LiNdx Mn2 − x O4 samples are synthesized via co-precipitation technique. The activation energies computed from thermogravimetric analyses on the basis of Ozawa method have been observed to linearly increase with increase in dopant concentration. X-ray diffraction analyses indicate the cubic–spinel structure for all the samples. The lattice parameter has been observed to decrease with increasing concentration of Nd3 + doping. The octahedral site preference of neodymium dopant in the LiMn2O4 structure has been elucidated using XRD and FT–IR studies. The porosity and surface roughness obtained from SEM analysis have been observed to decrease with increase in Nd3 + dopant concentration in LiMn2O4 lattice. The electrochemical performances of the electrodes were analysed through cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance techniques. The specific capacity has been observed to decrease initially with increase in Nd3 + dopant concentration, whereas the capacity retention has increased with increase in dopant concentration. The observed percentage capacity retention after 50 cycles of the electrodes LiNd0·05Mn1·95O4, LiNd0·10Mn1·90O4 and LiNd0·15Mn1·85O4 were 88·4%, 97·1% and 96·8%, respectively. The Li ion diffusion coefficient ascertained using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was found to be higher for LiNd0·10Mn1·90O4 around 3·74 × 10 − 12 cm2 s − 1.
Plant parasitic nematodes are the most destructive group of plant pathogens worldwide and their control is extremely challenging. Plant Essential oils (EOs) and their constituents have a great potential in nematode control since they can be developed for use as nematicides themselves or can ... more
For over a century, ulcer has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Its treatment has progressed from vagotomy to proton pump inhibitors. However, the drugs used produce many adverse effects and are less effective than they ought to be. Therefore, there is a growing interest in alt ... more
Endophytic fungi are ubiquitous organisms found in the plants, residing intercellular or intracellular, at least for a portion of their lives without causing apparent symptoms of infection. Almost all plants are known to harbor endophytes. The choice of the plant to be used for exploring en ... more
Physicists describe how they have synthesized a new material that belongs to the iron-selenide class of superconductors, called LixFe2Se2(NH3)y, in a paper about to be published in EPJ B. The work was carried out by Ernst-Wilhelm Scheidt from the University of Augsburg and colleagues. This ... more
The U.S. federal government is significantly underestimating the costs of carbon pollution because it is using a faulty analytical model, according to a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. A more appropriate accounting of costs would pave the way to cle ... more
Springer advisory board member Vladimir V. Dmitriev, along with fellow scientists Yuriy M. Bunkov and Igor A. Fomin, have been named winners of the 2008 Fritz London Memorial Prize for their discovery and understanding of the "Phase Coherent Spin Precession and Spin Superfluidity of 3He-B." ... more