Deposition of Metals and Their Application in Catalytic Processes of Energy Interest

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Metallic Functional Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2024 | Viewed by 11245

Special Issue Editor

Faculty of Materials Metallurgy and Chemistry, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China
Interests: biofuels; electrocatalysis; hydrogen evolution

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, supported metal nanocatalysts have received extensive attention from many researchers, and their catalytic performance can be tuned by changing the composition, morphology, crystal plane structure, and metal–oxide interface structure of metal nanoparticles. During the catalytic reaction, the existence of the interface plays a role in regulating the activity, selectivity, and stability of the reaction. Combining interfaces or active sites with different functions at the nanoscale can obtain multifunctional synergistic catalysts. However, it is difficult for traditional catalyst preparation methods to achieve fine control of the composition and microstructure of multi-interface catalysts. As a result, it is difficult to achieve precise matching of functional centers. This Special Issue focuses on how to precisely tune the composition and microstructure of catalysts via deposition synthesis and design a novel and efficient catalyst for energy conversion. This Special Issue also aims to provide an overview of recent advances in the synthesis of catalytic materials via deposition methods, such as single atoms, spherical and hetero-shaped nanoparticles, nanosheets, etc., as well as energy realization via traditional thermochemical conversion, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrochemical catalysis transformation. The issue is expected to promote the application of metal nanocatalysts in the energy field through precise synthesis, suitable modification, advanced characterization, and theoretical calculation.

  1. Rare earth catalytic materials;
  2. The development of Rare Earth Metal Structural Materials;
  3. Thermoelectric material;
  4. Rare earth energy materials;
  5. New Organic/Polymer Electrode Materials;
  6. Lithium ion battery materials;
  7. Non-ferrous metal resource circulation and metallurgical secondary comprehensive utilization;
  8. Rare metal metallurgy;
  9. The comprehensive utilization of non-traditional resources;
  10. The multiphysics simulation of Industrial Process and Strengthening Energy Saving;
  11. Rare earth luminescent materials;
  12. Rare Earth-Doped Novel Laser (Scintillation) Crystals.

Prof. Dr. Qing Shu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • catalytic material
  • deposition
  • nanostructure
  • biofuels
  • photocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • photoelectro-chemical catalysis
  • hydrogen evolution

