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An isostatic hot-pressing technique for the fabrication of dense W samples' is presented. The samples’ microstructure and chemical content were analyzed. The most compact samples were received at 5 GPa pressure and 1500 and 2000 °C temperatures, with densities of 18.50 and 19.07 g/cm3, respectively. It has been established that high temperature exposure has a positive effect on both the microstructure and density. It is shown that as the sintering temperature increases, the porosity of the samples decreases from 32.31% to 0.94%, and their relative density increases from 67.69% to 99.06%. The crystal structure investigation revealed that all the samples contain the main body-centered cubic W phase, and the availability of the WO2 phase is observed just after the temperature of sintering increases above 1000 °C, which is confirmed by the appearance of 111 and 22-2 reflections. A study of the shielding effectiveness against gamma-radiation was carried out using the Phy-X/PSD software. A gamma-ray source of Co60 with energies of 0.8–2.5 MeV was applied for the calculations. The results were calculated for the sample with the highest density (19.07 g/cm3) and compared with the calculations for Pb. The W shielding effectiveness main parameters are determined: linear attenuation coefficient (at 0.8 MeV–1.46 cm-1), mean free path (at 2.5 MeV–1.2 cm) and half value layer (at 2.5 MeV–0.86 cm). These values turned out to be higher than for Pb, which makes shields based on W promising for use in the field of radiation protection.

Abstract This study announces the anomalous phase separation in CoNiP alloy electroplating. The observed phenomenon of the formation of magnetic bubbles was described for the first time for this triple CoNiP system. This study briefly covers all stages of magnetic bubble formation, starting from the formation of an amorphous phosphor-rich sublayer, followed by nucleation centers, and finally cobalt-rich bubbles. An explanation for the anomalous mechanism of bubble formation was found in the effects of additives and the phenomena of depolarization and superpolarization.

Single crystals of Cu2ZnGeSe4 and Cu2ZnGeS4 solid solutions were developed and successfully obtained using the chemical vapor transfer method, with iodine acting as a transporter. The structure, compositional dependences of lattice parameters, pycnometric and X-ray densities and microhardness were determined. The chemical composition determined by the X-ray microanalysis satisfactorily corresponds to the nominal one with a tolerance of ±5 %. The XRD analysis showed that all the obtained compounds and their solid solutions have unit cell described by tetragonal symmetry. The attice parameters were found to be а = 5.342 ± 0.005 Å, с = 10.51 ± 0.01 Å for the Сu2ZnGeS4 compound and а = 5.607 ± 0.005 Å, с = 11.04 ± 0.01 Å for the Cu2ZnGeSe4, respectively. Structural studies confirmed the validity of the Vegard's law in relation to the obtained samples. The pycnometric densities of ∼4.28 g/cm3 for the Cu2ZnGeS4 and ∼5.46 g/cm3 for the Cu2ZnGeSe4 were found to be slightly less than their X-ray densities of ∼4.32 g/cm3 and ∼5.52 g/cm3, respectively. The maximum microhardness of ∼398 kg/mm2 for these solid solutions corresponds to x = 0.60. The melt point of the solid solutions increases from ∼1180 °C for the Сu2ZnGeSe4 up to ∼1400 °C for the Сu2ZnGeS4. Based on X-ray fluorescence analysis and DTA data, the phase diagram of the Cu2ZnGeSe4-Cu2ZnGeS4 system was constructed. Analysis of the obtained diagram indicates its first type according to Rozbom's classification.

Summary: The polycrystalline SrFe12O19 samples deeply substituted up to at.67% by Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, Co3+, and Cr3+ cations with a high configurational mixing entropy were prepared by solid-phase synthesis. Phase purity and unit cell parameters were obtained from XRD and analyzed versus the average ionic radius of the iron sublattice. The crystallite size varied around ∼4.5 μm. A comprehensive study of the magnetization was realized in various fields and temperatures. The saturation magnetization was calculated using the Law of Approach to Saturation. The accompanying magnetic parameters were determined. The magnetic crystallographic anisotropy coefficient and the anisotropy field were calculated. All investigated magnetization curves turned out to be nonmonotonic. The magnetic ordering and freezing temperatures were extracted from the ZFC and FC curves. The average size of magnetic clusters varied around ∼350 nm. The high values of the configurational mixing entropy and the phenomenon of magnetic dilution were taken into account.

The work is devoted to the study of radiation damage and subsequent swelling processes of the surface layer of Li2ZrO3 ceramics under irradiation with heavy Xe22+ ions, depending on the accumulation of the radiation dose. The samples under study were obtained using a mechanochemical synthesis method. The samples were irradiated with heavy Xe22+ ions with an energy of 230 MeV at irradiation fluences of 1011–1016 ion/cm2. The choice of ion types is due to the possibility of simulating the radiation damage accumulation processes as a result of the implantation of Xe22+ ions and subsequent atomic displacements. It was found that, at irradiation doses above 5 × 1014 ion/cm2, point defects accumulate, which leads to a disordering of the surface layer and a subsequent decrease in the strength and hardness of ceramics. At the same time, the main process influencing the decrease in resistance to radiation damage is the crystal structure swelling as a result of the accumulation of defects and disordering of the crystal lattice.

