AlCl3 Aqueous Solution Research Articles

CuS loaded on reduced graphene oxide prepared by ball milling method as cathode material for high- power aqueous Cu-Al hybrid-ion batteries

Aqueous hybrid-ion batteries (AHBs) are a potential low-cost, high safety, high operating voltage and high energy density storage devices. A new type of AHBs was proposed. We use a simple, low-cost and energy-saving ball milling method for the synthesis of material that CuS anchored on reduced graphene oxide (CuS@rGO). Aqueous Cu-Al hybrid-ion batteries were prepared with CuS@rGO as cathode, Cu as anode and LiCuAl (LiCl, CuCl and AlCl3) aqueous solution as electrolyte. The battery produces a reversible capacity of 218.9 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. At a high current density of 5 A g−1, the capacity can also reach 166.7 mAh g−1 and the battery capacity retention rate is as high as 80 % after 500 cycles. The successfully prepared CuS@rGO has excellent rate capability and strong cycling stability at high current density, which exceeds most reported aqueous and nonaqueous systems of Aluminum-ion batteries. The introduction of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) can accelerate the electron transfer in composites and provide better electrochemical kinetics, so it is conducive to the rapid storage of aluminum ions.

Controlling crystallites orientation and facet exposure for enhanced electrochemical properties of polycrystalline MoO3 films

This study focuses on the development and optimization of MoO3 films on commercially available FTO substrates using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. By carefully selecting deposition conditions and implementing post-treatment procedures, precise control over crystallite orientation relative to the substrate is achieved. Deposition at 450 °C in O2 atmosphere results in random crystallite arrangement, while introducing argon instead of oxygen to the PLD chamber during the initial stage of sputtering exposes the (102) and (011) facets. On the other hand, room temperature deposition leads to the formation of amorphous film, but after appropriate post-annealing treatment, the (00k) facets were exposed. The deposited films are studied using SEM and XRD techniques. Moreover, electrochemical properties of FTO/MoO3 electrodes immersed in 1 M AlCl3 aqueous solution are evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that different electrochemical processes are promoted based on the orientation of crystallites. When the (102) and (011) facets are exposed, the Al3+ ions intercalation induced by polarization is facilitated, while the (00k) planes exposure leads to the diminished hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential.

Enhanced Efficiency for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Metal Oxide Modified SnO2 Photoanodes

In this work, mesoporous SnO2 photoanode was modified using a hydrolysis method with AlCl3, MgCl2, ZrOCl2 aqueous solutions, respectively. Four kinds of DSCs with SnO2, SnO2/Al2O3, SnO2/MgO, SnO2/ZrO2 as photoanode were fabricated, respectively. The photovoltaic performance of DSCs modified by AlCl3 and MgCl2 aqueous solutions was improved observably, especially in V oc, while the ZrOCl2 treatments give a negligible influence. Furthermore, the cells are evaluated once at the interval of three days within 30 days after fabrication. The V oc of four kings of cell is gradually improved, while J sc is hardly changed during testing. The PCE of SnO2, SnO2/Al2O3, SnO2/MgO, SnO2/ZrO2 DSCs increases form 1.55, 1.87, 1.77, 1.63% at beginning to 4.03, 4.92, 5.04, 4.48% at stable, respectively. For modified photoanodes, chemical capacitance C μ decreases and transfer resistance R ct increases by EIS measurements, which confirm further facilitate charge extraction and suppress charge recombination.

Fabrication and Properties of Polyimide/Aluminum Oxide Composite Films via Different Alkali Etching and Ion Exchange Technique

The polyimide (PI)/aluminum oxide (Al2O3) composite films were prepared via alkali surface modification and ion exchange technique on flexible PI films. Firstly, the polyamide acid layers were formed on both surfaces of PI film through chemical surface modification in aqueous KOH and NaOH solution, respectively. Subsequently the ion exchange process was processed in AlCl3 aqueous solution. After final thermal annealing in air, the aluminum ions which exchanged on both surfaces of PI film became continuous Al2O3 composite layers. The surface morphology, microstructures, thermal and electrical properties of the PI/Al2O3 composite films were tested by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electric breakdown voltage and corona-resistant measurement. Results from SEM measuring revealed that the surfaces of composite films became much rougher with the increasing alkali treatment time. FT-IR spectrums showed that the treatments of alkali surface modification and ion exchange had no effect on molecular structure of polyimide. TGA results showed that the excellent thermal properties of the film are maintained. Electric breakdown voltage of composite films showed monotonically decreased with the increasing alkali treatment time. Corona-resistant test results showed that the best corona-resistant times of composite films which using NaOH and KOH modification were up to 22.6 minutes and 15.4 minutes, respectively.

