Comparative structural and electrochemical properties of mixed P2/O′3-layered sodium nickel manganese oxide prepared by sol-gel and electrospinning methods:Effect of Na-excess content

The effect of Na-excess content in the precursor on the structural and electrochemical performances of sodium nickel manganese oxide(NNMO)prepared by sol-gel and electrospinning methods is investigated in this paper.X-ray diffraction results of the prepared NNMO without adding Na-excess content indicate sodium loss,while the mixed phase of P2/O′3-type layered NNMO presented after adding Na-excess content.Compared with the sol-gel method,the secondary phase of NiO is more suppressed by using the electrospinning method,which is further confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope images.N_(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms show no remarkably difference in specific surface areas between different preparation methods and Na-excess contents.The analysis of X-ray absorption near edge structure indicates that the oxidation states of Ni and Mn are+2 and+4,respectively.For the electrochemical properties,superior electrochemical performance is observed in the NNMO electrode with a low Na-excess content of 5wt%.The highest specific capacitance is 36.07 F·g^(-1)at0.1 A·g^(-1)in the NNMO electrode prepared by using the sol-gel method.By contrast,the NNMO electrode prepared using the electrospinning method with decreased Na-excess content shows excellent cycling stability of 100%after charge-discharge measurements for 300 cycles.Therefore,controlling the Na excess in the precursor together with the preparation method is important for improving the electrochemical performance of Na-based electrode materials in supercapacitors.

Sol-gel synthesis of nanometer silicon/silicon suboxide/carbon anode material

A stacked Si/SiO_(x)/C composite anode material with carbon-coated structure was prepared by sol-gel method combined with carbothermal reduction using organic silicon.The results of X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis show that the Si/SiO_(x)/C material is a secondary particle with a porous micronanostructure, and the presence of nanometer silicon does not affect the carbothermal reduction and carbon coating.Electrochemical test results indicate that the specific capacity and first coulombic efficiency of SiO_(x)/C composite with nanometer silicon can be increased to 1 946.05 mAh/g and 76.49%,respectively.The reversible specific capacity of Si/SiO_(x)/C material blended with graphite is 749.69 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 C,and the capacity retention rate is up to 89.03%.Therefore, the composite has excellent electrochemical cycle stability.

Preparation of long alumina fibers by sol-gel method using malic acid

The precursor sol of alumina was prepared by sol-gel method with aluminum nitrate and malic acid as raw materials.The effects of content of malic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone （PVP） on sol spinnability were explored.The gel fibers with above 80 cm in length were obtained by mixing aluminum nitrate,malic acid and PVP on mass ratio of 10 3 1.5.Thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry （TG-DSC）,Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectrum,X-ray diffractometry （XRD）,and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） were used to characterize the properties of the gel and ceramic fibers.The alumina fibers with a smooth surface and about 20μm in diameter were obtained by sintering at 1 200℃,and their main phase was indentified to be α-Al2O3.

A Novel Approach to Synthesizing Porous ZnO Films: Inorganic Chelating Sol-Gel Method

Porous ZnO films are synthesized by inorganic chelating sol-gel method,which is a novel sol-gel technique using zinc nitrate as starting materials and citric acid as the chelating reagent.The crystal structure,surface morphology,porous and optical properties of the deposited films are investigated.X-ray diffraction pattern analysis shows that crystal structure of the ZnO films is hexagonal wurtzite.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the ZnO film is porous.The curve of pore size distribution has two peak values at about 2.02nm and 4.97nm and BET surface area of the ZnO film is 27.57m2/g.In addition,the transmittance spectrum gives a high transmittance of 85% in the visible region and optical bandgap of the ZnO film (fired at 500℃) is 3.25eV.

Synthesis of LiMnPO_4/C composite material for lithium ion batteries by sol-gel method

The LiMnPO4/C composite material was synthesized via a sol-gel method based on the citric acid. The X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and electrochemical performance tests were adopted to characterize the properties of LiMnPO4/C. The XRD studies show that the pure olivine phase LiMnPO4 can be obtained at a low temperature of 500 °C. The SEM analyses illustrate that the citric acid used as the chelating reagent and carbon source can restrain the particle size of LiMnPO4/C well. The LiMnPO4/C sample synthesized at 500 °C for 10 h performs the highest initial discharge capacity of 122.6 mA-h/g, retaining 112.4 mA-h/g over 30 cycles at 0.05C rate. The citric acid based sol-gel method is favor to obtain the high electrochemical performance of LiMnPO4/C.

