Search Results (39)

Relaxor ferroelectric film capacitors exhibit high power density with ultra-fast charge and discharge rates, making them highly advantageous for consumer electronics and advanced pulse power supplies. The Aurivillius-phase bismuth layered ferroelectric films can effectively achieve a high breakdown electric field due to their unique insulating layer ((Bi₂O₂)²⁺ layer)). However, designing and fabricating Aurivillius-phase bismuth layer relaxor ferroelectric films with optimal energy storage characteristics is challenging due to their inherently stable ferroelectric properties. In this work, lead-free CaBi_4-xLa_xTi₄O₁₅ films were synthesized using the sol–gel technique and a weakly coupled relaxor design. On one hand, the introduction of La³⁺ ions weaken the dipole–dipole interactions, thereby enhancing the relaxor behavior. Alternatively, the expansion of grain size is restricted to enhance the number of grain boundaries, which possess improved insulating properties. This leads to a higher breakdown electric field. The results indicate that CaBi_4-xLa_xTi₄O₁₅ (x = 1.0) films exhibit excellent recoverable energy storage density (70 J/cm³) and high energy efficiency (73%). Moreover, the film exhibited good temperature stability and frequency stability. This study not only identifies a promising material for dielectric film capacitors but also demonstrates that the energy storage capabilities of Aurivillius-phase bismuth layer ferroelectric films can be effectively modulated through a design incorporating weakly coupled relaxor characteristics. Full article

This study investigates the influence of samarium (Sm³⁺) doping on the structural, microstructural, mechanical, and dielectric properties of BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ (BBN) ceramics. Using the solid-state reaction method, samples of BaBi_2-xSm_xNb₂O₉ with varying concentrations of Sm (x = 0.01; 0.02; 0.04; 0.06; 0.08; 0.1) were prepared. Thermal analysis, microstructure characterization via SEM and EDS, X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing, and dielectric measurements were conducted. The results revealed that increasing Sm³⁺ concentration led to the formation of single-phase materials with a tetragonal structure at room temperature. Mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus and stiffness, improved with Sm doping, indicating stronger atomic bonding. Dielectric properties showed that low concentrations of Sm³⁺ slightly increased electrical permittivity, while higher concentrations reduced it. The presence of Sm³⁺ also affected the relaxor properties, evidenced by changes in the freezing temperature and activation energy. Overall, the study concludes that samarium doping enhances the structural and functional properties of BBN ceramics, making them promising candidates for high-temperature piezoelectric and dielectric applications. The findings provide valuable insights into tailoring ceramic materials for advanced technological applications. Full article

By using the method of high-temperature solid-phase reaction, the new piezoceramic SrBi₂Nb_2-2xW_xSn_xO₉ was obtained, where partial substitution of niobium (Nb) atoms with Sn⁴⁺ and W⁶⁺ atoms in the compound SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ occurred in the octahedra of the perovskite layer (B-position). X-ray diffraction investigations showed that these compounds are single-phase SrBi₂Nb_2-2xW_xSn_xO₉ (x = 0.1, 0.2) and two-phase SrBi₂Nb_2-2xW_xSn_xO₉ (x = 0.3, 0.4), but all of them had the structure of Aurivillius-Smolensky phases (ASPs) with close parameters of orthorhombic unit cells. It corresponded to the space group A21am. The temperature dependences of the relative permittivity ε/ε₀ and the tangent of the dielectric loss angle tan d were defined at various frequencies. It was found that doping SrBi₂Nb_2-2xW_xSn_xO₉ (x = 0.1) improved the electrophysical properties of the compound: losses decreased, and the relative permittivity increased. This result was obtained for the first time. Moreover, a new result was obtained that indicated an improvement in the electrophysical properties of SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ using the chemical element Sn (tin). This refutes the previously existing opinion about the impossibility to use Sn as a doping element. Full article