Flexible and rechargeable electrochromic aluminium-ion battery based on tungsten oxide film electrode

Electrochromic (EC) energy storage devices that possess characteristics of energy storage and electrochromism are highly desirable and have increasingly attracted research interests, whilst devices that can be stretched or are flexible have received very little attention. Herein, we report a flexible and rechargeable aluminium (Al) ion EC battery (ECB), which consists of a WO3 film as positive electrode, PET/ITO as substrate, Al sheet as negative electrode, aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) aqueous solution as electrolyte, and absorptive glass mat (AGM) as electrolyte carrier and separator. The ECB exhibits a high specific capacity of 142 mAhg−1, while demonstrating reversible color transitions between white (bleached state) and dark blue (colored state) during the cyclic charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, the ECB can work at bending angles of 0-80° with a capacity retention of 92.3% after 40 bending cycles. The flexibility of the ECB is ascribed to the flexible, porous, and highly stable features of the AGM as well as the deformability of the PET/ITO substrate. The potential widow of the ECB can be largely enhanced by connecting small-sized ECBs internally in series while maintaining the energy density unchanged. The present study demonstrates that the ECB using the AGM as the electrolyte carrier and separator may have great potentials for the construction of both flexible, portable electronics and smart windows.

Effect of Complex Ceramic Oxide Nanoparticles Addition on the Corrosion Behavior of Stainless Steel in Artificial Sea Water: Physical Chemistry Approach

A novel method of electrochemical synthesis of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG: Al5Y3O12) is successfully developed in the mixture of YCl3 and AlCl3 aqueous solution. The electrosynthesized YAG are further annealed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Ppy/YAG thin film is formed electrochemically on the surface of the stainless steel (SS). The anti-corrosive behavior of polypyrrole films in the presence of YAG nanoparticles synthesized by electropolymerisation on stainless steel (SS) electrodes have been investigated in artificial sea water solutions using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The undoped polypyrrole synthesized in the presence of YAG nanoparticles coated electrodes offered a noticeable enhancement of protection against corrosion processes. Facile synthesis of YAG and Ppy/YAG nanocomposite and more efficient protection effect of nanocomposite film are main important novelty of the presented work.

Change of pore structure and uniaxial compressive strength of sandstone under electrochemical coupling

The effect of electrochemical modification of the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone from Paleozoic coal measure strata was investigated by means of liquid nitrogen physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests using purified water, 1 mol/L NaCl, 1 mol/L CaCl2 and 1 mol/L AlCl3 aqueous solution as electrolytes. Electrochemical corrosion of electrodes and wire leads occurred mainly in the anodic zone. After electrochemical modification, pore morphology showed little change in distribution, decrease in total pore specific surface area and volume, and increased average pore diameter. The total pore specific surface area in the anodic zone was greater than in the cathodic zone, but total pore volume was less. Mineralogical composition was unchanged by the modification. Changes in UCS were caused by a number of factors, including corrosion, weakening by aqueous solutions, and electrochemical cementation, and electrochemical cementation stronger than corrosion and weakening by aqueous solutions.

Antibacterial oxidized starch/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogel: Synthesis and evaluation of its swelling behaviours in various pHs and salt solutions

In this study, oxidized starch hydrogels have been fabricated, and then ZnO nanoparticles were added to swollen oxidized starch hydrogels through the in-situ process. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on swelling behavior of oxidized starch hydrogels, as well as investigation their potential to be used in the antibacterial applications. The obtained results showed that the swelling behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogels was dependent on pH conditions. And at pH 7 the highest swelling was observed for samples because of the carboxylate anions created from samples constituent. The ZnO nanoparticles formation in the hydrogels was established with FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM micrographs showed the construction of ZnO nanoparticles with a size range of 35–70 nm within the hydrogel matrix. Also, the swelling behaviours of the nanocomposite hydrogels were studied in several pH values and salt solutions. The swelling capacity of the ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels was reliant on the abundance of the zinc oxide nanoparticles in the oxidized starch hydrogels matrix. Furthermore, these oxidized starch/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels showed smart swelling behaviours in NaCl, CaCl2 and AlCl3 aqueous solutions and their swelling ratio reduced with a growth of the salt concentration and valence of the cations. The swelling capacity for the resulted compounds in diverse salt solutions with the equal concentration was in order of NaCl > CaCl2 > AlCl3. Also, the antibacterial activities of the ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels were proven against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The nanocomposite hydrogels confirmed fine antibacterial properties. The developed oxidized starch/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels have the potential to be used for biomedical use.

