Phase-engineering modulation of Mn-based oxide cathode for constructing super-stable sodium storage

The Mn-based oxide cathode with enriched crystal phase structure and component diversity can provide the excellent chemistry structure for Na-ion batteries.Nevertheless,the broad application prospect is obstructed by the sluggish Na^(+)kinetics and the phase transitions upon cycling.Herein,we establish the thermodynamically stable phase diagram of various Mn-based oxide composites precisely controlled by sodium content tailoring strategy coupling with co-doping and solid-state reaction.The chemical environment of the P2/P'3 and P2/P3 biphasic composites indicate that the charge compensation mechanism stems from the cooperative contribution of anions and cations.Benefiting from the no phase transition to scavenge the structure strain,P2/P'3 electrode can deliver long cycling stability(capacity retention of 73.8%after 1000 cycles at 10 C)and outstanding rate properties(the discharge capacity of 84.08 mA h g^(-1)at 20 C)than P2/P3 electrode.Furthermore,the DFT calculation demonstrates that the introducing novel P'3 phase can significantly regulate the Na^(+)reaction dynamics and modify the local electron configuration of Mn.The effective phase engineering can provide a reference for designing other high-performance electrode materials for Na-ion batteries.

Revealing the role of calcium ion intercalation of hydrated vanadium oxides for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Exploring suitable high-capacity V_(2)O_(5)-based cathode materials is essential for the rapid advancement of aqueous zinc ion batteries(ZIBs).However,the typical problem of slow Zn^(2+)diffusion kinetics has severely limited the feasibility of such materials.In this work,unique hydrated vanadates(CaVO,BaVO)were obtained by intercalation of Ca^(2+)or Ba^(2+)into hydrated vanadium pentoxide.In the CaVO//Zn and BaVO//Zn batteries systems,the former delivered up to a 489.8 mAh g^(-1)discharge specific capacity at 0.1 A g^(-1).Moreover,the remarkable energy density of 370.07 Wh kg^(-1)and favorable cycling stability yard outperform BaVO,pure V_(2)O_(5),and many reported cathodes of similar ionic intercalation compounds.In addition,pseudocapacitance analysis,galvanostatic intermittent titration(GITT)tests,and Trasatti analysis revealed the high capacitance contribution and Zn^(2+)diffusion coefficient of CaVO,while an in-depth investigation based on EIS elucidated the reasons for the better electrochemical performance of CaVO.Notably,ex-situ XRD,XPS,and TEM tests further demonstrated the Zn^(2+)insertion/extraction and Zn-storage mechanism that occurred during the cycle in the CaVO//Zn battery system.This work provides new insights into the intercalation of similar divalent cations in vanadium oxides and offers new solutions for designing cathodes for high-capacity aqueous ZIBs.

Ferric ion-triggered surface oxidation of galena for efficient chalcopyrite-galena separation

The efficient separation of chalcopyrite(CuFeS2)and galena(PbS)is essential for optimal resource utilization.However,find-ing a selective depressant that is environmentally friendly and cost effective remains a challenge.Through various techniques,such as mi-croflotation tests,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observation,X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy(XPS),and Raman spectroscopy measurements,this study explored the use of ferric ions(Fe^(3+))as a selective depressant for ga-lena.The results of flotation tests revealed the impressive selective inhibition capabilities of Fe^(3+)when used alone.Surface analysis showed that Fe^(3+)significantly reduced the adsorption of isopropyl ethyl thionocarbamate(IPETC)on the galena surface while having a minimal impact on chalcopyrite.Further analysis using SEM,XPS,and Raman spectra revealed that Fe^(3+)can oxidize lead sulfide to form compact lead sulfate nanoparticles on the galena surface,effectively depressing IPETC adsorption and increasing surface hydrophilicity.These findings provide a promising solution for the efficient and environmentally responsible separation of chalcopyrite and galena.

