Synergistic effect of carbon nanotube and encapsulated carbon layer enabling high-performance SnS_2-based anode for lithium storage

Tin disulfide(SnS_(2)),due to large interlayer spacing and high theoretical capacity,is regarded as a prospective anode material for lithium-ion batteries.Nevertheless,the poor electron conductivity of SnS_(2) and huge volumetric change during the lithiation/delithiation process lead to a rapid capacity decay of the battery,hindering its commercialization.To address these issues,herein,SnS_(2) is in-situ grown on the surface of carbon nanotubes(CNT)and then encapsulated with a layer of porous amorphous carbon(CNT/SnS_(2)@C)by simple solvothermal and further carbonization treatment.The synergistic effect of CNT and porous carbon layer not only enhances the electrical co nductivity of SnS_(2) but also limits the huge volumetric change to avoid the pulverization and detachment of SnS_(2).Density functional theo ry calculations show that CNT/SnS_(2)@C has high Li^(+)adsorption and lithium storage capacity achieving high reaction kinetics.Consequently,cells with the CNT/SnS_(2)@C anode exhibit a high lithium storage capacity of 837mAh/g after 100 cycles at 0.1 A/g and retaining a capacity of 529.8 mAh/g under 1.0 A/g after 1000 cycles.This study provides a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical processes and beneficial guidance to design high-performance SnS_(2)-based anodes for LIBs.

First-principles study of moderate phonon-mediated pairing in high-pressure monoclinic phase of BiS_(2)-based superconductors

Isotope effect on superconductive transition temperature(T_c)is an essential indicator to examine whether the mechanism of superconductors is conventional.Unconventional isotope effect of BiS_(2)-based superconductors has been previously reported in ambient-pressure tetragonal phase.However,to comprehensively ascertain the nature of superconductivity,the investigation of BiS_(2)-based system in high-pressure structure is highly desirable.In this work,we carried out the first-principles calculations of phonon spectra and superconductivity in high-pressure monoclinic phase of LaO_(0.5)F_(0.5)BiS_(2)with ^(32)S and ^(34)S,and observed that the corresponding isotope coefficient is 0.13≤α≤0.20.This value is much greater than that of BiS_(2)-based superconductors in ambient-pressure phase,but slightly smaller than that of conventional MgB_2.Taking into account the calculated T_(c) lower than experimental results,we finally conclude that the moderate phonon-mediated pairing plays a significant role in forming superconductivity of BiS_(2)-based system in high-pressure phase,moreover,the cooperative multiple paring interactions should also be considered.

Rational design of MoS_(2)-based catalysts toward lignin hydrodeoxygenation:Interplay of structure,catalysis,and stability

The MoS_(2)-based materials are a vital class of heterogeneous catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation of lignin and its model compounds to produce value-added chemicals especially because of their unique selectivity to aromatics.The rational design of MoS_(2)-based catalyst greatly depends on the comprehensive understanding of its structure-activity relationship.However,an intensive summary and critical analysis are still scarce to date.In this review,we attempt to provide an in-depth understanding of the interplay of structure,catalysis,and stability of MoS_(2)-based catalysts for lignin hydrodeoxygenation.The recognition of intrinsic active sites on MoS_(2) structure was firstly discussed,followed by the illustration of MoS_(2)-catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation structural models.Afterward,based on the studies on the MoS_(2)-catalyzed lignin model compounds hydrodeoxygenation,the current active site modification strategies including structural modification of monometallic MoS_(2) catalysts and collaborative modification were summarized and emphatically discussed,which aims to elucidate the structure-activity relationship at the atomic-level.The deactivation mechanism and stabilization strategies were also illustrated to provide instructive suggestion for the rational design of efficient and stable MoS_(2)-based catalysts.Finally,the real lignin depolymerization over MoS_(2)-based catalysts was summarized to point out the advantages and difficulties.This review attempts to highlight the remaining challenges and provide some perspectives for the future development of MoS_(2)-based catalysts for lignin hydrodeoxygenation.

