Dye-sensitized solar cells based on a single layer deposition of TiO 2 from a new formulation paste and their photovoltaic performance

A new strategy for enhancing the efficiency and reducing the production cost of TiO 2 solar cells by design of a new formulated TiO 2 paste with tailored crystal structure and morphology is reported. The conventional three- or four-fold layer deposition process was eliminated and replaced by a single layer deposition of TiO 2 compound. Different TiO 2 pastes with various crystal structures, morphologies and crystallite sizes were prepared by an aqueous particulate sol-gel process. Based on simultaneous differential thermal (SDT) analysis the minimum annealing temperature to obtain organic-free TiO 2 paste was determined at 400°C, being one of the lowest crystallization temperatures of TiO 2 photoanode electrodes for solar cell application. Photovoltaic measurements showed that TiO 2 solar cell with pure anatase crystal structure had higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) than that made of pure rutile-TiO 2. However, the PCE of solar cells depends on the anatase to rutile weight ratio, reaching a maximum at a specific value due to the synergic effect between anatase and rutile TiO 2 nanoparticles. Moreover, it was found that the PCE of solar cells made of crystalline TiO 2 powders was much higher, increasing in the range 32-84% depending on anatase to rutile weight ratio, than that of prepared by amorphous powders. TiO 2 solar cell with the morphology of mixtures of nanoparticles and microparticles had higher PCE than the solar cell with the same phase composition containing TiO 2 nanoparticles due to the role of TiO 2 microparticles as light scattering particles. The presented strategy would open up new insight into fabrication and structural design of low-cost TiO 2 solar cells with high power conversion efficiency. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Surface characterization study on SnO2 powder modified by thiourea

The SnO2 material prepared by sol-gel method was modified by thiourea solution in different concentrations (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mol dm(-3)). Then the structure and the average grain size of the SnO2 material were investigated by X-ray power diffraction. In order to understand the nature of the species on the SnO2 surfaces, the thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA) and IR spectra of these modified and unmodified sample were taken. The result indicates that the stability of oxygen adsorbed on thiourea-modified surface was improved and the amount of surface hydroxyl groups adsorbed on this grain surface was decreased. The thiourea adsorbed on SnO2 grain surface is translated to SO42- after sintered at 600 degrees C. SO42- species stabilize the resistance of the SnO2 sensor. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies on the magnetism of cobalt ferrite nanocrystals synthesized by hydrothermal method

Fe-Co/CoFe2O4 nanocomposite and CoFe2O4 nanopowders were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The structure of magnetic powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravity analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) techniques, while magnetic properties were determined by using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature.

Biodegradable polyurethane based on random copolymer of L-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone and its shape-memory property

A series of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) are synthesized from the copolymer diols prepared from L-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone (CL), 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, and 1,4-butanediol. Their thermal and mechanical properties are characterized via FTIR, DSC, and tensile tests. Their T(g)s are in the range of 28-53 degrees C. They have high modulus, tensile strength, and elongation ratio at break. With increasing CL content, the PU changes from semicrystalline to completely amorphous. Thermal mechanical analysis is used to determine their shape-memory property. When they are deformed and fixed at proper temperatures, their shape-recovery is almost complete for a tensile elongation of 150% or a compression of 2-folds. By changing the content of CL and the hard-to-soft ratio, their T(g)s and their shape-recovery temperature can be adjusted. Therefore, they may find wide applications.

Mechanical properties of BPDA-ODA polyimide fibers

An aromatic polyimide was synthesized via a one-step polycondensation reaction between biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA) in p-chlorophenol. The polyimide (BPDA-ODA) solution dopes were spun into fibers by means of dry-jet wet spinning. The as-spun fibers were drawn and treated in heating tubes for improving the mechanical properties. The thermal treatment on the fibers resulted in a relatively high tensile strength and modulus. Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) was employed to study the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) spectra showed that the BPDA-ODA fibers possessed an excellent property of thermo-oxidative degradation resistance. The sonic modulus E-s of the polyimide fibers was measured.

Polylactide-based polyurethane and its shape-memory behavior

A series of polylactide polyurethanes (PLAUs) were synthesized from poly(L-lactide) diols, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Their thermal and mechanical properties and shape-memory behavior were studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXID), tensile testing, and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). The T(g)s of these polymers were in the range of 33-53 degrees C, and influenced by the Mn of the PLA diol and the ratio of the soft-segment to the hard-segment. These materials can restore their shapes almost completely after 150% elongation or twofold compression. By changing the M-n of the PLA diol and the ratio of the hard-to-soft-segment, their Ts and shape-recovery temperatures can be adjusted to the neighborhood of the body temperature. Therefore, these PLAUs are expected to find practical medical applications.

