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Three different quenching processes were applied to CuAlTa and CuAlTaNb high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs). The phase components, microstructural properties, PTTs, shape recovery behaviors, and grain sizes of the alloys were examined; moreover, XRD, SEM–EDX, DSC analyses, and bend test measurements were accomplished for the HTSMAs. It was found that the quenching conditions applied to the samples changed the phase peak intensities. From the microstructural investigations, it was determined that the precipitate phase present in the alloy samples, declined with decreasing the quenching temperature. Thermal analyses showed that both Nb doping and quenching temperature could change phase transformation temperatures up to about 36 °C. Bend test measurements showed that the shape memory effect was improved by contributing Nb addition and quenching in lower temperatures. It was seen that the changes in the alloys were related to the grain size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor HCHO elimination is of great significance for breathing safety. Herein, we report CeO2 nanorods decorated by Pt nanoparticles for HCHO oxidative elimination. The resultant Pt/CeO2 catalysts show a close relationship between oxidation performance and ceria nanorod crystallite sizes. In comparison to 0.2Pt/CeO2-B and 0.2Pt/CeO2-C catalysts that have ceria crystallite sizes of 11 and 18 nm, respectively, the 0.2Pt/CeO2-A catalyst that has a ceria crystallite size of 8 nm exhibits the highest oxidation performance. From the results of Raman, O2-TPD, and H2-TPR analyses, the size–performance relationship is suggested to be contributed from the highest oxygen vacancy, the highest oxygen mobility, and the strongest redox in the 0.2Pt/CeO2-A catalyst because of the smallest ceria size. In situ DRIFTS verifies that mobile oxygen from the ceria surface lattice oxygen activated the oxygen molecules at the oxygen vacancy and the hydroxyl group transformed the intermediates of dioxymethylene and formate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of four different oxidation processes on the oxidation behavior, phase components, microstructural properties and thermodynamic parameters of a Cu-9Al-5Ta (% wt) high temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) were investigated through DTA/TG, XRD, SEM-EDX and DSC analysis measurements. The oxidation processes were performed at different temperatures, including 700°C, 800, 900, and 1000, and it is found that the surface oxidation reached saturation after 900, and thus the oxidation constant did not increase. After oxidation, various phases, such as 18 and phases, were determined that their intensity varied with changing temperature. However, the fact that and phases, which are rich in the amount of Ta elements, are difficult to diffuse with oxygen caused these phase intensity to be high. It was observed that surface oxide layers formed with increasing temperature caused to grow and expand the martensite and phases. Additionally, the change in the steady-state of the a (9R) phase with increasing temperature also caused local changes in the chemical composition. It was observed that these expanding phases forced the oxide layer and formed oxide structures in the form of swelling and splitting on the surface. The DSC analysis showed that the martensite transformation temperature range and thermodynamic parameters do not affect the presence of martensite transformations, although they show small changes with oxidation. However, the elastic energies exhibited irregular behavior due to the heat energy transferred to the alloy. The change in phase structures with increasing oxidation changed the crystallite size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A predictive model correlating the properties of a catalyst with its performance would be beneficial for the development, from biomass waste, of new, carbon-supported and Earth-abundant metal oxide catalysts. In this work, the effects of copper and iron oxide crystallite size on the performance of the catalysts in reducing nitrogen oxides, in terms of nitrogen oxide conversion and nitrogen selectivity, are investigated. The catalysts are prepared via the incipient wetness method over activated carbon, derived from palm kernel shells. The surface morphology and particle size distribution are examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy, while crystallite size is determined using the wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering methods. It is revealed that the copper-to-iron ratio affects the crystal phases and size distribution over the carbon support. Catalytic performance is then tested using a packed-bed reactor to investigate the nitrogen oxide conversion and nitrogen selectivity. Departing from chemical characterization, two predictive equations are developed via an artificial neural network technique—one for the prediction of NOx conversion and another for N2 selectivity. The model is highly applicable for 250–300 °C operating temperatures, while more data are required for a lower temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares two TiO2 thick film gas sensors to the hydrogen at elevated operating temperatures. The first gas sensor was prepared by applying nitrogen treatment at 200 °C for 2 h to the TiO2 powder before the TiO2 paste was prepared. The second gas sensor was prepared using TiO2 powder without purification to make the TiO2 paste. Both TiO2 pastes were prepared by mixing the sensing material with an organic binder. Both pastes were deposited on an alumina substrate using a screen-printing technique and annealed at 500 °C for 30 min under ambient air. FESEM and XRD characterizations were carried out to investigate the morphology and elemental composition. The results revealed that the TiO2 thick film with nitrogen treatment produced slightly higher crystallinity and smaller crystallite sizes for the anatase and rutile phases than the TiO2 thick film without nitrogen treatment. In terms of resistivity, the WTN gas sensor produced lower resistivity than the WON gas sensor for operating temperatures below 200 °C. The results were found that the WON gas sensor had higher sensitivity than the WTN gas sensor to various concentrations of hydrogen at the operating temperature of 150 °C, 200 °C, and 250 °C. Both gas sensors also produced similar optimum operating temperatures, which occurred at 200 °C. The sensitivity of the WON gas sensor was approximately 6.30, 8.39, 12.70, 15.92, and 19.87 optimum operating temperatures to 100 ppm, 300 ppm, 500 ppm, 700 ppm, and 1000 ppm of hydrogen, respectively. In addition, the WTN gas sensor has better stability characteristics for higher operating temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using ferric nitrate Fe(NO3)3 9H2O as a precursor and Ethylene Glycol monoethylene ether as a solvent, Fe2O3 NPs were prepared using the sol-gel technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of Fe2O3 NPs at different calcination temperatures to determine the size of the crystallite was performed using various methods of calculation showed that crystallite size enhanced to the presence of single phase (γ-Fe2O3) at lower temperature, as the contribution of other phase (α-Fe2O3) increases in size varies, but again begins to decrease as the material converts to single phase. The average crystallite size of the Fe2O3 NPs was 7–11 nm. The synthesized Fe2O3 NPs are spherical in shape, according to FE-SEM analysis. The EDX and FTIR spectra of the synthesized particles revealed that they are pure Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The magnetic properties of synthesized nanoparticle such as saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Oe) are calculated from hysteresis curve obtained from Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) data demonstrate that the sample belong to magnetically soft iron oxides and possess a multi-domain structure. The Mössbauer spectral analysis revealed the relative fraction of γ-Fe2O3 was more at lower temperature but relative fraction for α-Fe2O3 increases as temperature increases which is in quite agreement with structural data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper delivers an analyzing and discussion of the experimental results for the effect of lanthanum substitution on the structural behavior for compounds (Bi2Ba2CaCu2-XLaXO8+δ) with variation concentrations from 0 up to 0.2 with a fraction of 0.05. Specimens prepared by solid-state reaction. We investigate the structural properties, studying the lanthanum substitution instead of lead using the resulting properties of XRD. The sintering process was done below the melting point of any one of the component materials. The optimum sintering temperature was equal to 850 ℃ for 72 h to produce an active powder with higher densities and reduced the distance between the grains. (FWHM) results were calculated using X-ray information. The crystallite size D was estimated by Scherer and Williamson-Hall equations, where the results showed that the crystallite size (57.029-63.281 nm) and (56.395-65.948 nm) respectively, besides, the degree of crystallinity (41.64-63.79%) correlation with concentrations of lanthanum substitution. Through the outcome values, the results of the three methods are observed close to each other and this indicates that these methods are compatible with the compound and that the partial replacement occurs a noticeable change in the size of the crystallite as well as in the degree of crystallinity.

