Synthesis and characterization of Dy-Eu-Tm co-doped cubic phase stabilized bismuth oxide based electrolytes in terms of intermediate temperature-solid oxide fuel cells(IT-SOFCs)

In this study,a new Dy-Eu-Tm co-doped cubic phase stabilized bismuth oxide solid electrolyte system was synthesized by using solid-state reaction method in atmospheric conditions.Before conductivity measurements,X-ray diffraction(XRD) pro files of the annealed samples show that created mixtures have heterogeneous phase,but after conductivity measurements,the face-centered cubic(FCC) crystal structure is stabilized for all samples.Also,the increase in total dopant rate causes an increase in full ...     

La_2Ce_2O_7 supported ruthenium as a robust catalyst for ammonia synthesis

La_2Ce_2O_7 nanoparticles were prepared by citric acid complexation method followed by calcination at varied temperatures. Then, supported with 4 wt% Ru, they were evaluated as the catalysts for ammonia synthesis under conditions similar with industry. With La_2Ce_2O_7 being calcinated at 700 or 800℃, the experimental results indicate that the Ru/La_2Ce_2O_7 catalyst exhibits much higher ammonia concentration or ammonia synthesis rate than that of Ru/CeO_2 and Ru/La_2O_3. In addition, Ru/La_2Ce_2O_7 possesses high stability under over-heating test. In the absence of any promotor, ammonia concentration of Ru/La_2Ce_2O_7 catalyst approaches 14% at 450℃, GHSV of 10000 h~(-1) and pressure of 10 MPa. The rate-determining step of ammonia synthesis, dissociation of N_2 is significantly facilitated by the strong metalesupport interaction(SMSI) between Ru and La_2Ce_2O_7. Due to the interaction, La_2Ce_2O_7 tends to donate electrons to Ru,resulting in the high electron density over the surface of Ru active sites which is favorable for the dissociation of N_2. Consequently, high activity is achieved.     

Phase separation and crystallization of La_2O_3 doped ZnO-B_2O_3-SiO_2 glass

In order to investigate the effect of the La_2O_3 on the phase separation and crystallization of ZnO-B_2O_3-SiO_2 glass, after the occurence of the phase separation and crystallization of glasses by heat treatment, the microstructure morphology and distribution of elements in different sample areas were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS); the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the glass samples was studied by using a differential scanning calorimeter(DSC) and the precipitated crystals of crystallized glass were determined by the X-ray diffraction(XRD). The results suggest that the phase separation and crystallization of 60ZnO-30 B_2O_3-10SiO_2 glass occur at glass surface, and the incorporation of small amount(4 mol%) of La_2O_3 significantly inhibits the glass phase separation and consequently improves the thermal stability of glass.Doping of La_2O_3 accelerates the glass crystallization at the elevated temperature(660 ℃), making the depth of crystal layer thicker and diffraction intensity in XRD patterns stronger. However, due to the precipitation of several crystals that occur simultaneously when La_2O_3 doping amount is 4 mol%, crystallization of the 60ZnO-30B_2O_3-10SiO_2 glass is obviously depressed, the crystallization activation energy Ec and the relative crystallinity X_c of the glass reach the maximum and the minimum values, respectively.Although transition from one-dimensional growth of crystals to two-dimensional growth of crystals results from La_2O_3 addition, the one-dimensional growth of crystals remains dominant in crystallization process. This work can provide some useful information for preparing glass ceramics with nano-crystals precipitated in the glass surface.     

First-principles study of structure,mechanical and optical properties of La-and Sc-doped Y_2O_3

The electronic,mechanical and optical properties of La-and Sc-doped Y_2O_3 were investigated using firstprinciples calculations.Two doping sites of Sc and La in Y_2O_3 were modeled.The calculated values of the energy of formation show that the most energetically favorable site for a La atom in Y_2O_3 is a d-site Y atom,while for Sc a b-site Y atom is the more stable position.The calculated band gap shows a slight decrease with increasing La or Sc concentration.The calculated results for the mechanical and optical properties of Y_(2-x)R_xO_3(R = Sc or La,0x ≤ 0.1875)show that La-or Sc-doped Y_2O_3 would have enhanced strength,and thus an ability of resisting external shocks,and increased hardness and mechanical toughness.These improved mechanical properties are achieved without sacrificing the optical properties of the doped compounds.So the doping of La or Sc in Y_2O_3 is permissible in the preparation of Y_2O_3 transparent ceramics,of course,doping of La or Sc will benefit the sintering of transparent ceramics.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activities of Nd-doped TiO_2 under visible light using a facile sol-gel method

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with neodymium in the range of 1 mol% to 5 mol% were prepared with template-free sol-gel method.The structures of obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction analysis.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution under ultraviolet-visible(λ 350 nm) and visible(λ 420 nm) irradiation.The experimental results show that the 1 mol% Nd-doped TiO_2 exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity,of which the degradation can reach to 96.5% under visible irradiation.According to the XRD results,the pristine samples are combined with anatase TiO_2 and rutile TiO_2.while the Nd-doped TiO_2 samples are anatase TiO_2 only.This transformation has made an obvious promotion of photocatalyst activity after modification.     

