TiN Nanocomposites Research Articles

Photocatalytic activity of TiO2:TiN nanocomposite films prepared by DC reactive sputtering technique for air purification

This study concerns the production of advanced materials and a novel technique for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency, focusing specifically on the purification of air contaminated with methane gas. Titanium dioxide:Titanium nitride (TiO2/TiN) nanocomposite films were prepared by dc reactive magnetron sputtering of highly-pure titanium sheet in presence of oxygen and nitrogen as reactive gases with optimized mixing ratios to produce the composite structures. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the prepared nanocomposites were determined and analyzed. The primary goal of this study was to enhance the photocatalytic activity of such nanocomposites against methane gas pollution. It is observed that increasing the nitrogen content in the TiO2:TiN nanocomposite structure led to notable improvements in photocatalytic efficiency. Specifically, when these nanocomposites were subjected to a UV light, they exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in the removal of methane gas from the surrounding air, which demonstrates a direct correlation with increased nitrogen (N) content in the composite structure. These nanocomposites are reasonably promising in removing harmful gases and pollutants present in indoor and outdoor environments. This exploration not only sheds light on the remarkable potential of TiO2:TiN nanocomposites for air purification but also highlights the importance of innovative techniques, such as dc reactive magnetron sputtering in the field of materials science and engineering as well as in environmental remediation.

On mechanical and tribological behaviour of microwave sintered TiN – 5 wt% Al2O3–5 wt% Y2O3 nanocomposite

Titanium nitride has potential applications in wide range of mechanical parts, cutting tools etc., primarily due to its high wear resistance. In the present study, a novel TiN-based nanocomposite was developed with nano additives alumina (Al2O3) and (Y2O3), 5 wt% each; using microwave irradiation at 900 W in ambient atmosphere. In-situ microwave sintering was carried out at a temperature of 1500 °C and 5 min holding time. The sintered nanocomposites achieved a relative density of ∼93%. XRD analyses showed that the major TiN phase was retained without any significant change in its peak positions after sintering. Minor phases of Y2Ti2O7 and Y3Al5O12 were formed during sintering due to chemical realignment of the constituent phases, were detected which acted as crack inhibitors. Microstructural studies indicated homogeneous distribution of the additives throughout the TiN matrix. The average Vickers microhardness of the TiN nanocomposites was ∼14 GPa, while indentation crack resistance was estimated within 3.9–4.0 MPa·m1/2. Wear and friction studies (ball-on-disc) of the microwave sintered TiN nanocomposite carried out with bearing steel ball under dry (unlubricated) and under deionised water (lubricated) sliding exhibited promising tribological behaviour. The friction coefficient (COF) between the contact pair was monitored within 0.5–0.6 after 45 min of dry sliding. Wear volume of the nanocomposite was obtained between 0.013 and 0.058 mm3 after 45 min of sliding (dry). Presence of iron oxides on worn surfaces confirmed mass transfer from the steel counterbody to the nanocomposite surface. Analyses of the worn surfaces showed that the wear mechanisms were predominantly abrasive and adhesive.

Fabrication of novel oxochalcogens halides of manganese and tin nanocomposites as highly efficient photocatalysts for dye degradation and excellent antimicrobial activity

The dark brown and white crystals of manganese and tin (Mn2Se3Cl2O7 and SnSe3O4Cl) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction at 450 C. The morphology and the elemental analysis of newly synthesized compounds were studied by SEM and EDX Analysis. SEM analysis reveals that the particle size for Mn2Se3Cl2O7 was found to be 0.2–2.5 μm and for SnSe3O4Cl 2.0–6.0 μm. The EDX studies showed the presence of Mn, Se, O, Cl, and Sn elements. Powdered XRD confirmed the presence of a new phase present in these compounds. Under UV-vis irradiation, the kinetics of methylene blue (MB) degradation catalyzed by produced nanoparticles were monitored. The dye degradation efficiency was estimated, and results reveals that after 150 min of irradiation, almost 75% of the dye was degraded in the presence of Mn compound while 71% degradation was shown by Sn compound. Both composites display antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with a maximum value of 34.5 mm. The maximum antimicrobial activity shown by Mn-incorporated nanocomposites estimated at 32.5 mm was against Gram-positive bacteria and 26.4 mm against Gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, the maximum antifungal activity shown by Sn incorporated estimated at 33.9 mm was compared to Gram-positive bacteria and 27.8 mm against Gram-negative bacteria.

