Electrophysical and electrochemical properties of Y1 − x Ca x Cr1 − y Me y O3 (Me = Mg, Cu)

Structure, thermal elongation coefficient, and conductivity of Y_{1 ? x} Ca _x Cr_{1 ? y} Me _y O₃ (Me = Mg, Cu) in air are studied at 100–1000°C. Electrochemical activity of electrodes made of most conducting compositions Y_{1 ? x} Ca _x Cr_{1 ? y} Me _y O₃ (Me = Mg, Cu), contacting solid electrolyte 0.9ZrO₂ + 0.1Y₂O₃, is studied over a wide range of polarizations, in air, at 700–900°C.     

Cathode Electrolyte Interphase (CEI) Endows Mo6S8 with Fast Interfacial Magnesium-Ion Transfer Kinetics

Magnesium (Mg) metal secondary batteries have attracted much attention for their high safety and high energy density characteristics. However, the significant issues of the cathode/electrolyte interphase (CEI) in Mg batteries are still being ignored. In this work, a significant CEI layer on the typical Mo₆S₈ cathode surface has been unprecedentedly constructed through the oxidation of the chloride-free magnesium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate (Mg[B(hfip)₄]₂) salt under a proper charge cut-off voltage condition. The CEI has been identified to contain B_xO_y effective species originating from the oxidation of [B(hfip)₄]⁻ anion. It is confirmed that the B_xO_y species is beneficial to the desolvation of solvated Mg²⁺, speeding up the interfacial Mg²⁺ transfer kinetics, thereby improving the Mg²⁺-storage capability of Mo₆S₈ host. The firstly reported CEI in Mg batteries will give deeper insights into the interface issues in multivalent electrochemical systems.     

Electrolytic molybdenum sulfides for thin-layer lithium power sources

The active molybdenum sulfide compound Mo₂S₃, which should be considered as a cathode material for thin-layer rechargeable power source, has been produced by electrolysis. Using impedance spectroscopy and potential relaxation method after current interruption, the kinetic parameters of lithium intercalation in electrolytic Mo₂S₃ have been obtained. Activation energy of Li⁺ migration in electrolyte (13.76 kJ/mol), charge transfer through the Mo₂S₃ electrode/electrolyte interface (38.8 kJ/mol), and Li⁺ diffusion in a solid phase (57.3 kJ/mol) have also been established. Taking into account the coefficient data of charge mass transfer in a solid phase and the reaction rate coefficient of charge transfer through the interface electrode/electrolyte within the temperature range 20–50 °C, the stage of Li⁺ transfer in a solid phase has been determined as a limiting stage for lithium intercalation in electrolytic molybdenum sulfide Mo₂S₃.     

Defects in doped perovskite-like lanthanum cobaltite crystals La1−x SrxCo1−y MeyO3−δ (Me = Cu and Mn)

The paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of the formation of equilibrium defects in perovskitelike La_1?x Sr_xCo_1?y Me_yO_3?δ oxides, where Me = Cu or Mn, x = 0.0 or 0.3, and y = 0.0, 0.25, or 0.3, at high temperatures (873 K ≤ T ≤ 1373 K) depending on the composition and oxygen pressure (10^?8 atm ≤ $p_{O_2 } $ ≤ 1 atm). The results were used to study the nature of charge transfer. Small-radius polarons were shown to be responsible for the electric properties of the cobaltites under consideration; their concentrations and mobilities were calculated.     

CdSe量子点敏化纳米二氧化钛太阳电池的电化学交流阻抗谱

量子点敏化纳米TiO2太阳电池(QDSSCs)具有诱人的发展前景,但是与传统的染料敏化太阳电池(DSSCs)相比,其目前的光电转换效率还非常低(仅为3%左右).为了寻找QDSSCs光电转换效率低的原因,本文主要采用外加偏压下的交流阻抗谱技术对通常以S2-/S-x离子对为电解质的CdSe胶体量子点敏化纳米TiO2电极的准...     

Effect of 15-crown-5 on the charge transfer resistance at the polymer electrolyte/modified Li-electrode interface

The effect of 15-crown-5, which is applied immediately to pure and modified surface of a lithium electrode, on the charge transfer resistance at the electrode/polymer electrolyte interface is studied. The polymer electrolyte consists of a 1: 1 mixture of oligourethan dimethacrylate and polypropylene glycol monomethacrylate (20 wt %), an initiator (azobisisobutyronitrile) (2 wt %), and a 1 M LiClO₄ solution in gamma-butyrolactone (78 wt %). The conductivity of this gel electrolyte is 3 × 10^?3 S cm^?1. The temperature dependence of the impedance of the Li/gel electrolyte/Li electrochemical cells is measured for electrodes of four types. The activation energies for the charge transfer at the Li/electrolyte interface are calculated. It is found that, after treating the test lithium electrodes with 15-crown-5, the charge transfer resistance decreases, and in the case of the modified lithium surface, the activation energy for the process decreases by 1.8 times.     