Rational design of monovalent ions (Li,Na,K) co-doped ZnAl_2O_4:Eu~(3+) nanocrystals enabling versatile robust latent fingerprint visualization

Alkali metal ions(M~+ = Na~+,Li~+,K~+) co-doped ZnAl_2O_4:Eu~(3+)(5 mol%)(ZAE) nanopowders(NPs) were prepared via solution combustion route using Mimosa pudica(MP) leaves extract as a fuel. PXRD results of co-doped samples enhance the crystallinity and grain growth. Photoluminescence(PL) of the prepared ZAE and ZAE:M~+(M~+ = Na~+, Li~+, K~+) NPs shows intense emission peaks in the range of 550-750 nm and ascribed to ~5D_0→~7F_J(J=0-4) transitions of Eu~(3+) ions, respectively. A 2-fold enhancement in PL intensity was observed in Li~+ co-doped samples. The optimized ZnAl_2O_4:Eu~(3+)(5 mol%), Li~+(1 wt%)(ZAEL)NPs were used to visualize LFPs on various porous, semi-porous and non-porous surfaces through robust powder dusting technique. The visualized latent fingerprints(LFPs) reveal well defined level 1-3 ridge characteristics under several tests such as fingerprint aging and fresh water treatment for various time durations. The obtained results clearly evidence that the prepared NPs are quite useful for multifunctional applications such as advanced forensic and solid state lightning.     

Effect of dysprosium substitution on magnetic and structural properties of NiFe_2O_4 nanoparticles

This work investigated the effect of dysprosium(Dy)ions on the structural,microstructural and magnetic properties of nickel nanospinelferrite,NiFe_2 O_4.The nanoparticles(NPs)of NiDy_xFe_(2-x)O_4(0.0≤x≤0.1)were prepared via the hydrothermal method.The formation of cubic phase of Ni nanoferrite was confirmed through X-ray diffraction,field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy.Moreover,the magnetic properties of NiDy_xFe_(2-x)P_4(0.01≤x≤0.10)NPs were discussed.The magnetization versus field,M(H)curves exhibit super paramagnetic nature at room temperature and ferrimagnetic nature at low temperature(10 K).A noticeable improvement in the different deduced magnetic parameters is obtained especially for the NiDy_(0.07)Fe_(1.93)O_4(x = 0.07)product.The obtained result is mostly derived from the substitution of Fe~(3+)ions of smaller ionic radii with Dy~(3+)ions of larger ionic radii that will strengthen the super exchange interactions among nanoparticles.The calculated squareness ratios are found to be much less than 0.5,due to the effect of spin disorder in the surface regions of NiDy_xFe_(2-x)O_4(0.01≤x≤0.10)NPs.The Dy~(3+) ions substitution increases the magnetic hardness(higher values of remanence M_r,coercivity H_c,and magnetic moment n_B)of nickel nanoferrite samples.     

Effect of template on catalytic performance of La_(0.7)Ce_(0.3)Ni_(0.7)Fe_(0.3)O_3 for ethanol steam reforming reaction

Perovskite-type oxides La_(0.7)Ce_(0.3)Ni_(0.7)Fe_(0.3)O_3(LCNF) were synthesized by polystyrene colloidal crystal templating(LCNF-CCT) and polystyrene polymer templating(LCNF-PS) through co-precipitation. The structure and physicochemical properties of the obtained oxides were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N_2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, H_2 temperature-programmed reduction and H_2 temperature-programmed desorption, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the as-synthesized LCNF-CCT perovskite possesses large specific surface area and regular pore size distribution. In addition, the formation of additional oxygen vacancies on the surface favors the migration of lattice oxygen from the bulk phase to the surface and production of more metallic sites, thus improving the activity and resistance to carbon deposition of catalysts in ethanol steam reforming reaction.     

