Scientific Papers in SCI

Abstract

The objective of the present work has been the study of the physico-chemical and catalytic properties of Ni/La2O3 catalysts obtained by reduction of four LaNiO3 samples prepared by different methods. The LaNiO3 precursors as well as the resulting Ni/La2O3 catalysts, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), temperature programmed reduction and oxidation (TPR, TPO). The catalytic performances of these systems for dry reforming of methane (DRM) were also tested. These samples show different physico-chemical properties resulting from the synthesis method used. The XAS and TPR measurements show that in all four LaNiO3 samples there is, in addition of the crystalline LaNiO3 rhombohedrical phase, a significant amount of an amorphous NiO phase, not detectable by XRD but evidenced by XAS. The amount of this NiO amorphous phase seems to play, together with some other microstructural parameters, an important role in the performance of the Ni/La2O3 samples for the DRM reaction.

Abstract

The synthesis of multicomponent ceramic materials in the titanium-diboride-carbide-nitride-carbonitride system by the mechanochemical process known as the mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction (MSR) was investigated. Ceramic composite powders containing TiB ₂and TiC, TiN or TiC _xN _1-xwere prepared from a blended mixture of the elements by exploiting the highly exothermic nature of the formation reactions. The synthesis of the composite materials was made possible by the ability of the MSR to simultaneously induce independent self-sustaining reactions, generating a mixture of ceramic phases. The composition of the ceramic composites was designed using the initial atomic ratio of the reactants, and the achieved microstructure was characterized by TiB ₂particles in the micrometric range, surrounded by submicrometric and nanometric TiC, TiN, or TiC _xN _1-xcrystals.

Abstract

The influence of the Co ₃O ₄ morphology on its redox behavior and catalytic performance in the CO oxidation reaction is studied. Three different Co ₃O ₄ morphologies were synthesized by precipitation and hydrothermal methods. TEM and SEM observations clearly show the different obtained morphologies: rods, wires and a mixture of plates and cubes. The textural properties depend on the morphology and the redox ones on the particle size. XRD analysis reveals a spinel structure in all solids with a preferential exposition of the [1 1 0] plane in the Co ₃O ₄ rods sample. This preferential exposition, along with its higher specific surface area provides the rods with more efficient oxygen storage capacity resulting in an excellent catalytic performance compared to the other two morphologies.

Abstract

Manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (cryptomelane structure) were synthesized by a solvent-free method and tested in the total oxidation of CO (TOX), and preferential oxidation of CO in presence of hydrogen (PROX). The influence of Cu in the cryptomelane structure was evaluated by several characterization techniques such as: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (TPR-H2) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Cu-modified manganese oxide material (OMS-Cu) showed very high catalytic activity for CO oxidation in comparison to the bare manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS). The improved catalytic activity observed in OMS-Cu catalyst was associated to a high lattice oxygen mobility and availability due to the formation of Cusingle bondMnsingle bondO bridges. In addition, under PROX reaction conditions the catalytic activity considerably decreases in the presence of 10% (v/v) CO2 in the feed while the same amount of water provokes an improvement in the CO conversion and O2 selectivity.

Abstract

Chromium incorporation into TiO ₂ up to 3 GPa at 1300 °C and 900 °C has been studied by XRD as well as TEM. A CaCl ₂ type TiO ₂ polymorph has been observed in the quenched samples from high pressure. Two different mechanisms of solubility occur in the recovered samples. Chromium replaces titanium on normal octahedral sites but it also occupies interstitial octahedral sites, especially in the samples recovered from higher pressures. Interstitial chromium is responsible for an orthorhombic distortion of the TiO ₂ rutile structure in the quenched samples and gives rise to a (1 1 0) twinned CaCl ₂-structured polymorph. This phase is very likely the result of temperature quench at high pressure. The formation of this phase is directly related to the chromium content of the TiO ₂ grains. Chromium solubility in TiO ₂ increases with increasing the synthesis pressure. TiO ₂ is able to accommodate up to 15.3 wt% Cr ₂O ₃ at 3 GPa and 1300 °C, compared to 5.7 wt% at atmospheric pressure at the same temperature.

