Chemical stability and antimicrobial activity of plasma sprayed bioactive Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> coating

Calcium silicate ceramic coatings have received considerable attention in recent years due to their excellent bioactivity and bonding strength. However, their high dissolution rates limit their practical applications. In this study, zinc incorporated calcium silicate based ceramic Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ coating was prepared on Ti-6Al-4V substrate via plasma spraying technology aiming to achieve higher chemical stability and additional antibacterial activity. Chemical stability of the coating was assessed by monitoring mass loss and ion release of the coating after immersion in the Tris–HCl buffer solution and examining pH value variation of the solution. Results showed that the chemical stability of zinc incorporated coating was improved significantly. Antimicrobial activity of the Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ coating was evaluated, and it was found that the coating exhibited 93% antibacterial ratio against Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, in vitro bioactivity and cytocompatibility were confirmed for the Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ coating by simulated body fluid test, MC3T3-E1 cells adhesion investigation and cytotoxicity assay.     

Etching behavior of CdTe in aqueous H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>-HI-C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>8</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> solutions

This paper examines the dissolution behavior of the (111)A, (111)B, (110), and (100) surfaces of CdTe single crystals in aqueous H₂O₂-HI-C₆H₈O₇ (citric acid) solutions. We have determined the dissolution rate of the crystals as a function of temperature and solution concentration, located the composition regions of polishing and selective etchants, and studied the microstructure and roughness of surfaces polished with optimized etchants. The etching behavior of CdTe is shown to depend on its crystallographic orientation.     

Plutonium dioxide catalyzed reaction between H<Subscript>2</Subscript> and O<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The kinetic characteristics of the reaction between H₂ and O₂ were calculated to more adequately simulate the radiolysis of water adsorbed on PuO₂. The rate constants of this reaction were determined via comparison of the calculated results with the published experimental data. It was found that, with the amount of the adsorbed water increasing from 2 × 10^?4 to 5 × 10^?3%, the rate constant of the reaction decreases from 6.0 × 10^?4 to 1.7 × 10^?5 mol^?1 s^?1. At the water content over 5 × 10^?3%, the rate constant is ≤1 × 10^?5 mol^?1 s^?1. A new mathematical model of the radiation-chemical and physicochemical processes occurring in the PuO₂-H₂O system was presented; the amounts of hydrogen and oxygen yielded by α-radiolysis of the adsorbed water were calculated, taking into account the reaction between H₂ and O₂.     

Molybdenum dissolution in mixtures of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> and concentrated HNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> and H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript> in the presence of tungsten

The oxidation of molybdenum and tungsten in hydrogen peroxide solutions and the effect of H₂O₂ on the selectivity of Mo and W dissolution in mixtures of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids have been studied.     

Plasma parameters and volume kinetics in Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript>/O<Subscript>2</Subscript> mixtures

We investigated plasma characteristics, plasma mass content and kinetic dependencies of both neutral and charged particle formation and decay in Cl₂/O₂ gas mixture. For these purposes we used a combination of experimental methods (optical emission spectroscopy, Langmuir probe) and a plasma modeling on the base of self-consistent solution of Boltzmann kinetic equation together with balance kinetic equations for neutral and charged particles in a quasi-stationary approximation. It was found that the change of O₂/(Cl₂+O₂) mixing ratio from 0 to 0.2 leads to an increase of electron average energy and electron energy distribution function (EEDF) deformation. The main mechanisms of Cl and O atom formation are the direct electron impact dissociation of corresponding molecules while the contribution of all possible “secondary” processes is not significant in the case of a relatively low O₂ addition.     

A novel Sn<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> nanophotocatalyst for visible-light-driven H<Subscript>2</Subscript> evolution

A novel pure cubic-phase pyrochlore structure tin(II) antimonate nanophotocatalyst, stoichiometric Sn₂Sb₂O₇, has been prepared by a modified ion-exchange process using an antimonic acid precursor, and employed in visible-light-driven photocatalytic H₂ evolution for the first time. The physicochemical properties (crystal phase, chemical composition and state, textural properties, and optical properties) of the material were investigated by different instrumental techniques. Compared with the antimonic acid precursor, the as-prepared Sn₂Sb₂O₇ had a narrower bandgap, smaller crystal size, and larger BET surface area. The as-prepared Sn₂Sb₂O₇ was validated as a promising candidate for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution with a constant rate of 40.10 μmol·h⁻¹·g_cat ⁻¹.      

