Antimony Oxide Research Articles

UV- and NIR-blocking properties of ZnO/ATO bilayer films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering

Films with ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) blocking properties can be used to protect against UV and heat radiation, thus prolonging the operating life of photovoltaic devices. Being wide band-gap semiconductors, ZnO films can absorb UV light and antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) films can play the role of defending against the NIR light with low electrical resistivities. In this work, the bilayer films of ZnO overlayed by ATO are sputtered by radio-frequent (r.f.) magnetron sputtering, and the growth rules of ATO on ZnO film are studied comprehensively by adjusting parameters including the sputtering power, pressure, gas flow rate ratio of O 2 /Ar and sputtering time. Eventually, a bilayer film with 200 nm thick ZnO layer and 400 nm thick ATO layer is fabricated and shows about 96% UV-blocking (from 280 nm to 380 nm), about 66% NIR-blocking (from 1100 nm to 2500 nm) while maintains about 80% light transmittance (from 380 nm to 1100 nm) after annealing in the nitrogen atmosphere at 500 °C for 1 h. This transparent bilayer film with UV and NIR double blocking functions can be potentially used in organic solar cells. • ZnO/ATO bilayers with UV and near IR double blocking functions were produced. • The bilayers of ZnO overlayed by ATO were deposited by r.f. magnetron sputtering. • 96% UV-blocking (280–380 nm) was got from ZnO (200 nm)/ATO (400 nm) bilayer. • 66% NIR-blocking (1100–2500 nm) and 80% transmission (380–1100 nm) were also gained.

Local structure of porous InSb films: From first to third-shell EXAFS investigation

Extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy was used to investigate the neighborhood of In and Sb atoms in InSb films deposited by magnetron sputtering and subsequently irradiated with 14 MeV Au+6 ions at room temperature, with ion fluences ranging from 1 × 1013 cm−2 to 2 × 1014 cm−2. For the first nearest-neighbor shell, the structural parameters were unaffected by ion irradiation up to 1 × 1014 cm−2. However, the irradiation-induced disorder was observed for the second and third nearest-neighbor shells through decrease (increase) of the coordination number (Debye-Waller factor). Upon ion irradiation, InSb films become porous while still retaining part of their crystallinity. Using x-ray absorption near edge structure, it was observed that In K-edge and Sb K-edge positions are unchanged as a function of ion fluence in InSb, evidencing that the energy of the element-specific unoccupied local states is independent of ion fluences used in this work. For the highest irradiation fluence (2 × 1014 cm−2), part of InSb is converted to In2O3, Sb2O3, Sb2O5 and metallic Sb, representing a fraction of ~26%, ~7%, ~11%, and ~9%, respectively. This increase in antimony and indium oxides at this irradiation fluence was attributed to the combination of the high reactivity, in the presence of oxygen, of the InSb surface with the enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio of the porous structure.

Concentration Effects on Characteristics of Gas Sensors Based on SnO<sub>2</sub>:Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Thin Films

In this research, SnO2 nanostructure thin films were fabricated by spray pyrolysis method, using concentration of tin (Sn) salt solution deposited on a glass substrate at temperature of 450 °C. The tin solution was prepared by solves 2.2563gm of SnCl2.2H2O (molecular weight 219.4954 g/mole) in 100 ml of ethanol, then add 60 drops of pure hydrochloric acid ( HCl) using drop by drop technique. Different concentrations of antimony oxide (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) hve been used to depose the thin films. The structure has been examined by X-ray diffraction technique, which shown that all films are polycrystalline with tetragonal rutile crystalline structure with preferential orientation in the (200) direction and, grain size decreases with increasing doping concentration. Optical measurements shown that the films are transparently in the visible region, with an average transmittance more then 80% and, sharp absorption edge nearly at 350 nm, the nature of the optical transition were direct allowed with band gap varies between (2.97 - 3.75 eV) which is directly proportional to doping concentration. The results also show that the doping has led to improved the response time of the sensing. Two kinds of gases NO2 and NH3 have been used to test the sensing performance, at different operating temperatures (R.T, 100, 200, 250, 300 and 350) oC , and bias voltage (3 Volt). For NO2 gas the highest sensitivity was 77%, the shortest response time 2.9 s and the recovery time 19 s, while for NH3 gas sensitivity was 11.5%, the response time 4.1 s and the shortest recovery time 20s,