Abstract

Supported ZnO nanorods have been prepared at 405 K by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) using diethylzinc as precursor, oxygen plasma and silver as the promotion layer. The nanorods are characterized by a hollow and porous microstructure where partially percolated silver nanoparticles are located. By changing different deposition parameters like the thickness of the silver layer, the type of oxidation pretreatment or the geometry of the deposition set-up, the length, the width and the tilting angle of the nanorods with respect to the substrate can be modified. Other nanostructures like nanobushes, zigzag linear structures and stacked bilayers with nanocolumns of TiO ₂ can also be prepared by adjusting the deposition conditions. A phenomenological model relying on the assessment of the diverse nanostructure morphologies and the evidence provided by an in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiment has been proposed to describe their formation mechanism. From this analysis it is deduced that the effect of the electrical field of the plasma sheath, the high mobility of silver and silver oxide, and the diffusion of the precursor molecules are some of the critical factors that must converge by the formation of the nanorods.

Abstract

The study of the growth mechanisms of amorphous hydrogenated carbon coatings (a-CH _x) deposited by reactive pulsed magnetron discharge in Ar + C ₂H ₂, Ar + H ₂, and Ar + C ₂H ₂ + H ₂ low-pressure atmospheres is presented in this work. Hydrogen-containing species of the reactant gas affect the microstructure and surface properties of the a-CH _x thin films. The dynamic scaling theory has been used to relate the main reactive species involved in the deposition process to the growth mechanisms of the thin film by means of the analysis of the roughness evolution. Anomalous scaling effects have been observed in smooth a-CH _x coatings. Dynamic scaling exponents α, β, and z indicate a general growth controlled by surface diffusion mechanisms. Hydrogen species have an influence on the lateral growth of the a-CH _x coatings and are involved in the development of a polymeric-like structure. Meanwhile, hydrocarbon species promote the generation of higher aggregates, which increases the roughness of a more sp ² clustering structure of the a-CH _x coating.

Abstract

The wetting behavior of fluorocarbon materials has been studied with the aim of assessing the influence of the surface chemical composition and surface roughness on the water advancing and receding contact angles. Diamond like carbon and two fluorocarbon materials with different fluorine content have been prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and characterized by X-ray photoemission, Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies. Very rough surfaces have been obtained by deposition of thin films of these materials on polymer substrates previously subjected to plasma etching to increase their roughness. A direct correlation has been found between roughness and water contact angles while a superhydrophobic behavior (i.e., water contact angles higher than 150° and relatively low adhesion energy) was found for the films with the highest fluorine content deposited on very rough substrates. A critical evaluation of the methods currently used to assess the roughness of these surfaces by atomic force microscopy (AFM) has evidenced that calculated RMS roughness values and actual surface areas are quite dependent on both the scale of observation and image resolution. A critical discussion is carried out about the application of the Wenzel model to account for the wetting behavior of this type of surfaces.

Abstract

In this paper we show the performance of a new CO ₂ sorbent consisting of a dry physical mixture of a Ca-based sorbent and a SiO ₂ nanostructured powder. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) performed at conditions close to the Ca-looping process demonstrate that the rate of CO ₂ capture by the mixture is enhanced during the fast carbonation stage of practical interest in applications. Moreover, the residual capture capacity of the mixture is increased. SEM/EDX, physisorption, and XRD analyses indicate that there is a relevant interaction between the nanostructured SiO ₂ skeleton and CaO at high temperatures, which serves to improve the efficiency of the transfer of CO ₂ to small reactive pores as well as the stability of the sorbent pore structure.

