Design of high-temperature superconductors at moderate pressures by alloying AlH3 or GaH3

Since the discovery of hydride superconductors,a significant challenge has been to reduce the pressure required for their stabilization.In this context,we propose that alloying could be an effective strategy to achieve this.We focus on a series of alloyed hydrides with the AMH_(6)composition,which can be made via alloying A15 AH_(3)(A=Al or Ga)with M(M=a group IIIB or IVB metal),and study their behavior under pressure.Seven of them are predicted to maintain the A15-type structure,similar to AH_(3)under pressure,providing a platform for studying the effects of alloying on the stability and superconductivity of AH_(3).Among these,the A15-type phases of AlZrH_(6)and AlHfH_(6)are found to be thermodynamically stable in the pressure ranges of 40–150 and 30–181 GPa,respectively.Furthermore,they remain dynamically stable at even lower pressures,as low as 13 GPa for AlZrH_(6)and 6 GPa for AlHfH_(6).These pressures are significantly lower than that required for stabilizing A15 AlH3.Additionally,the introduction of Zr or Hf increases the electronic density of states at the Fermi level compared with AlH3.This enhancement leads to higher critical temperatures(Tc)of 75 and 76 K for AlZrH_(6)and AlHfH_(6)at 20 and 10 GPa,respectively.In the case of GaMH_(6)alloys,where M represents Sc,Ti,Zr,or Hf,these metals reinforce the stability of the A15-type structure and reduce the lowest thermodynamically stable pressure for GaH_(3) from 160 GPa to 116,95,80,and 85 GPa,respectively.Particularly noteworthy are the A15-type GaMH_(6)alloys,which remain dynamically stable at low pressures of 97,28,5,and 6 GPa,simultaneously exhibiting high Tc of 88,39,70,and 49 K at 100,35,10,and 10 GPa,respectively.Overall,these findings enrich the family of A15-type superconductors and provide insights for the future exploration of high-temperature hydride superconductors that can be stabilized at lower pressures.

Review of Sc microalloying effects in Al-Cu alloys

Artificially controlling the solid-state precipitation in aluminum (Al) alloys is an efficient way to achieve well-performed properties,and the microalloying strategy is the most frequently adopted method for such a purpose.In this paper,recent advances in lengthscale-dependent scandium (Sc) microalloying effects in Al-Cu model alloys are reviewed.In coarse-grained Al-Cu alloys,the Sc-aided Cu/Sc/vacancies complexes that act as heterogeneous nuclei and Sc segregation at the θ′-Al_(2)Cu/matrix interface that reduces interfacial energy contribute significantly to θ′precipitation.By grain size refinement to the fine/ultrafine-grained scale,the strongly bonded Cu/Sc/vacancies complexes inhibit Cu and vacancy diffusing toward grain boundaries,promoting the desired intragranular θ′precipitation.At nanocrystalline scale,the applied high strain producing high-density vacancies results in the formation of a large quantity of (Cu Sc,vacancy)-rich atomic complexes with high thermal stability,outstandingly improving the strength/ductility synergy and preventing the intractable low-temperature precipitation.This review recommends the use of microalloying technology to modify the precipitation behaviors toward better combined mechanical properties and thermal stability in Al alloys.

Role of micro-Ca/In alloying in tailoring the microstructural characteristics and discharge performance of dilute Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloys as anodes for Mg-air batteries

The influence of micro-Ca/In alloying on the microstructural charac teristics,electrochemical behaviors and discharge properties of extruded dilute Mg-0.5Bi-0.5Sn-based(wt.%)alloys as anodes for Mg-air batteries are evaluated.The grain size and texture intensity of the Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloys are significantly decreased after the Ca/In alloying,particularly for the In-containing alloy.Note that,in addition to nanoscale Mg_(3)Bi_(2)phase,a new microscale Mg_(2)Bi_(2)Ca phase forms in the Ca-containing alloy.The electrochemical test results demonstrate that Ca/In micro-alloying can enhance the electrochemical activity.Using In to alloy the Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloy is effective in restricting the cathodic hydrogen evolution(CHE)kinetics,leading to a low self-corrosion rate,while severe CHE occurred after Ca alloying.The micro-alloying of Ca/In to Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloy strongly deteriorates the compactness of discharge products film and mitigates the"chunk effect"(CE),hence the cell voltage,anodic efficiency as well as discharge capacity are greatly improved.The In-containing alloy exhibits outstanding discharge performance under the combined effect of the modified microstructure and discharge products,thus making it a potential anode material for primary Mg-air battery.

