Synthesis,characterization and gas-sensing properties of Pd-doped SnO_2 nano particles

SnO2 nano particles with various Pd-doping concentrations were prepared using a template-free hydrothermal method.The effects of Pd doping on the crystal structure,morphology,microstructure,thermal stability and surface chemistry of these nano particles were characterized by transmission electron microscope,X-ray diffractometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope respectively.It was observed that Pd-doping had little effect on the grain sizes of the obtained SnO2 nano particles during the hydrothermal route.During thermal annealing,Pd-doping could restrain the growth of grain sizes below 500℃ while the grain growth was promoted when the temperature increased to above 700℃.XPS results revealed that Pd existed in three chemical states in the as-synthesized sample as Pd^0,Pd^2＋ and Pd^4＋,respectively.Pd^4＋ was the main state which was responsible for improving the gas-sensing property.The optimal Pd-doping concentration for better gas-sensing property and thermal stability was 2.0%-2.5% （mole fraction）.

Photocatalysed Reduction of Aqueous Sodium Carbonate Using LaCoO_3 Nano Particles

Heterogeneous photocatalysed reduction of aqueous Na_2CO_3 was carried out by using nano LaCoO_3 semiconductor powders. Formic acid and formaldehyde were identified as photoproducts,and were measured spectrophotometrically using Nash reagent. The effect of different parameters such as sodium carbonate concentration,amount of photocatalyst and different light sources on the yield of photoproducts was also investigated. It shows that nano LaCoO_3 has photocatalytic activity. Irradiation leads to the production of electrons in the conduction band of the LaCoO_3 semiconductor. It is likely that the photoproduced electrons initially reduce CO_3 (2-) to HCOO -,and then to HCHO and CH_3OH.

Effectiveness of Bark Extracts and CeO2 Nano Particles as Coating Additives for the Protection of Heat-Treated Jack Pine

High temperature heat-treatment of wood, which is value-added green product, is one of the altematives to chemical treatment. It has better dimensional stability, thermal insulating properties and biological resistance compared to kiln dried wood. It also has dark brown color which is very important for decorative purposes. Unfortunately, this color changes during weathering. Developing a transparent and non-toxic coating for the protection of heat-treated wood against discoloration without changing its natural appearance is the main objective of this study. For this purpose, waterborne acrylic polyurethane base was chosen because of its durability against weathering and non-toxic nature. Natural antioxidants which are extracted from barks and CeO2 nano particles （alone or together with lignin stabilizer） were used as additives to develop different coatings. The protective characteristics of these coatings were compared with highly pigmented and toxic industrial coating under accelerated weathering conditions. The results showed that acrylic polyurethane coatings protected wood better compared to commercially available coating tested in this study. The chemical modifications during accelerated weathering of coated and heat-treated wood surfaces were monitored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The morphological changes took place during weathering were studied by fluorescence microscope analysis.

Preparation, Structures Nano TiO_2 Particles, and the properties of TiH_2 Coated with Nano TiO_2

The surface of Titanium Hydride (TiH 2) is coated by Nano Titanium Dioxide (TiO 2) particles prepared in both of methods of hydrolysis reaction of Ti(OC 4H 9) 4 and base precipitation reaction of Ti(SO 4) 2. TiH 2 coated with nano TiO 2 particles, in which there is an oxidation film on its surface, shown in the experiments, will obviously achieve good effects on releasing hydrogen slowly in high temperature. There are different structures and properties of TiH 2 coated by nano TiO 2 particles prepared in different ways in high temperature, which can influence on releasing hydrogen.

STRUCTURAL DETERMINATION OF TITANIUM-OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY X-RAY ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

As a potential application of titanium-oxide nanoparticles, it is extremely important to investigate a detailed picture of the surface and interior structural properties of nanocrystalline materials, such as rutile and anatase with diameters 7.0 and 4.5nm, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been used to identify the local Ti environment and related electronic structure. We combine the experimental results at the Ti edge in both bulk and nano-crystals to determine the lattice distortion in terms of differently characteristic preedge features and the variation in the multiple-scattering region of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra. The relationship between the transition peaks and the surface-to volume ratio is also discussed.

