New horizon in mechanochemistry—high-temperature,high-pressure mechanical synthesis in a planetary ball mill—with magnesium hydride synthesis as an example

A new route of materials synthesis, namely, high-temperature, high-pressure reactive planetary ball milling (HTPRM), is presented. HTPRM allows for the mechanosynthesis of materials at fully controlled temperatures of up to 450 °C and pressures of up to 100 bar of hydrogen. As an example of this application, a successful synthesis of magnesium hydride is presented. The synthesis was performed at controlled temperatures (room temperature (RT), 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 325 °C) while milling in a planetary ball mill under hydrogen pressure ($>$50 bar). Very mild milling conditions (250 rpm) were applied for a total milling time of 2 h, and a milling vial with a relatively small diameter (φ = 53 mm, V = ～0.06 dm³) was used. The effect of different temperatures on the synthesis kinetics and outcome were examined. The particle morphology, phase composition, reaction yield, and particle size were measured and analysed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The obtained results showed that increasing the temperature of the process significantly improved the reaction rate, which suggested the great potential of this technique for the mechanochemical synthesis of materials.     

Three-dimensional and anisotropic numerical analysis of a PEM fuel cell

In this study, the effects of cell temperature and relative humidity on charge transport parameters are numerically analyzed. In order to perform this analysis, three-dimensional and anisotropic numerical models are developed. The numerical models are integrated into the experimental values for anisotropic electrical conductivities, as depending on cell temperature and relative humidity, that were obtained from our previous study. The achieved results indicate that the values of current densities in the in-plane direction increase with increasing cell temperature and relative humidity, while the current densities reach a maximum in the rib regions for both the numerical model at the through-plane direction. The behaviors of electrolyte potentials are similar with changes in the cell temperature and relative humidity. In addition, the cathode electrical potentials in both the in-plane direction and through-plane direction do not change to a considerable amount with increasing cell temperature and relative humidity.     

Plasma-assisted CO2 reforming of methane over Ni-based catalysts: Promoting role of Ag and Sn secondary metals

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are the primary greenhouse gases (GHGs) that drive global climate change. CO₂ reforming of CH₄ or dry reforming of CH₄ (DRM) is used for the simultaneous conversion of CO₂ and CH₄ into syngas and higher hydrocarbons. In this study, DRM was investigated using Ag–Ni/Al₂O₃ packing and Sn–Ni/Al₂O₃ packing in a parallel plate dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The performance of the DBD reactor was significantly enhanced when applying Ag–Ni/Al₂O₃ and Sn–Ni/Al₂O₃ due to the relatively high electrical conductivity of Ag and Sn as well as their anti-coke performances. Using Ag–Ni/Al₂O₃ consisting of 1.5 wt% Ag and 5 wt% Ni/Al₂O₃ as the catalyst in the DBD reactor, 19% CH₄ conversion, 21% CO₂ conversion, 60% H₂ selectivity, 81% CO selectivity, energy efficiency of 7.9% and 0.74% (by mole) coke formation were achieved. In addition, using Sn–Ni/Al₂O₃, consisting of 0.5 wt% Sn and 5 wt% Ni/Al₂O₃, 15% CH₄ conversion, 19% CO₂ conversion, 64% H₂ selectivity, 70% CO selectivity, energy efficiency of 6.0%, and 2.1% (by mole) coke formation were achieved. Sn enhanced the reactant conversions and energy efficiency, and resulted in a reduction in coke formation; these results are comparable to that achieved when using the noble metal Ag. The decrease in the formation of coke could be correlated to the increase in the CO selectivity of the catalyst. Good dispersion of the secondary metals on Ni was found to be an important factor for the observed increases in the catalyst surface area and catalytic activities. Furthermore, the stability of the catalytic reactions was investigated for 1800 min over the 0.5 wt% Ag-5 wt% Ni/Al₂O₃ and 0.5 wt% Sn-5 wt% Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts. The results showed an increase in the reactant conversions with an increase in the reaction time.     

Potential influence of microorganisms on the corrosion of carbon steel in the French high- and intermediate-level long-lived radioactive waste disposal context

In the context of the high-level radioactive waste disposal CIGEO, the corrosion rate due to microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) has to be evaluated. In France, it is envisaged to dispose of high- and intermediate-level long-lived radioactive waste at a depth of 500 m in a deep geological disposal, drilled in the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone (Cox) formation. To do so, a carbon steel casing will be inserted inside disposal cells, which are horizontal tunnels drilled in the Cox. A specific cement grout will be injected between the carbon steel casing and the claystone. A study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of MIC on carbon steel in the foreseeable high radioactive waste disposal. The corrosiveness of various environments was investigated at 50°C and 80°C with or without microorganisms enriched from samples of Andra's underground research laboratory. The monitoring of corrosion during the experiments was ensured using gravimetric method and real-time corrosion monitoring using sensors based on the measurements of the electrical resistance. The corrosion data were completed with microbiological analyses including cultural and molecular characterizations.     

