Oxidative conversion of methane to syngas over NiO/MgO solid solution supported on low surface area catalyst carrier

Influence of time-on-stream (0.5–15 h), CH₄/O₂ ratio in feed (1.8–8.0), space velocity (6000–510,000 cm³ g⁻¹ h⁻¹), catalyst particle size (22–70 mesh), and catalyst dilution by inert solid particles (diluent/catalyst weight ratio=4) on the performance at different temperatures (600–900°C) of the NiO/MgO solid solution deposited on SA-5205 [which is a low surface area macroporous silica-alumina catalyst carrier] in the oxidative conversion of methane to syngas (a mixture of CO and H₂) has been investigated. The dependence of conversion and selectivity on the space velocity is strongly influenced by the temperature. Both the conversion and selectivity for H₂ and CO are decreased markedly by increasing the CH₄/O₂ ratio in the feed. The catalyst dilution resulted in a small but significant decrease in both the conversion and selectivity for H₂ and CO. The increase in the catalyst particle size had also a small but significant effect on both the conversion and selectivity in the oxidative conversion process. Both the heat and mass transfer processes seem to play significant roles in the oxidative conversion of methane to syngas at a very low contact time or very high space velocity (5.1×10⁵ cm³ g⁻¹ h⁻¹).     

Ni1−xCox/YSZ cermet anodes for solid oxide fuel cells

Nanocrystalline and homogeneous powder mixtures of (Ni_1−xCo_xO_y)+YSZ were obtained by combustion synthesis, and reduced in H₂ at 800 °C to obtain Ni_1−xCo_x/YSZ cermets, and three layer symmetrical cells cermet/YSZ/cermet. These three layer cells were co-firing at 1450 °C, and then reduced to obtain porous Ni_1−xCo_x/YSZ cermet layers with good adhesion to the electrolyte. Results obtained under OCV show that partial substitution of Ni with Co lowers the polarisation resistance, especially the main contribution which is usually most dependent on the cermets microstructure. This trend is reverted for high fractions of Co, and the polarisation resistance obtained for Co/YSZ cermets is much higher than for Ni/YSZ. The low frequency contribution of the polarisation resistance was mainly dependent on the partial pressures of H₂ and H₂O, and is less dependent on the substitution of Ni with Co.     

Characterization of Mg1−xNixAl2O4 solid solutions prepared by combustion synthesis

Mg_1−xNi_xAl₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) solid solutions have been prepared by combustion synthesis. After annealing the combustion synthesized powders at 1000 °C for 3 h single-phase Mg_1−xNi_xAl₂O₄ was obtained over the entire range of compositions. The lattice parameter of Mg_1−xNi_xAl₂O₄ gradually increased from 8.049 Å (NiAl₂O₄) to 8.085 Å (MgAl₂O₄), which certified the formation of the spinel solid solutions. All samples prepared by combustion synthesis had blue color shades, denoting the inclusion of Ni²⁺ in the spinel structure in octahedral and tetrahedral configuration. The crystallite size of Mg_1−xNi_xAl₂O₄ was in the range of 35-39 nm and the specific surface area varied between 5.8 and 7.0 m²/g.     

Structural,magnetic and dielectric behavior of Mg1−xCaxNiyFe2−yO4 nano-ferrites synthesized by the micro-emulsion method

Ca–Ni co-substituted samples of nanocrystalline spinel ferrites with chemical formula Mg_1−xCa_xNi_yFe_2−y O₄ (x=0.0–0.6, y=0.0–1.2) were synthesized by the micro-emulsion method and were annealed at 700 °C for 7 h. The synthesized samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and dielectric measurements. The XRD and FTIR analysis reveals that single phase samples can be achieved by substituting Ca and Ni ions at Mg and Fe sites respectively in cubic spinel nano-ferrites. The crystallite size of the synthesized samples was found in the range 29–45 nm. The saturation magnetization (M_s) increases from 9.84 to 24.99 emu/g up to x=0.2, y=0.4 and then decreases, while the coercivity (H_c) increases continuously from 94 to 153 Oe with the increase in dopants concentration. The dielectric properties of these nano materials were also studied at room temperature in the frequency range 100 MHz to 3 GHz. The dielectric parameters were found to decrease with the increased Ca–Ni concentration. Further the peaking behavior was observed beyond 1.5 GHz. The frequency dependent dielectric properties of all the samples have been explained qualitatively on the basis of the Maxwell–Wagner two-layer model according to Koop's phenomenological theory. The enhanced magnetic parameters and reduced dielectric properties make the synthesized materials suitable for switching and high frequency applications, respectively.     

