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Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Extractive Metallurgy) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Researchers are keen to reduce the over potential value through fabrication of electrocatalyst consisted of environmentally benign and inexpensive material. Supercapacitors on the other hand have gained immense attention in recent years as an energy storage device due to the high power density potential of these devices as compared to conventional batteries based storage system. Aim: The research aims to synthesize nanoscale transition metal oxides (TMO) through green route. TMO based nanomaterials have vast role in energy related applications. Materials & methods: In this study, organic compounds of A. Viridis were used as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of binary nanocomposite Sb2O3-ZrO2. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using xray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrode material was analyzed for supercapacitor potential using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge techniques. HER and OER studies were also conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. The synthesized material was also tested for stability. Results & discussion: The crystal size was 15.9 nm. Optical band gap of 2.55 eV was obtained through Tauc plot. The capacitance value of 339.8 F/g at 2 mV/s and the specific capacitance of 100.6 F/g was obtained at 1 A/g. The overpotential value of 201 mV and Tafel value of 121 mV/dec was recorded for the HER, whereas the lower Tafel value of 106 mV/dec and over potential value of 383 mV was determined for OER. Electrode showed promising stability up to various cycles in case of both applications. Conclusion: The obtained results revealed the promising performance with excellent stability of fabricated electrode for super capacitor as well as water splitting studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the higher global energy needs through cleaner sources the present study manifests a modified and ecofriendly method for the fabrication of CuO–Sb2O3-based electrode for electrochemical experiments. The aqueous solution derived from the Amaranthus viridis L. plant, belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, was employed as a reducing agent in order to impact the structure of CuO–Sb2O3 nanocomposites. The improved material exhibited a regular crystal size of 40.04 nm that is in excellent accordance with the findings obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, FE-SEM, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were utilized in order to examine and assess the synthesized nanocomposite. Based on the Tauc plot, the optical bandgap energy was found to be 2.7 eV. The bioorganic framework-derived CuO–Sb2O3 electrode was then evaluated for energy generation and storage applications, with cyclic voltammetry revealing a capacitance of 344.4 F/g at 2 mV/s. Hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reactions demonstrated the electrocatalytic potential of CuO–Sb2O3 as a water splitting electrocatalyst, with the highest efficiency of the electrode up to 18 h for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a temperature-controlled photoelectron imaging study of SbO2–, produced from a laser vaporisation source and cooled in a cryogenic 3D Paul trap. Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained for the ground state detachment transition, yielding the bending frequencies for both SbO2 and SbO2–. Franck-Condon simulations also allow the estimate of the vibrational temperature of the trapped SbO2– anion. A near-threshold spectrum of SbO2– at a photon energy of 3.4958 eV reveals partially resolved rotational structure for the 0–0 transition, which yields an accurate electron affinity of 3.4945 ± 0.0004 eV for SbO2. The rotational simulation also yields an estimated rotational temperature of the trapped ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a temperature-controlled photoelectron imaging study of SbO2–, produced from a laser vaporisation source and cooled in a cryogenic 3D Paul trap. Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained for the ground state detachment transition, yielding the bending frequencies for both SbO2 and SbO2–. Franck-Condon simulations also allow the estimate of the vibrational temperature of the trapped SbO2– anion. A near-threshold spectrum of SbO2– at a photon energy of 3.4958 eV reveals partially resolved rotational structure for the 0–0 transition, which yields an accurate electron affinity of 3.4945 ± 0.0004 eV for SbO2. The rotational simulation also yields an estimated rotational temperature of the trapped ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PET has long been the most popular material for food and beverage packaging. However, antimony (Sb) has been associated with bottled water for the last 20 years. What are the [...]

