First Steps of µTAS in Latvia

Owing to participation of Latvian and Swedish scientists in the field of chemically sensitive FET and MOS structures it was possible to utilize the technological facilities of the Microelectronics enterprise in Latvia in making an integrated smart sensor as a matrix of chemically sensitive FETs by using silicon based microtechnology. Thereby the first steps of µTAS in Latvia are made in the direction of integration of solid state ionic materials with FET and MOS structures to develop new chemically sensitive structures and systems.

<title>Functional models of electrochromic devices: cycling capacity and degradation</title>

Electrical transfer and diffusion of ions and the irreversibility of ion and electron processes in heterojunctions are responsible for degradation of ionic devices. These processes for electrochromic devices (ECD) determine the cycling capacity and lifetime. The basic problem here is how to match the electrochemical parameters (including chemical potential) of heterojunction. The experiments had been carried out on ECD based on system: (phi) - -(phi) , where AAH is solid electrolyte based on antimony acid hydrates. The cycling capacity and degradation processes of ECD are investigated by electro-optical and electro-chemical spectroscopy. The analysis of experimental data are based on assump…

Gas sensing properties of Zn-doped p-type nickel ferrite

Abstract The influence of zinc ion to the NiFe2O4 p-type semiconductor gas response characteristics is demonstrated. For characterization of gas sensor material, synthesized by sol–gel auto combustion method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DC resistance and impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements were employed. The response change of Zn doped nickel ferrite is related to the interruption of hole hopping between nickel ions. This was improved by change of conductivity type with temperature and gas exposure.

Properties of Ni–Zn ferrite thin films deposited using spray pyrolysis

Abstract Nanocrystalline, homogeneous spinel Ni 1 − x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 thin films were deposited on glass substrates by using spray pyrolysis of metal nitrate aqueous solutions. The thickness of deposited films was below 500 nm, but crystallite size was under 30 nm. It has been shown that the DC resistivity, dielectric loss and optical band gap of deposited films are influenced by the zinc content. High DC resistivity and low dielectric losses of thin Ni 1 − x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 films are explained by mixed n-p conductivity and nanograin structure of spray pyrolysis deposited coatings which are changing with the ratio of Ni/Zn.

Antimonic acid hydrate xerogels as proton electrolytes

Abstract Two high stability types of protonic solid electrolytes based on antimonic acid hydrate xerogels have been obtained by the sol-gel technique: Sb 2 O 5 ·(3–4)H 2 O (colloidal) and Sb 2 O 5 ·5H 2 O (polymeric). The first one is a white compact material with conductivity 0.40 mS/cm (298 K) for n =3.7. The last one is transparent for visible light with a conductivity of 0.80 mS/cm. An electrochromic system based on the colloidal gel electrolyte in the form of paste has good performance-more than 10 7 cycles and a lifetime of more than five years.

Preparation and photoactivity of electrophoretic TiO2coating film

TiO2 thin films have been obtained by a sol-electrophoretic deposition method on metallic Ti and Pt substrates. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the structure and morphology of plated materials. Annealed TiO2 films mainly are formed in anatase structure with different morphology depending on substrate material. Light induced potential measurements indicate that the morphology substantially have an impact on photoactivity of TiO2 thin films.

<title>Proton conducting polymer electrolytes for electrochromic devices</title>

This report concerns a composite proton electrolyte suitable for use in electrochromic devices. The electrolyte consists of nanosize hydrated oxide (aluminum, silicon or antimonic) particles suspended in a poly(vinyl acetate) matrix. All of the water was strongly bonded, thus making the electrolytes less harmful without considerably decreasing the conductivity. The proton conductivity of the electrolyte was approximately 10-4 S/cm at room temperature, practically independent of its amount of absorbed water.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

<title>Nature of fundamental absorption edge of WO<formula><inf><roman>3</roman></inf></formula></title>

The fundamental absorption edge of amorphous, polycrystalline and crystalline tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films obtained by different techniques (thermal evaporation, rf plasma sputtering, chemical gas transport) was investigated. Special attention was paid to correct measurements of absorption values of all WO3 thin films taking into account the scattered light, interference effects and reflection losses. The indirect edge at 2.70 eV was determined for crystalline WO3, but for crystal WO3:Ti the direct edge in the same place (2.72 eV) was found. For polycrystalline WO3 thin film first edge transition located at 2.76 eV had a quadratic dependence similar to the amorphous film at a higher p…

