XRD Patterns Research Articles

Synthesis pathways of (HfZrTiCe/La/Y)O2-x nanoparticles via benzyl alcohol route at critical temperature

The controllable synthesis of high-entropy fluorite oxide (HEO) having large ionic radius mismatch remains a challenging due to poor understanding on nucleation. The (HfZrTiLn)-5HEO nanoparticles with 15 % ionic radius mismatch were synthesized via benzyl alcohol route at 220 °C-5 min in presence of PtCl4 and Fe(acac)3, exhibiting novel optical, electrical and magnetic properties. Nucleation pathways of the 5HEO at the critical temperature were elucidated by using a comparison study of conventional heating and microwave irradiation heating. Consistency of XRD patterns and STEM-EDX observation indicate that the resultant Hf-OBn monomers acted as the nucleation center of the 5HEO, determined by diffusion kinetics. The nucleation rate depended on the metal monomers assembly and esterification reaction, which was accelerated by water vapor pressure produced in-situ by 0.5×10−4mol/l PtCl4 catalyst. The Fe-metal organic cages derived from 1.5×10−4mol/l Fe(acac)3 additive served as the structure stabilizer of Zr/Ti monomers, and prevented early hydrothermal reaction route.

Preparation and characterization of ZnS/metal/ZnS transparent conductive multilayer films with different metal layers

ZnS/metal/ZnS transparent conductive multilayer films were deposited on quartz glass by pulsed laser deposition at room temperature with Au, Ag and Cu as the metal layers, and annealed in air at 100, 200 and 300℃ for 1 h. XRD patterns show that β -ZnS(111) diffraction peak of ZnS/Au/ZnS is stronger and sharper than the other two samples, indicating that its crystalline quality is the best. SEM images show the good structural homogeneity of the samples with smooth and compact film surfaces. When the annealing temperature increases from 100 to 300℃, the sheet resistance decreases first and then increases, while the carrier concentration changes in the opposite trend. The maximum transmittance (~85%) for ZnS/Au/ZnS in the visible light region is observed when the sample is annealed at 200℃. The figure of merit is calculated, and the best sample suitable for transparent conductive electrode is determined.

Strategy of Nutrient Recovery from Domestic Wastewater Using Magnesium‐Modified Agricultural‐Waste‐Based Biochars

AbstractThis work presents a reasonable strategy of optimizing the N : P molar ratio of municipal wastewater to simultaneously restore N‐NH4+ and P‐PO43− via struvite precipitation employing biochar modified with magnesium as the seeding material. The phosphate removal efficiency and ammonium removal efficiency could reach up to 71 % and 100 %, respectively. The remaining phosphate can be restored by other techniques for low phosphate concentration input, such as electrocoagulation. The XRD patterns indicate the appearance of struvite with high nutrient contents including Mg, N and P in the resulting precipitate, suggesting its potential agricultural application. The biochar from rice husk and rice straw modified with MgCl2 solution via a simple procedure could be used as a new seeding material in struvite precipitation to simultaneously restore phosphate and ammonium from wastewater. It has been found that modifying with MgCl2 concentration of 0.5 M and 1 M were enough to improve 14.7 % and 26.5 % of the phosphate removal efficiencies of rice straw‐based and rice husk‐based biochar, respectively. Along with the highly compatible of the post‐precipitated product with soil amendment, the magnesium modified biochars from rice husk and rice straw were highly suitable for enhancing the restoration of phosphate and ammonium via struvite precipitation.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Analysis of Nickel and Cobalt Complexes of Condensates of Salicylaldehyde and 2-Hydroxy Aniline

