Electrochemical and structural characterization of sputter-deposited Mg–Nb and Mg–Nb–Al–Zn alloy films

Nanocrystalline Mg–Nb and Mg–Nb–Al–Zn alloy films were deposited by dc magnetron sputtering on glass and quartz substrates in a wide range of niobium concentrations from 6 to 80 at.%. Structural, electrochemical and corrosion properties of the films were studied by X-ray diffraction, dc voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance. Development of body-centred cubic Nb structure in the Mg–Nb alloy matrix yielded the effects of lattice contraction, grain refining and electrochemical passivity. The measurements showed high corrosion resistance of the films in alkaline solutions when niobium content was one third or more. An increased corrosion resistance was achieved by introducing minor amounts of Al (ca. 2 at.%). In particular, such Al effect was pronounced at lower Nb concentrations (20 to 30 at.%). Semiconductor properties of spontaneously formed oxide on Mg–Nb alloy were studied by Mott–Schottky plots, which indicated highly doped n-type oxide structures on Mg–Nb surface. The paper fills some gap in understanding of niobium–magnesium systems, which show potential for applications in hydrogen storage, switchable mirrors and corrosion protection.     

Enhancing effect of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate electrolytes on capacitance performance of electropolymerized poly[poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-vinyl-carbazole)] films

In this paper, poly[poly(N-vinyl-carbazole)] (PPVK) films electrodeposited in tetrahydrofuran (THF) containing 12 % boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) were studied as electrode active material for supercapacitors. The morphology and thermal property were characterized by SEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thermogravimetry (TG), respectively. The electrochemical capacitive behaviors of the PPVK films were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical results showed that the specific capacitance of PPVK films in CH₃CN solution was about 126 mF cm^?2 at 1.5 mA cm^?2 and the capacitance retention was only 14.4 % after 1000 cycles. It was exciting to improve the specific capacitance up to 169.3 mF cm^?2 at 1.5 mA cm^?2 and to make the cyclic stability increase to 81.8 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles when the equivalent BFEE was added into the CH₃CN solution containing 0.05 M Bu₄NBF₄ electrolyte. These results clearly demonstrated that BFEE was an efficient promoter for the enhancement of the capacitance performance of PPVK films. Therefore, with the help of BFEE electrolyte, the PPVK films have potential application as capacitive materials in high-performance energy storage devices.     

Comparison of electrochemical properties of two-component C60-Pd polymers formed under electrochemical conditions and by chemical synthesis

The electrochemical behavior of C₆₀-Pd polymer formed under electrochemical conditions and by the chemical synthesis was examined. In these polymers, fullerene moieties are covalently bonded to palladium atoms to form a polymeric network. Both materials deposited at the electrode surface show electrochemical activity at negative potentials due to the reduction of fullerene cage. Electrochemically formed thin polymeric films exhibit much more reversible voltammetric response in comparison to chemically synthesized polymers. The morphology and electrochemical behavior of chemically synthesized C₆₀-Pd polymer depend on the composition of grown solution. Chemical polymerization results in formation of large, ca. 50 μm, crystallic superficial structures that are composed of regular spherical particles with a diameter of 150 nm. The capacitance properties of C₆₀-Pd films were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Specific capacitance of chemically formed films depends on the conditions of film formation. The best capacitance properties was obtained for films containing 1:3 fullerene to Pd molar ratio. For these films, specific capacitance of 35 Fg^?1 was obtained in acetonitrile containing (n-C₄H₉)₄NClO₄. This value is much lower in comparison to the specific capacitance of electrochemically formed C₆₀-Pd film.     

