High Nickel Content Research Articles

Effect of the Reactor Material on the Reforming of Primary Syngas

Syngas, mostly hydrogen and carbon monoxide, has traditionally been produced from coal and natural gas, with biomass gasification later emerging as a renewable process. It is widely used in fuel synthesis through the Fischer–Tropsch (FT) process, where the H2/CO ratio is crucial in determining product efficiency and quality. In this sense, this study aimed to reform an emulated syngas resulting from the supercritical water gasification of biomass, tailoring it to meet the H2/CO ratio required for FT synthesis. Conditions resembling dry reforming were applied, using temperatures from 600 to 950 °C and steel wool as a catalyst. Additionally, the effects of Inconel and stainless steel as reactor materials on syngas reforming were investigated. When Inconel was used, H2/CO ratios ranged between 1.04 and 1.84 with steel wool and 1.28 and 1.67 without. When comparing reactions without steel wool performed either in the Inconel or the stainless steel reactors, those using Inconel consistently outperformed the stainless steel ones, achieving CH4 and CO2 conversions up to 95% and 76%, respectively, versus 0% and 39% with stainless steel. It was concluded that the Inconel reactor exhibited catalytic properties due to its high nickel content and specific oxides.

Orthodontic Alloy Wires and Their Hypoallergenic Alternatives: Metal Ions Release in pH 6.6 and pH 5.5 Artificial Saliva

Legislative framework addresses the issues of alloy corrosion, demanding the restricted use of probable carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic-for-human-reproduction (CMG) metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium and demanding the development of new biomaterials. The aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the ion release of standard dental alloys and their hypoallergenic equivalents. Six types of orthodontic alloy wires (nickel–titanium (NiTi), coated NiTi, stainless steel (SS), Ni-free SS, and cobalt–chromium (CoCr) and titanium–molybdenum (TMA) were immersed into artificial saliva of pH 5.5 and 6.6. Release of metal ions was measured by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry after 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. NiTi released more Ti and Ni ions compared to the coated NiTi; SS released more iron, chromium, and nickel compared to the nickel-free SS. CoCr released cobalt in a high concentration and low amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum compared to the molybdenum and titanium released by TMA. Release of metals from dental orthodontic alloys in vitro was overall lower at pH 6.6 and for the hypoallergenic equivalents when compared to standard dental alloys.

Effect of Heat Input on Tin Bronze-Induced Intergranular Cracks During Arc Cladding Process

This work aimed to figure out the effect of heat input on the characteristics, formation, and elimination of liquid tin bronze-induced intergranular cracks in steel sheets with a thickness of 2 mm. Tin bronze cladding layers were prepared using an arc cladding technique on the steel. A statistical method was adopted to analyze the severity of intergranular cracks. Microstructures and intergranular cracks were characterized by SEM and TEM. The tensile experiments were carried out using an electronic universal testing machine. For the bare steel sheets, the intergranular cracks originated from the cladding layer and propagated into the interior of the steel along the grain boundaries. The intergranular cracks could evolve into macrocracks and lead to the failure of steel. With the increase in heat input, the maximum temperature, maximum stress, and contact time between steel and liquid tin bronze increased. The severity of intergranular cracks was also increased, and the longest crack reached 520 μm. The mechanical properties of the steel sheets decreased with the increase in heat input. For nickel-plated steel sheets, intergranular cracks were eliminated under low heat input, and a transition layer with a nickel content of 12.32 wt.% was generated. The intergranular cracks generated under high heat input and nickel content in the transition layer were only 1.34 wt.%. The strength of the nickel-plated steel also decreased drastically, and the ductility was almost zero.

Different characteristics of the soil in marmot habitats might be one of the factors that influcting Yersinia pestis prevalent in which than pikas.

