Formation of Si Nanowires by Direct Electrolytic Reduction of Porous SiO₂ Pellets in Molten CaCl₂

The effects of starting material and catalyst on the morphology of produced Si have been investigated for the direct electrolytic reduction of porous SiO₂ pellets in molten CaCl₂ at 1123 K. The Si nanowires (SiNWs) were produced using amorphous SiO₂ pellets with a tetrapod-like microstructure as the starting material, whereas plate-like Si was obtained from pellets made of spherical fumed SiO₂. The SiNWs showed irregular branching and a wide distribution of diameters as the electrolysis proceeded. On the other hand, elongated SiNWs were formed during the electrolysis of pellets comprised of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and tetrapod-like microstructured SiO₂ powder. This suggests that AuNPs work as catalysts for longitudinal nanowire growth in the present electrolytic process

Simple Fabrication of Silicon Nanowires by Zinc-Thermal Reduction of Silicon Tetrachloride at 773 K

This paper reports a simple Si nanowire (SiNW) production process based on zinc-thermal reduction of SiCl₄ in a sealed Pyrex® tube at 773 K. SiNWs with a diameter of about 300 nm were produced without any catalysts. The SiNWs consisted mainly of an amorphous phase, but also including a minor microcrystalline component. The introduction of Au nanoparticles to the reaction tube wall facilitated crystallization and resulted in the growth of thinner SiNWs. The typical diameter of these SiNWs was 10–20 nm. The simple apparatus and low operating temperature of this new process are advantageous in producing SiNWs on both industrial and laboratory scales

コバヤシ タケシ ト ニホン ノ インタープリテーション

Professor Takeshi Kobayashi was a leading and representative figure in interpretation of Japan. He passed awaysuddenly on March 13th in 2013 at the age of 55. This paper describes a brief history of interpretation in Japan, following thesteps that Professor Kobayashi had taken in the field of interpretation and environmental education. Professor Kobayashistarted his interpretation career at the Takao Visitor Center as a ranger of the Nature Conservation Society of Japan in 1983.He established the Center for Environmental Studies in order to focus on nature interpretation in 1988. He had also coordinatedthe Japan-U.S. Interpreter Training Seminar, which was jointly supported by the U.S. National Park Services, since 1995 anddeveloped a number of other interpreter training programs in Japan. He played a central role in those training courses in 1990s and 2000s of Japan, during which the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,Science and Technology were active in offering training for interpreters and outdoor educators. He became a professor at theGifu Academy of Forest Science and Culture in 2005 and a professor at the Department of Animal Sciences, the Faculty ofLife and Environmental Sciences, Teikyo University of Science in 2010. He developed courses for instructors and trainers ofenvironmental education and interpretation. Professor Kobayashi helped offering opportunities for domestic and internationalinterpreters to meet and to develop network. He had been engaged in developing interpretation through projects and events,human resource development, and networking, and greatly contributed to the enhancement of interpretation in Japan till thelast day