Synergism of preintercalated manganese ions and lattice water in vanadium oxide cathodes for high-capacity and long-life Zn-ion batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs)are recognized as a promising energy storage system with intrinsic safety and low cost,but its applications still rely on the design of high-capacity and stable-cycling cathode materials.In this work,we present an intercalation mechanism-based cathode materials for AZIB,i.e.the vanadium oxide with pre-intercalated manganese ions and lattice water(noted as MVOH).The synergistic effect between Mn^(2+)and lattice H_(2)O not only expands the interlayer spacing,but also significantly enhances the structural stability.Systematic in-situ and ex-situ characterizations clarify the Zn^(2+)/H^(+)co–(de)intercalation mechanism of MVOH in aqueous electrolyte.The demonstrated remarkable structure stability,excellent kinetic behaviors and ion-storage mechanism together enable the MVOH to demonstrate satisfactory specific capacity of 450 mA h g^(−1)at 0.2 A g^(−1),excellent rate performance of 288.8 mA h g^(−1)at 10 A g^(−1)and long cycle life over 20,000 cycles at 5 A g^(−1).This work provides a practical cathode material,and contributes to the understanding of the ion-intercalation mechanism and structural evolution of the vanadium-based cathode for AZIBs.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation study of anode degradation in solid oxide fuel cells during the initial aging process

For present solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs),rapid performance degradation is observed in the initial aging process,and the dis-cussion of the degradation mechanism necessitates quantitative analysis.Herein,focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy was em-ployed to characterize and reconstruct the ceramic microstructures of SOFC anodes.The lattice Boltzmann method(LBM)simulation of multiphysical and electrochemical processes in the reconstructed models was performed.Two samples collected from industrial-size cells were characterized,including a reduced reference cell and a cell with an initial aging process.Statistical parameters of the reconstructed microstructures revealed a significant decrease in the active triple-phase boundary and Ni connectivity in the aged cell compared with the reference cell.The LBM simulation revealed that activity degradation is dominant compared with microstructural degradation during the initial aging process,and the electrochemical reactions spread to the support layer in the aged cell.The microstructural and activity de-gradations are attributed to Ni migration and coarsening.

Low-temperature catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde over Co_3O_4catalysts prepared using various precipitants

Co3O4 catalysts prepared with different precipitants（NH3·H2O,KOH,NH4HCO3,K2CO3 and KHCO3）were investigated for the oxidation of formaldehyde（HCHO）.Among these,KHCO3-precipitated Co3O4（KHCO3-Co） was the most active low-temperature catalyst,and was able to completely oxidize HCHO at the 100-ppm level to CO2 at 90℃.In situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that hydroxyl groups on the catalyst surface were regenerated by K~＋ and CO3^（2-）,thus promoting the oxidation of HCHO.Moreover,H2-temperature programmed reduction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that employing KHCO3 as the precipitant increased the Co^3＋/Co^2＋molar ratio on the surface of the Co3O4 catalyst,thus further promoting oxidation.Structural characterization revealed that catalysts precipitated with carbonate or bicarbonate reagents exhibited greater specific surface areas and pore volumes.Overall,these data suggest that the high activity observed during the Co3O4 catalyzed oxidation of HCHO can be primarily attributed to the presence of K~＋ and CO3^（2-） on the Co3O4 surface and the favorable Co^3＋/Co^2＋ ratio.

Corrosion behavior of micro-arc oxidation coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy in NaCl solutions with different concentrations

Ceramic oxide coatings were prepared on AZ91D magnesium alloys in alkaline silicate solution using micro-arc oxidation（MAO） technique.The corrosion behavior of MAO coating on AZ91D magnesium alloys in NaCl solutions with different concentrations（0.1%,0.5%,1.0%,3.5% and 5.0% in mass fraction） was evaluated by electrochemical measurements and immersion tests.The results showed that the corrosion rate of the MAO coated AZ91D increased with increasing chloride ion concentration.The main form of corrosion failure was localized corrosion for the MAO coated AZ91D immersed in higher concentration NaCl solutions（1.0%,3.5% and 5.0%）,while it was general corrosion in dilute NaCl solutions（0.1% and 0.5%）.Two different stages of the failure process of the MAO coated AZ91D could be identified：1） occurrence of the metastable pits and 2） growth of the pits.Different equivalent circuits were also proposed based on the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS） for the MAO coated AZ91D immersed in different concentrations of NaCl solutions for 120 h.

