Electromagnetic wave absorption properties of mechanically mixed Nd2Fe14B/C microparticles

Nd₂Fe₁₄B/C microparticles were prepared by a mechanical mixing technique using a weight ratio of 2:1. Paraffin-bonded Nd₂Fe₁₄B/C composites were fabricated using 40 wt% microparticles, and their electromagnetic wave absorption properties were studied and compared with those of the paraffin-bonded Nd₂Fe₁₄B composites in the 2-18 GHz frequency range and for 1-5 mm thickness. The Nd₂Fe₁₄B/C-paraffin composites exhibit dual dielectric resonance in complex relative permittivity (?_r) and essentially flat response in complex relative permeability (μ_r) rather than showing an abrupt change in both ?_r and μ_r as in the Nd₂Fe₁₄B-paraffin composites. The results are ascribed to the increased electrical resistivity in the Nd₂Fe₁₄B/C-paraffin composites and the protection on the magnetic properties of the Nd₂Fe₁₄B microparticles at 2-18 GHz by the presence of the C phase. Large reflection loss (RL) exceeding −10 dB and an optimal RL of −13.2 dB are achieved in the Nd₂Fe₁₄B/C-paraffin composites from 9.6 to 18 GHz at a thickness of 1.4-2.6 mm and at 18 GHz at a thickness of 1.4 mm, respectively.     

Preparation and characteristics of Fe3O4@YVO4:Eu bifunctional magnetic-luminescent nanocomposites

A facile direct precipitation method has been developed for the synthesis of bifunctional magnetic-luminescent nanocomposites with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as the core and YVO₄:Eu³⁺ as the shell. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the obtained bifunctional nanocomposites had a core-shell structure and a spherical morphology. The average size was ∼150 nm, and the thickness of the shell was ∼15 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that a cubic spinel structure of Fe₃O₄ core and a tetragonal phase of YVO₄ shell were obtained. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra confirmed that the YVO₄:Eu³⁺ had been successfully deposited on the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated that the nanocomposites displayed a strong red characteristic emission of Eu³⁺. Magnetic measurements showed that the obtained bifunctional nanocomposites exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. Therefore, the bifunctional nanocomposites are expected to develop many potential applications in biomedical fields.     

Complex permeability and microwave absorption properties of planar anisotropy Ce2Fe17N3−δ particles

The effective complex permeability of Ce₂Fe₁₇N_3−δ particles/epoxy resin composites with various volume concentrations p were measured in the frequency range of 0.1-15 GHz. The intrinsic quasi-static permeability μ^′0,i of Ce₂Fe₁₇N_3−δ particle was calculated by Bruggerman's (BG) effective medium theory. Meanwhile, the effective quasi-static permeability μ^′0,e of composites were calculated by the BG theory and modified Bruggerman's (MBG) effective medium theory, respectively. Through analyzing the experiment data, the effective shape factors of Ce₂Fe₁₇N_3−δ composites were determined. The intrinsic natural resonance frequency of Ce₂Fe₁₇N_3−δ was obtained using Landua-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. The minimum EM absorbing values with RL ≤ −30 dB are observed for all the volume concentrations.     

Full X-Ku band microwave absorption by Fe(Mn)/Mn7C3/C core/shell/shell structured nanocapsules

New type of Fe(Mn)/Mn₇C₃/graphite nanocapsules was prepared by a modified arc discharge technique in ethanol vapor, with Fe(Mn) solid solution nanoparticles as the core, Mn₇C₃ as the inner shell, and graphite as the outer shell. The Cole-Cole semicircle approach was adopted to explain the ternary dielectric resonance, due to a cooperative consequence of the core/shell/shell interfaces and the dielectric Mn₇C₃ and C shells. A remarkable increase in the anisotropy energy led to a shift in the natural resonance frequency to 6.6 GHz. Dielectric losses come from the ternary dielectric resonance while magnetic losses were from the magnetic natural resonance. An optimal reflection loss (RL) of −142.1 dB was observed at 12 GHz for 5.0 mm thickness layer. RL exceeding −10 dB was obtained at 6.6-18 GHz for 1.4 mm thickness, covering the whole X band (8-12 GHz), Ku band (12-18 GHz), and some of C band (6.6-8.0 GHz). RL exceeding −20 dB was found at 6-10.6 GHz for 2.2 mm thickness.     

