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A high-pressure route to thermoelectrics with low thermal conductivity: The solid solution series AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2} (x=0.1–0.6)

Metastable rocksalt-type phases of the solid solution series AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2} (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6) were prepared by high-pressure synthesis at 2.5 GPa and 400 °C. In these structures, the coordination number of In{sup 3+} is six, in contrast to chalcopyrite ambient-pressure AgInTe{sub 2} with fourfold In{sup 3+} coordination. Transmission electron microscopy shows that real-structure phenomena and a certain degree of short-range order are present, yet not very pronounced. All three cations are statistically disordered. The high degree of disorder is probably the reason why AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2} samples with 0.4<x<0.6 exhibit very low thermal conductivities with a total κ<0.5 W/K m and a lattice contribution of κ{sub ph} ∼0.3 W/K m at room temperature. These are lower than those of other rocksalt-type tellurides at room temperature; e.g. the well-known thermoelectric AgSbTe{sub 2} (κ ∼0.6 W/K m). The highest ZT value (0.15 at 300 K) is observed for AgIn{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 0.5}Te{sub 2}, mainly due to its high Seebeck coefficient of 160 µV/K. Temperature-dependent X-ray powder patterns indicate that the solid solutions are metastable at ambient pressure. At 150 °C, the quaternary compounds decompose into chalcopyrite-type AgInTe{sub 2} and rocksalt-type AgSbTe{sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: Reaction scheme, temperature characteristics of the ZT value and a selected-area electron diffraction pattern (background) of AgIn{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 0.5}Te{sub 2}, which crystallizes in a rocksalt-type structure with statistical cation disorder. Display Omitted - Highlights: • High-pressure synthesis yields the novel solid solution series AgIn{sub x}Sb{sub 1−x}Te{sub 2}. • In contrast to AgInTe{sub 2}, the compounds are inert at ambient pressure. • HRTEM shows no pronounced short-range order in the disordered NaCl-type structure. • The metastable phases exhibit very low total thermal conductivities <0.5 W/K m. • ZT values of 0.15 at room temperature were measured for AgIn{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 0.5}Te{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigation of the hydrothermal crystallisation of the perovskite solid solution NaCe{sub 1−x}La{sub x}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 6} and its defect chemistry

Perovskites of nominal composition NaCe{sub 1−x}La{sub x}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 6} (0≤x≤1) crystallise directly under hydrothermal conditions at 240 °C. Raman spectroscopy shows distortion from the ideal cubic structure and Rietveld analysis of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction reveals that the materials represent a continuous series in rhombohedral space group R3-bar c. Ce L{sub III}-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy shows that while the majority of cerium is present as Ce{sup 3+} there is evidence for Ce{sup 4+}. The paramagnetic Ce{sup 3+} affects the chemical shift and line width of {sup 23}Na MAS NMR spectra, which also show with no evidence for A-site ordering. {sup 2}H MAS NMR of samples prepared in D{sub 2}O shows the inclusion of deuterium, which IR spectroscopy shows is most likely to be as D{sub 2}O. The deuterium content is highest for the cerium-rich materials, consistent with oxidation of some cerium to Ce{sup 4+} to provide charge balance of A-site water. - Graphical abstract: A multi-element A-site perovskite crystallises directly from aqueous, basic solutions at 240 °C; while the paramagnetic effect of Ce{sup 3+} on the {sup 23}Na NMR shows a homogeneous solid-solution, the incorporation of A-site water is also found from {sup 2}H NMR and IR, with oxidation of some cerium to charge balance proved by XANES spectroscopy. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Direct hydrothermal synthesis allows crystallisation of a perovskite solid-solution. • XANES spectroscopy shows some oxidation of Ce{sup 3+} to Ce{sup 4+}. • The paramagnetism of Ce{sup 3+} shifts and broadens the {sup 23}Na solid-state NMR. • The perovskite materials incorporate water as an A-site defect.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Origin of the solid solution in the LiInSe{sub 2}–In{sub 2}Se{sub 3} system

