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Year 2024
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Magnetic superhydrophobic melamine sponges for crude oil removal from water
PublicationThis paper proposes the preparation of a new sorbent material based on melamine sponges (MS) with superhydrophobic, superoleophilic, and magnetic properties. This study involved impregnating the surface of commercially available MS with eco-friendly deep eutectic solvents (DES) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The DES selection was based on the screening of 105 eutectic mixtures using COSMO-RS modeling. Other parameters affecting the efficiency...
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New heterometallic Co/Zn, Ag/Co, and Ag/Zn imidazolates: structural characterization and catalytic activity in the oxidation of organic compounds
PublicationNanocrystalline powders of monometallic and bimetallic imidazolates of Co, Zn, and Ag were produced by a reaction carried out in water. The powders were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and the crystal structures of new compounds Ag2ZnIm4 and Ag2CoIm4 (Im = imidazolate) were solved. Heterometallic Co/Zn imidazolates showed the standard ZIF-8 crystal structure while Ag/Zn and Ag/Co systems were isostructural with the copper...
Year 2022
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Capping ligand initiated CuInS2 quantum dots decoration on, ZnIn2S4 microspheres surface under different alkalinity levels resulting in different hydrogen evolution performance
PublicationSurface distribution of quantum dots (QDs) at the semiconductor matrix caused by synthesis condition (e.g. pH of solution during coupling) could lead to different photocatalytic activity. Thus, achieving an optimal covering of semiconductor matrix by QDs has been challenging. Herein, the influence of the alkalinity level of aqueous decoration medium for the coupling of mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) capped CuInS2 quantum dots (CIS)...
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Ce site dilution effects in the antiferromagnetic heavy fermion CeIn3
PublicationLa-doped intermetallic single crystals of Ce1−xLaxIn3 were synthesized via an In self-flux method throughout the entire range (x = 0–1). The prototypical heavy-fermion compound CeIn3 shows an antiferromagnetic phase transition at 10.1 K and becomes superconducting near a critical pressure where TN is completely suppressed. As the La concentration increases, Ce moments are diluted, and the lattice constant increases linearly, satisfying Vegard’s...
Year 2021
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Boron-Doped Diamond/GaN Heterojunction—The Influence of the Low-Temperature Deposition
PublicationWe report a method of growing a boron-doped diamond film by plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition utilizing a pre-treatment of GaN substrate to give a high density of nucleation. CVD diamond was deposited on GaN substrate grown epitaxially via the molecular-beam epitaxy process. To obtain a continuous diamond film with the presence of well-developed grains, the GaN substrates are exposed to hydrogen plasma prior to deposition....
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Enhanced electrochemical kinetics of highly-oriented (111)-textured boron-doped diamond electrodes induced by deuterium plasma chemistry
PublicationNovel highly-oriented (111)-textured boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDDD) featuring high electrochemical activity and electrode stability toward electrochemical analytics were fabricated by deuterium-rich microwave plasma CVD. The high flux deuterium plasma-induced preferential formation of (111)-faceted diamond as revealed by XRD. The highly-oriented diamond surface exhibited improved boron dopant incorporation and activation,...
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Group-9 Transition-Metal Suboxides Adopting the Filled-Ti2Ni Structure: A Class of Superconductors Exhibiting Exceptionally High Upper Critical Fields
PublicationTi2Ni and the related η-carbide structure are known to exhibit various intriguing physical properties. The Ti2Ni structure with the cubic space group Fd3̅m is surprisingly complex, consisting of a unit cell with 96 metal atoms. The related η-carbide compounds correspond to a filled version of the Ti2Ni structure. Here, we report on the structure and superconductivity in the η-carbide-type suboxides Ti4M2O with M = Co, Rh, and Ir....
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Investigation of magnetic order in a new intermetallic compound Nd2PtGe3
PublicationIn the present study we report a successful synthesis of the new intermetallic compound Nd2PtGe3 by an arc-melting method. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that this compound crystallizes in an disordered variant of the AlB2-type structure (space group P6/mmm, no. 191) with lattice parameters a = 4.2455 Å and c = 4. 1933 Å. The compound exhibits a cluster-glass transition below Tf = 2.9 K, characterized through ac...
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NbIr 2 B 2 and TaIr 2 B 2 – New Low Symmetry Noncentrosymmetric Superconductors with Strong Spin–Orbit Coupling
PublicationSuperconductivity was first observed more than a century ago, but the search for new superconducting materials remains a challenge. The Cooper pairs in superconductors are ideal embodiments of quantum entanglement. Thus, novel superconductors can be critical for both learning about electronic systems in condensed matter and for possible application in future quantum technologies. Here two previously unreported materials, NbIr2B2...
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Structure and magnetic properties of BeO-Fe2O3-Al2O3-TeO2 glass-ceramic composites
PublicationIn this work, glass-ceramics in the xBeO–20Fe2O3–(80-x)TeO2 system with x = 0–25 mol% were synthesized by the traditional melt quenching route and studied by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, confocal microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. BeO addition was found to support the crystallization process of Fe2O3 during melting, and an increased BeO content was associated with an increased...
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Visible-light-driven lanthanide-organic-frameworks modified TiO2 photocatalysts utilizing up-conversion effect
PublicationHighly efficient and quite stable composite with core-shell-like architecture reported herein, responds to the challenge of sunlight-driven photocatalysts. The Ln(ndc)/TiO2 photocatalytic system comprises active lanthanide-carboxylate coordination networks (Nd, Er, Ho, and Tm as metal ions, and 2,6-naphthalene dicar-boxylic acid as the organic linker) and inert titanium dioxide and allow to convert incompatible visible radiation...
