Insoluble Fe(VI) compounds: effects on the super-iron battery

Cathodes composed of Fe(VI) salts are capable of three-electron reduction, and are useful for energetic super-iron batteries. This study investigates the solubility of BaFeO₄ and K₂FeO₄ Fe(VI) salts. Electrolytes are determined in which Fe(VI) has a low aqueous or non-aqueous solubility, or is insoluble. Insoluble Fe(VI) salts have the duel benefits of preventing Fe(VI) solution-phase (i) decomposition and (ii) diffusion to the anode; thereby preventing super-iron battery self-discharge. BaFeO₄ is insoluble in water, and has a solubility of less than 2×10⁻⁴ M in 5 M KOH containing Ba(OH)₂. A BaFeO₄ super-iron battery has a high discharge efficiency when containing an electrolyte of either 12 M KOH, or 6 M KOH saturated in Ba(OH)₂. Fe(VI) cathodes in non-aqueous media may be useful in providing a high-capacity Li or Li-ion super-iron battery. We illustrate that Fe(VI) salts are insoluble and chemically unreactive with a range of organic electrolytes, and can be discharged as cathodes in non-aqueous electrolytes. In acetonitrile containing 1 M LiClO₄, the discharge of an Fe(VI) cathode is demonstrated to a capacity over 394 mAh g⁻¹ K₂FeO₄.     

Recent advances in synthesis and analysis of Fe(VI) cathodes: solution phase and solid-state Fe(VI) syntheses,reversible thin-film Fe(VI) synthesis,coating-stabilized Fe(VI) synthesis,and Fe(VI) analytical methodologies

Fe(VI) batteries based on unusual ferrate cathodic charge storage have been studied for quite a few years. So far, a class of Fe(VI) compounds have been successfully synthesized and studied as the cathodic materials in both alkaline and nonaqueous battery systems. This paper provides a summary of the syntheses of a range of Fe(VI) cathodes including the alkali Fe(VI) salts Li₂FeO₄, K _x Na_(2?x)FeO₄, K₂FeO₄, Rb₂FeO₄, Cs₂FeO₄, as well as alkali earth Fe(VI) salts CaFeO₄, SrFeO₄, BaFeO₄, and a transition metal Fe(VI) salt Ag₂FeO₄. Two synthesis routes summarized in this paper are the solution phase synthesis and the solid-state synthesis. Preparation of coating-stabilized (coated with KMnO₄, SiO₂, TiO₂, or ZrO₂) Fe(VI) cathodes and preparation of thin-film reversible Fe(VI/III) cathodes are also presented. Fe(VI) analytical methodologies summarized in this paper include Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, titrimetric (chromite), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectrometry, potentiometric, galvanostatic, and cyclic voltammetry. Cathodic charge transfer of Fe(VI) is also briefly presented.     

Enhanced Fe(VI) cathode conductance and charge transfer: effects on the super-iron battery

Cathodes comprising Fe(VI) salts are capable of three-electron reduction, and are useful for the formation of energetic ‘super-iron’ batteries. Material additions to the Fe(VI) cathode can be used to enhance the conductance and the efficiency of charge transfer to the cathode, and control the characteristics of the electrochemical storage. Whereas several common carbons are ineffective as conductive matrices for Fe(VI) reduction, several others such as small particle (1 μm) graphite, compressed carbon black, and fluorinated polymer graphites support efficient Fe(VI) 3e⁻ reduction. Several inorganic salts also sustain Fe(VI) reduction, but at lower current densities. Titanates and other salts added to a K₂FeO₄ cathode improve the faradaic efficiency of Fe(VI) reduction at higher (∼3 mA cm⁻²) discharge current densities. Fluorinated polymer graphites provide an unusual additive to the Fe(VI) cathode mix, and at a low level (10 wt.%) addition can support efficient Fe(VI) reduction.     

