Two-Stream Approximation to the Radiative Transfer Equation:A New Improvement and Comparative Accuracy with Existing Methods

Mathematical modeling of the interaction between solar radiation and the Earth's atmosphere is formalized by the radiative transfer equation(RTE), whose resolution calls for two-stream approximations among other methods. This paper proposes a new two-stream approximation of the RTE with the development of the phase function and the intensity into a third-order series of Legendre polynomials. This new approach, which adds one more term in the expression of the intensity and the phase function, allows in the conditions of a plane parallel atmosphere a new mathematical formulation of γparameters. It is then compared to the Eddington, Hemispheric Constant, Quadrature, Combined Delta Function and Modified Eddington, and second-order approximation methods with reference to the Discrete Ordinate(Disort) method(δ –128 streams), considered as the most precise. This work also determines the conversion function of the proposed New Method using the fundamental definition of two-stream approximation(F-TSA) developed in a previous work. Notably,New Method has generally better precision compared to the second-order approximation and Hemispheric Constant methods. Compared to the Quadrature and Eddington methods, New Method shows very good precision for wide domains of the zenith angle μ 0, but tends to deviate from the Disort method with the zenith angle, especially for high values of optical thickness. In spite of this divergence in reflectance for high values of optical thickness, very strong correlation with the Disort method(R ≈ 1) was obtained for most cases of optical thickness in this study. An analysis of the Legendre polynomial series for simple functions shows that the high precision is due to the fact that the approximated functions ameliorate the accuracy when the order of approximation increases, although it has been proven that there is a limit order depending on the function from which the precision is lost. This observation indicates that increasing the order of approximation of the phase function of the RTE leads to a better precision in flux calculations. However, this approach may be limited to a certain order that has not been studied in this paper.

Two-dimensional Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) Janus magnetic semiconductor with large magnetic exchange interaction and high-T_(C)

The two-dimensional(2D)Janus monolayers are promising in spintronic device application due to their enhanced magnetic couplings and Curie temperatures.Van der Waals CrCl_(3) monolayer has been experimentally proved to have an in-plane magnetic easy axis and a low Curie temperature of 17 K,which will limit its application in spintronic devices.In this work,we propose a new Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) based on the first principles calculations.The phonon dispersion and elastic constants confirm that Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) is dynamically and mechanically stable.Our Monte Carlo simulation results based on magnetic exchange constants reveal that Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) is an intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductor with TC of 180 K,which is much higher than that of CrCl_(3) due to the enhanced ferromagnetic coupling caused by S substitution.Moreover,the magnetic easy axis of Janus Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) can be tuned to the perpendicular direction with a large magnetic anisotropy energy(MAE)of 142eV/Cr.Furthermore,the effect of biaxial strain on the magnetic property of Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) is evaluated.It is found that the Curie temperature is more robust under tensile strain.This work indicates that the Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) presents increased Curie temperature and out-of-plane magnetic easy axis,suggesting greater application potential in 2D spintronic devices.

MXene-based hybrid materials for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical H_(2) generation

The conversion of solar energy to produce clean hydrogen fuel through water splitting is an emerging strategy for efficiently storing solar energy in the form of solar fuel.This aligns with the increasing global demand for the development of an ideal energy alternative to fossil fuels that does not emit greenhouse gases.Electrochemical(EC) and photoelectrochemical(PEC) water splitting technologies have garnered significant attention worldwide for advanced hydrogen solar fuel production in recent decades.To achieve sustainable green H_(2) production,it is essential to create efficient catalyst materials that are low-cost and can replace expensive noble metal-based catalysts.These characteristics make them an ideal catalyst material for the process.Two-dimensional MXenes with M_(n+1)X_(n) structure have been identified as a promising option for EC and PEC water splitting due to their superior hydrophilicity,metal-like conductivity,large surface area,and adjustable surface chemistry.Here,we present a summary of recent advancements in the synthesis and performance enhancement methods for MXene hybrid materials in hydrogen production through EC and PEC water splitting.Furthermore,we examine the challenges and insights associated with the rational design of MXene-based hybrid materials to facilitate efficient water splitting for sustainable solar fuel production.

