Virus-directed design of a flexible BaTiO3 nanogenerator

Biotemplated synthesis of functional nanomaterials has received increasing attention for applications in energy, catalysis, bioimaging, and other technologies. This approach is justified by the unique abilities of biological systems to guide sophisticated assembly and organization of molecules and materials into distinctive nanoscale morphologies that exhibit physicochemical properties highly desirable for specific purposes. Here, we present a high-performance, flexible nanogenerator using anisotropic BaTiO3 (BTO) nanocrystals synthesized on an M13 viral template through the genetically programmed self-assembly of metal ion precursors. The filamentous viral template realizes the formation of a highly entangled, well-dispersed network of anisotropic BTO nanostructures with high crystallinity and piezoelectricity. Even without the use of additional structural stabilizers, our virus-enabled flexible nanogenerator exhibits a high electrical output up to ∼300 nA and ∼6 V, indicating the importance of nanoscale structures for device performances. This study shows the biotemplating approach as a facile method to design and fabricate nanoscale materials particularly suitable for flexible energy harvesting applications.

Evolution of electronic and magnetic properties in four polytypes of BaRuO3: a first-principles study

Using density functional theory, we explore the evolution of the electronic and magnetic properties of BaRuO3 in four different phases, 9R, 4H, 6H and 3C, obtained by synthesizing under different pressure conditions. The four different phases differ in the differential proportion of hexagonal versus cubic close stacking of the BaO3 layers, leading to important changes in the structure. By computing the electronic and magnetic properties of the four different phases, and the optical properties of 4H and 9R phases, we find that density functional based calculations are to a large extent able to explain the change in properties of the four different polytypes.

Color tunable emission in Ce3+ and Tb3+ co-doped Ba2Ln(BO3)2Cl (Ln=Gd and Y) phosphors for white light-emitting diodes

Ce(3+) and Tb(3+) co-doped Ba2Ln(BO3)2Cl (Ln=Y and Gd) green emitting phosphors were prepared by solid state reaction in reductive atmosphere. The emission and excitation spectra as well as luminescence decays were investigated, showing the occurrence of efficient energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Tb(3+) in this system. The phosphors exhibit both a blue emission from Ce(3+) and a green emission from Tb(3+) under near ultraviolet light excitation with 325-375 nm wavelength. Emission colors of phosphors could be tuned from deep blue through cyan to green by adjusting the Tb(3+) concentrations. The energy transfer efficiency and emission intensity of Ba2Y(BO3)2Cl:Ce(3+), Tb(3+) precede those of Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl:Ce(3+), Tb(3+), and the sample Ba2Y(BO3)2Cl:0.03Ce(3+), 0.10Tb(3+) is the best candidate for n-UV LEDs.

Application of zeolites for radium removal from mine water

For removal of radium from saline waters in Upper Silesian mines, several methods of purification have been developed. The most efficient one is based on application of barium chloride, which was implemented in full technical scale in two Polish coal mines several years ago. Very good results of purification have been achieved-the removal efficiency exceeding 95% of the initial activity. Another possibility for the removal of different ions from salty waters and brines is the application of zeolites. We found that technique as a very promising method for removal of not only radium isotopes from mine waters but also other ions (barium, iron, manganese). Treatment of several various water samples has been done to assess the removal efficiency for natural radionuclides. Preliminary results show very good effects for radium isotopes as well as for barium ions. In the paper, a short description of laboratory results of the purification of mine waters with application of synthetic zeolites is presented.

Superconductivity of BaLi4 under pressure

We studied the pressure-induced superconductivity of BaLi4 up to 53 GPa by means of electrical resistivity in a diamond anvil cell. Superconductivity in BaLi4 is first observed at a pressure of 5.4 GPa with a superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of 4.5 K. Below 2 GPa, superconductivity is not observed above the minimum temperature achievable in the current study, 2 K. Between 5.4 and 12 GPa, the Tc increases steeply to its maximum value of 7 K. Above 12 GPa, the pressure dependence of Tc is complex and the sign of dTc/dP changes several times in going up to the maximum pressure studied, of 53 GPa.

