Addition Of Sb Research Articles

New insight into the role of Mo–Sb addition towards VMoSbTi catalysts with enhanced activity for selective catalytic reduction with NH3

The effect of adding Mo and/or Sb to a VTi catalyst on its activity and durability in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxide by NH3 was investigated. The addition of an appropriate amount of Mo–Sb significantly improved the catalyst specific surface area, enhanced the number of Brønsted acid sites, and adjusted the surface species composition. The catalytic activity improved as the Vn+ (n = 4, 3) fraction increased due to the formation of functional groups on the catalyst surface. The redox properties, amount of active labile oxygen, and number of surface oxygen vacancies were improved by the presence of V2MoO8. This species also played an important role in improving the SCR performance and water/sulfur durability of the catalysts due to its sufficient acidity enhancement and reduction of SO2 adsorption. The addition of Mo–Sb likely enhanced catalyst SO2 durability because it reduced SO2 adsorption by inhibiting the reaction between terminal oxygen (V = O) and SO2(g).

MSC secreted extracellular vesicles carrying TGF-beta upregulate Smad 6 expression and promote the regrowth of neurons in spinal cord injured rats

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) constitute a promising therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) because they can provide a favorable environment for the regrowth of neurons by inhibiting receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) expression in endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs). However, their mechanism of action and effect on the expression of inhibitory Smads (I-Smads) remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs were able to upregulate the Smad 6 expression by carrying TGF-β, and the Smad 6 knockdown in NSCs partially weakened the bone marrow MSC (BMSC)-EV-induced effect on neural differentiation. We found that the expression of Smad 6 did not reduced owing to the TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor, SB 431,542, treatment in the acute phase of injury in rats with SCI, thereby indicating that the Smad 6 expression was not only mediated by TGF-β, but also by the inflammatory factors and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) as well. However, in the later phase of SCI, the Smad 6 expression decreased by the addition of SB 431,542, suggesting that TGF-β plays a key role in the mediation of Smad 6 expression in this phase. In addition, immunohistochemistry staining; hematoxylin–eosin staining; and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores revealed that the early inhibition of TGF-β did not increase neuron regrowth. However, this inhibition increased the cavity and the caspase-3 expression at 24 h post-injury, leading to a worse functional outcome. Conversely, the later treatment with the TGF-β inhibitor promoted the regrowth of neurons around the cavity, resulting in a better neurological outcome. Together, these results indicate that Smad 6 acts as a feedback regulator to prevent the over-differentiation of NSCs to astrocytes and that BMSC-EVs can upregulate Smad 6 expression by carrying TGF-β.Graphical abstract

Catalytic performance and reaction mechanisms of NO removal with NH3 at low and medium temperatures on Mn-W-Sb modified siderite catalysts

Iron-based catalysts have been explored for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO due to environmentally benign characters and good SCR activity. Mn-W-Sb modified siderite catalysts were prepared by impregnation method based on siderite ore, and SCR performance of the catalysts was investigated. The catalysts were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, H2-temperature-programmed reduction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry and in-situ diffused reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The modified siderite catalysts calcined at 450°C mainly consist of Fe2O3, and added Mn, W and Sb species are amorphous. 3Mn-5W-1.5Sb-siderite catalyst has a wide temperature window of 180-360°C and good N2 selectivity at low temperatures. In-situ DRIFTS results show NH4+, coordinated NH3, NH2, NO3− species (bidentate), NO2− species (nitro, nitro-nitrito, monodentate), and adsorbed NO2 can be discovered on the surface of Mn-W-Sb modified siderite catalysts, and doping of Mn will enhance adsorbed NO2 formation by synergistic catalysis with Fe3+. In addition, the addition of Sb can inhibit sulfates formation on the surface of the catalyst in the presence of SO2 and H2O. Time-dependent in-situ DRIFTS studies also indicate that both of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites play a role in SCR of NO by ammonia at low temperatures. The mechanism of NO removal on the 3Mn-5W-1.5Sb-siderite catalyst can be discovered as a combination of Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanisms with three reaction pathways. The mechanism of NO, oxidized by synergistic catalysis of Fe3+ and Mn4+/3+ to form NO2 among three pathways, reveals the reason of high NOx conversion of the catalyst at medium and low temperatures. [Display omitted]

