A study of YBa2(Cu1?xMex)3O6 + δ (Me = Al, Co, Fe) electrophysical and electrochemical properties

The structure, thermal expansion coefficient, and electroconductivity of YBa₂(Cu_1−x Al _x )₃O_6+δ (x = 0.0–0.9) were studied at 20 to 900°C in air. The most conducting compositions of YBa₂(Cu_1−x Me _x )₃O_6+δ (Me = Al, Co, Fe) were determined. The electrochemical activity of electrodes with the most conducting compositions of YBa₂(Cu_1−x Me _x )₃O_6+δ (Me = Al, Co, Fe) was studied in a wide polarization range in the contact with 0.9ZrO₂ + 0.1Y₂O₃ solid electrolyte in air at the temperatures of 700 to 900°C. Original Russian Text ? V.K. Gil’derman, I.D. Remez, 2009, published in Elektrokhimiya, 2009, Vol. 45, No. 5, pp. 612–615. Published by report at IX Conference “Fundamental Problems of Solid State Ionics”, Chernogolovka, 2008.     

Effect of strontium substitution on the activity of La2?xSrxNiO4 (x = 0.0–1.2) in NO decomposition

The aim of this work is to study the effect of Sr substitution on the redox properties and catalytic activity of La_2−x Sr _x NiO₄ (x = 0.0–1.2) for NO decomposition. Results suggest that the x = 0.6 sample shows the highest activity. The characterization (TPD, TPR, etc.) of samples indicates that the x = 0.6 sample possesses suitable abilities in both oxidation and reduction, which facilitates the proceeding of oxygen desorption and NO adsorption. At temperature below 700°C, the oxygen desorption is difficult, and is the rate-determining step of NO decomposition. With the increase of reaction temperature (T > 700°C), the oxygen desorption is favorable and, the active adsorption of NO on the active site (NO + V _o + Ni²⁺ → NO⁻-Ni³⁺) turns out to be the rate-determining step. The existence of oxygen vacancy is the prerequisite condition for NO decomposition, but its quantity does not relate much to the activity. Supported by the National Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program)(Grant No. 2004CB 719502) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20177022)     

Etude des systemes CaHPO4−MHPO4−H2O (M=Sr,Ba) A 50°C

The systems CaHPO₄−MHPO₄−H₂O (M=Sr, Ba) were studied at 50°C. ForM=Sr, the series of single phases, Ca_1−xSr_xHPO₄ for 0.95<X<0.75 and Ca_xSr_1−xHPO₄ for 0.4<X<1 have been prepared. These solid solution were caracterized by their infrared spectra and their crystallographic unit cell parameters. ForM=Ba a new phase Ca₂Ba(HPO₄)₃ has been determined. It was characterized by DRX, IR, ATD and chemical analyses.

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Zusammenfassung Bei 50°C wurde das System CaHPO₄−MHPO₄−H₂O (mitM=Sr, Ba) untersucht. FürM=Sr wurden Serien von Einzelphasen erhalten: Ca_1−xSr_xHPO₄ für 0.95<X< 0.75 und Ca_xSr_1−xHPO₄ für 0.4<X<1. Diese Mischkristalle wurden anhand ihrer Infrarotspektren und ihrer kristallographischen Elementarzellenparameter charakterisiert. FürM=Ba wurde die neue Phase Ca₂Ba(HPO₄)₃ ermittelt. Sie wurde mittels DRX, IR, ATD und chemischer Analyse charakterisiert.

