Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lei Tang, Bo Li, Yonggang Wei, Hua Wang
Summary: This paper investigated the effects of different concentrations of sodium 4-hydroxyphenylsulfonate and current densities on cathode copper. Choosing proper concentration and current density can improve the morphology and purity of cathode copper.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuting Li, Sinian Yang, Hongxia Du, Yuqiu Liu, Xiuting Wu, Caishuo Yin, Donghui Wang, Xianming Wu, Zhangxing He, Xianwen Wu
Summary: This research developed a stable CaF2 protective layer to address the issues of dendritic growth and side reactions in zinc ion batteries. The CaF2 layer exhibited excellent performance, resulting in an ultra-long cycle life and high capacity retention in Zn ion batteries.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junhua Song, Kang Xu, Nian Liu, David Reed, Xiaolin Li
Summary: Aqueous zinc batteries are dominating the primary battery market with alkaline chemistries and are now being developed as rechargeable devices for grid-scale energy storage applications. Significant progress has been made in improving cyclability in alkaline, neutral, and mild acidic systems, with a focus on static closed cell designs in this review. Challenges and advancements in developing highly rechargeable alkaline and mild acidic batteries are examined, while flow batteries and open systems like zinc-air batteries are excluded due to space constraints.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vidyanand Vijayakumar, Arun Torris, Maria Kurian, Megha Mary Mathew, Meena Ghosh, Ajay B. Khairnar, Manohar V. Badiger, Sreekumar Kurungot
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of an ionomer electrolyte membrane made by the physical cross-linking of PVS and PVA to inhibit dendrite and HSAZ-induced failure in AZMBs, enhancing battery performance and cycle life.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Istvan B. Illes, Tamas Kekesi
Summary: White LED bulbs can be effectively recycled to recover valuable components such as Cu, Sn, Pb, Al, Ga, and In. The recycling process involves leaching the assemblies, detaching the LED beads from the aluminum base plates, and roasting the solid residue to convert Ga and In into soluble compounds. The recovered Ga and In can be electrowon from alkaline solutions with high purity deposits.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Rishivandhiga Jayakumar, Daniel M. Harrison, Jun Xu, Arun Vishnu Suresh Babu, Chao Luo, Lin Ma
Summary: Despite extensive research efforts, fundamental scientific questions still obscure the commercial prospects of aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries (RZMBs), especially regarding the properties and behaviors of the electrode-electrolyte interphase. In this review, a comprehensive overview is provided on the formation mechanisms and characteristics of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) in aqueous RZMBs. State-of-the-art techniques for characterizing the SEI/CEI are summarized to reveal the correlation between the interphases' functionalities and electrochemical performances. Future research directions exploring the evolution of aqueous SEI/CEI with pH and temperature, as well as studying SEI/CEI for high-energy-density and long-lifetime RZMBs, are proposed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beibei Yang, Yongkang Wang, Haifeng Bian, Yulin Zhang, Yanyan Du, Hongbin Lu, Duan Bin
Summary: Here, a new rocking-chair aqueous AIB consisting of a Ni-PBA inorganic cathode and PTO organic anode is presented. This device exhibits excellent cycle life and high efficiency, with a capacity-retention of 96.0% and a coulombic efficiency (CE) of over 99% at 1 A g(-1) after 5000 cycles. These environmentally friendly and ultralong-life aqueous AIBs are expected to offer new options for next-generation energy storage devices.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. Tucker, C. Dorfling, M. Tadie
Summary: A steady state electrowinning model was developed to predict copper yield, current efficiency, and specific energy consumption, with parameters fitting relatively well to experimental data. The model demonstrated the ability to predict system performance and could be used for operator training and decision making. Unique parameters would need to be fit specifically for different industrial plants for accurate performance prediction.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abdullah S. Abbas, Emma Vargo, Vida Jamali, Peter Ercius, Priscilla F. Pieters, Rafaela M. Brinn, Assaf Ben-Moshe, Min Gee Cho, Ting Xu, A. Paul Alivisatos
Summary: Extensive prior work has shown that colloidal inorganic nanocrystals coated with organic ligand shells can form superlattices with different crystal structures and packing densities. Recent studies have focused on the assembly of high-symmetry nanocrystals, while this research explores the assembly of elliptically faceted CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals. The results reveal an unexpectedly well-ordered translational superlattice characterized by an orientational glass phase, providing insights into the formation and potential applications of such phase.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benoit Bergen, Claudia Moens, Anneleen De Winter, Franne Ricou, Erik Smolders
