Electrochemical performance of Sn-Sb-Cu film anodes prepared by layer-by-layer electrodeposition

A novel layer-by-layer electrodeposition and heat-treatment approach was attempted to obtain Sn-Sb-Cu film anode for lithium ion batteries. The preparation of Sn-Sb-Cu anodes started with galvanostatic electrochemically depositing antimony and tin sequentially on the substrate of copper foil collector. Sn-Sb and Cu-Sb alloys were formed when heated. The SEM analysis showed that the crystalline grains become bigger and the surface of the Sn-Sb-Cu anode becomes more denser after annealing. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the antimony, tin and copper were alloyed to form SnSb and Cu₂Sb after heat treatment. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed the surface of the Sn-Sb-Cu electrode was covered by a thin oxide layer. Electrochemical measurements showed that the annealed Sn-Sb-Cu anode has high reversible capacity and good capacity retention. It exhibited a reversible capacity of about 962 mAh/g in the initial cycle, which still remained 715 mAh/g after 30 cycles.     

Effects of lithium phosphorous oxynitride film coating on electrochemical performance and thermal stability of graphite anodes

In this study, we investigated the effects of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) solid electrolyte thin-film deposition on the electrochemical performance and thermal stability of pristine graphite and carbon-coated graphite composite anodes. The LiPON film was deposited by radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering. We studied the thermal stability of the lithiated electrodes when immersed in the presence of a liquid electrolyte by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).The LiPON thin-film coating suppressed the impedance growth during the cycling process and inhibited the reaction between the lithiated electrode and the electrolyte, thus improving the cycle performance and thermal stability of the graphite electrode. However, for the carbon-coated graphite electrode, the heat evolution below 250 °C decreased, whereas that below 300 °C increased. We attributed this phenomenon to the low thermal stability of the LiPON thin-film coating owing to an exothermic reaction between the LiPON film and the electrolyte that occurs at approximately 290 °C.     

有ITO透明导电膜的平面分层介质系统的电磁波性能理论研究

理论研究了有ITO(indium tin oxide)透明导电膜的多层平面分层介质系统的电磁性能，给出的理论曲线和实测曲线符合很好.多层平面分层介质系统的电磁性能与ITO膜(方块电阻为8Ω)所在界面位置和平面分层介质系统层数及各层厚度等有关.优化设计了一种含有ITO透明导电膜的厚度仅7.35mm的四层平面分层介质系统，其在8—18GHz频段内电磁波反射性能很好.作为多层平面分层系统中的ITO导电膜，其方块电阻应低于30Ω，并且越小，其反射性能越好. 关键词： 多层平面介质系统 电磁性能 ITO透明导电膜     

Preparation and improvement in photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells using carbon dioxide

We report preparation and improvement in photovoltaic performance of N719-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using pressurized carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a co-solvent for the absorption process on the TiO₂ photoelectrode surface. Effective absorption of the N719 molecules on the TiO₂ surface was achieved using CO₂ processing, and the absorption time was shortened drastically from 24 h (in the dip process) to less than 3 h. The cells prepared under pressurized CO₂ for the absorption showed greater photovoltaic performance, especially higher short-circuit current density and conversion efficiency, compared with that from typical dip method. It was revealed that the suitable CO₂ pressure for the absorption was 5 MPa and the efficiency was achieved to be more than 7.5 %. Prevention of back electron transfer reactions from TiO₂ to oxidized dyes or iodides was caused currently, because the homogeneous coverage of N719 molecules on the TiO₂ surface was obtained by the use of pressurized CO₂.     

短波段光学减反膜的溶胶-凝胶法制备及性能分析

 随着大型激光器的发展，对短波段减反膜的要求日益提高，其中钕玻璃激光三倍频（355nm）的减反射成为新的技术要点。采用溶胶-凝胶工艺合成SiO₂溶胶，采用提拉镀膜法制备纳米多孔SiO₂薄膜，薄膜厚度为75nm，折射率控制在1.22，镀制在石英基底上的薄膜其355nm波长的反射率仅为0.2%。通过氨处理工艺和薄膜的表面修饰，薄膜的抗磨擦性能和疏水性能大大提高，薄膜经过蘸有灰尘、乙醇的棉花球擦洗20次和50次后，透射率最大值仅分别降低0.13% 和 0.39%，与水珠的接触角达到110°。     

Stabilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide via zero emissions-An alternative way to a stable global environment. Part 2: A practical zero-emissions scenario

Following Part 1, a comparison of CO2-emissions pathways between "zero-emissions stabilization (Z-stabilization)" and traditional stabilization is made under more realistic conditions that take into account the radiative forcings of other greenhouse gases and aerosols with the constraint that the temperature rise must not exceed 2 °C above the preindustrial level. It is shown that the findings in Part 1 on the merits of Z-stabilization hold under the more realistic conditions. The results clarify the scientific basis of the policy claim of 50% reduction of the world CO2 emissions by 2050. Since the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration and temperature occur only temporarily in Z-stabilization pathways, we may slightly relax the upper limit of the temperature rise. We can then search for a scenario with larger emissions in the 21st century; such a scenario may have potential for practical application. It is suggested that in this Z-stabilization pathway, larger emissions in the near future may be important from a socioeconomic viewpoint.(Contributed by Taroh MATSUNO, M.J.A.).     

Preparation and photoelectrochemical performance of Ag/graphene/TiO2 composite film

By dipping-lifting in sol-gel solution and reducing process, the graphene/TiO₂ composite film on the glass plate was first prepared. Then, the Ag/graphene/TiO₂ composite film was fabricated by interface reaction with AgNO₃ and N₂H₄·H₂O on the surface of graphene/TiO₂ composite film. The characterization results show that the uniform porous TiO₂ film is made up of the anatase crystal, and the Ag/graphene/TiO₂ composite film is constructed by doping or depositing graphene sheets and Ag nanoparticles on the surface of TiO₂ film. The photoelectrochemical measurement results indicate that the Ag/graphene/TiO₂ composite film has an excellent photoelectrochemical conversion property.     

Preparation and electrochemical characterisation of supporting SOFC–Ni–YZT anodes

Symmetrical cells consisting of Ni–Y_0.20Ti_0.18Zr_0.62O_1.90 (Ni–YZT) cermet electrodes on a Ni–YSZ support have been investigated with respect to the hydrogen/water partial pressures. Impedance spectra at open circuit potential were obtained as function of temperature and analysed in terms of a fractal finite length Gerischer Impedance. For fine and coarse microstructures of the Ni–YZT electrodes, a consistent set of model parameters could be obtained. The results indicate that surface diffusion rather than bulk diffusion plays a role in the hydrogen/water reaction but also that a fine-grained fraction in the mixed conducting YZT phase is advantageous for the overall electrode performance and the surface exchange reaction.     

掺钨VO_2薄膜的电致相变特性

采用直流磁控溅射与后退火工艺相结合的方法,在掺氟SnO_2(FTO)导电玻璃基底上制备了高质量的掺钨VO_2薄膜,对薄膜的结构、表面形貌和光电特性进行测试,分析了钨掺杂对其相变性能的影响.结果表明,室温下掺钨VO_2薄膜的阈值电压为4.2 V,观察到阈值电压下约有两个数量级的电流突变.随着温度升高,相变的阈值电压降低,且电流突变幅度减小.当施加8 V电压时,分别在不同温度下测试了掺钨VO_2薄膜的透过率.温度为20和50℃时,掺钨VO_2薄膜相变前后的红外透过率差量分别为23%和27%.与未掺杂的VO_2薄膜相比,掺钨VO_2薄膜具有相变温度低、阈值电压低和电阻率小的特点,在高速光电器件中有广阔的应用前景.     

Preparation and conducting performance of LaNiO3/Ag film and its interface reaction

LaNiO₃ thin film with perovskite structure was successfully prepared on Ag substrate via an amorphous heteronuclear complex LaNi(DTPA)·6H₂O as a precursor. The influences of precursor concentration and PEG additive with different molecular weight on the texture of the film were carefully studied. The interface states of LaNiO₃/Ag film were revealed by using AES analysis. The effect of annealing time on the interface diffusion of the LaNiO₃/Ag film was shown by using AES depth profile spectrum. The relationship between the electric resistivity of the film and the environmental temperature was measured by using four-probe method. The results showed the film had good metallic conductivity from 300 down to 77 K.     

