displaying 1000 best results Help
Search results for: zinc oxide coating
-
Iron doped manganese cobaltite spinel coatings produced by electrophoretic co-deposition on interconnects for solid oxide cells: Microstructural and electrical characterization
PublicationWe report a systematic microstructural and electrical characterization of iron doped Mn–Co spinel coatings processed by electrophoretic co-deposition of Mn1.5Co1.5O4 and Fe2O3 powders on Crofer 22 APU and AISI 441 steel substrates. Iron addition to Mn–Co spinel coating leads to a reduction of the area specific resistance on both substrates, after 3200 h at 750 °C. The Fe doped Mn–Co coating both leads to a thinner oxide scale and...
-
Underwater Electrochemical Offshore Tests of a Paint Coating Applied in Water on the Legs of an Oil Production Platform
PublicationThis paper presents the methodology developed for underwater measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique, aimed at determining the resistance of an epoxy coating applied in seawater to the legs of an oil production platform. Performing such underwater tests in an offshore environment was technically challenging. The results of measurements obtained on the platform were confronted with comparative results...
-
Multilayer coatings based on cerium oxide and manganese cobaltite spinel for Crofer22APU SOC interconnects
PublicationThe current state of the art steel interconnect coating materials are based on critical raw material - Co-oxide spinels. Replacing Co-oxide spinels with alternative, abundant materials can reduce the dependence on the critical raw materials. Cobalt-free coatings with the general formula Mn2-xCuFexO4, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, were electrophoretically deposited on a ferritic stainless-steel support and evaluated. Prior to deposition,...
-
Nanotubular oxide layers and hydroxyapatite coatings on ‘Ti–13Zr–13Nb’ alloy
PublicationThe presented research was aimed to determine the mechanical properties of the nanotubular oxide layer covered with hydroxyapatite coating. The Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy was oxidised in 1M phosphoric acid with an addition of 0?5% HF for HF solution at 20 V voltage. The electrochemically assisted deposition of hydroxyapatite was performed at cyclic polarisation in NH4H2PO4 and CaCl2 solution at 80uC. The mechanical properties were determined...
-
Fe-modified Mn2CuO4 spinel oxides: coatings based on abundant elements for solid oxide cell interconnects
PublicationThe current state of the art steel interconnect coating materials are based on critical raw material - Co-oxide spinels. Replacing Co-oxide spinels with alternative, abundant materials can reduce the dependence on the critical raw materials. Cobalt-free coatings with the general formula Mn2-xCuFexO4, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, were electrophoretically deposited on a ferritic stainless-steel support and evaluated. Prior to deposition,...
-
Degradation mechanisms and protective coatings for ferritic stainless-steel interconnects of solid oxide fuel cells: A review
PublicationFerritic stainless steels (FSSs) are promising interconnect materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, FSSs undergo fast thermal-oxidation during SOFC operation, generating poorly-conductive oxide scales and volatile chromium-oxides detrimental to cathodes. Developing protective coatings is crucial for inhibiting degradation of FSS-interconnects. This article starts with a brief discussion of the oxidation behavior...
-
Fabrication of anti-corrosion nitrogen doped graphene oxide coatings by electrophoretic deposition
PublicationThis work assesses anti-corrosion properties of graphene and N-doped graphene coatings deposited on copper by an electrophoretic method. Graphene oxide (GO) precursor was synthesized by an improved Hummers' method, whereas N-doping was performed hydrothermally in the presence of ammonia. After nitrogenation, doped graphene oxide samples (NGO) contained a reduced amount of oxygen and about 9% w/w nitrogen as pyridinic, pyrrole,...
-
Low temperature processed MnCo2O4 and MnCo1.8Fe0.2O4 as effective protective coatings for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects at 750 °C
PublicationIn this study two materials, MnCo2O4 and MnCo1.8Fe0.2O4 are studied as potential protective coatings for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell interconnects working at 750 °C. First powder fabrication by a modified Pechini method is described followed by a description of the coating procedure. The protective action of the coating applied on Crofer 22 APU is evaluated by following the area specific resistance (ASR) of the scale/coating for 5500...
