Tetragonal-cubic phase boundary in nanocrystalline ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) solid solutions synthesized by gel-combustion

By means of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD) and Raman spectroscopy, we have detected, in a series of nanocrystalline and compositionally homogeneous ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) solid solutions, the presence at room temperature of three different phases depending on Y(2)O(3) content, namely two tetragonal forms and the cubic phase. The studied materials, with average crystallite sizes within the range 7-10 nm, were synthesized by a nitrate-citrate gel-combustion process. The crystal structure of these phases was also investigated by SXPD. The results presented here indicate that the studied nanocrystalline ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) solid solutions exhibit the same phases reported in the literature for compositionally homogeneous materials containing larger (micro)crystals. The compositional boundaries between both tetragonal forms and between tetragonal and cubic phases were also determined. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of heavy rare earth ions substitution on microstructure and magnetism of nanocrystalline magnetite

In this work we report results on the influence of heavy rare earth ions substitution on microstructure and magnetism of nanocrystalline magnetite. A series of Fe(2.85)RE(0.15)O(4) (RE = Gd, Dy, Ho, Tm and Yb) samples have been prepared by high energy ball milling. Structure/microstructure investigations of two selected samples Fe(2.85)Gd(0.15)O(4) and Fe(2.85)Tm(0.15)O(4), represent an extension of the previously published results on Fe(3)O(4)/gamma-Fe(2)O(3), Fe(2.85)Y(0.15)O(4) and Fe(2.55)In(0.45)O(4) [Z. Cvejic, S. Rakic, A. Kremenovic, B. Antic, C. Jovalekic. Ph. Colomban, Sol. State Sciences 8 (2006) 908], while magnetic characterization has been done for all the samples. Crystallite/particle size and strain determined by X-ray diffractometry and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the nanostructured nature of the mechanosynthesized materials. X-ray powder diffraction was used to analyze anisotropic line broadening effects through the Rietveld method. The size anisotropy was found to be small while strain anisotropy was large, indicating nonuniform distribution of deffects in the presence of Gd and Tm in the crystal structure. Superparamagnetic(SPM) behavior at room temperature was observed for all samples studied. The Y-substituted Fe(3)O(4) had the largest He and the lowest M(S). We discuss the changes in magnetic properties in relation to their magnetic anisotropy and microstructure. High field irreversibility (H>20kOe) in ZFC/FC magnetization versus temperature indicates the existence of high magnetocrystalline and/or strain induced anisotropy. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inverse opal gas sensors : Zn(II)-doped tin dioxide systems for low temperature detection of pollutant gases

Focusing here on the effects of zinc doping in a nanocrystalline matrix of tin dioxide, inverse opal prototype sensors are presented and extensively studied as superior candidates for gas sensing applications. Courtesy of factors including controlled porosity, enhanced surface to volume ratio and homogeneous dispersion of species in the crystalline lattice assured by the sol–gel technique, prototype sensors were prepared with high dopant ratios in a range of new compositions. Exploiting their high sensitivities to low-gas concentrations at low working temperatures, and thanks to the presented templated sol–gel approach, the prepared sensors open up new frontiers in compositional control over the sensing oxide materials, consequently widening the possibilities available in on-demand gas sensor synthesis.

Síntese e caracterização de catalisadores de LaNiO3 não suportados e suportados em Al2O3 e ZrO2 para a reforma a vapor do metano

Ionic oxides with ABO3 structure, where A represents a rare earth element or an alkaline metal and B is a transition metal from group VIII of the periodic table are potential catalysts for oxidation and good candidates for steam reforming reaction. Different methods have been considered for the synthesis of the oxide materials with perovskite structure to produce a high homogeneous material with low amount of impurities and low calcination temperatures. In the current work, oxides with the LaNiO3 formula had been synthesized using the method of the polymeric precursors. The thermal treatment of the materials took place at 300 ºC for 2h. The material supported in alumina and/or zirconia was calcined at 800 ºC temperature for 4h. The samples had been characterized by the following techniques: thermogravimetry; infrared spectroscopy; X-ray diffraction; specific surface area; distribution of particle size; scanning electron microscopy and thermo-programmed reduction. The steam reforming reaction was carried out in a pilot plant using reducing atmosphere in the reactor with a mixture of 10% H2-Argon, a mass about 5g of catalyst, flowing at 50 mL.min-1. The temperature range used was 50 - 1000 oC with a heating rate of 10 oC.min-1. A thermal conductivity detector was used to analyze the gas after the water trapping, in order to permit to quantify the consumption of hydrogen for the lanthanum nickelates (LaNiO3). The results showed that lanthanum nickelate were more efficient when supported in alumina than when supported in zirconia. It was observed that the methane conversion was approximately 100% and the selectivity to hydrogen was about 70%. In all cases were verified low selectivity to CO and CO2

Materiais cerâmicos de inserção aplicados a baterias de íons lítio

Esta revisão visa ser uma introdução à aplicação de materiais cerâmicos em dispositivos de armazenamento de energia, em especial baterias secundárias de íons lítio, dispositivos nos quais os materiais cerâmicos, especialmente óxidos, são muito importantes em todas as partes do dispositivo. A revisão está focada nos materiais cerâmicos para catodos e anodos, partes chaves destes dispositivos. Ela tem por principal finalidade ser uma fonte de informação para aqueles que desejem trabalhar com o desenvolvimento de materiais cerâmicos para tais tipos de dispositivos. Aspectos relacionados à nanotecnologia e materiais óxidos nanoestruturados para esta área são discutidos ao final do artigo.

