Modification of Li_(3)PO_(4) layer effectively boosting lithium storage and thermal safety performance for LiCoO_(2) batteries

To meet the demand for high-performance LiCoO_(2) batteries,it is necessary to overcome challenges such as interface degradation and rapid capacity degradation caused by changes in bulk structure,especially under deep delithiation and high temperature conditions.The ion conductive coating layer of Li_(3)PO_(4) has been directly modified on the surface of LiCoO_(2) particles using magnetron sputtering method,significantly improving the lithium storage performance of LiCoO_(2)@Li_(3)PO_(4) composites.Compared to pure LiCoO_(2),the modified LiCoO_(2) sample exhibits obviously better cycle life and high-temperature performance.Especially,under the conditions of 2 and 1 C,the LiCoO_(2)@Li_(3)PO_(4) electrode delivers excellent cycling performance at high voltage of 4.5 V,with capacity retention rates of 89.7%and 75.7%at room temperature and high temperature of 45℃,being far greater than those of 12.3%and 29.1%for bare LiCoO_(2) electrodes.It is discovered that the Li_(3)PO_(4) coating layer not only effectively enhances interface compatibility and suppresses the irreversible phase transition of LiCoO_(2),but also further improves the Li^(+)transport kinetics and significantly reduces battery polarization,ultimately enabling the modified LiCoO_(2) electrode to exhibit excellent lithium storage performance and thermal safety characteristics under high voltage conditions.Thus,such effective modified strategy can undoubtedly provide an important academic inspiration for LiCoO_(2) implication.

Modification of FGD gypsum in hydrothermal mixed salt solution

A novel utilization way of the sludge from wet calcium-based flue gas desulfurization （FGD） processes has been developed in this paper. This study focused on the conversion of the FGD gypsum into α-hemihydrate calcium sulfate by a hydrothermal salt solution method at atmospheric pressure. Experimental study has been carried out in a batch reactor. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were made by DSC/TG thermal analysis, SEM, XRD, metalloscope and chemical analysis. The experimental results showed that the modification of FGD gypsum was controlled by the dissolution and recrystallization mechanisms. With the introduction of FGD gypsum the salt solution was supersaturated, then crystal nucleus of α-hemihydrate calcium sulfate were produced in the solution. With the submicroscopic structure of FGD gypsum crystal changed, the crystal nucleus grew up into α-hemihydrate calcium sulfate crystals. Thus ,the modification of FGD gypsum was fulfilled.

THERMAL RATE TREATMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON MODIFICATION OF Al-Si ALLOYS

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Effect of Sr modification on microstructure and thermal conductivity of hypoeutectic Al−Si alloys

Trace amount of Sr(0.05 wt.%)was added into the hypoeutectic Al−Si(3−12 wt.%Si)alloys to modify their microstructure and improve thermal conductivity.The results showed that the thermal conductivity of hypoeutectic Al−Si alloys was improved by Sr modification,and the increment and increasing rate of the thermal conductivity gradually increased with Si content increasing.The improvement of thermal conductivity was primarily related to the morphology variation of eutectic Si phases.In Sr-modified Al−Si alloys,the morphology of eutectic Si phases was a mixed morphology of fiber structure and fine flaky structure,and the proportion of the fine flaky eutectic Si phases gradually decreased with Si content increasing.Under the Si content reaching 9 wt.%,the proportion of fine flaky eutectic Si phases was nearly negligible in Sr-modified alloys.Correspondingly,the increment and increasing rate of thermal conductivity of Sr-modified alloys reached the maximum and tended to be stable.

Research progress in interface modification and thermal conduction behavior of diamond/metal composites

Diamond/metal composites are widely used in aerospace and electronic packaging fields due to their outstanding high thermal conductivity and low expansion.However,the difference in chemical properties leads to interface incompatibility between diamond and metal,which has a considerable impact on the performance of the composites.To improve the interface compatibility between diamond and metal,it is necessary to modify the interface of composites.This paper reviews the experimental research on interface modification and the application of computational simulation in diamond/metal composites.Combining computational simulation with experimental methods is a promising way to promote diamond/metal composite interface modification research.

