Simultaneous realization of high sulfur utilization and lithium dendrite-free via dual-effect kinetic regulation strategy toward lithium-sulfur batteries

With the high theoretical specific capacity and energy density,lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)have been intensively studied as promising candidates for energy storage devices.However,LSBs are largely hindered by inferior sulfur utilization and uncontrollable dendritic growth.Herein,a hierarchical functionalization strategy of stepwise catalytic-adsorption-conversion for sulfur species via the synergetic of the efficiently catalytic host cathode and light multifunctional interlayer has been proposed to concurrently address the issues arising on the dual sides of the LSBs.The multi-layer SnS_(2) micro-flowers embedded into the natural three-dimensional(3D)interconnected carbonized bacterial cellulose(CBC)nanofibers are fabricated as the sulfur host that provides numerous catalytic sites for the rapid catalytic conversion of sulfur species.Moreover,the distinctive CBC-based SnO_(2)-SnS_(2) heterostructure network accompanied high conductive carbon nanofibers as the multifunctional interlayer promotes the rapid anchoringdiffusion-conversion of lithium polysulfides,Li^(+)flux redistribution,and uniform Li deposition.LSBs equipped with our strategy exhibit a high reversible capacity of 1361.5 m A h g^(-1)at 0.2 C and superior cycling stability with an ultra-low capacity fading of 0.031%per cycle in 1000 cycles at 1.5 C and 0.046%at 3 C.A favorable specific capacity of 859.5 m A h g^(-1)at 0.3 C is achieved with a high sulfur mass loading of 5.2 mg cm^(-2),highlighting the potential of practical application.The rational design in this work can provide a feasible solution for high-performance LSBs and promote the development of advanced energy storage devices.

Effect of solvents on the morphology and structure of barium titanate synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method

Tetragonal barium titanate was synthesized from barium hydroxide octahydrate and titanium tetrachloride through a simple one-step hydrothermal method.The effect of different solvents on the crystal structure and morphology of barium titanate nanoparticles during the hy-drothermal process was investigated.Except for ethylene glycol/water solvent,impurity-free barium titanate was synthesized in pure water,methanol/water,ethanol/water,and isopropyl alcohol/water mixed solvents.Compared with other alcohols,ethanol promotes the formation of a tetragonal structure.In addition,characterization studies confirm that particles synthesized in methanol/water,ethanol/water,and isopropyl al-cohol/water mixed solvents are smaller in size than those synthesized in pure water.In the case of alcohol-containing solvents,the particle size decreases in the order of isopropanol,ethanol,and methanol.Among all the media used in this study,ethanol/water is considered the optimum reaction media for barium titanate with high tetragonality(defined as the ratio of two lattice parameters c and a,c/a=1.0088)and small aver-age particle size(82 nm),which indicates its great application potential in multilayer ceramic capacitors.

Porous metal oxides in the role of electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction

The global energy-related CO_(2) emissions have rapidly increased as the world economy heavily relied on fossil fuels.This paper explores the pressing challenge of CO_(2) emissions and highlights the role of porous metal oxide materials in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)(CO_(2)RR).The focus is on the development of robust and selective catalysts,particularly metal and metal-oxide-based materials.Porous metal oxides offer high surface area,enhancing the accessibility to active sites and improving reaction kinetics.The tunability of these materials allows for tailored catalytic behavior,targeting optimized reaction mechanisms for CO_(2)RR.The work also discusses the various synthesis strategies and identifies key structural and compositional features,addressing challenges like high overpotential,poor selectivity,and low stability.Based on these insights,we suggest avenues for future research on porous metal oxide materials for electrochemical CO_(2) reduction.

