Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Electrochemical Characterization Of Copper Deposited On Plasma And Thermally Modified Titanium Surfaces, K. S. Teng, J. L. Delplancke, Jiangfan Zhang, T. J. O'Keefe

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Thin oxide films were grown at temperatures from 373 to 1073 K in plasma and in air on commercially pure titanium substrates. It was determined that the color, thickness, composition, phase, and polarization behavior in a copper electrolyte varied with operating conditions: temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and plasma composition. High-temperature and high oxygen partial pressure plasma produced a thick oxide film. The surface film structure transformed from TiO2 (anatase) to TiO2 (rutile) at a temperature of 600 °C. A lower oxide of the form TinO2n-1, such as Ti2O3 (which may be porous) or possibly Ti3O5, was formed on a thermally …

Preparation Of High Rate Discharge Foamed Ni-Cd Battery, Yuming Wang, Jinsheng Chen

Journal of Electrochemistry

A novel device of SC type foamed NiCd battery is presented, in which, the innerresistance of battery is appeared to be reduced, and the electrode performance is gained to very improved, and so, this battery can be suited to using of the powerdrive pistol drill.

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Materials And Technology, Naichao Li, Baolian Yi

Journal of Electrochemistry

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell materials are reviewed, and the technology of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell are discussed.

Study On Perchlorate Produced By Electrolysis With Oxygen Cathode, Zhigang Shao, Baolian Yi, Naichao Li, Ming Han

Journal of Electrochemistry

A new method of measuring the flow capacity of cell gas in the perchlorate cell process equipped with an oxygen cathode is applided to investigate the influence of changes in the concentration of solution (chloride, chlorate, perchlorate and metal ion) and changes in the operation parameters (current density, temperature and pH) on perchlorate current efficiency. The main abstacle that the oxygen cathode is used in the perchlorate cell process is put forward and a method is provided to resolve it.

The Activity Of Alloy Cu-Ni Electrode In Electroreduction Of Aromatic Nitro-Compounds, Chunan Ma, Shaoping Tong, Xiaojun Cheng, Hui Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Cu-Ni alloy on the basis of copper at different ratio Cu/Ni are prepared by codepostion. The cathode activtiy of film are studied by steady-state polarization for electroreduction nitro-benzene (NB) and 1,5-dinitroanthraquinone (1,5-DNA) to p-aminophenol and 1,5-diamino-4,8-dihydroanthraquinone respectly. The results show that the alloy cathodes at different ratio Cu/Ni have different exchange current density (i^o) and apparent activition energy (E_A). The alloy (CN-30) has maximal i^o and minimal E_A by codeposition at the following conditions: electrolyte: 0.05 mol/L CuSO₄·5H₂O+0.6 mol/L NiSO₄·6H₂O+0.25 mol/L Na₃Cit·2H₂O; …

Photoluminescence Of Photoelectrochemically Etched N+-Si, Guozheng Li, Chengqian Zhang, Xiumei Yang

Journal of Electrochemistry

PS layer on n⁺-Si with (111) orientation prepered by means of photoelectrochemically etched has photo-luminescent (PL) ability like PS layer on usual n-Si. The data of PL spectra and quenching are given.

Study On The Oxygen Electrodes Of Alkaline Fuel Cells Effect Of Dopant On The Activity Of Ag/C Catalyst, Jiawei Teng, Linhua Jin, Luncheng Tang

Journal of Electrochemistry

A new kind of nonnoble catalyst for the oxygen electrodes of Alkaline Fuel Cells was investigated. The AgNiBiHg/C catalyst, which was prepared by chemical reduction, was active for the cathodic reduction of oxygen in alkaline fuel cells. It was found that the catalytic activity was improved by adding Ni, Bi, Hg to Ag/C catalyst, and the maximum activity was observed at Ag50%-Ni2%-Bi3%-Hg3%-C42%(wt%). XRD inconjunction with SEM indicated that the crystalline silver turned into amorphous in the presence of doping agents and the grain size of silver was reduced. No dramatic deactivation of the catalyst occured after 5200 hours of service.

Selective Cvd Growth Of Diamond Crystals On Tungsten, Charles Randal Cole

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Typical field emitters consist of sharp metal tips which usually have a short life due to erosion and contamination. To improve the performance of regular field emitters, diamond can be placed on the emitter tip. This is done by selectively growing diamond on tungsten tips using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing. Diamond exhibits negative electron affinity, so that electrons will be emitted by properly biasing the tip.