Research on anti-contact fatigue performance of grease containing nano SbSbS_4 particles

Effects of nano SbSbS4particles on contact fatigue life of a steel ball were evaluated on a self-made ball-rod contact fatigue tester. The anti-fatigue mechanisms of SbSbS4 additive were analyzed by means of SEM and EDAX. It was shown that, when the grease contained SbSbS4, contact fatigue life was improved compared with that of base grease. Nanoparticle absorption action, nanoparticle infiltration action, and extreme pressure and anti-friction performance, explained why SbSbS4 increased the contact fatigue life of the steel ball tested.

Electrical and Optical Properties of Nano Aluminum Film/Particle Structure

The electrical and optical effects of particles on the nano aluminum film deposited by thermal evaporation was investigated. From the characterization results of scanning electron microscope（SEM）, the accumulation in tens of nanometers had been observed. The current-voltage（I-V） curve of the sample indicates its nonlinear electrical characters expecting the corresponding nonlinear optical properties. By the theoretical calculation, nonlinear conduction of the carrier transportation may result from the barrier-well-barrier structure, where negative resistance and Coulomb blockade effect appears. The simulation results are approximately matched with the experimental results. By testing the fluorescence emission spectrum of the sample, peaks were found to be located at 420 and 440 nm. In addition, the full width at half maximum（FWHM） had been obviously broadened by means of adding 2, 5-diphenyloxazole（DPO）. Therefore, discrete energy levels could be estimated inside those particles.

Effective photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol with CuO nano particles prepared by ionic liquids/water system

The hydrophobic ionic liquids/water two-phase system was developed to prepare CuO nano particles.The catalytic activity of the synthesized CuO was investigated by photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol(4-NP)in the presence of H_(2)O_(2) under visible light irradiation.The optical properties of the synthesized CuO were characterized by ultraviolet–visible(UV–Vis)diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS).Experimental results indicated that the band gap energy(Eg),conduction band edge potential(ECB)and valence band edge potential(EVB)of the synthesized CuO were 1.37 e V,0.625 e V and 1.995 e V,respectively.A degradation efficiency of 4-NP(4.8 mmol L^(-1))as high as 95.3% could be achieved under the conditions of p H 6.0,0.48 g L^(-1)of CuO dosage,1.4% of H_(2)O_(2) dosage and 90 min of degradation time.The synthesized CuO exhibited poor catalytic activity under alkaline conditions due to the disassociation of 4-NP,which elevated the repulsion between CuO and the 4-NP anions.The synthesized CuO nano particles exhibited higher catalytic activity compared with the catalysts reported in literature.Furthermore,the synthesized CuO nano particles could be reused at least six times without decreasing their catalytic activity.Compared with the traditional hydrothermal method,mild operating conditions and time saving are the advantages of the developed method for the preparation of CuO.

Formation of AlN Nano Particles Precipitated in St-14 Low Carbon Steel by Micro and Nanoscopic Observations

In low carbon steels, dissolution and precipitation of the second phases such as carbides and nitrides during annealing cycles can affect the final structure and properties of the materials. The interaction of above processes depends on parameters such as reheating temperature, heating rate, annealing temperature, soaking time and finishing temperature in hot rolling stage before cold rolling. The effects of heating rate and annealing temperature on the microstructure and hardness were investigated. Two heating rates for annealing temperatures of 550, 610 and 720℃ were applied on cold-rolled specimens and St-14 low carbon steel, which were immediately quenched after isothermal annealing. The intercept method was used tO measure average grain sizes. However, resulted microstructures are dif- ferent for the two heating rates. While pancaked structures were observed in specimens annealed with low heating rate, in samples annealed with high heating rate, equiaxed microstructures were observed. Vickers micro-hardness values decreased at all temperatures, which were more significant at higher temperatures. At longer annealing time, signs of increase of hardness values were detected. All results and observations consistently suggest that a precipitati- on process has occurred concurrently with restoration processes during annealing. In addition, the energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis resulted from transmission electron microscopic micrographs have proved that the nano particles precipitated in grain boundaries are AlN.