The present research work is dedicated on the processes kinetics description of the antimony anodization in potassium phosphate (K3PO4) aqueous solutions. The data have shown that the slope of the kinetic curves is dependent on the phosphate solution concentration. Besides, their mathematic approximation has revealed occurrence of a critical phosphate solution concentration of 0.11 mol dm-3. At this concentration, the slope of the kinetic curve tends to zero. Above this critical concentration, induction periods occur during the anodization. Additional experiments were performed with thin Sb2O3 layers preliminary deposited in vacuum. This approach has enabled to define the impact of such layers on the kinetic behavior during the anodization process. The results have shown that various stages of the process could be skipped. The final data analysis has confirmed the suggestion that the induction periods and voltage variations during the anodization process are caused by the formation of a thin Sb2O3 film, whose dielectric properties change with the film thickness increment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal behavior of Fe3Si2O5(OH)4·Sb3O6(OH)·Sb2O3 (a sample of antimony from Sefidabe mine in Zahedan) was investigated by the technique of thermogravimetry under air atmosphere from 25 to 1200 °C. The obtained results from TGA were reported. This study reports comprehensive information about these minerals. XRD and XRF techniques, UV/visible and elemental analysis such as ICP are used to identify the products at different decomposition steps. The acidic leaching of this mineral Fe3Si2O5(OH)4·Sb3O6(OH)·Sb2O3 is carried out, and the obtained results are reported. In total, the recovery was achieved by leaching with hydrochloric acid was 85% at D80 granulation below 45 microns. In leaching with hydrochloric acid, Sb2O2Cl2 antimony oxide chloride precipitate was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of antimony‐oxide clusters with trypanothione have been modeled to understand their inhibitory activity against leishmaniasis. Trypanothione is essential for the survival of leishmania parasites because it is responsible for maintaining their cellular thiol‐disulfide redox regulation. Density functional theory calculations show that SbV oxide clusters form hydrogen bonds from the hydroxyl groups to the amine and carboxyl groups of the trypanothione. The reaction between trypanothione and the SbV oxide cluster does not break the SS bond of trypanothione, whereas a reaction between trypanothione and an antimony‐oxide cluster containing one SbIII atom may lead to dissociation of the SS bond of the trypanothione suggesting that antimony‐oxide clusters with at least one SbIII atom can destroy trypanothione that is vital for the parasite metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities the removal of cobalt from radioactive liquid waste is needed to reduce the radioactivity concentration in effluents. In liquid wastes containing strong organic complexing agents such as EDTA cobalt removal can be problematic due to the high stability of the Co-EDTA complex. In this study, the removal of cobalt from NaNO3 solutions using antimony oxide (Sb2O3) synthesized from potassium hexahydroxoantimonate was investigated in the absence and presence of EDTA. The uptake studies on the ion exchange material were conducted both in the dark (absence of UV-light) and under UV-C irradiation. Ca2+ or Ni2+ were included in the experiments as competing cations to test the selectivity of the ion exchanger. Results show that UV-C irradiation noticeably enhances the cobalt sorption efficiency on the antimony oxide. It was shown that nickel decreased the sorption of cobalt to a higher extent than calcium. Finally, the sorption data collected for Co2+ on antimony oxide was modeled using six different isotherm models. The Sips model was found to be the most suitable model to describe the sorption process. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model was further used to calculate the adsorption energy, which was found to be 6.2 kJ mol−1.

