@article { ISI:000227550500009, title = {Co-precipitation method for the preparation of nanocrystalline ferroelectric SrBi2Nb2O9 ceramics}, journal = {Journal of Electroceramics}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JAN}, pages = {83-87}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique had been successfully applied for the preparation of pure ultrafine single phase SrBi2Nb2O9. Ammonium hydroxide and ammonium oxalate were used to precipitate Sr2+, Bi3+ and Nb5+ cations simultaneously. No pyrochlore phase was found while heating powder at 850 C and pure SrBi2Nb2O9 (SBN) phase was formed as revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Particle size and morphology was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The room temperature dielectric constant at 1 kHz is 100. The ferroelectric hysteresis loop parameters of these samples were also studied.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, ferroelectricity, Oxides}, issn = {1385-3449}, doi = {10.1007/s10832-005-6588-y}, author = {Gaikwad, S. P. and Dhage, S. R. and Potdar, H. S. and Samuel, V. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000230823200014, title = {Growth of PbS nanopyramidal particulate films for potential applications in quantum-dot photovoltaics and nanoantennas}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin }, volume = {40}, number = {8}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1353-1360}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a simple interfacial process called the liquid-liquid interface reaction technique (LLIRT) that leads to the formation of nanosized PbS particulate films with hitherto unreported pyramidal morphology. The resultant PbS films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffractometery (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The pyramidal morphology is speculated to originate from the preferred orientation of the 2 2 0 plane of cubic PbS. Our nanopyramidal PbS particulate films display remarkably sharp excitonic peak centered around 656 nm that accounts for a band gap of 1.8 eV suggesting, in turn, their potential application in QD photovoltaics. Interestingly, the feasibility of such nanopyramids to potentially act as nanoantennas (as revealed by the NSOM) is also suggested. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Atomic force microscopy, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Nanostructures, Optical properties}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.04.018}, author = {Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Mulik, Uttam P. and Patil, K. and Pasricha, R. and Sathaye, S. and Lewis, A. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.} } @article { ISI:000228797100048, title = {Preparation of ferroelectric BaNb2O6 the urea method}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {14-15}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {1929-1931}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A precipitate was formed when an aqueous solution of BaCl2, NbF5 and urea in required ratio (the ratio of total metal cations to the urea is five) is heated on a water bath at 100 degrees C. This precipitate on decomposition at 600 degrees C yielded the nanocrystallites of BaNb2O6 (BN), as confirmed by X-ray diffraction study (XRD). This is a much lower temperature as compared to that prepared by traditional solid state method (1000 degrees C) as reported for the formation of BaNb2O6. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 85 nm for the calcined powders. The room temperature dielectric constant at 1 kHz is found to be 900. The ferroelectric hysteresis loop parameters of these samples were also studied. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, electronic material, ferroelectricity, Oxides}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.02.028}, author = {Dhage, S. R. and Pasricha, R. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000228253200008, title = {Preparation of nanocrystalline ferroelectric BaNb(2)O6 by citrate gel method}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {121-123}, publisher = {INDIAN ACADEMY SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