Marmots are recognized as host animals for plague caused by Yersinia pestis infection. It is unclear that why plague prevalent in marmot rather than other rodents like pikas in the same habitats. This study aims to analyze the differences of the soil characteristics around marmots and pikas burrows to explore the soils factors impacting on different epidemic intensities of Yersinia pestis in these two rodents. Soil samples were collected from within and around marmot and pika burrows, as well as from the nearby areas not inhabited by them and Chinese baseline soil properties as control groups, in the Qilian Mountains of Gansu Province, China. The physicochemical properties and the bacterial 16S rRNA were measured to analyze the characteristics of soils from different groups. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using R studio. The analysis revealed that marmot habitats exhibited distinct soil characteristics, including lower organic matter and alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen, but higher electrical conductivity and total soluble salts. And soil in marmot areas tended to have higher concentrations of nickel, chromium, and iron, also lower levels of zinc and selenium. Additionally, the alpha diversity of soil microorganisms in marmot habitats was significantly low. Simultaneously, redundancy analysis was conducted, which showed that the low alpha diversity of marmot-soil was influenced by its physicochemical properties. The alpha diversity of the soil was positively correlated with EC, TSS, Na, and Cr, etc., while it was negatively correlated with AHN, OM, Se, Zn, and Fe, etc. These characteristics in marmot habitats, including low levels of organic matter, alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen, zinc, selenium, and bacterial alpha diversity, as well as high levels of electrical conductivity, total soluble salts, iron, and nickel, played a crucial role in the spread of plague. It was discovered that the unique characteristics of marmot-soils provided essential elements necessary for the survival of Yersinia pestis, including high levels of Fe and Ca, or facilitated the spread of plague. Thus, the transmission of the plague was facilitated.

High-Energy LiNiO2 Li Metal Batteries Enabled by Hybrid Electrolyte Consisting of Ionic Liquid and Weakly Solvating Fluorinated Ether.

In pursuit of the highest possible energy density, researchers shift their focus to the ultimate anode material, lithium metal (Li0), and high-capacity cathode materials with high nickel content (Ni > 80%). The combination of these aggressive electrodes presents unprecedented challenges to the electrolyte. Here, wereport a hybrid electrolyte consisting of a highly fluorinated ionic liquid and a weakly solvating fluorinated ether, whose hybridization structure enables the reversible operation of a battery chemistry based on Li0 and LiNiO2 (Ni = 100%), delivering nearly theoretical capacity of the latter (up to 249mAhg-1) for >300cycles with retention of 78.6% and in absence of unwanted morphological changes in both electrodes. Extensive characterization assisted by molecular dynamic simulation and density functional theory calculations reveals the function of the fluorinated ether to be far more profound than simple dilution and viscosity reduction. Instead, it induces drastic changes in Li+-solvation environment, the consequence of which engenders simultaneous stabilization of electrode/electrolyte and interfacing via formation of respective interfacial chemistries. This study further unlocks fundamental knowledge underneath the prevailing "diluent strategy" that is extensively applied by the electrolyte researchers and opens more design space for the next-generation electrolytes and interphases for these coveted battery chemistries.

N-doped LiNi0.65Co0.15Mn0.2O2 ternary cathode materials for improved electrochemical performance

LiNi0.65Co0.15Mn0.2O2 (NCM) has some advantages of high specific capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness, but its high nickel content leads to serious cationic mixing and poor cycling and rate performance. The N doping LiNi0.65Co0.15Mn0.2O2 (NCM-x%N) is prepared by co-precipitation method. It is indicated by various representational means that N doping can reduce the particle size, effectively inhibit the cationic mixing degree, and increase lattice spacing. The means can improve the diffusion rate of lithium ions, among which N doping LiNi0.65Co0.15Mn0.2O2 (NCM-3%N) of x = 3 has the best electrochemical performance. After 100 cycles at 0.1C, the specific discharge capacity was 137.8 mA·h·g−1 (85.80 % capacity retention rate), which is 15.87 % higher than other NCM. The magnification performance is tested at 0.1C, 0.2C, 0.5C, 1C, and 2C. After 25 cycles, the capacity retention rate of NCM-3%N was 92.1 %, 11.11 % higher than that of NCM. Reaction kinetics showed that NCM-3%N has a lithium-ion diffusion coefficient that is higher than NCM.

