Increasing Al Content Research Articles

Probing Bond Length and Compositional Disorder in β‐(AlxGa1−x)2O3 Alloys Using Extended X‐Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy

Local structure of β‐(AlxGa1−x)2O3 alloys with Al contents is determined from extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). A model to fit the EXAFS data for monoclinic β‐(AlxGa1−x)2O3 is suggested to independently determine local structure parameters. An increase in compositional disorder corresponding to the near neighbors (NNs) for lower Al contents establishes that the Al atom does occupy tetrahedron sites in addition octahedron sites even for smaller Al contents. NNs and next‐nearest neighbor (NNN) bond lengths corresponding to tetrahedron and octahedron coordinated gallium (Ga) atoms with surrounding oxygen (O) atoms as well as tetrahedron–tetrahedron/octahedron–octahedron coordinated GaGa atoms on average decrease with Al content up to x = 33.3% and then they saturates with further increase in Al content. However, tetrahedron–octahedron coordinated GaGa atoms move far apart with Al content up to x = 33.3% and then it saturates. The physical picture indicates the creation of tetrahedra and octahedra sublattices locally for β‐(AlxGa1−x)2O3, and their sizes decrease, but they move far apart up to a certain Al content. Thereafter, both saturate. Thus, EXAFS provide a clear insight into the evolution of local structure of β‐(AlxGa1−x)2O3 with Al content, which is useful for better understanding of their physical properties.

Effect of Al content on the corrosion behavior and mechanism of AlxCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys

Al addition is known to improve the tensile strength and high-temperature oxidation behavior of the AlxCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA). However, the corrosion behavior and mechanisms associated with these HEAs remain unclear. The corrosion resistance of structural materials is as important as their mechanical properties. In this study, AlxCoCrFeNi HEAs with different molar ratios of Al (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) and various crystal structures (FCC, FCC + BCC, and BCC phases) were prepared, and their corrosion behavior and mechanisms were studied, which revealed a competitive relationship between the Al and Cr passivation films. The thickness of the Al passivation film increased with increasing Al content, which was found to be the main reason for the decrease in the corrosion resistance of the AlxCoCrFeNi HEAs. The corrosion type of the AlxCoCrFeNi HEA changed from pitting corrosion to selective corrosion with increasing Al content, and the corroded elements changed from (Co, Cr, Fe, and Ni) to (Al and Ni) and then (Al, Ni, and Co). Accordingly, the corrosion mechanisms associated with the AlxCoCrFeNi HEAs were elucidated.

Improving the crystal quality and optoelectronic property of GaSb with Al doping

GaSb and Ga1-xAlxSb crystals were prepared with the vertical Bridgman (VB) method. The effects of aluminum atoms (Al) doping on the structure and photoelectric properties of GaSb crystal were investigated. The results show that the GaAlSb crystal maintains the zinc blende crystal structure of the GaSb crystal, and the crystal quality gradually improves with the increase of Al doping concentration, and the effective segregation coefficient keff of Al decreases from 3.69 to 2.83. Furthermore, Al doping significantly inhibits the formation of dislocations, of which density decreases from 3.634 × 103 cm−2 to 1.256 × 103 cm−2. As an element with the same equivalent electrons as Ga, Al doping makes GaSb crystal become into an n-type semiconductor with the free electrons as the main carriers, from a p-type semiconductor with the holes as the main carriers (8.867 × 1017 cm−3). And the carrier concentration, i.e., the free electrons concentration, increases with the doped Al concentration increase, up to the maximum of 1.929 × 1018 cm−3. And the mobility of electron carriers increases with the increase of Al concentration, up to 2.140 × 103 cm2/(V•s), far greater than that of the hole carriers 1.358 × 103 cm2/(V•s). And the resistivity decreases from 7.649 × 10−3 Ω•cm to 1.416 × 10−3 Ω•cm. Moreover, the infrared transmittance spectrum also shows a significant improvement of the crystal quality.

