Improved hydrogen storage kinetics of nanocrystalline and amorphous Ce–Mg–Ni-based CeMg12-type alloys synthesized by mechanical milling

In this paper, ball milling was used to prepare CeMg₁₁Ni + x wt% Ni (x = 100, 200) alloys having nanocrystalline and amorphous structures. The structures of the alloys and their electrochemical and gaseous kinetic performances were systematically investigated. It was shown that the increase in Ni content was beneficial to the formation of nanocrystalline and amorphous structures, and it significantly enhanced the electrochemical and gaseous hydrogen storage performances of as-milled alloys. In addition, the hydrogen storage capacities of the alloys fluctuated greatly with variation in milling duration. The maximum values of hydrogen capacity detected by varying the milling durations were 5.949 wt% and 6.157 wt% for x = 100 and 200 alloys, respectively. Similar results were observed for the hydriding rates and high-rate discharge abilities (HRD) of the as-milled alloys. The dehydriding rate increased with the increase in milling duration. The reduction in hydrogen desorption activation was the reason for enhanced gaseous hydrogen storage kinetics.

Addition of Ni and milling are beneficial for forming nanocrystalline and amorphous structures, thus enhancing the hydrogen storage kinetics of CeMg₁₂-type alloys.     

Improving the corrosion resistance of micro-arc oxidation coated Mg–Zn–Ca alloy

Four additives (Na₂WO₄, nano-hydroxyapatite, K₂TiF₆ and NaF) were added into the Na₅P₃O₁₀ + NaOH + C₃H₈O₃ base electrolyte according to the orthogonal design of four factors three levels (L₉ (3⁴)). Nine different micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings were fabricated on Mg–2Zn–0.5Ca alloys through orthogonal experiments. The effects of four additives on the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of MAO coatings were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electrochemical corrosion test and in vitro degradation test. The addition of nano-hydroxyapatite and K₂TiF₆ showed self-sealing effects and contributed to the corrosion resistance of the samples significantly. The addition of 0.5 g L⁻¹ Na₂WO₄ markedly elevated the bonding strength of the coatings with the substrate. The optimal combination of factors and levels considering both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance was: 0.5 g L⁻¹ Na₂WO₄, 0 g L⁻¹ NaF, 5 g L⁻¹ n-HAp, 5 g L⁻¹ K₂TiF₆. The growth mechanism of MAO coatings combining with the visual phenomenon was discussed as well.

Large amount of micro-pores formed in MAO coatings were interconnected and sealed.     

A molecular dynamics study on the mechanical properties of Fe–Ni alloy nanowires and their temperature dependence

Fe–Ni alloy nanowires are widely used in high-density magnetic memories and catalysts due to their unique magnetic and electrochemical properties. Understanding the deformation mechanism and mechanical property of Fe–Ni alloy nanowires is of great importance for the development of devices. However, the detailed deformation mechanism of the alloy nanowires at different temperatures is unclear. Herein, the deformation mechanism of Fe–Ni alloy nanowires and their mechanical properties were investigated via the molecular dynamics simulation method. It was found that the local atomic pressure fluctuation of the Fe–Ni alloy nanowire surface became more prominent with an increase in the Ni content. At low temperature conditions (<50 K), the plastic deformation mechanism of the Fe–Ni alloy nanowires switched from the twinning mechanism to the dislocation slip mechanism with the increase in the Ni content from 0.5 at% to 8.0 at%. In the temperature range of 50–800 K, the dislocation slip mechanism dominated the deformation. Simulation results indicated that there was a significant linear relationship between the Ni content, temperature, and ultimate stress in the temperature range of 50–800 K. Our research revealed the association between the deformation mechanism and temperature in Fe–Ni alloy nanowires, which may facilitate new alloy nanowire designs.

Deformation mechanism and mechanical property of Fe–Ni alloy nanowires are investigated through molecular dynamics simulation method.     

