Elements Of X Ray Diffraction

A comparison of the band gap energy estimated from UV–vis reflectance spectra of TiO2 powders prepared by sol–gel route versus commercial TiO2 powders, nanopowder, bulkpowder and P25 is reported. The experimental results obtained from the optical absorption spectra were reported for all the TiO2 samples. Graphic representations were used to calculate Eg: absorbance versus λ; F(R) versus E; (F(R) hν)n versus E, with n = ½ for an indirect allowed transition and n = 2 for a direct allowed transition. From the results, it could be seen that Eg strongly varied according to the equation used for the graphic representation. Differences in Eg up to 0.5 eV for the same semiconductor depending on the transition chosen were observed. Accurate Eg estimation in the four semiconductors studied was obtained by using the general equation α (hν) ≈ B (hν − Eg)n (where α ~ F(R)) and indirect allowed transition.

Band-gap energy estimation from diffuse reflectance measurements on sol–gel and commercial TiO2: a comparative study

Metal oxides are the key ingredients for the development of many advanced functional materials and smart devices. Nanostructuring has emerged as one of the best tools to unlock their full potential. Tungsten oxides (WOx) are unique materials that have been rigorously studied for their chromism, photocatalysis, and sensing capabilities. However, they exhibit further important properties and functionalities that have received relatively little attention in the past. This Feature Article presents a general review of nanostructured WOx, their properties, methods of synthesis, and a description of how they can be used in unique ways for different applications. Tungsten oxides (WOx) are unique functional materials that can be obtained in a vast variety of nanostructured forms. This Feature Article presents a comprehensive review on the properties of WOx that goes beyond chromism and photocatalysis, for which they are usually investigated for. This is followed by a survey of their synthesis methods and implementations for different applications.

Nanostructured Tungsten Oxide – Properties, Synthesis, and Applications

Electrochromic (EC) materials are able to change their optical properties, reversibly and persistently, by the application of an electrical voltage. These materials can be integrated in multilayer devices capable of modulating the optical transmittance between widely separated extrema. We first review the recent literature on inorganic EC materials and point out that today's research is focused on tungsten oxide (colouring under charge insertion) and nickel oxide (colouring under charge extraction). The properties of thin films of these materials are then discussed in detail with foci on recent results from two comprehensive investigations in the authors' laboratory. A logical exposition is obtained by covering, in sequence, structural features, thin film deposition (by sputtering), electronic band structure, and ion diffusion. A novel conceptual model is given for structural characteristics of amorphous W oxide films, based on notions of defects in the ideal amorphous state. It is also shown that the conduction band density of states is obtainable from simple electrochemical chronopotentiometry. Ion intercalation causes the charge-compensating electrons to enter localized states, implying that the optical absorption underlying the electrochromism can be described as ensuing from transitions between occupied and empty localized conduction band states. A fully quantitative theory of such transitions is not available, but the optical absorption can be modeled more phenomenologically as due to a superposition of transitions between different charge states of the W ions (6+, 5+, and 4+). The Ni oxide films were found to have a porous structure comprised of small grains. The data are consistent with EC coloration being a surface phenomenon, most likely confined to the outer parts of the grains. Initial electrochemical cycling was found to transform hydrated Ni oxide into hydroxide and oxy-hydroxide phases on the grain surfaces. Electrochromism in thus stabilized films is consistent with reversible changes between Ni hydroxide and oxy-hydroxide, in accordance with the Bode reaction scheme. An extension of this model is put forward to account for changes of NiO to Ni2O3. It was demonstrated that electrochromism is associated solely with proton transfer. Data on chemical diffusion coefficients are interpreted for polycrystalline W oxide and Ni oxide in terms of the lattice gas model with interaction. The later part of this review is of a more technological and applications oriented character and is based on the fact that EC devices with large optical modulation can be accomplished essentially by connecting W-oxide-based and Ni-oxide-based films through a layer serving as a pure ion conductor. Specifically, we treat methods to enhance the bleached-state transmittance by mixing the Ni oxide with other oxides characterized by wide band gaps, and we also discuss pre-assembly charge insertion and extraction by facile gas treatments of the films, as well as practical device manufacturing and device testing. Here the emphasis is on novel flexible polyester-foil-based devices. The final part deals with applications with emphasis on architectural “smart” windows capable of achieving improved indoor comfort jointly with significant energy savings due to lowered demands for space cooling. Eyewear applications are touched upon as well.

/pdf/electrochromics-for-smart-windows-thin-films-of-tungsten-aw0rai8h60.pdf

Electrochromics for smart windows: thin films of tungsten oxide and nickel oxide, and devices based on these

In the present review we try to give a comprehensive and most up to date view to the field, with an emphasis on the currently most investigated anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays. We will first give an overview of different synthesis approaches to produce TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nanotube arrays, and then deal with physical and chemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes and techniques to modify them. Finally, we will provide an overview of the most explored and prospective applications of nanotubular TiO2.

One-dimensional titanium dioxide nanomaterials: nanotubes.

Effect of Se addition on optical and electrical properties of chalcogenide CdSSe thin films

Influence of composition on optical and dispersion parameters of thermally evaporated non-crystalline Cd50S50−xSex thin films

Study of optical properties of thermally evaporated ZnSe thin films annealed at different pulsed laser powers

Optical properties of crystalline and non-crystalline iron oxide thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis

Polycrystalline nickel oxide films with preferential growth along (1 1 1) plane were deposited onto glass substrates, maintained at 350°C, by the spray pyrolysis technique using nickel chloride as starting solution. The effect of solution concentration on their structural, electrical, and optical properties was studied. Using X-ray diffraction, the structural characteristics have been studied and due to the high degree of preferred orientation, Voigt analysis of single reflection was used to determine the microstructural properties (crystallite size and microstrain). The refractive index n and the extinction coefficient k have been computed from the corrected transmittance and reflectance measurements over the spectral range 300–2400 nm. Analysis of the absorption versus photon energy curves revealed a direct transition with optical band gap, E g , of 3.6 eV and indirect transition within the range 3.97–3.75 eV as solution molarity increases from 0.05 to 0.3 M. The electrochromic behaviour of polycrystalline nickel oxide film were investigated by means of cyclic voltametry in 1 M KOH aqueous solution. Cycling showed significant increase in solar optical modulation reaching a value of 0.23 after 150 cycles.

Alaa A. Akl

Papers

Effect of Se addition on optical and electrical properties of chalcogenide CdSSe thin films

Influence of composition on optical and dispersion parameters of thermally evaporated non-crystalline Cd50S50−xSex thin films

Study of optical properties of thermally evaporated ZnSe thin films annealed at different pulsed laser powers

Optical properties of crystalline and non-crystalline iron oxide thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis

Opto-structural, electrical and electrochromic properties of crystalline nickel oxide thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis