Enhanced high-potential and elevated-temperature cycling stability of LiMn2O4 cathode by TiO2 modification for Li-ion battery

The surface of spinel LiMn₂O₄ was modified with TiO₂ by a simple sol–gel method to improve its electrochemical performance at elevated temperatures and higher working potentials. Compared with pristine LiMn₂O₄, surface-modification improved the cycling stability of the material. The capacity retention of TiO₂-modified LiMn₂O₄ was more than 85% after 60 cycles at high potential cycles between 3.0 and 4.8 V at room temperature and near to 90% after 30 cycles at elevated temperature of 55 °C at 1C charge–discharge rate. SEM studies shows that the surface morphology of TiO₂-modified LiMn₂O₄ was different from that of pristine LiMn₂O₄. Powder X-ray diffraction indicated that spinel was the only detected phase in TiO₂-modified LiMn₂O₄. Introduction of Ti into LiMn₂O₄ changed the electronic structures of the particle surface. Therefore a surface solid compound of LiTi_xMn_2−xO₄ may be formed on LiMn₂O₄. The improved electrochemical performance of surface-modified LiMn₂O₄ was attributed to the improved stability of crystalline structure and the higher Li⁺ conductivity.     

Characterization of Al-doped spinel LiMn2O4 thin film cathode electrodes prepared by Liquid Source Misted Chemical Deposition (LSMCD) technique

A novel process called Liquid Source Misted Chemical Deposition (LSMCD) was used to synthesize Al-doped LiMn₂O₄ cathode films for Lithium microbatteries. The cathode films were characterized by XRD, SEM, cyclic volatmmetry, and charge/discharge test. LiMn_1.8Al_0.2O₄ film crystallized at 800 °C in rapid thermal annealing (RTA) for 5 min under oxygen atmosphere exhibited more improved electrochemical rechargeability than spinel LiMn₂O₄ film because the substitution of Al³⁺ for Mn³⁺ increased Mn---O bonding strength in the spinel framework and suppressed the two-phase behavior of the unsubstituted spinel during the intercalation/deintercalation that is the origin of the failure mechanism in the 4 V region. As a result, LiMn_1.8Al_0.2O₄ film showed an initial discharge capacity of 52 μAh/cm² μm and no capacity fade over 100 cycles.     

Enhanced methanation stability of nano-sized MoS2 catalysts by adding Al2O3

A series of unsupported MoS₂ catalysts with or without Al₂O₃ modification was prepared using a modified thermal decomposition approach. The catalysts were tested for the methanation of carbon monoxide and the optimum one has 25.6 wt-% Al₂O₃ content. The catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption measurement, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that adding appropriate amount of Al₂O₃ increases the dispersion of MoS₂, and the increased interaction force between MoS₂ and Al₂O₃ can inhibit the sintering of active MoS₂ to some extent.     

Influence of chromium doping on the electrochemical performance of the 5 V spinel cathode LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4

With an aim to improve the 5 V capacity and cyclability of the LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄ spinel oxide, three series of Cr substitutions have been pursued with y ≤ 0.2: LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5−yCr_yO₄, LiMn_1.5−0.5yNi_0.5−0.5yCr_yO₄, and LiMn_1.5−0.33yLi_0.33yNi_0.5−yCr_yO₄. While the first series involves an increase in the Mn³⁺ content, the second and third series are designed to maintain charge neutrality (Mn⁴⁺, Ni²⁺, Cr³⁺, and Li⁺) without introducing Mn³⁺ ions. The LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5−yCr_yO₄ series experiences a widening of the 4 V plateau and a decrease in the 5 V capacity compared to LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄ due to an increase in the Mn³⁺ content. On the other hand, the LiMn_1.5−0.5yNi_0.5−0.5yCr_yO₄ series shows a suppression of the 4 V plateau and an increase in the 5 V capacity due to the elimination of the Mn³⁺ions. The LiMn_1.5−0.33yLi_0.33yNi_0.5−yCr_yO₄ series shows a suppression of the 4 V plateau at low Cr contents, but an increase in the 4 V plateau as the Cr content increases above 0.1. Among the various compositions investigated, LiMn_1.45Ni_0.45Cr_0.1O₄ exhibits the best combination of high 5 V capacity (128 mAh/g at 5–4.2 V) and excellent capacity retention (98% in 50 cycles) compared to 118 mAh/g and 92% for LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄.     