[Display omitted] • Effective reduction of antimony oxide by biomass at low temperatures. • Identification of four distinct stages in the biomass pyrolysis reduction of antimony oxide. • Determination of optimal technological parameters for the biomass reduction of antimony oxide. • Comparative analysis of energy consumption and CO 2 emissions between biomass-reduced and traditional technologies. Biomass is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly resource. Replacing carbon with biomass as a reductant in the reduction of metal oxides holds substantial importance for the eco-friendly advancement of the metallurgical industry. In this study, biomass was employed to reduce antimony oxide to metallic antimony. Firstly, the mechanism of biomass pyrolysis reduction was studied. Subsequently, the reduction parameters were studied and optimized. Finally, the energy consumption and CO 2 emission of biomass reduction and carbon reduction were calculated respectively. The results show that the biomass pyrolysis process can be divided into four stages: biomass dehydration, biomass pyrolysis, pyrolysis reduction and biochar reduction. By optimizing the process parameters, the average yield of reduced metal can reach 88.20%. And under these parameters, the effect of biomass reduction of metals is far more than that of coal. By calculating energy consumption, it was determined that replacing carbon with biomass could result in a 63.28% reduction in CO 2 emissions. The utilization of biomass in the reduction process not only lowers the reduction temperature but also decreases carbon emissions. This biomass metallurgy technology enhances the yield of reduced metal, and contributes to the realization of reduction of antimony oxide under low-temperature and low-carbon condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk adulteration poses a significant risk to public health and consumer trust, compromising its nutritional value. To address this, we've developed an optical fiber-based sensor using a Lossy Mode Resonance (LMR) approach. Antimony Oxide (Sb 2 O 3) serves as the sensing layer, deposited onto the optical fiber's unclad core using Radio Frequency Magnetron sputtering. The sensing layer underwent comprehensive characterization, including X-Ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, Ellipsometer, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), EDAX, and Field Emission Scanning Microscopy (FESEM). The sensor was tested for formaldehyde and water adulteration across normal milk type 1, full-fat milk type 2, vendor milk type 3, and, with concentrations ranging from 0 % to 10 %. Observations included resonance wavelength shifts and sensing parameters such as sensor response, sensitivity, and repeatability. For Sb 2 O 3 -coated sensor probes, responses to formaldehyde and water adulteration for type 1 milk is 2.05 % and 2.22 %, type 2 milk is 2.17 % and 2.4 %, and type 3 milk is 1.90 % and 1.95 %. Sensitivity for Sb 2 O 3 -coated probe to formaldehyde are 2.2 nm/v% (type 1 milk),1.9 nm/v% (type 2 milk) and 1.5 nm/v% (type 3 milk). For water in milk, the sensitivities are 1.7 nm/v%, 1.5 nm/v%, and 1.2 nm/v%. Furthermore, a prototype sensor probe has been developed for continuous milk adulteration monitoring, interfaced with Arduino and Thing Speak. • A fiber optic-based refractive index sensor is developed using Sb 2 O 3. • The sensor probe is tested with formaldehyde and water in milk. • The maximum sensitivity of the sensor probe is 2.2 nm/v%. • The prototype sensor probe is developed using Arduino and Think Speak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young's modulus of Sb2O3 nanowires with nominal diameters of 51–170 nm is measured by using a laser‐Doppler vibrometry within the temperature range of 300–650 K. The Young's modulus is found to decrease linearly with the elevated temperature ranging from 300 to ≈475 K. The temperature coefficient of Young's modulus (TCE) is ≈−170 ppm K−1 when nanowire diameter is above ≈100 nm, below which the coefficient decreases to ≈−310 ppm K−1 with the diameters down to ≈50 nm. This strong size‐dependent TCE is attributed to the synergistic reaction of temperature and size/surface effects. Nanowires would sublimate or even melt starting from their tips at elevated temperatures, even though the temperature is far below the melting point of the bulk counterpart. The observed thermomechanical behavior of nanowires provides the basis and reference for the optimal design and operation of high‐temperature nanodevices using nanowires as building blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borosilicate glasses were fabricated with antimony oxide (Sb2O3)-doped in the formula of SiO2-B2O3-Na2O-CaO-ZnO, by using the melt-quenching method at 1200 °C which various soaking time of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 h. The results show that the density, molar volume and refractive index of glasses increased with increasing of Sb2O3 concentration. However, the density of glasses decreases with increasing soaking time. The transmittance spectra present the absorption around 1050 nm and 450 nm which corresponds to Fe2+ ion and Fe3+ ion, respectively. This absorption strength decreases with increasing Sb2O3 concentration which shows the highest strength at 0.0 mol% of Sb2O3 content. Moreover, the decrease in the number of bubbles in the glass is dependent on the increase of the Sb2O3 concentration and soaking time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass is a familiar material that requires abundant mineral sources, with devastating consequences for the environment. Rice husk ash (RHA) presents a very high silica content (>95%) and it can be a very promising alternative source for silica in silica-based glass. However, impurities like manganese and iron, which depend on the rice harvest, might limit RHA use, particularly in the production of optical transparent glasses. In this work, we discussed how Mn and Fe can affect the coloring of the produced glass, and how the effect of these impurities can be removed. First, the RHA was treated with acid solutions, leading to the production of a soda-lime glass with similar transparency to commercial glass (>70%). Secondly, another simpler approach was studied: a small amount of antimony oxide was added in the composition of the glass, obtaining a transparent glass (>80%, same thickness) with RHA.

