Rapid synthesis and enhancement in down conversion emission properties of BaAl2O4:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE3+=Y, Pr) nanophosphors

[EN] BaAl2O4:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE3+=Y, Pr) down conversion nanophosphors were prepared at 600 °C by a rapid gel combustion technique in presence of air using boron as flux and urea as a fuel. A comparative study of the prepared materials was carried out with and without the addition of boric acid. The boric acid was playing the important role of flux and reducer simultaneously. The peaks available in the XPS spectra of BaAl2O4:Eu2+ at 1126.5 and 1154.8 eV was ascribed to Eu2+(3d5/2) and Eu2+(3d3/2) respectively which confirmed the presence of Eu2+ ion in the prepared lattice. Morphology of phosphors was characterized by tunneling electron microscopy. XRD patterns revealed a dominant phase characteristics of hexagonal BaAl2O4 compound and the presence of dopants having unrecognizable effects on basic crystal structure of BaAl2O4. The addition of boric acid showed a remarkable change in luminescence properties and crystal size of nanophosphors. The emission spectra of phosphors had a broad band with maximum at 490–495 nm due to electron transition from 4f65d1 → 4f7 of Eu2+ ion. The codoping of the rare earth (RE3+=Y, Pr) ions help in the enhancement of their luminescent properties. The prepared phosphors had brilliant optoelectronic properties that can be properly used for solid state display device applications.The authors gratefully recognize the financial support from the University Grant Commission (UGC), New Delhi [MRP-40-73/2011(SR)] and the European Commission through Nano CIS project (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IRSES ref. 269279).Singh, D.; Tanwar, V.; Simantilke, AP.; Marí, B.; Kadyan, PS.; Singh, I. (2016). Rapid synthesis and enhancement in down conversion emission properties of BaAl2O4:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE3+=Y, Pr) nanophosphors. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics. 27(3):2260-2266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-015-4020-1S22602266273J.S. Kim, P.E. Jeon, J.C. Choi, H.L. Park, S.I. Mho, G.C. Kim, Appl Phys Lett 84, 2931 (2004)D. Jia, D.N. Hunter, J Appl Phys 100, 1131251 (2006)H. Aizawa, T. Katsumata, J. Takahashi, K. Matsunaga, S. Komuro, T. Morikawa, E. Toba, Rev Sci Instrum 74, 1344 (2003)C.N. Xu, X.G. Zheng, M. Akiyama, K. Nonaka, T. Watanabe, Appl Phys Lett 76, 179 (2000)C. Feldmann, T. Justel, C.R. Ronda, P.J. Schmidt, Adv Funct Mater 13, 511 (2004)P.J. Saines, M.M. Elcombe, B.J. Kennedy, J Solid State Chem 179, 613 (2006)R. Sakai, T. Katsumata, S. Komuro, T. Morikawa, J Lumin 85, 149 (1999)T. Aitasalo, P. Deren, J Solid State Chem 171, 114 (2003)S. Nakamura, T. Mukai, M. Senoh, J Appl Phys 76, 8189 (1994)S.H.M. Poort, G. Blasse, J Lumin 72, 247 (1997)P. Mingying, H. Guangyan, J Lumin 127, 735 (2007)X. Linjiu, H. Mingrui, T. Yanwen, C. Yongjie, K. Tomoaki, Z. Liqing, W. Ning, Jap J Applied Physics 46, 5871 (2007)T. Aitasalo, J. Hölsä, H. Jungner, M. Lastusaari, J. Niittykoski, J Phys Chem B 110, 4589 (2006)R. Stefani, L.C.V. Rodrigues, C.A.A. Carvalho, M.C.F.C. Felinto, H.F. Brito, M. Lastusaari, J. Hölsä, Opt Mater 31, 1815 (2009)M. Peng, G. Hong, J Lumin 127, 735 (2007)V. Singh, V. Natarajan, J.J. Zhu, Opt Mater 29, 1447 (2007)X.Y. Chen, C. Ma, X.X. Li, C.W. Shi, X.L. Li, D.R. Lu, J Phys Chem C 113, 2685 (2009)A.J. Zarur, J.Y. Ying, Nature 403, 65 (2000)J. Chen, F. Gu, C. Li, Cry Growth Des 8, 3175 (2008)J. Zhang, M. Yang, H. Jin, X. Wang, X. Zhao, X. Liu, L. Peng, Mater Res Bull 47, 247 (2012)P. Maślankiewicz, J. Szade, A. Winiarski, Ph Daniel, Cryst Res Technol 40, 410 (2005)Y.J. Chen, G.M. Qiu, Y.B. Sun et al., J Rare Earths 20, 50 (2002)F.C. Palilla, A.K. Levine, M.R. Tomkus, J Electrochem Soc 115, 642 (1968)J. Niittykoski, T. Aitasalo, J. Holsa, H. Jungner, M. Lastusaari, M. Parkkinen, M. Tukia, J Alloys Compd 374, 108 (2004)A. Nag, T.R.N. Kutty, J Alloys Compd 354, 221 (2003)D. Haranath, P. Sharma, H. Chander, J Phys D Appl Phys 38, 371 (2005

Synthesis and enhanced luminescent characterization
of SrAl4O7:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE= Nd, Dy) nanophosphors for light emitting applications

