Microstructures and Electrochemical Properties of Rapidly-solidified Si-Mn-Cr alloys

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In this work, the microstructure and electrochemical properties of Si-Mn-Cr alloy specimens prepared by a rapid solidification process and a conventionally-solidified process have been investigated. Si70Mn15Cr15 alloy ribbons by atomic ratio were prepared by two different processes; arc-melting and arc-melting followed by melt spinning process. Microstructural evaluation and phase analysis were conducted by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Results showed that the microstructures of melt-spun Si70Mn15Cr15 ribbons mainly consisted of Cr4MnSi10 phase combined with a fine eutectic that is composed of silicon and Mn4Si7 phases. Cr4MnSi10 phase presented a spherical shape of ~500nm in diameter while silicon showed lamellar shape of 30~50nm thick. The arc-melted Si70Mn15Cr15 ingot specimen showed relatively coarse microstructures, where Cr4MnSi10 phase was shown to be as a continuous matrix. Silicon with thicknesses of 1~5 m formed partially a eutectic with Mn4Si7 phase. The cycle performance of melt-spun Si70Mn15Cr15 ribbons was slightly improved compared to that of arc-melted Si70Mn15Cr15 ingot due to the fine microstructural scale. In this composition, the relative volume fraction of silicon was much smaller than that of Si-30Mn alloy. Cr4MnSi10 phase appears to involve in the intercalation reaction of lithium.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 714 - 717
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Energy Storage
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3