Tensile mechanical performance of Ni–Co alloy nanowires by molecular dynamics simulation

In this present contribution, tensile mechanical properties of Ni–Co alloy nanowires with Co content from 0 to 20% were studied by molecular dynamics. The simulation results show the alloy nanowire with the Co content of 5% has the highest yield value of 9.72 GPa. In addition, more Frank dislocations were generated during the loading process to improve the performance of the alloy nanowire. The Young''s modulus increases little by little from 105.68 to 179.78 GPa with the increase of Co content. Secondly, with the increase of temperature, the yield strength gradually decreases to 2.13 GPa. Young''s modulus tends to decrease linearly from 170.7 GPa to 48.21 GPa. At the temperatures of 500 K and 700 K, it is easier to form Frank dislocation and Hirth dislocation, respectively, in the loading process. The peak value of the radial distribution function decreases and the number of peaks decreases, indicating the disappearance of the ordered structure. Finally, after the introduction of the surface and inner void, the yield strength of the nanowire drops about to 8.97 and 6.6 GPa, respectively, and the yield strains drop to 0.056 and 0.043. In the case of the existence of internal void, perfect dislocation and Hirth dislocation can be observed in the structure.

The addition of a little Co can promote the formation of Frank and other fixed dislocations, making the alloy system have high yield strength. The defects in nanowires accelerated the occurrence of yield behavior.     

Biological behavior exploration of a paclitaxel-eluting poly-l-lactide-coated Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy intestinal stent in vivo

As a new type of intestinal stent, the MAO/PLLA/paclitaxel/Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy stent has shown good degradability, although its biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo has not been investigated in detail. In this study, its in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated by animal study. New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with degradable intestinal Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy stents that were exposed to different treatments. Stent degradation behavior was observed both macroscopically and using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) and histological observations were performed to investigate stent biological safety. Macroscopic analysis showed that the MAO/PLLA/paclitaxel/Mg–Zn–Y–Nd stents could not be located 12 days after implantation. SEM observations showed that corrosion degree of the MAO/PLLA/paclitaxel/Mg–Zn–Y–Nd stents implanted in rabbits was significantly lower than that in the PLLA/Mg–Zn–Y–Nd stent group. Both histopathological testing and serological analysis of in vivo biocompatibility demonstrated that the MAO/PLLA/paclitaxel/Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy stents could significantly inhibit intestinal tissue proliferation compared to the PLLA/Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy stents, thus providing the basis for designing excellent biodegradable drug stents.

Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy stents coated with MAO/PLLA/paclitaxel coating were implanted into the New Zealand rabbits intestine to investigate the biocompatibility and degradation behavior.     

Correction: Biological behavior exploration of a paclitaxel-eluting poly-l-lactide-coated Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy intestinal stent in vivo

Correction for ‘Biological behavior exploration of a paclitaxel-eluting poly-l-lactide-coated Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy intestinal stent in vivo’ by Zhanhui Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 15079–15090. DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10156j

The authors regret that incorrect details were given for ref. 52 in the original article. The correct version of ref. 52 is given below as ref. 1.In the sentence beginning “Stephen et al. found that…” on page 15086, the corrected sentence should read as follows: “Shi et al. found that a magnesium-based drug delivery system had a stronger long-term inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SMCs cultured in vitro compared to stainless steel, which may be related to the degradation of magnesium alloy matrix greatly accelerating and improving the pharmacokinetics of drug release in vitro.⁵²”The Royal Society of Chemistry apologises for these errors and any consequent inconvenience to authors and readers.     

Microstructure–mechanical properties of Ag0/Au0 doped K–Mg–Al–Si–O–F glass-ceramics

In understanding the catalytic efficacy of silver (Ag⁰) and gold (Au⁰) nanoparticles (NPs) on glass-ceramic (GC) crystallization, the microstructure–machinability correlation of a SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–B₂O₃–K₂O–MgF₂ system is studied. The thermal parameters viz., glass transition temperature (T_g) and crystallization temperature (T_c) were extensively changed by varying NPs (in situ or ex situ). Tc was found to be increased (T_c = 870–875 °C) by 90–110 °C when ex situ NPs were present in the glass system. Under controlled heat-treatment at 950 ± 10 °C, the glasses were converted into glass-ceramics with the predominant presence of crystalline phase (XRD) fluorophlogopite mica, [KMg₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)F₂]. Along with the secondary phase enstatite (MgSiO₃), the presence of Ag and Au particles (FCC system) were identified by XRD. A microstructure containing spherical crystallite precipitates (∼50–400 nm) has been observed through FESEM in in situ doped GCs. An ex situ Ag doped GC matrix composed of rock-like and plate-like crystallites mostly of size 1–3 μm ensured its superior machinability. Vicker''s and Knoop microhardness of in situ doped GCs were estimated within the range 4.45–4.61 GPa which is reduced to 4.21–4.34 GPa in the ex situ Ag system. Machinability of GCs was found to be in the order, ex situ Ag > ex situ Au ∼ in situ Ag > in situ Au. Thus, the ex situ Ag/Au doped SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–B₂O₃–K₂O–MgF₂ GC has potential for use as a machinable glass-ceramic.

