Electrochemical behavior and corrosion resistance of IrO_2–ZrO_2 binary oxide coatings for promoting oxygen evolution in sulfuric acid solution

In this study, we prepared Ti/IrO_2–ZrO_2 electrodes with different ZrO_2 contents using zirconium-n-butoxide(C_(16)H_(36)O_4Zr) and chloroiridic acid(H_2IrCl_6) via a sol–gel route. To explore the effect of ZrO_2 content on the surface properties and electrochemical behavior of electrodes, we performed physical characterizations and electrochemical measurements. The obtained results revealed that the binary oxide coating was composed of rutile IrO_2, amorphous ZrO2, and an IrO_2–ZrO_2 solid solution. The IrO_2–ZrO_2 binary oxide coatings exhibited cracked structures with flat regions. A slight incorporation of ZrO_2 promoted the crystallization of the active component IrO_2. However, the crystallization of IrO_2 was hindered when the added ZrO_2 content was greater than 30 at%. The appropriate incorporation of ZrO_2 enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of the pure IrO_2 coating. The Ti/70 at%IrO_2–30 at%ZrO_2 electrode, with its large active surface area, improved electrocatalytic activity, long service lifetime, and especially, lower cost, is the most effective for promoting oxygen evolution in sulfuric acid solution.     

不同温度下CeO2预煅烧对甲醇氧化反应中Pt/CeO2–C电催化剂性能的影响

Pt/CeO₂–C catalysts with CeO₂ pre-calcined at 300–600°C were synthesized by combining hydrothermal calcination and wet impregnation. The effects of the pre-calcined CeO₂ on the performance of Pt/CeO₂–C catalysts in methanol oxidation were investigated. The Pt/CeO₂–C catalysts with pre-calcined CeO₂ at 300–600°C showed an average particle size of 2.6–2.9 nm and exhibited better methanol electro-oxidation catalytic activity than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. In specific, the Pt/CeO₂–C catalysts with pre-calcined CeO₂ at 400°C displayed the highest electrochemical surface area value of 68.14 m2·g?1 and I_f/I_b ratio (the ratio of the forward scanning peak current density (I_f) and the backward scanning peak current density (I_b)) of 1.26, which are considerably larger than those (53.23 m2·g?1 and 0.79, respectively) of the commercial Pt/C catalyst, implying greatly enhanced CO tolerance.     

气体扩散层集流体对Ni(OH)2纳米结构电化学性能的影响

We report the electrochemical performance of Ni(OH)₂ on a gas diffusion layer (GDL). The Ni(OH)₂ working electrode was successfully prepared via a simple method, and its electrochemical performance in 1 M NaOH electrolyte was investigated. The electrochemical results showed that the Ni(OH)₂/GDL provided the maximum specific capacitance value (418.11 F·g?1) at 1 A·g?1. Furthermore, the Ni(OH)₂ electrode delivered a high specific energy of 17.25 Wh·kg?1 at a specific power of 272.5 W·kg?1 and retained about 81% of the capacitance after 1000 cycles of galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) measurements. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the occurrence of sodium deposition after long-time cycling, which caused the reduction in the specific capacitance. This study results suggest that the light-weight GDL, which can help overcome the problem of the oxide layer on metal–foam substrates, is a promising current collector to be used with Ni-based electroactive materials for energy storage applications.     

低氧LiF–NdF3熔盐体系阳极过程的电化学行为研究

The oxidation of oxygen ions and the generation of an anode effect at a low oxygen content of 150 mg/kg were discussed in this paper. Cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry tests were conducted to explore the anodic processes of LiF–NdF₃ melt after a lengthy period of pre-electrolysis purification at 1000°C (during which the oxygen content reduced from 413 to 150 mg/kg). The oxidation process of oxygen ions was found to have two stages: oxidation product adsorption and CO/CO₂ gas evolution. The adsorption stage was controlled by diffusion, whereas the gas evolution was controlled by the electrochemical reaction. In comparison with oxygen content of 413 mg/kg, the decrease in the amplitude of the current at low oxygen content of 150 mg/kg was much gentler during the forward scanning process when the anode effect occurred. Fluorine-ion oxidation peaks that occurred at about 4.2 V vs. Li/Li+ could be clearly observed in the reverse scanning processes, in which fluorine ions were oxidized and perfluorocarbons were produced, which resulted in an anode effect.     