Mg-doped,carbon-coated,and prelithiated SiO_(x) as anode materials with improved initial Coulombic efficiency for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon suboxide(SiO_(x),x≈1)is promising in serving as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity,but it has a low initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)due to the irreversible formation of lithium silicates during the first cycle.In this work,we modify SiO_(x) by solid-phase Mg doping reaction using low-cost Mg powder as a reducing agent.We show that Mg reduces SiO_(2) in SiO_(x) to Si and forms MgSiO_(3) or Mg_(2)SiO_(4).The MgSiO_(3) or Mg_(2)SiO_(4) are mainly distributed on the surface of SiO_(x),which suppresses the irreversible lithium-ion loss and enhances the ICE of SiO_(x).However,the formation of MgSiO_(3) or Mg_(2)SiO_(4) also sacrifices the capacity of SiO_(x).Therefore,by controlling the reaction process between Mg and SiO_(x),we can tune the phase composition,proportion,and morphology of the Mg-doped SiO_(x) and manipulate the performance.We obtain samples with a capacity of 1226 mAh g^(–1) and an ICE of 84.12%,which show significant improvement over carbon-coated SiO_(x) without Mg doping.By the synergistical modification of both Mg doping and prelithiation,the capacity of SiO_(x) is further increased to 1477 mAh g^(–1) with a minimal compromise in the ICE(83.77%).

Effects of Interlayer Composition on Bond Strength and Interfacial Microstructure of Green Joined CePO_4-ZrO_2 Ceramics

Effects of interlayer composition on bonding strength and interfacial microstructure of green joined CePO4-ZrO2 ceramics were studied. Green bodies of 25%CePO4/ZrO2 and ZrO2 ceramics were joined by using interlayer composed of CePO4 and ZrO2 at 1450 ℃ for 120 min without applied pressure.The effects of CePO4/（CePO4+ZrO2） ratio on the bond strength of the joints were investigated. Under the experimental conditions, the grain size of the particles grown in the joint is smaller than those in joined ceramics. The microstructure of the joint is more homogeneous than that of the matrix and without obvious cracks, pores and other defects.

Sintering and Machinability of Monazite-Type CePO_4 Ceramics

The sintering and machinability of monazite-type CePO4 ceramics were investigated. Relative density ≥98% and apparent porosity <2% were achieved when the monazite-type CePO4 were sintered at 1500 ℃/1 h in air,and the maximal bending strength value （184 MPa） was achieved at this temperature. CePO4 ceramics has a multilayer structure and an exciting "ductility",so it can be drilled and cut with WC cutter with a small machining damage.

Recent progress on the recycling technology of Li-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have been widely applied in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles.With the booming of the respective markets,a huge quantity of spent LIBs that typically use either LiFePO_(4) or Li N_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(z)O_(2) cathode materials will be produced in the very near future,imposing significant pressure for the development of suitable disposal/recycling technologies,in terms of both environmental protection and resource reclaiming.In this review,we firstly do a comprehensive summary of the-state-of-art technologies to recycle Li N_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(z)O_(2) and LiFePO_(4)-based LIBs,in the aspects of pretreatment,hydrometallurgical recycling,and direct regeneration of the cathode materials.This closed-loop strategy for cycling cathode materials has been regarded as an ideal approach considering its economic benefit and environmental friendliness.Afterward,as for the exhausted anode materials,we focus on the utilization of exhausted anode materials to obtain other functional materials,such as graphene.Finally,the existing challenges in recycling the LiFePO_(4) and Li N_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(z)O_(2) cathodes and graphite anodes for industrial-scale application are discussed in detail;and the possible strategies for these issues are proposed.We expect this review can provide a roadmap towards better technologies for recycling LIBs,shed light on the future development of novel battery recycling technologies to promote the environmental benignity and economic viability of the battery industry and pave way for the large-scale application of LIBs in industrial fields in the near future.

Undercooling and Solidification of Sn-Pb Alloy Droplets Prepared by Uniform Droplet Spray

The undercooling and solidification of 150 μm and 185 μm droplets of Sn 5%Pb alloy prepared by the uniform droplet spray (UDS) process have been investigated. The enthalpy of the droplet has been measured by non adiabatic calorimetric method as a function of the flight distance. A droplet solidification simulation model has been used to compare with the experimental data. The results show that the enthalpy released by the droplets in the calorimeter is 11.88 J/g and 22.29 J/g less than the simulated values up to a certain flight distance at 0.485 m and 0.460 m for 150 μm and 185 μm droplets respectively, but agrees with the expected values at larger distance. The nucleation of the droplets takes place at the distance where the experimental and simulated enthalpy values agree. The droplets quenched before nucleation solidify into metastable supersaturated solid solution and have large undercooling. The formation of the metastable structure in the droplets has been verified metallographically and by calculations based on a thermodynamic model.

