Method In Air Atmosphere Research Articles

Boosting the activity for organic pollutants removal of In2O3 by loading Ag particles under natural sunlight irradiation

A novel photocatalyst In2O3 with loading Ag particles is prepared via a facile one-step annealing method in air atmosphere. The Ag/In2O3 exhibits considerable photoactivity for decomposing sulfisoxazole (SOX), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), and rhodamine B (RhB) under natural sunlight irradiation, which is much higher than that of pristine In2O3 and Ag species. After natural sunlight irradiation for 100 min, 70.6% of SOX, 65.6% of TC, and 81.9% of RhB are degraded over Ag/In2O3, and their corresponding chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal ratio achieve 95.4%, 38.4%, and 93.6%, respectively. A batch of experiments for degrading SOX with adjusting pollutant solution pH and adding coexisting anions over Ag/In2O3 are carried out to estimate its practical application prospect. Particularly, the as-prepared Ag/In2O3 possesses a superior stability, which exhibits no noticeable deactivation in decomposing SOX after eight cycles’ reactions. In addition, the Ag/In2O3 coated on a frosted glass plate, also possesses a superior activity and stability for SOX removal, which solve the possible second pollution of residual powdered catalyst in water. Ag particles on In2O3 working as electron accepter improve charge separation and transfer efficiency, as well as the photo-absorption and organic pollutants affinity, leading to the boosted photoactivity of Ag/In2O3. The photocatalytic mechanism for degrading SOX and degradation process over Ag/In2O3 has been systemically investigated and proposed. This work offers an archetype for the rational design of highly efficient photocatalysts by metal loading.

The effects of Lu3+, Gd3+ and Ga3+ substitution on the photoluminescence of Y2.95-x-yLuxGdyAlzGa5-zO12:0.05Ce3+ phosphors for high-power white AC-LEDs.

Various yellowish-green persistent phosphors of Y2.95-x-yLuxGdyAl5-zGazO12:0.05Ce3+ (x = 0-1, y = 0-1, z = 1-4) were successfully synthesized by the one-step high-temperature solid-state reaction method in air. The effects of simultaneous doping of Lu3+, Gd3+ and Ga3+ on the luminescence properties of the phosphors were investigated in detail for the first time. Herein, the microstructure, morphology, afterglow performance, luminescence properties, thermoluminescence, thermal quenching and flicker index of the efficient blue-light-activated Y2.95-x-yLuxGdyAl5-zGazO12:0.05Ce3+ phosphors were tested. The τ90 and τ80 values of Y1.45LuGd0.5Al2.5Ga2.5O12:0.05Ce3+ are 10.8 ms and 33.2 ms, respectively. These parameters are important in terms of effectiveness in reducing flicker in alternating current (AC) LEDs. Compared with the conventional Y3Al2Ga3O12:Ce3+ phosphor, the Y1.45LuGd0.5Al2.5Ga2.5O12:0.05Ce3+ phosphor has a better luminescence performance, stronger afterglow performance, and lower flicker index. The quantum yield of the Y1.45LuGd0.5Al2.5Ga2.5O12:0.05Ce3+ phosphor was 86.42% and the luminous efficiency of the LED devices prepared with it reached 92.12 lm W-1 when operated at 100 mA. Integrating sphere and spectroradiometer tests as well as CIE chromaticity diagrams indicate that the AC-WLEDs assembled by mixing the Y1.45LuGd0.5Al2.5Ga2.5O12:0.05Ce3+ phosphor and a commercial red phosphor in an appropriate ratio could obtain ideal white light with a high color-rendering index (87.9) and the flickering index was successfully reduced from 100% to 61.4%.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposite Perovskite Cathode Materials La0.3Sr0.7Fe0.4Ti0.6O3‐δ (LSFT) for Low‐Temperature SOFCs with Incorporation of Graphene Oxide (GO)

