Abstract: La1-yCayFe0.5+x(Mg,Mo)(0.5-x)O3-delta oxides with the orthorhombic GdFeO3-type perovskite structure have been synthesized at 1573 K. Transmission electron microscopy study for selected samples shows the coexistence of domains of perovskite phases with ordered and disordered B-cations. Mossbauer spectroscopy studies performed at 300 K and 573 K show that while compositions with low Ca-content (La0.55Ca0.45Fe0.5Mg0.2625Mo0.2375O3-delta and La0.5Ca0.5Fe0.6Mg0.175Mo0.225O3-delta) are nearly oxygen stoichiometric, La0.2Ca0.8Fe0.5Mg0.2625Mo0.2375O3-delta is oxygen deficient with delta approximate to 0.15. Oxides are stable in reducing atmosphere (Ar/H-2, 8%) at 1173 K for 12 h. No additional phases have been observed at XRPD patterns of all studied perovskites and Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2 electrolyte mixtures treated at 1173-1373K, while Fe-rich compositions (x >= 0.1) react with Zr1-xYxO2-x/2 electrolyte above 1273 K. Dilatometry studies reveal that all samples show rather low thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) in air of 11.4-12.7 ppm K-1. In reducing atmosphere their TECs were found to increase up to 12.1-15.4 ppm K-1 due to chemical expansion effect. High-temperature electrical conductivity measurements in air and Ar/H-2 atmosphere show that the highest conductivity is observed for Fe- and Ca-rich compositions. Moderate values of electrical conductivity and TEC together with stability towards chemical interaction with typical SOFC electrolytes make novel Fe-containing perovskites promising electrode materials for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: A new oxychloride Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl has been synthesized using the solid state method. Its crystal and magnetic structure was investigated in the 1.5550 K temperature range using electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, atomic resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, neutron and X-ray powder diffraction. At room temperature Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl crystallizes in the P4/mmm space group with the unit cell parameters a=3.91803(3) Å and c=19.3345(2) Å. Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl is a new n=4 member of the oxychloride perovskite-based homologous series An+1BnO3n−1Cl. The structure is built of truncated Pb3Fe3TiO11 quadruple perovskite blocks separated by CsCl-type Pb2Cl slabs. The perovskite blocks consist of two layers of (Fe,Ti)O6 octahedra sandwiched between two layers of (Fe,Ti)O5 square pyramids. The Ti4+ cations are preferentially located in the octahedral layers, however, the presence of a noticeable amount of Ti4+ in a five-fold coordination environment has been undoubtedly proven using neutron powder diffraction and atomic resolution compositional mapping. Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl is antiferromagnetically ordered below 450(10) K. The ordered Fe magnetic moments at 1.5 K are 4.06(4) μB and 3.86(5) μB on the octahedral and square-pyramidal sites, respectively.

Abstract: The Bi3n+1Ti7Fe3n-3,O9n+11 materials are built of (001)(p) plane parallel perovskite blocks with a thickness of n (Ti,Fe)O-6 octahedra, separated by periodic translational interfaces. The interfaces are based on anatase-like chains of edge -sharing (Ti,Fe)O-6 octahedra. Together with the octahedra of the perovskite blocks, they create S-shaped tunnels stabilized by lone pair Bi3+ cations. In this work, the structure of the n = 4-6 Bi3n+1Ti7Fe3n-3,O9n+11 homologues is analyzed in detail using advanced transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The connectivity of the anatase-like chains to the perovskite blocks results in,a 3ap periodicity along the interfaces, so that they can be located either on top of each other or with shifts of +/- a(p) along [100](p). The ordered arrangement of the interfaces gives rise to orthorhombic Immm and monoclinic A2/m polymorphs with the unit cell parameters a = 3a(p), b = b(p), c = 2(n + 1)c(p) and a = 3a(p), b = b(p), c = 2(n + 1)c(p) – a(p), respectively. While the n = 3 compound is orthorhombic, the monoclinic modification is more favorable in higher homologues. The Bi3n+1Ti7Fe3n-3,O9n+11 structures demonstrate intricate patterns of atomic displacements in the perovskite blocks, which are supported by the stereochemical activity of the Bi3+ cations. These patterns are coupled to the cationic coordination of the oxygen atoms in the (Ti,Fe)O-2 layers at the border of the perovskite blocks. The coupling is strong in the 1/ = 3, 4 homologues, but gradually reduces with the increasing thickness of the perovskite blocks, so that, in the n = 6 compound, the dominant mode of atomic displacements is aligned along the interface planes. The displacements in the adjacent perovskite blocks tend to order antiparallel, resulting in an overall antipolar structure. The Bi3n+1Ti7Fe3n-3,O9n+11 materials demonstrate an unusual diversity of structure defects. The n = 4-6 homologues are robust antiferromagnets below T-N = 135, 220, and 295 K, respectively. They show a high dielectric constant that weakly increases with temperature and is relatively insensitive to the Ti/Fe ratio.