Lean reduction of NO by C3H6 over Ag/alumina derived from Al2O3, AlOOH and Al(OH)3

The effectiveness of Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst depends greatly on the alumina source used for preparation. A series of alumina-supported catalysts derived from AlOOH, Al₂O₃, and Al(OH)₃ was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, O₂, NO + O₂-temperature programmed desorption (TPD), H₂-temperature programmed reduction (TPR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and activity test, with a focus on the correlation between their redox properties and catalytic behavior towards C₃H₆-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO reaction. The best SCR activity along with a moderated C₃H₆ conversion was achieved over Ag/Al₂O₃ (I) employing AlOOH source. The high density of Ag–O–Al species in Ag/Al₂O₃ (I) is deemed to be crucial for NO selective reduction into N₂. By contrast, a high C₃H₆ conversion simultaneously with a moderate N₂ yield was observed over Ag/Al₂O₃ (II) prepared from a γ-Al₂O₃ source. The larger particles of Ag_mO (m > 2) crystallites were believed to facilitate the propene oxidation therefore leading to a scarcity of reductant for SCR of NO. An amorphous Ag/Al₂O₃ (III) was obtained via employing a Al(OH)₃ source and 500 °C calcination exhibiting a poor SCR performance similar to that for Ag-free Al₂O₃ (I). A subsequent calcination of Ag/Al₂O₃ (III) at 800 °C led to the generation of Ag/Al₂O₃ (IV) catalyst yielding a significant enhancement in both N₂ yield and C₃H₆ conversion, which was attributed to the appearance of γ-phase structure and an increase in surface area. Further thermo treatment at 950 °C for the preparation of Ag/Al₂O₃ (V) accelerated the sintering of Ag clusters resulting in a severe unselective combustion, which competes with SCR of NO reaction. In view of the transient studies, the redox properties of the prepared catalysts were investigated showing an oxidation capability of Ag/Al₂O₃ (II and V) > Ag/Al₂O₃ (IV) > Ag/Al₂O₃ (I) > Ag/Al₂O₃ (III) and Al₂O₃ (I). The formation of nitrate species is an important step for the deNO_x process, which can be promoted by increasing O₂ feed concentration as evidenced by NO + O₂-TPD study for Ag/Al₂O₃ (I), achieving a better catalytic performance.     

工业硫酸锰的净化和高纯锰酸锂的制备

重点阐述了工业硫酸锰的净化除杂实验。具体流程：向硫酸锰溶液中加入氟化锰去除钙、镁,再加入高锰酸钾氧化铁,通过水解除铁得到高纯度硫酸锰。实验结果表明,该工艺去除钙、镁、铁效果显著。以高纯硫酸锰为锰源,采用液相共沉淀方法合成二氧化锰,再锂化制备锰酸锂（LiMn₂O₄）产品。SEM和XRD结果表明,合成的锰酸锂产品具有球形形貌,衍射峰峰形尖锐,具有很好的Fd3m尖晶石结构。     

Processing of hot pressed Al2O3–Cr2O3/Cr-carbide nanocomposite prepared by MOCVD in fluidized bed

Nanosized particles dispersed uniformly on Al₂O₃ particles were prepared from the decomposition of precursor Cr(CO)₆ by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in a fluidized chamber. These nanosized particles consisted of Cr₂O₃, CrC_1−x, and C. A solid solution of Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ and an Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃/Cr₃C₂ nanocomposite were formed when these fluidized powders were pre-sintered at 1000 and 1150 °C before hot-pressing at 1400 °C, respectively. In addition, an Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃/Cr-carbide (Cr₃C₂ and Cr₇C₃) nanocomposite was formed when the particles were directly hot pressed at 1400 °C. The interface between Cr₃C₂ and Al₂O₃ is non-coherent, while the interface between Cr₇C₃ and Al₂O₃ is semi-coherent.     

Mechanical properties of Al2O3/ZrO2 composites

In the present study, both t-phase zirconia and m-phase zirconia particles are incorporated into an alumina matrix. Dense Al₂O₃/(t-ZrO₂+m-ZrO₂) composites were prepared by sintering pressurelessly at 1600 °C. The microstructure of the composites are characterized, the elastic modulus, strength and toughness determined. Because the ZrO₂ inclusions are close to each other in the Al₂O₃ matrix, the yttrium ion originally in t-ZrO₂ particles can diffuse to nearby m-ZrO₂ particles during sintering, and the m-phase zirconia is thus stabilized after sintering. The strength of the Al₂O₃/(t-ZrO₂+m-ZrO₂) composites after surface grinding can reach values as high as 940 MPa, which is roughly three times that of Al₂O₃ alone. The strengthening effect is contributed by microstructural refinement together with the surface compressive stresses induced by grinding. The toughness of alumina is also enhanced by adding both t-phase and m-phase zirconia, which can reach values as high as two times that of Al₂O₃ alone. The toughening effect is attributed mainly to the zirconia t–m phase transformation.     