Techniques of bulk and local analyses were used to characterize the melt-grown single crystals of LiInSe{sub 2}, where yellow matrix coexists together with extended red areas distributed irregularly. Bulk chemical analysis showed that the average stoichiometry of yellow matrix is close to ideal 1:1:2, but red areas are enriched with In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}. An excess In{sub 2}Se{sub 3} is incorporated coherently into the crystal lattice of LiInSe{sub 2}, forming the substitution solid solution with the general formula (Li{sub 1−3x}In{sub x}⎕{sub 2})InSe{sub 2} and changing the color from yellow to red. The test crystals with the 50–55% content of In{sub 2}Se{sub 3} were found by the X-ray analysis to be single phase. The differential dissolution technique, measuring the spatial variation of the composition with high resolution, demonstrated that the single phase crystals in the LiInSe{sub 2}–In{sub 2}Se{sub 3} system might be grown only in a very narrow range close to stoichiometric. Being supersaturated, the heterovalent solid solution phases decompose in the course of cooling, and the concentration micro-heterogeneity occurs in the matrix as the coherent (or incoherent) inclusions of two different types, practically pure selenides of lithium and indium. The origin and scale of the micro-heterogeneity determining the physical properties of LiInSe{sub 2} are discussed as a starting point for the development of physicochemical foundations for growing high quality optical crystals. - Graphical abstract: Differential dissolution technique applied for detection of dispersive precipitates in as-grown LiInSe{sub 2} single crystals: kinetic curves of the phase dissolution: F is the main phase Li{sub 0.96}In{sub 1.01}Se{sub 2} (98.9%), secondary minor phases Li{sub 2}Se (0.1%), In{sub 2}Se{sub 3} (0.9%). - Highlights: • Phase purity of crystals Li{sub 1−3x}In{sub 1+x}Se{sub 2} was examined by a new stoichiographic method. • Breakup of the metastable solid solution with temperature drop was detected. • Dispersive precipitates Li–Se and In–Se of low content result from the breakup. • A crucial role of the precipitates in optical properties of the crystals is shown. • Conditions are given how to grow stoichiometric and single-phase crystals.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Controlling polymorphic structures and investigating electric properties of Ca-doped zirconia using solid state ceramic method

Structural study of Zr{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}O{sub 2−x} samples with x=0.01–0.15 were prepared using solid state ceramic method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a mixture of the high temperature phase and the monoclinic one for the samples with x≤0.05. On the other hand, the formation of a single high temperature cubic phase was observed within a concentration range of x=0.06–0.10. At concentrations higher than 0.10 the calcium zirconate phase was observed besides the dominant high temperature one. Rietveld refinement of the single phase data clearly revealed, that substitution of zirconium by calcium increases both the lattice parameters as well as the tetrahedral bond length. Ionic to electronic conductivity ratio enhanced considerably as Ca-doping level ascends. The dielectric constant shows strong temperature dependence at lower frequencies. The dielectric loss factor increases rapidly with the increase in temperature at lower frequencies, while decreases with the increase in frequency at higher temperatures. The ionic conduction is considered as the dominant process at higher temperatures. - Graphical abstract: Forming a high temperature cubic zirconia phase at 1200 °C using ceramic solid state method and aliovalent cation. - Highlights: • Formation the high temperature cubic polymorph of zirconia using Ca-doping. • Solid state ceramic method was used for preparing the cubic Ca-doped zirconia. • Substitution of zirconium by calcium increases the lattice parameters and the bond length. • Ionic to electronic conductivity ratio enhanced considerably as Ca-doping level increases.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of solid solutions between BiMnO{sub 3} and YMnO{sub 3}