Upconversion luminescence of Gd2O3:Er3+ and Gd2O3:Er3+/silica nanophosphors fabricated by EDTA combustion method

Gd_2O_3:Er~(3+) nanophosphors were fabricated by the combustion method in presence of Na_2 ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid(EDTA-Na_2) as fuel at not high temperature(≤350℃) within a very short time of 5 min.The added concentration of Er~(3+)ions in Gd_2O_3 matrix was changed from 0.5 mol% to 5.0 mol%.The X-ray diffraction pattern of samples indicates the monoclinic structure of Gd_2O_3:Er3+.The morphology and chemical composition analysis of the Gd_2O_3:Er~(3+) samples are characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM) and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR).The photoluminescence(PL),photo luminescence excitation(PLE) and upconversion(UC) at room temperature of the prepared materials with different concentrations of Er~(3+) were investigated.The PL of Gd_2O_3:Er~(3+)nanomaterials are shown in visible at 545,594,623,648,688 nm under excitation at 275 nm.The emission bands from transitions of Er~(3+) from ~2P_(3/2) to ~4F_(9/2) are observed,UC luminescent spectra of the Gd_2O_3:Er~(3+)/silica nanocomposites under 976 nm excitation show the bands at 548 and 670 nm.The influence of excitation power at 980 nm for transitions were measured and calculated.The results indicate that the upconversion process of Gd_2O_3:Er~(3+)/silica is two photons absorption mechanism.The low temperature dependence of UC luminescent intensities of the main bands of Gd_2O_3:Er~(3+)was investigated towards development of a nanotemperature sensor in the range of 10-300 K.     

Applications and recent advances of rare earth in solid oxide fuel cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are an all-solid energy conversion device from the chemical energy of fuels to electric energy at intermediate and high temperatures. Up to now, massive efforts have been made in developing different components of solid oxide fuel cells, including electrolyte, anode, cathode and interconnect materials. Rare earth elements play an indispensable role in different components of SOFCs which have been extensively studied in the recent decades. In this review, we concentrate upon the rare earth application and recent advances in SOFCs and related materials. Materials structure involves perovskites, Ruddlesden-Popper, fluorite, spinel, pyrochlore, apatite and so on. Moreover, the effects of rare earth based oxides as matrix or dopants in different components are also discussed. Structures and properties of the materials are related to the element type, valence, coordination and ion radius. This article will provide a comprehensive research direction towards SOFCs components for their composition, structural design and mechanisms research.     

Preparation of CeO2-TiO2/SiO2 and Its Removal Properties for Fluoride Ion

Ｈｙｄｒｏｕｓｏｘｉｄｅｓｏｆｓｏｍｅｍｅｔａｌｓ，ｓｕｃｈａｓＣｅ，Ｎｂ，Ｌａ，Ｔｉｅｔｃ．，ｓｈｏｗｅｘｃｅｌｅｎｔａｄｓｏｒｐｔｉｏｎｃａｐａｃｉｔｉｅｓａｎｄｓｅｌｅｃｔｉｖｉｔｙｆｏｒＦ－［１］，ｗｈｉｃｈｍａｋｅｓｉｔｐｏｓｉｂｌｅｔｏｕ...     

Effect of PdO_x structure properties on catalytic performance of Pd/Ce_(0.67)Zr_(0.33)O_2 catalyst for CO,HC and NO_x elimination

Pd/Ce_(0.67)Zr_(0.33)O_2 catalyst was pretreated in different atmosphere respectively, and characterized by CO chemical adsorption, XPS, HR-TEM, H_2-TPR, Raman, OSC and in situ DRIFTS to investigate the effect of the structure properties of PdO_x species on the catalytic performance for CO, HC and NO_x elimination. The results show that Pd/CZ catalyst pretreated in air atmosphere has higher oxidation activity of HC due to having high Pd dispersion and strong interaction between PdO_x and CZ support. Pd/CZ-H catalyst pretreated in reducing atmosphere exhibits better catalytic performance of NO_x elimination because of having relatively big Pd particle size, more Pd species in metallic state and higher concentration of oxygen vacancies. While for the Pd/CZ-RG catalyst pretreated in reactant atmosphere, strong adsorption of HC species on the surface of catalysts would lead to a part of active sites being covered, which inhibits HC and NO conversions.     

