Varistor and electrical properties of MgO.(Fe2O3)1−x(Bi2O3)x ceramics

In this study, MgO.(Fe₂O₃)_1−x(Bi₂O₃)_x (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08) samples were prepared by the conventional ceramic process. Microstructure studies revealed that the samples contain MgFe₂O₄ grains surrounded by insulating Bi₂O₃-rich phases. DC electrical resistivity of the samples was increased by Bi₂O₃ content up to 1.1 MΩ.cm for the sample with x = 0.08. Current density- electric field investigations suggested that the samples with x = 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 exhibited varistor properties. The sample with x = 0.01 showed excellent varistor properties with a non-linear coefficient of 45 and a threshold electric field value of 160 V/cm. Variation of D.C electrical conductivity versus temperature indicated that the activation energy values for the conduction were increased by Bi₂O₃ content from 0.334(5) eV to 0.857(5) eV. A.C electrical conductivity spectra of the samples obey the universal power law and the charge transport mechanism is based on electron hopping via sudden translational motion between the ferric and ferrous ions.     

Electrical,structural and thermal properties of nanoceramic (Bi2O3)1−x−y(Ho2O3)x(Tm2O3)y ternary system

Ho₂O₃ and Tm₂O₃ doped Bi₂O₃ composite electrolyte type materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at intermediate-temperature were investigated. The bismuth-based ceramic powders were produced by using conventional solid-state synthesis techniques. The products were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetry (DTA/TG), and the four-point probe technique (4PPT). XRD and DTA/TG measurements indicate that all of the samples have the stable fluorite type face centered cubic (fcc) δ-phase. 4PPT measurements were performed in the temperature range 150–1000 °C in air and these measurements showed that the electrical conductivity of the samples decrease with increasing amount of Tm₂O₃. This increase in the electrical conductivity of the samples could be attributed to the increase in the numbers of highly polarizable cations and oxide ion vacancies. The highest conductivity value was found as 5.31×10^?1 Ω cm^?1 for the (Bi₂O₃)_1?x?y(Ho₂O₃)_x(Tm₂O₃)_y ternary system (for x=20 and y=5 mol%) at 1000 °C. The activation energies of the samples were calculated from log σ graphics versus 1000/T. These calculated results showed that the translation motion of the charge carriers, oxygen vacancies, and space charge polarizations are responsible for the change in activation energy as a function of temperature.     

Flux pinning mechanisms of (YBa2Cu3Oy-d)1−x/(Dy2O3)x superconductors (x=0.1 and 0.5 wt%)

Polycrystalline (YBa₂Cu₃O_y-d)_1?x/(Dy₂O₃)_x superconductor samples were produced through the solid-state reaction route and by adding amounts of x = 0.1 and 0.5 wt% of Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles (NP-Dy₂O₃ with a size of about 10 nm) during the second stage of heat treatment. The structural, microstructural, critical current density and pinning properties were investigated using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and DC magnetization at various temperatures ranging from 77 down to 10 K and under an applied magnetic field varying between ?6 and +6 Tesla. Both samples crystallize in the orthorhombic structure. It was found that the Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles reside in the grain boundaries. Although the sample with 0.5 wt% NP-Dy₂O₃ is characterized by a low zero resistive temperature of about 78 K that is close to the useful temperature for technological applications, it showed the highest J_c values and the excellent flux pinning capacity. The addition of an appropriate amount of NP-Dy₂O₃ up to 0.5 wt% extends the single bundle pinning regime and retards the liquid vortex regime.     

Energy storage and discharge performance for (1−x)BaSrTiO3−xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics

Although lead-free dielectric ceramics have been widely studied to obtain excellent dielectric properties and good energy storage properties, the primary challenge of low energy storage density has not yet been resolved. Here, we introduce the concept of crossover relaxor ferroelectrics, which represent a state intermediate between normal ferroelectrics and relaxor ferroelectrics, as a solution to address the issue of low energy density. The (1−x)BaSrTiO₃−xBi(Zn_1/2Ti_1/2)O₃ (x = 0,.05, .1, .15, .2) ceramics were prepared by a solid-state method. Remarkably, 0.85BST–0.15BZT ceramics achieved a high recoverable energy density (W_rec) of 2.18 J/cm³ under an electric field of 240 kV/cm. BST–BZT materials exhibit substantial recoverable energy density, high breakdown strength, and superior energy efficiency, positioning them as a promising alternative to meet the diverse demands of high-power applications.     