Effect of VC/Cr_3C_2 on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

Effects of VC/Cr3C2 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti（C,N）-based cermets were studied. The microstructure was investigated by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry as well as scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive spectrometry. Mechanical properties, such as transverse rupture strength, hardness and fracture toughness, were measured. The results show that there are black core-grey rim structure and white core-grey rim structure in the microstructure. The grains become fine due to the VC/Cr3C2, and the grains of cermet added with 0.75VC/0.25Cr3C2 are refined most remarkably. The black core becomes finer with the increase of VC addition and rim phase becomes thicker with the decrease of Cr3C2 addition. The porosity increases with the increase of VC addition in VC/Cr3C2. Compared with the cermet free of VC/Cr3C2, the transverse rupture strength and hardness of cermets with VC/Cr3C2 are both improved, and the maximum values are both found for the cermet with 0.25VC/0.75Cr3C2. The fracture toughness can be effectively promoted by adding VC/Cr3C2 with an appropriate ratio of VC to Cr3C2, and the maximum value is found for the cermet with 0.5VC/0.5Cr3C2.

SnO_2-based gas(hydrogen) anodes for aluminum electrolysis

A novel SnO2-based gas anode was developed for aluminum electrolysis in molten cryolite at 850 ＆#176;C to reduce energy consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. Hydrogen was introduced into the anode, participating in the anode reaction. Carbon and aluminum were used as the cathode and reference electrodes, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry was applied in the cell to investigate the electrochemical behavior of oxygen ion on platinum and SnO2-based materials. The potential for oxygen evolution on these electrode materials was determined. Then, galvanostatic electrolysis was performed on the gas anode, showing a significant depolarization effect （a decrease of ~0.8 V of the anode potential） after the introduction of hydrogen, compared with no gas introduction or the introduction of argon. The results indicate the involvement of hydrogen in the anode reaction （three-phase-boundary reaction including gas, electrolyte and electrode） and give the possibility for the utilization of reducing gas anodes for aluminum electrolysis.

SnO_2-based solid solutions for CH_4 deep oxidation: Quantifying the lattice capacity of SnO_2 using an X-ray diffraction extrapolation method

A series of SnO2‐based catalysts modified by Mn, Zr, Ti and Pb oxides with a Sn/M （M=Mn, Zr, Ti and Pb） molar ratio of 9/1 were prepared by a co‐precipitation method and used for CH4 and CO oxidation. The Mn3＋, Zr4＋, Ti4＋and Pb4＋cations are incorporated into the lattice of tetragonal rutile SnO2 to form a solid solution structure. As a consequence, the surface area and thermal stability of the catalysts are improved. Moreover, the oxygen species of the modified catalysts become easier to be reduced. Therefore, the oxidation activity over the catalysts was improved, except for the one modified by Pb oxide. Manganese oxide demonstrates the best promotional effects for SnO2. Using an X‐ray diffraction extrapolation method, the lattice capacity of SnO2 for Mn2O3 was 0.135 g Mn2O3/g SnO2, which indicates that to form stable solid solution, only 21%Sn4＋cations in the lattice can be maximally replaced by Mn3＋. If the amount of Mn3＋cations is over the capacity, Mn2O3 will be formed, which is not favorable for the activity of the catalysts. The Sn rich samples with only Sn‐Mn solid solution phase show higher activity than the ones with excess Mn2O3 species.

Fundamental and progress of Bi_2Te_3-based thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric materials,enabling the directing conversion between heat and electricity,are one of the promising candidates for overcoming environmental pollution and the upcoming energy shortage caused by the over-consumption of fossil fuels.Bi2Te3-based alloys are the classical thermoelectric materials working near room temperature.Due to the intensive theoretical investigations and experimental demonstrations,significant progress has been achieved to enhance the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric materials.In this review,we first explored the fundamentals of thermoelectric effect and derived the equations for thermoelectric properties.On this basis,we studied the effect of material parameters on thermoelectric properties.Then,we analyzed the features of Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric materials,including the lattice defects,anisotropic behavior and the strong bipolar conduction at relatively high temperature.Then we accordingly summarized the strategies for enhancing the thermoelectric performance,including point defect engineering,texture alignment,and band gap enlargement.Moreover,we highlighted the progress in decreasing thermal conductivity using nanostructures fabricated by solution grown method,ball milling,and melt spinning.Lastly,we employed modeling analysis to uncover the principles of anisotropy behavior and the achieved enhancement in Bi2Te3,which will enlighten the enhancement of thermoelectric performance in broader materials

