Ali M. Hassan

Tailoring optical, magnetic and electric behavior of lanthanum strontium manganite La1−xSrxMnO3 (LSM) nanopowders prepared via a co-precipitation method with different Sr2+ ion contents

Lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) nanopowders La1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) have been synthesized using the co-precipitation method based on methyl amine as a base at a pH value 12. The effect of Sr2+ ion concentration on the crystal structure, microstructure, optical, magnetic and the electrical properties was investigated. Typically, in all of the formed LSM powders, XRD revealed that a pure single perovskite LSM phase was obtained after annealing at 1000 °C for 2 h. This temperature was relatively low compared to what has been reported elsewhere. The microstructure of the produced LSM nanopowders depends on the Sr2+ concentration. The observations of these powders confirmed their rough surface. Meanwhile, the transmittance of the sample was around 40% for LSM with an Sr2+ ratio of 0.8. Furthermore, the band gap energy of this powder was 2.6 eV. The refractive index was decreased with an enhanced Sr2+ ion content. Indeed, the saturation magnetization of the LSM powders was increased on increasing the Sr2+ ion concentration. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) evinced that the electrode specific polarization resistance of the LSM samples was increased by increasing the Sr2+ ion concentration from 3.10 to 8.56 Ω cm2.

Copper-Substituted Lead Perovskite Materials Constructed with Different Halides for Working (CH3NH3)2CuX4-Based Perovskite Solar Cells from Experimental and Theoretical View

Toxicity and chemical instability issues of halide perovskites based on organic-inorganic lead-containing materials still remain as the main drawbacks for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we discuss the preparation of copper (Cu)-based hybrid materials, where we replace lead (Pb) with nontoxic Cu metal for lead-free PSCs, and investigate their potential toward solar cell applications based on experimental and theoretical studies. The formation of (CH3NH3)2CuX4 [(CH3NH3)2CuCl4, (CH3NH3)2CuCl2I2, and (CH3NH3)2CuCl2Br2] was discussed in details. Furthermore, it was found that chlorine (Cl-) in the structure is critical for the stabilization of the formed compounds. Cu-based perovskite-like materials showed attractive absorbance features extended to the near-infrared range, with appropriate band gaps. Green photoluminescence of these materials was obtained because of Cu+ ions. The power conversion efficiency was measured experimentally and estimated theoretically for different architectures of solar cell devices.

An easy synthesis of nanostructured magnetite-loaded functionalized carbon spheres and cobalt ferrite

An easy method in a solvothermal system has been developed to synthesize nanostructured magnetite (Fe3O4)-loaded functionalized carbon spheres (CSs) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4). Surface-tunable CSs loaded with iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were prepared using an acetylferrocene Schiff base (OPF), whereas spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) was synthesized via metal complexes of a ferrocenyl Schiff base with phenol moiety (Co-OPF). The formed composite powder was investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. It was found that most of the iron oxide nanoparticles were evenly distributed upon the surface of the CSs. Furthermore, the surface of the iron oxide-loaded CSs has large numbers of functional groups. Good saturation magnetization was achieved for the formed magnetic nanoparticles.

Nickel(II)-oxaloyldihydrazone complexes: Characterization, indirect band gap energy and antimicrobial evaluation

Abstract A series of oxaloyldihydrazone ligands was prepared essentially by the usual condensation reaction between oxaloyldihydrazide and different aldehydes e.g. salicylaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, 2-hydroxyacetophenone and 2-methoxy-benzaldehyde in 1:2 M ratio. The formed compounds were purified to give bis(salicylaldehyde)oxaloyldihydrazone (L1), bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde)oxaloyldihydrazone (L2), bis(2-hydroxyacetophenone)oxaloyldihydrazone(L3) and bis(2-methoxy-benzaldehyde)oxaloyldihydrazone (L4). All the oxaloyldihydrazones (L1–L4) and their relevant solid nickel(II) complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized on the basis of the elemental analyses, spectral (UV–vis, IR, mass and 1H NMR), magnetism and thermal (TG) measurements. The dihydrazones coordinate to the metal center forming mononuclear complexes with L1, L3 and L4 in addition to binuclear complex with L2. The metal center prefers tetrahedral stereochemistry upon chelation. The optical indirect band gap energy for all compounds underlies the range of semiconductor materials. The prepared ligands and their metal complexes have been assayed for their antimicrobial activity against fungi as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The resulting data indicate the ability of the investigated compounds to inhibit the growth of some micro-organisms, where L2 showed the highest activity among all the compounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of L2 against the growth of five micro-organisms was determined which gives better response against Aspergillus fumigatus and Bacillis subtilis compared with some selected standard drugs.

Vibrational assignments, normal coordinate analysis, B3LYP calculations and conformational analysis of methyl-5-amino-4-cyano-3-(methylthio)-1H-pyrazole-1- carbodithioate

The Raman and infrared spectra of solid methyl-5-amino-4-cyano-3-(methylthio)-1H-pyrazole-1-carbodithioate (MAMPC, C7H8N4S3) were measured in the spectral range of 3700-100 cm(-1) and 4000-200 cm(-1) with a resolution of 4 and 0.5 cm(-1), respectively. Room temperature 13C NMR and (1)H NMR spectra from room temperature down to -60 °C were also recorded. As a result of internal rotation around C-N and/or C-S bonds, eighteen rotational isomers are suggested for the MAMPC molecule (Cs symmetry). DFT/B3LYP and MP2 calculations were carried out up to 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets to include polarization and diffusion functions. The results favor conformer 1 in the solid (experimentally) and gaseous (theoretically) phases. For conformer 1, the two -CH3 groups are directed towards the nitrogen atoms (pyrazole ring) and CS, while the -NH2 group retains sp2 hybridization and C-CN bond is quasi linear. To support NMR spectral assignments, chemical shifts (δ) were predicted at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) level using the method of Gauge-Invariant Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method. Moreover, the solvent effect was included via the Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM). Additionally, both infrared and Raman spectra were predicted using B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations. The recorded vibrational, 1H and 13C NMR spectral data favors conformer 1 in both the solid phase and in solution. Aided by normal coordinate analysis and potential energy distributions, confident vibrational assignments for observed bands have been proposed. Moreover, the CH3 barriers to internal rotations were investigated. The results are discussed herein are compared with similar molecules whenever appropriate.

