Antimony Alloys Research Articles

A versatile opened hollow carbon sphere with highly loaded antimony alloy for ultra-stable potassium-ion storage

Carbon materials meet the stringent practical requirements for anodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their abundance and chemical stability. The major issue of carbon-based anodes is the low specific capacity and poor cyclic stability. Equally importantly, scalable synthesis approaches for electrodes are highly desired for the future application in large-scale energy storage systems. Herein, we developed a novel composite of Sb encapsulated in N/P co-doped opened hollow carbon spheres (N/POHCs) with high Sb loading through a simple carbonization and subsequent impregnation process. Beneficial from the virtue of abundant pyridinic-N−P bonding and opened hollow spherical structure advantages, N/POHCs exhibit much lower diffusion barrier than that of pure carbon, prominent Sb carrier capability, as well as the extraordinary resistance to volume expansion. The resulting Sb@N/POHCs composite delivers a high specific capacity of 533.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 83 %, and can maintain a specific capacity of 345 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 4000 cycles. This work provides rational structure design with universal carrier capability of active materials to achieve high-capacity and long cycle life anode for advanced PIBs accompanied by the potential for large-scale production.

Aluminum antimony alloy overlayers synthesized using the electrodeposition method: investigation of structural, optical, electrical properties, and DFT calculation

Abstract This paper presents the synthesis of aluminum antimony (Al–Sb) alloy overlayers using an electrodeposition method for application in optoelectronic devices with various applied constant voltages (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 V) controlled by a DC power supply. The corresponding energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope spectra show that elements including Al, Sb, and Cl were detected in the layers under all conditions of the applied voltage. The structural properties of the formulated compound layers were studied for their structural properties through x-ray diffraction patterns, and all the diffraction peaks exhibited a cubic phase structure. The Al–Sb alloy overlayers were incorporated with nanoparticles and had crystallite sizes ranging from ∼55 to 282 nm. The average transmittance T(λ) values in the visible to near-infrared region were ∼28.36%, 17.64%, 14.07%, 7.83%, and 5.84%, while the average reflectance R(λ) values were ∼3.80%, 1.69%, 1.30%, 0.47%, and 0.21% for applied voltages of 2–10 V, respectively. The energy band gap (E g) existing in the overlayers was determined using Tauc’s plot with the Kubelka–Munk function and it was inferred to be between 1.90 eV and 2.72 eV. The dispersion constants and energies of the prepared samples were also investigated. The 2 V applied voltage-treated Al–Sb alloy overlayers showed the highest average χ(1), χ ( 3 ) , and n 2 values of 0.088, 1.680 × 10−14 esu., and 4.082 × 10−13 esu., respectively. In addition, the resistance at various absolute temperatures was also recorded for the activation energy (E AC) values of the Al–Sb alloy overlayers with applied voltages of 2–10 V. Finally, ab initio calculations based on density functional theory were performed to support the experimental report of the Al–Sb systems. It was found that the calculated lattice constants are in good agreement with the experimental results, and a wider photoabsorption range performance for Al–Sb phase I in the axis of energy seems to be suitable for application as an optical device.

Kinetics of Oxidation of Lithium-Modified Lead–Antimony Alloy SSu3 in the Solid State

Kinetics of Oxidation of Lithium-Modified Lead–Antimony Alloy SSu3 in the Solid State

Clean and efficient separation of Pb-Sb alloy by vacuum gasification - Fractional condensation

The Lead (Pb) - Antimony (Sb) alloy derived from Jamesonite (Pb4FeSb6S14) using the "Roasting - Reduction Smelting" method is typically isolated through a separation method known as "High Temperature Ash Blowing - Low Temperature Ash Blowing - Electrolytic Refining". However, the "Low Temperature Ash Blowing" separation method encounters several challenges, including elevated production pressure of refined Pb, significant emissions of smoke and dust, and suboptimal separation efficiency. This study utilizes the "Vacuum Gasification - Fractional Condensation" method as an alternative to the "Low Temperature Ash Blowing" method. The experimental findings demonstrate that by implementing specific optimal experimental conditions, such as a condensation temperature range of 904–1054K, a vacuum degree of 5Pa, a gasification temperature of 1173K, a holding time of 7h, and a height-diameter ratio of 0.27, condensates with Sb content exceeding 99.5 wt% can be procured, resulting in a direct Sb yield of 33 %. The remaining residues, with an Sb content ranging from 14 to 15 wt%, serves as a valuable input for the "Electrolytic Refining" process. This utilization significantly alleviates the burden on refined Pb production during the "Electrolytic Refining" process. The treatment procedure does not require the utilization of chemical reagents, and it generates no wastewater or exhaust gas.