Efficient and selective oxidation of olefins and alcohols using nanoparticles of WO3-supported manganese oxides (W1−x Mn x O3)

Nanoparticles of manganese oxide supported on tungsten oxide (WO₃) were synthesized by an impregnation method using Mn(NO₃)₂ and Na₂WO₄ as a source of manganese and tungsten. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of compounds. Due to a highly dispersed state of manganese or insertion of manganese ions into the WO₃ lattice, no manganese oxide peak was observed in the XRD patterns of the W_1?x Mn _x O₃ nanoparticles. Investigation of W_1?x Mn _x O₃ by AAS and EDX showed that the relative atomic abundance of Mn present in the bulk and on the surface of WO₃ was 3.68% and 4.8% respectively. For the first time, the catalytic oxidation of olefins and alcohols, in the presence of these materials and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a green oxidant at room temperature was studied. The recoverability and catalyst leaching of the W_1?x Mn _x O₃ nanoparticles in epoxidation of styrene as a model reaction were also investigated.     

Investigation on the preparation and luminescence property of (Gd1−xDyx)2O3 (x=0.01–0.10) spherical phosphors

Uniform spheres of (Gd_1−xDy_x)₂O₃ (x=0.01–0.10) have been converted from their colloidal precursor spheres synthesized via homogeneous precipitation. The synthesis, particle size control, luminescent properties and energy transfer of the (Gd_1-xDy_x)₂O₃ were systematically studied by the combined techniques of fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), photoluminescence excitation/ photoluminescence (PLE/PL) spectroscopy, and fluorescence decay analysis. The precursor exhibit mono-dispersed spherical morphology and its size can be efficiently controlled by adjusting the urea content. The phase pure (Gd_1−xDy_x)₂O₃ oxides can be obtained by calcining precursor at 600 °C, and the spherical morphology remained at even high temperature of 1000 °C. The (Gd_1−xDy_x)₂O₃ phosphors display strong yellow emission at 575 nm (⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transition of Dy³⁺) and weak blue emission at 486 nm (⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 transition of Dy³⁺) upon ultraviolet (UV) excitation of Gd³⁺ at 275 nm (⁸S_7/2→⁶I_J transition of Gd³⁺). The optimal content of Dy³⁺ was found to be ~2 at% (x=0.02) due to the concentration quenching. Owing to the efficient Gd³⁺→Dy³⁺energy transfer, the fluorescent property of the phosphor was significantly improved. The emission intensity of (Gd_1−xDy_x)₂O₃ increased with calcination temperature and particle size increasing, while the lifetime for the 575 nm emission gradually decreased. The (Gd_1−xDy_x)₂O₃ spheres developed in the present work is expected to be a promising yellow phosphor widely used in the lighting and display areas.     

A comparative raman study of the local structure in (Ge2S3) x (As2S3)1-x and (GeS2) x (As2S3)1−x glasses

The Raman spectra of glasses in the ternary (Ge₂S₃) _x (As₂S₃)_1−x and (GeS₂) _x (As₂S₃)_1−x systems are reported. It is shown that the degree of disorder in the (Ge₂S₃) _x (As₂S₃)_1−x glasses increases with an increase in the Ge content. The differences in the spectra of glasses with the same molar content of As₂S₃ are discussed in terms of the changes occurring in the local structure due to deviations from the stoichiometry. The observed changes in the intensity of the boson peak indicate changes in the medium-range order structure of the glasses under study.     

