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.     

Hydrogen content in proton-conducting perovskites CaZr1 − x Sc x O3 − x /2 (x = 0.0–0.2)

The hydrogen content in CaZr_{1 ? x} Sc _x O_{3 ? x/2} (x = 0.00–0.20) and BaZr_0.9Y_0.1O_3-α (for comparison) was studied by powder nuclear microanalysis. The samples were saturated with heavy water (D₂O) vapors at 350 and 400°C in air. The chemical expansion of the CaZr_0.95Sc_0.05O_3-α and BaZr_0.95Y_0.05O_3-α samples at 700°C was measured at different water vapor pressures. A model was suggested to explain the lowered hydrogen content in oxides based on CaZrO₃.     

Radiation damage in Si1−x Ge x heteroepitaxial devices

Results are presented of an extended study on the induced lattice defects and their effects on the degradation of Si_1−x Ge _x devices, subjected to a 20 MeV alpha-ray, 1 MeV electron, 1 MeV fast neutron, and 20 and 86 MeV proton irradiations. The degradation of the electrical device performance increase with increasing fluence, while it decreases with increasing germanium content. In the Si_1−x Ge _x epitaxial layers, electron capture levels associated with an interstitial-substitutional boron complex are induced. The radiation source dependence of performance degradation is attributed to the difference of mass and the probability of nuclear collision for the formation of lattice defects.     

Atoms state and interatomic interactions in perovskite-like oxides: XXXII. Formation of paramagnetic clusters in the La1−0.33x Ca0.33x Fe x Al1−x O3 and La1−0.33x Sr0.33x Fe x Al1−x O3 solid solutions

Calcium- and strontium-containing lanthanum orthoferrites have been studied using magnetic dilution method. It has been shown that the iron-atom clusters with competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions can exist. By using Mossbauer spectroscopy, Fe(IV) atoms have been found in the La_1?0.33x Ca_0.33x Fe_xAl_1?x O₃ solid solutions and Fe(III) atoms in two different surroundings have been found in the La_1?0.33x Sr_0.33x Fe _x Al_1?x O₃ solid solutions. The compositions of paramagnetic clusters stable at the infinite dilution have been proposed basing of the magnetic susceptibility and Mossbauer spectroscopy data.     

Longitudinal conductivity of thin films of La1 − x Sr x F3 − x solid solutions on glass ceramics

The longitudinal conductivity of La_{1 ? x} Sr _x F_{3 ? x} solid solution films (x = 0–0.24) with thicknesses of 40–260 nm grown on glass ceramics at temperatures from room temperature to 300°C and frequencies of 10^?1–10⁶ Hz was studied by impedance spectroscopy. The concentration dependence of film conductivity on the SrF₂ content had a maximum near x = 0.05. An equivalent circuit was constructed on the basis of the impedance plots to describe migration processes. The DC conductivity was evaluated for all samples under study. The activation energies were estimated from the temperature dependences of the DC conductivities of the films. The resulting dependences of electrophysical parameters were compared with those for bulk materials in terms of the relaxation conductivity model.     

Electrical and electro-chemical characterisation of La0.99Fe1−x Ni x O3−δ perovskites

(LFN, 0<x<0.6) perovskites were synthesised by a solid-state route and were characterised by powder XRD, dilatometry, four-point DC conductivity measurements and electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on cone-shaped electrodes using a Ce_1.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 (CGO10) electrolyte. All the compounds were of single phase, and they belong to either the cubic or the hexagonal crystal system. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) was in the range 10.7*10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ to 13.4*10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, which continued to increase with increasing nickel content. The highest electronic conductivity was measured for the composition giving a value of 670 S/cm at 380 °C. The highest electro-chemical performance was measured for the composition giving an area specific resistance as low as 5.5 Ωcm² at 600 °C based on EIS measurements on a cone-shaped electrode. Composite cathodes made from and CGO10 revealed a rather low performance due to an un-optimised micro-structure.

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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.     

Multivariate analysis of melting points for homologous series C x H2x − 1NO (x = 3−6)

A multivariate analysis of the empirical structure data for isomeric homologues using principal-component analysis has been carried out, and the correlation with experimental melting points has been shown. Based on the data on the CSD structure, we discuss the impact of molecular H-aggregation.     

Gas-sensing properties of Ta-doped MoO3−x

During a search for alternative materials to replace tin(IV) oxide in semiconducting oxide gas sensors it has been found that sensors comprising sub-stoichiometric molybdenum trioxide exhibit promising characteristics.     

