Engineering hollow core-shell hetero-structure box to induce interfacial charge modulation for promoting bidirectional sulfur conversion in lithium-sulfur batteries

Severe polysulfide shuttling and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics significantly decrease sulfur utilization and cycling stability in lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs).Herein,we develop a hollow CoO/CoP-Box core-shell heterostructure as a model and multifunctional catalyst modified on separators to induce interfacial charge modulation and expose more active sites for promoting the adsorption and catalytic conversion ability of sulfur species.Theoretical and experimental findings verify that the in-situ formed core-shell hetero-interface induces the formation of P-Co-O binding and charge redistribution to activate surface O active sites for binding lithium polysulfides(LiPSs)via strong Li-O bonding,thus strongly adsorbing with Li PSs.Meanwhile,the strong Li-O bonding weakens the competing Li-S bonding in LiPSs or Li2S adsorbed on CoO/CoP-Box surface,plus the hollow heterostructure provides abundant active sites and fast electron/Li+transfer,so reducing Li2S nucleation/dissolution activation energy.As expected,LSBs with CoO/CoP-Box modified separator and traditional sulfur/carbon black cathode display a large initial capacity of 1240 mA h g^(-1)and a long cycling stability with 300 cycles(~60.1%capacity retention)at 0.5C.Impressively,the thick sulfur cathode(sulfur loading:5.2 mg cm^(-2))displays a high initial areal capacity of 6.9 mA h cm^(-2).This work verifies a deep mechanism understanding and an effective strategy to induce interfacial charge modulation and enhance active sites for designing efficient dual-directional Li-S catalysts via engineering hollow core-shell hetero-structure.

Effect of Lattice Mismatch on Luminescence of ZnO/Si Hetero-Structure

The photoluminescence （PL） and Raman spectra of undoped ZnO films deposited directly on Si substrate （sample A）,on Si substrate through a SiC buffer layer （sample B）,and on a ZnO crystal wafer （sample C） are investigated. There are emission peaks centered at 3.18eV （ultraviolet,UV） and 2.38eV （green） in these sampies. Comparing the Raman spectra and the variation of the PL peak intensities with annealing atmosphere, we conclude that the luminescence of the samples is related to the tensile strain in the ZnO film due to the lattice mismatch between the film and the substrate. In particular, the tensile strain reduces the formation energy of OZn antisite oxygen defects,which generate the green emission center. After annealing in oxygen-rich atmosphere, many OZn defects are generated. Thus, the intensity of green emission in ZnO/Si hetero-structure materials increases due to tensile strain in ZnO films.

Thermoelectric-transport in metal/graphene/metal hetero-structure

We investigate the thermoelectric-transport properties of metal/graphene/metal hetero-structure. We use a single band tight-binding model to prcsent the two-dimensional electronic band structure of graphene. Using the LandauerButticker formula and taking the coupling between graphene and the two electrodes into account, we can calculate the thermoelectric potential and current versus temperature. It is found that in spite of metal electrodes, the carrier type of graphene determines the electron motion direction driven by the difference in temperature between the two electrodes, while for n type graphene, the electrons move along the thermal gradient, and for p type graphene, the electrons move against the thermal gradient.

An Overview of the Multi-Band and the Generalized BCS Equations-Based Approaches to Deal with Hetero-Structured Superconductors