Bi{sub 1−x}Y{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (0.1≤x≤0.9) solid solutions were prepared by the high-pressure high-temperature method at 6 GPa and 1573 K. They crystallize in the GdFeO{sub 3}-type perovskite structure with the Pnma symmetry. Crystal structures of Bi{sub 0.9}Y{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} and Bi{sub 0.5}Y{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3} are studied by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature. Only one Néel temperature, T{sub N}, is found in samples with 0.1≤x≤0.9 in comparison with two Néel temperatures observed in YMnO{sub 3} (T{sub N}=29 and 39 K). Samples with 0.5≤x≤0.9 have almost constant T{sub N}=44 K, while T{sub N} starts to increase linearly for other compositions: T{sub N}=46 K for x=0.3, T{sub N}=58 K for x=0.2, and T{sub N}=68 K for x=0.1. Field-induced transitions from canted-antiferromagnetic states to antiferromagnetic states are detected at about 30 kOe for x=0.2 and 70 kOe for x=0.1. Dielectric constant increases below T{sub N} in samples with 0.5≤x≤1, while it decreases below T{sub N} in samples with 0.1≤x≤0.3. Our data suggest that a magnetic structure changes near x=0.4. By extrapolation, we could estimate lattice parameters (a=5.9221 Å, b=7.5738 Å, and c=5.4157 Å) and T{sub N}=79 K for a hypothetical Pnma modification of BiMnO{sub 3}. - Graphical abstract: Bi{sub 1−x}Y{sub x}MnO{sub 3} solid solutions were prepared in the whole compositional range by the high-pressure method. Magnetic and dielectric data suggest that a magnetic structure changes near x=0.4. No ferroelectric properties were found. - Highlights: • Orthorhombic Bi{sub 1−x}Y{sub x}MnO{sub 3} solid solutions are prepared by the high-pressure method. • Structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties are studied. • One Néel temperature is found in all the samples. • T{sub N}=44 K for x=0.5–0.9, 46 K for x=0.3, 58 K for x=0.2, and 68 K for x=0.1. • No ferroelectricity is observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In-situ microstructural observation of Ti-Cu alloys for semi-solid processing

The semi-solid processing of metallic alloys strongly depends on the microstructural features exhibited by the raw material. Consequently, many characterization techniques have been used to elucidate semi-solid microstructures. In the present work, high-temperature laser-scanning confocal microscopy (HT-LSCM) was used to characterize Ti-Cu alloys intended for thixoforming. During the reheating stage, this in-situ technique enabled us to observe the Ti-β grains formed through the reverse eutectoid transformation. Furthermore, the results showed that thermomechanical treatment was primarily responsible for breaking up the dendritic microstructure. The liquid formation and peritectic temperature were easily determined via the HT-LSCM investigation. Prior to the reverse peritectic reaction, which corresponds to the onset of equilibrium melting, we obtained experimental evidence of the melting of non-equilibrium phases that originated via segregation during solidification. Finally, it was possible to qualitatively study the coarsening mechanisms that occurred in the semi-solid state. Irrespective of the alloy composition (liquid fraction), both Ostwald ripening and coalescence occurred during the isothermal heat treatments. Based on the obtained results, HT-LCSM can be considered a valuable technique for the characterization of thixotropic alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fabrication of platinum nanoparticles in aqueous solution and solid phase using amphiphilic PB-b-PEO copolymer nanoreactors