Recently, the design and synthesis of highly effective, abundant and low-cost catalysts to produce molecular hydrogen through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been studied in a wide range of pHs to replace Pt. In this work, 3D flower-like and rod-like pure Sb 2 O 3 and Sn: Sb 2 O 3 particles by using co-precipitation methods were efficiently synthesized for electro-catalytic energy conversion applications. The morphologies and structure of the synthesized catalysts were investigated extensively. Electrochemical studies were carried out to investigate the catalytic performance of 3D flower-like and rod-like Sn: Sb 2 O 3 and pure Sb 2 O 3 particles for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in acidic environments using 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte. Among the prepared particles, 3D rod-like Sn: Sb 2 O 3 show excellent electro-catalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) at 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. Moreover, we have obtained the high stability of the electrodes during chronoamperometric studies (current v/s time) approximately 2000 s at constant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Conversion of biomass waste of Cestrum nocturnum into renewable energy. • Synthesis of Sb 2 O 3 NPs using Chenopodium album leaf extract. • Optimization of transesterification via Response Surface Methodology. • The highest yield (94%) of methyl ester was produced. Presently, the world faces pressing global challenges encompassing social, economic, and sustainable development, all of which demand a growing scale of energy production and associated services. With abundant waste biomass at our disposal, there exists immense potential for harnessing it to produce biofuels. In this study, we synthesized biodiesel using waste seed oil from Cestrum nocturnum , employing a green nano catalyst composed of antimony oxide (Sb 2 O 3 NPs). Active ingredients were extracted from the leaf of Chenopodium album and used as a reducing agent. Using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Disperse X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), the synthesized Sb 2 O 3 nanoparticles was characterized for chemical composition, functional groups, crystalline structure, and thermal stability. Additionally, the produced biodiesel was quantitatively evaluated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry (1H and 13C NMR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The highest yield (94 %) of methyl ester was obtained at optimum reaction conditions of 0.56 wt% of the catalyst, methanol to oil molar ratio of 8:1, at 95 °C for 180 min. Fatty acid profiles of synthesized biodiesel revealed elevated levels of 9-octadecenoic acid content. The cold properties (pour point, −11 °C and cloud point, −8 °C) and flash point (99 °C) of the biodiesel were within international requirements. The reusability of Sb 2 O 3 NPs revealed a maximum catalytic performance up to 5 cycles. The conversion of waste seed oil from Cestrum nocturnum to clean bioenergy has shown to be a successful waste management strategy for mitigating environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Dalian Polytechnic University is the property of Journal of Dalian Polytechnic University Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A glass foam obtained by sintering at 790 ºC using borosilicate glass waste, carbon black (1%) as a foaming agent, Na2HPO4 (5.9%) as a stabilizing agent, Sb2O3 (0.8%) as an oxygen supplying agent and water addition (10%) as a binder was manufactured by microwave irradiation. The glass foam characteristics were: apparent density of 0.34 g/cm3, porosity of 84.5%, thermal conductivity of 0.06 W/m·K, compressive strength of 2.2 MPa. The pore size was between 0.4-0.7 mm. The specific consumption of energy had an extremely low value (0.68 kWh/kg) below the level of the consumptions of glass foam industrially made by conventional techniques.