Effects of excess K2O and processing conditions on the preparation of dense K(Ta1−XNbX)O3 ceramics

Dense ceramics of potassium tantalate niobates (KTa_1−XNb_XO₃: X = 0.4) with a perovskite-type structure were prepared using powders including excess K₂O and surrounding powder, and by applying vibration to the surrounding powder prior to firing. Excess K₂O was inevitable for increasing density, and the use of surrounding powder reduced density fluctuation to a considerable extent. Furthermore, the powder including 8 mol% excess K₂O fired at 1150 °C led to dense ceramics with relative density higher than 90%. The chemical composition of the resulting dense ceramics prepared here was confirmed to be that of a desired perovskite, KTa_0.6Nb_0.4O₃. The KTa_1−XNb_XO₃ ceramics obtained here showed almost the same dielectric properties as those prepared by delicate, costly, and time-consuming methods.     

Mechanochemical synthesis of Ti1−xZrxB2 and Ti1−xHfxB2 solid solutions

Solid solutions of TiB₂-ZrB₂ and TiB₂-HfB₂ were obtained under an inert atmosphere by high-energy ball-milling mixtures of Ti/Zr/B and Ti/Hf/B, respectively. Milling promoted mechanically induced self-sustaining reactions (MSR), and the ignition time was dependent on the initial composition of the mixture. The stoichiometry of Ti_1−xZr_xB₂ and Ti_1−xHf_xB₂ solid solutions was controlled by adjusting the atomic ratio of the reactants. The solid solutions were characterised by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results revealed that TiB₂-ZrB₂ possessed a nanometric microstructure and good chemical homogeneity. However, in the TiB₂-HfB₂ system, an inhomogeneous solid solution was obtained when a Ti-rich mixture was employed. The solid solutions showed good thermal stability; thus, can be used as raw materials for the development of technological materials for structural applications.     

The microstructure,formation mechanism and sintering characteristics of Al2O3/ZrO2 supersaturated solid solution powders

In this study, the Al₂O₃/ZrO₂ supersaturated solid solution powders with different ZrO₂ contents were successfully synthesized by a novel combustion synthesis combined with water cooling (CS-WC) method. The solid solubility and formation mechanism of solid solution under the extremely non-equilibrium solidification condition were discussed in details. The ultra-high cooling rate greatly improves the solubility limit of Al₂O₃ in ZrO₂. When ZrO₂ content is 30 mol%, the Al₂O₃ has been almost dissolved into the ZrO₂ lattice. The formation mechanism of solid solution can be attributed to solute interception caused by the huge degree of supercooling. During the sintering process, the solid solution powders precipitate ZrO₂ particles and the Al₂O₃ matrix, which forms a fine and uniform nanostructure. Due to the synergistic effect of t-m phase transformation toughening and ZrO₂ nanoparticles toughening, the Al₂O₃/ZrO₂ nanoceramics exhibit excellent mechanical properties when ZrO₂ contents are at the range of 25–37 mol%.     

Electrodeposition of P-type BixSb2−xTey thermoelectric film from dimethyl sulfoxide solution

The electrochemical behaviors of Bi(III), Te(IV), Sb(III) and their mixtures in DMSO solutions were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry measurements. On this basis, Bi_xSb_2−xTe_y film thermoelectric materials were prepared by potentiodynamic electrodeposition technique from mixed DMSO solution, and the compositions, structures, morphologies as well as the thermoelectric properties of the deposited films were also analyzed. The results show that Bi_xSb_2−xTe_y compound can be prepared in a very wide potential range by potentiodynamic electrodeposition technique in the mixed DMSO solutions. After anneal treatment, the deposited film prepared in the potential range of −200 to −400 mV shows the highest Seebeck coefficient (185 μV/K), the lowest resistivity (3.34 × 10⁻⁵ Ω m), the smoothest surface, the most compact structure and processes the stoichiometry (Bi_0.49Sb_1.53Te_2.98) approaching to the Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ ideal material most. This Bi_0.49Sb_1.53Te_2.98 film is a kind of nanocrystalline material and (0 1 5) crystal plane is its preferred orientation.     