The current research is focused on the chemical process and characterization of Co-based Y-type hexaferrite, electrochemically active polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzene sulphonicacid (PPy-DBSA) and their composites. The microemulsion technique was used to produce hexaferrite with the formula Sr2Co2Fe12O22. The resistivity of pure ferrite specimens was 103 ohm-cm, which was lower than the 106 ohm-cm resistivity of the monomer utilized in the polymerization operation. As the temperature increases, the DC resistance decreases, revealing the specimens’ semiconductor nature. The cole-cole plots have been used to assess whether significant grain boundaries were involved in the dielectric relaxation process. By increasing the frequency, the electrochemical performance of all specimens was enhanced. Using the rate equation, ionic conductivity demonstrates that polarons are responsible for conduction. Because of the characteristics of the polymer PPY-conducting DBSA, the composites PPY/DBSA + Sr2Co2Fe12O22 exhibit a higher dielectric loss of 35 at 1 MHz. This specimen is perfect for electrical radiation shielding (EMI).These ferrites are widely used as permanent magnets, in microwave devices, high-density perpendicular media, and rigid disk media without lubricant and protective layers.

In this study, SrFe12-xNdxO19, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5, was prepared using high-energy ball milling. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Using the XRD results, a comparative analysis of crystallite sizes of the prepared powders was carried out by different methods (models) such as the Scherrer, Williamson–Hall (W–H), Halder–Wagner (H–W), and size-strain plot (SSP) method. All the studied methods prove that the average nanocrystallite size of the prepared samples increases by increasing the Nd concentration. The H–W and SSP methods are more accurate than the Scherer or W–H methods, suggesting that these methods are more suitable for analyzing the XRD spectra obtained in this study. The specific saturation magnetization (σs), the effective anisotropy constant (Keff), the field of magnetocrystalline anisotropy (Ha), and the field of shape anisotropy (Hd) for SrFe12-xNdxO19 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) powders were calculated. The coercivity (Hc) increases (about 9% at x = 0.4) with an increasing degree of substitution of Fe3+ by Nd3+, which is one of the main parameters for manufacturing permanent magnets.

Co-Ni ferrite is one of the crucial materials for the electronic industry. A partial substitution with a rare-earth metal brings about modification in crystal lattice and broadens knowledge in the discovery of new magnetic material. Current work reports a Ga3+ substitution in the Co-Ni ferrite with composition Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2−xGaxO4 (where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0), herein referred to as spinel ferrite microspheres (CoNiGa-SFMCs). The samples were crystallized hydrothermally showing a hollow sphere morphology. The crystal phase, magnetic, morphology, and optical behaviour were examined using various microscopy and spectroscopic tools. While the XRD confirmed the phase of SFMCs, the crystallite size varied between 9 and 12 nm. The Tauc plot obtained from DRS (diffuse reflectance spectroscopy) shows the direct optical energy bandgap (Eg) of the products, with the pristine reading having the value of 1.41 eV Eg; the band gap increased almost linearly up to 1.62 eV along with rising the Ga3+ amount. The magnetic features, on the other hand, indicated the decrease in coercivity (Hc) as more Ga3+ is introduced. Moreover, there was a gradual increase in both saturation magnetization (Ms) and magnetic moment (nB) with increasing amount of Ga3+ till x = 0.6 and then a progressive decline with increases in the x content; this was ascribed to the spin-glass-like behavior at low temperatures. It was detected that magnetic properties correlate well with crystallite/particle size, cation distribution, and anisotropy.

NiFe films with a composition gradient are of particular interest from the point of view of fundamental science and practical applications. Such gradient magnetic structures may exhibit unique functional properties useful for sensory applications and beyond. The issue surrounds the anomaly concerning the compositional gradient formed near the substrate in electrolytically deposited binary and ternary iron-containing alloys, which has not previously been clearly explained. In this work, light is shed on this issue, and a clear relationship is found between the structure and surface properties of the substrate, the initially formed NiFe layers and the film composition gradient.

The results of studies on the wettability properties and preparation of porous anodic alumina (PAA) membranes with a 3.3 ± 0.2 μm thickness and a variety of pore sizes are presented in this article. The wettability feature results, as well as the fabrication processing characteristics and morphology, are presented. The microstructure effect of these surfaces on wettability properties is analyzed in comparison to outer PAA surfaces. The interfacial contact angle was measured for amorphous PAA membranes as-fabricated and after a modification technique (pore widening), with pore sizes ranging from 20 to 130 nm. Different surface morphologies of such alumina can be obtained by adjusting synthesis conditions, which allows the surface properties to change from hydrophilic (contact angle is approximately 13°) to hydrophobic (contact angle is 100°). This research could propose a new method for designing functional surfaces with tunable wettability. The potential applications of ordinary alumina as multifunctional films are demonstrated.

