X-ray Diffraction Patterns Research Articles

Investigating the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Hydrothermally Synthesized NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles

In this study, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal method at various pH values. The objective was to investigate the influence of pH variation on particle size and electrocatalytic activity. The formation of cubic phase nanoparticles was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To characterize the electrochemical properties, the nickel ferrite nanoparticles were coated onto a stainless steel substrate using the doctor blade technique. The microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples were further analyzed using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The average crystallite size, determined from the XRD pattern, was approximately 40 nm. SEM images revealed a conversion from nanoplates to a granular morphology. The synthesized electrode exhibited an overpotential of 392 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and demonstrated good stability for 5 hours. These findings highlight the excellent electrocatalytic activity of nickel ferrite nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).

Adsorption of antiretroviral drugs, abacavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz from river water and wastewater using exfoliated graphite: isotherm and kinetic studies

In this work, exfoliated graphite was used to adsorb antiretroviral drugs from river water and wastewater. The exfoliated graphite was prepared from natural graphite by intercalating it with the acids and exfoliating it at 800˚C. It was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy which showed phenolic, alcoholic, and carboxylic functional groups between 1000 cm-1 and 1700 cm-1. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results showed carbon as the main element with splashes of oxygen. The Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed increased c-axis distance between graphene layers after intercalation, which further increased after the exfoliation. The exfoliation resulted in elongated distorted cylinders, which were confirmed by the lower density (0.0068 g/mL) of exfoliated graphite material compared to the natural graphite (0.54 g/mL). The X-ray diffraction pattern showed the characteristics of hexagonal phase graphitic structure by the diffraction plane (002) at 26.74°. Raman spectroscopy results showed the natural graphite, graphite intercalated, and exfoliated graphite contained the D, G, D', and G' peaks at about 1350 cm-1, 1570 cm-1, 2440 cm-1, and 2720 cm-1, respectively indicating that the material’s crystallinity was not affected by the modification. The highest antiretroviral drugs removal (95-99%), from the water was achieved with a solution pH of 7, an adsorbent mass of 30 mg, and an adsorption time of 30 minutes. The kinetic model and adsorption isotherm studies showed that the experimental data fit well in pseudo-second-order kinetics and is well explained by Freundlich’s adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of the exfoliated graphite for antiretroviral drugs ranges between 1.660-197.0, 1.660-232.5, and 1.650-237.7 mg/g for abacavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz, respectively. The obtained removal percentages were 100% in river water, 63-100% in influent and 70-100% in effluent wastewater unspiked samples.

Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Anticancer Effect of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Containing Rutin and Curcumin.

The aim of this study was the preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles co-loaded with rutin and curcumin (Rut-Cur-MSNs) and the assessment of its physicochemical properties as well as its cytotoxicity on the head and neck cancer cells (HN5). Besides, ROS generation of HN5 cells exposed to Rut-Cur-MSNs was evaluated. Several investigations showed that rutin and curcumin have potential effects as anticancer phytochemicals; however, their low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability limited their applications. The assessment of physicochemical properties and anticancer effect of prepared nanoparticles was the objective of this study. The physicochemical properties of produced nanoparticles were evaluated. The toxicity of Rut-Cur-MSNs on HN5 cells was assessed. In addition, the ROS production in cells treated with Rut-Cur-MSNs was assessed compared to control untreated cells. The results showed that Rut-Cur-MSNs have mesoporous structure, nanometer size and negative surface charge. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the prepared nanoparticles belong to the family of silicates named MCM-41. The cytotoxicity of Rut-Cur-MSNs at 24 h was significantly higher than that of rutin-loaded MSNs (Rut-MSNs) and curcumin-loaded MSNs (Cur-MSNs) (p<0.05). The achieved results recommend that the prepared mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing rutin and curcumin can be a useful nanoformulation for the treatment of cancer. The produced nanomaterial in this study can be helpful for cancer therapy.

