High capacity SnxSbyCuz composite anodes for lithium ion batteries

To increase the volumetric discharge capacity of negative electrode for rechargeable lithium batteries, a composite anode Sn_xSb_yCu_z has been synthesized by using high energy mechanical ball milling method. The synthesized composite anode materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis. The charge/discharge characteristics of the fabricated coin cells have been evaluated galvanostatically in the potential range 0.01–2 V using 1 M LiPF₆ in 1:1 EC/DEC as electrolyte. Results indicate that the composition with 90 wt% Sn, 8 wt% Sb and 2 wt% Cu delivers an average discharge capacity of 740 mAh g⁻¹ over the investigated 50 cycles which is a potential candidate for use as an anode material for lithium rechargeable cells.     

Crystal structure and Raman scattering characterization of Cu2Fe1-xCoxSnS4 chalcogenide compounds

This work reports the synthesis by solid–state reaction of Cu₂Fe_1-xCo_xSnS₄ solid solutions. Crystal structures of Cu₂Fe_0.8Co_0.2SnS₄ and Cu₂Fe_0.6Co_0.4SnS₄ were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both phases crystallize in the tetragonal stannite-type structure. The volume of the tetrahedral [MS₄] (M = Fe, Co) presented the highest distortion, with Edge-Length Distortion (ELD) indices ∼2% from the ideal tetrahedron. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of Cu₂Fe_1-xCo_xSnS₄ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) has been refined by Rietveld method. No secondary phases were detected in XRD patterns. An analysis of the vibrational properties of Cu₂Fe_1-xCo_xSnS₄ was performed using Raman scattering measurements. The Raman peaks were analyzed by fitting of the spectra and subsequently identifying the vibrational modes by comparison with experimental and theoretical data from Cu₂FeSnS₄ (CFTS) and Cu₂CoSnS₄ (CCTS) end-members. The spectra from Cu₂Fe_1-xCo_xSnS₄ show that there is a variation in the frequency of the main A₁ peak at ∼320 cm⁻¹ together with a decrease in the secondary mode intensity at ∼285 cm⁻¹. Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) and the intensity of the Raman peaks reflect the high crystallinity of Cu₂Fe_1-xCo_xSnS₄ solid solutions. The oxidation states of the metals were confirmed by temperature-dependent magnetization measurements performed in the antiferromagnetic Cu₂Fe_1-xCo_xSnS₄ solid solutions.     

Study of the Lithium Storage Mechanism of N-Doped Carbon-Modified Cu2S Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Owing to their high specific capacity and abundant reserve, Cu_xS compounds are promising electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Carbon compositing could stabilize the Cu_xS structure and repress capacity fading during the electrochemical cycling, but the corresponding Li⁺ storage mechanism and stabilization effect should be further clarified. In this study, nanoscale Cu₂S was synthesized by CuS co-precipitation and thermal reduction with polyelectrolytes. High-temperature synchrotron radiation diffraction was used to monitor the thermal reduction process. During the first cycle, the conversion mechanism upon lithium storage in the Cu₂S/carbon was elucidated by operando synchrotron radiation diffraction and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The N-doped carbon-composited Cu₂S (Cu₂S/C) exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 425 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹, with a higher, long-term capacity of 523 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ after 200 cycles; in contrast, the bare CuS electrode exhibits 123 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles. Multiple-scan cyclic voltammetry proves that extra Li⁺ storage can mainly be ascribed to the contribution of the capacitive storage.     

Electrical properties and initial permeability of Cu–Mg ferrites

A series of polycrystalline spinel ferrites with composition Cu_1−xMg_xFe₂O₄ where 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1 are prepared by the standard ceramic method. The single-phase cubic spinel structure of all the samples has been confirmed from X-ray diffraction analysis. The lattice constant increases linearly with increasing magnesium content obeying Vegard's law. The electrical properties (ɛ′, and σ) of the prepared samples are measured at different temperatures as a function of applied frequency ranging from 100 kHz up to 5 MHz. The general trend of ɛ′, and σ is decreased with increasing Mg²⁺ and increases with increasing temperature. The observed variation of dielectric properties is explained on the basis of Cu²⁺/Cu¹⁺ ionic concentration as well as the electronic hopping frequency between Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions in the present samples. The data of initial permeability is also discussed.     