-
Problemy z powłokami antykorozyjnymi na elementach wyposażenia obiektów mostowych
PublicationOpisano problem wadliwości zabezpieczenia antykorozyjnego w zakresie malarskich powłok ochronno-dekoracyjnych wykonywanych na stalowych elementach barier zabezpieczonych uprzednio poprzez ocynkowanie metodą zanurzeniową na gorąco. Wykorzystując przykłady pochodzące z różnych obiektów przedstawiono powtarzający się problem delaminacji powłok malarskich, niezależny od rodzaju zastosowanych wyrobów lakierniczych oraz znacznego rozwoju...
-
Problemy z powłokami antykorozyjnymi na elementach wyposażenia obiektów mostowych
PublicationPrzedstawiono problem wadliwości zabezpieczenia antykorozyjnego w zakresie malarskich powłok ochronno - dekoracyjnych wykonywanych na stalowych elementach barier zabezpieczonych uprzednio poprzez ocynkowanie metodą zanurzeniową. Wykorzystując przykłady pochodzące z różnych obiektów przedstawiono powtarzający się problem delaminacji powłok malarskich, niezależny od rodzaju zastosowanych wyrobów lakierniczych oraz znacznego rozwoju...
-
Annealing of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated optical fibers for optical and electrochemical sensing purposes
PublicationGlass and fiber structures with Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coating were subjected to annealing in order to identify impact of the thermal treatment on their optical and electrochemical properties. It is shown that the annealing process significantly modifies optical properties and thickness of the films, which are crucial for performance of optical fiber sensors. Moreover, it visibly improves electrochemical activity of ITO on glass...
-
Nanotubular oxide layers and hydroxyapatite coatings on porous titanium alloy Ti13Nb13Zr
PublicationThe surface condition of an implant has a significant impact on response occurring at the implant-biosystem border. The knowledge of physical-chemical and biological processes allows for targeted modification of biomaterials to induce a specified response of a tissue. The present research was aimed at development of technology composing of obtaining the nanotube oxide layers on a porous titanium alloy Ti13Nb13Zr, followed by the...
-
On the Possibility of Improving the Oxidation Resistance of High-Chromium Ferritic Stainless Steel Using Reactive Element Oxide Nanoparticles
PublicationHigh-chromium ferritic steels are current the only viable candidates for cheap interconnect materials for application in high-temperature solid oxide fuel and electrolyzer cells (HT-SOFCs/SOECs). The durability and operating characteristics of interconnects manufactured using these materials may be improved significantly by applying a protective-conducting MoCo2O4 coating and depositing an intermediate layer consisting of nanoparticles...
-
Electrophoretic co-deposition of Fe2O3 and Mn1,5Co1,5O4: Processing and oxidation performance of Fe-doped Mn-Co coatings for solid oxide cell interconnects
PublicationThe “in-situ” Fe-doping of the manganese cobalt spinel was achieved by electrophoretic co-deposition of Mn1,5Co1,5O4 and Fe2O3 powders followed by a two-step reactive sintering treatment. The effects on the coating properties of two different Fe-doping levels (5 and 10 wt.% respectively) and two different temperatures of the reducing treatment (900 and 1000 °C) are discussed. Samples with Fe-doped coatings demonstrated a lower...
-
Mechanical, thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy/glass composites with submicron particles
PublicationIn this research the influence of submicron zinc oxide and silicon dioxide particles on mechanical, thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with glass fibres was investigated. Composites were fabricated using hand lay-up method. Materials contained 39-41 wt.% of glass fibres. The bending tests, dynamic mechanical analysis and tribological tests were performed on each group of composites and also for...
-
CuMn1.7Fe0.3O4 – RE2O3 (RE=Y, Gd) bilayers as protective interconnect coatings for Solid Oxide Cells
PublicationEfficient replacement of materials based on critical elements such as cobalt is one of the greatest challenges facing the field of solid oxide cells. New generation materials, free of cobalt show potential to replace conventional materials. However, these materials are characterized by poor ability to block chromium diffusion. This article described the study of CuMn1.7Fe0.3O4 (CMFO) spinel combined with single metal oxide (Y2O3...