Impedance study on the correlation between phase transition and electrochemical degradation of Si-based materials

In order to explain the relationship between physical change and electrochemical degradation of Co–Co₃O₄ coated Si, impedance spectroscopy on Co–Co₃O₄ coated Si was conducted at various states during charge or discharge. Nyquist plots during Li⁺ insertion (charge) showed a unique behavior that below 70 mV vs. Li/Li⁺, the more Li⁺’s were inserted into the electrode, the larger its comprehensive resistance was getting. During Li⁺ extraction (discharge), electrode resistance was decreased after going through 0.43 V vs Li/Li⁺. When these data were fitted with the ordinary equivalent circuit which is composed of electrolyte resistance, charge transfer resistance and contact resistance, there was an abrupt augmentation of charge transfer resistance below 70 mV vs. Li/Li⁺ during charge, whereas there was its drastic diminishment between 0.2 and 0.5 V vs. Li/Li⁺ during discharge. Because these potential regions are each related to amorphous Li_xSi-to-Li₁₅Si₄ transition and vice versa, it could be shown that the formation and decomposition of Li₁₅Si₄ is responsible for the electrochemical degradation of Co–Co₃O₄ coated Si.     

Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities of porous olive-shaped sulfur-doped BiVO4-supported cobalt oxides

Porous S-doped bismuth vanadate with an olive-like morphology and its supported cobalt oxide (y wt% CoO_x/BiVO_4−δS_0.08, y = 0.1, 0.8, and 1.6) photocatalysts were fabricated using the dodecylamine-assisted alcohol-hydrothermal and incipient wetness impregnation methods, respectively. It is shown that the y wt% CoO_x/BiVO_4−δS_0.08 photocatalysts were single-phase with a monoclinic scheetlite structure, a porous olive-like morphology, a surface area of 8.8–9.2 m²/g, and a bandgap energy of 2.38–2.41 eV. There was the co-presence of surface Bi⁵⁺, Bi³⁺, V⁵⁺, V³⁺, Co³⁺, and Co²⁺ species in y wt% CoO_x/BiVO_4−δS_0.08. The 0.8 wt% CoO_x/BiVO_4−δS_0.08 sample performed the best for methylene blue degradation under visible-light illumination. The photocatalytic mechanism was also discussed. We believe that the sulfur and CoO_x co-doping, higher oxygen adspecies concentration, and lower bandgap energy were responsible for the excellent visible-light-driven catalytic activity of 0.8 wt% CoO_x/BiVO_4−δS_0.08.     

Surface degradation of fluoride conducting crystals MF2:UF4:CeF3 (M = Ca,Sr, Ba)

The ac electrical response of cell systems composed of single crystals of the concentrated solid solutions M_1?x?yU_xCe_yF_2+2x+y (M = Ca, Sr, Ba and 2.7 < 2x + y < 26.5 m/o), and ionically blocking electrodes has been studied as a function of frequency and temperature. At elevated temperatures the crystals react with traces of oxygen or water vapor. Complex admittance analysis reveals the formation of low-conducting surface layers, contrary to diluted solid solutions which under similar conditions react to form high-conducting surface layers (2). The activation enthalpy for the layer conductivity is substantially larger than that for the bulk conductivity, and equals that for interstitial fluoride ion motion in dilute solid solutions. A mechanism of charge compensation in the layers is presented. After reaction the solid solutions based on CaF₂ show also a surface electronic conductivity. Scanning electron micrographs clearly reveal the surface degradation.     

Enhanced electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 cathode with the addition of fluoroethylene carbonate in electrolyte

The effect of the fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) addition in electrolyte on LiFePO₄ cathode performance was investigated in low-temperature electrolyte LiPF₆/EC/PC/EMC (0.14/0.18/0.68). Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and charge/discharge tests were conducted in this work. In the presence of FEC, the polarization of LiFePO₄ electrode decreased both at room and low temperatures. Meanwhile, the exchange current density increased. The rate capability of LiFePO₄ electrode was greatly enhanced as well. The morphology of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on LiFePO₄ surface was modified with the addition of FEC as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy measurement. A compact film with small impedance was formed on LiFePO₄ surface compared to the case of FEC-free. The compositions of the film were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurement. The contents of Li _x PO _y F _z , LiF, and the carbonate species generated from solvents decomposition were reduced. The modified SEI promoted the migration of lithium ion through the electrode/electrolyte interphase and enhanced the electrochemical performance of the cathode.     