Strain-tuned electronic and valley-related properties in Janus monolayers of SWSiX_(2)(X=N,P,As)

Exploring novel two-dimensional(2D)valleytronic materials has an essential impact on the design of spintronic and valleytronic devices.Our first principles calculation results reveal that the Janus SWSiX_(2)(X=N,P,As)monolayer has excellent dynamical and thermal stability.Owing to strong spin–orbit coupling(SOC),the SWSiX_(2)monolayer exhibits a valence band spin splitting of up to 0.49 eV,making it promising 2D semiconductor for valleytronic applications.The opposite Berry curvatures and optical selection rules lead to the coexistence of valley and spin Hall effects in the SWSiX2 monolayer.Moreover,the optical transition energies can be remarkably modulated by the in-plane strains.Large tensile(compressive)in-plane strains can achieve spin flipping in the SWSiN2 monolayer,and induce both SWSiP_(2)and SWSiAs_(2)monolayers transit from semiconductor to metal.Our research provides new 2D semiconductor candidates for designing high-performance valleytronic devices.

Upcycling municipal solid waste to sustainable hydrogen via two-stage gasification-reforming

As global municipal solid waste(MSW)quantities continue to escalate,serious socio-environmental challenges arise,necessitating innovative solutions.Waste-to-hydrogen(WTH)via two-stage gasification-reforming(TSGR)presents an emergent technology for MSW upcycling,offering to ease waste management burdens and bolster the burgeoning hydrogen economy.Despite early initiatives to advance TSGR technology,a cohesive and critical analysis of cutting-edge knowledge and strategies to enhance hydrogen production remains lacking.This review aggregates literature on MSW upcycling to hydrogen via TSGR,with a focus on optimizing process control and catalytic efficiency.It underscores technological avenues to augment hydrogen output,curtail catalyst costs,and refine system performance.Particularly,the review illuminates the potential for integrating chemical and calcium looping into TSGR processes,identifying opportunities,and pinpointing challenges.The review concludes with a summary of the current state of techno-economic analysis for this technology,presenting outstanding challenges and future research directions,with the ultimate goal of transitioning WTH from theoretical to practical application.

Light-modulated graphene-based φ_(0) Josephson junction and -φ_(0) to φ_(0) transition

We investigate the chiral edge states-induced Josephson current–phase relation in a graphene-based Josephson junction modulated by the off-resonant circularly polarized light and the staggered sublattice potential.By solving the Bogoliubov–de Gennes equation,a φ_(0) Josephson junction is induced in the coaction of the off-resonant circularly polarized light and the staggered sublattice potential,which arises from the fact that the center of-mass wave vector of Cooper pair becomes finite and the opposite center of-mass wave vector to compensate is lacking in the nonsuperconducting region.Interestingly,when the direction of polarization of light is changed,-φ_(0) to φ_(0) transition generates,which generalizes the concept of traditional 0–πtransition.Our findings provide a purely optical way to manipulate a phase-controllable Josephson device and guidelines for future experiments to confirm the presence of graphene-based φ_(0)Josephson junction.

Energy Analysis and Exergy Utilization in the Residential Sector of Cameroon

In this paper, we present an analysis of energy and exergy utilization in the residential sector of Cameroon by considering the sectoral energy and exergy flows for the years of 2001-2010. Exergy analysis of Cameroon residential sector utilisation indicates a less efficient picture than that obtained by the energy analysis. Cooking stands out as the most inefficient end use in the Cameroon’s residential sector. In 2010, the energy and exergy efficiency are determined and were respectively 58.74% and 22.63%. Energy and exergy flows diagrams for the overall efficiencies of Cameroon residential sector are illustrated and a comparison with the residential sector of other countries is also done. To carry out this study, a survey of 250 households was conducted and the sharing of the end uses of energy was done and data were gathered.