Abstract: Nanocrystalline tin dioxide modified by Pd and Pt clusters or by bimetallic PdPt nanoparticles was synthesized. Distribution of the modifers on the SnO2 surface was studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis with element distribution mapping. It was shown that the Pd/Pt ratio in bimetallic particles varies over a broad range and does not depend on the particle diameter. The effect of platinum metals on the reducibility of nanocrystalline SnO2 by hydrogen was determined. The sensing properties of the resulting materials towards 6.7 ppm CO in air were estimated in situ by electrical conductivity measurements. The sensor response of SnO2 modified with bimetallic PdPt particles was a superposition of the signals of samples with Pt and Pd clusters.

Abstract: A broad range of cationic nonstoichiometry has been demonstratedfor the Li-rich layered rock-salt-type oxide Li2MoO3, which has generally been considered as a phase with a well-defined chemical composition. Li2+xMo1-xO3(-0.037 <= x <= 0.124) solid solutions were synthesized via hydrogen reduction ofLi2MoO4in the temperature range of 650-1100 degrees C, withxdecreasing with theincrease of the reduction temperature. The solid solutions adopt a monoclinicallydistorted O3-type layered average structure and demonstrate a robust localordering of the Li cations and Mo3triangular clusters within the mixed Li/Mocationic layers. The local structure was scrutinized in detail by electron diffractionand aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microcopy (STEM),resulting in an ordering model comprising a uniform distribution of the Mo3clusters compatible with local electroneutrality and chemical composition. The geometry of the triangular clusters with their oxygenenvironment (Mo3O13groups) has been directly visualized using differential phase contrast STEM imaging. The established localstructure was used as input for density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations; they support the proposed atomic arrangementand provide a plausible explanation for the staircase galvanostatic charge profiles upon electrochemical Li+extraction fromLi2+xMo1-xO3in Li cells. According to DFT, all electrochemical capacity in Li2+xMo1-xO3solely originates from the cationic Moredox process, which proceeds via oxidation of the Mo3triangular clusters into bent Mo3chains where the electronic capacity of the clusters depends on the initial chemical composition and Mo oxidation state defining the width of the first charge low-voltageplateau. Further oxidation at the high-voltage plateau proceeds through decomposition of the Mo3chains into Mo2dimers and further into individual Mo6+cations

Abstract: In this work, we used a solution-processed TiO2 layer between Cu2ZnSnSe4 and CdS buffer layer to reduce the recombination at the p–n junction. Introducing the TiO2 layer showed a positive impact on VOC but fill factor and efficiency decreased. Using a KCN treatment, we could create openings in the TiO2 layer, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy measurements. Formation of these openings in the TiO2 layer led to the improvement of the short-circuit current, fill factor, and the efficiency of the modified solar cells.