Growth and properties of LiCu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>-NaCu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> crystals

Platelike Li_{1 ? x} Na _x Cu₂O₂ single crystals up to 2 × 10 × 10 mm in dimensions have been grown by slowly cooling (1 ? x)Li₂CO₃·xNa₂O₂·4CuO melts in alundum crucibles in air. Li_{1 ? x} Na _x Cu₂O₂ solid solutions in the LiCu₂O₂-NaCu₂O₂ system have been shown to exist in the composition range 0.78 < x < 1. The temperature stability ranges of NaCu₂O₂ and LiCu₂O₂ are 780–930 and 890–1050°C, respectively. The Mössbauer spectra and electrical conductivity of the crystals have been measured.     

Reactions of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>, Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>, and Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> with AlN

Reactions of vanadium, niobium, and tantalum pentoxides with aluminum nitride have been studied using X-ray diffraction. At temperatures from 1000 to 1600°C, we have identified various V, Nb, and Ta nitrides. The composition of the niobium and tantalum nitrides depends on the reaction temperature. The tendency toward nitride formation becomes stronger in the order V₂O₅ < Ta₂O₅ < Nb₂O₅.     

Aging of ITO anodes treated by supercritical CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> fluids for OLEDs

The aging behaviors of indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes treated by supercritical CO₂/H₂O₂ (SCCO₂/H₂O₂) fluids were investigated. As the SCCO₂/H₂O₂-treated ITO anodes were aged, the contact angle and surface energy were analyzed and compared with those of the ITO anodes treated by oxygen plasma. The SCCO₂/H₂O₂ pretreatment yielded a stable polar component of the ITO surfaces after 48 h of aging. The energy reduction in the polar component of the oxygen-plasma-treated ITO due to aging was 20 %, as compared with the 1.1 % decrease in ITO treated with the SCCO₂/H₂O₂ fluids at 4000 psi for 15 min. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the oxygen content of the ITO surfaces with the SCCO₂/H₂O₂ pretreatment was significantly higher than that of the ITO treated by oxygen plasma. This could result from the formation of hydroxyl products that functioned as a stable buffer layer against further contamination during aging. In addition, the correlated dependence of the OLED performance on the aged ITO anodes was also studied. The OLEDs with the SCCO₂/H₂O₂ pretreatment showed an improved degradation of I–V characteristics and brightness in comparison with those of the devices treated with oxygen plasma after aging the treated ITO anodes for 6 and 12 h. The obtained results suggested that the ITO anodes treated by the SCCO₂/H₂O₂ fluids exhibited a stable surface chemistry and could be useful for OLED applications.     

Antireflecting coating from Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> and SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> multilayer films

Sol-gel method is important for depositing antireflective coating that allows control over thickness as well as the index of refraction. Antireflective coatings which are produced from Ta₂O₅ and SiO₂ multi-layer thin films using sol-gel spin coating method are presented. The refractive index and the thickness are controlled by the composition and the concentration of the solution respectively. The thickness, refractive index and extinction coefficient of the films were calculated through transmission and reflection measurement by an NKD analyser. Mechanical properties of the films were checked by the cross tape test and dry sun test at 760 W/m². The result shows that the sample heat treated at 450^∘C for 15 min approaches a reflectance with less than 0.5% at around 840 nm.     

The calculation of liquid-vapor phase equilibrium in H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> two-component system

The dependences of total pressure and equilibrium composition of vapors on temperature and mole fraction of hydroperoxide in solution are calculated for a water-hydroperoxide two-component two-phase system. It is assumed that the relaxation to concentration equilibrium in gas at the surface of solution is attained quite rapidly compared to the half-life of hydroperoxide. Three independent approximate methods are used to calculate the total pressure. The ideal gas approximation for the gas phase is not used in two of these methods. Approximation formulas are suggested, which explicitly express the dependence of pressure and composition of gas on relative concentration of hydroperoxide in solution and on temperature. The accuracy of the methods and the range of their validity are discussed.     