In the presented work, B4C was irradiated with xenon swift heavy ions at the energy of 167 MeV. The irradiation of the substrate was done at room temperature to a fluence of 3.83 × 1014 ion/cm2. The samples were then analyzed with the X-ray diffraction technique to study the structural modification, as it can probe the region of penetration of xenon atoms due to the low atomic number of the two elements involved in the material under study. The nano-cluster formation under ion irradiation was observed. Positron lifetime (PLT) calculations of the secondary point defects forming nanoclusters and introduced into the B4C substrate by hydrogen and helium implantation were also carried out with the Multigrid instead of the K-spAce (MIKA) simulation package. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the sample was B4C and it had a rhombohedral crystal structure. The X-ray diffraction indicated an increase in the lattice parameter due to the Swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. In B12-CCC, the difference between τ with the saturation of H or He in the defect is nearly 20 ps. Under the same conditions with B11C-CBC, there is approximately twice the value for the same deviation.

Nanocomposite films based on spinel ferrite (Mg0.8Zn0.2Fe1.5Al0.5O4) in a PVA matrix were obtained. An increase in the spinel concentration to 10 wt.% caused an avalanche-like rise in roughness due to the formation of nanoparticle agglomerates. The lateral mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM) allowed us to trace the agglomeration dynamics. An unexpected result was that the composite with 6 wt.% of filler had a low friction coefficient in comparison with similar composites due to the successfully combined effects of low roughness and surface energy. The friction coefficient decreased to 0.07 when the friction coefficient of pure PVA was 0.72. A specially developed method for measuring nano-objects’ surface energy using AFM made it possible to explain the anomalous nature of the change in tribological characteristics.

Oxygen and hydrogen generated by water electrolysis may be utilized as a clean chemical fuel with high gravimetric energy density and energy conversion efficiency. The hydrogen fuel will be the alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the future, which are near to exhaustion and cause pollution. In the present study, flowery-shaped In2MnSe4 nanoelectrocatalyst is fabricated by anion exchange reaction directly grown on nickel foam (NF) in 1.0 M KOH medium for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The physiochemical and electrical characterization techniques are used to investigate the chemical structure, morphology, and electrical properties of the In2MnSe4 material. The electrochemical result indicates that synthesized material exhibits a smaller value of Tafel slope (86 mV/dec), lower overpotential (259 mV), and high stability for 37 h with small deterioration in the current density for a long time. Hence, the fabricated material responds with an extraordinary performance for the OER process and for many other applications in the future.

The W–Cu composites with nanosized grain boundaries and high effective density were fabricated using a new fast isostatic hot pressing method. A significantly faster method was proposed for the formation of W–Cu composites in comparison to the traditional ones. The influence of both the high temperature and pressure conditions on the microstructure, structure, chemical composition, and density values were observed. It has been shown that W–Cu samples have a polycrystalline well-packed microstructure. The copper performs the function of a matrix that surrounds the tungsten grains. The W–Cu composites have mixed bcc-W (sp. gr. Im 3¯ m) and fcc-Cu (sp. gr. Fm 3¯ m) phases. The W crystallite sizes vary from 107 to 175 nm depending on the sintering conditions. The optimal sintering regimes of the W–Cu composites with the highest density value of 16.37 g/cm3 were determined. Tungsten–copper composites with thicknesses of 0.06–0.27 cm have been fabricated for the radiation protection efficiency investigation against gamma rays. It has been shown that W–Cu samples have a high shielding efficiency from gamma radiation in the 0.276–1.25 MeV range of energies, which makes them excellent candidates as materials for radiation protection.

Multisubstituted barium ferrites with a magnetoplumbite structure were obtained by the method of solid-phase reactions with ferritization and pre-firing. Three-charged, mainly diamagnetic cations Al3+, Cr3+, Ga3+, and In3+ were chosen as substituents for the Fe3+ iron cations, the proportion of which in solid solutions did not exceed 50%. The values of the configurational mixing entropy were calculated for all the compositions. A slight deviation of the chemical composition of the obtained solid solutions from the nominal value was established by the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy method. The phase purity and values of the unit cell parameters were refined from X-ray scattering data using full-profile analysis in the Rietveld method. A non-monotonic behavior of the unit cell parameters as a function of the B-sub-lattice average ionic radius of the magnetoplumbite structure was found. A minimum unit cell volume of ~667.15 Å3 was found for the composition BaFe6.11Al1.56Cr2.17Ga2.16O19 with a B-sub-lattice average ionic radius of ~7.449 Å. The average crystallite size varied within 5.5–6.5 μm. The temperature and field dependencies of the magnetization have been measured. The values of the saturation magnetization, residual magnetization, hysteresis loop squareness, and coercivity at 50 K and 300 K were extracted from the experimental data. Using the Law of Approach to Saturation, the magnetic crystallographic anisotropy coefficient and anisotropy field were calculated. Multisubstitution leads to a significant decrease in such magnetic parameters as the magnetic ordering temperature and spontaneous magnetization at both temperatures. The maximum magnetic ordering temperature of ~297.7 K was found for the composition BaFe5.84Ga6.19O19 with a B-sub-lattice average ionic radius of ~7.586 Å in a field of 500 Oe. A maximum saturation magnetization of ~24.7 emu/g was found for the composition BaFe5.84Ga6.19O19 with a B-sub-lattice average ionic radius of ~7.586 Å at 50 K. A maximum hysteresis loop squareness of ~0.72 was found for the composition BaFe6.11Al1.56Cr2.17Ga2.16O19 with an average ionic radius of ~7.449 Å at 50 K. A maximum magnetic crystallographic anisotropy coefficient of ~2.09 × 105 Erg/g was found for the composition BaFe6.19Al1.25Cr1.57Ga1.74In1.26O19 with a B-sub-lattice average ionic radius of ~7.706 Å at 50 K. The frustrated magnetic state including the nano-sized clusters with an average diameter in the range of 50–200 nm was established from the results of measuring the ZFC and FC temperature magnetizations. The interpretation of the obtained experimental data is carried out taking into account the increased stability of high-entropy phases and regular changes in the intensity of the Fe3+(Al3+, Cr3+, Ga3+, In3+)–O2−–Fe3+(Al3+, Cr3+, Ga3+, In3+) indirect superexchange interactions as a result of magnetic dilution of the iron sub-lattice in the magnetoplumbite structure.