Abstract

The study of the growth mechanisms of amorphous hydrogenated carbon coatings (a-CHx) deposited by reactive pulsed magnetron discharge in Ar + C2H2, Ar + H-2, and Ar + C2H2 + H-2 low-pressure atmospheres is presented in this work. Hydrogen-containing species of the reactant gas affect the microstructure and surface properties of the a-CHx thin films. The dynamic scaling theory has been used to relate the main reactive species involved in the deposition process to the growth mechanisms of the thin film by means of the analysis of the roughness evolution. Anomalous scaling effects have been observed in smooth a-CHx coatings. Dynamic scaling exponents alpha, beta, and z indicate a general growth controlled by surface diffusion mechanisms. Hydrogen species have an influence on the lateral growth of the a-CHx coatings and are involved in the development of a polymeric-like structure. Meanwhile, hydrocarbon species promote the generation of higher aggregates, which increases the roughness of a more sp(2) clustering structure of the a-CHx coating.

Abstract

The effect of the addition of materials on the leaching pattern of As and metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd) in two contaminated soils was investigated. The examined materials included bentonites, silicates and industrial wastes, such as sugar foam, fly ashes and a material originated from the zeolitization of fly ash. Soil + material mixtures were prepared at 10% doses. Changes in the acid neutralization capacity, crystalline phases and contaminant leaching over a wide range of pHs were examined by using pHstat leaching tests. Sugar foam, the zeolitic material and MX-80 bentonite produced the greatest decrease in the leaching of pollutants due to an increase in the pH and/or the sorption capacity in the resulting mixture. This finding suggests that soil remediation may be a feasible option for the reuse of non-hazardous wastes.

Abstract

Herein, we present an integral optical and electrical theoretical analysis of the effect of different diffuse light scattering designs on the performance of dye solar cells. Light harvesting efficiencies and electron generation functions extracted from optical numerical calculations based on a Monte Carlo approach are introduced in a standard electron diffusion model to obtain the steady-state characteristics of the different configurations considered. We demonstrate that there is a strong dependence of the incident photon to current conversion efficiency, and thus of the overall conversion efficiency, on the interplay between the value of the electron diffusion length considered and the type of light scattering design employed, which determines the spatial dependence of the electron generation function. Other effects, like the influence of increased photoelectron generation on the photovoltage, are also discussed. Optimized scattering designs for different combinations of electrode thickness and electron diffusion length are proposed.

Abstract

Nanometer-sized titanium-niobium carbonitride powders (Ti _yNb _1-yC _xN _1-x) with different Ti/Nb atomic ratios were obtained by a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction, and sintered by spark plasma sintering technique at 1500°C for 1min in a vacuum atmosphere. Mechanical properties such as hardness and Young's modulus were determined by nanoindentation technique and friction and wear coefficients assessed by ball-on-disk testing using alumina ball in dry sliding conditions. The fracture surface and wear tracks of samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that it is possible to obtain dense monolithic ceramics from the solid solution (Ti _yNb _1-yC _xN _1-x) with good mechanical properties and excellent wear resistance. The optimum values of nanomechanical properties were found for the Ti _0.3Nb _0.7C _0.5N _0.5 ceramic composition, which exhibited a high hardness over 26.0GPa and Young's modulus around 400GPa.

Abstract

A family of organomicas was synthesized using synthetic swelling micas with high layer charge (NanSi8-nAlnMg6F4O20 center dot XH2O, where n = 2, 3, and 4) exchanged with dodecylammonium and octadecylammonium cations. The molecular arrangement of the surfactant was elucidated on the basis on XRD patterns and DTA. The ordering conformation of the surfactant molecules into the interlayer space of micas was investigated by C-13, Al-27, and Si-29 MAS NMR The arrangement of alkylammonium ions in these high-charge synthetic micas depends on the combined effects of the layer charge of the mica and the chain length of the cation. In the organomicas with dodecylammonium, a transition from a parallel layer to a bilayer-paraffin arrangement is observed when the layer charge of the mica increases. However, when octadecylammonium is the interlayer cation, the molecular arrangement of the surfactant was found to follow the bilayer-paraffin model for all values of layer charge. The amount of ordered conformation all-trans is directly proportional of layer charge.