-
Physicochemical properties of Mn1.45Co1.45Cu0.1O4 spinel coating deposited on the Crofer 22 H ferritic steel and exposed to high-temperature oxidation under thermal cycling conditions
PublicationThe Crofer 22 H ferritic steel substrate was coated with an Mn1.45Co1.45Cu0.1O4 spinel by means of electrophoresis. After high-temperature oxidation under thermal cycling conditions, the physicochemical properties of the obtained system were evaluated. During 48-h cycles that involved heating the samples up to temperatures of either 750 or 800 °C, the oxidation kinetics of both coated and unmodified steel approximately obeyed...
-
High temperature oxidation behavior of SUS430 SOFC interconnects with Mn-Co spinel coating in air
PublicationIn this study, SUS430 alloy is evaluated for its high temperature corrosion properties as a possible material for interconnects of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Samples are coated with Mn-Co by commercial physical vapor deposition (PVD) process and oxidized in air for 1250 h at 800 °C. A dense cubic Mn-Co-Fe spinel layer is formed on the surface, showing great effect on corrosion reduction compared with the samples without coating....
-
Materiały dla jednowarstwowych ogniw paliwowych
PublicationA composite material, which may be further applied as a single layer fuel cell, was synthesizes using solid state synthesis method. Composite consisted of two components. The first was a nanoeramic proton conductor - calcium doped lanthanum niobate. The second one was a nanoceramic semiconductor oxide composed of lithium, nickel and zinc oxides respectively.
-
Properties of chitosan/CuNPs coatings electrophoretically deposited on TiO2 nanotubular oxide layer of Ti13Zr13Nb alloy
PublicationCoatings based on chitosan/CuNPs (chit/CuNPs) were obtained by a one-step electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on nanotubular oxide layer of Ti13Zr13Nb alloy. The deposition was carried out for 1 min applying voltages of 10 and 20 V with and without the addition of dispersing agent (Polysorbate 20) to the suspension. The coatings obtained for the lower voltage were more uniform than for the higher voltage. By adding a dispersing agent,...
-
The mechanisms of degradation of titanium dental implants
PublicationTitanium dental implants show very good properties, unfortunately there are still issues regarding material wear due to corrosion, implant loosening, as well as biological factors—allergic reactions and inflammation leading to rejection of the implanted material. In order to avoid performing reimplantation operations, changes in the chemical composition and/or modifications of the surface layer of the materials are used. This research...
-
Ni/cerium Molybdenum Oxide Hydrate Microflakes Composite Coatings Electrodeposited from Choline Chloride: Ethylene Glycol Deep Eutectic Solvent
PublicationCerium molybdenum oxide hydrate microflakes are codeposited with nickel from a deep eutectic solvent-based bath. During seven days of exposure in 0.05 M NaCl solution, the corrosion resistance of composite coating (Ni/CeMoOxide) is slightly reduced, due to the existence of some microcracks caused by large microflakes. Multielemental analysis of the solution, in which coatings are exposed and the qualitative changes in the surface...
-
THE ROLE OF THIN FUNCTIONAL LAYERS IN SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
PublicationWidespread commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells requires lowering its cost. It is generally accepted that to lower the cost of solid oxide fuel cells it is necessary to use metal alloys as interconnectors and, consequently, lower its operating temperature to slow down interconnectors degradation. As a result the area specific resistance of the cathodes should be lowered to sustain the performance of the cells. In order to...
-
Influence of Two-Stage Anodization on Properties of the Oxide Coatings on the Ti–13Nb–13Zr Alloy
PublicationThe increasing demand for titanium and its alloys used for implants results in need of such innovative surface treatment that may jointly increase corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and demonstrate antibacterial protection at no cytotoxicity. The purpose of this research was to characterize the effect of two-stage anodization, performed for 30 min in phosphoric acid, at the presence of hydrofluoric acid in the second stage....