A Cogeneration System for an Apartment Building Based on Distributed Heat Storage Technology

In order for economically viable distributed generation systems for apartment buildings to spread, it is essential to develop an efficient and low-cost heat supply system. We have developed a new eogeneration system called the Neighboring Cogeneration system （NCG）. The key concept of this system is to install a heat accumulator with a hot water supply and a room heating function at each household and to connect different households by a single loop of hot water pipe. As a result, time leveling of the heat supply and heat transferring among households becomes possible. Thus, the costs of the pipe and the heat source equipment decrease. Furthermore, because all of the heat accumulators store heat, the total heat storage capacity is large enough for cogeneration to generate exhaust heat according to the electricity demand and with a high operating rate. In this paper, we report the results of the NCG system for 7 lived-in households. The controlling system worked efficiently. All of the households were able to use hot water without any difficulties. Further, we report the results of the energy saving effect of the NCG system for 50 lived-in households by means of a simulation based on the experimental results for NEXT21.

Water-Energy Prototype Model for the NEMS Modeling Platform: Thermoelectric Water Demand and Its Implications on Regional Electricity Market

A simplified energy-water prototype model has been developed at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) as a part of a larger effort to comprehensively model energy-water interactions. The NETL Water-Energy Model (NWEM) prototype passively couples a variety of data on water supply, water availability, and power plant water use with the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) power generation forecasts. NWEM operates at a watershed level and its efficacy in resolving local water supply and water-use trade-offs was demonstrated using data from Sandia National Laboratory along with a water supply scenario projected by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The prototype model only passively utilized a forecast of power generation from an existing forecast;the model’s choices were limited to purchases or retrofitting to meet future water supply constraints. NETL is continuing to integrate the water sub-module into the NEMS framework, which will allow active interaction between the water market and power markets, extending the industry’s ability to re-dispatch its generating units with the price of water as one of the variable costs.

Impact of Sustainable Electricity for Cameroonian Population through Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies

Access to electricity and a reliable supply of energy are essential elements of local economic development and poverty reduction. To address these challenges, appropriate policies and mechanisms at the national and regional levels need to be implemented. In this study, we used Johanson cointegration and Granger causality techniques to examine the different cointegration and causal relationships that exist between the growth of electricity consumption (CE) and socio-economic parameters (GDP, tertiary GDP, GDP per capita, number of households, number of subscribers and population) in Cameroon during the period from 1975 to 2011. The results from the software Eviews 7.2 show that there are cointegration relationships between electricity consumption and socio-economic indicators (LGDPH, LPO and LS) thus reflecting the long-term relationship between socio-economic growth and electricity consumption (CE). Consumption growth could, therefore, follow socio-economic growth. In addition, the analysis of the Granger causality test results reveals that there is a unidirectional causal relationship of macroeconomic indicators towards electricity consumption. That is, LGDPG to LCE, LGDPH to LCE, and LGDPT to LCE. There is also a unidirectional relationship between LCE and the demographic indicators that is the relationship of LCE to LS (number of subscribers). We can, therefore, conclude that the indicators that have a better influence on electricity consumption are the overall GDP for the macroeconomic indicators and the population for the socio-demographic indicators respectively. In addition, the analysis of renewable energy potential (EnRs) shows us that Cameroon enjoys good irradiation throughout its territory, hence its high solar potential. The wind speed is unevenly distributed over the territory, it has an average speed in the region of the very north of the country, but a low speed in the rest of the territory, which justifies the low wind potential in the country. We also noticed that the forest is concentrated in the southernmost part of the country, mainly in the eastern and southern regions. After study, we concluded that it is possible to truncate thermal power plants with renewable energy plants. We proposed to trade the thermal power stations of additions by biomass plants. We also offer hybrid solar-biomass power plants for isolated power plants;and solar-wind hybrid power plants for the Far North region of the country, given its strong wind power potential. We also identified the sources of over-consumption and estimated the amount of energy that could be saved by developing an energy efficiency plan (10%) with the standard scenario that would take into account good energy-saving practices. We then estimated at 336,938 Kg the gain in CO2 emissions if we exchanged the thermal power stations into EnRs. Recommendations are then suggested for the successful implementation of an energy efficiency plan and implementation of renewable energy in Cameroon.