• The GO decorated with Ag in aminated PMMA was uniformly dispersed. • The lattice strain and GO layers under interaction were calculated. • The flexural strength and composite modulus support PNGAg as good coating material. • The characteristic absorption peaks of GO is in line with UVC absorption. • The β−relaxation is dominant and enhanced dielectric properties. The present study reports the synthesis and characteristics of an aminated PMMA-Ag-GO polymer nanocomposite (PNGAg) for coatings. The XRD diffractogram data indicated the presence of crystallinity in samples. The lattice strain of (002) planes and crystallite size were computed to estimate the number of graphene oxide (GO) layers. The homogenous dispersion of GO with silver (Ag) nanoparticles over the surface of the samples was verified by the SEM and EDAX tests. The thermal stability and interaction of fillers with aminated PMMA is confirmed by of TGA–DTA and FTIR analysis. Moreover, the substantial shift of FTIR bands supports the bonding of functional groups with Ag decorated GO and the stability of nanocomposite. The estimated mechanical properties like flexural strength and composite modulus (> 90 MPa) supported the applicability of PNGAg as coatings. The UV–Vis spectroscopy evidenced the characteristic absorption peaks of GO in line with range of UVC radiation in aminated PMMA. Along with high values of relative permittivity, the shift of loss tangent maxima to higher end with increase in GO concentration is attributed to greater number of interfaces. Owing to the functionalisation by naproxen along with dispersion of GO, contributed to MWS polarisation and hence strengthen the dielectric properties. As the concentration of GO rises from 0.1 mol% to 0.7 mol%, substantial shift of AC conductivity (i.e. 2.49 × 10−6 Scm−1 to 37.9 × 10−6 Scm−1) is observed. The high conductivity of PNGAg5 at 0.9 mol% GO suggests the presence of numerous layers, leading to increased interfacial polarization and a higher dielectric constant. In addition to that, the semi-circle in impedance plot and bulk resistance also supported the optimal dielectric properties of samples. As a whole, the results have shown that PNGAg nanocomposites are good coating materials for wide variety of devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Silicate-modified ceria crystallites have an average size of 6.7 nm at 800 °C. • Palladium catalyst supported on the modified ceria showed a significantly enhanced activity. • The small-crystallite ceria exhibited a high oxygen supply capacity. • The conversion of carbon-containing intermediates from methane dissociation on palladium species was enhanced. High-performance Pd/CeO 2 catalysts for the purification of low-concentration methane in waste gases by catalytic combustion have long been pursued, given that methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The reduction in ceria oxygen supply and palladium dispersion, caused by ceria crystallite sintering, deactivates the catalyst. Here, we report an enhanced palladium catalyst supported on a silicate-induced small-crystallite ceria (7.2 nm) calcined at 800 °C, compared to the pristine ceria (50.7 nm). The catalyst was coated on a cordierite monolith for 0.1 vol% methane combustion, achieving 90 % methane conversion at 336 °C, which is 84 °C lower than the temperature required for Pd/CeO 2 reference. The small-crystallite ceria exhibited a high oxygen supply capacity due to abundant oxygen vacancies, facilitating the conversion of carbon-containing intermediates from methane dissociation on palladium species, thereby enhancing the catalyst's intrinsic activity. The catalyst, with increased palladium dispersion, demonstrated a methane reaction rate 6.7 times higher than that of the Pd/CeO 2 at 280 °C. This study provides new insights into designing highly efficient Pd/CeO 2 -based catalysts for low-concentration methane combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, HAp powders were synthesized using the wet chemical precipitation technique. The temperature of the heat treatment (80 °C, 120 °C, and 160 °C) and the addition of glutamic acid were the considered process parameters. After the reaction between the precursors calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] and ammonium phosphate [(NH4)H2PO4], decantation of the residue, drying, and finally, heat treatment of the residue were done sequentially. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis were carried out to characterize the synthesized HAp powders. It was found that at a high heat treatment temperature plus the addition of glutamic acid are suitable process parameters to acquire uniform HAp powders with plate morphology and fibers with an average particle size of ∼100–200 µm. The Ca/P ratio obtained was like the hydroxyapatite present in the bones in the order of 1.72. This situation can be indicated as an essential advantage in the biocompatibility of the synthesized material. The use of glutamic acid suggests crystal growth in a preferential direction as reported in our previous work. The manufacture of hydroxyapatite, especially in powder, is of great interest in developing additive manufacturing systems for the biomedical market.