Effect of stabilization and carbonization treatment on the chemical and physical transformation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based electrospun carbon nanofibers

The present study delves into the production of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) utilising electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats, with a specific focus on the influence of oxidative stabilisation and carbonisation treatments. This research aims to thoroughly understand how variations in stabilisation time and temperature, as well as carbonisation temperature, impact the CNFs properties. These properties include fiber size, morphology, chemical and crystal structure transformation, thermal behaviour, and surface characteristics. Our methodology involved a detailed examination of the thermal treatment processes, where we observed a significant decrease in fiber size, though the surface morphology of the fibers remained largely unaffected. We employed Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to track the transformation of nitrile groups in PAN to imine groups, which indicated the progression of cyclisation reactions. Complementary analyses through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed a high degree of these reactions, particularly at stabilisation temperatures extending to 250 °C and beyond. The cyclisation process was found to be complete during the carbonisation phase, at temperatures reaching 450 °C and above. Further, x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns offered insight into the changes in the crystal structure, particularly in the packing of the d(002) spacing because of the stabilisation and carbonisation processes. This findings from this study not only elucidate the intricate process of CNFs production from electrospun PAN nanofiber mats but also highlight the critical factors that influence their final properties. These insights are invaluable for the development of advanced CNFs with tailored properties suitable for a range of applications, including but not limited to energy storage, electronics, and as supporting materials in various technological domains.

Effect of annealing temperature on physical properties and photoelectrochemical behavior of electrodeposited nanostructured NiO thin films for optoelectronic applications

Our paper used a low-cost electrodeposition technique to grow Nickel Oxide (NiO) thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. As-deposited films were annealed at different temperatures (350, 400, 450, and 500 °C). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectrophotometer, photoluminescence (PL), Cyclic voltammetry (CV), photocurrent (PC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis (MS) were used to study and investigate the effect of annealing temperatures on the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of prepared thin films. XRD patterns proved the cubic phase of all NiO samples with the preferential orientation in (111) direction. SEM results showed that the grain size increased with increasing annealing temperature. The optical transmission was studied by a UV–vis spectrophotometer, where high transmittance for NiO thin films was found to vary in the range of 73–84 % in the visible wavelength region, depending on the annealing temperatures. At the same time, UV–visible measurements indicate an absorption band edge at 311 nm, mainly recognized as a characteristic direct band gap for prepared NiO. The optical gap calculated from the Tauc relation showed a decreasing trend from 3.97 to 3.86 eV with increasing annealing temperature from 300 °C to 500 °C. PL spectra of synthesized samples revealed two distinct emission peaks at around 400 nm and 490 nm. RAM analysis confirmed the presence of three characteristic peaks related to the vibration of Ni–O bonds. The NiO film annealed at 500 °C displays the highest specific capacitance value by CV analysis. The P-type conductivity of manufactured arrays and enhanced electrical properties were confirmed by PC, EIS, and MS analysis. The highest carrier concentration values (9.19 × 1018 cm−3) and flat band potential (0.82 V) were obtained for samples annealed at 500 °C. Our outcomes proved that NiO-500 °C thin films are ideal candidates for optoelectronic applications.

A comparative approach for estimating microstructural characteristics of BaTi1−xZrxO3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) nanoparticles via X-ray diffraction patterns

AbstractBarium titanate materials are currently a special topic for scientific research due to their effective technological applications. The tetragonal BaTi1-xZrxO3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a modified citrate technique. The current work provides a comparative approach for the calculation of crystallite size, stress, strain, and elastic characteristics based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Various models have been developed to analyze XRD data; these models differ in their assumptions, mathematical approaches, and the type of information they provide. The Scherrer model ignores lattice micro-structures that develop in nanostructures, such as intrinsic strain. To overcome such drawbacks, three Williamson-Hall models, (the uniform deformation model (UDM)), the uniform stress deformation model (USDM), and the uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM) have been discussed. According to the USDM model, with increasing Zr ion concentrations, interplanar space increases, causing a drop in Young’s modulus. All the previous approaches take into account the diffraction angle (2θ)-dependent peak broadening, which is thought to represent a combination of size and strain-driven induced broadening. Graphical Abstract

Exploring 2D X-ray diffraction phase fraction analysis with convolutional neural networks: Insights from kinematic-diffraction simulations

AbstractDeep-learning models are effective for analyzing the complex information in 2D X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Accurately collecting parameters of the material sample is crucial during model training, significantly impacting model performance. In this study, we employ a kinematic-diffraction simulator to generate simulated 2D XRD patterns for Ti–6Al–4V alloy, allowing precise control of sample parameters. These simulated patterns are used to train convolutional neural networks, predicting $$\upbeta$$ β -phase volume fractions. The training data set consists exclusively of 2D XRD patterns with pure $$\upalpha$$ α - or pure $$\upbeta$$ β -phase, while the testing set incorporates patterns with intermediate phase volume fraction. In particular, we investigate how the architectures of the model influence prediction reliability and computational performance. Experimental results reveal that, with appropriate training, the convolutional neural network accurately detects intermediate phase volume fractions even trained with only pure-phase patterns, achieving a mean square error accuracy of $$9.4 \times 10^{-4}$$ 9.4 × 10 - 4 . Graphical abstract