A gel was formed when a aqueous solution of BaCl2, NbF5 and citric acid in stoichiometric ratio is heated on a water bath. This gel on decomposition at 600 degrees C yielded the nano crystallites of BaNb2O6, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction study (XRD). This is a much lower temperature as compared to that prepared by traditional solid state method (1000 degrees C) as reported for the formation of BaNb2O6. Transmission electron microscopic. (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 50 nm for the calcined powders. The room temperature dielectric constant at 1 kHz is found to be 1000. The ferroelectric hysteresis loop parameters of these samples were also studied.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, electronic material, ferroelectricity, Oxides}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/BF02704230}, author = {Gaikwad, S. P. and Samuel, V and Pasricha, R and Ravi, V} } @article { ISI:000228698900038, title = {PVA stabilized gold nanoparticles by use of unexplored albeit conventional reducing agent}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {92}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {JUL}, pages = {229-233}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) stabilized gold nanoparticles have been prepared in aqueous medium using two different reducing viz.; hydrazine hydrate, a stronger reducing agent and sodium formaldehydesulfoxylate (SFS), a slightly weaker reducing agent. SFS is used for first ever time for reduction of gold metal salt. The PVA stabilized gold nanoparticles solutions are wine red to blood red coloured and are stable over a long period of time with no indication of aggregation. The solution shows strong visible light absorptions in the range of 520-540 nm, characteristics of gold nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of freshly prepared films containing gold nanoparticles indicated particles size to be about 15 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a more than two-week-old sample revealed well-defined non-agglomerated spherical particles of about 50 nm diameter in solutions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, Nanostructures, Polymer}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.01.016}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Gokhale, R. and Subbarao, V. V. V. S. and Vishwanath, A. K. and Das, B. K. and Satyanarayana, C. V. V.} } @article { ISI:000231605600022, title = {Silver nanoparticles of variable morphology synthesized in aqueous foams as novel templates}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {503-510}, publisher = {INDIAN ACADEMY SCIENCES}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of silver nanocrystals within aqueous foams as a template More specifically, we show that aqueous Ag+ ions may be electrostatically complexed with the anionic surfactants aerosol OT (sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, (AOT) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)) in a highly stable liquid foam. After drainage of the foam, the silver ions are reduced in situ by introducing sodium borohydride into the foam by capillary flow. This leads to the formation of silver nanoparticles of spherical, tape- and sheet-like morphology in the foam. The structure of the foam is extremely complex and presents reaction sites of different spatial extent. The differences in foam reaction-site geometry are believed to be responsible for the morphology variation in the silver nanoparticles observed. The silver nanoparticles are observed to be extremely stable in solution suggesting that the AOT or SDS molecules stabilize them. This approach appears promising for application in large-scale synthesis of nanoparticles and may be readily extended to other chemical compositions.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, composites, foam, Intercalation, Nanoparticles}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/BF02711244}, author = {Mandal, Sujata and Arumugam, S. K. and Pasricha, R. and Sastry, M.} } @article { ISI:000230275100032, title = {Synthesis of bismuth oxide nanoparticles at 100 degrees C}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {19-20}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2523-2525}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple gel to crystal conversion route has been followed for the preparation of ultrafine Bi2O3 particles at 80-100 degrees C under refluxing conditions. Freshly prepared bismuth hydroxide gel is allowed to crystallize under refluxing and stirring conditions for 6-12 h. Formation of nanocrystallites of Bi2O3 is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. The thermal decomposition of bismuth hydroxide yields Bi2O3 only at 400 degrees C. This shows the advantage of the present method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 50 nm for these oven-dried powders. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.03.037}, author = {Patil, M. M. and Deshpande, V. V. and Dhage, S. R. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000225588700025, title = {Synthesis of bismuth titanate by the urea method}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {FEB}, pages = {514-516}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple urea precipitation route was adopted for the preparation of bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) powders. Stoichiometric quantities of BiCl3 and TiOCl2 were mixed with the required amount of urea (the ratio of total metal cations to urea is five), and the mixture was heated on a water bath. This leads to the formation of precipitate, which was decomposed at 973 K. The formation of bismuth titanate was observed on calcining powders at 973 K by X-ray diffraction studies. The average particle size is found to be 100 nm by microscopy. The room temperature dielectric constant is found to be 150 at 1 kHz. The hysteresis loop parameters were also obtained by home-built Sawer-Tower circuit. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, dielectric properties, ferroelectricity, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2004.10.038}, author = {Anilkumar, Mettu and Dhage, S. R. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000226803200008, title = {Synthesis of fine particles of ZnO at 100 degrees C}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {7}, year = {2005}, month = {MAR}, pages = {779-781}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple gel to crystal conversion route has been followed for the preparation of fine ZnO at 80-100 degreesC under refluxing conditions. Freshly prepared zinc hydroxide gel is allowed to crystallize under refluxing and stirring conditions for 4-6 It. Formation of fine crystallites of ZnO is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 100 nm for these powders. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2004.11.019}, author = {Dhage, S. R. and Pasricha, R. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000230375200016, title = {Synthesis of fine PbE (E = S, Se) powder from direct in situ reduction of sulphur or selenium}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {91-94}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Lead sulphide and lead selenide have been prepared for the first time, by in situ reduction of elemental S or Se by using aqueous DMF or aqueous SFS as reducing agents and their reaction with lead acetate. The grayish-black powder has been characterized by powder XRD measurement, XPS and SEM/EDAX analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that cubic PbE (E = S, Se) is formed with a little impurities of lead in case of PbSe. Slightly broader peaks in XRD measurement suggest small particles diameter in the powder. The particle size by using Scheffer{\textquoteright}s formula is found to be about 100 nm. Peaks due to free lead particles are observed in XPS and EDS (in case of PbSe) analysis and SEM analysis indicates agglomerated particles. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, reduction, Semiconductor}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.02.025}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Subbarao, VVVS and Wagh, M. and Jadhav, P. and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000228510500005, title = {Synthesis of nanocrystalline Mn3O4 at 100 degrees C}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, year = {2005}, month = {APR}, pages = {605-609}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple gel to crystal conversion route has been followed for the preparation of nanocrystalline tetragonal Mn3O4 powders at 80-100 degrees C under refluxing conditions. Freshly prepared manganese hydroxide gel is allowed to crystallize under refluxing and stirring conditions for 4-6 h. Formation of nano crystallites of Mn3O4 is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 50 nm for these powders. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.01.009}, author = {Anilkumar, Mettu and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000230338900015, title = {Synthesis of rutile from ATO and stearic acid}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {59}, number = {21}, year = {2005}, month = {SEP}, pages = {2673-2675}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline titanium dioxide in the rutile phase has been obtained from the solid state reaction between ammonium titanyl oxalate (ATO) and stearic acid at 400 degrees C in air. The fine powders of ATO and stearic acid are mixed well using acetone in an agate mortar and pestle for 2 h. This mixture (weight ratio of ATO to stearic acid \> 5) on heating at 400 degrees C produces rutile powders. For the ratios of ATO to stearic acid \< 5, a mixture of anatase and rutile phases is obtained. Pure ATO yields anatase phase on decomposition at 400 degrees C. These powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray techniques}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.04.016}, author = {Patil, M. M. and Deshpande, V. V. and Deshpande, S. B. and Samuel, V. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000241306000020, title = {Characterization of nanosized NiZn ferrite powders synthesized by an autocombustion method}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {100}, number = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {NOV}, pages = {98-101}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 with average particle size of similar to 9 nm has been synthesized by an autocombustion method and characterized by powder XRD, TEM and room temperature magnetic measurements. High room temperature magnetization comparable to that of the bulk material is obtained for the nanosized powders annealed at 800 degrees C, with a maximum particle size of similar to 54 nm. The results show that optimum properties can be achieved for NiZn ferrite powders synthesized by the present autocombustion method and processed at relatively lower temperatures. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Magnetic materials, magnetic properties, Oxides}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.12.012}, author = {Deka, Sasanka and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000235860500029, title = {Chemical methods to synthesize FeTiO3 powders}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {11}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1425-1427}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Three different techniques were used to synthesize FeTiO3 powders. The first method is simple coprecipitation of both Fe and Ti ions under basic conditions using standard ammonia solution from aqueous ferric nitrate and titanium oxy chloride. This precipitate on heating at 400 degrees C produces ilmenite phase. The second method is to digest hydroxide precipitates at 100 degrees C to form FeTiO3 phase. The third technique is to make use of citrate process to form FeTiO3 powders. The phase contents and lattice parameters were Studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particle size and morphology were studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All tights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, X-ray methods}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.11.041}, author = {Mona, J. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Murugan, A. Vadivel and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000238298100027, title = {Co-precipitation technique for the preparation of ferroelectric BaBi2Ta2O9}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {98}, number = {2-3}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {344-346}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique had been successfully applied for the preparation of pure ultrafine single phase BaBi2Ta2O9 (BBT). Ammonium hydroxide and ammonium oxalate were used to precipitate Ba2+, Bi3+ and Ta5+ cations simultaneously. No pyrochlore phase was found while heating powder at 800 degrees C and pure BaBi2Ta2O9 phase was found to be formed by X-ray diffraction. Particle size and morphology was studied by transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM). The room temperature dielectric constant at 1 kHz is 350. The ferroelectric hysteresis loop parameters of these samples were also studied. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, electronic material, ferroelectricity, Oxides}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2005.09.036}, author = {Dhage, S. R. and Pasricha, R. and Murugan, A. Vadivel and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000237439300005, title = {Coprecipitation technique to prepare NaNbO3 and NaTaO3}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, year = {2006}, month = {APR}, pages = {123-125}, publisher = {INDIAN ACADEMY SCIENCES}, type = {Article}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

