Professor Yan Yu's team at USTC utilized the CIQTEK Scanning Electron Microscope SEM3200 to study the post-cycling morphology. It developed amorphous carbon with controllable defects as a candidate material for an artificial interface layer balancing potassiophilicity and catalytic activity.   The research team prepared a series of carbon materials with different degrees of defects (designated as SC-X, where X represents the carbonization temperature) by regulating the carbonization temperature. The study found that SC-800 with excessive defects caused substantial electrolyte decomposition, resulting in an uneven SEI film and shortened cycle life. SC-2300, with the fewest defects, had insufficient affinity for potassium and easily induced potassium dendritic growth. SC-1600, which possessed a locally ordered carbon layer, exhibited an optimized defect structure, achieving the best balance between potassiophilicity and catalytic activity. It could regulate the electrolyte decomposition and form a dense and uniform SEI film.   The experimental results demonstrated that SC-1600@K exhibited long-term cycle stability for up to 2000 hours under a current density of 0.5 mA cm-2 and a capacity of 0.5 mAh cm-2. Even under higher current density (1 mA cm-2) and capacity (1 mAh cm-2), it maintained excellent electrochemical performance with stable cycles exceeding 1300 hours. In full-cell testing, when paired with a PTCDA positive electrode, it maintained 78% capacity retention after 1500 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g, demonstrating outstanding cycle stability.   This research, titled "Balancing Potassiophilicity and Catalytic Activity of Artificial Interface Layer for Dendrite-Free Sodium/Potassium Metal Batteries," was published in Advanced Materials. Figure 1: The microstructure analysis results of carbon samples (SC-800, SC-1600, and SC-2300) prepared at different carbonization temperatures are presented. Through techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), the crystal structure, defect level, and oxygen and nitrogen doping of these samples were analyzed. The results showed that as the carbonization temperature increased, the defects in the carbon materials gradually decreased, and the crystal structure became more orderly.   Figure 2: The current density distribution during potassium metal growth on different composite negative electrodes was analyzed using finite element simulation. The simulation results showed that the SC-1600@K composite electrode exhibited a uniform current distribution during potassium deposition, which helped suppress dendritic growth effectively. Additionally, the Young's modulus of the SEI layer was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the results showed that the SEI layer on the SC-1600@K electrode had a higher modulus, indicating its stronger firmness and...

CIQTEK participated in the prestigious Experimental NMR Conference (ENC) 2025 ENC-ISMAR Joint Conference, held from April 6 to 10 in Pacific Grove, California. The conference served as an excellent platform for CIQTEK to showcase its cutting-edge research and advancements in magnetic resonance and its wide-ranging applications.   The ENC saw the presence and strong support of CIQTEK's Vice President, Chief Engineer, and Overseas Division Head, among others. The Booth highlighted the company's pioneering work in leveraging NMR and EPR techniques to analyze and study various scientific fields. "We are honored to have had the opportunity to share our latest research and innovations at the ENC 2025 ENC-ISMAR Joint Conference," said Eric, Vice President of CIQTEK. "As an advanced measurement technology company with precision measurement as its core, CIQTEK has been committed to the research, development, and innovation of magnetic resonance technology. Our products are widely used in many scientific research fields such as materials science, life science, and chemical analysis. We look forward to working with all professionals to promote the advancement of NMR and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance technology and make continuous contributions to this field."  

CIQTEK is pleased to announce that its exclusive distributor in Mexico, Beyond Nano, recently organized a highly successful seminar at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). UNAM is widely regarded as one of the top universities in Latin America, making it an ideal setting for this event.   The seminar, which attracted nearly 40 participants, focused on the application and capabilities of the SEM3200 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM3200, known for its exceptional performance and versatility, garnered positive feedback from the attendees. Researchers, professors, and students from various scientific disciplines had the opportunity to explore the advanced features.   During the seminar, Beyond Nano showcased the SEM3200's advanced imaging capabilities, such as high-resolution imaging, elemental analysis, and surface characterization. The participants were particularly impressed with the SEM's ability to provide detailed insights into the microscopic world, enabling them to further their research and scientific endeavors.   CIQTEK and Beyond Nano remain committed to supporting the scientific community in Mexico by providing access to cutting-edge scientific equipment and technologies. The seminar at UNAM was just one of many initiatives the partnership undertook to foster knowledge-sharing and scientific advancement within the country.