it shifts toward lower sintering temperature with an increase in x within the temperature region of 800–1050 °C. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of the samples decreased with increasing of Zn, and then a variation in τ_f value was attributed to the tilting of M(2)O₆ octahedron caused by Zn substitution for Mg.     

A novel TiO2 − xNx/BN composite photocatalyst: Synthesis,characterization and enhanced photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B degradation under visible light

A novel TiO_2 − xN_x/BN composite photocatalyst was prepared via a facile method using melamine–boron acid adducts (M·2B) and tetrabutyl titanate as reactants. The morphological results confirmed that nitrogen-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were uniformly coated on the surface of porous BN fibers. A red shift of absorption edge from 400 nm (pure TiO₂) to 520 nm (TiO_2 − xN_x/BN composites) was observed in their UV–Vis light absorption spectra. The TiO_2 − xN_x/BN photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency reached 97.8% under visible light irradiation for 40 min. The mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity was finally proposed.     

Dielectric and Magnetic properties of (1 − x)BiFeO3–xBa0.8Sr0.2TiO3 ceramics

The polycrystalline samples of (1 ? x)BiFeO₃–xBa_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4 and x = 1) were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method. The effect of substitution in BiFeO₃ by Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ on the structural, dielectric and magnetic properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction study showed that these compounds crystallized at room temperature in the rhombohedral distorted perovskite structure for x ≤ 0.3 and in cubic one for x = 0.4. As Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ content increases, the dielectric permittivity increases. This work suggests also that the Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ substitution can enhance the magnetic response at room temperature. A remanent magnetization M_r and a coercive magnetic field H_C of about 0.971 emu/g and 2.616 kOe, respectively were obtained in specimen with composition x = 0.1 at room temperature.     

Theoretical investigation of mixed-ligand lanthanocene complexes, (η5-C5H5)2LnX · OC4H8 (Ln=La,Gd, Lu; X=F,Cl, Br,I)

For the first time, density functional theory (DFT) calculation was performed on the titled complexes and the calculated geometries are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The decrease in the bond distances (Ln–X) as well as the increase in the Hirshfeld charges and the chemical hardness from La to Lu indicates an increase in ionic character on going from La to Lu. The lanthanide contraction and ionic character of metal–ligand bond are found to follow the order: Ln–X > Ln–Cp > Ln–O.     

Demixing pressures of hydroxy-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane)–carbon dioxide binary mixtures at 313.2 K, 323.2 K and 333.2 K

The phase behavior of PDMS(OH)–CO₂ binary mixtures was investigated. Two different molecular weight PDMS(OH) were utilized and the demixing pressures were determined at three temperatures for a wide composition range. Both of these polymers were found to form miscible mixtures with CO₂ at all compositions at pressures lower than 31 MPa in the temperature range 313.2–333.2 K. Depending on the composition of the binary mixtures, two types of phase separation was observed during depressurization; the bubble point and the cloud point. In addition, at specific weight fractions a color change was also observed which was attributed to the mixture critical point. The demixing pressures were observed to increase with temperature and decrease with increasing polymer weight fraction. In addition, higher demixing pressures were obtained for the higher molecular weight polymer mixtures. The bubble point data were modeled by using Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state (SLEoS) and the binary interaction parameters were regressed at the studied temperatures. It was observed that the binary interaction parameters decreased with increasing temperature.     

Heteroepitaxial ZnO/sapphire (0 0 0 1) structure prepared by sol–gel process

ZnO thin films were grown on sapphire (0 0 0 1) substrates by sol–gel process and their structural and optical properties were characterized in detail. High-quality texture was obtained by using precursor solution of zinc acetate and ethanolamine in 2-methoxyethanol, pyrolyzed at 300 °C, then heated at 500 °C, and finally annealed at 750 °C. Highly c-axis oriented ZnO films were confirmed by X-ray θ–2θ scan. A relatively high transmittance in the visible spectra range and clear absorption edge of the film were observed. Epitaxial relationship between ZnO and sapphire and photoluminescence of the film were examined by using a X-ray pole-figure analysis and He–Cd laser. Near-band-edge emission with a deep-level emission was observed.     