AbstractThe porous and mixed ionic electronic cathode conductor plays a vital role in the efficient working of low‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Perovskite composite cathode material La0.3Sr0.7Fe0.4Ti0.6O3‐δ (LSFT) is synthesized using the sol–gel method. Graphene oxide (GO) is integrated in 1 and 1.5 wt.% into the perovskite LSFT cathode to use as a cathode for low‐temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LT‐SOFC). Crystal structure analysis is studied by XRD and the crystalline size of samples is determined in the range of 103–73 nm. SEM analysis is used to characterize homogeneous and porous morphology. The FTIR spectral analysis is examined for proposed nanocomposite cathode materials. The electrical conductivities are carried out by four probe method in air atmosphere in the temperature range 300–600 °C and enhanced conductivity is obtained 7 Scm−1 for LSFT‐1.5 wt.% GO sample. For the same sample, a minimum value of area‐specific resistance (ASR) of 0.02 Ωcm2 is obtained. The performance of three‐layer fuel cells is tested by supplying H2 fueled at the anode and oxygen at the cathode terminal of the cell and peak power density is determined to be 362 mWcm−2 for GO incorporated fuel cell. The prepared cathode can be proposed as a potential candidate for low‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

Morphological engineering of SiO2 interlayer towards meliorative dielectric and thermal properties in β‐SiCw@SiO2/PVDF composites

AbstractPolymers with high thermal conductivity (TC) and dielectric constant (ε) but low dielectric loss show enormously potential applications in electrical power systems. To enhance the ε and TC while significantly suppressing the loss of β‐silicon carbide whisker (β‐SiCw)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), in this study, SiO2 shells with different morphologies were constructed on the superficies of β‐SiCw via a facile oxidation method in air atmosphere. The SiO2 shell’ morphology on the TC and dielectric performances of the β‐SiCw@SiO2/PVDF are systematically explored as a function of the frequency and filler loading. The β‐SiCw@SiO2/PVDF demonstrate astonishingly restricted loss and meliorative TC when compared to the β‐SiCw/PVDF because the SiO2 shell not only suppresses the β‐SiCw from direct contact with one another and impedes the long‐distance charges migration thereby resulting in rather low loss and leakage conductivity, but also restrains the thermal interfacial resistance via increased interfacial compatibility and interactions. The concurrent enhancement effect in the ε and TC but low loss of the composites is more evident in the crystalline SiO2 interlayer with a high TC compared with amorphous one. These results provide insight into the exploration of composite nanodielectrics with large TC and ε but low loss for applications in electrical power systems.Highlights Core@shell structured β‐SiCw@SiO2/PVDF were obtained by a facile oxidation. The great reduction in both loss and conductivity is attributed to the SiO2 shell. Crystalline SiO2 shell can improve the composites' thermal conductivity. The SiO2 shell prevents long‐range carrier migration.

Synthesis and optical properties of Mn4+ activated double-perovskite niobate deep red phosphors for WLEDs and plant cultivation

Mn 4+ doped oxides red phosphors have great potential for white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) and plant growth light. Herein, deep red phosphors Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :xMn 4+ with perovskite structure were synthesized by solid state method in air atmosphere. The crystal structure, morphology, composition and optical properties of Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :Mn 4+ phosphors were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, SEM and EDS and photoluminescence spectra. Under excitation by 380 nm NUV light, the phosphor emitted bright red light around 670 nm and far-red light around 697 nm owing to the spin-forbidden 2 E g → 4 A 2g transition of Mn 4+ ions. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra confirmed the high thermal stability of Mn 4+ -activated Ba 2 LuNbO 6 phosphors. The fluorescence intensity maintained about half of the initial intensity at 400 K, and the thermal quenching was due to the increase of non-radiative transitions at high temperature. Finally, LED devices were fabricated using 365 nm NUV chips with commercial blue, green phosphors and Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :Mn 4+ red phosphors for the use of outdoor lighting, which had color rendering index (CRI) of 84.4 and color temperature (CCT) of 5710 K. The results indicate that Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :Mn 4+ phosphors have great potential as a deep red phosphor in the field of WLEDs and plant growth light. • Deep red phosphor Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :Mn 4+ were prepared by high temperature solid state method in air atmosphere for WLEDs and plant cultivation. • The Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :Mn 4+ phosphor presents deep red emission from 650 nm to 720 nm. • Ba 2 LuNbO 6 :Mn 4+ phosphors have excellent photoelectric performance for LED application.