A simple coprecipitation technique has been used successfully for the preparation of pure, ultrafine, single phases of NaNbO3 (NN) and NaTaO3 (NT). An alcoholic solution of ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydroxide was used to precipitate Na+ and Nb5+ (or Ta5+) cations under basic conditions as carbonate and hydroxide, respectively. On heating at 700 degrees C, these precursors produce respective products. For comparison, both NN and NT powders were also prepared by the traditional solid state method. The phase purity and lattice parameters were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The particle size and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, Oxides, X-ray methods}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/BF02704604}, author = {Samuel, V and Gaikwad, A. B. and Ravi, V} } @article { ISI:000239542900032, title = {Direct synthesis of nanocrystalline silver from the reaction between silver carboxylates and n-trioctylphosphine}, journal = {Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology}, volume = {6}, number = {7}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {2095-2102}, publisher = {AMER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHERS}, type = {Article}, address = {26650 THE OLD RD, STE 208, VALENCIA, CA 91381-0751 USA}, abstract = {

Neat n-Trioctylphosphine (TOP) has been used for the first ever time for reduction of silver nitrate and silver carboxylates (citrate, oleate, and myristate) under mild thermal reaction conditions. UV-visible absorption measurements of re-dispersible silver particles that were obtained by reduction of silver myristrate (product-IV) and silver nitrate (product-I) showed surface plasmon resonance absorption peak at 400 nm. The powder XRD pattern of fcc zero-valent silver resulted in diameters in the range of about 25-30 nm. TEM analysis showed particle diameter similar to that was observed by the XRD. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the organics from the carboxylate group are retained by the nano-particles in case of product-IV however, presence of TOP is observed in product-I. It is found that when silver nitrate is reduced by TOP, spherical silver nano-particles with poor redispersity are formed but extended heating results in formation of long silver rods of micrometer size however, the re-dispersible nano-particles are easily formed when silver carboxylates are reduced by TOP.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Nanocrystalline, noble metal, XRD}, issn = {1533-4880}, doi = {10.1166/jnn.2006.339}, author = {Charan, Shobhit and Singh, Narendra and Khanna, P. K. and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000235439900024, title = {Low temperature route to prepare LaMnO3}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {9-10}, year = {2006}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1213-1214}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A combination of digestion and further low temperature calcination to crystallize the product is employed to prepare LaMnO3(LM) ceramics. Freshly co-precipitated lanthanum and manganese hydroxides gel is allowed to react at 100 degrees C under refluxing and stirring conditions for 6-12 h. The X-ray amorphous product so formed is heated at 300 degrees C to form crystalline LM powders. This is the lowest temperature so far reported for the formation of LaMnO3. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 50 nm for the calcined powders. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, LaMnO3, Precipitation, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.11.002}, author = {Daundkar, A. and Kale, Sangeeta N. and Gokhale, Suresh P. and Ravi, V} } @article { ISI:000237158200003, title = {Phase evolution of NiTiO3 prepared by coprecipitation method}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {15}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1791-1792}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple coprecipitation technique was used for the preparation of NiTiO3 powders. Ammonium carbonate solution was added to a solution mixture containing stoichiometric amounts of Ni(NO3)(2) and TiOCl2 to precipitate nickel as carbonate and titanium as hydroxide under basic conditions. The precipitate was calcined at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 800 degrees C and phase evolution of NiTiO3 was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. It is observed that nickel titanate was formed at 750 degrees C. For comparison, NiTiO3 was also prepared by standard ceramic process. Particle size and morphology was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, NiTiO3, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.12.023}, author = {Murugan, A. Vadivel and Samuel, V. and Navale, S. C. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000238050700006, title = {Synthesis of beta-Ag2Se from organo-selenium precursor and silver nitrate in DMF via simultaneous reduction of selenium and silver salt}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {17-18}, year = {2006}, month = {AUG}, pages = {2080-2085}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Reaction of selenium powder and silver nitrate in aqueous N,N{\textquoteright}-dimethylformamide (aq. DMF) leads to formation of silver selenide. Similar reaction with cycloalkeno-1,2,3-selenadiazole an organic compound of selenium upon thermolysis, also produces silver selenide. It is believed that DMF activates selenium and reduces silver salt via in-situ generated hydrogen ion simultaneously. Slightly broadened X-ray diffraction pattern for pure beta silver selenide (beta-Ag2Se) was observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the agglomerated particles could be in the range of about 100 to 200 nm in dimension. EDAX analysis showed non-stoichiometric elemental ratio between silver and selenium. It is found that the weight percent of Ag is slightly higher than Se. However, free amorphous selenium is also detected by XPS analysis when the product is made by use of elemental selenium. Thermal analysis (TGA) revealed a small (4\%) weight loss due to the presence of organics or the solvent from the reaction medium. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, nano powder, noble metal chalcogenides, Semiconductor}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2005.12.079}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Singh, N. and Charan, Shobhit and Patil, K. R.} } @article { ISI:000238624000017, title = {Synthesis of MgNb2O6 by coprecipitation}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {41}, number = {7}, year = {2006}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1353-1356}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple coprecipitation technique was used successfully to synthesize fine powders of MgNb2O6 (MN) phase. An aqueous mixture of ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydroxide was used to precipitate Mg2+ and Nb5+ cations as carbonate and hydroxide respectively under basic conditions. This precipitate on heating at 750 degrees C produced MN powders. For comparison MN powders were prepared by the traditional solid state method. The phase content and the lattice parameters were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particle size and morphology of the particles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.12.009}, author = {Navale, S. C. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000242469000012, title = {Unusual formation of nano-particles of CdO and Cd(OH)(2) from the reaction of dimethyl cadmium with DMF}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {60}, number = {29-30}, year = {2006}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3492-3498}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

