Publications
262 results found
Wang S, Shen Z, Omirkhan A, et al., 2023, Determining the fundamental failure modes in Ni-rich lithium ion battery cathodes, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, ISSN: 0955-2219
Challenges associated with in-service mechanical degradation of Li-ion battery cathodes has prompted a transition from polycrystalline to single crystal cathode materials. Whilst for single crystal materials, dislocation-assisted crack formation is assumed to be the dominating failure mechanism throughout battery life, there is little direct information about their mechanical behaviour, and mechanistic understanding remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated, using in situ micromechanical testing, direct measurement of local mechanical properties within LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 single crystalline domains. We elucidated the dislocation slip systems, their critical stresses, and how slip facilitate cracking. We then compared single crystal and polycrystal deformation behaviour. Our findings answer two fundamental questions critical to understanding cathode degradation: What dislocation slip systems operate in Ni-rich cathode materials? And how does slip cause fracture? This knowledge unlocks our ability to develop tools for lifetime prediction and failure risk assessment, as well as in designing novel cathode materials with increased toughness in-service.
Aberdeen S, Cali E, Vandeperre L, et al., 2023, Selective radionuclide and heavy metal sorption using functionalised magnetic nanoparticles for environmental remediation, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 11, Pages: 15855-15867, ISSN: 2050-7488
In this paper the removal of a wide range of heavy metal ions from different chemical environments has been explored with the use of phosphate-functionalised superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), specifically magnetite (Fe3O4). These novel complexes have shown a high level of selectivity and increased loading capacity with the ions selected for the study: Na(i), K(i), Cs(i), Ca(ii), Cu(ii), Co(ii), Ni(ii), Cd(ii), Mg(ii), Sr(ii), Pb(ii), Al(iii), Mn(ii), Eu(iii) and Fe(iii). The loading capacities established using these NP-complexes have been shown to be higher than that of conventional surface-ligand systems. The development of these phosphate functionalised complexes, (PO)x-Fe3O4 and (PO)x-SiO2@Fe3O4, has successfully shown the feasibility of removing the selected metal ions at pH 1, pH 3 and pH 7. The maximum adsorption capacities of the complexes were tested with single-metal adsorption experiments, showing a degree of selectivity towards all metal ions studied. Multi-metal adsorption experiments were conducted to determine the selectivity of the NP-complexes in the presence of a range of competing ions. These experiments simulated real-world environments that contain the selected heavy metals, which cause great concern for humans and the environment. These experiments allowed for the successful determination of a selectivity series, highlighting the steps in which the various metal ions are removed after sequential sorption experiments. The results that have been presented in this paper highlight the potential use of these magnetic phosphate NP-complexes for selective heavy metal removal from contaminated aqueous wastewaters in the industrial world.
Westhead O, Spry M, Bagger A, et al., 2023, The role of ion solvation in lithium mediated nitrogen reduction, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 11, Pages: 12746-12758, ISSN: 2050-7488
Since its verification in 2019, there have been numerous high-profile papers reporting improved efficiency of lithium-mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction to make ammonia. However, the literature lacks any coherent investigation systematically linking bulk electrolyte properties to electrochemical performance and Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) properties. In this study, we discover that the salt concentration has a remarkable effect on electrolyte stability: at concentrations of 0.6 M LiClO4 and above the electrode potential is stable for at least 12 hours at an applied current density of −2 mA cm−2 at ambient temperature and pressure. Conversely, at the lower concentrations explored in prior studies, the potential required to maintain a given N2 reduction current increased by 8 V within a period of 1 hour under the same conditions. The behaviour is linked more coordination of the salt anion and cation with increasing salt concentration in the electrolyte observed via Raman spectroscopy. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal a more inorganic, and therefore more stable, SEI layer is formed with increasing salt concentration. A drop in faradaic efficiency for nitrogen reduction is seen at concentrations higher than 0.6 M LiClO4, which is attributed to a combination of a decrease in nitrogen solubility and diffusivity as well as increased SEI conductivity as measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Xu J, Fu M, Ji C, et al., 2023, Plasmonic‐enhanced NIR‐II downconversion fluorescence beyond 1500 nm from core–shell–shell lanthanide nanoparticles, Advanced Optical Materials, ISSN: 2195-1071
This paper reports on the light amplification of NaGdF4:Yb,Er,Ce@NaGdF4:Yb,Nd@NaGdF4 core–shell–shell downconversion nanoparticles (CSS-DCNPs) in the near-infrared second biological window (NIR-II: 1000–1700 nm) by plasmonic nanostructures. Through a precisely controlled plasmonic metallic nanostructure, fluorescence from Yb3+ induced 1000 nm emission, Nd3+ induced 1060 nm emission, and Er3+ induced 1527 nm emission are enhanced 1.6-fold, 1.7-fold, and 2.2-fold, respectively, under an 808 nm laser excitation for the CSS-DCNPs coupled with a gold hole-cap nanoarray (Au-HCNA), while the Er3+ induced 1527 nm emission under a 980 nm laser excitation is enhanced up to 6-fold. To gain insight into the enhancement mechanism, the plasmonic modulation of Er3+ induced NIR-II emission at 1550 nm under 980 nm excitation is studied by FDTD simulation and lifetime measurements, showing the observed fluorescence enhancement can be attributed to a combination of enhanced excitation and an increased radiative decay rate.