Magnetic Phase Transition in Strained Two-Dimensional CrSeTe Monolayer

Tunable magnetic phase transition in two-dimensional materials is a fascinating subject of research.We perform first-principle calculations based on density functional theory to clarify the magnetic property of CrSeTe monolayer modulated by the biaxial compressive strain.Based on the stable structure confirmed by the phonon calculation,CrSeTe is determined to be a ferromagnetic metal that undergoes a phase transition from a ferromagnetic state to an antiferromagnetic state with nearly 2.75%compressive strain.We identify the stress-magnetism behavior originating from the changes in interactions between the nearest-neighboring Cr atoms(J_(1)) and the next-nearest-neighboring Cr atoms(J_(2)).Through Monte Carlo simulation,we find that the Curie temperature of the CrSeTe monolayer is 160 K.The CrSeTe monolayer could be an intriguing platform for the two-dimensional systems and potential spintronic material.

Electric-field control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy by resistive switching via electrochemical metallization

Electric-field control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA) is a feasible way to manipulate perpendicular magnetization,which is of great importance for realizing energy-efficient spintronics.Here,we propose a novel approach to accomplish this task at room temperature by resistive switching(RS) via electrochemical metallization(ECM) in a device with the stack of Si/SiO_(2)/Ta/Pt/Ag/Mn-doped ZnO(MZO)/Pt/Co/Pt/ITO.By applying certain voltages,the device could be set at high-resistance-state(HRS) and low-resistance-state(LRS),accompanied with a larger and a smaller coercivity(H_(C)),respectively,which demonstrates a nonvolatile E-field control of PMA.Based on our previous studies and the present control experiments,the electric modulation of PMA can be briefly explained as follows.At LRS,the Ag conductive filaments form and pass through the entire MZO layer and finally reach the Pt/Co/Pt sandwich,leading to weakening of PMA and reduction of H_(C).In contrast,at HRS,most of the Ag filaments dissolve and leave away from the Pt/Co/Pt sandwich,causing partial recovery of PMA and an increase of H_(C).This work provides a new clue to designing low-power spintronic devices based on PMA films.

First-principles study of moderate phonon-mediated pairing in high-pressure monoclinic phase of BiS_(2)-based superconductors

Isotope effect on superconductive transition temperature(T_c)is an essential indicator to examine whether the mechanism of superconductors is conventional.Unconventional isotope effect of BiS_(2)-based superconductors has been previously reported in ambient-pressure tetragonal phase.However,to comprehensively ascertain the nature of superconductivity,the investigation of BiS_(2)-based system in high-pressure structure is highly desirable.In this work,we carried out the first-principles calculations of phonon spectra and superconductivity in high-pressure monoclinic phase of LaO_(0.5)F_(0.5)BiS_(2)with ^(32)S and ^(34)S,and observed that the corresponding isotope coefficient is 0.13≤α≤0.20.This value is much greater than that of BiS_(2)-based superconductors in ambient-pressure phase,but slightly smaller than that of conventional MgB_2.Taking into account the calculated T_(c) lower than experimental results,we finally conclude that the moderate phonon-mediated pairing plays a significant role in forming superconductivity of BiS_(2)-based system in high-pressure phase,moreover,the cooperative multiple paring interactions should also be considered.

