Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. A. N. Ahmad, N. A. Sazelee, N. A. Ali, M. Ismail
Summary: In this study, K2NiF6 was used as an additive to improve the dehydrogenation properties of LiAlH4. The addition of K2NiF6 significantly reduced the decomposition temperature and enhanced the dehydrogenation kinetics of LiAlH4. The morphology study showed that the LiAlH4 particles became smaller and less agglomerated when K2NiF6 was added. The in situ formation of new phases during the dehydrogenation process, as well as a reduction in particle size, were believed to contribute to the improved dehydrogenation characteristics of LiAlH4.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daping Qiu, Biao Zhang, Teng Zhang, Tong Shen, Zijing Zhao, Yanglong Hou
Summary: The sulfur doping strategy has been proven effective in improving the capacity and kinetics of carbon anodes in potassium-ion batteries. This study presents a sulfur-doped hard carbon with a high sulfur content and investigates the sulfur doping mechanism and its role in potassium storage. The results show that sulfur doping greatly enhances the performance of the carbon anode, achieving higher capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability compared to sulfur-free hard carbon.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Noratiqah Sazelee, Nurul Shafikah Mustafa, Muhammad Syarifuddin Yahya, Mohammad Ismail
Summary: Adding 10wt% spherical SrTiO3 catalyst can decrease the onset desorption temperature and enhance the desorption kinetics of NaAlH4. The decrease in apparent activation energy and improvement in desorption properties of NaAlH4 are attributed to the reduction of the physical structure of NaAlH4 by SrTiO3 during ball milling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Helene Pasco, Sonia Naidu, Barbara Lothenbach, Enrico Sassoni
Summary: This study investigates the ability of aqueous phosphate solutions to enhance the surface properties of cement pastes through the formation of low-solubility calcium phosphate (CaP) phases. Diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (DPP), and disodium hydrogen phosphate (DSP) were studied using thermodynamic modeling and experiments. The best results were obtained with a 1 M DPP + 1 mM CaCl2 solution applied to cement hydrated for 7 days, resulting in a CaP coating that significantly improved the resistance to abrasion, surface indentation, and staining of the cement pastes. Preliminary durability tests confirmed that no efflorescence occurred, indicating the environmental sustainability of the treatment.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jingjing Liu, Jie Xu, Salma Sleiman, Xiangyu Chen, Shuai Zhu, Honghui Cheng, Jacques Huot
Summary: The study found that high entropy promotes the formation of BCC phase while large atomic difference has the opposite effect. Among the alloys investigated, V35Ti30Cr25Mn10 showed the highest hydrogen absorption capacity and V35Ti30Cr26Fe5Mn5 exhibited the highest reversible capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yun Li, Houfang Lu, Yingying Liu, Kejing Wu, Yingming Zhu, Bin Liang
Summary: In this study, nano-SiO2 was used to enhance CO2 absorption and desorption in high-viscosity DBU-glycerol solution. The effects of ultrasonic time, solids loading, and particle/cluster size of SiO2 on absorbent properties and absorption performance were investigated. The addition of nano-SiO2 significantly improved the absorption and desorption processes, by decreasing the average particle size and increasing the interfacial area between gas and liquid. The results showed that nano-SiO2 can effectively enhance both absorption and desorption processes in high-viscosity solutions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Biyun Fang, Zeliang Qi, Fangming Liu, Chuanfeng Zhang, Chunyan Li, Jun Ni, Jianxin Lin, Bingyu Lin, Lilong Jiang
Summary: The development of efficient oxide-supported bimetallic catalysts is crucial for ammonia synthesis or other hydrogen-involved reactions. In this study, ceria-supported Co-Mo bimetallic catalysts with different properties were designed by changing the addition of Mo, resulting in enhanced ammonia synthesis activities. It was found that the negative effect of molybdenum oxide on the reduction of the bimetallic catalyst could be effectively alleviated by the subsequent addition of Mo species, leading to improved catalyst activity.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yahui Sun, Xiaoyue Zhang, Wei Chen, Jikai Ye, Shunlong Ju, Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou, Guanglin Xia, Dalin Sun, Xuebin Yu
Summary: The study proposes a light-mediated catalytic strategy that utilizes the coupling of photothermal and catalytic effects to achieve reversible hydrogen storage. Experimental results demonstrate that complete hydrogen release is achieved within 7 minutes under light irradiation for NaAlH4 with the catalysis of TiO2@C. The strategy is also applicable to other light metal hydrides and provides an alternative approach to electric heating.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yujing Ma, Jun Li, Yang Jin, Kaige Gao, Haitao Cai, Guangyu Ou
Summary: The novel strategy of W modification was successfully applied to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4, improving stability and yield as well. The optimized 0.5%W-AP showed significant degradation rates for phenol and bisphenol A within 15 minutes and 40 minutes, respectively, demonstrating excellent catalytic performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yoji Miyajima, Ryuta Omura, Takuto Kambayashi, Soichiro Takenaka, Kazuhiro Ishikawa
Summary: In this study, the detection of hydride formation and decomposition of pure palladium in a hydrogen gas atmosphere was conducted using an in-situ electrical resistance measurement system. The results showed that the electrical resistance increased in the presence of hydrogen gas, and the electrical ratio-temperature plot exhibited peaks during heating and cooling, indicating hydride composition and decomposition. The enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were determined using the van't Hoff plot, and the values were comparable to those obtained from pressure-composition-temperature measurements. Moreover, the measurement method was relatively simple and easy compared to traditional methods.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. Saedi Ardahaie, M. J. Hosseini, M. Eisapour, A. H. Eisapour, A. A. Ranjbar
Summary: The study focuses on enhancing the storage performance of metal hydride reactors by integrating PCM and spiral tube heat exchangers, showing that increasing the number of FSTPs on the PMHT can reduce absorption duration and improve absorption and desorption performance. The variation in air inlet temperature also affects total desorption and absorption duration. Conical-shaped PCM jackets demonstrate better performance, allowing the PMHT to achieve higher absorption with less PCM usage compared to annulus-shaped PCM jackets.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sunku Prasad Jenne, Sayantan Jana, Muthukumar Palanisamy
Summary: In this study, experimental investigation was conducted to study the absorption and desorption characteristics of a metal hydride reactor, showing that supply pressure has a greater impact on the amount of hydrogen absorbed than absorption temperature. Sensible heating was used to accelerate desorption process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Li Wang, Wende Hu, Zhou Shang, Xiaoming Cao, Yun Guo, Jiayi Li, Qiyuan Gu, Ke Li, Xiaobo Li
Summary: The enhancement of oxidation performance of Co3O4-based catalysts is achieved by controlling the amount and existing state of K. The substitution of surface Co with an optimized amount of K results in unexpectedly high catalytic activities. The specific activity of CoK2 is 20 and 2.7 times higher than that of Co3O4 for CO oxidation and CH4 combustion, respectively. However, excess K in the form of carbonate or nitrate deactivates the active sites, leading to a volcano curve relationship between performance and K amount. Based on electronic and structural modification of K, CoK2 weakens CO adsorption strength and improves the activation of C-H bonds. Therefore, CoK2 is a promising candidate for noble metal catalysts due to its efficiency in removing various pollutants.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Satyaki Chandra, Pratibha Sharma, P. Muthukumar, Sankara Sarma Tatiparti
Summary: The hydrogen sorption characteristics of a 5 kg-LaNi5 reactor with conical fins and heat transfer tubes were experimentally studied. The results showed that higher water flow rates, lower inlet temperatures, and higher hydrogen pressures could result in faster absorption. Additionally, higher temperatures and water flow rates also increased the driving force for atmospheric desorption.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tales Ferreira, Nayely Pineda-Romero, Walter Jose Botta, Guilherme Zepon, Claudia Zlotea
Summary: This study presents a strategy to decrease the stability of hydrides formed in BCC TiVNb alloy by adding non-hydride forming elements, Cr and Al. The (TiVNb)100-x(CrAl)x alloys with x = 10, 20, 30, and 40 at.% form major BCC solid solutions with dendritic microstructures. The addition of Cr and Al thermodynamically destabilizes hydride formation, enabling reversible capacity at ambient conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Rocio Estefania Rojas-Hernandez, Fernando Rubio-Marcos, Aida Serrano, Sara Roman-Sanchez, Jose Francisco Fernandez, Irina Hussainova
Summary: In this study, (hk0)-textured ZnAl2O4: Nd, Ce sub-micron films were synthesized using a screen printing technique assisted by a molten salt flux and deposited over the sapphire substrate. The focus was on controlling the Ce concentration in the emitting layers and determining the key parameters for the development of efficient ZnAl2O4-based films with remarkable optical properties. The degree of crystallinity and precise adjustment of texture were found to be crucial for improving NIR luminescence efficiency. Specifically, (hk0)-textured films developed at a sintering temperature of around 1300 degrees C exhibited higher NIR emission intensity compared to (hkl)-untextured films. This research demonstrates a feasible approach to achieve high NIR emission performance and validates its applicability for a wide range of applications.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Aida Serrano, Olga Caballero-Calero, Cecilia Granados-Miralles, Giulio Gorni, Cristina Manzano, Marta Rull-Bravo, Alberto Moure, Marisol Martin-Gonzalez, Jose F. Fernandez
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a cold sintering process (CSP) to sinter CoSb3-based thermoelectric materials for the first time. The CSP yields samples with a relative density of 86% at 150℃ with a uniaxial pressure of 750 MPa, which is increased to around 92% after a post-annealing at temperatures ≥ 500℃ in Ar atmosphere. The CSP produces Te doped-CoSb3 nanocomposites with similar morphological and structural characteristics to the starting nanopowders obtained by ball milling in air atmosphere. The sintered thermoelectric nanocomposites exhibit a maximum figure of merit of 0.12(3) at room temperature.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
C. Granados-Miralles, A. Serrano, P. Prieto, J. Guzman-Minguez, J. E. Prieto, A. M. Friedel, E. Garcia-Martin, J. F. Fernandez, A. Quesada