α-Fe2O3 conversion anodes with improved Na-Storage properties by Sb addition

We evaluated the Na-storage properties of Fe2O3/Sb composite electrodes prepared using α-Fe2O3 with different particle sizes and Sb, and investigated the effect of Sb addition on their charge−discharge cycling performances as Na-ion battery anodes. With reducing the Fe2O3 particle size, the initial reversible capacity of the Fe2O3 electrode was increased, whereas the capacity decay became more pronounced. The 10 wt% addition of Sb could significantly improve the rapid capacity decay which was observed for the electrode of Fe2O3 with the smallest particle size. These results suggest that Sb improved the conductions of electron and Na ions in the electrode. The overpotential of desodiation reactions of Fe2O3 was obviously suppressed by the Sb addition. This result indicates that Sb maintained the electron percolation network between the sodiated Fe2O3 particles to improve the reversibility of Fe2O3 conversion reaction. Consequently, we could demonstrate that Sb has a remarkable effect of drawing out the potential anode performance of abundant and inexpensive Fe2O3.

Mechanical Performance and Reliability of a Sn–Ag–Cu–Sb Alloy at Elevated Temperatures

Solder interconnects are essential to the reliability of electronic devices. The addition of alloying elements was reported to provide beneficial effects to the microstructure and mechanical reliability of lead-free solder alloys. In this work, the effects of Sb addition on the mechanical behavior of SAC305 solder alloy were investigated. Based on differential thermal analysis, it was observed that melting point of SAC-Sb solder was slightly higher than that of SAC305. The mechanical behavior was studied at different temperatures (25 °C-125 °C) and strain rates ( 1×10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-4</sup> - 1×10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-2</sup> 1/s) for SAC-Sb and SAC 305 solders as a comparison. From the results, ultimate tensile strength of SAC-Sb (10-72 MPa) was generally higher than that of SAC305 (4.54-61.5 MPa) at the aforementioned test conditions. A linear relation between the UTS and yield strength and temperature was identified for test results of SAC305, but the relation was found to be nonlinear for SAC-Sb solder because of solution strengthening effect of Sb in the Sn matrix. Parameters of Anand model were estimated based on mechanical behavior of SAC-Sb and SAC305 solders. Next, the model was used to evaluate thermal fatigue life of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) module with SAC-Sb and SAC305 as chip-to-directed bonding copper (DBC) and DBC-to-baseplate attachment materials by finite element modeling. The increase of maximum inelastic strain in one thermal cycle in SAC-Sb solder joints was lower than that in SAC305 solder joints. This result indicates that SAC-Sb solder can provide a considerably better fatigue life under harsh service conditions.

Role of some modifiers on the thermo-mechanical properties of Se90In10 chalcogenide glass (ChGs)

The studies on the micro-hardness of ChGs provide useful information regarding their straightforward involvement in the fabrication of sensors, fibers, and other optical elements for direct use in infrared optics. This work deals with the mechanical response of the glassy Se90In10 alloy under the influence of additives (Sn, Ag, Sb, and Ge). For this, we have determined the micro-hardness of all glassy alloys. Using the values of Vickers hardness (Hv), glass transition temperature (Tg), and present glasses, we have calculated the other significant thermo-mechanical parameters. The effect of Sn, Ag, Sb, and Ge additives on the micro-hardness of glassy Se90In10 alloy is also discussed.

Microstructure Evaluation, Quantitative Phase Analysis, Strengthening Mechanism and Influence of Hybrid Reinforcements (β-SiCp, Bi and Sb) on the Collective Mechanical Properties of the AZ91 Magnesium Matrix