The paper discusses the formation of Ta2O5 pillars with Ni tips during thin porous anodic alumina through-mask anodization on Si/SiO2 substrates. The tantalum nanopillars were formed through porous masks in electrolytes of phosphoric and oxalic acid. The Ni tips on the Ta2O5 pillars were formed via vacuum evaporation through the porous mask. The morphology, structure, and magnetic properties at 4.2 and 300 K of the Ta2O5 nanopillars with Ni tips have been studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The main mechanism of the formation of the Ta2O5 pillars during through-mask anodization was revealed. The superparamagnetic behavior of the magnetic hysteresis loop of the Ta2O5 nanopillars with Ni tips was observed. Such nanostructures can be used to develop novel functional nanomaterials for magnetic, electronic, biomedical, and optical nano-scale devices.

Binary and ternary composites (CM) based on M-type hexaferrite (HF), polymer matrix (PVDF) and carbon nanomaterials (quasi-one-dimensional carbon nanotubes—CNT and quasi-two-dimensional carbon nanoflakes—CNF) were prepared and investigated for establishing the impact of the different nanosized carbon on magnetic and electrodynamic properties. The ratio between HF and PVDF in HF + PVDF composite was fixed (85 wt% HF and 15 wt% PVDF). The concentration of CNT and CNF in CM was fixed (5 wt% from total HF + PVDF weight). The phase composition and microstructural features were investigated using XRD and SEM, respectively. It was observed that CM contains single-phase HF, γ- and β-PVDF and carbon nanomaterials. Thus, we produced composites that consist of mixed different phases (organic insulator matrix—PDVF; functional magnetic fillers—HF and highly electroconductive additives—CNT/CNF) in the required ratio. VSM data demonstrate that the main contribution in main magnetic characteristics belongs to magnetic fillers (HF). The principal difference in magnetic and electrodynamic properties was shown for CNT- and CNF-based composites. That confirms that the shape of nanosized carbon nanomaterials impact on physical properties of the ternary composited-based magnetic fillers in polymer dielectric matrix.

As a contribution to the graphene-based nanoferrite composites, this article is intended to present Mn, Co, and Co-Mn nanoferrites for the preparation and investigation of such samples. Nanoparticles of Co ferrite, Mn ferrite, and Co-Mn ferrite were chemically synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The composites of ferrite/graphene were made by incorporating weight ratios of 25% graphene to 75% ferrite. Various structural and characterizing investigations of ferrite samples and ferrite/graphene composites were performed, including XRD, EDX, SEM, VSM hysteresis loops, AC conductivity, and dielectric behavior. The investigations ensured the formation of the intended nanoferrite powders, each having a single-phase crystal structure with no undesired phases or elements. All samples exhibit a soft magnetic behavior. They show a semiconducting behavior of AC electrical conductivity as well. This was proved by the temperature dependence of the AC’s electrical conductivity. Whereas the dielectric function and loss tangent show an expected, well-explained behavior, the ferrite/graphene composite samples have lower saturation magnetization values, lower AC conductivity, and dielectric constant values than the pure ferrites but still have the same behavior trends as those of the pure ferrites. The values obtained may represent steps on developing new materials for expected applications, such as manufacturing supercapacitors and/or improved battery electrodes.

Using the auto combustion flash method, Ni1−x+2Mgx+2Fe2+3O4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) nano-ferrites were synthesized. All samples were thermally treated at 973 K for 3 h. The structural analysis for the synthesized samples was performed using XRD, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and FTIR. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was undertaken to explore the surface morphology of all the samples. The thermal stability of these samples was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). XRD data show the presence of a single spinel phase for all the prepared samples. The intensity of the principal peak of the spinel phase decreases as Mg content increases, showing that Mg delays crystallinity. The Mg content raised the average grain size (D) from 0.084 μm to 0.1365 μm. TGA shows two stages of weight loss variation. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurement shows that magnetic parameters, such as initial permeability (μi) and saturation magnetization (Ms), decay with rising Mg content. The permeability and magnetic anisotropy at different frequencies and temperatures were studied to show the samples’ magnetic behavior and determine the Curie temperature (TC), which depends on the internal structure. The electrical resistivity behavior shows the semi-conductivity trend of the samples. Finally, the dielectric constant increases sharply at high temperatures, explained by the increased mobility of charge carriers, and decreases with increasing frequency.