Molten salt-assisted synthesis of C-TiN nanocomposites for sensitive dopamine determination

• Carbon coupled TiN nanocomposite was prepared by a molten salt method. • C-TiN exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward dopamine redox. • C-TiN/GCE displayed superior analytic performance for dopamine assay. • The method was successfully applied for dopamine detection in human serum. This work demonstrates a facile molten-salt synthesis of carbon-titanium nitride (C-TiN) nanocomposites. The C-TiN nanoparticles showed excellent electrocatalytic activity and thus were employed for the electrochemical determination of dopamine (DA). By using a differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method, a C-TiN modified glassy carbon electrode (C-TiN/GCE) presented a high sensitivity (9620 µA·µM·cm -2 ) in the determination of DA and its detection limit (LOD) was 0.03 µM (S/N=3). Moreover, the C-TiN/GCE sensor was used to detect DA in human serum, and acceptable recoveries were obtained.

Shaping Tin Nanocomposites through Transient Local Conversion Reactions.

Shape-preserving conversion offers a promising strategy to transform self-assembled structures into advanced functional components with customizable composition and shape. Specifically, the assembly of barium carbonate nanocrystals and amorphous silica nanocomposites (BaCO3/SiO2) offers a plethora of programmable three-dimensional (3D) microscopic geometries, and the nanocrystals can subsequently be converted into functional chemical compositions, while preserving the original 3D geometry. Despite this progress, the scope of these conversion reactions has been limited by the requirement to form carbonate salts. Here, we overcome this limitation using a single-step cation/anion exchange that is driven by the temporal pH change at the converting nanocomposite. We demonstrate the proof of principle by converting BaCO3/SiO2 nanocomposites into tin-containing nanocomposites, a metal without a stable carbonate. We find that BaCO3/SiO2 nanocomposites convert in a single step into hydroromarchite nanocomposites (Sn3(OH)2O2/SiO2) with excellent preservation of the 3D geometry and fine features. We explore the versatility and tunability of these Sn3(OH)2O2/SiO2 nanocomposites as a precursor for functional compositions by developing shape-preserving conversion routes to two desirable compositions: tin perovskites (CH3NH3SnX3, with X = I or Br) with tunable photoluminescence (PL) and cassiterite (SnO2)—a widely used transparent conductor. Ultimately, these findings may enable integration of functional chemical compositions into advanced morphologies for next-generation optoelectronic devices.

Diffusion of silver in titanium nitride: Insights from density functional theory and molecular dynamics

The use of self-lubricating titanium nitride and silver (TiN(Ag)) nanocomposite coatings is a promising way to reduce the wear of tools employed dry machining operations for hard-to-cut materials/alloys. To achieve an optimal performance, the Ag diffusion within the matrix needs to be carefully controlled, and its mechanisms clearly understood. In this paper we use density functional theory calculations to investigate Ag-related point defects, adhesion energies and Ag diffusion energy barriers in TiN bulk, surfaces and grain boundaries. Classical molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on TiN(Ag) systems using a hybrid MEAM/Mie force field, to understand the relative importance of the different diffusion processes. Our results show that the main Ag transport mechanism in TiN(Ag) nanocomposites is the surface diffusion occurring along intergranular spaces.

Influences of carbon nanotubes in Tin nanocomposite active plate on the diffusion induced stresses and curvature in bilayer lithium-ion battery electrodes

Structure integrity of electrodes can be broken by the diffusion induced stresses (DISs) leading to a significant degradation of storage capacity and cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, the effects of adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the Tin (Sn)-based nanocomposite active plate bonded to the current collector on the DISs and curvature of bilayer electrodes are numerically investigated. A physics-based hierarchical modeling approach based on the Mori-Tanaka micromechanical method is developed to estimate the effective properties of CNT-Sn nanocomposite active plate. The predictions of the micromechanics method are in good agreement with the experimental data. It is shown that the CNTs embedded into the active plate have the significant contribution to the mechanical performances of lithium-ion battery electrodes. Adding the CNTs into the nanocomposite active plate can alleviate the overall stress and curvature of the bilayer electrodes. The influences of volume fraction, length, diameter, non-straight shape and agglomeration of CNTs as well as the geometric parameters of the bilayer electrode on the built-in stresses and flexural deformation are extensively discussed. The overall stresses and curvature of the bilayer electrodes can be further decreased by aligning the CNTs into the nanocomposite active plate. The present work can provide a novel angle of view for designing and evaluating the bilayer electrodes containing CNT-metal nanocomposite active plates.

Preparation of stabilized silver and tin nanocomposites by electrical discharge

In this study silver and tin nanocomposites were synthesized by electro spark dispersion in ethanol. Resulting nanocomposite was characterized by using the powder x-ray diffraction and emission scanning electron microscopy.It was found by X-ray phase analysis that the product obtained by electro spark joint dispersion of silver and tin in ethanol consists of two phases: Ag3Sn and β-Sn. The results of processing SEM micrographs of the product of the Ag-Sn system show that the obtained phases are spherical nanostructures with sizes of 30–60 nm. This size of nanostructures was associated with the aggregation of nanoparticle sizes up to 10 nm, formed under conditions of electro spark dispersion.

High-energy 120 MeV Au9+ ion beam-induced modifications and evaluation of craters in surface morphology of SnO2 and TiO2 nanocomposite thin films

The electronic excitation and modification in the properties of the target material occur due to the kinetic energy loss of incident ions mainly through the inelastic collision with atomic electrons in the process of electronic energy stopping. Nanocomposite tin oxide (SnO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin film were grown on silicon and ITO substrates using RF magnetron-sputtering process. These thin films were irradiated by 120 MeV Au9+ Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) beam with varying fluence from 5 × 1011 ions cm−2 to 2 × 1013 ions cm−2 to induce modifications in thin films by dense electronic excitation. Surface morphology and depth profile of craters (approx. 85 nm) have been characterized by multimode atomic force microscopy (AFM). Grain mapping of AFM images provided the variation in grain size in the range of 72–279 nm and RMS roughness increased (4.01–23.6 nm) with increasing the ion fluence. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was also carried out to confirm the formation of craters in the irradiated film. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique has been used for the structural analysis of virgin and irradiated thin films. XRD patterns established the formation of film in mixed (rutile and gamma) phase. Further, the crystallite size was evaluated using the Debye–Scherrer and Williamson–Hall method. It was found that crystallite size lie in the range of 36–54 nm which increased for the lower fluence and then decreased for higher fluence. The ion irradiation-induced strain has been explained by Thermal spike and Coulomb explosion model. UV–Vis study showed that the optical band gap reduced from 3.87 to 3.72 eV with increasing the ion fluence which can be ascribed to the formation of intermediate states and free radicals between the valance and band conduction band. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) ensured that the film thickness decreased from 210 to 183 nm with increasing the ion fluence. The simulation of the RBS spectra provides the elemental composition of Sn (0.37), Ti (0.65) and O (0.85) in SnO2 and TiO2 nanocomposite thin films.

