Synthesis and characterization of PrBaCo2 − x Ni x O5 + δ cathodes for intermediate temperature SOFCs

Nickel-substituted layered perovskite PrBaCo_{2 ? x} Ni _x O_{5 + δ} (PBCN) powders with various proportions of nickel (x?=?0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, abbreviated as PBCN-0, PBCN-1, PBCN-2, and PBCN-3, respectively) are investigated as potential cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) based on the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte. It is found that PBCN-1 has the highest electrical conductivity of 1,397 S cm^?1 at 400 °C. Substitution of Co by Ni decreases the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) clearly. The average TEC at the temperature range of 35–900 °C decreases from 22.8?×?10^?6 K^?1 for PBCN-0 to 18.9?×?10^?6 K^?1 for PBCN-3. The polarization resistances of PBCN samples on YSZ electrolyte at 800 °C are 0.053, 0.048, 0.052, and 0.042 Ω cm² for PBCN-0, PBCN-1, PBCN-2, and PBCN-3, respectively. The single fuel cell with the configuration of PBCN-3/YSZ/Pt delivers the highest power densities of 100, 185, 360, 495, and 660 mW cm^?2 at 600, 650, 700, 750, and 800 °C, respectively.     

Structural and thermal characterization of Zn2−xCoxTiO4

In this work, spinels with the general formula Zn_2?xCo_xTiO₄ were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method and thermally treated at 1,000 °C. The powder precursors were characterized by TG/DTA. A decrease in the DTA peak temperature with the amount of zinc was observed. After the thermal treatment, the characterizations were performed by XRD, IR, colorimetry and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The XRD patterns of all the samples showed the presence of the spinel phase. Infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of ester complexes for Zn₂TiO₄ after thermal treatment at 500 °C, which disappeared after cobalt addition, indicating that organic material elimination was favored.     

Thermal stability and features of the synthesis of mixed ceramic oxides La2−x Sr x CoO4

Thermal behavior of the mixed oxides La_2?x Sr _x CoO₄ (0.1 < x < 1.5) in the temperature range 1200–1700 K was studied. The use of the ceramic synthesis method makes it possible to obtain homogeneous samples at the calcination temperature of 1673 K. It was found by the high-temperature mass-spectrometry method that a charge can be depleted of cobalt oxide during the high-temperature synthesis.     

Ozonization of sodium hydroxide in the temperature range from −100 tO +50°

Summary The process of ozonization of sodium hydroxide was studied in the temperature interval from –100 to +50°. The time and temperature dependences of the yield of sodium ozonide were obtained.     

Comparative study of the electrosynthesis and characterization of films made from 1,1′-binaphthyl and 2-methoxynaphthalene

Oligomers of 2-methoxynaphthalene and 1,1-binaphthyl were electrochemically synthesized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate–nitrobenzene (TBAPF₆–NB). The redox characterization of the films was studied in monomer-free 0.1 M TBAPF₆–NB and 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate–acetonitrile (TBAPF₆–ACN) solutions. The electrochemical response from the anodic charging (p-doping) of an oligo(1,1-binaphthyl) film in both solvents consists of a continously increasing current without a well-defined oxidation peak. Upon discharging the film a distinct reduction peak can be seen. The p-doping response of an oligo(2-methoxynaphthalene) film in both solvents consists of a prepeak followed by a plateau until the new electrochemical process starts. On the reverse scan two poorly resolved reduction peaks which merge into a broad cathodic peak as the scan rate increases can be observed. The cathodic charging and discharging (n-doping) response of 2-methoxynaphthalene film in 0.1 M TBAPF₆–ACN consists of a broad and well-defined redox peak. The structures of the film were studied by Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both techniques provide complementary vibrational information on the coupling of the starting materials studied. The morphologies of the electrosynthesized films were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of the two substituents, the methoxy and naphthyl groups, on the electrosynthesis properties of the naphthalene molecule was studied.     