This investigation focuses on the impact of Sm³⁺ dopants on BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ (BBN) ceramics. These ceramics were obtained using the traditional solid state reaction approach. Techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to explore the structure and morphology of the ceramics. The results showed that the chemical composition of the ceramic samples matched well with the initial ceramic powder stoichiometry. Increasing the amount of samarium resulted in a slight reduction in the average ceramic grain size. The ceramics exhibited a tetragonal structure categorized under the space group I4/mmm. The electrical properties were analyzed using complex impedance spectroscopy (SI) across various temperatures and frequencies, revealing that both grains and intergranular boundaries are significant in the material’s conductivity. Full article

Bi₂MoO₆ (BMO) is a typical bismuth-based semiconductor material, and its unique Aurivillius structure provides a broad space for electron delocalization. In this study, a new type of bismuth molybdate Cd/Er-BMO photocatalytic material was prepared by co-doping Er³⁺ and Cd²⁺, and the performance of the photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) was systematically studied. The research results showed that the efficiency of SMZ degradation by Cd/Er-BMO was significantly improved after doping Er³⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions, reflecting the synergistic catalytic effect of Cd²⁺ and Er³⁺ co-doping. Cd/Er-BMO doped with 6% Cd had the highest degradation efficiency (93.89%) of SMZ under visible light irradiation. The material revealed excellent stability and reusability in repeated degradation experiments. In addition, 6% Cd/Er-BMO had a smaller particle size and a larger specific surface area, which is conducive to improving the generation efficiency of its photogenerated electron-hole pairs and reducing the recombination rate, significantly enhancing the photocatalysis of the material. This study not only provides an effective photocatalyst for degrading environmental pollutants such as SMZ, but also provides an important scientific basis and new ideas for the future development of efficient and stable photocatalytic materials. Full article

Bismuth layered structure ferroelectrics (BLSFs), also known as Aurivillius phase materials, are ideal for energy-efficient applications, particularly for solar cells. This work reports the first comprehensive detailed theoretical study on the fascinating structural, electronic, and optical properties of XNb₂Bi₂O₉ (X = Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, Sr). The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof approach and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) are implemented to thoroughly investigate the structural, bandgap, optical, and electronic properties of the compounds. The optical conductivity, band topologies, dielectric function, bandgap values, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, extinction coefficient, refractive index, and partial and total densities of states are thoroughly investigated from a photovoltaics standpoint. The material exhibits distinct behaviors, including significant optical anisotropy and an elevated absorption coefficient > 10⁵ cm⁻¹ in the region of visible; ultraviolet energy is observed, the elevated transparency lies in the visible and infrared regions for the imaginary portion of the dielectric function, and peaks in the optical spectra caused by inter-band transitions are detected. According to the data reported, it becomes obvious that XNb₂Bi₂O₉ (X = Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, and Sr) is a suitable candidate for implementation in solar energy conversion applications. Full article

The magnetic properties of Aurivillius-phase Bi₇Fe₃Ti3O₂₁ (BFT) and Bi_7−xGd_xFe3Ti3O₂₁, where x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 (BGFT), were investigated. Ceramic material undoped (BGF) and doped with Gd³⁺ ions were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction. In order to confirm that the obtained materials belong to Aurivillius structures, XRD tests were performed. The XRD results confirmed that both the undoped and the gadolinium-doped materials belong to the Aurivillius phases. The qualitative chemical composition of the obtained materials was confirmed based on EDS tests. The temperature dependences of magnetization and magnetic susceptibility were examined for the ceramic material both undoped and doped with Gd³⁺ ions. The measurements were taken in the temperature range from T = 10 K to T = 300 K. Using Curie’s law, the value of the Curie constant was determined, and on its basis, the number of iron ions that take part in magnetic processes was calculated. The value of Curie constant C = 0.266 K, while the concentration of iron ions Fe³⁺, which influence the magnetic properties of the material, is equal 3.7 mol% (for BFT). Hysteresis loop measurements were also performed at temperatures of T = 10 K, T = 77 K, and T = 300 K. The dependence of magnetization on the magnetic field was described by the Brillouin function, and on its basis, the concentration of Fe³⁺ ions, which are involved in magnetic properties, was also calculated (3.4 mol% for BFT). Tests showed that the material is characterized by magnetic properties at low temperatures. At room temperature (RT), it has paramagnetic properties. It was also found that Gd³⁺ ions improve the magnetic properties of tested material. Full article