Gravitational melt-stir casting produced hybrid nano-reinforcements (β-SiCp) and micro-reinforcements (Bi and Sb) of AZ91 composites. SiCp-diffused discontinuous β-Mg17Al12 precipitation with a vital factor of SiC was exhibited at the grain boundary region, formulated Mg3Si throughout the composite and changed the present Mg0.97Zn0.03 phases. The creation of Mg2Si (cubic) and SiC (rhombohedral axes) enhanced the microhardness by 18.60% in a 0.5 wt.% SiCp/AZ91 matrix. The microhardness of 1 wt.% SiCp/AZ91 was slightly reduced after Mg0.97Zn0.03 (hexagonal) reduction. The best ultimate tensile value obtained was about 169.33 MPa (increased by 40.10%) in a 0.5 wt.% SiCp/AZ91 matrix. Microelements Bi and Sb developed Mg3Bi2, Mg3Sb2 and monoclinic C60 phases. The best peak yield strength of 82.75 MPa (increased by 19.85%) was obtained with the addition of 0.5 wt.% SiCp/1 wt.% Bi/0.4 wt.% Sb. The mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion of segregated particles and the AZ91 matrix, the shear transfer effect and the Orowan effect, combined with the quantitative value of phase existence, improved the compressive strengths of the composites with 0.5 wt.% β-SiCp, 1 wt.% β-SiCp and 0.5 wt.% SiCp/1 wt.% Bi/0.4 wt.% Sb by 2.68%, 6.23% and 8.38%, respectively. Notably, the Charpy impact strengths of 0.5 wt.% and 1 wt.% β-SiCp-added AZ91 composites were enhanced by 236% (2.89 J) and 192% (2.35 J), respectively. The addition of Bi and Sb with SiCp resulted in the formation of a massive phase of brittle Al6Mn. Al–Mn-based phases (developed huge voids and cavities) remarkably reduced impact values by 80% (0.98 J). The discussion covers the quantitative analyses of X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results and fracture surfaces.

Comparing the roles of Sb and Bi on microstructures and application properties of the Al-15% Si alloy

The roles of Bismuth (Bi) and Antimony (Sb) additions to hypereutectic Al-Si alloys with significant variation in solidification cooling rates have yet to be unraveled. Both elements are considered of importance in the production chain of Al-based metallurgical products: while Sb is a refiner of the eutectic Si, Bi remains important in applications requiring better levels of alloy machinability. Based on these verified realities, the present research aims to modify the Al-15 wt% Si hypereutectic alloy with 1.0 wt% Bi as well as with 1.0 wt% Sb. The implications of these incorporations on the characteristics of the microstructure phases and the tensile/wear properties are examined. Various samples characterized by distinct solidification rates have been generated through transient directional solidification experiments. Several methods were used to examine and compare the two alloys with each other: microstructure and segregation are investigated by CALPHAD simulations, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), whereas wear and tensile properties have been determined through standardized measurements. While adding Sb provides the growth of broken Si in the form of lamellae and some fraction of fibers for higher solidification rates, Bi alloying preserves lamellar growth for all rates examined. Adding Bi is better than Sb in reaching higher tensile properties, but Sb presence provides greater wear resistance. Both alloying elements ductilize the brittle Al-15 wt% Si alloy.

Microstructural evolution of the Sn-51Bi-0.9Sb-1.0Ag/Cu soldering interface during isothermal aging

Development of lead-free solders with a melting point lower than that of the most widely used Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) is crucial for coping with the welding defects of ultra-thin microchips. The Sn-58Bi solder with a low melting point of 138 °C is a promising one. However, some severe issues of this solder, such as the brittle failure of soldering interface and the serious coarsening of the intermetallic compound (IMC) in the solder/Cu matrix interface, have hindered its applications in microelectronic assembly industries. In this work, the morphologies and layer thicknesses of interfacial intermetallic compounds between the Sn-51Bi-0.9Sb-1.0Ag solder and Cu substrate during the isothermal aging at 125 °C have been investigated. The results show that the scallop-like intermetallic compound layers of different curvature radii are formed at the solder joint interfaces. The main phase composition of the IMC layer is Cu6Sn5. After the isothermal aging treatment, the IMC layer gradually becomes a flat layer. The IMC thickness of the Sn-51Bi-0.9Sb-1.0Ag/Cu soldering interface at the stable state is thinner by 33% compared to that of the Sn-58Bi/Cu interface. By fitting the experimental data, the growth rate constant of the IMC layer in the Sn-51Bi-0.9Sb-1.0Ag/Cu solder joint is 2.060 × 10–18 m2·s−1, while it is 7.302 × 10–18 m2·s−1 in the Sn-58Bi/Cu solder joint. The present study indicates that the addition of Sb and Ag elements can substantially suppress the IMC layer growth.