Abstract: This work reports on developments in the field of wide band gap Cu2ZnXY4 (with X = Sn, Si or Ge, and Y = S, Se) kesterite thin film solar cells. An overview on recent developments and the current understanding of wide band gap kesterite absorber layers, alternative buffer layers, and suitable transparent back contacts is presented. Cu2ZnGe(S,Se)(4) absorbers with absorber band gaps up to 1.7 eV have been successfully developed and integrated into solar cells. Combining a CdS buffer layer prepared by an optimized chemical bath deposition process with a 1.36 eV band gap absorber resulted in a record Cu2ZnGeSe4 cell efficiency of 7.6%, while the highest open-circuit voltage of 730 mV could be obtained for a 1.54 eV band gap absorber and a Zn(O,S) buffer layer. Employing InZnOx or TiO2 protective top layers on SnO2:In transparent back contacts yields 85-90% of the solar cell performance of reference cells (with Mo back contact). These advances show the potential as well as the challenges of wide band gap kesterites for future applications in high-efficiency and low-cost tandem photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: SmFe8.75 Si-0.25 C/alpha-Fe nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized using high energy milling, followed by annealing at 750 degrees C. The crystal structure of these compounds was characterized by the Rietveld method using powder X-ray diffraction data. By increasing the concentration of Sm, we observed a decrease in the amount of alpha-Fe phase. The morphology of the samples was determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The average grain size is about 20 nm. The magnetic properties were investigated at room temperature and at 10 K. A ferromagnetic behavior was observed in all samples at both temperatures. An increase of the soft magnetic phase alpha-Fe induced an increase in the magnetization and a decrease in coercivity. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: A transition-metal-only MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 polycrystalline oxide was prepared by a reaction of starting materials MnO, MnO2, Fe2O3, RuO2 at 6 GPa and 1873 K for 30 minutes. A combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction refinements indicated that MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 adopts the corundum (alpha-Fe2O3) structure type with space group R (3) over barc, in which all metal ions are disordered. The centrosymmetric nature of the MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 structure is corroborated by transmission electron microscopy, lack of optical second harmonic generation, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy of MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 showed the oxidation states of Mn, Fe, and Ru to be 2+/3+, 3+, and similar to 4+, respectively. Resistivity measurements revealed that MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 is a semiconductor. Magnetic measurements and magnetic structure refinements indicated that MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 orders antiferromagnetically around 400 K, with magnetic moments slightly canted away from the c axis. Fe-57 Mossbauer confirmed the magnetic ordering and Fe3+ (S = 5/2) magnetic hyperfine splitting. First principles calculations are provided to understand the electronic structure more thoroughly. A comparison of synthesis and properties of MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3 and related corundum Mn2BB'O-6 derivatives is discussed.

Abstract: Reaction of the n = 1 Ruddlesden-Popper oxide LaSr3CoRuO8 with CaH2 yields the oxyhydride phase LaSr3CoRuO4H4 via topochemical anion-exchange. Close inspection of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data in combination with HAADF-STEM images reveals that nanoparticles of SrO are exsolved from the system during the reaction, with the change in cation stoichiometry accommodated by the inclusion of n > 1 (Co/Ru)nOn+1H2n ‘perovskite’ layers into the Ruddlesden-Popper stacking sequence. This novel pseudo-topochemical process offers a new route for the formation of n > 1 Ruddlesden-Popper structured materials. Magnetization data are consistent with a LaSr3Co1+Ru2+O4H4 (Co1+, d8, S = 1; Ru2+, d6, S = 0) oxidation/spin state combination. Neutron diffraction and μ+SR data show no evidence for long-range magnetic order down to 2 K, suggesting the diamagnetic Ru2+ centers impede the Co-Co magnetic exchange interactions.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the optical properties, mechanical properties and aging stability of yttria-stabilized zirconia with different compositions, highlighting the influence of the alumina addition, Y2O3 content and La2O3 doping on the translucency. METHODS: Five different Y-TZP zirconia powders (3 commercially available and 2 experimentally modified) were sintered under the same conditions and characterized by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Translucency (n=6/group) was measured with a color meter, allowing to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) and the contrast ratio (CR). Mechanical properties were appraised with four-point bending strength (n=10), single edge V-notched beam (SEVNB) fracture toughness (n=8) and Vickers hardness (n=10). The aging stability was evaluated by measuring the tetragonal to monoclinic transformation (n=3) after accelerated hydrothermal aging in steam at 134 degrees C, and the transformation curves were fitted by the Mehl-Avrami-Johnson (MAJ) equation. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Lowering the alumina content below 0.25wt.% avoided the formation of alumina particles and therefore increased the translucency of 3Y-TZP ceramics, but the hydrothermal aging stability was reduced. A higher yttria content (5mol%) introduced about 50% cubic zirconia phase and gave rise to the most translucent and aging-resistant Y-TZP ceramics, but the fracture toughness and strength were considerably sacrificed. 0.2mol% La2O3 doping of 3Y-TZP tailored the grain boundary chemistry and significantly improved the aging resistance and translucency. Although the translucency improvement by La2O3 doping was less effective than for introducing a substantial amount of cubic zirconia, this strategy was able to maintain the mechanical properties of typical 3Y-TZP ceramics. SIGNIFICANCE: Three different approaches were compared to improve the translucency of 3Y-TZP ceramics.