Effect of Al content in CoCrFeNiAlx HEA on mechanical properties and high temperature oxidation resistance of WC-10%CoCrFeNiAlx hard alloy

The CoCrFeNiAl high-entropy alloy, with varying Al compositions, was utilized as the bonding phase in this study to fabricate WC-10%CoCrFeNiAlx (where x represents the mole ratio of Al element, ranging from 0 to 1) hard alloys using the Spark Plasma Sintering method. The investigation focused on elucidating the influence mechanism of microstructure and properties of CoCrFeNiAlx high-entropy alloys on the mechanical properties of WC-10%CoCrFeNiAlx hard alloys. Isothermal oxidation testing was subsequently conducted to examine the impact of Al content on the high-temperature oxidation resistance of WC-10%CoCrFeNiAlx hard alloys. Finally, a comparison was made between the mechanical properties and high temperature oxidation resistance of WC-10%CoCrFeNiAlx hard alloys and conventional WC-6Co cemented carbide. The findings suggest that as the Al content increases, the CoCrFeNiAlx high-entropy alloy undergoes a transition from a single Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) phase to a combination of FCC and Body Centered Cubic (BCC) phases, ultimately transforming into a BCC phase. This evolution results in a gradual enhancement in hardness. The mechanical properties of WC-10CoCrFeNi hard alloy exhibit exceptional characteristics when the Al content is eliminated, with hardness, fracture toughness, and bending strength reaching 1702 MPa, 13.0 MPa·m1/2, and 1378 MPa respectively. As the Al content increases in WC-10%CoCrFeNiAlx hard alloys, there is a corresponding increase in hardness while fracture toughness and bending strength gradually decrease. Furthermore, an enhancement in high temperature oxidation resistance is observed. Finally, in comparison to the conventional WC-6Co hard alloy, the mechanical properties of WC-10CoCrFeNiAlx hard alloys exhibit similarity while demonstrating a significant enhancement in oxidation resistance.

Synthesis of Al-containing Sn-beta with tunable brønsted and lewis acidity for conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Sn–Al-Beta zeolites with less silanol defects were synthesized in fluoride media. The effects of the amount of organic template (tetraethylammonium hydroxide, TEAOH), mineralizer (NH4F), Al and Sn on the synthesis, acidity and catalytic performance were systematically studied. The synthesized Sn–Al-Beta zeolites were characterized by XRD, SEM, 27Al MAS NMR, UV–vis DRS and FT-IR spectroscopy of hydroxy region and pyridine adsorption. The optimum values of nTEAOH/nSi and nF-/nSi were same (0.3) for synthesizing Sn–Al-Beta with high crystallinity at 140 °C for 7 d. Moreover, decreasing nF-/nSi facilitated the incorporation of Al into the framework. The crystallization rate of Sn–Al-Beta is similar with that of Sn-Beta. Sn was promoted to enter the framework with the increase of Al content, while elevating Sn content has no effect on the incorporation of Al into the framework. The catalytic performance of Sn–Al-Beta was investigated for conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in water-containing solvent. Sn–Al-Beta synthesized in fluoride media is more stable than the post-synthesized sample.

Scalable polycondensation approach for efficient Al/S@g-C3N4 hydrogen production catalyst

This article investigates the development of an efficient Al/S@g-C3N4 catalyst for hydrogen production through sodium borohydride (NaBH4) methanolysis. The catalyst was prepared using a facile and scalable polycondensation technique. The prepared catalyst was characterized extensively by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and surface area analyses. XRD and FTIR analysis showed a reduction in the interlayer distance between the S@g-C3N4 sheets with increasing Al content. The SEM images showed a rough and uneven surface of the nanosheets. The obtained values of Eg are 2.6, 2.4 and 2.5 eV for the samples doped with 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 wt% of Al. Increased surface area (up to 92 m2/g) and slightly smaller mesopores (1.56 nm) observed with increasing Al doping up to 2.0 wt%. Significant enhancement in hydrogen generation rate with a maximum of 10,112 mL/g.min was achieved for 2.0 wt% Al. Low activation energy of 27.08 kJ/mol for the 2.0 wt% Al-doped catalyst. The catalyst demonstrated good stability after undergoing multiple NaBH4 methanolysis cycles.

