Search

Abstract We have successfully synthesized three osmium-based hexagonal Laves compounds ROs2 (R = Sc, Y, Lu), and discussed their physical properties. LeBail refinement of pXRD data confirms that all compounds crystallize in the hexagonal centrosymmetric MgZn2-type structure (P6 3 /mmc, No. 194). The refined lattice parameters are a = b = 5.1791(1) Å and c = 8.4841(2) Å for ScOs2, a = b = 5.2571(3) Å and c = 8.6613(2) Å for LuOs2 and a = b = 5.3067(6) Å and c = 8.7904(1) Å for YOs2. ROs2 Laves phases can be viewed as a stacking of kagome nets interleaved with triangular layers. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, resistivity and heat capacity measurements confirm bulk superconductivity at critical temperatures, T c , of 5.36, 4.55, and 3.47 K for ScOs2, YOs2, and LuOs2, respectively. We have shown that all investigated Laves compounds are weakly-coupled type-II superconductors. DFT calculations revealed that the band structure of ROs2 is intricate due to multiple interacting d orbitals of Os and R. Nonetheless, the kagome-derived bands maintain their overall shape, and the Fermi level crosses a number of bands that originate from the kagome flat bands, broadened by interlayer interaction. As a result, ROs2 can be classified as (breathing) kagome metal superconductors.

The use of heterogeneous photocatalysis in biologically contaminated water purification processes still requires the development of materials active in visible light, preferably in the form of thin films. Herein, we report nanotube structures made of TiO2/Ag2O/Au0, TiO2/Ag2O/PtOx, TiO2/Cu2O/Au0, and TiO2/Cu2O/PtOx obtained via one-step anodic oxidation of the titanium-based alloys (Ti94Ag5Au1, Ti94Cu5Pt1, Ti94Cu5Au1, and Ti94Ag5Pt1) possessing high visible light activity in the inactivation process of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and other pathogenic bacteria—E. coli, Clostridium sp., and K. oxytoca. In the samples made from Ti-based alloys, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles were formed, which were located on the surface and inside the walls of the NTs. The obtained results showed that oxygen species produced at the surface of irradiated photocatalysts and the presence of copper and silver species in the photoactive layers both contributed to the inactivation of bacteria. Photocatalytic inactivation of E. coli, S. aureus, and Clostridium sp. was confirmed via TEM imaging of bacterium cell destruction and the detection of CO2 as a result of bacteria cell mineralization for the most active sample. These results suggest that the membrane ruptures as a result of the attack of active oxygen species, and then, both the membrane and the contents are mineralized to CO2.

In this study, we successfully prepared Bi-based single perovskites of the A3Bi2I9 type (A = Cs, Rb, MA, FA), and, for the first time, attempted to experimentally obtain double perovskites Cs2B'BiI6 type (B′ = Ag, Au, In, Cu). Despite the premises available in theoretical studies, our research has proven the impossibility of the existence of double perovskites of this type. Nevertheless, both types of obtained materials were subjected to detailed analysis of their physicochemical features and photocatalytic abilities in the hydrogen evolution reaction. This study proved the stability of the Cs3Bi2I9 in HI electrolyte compared to the methanolic solution, with this phenomenon resulting in almost 36 times higher photoactivity.

Abstract The magnetoresistance (MR) in nonmagnetic materials continues to be a fertile research area in materials science. The search for giant, positive MR has been limited to a rather small window of materials such as high‐mobility semimetals in single‐crystalline form. Here, the observation of a very large positive MR in metallic Pt5P2 in polycrystalline form is reported. The observations reveal that improvement of the crystallinity results in a significant enhancement of the positive MR, exceeding 10 000% at 9 T, comparable to high‐mobility semimetals. Based on first‐principles calculations combined with magnetotransport and thermoelectric measurements, the Fermi surface of Pt5P2 is found to consist of a collection of multiple electron and hole pockets compensating one another, along with a characteristic pocket continuously connected to the adjacent Brillouin zone, together with possible topologically protected band crossings. This work extends the landscape of high MR candidate materials to polycrystalline metals, which demonstrates the importance of crystallinity and purity of the samples for the optimization of the MR.