Hydrogen peroxide assisted sol–gel coating of core-shell microcapsules of phase change materials (PCMs) is reported. A doubly coated paraffin core with an inner poly(melamine-formaldehyde) shell and an outer coating of peroxostannate, peroxoantimonate, their mixture or the respective metal oxides are reported. Triple coating of the paraffin core with a poly(melamine-formaldehyde) inner shell, tin oxide middle layer and graphene oxide outer coating is also achieved by hydrogen peroxide sol–gel processing. The latent heats of the microencapsulated PCMs ranged between 122 and 192 J g−1. The sol–gel process involves stabilization of the peroxostannate or peroxoantimonate sol in basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide and subsequent destabilization and deposition of the sol by addition of an antisolvent. Transformation to the metal oxide coating is conducted by chemical reduction with sodium sulfite or by mild heat treatment without leakage of the paraffin core. Highlights: H2O2 assisted sol–gel coating of phase change organic–inorganic phase change microcapsules. Organic–inorganic, core-shell phase change microcapsules with up to 192 J g−1 latent heat. SnO2 and reduced graphene oxide coating of paraffin - poly(melamine-formaldehyde) microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodes of the composition Ti/TiO2,SbOx were obtained by single-stage plasma electrolytic oxidation in aqueous electrolytes with antimony hydroxocomplexes. The surface morphology and composition of TiO2,SbOx layers deposited on titanium were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The obtained layers contain anatase TiO2 and up to 1 at % of antimony as Sb2O3 and Sb2O5. The resulting Ti/TiO2,SbOx electrodes were tested as pH sensors. They have close to Nernst electrode function in the pH range from 2 to 10 (53 ± 1 mV/pH). In the acid–base titration of strong (HCl) and weak (CH3COOH) acids with Ti/TiO2,SbOx electrodes, potential jumps are obtained that are not inferior in magnitude to the potential jump for a glass electrode. A possibility of using Ti/TiO2,SbOx electrodes to determine the alkalinity of technogenic waters is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript describes the synthesis and structural/morphological characterization of Sb 2 O 3 nanostructures modified by Pd nanoparticles and its use as a Fuel Cells electrocatalyst and as non-enzymatic amperometric sensor for ethanol. Interesting Sb 2 O 3 surface modifications due to Pd nanoparticles were observed, such as the loss of spherical shape and the appearance of superficial pores. As an electrocatalyst Pd/Sb 2 O 3 exhibited two times higher catalytic activity at a constant potential than carbon-supported Pd nanoparticles to oxidize ethanol in alkaline media (current densities of 348 μA cm−2 and 165 μA cm−2 at −0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl 3.0 M, respectively). To the extent of our knowledge this result is the first one describing such an enhancement of the Pd activity only by means of alteration of the support. Moreover, as an amperometric sensor for ethanol, the electrode showed a linear response in a broad range of concentrations with a detection limit of 0.10 μM and sensitivity between of 1.47 to 1.00 μA mM−1 cm−2. The combined findings presented in this work revealed Pd/Sb 2 O 3 can be a promising material for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells and as a non-enzymatic amperometric sensor for ethanol. Unlabelled Image • Functionalization of Sb 2 O 3 spheres with Pd nanoparticles • Increase in catalytic activity of Pd due to interactions with the Sb 2 O 3 support • Pd/Sb 2 O 3 electrocatalyst exhibits twice the activity of Pd/C to oxidize ethanol. • Development of a Pd/Sb 2 O 3 based ethanol sensor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel voltammetric platform has been developed with nanoparticles of antimony oxide (Sb 2 O 3 NPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction method (XRD) were used for the characterization of the novel composite material (Sb 2 O 3 NPs/MWCNTs). The proposed composite material was used for the modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The proposed modified electrode (Sb 2 O 3 NPs/MWCNTs/GCE) was applied to the electro-oxidation of tramadol (TRA). A high catalytic activity was observed towards the oxidation of