Pt-based intermetallic compound catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction:From problems to recent developments

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs)are promising next-generation energy conversion devices with advantages including high energy conversion efficiency,low noise,and environmental friendliness.On the PEMFC cathode,the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)relies heavily on Pt-based catalysts,where PtM_(x)(M stands for transition metal)intermetallic compounds(IMCs)are considered the best choice to enhance the catalytic activity.However,problems such as inadequate catalytic activity,high cost,and insufficient durability,etc.still hamper its commercialization.The optimizations of the catalyst structure,the improvements in the preparation process,and the understanding of the reaction mechanism are of great value.The developments of cathodic oxygen reduction catalysts for PEMFCs will also focus on improving the catalytic activity of intermetallic compound nanoparticles,the utilization rate,and the durability of Pt.Controlling the particle size and particle/carrier interaction remain key issues for future research.The catalyst reaction mechanism,the surface changes of the nanoparticles of Pt(111)face before and after the catalytic reaction,and the targeted regulation of the adsorption strength between the IMCs and oxygen-containing intermediates adjusted by transition metals need to be investigated more specifically and directly.At the application level,the expression of catalyst properties in the catalyst membrane electrode and reactor are the keys to the performance of PEMFCs.Therefore,researches on PEMFCs are still systematic works.This paper summarized the recent process toward the optimization of catalyst preparation,the exploration of new catalysts,and the new understanding of the mechanism.Given the reference to the development of PEMFCs,future research can start from the existing problems,solve the shortcomings of the catalyst,and promote the practical application of PEMFCs.

Growth kinetics of interfacial intermetallic compounds formed in SnPbInBiSb high entropy alloy soldered joints on Cu substrates

The growth behavior of the complex intermetallic compounds(IMCs)formed at the interface of Cu/SnPbInBiSb high entropy alloy solder joints was explored.The growth inhibition mechanism of the IMCs at the Cu/SnPbInBiSb solid−liquid reaction interface was revealed.The results showed that the growth rate of the complex IMCs obviously decreased at the Cu/SnPbInBiSb solid−liquid reaction interface.The maximum average thickness of IMCs only reached up to 1.66μm after reflowing at 200℃for 10 min.The mechanism for the slow growth of the complex IMCs was analyzed into three aspects.Firstly,the high entropy of the liquid SnPbInBiSb alloy reduced the growth rate of the complex IMCs.Secondly,the distorted lattice of complex IMCs restrained the diffusion of Cu atoms.Lastly,the higher activation energy(40.9 kJ/mol)of Cu/SnPbInBiSb solid−liquid interfacial reaction essentially impeded the growth of the complex IMCs.

Porous TiFe_(2) intermetallic compound fabricated via elemental powder reactive synthesis

Porous intermetallics show potential in the field of filtration and separation as well as in the field of catalysis.Herein,porous Ti Fe2intermetallics were fabricated by the reactive synthesis of elemental powders.The phase transformation and pore formation of porous TiFe2intermetallics were investigated,and its corrosion behavior and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)performance in alkali solution were studied.Porous TiFe2intermetallics with porosity in the range of 34.4%-56.4%were synthesized by the diffusion reaction of Ti and Fe elements,and the pore formation of porous TiFe2intermetallic compound is the result of a combination of the bridging effect and the Kirkendall effect.The porous TiFe2samples exhibit better corrosion resistance compared with porous 316L stainless steel,which is related to the formation of uniform nanosheets on the surface that hinder further corrosion,and porous TiFe2electrode shows the overpotential of 220.6 and 295.6 mV at 10 and 100 mA·cm-2,suggesting a good catalytic performance.The synthesized porous Fe-based intermetallic has a controllable pore structure as well as excellent corrosion resistance,showing its potential in the field of filtration and separation.

Magnesium-rare earth intermetallic compounds for high performance high power aqueous Magnesium-Air batteries

Magnesium alloys are light structural materials and promising anode candidates for Mg-air batteries.However,application of Mg-air batteries is limited by poor performance at large current density and severe H2 generation side reactions.In this study,we pioneered magnesium-rare earth Mg_(3)RE(RE=La,Ce,Pr and Nd)intermetallic compounds as anodes to provide higher power density and more stable discharge performance.Especially,Mg_(3)Pr alloy exhibits high discharge voltage of 0.91 V and peak power density of 54.4 mW cm^(−2) at 60 mA cm^(−2) with anodic efficiency of 60%,far better than other Mg alloys.We reveal an activation mechanism of Mg_(3)RE-based anodes during discharge,which significantly accelerates mass transfer process as well as enhances discharge activity.The results improve the performance of high-power Mg-air batteries and promote the value-added application of abundant rare earth elements such as Ce and La.