Effects of antimony on anaerobic methane oxidization and microbial community in an antimony-contaminated paddy soil: A microcosm study

Anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) plays an important role in sinking global methane and thereby in constraining climate change. Anthropogenic activities in antimony (Sb) mines have resulted in Sb contamination in rice fields, which are among the dominant methane sources. However, the knowledge of effects of Sb on AOM in paddy soils and the microbiota involved in this process remains limited. Herein, Sb was amended into the paddy soil to investigate the effects of Sb contamination on AOM and the microbial communities such as methanotrophs. Significant inhibition of AOM was observed in the treatment with Sb addition in comparison with the treatment without Sb addition. The significant increases in the abundance of the mcrA genes, responsible for methane production and oxidation, were observed in the treatment with/without Sb addition. In contrast, no significant increases in the copy number of the mcrA gene were detected in the treatment with the addition of the methanogenic and methanotrophic inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES). These results suggested that Sb contamination might inhibit only AOM but not methane production. In addition, amplicon high-throughput sequencing showed that the Sb addition impaired the diversity of microbial communities and impacted the biotic interactions in the soil. However, the abundance of bacterial methane-oxidizing phylum NC10 and its biotic connections with other microbes were enhanced by the addition of Sb. Pseudogulbenkiania and Methanosarcina dominated the bacterial and archaeal communities in the treatment without Sb addition, while the bacteria Ramlibacter and Geothrix and the archaea Methanomethylovorans were the most abundant genera in the treatment with Sb addition. These analyses of microbial communities indicated that Sb addition had significant effects on both the compositions of bacterial and archaeal communities. This study expands our knowledge of the effects of Sb contamination on AOM and the microbial (especially methanotrophs) diversity and composition in paddy soils.

Nanomaterial based on SnO2 with Co and Sb additives – perspective material for H2 semiconductor sensors

Semiconductor microcrystalline and nanosized materials based on SnO2/Sb2O5 and Со/SnO2/Sb2O5 were obtained using a coprecipitation method and sol-gel technology. The morphology and phase composition of the obtained materials were studied. It was found that the obtained Co-containing sensors based on gas sensitive layers created with nanosized material SnO2/Sb2O5 (0.15% Sb) show higher sensitivities to microconcentration of H2 (40 ppm) compared to the sensors based on gas sensitive layers with microcrystalline material. Studies of dynamic parameters of the sensors with similar chemical composition have shown that the sensors based on the nanomaterial have almost twice better response time and shorter recovery time compared to the sensors based on the microcrystalline material. The obtained results are explained by energy inhomogeneity of surfaces of gas sensitive layers of the sensors based on the nanosized and microcrystalline materials.

Enhanced activity of vanadia supported on microporous titania for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3: Effect of promoters

Vanadium oxide-based catalysts are considered a promising catalyst for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3, which is an effective NOx removal technology. As environmental issues have garnered more attention, however, improvements to vanadium-based SCR catalysts are strongly required. In a previous study, we found that vanadium oxide on microporous titania as a support (V/MPTiO2) has certain advantages, such as improved thermal stability and more suppressed N2O formation, over the use of conventional nanoparticle titania (DT-51) as a support. In this study, widely used promoters, such as W, Sb, and Mo, were added to V/MPTiO2 to investigate whether they have promoting effects on V/MPTiO2 as well. Among these promoters added catalysts, the W and Mo were found to have significant promoting effects on the enhancement of deNOx activities at low temperatures, while the addition of Sb to V/MPTiO2 tended to have a negative effect on the SCR activity. Based on the characterizations, including laser Raman, H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (in situ DRIFT) analysis, we found that the addition of W and Mo increased the degree of polymerization in V/MPTiO2, which generated more reactive vanadia species. Hence, such changes, resulting from the addition of W and Mo promoters to V/MPTiO2, yielded enhanced catalytic activity at low temperatures.