Cycling Characteristics of Tubular Liquid Antimony Anode Direct Carbon Fuel Cells Prepared by Atmospheric Plasma Spray

Liquid antimony anode solid oxide fuel cell (LAA-SOFC) is a promising technology for efficient conversion of solid carbon and hydrocarbon fuels. However, the operating process and the regeneration method of the fuel cells with LAAs are different from those with solid anodes and still need to be investigated. In the present research, a tubular LAA-SOFC unit was fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying based on a stainless-steel support. The LAA-SOFC was cycled by a furnace control method and a “hot plug” method to simulate the normal start-stop and the anode/cell replacement processes, respectively. Scarce degradation was observed after the cycles with phase change, redox, and temperature variation, which demonstrated the robustness of the sprayed electrolyte to the anode changes. The air leakage and the floating ash retarded the recovery rate of the “hot plug” cycles, but have no influence on the degradation degree. The cycling characteristics in the present research proved the long-term operating feasibility of SOFC with LAA.

Flotation enrichment of antimony ore using the environmentally friendly reagent-collector KCSb

The problems of extraction and processing of antimony ores are analyzed. The reagent-collector of oxide forms of antimony KCSb is described. It is used to develop operating parameters of the flotation concentration of ore at the Zhipkhosha deposit. The semi-industrial model experiments identified that KCSb is more efficient thatn other known reagents used to enrich antimony oxides. The operating technological conditions of the flotation process were optimized; the use of a collecting reagent indicates the expediency and effectiveness of its use. This fact was confirmed by technical and economic calculations, according to which the profit was up to 30 million rubles per 1 million of processed ore per year. An increase in the resulting product in the form of concentrate was 700–800 tons with 32–36% antimony content, which corresponds to the KSUF-3. This method can be used by antimony deposits containing oxide minerals (10% or more).

Band alignment of Sb2O3 and Sb2Se3

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) possesses great potential in the field of photovoltaics (PV) due to its suitable properties for use as a solar absorber and good prospects for scalability. Previous studies have reported the growth of a native antimony oxide (Sb2O3) layer at the surface of Sb2Se3 thin films during deposition and exposure to air, which can affect the contact between Sb2Se3 and subsequent layers. In this study, photoemission techniques were utilized on both Sb2Se3 bulk crystals and thin films to investigate the band alignment between Sb2Se3 and the Sb2O3 layer. By subtracting the valence band spectrum of an in situ cleaved Sb2Se3 bulk crystal from that of the atmospherically contaminated bulk crystal, a valence band offset (VBO) of −1.72 eV is measured between Sb2Se3 and Sb2O3. This result is supported by a −1.90 eV VBO measured between Sb2O3 and Sb2Se3 thin films via the Kraut method. Both results indicate a straddling alignment that would oppose carrier extraction through the back contact of superstrate PV devices. This work yields greater insight into the band alignment of Sb2O3 at the surface of Sb2Se3 films, which is crucial for improving the performance of these PV devices.

