Phase transition and negative thermal expansion properties in isovalently substituted In2−xScx(MoO4)3 ceramics

Sc-substituted In_2−xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) ceramics were successfully synthesized by the solid state reaction method with the goal of tuning the phase transition temperature. Effects of Sc³⁺ substitution on the phase composition, microstructure, phase transition temperature and thermal expansion behavior of the In_2−xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) ceramics were investigated using XRD, FESEM, EDX, XPS and TMA, respectively. The results indicate that all samples are single phase. The relative densities of the In_2−xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ ceramics increased gradually with increasing Sc³⁺ content. Investigations on thermal expansion properties of the In_2−xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ ceramics reveal that the temperature-induced phase transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic symmetry is strongly correlated to the Sc³⁺ content. The obtained In₂(MoO₄)₃ ceramics undergoes a structural phase transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic around 355.3 °C. The phase transition temperature can be significantly shifted from 355.3 °C (x = 0) to 31.9 °C (x = 1.5) by partially replacing In³⁺ cations with less electronegative Sc³⁺ cations. All In_2−xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) ceramics exhibit strong negative thermal expansion above the phase transition temperature. In_0.5Sc_1.5(MoO₄)₃ exhibits linear NTE over the 100–700 °C temperature range with a linear coefficient of thermal expansion of −3.99 × 10⁻⁶ °C ⁻¹.     

Sc3+-doping effects on porous Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode with superior rate performance and cyclic stability

An enhanced sol-gel combustion method was used to synthesize different porous Sc³⁺-doped Li₃V_2-xSc_x(PO₄)₃/C (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) compounds. The substitution of Sc³⁺ into the V³⁺ sites of Li₃V_2-xSc_x(PO₄)₃/C expands the lattice volume along with the enlargement of Li⁺ diffusion channel, which is beneficial for Li⁺ transportation and ionic conductivity improvement. Besides, the Sc³⁺ doping content exhibits a great impact on the morphology of Li₃V_2-xSc_x(PO₄)₃/C composite. The pristine Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C are constituted of porous particles and nanorods, and the ratio of nanorods to particles can be controlled by adjusting the amount of Sc³⁺ doping since the ratio of nanorods to particles decreases with increasing Sc³⁺ doping content. When Sc³⁺ doping content increases to a certain level (x = 0.15, Li₃V_1.85Sc_0.15(PO₄)₃/C), the nanorods are hardly seen. Li₃V_1.90Sc_0.10(PO₄)₃/C with higher tapped density, better reversibility, smaller resistance and larger Li⁺ diffusion coefficient demonstrates outstanding rate performance and cyclic stability, together with high specific discharge capacities of 130.2 and 92.9 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 and 20 C, respectively. Furthermore, a superior specific discharge capacity of 85.8 mAh g⁻¹ was retained at 20 C following 1000 cycles. Overall, a novel approach for the preparation of high-performance Li₃V_2-xSc_x(PO₄)₃/C cathodes with different morphologies for lithium-ion batteries is provided.     

Effects of Yb and Sc co-doping on the thermal properties and CMAS corrosion of garnet-type (Y3-xYbx)(Al5-xScx)O12 ceramics

Thermal barrier coatings with excellent thermal performance and corrosion resistance are essential for improving the performance of aero-engines. In this paper, (Y_3-xYb_x)(Al_5-xSc_x)O₁₂ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) thermal barrier coating materials were synthesized by a combination of sol-gel method and ball milling refinement method. The thermal properties of the (Y_3-xYb_x)(Al_5-xSc_x)O₁₂ ceramics were significantly improved by increasing Yb and Sc doping content. Among designed ceramics, (Y_2.8Yb_0.2)(Al_4.8Sc_0.2)O₁₂ (YS-YAG) showed the lowest thermal conductivity (1.58 Wm^?1K^?1, at 800 °C) and the highest thermal expansion coefficient (10.7 × 10^?6 K^?1, at 1000 °C). In addition, calcium-magnesium- aluminum -silicate (CMAS) corrosion resistance of YS-YAG was further investigated. It was observed that YS-YAG ceramic effectively prevented CMAS corrosion due to its chemical inertness to CMAS as well as its unique and complex structure. Due to the excellent thermal properties and CMAS corrosion resistance, YS-YAG is considered to be prospective material for thermal barrier coatings.     

