Search

Our recent results on application of 4D laser printing to preparation of porous core-shell polymer structures containing encapsulated micro and nanoparticles are overviewed. Thus prepared polymer-matrix nanocomposite can find their application in micro/nano-electromechanical systems. Synthesized highly porous nanocomposites can also be used in catalysis, lab-on-chips, hydrogen storage devices, surgery medicine, and drug delivery systems.

–The gas-sensing properties of nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles prepared by a self-sustaining levitation-jet synthesis (LJS) method are reported. These have been compared to the gas-sensing properties of a NiO sensor prepared using a commercially sourced powder. The microstructure, surface area, particle size, and morphology varied widely across the sensors fabricated. It was anticipated that these contrasting properties would play a key role in either enhancing or worsening the sensing capabilities of the materials. Gases of interest included ethanol, toluene, and carbon monoxide as well as the gas response of the sensors was investigated at different operating temperatures. In general, the sensors responded to gases with different degrees of sensitivity. Among the sensors with higher surface areas, one provided noticeable enhancements in sensitivity towards gases when compared, for instance, to the sensitivity of the commercially based NiO sensor. The NiFe2O4 sensor presented most promise as a gas sensor to ethanol and, to a greater or lesser degree, towards toluene gas. In general, sensors were poorly responsive to the carbon monoxide concentrations tested. This study is one of the first reports of using LJS-based powders for gas sensing applications and it highlights the suitability of the method to fabricate size- and shape-controlled nanomaterials for the detection of environmentally relevant gases.

The catalytic properties of Inerton-supported nickel nanoparticles in benzene hydrogenation have been studied; rate constants of the reaction at different temperatures have been calculated. Activation energy and conversion have been determined, and the effect of size of nickel nanoparticles on their catalytic properties in benzene hydrogenation has been discussed.

We have studied conditions for the synthesis of intermetallic phases in the Cu–Al–Ni system by selective laser sintering/melting, in particular by heating a powder mixture to 300°C. The effects of laser synthesis and heating on the microstructure of the intermetallic phases in the samples obtained have been studied using electron microscopy, optical metallography, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results demonstrate high sinterability of stoichiometric mixtures. Resistivity measurements indicate that the samples exhibit a shape memory effect. We discuss the feasibility of producing biomicroelectromechanical systems using layerby- layer synthesis.

MgNi2 intermetallic was synthesized by powder metallurgy and crystallizes with a Laves-type C36 structure (space group P63/mmc (No. 194); a = 4.826; c = 15.832 A). At 300 °C during interaction with hydrogen (deuterium) gas compressed to 2.8–7.4 GPa, a trihydride MgNi2H(D)3.2 was synthesized. The trihydride remained metastable at ambient conditions allowing its structure, stability and magnetic properties to be studied. The formation of MgNi2H3.2 is associated with a complete rebuilding of the initial hexagonal structure into the orthorhombic distorted MoSi2-type sublattice (space group Fmmm (No. 69); a = 4.55; b = 4.69; c = 8.80 A). Neutron diffraction of the MgNi2D3.2 demonstrated that D atoms fill sites having octahedral Mg4Ni2 (D1/4b) and planar Ni2 (D2/8f) coordination. Within the framework of the density functional theory, density of states (DOS) calculations showed the formation of a structure around −10 to −6 eV caused by the chemical bonds of hydrogen and its 1s states mainly via interaction with the 3d states of Ni. Analysis of the electronic structure revealed a charge transfer from Mg to Ni, and to the H atoms. The calculated enthalpy of formation of MgNi2H3 is about −30 kJ/mol-H2, which is consistent with the stability of the hydride at normal conditions. The initial sample contained a small amount of a secondary MgNi3 intermetallic, which has been formed during the equilibrium interaction of magnesium and nickel at 800 °C. Thus this compound should be included in the phase diagram of the Mg–Ni system. MgNi3 decomposes under high-temperature/high-pressure hydrogenation conditions and forms nickel monohydride.