Design of low-alloying and high-performance solid solution-strengthened copper alloys with element substitution for sustainable development

Solid solution-strengthened copper alloys have the advantages of a simple composition and manufacturing process,high mechanical and electrical comprehensive performances,and low cost;thus,they are widely used in high-speed rail contact wires,electronic component connectors,and other devices.Overcoming the contradiction between low alloying and high performance is an important challenge in the development of solid solution-strengthened copper alloys.Taking the typical solid solution-strengthened alloy Cu-4Zn-1Sn as the research object,we proposed using the element In to replace Zn and Sn to achieve low alloying in this work.Two new alloys,Cu-1.5Zn-1Sn-0.4In and Cu-1.5Zn-0.9Sn-0.6In,were designed and prepared.The total weight percentage content of alloying elements decreased by 43%and 41%,respectively,while the product of ultimate tensile strength(UTS)and electrical conductivity(EC)of the annealed state increased by 14%and 15%.After cold rolling with a 90%reduction,the UTS of the two new alloys reached 576 and 627MPa,respectively,the EC was 44.9%IACS and 42.0%IACS,and the product of UTS and EC(UTS×EC)was 97%and 99%higher than that of the annealed state alloy.The dislocations proliferated greatly in cold-rolled alloys,and the strengthening effects of dislocations reached 332 and 356 MPa,respectively,which is the main reason for the considerable improvement in mechanical properties.

Mitigated reaction kinetics between lithium metal anodes and electrolytes by alloying lithium metal with low-content magnesium

Lithium(Li)metal is regarded as a promising anode candidate for high-energy-density rechargeable batteries.Nevertheless,Li metal is highly reactive against electrolytes,leading to rapid decay of active Li metal reservoir.Here,alloying Li metal with low-content magnesium(Mg)is proposed to mitigate the reaction kinetics between Li metal anodes and electrolytes.Mg atoms enter the lattice of Li atoms,forming solid solution due to the low amount(5 wt%)of Mg.Mg atoms mainly concentrate near the surface of Mg-alloyed Li metal anodes.The reactivity of Mg-alloyed Li metal is mitigated kinetically,which results from the electron transfer from Li to Mg atoms due to the electronegativity difference.Based on quantitative experimental analysis,the consumption rate of active Li and electrolytes is decreased by using Mgalloyed Li metal anodes,which increases the cycle life of Li metal batteries under demanding conditions.Further,a pouch cell(1.25 Ah)with Mg-alloyed Li metal anodes delivers an energy density of 340 Wh kg^(-1)and a cycle life of 100 cycles.This work inspires the strategy of modifying Li metal anodes to kinetically mitigate the side reactions with electrolytes.

Fabrication of nano-crystalline W-Ni-Fe pre-alloyed powders by mechanical alloying technique

Nano-crystalline pre-alloyed powders of W-Ni-Fe were fabricated by high energy ball milling mechanical alloying (MA) technique. The change of appearances and the crystallite sizes of powders before and after high energy ball milling were investigated by XRD, TOPAS P software, SEM and EDS. The results show that the nano-crystalline pre-alloyed powders can be fabricated by 5 h high energy ball milling. During the MA process, the diffusion of W, Ni and Fe happens in the process of repeated welding and fracturing. As a result, nano-crystalline supersaturated solid solutions are formed. The crystallite sizes won't be refined after 10 h ball milling. The crystallite sizes of different compositions are almost the same under the same MA condition. Due to the toughening mechanism of rare earth element, the powders of 90W-4Ni-2Fe-3.8Mo-0.2RE alloy are seriously agglomerated after ball milling compared with the other alloys. It can be concluded that the optimal sintering temperature of 90W-4Ni-2Fe-3.8Mo-0.2RE pre-alloyed powders after 15 h mechanical alloying is 1 300-1 350 ℃.