Co-existence and unique co-emission properties of Eu3+/Eu2+ and Sm3+/Sm2+ in LiSrB9O15 host lattice

“Eu3+/Eu2+ and Sm3+/Sm2+ co-doped LiSrB9O15 phosphors” were synthesized by high temperature solid-state method in air atmosphere, and the XRD, crystal structure and photoluminescence properties were studied. The photoluminescence spectra show that the self reduction phenomenon of Eu3+ to Eu2+ and Sm3+ to Sm2+ do exist in LiSrB9O15:Eu and LiSrB9O15:Sm prepared in air atmosphere. Under the excitation of 248 nm, LiSrB9O15: Eu sample shows two bands of peaks. The sharp peaks in the range of 550–750 nm belong to the 4f-4f transition of Eu3+, and the wide peak from 350 to 450 nm centered on 367 nm belongs to the 4f-5d transition of Eu2+. Under 401 nm excitation, LiSrB9O15:Sm sample also shows two bands of peaks. The peaks in the range of 550–670 nm belong to the transition of Sm3+, and the peaks in the range of 680–780 nm belong to the transition of Sm2+. Then, we analyzed the lattice occupation of Eu and Sm ions in LiSrB9O15 matrix with the method of theoretical calculation, and explained why the self-reduction phenomenon can occur. Moreover, by changing the excitation wavelength of LiSrB9O15:Eu and LiSrB9O15:Sm samples, the luminescence color can be adjusted. The energy transfer from Eu2+ to Eu3+ was also found in LiSrB9O15:Eu3+/Eu2+ due to the spectral overlap. Finally, we found that Eu2+ has unique near ultraviolet luminescence in the range of about 367 nm. The near ultraviolet light in this range can just be used to trap and kill pests. This ultraviolet light can also promote plant growth and apply to ultraviolet medical treatment. Therefore, LiSrB9O15:Eu phosphor is a potential candidate in the preparation of ultraviolet LED lighting.

Effects of two strategies on afterglow behavior of Lu2O3:Eu single crystal scintillator: Co-doping with Pr3+ and solid solution with Sc2O3

In this paper, effect of two strategies on afterglow behavior of Lu2O3:Eu single crystal scintillator, Pr3+ co-doping and solid solution with Sc2O3, were studied systematically. Two groups of Lu2O3:5 at%Eu,x at%Pr (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5) and (Lu1–yScy)2O3:5 at%Eu (y = 0, 20 at%, 50 at% and 70 at%) single crystals were grown by floating zone (FZ) method in air atmosphere. The structures of as-grown crystals were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The scintillation, photoluminescence properties and carrier trap states were investigated through afterglow, X-ray excitation luminescence (XEL), transmittance, photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and photoluminescence (PL), PL decay and thermal stimulated luminescence (TSL) curves. It is found that with the increase of Pr3+ concentration, the afterglow level of the system decreases at the expense of scintillation luminescence efficiency. Meanwhile, although Sc2O3:Eu presents much lower afterglow intensity than Lu2O3:Eu, the addition of Sc2O3 will just increase the afterglow level of the (Lu1–yScy)2O3:5 at%Eu single crystal system. Possible mechanisms for above phenomena are discussed based on experimental results.

ZnTiO3 nanoparticles for application as photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC)

ZnTiO3 monodispersed nanoparticles have been synthesized by sol-gel method in air atmosphere, room temperature and without templates. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), N2 physisorption analysis, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Furthermore, the N719 dye loading capacity of ZnTiO3 was determined for the first time, yielding an adsorption comparable to traditional DSSC materials such as TiO2.

Photoluminescence properties of Eu-doped WO3-Eu2(WO4)3 composites and single-phase Eu2(WO4)3 powders

The development of highly stable and efficient oxide-based red phosphors is urgently required for next-generation lighting devices. Herein, we report the micro/crystal structures and luminescent properties of single-phase Eu2(WO4)3 and Eu3+-doped WO3-Eu2(WO4)3 composite phosphors prepared by a one-step conventional solid-state reaction method in air atmosphere. As increasing Eu contents in the mixtures of WO3 and Eu2O3, the intensities of the X-ray diffraction peaks of Eu2(WO4)3 increased while that of WO3 decreased. The photoluminescence intensity of the synthesized phosphors increased with increase in the Eu content when calcined at 900 °C, while it degraded at a higher temperature. Red-emitting single-phase Eu2(WO4)3 powders were successfully obtained when the WO3 and Eu2O3 powders were calcined in the ratio of 3:1. The intensity of the red emission spectra of the Eu2(WO4)3 phosphor was higher than those of the 6, 12, and 24 at.% Eu-added WO3 composites at excitation wavelengths of 394 and 465 nm. On the other hand, the intensity of emission from the single-phase phosphor was lower than that of the Eu-doped WO3-Eu2(WO4)3 composites under excitation of UV light at 254 nm. Thus, we propose two prospective phosphors for application as red phosphors at various wavelengths.