Electrochemical sensors based on platinized Ti1 − x Ru x O2

Electrocatalysts based on platinized titania modified with ruthenia (0–9 mol %) were studied. The synthesized materials were investigated as working electrodes in potentiometric sensors sensitive to hydrogen and carbon monoxide. All electrocatalysts showed reproducible behavior at pure gas concentrations from 400 to 4000 ppm. In CO-H₂ mixtures with comparable concentrations of both gases, the sensors were selective toward hydrogen at ≥0.05 mol % Ru, but not selective to hydrogen or CO at less than 0.05 mol % Ru in the substrate.     

Electrophysical properties of solid solutions of Zn2 − x (Zr a Sn b )1 − x Fe2x O4 compositions

The electrophysical properties of the multicomponent Zn₂ZrO₄ ? Zn₂SnO₄ ? ZnFe₂O₄ system are studied. The electrophysical parameters of solid solutions of Zn_{2 ? x} (Zr _a Sn _b )_{1 ? x} Fe_2x O₄ (x = 0–1.0, Δx = 0.1, a + b = 1) are determined. It is found that the formed solid solutions are semiconductors with electrophysical properties that change in a regular fashion with composition and are distinguished by high values of resistivity (107–1012 Ω cm).     

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.     

Recent advances in layered LiNi x CoyMn1−x−y O2 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Lithium cobalt oxide, LiCoO₂, has been the most widely used cathode material in commercial lithium ion batteries. Nevertheless, cobalt has economic and environmental problems that leave the door open to exploit alternative cathode materials, among which LiNi _x Co_yMn_{1 − x − y} O₂ may have improved performances, such as thermal stability, due to the synergistic effect of the three ions. Recently, intensive effort has been directed towards the development of LiNi _x Co _y Mn_{1 − x − y} O₂ as a possible replacement for LiCoO₂. Recent advances in layered LiNi _x Co_yMn_{1 − x − y} O₂ cathode materials are summarized in this paper. The preparation and the performance are reviewed, and the future promising cathode materials are also prospected.     

Weakly bound oxygen and its role in stability of solid solutions La1−x Sr x FeO3−δ

In the present study high-temperature X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and mass-spectrometry have been employed for investigation of samples in the La_1?x Sr _x FeO_3?δ family (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), the materials being solid solutions having perovskite structure. It has been shown that the loss of oxygen by the samples on heating to 1200°C in air (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) or in vacuum (x < 0.75) does not result in structural rearrangement of the solid solutions, but causes an increase in the lattice parameters. Heating of the compositions with x ≥ 0.75 in vacuum affords phases with ordered vacancies. The observed structural evolutions (growth of the unit cell parameter and vacancy ordering) are reversible, and on re-oxidation (on cooling in air or additional heating of the “vacuum” samples in air atmosphere) the original parameters of the oxides are recovered. The amount of oxygen evolved on heating increases in vacuum or in helium atmosphere, as compared to air, and also grows with rising strontium content, but under experimental conditions does not reach the maximum possible value (δ = x/2).     

Lithium-cationic conductivity in the Li4 − 2x Cd x GeO4 system

The lithium-conducting solid electrolytes in the Li_{4 ? 2x} Cd _x GeO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) system are synthesized. Their crystal structure and temperature and concentration dependences of conductivity are studied. The specimens with the highest conductivity have a γ-Li₃PO₄-derivative structure. The solid solutions with x = 0.15–0.25 are stable at the room temperature, whereas the specimens with x ≥ 0.3 decompose yielding Li₂CdGeO₄ below 310 ± 10°C. Li_3.6Cd_0.2GeO₄ solid solution exhibits the highest conductivity (5.25 × 10^?2 S cm^?1 at 300°C). The factors, which affect the conductivity of synthesized solid electrolytes, are considered.     

Electrochemical preparation and magnetic properties of submicron Co x Pb1−x dendrites

Magnetic dendrites of Co _x Pb_1−x were fabricated through potentiostatic electrochemical deposition on Cu substrates in boric acid solution at room temperature. The as-deposited dendrites were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrodeposition (ED), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SEM results indicate that the Co _x Pb_1−x dendrites are highly symmetrical in structures. The diameters of the branches are about 50 ~ 200 nm, and the backbones are continuous with lengths up to about 10 μm. XRD patterns show that the as-deposited dendrites are solid solutions. The annealing treatment can result in the recrystallization of these metastable alloys into two separate phases. TEM, ED, and EDS results also reveal that the backbones and the branches of the dendrites are composed of different amounts of cobalt. Magnetic measurements confirm that the as-deposited Co _x Pb_1−x dendrites have a softly ferromagnetic behavior, and a small coercive force (about 80 Oe). Also the saturation magnetizations of the Co _x Pb_1−x dendrites decrease rapidly with the temperature increasing.     

