Publications internationales

2025
Mohamed Ali Boutabba, Mohamed Yacine Debili, Fahima Layachi. (2025), Diamond and silicon carbide synthesis by direct CO2 capture in open air rapidly solidified Al (11wt.%Cu) : Springer, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12633-025-03384-7

Résumé: Using high-frequency induction fusion and rapid solidification under atmospheric pressure, we synthesized an Al–11 wt.% Cu alloy at ~ 800 °C for 30 min. A bimodal microstructure of silicon carbide (SiC) and diamond particles was observed, despite the absence of silicon or carbon in the initial melt. We hypothesize that carbon originated from atmospheric CO₂ absorbed during melting, while silicon likely derived from aluminum via in-situ transformation. This CO₂-induced carbonization led to the formation of SiC within the aluminum matrix, significantly enhancing the alloy’s mechanical and wear-resistant properties. Unlike conventional methods that introduce diamond externally, our process enables in-situ diamond and SiC formation during melting, offering a novel, sustainable pathway for CO₂ utilization. This approach not only improves material performance but also contributes to carbon capture and conversion at ambient pressure.

2024
Mohamed Ali Boutabba, Mohamed Yacine Debili, Fahima Layachi. (2024), Magnetic monopole's role in hydrogen bubbles formation in rapidly solidified Al–Cu–Zn alloys. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy : Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360319923038727

Résumé: Hydrogen hydrides are formed when hydrogen is trapped in the aluminum solid solution of rapidly cooled Al–Cu–Zn alloys. The formation of these hydrides is of great interest because they have unique properties that make them useful in a variety of applications. One potential application is in the field of energy storage, where hydrogen hydrides could be used as a way to store hydrogen for use in fuel cells. Another potential application is in the field of catalysis, where these materials could be used to promote chemical reactions. Highlighting of magnetic monopoles in Al-30 wt%Cu-2wt.%Zn and stable skyrmions, at room temperature, in non-magnetic Al-50 wt%Cu-2wt.%Zn is also groundbreaking development in the field of materials science, as it suggests that there may be new ways to manipulate and control the properties of these materials. We observed a remarkable consequence of these phenomena: the transmutation of aluminum into silicon. This is a significant finding, as we believe we are the first to approach this process in this way. This could lead to breakthroughs in materials science and engineering, with potential applications in fields such as electronics, photonics, and nanotechnology.

Mohamed Fares, Mohammed Messaoudi, Mohamed Yacine Debili, Kassida Negara. (2024), Application of thin boron deposit by electrophoresis as neutron detectors. Radiochimica Acta : De Gruyter, https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ract-2023-0226/html

Résumé: Detecting nuclear radiation presents a distinctive challenge, particularly with neutrons, which are neutral particles. The method of direct detection involves the utilization of a converter material, acting as an intermediary. Boron plays a pivotal role in this process, reacting with thermal neutrons to generate alpha particles and lithium, with a notable energy release of 2.314 MeV during the 10B (n,α) 7Li reaction. This facilitates effective identification and measurement of neutrons in radiation detection systems. The paths of the particles α (for E = 1.474 MeV) and Li (for ELi = 0.842 MeV). The active medium of the nuclear detector, typically a gas, undergoes ionization by these highly charged particles, or they form ion pairs that are subsequently collected by electrodes to produce the signal at the detector’s output. Various deposit methods can be used for this purpose, electrophoresis offers a distinct advantage in terms of both simplicity and precision. This study details the utilization of the electrophoresis technique for the deposition of boron on the tube walls of prototype detectors developed within our laboratory. Keywords: electrophoresis; boron; deposition; alpha; lithium; cathode

Hayet Bedboudi, Mohamed Yacine Debili, Sandrine Mathieu, F Layachi. (2024), MICROSTRUCTURAL PECULIARITIES OF Al− Ni ALLOYS PREPARED BY HIGH-FREQUENCY INDUCTION FUSION. Heat Transfer Research : Begel House Inc, https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/46784ef93dddff27,37bf8f24128d0cc8,09167d8c06f2bf94.html