Abstract

This paper reports a thorough microstructural characterization of glancing angle deposited (GLAD) TiO ₂ thin films. Atomic force microscopy (afm), grazing-incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) and water adsorption isotherms have been used to determine the evolution of porosity and the existence of some correlation distances between the nanocolumns constituting the basic elements of the films nanostructure. It is found that the deposition angle and, to a lesser extent, the film thickness are the most important parameters controlling properties of the thin film. The importance of porosity and some critical dimensions encountered in the investigated GLAD thin films is highlighted in relation to the analysis of their optical properties when utilized as antireflective coatings or as hosts and templates for the development of new composite materials.

Abstract

Gold supported on cryptomelane-type OMS-2 catalysts deposited on AISI 304 stainless steels monoliths have been prepared for the first time, characterised and tested in the CO oxidation reaction. An easy and non-conventional method of incorporation of gold to the cryptomelane solid is used. This method allows the preparation of the monolithic catalysts without altering the structural and textural characteristics of the parent OMS-2 material. Although these catalysts do not show an optimal performance for the oxidation of CO, the presence of small gold particles enhances the catalytic performances of the cryptomelane producing promissory CO oxidation catalysts. The non-conventional gold deposition favours a partial loss of K ⁺ into the channels, resulting in an increment of the average oxidation state of manganese which favours the catalytic behaviour of these kinds of materials. This study can be taken as a starting point to obtain very active gold catalysts supported on OMS-2 materials through the optimisation of the gold-support interaction and the decrease in the gold particle size.

Abstract

Silicon incorporation in TiO ₂ phases at increasing pressures until 20 GPa at 1300 °C has been studied by XRD and TEM. Rutile is the stable Si-doped TiO ₂ phase until at least 7 GPa, transforming into α-PbO ₂ structured TiO2 between 7 and 10 GPa. The further transformation to the TiO ₂ polymorph with the baddeleyite structure, akaogiite, has not been observed on the quenched samples. XRD and TEM-EDX data suggest that the Si-doped TiO ₂ akaogiite polymorph is non-quenchable and reverts to a-PbO2 structured TiO ₂ when releasing the pressure. This transformation gives rise to α-PbO ₂ structured TiO ₂ grains decorated with p fringes stacking faults. Silicon solubility in TiO ₂ phases increases with increasing the synthesis pressure until 16 GPa, implying the substitutional solid solution to be the mechanism of solubility. The influence of the dopants on the stability of the rutile and the α-PbO2 structured TiO ₂ has also been analyzed.

Abstract

A series of V₂O₅- and Co₃O₄-modified ceria/alumina supports and their corresponding gold catalysts were synthesized and their catalytic activities evaluated in the CO oxidation reaction. V₂O₅-doped solids demonstrated a poor capacity to abate CO, even lower than that of the original ceria/alumina support, owing to the formation of CeVO₄. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and H₂-temperature programmed reduction studies confirmed the presence of this stoichiometric compound, in which cerium was present as Ce³⁺ and its redox properties were avoided. Co₃O₄-doped supports showed a high activity in CO oxidation at subambient temperatures. The vanadium oxide-doped gold catalysts were not efficient because of gold particle agglomeration and CeVO₄ formation. However, the gold–cobalt oxide–ceria/alumina catalysts demonstrated a high capacity to abate CO at and below room temperature. Total conversion was achieved at −70 °C. The calculated apparent activation energy values revealed a theoretical optimum loading of a half-monolayer.