     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of nanostructured LiAl x Mn2 − x O4 − y Br y particles

Nanostructured LiAl _x Mn_2 − x O_4 − y Br _y particles were synthesized successfully by annealing the mixed precursors, which were prepared by room-temperature solid-state coordination method using lithium acetate, manganese acetate, lithium bromide, aluminum nitrate, citric acid, and polyethylene glycol 400 as starting materials. X-ray diffractometer patterns indicated that the particles of the as-synthesized samples are well-crystallized pure spinel phase. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the LiAl _x Mn_2 − x O_4 − y Br _y samples consist of small-sized nanoparticles. The results of galvanostatic cycling tests revealed that the initial discharge capacity of LiAl_0.05Mn_1.95O_3.95Br_0.05 is 119 mAh g⁻¹; after the 100th cycle, its discharge capacity still remains at 92 mAh g⁻¹. The introduction of Al and Br in LiMn₂O₄ bring a synergetic effect and is quite effective in increasing the capacity and elevating cycling performance.     

Photocatalytic production of hydrogen in systems based on Cd<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Zn<Subscript>1–<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>S/Ni<Superscript>0</Superscript> nanostructures

A relation was established between the composition of Cd _x Zn_1–x S nanoparticles and their ability to accumulate excess negative charge during irradiation. The rate of expenditure of the accumulated charge depends on the composition of the nanoparticles and is determined by their electric capacitance. A correlation was found between the photocatalytic activity of the Cd _x Zn_1–x S nanoparticles in the release of hydrogen from solutions of Na₂SO₃, their composition, and their capacity for photoinduced accumulation of excess charge. It was shown that Ni⁰ nanoparticles photodeposited on the surface of Cd _x Zn_1–x S are effective cocatalysts for the release of hydrogen. It was found that Zn^II additions in photocatalytic systems based on Cd _x Zn_1–x S/Ni⁰ nanostructures have a promoting action on the release of hydrogen from water–ethanol mixtures. Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 8–16, January-February, 2009.     

Structural and magnetic anomalies among the spin-chain compounds, Ca3Co1+xIr1?xO6

The results of X-ray diffraction, andac anddc magnetisation as a function of temperature are reported for a new class of spin-chain oxides, Ca₃Co_1+x Ir_1−x O₆. While thex = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 are found to form in the K₄CdCl₆-derived rhombhohedral (space group ) structure, thex = 0.7 composition is found to undergo a monoclinic distortion in contrast to a literature report. Apparently, the change in the crystal symmetry withx manifests itself as a change in the sign of paramagnetic Curie temperature for this composition as though magnetic coupling sensitively depends on such crystallographic distortions. All the compositions exhibit spin-glass anomalies with an unusuallylarge frequency dependence of the peak temperature inac susceptibility in a temperature range below 50 K, interestingly obeying Vogel-Fulcher relationship even for the stoichiometric compounds. Dedicated to Professor C N R Rao on his 70th birthday     

Fabrication and properties of xBiFeO3-(1 − x)Bi4Ti3O12 system by sol–gel process

The thin films of mixture of xBiFeO₃-(1 − x)Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ (x = 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) system were prepared by a sol–gel process. The thicknesses of the thin films were 540, 500, and 570 nm, respectively. The crystal structure of all thin films annealed at 650 °C was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It was found that the thin films at x = 0.4 and 0.5 mainly consisted of a Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ phase while Bi₅Ti₃FeO₁₅ was the major phase of the thin film at x = 0.6. The thin film (x = 0.6) showed better ferroelectric properties in remnant polarization and polarization fatigue than those observed in the thin films (x = 0.4 and 0.5). The values of remnant polarization 2P _r and coercive field 2E c of the thin film at x = 0.6 were 36 μC/cm² and 192 kV/cm at an applied electric field of 260 kV/cm, respectively. There was almost no polarization fatigue up to 10¹⁰ switching cycles. Also weak ferromagnetism was observed in the thin film at x = 0.6.     