Silica Chloride Nano Particle Catalyzed Ring Opening of Epoxides by Aromatic Amines

Silica chloride nano particle （nano SiO2-C1）, has been found to be heterogeneous catalyst for facile, simple and mild ring opening of epoxides with aromatic amines to afford β-amino alcohols in dry CH2C12 at room temperature.

Understanding the Mechanism of Nanoparticle Formation in a Wire Explosion Process by Adopting the Optical Emission Technique

In the present study nano-tungsten carbide particles were generated in a wire explosion process.The plasma generated during the wire explosion process was analyzed using optical emission spectroscopy（OES）.The impact of ambient pressure on the plasma temperature,electron density and plasma lifetime was studied.Lifetime variations of the plasma produced under different experimental conditions were analyzed.The produced nanoparticles were characterized through wide angle X-ray diffraction（WAXD） and transmission electron microscopy（TEM） studies. Particles produced with a negative DC charging voltage had a larger mean size when compared to a positive charging voltage.Polarity dependence on the plasma duration was observed where plasma was sustained for a longer duration with a negative DC charging voltage.

Enhanced thermoelectric performance through homogenously dispersed MnTe nanoparticles in p-type Bi_(0.52)Sb_(1.48)Te_3 nanocomposites

In this work,we report that the thermoelectric properties of Bi（0.52）Sb（1.48）Te3alloy can be enhanced by being composited with Mn Te nano particles（NPs）through a combined ball milling and spark plasma sintering（SPS）process.The addition of Mn Te into the host can synergistically reduce the lattice thermal conductivity by increasing the interface phononscattering between Bi（0.52）Sb（1.48）Te3 and MnTe NPs,and enhance the electrical transport properties by optimizing the hole concentration through partial Mn^2＋ acceptor doping on the Bi^3＋ sites of the host lattice.It is observed that the lattice thermal conductivity decreases with increasing the percentage of Mn Te and milling time in a temperature range from 300 Kto 500 K,which is consistent with the increasing of interfaces.Meanwhile,the bipolar effect is constrained to high temperatures,which results in the figure of merit z T peak shifting toward higher temperature and broadening the z T curves.The engineering z T is obtained to be 20%higher than that of the pristine sample for the 2-mol%Mn Te-added composite at a temperature gradient of 200 K when the cold end temperature is set to be 300 K.This result indicates that the thermoelectric performance of Bi0.52Sb1.48Te3 can be considerably enhanced by being composited with Mn Te NPs.

The Study of Structural and Magnetic Properties of NiO Nanoparticles

Nickel Oxide (NiO) is an important transition metal oxide with cubic lattice structure. Among the magnetic nanoparticles, fabrication of nickel nanoparticles is often more difficult than that of the other particles. This is because they are easily oxidized. To achieve pure nickel nanocrystals, numerous methods have been conducted in organic environments in order to prevent formation of hydroxide or oxidation. In the present work, we report the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles. Magnetic properties of NiO nanoparticles with different sizes and at different temperatures are compared. The phase structures, particle sizes and magnetic properties of NiO nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM images and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). We collected the experimental data reported in the literature, for the same conditions, and after fitting, extrapolating and doing some calculations. The magnetization for smaller nanoparticles is bigger for the samples we consider here. This difference could be explained by the difference of surface volume ratio of nanoparticle which shows the contribution of the paramagnetic surface is more important with respect to the anti-ferromagnetism of the core for smaller particles. Also the nanoparticle at lower temperatures shows bigger magnetization.