Effects of array arrangements in nano-patterned thin film media

In this work, the effect of different arrays arrangements on the magnetic behaviour of patterned thin film media is simulated. The modeled films consist of 80×80 cobalt grains of uniform diameter (20 nm) distributed into two different array arrangement: hexagonal (triangular) or square arrays. In addition to that, for each array arrangement, two cases of anisotropy orientations, random and textured films are considered. For both array arrangements and media orientations, hysteresis loops at different array separation (d) were simulated. Predictions show that for closely packed films, the shearing effects on the magnetization loop are much larger for the square array arrangement than the hexagonal one. According to these predictions, the bit switching field distribution in interacting 2D systems is much narrower for the hexagonal array arrangement. This result could be very important for high-density magnetic recording where a narrow bit switching field distribution is required.     

利用FePt/Au多层膜结构制备垂直磁记录L10-FePt薄膜

利用磁控溅射方法在100℃的MgO单晶基片上制备了[FePt/Au]10多层膜,并研究了采用FePt/Au多层膜结构对FePt薄膜的有序化温度、矫顽力(HC)、垂直磁各向异性、晶粒尺寸以及颗粒间磁交换耦合作用的影响.磁性测试结果表明:FePt/Au多层膜在退火后具有较高的HC、良好的垂直磁各向异性、较小的晶粒尺寸且无磁交换耦合作用.截面高分辨电镜分析表明:Au可以缓解MgO和FePt之间较大的晶格错配,从而促进薄膜的垂直磁各向异性;同时,采用FePt/Au多层膜结构增加了FePt/Au界面能、应力能以及Au原子在薄膜中的扩散作用,促进了薄膜的有序化,从而有效降低了有序化温度,并且大幅度提高其HC.此外,Au原子部分扩散到FePt相的边界处,起到抑制FePt晶粒生长、隔离FePt颗粒的作用,从而显著降低了FePt晶粒的尺寸和颗粒间磁交换耦合作用.     

The practical realisation and performance of sprite detectors

This paper details the practical realisation of a novel device for use in thermal imaging systems—the SPRITE detector. This type of detector incorporates signal processing in the element by providing the time delay and integration functions, normally performed off the focal plane in conventional serial scanned systems. The detector has particular significance for high performance thermal imagers, allowing a more compact design with simplified electronics. The development of the fabrication technology for SPRITE is described together with the performance of devices for operation in both the 8–14 and the 3–5 μm bands.     

Effect of iron doping on the hydrophobicity of titanium dioxide film: experiment and simulation

In this study, we carried out experiments and molecular dynamics simulations to identify the effect of Fe doping on the hydrophobicity of a titanium dioxide film. TiO₂ and Fe-doped TiO₂ films were fabricated in situ by atomic layer deposition without annealing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterise the crystal structure and elemental composition. Iron doping resulted in the TiO₂ becoming more hydrophobic at a macroscopic level, as estimated by atomic force microscopy observations and static contact angle measurements. Furthermore, the effect of iron doping on the structure and kinetics of water molecules on the exterior of TiO₂ were studied by molecular dynamics simulations. On the basis of the XPS results, the Fe-TiO₂ surface matrix has a Ti:Fe ratio of 36:5. In addition, the density distribution of oxygen and hydrogen atoms indicate that interfacial water molecules enter the Fe-TiO₂ film more easily and hydrogen atoms in the water molecules are oriented upward at the interface. The self-diffusion coefficients indicate that iron doping makes the TiO₂ more hydrophobic, which is consistent with the macroscopic test results.     

Photoinduced semiconductor-metal phase transition and switching wave in the vanadium dioxide film

A switching wave has been studied in the VO₂ film during the photoinduced semiconductor-metal phase transition. The dependences of the critical radiation intensities corresponding to the direct and reverse phase transitions on the ambient temperature have been obtained in the framework of the thermal model. The profile and velocity of the switching wave have been calculated. The calculated data are compared with the experimental data.     

