Unveiling the tailorable electrochemical properties of zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived Ni-doped LiCoO_(2) for lithium-ion batteries in half/full cells

As a prevailing cathode material of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),LiCoO_(2)(LCO)still encounters the tricky problems of structural collapse,whose morphological engineering and cation doping are crucial for surmounting the mechanical strains and alleviating phase degradation upon cycling.Hereinafter,we propose a strategy using a zeolitic imidazolate framework(ZIF)as the self-sacrificing template to directionally prepare a series of LiNi_(0.1)Co_(0.9)O_(2)(LNCO)with tailorable electrochemical properties.The rational selection of sintering temperature imparts the superiority of the resultant products in lithium storage,during which the sample prepared at 700℃(LNCO-700)outperforms its counterparts in cyclability(156.8 mA h g^(-1)at 1 C for 200 cycles in half cells,1 C=275 mA g^(-1))and rate capability due to the expedited ion/electron transport and the strengthen mechanical robustness.The feasibility of proper Ni doping is also divulged by half/full cell tests and theoretical study,during which LNCO-700(167 mA h g^(-1)at 1 C for 100 cycles in full cells)surpasses LCO-700 in battery performance due to the mitigated phase deterioration,stabilized layered structu re,ameliorated electro nic co nductivity,a nd exalted lithium sto rage activity.This work systematically unveils tailorable electrochemical behaviors of LNCO to better direct their practical application.

Mechanism study on the influence of surface properties on the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO_(2)and methanol over ceria catalysts

The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate(DMC)from CO_(2)and methanol has attracted much attention as an environmentally benign and alternative route for conventional routes.Herein,a series of cerium oxide catalysts with various textural features and surface properties were prepared by the one-pot synthesis method for the direct DMC synthesis from CO_(2)and methanol,and the structure-performance relationship was investigated in detail.Characterization results revealed that both of surface acid-base properties and the oxygen vacancies contents decreased with the rising crystallinity at increasingly higher calcination temperature accompanied by an unexpectedly volcano-shaped trend of DMC yield observed on the catalysts.In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy(DRIFTS)studies indicated that the adsorption rate of methanol is slower than that of CO_(2)and the methanol activation state largely influences the formation of key intermediate.Although the enhanced surface acidity-basicity and oxygen vacancies brought by low-temperature calcination could facilitate the activation of CO_(2),the presence of excess strongly basic sites on low-crystallinity sample was detrimental to DMC synthesis due to the preferred formation of unreactive mono/polydentate carbonates as well as the further impediment of methanol activation.Moreover,with the use of 2-cyanopyridine as a dehydration reagent,the DMC synthesis was found to be both influenced by the promotion from the rapid in situ removal of water and the inhibition from the competitive adsorption of hydration products on the same active sites.

Enhanced soft magnetic properties of SiO_(2)-coated FeSiCr magnetic powder cores by particle size effect

It has been known that metal FeSiCr powders with large average particle sizes have been typically employed to prepare magnetic powder cores(SMCs),with few studies reported on the influence of magnetic properties for original powders with various average particle sizes less than 10m.In this work,SiO_(2)-coated FeSiCr SMCs with different small particle sizes were synthesized using the sol-gel process.The contribution of SiO_(2)coating amount and voids to the soft magnetic properties was elaborated.The mechanism was revealed such that smaller particle sizes with less voids could be beneficial for reducing core loss in the SMCs.By optimizing the core structure,permeability and magnetic loss of 26 and 262 kW/cm^(3)at 100 kHz and 50 mT were achieved at a particle size of 4.8m and ethyl orthosilicate addition of 0.1 mL/g.The best DC stacking performance,reaching 87%,was observed at an ethyl orthosilicate addition rate of 0.25 mL/g under 100 Oe.Compared to other soft magnetic composites(SMCs),the FeSiCr/SiO_(2)SMCs exhibit significantly reduced magnetic loss.It further reduces the magnetic loss of the powder core,providing a new strategy for applications of SMCs at high frequencies.