Recent developments on layered 3d-transtition metal oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are now intensively developed as a cost-effective technology alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage because of their various advantages such as huge abundance of sodium resources, highly safe and significantly low cost. Among many other cathode materials, layered 3d-transition metal oxides (LTMO-Na_xMO₂, x ≤ 1 and M = Co, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cu, Fe and V) have gained an enormous interest and attractive attention among researchers because of their low-cost, high energy density and ease of synthesis. In addition, LTMOs offer higher reversible capacities because of relatively lower molecular weights; however, complex phase transformations limit their cycling life. Based on the previous research, it was examined that the crystalline phase of LTMO highly influences the electrochemical performance of SIBs; therefore, this review mainly focuses on the latest advances of various crystalline phases such as P2-type, P3-type, O3-type and biphase/multiphase materials and its strength as well as future prospects and challenges.     

Polymerization-induced microphase separation of polymer-polyoxometalate nanocomposites for anhydrous solid state electrolytes

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with high ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and high thermal stability, as well as the stringent requirement of application in high-temperature fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries is receiving increasing attention. Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), combining the advantages of inorganic materials with those of polymeric materials, offer numerous opportunities for SSEs design. In this work, we report a facile and general one-pot approach based on polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) to generate PNCs with bi-continuous microphases. This synthetic strategy transforms a homogeneous liquid precursor consisting of polyoxometalates (POMs, H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, Li₇[V₁₅O₃₆(CO₃)]), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macro-chain-transfer agent, styrene and divinylbenzene monomers, into a robust and transparent monolith. The resulting POMs are uniformly dispersed in the PEG block (PEG/POM) to form a conducting pathway that successfully realizes the effective transfer of protons and lithium ions, while the highly cross-linked polystyrene domains (P(S-co-DVB)) as mechanical support provide outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability. As the POM loading ratio up to 35 wt%, the proton conductivity of nanocomposite reaches as high as 5.99 × 10^-4 S/cm at 100 °C in anhydrous environment, which effectively promotes proton transfer under extreme environments. This study broadens the application of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries in extreme environments.     

A High-Energy Aqueous All-Sulfur Battery

Rechargeable aqueous batteries are promising energy storage devices because of their high safety and low cost. However, their energy densities are generally unsatisfactory due to the limited capacities of ion-inserted electrode materials, prohibiting their widespread applications. Herein, a high-energy aqueous all-sulfur battery was constructed via matching S/Cu₂S and S/CaS_x redox couples. In such batteries, both cathodes and anodes undergo the conversion reaction between sulfur/metal sulfides redox couples, which display high specific capacities and rational electrode potential difference. Furthermore, during the charge/discharge process, the simultaneous redox of Cu²⁺ ion charge-carriers also takes place and contributes to a more two-electron transfer, which doubles the capacity of cathodes. As a result, the assembled aqueous all-sulfur batteries deliver a high discharge capacity of 447 mAh g⁻¹ based on total mass of sulfur in cathode and anode at 0.1 A g⁻¹, contributing to an enhanced energy density of 393 Wh kg⁻¹. This work will widen the scope for the design of high-energy aqueous batteries.     

Calorimetric investigation of mixing enthalpy of liquid (Co + Cu + Zr) alloys at T = 1873 K

The enthalpies of mixing of liquid (Co + Cu + Zr) alloys have been determined using the high-temperature isoperibolic calorimeter. The measurements have been performed along three sections (x_Co/x_Cu = 3/1, 1/1, 1/3) with x_Zr = 0 to 0.55 at T = 1873 K. Over the investigated composition range, the partial mixing enthalpies of zirconium are negative. The limiting partial enthalpies of mixing of undercooled liquid zirconium in liquid (Co + Cu) alloys are (−138 ± 18) kJ · mol⁻¹ (the section x_Co/x_Cu = 3/1), (−155 ± 10) kJ · mol⁻¹ (the section x_Co/x_Cu = 1/1), and (−130 ± 22) kJ · mol⁻¹ (the section x_Co/x_Cu = 1/3). The integral mixing enthalpies are sign-changing. The isenthalpic curves have been plotted on the Gibbs triangle. The main features of the composition dependence of the integral mixing enthalpy of liquid ternary alloys are defined by the pair (Co + Zr) and (Cu + Zr) interactions.     