Parallel oxygen and chlorine evolution on Ru1−xNixO2−y nanostructured electrodes

Nanocrystalline materials with chemical composition corresponding to formula Ru_1−xNi_xO_2−y (0.02 < x < 0.30) were prepared by sol-gel approach. Substitution of Ru by Ni has a minor effect on the structural characteristics extractable from X-ray diffraction patterns. The electrocatalytic behavior of Ru_1−xNi_xO_2−y with respect to parallel oxygen (oxygen evolution reaction, OER) and chlorine (chlorine evolution reaction, CER) evolution in acidic media was studied by voltammetry combined with differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). The DEMS data indicate a significant decrease of the over-voltage for chlorine evolution with respect to that of pure RuO₂. The oxygen evolution is slightly hindered. The increasing Ni content affects the electrode material activity and selectivity. The overall material's activity increases with increasing Ni content. The activity of the Ru-Ni-O oxides towards Cl₂ evolution shows a distinguished maximum for material containing 10% of Ni. Further increase of Ni content results in suppression of Cl₂ evolution in favor of O₂ evolution. A model reflecting the cation-cation interactions resulting from Ni-doping is proposed to explain the observed trends in electrocatalytic behavior.     

Characterization of MgxM2 − xP2O7 (M = Cu and Ni) solid solutions

In this study, Mg_xM_2 − xP₂O₇ (M = Cu, Ni; 0 ≤ x ≤ 2) and Mg_3 − yNi_y(PO₄)₂ (0 ≤ y ≤ 3) compositions were synthesized by the chemical coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and CIE L* a* b* (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage L* a* b*) parameters measurements.Solid solutions with α-Cu₂P₂O₇ and α-Ni₂P₂O₇ structures and solid solutions with Ni₃(PO₄)₂ structure were obtained from diphosphate and orthophosphate compositions respectively. Isostructurality of α-Ni₂P₂O₇ and α-Mg₂P₂O₇ structures enlarges the compositional range of solid solution formation respect to the Mg_xCu_2 − xP₂O₇ solid solutions one.The CIE L* a* b* parameters in Mg_xNi_2 − xP₂O₇ samples were obtained comparable with these parameters in others yellow materials suitable for ceramic pigments. Mg_0.5Ni_1.5P₂O₇ composition fired at 800 °C or 1000 °C is the optimal composition to obtain yellow materials with α-diphosphate structure in conditions of this study.     

Synthesis and tunable thermal expansion properties of Sc2−xYxW3O12 solid solutions

A new series of rare earth solid solutions Sc_2−xY_xW₃O₁₂ was successfully synthesized by the conventional solid-state method. Effects of doping ion yttrium on the crystal structure, morphology and thermal expansion property of as-prepared Sc_2−xY_xW₃O₁₂ ceramics were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA). Results indicate that the obtained Sc_2−xY_xW₃O₁₂ samples with Y doping of 0≤x≤0.5 are in the form of orthorhombic Sc₂W₃O₁₂-structure and show negative thermal expansion (NTE) from room temperature to 600 °C; while as-synthesized materials with Y doping of 1.5≤x≤2 take hygroscopic Y₂W₃O₁₂·nH₂O-structure at room temperature and exhibit NTE only after losing water molecules. It is suggested that the obvious difference in crystal structure leads to different thermal expansion behaviors in Sc_2−xY_xW₃O₁₂. Thus it is proposed that thermal expansion properties of Sc_2−xY_xW₃O₁₂ can be adjusted by the employment of Y dopant; the obtained Sc_1.5Y_0.5W₃O₁₂ ceramic shows almost zero thermal expansion and its average linear thermal expansion coefficient is −0.00683×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ in the 25–250 °C range.     