The effects of different alkyl substitution on the structures and properties of poly(3-alkylthiophenes)

In order to investigate the influence of different alkyl side chain substitution on the structures and properties of P3ATs, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravity analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible spectra (W-VIS) were applied to characterizing the samples of ploy(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT), poly(3-dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT) and poly(3-octadecylthiophene) (P3ODT). It is found that the different length of alkyl group substitution leads to great difference in molecular chain packings, according to the room temperature X-ray diffraction results. The temperature dependence of X-ray diffraction experiments were also performed to study the melting processes of P3ATs. With the increase in the number of carbon atoms in alkyl side chains, the melting point decreases, and the thermal stability decreases too. The results of both FTIR and W-VIS spectra indicate that the conjugation length of P3DDT is the longest. among the three P3ATs. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

生物－热催化过渡带沉积成岩演化及其成烃作用研究

The biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas is a new type of natural gas genetic theory, and also an clean, effective and high quality energy with shallow burial depth, wide distribution and few investment. Meanwhile, this puts biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas in important position to the energy resource and it is a challenging front study project. This paper introduces the concept, the present situation of study and developmental trend about biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas in detail. Then by using heat simulating of source rocks and catalysis mechanism analysis in the laboratory and studying structural evolution, sedimentation, diagenesis and the conditions of accumulation formation and so on, this paper also discusses catalytic mechanism and evolutionary model of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas formation, and establishes the methods of appraisal parameter and resources prediction about the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas. At last, it shows that geochemical characteristics and differentiated mark of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas, and perfect natural gas genetic theory, and points out the conditions of accumulation formation, distribution characteristics and potential distribution region on the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas m China. The paper mainly focuses on the formation mechanism and the resources potential about the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas. Based on filed work, it is attached importance to a combination of macroscopic and microcosmic analysis, and the firsthand data are obtained to build up framework and model of the study by applying geologic theory. Based on sedimentary structure, it is expounded that structural actions have an effect on filling space and developmental cource of sediments and evolution of source rocks. Carried out sedimentary environment, sequence stratigraphy, sedimentary system and diagenesis and so on, it is concluded that diagenesis influences developmental evolution of source rocks, and basic geologic conditions of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas. Applying experiment simulating and catalytic simulating as well as chemical analysis, catalytic mechanism of clay minerals is discussed. Combined diagenecic dynamics with isotope fractionation dynamics, it is established that basis and method of resource appraisal about the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas. All these results effectively assess and predict oil&gas resources about the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas-bearing typical basin in China. I read more than 170 volumes on the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas and complete the dissertation' summary with some 2.4 ten thousand words, draw up study contents in some detail and set up feasible experimental method and technologic course. 160 pieces of samples are obtained in oilfield such as Liaohe, Shengli, Dagang and Subei and so on, some 86 natural gas samples and more than 30 crude oil samples. Core profiles about 12 wells were observed and some 300 geologic photos were taken. Six papers were published in the center academic journal at home and abroad. Collected samples were analysised more than 1000 times, at last I complete this dissertation with more than 8 ten thousand words, and with 40 figures and 4 plates. According to these studies, it is concluded the following results and understandings. 1. The study indicates structural evolution and action of sedimentary basin influence and control the formation and accumulation the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas. Then, the structural action can not only control accommodation space of sediments and the origin, migration and accumulation of hydrocarbon matters, but also can supply the origin of energy for hygrocarbon matters foramtion. 2. Sedimentary environments of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas are lake, river and swamp delta- alluvial fan sedimentary systems, having a warm, hot and humid climate. Fluctuation of lake level is from low to high., frequency, and piling rate of sedimentary center is high, which reflect a stable depression and rapidly filling sedimentary course, then resulting in source rocks with organic matter. 3. The paper perfects the natural gas genetic theory which is compound and continuous. It expounds the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas is a special gas formation stage in continuous evolutionary sequence of organic matter, whose exogenic force is temperture and catalysis of clay minerals, at the same time, having decarbxylation, deamination and so on. 4. The methodology is established which is a combination of SEM, TEM and Engery spectrum analysis to identify microstructure of crystal morphology about clay minerals. Using differential thermal-chromatographic analysis, it can understand that hydrocarbon formation potential of different typies kerogens and catalytic method of all kinds of mineral matrix, and improve the surface acidity technology of clay minerals measured by the pyridine analytic method. 5. The experiments confirm catalysis of clay minerals to organic matter hygrocarbon formation. At low temperature (<300 ℃), there is mainly catalysis of montmorillonite, which can improve 2-3 times about produced gas of organic matters and the pyrolyzed temperature decreased 50 ℃; while at the high temperature, there is mainly catalysis of illite which can improve more than 2 times about produced gas of organic matters. 6. It is established the function relationship between organic matter (reactant) concentration and temperature, pressure, time, water and so on, that is C=f (D, t). Using Rali isotope fractionation effect to get methane isotope fractionation formula. According to the relationship between isotope fractionation of diagenesis and depth, and combined with sedimentary rate of the region, it is estimated that relict gas of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas in the representative basin. 7. It is revealed that hydrocarbon formation mechanism of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas is mainly from montmorillonite to mixed minerals during diagenesis. In interlayer, a lot of Al~(3+) substitute for Si~(4+), resulting in a imbalance between surface charge and interlayer charge of clay minerals and the occurrence of the Lewis and Bronsted acid sites, which promote to form the carbon cation. The cation can form alkene or small carbon cation. 8. It is addressed the comprehensive identification mark of the biothermo - catalytic transitional zone gas. In the temproal-spatial' distribution, its source rocks is mainly Palaeogene, secondly Cretaceous and Jurassic of Mesozoic, Triassic, having mudy rocks and coal-rich, their organic carbon being 0.2% and 0.4% respectively. The vitrinite reflection factor in source rocks Ro is 0.3-0.65%, a few up to 0.2%. The burial depth is 1000-3000m, being characterized by emerge of itself, reservoir of itself, shallow burial depth. In the transitional zone, from shallow to deep, contents of montmorillonites are progressively reduced while contents of illites increasing. Under SEM, it is observed that montmorillonites change into illite.s, firstly being mixed illite/ montmorillonite with burr-like, then itlite with silk-like. Carbon isotope of methane in the biothermocatatytic transitional zone gas , namely δ~(13)C_1-45‰- -60 ‰. 9. From the evolutionary sequence of time, distribution of the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas is mainly oil&gas bearing basin in the Mesozoic-Neozoic Era. From the distribution region, it is mainly eastern stuctural active region and three large depressions in Bohaiwang basin. But most of them are located in evolutionary stage of the transitional zone, having the better relationship between produced, reservoir and seal layers, which is favorable about forming the biothermocatalytic transitional zone gas reservoir, and finding large gas (oil) field.