Experimental Study of a Modified Icaro Solar Dryer: The Case of Coffee Drying

Food losses in the developing country are thought to be 50% of the fruits and vegetables grown and 25% of harvested food grain. Food preservation can reduce wastage of a harvest surplus, allow storage for food shortages, and in some cases facilitate export to high-value markets. Drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. Drying makes produce lighter, smaller, and less likely to spoil and helps to minimize the moisture content in coffee beans as high moisture content during storage is certain to ruin the taste and appearance of coffee. This work presents the results of an experimental study of forced convection drying of coffee cherries in a modified Icaro solar dryer. The study aims to validate the numerical models developed for further research. The experimental tests envisaged also aim to determine the mass loss curves of the product by fixing or calculating its initial mass (1 kg), its initial water content (70%), the ambient temperature, the drying airflow (0.02 m3.s-1 to 0.09 m3.s-1) and the exchange coefficients. The influence of these aerothermal parameters on the drying time of a most commercialized coffee variety (Robusta) was studied. Finally, the results revealed an increase in the efficiency of the heat transfer air and a reduction in the water content of the coffee cherry from 70% to 9.87%, after 30.2 hours.

V_(2)O_(3)/VN electrocatalysts with coherent heterogeneous interfaces for selecting low-energy nitrogen reduction pathways

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR)is a sustainable alterna-tive to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia(NH3)production.However,the significant uphill energy in the multistep NRR pathway is a bottleneck for favorable serial reactions.To overcome this challenge,we designed a vanadium oxide/nitride(V_(2)O_(3)/VN)hybrid electrocatalyst in which V_(2)O_(3)and VN coex-ist coherently at the heterogeneous interface.Since single-phase V_(2)O_(3)and VN exhibit different surface catalytic kinetics for NRR,the V_(2)O_(3)/VN hybrid elec-trocatalyst can provide alternating reaction pathways,selecting a lower energy pathway for each material in the serial NRR pathway.As a result,the ammo-nia yield of the V_(2)O_(3)/VN hybrid electrocatalyst was 219.6µg h^(-1)cm^(-2),and the Faradaic efficiency was 18.9%,which is much higher than that of single-phase VN,V_(2)O_(3),and VNxOy solid solution catalysts without heterointerfaces.Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the composition of these hybrid electrocatalysts allows NRR to proceed from a multistep reduction reaction to a low-energy reaction pathway through the migration and adsorption of interme-diate species.Therefore,the design of metal oxide/nitride hybrids with coherent heterointerfaces provides a novel strategy for synthesizing highly efficient elec-trochemical catalysts that induce steps favorable for the efficient low-energy progression of NRR.

Synergistic Antiflaming of Expandable Graphite on the Sealing Silicone Rubber

To study the effects of different proportions of aluminum hydroxide and expandable graphite （EG） composites on flame retardation, sealing, mechanical, electrical and other properties of RTV- 1, aluminum hydroxide/expandable graphite （ATH/EG） and silicone rubber composites were prepared by the compression molding method. The experimental results show that heat resistance improves with the increase of proportion of EG. Although the resistance coefficient changes, the composite materials still keep good electrical insulating property. Moreover, oxygen index and expansion index rise first then fall. When ATH/EG is 1：1, the oxygen index reaches the highest; the mechanical property of the silicone rubber is not affected under various environments such as acid, alkali, oily, artificial sea water environments, etc.

Precise carbon structure control by salt template for high performance sodium-ion storage