Abstract: Multiple electrochemical processes are involved at the catalyst/ electrolyte interface during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). With the purpose of elucidating the complexity of surface dynamics upon OER, we systematically studied two Ni-based crystalline oxides (LaNiO3−δ and La2Li0.5Ni0.5O4) and compared them with the state-of-the-art Ni−Fe (oxy)- hydroxide amorphous catalyst. Electrochemical measurements such as rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) and electrochemical quartz microbalance microscopy (EQCM) coupled with a series of physical characterizations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) were conducted to unravel the exact pH effect on both the OER activity and the catalyst stability. We demonstrate that for Ni-based crystalline catalysts the rate for surface degradation depends on the pH and is greater than the rate for surface reconstruction. This behavior is unlike that for the amorphous Ni oxyhydroxide catalyst, which is found to be more stable and pH-independent.

Abstract: The use of high amounts of iridium in industrial proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWE) could hinder their widespread use for the decarbonisation of society with hydrogen. Non-thermally oxidised Ir nanoparticles supported on antimony-doped tin oxide (SnO2:Sb, ATO) aerogel allow decreasing the use of the precious metal by more than 70 %, while enhancing the electro-catalytic activity and stability. To date the origin of these benefits remains unknown. Here we present clear evidence on the mechanisms that lead to the enhancement of the electrochemical properties of the catalyst. Operando near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on membrane electrode assemblies reveals a low degree of Ir oxidation, attributed to the oxygen spill-over from Ir to SnO2:Sb. Furthermore, the formation of highly unstable Ir(III) species is mitigated, while the decrease of Ir dissolution in Ir/SnO2:Sb is confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mechanisms that lead to the high activity and stability of Ir catalyst supported on SnO2:Sb aerogel for PEMWE are thus unveiled.

Abstract: Tubular ZnO – Co3O4 nanofibers were co-electrospun from polymer solution containing zinc and cobalt acetates. Phase composition, cobalt electronic state and element distribution in the fibers were investigated by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HAADF-STEM with EDX mapping, and XPS. Bare ZnO has high selective sensitivity to NO and NO2, while ZnO-Co3O4 composites demonstrate selective sensitivity to H2S in dry and humid air. This effect is discussed in terms of transformation of cobalt oxides into cobalt sulfides and change in the acidity of ZnO oxide surface upon cobalt doping. Reduction in response and recovery time is attributed to the formation of a tubular structure facilitating gas transport through the sensitive layer.

Abstract: Topological superconductivity is of great contemporary interest and has been proposed in doped Bi₂Se₃, in which electron-donating atoms such as Cu, Sr or Nb have been intercalated into the Bi₂Se₃structure. For Nb_{<italic>x</italic>}Bi₂Se₃, with<italic>T</italic>_c ~ 3 K, it is assumed in the literature that Nb is inserted in the van der Waals gap. However, in this work an alternative origin for the superconductivity in Nb-doped Bi₂Se₃is established. In contrast to previous reports, it is deduced that Nb intercalation in Bi₂Se₃does not take place. Instead, the superconducting behaviour in samples of nominal composition Nb_{<italic>x</italic>}Bi₂Se₃results from the (BiSe)_1.10NbSe₂misfit phase that is present in the sample as an impurity phase for small<italic>x</italic>(0.01 ≤ <italic>x</italic> ≤ 0.10) and as a main phase for large<italic>x</italic>(<italic>x</italic> = 0.50). The structure of this misfit phase is studied in detail using a combination of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques.