Thermoelectric properties of Fe0.98Co0.02Si2 with ZrO2 and rare-earth oxide dispersion by mechanical alloying

The n-type Co-doped β-FeSi₂ (Fe_0.98Co_0.02Si₂) with dispersion of several oxides, such as ZrO₂ or several rare-earth oxides (Y₂O₃, Nd₂O₃, Sm₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃), was synthesized by mechanical alloying and subsequent hot pressing. The effects of these oxide dispersions on the thermoelectric properties of Fe_0.98Co_0.02Si₂ were investigated. ZrO₂ was decomposed in the β phase, and the ZrSi and -FeSi phases, which are metallic phases, were formed in the samples with ZrO₂ addition. The Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity were significantly decreased with increasing amount of ZrO₂, indicating that a part of the Zr atoms was substituted for Fe atoms in the β phase. In the case of the samples with rare-earth oxide addition, a decomposition of a large amount of these added oxides did not occur. However, the rare-earth oxide addition caused a slight increase in the amount of the phase. The Seebeck coefficient was significantly enhanced by the rare-earth oxide addition especially in the low temperature range. These facts indicated that a small amount of rare-earth oxides was decomposed in the β phase, and rare-earth elements were substituted for Fe atoms as a p-type dopant, resulting in the decrease in the carrier concentration. The rare-earth oxide addition was also effective in reducing the thermal conductivity.     

Phase relationships and crystallography in the pseudobinary system Gd5Si4---Gd5Ge4

A study of phase relationships and crystallography in the pseudobinary system Gd₅(Si_xGe_1−x)₄ revealed: (1) that both terminal binary compounds Gd₅Si₄ and Gd₅Ge₄ crystallize in the Sm₅Ge₄-type orthorhombic structure, and (2) the appearance of an intermediate (ternary) phase with a monoclinic crystal structure which is similar to both Gd₅Si₄ and Gd₅Ge₄. The formation of the monoclinic phase at 0.24≤x≤0.5 [between Gd₅(Si_0.96Ge_3.03)Gd₅(Si₁Ge₃) and Gd₅(Si₂Ge₂)] is probably due to the large difference in bonding characteristics of Si and Ge in the Gd₅Si₄-Gd₅Ge₄ pseudobinary system which limits the ability of the mutual substitution of Si for Ge and vice versa without a change of the crystal structure. For the composition Gd₅(Si₂Ge₂) the lattice parameters of the monoclinic structure (space group P112₁/a) are a=7.580865), b=14.802(1), c=7.7799(5)Å, γ=93.190(4)°. A distinct difference in the magnetic behaviors of the alloys from three different phase regions in this system follows the distinct difference in the crystal structures observed for the alloys from the three phase regions.     

Small-angle neutron scattering and differential scanning calorimetry studies on the copper clustering stage of Fe–Si–B–Nb–Cu nanocrystalline alloys

The kinetics of copper clustering and primary crystallization of FINEMET type alloys with the compositions Fe_74.5−xSi_13.5B₉Nb₃Cu_x and Fe₇₇Si₁₁B₉Nb_3−xCu_x have been studied by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in order to explain the different optimized Cu contents, x, for obtaining the highest permeability in these two alloys. SANS results have shown that the alloys with the optimized Cu contents have the finest nanocrystalline microstructures. Kinetic analyses of Cu clustering prior to primary crystallization have shown that the number density of Cu clusters becomes highest at the crystallization stage of -Fe primary crystals in the alloy containing an optimized amount of Cu.     

Magnetic phase diagrams of the TbRh2−xPdxPdxSi2 and TbRu2−xPdxSi2 systems

The a.c. susceptibility and high field magnetization on TbRh_2−xPd_xPd_xSi₂ and TbRu_2−xPd_xSi₂ compounds were investigated up to 140 kOe. The (T,x) magnetic phase diagrams were determined. For both systems, an increase in the Pd content causes a decrease in the Néel temperature and changes the magnetization curves.     