Room temperature pretreatment of pubescens by AlCl3 aqueous solution

Abstract Room temperature (about 16 °C) pretreatment of pubescens by AlCl3 aqueous solution with different concentrations was studied. In the presence of 20 wt% AlCl3 for pretreatment within 24 h, the degradation of hemicellulose reached 19.5 wt% without obvious degradation of cellulose and lignin (2.7 wt% and 2.4 wt%, respectively). The extracted hemicellulose from pubescens could be divided into two parts, i.e., small molecular weight products (saccharides and carboxylic acid, which occupy approximately 28.2%) and oligomers (approximately 71.8%). Low concentration of AlCl3 (

Tracked changes of dolomite into Ca-Mg-Al layered double hydroxide

Abstract Dolomite is a widespread carbonate mineral that has been investigated extensively over the past two centuries. Despite the high level of investigation, aspects of the environmental conditions of crystallization, diagenesis and dissolution remain elusive and the transformation of dolomite into other value-added products is still challenging. This work shows a novel, cleaner method to dissolve dolomite by taking advantage of the acidity from the hydrolysis of Lewis acid AlCl3 and as such the mineral can be efficiently converted into Ca-Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH). The dolomite and the resulting Ca-Mg-Al LDH samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The composition of the products was measured by energy dispersive spectrometer-mapping (EDS-mapping), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Particle sizes of the products were measured by a dynamic light scattering method. It is documented, for the first time, that dissolution of dolomite in AlCl3 aqueous solution is facilitated by hydrothermal treatment. Well-crystallized Ca-Mg-Al LDH crystals are achieved under (Ca + Mg): Al molar ratio = 1:1, pH = 10.5 via a simple co-precipitation method. The maximum utilization efficiencies of Ca2+, Mg2+ from dolomite to LDH are 36.3% and 95.5%, respectively. The possible mechanisms of LDH formation were: 1) the dolomite dissolved in the strong acid solution due to the hydrolysis of AlCl3 and thus provided Ca2+ and Mg2+; 2) with addition of NaOH, Al3+ cations precipitated to form Al(OH)3 (at 8.3 ≤ pH ≤ 9.3) and then part of the Al(OH)3 reacted with Ca2+ and Mg2+ to form the Ca-Mg-Al LDH; 3) at pH = 10.5, the Al(OH)3 was transformed as [AlO(OH)] and meanwhile Ca2+, Mg2+ and Al3+ took part in the formation of Ca-Mg-Al LDH; 4) when pH = 10.6, [AlO(OH)] reacted with NaOH to dissolve into [Al(OH)4]− and the [Al(OH)4]− finally co-precipitated with Ca2+ and Mg2+ to form the Ca-Mg-Al LDH during heating for drying.

Increased doping depth of Al in wet-chemical laser doping of 4H-SiC by expanding laser pulse

Al is doped into 4H-SiC by irradiating pulsed KrF excimer laser to 4H-SiC immersed in AlCl3 aqueous solution. Impact on doping depth of the use of expanded laser-pulse width is investigated. Expanded laser pulse is produced by splitting and recombining the laser beam with mirrors. The laser pulse width was expanded from its original width of 55–100ns, while the peak power of the expanded pulse is as half as that of the original pulse under the same laser fluence. Multiple shots of the expanded laser pulses increased the doping depth at the Al concentration of 1×1016 /cm3 to 100nm from 30nm of the single shot of the original short, high-peak power laser. The increased doping depth could be due to enhanced diffusion by extra vacancies generated by the repeated laser irradiations. Due to the smaller laser peak power, the expanded pulse laser can suppress damage generation under multiple laser shots and, as a result, leakage current of the pn junction diode is kept low.

Aluminum storage behavior of anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays in aqueous solution for aluminum ion batteries

The electrochemical aluminum storage of anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays in AlCl3 aqueous solution is investigated. It is firstly demonstrated that aluminum ions can be reversibly inserted/extracted into/from anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays in AlCl3 aqueous solution due to the small radius steric effect of aluminum ions, indicating a potential application in aluminum ion batteries.