Photocatalytic Activity of Nanosized ZnWO_4 Prepared by the Sol-gel Method

Nanosized ZnWO4 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via the sol-gel process in a temperature range of 450-800℃. The grain size, crystal size, and crystallinity of ZnWO4 particles increased with the increase of calcina- tion temperature and prolonging calcination time. The photocatalytic activity was measured for the degradation of an aqueous Rhodamine-B（RhB） solution and gaseous formaldehyde（FAD）. With the increase of calcination temperature and time, the activities increased to a maximum and then decreased. ZnWO4 photocatalyst prepared at 550℃ for I0 h showed the highest activity, which is similar to the photocatalytic activity of P25TiO2 for the degradation of gase-ous FAD. High crystallinity, large surface area, and good dispersion are responsible for the high photocatalytic per- formance of the prepared ZnWO4.

Direct Synthesis of Diphenyl Carbonate with Heterogeneous Catalyst and Optimal Synthesis Conditions of the Support Prepared by Sol-gel Method

The support of catalyst for the direct synthesis of diphenyl carbonate （DPC） by heterogeneous catalytic reaction was prepared by the sol-gel method. Compared with activated charcoal, molecular sieve, porous ceramics, hopcalite, the support prepared by the sol-gel method has higher activity. The characterization of the support by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscope （TEM） show that the mare crystal phase is Co2MnO4 and the average particle diameter is about 40 nm. The optimum conditions for synthesis of the support were determined by orthogonal experiments, which indicate that the proportion of Cu, Mn, and Co is the first important factor influencing the yield and selectivity of DPC. Temperature of calcination is the second one. The optimum conditions are： molar proportion of Cu, Mn, and Co being 1 ： 1 ： 1, temperature of calcination 700℃, drying at 100~C, temperature of water bath 85~C. The yield and selectivity of DPC in the process can reach 38% and 99% in the batch operation, respectively. The copper cobalt manganese mixed oxides chosen as the support contribute more to the high catalytic activity than the sol-gel method.

Preparation and properties of nanocrystal SmBO_3 by nitrate-citrate sol-gel combustion method

Nanocrystal SmBO3 powders were synthesized by nitrate-citrate sol-gel combustion method. The phase evolution, morphologies and absorbency of the synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, Field emission scanning electronic microscope （FESEM）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FFIR） and UV-3101PC spectrophotometer （UVPC）, respectively. XRD and FESEM results showed that pure SmBO3 phase was obtained at 750 ℃, with an average original particle size of about 100 nm. FTIR showed that there were apparently concentrated absorbent peaks between 500 and 1400 cm^-1. Moreover, the reflectivity of the powders apparently decreased at the wavelength between 1.05 and 1.15 μm. Therefore, SmBO3 might be a kind of absorbent material for infrared laser.

Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Sulfate/Silica Composite as a Shape-stabilized Phase Change Material by Sol-gel Method

A sodium sulfate （NaeSO4）/silica （SiO2） composite was prepared as a shape-stabilized solid-liquid phase change material by a sol-gel procedure using Na2SiO3 as the silica source. Na2SO4 in the composite acts as a latent heat storage substance for solid-liquid phase change, while SiO2 acts as a support material to provide structural strength and prevent leakage of melted NazSO4. The microstructure and composition of the prepared composite were characterized by the N2 adsorption, transmission electron microscope （TEM）, scanning electron microscope （SEM）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the prepared Na2SOJSiO2 composite is a nanostructured hybrid of NazSO4 and SiO2 without new substances produced during the phase change. The macroscopic shape of the NazSO4/SiO2 composite after the melting and freezing cycles does not change and there is no leakage of Na2SO4. Determined by differential scanning calorimeter （DSC） analysis, the values of phase change latent heat of melting and freezing of the prepared NazSO4/SiO2 （50%, by mass） composite are 82.3 kJ.kg i and 83.7 kJ.kg-1, and temperatures of melting and freezing are 886.0 ℃ and 880.6 ℃, respectively. Furthermore, the Na2SOJSiO2 composite maintains good thermal energy storage and release ability even after 100 cycles of melting and freezing. The satisfactory thermal storage performance renders this composite a versatile tool for high-temperature thermal energy storage.