STUDY ON THE SURFACE MODIFICATION OF NANO-TiO_2 BY GRAFTING PMMA/PBMA AND ITS THERMAL STABILITY

The surface of nano-TiO_2 was encapsulated with hydroxyl-propyl-methyl cellulose(HPMC),and then cograftedwith acrylates.Conditions of absorbing and grafting have been studied.Modified nano-TiO_2 particles were characterized byFT-IR spectra,TEM and TG analysis.It was convinced from FT-IR studies that both methyl methacrylate(MMA)and butyl-methacrylate(BMA)were co-grafted onto the surface of nano-TiO_2 particles.TEM images show that the surface of nano-TiO_2 particles was successfully modified by a thick layer of film-like polymer.TG results demonstrate that the decompositiontemperature of HPMC-g-PMMA/PBMA,which has been grafted onto the surface of nano-TiO_2,is 56.9 K higher than that ofHPMC-g-PMMA/PBMA.

Surface modification of magnesium alloys using thermal and solid-state cold spray processes:Challenges and latest progresses

Potential engineering applications of magnesium(Mg)and Mg-based alloys,as the lightest structural metal,have made them a popular subject of study.However,the inferior corrosion and wear characteristics significantly limit their application range.It is widely recognized that surface treatment is the most commonly utilized technique for remarkably improving a substrate’s surface characteristics.Numerous methods have been introduced for the surface treatment of Mg and Mg-based alloys to improve their corrosion behavior and tribological performance.Among these,thermal spray(TS)technology provides several methods for deposition of various functional metallic,ceramic,cermet,or other coatings tailored to particular conditions.Recent researches have shown the tremendous potential for thermal spray coated Mg alloys for biomedical and industrial applications.In this context,the cold spray(CS)method,as a comparatively new TS coating technique,can generate the coating layer using kinetic energy rather than combined thermal and kinetic energies,like the high-velocity oxy-fuel(HVOF)spray method.Moreover,the CS process,as a revolutionary method,is able to repair and refurbish with a faster turnaround time;it also provides solutions that do not require dealing with the thermal stresses that are part of the other repair processes,such as welding or other TS processes using a high-temperature flame.In this review paper,the recently designed coatings that are specifically applied to Mg alloys(primarily for industrial applications)employing various coating processes are reviewed.Because of the increased utilization of CS technology for both 3D printed(additively manufactured)coatings and repair of structurally critical components,the most recent CS methods for the surface treatment,repair,and refurbishment of Mg alloys as well as their benefits and restrictions are then discussed and reviewed in detail.Lastly,the prospects of this field of study are briefly discussed,along with a summary of the presented work.

Tree‑Inspired Structurally Graded Aerogel with Synergistic Water,Salt,and Thermal Transport for High‑Salinity Solar‑Powered Evaporation

Solar-powered interfacial evaporation is an energy-efficient solution for water scarcity.It requires solar absorbers to facilitate upward water transport and limit the heat to the surface for efficient evaporation.Furthermore,downward salt ion transport is also desired to prevent salt accumulation.However,achieving simultaneously fast water uptake,downward salt transport,and heat localization is challenging due to highly coupled water,mass,and thermal transport.Here,we develop a structurally graded aerogel inspired by tree transport systems to collectively optimize water,salt,and thermal transport.The arched aerogel features root-like,fan-shaped microchannels for rapid water uptake and downward salt diffusion,and horizontally aligned pores near the surface for heat localization through maximizing solar absorption and minimizing conductive heat loss.These structural characteristics gave rise to consistent evaporation rates of 2.09 kg m^(-2) h^(-1) under one-sun illumination in a 3.5 wt%NaCl solution for 7 days without degradation.Even in a high-salinity solution of 20 wt%NaCl,the evaporation rates maintained stable at 1.94 kg m^(-2) h^(-1) for 8 h without salt crystal formation.This work offers a novel microstructural design to address the complex interplay of water,salt,and thermal transport.