Solid – phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Sb-Te-S system

The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis and the electromotive force (emf) measurements have been used to investigate the Sb–Te–S system in the Sb2S3-Sb2Te3-Te-S composition region at 300–450 K temperatures interval. Relative partial molar functions of antimony in alloys have been calculated and obtained data have been used to get self-consistent sets of the standard Gibbs free energy, standard enthalpy, and standard entropy of the Sb2S3 and Sb2Te2S compounds, as well as the Sb2Te2,4S0,6 and Sb2Te2,7S0,3 solid solutions. The data obtained for Sb2S3 have been compared to the ones available in the literature. Thermodynamic functions of the Sb2Te2S compound, as well as, the Sb2Te2,4S0,6 and Sb2Te2,7S0,3 solid solutions have been determined for the first time.

Thermodynamics of Liquid Alloys and Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium in the Antimony–Tellurium System

The partial and integral thermodynamic functions of formation and evaporation of antimony-tellurium melts were calculated based on the vapor pressure values of the components in the Sb–Sb2Te3 and Sb2Te3–Te systems. It is shown that integral functions of evaporation enthalpy and entropy insignificantly change in value from the alloy corresponding to the Sb2Te3 composition and slightly decrease in the direction of antimony and tellurium on the state diagram. However, they can be described by a linear dependence in the entire concentration interval of solutions existence within the experiment error. The boundaries of liquid and vapor coexistence fields at atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa) and in vacuum (0.9 kPa) were calculated based on the partial pressure values of melt components. It is shown that the separation of antimony alloys with tellurium by distillation into elements at atmospheric pressure is difficult because of high boiling temperatures of antimony-based alloys. It would require a significant number of condensate re-evaporation cycles in a vacuum. The results aim at creating the fundamental physical and chemical foundations of the distillation technologies for processing melted chalcogenide systems. The second aim is to issue effective practical recommendations necessary for developing and improving the process of extracting rare metals from polymetallic mattes by vacuum-thermal method.Graphical

Thermodynamics of Formation and Liquid-Vapor Phase Transitions of Antimony Alloys with Selenium and Sulfur.

The authors conducted liquid solution studies of antimony with selenium and sulfur in order to provide information on the thermodynamic functions of the formation of these alloys. The studies are based on the vapor pressure values of the components, comprising the double partial systems of antimony with antimony chalcogenides (Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3) and antimony chalcogenides with chalcogens (Se and S). We calculated the thermodynamic functions of mixing (graphical dependencies) and evaporation (tabular data) based on the partial vapor pressure values of components, which are represented by temperature-concentration dependencies. Based on the partial pressure values of melt components, we calculated the boundaries of liquid and vapor coexistence fields at atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa) and in a vacuum (0.9 kPa). We established the absence of the stratification region on the Sb2S3-S diagram due to the fact that, on state diagrams, the stratification region is indicated at temperatures above 530 °C, while the boiling point of liquid sulfur at an atmospheric pressure corresponds to 429 °C. Based on the position of the field boundaries (L + V) on the state diagrams, the separation of antimony alloys with selenium and sulfur via distillation into elements at atmospheric pressure is difficult due to the high boiling points of antimony-based alloys in a vacuum: Sb2Se3-Se melts require some number of condensate re-evaporation cycles.

Unconventional Synthesis of Metal (Ni, Co, Ag) Antimony Alloy Particles.

Bimetallic alloy materials attract interest owing to their properties and stability compared to pure metals, especially alloys with nanoscale dimensions. Metal antimony (MSb) alloys, specifically NiSb, are widely used for charge storage applications due to their high stability. Most synthetic approaches to form these materials require drastic conditions (e.g., high temperatures, potent reducing agents, and extended reaction times), limiting control over the final morphology. The other viable approach is a galvanic replacement that uses unstable materials as precursors. In this work, we present a new and facile method to prepare several MSb (M = Ni, Co, Ag) alloys with shape control by reacting Sb2S3 particles with a metal(M)-sulfide single source precursor in trioctylphosphine (TOP) under mild conditions. Furthermore, we explore the role of TOP as a reducing agent and demonstrate how both alloy constituents are crucial for mutual stabilization. Electrochemical studies are also performed on these NiSb particles, showing their ambipolar nature and allowing their utilization as the active ingredient in the demonstrated high-energy-density symmetric supercapacitor.

