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.

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.

Inducing the SnO2-based electron transport layer into NiFe LDH/NF as efficient catalyst for OER and methanol oxidation reaction

In an electrocatalyst with a heterointerface structure,the different interfaces can efficiently adjust the catalyst’s conductivity and electron arrangement,thereby enhancing the activity of the electrocatalyst.Ultrathin and smaller Ni Fe LDH was successfully constructed on the surface of SnOnanosheet supported NF by layer by layer assembly,and exhibits lower overpotential of 234 mV at a current density of 10 m A cm,which only increases by 6.4%even at a high current density of 100 mA cm.The excellent OER activity of catalyst is attributed to the contribution of the semiconductor SnOelectron transport layer.Through experiments and characterization,3d structure SnOnanosheets control the growth of ultra-thin nickel-iron,the hierarchical interface between SnOand Ni Fe LDH can change the electron arrangement around the iron and nickel active centers at the interface,resulting the valence states of iron slightly increased and Nicontent increased.The result will promote the oxidation of water.Meanwhile,the SnOsemiconductor as electron transport layer is conducive to trapping electrons generated in oxidation reaction,promoting electrons transferring from the Ni Fe LDH active center to the Ni substrate more quickly,and enhance the activity of Ni Fe LDH.It also shows excellent activity in an electrolyte solution containing 0.5 M methanol and 1 M KOH,and only 1.396 V(vs.RHE)is required to drive a current density of 10 mA cm.

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous SnO_2-based solid solution catalysts for effective soot oxidation

A series of three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous(3DOM)SnO2‐based catalysts modified by the cations Ce4+,Mn3+,and Cu2+have been prepared by using a colloidal crystal templating method and tested for soot combustion under loose contact condition.XRD and STEM mapping results confirm that all the secondary metal cations have entered the lattice matrix of tetragonal rutile SnO2 to form non‐continuous solid solutions,thus impeding crystallization and improving the surface areas and pore volumes of the modified catalysts.In comparison with regular SnO2 nanoparticles,the 3DOM SnO2 displays evidently improved activity,testifying that the formation of the 3DOM structure can anchor the soot particulates in the macro‐pores,which ensures that the contact of the soot particles with the active sites on the 3DOM skeleton is more easily formed,thus benefiting the target reaction.With the incorporation of the secondary metal cations,the activity of the catalyst can be further improved due to the formation of more abundant mobile oxygen species.In summary,these effects are believed to be the major factors responsible for the activity of the catalyst.

Recoverable SnO_2-Based Sensors Promoted with MoO_3 and Sb_2O_3 for the Detection of DMMP

The sensitivity and the recovery behavior of SnO_2-based gas sensor prepared from a commercial SnO_2 powder were tested under the low concentration of DMMP(0.5μg/g) in the flow system at 350℃.In order to improve the sensitivity of the sensor,promoters such as NiO,Nb_2O_5,MoO_3,and Sb_2O_3 were added into SnO_2 powder.The sensitivities were increased up to 80% from 50% but they were not recovered.Only the SnO2-based gas sensor promoted with MoO_3 and Sb_2O_3 was recovered after detection of DMMP,although the recovery rate was slow.In particular,the SnO_2-based sensor promoted with 5wt% of MoO_3 and 1wt% of Sb_2O_3 simultaneously showed an complete recovery ability,though its sensitivity was 40% which was lower than that of SnO_2 gas sensor without promoters.This ability was discussed in terms of catalytic roles of promoters.

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)/C复合纳米材料的制备及储钠性质的研究

二氧化锡由于其低电位和高储钠理论容量以及绿色无毒的优点被认为是最有前途钠离子电池负极材料之一。但其导电性不好,且在嵌/脱钠的过程中会发生体积膨胀,从而导致电池的容量和循环稳定性等电化学性能下降。碳具有良好的导电性,同时能减缓材料在脱/嵌钠过程的体积膨胀,本文采用一步合成制备SnO_(2)/C复合纳米材料,并将其作为钠离子电池的负极材料进行研究。结果发现碳包覆花瓣状SnO_(2)复合材料相比于纯的SnO_(2)具有良好的储钠性能.