Optimizing the reliability of power electronics module isolation substrates

Optimal design of a power electronics module isolation substrate is assessed using a combination of finite element structural mechanics analysis and response surface optimisation technique. Primary failure modes in power electronics modules include the loss of structural integrity in the ceramic substrate materials due to stresses induced through thermal cycling. Analysis of the influence of ceramic substrate design parameters is undertaken using a design of experiments approach. Finite element analysis is used to determine the stress distribution for each design, and the results are used to construct a quadratic response surface function. A particle swarm optimisation algorithm is then used to determine the optimal substrate design. Analysis of response surface function gradients is used to perform sensitivity analysis and develop isolation substrate design rules. The influence of design uncertainties introduced through manufacturing tolerances is assessed using a Monte-Carlo algorithm, resulting in a stress distribution histogram. The probability of failure caused by the violation of design constraints has been analyzed. Six geometric design parameters are considered in this work and the most important design parameters have been identified. Overall analysis results can be used to enhance the design and reliability of the component.

The Effects of Several Paper Characteristics and Application Methods on the Sublimation Rate of Cyclododecane

Cyclododecane (CDD) is a waxy, solid cyclic hydrocarbon (C12H24) that sublimes at room temperature and possesses strong hydrophobicity. In paper conservation CDD is used principally as a temporary fixative of water-soluble media during aqueous treatments. Hydrophobicity, ease of reversibility, low toxicity, and absence of residues are reasons often cited for its use over alternative materials although the latter two claims continue to be debated in the literature. The sublimation rate has important implications for treatment planning as well as health and safety considerations given the dearth of reliable information on its toxicity and exposure limits. This study examined how the rate of sublimation is affected by fiber type, sizing, and surface finish as well as delivery in the molten phase and as a saturated solution in low boiling petroleum ether. The effect of warming the paper prior to application was also evaluated. Sublimation was monitored using gravimetric analysis after which samples were tested for residues with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) to confirm complete sublimation. Water absorbency tests were conducted to determine whether this property is fully reestablished. Results suggested that the sublimation rate of CDD is affected minimally by all of the paper characteristics and application methods examined in this study. The main factors influencing the rate appear to be the thickness and mass of the CDD over a given surface area as well as temperature and ventilation. The GC-FID results showed that most of the CDD sublimed within several days of its disappearance from the paper surface regardless of the application method. Minimal changes occurred in the water absorbency of the samples following complete sublimation.