Nanostructure Engineering of Alloy-Based Anode Materials with Different Dimensions for Sodium/Potassium Storage

Sodium/potassium-ion batteries have drawn intensive investigation interest from researchers owing to their abundant element resources and significant cost advantages. Anode materials based on alloy reaction mechanisms have the prominent merits of a suitable reaction potential and high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, very large volumetric stresses and volume changes during the charge/discharge process and the resulting electrode structural cracking, deactivation and capacity fading seriously hinder their development. To date, a series of modification strategies have been proposed to tackle these challenges and achieve good electrochemical performance. Herein, we review the recent advances in the structural engineering of alloy-type anodes for sodium/potassium storage, mainly including phosphorus, tin, antimony, bismuth and related alloy materials, from the perspective of dimensional structure. Furthermore, some future research directions and unresolved issues are presented for the investigation of alloy-based anode materials. It is hoped that this review can serve as a guide for the future development and practical application of sodium/potassium-ion batteries.

Properties of an SSu-3 Lead–Antimony Alloy Sintered from Electroerosion Powders Produced in Distilled Water

Properties of an SSu-3 Lead–Antimony Alloy Sintered from Electroerosion Powders Produced in Distilled Water

Tin antimony alloy based reduced graphene oxide composite for fast charging sodium-ion batteries

Tin antimony alloy anchored reduced graphene oxide (rGO-SnxSby (x ∼ y = 1)) composite, prepared in bulk via a facile chemical route, is shown for its applicability in high current density (500 mAg−1) charging/discharging sodium battery application. The composite electrode delivered ∼320 mAhg 1 capacity in>300 cycles with Sodium as the other electrode. This electrode material retains∼300 mAhg−1 specific capacity at a 500 mAg−1 specific current density even after 2.5 Ag−1charge-discharge rates, indicating its potential in fast charge-discharge energy storage applications. The systematic study conducted here indicates that synergistic effects from the alloy particles and the rGO conductive matrix are leading to this observed phenomenon. The development of such viable anode materials can play a pivotal role in the commercialisation of sodium ion secondary batteries, one of the potential systems for future energy storage applications.

Mechanism of residue formation on Ge-rich germanium antimony tellurium alloys after plasma etching

In phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) applications, the germanium antimony tellurium alloy (GST) is patterned using halogen etching in inductively coupled plasma reactors. This paper focuses on the surface state evolution of an optimized Ge-rich GST material after plasma etching. Four hours after etching, big dome-shaped residues are observed on PCRAM structures. Their number and size increase with the time of air exposure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses reveal an important germanium oxidation on the surface with residues. Their formation is then investigated. Complementary analyses highlight that the moisture environment has a catalytic effect on the residue formation. Based on this study, a detailed mechanism responsible for residue formation is proposed.

Temperature Dependence of Heat Capacity and the Change in Thermodynamic Functions of Cadmium-Doped Lead Antimony Alloy PbSb3

Temperature Dependence of Heat Capacity and the Change in Thermodynamic Functions of Cadmium-Doped Lead Antimony Alloy PbSb3

Anode Properties of Potassium-Doped Lead Antimony Alloy PbSb3 in NaCl Electrolyte Medium

Anode Properties of Potassium-Doped Lead Antimony Alloy PbSb3 in NaCl Electrolyte Medium

Anodic Behavior of Lithium-Alloyed Lead–Antimony Alloy SSu3 in NaCl Electrolyte

Anodic Behavior of Lithium-Alloyed Lead–Antimony Alloy SSu3 in NaCl Electrolyte

Structure and Properties of the Powders Fabricated by Electroerosion Dispersion of Lead–Antimony Alloys in Distilled Water

Structure and Properties of the Powders Fabricated by Electroerosion Dispersion of Lead–Antimony Alloys in Distilled Water

The passivity breakdown of zinc antimony alloy as an anode in the alkaline batteries

Zn is utilized as an anode in alkaline batteries because of its propensity to produce a passive colloidal layer on its surface. Then the surface should be reactivated in the passive region. Therefore, the passive state on the surface can be significantly hindered by utilizing a tiny percentage of Sb alloyed with Zn. Accordingly, the effect of minor Sb alloying with Zn on the performance of anodic dissolution and passivation in concentrated alkaline media (6 M KOH, which is used in the batteries) was studied using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic techniques. Besides, the passive layers formed at various anodic potentials were characterized utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The data of potentiodynamic measurements exhibited the active–passive transition curve of all studied specimens. All obtained results revealed that passivation is gradually hindered with increasing Sb content in the alloy, and less passivity was obtained at 1% Sb. Along this, a dramatic rise in current density at a particular positive potential (+ 2.0 V vs. SCE) to markedly higher values only of the electrodes containing Sb is observed.

