Antibacterial properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> ceramic pellets prepared using nano TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> powder

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) porous ceramic pellets with three dimension nano-structure were prepared using nano TiO₂ powder. The TiO₂ porous ceramic pellets were composed of TiO₂ nanoparticles with 14–16 nm in diameter and had porosity of 74.85%. The mean pore size of the TiO₂ porous ceramic pellets was 20.73 nm and the main pore size ranged from 3 to 16 nm. The mass loss of the TiO₂ ceramic pellets was less than 5% after 20 d immersion in water. The antibacterial properties of the TiO₂ pellets were studied. The sterilization rate of Colibacillus (hospital polluted water with bacterium) can reach 99% after 3 h photocatalytic process and these TiO₂ pellets are easy to be re-activated and cyclically be used. The shaping mechanism and photocatalysis sterilization mechanism of the TiO₂ pellets were discussed. Funded by the Applied Basis Research from Sichuan Province, the Research of Photo Purification to Environment with Nano TiO₂ (No. 05YJ029-010)     

Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye with MWCNT/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/C<Subscript>60</Subscript> composites by a hydrothermal method

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/TiO2/C60 composite catalysts were prepared by hydrothermal method. TiO2 was deposited on the MWCNT surface. Their photocatalytic activities for degradation of Rhodamine B dye were studied. X-ray diffraction, field emission transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectrum and photoluminescence spectrum were carried out to characterize the composite catalysts. The results indicated that MWCNTs and C60 could greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.     

Photocatalytic activity of porous magnesium oxychloride cement combined with AC/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composites

As a decorative material, magnesium oxychloride cement was used as a photocatalyst supporter to purify the pollutants indoors. Due to excellent adsorption properties of activated carbon (AC), the photocatalytic composties, TiO₂/AC, were prepared and introduced into the porous magnesium oxychloride cement (PMOC) substrate to composite a sort of photocatalytic cementitious material (PCM). The optimal composite processes were assessed by gas chromatograph, using toluene as the target. By comparing the perspective of toluene purification and thorough decomposition, it can be found that the optimal mass ratio for TiO₂/AC composites is 4/25, and the heat treatment to TiO₂/AC sample at 350 °C can play the optimal synergetic role of adsorbents in photocatalytic process. The synergistic effect of TiO₂, AC and magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) was also evaluated by gas chromatograph. One-take molding process was adopted to introduce the TiO₂/AC into PMOC substrate, and its optimal mass fraction was 4 wt%, while the appropriate density of substrate was 0.35 g/cm3. Toluene degradation showed that the prepared PCM can degrade pollutants efficiently. The appropriate treatment process of TiO₂/AC, mass of TiO₂/AC, substrate density, and stable pore structure should be coordinated to maximize the adsorption-photodegradation performance. The combination of photocatalytic materials, adsorbents, and building materials provided a new idea for the application of photocatalysis.     

Structural characteristics and photocatalytic activity of ambient pressure dried SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> aerogel composites by one-step solvent exchange/surface modification

An ambient pressure synthesis of SiO₂/TiO₂ binary aerogel was prepared through the low-cost precursors of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) and sodium silicate (Na₂O·nSiO₂). After gelation, solvent exchange and surface modification were performed simultaneously and the modified gel was finally dried under ambient pressure. Microstructural analyses by transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicate that fabricated SiO₂/TiO₂ aerogel composite shows similar sponge-like nanostructure as silica aerogel, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis shows that the specific surface area of the composite reaches 605 m²/g, and the average pore size is 9.7 nm. Such binary aerogel exhibits significant photocatalytic performance in this paper for treating model pollutant of methyl orange (MO), and the decolorizing efficiency of MO is detected as 84.9% after 210 mins exposure to UV light irradiation. Degraded gel suspends in the water so as to separate from solution for reuse, and after 4 times recycling, 70% degradation efficiency can be easily reached when composite catalyzed system is exposed for 210 mins under UV irradiation.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic property of the ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> pillared laponite