Year 2020
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Crystal structure and physical properties of AePd1-xP1+x (Ae = Ca, Sr)
PublicationWe report the discovery of two new compounds AePd1-xP1+x (Ae = Ca, Sr) crystallized in different hexagonal structures. Single crystals of AePd1-xP1+x (Ae = Ca, Sr) are obtained using the Bi-flux method. Crystallographic analysis by both powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that CaPd1-xP1+x crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric hexagonal structure with the space group P-6m2 (No.187) and lattice parameters a = b = 4.0391(9)...
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Electric and magnetic properties of Lanthanum Barium Cobaltite
PublicationThe cubic Ba0.5La0.5CoO3‐δ was synthesized using solid state reaction. The structural properties were determined by the simultaneous refinement of Synchrotron Powder X‐ray Diffraction and Neutron Powder Diffraction data. Iodometric titration was used to examine the oxygen stoichiometry and average cobalt oxidation state. Low‐temperature magnetic studies show soft ferromagnetic character of fully oxidized material, with θP = 198(3)...
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Enhanced Mobility and Large Linear Nonsaturating Magnetoresistance in the Magnetically Ordered States of TmNiC2
PublicationWe have studied the magnetic, magnetotransport, and galvanomagnetic properties of TmNiC2. We find that the antiferromagnetic and field induced metamagnetic and ferromagnetic orderings do not suppress the charge density wave. The persistence of Fermi surface pockets, open as a result of imperfect nesting accompanying the Peierls transition, results in an electronic carriers mobility of the order of 4 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1 in ferromagnetic...
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Enhancement of the Magnetic Coupling in Exfoliated CrCl 3 Crystals Observed by Low‐Temperature Magnetic Force Microscopy and X‐ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism
PublicationMagnetic crystals formed by 2D layers interacting by weak van der Waals forces are currently a hot research topic. When these crystals are thinned to nanometric size, they can manifest strikingly different magnetic behavior compared to the bulk form. This can be the result of, for example, quantum electronic confinement effects, the presence of defects, or pinning of the crystallographic structure in metastable phases induced by...
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Experimental and DFT insights into an eco-friendly photocatalytic system toward environmental remediation and hydrogen generation based on AgInS2 quantum dots embedded on Bi2WO6
PublicationBismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) can work as a photocatalyst but suffers from rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) simulations revealed that the formation of a thermodynamically stable AgInS2(112)/Bi2WO6(010) heterojunction could promote charge separation and enhance the photoactivity of Bi2WO6. To confirm these theoretical predictions, a new type of photocatalysts in the form...
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Fabrication of Durable Ordered Ta2O5 Nanotube Arrays Decorated with Bi2S3 Quantum Dots
PublicationOne of the most important challenges in the fabrication of ordered tantalum pentaoxide (Ta2O5) nanotube arrays (NTs) via the electrochemical method is the formation of nanotubes that adhere well to the Ta substrate. In this paper, we propose a new protocol that allows tight-fitting Ta2O5 nanotubes to be obtained through the anodic oxidation of tantalum foil. Moreover, to enhance their activity in the photocatalytic reaction, in...
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Mechanical exfoliation and layer number identification of single crystal monoclinic CrCl3
PublicationAfter the recent finding that CrI3, displays ferromagnetic order down to its monolayer, extensive studies have followed to pursue new two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. In this article, we report on the growth of single crystal CrCl3 in the layered monoclinic phase. The system after mechanical exfoliation exhibits stability in ambient air (the degradation occurs on a time scale at least four orders of magnitude longer than...
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Modified Manganese Phosphate Conversion Coating on Low-Carbon Steel
PublicationConversion coatings are one of the primary types of galvanic coatings used to protect steel structures against corrosion. They are created through chemical reactions between the metal surface and the environment of the phosphating. This paper investigates the impact that the addition of new metal cations to the phosphating reaction environment has on the quality of the final coating. So far, standard phosphate coatings have contained...
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Pseudo-superparamagnetic behaviour of bariumhexaferrite particles
PublicationThe effect of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) addition on the crystal structure, morphology,and magnetic properties of co-precipitated hexagonal barium ferrite was investigated. For afixed amount ofsurfactant, different Fe3+concentrations and Fe3+/Ba2+ratios were used to optimize the formation ofsingle-phase barium ferrite particles. The results indicated that the obtained ferrite particles exhibitedcoercivity changes...
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RuAl6—An Endohedral Aluminide Superconductor
PublicationSuperconductivity is reported in an endohedral aluminide compound, RuAl6, with Tc = 1.21 K. The normalized heat capacity jump at Tc, ΔC/γTc = 1.58, confirms bulk superconductivity. The Ginzburg–Landau parameter of κ = 9.5 shows that RuAl6 is a type-II superconductor. Electronic structure calculations for RuAl6 are explored in comparison to its structural analogue ReAl6 (Tc = 0.74 K). The stability of the phases is discussed in...
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Single crystal growth and physical properties of MCo2Al9 (M= Sr, Ba)
PublicationSingle crystals of SrCo2Al and BaCo2Al9 were grown using a self-flux method. A LeBail analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that both compounds crystallize in a hexagonal (P6/mmm) crystal structure with lattice parameters: a = 7.8995(1) Å, c = 3.9159(1) Å for SrCo2Al9, and a = 7.9162(2) Å, c = 3.9702(1) Å for BaCo2Al9 aluminide. The low temperature analysis of the heat capacity measurements give a Sommerfeld...
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Soft-mode enhanced type-I superconductivity in LiPd2Ge
PublicationThe synthesis, crystal structure, and physical properties (magnetization, resistivity, heat capacity) in combination with theoretical calculations of the electronic structure and phonon properties are reported for intermetallic compounds LiPd2X (X = Si, Ge, and Sn). LeBail refinement of powder x-ray diffraction data confirms that all compounds belong to the Heusler family (space group Fm-3m, No. 225). The lattice parameter increases...