We trace the conceptual basis of the Multi-Band Approach (MBA) and recall the reasons for its wide following for composite superconductors (SCs). Attention is then drawn to a feature that MBA ignores: the possibility that electrons in such an SC may also be bound via simultaneous exchanges of quanta with more than one ion-species—a lacuna which is addressed by the Generalized BCS Equations (GBCSEs). Based on several papers, we give a concise account of how this approach: 1) despite employing a single band, meets the criteria satisfied by MBA because a) GBCSEs are derived from a temperature-incorporated Bethe-Salpeter Equation the kernel of which is taken to be a “superpropagator” for a composite SC-each ion-species of which is distinguished by its own Debye temperature and interaction parameter and b) the band overlapping the Fermi surface is allowed to be of variable width. GBCSEs so-obtained reduce to the usual equations for the Tc and Δ of an elemental SC in the limit superpropagator → 1-phonon propagator;2) accommodates moving Cooper pairs and thereby extends the scope of the original BCS theory which restricts the Hamiltonian at the outset to terms that correspond to pairs having zero centre-of-mass momentum. One can now derive an equation for the critical current density (j0) of a composite SC at T = 0 in terms of the Debye temperatures of its ions and their interaction parameters— parameters that also determine its Tc and Δs;3) transforms the problem of optimizing j0 of a composite SC, and hence its Tc, into a problem of chemical engineering;4) provides a common canopy for most composite SCs, including those that are usually regarded as outside the purview of the BCS theory and have therefore been called “exceptional”, e.g., the heavy-fermion SCs;5) incorporates s±-wave superconductivity as an in-built feature and can therefore deal with the iron-based SCs, and 6) leads to presumably verifiable predictions for the values of some relevant parameters, e.g., the effective mass of electrons, for the SCs for which it has been employed.

Thermally conductive polyvinyl alcohol composite films via introducing hetero-structured MXene@silver fillers

Ag nanoparticles were in-situ grown on the surface of MXene nanosheets to prepare thermally conductive hetero-structured MXene@Ag fillers.With polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)as the polymer matrix,thermally conductive MXene@Ag/PVA composite films were fabricated by the processes of solution blending,pouring,evaporative self-assembly.With the same mass fraction,MXene@Ag-III(MXene/Ag,2:1,w/w)presents more significant improvement in thermal conductivity coefficient(λ)than MXene@Ag,single MXene,Ag,simply blending MXene/Ag.MXene@Ag-III/PVA composite films show dual functions of excellent thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding.When the mass fraction of MXene@Ag-III is 60 wt.%,the in-planeλ(λ_(∥)),through-planeλ(λ_(⊥)),EMI shielding effectiveness(EMI SE)are 3.72 and 0.41 W/(m∙K),32 dB,which are increased by 3.1,1.3,105.7 times than those of pure PVA film(0.91 and 0.18 W/(m∙K),0.3 dB),respectively.The 60 wt.%MXene@Ag-III/PVA composite film also has satisfying mechanical and thermal properties,with Young’s modulus,glass transition temperature,heat resistance index of 3.8 GPa,58.5 and 175.3℃,respectively.

Improvement of thermal conductivities and simulation model for glass fabrics reinforced epoxy laminated composites via introducing hetero-structured BNN-30@BNNS fillers

Hetero-structured thermally conductive spherical boron nitride and boron nitride nanosheets(BNN-30@BNNS)fillers were prepared via electro static self-assembly method.And the corresponding thermally conductive&electrically insulating BNN-30@BNNS/Si-GFs/E-44 laminated composites were then fabricated via hot compression.BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲ(fBNN-30/fBNNS,1/2,wt/wt)fillers presented the optimal synergistic improvement effects on the thermal conductivities of epoxy composites.When the mass fraction of BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲwas 15 wt%,λvalue of the BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲ/E-44 composites was up to0.61 W m^(-1)K^(-1),increased by 2.8 times compared with pure E-44(λ=0.22 W m^(-1)K^(-1)),also higher than that of the 15 wt%BNN-30/E-44(0.56 W m^(-1)K^(-1)),15 wt%BNNS/E-44(0.42 W m^(-1)K^(-1)),and 15 wt%(BNN-30/BNNS)/E-44(direct blending BNN-30/BNNS hybrid fillers,1/2,wt/wt,0.49 W m^(-1)K^(-1))composites.Theλin-plane(λ//)andλcross-plane(λ_(⊥))of 15 wt%BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲ/Si-GFs/E-44 laminated composites significantly reached 2.75 W m^(-1)K^(-1)and 1.32 W m^(-1)K^(-1),186.5%and 187.0%higher than those of Si-GFs/E-44 laminated composites(λ//=0.96 W m^(-1)K^(-1)andλ_(⊥)=0.46 W m^(-1)K^(-1)).Established models can well simulate heat transfer efficiency in the BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲ/Si-GFs/E-44 laminated composites.Under the condition of point heat source,the introduction of BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲfillers were conducive to accelerating heat flow trans fe r.BNN-30@BNNS-Ⅲ/Si-GFs/E-44 laminated composites also demonstrated outstanding electrical insulating properties(cross-plane withstanding voltage,breakdown strength,surface&volume resistivity of 51.3 kV,23.8 kV mm^(-1),3.7×10^(14)Ω&3.4×10^(14)Ω·cm,favorable mechanical properties(flexural strength of 401.0 MPa and ILSS of 22.3 MPa),excellent dielectric properties(εof 4.92 and tanδof 0.008)and terrific thermal properties(T_(g )of 167.3℃and T_(HRI) of 199.2℃).