Users expect reliable operation of the surge arrester during overvoltages, which may originate from a switching process or a lightning discharge. The necessary conditions to guarantee these expectations are: appropriate construction of the surge arrester, its production being maintained in accordance with technical standards, and a positive results of the type test (as well routine and acceptance tests). The recipient, especially when purchasing large quantities of the product, can check the final quality of the product through selective testing of samples from the market in order to find the best supplier. This manuscript specifies the basic parameters of low-voltage (LV) surge arresters of four manufacturers. Basic electrical parameters, i.e. leakage current and varistor voltage ( $\text{U}_{\mathrm {1mA}}$ ) before and after the nominal discharge current ( $\text{I}_{\mathrm {n}}$ ) of $8~\mu \text{s}$ /20 $\mu \text{s}$ , were determined for 10 randomly selected surge arresters of each manufacturer. Moreover one sample of each varistor batches was aged by fifty 8 $\mu \text{s}$ /20 $\mu \text{s}$ current impulses with $\text{I}_{\mathrm {n}}$ . The obtained results of structural analysis indicate that the crystal structure of the varistor materials changes after ageing process, affecting its electrical properties. The proposed research methodology can be employed as a basis for forecasting the stability of the arrester parameters under operating conditions.

Hybrid materials based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and NTU-9 metal–organic frameworks (MOF) were designed and prepared via solvothermal synthesis and calcination in air. The as-prepared photocatalysts were subsequently characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained NTU-9/C3N4 composites showed a greatly improved photocatalytic performance for the degradation of toluene in the gas phase under LED visible-light irradiation (λmax = 415 nm). The physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activities of the obtained NTU-9/C3N4 materials were tuned by varying the NTU-9 content (5–15 wt%) and preparation method of the composite materials. For composites prepared by calcination, the photocatalytic activity increased with decreasing NTU-9 content as a result of the formation of TiO2 from the MOFs. The best photocatalytic performance (65% of toluene was photodegraded after 60 min) was achieved by the NTU-9/C3N4 sample prepared via the solvothermal method and containing 15 wt% MOF, which can be attributed to the appropriate amount and stable combination of composite components, efficient charge separation, and enhanced visible-light absorption ability. The photocatalytic mechanisms of the prepared hybrid materials depending on the preparation method are also discussed.

Abstract Polycrystalline LiGa2Ir has been prepared by a solid state reaction method. A Rietveld refinement of powder x-ray diffraction data confirms a previously reported Heusler-type crystal structure (space group Fm-3m, No. 225) with lattice parameter a = 6.0322(1) Å. The normal and superconducting state properties were studied by magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity techniques. A bulk superconductivity with Tc = 2.94 K was confirmed by detailed heat capacity studies. The measurements indicate that LiGa2Ir is a weak-coupling type-II superconductor ( $${\uplambda }$$ λ e–p = 0.57, $${\Delta }$$ Δ C/ $${\upgamma }$$ γ Tc = 1.4). Electronic structure, lattice dynamics, and the electron–phonon interaction are studied from first principles calculations. Ir and two Ga atoms equally contribute to the Fermi surface with a minor contribution from Li. The phonon spectrum contains separated high frequency Li modes, which are seen clearly as an Einstein-like contribution in the specific heat. The calculated electron–phonon coupling constant $${\uplambda }$$ λ e–p = 0.68 confirms the electron–phonon mechanism for the superconductivity. LiGa2Ir and recently reported isoelectronic LiGa2Rh are the only two known representatives of the Heusler superconductors with the valence electron count VEC = 16.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising catalyst for contaminants of emerging concern removal applications, especially as a visible-light-driven material. In this study, g-C3N4 catalysts were effectively synthesized through a simple thermal polymerization method, using melamine, urea, and thiourea as precursors to elucidate the influence of these compounds on the final product’s photocatalytic performance. The degradation of a mixture of three parabens was investigated under different types of radiation: two artificial, ultraviolet-A (UVA) and visible LED, and natural sunlight. The urea-based catalyst (UCN) presented better results under all radiation sources, followed by thiourea, and finally, melamine. Among the artificial light sources, the degradation of parabens under UVA was considerably higher than visible—up to 51% and 21%, respectively—using UCN; however, the broader spectrum of natural sunlight was able to achieve the highest removals, up to 92%, using UCN. Comparing artificial radiation sources, UVA lamps presented 45% lower energy consumption and associated costs. Photocatalytic ozonation was tested using UCN and MCN, with UCN once more possessing superior performance and a synergetic effect between photocatalysis and ozonation, with complete removal under 12 min. The use of g-C3N4 was then successfully tested in initial screening and found to be an efficient alternative in more low-cost and feasible solar photocatalysis water treatment.

