Najlaa D. Alharbi

Synthesis and characterization of nano- and microcrystalline cubes of pure and Ag-doped LiF

Lithium fluoride (LiF) produced in single crystals and doped with proper activators is a highly sensitive phosphor used in several applications such as integrated optics, colour centre laser and radiation dosimetry. In this work, we have developed a new synthetic chemical co-precipitation route for the synthesis of well-crystallized micro- and nanocrystalline cubes of pure and silver (Ag)-doped LiF. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, absorption spectrum, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy. Size of the produced cubes could be controlled in the range 10 µm–50 nm by varying the solvent : co-solvent ratio. Micro-sized cubes could be grown in the presence of water as a solvent, while ethanol, which acts as a co-solvent, is found to be effective in reducing the size to the nanoscale. XRD results show complete crystalline structures in a griceite phase. The PL result of pure nanocubes exhibits a broad band in the range 370–550 nm, while that doped with Ag shows a prominent band at 420 nm. Raman spectra of the pure and Ag-doped LiF samples display several bands located in the range 80–236 cm−1. These results show that pure nanocubes of LiF have active colour centres without irradiation, which could be enhanced/modified by Ag dopants. This implies that these nanocubes might be useful in the development of optical devices.

Luminescence properties of CaF 2 nanostructure activated by different elements

Nanostructures of calcium fluoride (CaF2) doped with Eu, Tb, Dy, Cu, and Ag were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and studied for their thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) properties. The PL emission spectrum of pure CaF2 nanostructure has a broad band in the 370-550 nm range. Similar spectra were observed in case of doped samples, beside extra bands related to these impurities. The maximum PL intensity was observed in Eu doped sample. The TL results of Eu, Cu, Ag, and Tb doped samples show weak glow peaks below 125°C, whereas Dy doped one is found to be highly sensitive with a prominent peak at 165°C. This sample was further exposed to a wide range of gamma rays exposures from 137Cs source. The response curve is linear in the 100 Gy-10 kGy range. It is also observed that the particle size of CaF2 nanostructure was significantly reduced by increasing Dy concentration. These results showed that Dy is a proper activator in the host of CaF2 nanostructure, providing a highly sensitive dosimeter in a wide range of exposures and also plays a role as a controlling agent for particle size growth.

Carbon nanotubes of oil fly ash as lubricant additives for different base oils and their tribology performance

Oil fly ash has been reported to be a good source for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Recently, these CNTs were evaluated as lubricant additives in sunflower base oil and were found to exhibit excellent tribological properties. In this work, these CNTs were tested as lubricant additives in 100SN, 500SN and 150BS Saudi Aramco base oils. The results on other commercial carbon nanostructures like multiwall and single wall CNTs and graphene are also included in this study for comparison. Excellent tribological performance was obtained with CNTs of fly ash at a very small concentration. The observed reduction in values of the friction coefficient between two metallic surfaces using these CNTs was found to be superior to those of other carbon nanomaterials. The value of the friction coefficient was reduced by around 20% at a concentration of 0.1 wt%. These values were also investigated as a function of load, speed and temperature. The rheological behaviour showed that the viscosity of the 0.1 wt% CNTs-impregnated 500SN oil is almost invariant compared to that of the pure one. It is therefore suggested that CNTs of fly ash may be a good lubricant additive to minimize the friction and improve the fuel economy.

Size controlled CaF 2 nanocubes and their dosimetric properties using photoluminescence technique

A new synthetic chemical coprecipitation route for the preparation of well-crystallized size controlled nano- and microcrystalline cubes of CaF2 is reported. Crystalline cubes in the range of 2 µm--20 nm could be synthesized and their sizes were controlled by varying the solvent: cosolvent ratio. The as-synthesized CaF2 nanocubes were characterized by different techniques. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum of CaF2 nanocrystalline powder showed strong emission band at 415 nm. Moreover, the effect of Eu as a dopant on the emission spectrum of CaF2 was investigated. This dopant was found to get incorporated in its Eu2+ and Eu3+ forms. The as-produced nanocubes were exposed to UV irradiation and the corresponding PL emission was studied. Excellent results are obtained, where CaF2:Eu nanocubes were found to be highly sensitive and might be suitable for esteeming the doses of UV irradiation using the PL technique.