过渡金属Ni对Pd/Al_2O_3催化剂甲烷催化燃烧性能的影响

考察过渡金属Ni对Pd/Al_2O_3催化剂甲烷催化燃烧活性的影响以及过渡金属负载量及循环条件对甲烷降解性能的影响,采用扫描电镜、N_2吸附-脱附以及H_2程序升温还原技术对催化剂进行表征。结果表明,过渡金属Ni的添加对催化剂在(375~475)℃下的甲烷催化燃烧活性产生影响。催化剂经多次重复使用后,催化燃烧活性提高。分析原因为经过渡金属Ni改性后,可与载体形成NiAl_2O_4尖晶石,促进活性组分形成较小晶粒,并改善活性组分分散度,提高催化剂催化活性。     

Facile synthesis of spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as 5.0 V-class high-voltage cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ and LiMn₂O₄ with novel spinel morphology were synthesized by a hydrothermal and post-calcination process. The synthesized LiMn₂O₄ particles (5-10 μm) are uniform hexahedron, while the LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ has spindle-like morphology with the long axis 10-15 μm, short axis 5-8 μm. Both LiMn₂O₄ and LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ show high capacity when used as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. In the voltage range of 2.5-5.5 V at room temperature, the LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ has a high discharge capacity of 135.04 mA·h·g^-1 at 20 mA·g^-1, which is close to 147 mA·h·g^-1 (theoretical capacity of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄). The discharge capacity of LiMn₂O₄ is 131.08 mA·h·g^-1 at 20 mA·g^-1. Moreover, the LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ shows a higher capacity retention (76%) compared to that of LiMn₂O₄ (61%) after 50 cycles. The morphology and structure of LiMn₂O₄ and LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ are well kept even after cycling as demonstrated by SEM and XRD on cycled LiMn₂O₄ and LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ electrodes.     

Total oxidation of propene and propane over gold–copper oxide on alumina catalysts: Comparison with Pt/Al2O3

Oxidation of propene and propane to CO₂ and H₂O has been studied over Au/Al₂O₃ and two different Au/CuO/Al₂O₃ (4 wt.% Au and 7.4 wt.% Au) catalysts and compared with the catalytic behaviour of Au/Co₃O₄/Al₂O₃ (4.1 wt.% Au) and Pt/Al₂O₃ (4.8 wt.% Pt) catalysts. The various characterization techniques employed (XRD, HRTEM, TPR and DR-UV–vis) revealed the presence of metallic gold, along with a highly dispersed CuO (6 wt.% CuO), or more crystalline CuO phase (12 wt.% CuO).

A higher CuO loading does not significantly influence the catalytic performance of the catalyst in propene oxidation, the gold loading appears to be more important. Moreover, it was found that 7.4Au/CuO/Al₂O₃ is almost as active as Pt/Al₂O₃, whereas Au/Co₃O₄/Al₂O₃ performs less than any of the CuO-containing gold-based catalysts.

The light-off temperature for C₃H₈ oxidation is significantly higher than for C₃H₆. For this reaction the particle size effect appears to prevail over the effect of gold loading. The most active catalysts are 4Au/CuO/Al₂O₃ (gold particles less than 3 nm) and 4Au/Co₃O₄/Al₂O₃ (gold particles less than 5 nm).     

K-, CeO2-, and Mn-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for stable CO2 reforming of methane

Reforming of methane with carbon dioxide into syngas over Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts modified by potassium, MnO and CeO₂ was studied. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation technique and were characterized by N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherm, BET surface area, pore volume, and BJH pore size distribution measurements, and by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The performance of these catalysts was evaluated by conducting the reforming reaction in a fixed bed reactor. The coke content of the catalysts was determined by oxidation conducted in a thermo-gravimetric analyzer. Incorporation of potassium and CeO₂ (or MnO) onto the catalyst significantly reduced the coke formation without significantly affecting the methane conversion and hydrogen yield. The stability and the lower amount of coking on promoted catalysts were attributed to partial coverage of the surface of nickel by patches of promoters and to their increased CO₂ adsorption, forming a surface reactive carbonate species. Addition of CeO₂ or MnO reduced the particle size of nickel, thus increasing Ni dispersion. For Ni–K/CeO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts, the improved stability was further attributed to the oxidative properties of CeO₂. Results of the investigation suggest that stable Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts for the carbon dioxide reforming of methane can be prepared by addition of both potassium and CeO₂ (or MnO) as promoters.     