Impedance spectroscopy study of passive layers on the surface of lead-tin and lead-tin-calcium alloys anodically oxidized in 4.8 M sulfuric acid solution

The nature of passive films, which were formed at various potentials in 4.8 M H₂SO₄ solution on the lead-tin and lead-tin-calcium alloys, is studied by the method of impedance spectroscopy. At the potentials of 1.3 and 1.7 V, the electrode impedance is presented by the equivalent circuit, which corresponds to the formation of a bilayer film consisting of lead(II) sulfate and oxide on the electrode surface. Lead(II) oxide, which forms under the layer of lead sulfate, determines a high resistance of passive layer on the electrodes of lead alloys under investigation. An introduction of tin into the lead alloys significantly decreases the resistance of passive layers. An addition of calcium to the lead-tin alloy raises the impedance of the system. At a potential of 2.05 V, a single-layer compact passive film forms on the electrodes of the test lead alloys. It consists predominantly of lead oxides PbO _x (1 < x ≤ 2), which exhibit a higher electron conductivity. An introduction of tin into the lead alloys decreases the resistance of formed films; calcium has almost no effect on the resistance of passive film under these conditions.     

Effect of surfactant on the morphology and capacitive performance of porous NiCo2O4

A promising nickel cobaltite oxide (NiCo₂O₄) composite electrode material was successfully synthesized by a sol-gel method and followed by a simple sintering process. The microstructure and surface morphology of NiCo₂O₄ modified by hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyvinyl alcohol were physically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Meanwhile, electrochemical performance was widely investigated in 2 M KOH aqueous electrolyte using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that evident porous microstructure was successfully fabricated by CTAB. The NiCo₂O₄ controlled by CTAB exhibited highly specific capacitance of 1,440 F?g^?1 at a current density of 5 mA?cm^?2. Remarkably, it still displays desirable cycle retention of 94.1 % over 1,000 cycle numbers at a current density of 20 mA?cm^?2. The excellent electrochemical performance suggests its potential application in electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.     

Supercapacitive behaviors of the nitrogen-enriched activated mesocarbon microbead in aqueous electrolytes

The activated nitrogen-enriched novel carbons (a-NENCs) have been prepared by direct carbonization of polyaniline/activated mesocarbon microbead composites and further activated by 16 M?HNO₃. The electrochemical performances and supercapacitive behaviors of the a-NENCs in 6 M KOH, 1 M?H₂SO₄, and 0.5 M?K₂SO₄ solutions are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic life, leakage current, and self-discharge measurements. The results demonstrate that the supercapacitors perform definitely supercapacitive behaviors; especially in 6 M KOH electrolyte, the supercapacitor represents much better electrochemical performance with more excellent reversibility, shorter relaxation time of 1.11 s, and nearly ideal polarizability. The maximum specific capacitance of the supercapacitors using a-NENCs as active electrode material is 85.1 F?g^?1 at a rate of 500 mA?g^?1 in 6 M?KOH. These outcomes indicate that the 6 M?KOH aqueous solution is a promising electrolyte for the supercapacitor with a-NENCs as electrode material.     

Growth of anodic oxide films on iron-triad metal monosilicides in sulfuric acid electrolyte

The mechanism and kinetics of electrochemical formation of anodic oxide films on iron-triad metal monosilicides in the 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution in the potential range of 0.5 to 1.5 V (NHE) were studied by the methods of polarization and impedance measurements. It was concluded that the oxide films on the surface of studied silicides consisted predominantly of SiO₂ and exhibited high barrier properties. The oxide film thickness and specific resistance in relation to the electrode potential were calculated from the impedance data. The constants of oxide film growth were determined.     

Poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalene) films for supercapacitor electrode materials: effect of electropolymerization technique on specific capacitance

Poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalane) (1,5-PDAN) films have been successfully synthesized on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) from aqueous solution of 0.1 M monomer and 1.0 M perchloric acid (HClO₄) by different electrochemical techniques which are cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The field emission scanning electron microscopy has been used to analyze the surface morphologies of 1,5-PDAN-coated PGE by CV (PGE/1,5-PDAN(CV)) and CA (PGE/1,5-PDAN(CA)). Electrochemical measurements have been performed to evaluate usability of the electrodes for supercapacitors using CV, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic charge–discharge and repeating chronopotentiometry (RCP) methods in 1.0 M HClO₄. When compared the results of electrochemical measurements, it is concluded that PGE/1,5-PDAN(CA) has higher specific capacitance than PGE/1,5-PDAN(CV). Despite having high specific capacitance, long-term charge–discharge cycling stability of PGE/1,5-PDAN(CA) is lower than that of PGE/1,5-PDAN(CV). Additionally, electrodes exhibit high power and energy density, according to galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. In conclusion, it can be said that PGE/1,5-PDAN(CV) and PGE/1,5-PDAN(CA) are promising materials for supercapacitor applications.     