Effect of Si on growth kinetics of intermetallic compounds during reaction between solid iron and molten aluminum

The effect of Si on the growth kinetics of intermetallic compounds during the reaction of solid iron and molten aluminum was investigated with a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, and hot-dip aluminized experiments. The results show that the intermetallic layer is composed of major Fe2Al5 and minor FeAl3. The Al-Fe-Si ternary phase, rl/rg, is formed in the Fe2Al5 layer. The tongue-like morphology of the Fe2Als layer becomes less distinct and disappears finally as the content of Si in aluminum bath increases. Si in the bath improves the prohibiting ability to the growth of Fe2Als and FeAl3. When the contents of Si are 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 3.0%, the activation energies of Fe2Al5 are evaluated to be 207, 186, 169, 168, 167 and 172 kJ/mol, respectively. The reduction of the activation energy might result from the lattice distortion caused by Si atom penetrating into the Fe2Al5 phase. When Si atom occupies the vacancy site, it blocks easy diffusion path and results in the disappearance of tongue-like morphology.

Effect of ultrasonic vibration on Fe-containing intermetallic compounds of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys with high Fe content

The Fe-containing intermetallic compounds with high melting point in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys can improve the heat resistance and wear resistance at elevated temperatures. However, the long needle-like Fe-containing compounds in the alloys produced by conventional casting process are detrimental to the strength of matrix. The effect of ultrasonic vibration （USV） on the morphology change of Fe-containing intermetallic compounds in the hypereutectic Al-17Si-xFe （x=2, 3, 4, 5） alloys was systematically studied. The results show that, the Fe-containing intermetallic compounds are mainly composed of long needle-like β-Al5FeSi phase with a small amount of plate-like δ-Al4FeSi2 phase in Al-17Si-2Fe alloy produced by conventional casting process. With the increase of Fe content from 2% to 5% in the alloys, the amount of plate-like or coarse needle-like δ-Al4FeSi2 phase increases while the amount of long needle-like β-Al5FeSi phases decreases. In Al-17Si-5Fe alloy, the Fe-containing intermetallic compounds exist mainly as coarse needle-like δ-Al4FeSi2 phase. After USV treatment, the Fe-containing compounds in the Al-17Si-xFe alloys are refined and exist mainly as δ-Al4FeSi2 particles, with average grain size ranging from 26 μm to 37 μm, and only a small amount of β-Al5FeSi phases remain. The mechanism of USV on the morphology of Fe-containing intermetallic compounds was also discussed.

Effects of Fe-Al intermetallic compounds on interfacial bonding of clad materials

The growth of intermetallic compounds at the interface between solid Al and Fe and the effects of intermetallic compound layers on the interfacial bonding of clad materials were investigated. The results showed that the interface between the solid Fe and Al formed by heat-treatment consisted of Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 intermetallic compound layers, which deteriorated the interfacial bonding strength. Fractures occurred in the intermetallic compound layer during the shear testing. The location of the fracture depended on the defects of microcracks or voids in the intermetallic compound layers. The microcracks in the intermetallic compound layer were caused by the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients of materials during cooling, and the voids were consistent with the Kirkendall effect. The work will lay an important foundation for welding and joining of aluminum and steel, especially for fabrication of Al-Fe clad materials.

Effect of uniform magnetic field on crystallization of intermetallic compound layers between Cu and liquid SnZn alloys

Crystallization of intermetallic compound layer between Cu and SnZn alloy under uniform magnetic field was studied. The effect of magnetic field density on the growth behavior of the intermetallic layer such as microstructure, crystal orientation and composition was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron-probe microanalysis, respectively. Compared with the intermetallic layer without magnetic field, 0.1 T of magnetic flux density decreases the layer thickness. However, further increasing magnetic flux density promotes the layer growth. Application of magnetic field also changes the crystal orientation of intermetallic layer, but has no obvious influence on the layer composition. This phenomenon can be attributed to the role of thermo-electromagnetic convection and Lorentz force on the Cu dissolution as well as the accumulation of Cu solute at the interface front.