In understanding the catalytic efficacy of silver (Ag⁰) and gold (Au⁰) nanoparticles (NPs) on glass-ceramic (GC) crystallization, the microstructure–machinability correlation of a SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–B₂O₃–K₂O–MgF₂ system is studied.     

Effect of heat treatment on corrosion behavior of Mg–5Gd–3Y–0.5Zr alloy

The effects of different heat treatment processes on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Mg–5Gd–3Y–0.5Zr (GW53K) magnesium alloy were studied by means of microanalysis, weight loss test and electrochemical test. The results show that appropriate heat treatment can improve the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Among the tested alloys, the T6-12 h alloy has the best corrosion resistance, which is mainly attributed to the morphology and distribution of the Mg-RE phase. The corrosion rate of the T4 alloy is similar to that of the T6-12 h alloy. The corrosion resistance of the T4 alloy may be reduced under long-term corrosion due to the existence of surface corrosion microcracks.

The effects of different heat treatment processes on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Mg–5Gd–3Y–0.5Zr (GW53K) magnesium alloy were studied by means of microanalysis, weight loss test and electrochemical test.     

The effects of Sn content on the corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Mg–5Gd–3Y–xSn–0.5Zr alloys

The effects of Sn content on the corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Mg–5Gd–3Y–0.5Zr alloy were studied by SEM, EDS, XRD and electrochemical testing. Results show that Sn can refine the grain size and promote the precipitation of Mg₅(Gd,Y) phase. When the Sn content is 1.5–2 wt%, a needle-like Mg₂Sn phase will be precipitated in the alloy. Mg–5Gd–3Y–1Sn–0.5Zr alloy had the lowest corrosion rate, which is attributed to the barrier effect of the grain boundary and dispersed Mg₅(Gd,Y) phase on corrosion. However, the Mg₂Sn phase formed by excessive Sn addition will accelerate galvanic corrosion. At the same time, Mg–5Gd–3Y–1Sn–0.5Zr alloy had best mechanical properties. In 1.5Sn and 2Sn alloys, the cleavage effect of the needle-like Mg₂Sn phase on the matrix reduced mechanical properties.

The effects of Sn content on the corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Mg–5Gd–3Y–0.5Zr alloy were studied by SEM, EDS, XRD and electrochemical testing. Results show that Sn can refine the grain size and promote the precipitation.     

Hydrogen storage behavior of nanocrystalline and amorphous Mg–Ni–Cu–La alloys

Alloying and structural modification are two effective ways to enhance the hydrogen storage kinetics and decrease the thermal stability of Mg and Mg-based alloys. In order to enhance the characteristics of Mg₂Ni-type alloys, Cu and La were added to an Mg₂Ni-type alloy, and the sample alloys (Mg₂₄Ni₁₀Cu₂)_100−xLa_x (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20) were prepared by melt spinning. The influences of La content and spinning rate on the gaseous and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of the sample alloys were explored in detail. The structural identification carried out by XRD and TEM indicates that the main phase of the alloys is Mg₂Ni and the addition of La results in the formation of the secondary phases LaMg₃ and La₂Mg₁₇. The as-spun alloys have amorphous and nanocrystalline structures, and the addition of La promotes glass formation. The electrochemical properties examined by an automatic galvanostatic system show that the samples possess a good activation capability and achieve their maximal discharge capacities within three cycles. The discharge potential characteristics were vastly ameliorated by melt spinning and La addition. The discharge capacities of the samples achieve their maximal values as the La content changes, and the discharge capacities always increase with increasing spinning rate. The addition of La leads to a decline in hydrogen absorption capacity, but it can effectively enhance the rate of hydrogen absorption. The addition of La and melt spinning significantly increase the hydrogen desorption rate due to the reduced activation energy.

In order to enhance the characteristics of Mg₂Ni-type alloys, Cu and La were added to an Mg₂Ni-type alloy, and sample alloys were prepared by melt spinning. The effects of La content and spinning rate on the hydrogen storage properties were explored.     