Spectroscopic and magnetic studies on electrogenerated mixed-valence ruthenium complexes

Electrochemical synthesis has enabled several sequences of triple chloride bridged diruthenium complexes of general type [L_3?xCl_xRuCl₃RuCl_yL_3?y]^z/z+1/z+2 (L = soft neutral ligand) to be generated. The intervalence charge transfer bands in the optical spectra of the mixed-valence Ru^II,III₂ compounds and variable temperature magnetic measurements for the corresponding Ru^III.III₂ complexes reveal that the degree of metal—metal interaction in these confacial bioctahedral systems decreases as the molecular asymmetry (y?x) increases.     

Lithium electrochromism of atmospheric pressure plasma jet-synthesized NiO x C y thin films

Reversible lithium intercalation and deintercalation behavior of atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ)-synthesized organonickel oxide (NiO _x C _y ) thin films under various substrate distances is testified in an electrolyte (1?M LiClO₄–propylene carbonate solution) at low driving voltages from ?0.5 to 1.5?V. Fast responses of 2?s bleaching at ?0.5?V and 6?s coloration at +1.5?V are accomplished for the nano-porous NiO _x C _y thin films. This study reveals that a rapid synthesis of electrochromic NiO _x C _y thin films in a single process via APPJ by 21?s is investigated. This study presents a noteworthy electrochromic performance in a light modulation with up to 43% of transmittance variation and a coloration efficiency of 36.3?cm²/C at a wavelength of 830?nm after 200?cycles of cyclic voltammetry measurements.     

Reactivity of main-group—transition-metal bonds : VI. the kinetics of iodination of tetracarbonyl(trimethylstannyl)cobalt and pentacarbonyl(trimethylstannyl)rhenium

The kinetics of the iodine cleavage of the SnCo bond in [Me₃SnCo(CO)₄ ] and of the SnRe bond in [Me₃SnRe(CO)₅] have been measured. The order of rates of cleavage of the SnM bond in the compounds [Me₃SnM(CO)_x(cp)_y] (M = Mn, Re, x = 5, y = 0;M = Co, x = 4, y = 0; M = Cr, Mo, W, x = 3, y = 1; M = Fe, x = 2, y = 1; cp = η-cyclopentadienyl) indicates that the main factors determining reactivity towards iodine are the size of the metal atom (M) and the shielding of it by the other ligands.     

Electrode materials based on lanthanum ferrite cobaltite for molten carbonate fuel cells

New cathode and anode materials for fuel cells with an electrolyte based on alkali carbonate melts have been studied. The regions of the orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases in the LaFe_1–yCo_yO₃ + x/2Li₂O system in air and in contact with molten (Li_0.68K_0.32)₂CO₃ electrolyte were investigated. The electric conductivity was analyzed in the range 300–1020 K. The electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction was analyzed for the new cathode materials. A method for introducing the Al₂O₃ additive in the anode material was suggested. The polarization characteristics of the porous gas-diffusion electrodes were determined.     

Mo¨ssbauer studies of thiospinels. IV. The system FeCr2S4-Fe3S4

Spinel compounds of the composition Fe_1+xCr_2?xS₄, with 0 ≦ x ≦ 0.5, have been prepared in polycrystalline form. The ionic distribution Fe²⁺[Cr³⁺_2?xFe³⁺_x]S^2?₄ is derived from both X-ray and ⁵⁷Fe Mo¨ssbauer data. Room temperature Mo¨ssbauer spectra show the typical behavior of tetrahedral-site Fe²⁺ surrounded by different octahedral-site neighbors. Octahedral-site Fe³⁺ absorbs as a doublet with Δ ≈ 0.5 mm/s. Samples of overall composition FeCr₂S₄ consist mainly of a spinel Fe²⁺[Cr³⁺_2?yFe³⁺_y]S^2?₄, y ≈ 0.02.     

Rational Design and Controlled Synthesis of V-Doped Ni3S2/NixPy Heterostructured Nanosheets for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Rational construction of high-efficiency and low-cost catalysts is one of the most promising ways to produce hydrogen but remains a huge challenge. Herein, interface engineering and heteroatom doping were used to synthesize V-doped sulfide/phosphide heterostructures on nickel foam (V-Ni₃S₂/Ni_xP_y/NF) by phosphating treatment at low temperature. The incorporation of V can adjust the electronic structure of Ni₃S₂, expose more active sites, and protect the 3D structure of Ni foam from damage. Meanwhile, the heterogeneous interface formed between Ni₃S₂ and Ni_xP_y can provide abundant active sites and accelerate electron transfer. As a result, the V-Ni₃S₂/Ni_xP_y/NF nanosheet catalyst exhibits outstanding activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with an extremely low overpotential of 90 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² and stable durability in alkaline solution, which exceeds those most of the previously reported Ni-based materials. This work shows that rational design by interfacial engineering and metal-atom incorporation has a significant influence for efficient hydrogen evolution.     