Electronic properties of 2D materials and their junctions

With an extensive range of distinctive features at nano meter-scale thicknesses,two-dimensional(2D)materials drawn the attention of the scientific community.Despite tremendous advancements in exploratory research on 2D materials,knowledge of 2D electrical transport and carrier dynamics still in its infancy.Thus,here we highlighted the electrical characteristics of 2D materials with electronic band structure,electronic transport,dielectric constant,carriers mobility.The atomic thinness of 2D materials makes substantially scaled field-effect transistors(FETs)with reduced short-channel effects conceivable,even though strong carrier mobility required for high performance,low-voltage device operations.We also discussed here about factors affecting 2D materials which easily enhanced the activity of those materials for various applications.Presently,Those 2D materials used in state-of-the-art electrical and optoelectronic devices because of the extensive nature of their electronic band structure.2D materials offer unprecedented freedom for the design of novel p-n junction device topologies in contrast to conventional bulk semiconductors.We also,describe the numerous 2D p-n junctions,such as homo junction and hetero junction including mixed dimensional junctions.Finally,we talked about the problems and potential for the future.

Microstructure,interfacial reaction behavior,and mechanical properties of Ti_(3)AlC_(2)reinforced Al6061 composites

The interfacial reaction behavior of Al and Ti_(3)AlC_(2)at different pouring temperatures and its effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated.The results show that the addition of3.0 wt.%Ti_(3)AlC_(2)refines the average grain size ofα(Al)in the composite by 50.1%compared to Al6061 alloy.Morphological analyses indicate that an in-situ Al_(3Ti)transition layer of-180 nm in thickness is generated around the edge of Ti_(3)AlC_(2)at 720℃,forming a well-bonded Al-Al_(3Ti)interface.At this processing temperature,the ultimate tensile strength of A16061-3.0 wt.%Ti_(3)AlC_(2)composite is 199.2 MPa,an improvement of 41.5%over the Al6061 matrix.Mechanism analyses further elucidate that 720℃is favourable for forming the nano-sized transition layer at the Ti_(3)AlC_(2)edges.And,the thermal mismatch strengthening plays a dominant role in this state,with a strengthening contribution of about 74.8%.

Ultrahigh thermoelectric properties of p‐type Bi_(x)Sb_(2−x)Te_(3) thin films with exceptional flexibility for wearable energy harvesting

Use of a flexible thermoelectric source is a feasible approach to realizing selfpowered wearable electronics and the Internet of Things.Inorganic thin films are promising candidates for fabricating flexible power supply,but obtaining highthermoelectric‐performance thin films remains a big challenge.In the present work,a p‐type Bi_(x)Sb_(2−x)Te_(3) thin film is designed with a high figure of merit of 1.11 at 393 K and exceptional flexibility(less than 5%increase in resistance after 1000 cycles of bending at a radius of∼5 mm).The favorable comprehensive performance of the Bi_(x)Sb_(2−x)Te_(3) flexible thin film is due to its excellent crystallinity,optimized carrier concentration,and low elastic modulus,which have been verified by experiments and theoretical calculations.Further,a flexible device is fabricated using the prepared p‐type Bi_(x)Sb_(2−x)Te_(3) and n‐type Ag_(2)Se thin films.Consequently,an outstanding power density of∼1028μWcm^(−2)is achieved at a temperature difference of 25 K.This work extends a novel concept to the fabrication of highperformance flexible thin films and devices for wearable energy harvesting.

Phase structure evolution and its effect on magnetic and mechanical properties of B-doped Sm_(2)Co_(17)-type magnets with high Fe content

The unique cellular microstructure of Fe-rich Sm_(2)Co_(17)-type permanent magnets is closely associated with the structure of the solid solution precursor.We investigate the phase structure,magnetic properties,and mechanical behavior of B-doped Sm_(2)Co_(17)-type magnets with high Fe content.The doped B atoms can diffuse into the interstitial vacancy,resulting in lattice expansion and promote the homogenization of the phase organizational structure during the solid solution treatment in theory.However,the resulting second phase plays a dominant role to result in more microtwin structures and highly ordered 2:17R phases in the solid solution stage,which inhibits the ordering transformation of 1:7H phase during aging and affects the generation of the cellular structure,and to result in a decrease in magnetic properties,yet the interface formed between it and the matrix phase hinders the movement of dislocations and enhances the mechanical properties.Hence,the precipitation of high flexural strain grain boundary phase induced by B element doping is also a new and effective way to improve the flexural strain of Sm_(2)Co_(17)-type magnets.Our study provides a new understanding of the phase structure evolution and its effect on the magnetic and mechanical properties of Sm_(2)Co_(17)-type magnets with high Fe content.

