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Porous Co 3 O 4 films derived from Co-based metal-organic framework (MOF) are anchored by Ti nanowire arrays to form self-supported electrodes, which realize remarkable rate capability as Li ion battery (LIB) anodes owing to the homogeneous distribution of active grains, conductive scaffold and mass transport channels in them. The MOF films comprising Co 3 (HCOO) 6 blocks are anchored on Ti nanowire arrays through a hydrothermal process, then the films are pyrolyzed to porous Co 3 O 4 /C films. Scanning electron microscope images reveal the blocks are clenched firmly on Ti substrates by Ti nanowires inserting into them. The LIB battery tests indicate that, thanks to the good adherence, Co 3 O 4 films present outstanding durability (maintaining 2000 cycles at 20 A g −1 without obvious decay). Furthermore, the carbon scaffold generated from the pyrolysis in inert gas is crucial to the rate capability of Co 3 O 4 self-supported anodes. The homogeneous distribution of carbon in Co 3 O 4 films leads to facilitated electron transport, which can help the films releasing their capacitive potential adequately. This enables the films possessing a capacity of 400 mAh g −1 at 20 A g −1 , much better than the films from pyrolysis in air (100 mAh g −1 at 20 A g −1 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effective sealant for planar solid oxide fuel cell is one technical hurdle for its application. In this article, Ag–CuO braze, which conducted directly at 950°C in air, has been investigated as a sealant candidate between the SS430 interconnect and the Ni/YSZ anode for the planar solid oxide fuel cells. The results for leakage rates indicate that the lowest leakage is as low as 0.001sccmcm−1. SEM images demonstrates that both the pure Ag and 6mol% CuO in the braze integrates the anode inherently. However pure Ag wets poorly on the SS430 interconnect surface but 6mol% CuO braze forms a reaction zone, upon which Ag wets well, so the hermeticity has been improved significantly. Even after experiencing 20 thermal cycles, the leakage rate is still as low as 0.002sccmcm−1. No significant effects of thermal cycles on the interfacial microstructure of the sealant were observed. These shows that Ag–CuO braze is a promising candidate for SOFC sealant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]