Removal of nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions using modified activated carbon: A kinetic and equilibrium study

ABSTRACT Removal nickel from the aquatic environment is a serious environmental problem in view of public health. The present article studies the applicability of activated carbon, obtained from graphite, as a source of adsorbents to remove nickel from the aqueous polluted water. Activated carbon was obtained by steam activation of graphite and then was oxidized by nitric acid followed by modification with Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). The applicability of graphite activated carbon (GAC), and modified activated carbon by Tetraethylenepentamine (GACA) to remove nickel ions Ni(II) from aqueous media was studied. The effect of pH, initial concentration, contact time, and the temperature was evaluated during Ni(II) removal operating in a batch process. Experimental results show that the studied activated carbon have a good adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions and could reduce the concentrations of it in the groundwater. A maximum removal efficient of Ni(II) was observed at 55°C. The experimental data showed an endothermic and spontaneous process, which was fitted to Langmuir isotherm. Based on our results, we can conclude that it is possible to use GAC and GACA for removing Ni(II) effectively from groundwater. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Synthesis of nanosized mixed metal oxides heat and corrosion resistant pigments: CaMnO3, Ca2Cr2O5 and CaSb2O6

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the synthesis of calcium-based group of mixed metal oxide (MMO) pigments. The evaluation of these pigments as heat and corrosion resistant was also explored. Design/methodology/approach – Two simple synthesis techniques, namely, co-precipitation and solid-state calcination method, were used to synthesise nanosized MMO pigments. And then the physico-chemical requirements according to standards for the synthesised pigments are investigated. Findings – The prepared MMO pigments were mainly in the single phase double oxide forms. The prepared oxides exhibited good heat (up to 600°C) and corrosion resistance properties (in 5 per cent NaCl for 500 h). Research limitations/implications – This paper investigates the physico-chemical properties of synthesised calcium-based group of MMO pigments. And then evaluate it as heat and corrosion resistant paints. The simple techniques used for synthesis of nanosized MMO pigments will significantly improve the research ...

Preparation and evaluation of nanosized mixed calcium iron oxide (CaFe2O4) as high heat resistant pigment in paints

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to prepare and evaluate a nanosized mixed calcium iron oxide as a high heat-resistant pigment. Heat-resistant pigments can be defined as chemical substances that impart color to a substrate or binder and retain their color and finish at elevated temperatures. Mixed metal oxides have been widely used as pigments in coating formulations. Design/methodology/approach – This work presents synthesis of nanosized calcium iron oxide as an inorganic pigment by using simple synthesis technique, namely, solid-state calcination method, to study its heat and corrosion resistance. The prepared pigment was characterized by using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and inductive coupling plasma. It was incorporated into paint formulations, and the heat, corrosion and mechanical resistance of dry paint film was evaluated. Findings – In this work, the prepared calcium iron oxide pigment showed excellent heat and corrosion resistance. Research limita...

Microwave synthesis and spectroscopic studies of some complex compounds as pigments and their applications in paints

Metal complex pigments have been widely used for various applications such as pigments in coatings. This work presents the use of microwave technique (Green chemistry) for the synthesis of new copper(II), nickel(II), iron(III), and chromium(III) Schiff base complexes derived from metal salts and Schiff base ligand. Also, the microwave technique was used in the synthesis of Schiff base ligand which is derived from selected amine, namely methoxy-tolidine, and selected aldehyde, namely 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde. The prepared ligand and metal complex pigments were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, spectral UV–Vis, infrared, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The physical and mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of dry paint films were also examined. The obtained results revealed that the prepared metal complex pigments showed excellent mechanical and corrosion resistance.

Characterization of structures and properties of amorphous nanostructured SiC thin films deposited on AISI 304 stainless steel using pulsed laser deposition

Amorphous nanostructure silicon carbide (a-SiC) recently received great attention for its use as protective coating for metallic substrates due to its good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In this article, a-SiC thin films were deposited on AISI 304 stainless steel substrates at room temperature for deposition times of 4 and 6 h using pulsed laser deposition technique. The deposition process was stopped every 2 h then resumed for an hour. The effect of interval time during deposition process and substrate type on the properties of the produced films was extensively investigated. The morphological features of the deposited SiC films were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The film structures were determined by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray. The mechanical and tribological properties, such as Young’s modulus, hardness and scratch resistance, were determined using nanoindenter. The results showed the formation of uniform monocrystalline nanostructured Si interface between two a-SiC layers after the 2 h of no-deposition time intervals. The formation of crystalline Si interface attributed to the effect of high kinetic energy of the incoming ablated particles deposited on the grown a-SiC layers. The a-SiC films were amorphous having nanostructure grains with dimensions ≤ 100 nm. All films showed smooth surfaces with fine cracks due to the presence of intrinsic stresses. The deposited films showed low mechanical properties due to their amorphous structures.