Impact of W alloying on microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion resistance of face-centered cubic high entropy alloys: A review

Face-centered cubic (f.c.c.) high entropy alloys (HEAs) are attracting more and more attention owing to their excellent strength and ductility synergy, irradiation resistance, etc. However, the yield strength of f.c.c. HEAs is generally low, significantly limiting their practical applications. Recently, the alloying of W has been evidenced to be able to remarkably improve the mechanical properties of f.c.c. HEAs and is becoming a hot topic in the community of HEAs. To date, when W is introduced, multiple strengthening mechanisms, including solid-solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening (μphase,σphase, and b.c.c. phase), and grain-refinement strengthening, have been discovered to be activated or enhanced. Apart from mechanical properties, the addition of W improves corrosion resistance as W helps to form a dense WO_(3) film on the alloy surface. Until now, despite the extensive studies in the literature, there is no available review paper focusing on the W doping of the f.c.c. HEAs. In that context, the effects of W doping on f.c.c. HEAs were reviewed in this work from three aspects, i.e., microstructure,mechanical property, and corrosion resistance. We expect this work can advance the application of the W alloying strategy in the f.c.c. HEAs.

Influences of Milling Time and NbC on Microstructure of AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)High Entropy Alloy by Mechanical Alloying

AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)eutectic high entropy alloy(EHEA)and AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)-x NbC(x=2.5wt%,5.0wt%,7.5wt%,and 10wt%)high entropy alloy(HEAs)were prepared by mechanical alloying(MA).The effects of milling time and NbC content on the alloying behavior and grain size of the AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)EHEA were investigated.The experimental results show that the AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)EHEA primarily consists of order BCC(B2)and face-centered-cubic(FCC)phases,while the AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)-x NbC(x=2.5wt%,5.0wt%,7.5wt%,and 10wt%)HEAs are composed of B2,FCC,and NbC phases.With the increase of milling time,the powder goes through three stages,irregularity,cold welding fracture and spheroidization.The particle size of AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)EHEA powder shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing.Therein,the particle size presents a normal distribution during 0-50 h alloying.With the addition of NbC,the AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1)-x NbC HEAs powders are significantly refined.And the degree of grain refinement gradually increases with the increase of NbC content.

Electrochemical CO_(2) reduction:Progress and opportunity with alloying copper

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) into value-added chemicals offers an entrancing approach to main-taining the global carbon cycle and eliminating environmental threats.A key obstacle to achieving long-term and large-scale implementation of electrochemical CO_(2) reduction technology is the lack of active and selective cat-alysts.Copper(Cu)is one of the few candidates that can facilitate C–C coupling to obtain high-energy oxygenates and hydrocarbons beyond carbon monoxide(CO),but it suffers from poor selectivity for products of interest and high overpotentials.Alloying is an effective way to break the linear scaling relations and uniquely manipulate the reactivity and selectivity,which is hard to achieve by using monometallic compositions alone.By alloying Cu with other metals,one could change the catalytic properties of the catalyst by tuning the local electronic structure and modulating the adsorption strength of the reaction intermediates,thus improving the catalytic activity and selectivity.In this review,we focus on the recently developed Cu-based alloy catalysts(including conventional alloys,high-entropy alloys and single-atom alloys)that have been applied in electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction(ECR).Theoretical calculations and experimental advances in understanding the key rate-limiting and selectivity-determining steps in those alloys are summarized,with a particular focus on identifying binding energy de-scriptors and the dynamic product formation mechanisms.In addition,we outline the opportunities and chal-lenges in the fundamental understanding of ECR by recommending advanced in-situ characterization techniques and standardized electrochemical methods and offer atomic-level design principles for steering the reaction pathways to the desired products.