[Display omitted] • Polyamide (PA) film with nanofillers was a semi-crystalline cross-linked polymer. • The growth of free volume caused by nanofiller led to enhanced permeability. • Crystallite structures of nanofiller affected the dielectric property of PA film. • Structural changes induced by nanofillers governed the performance of NF membrane. Nanomaterials, added in small quantities as "nanofillers," have been shown to improve the performance of NF membranes in terms of mechanical properties, anti-fouling characteristics, selectivity, and transport. The goal of this work is to explore the mechanisms of nanofiller improvements on selectivity and transport of NF membranes. Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and graphene oxide were selected as nanofillers to be added in the fabrication of free-standing polyamide (PA) films for the characterization of the internal structure of the polymer materials. Investigations of polymer characteristics revealed that the PA film with nanofillers was a semi-crystalline cross-linked polymer that exhibited an increase in chain length and free volume, and a reduction of cross-linkage and crystallite size. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that the growth of free volume caused by polymeric chain stacking allowed water molecules to readily penetrate the spaces between polymer chains, which was primarily responsible for the enhanced permeability of PA films with nanofillers. The changes in the crystallite structures influenced the dielectric properties of the membrane matrix and the confined water in the pores, leading to the enhancement of dielectric exclusion, which can be harnessed to improve the separation performance. Taken together, our findings elucidated the structural changes of PA polymers induced by nanomaterials governing the properties and performance of NF membranes, which should be considered in the design of high-performance NF membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the overall performance of Si-based anodes is still challenging because of the influence of various parameters involved in the preparation processes. This study addresses this challenge by employing the design of experiment technique to assess the impact of ball milling parameters such as milling speed, time, ball to powder and medium to powder ratio on the properties of silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) powders, with a focus on their electrochemical performance. Si/Gr powders in 20:80 weight ratio and 4 factor - 2 level full factorial design were used to find the main effects and interactions. Crystallite sizes were calculated using the Scherrer equation, and span values were obtained from the particle size distribution (PSD) analysis. SEM analyses were carried out to check the microstructure of powders. Ultimately, regression equations were created with high adjusted R 2 values for crystallite size (93%), contamination (92%), and span (91%), respectively. Optimization experiments were carried out using the created regression equations, and the models were verified. It was found that crystallite size obtained by XRD data is more reliable to assess powder properties on the performance instead of PSD because of the agglomeration at the particle level throughout the milling. Further milling experiments were performed to elaborate the role of oxygen content and crystallite size. Results showed that while initial capacity is strongly related to total oxygen content, decay in the first cycles is correlated to the crystallite size of the silicon powder. [Display omitted] • Design of experiment is an effective way to investigate the milling parameters. • Equations were created with high adjusted R 2 values for crystallite size, span and contamination. • Total oxygen content of Si/Gr anode determines initial discharge capacity. • Smaller Si crystallite size provides better stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • NiFe 2 O 4 (NFO)/activated carbon (AC = 0 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %,) composites were prepared through a novel one-step self-igniting method. • The crystallite size (21.78 nm–20.41 nm) and porosity (34.79 %–31.53 %) were decreased with the incorporation of AC in the NFO lattice. • The Nyquist plots of impedance revealed that the resistance was restricted by the contribution of grain boundaries. • The maximum dielectric constant and loss were found for 2 % AC concentration. • This enhancement in dielectric properties makes it suitable for applications at high frequencies. The NiFe 2 O 4 (NFO)/activated carbon (AC = 0 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 %) nanohybrids were prepared via the novel one-step self-igniting method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) indexed patterns confirmed the formation of spinel single-phase NFO/AC nanohybrids. It was found that the crystallite size was reduced from 21.78 nm to 20.41 nm with the incorporation of AC in the NFO lattice. Moreover, the strain and porosity percentage was also reduced from 5.59 × 10−c to 3.04 × 10−c and 34.79 % to 31.53 % respectively, with the addition of AC in the NFO lattice. The Nyquist plots of impedance revealed that the resistance was primarily restricted by the contribution of grain boundaries. The dielectric properties increased with higher concentrations of AC. Specifically, for a concentration of 2 % AC, the dielectric constant and loss reached maximum value compared to pure NFO. This enhancement in dielectric properties makes it suitable for applications at high frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the microscale thermal propagation behavior of cold-rolled aluminum alloy sheets was characterized using a thermoreflectance (TR) method from the micro and macro perspectives, and the relationship between the crystallite sizes of cold-rolled aluminum sheets with different rolling reduction rates and their thermal propagation characteristics were described. The crystallite sizes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction using Scherrer's equation. The microscale thermal propagation characteristics of these specimens were measured using a TR method with a high spatial resolution of several micrometers through a focused laser beam and by controlling the thermal diffusion length. The macroscale thermal propagation characteristics of these specimens were then measured using two methods: the spot periodic heating method and the electrical resistance measurement method with the Wiedemann–Franz law. Experimental results showed that the microscale thermal propagation