Effect of annealing temperature and $$\hbox {CdCl}_{2}$$ treatment on the photo-conversion efficiency of $$\hbox {CdTe/Zn}_{0.1}$$CdTe/Zn0.1$$\hbox {Cd}_{0.9}$$Cd0.9S thin film solar cells

We report the effects of annealing in conjunction with \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\) treatment on the photovoltaic properties of \(\hbox {CdTe/Zn}_{0.1}\hbox {Cd}_{0.9}\)S thin film solar cells. CdTe layer is subjected to dry \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\) treatment by thermal evaporation method and subsequently, heat treated in air using a tube furnace from 400 to \(500{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\). AFM and XRD results show improved grain size and crystallographic properties of the CdTe film with dry \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\) treatment. This recrystallization and grain growth of the CdTe layer upon \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\) treatment translates into improved photo-conversion efficiencies of \(\hbox {CdTe/Zn}_{0.1}\hbox {Cd}_{0.9}\)S cell. The results of dry \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\) treatment were compared with conventional wet \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\) treatment. Photo-conversion efficiency of 5.2% is achieved for dry \(\hbox {CdCl}_{2}\)-treated cells in comparison with 2.4% of wet-treated cell at heat treatment temperature of \(425{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\).     

Synthesis,characterization and electrochemical performance of $$\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {Ni}_{x}\hbox {Fe}_{1-x}\hbox {SiO}_{4}$$ cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

\(\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {Ni}_{x}\hbox {Fe}_{1-x}\hbox {SiO}_{4}\) (\(x = 0\), 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) samples were prepared by a sol–gel process. The crystal structure of prepared samples of \(\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {Ni}_{x}\hbox {Fe}_{1-x}\hbox {SiO}_{4}\) was characterized using an X-ray diffractometer. Different crystallographic parameters such as crystallite size and lattice cell parameters have been calculated. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigations were carried out, which reveal the morphology and function groups of the synthesized samples. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectra measurements are performed. The obtained results indicated that the highest conductivity is achieved for the \(\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {Ni}_{0.4}\hbox {Fe}_{0.6}\hbox {SiO}_{4}\) electrode compound. It was observed that Li–\(\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {Ni}_{0.4}\hbox {Fe}_{0.6}\hbox {SiO}_{4}\) battery has initial discharge capacity of 164 mAh \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\) at 0.1C rate. The cycle life performance of all \(\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {Ni}_{x}\hbox {Fe}_{1-x}\hbox {SiO}_{4}\) batteries ranged between 100 and 156 mAh \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\) with coulombic efficiency range between 70.9 and 93.9%.     

Fabrication and enhanced photoluminescence properties of $$\hbox {NaLa}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}$$: $$\hbox {Sm}^{3+}$$Sm3+, $$\hbox {Bi}^{3+}$$Bi3+ phosphors with high efficiency white-light-emitting

The tetragonal scheelite-type \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\hbox {/Bi}^{3+}\) ions co-doped with \(\hbox {NaLa}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}\) phosphors were synthesized by a facile sol–gel and combustion process using citric acid as complexing agent. The crystal structure and morphology of these as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, UV-absorption and the photoluminescence (PL) properties of these phosphors were systematically investigated and the PL of the phosphors shows strong white light emissions. Efficient energy transfer from the \(\hbox {MoO}_{4}^{2-}\) group or \(\hbox {Bi}^{3+}\) ions to \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\) ions was established by PL investigation excited at 405 nm. The PL intensity of the studied materials was investigated as a function of different \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\) and \(\hbox {Bi}^{3+}\) concentrations. The PL investigations revealed that the phosphors exhibit apparent characteristic emissions, which is ascribed to the transition from the ground state energy level \(^{4}\hbox {G}_{5/2}\) to excited state energy levels \(^{6}\hbox {H}_{\mathrm{J}}\) (\(J= 5/2, 7/2, 9/2\)) and the \(\hbox {NaLa}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}\): 4 mol% \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\) and \(\hbox {NaLa}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}\): 4 mol% \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\), 8 mol% \(\hbox {Bi}^{3+}\) present white emissions with the CIE coordinates of (0.350, 0.285) and (0.285, 0.229), respectively. The absolute quantum efficiencies of the phosphors are 40% (\(\hbox {NaLa}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}\): 4 mol% \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\)) and 52% (\(\hbox {NaLa}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}\): 4 mol% \(\hbox {Sm}^{3+}\), 8 mol% \(\hbox {Bi}^{3+}\)), respectively.     