Dealloying of an amorphous TiCuRu alloy results in a nanostructured electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Development of an electrocatalyst that is cheap and has good properties to replace conventional noble metals is important for H_(2) applications.In this study,dealloying of an amorphous Ti_(37)Cu_(60)Ru_(3) alloy was performed to prepare a freestanding nanostructured hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)catalyst.The effect of dealloying and addition of Ru to TiCu alloys on the microstructure and HER properties under alkaline conditions was investigated.3 at.%Ru addition in Ti_(40)Cu_(60) decreases the overpotential to reach a current density of 10mA cm^(-2) and Tafel slope of the dealloyed samples to 35 and 34mV dec−1.The improvement of electrocatalytic properties was attributed to the formation of a nanostructure and the modification of the electronic structure of the catalyst.First-principles calculations based on density function theory indicate that Ru decreases the Gibbs free energy of water dissociation.This work presents a method to prepare an efficient electrocatalyst via dealloying of amorphous alloys.

Investigation on influence of alloying on phase transitions of duplex stainless steel based on thermochemical calculation

This paper investigated on influence of different alloying elements added into duplex stainless steel (DSS) on phase transitions using thermochemical methods in comparison with experiment.The results showed that the most possible species in the ferrite phase,austenite phase,σphase,Hcp phase,χphase,and carbide were Cr:Va-type,Fe:Va-type,Ni:Cr:Mo-type,Cr_(2)N-type,Fe_(24)Mo_(10)Cr_(24)-type,and Cr:Mo:C-type,respectively.Furthermore,the Ni,N,Cr,and Mo alloying had significant influences on the transition of each DSS phase.The Ni and N additions obviously raised the temperature at ferrite-1/austenite-1 balance while the Cr and Mo decreased the dual-phase balance temperature.In addition,the Ni addition can promote the precipitating ofσphase at relatively high temperature while the precipitating of Hcp phase at relatively low temperature.The Hcp phase andχphase can be obviously increased by the N addition.The introduction of Cr and Mo notably enhances the precipitation ofσphase.However,the promotion ofχphase precipitation is facilitated by the presence of Mo,while the Cr element acts as an inhibitor forχphase precipitation.Furthermore,the ferrite/austenite ratio tested by experiment was higher than that calculated by thermochemical methods,thus pre-designed solution temperature should be lower about 30-100℃than that calculated by thermochemical methods.

Li^(+)Solvation Mediated Interfacial Kinetic of Alloying Matrix for Stable Li Anodes

Severe lithium(Li)dendrite growth caused by the uneven overpotential deposition is a formidable challenge for high energy density Li metal batteries(LMBs).Herein,we investigate a synergetic interfacial kinetic to regulate Li deposition behavior and stabilize Li metal anode.Through constructing Li alloying matrix with a bi-functional silver(Ag)-Li_(3)N blended interface,fast Li^(+)conductivity and high Li affinity can be achieved simultaneously,resulting in both decreased Li nucleation and mass transfercontrolled overpotentials.Beyond these properties,a more important feature is demonstrated herein;that is,the inward diffusion depth of the Li adatoms inside of the Ag site can be restricted by the Li^(+)solvation structure in a highly coordinating environment.The latter feature can ensure the durability of the operational Ag sites,thereby elongating the Li protection ability of the Ag-Li_(3)N interface greatly.This work provides a deep insight into the synergetic effect of functional alloying structure and Li^(+)solvation mediated interfacial kinetic on Li metal protection.

Development of 3D bicontinuous metal-intermetallic composites through subsequent alloying process after liquid metal dealloying

This study presents a novel process for the fabrication of metal-intermetallic composites with a 3D bicontinuous structure, achieved through a combination of liquid metal dealloying(LMD) and subsequent alloying. Initially, porous Ti structures are produced using the LMD process, followed by immersion in a molten Mg-3Al(wt%) metal. Due to the higher thermodynamic miscibility of Al with Ti compared to Mg, the concentration of Al in the Ti matrix increases as the immersion time increases. This results in a sequential phase transition within the Ti matrix: α-Ti → Ti_(3)Al → Ti Al. The phase transition considerably affects the hardness and strength of the composite material,with the Mg-Ti_(3)Al-Ti Al composite exhibiting a maximum hardness nearly twice as high as that of the conventional Mg-Ti composite. This innovative process holds potential for the development of various bicontinuous metal-intermetallic composites.

