Quintessence anisotropic stellar models in quadratic and Born-Infeld modified teleparallel Rastall gravity

This study aims to discuss anisotropic solutions that are spherically symmetric in the quintessence field,which describe compact stellar objects in the modified Rastall teleparallel theory of gravity.To achieve this goal,the Krori and Barua arrangement for spherically symmetric components of the line element is incorporated.We explore the field equations by selecting appropriate off-diagonal tetrad fields.Born-Infeld function of torsion f(T)=β√λT+1-1 and power law form h(T)=δTn are used.The Born-Infeld gravity was the first modified teleparallel gravity to discuss inflation.We use the linear equation of state pr=ξρto separate the quintessence density.After obtaining the field equations,we investigate different physical parameters that demonstrate the stability and physical acceptability of the stellar models.We use observational data,such as the mass and radius of the compact star candidates PSRJ 1416-2230,Cen X-3,&4U 1820-30,to ensure the physical plausibility of our findings.

Recent Progress,Challenges,and Prospects in Two‑Dimensional Photo‑Catalyst Materials and Environmental Remediation

The successful photo-catalyst library gives significant information on feature that affects photo-catalytic performance and proposes new materials.Competency is considerably significant to form multi-functional photo-catalysts with flexible characteristics.Since recently,two-dimensional materials(2DMs)gained much attention from researchers,due to their unique thickness-dependent uses,mainly for photo-catalytic,outstanding chemical and physical properties.Photo-catalytic water splitting and hydrogen(H2)evolution by plentiful compounds as electron(e−)donors is estimated to participate in constructing clean method for solar H2-formation.Heterogeneous photocatalysis received much research attention caused by their applications to tackle numerous energy and environmental issues.This broad review explains progress regarding 2DMs,significance in structure,and catalytic results.We will discuss in detail current progresses of approaches for adjusting 2DMs-based photo-catalysts to assess their photo-activity including doping,hetero-structure scheme,and functional formation assembly.Suggested plans,e.g.,doping and sensitization of semiconducting 2DMs,increasing electrical conductance,improving catalytic active sites,strengthening interface coupling in semiconductors(SCs)2DMs,forming nano-structures,building multi-junction nano-composites,increasing photo-stability of SCs,and using combined results of adapted approaches,are summed up.Hence,to further improve 2DMs photo-catalyst properties,hetero-structure design-based 2DMs’photo-catalyst basic mechanism is also reviewed.

Bandgap engineering to tune the optical properties of Be_xMg_(1-x)X(X=S, Se, Te) alloys

Structural, electronic, and optical properties of alloys BexMgl-xX （X = S, Se, Te） in the assortment 0 〈 x 〈 1 were theoretically reported for the first time in zinc-blende （ZB） phase. The calculations were carried out by using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbitals （FP-LAPW＋lo） formalism contained by the framework of density functional theory （DFT）. Wu--Cohen （WC） generalized gradient approximation （GGA）, based on optimization energy, has been applied to calculate these theoretical results. In addition, we used Becke and Johnson （mBJ-GGA） potential, modified form of GGA functional, to calculate electronic structural properties up to a high precision degree. The alloys were composed with the concentrations x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 in pursuance of ＇special quasi-random structures＇ （SQS） approach of Zunger for the restoration of disorder around the observed site of alloys in the first few shells. The structural parameters have been predicted by minimizing the total energy in correspondence of unit cell volume. Our alloys established direct band gap at different concentrations that make their importance in optically active materials. Furthermore, density of states was discussed in terms of the contribution of Be and Mg s and chalcogen （S, Se, and Te） s and p states and observed charge density helped us to investigate the bonding nature. By taking into consideration of immense importance in optoelectronics of these materials, the complex dielectric function was calculated for incident photon energy in the range 0--15 eV.

