Thermodynamic properties and electrochemical behavior of lithium–germanium alloys

Published data on the phase diagram of the lithium–germanium system, on the thermodynamic properties of Li–Ge alloys, on their electrochemical behavior in various media, and on prospects for using them in lithium–ion batteries and in other chemical current sources are analyzed.     

Thermodynamic and surface properties of Ge–Ga and Ge–Sb liquid alloys

Thermodynamic and surface properties of Ge–Ga and Ge–Sb liquid alloys have been studied using statistical mechanical formulations based on complex formation and that based on the concept of layered structure near the interface. The study showed that low level of complex formation of the form Ge _{2 Sb} exists in Ge–Sb toward the Ge-rich end of the concentration range and the surface properties of Ge–Ga are almost equal to their corresponding bulk equivalent.     

Microstructures and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of novel Mg–Al–Ni amorphous composites

The amorphous Mg–Al–Ni composites were prepared by mechanical ball-milling of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ with x wt.% Ni (x = 0, 50, 100, 150, 200). The effects of Ni addition and ball-milling parameters on the electrochemical hydrogen storage properties and microstructures of the prepared composites have been investigated systematically. For the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ ball-milled without Ni powder, its particle size decreases but the crystal structure does not change even the ball-milling time extending to 120 h, and its discharge capacity is less than 15 mAh g^?1. The Ni addition is advantageous for the formation of Mg–Al–Ni amorphous structure and for the improvement of the electrochemical characteristics of the composites. With the Ni content x increasing, the composites exhibit higher degree of amorphorization. Moreover, the discharge capacity of the composite increases from 41.3 mAh g^?1 (x = 50) to 658.2 mAh g^?1 (x = 200) gradually, and the exchange current density I₀ increases from 67.1 mA g^?1 (x = 50) to 263.8 mA g^?1 (x = 200), which is consistent with the variation of high-rate dischargeability (HRD). The ball-milled Mg₁₇Al₁₂ + 200 wt.% Ni composite has the highest cycling discharge capacity in the first 50 cycles.     

Adenine–Au and adenine–uracil–Au. Non-conventional hydrogen bonds of the anions and donator–acceptor properties of the neutrals

This is a study of adenine–Au and adenine–uracil–Au (neutral, anionic and cationic), applying the B3LYP density-functional approach. In these systems, the interaction is directly related to the charge; so that as the metal atomic charge increases, the bond strength also increases. Neutral molecules are weakly bonded, the interaction in the case of cations is mainly electrostatic and in the case of the anions, the extra electron is localized on the metal atom and consequently, non-conventional hydrogen bonds are formed. In the case of adenine–Au (anion), the H dissociation energy is similar to the electron dissociation energy, and therefore both reactions may be possible. Moreover, the Au anionic atom modifies the hydrogen bonds of the uracil–adenine base pair. This may be significant in the study of point mutations that may occur in the Watson–Crick dimmer of nucleic basis. The electron-donator properties of these compounds are analyzed with the aid of the donator–acceptor map (DAM), previously described. Adenine–Au, uracil–Au and adenine–uracil–Au are more effective electron donors, but poorer electron acceptors than adenine, uracil and adenine–uracil. If the electron acceptor properties of carotenoids such as β-carotene and astaxanthin are compared, there are indications that astaxanthin may act as an oxidant instead of an antioxidant with the uracil–adenine base pair. The oxidation of nucleic acid bases by carotenoids may have important consequences, as oxidative damage of DNA and RNA appears to be linked to cancer. This is something that demands further studies and for this reason, work concerning the reactivity of carotenoids with DNA-nitrogen bases is in progress.     