TiC对Fe_(55)Nb_(15)Ti_(15)Ta_(15)合金非晶形成能力、微观组织及热稳定性的影响

铁基非晶合金存在非晶形成能力低、室温塑性差等问题,极大地限制了其在工程中的应用。基于“近混合焓+有效原子尺寸差”非晶合金成分设计理念设计了Fe_(55)Nb_(15)Ti_(15)Ta_(15)全金属组元粉末,采用机械合金化球磨工艺成功制备出非晶态合金粉末,并研究了TiC陶瓷粉末的加入对Fe_(55)Nb_(15)Ti_(15)Ta_(15)合金粉末非晶形成能力、微观形貌和热稳定性的影响。结果表明:Fe_(55)Nb_(15)Ti_(15)Ta_(15)合金粉末具有较好的非晶形成能力和热稳定性,TiC陶瓷粉末均匀稳定的分布于Fe_(55)Nb_(15)Ti_(15)Ta_(15)非晶合金粉末中。添加质量分数15%TiC陶瓷粉末延缓了球磨过程中Fe_(55)Nb_(15)Ti_(15)Ta_(15)合金粉末的合金化和非晶化进程,降低了热稳定性,使得球磨后粉末粒度变小,分布范围变宽。该项工艺可制备出具有较大室温塑性的大块铁基非晶合金原始粉末。

Al-Mg系合金中合金化元素作用及其对力学性能的影响

铝镁合金是轻量化材料应用领域中一种重要的金属材料,属于中高强度铝合金,具有较高的塑性、良好的耐蚀性以及优良的焊接性等优势,目前在航空航天、交通运输和军工制造等领域具有广阔的应用前景。笔者综述了铝镁合金力学性能特点以及用途,介绍了Al-Mg系合金中的强化机制,重点阐述了Al-Mg系合金中主合金化元素Mg及其含量对合金微观组织和力学性能的影响规律及机理,详细论述了Mn、Zr、Ti、Sc、Er、Y等微合金化元素的作用以及对Al-Mg系合金微观组织和力学性能的影响规律。最后,结合Al-Mg系合金当前研究现状,提出了今后值得研究的方向。

Fe对Ni-Mn-Ga合金微丝形状记忆效应的影响

以Ni-Mn-Ga合金微丝为基础分析Fe元素掺杂前后对合金微丝的形状记忆效应的变化。用真空磁控钨极电弧熔炼炉制备Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金,并用高真空精密熔体抽拉设备将母合金制备成微丝。采用EDS能谱分析仪、DSC差示扫描量热分析仪、XRD、DMA动态机械分析仪,研究Fe元素掺杂Ni-Mn-Ga合金微丝后的物相、马氏体相变行为、微丝的形状记忆效应。结果表明,Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金微丝显示的是四方结构马氏体相和面心立方结构奥氏体相的混合相,对微丝采用步进式阶梯有序化热处理,有序化热处理能有效降低微丝内部缺陷,释放内应力,细化微丝内部晶粒,收缩晶格体积,马氏体孪晶界面更加平直,孪晶面更易移动,微丝的伸长率提高。在258 K下对制备态Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金微丝进行单程形状记忆的测试,拉伸到350 MPa后卸载到0 MPa,随后将微丝升温到奥氏体态后,应变恢复率为78.75%,而在289K对有序化热处理态Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金微丝进行单程形状记忆测试,应变恢复率达到100%。在126 MPa和240 MPa下分别对有序化热处理态三元Ni-Mn-Ga合金微丝和Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金微丝进行恒应力拉伸,两种微丝双程形状恢复能力均接近100%,但Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金微丝在发生形变时的弹性应变储能略高于Ni-Mn-Ga合金微丝。Fe的加入使得到的合金微丝的力学性能高于传统三元形状记忆合金微丝;制备态下和热处理态的Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe合金微丝的马氏体相变温度较Ni-Mn-Ga合金微丝分别提高6.0 K和11.5 K,热滞分别降低6.7 K和1.5 K。

