Search

This paper reveals the structural, magnetic and heating ability of citric acid coated Fe0.3Mn0.7GdxFe2−xO4 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1) nanocrystalline ferrites. The synthesis of Gd-dope ...

In this report, ternary semiconducting NixBi2−xS3(x = 0.2 M and 0.5 M) thin films were synthesized in situ for the first time by a chemical bath deposition technique at different bath temperatures (60 °C, 70 °C and 80 °C). The effects of concentration and deposition temperature on the deposited films were studied by combining the results of structural, morphological, optical and electrical analyses. The growth of NixBi2−xS3 films with good crystalline nature and interconnected grain arrangement takes place due to increasing the concentration of Ni2+ ions in bismuth sulfide matrix. EDS result confirmed the stoichiometry of NixBi2−xS3 formation. Wettability test demonstrated that the surface of the film was hydrophilic in nature. The optical absorption spectra revealed that the bandgap Eg of the x = 0.5 M film deposited at 70 °C was about 1.36 eV. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the x = 0.5 M film deposited at 70 °C were studied under X-ray radiation and dark condition. An X-ray detection sensitivity analysis showed that the detection sensitivity is optimum when the bias voltage applied across the film is low (~0.9 V). These findings reveal that the film with x = 0.5 M deposited at 70 °C can be used as an efficient low cost X-ray sensor.

Cu3BiS3 is an absorber material for thin film solar cells with an optimal band gap of 1.10-1.72 eV, high absorption coefficient (>105 cm-1) and abundant constituents. In this paper, the effect of annealing on the properties of chemical bath deposited (CBD) Cu3BiS3 thin films is reported. The annealed Cu3BiS3 thin films were characterized by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD analysis revealed the formation of polycrystalline Cu3BiS3 thin films with orthorhombic crystal structure at 673K. The average crystallite size as calculated from the Debye-Scherrer’s formula was found to be 22.09 nm for (131) peak. Raman spectra showed a leading peak at 282 cm-1 that is a characteristic of Cu3BiS3.

For widespread application of thin-film photovoltaic solar cells, synthesis of inexpensive absorber material is essential. In this work, deposition of ternary Cu3BiS3 absorber material, which contains abundant and environmentally benign elements, was carried out on glass substrate. Flowerlike Cu3BiS3 thin films with nanoflakes as building block were formed on glass substrate by chemical bath deposition. These films were annealed at 573 K and 673 K in sulfur ambient for structural improvement. Their structure was characterized using Raman spectroscopy, as well as their surface morphological and optical properties. The x-ray diffraction profile of as-deposited Cu3BiS3 thin film revealed amorphous structure, which transformed to orthorhombic phase after annealing. The Raman spectrum exhibited a characteristic peak at 290 cm−1. Scanning electron microscopy of as-deposited Cu3BiS3 film confirmed formation of nanoflowers with diameter of around 1052 nm. Wettability testing of as-deposited Cu3BiS3 thin film demonstrated hydrophobic nature, which became hydrophilic after annealing. The measured ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectra of the Cu3BiS3 thin films gave an absorption coefficient of 105 cm−1 and direct optical bandgap of about 1.42 eV after annealing treatment. Based on all these results, such Cu3BiS3 material may have potential applications in the photovoltaic field as an absorber layer.

Novel nanofibers of wittichenite Cu3BiS3 thin films were successfully developed by use of a simple and low cost chemical bath deposition method. The Cu3BiS3 thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, surface wettability and optical absorption spectra. The XRD shows a formation of wittichenite Cu3BiS3 pure phase of orthorhombic structure. SEM reveals the formation of a network of nanofibers having a large surface area. Raman study shows a major peak at 284 cm−1 and confirms the formation of pure phase of Cu3BiS3. All thin films of Cu3BiS3 were hydrophilic in nature as contact angle of each film is