Effects of filler loading and surface modification on electrical and thermal properties of epoxy/montmorillonite composite

Epoxy-based composites containing montmorillonite(MMT)modified by silylation reaction withγ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(γ-APTES)and 3-(glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane(GPTMS)are successfully prepared.The effects of filler loading and surface modification on the electrical and thermal properties of the epoxy/MMT composites are investigated.Compared with the pure epoxy resin,the epoxy/MMT composite,whether MMT is surface-treated or not,shows low dielectric permittivity,low dielectric loss,and enhanced dielectric strength.The MMT in the epoxy/MMT composite also influences the thermal properties of the composite by improving the thermal conductivity and stability.Surface functionalization of MMT not only conduces to the better dispersion of the nanoparticles,but also significantly affects the electric and thermal properties of the hybrid by influencing the interfaces between MMT and epoxy resin.Improved interfaces are good for enhancing the electric and thermal properties of nanocomposites.What is more,the MMT modified with GPTMS rather thanγ-APTES is found to have greater influence on improving the interface between the MMT filler and polymer matrices,thus resulting in lower dielectric loss,lower electric conductivity,higher breakdown strength,lower thermal conductivity,and higher thermal stability.

Thermal stability and oil absorption of aluminum hydroxide treated by dry modification with phosphoric acid

The dry modification of aluminum hydroxide powders with phosphoric acid and the effects of modification of technological conditions on thermal stability, morphology and oil absorption of aluminum hydroxide powders were investigated. The results show that the increase of mass ratio of phosphoric acid to aluminum hydroxide, the decrease of mass concentration of phosphoric acid and prolongation of mixing time are favorable to the improvement of thermal stability of aluminum hydroxide; when the mass ratio of phosphoric acid to aluminum hydroxide is 5:100, the mass concentration of phosphoric acid is 200 g/L and the mixing time is 10 min, the initial temperature of loss of crystal water in aluminum hydroxide rises from about 192.10 to 208.66 ℃, but the dry modification results in the appearance of agglomeration and macro-aggregate in the modified powders, and the oil absorption of modified powders becomes higher than that of original aluminum hydroxide.

Study on Modification of Ultra-Stable Zeolite Prepared by Hydrothermal Method

The ultra-stable zeolite DASY-0.0 was prepared by hydrothermal method in commercial scale. Its structure was further modified via the treatment for cleaning of pores （CP）. The zeolite samples before and after CP treating were analyzed and characterized by XRF, XRD, NMR, IR, BET and DTA. The results showed that, in comparison with the conventional ultra-stable zeolite DASY-0.0 prepared by the hydrothermal process, the CP-modified zeolite SOY0 exhibited a higher relative crystallinity, a larger surface area and pore volume, a higher thermal stability and contained less amorohous non-framework A1.

Thermal stability and oil absorption of aluminum hydroxide treated by dry modification with different modifiers

The thermal stability, particle size and morphology and oil absorption of aluminum hydroxide(ATH) treated by drymodification with three different modifiers were investigated. The experimental results show that the thermal stability of ATHpowder is markedly improved by dry modification technology with the following modifiers such as phosphoric acid, polyacrylic acidand the mixture of phosphoric acid and polyacrylic acid. The best effect comes from pure phosphoric acid, and the initial temperaturefor the loss of crystal water of ATH powder modified with pure polyacrylic acid can reach about 202 ℃ that is approximately 10 ℃higher than that of ATH powder before modification. The phenomena of agglomeration and macro-aggregate badly exist in ATHpowder modified with the modifiers containing phosphoric acid. The growth of particles and agglomerations of powders are notevident in ATH powder modified with pure polyacrylic acid. The oil absorption of ATH powder modified with the modifierscontaining phosphoric acid is apparently larger than that of original ATH powder and ATH powder modified with pure polyacrylicacid. The oil absorption of the ATH powder modified with pure polyacrylic acid is slightly smaller than that of original ATH powder.

Structural Modification and Thermal and Structural Analysis of the Divertor in HL-2A

The re-design of the adoptable structure and the cooling manner of the divertor in the HL-2A tokamak is based on the parameters confirmed by the optimum divertor configuration and the primary modification scheme. The characteristics of the new divertor system include the double shear joint design on the domes and the outer target plates as well as the poloidal flow with toroidal manifolds. The results of the thermal and structural analysis of the outer target plates show that the design of the poloidal flow with toroidal manifolds can improve the capability of the target plates to withstand the heat loads, and the double shear joint design is compatible with the stress intensity requirements by the electromagnetic loads due to halo currents.

