Size-dependent stability of ultra-small α-/β-phase tin nanocrystals synthesized by microplasma

Key features of tin, including electronic band structure and opto-electronic properties, are influenced by the crystal structure. Here the authors report a microplasma process for the synthesis of ultra-small tin nanocrystals in which the crystal structure is dependent on crystallite size

Formation of filamentous carbon through dissociation of chromium carbide under hydrothermal conditions

Synthesis of filamentous carbon through the decomposition of chromium carbide was studied employing hydrothermal technique in the pressure and temperature range of 100–200 MPa and 350–800 °C respectively. It was found that chromium carbide dissociates into chromium oxide in the presence of water at temperature <400 °C. But, the formation of free elemental carbon as filamentous particles was noticed in the presence of organic compounds at temperatures above 600 °C. The organic compounds are known to dissociate to C–O–H supercritical fluids under hydrothermal condition. The supercritical fluids generated by the dissociation of organic compounds have great influence on the decomposition of chromium carbide. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies of the experimental run products show that the fibrous or filamentous form of carbon was found with a few spherical shaped carbons, in the chromium carbide—organic compound runs. These carbon particles were solid curved filaments with a mean diameter of 50–100 nm. Micro Raman spectroscopic studies show that the filaments have sp 2 -hybridized carbon atoms