Investigations of mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties of non-magnetic MgTe and ferro-magnetic Mg_(0.75)T M_(0.25)Te (TM = Fe, Co, Ni): An ab-initio calculation

The mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of non-magnetic MgTe and ferro-magnetic （FM） Mgo.75 TM025 Te （TM = Fe, Co, Ni） in the zinc-blende phase are studied by ab-initio calculations for the first time. We use the generalized gradient approximation functional for computing the structural stability, and mechanical properties, while the modified Becke and Johnson local （spin） density approximation （mBJLDA） is utilized for determining the electronic and magnetic properties. By comparing the energies of non-magnetic and FM calculations, we find that the compounds are stable in the FM phase, which is confirmed by their structural stabilities in terms of enthalpy of formation. Detailed descriptions of elastic properties of Mgo.75TMo.25Te alloys in the FM phase are also presented. For electronic properties, the spin- polarized electronic band structures and density of states are computed, showing that these compounds are direct bandgap materials with strong hybridizations of TM 3d states and Te p states. Further, the ferromagnetism is discussed in terms of the Zener free electron model, RKKY model and double exchange model. The charge density contours in the （110） plane are calculated to study bonding properties. The spin exchange splitting and crystal field splitting energies are also calculated. The distribution of electron spin density is employed in computing the magnetic moments appearing at the magnetic sites （Fe, Co, Ni）, as well as at the non-magnetic sites （Mg, Te）. It is found that the p-d hybridization causes not only magnetic moments on the magnetic sites but also induces negligibly small magnetic moments at the non-magnetic sites.

Advancement in Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Composites for Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries

With an ever increasing energy demand and environmental issues, many state-of-the-art nanostructured electrode materials have been developed for energy storage devices and they include batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Among these electrode materials, L-TMD （layered transition metal dichalcogenide） nanosheets （especially, S （sulfur） and Se （selenium） based dichaleogenides） have received a lot of attention due to their intriguing layered structure for enhanced electrochemical properties. L-TMD composites have recently been investigated not only as a main charge storage specie but also, as a substrate to hold the active specie. This review highlights the recent advancements in L-TMD composites with 0D （0-dimensional）, 1 D, 2D, 3D and various forms of carbon structures and their potential applications in LIB （lithium ion battery） and SIB （sodium ion battery）.

Recent research progress on quasi-solid-state electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells （DSSCs） are the most promising, low cost and most extensively investigated solar cells. They are famous for their clean and efficient solar energy conversion. Nevertheless this, long-time sta- bility is still to be acquired. In recent years research on solid and quasi-solid state electrolytes is extensively in- creased. Various quasi-solid electrolytes, including composites polymer electrolytes, ionic liquid electrolytes, thermoplastic polymer electrolytes and thermosetting polymer electrolytes have been used. Performance and stability of a quasi-solid state electrolyte are between liquid and solid electrolytes. High photovoltaic performances of QS-DSSCs along better long-term stability can be obtained by designing and optimizing quasi-solid electrolytes. It is a prospective candidate for highly efficient and stable DSSCs.

Theoretical investigation of optical properties and band gap engineering for Zn1-xTMxTe(TM=Fe,Co)alloys by modified Becke-Johnson potential

The direct band gap ZnTe with transition metal （TM） impurities plays a vital role in optoelectronic and spintronic applications. In the present study, we use the advanced modified Becke-Johnson （mBJ） functional for performing the structural computations and detailed investigations of the optical characters in Zn1_xTMxTe （TM = Fe, Co） alloys with 0 ≤ x ≤1. By employing the FP-LAPW method, we determine various optical parameters for the ternary alloys and for the end binaries. The calculated static dielectric constants and optical band gaps for Zn1_xTMxTe （TM = Fe, Co） have an inverse relation that verifies the Penn model. We find that the static dielectric constant is nearly equal to the square of the static refractive index, and both increase with TM content. Furthermore, we also find a slight shift of peaks to a higher energy region with increasing TM concentration. The decreasing band gap and high value of the absorption in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum make these alloys suitable for photonic and solar cell applications.

Electronic and thermoelectric properties of alkali metal-based perovskites CsYbF3 and RbYbF3

The electronic and thermoelectric properties of alkali metal-based fluorides CsYbF3 and RbYbF3 are studied by using Wien2k and BoltzTraP codes.The structural and thermodynamic stability of these materials are confirmed by tolerance factor(0.94 and 0.99 for RbYbF3 and CsYbF3)and negative formation energy.The optimized lattice constants and bulk moduli are consistent with the results reported in the literature.The reported band gap for RbYbF3 is 0.86 eV which decreases to 0.83 eV by the replacement of Cs with Rb.The electrical and thermal conductivities along with Seebeck coefficients decrease with temperature rising from 0 K to 800 K.The large values of thermoelectric parameters for positive chemical potentials show that the character is dominated by electrons.The studied materials have figures of merit 0.82 and 0.81 at room temperature respectively,for RbYbF3 and CsYbF3 and increase with temperature rising.Therefore,the materials under study may have potential application values in thermoelectric generators and refrigerators.