Optimizing luminescent properties of ZnO: Er3+ through temperature and dopant variation: XRD and emission spectroscopy studies

This study focuses on optimizing the synthesis conditions for the luminescent properties of ZnO:Er3[Formula: see text], a key step toward improving its applicability in optoelectronics. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns at [Formula: see text]C with Er3[Formula: see text] dopant concentrations (1, 3 and 5[Formula: see text]wt.%) show the preservation of the crystalline phase of ZnO, indicating that the dopants did not affect the structural integrity. Luminescence properties were observed in ZnO with 1[Formula: see text]wt.% erbium doping at 900–[Formula: see text]C, with the sample at [Formula: see text]C exhibiting the highest emission peak at 533[Formula: see text]nm. The optimal conditions for significant luminescence were identified at [Formula: see text]C, with 5[Formula: see text]wt.% Er3[Formula: see text] showing the most pronounced effect. The practical implications of the achievement of optimal luminescence in ZnO:Er3[Formula: see text] are profound for optoelectronics. These conditions are critical for efficient light-emitting devices, particularly in applications such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers, where emission characteristics have a direct impact on performance. In addition, the enhanced luminescence holds great promise for sensors, especially in biomedical and environmental monitoring, as well as in quantum technologies. It contributes to the advancement of quantum sensors and quantum computing applications. This research provides a basis for tailoring the properties of ZnO:Er3[Formula: see text] for specific applications by identifying optimal luminescence conditions at different dopant concentrations. While the identification of optimal conditions has been successful, further research is essential to unravel the underlying mechanisms at the atomic and molecular levels. Overcoming these challenges and exploring additional applications will be critical to realizing the practical impact of these findings in various technological fields, as the study paves the way for advances in optoelectronics, sensing, and quantum information processing.

Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Ligustrum lucidum extract, and the antioxidant and antifungal evaluation

Abstract Biosynthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extract is an inexpensive, simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly approach to obtaining nanoparticles for biological applications. Herein, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were successfully synthesized using an aqueous extract from Ligustrum lucidum leaves. The structural, optical, and morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometer, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Nanocrystalline CuO with an average crystalline size of 22.0 nm and a band gap energy of 1.4 eV were confirmed from the XRD and UV vis spectrophotometer, respectively. Morphological studies showed spherical nanoparticles, whose particle size estimation (30±5 nm) agrees with the crystalline size deduced from the XRD pattern. A free radical scavenging activity of the CuO nnanoparticles, evaluated using the 1, 1-diphenhyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, showed that it exhibited high antioxidant activity (IC50: 63.35 µg/mL) that is concentration dependent. Antifungal evaluation using four different fungal strains (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Trichoderma harzianum) indicated a direct relationship between the potency of the particles and their concentration, with 1 ppm solution exhibiting the highest potency. The green synthesized CuO-NPs using Ligustrum lucidum may be potentially used as an antioxidant and antifungal agent for therapeutic applications.

Chemical characterization of cement samples by radio-analytical methods namely external (in air) PIGE, INAA and ED-XRF for assessing their quality and method validation of radioanalytical techniques

This paper demonstrates novel application of neutron and proton based nuclear analytical techniques for the rapid evaluation of cement quality in terms of compressive strength using Ca to Si ratios. Preliminary phase characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction patterns. External PIGE method was optimized and applied for direct analysis of “as received” samples in thin mylar foils with reduced turn-around time of analysis. Moreover, Pneumatic Carrier Facility at Dhruva reactor of BARC was utilized for NAA for rapid and short irradiation of samples followed by analysis. Quality control of both NAA and PIGE methods were done using several geological Certified / Standard Reference Materials (CRMs and SRMs). EDXRF was employed as alternative analytical technique for comparative evaluation. Statistical evaluation was performed in terms of t-test and F-tests to understand the reliability of measurement and acceptable variance of the results. Eight cementitious samples were analyzed and their compressive strengths were evaluated using NAA and PIGE.