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Superconductivity in Metal-Rich Chalcogenide Ta2Se
PublicationThe metal–metal bond in metal-rich chalcogenide is known to exhibit various structures and interesting physical properties. Ta2Se can be obtained by both arc-melting and solid-state pellet methods. Ta2Se crystallizes a layered tetragonal structure with space group P4/nmm (No. 129; Pearson symbol tP6). Each unit cell consists of four layers of body-centered close-packing Ta atoms sandwiched between two square nets of Se atoms, forming...
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Superconductivity on a Bi Square Net in LiBi
PublicationWe present the crystallographic analysis, superconducting characterization and theoretical modeling of LiBi, that contains the lightest and the heaviest nonradioactive metal. The compound crystallizes in a tetragonal (CuAu-type) crystal structure with Bi square nets separated by Li planes (parameters a = 3.3636(1)Å and c = 4.2459(2) Å, c/a = 1.26). Superconducting state was studied in detail by magnetic susceptibility and heat...
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Synergy between AgInS2 quantum dots and ZnO nanopyramids for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and phenol degradation
PublicationDespite the unique properties of single semiconductor nanomaterials and quantum dots, poor photocatalytic activity has characterized them and the fabrication of nanocomposites has become necessary to enhance their photocatalytic performance. Thus, AgInS2 quantum dots (AIS QDs, 4.0±1.6 nm), have been successfully prepared and loaded onto ZnO nanopyramids (ZnO NPy). The effect of the nominal amount of AIS QDs decorating ZnO NPy on...
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Synthesis of CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles: The Effect of Ionic Strength, Concentration, and Precursor Type on Morphology and Magnetic Properties
PublicationThe present study highlights the effect of metal precursor types (SO4 2¯, Cl¯, and NO3¯), their concentration, and the influence of ionic strength of reaction environment on the morphology, surface, and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 particles. The magnetic nanoparticles were obtained by chemical coprecipitation in alkaline medium at increasing metal concentration in the range of 0.0425 mol·dm-3 to 0.17 mol·dm-3 and calcination...
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Synthesis, structure and physical properties of new intermetallic spin glass-like compounds RE2PdGe3 (RE = Tb and Dy)
PublicationNew intermetallic compounds Tb2Pd1.25Ge2.75 and Dy2Pd1.25Ge2.75 have been synthesized using the arc-melting method. The crystallographic structure and magnetic, electronic transport, and thermal properties are reported. The crystal structure obtained from powder x-ray diffraction analysis suggests that these compounds crystallize in the AlB2-type structure (space group P6/mmm, no. 191) with lattice parameters a = 4.228 53(5)/4.230 54...
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The Effect of AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3 Quantum Dots on the Surface Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of QDs-Sensitized TiO2 Composite
PublicationThe eect of type (AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3) and amount (5, 10, 15 wt%) of quantum dots (QDs) on the surface properties and photocatalytic activity of QDs-sensitized TiO2 composite, was investigated. AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3 QDs were obtained by hot-injection, sonochemical, microwave, and hot-injection method, respectively. To characterize of as-prepared samples high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning...
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Urchin-like TiO2 structures decorated with lanthanide-doped Bi2S3 quantum dots to boost hydrogen photogeneration performance
PublicationThe formation of heterojunctions between wide- and narrow-bandgap photocatalysts is commonly employed to boost the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, the photoactivity of urchin-like rutile particles is increased by decorating with pristine as well as Er- or Yb-doped Bi2S3 quantum dots (QDs) at varied QD loadings (1–20 wt%) and doping degrees (1–15 mol%), and the best hydrogen evolution performance is achieved at...
Year 2019
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A new simple approach to prepare rare-earth metals-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays photoactive under visible light: Surface properties and mechanism investigation
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A new simple approach to prepare rare-earth metals-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays photoactive under visible light: Surface properties and mechanism investigation
PublicationApplication of Ti90RE10 alloys (RE = Ho, Er, Nd, Y, Ce, Tm) as a working electrode, instead of Ti pure foil in anodic oxidation in a fluoride-based electrolyte, resulted in formation of well-ordered nanotubes made of TiO2 and RE2O3 mixture, which could be efficiently used for pollutant removal from water and air phase upon UV and visible irradiation and easily separable from the reaction mixture to recycle. The as-prepared NTs...
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CeIr3: superconductivity in a phase based on tetragonally close packed clusters
PublicationWe present the crystallographic analysis, superconducting and spectroscopic characterization, and theoretical modeling of CeIr3. Lattice parameters a = 5.2945(1) Å and c = 26.219(1) Å are found for the R-3m symmetry crystal structure, which are close to the literature values. CeIr3 is a moderate type-II superconductor (κ GL = 17, λ e–p = 0.65) below 2.5 K. Ce ions exhibit a strongly intermediate valence character as evidenced by...
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Characterization methods of nickel nano-particles obtained by the ex-solution process on the surface of Pr, Ni-doped SrTiO3 perovskite ceramics
PublicationIn this paper, a novel electrode material based on Pr, Ni co-doped strontium titanate ( Sr0.7Pr0.3)xTi1−yNiyO3 with constant amount of 30% praseodymium dopant, different amount of nickel (y = 0.06 and y = 0.10) and additional nonstoichiometry in Sr-site (x = 1; x = 0.9 and x = 0.8) was investigated as fuel electrode for SOEC devices. A porous ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction measurements...
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Charge density wave and large nonsaturating magnetoresistance in YNiC2 and LuNiC2
PublicationWe report a study of physical properties of two quasi-low-dimensional metals YNiC2 and LuNiC2 including the investigation of transport, magnetotransport, galvanomagnetic, and specific heat properties. In YNiC2 we reveal two subsequent transitions associated with the formation of weakly coupled charge density wave at TCDW=318K and its locking in with the lattice at T1=275K. These characteristic temperatures follow the previously...
