Crystalline Parameters Research Articles

Multimodal Non-Destructive In Situ Observation of Crystallinity Changes in High-Density Polyethylene Samples with Relation to Optical Parameters during Tensile Deformation

Abstract: Many non-destructive optical testing methods are currently used for material research, providing various information about material parameters. At RECENDT, a multimodal experimental setup has been designed that combines terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopy with a tensile test stage. This setup aims to gather material information such as crystallinity and optical parameters of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) during a tensile test. The setup compares common IR and Raman spectroscopy and the less common optical methods THz and OCT. Complementarity is achieved through different frequency ranges and measurement approaches, resulting in different measured optical material parameters and depths. During tensile testing, HDPE samples with varying crystallinity were analysed, and the determined optical parameters such as refractive index, birefringence, scattering coefficient of decay, and penetration depth can be correlated with the change in crystallinity. These findings demonstrate that the optical methods and their outcomes can be interconnected. With further optimization of the experimental setup, it would be possible to observe the alignment of fibres in fibre composite panels and the stress distribution of polymers effectively. This opens interesting possibilities for polymer characterization in the future, including quality control during moulding processes and material testing.

Investigation the Structure and Linear/Nonlinear Spectroscopic Performance of Fe:Co3O4/TiO2 Nanostructured Heterojunctions

Abstract The structure and linear/nonlinear spectroscopic performance of Fe:Co3O4/TiO2 (FCTO) nanostructured heterojunctions (HJs) were investigated. Pure TiO2 nanostructures and FCTO nanostructured HJs were synthesized by spray pyrolysis technique. The surfaces morphology of the samples was examined utilizing a scanning electron microscope. Energy-dispersive X-ray measurements were performed to confirm the content of the prepared FCTO HJs. The structures’ variations and bonding were explored with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out to study the crystallinity, structures, and lattice parameters, revealing that the pure TiO2 nanostructures have a tetragonal crystalline structure with an anatase phase, while the Fe:Co3O4 layer possesses a cubic crystalline structure. XRD analysis also showed that the crystallite size increases from 15.9 nm (pure TiO2) to 25.4 nm (FCTO HJ). Optical performance was studied via UV-visible-NIR measurements. The optical parameters of the FCTO HJs were investigated and the nonlinear optical performance of the prepared samples was assessed. Great enhancement of the linear/nonlinear optical performance of the FCTO HJs was achieved compared with the pure TiO2 nanostructures. The results reveal that the Fe:Co3O4/TiO2 nanostructured HJs are recommended for many visible spectrum applications.

Green photoluminescence, supercapacitor and cytotoxic properties of nickel doped haematite nanoparticles

Fe2O3: Ni (1–9 mol.%) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the co-precipitation method and calcined at 500∘C for 12 h. The crystallite size, phase, crystallinity, and structural parameters were analyzed via powder X-ray diffraction. The Bragg reflections confirmed that the synthesized NPs crystallize in a pure hexagonal crystal structure with space group R-3c. Surface morphology analysis revealed agglomerated NPs of irregular sizes and shapes. Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis confirmed the presence of Fe, O, and Ni elements, as well as the purity of the sample. Both the direct band gap energy and crystallite size decreased with increasing dopant concentration. Detailed studies were conducted on the photoluminescence and anticancer properties. The CIE coordinates indicated a color tuning from blue to green in the visible region. CIE coordinates and CCT values ranging between 2860 to 9547 k demonstrated that the synthesized nanophosphor material meets the requirements of display technology. Additionally, anticancer properties were investigated using HeLa cells and compared with the standard drug cisplatin for biomedical applications. Electrochemical investigations revealed super capacitance values ranging from 93.43 to 149.13 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s with increasing Ni2+ concentration. Therefore, the synthesized Ni2+-doped hematite NPs show great promise in display technology, the biomedical field, and as supercapacitors in energy storage devices.