Radiative Properties of Ceramic $$\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$, AlN,and $$\hbox {Si}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$Si3N4: I. Experiments

The radiative properties of dense ceramic \(\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\), AlN, and \(\hbox {Si}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\) plates are investigated from the visible to the mid-infrared region at room temperature. Each specimen has different surface finishings on different sides of the laminate. A monochromator was used with an integrating sphere to measure the directional-hemispherical reflectance and transmittance of these samples at wavelengths from 0.4 \(\upmu \hbox {m}\) to 1.8 \(\upmu \hbox {m}\). The specular reflectance was obtained by a subtraction technique. A Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer was used to measure the directional-hemispherical or specular reflectance and transmittance with appropriate accessories from about 1.6 \(\upmu \hbox {m}\) to 19 \(\upmu \hbox {m}\). All measurements were performed at near-normal incidence on either the smooth side or the rough side of the sample. The experimental observations are qualitatively interpreted considering the optical constants, surface roughness, and volume scattering and absorption.     

Superconducting epitaxial $$\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-\delta }$$ on $$\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}$$SrTiO3-buffered Si(001)

Thin films of optimally doped(001)-oriented \(\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-\updelta }\) are epitaxially integrated on silicon(001) through growth on a single crystalline \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) buffer. The former is grown using pulsed-laser deposition and the latter is grown on Si using oxide molecular beam epitaxy. The single crystal nature of the \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) buffer enables high quality \(\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-\updelta }\) films exhibiting high transition temperatures to be integrated on Si. For a 30-nm thick \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) buffer, 50-nm thick \(\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-\updelta }\) films that exhibit a transition temperature of \(\sim \)93 K, and a narrow transition width (<5 K) are achieved. The integration of single crystalline \(\hbox {YBa}_{2}\hbox {Cu}_{3}\hbox {O}_{7-\updelta }\) on Si(001) paves the way for the potential exploration of cuprate materials in a variety of applications.     

Facile synthesis and characterization of rough surface $$\mathrm{V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}$$ nanomaterials for pseudo-supercapacitor electrode material with high capacitance

\(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) nanomaterials with rough surface were synthesized using commercial \(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\), ethanol (EtOH) and \(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}\) as the starting materials by a simple hydrothermal route and combination of calcination. The electrochemical properties of \(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) nanomaterials as electrodes in a supercapacitor device were measured using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) method. \(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) nanomaterials exhibit the specific capacitance of 423 F \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\) at the current density of 0.5 A \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\) and retain 327 F \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\) even at the high current density of 10 A \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\). The influence of the ratio of \(\hbox {EtOH/H}_{2}\hbox {O}\), the calcined time and temperature on the morphology, purity and electrochemical property of the products is discussed in detail. The results revealed that the ratio of \(\hbox {EtOH}\hbox {/}\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}= 10\hbox {/}25\) and calcination at \(400{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\) for 2–4 h are favourable for preparing \(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) nanomaterials and they exhibited the best electrochemical property. The novel morphology and high specific surface area are the main factors that contribute to high electrochemical performance of \(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) nanomaterials during the charge–discharge processes. It turns out that \(\hbox {V}_{2}\hbox {O}_{5}\) nanomaterials with rough surface is an ideal material for supercapacitor electrode in the present work.     

Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of g-$$\hbox {C}_{3}\mathrm{N}_{4}$$ hybridized CdS nanoparticles

The highly effective g-\(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\) hybridized CdS photocatalysts were synthesized via a successive calcination and hydrothermal process. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of the \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\)/CdS nanocomposites was evaluated by the photodegradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. The results showed that photocatalytic ability of the \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\)/CdS nanocomposites was higher than that of pure \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\) and CdS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the high separation efficiency of the photo-excited electron-hole pairs. A possible mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation of RhB on \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}/\)CdS nanocomposites was also proposed.     

High-pressure studies of superconductivity in $$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$

\(\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}\) crystallizes in tetragonal CeOBiS\(_{2}\) structure (S. G. P4/nmm). We have investigated the effect of pressure on magnetization measurements. Our studies suggest improved superconducting properties in polycrystalline samples of \(\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}\). The \(T_{\mathrm{c}}\) in our sample is 5.3 K, at ambient pressure, which is marginal but definite enhancement over \(T_{\mathrm{c}}\) reported earlier (= 5.1 K). The upper critical field \(H_{\mathrm{c}2}\)(0) is greater than 3 T, which is higher than earlier report on this material. As determined from the M–H curve, both \(H_{\mathrm{c}2}\) and \(H_{\mathrm{c}1}\) decrease under external pressure P (0 \(\le P \le \) 1 GPa). We observe a decrease in critical current density and transition temperature on applying pressure in \(\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}\).     

Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of $$\hbox {Yb}^{3+}$$/$$\hbox {Tm}^{3+}$$Tm3+ co-doped $$\hbox {NaY}(\hbox {MoO}_{4})_{2}$$NaY(MoO4)2 phosphor

Tetragonal \(\text {NaY}(\text {MoO}_{4})_{2}\) (NYM) phosphors co-doped with \(\hbox {Yb}^{3+}\) and \(\hbox {Tm}^{3+}\) ions were synthesized through microwave hydrothermal method followed by calcining treatment. Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the properties of as-prepared samples. The results show that \(\hbox {Yb}^{3+}\)/\(\hbox {Tm}^{3+}\) co-doped NYM displayed bright blue emission near 472 and 476 nm (\(^{1}\hbox {G}_{4}\rightarrow {}^{3}\hbox {H}_{6}\) transition), strong near-infrared upconversion (UC) emission around 795 nm (\(^{3}\hbox {H}_{4}\rightarrow {}^{3}\hbox {H}_{6}\) transition). The optimum doping concentrations of \(\hbox {Yb}^{3+}\) and \(\hbox {Tm}^{3+}\) for the most intense UC luminescence were obtained, and the related UC mechanism of \(\hbox {Yb}^{3+}\)/\(\hbox {Tm}^{3+}\) co-doped NYM depending on pump power was studied in detail.     

Distribution of relaxation times investigation of $$\hbox {Co}^{3+}$$ doping lithium-rich cathode material $$\hbox {Li}[\hbox {Li}_{0.2} \hbox {Ni}_{0.1} \hbox {Mn}_{0.5} \hbox {Co}_{0.2}]\hbox {O}_{2}$$Li[Li0.2Ni0.1Mn0.5Co0.2]O2

The element \(\hbox {Co}^{3+}\) was introduced into lithium-rich material \(0.5\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {MnO}_{3} \cdot 0.5 \hbox {LiNi}_{0.5}\hbox {Mn}_{0.5}\hbox {O}_{2}\) by a polyacrylamide-assisted sol–gel method to form \(\hbox {Li}[\hbox {Li}_{0.2} \hbox {Ni}_{0.1} \hbox {Mn}_{0.5} \hbox {Co}_{0.2}]\hbox {O}_{2}\) and better electro-chemical performances were observed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy spectra were measured on 11 specific open circuit voltage levels on the initial charge profile. Then they were converted to the distribution of relaxation times (DRTs) g(\(\tau \)) by self-consistent Tikhonov regularization method. The obtained DRTs offered a higher resolution in the frequency domain and provided the number and the physical origins of loss processes clearly. Through the analysis of DRTs, the rapid augmentation of resistance to electronic conduction and charge transfer within the voltage range 4.46–4.7 V where the removal of \(\hbox {Li}_{2}\hbox {O}\) from \(\hbox {Li}_{2} \hbox {MnO}_{3}\) component took place was the most remarkable phenomenon and the \(\hbox {Co}^{3+}\) doping greatly reduced the resistance to electronic conduction Re. This gave us more evidence about the complicated ‘structurally integrated’ composite character of the material.     

Structures and electronic properties of $$\hbox {W}_{m}\hbox {Cu}_{n}\,(n + m \le 7)$$ clusters

Geometric and electronic structures of \(\hbox {W}_{m}\hbox {Cu}_{n}\, (m + n \le 7)\) cluster have been systematically calculated by density functional theory at the generalized gradient approximation level for ground-state structures. \(\hbox {W}_{m}\hbox {Cu}_{n}\) clusters with \(n = 1, 3, 5\) tend to form bipyramid structures, whereas \(\hbox {WCu}_{n}\) favour planar shapes except for \(\hbox {WCu}_{5}\). The configurations of \(\hbox {W}_{m}\hbox {Cu}_{n}\) clusters are more sensitive to the Cu atoms than the W atoms, while the average atomic binding energies and the total magnetic moments are determined by W atoms. The calculated second-order differences in energies and HOMO–LOMO energy gaps show pronounced odd–even oscillating behaviours. From the Mulliken electron population analysis, we found that Cu 4p and W 6p orbitals exhibit electronic charges and both Cu 4s and W 6s orbitals transfer electronic charges to the W 5d orbital, which lead to the extension of W–Cu bond lengths.     