Low thermal expansion behavior and electrical conductivity of Mn3(Cu0.5SixGe0.5−x)N at low temperatures

Anti-perovskite manganese nitrides with the general formula Mn₃(Cu_0.5Si_xGe_0.5?x)N (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) were fabricated by mechanical ball milling followed by solid state sintering. The temperature dependence of thermal expansions, magnetic properties and electrical conductivities were investigated in the temperature range of 77–300 K. The results show that the operation-temperature window of negative thermal expansion (NTE) shifts to lower temperature and the magnitude of NTE becomes smaller with increasing Si content. Very low average coefficients of thermal expansion of 1.3 × 10^?6 K^?1 and 1.65 × 10^?6 K^?1 were observed in Mn₃(Cu_0.5Si_0.1Ge_0.4)N and Mn₃(Cu_0.5Si_0.15Ge_0.35)N within the temperature range of 77–300 K, respectively. In addition, the electrical conductivities of all the samples are in the range of 2.5–3.5 × 10⁵ (ohm m)^?1.     

Anomalous capacity and cycling stability of xLi2MnO3 · (1 − x)LiMO2 electrodes (M = Mn,Ni, Co) in lithium batteries at 50 °C

Transition metal oxides with composite xLi₂MnO₃ ·  (1 − x)LiMO₂ rocksalt structures (M = Mn, Ni, Co) are of interest as a new generation of cathode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. After electrochemical activation to 4.6 or 4.8 V (vs. Li⁰) at 50 °C, xLi₂MnO₃ · (1 − x)LiMn_0.33Ni_0.33Co_0.33O₂ (x = 0.5, 0.7) electrodes deliver initial discharge capacities (>300 mAh/g) at a low current rate (0.05 mA/cm²) that exceed the theoretical values for lithiation back to the rocksalt stoichiometry (240–260 mAh/g), at least during the early charge/discharge cycles of the cells. Attention is drawn to previous reports of similar, but unaccounted and unexplained anomalous behavior of these types of electrode materials. Possible reasons for this anomalous capacity are suggested. Indications are that electrodes in which M = Mn, Ni and Co do not cycle with the same stability at 50 °C as those without cobalt.     

Prospect of determining copper sulfide nanoparticles by voltammetry: A potential artifact in supersaturated solutions

Certain natural waters appear to contain copper sulfide (Cu_xS) nanoparticles in nanomolar concentrations (as Cu). These nanoparticles have been tentatively identified by the characteristic pH below which they deposit sulfide onto Hg electrodes. A proposed alternate approach to studying Cu_xS nanoparticles relies on their hydrophobicity, which causes them to sorb to Hg electrodes; there they can undergo reduction at −0.9 to −1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl. However, solutions supersaturated with respect to Cu sulfide phases also form Cu_xS directly at Hg electrode surfaces. The voltammetric reduction peaks obtained from these deposits are not clearly distinguishable from those obtained from sorbed nanoparticles. Surface formation of Cu_xS, which appears to be limited to approximately two layers, involves a reaction between Cu amalgam and electrodeposited HgS. Surface-formed Cu_xS could be problematic in studies of Cu_xS nanoparticles, but this obstacle can be avoided by conducting voltammetric accumulations at potentials too negative for HgS electrodeposition (e.g. −0.85 V). Electroreduction of surface-formed Cu_xS occurs by a two-dimensional instantaneous hole nucleation and growth process.     

Electrochemical performances of LaBaCuFeO5+x and LaBaCuCoO5+x as potential cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Layered perovskite-structure oxides LaBaCuFeO_5+x (LBCFO) and LaBaCuCoO_5+x (LBCCO) were prepared and the electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance were investigated as potential cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The electrical conductivity of LBCCO is much higher than that of LBCFO. Area specific resistances of LBCFO and LBCCO cathode materials on Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 (SDC) electrolyte are as low as 0.21 Ω cm² and 0.11 Ω cm² at 700 °C, respectively. The maximum power density of the LBCFO/SDC/Ni-SDC and LBCCO/SDC/Ni-SDC cells with 300 μm thick electrolytes attains 557 mW cm^?2 and 603 mW cm^?2 at 800 ^oC, respectively. Preliminary results demonstrated that the layered perovskite-structure oxides LBCFO and LBCCO are very promising cathode materials for application in IT-SOFCs.     