Investigation of carbonized layer on surface of NaAlSi glass fibers

There are presented and discussed experimental results about carbonate shell on the sodium rich alumosilicate (NaAlSi) glass fibers and carbonization in wet air atmosphere and water uptake kinetic of such fiber fabrics. The analyzes of water uptake kinetic by regression technique, leaching and heating of carbonized glass fabrics helped to separate stages of fast and slow processes between fiber and carbonate shell and air atmosphere. The shell contains mixture of trona and hydrated sodium carbonate. Heating converts both substances to sodium carbonate. The weight uptake after heating encounters two fast exponential processes associated with water absorption on the surface of carbonated shel…

Electric and dielectric properties of nanostructured stoichiometric and excess-iron Ni–Zn ferrites

In this paper, we report a study of the effect of excess iron on structural, microstructural, electric and dielectric properties of the nanostructured Ni–Zn ferrites Ni1−xZnxFe2+zO4−δ of different compositions with x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 and z = 0, 0.1. The structural and microstructural properties are estimated from x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy (AFM) data. The average grain size, evaluated from AFM topographical analysis, is found to be below 70 nm. The samples exhibit low values of dielectric constant and dielectric loss and a high resistivity. Contrary to earlier conclusions regarding microstructured Ni–Zn ferrites, in nanostructured Ni–Zn ferrites sintered at relativel…

Electrochemical impedance and moisture content of glass fabric

The glass fiber fabrics have application at the wet conditions. Impedance measurements of sodium alumosilicate glass fabric in dependence on its moisture content are presented. The impact of pores of glass fibres and fabric components to electrochemical impedance of fabric are investigated and discussed.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanostructured Fe-TiO2 Thin Films Produced by Electrophoretic Deposition

Fe-TiO2 thin films have been produced by a sol-electrophoretic deposition method on metallic Ti foil substrates. X-ray diffractograms and Raman spectra confirms the anatase structure of deposited and annealed Fe-TiO2 films. Obtained Fe-TiO2 thin films demonstrate photoactivity under visible light radiation due to the doping with Fe3+ ions. Open circuit potential results shows that increase of the film thickness and surface area improves the photoactivity of Fe-TiO2.

Electrochemical Investigation of Hydrogen Evolution and Absorption Phenomena in Nickel Based Electrodes

Due to its potential for industrial applications, hydrogen absorption in metals has attracted continuous interest. Understanding the hydrogen chemistry in metals is crucial due to the significance of hydrogen-metal interactions in important industrial and technical applications such as catalysis, H-fuel containment, corrosion and embrittlement of metals and rechargeable metal hydride batteries [1–2].

<title>Electrochromism in oxyfluoride thin films</title>

Oxyfluoride films based on W and Ti were prepared by reactive sputtering in plasmas containing O2 + CF4. The deposition rate was large, particularly when chemical sputtering was promoted by heating the target. The films could show large charge insertion/extraction, high coloration efficiency, and good cycling durability.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

<title>Influence of treatment on stability of electrochromic WO<formula><inf><roman>3</roman></inf></formula> film in acidic electrolyte</title>

The influence of exposure in vacuum of 10-2 - 10-3 Pa and temperature treatment at 720 - 730 K in water vapor atmosphere on stability of tungsten oxide films in 0.1 N H2SO4 electrolyte were studied. The processes that take place during the film exposure in vacuum, determine the reduction of charge injection at the constant voltage change condition. In the case of temperature treatment the opposite changes of charge injection were observed. This indicates to opposite processes in films during both expositions. According to exposures characters, they could be a reduction of tungsten oxide initiated by oxygen evacuation from film in vacuum and film oxidation in water vapor media at high temper…

<title>Long-term testing results of WO<formula><inf><roman>3</roman></inf></formula>-based electrochromic cells</title>

Two batches of the samples of electrochromic cell with WO3 and IrOx electrodes and Sb2O5 (DOT) water based solid electrolyte were tested at constant contrast ratio up to 107 cycles or stored during five years and the changes of current-voltage characteristics were studied. Two kinds of the changes were observed. The shift of curves along the voltage axis is supposed to be associated with the changes in the oxidation degree of tungsten oxide, while the changes in their shapes are associated with changes of water content in pores. The processes in the samples during cycling and storing are discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the…

Sol-gel produced humidity sensor

Abstract The sol-gel produced polycrystalline Prussian Blue thick films as planar humidity sensors have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy. The equivalent circuit used allows simulation in all the investigated r.h. range (10–100%). The region of changes of sample resistance is about five orders, which is enough for high measuring sensitivity.