Grain Size and Photocatalytic Activity of Nanometer TiO_2 Thin Films Prepared by the Sol-gel Method

Transparent anatase TiO2 nanometer thin films with photocatalytic activity were prepared via the sol-gel method on soda-lime glass. The thickness , crystalline phase, grain size, surface hydroxyl amount and so on were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy ( TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible spectrophotometer ( UV-VIS). The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 thin films was evaluated for the photocatalytic decolorization of aqueous methyl orange . The effects of film thickness on the crystalline phase, grain size, transmittance and photocatalytic activity of nanometer Ti02 thin films were discussed.

Luminescence properties of red-emitting Ca_2Al_2SiO_7:Eu^(3+) nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method

A series of red-emitting Ca2_xA12SiOT：xEu^3＋ （x = 1 mol.%-10 tool.%） phosphors were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The effects of annealing temperature and doping concentration on the crystal structure and luminescence properties of Ca2A12SiO7：Eu^3＋ phosphors were investigated. X-ray diffraction （XRD） profiles showed that all peaks could be attributed to the tetragonal Ca2A12SiO7 phase when the sample was annealed at 1000℃. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） micrographs indicate that the phosphors have an irregularly rounded mor- phology with particles of about 200 nm. Excitation spectra showed that the strong broad band at around 258 nm and weak sharp lines in 350-490 nm were attributed to the charge transfer band of Eu^3＋-O^2- and f-f transitions within the 4f^6 configuration of Eu^3＋ ions, respectively. Emission spectra implied that the red luminescence could be attributed to the transitions from the ^5D0 excited level to the 7Fj （J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4） levels of Eu3＋ions with the main electric dipole transition ^5D0→^7F2 （618 and 620 nm）, and Eu^3＋ ions prefer to occupy a lower symmetry site in the crystal lattice. Moreover, the photoluminescence （PL） intensity was strongly dependent on both the sintering temperature and doping concentration, and the highest PL intensity was observed at an Eu^3＋ concentration x = 7 mol.% after annealing at ll00℃. The obtained Ca2A12SiO7：Eu^＋3＋ phosphor may have potential application for the red lamp phosphor.

Effects of sol-gel method and lanthanum addition on catalytic performances of nickel-based catalysts for methane reforming with carbon dioxide

The nickel-based catalysts were prepared by the sol-gel method and used for the CH4 reforming with CO2. The effects of the sol-gel method on the specific surface area, catalytic activity, desorption, and reduction performances of catalysts were investigated with BET, TPR, and TPD. Compared with the catalyst prepared by the impregnation method, the results indicated that the catalysts prepared by the sol-gel method had larger specific surface area, showing higher catalytic activities and exhibiting perfect desorption and reduction performances. In addition, the modification effects of adding La were studied, and it was found that the 0.75NLBT catalyst constituted of 5wt.%Ni-0.75wt.%La was optimal.

Influence of dopant content on morphology and optical constants of ZnO:Na films by sol-gel method

Undoped and Na-doped ZnO films were deposited by sol-gel method.The effects of sodium incorporation on structure,surface morphology and optical constants of the films were investigated.X-ray diffraction patterns show the hexagonal wurtzite polycrystalline structure and that the sodium incorporation leads to the change in the structural characteristics of ZnO films.The SEM observations show that the surface morphology of the films is affected by the sodium incorporation.The transmission spectra show that the average transmittance of the films is above 85% in the visible range.The absorption edge initially blue-shifts and then red-shifts with the increase of Na doping content.The optical constants of these films were calculated using transmission spectra.Refractive indices of the films in the visible range decrease at first and then increase with increasing Na doping content.

Synthesis of Long Afterglow Photoluminescent Materials Sr_2MgSi_2O_7∶Eu^(2+), Dy^(3+) by Sol-Gel Method

Long afterglow photoluminescent materials Sr2MgSi2O7 doped with Eu2+, Dy3+ were prepared by sol-gel method. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The excitation spectrum, emission spectrum and long decay curve were measured and analyzed. XRD pattern indicates that phosphor is with Sr2MgSi2O7 crystal structure. The wide range of excitation wavelength indicates that luminescent material can be excited by light from ultraviolet ray to visible light. The main peak of emission spectrum is located at 466 nm. Sample excited by visible light can emit bright blue light, and the afterglow time lasts more than 8 h.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline SrAl_2O_4∶Eu, Dy Long Afterglow Phosphors by Sol-Gel Method

Eu 2+, Dy 3+ co-doped nanocrystalline strontium aluminate phosphor powders with brightness and long afterglow were synthesized by the sol-gel method at 1200 ℃ for 2 h. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of XRD show that the single crystalline phase is α-SrAl_2O_4. According to the observation of SEM, the particles of the samples are needle-like. Compared with the samples synthesized by solid state reaction, the grain size of the sol-gel method is to nanometer grade. A clear blue shift occurs in the excitation and emission spectra. The blue shift in nanocrystalline SrAl_2O_4∶Eu, Dy phosphor can be attributed to the quantum-size-effect of the luminescent particles.