Bi_7-xGd_xFe₃Ti₃O₂₁ (x = (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6)) bismuth-layered perovskite structure compounds have been successfully prepared by a solid-state reaction. The results of X-ray studies indicate that a single-phase ceramic was obtained, characterized by an orthorhombic crystal structure for all compounds within the Fm2m space group. Microstructural analysis revealed that introducing gadolinium to the material altered the grain morphology, resulting in a more rounded grain shape and a somewhat disordered arrangement. Moreover, with higher gadolinium concentrations, there is a noticeable increase in the presence of the number of large plates. Impedance spectroscopy has been used to characterize the electrical properties of Bi_7-xGd_xFe₃Ti₃O₂₁ compounds. Full article

Pure Bi₇Fe₃Ti₃O₂₁ ceramic material and gadolinium ion (Gd³⁺)-doped ones were prepared by solid-state reaction method using simple oxides. The findings of the XRD measurements confirmed the initial author’s assumption that the dopant ions substituted in perovskite blocks influenced the dimensions of the unit cell parameters. All obtained materials are single-phase and show an orthorhombic structure with the Fm2m space group. Microstructure studies show that the admixture gadolinium doping changes the microstructure of the base material, changing grain shapes from plate-like to rounded. The temperature dependences of the electric permittivity have shown the existence of a maximum, the temperature location of which depends on both the frequency and the concentration of Gd³⁺ ions. The highest values of electric permittivity were characteristic of the material with an admixture of Gd³⁺ ions in the amount of x = 0.6 (f = 1 kHz), and the lowest values were for material with x = 0.2 (f = 1 kHz). Studies of the magnetoelectric effect have shown that the strongest coupling between magnetic and electrical properties was demonstrated by a material doped with Gd³⁺ ions in the amount of x = 0.2, for which the magnetoelectric coupling coefficient is equal to α = 12.58·10⁻⁹ s/m. Full article

In the present work, we have synthesized rare-earth ion modified Bi_4−xRE_xTi₂Fe0_.7Co_0.3O_12−δ (RE = Dy, Sm, La) multiferroic compounds by the conventional solid-state route. Analysis of X-ray diffraction by Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of a polycrystalline orthorhombic phase. The morphological features revealed a non-uniform, randomly oriented, plate-like grain structure. The peaks evident in the Raman spectra closely corresponded to those of orthorhombic Aurivillius phases. Dielectric studies and impedance measurements were carried out. Asymmetric complex impedance spectra suggested the relaxation of charge carriers belonging to the non-Debye type and controlled by a thermally activated process. Temperature-dependent AC conductivity data showed a change of slope in the vicinity of the phase transition temperature of both magnetic and electrical coupling natures. Based on the universal law and its exponent nature, one can suppose that the conduction process is governed by a small polaron hopping mechanism but significant distortion of TiO₆ octahedral. The doping of the A-sites with rare-earth element ions and changes in the concentrations of Fe and Co ions located on the B-sites manifested themselves in saturated magnetic hysteresis loops, indicating competitive interactions between ferroelectric and canted antiferromagnetic spins. The magnetic order in the samples is attributed to pair-wise interactions between adjacent Fe³⁺–O–Fe³⁺, Co^2+/3+–O–Co^3+/2+, and Co^2+/3+–O–Fe³⁺ ions or Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions among magnetic ions in the adjacent sub-lattices. As a result, enhanced magnetoelectric coefficients of 42.4 mV/cm-Oe, 30.3 mV/cm-Oe, and 21.6 mV/cm-Oe for Bi_4−xDy_xTi₂Fe0_.7Co_0.3O_12−δ (DBTFC), Bi_4−xLa_xTi₂Fe0_.7Co_0.3O_12−δ (LBTFC), and Bi_4−xSm_xTi₂Fe0_.7Co_0.3O_12−δ (SBTFC), respectively, have been obtained at lower magnetic fields (<3 kOe). The strong coupling of the Aurivillius compounds observed in this study is beneficial to future multiferroic applications. Full article

The visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments is a promising strategy for addressing water pollution problems. This work highlights the use of bromine-ion-doped layered Aurivillius oxide, Bi₂WO₆, to synergistically optimize the morphology and increase the formation of active sites on the photocatalyst’s surface. The layered Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction in which bromine (Br⁻) ions were introduced by adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB)/potassium bromide (KBr). The as-synthesized Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates displayed higher photocatalytic tetracycline degradation activity (~83.5%) than the Bi₂WO₆ microspheres (~48.2%), which were obtained without the addition of Br precursors in the reaction medium. The presence of Br⁻ was verified experimentally, and the newly formed Bi₂WO₆ developed as nanoplates where the adsorbed Br⁻ ions restricted the multilayer stacking. Considering the significant morphology change, increased specific surface area, and enhanced photocatalytic performance, using a synthesis approach mediated by Br⁻ ions to design layered photocatalysts is expected to be a promising system for advancing water remediation. Full article

The development of visible-light-responsive (VLR) semiconductor materials for effective water oxidation is significant for a sustainable and better future. Among various candidates, bismuth tungstate (Bi₂WO₆; BWO) has attracted extensive attention because of many advantages, including efficient light-absorption ability, appropriate redox properties (for O₂ generation), adjustable morphology, low cost, and profitable chemical and optical characteristics. Accordingly, a facile solvothermal method has been proposed in this study to synthesize two-dimensional (2D) BWO nanoplates after considering the optimal preparation conditions (solvothermal reaction time: 10–40 h). To find the key factors of photocatalytic performance, various methods and techniques were used for samples’ characterization, including XRD, FE-SEM, STEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET-specific surface area measurements, UV/vis DRS, and PL spectroscopy, and photocatalytic activity was examined for water oxidation under UV and/or visible-light (vis) irradiation. Famous commercial photocatalyst–P25 was used as a reference sample. It was found that BWO crystals grew anisotropically along the {001} basal plane to form nanoplates, and all properties were controlled simultaneously by tuning the synthesis time. Interestingly, the most active sample (under both UV and vis), prepared during the 30 h solvothermal reaction at 433 K (BWO–30), was characterized by the smallest specific surface area and the largest crystals. Accordingly, it is proposed that improved crystallinity (which hindered charge carriers’ recombination, as confirmed by PL), efficient photoabsorption (using the smallest bandgap), and 2D mesoporous structure are responsible for the best photocatalytic performance of the BWO–30 sample. This report shows for the first time that 2D mesoporous BWO nanoplates might be successfully prepared through a facile template-free solvothermal approach. All the above-mentioned advantages suggest that nanostructured BWO is a prospective candidate for photocatalytic applications under natural solar irradiation. Full article