Electrical conductivity of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Tm<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> solid solutions

New solid solutions, Bi_2?x?y Tm _x Nb _y O_3+δ, with tetragonal and cubic structures have been synthesized in the Bi₂O₃-Tm₂O₃-Nb₂O₅ system, and their electrical conductivity has been measured at temperatures from 670 to 1020 K. The 1020-K conductivity of the tetragonal solid solution Bi_1.8Tm_0.15Nb_0.05O_3+δ is comparable to that of Bi_1.75Tm_0.25O₃, the best conductor in the Bi₂O₃-Tm₂O₃ system.     

Synthesis of CuO nanoflower and its application as a H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> sensor

CuO three-dimensional (3D) flower-like nanostructures were successfully synthesized by a simple method at 100°C with Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O and NH₃·H₂O for 6 h in the absence of any additives. We found that NH₃·H₂O amount was critical for CuO morphology evolution. The phase analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the result confirmed that the CuO nanoflowers were single-phase. The morphological investigations by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed that the CuO nanoflowers were mono-dispersed in a large quantity and consisted of nanosheets. And then, CuO nanoflowers were successfully used to modify a gold electrode to detect H₂O₂ with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric (AC). It was found that CuO nanoflowers may be of great potential for H₂O₂ electrochemical sensing.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and proton conductivity of KFe(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

KFe H₂P₂O7)₂ is synthesized at 443 K in molten polyphosphoric acids containing K and Fe ions, and its crystal structure is determined: triclinic unit cell with a = 4.9974(6) Å, b = 7.4766(9) Å, c = 7.8185(9) Å, = 82.29(2)°, = 83.37(2)° , = 74.13(2)° ; Z = 1, sp. gr. P . The structure is made up of infinite ribbons formed by corner-shared PO₄ tetrahedra and FeO₆ octahedra, with the K atoms in between. Neighboring ribbons are linked by hydrogen bonds. The proton conductivity of potassium iron(III) dihydrogen diphosphate is rather low.Translated from Neorganicheskie Materialy, Vol. 41, No. 1, 2005, pp. 74–77. Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Chudinova, Murashova, Ilyukhin, Tarnopolskii, Yaroslavtsev.     

Reaction of Np(VI) with H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> in carbonate solutions

The kinetics and stoichiometry of the reaction of Np(VI) with H₂O₂ in carbonate solutions were studied by spectrophotometry. In the range 1–0.02 M Na₂CO₃, the reaction 2Np(VI) + H₂O₂ = 2Np(V) + O₂ occurs, as Δ[Np(VI)]/Δ[H₂O₂] ≈ 2. In Na₂CO₃ + NaHCO₃ solutions, the stoichiometric coefficient decreases, which is caused by side reactions. The reduction at low (1 mM) concentrations of Np(VI) and H₂O₂ follows the first-order rate law with respect to Np(VI), which suggests the formation of a Np(VI) peroxide-carbonate complex, followed by intramolecular charge transfer. Addition of Np(V) in advance decreases the reaction rate. An increase in the H₂O₂ concentration leads to the reaction deceleration owing to formation of a complex with two peroxy groups. In a 1 M Na₂CO₃ solution containing 1 mM H₂O₂, the first-order rate constant k increases with a decrease in [Np(VI)] from 2 to 0.1 mM. For solutions with [Np(VI)] = [H₂O₂] = 1 mM, k passes through a minimum at [Na₂CO₃] = 0.5–0.1 M. The activation energy in a 0.5 M Na₂CO₃ solution is 48 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Temperature-stable and low loss Fe-containing dielectrics in BaO-Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> system

Polycrystalline samples of Ba₄Ln₂Fe₂Ta₈O₃₀ (Ln = La and Nd) were prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction technique. The formation, structure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the compounds were studied. Both compounds are found to be paraelectrics with filled tetragonal tungsten bronze (TB) structure at room temperature. Dielectric measurements revealed that the present ceramics have exceptional temperature stability, a relatively small temperature coefficient of dielectric constant (τ _ε ) of −25 and −58 ppm/°C, with a high dielectric constant of 118 and 96 together with a low dielectric loss of 1.2 × 10⁻³ and 2.8 × 10⁻³ (at 1 MHz) for Ba₄La₂Fe₂Ta₈O₃₀ and Ba₄Nd₂Fe₂Ta₈O₃₀, respectively. The measured dielectric properties indicate that both materials are possible candidates for the fabrication of discrete multilayer capacitors in microelectronic technology.     