Fabrication and characterization of highly ordered Ni_(0.5)Zn_(0.5)Fe_2O_4 nanowire/tube arrays by sol-gel template method

Highly ordered nanowire/tube arrays of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4were fabricated by the sol-gel method in the pores of anodic alumina membrane （AAM）. Whether nanowires or nanotubes were fabricated depends on immersion time. The immersion time was 15- 40 s for nanotubes and over 60 s for nanowires. The topography and crystalline structure of the nanowire arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. It was found that the length and diameter of the Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanowires are related to the thickness of the AAM and the diameter of the pores. The results indicated that the Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanowires are uniform and parallel to each other.

Surface and Texture Properties of Tb-Doped Ceria-Zirconia Solid Solution Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

The three-way catalysts （TWCs） promoters Ce0.6Zr0.4- x TbxO2-y were prepared by sol-gel method. BET surface areas analysis indicated that an increase of the dopant Tb content from x = 0.05 to x = 0.15 favors an increase of surface area from 66.8 to 80.4 m^2· g^-1 compared with the undoped sample Ce0 .6oZr0.40O2 65.1 m^2·g^- 1 after calcination at 650℃. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） observation indicated that the doped samples have a higher thermal stability. The XRD and Raman spectra confirmed that the Ce0.6Zr0.4-xTbxO2-y cubic solid solution is formed. XPS analysis revealed that Ce and Tb mainly existed in the form of Ce^4＋ and Tb^3 ＋ , and Zr existed in the form of Zr^4＋ on the surface of the samples. The doped samples were homogenous in composition ; the introduction of Tb into the CeO2-ZrO2 promoters resuited in the formation of a solid solution, and the concentration of surface lattice oxygen was increased.

Progress in Research on Nanometer Al_2O_3 Fabricated by Sol-Gel Method

Nanometer Al_2O_3 is one of new types of functional materials with broad application and development prospects in the future. The basic principle and ways of nanometer Al_2O_3 fabricated using sol-gel technique were introduced, and the factors affecting nanometer Al_2O_3 fabricated using sol-gel method were analyzed. The progress in research on nanometer Al_2O_3 and the application fields of nanometer Al_2O_3 were reviewed. The existing problems and the problems prospect for nanometer Al_2O_3 were pointed out.

Synthesis of hexagonal barium ferrite nanoparticle by sol-gel method

M-type Ba hexaferrites were successfully synthesized by sol-gel method.Several synthesizing factors,such as pH value,citric acid/metal ion ratio,and dispersion agent were mainly discussed.Fine and pure powders of BaFe_(12)O_(19)were optimally synthesized under the conditions of the pH value is 7 and citric acid/metal ion ratio is 3.The X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that no impurity is observed in the synthesized powders after presintered at 450℃and calcinated at 1100℃.SEM observations indicate that the size of the synthesized BaFe_(12)O_(19)powders is small and uniform distribution.It can also be learned from SEM that the co-synthesizing sol-gel method can be in favor of the formation of finer particles.

Preparation and optical characteristics of ZnO films by chelating sol-gel method

The effect of different annealing temperatures on the structure, morphology,and optical properties of ZnO thin films prepared by the chelating sol-gel method was investigated.Zinc-oxide thin films were coated on quartz glass substrates by dip coating. Zinc nitrate, absoluteethanol, and citric acid were used as precursor, solvent, and chelating agent, respectively. Theresults show that ZnO films derived from zinc-citrate have lower crystallization temperature (below400℃), and that the crystal structure is wurtzite. The films, treated over 500℃, consist ofnano-particles and show to be porous at 600℃. The particle size of the film increases with theincrease of the annealing temperature. The largest particle size is 60 nm at 600℃. The opticaltransmittances related to the annealing temperatures become 90% higher in the visible range. Thefilm shows a starting absorption at 380 nm, and the optical band-gap of the thin film (fired at500℃) is 3.25 eV and close to the intrinsic band-gap of ZnO (3.2 eV).