Wang S, Burdett P, Lovell E, et al., 2023, Fracture properties of La(Fe,Mn,Si)13 magnetocaloric materials, Materials Letters, Vol: 338, Pages: 1-4, ISSN: 0167-577X
La(Fe,Mn,Si)13 alloys are a promising material family for magnetic refrigeration. Challenges associated with their structural integrity during device assembly and operation requires deep understanding of the mechanical properties. Here we developed a workflow to quantitatively study the fracture properties of La(Fe,Mn,Si)13 plates used in magnetic cooling devices. We employed microstructural characterisation, optical examination of defects, and four-point bending tests of samples with known defect sizes to evaluate their mechanical performance. We established the residual strength curve which directly links observed defects to mechanical strength. The estimated fracture toughness KC of hydrogenated La(Fe,Mn,Si)13 is approximately 4 MPa·m1/2 for the geometry employed. The established relationship between strength and crack length enables the prediction of mechanical performance through examination of defects via optical microscopy, therefore can be used industrially for directing plate selection to guarantee the mechanical stability of refrigeration devices.
Rodenkirchen C, Ackerman AK, Mignanelli PM, et al., 2023, Effect of Alloying on the Microstructure, Phase Stability, Hardness, and Partitioning Behavior of a New Dual-Superlattice Nickel-Based Superalloy, METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Vol: 54, Pages: 1902-1923, ISSN: 1073-5623
Tan Z, Berry A, Charalambides M, et al., 2023, Tyre wear particles are toxic for us and the environment
This briefing paper discusses the current knowledge on the effects of tyre wear particles on our health and environment, highlights the need for an ambitious research agenda to build further understanding of the impacts on people and nature and develop solutions, and includes recommendations for policymakers.
Wang S, Douglas JO, Lovell E, et al., 2023, Near-atomic scale chemical analysis of interfaces in a La(Fe,Mn,Si)13-based magnetocaloric material, Scripta Materialia, Vol: 224, Pages: 1-6, ISSN: 1359-6462
La(Fe,Mn,Si)13-based magnetocaloric materials are one of the most promising material families for the realisation of near-room temperature magnetic refrigeration. The functional and mechanical properties of these materials crucially depend on their chemistry, which is difficult to control at interfaces between microstructural units. Atom probe tomography was employed to reveal the local elemental distribution at the α-Fe/1:13 phase boundary and the 1:13/1:13 grain boundary. Strong Mn segregation (and Fe depletion) at the α-Fe/1:13 phase boundary suggests the potential effect of phase boundary area on the Curie temperature of the material. A local off-1:13 stoichiometry layer at the 1:13/1:13 grain boundary may adversely affect the magnetocaloric performance. Routes to mitigate the negative effects of interfaces on the functional and mechanical performance of these materials are discussed, in order to achieve durable and efficient operation of magnetic cooling devices.
Pek ME, Ackerman AK, Appleton M, et al., 2023, Development of a novel, impurity-scavenging, corrosion-resistant coating for Ni-based superalloy CMSX-4, Oxidation of Metals, Vol: 99, Pages: 3-13, ISSN: 0030-770X
Sulfur, a common impurity arising from atmospheric and environmental contamination, is highly corrosive and detrimental to the lifespan of nickel superalloys in jet engines. However, sulfur-scavenging coatings have yet to be explored. Our study presents the successful development of a stable, uniform, impurity-scavenging Ni-Mn coating on Ni-based superalloy CMSX-4, through electroplating. The coating was characterised via combined scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. An optimal coating thickness of > 600 nm was deposited. The coated alloy was exposed to corrosive salt mixture 98% Na2SO4–2% NaCl at 550 °C for 100 h, mimicking engine exposure conditions, thereby proving that the coating successfully trapped sulfur and prevented its diffusion into an underlying alloy. This work presents a promising development for the prevention of sulfur-induced corrosion in industrial setting such as gas turbine engine, where the effects of sulfur diffusion into the bulk alloy could lead to premature failure.