Composition-dependent electrical transport properties of Pb50Te52 doped with PbI2 prepared by HPHT

Cubic (Pb₅₀Te₅₂)_100−x(PbI₂)_x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.065) bulk thermoelectric (TE) materials with enhanced power factor were prepared by high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) method. The mean grain size of the samples was about 10 μm. The dependence of electrical transport properties on composition was studied at room temperature. With an increase of x, the Seebeck coefficient in absolute value and the electrical resistivity firstly increase slightly and then decrease dramatically. The maximum power factor reaches 24.2 μW cm⁻¹ K⁻² at x = 0.015, which is much higher than that reported previously for the PbTe doped with PbI₂ prepared at normal pressure. The results indicate that HPHT combined with trace quantity doping is an effective method to enhance the thermoelectric properties for PbTe.     

Thermoelectric properties of A-site doped perovskites (Sr0.6Ba0.4)1−xMxPbO3 (M = La, K)

La- and K-doped perovskite-type ceramics, (Sr_0.6Ba_0.4)_1−xLa_xPbO₃ with x = 0.0−0.1 and (Sr_0.6Ba_0.4)_1−xK_xPbO₃ with x = 0.00−0.15, were prepared to modify thermoelectric properties of semi-metallic Sr_0.6Ba_0.4PbO₃ via the doping of electrons and holes, respectively. The electrical conductivity σ and Seebeck coefficient S for the ceramics were measured at temperatures of 373–1073 K in air. With the La doping, electron carriers were successively doped and the material changed from a semi-metal for the undoped Sr_0.6Ba_0.4PbO₃ to a metal for the (Sr_0.6Ba_0.4)_0.9La_0.1PbO₃. With the K doping, the thermoelectric properties were essentially unchanged probably due to the carrier compensation effect by the generation of oxygen deficiencies. The thermoelectric power factor S²σ was maximized to a value of 3.1 × 10⁻⁴ Wm⁻¹ K⁻² at 773 K for the undoped Sr_0.6Ba_0.4PbO₃ ceramic.     

Ordering in the sublattices of Fe3Al during the phase transformation B2↔D03

The temperature dependence of the iron concentrations in the individual sublattices of hyperstoichiometric binary Fe₇₂Al₂₈ and ternary Fe₆₈Al₂₈Cr₄ alloys were obtained from X-ray diffraction data measured in a high temperature vacuum chamber during linear heating around the phase transformation B2↔D0₃. A method for the processing of the diffraction pattern based on the splitting of the diffraction lines of the structure D0₃ into three groups is presented. Applying this method it was found that the structure B2 was not well developed in both samples. The maximum value of c_C≈0.8 gives S_B2 equal to 0.4 and 0.3 for binary and ternary alloy, respectively. The D0₃-order was not well developed too, because structure D0₃ arises from the structure B2. D0₃-ordering, i.e. redistribution of atoms within the sublattices A and B, is given only by the total number of iron atoms in these sublattices before the phase transformation B2↔D0₃.     

Crystal structures and structural relationships of KFe2(SeO2OH)(SeO3)3 and SrCo2(SeO2OH)2(SeO3)2

The new phases KFe₂(SeO₂OH)(SeO₃)₃ and SrCo₂(SeO₂OH)₂(SeO₃)₂ have been synthesized under low-hydrothermal conditions and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. Both compounds are monoclinic; KFe₂(SeO₂OH)(SeO₃)₃: space group P2, A = 9.983(4), B = 5.270(1), C = 10.614(4) Å, β = 97.42(2)°, V = 553.7 ų, Z = 2; SrCo₂(SeO₂OH)₂(SeO₃)₂: space group P2ln, A = 14.984(2), B = 5.286(1), C = 13.790(2) Å, β = 94.72(1)°, V = 1088.5 ų , Z = 4. The refinements converged to R-values of 2.9 and 3.6% respectively.

The atomic arrangement in KFe₂(SeO₂OH)(SeO₃)₃ and SrCo₂(SeO₂OH)₂(SeO₃)₂ is based on isolated MO₆ octahedra (M = Fe³⁺, Co²⁺), which are corner-linked via trigonal pyramidal selenite groups to a framework structure. Interstitials are occupied by potassium or strontium atoms in ten- or eight-coordination respectively, and by the lone-pair electrons of the Se⁴⁺ atoms. Both compounds are not isotypic but are closely related and may be interpreted as different distortions of an idealized structure type in space group P2/m, which was modelled for a theoretical compound SrFe₂(SeO₃)₄ by distance least squares refinement (program ).     