Thermodynamic studies of the surface and transport properties in Ag–In and Ag–Sb liquid alloys

The surface tension, surface concentration, viscosity and mutual diffusion co-efficients of the Ag–In and Ag–Sb liquid alloys have been calculated using energetics and derivables from a statistical mechanical framework which recognises the formation of atom clusters of self associates. Our calculations suggest the existence of some form of local order in the systems. Ag–In showed higher tendencies to heterocoordination in the bulk-manifested higher values of mutual diffusion coefficient throughout the concentration range. The viscosity values of Ag–In and Ag–Sb were calculated using the expression reported by Kucharsky which relates the viscosity of a liquid binary alloy to the activity coefficients of the liquid alloy components that are raised to some power m. This exponent m is a fitted parameter. The calculated viscosity values for Ag–Sb had some reasonable agreement with experiment above 0.5 atomic fraction of Sb, using a fitted parameter value of m = 4.5. The fitted parameter value for the viscosity of Ag–In is expected to be in the range 1.5 ≤ m ≤ 3.5.     

Influence of rhodium additive on hydrogen electrosorption in palladium-rich Pd–Rh alloys

Hydrogen electrosorption into Pd-rich (>80 at.% Pd in the bulk) Pd–Rh alloys has been studied in acidic solutions (0.5 M H₂SO₄) using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The influence of temperature (in the range between 283 and 328 K), electrode potential and alloy bulk composition on hydrogen electrosorption properties of Pd–Rh alloys is presented. It has been found that the additive of Rh to Pd–Rh alloys increases the maximum hydrogen solubility (for Rh bulk content below 10 at.%), decreases the potential of absorbed hydrogen oxidation peak and decreases the potential of the α → β phase transition. Increasing temperature decreases the potential of absorbed hydrogen oxidation peak, the maximum hydrogen solubility, and the potential of the α → β phase transition. The amounts of electrosorbed hydrogen for α- and β-phase boundaries, i.e., α_max and β_min, have been determined from the integration of the initial parts of current–time responses in hydrogen absorption and desorption processes. The H/M ratio corresponding to α_max increases with increasing Rh content, while for β_min a maximum of H/M ratio is observed for the alloys containing ca. 95% Rh.

     

The influence of thermal treatment on the electrochemical properties of carbon–Ni–Pd composites

Resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) hydrogel and RF–nickel–palladium (RF–Ni–Pd) hydrogel were synthesized by sol–gel polycondensation followed by ambient drying. Carbon gel and carbon–nickel–palladium doped gels were prepared by carbonizing the RF and RF–Ni–Pd gels at 900 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of oxidative thermal treatment on the electrochemical activity of nickel–palladium doped carbon gels (C–Ni–Pd). The scanning electron microscopy analysis, adsorption and X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the admixture of Ni and Pd to carbon matrix resulted in the modification of morphological, porous and crystalline features. It has been demonstrated that composite C–Ni–Pd composed of sphere-like granules incrusted with well-crystalline nickel and palladium particles exhibits electrochemical activity in 6 M KOH aqueous solution. Thermal treatment of the composite carried out in air at 450 °C brought about the improvement of electrochemical activity in the potential range of the hydrogen sorption/desorption reaction.     

Preparation and electrochemical performance of graphene–Pt black nanocomposite for electrochemical methanol oxidation

This work reports the preparation, characterization, and electrocatalytic characteristics of a new metallic nanocatalyst. The catalyst, Pt black–graphene oxide (Pt-GO), was prepared by deposition of Pt black on the surface of graphene oxide nanosheet and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and voltammetry. The Pt-graphene (Pt-GR) composite modified glassy carbon electrode (Pt-GR/GCE) was prepared with cyclic voltammetric scanning of Pt-GO/GCE in the potential range from ?1.5 to 0.2 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at 50 mV·s^?1 for 5 cycles. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt-GR/GCE for methanol (CH₃OH) oxidation have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV); high electrocatalytic activity of the Pt-GR/GCE can be observed. This may be attributed to the high dispersion of Pt catalyst and the particular properties of GR support. The long-term stability of Pt-GR composite was investigated in 0.05 M CH₃OH in 0.1 M H₂SO₄ solution. It can be observed that the peak current decreases gradually with the successive scans. The loss may result from the consumption of methanol during the CV scan. It also may be due to the poisoning organic compounds. The results imply that the Pt-GR composite has good potential applications in fuel cells.     

