Dispersive Spectrum Research Articles

Synthesis, crystal structure of Ca6Sb2O11 from experiments and DFT-electron structure calculation

This article reports a new perovskite compound Ca6Sb2O11. The X-ray powder diffraction technique was used to analyze its crystal structure. The results show that Ca6Sb2O11 has a tetragonal structure with the I4/m space group, and the lattice parameters are a = b = 5.658 (1) Å, c = 7.984 (1) Å, α = β = γ = 90°. It exhibits a typical A4B'2B″2X12-x anoxic multi-perovskite structure with rock-salt ordering of the B-site cations. The compound's chemical composition and valence states were characterized through scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersion spectrum (SEM-EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The presence of oxygen vacancies was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A chemical and structure transition temperature and the full melting temperature of Ca6Sb2O11 were measured, with values of 1515 ± 3 K and 1720 ± 3 K, respectively. The density functional theory (DFT)-electron structure calculation results show that Ca6Sb2O11 is an indirect wide-band gap (∼4.47 eV) semiconductor material, which agrees well with the experimental value (∼4.38 eV) obtained through diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). Moreover, the top of the valence band and bottom of the conduction band are mainly contributed to by O-2p and Ca-3d states, respectively.

TUNNELING EFFECT IN DOUBLE QUANTUM DOTS NANOSTRUCTURE

In this working, we introduce a Q-DD composed of two QDs. We find that the absorption and dispersion spectra of the light pulse can be changed via the effect of and inter-dot tunnel couplings and probe pumping field of QDs. Then, we employ the steady state and dynamical state in the four-level double QDs system. The slope of dispersion switches from positive to negative. Therefore, both superluminal and Subluminal light propagations can be achieved by simply applying a gate voltage to the double inter dot tunnel coupling. It is also demonstrated that by applying the indirect pump probe field to the probe transition the absorption-free superluminal light propagation is obtained. The results show that by proper tuning of the bias voltage. This structure also indicates that a wide range of linearity from negative to positive can be simply adjusted via a bias voltage, which would result in wide control of signal beam.

Probing the opto-electronic, phonon spectrum, and thermoelectric properties of lead-free fluoride perovskites A2GeSnF6 (A = K, Rb, Cs) for energy harvesting devices

The present work employs density functional theory to explore the structural, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric attributes of the halide-based double perovskite A2GeSnF6 (A = K, Rb, and Cs) compounds. The stable phonon dispersion spectrum affirms dynamical stability, whereas the enthalpy of formation and tolerance factor evaluated collectively verify structural stability. Considering the Tran Blaha modified Becke Johnson potentials (mBJ), the predicted direct band gaps along the symmetry point are 3.19 eV for K2GeSnF6, 3.16 eV for Rb2GeSnF6 and 3.12 eV Cs2GeSnF6. According to an in-depth examination of the optoelectronic features, A2GeSnF6 (A = K, Rb, and Cs), double perovskites are assuring contenders for optoelectronic devices due to their suitable bandgap. The extremely high figure of merit values (0.94–0.97) obtained from the numerical calculation of power factor and thermal conductivity suggest the intriguing prospects of these compositions for thermoelectric devices. These studies offer a perceptive comprehension of the materials for their potential applications in the future.