correlated with a change in the crystallite size. However, the macroscale thermal conductivity decreased with an increase in the rolling reduction rate regardless of the crystallite size. It is expected that the thermal propagation characteristics at the microscale can be controlled by a change in the crystallite size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coating of Ni-B on mild steel substrate using electroless plating and corrosion performance after annealing at temperatures of varied levels for an hour was researched. The result showed the electroless Ni-B coating was amorphous while coated and also after annealing at 400°C for about one-hour, crystalline nickel and borides of nickel were formed. The corrosion test was carried out using the as-coated and annealed samples in the electro chemical analyser. The sodium chloride solution of 3.5 wt. % was used as a medium of corrosion for the test. The micro strain and crystallite size were calculated from the XRD as a result of which, the annealing temperature raised the rate of corrosion on the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ilmenite (FeTiO3) is a suitable mineral to produce titanium dioxide (TiO2) for photocatalyst applications. Therefore, this research was conducted to synthesize TiO2 material from titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO4) extracted from Indonesia local ilmenite mineral (FeTiO3) and to modify this material into TiO2 nanotubes through a hydrothermal process at 150 °C for 24 hours followed by a post-hydrothermal treatment with temperature variations of 80,100, 120, and 150 °C for 12 hours. The purpose was to investigate the effect of the post-hydrothermal variations on the crystal structure, morphology, and optical properties of the TiO2 nanotubes produced. It was discovered from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations that the TiO2 nanotube was successfully derived from the ilmenite precursor. Moreover, the X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the nanotube crystal structure showed that post-hydrothermal treatment enhanced the crystallinity of the anatase TiO2 phase even though the sodium titanate phase was observed to exist in the structure. The increase in the post-hydrothermal temperature from 80 to 150 °C was also discovered to have led to: 1) a reduction in the unit cell volume from 136.37 to 132.31 Å3 and a decrease in the lattice constant c from 9.519 to 9.426 Å; 2) an increase in density from 7.783 to 8.081 gr/cm3 as well as in the crystallite size from 19.185 to 25.745 nm; 3) a decrease in the bandgap energy (Eg), from 3.33 to 3.02 eV. These characteristics further indicate the ability of the photocatalytic performance of the nanotubes to enhance the degradation efficiency from 87.69 to 97.11 %. This means the TiO2 nanotubes extracted from local 3 can provide the expected crystal structure and photocatalytic performance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcination temperature has influenced the structural and optical features of nanocrystalline (ZnO)0.8 (ZrO2)0.2 series. Indeed, at present, general research in the approach to synthesis of (ZnO)0.8 (ZrO2)0.2 nanoparticles by combustion using zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn (NO3)2·6H2O) and zirconium (11) nitrate pentahydrate (Zr (NO3)2·5H2O) is still in its infancy. A Thermogravimetric (TG) assessment was performed to determine the precursor of the conduction. Characterizations such as energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were carried out. The crystallite size of the binary oxides (ZnO)0.8 (ZrO2)0.2 on the maximum expansion of ZnO–ZrO2 nanoparticle was studied using Scherrer's equation. Due to calcination, significant modifications were observed in terms of the size of the particles, the absorption spectra, and the intensity of the photoluminescence. In the XRD result, an increment in crystallinity was observed from 10.20 nm to 28.00 nm while the FTIR findings showed the removal of the polymer as well as the presence of nanoparticles metals. The optical band gap results indicated a decline in energy band gap between (3.27 and 3.12) eV for (ZnO)0.8 and (4.89–4.51) eV for (ZrO2) 0.2 nanoparticles. A photoluminescence result showed two individual peaks at 655 nm (1.89 eV) and 715 nm (1.73 eV) respectively. The study also showed the application which can be a suitable choice to be used in solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an overview of the aspects of X-ray diffraction (XRD) in ferrite has been explored. Ferrite nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in various fields. XRD data could be used to measure the phases, crystal structure, and related parameters of ferrites. It can also determine the effect of doping and substitution on the crystal structure of the ferrite and the strain on the crystal lattice due to these variations. Cation distribution, bond length, interionic distances, bond angles, and hopping length can be calculated using XRD for the fruitful discussion of various properties of ferrite. From this study, it can be revealed that XRD is the ideal technique to elucidate not only the crystal structure but also the magnetic, electrical, optical, elastic behavior which could be explained by analyzing the XRD data systematically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a high energy ball milling method for producing supersaturated solutions of the Ti100-xMgx (x = 10, 15, 20) composite powders containing a process control agent (PCA) under an argon atmosphere at an ambient temperature. The microstructure of the Ti–Mg solid solution during milling was analyzed by scanning electron microscope, and an X-Ray diffraction. A particle size analyzer was employed to investigate the average particle size at different milling times (12 h, 20 h, 32 h). After milling for 32 h of Ti100-xMgx (x = 10, 15, 20) composite powders, the solid solubility of the Mg in Ti reached about 0.5 wt.%, 1.14 wt.%, and 1.92 wt.%, respectively. It was found that the crystallite size of the milled powder decreased by increasing the milling time and reached the value of 4–11 nm after 32 h of milling. Moreover, the addition of the process control agent after 12 h and 20 h significantly reduced the agglomeration by cold welding. As a result, the average particle size of the dispersed composite powder Ti100-xMgx (x = 10, 15, 20) was refined to about 1 μm which indicated that the Ti controlled the final size as being a major alloying element. The maximum value of the density of green compacts was found to be 2.69 g/cm3 for Ti–10Mg.