Morton W, Joyce C, Taylor J, et al., 2023, Modeling Au nanostar geometry in bulk solutions., The Journal of Physical Chemistry C: Energy Conversion and Storage, Optical and Electronic Devices, Interfaces, Nanomaterials, and Hard Matter, Vol: 127, Pages: 1680-1686, ISSN: 1932-7447
The findings within make it possible to reference gold nanostars based on their geometric properties, similar to how a radius describes a nanosphere, rather than just the LSPR of the structure-the current practice. The average tip approximation presented reduces the complexity of nanostars in discrete dipole approximation simulations. By matching the projected area and LSPR of the modeled nanostars to synthesized nanostars, the volume, surface area, and number of tips can be approximated without a lengthy characterization process. Knowing the nanoparticle geometry can determine drug carrier capacity, an approximate number of hot spots for EM imaging, and how the particle will interact with cells. The geometric data obtained will drive the biological application and increase the usability of this particle class.
Tort R, Westhead O, Spry M, et al., 2023, Nonaqueous Li-mediated nitrogen reduction: taking control of potentials, ACS Energy Letters, Vol: 8, Pages: 1003-1009, ISSN: 2380-8195
The performance of the Li-mediated ammonia synthesis has progressed dramatically since its recent reintroduction. However, fundamental understanding of this reaction is slower paced, due to the many uncontrolled variables influencing it. To address this, we developed a true nonaqueous LiFePO4 reference electrode, providing both a redox anchor from which to measure potentials against and estimates of sources of energy efficiency loss. We demonstrate its stable electrochemical potential in operation using different N2- and H2-saturated electrolytes. Using this reference, we uncover the relation between partial current density and potentials. While the counter electrode potential increases linearly with current, the working electrode remains stable at lithium plating, suggesting it to be the only electrochemical step involved in this process. We also use the LiFePO4/Li+ equilibrium as a tool to probe Li-ion activity changes in situ. We hope to drive the field toward more defined systems to allow a holistic understanding of this reaction.
Westhead O, Spry M, Bagger A, et al., 2023, Correction: The role of ion solvation in lithium mediated nitrogen reduction, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 11, Pages: 13039-13039, ISSN: 2050-7488
Correction for ‘The role of ion solvation in lithium mediated nitrogen reduction’ by O. Westhead et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07686A.
Tian T, Xu J, Abdolazizi A, et al., 2023, Occurrence, geochemical characteristics, enrichment, and ecological risks of rare earth elements in sediments of "the Yellow river- Estuary- bay" system*, MATERIALS TODAY NANO, Vol: 21, ISSN: 2588-8420
Alsalem MM, Ryan MP, Campbell AN, et al., 2023, Modelling of CO<inf>2</inf> corrosion and FeCO<inf>3</inf> formation in NaCl solutions, Chemical Engineering Journal, Vol: 451, ISSN: 1385-8947
The corrosivity of carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion and iron carbonate (FeCO3) layer formation in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions (1–12 % w/v) were investigated through electrochemical experiments and modelling. Relying on electrochemical measurements (Potentiodynamic polarisation) and simplified current density expressions (employing only H+ activity), reaction enthalpies (ΔH) and rate constants (Kr) for Fe dissolution, H2 evolution and H2O reduction reactions were estimated over a temperature range of 40–80 °C. Additionally, a revised FeCO3 precipitation rate expression was developed based on a newly derived FeCO3 solubility product (Ksp), integrating the effects of temperature and ionic strength (using activity coefficients). Collectively, this yielded a new CO2 corrosion prediction model accounting for the presence of a developing layer of FeCO3 in NaCl solutions. The model was validated over a broad range of conditions (pH, temperature, pressure and NaCl concentrations) by employing the corrosion rate and FeCO3 characteristics as metrics. Notably, it was shown that the activities of dissolved CO2 and Cl− were not essential to predict the electrochemical response of anodic processes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that increasing NaCl concentration resulted in a complexly evolving environment where porous, less protective FeCO3 layers were formed.