Application of Ti90RE10 alloys (RE = Ho, Er, Nd, Y, Ce, Tm) as a working electrode, instead of Ti pure foil in anodic oxidation in a fluoride-based electrolyte, resulted in formation of well-ordered nanotubes made of TiO2 and RE2O3 mixture, which could be efficiently used for pollutant removal from water and air phase upon UV and visible irradiation and easily separable from the reaction mixture to recycle. The as-prepared NTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), luminescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples was investigated used phenol and toluene as a model compounds to follow degradation kinetics. The influence of the RE metals on the photoelectrochemical performance of modified TiO2 NTs was investigated. Surface morphology analysis showed formation of uniform and vertically oriented NTs structures with an open tube top and smooth walls. The results of EDX, XRD and XPS analysis proved that RE ions exist as surface compounds (RE3+ oxides). Visible light induced photoactivity (both photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical) is mostly pronounced in the presence of nanotubes obtained by anodic oxidation of Ti90Ho10 alloy. These nanotubes are able to degrade toluene in the gas phase even by irradiation of low-powered light source, such as light emitting diodes (λmax = 465 nm). Photocatalytic test of phenol degradation in the presence of scavenger indicates that photogenerated electrons and superoxide radicals play a meaningful role in the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants under visible irradiation. In addition, the photoelectrochemical tests performed under the influence of visible light irradiation confirmed that the RE-modification of TiO2 NTs caused a significant increase of photocurrent (up to 10 times higher). The new and original results on the preparation of RE2O3/TiO2 nanotubes obtained in one step anodic oxidation and photocatalytic activity in aqueous and gas phases represent an important contribution then will benefit photocatalytic surfaces preparation technologies. Keywords: RE2O3-TiO2 nanotubes, Ti/RE alloys, Anodic oxidation, Photodegradation, visible-light-driven photocatalysis

We report a method of growing a boron-doped diamond film by plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition utilizing a pre-treatment of GaN substrate to give a high density of nucleation. CVD diamond was deposited on GaN substrate grown epitaxially via the molecular-beam epitaxy process. To obtain a continuous diamond film with the presence of well-developed grains, the GaN substrates are exposed to hydrogen plasma prior to deposition. The diamond/GaN heterojunction was deposited in methane ratio, chamber pressure, temperature, and microwave power at 1%, 50 Torr, 500 °C, and 1100 W, respectively. Two samples with different doping were prepared 2000 ppm and 7000 [B/C] in the gas phase. SEM and AFM analyses revealed the presence of well-developed grains with an average size of 100 nm. The epitaxial GaN substrate-induced preferential formation of (111)-facetted diamond was revealed by AFM and XRD. After the deposition process, the signal of the GaN substrate is still visible in Raman spectroscopy (showing three main GaN bands located at 565, 640 and 735 cm−1) as well as in typical XRD patterns. Analysis of the current–voltage characteristics as a function of temperature yielded activation energy equal to 93.8 meV.

In search a hydrogen source, we synthesized TiO2-Cu-graphene composite photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. The catalyst is a new and unique material as it consists of copper-decorated TiO2 particles covered tightly in graphene and obtained in a fluidized bed reactor. Both, reduction of copper from Cu(CH3COO) at the surface of TiO2 particles and covering of TiO2-Cu in graphene thin layer by Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) were performed subsequently in the flow reactor by manipulating the gas composition. Obtained photocatalysts were tested in regard to hydrogen generation from photo-induced water conversion with methanol as sacrificial agent. The hydrogen generation rate for the most active sample reached 2296.27 µmol H2 h−1 gcat−1. Combining experimental and computational approaches enabled to define the optimum combination of the synthesis parameters resulting in the highest photocatalytic activity for water splitting for green hydrogen production. The results indicate that the major factor affecting hydrogen production is temperature of the TiO2-Cu-graphene composite synthesis which in turn is inversely correlated to photoactivity.