Liquid sintering of garnet electrolytes by lithium germanate: Properties and interfacial performance with lithium anode

Garnet electrolytes have been approved widespread as one of the most competitive candidates in all solid state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Herein, dense Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) ceramics were successfully produced via liquid sintering method by introducing 1 wt% 3Li2O-2GeO2 additive at reduced sintering temperatures for a shortened process period compared to solid method in air atmosphere. Relationships among sintering temperature, microstructure, densities, mechanical properties and electrical performance of the ceramics were explored concretely. The ceramics can be well densified and modified microstructurally at the appropriate sintering temperature, making the ionic conductivity significantly promoted. Mechanical properties would be enhanced as well, resulted to a compact and tough ceramic surface. Hence, a good-contacted, homogeneous and electrochemically stable electrolyte/Li interface can be fabricated. The LLZTO-1 wt% (3Li2O-2GeO2) composite electrolyte sintered at 1160 °C for 3 h exhibits the best comprehensive properties, the ionic conductivity and critical current density (CCD) of which reach 6.27 × 10−4 S·cm−1 and 0.5 mA·cm−2 at 25 °C. The improved interfacial performance enables the Li|LLZTO-1 wt% (3Li2O-2GeO2)|Li symmetrical cells and the LiFePO4|LLZTO-1 wt% (3Li2O-2GeO2)|Li cells a good cycling performance at different current densities.

Microstructures and luminescent regulation of Ce‐doped silicate glasses with high transmittance and thermal stability

AbstractThe traditional model for wLEDs usually encapsulates the phosphor and resin mixture on the InGaN blue‐emitting chip. However, the poor thermal stability of silicone resin will lead to the reduction of the luminescent intensity of the wLED devices. Glass has excellent thermal stability and transparency, which is a promising alternative to resins. In this work, Ce‐doped silicate luminescent glasses have been developed by a high‐temperature melting quenching method in air atmosphere. The luminescent intensity can be enhanced by increasing the heat treatment temperature and extending the heat treatment time in 10%H2/Ar atmosphere because Ce4+ ions can be reduced to Ce3+ ions. However, when the heat treatment temperature reaches 850°C, the generation of precipitates in the glass can reduce the luminescent intensity. The transmittance of glass can reach 87%, and the highest luminous intensity obtained when heat treated at 800°C. The glass transition temperature is 740°C and the thermal conductivity of the glass is .95 W m−1K−1, which is about five times higher than that of resin. The results show that the emerging Ce‐doped silicate luminescent glass could be the potential material for wLED applications.

Effects of Cr2O3 content on viscosity and microstructure of copper converter slag

The influences of Cr2O3 on the viscosity of copper converter slag were investigated employing the rotating method in air atmosphere. The free running temperature was determined according to the viscosity-temperature curve and the activation energy was calculated based on Arrhenius-type relationship. The molten slag microstructure evolution was researched by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the viscosity, free running temperature as well as activation energy increased significantly after the addition of Cr2O3. The viscosity of the original slag was 0.464 Pa·s at 1573K, exceeded 8.000 Pa·s after 5 wt% Cr2O3 being incorporated. Meanwhile, the Raman spectrums demonstrated that silicate network structure components of the molten slag samples converted from Q0 ([SiO4]4−, monomer) / Q1 ([Si2O7]6−, dimer) to Q2 ([SiO3]4−, chains) / Q3 ([Si2O5]2−, sheets), which indicated the formation of more complex structures and finally contributed to the increase of the viscosity. The influence mechanism of Cr2O3 on the copper converter slag viscosity and microstructures were uncovered to give reference for understanding the excellent slag resistance property of Cr2O3 containing refractories used in copper smelting furnaces.

