Eutectic nano-droplet template injection into bulk silicon to construct porous frameworks with concomitant conformal coating as anodes for Li-ion batteries.

Building porosity in monolithic materials is highly desired to design 3D electrodes, however ex-situ introduction or in-situ generation of nano-scale sacrificial template is still a great challenge. Here Al-Si eutectic droplet templates are uniformly injected into bulk Si through Al-induced solid-solid convection to construct a highly porous Si framework. This process is concomitant with process-inherent conformal coating of ion-conductive oxide.

Metal-induced crystallization of highly corrugated silicon thick films as potential anodes for Li-ion batteries.

Silicon has turned into one of the most promising anodes for high energy rechargeable Li-ion batteries. However, a huge volume expansion during alloying with Li always induces serious pulverization/delamination for microsized electrodes as well as undesired accumulation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Many efforts have focused on various nanoengineering and binding strategies to construct integrated, robust ionic/electronic wiring networks but with a trade-off between active/inactive material ratio and performance retention.

Nitrogen Photofixation at Nanostructured Iron Titanate Films.

Mild reducing agents such as ethanol, sodium formate, and humic acids effect the photofixation of nitrogen to ammonia and nitrate at thin films of nanostructured iron titanates. The reaction occurs in the presence of air and light, but is inhibited by the presence of carbon monoxide.