Magnetodielectric effect of Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 film under an ultra-low magnetic field

Good quality and fine grain Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 magnetic ferroelectric films with single-phase layered perovskite structure have been successfully prepared via metal organic decomposition (MOD) method. Results of low-temperature magnetocapacitance measurements reveal that an ultra-low magnetic field of 10 Oe can produce a nontrivial magnetodielectric (MD) response in zero-field-cooling condition, and the relative variation of dielectric constants in magnetic field is positive, i.e., MD=0.05, when T<55K, but negative with a maximum of MD=-0.14 when 55K<T<190K. The magnetodielectric effect appears a sign change at 55K, which is due to transition from antiferromagnetic to weak ferromagnetic; and vanishes abruptly around 190K, which is thought to be associated with order-disorder transition of iron ion at B site of perovskite structures. The ultra-low-field magnetodielectric behaviour of Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 film has been discussed in the light of quasi-two-dimension unique nature of local spin order in ferroelectric film. Our results allow expectation on low-cost applications of detectors and switches for extremely weak magnetic fields in a wide temperature range 55K-190K.Comment: 10 pages 4 figures, planned to submit to J. Phys.: Condensed Matte

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline (Zr₀.₈₄Y₀.₁₆)O₁.₉₂-(Ce₀.₈₅Sm₀.₁₅)O₁.₉₂₅ Heterophase Thin Films

A new type of nanocrystalline samarium-doped-ceria/yttrium-stabilized-zirconia (SDC/YSZ) heterophase thin film electrolytes was synthesized on MgO and Si substrates by spin coating and thermal treatment of SDC-nanoparticle-incorporated polymeric precursors. In the heterophase films, SDC nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in a nanocrystalline YSZ matrix. The heterophase structure was stable when fired in air at temperatures up to 850 °C. The nanocrystalline heterophase thin films exhibited electrical conductivities significantly higher than that of the phase-pure YSZ and SDC nanocrystalline thin films at reduced temperatures. The effects of SDC grain size and volume fraction on the electrical conductivity of the heterophase films were also studied

Formation of Multigradient Porous Surfaces for Selective Bacterial Entrapment

Herein we describe the preparation of multigradient porous platforms by using the breath figures approach. In a single and straightforward step, we prepared porous surfaces in which three different parameters vary gradually from the edge of the sample to the center in a radial manner. Thus, we evidenced the gradual variation of the pore size and the shape of the pores that can be varied, depending on the sample concentration, but also depending on their radial position within the same sample. In addition, we succeeded in the control over the chemical composition inside and outside the pores as well as the variation of the concentration of block copolymer inside the pores as a function of their radial position. Moreover, the chemical composition and the variable cavity size of porous surfaces have been evaluated to analyze the influence of these variables on the selective bacterial immobilization. To the best of our knowledge this is the first example in which, by using a simple one-step strategy, a multigradient surface can be obtained. These initial results can be the base to construct platforms for selective immobilization and isolation of bacteria.Peer Reviewe

Mathematical Approach to Optimizing the Panchromatic Absorption of Natural Dye Combinations for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The goal of this work was to optimize the combination of natural dyes producing panchromatic absorption matched to the AM1.5 solar spectrum for use in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Six classes of dyes (Anthocyanins, Betalins, Chlorophyll, Xanthonoids, Curcuminoids and Phycobilins) were explored. UV-Vis data and radial basis function interpolation were used to model the absorbance of 2568 combinations, and three objective functions determined the most commensurable spectrum. TiO2 anodes were sensitized with 42 dye combinations and IV measurements made on simple cells. The absorbance-optimized combination yielded an efficiency of only 0.41%, compared to 1.31% for a simple 1:1 molar ratio of Curcuminoids and α-Mangostin, which showed symbiotic effects. Our results indicate that panchromatic absorption alone is not sufficient to predict optimal DSSC performance, although the mathematical approach may have broader application.</jats:p