Structure, Optical, Temperature Dependent Electrical Properties of P-Type Conduction in N–Al Codoped Zn<sub>1-X</sub>Mg<sub>X</sub>O Films by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Four series of thin films have been deposited as the precursory sources of Zn(CH3COO)2, Mg(CH3COO)2, NH4CH3COO and AlCl3 aqueous solutions using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method. The crystalline structure, morphology images, electrical, optical properties of the films are characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scan electron image (FE-SEM), Hall-effect measurement and photoluminescence (PL). From the XRD patterns and SEM images, we can see that all the films present good crystallinity and surface uniformity. Hall-effect measurement results indicate that ZnO is n-type, while N-Al codoped ZnO and N-Al codoped Zn1-xMgxO exhibit p-type conduction. Temperature dependent of electrical measurement is carried out from 300K to 500K, then the conductive mechanism and carriers scattering are analysed. Furthermore, the photoluminescence peak of Zn1-xMgxO is tuned into shorten wavelength than pure ZnO (λ＝379－352＝27nm), and also the same phenomenon of the p-type Zn1-xMgxO film exhibits blue-shifted behavior from 378nm to 356nm compared with p-type ZnO film (λ＝378－356＝21nm). In other word, the p-type Zn1-xMgxO film shifts to a shorter wavelength of 356 nm while maintaining excellent electrical performances.

Influence of doping anions on the ion exchange behavior of polypyrrole

AbstractThe ion exchange behavior of polypyrrole (PPy) doped with a variety of dopants (A), namely chloride, nitrate, para‐toluene sulfonate (pTS−), and dodecyl sulfonate (DS−), was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) in NaCl, NapTS, and AlCl3 aqueous solutions. The results show that PPy/pTS and PPy/DS films had the best anion and cation exchange ability, respectively. However, the ion exchange ability evaluated by CV charge cannot describe the exact amount of exchanged ions. For that reason, a new ion exchange experiment was designed to evaluate the amount of ions removed from NaCl aqueous solution to AlCl3 or NapTS aqueous solution. In addition, the ion exchange ratio is defined as the ratio of the charge associated with ion ejection to the synthesis charge, and can be conveniently converted to operating exchange capability (OEC). The ion exchange ratio and OEC can be used to characterize and evaluate the ion exchange ability of PPy/A films in different conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

Oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons with H2O2 catalyzed by a nano-scale tubular aluminosilicate, Fe-containing imogolite

Imogolite is a nano-scale tubular clay mineral with the typical chemical composition (OH)3Al2O3SiOH. The Fe-containing imogolite was synthesized from FeCl3, AlCl3 and Na4SiO4 aqueous solutions. The fibrous morphology observed by AFM in this sample is similar to that of synthetic imogolite. In the catalytic oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds such as benzene, phenol and chrolobenzene, the aromatic ring was oxidized. When the side-chain is a hydrocarbon group such as methyl, both benzene ring and the side-chain group were oxidized. It was found that the side-chain group was preferentially oxidized.

Superabsorbent composite. XIII. Effects of Al3+‐attapulgite on hydrogel strength and swelling behaviors of poly(acrylic acid)/Al3+‐attapulgite superabsorbent composites

AbstractAl3+‐attapulgite (Al3+‐APT) was prepared by treating attapulgite (APT) with AlCl3 aqueous solution of various concentrations. The poly(acrylic acid)/Al3+‐attapulgite (PAA/Al3+‐APT) superabsorbent composite was prepared by reaction of partly neutralized acrylic acid, and Al3+‐APT in aqueous solution using N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. The surface morphology of the composite was investigated by SEM, and the Al3+‐APT composite generated a relatively planar surface comparing the nature APT. The effects of Al3+‐APT on hydrogel strength and swelling behaviors, such as equilibrium water absorbency, swelling rate, and reswelling capability, of the superabsorbent composites were also studied. The hydrogel strength and reswelling capability were improved, however, the equilibrium water absorbency and swelling rate decreased with increasing AlCl3 solution concentration. The equilibrium water absorbency firstly increased, and then decreased with increasing Al3+‐APT content. The results indicate that Al3+‐APT acts as an assistant crosslinker in the polymeric network, which has great influences on hydrogel strength and swelling behaviors of the PAA/Al3+‐APT superabsorbent composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:619–624, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Preparation of tricalcium phosphate/alumina composite nanoparticles and self-reinforcing composites by simultaneous precipitation

The composite nanoparticles and corresponding self-reinforcing composites comprising tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and alumina (Al2O3) were synthesized by simultaneous precipitation from the CaCl2, AlCl3 and (NH4)2HPO4 aqueous solutions, using aqueous NH4OH as precipitant. Influences of the precipitating media pH and the Ca/P atomic ratios on phase composition and morphology of the composites were investigated. Results showed that except for the major phases β-TCP and α-Al2O3, there was always a third minor phase in the calcined composites coprecipitated either in neutral or alkaline condition. Formation of β-TCP is, however, favored at pH 9.2, whereas more of the third phase, mainly AlPO4, is formed under neutral condition. High Ca/P ratios suppress the formation of α-Al2O3 phase under alkaline precipitating condition, but the effect is less significant in neutral condition. TEM observation showed that the ‘as prepared’ composite particles are nano-sized but interconnected to form a network-like morphology. They were changed to a core-shell-like structure after calcination, while their nano-scale dimension was retained. FEGSEM analysis revealed that the α-Al2O3 phase in the sintered composite compacts was in the form of fibrils dispersed in the phosphate phases. These in situ formed fibrils impart a unique role in self-reinforcement of the sintered composites. Mechanical measurements showed that the incorporation of alumina reinforced β-TCP effectively: the flexural strength increased from 15 MPa of the pure β-TCP to 84 MPa of the composite with 40 wt% of α-Al2O3.