Hydrogen-caused phase transformations, relaxation and hysteretic phenomena in fcc alloys Fe55Cr25Ni20 and Fe50Ni50

Hydrogen-induced phases, relaxation and hysteretic phenomena in Fe₅₅Cr₂₅Ni₂₀ and Fe₅₀Ni₅₀ alloys were studied using neutron scattering and internal friction. Substitution of chromium by nickel prevents the hydrogen-induced γ→ transformation, which was used for interpretation of the IF peaks. A new relaxation peak is observed in the hydrogen-charged Fe₅₀Ni₅₀ alloy.     

The crystal structure of the novel ternary silicide Sm4Pd4Si3

The crystal structure of the compound Sm₄Pd₄Si₃ was determined by the single-crystal method (KM-4 automatic diffractometer, Mo K radiation. Sm₄Pd₄Si₄ has the monoclinic Nd₄Rh₄Ge, type structure: space C2/c, mC44 (No. 15). a = 20.693(6), B = 5.584(1), C = 7.699(2) Å, β = 109.48(3)°, V = 838 Å, Z = 4, μ - 36.23 mm¹, R =_F = 0.0537, R _F = 0.0435 for 1652 unique reflections. The coordination numbers of samarium atoms are 17 and 18. For palladium and silicon atoms icosahedra and trigonal prisms with additional atoms are typical as coordination polyhedra. The structure of Sm₄Pd₄Si₄ is composed of fragments of the YPd₂Si and Y₁Rh₂Si₂ structure in a ratio 1:1.     

Hydrogen disproportionation by reactive milling and recombination of Nd2(Fe1−xCox)14B alloys

Stoichiometric Nd₂(Fe_1−xCo_x)₁₄B alloys (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) have been disproportionated into NdH_2+δ and bcc–(Fe,Co) (0≤x≤0.75) or fcc–Co (x=1), respectively, by milling in hydrogen at enhanced temperatures. Reactive milling leads to the disproportionation of the thermodynamically very stable Nd₂Co₁₄B alloy. This reaction is not possible via the conventional hydrogenation disproportionation desorption and recombination (HDDR) process. Grain sizes of disproportionated and recombined Nd₂(Fe,Co)₁₄B materials were found to be <10 nm and 40–50 nm, respectively — approximately an order of magnitude smaller than those of conventional-HDDR processed alloys. The recombined Nd₂Co₁₄B alloy shows on average slightly smaller grain sizes than the Nd₂Fe₁₄B compound. A more effective exchange coupling leading to enhanced remanences, possibly due to the slightly smaller grain size, has been observed for Nd₂Co₁₄B powders recombined at 600–700°C.     

Peculiarities of the R3(Fe,Si)29 phase formation in the Sm---Fe---Si system

The phase content of the Sm(Fe_1−xSi_x)_y alloys (0.05≤x≤0.15; 8.5≤y≤12) has been studied by X-ray diffraction using micromonocrystals. The compounds Sm₂(Fe,Si)₁₇, Sm(Fe,Si)₁₂ and a novel Sm₃(Fe,Si)₂₉ compound with a monoclinic unit cell are found. The lattice parameters of Sm₃(Fe,Si)₂₉ are: a=1.056 nm, b=0.850 nm, c=0.966 nm, β=96.8°. This compound forms as a result of a solid state transformation from the high-temperature Sm₂(Fe,Si)₁₇ phase. Diffuse effects observed in rocking photographs suggest transition structures arising from this transformation. The Curie temperatures of Sm₃(Fe,Si)₂₉ vary in the interval 496–521 K.     