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Crossover from charge density wave stabilized antiferromagnetism to superconductivity in Nd1−xLaxNiC2 compounds
PublicationThe path from the charge density wave antiferromagnet NdNiC2 to the noncentrosymmetric superconductor LaNiC2 is studied by gradual replacement of Nd by La ions. The evolution of physical properties is explored by structural, magnetic, transport, magnetoresistance, and specific heat measurements. With the substitution of La for Nd, the Peierls temperature is gradually suppressed, which falls within the BCS mean-field relation for...
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Crystal structure and physical properties of a novel ternary compound La15Mo Ge9
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Crystal structure and physical properties of a novel ternary compound La15MoxGe9
PublicationWe present the synthesis, structural characterization and physical properties measurements of a new compound, La15MoxGe9 in Mn5Si3-type derived structure with interstitial Mo. The sample was synthesized by arc-melting method. La15MoxGe9 crystallizes in non-centrosymmetric hexagonal structure P63mc (#186) with lattice parameters a = b = 15.495(5) Å and c = 6.917(2) Å. The refinement on single X-ray diffraction data show that interstitial...
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Crystal structure, chemical bonding, and physical properties of layered AIrSn2 (A = Sr and Ba)
PublicationWe report the experimental and theoretical investigation of structure, chemical bonding interactions, and physical properties of new ternary stannides AIrSn2 (A = Sr and Ba). AIrSn2 (A = Sr and Ba) crystallizes in the orthorhombic Re3B-type structure with the space group Cmcm (No. 64). According to single-crystal X-ray diffraction results, the structure of AIrSn2 (A = Sr and Ba) can be considered as a Zintl-type compound with heterogeneous...
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Fabrication of Durable Ordered Ta2O5 Nanotube Arrays Decorated with Bi2S3 Quantum Dots
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Importance of Specific Heat Characterization when Reporting New Superconductors: An Example of Superconductivity in LiGa2Rh
PublicationWe show that the full-Heusler compound LiGa2Rh is a superconductor with Tc = 2.4 K. The new superconductor was found as a result of an intuition-based extension of a database search for superconductors that looked for the presence of peaks in the electronic band structure near the Fermi energy. The measurement of the entropy loss during the transition from the nonsuperconducting to the superconducting state, a straightforward measurement...
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Iridium 5d -electron driven superconductivity in ThIr3
PublicationA polycrystalline sample of superconducting ThI r 3 was obtained by arc-melting Th and Ir metals. Powder x-ray diffraction revealed that the compound crystalizes in a rhombohedral crystal structure (R-3m, s.g. #166) with the lattice parameters: a = 5.3394 ( 1 ) Å and c = 26.4228 ( 8 ) Å . Normal and superconducting states were studied by magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity measurements. The results...
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Low-Dimensional Magnetic Semimetal Cr0.65Al1.35Se3
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Low-Dimensional Magnetic Semimetal Cr0.65Al1.35Se3
PublicationWhile exploring novel magnetic semiconductors, the new phase Cr0.65Al1.35Se3 was discovered and characterized by both structural and physical properties. Cr0.65Al1.35Se3 was found to crystallize into orthorhombic CrGeTe3-type structure with space group Pnma (no. 62). Vacancies and mixed occupancies were tested, and the results show that one of the 4c sites accommodates a mixture of Cr and Al atoms, while the other 4c site is fully...
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New Tetragonal ReGa5(M) (M = Sn, Pb, Bi) Single Crystals Grown from Delicate Electrons Changing
PublicationSingle crystals of the new Ga-rich phases ReGa~5(Sn), ReGa~5(Pb) and ReGa~5(Bi) were successfully obtained from the flux method. The new tetragonal phases crystallize in the space group P4/mnc (No. 128) with vertex-sharing capped Re2@Ga14 oblong chains. Vacancies were discovered on the Ga4 and Ga5 sites, which can be understood as the direct inclusion of elemental Sn, Pb and Bi into the structure. Heat capacity measurements were...
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Optical and photocatalytic properties of rare earth metal-modified ZnO quantum dots
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Optical and photocatalytic properties of rare earth metal-modified ZnO quantum dots
PublicationA series of novel ZnO quantum dots modified with rare earth metals was successfully prepared by a simple sol-gel approach. The effects of types (Eu, Er, Tb, Yb, Ho, La) and amounts (from 0.09 to 0.45 mmol) of lanthanides on the optical properties, structural characterization and photocatalytic activity of ZnO/RE QDs were systematically investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform...
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Photocatalytic activity of solvothermal prepared BiOClBr with imidazolium ionic liquids as a halogen sources in cytostatic drugs removal
PublicationIn this work, the BiOClBr, as a new family of bismuth based semiconductors, was successfully applied to remove of cytostatic drugs from water under UV-Vis light irradiation. BiOCl, BiOBr and BiOClBr were synthesized using two steps solvothermal method in glycerol. The inorganic salts (KCl and KBr) and 1-butyl-3-metylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl) and 1-butyl-3-metylimidazolium bromide (BmimBr) ionic liquids (ILs) were used as the...
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Pressure effects on the electronic structure and superconductivity of (TaNb)0.67(HfZrTi)0.33 high entropy alloy
PublicationEffects of pressure on the electronic structure, electron-phonon interaction, and superconductivity of the high entropy alloy ( TaNb ) 0.67 ( HfZrTi ) 0.33 are studied in the pressure range 0–100 GPa. The electronic structure is calculated using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method with the coherent potential approximation. Effects of pressure on the lattice dynamics are simulated using the Debye-Grüneisen model and the Grüneisen...
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Pt-rich intermetallic APt8P2 (A = Ca and La)
PublicationThe combination of experimental and theoretical investigation of two new Pt-rich intermetallic compounds: APt8P2 (A = Ca and La) is presented, including solid-state synthesis, crystal structure determination, physical properties characterization and chemical bonding analysis. APt8P2 was obtained through the high-temperature pellet synthesis. According to both single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction results, APt8P2 crystallize...
