Highly crystalline TiO₂ anatase nanoparticles were synthesized via gel–sol method by using titanium isopropoxide and triethanolamine. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and nitrogen gas absorption methods. The particle size ranged from 7 to 24 nm having specific surface area of 64 to 220 m²/g. Selective Ti(OH)₄ gel specifications and hydrothermal test conditions resulted in thermodynamically-stable phase-formation. Aging at 130°C for 4 h resulted in particle size of 7 nm; while at 130 and 160°C for 12 h resulted in 12 and 21 nm, respectively.

Nanosecond lasers of different intensities were pulsed into sputter-deposited amorphous thin films of near equiatomic Ni/Ti composition to produce partially crystallized highly sensitive 𝑅-phase spots surrounded by amorphous regions. Scanning electron microscopy having secondary and back-scattered electrons, field emission scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns were used to characterize the laser treated spots. Effect of nanosecond pulse lasering on microstructure, morphology, thermal diffusion and inclusion formation was investigated. Increasing beam intensity and laser pulse-number promoted amorphous to 𝑅-phase transition. Lowering duration of the pulse incidence reduced local film oxidation and film/substrate interference.

Ag and Ni are immiscible, mainly due to their large lattice mismatch. This paper reports on their nanoscale formation of solid solution at room temperature by simple reduction reactions which lead to the amorphous Ag–Ni alloy nanoparticles (ANPs) with mono-disperse distribution. Microscopic and spectroscopic studies confirmed dependence of the alloy composition on size of nanoparticles. In the presence of different ligands such as sodium citrate, polyvinyl alcohol and potassium carbonate a mixture of silver oxide and Ag–Ni ANPs was achieved. Stoichiometry of the Ag–Ni ANPs was also found to be strongly dependent on ligands of the reduction reaction and further study shows without any ligand 100% Ag–Ni ANPs was observed in the system. Using Tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride resulted in construction of near-uniform ANPs in the easily controllable conditions of the present alloying procedure. Nanoparticles having up to 65% Ni were observed for the first time in this research.