SrFeO4: Synthesis,Fe(VI) characterization and the strontium super-iron battery

Cathodes comprised of Fe(VI) salts, and capable of three electron reduction, are useful for the formation of energetic super-iron batteries. This study presents a synthesis procedure for SrFeO₄ or strontium super-iron cathodic salts, and also introduces mixed salts containing barium and strontium cations, Sr_xBa_(1−x)FeO₄. The X-ray diffraction and first IR spectra of SrFeO₄ are presented, and compared to known spectra of K₂FeO₄ and BaFeO₄. The measured solubility of SrFeO₄ is low in concentrated KOH electrolytes (0.001 mM in 13.5 M KOH), of use for alkaline cathodic chemistry. AAA batteries were prepared and discharged with this new cathode, and exhibit high discharge energies, approaching, but lower than those previously observed for barium super-iron alkaline batteries. The discharge energy further approaches the barium cell when the mixed cathode salt is employed, particularly for x=0.25–0.5 in Sr_xBa_(1−x)FeO₄.     

Rapid chemical synthesis of four ferrate(VI) compounds

The preparation of four novel Fe(VI) salts, including PbFeO₄, ZnFeO₄, CdFeO₄ and HgFeO₄ is demonstrated. These Fe(VI) salts were synthesized from a solid phase reaction merely by grinding K₂FeO₄ with M (C₂H₃O₂)₂.nH₂O (M = Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺) or M (NO₃)₂.nH₂O (M = Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺) at room temperature. A rapid and efficient reaction occurred upon grinding the solid reactants to afford high yield ferrate(VI) salts which were characterized by XRD, EDS and FTIR techniques. All of the synthesized ferrates were rather stable and could be stored at room temperature for more than a month with no significant decomposition.     

Improving the electrochemical performances of active carbon-based supercapacitors through the combination of introducing functional groups and using redox additive electrolyte

High-performance and low-cost electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are essential for large-scale applications in energy storage. In this work, the specific capacitance of active carbon (AC) electrode was significantly improved through the combination of introducing functional groups on the surface of AC and adding redox-active molecules (K₃Fe(CN)₆) into 2?M KOH aqueous electrolytes. The surface-oxygen functionalized AC (FAC) was synthesized using HNO₃ echoed as the electrode and 2?M KOH with 0.1?M K₃Fe(CN)₆ as the electrolyte. The surface functional groups of the AC not only contribute to the pseudocapacitance but also increase the active sites of the electrode/electrolyte interface, which enhances the electrochemical activity of the Fe(CN)₆^3?/Fe(CN)₆^4? redox pair, thus leading to high capacitance. In the redox electrolyte, the specific capacitance was much higher in 229.17?F?g^?1 (1?A?g^?1) achieved for those FAC than in raw AC (only 147.06?F?g^?1). Similarly, the FAC electrode suggested high energy density and extended cycling stability in the KOH?+?K₃Fe(CN)₆ electrolyte.     

Salt‐Based Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposites: Towards A Stable Lithium Metal/Li10GeP2S12 Solid Electrolyte Interface

Solid‐state Li metal battery technology is attractive, owing to the high energy density, long lifespans, and better safety. A key obstacle in this technology is the unstable Li/solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) interface involving electrolyte reduction by Li. Herein we report a novel approach based on the use of a nanocomposite consisting of organic elastomeric salts (LiO‐(CH₂O)_n‐Li) and inorganic nanoparticle salts (LiF, ‐NSO₂‐Li, Li₂O), which serve as an interphase to protect Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ (LGPS), a highly conductive but reducible SSE. The nanocomposite is formed in situ on Li via the electrochemical decomposition of a liquid electrolyte, thus having excellent chemical and electrochemical stability, affinity for Li and LGPS, and limited interfacial resistance. XPS depth profiling and SEM show that the nanocomposite effectively restrained the reduction of LGPS. Stable Li electrodeposition over 3000 h and a 200 cycle life for a full cell were achieved.     

Electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12/carbon nanofibers composite prepared by an in situ route for Li-ion batteries

A Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/carbon nanofibers (LTO/CNFs) composite has been synthesized by solid-state reaction with the in situ growth of CNFs using the chemical vapor deposition method in N₂/C₂H₂. The nanocomposite is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrum, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and is investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The underlying mechanism for the improvement is analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The in situ synthesized composite shows better electrochemical performance than the bare LTO. The in situ formation of CNFs not only supply an efficient electronic conductive network but also reduce the particle size of LTO and increase in specific surface area, leading to increased electrical conductivity and rapider Li-ion diffusion in electrode/electrolyte interface and bulk electrode.     

Thermal decomposition of iron(VI) oxides, K2FeO4 and BaFeO4, in an inert atmosphere

The thermal decomposition of solid samples of iron(VI) oxides, K₂FeO₄·0.088 H₂O (1) and BaFeO₄·0.25H₂O (2) in inert atmosphere has been examined using simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), in combination with in situ analysis of the evolved gases by online coupled mass spectrometer (EGA-MS). The final decomposition products were characterized by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Water molecules were released first, followed by a distinct decomposition step with endothermic DTA peak of 1 and 2 at 273 and 248 °C, respectively, corresponding to the evolution of molecular oxygen as confirmed by EGA-MS. The released amounts of O₂ were determined as 0.42 and 0.52 mol pro formula of 1 and 2, respectively. The decomposition product of K₂FeO₄ at 250 °C was determined as Fe(III) species in the form of KFeO₂. Formation of an amorphous mixture of superoxide, peroxide, and oxide of potassium may be other products of the thermal conversion of iron(VI) oxide 1 to account for less than expected released oxygen. The thermogravimetric and Mössbauer data suggest that barium iron perovskite with the intermediate valence state of iron (between III and IV) was the product of thermal decomposition of iron(VI) oxide 2.     

A study of ion exchange selectivity coefficient by cyclic voltammetric measurement

An equation to express ion exchange selectivity coefficient was derived and used for calculating that of PPY film with the results obtained by cyclic voltammetric measurement. PPY film was synthesized by electrochemical method in aqueous solution using K₄Fe(CN)₆ as supporting electrolyte, and the anions were doped into the film. Ion exchange behaviour of doped Fe (CN)₆^3-/4- in the PPY film with Cl^?, NO₃^? or F^? ions in solution has been studied, and the corresponding ion exchange selectivity coefficients were determined.     

Studies on the influence of various experimental conditions on electrochemical generation of ferrate(VI) in NaOH-KOH mixed electrolyte

Ferrate(VI) was prepared by electrooxidation in diaphragm electrolyzer with iron wire gauze as anode and NaOH-KOH mixed solution as electrolyte. The influences of various experimental conditions, such as the volume ratio of NaOH-KOH mixed electrolyte, temperature, current density, passivation of iron anode were investigated on ferrate current efficiency. Due to the low solubility of K₂FeO₄ in concentrated alkaline solution and the passivation of iron wire gauze anode, a highest current efficiency over 90% was obtained at 45°C and at a current density of 5 mA cm⁻² in mixed electrolyte with the volume ratio of NaOH: KOH equal to 6: 4. The result is superior to using NaOH and KOH as electrolyte respectively. In addition, polarization curves, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to further study the effects of synthesis conditions on ferrate(VI) in theory. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2009, Vol. 45, No. 7, pp. 853–857. The article is published in the original.     

Electrochemical behavior of electrode modified with a cobalt hexacyanoferrate film: Effect of the supporting electrolyte cation

Cobalt hexacyanoferrate films are synthesized on a glassy carbon electrode with sodium, potassium, and ammonium salts in the supporting electrolyte. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode is studied in individual solutions of the salts and in their mixtures. The change in electrochemical properties of cobalt hexacyanoferrate agrees with an increase in the interaction of cations with the film in the series Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH ₄ ⁺ , Cs⁺. The effect of the energy of interaction between the modify ing-substance crystal lattice and counter-ions on the electrochemical processes is discussed     

Effect of synthesis temperature and molar ratio of organic lithium salts on the properties and electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C composites

LiFePO₄/C cathode materials were synthesized through in situ solid-state reaction route using Fe₂O₃, NH₄H₂PO₄, Li₂C₂O₄, and lithium polyacrylate as raw materials. The precursor of LiFePO₄/C was investigated by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis. The effects of synthesis temperature and molar ratio of organic lithium salts on the performance of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectra, cyclic voltammogram, and constant current charge/discharge test. The sample prepared at optimized conditions of synthesis temperature at 700 °C and molar ratio with 1.17:1 exhibits excellent rate performance and cycling stability at room temperature.     