Study of Ag precipitation and mechanical properties of Ti–Ta–Ag ternary alloy

Ti–25Ta–xAg alloy samples with different content of Ag were prepared by spark plasma sintering method. X-ray diffraction, microscopic metallographic, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the phase structure and morphology of the alloy samples. Ti–Ta–Ag can form a stable ternary alloy system. Furthermore, with the increase of Ag content and sintering temperature, Ag will be precipitated at the grain boundary. In order to explore the precipitation mechanism of Ag in the alloy and its influence on the mechanical properties, the crystal structure, electronic structure, and elastic constant under different Ag solid solubility were calculated systematically by using first-principles calculations. The results show that the critical temperature of Ag in Ti–Ta–Ag ternary alloy is about 2200 K, and the high temperature is favorable for the aging precipitation of Ag. The lattice constants and mechanical properties of (Ti_1−xAg_x)₃Ta solid solution suddenly change when the Ag solid solubility x value is equal to 0.8, and their changes will follow different rules. The internal mechanism of this phenomenon is that the 4d¹⁰ electronic states of Ag have changed from obvious local electronic states to mixed local and non-local electronic states. These results provide theoretical guidance for the application of Ti–Ta–Ag ternary alloys in biomedicine.

Precipitation of columnar Ag particles from Ti–Ta–Ag ternary alloys improves mechanical properties.     

Microstructure,mechanical properties,and electrical conductivity of Mg–8Li–2Y–Zn/Al multilayered composites fabricated by cross asynchronous accumulative roll bonding

Mg–Li alloy is a material with great potential for development but its application in multiple fields is limited due to disadvantages, such as low strength and poor molding properties. In this study, Mg–8Li–2Y–Zn/Al multilayered composites were prepared by the Al layer cladding Mg–Li alloys using a cross asynchronous accumulative roll banding (CAARB) method, and the changes in microstructural characterization, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity after rolling were evaluated. The results showed that the asynchronous rolling introduced additional shear variables, which provided the conditions for the aluminum layers to fracture to form wave patterns and improve the formability of the composites. The change in the rolling direction caused the grain orientation to be dispersed along the TD direction. The microhardness and tensile strength of the Mg–8Li–2Y–Zn/Al composites increased during the CAARB and reached a maximum after four cycles. In addition, calculations based on the skin depth indicate that the addition of Al layers benefits the composites in terms of improved electrical conductivity. Overall, the addition of Al layers allows more flexibility in the design and extension of Mg–Li alloys, and these findings provide insights into the control of microstructure and improvement of properties of Al/Mg–Li multilayered composites using the CAARB process.

Mg–8Li–2Y–Zn/Al multilayered composites were successfully fabricated by the CAARB process, and have excellent mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, expanding their applications.     

Electrochemical preparation and properties of a Mg–Li–Y alloy via co-reduction of Mg(ii) and Y(iii) in chloride melts

Mg–Li based alloys have been widely used in various fields. However, the widespread use of Mg–Li based alloys were restricted by their poor properties. The addition of rare earth element in Mg–Li can significantly improve the properties of alloys. In the present work, different electrochemical methods were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of Y(iii) on the W electrode in LiCl–KCl melts and LiCl–KCl–MgCl₂ melts. In LiCl–KCl melts, typical cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemical mechanism and thermodynamic parameters for the reduction of Y(iii) to metallic Y. In LiCl–KCl–MgCl₂ melts, the formation mechanism of Mg–Y intermetallic compounds was investigated, and the results showed that only one kind of Mg–Y intermetallic compound was formed under our experimental conditions. Mg–Li–Y alloys were prepared via galvanostatic electrolysis, and XRD and SEM equipped with EDS analysis were used to analyze the samples. Because of the restrictions of EDS analysis, ICP-AES was used to analyze the Li content in Mg–Li–Y alloys. The microhardness and Young''s modulus of the Mg–Li–Y alloys were then evaluated.

Mg–Li based alloys have been widely used in various fields.     