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Shape-controllable synthesis of GdVO4 photocatalysts and their tunable properties in photocatalytic hydrogen generation
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Superconductivity in the intermetallic compound Zr5Al4
PublicationPolycrystalline Zr5Al4 was synthesized using the arc-melting method. Powder X-ray diffraction confirms the previously reported crystal structure of the Ti5Ga4-type P63/mcm with lattice parameters: a = 8.4312(6) A , and c = 5.7752(8) A . Electrical resistivity and low-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that Zr5Al4 exhibits superconducting behavior below 2 K. The normalized heat capacity jump at Tc= 1.82 K...
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Synthesis and physical properties of the 10.6 K ferromagnet NdIr3
PublicationThe magnetic, transport, and thermodynamic properties of NdIr3 are reported. Its PuNi3-type crystal structure (space group R−3m), with lattice parameters a= 5.3262(1)Å and c=26.2218(3)Å, was confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction. Our measurements indicate that NdIr3 exhibits a previously unreported paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition below TC=10.6 K(determined by using the Arrott plot). The magnetic susceptibility obeys...
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The electronic characterization of the cubic Laves-phase superconductor CaRh2
PublicationWe present the synthesis and experimental characterization of the electronic properties of the cubic Laves phase superconductor CaRh2. Its crystal structure was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and its ambient temperature lattice parameter (a = 7.5326(6) Å) is in good agreement with the literature. Magnetization, resistivity and heat-capacity measurements indicate that CaRh2 is a moderate-coupling type-II superconductor (λe-p = 0.89)...
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TiO2 nanotube arrays-based reactor for photocatalytic oxidation of parabens mixtures in ultrapure water: Effects of photocatalyst properties, operational parameters and light source
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TiO2 nanotube arrays-based reactor for photocatalytic oxidation of parabens mixtures in ultrapure water: Effects of photocatalyst properties, operational parameters and light source
PublicationSelf-organized TiO2 nanotubes as immobilized photocatalysts were evaluated in detail for the photocatalytic degradation of parabens mixtures from ultrapure water. This kind of approach can be a very suitable option for emerging contaminants degradation considering the possibility of the catalyst reuse and recovery which will be simpler than when catalytic powders are used. The anodization method was applied for the TiO2 nanotubes...
Year 2018
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A Family of Pb-based Superconductors with Variable Cubic to Hexagonal Packing
PublicationWe describe three previously unreported superconductors, BaPb3, Ba0.89Sr0.11Pb3, and Ba0.5Sr0.5Pb3. These three materials, together with SrPb3, form a distinctive isoelectronic family of intermetallic superconductors based on the stacking of Pb planes, with crystal structures that display a hexagonal to cubic perovskite-like progression, as rarely seen in metals. The superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) are similar for...
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Correlation between charge density waves and antiferromagnetism in Nd1−xGdxNiC2 solid solutions
PublicationWe report a study on the evolution of a charge density wave and antiferromagnetism in the series of the polycrystalline solid solution Nd1−xGdxNiC2 (0 _ x _ 1) by means of magnetic and transport properties measurements. The experimental results reveal the violation of the de Gennes law and a strong correlation between the Peierls, Néel, and Curie-Weiss temperatures, which strongly suggests a cooperative interaction between the...
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Dependence between Ionic Liquid Structure and Mechanism of Visible-Light-Induced Activity of TiO2 Obtained by Ionic-Liquid-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis
PublicationBecause of the tremendous structural diversityof ionic liquids (ILs), simple transfer of observations performed for one IL used for IL-TiO2 preparation on different samples is not possible. Therefore, four ionic liquids, all containing distinct nitrogen-bearing organic cations (pyridinium, pyrrolidinium, ammonium, imidazolium), were used for the first time for the preparation of IL-TiO2 composites. The role of the individual IL...
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Design, Synthesis, and Enzymatic Evaluation of Novel ZnO Quantum Dot-Based Assay for Detection of Proteinase 3 Activity
PublicationHerein, the synthesis and application of functionalized quantum dot-based protease probes is described. Such probes are composed of nontoxic ZnO nanocrystals decorated by amino groups followed by linker and labeled peptide attachment. Spherical NH2-terminated ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with the average size ranging from 4 to 8 nm and strong emission centered at 530 nm were prepared using the sol−gel method. The fluorescence of ZnO...
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Electrochemically Obtained TiO2/CuxOy Nanotube Arrays Presenting a Photocatalytic Response in Processes of Pollutants Degradation and Bacteria Inactivation in Aqueous Phase
PublicationTiO2/CuxOy nanotube (NT) arrays were synthesized using the anodization method in the presence of ethylene glycol and different parameters applied. The presence, morphology, and chemical character of the obtained structures was characterized using a variety of methods—SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray crystallography), PL (photoluminescence), and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy)....
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Extended phase diagram of RNiC2 family: Linear scaling of the Peierls temperature
PublicationPhysical properties for the late-lanthanide-based RNiC2 (R = Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) ternary compounds are reported. All the compounds show antiferromagnetic ground state with the Néel temperature ranging from 3.4 K for HoNiC2 to 8.5 K for ErNiC2. The results of the transport and galvanomagnetic properties confirm a charge density wave state at and above room temperature with transition temperatures TCDW = 284, 335, 366, and 394 K for...
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Highly Active TiO2 Microspheres Formation in the Presence of Ethylammonium Nitrate Ionic Liquid
PublicationSpherical microparticles of TiO2 were synthesized by the ionic liquid-assisted solvothermal method at different reaction times (3, 6, 12, and 24 h). The properties of the prepared photocatalysts were investigated by means of UV-VIS diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy...
