X-ray Diffraction Results Research Articles

Exploring the photocatalytic degradation of organic textile dye using hydrothermally synthesized Ce-doped metal chalcogenide nanomaterial

The advancement of economical, facile and non-toxic approaches towards waste water treatment is a promising research area currently among scientific community. In this regard photocatalysis has specifically received significant attention due to its application in the eradication of toxic elements from wastewater. Hence, in the present study Ce-doped FeSe2 photocatalysts were prepared employing the simple, inexpensive and ecofriendly hydrothermal method. The prepared Ce-FeSe2 nanomaterial was subjected to different characterization techniques like x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and UV–visible spectroscopy to explore the characteristic properties of the prepared nanomaterials. XRD results revealed good crystallinity and purity of all synthesized Ce-FeSe2 nanomaterials. Surface morphology and elemental composition of the prepared nanomaterials was determined by FE-SEM and EDS spectroscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to explore the optical characteristic of the prepared photocatalysts. The results of optical absorption spectrum confirmed that increasing dopant percentage shows an improvement towards optical properties. The photocatalytic ability of the prepared Ce-FeSe2 nanomaterials was examined against the potentially toxic industrial dyes like Rhoadmine B (RB). The photocatalytic results show that 95.21% of dye degradation was exhibited by 7% Ce- doped FeSe2 nanomaterial under UV-visible light illumination duration of 120 min. Findings of the photocatalytic degradation process fitted well with pseudo first order reaction kinetics for RB dye.

Mekanik alaşımlama ile üretilen Al4.5Cu/TiO2 kompozitlerinin mikroyapı, sertlik ve termal özellikleri

Al4.5Cu/TiO2 composites were fabricated from their elemental powders by the mechanical alloying method. Microstructural and thermal properties of the composites were investigated by a combination of differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural evolutions, phase transformations, and crystallite size changes were investigated depending on the milling time. XRD and SEM results showed that there were a more homogeneous structure and shrinkage in grain size due to the increased milling time. The DTA results showed an endothermic peak of around 650 oC which indicates the melting temperature of Al. Besides, the mechanical properties of the pressed and sintered composites were investigated by Vickers micro-hardness testing. The results showed that microhardness values significantly increased as milling time increased from 5h to 10h. The maximum microhardness value of 173±10 HV was obtained for Al4.5Cu with 20 wt% TiO2 composite after milling for 10h.

Oxygen vacancies based BiOBr nanoflowers saturable absorber and its application in Q-switched mode-locked infrared laser

In this work, BiOBr nanoflowers with oxygen vacancies as saturable absorber are prepared using hydrothermal method. Passively Q-switched mode-locked infrared laser is achieved. The output power reaches the maximum 312 mW. The minimum Q-switched envelope is 242 ns with the maximum repetition rate of 180.5 kHz. Meanwhile, the mode-locked pulse duration within the Q-switched envelope is approximately 315 ps with repetition rate of 232 MHz. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), UV–Vis–NIR diffuse reflectance spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrate the oxygen vacancies introduce intermediate energy levels in the energy band of BiOBr, which enhances the optical absorption in the near-infrared region. Therefore, BiOBr saturable absorber exhibits good saturable absorption characteristics in the near-infrared region and is a promising modulation element in Q-switched mode-locked infrared lasers.

Pressure-induced metallization and enhanced photoelectric activity in layered tin disulfide

Two-dimensional layered metal dichalcogenides have given rise to considerable interest in electronics and optoelectronics fields because of their excellent physical and chemical properties and promising applications. Tin disulfide (SnS2) is an important member of them due to its environment-friendly and resource-rich characteristics. Here, a series of in situ electrical transport experiments and photocurrent measurements under high pressure have been performed to investigate the electrical and opto-electrical properties of 4H-SnS2. With increasing pressure, the electrical resistivity of 4H-SnS2 decrease significantly, leading to a transition from semiconducting to metallic state above 58.6 GPa. The increase in pressure results in a substantial enhancement in photoelectric activity, indicating the extensive potential of utilizing pressure as a trigger for in situ optoelectronic applications. Combined with our previous results of x-ray diffraction and optical absorption at high pressure, pressure-induced structural distortion, bandgap narrowing, metallization, and enhancement of photoelectric activity of 4H-SnS2 are tunable and reversible, which are of great significance for both fundamental research and device design.

