Temperature Coefficient Research Articles

Thermal measurement of a unitized regenerative fuel cell during mode switching using thin film sensors

The research on temperature and heat flux during mode switching process of unitized regenerative fuel cells is importance. Thus, in this paper, the local temperature and heat flux are measured during mode switching using self-made thin film sensors, and heat transfer coefficient is also obtained. The results of the experiment exhibit that the temperature and heat flux change significantly during mode switching, and periodically change with periodic mode switching, the heat generation is greater than the heat dissipation inside the cell. During mode switching, the temperature and heat flux are higher in upstream, and the temperature and local heat transfer coefficient increase along main gas flow direction. The fuel cell current density has a great influence on heat transfer when cell mode switches. At different current density, the temperature and heat flux show different changing trend when the cell switches from electrolytic cell mode to the fuel cell mode. These experimental results can provide guidance to make fuel cell run more efficiently in practical application.

Temperature-responsive poly(3-decylpyrrole) endowing Li-ion batteries with thermal shutdown function and improved electrochemical performance

Exploring a simple way that can accurately respond to abnormal temperature increase within battery and then promptly shut down the corresponding thermally abused battery is crucial to improving the thermal safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), yet still faces challenges. To counter this, a temperature-sensitive LCO-P3DPY cathode was constructed with a new conductive polymer, i.e., poly(3-decylpyrrole): poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (P3DPY: PSS). Safety tests demonstrated that P3DPY exhibited an exceptional positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect at 100 °C, coinciding with the dangerous occurrence temperature (100 °C) of most LIBs. Consequently, the LCO-P3DPY cathode displayed a significant thermal shutdown in the immediate aftermath of thermal abuse within the battery, showing a capacity output of only 1.7 mAh g−1. Furthermore, LCO-P3DPY cathode not only exhibited excellent electrochemical stability in the battery environment, but also enhanced electrochemical performance, as compared with the traditional batteries at room temperature. After 200 charging-discharging cycles at 0.25C, LCO-P3DPY cathode was able to maintain a reversible capacity of 142.8 mAh g−1, corresponding to a capacity retention rate of 91.83 % that is better than that of blank LCO (62.86 %). This work provides a potential strategy to solve the thermal safety problem and simultaneously improve the electrochemical stability of LIBs.

Effects of water chemistry on corrosion and plugging in the copper heat exchangers of water-cooled generators in power plants

Corrosion and plugging of hollow copper conductors in water-cooled generators can cause system failures, such as flow restrictions and forced unit outages. Although both neutral water chemistry (NWC) and slightly alkaline water chemistry (SAWC) have been proposed as solutions, field operations show that NWC frequently suffers from system failures, while SAWC demonstrates high reliability. The scientific basis for this phenomenon has not been well understood. In this paper, the thermodynamics of NWC and SAWC were established to compare their tendencies toward copper corrosion and plugging. SAWC keeps copper in a stable CuO passivation region, exhibiting a superior buffer capacity against CO2 inleakage and the temperature rise of the cooling water. This buffer capacity is further enhanced by increasing the degree of the slight-alkalization. Under the SAWC with a pH value of 9.0 at 298.15 K, the concentration of the dissolved copper species is extremely low, and the positive temperature coefficient of CuO solubility prevents the accumulation of copper corrosion products in high-temperature regions. In contrast, NWC is susceptible to corrosion and plugging due to its poor buffer capacity. This study provides new insights into the effects of water chemistry on copper corrosion and plugging from a thermodynamic perspective, offering a sound theoretical basis for field operations.