Impedance and Photoadmittance of Passive Iron Electrodes in Different Solutions

Electric characteristics of the oxide film at the surface of an anodized iron electrode in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄, NaNO₃, and Na₂MoO₄ solutions are studied using the impedance and photoadmittance measurements and taking polarization curves. The impedance frequency spectra correspond to an equivalent circuit comprising two parallel (RC) chains connected in a series. The relaxation time of the high-frequency circuit approaches that of the photopotential; hence, it can be related to the impedance of the oxide film. The low-frequency component of the impedance describes the impedance of the film/solution interface. In the Na₂SO₄ solution, the oxide film resistance is significantly higher and the capacitance is lower than in two other solutions, which can be explained by the film thickening. The marked concurrent decrease in the resistance and increase in the capacitance of the film/solution interface at 1.2 V in all solutions is caused by oxygen adsorption, which precedes oxygen evolution.     

Electrochemical synthesis of oxide nanotubes on Ti6Al7Nb alloy and their interaction with the simulated body fluid

The aim of the present work was to investigate electrochemical behavior of the Ti6Al7Nb alloy in the simulated body fluid (SBF) containing Ca²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, and HPO₄ ^2? ions. At first, optimal conditions necessary for oxide nanotube formation were determined. The experiments were conducted in the 1 M (NH₄)₂SO₄ with 0.5 wt% NH₄F electrolyte at room temperature. Anodization of the alloy samples was carried out under variable external voltage U in the range from 10 to 40 V at room temperature. Obtained surface morphology was examined by SEM and X-ray techniques. Nanotube diameter was calculated and correlated with the imposed voltage. Having control over the size of nanotubes, samples with the obtained nanostructures of a chosen diameter were immersed into SBF solution with pH = 7.4 for a fixed period of time. Then, they were removed from the fluid and subjected to the electrochemical investigation. Corrosion current and corrosion potential were determined, and it was found that the best anticorrosion properties were obtained for heat-treated nanotube layer: i _corr = 39 nA/cm² and E _corr = ?0.236 V vs Ag/AgCl. Finally, the interaction between the oxide surface and the solution was studied using polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques.     

From nickel oxalate dihydrate microcubes to NiS<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocubes for high performance supercapacitors

In this study, NiS₂ nanocubes were successfully synthesized by a novel facile solvothermal method using NiC₂O₄·2H₂O microstructures and used as an electrode for high-performance supercapacitors. The electrochemical properties of the prepared NiS₂ electrode were studied using galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. Its maximum specific capacitance was 2077 F g^?1 at a constant current density of about 0.65 A g^?1. Further, the EIS results confirmed the pseudocapacitive nature of the NiS₂ electrode. The experimental results suggested that the NiS₂ electro-active material demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance, low resistance, and excellent cycling stability.     

Effect of Cu content on structure,hydrogen storage properties and electrode performance of LaNi4.1-x Co0.6Mn0.3Cu x alloys

The effect of Cu content on structure, hydrogen storage, and electrochemical properties of LaNi_4.1-x Co_0.6Mn_0.3Cu _x alloys has been investigated. For sample, A, B, C, and D are used to represent alloys (x?=?0, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45), respectively. The results indicate that the four alloys are all single-phase alloy with LaNi₅ phase of CaCu₅ hexagonal structure, the hydrogen storage capacities of the alloy are about 1.49 wt% (A), 1.48 wt% (B), 1.43 wt% (C), and 1.25 wt% (D) at 303 K. With the increase of Cu content (x) from A to D, hydrogen desorption plateau pressure and pressure hysteresis decrease. Alloy electrode A shows better activation property and higher capacity (334.44 mAh/g). The addition of Cu improves the cyclic stability of the alloy electrodes when x?=?0?~?0.45. However, their self-discharge properties and high-rate dischargeability (HRD) decrease with the increase of x. Further, electrochemical kinetics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis show that the reaction of alloy electrode is controlled by charge transfer step, and the adding of Cu benefits the electrode properties in alkaline solution.     