Structural and electrochemical properties of undoped and In3+-doped multi-phase zinc- antimony oxide for a high-performance pseudocapacitor

Pseudocapacitive charge storage devices based on undoped and In3+-doped multi-phase zinc- antimony oxide (ZAO) with high potential insertion/removal processes of disulfide ions the electrodes were performed. The thin film morphologies related to a more regular grain shape, leading to enhanced surface mobility and nucleation density. The sizes of the nanoparticles (NPs) for undoped and In3+-doped ZAO were uniformly distributed between ~ 100 − 500 nm. Based on electronic structure calculations, the In3+-doped ZnSb2O4 behaves as a weak p-type semiconductor with a lower-than-band gap optical absorption and has greater charge storage performance diffused into the surface of electrode. This results in it obtaining a lower barrier layer and charge transfer resistance at the interface. In3+ doping in the ZAO electrode was driven in increments of energy density (77.34 Wh kg−1), power density (13.92 kW kg−1), specific capacitance (470 mAh g−1@10 mV s−1), and average capacitance retention (~87%). It is noted that the synthesized material in the present study and the importance of In3+ doping should be further considered for high-performance pseudocapacitor applications.

Fate of lead, copper, zinc and antimony during chemical looping gasification of automotive shredder residue

Gasification experiments in this study were performed in a 2–4 MW indirect gasifier coupled to a semi-commercial CFB combustor at Chalmers University of Technology. Experiments were carried out during 13 days with automotive shredder residue (ASR), giving a unique opportunity to investigate the bed material under realistic conditions and with long residence times. The metal rich ash was accumulated in the bed, gaining some oxygen carrying capabilities, creating a chemical looping gasification (CLG) process. This study aims to expand the knowledge about the chemistry of zinc, copper, lead and antimony during CLG of ASR. Several experimental methods have been utilized, such as XRD, SEM-EDX and XPS along with detailed thermodynamic calculations to study chemical transformations that can occur in the system. Thermodynamic calculations showed that the reduction potential affect the phase distribution of these elements, where highly reduction conditions result in heavy metals dissolving in the slag phase. Copper and zinc ferrites, lead silicates and antimony oxides were identified at the particle surfaces in the bottom ash. The formation of an iron rich ash layer plays an important role, especially for copper and zinc speciation. The main pathways in the complex CLG system have been discussed in detail.

In situ photo-thermal conversion nanofiber membrane consisting of hydrophilic PAN layer and hydrophobic PVDF-ATO layer for improving solar-thermal membrane distillation

Solar thermal membrane distillation is a promising technology for low-cost desalination and water purification. A novel photo-thermal conversion membrane composited by polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber layer and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with antimony tin oxide (ATO) as solar-thermal nanoparticles (PVDF-ATO/PAN nanofiber membrane) was fabricated by sequent electrospinning techniques. The dual-layer membrane with hydrophilic PAN and hydrophobic PVDF-ATO was examined by microscopic evaluation and contact angle measurement. In situ temperature increase on membrane superficial layer (PVDF-ATO) driven by solar light illumination was confirmed by thermal imaging system. PAN layer provides water transport channels for facilitating water flow of highly efficient membrane distillation and avoids the salting assembly during the vigorous evaporation. With the help of hydrophilic PAN layer, our PVDF-ATO/PAN nanofiber membrane can fulfill highly effective localized heating transfer with an evaporate rate of 0.93 kg m−2 h−1, showing great potential for low-cost water desalination and scalable water purification.

Flexible Organic Photovoltaics with Colorful Semi-Transparent Metal/Dielectric/Metal Top Electrode

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have the advantages of a semi-transparent thin film, and of changing colors through controlling optical energy bandgap of organic semiconducting materials. In addition, the flexible OSCs can also be fabricated to be applied in multiple applications such as film-type or foldable solar cells. Here, we have fabricated flexible semi-transparent organic solar cells (STOSCs) with high transparency accompanying highly vivid red, green, and blue colors. To gain high transparency of STOSCs, we employed Fabry-Pérot etalon-type electrodes. An antimony oxide (Sb2O3) cavity layer was introduced between two thin silver layers. By adjusting the thickness of Sb2O3 from 45 nm to 100 nm, vivid colors of red, green, and blue semi-transparent top electrodes were achieved. Besides, selecting well-matched photoactive layers for each color, a less drop of short-circuit current density (Jsc) has been observed. Finally, we obtained high maximum transmittance of 22.52%, 30.10%, and 22.13%, with a power conversion efficiency of 9.16%, 9.85%, and 12.64% for red, green, and blue STOSCs, respectively. Likewise, a power conversion efficiency of 5.75% was achieved with a green-colored large area sub-module.