Structural dependence of microwave dielectric properties in ilmenite-type Mg(Ti1-xNbx)O3 solid solutions by Rietveld refinement and Raman spectra

Mg(Ti_1-xNb_x)O₃ (x = 0–0.09) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. The phase composition, sintering characteristics, microstructure and dielectric properties of Ti⁴⁺ replacement by Nb⁵⁺ in the formed solid solution Mg(Ti_1-xNb_x)O₃ (x = 0–0.09) ceramics were systematically studied. The structural variations and influence of Nb⁵⁺ doping in Mg(Ti_1-xNb_x)O₃ were also systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. X-ray diffraction and its Rietveld refinement results confirmed that Mg(Ti_1-xNb_x)O₃ (x = 0–0.09) ceramics crystallised into an ilmenite-type with R-3 (148) space group. The replacement of the low valence Ti⁴⁺ by the high valence Nb⁵⁺ can improve the dielectric properties of Mg(Ti_1-xNb_x)O₃ (x = 0–0.09). This paper also studied the different sintering temperatures for Mg(Ti_1-xNb_x)O₃ (x = 0–0.09) ceramics. The obtained results proved that 1350 °C is the best sintering temperature. The permittivity and Q × f initially increased and then decreased mainly due to the effects of porosity caused by the sintering temperature and the doping amount of Nb₂O₅, respectively. Furthermore, the increased Q × f is correlated to the increase in Ti–O bond strength as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, and the electrons generated by the oxygen vacancies will be compensated by Nb⁵⁺ to a certain extent to suppress Ti⁴⁺ to Ti³⁺, which was confirmed by XPS. The increase in τ_f from ?47 ppm/°C to ?40.1 ppm/°C is due to the increment in cell polarisability. Another reason for the increased τ_f is the reduction in the distortion degree of the [TiO₆] octahedral, which was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Mg(Ti_0.95Nb_0.05)O₃ ceramics sintered at 1350 °C for 2 h possessed excellent microwave dielectric properties of ε_r = 18.12, Q × f = 163618 GHz and τ_f = ?40.1 ppm/°C.     

Valence state of europium and samarium in Ln2Hf2O7 (Ln = Eu,Sm) based oxygen ion conductors

Ln₂(Hf_2-xLn_x)O_7-x/2 (Ln = Sm, Eu; x = 0.1) pyrochlores have been prepared via mechanical activation of oxide mixtures, followed by heat treatment for 4h at 1450 and 1600 °C, respectively. According to the ESR data, the Eu cations on the Hf site in the Hf_1-xEu_xO₆ octahedra in pyrochlore Eu₂(Hf_2-xEu_x)O_7-x/2 (x = 0.1) are most readily oxidized and reduced. Oxidation at 840 °C for 24h in air reduces the total conductivity of the Ln₂(Hf_2-xLn_x)O_7-x/2 (Ln = Sm, Eu; x = 0.1) by a factor of 2.5–6, due to the decrease in the concentrations of oxygen vacancies and Ln²⁺ ions as a result of the oxidation. The anomalous low-frequency behavior of the permittivity of the Eu₂(Hf_2-xEu_x)O_7-x/2 (x = 0.1) at ~800 °C can be understood in terms of the changes in the oxygen sublattice of the pyrochlore structure as a result of the oxidation of divalent europium and partial filling of oxygen vacancies at this temperature.     

Improving room temperature negative thermal expansion performance of Fe2-xScx(MoO4)3

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) performance of Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ is only found in a high-temperature range due to its monoclinic-to-orthorhombic (M-O) phase transformation temperature (PTT) at 503.5°C. To stabilize the orthorhombic phase of Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ at room temperature, a series of Fe_2-xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ (0≤x≤1.5) (abbreviated as F_2-xS_xM) were fabricated via solid-state reaction. Results indicate that the M-O PTT of Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ is successfully reduced from 503.5°C to 34.5°C by A-site cation substitution of Sc³⁺. The regulation mechanism is considered to be the decrease in electronegativity of (Fe_2-xSc_x)⁶⁺ in F_2-xS_xM. Both variable temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) analysis results indicate that F_0.5S_1.5 M exhibits anisotropic NTE in 100–700°C. The results indicate that it can effectively improve the densification of Sc-substituted F_0.5S_1.5 M ceramics by two-step calcination process. Furthermore, higher second-step calcination temperature is beneficial for the formation of single-phased orthorhombic F_0.5S_1.5 M. The NTE response temperature range of F_0.5S_1.5 M ceramics second-step sintered at 1000°C is broadened to 30–600°C, and the corresponding coefficient of thermal expansion is -5.74 × 10⁻⁶°C⁻¹. The ease in the proposed design and preparation method makes NTE F_0.5S_1.5 M potential for a wide range of applications in precision mechanical, electronic, optical, and communication instruments.     