The electrochemical properties of Al–Si–Ni alloys composed of nanocrystal and metallic glass for lithium-ion battery anodes

Melt-spun Al_75?X Si₂₅Ni _X (X?=?2, 4, 7, and 10?mol%) alloys were investigated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The Al₆₈Si₂₅Ni₇ anode showed a maximum capacity of 840?mA?h?g^?1 at the fifth cycle and maintained 661?mA?h?g^?1 after 40 cycles with a high coulumbic efficiency of 93%. The specific capacity increased as the decrease in the Ni content during the first 20 cycles, but the cycle performance became poorer. For the Al₆₅Si₂₅Ni₁₀ anode, the specific capacity increased slowly as the cycles increased and reached 370?mA?h?g^?1 after 40 cycles. When the Al₆₈Si₂₅Ni₇ ribbons were annealed, their initial capacity became higher, but much poorer cycle performance and low coulumbic efficiency occurred. Except Al₆₅Si₂₅Ni_10, the AlLi compound could be detected in the anodes after lithiation. However, the capacity faded rapidly due to the formation of excessive AlLi in the Al₇₃Si₂₅Ni₂ and annealed Al₆₈Si₂₅Ni₇ anodes. The experiments revealed that the as-quenched ribbons consisted of the nanoscaled α-Al, metallic glass and α-Si, and their fractions were dependent on the Ni content. The α-Al was a supersaturated solid solution of Si and Ni in fcc-Al. For the as-quenched Al₆₈Si₂₅Ni₇ ribbons, the α-Al grains were embedded in the amorphous matrix. It can be understood that metallic glass can store Li, and the supersaturated solid solution can store Li even more easily compared with other known Al–Si-based alloys. A conclusion can be drawn that the microstructure that the nanoscaled α-Al embedded in the metallic glass matrix is beneficial to improve the structure stability, restrain serious structural evolution, and limit the volume variation and pulverization during electrochemical cycles.     

Electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid on functional MWCNTs supported nanostructured Pd–Au catalyst

In this work, PdAu nanocatalysts with different weight ratio of Pd and Au supported on functional multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were prepared, and their electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of formic acid was also studied. The electrocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical results showed that the 4Pd1Au/f-MWCNTs (by weight) catalyst, exhibited distinctly higher activity and better stability in formic acid electrooxidation than the Pd/f-MWCNTs catalyst. The Nano-Au improves potentially the performance of Pd-based electrocatalysts for the direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs).     

Electroless deposition and properties of Co–Re–B alloys

The data on the mechanism of electroless (catalytic) deposition of Co–Re–B coatings are obtained by determining the donor capacitance of dimethylamine borane (DMAB) (CH₃)₂HN · BH₃ reductant and the oxidation level of its hydride hydrogen. From the results of the study of isotopic composition of evolved hydrogen, it is concluded that the oxidation level of DMAB hydride hydrogen depends on the catalytic activity of the alloy. The alloys containing up to 46 at % rhenium were produced by the electroless deposition.     

Structure and properties of Pd–Mn hexaaluminate catalysts modified with platinum for the high-temperature oxidation of methane

The effect of Pt additives on the catalytic characteristics of a Pd-containing catalyst based on manganese hexaaluminate was studied. It was found that the bimetallic PtPd-containing catalysts based on MnLaAl₁₁O₁₉ with the Pt/Pd atomic ratio smaller than 0.25 exhibited a comparable or somewhat smaller activity in the methane oxidation, but their stability at elevated temperatures and gas flow rates was higher than that of the Pd-based catalyst. The state of the active constituent of the resulting catalysts was investigated. Main correlations between the state of the active component and the catalytic activity were revealed.     

Preparation of polymeric modifier-attached graphene-supported bimetallic Pt–Pd nanocomposites,and their electrochemical properties as electro-catalysts

Graphene-supported bimetallic nanocomposites were synthesized by a modified sodium borohydride reduction method. Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) was used as modifier for good dispersion and higher metal alloy content. The micro-structure and dispersive properties of the electro-catalysts were determined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the Pt–Pd electro-catalysts were studied by cyclic voltammetry. This analysis confirmed that functional groups on the graphene oxide (GO) sheet were chemically bonded to the PDDA layer. The average particle diameter of Pt–Pd_{1 to 0.5}–PDDA–reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was found to be 2.4 ± 0.4 nm which is the smallest platinum metal particle size among Pt–Pd–PDDA–RGO electro-catalysts. The electrochemically active surface area was studied and the activity was found to be enhanced by use of the polymeric modifier.     

Thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen absorption–desorption of vanadium synthesized by aluminothermy

This paper studies the addition (0–40% w/w) of natural zeolite (NZ, 84% clinoptilolite) in blended cements made with Portland cement (PC) with low and medium C₃A content. The isothermal calorimetry was used to understand the effect of NZ on the early cement hydration. For low C₃A cement, the addition of NZ produces mainly a dilution effect and then the heat released curve is similar to plain cement with lower intensity. For medium C₃A cement, the curve shows the C₃S peak in advance and a high intensity of third peak attributed to C₃A hydration. The high cation fixed of NZ reduces the ions concentration (especially alkalis) in the mixing water stimulating the PC hydration. The flowability decreases when the NZ replacement level increases. Results of Fratini’s test show that NZ with both PCs used presents slow pozzolanic activity. At early age, XRD and FTIR analyses confirm that hydration products are the same as that of the corresponding PC and the CH is progressively reduced after 28 days and some AFm phases (hemi- and monocarboaluminate) appear depending on the NZ percentage and the PC used. For low replacement levels, the compressive strength is higher than the corresponding PC from 2 to 28 days. For high replacement levels, the early compressive strength is lower than that of corresponding plain PC and the pozzolanic reaction improves the later compressive strength of blended cements.     

Study of the surface properties and surface concentration of ionic liquid–alcohol mixtures

Surface properties for three binary mixtures containing a 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]) and a long-chain alcohol (1-butanol, 1-pentanol and 1-hexanol) were determined by surface tension data at the following temperatures: (298.15, 308.15, 318.15, 328.15 and 338.15) K. The surface tension data over the entire mole fraction range are correlated by the Fu et al.(FLW) and Myers-Scott (MS) models. There is good agreement between the experimental data and the results of correlations for 15 binary systems (the three systems at five temperatures) with an average relative error below 1.5%. In addition, the UNIFAC group contribution method is applied for calculation of activity coefficients of components in solution. Moreover, the relative adsorptions of alcohol at the air/liquid interface are determined using Gibbs adsorption isotherm. The obtained results show that the values of adsorption for mixtures of alcohols/[BMIM][SCN] increase with increasing the alkyl chain length of alcohol and decreasing temperature.     

Bulk and surface properties of ZnTe–ZnS system semiconductors

Physicochemical studies of a new ZnTe–ZnS semiconductor system are conducted. It is found that at certain ratios of binary components, substitutional solid solutions with a cubic sphalerite structure are formed in this system. Interrelated laws governing changes in the bulk (crystal chemical, structural) and surface (acid–base) properties with varying system composition are identified. It is assumed they can be attributed to the nature of the active (acid–base) sites. The presented data, observed patterns, and an interpretation of them are used not only to confirm earlier proposed mechanisms of atomic–molecular interaction on diamond-like semiconductors, but to search for promising materials for use in highly sensitive selective sensors for environmental and medical purposes as well.     

The surface oxidation behavior of Ni–45.16%Ti shape memory alloys at different temperatures

The isothermal oxidation behavior of Ni–45.16%Ti (composition in atomic percent) alloy was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) methods. It was found that Ni-rich NiTi alloy exhibits a different oxidation behavior at temperatures above 400 °C in oxygen atmosphere. The alloy was exposed to oxygen atmosphere isothermally, i.e., between 400 and 800 °C, for 1 h. A gravimetric method was used to determine the oxidation kinetics and it was seen that the oxidation constant increases significantly with isothermal temperature. The activation energy of oxidation reaction for NiTi alloy was determined to be 65.47 kJ mol^?1. According to DSC measurements, the transformation temperature of alloy (M _s, M _f, A _s and A _f) was increased and also R phase disappeared above 500 °C. The formal oxides were determined by means of SEM–EDX measurements and obtained oxides are TiO and TiO₂ oxides.