Photoluminescence, cytotoxic and oxygen evolution reaction kinetics studies of silver doped haematite nanoparticles

Fe2O3: Ag(1–9 mol %) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized through the co-precipitation method. Crystallite size, phase, crystallinity, and structural parameters were analyzed by using powder X-ray diffraction. The Bragg reflections confirm that the synthesized NPs crystallize in hexagonal crystal structure with space group R-3c. Surface morphology consists of agglomerated irregular size and roughly spherical-shaped NPs. Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-ray confirms the presence of Fe, O, and Ag elements and also the purity of the sample. Crystallite size decreased with the increase in dopant concentration. Direct band gap energy is found to increase with an increase in dopant concentration. Photoluminescence and anticancer properties were studied in detail. The CIE coordinates confirm red emission in the visible region. CIE and CCT co-ordinate values indicate cool light emission, hence, the synthesized nanophosphor material meets the demand of display technology. Further anticancer properties were investigated on HeLa cells and compared with the standard drug cisplatin for biomedical applications. Further, Oxygen evolution reaction kinetics was investigated for Fe2O3:Ag (1 mol %) nanoparticles. demonstrates enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance with a low overpotential of 348 mV, as shown by linear sweep voltammetry. It also exhibits a favorable Tafel slope of 83 mV/dec, indicating efficient electron transfer kinetics, making it a promising candidate for OER applications.

Synthesis of Zn2+:LaMnO3 perovskites nanoparticles by facile co-precipitation approach: Physicochemical characteristics and supercapacitor application

This work has examined the impact of Zn2+ on the crystal architecture and electrochemical functionality of LaMnO3 perovskite nanoparticles. Crystalline parameters of the as-prepared samples were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction studies (XRD). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements are utilized to detect the functional groups present in the sample. Raman spectroscopy technique was used to analyze the nature of the chemical bonds in the prepared material. The shape and elemental content of the produced nanomaterials were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique is used to study the porosity and surface area of the material. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) is employed to study the surface resistivity, oxidation–reduction potential and super capacitance efficiency of the prepared electrode material.

Microwave-absorbing behavior of rare-earth-ion-doped copper manganese nanoferrites in X-band frequency

In this study, the technology important Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 and Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe1.80RE0.2O4 (RE = La, Gd, Nd, and Dy) nanoferrites were synthesized via sonochemical method and characterized to overcome the electromagnetic pollution problems. Crystalline, morphological, electrical, magnetic, and microwave-absorbing parameter were identified by doping of RE (La, Gd, Nd, and Dy) in Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoferrites. The XRD analysis revealed a cubic spinel structure with a single-phase composition for Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoferrites whereas Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe1.80RE0.2O4 (RE = La, Gd, Nd, and Dy) nanoferrites had a cubic structure with the presence of a secondary phase. SEM images confirmed the spherical shape of the particle and the grain size within the range of 19.25–28.19 nm, with elemental stoichiometry confirmed by EDS spectra. The dielectric constant and conductivity of Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe1.80RE0.2O4 nanoferrites were low at higher frequencies, which lead good candidates for microwave-absorbing technologies. The substitution of RE decreases saturation magnetization (43.38–23.96 emu/g) and squareness ratio values of prepared nanoferrites were less than 0.5. The SET values of the prepared nanoferrites were in the range of 32.31–41.81 dB. The minimal reflection loss (RL) values of Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 and Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe1.80RE0.2O4 nanoferrites were less than 10 dB and which indicated that the prepared nanoferrites possessed great potential for applications as microwave-absorbing materials.

Enhancing photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency through the utilization of shock wave effects on neodymium oxide (Nd2O3)

This article delves into the impact of shockwaves on neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) nanoparticles, aiming to evaluate their physical and chemical stability. Nd2O3 nanoparticles were subjected to varying sets of shock pulses (100, 200, and 300) in photocatalytic dye degradation. The nanoparticles crystallinity and unit cell volume after shockwave exposure were examined using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis with unit-cell software. PXRD data revealed no alterations in the crystalline structure, lattice parameter and unit cell volume. Comparisons between pre- and post-shockwave field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) portraying data demonstrate that repeated shockwave application causes a decrease in particle size. Raman spectroscopy, under ambient conditions, shows a high intensity after shock conditions intensity will decrease. Furthermore, FTIR spectroscopy revealed the characteristic strong and broad absorption band associated with metal-oxygen (Nd-O) groups in the Nd2O3 nanoparticles. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was used to investigate the bandgap of the Nd2O3 nanoparticles. Initially, the bandgap was measured at 5.96 eV under ambient conditions, but following the shockwave exposure, it was decreased to approximately 5.91 eV. Interestingly, the surface area of the shockwave-treated Nd2O3 nanoparticles is increased and exhibited an increased efficiency in photocatalytic dye degradation. This finding holds promising implications for environmental remediation applications.