Raman spectroscopic characterization of a synthetic, non-stoichiometric Cu-Ba uranyl phosphate

Crystals of phases belonging to the autunite group (general formula X(2+)(UO2)2(X(5+)O4)2·nH2O), specifically the uranyl phosphates (X(5+)=P) metauranocircite (X(2+)=Ba(2+)), metatorbernite (X(2+)=Cu(2+)) and a barian metatorbenite phase (X(2+)=Cu(2+)/Ba(2+)), have been synthesized in a silica gel medium and characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra showed bands in the range 750-1100 cm(-1), which were attributed to the ν1 and ν3 (PO(4))(3-) and (UO(2))(2+) stretching vibrations. By using the wavenumbers of the most intense and well defined ν1 (UO(2))(2+) vibration, the U-O bonds lengths were calculated for the three uranyl phosphate minerals. The results are in good agreement with previous single crystal structure analysis data. Bands in the spectra from 350 to 700 cm(-1) were attributed to the (PO(4))(3-) bending modes. Moreover, in the range 70-350 cm(-1), two groups of bands could be defined. The first group, with vibrations at lower wavenumbers, was attributed to the lattice modes and the second group, from 150 to 350 cm(-1), was assigned to the ν2 (UO(2))(2+) bending mode. Finally, in the case of the barian metatorbernite, bands in the range 1500-3800 cm(-1) were assigned to the OH stretching and the ν2 bending vibrations of water molecules. In this phase, all the vibrations show bandshifts when compared to the vibrations in metatorbernite. These bandshifts can be related to transitional Cu-O and Ba-O bond lengths.

Role of methyl-induced polarization in ion binding

The chemical property of methyl groups that renders them indispensable to biomolecules is their hydrophobicity. Quantum mechanical studies undertaken here to understand the effect of point substitutions on potassium (K-) channels illustrate quantitatively how methyl-induced polarization also contributes to biomolecular function. K- channels regulate transmembrane salt concentration gradients by transporting K(+) ions selectively. One of the K(+) binding sites in the channel's selectivity filter, the S4 site, also binds Ba(2+) ions, which blocks K(+) transport. This inhibitory property of Ba(2+) ions has been vital in understanding K-channel mechanism. In most K-channels, the S4 site is composed of four threonine amino acids. The K channels that carry serine instead of threonine are significantly less susceptible to Ba(2+) block and have reduced stabilities. We find that these differences can be explained by the lower polarizability of serine compared with threonine, because serine carries one less branched methyl group than threonine. A T→S substitution in the S4 site reduces its polarizability, which, in turn, reduces ion binding by several kilocalories per mole. Although the loss in binding affinity is high for Ba(2+), the loss in K(+) binding affinity is also significant thermodynamically, which reduces channel stability. These results highlight, in general, how biomolecular function can rely on the polarization induced by methyl groups, especially those that are proximal to charged moieties, including ions, titratable amino acids, sulfates, phosphates, and nucleotides.

Simultaneous synthesis and amine-functionalization of single-phase BaYF5:Yb/Er nanoprobe for dual-modal in vivo upconversion fluorescence and long-lasting X-ray computed tomography imaging

In this work, we developed a novel and biocompatible dual-modal nanoprobe based on single-phase amine-functionalized BaYF5:Yb/Er nanoparticles (NPs) for upconversion (UC) fluorescence and in vivo computed X-ray tomography (CT) bioimaging for the first time. High-quality water-soluble amine-functionalized BaYF5:Yb/Er NPs with an average size of 24 nm were synthesized by a facile environmentally friendly hydrothermal method for simultaneous synthesis and surface functionalization. Structure investigation based on the Rietveld refinement method revealed that the as-synthesized BaYF5:Yb/Er NPs present a cubic phase structure, which differs from the previously reported tetragonal structure. Under 980 nm excitation, high-contrast green and red UC emissions were observed from HeLa cells incubated with these amine-functionalized NPs. The UC spectra measured from the NPs incubated with HeLa cells presented only green and red UC emissions without any autofluorescence, further revealing that these NPs are ideal candidates for fluorescent bioimaging. In addition, the cell cytotoxicity test showed low cell toxicity of these NPs. These amine-functionalized NPs were also successfully used as CT agents for in vivo CT imaging because of the efficient X-ray absorption efficiency of Ba and doped Yb ions. A prolonged (2 h) signal enhancement of the spleen in a mouse was observed in CT imaging, which can improve the detection of splenic diseases. More importantly, the simultaneous X-ray and UC in vivo bioimaging was demonstrated in a nude mouse for the first time, indicating the as-prepared UCNPs can be successfully used as dual-modal bioprobes. These results demonstrate that BaYF5:Yb/Er NPs are ideal nanoprobes for dual-modal fluorescent/CT bioimaging with low cytotoxicity, non-autofluorescence, and enhanced detection of the spleen.