Corrosion behaviors and mechanism of AlxCrFeMnCu high-entropy alloys in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

This study investigated the corrosion behavior of as-cast AlxCrFeMnCu (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at room temperature. The results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the AlxCrFeMnCu HEAs decreased with increasing Al content. Intergranular corrosion was the primary corrosion type for CrFeMnCu and Al0.5CrFeMnCu HEAs, while Al1.0CrFeMnCu, Al1.5CrFeMnCu, and Al2.0CrFeMnCu HEAs exhibited selective corrosion with enrichment of Al and Cu in the BCC2 phase. The XPS fitting calculations indicated that an increase in the molar ratio of Al led to a decrease in Cr2O3 content and an increase in Al2O3 content, which weakened the stability and protective properties of the passive film.

Gorerite, CaAlFe11O19, a new mineral of the magnetoplumbite group from the Negev Desert, Israel

AbstractGorerite, ideally CaAlFe11O19 is a new mineral and M-type hexaferrite of the magnetoplumbite group. It was found in ferrite-rich segregations of esseneite–gehlenite–wollastonite–anorthite melted rock of the ‘olive’ subunit of pyrometamorphic rocks located near Hatrurim Junction in the Negev Desert, Israel. Within these ferrite-rich segregations up to 100 μm in size, platy crystals of gorerite up to 50 μm in size intergrow with hibonite, hematite, maghemite, magnesioferrite, dorrite, barioferrite and andradite, forming aggregates. Additionally, small crystals of gorerite occur within magnesioferrite. Importantly, gorerite did not crystallise directly from the melt. Instead, it emerged through a reaction involving earlier crystallised hibonite and an iron-enriched melt, resulting in the partial or complete replacement of hibonite by gorerite. Gorerite appears grey in the reflected light (R = 18–23%), displaying distinct bireflectance: dark-grey perpendicular to Z and light-grey parallel to Z. Its Raman spectrum exhibits only one strong band at 700 cm–1, which shifts to higher frequencies with increasing Al content. Gorerite crystallises in the P63/mmc space group, with lattice parameters a = 5.8532(4) Å, c = 22.7730(2) Å and V = 675.67(7) Å3 with Z = 2. It exhibits a structure characterised by an intercalation of triple spinel-like S blocks and rock-salt type R blocks along the hexagonal c-axis.

A novel Ni-alloyed Cu-Al-Ga-Fe shape memory alloy with excellent shape recovery performance

In this study, a novel Ni-alloyed Cu-Al-Ga-Fe single crystal alloys were reported for the first time. The microstructure, martensitic transformation, shape memory effect, and superelasticity of Cu-12.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-xNi (x = 2, 3, 5) and Cu-13.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-xNi (x = 3, 4, 5) were investigated. The results show that Cu-12.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-xNi (x = 2, 3, 5) single crystals consist of the parent phase, 18 R martensite, and β(FeAl) nano-precipitates. As the increase in Al content, Cu-13.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-xNi (x = 3, 4, 5) single crystals consist of the parent phase, γ1(Cu9Al4) phase, and β(FeAl) nano-precipitates. The martensitic transition finishing temperatures (Mf) of 12.5Al alloys are all higher than room temperature, while the reversible martensitic transition finishing temperatures (Af) of 13.5Al alloys are all lower than room temperature. Cu-12.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-3Ni single crystal shows the highest SME of 7.6 % with 100% strain recovery. Similarly, the Cu-13.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-3Ni single crystal demonstrated the highest superelasticity of 11 %. Additionally, the Cu-13.5Al-4Ga-3Fe-3Ni single crystal maintained 100 % strain recovery even after 4500 cycles of compression deformation at 6 %, although the critical stress of stress-induced martensite decreased with each cycle. These findings suggest that the Cu-Al-Ga-based shape memory single crystal alloys obtained in this study have promising applications in driving response devices.