Effect of(Cr,V)_(2)(C,N)on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of WC-10Co Cemented Carbides

WC-10Co cemented carbides with finer WC and narrower grain size distributions are produced by using(Cr,V)_(2)(C,N)as grain growth inhibitors.As a result,with the increase of(Cr_(0.9),V_(0.1))_(2)(C,N)and(V_(0.9),Cr_(0.1))_(2)(C,N),the grains size of WC and mean free path of Co phase decrease,and adjacency of WC increases.Refinement and homogenization of grains enhance the transverse rupture strength(TRS)and the hardness.Meanwhile,the deflection and bridging of cracks keep the fracture toughness at a respectable level.The WC-10Co-0.6(Cr_(0.9),V_(0.1))_(2)(C,N)-0.025(V_(0.9),Cr_(0.1))_(2)(C,N)cemented carbides exhibit excellent comprehensive mechanical properties with the TRS of 4602.6 MPa,hardness of 1835 kg/mm^(2),and fracture toughness of 10.39 MPa·m^(1/2),respectively.However,the large pores are caused by excess N larger than 0.03 wt%and deteriorates the mechanical properties.We provide a new approach to WC-Co cemented carbides preparation with a narrow grain size distribution by adding novel grain growth inhibitors.

Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) carbonitride MAX phase solid solutions with tunable mechanical,thermal,and electrical properties

Changing the N content in the Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) MAX phase solid solutions allows for the fine-tuning of their properties.However,systematic studies on the synthesis and properties of Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) solid solution bulks have not been reported thus far.Here,previously reported Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) solid solution bulks(y=0.3,0.5,0.8,and 1.0)were synthesized via hot pressing of their powder counterparts under optimized conditions.The prepared Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) bulks are dense and have a fine microstructure with grain sizes of 6–8μm.The influence of the N content on the mechanical properties,electrical conductivities,and coefficients of thermal expansion(CTEs)of the prepared Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) bulk materials was clarified.The flexural strength and Vickers hardness values increased with increasing N content,suggesting that solid solution strengthening effectively improved the mechanical properties of Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y).Ti_(3)AlCN(y=1)had the highest Vickers hardness and flexural strength among the studied samples,reaching 5.54 GPa and 550 MPa,respectively.However,the electrical conductivity and CTEs of the Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) solid solutions decreased with increasing N content,from 8.93×10^(−6) to 7.69×10^(−6) K^(−1) and from 1.33×10^(6) to 0.95×10^(6) S/m,respectively.This work demonstrated the tunable properties of Ti_(3)AlC_(2−y)N_(y) solid solutions with varying N contents and widened the MAX phase family for fundamental studies and applications.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of stationary shoulder friction stir welding joint of 2A14-T62 aluminum alloy

2A14-T62 butt joint was successfully welded by stationary shoulder friction stir welding(SSFSW)method.The results showed that using a pin with small shoulder could broaden the process window,and under a rotation speed of 2000 r/min and welding speed of 30 mm/min,joint with smooth surface,small reduction in thickness and little inner defects was obtained.The weld nugget zone was approx-imately circular,which was a unique morphology for SSFSW.The heat-affected zone(HAZ)and thermo-mechanically affected zone(TMAZ)were both quite narrow due to the lower heat input and slight mechanical action of the stationary shoulder.The fraction of high angle grain boundaries(HAGBs)exhibited a“W”shape along horizontal direction(from advancing side to retreating side),and the minim-um value located at HAZ.The average ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the joint were 325 MPa and 4.5%,respectively,with the joint efficiency of 68.3%.The joint was ductile fractured and the fracture surface contained two types of dimples morphology in different re-gions of the joint.Microhardness distribution in the joint exhibited a“W”shape,and the difference along the thickness direction was negli-gible.The joint had strong stress corrosion cracking susceptibility,and the slow stain rate tensile strength was 139 MPa.Microcrack and Al2O3 particulates were observed at the fracture surface.

