Iztok Arčon

X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of the Lithium–Sulfur Battery and its Components

Understanding the mechanism(s) of polysulfide formation and knowledge about the interactions of sulfur and polysulfides with a host matrix and electrolyte are essential for the development of long-cycle-life lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. To achieve this goal, new analytical tools need to be developed. Herein, sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and (6,7) Li magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR studies on a Li-S battery and its sulfur components are reported. The characterization of different stoichiometric mixtures of sulfur and lithium compounds (polysulfides), synthesized through a chemical route with all-sulfur-based components in the Li-S battery (sulfur and electrolyte), enables the understanding of changes in the batteries measured in postmortem mode and in operando mode. A detailed XANES analysis is performed on different battery components (cathode composite and separator). The relative amounts of each sulfur compound in the cathode and separator are determined precisely, according to the linear combination fit of the XANES spectra, by using reference compounds. Complementary information about the lithium species within the cathode are obtained by using (7) Li MAS NMR spectroscopy. The setup for the in operando XANES measurements can be viewed as a valuable analytical tool that can aid the understanding of the sulfur environment in Li-S batteries.

On the Origin of the Electrochemical Capacity of Li2Fe0.8Mn0.2SiO4

On the Origin of the Electrochemical Capacity of Li2Fe0.8Mn0.2SiO4 Robert Dominko, Chutchamon Sirisopanaporn,* Christian Masquelier, Darko Hanzel, Iztok Arcon, and Miran Gaberscek** National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia ALISTORE-European Research Institute, 80039 Amiens Cedex, France Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France Jozef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia University of Nova Gorica, SI-5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Atomic and electronic structure of Mo6S9−xIx nanowires

Moybdenum-based subnanometre diameter nanowires are easy to synthesize and disperse, and they exhibit a variety of functional properties in which they are superior to other one-dimensional materials. However, further progress in the understanding of physical properties and the development of new and specific applications have so far been impeded by the fact that their structure was not accurately known. Here we report on a combination of systematic x-ray diffraction and extended x-ray absorption fine structure experiments, and first-principles theoretical structure calculations, which are used to determine the atomic skeletal structure of individual Mo6S9−xIx (MoSIx) nanowires, their packing arrangement within bundles and their electronic band structure. From this work we conclude that the variations in functional properties appear to arise from different stoichiometry, not skeletal structure. A supplementary data file is available from http://stacks.iop.org/0957-4484/16/1578

Differential cadmium and zinc distribution in relation to their physiological impact in the leaves of the accumulating Zygophyllum fabago L

Cadmium and zinc share many similar physiochemical properties, but their compartmentation, complexation and impact on other mineral element distribution in plant tissues may drastically differ. In this study, we address the impact of 10 μm Cd or 50 μm Zn treatments on ion distribution in leaves of a metallicolous population of the non-hyperaccumulating species Zygophyllum fabago at tissue and cell level, and the consequences on the plant response through a combined physiological, proteomic and metabolite approach. Micro-proton-induced X-ray emission and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry analyses indicated hot spots of Cd concentrations in the vicinity of vascular bundles in response to Cd treatment, essentially bound to S-containing compounds as revealed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure and non-protein thiol compounds analyses. A preferential accumulation of Zn occurred in vascular bundle and spongy mesophyll in response to Zn treatment, and was mainly bound to O/N-ligands. Leaf proteomics and physiological status evidenced a protection of photosynthetically active tissues and the maintenance of cell turgor through specific distribution and complexation of toxic ions, reallocation of some essential elements, synthesis of proteins involved in photosynthetic apparatus or C-metabolism, and metabolite synthesis with some specificities regarding the considered heavy metal treatment.

Soil humic acids may favour the persistence of hexavalent chromium in soil

The interaction between hexavalent chromium Cr(VI), as K(2)CrO(4), and standard humic acids (HAs) in bulk solution was studied using three complementary analytical methods: UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and differential pulse stripping voltammetry. The observed UV-Vis and X-ray absorption spectra showed that, under our experimental conditions, HAs did not induce reduction of Cr(VI) to its trivalent chemical form. The interaction between Cr(VI) and HAs has rather led to the formation of Cr(VI)-HAs micelles via supramolecular chemical processes. The reported results could contribute towards explaining the relative persistence of ecotoxic hexavalent chromium in soils.

MnO(x) nanoparticles supported on a new mesostructured silicate with textural porosity.