NiMoS supported on ZSM-5 with different Si/Al ratio, crystallite size and pore structure was prepared by incipient impregnation method and applied in 1, 3, 5-trimethylbenzene (1, 3, 5-TMB) hydrodealkylation (HDAK). The physicochemical properties of samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, NH3-TPD, Py-FTIR, H2-TPR, HRTEM and TGA. It is demonstrated that for microporous NiMoS/ZSM-5, acid amount and crystallite size of HZSM-5 are key factors affecting HDAK performance. The larger acid amount and smaller crystallite size can promote the conversion of 1, 3, 5-TMB, especially the dealkylation reaction, resulting in higher BTX yield. Compared to NiMoZ-3, mesopores in micro-mesoporous NiMoAKZ-3 are beneficial to accessibility of 1, 3, 5-TMB to NiMoS and acid sites in close proximity, and the diffusion of reactant and product molecules inside pores, thus resulting in superior HDAK performance of NiMoAKZ-3. Moreover, the reaction network of 1, 3, 5-TMB HDAK was revealed according to product distribution. NiMoS supported on ZSM-5 was developed for heavy aromatic hydrodealkylation (HDAK). Acid amount and crystallite size of microporous ZSM-5 are key factors affecting 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (1,3,5-TMB) HDAK. Mesopores inside ZSM-5 facilitate accessibility of 1,3,5-TMB to NiMoS and acid sites in close proximity and improve HDAK performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead zirconate titanate based piezoelectric ceramics 0.45Pb (Zn1/3, Sb2/3) O3-0.55Pb0.98La0.02 (Zr0.48, Ti0.52) O3 (0.45PZS-0.55PLZT) was produced using the solid-state reaction method. In order to optimize the synthesis process, the effect of various process parameters on the formation of crystalline phase and its structural properties, as the heating rate, the size of grain, maintaining time (for pre-sintering) and time mixing were studied. It was found that changing the different operating parameter conditions influences on the structural properties and crystallite size. The resulting product has a nature of tetragonal structure that does not change with the operating parameters. The lattice parameters and crystal size is strongly influenced by the various operating parameters. It was found that the optimal values are for the heating rates 4K/min and 8K/min, grain size of oxides reactant less than 250 µm, maintaining time 2 h and finally the mixing time for 1 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a detail crystallographic investigation of a well-known biphasic biomaterial containing hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). This biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramic (BCP) was synthesized by three typical methods: (i) solid-state method (where CaCO3 and (NH4)2HPO4 was the source of Ca and P, respectively); (ii) wet chemical method (where the reactants were Ca(OH)2 and H3PO4); and (iii) direct incineration of bovine bones. Furthermore, the adopted fourth method to synthesize the biphasic biomaterial was UV irradiation instead of high temperature calcination. In each case the synthetic biphasic biomaterial was characterized by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. Various crystallographic parameters such as crystallite size, dislocation density, microstrain, crystallinity index (from XRD and FT-IR), HAp percentage, β-TCP percentage, the volume fraction of β-TCP, and degree of crystallinity were estimated by conventional approaches for the broader applicability of this biphasic biomaterial. Two new models for measuring microstrain and one new method (XRD-sin2Ѱ technique) for calculating residual stress (also known as intrinsic stress) were developed to estimate the crystallographic parameter more accurately. A linear relationship was illustrated among the value of conventional methods and newly developed techniques without significant difference (R2 = more than 0.9) among the values of four types of HAp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural properties of carbonized cellulose were explored to conjugate the outcomes from various characterization techniques, namely X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. All these techniques have evidenced the formation of graphene stacks with a size distribution. Cellulose carbonized at 1000 and 1800 °C at a heating rate of 2 °C/min showed meaningful differences in Raman spectroscopy, whereas in XRD, the differences were not well pronounced, which implies that the crystallite sizes calculated by each technique have different significations. In the XRD patterns, the origin of a specific feature at a low scattering angle commonly reported in the literature but poorly explained so far, was identified. The different approaches used in this study were congruous in explaining the observations that were made on the cellulose-derived carbon samples. The remnants of the basic structural unit (BSU) are developed during primary carbonization. Small graphene-based crystallites inherited from the BSUs, which formerly developed during primary carbonization, were found to coexist with larger ones. Even if the three techniques give information on the average size of graphenic domains, they do not see the same characteristics of the domains; hence, they are not identical, nor contradictory but complementary. The arguments developed in the work to explain which characteristics are deduced from the signal obtained by each of the three characterization techniques relate to physics phenomena; hence, they are quite general and, therefore, are valid for all kind of graphenic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, Al3Mg2 nanopowder has been made successfully by milling of broken ingot Al3Mg2 for 25 hours. Al3Mg2 ingot was firstly produced from pure Al and Mg by casting. The effect of milling on properties of the obtained powders was studied. The phase identification, crystal size and lattice microstrain of the milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The morphology of the powders was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Particle size analysis was utilized for study of Al3Mg2 particle size distributions. The results indicate that the as-broken ingot powder with a wide size distribution of irregular shaped morphology changes to almost equiaxed particles with a narrow size distribution after 25 h milling, reaching an average particle size of <100 nm. Further, the crystallite size of powders decrease with milling while saved lattice strain increases seriously. From XRD graphs, it can be concluded that milling refines the crystallite size, does not modify the crystal structure, and does not introduce contamination. In addition, TEM observations explored the presence of nanocrystalline grain and the diffused rings in related selected area diffraction pattern indicated the formation of high angle grain boundaries and nanostructured β-Al3Mg2 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, Al7075-TiC composites were synthesized by using a novel dual step blending process followed by cold pressing and sintering. The effect of ball milling time on the microstructure of the synthesized composite powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, the integrated effects of the two-stage mechanical alloying process were investigated on the crystallite size and lattice strain. The crystallite size and lattice strain of blended samples were calculated using the Scherrer method. The prediction of the crystallite size and lattice strain of synthesized composite powders was conducted by an artificial neural network technique. The results of the mixed powder revealed that the particle size and crystallite size improved with increasing milling time. The particle size of the 3 h-milled composites was 463 nm, and it reduces to 225 nm after 7 h of milling time. The microhardness of the produced composites was significantly improved with milling time. Furthermore, an artificial