Stephens IEL, Chan K, Bagger A, et al., 2022, 2022 roadmap on low temperature electrochemical CO2 reduction, JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY, Vol: 4, ISSN: 2515-7655
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- Citations: 5
Tian T, Xu J, Xiong Y, et al., 2022, Cu-functionalised porous boron nitride derived from a metal–organic framework, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 10, Pages: 20580-20592, ISSN: 2050-7488
Porous boron nitride (BN) displays promising properties for interfacial and bulk processes, e.g. molecular separation and storage, or (photo)catalysis. To maximise porous BN's potential in such applications, tuning and controlling its chemical and structural features is key. Functionalisation of porous BN with metal nanoparticle represents one possible route, albeit a hardly explored one. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used as precursors to synthesise metal functionalised porous carbon-based materials, yet MOF-derived metal functionalised inorganic porous materials remain unexplored. Here, we hypothesise that MOFs could also serve as a platform to produce metal-functionalised porous BN. We have used a Cu-containing MOF, i.e. Cu/ZIF-8, as a precursor and successfully obtained porous BN functionalised with Cu nanoparticles (i.e. Cu/BN). While we have shown control of the Cu content, we have not yet demonstrated it for the nanoparticle size. The functionalisation has led to improved light harvesting and enhanced electron–hole separation, which have had a direct positive impact on the CO2 photoreduction activity (production formation rate 1.5 times higher than pristine BN and 12.5 times higher than g-C3N4). In addition, we have found that the metal in the MOF precursor impacts porous BN's purity. Unlike Cu/ZIF-8, a Co-containing ZIF-8 precursor led to porous C-BN (i.e. BN with a large amount of C in the structure). Overall, given the diversity of metals in MOFs, one could envision our approach as a method to produce a library of different metal functionalised porous BN samples.
Xu J, Morton W, Jones D, et al., 2022, Significant quantum yield enhancement for near infrared fluorescence dyes by silica templated silver nanorods, APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS, Vol: 9, ISSN: 1931-9401
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- Citations: 1
Rodenkirchen C, Appleton M, Ryan MP, et al., 2022, A review on atom probe and correlative microscopy studies of corrosion in nickel-based superalloys, Materials Research Society (MRS) Bulletin, Vol: 47, Pages: 706-717, ISSN: 0883-7694
This article discusses challenges faced in the development of new Ni-based superalloys for applications in the hottest sections of turbine engines and the use of atom probe tomography and correlative microscopy for characterization of these complex alloys with regards to microstructural and compositional design. The two strengthening phases γ and γ′ are introduced and the precipitation of topologically close-packed phases and their potential detrimental effects on superalloy properties are reviewed. Mechanisms of environmental degradation, namely oxidation and hot corrosion, are elucidated and recent research studies on a new phenomenon of hot corrosion at relatively low temperatures below 600°C are discussed. The effect of individual alloying elements on superalloy properties is reviewed, with a focus on Mo and W. The use of atom probe in correlation with state-of-the-art microscopy, spectroscopy and diffraction techniques to study and understand oxidation and corrosion of Ni-based superalloys, including crack tip investigations, is presented.
Ramesh A, Laycock N, Shenai P, et al., 2022, Critical Deposit Loading Thresholds for Under Deposit Corrosion in Steam Generators, CORROSION, Vol: 77, Pages: 584-598, ISSN: 0010-9312
Wang S, Gavalda-Diaz O, Luo T, et al., 2022, The effect of hydrogen on the multiscale mechanical behaviour of a La(Fe,Mn,Si)13-based magnetocaloric material, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Vol: 906, Pages: 1-10, ISSN: 0925-8388
Magnetocaloric cooling offers the potential to improve the efficiency of refrigeration devices and hence cut the significant CO2 emissions associated with cooling processes. A critical issue in deployment of this technology is the mechanical degradation of the magnetocaloric material during processing and operation, leading to limited service-life. The mechanical properties of hydrogenated La(Fe,Mn,Si)13-based magnetocaloric material are studied using macroscale bending tests of polycrystalline specimens and in situ micropillar compression tests of single crystal specimens. The impact of hydrogenation on the mechanical properties are quantified. Understanding of the deformation/failure mechanisms is aided by characterization with transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography to reveal the arrangement of hydrogen atoms in the crystal lattice. Results indicate that the intrinsic strength of this material is ~3-6 GPa and is dependent on the crystal orientation. Single crystals under compressive load exhibit shearing along specific crystallographic planes. Hydrogen deteriorates the strength of La(Fe,Mn,Si)13 through promotion of transgranular fracture. The weakening effect of hydrogen on single crystals is anisotropic; it is significant upon shearing parallel to the {111} crystallographic planes but is negligible when the shear plane is {001}-oriented. APT analysis suggests that this is associated with the close arrangement of hydrogen atoms on {222} planes.