Selected properties of X120Mn12 steel welded joints by means of the plasma-MAG hybrid method

The article describes properties of welds made of high wear resistance X120Mn12 steel obtained by the hybrid PTA-MAG (plasma transferred arc – metal active gas) method. The specimens were 8 mm thick rectangular (200 mm × 350 mm) sheets metal. The analyzed butt welds were made with the parameters selected according to the criterion of smallest cross-sectional area of welds and the narrowest HAZ (heat affected zone). The outcome of metallographic tests of weld, HAZ and parent material, hardness distribution and XRD (X-ray diffraction) patterns of selected areas are presented. The IIT (Instrumented Indentation Test) method was used to describe the distribution of mechanical properties shaped by thermal cycle annealing of the welding process. The investigation shows that the application of the PTA-MAG hybrid heat source for welding manganese steel enables the use of the filler material ER307 (AWS-A5.9). The hybrid PTA-MAG welding system has the relatively high potential to be an efficient alternative to welding standard processes for X120Mn12 steel due to the HAZ overheating limitation. The zone of high-risk weld cracking is the part of the HAZ close to the fusion area that has been reheated during weldment formation. Heat input about 0.6 kJ/mm is needed to provide full deep penetration butt weld without defects and with a vapor capillary of wide enough to cover the weld gap. The increase of hardness in the welded joint is smooth distributed and going up to 10% compared to the base material. The width of HAZ was &lt;1 mm. Intensive carbides precipitation in HAZ has been avoided successfully.

Controlling the Orientation-Dependent Second Harmonic Generation in Hybrid Germanium Perovskite Crystals.

Manipulating the crystal orientation plays a crucial role in the conversion efficiency during second harmonic generation (SHG). Here, we provide a new strategy in controlling the surface-dependent anisotropic SHG with the precise design of (101) and (20) MAGeI3 facets. Based on the SHG measurement, the (101) MAGeI3 single crystal exhibits larger SHG (1.3 × (20) MAGeI3). Kelvin probe force microscopy imaging shows a smaller work function for the (101) MAGeI3 compared with the (20), which indirectly demonstrates the stronger intrinsic polarization on the (101) surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the band bending within the (101) facet. Temperature-dependent steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy show shorter lifetime and wider emission band in the (101) MAGeI3 single crystal, revealing the higher defect states. Additionally, powder X-ray diffraction patterns show the (101) MAGeI3 possesses larger in-plane polar units [GeI3]- density, which could directly enhance the spontaneous polarization in the (101) facet. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation further demonstrates the higher intrinsic polarization in the (101) facet compared with the (20) facet, and the larger built-in electric field in the (101) facet facilitates surface vacancy defect accumulation. Our work provides a new angle in tuning and optimizing hybrid perovskite-based nonlinear optical materials.

Synthesis of Green Brucite [NixMg1−x(OH)2] by Incorporation of Nickel Ions in the Periclase Phase (MgO) Applied as Pigments

Magnesium oxide is typically white and can be colorized with transition metal insertion by doping. We present the preparation of a green-colored hydroxide by the exchange of Mg2+ on the crystalline lattice with Ni2+ in MgO, using three nickel salts. MgOst was prepared by the colloidal starch suspension method, using cassava starch. The oxides and hydroxides, before and after, were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and show that a phase change occurs: a transition from periclase (MgO) to brucite (Mg(OH)2) due to the incorporation of nickel ions from different salts (acetate, chloride, and nitrate), resulting in the solid solution [NixMg1−x(OH)2]. The FTIR spectrum corroborates the crystallographic structure identified through XRD patterns, confirming the formation of a crystal structure resembling brucite. The new samples present a green color, indicative of the incorporation of the Ni2+ ions. The antimicrobial activity of products resulting from the doping of magnesium oxide with nickel and the precursor MgOst was assessed through the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The evaluation included three bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella gallinarum (ATCC 9184), and a yeast strain, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). The obtained results were promising; the tested samples exhibited antimicrobial activity, with a MIC ranging from 0.312 to 0.625 μg.μL−1. The nickel compound, derived from the precursor chloride salt, demonstrated superior MIC activity. Notably, all tested samples displayed bactericidal activity against the S. aureus strain and exhibited a broad spectrum of inhibition, encompassing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Only the nickel compounds derived from precursors with acetate and nitrate anions demonstrated antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, exhibiting a fungistatic behavior. Based on the conducted studies, [NixMg1−x(OH)2] has emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent, suitable for applications requiring the delay or inhibition of bacterial growth.

