Hiromitsu Kozuka

Bio: Hiromitsu Kozuka is an academic researcher from Kansai University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sol-gel & Thin film. The author has an hindex of 33, co-authored 183 publications receiving 4711 citations. Previous affiliations of Hiromitsu Kozuka include Kyoto University & Minolta.

Sol-Gel Preparation of Transparent and Conductive Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Films with Highly Preferential Crystal Orientation

Abstract: Transparent aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) films were prepared via the sol-gel method on silica-glass substrates from 2-methoxyethanol solutions of zinc acetate and aluminum chloride that contained monoethanolamine. Dip coating was conducted at room temperature, with substrate withdrawal rates of 1.2-7.0 cm/min. After each deposition, the films were heat-treated in air at 200°-450°C for 10 min (pre-heat-treatment). After six to fourteen layers had been deposited, the films were then subjected to annealing in air at 500°-800°C for 1 h (the first post-heat-treatment), followed by annealing in nitrogen at 500°-700°C for 15 min to 4 h (the second post-heat-treatment). All the films obtained were transparent and showed only an extremely sharp ZnO (002) peak in the X-ray diffractometry (XRD) patterns. The effects of the aluminum content, the substrate withdrawal speed, and the heat-treatment conditions on the electrical resistivity of the films were studied. All these factors strongly affected the resistivity. The lowest resistivity value (6.5 10-3 Omegacm) was achieved in a film that contained 0.5 at.% aluminum, prepared with a low substrate withdrawal speed (1.2 cm/min), and a pre-heat-treatment of individual layer at 400°C in air and a post-heat-treatment of the entire film at 600°C in air, followed by a post-heat-treatment at 600°C in nitrogen. These preparation parameters also affected the degree of crystal orientation, which was revealed by the intensity of the ZnO (002) XRD peak. Higher crystal orientation was effective in reducing the film resistivity, whereas the higher grain-packing density and possible aluminum segregation were thought to have positive and negative effects, respectively, in reducing the resistivity.

Preparation of ZnO Films with Preferential Orientation by Sol-Gel Method

Abstract: ZnO films were prepared on silica glass substrates by the sol-gel method from Zn(CH3COO)2⋅2H2O-2-methoxyethanol solutions containing monoethanolamine (MEA) or diethanolamine (DEA). Smooth and transparent ZnO films were obtained by heating at temperatures from 200 to 500°C for 10min after each coating and finally at the same temperatures for 1h. The films prepared from coating solutions containing MEA were strongly oriented along the (002) plane. The effects of heating temperature and ethanolamines on the film morphology, grain size distribution and crystallographic orientation are discussed based on X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Recent advances in the liquid-phase syntheses of inorganic nanoparticles.

Abstract: The development of novel materials is a fundamental focal point of chemical research; and this interest is mandated by advancements in all areas of industry and technology. A good example of the synergism between scientific discovery and technological development is the electronics industry, where discoveries of new semiconducting materials resulted in the evolution from vacuum tubes to diodes and transistors, and eventually to miniature chips. The progression of this technology led to the development * To whom correspondence should be addressed. B.L.C.: (504) 2801385 (phone); (504) 280-3185 (fax); bcushing@uno.edu (e-mail). C.J.O.: (504)280-6846(phone);(504)280-3185(fax);coconnor@uno.edu (e-mail). 3893 Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 3893−3946

Review of the anatase to rutile phase transformation

Abstract: Titanium dioxide, TiO2, is an important photocatalytic material that exists as two main polymorphs, anatase and rutile. The presence of either or both of these phases impacts on the photocatalytic performance of the material. The present work reviews the anatase to rutile phase transformation. The synthesis and properties of anatase and rutile are examined, followed by a discussion of the thermodynamics of the phase transformation and the factors affecting its observation. A comprehensive analysis of the reported effects of dopants on the anatase to rutile phase transformation and the mechanisms by which these effects are brought about is presented in this review, yielding a plot of the cationic radius versus the valence characterised by a distinct boundary between inhibitors and promoters of the phase transformation. Further, the likely effects of dopant elements, including those for which experimental data are unavailable, on the phase transformation are deduced and presented on the basis of this analysis.

Plasmon-induced hot-electron generation at nanoparticle/metal-oxide interfaces for photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices

Abstract: Optical generation of hot electrons in metallic structures and its potential as an alternative to conventional electron–hole separation in semiconductor devices are reviewed. The possibilities for realizing high conversion efficiencies with low fabrication costs are discussed along with challenges in terms of the materials, architectures and fabrication methods

Effects of F- Doping on the Photocatalytic Activity and Microstructures of Nanocrystalline TiO2 Powders

Abstract: A novel and simple method for preparing highly photoactive nanocrystalline F--doped TiO2 photocatalyst with anatase and brookite phase was developed by hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide in a mixed NH4F−H2O solution. The prepared F--doped TiO2 powders were characterized by differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV−vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and BET surface areas. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic oxidation of acetone in air. The results showed that the crystallinity of anatase was improved upon F- doping. Moreover, fluoride ions not only suppressed the formation of brookite phase but also prevented phase transition of anatase to rutile. The F--doped TiO2 samples exhibited stronger absorption in the UV−visible range with a red shift in the band gap transition. The photocatalytic activity of F--doped TiO2 powders prep...