This study on the synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial analysis of Nickel and Cobalt complexes of condensates of salicylaldehyde and 2-hydroxy aniline constitutes an attempt towards the development of new molecular compounds that could destroy the barrier of resistance of pharmaceutical products. The ligands of 2-phenyliminomethylphenol (PMP) and 2,2-hydroxy benzylidene aminophenol (HAP) were first prepared by separately reacting Aniline with Salicylaldehyde on the one hand, and 2-aminophenol with Salicylaldehyde on the other hand. The unmixed metal complexes were prepared by reacting either of 0.29 mmol 2-phenylimino methyl phenol ligand with the metal salt or 0.29 mmol 2,2-hydroxybenzylideneaminophenol ligand with the metal salt while the mixed metal complexes were prepared by addition of equimolar amount of ligands of 2-phenyliminomethylphenol and 2,2-hydroxybenzylideneaminophenol into the metal salt. The molecular structures of the ligands and their complexes have been determined and characterized using GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The melting point and solubility of the ligands and synthesized complexes were equally determined. Antimicrobial studies were carried out with ligands PMP and HAP and the metal complexes using clinical isolates of Gram Positive Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus substilis), Gram Negative Bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). All complexes and ligands were found to be soluble in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Asymmetric Octahedral geometry is observed for Nickel (II) and Cobalt (II) complexes with PMP, HAP, and the mixed ligands. A bidentate ligand is coordinated to metal ions through oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups and nitrogen atoms of two imine groups for Nickel (II) and Cobalt (II) complexes. The findings from the XRD pattern indicate that the ligand and metal complexes are crystalline with a high crystallite size of 119.23nm to 638.67nm. The FTIR spectra for 2-phenyliminomethylphenol (PMP) showed IR absorption band at 1569.2 cm-1 suggesting the stretching vibration of the C=C bond in the benzene rings, while the bands at 1613.9 cm-1 indicated the =C-N stretching in the benzene ring. The complexes showed electronic spectra which suggest that energy was absorbed in the ultraviolet/visible region, producing changes in the electronic energy of the compound and resulting from the transition of valence electrons in the complexes. The XRD findings reveal that the crystal formed by the ligands and their respective complexes are large. The ligands were found to be larger in size than the complexes and this could be due to the complexation reactions. The X-ray diffractograms of the metal complexes produced good intense peaks that suggest high crystallinity. The ligand of 2-phenyliminomethylphenol (PMP) and 2,2-hydroxy benzylidene aminophenol (HAP) showed partial inhibitory action on the clinical isolates of Gram Postive, Gram Negative and zero inhibitory effect on the fungi while the divalent metal complexes of both mixed and unmixed ligands exhibited either stronger or strongest inhibition. The study concludes that the synthesized ligands and their metal complexes are purely crystalline as revealed by the chemical analysis, exhibited inhibitory actions on Gram Positive, Gram Negative and fungi species.

Fabrication of NiO/TiO2/rGO nanocomposites as a quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor: Paving the way for PhotoSupercapacitor application

In this present communication, a novel ternary nanocomposite, NiO/TiO2/rGO (NTG), was synthesised via a simple hydrothermal technique for photosupercapacitor application. The XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline nature and phase structure of the as-synthesised material. FE-SEM and HR-TEM analyses demonstrated the embellishment of NiO/TiO2 nanoparticles on the rGO sheets, which facilitates more voids and shorter diffusion paths. The electrochemical investigation of the prepared samples was assessed using 1 M Na2SO4 and Na2CO3 aqueous electrolyte solutions. Among the synthesised samples, NTG-2 carried out under 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 1285 Fg-1 at 1 Ag-1, maintaining a capacitance retention of 94 % after 5000 cycles. The NTG-2 electrode was additionally utilised in the construction of an asymmetric supercapacitor that has an impressive specific capacitance of 478 Fg-1 at 1 Ag-1. This displays an intriguing performance in terms of energy and power density of 42.2 Wh Kg−1 at 0.5 kW kg−1. In PSC, the as-fabricated TiO2/N719/I−/I3−/Pt@NTG-2//AC architecture possessed a specific capacitance of 567.5 Fg-1 at 1 Ag-1, with an energy density of 50.4 Wh Kg−1 and a power density of 0.4 kW kg−1. As a result, it has been concluded that the novel NTG-2 device opens new opportunities to develop new architectures for efficient energy storage applications.

Exploring Bismuth Oxide Supported Kaolinite for Photocatalytic Application

Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and Bi2O3–supported Kaolin were synthesized using household microwave–assisted methods (350 W, 5 min), with catalyst characteristics analyzed. XRD patterns confirmed the monoclinic structure of Bi2O3. Incorporating 20%w/w Kaolin increased the specific surface area of Bi2O3 from 6.2879 to 16.1345 m2/g, observed in FESEM images showing a hierarchical flower-like morphology resembling French fries alongside Kaolin plates. XRF analysis identified elements in Kaolin contributing to self–doping in band structure of Bi2O3, reducing its band gap and PL intensity. Kaolin/Bi2O3 composites demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light, attributed to Bi2O3-generated radicals and increased surface area. The composite photocatalyst can be recycled up to three times. This research not only enhances the photocatalytic activity of Bi2O3 but also increases the value of a local waste material, Kaolin clay. Such enhancements could potentially extend to other metal oxides and abundant waste materials within the country.

3D printing of strontium-enriched biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds for bone regeneration

Calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds doping with therapeutic ions are one of the focuses of recent bone tissue engineering research. Among the therapeutic ions, strontium stands out for its role in bone remodeling. This work reports a simple method to produce Sr-doped 3D-printed CaP scaffolds, using Sr-doping to induce partial phase transformation from β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to hydroxyapatite (HA), resulting in a doped biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffold. Strontium carbonate (SrCO3) was incorporated in the formulation of the 3D-printing ink, studying β-TCP:SrO mass ratios of 100:0, 95:5, and 90:10 (named as β-TCP, β-TCP/5-Sr, and β-TCP/10-Sr, respectively). Adding SrCO3 in the 3D-printing ink led to a slight increase in viscosity but did not affect its printability, resulting in scaffolds with a high printing fidelity compared to the computational design. Interestingly, Sr was incorporated into the lattice structure of the scaffolds, forming hydroxyapatite (HA). No residual SrO or SrCO3 were observed in the XRD patterns of any composition, and HA was the majority phase of the β-TCP/10-Sr scaffolds. The addition of Sr increased the compression strength of the scaffolds, with both β-TCP/5-Sr and β-TCP/10-Sr performing better than the β-TCP. Overall, β-TCP/5-Sr presented higher mineralized nodules and mechanical strength, while β-TCP scaffolds presented superior cell viability. The incorporation of SrCO3 in the ink formulation is a viable method to obtain Sr-BCP scaffolds. Thus, this approach could be explored with other CaP scaffolds aiming to optimize their performance and the addition of alternative therapeutic ions.

Tin oxides as a negative electrode material for Mg-Ion batteries

Abstract In this study, SnO as a negative electrode material for Mg-ion batteries exhibits a larger capacity of 540 mA h g−1 at the first cycle than that of pure Sn, despite the lower 88 wt.% Sn content. XRD patterns and XPS spectra reveal alloying/de-alloying, with Sn formed by the reduction during the first charging. The greater capacity is attributed to the shorter Mg diffusion length in the resulting fine Sn particles. The MgO matrix played a role in maintaining the high capacity for more than 10 cycles by diminishing the Sn agglomeration.

Removal mechanism of phosphorus in water by calcium hydroxide modified copper tailings

With the development of industry and agriculture, eutrophication caused by increasing amounts of phosphorus in the environment has attracted people's attention. On the other hand, copper tailings (CT) is a kind of solid waste with large quantity, large area, and easy to cause groundwater and soil pollution. CT is also a potential resource because of its large specific surface area. CT is intended to be used as an adsorbent for removal phosphate in water, but trace heavy metals and a small amount of phosphate in CT may bring negative effects. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was used to modify CT (CCT), hoping to fix the heavy metals and phosphate in CT at the same time. It was found that the removal capacity of CCT was significantly higher than that of CT. The process of phosphate removal by CCT involves electrostatic sorption and surface precipitation, and there is a synergistic effect between CT and Ca(OH)2. The phosphate removal rate of CCT-0.4 increased with the increase of pH value under alkaline conditions. The XRD patterns of phosphate sorption by CCT mean that Ca3(PO4)2, Ca5(PO4)3(OH) and AlPO4 exist in CCT after phosphate removal, indicating that surface precipitation occurs during the removal process. In summary, the removal mechanism of phosphate by CCT is mainly electrostatic attraction and surface precipitation.

