Two-dimensional Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F nanosheets were synthesized with an ionic liquid (IL) containing PF 6 ([Bmim]PF 6 ) via a hydrothermal method. In comparison, only anatase titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles were obtained when changing the type of anion ([Bmim]Br or [Bmim]BF 4 ) under the same conditions, suggesting that the anion type could greatly affect the crystalline phase, particle size, specific surface, and morphology of the final products; two-dimensional nanosheets were obtained in [Bmim]PF 6 , whereas nanocrystals with a relatively large surface were formed in the latter two ILs, as revealed by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen gas sorption, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. 1 H and 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance examinations of the fresh and recycled ILs suggest that the IL with the PF 6 anion experienced complete hydrolysis, which could be the key factor for the formation of such unique Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F nanosheets. The electrochemical performances of such Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F nanosheets were evaluated as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in comparison to TiO 2 nanomaterials. The rate capability and cycling performance of the Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F electrode outperformed the other two electrodes studied, as illustrated by cyclic voltammetry curves, charge/discharge behavior, and long cycling test, which is mainly due its unique layered structure and low surface area, which resulted in low volume change. The Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F electrode derived from [Bmim]PF 6 displays a steady reversible capacity of 170 mAh/g and high cycling stability with over 70% capacity retention after 100 cycles. The synthesis of the controllable crystalline phase and morphology of Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F nanomaterials with such ILs paves a useful route to prepare such alternative anode materials for LIBs.
In this work, TiN‐based cermets with excellent performance and uniform microstructure were successfully manufactured by conventional vacuum sintering with 0‐5 wt% carbon addition at 1500°C. Influence of carbon addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cermets was investigated by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X‐Ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and mechanical tests. The results showed that small amount of carbon helped to improve significantly the wettability between TiN and Ni/Co, leading to well‐distributed structure and perfect core‐rim phases. As the carbon content increased from 0 to 5 wt%, mechanical properties of cermets increased initially, displayed a maximum and then decreased. For the experimental conditions considered, the cermets with 3 wt% carbon addition revealed best mechanical properties. The relative density, the transverse rupture strength, fracture toughness, and Rockwell hardness of the cermets were 99.78%, 1836 MPa, 14.7 MPa m1/2, and 88, respectively.
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