Preparation and characterization of Ni–TiN nanocomposites prefabricated by jet pulse electrodeposition

In this report, jet pulse electrodeposition (JPED) was employed to deposit Ni–TiN nanocomposites on mild steel substrates. Effects of jet rate on cross-sectional composition distribution, microstructure, microhardness, and corrosion properties of the obtained nanocomposites were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), microhardness testing, and electrochemistry. Results revealed the presence of high concentrations of Ni (54.7 at. %) and Ti (17.6 at. %) particles across throughout the thickness of composites prepared at 3 m/s. Nanocomposites prepared at 3 m/s exhibited uniform and smooth morphologies, with exiguous grains and an arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of ∼23.61 nm. Also, nanocomposites prepared at 3 m/s showed smaller nickel grains than those obtained at 1 and 5 m/s. Icorr and Ecorr of Ni–TiN nanocomposites formed at 3 m/s were respectively minimum at 2.093 × 10−2 mA/cm2 and −0.462 V, confirming higher corrosion resistance. The microhardness values of Ni–TiN nanocomposites prepared at jet rates of 1, 3, and 5 m/s were respectively maximum at 751.5, 862.8, and 814.2 HV, respectively.

Synthesis of SrTiO3–TiN Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Simulated Solar Irradiation

In this paper, SrTiO3 and TiN-decorated SrTiO3 nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a moderate hydrothermal and calcination process. The resulting SrTiO3–TiN nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is used to investigate the optical properties and the results demonstrate the extension of spectral responses from ultraviolet to visible-light region. Compared to pure SrTiO3, SrTiO3–TiN composites reveal obvious enhancement in adsorption and photocatalytic ability. STON samples with TiN-decorated 6 wt % and calcination temperature 250 °C, 30 min exhibited highest photocatalytic activity, which could remove 72% of MB within 150 min. This work indicates that other photocatalytic nanocomposites could be exploited by this composite method and TiN may be one kind of materials used for photocatalyts to enlarge their response range of solar light and selective adsorption of diffe...

Ultrafast ionic diffusion of debossed carbon nanocomposites for lithium storage

Owing to their superb mechanical durability resulting from the dramatic volume changes of the Sn nanoparticles and high electrical conductivity, carbon and tin (Sn) nanocomposites have received an increasing attention in view of their application as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, due to the poor ionic diffusion capability for Li ions during the cycling, the low ultrafast performance for energy storage remains rather limited. In the present study, aiming to improve the ionic diffusion capability for Li ions, we suggest a novel design of the debossed structure of carbon and Sn nanocomposites by electrospinning, carbonization, and the debossing process. The electrode based on the debossed structure exhibits a noticeable cycling stability and high discharge capacity (677 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1), an excellent rate capability (482 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1), and an outstanding ultrafast cycling stability (275 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 2000 mA g−1). Therefore, this novel design of the debossed structure based on carbon and Sn nanocomposites offers attractive effects, such as the effective accommodation of dramatic volume changes for the Sn nanoparticles, as well as an improved ionic diffusion performance of Li ions.

Si- and Sn-containing SiOCN-based nanocomposites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries: synthesis, thermodynamic characterization and modeling

AbstractNovel nanocomposites consisting of silicon/tin nanoparticles (n-Si/n-Sn) embedded in silicon carbonitride (SiCN) or silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramic matrices are investigated as possible anode materials for Li-ion batteries. The goal of our study is to exploit the large mass specific capacity of Si/Sn (3 579 mAh g−1/994 mAh g−1), while avoiding rapid capacity fading due to the large volume changes of Si/Sn during Li insertion. We show that a large amount (∼30–40 wt.%) of disordered carbon phase is dispersed within the SiOC/SiCN matrix and stabilizes the Si/Sn nanoparticles with respect to extended reversible lithium ion storage. Silicon nanocomposites are prepared by mixing of a polymeric precursor with commercial and “home-synthesized” crystalline and amorphous silicon. Tin nanocomposites, in contrast, are prepared using a single precursor approach, which allows the in-situ generation of Sn nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed within the SiOC host. The best electrochemical stability along with capacities of 600 – 700 mAh g−1 is obtained when amorphous/porous silicon is used. Mechanisms contributing to the increase of storage capacity and the cycle stability are clarified by analyzing elemental composition, local solid-state structures, intercalation hosts and Li-ion mobility. Our work is supplemented by first-principles based atomistic modeling and thermochemical measurements.