Vanadium based XVO3 (X=Na, K, Rb) as promising thermoelectric materials: First-principle DFT calculations

We investigate structural,mechanical,thermodynamic,and thermoelectric properties of vanadium-based XVO3(X=Na,K,Rb)materials using density functional theory(DFT)based calculations.The structural and thermodynamic stabilities are probed by the tolerance factor(0.98,1.01,and 1.02)with the negative value of enthalpy of formation.Mechanical properties are analyzed in the form of Born stability criteria,ductile/brittle nature(Poisson and Pugh's ratios)and anisotropy factor.To explore the electronic transport properties,we study the electrical conductivity,thermal conductivity,Seebeck coefficient and power factor in terms of chemical potential and temperature.High values of Seebeck coefficient at room temperature may find the potential of the studied perovskites in thermo-electrics devices.

Magnetism,optical,and thermoelectric response of CdFe_2O_4by using DFT scheme

Comparative analysis of electronic, magnetic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of CdFe2O4, calculated by em- ploying PBEsol ＋ mBJ has been done. The PBEsol reveals metallic nature, while TB-mBJ illustrates ferromagnetic semiconducting behavior. The reasons behind the origin of ferromagnetism are explored by observing the exchange, crystal field, and John-Teller energies. The optical nature is investigated by analyzing dielectric constants, refraction, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and optical conductivity. Finally, thermoelectric properties are elaborated by describing the electri- cal and thermal conductivities, Seebeck coefficient, and power factor. The strong absorption for the visible energy and high power factor suggest CdFe2O4 as the potential candidate for renewable energy applications.

Structural and Magnetic Properties of Chemically Synthesized Pd-Modified NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles of NiFe2O4-Pd composites have been synthesized using a simple, low cost, sol-gel auto-combustion method. As-prepared samples were sintered at 800℃ for 6 h in order to develop the crystalline phase. X-ray diffraction confirmed the spinel structure of the ferrite samples. Structural morphology and size of the nanoparticles were evaluated using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Magnetic hysteresis loops were obtained at 300 and 100 K using a physical properties measurement system. The value of saturation magnetization was observed to decrease at the temperatures with the increase of Pd contents up to 5% but then a sudden rise in saturation magnetization was observed for the addition of 10% Pd in NiFe2O4.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Post Cardiotomy Acute Right Ventricle Failure in Adults

Myriad surgical and medical remedies including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) are being employed for acute right ventricle with varying results. Very few cases have been documented in literature regarding the role of VA ECMO for right ventricular failure after open heart surgery. We retrospectively analyzed all cases eliciting VA ECMO for post-operative right heart failure over a period of 24 months. Data was completely delineated for demography, pre-operative patient status at length, brief venipuncture course, indications for VA ECMO and its outcome after institution.

Ab-initio investigation of AGeO_3(A=Ca, Sr) compounds via Tran Blaha-modified Becke Johnson exchange potential

We employ ab-initio calculations to analyze the mechanical, electronic, optical and also thermoelectric properties associated with AGeO3（A = Ca, Sr） compounds. The full-potential linearized augmented plane wave（FP-LAPW） technique in the generalized gradient approximation（GGA-PBEsol） and the lately designed Tran-Blaha-modified Becke-Johnson exchange potential are utilized to examine the mechanical and optoelectronic properties respectively. To explore the thermoelectric quality, we use the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory. The particular structural stabilities regarding AGeO3（A = Ca, Sr） materials are validated simply by computations from the elastic constants. The energy band structural framework and the density of states are displayed to indicate indirect bandgap under ambient conditions. The particular computed optical attributes that reveal prospective optoelectronic applications are usually elucidated simply by studying ε1（0） and also Eg, which can be connected by means of Penn＇s design. The optical details uncover the actual suitability to power ranging products. Finally, the Boltz Tra P code is executed to analyze the actual thermoelectric properties, which usually presents that the increase of internal temperatures can enhance the electric conductivity, thermal conductivity and also the power factor, whilst Seebeck coefficient decreases. Therefore, the studied materials will also be ideal for thermoelectric products to understand helpful option for alternative energy resources.