Mechanism of anti-arterial thrombosis of Dahuangzhecong Fang screened by Ti-Al intermetallic compound porous material

The mechanism of antithrombotic of Dahuangzhechong Fang separated and purified by Ti-Al intermetallic compound porous material (TAICPM) was researched. Dahuangzhechong Fang, which was isolated and screened by TAICPM, was used to oral rats. At the end of study, their blood and thrombus were collected. The results show that TAICPM with the pore size of 1-5 μm can screen Dahuangzhechong Fang well. Dahuangzhechong Fang can increase 6-keto-PGF1α, lower content of TXD2 and platelet. Dahuangzhechong Fang has good effect to resist arterial thrombosis.

Theoretical prediction of effective elastic constants for new intermetallic compound porous material

Based on microstructure analysis of the new Ti-A1 intermetallic compound porous material, a micromechanics model of heterogeneous Plateau porous structure was established and calculation formulas of elastic constants （including effective elastic modulus, effective shear elastic modulus and effective Poisson ratio） were derived by the energy method for this porous material. Calculation results show that both the effective elastic modulus and effective shear elastic modulus increase with the increase of the relative density while the effective Poisson ratio decreases. Compared with the currently-existing hexagonal honeycomb model and micromechanics model of composite materials, the micromechanics model of heterogeneous Plateau porous structure in this study is more suitable for characterizing the medium-density porous material and more accurate for predicting the effective elastic constants of the medium-density porous material. Moreover, the obtained explicit expressions of the effective elastic constants in term of the relative density rather than the microstructural parameters for the uniform and regular Plateau porous structure are more convenient to engineering application.

Effect of intermetallic compounds on heat resistance of hot roll bonded titanium alloy-stainless steel transition joint

The effect of intermetallic compounds on the heat resistance of transition joint was investigated. The experiment of post-weld heat treatment for the hot roll bonded titanium alloy-stainless steel joint using nickels interlayer was carried out, and the interface microstructure evolution due to heat treatment was presented. There was not found significant interdiffusion at stainless steel/nickel interface, when the specimens were heat treated in the temperature range of 600-800 °C for 10 and 30 min, while micro-cracks occurred at the stainless steel/nickel interface heat treated at 700 °C for 30 min. The thickness of intermetallic layers at nickel/titanium alloy interface increased at 600 °C, and micro-cracks occurred at 700 and 800 °C. The micro-cracks occurred between intermetallic layers or between intermetallic layer and nickel interlayer as well. The tensile strength of the transition joint decreased with the increase of heat treatment temperature or holding time.

Growth kinetics for intermetallic compound layer between molten In-Sn alloy and CuZr-based bulk metallic glass

The growth kinetics of intermetallic compound layer between molten In-Sn alloy and Cu40Zr44Al8Ag8 bulk metallic glass substrate was examined by solid state isothermal aging at the temperature range between 333 and 393 K.The aged samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry.It is found that the intermetallic compound layer is composed of Zr,Cu and Sn.The layer growth of the intermetallic compound is mainly controlled by a diffusion mechanism over the temperature range and the value of the time exponent is approximately 0.5.The apparent activation energy for the growth of total intermetallic compound layers is 98.35 kJ /mol calculated by the Arrhenius equation.

Crystal growth of Gd_2PdSi_3 intermetallic compound

Gd2PdSi3 single crystals were grown by a vertical floating zone method with radiation heating at a zone traveling rate of 3 mm/h. The compound exhibited congruent melting behavior at a liquidus temperature of about 1700 ＆#176;C. The slightly Pd-depleted composition of the crystal, with respect to the nominal Gd2PdSi3 stoichiometry, led to gradual accumulation of Pd in the traveling zone and to a decreasing operating temperature during the growth process. Thin platelet-like precipitates of a GdSi phase were detected in the stoichiometric feed rod growth crystal matrix which can be reduced by annealing treatment. Feed rod composition shift crystal growth was proved to be a better way of getting high quality of Gd2PdSi3 single crystal.