A novel Li3Mg4(Nb1-xVx)O8 ceramic with high Q×f value and good temperature stability with low sintering temperature

A series of low-loss Li3Mg4(Nb1-xVx)O8 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) ceramics has been synthesized in this work, with the optimal sintering temperature lowered to 950°C due to the incorporation of V5+ ions. Moreover, the effects of substituting V5+ for Nb5+ on the sintering, composition, structure and properties of the ceramics have been systematically analyzed. It has been discovered that the permittivity (εr) and quality factor (Q×f) of Li3Mg4(Nb1-xVx)O8 ceramics exhibit a correlation with the relative density, which is influenced by the variation in grain size distribution resulting from the substitution of V5+ ions. Additionally, the total lattice energy of Li3Mg4(Nb1-xVx)O8 ceramics is also affected by the bond characteristics within the Nb-O octahedra, thus influencing the Q×f value. The resonant frequency temperature coefficient (τf) fluctuates within a small range. The Li3Mg4(Nb0.98V0.02)O8 ceramics exhibit excellent microwave dielectric properties at 950°C: εr∼14.03, Q×f∼93,425 GHz, τf∼-6.12 ppm/°C, with a relative density reaching 98.3 %. Compared to unsubstituted Li3Mg4NbO8 ceramics, the sintering temperature is reduced by 200°C without forming impurity phases. While adjusting the τf value to nearly zero, it maintains a high Q×f value, indicating promising applications in Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC).

Graphene/MXene/Cellulose cellulosic paper-based flexible bifunctional sensors utilizing molecular bridge strategy with tunable piezoresistive effect for Temperature-Pressure sensing

Wearable technology is changing the way we interact with the digital world. Wearable systems can enable a smarter lifestyle when connected to other smart devices. This work reports a bifunctional sensor prepared from cellulosic paper as substrate for response to both temperature and pressure. The introduction of CMC-Na improves the dispersion of the binary hybrid conductive fillers in the deionized water. Meanwhile, relying on the intermolecular forces of both hydrogen bonding and cation-π interaction, the interfacial interactions of the binary hybrid conductive fillers are strengthened, which is anticipated to create a stable and homogenous conductive layer. And the concept of “effective conductive fillers distribution density” is introduced to explain and analyze the pressure sensing mechanism. The reported sensor has a pressure sensitivity of −1.6189 %/kPa, a sensing range of 370 kPa, and a response recovery time of 37.5 ms/37.5 ms. In addition to its response to mechanical force, the sensor has a detecting range of 23–58 °C, a response recovery time of 325 ms/1000 ms, and a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of −1.77 %/°C. The potential applications of this sensor demonstrate the excellent gesture tracking characteristics, multi-point tactile sensing capability, and dual stimulus–response of the sensor.

Charge density wave transition and unusual resistance hysteresis in vanadium disulfide (1T-VS2) microflakes

We report existence of charge density wave (CDW) transition with unusual resistivity hysteresis in stable micro-flakes of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) vanadium disulfide (1T-VS2) as ascertained by structural studies, Raman spectroscopy, heat capacity, resistivity measurements and supported by phonon calculations based on density functional theory. The CDW transition occurs at around 296 K on cooling and manifests itself by the onset of resistivity with a negative temperature coefficient, which we identify as the transition temperature (TCDW). The transition is identified by a distinct peak in the heat capacity at T ≈ T CDW along with anomalies in temperature variation of the lattice parameters and complimentary signatures in electron diffraction and temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy. The temperature-dependent resistivity measurements done with different ramp rates of cooling and heating show strong hysteresis and a low temperature relaxation pointing to the existence of metastable states below the transition. The Raman spectroscopy data show a hysteresis loop below the onset of the CDW transition. The phonon band structure calculations carried out on the 1T-VS2 system show the existence of the phonon mode softening along the diagonal of the Brillouin zone, which is pronounced near the transition temperature implying the prominent role of the mode softening as a driver of the transition. The results imply that the formation of CDW is sensitive to phonon mode softening rather than energy gap opening at the Fermi level.

On the Strong Composition Dependence of the Martensitic Transformation Temperature and Heat in Shape Memory Alloys.