The ZrO2/TiO2 pillared laponite (Ti-Zr-lap) photocatalysts were prepared with intercalation reaction by supercritical fluid drying (SCFD),and characterized by XRD,TEM,SEM and BET surface area analysis,and the photocatalytic properties of Ti-Zr-lap were investigated by degradation of azo dye acid red B (ARB).The results showed that the ZrO2/TiO2 pillared structures in laponite could be formed,with the mass fraction of (Zr4++Ti4+)/laponite (Xm) increasing,the basal spacing and the BET surface area of Ti-Zr-lap significantly increased.The Ti-Zr-lap used as photocatalyst had the advantages of stable and porous layered structure,large surface area with the anatase type TiO2.Compared with the Ti-Zr-lap dried by air drying,the Ti-Zr-lap dried by SCFD showed better photocatalytic property which was very close to that of P25 TiO2.Using the Ti-Zr-lap as photocatalyst with the optimum Xm of 0.16 and the calcination temperature of 500 ℃,under the conditions of the initial concentration of ARB 20 mg/L,photocatalyst concentration of 1.5 g/L and irradiation time 60 min,the decoloring rate of ARB could achieve 98.3%,indicating that the Ti-Zr-lap had excellent photocatalytic property.     

Biomolecule-assisted solvothermal synthesis and enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>/BiOCl composites

Novel Bi₂S₃/BiOCl photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a facile biomolecule-assisted solvothermal method and biomolecule L-cysteine was used as the sulfur source. The structures, morphology, and optical properties of the synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The presence of Bi₂S₃ in the Bi₂S₃/BiOCl composites could not only improve the optical properties but also enhance the photocatalytic activities for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) as compared with single Bi₂S₃ and BiOCl. Especially, the sample displayed the best performance of the photodegradation when the feed molar ratio of BiCl3 and L-cysteine was 2.4:1, which was about 10 times greater than that of pure BiOCl. The enhanced photocatalytic activities could be ascribed to the effective separation of photoinduced electrons and holes and the photosensitization of dye. Moreover, the possible photodegradation mechanism was also proposed, and the results revealed that the active holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals (?O₂ ^?) were the main reactive species during photocatalytic degradation.     

UV-vis and photoluminescent spectra of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> films

TiO₂ fims have been deposited on glass substrates using DC reactive magnetron sputtering at different oxygen partial pressures from 0. 10 Pa.to 0.65 Pa. The transmittance (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films were recorded. The results of the UV-vis spectra show that the deposition rate of the films decreased at oxygen partial pressure P(O₂)≥0.15 Pa, the band gap increased from 3.48 eV to 3.68eV for direct transition and from 3.27 eV to 3.34 eV for indirect transition with increasing the oxygen partial pressure. The PL spectra show convincingly that the transition for films was indirect, and there were some oxygen defect energy levels at the band gap of the films. With increasing the O₂ partial pressure, the defect energy levels decreased. For the films sputtered at 0.35 and 0.65 Pa there were two defect energy levels at 2.63 eV and 2.41 eV, corresponding to 0.72 eV and 0.94 eV below the conduction band for a band gap of 3.35 eV, respectively. For the films sputtered at 0.10 Pa and 0.15 Pa, there was an energy band formed between 3.12 eV and 2.06 eV, corresponding to 0.23 eV and 1.29 eV below the conduction band. ZHAO Qing-nan : Born in 1963 Funded by Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, China.     

Fabrication of homogenous dispersion TiB<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composites

In order to get a homogenous mixture and compact of TiB2-Al2O3, hybridization as a surface modification method was used to prepare nano-scale Al2O3 coated TiB2 particles. PE-wax particles were first coated onto TiB2 particles by hybridization, and then the nano-scale Al2O3 particles were coated onto the surface of TiB2 coated by PE-wax particles again. SEM, TEM and EDS were used to characterize the microstructure of as-received core/shell particles and its compacts. The experimental results show that a particle-scale homogenous dispersion of TiB2 and Al2O3 can be formed not only in mixed powder but also in dewaxed compacts. The compacts then were sintered by gas-pressing sintering (GPS). Finial products show improved mechanic properties comparing with reference samples fabricated by normal ways.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiB<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composites