Ferroelectric photovoltaic and flexo-photovoltaic effects in (1 − x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-xBiFeO3 systems under visible light

The anomalous photovoltaic (APV) effect has witnessed great progress from classical ferroelectric photovoltaics to flexo-photovoltaics. Both call for an extension of the spectral response range. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the ferroelectric, photoelectric, and photovoltaic properties of pure (Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO₃ (BNT) and 0.3(Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO₃–0.7BiFeO₃ (0.3BNT-0.7BFO) ceramics. The data show that pure BNT with typical ferroelectricity exhibits intriguing photovoltaic effect even when illuminated by 550 nm visible light, while the 0.3BNT-0.7BFO solid solution with enhanced visible light absorption shows no ferroelectric photovoltaic due to the negligible ferroelectricity but striking strain-induced flexo-photovoltaic effect. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals distinctions in the domain structures and local strain states in pure BNT and 0.3BNT-0.7BFO ceramics, which may account for their differences in photovoltaic behavior. These findings not only deepen the understanding of photovoltaic mechanisms induced by ferroelectric polarization and flexoelectric effect but also highlight a possible candidate for multifunctional photoelectric applications.     

Two 1-D Krebs-type heteropolyoxotungstates based on [X2W21O72Na(OH)2]13 − (X = SbIII,BiIII) units

By the one-pot self-assembly reaction of simple materials under acidic aqueous solution, two 1-D chain Krebs-type heteropolyoxometalates [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₂Na₁₁[X₂W₂₁NaO₇₂(OH)₂]·34H₂O (X = Sb^III for 1, Bi^III for 2) have been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The most prominent structural feature of 1 and 2 is that both display an interesting 1-D chain alignment constructed from Krebs-type [X₂W₂₁NaO₇₂(OH)₂]^13 − fragments connected by sharing four W–O–W connectors, which is for the first time observed in the polyoxometalate chemistry. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of 1 and 2 have been studied in 0.5 mol L^− 1 Na₂SO₄ + H₂SO₄ supporting electrolyte.     

Electrocaloric effect and pyroelectric energy harvesting of (0.94 − x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3-xSrTiO3 ceramics

Ceramics with the composition (0.94 − x)Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃–0.06BaTiO₃–xSrTiO₃ (NBBSTx) where x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method to investigate their electrocaloric effect (ECE) and pyroelectric energy harvesting (PEH) properties. The ferroelectric, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties of the prepared ceramics were measured and discussed. It is found that the strontium titanate (ST) content and bias field greatly affect the ferroelectric–relaxor transition. Increasing ST content lowers the depolarization temperature of the ceramics, and both the ECE and PEH behavior of the ceramics strongly depend on their ST content because of the composition-induced decrease of the ferroelectric–relaxor transition temperature. The present investigation demonstrates that the ECE and PEH properties of NBBSTx ceramics can be tuned by introducing ST. Furthermore, a high PEH density of 425 kJ/m³ is obtained for NBBST0.20, which is much higher than those of conventional Pb-based ferroelectrics.     

A simple approach for the synthesis of bi-functional Fe3O4@WO3 − x core–shell nanoparticles with magnetic-microwave to heat responsive properties

A facile direct precipitation method has been developed for the synthesis of multi-functional magnetic, microwave to heat responsive properties with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as the core and WO_3 − x as the shell. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the obtained bi-functional nanoparticles had a core-shell structure and a spherical morphology. The average size was ~ 250 nm, and the thickness of the shell was ~ 15 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that a cubic spinel structure of Fe₃O₄ core and the WO_3 − x shell were obtained. The nanoparticles showed both strong magnetic, and unique microwave to heat responsive properties, which may lead to development of nanoparticles with great potential for applications in drug targeting delivery, controlled release drug, photo- and microwave-thermal combination therapy and water treatment.     