Hydrogen Evolution Efficiency at Illuminated Silicon

The change of kinetic characteristics of photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution at p-type silicon in acid aqueous electrolyte solutions under prolonged continuous illumination is studied. It is shown that, during the transfer of full charge Q _t < 150 C/cm² through the silicon/electrolyte interface, the interrelation between the reciprocal time of the charge transfer into electrolyte and the steady-state current remains linear. In this case, a Tafel-like relation links the interfacial charge to the steady-state electrode current. Passing current through the electrode even further results, at Q _t > 350 C/cm², in breaking-down the direct relation between the current and the charge transfer time, despite the electrode's retaining high photosensitivity. The effect is probably caused by significant energy and structure distortions in the surface layer of silicon.     

Analysis of a quasi-reversible two-electron cyclic voltammetric wave for an organometallic ir(III)/ir(I) couple at platinum and mercury electrodes

^*CpIr(η-C₆Me₆)^2+/0 (^*Cpη⁵-C₅Me₅) displays Nernstian two-electron voltammetry at a Hg electrode, but quasi-reversible charge transfer kinetics at solid electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) peak shapes and separations change drastically from one solvent to another at Pt, ΔE_p values being as small as 170 mV in acetone and as large as 350 mV in CH₃CN (v = 0.03 V/s). These variations arise from changes in the relative E° values of the one-electron Ir(III)/Ir(II) and Ir(II)/Ir(I) couples, and from changes in charge-transfer rates. It is concluded that the Ir(II)/Ir(I) couple has a significantly lower charge-transfer rate than the Ir(III)/Ir(II) couple at platinum electrodes. The sensitivity of the CV curves to the relative E° values allows the approximate determination of the individual E° values for each one-electron process. In contrast, Nernstian conditions allow only the average of the two one-electron E° potentials to be determined. Solvents with higher solvating power are shown to facilitate the thermodynamics of the two-electron transfer process by moving E°₂ positive with respect to E°₁. Possible reasons for the abnormally slow charge transfer rates at Pt electrodes are discussed.     

Enhancing Capacity Performance by Utilizing the Redox Chemistry of the Electrolyte in a Dual‐Electrolyte Sodium‐Ion Battery

A strategy is described to increase charge storage in a dual electrolyte Na‐ion battery (DESIB) by combining the redox chemistry of the electrolyte with a Na⁺ ion de‐insertion/insertion cathode. Conventional electrolytes do not contribute to charge storage in battery systems, but redox‐active electrolytes augment this property via charge transfer reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The capacity of the cathode combined with that provided by the electrolyte redox reaction thus increases overall charge storage. An aqueous sodium hexacyanoferrate (Na₄Fe(CN)₆) solution is employed as the redox‐active electrolyte (Na‐FC) and sodium nickel Prussian blue (Na_x‐NiBP) as the Na⁺ ion insertion/de‐insertion cathode. The capacity of DESIB with Na‐FC electrolyte is twice that of a battery using a conventional (Na₂SO₄) electrolyte. The use of redox‐active electrolytes in batteries of any kind is an efficient and scalable approach to develop advanced high‐energy‐density storage systems.     

Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance studies of some phosphonium,arsonium, sulfonium and pyridinium keto-stabilized salts,and ylides and of their palladium(II) complexes

The ¹³C chemical shifts, the ¹³C³¹P coupling constants, and some one-bond ¹³C¹H coupling constants were measured for the title compounds. For the ylides of phosphorus, arsenic and sulfur, the data are consistent with an sp²-hybridized ylidic carbon with a strong, localized negative charge, while for the pyridinium ylide this charge is much more delocalized. in the homologous series of salts the electron-withdrawing ability of the groups studied varies in the order: Ph₃P⁺ < Ph₃As⁺ « Me₂S⁺ « Me₂C₅H₃N⁺. The differences in the carbonyl chemical shift between the ylides and the corresponding salts are a measure of the resonance stabilization of the negative charge in the form X⁺CCO^?; this stabilization varies with the groups studied in the order: Ph₃P⁺ < Ph₃As⁺ ≈ Me₂S⁺ « Me₂C₅H₃N⁺. The ylide—palladium(II) complexes contain a bond between the ylidic carbon and the metal: the ylidic carbon is shifted upfield in the complex with respect to the free ligand, while the adjacent carbonyl is shifted strongly downfield. These data suggest that the PdC(1) bond is strongly polarized with a high electron density on the C(1) atom which cannot be delocalized through resonance as in the free ligands.