Syngas production from methane reforming with CO2/H2O and O2 over NiO–MgO solid solution catalyst in fluidized bed reactors

Catalyst performance of NiO–MgO solid solution catalysts for methane reforming with CO₂ and H₂O in the presence of oxygen using fluidized and fixed bed reactors under atmospheric and pressurized conditions was investigated. Especially, methane and CO₂ conversion in the fluidized bed reactor in methane reforming with CO₂ and O₂ was higher than those in the fixed bed reactor over Ni_0.15Mg_0.85O catalyst under 1.0 MPa. In contrast, conversion levels in the fluidized and fixed bed reactor were almost the same over MgO-supported Ni and Pt catalysts. It is suggested that the promoting effect of catalyst fluidization on the activity is related to the catalyst reducibility. On a catalyst with suitable reducibility, the oxidized and deactivated catalyst can be reduced with the produced syngas and the reforming activity regenerates in the fluidized bed reactor during the catalyst fluidization. In addition, the catalyst fluidization inhibited the carbon deposition.     

Structure,magnetic and electrical transport properties of the perovskites Sm1−xCaxFe1−xMnxO3

The structure of series Sm_1−xCa_xFe_1−xMn_xO₃ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) compounds was investigated. The lattice parameters increase with coupled substitution Sm³⁺ by Ca²⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ for Fe³⁺. The variation of parameter, c, is larger than that of a and b, respectivly. The detailed analysis of magnetic properties of series Sm_1−xCa_xFe_1−xMn_xO₃ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) shows that local magnetic interaction between Fe³⁺ and Fe³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ at below magnetic transition temperature is antiferromagnetic. Above magnetic transition temperature the presence of large magnetic cluster is proposed and the sizes of magnetic clusters decrease with Mn⁴⁺. The electrical transport behaviors related with small polaron hopping and variable range hopping models.     

Preparation and microstructural characterization of (Nd1−xGdx)2(Ce1−xZrx)2O7 solid solutions

(Nd_1−xGd_x)₂(Ce_1−xZr_x)₂O₇ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) powders with an average particle size of 100 nm were synthesized with chemical-coprecipitation and calcination method, and were characterized by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The sintering behaviour of (Nd_1−xGd_x)₂(Ce_1−xZr_x)₂O₇ powders was studied by pressureless sintering at 1600–1700 °C for 10 h in air. The relative densities of (Nd_1−xGd_x)₂(Ce_1−xZr_x)₂O₇ solid solutions increase with increasing the sintering temperature, and gradually decrease with increasing the content of neodymium and cerium at identical temperature levels. (Nd_1−xGd_x)₂(Ce_1−xZr_x)₂O₇ solid solutions have a single phase of defect fluorite-type structure among all the composition combinations studied. The lattice parameters of (Nd_1−xGd_x)₂(Ce_1−xZr_x)₂O₇ solid solutions agree well with the Vegard's rule.     

Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of Zn1−xTixO nanoparticles prepared via a high-energy ball milling technique

Zn_1−xTi_xO (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05) nanoparticles were prepared by high-energy ball milling at 400 rpm. The milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and the results exhibited that Ti-doped ZnO nanoparticles consisted of single phase with hexagonal structure when the mixtures of ZnO and TiO₂ powders were milled for 20 h. The crystallite size reduced as a function of the doping content and milling time from 1 to 10 h then increased after milling for 20 h and when the annealing temperature increased. The strain changed inversely to the crystallite size. A wider band-gap was obtained by increasing the doping content and annealing temperature because of a reduction in defect concentration. Both ZnO- and Ti-doped ZnO nanoparticles caused damage to S. aureus, E. coli, P. mirabilis, S. typhi and P. aeruginosa.     