The rapid development of industries discharges huge amounts of wastewater that contain surface water. For this reason, we used NiO/polydopamine (NiO/PDA) nanocomposite as an efficient material for the removal of Methyl violet 2B from water. It was synthesized and then characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The EDX analysis confirmed the presence of O, Ni, N, and C. The composite has an average particle size of 18 nm. Its surface area is 110.591 m2/g. It was found that the efficiency of dye removal by adsorption on NiO/PDA exceeded that of bare NiO. The adsorption capacity of NiO and NiO/PDA are 126 and 284 mg/g, respectively. The effects of adsorbent dose, dye concentration, and pH on the removal efficiency were examined. The efficiency increased with increasing the adsorbent dose and pH, but dropped from 85 to 73% within 30 min as the initial dye concentration was increased from 0.984 to 4.92 mg/L. Such a drop in the removal efficiency is due to the blocking of the surface-active sites of NiO/PDA, with the high population of dye molecules derived from the continuous increase in dye concentration. The adsorption results of the dye fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. The reusability data showed that NiO/PDA was stable across three adsorption–regeneration cycles, thus it can be considered a good recyclable and efficient adsorbent. Because of these results, it can be considered that this method can be applied for the treatment of wastewater.

Thin films of beryllium and gold that are several tens of nanometers thick were obtained, for the first time, on silicon and quartz substrates by the ion-beam method with tenfold alternation of deposition and partial sputtering of the nanosized metal layer. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy indicate the predominant lateral growth of nanosized metal layers along the substrate surface. Optical spectra indicate the suppression of the localized plasmon resonance. The growth of the film occurs under the influence of the high-energy component of the sputtered metal atoms’ flux. The main role in the formation of the nanosized metal film is played by the processes of the elastic collision of incident metal atoms with the atoms of a substrate and a growing metal film. Metal films that are obtained by the tenfold application of the deposition–sputtering of a nanoscale metal layer are characterized by stronger adhesion to the substrate and have better morphological, electrical, and optical characteristics than those that are obtained by means of direct single deposition.

This article presents the preparation and study of the wetting properties of porous alumina membranes (PAMs) with a thickness of 25 to 75 μm and with a different pore sizes. The fabrication process features, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy characterization results are presented. The comparative analysis of PAM surfaces (outer and inner) and the effect of morphology of these surfaces on the wetting properties are discussed. Both alumina surfaces show significant morphology-dependent wettability. Measurements of the interfacial contact angle were made on the as-fabricated amorphous membrane and after pore widening with a range of pore diameters from 25 to 100 nm. The possible applications of PAMs for various membrane technologies is shown.

Three high-entropy Sm(Eu,Gd)Cr0.2Mn0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2O3 perovskite solid solutions were synthesized using the usual ceramic technology. The XRD investigation at room temperature established a single-phase perovskite product. The Rietveld refinement with the FullProf computer program in the frame of the orthorhombic Pnma (No 62) space group was realized. Along with a decrease in the V unit cell volume from ~224.33 Å3 for the Sm-based sample down to ~221.52 Å3 for the Gd-based sample, an opposite tendency was observed for the unit cell parameters as the ordinal number of the rare-earth cation increased. The average grain size was in the range of 5–8 μm. Field magnetization was measured up to 30 kOe at 50 K and 300 K. The law of approach to saturation was used to determine the Ms spontaneous magnetization that nonlinearly increased from ~1.89 emu/g (Sm) up to ~17.49 emu/g (Gd) and from ~0.59 emu/g (Sm) up to ~3.16 emu/g (Gd) at 50 K and 300 K, respectively. The Mr residual magnetization and Hc coercive force were also determined, while the SQR loop squareness, k magnetic crystallographic anisotropy coefficient, and Ha anisotropy field were calculated. Temperature magnetization was measured in a field of 30 kOe. ZFC and FC magnetization curves were fixed in a field of 100 Oe. It was discovered that the Tmo magnetic ordering temperature downward-curve decreased from ~137.98 K (Sm) down to ~133.99 K (Gd). The spin glass state with ferromagnetic nanoinclusions for all the samples was observed. The average and Dmax maximum diameter of ferromagnetic nanoinclusions were calculated and they were in the range of 40–50 nm and 160–180 nm, respectively. The mechanism of magnetic state formation is discussed in terms of the effects of the A-site cation size and B-site poly-substitution on the indirect superexchange interactions.

Although copper is needed for living organisms at low concentrations, it is one of the pollutants that should be monitored along with other heavy metals. A novel and sustainable composite mineralizing sorbent based on MgO-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-CO2 with nanosized adsorption centers was synthesized using natural calcium–magnesium carbonates and clay aluminosilicates for copper sorption. An organometallic modifier was added as a temporary binder and a source of inovalent ions participating in the reactions of defect formation and activated sintering. The sorbent-mineralizer samples of specified composition and properties showed irreversible sorption of Cu2+ ions by the ion exchange reactions Ca2+ ↔ Cu2+ and Mg2+ ↔ Cu2+. The topochemical reactions of the ion exchange 2OH− → CO32−, 2OH− → SO42− and CO32− → SO42− occurred at the surface with formation of the mixed calcium–copper carbonates and sulfates structurally connected with aluminosilicate matrix. The reverse migration of ions to the environment is blocked by the subsequent mineralization of the newly formed interconnected aluminosilicate and carbonate structures.