General derivation of the well-known Ren-Otsuka relationship, 1αdTodx=-αβ (where To, x, α and β(>0) are the transformation temperature and composition, as well as the composition and temperature coefficient of the critical shear constant, c', respectively) for shape memory alloys, SMAs, is provided based on the similarity of interatomic potentials in the framework of dimensional analysis. A new dimensionless variable, tox=ToxTmx, describing the phonon softening (where Tm is the melting point) is introduced. The dimensionless values of the heat of transformation, ΔH, and entropy, ΔS, as well as the elastic constants c', c44, and A=c44c' are universal functions of to(x) and have the same constant values at to(0) within sub-classes of host SMAs having the same type of crystal symmetry change during martensitic transformation. The ratio of dtodx and α has the same constant value for all members of a given sub-class, and relative increase in c' with increasing composition should be compensated by the same decrease in to. In the generalized Ren-Otsuka relationship, the anisotropy factor A appears instead of c', and α as well as β are the differences between the corresponding coefficients for the c44 and c' elastic constants. The obtained linear relationship between h and to rationalizes the observed empirical linear relationships between the heat of transformation measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (QA⟶M) and the martensite start temperature, Ms.

The impact of thermophysical properties on eflornithine drug solute in acetone and ethyl acetate solvent interactions at varying concentrations and temperatures

The study was conducted on the impact of thermophysical properties on eflornithine drug solute–solvent interactions in aqueous ethyl acetate and acetone at different concentrations and temperatures. The aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of eflornithine’s behavior in different solvents, which is crucial for its effective use in pharmaceutical applications. The density, molar volume, viscometric, and conductometric characteristics of the eflornithine drug solutions (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.125 mol/kg) in acetone and 25% (v/v) aqueous ethyl acetate were measured within a temperature range of 298.15 K–318.15 K. Based on the determined density parameters, the following parameters were assessed: viscosity (η), equivalent molar conductance, limiting apparent molar volume (V0φ), apparent molar volume of transfer (V0φtr), and apparent molar volume (Vφ). The Masson empirical relationship and the viscosity-to-Jones-Dole (JD) equation were used to evaluate the partial molar volume (Vφ), experimental slope (SV), viscosity, and density data. Temperature and concentration were used to determine each parameter. For each set of dilutions, conductometric studies were conducted in both study solvents. The gathered data was analyzed in order to evaluate the ion–solvent interactions. The Walden product Λomηo’s positive temperature coefficient values indicate that the drug eflornithine functions as a structural modifier in acetone and aqueous acetyl acetate systems. The structure-making and breaking characteristics of the polar solvents acetone and ethyl acetate were identified.

An experimental study of surrogates of diesel from indirect coal liquefaction and the development of an improved kinetic mechanism

The increasing energy shortage and environmental pollution make the use of clean and efficient alternative fuels an effective way to solve the emission problem. Diesel from indirect coal liquefied (DICL) is a clean and efficient alternative fuel for diesel engines. The composition and chemical kinetics mechanism of DICL research contributes to a better understanding of combustion and pollutant formation process. The components of DICL were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The proportion of normal alkanes contained in DICL is particularly high, 93.82%, which proves that its reactivity is particularly good. The mixture of n-dodecane and iso-octane was selected as the surrogates of DICL. The oxidation process of DICL surrogates was examined by a jet-stirred reactor (JSR) over the temperature range of 500–890 K. A detailed kinetic mechanism of surrogates encompassing 1356 species and 6008 reactions was constructed. The critical reactions associated with the reactivity of surrogates were adjusted by the sensitivity analysis method to increase the accuracy of mechanism prediction. The predicted value of the improved mechanism is in good agreement with the experimental value. The improved mechanism can reasonably predict the oxidation process and the ignition characteristics of DICL and the improved mechanism can provide a good reference value for the subsequent analysis of combustion and emission problems of DICL. Abbreviations: C/H, C/H ratio; CN, cetane number; DDCL, direct coal liquefy diesel; DICL, Diesel from indirect coal liquefied; GC-MS, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; HMN, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane; HXN, n-hexadecane; IDT, ignition delay time; JSR, jet-stirred reactor; LHV, low heating value; LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; NSRL, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory; NTC, negative temperature coefficient; PICS, photoionization cross section; PRF, gasoline substitute; PSR, perfectly stirred reactor; SVUV-PIMS, Synchrotron VUV photoionization mass spectrometry; TOF-MS, time-of-flight mass spectrometer