This paper presents generation of CdO and Cd(OH)(2) nano-particles from Dimethyl Cadmium in DMF. The CdO nano-particles were obtained instead of CdSe, even when the reaction was done in presence of 1,2,3-selenadiazole (the source of selenium) with Me2Cd in DMF (product-I). The direct reaction of Me2Cd in DMF also leads to formation of CdO (product-II). However, Cd(OH)(2) nano-particles were obtained when Me2Cd was refluxed in DMF for a few hours followed by reaction of H2S gas (product-III). The formation of Cd(OH)(2) was also established via decomposition Of Me2Cd:Et2O adduct (product-IV). Nano-particles of CdO and Cd(OH)(2) (product-I to product-IV) were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), TEM and SEM/EDS measurements, FTIR, thermal analysis (TGA) and XPS analysis. The particle size of all the products as calculated by XRD patterns were in the range of about 20 nm. TEM images showed that the products are agglomerated clusters with the particles in the nano-meter regime. The synthesis however, is understood to be unusual as the reactions with selenium source and sulfur source should have generated the CdSe and CdS however, the end products were always found to be the product-I to product-IV (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Nanoparticles, Semiconductor, XRD}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2006.03.054}, author = {Singh, Narendra and Charan, Shobhit and Patil, K. R. and Viswanath, A. K. and Khanna, P. K.} } @article { ISI:000246158300001, title = {Coprecipitation technique to prepare CoTa2O6 and CoNb2O6}, journal = {Materials Letter}, volume = {61}, number = {11-12}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2127-2129}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was used to coprecipitate cobalt and tantalum (or niobium) ions from their precursors as hydroxides under basic conditions. This precipitate yielded CoTa2O6 (CT) or CoNb2O6 (CN) ceramics on calcining at 700 degrees C, i.e. at a temperature much lower than 900 degrees C, reported for the formation of these powders prepared by the traditional solid state method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were employed to investigate phase contents and lattice parameters. The morphology of the synthesized powders was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, Oxides, X-ray methods}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2006.08.024}, author = {Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Natarajan, N. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Samuel, V. and Guptha, U. N. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000246158300058, title = {Coprecipitation technique to prepare NiNb2O6}, journal = {Materials Letter}, volume = {61}, number = {11-12}, year = {2007}, month = {MAY}, pages = {2354-2355}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A mixture of ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydroxide was used to coprecipitate nickel and niobium ions as nickel carbonate and niobium hydroxide under basic conditions. This precursor yielded NiNb2O6 (NN) ceramics on calcining at 700 degrees C (at a temperature lower than 800 degrees C which is necessary for the formation of NiNb2O6 when prepared by the traditional solid state method). The average particle size and morphology of these powders were investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, Oxides, X-ray methods}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2006.09.010}, author = {Samuel, V. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Jadhav, A. D. and Natarajan, N. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000244008300028, title = {Influence of surfactant on ZnO varistors}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {289-291}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

ZnO varistors with and without surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SIDS) are prepared by nitrate-combustion process. The samples were identically heat treated and sintered at 1000 degrees C for 12 h to study the influence of the surfactant on the nonlinear electrical properties of polycrystalline ZnO. It is observed that the nonlinear coefficient decreases marginally (alpha = 35) for samples prepared with surfactant, whereas breakdown field (E-B = 130 V/mm) decreased significantly. The corresponding parameters for the samples synthesized without surfactant are alpha = 45 and E-B = 400 V/mm. Hence, this method can be used for the manufacture of varistors with low to moderate breakdown fields. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Semiconductors, X-ray methods, ZnO}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2005.08.010}, author = {Dhage, S. R. and Navale, S. C. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000245760900020, title = {Low temperature route to prepare LaFeO3 and LaCoO3}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {61}, number = {10}, year = {2007}, month = {APR}, pages = {2030-2032}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A combination of digestion and further low temperature calcination to crystallize the product was employed to prepare LaFeO3 (LF) and LaCoO3 (LC) powders. Freshly co-precipitated lanthanum and ferric (or cobalt) hydroxide gels by sodium hydroxide were allowed to react at 100 degrees C under refluxing and stirring conditions for 4-6 h. These oven dried powders were heated at 450 degrees C to from crystalline LF (or LC) powders. The phase contents and lattice parameters were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations were carried out to examine the morphology and average particle size of these powders. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, LaFeO3, Precipitation, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2006.08.009}, author = {Jadhav, A. D. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Samuel, V. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000252474200009, title = {Low voltage varistor ceramics based on SnO2}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {30}, number = {6}, year = {2007}, month = {DEC}, pages = {583-586}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, type = {Article}, address = {233 SPRING STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

The nonlinear current (I)-voltage (V) characteristics of tin dioxide doped with either Nb2O5 and CoO or Sb2O3 and CoO show promising values of nonlinear coefficient (alpha) values (similar to 11) with low breakdown voltages (E-B, similar to 40 V mm(-1)). The pentavalent antimony or niobium acts as donor and increases the electronic conductivity. The crucial parameter for obtaining low breakdown voltage is the grain size, which depends upon sintering duration and temperature of these oxide ceramics.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, Microstructure, tin oxide, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-007-0092-8}, author = {Dhage, S. R. and Ravi, V. and Yang, O. B.} } @article { ISI:000243164000035, title = {Novel technique to prepare LiNbO3 at low temperature}, journal = {Materials Letter}, volume = {61}, number = {3}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {765-766}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Fresh niobium hydroxide was first precipitated from NbF5 solution using an aqueous ammonium hydroxide under basic conditions. Then a simple procedure of mixing lithium and niobium hydroxides together and heating at a low temperature (400 degrees C) produced pure ultrafine single phase LiNbO3 (LN). In the literature, this is the lowest temperature so far reported on the formation of LN. The phase content and lattice parameters are determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average particle size and morphology were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, LiNbO3, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2006.05.056}, author = {Samuel, V. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Jadhav, A. D. and Mirji, S. A. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000250085300004, title = {One-step preparation of nanosized Ag-PdCo-powder and its alloy formation at low temperature}, journal = {Synthesis and Reactivity in Inorganic Metal-Organic and Nano-Metal Chemistry}, volume = {37}, number = {7}, year = {2007}, month = {SEP}, pages = {531-539}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, type = {Article}, address = {325 CHESTNUT ST, SUITE 800, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

Nano-sized silver-palladium co-powder has been synthesized from silver nitrate-palladium chloride by wet chemical method. The present experimental conditions are applied for the first time for Ag-Pd co-powders wherein sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS) has been used as an external reducing agent to simultaneously reduce respective metal salts. SFS reduces the metal salts at room temperature thus prevents formation of bigger particles of the respective metals in co-powder. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements ( XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy ( TEM) suggest the formation of nano-sized Ag-Pd co-powder with particle diameter in the range of about 25 nm. SEM shows that the powder morphology changes with temperature. Heat treatment of 90: 10 (Ag:Pd) composition showed shift in XRD peaks indicating alloy formation of Ag/Pd at lower temperature. Thick-films generated by use of the co-powder resulted in Ag/Pd alloy at about 500 degrees C as confirmed by the XRD. Thermal analysis showed that Ag/Pd co-powders initially gain the weight due to oxidation followed by the weight loss.