A New Mineral Calcioveatchite, SrCaB11O16(OH)5·H2O, and the Veatchite–Calcioveatchite Isomorphous Series

The new mineral calcioveatchite, ideally SrCaB11O16(OH)5·H2O, is a Ca-Sr-ordered analogue of veatchite. It was found at the Nepskoe potassium salt deposit, Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia in halite-sylvite and sylvite-carnallite rocks, with boracite, hilgardite, kurgantaite, hydroboracite, volkovskite, veatchite, anhydrite, magnesite, and quartz. Calcioveatchite forms prismatic or tabular crystals up to 1 × 1.5 × 3 mm3 and crystal clusters up to 3 mm across. It is transparent and colourless with vitreous lustre. Calcioveatchite is brittle, cleavage is perfect on {010}, the Mohs’ hardness is ca 2, Dmeas is 2.58(1), and Dcalc is 2.567 g cm−3. Calcioveatchite is optically biaxial (+), α = 1.543(2), β = 1.550(5), γ = 1.626(2), 2Vmeas = 30(10)°, and 2Vcalc = 35°. The average chemical composition (wt.%, electron microprobe, H2O calculated by stoichiometry) is: CaO 7.05, SrO 20.70, B2O3 61.96, H2O 10.22, and total 99.93. The empirical formula, calculated based on 22 O apfu = O16(OH)5(H2O) pfu, is Sr1.23Ca0.78B10.99O16(OH)5·H2O. Calcioveatchite is monoclinic, space group P21, a = 6.7030(3), b = 20.6438(9), c = 6.6056(3) Å, β = 119.153(7)°, V = 798.26(8) Å3, and Z = 2. Polytype: 1M. The strongest reflections of the powder XRD pattern [d,Å(I,%)(hkl)] are: 10.35(100)(020), 5.633(12)(110), 5.092(10)(120), 3.447(14)(060), 3.362(13)(101, 051), 3.309(38)(–102), 2.862(10)(012), and 2.585(19)(080). The crystal structure was solved based on single-crystal XRD data, R1 = 0.0420. Calcioveatchite (calcioveatchite-1M) is an isostructural analogue of veatchite-1M with the 11-fold cation polyhedron occupied mainly by Sr [Sr0.902(8)Ca0.098(8)] whereas the 10-fold polyhedron is Ca dominant [Ca0.686(7)Sr0.314(7)]. The chemical composition of veatchite from five localities in Russia (Nepskoe), Kazakhstan (Shoktybay and Chelkar in the North Caspian Region), and the USA (Tick Canyon and Billie Mine in California) was studied, and it is shown to exist in nature as a continuous, almost complete isomorphous series which extends from Ca-free veatchite, Sr2B11O16(OH)5·H2O, to calcioveatchite with the composition Sr1.14Ca0.87B10.99O16(OH)5·H2O.

Concentration- and temperature-dependent luminescence mechanisms and fluorescence dynamic temperature sensing of NaY(MoO4)2:Tb3+ phosphors

High-temperature solid-state reaction technique was used to prepare NaY(MoO4)2:Tb3+ phosphors with different Tb3+ concentrations. XRD patterns showed that the prepared samples contained only single-phased compound NaY(MoO4)2. The concentration-dependent green luminescent intensity of Tb3+ was studied, and it was found that the concentration quenching process is in charge of Ozawa's model. The concentration-effect of luminescence decay of 5D4 level was explained by the Auzel's self-generated quenching theory. Starting from the Reisfeld's theory, the analysis on the luminescence decays also indicated exchange interaction was responsible for the concentration quenching. Temperature dependences of the green emission intensity and decay were comprehended based on the crossover mechanism. A novel temperature sensing technique rooting in the fluorescence dynamics of 5D4 level of Tb3+ in NaY(MoO4)2 was proposed, and the absolute and relative sensitivities were deduced and assessed.

Facile room temperature synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) from magnetic zircon tailing and its application for methylene blue removal

Abstract Some of the dominant minerals found in the magnetic separation of zircon tailing are minerals containing iron (Fe). These materials have the potential to be processed into adsorbents. One of the materials synthesized using iron compounds as a precursor is MIL-100(Fe). The aim of this research was to obtain MIL-100(Fe) by utilizing magnetic zircon tailing, and applied as an adsorbent for methylene blue. The synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) was initiated by destruction of magnetic zircon tailing with HCl, followed by reacting the destruction filtrate with trimesic acid (H3BTC) for 24 hours at room temperature, in which the H3BTC was dissolved in NaOH with a molar ratio of 1.5 Fe : 1 H3BTC : 3 NaOH, prior to the reaction. A reddish orange precipitate obtained was then washed, dried, and characterized by using FTIR, XRD and SEM. Characteristics of FTIR spectra, XRD pattern and SEM images was similar with MIL-100(Fe) reported. The best-fitting model for the adsorption mechanism was the pseudo-second order. The most suitable adsorption isotherm was the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MIL-100(Fe)-W (222.89 mg/g) was higher than that of MIL-100(Fe)-C (151.59 mg/g). The result indicated that iron content in magnetic zircon tailing can be used as precursor for synthesis of MIL-100(Fe).