Surface engineering of TiSiO4 nano-coating for high-voltage nickel-rich ternary cathodes: An approach to improve cyclic performance

In recent years, layered ternary transition metal oxides with a high nickel content have gained substantial attention as a potential positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, its poor rate capability, cyclability, and capacity retention at high working voltages limit its use in commercial lithium-ion batteries. To overcome these challenges, we synthesize a cost-effective wet-chemical deposition of novel TiSiO4 nano-coatings over the surface of LiNi0.83Mn0.06Co0.11O2 (NMC-83). X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy confirm the presence of a coating and verify that the deposition process did not alter the crystallinity and morphology of the NMC-83 particles. In addition, during cycling, it completely protects NMC-83 with enhancements in hexagonal phase transitions between H2 and H3, resulting in excellent cycling stability at upper cut-off voltages. Likewise, when the amount of coated material is equal to 1 wt%, it provides faster ion kinetics and a stable electrode-electrolyte interface. The 1 wt% TiSiO4 coating provides 35 % retention after 250 cycles at a 0.5C rate, while the pristine NMC-83 shows only 13.7 %. From postmortem analysis, the 1 wt% TiSiO4-coated NMC-83 cathode maintains its stable polycrystalline nature compared with pristine NMC-83. Thus, this novel TiSiO4 nanocoating has significant implications for developing high-performance rechargeable batteries for energy applications.

Status and Migration Activity of Lead, Cobalt and Nickel in Water and in Bottom Sediments of Lake Markakol, Kazakhstan

Lake Markakol is located in a metal-rich mountain area of Kazakhstan. Metal input into the lake water and in the bottom sediments can be expected. Lead, cobalt and nickel monitoring in both near-surface and deep-water layers and in bottom sediments was carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometric analyses. Lead contamination of surface water ranging from 2.6 to 6.8 µg/L occurs in all water samples with the exception of the surface water layer. In the deep-water section concentrations reach up to 13.0–16.2 µg/L. Cobalt concentrations range from 36.8 to 67.5 µg/L in the surface layer and from 25.5 to 69.2 µg/L in the deep-water layer. High values of nickel were found in the surface and bottom layers of the water, ranging from 13.5 to 49.0 and 17.2 to 49.0 µg/L, respectively. High concentrations of lead, cobalt and nickel were identified in all samples of the bottom sediments. The lead content in bottom sediments reaches 11.3, cobalt reaches 10.3–18.0 and nickel reaches 15.0 mg kg−1. The results and their assessment can serve as a basis for future monitoring and measures to reduce pollution, restore the lake ecosystem and ensure the safety of fishery products for humans.

Effect of strontium phosphate coating on NCM811 powders for high-performance Li-ion battery cathode

The NCM811 cathode material, characterized by a high nickel content, is known for its substantial energy capacity but is afflicted by challenges, including electrolyte degradation and inadequate cyclic stability. In this study, a chemical bath deposition technique is utilized to apply a layer of Sr3(PO4)2 material onto the surface of NCM811 particles to address these problems. This procedure yields a continuous protective coating that shields the NCM811 particles from detrimental interactions with the electrolyte, such as HF attack and the formation of surface cracks, while also promoting the diffusion of lithium ions during charge/discharge cycles. XRD analysis indicated that the application of Sr3(PO4)2 coating did not cause any changes in the structure of the NCM811 cathode material. SEM images of all coated samples demonstrated that all coated samples have spherical morphology. Additionally, both Raman and FTIR examinations provide evidences supporting the existence of strontium phosphate material on the surface of the NCM811 cathode material. The distinctive 5.9 nm-thick Sr3(PO4)2 coating enables the NCM811 material to maintain 96 % of its capacity after 100 charge/discharge cycles in a voltage range of 2.8–4.4 V vs. Li/Li+ at a current rate of 1C.