}, keywords = {alloy, Chemical synthesis, nano-powder, noble metal, Transition Metal}, issn = {1553-3174}, doi = {10.1080/15533170701563707}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Singh, N. and Kulkarni, D. and Marimuthu, R. and Charan, Shobhit and Patil, K. R. and Jain, G. H.} } @article { ISI:000246260000011, title = {Preparation of nanocrystalline ferroelectric CaBi4Ti4O15 by citrate gel method}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {33}, number = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {JAN}, pages = {569-571}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A gel was formed when an aqueous solution of CaCl2, BiNO3, TiOCl2 and citric acid in stoichiometric ratio is heated on a water bath. This gel on decomposition at 700 degrees C produced nano crystallites of the ternary oxide, CaBi4Ti4O15 (CBT). The phase contents and lattice parameters were studied by the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particle size and morphology was studied by transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM). The room temperature dielectric constant at 1 kHz is 390. The ferroelectric hysteresis loop parameters of these samples were also studied by a home-built Sawyer-tower circuit. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.H. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray methods}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2005.11.006}, author = {Murugan, A. Vadivel and Gaikwad, A. B. and Samuel, V. and Ravi, V.} } @article {34}, title = {Stabilization of gamma-sterilized biomedical polyolefins by synergistic mixtures of oligomeric stabilizers. part II. polypropylene matrix}, journal = {Polymer Degradation and Stability}, volume = {92}, number = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {FEB}, pages = {299-309}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, author = {Alariqi, Sameh A. S. and Kumar, A. Pratheep and Rao, B. S. M. and Singh, R. P.} } @article { ISI:000254698300035, title = {Co-precipitation method for preparation of Bi3TiNbO9 powders}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {675-677}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique has been successfully used for the preparation of pure, ultrafine, single phase Bi3TiNbO9 (BTN). An aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution was used to simultaneously precipitate Bi3+, Ti4+ and Nb5+, cations as hydroxides under basic conditions (pH similar to 9). No pyrochlore phase was found while heating powder at 500 degrees C and pure BTN phase was found to be formed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). For comparison, BTN samples were also synthesized by the traditional solid state method. The sequence of phase formation in both cases were investigated by XRD studies. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, electronic material, Oxides, XRD}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2007.02.002}, author = {Gupta, U. N. and Samuel, V. and Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Patil, S. D. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000257538200034, title = {Co-precipitation technique to prepare BiNbO4 powders}, journal = {Ceramics International}, volume = {34}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1565-1567}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCI LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique was successfully used for the preparation of pure ultrafine single phase BiNbO4. A standard ammonium hydroxide solution was used to precipitate Bi3+ and Ta5+ cations as hydroxides simultaneously under basic conditions. For comparison, BN powders were also prepared by the traditional solid-state method. It is observed that the co-precipitation technique produces BiNbO4 on heating at 600 degrees C, whereas complete phase formation occurs only at 800 degrees C in the solid-state method. The phase contents and lattice parameters were Studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BiNbO4, Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0272-8842}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceramint.2007.03.022}, author = {Radha, R. and Gupta, U. N. and Samuel, V. and Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000252408000041, title = {Co-precipitation technique to prepare BiTaO4 powders}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {FEB}, pages = {501-503}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

A simple co-precipitation technique has been successfully used for the preparation of pure ultrafine single phase BiTaO4. A standard ammonium hydroxide solution was used to precipitate Bi3+ and Ta5+ cations as hydroxides simultaneously under basic conditions. This precursor, on heating at 600 degrees C, produced product phase. This is the lowest temperature for the formation of BiTaO4 phase so far reported in the literature. For comparison BiTaO4 powders were also prepared by the traditional solid state method. The phase contents and lattice parameters were studied by the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BiTaO4, Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.05.074}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Gupta, U. N. and Rituraj, B. and Rao, N. Koteswara and Pradhan, Sivaram and Radha, R. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000257367100016, title = {Low temperature synthesis and characterization of BiNbO4 powders}, journal = {Materials Characterization}, volume = {59}, number = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1083-1087}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC}, address = {360 PARK AVE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10010-1710 USA}, abstract = {

BiNbO4 powders, a potential microwave dielectric ceramic were prepared by both coprecipitation and solid state techniques. In the former method, an aqueous ammonium hydroxide was used to precipitate Bi3+ and Ta5+ cations as hydroxides simultaneously under basic conditions. It is observed that the co-precipitation produces BiNbO4 phase on heating at 600 degrees C, whereas complete phase formation occurs only at 800 degrees C in the case of solid state method. The phase contents and lattice parameters were studied by powder X-ray diffraction. The sequence of the reaction and phase evolution of BiNbO4 were also studied by the X-ray diffraction. The samples were characterized by the differential-thermal/thermo-gravimetric analyses and scanning electron microscopy techniques. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {BiNbO4, Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {1044-5803}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchar.2007.08.026}, author = {Radha, R. and Muthurajan, H. and Rao, N. Koteswara and Pradhan, Sivaram and Gupta, U. N. and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Mirji, S. A. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000261361900032, title = {Low temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline lithium ferrite by a modified citrate gel precursor method}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {43}, number = {12}, year = {2008}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3447-3456}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Single phase nanocrystalline lithium ferrite is synthesized by a modified citrate gel precursor technique. Ferrite nanoparticles of average size of 8 nm, obtained after calcination of the citrate gel Made by the usual method at 450 degrees C, show superparamagnetic behavior. However, small amounts of alpha-Fe(2)O(3) is formed as an impurity phase clue to the initial formation of some gamma-Fe(2)O(3) phase. Oil the other hand, when the pH of the mixed Solution is increased to 7 after the addition of ammonia Solution, a lower calcination temperature of 200 degrees C is sufficient for the formation of single phase lithium ferrite nanoparticles of size 30 nm. No impurity phases are detected when the nanocrystalline powders arc calcined at higher temperatures. The magnetic properties of the ferrite nanoparticles of different sizes obtained by calcining the powders at different temperatures are studied. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Magnetic materials, magnetic properties, Nanostructures, Oxides}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2008.01.023}, author = {Verma, Seema and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000253106100026, title = {Low temperature synthesis of SrNb2O6 and SrTa2O6 using hydroxide precursor}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {6-7}, year = {2008}, month = {MAR}, pages = {892-894}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

SrNb2O6 (SN) or SrTA(2)O(6) (ST) compounds were prepared at low temperatures for the first time from hydroxide precursors. A simple procedure of mixing commercially purchased strontium hydroxide and niobium (or tantalum) hydroxide thoroughly together and heating at a low temperature (\<400 degrees C) produced SrNb2O6 (SN) or SrTa2O6 (ST) powders. This is the lowest temperature so far reported for the formation of these phases. These materials are potential candidates for ferroelectric and electro-optic applications. The reaction sequence and evolution of the phase formation were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The average particle size and morphology of these powders were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, electronic materials, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.07.006}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Kumar, H. H. and Koteswara Rao, N. and Pradhan, Sivaram and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000258370500013, title = {New route for preparation of luminescent mercaptoethanoate capped cadmium selenide quantum dots}, journal = {Bulletin of Materials Science}, volume = {31}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, note = {National Review and Coordination Meeting on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Hyderabad, INDIA, 2007}, month = {JUN}, pages = {291-296}, publisher = {INDIAN ACAD SCIENCES}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