Résumé: This study investigated the effects of a high-frequency (HF) magnetic induction process and heat treatment on the composition of rapidly cooled Al−Ni alloys. The results showed that the Al3Ni and AlNi phases were present in all compositions, including Al−40 wt.% Ni, 50 wt.% Ni, and 60 wt.% Ni in both initial and treated states. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm these results. Heat treatment at 500°C for 1 h was found to be effective in producing the desired composition. In addition, we can spot the presence of a possible quasicrystalline phase close to the β-NiAl phase's (110) line in alloys containing 30 wt.% Ni to 60 wt.% Ni after an hour of heat treatment. The addition of Ni to aluminum increases its Vickers microhardness due to the redistribution of nickel after heat treatment and the decagonal quasi-crystalline phase.

2023
Mohamed Fares, Mohammed Messaoudi, Kassida Negara, Mohamed Yacine Debili. (2023), Structural, thermal and optical properties of nickel nanomaterial synthesized by the open-air heat treatment method. Journal of Crystal Growth : Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022024823003329

Résumé: n this present research, as a result of heat treatment in the open using a furnace at a temperature of 500 °C, the nickel-coated carbon fibers in this work were successfully created with the nanocrystalline NiO monolayer. The thermal and optical properties (PL) of these materials were investigated using their structural, morphological, compositional, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet–visible analysis (UV–Vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the option of chemical analysis (EDS). According to the XRD model, the structure of the produced NiO nanoparticles is the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase. In addition, the DSC shows that the produced nanoparticles form a NiO phase at 360 °C with good thermal stability, and from the optical absorption spectra of the NiO nanoparticles, it is possible to infer that the band gap is 3.5 eV, which is close to the values used as references, also, the significant absorption edges at 287 nm (4.32 ev), 327 nm (3.79 ev), 346 nm (3.58 ev), 397 nm (3.12 ev), and 430 nm (2.88 ev) are seen in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, as well, in the violet emission band, the strongest peak has a wavelength of 397 nm and an excitation wavelength of 470 nm (2.64 eV).

Communications internationales

2026
Mohamed Fares, Mohamed Yacine Debili, Mohammed Messaoudi, Rabah Boufenar. (2026), Elaboration of thin boron films by versatile electrophoresis technique on cylindrical electrodes : De Gruyter, https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/ract-2025-0095/html

Résumé: In this scientific research work, we conducted several experiments on boron coating thin films (0.4–0.9 mg/cm2) deposited on stainless steel, aluminum, and copper electrodes. These coatings were successfully obtained using electrophoresis techniques. Natural and enriched boron B-10 were immersed in solutions containing the following components: undiluted and double-distilled isopropyl alcohol, pure crystalline MgCl2.6H2O, and pure methanol CH3OH. By adding boron to the mixture, and using electrophoresis techniques, the inner or outer surfaces of the electrodes were coated with a very thin layer of enriched and natural boron. From these experiments, we summarized some important physical parameters, such as the effect of experimental time, current, and voltage on the deposition rate, and discussed these important factors for preparing suitable coating suspensions. We observed that the method used …

2025
Mohamed Yacine Debili, Mohamed Fares, Mohammed Messaoudi. (2025), In situ XRD study of nano-crystalline NiO formation on Ni-coated carbon fibers: Structural and optical properties : Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002202482500185X

Résumé: The study focused on nickel-coated carbon fibers, where nickel was partially substituted by carbon, forming a compound Ni1-xCx (with x = 0 < x < 1). These modified fibers exhibit excellent surface properties, making them promising for nuclear applications, such as detectors and reflectors. The fibers were subjected to annealing treatments under vacuum and in open air at 500 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that oxidation induces long-range carbon diffusion and results in the formation of a NiO layer on the fiber surfaces. Notably, cubic-type nanostructured NiO (NaCl type) was observed to begin forming at 350 °C. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the coated fibers exhibit a granular morphology with nanometer-sized grains. Using a 375 nm excitation wavelength, photoluminescence measurements displayed two broad emission peaks. These peaks are likely attributed to electronic transitions involving the 3d electrons of Ni2+ ions. Overall, the work demonstrates that controlled oxidation can tailor the surface properties of these fibers, potentially enhancing their performance in nuclear applications by combining semiconducting and reflective characteristics.