Electrochemical oxidation of aniline by a novel Ti/TiO_xH_y/Sb-SnO_2 electrode

Electrochemical oxidation of aniline in aqueous solution was investigated over a novel Ti/TiOxHy/Sb-SnO2 electrode prepared by the electrodeposition method.Scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,and electrochemical measurements were used to characterize its morphology,crystal structure,and electrochemical properties.Removal of aniline by the Ti/TiOxHy/Sb-SnO2electrode was investigated by ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy and chemical oxygen demand（COD）analysis under different conditions,including current densities,initial concentrations of aniline,pH values,concentrations of chloride ions,and types of reactor.It was found that a higher current density,a lower initial concentration of aniline,an acidic solution,the presence of chloride ions（0.2wt%NaCl）,and a three-dimensional（3D） reactor promoted the removal efficiency of aniline.Electrochemical degradation of aniline followed pseudo-first-order kinetics.The aniline（200 mL of 100mg·L-（-1）） and COD removal efficiencies reached 100%and 73.5%,respectively,at a current density of 20 mA·cm-（-2）,pH of 7.0,and supporting electrolyte of 0.5 wt%Na2SO4 after 2 h electrolysis in a 3D reactor.These results show that aniline can be significantly removed on the Ti/TiOxHy/Sb-SnO2electrode,which provides an efficient way for elimination of aniline from aqueous solution.

Effects of Al and N plasma immersion ion implantation on surface microhardness,oxidation resistance and antibacterial characteristics of Cu

A1 and N were introduced into copper substrate using plasma immersion ion implantation （PIII） in order to enhance its hardness and oxidation resistance. The dosage of N ion is 5 × 1016 cm-2, and range of dosage of A1 ion is 5× 1016-2× 1017 cm-2. The oxidation tests indicate that the copper samples after undergoing PIII possess higher oxidation resistance. The degree of oxidation resistance is found to vary with implantation dosage of AI ion. The antibacterial tests also reveal that the plasma implanted copper specimens have excellent antibacterial resistance against Staphylococcus aureus, which are similar to pure copper.

Synthesis and characterization of LiFePO_4 coating with aluminum doped zinc oxide

Aluminum doped zinc oxide （AZO）, as an electrically conductive material, was applied to coating on the surface of olivine-type LiFePO4 synthesized by solid-state method. The charge-discharge test results show that the rate performance and low-temperature performance of LiFePO4 are greatly improved by the surface treatment. Even at 20C rate, the discharge specific capacity of 100.9 mA.h/g was obtained by the AZO-coated LiFePO4 at room temperature. At -20 ℃, the discharge specific capacity at 0.2C for un-coated LiFePO4 and the coated one are 50.3 mA.h/g and 119.4 mA.h/g, respectively. It should be attributed to the electrically conductive AZO-coating which increases the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4. Furthermore, the surface-coating increases the tap-density of LiFePO4. The results indicate that the AZO-coated LiFePO4 is a good candidate of cathode material for applying in lithium power batteries.

Study on Catalytic Wet Oxidation of H_2S into Sulfur on Fe/Cu Catalyst

A wet catalytic oxidation at room temperature was investigated with solution containing ferric, ferrous and cupric ions for H2S removal. The experiments were carried out in a two step process, and the results obtained show that the removal efficiency of H2S can always reach 100% in a 300 mm scrubbing column with four sieve plates, and the regeneration of ferric ions in 200 mm bubble column can match the consumed ferric species in absorption. Removal of H2S, production of elemental sulfur and regeneration of ferric, cupric ions can all be accomplished at the same time. No raw material is consumed except O2 in flue gas or air, the process has no secondary pollution and no problem of catalyst degradation and congestion.