Alkaline pretreatment and steam explosion process on coffee silverskin and incorporation of cellulose fibers in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)

AbstractIn this work, coffee silverskin (CSS) fibers were subjected to alkali pretreatment (ALK‐CSS) and alkali pretreatment, followed by a 4‐bar steam explosion process (SEW4). Both treated fibers presented a higher degree of crystallinity, enhanced thermal resistance and also cleaner, rough, and defibrillated surface due to the removal of noncellulosic components, as was shown in scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) results. The SEW4 fibers were incorporated into the poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix in contents up to 5% wt. through melt processing. PBAT/SEW4 composites were evaluated by their microstructure, thermal properties, degree of crystallinity, and hydrophilic behavior. XRD results showed PBAT/SEW4 composites with higher degrees of crystallinity and contact angle tests revealed increased composite hydrophobicity with the increase of SEW4 content in the PBAT matrix. This work describes the importance of recovering coffee lignocellulosic waste and producing value‐added by‐products, especially in packaging manufacturing.

A 1D Sb-containing hybrid organic-inorganic material: Synthesis, structural characterization, hirshfeld surface, thermal behavior, vibrational and optical properties

A novel interesting hybrid organic-inorganic material of Bis (2-amino-3-nitropyridinuim) pentachloroantimoinates (III) with the formula [C5H6N3O2]2SbCl5 was elaborated by slow evaporation at room temperature. This compound was crystallized in the monoclinic system with the P 21/c space group, as shown using the X-ray diffraction results. The parameters are the following: a = 16.484(6) Å, b = 7.7170 (19) Å, c = 16.159 (7) Å, β= 109.26(5)°, Z = 4 and V = 1940,5(14) Å3. The asymmetric unit consists of one Sb (III) cation surrounded by five Cl− and two protonated cations 2-amino-3-nitropyridinuim. The crystal packing cohesion was maintained by NH…Cl and NH…O hydrogen bonds to form a three- dimensional network. The infrared IR and Raman studies which were recorded at room temperature in the 4000–400 cm−1 and 0–4000 cm−1 frequency regions, respectively, confirmed the existence of vibrational modes that correspond to the organic and inorganic groups. The Hirshfeld analysis results show that the predominate interactions were H…Cl and O…H contacts (39.9, 14.5 % respectively). The Thermogravimetric analysis TGA shows that this compound remains stable up to about 150 °C. The optical properties were characterized experimentally by UV–visible absorption studies and photoluminescence measurements. The Photoluminescence spectrum manifests a broad and strong band of luminescence around 454 nm (2.73 eV), which can be even observed with the naked eye at room temperature and is due to exciton emission.

Structural and physical properties of Ni 1−x V x alloys around and away from quantum critical point

We investigate the room temperature structure (global and local), temperature dependent magnetic and transport behaviour of Ni 1−x V x ( 0⩽x⩽0.13 ) alloys. Our Energy Dispersive Analysis of x-rays results show that the prepared compositions are stoichiometric. With increase in V doping, the compounds exhibit a quantum phase transition around x c = 0.12, where the ferromagnetic phase is suppressed. Our results show that all the compounds stabilize in face centred cubic structure at RT and the lattice parameter shows unusual behaviour close to x c . The magnetic and heat capacity studies show signature of Griffiths phase on either side of x c . From 25 K to the lowest collected temperature, we observe a linear T dependence of resistivity at x = 0.1 and around x c , which is separated by a Fermi-liquid region around x = 0.106. This suggests that the origin of the transport behaviour is different around the quantum critical point and away from it. Our Ni K-edge x-ray Absorption Spectroscopy results show that there is a significant reduction in the first coordination number around Ni central atom on doping. Further, with doping, there is distortion in the first coordination shell around Ni. This suggests, with V doping, the local structure around Ni is different from the global structure as obtained from the x-ray Diffraction results. Interestingly, with doping, we observe a direct connection between the extent of distortion at RT and the magnetic disorder obtained at 2 K. We believe our results will motivate the scientific community to further study the interplay between the structural disorder and quantum fluctuations with temperature at the local level.

Epitaxial growth of copper phthalocyanine on a large single-grain of thin film alkyl perylene diimide

In this work, heteroepitaxial growth of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) on a large single-grain of thin film N,N’-Di-n-octyl-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C8) was investigated. Vacuum-deposited PTCDI-C8 thin films at a growth temperature of ∼180 °C exhibited large grain growth of several hundred micrometers or more in size, and their surface consisted of stripe islands with molecular steps. CuPc deposited at 180 °C on this PTCDI-C8 large grain underlayer was found to grow epitaxially with its needle-like crystals dominantly oriented in one unique direction. The mechanism of the observed epitaxy is discussed based on the results of in-plane X-ray diffraction and the initial growth morphology.