Summary: This study measured the leaching of cadmium and uranium in undisturbed unsaturated soils and quantified the contribution of colloids through proper solution sampling methods. The results showed that colloid facilitated transport had a significant impact on the migration of uranium, while its effect on cadmium was relatively small.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xuejin Li, Yanxin Shen, Dongqing Kong, Haodong Fan, Xiuli Gao, Yongpeng Cui, Tao Jiang, Yanguang Ren, Yu Zhang, Tonghui Cai, Wei Xing, Zifeng Yan
Summary: Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs), compared to organic electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries, offer higher operational safety and lower manufacturing cost. FeSe2 was selected as the anode material for an ASIB and its capacity and cycling stability were improved by encapsulating reduced graphene oxide. The assembled FeSe2@rGO//Na3V2(PO4)(2)F-3 ASIB exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with a high output voltage, high energy density, and outstanding rate performance.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bin Sun, Panpan Wang, Liwen Yang, Xiaolin Wei, Yang Jin, Hui Wu
Summary: This study developed a bilayer design on the zinc anode surface, overcoming issues related to zinc anode such as dendrite formation and corrosion reaction. By chemically and physically modulating the ion flux and eliminating the parasitic reaction, improved performance of zinc batteries was achieved. This dendrite-free modified zinc electrode exhibited remarkable rate and lifespan properties in both symmetric and full cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siyi Wang, Junping Ma, Chen Wang, Wenke Xi, Yuxuan Bai, Wen Lu, Jianjun Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel composite nanomaterial a-MnO2@CTS was synthesized and investigated for the removal of U(VI) contamination in wastewater from the nuclear industry. The results showed that a-MnO2@CTS had a high adsorption capacity for U(VI) under acidic conditions, indicating promising applications in radioactive wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weixin He, Shiyong Zuo, Xijun Xu, Liyan Zeng, Li Liu, Weiming Zhao, Jun Liu
Summary: This article analyzes the problems with zinc anodes in AZIBs and summarizes recent improvement strategies from four aspects, including construction of composite materials, modification of the anode-electrolyte interface, design of electrolyte, and design of separator. Five suggestions for researchers on investigating the orientation of zinc anodes are proposed.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yuzhu Chu, Lingxiao Ren, Zhenglin Hu, Chengde Huang, Jiayan Luo
Summary: This review discusses the optimization strategies for the zinc anode in rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), including interfacial engineering, substrate design, and bulk material modulation, to improve their Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability. In addition, characterization methods for zinc anodes are summarized from thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives, which are helpful for beginners to understand the complex properties and choose suitable methods. Finally, certain noteworthy points are proposed for further research on rechargeable aqueous ZIBs.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liuming Wei, Jingwen Li, Yonggang Li, Qirong Zheng, Fan Cheng, Chuanguo Zhang, Jingyu Li, Gaofeng Zhao, Zhi Zeng
Summary: This study investigates the influence of He-V complexes on H behaviors on different W surfaces using DFT calculations. The results show that H dissolution is most difficult but H trapping is easiest on the W (110) surface, while the opposite is true on the W (111) surface. Moreover, the presence of He-V complexes increases the difficulty of H diffusion from bulk to surface and desorption.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yan Meng, Song Zeng, Chen Chen, Chaowen Zhu, Huahai Shen, Xiaosong Zhou, Xiaochun Han
Summary: The characteristics of magnetron sputtered Cr coatings vary with different temperature, bias voltage, and pressure. Coatings with random orientation, good crystallinity, and small grain size exhibit favorable oxidation behavior, while coatings with strong (200) texture, poor crystallinity, and large grains have many intrinsic defects that are detrimental to the protection property of the Cr coatings.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinyuan Xu, Zefeng Yu, Wei-Ying Chen, Aiping Chen, Arthur Motta, Xing Wang
Summary: This study presents an automated approach for characterizing grain morphology in TEM images recorded during ion irradiation. By combining a machine learning model and a computer vision algorithm, comparable results to human analysis can be achieved with significantly reduced analysis time. Researchers can train their own models following the procedures described in this study to automate grain morphology analysis of their own TEM images.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shihao Wu, Dong Wang, Yapei Zhang, Koji Okamoto, Marco Pellegrini, Wenxi Tian, Suizheng Qiu, G. H. Su
Summary: The oxidation and degradation mechanisms of Cr coating on Zr alloy cladding under high temperature steam atmosphere are summarized, and a mathematical analysis model is established to predict the changes in coating thickness. The model is applied in the analysis of structure evolution under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
V. Diaz-Mena, J. de Prado, M. Roldan, I. Izaguirre, M. Sanchez, M. Rieth, A. Urena
