A sol-gel reaction starting from silicon and zirconium alkoxides, in water-ethanol mixtures, was employed to obtain vanadium-doped zirconium silicate powders (zircon). The reactions were performed by modulating both (a) the amount of the vanadium salt in the starting mixture and also (b) the amount of mineralizer (NaF). The products of the sol-gel reaction were calcined at 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 degrees C. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), and diffuse UV-vis-near-IR reflectance spectroscopy. Results from the structural, morphological, and optical characterization are examined and cross-compared to produce a consistent picture of the key factors leading to the formation, growth, and optical properties of the reaction products.

Electroless Ni deposition is often used in presence of Cu, Ti and Au. Recently TiW has also started to be employed, but with this alloy the Ni deposition is not always neat. In our work we investigate the effect of different wet treatments on the Ni growth by means of XPS analyses and SEM inspections. It is found that an oxidized surface inhibits the activator deposition. The de-oxidized Ti atoms in TiW on the other hand are believed to act as the principal sites for Pd seed deposition and subsequent Ni growth.