To obtain single crystal growth right at the tip, a cantilever controlled nucleation method was developed which worked better than other methods. Surface preparation was also important to the growth process. An oxide …

Electrocatalytic Oxidation Of Methanol On The Stearate Nickel L-B Film, Benzeng Hua, Wenyan Hu, Yanzhen Chen, Yanhong Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The stearate nickel L-B films is good electroacatlyst for the oxidation of methanol MeOH in alkaline. The electrochemical behaviors of stearate nickel L-B films is affected by the concentration of KOH. The rate of quantity of mickel ion and stearic acid in L-B films is 1∶1, which means that the nickel ion may exist in -COONi(OH) form. The electrocatalytic process is influenced by the concentration of OH^-, it involves the penetration of MeOH into the films. The oxidative currents of MeOH are linearly dependent on the bulk concentration.

Surface Modifications Of Carbon Materials Used As Anode Of Lithium Ion Battery Ⅲ. Improvement Of Artificially Imposed Solid Electrolyte Film On Cell Performance, Shuhua Ma, Xiabin Jing, Fosong Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The improving effect of solid electrolyte film artificially imposed on carbon electrode was investigated. The result showed that both the charge/discharge capacity and first charge/discharge efficiency, to a certain extent, were enhanced, and the result also suggested the effectiveness of the substitution of the artificially imposed solid electrolyte film for the inherent passivating film which was formed on the surface of the carbon electrode while inserted in the electrolyte during charging or discharging. The Scanning Electron Microscope result displayed the compact and well-defined morphology of the artificially imposed crystalline film.

Investigation On Electro Reduction Behaviour Of Copper Anodic Products In Concentrated Naoh Solutions Ⅱ. Electro Reduction Of Cu(Ⅱ) Products, Jianbo He, Hanhe Chen, Jianxin Lin

Journal of Electrochemistry

Potentiostatic oxidation potentiodynamic or galvanostatic reduction methods have been used to study the cathodic reduction behaviour of various products anodically formed on the second stage of copper oxidation in concentrated NaOH solutions. Seven cathodic current peaks and the corresponding cathodic potential plateaus are observed on the potentiodynamic E/i curves and the galvanostatic E/t curves, respectively. In the negative potential scan, there are three couples of voltammetric peaks which have been attributed to the formation and reduction of CuO, Cu(OH)₂ and Cu(Ⅱ) ion, respectively. The complicated mechanism for the electro formation of the three Cu(Ⅱ) species are discussed.

Studies On The Failure Modes Of Stationary Vrla Batteries, Yibo Tong, Xiangming Qiu

Journal of Electrochemistry

In order to improve the reliability and the quality of stationary valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, the failure modes of the stationary VRLA batteries which caused by the water loss and the thermal runaway are studied. The water loss may be solved by increasing the Oxygen-recombination efficiency, choosing the suitable grid material and the additives of megative paste, decreasing the corrosion of the positive plates. The thermal runaway may be solved by decreasing the inner ohmic resistance of VRLA batteries, improving the outside condition of batteries such as putting into the absorbing-heat material between the abtteries etc..

Preparation And Examination Of Planar Type Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Yi Jiang, Jingwang Yan, Shizhong Wang, Chunying Yu, Wenzhao Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

The solid oxide fuel cells of planar type (SOFC) have been developed after successfully preparing La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ cathodes and Ni-YSZ ceramic anodes on YSZ plates and solving the high temperature sealing technical problem. Examination of the single cells fabricated showed that the maximum power output at 950 ℃ for H₂ as fuel and air as oxidant reached 0.12 W/cm². It was found that the large polarization overpotential of the Ni-YSZ anode and the Ohmic losses of the cells were two main factors responsible for the relative low output power density.

Gallium Desorption Behavior At Algaas/Gaas Heterointerfaces During High-Temperature Molecular Beam Epitaxy, K. Mahalingam, D. L. Dorsey, K. R. Evans, Rama Venkat

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

A Monte Carlo simulation study is performed to investigate the Ga desorption behavior during AlGaAs-on-GaAs heterointerface formation by molecular beam epitaxy. The transients in the Ga desorption rate upon opening the Al shutter are shown to be associated with the concurrent reduction in the V/III flux ratio. Monte Carlo simulations employing a constant V/III flux ratio yield a “steplike” variation in the Ga desorption rate with the resulting interfaces closer in abruptness to the ideal AlGaAs-on-GaAs interface. Further details on the stoichiometry of the interface and its relationship with predicted Ga desorption profiles is presented.