We report a synthesis of cadmium selenide quantum dots (Q-CdSe) by refluxing a mixture of cadmium acetate, selenium powder, sodium sulfite and 2-mercaptoethanol in N,N{\textquoteright}-dimethyl formamide (DMF)/water solution. X-ray and electron diffractions suggest the formation of hexagonal phase of size quantized CdSe. Based on TEM analysis, the formation of nanoparticles with an average diameter of 3.5 +/- 0.5 nm is inferred. Their sols in DMF and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) gave characteristic absorption peaks at 300 nm and 327 nm, which is attributed to the formation of high quality, size quantized CdSe particles. Extracted particles from the sol were readily redispersed in DMF and DMSO, which were diluted further with water without losing their optical and colloidal properties. FTIR spectroscopy suggested the formation of 2-mercaptoethanol thiolate on the particle surface, with free -OH groups available for linkage. Sols in DMSO and their solutions in water displayed an intense photoluminescence (PL).

}, keywords = {chalcogenides, Chemical synthesis, photoluminescence, semiconductor quantum dots}, issn = {0250-4707}, doi = {10.1007/s12034-008-0047-8}, author = {Wankhede, Manoj E. and Inamdar, Shaukatali N. and Deshpande, Aparna and Thete, Aniket R. and Pasricha, Renu and Kulkarni, Sulabha K. and Harani, Santosh K.} } @article { ISI:000257365900027, title = {Novel hydroxide precursors for low temperature synthesis of selected ternary oxides}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {43}, number = {7}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1842-1849}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