Study of the effect of synthesis temperature and thermal aging on structural, dielectric properties and phase composition in NiO/NiAl2O4 composite ceramics

In modern materials science, a considerable amount of research is focused on obtaining new ceramic materials to create efficient functional elements. Acquiring highly efficient and stable ceramic catalysts for alternative energy is an important task that demands an urgent solution. Solving this problem as fast as possible is essential, as it will facilitate the development of new technologies that can prevent future energy crises. Nickel oxide (NiO) and spinel with the composition NiAl2O4 are excellent candidates as high temperature catalysts used in alternative energy applications. This paper studies the synthesis of NiO/NiAl2O4 composite ceramics and the effect of high-temperature aging on their phase composition, crystalline properties, and dielectric characteristics. The study found that the phase composition and microstructure of the ceramics remain unchanged after several thermal aging cycles at 700 °C. However, the crystalline parameters and low-frequency dielectric characteristics may fluctuate significantly depending on the duration of aging. The observed variations were predominantly influenced by the microstructural features of the composite ceramics. As the average grain size increased and the phase transformations were completed, the crystalline parameters and low-frequency dielectric characteristics reached a stable state without further alteration. For NiO/NiAl2O4 ceramics with a sintering temperature of 1500 °C, the highest shrinkage, low dielectric loss values and acceptable hardness were observed, indicating that the fabricated ceramics are suitable for mechanical processing. In general, the obtained composite ceramics show high temperature stability and are well-suited for use as functional elements in hydrogen energy applications.

Micro-scale crystallization thermodynamics study of typical energetic compounds integrating optofluidics and machine learning

With the aim of investigating the changing law of crystallization driving force of typical energetic compounds under micro-scale crystallization conditions, a thermodynamic parameter determination method based on optofluidics was proposed. Aimed at nitro, nitramine and nitrate explosives in energetic compounds, hexanitrostilbene (HNS), cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were selected as representatives, the solubility of the three kinds of energetic compounds in their respective commonly used solvents (HNS: in DMF, DMSO, NMP; HMX: in DMF, DMSO, CYC; PETN: in DMF, DMSO, EAc) at different temperatures were determined. Furthermore, microfluidics and machine learning were combined, the solubility data of the explosives were processed using BP neural network. Moreover, the metastable zone widths of HNS, HMX and PETN in each solvent were determined using on-line Raman technique. Additionally, crystalline thermodynamic parameters such as solid–liquid interfacial tension, crystal surface entropy factor, enthalpy of dissolution and etc. were calculated for each system.

Synthesis, characterization, and application of PVDF-PZT composite thin film separator for self-charging supercapacitors

This work utilizes a simple ball milling and heating process to synthesize lead zirconium titanate (PZT). The thin film PVDF-PZT separator is fabricated with the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent. The separator's characterization is accomplished by using conventional characterization tools to examine its crystallinity, morphology, chemical composition, and other parameters. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Elemental mapping, the separator is extremely pure and free of any impurities. The separator's surface is found to be uniform with minimal porosity. An analysis of the application of the fabricated thin film separator in a supercapacitor is conducted by placing it in between the previously prepared carbon and NiO thin film electrodes. Upon bending, twisting, and applying force, the device displayed output voltage. Twisting results in a maximum output potential of 140 mV, which is higher than some previously reported works. The results show that the PVDF-PZT thin film separator could potentially be utilized in self-charging supercapacitor applications.

The Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Characteristics of CeO2 Synthesized Using the Precipitation Method

Cerium oxide (CeO2) was synthesized using the precipitation method at various calcination temperatures ranging from 500 to 700°C. Cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO)3.6H2O) was used as the precursor for cerium, while Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) acted as the morphology-directing agent. Characterization results indicated that pure CeO2 was obtained at all calcination temperature variations. Calcination temperature influences crystallinity, crystal size, and CeO2 crystal parameters. The crystallinity and crystal size of CeO2 increased with the rising calcination temperature, reaching values of 81.1–84.5% and 15.58–23.12 nm, respectively, along with larger crystal parameters as the temperature increased (a = 5.406–5.410 Å). Surface morphology showed irregular shapes of CeO2 particles, with decreasing sizes as the calcination temperature increased, ranging from 0.2-5.6 μm at 600°C to 0.12-2.9 μm at 700°C. The Ce/O ratio on the surface increased with the rising calcination temperature, reaching a range of 0.48–0.57. CeO2 obtained from calcination at 600°C exhibited the highest fluorescence emission intensity (λ= 496 nm), indicating the least oxygen vacancies presence. Therefore, for antioxidant and catalyst applications, it is preferable to calcinate CeO2 at 700°C.

Structural evolution of biaxially oriented polypropylene films upon asynchronous stretching

AbstractTo understand the structural behavior of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films upon asynchronous stretching, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction/scattering method is employed to in situ monitor the structure evolution of the cast films in the machine direction (MD) and the longitudinally stretched films in the transverse direction (TD) at high temperatures. By comparatively analyzing the simultaneous stress–strain curves and multiscale crystalline parameters, the structural evolution regularities and mechanisms during the two‐step asynchronous stretching courses are discussed. It shows that the structural evolution upon the MD drawing at 130°C, 140°C, and 150°C of the PP cast films has a poor temperature dependence, while the structural developing upon the TD stretching of pre‐oriented, longitudinally stretched films exhibits the different behavior under 155°C as compared to that at 135°C and 145°C. This study not only discloses the structural evolution mechanisms of the two‐step asynchronous stretched BOPP films, but also demonstrates the more important impact of processing temperature on the TD drawing than the MD stretching, providing the theoretical guidance for the structural control and property optimization under the industrial production of BOPP films.

Multitask Learning Deep Neural Networks Enable Embedded Design of Active Metamaterials.

In this study, we propose and implement a deep neural network framework based on multitask learning aimed at simplifying the forward modeling and inverse design process of photonic devices integrating active metasurfaces. We demonstrate and validate our approach by constructing a continuously tunable bandpass filter that is effective in the midwave infrared region. The key to this filter is the combination of a metasurface and Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity structure of the tunable phase-change material Ge2Sb2Se4Te (GSST) and the precise control of the crystallinity of the GSST by a silicon-based heater. With the help of a deep learning framework, we are able to independently model the crystallinity and geometric parameters of the filter to maximize the use of GSST tuning for bandpass filtering. Our model discusses the self-attention mechanism and the effect of noise and compares several existing popular algorithms, and the results show that a multitask deep learning strategy can better assist the on-demand reverse design of photonic structures with phase change materials. This opens up new possibilities for personalization and functional extension of optical devices.

Zonular instability-associated morphologic features in eyes with primary angle closure disease using the swept-source anterior segment – optical coherence tomography system

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the morphologic features of the crystalline lens in Primary Angle Closure Disease (PACD) patients with zonular instability during cataract surgery using the swept-source CASIA 2 Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) system.MethodsA total of 398 eyes (125 PACD eyes with zonular instability, 133 PACD eyes with zonular stability, and 140 cataract patient controls) of 398 patients who underwent cataract surgery combined or not glaucoma surgery between January 2021 and January 2023 were enrolled. The crystalline lens parameters were measured by CASIA2 AS-OCT. Then, logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risk factors associated with zonular instability.ResultsThe results revealed that PACD eyes had a more anterior lens equator position, a steeper anterior curvature of lens, shorter Axial Length (AL), shallower Anterior Chamber Distance (ACD), higher Lens Vault (LV) and thicker Lens Thickness (LT), when compared to eyes in the cataract control group. Furthermore, PACD eyes in the zonular instability group had steeper front R, front Rs and Front Rf, flatter back Rf, thicker lens anterior part thickness, higher lens anterior-to-posterior part thickness ratios, shallower ACD, and greater LV, when compared to PACD eyes with zonular stability. The logistic regression analysis, which was adjusted for age and gender, revealed that zonular instability was positively correlated with anterior part thickness, lens anterior-to-posterior part thickness ratio, and LV, but was negatively correlated with lens anterior radius and ACD.ConclusionSteeper anterior curvature, increased lens anterior part thickness, higher anterior-to-posterior part thickness ratio, shallower ACD, and greater LV are the anatomic features of PACD eyes associated with zonular instability.