Arsenite oxidation by three types of manganese oxides

Oxidation of As（Ⅲ） by three types of manganese oxides and the effects ofpH, ion strength and tartaric acid on the oxidation were investigated by means of chemical analysis, equilibrium redox, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. Three synthesized Mn oxide minerals, bimessite, cryptomelane, and hausmannite, which widely occur in soil and sediments, could actively oxidize As（Ⅲ） to As（Ⅴ）. However, their ability in As（Ⅲ）-oxidation varied greatly depending on their structure, composition and surface properties. Tunnel structured cryptomelane exhibited the highest ability of As （Ⅲ） oxidation, followed by the layer structured birnessite and the lower oxide hausmannite. The maximum amount of As （Ⅴ） produced by the oxidation was in the order （mmol/kg） of cryptomelane （824.2） 〉 bimessite （480.4） 〉 hausmannite （117.9）, As pH increased from the very low value（pH 2.5）, the amount of As（Ⅲ） oxidized by the tested Mn oxides was firstly decreased, then negatively peaked in pH 3.0 6.5, and eventually increased remarkably. Oxidation of As（Ⅲ） by the Mn oxides had a buffering effects on the pH variation in the solution. It is proposed that the oxidative reaction processes between As （Ⅲ） and biruessite（or cryptomelane） are as follows： （1） at lower pH condition： （MnO2）x＋ H3AsO3 ＋ 0.5H^＋=0.5H2AsO4^- ＋ 0.5HAsO4^2- ＋Mn〉^2＋ （MnO2）x-1 ＋ H2O; （2） at higher pH condition： （MnO2）x ＋ H3AsO3 = 0.5H2AsO4^- ＋ 0.5HAsO4^2- ＋ 1.5H^＋ ＋ （MnO2）x-1. MnO. With increase of ion strength, the As（Ⅲ） oxidized by bimessite and cryptomelane decreased and was negatively correlated with ion strength. However, ion strength had little influence on As （Ⅲ） oxidation by the hausmarmite. The presence of tartaric acid promoted oxidation of As（Ⅲ） by birnessite. As for cryptomelane and hansmannite, the same effect was observed when the concentration of tartaric acid was below 4 mmol/L, otherwise the oxidized As（Ⅲ） decreased. These findings are of great significance in improving our understanding of As geochemical cycling and controlling As contamination.

Characterization of metal doped-titanium dioxide and behaviors on photocatalytic oxidation of nitrogen oxides

A series of nanosized ion-doped TiO2 catalysts with different ion content （between 0.1 at.% and 1.0 at.%） have been prepared by wet impregnation method and investigated with respect to their behavior for UV photocatalytic oxidation of nitric oxide. The catalytic activity was correlated with structural, electronic and surface examinations of the catalysts using X-ray diffraction analysis （XRD）, ultraviolet-visible （UV-Vis） absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, energy disperse spectrometer （EDS） and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy （HR-TEM） techniques. An enhancement of the photocatalytic activity was observed for Zn2＋ doping catalyst ranged from 0.1 at.% to 1.0 at.% which was attributed to the lengthened lifetime of electrons and holes. The improvement in photocatalytic activity could be also observed with the low doping concentration of Cr^3＋ （0.1 at.%）. However, the doping of Fe^3＋, Mo^6＋, Mn^2＋ and the high doping concentration of Cr^3＋ had no contribution to photocatalytic activity of nitric oxide.