Investigation of microstructural and physical characteristics of nano composite tin oxide-doped Al3+ in Zn2+ based composite coating by DAECD technique

In other to overcome the devastating deterioration of mild steel in service, Zn-based embedded Al/SnO2 composite coatings have been considered as reinforcing alternative replacements to the more traditional deposition for improved surface properties by using Dual Anode Electrolytic Co-deposition (DAECD) technique from chloride bath. The structural characterization of the starting materials and deposited coating are evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) elemental analysis and atomic force microscope (AFM). The hardness behaviour, wear and intermetallic distribution was examined by diamond based microhardness tester, CETR reciprocating sliding test rig and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) respectively. The corrosion properties of the developed coating were examined in 3.5% NaCl. The microstructure of the deposited sample obtained at 7% SnO2, revealed fine-grains deposit of the Al/SnO2 on the mild steel surface. The results showed that the Al/SnO2 strengthening alloy plays a significant role in impelling the wear and corrosion behaviour of Zn-Al/SnO2 coatings in an aggressive saline environment. Interestingly Zn-30Al-7Sn-chloride showed the highest wear and improved corrosion resistance due to Al/SnO2 oxide passive film that forms during anodic polarization. This work established that co-deposition of mild steel with Al/SnO2 is auspicious in increasing the anti-wear and corrosion progression.

Preparation of C@PPy/TiN nanocomposite with excellent cycling stability via a one-step hydrothermal method

A nanocomposite of carbonaceous shell-coated polypyrrole/titanium nitride (C@PPy/ TiN) as anode material for supercapacitor is designed and synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. Cyclic voltammograms, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements indicated that the electrochemical performance of C@PPy/TiN is better than that of TiN and PPy/TiN nanocomposite. The ternary nanocomposite exhibits outstanding specific capacitance (587Fg−1 at 1.0Ag−1) and excellent cycling stability (91% capacitance retentions after 10,000 cycles), which are superior to those of its individual components and binary hybrids (TiN and PPy/TiN).

Leak testing of carbon\u2013tin nanocomposites by thermal analysis methods

Electrode materials consisted of tin nanograins encapsulated in different origin carbon buffer matrix (starch or water soluble polymer) were obtained in a simple and inexpensive process. The tin precursor was synthesized using modified reverse nanoemulsion technique (w/o) and then coated by a source of carbon. The composites precursors were pyrolysed, affording formation of C/Sn anode materials. The resulting samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction studies in order to verify the structure and calculate crystallites sizes. The morphology of the nanocomposites was characterized by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption method (N2-BET). Thermal analysis measurements (EGA-TG/DTG/DTA and DSC) allowed determining optimal conditions of preparation process and estimating carbon content in the obtained anode materials. Thermogravimetric studies also proved to be highly useful in establishing the leak behaviour of C/Sn nanocomposites. The electrochemical performance of the nanopowders was examined by charge–discharge tests in R2032-type coin cell. The thermal analysis results as well as low-temperature nitrogen adsorption data indicated that the origin of carbon precursor has major impact on morphology and leak behaviour of the obtained carbon buffer matrix. The electrochemical tests showed that better tightness of carbon–tin nanocomposites resulted in higher gravimetric capacity and better cell performance.

Synthesis and characterization of Ni–P–TiN nanocomposites fabricated by magnetic electrodeposition technology

Ni–P–TiN nanocomposites were successfully deposited onto 45 steel sheets. The microstructure, microhardness and corrosion behavior of the nanocomposites were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers microhardness meter, and electrochemical apparatus. TEM observations present that the average crystal dimensions of Ni(111) and TiN(111) in the Ni–P–TiN nanocomposite deposited at the magnetic intensity of 0.5T are 0.244nm and 0.211nm, respectively. AFM and XRD results indicate that the average grain size for Ni and TiN in the as-plated Ni–P–TiN nanocomposite produced at a magnetic intensity of 0.5T is approximately 81.4nm and 39.5nm, respectively. Microhardness test demonstrate that the composite after heat treatment at 500°C for 10min. has the highest average microhardness (∼918.6HV). Electrochemical test results illustrate that the Ni–P–TiN nanocomposites heat-treated at 500°C for 10min has the most optimum corrosion resistance among all as-plated and heat-treated specimens.