Effects of Al2O3 and Ni as the additives on the sinterability, microstructure and mechanical properties were systematic studied. The experimental results show that only a relative density about 96.2% of hot-pressing TiB2-30%Al2O3 can be attained due to the plate-like TiB2 particle and its random orientation and excessive Al2O3 grain growth. When sintering temperature is higher than 1 700 ℃, TiB2 grain growth can be found, which obvious improves flexural strength of TiB2 matrix but decreases toughness. It seems that mechanical properties of TiB2-Al2O3 composites are mainly depended on relative density besides grain growth. otherwise, they will be determined by relative density and TiB2 matrix strength together. Anyway, Al2O3 addition can weaken the grain boundary and thus improve the toughness of the materials. A flexural strength of 529 MPa, Vickers hardness of 24.8 GPa and indentation toughness of 4.56 MPa·m1/2 can be achieved inTiB2-30vol% Al2O3.     

Fabrication and mechanical properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiAl composites

Al₂O₃/TiAl composites were successfully fabricated by hot-press-assisted exothermic dispersion method with elemental powder mixtures of Ti, Al TiO₂ and Nb₂O₅, and the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicate the fine Al₂O₃ particles tend to disperse on the grain boundaries. The grain size of TiAl matrix decreases and the hardness increases with increasing Nb₂O₅ content. The bending strength and fracture toughness reach to a maximum when Nb₂O₅ content is 6 wt%, under 642 MPa and 6.69 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. Based on the fractography and the observation of crack propagation path, it is concluded that the strengthening and toughening of such composites at room temperature can be attributed to the refinement of the TiAl matrix, the deflection behavior in the crack propagation and the dispersion of Al₂O₃ particles.     

Molten Salt Synthesis of Ba（ Mgl／3Nb2／3 ）O3 Powder

The single-phrase Ba(Mgl/3Nb2/3)O3(BMN) powder was saccessfully prepared by the KCImolten salt synthesis(MSS) method. The temperature for single-phase BMN powders by MSS was about 400℃ lower than that by the solid-phase method. The average particle size (APS) was about 0.91,u.m at 900℃ and increased with increasing synhesis temperature. Based on the APS, the activation energy for particle growth in theMSS, whose value was 64. 1kJmol^-1.was attained. The sinterability of the powder prepared by MSS method wasbetter than that pretared by solid-phase method.     

Self-Propagating High-Temperature Reduetive Synthesis of TiB2-Al2O3 Composite Powders

TiB2-Al2O3 composite powders were produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis（SHS） method with reductive process from B2O3-TiO2-AI system. X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM） analyses show the presence of TiB2 and Al2O3 only in the composite powders produced by SHS. The powders are uniform and free-agglomerate. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and high resolution electron microscopy （HREM） observation of microstructure of the composite powders indicate that the interfaces of the TiB2-Al2O3 bond well, without any interfacial reaction products. It is proposed that the good interfacial bonding of the composite powders can be resulted from the TiB2 particles crystallizing and growing on the Al2O3 particles surface with surface defects acting as nucleation centers.     

Preparation of TiO2 Thin Film and Its Antibacterial Activity

TiO2 nanometer thin films with photocatalytic antibacterial activity were prepared by the sol-gel method on fused quartz and soda lime glass precoated with a SiO2 layer. The thin films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ( XPS ), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X- ray diffraction ( XRD ). The results show that sodium and calcium diffusion into nascent TiO2 film is effectively retarded by the SiO2 layer precoated on the soda lime glass, The antibacterial activity of the films was determined. The crystalline of TiO2 nanometer thin film has important effects on the antibacterial activity of the film.     

Electronic band structures of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with heavy nitrogen doping

The first-principles density-functional calculation was conducted to investigate the electronic band structures of titanium dioxide with heavy nitrogen doping （TiO2-xNx）.The calculation results indicate that when x≤0.25,isolated N 2p states appear above the valence-band maximum of TiO2 without a band-gap narrowing between O 2p and Ti 3d states.When x≥0.50,an obvious band gap narrowing between O 2p and Ti 3d states was observed along with the existence of isolated N 2p states above the valence-band of TiO2,indicating that the mechanism proposed by Asahi et al operates under heavy nitrogen doping condition.     