Fabrication of an In‐situ Synthesized Porous Silica‐Ruthenium‐Nickel Composite Catalyst for Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane

AbstractThis work investigated in‐situ synthesis of porous silica‐nickel‐ruthenium composite catalysts for hydrolysis of ammonia borane. The precursors were prepared with an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), to form porous structure in the precursor particles, and the precursors was treated in aqueous solution including sodium borohydride and ammonia borane for in‐situ process to parallelly activate and use the catalysts for hydrolysis of ammonia borane. The result of TEM and nitrogen sorption measurements suggested that the primary particle size of the in‐situ synthesized catalysts decrease with increasing the amount of SDS and sodium chloride as the additive for controlling the primary particle size probably because of the effect of sodium ions to inhibit nuclei growth of the primary particles. From the EDS analyses, the composition of active nickel and ruthenium contents increased with increasing the amount of SDS and sodium chloride except for the highest amount of SDS probably because of adsorption of the metal cations with the excess amount of the surfactant anion to decrease the amount of the metal cations including the catalyst. The in‐situ synthesized catalyst including small size primary particles and high nickel and ruthenium content tended to exhibit high activity for hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

Analyzing the Doping Mechanism of High-Valence Element in Ni-Rich Cathode Materials

Layered cathode materials, LiMO2 (M=Ni, Co,Mn, or Al), with a high nickel content are promising cathode materials owing to their near-theoretical specific capacity. However, the inherent chemical and structural instabilities of Ni-rich cathodes lead to several problems, including rapid capacity fading, thermal instability, gas evolution, and safety concerns.1 Introducing additional elements into Ni-rich cathodes is an essential strategy for addressing the instability of the cathode material. Conventionally, this doping strategy considers only the incorporation of additional elements into the bulk structure of the cathode in terms of fortifying the crystal structure.2 However, high-valence elements are likely to be insoluble in the crystal structure, resulting in accumulation along the interparticle boundaries.3 Herein, a new mechanism for doping high-valence elements into Ni-rich cathodes and their effects on the morphology and crystal structure are investigated by calcining LiNiO2 (LNO) and X-doped LNO cathodes (X=Al, Nb, Ta, and Mo) at various temperatures. Operando X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the temperature at which the content of Li-X-O compounds declines is higher for the dopants with high oxidation states, reinforcing segregation at the grain boundary. Thus, the highly aligned microstructure and high crystallinity of the LNO cathode are maintained over a wide calcination temperature range after doping with high-valence elements, enhancing the electrochemical performance.

Influence of Pristine NMC811 Secondary and Primary Particle Surfaces on the Materials Reactivity