Spark Plasma Sintered Si3N4/TiN Nanocomposites Obtained by a Colloidal Processing Route

Ceramic Si3N4/TiN (22 vol%) nanocomposites have been obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Our colloidal processing route allows obtaining dispersed nanoparticles of TiN smaller than 50 nm avoiding the presence of agglomerates. The nanostructured starting powders were obtained by using a colloidal method where commercial Si3N4submicrometer particles were coated with anatase TiO2nanocrystals. A later nitridation process led to the formation of TiN nanoparticles on the surface of Si3N4. A second set of powders was prepared by doping the above defined powders with yttrium and aluminium precursors using also a colloidal method as sources of alumina and yttria. After thermal nitridation and SPS treatment, it has been found that the addition of oxides dopants improves the mechanical performance (KIC,σf) but increases the electrical resistivity and significantly reduces the hardness. This is due to the formation of a continuous insulating glassy phase that totally envelops the conductive TiN nanoparticles, avoiding the percolative contact between them. The combination of colloidal processing route and SPS allows the designing of tailor-made free glassy phase Si3N4/TiN nanocomposites with controlled microstructure. The microstructural features and the thermoelectrical and mechanical properties of both kinds of dense SPSed compacts are discussed in this work.

Structurization and phase formation in the course of preparing nanocomposite TiN–Ni ion-plasma vacuum–arc coatings and their thermal stability

Structure and phase formation in the course of fabricating composite ion–plasma vacuum-arc nanocrystalline TiN–Ni coatings are investigated in a broad range of nickel concentrations (from 0 to 26 at %). It is established that the introduction of Ni into the coating composition refines the nitride phase crystallites. The arithmetic mean size of TiN grains decreases from 100–120 to 15–18 nm upon varying the Ni concentration from 0 to 12 at % and normal particle-size distribution. The further increase in the Ni content is accompanied by the transition to the polymodal particle distribution with an increase in their arithmetic mean diameter to 27 nm for the third mode. Nickel in coatings at a concentration of 12–13 at % Ni is in the X-ray amorphous state. As the concentration increases above 13 at %, the TiNi intermetallic compound is formed in the composition of coatings. This phenomenon in turn causes the appearance of porosity in the structure of the deposited layer. The blocking role of nickel simultaneously weakens with the formation of the intermetallic compound, which manifests itself in the growth of separate TiN grains to 30–35 nm. The TiN–Ni coatings are characterized by the thermal stability of the structure and composition upon heating to 800°C.

Artificial intelligence and ceramic tools: Experimental study, modeling and optimizing

This work was written with the aim of identifying the factors affecting the hardness of ceramic samples and finding a relation between the hardness of ceramic tools and the process parameters and then optimizing the experimental conditions to provide the maximum hardness. Initially, Al2O3–TiC–TiN nanocomposite as a useful ceramic tool was fabricated and the effect of the main process parameters including additive content, the TiN content, sintering time, sintering temperature and sintering pressure on the hardness of this ceramic tool was investigated. Afterwards, the process parameters were introduced as the input values to the artificial intelligence (AI) based model and a mathematical formula between the hardness of the samples and the process parameters was obtained (hardness was considered as the output value and the process parameters were considered as the input values). Finally, the obtained formula was optimized and the optimum values for achieving maximum hardness were determined. For example, a maximum amount of additive content (MgO) was selected by the AI model for optimizing system, which means that MgO as an obstacle to the growth of the alumina particles is an important factor in improving the hardness of ceramic tools. Besides, a value of 0.07wt% was specified by the AI model for the TiN content. Experimental studies demonstrated that in this weight percentage, the Al2O3–TiC–TiN nanocomposite ceramic samples have a good hardness.