Graphical abstract: TEM image of Pt nanoparticles produced by reducing by NaBH{sub 4} within PB-b-PEO micelles in aqueous media (scale bar 1 nm). - Highlights: • Pt nanoparticles were synthesized within amphiphilic diblock copolymer micelles. • The effects of reducing agents and precursor dose on Pt np size were investigated. • The effect on fabrication of Pt np by reducing in aqueous and solid phases was compared. • The size of nanoparticles was about 1.4 nm for all doses and reducing agents types. - Abstract: Fabrication of Pt nanoparticles using an amphiphilic copolymer template in aqueous solution was achieved via polybutadiene-block-polyethyleneoxide copolymer micelles, which acted as nanoreactors. In addition, Pt nanoparticles were synthesized using hydrogen gas as the reducing agent in solid state for the first time to compare against solution synthesis. The influences of loaded precursor salt amount to micelles and the type of reducing agent on the size of nanoparticles were investigated through transmission electron microscopy. It was found that increasing the ratio of precursor salt to copolymer and using different type of reducing agent, even in solid phase reduction, did not affect the nanoparticle size. The average size of Pt nanoparticles was estimated to be 1.4 ± 0.1 nm. The reason for getting same sized nanoparticles was discussed in the light of nucleation, growth process, stabilization and diffusion of nanoparticles within micelles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lithium stoichiometry of solid electrolytes based on tetragonal Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • We prepared Li{sub x}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 8.5+0.5x} (x = 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) by the citrate–nitrate method. • We studied phase composition and conductivity of Li{sub x}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 8.5+0.5x}. • We proposed a simple method to determine the carbonate impurity content in the solid electrolytes. • The synthesized solid electrolytes Li{sub x}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 8.5+0.5x} (x = 7–9) have 1.32–3.49 wt.% Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. • The composition with x = 9 has high total conductivity, 7.5 × 10{sup −6} S cm{sup −1}, at room temperature. - Abstract: Samples of Li{sub x}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 8.5+0.5x} (x = 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) were synthesized with the citrate–nitrate method. Neutron diffraction studies have shown the presence of lithium carbonate impurities in the synthesized compounds. We propose a simple and effective method to determine the carbonate impurity content in the solid electrolytes. The technique is based on the measurement of the carbon dioxide volume produced from the interaction of the investigated material with acid. Determined in this way, the content of Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3} in the synthesized electrolytes Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}, Li{sub 8}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12.5} and Li{sub 9}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 13} are 1.32 ± 0.04, 1.95 ± 0.06 and 3.49 ± 0.10 wt.%, respectively. From the obtained data, the actual lithium content per formula unit of complex oxide was calculated for the synthesized compounds. The composition with x = 9 had the highest total conductivity, σ = 7.5 × 10{sup −6} S cm{sup −1}, at room temperature. All the investigated electrolytes have an activation energy of approximately 50 kJ mol{sup −1}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Room-temperature solid state synthesis of ZnO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} heterojunction and their solar light photocatalytic performance

Highlights: • ZnO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} hierarchical nanostructures were synthesized via a solid-state reaction. • The amount of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} plays an important role in controlling the morphology. • The amount of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} plays an important role in controlling the photocatalysis. - Abstract: ZnO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} heterojunction was prepared by solid state reaction method at room temperature. The as-prepared nanostructures were characterized as the assembled nanosheets of ZnO on which Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles were well dispersed. Further studies revealed that the morphology and photocatalytic property could be regulated by tuning the amount of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The introduction of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} can lead to the enhancement of solar light absorption, and the 5% ZnO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} samples exhibited the best photocatalytic activity under the solar light irradiation. The excellent photocatalytic performances could be ascribed to the synergistic effects of the hierarchical nanostructures and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers. Moreover, the hydroxyl radicals (·OH) are found to be the main active species generated in the oxidation reaction of RhB over ZnO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} photocatalyst. Therefore, our work demonstrated a facile way to prepare hierarchical nanostructures with excellent photocatalytic performance using solid state method at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Crystal structure, Raman spectra, infrared spectra and microwave dielectric properties of Li2Mg3Ti1-X(Mg1/3Ta2/3)XO6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) solid solution ceramics

Highlights: • Microwave properties of ε{sub r} = 14.70, Q·f = 200,600 GHz and τ{sub f} = −11.83 ppm/°C were obtained. • A small amount of (Mg{sub 1/3}Ta{sub 2/3}){sup 4+} can obviously improve properties. • Rietveld refinement and spectra were used to analyze properties. • Relationships between intrinsic parameters and properties were established. - Abstract: Li{sub 2}Mg{sub 3}Ti{sub 1-X}(Mg{sub 1/3}Ta{sub 2/3}){sub X}O{sub 6} (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) solid solution ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. Rietveld refinements, Raman spectra, infrared spectra, polarizability and bond energy were used to research the changes of microwave dielectric properties of these solid solutions. With the increase of x values from 0 to 0.2, dielectric constants (ε{sub r}) gradually increased, which could be explained by the variations of the polarizability, infrared resonant modes and Raman vibration modes. The variations of the quality factor (Q·f) could be explained by the changes of the bond valences. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ{sub ƒ}) correlated with the bond energy of TiO bonds. A small quantity of (Mg{sub 1/3}Ta{sub 2/3}){sup 4+} can obviously improve the microwave dielectric properties. Excellent microwave dielectric properties of ε{sub r} = 14.70, Q·f = 200,600 GHz and τ{sub f} = −11.83 ppm/°C were obtained for Li{sub 2}Mg{sub 3}Ti{sub 0.95}(Mg{sub 1/3}Ta{sub 2/3}){sub 0.05}O{sub 6} ceramic sintered at 1550 °C.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Spatiotemporal mapping of microscopic strains and defects to reveal Li-dendrite-induced failure in all-solid-state batteries