Effect of ZrC Modified Graphite on Structure and Properties of Low-carbon Al_(2)O_(3)-C Refractories

To address the issues of reduced performance and shortened lifespan during the low-carbonizating process of Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories,nano-crystalline ZrC modified graphite was prepared using Zr powder and flake graphite as raw materials,with NaCl and NaF mixed salt serving as the medium.The flake graphite was gradually replaced by ZrC modified graphite in the preparation of Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories,and its impact on the material’s structure and properties was investigated.The results indicate that,compared to samples with only flake graphite,the introduction of 1 mass%to 5 mass%nano-crystalline ZrC modified graphite can significantly enhance the mechanical performance of low-carbon Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories.When 5 mass%ZrC modified graphite is added,the mechanical properties of the samples are optimal,with the cold modulus of rupture and elastic modulus reaching 22.5 MPa and 65.0 GPa,respectively.

Experimental study on thermal and mechanical properties of tailings-based cemented paste backfill with CaCl_(2)·6H_(2)O/expanded vermiculite shape stabilized phase change materials

CaCl_(2)·6H_(2)O/expanded vermiculite shape stabilized phase change materials(CEV)was prepared by atmospheric impregnation method.Using gold mine tailings as aggregate of cemented paste backfill(CPB)material,the CPB with CEV added was prepared,and the specific heat capacity,thermal conductivity,and uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of CPB with different cement-tailing ratios and CEV addition ratios were tested,the influence of the above variables on the thermal and mechanical properties of CPB was analyzed.The results show that the maximum encapsulation capacity of expanded vermiculite for CaCl_(2)·6H_(2)O is about 60%,and the melting and solidification enthalpies of CEV can reach 98.87 J/g and 97.56 J/g,respectively.For the CPB without CEV,the specific heat capacity,thermal conductivity,and UCS decrease with the decrease of cement-tailing ratio.For the CPB with CEV added,with the increase of CEV addition ratio,the specific heat capacity increases significantly,and the sensible heat storage capacity and latent heat storage capacity can be increased by at least 10.74%and 218.97%respectively after adding 12%CEV.However,the addition of CEV leads to the increase of pores,and the thermal conductivity and UCS both decrease with the increase of CEV addition.When cement-tailing ratio is 1:8 and 6%,9%,and 12%of CEV are added,the 28-days UCS of CPB is less than 1 MPa.Considering the heat storage capacity and cost price of backfill,the recommended proportion scheme of CPB material presents cement-tailing ratio of 1:6 and 12%CEV,and the most recommended heat storage/release temperature cycle range of CPB with added CEV is from 20 to 40℃.This work can provide theoretical basis for the utilization of heat storage backfill in green mines.

Investigation of the structural, electronic and mechanical properties of CaO–SiO_(2) compound particles in steel based on density functional theory

CaO–SiO_(2)compounds compromise one of the most common series of oxide particles in liquid steels, which could significantly affect the service performance of the steels as crack initiation sites. However, the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of the compounds in CaO–SiO_(2)system are still not fully clarified due to the difficulties in the experiments. In this study, a thorough investigation of these properties of CaO–SiO_(2)compound particles in steels was conducted based on first-principles density functional theory. Corresponding phases were determined by thermodynamic calculation, including gamma dicalcium silicate(γ-C2S), alpha-prime(L) dicalcium silicate(αL′-C2S), alpha-prime(H) dicalcium silicate(αH′-C2S), alpha dicalcium silicate(α-C2S), rankinite(C3S2), hatrurite(C3S), wollastonite(CS), and pseudowollastonite(Ps-CS). The results showed that the calculated crystal structures of the eight phases agree well with the experimental results. All the eight phases are stable according to the calculated formation energies, and γ-C2S is the most stable. O atom contributes the most to the reactivity of these phases. The Young’s modulus of the eight phases is in the range of 100.63–132.04 GPa. Poisson’s ratio is in the range of0.249–0.281. This study provided further understanding concerning the CaO–SiO_(2)compound particles in steels and fulfilled the corresponding property database, paving the way for inclusion engineering and design in terms of fracture-resistant steels.