MWCNTs/metal (Ni, Co, Fe) oxide nanocomposite as potential material for supercapacitors application in acidic and neutral media

Supercapacitive properties of synthesised metal oxides nanoparticles (MO where M = Ni, Co, Fe) integrated with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (BPPGE) were investigated. Successful modification of the electrode with the MWCNT-MO nanocomposite was confirmed with spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Supercapacitive properties of the modified electrodes in sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) electrolytes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic constant current charge–discharge (CD) techniques. The specific capacitance values followed similar trend with that of the cyclic voltammetry and the electrochemical impedance experiments and are slightly lower than values obtained using the galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling. MWCNT-NiO-based electrode gave best specific capacitance of 433.8 mF?cm^?2 (ca 2,119 F?g^?1) in H₂SO₄. The electrode exhibited high electrochemical reproducibility with no significant changes over 1,000 cyclic voltammetry cycles.     

V2.1TiNi0.4Zr0.06Cu0.03M0.10 (M=Cr,Co, Fe,Nb, Ta)储氢合金的微结构及电化学性能

采用磁悬浮感应熔炼方法制备了V2.1TiNi0.4Zr0.06Cu0.03M0.10(M=Cr, Co, Fe, Nb, Ta)储氢电极合金, 通过X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、电子衍射能谱(EDS)分析和电化学测试等手段系统研究了添加元素M对合金微结构与电化学性能的影响. 结果表明, 所有合金均由BCC结构的V基固溶体主相和C14型Laves第二相组成, 且第二相沿主相晶界形成三维网状分布; Cr、Nb 和Ta元素主要分布在合金主相中, 而Co和Fe元素主要分布在第二相中. 电化学性能测试表明, 在V2.1TiNi0.4Zr0.06Cu0.03合金中掺加Cr、Co、Fe、Nb或Ta元素后, 虽然会降低最大放电容量, 但能有效抑制合金中V和Ti的腐蚀溶出, 提高电极充放电循环稳定性; 同时还能明显改善合金的高倍率放电性能. 相比之下, V2.1TiNi0.4Zr0.06Cu0.03Cr0.10合金具有最佳的综合电化学性能.     

A study of the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol on a nickel–salophen-modified glassy carbon electrode

Nickel–salophen-modified glassy carbon electrodes prepared by transferring one drop of Ni–salophen complex solution on the electrode surface. This modified electrode has been used for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline solutions with various methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrooxidation was observed as large anodic peaks, and early stages of the cathodic direction of potential sweep around 20 mV vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl_sat. A mechanism based on the electrochemical generation of Ni (Ш) active sites and their subsequent consumptions by methanol have been discussed. EIS studies were employed to unveil the charge transfer rate as well as the electrical characteristics of the catalytic surface. For the electrochemical oxidation of methanol at 5.0 M concentration, charge transfer resistance of nearly 0.936 kΩ was obtained, while the resistance of the electrocatalyst layer was about 111.6 Ω.     

Effect Nd2O3 content on electrochemical performance of polyaniline/Nd2O3 composites

Polyaniline/neodymium(III) oxide (PANI/Nd₂O₃) composites were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method, and the new electrode materials were used for supercapacitor. The composites were characterized physically by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). SEM, IR and XRD results showed the existence of interactions between PANI and Nd₂O₃. The electrochemical capacitance performance of the composites was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge tests and ac impedance spectroscopy with a three‐electrode system in 6 M KOH solution. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests proved that the addition of Nd₂O₃ enhanced the capacitance of the composites. However, the conductivity of the composites decreases with increasing the amount of Nd₂O₃. Electrochemical impedance tests manifest that the charge‐transfer resistance of the composites is smaller than that of the pure PANI, which indicates the addition of Nd₂O₃ could lower resistance and facilitate the charge transfer of the active materials. All results support that Nd₂O₃ has a significant contribution to the performance of PANI and makes the composites have more active sites for faradiac reaction and larger specific capacitance than pure PANI. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anodic oxidation of the Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy

This work presents the results of the investigations on the electropolishing and anodic oxidation of the Ti–13Nb–13Zr titanium alloy. Electropolishing was conducted in the solution containing ammonium fluoride and sulfuric acid, whereas the solution of phosphoric acid was used for anodic oxidation of the alloy. The influence of electropolishing and anodization process parameters on the texture (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and chemical composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) of the surface layer was established. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 5 % NaCl solution was used for the determination of the corrosion resistance of the alloy.     

Oxidizing valve metals: effect of electronic properties of the oxide films

Photocurrents emerging during the formation of anodic oxide films (AOF) on such valve metals as W, Ti, Zr, Nb, Ta are measured during an increase (direct run) and a decrease (reverse run of voltammetric curves) in the anodic potential. Capacitances of AOF formed at certain potentials are measured at potentials below the AOF formation potential. Effect of semiconductor properties on the AOF growth is considered through the formation of a Schottky barrier at the oxide/electrolyte interface. Calculated thicknesses of AOF and the depleted layer are compared. The donor-concentration drop in AOF with the distance from the metal/oxide interface is a condition for the growth of thick semiconductor oxide films. The measured potential dependence of the semiconductor-film capacitance is used to plot the donor concentration drop as a function of the distance from the Nb₂O₅/Nb interface in the oxide layer on a niobium electrode. Dedicated to the ninetieth anniversary of Ya.M. Kolotyrkin’s birth.     

Effect of surface modification of zinc oxide on the electrochemical performances of [Ni4Al(OH)10]OH electrode

Surface modification of zinc oxide on the [Ni₄Al(OH)₁₀]OH has been performed by a chemical surface precipitation method. Inductively coupled plasma measurements show that the amount of ZnO of prepared samples increases with the increase of initial concentration of Zn²⁺ in the mother solution. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements and scanning electron microscope images show that the modification of ZnO has little effects on the lattice parameters and the particle sizes of the [Ni₄Al(OH)₁₀]OH, but does change the morphology. The charge–discharge cycles results show that the deterioration rate of discharge capacity for the electrode with ZnO is only 4.0 % after 255 cycles, which is lower than that of electrode without ZnO (8.5 %); meanwhile, the maximal numbers of exchanged electrons per nickel atom for the electrodes with ZnO are basically over 1.83, which are higher than that of the electrode without ZnO (1.73), indicating that the modification of ZnO can improve the utilization of active material. In addition, the cyclic voltammogram tests results show that the modification of ZnO not only improves electrochemical cyclic reversibility but also elevates the oxygen evolution potential. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the modification of ZnO can lower the double layer capacitance and the charge transfer resistance.     

Effect of sulfate and dissolved hydrogen on oxide films on stainless steel in high-temperature water

In the present paper, we focus on the influence of sulfate ion impurity and dissolved hydrogen on the protective ability of the oxide film on stainless steel in high-temperature water. For the purpose, the electrical and electrochemical properties of oxide films formed on AISI 316L NG in simulated boiling water reactor crack conditions (10 ppm sulfate purged with N₂ + 0.01 or 0.5% H₂) were characterized by in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, the surface and in-depth composition of the oxide films has been estimated by ex situ Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The quantitative assessment of the protective ability of the oxide is based on an interpretation of the electrochemical impedance data per the mixed-conduction model. A novel procedure for the estimation of kinetic and transport parameters that involves comparison of the model equations to both EIS and AES results is proposed and tested. Based on the parameter values, the effect of sulfate and dissolved hydrogen on the processes of film growth and dissolution is discussed in view of an approach to the initiation of stress corrosion cracks.