Phase relations and hydrogenation behavior of Sr(Al1−xMgx)2

The phase relations and hydrogenation behavior of Sr(Al_1−xMg_x)₂ alloys were studied. The pseudobinary C36-type Laves phase Sr(Al,Mg)₂ was found as a structural intermediate between the Zintl phase and the C14 Laves phase. The single-phase regions for the Zintl phase, C36 phase and C14 phase, were determined to be x=0–0.10, 0.45–0.68 and 0.80–1, respectively. The Mg-substituted Zintl phase Sr(Al_0.95Mg_0.05)₂ can be hydrogenated to Sr(Al,Mg)₂H₂ at about 473 K. However, the Sr(Al,Mg)₂H₂ directly decomposes into SrH₂ and Sr(Al,Mg)₄ starting at 513 K. When the temperature is 573 K, the C36 Laves phase Sr(Al_0.5Mg_0.5)₂ can be hydrogenated into SrMgH₄ and Al, while the C14 Laves phase Sr(Al_0.1Mg_0.9)₂ is hydrogenated into SrMgH₄, Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and Mg.     

Synthesis and properties of lithium ion conductors Li3−2x(Sc1−xZrx)2(PO4)3

Lithium ion conductors, Li_3−2x(Sc_1−xZr_x)₂(PO₄)₃ (0 x 0.3), were prepared by a solid-state reaction. TG–DTA analysis indicated no phase transition in the samples with x superior to 0.05. X-ray powder diffraction analysis of these samples clearly showed the stabilization of a superionic conduction phase at room temperature with an orthorhombic system Pbcn. The highest conductivity was observed for the sample with x=0.05, and ascribed to the stabilization of the superionic conduction phase and the introduction of vacancies on the Li⁺ sites by substituting Zr⁴⁺ for Sc³.     

Structure and unusual magnetic properties in the itinerant electron system Hf0.8Ta0.2(Fe1−xCox)2

The crystal structure and magnetization of Hf_0.8Ta_0.2(Fe_1−xCo_x)₂ are investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and magnetization measurements. The compounds exhibit the Laves C14 structure for x=0.0–0.2 and the C15 structure for x≥0.3. The structural transition from C14 to C15 leads to an anomaly of the unit cell volume between x=0.2 and 0.3. When x=0.0, the compound undergoes a magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state via the antiferromagnetic state, in which a field-induced metamagnetic transition is observed. When x=0.1 and 0.2, the compounds exhibit unusually small saturation moments, which are considered as antiferromagnetism (with weak ferromagnetic impurities) and weak ferromagnetism or ferrimagnetism, respectively. The formation of the AFM state is associated with a small bond length of Fe atom in the 6h site. When x≥0.3, the compounds exhibit a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition, which can be explained by itinerant electron metamagnetism.     

Microstructural evolution of Fe3B/Nd2Fe14B nanocomposite magnets microalloyed with Cu and Nb

The microalloying effect of Cu and Nb on the microstructure and magnetic properties of an Fe₃B/Nd₂Fe₁₄B nanocomposite permanent magnet has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM). Additions of Cu are effective in refining the nanocomposite microstructure and the temperature range of the heat treatment to optimize the hard magnetic properties is significantly extended compared with that of the ternary alloy. Combined addition of Cu and Nb is further effective in reducing the grain size. Optimum magnetic properties obtained by annealing a melt-spun Nd_4.5Fe_75.8B_18.5Cu_0.2Nb₁ amorphous ribbon at 660°C for 6 min are B_r=1.25 T, H_cJ=273 kA/m and (BH)_max=125 kJ/m³. The soft magnetic Fe₂₃B₆ phase coexists with the Fe₃B and Nd₂Fe₁₄B phases in the optimum microstructure of the Cu and Nb containing quinternary alloy. Three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) results show that the finer microstructure is due to the formation of a high number density of Cu clusters prior to the crystallization reaction, which promote the nucleation of the Fe₃B phase. The Nb atoms appear to induce the formation of the Fe₂₃B₆ phase when the remaining amorphous phase is crystallized.     