Low temperature Mössbauer spectroscopic study of CaO(Fe2O3)1−x(Al2O3)x system

Low temperature ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic studies on CaO(Fe₂O₃)_1−x(Al₂O₃)_x, written as CF_1−xA_x, have been carried out. In view of the earlier findings based on room temperature data, the spectra have been analysed by assuming three Fe sites: two belonging to CF phase and the third site for the Fe atoms distributed in the CA phase. The Fe sites pertaining to the CF phase experience hyperfine field of about 49T and 47T, respectively, at 20K; whereas the third site is paramagnetic at this temperature.     

Preparation and electrical properties of (1−x)SrBi2Nb2O9−xBiFeO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, (1−x)SrBi₂Nb₂O₉−xBiFeO₃ [(1−x)SBN−xBFO] (x=0.0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10) were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure, microstructure and electrical properties were systematically investigated. All compositions formed layered perovskite structure without any detectable secondary phases. Plate-like morphology of the grains which is characteristic for layer-structure Aurivillius compounds was clearly observed. The excellent electrical properties (e.g., d₃₃~19 pC/N, 2P_r~18.8 μC/cm²) and a high Curie temperature (e.g., T_c~449 °C) were simultaneously obtained in the ceramics with x=0.05. Additionally, thermal annealing studies indicated that the BFO modified SBN ceramics system possessed stable piezoelectric properties, demonstrating that the modified SBN-based ceramics are the promising candidates for high-temperature applications.     

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Li2Ti1−x(Zn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 ceramics

Li₂Ti_1?x(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_xO₃ (0≤x≤0.5) ceramics were prepared by a solid state ceramic route, and the phase purity, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The XRD results suggest the formation of solid solutions for all studied compositions (0≤x≤5). The dielectric properties are strongly dependent on the compositions, the densifications and the microstructures of the samples. The Q×f value increases with x up to x=0.2 and then decreases with the further increase of x. The best microwave dielectric properties of ε_r=20.5, Q×f =75,257 GHz, and τ_f =15.4 ppm/°C could be obtained when x=0.2.     

Microwave dielectric properties of (1−x)ZnTa2O6−xMgNb2O6 ceramics

Single phase MgNb₂O₆ and ZnTa₂O₆ powders were synthesized by solid-state method, and the high quality factor composite ceramics of (1?x)ZnTa₂O₆?xMgNb₂O₆ (x=0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 1.0) were prepared using the as-synthesized powders. The microwave dielectric properties, microstructure, phase transition and sintering behavior of the composite ceramics were investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that solid solution between ZnTa₂O₆ and MgNb₂O₆ phases appeared in the composite ceramic. SEM results show that the grain sizes of the composite ceramics increased with increasing x values. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of (1?x)ZnTa₂O₆?xMgNb₂O₆ composite ceramics reaches near-zero of 1.02 ppm/°C with ε_r=35.58 and a high quality factor of 65500 GHz when x=0.20 and sintered at 1350 °C for 2 h.     

Effects of microstructure on the microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 and (1−x)Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3–xBa(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics

Ba(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃(BCN) has a 1:2 ordered hexagonal structure. A large amount of the liquid phase, which contains high concentrations of Ba and Nb ions was found in the BCN ceramics. Q-values of BCN increased with increasing sintering temperature; however, it significantly decreased when the sintering temperature exceeded 1400 °C. The presence of a large amount of liquid phase could be responsible for the decrease of the Q-value. For (1−x)Ba(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–xBa(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ [(1−x)BCN–xBZN] ceramics, the 1:2 ordered hexagonal structure was observed in the specimens with x⩽0.3 and the BaNb₆O₁₆ second phase was found in the specimens with x⩾0.6. Grain growth, which is related to the BaNb₆O₁₆ second phase occurred in the specimens with x⩾0.5. In this work, the excellent microwave dielectric properties of τ_f=0.0 ppm/°C, ε_r=34.5 and Q×f=97,000 GHz were obtained for the 0.7BCN–0.3BZN ceramics sintered at 1400 °C for 20 h.     

CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 corrosion behavior of air-plasma-sprayed (LaxYb1−x)2Zr2O7

The CaO-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ (CMAS) corrosion of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is a crucial problem for the lifetime of blades and vanes of jet engine and gas turbine at high operating temperature. Although many new alternative materials for TBCs have been developed in recent years, their application is limited by the CMAS corrosion. On the other hand, the composition difference of CMAS between regions makes solving this problem very difficult. Therefore, in this study, the yearly composition changes of sand-dust around Beijing area were investigated. The high-temperature corrosion behavior of air-plasma-sprayed 8YSZ and newly developed (La_xYb_1−x)₂Zr₂O₇ TBCs by the representative sand-dust of Beijing was investigated. In comparison, a universally used CaO-riched composition of simulated silicate deposit was also adopted for the TBCs corrosion test. It is found that the (La_xYb_1−x)₂Zr₂O₇ TBCs performs much better anti-corrosion behavior than that of 8YSZ, both by Beijing sand-dust and simulated one. Particularly, Yb₂Zr₂O₇ TBCs appear to be the optimum material against silicate deposits attack. The mechanism of silicate deposits corrosion has also been discussed.     

Defect cluster engineering in ZnGa2−x(Mg/Ge)xO4:Cr3+ nanoparticles for remarkably improved NIR persistent luminescence

Recently, study on Cr³⁺-doped zinc gallate and zinc gallogermanate persistent phosphors has become a hot topic in persistent luminescence and bio imaging areas, because of their near infrared (NIR) emission and long afterglow. However, regulation of efficient traps and improvement of persistent luminescence through bottom-up design are the key challenge. Here, we recommend a new paradigm of chemical unit co-substitution with [Mg²⁺-Ge⁴⁺] substituting for [Ga³⁺-Ga³⁺] in ZnGa₂O₄, which contributes to the opposite charged and distorted octahedral defects of Mg_Ga′ and Ge_Ga ^· in pair around the Cr_N2 ions. The formed defect clusters of Mg_Ga′-Cr_N2-Ge_Ga ^· , which are closely related to the trap depth, can be accurately regulated through varying the doping content of Mg²⁺/Ge⁴⁺ in the resulting spinel solid solutions of ZnGa_2−x(Mg/Ge)_xO₄:Cr³⁺ (x = 0–1.25). Moreover, the defect clusters cannot only store and recharge visible and UV radiations that contributes to the long lasting NIR persistent luminescence but also can enhance the NIR emission intensity at ~695 nm. The persistent luminescence induced by UV light excitation exhibits an improvement at a deeper trap depth, but it follows an opposite law through visible light excitation. The prepared nanoparticles have the advantages of intense NIR emission, long lasting afterglow, and excellent rechargeability for visible/UV radiations, so they are the potential nanoprobes for long-term bio imaging in living animals.     

Large-strain 0.7Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3–0.1Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.2Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3 piezoelectric ceramics for high-temperature application

0.7Pb(Zr_xTi_1−x)O₃–0.1Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–0.2Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (0.7PZT–0.1PZN–0.2PNN, x = 0.44–0.47) piezoelectric powders and ceramics have been prepared through conventional solid-state reaction method. Outstanding piezoelectric and dielectric properties occurred at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), which was characterized by the X-ray diffraction spectrum. The MPB composition (x = 0.46) performed high d₃₃ value (641 pC/N), indicating that the system suited large-strain application. The field-induced strain reached 0.25% under a considerably low electric field (0.8 kV/mm) according to the bipolar strain *S–E loops. The effect of the grain size on the aging phenomenon and temperature stability has also been investigated. Due to higher Curie temperature and smaller grain size, the 0.7PZT–0.1PZN–0.2PNN ceramics maintained a high d₃₃ level after depoling treatment, revealing a superior strain capacity for high-temperature application.     

Electrodeposition and corrosion behavior of Zn–Ni and Zn–Ni–Fe2O3 coatings

A thin film of Zn–Ni–Fe₂O₃ on steel substrates was prepared by electrodeposition technique using Zn–Ni alloy plating solution with nano-sized Fe₂O₃ particles. The cathodic polarization and cyclic voltammetry techniques were used to explain deposition process. The corrosion behavior of deposits was evaluated by polarization and impedance studies. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to study the surface morphology of coating. The grain size and amount of Fe₂O₃ particles present in composite coating were measured by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction spectrometer (EDS), respectively.