-
Antibacterial properties of laser-encapsulated titanium oxide nanotubes decorated with nanosilver and covered with chitosan/Eudragit polymers
PublicationTo provide antibacterial properties, the titanium samples were subjected to electrochemical oxidation in the fluoride-containing diethylene glycol-based electrolyte to create a titanium oxide nanotubular surface. Afterward, the surface was covered by sputtering with silver 5 nm film, and the tops of the nanotubes were capped using laser treatment, resulting in an appearance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of around 30 nm in diameter...
-
Hydroxyapatite coatings on porous ti and ti alloys
PublicationDeposition of hydroxyapatite coating on porous Ti and Ti alloys with electrochemical and biomimetic deposition approach is presented. The enhancement of phosphates deposition by well oriented and uniform titanium oxide nanotube array on the surface of titanium substrate is discussed.
-
Manganese–Cobalt Based Spinel Coatings Processed by Electrophoretic Deposition Method: The Influence of Sintering on Degradation Issues of Solid Oxide Cell Oxygen Electrodes at 750 °C
PublicationThis paper seeks to examine how the Mn–Co spinel interconnect coating microstructure can influence Cr contamination in an oxygen electrode of intermediate temperature solid oxide cells, at an operating temperature of 750 °C. A Mn–Co spinel coating is processed on Crofer 22 APU substrates by electrophoretic deposition, and subsequently sintered, following both the one-step and two-step sintering, in order to obtain significantly...
-
The Effect of Marginal Zn2+ Excess Released from Titanium Coating on Differentiation of Human Osteoblastic Cells
PublicationComposite coatings based on chitosan and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were successfully produced on Ti13Zr13Nb substrates by cathodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The unfavorable phenomenon of water electrolysis-induced nonuniformity was reduced by applying a low voltage (20 V) and a short deposition time (1 min). Surface analysis (roughness and hydrophilicity) reveals the potential of these coatings for enhancing cell attachment...
-
Influence of Gd deposition on the oxidation behavior and electrical properties of a layered system consisting of Crofer 22 APU and MnCo2O4 spinel
PublicationIn the study, the surface of the Crofer 22APU ferritic steel was modified with gadolinium oxide nanoparticles and a protective-conducting layer consisting of the MnCo2O4 spinel. This system was studied in the context of application in IT-SOFC interconnects. Four types of samples were studied: unmodified steel, steel coated with a manganese-cobalt spinel layer, steel modified with gadolinium oxide nanoparticles, and a system consisting...
-
Acetate-Induced Disassembly of Spherical Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Clusters into Monodispersed Core−Shell Structures upon Nanoemulsion Fusion
PublicationIt has been long known that the physical encapsulation of oleic acid-capped iron oxide nanoparticles (OA−IONPs) with the etyltrimethylammonium (CTA+) surfactant induces the formation of spherical iron oxide nanoparticle clusters (IONPCs). However, the behavior and functional properties of IONPCs in chemical reactions have been largely neglected and are still not well-understood. Herein, we report an unconventional ligand-exchange...
-
Sol-gel Al2O3 antireflection coatings for silicon solar cells
PublicationPurpose: This paper presents the results of investigations on morphology and opticalproperties of the prepared aluminium oxide thin filmsDesign/methodology/approach: Thin films were prepared with use of sol-gel spincoating method. The changes of surface morphology were observed in topographic picturesperformed with the atomic force microscope AFM. Obtained roughness coefficients valueswere generated...
-
Submicron inorganic particles as an additional filler in hybrid epoxy matrix composites reinforced with glass fibres
PublicationIn this study, the effect of selected submicron metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium oxide) or non-metal oxide (silicon dioxide) particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy/glass composites was investigated. The applied epoxy resin was a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A cured with triethylenetetramine. As a reinforcement twill weave E-glass fabric was used. Hybrid composites (contained particulate and fibrous...