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 9999 KiB  
Article
Selective Separation and Recovery of Li from Spent LiFePO4 Cathode Materials by Oxidation Roasting Followed by Low-Acid Pressure Leaching
by Zaoming Chen, Changquan Shen, Fupeng Liu and Jinliang Wang
Metals 2023, 13(11), 1884; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13111884 - 13 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 819
Abstract
The environmental and economic benefits of recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries are becoming increasingly important. Nevertheless, the reprocessing of this type of material by conventional processes remains a challenge due to the difficulties of Li and Fe separation and low product purity. Herein, [...] Read more.
The environmental and economic benefits of recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries are becoming increasingly important. Nevertheless, the reprocessing of this type of material by conventional processes remains a challenge due to the difficulties of Li and Fe separation and low product purity. Herein, a new approach for recovering Li to separate iron and phosphorus from spent LiFePO4 cathode materials is developed. Selective separation of Li can be achieved by oxidation roasting followed by low-acid pressure leaching. During the oxidation-roasting stage, almost all the stable LiFePO4 cathode materials were first transformed into Li3Fe2(PO4)3 and Fe2O3, with the most suitable oxidation-roasting temperature determined to be 550 °C. Then, >96% of Li could be extracted using 0.5 mol·L−1 H2SO4 with an L/S ratio of 150 g·L−1 at 110 °C for 1 h; in contrast, the leaching of Fe was 0.03%. The mineral-phase composition of the leaching residues mainly includes FePO4·2H2O, Fe2O3, and C, which can be used as a raw material for preparing battery-grade FePO4. These findings demonstrate that the recycling process has the advantages of high selectivity for Li, excellent reaction kinetics, low acid consumption, and free oxidizing agent that may benefit the development of a circular economy. Full article
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14 pages, 5499 KiB  
Article
High-Temperature-Annealed Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as High-Performance Conductive Agents for LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Ziting Guo, Shengwen Zhong, Mihong Cao, Zhengjun Zhong, Qingmei Xiao, Jinchao Huang and Jun Chen
Metals 2023, 13(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13010036 - 23 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1298
Abstract
In this work, the high yield of MWNTs was prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, followed by annealing at 2000–2800 °C, and the effects of high annealing temperature on metal impurities and defects in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was explored. Furthermore, the [...] Read more.
In this work, the high yield of MWNTs was prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, followed by annealing at 2000–2800 °C, and the effects of high annealing temperature on metal impurities and defects in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was explored. Furthermore, the annealed MWNTs were dispersed using a sand mill to make a conductive slurry, and finally the cathode LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 was added to the assembled batteries, and the application of MWNTs (slurry) as conductive agents in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM) cathode materials by sand-mill dispersion on the performance of lithium-ion batteries was investigated. The results indicate that high temperature annealing can effectively remove the residual metal impurities from MWNTs and the defects in MWNTs gradually decreases as the temperature rises. In addition, 2 wt% of MWNTs (slurry) in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 is sufficient to form an electronically conductive network; as a result, the electronic conductivity and the high rates performance of the LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 batteries were greatly improved. The LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 battery with MWNTs slurries annealed at 2200 ℃ as a conductive additive displays the highest initial discharge capacity of 173.16 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 C. In addition, after 100 cycles, a capacity retention of 95.8% at 0.5 C and a discharge capacity of 121.75 mAh·g−1 at 5 C were observed. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes used as conductive agents in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM) cathode materials show excellent battery behaviors, which would provide a new insight for the development of high-performance novel conductive agents in lithium-ion batteries. Full article
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19 pages, 48210 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Performance and Conductivity of N-Doped Carbon Nanotubes Annealed under Various Temperatures as Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Zhengjun Zhong, Soroosh Mahmoodi, Dong Li and Shengwen Zhong
Metals 2022, 12(12), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/met12122166 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1423
Abstract
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) are obtained using a post-treatment method under different sintering temperatures. The catalysts can be removed from the Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) within an acid treatment process. Then, the purified CNTs can be employed as a nitrogen doping basis. This research [...] Read more.
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) are obtained using a post-treatment method under different sintering temperatures. The catalysts can be removed from the Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) within an acid treatment process. Then, the purified CNTs can be employed as a nitrogen doping basis. This research adds melamine as a nitrogen source during the sintering procedure under different temperatures to achieve NCNTs, which are applied to the cathodes. LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode slurries are prepared using pristine CNTs and NCNTs samples as conductive additives. Coin cell lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are fabricated using slurry samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopical analysis shows the nitrogen doping degree is up to 5 atom%, and graphitic-N nitrogen groups are the dominating species present on the NCNT’s surface while being treated at 800 °C. Graphitic-N nitrogen groups improve the conductivity and surface area of the NCNTs, which increases the rate capacity (106.8 mA h g−1 at 5 C) and cyclic retention (92.45% of initial capacity after 200 cycles at 5 C) of the lithium-ion batteries. The morphology of the NCNTs, the concentration of NCNTs elements, and the electrochemical performances of coin cell batteries are extensively discussed. Full article
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14 pages, 8462 KiB  
Article
Copper-Decorated Ti3C2Tx MXene Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Buxiang Wang, Qing Shu, Haodong Chen, Xuyao Xing, Qiong Wu and Li Zhang
Metals 2022, 12(12), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/met12122022 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
It remains a formidable challenge to prepare an economical and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction using non-precious metals. In this study, MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets were prepared by high-energy ultrasound treatment, and Cu nanoparticles were prepared by [...] Read more.