Complexation mechanism of Pb2+ on Al-substituted hematite: A modeling study and theoretical calculation

Hematite nanoparticles commonly undergoes isomorphic substitution of Al3+ in nature, while how the Al-substitution-induced morphological change, defective structure and newly generated Al–OH sites affect the adsorption behavior of hematite for contaminants remains poorly understood. Herein, the interfacial reactions between Al-substituted hematite and Pb2+ was investigated via CD-MUSIC modeling and DFT calculations. As the Al content increased from 0% to 9.4%, Al-substitution promoted the proportion of (001) facets and caused Fe vacancies on hematite, which increased the total active site density of hematite from 5.60 to 17.60 sites/nm2. The surface positive charge of hematite significantly increased from 0.096 to 0.418 C/m2 at pH 5.0 due to the increases in site density and proton affinity (logKH) of hematite under Al-substitution. The adsorption amount of hematite for Pb2+ increased from 3.92 to 9.74 mmol/kg at pH 5.0 and 20 μmol/L initial Pb2+ concentration with increasing Al content. More Fe vacancies may lead to a weaker adsorption energy (Ead) of hematite for Pb2+, while the Ead was enhanced at higher Al content. The adsorption affinity (logKPb) of bidentate Pb complexes slightly increased while that of tridentate Pb complexes decreased with increasing Al content due to the presence of ≡ AlOH−0.5 and ≡ Fe2AlO−0.5 sites. Tridentate Pb complexes were dominant species on the surface of pure hematite, while bidentate ones became more dominant with increasing Al content. The obtained model parameters and molecular scale information are of great importance for better describing and predicting the environmental fate of toxic heavy metals in terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of AlxCoCrFeNiMoy high-entropy alloys: thermochemical modelling, microstructural evaluation and high temperature oxidation behaviour

In this study, the feasibility of the synthesis of AlxCoCrFeNiMoy (0.5 < x < 3, y = 0.5,1) alloys via cost and energy efficient thermochemical modelling assisted (FactSage™) aluminothermic self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method was investigated. In addition, selected SHS alloys were also suction-casted into a bar shape by using a vacuum arc melter and the microstructural changes and oxidation behaviour of selected alloys were investigated. The characterization results demonstrated that AlxCoCrFeNiMoy (0.5 < x < 3, y = 0.5,1) master alloys can be successfully synthesized via thermochemical modelling assisted SHS method with a substantial composition control. The microstructures of the SHS alloys were found to comprise of the FCC-A1, BCC (A2, B2) and σ phases with varying fractions depending on the composition. Increasing Al content was found to increase the hardness of the alloys from 278 HV to 829 HV for the AlxCoCrFeNiMo0.5 system. For AlxCoCrFeNiMo system, on the other hand, it had an increasing effect from Al0.5 to Al1.0 (from 659 HV to 903 HV) initially and then decreased the hardness to the levels of 773 HV with the further addition of Al. Suction-cast alloys exhibited rather similar microstructures with similar phase constituents and hardness values. As a general trend primer B2 phase fraction was increased due to higher cooling rate. Oxidation studies revealed that the Al3.0Mo0.5 alloy, which has higher B2 content (919 HV), exhibited better oxidation resistance after 100 h of exposure to air at 800 °C. Postulated scaling mechanisms, supported with the CALPHAD simulations and Raman analyses, revealed the formation of non-protective spinel oxides and sublimation of volatile MoOx oxides before the stabilization of a protective M2O3 (M = Al,Cr) layer, especially for the AlCoCrFeNiMo alloy.