neuron network (ANN) model was developed to predict the crystallite size and lattice strain of the synthesized composites. The ANN model provides an accurate model for the prediction of lattice parameters of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐energy, wide‐angle x‐ray scattering (WAXS, x‐ray diffraction) and small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) were used to study intact human second metacarpal bones (mc2) from two UK archeological sites. A novel method correcting for irregular mass distribution was applied in these transmission geometry experiments done at beamline 1‐ID of the Advanced Photon Source. The authors asked whether there were age‐at‐death‐related changes in carbonated apatite (cAp) lattice parameters and whether SAXS could detect collagen D‐period peaks in the archeological mc2. For each of the two sites, Ancaster and Wharram Percy in England, six female mc2s were studied; for each site, two were from each of three age‐at‐death cohorts (young, 18–29 years; middle, 30–49 years; old ≥50 years) along with a modern control mc2. The Rietveld method was applied to the WAXS patterns to provide precise lattice parameter values. The cAp lattice parameters did not correlate with age‐at‐death estimated from dental wear. From WAXS and the 00.2 diffraction peak widths, four archeological mc2s possessed coherently scattering domain lengths (crystallite c‐axis sizes) that matched that of the modern mc2; SAXS revealed the same four archeological mc2 had D‐period peak intensities equivalent to that of the modern mc2. The other eight archeological mc2s had significantly larger crystallite sizes (than the modern mc2) and weak or absent D‐period peaks, differences attributed to diagenetic changes. Based on these data, the authors suggest that WAXS 00.2 peak width and SAXS D‐period peak intensity can be used with intact bones to select those likely to retain largely unaltered tissue nanostructure, which might be required for other analyses. Taken as a whole, the results suggest detecting age‐related deterioration in nanostructural features may be difficult in bone showing significant bioerosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ca3Co4O9 is a p-type semiconducting material that is well-known for its thermoelectric (TE), magnetic, electronic, and electro-optic properties. In this study, sol-gel autoignition was used to prepare Ca3Co4O9 at different calcination temperatures (773, 873, 973, and 1073 K) and time (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 h) using starch as a fuel. The phase and microstructure of the prepared Ca3Co4O9 powder were investigated. Thermogravimetry.differential thermal analysis (TGA) confirms that the final weight loss occurred at 1073 K to form Ca3Co4O9 stable powder. The variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM) images show that the size of powder particles increases from 1.15 to 1.47 μm as calcination time increases from 4 to 12 h, and the size remains almost constant thereafter. A similar pattern is also observed on the increment of the crystallite size and percentage of crystallinity with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The highest crystallinity is found about 92.9% when the powder was calcinated at 1073 K for 12 and 14 h with 458 and 460 Å crystallite size, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis demonstrates that the calcinated powder has a high intensity of Ca, Co, and O with uniform distribution. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images prove that there is no distinct lattice distortion defect on the crystal structure.

Rolled mill scale is one of the most valuable industrial waste. The produced mill-scale briquettes are reduced by hydrogen at varying temperatures. The reduction is carried out at 800°C, 900°C, and 1000 °C and lasts for 120 minutes. The reduced samples are studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The reduction of mill scale allows the new use and development of this material to obtain sponge iron that can be reused to produce iron-based powder metallurgy components. From the SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis, it is clear that as the reduction temperature increases from 800°C to 1000°C, the amount of produced iron powder also increases at constant holding time, where the amount of iron powder produced at 800oC is 94.55%, but it is 98.22% at the reduction temperature of 1000°C. The proposed reduction process allows obtaining a sponge iron powder of an irregular morphology with different crystallite sizes as measured by the Scherrer equation, where the crystallite size increased with the reduction temperature. The minimum crystallite size value is 44.45nm at the reduction temperature of 800°C, but it equals 60.1nm at 1000°C.

Herein, we have prepared tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs), through a co-precipitation method, using SnCl2·2H2O dissolved in distilled water (DW) as a precursor. Then, the prepared NPs were heat treated in a muffle furnace, as a function of temperature, under an open atmosphere. The prepared SnO2 NPs were then re-dispersed in DW, followed by spray casting on a glass substrate, for preparing SnO2 thin films. The average thickness of the fabricated SnO2 thin films was 2.76 µm. We demonstrated a very clear variation in the structural, compositional, and morphological features of the different films (in particular, variation of the density of oxygen vacancies), which altered their electrical and optical properties. Raising the calcination temperature of the SnO2 thin films, from 250 °C to 650 °C, led to a monotonic reduction in the crystallite size, from 10.4 nm to 6.7 nm, and a decrease in the O/Sn ratio, from 5.60 to 4.79. A 14.5% decrease in the O/Sn ratio resulted in a decrease in the crystallite size by 3.7 nm (i.e., a 35.3% decrease in the NP size), and a decrease in the band gap of 0.11 eV. The lowering of the band gap, along with an increase in the oxygen vacancies in the films, accords well with previous studies. Besides, as the calcination temperature was raised, the refractive index and absorption coefficient values were also found to notably increase. Very interestingly, by simply altering the calcination temperature, we were able to produce SnO2 thin films with optical band gaps nearly equal to the fundamental band gap (2.96 eV), even though many earlier experimental studies had reported considerably greater values (3.36–4.24 eV). SnO2 thin films with lower oxygen vacancies exhibited relatively higher band gaps, which is likely to be favorable for the desired electron transport layer in perovskite solar cells.

The fashion industry's reliance on dyes contributes significantly to environmental pollution, which disturbs the ecological balance. To address this issue, we used ZnO/Mg combined with activated carbon (AC) at various concentrations (0.1 g, 0.5 g, and 1 g), which were synthesized via sol-gel and mechanical alloying processes. The analysis of X-ray diffraction shows reduced crystallite size, with d-spacing change ( → d ← ) for ZnO/Mg/AC (0.5 g) and ( ← d → ) for ZnO/Mg/AC (1 g), respectively. The results of the IR spectrum indicated the main vibrations is MgO and Zn-O bonds at wave numbers 673 cm -1 and 467 cm -1 . It was found that ZnO/Mg/AC (1 g) shows high degradation performance D % : 86.15% as a consequence of reduced crystallite size: 22.67 nm, decreased skin depth: 0.002 cm, widening of optical phonon vibration ( Δ ( LO - TO ) ): 252 cm -1 and increased E g : 4.6 eV as a function AC variation. Moreover, the finding of high photocatalytic performance ≥  80% for 0.25 mL MB dissolved in 250 mL distilled water is obtained from all composites. Based on these results, ZnO/Mg/AC shows potential as a photocatalyst to solve the MB waste problem., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the European Photochemistry Association, European Society for Photobiology.)