Electrochemical characteristics of platinum-based binary catalysts for middle-temperature hydrogen-air fuel cells with phosphoric acid electrolyte

The high-temperature synthesis based on commercial catalyst E-TEK (40% Pt) using cobalt, chromium, and iron organic precursors as well as d-metal salts yielded PtM (1:1) catalysts (PtCo, PtCr, PtMn, PtNi, PtFe, and PtV) for electroreduction of molecular oxygen in concentrated H₃PO₄ at the temperature of 160°C. The phase composition of the synthesized catalysts was studied by powder diffraction. The electrochemical measurements were carried out in 15 M H₃PO₄ at 20 and 160°C using a model gas diffusion electrode. An assumption was made that close charging curves recorded for synthesized PtM catalysts in both hydrogen and oxygen adsorption ranges were due to formation of the core-shell structure: alloy core and surface layers enriched with platinum. The Tafel curves of molecular oxygen reduction in 15 M H₃PO₄ at 160°C were characterized with the sole slope of 0.10 to 0.11 V. The catalytic activity in the range of potentials from 0.8 to 0.9 V (RHE) was shown approximately twice as that of pure platinum catalyst. The highest activity was recorded for PtCo and PtCr binary catalysts. Their use in middle-temperature hydrogen-air fuel cells with solid polymeric electrolyte based on polybenzimidazole doped with phosphoric acid enabled 2- to 3-fold decrease of the platinum share in the cathode.     

Fe/Cu修饰氮掺杂碳纳米管的构筑及催化性能

通过简单的原位化学合成法结合离子交换法制备了Cu修饰氮掺杂碳（Cu-N-C）和Fe/Cu修饰氮掺杂碳纳米管（Fe/Cu-N-C/CNT）,并系统评估了2种催化剂作为染料敏化太阳能电池（dye-sensitized solar cells,DSSCs）对电极在I₃^-/I^-体系中的电化学特性和光伏性能。采用X射线衍射（XRD）、拉曼（Raman）、X射线光电子能谱（XPS）和场发射扫描电镜（FESEM）对合成的催化剂进行组分和形貌表征。结果表明：纳米管状的Fe/Cu-N-C/CNT的石墨化程度比纳米颗粒状的Cu-N-C更高,更有利于I₃^-还原反应中电荷的传输。光伏性能测试结果表明：基于Fe/Cu-N-C/CNT对电极的DSSCs的光电能量转换效率（power conversion efficiency,PCE）达到7.55%,高于相同测试条件下Cu-N-C（6.99%）和Pt（6.76%）对电极的PCE。50圈连续循环伏安测试结果表明：Fe/Cu-N-C/CNT催化剂具有比Cu-N-C更好的电化学稳定性。     

Lithium AlPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite polymer battery with nanostructured LiMn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> cathode

The borate ester plasticized AlPO₄ composite solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) have been synthesized and studied as candidates for lithium polymer battery (LPB) application. The electrochemical and thermal properties of SPE were shown to be suitable for practical LPB. Nanostructured LiMn₂O₄ with spherical particles was synthesized via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique and has shown a superior performance to the one prepared via conventional methods as cathode for LPB. Furthermore, the AlPO₄ addition to the polymer electrolyte has improved the polymer battery performance. Based on the AC impedance spectroscopy data, the performance improvement was suggested as being due to the cathode/polymer electrolyte interface stabilization in the presence of AlPO₄. The Li/composite polymer electrolyte/nanostructured LiMn₂O₄ electrochemical cell showed stable cyclability during the various current density tests, and its performance was found to be quite acceptable for practical utilities at ambient temperature and showed remarkable improvements at 60 °C compared with the solid state reaction counterpart.     