Effects of heat treatment on the intermetallic compounds and mechanical properties of the stainless steel 321–aluminum 1230 explosive-welding interface

The effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of intermetallic compounds in the interface of stainless steel 321 explosively bonded to aluminum 1230 were investigated in this study. Experimental investigations were performed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness and shear tensile strength testing. Prior to heat treatment, increasing the stand-off distance between samples from 1 to 2.5 mm caused their interface to become wavy and the thickness of intermetallic layers to increase from 3.5 to 102.3 μm. The microhardness increased from HV 766 in the sample prepared at a stand-off distance of 1 mm to HV 927 in the sample prepared at a stand-off distance of 2.5 mm; in addition, the sample strength increased from 103.2 to 214.5 MPa. Heat treatment at 450°C for 6 h increased the thickness of intermetallic compound layers to 4.4 and 118.5 μm in the samples prepared at stand-off distances of 1 and 2.5 mm, respectively. These results indicated that increasing the duration and temperature of heat treatment decreased the microhardness and strength of the interface of explosively welded stainless steel 321-Al 1230 and increased the thickness of the intermetallic region.

Selective hydrogenation of acetylene on SiO_2-supported Ni-Ga alloy and intermetallic compound

Ni/Si O_2 and bimetallic Ni_xGa/SiO_2 catalysts with different Ni/Ga atomic ratios(x = 10～2) were investigated for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene.It was found that Ni_xGa/SiO_2 showed higher selectivity to ethylene than Ni/Si O_2.This is attributed to the formation Ni-Ga alloy and Ni3 Ga intermetallic compound(IMC) where there was a charge transfer from Ga to Ni,which is favorable for reducing the adsorption strength and amount of ethylene on Ni atoms.As a result,the over-hydrogenation,the C–C bond hydrogenolysis and the polymerization were suppressed,and subsequently the selectivity to ethylene was enhanced.With the decrease of Ni/Ga atomic ratio,the activity and stability of the Ni_xGa/SiO_2 catalysts increased first and then decreased,while the ethylene selectivity tended to increase.Ni_5 Ga/SiO_2 exhibited the best performance.Under the conditions of 180 °C,0.1 MPa,and a reactant(1.0 vol% acetylene,5.0 vol% H_2 and 94 vol% N_2) with the space velocity of 36,000 m L h^(-1) g^(-1),the acetylene conversion maintained at 100% on Ni_5 Ga/SiO_2 during 120 h time on stream and the selectivity to ethylene was 75%～81%after reaction for 68 h.It was also found that the formation of Ni-Ga alloy and Ni_3 Ga IMC suppressed the incorporation of carbon to form NiCx,subsequently enhancing the catalyst stability.Additionally,with increasing the Ga content,the catalyst acid amount and strength tended to increase,which promoted the polymerization and carbon deposition and so the catalyst deactivation.

Hydrogen storage properties of Zr_(1-x)Ti_xCo intermetallic compound

The intermetallic compound Zr1-xTixCo was prepared and its suitability for hydrogen storage was investigated. The alloys obtained by magnetic levitation melting with the composition of Zr1-xTixCo (x=0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3, at.%) show single cubic phase by X-ray diffraction. A single sloping plateau was observed on each isothermal, and pressure-composition-temperature (PCT) measurement results show that the equilibrium hydrogen desorption pressure of Zr1-xTixCo alloy increases with increasing Ti content. The desorption temperatures for supplying 100 kPa hydrogen are about 665, 642, 621 and 614 K for ZrCo, Zr0.9Ti0.1Co, Zr0.8Ti0.2Co and Zr0.7Ti0.3Co alloy, respectively. Repeated hydrogen absorption and desorption cycles do not generate separated ZrCo, TiCo and ZrH2 phases, indicating that alloys have good thermal and hydrogen stabilization.

Effect of intermetallic compounds on the fracture behavior of dissimilar friction stir welding joints of Mg and Al alloys

Joining Mg to Al is challenging because of the deterioration of mechanical properties caused by the formation of intermetallic compounds(IMCs) at the Mg/Al interface. This study aims to improve the mechanical properties of welded samples by preventing the fracture location at the Mg/Al interface. Friction stir welding was performed to join Mg to Al at different rotational and travel speeds. The microstructure of the welded samples showed the IMCs layers containing Al12Mg17(γ) and Al3Mg2(β) at the welding zone with a thickness(< 3.5 μm). Mechanical properties were mainly affected by the thickness of the IMCs, which was governed by welding parameters. The highest tensile strength was obtained at 600 r/min and 40 mm/min with a welding efficiency of 80%. The specimens could fracture along the boundary at the thermo-mechanically affected zone in the Mg side of the welded joint.