In this paper, the type material of all five Japanese Paracis species (P. ijimai (Kinoshita, 1909), P. miyajimai (Kinoshita, 1909), P. pustulata (Wright and Studer, 1889), P. spinifera (Nutting, 1912), P. squamata (Nutting, 1910)), two Placogorgia species (P. japonica (Nutting, 1912) and P. placoderma (Nutting, 1910)), Pseudothesea foliata Aurivillius, 1931, and the type of the genus Paracis, P. orientalis (Ridley, 1882) are re-examined and re-described. The sclerites of the different species are depicted using scanning electron microscopy. All Japanese Paracis and related species treated here belong to four genera: Paracis, Kükenthal, 1919, Imbricacis Matsumoto and Ofwegen gen. nov., Pseudoparacis Matsumoto and Ofwegen gen. nov., and Pseudothesea Kükenthal, 1919. A replacement name for the genus Paracis as Neoacis is introduced because there is a senior homonym. A total of eight new species are described: Neoacis bayeri sp. nov., N. marianaensis sp. nov., N. ofwegeni sp. nov., Imbricacis foliata sp. nov., I. hawaiiensis sp. nov., Pseudoparacis tanseii sp. nov., Pseudothesea satsumaensis sp. nov., and Pseudothesea tokaraensis sp. nov. Pseudothesea foliata Aurivillius, 1931 is synonymised with Pseudoparacis japonica (Nutting, 1912). We have designated a lectotype for Paracis squamata (Nutting, 1910), which is now revised as Imbricacis squamata. Keys to the genera Neoacis, Imbricacis, Pseudoparacis, and Pseudothesea are presented. Full article

Developing efficient photocatalyst for the photoreduction of CO₂ and degradation of organic pollutants is an effective alternative to address increasingly serious energy problems and environmental pollution. Herein, the isostructural Sillén–Aurivillius oxyhalides, Bi₇Fe₂Ti₂O₁₇X (X = Cl, Br, and I; BFTOX), are fabricated for CO₂ reduction and degradation of organic pollutants for the first time. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the valence band maximum (VBM) of BFTOC and BFTOB is contributed by the dispersive 2p orbitals of O-atoms, providing the narrow band gap (E_g) and possibly the stability against self-decomposition deactivation. The photocatalytic activities of BFTOX are strongly affected by the halogens (Cl, Br, and I), namely, the BFTOCl sample displays outstanding activity improvement (3.74 μmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) for photocatalytic performance. This is mainly attributed to the high separation of charge carriers, small optical band gap, and extended optical absorption. This work focuses on affording a reference to develop efficient and stable photocatalysts from Sillén-Aurivillius layered oxyhalide materials. Full article

In order to meet the urgent need for high temperature piezoelectric materials with a Curie temperature over 400 °C, the Mn/Nb co-doped strategy has been proposed to improve the weak piezoelectric performance of the Aurivillius-type Na_0.5Bi_4.5Ti₄O₁₅ (NBT) high temperature piezoelectric ceramics. In this paper, the crystal structure, electrical properties, and thermal stability of the B-site Mn/Nb co-doped Na_0.5Bi_4.5Ti_4-x(Mn_1/3Nb_2/3)_xO₁₅ (NBT-100x) ceramics were systematically investigated by the conventional solid-state reaction method. The crystal structural analysis results indicate that the NBT-100x ceramics have typical bismuth oxide layer type phase structure and high anisotropic plate-like morphology. The lattice parameters and the grain sizes increase with the B-site Mn/Nb co-doped content. The electrical properties were significantly improved by Mn/Nb co-doped modifications. The maximum of the piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ was found to be 29 pC/N for the NBT-2 ceramics, nearly twice that of the unmodified NBT ceramics. The highest values of the planar electromechanical coupling factor k_p and thickness electromechanical coupling factor k_t were also obtained for the NBT-2 ceramics, at 5.4% and 31.2%, respectively. The dielectric spectroscopy showed that the Curie temperature Tc of the Mn/Nb co-doped NBT-100x ceramics is slightly higher than that of unmodified NBT ceramics (646 °C). The DC resistivity of the NBT-2 ceramics is higher than 10⁶ Ω∙cm at 500 °C. All the results together with the good thermal stability demonstrated the Mn/Nb co-doped ceramics as an effective method to improve the NBT based piezoelectric ceramics and the potential candidates of the Mn/Nb co-doped NBT-100x ceramics for high temperature piezoelectric applications. Full article