Exploring the synthesis methodology and abnormal thermomagnetic properties of water-quenched alloys with antiperovskite Mn4C phase

We have devised a highly efficient methodology for the synthesis of high-purity Mn4C, involving arc-melting, subsequent homogenization, and water-quenching steps. This approach overcomes previous constraints associated with limited batch sizes and low purity, enabling the fabrication of substantially larger quantities. In pursuit of achieving the high-purity Mn4C phase, we conducted optimization studies on the stoichiometry of Mn/C in the raw materials, as well as on the homogenization temperature and time. Through this optimization process, we successfully produced highly pure Mn4C ingots by subjecting Mn4.7C alloys to homogenization at temperatures ranging from 1050 to 1200 ℃ for 5 hours, followed by rapid water quenching. The utilization of water quenching served to stabilize the Mn4C phase formed at high temperatures during the homogenization process, thus preventing its transformation into undesired low-temperature phases. The magnetic and physical properties of the samples with highly pure Mn4C phase, quenched from various temperatures, were investigated, revealing subtly distinct characteristics. The pure Mn4C sample obtained by quenching from 1100 °C exhibited a Néel temperature of approximately 950 K, a saturation magnetization of 8.4 Am2/kg, and a positive temperature coefficient (α) of magnetization of 0.0113 Am2/kg·K, respectively. Notably, the abnormal augmentation of thermomagnetic properties over a wide temperature range, from 5 to approximately 650 K, underscores the potential of high-purity Mn4C as a promising candidate for devices where the thermal stability of magnetic properties is of paramount importance.

Effects of magnetic field heat treatment on magnetic properties and microstructure of Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets

Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets have attracted widespread attention for their excellent magnetic properties and thermal stability. The magnetic properties largely depend on the cellular structure and Cu, Fe distributions within these magnets. This paper systematically studies the effect of magnetic field heat treatment (MFHT) on the magnetic properties and microstructure of Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets. MFHT improves the room-temperature magnetic properties and remanence temperature stability of magnets but slightly deteriorates the temperature coefficient of intrinsic coercivity. A microstructure analysis shows that MFHT improves the cell boundary phase content and optimizes the cellular structure and Cu, Fe distributions of magnets. A high-density short lamellar phase, possibly induced by MFHT, provides easy diffusion paths for Cu and Fe, thereby improving the magnetic properties of magnets. Compared with conventional aging treatment, this paper proposes a promising method to improve the magnetic properties of Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets under the same heat treatment time and temperature.

Achieving high sheet resistance and near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance in NiCr film resistors by Al interlayers

Thin film resistive materials with low temperature coefficients of resistance (TCR) and high sheet resistances are essential for various electronic applications, such as embedded resistors. In this study, Al inserting layers and NiCr resistive layers were sequentially deposited on alumina ceramic substrates via DC magnetron sputtering to fabricate Al/NiCr bilayer resistive materials. The electrical properties of the bilayer films were adjusted by varying the thicknesses of the Al inserting layers and annealing conditions. When the thickness of the Al inserting layer varied from 5 to 7.5 nm, and post-annealing treatments ranging from 200℃ to 400℃ were applied, evident Al-NiCr interdiffusion occurred, forming intermediate layers at the interfaces and oxides on the film surfaces. A mixture of partial crystalline phases and amorphous phases was also observed in the cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images. The formation of intermediate layers and surface oxides and the balance between partial crystalline phases and amorphous phases collectively enhanced the electrical performance of bilayer film resistors, achieving thin film resistors with a remarkably low TCR of −6.61 ppm/K and a sheet resistance of up to 265.95 Ω/sq. By rational design of Al layers, NiCr layers and thermal treatment, thin film resistors with near zero TCRs and extremely wide sheet resistance range of 93.34–1439.01 Ω/sq can be obtained.