原位交联杂化型聚合物电解质膜的形成机理、结构模型及其电化学性能

合成含有Ti(Ⅵ)杂化中心的交联(柠檬酸钛络合体-聚乙二醇)聚酯网络作为基体,水解生成的Nano-TiO₂粒子为填料,LiI/I₂为导电离子,通过原位聚合复合法制备了Nano-TiO₂/(柠檬酸钛络合体-聚乙二醇)/LiI/I₂交联杂化型聚合物电解质膜。采用局域密度近似(LDA)法、Raman光谱、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)和能量散射X射线分析(EDXA)探讨了交联杂化聚合物基体的形成机理,并建立了其相应的结构模型。在此基础之上,研究了四异丙氧基钛(Ti(iOPr)₄)的含量对Nano-TiO₂/(柠檬酸钛络合体-聚乙二醇)/LiI/I₂电解质膜的结构及电化学性能的影响。研究表明:当Ti(iOPr)₄含量高于12 % (w)时,Nano-TiO₂粒子和Ti(Ⅵ)杂化中心的共同作用不仅有效提高了电解质膜的离子电导率(σ),而且显著改善了电解质膜与电极间的界面稳定性;Ti(iOPr)₄含量为48 % (w)时,电解质膜的室温离子电导率达到最大值9.72×10^-5 S·cm^-1,电解质膜的界面电阻于6d后趋于稳定。     

Electrosynthesis of poly(3-methylthiophene) films: salt effect on the electrochemical and impedance properties

We studied the electrosynthesis of poly(3-methylthiophene) films in different electrolytes, i.e. 0.1?M quaternary ammonium salt solutions in acetonitrile. The analysis of the different results enabled us to explain the role of the cations and the anions of the electrolyte (doping agents) in the electrochemical synthesis and film properties. The films obtained with tetramethylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TMAPF₆) are more electroactive than those prepared using tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TMABF₄). This unexpected difference of behavior is due to the difference of hygroscopic properties of the two salts. We then characterized the films by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This technique, used to investigate the electrochemical properties, allowed us to virtually design identical electrical-equivalent circuits for the two types of film (prepared either with TMAPF₆ or with TMABF₄). We noted dissimilarities in the values of the components of those equivalent circuits. The different components were separately studied and their differences were explained by the salt effects.     

Electrochemical synthesis of coatings in the system Ti-Si-B from molten salts

Powder and coatings of metal-like refractory compounds (MLRC) can be produced by electrochemical synthesis from molten salts. The stoichiometry of the deposited MLRC was found to correlate with the molar ratio of MLRC component ions in the melts. The system Ti-Si-B is of particular interest in terms of electrochemical synthesis since the titanium, silicon and boron potentials in the melt are close together. The electrochemical synthesis has been investigated in the system NaCl-KCl-NaF-K₂TiF₆-K₂SiF₆-KBF₄ at 700°C. The opportunity of deposition of new ternary compound in the system Ti-Si-B is shown by the electrochemical synthesis from molten salts.     

Polarographic analytical determination of Hg(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), As(III), Sb(III), Ti(IV) and U(VI) in the presence of Fe(III)

The analytical determination of Hg(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), As(III), Sb(III), Ti(IV) and U(VI) in the presence of Fe(III) and 1 M H₂SO₄ are investigated using the polarographic technique. The wave corresponding to the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) was found to be completely suppressed by the addition of 1% pyrogallol. Thus, different mixtures of these elements, viz. Hg(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), As(III) and Fe(III)-mixture (A), Cu(II), Cd(II), Sb(III), As(III) and Fe(III)-mixture (B), and Cu(II), Cd(II), Ti(IV), U(VI) and Fe(III)-mixture (C), were quantitatively determined using 1% pyrogallol and 1 M H₂SO₄ as supporting electrolyte. The i₁/c results give excellent correlations in each case, as indicated from the results of leastsquares regression analysis.