Reactive oxygen plasma-enabled synthesis of nanostructured CdO: tailoring nanostructures through plasma-surface interactions

Plasma-assisted synthesis of nanostructures is one of the most precise and effective approaches used in nanodevice fabrication. Here we report on the innovative approach of synthesizing nanostructured cadmium oxide films on Cd substrates using a reactive oxygen plasma-based process. Under certain conditions, the surface morphology features arrays of crystalline CdO nano/micropyramids. These nanostructures grow via unconventional plasma-assisted oxidation of a cadmium foil exposed to inductively coupled plasmas with a narrow range of process parameters. The growth of the CdO pyramidal nanostructures takes place in the solid-liquid-solid phase, with the rates determined by the interaction of plasma-produced oxygen atoms and ions with the surface. It is shown that the size of the pyramidal structures can be effectively controlled by the fluxes of oxygen atoms and ions impinging on the cadmium surface. The unique role of the reactive plasma environment in the controlled synthesis of CdO?nanopyramidal structures is discussed as well.     

The large-scale production of graphene flakes using magnetically-enhanced arc discharge between carbon electrodes

A novel approach to large-scale production of high-quality graphene flakes in magnetically-enhanced arc discharges between carbon electrodes is reported. A non-uniform magnetic field is used to control the growth and deposition zones, where the Y–Ni catalyst experiences a transition to the ferromagnetic state, which in turn leads to the graphene deposition in a collection area. The quality of the produced material is characterized by the SEM, TEM, AFM, and Raman techniques. The proposed growth mechanism is supported by the nucleation and growth model.     

Calculation of the stress fields in a polysynthetic twin located near the crystal surface

Without using the thin twin approximation, assuming a continuous distribution of dislocations on the boundaries, a procedure to calculate the stress fields in a polysynthetic twin located near the crystal surface has been developed. It is shown that the stresses in the polysynthetic twin are localized at the boundaries and apices of the twins that enter into the composition of the former twin. Examples of calculations of the cleavage stresses of the polysynthetic twin having rectilinear and curvilinear boundaries with uniform and nonuniform distribution of dislocations at them are given. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 82, No. 1, pp. 184–190, January–February, 2009.     

Hexagonal Sphericon Hematite with High Performance for Water Oxidation

A cost‐effective hexagonal sphericon hematite with predominant (110) facets for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is demonstrated. Sequential incorporation of near‐atomic uniformly distributed Ce species and Ni nanoparticles into selected sites of the hematite induces a complex synergistic integration phenomenon that enhances the overall catalytic OER performance. This cheap hexagonal sphericon hematite (Fe ≈ 98%) only needs a small overpotential (η) of 0.34 V to reach 10 mA cm^?2, superior to commercial IrO₂ and more expensive Co‐, Ni‐, and Li‐based electrocatalysts.     

Orientation-controlled,low-temperature plasma growth and applications of h-BN nanosheets

Nano Research - Dimensionality and orientation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets are promising to create and control their unique properties for diverse applications. However,...     

Influence of electric-current pulses on the operation of sources of twinning dislocations in bismuth single crystals

The influence of electric-current pulses on the operation of different sources of twinning dislocations is discussed. It is established that an electric current stimulates it and decreases the critical stresses needed for the onset of generation of dislocation loops. Mozyr State Pedagogical Institute, Belarus. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 72, No. 3, pp. 592–594, May–June, 1999.     

Plant oil derivatives as additives for lubricants

The possibility of using oxidized, epoxidized, and polymerized fractions of rape and sunflower oils as viscosity and antifriction additives for hydraulic and motor oils was examined. Their biodegradability was evaluated. __________ Translated from Khimiya i Tekhnologiya Topliv i Masel, No. 2, pp. 29–30, May–June, 2006.     

Macroscopic dislocation model of a wedge twin with allowance for the shape of its boundaries

Stress fields for wedge twins with various shapes of boundaries are calculated on the basis of a macroscopic dislocation model. It is shown that the deviation of a wedge twin from a symmetric shape leads also to the loss of symmetry in the stress-field distribution near the twin. Cases of a uniform and an equilibrium distribution of twinning dislocations at twin boundaries are considered.     

Correction to: Physical and Technological Aspects of Precision Laser Treatment of Ceramic Materials. Effect of Treatment Regime

Refractories and Industrial Ceramics - The Acknowledgement on page 289 should read The work was financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the RF under a State Task for...