Review of magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect in the intermetallic compounds of rare earth with low boiling point metals

The magnetocaloric effect （MCE） in many rare earth （RE） based intermetallic compounds has been extensively in- vestigated during the last two decades, not only due to their potential applications for magnetic refrigeration but also for better understanding of the fundamental problems of the materials. This paper reviews our recent progress on studying the magnetic properties and MCE in some binary or ternary intermetallic compounds of RE with low boiling point metal（s） （Zn, Mg, and Cd）. Some of them exhibit promising MCE properties, which make them attractive for low temperature magnetic refrigeration. Characteristics of the magnetic transition, origin of large MCE, as well as the potential application of these compounds are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, a brief review of the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in the quaternary rare earth nickel boroncarbides RENi2B2C superconductors is also presented.

Compound 3k治疗骨关节炎:调控氧化应激通路改善软骨细胞糖酵解的作用机制

背景:骨关节炎现已被认为是一种代谢性疾病,既往研究表明糖酵解在骨关节炎的发生发展中起重要作用。Compound 3k作为一种新型糖酵解小分子抑制剂,具有抗炎及抗肿瘤等功效,因此可靶向糖酵解,有望为骨关节炎治疗提供新的思路。目的:基于缺氧诱导因子1α/活性氧的氧化应激通路探究Compound 3k在糖酵解过度活跃所导致的骨关节炎中的作用机制。方法:取对数生长期的ATDC5成软骨细胞,用10 ng/mL白细胞介素1β作用24 h诱导骨关节炎体外细胞模型,以CCK-8法检测不同浓度(0.25,0.5,1,2.5,5,10,15μmol/L)Compound 3k的细胞毒性,选出合适浓度进行后续实验。将软骨细胞随机分为对照组、模型组、治疗组,模型组以10 ng/mL的白细胞介素1β诱导,治疗组以Compound 3k预刺激2 h后与白细胞介素1β共培养,用CCK-8法检测各组细胞增殖情况;用ELISA试剂盒检测各组细胞炎症水平;用试剂盒检测各组细胞活性氧、细胞外乳酸脱氢酶及葡萄糖含量;qRT-PCR及Western blot检测相关炎症因子白细胞介素6、肿瘤坏死因子α及糖酵解相关基因葡萄糖转运蛋白1、甘油醛3-磷酸脱氢酶、单羧酸转运蛋白1和缺氧诱导因子1α的表达水平。结果与结论:①与对照组相比,模型组细胞增殖活性下降、糖酵解水平活跃,表现为细胞外乳酸脱氢酶含量增加(P<0.001),葡萄糖含量减少(P<0.001),相关炎症因子白细胞介素6(P<0.0001)及肿瘤坏死因子α(P<0.001),糖酵解相关基因葡萄糖转运蛋白1(P<0.001)、甘油醛3-磷酸脱氢酶(P<0.001)、单羧酸转运蛋白1(P<0.001)及缺氧诱导因子1α(P<0.001)的表达水平均上调,并伴随氧化应激,活性氧过量产生。②与模型组相比,Compound 3k的治疗有效提高细胞增殖活性,抑制过度活跃的糖酵解水平的同时,抑制了骨关节炎软骨细胞炎症(P<0.001)及糖酵解相关基因的表达(P<0.001),且抑制氧化应激,缺氧诱导因子1α的表达水平下调(P<0.0001),活性氧水平下降。③上述结果证实,Compound 3k抑制了白细胞介素1β诱导的软骨细胞炎症,其机制可能与糖酵解及缺氧诱导因子1α/活性氧介导的氧化应激有关。

Twinning in Intermetallic Compounds Are Long Shear Vectors and/or Shuffles Really Necessary?

In this paper the geometric description and general theory of mechanical twinning are reviewed, the twins in general lattices and superlattices are summarized, and the kinetic process by which mechanical twins form is revisited. A case study of mechanical twinning of HfV2+Nb, (cubic) Laves phase, is presented and the synchroshear of selected atomic layers is proposed to explain the physical process of twin formation. If the twins form in this way, then long shear vectors and / or atomicshuffles are not really necessary.