Influence of structural characteristics of Ca1-xNdxW1-xVxO4 ceramics on microwave dielectric properties

Dense Ca1-xNdxW1-xVxO4 (x = 0−0.4) microwave dielectric ceramics were obtained when sintered at 1150 °C for 4 h. A tetragonal scheelite could be formed in the range of x ≤ 0.3, while a composite region with tetragonal scheelite and tetragonal zircon was found at x ≥ 0.4. The relative permittivity (εr) increased from 10.15 to 13.66, mainly attributed to an increase in the ionic polarizability. The quality factor (Q×f) decreased from 61,060 to 32,204 GHz, correlated to the variations in lattice energy and the Raman FWHM. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) gradually increased from −54.03 to −23.50 ppm/℃, mainly affected by the rattling effect of W6+/V5+ and the temperature coefficient of ion polarizability (ταm). Ca0.7Nd0.3W0.7V0.3O4 with excellent comprehensive properties (εr = 13.21, Q×f = 35,570 GHz, and τf = −23.50 ppm/°C) were obtained at 1150 °C.

High-Performance Humidity Sensor Capable for Monitoring Low-Moisture Levels in Energy Industries

Humidity sensors are extensively used in industrial processing and environmental control. There are two categories of humidity sensors: High-humidity (relative humidity) measurement and Low-humidity (moisture) measurement. The proper units for low-humidity measurement are dew point and parts per million in volume (ppmv) or parts per billion in volume (ppbv). It is very important to monitor moisture levels in natural gas during processing and transportation in pipelines. It is of critical importance to monitor moisture levels in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. In these cases, the moisture levels are limited to be less than -50°C dew point or 40 ppmv. The conventional relative humidity sensors cannot be used because of their low sensitivity. The dew point sensors on the market are polymer-based and gamma-phase-alumina based. The polymer-based sensors have low sensitivity, which can only accurately detect moisture levels of -60°C dew point and higher. The gamma-phase alumina sensors suffer from long-term drift due to phase change.We present novel high-performance humidity sensors based on porous alpha-phase alumina and silicon dioxide nanostructures, which are capable of detecting moisture levels as low as -100°C dew point or 13 ppbv with excellent long-term stability. The porous alpha-phase alumina films were produced by anodic-spark-deposition on aluminum substrates in which electric sparks were produced due to high-voltage anodization (>120V). Local high-temperature (about 2200°C) at the points of sparks converted the amorphous alumina into alpha-phase alumina (Sapphire). It provides an extremely stable structure for humidity sensors. Hydrophilic silicon dioxide films deposited by atomic layer deposition was used as sensing materials. The sensors’ sensitivity, temperature coefficient, response speed, and long-term stability were studied in details. The sensors have great promise for monitoring moisture levels in natural gas industry and lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