-
Mn-Co spinel coatings on Crofer 22 APU by electrophoretic deposition: Up scaling, performance in SOFC stack at 850 °C and compositional modifications
PublicationCeramic coatings for metallic interconnects play a key role in limiting corrosion and chromium evaporation in solid oxide cells. This study presents the upscaling of the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique to process Mn-Co spinels on real-dimension Crofer 22 APU interconnects and the test in a SOFC stack. Area specific resistance of long-term test conducted for 5000 h at 850 °C demonstrated that two-steps sintering has a...
-
Development of biocompatible iron oxide-silicon oxide core-shell nanoparticles as subcellular delivery platform for glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase inhibitors
PublicationIn order to develop the preparation of iron oxide-silica coreshell nanoparticles (CSNPs), thesis deeply explores the cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA+) directed silica coating methods of the oleic-acid capped iron oxide nanoparticles (OA-IONPs) initialized under near-neutral pH conditions. It is demonstrated that the initial alkaline hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in the presence of CTA+ and OA-IONPs induces an unusual ligand exchange...
-
Methods of ZnO nanoparticles synthesis
PublicationZinc oxide nanostructures are interesting nanomaterials with a wide range of applications. Since the physical and chemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles are influenced both by their shape and size, a control of morphology of ZnO structures is needed for their commercial usage. Different chemical, physical, and biological methods used to produce ZnO nanostructures can be found in the literature. The production of ZnO nanoparticles...
-
Piotr Jasiński prof. dr hab. inż.
PeoplePiotr Jasinski obtained MSc in electronics in 1992 from the Gdansk University of Technology (GUT), Poland. Working at GUT, he received PhD in 2000 and DSc in 2009. Between 2001 and 2004 Post Doctoral Fellow at Missouri University of Science and Technology, while between 2008 and 2010 an Assistant Research Professor. Currently is an Associate Professor at Gdansk University of Technology working in the field of electronics, biomedical...
-
Synthesis of highly crystalline photocatalysts based on TiO2 and ZnO for the degradation of organic impurities under visible-light irradiation
PublicationA TiO2–ZnO binary oxide system (with molar ratio TiO2:ZnO = 8:2) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method, assisted by calcination at temperatures of 500, 600 and 700 °C, using zinc citrate as the precursor of ZnO. The morphology (SEM, TEM), crystalline structure (XRD, Raman spectroscopy), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), chemical surface composition (EDXRF), porous structure parameters (low-temperature N2 sorption) and characteristic...
-
Fiber optic microsphere with a ZnO thin film for potential application in a refractive index sensor – theoretical study
PublicationOptical fiber sensors of refractive index play an important role in analysis of biological and chemical samples. This work presents a theoretical investigation of spectral response of a fiber optic microsphere with a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film deposited on the surface and evaluates the prospect of using such a structure for refractive index sensing. A microsphere is fabricated by an optical fiber tapering method on the base of...
-
Experimental review of the performances of protective coatings for interconnects in solid oxide fuel cells
PublicationFerritic stainless steel interconnects are used in solid oxide fuel cells; however, coatings are required to improve their performance. Although several types of coatings have been proposed, they have been scarcely investigated under similar conditions. This study compares the characteristics of uncoated Crofer 22 APU and eight different coatings on Crofer 22 APU for up to 3000 h at 800 ◦C. The coatings were deposited at various...
-
Zabezpieczenia antykorozyjne stalowych barierek ochronnych na obiektach mostowych w ujęciu kosztów cyklu ich życia
PublicationThe article presents the Life Cycle Costs analysis of steel safety barriers operated in road lane conditions, located on a selected bridge structure. Three corrosion protection systems were proposed, analyzing them in terms of the cost of initial and planned outlays related to maintenance. Based on the LCC analysis for three options, taking into account the 25-year lifetime of the barriers, the optimal solutionwas indicated, i.e....
-
Effects of Micro-Arc Oxidation Process Parameters on Characteristics of Calcium-Phosphate Containing Oxide Layers on the Selective Laser Melted Ti13Zr13Nb Alloy
PublicationTitania-based films on selective laser melted Ti13Zr13Nb have been formed by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) at different process parameters (voltage, current, processing time) in order to evaluate the impact of MAO process parameters in calcium and phosphate (Ca + P) containing electrolyte on surface characteristic, early-stage bioactivity, nanomechanical properties, and adhesion between the oxide coatings and substrate. The surface...