Summary: Due to their various applications, lithium ferrites are important materials for emerging technologies. The lithium content in lithium ferrites greatly affects their physical properties and the performance of devices based on these materials. In this study, magnetic lithium ferrite powders with different Li:Fe ratios were synthesized and the Li content was accurately determined using two independent methods. The sintering process led to substantial grain growth and the presence of trapped pores, while the magnetic properties and density of the ceramics were measured. The results provide valuable insights into the synthesis and characterization of lithium ferrites.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hao Luo, Yang Li, Wenchao Wang, Tao Zhou, Zhengxiao Guo
Summary: A new hierarchical electrocatalyst has successfully enhanced the oxygen electrocatalytic reaction of rechargeable zinc-air batteries, improving the efficiency and durability of the batteries. The structural engineering of the electrocatalyst provides higher conductivity, density of active sites, interconnected porosity, and well-bonded components, accelerating electron transfer and ion diffusion while maintaining structural integrity.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sean J. D. Lugger, Lorena Ceamanos, Dirk J. Mulder, Carlos Sanchez-Somolinos, Albert P. H. J. Schenning
Summary: In recent years, there have been significant advances in the additive manufacturing of stimuli-responsive materials, also known as 4D printing, with liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) playing a crucial role. However, the time-consuming nature and challenging polymerization process of photo-crosslinking in LCE fabrication is a hurdle, particularly for light-responsive materials. This research introduces the first light-fueled supramolecular LCEs suitable for direct ink writing (DIW) of soft actuators, eliminating the need for photopolymerization. These responsive supramolecular materials enable the fabrication of 3D-printed objects through the thermoreversible interplay of hydrogen-bonding physical cross-links. The printed supramolecular LCE exhibits reversible shape changes in response to light and can bend and lift a load. By incorporating azobenzene, the actuators can be triggered by both photothermal and photochemical stimuli in air and water. The DIW process allows for the printing of complex responsive objects, as exemplified by re-entrant honeycomb and spiral director structures. This approach of printing light-responsive supramolecular soft actuators paves the way for the application of smart and sustainable materials in additive manufacturing without the requirement of photo-crosslinking.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amit S. Pawbake, Ruchita T. Khare, Joshua O. Island, Eduardo Flores, Jose R. Ares, Carlos Sanchez, Isabel J. Ferrer, Mahendra Pawar, Otakar Frank, Mahendra A. More, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Andres Castellanos-Gomez, Dattatray J. Late
Summary: The field emission properties of TiS3 nanosheets and nanoribbons synthesized from bulk titanium were investigated. The nanosheets exhibited enhanced field emission behavior with a low turn-on field and delivered a large emission current density at a relatively low applied electric field. The superior field emission performance of TiS3 nanosheets over nanoribbons makes them a propitious field emitter for vacuum nanoelectronics devices.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ali Saffar Shamshirgar, Maria Fernandez Alvarez, Adolfo del Campo, Jose Francisco Fernandez, Rocio E. Rojas Hernandez, Roman Ivanov, Johanna Rosen, Irina Hussainova
Summary: This study incorporates graphene-augmented alumina nanofibers into epoxy resin to fabricate a tunable absorption multilayer structure for electromagnetic interference shielding and RF absorption. Highly aligned graphene augmented alumina nanofibers were produced using a hot wall one-step catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition method. The highest loss tangent of 0.4 was achieved in a composite containing 1 vol% of randomly oriented nanofibers. A superposed three-layer structure was fabricated, offering an absorption of >90% in the entire X-band and an absorption peak of -25 dB at around 11 GHz. The hybrid nanofibers with a dual loss function show potential for versatile design options in RF absorption.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyong Mo, Yulin Deng, Samuel Kin-Man Lai, Xutao Gao, Hung-Ling Yu, Kam-Hung Low, Zhengxiao Guo, Heng-Liang Wu, Ho Yu Au-Yeung, Edmund C. M. Tse
Summary: Efficient O2 reduction reaction (ORR) for selective H2O generation can be achieved by introducing the concept of mechanical interlocking to Cu complexes. These interlocked catenane ligands can control O2 binding mode, promote electron transfer, and enhance the selectivity and activity of ORR.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Wang, Tingting Zhai, Yifan Wu, Tao Zhou, Binbin Zhou, Congxiao Shang, Zhengxiao Guo
Summary: Valence tuning of transition metal oxides is an effective approach to design high-performance catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). High-valence oxides (HVOs) exhibit superior OER performance due to charge transfer dynamics and the evolution of intermediates. The filling of e(g)-orbitals and the promotion of charge transfer between the metal d band and oxygen p band enhance the OER performance. Additionally, HVOs utilize lattice oxygen as the redox center in the efficient lattice oxygen-mediated mechanism (LOM), overcoming the scaling limitation of the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM).