Structural and Mössbauer characterization of the ball milled Fex(Cr2O3)1−x system

The Fe_x(Cr₂O₃)_1?x system, with 0.10 ≤ X ≤ 0.80, was mechanically processed for 24 h in a high-energy ball-mill. In order to examine the possible formation of iron–chromium oxides and alloys, the milled samples were, later, thermally annealed in inert (argon) and reducing (hydrogen) atmospheres. The as-milled and annealed products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and magnetization. The as-milled samples showed the formation of an Fe_1+YCr_2?YO_4?δ nanostructured and disordered spinel phase, the α₁-Fe(Cr) and α₂-Cr(Fe) solid solutions and the presence of non-exhausted precursors. For the samples annealed in inert atmosphere, the chromite (FeCr₂O₄) formation and the recrystallization of the precursors were verified. The hydrogen treated samples revealed the reduction of the spinel phase, with the phase separation of the chromia phase and retention of the Fe–Cr solid solutions. All the samples, either as-milled or annealed, presented the magnetization versus applied field curves typical for superparamagnetic systems.     

Hydrothermal processing and characterization of Ce1−xPbxO2−δ solid solutions

Nanocrystals of Ce_1?xPb_xO_2?δ (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, and 0.35) were prepared by a hydrothermal reaction route. During the formation reaction, buffer solutions were explored as an effective additive to retain the initial molar ratio. With increasing the Pb²⁺ content, the average crystallite size was slightly retarded. Morphologies observed by transmission electron microscope indicated that the particles were spherical-like and highly uniformed. Pb²⁺ ions are homogenously distributed in the solid solutions. Analyses using X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV spectroscopies showed that the solid solubility limit of Pb²⁺ in CeO₂ was about x = 0.20. For x < 0.20, with increasing the Pb²⁺ content, the bulk conductivity increased, and the oxygen storage capacity was enhanced as followed by a decrease in reduction temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of the ZnxCd1−xIn2S4 pseudoternary solid solution

We have synthesized several compounds of the Zn_xCd_1−xIn₂S₄ family by solid phase reactions and chemical transport reactions using iodine. The reaction products have been characterized as to composition, structure, and lattice dynamics. Here we discuss and compare the different results obtained by the two synthesis methods.     

Solid potassium-conducting electrolytes in the K2 − 2x Ga2 − x V x O4 system

New potassium-conducting solid electrolytes based on potassium monogallate in the K_2?2x Ga_2?x V _x O₄ system are synthesized and studied. It is found that an introduction of V⁵⁺ ions leads to a considerable increase in the KGaO₂ conductivity due to the formation of vacancies in the potassium sublattice. The conductivity for optimal compositions is approximately 10^?3 S cm^?1 at 400°C and above 10^?2 S cm^?1 at 700°C. The results are compared with early obtained data for potassium monogallate dopped with four-charged cations.     

Defect structures in the brannerite-type vanadates: VIII. Synthesis of the Mg1−yLiyV2−yMoyO6 and Mg1−x−yØxLiyV2−2x−yMo2x+yO6 solid solutions: Effect of strengthening the crystal lattice by substitution of monovalent ion for bivalent ion

It is shown that MgV₂O₆ and LiVMoO₆, both of the brannerite-type structure, exhibit miscibility in the entire composition range resulting in the formation of MgLi = Mg_1−yLi_yV_2−yMo_yO₆ solid solutions. For y > 0.5 significant capacity of the MgLi matrix to the excess Mo⁶⁺ cations compensated by cation vacancies Ø appears and MgLiØ = Mg_1−x−yØ_xLi_yV_2−2x−yMo_2x+yO₆ solutions become stable. Pronounced negative deviations from Vegard's law are simultaneously observed for MgLi solid solutions. An unusual phenomenon is thus observed: monovalent cation (Li⁺) substituted for bivalent cation (Mg²⁺) strengthens the brannerite-type lattice and increases its toleration to cation vacancies. A similar effect has recently been observed for ZnLi and ZnLiØ solid solutions (K. Mocała and J. Ziółkowski, J. Solid State Chem. 71, 426 (1987)); the effect is absent, however, in the case of MnLi and MnLiØ (J. Ziółkowski, K. Krupa, and K. Mocała, J. Solid State Chem. 48, 376 (1983)). Some speculations concerning this effect and some predictions are offered. X-ray data are listed for MgLi solid solutions of various compositions.     