-
Effects of Surface Pretreatment of Titanium Substrates on Properties of Electrophoretically Deposited Biopolymer Chitosan/Eudragit E 100 Coatings
PublicationThe preparation of the metal surface before coating application is fundamental in determining the properties of the coatings, particularly the roughness, adhesion, and corrosion resistance. In this work, chitosan/Eudragit E 100 (chit/EE100) were fabricated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and both their microstructure and properties were investigated. The present research is aimed at characterizing the effects of the surface...
-
Investigation of thin perovskite layers between cathode and doped ceria used as buffer layer in solid oxide fuel cells
PublicationIn this paper, thin perovskite layers between cathode material of solid oxide fuel cells and gadolinia-doped ceria buffer layer are investigated. Thin layers made of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3-δ (LNF), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF), or SrTi0.65Fe0.35O3-δ (STF) were symmetrically deposited by spin coating method from metallo-organic polymer precursors on a Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ (CGO) substrate. Porous and about 40-μm-thick LNF cathodes were deposited...
-
Insightful Analysis of Phenomena Arising at the Metal|Polymer Interphase of Au-Ti Based Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensitive Electrodes Covered by Nafion
PublicationThis paper focuses on the examination of glucose oxidation processes at an electrode material composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in a titanium template. Three dierent conditions were investigated: the chloride content in the electrolyte, its ionic conductivity and the presence of a Nafion coating. The impact of the provided environment on the oxidation reaction was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance...
-
Warstwy funkcjonalne tlenkowych ogniw paliwowych
PublicationIn this paper, results describing current research on solid oxide fuel cells conducted at Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics are presented. The results are related to three kinds of functional layers: a thin cathode layer between the porous cathode layer and the electrolyte to improve the cathode performance, a buffer layer between the electrolyte and the cathode to slow...
-
Luminescence properties of TeOx thin films annealing under an oxidizing atmosphere
Open Research DataThe DataSet contains the emission and excitation spectra of TeOx thin films. The material was obtained by the sol-gel method. The starting solution was prepared by mixing telluric acid (precursor) with thetraetylene glycol, water, and ethanol. The sol was obtained by vigorously stirring precursor solution at 50°C for 2h, then the temperature was raised...
-
Spectral reflectance modeling of ZnO layers made with Atomic Layer Deposition for application in optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors
PublicationSuitability of zinc oxide (ZnO) layers grown using Atomic Layer Deposition for operation in optical-fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot sensors is investigated using a numerical model. Reflectance spectra obtained using the developed model indicate that the application of these layers in optical-fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot sensors is difficult as it may require a source whose spectrum width is about 300 nm. A series of ZnO layers grown...
-
Luminescence properties of TeOx-Eu thin films
Open Research DataThe DataSet contains the emission and excitation spectra of TeOx-Eu thin films. The material was obtained by the sol-gel method. The starting solution was prepared by mixing telluric acid (precursor) with thetraetylene glycol, water, and ethanol. Next, the 5% mol of europium ions were added, the nitrates were used as a source of rare-earth ions. The...
-
Luminescence properties of TeOx-Tb thin films
Open Research DataThe DataSet contains the emission and excitation spectra of TeOx-Tb thin films. The material was obtained by the sol-gel method. The starting solution was prepared by mixing telluric acid (precursor) with thetraetylene glycol, water, and ethanol. Next, the 5% mol of terbium ions were added, the nitrates were used as a source of rare-earth ions. The...
-
Luminescence properties of TeOx-Dy thin films
Open Research DataThe DataSet contains the emission and excitation spectra of TeOx-Dy thin films. The material was obtained by the sol-gel method. The starting solution was prepared by mixing telluric acid (precursor) with thetraetylene glycol, water, and ethanol. Next, the 5% mol of dysprosium ions were added, the nitrates were used as a source of rare-earth ions....