Phase equilibria in the MnO-Mn2O3-FeO-Fe2O3-Sb2O3-Sb2O5 System in Air at 1200℃

Using the methods of X-ray phase and X-ray Densitometric analysis, the phase equilibria between oxides of manganese, iron and antimony have been investigated in an air atmosphere at temperatures up to 1250? in an air mosphere at normal pressure. The phase diagram of the system at 1200? was built MnO-Mn2O3-FeO-Fe2O-Sb2O3-Sb2O5. A new phase was found Mn12-2x,sup>2+Fe2x2+Sb3+Sb55+O26(0?x?1), with edge compositions FeMn5Sb3O13 and Mn6Sb3O3 (a=8.5003?0.0025Å; b=8.0064?0.0025Å; c=11.5779?0.0025Å; Z = 3; ?obs. = 5.7 g/cm3; ?calc = 5.6991 g/cm3). The phase exists in the temperature range 1180-1230oC and can be obtained by quenching, but always with a large admixture of Mn2Sb2O7 and spinel Mn112+Mn133+Sb93+O44.The reason for this behavior is that air molecules have different temperatures, as a result of which the phase composition of the reaction mixture cannot be strictly related to one temperature, and different phases can be stable at different temperatures.

Coupling Biocatalysis with Photocatalysis for Construction of a Photobioelectrochemical Cell

The integration of photoactive proteins such as photosystem I and II in electrode architectures has gained much attention during the last years for light-to-current and light-to-chemical conversion [1,2]. Here, we have combined the photophysical properties of the biological photosystem II (PSII) with a second artificial, light-sensitive entity (PbS quantum dots). This biohybrid approach mimics the natural photosynthesis since also here two photoactive entities are combined for the whole process of water splitting and usage of electrons for energetic purpose.For the electrode construction quantum dots (QDs) and PSII (from T. elongatus) have been integrated in a 3D TiO2 electrode architecture in order to ensure a large interface for the loading of high amounts of both photoactive entities. The electrode structure is prepared by a template-based approach employing a simple spin coating procedure to adjust the thickness of the 3D structure [3]. TiO2 is chosen as a basic electrode material since it provides advantageous properties for charge carrier separation of photo-excited electron-hole pairs from QDs. The PbS QDs are directly synthetized via a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction approach (SILAR) on the TiO2 surface and allow the excitation with visible light [3]. In order to connect the PSII efficiently with the TiO2/PbS electrode an osmium-based redox polymer (poly(1-vinylimidazole- co-allylamine) - Os(bipy)2Cl) has been used, which mediates the electron transfer from PSII towards the QDs under illumination [4].The electrode architectures have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, wavelength dependent measurements, photochronoamperometric and photovoltammetric experiments. It is shown that the photocurrent magnitude can be well correlated to the amount of PSII integrated within the 3D electrode architecture. Interestingly the electrons from the water oxidation can be collected at very low potential starting from -0.55 V vs Ag/AgCl. This is about 0.2 V below the redox potential of the acceptor site in PSII and illustrates one beneficial feature of the new developed system.This photobioanode has been combined with a biocathode hosting bilirubin oxidase (BOD). Here, a transparent electrode has been developed which also allows the illumination of the whole cell through the cathode. For this purpose 3D antimony tin oxide (ATO) electrodes have been prepared with the same template procedure. A high transparency can be ensured even when 8 layers of inverse-opal ATO are deposited on FTO electrodes (Fluor-doped tin oxide). The ATO surface has to be modified with pyrenecarboxylic acid in order to provide a suitable surface for the direct electron transfer of BOD. Here, current densities of about 135 µA/cm2 have been obtained in air-saturated solution for the oxygen reduction process.By combing both electrodes, a photobioelectrochemical cell (PBC) can be fabricated, which does not need any fuel to be supplied, but allows the light-driven generation of electricity by regeneration of O2 and H2O at the photobioanode and biocathode, respectively. The PBC gives an extraordinary high open cell voltage of about 1V under illumination and a maximum power density of about 50µW/cm2.[1] V. M. Friebe, R. N. Frese, Curr. Opin. Electrochem. 2017, 5, 126.[2] D. Ciornii, M. Riedel, K. R. Stieger, S. C. Feifel, M. Hejazi, H. Lokstein, A. Zouni, F. Lisdat, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 16478.[3] M. Riedel, W. J. Parak, A. Ruff, W. Schuhmann, F. Lisdat, ACS Catal. 2018, 8, 5212.[4] M. Riedel, J. Wersig, A. Ruff, W. Schuhmann, A. Zouni, F. Lisdat, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 801.