The microwave properties of epoxy composites filled with 30 wt.% of BaFe12–xGaxO19 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) and with 1 wt.% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated in the frequency range 36–55 GHz. A sufficient increase in the microwave shielding efficiency was found for ternary 1 wt.%CNT/30 wt.% BaFe12–xGaxO19/epoxy composites compared with binary 1% CNT/epoxy and 30 wt.% BaFe12–xGaxO19/epoxy due to the complementary contributions of dielectric and magnetic losses. Thus, the addition of only 1 wt.% of CNTs along with 30 wt.% of barium hexaferrite into epoxy resin increased the frequency range where electromagnetic radiation is intensely attenuated. A correlation between the cation Ga3+ concentration in the BaFe12–xGaxO19 filler and amplitude–frequency characteristics of the natural ferromagnetic resonance (NFMR) in 1 wt.%CNT/30 wt.% BaFe12–xGaxO19/epoxy composites was determined. Higher values of the resonance frequency fres (51.8–52.4 GHz) and weaker dependence of fres on the Ga3+ concentration were observed compared with pressed polycrystalline BaFe12–xGaxO19 (fres = 49.6–50.4 GHz). An increase in the NFMR amplitude on the applied magnetic field for both random and aligned 1 wt.% CNT/30 wt.% BaFe12–xGaxO19/epoxy composites was found. The frequency of NFMR was approximately constant in the range of the applied magnetic field, H = 0–5 kOe, for the random 1 wt.% CNT/30 wt.% BaFe12–xGaxO19/epoxy composite, and it slightly increased for the aligned 1 wt.% CNT/30 wt.% BaFe12–xGaxO19/epoxy composite.

In this study, the samples of the ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) spinel ferrites nanoparticles (SFNPs), Co0.5Ni0.5Ga0.01Gd0.01Fe1.98O4 (CNGaGdFO) SFNPs and (Co0.5Ni0.5Ga0.01Gd0.01Fe1.98O4)x/(ZnFe2O4)y (x:y = 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1) (CNGaGdFO)x/(ZFO)y spinel ferrite nanocomposites (NC) have been synthesized by both sol-gel and Green pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) approaches. All products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), elemental mappings and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was objected to tune the magnetic properties of a soft spinel ferrite material with a softer one by mixing them with different fractions. Some key findings are as follows. M-H investigations revealed the exhibition of ferrimagnetic phases for all synthesized samples (except ZnFe2O4) that were synthesized by sol-gel or PLAL methods at both 300 K and 10 K. ZnFe2O4 ferrite NPs exhibits almost paramagnetic feature at 300 K and glass-like phase at very low temperatures below 19.23 K. At RT analyses, maximum saturation magnetization (MS) of 66.53 emu/g belongs to nanocomposite samples that was synthesized by sol-gel method and x:y ratio of 1:3. At 10 K analyses, MS,max = 118.71 emu/g belongs to same nanocomposite samples with ratio of 1:3. Maximum coercivities are 625 Oe belonging to CNGaGdFO and 3564 Oe belonging to NC sample that was obtained by sol-gel route having the 3:1 ratio. Squareness ratio (SQRs = Mr/MS) of NC sample (sol-gel, 4:1 ratio) is 0.371 as maximum and other samples have much lower values until a minimum of 0.121 (laser, 3:1) assign the multi-domain wall structure for all samples at 300 K. At 10 K data, just CNGaGdFO has 0.495 SQR value assigning single domain nature. The maximum values of effective crystal anisotropy constant (Keff) are 5.92 × 104 Erg/g and 2.4 × 105 Erg/g belonging to CNGaGdFO at 300 K and 10 K, respectively. Further, this sample has an internal anisotropy field Ha of 1953 Oe as largest at 300 K. At 10 K another sample (sol-gel, 3:1 ratio) has Ha,max of 11138 Oe which can also be classified as a soft magnetic material similar to other samples. Briefly, most magnetic parameters of NCs that were synthesized by sol-gel route are stronger than magnetic parameters of the NCs that were synthesized by PLAL at both temperatures. Some NC samples were observed to have stronger magnetic data as compared to magnetic parameters of Co0.5Ni0.5Ga0.01Gd0.01Fe1.98O4 NPs at 10 K.