Effect of Ni-coated MoS2 on microstructure and tribological properties of(Cu−10Sn)-based composites

The(Cu−10Sn)−Ni−MoS2 composites,prepared by powder metallurgy,were studied for the effects of Ni-coated MoS2 on the microstructure,mechanical properties and lubricating properties.The mechanism of effects of Ni and MoS2 on the properties of composites was analyzed through a comparative experiment by adding Ni and MoS2 separately.The results show that the nickel wrapping around the MoS2 particles decreases the reaction rate of MoS2 with the copper matrix,and greatly improves the bonding of the matrix.The composites with 12 wt.%Ni-coated MoS2(C12)show the optimum performance including the mechanical properties and tribological behaviors.Under oil lubrication conditions,the friction coefficient is 0.0075 with a pressure of 8 MPa and a linear velocity of 0.25 m/s.The average dry friction coefficient,sliding against 40Cr steel disc,is measured to be 0.1769 when the linear velocity and pressure are 0.25 m/s and 4 MPa,respectively.

Influence of soaking time on semi-conductivity and nonlinear electrical properties of TiO_2-based varistor ceramics

We investigated the influence of soaking time on the semi-conductivity and nonlinear electrical properties of TiO2- based varistor ceramic samples. We used a single sintering process and fabricated six disk samples of （Sr, Bi, Si, Ta）-doped TiO2- based varistor ceramics sintered at 1 250℃ for 0.5 h, 1.0 h, 2.0 h, 3.0 h, 4.0 h, and 5.0 h, respectively. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, breakdown voltage, and complex impedance. The results show that as the soaking time increases from 0.5 h to 5.0 h, the breakdown voltage drops before rising while the nonlinear coefficient increases and then decreases. We suggest that, considering both grain semi-conductivity and nonlinear electrical properties of the TiO2-based varistor ceramics, the optimal soaking time is between 2.0 h and 3.0 h.

Effect of Mo_2C on electrochemical corrosion behavior of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

The electrochemical corrosion behavior of Ti（C,N）-based cermets with different Mo2C additions was investigated in freely aerated 10% H2SO4 and potentiodynamic polarization of all the materials was conducted from -0.5 to 1.5 V. There are two passive regions for all polarization curves. The first should be attributed to passive film formation due to Ti（C,N）, while the second may be due to the presence of Ni. Corrosion current density increases with M02C content increasing, from 2.06×10^-3 to 6.70×10^-3 mA/cm2. It is indicated that the corrosion resistance of Ti（C,N）-based cermets decreases with the increase of Mo2C addition. A skeleton of Ti（C,N） gains is observed after dissolution of Ni. The inner rim of cermets, rich in Mo2C, is corroded along with Ni binder and is more serious with the increase of Mo2C content. The secondary carbide Mo2C can be oxidized and dissolved in sulphuric acid.

Ferroelectricity of hafnium oxide-based materials:Current status and future prospects from physical mechanisms to device applications

The finding of the robust ferroelectricity in HfO_(2)-based thin films is fantastic from the view point of both the fundamentals and the applications.In this review article,the current research status of the future prospects for the ferroelectric HfO_(2)-based thin films and devices are presented from fundamentals to applications.The related issues are discussed,which include:1)The ferroelectric characteristics observed in HfO_(2)-based films and devices associated with the factors of dopant,strain,interface,thickness,defect,fabrication condition,and more;2)physical understanding on the observed ferroelectric behaviors by the density functional theory(DFT)-based theory calculations;3)the characterizations of microscopic and macroscopic features by transmission electron microscopes-based and electrical properties-based techniques;4)modeling and simulations,5)the performance optimizations,and 6)the applications of some ferroelectric-based devices such as ferroelectric random access memory,ferroelectric-based field effect transistors,and the ferroelectric tunnel junction for the novel information processing systems.