Boron-doped Sb/SbO2@rGO composites with tunable components and enlarged lattice spacing for high-rate sodium-ion batteries

Antimony (Sb) and its oxides, as promising electrode materials, have attracted much attention because of their low cost, environmental friendliness, and high theoretical capacity. Herein, boron doped flower-cluster-like Sb/SbO2@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites are synthesized for use as sodium-ion battery anode materials using a solvothermal strategy. The contents of Sb and antimony oxide (SbO2) are controlled by adding different contents of NaBH4. Meanwhile, the introduction of NaBH4 successfully realizes boron doping and enlarges the lattice spacing of the SbO2, improving its conductivity and Na+ transport. As a result, optimal Sb/SbO2@rGO-10 composites display a desirable capacity of 346 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 100 cycles with a capacity retention of 106%. Even at high current densities, a capacity of 236 mAh g−1 is achieved, demonstrating a satisfactory rate capacity. Moreover, the Sb/SbO2@rGO-10 electrode shows satisfactory Na storage performance at low temperatures. In addition, sodium-ion full cells are assembled using an Sb/SbO2@rGO-10 anode and a Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode, with which a satisfactory electrochemical performance of 102 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 50 mA g−1 is achieved, showing their high practical potential.

Preparation of TiO2/Sb–SnO2 composite by a polymer pyrolysis method for conducting fillers

Study and development of multifunctional titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based composite have been focused on by researchers for years. Herein, TiO2-based antimony doped tin oxide (TiO2/Sb–SnO2) conductive composite was facilely prepared by a polymer pyrolysis method. The obtained composite was characterized by thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis(TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS). The Ti–Sn–Sb polyacrylate precursor was pyrolyzed to prepare a highly crystalline TiO2/Sb–SnO2 composite, and the pyrolysis reaction mechanism was discussed. The TiO2/Sb–SnO2 composite whose molar ratio of Ti to Sn was 5:1 with 8.3% Sb being doped into SnO2, had the narrowest equivalent energy gap of 2.79 eV and the lowest charge transfer resistance, which led to the cascading charge transfer fast and enhances the conductivity, with a resistivity of 15.42 Ω cm. The solid-solid phase interfacial synergism effect and the “staggered” type double heterojunction structure of TiO2/Sb–SnO2 composite both promoted the electrons migrating from TiO2(A) to TiO2(R) and further to Sb–SnO2 in a cascade way. The results give a novel strategy for industrially manufacturing conductive composite filler.

Surface sulfuration of antimony oxide enhances the electrochemical determination of acebutolol in biomedical samples

Present work describes the surface sulfuration of post synthesized orthorhombic-Sb2O3 rods and their applications in electrocatalysis of acebutolol (ACB). The crystal structure of Sb2O3 and the bond between Sb-O is considerably stable and it is difficult to replace by the sulfur ions. Therefore, the ultrasonic method has been used to modify the Sb2O3 surface, because, it provides enormous energy at the local area of impact. The material characterizations are confirmed that only the surface of Sb2O3 has modified with S2− ions and the bulk crystal structure remains unchanged. This surface heterogeneity plays an important role in the electrochemical determination of ACB. The surface sulfurized Sb2O3 (S-Sb2O3) is exhibited good linear range, sensitivity, and LOD (0.001–101.4 µM, 2.26 µA µM−1 cm−2 and 0.8 nM, respectively) than the Sb2O3. Moreover, the S-Sb2O3 is applied in real-time monitoring of ACB in blood serum and urine samples which received good recoveries.