Full Dispersion‐Spectrum Inversion of Surface Waves

AbstractNowadays, the most successful applications of full‐waveform inversion (FWI) involve marine seismic data under acoustic approximations. Elastic FWI of land seismic data is still challenging in theory and practice. Here, we propose a full dispersion spectrum inversion method and apply it to seismic data acquired in West Antarctica. Inspired by the conventional surface wave dispersion curve inversion method, we propose to invert the surface wave dispersion spectrum instead of the complicated waveforms. We compare the frequency‐velocity, frequency‐slowness, and frequency‐wavenumber spectra in terms of their ability to resolve dispersion modes and the feasibility of their adjoint updates and conclude that the frequency‐slowness spectrum is the best for our inversion objectives. We test four objective functions, subtraction, zero‐lag crosscorrelation, optimal transport, and the local‐crosscorrelation to quantify the spectrum mismatch and provide the corresponding adjoint source. We then theoretically analyze the convexity of the proposed objective functions and examine their convergence behavior using numerical examples. We also compare the proposed method with the classic FWI method and the traditional surface wave dispersion curve inversion method and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each method. This technique is employed to evaluate the shallow velocity structures beneath a seismic array stationed in West Antarctica. Our proposed inversion scheme is also useful for more general applications such as imaging the shallow subsurface of the critical zones, like geothermal reservoirs, and CO2 storage sites.

First principles investigations of optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of novel BaMg2X2 (X = P, As, Sb) alloys for renewable energy applications

Zintl phase compounds are emerging candidates for solar cells due to their unique electronic structure and favorable optoelectronic characteristics. In the present communication, we have studied the structural, electronic, optical, and transport properties of BaMg2X2 (X = P, As, Sb) Zintl compounds. The computation of formation energy and analysis of phonon dispersion spectra confirm their favorable formation and dynamic stability. Employing modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential, we elucidate the band structure for BaMg2P2, BaMg2As2, and BaMg2Sb2, revealing direct band gaps of 1.80, 1.65, and 1.35 eV, respectively. Examination of DOS spectra provides better insight regarding the contribution of 6 s-Ba, 3 s-Mg, and (3p-5p)-P/As/Sb states in forming valence and conduction bands. The scrutiny of the optical characteristics indicates compelling light absorption in the visible region, suggesting promising prospects for optoelectronic applications. Thermoelectric characteristics are evaluated using classical Boltzmann transport theory. Notably, large figure of merit values of 0.99, 0.97 and 0.95 for BaMg2P2, BaMg2As2, and BaMg2Sb2, respectively, have been observed at room temperature. These exceptional optoelectronic characteristics, coupled with outstanding ZT values, suggest the potential suitability of these compositions for solar cells and thermoelectric device applications.

Adsorption behavior of Mg–Al layered double hydroxide on Pb(Ⅱ), Zn(Ⅱ), Cd(Ⅱ), and As(V) coexisting in aqueous solution

MgAl-layered double hydroxide（MgAl-LDH）was synthesized via hydrothermal method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, energy dispersive spectrum (EDS). The results proved that the prepared MgAl-LDH exhibited a well-defined layered structure and mesoporous morphology with a large specific surface area, which endowed them with abundant adsorption sites and diffusion mass transfer channels for heavy metal ions. Subsequently, the MgAl-LDH was used to evaluate the adsorption efficiency for Pb(Ⅱ), Zn (Ⅱ), Cd (Ⅱ), and As(V) coexisting in aqueous solutions by batch equilibrium experiments. The results showed favorable adsorption performance of MgAl-LDH toward four coexisting ionic species, with competitive adsorption among the heavy metal ions. Under the experimental conditions, the removal rates of Pb(Ⅱ), Zn (Ⅱ), Cd (Ⅱ), and As(V) ions were 96.7%, 97.1%, 65.2%, and 98.7%, respectively, and the selective order for cation adsorption followed Pb(Ⅱ) > Zn (Ⅱ) > Cd (Ⅱ). Furthermore, the adsorption mechanisms of Pb(Ⅱ), Zn (Ⅱ), Cd (Ⅱ) and As(V) by MgAl-LDH were detailed conducted by XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, and could be ascribed to the surface complexation, precipitation and isomorphic replacement for Pb(Ⅱ), Zn (Ⅱ), Cd (Ⅱ) while surface complexation, ion exchange and electrostatic adsorption for As(V).