TRA using the proposed voltammetric platform. In addition, the electrode presented a large enhancement in the peak current when compared to several other electrodes. A selective detection of TRA was also observed in the presence of paracetamol (PAR) with large peak to peak separation. The peak current exhibited a linear dependence on the concentration of TRA in a dynamic range of 4 × 10−8–3.0 × 10−5 with a detection limit of 9.5 × 10−9 M. A successful procedure of the determination of TRA in pharmaceuticals makes the novel voltammetric platform of high interest for monitoring its therapeutic use. • A platform based on antimony oxide nanoparticles and MWCNTs was prepared. • The novel voltammetric platform was assessed for the oxidation of tramadol. • The electrode material was characterized by SEM, EDX and XRD. • The proposed platform was applied for the determination of tramadol in tablets • A detection limit of 9.5 nM was achieved for TRP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report a facile approach to synthesize Ni x Sb y O z nanosheet mixtures consisting of Sb, Sb 2 O 3 and NiSb 2 for application as potential anode materials in sodium-ion batteries. The reaction time affects the morphology, particle size, and phase components of the Ni x Sb y O z nanosheet mixtures. The nanosheet mixture (specifically, Ni x Sb y O z -6h) exhibits an impressive electrochemical performance by demonstrating a remarkable cycling stability (over 250 cycles) with high coulombic efficiency (∼99%), reversible sodium storage capacity (∼382 mAh g−1), and excellent rate capability (∼315 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). The notable electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the presence of layered structures and the Ni inactive phase functioning as buffer spaces for the significant volume expansion of Sb and preventing the collapse of the electrodes during the cycling process, as well as the shorter Na+ diffusion length, improving reaction kinetics. Furthermore, to realize a potential full-cell, the nanosheet anode is combined with a Prussian blue Na x FeFe(CN) 6 as a cathode, which exhibits a notable electrochemical performance with stable and high rate capacity by achieving an energy density of ∼150 Wh kg−1. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Ni x Sb y O z nanosheet mixtures are synthesized via a galvanic replacement reaction. • Ni x Sb y O z nanosheet mixtures contain Sb, NiSb 2 , and Sb 2 O 3 with sheet structure. • Large interlayer spacing between sheets facilitate the movement of Na+ ions. • Ni x Sb y O z electrode exhibits high reversible cyclability and high-rate capability. • Ni x Sb y O z || Na x FeFe(CN) 6 full cell demonstrates an energy density of 150 Wh kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-valent antimony and antimony oxide were deposited on graphene oxide by the recently introduced peroxide deposition route. The antimony@graphene oxide (GO) anode exhibits a charging capacity of 340 mAh g-1 with excellent stability at a current rate of 250 mA g-1 after 50 cycles of lithiation, which is superior to all other forms of antimony anodes that have been reported thus far. The electrode also exhibits a good rate performance, with a capacity of 230 and 180 mAh g-1 at a rate of 500 and 1000 mA g-1, respectively. We attribute the superior performance of the antimony@GO anodes to our coating protocol, which provides a thin layer of nanometric antimony coating on the graphene oxide, and to a small amount of antimony oxide that is left in the anode material after heat treatment and imparts some flexibility. The efficient charge distribution by the large surface area of reduced GO and the expansion buffering of the elastic graphene sheets also contributed to the superior stability of the anode.

The effect of four different compounds as the combustion stabilizers of composite solid propellants based on the AP/HTPB/IPDI has been presented in this paper. Except that, various total solid content, ammonium-perchlorate bimodal and trimodal combination of particle sizes ratio have been made by preparing the eleven formulations. For all of them, the burning rate law's parameters and temperature sensitivity, uniaxial mechanical characteristics, apparent viscosity of uncured propellants and physic-chemical and energetic values have been determined and compared.