Vehicle electrification currently relies on lithium-ion batteries using nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC)-based lamellar oxides as positive electrode materials. In order to achieve higher energy densities, the market is now moving towards NMC with high nickel content. Nevertheless, these materials have been widely demonstrated to suffer from serious off-gassing problems that reduce cycle life and pose safety concerns. Not only gases resulting from the formation of SEI at the negative electrode, but the production of O2, CO and CO2 have also been noted by different research groups.1–3 Despite the large number of studies analyzing the material during and after cycling, we noted a lack of in-depth characterization of the surface of Nickel-rich NMCs in their initial state. The need for such information is increasingly necessary with the recent development of new technologies for surface modification such as coating to limit the instability of high Nickel content NMCs.4,5 The surface reactivity of Ni-rich layered transition metal oxides is instrumental to the performance of batteries based on these positive electrode materials. Most often, strong surface modifications are detailed with respect to a supposed ideal initial state. The study the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode material in its pristine state, hence before any contact with electrolyte or cycling, was performed thanks to advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques in order to fully characterize its surface down to the nanometer scale. Scanning transmission-electron microscopy-electron energy-loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS), solid state nuclear-magnetic-resonance (SS-NMR) and X-rays photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are combined and correlated in an innovative manner.Specifically, using a high magnetic field NMR spectrometer, it was possible to evaluate the total amount of diamagnetic Li in the samples. Thanks to XPS it was then possible to identify the lithiated species present on the surface and to use such information to better deconvolve the NMR spectra. Li2O, Li2SO4 and LiOH were identified as the main contaminants on the surface of NMC in its initial state. On the other hand, the quantity of Li2CO3 initially estimated by XPS could be substantially re-evaluated using NMR (54% by XPS vs. only 1% by NMR). These two techniques, providing only partial and often imprecise information when used separately, have proven to be fundamental instruments in the analysis of surface species when used in a complementary manner.The results demonstrate that in usual storage conditions after synthesis, the extreme surface is already chemically different from nominal values. In particular, nickel is found in a reduced state compared to the bulk value and a Mn enrichment is determined in the first few nanometers of primary particles. Further exposition to humid air allows for quantifying the formed lithiated species per gram of active material, identifying their repartition and proposing a reaction path in relation with the instability of the surface. Modifying synthesis conditions impacts noticeably the previously identified surface particularities and, consequently, the materials reactivity.References :(1) Jung, R.; Metzger, M.; Maglia, F.; Stinner, C.; Gasteiger, H. A. Oxygen Release and Its Effect on the Cycling Stability of LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society 2017, 164 (7), A1361–A1377. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0021707jes.(2) Renfrew, S. E.; McCloskey, B. D. Residual Lithium Carbonate Predominantly Accounts for First Cycle CO2 and CO Outgassing of Li-Stoichiometric and Li-Rich Layered Transition-Metal Oxides. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139 (49), 17853–17860. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.7b08461.(3) Renfrew, S. E.; McCloskey, B. D. The Role of Electrolyte in the First-Cycle Transformations of LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2019, 166 (13), A2762–A2768. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.1561912jes.(4) Zhang, H.; Liu, H.; Piper, L. F. J.; Whittingham, M. S.; Zhou, G. Oxygen Loss in Layered Oxide Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries: Mechanisms, Effects, and Mitigation. Chem. Rev. 2022, acs.chemrev.1c00327. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00327.(5) Manthiram, A.; Song, B.; Li, W. A Perspective on Nickel-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries. Energy Storage Materials 2017, 6, 125–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2016.10.007. Figure 1

(Invited) Unlocking High-Performance Zero-Cobalt Cathode Active Materials: High-Entropy Doping and Pre-CAM Microstructure Optimization

Our recent work, published in Nature (610, 67–73, 2022) and Nature Energy (695–702, 2023), demonstrates the effectiveness of high-entropy doping (HE) in tackling the stability-capacity challenge of zero-cobalt layered cathode active materials (CAMs). While the HE Ni-80% (HE-N80) CAM exhibits competitive discharge capacity, it slightly lags behind NMC-811. This presentation delves into the broader applicability of the HE strategy and highlights the crucial role of pre-CAM microstructure optimization.Through pre-CAM microstructure optimization, we significantly reduce layered CAMs' anti-site defects, leading to a notable enhancement in discharge capacity. This optimization strategy increases the discharge capacity of the HE-N80 cathode from 210 mAh/g to 220 mAh/g under 0.1C charging and 2.5-4.4V voltage window. Moreover, cycling stability sees a substantial improvement, with a 99.5% capacity retention at 0.5C after 100 cycles. The effectiveness of this methodology extends to CAMs with higher nickel content, as demonstrated by discharge capacities of 225 mAh/g for zero-cobalt HE-N85 and 235 mAh/g for zero-cobalt HE-N90 under the same conditions.

A synergistic modification strategy for enhancing the cycling stability and rate capacity of single-crystal nickel-rich cathode materials

Ni-rich layered LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) is considered to be one of the most promising cathode materials due to its advantages of high specific capacity, lower cost and environmental friendliness. However, the relatively high nickel content in the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 layered cathode materials leads to the instability of the internal structure and surface of the materials during long-term cycling, which results in the deterioration of electrochemical performance. In this study, single-crystal NCM811 (SNCM811) was prepared using a convenient solid-state method. By doping Al into SNCM811 (SNCMAl) and purposefully low-temperature surface treatment with a small amount of LiPF6, a Ni-rich single-crystal NCM811 modified by both Al bulk doping and LiF surface coating (SNCMAl@LiF) was obtained. The reversible capacity of SNCMAl@LiF with a cutoff voltage of 2.7–4.3 V at 0.1C is 200.3 mAh·g−1. And the capacity retention of the single-crystal cathode materials is 92.4 % with capacity of 171.07 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles at 1C. Even at high rate of 10C, the discharge specific capacity maintains 148.8 mAh·g−1, demonstrating excellent electrochemical performance. The dual-modified single-crystal material has the lowest potential difference and electrochemical impedance without intragranular cracks and crystal slips after 100 cycles. Stronger AlO bond in single crystals reduced the degree of cation mixing and maintained the stability of the layered structure. LiF-modified surface can promote the transfer of Li+, maintain the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface and then improve the electrochemical performance of cathode materials. Al-doping and LiF-coating provides a guidance on how to enhance the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich single-crystal cathode materials.

Preparation and Property Optimization of High Capacity O3-type NaNi0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2

O3-type NaNi0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2 cathode materials are structurally stable and have a high nickel content, allowing for stable high-capacity output. However, their performance needs further improvement. First, we investigated the effects of different sodium contents on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of NaxNi0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2(x = 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.05) materials. The Na0.9Ni0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2 material exhibited initial discharge specific capacities of 148.11 and 181.80 mAh·g−1 at voltage ranges of 2–4.1 V and 2–4.2 V, respectively. To further optimize the cycling performance of the material, we doped NaNi0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2 with different calcium contents. Ca2+ doping significantly enhanced the electrochemical performance of the material. Subsequently, we synthesized Na0.96Ca0.02(NMF)0.95Zn0.05O2, and the dual-doped NMF-Ca0.02Zn0.05 maintains approximately 80% capacity retention at 1–4.05 V, and around 70% as the cut-off voltage increases to 4.15 V in full cells.

Structure and Properties of Bioactive Titanium Dioxide Surface Layers Produced on NiTi Shape Memory Alloy in Low-Temperature Plasma.

The NiTi alloy, known for its shape memory and superelasticity, is increasingly used in medicine. However, its high nickel content requires enhanced biocompatibility for long-term implants. Low-temperature plasma treatments under glow-discharge conditions can improve surface properties without compromising mechanical integrity. This study explores the surface modification of a NiTi alloy by oxidizing it in low-temperature plasma. We examine the impact of process temperatures and sample preparation (mechanical grinding and polishing) on the structure of the produced titanium oxide layers. Surface properties, including topography, morphology, chemical composition, and bioactivity, were analyzed using TEM, SEM, EDS, and an optical profilometer. Bioactivity was assessed through the deposition of calcium phosphate in simulated body fluid (SBF). The low-temperature plasma oxidization produced titanium dioxide layers (29-55 nm thick) with a predominantly nanocrystalline rutile structure. Layer thickness increased with extended processing time and higher temperatures (up to 390 °C), though the relationship was not linear. Higher temperatures led to thicker layers with more precipitates and inhomogeneities. The oxidized layers showed increased bioactivity after 14 and 30 days in SBF. Low-temperature plasma oxidation produces bioactive titanium oxide layers on NiTi alloys, with a structure and properties that can be tuned through process parameters. This method could enhance the biocompatibility of NiTi alloys for medical implants.

Enhanced mechanical and surface chemical stability in cobalt-free, high-nickel cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Cobalt-free, high-nickel cathode materials are essential for the sustainable evolution of energy storage technologies, reducing the dependence on resources with significant environmental and social implications and simultaneously improving the efficiency and cost effectiveness of batteries. This paper introduces a cobalt-free, high-nickel cathode material called 0.01B-LiNi0.98Mg0.01Zr0.01O2 (NMZB) developed using a novel blend of elements to enhance mechanical and surface chemical stability. Detailed evaluations confirmed the successful integration of Mg, Zr, and B into the particles, with Mg and Zr primarily located within the particle interior and B predominantly on the surface. This unique elemental configuration significantly improves the stability of the bulk phase and surface structure of the material. In addition, the refinement of primary particles within NMZB further enhances its mechanical stability. As a result, NMZB exhibits exceptional electrochemical stability, achieving 90.5 % capacity retention after 200 cycles at a 1C rate. This compositional strategy incorporates a high nickel content into layered materials while eliminating cobalt, which is crucial for advancing the development of cost effective and high-performance lithium-ion battery technology.