Resistance-switching properties of Bi-doped $$\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}$$ films for non-volatile memory applications with different device structures

\(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) and Bi-doped \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) films were fabricated with different device structures using the sol–gel method for non-volatile memory applications, and their resistance-switching behaviour, endurance and retention characteristics were investigated. \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) and \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si or Pt have the same phase structure, morphologies and grain size; however, the grain size of the \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si is slightly larger than those of the \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si and the \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Pt. The \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) or \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si or Pt all exhibit bipolar resistive-switching behaviour and follow the same conductive mechanism; however, the \(\hbox {Ag}/\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}/\hbox {Si}\) device possesses the highest \(R_{\mathrm{HRS}}{/}R_{\mathrm{LRS}}\) of \(10^{5}\) and the best endurance and retention characteristics. The doping of Bi is conducive to enhance the \(R_{\mathrm{HRS}}{/}R_{\mathrm{LRS}}\) of the \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) films; meanwhile, the Si substrates help improve the endurance and retention characteristics of the \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films.     

Structural,dielectric and piezoelectric study of Ca-, Zr-modified $$\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}$$ lead-free ceramics

We prepared a lead-free ceramic (\(\hbox {Ba}_{0.85}\hbox {Ca}_{0.15})(\hbox {Ti}_{1-x}\hbox {Zr}_{x})\hbox {O}_{3}\) (BCTZ) using the conventional mixed oxide technique. The samples were prepared by an ordinary mixing and sintering technique. In this study we investigated how small amounts of \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) can affect the crystal structure and microstructure as well as dielectric and piezoelectric properties of \(\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}\). X-ray diffraction analysis results indicate that no secondary phase is formed in any of the BCTZ powders for \(0 \le x \le 0.1\), suggesting that \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) diffuses into \(\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}\) lattices to form a solid solution. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed that the average grain size gradually increased with \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) content from 9.5 \(\upmu \!\hbox {m}\) for \(x = 0.02\) to 13.5 \(\upmu \!\hbox {m}\) for \(x = 0.1\); Curie temperature decreased due to the small tetragonality caused by \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) addition. Owing to the polymorphic phase transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal phase around room temperature, it was found that the composition \(x = 0.09\) showed improved electrical properties and reached preferred values of \(d_{33} = 148\) pC \(\hbox {N}^{-1}\) and \(K_{\mathrm{p}} = 27\%\).     

Elastic and thermodynamic properties of zirconium- and hafnium-doped $$\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {V}$$ intermetallic compounds: potential aerospace material

Structural, electronic, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{x}\hbox {V}_{1-x}\) and \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{x}\hbox {V}_{1-x}\) (\(x = 0\), 0.125, 0.25, 0.75, 0.875 and 1) combinations are investigated by means of first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. Here, \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {V}\) is chosen as the parent binary compound and the doping elements are zirconium and hafnium with the above-mentioned concentrations. The calculated lattice parameters and elastic modulus of binary \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}\), \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {V}\) and \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}\) are in good agreement with the available experimental and other theoretical results. In this study, the following ternary materials viz., \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{0.75}\hbox {V}_{0.25}\), \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{0.25}\hbox {V}_{0.75}\) and \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{0.75}\hbox {V}_{0.25}\) are found to be brittle/more brittle than the parent binary compound \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {V}\), whereas the other ternary combinations, namely \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{0.125}\hbox {V}_{0.875}\), \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{0.25}\hbox {V}_{0.75}\), \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{0.875}\hbox {V}_{0.125}\), \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{0.125}\hbox {V}_{0.875}\) and \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{0.875}\hbox {V}_{0.125}\) are found to be more ductile than \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {V}\). The more brittle ternary combination, namely \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{0.75}\hbox {V}_{0.25}\) (\(B = 229.32\,\hbox {GPa}\)) has the maximum Young’s modulus, shear modulus and hardness values; whereas the more ductile ternary \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{0.25}\hbox {V}_{0.75}\) combination (\(B = 243.54\,\hbox {GPa}\)) is found to have the least values of Young’s modulus, shear modulus and hardness. The band structure, density of states histograms and charge density plots are drawn and discussed. Computed Debye temperature (\(\theta _{\mathrm{D}}\)), Grüneisen parameter (\(\zeta \)) and melting temperature (\(T_{\mathrm{m}})\) of the parent binary compound \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {V}\), the more brittle \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Hf}_{0.75}\hbox {V}_{0.25}\) combination and the more ductile \(\hbox {Rh}_{3}\hbox {Zr}_{0.25}\hbox {V}_{0.75}\) combination are given by (895 K, 1.3491, 2788 K), (790 K, 1.2701, 2736 K) and (698 K, 1.7972, 2529 K), respectively.     

