Electrochemical properties of microwave irradiated synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/V2O5 nanocomposites as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries

A series of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/V₂O₅ nanocomposites are prepared via the redox intercalative polymerization reaction of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer and crystalline V₂O₅ within 10 min by using rapid 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation with full power (800 W). The unique properties of the resultant nanocomposites are investigated by various characterization techniques using powder XRD, TGA/DTA and four-point probe conductivity analysis supports the intercalation of polymer nanosheet between V₂O₅ layers leading to enhanced bi-dimensionality. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis clearly shows the presence of mixed valent V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ in the V₂O₅ framework after the redox intercalative polymerization which also confirms charge transfer from the polymer to the V₂O₅ framework. The application potential of these composites as cathode materials in rechargeable lithium batteries is also demonstrated by the electrochemical intercalation of lithium into the PEDOT/V₂O₅ nanocomposites, where an enhancement in the discharge capacity (370 mAh/g) is observed compared to that of crystalline V₂O₅.     

XPS study of Li ion intercalation in V2O5 thin films prepared by thermal oxidation of vanadium metal

The intercalation and deintercalation mechanisms of lithium into V₂O₅ thin films prepared by thermal oxidation of vanadium metal have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) using a direct anaerobic and anhydrous transfer from the glove box (O₂ and H₂O < 1ppm), where the samples were electrochemically treated, to the XPS analysis chamber. Vanadium in the as-prepared oxide films is mostly (from 93 to 96% depending on samples) in a pentavalent state (V⁵⁺) with a stoichiometric O/V concentration ratio fitting that of V₂O₅. Four to seven percent of VO₂ is also observed. After the 1st and the 2nd intercalation steps at E = 3.3 and 2.8 V versus Li/Li⁺, respectively, the V2p core level spectra evidence a partial reduction to V⁴⁺ states with a remaining concentration of 73 and 56% of V⁵⁺, in agreement with the intercalation of about 1/2 mol of Li per V₂O₅ mol at each intercalation step. Intercalated lithium was observed at a binding energy of 56.1 eV for Li1s. Changes of the electronic structure of the V₂O₅ thin film after intercalation are evidenced by the observation, at a binding energy of 1.3 eV, of occupied V3d states (V⁴⁺) originally empty in the pristine film (V⁵⁺). The V2p and Li1s core level spectra show that the process of Li intercalation is partially irreversible. In the first cycle, 34 and 14% of the vanadium ions remain in the V⁴⁺ state after deintercalation at E = 3.4 and 3.8 V versus Li/Li⁺, respectively, indicating a partially irreversible process already after the 1st deintercalation. The analyses of C1s and O1s XP spectra show the formation of a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI). The analyzed surface layer includes lithium carbonate and Li-alkoxides.     

Gas-phase elemental mercury capture by a V2O5/AC catalyst

Gas-phase elemental mercury (Hg⁰) capture by an activated coke (AC) supported V₂O₅ (V₂O₅/AC) catalyst was studied in simulated flue gas and compared with that by the AC. The study on the influences of V₂O₅ loading, temperature, capture time and flue gas components (O₂, SO₂, H₂O and N₂) shows that the Hg⁰ capture capability of V₂O₅/AC is much higher than that of AC. It increases with an increase in V₂O₅ loading and is promoted by O₂, which indicates the important role of V₂O₅ in Hg⁰ oxidation and capture; it is promoted slightly by SO₂ but inhibited by H₂O; it increases with an increase in temperature up to 150 °C when Hg desorption starts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and sequential chemical extraction experiments indicate that the main states of Hg captured on V₂O₅/AC are HgO and HgSO₄. Temperature programmed desorption experiments were also made to understand the stability of the Hg captured.     

Li diffusion in LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 thin film electrodes prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Kinetic and transport parameters of Li ion during its extraction/insertion into thin film LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ free of binder and conductive additive were provided in this work. LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ thin film electrodes were grown on Au substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and post-annealed. The annealed films exhibit a pure layered phase with a high degree of crystallinity. Surface morphology and thin film thickness were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The charge/discharge behavior and rate capability of the thin film electrodes were investigated on Li/LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ cells at different current densities. The kinetics of Li diffusion in these thin film electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). CV was measured between 2.5 and 4.5 V at different scan rates from 0.1 to 2 mV/s. The apparent chemical diffusion coefficients of Li in the thin film electrode were calculated to be 3.13 × 10⁻¹³ cm²/s for Li intercalation and 7.44 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm²/s for Li deintercalation. The chemical diffusion coefficients of Li in the thin film electrode were determined to be in the range of 10⁻¹²-10⁻¹⁶ cm²/s at different cell potentials by GITT. It is found that the Li diffusivity is highly dependent on the cell potential.     