铝合金塑性成形粗晶现象的研究进展

铝合金经过热塑性变形或者塑性变形+热处理后,可能发生晶粒异常长大而形成粗晶。粗晶会大幅降低构件的力学性能、耐腐蚀性能和抗疲劳性能,因此必须得到有效控制。对铝合金塑性成形粗晶的研究主要集中在2×××、6×××、7×××系热处理可强化型铝合金以及5×××系热处理不可强化型铝合金,研究内容已经覆盖塑性成形工艺、热处理制度、微观组织演变、数值仿真模拟等方面。为了明晰铝合金塑性成形构件粗晶现象的研究现状,为相关研究提供参考,对铝合金塑性成形粗晶现象的研究进展进行了梳理。首先,分析了材料成分、变形温度、变形速度、固溶温度、固溶时间和模具结构对晶粒异常长大的影响;其次,从晶粒取向分布、应变诱导储能和第二相钉扎作用的角度总结了晶粒异常长大的机理;再次,归纳了包括改变坯料初始状态、合理的锻造技术和中间形变热处理等有效抑制粗晶产生的方法;最后对未来的研究方向进行了展望。

Mg-Bi系合金的研究进展

合金元素Bi的价格较低,在镁中有较高的固溶度,随着温度降低,其固溶度减小,析出Mg_(3)Bi_(2)相,提高了镁的力学性能,因此Mg-Bi系合金具有良好的固溶和时效硬化潜力。在Mg-Bi系合金中加入Sn、Mn、Al、Ca、Zn等元素,改善合金组织,能够进一步提高合金的力学性能及耐腐蚀性。文中介绍了国内外学者对Mg-Bi系合金的研究进展,在总结Mg-Bi二元合金研究成果基础上,系统的概述了Mg-Bi-Sn系、Mg-Bi-Mn系、Mg-Bi-Al系、Mg-Bi-Ca系、Mg-Bi-Zn系等合金的组织和性能,综述了合金化对合金第二相、晶粒尺寸、织构、动态再结晶的影响,阐述了合金元素种类、添加量及热加工参数与合金力学性能的关系。总结了Mg-Bi系合金研究中存在的问题,并对今后的研究工作进行了展望。

过共晶铝硅合金中硅相细化的研究进展

过共晶铝硅合金因其耐磨性能良好而受到关注,但组织中含有粗大的初晶硅和针状的共晶硅,限制了其进一步广泛使用。本文综述了当前过共晶铝硅合金中硅相细化的一些方法,如合金化、变质处理和改进制备工艺等。其中重点介绍了合金化对过共晶铝硅合金中组织的作用;然后对各种变质剂的细化效果进行了对比分析;并讨论了改进制备工艺对硅相尺寸和形貌的影响;最后指出未来的研究方向应集中开发出适用于广泛使用的新型复合变质剂,并通过变质和改进制备工艺相结合,获得性能更加优异的过共晶铝硅合金。

Mg-8Gd-(0,3)Sm-0.5Zr合金的动态再结晶生长动力学

利用铸造法制备了Mg-8Gd-(0,3)Sm-0.5Zr合金,并进行了525℃均匀化处理8 h,随后在温度为350~500℃及应变速率为0.002~1 s^(-1)的条件下进行热压缩试验,绘制并分析合金热压缩后的真应力-真应变曲线,构建其动态再结晶生长动力学双参数模型,并分析了合金生长动力学曲线特点及显微组织特征。结果表明:两种合金在热压缩时均发生了动态再结晶,通过双参数模型绘制动态再结晶动力学曲线,发现在高温低应变速率热压缩时,在真应变约0.2时,合金的动态再结晶的体积分数迅速增加至90%以上。对比分析Sm元素添加后的动态再结晶动力学曲线,发现Sm元素促进动态再结晶的进行,尤其在高温低应变速率热压缩时,在变形初期Sm的促进作用更明显。