Natural Tubular Halloysite as Drug Carrier: Effect of Organosilane Modification and Thermal Treatment

Naturally occurring tubular halloysite is a potential drug carrier because of the significant deposit, unique mesoscopic (2-50 nm) or even macroscopic (>50 nm) lumen, and excellent biocompatibility. The drugs loaded on halloysite exhibited slow release under the diffusion limitation by the halloysite nanotube. However, due to the weak interaction between halloysite and guest, the loading capacity of halloysite was relatively low. This drawback severely limits the application of halloysite as carrier in pharmaceutics. In this study, the performance of halloysite as carrier for ibuprofen (IBU) loading was investigated for the first time. The effects of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification and thermal treatment of halloysite on the loading and release of IBU were also studied. The purified halloysites were heated at 120 ℃ and 400 ℃ (labeled as Hal/120 and Hal/400), and then modified with APTES (labeled as Hal/120-A and Hal/400-A). The loading of IBU was achieved by soaking method (labeled as IBU-Hal/120, IBU-Hal/400, IBU-Hal/120-A, and IBU-Hal/400-A.). The in vitro drug delivery assays were performed in phosphate buffer solution. IBU was loaded mainly into the lumen and partially on the external surface of halloysite. The order of IBU contents was as follows: IBU-Hal/400-A (14.8wt%) > IBU-Hal/120-A (12.7wt%) > IBU-Hal/400 (11.8wt%) > IBU-Hal/120 (11.7wt%). The IBU was initially anchored to the surface hydroxyl groups of halloysite by hydrogen bonding, followed by further bonding of IBU with the anchored IBU to form hydrogen-bonded aggregates. The APTES modification of halloysite promoted the loading of IBU by introducing a strong affinity through electrostatic attraction between the introduced aminopropyl groups of APTES and the carboxyl groups of IBU. Thermal treatment at 400°C did not destroy the tubular morphology or the crystal structure of halloysite and had little effect on IBU loading in unmodified halloysite. However, thermal treatment by reducing water content in halloysite restricted the grafting of APTES in the lumen space, and further increased IBU loading. All IBU-loaded samples exhibit a burst release with a following slow release. However, owing to the strong electrostatic attraction in modified samples, the burst release was much more suppressed and the release rate was also lower than that in unmodified ones. The in vitro release profiles of the IBU-loaded samples were well fitted with the modified Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The IBU release mechanism of the unmodified samples was Fickian diffusion; however it was non-Fickian diffusion for the modified samples. The findings are of significance for broadening the use of halloysite as carrier for drugs and other active molecules in the pharmaceutical, pesticides, and coating industries.

Preparation of inorganic molten salt composite phase change materials and study on their electrothermal conversion properties

Due to their limitations in conductivity and shape stability,molten salt phase change materials have encountered obstacles to effectively integrating into electric heating conversion technologies,which are crucial in energy storage and conversion fields.In this study,we synthesized an inorganic molten salt composite phase change material(CPCM)with enhanced conductivity and shape stability using a gasphase silica adsorption method.Our findings revealed the regularities in thermal properties modulation by expanded graphite(EG)within CPCM and delved into its characteristics of electric heating conversion.The study elucidated that a conductive network is essentially formed when the EG content exceeds 3 wt%.Following the fabrication of CPCM into electric heating conversion modules,we observed a correlation between the uniformity of module temperature and the quantity of EG,as well as the distribution of electrode resistance and external voltage magnitude.Building upon this observation,we proposed a strategy to adjust the module temperature field with an electric field.Comparing the proposed direct electrical heating energy storage method with traditional indirect electrical heating methods,the energy storage rate increases by 93.8%,with an improved temperature uniformity.This research offers valuable insights for the application of molten salt electric heating conversion CPCMs.

Preparation and modification of VO_2 thin film on R-sapphire substrate by rapid thermal process

The VO2 thin film with high performance of metal-insulator transition （MIT） is prepared on R-sapphire substrate for the first time by magnetron sputtering with rapid thermal process （RTP）. The electrical characteristic and THz transmittance of MIT in VO2 film are studied by four-point probe method and THz time domain spectrum （THz-TDS）. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, atomic force microscopy （AFM）, and search engine marketing （SEM） are employed to analyze the crystalline structure, valence state, surface morphology of the film. Results indicate that the properties of VO2 film which is oxidized from the metal vanadium film in oxygen atmosphere are improved with a follow- up RTP modification in nitrogen atmosphere. The crystallization and components of VO2 film are improved and the film becomes compact and uniform. A better phase transition performance is shown that the resistance changes nearly 3 orders of magnitude with a 2-~C hysteresis width and the THz transmittances are reduced by 64% and 60% in thermal and optical excitation respectively.