The NiFe2O4 - MgFe2O4 series as electrode materials for electrochemical reduction of NO x

Solid solutions of spinel-type oxides with the composition (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0) were prepared with the glycine-nitrate combustion synthesis (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6) and the citric-acid combustion synthesis (x = 1.0). The oxides were used as electrode materials in a pseudo-three-electrode setup in the temperature range of 400–600 °C. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the electrochemical behavior in 1% NO and 10% O₂. Measurements show that NiFe₂O₄ has relatively high cathodic activity in both NO and O₂, whereas MgFe₂O₄ shows much higher activity in NO compared to O₂. MgFe₂O₄ was also measured with cyclic voltammetry in 1% NO₂ and different gas mixtures of NO and O₂ at 300 and 400 °C. Results show that the cathodic activities (−0.6 V) are relatively high with current ratios, , ranging from 10.1–167.7 and with a maximum at 400 °C. Dilatometry measurements were performed on the materials in air up to 1,000 °C, and they showed that the Curie temperature could be detected for all samples. Four-point DC resistivity measurements at elevated temperatures show that Ni_0.4Mg_0.6Fe₂O₄ has the highest conductivity, whereas Ni_0.7Mg_0.3Fe₂O₄ and NiFe₂O₄ have the highest conductivity at lower temperatures.     

XRD and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance analysis of CeO2-ZrO2 solid solutions synthesized by combustion method

A series of ceria-incorporated zirconia (Ce_1−xZr_xO₂,x = 0 to 1) solid solutions were prepared by employing the solution combustion synthesis route. The products were characterized by XRD and UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The materials are crystalline in nature and the lattice parameters of the solid solution series follow Vegard’s law. Diffuse reflectance spectra of the solid solutions in the UV region show two intense bands at 250 and 297 nm which are assigned respectively to Ce³⁺ ← O²⁻and Ce⁴⁺ ← O²⁻ charge transfer transitions. The two vibrational bands in 6960 cm⁻¹ and 5168 cm⁻¹ in the NIR region indicate the presence of surface hydroxyl groups on these materials.     

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of Al2−x Cr x O3 powders obtained by polymeric precursor method

Al₂O₃ and Al_2−x Cr _x O₃ (x = 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04) powders have been synthesized by the polymeric precursors method. A study of the structural evolution of crystalline phases corresponding to the obtained powders was accomplished through X-Ray Diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy (reflectance spectra and CIEL^*a^*b^* color data). The obtained results allow to identify the γ-Al₂O₃ to α-Al₂O₃ phase transition. The single-phase α-Al₂O₃ powder was obtained after heat treatment at 1050 °C for 2 h. The results show that the green to red color transition and ruby luminescence lines observed for the powders of Al_2−x Cr _x O₃ are related to the γ to α-Al₂O₃ phase transition and the temperature and time range for such transition depends on the chromium content.     

A TEM, XRD, and crystal chemical investigation of oxygen/vacancy ordering in (Ba1−xLax)2In2O5+x, 0x0.6

A careful TEM and XRD study of the (Ba_1−xLa_x)₂In₂O_5+x, 0x0.6, ‘defect-perovskite’-type solid solution has been carried out. A well-defined structural phase transition is shown to occur between x=0.1 and 0.2 from the orthorhombic brownmillerite structure type on the low x side to a multiple twinned, tetragonal 1×1×2 perovskite-related superstructure phase on the high x side at x=0.2. This phase transition correlates with an important phase transition previously observed in electrical conductivity versus temperature measurements. The existence of additional satellite reflections close to the regions of reciprocal space was found to be typical of all (Ba_1−xLa_x)₂In₂O_5+x specimens, although their intensity relative to the parent Bragg reflections systematically reduces as x increases. As x increases beyond 0.2, the -type satellite reflections initially become weaker and rather more diffuse for x=0.3 before splitting into pairs of rather weak and somewhat diffuse incommensurate satellite reflections for x=0.4 and beyond. An interpretation in terms of oxygen vacancy ordering and associated structural relaxation is given. Additional structured diffuse scattering is also observed and a tentative explanation in terms of Ba/La ordering and associated local strain distortions put forward.     