First-principles calculation of mechanical properties and electronic structures of W4Co4−nXnB4 (X = V,Mn, Fe,Ni; n = 0,1)

The first-principles calculation is performed to explore the mechanical properties and electronic structures of transition elements X (X = V, Mn, Fe, Ni) doped WCoB (tungsten cobalt boron), which has shown high oxidation resistance and melting point under high pressure. The energy analysis indicates that the high pressure leads to the lower lattice constants and less stable structures. The deviation of cohesive energy and formation enthalpy between doped and undoped structures indicates that W₄Co₃FeB₄ and W₄Co₃NiB₄ have similar stability. The high pressure contributes to the increasing of elastic, shear, and bulk moduli, which indicates the increase of covalence. The increase of Poisson's ratio, B/G ratio, and anisotropy index A^U indicates the higher ductility and higher anisotropy under high pressure. Based on bulk modulus and shear modulus, the hardness of W₄Co₄B₄, W₄Co₃FeB₄, and W₄Co₃NiB₄ increases under high pressure, which consists of the variation of electronic structures. The density of states (DOS) and partial DOS analysis indicate that the high pressure leads to lower density around Fermi level and higher hybridization. W₄Co₄B₄, W₄Co₃FeB₄, and W₄Co₃NiB₄ show similar variation of mechanical properties, which is determined by the similar atom properties of Co, Fe, and Ni. Similarly, W₄Co₃VB₄ and W₄Co₃MnB₄ also imply similar variation of mechanical properties and electronic structures.     

Liquid–Liquid Equilibria of Ternary Systemscis-1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane + Toluene + Sulfolane

Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium (LLE) data for three Ternary Systems comprising cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane + toluene + sulfolane were measured at 298.15, 313.15 and 328.15 K under atmospheric pressure. The phase diagrams for the ternary systems were presented. The reliability of the experiment data was tested using the Othmer–Tobias correlation. The LLE data were then correlated with the universal functional activity coefficient for liquid–liquid systems (UNIF-LL) and non-random two liquid using dataset 2 (NRTL/2) activity coefficient models to obtain the binary interaction parameters as programmed by the Aspen Plus simulation. The results showed that the experimental data were satisfactorily represented by both the UNIF-LL and the NRTL/2 models as revealed from the very small values of the root mean square error and the absolute deviation in composition.     

Carbon nanotubes horizontal interconnects with end-bonded contacts,diameters down to 50 nm and lengths up to 20 μm

This work describes a novel approach to fabricate horizontal nanotube interconnects with dimensions comparable to state-of-the-art copper interconnects. The interconnects consist of carbon nanotubes bundles with wall density ≈10¹³ cm⁻², wire lengths of tens of micrometers and wire diameters scalable to 50 nm. The nanotubes are first grown vertically, inside vias with diameters ranging from 300 to 200 nm, and then flipped on the horizontal direction. Symmetrical contacts are made at the tips of the nanotubes in the so-called end-bonded geometry via a metallization process with a key dry-etch step. The quality of the contacts and the nanotubes is evaluated from the electrical measurements by extracting the specific contact resistivity and the carbon nanotube resistivity, respectively. The measured contact resistivity is 3.9 × 10⁻⁸ Ω cm² with Pd/Au contacts. This is the lowest value ever reported so far for nanotubes contacted in an end-bonded geometry. The nanotube resistivity is as low as 1.1 mΩ cm, a value among the best reported to date and only two decades higher than that of copper.     

A new rhombic 2D interpenetrated organic-inorganic hybrid material base on [HxAs2Mo6O26](6 − x)− polyoxoanion and Co-btb complexes

The new compound based on unconventional arsenomolybdate: {Co(btb)(H₂O)₂}₂{H₂As₂Mo₆O₂₆}·2H₂O (btb = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-y1)butane) (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, elemental analyses, IR, XPS, UV–vis-NIR and TG. Compound 1 consists of [H₂As₂Mo₆O₂₆]^4 − polyoxoanion and {Co-btb} complexes, the polyoxoanion as a tetradentate node coordinated with the Co^2 + ions forming the rhombic 2D interpenetrated layer structure, which is further extended the 3D topological structure with symbol {4⁶ · 6² · 8¹⁶ · 12⁴}{4⁹ · 6⁶}²{4}² by weak interaction. It shows obvious photocatalytic activities for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine-B (RhB). In addition, the electrocatalytic activity upon the reduction of nitrite also has been studied.