Migration behaviour of twaite shad Alosa fallax assessed by otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca profiles

Individual migration behaviour during the juvenile and adult life phase of the anadromous twaite shad Alosa fallax in the Elbe estuary was examined using otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca profiles. Between hatching and the end of the first year of life, juveniles showed two migration patterns. Pattern one exhibited a single downstream migration from fresh water to the sea with no return into fresh water. In contrast, pattern two showed a first migration into the sea, then a return into fresh water and, finally, a second downstream migration into marine water. This first report of migration plasticity for A. fallax points to different exposure times to estuarine threats depending on the migration strategy. In adults, high Sr:Ca and low Ba:Ca in the majority of individuals confirmed prior reports of a primarily marine habitat use. Patterns reflecting spawning migrations were rarely observed on otoliths, possibly due to the short duration of visits to fresh water.

Brillouin spectroscopy of a novel baria-doped silica glass optical fiber

Presented here for the first time to the best of our knowledge is a detailed Brillouin spectroscopic study of novel, highly-BaO-doped silica glass optical fibers. The fibers were fabricated utilizing a molten-core method and exhibited baria (BaO) concentrations up to 18.4 mole %. Physical characteristics such as mass density, acoustic velocity, visco-elastic damping, and refractive index are determined for the baria component of the bariosilicate system. It is found that, of each of these parameters, only the acoustic velocity is less than that of pure silica. The effect of temperature and strain on the acoustic velocity also is determined by utilizing estimates of the strain- and thermo-optic coefficients. The dependencies are found to have signs opposite to those of silica, thus suggesting both Brillouin-frequency a-thermal and a-tensic binary compositions. Via the estimate of the strain-optic coefficient and data found in the literature, the Pockels' photoelastic constant p(12) is estimated, and both a calculation and measured estimate of the Brillouin gain versus baria content are presented. Such novel fibers incorporating the unique properties of baria could be of great utility for narrow linewidth fiber lasers, high power passive components (such as couplers and combiners), and Brillouin-based sensor systems.

Sm(3+)-doped Ba3Bi(PO4)3 orange reddish emitting phosphor

Ba(3)Bi(PO(4))(3):Sm(3+) phosphors were prepared via solid state reaction process. The crystal structure of the phosphor was characterized by XRD. The PL properties of Ba(3)Bi(PO(4))(3):Sm(3+) were investigated. The optimized phosphor with the composition of Ba(3)Bi(PO(4))(3):0.06Sm(3+) presents the several excitation bands from 300 to 500 nm, and exhibits very good luminescence properties. Under the excitation of ultraviolet 373, 401 and blue 467 nm, the phosphor presented red luminescence with dominating emissions at 563, 599, 646 and 709 nm, corresponding to (4)G(5/2)→(6)H(J) (J=5/2, 7/2, 9/2 and 11/9) transitions, respectively. The critical distance was calculated to be 21.0 Å. The energy transfer type between Sm(3+) ions was confirmed as the d-d interaction by using the Van Uitert model. The chromatic properties of the typical sample Ba(3)Bi(PO(4))(3):0.06Sm(3+) phosphor have been found to have chromaticity coordinates of (0.59, 0.38), under the excitation of 401 nm.

Structural and magnetic properties of Ba2LuMoO6: a valence bond glass

We report here the synthesis of the site ordered double perovskite Ba(2)LuMoO(6). Rietveld refinement of room temperature powder x-ray diffraction measurements indicates that it crystallizes in the cubic space group Fm3m, with a = 8.3265(1) Å. Powder neutron diffraction data indicate that, unusually, this cubic symmetry is maintained down to 2 K, with [Formula: see text], Mo(5+) ions situated on the frustrated face-centred cubic lattice. Despite dc-susceptibility measurements showing Curie-Weiss behaviour with strong antiferromagnetic interactions at T ≥ 200 K, there is no evidence of long range magnetic ordering at 2 K. At T ≤ 50 K, susceptibility measurements indicate a loss in moment to ∼18% of the expected value, and there is a corresponding loss in the magnitude of the magnetic exchange. The structural and magnetic properties of this compound are compared with the related compound Ba(2)YMoO(6), which is a valence bond glass.