The homogeneity range of lyonsite-type phase existing in the CrVO4 - Co3V2O8 system

In the work presented here, the way of obtaining the phase with general formula Co_3+1.5xCr_2–x(VO₄)₄ (0 ≤ × < 0.4) is demonstrated. A new phase is detected in CrVO₄ - Co₃V₂O₈ that is formed in one of the intersection of the ternary CoO - V₂O₅ - Cr₂O₃ system. Monophasic Co₃Cr₂(VO₄)₄ (Co_3+1.5xCr_2−x(VO₄)₄, where × = 0) was obtained from both a mixture comprising CrVO₄ and Co₃V₂O₈ as well as from the mixture of CoV₂O₆ with CoCr₂O₄. The Co_3+1.5xCr_2−x(VO₄)₄ is isotypic with the those demonstrating the lyonsite-type structure. The temperature of melting for the new compound was established using the DTA methods.      

Nanosecond and microsecond decay of photogenerated charges in Cd<Subscript>x</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>S nanoparticles

The luminescent characteristics of Cd_xZn_1−xS nanoparticles were studied. It was shown that the emission is due to the recombination of holes in the valence band with electrons captured by two sorts of traps, of which the traps with lower energy were ascribed to the surface states of the Cd_xZn_1−xS nanoparticles. It was established that the Cd_xZn_1−xS nanoparticles have more pronounced ability than CdS nanoparticles to accumulate excess negative charge under the conditions of pulsed irradiation. It was shown that the consumption of the photogenerated electrons in nanosecond and microsecond time scales involves the participation of one and the same electron traps. It was established that the rate of interaction of the electrons captured by the surface traps with oxygen increases with decrease in the size of the nanoparticles. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 275–281, September–October, 2007.     

Heat capacity of GdBaSr(Cu<Subscript>3−x</Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>x</Subscript>)O<Subscript>7−δ</Subscript> superconductor (<Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis>=Zn and Ni)

In this study, GdBaSr(Cu_3−x M _x)O_7−δ bulk samples (M=Zn and Ni; 0≤x≤0.1) were prepared via solid-state reaction. Specific heat measurement (measured with thermal relaxation technique using PPMS) shows an obvious specific heat jump around the T _c for GdBaSrCu₃O_7−δ sample as observed in most of the high temperature superconductors. It shifts towards lower temperature with increasing of both Zn and Ni doping contents, whose tendency is similar to the decreasing of T _c. Debye temperature, Θ_D (derived from specific heat measurements) calculated at around 10 K is found to be directly proportional to the T _c.     

Electrochemical reduction of NO and O2 on La2−x Sr x CuO4-based electrodes

A series of La_2 − x Sr _x CuO₄ (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25 and 0.35) compounds was investigated for the use of direct electrochemical reduction of NO in an all-solid-state electrochemical cell. The materials were investigated using cyclic voltammetry in 1% NO in Ar and 10% O₂ in Ar. The most selective electrode material was La₂CuO₄, which had an activity of NO reduction that was 6.8 times higher than that of O₂ at 400 °C. With increasing temperature, activity increased while selectivity decreased. Additionally, conductivity measurements were carried out, and the materials show metallic conductivity behavior which follows an adiabatic small polaron hopping mechanism.     

Electrochemical reduction of NO on La2-x Sr x NiO4 based electrodes

The series La_2 − x Sr _x NiO₄ (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 1.0) was tested for functionality as electrode materials for direct electrochemical reduction of NO. The materials were tested using cyclic voltammetry in 1% NO and 10% O₂ in Ar on a cone-shaped electrode. The best materials for the electrochemical reduction of NO are La₂NiO₄ and LaSrNiO₄, which have current densities for NO reduction 1.82 and 7.09 times higher, respectively, than for O₂ at 400 °C. Increasing the temperature decreased the ability to reduce NO before O₂ while the activity increased. The adsorbed species during direct decomposition was attempted, clarified using X-ray absorption near-edge structure experiments and thermogravimetry, but no conclusive results were obtained.     