Effect of isovalent substitution on phase transition and negative thermal expansion of In2−xScxW3O12 ceramics

Solid solutions of In_2−xSc_xW₃O₁₂ (0≤x≤2) were successfully synthesized using the solid state reaction method. Effects of substituted scandium content on the phase composition, microstructure, phase transition temperatures and thermal expansion behaviors of the resulting In_2−xSc_xW₃O₁₂ (0≤x≤2) samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA). Results indicate that the obtained In₂W₃O₁₂ ceramic undergoes a structure phase transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic at 248 °C. This phase transition temperature of In₂W₃O₁₂ can be easily shifted to a lower temperature by partly substituting the In³⁺ with Sc³⁺. When the x value increased from 0 to 1, the phase transition temperatures of In_2−xSc_xW₃O₁₂ (0≤x≤2) samples decreased from 248 to 47 °C. All the In_2−xSc_xW₃O₁₂ (0≤x≤2) ceramics show fine negative thermal expansion below their corresponding phase transition temperatures. The negative thermal expansion coefficients of the In_2−xSc_xW₃O₁₂ (0≤x≤2) ceramics change in the range from −1.08×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ to −7.13×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹.     

Structure and microwave dielectric properties of Li(Al1-xLix)SiO4-x ceramics

Li(Al_1-xLi_x)SiO_4-x (x = 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, and 0.02) ceramics were synthesized via a traditional solid phase reaction method with different sintering temperatures. To determine the positions occupied by Li⁺ in the lattice, the defect formation energies and total energies of various sites of LiAlSiO₄ (LAS) occupied by Li⁺ were examined, and the energy of LAS systems were calculated using density functional theory of first-principle with the CASTEP module. The results demonstrated that the Al-sites occupied by Li⁺ had the lowest formation energies and total energy, so Li ⁺ should substitute Al³⁺. The impacts of replacing Al³⁺ with Li⁺ on the bulk density, sintering properties, phase composition, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of Li(Al_1-xLi_x)SiO_4-x (0 = x ≤ 0.02) ceramics were thoroughly studied. With Li⁺-doping, the sintering temperature decreased from 1300 °C (x = 0) to 1175 °C (x = 0.02), while the Q × f and τ_f values of LAS ceramics significantly increased. The Li(Al_0.99Li_0.01)SiO_3.99 ceramic was fully sintered at 1250 °C for 10 h to obtain excellent microwave dielectric properties: ε_r = 3.49, Q × f = 51,358 GHz, and τ_f = ?51.48 × 10^?6 °C^?1.     

Microwave dielectric characterization of Ca0.6(La1-xYx)0.2667TiO3 perovskite ceramics with high positive temperature coefficient

Solid solution Ca_0.6(La_1-xY_x)_0.2667TiO₃ dielectric ceramic systems with various x values were studied, which were prepared using a solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction and X-ray spectroscopy analyses showed that the crystal structure of these samples was orthorhombic perovskite. The microstructures with the substitution amount of Y³⁺ and the dielectric performances of the Ca_0.6(La_1-xY_x)_0.2667TiO₃ ceramics were also explored. With x = 0.1, the Ca_0.6(La_0.9Y_0.1)_0.2667TiO₃ ceramic could be sintered at 1350 °C, and the microwave dielectric performance was found to be strongly correlated with the sintering temperature. A maximum Qf value of 23,100 (GHz), dielectric constant (ε_r) of 111, and temperature coefficient (τ_f) of 374.6 ppm/°C were achieved for samples sintered at 1350 °C for 4 h. This dielectric ceramic possessed good potential as a τ_f compensator to obtain a near-zero τ_f mixture for high-quality substrates for use in wireless communication systems.     

Effect of substituting Al3+ for Ti4+on the microwave dielectric performance of Mg2Ti1-xAl4/3xO4 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) ceramics

In this paper, Mg₂Ti_1-xAl_4/3xO₄ ceramics (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) were synthesized through conventional solid-state ceramic route. The cubic spinel structure, microstructure and microwave properties of Mg₂Ti_1-xAl_4/3xO₄ (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09) ceramics were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, infrared spectra. Rietveld refinements confirm that a spinel structure phase with space group Fd-3m is formed. The variation of the permittivity was concerned with the ionic polarizability, and the value of τ_f was influenced by the bond valence. Both Q × f values and relative density showed an identical trend. Intrinsic properties of Mg₂Ti_1-xAl_4/3xO₄ ceramics were analyzed by infrared spectra and Raman spectra. In addition, the Mg₂Ti_1-xAl_4/3xO₄ ceramic sintered at 1420 °C for 4 h possessed optimal dielectric properties (ε_r = 14.65, Q × f = 182347 GHz, τ_f = −57.7 ppm/°C) when x = 0.09.     

