Transition metal cations on the move: simultaneous operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations during Li uptake and release of a NiFeO/CNT composite.

We report on results of a comprehensive investigation on reaction mechanisms occurring during Li uptake and release of the composite NiFe2O4/CNT. Operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data collected simultaneously using one in situ cell allowed thorough elucidation of structural and electronic alterations happening during Li uptake. From the beginning of Li uptake, the Bragg intensity of the spinel reflections decreases which can be explained by reduction of Fe3+ ions and simultaneous movement of the Fe2+ cations from tetrahedral 8a to empty octahedral 16c sites.

The Role of Reduced Graphite Oxide in Transition Metal Oxide Nanocomposites Used as Li Anode Material: An Operando Study on CoFe O /rGO.

A composite consisting of CoFe O spinel nanoparticles and reduced graphite oxide (rGO) is studied as an anode material during Li uptake and release by applying synchrotron operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), yielding a comprehensive picture of the reaction mechanisms. In the early stages of Li uptake, a monoxide is formed as an intermediate phase containing Fe and Co ions; this observation is in contrast to reaction pathways proposed in the literature. In the fully discharged state, metallic Co and Fe nanoparticles are embedded in an amorphous Li O matrix.

[Sb10Se10]2+, a heteronuclear polycyclic polycation from a room-temperature ionic liquid.

Reaction of antimony, selenium, and selenium(IV) chloride in the Lewis acidic ionic liquid [BMIM]Cl/AlCl(3) (BMIM: 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) at room temperature yielded air-sensitive black block-shaped crystals of [Sb(10)Se(10)][AlCl(4)](2). The triclinic unit cell (space group P1, a=947.85(2), b=957.