The effect of type (AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3) and amount (5, 10, 15 wt%) of quantum dots (QDs) on the surface properties and photocatalytic activity of QDs-sensitized TiO2 composite, was investigated. AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3 QDs were obtained by hot-injection, sonochemical, microwave, and hot-injection method, respectively. To characterize of as-prepared samples high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy were applied. The size of AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3 QDs were 12; 2–6; 2–3, and 1–2 nm, respectively. The QDs and QDs-sensitized TiO2 composites obtained have been tested in toluene degradation under LEDs light irradiation (λmax = 415 nm and λmax = 375 nm). For pristine QDs the efficiency of toluene degradation increased in the order of AgInS2 < Bi2S3 < CuS < SnS under 375 nm and AgInS2 < CuS < Bi2S3 < SnS under 415 nm. In the presence of TiO2/SnS QDs_15% composite, 91% of toluene was degraded after 1 h of irradiation, and this efficiency was about 12 higher than that for pristine QDs under 375 nm. Generally, building the TiO2/AgInS2 and TiO2/SnS exhibited higher photoactivity under 375 nm than the pristine TiO2 and QDs which suggests a synergistic effect between QDs and TiO2 matrix.

Conversion coatings are one of the primary types of galvanic coatings used to protect steel structures against corrosion. They are created through chemical reactions between the metal surface and the environment of the phosphating. This paper investigates the impact that the addition of new metal cations to the phosphating reaction environment has on the quality of the final coating. So far, standard phosphate coatings have contained only one primary element, such as zinc in the case of zinc coatings, or two elements, such as manganese and iron in the case of manganese coatings. The structural properties have been determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical tests. New manganese coatings were produced through a reaction between the modified phosphating bath and the metal (Ba, Zn, Cd, Mo, Cu, Ce, Sr, and Ca). This change was noticeable in the structure of the produced manganese phosphate crystallites. A destructive effect of molybdenum and chromium was demonstrated. Microscopic analysis, XRD analysis and electrochemical tests suggest that the addition of new metal cations to the phosphating bath affects the corrosion resistance of the modified coating.

Single crystals of the new Ga-rich phases ReGa~5(Sn), ReGa~5(Pb) and ReGa~5(Bi) were successfully obtained from the flux method. The new tetragonal phases crystallize in the space group P4/mnc (No. 128) with vertex-sharing capped Re2@Ga14 oblong chains. Vacancies were discovered on the Ga4 and Ga5 sites, which can be understood as the direct inclusion of elemental Sn, Pb and Bi into the structure. Heat capacity measurements were performed on all three compounds resulting in a small anomaly which resembles the superconductivity transition temperature from the impurity ReGa5 phase. The three compounds were not superconducting above 1.85 K. Subsequently, electronic structure calculations revealed a high density of states around the Fermi level, as well as non-bonding interactions that likely indicate the stability of these new phases.

Single semiconductors such as KTaO3, CdS MoS2 or their precursor solutions were combined to form novel binary and ternary semiconductor nanocomposites by the calcination or by the hydro/solvothermal mixed solutions methods, respectively. The aim of this work was to study the influence of preparation method as well as type and amount of the composite components on the surface properties and photocatalytic activity of the new semiconducting photoactive materials. We presented different binary and ternary combinations of the above semiconductors for phenol and toluene photocatalytic degradation and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area and porosity. The results showed that loading MoS2 onto CdS as well as loading CdS onto KTaO3 significantly enhanced absorption properties as compared with single semiconductors. The highest photocatalytic activity in phenol degradation reaction under both UV-Vis and visible light irradiation and very good stability in toluene removal was observed for ternary hybrid obtained by calcination of KTaO3, CdS, MoS2 powders at the 10:5:1 molar ratio. Enhanced photoactivity could be related to the two-photon excitation in KTaO3-CdS-MoS2 composite under UV-Vis and/or to additional presence of CdMoO4 working as co-catalyst.

One of the most important challenges in the fabrication of ordered tantalum pentaoxide (Ta2O5) nanotube arrays (NTs) via the electrochemical method is the formation of nanotubes that adhere well to the Ta substrate. In this paper, we propose a new protocol that allows tight-fitting Ta2O5 nanotubes to be obtained through the anodic oxidation of tantalum foil. Moreover, to enhance their activity in the photocatalytic reaction, in this study, they have been decorated by nontoxic bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) quantum dots (QDs) via a simple successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that quantum dots with a size in the range of 6−11 nm were located both inside and on the external surfaces of the Ta2O5 NTs. The effect of the anodization time and annealing conditions, as well as the effect of cycle numbers in the SILAR method, on the surface properties and photoactivity of Ta2O5 nanotubes and Bi2S3/Ta2O5 composites have been investigated. The Ta2O5 nanotubes decorated with Bi2S3 QDs exhibit high photocatalytic activity in the toluene degradation reaction, i.e., 99% of toluene (C0 = 200 ppm) was degraded after 5 min of UV-Vis irradiation. Therefore, the proposed anodic oxidation of tantalum (Ta) foil followed by SILAR decorating allows a photocatalytic surface, ready to use for pollutant degradation in the gas phase, to be obtained.