Experimental and Finite Element Study of Steady State Micro-cutting Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy (2A12)

This paper studies the micro-cutting characteristics of aluminum alloy (2A12) based on a series of orthogonal experiments and finite element method (FEM) simulations. An energy-based ductile failure law was proposed in the FEM simulation. The simulated cutting forces and chip morphology were compared with experimental results. The simulation result indicates that there is a close relationship between the cutting force and cutting heat. The micro-cutting force decreases as the heat flux vector increases. Both the cutting heat and the micro-cutting force need a finite time to achieve a steady state. It is observed that with the cutting speed of 169.95 m/min and uncut chip thickness of 6 μm, the heat flux vector in the workpiece increases to a stable value after 0.06 ms; meanwhile, the principal cutting force decreases to a steady state correspondingly, i.e., the micro-cutting process achieves the steady state. It is concluded that the steady state micro-cutting simulation can reflect the cutting process accurately.

Machinability evaluation of machinable ceramics with fuzzy theory

The property parameters and machining output parameters were selected for machinability evaluation of machinable ceramics. Based on fuzzy evaluation theory, two-stage fuzzy evaluation approach was applied to consider these parameters. Two-stage fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was proposed to evaluate machinability of machinable ceramic materials. Ce-ZrO2/CePO4 composites were fabricated and machined for evaluation of machinable ceramics. Material removal rates and specific normal grinding forces were measured. The parameters concerned with machinability were selected as alternative set. Five grades were chosen for the machinability evaluation of machnable ceramics. Machinability grades of machinable ceramics were determined through fuzzy operation. Ductile marks are observed on Ce-ZrO2/CePO4 machined surface. Five prepared Ce-ZrO2/CePO4 composites are classified as three machinability grades according to the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation results. The machinability grades of Ce-ZrO2/CePO4 composites are concerned with CePO4 content.

Automatic Damage Detection of Engineering Ceramics Ground Surface Based on Texture Analysis

Ground textures seriously interfere with the exact identification of grinding damage. The common nondestructive testing techniques for engineering ceramics are limited by their difficulty and cost. Therefore, this paper proposes a global image reconstruction scheme in ground texture surface using Fourier transform (FT). The lines associated with high-energy frequency components in the spectrum that represent ground texture information can be detected by Hough transform (HT), and the corresponding high-energy frequency components are set to zero. Then the spectrum image is back-transformed into the spatial domain image with inverse Fourier transform (IFT). In the reconstructed image, the main ground texture information has been removed, whereas the surface defects information is preserved. Finally, Canny edge detection is used to extract damage image in the reconstructed image. The experimental results of damage detection for the ground texture surfaces of engineering ceramics have shown that the proposed method is effective.

DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF ZNTIO_3 MICROWAVE CERAMICS CONSOLIDATED WITH MGTIO_3

稳定的 ZnTiO_3 被通过 traditionalsolid 状态反应做氧化镁准备。试验性的结果显示锌泰坦吃了与氧化镁做的晶体成长很好，进 Zn_2TiO_4 和 TiO_2 的分解通过传统的稳固的状态被制止反应。由调整 MgO 的臼齿的比率，更好的性质能被获得。与在 1 060 deg C 的 sintered 如下是的 30% MgO (臼齿的百分比) 做的陶艺的绝缘的性质：优秀因素的价值比大 20 000 (6.5 GHz ) ，回声频率的温度系数是大约 2 X 10 ^(-6)/deg C，从 18 ～ 22 的绝缘的经常的范围。而且，热处理能优化微观结构和优秀因素的价值，这被证明，它增加从 23 833.93 ～ 47 584.00 在在 1 040 deg C 的热处理的 2 h 以后。

Influence of t-ZrO_2 addition on mechanical property and electrical conductivity of YSZ electrolyte