This study investigates the antibacterial activity and spectral characteristics of Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via the gelatin-based sol-gel method, focusing on their potential biomedical applications. Zn₁₋ₓCuₓO nanoparticles (x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) were fabricated using this method. The incorporation of copper dopants into the ZnO matrix significantly influences both the crystalline structure and spectral properties of the nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of a wurtzite structure without any pyrochlore phase. The broadening of spectral features indicates modifications in lattice parameters and elastic constants. XRD results reveal that adding Cu to the ZnO lattice causes a decrease in crystallite size from 32 to 18 nm. Transmission electron microscopy shows spherical-shaped ZnO nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 30 to 40 nm. Moreover, Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibit considerable inhibition against bacterial growth. Adding Cu enhances the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles, suggesting their potential in biomedical applications. Overall, these findings highlight the promising prospects of sol-gel synthesized Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles in the biomedical field., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

A series ofCd0.45Co0.55Fe2-yEuyO4( y = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) spinel nanoferrites (SNFs) were synthesized using a self-igniting process and employed as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The results demonstrated the formation of a single SNFs phase, as shown by the XRD data. The crystallite size lies between the range of 29.30-51.12 nm. The porosity percentage is within the range of 31.37%-32.99%. Rietveld refinement of XRD and Raman analysis revealed the pure spinel phase and no secondary phase was observed. The saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy were also decreased with the addition of Eu 3+ in Cd-Co SNFs. The high coercive field was enhanced for Eu 3+ doping as compared to pure Cd-Co SNFs. The dielectric constant was improved with the substitution of Eu 3+ in Cd-Co SNFs. The dielectric tangent loss was reduced with the doping of Eu 3+ . The electrochemical performance of the Eu 3+ doped Cd-Co SNFs achieved an impressive maximum specific capacitance at a lower scan rate. Based on these findings, the outstanding electrochemical performance of the Eu 3+ doped Cd-Co SNFs suggests their potential as promising materials for high-frequency, magnetic ferrofluid, and supercapacitor electrodes., (© 2024 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

In this study, Eu3+ doped natural fluorapatites [Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 F 2 :xEu3+ (x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5)] were produced from a natural waste by solid-state powder synthesis, conventional sintering, and spark plasma sintering techniques. The effects of doping content and crystallite size on luminescence properties of fluorapatite were investigated by XRD, SEM, and PL analysis. The obtained results showed that luminescence emission's intensity significantly increased with doping content, but no effect was observed on the density and crystallite size. For the samples produced with different methods, emission intensity was the lowest for sintered samples by SPS (1150 °C, 10 min, 50 MPa) with the smallest crystalline size. In contrast, emission intensity was found much higher for synthesized powders with the largest crystallite size. Furthermore, upon excitation under UV radiation, the Eu doped fluorapatites demonstrated the characteristic 5D 0 –7F 2 and 5D 0 –7F 4 emission lines of Eu3+ at 618 nm and 704 nm (red region) with an ultrahigh intensity that has been firstly observed in the literature. Therefore, Eu doped fluorapatites, quickly produced from a natural waste in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way, carry a potential to be used in biological applications and lightning applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zinc ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized by a simple and low cost solid state technique. The synthesized powder is pre‐sintered at 200°C for 5 h and annealing at different temperatures. The crystal structure, phase purity, optical, and morphological analysis studies of synthesized ferrites materiel are investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), UV–Visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The XRD pattern of all zinc ferrite samples shows the formation of single‐phase cubic spinel structure. The optical band gap of zinc ferrite is found to be 1.96 eV. The change in morphology of zinc ferrite is observed due to the effect of the annealing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles were synthesized by green combustion method using indium (In) and tin (Sn) as precursors, and Carica papaya seed extract as novel fuel. This paper highlights the effect of tin concentration (5%, 10%, and 50%) on the microstructural, optical, and electrical properties of ITO nanoparticles (NPs). The indium nitrate and tin nitrate solution along with the fuel were heated at 600°C for 1 h in a muffle furnace and obtained powder was calcinated at 650°C for 3 h to produce ITO NPs. The above properties were investigated usingXRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and computer-controlled impedance analyzer. The XRD, SEM, and TEM investigations reveal the synthesized NPs were spherical in shape with an increase in average grain size (17.66 to 35 nm) as Sn concentration increases. FTIR investigations confirm the In-O bonding. The optical properties results revealed that the ITO NPs band gap decreased from 3.21 to 2.98 eV with an increase in Sn concentration. The ac conductivity of ITO NPs was found to increase with an increase in Sn concentration. These synthesized ITO NPs showed excellent properties for emerging sensor and optical device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that the replacement of a part of sulfur atoms with selenium atoms in a TlInS2 single crystal stimulates the formation of a single-phase state with a monoclinic structure (space group C 2 / c) in TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1). Irradiation with 2 MeV electrons and a fluence of 2 × 1 0 1 7 electron/cm2 of powder TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1) leads to an increase in the crystallite size from 56.5 nm to 65 nm, which is most likely associated with a decrease in the interface. The difference between the surface morphology of the synthesized TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1) single crystal and the surface morphology of the TlInS2 single crystal is established, which consists in a decrease in the height and width of the roughness in TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1). Irradiation of a TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1) single crystal with electrons with a fluence of 2 × 1 0 1 7 electron/cm2 does not lead to a change in the height of the tubercle on its surface, and the average value of its width increases more than ten-fold. The identity of the peaks in the Raman spectra of the TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1) single crystal before and after its irradiation with electrons with an energy of 2 MeV and upto a fluence of 2 × 1 0 1 7 electron/cm2, along with the absence of a shift of the peaks, indicates the radiation resistance of the TlInS x Se 2 − x (x = 1) single crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, Ta doped ZnO thin films have been deposited onto glass