Effect of Al and Mn substitutions on hydrogen activation performances of La–Ni–Al–Mn alloy

To interpret the effect of Al and Mn substitutions on activation performances of La–Ni–Al–Mn alloy, the initial activation curve has been measured, which shows that the incubation time of activation is prolonged with the increase of Al content in alloy, while shortened duo to Mn substitution. Further, the first-principles calculations are employed. We find that (1) (100)/(010) surface of LaNi5 is the most stable and its stability can be improved by Al substitution for Ni while decreased by Mn substitution; (2) the preferential hydrogen adsorption sites are the hole and Ni (or Mn)-top sites; (3) Al and Mn substitutions can increase the hydrogen adsorption stability, but Al doping decreases the number of available sites, therefore retarding activation, while Mn doping guarantees the number of available sites, making activation easier; (4) H bonds covalently with neighbor Ni (or Mn) and ionically with La, together determining the stability of hydrogen adsorption.

First-principles calculation of phase transitions and mechanical properties of (CoCrNi)100−xAlx (0 ≤ x ≤ 28 at. %) high-entropy alloys

In the two-phase high-entropy alloys (HEAs) (i.e., FCC, BCC), the modulation of the BCC phase is crucial for improving the mechanical properties of FCC-type HEAs. The stability of the phase of (CoCrNi)100−xAlx (0 ≤ x ≤ 28 at. %) HEAs is studied using first-principles calculations. The Al content on the phase transition of CoCrNi HEAs is discussed. The theoretical values of lattice parameter a (x) increase with increasing Al concentration, which is consistent with the earlier experimental findings. The crystal structure transitions from the FCC to BCC crystal structure as the Al content increases. At x &amp;lt; 11.8 at. %, Al alloying lowers the elastic stability of the BCC and FCC phases, whereas excessive Al doping causes the FCC phase to BCC phase transition (x &amp;gt; 21.4 at. %). The crystal structure has an ideal mix phase of BCC and FCC at x = 18.8 at. %, which results in excellent strength-ductility synergy of HEAs. There is a phase transition point at x = 11.8 at. %, where there may be a competition between phase transition and dislocation nucleation, which improves strength. The work in this paper provides new ideas for the design of future high-performance duplex phase HEAs.

Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Lead–Bismuth Eutectic Corrosion Behaviors of FeCrAlY-Al2O3 Nanoceramic Composite Coatings

Seven FeCrAlY-Al2O3 nanoceramic composite coatings are deposited on F/M steel via plasma spraying and laser remelting. A systematic investigation is conducted to examine the dependence of microstructure, mechanical properties, and lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion resistance on the nano-Al2O3 addition and different Cr and Al contents. With the increase in Al content in FeCrAlY, gradual refinement of the coating grains occurs. The addition of nano-Al2O3 promotes the elemental segregation and precipitation of the second phase. The nano-Al2O3 notably enhances the mechanical properties of the coatings that are primarily attributed to second-phase and fine-grain strengthening. After LBE corrosion tests, intergranular corrosion morphology could be observed, where the contents of Cr and Al significantly influence the corrosion behavior of the coatings at varying temperatures.

High-temperature corrosion behavior of the FeCrAl laser cladding coatings in waste-to-energy superheaters: Influence of Al content