Si/Si C-based DD hetero-structure IMPATTs as MM-wave power-source:a generalized large-signal analysis

A full-scale, self-consistent, non-linear, large-signal model of double-drift hetero-structure IMPATT diode with general doping profile is derived. This newly developed model, for the first time, has been used to analyze the large-signal characteristics of hexagonal SiC-based double-drift IMPATT diode. Considering the fabrication feasibility, the authors have studied the large-signal characteristics of Si/SiC-based hetero-structure devices. Under small-voltage modulation （~ 2%, i.e. small-signal conditions） results are in good agreement with calculations done using a linearised small-signal model. The large-signal values of the diode＇s negative conductance （5 × 106 S/m2）, susceptance （10.4 × 107 S/m2）, average breakdown voltage （207.6 V）, and power generating efficiency （15%, RF power： 25.0 W at 94 GHz） are obtained as a function of oscillation amplitude （50% of DC breakdown voltage） for a fixed average current density. The large-signal calculations exhibit power and efficiency saturation for large-signal （〉 50%） voltage modulation and thereafter decrease gradually with further increasing voltage-modulation. This generalized large-signal formulation is applicable for all types of IMPATT structures with distributed and narrow avalanche zones. The simulator is made more realistic by incorporating the space-charge effects, realistic field and temperature dependent material parameters in Si and SiC. The electric field snap-shots and the large-signal impedance and admittance of the diode with current excitation are expressed in closed loop form. This study will act as a guide for researchers to fabricate a high-power Si/SiC-based IMPATT for possible application in high-power MM-wave communication systems.

2D hetero-structures based on transition metal dichalcogenides:fabrication,properties and applications

Recently,two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides MX_2(M = Mo,W,etc; X = S,Se,Te) have ignited immense interests because of their unique structural and physical properties for the potential applications in the nano-optoelectronics,valley-spintronics etc. In terms of the structural compatibility and van der Waals interaction,two dimensional(2D) MX_2 layers can be fabricated into various lateral and vertical hetero-structures. The atomically-thin hetero-structures comprising different layered MX_2 provide a new platform for exploring fundamental physics and device technologies with unprecedented phenomenon and extraordinary functionalities. In this review,we report the recent progress about the fabrication,properties and applications of 2D hetero-structures based on transition metal dichalcogenides.

Atypical BiOCl/Bi_2S_3 hetero-structures exhibiting remarkable photo-catalyst response

We demonstrate the fabrication of BiOCl/Bi_2S_3 which is well defined at a large scale. The BiOCl/Bi_2S_3 heterostructures exhibit an enhanced photo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange（MO） compared to BiOCl and Bi_2S_3, attributed to the interface between Bi_2S_3 and BiOCl, which effectively separate the photo-induced electron-hole pairs and suppress their recombination.

Hetero-structured ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-NiO@MOF photo-catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

To obtain a high-performance heterogeneous photo-catalyst, herein, the hetero-structured Zn In_(2)S_(4)-Ni O@MOF(ZNM) nano-sheets are designed and prepared by partial pyrolysis of nickel-based MOFs(NiMOF) combined with the low-temperature solvo-thermal method. The results indicate that the NiO nanoparticles, produced by partial pyrolysis of the Ni-MOF, have a high density of the surface active sites with limited aggregation, which act as a co-catalyst to capture photo-induced charge carriers. In addition, the morphology and structure of Ni-MOF nano-sheets were preserved in ZNM, which is beneficial to the reduction of the conduction barrier for the photo generated electron-hole pairs. With the synergetic advantages of co-catalyst and unique two-dimensional hetero-structure, ZNM nano-sheets exhibited significantly improved activity for photo-catalytic hydrogen production.