Synergistically Toughening Effect of SiC Whiskers and Nanoparticles in Al_2O_3-based Composite Ceramic Cutting Tool Material

In recent decades, many additives with different characteristics have been applied to strengthen and toughen Al2O3-based ceramic cutting tool materials. Among them, SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles showed excellent performance in improving the material properties. While no attempts have been made to add SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles together into the ceramic matrix and the synergistically toughening effects of them have not been studied. An Al2O3-SiCw-SiC np advanced ceramic cutting tool material is fabricated by adding both one-dimensional SiC whiskers and zero-dimensional SiC nanoparticles into the Al2O3 matrix with an effective dispersing and mixing process. The composites with 25 vol% SiC whiskers and 25 vol% SiC nanoparticles alone are also investegated for comparison purposes. Results show that the Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp composite with both 20 vo1% SiC whiskers and 5 vol% SiC nanoparticles additives have much improved mechanical properties. The flexural strength of Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp is 730＋ 95 MPa and fracture toughness is 5.6 ± 0.6 MPa.m1/2. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms of SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are studied when they are added either individually or in combination. It is indicated that when SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are added together, the grains are further refined and homogenized, so that the microstructure and fracture mode ratio is modified. The SiC nanoparticles are found helpful to enhance the toughening effects of the SiC whiskers. The proposed research helps to enrich the types of ceramic cutting tool and is benefit to expand the application range of ceramic cutting tool.

New technique of comprehensive utilization of spent Al_2O_3-based catalyst

A new technology was developed to recover multiple valuable elements from the spent Al2O3-based catalyst by X-ray phase analysis and exploratory experiments. The experimental results show that in the condition of roasting temperature of 750℃ and roasting time of 30 min, molar ratio of Na2O to Al2O3 of 1.2, the leaching rates of alumina, vanadium and molybdenum in the spent catalyst are 97.2%, 95.8% and 98.9%, respectively. Vanadium and molybdenum in sodium aluminate solution can be recovered by precipitators A and B, and the precipitation rates of vanadium and molybdenum are 94.8% and 92.6%. Al（OH）3 was prepared from sodium aluminate solution in the carbonation decomposition process, and the purity of Al2O3 is 99.9% after calcination, the recovery of alumina reaches 90.6% in the whole process; the Ni-Co concentrate was leached by sulfuric acid, a nickel recovery of 98.2% and cobalt recovery over 98.5% can be obtained under the experimental condition of 30% H2SO4, 80℃, reaction time 4 h, mass ratio of liquid to solid 8, stirring rate 800r/min.

Oxygen Evolution Efficiency and Chlorine Evolution Efficiency for Electrocatalytic Properties of MnO_2-based Electrodes in Seawater

To improve both oxygen evolution efficiency and stability at high temperatures, Mn, Mn+Mo, Mn+Mo+V, and Mn+Fe+V oxide electrodes were prepared on a Ti substrate, with an intermediate layer of IrO_2, by an anodic deposition method. The crystal structure, surface morphology, pore size distribution, specific surface area, and voltammetric charge were then characterized for each electrode. The results demonstrated that for Mn-O electrodes, the preferential orientation of the(100) crystal plane and the mesopore structure played negative roles in the oxygen evolution reaction. On the basis of the electrocatalytic properties of MnO2-based electrodes in seawater, the outer surface voltammetric charge at a scan rate of 500 mV·s-1 was shown to effectively indicate whether oxygen evolution reactions were preferred over chlorine evolution reactions. The Mn-O electrode exhibited oxygen evolution efficiency of only 47.27%, whereas the Mn+Mo, Mn+Mo+V and Mn+Fe+V oxide electrodes displayed oxygen evolution efficiency of nearly 100%. This means that adding Mo, V, and Fe elements to the electrode can improve its crystal structure and morphology as well as further enhancing its oxygen evolution efficiency.

Local corrosion mechanism of SiO2-based refractories caused by slag movement near solid–liquid–gas interface in different slag systems

Slag movement on SiO2-based prism refractories in different slag systems was observed. The cross section shape evolution mechanism was discussed. Two types of shape evolution appear. For PbO-SiO2 slag whose surface tension improves with SiO2 concentration, slag film flows up along four edges under axial Marangoni shear force and wettability. Then, it flows down along four lateral faces under gravity. Corrosion rate at edges is larger than that on lateral faces due to different SiO2 solubilities of ascending and descending flow. Prism cross section shape changes from square to round. For FetO-SiO2 slag whose surface tension reduces with the increase of SiO2 concentration, slag film flows up under the inflence of wettability. Then, it flows down under Marangoni shear force and gravity. Compared to four edges, slag is mainly up and down on four lateral faces due to larger surface tension and size. So, prism cross section shape keeps square.