Enhancing the high-temperature corrosion resistance of superheaters in waste-to-energy plants (WTE) is key to improving the efficiency of WTE power generation. The present study employed laser cladding technology to fabricate Fe-13Cr-xAl coatings, and characterized the microstructure, phase structure, and Vickers hardness of the coatings using OM, SEM, XRD, and a Vickers hardness tester. The study investigated the influence of high-temperature corrosion resistance of the coatings under simulated WTE flue gas conditions. This study found that: Al and Cr both exist in the form of solid solution atoms in the laser cladding coatings. The Vickers hardness of the coatings gradually increased with increasing Al content. When the Al content exceeds 10 %, cracks begin to appear in the coatings, and the number and size of cracks increase with increasing Al content. The Fe-13Cr-7Al coatings exhibit the best high-temperature corrosion resistance under simulated WTE flue gas conditions, and it can achieve ∼73 % of the high-temperature corrosion resistance of the Inconel 625 alloy laser cladding coatings. During high-temperature corrosion, phase separation occurs near the grain boundaries, resulting in chromium depletion zones, which promote intergranular corrosion of the coatings. During the process of high temperature corrosion, the reactions between Al, Cl, and S exhibit the lowest Gibbs free energy. The continuous consumption of Al effectively protects the Fe and Cr in the substrate. Additionally, the formation of aluminum oxide in the coating hinders the inward diffusion of Cl2, thereby beneficially impeding the progress of corrosion. Excessive Al contents in the coatings introduced cracks that served as channels for molten salt to penetrate the matrix, thereby reducing the high-temperature corrosion resistance of the coatings.

Effect of Al Content on Inclusions in Fe‐15Mn‐xAl‐C Low‐Density Steel

Three experiments of Fe‐15Mn‐xAl‐C (x = 1, 3, 5) low‐density steel with different Al contents are carried out, and the characteristics of inclusions are observed through field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the types of inclusions in the three samples are almost the same, mainly Al2O3, AlN, MnS, TiN, Al2O3‐MnS, AlN‐MnS, TiN‐MnS, and Al2O3‐AlN‐MnS. The number percentage of Al2O3 decreases, while the number percentage of AlN increases with the increase of Al content in the three samples. As the Al content increases, the number of inclusions between 1 and 5 μm decreases, while the number between 5 and 10 μm increases. FactSage8.2 software calculation shows that an increase in Al content leads to an increase in the liquidus and a decrease in the solidus of the steel; at the same time, it causes the austenite region to narrow and expands the ferrite region. The change in the solidification route leads to a delay in the solidification fraction of AlN, MnS, and TiN inclusions precipitation. At last, the 2D mismatch theory shows that the mismatch degrees of Al2O3/MnS, AlN/MnS, TiN/MnS, and AlN/Al2O3 are 8.41%, 8.94%, 11.65%, and 11.66%, respectively.

Aluminum‐Based Chalcopyrite Thin Films and Solar Cells

AbstractAluminum‐based chalcopyrite materials have attracted attention because of the wide controllability range of their material properties and potential for use in energy‐conversion devices. Herein, CuAlSe2‐based thin‐film growth and solar cell device properties are discussed. Ternary CuAlSe2 thin films are relatively unstable and decompose weeks after film growth, even when preserved in a dry box. However, alloying with elemental In led to significant improvements in stability. Cu(In,Al)Se2 (CIAS) solar cells yield better photovoltaic performance than CuInSe2 cells, although the effective range of Al concentration that can improve device performance is narrower than that of elemental Ga in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). A decrease in the alkali metal concentration in CIAS films with increasing Al concentration is observed, indicating that the formation energy of alkali‐metal substitutional defects on the Cu site is high, and/or Al‐related complex defects formed are kinetically stable and difficult to replace with alkali metals once they form. Although the direct observation of alkali metals in the bulk (grain interior) of chalcopyrite CuInSe2 and CIGS films has been difficult to date, this result can serve as indirect evidence of the presence of alkali metals in the bulk of CuInSe2 films.

Toward deeper ultraviolet detection: Atomic layer deposited amorphous AlGaOx thin film detector with its tunable optical properties and opto-electronic responses