This paper reports on the study of series of tungsten doped Ni0.5Zn0.5WxFe2−xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) ferrites synthesized by a co-precipitation scheme. The crystallite size varies from 62 to 49 nm and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show the spinel cubic structure of the powder sample. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF) confirms the presence of Ni, Zn, W and Fe elements in the prepared samples. The specific surface areas of the Ni0.5Zn0.5W0.2Fe1.8O4, Ni0.5Zn0.5W0.4Fe1.6O4 and Ni0.5Zn0.5W0.6Fe1.4O4 samples calculated from Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method are 18.9 m2/g, 21.5 m2/g and 24.6 m2/g, respectively. The metal oxide pellet type resistive sensor was made for gas sensor application. These sensors are selective for hydrogen (H2) gas. The performance of these sensors for sensing hydrogen gas at a concentration of 1000 ppm in the temperature range 80–300 °C has been investigated. Platinum electrodes were deposited on all the pellets by RF sputtering technique. The subsequent decomposition of platinum oxides on the metal oxide pellet surface results in an increase in surface roughness and electrical resistivity. The sensor shows a change in resistance from 1.21 × 105 Ω to 7.83 × 104 Ω in the presence of H2 gas even at alow temperature. The composition with x = 0.2 at an optimum temperature of 180 °C showed a fast response (14 s) and recovery time (20 s). High sensitivity, low cost, long term stability, high selectivity and fast response at low temperature makes this sensor useful for industrial applications. Keywords: Co-precipitation, Pellet type resistive sensor, Platinum decomposition, Hydrogen gas sensor, High selectivity, Low temperature, Sensitivity

The unique structural and electrochemical properties of graphene oxide (GO) make it an ideal material for the fabrication of biosensing devices. Therefore, in the present study, graphene oxide nanoparticles modified paper electrodes were used as a low-cost matrix for the development of an amperometric DNA sensor. The graphene oxide was synthesized using the modified hummers method and drop cast on a screen-printed paper electrode (SPPE) to enhance its electrochemical properties. Further, the GO/SPPE electrode was modified with a 5′NH2 labeled ssDNA probe specific to the htrA gene of Orientia tsutsugamushi using carbodiimide cross-linking chemistry. The synthesized GO was characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, and XRD. The layer-by-layer modification of the paper electrode was monitored via FE-SEM, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensor response after hybridization with single-stranded genomic DNA (ssGDNA) of O. tsutsugamushi was recorded using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Methylene blue (1 mM in PBS buffer, pH 7.2) was used as a hybridization indicator and [Fe(CN)6]−3/−4 (2.5 mM in PBS buffer, pH 7.2) as a redox probe during electrochemical measurements. The developed DNA sensor shows excellent sensitivity (1228.4 µA/cm2/ng) and LOD (20 pg/µL) for detection of O. tsutsugamushi GDNA using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).

La-, Nd- and La/Nd-based polysubstituted high-entropy oxides (HEOs) were produced by solid-state reactions. Composition of the B-site was fixed for all samples (Cr0.2Mn0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2) with varying of A-site cation (La, Nd and La0.5Nd0.5). Nominal chemical composition of the HEOs correlates well with initial calculated stoichiometry. All produced samples are single phase with perovskite-like structure. Average particle size is critically dependent on chemical composition. Minimal average particle size (~400 nm) was observed for the La-based sample and maximal average particle size (5.8 μm) was observed for the Nd-based sample. The values of the configurational entropy of mixing for each sample were calculated. Electrical properties were investigated in the wide range of temperatures (150–450 K) and frequencies (10−1–107 Hz). Results are discussed in terms of the variable range hopping and the small polaron hopping mechanisms. Magnetic properties were analyzed from the temperature and field dependences of the specific magnetization. The frustrated state of the spin subsystem was observed, and it can be a result of the increasing entropy state. From the Zero-Field-Cooling and Field-Cooling regimes (ZFC-FC) curves, we determine the average and Smax maximum size of a ferromagnetic nanocluster in a paramagnetic matrix. The average size of a ferromagnetic cluster is ~100 nm (La-CMFCNO) and ~60 nm (LN-CMFCNO). The Smax maximum size is ~210 nm (La-CMFCNO) and ~205 nm (LN-CMFCNO). For Nd-CMFCNO, spin glass state (ferromagnetic cluster lower than 30 nm) was observed due to f-d exchange at low temperatures.

Tm-Tb co-substituted Co-Ni nanospinel ferrites (NSFs) as (Co0.5Ni0.5) [TmxTbxFe2−2x]O4 (x = 0.00–0.05) NSFs were attained via the ultrasound irradiation technique. The phase identification and morphologies of the NSFs were explored using X-rays diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and transmission and scanning electronic microscopes (TEM and SEM). The magnetization measurements against the applied magnetic field (M-H) were made at 300 and 10 K with a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The various prepared nanoparticles revealed a ferrimagnetic character at both 300 and 10 K. The saturation magnetization (Ms), the remanence (Mr), and magneton number (nB) were found to decrease upon the Tb-Tm substitution effect. On the other hand, the coercivity (Hc) was found to diminish with increasing x up to 0.03 and then begins to increase with further rising Tb-Tm content. The Hc values are in the range of 346.7–441.7 Oe at 300 K to 4044.4–5378.7 Oe at 10 K. The variations in magnetic parameters were described based on redistribution of cations, crystallites and/or grains size, canting effects, surface spins effects, super-exchange interaction strength, etc. The observed magnetic results indicated that the synthesized (Co0.5Ni0.5)[TmxTbxFe2−x]O4 NSFs could be considered as promising candidates to be used for room temperature magnetic applications and magnetic recording media.