Investigation on drop penetration and wetting characteristics of powder-liquid systems in relation to the mixing of acrylic bone cement

This study investigated methyl methacrylate – polymethyl methacrylate powder bed interactions through droplet analyses, using model fluids and commercially available bone cement. The effects of storage temperature of liquid monomer and powder packing configuration on drop penetration time were investigated. Methyl methacrylate showed much more rapid imbibition than caprolactone due to decrease in both contact angle and fluid viscosity. Drop penetration of caprolactone through polymethyl methacrylate increased with decrease in bed macro-voids and increase in bulk density as predicted by the modified constant drawing area penetration model and confirmed by drop penetration images. Linear relationships were found between droplet mass and drawing area with imbibition time. Further experiments showed gravimetric analysis of the polymerised methyl methacrylate – polymethyl methacrylate matrix under various storage temperatures correlated with Reynolds number and Washburn analyses. These observations have direct implications for the design of mixing and delivery systems for acrylic bone cements used in orthopaedic surgery.

Performance of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite-polyglycolic acid composites: An in vitro study

The strategic incorporation of bioresorbable polymeric additives to calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite cement may provide short-term structural reinforcement and modify the modulus to closer match bone. The longer-term resorption properties may also be improved, creating pathways for bone in-growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the resorption process of a calcium phosphate cement system containing either in polyglycolic acid tri-methylene carbonate particles or polyglycolic acid fibres. This was achieved by in vitro aging in physiological conditions (phosphate buffered solution at 37°C) over 12 weeks. The unreinforced CPC exhibited an increase in compressive strength at 12 weeks, however catastrophic failure was observed above a critical loading. The fracture behaviour of cement was improved by the incorporation of PGA fibres; the cement retained its cohesive structure after critical loading. Gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed a large proportion of the fibres had resorbed after 12 weeks allowing for the increased cement porosity, which could facilitate cell infiltration and faster integration of natural bone. Incorporating the particulate additives in the cement did not provide any mechanism for mechanical property augmentation or did not demonstrate any appreciable level of resorption after 12 weeks.

Using Flory-Huggins phase diagrams as a pre-formulation tool for the production of amorphous solid dispersions; a comparison between hot-melt extrusion and spray drying

Objectives: Amorphous drug forms provide a useful method of enhancing the dissolution performance of poorly water-soluble drugs; however, they are inherently unstable. In this article, we have used Flory–Huggins theory to predict drug solubility and miscibility in polymer candidates, and used this information to compare spray drying and melt extrusion as processes to manufacture solid dispersions.
Method:  Solid dispersions were characterised using a combination of thermal (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry) and spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction methods. 
Key Findings: Spray drying permitted generation of amorphous solid dispersions to be produced across a wider drug concentration than melt extrusion. Melt extrusion provided sufficient energy for more intimate mixing to be achieved between drug and polymer, which may improve physical stability. It was also confirmed that stronger drug–polymer interactions might be generated through melt extrusion. Remixing and dissolution of recrystallised felodipine into the polymeric matrices did occur during the modulated differential scanning calorimetry analysis, but the complementary information provided from FTIR confirms that all freshly prepared spray-dried samples were amorphous with the existence of amorphous drug domains within high drug-loaded samples. 
Conclusion: Using temperature–composition phase diagrams to probe the relevance of temperature and drug composition in specific polymer candidates facilitates polymer screening for the purpose of formulating solid dispersions.

Preparation and Properties of Iodine-Doped Radiopaque Natural Rubber

Polymers exhibit low electron density and they are radiolucent. Polymers can be made radiopaque by different techniques. We report a method for the preparation of radiopaque material from natural rubber (NR). NR in its latex form was iodinated. Iodinated natural rubber (INR) was characterized by using UV, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray images. INR was compounded at high and low temperatures and its physical properties were measured. The low temperature cured samples show good radiopacity and conductivity. The optical density of low temperature cured samples was measured.