Role of anions on structure and pseudocapacitive performance of metal double hydroxides decorated with nitrogen-doped graphene

Electrochemical capacitors(EC) bear faster charge-discharge; however, their real applications are still on a long away due to lower capacitance and energy densities which mainly arise from simple surface charge accumulation or/and reaction. Here, a novel synthesis strategy was designed to obtain the purposeful hybrids of nickel cobalt double hydroxide(Ni Co DH) with genetic morphology to improve their electrochemical performance as electrode of EC. Nanostructures of metal hydroxides were grown on the nitrogen-doped graphene(NG) sheets by utilizing defects as nucleation sites and their composition was optimized both by tuning the ratio of Ni:Co as well as the counter halogen and carbonate anions to improve the porosity, stabilize the structure and mediate the redox reaction. The growth of the hybrids was guided by the Co ions through topochemical transformation supported by hoping charge transfer process and olation growth. NG overcoating successfully protects the nanostructure of Ni Co DH during electrochemical test and enhances overall conductivity of the electrode, improving the mass and ionic transportations. As a result, the hybrid exhibits excellent capacitance of 2925 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, as well as long cyclic stability of 10,000 cycles with good capacity retention of 90% at 16 A g-1. Furthermore, the hybrid shows excellent energy and power densities of 52 Wh kg-1 and 3191 W kg-1, respectively at discharge rate of 16 A g-1. It is expected that this strategy can be readily extended to other metal hydroxides, oxides and sulphides to improve their electrochemical performances.

Machine Learning for Organic Photovoltaic Polymers:A Minireview

Machine learning is a powerful tool that can provide a way to revolutionize the material science.Its use for the designing and screening of materials for polymer solar cells is also increasing.Search of efficient polymeric materials for solar cells is really difficult task.Researchers have synthesized and fabricated so many materials.Sorting the results and get feedback for further research requires an innovative approach.In this minireview,we provides brief introduction of machine learning.The importance of machine learning is also mentioned,and the application of machine learning for polymeric material design is discussed.The key challenges that are hindering the wide spread use of machine are discussed.Suggestions are also given to improve the use of data science.The predictions using machine learning maybe not highly accurate but it definitely better than no prediction at all.

Strong gravitational lensing for photon coupled to Weyl tensor in Kiselev black hole

The objective of the present work is to highlight the phenomena of strong gravitational lensing and deflection angle for the photon coupling with the Weyl tensor in a Kiselev black hole.Here,we have extended the prior work of Chen and Jing(S.Chen and J.Jing,JCAP,10:002(2015))for a Schwarzschild black hole to a Kiselev black hole.For this purpose,the equation of motion for the photons coupled to the Weyl tensor,null geodesic,and equation of photon sphere in a Kiselev black hole spacetime have been formulated.It is found that the equation of motion of the photons depends not only on the coupling between the photons and the Weyl tensor,but also on the polarization direction of the photons.There is a critical value of the coupling parameter,α,for the existence of the marginally circular photon orbit outside the event horizon,which depends on the parameters of the black hole and the polarization direction of the photons.Further,the polarization directions of the coupled photons and the coupling parameter,α;both modify the features of the photon sphere,angle of deflection,and functions(^ˉa and^ˉb)owing to the strong gravitational lensing in the Kiselev black hole spacetime.In addition to this,the observable gravitational lensing quantities and the shadows of the Kiselev black hole spacetime are presented in detail.

Magnetron sputtered Dy2O3 with chromium and copper contents for antireflective thin films with enhanced absorption

Dy2O3 is a rare earth oxide having a number of advanced applications in various fields including protective or antireflective coatings,Main objective of this novel research work is to check the effect of Cr and Cu addition on different properties of Dy2O3 and achievement of antireflective thin films with enhanced abso rption.Thin films of these materials we re deposited using DC magnetron with reactive cosputtering.XRD studies reveals the crystalline nature of thin films having Dy2O3(222)reflection in all samples with Cr2O3(116)and CuO(111)reflections in Cr and Cu containing compositions.Field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrates the homogeneous deposition of thin films with uniform shape,size and distribution of grains.Refractive index,extinction coefficient and absorption coefficient significantly increase while optical reflectance decreases with Cr and Cu mediation corroborating an improved antireflective mechanism.The imaginary part of dielectric constant is found to increase slightly with low tangent loss for Cr containing composition co nsidered favorable for energy storage applications.