Carbon materials are considered to be one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs),but the well-ordered graphitic structure limits the intercalation of sodium ions.Besides,the sluggish intercalation kinetics of sodium ions impedes the rate performance.Thus,the precise structure control of carbon materials is important to improve the battery performance.Herein,a 3D porous hard-soft composite carbon(3DHSC)was prepared using the NaCl as the template and phenolic resin and pitch as carbon precursors.The NaCl template restrains the growth of the graphite crystallite during the carbonization process,resulting in small graphitic domains with expanded interlayer spacing which is favorable for the sodium storage.Moreover,the Na Cl templates help to create abundant mesopores and macropores for fast sodium ion diffusion.The porous structure and the graphite crystalline structure can be precisely controlled by simply adjusting the mass ratio of Na Cl,and thus,the suitable structure can be prepared to reach high capacity and rate performance while keeping a relatively high Coulombic efficiency.Typically,a high reversible capacity(215 mA h g^(-1)at 0.05 A g^(-1)),an excellent rate capability(97 mA h g^(-1)at 5 A g^(-1)),and a high initial Coulombic efficiency(60%)are achieved.

Synergistic Corrosion Inhibition Effect of Molybdate and Phosphate Ions for Anodic Oxidation Film Formed on 2024 Aluminum Alloy

In order to effectively improve the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys, anodic oxidation technique was used to generate the oxide film. We investigated the influences of two inorganic corrosion inhibitors(ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium molybdate) on the corrosion resistance of anodic oxidation films on 2024 aluminum alloy, and studied the synergistic effect of two corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion resistance of anodic oxidation film in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization curves. Results show that, after adding the single ammonium dihydrogen phosphate or sodium molybdate of 0.01 M to oxalic acid electrolyte, inhibition efficiencies of the anodized samples are 10% and 47%, respectively. However, in the presence of two inhibitors with the same concentration of 0.01 M, inhibition efficiency can be as high as 92%. Therefore, we observed the significantly synergistic corrosion inhibition effect of molybdate and phosphate ions for anodic oxidation film formed on 2024 aluminum alloy.

Lead?Free Halide Double Perovskite Materials: A New Superstar Toward Green and Stable Optoelectronic Applications

Lead-based halide perovskites have emerged as excellent semiconductors for a broad range of optoelectronic applications, such as photovoltaics, lighting, lasing and photon detection. However, toxicity of lead and poor stability still represent significant challenges. Fortunately, halide double perovskite materials with formula of A_2M(I)M(III)X_6 or A_2M(IV)X_6 could be potentially regarded as stable and green alternatives for optoelectronic applications, where two divalent lead ions are substituted by combining one monovalent and one trivalent ions, or one tetravalent ion. Here, the article provides an up-to-date review on the developments of halide double perovskite materials and their related optoelectronic applications including photodetectors, X-ray detectors, photocatalyst, light-emitting diodes and solar cells. The synthesized halide double perovskite materials exhibit exceptional stability, and a few possess superior optoelectronic properties. However, the number of synthesized halide double perovskites is limited, and more limited materials have been developed for optoelectronic applications to date. In addition, the band structures and carrier transport properties of the materials are still not desired, and the films still manifest low quality for photovoltaic applications. Therefore, we propose that continuing e orts are needed to develop more halide double perovskites, modulate the properties and grow high-quality films, with the aim of opening the wild practical applications.

A sulfur self-doped multifunctional biochar catalyst for overall water splitting and a supercapacitor from Camellia japonica flowers

A versatile use of a sulfur self-doped biochar derived from Camellia japonica(camellia)flowers is demonstrated as a multifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting and a supercapacitor.The native sulfur content in the camellia flower facilitates in situ self-doping of sulfur,which highly activates the camellia-driven biochar(SA-Came)as a multifunctional catalyst with the enhanced electron-transfer ability and long-term durability.For water splitting,an SA-Came-based electrode is highly stable and shows reaction activities in both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions,with overpotentials of 154 and 362 mV at 10 mA cm^(−2),respectively.For supercapacitors,SA-Came achieves a specific capacitance of 125.42 F g^(−1)at 2 A g^(−1)and high cyclic stability in a three-electrode system in a 1 M KOH electrolyte.It demonstrated a high energy density of 34.54 Wh kg^(−1)at a power density of 1600 W kg^(−1)as a symmetric hybrid supercapacitor device with a wide working potential range of 0-1.6 V.