Yallop M, Wang Y, Masuda S, et al., 2022, Quantifying impacts of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on natural assemblages of riverine phytobenthos and phytoplankton in an outdoor setting, SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, Vol: 831, ISSN: 0048-9697
Xu Z, Wang J, Guo Z, et al., 2022, The Role of Hydrothermal Carbonization in Sustainable Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes, ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS, Vol: 12, ISSN: 1614-6832
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- Citations: 13
Gomez-Gonzalez MA, Rehkamper M, Han Z, et al., 2022, ZnO Nanomaterials and Ionic Zn Partition within Wastewater Sludge Investigated by Isotopic Labeling, Global Challenges, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2056-6646
The increasing commercial use of engineered zinc oxide nanomaterials necessitates a thorough understanding of their behavior following their release into wastewater. Herein, the fates of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ionic Zn in a real primary sludge collected from a municipal wastewater system are studied via stable isotope tracing at an environmentally relevant spiking concentration of 15.2 µg g−1. Due to rapid dissolution, nanoparticulate ZnO does not impart particle-specific effects, and the Zn ions from NP dissolution and ionic Zn display indistinguishable behavior as they partition equally between the solid, liquid, and ultrafiltrate phases of the sludge over a 4-h incubation period. This work provides important constraints on the behavior of engineered ZnO nanomaterials in primary sludge—the first barrier in a wastewater treatment plant—at low, realistic concentrations. As the calculated solid–liquid partition coefficients are significantly lower than those reported in prior studies that employ unreasonably high spiking concentrations, this work highlights the importance of using low, environmentally relevant doses of engineered nanomaterials in experiments to obtain accurate risk assessments.
Wang S, Lovell E, Guo L, et al., 2022, Environment-assisted crack nucleation in La(Fe,Mn,Si)13-based magnetocaloric materials, International Journal of Refrigeration, Vol: 135, Pages: 1-4, ISSN: 0140-7007
Cracking in La(Fe,Si)13-based magnetocaloric materials has been observed to predominantly form around La-rich (La2O3) particles and pose a threat to their long-term structural integrity. To understand the formation of these cracks, FIB cross-sectional polishing followed by SEM characterisation was employed to study local microstructural evolution after air exposure. Results suggest that volume expansion and internal degradation associated with a chemical reaction between La2O3 particles and water/moisture can lead to crack nucleation in the 1:13 phase adjacent to La-rich particles. This observation indicates that the formation of La-rich phase should be suppressed, or their size minimised during material processing to ensure the long-term structural integrity of La(Fe,Mn,Si)13 magnetocaloric materials.
Aberdeen S, Hur CA, Cali E, et al., 2022, Acid resistant functionalised magnetic nanoparticles for radionuclide and heavy metal adsorption, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol: 608, Pages: 1728-1738, ISSN: 0021-9797
Coating superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs with SiO2 has been established in order to confer stability in acidic media. Acid stability tests were carried out between pH 1 and pH 7 to determine the effectiveness of the SiO2 passivating layer to protect the magnetic Fe3O4 core. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential measurements have shown that uncoated Fe3O4 NPs exhibit rapid agglomeration and dissolution when exposed to acidic media, moving from a zeta potential of - 26 mV to a zeta potential of + 3 mV. In contrast, the SiO2 coating of the Fe3O4 NPs shows a very high degree of stability for over 14 months and the zeta potential of these NPs remained at ∼- 39 mV throughout the acid exposure and they showed no loss in magnetisaton. Due to the use of these NPs as a potential tool for heavy metal extraction, the stability of the surface functionalisation (in this case a phosphate complex) was also assessed. With a constant zeta potential of ∼ - 29 mV for POx-SiO2@Fe3O4 NP complex, the phosphate functionality was shown to be highly stable in the acidic conditions simulating the environment of certain nuclear wastes. ATR-FTIR was conducted after acid exposure confirming that the phosphate complex on the surface of the NPs remained present. Finally, preliminary sorption experiments were carried out with Pb(II), where the NP complexes shown complete removal of the heavy metals at pH 3 and pH 5.