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are key to the success and reliability of all-solid-state lithium batteries, potentially enabling improvements in terms of safety and energy density over state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. However, there are several critical challenges to their implementation, including the interfacial instability stemming from the dynamic interaction of as-formed dendritic lithium during cycling. Here, we emphasize the importance of studying the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of strains and defects in crystalline solid-state electrolytes at the micro-scale, and how this affects dendrite growth. A proof-of-principle study is demonstrated using the synchrotron radiation based micro Laue X-ray diffraction method, and a custom-developed in-situ cycling device. Defects and residual strains are mapped, and the evolution of intragranular misorientation is observed. The feasibility of using this technique is discussed, and recommendations for micro-strain engineering to address the Li/SSEs interfacial issues are given. Additionally, work directions are pointed out with the consideration of combining multi-techniques for “poly-therapy”.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Unveiling the structural transformations in glassy solid electrolyte adapted to high-stress cycles

Brittleness of glass–ceramic and ceramic ion conductors is considered as a main roadblock for their implementation as electrolytes in solid-state batteries where the fractures often occur due to the pressure exerted by metallic lithium. In this regard, nano- and micro-scale ductility of the solid electrolyte allows reducing such pressure without formation of cracks. Among different types of solid state ion conductors, phosphate invert glasses seem to be promising in achieving such ductility. We report the mechanical behavior of lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) invert glass probed by static and cyclic nanoindentation. Repeated application of high intensity stress results in densification and shear deformation of material allowing LiPON to accommodate the ~ 22% nominal strain imposed by the nanoindenter without cracking. Ability to do this under repeated loading indicates robustness of LiPON when used in lithium metal batteries under cyclic charge and discharge. Using Raman spectroscopy with unsupervised K-means clustering we reveal pressure-induced formation of P 2 O 7 units which migrate to the periphery of the residual hardness impressions with cycling resulting in surface morphology of LiPON superficially similar to that of deformed bulk metallic glass.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In-situ formation of stable interface towards Li-in anode for halide solid-state electrolyte

Halide-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are promising candidates for next-generation all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) due to their high ionic conductivity and chemical stability. However, their poor interfacial compatibility with lithium metal anode and Li-In alloy significantly hinder practical application due to the requirement for a protective interlayer. In this study, a novel approach to overcome this limitation is presented by introducing iron (Fe) doping into Li 3 InCl 6 (LIC), which enables direct and stable contact with lithium-indium (Li-In) metal without a protective interlayer. Thermodynamic and computational analyses identified Fe 3+ as a suitable dopant based on its similar reduction potential to In 3+ and structural compatibility within the halide lattice. The synthesized 10 at. % Fe-doped LIC exhibits high phase purity, retained ionic conductivity, and notably improved interfacial stability. Full-cell tests using Fe-LIC achieve over 300 cycles with 80 % capacity retention. At the same time, symmetric Li-In/ Fe-LIC/ Li-In cells sustain over 500 h of operation, representing the first reported long-term cycling of LIC-based ASSLB without a protective interlayer. In conclusion, this work establishes Fe doping as an effective strategy to stabilize halide SSEs of In system against Li-In alloy, thereby simplifying cell architecture and advancing the development of safer, high-performance halide-based solid-state electrolytes.

