Structural and Optical Properties of Electrodeposited CdS Thin Film


D. G. Diso1, M. A.Y. Hotoro1, T. S. Bichi1 and I. M. Dharmadasa2
1Department of Physics, Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil, Kano-Nigeria.
2 Electronic Materials & Sensors Group, Materials & Engineering Research Institute
Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, United Kingdom.
E-mail: dgdiso@yahoo.co.uk,
ABSTRACT: Cadmium sulphide (CdS) thin films have been deposited on glass/conducting glass
substrates using low-cost two electrode aqueous electrodeposition (ED) method. The structural
and molecular structure of the resulting films has been characterized using X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD results indicates that both as deposited and heat
treated ED-CdS layers are polycrystalline and have a hexagonal crystal structure with
preferential orientation along the (101) direction, while Raman measurement confirmed the two
peaks at 303cm-1 and 608cm-1 corresponding to the first and second order longitudinal optical
phonons (1LO) and (2LO) respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies have
been performed to detect the photoelectrons emitted from the sample surface and compare the
results obtained on electrodeposited CdS with the vacuum cleaved CdS. The XPS spectra
measurement identified two distinct Cd 3d peaks (i.e. 3d5/2 and 3d3/2) with their binding energies
at ~405 and ~412 eV respectively. The S 2p peak has a binding energy of ~162 eV. The results
indicate that the composition of CdS layers is 52.9:47.1.The bandgap of the heat treated films
gives 2.42 eV using optical absorption measurements which are close to the bulk CdS. The
results from the 3D-AFM measurement shows that the material tends to grow as columns (nanorods)
leaving spaces in between in some areas


The Role of Engineers in Combating the Effect of Climate Change in Africa


Odu O. Godwin
Department of Mechanical & Production Engineering,
Delta State University, Abraka, Oleh Campus, Delta State, Nigeria.
E-Mail: odugodwin@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: This paper presents an overview of the effects of global warming in Africa as it
affects our environment. The challenges of climate change were discussed. The paper focuses
further on future climate change and variability and their impact on key sectors: water, food
security and agriculture, health, and biodiversity and ecosystems. Finally, the paper summarizes
the role of engineers in combating climate change, in a bid to control and reduce global
warming around the world.


The Optimization of Natural Gas for Power Generation in Nigeria: A Sustainable Synergy with Other Options


Koso I. Idigbe * and P N. Onwuachi-Iheagwara **
*Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Delta State University, Abraka, Oleh Campus
Email: *kiidigbe@gmail.com; **pniheagwara@gmail.com
Abstract: This paper posits natural gas as the major option for the sustainable generation of
electric power in Nigeria; a key input to the effective development of this nation. At present, the
generation of power, the upstream sector of the electrical power industry, is beset with
challenges and difficulties, which can be met with a synergy of natural gas and other options.
This paper presents an effective optimization of power synergy; the key to unlocking unlimited
megawatts of electricity for Nigeria. This will be enhanced through best practices,
innovativeness and a free market system.


Power System Simulation Model Based on Probability Analysis

Chukwuagu I. and B.O. Anyaka
Department of Electrical Engineering,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
E-mail: chukwuaguifeanyi@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: By virtue of the vital nature of electric power, both to our economic and personal
well being, a power system is expected to supply electrical energy as economically as possible,
and with a high degree of quality and reliability. The developing countries in general place
higher reliability standard on the performance of electricity supply. However, there has been no
significant study in the context of the Nigeria power sector to power system simulation model
based on probability analysis the technical appraisal of the state power systems in general is
confined to examining the Plant Load Factor (PLF) as a measure of capacity utilization only.
The present study is a modest attempt to evaluate the reliability of the Nigeria power system in
the framework of a theory-informed methodology power system simulation model based on
probability analysis.


Kinetic Model for the Copolymerization of Methyl Acrylate and Propylene


Wauton, I. and Gumus, R.H.
Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering,
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
E-mail: isankpruke@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: A copolymer from propylene and methyl acrylate would produce an alternating
copolymer of highly desirable properties for paint and allied chemical industries; indicative of
the properties of the individual homopolymers. In this work, a kinetic model was developed for
the copolymerization of propylene and methyl acrylate. A radical initiator was used for the
initiation to form a couple and subsequent propagation steps presented. Transfer specie used for
the termination step. The various rate expressions and subsequent kinetic models were
presented, thereby showing the relationship between various polymerization parameters with
time. Such parameters includes: concentration of initiator, concentration of growing polymer
chain and concentration of dead polymer chain. The models developed will prove invaluable if
annexed in the design, control and optimization of the polymer production process.


Evaluation of Tensile Strength of Heat Treated AISI 304 Stainless Steel with Automated

Ball Indentation (ABI) Technique
A. U. Iwuoha
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Imo State University, Owerri. Imo State. Nigeria.
Email: nmatoha@yahoo.com.
ABSTRACT: This paper evaluated the tensile strength and hardness of AISI 304 stainless
steel heat treated to temperatures of 400oC, 600oC and 800oC and soaking durations of 30
minutes, 2 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours and 72 hours in each temperature level. The tensile
strength was measured using Automated Ball Indentation (ABI) technique while the hardness
was on the Brinell scale. To establish confidence in the ABI technique, values obtained were
compared with similar studies conducted with the conventional tensile measurement tool. The
tensile and hardness properties of type 304 SS increased with treatment temperatures of
400oC and 600oC for all the holding durations up to 72 hours. The long stay was akin to work
hardening which increased the tensile strength. The cooling in hot sand bed may have
equally contributed to increased surface hardness measured. At temperature of 600oC,
precipitation of chromium carbides along grain boundaries coupled with a dense formation
of sigma phase and other phases like the chi combined to influence the tensile strength.
Temperature of 800oC and soaking duration beyond 30 minutes produced decreased tensile
and hardness properties in the steel. At this temperature, transformation of the steel grains by
re-crystallisation and relief of internal stresses occurred. The extended soaking duration of
72 hours led to increase of Cr diffusion to the surface.


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