Water Absorption of Hemp Fibre Nonwovens Modified with Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

In this paper changes of ability of hemp fibre nonwovens to absorb water after deposition of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles were investigated. Moisture content of samples after storage in different climatic conditions was determined using thermogravimetric method. The obtained results were compared with the results of previous research based on investigation of water absorption of metalized woven fabric of bast fibre. Analysis of measurements showed that nonwoven samples with surface treated in plasma attract water slightly better than sample with untreated surface; this was more pronounced in woven fabric samples. In turn, metal coatings reduced water sorption. Unlike woven fabric sam…

Application of sol-gel and laser evaporation methods to obtain thin gas sensitive films

New type resistive/capacitative gas sensitive structures were obtained by using a specially prepared substrate- glass, covered by thin conducting In/sub 2/O/sub 3/ layer, cutted into a comb teeth-type electrodes by help of laser beam. Such laser processed gap in the layer of conducting material was a prototype of excellent humidity sensor, especially at high values of relative humidity (RH). Different additional coatings onto a laser processed gap were examined for humidity sensing. Sol-gel, vacuum thermal evaporation and laser evaporation methods were used to obtain a thin layers of different materials.

Structure and Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2-WO3Composites Prepared by Electrophoretic Deposition

In this work TiO2-WO3 composite films containing different oxide concentrations were prepared by electrophoretic deposition on steel substrates. Composite coating structures were analyzed by X -ray diffraction, Raman spectra and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed an even distribution of WO3 particles in the entire composite layer. Light absorption measurements were used for photocatalytic properties evaluation. It was found that the removal ratio of methylene blue depends on the (TiO2):(WO3) concentration ratio. The most effective photodegradation was determined for the sample that was electrophoretically deposited from the suspension with the molar content ratio n(TiO2):n(WO3…

Application of metal coatings for functionalization of technical fibers and fabrics

The metal coatings in combination with sonochemical and leaching processes are used for nanostructuring and functionalization of glass, flax and hemp fabrics. The leaching is used for nanostructuring sodium alumosilicate K-glass fabrics to obtained silica like fibre with nanoporous structure on surface and in volume. The natural fibres as well as fabrics themselves are porous media. The porous media adsorbs water and content of moisture in fabrics have to be controlled. The metal-coated fabric characterization is an actual problem. Application of metal coatings for the functionalization of technical fibres and fabrics faced with influence of moisture on functional properties, e.g., the impe…

Estimation of hydrogen transfer mechanisms in composite materials

Abstract Spill-over effect as a hydrogen transfer mechanism is proposed to explain an increased capacity of hydrogen absorption and improvement of hydrogen activation kinetics in composite material based on the AB5 type metal hydride and powdered glass. A raw lanthanum nickel alloy AB5 with small amount of additives was used as catalyst and bulk material for hydrogen storage, and a borosilicate glass powder with developed surface was applied as a support material. Thermogravimetric technique to determine an absorbed amount of the hydrogen in materials and X-ray powder diffraction analysis for structural investigations was used.

Proton conducting composite electrolytes based on antimonic acid

Abstract This report concerns a composite proton electrolyte suitable for use in electrochromic devices. The electrolyte consists of nanosize pyrochlore antimonic acid particles suspended in a poly(vinyl acetate) matrix by a gel route. It was found possible to substitute the antimonic acid by inert oxides of aluminum and silicon, thus making the electrolyte less harmful to the oxide electrodes of the electrochromic devices without considerably decreasing the conductivity. The proton conductivity of the antimonic acid electrolyte was ∼10 −4 S/cm at room temperature, practically independent of its amount of absorbed water.

Characterization of LiFePO4/C Composite Thin Films Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

The composite LiFePO4/C thin films were prepared on steel substrate by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Electrochemical properties of the obtained thin films were investigated by cyclic voltammetry charge-discharge measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The films annealed at 550 °C exhibited a couple of redox peaks at 3.45 V vs. Li/Li + characteristic for the electrochemical lithium insertion/extraction in LiFePO4. At low current rate such composite thin film showed a discharge capacity of over 110 mAh g -1 . The dependence of charge transfer resistance, double layer capacitance and lithium diffusion coefficients on applied electrode potential were calculat…

Influence of iron non-stoichiometry on spinel zinc ferrite gas sensing properties

Abstract It is demonstrated for the first time that the gas sensing properties of a spinel ferrite complex metal oxide semiconductor can be improved by controlling iron stoichiometry. Conductivity and sensitivity was analyzed for ZnFe2+zO4± spinel type ferrite with z from −0.01 to 0.15. By increasing iron content from z = −0.01 to z = 0.1, sensitivity increases up to 3 times but for samples with z > 0.1 sensitivity drops. It was observed from impedance spectroscopy measurements that resistance decreases with an increase of the iron content. Complex impedance spectra reveal two phases with different resistance attributed to depletion layer (Rd) and bulk (Rb). With increasing iron content inc…