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La 15 Nb x Ge 9 : a superstructure of the Mn 5 Si 3 structure type with interstitial Nb atoms
PublicationThe crystal structure and elementary properties of La15NbxGe9 are reported. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction,from a crystallite with only 0.12 Nb/formula unit, reveals that this compound, although transition metal deficient, crystallizes in a hexagonal “15-1-9”-like structure type, space group P63mc (no. 186) with lattice parameters a = b = 15.5017(2) Å, c = 6.9173(2) Å. The physical properties were examined by specific heat and resistivity...
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Manganese Phosphatizing Coatings: The Effects of Preparation Conditions on Surface Properties
PublicationManganese phosphate coating could be used to protect the surface of steel products. However, it is essential to determine the effects which process parameters, as well as the types of additives used, have on the efficiency of coating deposition. Thus, we present here a process of phosphatization of low-alloy steel (for 15 min at 95 ◦C) in manganese/nickel baths followed by a passivation process with the use of a silicon and zircon...
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Mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles decorated KTaO 3 photocatalysts with improved Vis and UV–Vis light activity
PublicationNew mono- and bimetallic nanoparticle-decorated perovskite-type KTaO3 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal reaction followed by photodeposition of MNPs/BNPs. The effect of noble metal type, amount of metal precursor as well as photoreduction method on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of MNPs- and BNPs-KTaO3 have been investigated. Photocatalytic activity under Vis light irradiation was estimated...
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Monometallic nanoparticles decorated and rare earth ions doped KTaO3/K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts with enhanced pollutant decomposition and improved H2 generation
PublicationNew, monometallic nanoparticles (MNPs) decorated surface and rare earth (RE) ions doped lattice of perovskite-type (KTaO3)/pyrochlore-type (K2Ta2O6) photocatalysts were successfully prepared by facile hydrothermal incorporation of RE ions into KTaO3/K2Ta2O6 lattices followed by photodeposition of MNPs. The impact of noble metal type (MNPs = Au, Pt, Rh) and rare earth dopant type (RE = Er, Pr) on the physicochemical properties correlated...
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Rare earth ions doped K 2 Ta 2 O 6 photocatalysts with enhanced UV–vis light activity
PublicationNew rare earth-doped K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The effect of dopant type (Y,Yb,Ho,Pr,Er) and amount of rare earth precursor (2,4,8 and 10 mol%) on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of RE-K2Ta2O6 have been investigated. All as-prepared materials were characterized by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area measurement,...
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Recovery of silver metallization from damaged silicon cells
PublicationMetallization is one of the key process steps to fabricate solar cells with high performance in a cost-effective way. Majority of photovoltaic solar cell manufacturing uses thick film screen print metallization with Ag containing paste to produce solar cells. The average lifetime of PV modules can be expected to be more than 25 years. The disposal of PV systems will become a problem in view of the continually increasing production...
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Shape-dependent enhanced photocatalytic effect under visible light of Ag3PO4 particles
PublicationSilver phosphate (Ag3PO4) could be considered as visible light induced photocatalyst for pollutants degradation, due to its narrow band gap (∼2.4 eV). However, Ag3PO4 photoactivity depends on surface properties and synthesis route. In this study, differently shaped Ag3PO4 photocatalysts have been synthesized through the precipitation, ion exchange, soft-chemical or hydrothermal method. To correlate surface properties with photoactivity all...
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Spin-glass behavior in a binary Pr 3 Ir intermetallic compound
PublicationPolycrystalline Pr3Ir was synthesized by arc melting. Its cementite-type crystal structure (Pnma) was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and estimated lattice parameters are in agreement with literature. Physical properties were measured by means of the ac and dc magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity and heat capacity. Our results indicate spin-glass behavior in Pr3Ir with a freezing temperature Tf = 6.58 K and activation...
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Structural and physical characterization of NpPt2In7
PublicationA new neptunium intermetallic compound, NpPt2In7, has been synthesized in polycrystalline form and characterized by several macroscopic techniques. A Rietveld analysis of its powder x-ray diffraction pattern shows that NpPt2In7 crystallizes in a tetragonal lattice with I4/mmm symmetry and lattice parameters a = 4.58471(3) Å, c = 21.5065(3) Å. Magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, Hall effect, and heat capacity measurements indicate...
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Studies on novel BiyXz-TiO2/SrTiO3 composites: Surface properties and visible light-driven photoactivity
PublicationA series of novel BiyXz-TiO2/SrTiO3 composites were prepared by multistep synthesis route. The asprepared photocatalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectra and BET analysis. The photocatalytic activity test was performed in aqueous solution of phenol under...
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Superconducting SrSnP with Strong Sn–P Antibonding Interaction: Is the Sn Atom Single or Mixed Valent?
PublicationThe large single crystals of SrSnP were prepared using Sn self-flux method. The superconductivity in the tetragonal SrSnP is observed with the critical temperature of ∼2.3 K. The results of a crystallographic analysis, superconducting characterization, and theoretical assessment of tetragonal SrSnP are presented. The SrSnP crystallizes in the CaGaN structure type with space group P4/nmm (S.G. 129, Pearson symbol tP6) according...
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Superconductivity in the superhard boride WB4.2
PublicationWe show that the superhard boride WB4.2 is a superconductor with a Tc of 2.05(5) K. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurements were used to characterize the superconducting transition. The Sommerfeld constant γ for WB4.2 is 2.07(3) mJ mol−1 K−2 and the ΔC/γTc=1.56, which is somewhat higher than what is expected for weakly coupled Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer type superconductors....
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TaRh 2 B 2 and NbRh 2 B 2 : Superconductors with a chiral noncentrosymmetric crystal structure
PublicationIt is a fundamental truth in solid compounds that the physical properties follow the symmetry of the crystal structure. Nowhere is the effect of symmetry more pronounced than in the electronic and magnetic properties of materials—even the projection of the bulk crystal symmetry onto different crystal faces is known to have a substantial impact on the surface electronic states. The effect of bulk crystal symmetry on the properties...