Efficient reduction of antimony by sulfate-reducer enriched bio-cathode with hydrogen production in a microbial electrolysis cell

Bio-cathode Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is a promising and eco-friendly technology for concurrent hydrogen production and heavy metal reduction. However, the bioreduction of Antimony (Sb) in a bio-electrochemical system with H2 production is not explored. In this study, two efficient sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB) strains were used to investigate the enhanced bioreduction of sulfate and Sb with H2 production in the MEC. SRB Bio-cathode MEC was developed from the microbial fuel cell (MFC) and operated with an applied voltage of 0.8 V. The performance of the SRB bio-cathode was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. SRB strains of BY7 and SR10 supported the synergy reduction of sulfate and Sb by sulfide metal precipitation reaction. Hydrogen gas was the main product of SRB bio-cathode, with 86.9%, and 83.6% of H2 is produced by SR10 and BY7, respectively. Sb removal efficiency reached up to 88.2% in BY7 and 96.3% in SR10 with a sulfate reduction rate of 92.3 ± 2.6 and 98.4 ± 1.6 gm−3d−1 in BY7 and SR10, respectively. The conversion efficiency of Sb (V) to Sb (III) reached up to 70.1% in BY7 and 89.2% in SR10. It was concluded that the total removal efficiency of Sb relies on the amount of sulfide concentration produced by the sulfate reduction reaction. The hydrogen production rate was increased up to 1.25 ± 0.06 (BY7) and 1.36 ± 0.02 m3 H2/(m3·d) (SR10) before addition of Sb and produced up to 0.893 ± 0.03 and 0.981 ± 0.02 m3H2/(m3·d) after addition of Sb. The precipitates were characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which confirmed Sb (V) was reduced to Sb2S3.

Structural, optical, and electrochemical investigations of sb-substituted mesoporous SnO2 nanoparticles

In this study, the effect of the substitution of various proportions of Antimony (Sb) on mesoporous tin dioxide was analyzed. The structural study of XRD confirmed the solubility of Sb (upto 5 mol%) in the parent matrix. The structural and morphological studies confirmed a decrease in particle size with increasing proportion of Sb. The porosity and the surface area were evaluated by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. Moreover, porosity studies indicated that the addition of Sb did not affect the mesoporous nature of the parent tin dioxide. The optical properties showed a transparent behavior in the visible region. A sharp and well-defined redox peaks were observed in cyclic voltammograms. This can be explained by the occurrence of faster kinetic process in the material doped with higher percentage of Sb which showed a lower charge transfer resistance (RCT).

Durable Oral Biofilm Resistance of 3D-Printed Dental Base Polymers Containing Zwitterionic Materials.

Poly(methyl methacralyate) (PMMA) has long been used in dentistry as a base polymer for dentures, and it is recently being used for the 3D printing of dental materials. Despite its many advantages, its susceptibility to microbial colonization remains to be overcome. In this study, the interface between 3D-printed PMMA specimens and oral salivary biofilm was studied following the addition of zwitterionic materials, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) or sulfobetaine methacrylate (SB). A significant reduction in bacterial and biofilm adhesions was observed following the addition of MPC or SB, owing to their protein-repellent properties, and there were no significant differences between the two test materials. Although the mechanical properties of the tested materials were degraded, the statistical value of the reduction was minimal and all the properties fulfilled the requirements set by the International Standard, ISO 20795-2. Additionally, both the test materials maintained their resistance to biofilm when subjected to hydrothermal fatigue, with no further deterioration of the mechanical properties. Thus, novel 3D-printable PMMA incorporated with MPC or SB shows durable oral salivary biofilm resistance with maintenance of the physical and mechanical properties.

Unground granulated slag as a substitute for natural aggregate during concrete production

Styrene-butadiene copolymer [SB] modified cement-based materials are widely used, but the addition of SB can delay the setting and hardening of cement, which limits its application in some projects. In this paper, nanosilica was selected as the modifying component to study its influence on the early hydration, setting and hardening of SB/cement composite material. By measuring the setting time and early strength of nanosilica modified SB/cement composite material, the influence of nanosilica on the setting and hardening process of composite cementitious material was analyzed. The hydration heat of nanosilica modified SB/cement composite material was determined by isothermal calorimetry, and its hydration products were examined by X-ray diffraction, so as to analyze the influence of nanosilica on the early hydration process of composite cementitious material. The results show that the addition of nanosilica can effectively promote the setting and hardening process of composite cementitious material, and the higher the dosage is, the more significant the effect is. It also indicates that addition of nanosilica accelerates the formation of ettringite and calcium hydroxide, by promoting the hydration of tricalcium aluminate and tricalcium silicate. Shortens the hydration induction period and acceleration period of the composite cementitious material and accelerates the hydration process, thereby shortening the setting time and increasing the early strength.