Abstract Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell has garnered increasingly attention due to its high conversion efficiency. However, when a liquid metal is used as the anode, the electrolyte is subjected to hot corrosion by the liquid metal and its oxide. In the present study, both chemical and electrochemical corrosions of Gd 2 O 3 -doped CeO 2 electrolyte by liquid Sb and Sb 2 O 3 are conducted at 750 °C for up to 100 h to simulate the situations occurring in the direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell. The tested specimens are characterized by a scanning electron microscope and an electron probe micro-analyzer. In the case of chemical corrosion, both liquid Sb and Sb 2 O 3 penetrates into grain boundaries of the electrolyte, resulting spallation of grains from the bulk. The depth of liquid Sb penetration is deeper than that of liquid Sb 2 O 3. Electrochemical corrosion of the electrolyte by liquid Sb occurs in the same way as the chemical corrosion at an increased rate promoted by applied current. It is also found that the electrochemical corrosion of the electrolyte by liquid Sb improves the cell performance with the sacrifice of electrolyte. Highlights • The corrosion of GDC electrolyte was studied in two experimental modes. • Both chemical and electrochemical corrosion of GDC electrolyte were happened. • Liquid Sb or Sb 2 O 3 penetrate into GDC grain boundaries, and then grains detached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Using a new method for preparing flame-retardant with a small amount of coated materials. • Improving the ignition properties of polypropylene composites using low cost chemicals. • The improved anti-fire properties due to catalysis and dispersion of organically-modified montmorillonite are accompanied by improved thermal stability. Abstract Brominated flame retardant polypropylene composites were prepared by melt blending polypropylene, tetrabromobisphenol A, antimony oxide and organically-modified montmorillonite clay. The synergy between antimony oxide, clay and the brominated fire retardant was studied by thermogravimetric analysis under oxygen and UL-94 testing. Thermal, structural and tensile properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and a universal testing machine respectively. Tetrabromobisphenol A and/or antimony oxide with clay is more efficient than clay alone in improving the flame retardancy of the materials and promoting carbonization in the polypropylene matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis showed significant improvements in the degradation temperature for all composites compared with the neat one. This can be ascribed to the physico-chemical adsorption of the volatile degradation products on the silicates. In the presence of montmorillonite, the melting and cooling points and degree of crystallization shift to higher values. These observations are compatible with the assumption that montmorillonite and other additives behave as nucleating agents, as a result of their large relative surface area. Moreover, the structure of the composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, which revealed good dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix. The experimental results of tensile tests indicated that the incorporation of clay and other additives improved the Young's modulus, but decreased the tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous papers have reported the desorption process of antimony (Sb) ions adsorbed on α-MnO 2 nanomaterials, some trace Sb(OH) 4 − molecular observed in experiments have not been understood clearly. Using two models as popular bulk surface and new microfacet, several parameters, such as adsorption energy, bond length, total density of state (TDOS) and activation energy, were calculated to research and analyze the catalytic reaction of Sb oxides on α-MnO 2 . The results show that the bulk surface model has the “mirror effect” in revealing the catalytic property of α-MnO 2 nanorods. Using MnO 2 [(100 × 110)] microfacet model, a new molecular Sb(OH) 4 - molecular appears in the reaction process of Sb(OH) 3  + H 2 O → Sb(OH) 4 −  + H + . Further comparing the geometric morphology and TDOS of Sb(OH) 4 - with Sb(OH) 6 − molecular, it is found that their bonding length, dihedral and energy orbital of bonding peaks are too close to set the Sb(OH) 4 - as the precursor product of Sb(OH) 6 − molecular. Then the desorption process of Sb ions on α-MnO 2 nanorods is virtually transformed into Sb(OH) 3  → Sb(OH) 4 −  → Sb(OH) 6 − way in aqueous solution. Thus, our findings open an avenue for detailed and comprehensive theoretical studies of catalytic reaction by nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]