It remains a formidable challenge to prepare an economical and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction using non-precious metals. In this study, MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets were prepared by high-energy ultrasound treatment, and Cu nanoparticles were prepared by NaBH4 as a reducing agent. Then, the electrocatalyst Cu/Ti3C2Tx, suitable for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), was prepared by supporting Cu with Ti3C2Tx. The structure, morphology, crystal phase and valence state of the obtained catalyst were determined by a variety of characterization analysis methods, and the influence of these properties on the catalytic performance is discussed here. The results of Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET) showed that Ti3C2Tx can effectively inhibit Cu agglomeration. Results of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) showed that Cu has metallic and oxidized states. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further revealed the existence of multivalent states in Cu, which would contribute to the formation of electron transfer channels and the enhancement of electrocatalytic activity. In addition, the Cu/Ti3C2Tx catalyst has strong hydrophilicity, as measured by contact angle, which is conducive to HER. Ti3C2Tx has acceptable electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance: under alkaline conditions, when the current density is 10 mA cm−2, HER overpotential is as low as 128 mV and the Tafel slope is as low as 126 mV dec−1. Meanwhile, Ti3C2Tx showed adequate stability for HER (94.0% of the initial mass activity after 1000 CV cycles). This work offers insights into the development of high-performance non-precious metal-based catalysts to achieve the high performance of HER in alkaline electrolytes. Full article
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7 pages, 2596 KiB  
Communication
Effect of Structure of Carbonized Polymer Dot on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Copper Matrix Composites
by Jiahui Xu, Wenmin Zhao, Shaoyu Li, Rui Bao, Jianhong Yi and Zhaojie Li
Metals 2022, 12(10), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/met12101701 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) have been paid a lot of attention by researchers because of their excellent properties due to their unique structure. However, few studies have researched the impact of the CPD structure on composite applications. Herein, CPD and heat-treated [...] Read more.
Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) have been paid a lot of attention by researchers because of their excellent properties due to their unique structure. However, few studies have researched the impact of the CPD structure on composite applications. Herein, CPD and heat-treated CPD (h-CPD) are used to fabricate a reinforced Cu matrix composite. There was a semi-coherent interface between h-CPD and Cu. However, functional groups and polymer chains of CPDs decomposed during heat treatment, weakening the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites. These findings show that CPD structural integrity is vital to composites. Full article
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14 pages, 3089 KiB  
Article
Metal Embedded Phthalocyanine Monolayers as Promising Materials for Toxic Formaldehyde Gas Detection: Insights from DFT Calculations
by Rou Xue, Chen Wang, Yajun Wang, Qijun Guo, Enrui Dai and Zhifeng Nie
Metals 2022, 12(9), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/met12091442 - 29 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
The design of the good-performance materials for toxic formaldehyde (CH2O)-gas-detection is critical for environmental preservation and human health. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the adsorption behavior and electronic properties of CH2O on [...] Read more.
The design of the good-performance materials for toxic formaldehyde (CH2O)-gas-detection is critical for environmental preservation and human health. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the adsorption behavior and electronic properties of CH2O on transition metal (TM)-doped phthalocyanine monolayers. Our results prove that PdPc and RuPc monolayers are thermodynamically stable. Analysis of the adsorption energy showed that the CH2O gas molecule was chemisorbed on the RuPc monolayer, while it was physisorbed on the PdPc nanosheet. The microcosmic interaction mechanism within the gas-adsorbent system was revealed by analyzing the density of states, the charge-density difference, the electron-density distribution, and the Hirshfeld charge transfer. Additionally, the RuPc monolayer was highly sensitive to CH2O due to the obvious changes in electrical conductivity, and the recovery time of CH2O molecule was predicted to be 2427 s at room temperature. Therefore, the RuPc monolayer can be regarded as a promising gas-sensing material for CH2O detection. Full article
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10 pages, 2278 KiB  
Article
Design of Cu–Cr Alloys with High Strength and High Ductility Based on First-Principles Calculations
by Huihui Xiong, Yingying Ma, Haihui Zhang and Liyong Chen
Metals 2022, 12(9), 1406; https://doi.org/10.3390/met12091406 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Designing a material to realize the simultaneous improvement in strength and ductility is very meaningful to its industrial application. Here, the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were adopted to investigate the stability, elastic properties and Debye temperature of binary Cu–Cr [...] Read more.
Designing a material to realize the simultaneous improvement in strength and ductility is very meaningful to its industrial application. Here, the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were adopted to investigate the stability, elastic properties and Debye temperature of binary Cu–Cr alloys; and the effect of micro-alloying elements on their mechanical properties, including the bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Yong’s modulus E and Poisson’s ratio σ, was discussed. The elastic constants show that all the studied binary Cu–Cr alloys are mechanically stable, and the Cu–0.7Cr alloy has a combination of good strength and ductility. Moreover, the addition of Ag, Sn, Nb, Ti and Zr can improve the basic properties of Cu–0.7Cr alloy, and the Cu–0.7Cr–1.1Sn possess a large strength combined with improved ductility and strong covalent bonds due to the large Debye temperature. Additionally, the introduction of Y and In further improves the mechanical properties (strength and ductility) of the excellent Cu–0.7Cr–1.1Sn alloy. Our studied results can provide guidance for the theoretical design and experimental improvement of Cu-based alloys. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 8987 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Utilization of Tungsten Residue: A Mini Review of China
by Pan Deng, Lili Cheng, Alin Li, Zhiyong Zeng and Chunfa Liao
Metals 2023, 13(8), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13081481 - 17 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1198
Abstract
As a metal of strategic value, tungsten plays an important part in civil and military applications. Currently, China is the biggest tungsten producer all over the world, and the metallic smelting technologies for tungsten are well established. However, the harmless recovery and treatment [...] Read more.
As a metal of strategic value, tungsten plays an important part in civil and military applications. Currently, China is the biggest tungsten producer all over the world, and the metallic smelting technologies for tungsten are well established. However, the harmless recovery and treatment procedures for tungsten residue remain rather underdeveloped. The treatment of tungsten residue generally includes the recovery of valuable metals (e.g., scandium, tantalum, and niobium) and the solidification of toxic elements (e.g., arsenic, lead, and chromium), which may control the transfer of these elements and metals. If treated improperly, the resource of tungsten residue may be wasted, and potential environmental risks could arise. Therefore, the safe disposition of tungsten residue has become the limit factor and an urgent problem to be solved for the sustainable development of tungsten-related industries. In this regard, we reviewed the industrial background of tungsten and the composition and toxicity characteristics of tungsten residue. In addition, particular attention was paid to the harmless utilization processes and technologies for tungsten residue, which were then systematically compared in terms of the applicable situations as well as their advantages and shortcomings. Finally, the development trend for the harmless utilization of tungsten residue was discussed, and some proposals for further studies were provided. Full article
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