Synthesis and swelling behavior of crosslinked copolymers of neutralized maleic anhydride with other monomers

AbstractA series of novel copolymer superabsorbents based on maleic anhydride (MLN), acrylamide (AAM), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) were prepared by inverse‐suspension polymerization. The influence of the reaction parameters on the water absorption was investigated to improve the understanding and to identify the optimum reaction conditions. The water absorbences or swelling behaviors for these absorbents in various salt solutions and various alcohol solutions were studied. The tendency of the absorbency for these absorbents in salt and alcohol solutions is in the order Na+ > Ca2+ > Al3+ for NaCl, CaCl2, and AlCl3 aqueous solutions and a glycerol > glycol > methanol > ethanol solution, respectively. This article also explains the IR and SEM characterization of the water‐absorbing copolymers and their practical use in soil for water retention. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 12: 2725–2731, 2003

高配向アルミニウムの直流エッチングにより形成されるトンネルの入り口形態の考察

Observation of tunnels formed on D. C. etched {100} highly ordered aluminum and analysis of the tunnel shape near the tunnel mouth were performed by using the oxide replica method. The tunnel shape near the tunnel mouth was measured as a function of the tunnel depth (li) for the tunnels obtained by the D. C. etching in HCl, NaCl, AlCl3, HCl+AlCl3, NaCl+AlCl3, H2SO4+AlCl3, and HCl+NaCl aqueous solutions. The tunnel width (Wi) tapered exponentially with li, i. e., log (Wi/Wo)=a·li, where Wo is the tunnel width at the tunnel mouth, in all the solutions examined in this study. In the solutions containing H+ ions, the tunnel width increased with the increase in the tunnel depth near the tunnel mouth at depths of 4 to 5μm from the aluminum surface, followed by a decrease of the tunnel width at depths of 5μm or more. The degree of expansion of the tunnel width increased with increasing H+ concentration. This indicated that the increase of the tunnel width with an increasing tunnel depth near the tunnel mouth was closely related to the presence of H+ ions. Corrosion (Al→Al3++3e-, 2H++2e-→H2) of aluminum near the tunnel mouth, in which H+ took part, was suggested as the origin of the tunnel width expansion near the tunnel mouth. In HCl+AlCl3, NaCl+AlCl3, and H2SO4+AlCl3 aqueous solutions, the degree of expansion of tunnel width decreased rapidly compared to the HCl and AlCl3 solutions. Al3+, Cl-, and H+ ion played an important part in determination of the tunnel shape near the tunnel mouth. The rapid decrease of the degree of the tunnel width expansion near the tunnel mouth was considered to be caused by the increase in the concentration of Al3+, Cl-, and H+ ion in the tunnel, followed by the hindrance of the electrolytic dissolution of Al.

高配向アルミニウムへの直流エッチングによって形成されるトンネルの形態観察およびその評価 溶液組成依存性

The observation of the tunnel formed on D. C. etched {100} highly ordered aluminum and analysis of the tunnel shape have been performed by using the oxide replica method. The tunnel widths (Wi) were measured as a function of the tunnel depth (li) for the tunnels obtained by D. C. etching in AlCl3, HCl+AlCl3, NaCl+AlCl3, H2SO4+AlCl3, LiCl, NaCl and KCl aqueous solutions. As has already been reported regarding HCl solution, Wi tapered exponentially with li, i. e., log (Wi/W10)=a·li, where W10 is the tunnel width at the depth of 10μm from the tunnel entrance, in all solutions examined in this study. In HCl+AlCl3 solution, Wi tapered rapidly with li compared to the case of HCl or AlCl3 solutions. The rapid decrease in Wi with li, in HCl+AlCl3 solution was considered to be caused by the increase in the concentration of Al3+and Cl- ions in the tunnel, followed by the hindrance of electrochemical dissolution of Al. On the other hand, for the tunnel obtained in LiCl, NaCl, or KCl solutions, Wi tapered with li, at the same rate. It was considered that Li+, Na+, and K+ ions play the same role in the formation of the tunnel.