Rolling water drops takes off dust particles from lotus leaf showing self-cleaning performance. Self-cleaning effect has great importance in industry as well as in daily life. The present paper describes the preparation of self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating through simple and low cost dip coating technique. The prepared superhydrophobic surface enact as lotus leaf. Firstly TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in ethanol and different concentration of octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODS) was added in TiO2 dispersion. The effect of number of deposition layer on the wettability of the coating was studied. The coating prepared from five deposition layers showed contact angle higher than 150° and sliding angle less than 10°. The superhydrophobicity increases with increasing concentration of ODS. The hierarchical rough morphology which is preferable for superhydrophobicity was obtained. The prepared coatings were stable against water jet impact and showed repellent towards colored and muddy water. Such superhydrophobic coating can find enormous scope in self-cleaning application.Rolling water drops takes off dust particles from lotus leaf showing self-cleaning performance. Self-cleaning effect has great importance in industry as well as in daily life. The present paper describes the preparation of self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating through simple and low cost dip coating technique. The prepared superhydrophobic surface enact as lotus leaf. Firstly TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in ethanol and different concentration of octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODS) was added in TiO2 dispersion. The effect of number of deposition layer on the wettability of the coating was studied. The coating prepared from five deposition layers showed contact angle higher than 150° and sliding angle less than 10°. The superhydrophobicity increases with increasing concentration of ODS. The hierarchical rough morphology which is preferable for superhydrophobicity was obtained. The prepared coatings were stable against water jet impact and showed repellent towards colored and muddy water. Such superhydropho...

Since the last few decades, light-absorbing materials based on CuInGaSe2 (CIGS), CuInS2 (CIS), and CdTe have dominated the research in thin-film solar cells. To fabricate large-scale solar cells from these materials, problems may arise due to limited availability of the constituents, viz. Se, In, Cd, and Te, and the toxicity of some of these elements. Hence, recent research efforts are attentive toward abundantly available non-toxic, larger value of absorption coefficient and non-conventional elements. The Cu3BiS3 having wittichenite orthorhombic structure is one the most promising absorber layer candidates for low-cost thin-film solar cells. It has suitable direct band gap (1.10–1.86 eV), large absorption coefficient (105 cm−1) with composition of earth abundant, and relatively non-toxic and cost-effective constituents. Till now, a majority work was done on the preparation of Cu3BiS3 thin films by various techniques. Therefore, a comprehensive review of recent literature of Cu3BiS3 is urgently required. This paper will review the various techniques that have been used to deposit Cu3BiS3 semiconductor with the hope of new paths for the beginner.

The CuIn1 – xGaxSe2 (CIGS) (x = 0.3) nanocrystalline powder was synthesized by reacting to its constituent elements i.e. Copper, Indium, Gallium, and Selenium in a SPEX mill. The SPEX mill is a high-energy mill where the reaction between constituent elements takes place in solid-state to form a nanocrystalline compound powder. SPEX mill consists of tungsten lined hardened steel vials and tungsten carbide balls are used as grinding media. Three different size grinding media was used with ball to charge ratio of 10 : 1. The optimization of milling time was studied to obtain CIGS nanocrystalline powder using SPEX mill. The phase analysis by X-ray diffraction shows the formation chalcopyrite (tetragonal) structure of CIGS after 4 h of high-energy milling with an average crystallite size of 10-13 nm. Raman spectra peak at 174 cm – 1 confirms the formation of the CIGS phase. The compositional analysis by EDAX confirms the formation of the stoichiometric composition of CIGS. This study reveals that it is possible to synthesize CIGS nanocrystalline powder using SPEX mill.

The public sector passenger transport has been crucial sector for transportation of people in developing countries like India. But there is less emphasis on customer expectations in this sector. This study aims at evaluating the customer expectations of this service sector in India. A questionnaire containing eighteen quality characteristics was administered to various customers of three bus depots of one division of a state road transport undertaking (SRTU) in south India. Two quality dimensions, viz. customer expectations and company responsibilities, are identified based on principal component analysis. The findings not only would help prioritise different parameters but also provide guidelines to managers to focus on or to improve. Finally three depots have been ranked.

This article proposes a methodology for supply chain planning in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The proposed framework integrates the use of selected well-proven techniques such as quality function deployment (QFD), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), analytic network process (ANP), and zero one goal programming (ZOGP) to incorporate conflicting supply chain objectives and interrelationships among various critical success factors to identify business requirements that enable supply chain planning in SMEs. The use of an integrated approach can benefit : a) QFD can help SMEs to opt for planning and translating business needs (internal or external) into measurable supply chain technical requirements. (2) ISM offers an opportunity to establish interrelationships between business needs and supply chain requirements. (3) The direct utility of ISM results in real-life decision making is complex. Complementary use of ISM and ANP improves the utility of findings. (4) ZOGP methodology incorporates goals s...