Toward mapping turbulence in the intra-cluster medium

Context. Future X-ray observatories with high spectral resolution and imaging capabilities will enable measurements and mappings of emission line shifts in the intracluster medium (ICM). Such direct measurements can serve as unique probes of turbulent motions in the ICM. Determining the level and scales of turbulence will improve our understanding of the galaxy cluster dynamical evolution and assembly, together with a more precise evaluation of the non thermal support pressure budget. This will allow for more accurate constraints to be placed on the masses of galaxy clusters, among other potential benefits. Aims. In this view, we implemented the methods presented in the previous instalments of our work to characterising the turbulence in the intra-cluster medium in a feasibility study with the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) on board the future European X-ray observatory, Athena. Methods. From idealized mock observations of a toy model cluster, we reconstructed the second-order structure function built with the observed velocity field to constrain the turbulence. We carefully accounted for the various sources of errors to derive the most realistic and comprehensive error budget within the limits of our approach. With prior assumptions on the dissipation scale and power spectrum slope, we constrained the parameters of the turbulent power spectrum model through the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Results. With a very long exposure time, a favourable configuration, and a prior assumption of the dissipation scale, we were able to retrieve the injection scale, velocity dispersion, and power spectrum slope, with 1σ uncertainties for better than ∼15% of the input values. We demonstrated the efficiency of our carefully set framework to constrain the turbulence in the ICM from high-resolution X-ray spectroscopic observations, paving the way for more in-depth investigation of the optimal required observing strategy within a more restrictive observational setup with the future Athena/X-IFU instrument.

Application of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 −based catalysts for piezocatalytic, photocatalytic and piezo-photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater remediation

In order to attain visible light driven piezo-photocatalyst for treatment of organic pollutants, Ag doped Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 particles (Bi0.5Na0.5-x AgxTiO3 particles with x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) have been synthesised via sol–gel route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the monoclinic phase structure with Cc space group for all compositions. The Rietveld refinement using FullPROF program was performed to ensure the phase purity of the samples. The structure is reconfirmed by matching vibrational modes in Raman spectra as well. Morphological and elemental analysis were done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped energy dispersive x-ray spectra (EDX) and found the particle size ranging from 300-400 nm. UV–vis absorbance spectra were employed to find the optical bandgap for all synthesised particles, found in the range of 3.65–2.63 eV. The best piezo-photocatalytic activity found for sample x = 0.01 tested for rhodamine B dye, which is ∼ 82 % in 80 min under the exposure of UV light and mechanical disturbances, whereas degradation was ∼ 52.4 % and ∼ 22.7 % for photo- and piezocatalysis, respectively. Kinetics study and rate constant values were found using first order rate kinetics equation. Trapping experiment and stability test for the catalysts were done systematically, finding that hydroxyl and superoxide radicals are major active species and ∼ 9 % decrement in degradation capacity over three cycles were found due to loss of catalyst amount. The improvement in degradation is attributed to least recombination rate, greater oxygen vacancies, high degradation yield, high absorption capacity and optimum bandgap values over the other compositions. Therefore, 1 % Ag doped BNT sample can be novel efficient piezo-photocatalyst for treatment of organic dyes.

Preparation and Performance Study of Boron Adsorbent from Plasma-Grafted Polypropylene Melt-Blown Fibers.

In this study, the plasma graft polymerization technique was used to graft glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto polypropylene (PP) melt-blown fibers, which were subsequently aminated with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) by a ring-opening reaction, resulting in the formation of a boron adsorbent denoted as PP-g-GMA-NMDG. The optimal conditions for GMA concentration, grafting time, grafting temperature, and the quantity of NMDG were determined using both single factor testing and orthogonal testing. These experiments determined the optimal process conditions to achieve a high boron adsorption capacity of PP-g-GMA-NMDG. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectrum analysis (EDS), and water contact angle measurements were performed to characterize the prepared adsorbent. Boron adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of pH, time, temperature, and boron concentration on the boron adsorption capacity of PP-g-GMA-NMDG. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of PP-g-GMA-NMDG for boron were also studied. The results demonstrated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and a Langmuir isothermal model. At a pH of 6, the maximum saturation adsorption capacity of PP-g-GMA-NMDG for boron was 18.03 ± 1 mg/g. In addition, PP-g-GMA-NMDG also showed excellent selectivity for the adsorption of boron in the presence of other cations, such as Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, PP-g-GMA-NMDG, and exhibited excellent selectivity towards boron adsorption. These results indicated that the technique of preparing PP-g-GMA-NMDG is both viable and environmentally benign. The PP-g-GMA-NMDG that was made has better qualities than other similar adsorbents. It has a high adsorption capacity, great selectivity, reliable repeatability, and easy recovery. These advantages indicated that the adsorbents have significant potential for widespread application in the separation of boron in water.