Low temperature synthesis of Fe3O4 micro-spheres and its application in lithium ion battery

Fe₃O₄ micro-spheres with nanoparticles close-packed architectures were synthesized via a simple chemical method using (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂·6H₂O, hexamethylenetetramine, and NaF as reaction materials. This chemical synthesis took place in a vitreous jar under low temperature (90 °C) and atmospheric pressure. The morphology and structure of the as-synthesized products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectrum. Electrochemical properties of the as-synthesized Fe₃O₄ micro-spheres as anode electrode of lithium ion batteries were studied by conventional charge/discharge tests, which exhibit steady charge/discharge platforms at different current densities. The as-prepared Fe₃O₄ electrode shows high initial discharge capacity of 1166 and 1082 mAh g⁻¹ at current density of 0.05 and 0.1 mA cm⁻², respectively.     

Ultrasonic-assisted in situ synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified coprecipitation method, and were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Zeta potential and FT-IR, respectively. The influences of different kinds of surfactants (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, polyethyleneglycol, oleic acid and dextran), temperatures and pH values on the grain size and properties were also investigated. In this method, Fe³⁺ was used as the only Fe source and partially reduced to Fe²⁺ by the reducing agent with precise content. The following reaction between Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺ and hydroxide radical brought pure Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The tiny fresh nanoparticles were coated in situ with surfactant under the action of sonication. Comparing with uncoated sample, the mean grain size and saturation magnetization of coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles decrease from 18.4 nm to 5.9-9.0 nm, and from 63.89 emu g⁻¹ to 52-58 emu g⁻¹ respectively. When oleic was used as the surfactant, the mean grain size of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles firstly decreases with the increase of reaction temperature, but when the temperature is exceed to 80 °C, the continuous increase of temperature resulted in larger nanoparticles. the grain size decreases gradually with the increasing of pH values, and it remains unchanged when the PH value is up to 11. The saturation magnetization of as-prepared Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles always decreases with the fall of grain size.     

In situ synthesis of Co3O4/graphene nanocomposite material for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors with high capacity and supercapacitance

Co₃O₄/graphene nanocomposite material was prepared by an in situ solution-based method under reflux conditions. In this reaction progress, Co²⁺ salts were converted to Co₃O₄ nanoparticles which were simultaneously inserted into the graphene layers, upon the reduction of graphite oxide to graphene. The prepared material consists of uniform Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (15-25 nm), which are well dispersed on the surfaces of graphene nanosheets. This has been confirmed through observations by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The prepared composite material exhibits an initial reversible lithium storage capacity of 722 mAh g⁻¹ in lithium-ion cells and a specific supercapacitance of 478 F g⁻¹ in 2 M KOH electrolyte for supercapacitors, which were higher than that of the previously reported pure graphene nanosheets and Co₃O₄ nanoparticles. Co₃O₄/graphene nanocomposite material demonstrated an excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material for reversible lithium storage in lithium ion cells and as an electrode material in supercapacitors.     

Synthesis and characterization of dl-thioctic acid (DLTA)-Fe3O4 nanocomposite

dl-Thioctic acid (DLTA) coated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) NP's have been prepared by the co-precipitation of iron oxide in the presence of DLTA. The product identified as magnetite, which has an average crystallite size of 7 ± 2 nm as estimated from X-ray line profile fitting. Particle size was estimated as 11 ± 1 nm from TEM micrographs. FT-IR analysis showed that the binding of DLTA on the surface of iron oxide is through carboxyl group is bidentate. VSM analysis explained the super-paramagnetic nature of the nanocomposite. TG analysis showed that the 80% of the nanocomposite was DLTA and 10% was Fe₃O₄, respectively. The conductivity measurements displayed the magnetic transition at ∼60 °C for DLTA-Fe₃O₄ NPs. Analysis of the conductivities reveals the fact that the a.c. conductivity shows a frequency-dependent behavior while d.c. electrical conductivity is strongly temperature dependent and is classified into two regions over a limited temperature range of up to 120 °C. Toxicity was tested measured by LDH assay.     