Fabrication and Investigation of the Magnetic Properties of Co and Co3O4 Nanoparticles

The nanoparticles exhibit some novel optical and magnetic properties, which are different from its bulk material. Cobalt oxide has been known as a semi-conductor compound of p type with a Spinel structure. Therefore, they are used as gas sensor and absorbent of solar energy. Furthermore, they are employed as an effective catalyzer in environmental clearing. In the thermal gradation method, carbonyl cobalt Co2(CO)8 is often used as a precursor, though cobalt carbonyl is very toxic and expensive. Magnetic compounds have been among interesting issues for human beings for over 4000 years. In large societies, magnetic compounds including computer disks, credit cards, speakers, coolers, automatic doors, and many other devices can be observed on a daily basis. The structure and morphology of as-prepared Co3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The TEM images showed that the product nanoparticles consisted of dispersive quasi- spherical particles with a narrow size distribution ranged from 5 to 15 nm and an average size around 10 nm. The magnetic measurements confirmed that the Co3O4 nanoparticles show a little ferromagnetic behavior which could be attributed to the uncompensated surface spins and finite size effects. The ferromagnetic order of the Co3O4 nanoparticles is raised with increasing the decomposition temperature.

Application of Nanotechnology in Soil Stabilization

Nano-technology is expanding its horizon in various science and technology fields.In civil engineering,soil is a complex material and used for various functions and applications.Meanwhile,sometimes an effective soil stabilization technique is needed to fulfil the site criteria and can be achieved by adopting various methods e.g.,physical,chemical,thermal or reinforcement using geotextiles and fabrics.The mechanism of soil stabilization using nanomaterials is still unexplored and open to prospective researchers.The present article attempts to touch and explore the possibilities of nano-technology in soil improvement and its applications in various civil engineering works.Microstructural analysis of the nanomaterials treated soils using the latest equipment has also been discussed.The study interprets that the use of nano materials is still limited,due to their high cost and sophisticated handling procedures.Though the use of nanoparticles in soil stabilization results in extraordinary improvements in various soil properties,the improved soil properties could be utilized for various geotechnical projects.The present study bridges the past findings to the present scenario of nanomaterials in soil improvement.

Production and mechanical properties of nano SiC particle reinforced Ti-6Al-4V matrix composite

Different mass fractions （0, 5%, 10%, and 15%） of the synthesized nano SiC particles reinforced Ti-6Al-4V （Ti64） alloy metal matrix composites （MMCs） were successfully fabricated by the powder metallurgy method. The effects of addition of SiC particle on the mechanical properties of the composites such as hardness and compressive strength were investigated. The optimum density （93.33%） was obtained at the compaction pressure of 6.035 MPa. Scanning electron microscopic （SEM） observations of the microstructures revealed that the wettability and the bonding force were improved in Ti64 alloy/5% nano SiCp composites. The effect of nano SiCp content in Ti64 alloy/SiCp matrix composite on phase formation was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The correlation between mechanical parameter and phase formation was analyzed. The new phase of brittle interfaced reaction formed in the 10% and 15% SiCp composite specimens and resulted in no beneficial effect on the strength and hardness. The compressive strength and hardness of Ti64 alloy/5% nano SiCp MMCs showed higher values. Hence, 5% SiCp can be considered to be the optimal replacement content for the composite.

Preparation of Nano-Particles (Pb,La)TiO_3 Thin Films by Liquid Source Misted Chemical Deposition

Nano particles lanthanum modified lead titanate (PLT) thin films are grown on Pt/Ti/SiO 2/Si substrate by liquid source misted chemical deposition (LSMCD). PLT films are deposited for 4-8 times, and then annealed at various temperature. XRD and SEM show that the prepared films have good crystallization behavior and perovskite structure. The crystallite is about 60 nm. The deposition speed is 3 nm/min. This deposition method can exactly control stoichiometry ratios, doping concentration ratio and thickness of PLT thin films. The best annealing process is to bake at 300 ℃ for 10 min and anneal at 600 ℃ for 1 h.