Fabrication and characterization of In doped Li13.9Sr0.1Zn(GeO4+δ)4 electrolytes for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

Li_13.9Sr_0.1Zn(GeO_4+δ)₄ (LSZG) materials can exhibit proton conduction by Li⁺/H⁺ ion exchange in hydrogen atmosphere. It can be used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as an electrolyte. In this study, In³⁺ doped LSZG powders are synthesized by sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analyzer, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to investigate the effects of In doping on LSZG. All Li_13.9-xIn_xSr_0.1Zn(GeO_4+δ)₄ (LISZG, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics exhibit the same phase with LSZG. The dopant of In promotes the sintering activity and Li⁺/H⁺ ion exchange rate of LSZG. The optimum doping of In is x = 0.2. At 600 °C, Li_13.7In_0.2Sr_0.1Zn(GeO_4+δ)₄ (0.2LISZG) shows a proton conductivity of 0.094 S/cm under 0.9 V direct current bias voltage. In addition, the single cell based on 0.2LISZG electrolyte is prepared, and it has been demonstrated that the practical utilization of 0.2LISZG in IT-SOFCs is feasible.     

Tuning the phase transition temperature of Cr2(MoO4)3 by A-site substitution of scandium

A series of Cr_2-xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ solid solutions with tunable monoclinic-to-orthorhombic phase transition temperature have been synthesized via solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that all synthesized Cr_2-xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ (0?< x?≤?1.4) solid solutions are single phased with no impurities identified, which reveals that Cr³⁺ has been substituted by Sc³⁺ in Cr₂(MoO₄)₃. Monoclinic to orthorhombic phase transition temperature of Cr_2-xSc_x(MoO₄)₃ can be effectively tuned from 372?°C to room temperature as the substituted Sc³⁺-content (x) varies from 0 to 1.4. The synthesized Cr_0.6Sc_1.4(MoO₄)₃ crystalizes in an orthorhombic structure at room temperature, exhibiting anisotropic negative thermal expansion throughout the testing temperature range. The coefficient of thermal expansion measured by thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA) for Cr_0.6Sc_1.4(MoO₄)₃ is ?11.17?×?10^?6 °C^?1 in the testing temperature range of 30–600?°C. Moreover, the crystallization, micromorphology, density and coefficient of thermal expansion of Cr_0.6Sc_1.4(MoO₄)₃ are obviously sensitive to the twice sintering temperature, whereas none of such sensitivity is found for the phase transition temperature.     

Preparation of In0.5Sc1.5Mo3O12 nanofibers and its negative thermal expansion property

Orthorhombic In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning followed by a heat treatment. The effects of post-annealing temperatures on the phase composition, microstructure and morphology were investigated by XRD, SEM, HRTEM and XPS. Negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of the In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers were analyzed by high-temperature XRD. Results indicate that the as-prepared In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers show an amorphous structure with smooth and homogeneous shape. The average diameter of the as-prepared In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers is around 515 nm. Well crystallized orthorhombic In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers could be prepared after post-annealing at 550 °C for 2 h with an average diameter of about 192 nm. The crystallinity of In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers gradually improved with the increase of annealing temperature. However, too high post-annealing temperature leads to a damage of sample's fiber structure. The high-temperature XRD results reveal that In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers show an anisotropic NTE, and the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) along a-axis and c-axis were −5.95 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ and -3.54 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹, while the one along b-axis is 5.61 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹. The volumetric CTE of In_0.5Sc_1.5Mo₃O₁₂ nanofibers is −3.90 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ and the linear one is 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ in 25–700 °C.     