Manganese phosphate coating could be used to protect the surface of steel products. However, it is essential to determine the effects which process parameters, as well as the types of additives used, have on the efficiency of coating deposition. Thus, we present here a process of phosphatization of low-alloy steel (for 15 min at 95 °C) in manganese/nickel baths followed by a passivation process with the use of a silicon and zircon compounds. The microstructure and morphology of the surface were analyzed by SEM EDX and XRD methods. The obtained results showed that the manganese phosphate could be effectively formed at 95 °C in the solution containing nickel and guanidine derivatives. Anodic polarization of manganese coating was investigated in 0.5 M KCl by the analysis of polarization resistance. The effects of the activation process on corrosion properties of the coating have been examined. It was observed that an increased concentration of activating substances in the activation bath results in the enhancement of corrosion resistance.

Spherical microparticles of TiO2 were synthesized by the ionic liquid-assisted solvothermal method at different reaction times (3, 6, 12, and 24 h). The properties of the prepared photocatalysts were investigated by means of UV-VIS diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the efficiency of the phenol degradation was related to the time of the solvothermal synthesis, as determined for the TiO2_EAN(1:1)_24h sample. The microparticles of TiO2_EAN(1:1)_3h that formed during only 3 h of the synthesis time revealed a really high photoactivity under visible irradiation (75%). This value increased to 80% and 82% after 12 h and 24 h, respectively. The photoactivity increase was accompanied by the increase of the specific surface area, thus the poresize as well as the ability to absorb UV-VIS irradiation. The high efficiency of the phenol degradation of the ionic liquid (IL)–TiO2 photocatalysts was ascribed to the interaction between the surface of the TiO2 and ionic liquid components (carbon and nitrogen).

TiO2/CuxOy nanotube (NT) arrays were synthesized using the anodization method in the presence of ethylene glycol and different parameters applied. The presence, morphology, and chemical character of the obtained structures was characterized using a variety of methods—SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray crystallography), PL (photoluminescence), and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). A p-n mixed oxide heterojunction of Ti-Cu was created with a proved response to the visible light range and the stable form that were in contact with Ti. TiO2/CuxOy NTs presented the appearance of both Cu2O (mainly) and CuO components influencing the dimensions of the NTs (1.1–1.3 µm). Additionally, changes in voltage have been proven to affect the NTs’ length, which reached a value of 3.5 µm for Ti90Cu10_50V. Degradation of phenol in the aqueous phase was observed in 16% of Ti85Cu15_30V after 1 h of visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Scavenger tests for phenol degradation process in presence of NT samples exposed the responsibility of superoxide radicals for degradation of organic compounds in Vis light region. Inactivation of bacteria strains Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), and Clostridium sp. in presence of obtained TiO2/CuxOy NT photocatalysts, and Vis light has been studied showing a great improvement in inactivation efficiency with a response rate of 97% inactivation for E. coli and 98% for Clostridium sp. in 60 min. Evidently, TEM (transmission electron microscopy) images confirmed the bacteria cells’ damage.

Core-interlayer-shell Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2, CoFe2O4/SiO2/TiO2 and BaFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 magnetic photocatalysts were obtained. A water-in-oil microemulsion system with suitable surfactants was used for functionalization of the magnetic core with silica interlayer and TiO2-based photocatalyst. Uncoated and coated particles were characterized by electrophoretic measurements, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), specific surface area (BET) measurements, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The pH of the solution and corresponding zeta potential was found to be essential for appropriate formation of ferrite core/silica interlayer/TiO2 shell nanocomposite, since the electrical charge controls interactions during functionalization of the magnetic core particles. Thus, the development of multilayer structure in the isoelectric point (IEP) region enhanced adhesion of ferrite, silica and titania particles. The obtained Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2, CoFe2O4/SiO2/TiO2 and BaFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites revealed superparamagnetic behavior. The decomposition rate of phenol and carbamazepine allowed to estimate their photocatalytic activity. Progress of photocatalytic mineralization of organic compounds was evaluated by total organic carbon (TOC) measurements. Photocatalytic activity measured in four subsequent cycles showed good reusability as no loss of efficiency of phenol degradation was observed.