and Si substrates by Thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) thin film deposition system. TVA is an anodic plasma thin film deposition system and it is used to relatively high-quality thin films deposition. ZnO thin films have direct optical band gap of 3.37 eV. Tantalum is an efficient higher-valance element. Ta atom gives the more electrons compared to Zinc atom and their ionic radius are very close to each other, so substituted element does not bring into additional stress in crystal network. The deposited thin films were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometry and interferometer. To change the band gap properties of the ZnO thin film, Ta doping was used and band gap of Ta doped ZnO thin film was obtained 3.1 eV by Tauc's method. The wt% ratios for Zn/Ta were calculated as 0.45 and 0.42 for the films deposited onto glass and Si substrates, respectively. Crystallite sizes of Ta doped ZnO thin film was decreased by changing substrate material. To the best of our knowledge, substituted Ta elements connected to the oxygen atom in crystal network and orthorhombic β′-Ta2O5 were detected in the all films structure. Their band gaps of the β′-Ta2O5 were measured as 2.70 eV and 2.60 eV for Ta-doped ZnO thin films deposited onto glass and Si substrates, respectively. Up to day, the band gap of the β′-Ta2O5 was calculated by density function theory. According to results, β′-Ta2O5 structure was found as embedded from in the ZnO crystal network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the effect of the organic conjugated small molecule crystal growth process on the evolution of the crystal morphology and consequent charge transport properties are studied. Evaluations are carried out on a donor-acceptor-donor structured organic small molecule, 7,9-di(thiophen-2-yl)-8Hcyclopenta[a]acenaphthylen-8-one) (DTCPA), which crystallizes in a monoclinic structure. Recrystallization of the DTCPA molecule is carried out by employing four growth methods via solvent evaporation through both concentrated and dilute solutions using a polar solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The four growth methods are slow evaporation of solvent from a dilute solution (SED) and a concentrated solution, quenching the hot concentrated solution, and slow cooling of hot concentrated solution. The morphological and optical studies demonstrated recrystallized particle size varying from 0.01 mm to 10 mm. The structural analysis revealed crystallite size from 30 nm to 160 nm. Current-voltage characterization and conductivity measurements indicate that these structural and morphological variations are critical factors in influencing and determining the electronic charge transport properties. The SED method results in relatively larger crystallites size and percent crystallinity, which leads to higher conductivity. Overall, by utilizing various growth methods for DTCPA, change in particle size, crystallite size, percent crystallinity, and optical absorption is assessed, which in turn affects the electrical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferric nitrate Fe(NO3)3 ⋅9H2O as a precursor and Ethylene Glycol as a solvent were used to prepare iron oxide nanoparticle via sol gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of IONPs at different calcination temperatures to determine the size of the crystallite was performed using various methods of calculation: Scherrer, Williamson-Hall (W-H), Halder-Wagner (H-W) and Size-Strain plot (SSP). The Scherrer and H-W methods reveal that the crystallite size decreases in the presence of a single phase (γ-Fe2O3) at lower temperature, as the contribution of other-phase (α-Fe2O3) increases size varies, but again decreases as the material converts to a single phase, while with temperature, the Size-Strain Plot and Halder-Wagner Method show increased crystallite size. FE-SEM and HR-TEM investigations confirm that the synthesized IONPs are spherical. EDX spectra and FTIR analyses have shown that synthesized particles are pure iron oxide nanoparticles. The average particle size calculated using different models below than 20 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With numerous reinforcements, aluminum and its alloys are finding growing applications in every sector of industry. Titanium carbide (TiC) is regarded as an outstanding reinforcing material as compared to widely used carbide particles because of its excellent physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as its especially good interfacial bonding (wetting) capacity with aluminum. In the present research work, the effect of the mixing time of the matrix and reinforcement powders has been investigated on the crystallite size and lattice strain of the AA7075–5 wt.% TiC composites. The mechanical properties of the developed composites were also investigated in terms of microhardness values. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particles size distribution analysis and x‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the synthesized powder samples were done to see the effect of mixing time on their microstructures. The increase in mixing time led to a homogeneous distribution of 5 wt.% of TiC particles, a decrease in particles clustering. The considerable grain refining was confirmed, which reflected a reduction in particle size originating from a prolonged mixing time. The significant improvement in the crystallite size and microhardness of the produced composites were achieved with increasing mixing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ixora coccinea flower was utilized as source of natural dye to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using TiO2 electrodes. The electrodes were fabricated using Doctor Blade's method and annealed at 600 °C, 450 °C, and 300 °C. The structural, morphological, and elemental composition analyses of the TiO2 electrodes were carried out. The dye extract and the TiO2 electrodes had low absorbance within the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. The TiO2 photoanode annealed at 300 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C had crystallite sizes of 26.52, 24.36, and 21.85 nm and average grain sizes of 85 nm, 169 nm, and 184 nm in that order. The DSSC fabricated based on the Ixora coccinea flower dye extract revealed conversion efficiency of 0.73%, 1.18%, and 1.01% for the TiO2 electrodes annealed at 300 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the structure analyses of NiO-BCZY (BCZY = BaCe0.54Zr0.36Y0.1O3-δ) anode composite materials with the ratio of 50:50 for proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) application. A product of sintered NiO-BCZY was developed to understand the structural properties of the anode materials. The objectives of this work were (a) to investigate the lattice expansion of the anode by using a high-temperature XRD (HT-XRD) from 400–700 °C; and (b) to calculate the crystallite size of the sample by using Scherrer’s and Williamson Hall’s methods. The results obtained from the HT-XRD revealed that the diffraction peaks of NiO and BCZY are matched with the cubic phase perovskite structure. For example at T = 400 °C, the lattice parameter of NiO is a = 4.2004 Å and BCZY is a = 4.3331 Å. The observation also showed that the lattice expansion increased with the temperature. Furthermore, analyses of the Scherrer and Williamson Hall methods, respectively, showed that the crystallite size is strongly correlated with the lattice expansion, which proved that the crystallite size increased as the operating temperature increased. The increment of crystallite size over the operating temperature contributed to the increment of conductivity values of the single cell.