8YSZ material that has high electrical conductivity is widely used as electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). But its low strength and low fracture toughness hampered the development of SOFCs. In order to find a best method to improve the capability of YSZ electrolyte, the effects of 3Y-TZP additive on the density, strength, conductivity and microstructure were studied by means of X-ray diffraction and Vicker′s hardness apparatus. The strength and conductivity of YSZ electrolyte doped with different amounts of 3Y-TZP were determined. It is shown that the samples sintered at 1450 ℃ for 2 h are the best in properties. When 3Y-TZP powders are added to the YSZ system, the results demonstrate that strength of the electrolyte increases remarkably, and the fracture toughness is improved. The electrical conductivity is lowered only slightly. The results display that the flexural strength and the fracture toughness of ceramics with 30wt.% TZP reach 300 MPa and 3.7 MPa·m1/2, respectively, and the conductivity at 1000 ℃ reaches 0.11 S·cm-1.

Recent progress in rate and cycling performance modifications of vanadium oxides cathode for lithium-ion batteries

The emergency of high-power electrical appliances has put forward higher requirements for the power density of lithium-ion batteries.Vanadium oxides with large theoretical capacities and high operating voltages are considered as prospective alternatives for the cathode of a new generation of lithium-ion batteries.However,the poor rate and cycling performance caused by the sluggish electrons/lithium transportation,irreversible phase changes,vanadium dissolution and large volume changes during the repeated lithium intercalation/deintercalation hinder their commercial development.Several optimizing routes have been carried out and extensively explored to address these problems.Taking V_(2)O_(5),VO_(2)(B),V_(6)O_(13),and V_(2)O_(3)as examples,this article reviewed their crystal structures and lithium storage reactions.Besides,recent progress in modification methods for the electrochemical insufficiencies of vanadium oxides,including nanostructure,heterogeneous atom doping,composite and self-supported electrodes has been systematically summarized and finally,the challenges for the industrialization of vanadium oxide cathodes and their development opportunities are proposed.

Dual-modification of manganese oxide by heterostructure and cation pre-intercalation for high-rate and stable zinc-ion storage

Zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)possess great advantages in terms of high safety and low cost,and are regarded as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,limited by the electrochemical kinetics and structural stability of the typical cathode materials,it is still difficult to simultaneously achieve high rates and high cycling stability for ZIBs.Herein,we present a manganese oxide(Sn_(x)Mn O_(2)/Sn O_(2))material that is dual-modified by Sn O_(2)/Mn O_(2)heterostructures and pre-intercalated Sn;cations as the cathode material for ZIBs.Such modification provides sufficient hetero-interfaces and expanded interlayer spacing in the material,which greatly facilitates the insertion/extraction of Zn^(2+).Meanwhile,the“structural pillars”of Sn^(4+) cations and the“pinning effect”of SnO_(2)also structurally stabilizes the Mn O_(2)species during the repeated Zn^(2+) insertion/extraction,leading to ultra-high cycling stability.Due to these merits,the Sn_(x)MnO_(2)/SnO_(2)cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 316.1 m Ah g^(-1) at 0.3 A g^(-1),superior rate capability of 179.4 m Ah g^(-1) at 2 A g^(-1),and 92.4%capacity retention after 2000 cycles.Consequently,this work would provide a promising yet efficient strategy by combining heterostructures and cations preintercalation to obtain high-performance cathodes for ZIBs.

Development of Metal and Metal-Based Composites Anode Materials for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Potassium-ion batteries(KIBs)are considered the next powerful potential generation energy storage system because of substantial potassium resource availability and similar characteristics with lithium.Unfortunately,the actual application of KIBs is inferior to that of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),in which the fi nite energy density,ordinary circular life,and underdeveloped fabrication technique dominate the key constraints.Various works have recently been directed to growing novel anode electrodes with superior electrochemical capability.Noticeably,metals/metal oxides materials(e.g.,Sb,Sn,Zn,SnO_(2),and MoO_(2))have been widely investigated as KIBs anodes because of high theoretical capacity,suggesting outstanding promise for high-energy KIBs.In this review,the latest research of metals/metal oxides electrodes for potassium storage is summarized.The major strategies to control the electrochemical property of metals/metal oxides electrodes are discussed.Finally,the future investigation foreground for these anode electrodes has been proposed.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity of TiO_(2) Nanorods and Its Application to Degrading Organic Pollutants