Thermophysical and physical-mechanical properties of the modernized industrial PVC-plastic compound

Compounds based on PVC-plasticate of I40-13A grade, zinc borate, antimony and chalk oxide have been obtained. The thermal stability, thermophysical and operational properties of the obtained compounds have been investigated. It was found that the modernized compounds have high thermal stability values that meet the requirements for insulating materials. It is shown that the obtained compounds have low values of heat release, heat of combustion, smoke formation and release of hydrogen chloride. It was found that the operational characteristics of the modernized PVC cable compounds are improved.

Comparative study of HSOA-/SOA2- versus H3−BPO4B- functionalities anchored on TiO2-supported antimony oxide-vanadium oxide-cerium oxide composites for low-temperature NOX activation

TiO2-supported antimony oxide-vanadium oxide-cerium oxide (SVC) imparts Lewis acidic (L)/Brönsted acidic (B) sites, labile (Oα)/mobile oxygens (OM), and oxygen vacancies (OV) for selective catalytic NOX reduction (SCR). However, these species are harmonious occasionally, readily poisoned by H2O/sulfur/phosphorus/carbon, thus limiting SCR performance of SVC. Herein, a synthetic means is reported for immobilizing HSOA-/SOA2- (A= 3–4) or H3−BPO4B- (B= 1–3) on the L sites of SVC to form SVC-S and SVC-P. HSOA-/SOA2-/H3−BPO4B- acted as additional B sites with distinct characteristics, altered the properties of Oα/OM/OV species, thereby affecting the SCR activities and performance of SVC-S and SVC-P. SVC-P activated Langmuir-Hinshelwood-typed SCR better than SVC-S, as demonstrated by a greater Oα-directed pre-factor and smaller binding energy between Oα and NO. Meanwhile, SVC-S provided a larger B-directed pre-factor, thereby outperforming SVC-P in activating Eley-Rideal-typed SCR that dictated the overall SCR activities. Compared with SVC-S, SVC-P contained fewer OV species, yet, had higher OM mobility, thus enhancing the overall redox cycling feature, while providing greater Brönsted acidity. Consequently, the resistance of SVC-P to H2O or soot were greater than or similar to that of SVC-S. Conversely, SVC-S revealed greater tolerance to hydro-thermal aging and SO2 than SVC-P. This study highlights the pros and cons of HSOA-/SOA2-/H3−BPO4B- functionalities in tailoring the properties of metal oxides in use as SCR catalysts.

Antimony Recovery from Lead-Rich Dross of Lead Smelter and Conversion into Antimony Oxide Chloride (Sb4O5Cl2)