Li-ion storage properties of two-dimensional titanium-carbide synthesized via fast one-pot method in air atmosphere

Structural bidimensional transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) have drawn the attention of the material science research community thanks to their unique physical-chemical properties. However, a facile and cost-effective synthesis of MXenes has not yet been reported. Here, using elemental precursors, we report a method for MXene synthesis via titanium aluminium carbide formation and subsequent in situ etching in one molten salt pot. The molten salts act as the reaction medium and prevent the oxidation of the reactants during the high-temperature synthesis process, thus enabling the synthesis of MXenes in an air environment without using inert gas protection. Cl-terminated Ti3C2Tx and Ti2CTx MXenes are prepared using this one-pot synthetic method, where the in situ etching step at 700 °C requires only approximately 10 mins. Furthermore, when used as an active material for nonaqueous Li-ion storage in a half-cell configuration, the obtained Ti2CTx MXene exhibits lithiation capacity values of approximately 280 mAh g−1 and 160 mAh g−1 at specific currents of 0.1 A g−1 and 2 A g−1, respectively.

Synthesis of blue emissive carbon quantum dots from Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower: Surface functionalization analysis by FT-IR spectroscopy

Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) were obtained, for first time, from the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower (Roselle flower) by an easy, economical, and eco-friendly single-step carbonization method in air atmosphere at different times and carbonization temperatures. All the obtained samples presented luminescent properties with blue color emission. The obtained CQDs at different temperatures and times of calcination were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique to determine the average hydrodynamic diameter, it was found that at 400°C the smallest particle size was 34 nm, which are considered as agglomerates. The obtained CQDs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and compared with the Hibiscus Sabdariffa´s spectra to identify the functional groups that performed the surface passivation, and they allow the obtaining of luminescent properties; the identified groups were OCH and C-OH from xylose and glucose, which are part of the sambubioside group of anthocyanins (responsible the red coloration of the flower); -COOH, ortho-CO-C6H4-OH and =C-O-C. HRTEM technique showed monodisperse particles with approximate diameter of 10 nm and XRD demonstrate the samples composition of Carbon, with different crystalline system for samples synthesized at distinct conditions. The obtained CQDs at 200°C-1h (lower conditions), 300°C-3hrs (middle conditions) and 400°C-4hrs (higher conditions) were embedded into a thin PMMA film with a decrease in emissive intensity from CQDs with respect to embedded ones.

Annealing Effect on Structural, Morphological and Electrical Properties by Screen Printed Bunsenite Ni O Thick Films

Thick films of NiO deposited on glass substrate by screen printing technique. The nano powder of AR grade NiO was used for the preparation of thick films. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Electrical Characterization was carried out for unannealed and annealed films. The annealed films were at 250 0 C-400 0 C in a muffle furnace. Using characterisation techniques, the success of the synthesised nanoparticles was confirmed. The x-ray diffraction was used for structural characterization which confirms the polycrystalline nature of the films with cubic structure. From the SEM analysis the films show uniformity, roughness, large crystals and agglomeration of particles. The SEM-EDS analysed morphology and chemical compositions. The correlations between structural and morphological properties are reported. The D.C. resistance of the films was measured by half bridge method in air atmosphere at 30OC to 350OC. From the electrical parameters the NiO films shows semiconducting nature. The TCR, activation energy and sheet resistivity, specific surface area were calculated at different annealing temperatures. The electrical conductivity at room temperature was calculated as 4.56 × 𝟏𝟎 −𝟒 (𝜴 ∙ 𝒎) −𝟏 .

Coral Limestone Modified by Magnetite and Maghemite Nanocomposites for Sequestration of Lead(II) and Chromium(VI) Ions from Aqueous Solution