Improvement of high-voltage cycling behavior of Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 cathodes by Mg, Cr, and Al substitution

To improve the electrochemical properties of Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ at high charge end voltage (4.6 V), a series of the mixed transition metal compounds, Li(Ni_1/3Co_{1/3 − x} Mn_1/3M _x )O₂ (M = Mg, Cr, Al; x = 0.05), were synthesized via hydroxide coprecipitation method. The effects of doping Mg, Cr, and Al on the structure and the electrochemical performances of Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ were compared by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The XRD results show that all the samples keep layered structures with R3m space group as the Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂. SEM images show that all the compounds have spherical shapes and the Cr-doped sample has the largest particle size. Furthermore, galvanostatic charge–discharge tests confirm that the Cr-doped electrode shows improved cycling performance than the undoped material. The capacity retention of Li(Ni_1/3Co_{1/3 − 0.05}Mn_1/3Cr_0.05)O₂ is 97% during 50 cycles at 2.8∼4.6 V. The improved cycling performance at high voltage can be attributed to the larger particle size and the prevention of charge transfer resistance (R _ct) increase during cycling.     

Sm0.5Sr0.5Co1−xNixO3−δ—A Novel Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction/Evolution Reactions

The development of non-precious metal catalysts with excellent bifunctional activities is significant for air–metal batteries. ABO₃-type perovskite oxides can improve their catalytic activity and electronic conductivity by doping transition metal elements at B sites. Here, we develop a novel Sm_0.5Sr_0.5Co_1−xNi_xO_3−δ (SSCN) nanofiber-structured electrocatalyst. In 0.1 M KOH electrolyte solution, Sm_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Ni_0.2O_3−δ (SSCN82) with the optimal Co: Ni molar ratio exhibits good electrocatalytic activity for OER/ORR, affording a low onset potential of 1.39 V, a slight Tafel slope of 123.8 mV dec⁻¹, and a current density of 6.01 mA cm⁻² at 1.8 V, and the ORR reaction process was four-electron reaction pathway. Combining the morphological characteristic of SSCN nanofibers with the synergistic effect of cobalt and nickel with a suitable molar ratio is beneficial to improving the catalytic activity of SSCN perovskite oxides. SSCN82 exhibits good bi-functional catalytic performance and electrochemical double-layer capacitance.     

Synthesis and Properties of The Solid Solutions Formed in The Fe2V4O13–Cr2V4O13 System

DTA and XRD studies of the Fe₂V₄O₁₃–Cr₂V₄ O₁₃ system have shown that continuous solid solutions of a Fe_2–xCr_xV₄O₁₃ type, bearing a Fe₂ V₄ O₁₃ structure, are formed in the system. With the increasing degree of the Cr3+ ion incorporation into the Fe₂ V₄ O₁₃ structure, a contraction of the solid solution crystal lattice develops. Solid solutions of a Fe_2–x Cr_x V₄ O₁₃ type melt incongruently, their melting temperature increasing from 953 to 1003 K with increase in the degree of the Cr³⁺ ion incorporation. The solid product of melting Fe_2–x Cr_x V₄ O₁₃ solid solutions for 0.2<x >1.2 is the Fe_1–x Cr_x VO₄ solution phase, and for x ≤0.2 and x ≥1.4 – the Fe_1–x Cr_x VO₄ phase as well as FeVO₄ or CrVO₄ , respectively. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis and Properties of Solid Solutions in The FeVMoO7–CrVMoO7 System

X-ray phase analysis (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and IR spectroscopy have shown that continuous substitution solid solutionsin are formed in the FeVMoO₇–CrVMoO₇ system. With increasing the degree of Cr³⁺ ion incorporation into the FeVMoO₇ structure, a crystal lattice contraction of the Fe_1–xCrxVMoO₇ solid solution arise. Elevation of temperature of its incongruent melting and gradual shifting of the corresponding IR absorption bands towards higher wavenumbers have been noticed, as well. The solid product of incongruent melting for x≤0.5 is the Fe_4–yCr_yV₂ Mo₃ O₂₀ solid solutions phase, whereas for x>0.5 Fe_2–zCr_z(MoO₄)₃ and Fe_2–u Cr_u O₃ solid solutions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.