Physicochemical Properties of Mixed Gelatin Gels with Soy and Whey Proteins.

The physicochemical properties of the mixed gelatin gels with soy and whey proteins were investigated to develop the gel base with a soft texture and abundant essential amino acids for the elderly. Gelatin-only gel (control) was prepared at 6% (w/v), and mixed gelatin gels were formulated by replacing gelatin with soy protein isolate and whey protein concentrate at different mixing ratios [gelatin (G):soy protein isolate (S):whey protein concentrate (W)]. Results showed that replacing gelatin with the globular proteins in gelatin gels increased the pH value and processing yield (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mixed gelatin gels, particularly the G2:S1:W3 treatment, showed significantly higher essential amino acids than the gelatin-only control. The partial replacement of gelatin with the globular proteins could decrease the hardness of gelatin gel (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in hardness between the G2:G3:W1, G2:S2:W2, and G2:S1:W3 treatments (p > 0.05). The results of protein pattern, x-ray diffraction, and microstructure had no clear evidence for specific protein-protein interaction in the mixed gelatin gels. Therefore, this study indicates that mixed gelatin gels with the globular proteins at specific mixing ratios could be a practical approach to providing a soft texture and high-level essential amino acids to the elderly.

Comparative study of fresh phosphogypsum treatment by sulfuric acid and neutralization with NaOH and CO2

AbstractThe newly formed, fresh phosphogypsum (PG) at the filter cake of the Dinh Vu Diamoni photphate DAP fertilizer factory was studied and treated with dilute sulfuric acid. The impurities were removed by sulfuric acid treatment and the carbonatation by NaOH and CO2 to create calcium carbonate. The results showed that fresh PG at filter cake contained the P2O5 total of 1.38%, and the phosphorus pentoxides effectively were removed at 69.32%. The acid‐treated PG was neutralized by NaOH and CO2 aeration, creating CaCO3 in situ nano‐microparticles identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and CaCO3 intensity by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In this study, the cement mortar test, which used treated PG from both sulfuric treatment and NaOH neutralization within CO2 aeration, has better compressive strength properties and hydration supported by SEM images, XRD results, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Preliminary study of exfoliated graphite (EG) produced by electrochemical exfoliation and EG-TiO2 composite

In this research, Exfoliated Graphite (EG) materials have been synthesized using the electrochemical exfoliation method. The starting materials are graphite sheets, before the exfoliation process, a simple pre-treatment was carried out, by immersing the graphite sheet in a mixture solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with a ratio of 95:5 to widen the interlayer distance in graphite sheets for the optimum electrochemical exfoliation process. This study used ammonium sulfate solution (NH4)2SO4 as an electrolyte with a concentration 0.25 M. The obtained EG materials are then composited with TiO2 to increase the resulting energy density of the materials. The in-situ sol-gel method was used to synthesize the EG-TiO2 composite assisted by microwave irradiation. The resulting materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), and LCR meter. Based on the XRD results, the EG-TiO2 composite showed an amorphous structure with an average crystallite size of 24.9 - 49.9 nm. It also shows that the XRD pattern of the EG-TiO2 composite has a lower peak intensity than the EG material. The FTIR result shows that the functional group of the rGO-TiO2 composite has a combination of Ti-O-Ti and Ti-O-C vibrations, which indicates the chemical interaction of TiO2 with EGs.

Effect of Film Density on MgSiO3-Based Resistive Random-Access Memory

Different film density MgSiO3 based resistive random-access memorys (RRAMs) are fabricated to investigate the resistive switching behaviors. The X-ray diffraction results, set voltage, reset voltage, cycling endurance, and retention time are drawn for comparison. With the increasing oxygen ratio gas flow, the resistive switching characteristics of MgSiO3 RRAM are drastically elevated by changing the fabrication conditions of the RS layer. Moreover, we portray a filament model to explain the most likely mechanism associated with the generation and rupture of conductive filaments composed of oxygen vacancies. The high randomness among switching cycles for memory application should be prevented, but it is suitable for the physical unclonable function. The relationship between HRS and the next time set voltage shows a strong correlation, and the conduction mechanisms of the low-resistance state (LRS) and HRS correspond to ohmic conduction and space charge-limited conduction, respectively. Meanwhile, the RRAM undergoes 10,000 s retention tests, and the two resistance states can be distinguished without obvious alternation or degradation. A favorable cycling endurance and retention time achieved by optimizing the fabrication parameters of Cu/MgSiO3/Pt RRAM have the potential for nonvolatile memristors and information security applications.