Abstract

Directionally solidified eutectics are in situ composites grown from the melt. Due to the differences in the thermoelastic properties of the different phases present in the material, these composites often exhibit residual stresses that can affect their mechanical properties. In this work we use neutron diffraction to investigate residual stresses in Al ₂O ₃-ZrO ₂ eutectic composites as a function of temperature, for samples processed at two different growth rates, 10mm/h and 750mm/h. Our results show that the stress-free temperature is in the range of 1200±200°C. We explain the experimental observations based on the thermoelastic properties of the phases in the material and confirm our measurements using a simple, self-consistent model.

Abstract

Advanced nanostructured materials that demonstrate useful activity under solar excitation in fields concerned with the elimination of pollutants, partial oxidation and the valorization of chemical compounds, water splitting and CO ₂ reduction processes, are discussed. Point defects present in nanoparticulated anatase present both 5-fold- and 6-fold-coordinated titanium atoms, as well as 2-fold- and 3-fold-coordinated oxygens. The requirement of using sunlight as the excitation source for the degradation reaction demands, as a principal requirement, the modification of the electronic characteristics of a UV absorber system such as anatase-TiO ₂. Some reports also indicate the need for large doping concentrations for N-doping in specific cases where notable changes in the valence band onset are subsequently observed. The effect of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the crystallization is reported by Yin et al. They showed that the presence of CTAB induces the appearance of BiOBr during the synthesis at 80°C using an aqueous method.

Abstract

A working electrode design based on a highly porous 1D photonic crystal structure that opens the path towards high photocurrents in thin, transparent, dye-sensitized solar cells is presented. By enlarging the average pore size with respect to previous photonic crystal designs, the new working electrode not only increases the device photocurrent, as predicted by theoretical models, but also allows the observation of an unprecedented boost of the cell photovoltage, which can be attributed to structural modifications caused during the integration of the photonic crystal. These synergic effects yield conversion efficiencies of around 3.5% by using just 2 mu m thick electrodes, with enhancements between 100% and 150% with respect to reference cells of the same thickness.

Abstract

Growth of amorphous SiO₂ thin films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering at low temperatures has been studied under different oxygen partial pressure conditions. Film microstructures varied from coalescent vertical column-like to homogeneous compact microstructures, possessing all similar refractive indexes. A discussion on the process responsible for the different microstructures is carried out focusing on the influence of (i) the surface shadowing mechanism, (ii) the positive ion impingement on the film, and (iii) the negative ion impingement. We conclude that only the trend followed by the latter and, in particular, the impingement of O^- ions with kinetic energies between 20 and 200 eV, agrees with the resulting microstructural changes. Overall, it is also demonstrated that there are two main microstructuring regimes in the growth of amorphous SiO₂ thin films by magnetron sputtering at low temperatures, controlled by the amount of O₂ in the deposition reactor, which stem from the competition between surface shadowing and ion-induced adatom surface mobility.

Abstract

Cermets with a nominal composition (Tia(0.8)Ta(0.2)C(0.5)N(0.5)-20 wt.% Co) were synthesised by a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction (MSR) process from stoichiometric elemental powder blends. The MSR allowed the production of a complex (Ti,Ta)(C,N) solid solution, which was the raw material used for the sintering process. The pressureless sintering process was performed at temperatures between 1400 degrees C and 1600 degrees C in an inert atmosphere. The microstructural characterisation showed a complex microstructure composed of a ceramic phase with an unusual inverse core-rim structure and a Ti-Ta-Co intermetallic phase that acted as the binder.

Abstract

A series of ZnO and Fe ₂O ₃ modified ceria/alumina supports and their corresponding gold catalyst were prepared and studied in the CO oxidation reaction. ZnO-doped solids show a superior catalytic activity compared to the bare CeO ₂-Al ₂O ₃, which is attributed to the intimate contact of the ZnO and CeO ₂ phases, since an exchange of the lattice oxygen occurs at the interface. In a similar way, Fe ₂O ₃-modified supports increase the ability of the CeO ₂-Al ₂O ₃ solids to eliminate CO caused by both the existence of Ce-Fe contact surface and the Fe ₂O ₃ intrinsic activity. All of the gold catalysts were very efficient in oxidising CO irrespective of the doping metal oxide or loading, with the ZnO containing systems better than the others. The majority of the systems reached total CO conversion below room temperature with the ZnO and Fe ₂O ₃ monolayer loaded systems the most efficient within the series.