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Ternary Bismuthide SrPtBi2: Computation and Experiment in Synergism to Explore Solid-State Materials
PublicationA combination of theoretical calculation and the experimental synthesis to explore the new ternary compound is demonstrated in the Sr–Pt–Bi system. Because Pt–Bi is considered as a new critical charge-transfer pair for superconductivity, it inspired us to investigate the Sr–Pt–Bi system. With a thorough calculation of all the known stable/metastable compounds in the Sr–Pt–Bi system and crystal structure predictions, the thermodynamic...
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The homometallic warwickite V 2 OBO 3
PublicationThe synthesis, structure and elementary magnetic characterization of the homometallic warwickite V2OBO3 are reported. The material adopts the orthorhombic warwickite structure type at room temperature, space group Pnma (No. 62) with lattice parameters a = 9.2317(1) Å, b = 3.1172(1) Å, and c = 9.5313(1) Å. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurements show anomalies near 35 K,...
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The σ-phase superconductors Nb20.4Rh5.7Ge3.9 and Nb20.4Rh5.7Si3.9
PublicationWe show that the previously unreported ternary σ phases Nb20.4Rh5.7Ge3.9 and Nb20.4Rh5.7Si3.9 are both superconductors with Tc values of approximately 1.9 K. The superconducting transitions were characterized through temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistance, and specific heat measurements. The Sommerfeld constants, γ, for Nb20.4Rh5.7Ge3.9 and Nb20.4Rh5.7Si3.9 are 89(1) mJ mol-f.u.−1K−2 and 86(1) mJ mol-f.u.−1K−2...
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TiO 2 Co x O y composite nanotube arrays via one step electrochemical anodization for visible light–induced photocatalytic reaction
PublicationTiO2CoxOy (x = 1, y = 1 or x = 3, y = 4) composite photocatalysts have been synthesized via one step anodic anodization of TiCo alloys. The effects of the cobalt content in the alloy (5, 10 and 15 wt%), water content (2, 5 and 10%) in the electrolyte solution, and applied voltage (30, 40 and 50 V) during the anodization process on the morphology and surface properties. Additionally, the dependence of cobalt content in the nanotubes...
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Visible light photocatalysis employing TiO2/SrTiO3-BiOI composites: Surface properties and photoexcitation mechanism
PublicationA series of binary TiO2/SrTiO3 and ternary TiO2/SrTiO3_BiOI composites have been synthesized using multistep preparation method. Characterization of the obtained photocatalysts covered complex analysis including morphology + y (SEM), BET specific surface area, porosity, optical properties (DRS), chemical composition of surface (XPS), crystal structure and crystal size (XRD). UV–vis and Vis ligh induced photocatalytic activity was...
Year 2017
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A tetragonal polymorph of SrMn2P2 made under high pressure – theory and experiment in harmony
PublicationFollowing the predictions of total energy calculations, a tetragonal SrMn2P2 phase is proposed and successfully formed under high pressure. At ambient pressure, SrMn2P2 adopts the primitive trigonal La2O3 structure type (space group P[3 with combining macron]m1). However, the results of total energy calculations indicate that SrMn2P2 should be more stable in the tetragonal ThCr2Si2 structure type (space group I4/mmm) than in its...
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Crystal growth and properties of a binary intermetallic ZrBi2 compound
PublicationSingle crystals of ZrBi2 were grown by a self-flux method. The material adopts TiAs2 structure type with lattice parameters: a = 10.233(4) Å, b = 15.581(2) Å, c = 3.994(5) Å. Crystals of ZrBi2 were studied by means of magnetic susceptiblity, specific heat and resistivity measurements. The compound reveals a metallic-like behavior (RRR = 30). The Sommerfeld coefficient equals γ = 1.59(16) mJ mol-1 K-2 and Debye temperature ΘD =...
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Crystal structure and low-energy Einstein mode in ErV2Al20 intermetallic cage compound
PublicationSingle crystals of a new ternary aluminide ErV2Al20 were grown using a self-flux method. The crystal structure was determined by powder X-ray diffraction measurements and Rietveld refinement, and physical properties were studied by means of electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements. These measurements reveal that ErV2Al20 is a Curie-Weiss paramagnet down to 1.95 K with an effective magnetic...
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Design and Application of Magnetic Photocatalysts for Water Treatment. The Effect of Particle Charge on Surface
PublicationCore-interlayer-shell Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2, CoFe2O4/SiO2/TiO2 and BaFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 magnetic photocatalysts were obtained. A water-in-oil microemulsion system with suitable surfactants was used for functionalization of the magnetic core with silica interlayer and TiO2-based photocatalyst. Uncoated and coated particles were characterized by electrophoretic meaurements, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),...
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Design and Application of Magnetic Photocatalysts for Water Treatment. The Effect of Particle Charge on Surface Functionality
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Effect of irradiation intensity and initial pollutant concentration on gas phase photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotube arrays
PublicationWell-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated via one-step anodization process. The as-prepared TiO2 nanotubes were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photocatalytic activity of obtained photocatalyst was studied in reaction of toluene degradation in the gas phase using low powered and low...
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Enhanced photocatalytic properties of lanthanide-TiO2 nanotubes: An experimental and theoretical study
PublicationA series of Er-, Yb-, Ho-, Tb-, Gd-, Pr-TiO2 nanotubes (RE-NTs) was prepared via an electrochemical method. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and luminescent spectroscopy. The experiments demonstrated that toluene in the gas phase was successfully degraded under visible light (LEDs λmax = 465...