Cereal flours with Bacillus coagulans and beta-glucan: Technological properties and sensory acceptability

This study aimed to develop three formulations of cereal flours: control cereal flour (CCF), probiotic cereal flour (PCF), and symbiotic cereal flour (SCF), and porridges from the flours were manufactured as a functional food. No significant differences were observed in the microbiological quality and the color of the flours for 150 days. The technological and functional potential of the flours were variously improved with the addition of Bacillus coagulans as a probiotic and beta-glucan as a prebiotic. The addition of beta-glucan fiber did not change the viability of the probiotic, which was higher than 7.45 log CFU/g for SCF and 7.13 log CFU/g for PCF until the end of the storage period. All porridge samples showed non-Newtonian fluid behavior with pseudoplastic characteristics; and the PCF and SCF porridges differed regarding the parameters of hardness (1.10 to 1.38 N), adhesiveness (5.88 to 8.86 mJ), cohesiveness (0.78 to 0.95) and gumminess (0.93 to 1.52 N) over time. The addition of the beta-glucan prebiotic interfered with these attributes due to its gelling capacity in the presence of water. The PCF obtained the best sensory acceptance scores when compared to the other formulations. The addition of Bacillus coagulans and beta-glucan did not interfere with thermographic behavior. The SCF differed in the observed crystallinity parameters from CCF and PCF, with the presence of larger solids and agglomerates.

Self-Competitive Growth of CsPbBr3 Planar Nanowire Array.

Semiconductor planar nanowire arrays (PNAs) are essential for achieving large-scale device integration. Direct heteroepitaxy of PNAs on a flat substrate is constrained by the mismatch in crystalline symmetry and lattice parameters between the substrate and epitaxial nanowires. This study presents a novel approach termed "self-competitive growth" for heteroepitaxy of CsPbBr3 PNAs on mica. The key to inducing the self-competitive growth of CsPbBr3 PNAs on mica involves restricting the nucleation of CsPbBr3 nanowires in a high-adsorption region, which is accomplished by overlaying graphite sheets on the mica surface. Theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrate that CsPbBr3 nanowires oriented perpendicular to the boundary of the high-adsorption area exhibit greater competitiveness in intercepting the growth of nanowires in the other two directions, resulting in PNAs with a consistent orientation. Moreover, these PNAs exhibit low-threshold and stable amplified spontaneous emission under one-, two-, and three-photon excitation, indicating their potential for an integrated laser array.

The synergistic impact of multi walled carbon nanotubes on microstructural, morphological, and optical properties of polyaniline films

AbstractNanocomposite of polyaniline (PANI) and multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was synthesised by ex‐situ solution mixing process in the N‐Methyl‐2‐Pyrrolidinone (NMP) solvent medium by varying the concentration of MWCNT in the PANI matrix. PANI‐MWCNT composite films were prepared by the drop casting method. The morphology, structure and chemical composition of PANI and PANI‐MWCNT nanocomposites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectra. The experimental findings suggested a favourable synergy between PANI and MWCNTs. PANI‐MWCNT nanocomposite formed as randomly oriented nanofibrous clusters was confirmed, and the bandgap of the composites was found to be gradually decreased with the increase in concentration of MWCNT in the PANI matrix. The calculation of crystallinity index, crystallite size, average d‐spacing, dislocation density, lattice strain, and inter chain separation of the samples were conducted by XRD analysis. When the MWCNT concentration increased from 0.05 % w/v to 0.5 % w/v, a rise in the degree of crystallinity from 3.39 % to 52.46 %, dislocation density from 0.03315×10−3(nm−2)to 0.07133×10−3 (nm−2) and lattice strain from 8.6821×10−3 to 12.9843×10−3, accompanied by a reduction in both crystallite size and inter‐chain separation were observed .The microcrystalline behaviour and crystalline orientation of the PANI‐MWCNT composites were correlated with the bandgap studies. The composite formation improved the thermal stability of PANI. The co‐relation between the crystallinity parameters and fine tuning of optical bandgap and the control over the defect levels were done in this study. This synergy suggests that these composites are suitable candidates for linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) applications.