Dy3+ doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphor for white light generation: structural and luminescent studies

Abstract Using the traditional solid-state reaction approach, Dy3+ ions doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors have been synthesized to investigate their luminescent properties to produce high-quality white light for solid-state lighting applications, particularly in white LEDs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were used to examine the structure and phase of the phosphors. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphology of the as-synthesized phosphor has been investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been used to investigate several vibrational bands seen in the phosphor. Using diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), the as-synthesized phosphors' optical band gap values have been estimated. When Dy3+ ions are excited at 350 nm, the photoluminescence (PL) spectra characteristics observed for the activated KCa(PO3)3 phosphor show strong white area emission at 575 nm, which is related to the 4F99/2 → 6H13/2 transition of Dy3+ ions. Additionally, the concentration quenching of Dy3+ ions doped at 4 mol% is seen in the PL spectra. Based on the observed PL spectra, the computed CIE chromaticity coordinates for the doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors show that the optimised 4.0mol% Dy3+ doped phosphor is located in the deep white area. The lifespan of the as-titled phosphors decreases as the amount of Dy3+ ions increases in the host lattice. Additionally, the PL decay profiles shows a dual exponential behaviour when excited at 350 nm, with an emission wavelength at 575 nm. On the basis of the results of the aforementioned studies, we wish to project Dy3+ ion doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors as white light generating materials in w-LEDs and for other photonic applications.

Synthesis and characterization of Ag@Ni co-axial nanocables and their fluorescent and catalytic properties

Abstract We report here a convenient, rapid one-pot synthesis of new metal–metal core–shell nanocomposites comprising silver nanowires (AgNWs) coated with nickel. The resulting AgNWs and nickel-coated silver nanocables average 60–80 nm in diameter were prepared by the polyol synthetic route. This method employed ethylene glycol as a reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a capping agent. These nanomaterials are designated as AgNWs (0.1 M) and Ag@Ni (0.2 M), Ag@Ni (0.3 M), Ag@Ni (0.4 M), and Ag@Ni (0.5 M) nanocables based on the nickel content and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The morphology of each nanowire and nanocable was clarified using SEM, while EDX quantified the presence of Ni. XRD patterns confirmed the face-centered cubic structure of the nanomaterials. The Debye–Scherrer formula was applied to establish different characteristics such as crystallite size and lattice constant. Surface plasmon resonance was measured using UV−Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence of each product was determined by PL spectroscopy, respectively. Both the AgNWs and Ag@Ni nanocables catalyze the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol by sodium borohydride.

Micronization induced gelatinization of tapioca starch and its effects on starch physicochemical and structural properties.

The vibrating superfine mill (VSM) is a machine that belongs to the micronization technique. In this study, VSM was employed to produce micronized tapioca starch by varying micronization times (15, 30, 45, and 60min). The structural and physicochemical properties of the micronized starch were then examined. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that micronized starch was partially gelatinized, and the granule size dramatically increased when micronization time increased. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the relative crystallinity was decreased from 24.67% (native) to 4.13% after micronization treatment for 15min and slightly decreased after that. The solubility of micronized starch significantly increased as the micronization time increased, which was associated with the destruction of the starch crystalline structure. Differential scanning calorimetry investigations confirmed that micronized starch was "partly gelatinized," and the degree of gelatinization increased to 81.27% when the micronization time was 60min. The weight-average molar mass was reduced by 15.0% (15min), 30.9% (30min), 55.7% (45min), and 70.5% (60min), respectively, indicating that the molecular structure was seriously degraded. The results demonstrated that the physicochemical changes of micronized starch granules were related to the destruction of the starch structure. These observations would provide details on micronized starch and its potential applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: These observations would provide details on micronized starch and its potential applications. Moreover, we believe that when the structures of starches were known, it is probable that the effect of VSM on the structural and physicochemical properties change of other starches might be predicted by adjusting the processing time.

Preparation and Properties of a High-Entropy Wolframite-Type Antiferromagnet, (Mn0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Cd0.2)WO4.

The homogeneous high-entropy wolframite-type solid solution (Mn1/5Co1/5Ni1/5Cu1/5Cd1/5)WO4 was prepared by solid-state reaction at 1000 °C. Elongated "crystals" were grown from the Na2WO4 flux, but their strongly broadened powder X-ray diffraction patterns indicated partial dissolution. Nevertheless, successive annealing of the homogeneous solid solution for 3-4 h at 800, 700, and 600 °C did not bring any sign of dissolution. Thus, the material is kinetically stable at low temperatures although thermodynamically unstable. The long-range antiferromagnetic order was established at TN ∼ 24.8 K. Based on magnetization and specific heat measurements, a magnetic phase diagram was built, demonstrating the presence of an additional field-induced phase. In contrast to the parent MnWO4, no dielectric anomaly has been found down to 2 K.