A comparative study of physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of visible light responsive Fe,Gd and P single and tri-doped TiO2 nanomaterials

High performance Fe-Gd-P tri-doped TiO_2 nanoparticles(1 at% for each dopant) were successfully synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. Various analytical and spectroscopic techniques were carried out to determine the physicochemical properties of the prepared samples, including XRD, EDX, FESEM,BET, FTIR, XPS, PL, EIS and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of prepared samples were evaluated by photo degradation of methyl orange(MO) and 4-chlorophenol(4-CP) as model pollutants under visible light irradiation. Effects of each dopant on different properties of TiO_2 nanoparticles were investigated. Results show that Gd and P doping enhances TiO2 surface textural properties by forming Ti-O-Gd and Ti-O-P bonds. It is found that Gd plays a superior role in increasing oxygen vacancies and organic species on TiO_2 surface. Gd doping also facilitates transferring of the photo-induced charge carriers to the surface adsorbed species. The enhanced electronic band structure and visible light response, as well as high electron lifetime of Fe-Gd-P tri-doped sample is mainly attributed to Fe and Gd doping. The tri-doped TiO_2 with rate constant of k_(app)= 1.28 × 10~(-2) min~(-1) for MO and k_(app) = 0.94 × 10~(-2) min~(-1) for 4-CP, shows the highest photodegradation rate among all samples including undoped and single doped samples. The improved photocatalytic performance of Fe-Gd-P tridoped TiO_2 is due to the synergistic effect of enhanced surface chemistry and textural properties,increased number of surface adsorbed hydroxyl groups and organic species, improved visible light absorption, increased lifetime of the photo-induced electron/hole pairs and boosted interfacial charge transfer.     

Optical properties of NaY(MoO4)2:Eu3+ nanophosphors prepared by molten salt method

We synthesized NaY(MoO_4)_2:Eu~(3+)phosphors of different doping concentrations by a molten salt method.This facile way possesses advantages such as simple process,lower calcination temperature(350℃) and small particle size(70 nm).The crystal system is tetragonal phase and crystal lattice is body centered.The photo luminescence measurements including emission spectra,excitation spectra and fluorescence decay curves were carried out,elucidating that NaY(MoO_4)_2:Eu~(3+)can be effectively excited by near UV and blue light.Moreover,it can be concluded that Eu3+energy transfer type is exchange interaction.Huang-Rhys factor and the critical energy transfer distance(Rc) were calculated to be 0.043 and 0.995 nm,respectively.Auzel's model was used to obtain the intrinsic radiative transition lifetime of~5 D_0 level(τ_0=0.923 ms).Furthermore,a calculation method was used to calculate refractive index n of nontransparent NaY(MoO_4)_2:1 mol% Eu3+phosphor,and n was obtained to be 1.86.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co_(1-2x)Ni_xMn_xCe_yFe_(2-y)O_4 nanoparticles

Spinel ferrite Co_(1-2 x)Ni_xMn_xFe_(2-y)Ce_yO_4(0.0≤x=y≤0.3) nanoparticles(NPs) were prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion method.The synthesized NPs were examined using several techniques such as X-ray diffraction(XRD),field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM) coupled with EDX and elemental mapping,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),and a vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The analysis of the crystal structure and the phase identification of samples indicates the formation of spinel cubic phase with the occurrence of CeO_2 as secondary phase when the content of Ce substitution element increases.In addition,all produced samples exhibit cubic symmetry with space group Fd3m.TEM confirms the presence of two phases,i.e.,the cubic spinel ferrite and the cubic cerium oxide(CeO_2).The characteristics of hysteresis loops reveal the soft ferrimagnetic nature of the different synthesized samples.The saturation(M_s) and remanent(M_r) magnetizations fall on increasing the content of substituting elements.Compared with pure CoFe_2O_4 NPs,the value of coercive field(H_c) slightly increases for x=y=0.1 and x=y=0,2 NPs.Then,H_c reduces with further increasing the x and y contents.The squareness ratio is found to be in the 0.528-0.400 interval,indicating the single domain NPs with uniaxial anisotropy for the different produced NPs.The magneto crystalline anisotropy constant(K_(eff)),anisotropy field(H_a),magneton number(n_B) and the demagnetizing field(N) were also determined and discussed.     

Modified room temperature solid-state synthesis of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nano-powders for solid oxide fuel cells

High-performance solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC) is in urgent need of high-quality electrolyte powders with high reactivity and chemical uniformity.Here,8 mol% Y₂O₃ doped ZrO₂(YSZ) nano-powders were synthesized by an improved solid-state reaction method at ambient temperature,and were applied to the fabrication of SOFC electrolytes.YSZ nano-powders show average grain sizes of ～20 nm and high dispersibility,which is comparable with or even better than some other chemi...     