Crystal structure and properties of the Na1−x Ru2O4 phase

Sodium ruthenium(III,IV) oxide Na_1−x Ru₂O₄ was synthesized by the solid state reaction of Na₂CO₃ and RuO₂ in inert atmosphere and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The compound crystallizes in the CaFe₂O₄-type structure (space group Pnma, Z = 4, a = 9.2641(7) Å, b = 2.8249(3) Å, c = 11.1496(7) Å). Double rutile-like chains of the RuO₆ octahedra form a three-dimensional framework, whose tunnels contain sodium cations. The structure contains two crystallographically independent sites of ruthenium atoms randomly occupied by the Ru^III and Ru^IV cations. The superstructure with the doubled b parameter found for one of the samples under study using electron diffraction is caused, probably, by ordering of the Ru cations in the rutile-like chains. The Na_{1− x} Ru₂O₄ compound exhibits temperature-independent paramagnetism with χ₀ = 1.9·10⁻⁴ cm³ (mole of Ru⁻¹). Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 1655–1660, October, 2006.     

Ferrimagnetic spinels in hydrothermal and thermal treatment of MnxFe2−2x(OH)6−4x

Products of hydrothermal treatment of the initial amorphous system Mn_xFe_2–2x(OH)_6–4x for 0x1 in 0.1x intervals, and products of their further thermal treatment, were examined by chemical analysis, X-ray, IR, and DTA techniques supported by magnetic measurements. After hydrothermal growth for lowx, hematite and goethite phases occurred. Although the goethite phase was still identifiable atx=0.6, formation of a solid solution with the isostructural groutite was not found. The ferrimagnetic spinel phase, which resists heating up to 400C, was present at 0.5x0.9. At higher temperatures, it transformed into the rhombohedral hematite type phase or into the cubic bixbyite phase. AtT900C, a ferrimagnetic spinel structure reappeared up tox=0.8. For x=0.9, the low- and high-temperature forms of the hausmannite phase occurred, forx= 1 passing from one form into another through Mn₅O₈ and partritgeite.For a primary mixture Mn_0.5Fe(OH)₄, corresponding to the manganese ferrite structure, the lattice parameter of which passes from 8.43 å through 8.33 å to 8.50 å, the probable crystallochemical formula was suggested.We are grateful to KBN (The State Committee for Scientific Research, Poland) for grant No. 3 T09A 064 08, which contributed substantially to the materialization of this project.     

Synthesis and characterization of nano-structured Th1?x Ce x O2 mixed oxide

GEL combustion technique was applied to obtain oxides of thorium and cerium from their respective nitrate solutions using citric acid as the gelating agent. The dried samples were characterized by IR and TG studies. Intermediate and final products during TG studies have been isolated and characterized by XRD studies. All the TG runs during heating of thorium and cerium nitrate with citric acid dried Gels showed a two step process. The weight loss at each step and the X-ray data of the product at each step, helped in suggesting a possible mechanism. Kinetic study was carried out independently for each step. The reaction mechanism as observed during interactive procedure was found to be diffusion controlled. The kinetic parameters (activation energy and pre-exponential factor) for each step in all reactions have been calculated. Observations from XRD studies show that with increase in cerium concentration in the oxides, the lattice parameter values have shown a decreasing trend for all the five compositions studied. It was observed that in TG studies with increase in cerium concentration, the final temperature of the reactions have shown a decreasing trend. SEM studies of the powders reveal that synthesized oxides have a tendency to form agglomerate of varying size ranging from 50 to 100 μm in case of mixed oxides but the size of thorium oxide powder so synthesized have pore size 10–100 μm. SEM images shows that GEL combustion may result in agglomeration, if the temperature is not properly controlled to the desired value. SEM studies also reveal that each agglomerate contains approximately 10–100 individual particles. Surface area of the mixed oxide powders were determined using Gas adsorption technique. The surface area was found to be in the range of 3–17 m²/g in all cases. Specific surface area of thorium oxide was found to be lesser than cerium oxide but in case of mixed oxides surface area decreases with increase in cerium content. Majority of pores, indicating the particle size are in the range of 0.01–0.04 cm³/g.     

Preparation and characterization of gadolinium hydroxide single-crystalline nanorods by a hydrothermal process

The Gd(OH)3 nanorods with diameters of ca.40-60 nm and lengths of more than 400-550 nm have been prepared by a novelhydrothermal technique.The structural features and chemical composition of the nanorods were investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM),selected areaelectron diffraction(SAED),and high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM).The possible mechanism for theformation of Gd(OH)3 nanorods was proposed.     