Electromagnetic composite films based on polypyrrole hydro-sponge and Fe3O4 ferrofluid

The preparation of free-standing electromagnetic composite films based on conductive polypyrrole (PPy) hydro-sponge and the Fe₃O₄ ferrofluid have been successfully accomplished via self-assembly in the presence of β-cyclodextrin sulfate and under static condition. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to study the morphology of the PPy-Fe₃O₄ composite. Structural characterizations by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have proved the interactions between Fe₃O₄ and PPy chains. As-prepared films possess high electrical conductivity, remarkable magnetic response as well as appropriate flexility. Both the conductivity and magnetization of the composite, the latter in particular, depend strongly on the Fe₃O₄ content and thus can be optimized by adjusting the relative content of Fe₃O₄ in the composite. The combination of both magnetic and conducting activities of the resulting composite makes it be a potential candidate as functional material in electromagnetic devices, such as magnetic-controlled switches.     

Photocatalytic performance of nano-photocatalyst from TiO2 and Fe2O3 by mechanochemical synthesis

Nano-particles of homogeneous solid solution between TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ (up to 10 mol%) have been prepared by mechanochemical milling of TiO₂ and yellow Fe₂O₃/red Fe₂O₃/precipitated Fe (OH)₃ using a planetary ball mill. Such novel solid solution cannot be prepared by conventional co-precipitation technique. A preliminary investigation of photocatalytic activity of mixed oxide (TiO₂/Fe₂O₃) on photo-oxidation of different organic dyes like Rhodamine B (RB), Methyl orange (MO), Thymol blue (TB) and Bromocresol green (BG) under visible light (300-W Xe lamp; λ > 420 nm) showed that TiO₂ having 5 mol% of Fe₂O₃ (YFT1) is 3-5 times higher photoactive than that of P25 TiO₂. The XRD result did not show the peaks assigned to the Fe components (for example Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄, FeO₃, and Fe metal) on the external surface of the anatase structure in the Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ attained through mechanochemical treatment. This meant that Fe components were well incorporated into the TiO₂ anatase structure. The average crystallite size and particle size of YFT1 were found to be 12 nm and 30 ± 5 nm respectively measured from XRD and TEM conforming to nanodimensions. Together with the Fe component, they absorbed wavelength of above 387 nm. The band slightly shifted to the right without tail broadness, which was the UV absorption of Fe oxide in the Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ particle attained through mechanochemical method. This meant that Fe components were well inserted into the framework of the TiO₂ anatase structure. EPR and magnetic susceptibility show that Fe³⁺ is in low spin state corresponding to μ_B = 1.8 BM. The temperature variation of μ_B shows that Fe³⁺ is well separated from each other and does not have any antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic interaction. The evidence of Fe³⁺ in TiO₂/Fe₂O₃ alloy is also proved by a new method that is redox titration which is again support by the XPS spectrum.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)0.8(Ni0.5Mn0.5)0.2O2 with core-shell structure as cathode material for Li-ion batteries

The core-shell structure cathode material Li(Ni_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05)_0.8(Ni_0.5Mn_0.5)_0.2O₂ (LNCANMO) was synthesized via a co-precipitation method. Its applicability as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries was investigated. The core-shell particle consists of LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ (LNCAO) as the core and a LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ as the shell. The thickness of the LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ layer is approximately 1.25 μm, as estimated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The cycling behavior between 2.8 and 4.3 V at a current rate of 18 mA g⁻¹ shows a reversible capacity of about 195 mAh g⁻¹ with little capacity loss after 50 cycles. High-rate capability testing shows that even at a rate of 5 C, a stable capacity of approximately 127 mAh g⁻¹ is retained. In contrast, the capacity of LNCAO rapidly decreases in cyclic and high rate tests. The observed higher current rate capability and cycle stability of LNCANMO can be attributed to the lower impedance including charge transfer resistance and surface film resistance. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicates that LNCANMO had a much improved oxygen evolution onset temperature of approximately 251 °C, and a much lower level of exothermic-heat release compared to LNCAO. The improved thermal stability of the LNCANMO can be ascribed to the thermally stable outer shell of LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂, which suppresses oxygen release from the host lattice and not directly come into contact with the electrolyte solution. In particular, LNCANMO is shown to exhibit improved electrochemical performance and is a safe material for use as an electrode for lithium ion batteries.     