An investigation of gaseous hydrogen storage characterizations of Mg–Y–Ni–Cu alloys synthesized by melt spinning

Melt spinning was successfully utilized to prepare Mg_25−xY_xNi₉Cu (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7) alloys, producing nanocrystalline and amorphous structures with improved hydrogenation and dehydrogenation performances. The influence of spinning rate on hydrogenation and dehydrogenation thermodynamics and kinetics was studied in detail. XRD and TEM were utilized to characterize the alloy structures. Hydrogenation and dehydrogenation performances were investigated by Sievert apparatus, DSC and TGA connected to a H₂ detector. Dehydrogenation activation energies were estimated using both Arrhenius and Kissinger methods. Results show that melt spinning significantly decreases thermodynamic parameters (ΔH and ΔS) and ameliorates desorption kinetics. Dehydrogenation activation energy markedly lowers with increase in spinning rate and is the real driver of amelioration of dehydrogenation kinetics caused by increasing Y content.

Melt spinning enables the crystalline alloy to be strongly disordered and nanostructured, thus enhancing the hydrogen storage kinetics of Mg_25−xY_xNi₉Cu.     

The role of alloyed strontium in the microstructures and alkaline electrochemistry of Mg–5Al–4Sn alloys

In this study, strontium is used as an alloying element for improving the pitting resistance of Mg–5Al–4Sn based alloys in an alkaline solution. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements suggest that the addition of strontium increases the robustness of the pitting resistance as a result of the higher pitting potential and wider range of passive potential. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirms the formation of a solid passive film on the alloy surface due to a significant increase in the passive film and the charge transfer resistance, as well as lower film and double layer constant phase element magnitude values. Additionally, the potentiostatic polarisation results also show a lower passive current density and passive film stability, resulting in an increase in the breakdown time when the amount of strontium added to the alloy increases from 0.0 to 1.0 wt%. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy results indicate that insignificant corrosion is observed on alloy specimens containing strontium, whereas there is fierce corrosion on alloy based surfaces. This robust corrosion resistance could be attributed to the α-grain reduction and refined precipitates at the alloy grain boundaries, resulting in promoted formation of the passive film which is formed from a mixture of magnesium, aluminum and tin oxides/hydroxides, as confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results.

The development of Mg–5Al–4Sn–xSr alloys with α-grain reduction, refined precipitates and pitting corrosion resistance by die casting.     

Extraction of polyoxotantalate by Mg–Fe layered double hydroxides: elucidation of sorption mechanisms

The extraction of Ta(v) as polyoxometallate species (H_xTa₆O₁₉^(8−x)−) using Mg–Fe based Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) was evaluated using pristine material or after different pre-treatments. Thus, the uptake increased from 100 ± 5 mg g⁻¹ to 604 ± 30 mg g⁻¹, for respectively the carbonated LDH and after calcination at 400 °C. The uptake with calcined solid after its reconstruction with Cl⁻ or NO₃⁻ anions has also been studied. However, the expected exchange mechanism was not found by X-ray Diffraction analysis. On the contrary, an adsorption mechanism of Ta(v) on LDH was consistent with measurements of zeta potential, characterized by very negative values for a wide pH range. Moreover, another mechanism was identified as the main contributor to the uptake by calcinated LDH, even after its reconstruction with Cl⁻ or NO₃⁻: the precipitation of Ta(v) with magnesium cations released from MgO formed by calcination of the LDH. This latter reaction has been confirmed by the comparison of the uptake of Ta(v) in dedicated experiments with solids characterized by a higher magnesium solubility (MgO and MgCl₂). The obtained precipitate has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and would correspond to a magnesium (polyoxo)tantalate phase not yet referenced in the powder diffraction databases.

Reaction of polyoxotantalate ions and MgFe Layered Double Hydroxide leads to magnesium polyoxotantalate precipitate.     

Molecular dynamics simulations of the initial oxidation process on ferritic Fe–Cr alloy surfaces

Oxidation processes of metallic interconnects are crucial to the operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and ferritic Fe–Cr alloy is one of the most important metallic interconnect materials. Based on the ReaxFF reactive potential, the interaction of O₂ molecules with three types of surfaces (100, 110, 111) of ferritic Fe–Cr alloy has been studied by classical molecular dynamics at constant O₂ concentrations and temperatures. The initial oxidation process is systematically studied according to the analysis of O₂ absorption rate, charge variations, charge distributions, mean squared distributions, and oxidation rate. The results reveal that it is easier and faster for the Cr atoms to lose electrons than for the Fe atoms during the oxidation process. The obtained oxidation rate of Cr atoms is larger and the formation of Cr₂O₃ takes precedence over that of FeO. And the thickness of oxidation layers of different surfaces could be determined quantitatively. We also find that the high O₂ concentration accelerates the oxidation process and obviously increases the thickness of oxidation layers, while the temperature has a weaker effect on the oxidation process than the O₂ concentration. Moreover, the (110) surface presents the best oxidation resistance compared to the other two surfaces. And the (110) surface is efficient in preventing Fe atoms from being oxidized. Here we explore the initial oxidation process of Fe–Cr alloy and the corresponding results could provide theoretical guides to the related experiments and applications as metallic interconnects.