Highly Efficient Adsorption of Copper Ions by a PVP-Reduced Graphene Oxide Based On a New Adsorptions Mechanism

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-reduced graphene oxide was prepared by modified hummers method and was used as adsorbent for removing Cu ions from wastewater. The effects of contact time and ions concentration on adsorption capacity were examined. The maximum adsorption capacity of 1689 mg/g was observed at an initial p H value of 3.5 after agitating for 10 min. It was demonstrated that polyvinylpyrrolidone-reduced graphene oxide had a huge adsorption capacity for Cu ions, which was 10 times higher than maximal value reported in previous works. The adsorption mechanism was also discussed by density functional theory. It demonstrates that Cu ions are attracted to surface of reduced graphene oxide by C atoms in reduced graphene oxide modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone through physisorption processes, which may be responsible for the higher adsorption capacity. Our results suggest that polyvinylpyrrolidone-reduced graphene oxide is an effective adsorbent for removing Cu ions in wastewater. It also provides a new way to improve the adsorption capacity of reduced graphene oxide for dealing with the heavy metal ion in wastewater.

Recent advances and perspectives of fluorite and perovskite-based dual-ion conducting solid oxide fuel cells

High-temperature solid-state electrolyte is a key component of several important electrochemical devices,such as oxygen sensors for automobile exhaust control,solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs) for power generation,and solid oxide electrolysis cells for H_(2) production from water electrolysis or CO_(2) electrochemical reduction to value-added chemicals.In particular,internal diffusion of protons or oxygen ions is a fundamental and crucial issue in the research of SOFCs,hypothetically based on either oxygen-ionconducting electrolytes or proton-conducting electrolytes.Up to now,some electrolyte materials based on fluorite or perovskite structure were found to show certain degree of dual-ion transportation capability,while in available electrolyte database,particularly in the field of SOFCs,such dual-ion conductivity was seriously overlooked.Actually,few concerns arising to the simultaneous proton and oxygen-ion conductivities in electrolyte of SOFCs inevitably induce various inadequate and confusing results in literature.Understanding dual-ion transportation behavior in electrolyte is indisputably of great importance to explain some unusual fuel cell performance as reported in literature and enrich the knowledge of solid state ionics.On the other hand,exploration of novel dual-ion conducting electrolytes will benefit the development of SOFCs.In this review,we provide a comprehensive summary of the understanding of dual-ion transportation in solid electrolyte and recent advances of dual-ion conducting SOFCs.The oxygen ion and proton conduction mechanisms at elevated temperature inside oxide-based electrolyte materials are first introduced,and then(mixed) oxygen ion and proton conduction behaviors of fluorite and perovskite-type oxides are discussed.Following on,recent advances in the development of dual-ion conducting SOFCs based on fluorite and perovskite-type single-phase or composite electrolytes,are reviewed.Finally,the challenges in the development of dual-ion conducting SOFCs are discussed and future prospects are proposed.

Oxide-based cathode materials for rechargeable zinc ion batteries:Progresses and challenges

With the increasing demands for electrical energy storage technologies,rechargeable zinc ion batteries(ZIBs)have been rapidly developed in recent years owing to their high safety,low cost and high energy storage capability.The cathode is an essential part of ZIBs,which hosts zinc ions and determines the capacity,rate and cycling performance of the battery.The mainstream cathodes for ZIBs are oxidebased materials with tunnel,layer or 3 D crystal structures.In this review,we mainly focus on the latest advanced oxide-based cathode materials in ZIBs,including manganese oxides,vanadium oxides,spinel compounds,and other metal oxide based cathodes.In addition,the mechanisms of zinc storage and recent development in cathode design have been discussed in detail.Finally,current challenges and perspectives for the future research directions of oxide-based cathodes in ZIBs are presented.