A novel method of using hydroxide precursors to reduce the synthesis temperature for few selected ternary oxides has been presented here. This technique is very useful and advantageous when the ternary oxides contain an alkaline earth element. The selected compositions for this method are BaCeO3 (BC), BaBiO3 (BB), La0.7Sr0.3CoO3 (LSCO) and BaBi2Nb2O9 (BBN). Commercially purchased strontium (or barium) hydroxide and freshly prepared lanthanum, cobalt, bismuth and niobium hydroxides were mixed thoroughly in stoichiometric ratio and heated at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 700 degrees C for 10 h for corresponding compositions. The sequence of the reaction and evolution of the product phase were studied by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The phase purity and lattice parameters were also determined by XRD investigations. All the product phases in each case were formed at relatively low temperature than when they were prepared by co-precipitation or solid state method. The morphology and average particle size of these powders were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2007.07.006}, author = {Muthurajan, H. and Rao, N. Koteswara and Gupta, U. N. and Pradhan, Sivaram and Jha, Ratnesh Kumar and Kumar, H. H. and Mirji, S. A. and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000255612400002, title = {Preparation of ferroelectric CaBi(4)Ti(4)O(15) powders from novel hydroxide precursors}, journal = {Materials Letters}, volume = {62}, number = {12-13}, year = {2008}, month = {APR}, pages = {1751-1753}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Ferroelectric CaBi(4)Ti(4)O(15) (CBT) powders were prepared for the first time from their respective hydroxides. Commercially purchased Ca(OH)(2) is mixed thoroughly with freshly prepared Bi(OH)(3) and Ti(OH)(4) in stoichiometrie ratio and heated at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 600 degrees C. The CBT phase found to be formed at 500 degrees C by the X-ray diffraction studies. This is the lowest temperature so far reported in the literature for the formation of CBT phase. The advantage of this method is that it also avoids the formation of calcium carbonate phase during synthesis. The phase contents and lattice parameters were studied by the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The average particle size and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CaBi(4)Ti(4)O(15), Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Oxides, X-ray methods}, issn = {0167-577X}, doi = {10.1016/j.matlet.2007.09.080}, author = {Deshmukh, Rupali G. and Vaishampayan, Mukta V. and Darshane, Sonali L. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Gaikwad, A. B. and Rao, N. Kotaserwara and Ravi, V.} } @article { ISI:000253181000037, title = {Synthesis, characterization of chemically deposited indium selenide thin films at room temperature}, journal = {Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids}, volume = {69}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JAN}, pages = {249-254}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Polycrystalline In2Se3 semiconducting thin films were prepared by using relatively simple chemical bath deposition method at room temperature by the reaction between indium chloride, tartaric acid, hydrazine hydrate and sodium selenosulphate in an aqueous alkaline medium. Various preparative conditions of thin film deposition are outlined. The as grown films were found to be transparent, uniform, well adherent and red in color. The films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy and energy dispersive atomic X-ray diffraction (EDAX). The XRD analysis of the film showed the presence of polycrystalline nature with hexagonal crystal structure. SEM study revels that the grains are homogenous, without cracks or pinholes and well covers the glass substrate. The optical absorption and electrical conductivity was measured. The direct optical band gap value for the films was found to be of the order of 2.35eV at room temperature and have specific electrical conductivity of the order of 10(-2) (Omega cm)(-1) showing n-type conduction mechanism. The utility of the adapted technique is discussed from the view-point of applications considering the optoelectric and structural data. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Semiconductor}, issn = {0022-3697}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpcs.2007.08.070}, author = {Asabe, M. R. and Chate, P. A. and Delekar, S. D. and Garadkar, K. M. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Hankare, P. P.} } @article { ISI:000256114400005, title = {Synthesis of oleic acid capped copper nano-particles via reduction of copper salt by SFS}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {110}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, month = {JUL}, pages = {21-25}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Synthesis of oleic acid capped copper nano-particles has been carried out by use of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS) in aqueous medium. Nano-copper can be effectively coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Phase-pure nano-Cu can be obtained when water/acetone was used as aqueous medium. It is observed that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomena can be controlled during synthesis by the use of suitable reagent system, e.g. absorption band in presence of PVA can be blue shifted. As-prepared copper nano-particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis revealed broad pattern for fcc crystal structure of copper metal. The particle size by use of Scherrer{\textquoteright}s equation was calculated to be about 20 nm. TGA revealed similar to 10\% weight loss due to the presence of surfactant. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of oleic acid around the particles. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, electronic materials, metals, Nanostructure}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2008.01.013}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Kale, Trupti S. and Shaikh, Mushtaq and Rao, N. Koteswar and Satyanarayana, C. V. V.} } @article { ISI:000262886200019, title = {Epitaxially grown zinc-blende structured Mn doped ZnO nanoshell on ZnS nanoparticles}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {FEB}, pages = {339-344}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Zinc oxide in the bulk as well as in the nanocrystalline form is thermodynamically stable in the wurtzite structure. However, zinc oxide in the zinc-blende structure is more useful than that in the wurtzite structure due to its superior electronic properties as well as possibility of efficient doping. Therefore, zinc oxide shell is grown epitaxially on zinc sulphide core nanoparticles having zinc-blende structure. It is shown that doping of manganese could be achieved in zinc oxide nanoshell with zinc-blende structure. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Luminescence, Nanostructures, Semiconductors, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2008.05.015}, author = {Limaye, Mukta V. and Singh, Shashi B. and Date, Sadgopal K. and Gholap, Ramkrishna S. and Kulkarni, Sulabha K.} } @article { ISI:000271843400019, title = {Ferromagnetic properties of glucose coated Cu2O nanoparticles}, journal = {Solid State Communications}, volume = {149}, number = {47-48}, year = {2009}, month = {DEC}, pages = {2199-2201}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Magnetic properties of glucose coated cuprous oxide nanoparticles of different sizes have been studied. Unlike bulk Cu2O, which shows diamagnetic behavior, the nanoparticles show superparamagnetic behavior. A superparamagnetic blocking temperature of 21 K is observed for 5 nm particles. A magnetic hysteresis loop with a coercivity of 406 Oe is observed for these particles at 5 K. The magnetization and the coercivity increase with decreasing particle size. The superparamagnetic behavior, along with the increase in magnetization and coercivity with decreasing particle size, is due to the enhanced surface contributions to the magnetism. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Cuprous oxide, magnetic properties, Nanoparticles}, issn = {0038-1098}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssc.2009.09.013}, author = {Mahajan, Mangesh B. and Pavan, M. S. and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000264969200041, title = {Microwave-assisted synthesis and humidity sensing of nanostructured alpha-Fe2O3}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {44}, number = {5}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1179-1182}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline alpha-Fe2O3 has been prepared on a large-scale by a facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal route from a solution of Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O and pentaerythritol. A systematic study of the morphology, crystallinity and oxidation state of Fe using different characterization techniques. Such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed It reveals. that nanostructured alpha-Fe2O3 comprises bundles of nanorods with a rhombohedral crystalline Structure. The individual nanorod has 8-10 nm diameter and similar to 50 nm length. The as-prepared nanostructured alpha-Fe2O3 (sensor) gives selective response towards humidity. The sensor shows high sensitivity, fast linear response to change in the humidity with almost 100\% reproducibility. The sensor works at room temperature and rejuvenates without heat treatment. The as-prepared nanostructured alpha-Fe2O3 appears to be a promising humidity sensing material with the potential for commercialization. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electrical properties, Nanostructures, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2008.09.044}, author = {Deshmukh, Rupali G. and Badadhe, Satish S. and Mulla, Imtiaz S.} } @article { ISI:000265911700183, title = {Synthesis, characterization and effect of sintering temperature on magnetic properties of MgNi ferrite prepared by co-precipitation method}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {475}, number = {1-2}, year = {2009}, month = {MAY}, pages = {926-929}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Mixed MgNi ferrites with composition Mg(0.5)Ni(0.5)Fe(2)O(4) where the mole fraction for Ni (x = 0, 0.25, 0.75, 0.5 and 1) were prepared by following co-precipitation method at temperature 110 degrees C and maintaining a pH of solution equal to 9.5 enable to achieve large particle surface area. The resultant materials obtained in powder form were sintered at different temperatures. Thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy, technique were applied to obtain structural parameters. The XRD patterns reveal the presence of(311) peak as the most intense one. The intensity of XRD peak increases with increase in sintering temperature. The saturation magnetization values showed increasing trend with increase in sintering temperature from 2.37 to 29.76 emu/g. These results along with the analysis of SEM micrographs are interpreted in terms of increase in particle grain size with increase in sintering temperature. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Ferrites, FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2008.08.082}, author = {Hankare, P. P. and Jadhav, S. D. and Sankpal, U. B. and Chavan, Santosh S. and Waghmare, K. J. and Chougule, B. K.} } @article { ISI:000275170800011, title = {One-pot synthesis of oleic acid-capped cadmium chalcogenides (CdE: E = Se, Te) nano-crystals}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {12}, number = {1, SI}, year = {2010}, month = {JAN}, pages = {101-109}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Surface-capped CdSe and CdTe nano-crystals (NCs) have been synthesized using cadmium acetate, oleic acid and respective tri-octylphosphine chalcogenide (TOPE; E = Se/Te) in diphenyl ether (DPE). Well-dispersed CdSe particles showed two absorption bands at the region of 431-34 and 458-60 nm in optical absorption study. A band-edge emission resulted at 515 nm with an excitation energy of 400 nm, in its photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Similarly, UV-visible absorption study of CdTe revealed an absorption band at \< 700 nm. The broadened X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed that at higher reaction temperature cubic CdSe but hexagonal CdTe can be obtained with crystallite size of \< 10 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that agglomerated particles are of spherical nature. The inter-planar spacing in CdTe was measured to be 0.406 nm, a characteristic of (100) lattice plane in hexagonal CdTe. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that CdSe NCs have better air stability stable than CdTe. Presence of organic moiety around the semiconductor particles was confirmed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, photoluminescence, Semiconductors, Surface capping}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-008-9581-y}, author = {Khanna, P. K. and Rao, K. Srinivasa and Patil, K. R. and Singh, V. N. and Mehta, B. R.} } @article { ISI:000281175500059, title = {Simple chemical co-precipitation/calcination route for the synthesis of simulated synroc-B and synroc-C powders}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {123}, number = {2-3}, year = {2010}, month = {OCT}, pages = {695-699}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