Re-examination of bulk and grain boundary conductivities of Ce1−xGdxO2−δ ceramics

Powders of gadolinium-doped ceria solid solutions, Ce_1−xGd_xO_2−δ (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4), were prepared by a freeze-drying precursor route. Dense ceramic pellets with average grain sizes in the range of several microns were obtained after sintering at 1600 °C. Cobalt nitrate was added to the powders to obtain dense ceramic samples with grain sizes in the submicrometer range at 1150 °C. The ionic conduction was analysed by impedance spectroscopy in air, to de-convolute the bulk and grain boundary contributions. The bulk conductivity at low temperature clearly decreases with increasing content of Gd whereas the activation energy increases. An alternative method is proposed to analyse the extent of defect interactions on conduction. For samples without addition of Co, the specific grain boundary conductivity increases with increasing Gd content. Addition of cobalt does not alter the bulk properties but produces an important increase in the specific grain boundary conductivity, mainly in samples with lower Gd-concentration (x = 0.05 and 0.1). Segregation of Gd and its strong interaction with charge carriers may explain the blocking effects of grain boundaries.     

Isotopic study of the reaction of methane with the lattice oxygen of a NiO/MgO solid solution

The reaction between methane and the lattice oxygen of a NiO/MgO (1/1.85) solid solution was investigated by an isotopic pulse-GCMS method. During a single-pulse reaction of CH₄/CD₄ (1/1) with the lattice oxygen, besides CH₄, CD₄, carbon monoxide and water, very small amounts of CHD₃, CH₂D₂ and CH₃D were detected in the exit gas. Because the isotopic kinetic effect (K_H/K_D) was 1.01, the dissociation of CH₄ cannot constitute the rate-determining step. The rate-determining step is the reaction with the lattice oxygen, because of the high stability of the lattice oxygen in the NiO/MgO solid solutions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electrochemical characteristics of LiMxFe1−xPO4 cathode with LiBOB based electrolytes

The conductivity of LiBOB based electrolyte, which we formed in our lab, has been compared with commercialized LiPF₆ based electrolyte firstly. The charge and discharge capacity of the LiFePO₄/Li half-cell with two kind of electrolyte has compared both at room temperature and elevated temperature. LiBOB cell presented better charge/discharge stability at elevated temperature than the counterpart. ICP method was adopted to analyze the reaction of electrolytes with cathode material at high temperature. Cyclic voltammogram was conducted to analyze the charge/discharge process of the cell in both LiBOB based electrolyte and LiPF₆ based electrolyte at different temperature.     

A novel synthesis route to Sn1−xRExO2−x/2 nanorods via microwave-induced salt-assisted solution combustion process

Sn_1−xRE_xO_2−x/2 (RE=Y, La, Gd and Nd) nanorods have been prepared by annealing the as-obtained products from microwave-induced KCl-assisted solution combustion reaction. The phase evolution in the synthesis process was investigated by an X-ray diffractometer. Accordingly, the possible growth mechanism of Sn_1−xRE_xO_2−x/2 nanorods was discussed based on oriented attachment by polar forces. The results showed that the Sn_0.8Y_0.2O_1.9 nanorods were rutile-structured single crystals with 8–12 nm diameter and 100–200 nm length. Proper addition of KCl into the redox mixture solution is critical to the formation of Sn_1−xRE_xO_2−x/2 nanorods. The approach is convenient, inexpensive and efficient for the high yield preparation of Sn_1−xRE_xO_2−x/2 nanorods.     

Synthesis and properties of (Hf1-xTax)C solid solution carbides

Thermodynamically stable (Hf_1–xTa_x)C (x?=?0.1–0.3) compositions were selected by First Principle Calculation and synthesized in nanopowders via high-energy ball milling and carbothermal reduction of commercial oxides at 1450?°C. The formation of a solid solution during powder synthesis was investigated. The solid solution carbide powders were sintered at 1900?°C by spark plasma sintering without a sintering aid. As a result, the (Hf_1–xTa_x)C solid solution carbides exhibited high densities, excellent hardness and fracture toughness (ρ: 98.7–100.0%, HVN: 19.69–19.98?GPa, K_IC: 5.09–5.15?MPa?m^1/2) compared with previously reported HfC and HfC–TaC solid solution carbides.