Al_2O_3 supported hybrid Pd-CeO_2 colloidal spheres and its enhanced catalytic performances for methane combustion

Fabrication of novel nano-catalyst with improved activity and stability has been a hot topic in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein a novel approach was designed to synthesize Pd-CeO_2 colloidal assembled spheres(CASs) in one-pot fashion. The Pd clusters were encompassed by the CeO_2 nanocrystals with a high dispersity. Based on this hybrid structure, the Pd/ceria interface area can be greatly improved. After Pd-CeO_2 CASs was supported on γ-Al_2O_3, its catalytic activity for CH_4 combustion was evaluated. The result shows that Al_2O_3 supported Pd-CeO_2 CASs exhibits an improved catalytic activity and stability,compared to the Pd/CeO_2 catalyst prepared by impregnation method. The results of several characterization techniques indicate that the enhanced catalytic activity of Al_2O_3 supported Pd-CeO_2 CASs can be attributed to the more interfacial Pd-O-Ce species and the more surface active oxygen species.     

Preparation and characterization of sodium silicate/epoxy resin composite bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets with high performance

As an organic binder for bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets, epoxy resin(EP) has poor heat resistance but good moisture resistance, while sodium silicate(SS) has poor moisture absorption but better heat resistance and corrosion resistance. In order to improve high temperature stability and decrease moisture absorption of bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets, EP/SS composites were applied as the binder to prepare bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets. The magnetic properties, moisture absorption, corrosion resistance, compressive strength and microstructure of composite bonded magnets were investigated. The results show that EP/SS bonded magnets can obtain excellent magnetic properties at room temperature, and even useable magnetic properties a thigh temperature environments at 200°C. EP/SS composite binder effectively improves heat resistance and corrosion resistance of bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets, and reduces the hygroscopic properties. The molecule of sodium silicateis rigid and keeps it original shape at high temperature environments. In addition, SS in composite binder improves the mobility of the magnetic powders during the pre-pressing process, which makes the magnetic powders attain a more regular structure. These two factors will increase the mechanical properties. Moreover, sodium silicate in the composite binder can also cover the surfaces protecting the magnetic powders from oxidation and corrosion. EP in composite binder can cover SS surface to reduce the water absorption of SS as epoxy is a hydrophobic material. The EDX analysis shows that the composite binder has accumulated in the gaps of the magnet powders, which not only improves heat resistance and corrosion resistance, but also increases the mechanical properties. Therefore, EP/SS composite binder endows bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets excellent comprehensive properties.     

Microstructure,magnetism and nanomechanical properties of Ni50Mn25Ga20Gd5 magnetic shape memory alloy before and after heat treatment

Polycrystalline Ni₅₀Mn₂₅Ga₂₀Gd₅ (at%) magnetic shape memory alloy was investigated in the as-prepared state and after annealing at 1430 K for 3 h. Microstructural analysis reveals dual-phase nature of the material with substantial distinction between Gd-rich and Gd-poor phases. Magnetic measurements performed in wide range of temperatures confirm reversible martensitic transformation in the annealed sample undergoing close to the room temperature. When it comes to the magnetic transition, the Curie temperature of the investigated alloy remains approximately unchanged at 370 K. Topography investigations conducted on the atomic force microscope in contact mode allow to measure 8 mm difference between minimum and maximum point of the martensite profile. The results from a series of nanoindentation tests show that hardness of the Gd-rich phase is 23%–35% higher than hardness of the Gd-poor phase, depending on the annealing state.     

Synthesis and catalytic performance of macroporous La_(1-x)Ce_xCoO_3 perovskite oxide catalysts with high oxygen mobility for catalytic combustion of soot

The disordered macroporous-mesoporous La_(1-x)Ce_xCoO_3 catalysts were prepared by complexcombustion method with ethylene glycol as complexing agent at relatively low calcination temperature.The samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction,N2 adsorption-ndash;desorption,Xray photoelectron spectroscopy,transmission electron microscopy,hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction and soot temperature-programmed reduction,and so on.The results show that the use of complexing agent and relatively low calcination temperature increase the specific surface area of the catalyst and have abundant pore structure.The Ce ions introduced into lattice of LaCoO_3 mainly exist in the form of tetravalent.At the same time,Ce ions enhance the redox performance of the catalyst and the mobility of active oxygen species,which enhances the catalytic activity of the catalyst for soot combustion.The results of activity test show that La_(0.9)Ce_(0.1)CoO_3 catalyst exhibits the highest activity in the absence of NO and NO_2,and its T_(10),T_(50) and T_(90) are 371,444,and 497℃,respectively.At the same time,a possible reaction mechanism is proposed in this study based on the turnover frequency(TOF) calculated by isothermal anaerobic titrations,XPS and XRD results.