<title>Performance problems of electrochromic coatings</title>

The performance is actual problem of electrochromic coatings. The service and shelf life and cycling capacity are main performance characteristics. By solid-state ionics point of view any electrochromic cell based on phenomena with ion insertion - extraction processes is functioning as solid-state rechargeable battery. The main performance characteristics of electrochromic cells are similar. Performance of electrochromic coatings based on amorphous WO3 films and protons conducting electrolytes is limited by reversibility of ion insertion-extraction reactions, which causes degradation of cell components. The migration of water in the cell and hydration together with ion insertion-extraction …

Local Environment of Co2+ Ions in β″-Alumina Crystals

Gaseous sensors based on solid proton conductors

Abstract he chemical sensors for different gaseous (alcohol, acetone, ammonia, water vapour) detection at room temperature are developed by using polycrystalline β-alumina and xerogel of antimonic acid hydrate (AAH). The sensitivity and selectivity of sensors depend on the ion-exchange and preparative methods. The possibility of producing different types of potentiometric, amperometric, voltammetric and resistance sensors on the basis of these ion-conducting materials is shown. More success is achieved by producing ammonia-sensitive devices on β-alumina as well as on AAH xerogel.

Electrophoretic Nanocrystalline Graphene Film Electrode for Lithium Ion Battery

Graphene sheets were fabricated by electrophoretic deposition method from water suspension of graphene oxide followed by thermal reduction. The formation of nanocrystalline graphene sheets has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of graphene sheets as anode material for lithium ion batteries was evaluated by cycling voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Fabricated graphene sheets exhibited high discharge capacity of about 1120 mAhg−1 and demonstrated good reversibility of lithium intercalation and deintercalation in graphene sheet film with capacity…

<title>Properties of ITO transparent electrode thin films on different substrates</title>

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is optically transparent semiconductor that finds extensive applications in liquid crystal displays, photovoltaic cells, touch screen displays, electrochromic smart windows and more. As with all such electrode materials, there is a compromise between conductivity and optical properties. Different substrate materials and underlying layers are playing important role in transparency (better contrast and less absorption, increased brightness), surface morphology (smoothness, homogeneously) and conductivity of the ITO films. We compared optical, electrical and morphology properties of ITO films onto polymer substrate, obtained from company "SIDRABE Inc." (Latvia) and ITO f…

Properties of Multi Phase Interfaces on the Tungsten Trioxide Particles in the Thin Films

A wide spectrum of physical and chemical properties of thin films of tungsten trioxide compounds depend on composition, constitution and structure of the film, interaction with environment, and the type of external influences/excitations. The reason is the non-stoichiometric nature of transition metal oxides and properties of d-electrons. The short range order of non-stoichiometric compounds or phases of WO3 has a strong perovskite arrangement of tungsten and oxygen ions [1, 2]. The smallest crystalline clusters of perovskite short range order consist 6÷9 of [WO6]-octahedrons. One of the structural peculiarities-features of tungsten trioxide, related to non-stoichiometry, is a variety of [W…

Environment Humidity Effect on the Weight of Carbonized Na-Al-Si Glass Fabrics Recovery after Heating

Na-Al-Si glass fabrics fibres contain Na+ ions that diffuse to its surface and along with CO2 and H2O from atmosphere create here the shell of carbonate hydrates. The heating of fabric leads to weight loss by evolving these substances. In this work the results of weight recovery study at room relative humidity (20% – 50%) and elevated humidity (near 70%) of fabrics after its heating at different temperatures (70°C – 150°C) are compared. The experiments shoved the different weight recovery kinetics. The initial exponential stages up to 0.3 h – 0.5 h of the both recoveries are associated with water absorption and differ by its levels. In a case of lower environment humidity the later weight i…

Study the effects of moisture content on the electrical properties of technical textiles by impedance spectroscopy

Application of metal coatings for the functionalization of technical fibres and fabrics faced with influence of moisture on functional properties, e.g., the impedance of the metal coated K-glass fabrics have strong dependence of content absorbed water or moisture. The paper devoted to develop methodology for characterisation functional materials based on fabrics and model for interpretation of the electrical impedance spectra to obtained functional characteristics of technical textile fabrics. Model based on analyses of 3D plot of imaginary part of complex modulus spectra versus sample mass. Methodology helps to control content of adsorbed water in fabric and influence of moisture on the fu…

Solid state ionics and optical materials technology for energy efficiency, solar energy conversion, and environment control

The fundamental electronic properties (including optical) of a solid are determined by the character of the interaction between its ionic and electronic subsystems. The state of the ionic subsystem can be changed persistently and reversibly by an external stimulus (current, light). The pertinent ion-controlled phenomena in the solids (solid electrolytes or mixed conductors) causes the ions to be inserted, extracted, transferred, or absorbed or transforms the states of the ions by redox reactions in the bulk or on the surface of the solid or on the interface of a (laminar or planar) solid ionic heterosystem. Several functions can be accomplished: (1) the optical response function of the soli…