Simple New Method for the Preparation of La(IO3)3 Nanoparticles

We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route, which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method, which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO3)3 and pure δ-La(IO3)3 were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal, and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Simple New Method for the Preparation of La(IO3)3 Nanoparticles

We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO3)3 and pure δ-La(IO3)3 were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Room temperature ferromagnetic behavior in the nanocrystals of Fe doped ZnO synthesized by soft chemical route

In the present study, nanocrystalline undoped and Fe (5 wt.%) doped ZnO powder has been synthesized by soft chemical route. The structural, nano/microstructural, vibrational and magnetic properties of these samples have been studied as a function of calcination temperature (400 °C to 1100 °C). X-ray diffraction analysis of Fe doped ZnO powder has shown the major nanocrystalline wurtzite (ZnO) phase and the minor cubic spinel-like secondary nanocrystalline phase at 700 °C. At calcination temperature of 700 °C, the magnetization and coercivity have been enhanced in Fe doped ZnO. As the calcination temperature increased to 1100 °C, the major phase of ZnO and minor cubic spinel-like secondary phase turned into bulk in doped ZnO. Interestingly, the reduced magnetization and zero coercivity have been observed in this case. These changes are attributed to the conversion of secondary nanocrystalline ferromagnetic spinel phase to its bulk paramagnetic phase. The degree of inversion i.e. the occupancy of both sites with different symmetry by ferric ions is proposed to be solely responsible for the unusual behavior.

Graphene Oxide/MnO2 Composites Synthesized by "Quenching" for Supercapacitors with High Capacitance

Graphene Oxide (GO)/manganese oxide (MnO2) composites with different feeding ratio are synthesized by a simple and economic soft chemical route in a water-isopropyl alcohol under different cooling method. The SEM results show that MnO2 nanoparticle with smaller size (8nm) homogeneously coats on the surfaces of graphene oxide under quick ice quenching, and the better electrochemical properties is obtained. The composites with feeding ratio 1:9 have maximum capacitance value, because of agglomerate induced by too much MnO2. The specific capacitances calculated by galvanostatic charge/discharge curve were 312.87 F/g by ice water quenching and 253.12 F/g by reflux cooling to room temperature. The GO/MnO2 electrode retained about 85.12% (with quick ice quenching) and 88.16% (with reflux cooling) of initial capacitance after 1000 cycles, respectively.