Effect of Ce^+ Ion Implantation upon Oxidation Resistance of Superalloy K38G

The oxidation behavior (isothermal and cyclic oxidation) of cast superalloy K38G and the effect of Ce^+ ion implantation with dose of 1×10^(17) ions/cm^2 upon its oxidation resistance at 900 and 1000 ℃ in air were investigated. Meanwhile, the influence of Ce^+ implantation on oxidation behavior of K38G with pre-oxide scale at 1000 ℃ in air was compared. The pre-oxidation was performed at 1000 ℃ in static air for 0.25 and 1.5 h, respectively. It is shown that the homogeneous external mixture oxide of rutile TiO_2+Cr_2O_3 and non-continuous internal oxide of Al_2O_3 are formed during the oxidation procedure in all the cases. The isothermal oxidation resistance and the cracking or spallation resistance of superalloy K38G implanted with Ce^+ by both of the two different implantation ways are not improved notably. This may be attributed to the mixed oxide composition characteristics and the blocking effect differences of Ce^+ segregation along the oxide grain boundaries on the transport process for different diffusing ions.

Effects of lanthanum ion-implantation on microstructure of oxide film formed on Co-Cr alloy

Isothermal and cyclic oxidizing behavior of Co-40Cr alloy and its lanthanum ion-implanted samples were studied at 1000 ℃ in the air by thermal-gravimetric analysis （TGA）. Scanning electronic microscopy （SEM） and transmission electronic microscopy （TEM） were used to examine the morphology and structure of oxide film after oxidation. Secondary ion mass spectrum （SIMS） method was used to examine the binding energy change of chromium caused by La-doping and its influence on the formation of Cr2O3 film. laser Raman spectrum was used to examine the stress changes within the oxide film. It was found that lanthanum implantation remarkably reduced isothermal oxidizing rate of Co-40Cr and improved anti-cracking and anti-spalling properties of Cr2O3 oxide film. The reasons for the improvement were mainly that the implanted lanthanum reduced the grain size and internal stress of Cr2O3 oxide and increased high temperature plasticity of the oxide film. Lanthanum mainly existed on the outer surface of Cr2O3 oxide film in the form of fine La2O3 and LaCrO3 spinel particles.

Effects of Yttrium Ion on Formation Mechanism of ZrO_2-Y_2O_3 Ceramic Coatings Formed by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on Al-12Si Alloy

ZrO2-Y2O3 ceramic coating was produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation （PEO） on ZAlSil2Cu3Ni2 alloy. The microstructure and phase composition of the coating were investigated by SEM and XRD.： The results show that adding an appropriate amount of yttrium ion can improve the growing rate of ceramic coating at different oxidation stages and decrease arc voltage. The thickness of ZrO2-Y2O3 coating is 16 μn thicker than that of ZrO2 coating and the maximum oxidation rate improves by 0.6 μm/min. In addition, the arc voltage decreases from 227 to 172 V. It can be seen that the rate of oxidation firstly increases to some extent and then decreases with the content of yttrium ion increasing. The growth rate reaches the maximum while the content of yttrium ion is 0.05 g-L-1The maximum thickness is 90 μm.Compared to ZrO2 coating, the micropores of ZrO2-Y2O3 coating are less and the ceramic layer is repeatedly deposited by ZrO2 and Y2O3 ceramic particles. Meanwhile, the binding force between coating and substrate is better and the coating is uniform and compact. The ceramic layer is mainly composed of c-Y0.15Zr0.85O1.93□0.07, m-ZrO2, α-Al2O3, ,γ-Al2O3 and Y2O3. It is indicated that ZrO2 has beert fully stabilized by yttrium ion through the formation of solid solution.

Homogeneous catalytic wet air oxidation for the treatment of textile wastewaters

An extensive series of experiments was carried out in order to identify suitable catalysts to boost the reaction rate of wet air oxidation of real textile wastewaters at relatively mild temperature and pressure. Experimental results indicated that all catalysts tested in this investigation had shown an impressive increase in the initial COD and TOC removal rate as well as the COD and TOC removal levels in two hours reaction. Among all the catalysts tested, copper salts were more effective than the rest. Anions of the salt solutions also played a role in the catalytic process with nitrate ions having better effect than sulfate ions. Hence copper nitrates were more effective than copper sulfates. It was also found that a mixture of salts with different metals performed better than either of the component single salt alone.