Phosphoric acid-activated metakaolin-based geopolymer: Optimizing P/A molar ratio to solidify Cs+ and Sr2+ in nuclear waste

Phosphoric Acid-activated Metakaolin-based Geopolymer (PAMG) is an efficient solidified material. This paper reports the effect of the H3PO4 to Al2O3 (P/A) molar ratio on the hydration, phase assemblage, morphology, and compressive strength of PAMG and the solidification of simulated radionuclides Sr and Cs by PAMG. The hydration behavior and microstructure of PAMG were investigated using isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The impacts of Cs and Sr on the leaching behavior and microstructure of PAMG were assessed using atomic absorption spectrum (AAS), SEM, and energy dispersion spectrum (EDS). The results indicate that the compressive strength of PAMG increases and then decreases as the P/A ratio increases. The highest compressive strength reaching 98.1 MPa after 28 days of curing, was observed at a P/A molar ratio of 1.8. The addition of Cs and Sr resulted in a decrease in the compressive strength of PAMG, with Sr showing a more significant reduction in PAMG's compressive strength. However, PAMG still exhibited a high efficiency in solidifying simulated nuclides Cs and Sr, with 42 days leaching rates of 3.7 × 10−5 cm/d and 5.0 × 10−6 cm/d, respectively. These results indicate the huge potential of PAMG in solidifying nuclides.

Experimental study of the vacuum arc motion-diffuse transition in cup-shaped transverse magnetic field contacts

The arc in transverse magnetic field (TMF) contacts transitions to diffusion mode before current zero, affecting arc morphology and motion. TMF-generated force competes with local overheating's stagnation effect, impacting contact surface ablation. Cup-shaped TMF contacts exhibit slow, fast, and unstable transitions. Arc voltage declines gently, rapidly, or in repeated steps. Peak current, contact diameter, contact piece structure, and iron core influence transition characteristics. Transition energy increases linearly with peak current. Larger contact diameter and iron cores make transition constant earlier and transition current higher. Compared to circular contacts, annular contacts delay transition constant and widen transition current range. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the ablation cathode surfaces exhibited five morphologies: melting pit, periphery, lamellar, particle, and pore. Energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analyses show that the periphery has a higher Cu content than the interior, suggesting less Cu loss during fracture and less droplet splashing. The peripheral Cu content is comparable between the two contacts, 62.94 % vs. 62.37 %. However, the interior Cu content of contact NO.4 is higher than NO.6 at 60.54 % vs. 56.26 %. This indicates that the difference in the effect of fast and slow transitions on the cathode surface activity is mainly in the interior region.

The negative effect of V content on high temperature oxidation resistance of austenitic stainless steels at 850 °C

The effect of V on the high-temperature oxidation performance of austenitic stainless steel has been investigated by the constant-temperature oxidation weight gain approach, while the morphology, composition and elemental distribution of the oxide film are further analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum, transmission electron microscope and X-ray powder diffractometer as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealing the mechanism of the effect of V on the high-temperature oxidation performance of austenitic stainless steel. As a result, the addition of V has a significant adverse effect on the oxidation resistance of steel. Noteworthy, vanadium pentoxide generated during the oxidation process increases the internal stress of the surface oxide layer, reduces the integrity of the oxide layer and promotes oxygen penetration into the matrix. Simultaneously, the Z-phase formed at the grain boundaries of the matrix inhibits the diffusion of Cr ions, resulting in the inability to form an effective protective layer of Cr2O3 oxidation on the surface.

