S. Bhattacharyya

Bio: S. Bhattacharyya is an academic researcher from National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sintering & Orthosilicate. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 28 publications receiving 677 citations.

Nanostructured Al2O3-ZrO2 composite synthesized by sol-gel technique: powder processing and microstructure

Abstract: Al2O3–ZrO2 composite gel powder was prepared by sol–gel route. The gel precursor compositions were preferred to achieve yield of 5–15 mol% zirconia after calcination of respective powders. The precursor gel was characterized by Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)/Thermo Gravimetric (TG), IR and X-ray Diffraction study (XRD). The analysis reveal the gel contained pseudoboehmite and amorphous Zr(OH)4, which was decomposed in three and two stages respectively. The phase transformation of alumina during calcination followed the sequence of pseudoboehmite → bayerite → boehmite → γ-Al2O3 → θ-Al2O3 → α-Al2O3, while that of ZrO2 follows amorphous ZrO2 → t-ZrO2 → (t + m) ZrO2. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) studies showed that the number of M–OH and M–O bond increases with zirconia due to a change in the cationic charge of the composite powder. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) photograph of calcined powder exhibited the presence of dispersed as well as agglomerated nano sized spherical particles. SEM and Electron Probe Microscope Analysis (EPMA) confirmed the near uniform distribution of zirconia particles in the alumina matrix.

Pressureless sintering of dense hydroxyapatite–zirconia composites

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite (HA)-TZP (2.5 mol% Y2O3) containing 2, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt% TZP were prepared using calcium nitrate, diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate, zirconium oxychloride and yttrium nitrate. The composite powder was prepared by a reverse strike precipitation method at a pH of 10.5. The precipitates after aging and washing were calcined at 850 degrees C to yield fine crystallites of HA and TZP. TEM study of the calcined powder revealed that while HA particles had both spherical and cuboidal morphology ( approximately 50-100 nm) the TZP particles were only of spherical nature ( approximately 50 nm). X-ray analysis showed that the calcined powder of all the four composition had only HA and t-ZrO2. Uniaxially compacted samples were sintered in air in the temperature range 1,150-1,250 degrees C. High sintered density (>95% of theoretical) was obtained for composites containing 2 and 5 wt% TZP, while it was 92% for 7.5 wt% and 90% for 10 wt% TZP compositions. X-ray analysis of sintered samples shows that with 2 wt% TZP, the retained phases were only HA and t-ZrO2. However, for 5, 7.5 and 10 wt% TZP addition both TCP and CaZrO3 were also observed along with HA and t-ZrO2. Bending strength was measured by three point bending as well by diametral compression test. While in three point bending, the highest strength was 72 MPa, it was 35.5 MPa for diametral compression. The strength shows a decreasing trend at higher ZrO2 content. SEM pictures show near uniform distribution of ZrO2 in HA matrix. The reduction in sintered density at higher ZrO2 content could be related to difference in the sintering behaviour of HA and ZrO2.

Nano‐adsorbents for the removal of metallic pollutants from water and wastewater

Abstract: Of the variety of adsorbents available for the removal of heavy and toxic metals, activated carbon has been the most popular. A number of minerals, clays and waste materials have been regularly used for the removal of metallic pollutants from water and industrial effluents. Recently there has been emphasis on the application of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials as efficient and viable alternatives to activated carbon. Carbon nanotubes also have been proved effective alternatives for the removal of metallic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Because of their importance from an environmental viewpoint, special emphasis has been given to the removal of the metals Cr, Cd, Hg, Zn, As, and Cu. Separation of the used nanoparticles from aqueous solutions and the health aspects of the separated nanoparticles have also been discussed. A significant number of the latest articles have been critically scanned for the present review to give a vivid picture of these exotic materials for water remediation.

Solution combustion synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion

Abstract: The design and synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials is one of the key steps for achieving highly efficient energy conversion and storage on an industrial scale. Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a time- and energy-saving method as compared with other routes, especially for the preparation of complex oxides which can be easily adapted for scale-up applications. This review summarizes the synthesis of various metal oxide nanomaterials and their applications for energy conversion and storage, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen and methane production, fuel cells and solar cells. In particular, some novel concepts such as reverse support combustion, self-combustion of ionic liquids, and creation of oxygen vacancies are presented. SCS has some unique advantages such as its capability for in situ doping of oxides and construction of heterojunctions. The well-developed porosity and large specific surface area caused by gas evolution during the combustion process endow the resulting materials with exceptional properties. The relationship between the structural properties of the metal oxides studied and their performance is discussed. Finally, the conclusions and perspectives are briefly presented.