A comparative study of Ag/Al2O3 and Cu/Al2O3 catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO by C3H6

The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by C₃H₆ in excess oxygen was evaluated and compared over Ag/Al₂O₃ and Cu/Al₂O₃ catalysts. Ag/Al₂O₃ showed a high activity for NO reduction. However, Cu/Al₂O₃ showed a high activity for C₃H₆ oxidation. The partial oxidation of C₃H₆ gave surface enolic species and acetate species on the Ag/Al₂O₃, but only an acetate species was clearly observed on the Cu/Al₂O₃. The enolic species is a more active intermediate towards NO + O₂ to yield—NCO species than the acetate species on the Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The Ag and Cu metal loadings and phase changes on Al₂O₃ support can affect the activity and selectivity of Ag/Al₂O₃ and Cu/Al₂O₃ catalysts, but the formation of enolic species is the main reason why the activity of the Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst for NO reduction is higher than that of the Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst.     

Oxides of copper, ceria promoted copper, manganese and copper manganese on Al2O3 for the combustion of CO, ethyl acetate and ethanol

Combustion of CO, ethyl acetate and ethanol was studied over CuO_x/Al₂O₃, CuO_x–CeO₂/Al₂O₃, CuMn₂O₄/Al₂O₃ and Mn₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts. It was found that modification of the alumina with ceria before subsequent copper oxide deposition increases the activity for combustion of CO substantially, but the effect of ceria was small on the combustion of ethyl acetate and ethanol. The activity increases with the CuO_x loading until crystalline CuO particles are formed, which contribute little to the total active surface. The CuO_x–CeO₂/Al₂O₃ catalyst is more active than the CuMn₂O₄/Al₂O₃ catalyst for the oxidation of CO but the CuMn₂O₄/Al₂O₃ catalyst is more active for the combustion of ethyl acetate and ethanol.

Thermal ageing and water vapour in the feed caused a modest decrease in activity and did not affect the CuO_x–CeO₂/Al₂O₃ and CuMn₂O₄/Al₂O₃ catalysts differently. In addition, no difference in intermediates formed over the two catalysts was observed.

Characterisation with XRD, FT-Raman and TPR indicates that the copper oxide is present as a copper aluminate surface phase on alumina at low loading. At high loading, bulk CuO crystallites are present as well. Modification of the alumina with ceria before the copper oxide deposition gives well dispersed copper oxide species and bulk CuO crystallites associated to the ceria, in addition to the two copper oxide species on the bare alumina. The distribution of copper species depends on the ceria and copper oxide loading. The alumina supported copper manganese oxide and manganese oxide catalysts consist mainly of crystalline CuMn₂O₄ and Mn₂O₃, respectively, on Al₂O₃.     

A new route to prepare supported nickel phosphide/silica–alumina hydrotreating catalysts from amorphous alloys

Supported nickel phosphides were prepared by treating an amorphous Ni–B alloy on silica–alumina support with phosphine (15 vol.% PH₃/H₂) at relatively low temperature. The amorphous Ni–B/SiO₂–Al₂O₃ precursors were synthesized by silver-induced electroless plating. The amorphous precursors and catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, BET surface area and inductively coupled plasma measurements. The transmission electron micrographs of the Ni₂P/SiO₂–Al₂O₃ particles with their size ranging from 60 to 80 nm showed that they were homogeneously dispersed over the SiO₂–Al₂O₃ support. The as-prepared catalysts exhibited an excellent catalytic activity in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene.     

Characterizations and activities of the nano-sized Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/La–Al2O3 catalysts for NH3 decomposition

A series of nano-sized Ni/Al₂O₃ and Ni/La–Al₂O₃ catalysts that possess high activities for NH₃ decomposition have been successfully synthesized by a coprecipitation method. The catalytic performance was investigated under the atmospheric conditions and a significant enhancement in the activity after the introduction of La was observed. Aiming to study the influence of La promoter on the physicochemical properties, we characterized the catalysts by N₂ adsorption/desorption, XRD, H₂-TPR, chemisorption and TEM techniques. Physisorption results suggested a high specific surface area and XRD spectra showed that nickel particles are in a highly dispersed state. A combination of XRD, TEM and chemisorption showed that Ni⁰ particles with the average size lower than 5.0 nm are always obtained even though the Ni loading ranged widely from 4 to 63%. Compared with the Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts, the Ni/La–Al₂O₃ ones with an appropriate amount of promoter enjoy a more open mesoporous structure and higher dispersion of Ni. Reduction kinetic studies of prepared catalysts were investigated by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) method and the fact that La additive partially destroyed the metastable Ni–Al mixed oxide phase was detailed.     