Mg-substituted ZnNb2O6-TiO2 composite ceramics for RF/microwaves ceramic capacitors

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Mg-substituted ZnNb₂O₆-TiO₂ microwave ceramics were investigated. Mg acted as a grain refining reagent and columbite phase stabilization reagent. With an increasing Mg content, the amount of ixiolite (Zn, Mg) TiNb₂O₈ decreased, and the amount of (Zn_0.9Mg_0.1)_0.17Nb_0.33Ti_0.5O₂ and columbite increased. ZnO-Nb₂O₅-1.75TiO₂-5 mol.%MgO exhibited excellent dielectric properties (at 950 °C): ?_r = 35.6, Q × f = 16,000 GHz (at 5.6 GHz) and τ_f = −10 ppm/°C. The material was applied successfully to make RF/microwaves ceramic capacitor, whose self-resonance frequency was 19 GHz at low capacitance of 0.13 pF.     

Effects of K2O-Li2O doping on surface and catalytic properties of Fe2O3/Cr2O3 system

The effects of K₂O and Li₂O-doping (0.5, 0.75 and 1.5 mol%) of Fe₂O₃/Cr₂O₃ system on its surface and the catalytic properties were investigated. Pure and differently doped solids were calcined in air at 400-600 °C. The formula of the un-doped calcined solid was 0.85Fe₂O₃:0.15Cr₂O₃. The techniques employed were TGA, DTA, XRD, N₂ adsorption at −196 °C and catalytic oxidation of CO oxidation by O₂ at 200-300 °C. The results revealed that DTA curves of pure mixed solids consisted of one endothermic peak and two exothermic peaks. Pure and doped mixed solids calcined at 400 °C are amorphous in nature and turned to α-Fe₂O₃ upon heating at 500 and 600 °C. K₂O and Li₂O doping conducted at 500 or 600 °C modified the degree of crystallinity and crystallite size of all phases present which consisted of a mixture of nanocrystalline α- and γ-Fe₂O₃ together with K₂FeO₄ and LiFe₅O₈ phases. However, the heavily Li₂O-doped sample consisted only of LiFe₅O₈ phase. The specific surface area of the system investigated decreased to an extent proportional to the amount of K₂O and Li₂O added. On the other hand, the catalytic activity was found to increase by increasing the amount of K₂O and Li₂O added. The maximum increase in the catalytic activity, expressed as the reaction rate constant (k) measured at 200 °C, attained 30.8% and 26.5% for K₂O and Li₂O doping, respectively. The doping process did not modify the activation energy of the catalyzed reaction but rather increased the concentration of the active sites without changing their energetic nature.     

The synergistic ability of Al2O3 nanoparticles to enhance mechanical response of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91

AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy nanocomposite containing Al₂O₃ nanoparticle reinforcement was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size to the monolithic hybrid alloy, reasonable Al₂O₃ nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 25% higher hardness than the monolithic hybrid alloy. Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in tension), the nanocomposite synergistically exhibited higher 0.2%TYS, UTS, failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+12%, +7%, +99% and +108%, respectively). Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in compression), the nanocomposite exhibited higher 0.2%CYS and UCS, and lower failure strain and WOF (+5%, +3%, −7% and −7%, respectively). The beneficial effects of Al₂O₃ nanoparticle addition on the enhancement of tensile and compressive properties of AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy are investigated in this paper.     

Synthesis and characteristics of poly(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropanoic acid) (PPyAA)-Fe3O4 nanocomposite

Poly(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropanoic acid) (PPyAA)-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by an in situ polymerization of 1-(2-carboxyethyl) pyrrole in the presence of synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Evaluation of structural, morphological, electrical and magnetic properties of the nanocomposite was performed by XRD, FT-IR, TEM, TGA, magnetization and conductivity measurements, respectively. XRD analysis reveals the inorganic phase as Fe₃O₄ and TGA shows about 90 wt% loading of Fe₃O₄ in the nanocomposite. FT-IR analysis indicates a successful conjugation of Fe₃O₄ particles with polypyrrole acetic acid. Magnetization measurements show that polypyrrole acetic acid coating decreases the saturation magnetization of Fe₃O₄ significantly. This reduction has been explained by the pinning of the surface spins by the possible adsorption of non-magnetic ions during the polymerization process. The conductivity and dielectric permittivity measurements strongly depend on the thermally activated polarization mechanism and thermal transition of PPyAA in the nanocomposite structure. Large value of dielectric permittivity (?′) of the nanocomposite at lower frequency is attributed to the predominance of species like Fe²⁺ ions and grain boundary defects (interfacial polarization).     