Structural and magnetic properties of tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles for testing spintronic device applications

Nanocrystalline of SnO2 was developed by precipitation method. The crystalline structure and magnetic parameter values of the SnO2 material modulate on increasing the calcined temperatures ranging from 450 to 650 °C were evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and High Temperature-Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (HT-VSM) measurements. Both SnO2 calcined samples exhibit spherical morphology through confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis displayed spherical particles with average grain sizes of 5–10 nm for SnO2 calcined at 650 °C. In the VSM measurements, the ferromagnetism response of SnO2 was noticed at temperatures of 450 and 650 K.

(Invited) Investigating Microstructural Effects of Composite NCM811 Cathodes on ALL-Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries Performance Under Low Operation Stacking Pressure

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLIBs) have been considered suitable alternatives to commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the aspect of safety issues that come from the use of inflammable solid electrolytes to replace organic flammable electrolytes. Nevertheless, there apparently remains much room for a better understanding of their properties and behaviors in order to upgrade their performance to reach the practical application level. Ni-rich layered oxides, LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 (NCM), are promising cathodes for high-energy ASSLIBs because of their high capacities and redox potentials, and low material cost when compared with conventional LiCoO2. However, certain challenges associated with their use in ASSLIBs must be addressed for their effective use and industrialization. In particular, the structural integrity of the NCM electrodes during the long-term charge/discharge process suffers from the formation of an intergranular and/or intragranular cracking behavior. These microcracks are initiated at the grain boundaries from the anisotropic chemical strain of the randomly oriented polycrystal (PC) primary cathode particles. Solid evidence behind the electrochem-mechanical breakdown of an NCM cathode with liquid electrolytes has been well discussed and reported in the literature. However, the breakdown in ASSLIBs may not obey as same as in the liquid-electrolyte LIBs and display exclusive mechanics-oriented material damage in the presence of rigid solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). The primary objective of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of various cracking modes in ASSLIBs, which we believe is instrumental to improving the lifespan and cell performance as a whole. ForASSLIBs, stacking pressures greater than 100 MPa under battery operation are currently commonly used. The use of high stacking pressure increases manufacturing and usage difficulties and overall cost. Lowering the battery-operation stacking pressure, for example to the level of the liquid-electrolyte batteries, will certainly facilitate the wider applications of ASSLIBs. In this context, composite cathodes consisting of a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode and brittle Li3InCl6 (LIC) SSE have been assessed for ASSLIB applications under low operation stacking pressure (coin-cell configuration; ~2.0 MPa). The study reveals the effects of material and structural characteristics of the composite cathode, including the NCM particle size and size distribution, active-material spatial distribution, particle crystallinity (polycrystal or single-crystal), and electrochemical operation parameters (voltage range, current rates) on the cycle stability of the ASSLIBs as a result of the electrochem-mechanical behaviors of the oxide cathode. Meanwhile, a novel solvent-based synthesis process of LIC for achieving high-density cathodes is introduced.

Preparation and Structure of Zinc–Calcium Hydroxyapatite Solid Solution Particles and Their Ultraviolet Absorptive Ability

The calcium ions (Ca2+) of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHap) were substituted with zinc ions (Zn2+), and zinc–calcium hydroxyapatite solid solution (ZnCaHap) particles were prepared via a precipitation method. The structure of the various obtained particles was investigated via powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The ultraviolet (UV) absorption ability of the particles was also investigated using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The morphology of the CaHap comprised fine ellipsoidal particles, and long rod-like particles and large plate-like particles were mixed with the fine particles at higher Zn2+ contents in the particles. Pure ZnCaHap particles were obtained from the starting solution at less than Zn/(Zn + Ca) ([XZn]) of 0.25. Another crystal phase was mixed with the ZnCaHap phase at [XZn] ≥ 0.25. The crystallinity and lattice parameters a and c of the particles decreased with an increase in [XZn] from 0 to 0.10. The UV absorptive ability of the particles first increased and then decreased with increasing Zn2+ content and showed a maximum at [XZn] = 0.30.