This paper reports the correlation between the composition of the functional Sr0.5Ba0.5Sm0.02Fe11.98O19/x(Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4) hard–soft nanocomposites (SrBaSmFe/x(NiZnFe) NCs), where 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 3.0, and their structural features, magnetic, and microwave properties. SrBaSmFe/x(NiZnFe) hard/soft ferrite NCs are produced using the one-pot citrate combustion method. According to the XRD analysis, all samples showed the co-existence of both SrBaSmFe and NiZnFe phases in different ratios. Magnetic properties are measured in a wide range of magnetic fields and temperatures (10 and 300 K) and correlated well with the composition of the investigated samples. The microwave properties (frequency dispersions of the magnetic permeability, and electrical permittivity) are discussed by using the co-axial method in the frequency range of 0.7–18 GHz. Non-linear dependences of the main microwave features were observed with varying of composition. The microwave behavior correlated well with the composite theory. These results could be used in practice for developing antenna materials.

The modern development of nanotechnology requires the discovery of simple approaches that ensure the controlled formation of functional nanostructures with a predetermined morphology. One of the simplest approaches is the self-assembly of nanostructures. The widespread implementation of self-assembly is limited by the complexity of controlled processes in a large volume where, due to the temperature, ion concentration, and other thermodynamics factors, local changes in diffusion-limited processes may occur, leading to unexpected nanostructure growth. The easiest ways to control the diffusion-limited processes are spatial limitation and localized growth of nanostructures in a porous matrix. In this paper, we propose to apply the method of controlled self-assembly of gold nanostructures in a limited pore volume of a silicon oxide matrix with submicron pore sizes. A detailed study of achieved gold nanostructures’ morphology, microstructure, and surface composition at different formation stages is carried out to understand the peculiarities of realized nanostructures. Based on the obtained results, a mechanism for the growth of gold nanostructures in a limited volume, which can be used for the controlled formation of nanostructures with a predetermined geometry and composition, has been proposed. The results observed in the present study can be useful for the design of plasmonic-active surfaces for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based detection of ultra-low concentration of different chemical or biological analytes, where the size of the localized gold nanostructures is comparable with the spot area of the focused laser beam.

Evolution of the crystal structure of ceramics BiFeO3–BaTiO3 across the morphotropic phase boundary was analyzed using the results of macroscopic measuring techniques such as X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and differential thermal analysis, as well as the data obtained by local scale methods of scanning probe microscopy. The obtained results allowed to specify the concentration and temperature regions of the single phase and phase coexistent regions as well as to clarify a modification of the structural parameters across the rhombohedral–cubic phase boundary. The structural data show unexpected strengthening of structural distortion specific for the rhombohedral phase, which occurs upon dopant concentration and temperature-driven phase transitions to the cubic phase. The obtained results point to the non-monotonous character of the phase evolution, which is specific for metastable phases. The compounds with metastable structural state are characterized by enhanced sensitivity to external stimuli, which significantly expands the perspectives of their particular use.

A pure ferrite and epoxy samples as well as the epoxy/ferrite composites with different 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 40 wt.%, and 50 wt.% weight ferrite contents have been prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method. AC-conductivity and dielectric properties such as the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the prepared samples have been studied. The obtained results showed that the samples had a semiconductor behavior. The dielectric constant of the composites has been calculated theoretically using several models. For the composite sample that contains 20 wt.% of ferrites, these models give satisfactory compliance, while for the composite samples with a higher percentage of nanofillers, more than 30 wt.% theoretical results do not coincide with experimental data. The investigated polymer has very low conductivity, so this type of polymer can be useful for high-frequency applications, which can reduce the losses caused by eddy current. Thus, the prepared samples are promising materials for practical use as elements of microwave devices.

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and their surface modification with therapeutic substances are of great interest, especially drug delivery for cancer therapy, including boron-neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this paper, we present the results of boron-rich compound (carborane borate) attachment to previously aminated by (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) iron oxide NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with Attenuated total reflectance accessory (ATR-FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the change of the element content of NPs after modification and formation of new bonds between Fe3O4 NPs and the attached molecules. Transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed Fe3O4 NPs’ average size of 18.9 nm. Phase parameters were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the magnetic behavior of Fe3O4 NPs was elucidated by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The colloidal and chemical stability of NPs was studied using simulated body fluid (phosphate buffer—PBS). Modified NPs have shown excellent stability in PBS (pH = 7.4), characterized by XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Biocompatibility was evaluated in-vitro using cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The results show us an increasing of IC50 from 0.110 mg/mL for Fe3O4 NPs to 0.405 mg/mL for Fe3O4-Carborane NPs. The obtained data confirm the biocompatibility and stability of synthesized NPs and the potential to use them in BNCT.

In this work, Sr0.3Ba0.4Pb0.3Fe12O19/(CuFe2O4)x (x = 2, 3, 4, and 5) as strongly exchange-coupled nanosized ferrites were fabricated using a one-pot sol⁻gel combustion method (citrate sol-gel method). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) powder patterns of the products confirmed the occurrence of pure, exchange-coupled ferrites. Frequency dependencies of the microwave characteristics (MW) were investigated using a co-axial method. The non-linear behavior of the MW with the composition transformation may be due to different degrees of Fe ion oxidation on the spinel/hexaferrite grain boundaries and strong exchange coupling during the hard and soft phases.