Based on the ReaxFF reactive potential, the interaction of O₂ molecules with three types of surfaces (100, 110, 111) of ferritic Fe–Cr alloy has been studied by classical molecular dynamics at constant O₂ concentrations and temperatures.     

Synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oil catalyzed by β-cyclodextrin modified Mg–Al–La composite oxide

In this study, Mg–Al–La composite oxide loaded with ionic liquid [Bmim]OH was used as a catalyst for the synthesis of fatty acid isobutyl ester (FAIBE) via transesterification between waste cooking oil and isobutanol. Mg–Al–La composite oxide was synthesized from the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) intercalation modification of Mg–Al–La layered double hydroxides. The structure of the catalyst was characterized via XRD, BET and EDS. The results showed that the interlayer space of the catalyst was increased due to β-CD intercalation modification. The IL/CD–Mg–Al–La catalyst exhibited significant catalytic activity and regeneration performance in transesterification due to large interlayer space and strongly alkaline ionic liquid. The yield of FAIBE achieved was 98.3% under the optimum reaction condition and 95.2% after regeneration for six times. The viscosity–temperature curve of FAIBE was determined and the phase transition temperature was −1 °C. The pour point of FAIBE was only −10 °C, which exhibited excellent low temperature fluidity.

In this study, Mg–Al–La composite oxide loaded with ionic liquid [Bmim]OH was used as a catalyst for the synthesis of fatty acid isobutyl ester (FAIBE) via transesterification between waste cooking oil and isobutanol.     

Electrochemical behaviour and analysis of Zn and Zn–Ni alloy anti-corrosive coatings deposited from citrate baths

Anticorrosive coatings are a useful approach for protecting steel structures/machinery against corrosion. Electrodepositions of zinc and zinc–nickel alloy films on steel substrates under various conditions from baths containing potassium citrate were studied. The effects of electroplating variables such as bath composition and current density on the coating composition, morphology, corrosion and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The electrochemical and mechanical behaviour of Zn–Ni deposits obtained at 60 mA cm⁻² from the citrate bath exhibited a lower corrosion current (I_corr) and a less negative corrosion potential (E_corr) compared to pure Zn and Zn–Ni alloy coatings from the non-citrate bath. The crystallite size of the Zn–Ni coating deposited from the citrate bath was 35.40 nm, and the Ni content of the coating was 8.3 wt%. The morphological properties and crystalline phase structure of the alloy coating were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The topographical structure of the coatings was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The dominant γ-NiZn₃ (815) and γ-Ni₂Zn₁₁ (330) (631) plane orientations in the zinc–nickel alloy films improved the corrosion resistance. Zn–Ni films with smaller grain size and uniform coating had an increased impedance modulus and improved corrosion resistance.

Anticorrosive coatings are a useful approach for protecting steel structures/machinery against corrosion.     

Modulation of spatiotemporal dynamics in the bromate–sulfite–ferrocyanide reaction system by visible light

We have carried out the first systematic study of the effects of visible light on the homogenous dynamics in the bromate–sulfite–ferrocyanide (BSF) reaction. Under flow conditions, the reaction system displayed photoinduction and photoinhibition behavior, and the oscillatory period decreased with the increase of light intensity, which is due to the fact that light irradiation mainly enhanced the negative process and affected the positive feedback. The light effect on positive and negative feedback is studied by analyzing the period length of pH increasing and decreasing in detail. With the increase of light intensity, the period length of pH increasing decreases monotonically, while the period length of pH decreasing changes nonmonotonically. These results suggest that light could be used as a powerful tool to control homogenous dynamics. Results obtained from numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental data.

The BSF reaction system displayed photoinduction and photoinhibition behavior under flow conditions. The oscillatory period decreased as the light irradiation mainly enhanced the negative process and affected the positive feedback.