Experimental and theoretical study of molecular structure of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium 4-nitrobenzoates

The influence of alkaline earth metal ions on the electronic system of 4-nitrobenzoic acid was studied in this paper. The vibrational (FT-IR) and NMR ((1)H and (13)C) spectra were recorded for 4-nitrobenzoic acid (4-nba) and its salts (4-nb). The assignment of vibrational spectra was done. Some shifts of band wavenumbers in alkaline earth metal 4-nitrobenzoates spectra were observed in the series from magnesium to barium salts. Good correlations between wavenumbers of the vibrational bands in the IR spectra of studied salts and ionic potential, electronegativity, inverse of atomic mass, ionic radius and ionization energy of studied metals were found. The regular changes in the chemical shifts of protons ((1)H NMR) and carbons ((13)C NMR) in the series of studied salts were also observed. Optimized geometrical structures of studied compounds were calculated by B3LYP method using 6-311++G(**) as well as LANL2DZ basis sets. Theoretical wavenumbers and intensities in IR and chemical shifts in NMR spectra were also obtained. The calculated parameters were compared with experimental data of studied compounds.

Trends in orthorhombic crystal field parameters for trivalent rare-earth ions in high-Tc superconductors REBa₂Cu₃O₇-δ - correct interpretation based on standardization

Trends in orthorhombic crystal field parameters (CFPs) reported for RE(3+) ions in high-T(c) superconductors REBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-)(δ) are considered. The cases of trends based on the CFP sets belonging to different regions of CF parameter space are identified and clarified. The crucial feature of such correlated alternative CFP sets is their intrinsic incompatibility. This makes meaningless direct comparisons of such CFP sets and thus presentations of CFP trends involving a mixture of alternative CFP sets. The aim of this paper is to ascertain that correct interpretation of trends in orthorhombic CFPs must be based on standardization. Examples of graphs inappropriately representing trends in orthorhombic CFPs reported for REBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-)(δ) compounds are considered and the corrected graphs based on the standardized CFP sets are provided.

Spectroscopic and laser properties of Sm³⁺ ions doped lithium fluoroborate glasses for efficient visible lasers

The Sm(3+)-doped lead barium zinc lithium fluoroborate (LBZLFB) glasses of composition 20PbO + 5BaO + 5ZnO + 10LiF + (60-x) B(2)O(3) + xSm(2)O(3), (where x=0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mol%) have been prepared by conventional melt quenching technique and their structural and spectroscopic behavior were studied and reported. The amorphous nature of these glass samples was confirmed with XRD studies. The FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra reveal that, the glasses contain BO(3), BO(4), non-bridging oxygen and strong OH bonds. The bonding parameters and the oscillator strengths were determined from the absorption spectra. These parameters have been used to obtain the Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters. Using these intensity parameters various radiative and laser properties were predicted. The values of J-O intensity parameters suggested an increase in the degree of symmetry of the local ligand field at Sm(3+) sites. The decay rates for the (4)G(5/2) level of Sm(3+) ions have been measured and are found to be single exponential at lower concentrations (<1.0 mol%) and turn into non-exponential at higher concentrations (≥1.0 mol%), due to energy transfer through cross-relaxation. From the emission characteristic parameters of (4)G(5/2) level, it is concluded that the LBZLFB glasses could be useful for photonic devices like visible lasers, fluorescent display devices and optical amplifiers, operated in the visible region.

Effect of divalent metal ion impurities (Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) on the growth, structural and physical properties of KAP crystals

Single crystals of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KAP), a semi-organic compound, have been grown by slow evaporation method at room temperature from aqueous solution in the presence of divalent metal ionic impurities Ba(2+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) proves the incorporation of these impurities into the grown crystals. Powder X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the phase formation and metal ions doping into KAP crystals. Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) shows the onset decomposition temperatures to be 255, 238, 251 and 250°C for pure, Ba(2+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) doped KAP crystals respectively. Microhardness studies revealed that all the three doped crystals have improved hardness values than that of undoped KAP crystal. Ca-KAP crystal exhibited the highest second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency of 16 mV with the output power of nearly half of the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal. The grown crystals were also subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultra violet-visible-near infrared (UV-NIR) spectroscopy studies and dielectric studies. Among the three investigated metal ion impurities, Ca(2+) ion seem to have positive influence on the growth, mechanical, thermal, dielectric and SHG characteristics of KAP which makes it suitable for applications.