Microwave dielectric properties and its compatibility with silver electrode of Li2MgTi3O8 ceramics

The effects of BaCu(B₂O₅) (BCB) additions on the sintering temperature and microwave dielectric properties of Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramic have been investigated. The pure Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramic shows a relative high sintering temperature (∼1000 °C) and good microwave dielectric properties as Q × f of 40,000 GHz, ?_r of 27.2, τ_f of 2.6 ppm/°C. It was found that the addition of a small amount of BCB can effectively lower the sintering temperature of Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramics from 1025 to 900 °C and induce no obvious degradation of the microwave dielectric properties. Typically, the 0.5 wt% BCB added Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramic sintered at 900 °C for 2 h exhibited good microwave dielectric properties of Q × f = 36,200 GHz (f = 7.31 GHz), ?_r = 26 and τ_f = −2 ppm/°C. Compatibility with Ag electrode indicates this material can be applied to low temperature-cofired ceramics (LTCC) devices.     

Enhancement microwave dielectric properties of La(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3 ceramics by substituting Mg with Ni

The microwave dielectric properties of La(Mg_0.5−xNi_xSn_0.5)O₃ ceramics were examined with a view to their exploitation for mobile communication. The La(Mg_0.5−xNi_xSn_0.5)O₃ ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state method at various sintering temperatures. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the La(Mg_0.4Ni_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics revealed no significant variation of phase with sintering temperatures. Apparent density of 6.71 g/cm³, dielectric constant (?_r) of 20.19, quality factor (Q × f) of 74,600 GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of −85 ppm/°C were obtained for La(Mg_0.4Ni_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics that were sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanosized urchin-like α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4: Microwave electromagnetic and absorbing properties

Urchin-like α-Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ nanostructures were prepared from the precursor urchin-like α-FeOOH under reducing atmosphere. The dependence of reduction temperature on their morphology, microstructure, and microwave electromagnetic and absorbing characteristics were systematically studied. It is found that the reduction temperature plays an important role in the microstructure and electromagnetic characteristics of the resulting products. In present study, the urchin-like α-Fe₂O₃ with dual absorption peaks can be formed at the relatively low temperature (e.g. 300 °C). Urchin-like Fe₃O₄ can be obtained just at 350-400 °C, which presents excellent microwave absorption property, with the minimum reflection loss of −29.96 dB and below −20 dB in 3.76-8.15 GHz corresponding to 3-4 mm thickness. The excellent microwave-absorption properties are a consequence of a proper electromagnetic matching and enhanced absorbing abilities resulting from the urchin-like shape and inverse spinel-type crystal structure.     

Direct synthesis and characterization of mesoporous Fe3O4 through pyrolysis of ferric nitrate-ethylene glycol gel

Mesoporous magnetite (Fe₃O₄) was successfully synthesized on a large scale by direct pyrolysis of ferric nitrate-EG (EG = ethylene glycol) gel in a one-end closed horizontal tube furnace in the air without using any template, additions, and carrier gas. The as-synthesized mesoporous Fe₃O₄ were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectra (IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Results from TEM showed that the as-obtained Fe₃O₄ has mesoporous structure formed by the loose agglomeration of nanoparticles with diameter of about 6 nm, which was also confirmed by small-angle XRD and nitrogen adsorption analysis. Furthermore, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements indicated that the saturated magnetization of the as-obtained mesoporous Fe₃O₄ was ferromagnetic with the saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) of 46 emu/g and 136 Oe, respectively. In addition, a possible growth mechanism of mesoporous Fe₃O₄ was also discussed.     

Low temperature sintering and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg0.7Zn0.3)0.95Co0.05TiO3 ceramics with BaCu(B2O5) additions

The effects of BaCu(B₂O₅) additives on the sintering temperature and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were investigated. The (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were not able to be sintered below 1000 °C. However, when BaCu(B₂O₅) were added, they were sintered below 1000 °C and had the good microwave dielectric properties. It was suggested that a liquid phase with the composition of BaCu(B₂O₅) was formed during the sintering and assisted the densification of the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics at low temperature. BaCu(B₂O₅) powders were produced and used to reduce the sintering temperature of the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics. Good microwave dielectric properties of Q × f = 35,000 GHz, ?_r = 18.5.0 and τ_f = −51 ppm/°C were obtained for the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics containing 7 wt.% mol% BaCu(B₂O₅) sintered at 950 °C for 4 h.