(Invited) Advances in Wide Bandgap Thermal Resonant Infrared Detectors

Exploring the surface of distant planets, notably Venus, requires robust technologies capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions while providing valuable scientific insights. This paper delves into the advancements made in designing an instrument tailored for capturing infrared (IR) images in the harsh Venusian environment, where temperatures soar to 500°C. The presented IR detector harnesses the power of a sparse array of resonant-based micromechanical devices, strategically addressing the limitations of existing technologies that can only withstand extreme conditions for limited durations.At the core of this technology lies the utilization of high-temperature-tolerant InAlN/GaN as the primary resonating element. GaN's resilience and high temperature tolerance make it a crucial player in challenging space environments. Its wide bandgap and chemical stability are advantageous for enduring harsh conditions during space missions. In tandem with GaN's intrinsic properties, high-temperature-tolerant meta-absorbers strategically positioned on the surface of each pixel play a pivotal role in the functionality of the IR detector. These meta-absorbers exhibit a remarkable capacity to absorb incoming infrared (IR) radiation, promptly transforming it into heat. The resonant frequency of these devices exhibits a linear shift with temperature variations, and a high-temperature-tolerant read-out electronic adeptly senses this frequency shift, enabling the seamless transfer of imaging data. Extraction of IR source power occurs through the resonance frequency shift in the exposed GaN resonator, compared to a reference resonator. The reference resonator, lacking the IR-absorbing layer, establishes a baseline for minimal resonant shifts.The sparse array configuration strategically reduces imaging elements to optimize power consumption and cost-effectiveness. Inspired by techniques employed in medical imaging instruments, this approach allows the construction of images from a low-power 2D array, striking a balance between imaging capabilities and processing efficiency. This sparse array configuration serves a dual purpose, streamlining signal routing for integrated read-out electronics and simplifying the overall integration and packaging of the IR imaging instrument. Monolithic integration of the read-out electronic with the sensor platform on the same chip overcomes challenges related to electrical and mechanical stability at high temperatures.The resonant effect delivers a remarkable enhancement in the signal-to-noise ratio, surpassing existing thermal detector technologies by a factor of 70×. Furthermore, the strategic implementation of sparse arraying results in approximately a 4× reduction in power consumption, presenting an efficient and resilient solution for imaging in extreme environments. Diverging from traditional IR detectors limited in performance at high temperatures, these detectors rely on the temperature coefficient of elasticity (TCE), offering a wide dynamic range of operational temperatures.Finally, this paper includes recent results measured at 500°C, demonstrating the instrument's capability to operate effectively in Venus's challenging conditions. These advancements pave the way for future planetary exploration missions, promising a deeper understanding of Venus's geological and atmospheric processes.

Temperature Compensation Method Based on Bilinear Interpolation for Downhole High-Temperature Pressure Sensors.

Due to their high accuracy, excellent stability, minor size, and low cost, silicon piezoresistive pressure sensors are used to monitor downhole pressure under high-temperature, high-pressure conditions. However, due to silicon's temperature sensitivity, high and very varied downhole temperatures cause a significant bias in pressure measurement by the pressure sensor. The temperature coefficients differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and even vary from batch to batch within the same manufacturer. To ensure high accuracy and long-term stability for downhole pressure monitoring at high temperatures, this study proposes a temperature compensation method based on bilinear interpolation for piezoresistive pressure sensors under downhole high-temperature and high-pressure environments. A number of calibrations were performed with high-temperature co-calibration equipment to obtain the individual temperature characteristics of each sensor. Through the calibration, it was found that the output of the tested pressure measurement system is positively linear with pressure at the same temperatures and nearly negatively linear with temperature at the same pressures, which serves as the bias correction for the subsequent bilinear interpolation temperature compensation method. Based on this result, after least squares fitting and interpolating, a bilinear interpolation approach was introduced to compensate for temperature-induced pressure bias, which is easier to implement in a microcontroller (MCU). The test results show that the proposed method significantly improves the overall measurement accuracy of the tested sensor from 21.2% F.S. to 0.1% F.S. In addition, it reduces the MCU computational complexity of the compensation model, meeting the high accuracy demand for downhole pressure monitoring at high temperatures and pressures.

High-power 940 nm DFB laser diode with large optical cavity.

High-power laser diodes with a stable wavelength and narrow linewidth are crucial for many applications. In this study, we introduce a first-order distributed feedback (DFB) grating into an asymmetric large-cavity laser diode operating around 940 nm. This design maintains high output power and offers a wide temperature locking range. The nearly sinusoidal shape first-order grating is fabricated by ultraviolet (UV) nanoimprint lithography, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) dry etching, and wet polishing. At a heat sink temperature of 25°C, the DFB laser diode, with a 200 µm stripe width and 4 mm cavity length, achieves a maximum output power of 24.8 W and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.4 nm under continuous-wave (CW) conditions. The maximum slope efficiency is calculated to be 1.04 W/A. At an output power of 10.7 W, the device reaches a peak wall-plug efficiency of 56%. Under quasi-continuous operation at 20 A, the laser output spectrum remains locked to the DFB grating over a temperature range from -10°C to 110°C, with a temperature coefficient of 0.062 nm/°C.