Sulphate removal from sodium sulphate-rich brine and recovery of barium as a barium salt mixture

Sulphate removal from sodium sulphate-rich brine using barium hydroxide and recovery of the barium salts has been investigated. The sodium sulphate-rich brine treated with different dosages of barium hydroxide to precipitate barium sulphate showed sulphate removal from 13.5 g/L to less than 400 mg/L over 60 min using a barium to sulphate molar ratio of 1.1. The thermal conversion of precipitated barium sulphate to barium sulphide achieved a conversion yield of 85% using coal as both a reducing agent and an energy source. The recovery of a pure mixture of barium salts from barium sulphide, which involved dissolution of barium sulphide and reaction with ammonium hydroxide resulted in recovery of a mixture of barium carbonate (62%) and barium hydroxide (38%), which is a critical input raw material for barium salts based acid mine drainage (AMD) desalination technologies. Under alkaline conditions of this barium salt mixture recovery process, ammonia gas is given off, while hydrogen sulfide is retained in solution as bisulfide species, and this provides basis for ammonium hydroxide separation and recovery for reuse, with hydrogen sulfide also recoverable for further industrial applications such as sulfur production by subsequent stripping.

Highly reversible open framework nanoscale electrodes for divalent ion batteries

The reversible insertion of monovalent ions such as lithium into electrode materials has enabled the development of rechargeable batteries with high energy density. Reversible insertion of divalent ions such as magnesium would allow the creation of new battery chemistries that are potentially safer and cheaper than lithium-based batteries. Here we report that nanomaterials in the Prussian Blue family of open framework materials, such as nickel hexacyanoferrate, allow for the reversible insertion of aqueous alkaline earth divalent ions, including Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), and Ba(2+). We show unprecedented long cycle life and high rate performance for divalent ion insertion. Our results represent a step forward and pave the way for future development in divalent batteries.

Experimental techniques for the growth and characterization of silica biomorphs and silica gardens

Silica biomorphs and silica gardens are canonical examples of precipitation phenomena yielding self-assembled nanocrystalline composite materials with outstanding properties in terms of morphology and texture. Both types of structures form spontaneously in alkaline environments and rely on simple, and essentially similar, chemistry. However, the underlying growth processes are very sensitive to a range of experimental parameters, distinct preparation procedures, and external conditions. In this chapter, we report detailed protocols for the synthesis of these extraordinary biomimetic materials and identify critical aspects as well as advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Furthermore, modifications of established standard procedures are reviewed and discussed with respect to their benefit for the control over morphogenesis and the reproducibility of the experiments in both cases. Finally, we describe currently used techniques for the characterization of these fascinating structures and devise promising ways to analyze their growth behavior and formation mechanisms in situ and as a function of time.

Versatile large-mode-area femtosecond laser-written Tm:ZBLAN glass chip lasers

We report performance characteristics of a thulium doped ZBLAN waveguide laser that supports the largest fundamental modes reported in a rare-earth doped planar waveguide laser (to the best of our knowledge). The high mode quality of waveguides up to 45 um diameter (~1075 μm(2) mode-field area) is validated by a measured beam quality of M(2)~1.1 ± 0.1. Benefits of these large mode-areas are demonstrated by achieving 1.9 kW peak-power output Q-switched pulses. The 1.89 μm free-running cw laser produces 205 mW and achieves a 67% internal slope efficiency corresponding to a quantum efficiency of 161%. The 9 mm long planar chip developed for concept demonstration is rapidly fabricated by single-step optical processing, contains 15 depressed-cladding waveguides, and can operate in semi-monolithic or external cavity laser configurations.

Inhibition of the prokaryotic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel ELIC by divalent cations

The modulation of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) by divalent cations is believed to play an important role in their regulation in a physiological context. Ions such as calcium or zinc influence the activity of pLGIC neurotransmitter receptors by binding to their extracellular domain and either potentiate or inhibit channel activation. Here we have investigated by electrophysiology and X-ray crystallography the effect of divalent ions on ELIC, a close prokaryotic pLGIC homologue of known structure. We found that divalent cations inhibit the activation of ELIC by the agonist cysteamine, reducing both its potency and, at higher concentrations, its maximum response. Crystal structures of the channel in complex with barium reveal the presence of several distinct binding sites. By mutagenesis we confirmed that the site responsible for divalent inhibition is located at the outer rim of the extracellular domain, at the interface between adjacent subunits but at some distance from the agonist binding region. Here, divalent cations interact with the protein via carboxylate side-chains, and the site is similar in structure to calcium binding sites described in other proteins. There is evidence that other pLGICs may be regulated by divalent ions binding to a similar region, even though the interacting residues are not conserved within the family. Our study provides structural and functional insight into the allosteric regulation of ELIC and is of potential relevance for the entire family.