Effect of Konjac Glucomannan on Structure, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro Digestibility of Yam Starch during Extrusion

In this study, the effect of konjac glucomannan (KGM, 0–5%) on the structure, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of extruded yam starch (EYS) was investigated. The EYS became rougher on the surface and the particle size increased as observed using scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis. X-ray diffraction and Raman results revealed that the relative crystallinity (18.30% to 22.30%) of EYS increased, and the full width at half maxima at 480 cm−1 decreased with increasing KGM content, indicating the increment of long-range and short-range ordered structure. Differential scanning calorimetry and rheological results demonstrated that KGM enhanced thermal stability and the gel strength of EYS due to enhanced interaction between KGM and YS molecules. Additionally, a decrease in the swelling power and viscosity of EYS was observed with increased KGM content. The inclusion of KGM in the EYS increased the resistant starch content from 11.89% to 43.51%. This study provides a dual-modified method using extrusion and KGM for modified YS with high thermal stability, gel strength, and resistance to digestion.

Assessment of sand dunes in Missan Governorate, South-eastern Iraq: Implications for Extraction High Purity Silica

Sand dunes are widely spread in Missan Governorate, South-eastern Iraq in many areas including; Manziliyah, Khazina, Zubadiate, and Chailat. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of sand samples of sizes 0.063-2 mm, 0.125-0.250mm, and 0.250-0.500mm, revealed that quartz is the main mineral phase, followed by calcite, feldspar and trace of gypsum. Chemically SiO2 is the main oxide in sand of an average 61.36 % while the rest oxides; CaO (14.08%), Al2O3 (6. 76%), Fe2O3 (3.05%), K2O+Na2O (2.30 %) are considered as impurities that could affect the properties of sand. XRD tests indicated the formation of crystalline phase of synthetic silica. XRF showed an increases in SiO2 to 85.37%, while all other oxides (impurities) were reduced to their minimum rate, particularly CaO (1.06 %). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) tests indicated the existence of well compiled spherical particles of synthetic silica within the size of 8.55 nm and surface area of 66.51 m2\\g. The medium sand size (0.250-0.500mm) is the appropriate size to produce high purity crystalline silica as it contains the greatest percentage of silica and the low percent of impurities compared to other sizes of sand.

XRD analysis of Spirulina platensis mediated TiO2NPs

This study explores the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) mediated by Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) and presents the corresponding X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. The analysis of the XRD patterns confirms the successful formation of crystalline nanoparticles, with distinct peaks aligning with the anatase phase of titanium dioxide. The utilization of S. platensis as a mediator not only facilitates the generation of TiO2NPs but also introduces a bio-friendly and sustainable dimension to the synthesis process. The anatase phase is known for its advantageous properties, including photocatalytic activity and stability, suggesting the potential of the synthesized nanoparticles for applications such as environmental remediation, catalysis, and photovoltaic devices. This study contributes valuable insights into the S. platensis-mediated synthesis of TiO2NPs, emphasizing their promising prospects for diverse technological applications. Further research can delve into optimizing synthesis parameters to enhance nanoparticle properties, promoting their effective utilization in various fields.

Chiral 5-fluorouracil-arginine cocrystals screened by wet powder grinding method: Leading to synergistic anti-tumor and alleviate cardiotoxicity

Arginine (ARG) is a precursor for producing NO, which can relax vascular smooth muscle. We herein report cocrystals screened by powder grinding using chiral ARG to improve the bioavailability of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and alleviate 5-FU induced cardiotoxicity. The results of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) inferred the formation of new solid phases. Hydrogen bonding interactions between C=O group and N-H were supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The spectra intensity of circular dichroism (CD) of cocrystals were higher than that of ARG after combined with non-optically active 5-FU. The bioavailability and cytotoxicity of 5-FU were enhanced by cocrystallization. Notably, L-cocrystal prepared using biologically active L-ARG released lower dose NO in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cells than that of D-cocrystal. D-cocrystal performed higher NO release ability by non-enzymatic pathway, indicating a greater potential to alleviate cardiotoxicity. 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in rats was effectively alleviated, proved by the least increased LDH, cTnI and CK-MB level induced by D-cocrystal.