A Piezoresistive Metal Thin Film Tilt Sensor, Todd Allan Lindley

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Thin film strain gauges have many applications as transducers for monitoring pressure, vibration, and acceleration. In this thesis, a simple system, consisting of a Nichrome thin film strain gauge deposited on a glass substrate, is investigated in detail. Finite element analysis is used to model the expected sensor behavior. The substrate is shaped to exhibit a constant strain distribution, and is set up in a cantilever beam configuration. R. F. sputtering is used to deposit the Nichrome film, and the resistor pattern is transferred via photolithography. The gravitational force on a mass attached to the free end of the sensor …

Studies Of Electrocatalytic Properties Of Electrode Of Dispersed Pt On Gc Support In Ethylene Glycol Oxidation, Shengpei Chen, Shigang Sun, Zhiyou Zhou, Shuanjing Hong

Journal of Electrochemistry

The structures and properties of electrocatalyst of dispersed Plutinum (Pt) on glassy carbon (GC) support under different conditions were studied using cyclic voltammetry, potential step technique, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that after having been treated in high temperature,the dispersed Pt on GC support was recrystallised with preferented orientation, and the grain of Pt microcrystal become large and regular. It was illustrated that the dispersed Pt on GC support after high temperature treatment exhibited better stability and high activity for ethylene glycol oxidation.

Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Powered Vehicles, Naichao Li, Baolian Yi

Journal of Electrochemistry

The background, status and commercialization prospect of polymer electrolyte fuel cell vehicles are surveyed in this paper. The technology of this cell and system used in vehicles is discussed.

Electrochemical Behavior Of Superoxide Dismutase On Gold Minigrid With Thin Layer Cell, Xiaqin Wu, Qian Liu, Bin Xu, Xiaoyun Men, Zongrang Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The electrochemical behavior of superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) was investigated on gold wire electrode and gold minigrid with thin layer cell by cyclic voltammetry. A quasi reversible redox wave of SOD has obtained on gold minigrid thin layer electrode, but only oxidation peak has observed on gold wire electrode. The electrochemical reaction parameters, such as the formal potential E^0′, diffusion coefficient D and standard rate constant k^0′ were estimated.

Surface Modification Of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Anode, Baizeng Fang, Xinyu Liu, Xindong Wang, Shuzhen Duan

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this study, the anode material of molten carbonate fuel cell was modified by the deposition of niobium on nickel surface. The results of polarization experiments reveal that the corrosion resistant properties as well as electrocatalytic activity have been improved greatly.

Electroluminescence Of Photoelectrochemically Etched N+-Si, Guozheng Li, Chengqian Zhang, Xiumei Yang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Porous silicon with micrometer size pores, which is made on n⁺-Si by photoelectrochemically etched, has electroluminescent property. Each monochromic intensity and wavelength range of luminescent spectra depend on polarized potential. The intersity and the stability of cathodic electroluminescence is high than those of anodic one. Voltammetric behavior before quenching indicated that the electrochemical reactions of some surface species are involved in except the reduction of S₂O₈^2-, which leads to radiative recombination. The energy band diagram based on n⁺-Si(E_g=1.1 eV)/PS(E_g=1.8 eV) junction is proposed.

Studies On An Iron Heteropolyacid Redox Flow Battery, Peiju Sun, Wansheng You, Zhorgyin Tan

Journal of Electrochemistry

This paper reports a new Fe-HP redox flow cell. The positive and negative electrodes active materials are phosphomolybdic acid and acidified ferrous sulphate solutions respectively. Two activated porous carbon felt electrodes where the electrochemical reactions take place, are separated by a selective cation exchange membrane. The both couples have a suitable electrochemical reversibility on carbon and graphite electrodes. The active materials of the cell have very high stability. Moreover the cell has no life cycle limiting.

Electrochemical Synthesis And Characterization Of Ba-Pb-O And Bi-Pb-O Oxides, Min Xie, Liangzhong Zhao, Cuiying Xu, Jinbiao Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Pb-based oxides Ba-Pb-O and Bi-Pb-O were synthesized from aqueous solutions by using electrochemical method. The resulting Ba-Pb-O and Bi-Pb-O were characterized using XPS, EDX and XRD. The results show that perovskite BaPb_0.9O₃ can be electrodeposited on the anode only from strong alkaline solution. In acid aqueous solution, conducting BiPb₂O_z oxide is fromed on the anode. In these oxides the nominal valence of lead is +4.

Electrochemical Studies Of Spinel Limn2O4 Rechargeable Lithium Battery, Li Feng, Yuqin Chang, Lie Wu, Hong Li, Yibin San, Tianhong Lu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The spinel Li intercalation compound LiMn₂O₄ was prepared and studied using ac impedance and cyclic voltammogram techniques. It was first discussed that the impedance behaviors of LiMn₂O₄ electrode varied as lithium ion was intercalated in or out the electrode with the help of fractal theory. The Li reversible behaviors in LiMn₂O₄ electrode were shown by the cyclic voltammogram results.