Crystallization from high-temperature solutions in the K<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>-V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

We have studied general trends of crystallization from high-temperature solutions in the K₂O-P₂O₅-V₂O₅-Bi₂O₃ system at P/V = 0.5?2.0, K/(P + V) = 0.7?1.4, and Bi₂O₃ contents from 25 to 50 wt % and identified the stability regions of BiPO₄, K₃Bi₅(PO₄)₆, K₂Bi₃O(PO₄)₃, and K₃Bi₂(PO₄)_{3 ? x} (VO₄) _x (x = 0?3) solid solutions. The synthesized compounds have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy, and the structure of two solid solutions has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (sp. gr. C ₂/c): K₃Bi₂(PO₄)₂(VO₄), a = 13.8857(8), b = 13.5432(5), c = 6.8679(4) Å, β = 114.031(7)°; K₃Bi₂(PO₄)_1.25(VO₄)_1.75, a = 13.907(4), b = 13.615(2), c = 6.956(2) Å, β = 113.52(4)°.     

Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Nd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> co-stabilized ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-WC composites

Y₂O₃ + Nd₂O₃ co-stabilized ZrO₂-based composites with 40 vol% WC were fully densified by pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) at 1350 °C and 1450 °C. The influence of the PECS temperature and Nd₂O₃ co-stabilizer content on the densification, hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the composites was investigated. The best combination of properties was obtained for a 1 mol% Y₂O₃ and 0.75 mol% Nd₂O₃ co-stabilized composite densified for 2 min at 1450 °C under a pressure of 62 MPa, resulting in a hardness of 15.5 ± 0.2 GPa, an excellent toughness of 9.6 ± 0.4 MPa.m^0.5 and an impressive 3-point bending strength of 2.04 ± 0.08 GPa. The hydrothermal stability of the 1 mol% Y₂O₃ + 1 mol% Nd₂O₃ co-stabilized ZrO₂-WC (60/40) composites was compared with that of the equivalent 2 mol% Y₂O₃ stabilized ceramic. The double stabilized composite did not degrade in 1.5 MPa steam at 200 °C after 4000 min, whereas the yttria stabilized composite degraded after less than 2000 min. Moreover, the (1Y,1Nd) ZrO₂-WC composites have a substantially higher toughness (~9 MPa.m^0.5) than their 2Y stabilized equivalents (~7 MPa.m^0.5).     

Characterization and electrical properties of semiconducting Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-K<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> glasses

Semiconducting glasses of the Fe₂O₃-Bi₂O₃-K₂B₄O₇ system were prepared by the press-quenching method and their dc conductivity in the temperature range 223–393 K was measured. The glass transition temperature values (T_g) of the present glasses were larger than those of tellurite glasses. This indicates a higher thermal stability of the glass in the present system. The density for these glasses was consistent with the ionic size, atomic weight and amount of different elements in the glasses. Mössbauer results revealed that the relative fraction of Fe increases with increasing Fe₂O₃ content. Electrical conductivity showed a similar composition dependency as the fraction of Fe. The glasses had conductivities ranging from 10 to 10 Scm at temperatures from 223 to 393 K. Electrical conduction of the glasses was confirmed to be due to non-adiabatic small polaron hopping and the conduction was primarily determined by hopping carrier mobility.     

Preparation of magnetic composites through SrO-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> glass crystallization

Glasses with nominal compositions 11SrO · 5.5Fe₂O₃ · 4.5Al₂O₃ · 4B₂O₃ (1) and 15SrO · 5.5Fe₂O₃ · 4.5Al₂O₃ · 4B₂O₃ (2) were prepared by rapidly quenching oxide melts between counterrotating steel rollers. The glasses were then heat-treated in the range 650–950°C to produce glass-ceramic samples. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The phase composition of the glass-ceramics was determined, and their microstructure and magnetic properties were studied. The annealing temperature was shown to have a strong effect on the coercivity of the materials, which reaches 650 and 570 kA/m for compositions 1 and 2, respectively.