Improving mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation of press hardened steel by adding Cr and Si

This work investigated the effect of Cr and Si on the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of press hardened steel.Results indicated that the microstructure of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel consisted of lath martensite,M_(23)C_(6)carbides,and retained austenite.The retained austenite and carbides are responsible for the increase in elongation of the micro-alloyed steel.In addition,after oxidation at 930℃for 5 min,the thickness of the oxide scales on the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel is less than 5μm,much thinner than 45.50μm-thick oxide scales on 22MnB5.The oxide scales of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed steel are composed of Fe_(2)O_(3),Fe_(3)O_(4),mixed spinel oxide(FeCr_(2)O_(4)and Fe_(2)SiO_(4)),and amorphous SiO_(2).Adding Cr and Si significantly reduces the thickness of the oxide scales and prevents the generation of the FeO phase.Due to the increase of spinel FeCr_(2)O_(4)and Fe_(2)SiO_(4)phase in the inner oxide scale and the amorphous SiO_(2)close to the substrate,the oxidation resistance of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel is improved.

Effects of preparation parameters on growth and properties of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film

The Ga_(2)O_(3) films are deposited on the Si and quartz substrates by magnetron sputtering, and annealing. The effects of preparation parameters(such as argon–oxygen flow ratio, sputtering power, sputtering time and annealing temperature)on the growth and properties(e.g., surface morphology, crystal structure, optical and electrical properties of the films) are studied by x-ray diffractometer(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer(UV-Vis). The results show that the thickness, crystallization quality and surface roughness of the β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film are influenced by those parameters. All β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films show good optical properties. Moreover, the value of bandgap increases with the enlarge of the percentage of oxygen increasing, and decreases with the increase of sputtering power and annealing temperature, indicating that the bandgap is related to the quality of the film and affected by the number of oxygen vacancy defects. The I–V curves show that the Ohmic behavior between metal and β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films is obtained at 900℃. Those results will be helpful for the further research of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) photoelectric semiconductor.

Microstructure evolution,mechanical properties and fracture behavior of Al-xSi/AZ91D bimetallic composites prepared by a compound casting

In this paper,the effect of the Si content on microstructure evolution,mechanical properties,and fracture behavior of the Al-xSi/AZ91D bimetallic composites prepared by compound casting was investigated systematically.The obtained results showed that all the Al-xSi/AZ91D bimetallic composites had a metallurgical reaction layer(MRL),whose thickness increased with increasing Si content for the hypoeutectic Al-Si/AZ91D composites,while the hypereutectic Al-Si/AZ91D composites were opposite.The MRL included eutectic layer(E layer),intermetallic compound layer(IMC layer)and transition region layer(T layer).In the IMC layer,the hypereutectic Al-Si/AZ91D composites contained some Si solid solution and flocculent Mg_(2)Si+Al-Mg IMCs phases not presented in the hypoeutectic Al-Si/AZ91D composites.Besides,increasing Si content,the thickness proportion of the T layer increased,forming an inconsistent preferred orientation of the MRL.The shear strengths of the Al-xSi/AZ91D bimetallic composites enhanced with increasing Si content,and the Al-15Si/AZ91D composite obtained a maximum shear strength of 58.6 MPa,which was 73.4% higher than the Al-6Si/AZ91D composite.The fractures of the Al-xSi/AZ91D bimetallic composites transformed from the T layer into the E layer with the increase of the Si content.The improvement of the shear strength of the Al-xSi/AZ91D bimetallic composites was attributed to the synergistic action of the Mg_(2)Si particle reinforcement,the reduction of oxidizing inclusions and the ratio of Al-Mg IMCs as well as the orientation change of the MRL.

Comparative structural and electrochemical properties of mixed P2/O′3-layered sodium nickel manganese oxide prepared by sol-gel and electrospinning methods:Effect of Na-excess content

The effect of Na-excess content in the precursor on the structural and electrochemical performances of sodium nickel manganese oxide(NNMO)prepared by sol-gel and electrospinning methods is investigated in this paper.X-ray diffraction results of the prepared NNMO without adding Na-excess content indicate sodium loss,while the mixed phase of P2/O′3-type layered NNMO presented after adding Na-excess content.Compared with the sol-gel method,the secondary phase of NiO is more suppressed by using the electrospinning method,which is further confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope images.N_(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms show no remarkably difference in specific surface areas between different preparation methods and Na-excess contents.The analysis of X-ray absorption near edge structure indicates that the oxidation states of Ni and Mn are+2 and+4,respectively.For the electrochemical properties,superior electrochemical performance is observed in the NNMO electrode with a low Na-excess content of 5wt%.The highest specific capacitance is 36.07 F·g^(-1)at0.1 A·g^(-1)in the NNMO electrode prepared by using the sol-gel method.By contrast,the NNMO electrode prepared using the electrospinning method with decreased Na-excess content shows excellent cycling stability of 100%after charge-discharge measurements for 300 cycles.Therefore,controlling the Na excess in the precursor together with the preparation method is important for improving the electrochemical performance of Na-based electrode materials in supercapacitors.