Factors Affecting the Reductive Properties of the Core-Shell SiO2-Coated Iron Nanoparticles

In this study, novel core-shell SiO2-coated iron nanoparticles (SiO2-nZVI) were synthesized using a one-step Stoeber method. The Malachite green degradation abilities of the nanoparticles were investigated. The effects of ethanol/distilled water volume ratio, presence and absence of PEG, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) dosage, and hydrolysis time used in the nanoparticles preparation process were investigated. The results indicated that the SiO2-coated iron nanoparticles had the highest reduction activity when the particles synthesized with ethanol/H2O ratio of 2:1, PEG of 0.15 ml, TEOS of 0.5 ml and the reaction time was 4 h. The SiO2-nZVI nanoparticles were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the average particles diameter of the SiO2-nZVI was 20 - 30 nm. The thickness of the outside SiO2 film is consistent and approximately 10 nm. The results indicated that the nanoparticles coated completely with a transparent SiO2-film. Such nanoparticles could have wide applications in dye decolorization.

Climate Shifts and the Role of Nano Structured Particles in the Atmosphere

A global net sum equilibrium in heat exchange is a fact and thus a global climate change doesn’t exist, but climate shifts in climate cells, especially in the northern temperate cell, do. The global climate has been ever since homeostatic, and has recuperated far huger climate impacts in the past. Current climate models need a drastically revision on the focus of carbon dioxide as main driver. Carbon dioxide and other carbon gasses do influence albedo patterns, but provide globally a homeostatic effect with a commonly accepted increase impact of 0.3 degrees Celsius. Carbon dioxide does not trigger the climate shifts, but is an indicator of exhaust of combustion processes that emit very small particles which drive these climate shifts. They are the fine dust and nano structured particles that cause the shifts of the climate in cells, as demonstrated in this article and results i.e. in more thunder and lightning, extreme weather, distinct droughts and precipitation patterns. The causes underlying these shifts are nano structured particles in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, especially largely produced and remain in the temperate climate northern hemisphere cell and get dispersed by jet streams and low and high pressure areas. However, because of electrical charge, caused by friction or due to anthropogenic negatively charged nano structured particle, emissions will travel up to the lower stratosphere and become neutralized at the electro sphere level, and they do also have a tendency to move to the Arctic. The southern hemisphere climate faces limited anthropogenic emissions, because only 10 percent of the world population can contribute with less pollutant providing activities, and hasn’t changed, but that could well be because it is equally influenced and driven, like the northern hemisphere, by the variation of sun activity in diverse cycles. The present problem is that we produce huge amounts of air borne nano structured particles from combustion processes that never exist before. The only nano particles known in nature are those who are limited produced from volcano eruptions and natural forest fires. The natural feedback systems that moderate climate shifts and influence global climate are: convection by cumulonimbus clouds, sea currents and vegetation adaptation. A novel ultra-fine dust electric reduction device (UFDRS-System), created by the author, diminishs to a size of less than 10 nano particles in diameter and thus prevents major electrical drift of nano structured particulates in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere and contributes largely in purifying the air and thus reduces the effects of climate shifts. Like solving the acid rain problems with sulphuric acid reduction and ozone depletion with CFCs proscription in the past, the present climate shifts can be mitigated via a reduction of the anthropogenic nano structured particulates in the atmosphere. The UFDRS-System together with the given nature’s solutions can re-balance our atmosphere in a period of two years or a little bit longer due to extension of the lifespan of a particle in the stratosphere.

The Nano Pulverization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Liuwei Dihuang

The crude drug of Liuwei Dihuang was pulverized to nano particles to improve its bioavailability. The appropriate technique parameters were studied. Paeonol, typical marker of Liuwei Dihuang , was extracted with organic solveat in ultrasonic and its content was determined by HPLC. The appropriate techrdques parameters are as follows ： rotating speed control 1200 r/ min , grinding time control 50min and mass percent concentration control 3.8% . The experimental results show that the average particle diameter is 161.9 nm and the great majority of the plant cell wall is broken into pieces after nano pulverization. The extraction efficiency of paeonol is increased by 23.5% .