The Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Synthesis of Nickel Ferrite Films as High-Capacity Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

Anode materials providing a high specific capacity with a high cycling performance are one of the key parameters for lithium ion batteries’ (LIBs) applications. Herein, a high-capacity NiFe2O4(NFO) film anode is prepared by E-beam evaporation, and the effect of the heat treatment is studied on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of LIBs. The NiFe2O4 film annealed at 800 °C (NFO-800) showed a highly crystallized structure and different surface morphologies when compared to the electrode annealed at a lower temperature (NFO-600, NFO-700). In the electrochemical measurements, the high specific capacity (1804 mA g−1) and capacity retention ratio (95%) after 100 cycles were also achieved by the NFO-800 electrode. The main reason for the good electrochemical performance of the NFO-800 electrode is a high structure integrity, which could improve the cycle stability with a high discharge capacity. The NiFe2O4 electrode with an annealing process could be further proposed as an alternative ferrite material.

Evaluation of femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system as an offline coal analyzer

Developments in femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (fs-LIBS) applications during the last two decades have further centered on innovative métier tie-in to the advantageous properties of femtosecond laser ablation (fs-LA) introduced into LIBS. Yet, for industrially-oriented application like coal analysis, no research has exposed to view the analytical capabilities of fs-LA in enhancing the physical processes of coal ablation and the impact into quantitative correlation of spectra and data modeling. In a huge coal market, fast and accurate analysis of coal property is eminently important for coal pricing, combustion optimization, and pollution reduction. Moreover, there is a thirst need of precision standardization for coal analyzers in use. In this letter, the analytical performance of a one-box femtosecond laser system is evaluated relative to an industrially applied coal analyzer based on five objectives/measures: spectral correlation, relative sensitivity factors, craters topology, plasma parameters, and repeatability. Despite high-threshold operation parameters of the fs system, competitive results are achieved compared to the optimized analytical conditions of the ns-coal analyzer. Studies targeting the in-field optimization of fs-LIBS systems for coal analysis can potentially provide insights into fs-plasma hydrodynamics under harsh conditions, instrumental customization, and pave the way for a competitive next-generation of coal analyzers.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): applications and calibration strategies

The publishing company "Ibero-americana de Educação" presents an ebook organized by professor Edenir Rodrigues Pereira-Filho, from Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos campus. The organizer presents a collection of texts that lead us several applications and developments proposed by two research groups: Group of Applied Instrumental Analysis (GAIA) and Group of Alternative Analytical Approaches (GAAA). The texts were prepared and organized by current and former students, researchers and partners companies. The goal is to present texts that show the main idea behind each application or development. Computational routines and Excel templates are available for the readers and it is important to mention that nobody do good things alone. We hope that the material will be useful for the specialized audience.

Microstructural intra-granular cracking in Cu2ZnSnS4@C thin-film anode enhanced the electrochemical performance in lithium-ion battery applications

Controlled cracking pattern formation in carbon-coated CZTS (CZTS@C) thin-film as high-power anodes for next-generation thin-film LIBs applications.

Les pistolets LIBS : Applications au patrimoine et à la géologie

Les sources laser nanosecondes ainsi que les spectromètres optiques ont atteint un niveau de compacité tel que cela a conduit au développement et à la commercialisation de pistolets LIBS. Avec une autonomie de plusieurs heures, ces dispositifs permettent de réaliser, hors du laboratoire, de nombreuses analyses élémentaires semiquantitatives de la plupart des éléments d’intérêt. Le patrimoine et la géologie font partie des domaines qui ont d’ores et déjà tiré profit de ces nouveaux outils.

Coal analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: a tutorial review

This review article forms a guideline for LIBS contribution in coal analysis, encompassing fundamental aspects, operation modes, data processing, and analytical results. LIBS applications related to coal utilization are also highlighted (fly ash analysis and combustion monitoring).