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Fermi-liquid behavior of binary intermetallic compounds Y3 M (M = Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt)
PublicationA series of polycrystalline samples of Y3 M (M = Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt), intermetallic binary compounds were synthesized by the arc-melting method. Powder x-ray diffraction (pXRD) confirmed the orthorhombic cementite-type crystal structure and allowed for the estimation of the lattice parameters. Physical properties were investigated by means of electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements between 1.9 K and 300 K. All...
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Growth, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Characterization of Zn-Stabilized CePtIn4
PublicationThe growth and characterization of CePtIn4, stabilized by 10% Zn substitution for In, is reported. The new material is orthorhombic, space group Cmcm (No. 63), with lattice parameters a = 4.51751(4) Å, b = 16.7570(2) Å, and c = 7.36682(8) Å, and the refined crystal composition has 10% of Zn substituted for In, i.e., the crystals are CePt(In0.9Zn0.1)4. Crystals were grown using a self-flux method: only growths containing Zn yielded...
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Highly Visible-Light-Photoactive Heterojunction Based on TiO2 Nanotubes Decorated by Pt Nanoparticles and Bi2S3 Quantum Dots
PublicationA heterojunction with excellent visible light response and stability based on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs), bismuth sulfide quantum dots (Bi2S3 QDs), and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) is proposed. Both Pt NPs (3.0 ± 0.2 nm) and Bi2S3 QDs (3.50 ± 0.20 nm) are well distributed on the (i) top parts, (ii) inner walls, and (iii) outer walls of the TiO2 NTs. Visible-light-induced photoreaction was initialized by excitation...
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Magnetic semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of recalcitrant chemicals from flow back water
PublicationIn the present study treatability of persistent organic compounds from the flow back water after hydrauling fracturing was investigated. The combination of TiO2 photocatalyst and magnetic oxide nanoparticles enhance the separation and recoverable property of nanosized TiO2 photocatalyst. Fe3O4/ TiO2 and Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by heteroagglomeration. The photocatalysts’ characteristics by X-ray diffractometry...
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Magnetism and charge density waves in RNiC2(R=Ce,Pr,Nd)
PublicationWe have compared the magnetic, transport, galvanomagnetic, and specific-heat properties of CeNiC2, PrNiC2, and NdNiC2 to study the interplay between charge density waves (CDW) and magnetism in these compounds. The negative magnetoresistance in NdNiC2 is discussed in terms of the partial destruction of charge density waves and an irreversible phase transition stabilized by the field-induced ferromagnetic transformation is reported....
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New σ-phases in the Nb–X–Ga and Nb–X–Al systems (X = Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Au)
PublicationPreviously unreported σ-phases in the ternary niobium-based systems Nb–X–Ga for X = Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, Au, and Nb–X–Al for X = Ir, and Pt are presented, prepared by arc-melting followed by annealing at 1000 °C for 1 week. The phases are primitive tetragonal (P42/mnm, no. 136) with lattice parameters of a = 9.8336(2)–9.9432(1) Å and c = 5.1098(1)–5.1718(1) Å. Refinements of the single crystal X-ray diffraction data for the Ru and...
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Novel decahedral TiO2 photocatalysts modified with Ru or Rh NPs: Insight into the mechanism
PublicationNovel decahedral TiO2 modified with Ru or Rh NPs were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The effect of metal type as well as amount of noble metal precursor (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 wt.%) on the photocatalytic activity were investigated. Decahedral TiO2 decorated by Ru and Rh nanoparticles was prepared by photodeposition method, whereas Rh doped TiO2 was obtained by onestep hydrothermal method with introduction...
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Photoactivity of decahedral TiO2 loaded with bimetallic nanoparticles: Degradation pathway of phenol-1- 13 C and hydroxyl radical formation
PublicationDecahedral TiO2decorated with bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized via radiolysis and photode-position method. The effect of bimetallic surface composition (Ag Pt, Ag Au, Au Pd, Au Pt) as well asdeposition technique (simultaneous or sequential) on the photocatalytic activity in phenol degradationand efficiency of hydroxyl radicals generation under UV–vis light irradiation were investigated. Modifiedand pristine decahedral...
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Photocatalytically Active TiO2/Ag2O Nanotube Arrays Interlaced with Silver Nanoparticles Obtained from the One-Step Anodic Oxidation of Ti–Ag Alloys
PublicationThe development of a photocatalyst with remarkable activity to degrade pollutants in aqueous and gas phase requires visible lightresponsive stable materials, easily organized in the form of a thin layer (to exclude the highly expensive separation step). In this work, we present a one-step strategy for synthesizing material in the form of a self-organized TiO2/Ag2O nanotube (NT) array interlaced with silver nanoparticles (as in a...
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Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Nd-modified TiO2 photocatalysts: Insight into the excitation mechanism under visible light
PublicationTitanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) modified with neodymium (Nd) in the range between 0.1 and 1.0 mol% were prepared via the hydrothermal method. The samples obtained were characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence...
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Preparation and photocatalytic properties of BaZrO 3 and SrZrO 3 modified with Cu 2 O/Bi 2 O 3 quantum dots
PublicationIn this study, we report a novel method of BaZrO3 and SrZrO3 surface modification by two different types of quantum dots (QDs, Cu2O and Bi2O3), which improved the photocatalytic performance of the obtained materials under UV-Vis light irradiation. Pristine BaZrO3 and SrZrO3 were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The deposition of Cu2O- and Bi2O3-QDs was carried out by chemical reduction. The morphology of the nanoparticles was...
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S-Shaped Suppression of the Superconducting Transition Temperature in Cu-Intercalated NbSe2
Publication2H-NbSe2 is the prototype and most frequently studied of the well-known transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) superconductors. As 2H-NbSe2 is widely acknowledged as a conventional superconductor, its transition temperature to the superconducting state (Tc) is 7.3 K, a Tc that is substantially higher than those seen for the majority of TMDCs, where Tc values between 2 and 4 K are the norm. Here we report the intercalation of Cu...