Effect of SiO2/Al2O3 ratio on the conversion of methanol to olefins over molecular sieve catalysts

A series of SAPO-34 molecular sieves with different SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios have been synthesized for the methanol-to-olefin (MTO) reaction. Their physico-chemical properties are characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The results are compared with those of the commercial HZSM-5, which show that the crystallinity and particle diameter of SAPO-34 as well as HZSM-5 increase with SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio. The variation of BET surface area of SAPO-34 is different from that of HZSM-5 and the sample with SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of 0.4 exhibits the highest BET surface area. FT-IR spectra indicate that HZSM-5 has both Br?nsted and Lewis acid sites and Br?nsted acid sites are stronger, whereas SAPO-34 samples are dominated only by Lewis acid sites. When the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio increases, propylene and butylenes become the predominant product of the MTO reaction over HZSM-5. In contrast, the main products of this reaction catalyzed by SAPO-34 are ethylene and propylene. According to the product distribution, the reaction mechanism over HZSM-5 catalysts is proposed.     

The formation of phases in the AlN-rich corner of the Si-Al-O-N system

The reaction of AlN with Al₂O₃, SiO₂ or Si₃N₄ and Al₂O₃ at temperatures of 1820°C and 1950°C and for compositions rich in AlN have been investigated using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. At 1820°C, Al₂O₃ reacted with AlN to form the non-stoichiometric oxynitride spinel phase (≈Al₂₃O₂₇N₅), whereas samples on the AlN-SiO₂ and AlN-‘X-phase’ tie-lines did not react. At 1950°C, AlN-Al₂O₃ mixtures reacted to form the 27R aluminium oxynitride polytypoid, AlN---SiO₂ mixtures reacted to form 21R and 27R sialon polytypoids and AlN-‘X-phase’ mixtures reacted to form the 12H, 21R and 27R sialon polytypoids, all of which possessed a needle-like morphology. Ordered and disordered intergrowths were also observed in the polytypoid crystals but the disordered 2H^δ sialon phase was not found.     

Development, characterization and oxidation behaviour of Si3N4---Al2O3 ceramics

Five Si₃N₄---Al₂O₃ ceramic grades were prepared by hot pressing at 1650°C. Backscattered electron micrographs revealed four different phases. Quantitative electron probe microanalysis allowed the identification of these phases as X-sialon, -Al₂O₃, O'-sialon and β-sialon. The maximum solubility of Al₂O₃ in Si₃N₄ and in Si₂N₂O at 1650°C was determined as well as the chemical composition of X-sialon. Based on these results, a slightly revised phase diagram is proposed. The general features describing the microstructure of the various phases have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The influence of the various phases on the mechanical properties was investigated; hardness, fracture toughness and elastic modulus were measured. The oxidation behaviour has been studied in air at 1300°C and 1450°C. The metastable phase diagram of Al₂O₃---SiO₂ in the absence of mullite can be used to predict the oxidation products and relative amounts formed in the oxide layers.     

Effect of the addition of transition metals to Pt/Ba/Al2O3 catalyst on the NOx storage-reduction catalysis under oxidizing conditions in the presence of SO2

The NO_x storage-reduction catalysis under oxidizing conditions in the presence of SO₂ has been investigated on Pt/Ba/Fe/Al₂O₃, Pt/Ba/Co/Al₂O₃, Pt/Ba/Ni/Al₂O₃, and Pt/Ba/Cu/Al₂O₃ catalysts compared with Pt/Ba/Al₂O₃, Pt/Fe/Al₂O₃, Pt/Co/Al₂O₃, Pt/Ni/Al₂O₃, Pt/Cu/Al₂O₃ and Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts. The NO_x purification activity of Pt/Ba/Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst was the highest of all the catalysts investigated in this paper after an aging treatment. That of the aged Pt/Ba/Co/Al₂O₃ and Pt/Ba/Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts was essentially the same as that of the aged Pt/Ba/Al₂O₃ catalyst, while that of the aged Pt/Ba/Cu/Al₂O₃ and Pt/Cu/Al₂O₃ catalysts was substantially lower than the others.

The Fe-compound on the aged Pt/Ba/Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst has played a role in decreasing the sulfur content on the catalyst after exposure to simulated reducing gas compared with the Pt/Ba/Al₂O₃ catalyst without the Fe-compound. XRD and EDX show that the Fe-compound inhibits the growth in the size of BaSO₄ particles formed on the Pt/Ba/Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst under oxidizing conditions in the presence of SO₂ and promotes the decomposition of BaSO₄ and desorption of the sulfur compound under reducing conditions.