Sonochemical synthesis and electrochemical characterization of α-nickel hydroxide: precursor effects

Sonochemical degradation of urea was employed to synthesize alpha-nickel hydroxide from different nickel salts. Utilization of ultrasound yielded products with properties significantly different than the products obtained by thermal degradation of urea. The effect of intercalating chloride, nitrate, acetate, and sulfate anions on morphology and electrochemical performance was studied. The sulfate-intercalated sample had the smallest interlayer spacing when obtained by the sonochemical method, contradicting all the previous thermal synthesis results. The specific capacitance trend also differed from the literature values, and the value for the sulfate-intercalated sample was larger than that of acetate- and nitrate-intercalated samples. Ultrasonic synthesis increased the specific capacitance of the sulfate-intercalated sample significantly. This sample was also the most reversible and had the highest charge efficiency.     

Synthesis and optical properties of quasi-2D CdS x Se1 − x nanoparticles

Colloidal 2D CdS _x Se_{1 ? x} nanoparticles have been synthesized by a solution method in octadecene using oleic acid as a stabilizer. Growth of quasi-2D nanoparticles has been promoted by the presence of cadmium acetate in the reaction mixture. The resulting nanoparticles are platelets with lateral sizes 20–30 nm. The absorption and luminescence spectra of these nanoparticles show narrow bands of lh-e and hh-e exciton transitions corresponding to 2D systems. The spectral position of the lowest energy hh-e transition monotonically changes within 382–461 nm with a change in the composition of nanoparticles. The observed absorption bands are broader than those for the individual CdSe and CdS nanoparticles. The suggested method makes it possible to vary the exciton band position for quasi-2D nanoparticles by changing their composition.     

Effect of the variation of metal and cerium loadings on CeO2x–TiO2(100−x) supports in the complete catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Formaldehyde has been successfully converted into CO2 and H2O at low temperature in the presence of CeO2x–TiO2(100?x) mixed oxides prepared by the...     

Glycolate Ti1 − x Fe x (OCH2CH2O)2 − x/2 as a precursor for the preparation of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) solid solutions Ti1 − x Fe x O2 − 2x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1)

Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) solid solutions Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x (OCH₂CH₂O)_{2 ? x/2} (0 < x ≤ 0.1) with the structure of anatase were prepared by heating the glycolate Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x (OCH₂CH₂O)_{2 ? x/2} in an atmosphere of air at a temperature of >450°C. The conditions of formation and the properties of the new glycolate Ti₃Fe₂(OCH₂CH₂O)₉ were described. It was found that the synthesized Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x O_{2 ? 2x/2} solid solutions exhibit photocatalytic activity in the reaction of hydroquinone oxidation in an aqueous solution on irradiation with UV light. A correlation between the rate of oxidation of hydroquinone and the concentration of iron in the catalyst was established. A procedure for the preparation of titanium dioxide with the structure of anatase doped with iron and carbon (Ti_{1 ? x} Fe _x O_{(2 ? x/2) ? yCy)} and also composites on its basis, which contain an excess amount of carbon, was proposed.     

Effect of electronic state of ions on the electrochemical properties of layered cathode materials LiNi1−2x Co x Mn x O2

The cathode materials of the composition LiNi_{1 − 2x} Co _x Mn _x O₂ (x = 0.1, 0.2. 0.33) synthesized from the Ni, Co, Mn mixed hydroxides and LiOH by using mechanical activation method are studied. It is shown that all synthesized compounds have layered structure described by the space group R-3m. With the decreasing of the nickel content the cell volume and the degree of structure disordering decrease. According to XPS data, the electronic main state of d-ions at the prepared samples’ surfaces corresponds to Ni²⁺, Co³⁺, and Mn⁴⁺. An increase in the nickel content leads to the increase of the Ni2p _3/2 and Co2p _3/2 binding energy, which points to the change in the Me-O bond covalence. According to magnetic susceptibility measurements data, the nickel ions in LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ exist in the two oxidation states: Ni²⁺ and Ni³⁺. It is shown that this sample has the highest specific discharge capacity (∼170 mAh/g). The positions of redox peaks in the differential capacitance curves depend on the sample composition: with the increasing of nickel content they are shifted toward lower voltages. Based on the paper presented in the IX International Conference “Basic Problems of Energy Conversion in Lithium Electrochemical Systems” (Ufa, 2006).