Abstract

Herein we demonstrate improved mass transport through nano-particle one-dimensional photonic crystals of enhanced porosity. Analysis is made by impedance spectroscopy using iodine and ionic liquid based electrolytes and shows that newly created large pores and increased porosity improve the diffusion of species through the photonic crystal. This achievement is based on the use of a polymeric porogen (polyethylene glycol), which is mixed with the precursor suspensions used for the deposition of nanoparticle TiO2 and SiO2 layers and then eliminated to generate a more open interconnected void network, as confirmed by specular reflectance porosimetry. A compromise between pore size and optical quality of these periodic structures is found.

Abstract

Catalysts of 1 wt% copper oxide supported on cerium oxide or cerium–terbium mixed oxides are comparatively examined with respect to their redox and catalytic properties for CO oxidation. Characterization of the catalysts had shown that they contain highly dispersed CuO-type entities on the corresponding nanostructured fluorite supports with copper dispersion increasing with increasing amounts of terbium in the support. In contrast, the CO oxidation catalytic activity decreases with increasing amounts of terbium in the support. On the basis of operando-DRIFTS experiments, one of the factors that could explain such behaviour is related to the greater difficulty in generating reduced copper sites active for the reaction in the presence of terbium, which in turn is evidenced to constitute an induction stage. Analysis of the redox properties is complemented by XPS which confirms the greater resistance to copper reduction in the presence of terbium.

Abstract

The formation of silver hydrogen trititanate nanotubes, based on the controllable microwave-assisted hydrothermal nanocrystalline TiO₂ transition, was investigated by means of XRD, UV–vis–DRS, Raman, FESEM and HRTEM. The results show that the rapid formation of H-trititanate nanotubes is achieved by self-assemblage of silver nanoparticles in which the lamellar intermediates react with NaOH in hydrothermal conditions. The presence of Ag° nanoparticles in the precursor promotes rapid and more complete formation of layered H₂Ti₃O₇ nanotubes. After reacting for 4 h without subsequent thermal treatment, the inner diameters of the cylinder-like nanotubes are in the range of 3.6–4.0 nm, while their outer diameters are in the range of 7.6–8 nm. In addition, some straight nanotubes form bundles which are hundreds of nanometers in length. As-synthesized ultrathin nanotubes and crystalline precursors were evaluated by methyl orange dye (MOD) UV photo-oxidation. The complete degradation of MOD is achieved after 3.5 h of UV irradiation in the presence of silver–TiO₂ nanocomposites, resulting in 50% of dye mineralization.

Abstract

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are increasingly being incorporated into commercial products. A better understanding is required of their environmental impacts in aquatic ecosystems.

This review deals with the ecotoxicity effects of silver and gold ENPs (AgNPs and AuNPs) in aquatic organisms, and considers the means by which these ENPs enter aquatic environments, their aggregation status and their toxicity. Since ENPs are transported horizontally and vertically in the water column, we discuss certain factors (e.g., salinity and the presence of natural organic materials), as they cause variations in the degree of aggregation, size range and ENP toxicity. We pay special attention to oxidative stress induced in organisms by ENPs.

We describe some of the main analytical methods used to determine reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activity, DNA damage, protein modifications, lipid peroxidation and relevant metabolic activities. We offer an overview of the mechanisms of action of AgNPs and AuNPs and the ways that relevant environmental factors can affect their speciation, agglomeration or aggregation, and ultimately their bio-availability to aquatic organisms.

Finally, we discuss similarities and differences in the adverse effects of ENPs in freshwater and salt-water systems.