The dawn and rise of antimony use in the southern Caucasus

Antimony (Sb) was utilised over several millennia as the prime material to opacify or decolour glass and glazes, as well as an accompanying element in copper (Cu) alloys. Metallic antimony objects are rare, and mostly confined to Chalcolithic Central Italy and to the first millennia BCE in the southern Caucasus. The innovation of antimony use in metallurgy seems to be confined to the southern Caucasus, and the invention of it might be even more specifically situated in the Great Caucasus. Preexisting knowledge of mining set the pathway for the initial stage of antimonial copper alloys in the first half of the third millennium BCE and for metallic antimony ornaments in the second half of the third millennium BCE. However, the first major expansion of antimony in the metallurgy of the Racha-Lechkumi district in the southern Caucasus (present-day Georgia) started around 1700 BCE, while its spreading in glassmaking occurred in the Late Bronze Age (LBA). Explanations that place antimony adoption within its broader social context are favoured over those that consider material or geological properties in isolation. A recurring theme is the importance of comparative analysis, both geographically and between the different pyrotechnologies, including the precious metals and glass industries, to explore how social, political, climatic and economic conditions affected adoption and innovation patterns. All these factors are considered to explain why the extraction of antimony blossomed in the Late Bronze Age in the southern Caucasus and to reconstruct a framework of exploitation, distribution/trade and use of antimony in the Caucasus and its neighbouring regions in the south and east.

Mechanical testing and characterization of tin–zinc–antimony–lanthanum lead-free solders produced using mechanical alloying and furnace melting techniques

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of two different weight percentages of lanthanum on tin–zinc–antimony solder alloys. Two manufacturing techniques were used: the furnace melting method (FMM) and ball milling method (BMM). The alloys were characterized and mechanically tested.Design/methodology/approachTin–zinc–antimony alloys with 0.5 and 1% lanthanum were prepared by FMM and BMM for 25, 30 and 35 h. The tensile, shear, hardness, wear and corrosion properties were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.FindingsBall-milled samples were harder and more resistant to wear than furnace-melted samples. Corrosion tests showed that ball-milled samples of both the 0.5 and 1% lanthanum tin-based solders showed higher corrosion than furnace-melted samples. The ball-milled samples exhibited a uniform particle distribution. The ductility of the milled samples was significantly higher than that of the furnace-melted ones. There was strong evidence of the presence of nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction revealed some amorphous phases, which have not been previously reported.Originality/valueThe quality of solder alloys prepared by FMM and BMM was compared. This comparison was not made in previous studies. In addition to the hardness, the wear and corrosion resistances were measured, which have not been previously reported. There seems to be evidence of the presence of nanoparticles in the solder, as suggested by the increase in the elongation. Tensile, elongation and shear tests were performed, and a theory was provided for the results obtained.

Structural and Electrical Characterizations of BiSb Topological Insulator Layers Epitaxially Integrated on GaAs

Topological insulators (TIs) are known as promising materials for new nanoelectronics and spintronics applications thanks to their unique physical properties. Among these TIs, bismuth antimony alloys (Bi1–xSbx) remain the most interesting because their electronic band structure can be controlled by changing the stoichiometry, the thickness, or the temperature. However, integrating these materials on an industrial substrate remains a challenge. Here, we investigate the growth, structural, and electrical properties of BiSb materials epitaxially deposited on industrial GaAs(001) substrates. We report the influence of key growth parameters such as temperature, antimony composition, thickness, and growth rate on the crystal quality. We manage to optimize the growth conditions while keeping the Bi1–xSbx composition within the TI range. Despite the large lattice mismatch and different crystalline matrices between the deposited material and the substrate, we successfully grow high-quality BiSb(0001) films. For optimized growth conditions, n-type semiconductor behavior of the BiSb layer is demonstrated at temperatures above 100 K. The material band gap calculated from our transport measurements corresponds to that mentioned in the literature. A change of the carrier type from bulk electrons to surface holes is observed when decreasing the temperature below 55 K. Hole mobilities up to 7620 cm2/(V·s) are extracted. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of TI integrated on an industrial substrate keeping its protected surface states.