SnO/Nd_(2)O_(3)复合材料的制备及可见光催化性能

通过超声反应制备了SnO/Nd_(2)O_(3)复合材料,评估了复合材料在可见光下降解甲基橙的光降解性能。结果表明,Nd_(2)O_(3)能很好地与SnO复合。SnO/Nd_(2)O_(3)复合材料在可见光区的吸收比SnO样品强。其中,SnO/2%Nd_(2)O_(3)复合材料表现出最高的光催化性能,在60 min内可以降解99.6%的甲基橙。

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.

Etching characteristics and surface modification of InGaSnO thin films under Cl_(2)/Ar plasma

Indium gallium tin oxide(IGTO)thin films have the potential for high mobility and lowtemperature processing,which makes them suitable for applications such as display backplanes and high-voltage switching devices.However,very few studies have investigated the plasmaetching characteristics of IGTO and changes in its properties after etching.In this study,the etching characteristics of IGTO were investigated using Cl_(2)/Ar plasma,and changes in surface properties were analyzed.Results showed that the etch rate increased with an increase in the proportion of Cl_(2),with the highest etch rate observed at 69 nm min^(-1)in pure Cl_(2)plasma with a gas flow rate of 100 sccm.Furthermore,increased radio-frequency power caused a rise in the etch rate,while a process pressure of 15 m Torr was optimal.The primary etching mechanism for IGTO thin films under Cl_(2)plasma was a chemical reaction,and an increased work function indicated the occurrence of defects on the surface.In addition,the etching process reduced the surface roughness of Cl_(2)-containing plasma,whereas the etching process in pure Ar plasma increased surface roughness.This study contributes to a better understanding of the plasmaetching characteristics of IGTO and changes in its properties after etching,providing valuable insights for IGTO-based applications.

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.

Achieving highly-efficient H2S gas sensor by flower-like SnO_(2)–SnO/porous GaN heterojunction

A flower-like SnO_(2)–SnO/porous Ga N(FSS/PGaN) heterojunction was fabricated for the first time via a facile spraying process, and the whole process also involved hydrothermal preparation of FSS and electrochemical wet etching of GaN,and SnO_(2)–SnO composites with p–n junctions were loaded onto PGaN surface directly applied to H_(2)S sensor. Meanwhile,the excellent transport capability of heterojunction between FSS and PGaN facilitates electron transfer, that is, a response time as short as 65 s and a release time up to 27 s can be achieved merely at 150℃ under 50 ppm H_(2)S concentration, which has laid a reasonable theoretical and experimental foundation for the subsequent PGaN-based heterojunction gas sensor.The lowering working temperature and high sensitivity(23.5 at 200 ppm H2S) are attributed to the structure of PGaN itself and the heterojunction between SnO_(2)–SnO and PGaN. In addition, the as-obtained sensor showed ultra-high test stability.The simple design strategy of FSS/PGaN-based H_(2)S sensor highlights its potential in various applications.

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.

Enhanced ionic conductivity in a novel composite electrolyte based on Gd-doped SnO_(2) nanotubes for ultra-long-life all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

All-solid-state electrolytes are exceedingly attractive because of the outstanding inherent safety and energy density compared to liquid electrolytes.Whereas,it is still formidable to simultaneously design solid electrolytes with favorable electrode/electrolyte interface compatibility and high ionic conductivity in a simple and scalable manner.Hence,the oxygen-vacancy-rich Gd-doped SnO_(2) nanotubes(GDS NTs)are innovatively prepared and applied to the electrolyte of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries for the first time.The addition of GDS NTs can validly construct long-range co ntinuous ion transport networks in the poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-based system and greatly improve the mechanical properties of the electrolyte.Compared to the PEO-based electrolyte,the composite electrolyte displays a higher lithium ion conductivity of 2.41×10^(-4) S cm^(-1) at 30℃,a higher lithium ion transference number up to 0.62 and a wider electrochemical window of 5 V at 50℃.In addition,the composite electrolyte manifests outstanding compatibility with high-voltage LiNi_(0.8)Mn_(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)(NMC811)cathode,LiFePO4 cathode and lithium metal anode.The assembled Li/Li symmetric battery exhibits stable Li plating/stripping cycling performance,which can cycle steadily for 1500 h at a capacity of 0.3 mA h cm^(-2).And Li/LiFePO4 battery still maintains a high capacity of 131.54 mA h g^(-1) at 0.5C after 800 cycles,which has a superior capacity retention rate of 93.2%.The obtained novel composite electrolyte has promising application prospects in the field of all-solid-state lithium metal cells.