Oxygen release behaviour of Ce(1−x)ZrxO2 powders and appearance of Ce(8−4y)Zr4yO(14−δ) solid solution in the ZrO2–CeO2–CeO1.5 system

To clarify the existence of metastable phases in the ZrO₂–CeO₂–CeO_1.5 system, evolved-oxygen gas analyses, (EGA), by heating a single phase of t′ and t″ (Ce_(1−x)Zr_xO₂) with various compositions, x, in a reducing gas and successive oxidation were carried out repeatedly. The oxygen release behaviour of the t′ and t″ phases was very complicated. The single κ phases, (Ce_(1−x)Zr_xO₂) with the composition, x=0.5 and 0.6, which were obtained by oxidizing the resulting pyrochlore as a precursor in O₂ gas at 873 K, exhibited a sharp oxygen release at the lowest temperature; the composition range of κ phase may be x=0.450.65. A new tetragonal phase t*, (Ce_(1−x)Zr_xO₂), which was attained by cyclic redox process together with annealing in O₂ gas at 1323 or 1423 K, exhibited a sharp oxygen release at the highest temperature; the composition range of t* phase may be as wide as x=0.200.65. A metastable solid solution expressed by a chemical formula of Ce_(8−4y)Zr_4yO_(14−δ) (y=01) possessing a CaF₂-related structure appeared on deoxidation of the t* phase. A ternary phase diagram containing the t* and Ce_(8−4y)Zr_4yO_(14−δ) solid solution was proposed.     

Spectroscopy, magnetism and non-radiative processes in heteronuclear Cu:Pr squarate; [Pr2Cu(C4O4)4(H2O)16]·2H2O

In the present work, the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of heteronuclear Cu:Pr squarate are reported. Single crystals of [Pr₂Cu(C₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆]·2H₂O were obtained by reaction of squaric acid, praseodymium chloride and copper chloride in water solution according to the procedure described earlier. The crystals of title compound are isomorphic with [La₂Cu(C₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆]·2H₂O crystal, where squarate anions participate as bridging ligands between metal ions.

The UV region of absorption spectra of the title compound is dominated by C–T band of Cu(II), f–d transition of Pr(III) and internal π–π*(A_1g→E_u) and π–π*(A_1g→E_g) ligand transitions. In visible and IR regions, t_2g–e_g of copper Cu(II) as well as ³H₄→³P_J, ¹D₂, ¹G₄, ³F_J, ³H₆ Pr(III) transitions at 293 and 4 K were recorded. At low temperature splitting given by Jahn–Teller effect can be observed. Significant anisotropy of d–d transitions intensities confirms well the Jahn–Teller effect, too. Unexpectedly high intensity of ³H₄→¹G₄ transition is probably due to the intensity borrowing from the Cu (II) d–d transition.

The ³P₀ and ¹D₂ emission of Pr(III) in the [Pr₂Cu(C₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆]·2H₂O crystals is quenched even at 77 K. Whereas emission of appropriate polynuclear europium squarate was detected. The pathways of excited state quenching by e_g levels of Cu(II), multhiphonon relaxation and concentration quenching can be considered in the system under studies. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out in 300–1.7 K temperature range and are discussed in relation to the structure.

Effect of the polymeric structure on spectroscopic behaviour is presented. Selectivity of polymeric europium squarate in vitro test for different tumor cells is shown.     

Structural, magnetic and magnetostrictive studies of Tb0.27Dy0.73(Fe1 − xAlx)2

Measurements of magnetic properties, X-ray diffraction and magnetostriction were made on Tb_0.27Dy_0.73(Fe_{1 − x}Al_x)₂ (x = 0.1, 0.2, …, 0.7) compounds. It was found that the system has the cubic MgCu₂ structure over almost the whole (Fe,Al) concentration range investigated, except for a narrow intermediate range (x = 0.4–0.6) where the hexagonal MgZn₂ structure appears. With increasing Al content x, the lattice constant a increases linearly with x. The first replacement of Fe results in a marked decrease in the Curie temperature, which is followed by a slight decrease in T_C with x. A linear decrease in magnetostriction of |λ_| − λ| at room temperature with x was also observed from 1530 × 10⁻⁶ for x=0 to 36×10⁻⁶ for x=0.3. The saturation magnetization σ_s exhibits a complex concentration dependence in the Tb_0.27Dy_0.73(Fe)_{1 − x}Al_x)₂ system: in the range x < 0.5, σ_s increases linearly with x and, for x = 0.5–0.6, σ_s decreases and then increases again. An enhancement of the magnetic ‘hardness’ in this system was also observed at low temperature.