Metagenomic analysis of bacterial communities in heavy metal leachate-contaminated soils at Jalan Lipis Sanitary Landfill, Pahang, Malaysia

A variety of bacterial communities can be found in heavy metal leachate-contaminated soil. These bacteria might have molecular defenses that allow them to endure a high heavy metal concentration. However, there aren't enough datasets on bacterial populations to be exploited for bioremediation, especially the biotreatment of leachate contaminated with heavy metals. This research examined the diversity of the bacterial population in heavy metal leachate-contaminated soil from the Jalan Lipis Sanitary Landfill in Pahang, Malaysia. The soil samples were taken from three (3) different locations. pH analysis showed that the heavy metal leachate-contaminated soil possesses alkaline pH. ICPMS analysis showed high concentration of nickel (112.96 mg/kg) followed by manganase (89.83 mg/kg), arsenic (43.84 mg/kg), and lead (3.62 mg/kg). The three most prevalent bacteria in the heavy metal leachate-contaminated soil from the site were Pseudomonas C (Proteobacteria), Flavobacterium (Bacteroidota), and Proteiniclasticum (Firmicutes), according to metagenomic sequencing of the 16 s rRNA gene. The alpha and beta bacterial diversity analysis indicate that each location with different heavy metal concentration differs significantly on its bacterial diversity providing a valuable information to be applied in heavy metal bioremediation exclusively from landfill leachate.

Effects of large-scale restoration on understory plant communities in an industrial landscape

Starting in the mid 1970’s, researchers, industry leaders, and residents collaborated on one of the world’s largest regreening programs in the industrial region of Sudbury, Canada. The Sudbury Regreening Recipe included the application of crushed dolomitic limestone, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizers, grass–legume seed mixtures across 8200 ha, and subsequent tree planting across 25 000 ha of acidic metal-contaminated land. The current study evaluated shifts in understory vegetation diversity and soil geochemistry on a chronosequence of sites treated the same way between 1982 and 2012. Fifty-six plant species were identified across the 24 sites, only four of which were planted in the initial remediation effort. Key factors influencing plant community composition and diversity were related to shifts in soil properties over time: bulk density, LFH layer depth, and mineral soil horizon pH. Plant communities differed with stand age and rocky sites had significantly different plant communities and lower canopy cover than less rocky sites. Mineral soil horizon pH increased with age, reflecting the movement of applied dolomite in soil. Despite high concentrations of total copper and nickel in soil, plant succession patterns were generally similar to those in naturally recovering forests demonstrating the overall success of the restoration program.

In Situ Characterizations of the Dynamics of Cathode Electrolyte Interfaces at Different Current Densities.

LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 with high nickel content plays a critical role in enabling lithium metal batteries (LMBs) to achieve high specific energy density, making them a prominent choice for electric vehicles (EVs). However, ensuring the long-term cycling stability of the cathode electrolyte interfaces (CEIs), particularly at fast-charge conditions, remains an unsolved challenge. The decay mechanism associated with CEIs and electrolytes in LMB at high current densities is still not fully understood. To address this issue, in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is employed to observe the dynamic process of formation/disappearance/regeneration of CEIs during charge and discharge cycles. These dynamic processes further exacerbate the instability of CEIs as current density increases, leading to rupture and dissolution of CEIs and subsequent deterioration in battery performance because of continuous electrolyte reactions. Additionally, the dynamic changes occurring within individual components of CEIs at different cycling stages and various current densities are also discussed. The results demonstrate that excellent capacity retention at small current density is attributed to enrichment of inorganic compounds (Li2CO3, LiF, etc.) and rendering better stability and smaller expansion of CEIs. The key to achieving excellent electrochemical performance at high current densities lies on protecting CEIs, mainly inorganic components.