A simple chemical co-precipitation/calcination route was developed for the synthesis of simulated synroc-B and synroc-C powders using mostly nitrate salts as starting chemicals and 20\% ammonia solution as precipitant. In this route, a mixed solution containing Al-nitrate, Ca-nitrate, Ba-nitrate, zirconyl nitrate and titanyl nitrate in the molar proportion required for synroc-B is added to dilute ammonia solution to precipitate these cations in the form of their hydroxides at room temperature by maintaining pH approximate to 10.5 during precipitation. Formation of a major fluorite phase with minor amounts of anatase, rutile and hollandite phases is observed in the powder obtained after calcination in air at 750 degrees C. Multiphase crystalline synroc-B matrix containing hollandite, perovskite, zirconolite, and rutile phases is obtained after sintering the heat treated powder in the form of pellets at 1230 degrees C for 4h in air. Similarly, pure synroc-C phases with 14 and 20\% simulated waste loadings were synthesized following the same synthesis protocol. These pre-treated powders with a high surface area of similar to 25 m(2) g(-1) gave sintered ceramics having density of similar to 90\% for 14 and 20\% waste loadings. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Ceramics, Chemical synthesis, Oxides, Sintering}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2010.05.039}, author = {Potdar, H. S. and Vijayanand, S. and Mohaideen, Kamal Khaja and Patil, K. R. and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Madhavan, R. Raja and Kutty, K. V. G. and Ambashta, Ritu D. and Wattal, P. K.} } @article { ISI:000289763700002, title = {Novel solar light driven photocatalyst, zinc indium vanadate for photodegradation of aqueous phenol}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {635-638}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present investigation, we have demonstrated the synthesis of novel photocatalyst, zinc indium vanadate (ZIV) by solid solid state route using respective oxides of zinc, indium and vanadium. This novel photocatalyst was characterized using XRD, FESEM, UV-DRS and FTIR in order to investigate its structural, morphological and optical properties. XRD clearly shows the formation of phase pure ZIV of triclinic crystal structure with good crystallinity. FESEM micrographs showed the clustered morphology having particle size between 0.5 and 1 mu m. Since, optical study showed the band gap around 2.8 eV, i.e. in visible region, we have performed the photocatalytic activity of phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. The photodecomposition of phenol by ZIV is studied for the first time and an excellent photocatalytic activity was obtained using this novel photocatalyst. Considering the band gap of zinc indium vanadate in visible region, it will also be the potential candidate for water splitting. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Catalytic properties, Chemical synthesis, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2011.02.005}, author = {Mahapure, Sonali A. and Rane, Vilas H. and Ambekar, Jalindar D. and Nikam, Latesh K. and Marimuthu, R. and Kulkarni, Milind V. and Kale, Bharat B.} } @article { ISI:000293826800006, title = {Structural, magnetic and mossbauer spectral studies of nanocrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite powders}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {509}, number = {37}, year = {2011}, month = {SEP}, pages = {8999-9004}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Nanocrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 powders, synthesized by a combustion method are investigated by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopic techniques. We adopt a strategy to systematically control the particle sizes between 4 and 45 nm simply by changing the elemental stoichiometric coefficient, Phi(e), of the combustion mixture. Curie temperature of the superparamagnetic particles of size 4 nm is higher than that of the bulk particles. Interestingly, bigger particles (45 nm) show a comparable room temperature saturation magnetization and exceptionally very high Curie temperature of 833 K, when compared to that of the bulk Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 material (563 K). (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Magnetisation, Mossbauer spectroscopy, Nanostructured materials}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2011.06.047}, author = {Verma, Seema and Joy, Pattayil Alias and Kurian, Sajith} } @article { ISI:000287058100062, title = {Synthesis and characterization of chemically deposited nickel substituted CdSe thin film}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {509}, number = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {FEB}, pages = {2948-2951}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The technologically important Cd(0.5)Ni(0.5)Se thin film has been developed by solution growth technique on non-conducting glass substrate in tartarate bath containing Cd(+2), Ni(+2) ions and sodium selenosulphate in an aqueous alkaline medium at room temperature. Various preparative conditions of the thin films are outlined. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, optical absorption and electrical measurements. The X-ray diffraction study indicates that the film is polycrystalline in nature with hexagonal phase. Scanning electron micrograph shows that the film is homogeneous with well-defined grains. The films have high optical absorption coefficient. Thermoelectric power measurement shows p-type conduction mechanism. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Crystal growth, Electrical conductivity, thin film}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2010.11.165}, author = {Hankare, P. P. and Jadhav, B. V. and Chate, P. A. and Sathe, D. J. and Mulla, Imtiaz S.} } @article { ISI:000303485400020, title = {Effects of grain morphology, microstructure and dispersed metal cocatalyst on the photoreduction of water over impurity-doped LaInO3}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {47}, number = {5}, year = {2012}, month = {MAY}, pages = {1217-1228}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The single phase lanthanum indates doped with Ga (for La) and N (for O), i.e. La1-xGaxInO3 (0 \<= x \<= 0.2) and LaInO1-yNy (y similar to 0.6), exhibit significant activity for photoreduction of water; the yield of H-2 produced depending on dopant, excitation source, and addition of a sacrificial reagent. The two-step H-2 evolution observed for this reaction corresponds with the two distinct absorbance regimes displayed by these materials, one in UV-region due to bandgap excitation and the other in visible region arising from the transitions involving sub-bandgap donor or acceptor energy states. The photocatalytic activity of these d(10) metal oxides increases on coating with a metal/metal oxide co-catalyst, gold exhibiting superior activity to Pt and NiO, irrespective of excitation source and sample composition. The preparation-controlled particle morphology, doping-induced lattice imperfections, and metal/semiconductor hetero-junctions are envisaged to play a key role in the absorption characteristics and photocatalytic water reduction activity of metal/LaInO3 nanocomposites. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Catalytic properties, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Interfaces, Semiconductors}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2012.01.031}, author = {Dhanasekaran, P. and Gupta, N. M.} } @article { ISI:000305112000030, title = {Novel microwave assisted sol-gel synthesis (MW-SGS) and electrochromic performance of petal like h-WO3 thin films}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {47}, number = {7}, year = {2012}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1787-1793}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Use of domestic microwave oven is first time employed for chemical deposition of nanocrystalline hexagonal WO3 (h-WO3) thin films. Low cost precursors like sodium tungstate, hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid and potassium sulfate signifies cost effectiveness of this thin film fabrication route. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal formation of petal like nanodisks. A number of analytical techniques were used to characterize the WO3 petal like nanodisks, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman scattering spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies revealed 2.89 O/W atomic ratio. The electrical transport studies on WO3 thin films show semiconducting behavior with n-type semiconductivity. The value of determined coloration efficiency is 57.90 cm(2)/C. The mechanism of Li+ intercalation and deinercalation in h-WO3 matrix is proposed for enhanced electrochromism. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Chemical synthesis, Electrochemical properties, Oxides, photoelectron spectroscopy}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2012.03.025}, author = {Kharade, Rohini R. and Patil, K. R. and Patil, P. S. and Bhosale, Popatrao N.} }