The surface tension of pure Zn measured by means of the maximum bubble pressure method

The surface tension σ of pure Zn and its temperature coefficient have been measured by means of the maximum bubble pressure technique over the temperature range [Tm, Tm+250 °C], where Tm is the melting temperature. Alumina and quartz capillaries of various radii were used. Alumina capillaries were coated with boron nitride to discard possible wetting and high purity argon was used as bubbling gas. In addition, σ was measured while heating, cooling, or introducing the capillaries in the melt at several chosen temperatures. All measurements with alumina capillaries showed a negative temperature coefficient while those with quartz capillaries gave a positive temperature coefficient. These results are compatible with Nogi et al. conclusion in the sense that positive temperature coefficients reported in the literature should be ascribed to oxygen and/or impurity effects enhanced in volatile metals. In particular we argue that the positive temperature coefficient is a consequence of the concomitant action of several factors, namely, vaporization of Zn, oxygen traces in the bubbling gas, and the oxygen and Si produced in the chemical reactions involving quartz and liquid zinc.

High power density charging-free thermally regenerative electrochemical flow cycle for low-temperature thermoelectric conversion

Low-temperature thermal energy widely exists in nature and is sustainable. The thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC) based on the Seebeck effect has attracted widespread attention due to its high thermoelectric efficiency and good cycle stability. However, it has a low power density and cannot sustain continuous operation for extended periods. This work proposes a continuous charging-free thermally regenerative electrochemically cycled flow battery (TREC-FB) system, which can discharge continuously at both high and low temperatures without the assistance of external power source. By adding guanidine hydrochloride (GdmCl) and inorganic salt ions (Cs+, Ca2+, Mg2+, etc.) to the K3Fe(CN)6/K4Fe(CN)6 and I2/KI electrolytes respectively, precipitates are formed in the electrolytes at low temperature and dissolve at high temperature, which creates the concentration gradient of ions. As a result, the temperature coefficient of the full cell increases from −2.24 mV/K to −3.6 mV/K, and both voltage and power density are doubled. Theoretical analysis of the temperature coefficient enhancement is conducted based on the Nernst equation, and the mechanism of the temperature coefficient enhancement is verified using UV–vis spectra. The discharging capacity and energy of the charging-free TREC-FB with high temperature coefficient reach 5 Ah/L and 1.9 kJ/L, respectively, and the thermoelectric efficiency reaches 8.9 % under sufficient heat recuperation. Two TREC-FBs at high and low temperatures are connected to carry out continuous operation experiments of the charging-free TREC-FB system. The use of charge-reinforced ion-selective membrane can effectively inhibit the migration of I− and I3− ions, achieving about 36 h of continuous operation, and the average power density achieves 0.6 W/m2.

Effect of the glycerol dispersant on the structure, electrical transport and magnetoresistive properties of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 ceramics prepared by the sol-gel routine

In this paper, the sol-gel technique is employed to synthesize polycrystalline La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) ceramics, where methanol is chosen as the solvent. The crystal structure, morphology, as well as electrical and magnetoresistive properties were examined. Moreover, the effect of amount of the dispersant glycerol on the properties of LCMO ceramics is studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that all samples crystallized in single phases with orthogonal perovskite structure (pnma space group), without any detectable impurity phases. Results reveal that the grain size of LCMO ceramics exhibits an initial increase followed by a decrease, accompanied by a similar behavior in the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and magnetoresistance (MR). When the volume ratio of glycerol and methanol reached 2 %, the grain size is determined to be 7.30 μm, with TCR value of 25.02 % K−1 at T= 263.2 K, and MR value recorded at 55.40 %. The study elucidates the influence of glycerol on LCMO polycrystalline ceramics and optimize the fabrication process, thereby improve the electric transport property and magnetoresistance.