Halide-based solid-state electrolytes↗

Deciphering volume changes in Li-S solid-state battery components during cycling: Implication for advanced battery design

Here, in this work, we developed custom fixtures to investigate the mechanical and electrochemical behavior of all-solid-state lithium batteries during cycling under constant pressure and constant volume conditions. We successfully monitored vertical displacements during constant pressure cycling and pressure variations during constant volume cycling, allowing us decouple volume changes in the sulfur, Li 2 S cathodes, LixIn anode, and solid-state electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that two structural changes occur during ASSLB cycling: (1) irreversible fractures in the active material particles, and (2) void formation within the electrode matrix. While the fractures in primary particles are permanent, void formation can be mitigated through stack pressure, which promotes particle rearrangement in the electrode matrix. Our findings emphasize the importance of stack pressure in maintaining the microscale integrity of all-solid-state lithium batteries, preventing void formation and enhance battery performance and durability.

Cell Design↗

Optical spectrum of Mn 4+ in Y 2 Ti 2-x Sn x O 7 pyrochlore solid solution: R-line energy and intensity

We report we investigated the luminescence of the Mn 4+ ions in Y 2 Ti 2-x Sn x O 7 (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0) pyrochlore solid solutions and compared the results with the spectroscopic data of the two end members. The emission spectra in the mixed pyrochlore solid solutions are broadened relative to the end members due to long range disorder between the Sn 4+ and Ti 4+ ions. The R-line intensity is particularly weak in both Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 and Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 . The increase in R-line intensity in the mixed pyrochlore solid solutions is attributed to the random distribution of Sn 4+ and Ti 4+ ions in the second coordination sphere (next nearest neighbors) that removes the inversion symmetry about the Mn 4+ ion. We find a linear relation between the energy position of the R-line and x in Y 2 Ti 2-x Sn x O 7 ( 2 E g (cm –1 ) = 15 010 + 163.0 x; R 2 = 0.98).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Validation of a 2.5D CFD model for cylindrical gas–solids fluidized beds

The 2.5D model recently proposed by Li et al. (Li, T., Benyahia, S., Dietiker, J., Musser, J., and Sun, X., 2015. A 2.5D computational method to simulate cylindrical fluidized beds. Chemical Engineering Science. 123, 236-246.) was validated for two cylindrical gas-solids bubbling fluidized bed systems. Different types of particles tested under various flow conditions were simulated using the traditional 2D model and the 2.5D model. Detailed comparison against the experimental measurements on solid concentration and velocity were conducted. Comparing to the traditional Cartesian 2D flow simulation, the 2.5D model yielded better agreement with the experimental data especially for the solid velocity prediction in the column wall region.

Numerical simulation↗

Probing the role of solids loading and mix procedure on the properties of acoustically mixed materials for additive manufacturing

We report resonant acoustic mixing has been of particular interest for use in additive manufacturing since viscous, solids-loaded materials can be difficult to mix and inhomogeneity has adverse effects on print quality. In this study, we detail a method to iterate through different formulations and mix procedures and assess mixture quality. The approach utilizes a constant pressure-driven flow test to collect statistics on flow rate through a standard geometry. This test is first applied to well mixed formulations containing particulate solids and find that the results are sensitive to viscosity produced by solids content. We then consider the formulations at various stages of mixing and find that the spread in the volume measurements is indicative of the mixing quality; poorly mixed material yields measurements with wide distributions. We believe this testing approach can be useful when screening new formulations, developing mixing processes, or for quality control.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Establishing a unified framework for ion solvation and transport in liquid and solid electrolytes

Electrolytes used in rechargeable batteries must enable rapid translation of the working ion between macroscopically separated electrodes. These electrolytes are, however, usually designed and synthesized using atomic-level insights. Whether the ideal electrolyte for a particular battery is a solid or a liquid remains an important unresolved question, especially as solids with conductivities comparable with liquids are discovered. Here, to help resolve such questions, we present the first steps toward a unified framework for relating atomic and continuum scale phenomena. Solvation shells in liquids are entities that translate with the working ion for a short while before they break up due to Brownian motion. By contrast, solvation cages in classical solids and polymers cannot not translate with the working ion. Mobility of the entities that make up the cages and shells, which is quantified by an order parameter, is shown to influence translation of the working ion on continuum length scales.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