Standardless energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis using primary radiation monochromatized with LiF(200) crystal

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF) with primary radiation monochromatized by LiF(200) crystal was developed. In the constructed spectrometer, the radiation from the Ag target X-ray tube operated at 50 kV and 40 mA excites the secondary target (Cu, Se, Zr or Mo). The characteristic radiation (Cu K_α, Se K_α, Zr K_α or Mo K_α) of the target is monochromatized with LiF(200) crystal and excites elements in the analyzed sample. The X-ray spectra are collected by thermoelectrically cooled Si-PIN detector with resolution of 145 eV at 5.9 keV. The pinhole collimator placed in front of the X-ray detector allows reducing size of the analyzed area. Quantitative analysis is performed using standardless fundamental parameters (FP) method. Because sample is excited using highly monochromatized radiation, the calculations are much simpler and analysis error resulting from uncertainty of X-ray tube spectral distribution is completely eliminated. Moreover, EDXRF system allows obtaining very low background and appropriate secondary target can be selected for the best excitation of the determined elements and to avoid overlapping of the analyte peaks with characteristic radiation originating from the secondary target. The FP calculations were verified using several certified reference materials of stainless steel. The spectrometer was used for nondestructive analysis of mono- and polycrystals of selenide spinels of general formula M_xN_yCr_zSe₄ (where M, N are Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ge²⁺, Ni²⁺, V³⁺, Sb³⁺, Ga³⁺). The results from EDXRF were compared with those obtained by means of the wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF).     

One-dimensional NiCuZn ferrite nanostructures: Fabrication, structure, and magnetic properties

Ni_0.5−xCu_xZn_0.5Fe₂O₄ (0.0≤x≤0.5) ferrite nanofibers with diameters of 80-160 nm have been prepared by electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment. Both the average grain size and lattice parameter are found to increase with the addition of copper. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicate that the portion of Fe³⁺ ions at the tetrahedral sites move to the octahedral sites as some of the substituted Cu²⁺ ions get into the tetrahedral sites. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements show that the coercivity of these ferrite nanofibers decreases with increasing Cu concentration, whereas the specific saturation magnetization initially increases, reaches a maximum value at x=0.2 and then decreases with the Cu content further increase. Notable differences in magnetic properties at room temperature (298 K) and 77 K for the Ni_0.3Cu_0.2Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanofibers and corresponding powders are observed and mainly arise from the grain size and morphological variations between these two materials.     

Doping effect of nonmagnetic impurity on the spin-Peierls-like transition in the quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) spin system of 1-(4′-nitrobenzyl)pyridinium bis(maleonitriledithiolato)nickelate

A nonmagnetic compound, [NO₂BzPy][Cu(mnt)₂] (mnt^2? = maleonitriledithiolate; NO₂BzPy⁺ = 1-(4′-nitrobenzyl)pyridinium), is isostructural with [NO₂BzPy][Ni(mnt)₂], which is a quasi-1D spin system and exhibits a spin-Peierls-like transition with J = 192 K in the gapless state and spin energy gap = 738 K in the dimerization state, respectively. Further, five nonmagnetic impurity doped compounds [NO₂BzPy][Cu_xNi_1?x(mnt)₂] (x = 0.04–0.74) were prepared, and their crystal structures as well as magnetic properties were investigated. The nonmagnetic doping causes the suppression of the spin transition with an average rate of 139(13) K/percentage of dopant concentration, and the transition collapse is estimated at around x > 0.5.     

In situ confinement of iron-based active sites within high porosity carbon frameworks with enhanced activity for rechargeable Zn–air battery

Non-noble bifunctional electrocatalysts with robust activity and stability toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are greatly significant but challenging for Zn-air batteries. Here, in situ confinement of FeN_x active sites in high porosity carbon framework (FeN_x/CMCC) derived from chelate of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and iron ions were synthesized. Particularly, construction of FeN_x within porous carbon framework accelerates the electron transfer and the sufficient utilization of active centers, and then expedites the reaction kinetics of ORR and OER. As expected, the optimized FeN_x/CMCC exhibits superior ORR activity with a larger half-wave potential of 0.869 V. The rechargeable Zn-air battery delivers a higher power density of 99.6 mW/cm² and a special capacity of 781.9 mA h/g_Zn at 10 mA/cm², together with excellent durability of over 335 h. Remarkably, the as-assembled solid-state battery exhibits a higher open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.5 V, a special capacity of 709.7 mA h/g_Zn, as well as prolonged cycling stability (90 h). Moreover, the flexible solid-state battery displays negligible loss of electrochemical performance under various bending angles, illustrating its potential application in flexible electronic devices.     

The impact of surface Cu2+ of ZnO/(Cu1−xZnx)O heterostructured nanowires on the adsorption and chemical transformation of carbonyl compounds

The surface cation composition of nanoscale metal oxides critically determines the properties of various functional chemical processes including inhomogeneous catalysts and molecular sensors. Here we employ a gradual modulation of cation composition on a ZnO/(Cu_1−xZn_x)O heterostructured nanowire surface to study the effect of surface cation composition (Cu/Zn) on the adsorption and chemical transformation behaviors of volatile carbonyl compounds (nonanal: biomarker). Controlling cation diffusion at the ZnO(core)/CuO(shell) nanowire interface allows us to continuously manipulate the surface Cu/Zn ratio of ZnO/(Cu_1−xZn_x)O heterostructured nanowires, while keeping the nanowire morphology. We found that surface exposed copper significantly suppresses the adsorption of nonanal, which is not consistent with our initial expectation since the Lewis acidity of Cu²⁺ is strong enough and comparable to that of Zn²⁺. In addition, an increase of the Cu/Zn ratio on the nanowire surface suppresses the aldol condensation reaction of nonanal. Surface spectroscopic analysis and theoretical simulations reveal that the nonanal molecules adsorbed at surface Cu²⁺ sites are not activated, and a coordination-saturated in-plane square geometry of surface Cu²⁺ is responsible for the observed weak molecular adsorption behaviors. This inactive surface Cu²⁺ well explains the mechanism of suppressed surface aldol condensation reactions by preventing the neighboring of activated nonanal molecules. We apply this tailored cation composition surface for electrical molecular sensing of nonanal and successfully demonstrate the improvements of durability and recovery time as a consequence of controlled surface molecular behaviors.

Unexpected features of surface Cu²⁺ on ZnO/(Cu1−xZnx)O nanowires for molecular transformation and electrical sensing of carbonyl compounds were found.     

Effects of Cl/Br substitution of antimony octahedra on photoluminescence and a new engineering strategy for performance optimization

Organic-inorganic metal halides have garnered extensive attention due to their versatile structures as well as fascinating optical properties, among which especially antimony halides are the focus of recent research. Herein, we design a series of novel zero-dimensional (0D) antimony halides of (C₁₃H₁₄N₃)₃SbCl_6–xBr_x (x = 0, 3, 6) with bright and tunable broadband emissions from yellow (576 nm) to orange (600 nm), which are attributed to the triplet self-trapped excitons (STEs) of the six-coordinated [SbX₆]^3– (X = Cl^? or Br^?) units. The role of halogens on their specific ³P₁→¹S₀ transition is determined, wherein Cl/Br transmutation reveals a common law modulating photoluminescence behaviors. Furthermore, a new two-step compound technology is innovatively developed for performance optimization, enabling by incorporating the pristine antimony halides into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with high transparency and strong moisture resistance. The composites (C₁₃H₁₄N₃)₃SbCl_6–xBr_x/PMMA (x = 0, 3, 6) were fabricated through a demanding technology that significantly improve the processability and water stability of antimony halides while maintaining high photoluminescence quantum yields. This work not only proposes a method for halogen substitutions to tune emission, but also opens up a feasible research avenue for performance optimization in the multifunctional luminescence materials.     

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of xLi(Ni0.8Co0.15Mg0.05)O2–(1−x)Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) cathodes for Li rechargeable batteries

Using solution based processing route, we have successfully synthesized xLi(Ni_0.8Co_0.15Mg_0.05)O₂–(1?x)Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) cathode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. The phase formation behavior of these cathode materials is characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements. The Galvanostatic charge–discharge characteristic of these cathodes is reported in various cut-off voltage limits. When these composite cathodes are charged to 4.8 V, electrochemical extraction of lithium takes place from active (Li[Ni_0.8Co_0.15Mg_0.05]O₂) as well as inactive (Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂) components. Good cycleability of these cathodes is obtained when cycled in the cut-off voltage limits of 4.6–3.0 V. The cycleability of these cathodes are deteriorated when charged above 4.8 V and deep discharged up to 1.2 V followed by repeated cycling in these voltage limits. Based on the analyses of impedance spectra at various charge and discharge states, the probable reasons for such findings are discussed.     

层状六边形Co1-xS修饰氮掺杂碳纳米管用于锂硫电池的硫载体

通过纳米结构材料的设计和组装来改善锂硫电池的电化学性能。在本工作中,成功合成了六边形Co_1-xS纳米片修饰的氮掺杂碳纳米管（Co_1-xS-CNT）复合材料,并将其用作锂硫电池（LSBs）的硫正极载体。在Co_1-xS-CNT/S中,极性六方Co_1-xS纳米片可以化学吸附多硫化锂,同时CNT可以为电极材料提供高导电网络。基于物理限域和化学吸附的协同作用,Co_1-xS-CNT/S正极表现出优异的电化学循环性能。在0.5C倍率下循环170次,电极仍可保持405.6 mAh·g^-1的放电比容量,同时具有超过99.2%的稳定库仑效率。