Employing atomic layer deposition, AlGaOx films with varying Al concentrations (highest to 44% at.) were meticulously synthesized. Comprehensive characterization encompassing chemical composition, elemental depth distribution, structural clarity, and interface delineation unequivocally attested to the superior quality of the films. Optical properties were rigorously assessed using transmittance spectra and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and optical constants across a broad spectral range (200–1000 nm) were determined through SE fitting. A consistent blue-shift in the absorption edge, observed in both the transmittance spectra and extinction coefficient, is attributed to the incorporation of aluminum. Detailed exploration via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy fine scans of O 1s energy loss spectra and valence band analysis revealed that the evolution of the conduction band is instrumental in modulating the bandgap. To ascertain the viability for deep ultraviolet light detection, photodetectors based on AlGaOx were fabricated. Blue shifts in both photocurrent and response peak wavelength correlated with increasing Al content. In specific occasions, the AlGaOx-based detector has a responsibility of 0.05 A/W and 7×1013 detectivity of Jones. Remarkably, the detector demonstrates commendable on/off capability, characterized by fast rise and decay times of 0.26 s and 0.17 s, respectively. This study extensively examined the chemical, structural, and optical properties of amorphous AlGaOx films, alongside the optoelectronic capabilities of AlGaOx-based devices. Our research presented a viable strategy for enhanced deep ultraviolet detection, showcasing a successful implementation of amorphous bandgap engineering. This endeavor holds promise for future advancements in UV-detector development.

Slug-flow synthesis of NCMA: Effect of substitution of cobalt with aluminum on the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode for lithium-ion battery

Nickle-rich Li[Ni1-x-yCoxMny]O2 (x, y ≤ 0.1) (NCM) layered materials are known as promising cathode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles owing to their high-reversible capacity and operating voltage of up to 3.6 vs Li/Li+. However, issues, such as irreversible phase transition, cation mixing, microcrack formation, thermal and structural stability of the material prevent its widespread adoption. Although, cation doping is a well-known technique to enhance the electrochemical performance of the NCM-based cathode material, the performance of the material is very sensitive to the doping amount. In this study, three Al-doped quaternary Ni-rich cathode materials Li[Ni0.85Co(0.1-x)Mn0.05Alx]O2 (where, x = 0–0.04) (NCMA) are synthesized through three-phase slug-flow based continuous manufacturing process followed by high temperature calcination to study the effect of Al-doping on the performance of the cathode material while reducing Co. The slug flow-based production platform has several advantages, like particle size uniformity, high production rate, and homogeneity in elemental distribution. It is found that with an increase in Al content, the specific capacity decreases but the cyclic stability and rate capability increases. Optimum Al-doping not only compensates for the adverse effect of low Co by decreasing the extent of cation mixing, but it also minimizes the electrode polarization and cracking of the particles.

Unraveling the ecological mechanisms of Aluminum on microbial community succession in epiphytic biofilms on Vallisneria natans leaves: Novel insights from microbial interactions

The extensive use of aluminum (Al) poses an escalating ecological risk to aquatic ecosystems. The epiphytic biofilm on submerged plant leaves plays a crucial role in the regulation nutrient cycling and energy flow within aquatic environments. Here, we conducted a mesocosm experiment aimed at elucidating the impact of different Al concentrations (0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.0 mg/L) on microbial communities in epiphytic biofilms on Vallisneria natans. At 1.2 mg/L, the highest biofilms thickness (101.94 µm) was observed. Al treatment at 2.0 mg/L significantly reduced bacterial diversity, while micro-eukaryotic diversity increased. Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota decreased, whereas Cyanobacteriota increased at 1.2 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L. At 1.2 and 2.0 mg/L. Furthermore, Al at concentrations of 1.2 and 2.0 mg/L enhanced the bacterial network complexity, while micro-eukaryotic networks showed reduced complexity. An increase in positive correlations among microbial co-occurrence patterns from 49.51% (CK) to 57.05% (2.0 mg/L) was indicative of augmented microbial cooperation under Al stress. The shift in keystone taxa with increasing Al concentration pointed to alterations in the functional dynamics of microbial communities. Additionally, Al treatments induced antioxidant responses in V. natans, elevating leaf reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. This study highlights the critical need to control appropriate concentration Al concentrations to preserve microbial diversity, sustain ecological functions, and enhance lake remediation in aquatic ecosystems.