Antimony was selectively leached from a lead-rich industrial process residue called “dross” and recovered as an antimony oxide chloride (Sb4O5Cl2), which can be used as a component in flame retardants or as an anode material in aqueous chloride batteries. The dross is a residue generated by a lead smelter and contained about 30 wt % lead and about the same concentration of antimony, along with some minor metals such as zinc, iron, and tin. Solutions of hydrochloric acid dissolved in organic solvents such as ethanol, 1-octanol, ethylene glycol, and Aliquat 336 chloride were compared for selective leaching of antimony. All investigated lixiviants leached comparable amounts of antimony (60–76%), but the lowest codissolution of lead (∼0.1%) was achieved by hydrochloric acid in ethanol or in 1-octanol. Only ethanol was chosen for further investigation since it is significantly cheaper than 1-octanol. Moreover, ethanol is classified as an environmentally preferable green solvent. Hydrochloric acid in ethanol leached much less lead than using water, and the former also required a lower chloride concentration to get high leaching yields of antimony. Leaching under optimized conditions was successfully upscaled in a 1 L batch leaching reactor, achieving an antimony leaching efficiency of 90% (28 000 mg L–1) and a lead leaching efficiency of only 0.4% (100 mg L–1). The dissolved antimony in the pregnant leach solution (PLS) was fully recovered by hydrolysis precipitation whereby high-purity antimony oxide chloride (Sb4O5Cl2) was obtained, by adding to the PLS an equivalent volume of water. The ethanol in the remaining PLS was distilled to be reused for more leaching. The valorization of an industrial process residue and the use of ethanol contribute to the sustainability and the greenness of the process.

Improving the Catalytic Efficiency of NiFe-LDH/ATO by Air Plasma Treatment for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Developing efficient catalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction(OER) is important for water splitting and rechargeable metal-air batteries. Although NiFe oxides are considered as potentially applicable catalysts in the alkaline media, there are still a limited numbers of researches working on membrane electrode assembly(MEA) fed with pure water due to their poor electrical conductivity. In this work, antimony doped tin oxide(ATO) has been employed as conductive supports where NiFe layered double hydroxide uniformly dispersed[named NiFe-LDH(layered double hydroxide)/ATO]. The catalysts have been synthesized by a one-step co-precipitation method, and then NiFe-LDH/ATO-air plasma was obtained through mild air plasma treatment. According to XPS analysis, binding energies of Ni2p and Fe2p were shifted negatively. Moreover, a new signal of low oxygen coordination appeared on O1s spectrum after air plasma treatment. These XPS results indicated that oxygen vacancies(Ov) were generated after air plasma treatment. Electrochemical measurement indicated that the vacancy-rich NiFe-LDH/ATO-air plasma exhibited better performance than NiFe-LDH/ATO not only in 1 mol/L KOH solutions but also in an alkaline polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer(APEWE) fed with deionized water. This work provides a feasible way to design practical catalysts used in electrochemical energy conversion systems by choosing corrosion resistance supports and defect engineering.

Toxicity assessment of industrial engineered and airborne process-generated nanoparticles in a 3D human airway epithelial in vitro model

The advanced ceramic technology has been pointed out as a potentially relevant case of occupational exposure to nanoparticles (NP). Not only when nanoscale powders are being used for production, but also in the high-temperature processing of ceramic materials there is also a high potential for NP release into the workplace environment. In vitro toxicity of engineered NP (ENP) [antimony tin oxide (Sb2O3•SnO2; ATO); zirconium oxide (ZrO2)], as well as process-generated NP (PGNP), and fine particles (PGFP), was assessed in MucilAir™ cultures at air–liquid interface (ALI). Cultures were exposed during three consecutive days to varying doses of the aerosolized NP. General cytotoxicity [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, WST-1 metabolization], (oxidative) DNA damage, and the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-8 and MCP-1) were assessed. Data revealed that ENP (5.56 µg ATO/cm2 and 10.98 µg ZrO2/cm2) only caused mild cytotoxicity at early timepoints (24 h), whereas cells seemed to recover quickly since no significant changes in cytotoxicity were observed at late timepoints (72 h). No meaningful effects of the ENP were observed regarding DNA damage and cytokine levels. PGFP affected cell viability at dose levels as low as ∼9 µg/cm2, which was not seen for PGNP. However, exposure to PGNP (∼4.5 µg/cm2) caused an increase in oxidative DNA damage. These results indicated that PGFP and PGNP exhibit higher toxicity potential than ENP in mass per area unit. However, the presence of a mucociliary apparatus, as it occurs in vivo as a defense mechanism, seems to considerably attenuate the observed toxic effects. Our findings highlight the potential hazard associated with exposure to incidental NP in industrial settings.