Critical role of carbon support in metal nanoaggregate facilitating Fe-N-C catalyst for PEM fuel cell application

Metal nanoaggregates can simultaneously enhance the activity and stability of Fe-N-C catalysts in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells(PEMFC).Previous studies on the relevant mechanism have focused on the direct interaction between FeN_(4)active sites and metal nanoaggregates.However,the role of carbon support that hosts metal nanoaggregates and active sites has been overlooked.Here,a Fe-N-C catalyst encapsulating inactive gold nanoparticles is prepared as a model catalyst to investigate the electronic tuning of Au nanoparticles(NPs)towards the carbon support.Au NPs donate electrons to carbon support,making it rich inπelectrons,which reduces the work function and regulates the electronic configuration of the FeN_(4)sites for an enhanced ORR activity.Meanwhile,the electron-rich carbon support can mitigate the electron depletion of FeN_(4)sites caused by carbon support oxidation,thereby preserving its high activity.The yield and accumulation of H_(2)O_(2)are thus alleviated,which delays the oxidation of the catalyst and benefits the stability.Due to the electron-rich carbon support,the composite catalyst achieves a top-level peak power density of 0.74 W/cm^(2) in a 1.5 bar H_(2)-air PEMFC,as well as the improved stability.This work elucidates the key role of carbon support in the performance enhancement of the FeN-C/metal nanoaggregate composite catalysts for fuel cell application.

Research progress of Ag_3PO_4-based photocatalyst: Fundamentals and performance enhancement

Ag3PO4 is found to be a highly efficient photocatalyst and receives great attention. The high activity of the photocatalyst is credited to the intrinsic electronic structure. The morphology control and nano-composite fabrication are used to improve the performance and practicability. This paper reviews the structure, properties and some theoretical aspects of Ag3PO4 single crystal. Also, the major strategies, namely the morphology control and hetero-nanostructure construction, as ways to improve the performance of Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts, are summarized with the aid of some typical instances.

A Broadband Long-Wavelength Superluminescent Diode Based on Graded Composition Bulk InGaAs

A novel unselective regrowth buried heterostructure long-wavelength superluminescent diode （SLD） with a graded composition bulk InGaAs active region is developed by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy （MOVPE）. At a 150mA injection current, the full width at half maximum of the emission spectrum of the SLD is about 72nm, ranging from 1602 to 1674nm. The emission spectrum is smooth and flat. The ripple of the spectrum is less than 0.3dB at any wavelength from 1550 to 1700nm. An output power of 4.3mW is obtained at a 200mA injection current under continuous-wave operation at room temperature. This device is suitable for the applications of light sources for gas detectors and L-band optical fiber communications.

Improvement in mechanical properties of hypereutectic Al-Si-Cu alloys through sonosolidified slurry

For the wider applications,it is necessary to improve the ductility as well as the strength and wear-resistance of hypereutectic AlSi-Cu alloys,which are typical light-weight wear-resistant materials.An increase in the amounts of primary silicon particles causes the modified wear-resistance of hypereutectic Al-Si-Cu alloys,but leads to the poor strength and ductility.It is known that dual phase steels composed of hetero-structure have succeeded in bringing contradictory mechanical properties of high strength and ductility concurrently.In order to apply the idea of hetero-structure to hypereutectic Al-Si-Cu alloys for the achievement of high strength and ductility along with wear resistance,ultrasonic irradiation of the molten metal during the solidification,which is called sono-solidification,was carried out from its molten state to just above the eutectic temperature.The sono-solidified Al-17Si-4Cu alloy is composed of hetero-structure,which are,hard primary silicon particles,soft non-equilibrium a-Al phase and the eutectic region.Rheo-casting was performed at just above the eutectic temperature with sono-solidified slurry to shape a disk specimen.After the rheo-casting with modified sonosolidified slurry held for 45 s at 570 oC,the quantitative optical microscope observation exhibits that the microstructure is composed of 18area%of hard primary silicon particles and 57area%of soft a-Al phase.In contrast,there exist only 5 area%of primary silicon particles and no a-Al phase in rheo-cast specimen with normally solidified slurry.Hence the tensile tests of T6 treated rheo-cast specimens with modified sono-solidified slurry exhibit improved strength and 5%of elongation,regardless of having more than 3 times higher amounts of primary silicon particles compared to that of rheo-cast specimen with normally solidified slurry.