Evaluation of the elastic properties of monovalent oxides using $$\hbox {TeO}_{2}$$-based glasses

Quaternary tellurite glasses with composition \(75\hbox {TeO}_{2}\)–\(5\hbox {WO}_{3}\)–\(15\hbox {Nb}_{2} \hbox {O}_{5}\)–\(5\hbox {M}_{x} \hbox {O}_{y}\) in mol%, where \(\hbox {M}_{x}\hbox {O}_{y}\) = (\(\hbox {Na}_{2}\hbox {O}, \, \hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {O}\), ZnO, MgO, CuO, NiO, \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\), \(\hbox {MnO}_{2}\)), were prepared by the normal melt-quenching method. The ultrasonic velocities (longitudinal and shear) were measured in these glasses using the pulse-echo technique at room temperature. Their elastic moduli, microhardness and Debye temperature were calculated and discussed in terms of the modifier’s ionicity and quantitatively in terms of number of bonds per unit volume and the cross-link density. In this study, the values of ultrasonic velocities, elastic moduli, Debye temperature and microhardness were found to be strongly dependent on three factors, namely: (i) modifier’s ionicity; (ii) trigonal pyramid (\(\hbox {TeO}_{3}\))/trigonal bipyramid (\(\hbox {TeO}_{4}\)) ratio; and (iii) glass transition temperature \(T_\mathrm{g}\). We used the Makishima and Mackenzie’s model to calculate the theoretical elastic moduli and to indicate that the experimental values were in good agreement with the theoretical values.     

Exfoliated $$\hbox {WS}_{2}$$ nanosheets: optical,photocatalytic and nitrogen-adsorption/desorption characteristics

In this work, we report on structural, optical, photocatalytic and nitrogen adsorption–desorption characteristics of \(\hbox {WS}_{2 }\) nanosheets developed via a hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies have revealed a hexagonal crystal structure, whereas nanodimensional sheets are apparently observed in scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) micrographs. As compared to the bulk counterpart, the \(\hbox {WS}_{2}\) nanosheets exhibited a clear blue shift. Through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, average surface area, pore volume and pore size of the NSs were calculated as 211.5 \(\hbox {m}^{2}~\hbox {g}^{-1}\), 0.433 cc \(\hbox {g}^{-1}\) and 3.8 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the \(\hbox {WS}_{2}\) nanosheets was also examined with malachite green (MG) as the target dye under both UV and day light (visible) illumination conditions. Accordingly, a degradation efficiency as high as 67.4 and 86.6% were witnessed for an irradiation time duration of 60 min. The nano-\(\hbox {WS}_{2}\) systems have immense potential in optoelectronics, solid-lubrication and other next generation elements.     

Characterization and optical properties of $$\hbox {Pr}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$-doped molybdenum lead-borate glasses

\(\hbox {Pr}^{3+}\) doped molybdenum lead-borate glasses with the chemical composition 75PbO?[25–(x \(+\) y)\(\hbox {B}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}]\)–\(y\hbox {MoO}_{3}\)–\(x\hbox {Pr}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) (where \(x = 0.5\) and 1.0 mol% and \(y = 0\) and 5 mol%) were prepared by conventional melt-quenching technique. Thermal, optical and structural analyses are carried out using DSC, UV and FTIR spectra. The physical parameters, like glass transition \((T_{\mathrm{g}})\), stability factor \((\Delta T)\), optical energy band gap \((E_{\mathrm{gopt}})\), of these glasses have been determined as a function of dopant concentration. The \({T}_{\mathrm{g}}\) and optical energy gaps of these glasses were found to be in the range of 290–350\({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\) and 2.45–2.7 eV, respectively. Stability of the glass doped with \(\hbox {Pr}^{3+}\) is found to be moderate (\(\sim \)40). The results are discussed using the structural model of Mo–lead-borate glass.     

