National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

We report the applicability of a hybrid system comprising a La3+-based catalyst and an Au/TiO2 photocatalyst in the decomposition of chemical weapons. This system is able to perform complete degradation of soman, sarin and VX in less than 1 minute under low basic conditions and visible light irradiation.

Ni-doped (CeO2-delta)-YSZ (5 mol% Ni oxide, 10 mol% ceria) mesoarchitectures (MA) with nanocrystalline framework have been synthesized by an original, facile and cheap approach based on Triton X100 nonionic surfactant as template and water as solvent at a strong basic pH value. Following the hydrothermal treatment under autogenous pressure (similar to 18 bars), Ni, Ce, Y, and Zr were well ordered as MA with nanocrystalline framework, assuring thermal stability. A comprehensive investigation of structure, texture, morphology, and surface chemistry was performed by means of a variety of complementary techniques (X-Ray Diffraction, XRD; Raman Spectroscopy, RS; Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, BET; Temperature-Programmed Reduction, TPR; Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM and DF-STEM; X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, XPS; Catalytic activity and selectivity). N-2 sorption measurements highlighted that the mesoporous structure is formed at 600 degrees C and remains stable at 800 degrees C. At 900 degrees C, the MA collapses, favoring the formation of macropores. The XRD and Raman Spectroscopy of all samples showed the presence of a pure, single phase with fluorite-type structure. At 900 degrees C, an increased tetragonal distortion of the cubic lattice was observed. The surface chemistry probed by XPS exhibits a mixture of oxidation states (Ce3+ + Ce4+) with high percentage of Ce3+ valence state similar to 35 % and (Ni3+ and Ni2+) oxidation states induced by the thermal treatment. These nanoparticles assembled into MA show high stability and selectivity over time in catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOM). These promising performances suggest an interesting prospect for introduction as anode within IT-SOFC assemblies.

Herein, we investigate the emission properties of Er - BiOCl in the range of similar to 500 to 1700 nm under down - (488 and 973 nm) and NIR (telecom - wavelength at similar to 1500 nm) up - conversion excitation as well high energy X-ray excitation. The dependencies of red (similar to 670 nm) and NIR (similar to 800 nm) to green emission (similar to 543 nm) ratio with Er concentration, excitation mode and delay after laser pulse as well as the up - conversion excitation spectra and decays are analyzed in terms of competitive ground state absorption/excited state absorption and energy transfer up - conversion mechanisms. The CIE chromaticity diagram show single excitation (similar to 1500 nm), delay induced emission color change from yellowish green (delay of 0.001 ms) to reddish orange (delay of 1 ms). The X-ray induced emission of Er - BiOCl presents an atypical red to green emission ratio that exceeds that measured under optical down - conversion excitation by a factor of 13. The potential of Er - BiOCl for optical/X-ray imaging applications is discussed. (C)2015 Optical Society of America