[EN] SrAl4O7:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE = Nd, Dy) nanophosphors were efficiently synthesized with a facile fast gel com- bustion procedure in presence of air. During the synthesis process, urea was used as an organic fuel. Boric acid was applied as reducer as well as flux for the reduction of Eu3? ions into Eu2?. Phase composition, morphology and photolumi- nescence (PL) properties of the prepared SrAl4O7:Eu2?,RE3? phosphors were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron micro- scopy (TEM) and PL techniques respectively. SEM results showed agglomeration with fluffy shapes having voids and pores and further nanostructural details were obtained with TEM. The divalent europium doped SrAl4O7 phosphors showed broad band emission spectra at 506 nm due to 8H3/2 - 8S7/2 transition on excitation at 360 nm. The pre"pared nanophosphors had high brightness and long afterglow properties which could be efficiently applied in variety of potential light emitting applications.The authors gratefully recognize the financial support from the University Grant Commission (UGC), New Delhi [MRP-40-73/2011(SR)] and the European Commission through Nano CIS project (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IRSES ref. 269279).Singh, D.; Tanwar, V.; Samantilleke, A.; Marí, B.; Singh Kadyan, P.; Singh, KC. (2016). Synthesis and enhanced luminescent characterization
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Preparation and Photoluminescence Properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+,RE3+ Green Nanophosphors for Display Device Applications

[EN] An efficient rapid gel combustion process was used to prepare divalent-eu- ropium-doped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4:Eu2+/Eu2+,Dy3+/Eu2+,Dy3+,Nd3+) nanophosphors in the presence of boron flux in air. The prepared nanophos- phors emitted green light at 507 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. The emission of green light was observed due to the 4f65d1 fi 4f7 transition of Eu2+ ions. The absence of the characteristic sharp emission peak at 612 nm for Eu3+ (5D0 fi 7F2) indicates that efficient reduction of Eu3+ to Eu2+ occurred in the presence of the boron flux (H3BO3) as reducing agent. The x-ray diffraction pattern suggested monoclinic crystallinity, while transmission electron mi- croscopy revealed the average size of the prepared materials to be between 20 nm and 50 nm. 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Use of parenteral testosterone in hypospadias cases

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of parenteral testosterone on penile length, preputial hood, vascularity of dartos pedicle in patients with hypospadias. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 patients with hypospadias were included in this study. Injection aquaviron (oily solution each ml containing testosterone propionate 25 mg) was given deep intramuscularly in three doses with an interval of 3 weeks before reconstructive surgery at the dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Preoperatively penile length, transverse preputial width and diameter at the base of the penis were measured. Basal testosterone levels were obtained before the institution of therapy and on the day of operation. Results: Following parenteral testosterone administration, the mean increase in penile length, transverse preputial width and diameter at the base of penis was 1.01 ± 0.25 cm (P < 0.001), 1.250 ± 0.52 cm and 0.61 ± 0.35 cm, respectively, (P < 0.001). Serum testosterone level after injection was well within normal range for that age. Conclusion: Parenteral testosterone increased phallus size, diameter and prepuce hypertrophy without any adverse effects. However, due to lack of a control group we cannot make any inferences. Controlled studies are required to establish the benefits of parenteral testosterone

Single center experience of primary hypospadias repair

Introduction: Hypospadias is a complex congenital deformity which requires meticulous surgical technique. Several techniques have been advocated during the past 150 years to address chordee and construction of neourethra. This study highlights the surgical techniques and experience with primary hypospadias cases. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 patients aged ranges from 1 to 18 years underwent primary hypospadias repair at our center from August 2007 to December 2012. Exclusion criteria - previous surgical attempt or with incomplete follow-up. Patients with inadequate phallic size and age <12 years were administered injection testosterone (Testoviron) prior to the surgery. Patients with significant chordee underwent chordee correction followed by urethral reconstruction by either tubularized incised plate (TIP) or on-lay flap repair/dartos flap repair. In all the patients, infant feeding tube was kept per urethrally for 3 weeks and was removed between the post-operative day 18 th and 21 st day. Results: Out of 65 patients, 24 patients underwent TIP. A total of 41 patients underwent on-lay flap repair; of this six patients of midscrotal/perineal hypospadias underwent a combination of paraurethral skin and on-lay flap repair. Chordee correction was done in all the five cases of chordee without hypospadias (congenital short urethra) and dysplastic, transparent urethra repaired with on-lay flap repair. In our study, complications like flap necrosis and fistula were seen in 10 cases and other minor complications like superficial epidermal sloughing were seen in 13 cases which healed with epithelialization. Meatal stenosis was more commonly observed with TIP (four cases) and in two cases of on-lay repair. Conclusion: Historically, hypospadias surgery was regarded as non-rewarding surgical reconstruction due to higher complication and failure rates. For hypospadias, if planned properly, primary single stage repair; acceptable surgical success is an achievable target

Comparative evaluation of upper versus lower calyceal approach in percutaneous nephrolithotomy for managing complex renal calculi

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the treatment of choice for staghorn and large renal stones. The success of PCNL is highly related to optimal renal access. Upper calyceal puncture being more difficult and more demanding have relatively few studies presented. Aims and Objectives: This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of upper calyceal versus lower calyceal puncture for the removal of complex renal stones through PCNL. Materials and Methods: A total of 94 patients underwent PCNL for complex renal stone in our institute. Fifty-one of them underwent lower calyceal, while 43 underwent upper calyceal puncture. The two approaches are compared as per total duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, infundibular/pelvic tear, rate of complete clearance and rate of postoperative complications (pulmonary, bleeding, fever and sepsis, etc.). Observation and Results: In our study, the success rate was 76.47% for those in the lower, 90.70% for those in the upper calyceal access group. Thoracic complications (hydrothorax) occurred to 1 patient in upper calyceal supracostal access group. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion happened to 5 patients in lower calyceal access and 1 in upper calyceal group. Conclusion: In our study for the management of complex renal calculi, we conclude that in a previously unoperated kidney, upper calyceal puncture through subcostal or supra 12 th rib is a feasible option minimizing lung/pleural rupture and gives a better clearance rate. We suggest that with due precautions, there should not be any hesitation for upper calyceal puncture in indicated patients