Problems Of The Study Of Anodic Films On Pb In Sulfuric Acid Solution (Ⅲ), Houtian Liu, Qunzhou Wang, Weifang Zhou, Wenbin Cai

Journal of Electrochemistry

The interstitial liquid among the particles in anodic Pb(Ⅱ) films could be the major passage for ion transportation. This is discussed with the mechanism of the cathodic reduction of anodic PbSO₄ film and the effect of Sb on the growth of anodic Pb(Ⅱ) oxides film.

Surface Modifications Of Carbon Materials Used As Anode Of Lithium Ion Battery Ⅱ. The Carbon Material With Core Shell Structure And Its Positive Effect On Cell Performance Of Graphite Anode, Shuhua Ma, Hanju Guo, Ji Li, Hongze Liang, Xiabin Jing, Fosong Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The carbon powders and film electrode with core shell structure were prepared by carbonization in gas state with using refined coal as shell material and Artificial Graphite and Mesocarbon Microbeads (2 800 ℃) graphite as core material. Galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement showed that both steady charge/discharge capacity and first charge/discharge efficiency were improved. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the peak at about 0.7 V vs. Li⁺/Li characteristic of decomposition of electrolyte got weakened, and a more compact film was formed. X-ray diffraction measurement suggested the existence of amorphous carbon shell on the carbon powders and carbon film.

Optical And Electrical Properties Of Cualse² Thin Films Obtained By Selenization Of Cu/Al/Cu... Al/Cu Layers Sequentially Deposited, J. C. Bernède, S. Marsillac, C. El Moctar, A. Conan

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Optical and electrical properties of CuAlSe₂ thin films obtained by selenization of Cu/Al/Cu...Al/Cu layers sequentially deposited have been investigated. It is shown that the expected energy gap (2.67 eV) is measured for well crystallized films, whereas a slightly higher value is measured for films not so well crystallized. Raman diffusion also shows differences between well and poorly crystallized films with peaks corresponding to the reference powder for the former samples. A p-type conductivity is found whatever the crystalline quality of the samples. The conductivity of the films depends also strongly on their crystalline properties. When the films are badly …

Cualse² Thin Films Obtained By Chalcogenization, S. Marsillac, K. Benchouk, C. El Moctar, J. C. Bernède, J. Pouzet, A Khellil, M. Jamali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

CuAlSe₂ thin films have been synthesized by chalcogenization of thin Cu and Al layers sequentially deposited by evaporation under vacuum. It is shown that CuAlSe₂ films are obtained with some Cu₂-_δSe and Se phases present at the surface. These surface phases are suppressed by annealing under vacuum and by chemical etching in a KCN solution. At the end of the process, the XRD spectrum demonstrates that textured CuAlSe₂ films have been obtained with preferential orientation of the crystallites along the (112) direction. The gap of the films is 2.7 eV as expected. The …

A Stochastic Model For Crystal-Amorphous Transition In Low Temperature Molecular Beam Epitaxial Si(111), R. Venkatasubramanian, Suresh Gorantla, S. Muthuvenkatraman, Donald L. Dorsey

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Molecular beam epitaxial Si (111) grown below a certain temperature result in amorphous structure due to the limited surface mobility of atoms in finding correct epitaxial sites. In spite of many experimental and theoretical studies, the mechanism of crystal‐amorphous transition and its dynamics related to the growth conditions are not well understood. In this article, we present a theoretical model based on the formation of stacking fault like defects as a precursor to the amorphous transition of the layer. The model is simulated based on a stochastic model approach and the results are compared to that of experiments for temperatures …

Surface Modifications Of Carbon Materials Used As Anode Of Lithium Ion Battery Ⅰ. Influences Of Oxidation And Reduction Pretreatment On Anode Performance, Shuhua Ma, Hanju Guo, Ji Li, Hongze Liang, Xiabin Jing, Fosong Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The influences of the trace oxygen containing functional groups on surface of carbon material on cell performance of carbon anode for lithium ion batteries were studied by means of the pretreament in various oxidant/reductant systems. The results showed that the rich oxygen containing functional groups impaired the cell performance of carbon material anode, and the reduction of these groups in quantity and oxidation degree can increase charge/discharge capacity and improve first charge/discharge efficiency. The reason was also discussed in the light of effects of surface organic groups on decomposition reactivity of electrolyte and formation process of surface passivating film.

The Current Distribution On The Anode Surface Of The Seale Oval Tubular Lead Acid Battery, Renao Gu, Jianlin Yao, Zhengfa Deng, Ru Sun, Liren Wu, Zhongsi Jiang, Wangen Miao

Journal of Electrochemistry

The current distribution on anode surface of sealed lead acid batter under different discharge current and degree was studied by chemical analytical method for the first time. We can conclude that the current distribution is not even. The current density on the edge of the electrode surface and the electrode terminal are bigger than other areas, that is, there are edge effect and terminal effect, and these effect are more obvious when the discharge current is 100 A and degree is 100%.