Ag-doped CuO nanoparticles embedded reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite from Punica granatum peel extract and evaluation of their photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial potential

The present study explored Punica granatum peel extract as a reducing and capping agent for synthesis of Ag-doped CuO nanoparticles embedded reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite. The crystalline nature of the Ag doped CuO/rGO was identified utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The surface morphology of Ag doped CuO/rGO was investigated by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The surface elemental composition of the prepared material was investigated by the Energy dispersive spectra (EDS) analysis. Ag resulted in enhanced absorbance in the visible range as well as a reduction in band gap energy. The catalytic activity of the green synthesized Ag doped CuO/rGO photocataltyst was evaluated in the reduction of organic pollutants such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB) in water at mild conditions. The results indicated that the biosynthesized Ag-CuO/rGO composites have very high and effective catalytic activity over MB dye (99.5 %), high rate constant (0.9871 min−1) and long term stability with 60 min irradiation of UV light. In addition, initial process parameters of catalyst dosage and MB concentration, and pH of the solution were also examined. Differential antimicrobial effects of doped and undoped CuO nanoparticles (NPs) against selected strains of bacteria and fungi were confirmed.

J[formula omitted] Mott-insulating to S = 0 metal transition in Ce@Y-doped Y[formula omitted]NiIrO[formula omitted]

Double perovskite oxides (DPOs) having 3d-5d electrons provide an optimal field to investigate the entanglement between spin–orbit coupling and electron correlation, displaying unusual physical phenomena. Here, we predicted a large magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) constant of 1.7 × 108 erg/cm3 in a pristine ferrimagnetic (FiM) Y2NiIrO6 DPO with the magnetic easy axis of the monoclinic b-axis. The estimated Curie temperature (TC) of 198 K using the Heisenberg model agrees well with the experimentally observed value of 192 K. Antiferromagnetic coupling between Ni and Ir ions is confirmed, which supports the FiM as a ground state of the system. Furthermore, it is found that the motif displays a Mott-insulating nature because of the exceptional Jeff=12 state of Ir+4 with an effective magnetic moment (meff.) of ∼2.19μB/u.c. (per unit cell), where Ni/Ir ion contains 1.68/−0.49μB. Upon substitution of Ce at Y-site (Ce@Y), few states grow at the Fermi level which belongs to Ir 5d orbitals and meff. enhanced to 3.13 μB/u.c., while FiM survives as a ground state. Along with this, Ni moment remains unchanged, while it substantially reduces to −0.10μB for Ir ion which leads to be in a ＋ 3 (5d6) state with S = 0 and almost persists in the paramagnetic phase. Due to the larger atomic radii of Ce than that of Y, the Ce@Y-doped motif exhibits a large structural distortion as compared to the pristine one, which increases the MAE and TC values simultaneously. Furthermore, calculated enthalpies of formation, distinct elastic constants, and phonon dispersion spectrums ensure the thermodynamic, mechanical, and dynamical stability of the pristine as well as the Ce@Y-doped system, respectively.

Green synthesis of silver chloride nanoparticles derived from Artemisia sieberi extract (AgClNPs-ASE) induces cell cycle arrest and triggers apoptosis in human breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells

In recent years, metallic nanoparticles have attracted tremendous attention in nanomedicine. Here, we report green synthesis and determination of silver chloride nanoparticles synthesized using Artemisia sieberi extract (AgClNPs-ASE) and its anticancer properties against human breast cancer cells. Numerous techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectra (SEM–EDS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis determined the morphology characteristics and size of the obtained nanoparticles. Cytotoxic properties of AgClNPs-ASE were carried out toward human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and nontumorigenic HEK293 cells. AgClNPs-ASE revealed better efficacy toward breast cancer cells and was relatively less cytotoxic to nontumorigenic cells. Induction of apoptosis was further revealed by Hoechst 33258 dye and dual acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and in cells along with upregulation of caspase-8 and 9 proteins. AgClNPs-ASE could trigger the apoptosis by upregulation of early (1.93%) and late (58.86%) apoptosis followed by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐Annexin‐V/PI staining and enhanced cell cycle population (sub-G1). AgClNPs-ASE significantly increased NO production in cancer cells. Moreover, qRT-PCR study showed that AgClNPs-ASE treated cells induce increased expression of the LncRNA GAS5 gene. These findings suggest the remarkable apoptosis in cancer cells triggered by AgClNPs-ASE in vitro.

Investigating the Characterization and Grindability Behaviour of Farin-lamba Cassiterite toward Effective Tin Oxide Production

Cassiterite has been an essential source of tin; its exploration and exploitation have become a priority worldwide. The effective beneficiation of cassiterite depends mainly on its grindability and effective liberation. The Modified Bond's grindability test is a method used to determine the work index, which is crucial in estimating the energy needed to grind an ore. This is crucial during mineral processing, as a slight deviation would affect the company's operating expenditure (OPEX). This study investigates the work index for Farin-Lamba cassiterite with reference to silica sand sourced from Igbokoda. The test ore (cassiterite) was analyzed using Energy Dispersed X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRS), Petrographic Analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectrum (SEM-EDS) to understand their chemical and mineralogical characteristics in relation to their grindability. The test ore and the reference material (silica sand) underwent comminution using 500g of each to a 100% passing 500 μm array of sieves arranged in (√2) series from 500μm to 63μm onto an automatic sieve shaker. The chemical and mineralogical analysis revealed the presence of gangue such as SiO2 and Al2O3, which increases the energy needed during communition; further, the presence of rough and large grain size in the ore also increases the energy needed for communition. The results were subjected to Gaudin Schuman's equation to determine the ore's work index, which was 14.664 KWh/ton for the test ore, which is standard for cassiterite, which ranges from 10-15 kWh/ton. Further, the energy needed for comminution was calculated to be 33.7272 Kwh, providing valuable insights into the energy efficiency of the grinding process. The evaluation of the grindability of Farin-Lamba cassiterite in relation to the reference ore not only contributes toward understanding the ore processing dynamics but also provides information needed for the optimization of energy consumed during the process of tin oxide production.

First principle calculations to explore the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of 2D NiX2 (X = O, S, Se) monolayers

This investigation employs ab-initio calculations to investigate the structural, dynamical, mechanical, and optoelectronic attributes of 1T-NiX2 (X = O, S, Se) monolayers. The confirmation of structural and dynamical stability is derived from negative cohesive energy values and the absence of negative frequencies in phonon dispersion spectra. Mechanical stability is established through the application of the Born-Huang stability criterion. Results indicate that an increase in the X-atom size from O to Se induces a reduction in material stiffness from 137.64 Nm−1 to 77.56 Nm−1 and thus, enhances the flexibility of the monolayers. The NiX2 monolayers exhibit indirect bandgap features with values 1.33 eV (1.81 eV), 0.63 eV (0.61 eV) and 0.28 eV (0.28 eV) using PBE (PBE+U) methods. Present results show an inverse relations between the band gap and the size of the X atom. The scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) images of 2D NiX2 monolayers are also simulated for experimental observations. Additionally, exploration of optical characteristics reveals high optical absorption (105 cm−1), which lies from infrared to UV-region. Moreover, NiO2 can be utilized as good wave anti-reflectors with reflection of incident light less than 7%. These results suggest NiX2 materials as promising candidates for diverse applications in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.

Elastoacoustic wave propagation in a biphasic mechanical metamateriala).