Impact of Different Rates of Nitrogen Supplementation on Soil PhysicochemicalProperties and Microbial Diversity in Goji Berry

Goji berry(Lycium barbarum L.)is substantially dependent on nitrogen fertilizer application,which can signifi-cantly enhance fruit yield and Goji berry industrial development in Ningxia,China.This study aimed to analyze the functions of differential nitrogen application rates including low(N1),medium(N2),and high(N3)levels in soil microbial community structure(bacterial and fungal)at 2 diverse soil depths(0-20,20-40 cm)through high-throughput sequencing technology by targeting 16S RNA gene and ITS1&ITS2 regions.All the observed physicochemical parameters exhibited significant improvement(p<0.05)with increased levels of nitrogen and the highest values for most parameters were observed at N2.However,pH decreased(p<0.05)gradually.The alpha and beta diversity analyses for bacterial and fungal communities’metagenome displayed more similarities than differences among all groups.The top bacterial and fungal phyla and genera suggested no obvious(p>0.05)differences among three group treatments(N1,N2,and N3).Furthermore,the functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant(p<0.05)enrichment of quorum sensing,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and transcriptional machinery for bacterial communities,while various saprotrophic functional roles for fungal communities.Conclusively,moderately reducing the use of N-supplemented fertilizers is conducive to increasing soil nitrogen utilization rate,which can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices through improved soil quality,and microbial community structure and functions.

Preparation,properties,and applications of Bi_(2)O_(2)Se thin films:A review

Two-dimensional materials have shown great application potential in high-performance electronic devices because they are ultrathin,have an ultra-large specific surface area,high carrier mobility,efficient channel current regulation,and extraordinary integration.In addition to graphene,other types of 2D nanomaterials have also been studied and applied in photodetectors,solar cells,energy storage devices,and so on.Bi_(2)O_(2)Se is an emerging 2D semiconductor material with very high electron mobility,modest bandgap,near-ideal subthreshold swing,and excellent thermal and chemical stability.Even in a monolayer structure,Bi_(2)O_(2)Se has still exhibited efficient light absorption.In this mini review,the latest main research progresses on the preparation methods,electric structure,and the optical,mechanical,and thermoelectric properties of Bi_(2)O_(2)Se are summarized.The wide rang of applications in electronics and photoelectronic devices are then reviewed.This review concludes with a discussion of the existing open questions/challenges and future prospects for Bi_(2)O_(2)Se.

Degradation of chemical and mechanical properties of cements with different formulations in CO_(2)-containing HTHP downhole environment

The increasing energy demand has pushed oil and gas exploration and development limits to extremely challenging and harsher HTHP (High Temperature and High Pressure) environments. Maintaining wellbore integrity in these environments, particularly in HPHT reservoirs with corrosive gases, presents a significant challenge. Robust risk evaluation and mitigation strategies are required to address these reservoirs' safety, economic, and environmental uncertainties. This study investigates chemo-mechanical properties degradations of class G oil well cement blended with silica fume, liquid silica, and latex when exposed to high temperature (150 °C) and high partial pressure of CO_(2) saturated brine. The result shows that these admixtures surround the cement grains and fill the interstitial spaces between the cement particles to form a dense crystal system of C–S–H. Consequently, the cement's percentage of pore voids, permeability, and the content of alkali compounds reduce, resulting in increased resistance to CO_(2) corrosion. Liquid silica, a specially prepared silica suspension, is a more effective alternative to silica fume in protecting oil well cement against CO_(2) chemical degradation. Micro-indentation analysis shows a significant deterioration in the mechanical properties of the cement, including average elastic modulus and hardness, particularly in the outer zones in direct contact with corrosive fluids. This study highlights the significance of incorporating admixtures to mitigate the effects of CO_(2) corrosion in HPHT environments and provides a valuable technique for quantitatively evaluating the mechanical-chemical degradation of cement sheath.