Effect of calcination temperature on optical,magnetic and dielectric properties of Sol-Gel synthesized Ni0.2Mg0.8-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0–0.8)

The Ni_0.2Mg_0.8-xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 & 0.8) nanomaterials were prepared via sol-gel technique. These samples were calcined at three different temperatures (T) such as 400, 450 and 500 °C/5 h. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of all the calcined samples revealed the single phase cubic spinel structure. The lattice constants (a = b = c) were noticed to be increasing with increase of ‘x’. The grain shape, size and distribution of x = 0.0–0.8 contents were analyzed using field emission electron microscope (FESEM). The x = 0.2 content provided higher optical band gap energy (E_g) value than the remaining contents. Furthermore, the magnetization versus magnetic field (M − H) curves indicated the superparamagnetic nature of x = 0.0–0.8 contents. The high saturation magnetization (M_s) was noticed for x = 0.4 and 0.6 contents. In addition, the distribution of cations like Ni⁺², Mg⁺², Zn⁺², Fe⁺³ and Fe⁺² was performed between the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε") and ac-electrical conductivity (σ_ac) was investigated as a function of composition. Moreover, the temperature variation of ε′ showed the decreasing trend of dielectric transition temperature (T_e) with increase of ‘x’. The high ε′ of 163.1 (at 1 MHz) was noticed at x = 0.2 content calcined at 500 °C. Using the power law fit applied to the log σ_ac-log ω plots, the dc-electrical conductivity (σ_dc) and exponent (n) parameters were calculated.     

Sc- and W-substitution and tuning of phase transition in the Al2Mo3O12

Al₂Mo₃O₁₂ is a typical negative thermal expansion (NTE) material, whose thermal expansion behavior depends on its crystal phase. The thermal shock caused by temperature-induced phase transition limits its wide application. The two series of Al_{2. x}Sc_xMo₃O₁₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and Al₂Mo_3-xW_xO₁₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2.5) solid solutions with controllable phase transition temperature were synthesized via single cation substitution at the A or B position. The problem of thermal shock caused by the change of temperature is effectively solved in the synthesized Al_1.6Sc_0.4Mo₃O₁₂ and Al₂Mo_0.5W_2.5O₁₂, showing stable NTE performance above room temperature, and the coefficients of thermal expansion of which are ?2.19 × 10^?6 °C^?1 in 100–550 °C and ?4.25 × 10^?6 °C^?1 in 85–500 °C, respectively. A-site cation substitution is a more effective way to tune the thermal expansion properties of Al₂Mo₃O₁₂, which is attributed to the fact that the bond strength of A-O is weaker than that of B–O in the compound.     

Low-temperature firing and microwave dielectric properties of MgNb2-xVx/2O6-1.25x ceramics

MgNb_2-xV_x/2O_6-1.25x (0.1≤x≤0.6) ceramics with orthorhombic columbite structures were prepared at low-temperature by a solid-phase process. The phase component, microscopic morphology, low-temperature sintering mechanism and microwave dielectric performance of MgNb_2-xV_x/2O_6-1.25x ceramics were comprehensively investigated. Low-temperature sintering densification of dielectric ceramics was achieved via the nonstoichiometric substitution of vanadium (V) at the Nb-site. In contrast to pure MgNb₂O₆ ceramics, the sintering temperature of MgNb_2-xV_x/2O_6-1.25x (x = 0.2) ceramics was reduced by nearly 300 °C owing to the liquid-phase assisted sintering mechanism. The liquid phase arises from the autogenous low-melting-point phase. Meanwhile, MgNb_2-xV_x/2O_6-1.25x (x = 0.2) samples with nonstoichiometric substitution could achieve a more than 900% improvement in the Q × f value, compared with stoichiometrically MgNb_2-xV_xO₆ (x = 0.1, 0.2) ceramics. Finally, MgNb_2-xV_x/2O_6-1.25x dielectric ceramics possess outstanding microwave dielectric properties: ε_r = 20.5, Q × f = 91000, and τ_f = -65 ppm/°C when sintered at 1030 °C for x = 0.2, which provides an alternative material for LTCC technology and an effective approach for low-temperature sintering of Nb-based microwave dielectric ceramics.     

Fabrication and characterization of MOCVD (In1-xAlx)2O3 (0.1≤x≤0.6) ternary films

A series of (In_1-xAl_x)₂O₃ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) films with tunable bandgap were grown on MgO (100) substrates by MOCVD. The influences of chemical compositions and growth temperatures on the film properties were studied systematically. XRD analyses indicated that the film quality degraded from crystalline to amorphous structure as Al concentration (x) increased. The (In_1-xAl_x)₂O₃ films prepared at 700 °C exhibited better film crystallinity than those of the ones grown at 600 °C. The films prepared at 700 °C with x = 0.1–0.3 showed an epitaxial In₂O₃ <111> orientation with the corresponding growth relationship of In₂O₃ (111)∥MgO (100). The film with x = 0.2 exhibited the best crystallinity and the largest grain size of 25.9 nm. The Hall mobilities and resistivities of the films were influenced evidently by Al concentrations. The Hall mobility showed a monotonous decrease from 12 to 1.1 cm²V^?1s^?1 as x increased from 0.1 to 0.6. The lowest resistivity of 9.2 × 10^?3 Ω cm was acquired for the film with x = 0.2. The average transmittances in the visible region for all the films were beyond 83%. The bandgap of the (In_1-xAl_x)₂O₃ films can be regulated in the range of 3.85–4.88 eV by changing Al concentrations from 0.1 to 0.6.     

Conductivities and transport properties of Ca(Zr/Hf)0.9Sc0.1O2.95

Doped CaZrO₃ proton conductors are promising materials for electrochemical hydrogen sensors, which have already been used in commercialized hydrogen sensors for aluminum melts. Hafnium and Zirconium possess similar properties but their influences on conductive properties of CaZrO₃ proton conductors have not been well investigated. In this study, CaZr_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 and CaHf_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 were prepared by solid-state reaction, and their conductivities and transport properties were systematically investigated by defect equilibria model. Total conductivities of CaZr_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 and CaHf_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 reached 4.70 × 10⁻⁵−1.69 × 10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹ and 4.83 × 10⁻⁶−9.71 × 10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹ under humid air and 400 °C−800 °C. Their total standard molar hydration enthalpies were estimated to −59.1 kJ/mol and −56.9 kJ/mol, respectively. Conductivities of grain interiors were higher than those of total conductivities, and activation energies of protons were lower than oxide vacancies and holes. Transport numbers showed protonic conduction of Ca(Zr/Hf)_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 to always dominate under humid air at 400 °C−700 °C. Protonic transport numbers of CaZr_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 and CaHf_0.9Sc_0.1O_2.95 were estimated to 0.41 and 0.44 at 800 °C, respectively. Meanwhile, protonic transport number of grain interiors was higher than that of total sample. Therefore, grain interior could block the transfer of oxide vacancies and holes. In sum, these findings look promising for application on electrochemical hydrogen sensors.     

Crystal structure,vibration characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of low loss MgMo1-xWxO4 solid solution ceramics

Solid-phase method was used to synthesize MgMo_1-xW_xO₄ (x = 0–0.15) ceramics. The influences of substitution Mo⁶⁺ with W⁶⁺ on crystal structure, vibration characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of MgMo_1-xW_xO₄ ceramics were comprehensively studied. X-Ray diffraction illustrated all samples exhibit single-phase monoclinic wolframite structure when x = 0–0.15, in which W⁶⁺ replaces Mo⁶⁺ sites formed solid solution. W⁶⁺ effectively improves sintering properties of the MgMoO₄, the average grain size and relative density were increased. Raman characterization reveals that suitable W⁶⁺ substitution amount leads to reduction of v₁ A_g peaks FWHM and the enhancement of specific v₃ A_g peak for Mo/WO₄ tetrahedron, which improves the ordered distribution of the crystal structure. The above combined effect results in the increased Q × f value, but has little influence of W⁶⁺ substitution on ε_r and τ_f for MgMoO₄. When x = 0.09, MgMo_0.91W_0.09O₄ ceramic sintered at 1050 °C has optimal microwave dielectric performance: ε_r = 7.21, Q×f = 90,829 GHz, τ_f = ?67 ppm/°C.     

Preparation and ionic conduction of CaZr1−xScxO3−α ceramics

A series of CaZr_1−xSc_xO_3−α (x=0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) perovskite oxide ceramics were successfully fabricated at 1400 °C for 10 h and then further sintered at 1650 °C for 10 h via a solid-state reaction sintering process. Conductivities of the ceramics were measured under the atmosphere that contains 1% H₂/Ar and 5.63 kPa H₂O/Ar by the electrochemical impedance spectra technique. It was found that the conductivities of CaZr_1−xSc_xO_3−α (x=0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) ceramics increased with the increase of the measuring temperature, and the conductivity achieved its maximum value of 2.03×10⁻⁵–6.5×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ when the doping amount of Sc (x) was 0.10. Additionally, element doping can increase the conductivities and decrease the conductivity activation energies of CaZr_1−xSc_xO_3−α ceramics. The results of transport number measurement indicated that the CaZr_0.9Sc_0.1O_3−α is almost a pure protonic conductor at 500–750 °C, while it is a mixed protonic-oxygen ionic-electronic conductor at 750–1300 °C.