Electronic Structure of Single-Crystal CaF₂(111) with Nanoscale Phases of Ca and Si

The impact of Ca and Si nano-scale structures on parameters and density of states of single-crystalline CaF2(111) was studied. It was shown that at low concentration of ions of Ar+ (D ≤ 5 × 1015 cm-2) one witnesses formation of nanoscale phases on CaF2 surface. It was revealed that these phases lead to narrowing of the forbidden band Еg between the phases by 4 - 4.5 eV. At higher concentrations (D ≈ 6 × 1016 cm-2) the surface completely is covered by Ca atoms. It was shown that deposition of θ = 10 thick Si single layer on CaF2 surface manifests island picture. The concentration of Ca and Si nano-scale phases on the surface of CaF2 and the band gap of the phases were investigated as a function of (hν) of passing light. Nano-scale phases and nano-scale films of Ca were obtained by using the technique of bombardment with ions of Ar+ of CaF2 surface. Formation of nano-scale phases were accompanied by change in the composition and structure of CaF2 zones located between the phases. These changes led to narrowing of the forbidden band of CaF2 down to 7.5 - 8 eV. The concentration of Ca and Si nano-scale phases on the surface of CaF2 and the band gap of the phases were investigated as a function of (hν) of passing light.

Highly Thermally Conductive Polydimethylsiloxane Composites with Controllable 3D GO@f-CNTs Networks via Self-sacrificing Template Method

Constructing controllable thermal conduction networks is the key to efficiently improve thermal conductivities of polymer composites.In this work,graphite oxide(GO)and functionalized carbon nanotubes(f-CNTs)are combined to prepare“Line-Plane”-like hetero-structured thermally conductive GO@f-CNTs fillers,which are then performed to construct controllable 3D GO@f-CNTs thermal conduction networks via selfsacrificing template method based on oxalic acid.Subsequently,thermally conductive GO@f-CNTs/polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)composites are fabricated via casting method.When the size of oxalic acid is 0.24 mm and the volume fraction of GO@f-CNTs is 60 vol%,GO@f-CNTs/PDMS composites present the optimal thermal conductivity coefficient(λ,4.00 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1)),about 20 times that of theλof neat PDMS(0.20 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1)),also much higher than theλ(2.44 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1))of GO/f-CNTs/PDMS composites with the same amount of randomly dispersed fillers.Meanwhile,the obtained GO@f-CNTs/PDMS composites have excellent thermal stability,whoseλdeviation is only about 3%after 500 thermal cycles(20-200℃).

Ta_(3)N_(5)/CdS Core–Shell S‑scheme Heterojunction Nanofibers for Efficient Photocatalytic Removal of Antibiotic Tetracycline and Cr(VI):Performance and Mechanism Insights

Ta_(3)N_(5)/CdS core–shell S-scheme heterojunction nanofibers are fabricated by in situ growing CdS nanodots on Ta_(3)N_(5) nanofib-ers via a simple wet-chemical method.These Ta_(3)N_(5)/CdS nanofibers not only affords superior photocatalytic tetracycline degradation and mineralization performance,but also cause an efficient photocatalytic Cr(VI)reduction performance.The creation of favorable core–shell fiber-shaped S-scheme hetero-structure with tightly contacted interface and the maximum interface contact area promises the effective photo-carrier disintegration and the optimal photo-redox capacity synchronously,thus leading to the preeminent photo-redox ability.Some critical environmental factors on the photo-behavior of Ta_(3)N_(5)/CdS are also evaluated in view of the complexity of the authentic aquatic environment.The degradation products of tetracycline were confirmed by HPLC–MS analyses.Furthermore,the effective decline in eco-toxicity of TC intermediates is confirmed by QSAR calculation.This work provides cutting-edge guidelines for the design of high-performance Ta_(3)N_(5)-based S-scheme heterojunction nanofibers for environment restoration.