Summary: The brazeability of a cupronickel alloy was evaluated as a filler alloy for high-temperature joining of tungsten to steel. The study investigated the brazing conditions and the impact of the selected filler on the joint quality using numerical software. The results showed different metallurgical interactions and diffusion phenomena between the filler alloy and the base materials at different temperatures. The study emphasized the importance of selecting a suitable filler to mitigate residual stresses in the joints.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pengcheng Zhu, Yajie Zhao, Yan-Ru Lin, Jean Henry, Steven J. Zinkle
Summary: This study investigates the effect of heavy-ion irradiation on radiation hardening in high-purity binary alloy Fe18Cr. Nanoindentation testing and high-quality TEM imaging were conducted to extract hardness and microstructure information. The strength factor was accurately calculated based on the detailed TEM characterization of irradiated microstructures, and a refined hardening superposition method was applied to quantify the mechanical properties of ion-irradiated materials.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bin Wu, Haixia Ning, Hanzhen Zhu, Jianjun Chen, Kang Wang, Daiyu Zhang, Fu Wang, Qilong Liao
Summary: This study discusses the effects of ZrO2 and B2O3 on the phase composition and properties of SAP-based glass-ceramics. The results show that ZrO2 addition improves the formation of NZP phase while restricting the crystallization of AlPO4 phases. The correct ratios of ZrO2 and B2O3 allow only the formation of NZP phase within the SAP glass.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hwasung Yeom, Greg Johnson, Benjamin Maier, Tyler Dabney, Kumar Sridharan
Summary: Cr-Nb bilayer coatings were developed using cold spray deposition to improve the limiting operational temperature of Cr-coated Zr-alloy system. The coatings exhibited outstanding oxidation resistance at high temperatures and formed continuous intermetallic compound layers at the interfaces.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Padhraic L. Mulligan, Andrew T. Nelson, Chad M. Parish, Patrick A. Champlin, Xiang Chen, Daniel Morrall, Jason M. Harp
Summary: Environmental barrier coatings are being developed to reduce oxidation and embrittlement in Zr-based materials. Chromium nitride is a candidate for this application, but understanding its impact on irradiation-induced creep and microstructure is critical.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dexuan Yan, Xinlei Cao, Ke Shen
Summary: This study investigated the purification mechanism of polycrystalline graphite by comparing IG-11 graphite with IG-110 nuclear grade graphite. The analysis revealed that metallic impurities in IG-11 were primarily segregated within graphite porosities, while IG-110 demonstrated a significant reduction in impurities. This research contributes to the development of innovative graphite purification techniques for greater purity and stronger oxidation resistance.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei Xu, Wei Peng, Lei Shi, Qi Sun
Summary: This paper investigates the oxidation and shape evolution of matrix graphite in high temperature gas-cooled reactors during air-ingress accidents. A reaction kinetics model is established and computational fluid dynamics with a dynamic mesh method is used to simulate the oxidation process. The results show that the geometric shape of graphite changes significantly with increasing flow rate, and the graphite pebbles tend to form a structure with a narrow front and wide tail.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Allison Harward, Casey Elliott, Michael Shaltry, Krista Carlson, Tae-Sic Yoo, Guy Fredrickson, Michael Patterson, Michael F. Simpson
Summary: This paper investigates the hygroscopic properties of eutectic LiCl-KCl absorbed into zeolite-4A. The study finds that water absorption and corrosion worsen with increasing salt loading. It also suggests that the salt can be stored in a non-inert atmosphere for a certain period of time.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Takaaki Koyanagi, Xunxiang Hu, Christian M. Petrie, Gyanender Singh, Caen Ang, Christian P. Deck, Weon-Ju Kim, Daejong Kim, James Braun, Yutai Katoh
Summary: This study provides critical experimental data on the effects of irradiation on the hermeticity of SiC composite cladding, finding that irradiation can cause a decrease in hermeticity and cracking, and coating the outer surface can mitigate the cracking issue.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Krat, A. Prishvitsyn, Yu. Gasparyan
Summary: This study proposes a probabilistic and diffusion-based model to describe the co-deposition of multiple hydrogen isotopes with slowly grown metal layers. The model calculates the relative concentrations of different hydrogen isotopes in the co-deposited metal layers. It is found that if hydrogen isotopes have different detrapping energies, only the isotope with the highest detrapping energy shows a monotonic decrease in concentration with deposition temperature. Furthermore, the study evaluates the uncertainty of tritium concentration in the co-deposited layer based on the uncertainty in detrapping energy of tritium and deuterium, predicting a >10% tritium concentration uncertainty for a 0.01 eV difference.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tijo Vazhappilly, Arup Kumar Pathak
Summary: This study investigates the effect of Ce atom substitution in UO2 on its thermophysical properties using density functional theory. The results show that the Ce substitution levels and the oxidation state of Ce/U atoms strongly influence the band structure and specific heat capacity of the UO2 lattice. These findings provide important insights into the fuel properties of UO2 under reactor conditions.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)