Barrio Hermida J, Pedersen A, Feng J, et al., 2022, Metal coordination in C2N-like materials towards dual atom catalysts for oxygen reduction, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, ISSN: 2050-7488
Sundaresan SM, Fothergill SM, Tabish TA, et al., 2021, Aptamer biosensing based on metal enhanced fluorescence platform: A promising diagnostic tool, Applied Physics Reviews, Vol: 8, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 1931-9401
Diagnosis of disease at an early, curable, and reversible stage allows more conservative treatment and better patient outcomes. Fluorescence biosensing is a widely used method to detect biomarkers, which are early indicators of disease. Importantly, biosensing requires a high level of sensitivity. Traditionally, these sensors use antibodies or enzymes as biorecognition molecules; however, these can lack the specificity required in a clinical setting, limiting their overall applicability. Aptamers are short, single stranded nucleotides that are receiving increasing attention over traditional recognition molecules. These exhibit many advantages, such as high specificity, making them promising for ultrasensitive biosensors. Metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) utilizes plasmonic materials, which can increase the sensitivity of label-based fluorescent biosensors. The fluorescence enhancement achieved by placing metallic nanostructures in close proximity to fluorophores allows for detection of ultra-low biomarker concentrations. Plasmonic biosensors have been successfully implemented as diagnostic tools for a number of diseases, such as cancer, yet reproducible systems exhibiting high specificity and the ability to multiplex remain challenging. Similarly, while aptasensors have been extensively reported, few systems currently incorporate MEF, which could drastically improve biosensor sensitivity. Here, we review the latest advancements in the field of aptamer biosensing based on MEF that have been explored for the detection of a wide variety of biological molecules. While this emerging biosensing technology is still in its infant stage, we highlight the potential challenges and its clinical potential in early diagnosis of diseases.
Alsalem MM, Camilla S, Ryan MP, et al., 2021, Understanding the Role of NaCl Concentration on the Corrosion of Carbon Steel and FeCO3 Formation in CO2-Containing Electrolytes, INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH, Vol: 60, Pages: 12032-12048, ISSN: 0888-5885
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- Citations: 2
Gomez-Gonzalez MA, Koronfel MA, Pullin H, et al., 2021, Nanoscale chemical imaging of nanoparticles under real-world wastewater treatment conditions, Advanced Sustainable Systems, Vol: 5, ISSN: 2366-7486
Understanding nanomaterial transformations within wastewater treatment plants is an important step to better predict their potential impact on the environment. Here, spatially resolved, in situ nano-X-ray fluorescence microscopy is applied to directly observe nanometer-scale dissolution, morphological, and chemical evolution of individual and aggregated ZnO nanorods in complex “real-world” conditions: influent water and primary sludge collected from a municipal wastewater system. A complete transformation of isolated ZnO nanorods into ZnS occurs after only 1 hour in influent water, but larger aggregates of the ZnO nanorods transform only partially, with small contributions of ZnS and Zn-phosphate (Zn3(PO4)2) species, after 3 hours. Transformation of aggregates of the ZnO nanorods toward mixed ZnS, Zn adsorbed to Fe-oxyhydroxides, and a large contribution of Zn3(PO4)2 phases are observed during their incubation in primary sludge for 3 hours. Discrete, isolated ZnO regions are imaged with unprecedented spatial resolution, revealing their incipient transformation toward Zn3(PO4)2. Passivation by transformation(s) into mixtures of less soluble phases may influence the subsequent bioreactivity of these nanomaterials. This work emphasizes the importance of imaging the nanoscale chemistry of mixtures of nanoparticles in highly complex, heterogeneous semi-solid matrices for improved prediction of their impacts on treatment processes, and potential environmental toxicity following release.
Guo L, Thornton DB, Koronfel MA, et al., 2021, Degradation in lithium ion battery current collectors, JPhys Energy, Vol: 3, ISSN: 2515-7655
Lithium ion battery (LIB) technology is the state-of-the-art rechargeable energy storage technology for electric vehicles, stationary energy storage and personal electronics. However, a wide variety of degradation effects still contribute to performance limitations. The metallic copper and aluminium current collectors in an LIB can be subject to dissolution or other reactions with the electrolytes. Corrosion of these metal foils is significantly detrimental to the overall performance of an LIB, however the mechanisms of this degradation are poorly understood. This review summarises the key effects contributing to metal current collector degradation in LIBs as well as introduces relevant corrosion and LIB principles. By developing the understanding of these complex chemistries, LIB degradation can be mitigated, enabling safer operation and longer lifetimes.
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