Amorphous-to-crystalline transition of silicon-incorporated anodic ZrO2 and improved dielectric properties

Sputter-deposited zirconium and Zr-16 at.% Si alloy have been anodized to various voltages at several formation voltages in 0.1 mol dm⁻³ ammonium pentaborate electrolyte at 298 K for 900 s. The resultant anodic films have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The anodic oxide films formed on Zr-16 at.% Si are amorphous up to 30 V, but the outer part of the anodic oxide films crystallizes at higher formation voltages. This is in contrast to the case of sputter-deposited zirconium, on which the crystalline anodic oxide films, composed mainly of monoclinic ZrO₂, are developed even at low formation voltages. The outer crystalline layer on the Zr-16 at.% Si consists of a high-temperature stable tetragonal phase of ZrO₂. Due to immobile nature of silicon species, silicon-free outermost layer is formed by simultaneous migrations of Zr⁴⁺ ions outwards and O²⁻ ions inwards. An intermediate crystalline oxide layer, in which silicon content is lower in comparison with that in the innermost layer, is developed at the boundary of the crystalline layer and amorphous layer. Capacitances of the anodic zirconium oxide are highly enhanced by incorporation of silicon due to reduced film thickness, even though the permittivity of anodic oxide decreases with silicon incorporation.     

Electrochemical preparation and characterization of V2O5/polyaniline composite film cathodes for Li battery

Vanadium pentoxide/polyaniline (V₂O₅/PANi) composite films were prepared by a two-step electrochemical method and evaluated for their application in lithium batteries. As a first step the PANi film was potentiodynamically grown in an acid solution containing aniline monomer, and secondly vanadium oxide was oxidatively deposited on the polyaniline film in a temperature controlled VOSO₄ solution. The increased current efficiency obtained with the larger anodic current in the high temperature solutions results in high contents of V₂O₅ in the composites, even if the oxidative dissolution of PANi also occurs. The large value of the diffusion coefficient estimated from the cyclic voltammograms for the composite film provides evidence for the synergistic effect of the conducting polymer and the inorganic composite. The cell exhibited excellent cycle stability with a high charge storage capacity. The large increase in the specific capacity for the composite film prepared in this work demonstrates that the conducting polymer in the composite acts as a binding and conducting element by contributing its electroactivity. The V₂O₅/PANi composite film cathodes show a large specific capacity (ca. 270 mAh/g) and improved cyclability with an extremely small amount of capacity fading (ca. 3.4%) during repeated charge/discharge cycles.     

An XPS study of dispersion and valence state of TiO2 supported vanadium oxide catalysts

Monolayer vanadium species are mainly in the V(V) valence state, but with XPS a small fraction of V⁴⁺ species are identified. Prolonged analysis treatment increases the V⁴⁺ concentration. With increasing vanadium concentration, a monolayer coverage corresponding to 1 mg V₂O₅ per m² develops, and it contains additional layers with a thickness of about 250 Å at 4 mg V₂O₅ per m², covering 3% of its surface area.     

In situ Raman microspectrometry investigation of electrochemical lithium intercalation into sputtered crystalline V2O5 thin films

We report here the first in situ Raman microspectrometry study of the electrochemical lithium insertion and de-insertion reaction into crystalline sputtered Li_xV₂O₅ thin films (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.94) in liquid electrolyte. We show that the orthorhombic Pmmn symmetry of the pristine material is kept upon lithium intercalation in the Li_xV₂O₅ film (0 ≤ x ≤  0.94). In fact, a subsequent and unexpected solid solution behaviour is evidenced, leading to the typical Raman fingerprint of the -LiV₂O₅ phase for the Li₀.₉₄V₂O₅ composition. After the charge, a complete recovery of the local structure is found, in good accord with the excellent electrochemical reversibility exhibited by these thin films. Such limited structural changes differ from that usually observed for the bulk material, which emphasizes the key role of the microstructure and morphology on the nature and magnitude of the structural rearrangements induced by the lithium insertion process.     

Ionic liquids in electrochromic devices

The ionic liquid (PYR₁₄TFSI) has proved to be the key material to make a Li-ion conducting element of a complete electrochromic device, when interposed between transparent film electrodes like WO₃ and Li-charged V₂O₅. The key features of this ionic liquid and its mixtures with LiTFSI are the excellent transparency in the visible and NIR optical regions, the good ionic conductivity and the electrochemical compatibility with inorganic Li-intercalation oxide thin film electrodes used in electrochromic devices. The higher optical contrast found during WO₃ colouration with PYR₁₄TFSI-LiTFSI, compared to that in a conventional non-aqueous electrolyte like PC-LiTFSI, was attributed to the larger inertness of the former one (no decomposition reaction at the lowest electrode potential). This highly conductive ionic liquid has been incorporated into a polymer matrix (P(EO)₁₀LiTFSI), in order to obtain a transparent solid electrolyte with high Li ion conductivity and good mechanical stability. Finally this solid PYR₁₄TFSI-P(EO)₁₀LiTFSI transparent ion conductor was interposed between the same electrodes as above in order to yield a fully solid-state, Li-ion electrochromic device. This new solid electrolyte was able to transfer reversibly a Li ionic charge between 5 mC cm⁻² and 10 mC cm⁻² from the lithium storage electrode Li_xV₂O₅ to the WO₃ electrochromic electrode in less than 100 s at room T, darkening the device from an initial 80% to a final 30% transmittance (at 650 nm). Such a device has been tested first under various constant current conditions, and later under potentiostatic control using ±2 V steps. The latter method allows not only for a faster response of the electrochromic system, but provides also an easier life stability test of the device, which withstood 2000 cycles with little changes in its optical contrast.     

The key factor determining the anodic deposition of vanadium oxides

This work demonstrates that anodic deposition of vanadium oxide (denoted as VO_x·nH₂O) can be considered as the chemical co-precipitation of V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ oxy-/hydroxyl species and the accumulation of V⁵⁺ species at the vicinity of electrode surface is the key factor for the successful anodic deposition of VO_x·nH₂O at a potential much more negative than the equilibrium potential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The results of in situ UV-vis spectra show that the V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ ratio near the electrode surface can be controlled by varying the applied potential, leading to different, three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures of VO_x·nH₂O. The accumulation of V⁵⁺ species due to V⁴⁺ oxidation at potentials ≥0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) has been found to be very similar to the phenomenon by adding H₂O₂ in the deposition solution. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) results show that all VO_x·nH₂O deposits can be considered as aggregates consisting of mixed V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ oxy-/hydroxyl species with the mean oxidation state significantly increasing with the applied electrode potential.     

Effect of TiO2 supporting layer on Fe2O3 photoanode for efficient water splitting

For an electrochemical water splitting system, titanate nanotubular particles with a thickness of ∼700 nm produced by a hydrothermal process were repetitively coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass via layer-by-layer self-assembly method. The obtained titanate/FTO films were dipped in aqueous Fe solution, followed by heat treatment for crystallization at 500 °C for 10 min in air. The UV–vis absorbance of the Fe-oxide/titanate/FTO film showed a red-shifted spectrum compared with the TiO₂/FTO coated film; this red shift was achieved by the formation of thin hematite-Fe₂O₃ and anatase-TiO₂ phases verified using X-ray diffraction and Raman results. The cyclic voltammetry results of the Fe₂O₃/TiO₂/FTO films showed distinct reversible cycle characteristics with large oxidation–reduction peaks with low onset voltage of I–V characteristics under UV–vis light illumination. The prepared Fe₂O₃/TiO₂/FTO film showed much higher photocurrent densities for more efficient water splitting under UV–vis light illumination than did the Fe₂O₃/FTO film. Its maximum photocurrent was almost 3.5 times higher than that obtained with Fe₂O₃/FTO film because of the easy electron collection in the current collector. The large current collection was due to the existence of a TiO₂ base layer beneath the Fe₂O₃ layer.     

Single crystal nanobelts of V3O7·H2O: A lithium intercalation host with a large capacity

In this study, single crystal V₃O₇·H₂O nanobelts were successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal route, in which templates or catalysts were absent. The synthesized V₃O₇·H₂O nanobelts are highly crystalline and have lengths up to several tens of micrometers. The width and thickness of the nanobelts are found to be about 30-50 and 30 nm, respectively. A lithium battery using V₃O₇·H₂O nanobelts as the positive electrode exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 409 mAh g⁻¹, corresponding to the formation of Li_xV₃O₇·H₂O (x = 4.32). Such a high degree of electrochemical performance is attributed to the intrinsic properties of the single-crystalline V₃O₇·H₂O nanobelts.     

Enhanced solid-state electrogenerated chemiluminescence of Au/CdS nanocomposite and its sensing to H2O2

Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are good quenchers once they closely contact with luminophore. Here we reported a simple approach to obtain enhanced electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) behavior based on Au/CdS nanocomposite films by adjusting the amount of AuNPs in the nanocomposite. The maximum enhancement factor of about 4 was obtained at an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode in the presence of co-reactant H₂O₂. The mechanism of this enhancement was discussed in detail. The strong ECL emission from Au/CdS nanocomposites film was exploited to determine H₂O₂. The resulting ECL biosensors showed a linear response to the concentration of H₂O₂ ranging from 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 6.6 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 5 nmol L⁻¹ (S/N = 3) and good stability and reproducibility.     

Selective oxidation of methanol to dimethoxymethane over acid-modified V2O5/TiO2 catalysts

Selective oxidation of methanol to dimethoxymethane (DMM) was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor over an acid-modified V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalyst. The influence of the acid modification on its structure, redox and acidic properties, and catalytic performance for methanol oxidation were investigated. The results indicated that the content of vanadia in the catalyst exhibits a vital influence on the dispersion of vanadium species, while the acid modification can enhance its surface acidity. Proper amounts of the acid (W() = 15%) and V₂O₅ (W(V₂O₅) = 15%) components loaded in the acid-modified V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalyst are able to build a bi-functional circumstance that is favorable for the formation of DMM with high activity and selectivity. As a result, for the selective oxidation of methanol, the H₂SO₄-modified V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalyst gives a much higher DMM yield at 150 °C than the unmodified one.     

Long-term degradation of Ta2O5-doped Bi2O3 systems

Bismuth oxide in δ-phase is a well-known high oxygen ion conductor and can be used as an electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). 5-10 mol% Ta₂O₅ are doped into Bi₂O₃ to stabilize δ-phase by solid state reaction process. One Bi₂O₃ sample (7.5TSB) was stabilized by 7.5 mol% Ta₂O₅ and exhibited single phase δ-Bi₂O₃-like (type I) phase. Thermo-mechanical analyzer (TMA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), AC impedance and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the properties. The results showed that holding at 800-850 °C for 1 h was the appropriate sintering conditions to get dense samples. Obvious conductivity degradation phenomenon was obtained by 1000 h long-term treatment at 650 °C due to the formation of α-Bi₂O₃ phase and Bi₃TaO₇, and 〈1 1 1〉 vacancy ordering in Bi₃TaO₇ structure.     

The influence of preparation conditions on electrochemical properties of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 thin film electrodes by PLD

LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on stainless steel substrates. The growth of the films has been studied as a function of substrate temperature and oxygen partial pressure in deposition, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Electrochemical properties of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ thin film cathodes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge against a lithium anode. The initial capacity and capacity retention of the films are highly dependent on the crystallinity and purity of the films. LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ thin films grown at 600 °C in an oxygen partial pressure of 200 mTorr are well crystallized with high purity, exhibiting excellent capacity retention between 3 and 5 V with a LiPF₆-based electrolyte.     

A macaroni-like Li1.2V3O8 nanomaterial with high capacity for aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries

A macaroni-like Li_1.2V₃O₈ nanomaterial was directly prepared through a facile solution route using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a template reagent. Its crystal structure was determined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs, we observed that the as-prepared Li_1.2V₃O₈ material consisted of the aggregated macaroni-like nanoparticles and showed a porous structure. The electrochemical properties of the as-prepared Li_1.2V₃O₈ in 1.0 M Li₂SO₄ aqueous electrolyte were studied through cyclic voltammograms and charge-discharge measurements. The results revealed that the as-prepared Li_1.2V₃O₈ could deliver the initial specific capacities of 189, 140, and 101 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 C, respectively. It suggests that the as-prepared Li_1.2V₃O₈ should have an attractive future to be applied in aqueous rechargeable lithium battery (ARLB).     

Selective oxidation of H2S to sulfur over vanadia supported on mesoporous zirconium phosphate heterostructure

Vanadium oxide supported on mesoporous zirconium phosphate catalysts has been synthesized, characterized and tested in the selective oxidation of H₂S to sulfur. The nature of the vanadium species depends on the V-loading of catalyst. Catalysts with a V-content lower than 4wt% present both isolated vanadium species and V₂O₅ crystallites. However, V₂O₅ crystallites have been mainly observed in catalysts with higher V-content, although the presence of isolated V-species on the surface of the metal oxide support cannot be completely ruled out. The catalytic behaviour also depends on V-loading of catalysts. Thus, while the catalytic activity of catalysts can be related to the number of V-sites, the catalyst decay is clearly observed in samples with low V-loading. The characterization of catalysts after the catalytic tests indicates the presence of sulfur on the catalyst, which is favoured on catalysts with low V-loading. However, a clear transformation of V₂O₅ to V₄O₉ can be proposed according to XRD and Raman results of used catalysts with high V-loading. The importance of V⁵⁺–O–V⁴⁺ pairs in activity and selectivity is also discussed.     

Memory characteristics of multi-stacked thin films using La2O3 and LaAlO3 as charge trap layer

Al₂O₃/La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ (ALA) and Al₂O₃/LaAlO₃/Al₂O₃ (A/LAO/A) multi-stacked films were deposited on Si substrates by MOCVD. No interfacial layers (Al_xSi_yO_z) were observed in TEM images, and the thickness ratio of the tunnel oxide (bottom oxide), trap layer (middle oxide), and blocking oxide (top oxide) was about (1:1.3:3) in both films. Memory windows of the (ALA) and (A/LAO/A) films were 1.31 V and 3.13 V, respectively. Each value in the program/erase cycle test was maintained for up to 10⁴ cycles.