Alternative method for wave propagation within bounded linear media: Conceptual and practical implications

This paper uses an alternative approach to study the monochromatic plane wave propagation within dielectric and conductor linear media of plane-parallel faces. This approach introduces the time-averaged Poynting vector modulus as field variable. The conceptual implications of this formalism are that the nonequivalence between the time-averaged Poynting vector and the squared-field amplitude modulus is naturally manifested as a consequence of interface effects. Also, two practical implications are considered: first, the exact transmittance is compared with that given by Beer's Law, employed commonly in experiments. The departure among them can be significative for certain material parameter values. Second, when the exact reflectance is studied for negative permittivity slabs, it is shown that the high reflectance can be diminished if a small amount of absorption is present.     

Fluorescence quenching of a rhodamine derivative: Selectively sensing Cu2+ in acidic aqueous media

A new rhodamine derivative (RhB-Im) was synthesized as an “on-off” chemosensor for Cu²⁺ in an acidic aqueous solution. RhB-Im exhibited chemically reversible and highly selective and sensitive fluorescence response toward Cu²⁺ in aqueous acetate-buffer/DMF solution (pH 3.6) over other competitive metal ions. Upon addition of Cu²⁺, RhB-Im displayed remarkable fluorescence quenching accompanied by a clear color change from pink to red. Based on the analysis of Stern–Volmer plots, a static quenching mode was proposed to be primarily responsible for the fluorescence quenching event when the concentration of Cu²⁺ was low, but, the energy- and electron-transfer processes cannot be ruled out.     

稳定、优质nc-Si/a-Si:H薄膜的研制和特性分析

利用等离子体增强化学气相沉积技术研制出了优质稳定的氢化非晶-纳米晶两相结构硅薄膜.薄膜的光电导率相对于器件质量的非晶硅有两个数量级的提高；光敏性也较好，光、暗电导比可以达到１０⁴，此外薄膜的光电导谱具有更宽的长波光谱响应.更为重要 的是薄膜的光致退化效应远小于典型的非晶硅薄膜，在光强为５０ｍW／ｃｍ²的卤钨灯光 照２４h后，光电导的衰退小于１０％.这种薄膜优良的光电性能源于薄膜中的非晶母体的存在使其在 光学跃迁中的动量选择定则发生松弛，因而具有大的光学吸收系数和 关键词： 非晶硅 微结构 光致变化     

Investigations of compositional separation in Co-Cr thin film recording media

We investigated the effect of a Ge underlayer and substrate temperature during film deposition (T_s) on the compositional distribution in Co₇₉Cr₂₁ films using spin echo nuclear magnetic resonance and preferential chemical etching. For films deposited at elevated T_s we observed drastic compositional separation (CS) leading to a Co enriched phase with approximately 5 at% Cr on both Ge and polyester. Chemical etching revealed chrysanthemum pattern (CP) type microstructures. For lower T_s films we observed less marked CS with a distinct etched microstructure in the film deposited on Ge and no clear etched microstructure in the film deposited on polyester. Results from NMR and chemical etching studies agreed very well with those from X-ray microanalysis.     

Fuel cell and electrochemical studies of the ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media using PtAuIr/C as anodes

Ethanol electro-oxidation reaction was investigated considering conventional electrochemical experiments in alkaline media, direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC), and in situ ATR-FTIR. The working electrode/anodes were composed of monometallic Pt/C, Au/C, Ir/C, and trimetallic PtAuIr/C nanoparticles with atomic Pt/Au/Ir ratios of 40:50:10, 50:40:10, 60:30:10, 70:20:10, and 80:10:10. X-ray diffraction (XRD) suggests PtAuIr/C alloy formation, and according to transmission electron micrographs, the mean particle sizes are from 4 to 6 nm for all catalyst compositions. PtAuIr/C 40:50:10 showed the highest catalytic activity for ethanol electro-oxidation in the electrochemical experiments; using this material, the peak current density from ethanol electro-oxidation on cyclic voltammetry experiment was 50 mA per g of Pt, 3.5 times higher than that observed with Pt/C. The fuel cell performance was superior using all PtAuIr/C compositions than using Pt/C. Au/C and Ir/C presented very poor catalytic activity toward ethanol electro-oxidation. The improved results obtained using PtAuIr/C might be related to the OH_ads species formed at low overpotential on Ir and to the decrease on adsorption energy of poisoning intermediates on Pt sites, promoted by Au.