Synthesis,characterization and charge transport properties of Pr–Ni Co-doped SrFe2O4 spinel for high frequency devices applications

Ferrites are materials of interest due to their broad applications in high technological devices and a lot of research has been focused to synthesize new ferrites. In this regard, an effort has been devoted to synthesize spinel Pr–Ni co-substituted strontium ferrites with a nominal formula of Sr_1-xPr_xFe_2-yNi_yO₄ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 1.0). The cubic structure of pure and Pr–Ni co-substituted strontium ferrite samples calcinated at 1073 K for 3 h has been confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD). Average sizes of crystallites (18–25 nm) have been estimated from XRD analysis and nanometer particle sizes of synthesized ferrites have been further verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results have also shown that particles are mostly agglomerated and all the samples possess porosity. It has been observed that at 298 K, the values of resistivity (ρ) increase, while that of AC conductivity, dielectric loss, and dielectric constants decrease with increasing amounts of Pr³⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. The values of dielectric parameters initially decrease with frequency and later become constant and can be explained on the basis of dielectric polarization. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies show that the charge transport phenomenon in ferrite materials is mainly controlled via grain boundaries. Overall, synthesized ferrite materials own enhanced resistivity values in the range of 1.38 × 10⁹–1.94 × 10⁹ Ω cm and minimum dielectric losses, which makes them suitable candidates for high frequency devices applications.     

Revealing Electrical-Poling-Induced Polarization Potential in Hybrid Perovskite Photodetectors

Despite recent rapid advances in metal halide perovskites for use in optoelectronics, the fundamental understanding of the electrical-poling-induced ion migration, accounting for many unusual attributes and thus performance in perovskite-based devices, remain comparatively elusive. Herein, the electrical-poling-promoted polarization potential is reported for rendering hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite photodetectors with high photocurrent and fast response time, displaying a tenfold enhancement in the photocurrent and a twofold decrease in the response time after an external electric field poling. First, a robust meniscus-assisted solution-printing strategy is employed to facilitate the oriented perovskite crystals over a large area. Subsequently, the electrical poling invokes the ion migration within perovskite crystals, thus inducing a polarization potential, as substantiated by the surface potential change assessed by Kelvin probe force microscopy. Such electrical-poling-induced polarization potential is responsible for the markedly enhanced photocurrent and largely shortened response time. This work presents new insights into the electrical-poling-triggered ion migration and, in turn, polarization potential as well as into the implication of the latter for optoelectronic devices with greater performance. As such, the utilization of ion-migration-produced polarization potential may represent an important endeavor toward a wide range of high-performance perovskite-based photodetectors, solar cells, transistors, scintillators, etc.     

Multi-discharge EDM coring of single crystal SiC ingot by electrostatic induction feeding method

A new technique of EDM coring of single crystal silicon carbide (SiC) ingot was proposed in this paper. Currently single crystal SiC devices are still of high cost due to the high cost of bulk crystal SiC material and the difficulty in the fabrication process of SiC. In the manufacturing process of SiC ingot/wafer, localized cracks or defects occasionally occur due to thermal or mechanical causes resulted from fabrication processes which may waste the whole piece of material. To save the part of ingot without defects and maximize the material utilization, the authors proposed EDM coring method to cut out a no defect ingot from a larger diameter ingot which has localized defects. A special experimental setup was developed for EDM coring of SiC ingot in this study and its feasibility and machining performance were investigated. Meanwhile, in order to improve the machining rate, a novel multi-discharge EDM coring method by electrostatic induction feeding was established, which can realize multiple discharges in single pulse duration. Experimental results make it clear that EDM coring of SiC ingot can be carried out stably using the developed experimental setup. Taking advantage of the newly developed multi-discharge EDM method, both the machining speed and surface integrity can be improved.     

Coil‐Type Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrical Cables

Cable‐shaped supercapacitors (SCs) have recently aroused significant attention due to their attractive properties such as small size, lightweight, and bendability. Current cable‐shaped SCs have symmetric device configuration. However, if an asymmetric design is used in cable‐shaped supercapacitors, they would become more attractive due to broader cell operation voltages, which results in higher energy densities. Here, a novel coil‐type asymmetric supercapacitor electrical cable (CASEC) is reported with enhanced cell operation voltage and extraordinary mechanical‐electrochemical stability. The CASECs show excellent charge–discharge profiles, extraordinary rate capability (95.4%), high energy density (0.85 mWh cm⁻³), remarkable flexibility and bendability, and superior bending cycle stability (≈93.0% after 4000 cycles at different bending states). In addition, the CASECs not only exhibit the capability to store energy but also to transmit electricity simultaneously and independently. The integrated electrical conduction and storage capability of CASECS offer many potential applications in solar energy storage and electronic gadgets.     

A review on ultrasonic spot welding of copper alloys

As a solid state joining process, ultrasonic spot welding has been proven to be a promising technique for joining copper alloys. However, challenges still remain in employing ultrasonic spot welding to join copper alloys. This article comprehensively reviews the current state of ultrasonic spot welding of copper alloys with a number of critical issues including materials flow, plastic deformation, temperature distribution, vibration, relative motion, vertical displacement, interface friction coefficient, online monitoring technique, coupled with the macrostructure and microstructure, the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. In addition, the future trends in this field are provided.     

东兴铝业嘉峪关分公司铝灰渣循环利用研究

铝灰渣是铝熔铸过程中产生的废弃物。本文主要介绍了酒钢东兴铝业嘉峪关分公司铝灰渣的产生量、排放、利用情况、化学成分及表面特征,并简要介绍了铝灰渣、铝灰的循环利用途径。