Binding and leakage of barium in alginate microbeads

Microbeads of alginate crosslinked with Ca(2+) and/or Ba(2+) are popular matrices in cell-based therapy. The aim of this study was to quantify the binding of barium in alginate microbeads and its leakage under in vitro and accumulation under in vivo conditions. Low concentrations of barium (1 mM) in combination with calcium (50 mM) and high concentrations of barium (20 mM) in gelling solutions were used for preparation of microbeads made of high-G and high-M alginates. High-G microbeads accumulated barium from gelling solution and contained higher concentrations of divalent ions for both low- and high-Ba exposure compared with high-G microbeads exposed to calcium solely and to high-M microbeads for all gelling conditions. Although most of the unbound divalent ions were removed during the wash and culture steps, leakage of barium was still detected during storage. Barium accumulation in blood and femur bone of mice implanted with high-G beads was found to be dose-dependent. Estimated barium leakage relevant to transplantation to diabetic patients with islets in alginate microbeads showed that the leakage was 2.5 times lower than the tolerable intake value given by WHO for high-G microbeads made using low barium concentration. The similar estimate gave 1.5 times higher than is the tolerable intake value for the high-G microbeads made using high barium concentration. To reduce the risk of barium accumulation that may be of safety concern, the microbeads made of high-G alginate gelled with a combination of calcium and low concentration of barium ions is recommended for islet transplantation.

Direct imaging of dopant clustering in metal-oxide nanoparticles

Dopant atoms are used to tailor the properties of materials. However, whether the desired effect is achieved through selective doping depends on the dopant distribution within the host material. The clustering of dopant atoms can have a deleterious effect on the achievable properties because a two-phase material is obtained instead of a homogeneous material. Thus, the examination of dopant fluctuations in nanodevices requires a reliable method to chemically probe individual atoms within the host material. This is particularly challenging in the case of functionalized nanoparticles where the characteristic length scale of the particles demands the use of a high-spatial-resolution and high-sensitivity technique. Here we demonstrate a chemically sensitive atomic resolution imaging technique which delivers direct site-specific information on the dopant distribution in nanoparticles. We employ electron energy-loss spectroscopy imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope combined with multivariate statistical analysis to map the distribution of Ba dopant atoms in SrTiO(3) nanoparticles. Our results provide direct evidence for clustering of the Ba dopants in the SrTiO(3) nanoparticles outlining a possible explanation for the presence of polar nanoregions in the Ba:SrTiO(3) system. The results we present constitute the first example of site-specific atomic resolution spectroscopy of foreign atoms in doped nanoparticles and suggest a general strategy to ascertain the spatial distribution of impurity atoms in nanocrystals and hence improve the performance of nanoparticle-based devices.

Local nanoelectromechanical properties of multiferroics Gd-doped BiFeO3-BaTiO3 solid solution

Bi(1-x-y)GdxBayFe(1-y)TiyO3 (x = 0.1 and y = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) solid solutions have been prepared via solid state reaction method with the aim to obtaining magnetoelectric coupling (i.e., linear relation between magnetization and electric field) at room temperature. Optimum calcination and sintering strategies for obtaining pure perovskite phase, high density ceramics and homogeneous microstructures have been determined. The maximum ferroelectric transition temperature (Tc) of this system was 150-170 degrees C with the dielectric constant peak of 2300 at 100 kHz for y = 0.1. Well saturated piezoelectric loops were observed for all composition indicating room temperature ferroelectricity. Hardness and Young's modulus decrease with depth and with increasing concentration y.

Study on mineral elements in Salvia roborwskii from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The contents of trace elements, including aluminum, barium, beryllium, calcium, cobaltium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, lead, sulfur, silicon, titanium, vanadium, and zinc, were determined by ICP-AES. The mean concentrations of the 22 elements were as follows: K>Ca>Mg>Fe>Al>Na>S>P>Ba>Ti>Mn>Zn>Sr>Cu>Ni=Cr>Pb>V>Li=La>Co>Be. Principal components analysis of SPSS was applied to study the characteristic elements in Salvia roborwskii. Five principal components which accounted for 89.288% of the total variance were extracted from the original data. The first factor accounted for 56.401% of the total variance, which meant that aluminum, barium, beryllium, calcium, and cobaltium were the characteristic elements in S. roborwskii. This useful new method was used to evaluate the quality of S. roborwskii, and to provide the scientific foundation for its utilization and further research.