An in-depth comparison of dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, energy storage, electrocaloric, and piezocatalytic properties of Ba0.92Ca0.08Zr0.09Ti0.91O3 and Ba0.92Ca0.08Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 piezoceramics

The futuristic technology demands materials exhibiting multifunctional properties. Keeping this in mind, an in-depth investigation and comparison of the dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, energy storage, electrocaloric, and piezocatalytic properties have been carried out on Ba0.92Ca0.08Zr0.09Ti0.91O3 (BCZT) and Ba0.92Ca0.08Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 (BCST) lead-free compounds synthesized through the conventional solid state reaction method. Further, the Rietveld refinement against the XRD patterns affirmed the coexistence of orthorhombic (Amm2) and tetragonal (P4mm) phases at room temperature for both compounds. While BCZT compound demonstrated remarkable dielectric, piezoelectric, and piezocatalytic characteristics with maximum dielectric constant () ≈ 13304 near the Curie temperature ( ≈ 105 °C), converse piezoelectric coefficient ≈ 609 pm V-1 , power density () ≈ 89.71 KW cm-3 at room temperature, and 82.7 % Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation capability; on the other hand, BCST compound exceled in superior energy storage density () ≈ 191.8 mJ cm-3 with efficiency η ≈ 73.26% near room temperature and enhanced electrocaloric properties with adiabatic temperature change ≈ 0.980 K, isothermal entropy change ≈ 1.15 J Kg-1K-1 and a higher electrocaloric responsivity ) ≈ 0.49 K mm kV-1. These distinctions arise from the difference in ionic radii, lattice distortion, and the electronic configurations of the dopant ions, leading to a greater polarization change and a lower coercive electric field in the BCST ceramic. The outcome of the present study provides valuable insights for selecting a dopant tailored compound for specific application and underscores the potential of such ceramics in energy storage, piezocatalysis, and the development of advanced solid-state cooling devices for future applications.

Physicochemical processes during solidification and the peculiarities of structure formation in aerated concretes using metallic silicon as a gas generator

The results of research on the structure and phase composition of non-autoclaved aerated concrete with a density of 550–750 kg/m3 using metallic silicon as a gas generator are presented. The peculiarities of the structure formation of aerated concrete products and the mineralogical composition of their hydration products were investigated. It was established that increasing the content of metallic silicon in aerated concrete leads to an increase in the pore space of the compositions. The results of diffractometric and thermal analysis methods for establishing the phase composition of aerated concrete compositions with metallic silicon as a gas generator are also presented. Analysis of XRD patterns and derivatograms showed that the aerated concrete samples under investigation contain a binder component, obermorite (5CaO6SiO25.5H2O); xonotlite (6CaO6SiO2H2O); -dicalcium silicate hydrate (2CaOSiO2H2O); and hillebrandite (2CaOSiO21.17H2O). It was established that increasing the amount of metallic silicon as a gas generator stimulates an increase in the content of hydrated phases in aerated concrete compositions.

Facile fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles via non-thermal plasma technique and their anti-corrosive effects on X60 API 5L steel in 1M HCl solution

This work aims to explore the efficiency of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via the non-thermal gliding arc discharge-assisted plasma (NT-GAD) technique for inhibiting the corrosion of X60 API 5L steel in a 1M HCl environment. The XRD pattern revealed that the ZnO nanoparticles exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure with average particle size of ∼24 nm. UV–visible spectroscopy analysis revealed an absorption peak centering at 365 nm, corresponding to an energy band gap of 3.29 eV. SEM and TEM analysis revealed that the nanoparticles exhibit an agglomerated and irregular morphology. The corrosion inhibition of ZnO NPs was investigated via the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests (PDP), while varying both concentration and temperature. The results revealed that the increase in inhibitor concentration resulted in a higher activity at ambient temperature, with an optimal efficiency of 93 % at a concentration of 100 mg/L. However, the increase in temperature remarkably reduced the inhibition efficiency, suggesting a physisorption behavior of ZnO NPs onto the steel surface. AFM and FE-SEM analysis confirmed the formation of a protective layer on the X60 API 5L steel surface. This study emphasizes the significant potential of ZnO NPs synthesized via the NT-GAD assisted plasma technique as corrosion inhibitor for X60 API 5L carbon steel in 1M HCl corrosive media.