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Victor Fuertes, Adolfo del Campo, Nicolas Gregoire, Philippe Labranche, Jose Francisco Fernandez, Younes Messaddeq
Summary: An in-depth study of nanoparticle-doped optical fibers using confocal Raman microscopy, Rayleigh light-scattering microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the crystallization structures and size-dependent Raman shifts of YPO4 nanocrystals in the fiber core. The study also evaluates the Raman properties of the nanocrystals at different temperatures, observing linear phonon softening behavior. These findings provide new insights into the characteristics of nanoparticle-doped optical fibers and open up possibilities for further research in this field.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Moure, P. Val-Gomez, A. del Campo, J. F. Fernandez, F. Rubio-Marcos
Summary: In this study, the stress dynamics and its temperature dependence arising from the Orthorhombic-Tetragonal Polymorphic Phase Boundary (PPB) in lead-free potassium sodium niobate (KNN)-based ceramics were investigated. The growth of Orthorhombic phases is limited by the high-temperature tetragonal phase distributions, and two main mechanisms regulate the decrease of stress processes: microstructural effects hinder the formation of non-180° domains, while ferroelectric domain distribution and local structural heterogeneity contribute to the phase transition widening.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Alessio Sacco, Luisa Mandrile, Li-Lin Tay, Nobuyasu Itoh, Ankit Raj, Alberto Moure, Adolfo Del Campo, Jose F. Fernandez, Keith R. Paton, Sebastian Wood, Hyuksang Kwon, Tehseen Adel, Angela R. Hight Walker, Erlon Henrique Martins Ferreira, Ralf Theissmann, Thomas Koch, Andrea Mario Giovannozzi, Chiara Portesi, Andrea Mario Rossi
Summary: This article presents an interlaboratory comparison on Raman spectroscopy as a reliable method for quantification of TiO2 phases. Raman spectroscopy is a fast, non-invasive technique that can differentiate and measure TiO2 without the need for special reagents or sample preparation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingyu Xia, Xiaolong Zhao, Ci Lin, Wending Pan, Yingguang Zhang, Zhengxiao Guo, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: This study reports a morphology engineering strategy to fabricate terrace-like tungsten oxide (TW) film and evaluates its high-voltage performance as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Terrace-like WO3 films show higher photoelectrochemical performance compared to porous WO3 films due to their more regular nanostructure, smaller band gap, faster charge-transfer rate, and reduced recombination rate.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Marin-Cortes, M. Fernandez-Alvarez, A. Moure, J. F. Fernandez, E. Enriquez
Summary: This study proposes a method for quantifying mixed construction materials through homogenization and chemometric modeling. It successfully applies this method to real CDW samples, enhancing their recycling potential in the ceramic industry and promoting CDW valorization and sustainability.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingze Chen, Shoushu Wei, Runliang Zhu, Jing Du, Jieyang Xie, Haiming Huang, Jianxi Zhu, Zhengxiao Guo
Summary: This study synthesized hierarchically porous silicon nanoflakes from talc through a mechanochemical reduction method, demonstrating their potential in scalable production. The layered structure and chemical composition of talc allowed the formation of two-dimensional nanostructured silicon without additional templates. As anodes in lithium-ion batteries, the silicon nanoflakes showed excellent electrochemical properties.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