Microstructure, tensile and bending behaviour of the as-cast AM50 alloy modified with different antimony and copper additions

The tensile and bending behaviours of the as-cast AM50 alloy were studied after adding different amounts of Sb/Cu (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 wt-%). The optimum levels of the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and tensile elongation (El%) values were found by adding 0.5 wt-% Sb and 0.5 wt-% Cu. The Yield Strength (YS) and hardness values improved with further additions of these elements. The tensile and hardness properties were investigated to be associated with microstructural features. With Sb additions, the new Mg3Sb2 intermetallics were formed. Moreover, by adding different Cu additions, three Cu-containing intermetallics were scrutinised by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermodynamic calculations and also scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation of the new intermetallics could change the morphology of the β-Mg17Al12 phase and suppress its creation. Moreover, the grain refinement effects were different for each alloying element. Therefore, the grain refinement and the presence of new intermetallics had prominent impacts on the tensile and bending properties of the AM50 alloy. While grain refinement had a more positive effect on the UTS values, the YS and bending properties were chiefly controlled by morphology and size of intermetallics.

Effect of Cu, Sn and Sb Addition on the Structural, Thermal and Magnetic Properties of Body-Centered Cubic Structured Conimngasi High Entropy Alloy

Effect of Cu, Sn and Sb Addition on the Structural, Thermal and Magnetic Properties of Body-Centered Cubic Structured Conimngasi High Entropy Alloy

Effects of Sn and Sb on the Hot Ductility of Nb+Ti Microalloyed Steels

Referencing the composition of a typical Nb+Ti microalloyed steel (Q345B), two kinds of steels, one microalloyed with Sn and Sb, and the other one only microalloyed with Sb were designed to study the effects of Sn and Sb on the hot ductility of Nb+Ti microalloyed steels. The Gleeble-3500 tester was adopted to determine the high-temperature mechanical properties of the two test steels. Fracture morphologies, microstructures and interior precipitation status were analyzed by SEM, CLSM (Confocal laser scanning microscope) and EDS, respectively. Results revealed that within the range of 950–650 °C, there existed the ductility trough for the two steels, which were mainly attributed to the precipitation of TiN and Nb (C, N). Additionally, precipitation of Sn and Sb were not observed in this research and the hot ductility was not affected by the addition of Sn and Sb, as compared with the Nb+Ti microalloyed steel. Therefore, addition of a small amount of Sn and Sb (≤0.05 wt.%) to the Nb+Ti microalloyed steel is favorable due to the improvement on corrosion resistance.

High energy efficiency of Al-based anodes for Al-air battery by simultaneous addition of Mn and Sb

• Mn and Sb were added to increase the energy efficiency of Al anode. • The activation mechanism of Mn and Sb was clarified. • Al-Mn-Sb anode exhibited high energy efficiency as anode for Al-air cell. In this work, an Al-Mn-Sb anode has been prepared for the alkaline Al-air battery. The energy efficiency and corrosion behaviors are investigated in details. The results indicate that the prepared Al-Mn-Sb anode exhibits high discharge voltage and peak power density of 1.206 V and 96 mW∙cm −2 , respectively, with a small degree of polarization at high discharge rate (80 mA∙cm −2 ). It can also output high energy density and considerable anodic utilization of 3236 mWh∙g −1 and 90.0%, respectively. Such high discharge performance should be attributed to the micro-nano scale precipitates generated by the simultaneous addition of Mn and Sb, effectively activating the grain boundaries. The Al-Mn-Sb anode can be a desirable candidate for high energy efficiency anodes dedicated to high-performance Al-air battery cells meeting the demands of high-power/energy applications.