Physicochemical processes during solidification and the peculiarities of structure formation in aerated concretes using metallic silicon as a gas generator

The results of research on the structure and phase composition of non-autoclaved aerated concrete with a density of 550–750 kg/m3 using metallic silicon as a gas generator are presented. The peculiarities of the structure formation of aerated concrete products and the mineralogical composition of their hydration products were investigated. It was established that increasing the content of metallic silicon in aerated concrete leads to an increase in the pore space of the compositions. The results of diffractometric and thermal analysis methods for establishing the phase composition of aerated concrete compositions with metallic silicon as a gas generator are also presented. Analysis of XRD patterns and derivatograms showed that the aerated concrete samples under investigation contain a binder component, obermorite (5CaO6SiO25.5H2O); xonotlite (6CaO6SiO2H2O); -dicalcium silicate hydrate (2CaOSiO2H2O); and hillebrandite (2CaOSiO21.17H2O). It was established that increasing the amount of metallic silicon as a gas generator stimulates an increase in the content of hydrated phases in aerated concrete compositions.

Impact of variety and drying methods on the physicochemical, functional, and thermal properties of Ethiopian potato (Plectranthus edulis) tuber flour

This study aimed to analyse the physicochemical, structural, functional, and thermal properties of flour from two indigenous Ethiopian Potato (Plectranthus edulis) varieties, Chanqua and Loffo, and to compare with wheat flour (WF). The study also investigated how oven and sun drying methods affected the physicochemical properties of the flours. The results demonstrated a significant distinction (p ≤ 0.05) between the flour samples and WF, attributable to variations in both the varieties and the drying methods except that no significant difference in pH was observed due to the varieties, and the fibre and ash content did not vary significantly with the drying methods. The moisture content (MC) of the flours ranged from 5.72 % in oven-dried Chanqua Ethiopian potato flour (OD-CEPF) to 7.53 % in sun-dried Loffo Ethiopian potato flour (SD-LEPF), both of which were lower compared to WF. The protein content varied from 4.47 % (SD-CEPF) to 5.93 % (OD-LEPF). FTIR tests revealed a significant impact on the structural changes, leading to variations in the location and intensity of infrared absorption peaks, particularly in sensitive regions. Whereas, the XRD patterns showed characteristic B-type diffraction, with a relative crystallinity (RC) of 31.97 % in CEPF and 30.53 % in LEPF having a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between them. LEPF had better flow properties than CEPF, with lower Hausner ratio (HR) (1.16 vs. 1.25), Carr's index (CI) (14.51 % vs. 20.26 %), and angle of repose (31.00° vs. 34.67°). It also showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC) and swelling power (SP) properties than CEPF. The study also indicated notable distinctions in the thermal and paring properties of flours. The oven drying method was found to be superior in enhancing the physicochemical properties, with LEPF showing better physicochemical, functional, structural, and thermal properties than CEPF.

A good balance between the efficiency of ionizing radiation shielding and mechanical performance of various tin-based alloys: Comparative analysis