Preparation of Nanometer-structured TiO2 Thin Films by-Sol-Gel Method

The transparent anatse TiO2 nanometer thin films were prepared by the sol-gel method on soda-line glass,X-ray diffraction,thermal analysis and UV-visible spectrophotometer were used to analyze the formation of the phases,Only increasing the heat-treatment time,the average graing size has no obvious change,The mechanism of grain growth in TiO2 thin film is probably as follows:the grain of coating will become grain core later;TiO2 sol constantly deposited on the surface of TiO2 grain and formed membrance with increasing of coating cylce time ;TiO2 grain in the film grow steadily.     

Preparation and characteristics of Cu/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/MgF<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Au tunnel junction

The fabrication process of Cu/Al₂O₃/MgF₂/Au double-barrier metal/insulator/metal junction (DMIMJ) was introduced, and more stable light emission from this junction was successfully observed. The light emission physical mechanism of the junction was discussed. Results show that light emission spectrum of this structure locates at wavelength of 250–700 nm with two peaks at around 460 nm and 640 nm, which moves towards shorter wavelength region in comparison with that of the Al/Al₂O₃/Au junction. The light emission efficiency of this junction ranges from 0.7×10⁻⁵–2.0×10⁻⁵, which is 1 to 2 orders higher than that of the single-barrier Al/Al₂O₃/Au junction. The improved properties of this structure should be due to the electrons resonant tunneling effect in the double-barrier.     

In-situ TEM Study on Mierostruetural Evolution of Nanostruetured TiO2

The effect of electron beam on the microstructures and phase transformation of nanostructured TiO2 heat treated at various temperatures for different time was studied by in-situ TEM and SAED. Anatase ex-situ heated at 250℃ and 360℃ transformed to rutile while irradiated by the electron beam. With the increasing sizes and distribution of the powders on the amorphous carbon, the process of phase transformation by the electron beam was encumbered. These evolutions may be due to the changes of vacuum atmosphere and the properties of powders.     

Preparation of MWNTs/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composites and their mechanical and electrical properties

Since their discovery by Iijima[1], carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been the focus in novel materials research. Theoretical and experimental studies show[2-9] that CNTs have extraordinary mechanical and electrical properties. Krishnan et al.[2] have reported that the mean value of Young’s modulus of single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) is 1.25 TPa. Yu et al.[3] measured Yang’s modulus of multi-wall nanotubes (MWNTs) between 270 and 950 GPa and breaking strength between 11 and 63 GPa. The ele…     

Preparation and properties of crystallizable Glass/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composites for LTCC material

The investigated low temperature Co fired ceramics(LTCC) composite of 60wt% CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 glass and 40wt% α-Al2O3 as a filler is a non-reactive system, which is a critical part of the low temperature Co fired ceramics process. Through a study on densification process, the phase transformation and microstructure can be revealed. Its composites typically consist of CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 glass and α-Al2O3 powders of average particle size (D50=3.49 mm). The sintering behavior, phase evaluation, sintered morphology, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. In the fire range of 800 to 900 ℃, the composites were crystallized after completion of densification. It is found that the composites start to densify at 825 ℃, simultaneously, the dielectric constant (εr) reaches its maximum. With increasing heat-treatment temperatures, due to the loose microstructure of the material, tanδ increases slightly. The last of the sintered samples were identified as partly Anorthite at 850 ℃. At that temperature it has εr of 7.9 and tanδ less than 1×10-3, and can be used as a promising LTCC material.     

Preparation and mechanical properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Al laminated ceramic matrix composites

Three series of Al2O3/Al laminated ceramic matrix composites,named SPA,SPV and HP,were fabricated by different methods.SPA and SPV were prepared using Al2O3 slices and Al slurry via screen printing and subsequent heat treatment in air or vacuum.HP samples were made by hot pressing the layered stack of Al foils and Al2O3 slices.SEM and XRD were applied to analyze the microstructure and the interlayer crystal phase.The bending strength,fracture toughness and fracture work of the samples made by the three methods were measured and compared.The results show that the composites have much better toughness and higher fracture work than the Al2O3 slice.Among the samples made by the three methods,the samples made by hot pressing have the optimum mechanical performance.The displacement-load curves and fracture mechanism were analyzed.