High‑Performance Stretchable Supercapacitors Based on Centrifugal Electrospinning‑Directed Hetero‑structured Graphene–Polyaniline Hierarchical Fabric

Stretchable supercapacitors(S-SCs)are of considerable interest as prospective energy-storage devices for wearable electronics and smart products.However,achieving high energy density and stable output under large deformations remains an urgent challenge.Here,we develop a high-performance S-SC based on a robust heterostructured graphene–polyaniline(G-PANI)anchored hierarchical fabric(G-PANI@pcPU).By precisely manipulating centrifugal electrospinning and PANI-induced two-step self-assembly process,the G-PANI@pcPU features an inter-linkage porous backbone,which open ions migration/intercalation pathways,high mechanical flexibility(elongation:400%),and large production area(>90 cm^(2)).The resultant G-PANI@pcPU presents ultra-large specific areal capacitance(Careal)of 5093.7 mF cm^(-2)(about 35 mg cm^(-2)mass loading of G-PANI)and redox reversibility in 1 M H_(2)SO_(4) electrolyte.Additionally,the G-PANI@pcPU fabric-based solid-state S-SCs show a high energy density of 69.2μWh cm^(-2)and capacitance of 3113.7 mF cm^(-2).More importantly,the superior stretchable stability(84.1%capacitance retentions after 5000 cycles)and foldable performance(86.7%capacitance retentions after 5000 cycles)of S-SCs are impressively achieved.Finally,the S-SCs realize potential applications of steady powering light-emitting diode(LED)lights at 100%strain,smart watch at bending deformation,toy car,and lamp.This work can offer an overwhelming foundation for designing advanced flexible electrodes toward new energy and smart wearable applications.

Synergetic dielectric loss and magnetic loss towards superior microwave absorption through hybridization of few-layer WS2 nanosheets with NiO nanoparticles

WS2 nanomaterials have attracted great attention in the field of electromagnetic wave absorption due to their high specific surface area,layered structure,and peculiar electronic properties.However,further improvements on their limited electromagnetic absorbing(EMA)capacity and bandwidth are urgently required for their practical application as EMA absorbents.In this work,WS2/NiO hybrids with heterostructures are prepared by a hydrothermal method and developed into EMA absorbents.The maximum reflection loss of the hybrids with 20%NiO loading could reach-53.31 dB at a thickness of 4.30 mm;the bandwidth with a reflection loss value of less than-10 dB is determined to be13.46 GHz(4.54–18 GHz)when the thickness of the absorbent is between 3.5 and 5.5 mm.It is found that the enhanced EMA performance of WS2/NiO hybrids is caused by the addition of magnetic NiO,which could result in the interfaces between WS2 and NiO being responsible for the synergetic magnetic loss and dielectric loss in the hybrids.This work provides a new approach for the design of excellent EMA materials for practical applications.

NiSe_(2)-CoSe_(2) with a Hybrid Nanorods and Nanoparticles Structure for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Hetero-structure induced high performance catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction(OER)in the water splitting reaction has received increased attention.Herein,we demonstrated a novel catalyst system of NiSe_(2)-CoSe_(2) consisting of nanorods and nanoparticles for the efficient OER in the alkaline electrolyte.This catalyst system can be easily fabricated via a low-temperature selenization of the solvothermal synthesized NiCo(OH)x precursor and the unique morphology of hybrid nanorods and nanoparticles was found by the electron microscopy analysis.The high valence state of the metal species was indicated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study and a strong electronic effect was found in the NiSe_(2)-CoSe_(2) catalyst system compared to their counterparts.As a result,NiSe_(2)-CoSe_(2) exhibited high catalytic performance with a low overpotential of 250 mV to reach 10 mA·cm^(-2) for OER in the alkaline solution.Furthermore,high catalytic stability and catalytic kinetics were also observed.The superior performance can be attributed to the high valence states of Ni and Co and their strong synergetic coupling effect between the nanorods and nanoparticles,which could accelerate the charge transfer and offer abundant electrocatalytic active sites.The current work offers an efficient hetero-structure catalyst system for OER,and the results are helpful for the catalysis understanding.