Humans are sensitive to air-borne sound as well as to mechanical vibrations propagating in solids in the frequency range below 20 kHz. Therefore, the development of multifunctional filters for both vibration reduction and sound insulation within the frequency range of human sensitivity is a research topic of primary interest. In this paper, a high-contrast biphasic mechanical metamaterial, composed of periodic elastic solid cells with air-filled voids, is presented. By opening intercellular air-communicating channels and introducing channel-bridging solid-solid couplings, the frequency dispersion spectrum of the metamaterial can be modified to achieve complete and large bandgaps for acoustic and elastic waves. From a methodological viewpoint, the eigenproblem governing the free wave propagation is solved using a hybrid analytical-computational technique, while the waveform classification is based on polarization factors expressing the fraction of kinetic and elastic energies stored in the solid and fluid phases. Based on these theoretical results, a mechanical metafilter consisting of an array of a finite number of metamaterial cells is conceived to provide a technical solution for engineering applications. The forced response of the metafilter is virtually tested in a computational framework to assess its performance in passively controlling the propagation of broadband sound and vibration signals within solid and fluid environments. Quantitative results synthesized by transmission coefficients demonstrate that the metafilter can remarkably reduce the transmitted response in the frequency band of human sensitivity.

ESR and optical investigation of tetragonal PbTiO3 nanoparticles embedded in lithium tetraborate glass matrix

Glass-nanocomposites (GNCs) samples of composition [(100−x) Li2B4O7–xPbTiO3] with x = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol% were prepared by melt quenching method. The two phases of the GNCs samples, a glassy phase and PbTiO3 nanoparticles/clusters phase, can be seen in the energy dispersive X-ray spectra and scanning electron microscopic micrographs. Fourier transformation infrared spectra of the GNCs samples exhibited bands due to triangular with NBO’s and tetrahedral borate groups. Additionally, the Ti4+ ions exist in both TiO4 and TiO6 structural units while the Ti3+ ions exist in TiO6 structural units. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of the GNCs samples exhibit two ESR signals, broad and narrow, corresponding to the Ti3+ (3d1) ions in both tetragonal deformed octahedral and in the other structural configuration, respectively. The optical transmission spectra of the GNCs samples exhibited three transmission bands, 3Γ5 → 2Γ3, 2B2g → 2B1g and 2B2g → 2A1g transitions, in the visible region. The variation in optical band gap (Eopt) with increasing PbTiO3 content were due to the conversion between BO3 with NBOs and BO4 units as well as the reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ ions in the GNCs matrix. These results demonstrate that the present GNCs may be used for practical applications such as optical devices.

Fabrication of CuO/Au Nanowires on a Copper Substrate for Ultra-Sensitive SERS Sensors

To optimize the surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) phenomenon on the surface of noble metals, gold nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of nano-sized copper wires to enhance the dispersion of gold particles on the research surface. A simple experimental procedure was carried out in two stages. First, the thin copper substrate was lightly oxidized with ammonium persulfate in an alkaline environment, then incubated at 200oC for 3 hours to form copper nanowires that exist stably on the substrate surface. Immediately afterward, highly uniform CuO/Au nanowires were formed by the chemical reduction of HAuCl4 on the surface of the oxidized copper plate. The results show that gold nanoparticles of about 5 nm were attached to CuO nanowires with a length of up to 10 µm and a diameter between 100 and 300 nm. The X-ray energy dispersive spectrum demonstrated a uniform distribution of gold particles. The CuO/Au structure was used as a SERS substrate to detect methylene blue at a low concentration of 10 pM corresponding to 2 signals at the peaks 1395 cm−1 and 1625 cm−1 as the C-H and C-C deformation vibrations of the aromatic ring. The logarithms of the methylene blue concentrations were linearly proportional to their SERS signal intensity of methylene blue at the peak of 1625 cm-1 with a value R2 = 0.96. The signals of SERS for methylene blue at twelve different points on the material sample showed no significant differences in both intensity and shape of the spectrum, with an RSD value of 5.9%.