pH值对β-MnO2颗粒光催化去除银离子的影响

The presence of silver ions (Ag(I)) in wastewater has a detrimental effect on living organisms. Removal of soluble silver, especially at low concentrations, is challenging. This paper presents the use of β-MnO₂ particles as a photocatalyst to remove Ag(I) ions selectively from aqueous solution at various pH levels. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) were employed to determine the removal efficiency and to characterize the deposition of silver onto the surface of β-MnO₂ particles. The optimum pH for the removal of Ag(I) ions was at pH 4 with 99% removal efficiency under 1 h of visible light irradiation. This phenomenon can be attributed to the electrostatic attraction between β-MnO₂ particles and Ag(I) ions as well as the suppression of electron–hole recombination in the presence of H+ ions.     

Phosphate enrichment mechanism in CaO–SiO2–FeO–Fe2O3–P2O5 steelmaking slags with lower binary basicity

The addition of silica to steelmaking slags to decrease the binary basicity can promote phosphate enrichment in quenched slag samples. In this study, we experimentally investigated phosphate enrichment behavior in CaO–SiO₂–FeO–Fe₂O₃–P₂O₅ slags with a P₂O₅ content of 5.00% and the binary basicity B ranging from 1.0 to 2.0, where the (%Fe_tO)/(%CaO) mass percentage ratio was maintained at 0.955. The experimental results are explained by the defined enrichment degree R_C2S-C3P of solid solution 2CaO·SiO₂–3CaO·P₂O₅ (C₂S–C₃P), where R_C2S-C3P is a component of the developed ion and molecule coexistence theory (IMCT)–N_i model for calculating the mass action concentrations N_i of structural units in the slags on the basis of the IMCT. The asymmetrically inverse V-shaped relation between phosphate enrichment and binary basicity B was observed to be correlated in the slags under applied two-stage cooling conditions. The maximum content of P₂O₅ in the C₂S–C₃P solid solution reached approximately 30.0% when the binary basicity B was controlled at 1.3.     

CoO/SnO2@NC/S复合材料的制备及其应用于高稳定性锂硫电池正极材料

To improve the sulfur loading capacity of lithium-sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries) cathode and avoid the inevitable “shuttle effect”, hollow N doped carbon coated CoO/SnO₂ (CoO/SnO₂@NC) composite has been designed and prepared by a hydrothermal-calcination method. The specific surface area of CoO/SnO₂@NC composite is 85.464 m2·g–1, and the pore volume is 0.1189 cm3·g–1. The hollow core-shell structure as a carrier has a sulfur loading amount of 66.10%. The initial specific capacity of the assembled Li–S batteries is 395.7 mAh·g–1 at 0.2 C, which maintains 302.7 mAh·g–1 after 400 cycles. When the rate increases to 2.5 C, the specific capacity still has 221.2 mAh·g–1. The excellent lithium storage performance is attributed to the core-shell structure with high specific surface area and porosity. This structure effectively increases the sulfur loading, enhances the chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides, and reduces direct contact between CoO/SnO₂ and the electrolyte.     

单斜相SrAl2Si2O8陶瓷的烧结及其对Sr的固化

Monoclinic SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics for Sr immobilization were prepared by a liquid-phase sintering method. The sintering temperature, mineral phase composition, microstructure, flexural strength, bulk density, and Sr ion leaching characteristics of the SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics were investigated. A crystalline monoclinic SrAl₂Si₂O₈ phase formed through liquid-phase sintering at 1223 K. The introduction of four flux agents (B₂O₃, CaO·2B₂O₃, SrO·2B₂O₃, and BaO·2B₂O₃) to the SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics not only reduced the densification temperature and decreased the volatilization of Sr during high-temperature sintering but also impacted the mechanical properties of the ceramics. Product consistency tests showed that the leaching concentration of Sr ions in the sample with flux agent B₂O₃ was the lowest, whereas that of Sr ions in the sample with flux agent BaO·2B₂O₃ was the highest. These results show that the leaching concentration of Sr ions depends largely on the amorphous phase in the ceramics. Meanwhile, the formation of mineral analog ceramics containing Sr is an important factor to improve Sr immobilization.     

构建TiO2柱状多层石墨烯纳米复合材料作为降解环丙沙星的高效光催化剂

We successfully constructed TiO₂-pillared multilayer graphene nanocomposites (T-MLGs) via a facile method as follows: dodecanediamine pre-pillaring, ion exchange (Ti4+ pillaring), and interlayer in-situ formation of TiO₂ by hydrothermal method. TiO₂ nanoparticles were distributed uniformly on the graphene interlayer. The special structure combined the advantages of graphene and TiO₂ nanoparticles. As a result, T-MLGs with 64.3wt% TiO₂ showed the optimum photodegradation rate and adsorption capabilities toward ciprofloxacin. The photodegradation rate of T-MLGs with 64.3wt% TiO₂ was 78% under light-emitting diode light irradiation for 150 min. Meanwhile, the pseudo-first-order rate constant of T-MLGs with 64.3wt% TiO₂ was 3.89 times than that of pristine TiO₂. The composites also exhibited high stability and reusability after five consecutive photocatalytic tests. This work provides a facile method to synthesize semiconductor-pillared graphene nanocomposites by replacing TiO₂ nanoparticles with other nanoparticles and a feasible means for sustainable utilization of photocatalysts in wastewater control.     

TiB2和Al3Ti对近共晶Al?12.6Si合金组织、力学性能和断裂行为的影响

A near eutectic Al?12.6Si alloy was developed with 0.0wt%, 2.0wt%, 4.0wt%, and 6.0wt% Al?5Ti?1B master alloy. The microstructural morphology, hardness, tensile strength, elongation, and fracture behaviour of the alloys were studied. The unmodified Al?12.6Si alloy has an irregular needle and plate-like eutectic silicon (E_Si) and coarse polygonal primary silicon (P_Si) particles in the matrix-like α-Al phase. The P_Si, E_Si, and α-Al morphology and volume fraction were changed due to the addition of the Al?5Ti?1B master alloy. The hardness, UTS, and elongation improved due to the microstructural modification. Nano-sized in-situ Al₃Ti particles and ex-situ TiB₂ particles caused the microstructural modification. The fracture images of the developed alloys exhibit a ductile and brittle mode of fracture at the same time. The Al?5Ti?1B modified alloys have a more ductile mode of fracture and more dimples compared to the unmodified alloy.     

Effect of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles on hydrogen evolution reaction activity of Ni coatings

The electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited Ni and Ni-TiO₂ coatings with regard to the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was investigated. The Ni coatings were electrodeposited from an acid chloride bath at different current densities, and their HER activities were examined in a 1.0-mol·L-1 KOH medium. The variations in the HER activity of the Ni coatings with changes in surface morphology and composition were examined via the electrochemical dissolution and incorporation of nanoparticles. Electrochemical analysis methods were used to monitor the HER activity of the test electrodes; this activity was confirmed via the quantification of gases that evolved during the analysis. The obtained results demonstrated that the Ni-TiO₂ nanocomposite test electrode exhibited maximum activity toward the alkaline HER. The surface appearance, composition, and the phase structure of all developed coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The improvement in the electrocatalytic activity of Ni-TiO₂ nanocomposite coating toward HER was attributed to the variation in surface morphology and increased number of active sites.     

Fluoride evaporation and crystallization behavior of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–(TiO2) slag for electroslag remelting of Ti-containing steels

To elucidate the behavior of slag films in an electroslag remelting process, the fluoride evaporation and crystallization of CaF₂–CaO–Al₂O₃–(TiO₂) slags were studied using the single hot thermocouple technique. The crystallization mechanism of TiO₂-bearing slag was identified based on kinetic analysis. The fluoride evaporation and incubation time of crystallization in TiO₂-free slag are found to considerably decrease with decreasing isothermal temperature down to 1503 K. Fish-bone and flower-like CaO crystals precipitate in TiO₂-free slag melt, which is accompanied by CaF₂ evaporation from slag melt above 1503 K. Below 1503 K, only near-spherical CaF₂ crystals form with an incubation time of less than 1 s, and the crystallization is completed within 1 s. The addition of 8.1wt% TiO₂ largely prevents the fluoride evaporation from slag melt and promotes the slag crystallization. TiO₂ addition leads to the precipitation of needle-like perovskite (CaTiO₃) crystals instead of CaO crystals in the slag. The crystallization of perovskite (CaTiO₃) occurs by bulk nucleation and diffusion-controlled one-dimensional growth.     

强耦合非晶态Sb2S3球与碳纳米管中的钠离子和锂离子存储

A facile one-step strategy involving the reaction of antimony chloride with thioacetamide at room temperature is successfully developed for the synthesis of strongly coupled amorphous Sb₂S₃ spheres and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Benefiting from the unique amorphous structure and its strongly coupled effect with the conductive network of CNTs, this hybrid electrode (Sb₂S₃@CNTs) exhibits remarkable sodium and lithium storage properties with high capacity, good cyclability, and prominent rate capability. For sodium storage, a high capacity of 814 mAh·g?1 at 50 mA·g?1 is delivered by the electrode, and a capacity of 732 mAh·g?1 can still be obtained after 110 cycles. Even up to 2000 mA·g?1, a specific capacity of 584 mAh·g?1 can be achieved. For lithium storage, the electrode exhibits high capacities of 1136 and 704 mAh·g?1 at 100 and 2000 mA·g?1, respectively. Moreover, the cell holds a capacity of 1104 mAh·g?1 under 100 mA·g?1 over 110 cycles. Simple preparation and remarkable electrochemical properties make the Sb₂S₃@CNTs electrode a promising anode for both sodium-ion (SIBs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).     

TiO2对含铬高钛熔分渣熔化性能和黏度的影响

A study on the melting and viscosity properties of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag (CaO–SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–TiO₂–Cr₂O₃) with TiO₂ contents ranging from 38.63wt% to 42.63wt% was conducted. The melting properties were investigated with a melting-point apparatus, and viscosity was measured using the rotating cylinder method. The FactSage 7.1 software and X-ray diffraction, in combination with scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), were used to characterize the phase equilibrium and microstructure of chromium-containing high-titanium melting slags. The results indicated that an increase in the TiO₂ content led to a decrease in the viscosity of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag. In addition, the softening temperature, hemispheric temperature, and flowing temperature decreased with increasing TiO₂ content. The amount of crystallized anosovite and sphene phases gradually increased with increasing TiO₂ content, whereas the amount of perovskite phase decreased. SEM observations revealed that the distribution of the anosovite phase was dominantly influenced by TiO₂.     

Effect of TiO_2 nanoparticles on hydrogen evolution reaction activity of Ni coatings

The electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited Ni and Ni–TiO_2 coatings with regard to the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) was investigated. The Ni coatings were electrodeposited from an acid chloride bath at different current densities, and their HER activities were examined in a 1.0-mol·L~(-1) KOH medium. The variations in the HER activity of the Ni coatings with changes in surface morphology and composition were examined via the electrochemical dissolution and incorporation of nanoparticles. Electrochemical analysis methods were used to monitor the HER activity of the test electrodes; this activity was confirmed via the quantification of gases that evolved during the analysis. The obtained results demonstrated that the Ni–TiO_2 nanocomposite test electrode exhibited maximum activity toward the alkaline HER. The surface appearance, composition, and the phase structure of all developed coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS), and X-ray diffraction(XRD), respectively. The improvement in the electrocatalytic activity of Ni–TiO_2 nanocomposite coating toward HER was attributed to the variation in surface morphology and increased number of active sites.     

Na2CO3–K2CO3熔盐电化学法除锈

The formation of a rust layer on iron and steels surfaces accelerates their degradation and eventually causes material failure. In addition to fabricating a protective layer or using a sacrificial anode, repairing or removing the rust layer is another way to reduce the corrosion rate and extend the lifespans of iron and steels. Herein, an electrochemical healing approach was employed to repair the rust layer in molten Na₂CO₃?K₂CO₃. The rusty layers on iron rods and screws were electrochemically converted to iron in only several minutes and a metallic luster appeared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showed that the structures of the rust layer after healing were slightly porous and the oxygen content reached a very low level. Thus, high-temperature molten-salt electrolysis may be an effective way to metalize iron rust of various shapes and structures in a short time, and could be used in the repair of cultural relics and even preparing a three-dimensional porous structures for other applications.     