A two-step synthesis of a novel mesostructured silicate, KIL-2, and its manganese-containing analogue, Mn/KIL-2, has been developed. KIL-2 possesses interparticle mesopores with pore dimensions between 5 and 60 nm and a surface area of 448 m(2). The mesopores are formed by the aggregation of silica nanoparticles, which creates a network with interparticle voids. The particle size and the pore diameters depend on the temperature of the ageing step (first step) and on the solvothermal treatment in ethanol (second step), respectively. Mn/KIL-2 contains octahedrally coordinated Mn(3+) (80%) and tetrahedrally coordinated Mn(2+) (20%) ions. Mn(3+) ions are present in the extra-framework MnO(x) nanoparticles with typical dimensions of 2 nm, which are homogeneously distributed throughout the material. Mn(2+) ions occur as isolated manganese framework sites. The material is also able to retain its structure characteristics after the hydrothermal treatment in boiling water. Because of its non-toxic nature and cost-effective synthesis, Mn/KIL-2 thus exhibits properties that are needed for an environment-friendly catalyst.

EXAFS determination of the size of Co clusters on silica.

The metallic Co catalyst for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction is prepared by reduction of Co salts impregnating microporous silica. The average size of the metallic Co clusters is determined from the average number of neighbours deduced from Co K-edge EXAFS of catalyst samples. A model EXAFS signal constructed from the scattering paths of Co metal fcc lattice with lengths up to 5 A is calibrated on a reference spectrum of Co metal foil. Catalyst spectra are interpreted with the same model expanded with variable neighbour fractions of the four nearest shells. Cluster size is obtained from comparison with the neighbour-fractions of consecutive fcc magic-number clusters.

Pattern of iron distribution in maternal and filial tissues in wheat grains with contrasting levels of iron

Iron insufficiency is a worldwide problem in human diets. In cereals like wheat, the bran layer of the grains is an important source of iron. However, the dietary availability of iron in wheat flour is limited due to the loss of the iron-rich bran during milling and processing and the presence of anti-nutrients like phytic acid that keep iron strongly chelated in the grain. The present study investigated the localization of iron and phosphorus in grain tissues of wheat genotypes with contrasting grain iron content using synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) and micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE). X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) was employed to determine the proportion of divalent and trivalent forms of Fe in the grains. It revealed the abundance of oxygen, phosphorus, and sulphur in the local chemical environment of Fe in grains, as Fe-O-P-R and Fe-O-S-R coordination. Contrasting differences were noticed in tissue-specific relative localization of Fe, P, and S among the different genotypes, suggesting a possible effect of localization pattern on iron bioavailability. The current study reports the shift in iron distribution from maternal to filial tissues of grains during the evolution of wheat from its wild relatives to the present-day cultivated varieties, and thus suggests the value of detailed physical localization studies in varietal improvement programmes for food crops.

Framework cobalt and manganese in MeAPO-31 (Me = Co, Mn) molecular sieves

Pure phases of CoAPO-31 and MnAPO-31 were synthesized hydrothermally using di-n-propylamine as a structuredirecting agent. The incorporation of manganese(II) and cobalt(II) into framework aluminum sites of AlPO4-31 was suggested from elemental, thermogravimetric and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. Isomorphous aluminum substitution with cobalt(II) was confirmed from static 31 P NMR spectra. UV–VIS and XANES spectra revealed a partial oxidation of framework cobalt(II) and manganese(II) into cobalt(III) and manganese(III) in the calcined MeAPO-31 and thus the presence of redox centers in the products. The generation of acid sites (Bronsted and Lewis) in MeAPO-31 was supported by IR measurements of pyridine and by ammonium adsorption/desorption. The strength of the acid sites in the catalysts studied decreased in the following order: MnAPO-31 > CoAPO-31 > AlPO4-31.

Detailed In Situ Investigation of the Electrochemical Processes in Li2FeTiO4 Cathodes

The possible mechanism of lithium exchange from Li 2 FeTiO 4 is discussed on the basis of three different in situ structural characterization methods. The in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the mechanism of lithium exchange was through a solid solution formation whereby the change in volume during the oxidation was 1.4%. The reversibility in terms of charge recuperation was complete; however, after the first reduction, the change in volume was still 0.4%. In situ Mossbauer spectroscopy experiment showed complete Fe(II) oxidization to Fe(III), while the reduction was not reversible. After the complete first cycle, the number of local environments in the Mossbauer spectra needed for a successful fit increased by at least two. Several local environments can be explained on the basis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure results. In the as-prepared sample, Fe cations are coordinated to three oxygen atoms at 2.03 A and another three at 2.13 A. With the oxidation of Fe, the splitting of two oxygen atoms gradually increases to 0.18 A, and the octahedra deformation gradually changes from 3 + 3 to 4 + 2. This deformation is not reversible and it can explain changes in the long-range order as observed from in situ XRD.