Fluorine-doped tin oxide(FTO)/TiO_(2) seed layer/TiO_(2) nanorods were prepared by ion-beam deposition and hydrothermal methods.Under UV light,the photocurrent density of these nanorods was found to reach 1.39 mA/cm^(2),which was higher than that without the seed layer and nanorod structures.Furthermore,the FTO/TiO_(2) seed layer/TiO_(2) nanorods can also absorb visible light,overcoming a notable problem with standard TiO_(2).The photocurrent density of the FTO/TiO_(2) seed layer/TiO_(2) nanorods was found to reach 0.21 mA/cm^(2) under visible light.This high-performance results from the deposition of the TiO_(2) seed layer,which reduces the band gap of TiO_(2).The FTO/TiO_(2) seed layer/TiO_(2) nanorods also exhibited high photodegradation ability for the organic pollutant methylene blue(MB).Within 120 min,77.3%of the MB was found to have been degraded,and the degradation rates remained almost unchanged after four cycles with the same catalyst sample.Additionally,compared with powdered photocatalysts,the FTO/TiO_(2) seed layer/TiO_(2) nanorod sample is easy to recover,requiring only rinsing with water and natural drying after the reaction.

Multiatom activation of single-atom electrocatalysts via remote coordination for ultrahigh-rate two-electron oxygen reduction

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction via a two-electron pathway(2e^(-)-ORR)is a promising and eco-friendly route for producing hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)).Single-atom catalysts(SACs)typically show excellent selectivity towards 2e^(-)-ORR due to their unique electronic structures and geometrical configurations.The very low density of single-atom active centers,however,often leads to unsatisfactory H_(2)O_(2)yield rate,significantly inhibiting their practical feasibility.Addressing this,we herein introduce fluorine as a secondary doping element into conventional SACs,which does not directly coordinate with the singleatom metal centers but synergize with them in a remote manner.This strategy effectively activates the surrounding carbon atoms and converts them into highly active sites for 2e^(-)-ORR.Consequently,a record-high H_(2)O_(2)yield rate up to 27 mol g^(-1)h^(-1)has been achieved on the Mo–F–C catalyst,with high Faradaic efficiency of 90%.Density functional theory calculations further confirm the very kinetically facile 2e^(-)-ORR over these additional active sites and the superiority of Mo as the single-atom center to others.This strategy thus not only provides a high-performance electrocatalyst for 2e^(-)-ORR but also should shed light on new strategies to significantly increase the active centers number of SACs.

Effect of Granule Morphology on Strength and Microstructure of ZTM Made from Spray Dried Powder

The microstructure and properties of ZTM ceramics fabricated from spray-dried powders with differ granule morphology and deformability were determined. The effects of solid content of feed slurry on the granule character were discussed. Lower solid content results in hard and tough ’donut’-shaped granules resisted deformation during compaction. The microphotograph shows that relative large intergranular pores are major strength-limiting defects in fired material studied. The incomplete deformed granules are kept during sintering. Sintered material pressed from uniform and deformable granules produced from high solid content slurry has a homogeneous microstructure and relative high mean strength.

Microstructure and Fracture Toughness of Al_2O_3/3Y-TZP Composites

The composites were prepared by ball-milling ZrO2（3%Y2O3） and γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles, pressing unidirectionally, cold-pressing isostatically and pressurelessly sintering in air. The phases of ZrO2 in composites were examined by X-ray diffraction. The microstructure of Al2O3/3Y-TZP composites was observed by scanning electron microscope （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） respectively. The X-ray analysis reveals that ZrO2 of both surface and fracture surface is mainly t-ZrO2. The SEM image shows that there are some intragranular particles in large granulars. The fracture toughness K 1c of Al2O3/70%ZrO2（3%Y2O3（mole fraction）） composite tested by single-edge notched bending is 13.5 MPa·m 1/2. Being toughened by the ferroelastic domain switching and the intragranular microstructure explains high toughness of the composite.