Effects of SiO2 on the preparation and metallurgical properties of acid oxidized pellets

The effects of SiO₂ content on the preparation process and metallurgical properties of acid oxidized pellets, including compressive strength, reduction, and softening–melting behaviors, were systematically investigated.Mineralogical structures, elemental distribution, and pore size distribution were varied to analyze the mechanism of the effects.The results show that with an increase in SiO₂ content from 3.51 wt%to 7.18 wt%, compressive strength decreases from 3150 N/pellet to 2100 N/pellet and reducibility decreases from 76.5% to 71.4%.The microstructure showed that pellets with high SiO₂ content contained more magnetite in the mineralogical structures.Additionally, some liquid phases appeared, which hindered the continuous crystallization of hematite.Also, the softening–melting properties of the pellets clearly deteriorated as the SiO₂ content increased.With increasing SiO₂ content, the temperature range of the softening–melting zone decreased, and the maximum differential pressure and the comprehensive permeability index increased significantly.When acid oxidized pellets are used as the raw materials for blast furnace smelting, it should be combined with high basicity sinters to improve the softening–melting behaviors of the comprehensive charge.     

Comparative study on the corrosion behavior of X52, 3Cr,and 13Cr steel in an O2-H2O-CO2 system:products,reaction kinetics,and pitting sensitivity

The corrosion behaviors of X52, 3Cr low-alloy steel, and 13Cr stainless steel were investigated in an O₂-H₂O-CO₂ environment at various temperatures and O₂-CO₂ partial-pressure ratios. The results showed that the corrosion rates of X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr steels increased with increasing temperature. The corrosion rates slowly increased at temperatures less than 100℃ and increased sharply when the temperature exceeded 100℃. In the absence of O₂, X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr exhibited uniform corrosion morphology and FeCO₃ was the main corrosion product. When O₂ was introduced into the system, various forms of Fe₂O₃ appeared on the surface of the samples. The Cr content strongly influenced the corrosion resistance. The 3Cr steel with a low Cr content was more sensitive to pitting than the X52 or 13Cr steel. Thus, pitting occurred on the surface of 3Cr when 1.25 MPa of O₂ was added; this phenomenon is related to the non-uniform distribution of Cr in 3Cr.     

Si/Al、Na/Al和H2O/Na2O摩尔比对无机铝硅酸盐涂层甲醛阻隔性能的影响

Wood-based panels containing urea-formaldehyde resin result in the long-term release of formaldehyde and threaten human health. In this study, inorganic aluminosilicate coatings prepared by combining metakaolin, silica fume, NaOH, and H₂O were applied to the surfaces of wood-based panels to obstruct formaldehyde release. The Si/Al, Na/Al, and H₂O/Na₂O molar ratios of the coatings were regulated to investigate their effects on the structure and formaldehyde-resistant barrier properties of coatings. Results showed that the cracks in the coatings gradually disappeared and the formaldehyde resistance rates of the barrier increased as the Si/Al molar ratio was increased from 1.6 to 2.2. This value also increased as the Na/Al molar ratio was increased from 0.9 to 1.2 because of the improvement of the degree of polymerization. As the H₂O/Na₂O molar ratio was increased from 12 to 15, the thickness of the dry film decreased gradually and led to the reduction in the formaldehyde resistance rate. When the Si/Al, Na/Al, and H₂O/Na₂O molar ratios were 2.2, 1.2, and 12, respectively, the inorganic aluminosilicate coating showed good performance as a formaldehyde-resistant barrier and its formaldehyde resistance rate could reach up to 83.2%.     

Fabrication of Fe–TiC–Al2O3 composites on the surface of steel using a TiO2–Al–C–Fe combustion reaction induced by gas tungsten arc cladding

The aim of the present study was to fabricate Fe–TiC–Al₂O₃ composites on the surface of medium carbon steel. For this purpose, TiO₂–3C and 3TiO₂–4Al–3C–xFe (0 ≤ x ≤ 4.6 by mole) mixtures were pre-placed on the surface of a medium carbon steel plate. The mixtures and substrate were then melted using a gas tungsten arc cladding process. The results show that the martensite forms in the layer produced by the TiO₂–3C mixture. However, ferrite–Fe₃C–TiC phases are the main phases in the microstructure of the clad layer produced by the 3TiO₂–4Al–3C mixture. The addition of Fe to the TiO₂–4Al–3C reactants with the content from 0 to 20wt% increases the volume fraction of particles, and a composite containing approximately 9vol% TiC and Al₂O₃ particles forms. This composite substantially improves the substrate hardness. The mechanism by which Fe particles enhance the TiC + Al₂O₃ volume fraction in the composite is determined.