Analisis Ukuran Partikel Nanosilica Pada Proses Alkali Fusion Silica Scaling Geotermal Dieng Menggunakan KOH

One of the characteristics of the Dieng geothermal field is the high silica content in the production fluid which causes the appearance of silica scaling. The presence of silica scaling inhibits the energy extraction process and becomes waste that disturbs the environment. The silica scaling can be utilized as a nanosilica product for use as a reinforcing filler. Nano-sized powder is expected to improve the mechanical properties of a product with denser results. This research aims to synthesize nanosilica from geothermal scaling silica using the alkali fusion method. Nanosilica is obtained by reacting alkali KOH with silica scaling which has been reduced in size using ball milling. The fusion process is carried out using heat treatment at varying temperatures of 400, 450 and 500ºC. The fusion results were dissolved in distilled water for titration using 2M HCl with stirring using a magnetic stirrer until gelation was formed which was dried into silica nanoparticles. Characterization of the size of nanosilica powder using the Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) obtained the smallest size data at a fusion temperature of 400ºC with the size tending to increase as the fusion temperature increased, where these results were in line with the analysis of nanosilica images from Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) testing using ImageJ software. Compound analysis using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) shows the presence of characteristic silica bonds. The results of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) do not show sharp peaks so the compound has an amorphous phase.

Microstructural Evolution of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement during the Wet-Carbonation Process

Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, as a type of low-carbon cement, can contribute to further reduction in carbon emissions with carbonation technologies. However, the detailed microstructure development of CSA cement during the carbonation process has been rarely analyzed. In this paper, wet carbonation was applied to CSA cement to investigate the microstructure evolution of carbonation products and carbon absorption capacity of CSA cement by means of pH measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, thermogravimetric (TG) measurement, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurement and scanning electron microscope measurement. During the carbonation process, the formed ettringite product and the dicalcium silicate clinker were carbonated immediately to generate calcium carbonate crystals, silica gel and aluminum hydroxide (AH3) gel. With the trend of pH increasing first and notably decreasing later, the coupling interaction between the hydration and carbonation reactions of CSA cement was revealed. From the XRD and TG results, three types of calcium carbonate crystal forms (calcite, vaterite and aragonite) were detected, and the content of calcium carbonate increased with the increase in carbonation time. FT-IR analysis further confirmed the existence of calcium carbonate, silica gel and AH3 gel with their characteristic vibrations. Moreover, the microstructure of carbonation products with different morphologies was observed. The application of wet carbonation to CSA cement provides a more comprehensive insight to the carbonation mechanism of this low-carbon cement.

Heteroepitaxial growth of a-, m-, and r-plane α-Ga2O3 thin films on rh-ITO electrodes for vertical device applications

α-Ga2O3 has garnered significant attention as a promising next-generation material for applications in power-switching and deep ultraviolet optoelectronics owing to its ultrawide bandgap. However, fabricating α-Ga2O3-based devices with a vertical structure is challenging because α-Ga2O3 requires heteroepitaxial growth on a heterogeneous substrate, typically insulating sapphire. In this study, we investigated the heteroepitaxial growth of a-, m-, and r-plane α-Ga2O3 on rhombohedral indium tin oxide (rh-ITO) electrodes via mist chemical vapor deposition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) 2θ-ω and φ scan analyses revealed that a-, m-, and r-plane α-Ga2O3 epitaxial thin films were successfully grown on rh-ITO bottom electrodes when α-Fe2O3 buffer layers were inserted. No phase separation or in-plane rotation was observed in the XRD results of the α-Ga2O3 thin films. The α-Fe2O3 buffer layers facilitated the preferential growth of α-Ga2O3 on various planes of rh-ITO. The surface morphology of the a-, m-, and r-plane α-Ga2O3, examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy, differed depending on the crystal plane. The results obtained in this study have potential applications in the development of vertical-structured devices with α-Ga2O3 thin films.

Shale Characterization Methods Using XRD, CEC, and LSM: Experimental Findings

Shale characterization is essential for understanding its potential as a hydrocarbon reservoir and for optimizing hydraulic fracturing operations. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of three methods for shale characterization: X-ray diffraction (XRD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and linear swell meter (LSM). The study was conducted on a set of shale samples from a specific location. The samples were analyzed using XRD to determine their mineralogy, CEC to measure their ion exchange capacity, and LSM to assess their swelling properties. The results indicate that Clay stabilizers and KCl salt together perform much better. The concentrations of different additives can have a positive/negative effect on swelling. CEC values can be determined for each formation with the statistical method determined by using XRD results. Overall, the study highlights the potential of using a combination of XRD, CEC, and LSM for comprehensive shale characterization.