Thermal Properties of Crosslinking Modified Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fibers by Ultra-Violet Irradiation

By means of ultra-violet(UV)irradiation with photoini-tiator and multifunctional crosslinking agent,thecrosslinking modification of ultrahigh molecular weightpolyethylene(UHMWPE)fibers prepared by gel-spin-ning was carried out.Thermal properties of fiber sampleswere examined using differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),thermomechanical analysis(TMA)apparatusand a manual device.The results indicated that the opti-mal irradiation energy is 250-400 mJ/cm^2,heat-andcreep-resistant behaviors of modified fibers have beenimproved.

Thermal–hydraulic analysis of space nuclear reactor TOPAZ-Ⅱ with modified RELAP5

With the advantages of high reliability, power density, and long life, nuclear power reactors have become a promising option for space power. In this study, the Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program 5(RELAP5), with the implementation of sodium–potassium eutectic alloy(NaK-78) properties and heat transfer correlations, is adopted to analyze the thermal–hydraulic characteristics of the space nuclear reactor TOPAZ-Ⅱ.A RELAP5 model including thermionic fuel elements(TFEs), reactor core, radiator, coolant loop, and volume accumulator is established. The temperature reactivity feedback effects of the fuel, TFE emitter, TFE collector,moderator, and reactivity insertion effects of the control drums and safety drums are considered. To benchmark the integrated TOPAZ-Ⅱ system model, an electrical ground test of the fully integrated TOPAZ-Ⅱ system, the V-71 unit,is simulated and analyzed. The calculated coolant temperature and system pressure are in acceptable agreement with the experimental data for the maximum relative errors of 8 and 10%, respectively. The detailed thermal–hydraulic characteristics of TOPAZ-Ⅱ are then simulated and analyzed at the steady state. The calculation results agree well with the design values. The current work provides a solid foundation for space reactor design and transient analysis in the future.

Effect of Rare Earth Composite Modification on Microstructure and Properties of a New Cast Hot-Work Die Steel

The effects of RE modification on structure and the properties of a new cast hot work die (CHD) steel were investigated. The grains of the CHD steel are refined by RE modification. With the increase of RE addition, both grain size and inclusion amount are reduced. Appropriate amount of RE results in decrease in inclusion amount and formation of spheroidal inclusions uniformly-distributed in steel, so that the morphology and distribution of inclusions are improved. RE composite modification favors the formation of bainite, austenite and fine lath martensite with dense dislocation. When the residual RE content reaches 0.02%, no obvious changes in strength and hardness are found, while fracture toughness and threshold of fatigue crack growth are increased. The impact toughness, elongation and reduction of cross sectional area are increased by a factor of two, and thermal fatigue resistance is also improved.

Thermal Behavior, Non-isothermal Decomposition Reaction Kinetics of Copper(Ⅱ) Salt of 4-Hydroxy-3,5-dinitropyridine and Its Application in Propellant

The thermal behavior and kinetic parameters of the major exothermic decomposition reaction of the title compound in a temperature-programmed mode were studied by means of TG-DTG and DSC. The critical temperature of thermal explosion was calculated. The effect of the title compound on the combustion characteristic of composition modifier double base propellant containing RDX was explored with a strand burner. The results show that the kinetic model function in differential forms, the apparent activation energy(E a) and the pre-exponential factor(A) of the major exothermic decomposition reaction are 3(1-α)[-ln(1-α)] 2/3, 190.56 kJ/mol and 10 13.39 s -1, respectively. The critical temperature of thermal explosion of the compound is 353.08 ℃. The kinetic equation of the major exothermic decomposition process of the title compound at 0.1 MPa could be expressed as dα/dT=10 14.65(1-α)[-ln(1-α)] 2/3 e -2.2920×104/T. As an auxiliary catalyzer, the title compound can help the main catalyzer of lead salt of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitropyridine to accelerate the burning rate and reduce the pressure exponent of RDX-CMDB propellant.