Effect of different BaO contents on the photoluminescence properties of the Eu2+-doped high thermal stability Sr3−xBaxMgSi2O8 phosphors

In this study, 0.015 Eu[Formula: see text]-doped Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgSi2O8 ([Formula: see text], 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) were used as compositions to find the effect of BaO content on their photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and photoluminescence emission (PL) properties. They were sintered at 1400°C in a reduction atmosphere of 95% N[Formula: see text]% H2 to form blue phosphors. X-ray diffraction pattern and SEM observation were used to analyze their crystal properties, and a fluorescence spectrophotometer was used to analyze their PLE and PL properties. After conducting a thorough analysis, our research primarily encompasses four significant research themes. First, SEM observations revealed that synthesized Eu[Formula: see text]-doped Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgSi2O8 phosphors exhibit the formation of whisker-like structures. Therefore, the whisker-like structures in all the Eu[Formula: see text]-doped Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgSi2O8 phosphors were analyzed using the HRTEM and its equipped EDS to find how BaO content influenced both the quantity and fineness of these whiskers. Second, we examined the impact of BaO content on the PLE and PL emission intensities of the Eu[Formula: see text]-doped Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgSi2O8 phosphors across a temperature range from room temperature to 210°C. This investigation aimed to uncover the effects of BaO content and temperature on the thermal stability of the Eu[Formula: see text]-doped Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgSi2O8 phosphors. Lastly, our fourth important investigation involved reorganizing the PLE spectra of the Eu[Formula: see text]-doped Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgSi2O8 phosphors with the energy band as the x-axis. The Gaussian fitting function was applied to analyze the excitation spectra and discern the influence of BaO content on the value of the Stokes shift.

Composites of Zn-Co spinel ferrites and PANI: Structural, magnetic, microwave absorption characterization in 18–40 GHz

The present research work deals with the fabrication of composites containing spinel ferrites and polyaniline as high-performance microwave absorbers. The composites were prepared by the inter-mixing of Zn-Co spinel ferrites and PANI polymer in a 4:1 M ratio using the mechanical blending technique. The sol–gel citrate route was employed to synthesize Zn-Co spinel ferrites, while the oxidative polymerization method was used to synthesize PANI. The structural, morphological, magnetic, and microwave absorption properties of the composite samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and vector network analyzer (VNA), respectively. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the crystalline nature of spinel ferrites and the amorphous nature of PANI. The magnetic properties revealed that saturation magnetization (Ms) increased significantly with the addition of spinel ferrites into PANI owing to its magnetic nature. The microwave absorption results showed that the minimum reflection loss (RL) reached up to −26.63 dB at 20.72 GHz with the effective bandwidth of 5.95 GHz in the K-band and −39.16 dB at 35.68 GHz with the effective bandwidth of 8.1 GHz in the Ka-band for composition NZP. This study indicated that the prepared SF/PANI composites can be proposed as a promising absorbent in the K-band and Ka-band.

The effect of polycaprolactone polyol molecular weight and chain extender type on the physico-mechanical properties and gas permeability of polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer membranes

ABSTRACT In this study, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers (TPU) were synthesized using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), and 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) as the chain extenders, and polycaprolactone diol (PCL-diol) with three different molecular weights (2000, 4000, and 10,000 g/mol) as polyols. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to analyze the chemical microstructure and phase morphology of the prepared samples. The results showed that the change in the chain extender’s type (BDO and HDO) leads to a decrease in the hydrogen bonding index (HBI). Increasing the molecular weight of PCL-diol in BDO-based TPUs has led to an increase in their crystallinity, Young’s modulus, melting temperature, tensile strength, and a decrease in glass transition temperature and elongation at break. Moreover, the increase in the molecular weight of PCL-diol in HDO-based TPUs demonstrated an increase in the crystallinity and elongation at break and tensile strength up to the molecular weight 4000 in PCL-diol, after that, there was a decrease in those properties due to the increase of the soft segments content and change in the chain extender type. Permeability on TPU membranes was performed for N2 and CO2 at three different pressures 3, 6, and 9 atm at room temperature. An increase in pressure led to an increase in membrane permeability due to the increase in gas solubility in TPU based on Henry’s law. The permeability of CO2 is higher than N2 due to the proper interactions of CO2 gas with the polar carbonyl groups of polyurethane. It is observed that the permeability increases in BDO-based samples with an increase in the molecular weight of PCL-diol, while the increase in permeability of HDO-based TPU is up to PCL-diol molecular weight 4000 and after that is decreased. The selectivity of CO2 has decreased with increasing pressure due to the higher rate of dissolution of N2 at higher pressures.