The Sn-Bix (x = 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70%) radiation shielding alloys were prepared using a melting process of the alloying material in a ceramic crucible at 200 °C for 120 min. The structural characterization for synthesized samples was carried out using X-ray Diffraction technique (XRD). The hardness and elastic properties of the prepared alloys was measured using micro-indentation creep technology and tensile test machine respectively. XRD pattern indicated that that the crystal size of Sn phase is lowered by increasing Bi concentration in the Sn matrix. The hardness decreases as the dwell time increases. The hardness values and elastic properties (in terms of young modulus) were significantly improved due to the decrease in the crystallite size by increasing Bi content. The stress exponent (n) value increase by increasing Bi content which mean that the mechanical properties improved due to increment of resistance. Furthermore, the produced alloys' nuclear shielding ability was investigated. The μm values were calculated using MCNP simulation code and XCOM software over a broad energy range of 0.015 MeV–15 MeV with good agreement between them. Several characteristics are estimated in order to properly understand the researched alloy's radiation and properties of neutron shielding. The findings showed that a higher Bi concentration causes the crystal size to decrease, improving the radiation shielding and mechanical qualities. The alloy Sn-70% Bi has a maximum increase of vicker hardness, tensile strength, and young's modulus. The findings of the shielding parameters indicate that the alloys under study are efficient gamma shielding materials in contrast to other typical shielding materials and materials that have been examined recently. The highest mechanical efficiency and rather strong gamma-ray shielding capabilities are found in the Sn–70Bi alloy. Owing to its ability to effectively balance mechanical performance and shielding, the Sn–70Bi are approved for use in radiation protection. In addition, when compared to all other manufactured alloys, typical neutron shielding materials, and recently investigated materials, the results further demonstrate that the Sn–70Bi alloy has the best neutron attenuation capability. Furthermore, in terms of mass stopping power (MSP) and projected range (PR), the Sn–70Bi alloy demonstrates the most effective attenuation for alpha particles (He+2) and protons (H+1). These results imply that the Sn–70Bi alloy provide superior mechanical performance and nuclear shielding for a range of applications including industrial, medicinal, and nuclear waste storage in the future.

Bottom-up synthesis of novel cesium ferrate (Cs2FeO4) nanorods: Tailoring the structural and optical characteristics with room-temperature ferromagnetic and colossal dielectric performance

This paper presents a detailed protocol for the synthesis and characterization of cesium ferrate nanorods, a unique material that possesses a wide range of functionalities. These include the ability to demonstrate ferromagnetism at normal ambient temperature and the capacity to modify its structural, optical, and electrical properties. The XRD patterns specify the presence of an orthorhombic alkali ferrate phase (Cs2FeO4), with the size of the crystals increasing as the temperature rises. Furthermore, the XPS spectra of Cs 3d, Fe 2p, and O 1 s exhibit the formation of substances due to the peak positions fluctuate in reaction to temperature variations. The nanorod-like structure and size distribution of materials can be visualized using TEM and SEM. The UV spectra of the samples indicate broad absorption bands ranging from the visible to the near infrared (IR) region. Calcination of the as-prepared Cs2FeO4 at 400 and 600 ºC lowered the optical band gap from 2.15 to 2.04 and 2.06 eV, respectively. The temperature's synergistic effect is crucial in transforming materials from a paramagnetic to a ferromagnetic phase. The colossal sample's dielectric constant, which varies from around 107 at 600 ºC to 106 and 105 in the lower frequency band, and electrical conductivity show substantial fluctuations depending on the frequency. Nanorod systems have interesting optical, dielectric, and ferromagnetic properties at room temperature that could be used in many areas, such as photocatalysis, energy storage, and spintronics.

Investigation on radiation shielding potentials of barium calcium aluminosilicate glass material using silicon carbide nanotubes reinforcement

This work investigated the gamma ray attenuation power of barium calcium aluminosilicate glass by using silicon carbide nanotube modifiers. Shielding efficiency of BaO–15CaO–5Al2O3–10B2O3–35SiO2 was investigated by adding different concentrations of silicon carbide nanotubes (10, 15, 20, 25 mol %). Amorphous and fine characteristics of the prepared glass materials were analyzed using XRD and FTIR techniques. In the results obtained, absence of sharp peaks in the XRD pattern revealed that the prepared glass was amorphous. Analysis of the radiation shielding properties was tested against gamma radiation by using PHY-X/PSD software. Various shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer, tenth value layer, mean free path, and effective atomic number were determined to access the radiation shielding strength of the prepared samples. From the obtained results, composites of barium calcium aluminosilicate and silicon carbide nanotubes (sample 1) with higher values of mass attenuation coefficient (32.92 cm2/g) and effective atomic number (52.02) provided superior gamma ray attenuation. Results also revealed that the density and chemical composition of the prepared glass samples strongly influence photon interactions and weakly influence electronic interactions during the photon attenuation process. The results demonstrated that increasing the weight fractions of silicon carbide nanotubes in the glass samples increases the shielding properties.