Influence of $$\hbox {TiO}_{2}$$ particle size and conductivity of the CuCrO$$_{2}$$2 nanoparticles on the performance of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells have been fabricated with mesoporous \(\hbox {TiO}_{2 }\) photoanode and N719 dye as photosensitizer. First, \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) and non-doped, Zn- and Mg-doped CuCrO\(_{2}\) nanoparticles have been synthesized by sol–gel method. In addition, the \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) pastes have been prepared through Pechini-type sol–gel method. The effect of \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) particle size, mesoporous \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) photoanode thickness and solid-state electrolyte thickness on the efficiency of the fabricated devices has been investigated. Our results show that in spite of the low amount of dye loading for photoanode with large \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) nanoparticles (80–180 nm), the dye-sensitized solar cell made from it has higher efficiency than that constructed from the photoanode comprising of small particles about 10–15 nm in size. The higher efficiency is attributed to the longer diffusion length of electrons because of a better electron transport and penetration of a large amount of \(\hbox {CuCrO}_{2 }\) nanoparticles in the porous structure of \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) photoanode. By using the doped \(\hbox {CuCrO}_{2}\) nanoparticles, the efficiency has been increased from 0.027% for \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\)/N719 dye/CuCrO\(_{2}\) to 0.033% for \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\)/N719 dye/CuCrO\(_{2}\):Zn and further increased to 0.042% for \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\)/N719 dye/CuCrO\(_{2}\):Mg. The efficiency enhancement by doping is ascribed to the conductivity improvement due to the presence of impurity atoms.     

Evaluation of Thermodynamic Models for Predicting Phase Equilibria of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ + Impurity Binary Mixture

For the design and operation of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) capture and storage (CCS) processes, equation of state (EoS) models are used for phase equilibrium calculations. Reliability of an EoS model plays a crucial role, and many variations of EoS models have been reported and continue to be published. The prediction of phase equilibria for \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) mixtures containing \(\hbox {SO}_{2}\), \(\hbox {N}_{2}\), NO, \(\hbox {H}_{2}\), \(\hbox {O}_{2}\), \(\hbox {CH}_{4}\), \(\hbox {H}_{2}\mathrm{S}\), Ar, and \(\hbox {H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\) is important for \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) transportation because the captured gas normally contains small amounts of impurities even though it is purified in advance. For the design of pipelines in deep sea or arctic conditions, flow assurance and safety are considered priority issues, and highly reliable calculations are required. In this work, predictive Soave–Redlich–Kwong, cubic plus association, Groupe Européen de Recherches Gazières (GERG-2008), perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory, and non-random lattice fluids hydrogen bond EoS models were compared regarding performance in calculating phase equilibria of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\)-impurity binary mixtures and with the collected literature data. No single EoS could cover the entire range of systems considered in this study. Weaknesses and strong points of each EoS model were analyzed, and recommendations are given as guidelines for safe design and operation of CCS processes.     

Thermo-transport properties of Zn-substituted layered Li-nickel oxide, $$\hbox {LiNiO}_{2}$$

The layered Li-TM-\(\hbox {O}_{2}\) materials have been investigated extensively due to their application as cathodes in Li batteries. The electrical properties of these oxides can be tuned or controlled either by non-stoichiometry or substitution. Hence the thermo-transport properties of Zn-substituted \(\hbox {LiNi}_{1-x}\hbox {Zn}_{x}\hbox {O}_{2}\) for \(0 \le x \le 0.16\) have been investigated in the temperature range of 300–900 K for potential application as a high-temperature thermoelectric material. For \(x < 0.08\), the compounds were of single phase belonging to the space group R-3mH while for \(x > 0.08\) an additional minority phase, ZnO forms together with the main layered phase. All the compounds exhibit a semiconducting behaviour with electrical resistivity, varying in the range of  \(\sim 10^{-4}\) to \(10^{-2}\,\,\Omega \hbox {m}\) between 300 and 900 K. The electrical resistivity is found to increase with increasing Zn-substitution predominantly due to a decrease in the charge carrier hole mobility. The activation energy remains constant, \(\sim \)10  meV, with Zn-substitution. The Seebeck coefficient of the compounds is found to decrease with increasing temperature and increase with increasing Zn-substitution. The Seebeck coefficient decreases from \(\sim \)95 to \(35\ \upmu \hbox {V K}^{-1}\) and the corresponding power factor is \(\sim \)12\(\ \upmu \hbox {W m}^{-1}\ {\hbox {K}}^{-2}\) for the \(x = 0.16\) compound.