In present work, a one pot synthesis of magnetic nanocomposites was synthesized by using co-precipitation method in air atmosphere. The synthesis of magnetite and maghemite supported on biogenic coral limestone was done by varying the ratio of Fe(II)/Fe(III) in solution to obtain the two phases of iron oxide and capping with sucrose in air atmosphere. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, where the results showed a distinct peak for Fe-O, while UV/vis showed an absorption in the visible region which is typical of iron oxide. Photoluminescence results showed that the nanocomposites were both red shifted for magnetite-PCLS (PCLS = pristine coral limestone) and magnetite-CCLS (CCLS = calcined coral limestone); while a blue shift and red shift was observed for the maghemite- PCLS and maghemite-CCLS. From the SEM a deviation of sphericity of the nanocomposites, with maghemite having an uneven distribution was observed. Equilibrium was reached within 60 min, of which maghemite showed higher metal uptake. The kinetic data fit PSOM better as compared to PFOM, this means that adsorption was due to the charge density on the surface of the nanocomposites. The good fit for intraparticle diffusion (IPD) also suggested that adsorption was also observed due to mass transfer, it was observed that the rate limiting step was due to surface adsorption. This was in good correlation with the better fit of PSOM. The mechanism of adsorption was found to be better explained by physisorption and the surface was heterogeneous whereby multilayer adsorption was possible. The data was also subjected to Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm, which suggests that the uptake of the pollutants was due to physisorption. The adsorption process was spontaneous and favourable which is supported by the negative values of Gibb’s free energy for the system.

Evaluation of trapping parameters of europium doped tristrontium dialuminium oxide phosphor by different thermoluminescent analysis methods

In the present work, we have synthesized Europium (Eu) doped Tristrontium Dialuminium Oxide (Sr3Al2O6:Eu) phosphor by solid state reaction method in air atmosphere. The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of the synthesized phosphor are investigated and presented. Theoretical analysis of glow curves of Sr3Al2O6:Eu was done by computerized glow curve deconvolution (GCD) method, and the trapping parameters of the synthesized phosphor, such as activation energy, frequency factor, order of kinetics, etc. are discussed and explained. These trapping parameters are determined by different methods, such as Chen’s peak shape method, initial rise method, and Ilich method. The synthesized phosphor is found to be a good candidate for dosimetric applications.

Cost-effective synthesis and studies of novel hybrid ternary Cd1−xAgxS nanoparticles

Cd1 − xAgxS nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple cost-effective chemical method in air atmosphere. We have achieved novel hybrid ternary nanoparticles of high quality. The prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-Raman, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that Ag2S nanoparticles were well dispersed on CdS nanoparticles demonstrating gradual structural change in Cd1 − xAgxS from cubic CdS to monoclinic Ag2S nanoparticles with the increase in x value. The interesting feature is that the visible-light absorption of CdS was enhanced by Ag giving rise to significant bandgap thereby forming the key aspect in solar cell and photocatalytic applications

Enhanced luminescence properties of Eu3+ in La2MoO6 by nonsensitization of Bi3+

AbstractIt was unusual for Bi3+ ions to enhance the emission intensity of phosphors via nonsensitization. Here, La2MoO6:Eu3+, Bi3+ phosphors were successfully synthesized by a high temperature solid‐state reaction method in air atmosphere. As the increase of doping concentration of Bi3+, the emission spectra of La2MoO6:Eu3+, Bi3+ phosphors had obvious shifts, splits and the enhancement of intensities, which indicated that the characteristics of the phosphors were modified. To analyze these phenomena, the crystal structure refinements, spectral characteristic analyze and Judd‐Ofelt theoretical calculation were mainly performed. Bi3+ ions played the role of the nonsensitizer and affected the distortion of the crystal, the sites of Eu3+ ions, the field splitting energy and the internal quantum yield. Moreover the nephelauxetic effects of Bi3+ ions and the ET process caused synergistically the life times of La2MoO6:Eu3+, Bi3+ phosphors to increase and then gradually decrease. The CIE coordinates of phosphors changed within a small range. This study might be instrumental in promoting the further application of Bi3+ ions in rare earth luminescent materials.

Realisation of CdS/Mn 3 O 4 nanocomposites for potential photocatalytic applications

The present work reports the realisation of high-quality crystalline CdS/Mn3O4 (CM) nanocomposites by a simple cost-effective chemical method in air atmosphere. The authors have performed theoretical calculations and experimental analysis in order to understand the synthesised nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction results showed that the CM nanocomposites were cubic and orthorhombic mixed structure which is in good agreement with the theoretical studies. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of CM confirmed the formation of well distributed nanocomposites. The outcomes of DFT calculations provide results for the bandgap calculation of pure CdS, Mn3O4 and the CM nanocomposites. Photoluminescence studies with interesting visible light absorption demonstrated the great potentiality of the as-synthesised nanocomposites towards photocatalytic applications that could be a detailed research scope for the authors’ future studies.