New materials for energy and biomedical applications

Abstract

We have conducted research works on the synthesis and characterization of ceramic materials for energy technologies and the characterization of bioceramics and composites for dental applications. La0.50Li 0.50TiO3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method (PPM) for application as cathode in secondary lithium batteries. Electrochemical measurements of reduction/oxidation processes gave evidence of two kinetic processes. Also, nanocrystalline TiO2 films for application in hybrid solar cells were prepared. The particles were prepared from a sol solution by microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The films were deposited by painting on ITO substrate and sintered at 450°C. XRD characterization indicated the crystallization of anatase phase. In addition, the preparation of ZrO2 bioceramic by PPM was investigated. Structural characterization by XRD showed that the powders are polycrystalline and free of secondary phases. Morphological results revealed a microstructure of spherical grains with homogeneous sizes of 70 nm. Finally, the ability to accurately predict changes in dental composite properties is of critical importance for the industry, researchers, and clinicians. An accelerated aging process has been used to characterize the mechanical, structural and rheological parameters of composites. Results have shown that this process influences most of the parameters when predicting 9 months of aging.