Role of binary metal chalcogenides in extending the limits of energy storage systems:Challenges and possible solutions

Binary metal chalcogenides(BMCs)have shown better electrochemical performance compared with their mono metal counterparts owing to their abundant phase interfaces,higher active sites,faster electrochemical kinetics and higher electronic conductivity.Nevertheless,their performance still undergoes adverse decline during electrochemical processes mainly due to poor intrinsic ionic conductivities,large volume expansions,and structural agglomeration and fracture.To tackle these problems,various strategies have been applied to engineer the BMC nanostructures to obtain optimized electrode materials.However,the lack of understanding of the electrochemical response of BMCs still hinders their large-scale application.This review not only highlights the recent progress and development in the preparation of BMC-based electrode materials but also explains the kinetics to further understand the relation between structure and performance.It will also explain the engineering of BMCs through nanostructuring and formation of their hybrid structures with various carbonaceous materials and three-dimensional(3 D)templates.The review will discuss the detailed working mechanism of BMC-based nanostructures in various electrochemical energy storage(EES)systems including supercapacitors,metal-ion batteries,metal-air batteries,and alkaline batteries.In the end,major challenges and prospective solutions for the development of BMCs in EES devices are also outlined.We believe that the current review will provide a guideline for tailoring BMCs for better electrochemical devices.

Pronounced effect of ZnTe nanoinclusions on thermoelectric properties of Cu_(2-x) Se chalcogenides

Metal chalcogenides especially Cu2-x Se has gained much attention in thermoelectric community due to its complex crystal structure and superionic behavior. Here, we report a facile method to improve the thermoelectric efficiency by introducing Zn Te nanoinclusions into the matrix of Cu2-x Se. As a result, a substantial improvement of 32% in electrical conductivity of Cu2-x Se-Zn Te composite is observed. The increase in electrical conductivity is at the expense of Seebeck coefficient, which slightly decreases the power factor of the composite samples than that of pure Cu2-x Se. Furthermore, the introduction of secondary phase facilitates in declining the total thermal conductivity of Cu2-x Se-Zn Te composite up to 34% by suppressing the lattice thermal contributions. Thus, the moderate power factor and lower thermal conductivity values result in an improved figure of merit(z T) value of ~0.40 in mid-range temperature(750 K) for Cu2-x Se-Zn Te composite with 10 wt.% of Zn Te, which is about 40% higher than that of its pure counterpart. Hence, it is believed that the incorporation of Zn Te nanoinclusions in the matrix of Cu2-x Se may be an important route to improve the thermoelectric properties of Cu2-x Se based compounds.

Facile synthesis of ironenickelecobalt ternary oxide(FNCO)mesoporous nanowires as electrode material for supercapacitor application

Transition Metal Oxides have drawn significant attention due to their reversible chemical redox reaction and long-life stability.Inexorable agglomeration and shrinkage/expansion of transition metal oxides in the nanosize regime have a noticeable effect on their electrochemical properties.Here in this work,mesoporous nanowires(NWs)with a typical composition of iron-nickel-cobalt ternary oxide(FNCO)are synthesized using a simple,facile and cost-effective hydrothermal process followed by furnace annealing.These NWs are then extensively investigated as an electrode material for supercapacitor application.To compare the electrochemical properties,nanowires of nickel-cobalt oxide(NCO),iron-cobalt oxide(FCO)and cobalt oxide(CO)were also produced by following the same protocol.The FNCO NWs are found to overcome the shortcomings in the electrochemical energy storage devices by exhibiting higher values of specific capacitance(2197 Fg^(-1))and energy density(109 Whkg^(-1))at 1 Ag^(-1) current rate.Moreover,the FNCO NWs also showed a cyclic charge/discharge stability of 96%even up to 20,000 cycles.Furthermore,a FNCO//graphene asymmetric device,fabricated with FNCO NWs and graphene as positive and negative electrodes,respectively,which exhibit high energy density(47 Whkg^(-1)),power density(375 Wkg^(-1))and excellent capacitance retention(86%)after 15,000 cycles.