ZnS thin films were grown on glass substrate using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique at room temperature. Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2 and Na2S were used as precursors. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy and optical absorption measurements were applied to study the structural, surface morphology and optical properties of as-deposited ZnS thin films. The X-ray diffraction profiles revealed that ZnS thin films consist of crystalline grains with cubic phase. Spherical nano grains of random size and well covered on the glass substrate were observed from FESEM. The average grain size were found to be 77 nm, 100 nm and 124 nm for 20 cycles, 40 cycles and 60 cycles samples respectively. For 60 cycle sample, Raman spectra show two prominent peaks at 554 cm−1 and 1094 cm−1. The optical band gap values were found to be 3.76 eV, 3.72 eV and 3.67 eV for 20 cycle, 40 cycle and 60 cycle samples respectively.

First time, copper bismuth sulfide (Cu3BiS3) thin films were synthesized on the glass substrate using simple, low-cost chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. The synthesized parameters such as temperature of bath, pH and concentration of precursors were optimized for the deposition of uniform, well adherent Cu3BiS3 thin films. The optical, surface morphology and structural properties of the Cu3BiS3 thin films were studied using UV-VIS-NIR spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The as- synthesized Cu3BiS3 film exhibits a direct band gap 1.56 to 1.58 eV having absorption coefficient of the order of 105 cm−1. The XRD declares the amorphous nature of the films. SEM images shows films were composed of close-packed fine spherical nanoparticles of 70-80 nm in diameter. The chemical composition of the film was almost stoichiometric. The optical study indicates that the Cu3BiS3 films can be applied as an absorber layer for thin film solar cells.

Value chain is a network of activities performed by firms for creating and delivering superior customer value with distinction. It has two parts, namely; supply chain and demand chain. A supply ch;ain refers to assets, information, ;and processes that provide supply. A demand chain deals with all assets, information, and processes that define demand. In the era of globalization and information technology, firms are under tremendous pressure to m;aximize ;and enhance their market responsiveness capabilities. In this endeavor, they need to look and appraise their value chain continuously. The focus of this paper is to an;alyze the contributions of supply chain in the optimization of supply side of the value chain, and its limitations in the demand side responsiveness in the prevailing market scenario. This paper identifies that there are at least six reasons behind failure of supply chain in the present turbulent market scenario, where superior market responsiveness capability is the key for success. These are management of influence of front-end micro environmental factors, inventory management for value delivery, demand fulfillment, pull marketing strategy, demand-side IT initi;atives, ;and channel relationships. Finally, this paper advocates that firms should emphasize on management of demand chain and supply chain should be aligned with it for meeting the requirements of superior market responsiveness.

In the context of TQM, it is essential that the organizations identify a few key critical success factors, which should be given special attention for ensuring successful implementation of TQM program. The concept of critical success factors (CSFs) and their use in supporting planning efforts was originated from the approach associated with the development and implementation of management information systems. This paper represents a review of the literature on CSFs and supported by various philosophies of TQM. Such factors are considered as conducive to the success of TQM implementation. Based on an exploratory study of Indian organizations engaged in manufacturing and services, CSFs have been identified.

The key part of dynamic supply chain management is negotiating with suppliers and with buyers. Designing efficient business processes throughout the supply chain, and controlling their speed, timing, and interaction with one another, is decisive factors in a competitive and dynamic environment. Coordination is essential for successful supply chain management. Therefore, in this chapter, a novel Negotiation-to-Coordinate (N2C) mechanism is proposed to explore the interactive nature of the buyersupplier relationships for dynamic environments. The proposed N2C mechanism uses prioritized fuzzy constraints to represent trade-offs among the different probable values associated with the negotiation issues and to signify how agents should make concessions. Supervisor agent in the N2C mechanism takes into account the conflicts of interest of buyer’s agent and supplier’s agent and the proposal and plan generated by supervisor agents helps in resolving the true and potential conflicts of interests for buyer’s agent and supplier’s agent. The proposed computational framework based on fuzzy constraints is suited for capturing the dynamics by modeling trade-offs between different attributes of a product leading to a fair and equitable deal for both suppliers and buyers. The proposed approach models the intricacies in the face of the imprecise, uncertain and conflicting nature of objectives. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated through an illustrative example.

This paper presents a study of comparison of the importance attached by the service providers’ and the customers’ with respect to eighteen service characteristics towards the public transportation services provided by a bus company. The survey was conducted in three bus depots in one division of a state road transport undertaking (SRTU) in south India. The importance the SRTU and the customers attach to these characteristics indicates significant differences. This reveals the existence of a gap between customers’ expectations and the service provided by the company. Finally the customer retention and customer development criteria have been. identified.