Effects of Thickness and Temperature on Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3-Based Thin Films

Bi_2Te_3 thin films and GeTe/B_2Te_3 superlattices of different thicknesses are prepared on the silicon dioxide substrates by magnetron sputtering technique and thermally annealed at 573 K for 30 min. Thermoelectric（TE）measurements indicate that optimal thickness and thickness ratio improve the TE performance of Bi_2Te_3 thin films and GeTe/B_2Te_3 superlattices, respectively. High TE performances with figure-of-merit（ZT） values as high as 1.32 and 1.56 are achieved at 443 K for 30 nm and 50 nm Bi_2Te_3 thin films, respectively. These ZT values are higher than those of p-type Bi_2Te_3 alloys as reported. Relatively high ZT of the GeTe/B_2Te_3 superlattices at 300-380 K were 0.62-0.76. The achieved high ZT value may be attributed to the unique nano-and microstructures of the films,which increase phonon scattering and reduce thermal conductivity. The results indicate that Bi_2Te_3-based thin films can serve as high-performance materials for applications in TE devices.

Total Ionization Dose Effects on Charge Storage Capability of Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3-Based Charge Trapping Memory Cell

Because of the discrete charge storage mechanism, charge trapping memory（CTM） technique is a good candidate for aerospace and military missions. The total ionization dose（TID） effects on CTM cells with Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3（AHA） high-k gate stack structure under in-situ 10 keV x-rays are studied. The C-V characteristics at different radiation doses demonstrate that charge stored in the device continues to be leaked away during the irradiation,thereby inducing the shift of flat band voltage（V（fb））. The dc memory window shows insignificant changes, suggesting the existence of good P/E ability. Furthermore, the physical mechanisms of TID induced radiation damages in AHA-based CTM are analyzed.

Observing ferroelastic switching in Hf_(0.5)Zr_(0.5)O_(2) thin film

Hafnium zirconium oxides(HZO),which exhibit ferroelectric properties,are promising materials for nanoscale device fabrication due to their high complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS) compatibility.In addition to piezoelectricity,ferroelectricity,and flexoelectricity,this study reports the observation of ferroelasticity using piezoelectric force microscopy(PFM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy(STEM).The dynamics of 90° ferroelastic domains in HZO thin films are investigated under the influence of an electric field.Switching of the retentive domains is observed through repeated wake-up measurements.This study presents a possibility of enhancing polarization in HZO thin films during wake-up processes.

Current Controlled Relaxation Oscillations in Ge_2Sb_2Te_5-Based Phase Change Memory Devices

The relaxation oscillation of the phase change memory （PCM） devices based on the Ge2Sb2Te5 material is investigated by applying square current pulses. The current pulses with different amplitudes could be accurately given by the independently designed current testing system. The relaxation oscillation across the PCM device could be measured using an oscilloscope. The oscillation duration decreases with time, showing an inner link with the shrinking threshold voltage Vth. However, the relaxation oscillation would not terminate until the remaining voltage Von reaches the holding voltage Vh. This demonstrates that the relaxation oscillation might be controlled by Von. The increasing current amplitudes could only quicken the oscillation velocity but not be able to eliminate it, which indicates that the relaxation oscillation might be an inherent behavior for the PCM cell.

Tribological Performance of MoS_2-based Coatings after Deposition and Storage in Humid Air

MoS 2-based composite coatings were deposited with the nano-compound unbalanced plasma plating technique. The effects of processing parameters and working environments on the tribological properties of the coatings were examined by the drilling experiments and XPS. The distances between substrate and Ti target, Ti content and deposition pressure were varied in order to determine the optimum conditions for producing lubricious, long-lasting MoS 2-based coatings. It is found that the tribological performance of TiN-MoS 2 coating decreases rapidly in humid air but the humid-resistant property of TiN-MoS 2/Ti coating improves evidently.It is indicated that the humid-resistantance property and the abrasion durability of MoS 2-based coatings can be enhanced markedly by adding Ti with a certain contents.