Nanosized lead lanthanum titanate (PLT) ceramic powders synthesized by the oxidant peroxo method

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Synthesis and characterization of lead zirconate titanate powders obtained by the oxidant peroxo method

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Synthesis and characterization of CuO flower-nanostructure processing by a domestic hydrothermal microwave

The synthesis and characterization of CuO flower-nanostructure processed in domestic hydrothermal microwave oven was presented. Phase analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman scattering (MRS) and the results confirmed the CuO flower-nanostructure as a single-phase. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) was used to estimate the average spheres diameter while transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe the thorn of the flower-nanostructures. The mechanism of CuO flower-nanostructures formation is proposed and explained. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spin, charge, and orbital correlations in the one-dimensional t(2g)-orbital Hubbard model

We present the zero-temperature phase diagram of the one-dimensional t(2g)-orbital Hubbard model, obtained using the density-matrix renormalization group and Lanczos techniques. Emphasis is given to the case of the electron density n=5 corresponding to five electrons per site, while several other cases for electron densities between n=3 and 6 are also studied. At n=5, our results indicate a first-order transition between a paramagnetic (PM) insulator phase, with power-law slowly decaying correlations, and a fully polarized ferromagnetic (FM) state by tuning the Hund's coupling. The results also suggest a transition from the n=5 PM insulator phase to a metallic regime by changing the electron density, either via hole or electron doping. The behavior of the spin, charge, and orbital correlation functions in the FM and PM states are also described in the text and discussed. The robustness of these two states against varying parameters suggests that they may be of relevance in quasi-one-dimensional Co-oxide materials, or even in higher dimensional cobaltite systems as well.

Influence of doping on the preferential growth of alpha-MoO3

MoO3 is a lamellar material with applications in different areas, as solid lubricants, catalysis, solar cells, etc. In the present work, MoO3 powders, synthesized by the polymeric precursor method, were doped with nickel or cobalt. The powder precursors were characterized by TG/DTA. After calcination between 500 and 700 degrees C, the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. beta-MoO3 was obtained after calcination at low temperatures. With the temperature increase, alpha-MoO3 is observed, with a preferential growth of the (0 2k 0) planes, when the material is doped and calcined at 700 degrees C. Doping with nickel increases five times the preferential growth. As a consequence, plate-like particles are observed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of Microwave Sterilization on Three Hard Chairside Reline Resins

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation sterilization on hard chairside reline resins. Materials and Methods: Specimens of three reline resins (Kooliner, Tokuso Rebase, and Ufi Gel Hard) were fabricated and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The specimens were then individually inoculated (107 cfu/mL) with Tryptic Soy Broth media containing one of the tested microorganisms (C albicans, S aureus, B subtilis, and P aeruginosa). After 48 hours at 37°C, the samples were vortexed for 1 minute and allowed to stand for 9 minutes, followed by a short vortex to resuspend any organisms present. After inoculation, 40 specimens of each material were immersed in 200 mL of water and subjected to microwave irradiation at 650 W for 6 minutes. Forty non-irradiated specimens were used as positive controls. Replicate specimens (25 μL) of suspension were plated at dilutions of 10-3 to 10-6 on plates of selective media appropriate for each organism. All plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. After incubation, colonies were counted, and the data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Twelve specimens of each material were prepared for SEM. Results: All immersed specimens showed consistent sterilization of all the individual organisms after microwave irradiation. SEM examination indicated an alteration in cell morphology after microwave irradiation. Conclusion: Microwave sterilization for 6 minutes at 650 W proved to be effective for the sterilization of hard chairside reline resins.

Effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of complete dentures

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of simulated complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Eighty dentures were fabricated in a standardized procedure and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The dentures were individually inoculated (10 7 cfu/mL) with tryptic soy broth (TSB) media containing one of the tested microorganisms (Candida albicans, Streptoccus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). After 48 hours of incubation at 37°C, 40 dentures were individually immersed in 200 mL of water and submitted to microwave irradiation at 650 W for 6 minutes. Forty nonirradiated dentures were used as positive controls. Replicate aliquots (25 μL) of suspensions were plated at dilutions of 10 -3 to 10 -6 on plates of selective media appropriate for each organism. All plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. TSB beakers with the microwaved dentures were incubated at 37°C for 7 more days. After incubation, the number of colony-forming units was counted and the data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (α = .05). Results: No evidence of growth was observed at 48 hours for S aureus, B subtilis, and C albicans. Dentures contaminated with P aeruginosa showed small growth on 2 plates. After 7 days incubation at 37°C, no growth was visible in the TSB beakers of S aureus and C albicans. Turbidity was observed in 3 broth beakers, 2 from P aeruginosa and 1 from B subtilis. Conclusion: Microwave irradiation for 6 minutes at 650 W produced sterilization of complete dentures contaminated with S aureus and C albicans and disinfection of those contaminated with P aeruginosa and B subtilis.

Evidence of defect-mediated magnetic coupling on hydrogenated Co-doped ZnO

Hydrogenated bulk Zn1-xCoxO samples were synthesized via standard solid-state reaction route with Co molar concentrations up to 15 at.%. Magnetic characterization demonstrates a room temperature ferromagnetic behavior associated to a paramagnetic Curie-Weiss component. Detailed microstructural analysis was carried out to exclude the presence of extrinsic sources of ferromagnetism. The magnetization increases linearly as a function of Co concentration. Hall measurements reveal an insulating character for the whole set of samples. In this context, the defect mediated magnetic coupling between the Co atoms under the scope of the bound magnetic polarons model is used to interpret the observed room temperature ferromagnetism. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estudo de síntese e caracterização em sistemas magnéticos de estrutura do tipo espinélio: NiMn2O4 e CoMn2O4

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)