Characterization of superparamagnetic Mg x Zn1−x Fe2O4 powders

Structural and magnetic properties of Mg _x Zn_1−x Fe₂O₄ powders have been studied with respect to the application for thermal cancer therapy (magnetic hyperthermia). Mg _x Zn_1−x Fe₂O₄ (x=0.1–0.5) powders with particle sizes between 5 and 8 nm were produced by citrate method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples correspond to a spinel phase. The lattice constant and the volume of the elementary cell increase when x changes from 0.1 to 0.5. The FTIR-spectra ascertain the spinel phase formation. The Mossbauer studies reveal the presence of extremely small particles, which undergo superparamagnetic relaxation at room temperature. The core-shell model has been applied to explain quadruple doublets. The quadruple splitting at “shells” is bigger than those at “cores” whereas the isomer shifts remain close. Magnetic studies confirm the presence of extremely small particles that behave as superparamagnetic ones.      

Mechanical properties of mixed conducting La0.5Sr0.5Fe1−x Co x O3−δ (0≤x≤1) materials

Young’s modulus, strain–stress behavior, fracture strength, and fracture toughness of (0≤×≤1) materials have been investigated in the temperature range 20–1,000°C. Young’s moduli of and , measured by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, were 130±1 and 133±3 GPa, respectively. The nonlinear stress–strain relationship observed by four-point bending at room temperature was inferred as a signature of ferroelastic behavior of the materials. Above the ferroelastic to paraelastic transition temperature, the materials showed elastic behavior, but due to high-temperature creep, a nonelastic respond reappeared above ∼800°C. The room temperature fracture strength measured by four-point bending was in the range 107–128 MPa. The corresponding fracture toughness of , measured by single edge V-notch beam method, was 1.16±0.12 MPa·m^1/2. The measured fracture strength and fracture toughness were observed to increase with increasing temperature. The fracture mode changed from intragranular at low temperature to intergranular at high temperature. Tensile stress gradient at the surface of the materials caused by a frozen-in gradient in the oxygen content during cooling was proposed to explain the low ambient temperature fracture strength and toughness.     

Electrocrystallization of PrO2 and TbO2−x from alkali hydroxide melts and characterization of the fluorite-related TbO2−x

Single crystals of PrO₂ and of the oxygen deficient fluorite related phase TbO_2−x have been obtained by anodic electrocrystallization from alkaline hydroxide melts containing PrCl₃ and TbCl₃, respectively. Magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction data and TEM investigations confirm the identity of the products. PrO₂ crystallizes in a fluorite type of structure with a=5.3945(3) Å and shows paramagnetic behaviour with a magnetic moment as expected for Pr⁴⁺ (μ_eff=2.49μ_B, Θ=−109 K, T_N=10 K). According to precession photographs and an examination with an area sensitive X-ray detector, TbO_2−x exhibits a superstructure of fluorite with a pseudocubic subcell with a_f=5.2810(1) Å. This lattice constant is intermediate between those of TbO₂ and Tb₂O₃ (C-type), the same is true for its paramagnetic behaviour (μ_eff=8.58μ_B, Θ=−22 K, T_N=5 K). The supercell was found to be hexagonal with a=25.836(1) Å and c=36.672(2) Å, the symmetry of the intensity distribution being monoclinic. Electron diffraction revealed a cubic cell with a=10.6 Å, space group Ia-3, indicating reduction of the material in the electron beam.     

Potassium-conducting solid electrolytes in the K3 − 2x Cd x PO4 system

New potassium-conducting solid electrolytes of the K_{3 ? 2x} Cd _x PO₄ system are synthesized and studied. A wide range of solid solutions reaching x ≈ 0.35 with the structure of high-temperature modification of potassium orthophosphate forms in the system. An addition of cadmium ions leads to an abrupt increase in the K₃PO₄ conductivity due to the formation of potassium vacancies. The highest conductivity is approximately 10^?2 S cm^?1 at 300°C and above 10^?1 S cm^?1 at 700°C.