Atomic-level quantitative analysis of electronic functional materials by aberration-corrected STEM

The stable sub-angstrom resolution of the aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope(ACSTEM)makes it an advanced and practical characterization technique for all materials.Owing to the prosperous advancement in computational technology,specialized software and programs have emerged as potent facilitators across the entirety of electron microscopy characterization process.Utilizing advanced image processing algorithms promotes the rectification of image distortions,concurrently elevating the overall image quality to superior standards.Extracting high-resolution,pixel-level discrete information and converting it into atomic-scale,followed by performing statistical calculations on the physical matters of interest through quantitative analysis,represent an effective strategy to maximize the value of electron microscope images.The efficacious utilization of quantitative analysis of electron microscope images has become a progressively prominent consideration for materials scientists and electron microscopy researchers.This article offers a concise overview of the pivotal procedures in quantitative analysis and summarizes the computational methodologies involved from three perspectives:contrast,lattice and strain,as well as atomic displacements and polarization.It further elaborates on practical applications of these methods in electronic functional materials,notably in piezoelectrics/ferroelectrics and thermoelectrics.It emphasizes the indispensable role of quantitative analysis in fundamental theoretical research,elucidating the structure–property correlations in high-performance systems,and guiding synthesis strategies.

Cytological and Proteomic Analysis of Ginkgo biloba Pollen Intine

The pollen intine plays important roles in pollen germination and tube growth,but related information in Ginkgo biloba remains unclear.We isolated and obtained de-exined pollen from G.biloba.Using fluorescent probes,we observed the strongest cellulose fluorescence in the pollen intine.De-esterified pectin immunolabeled with JIM5 was present throughout the entire cell wall,whereas esterified pectin recognized by the monoclonal antibody JIM7 was concentrated in some regions.Callose staining with aniline blue was observed across the entire surface of the pollen intine.These results were confirmed by Fourier Transform InfraRed(FTIR)analysis.We also used proteomic approaches to identify different proteins between mature and de-exined pollen(48h after hydration)in vitro.Based on mass spectrometry,de-exined pollen had more proteins than mature pollen,including calmodulin,serine hydroxymethyltransferase,β-galactosidase 6,and class IV chitinase.According to Gene Ontology(GO)analysis,the differentially expressed proteins were mainly associated with transportation,defense reaction,sugar metabolism,energy metabolism,signal transduction,and cell wall formation.These findings suggest that most proteins involved in pollen germination and pollen tube growth are synthesized during pollen hydration,indicating the important role of pollen hydration in the reproductive process of G.Biloba.

A novel integrated non-targeted metabolomic analysis reveals significant metabolite variations between different lettuce (Lactuca sativa. L) varieties

Lettuce is an important leafy vegetable that represents a significant dietary source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds.However,the levels of metabolites in different lettuce cultivars are poorly characterized.In this study,we used combined GC×GC-TOF/MS and UPLC-IMS-QTOF/MS to detect and relatively quantify metabolites in 30 lettuce cultivars representing large genetic diversity.Comparison with online databases,the published literature,standards as well using collision cross-section values enabled putative identification of 171 metabolites.Sixteen of these 171 metabolites(including phenolic acid derivatives,glycosylated flavonoids,and one iridoid)were present at significantly different levels in leaf and head type lettuces,which suggested the significant metabolomic variations between the leaf and head types of lettuce are related to secondary metabolism.A combination of the results and metabolic network analysis techniques suggested that leaf and head type lettuces contain not only different levels of metabolites but also have significant variations in the corresponding associated metabolic networks.The novel lettuce metabolite library and novel non-targeted metabolomics strategy devised in this study could be used to further characterize metabolic variations between lettuce cultivars or other plants.Moreover,the findings of this study provide important insight into metabolic adaptations due to natural and human selection,which could stimulate further research to potentially improve lettuce quality,yield,and nutritional value.

Targeted regeneration and upcycling of spent graphite by defect‐driven tin nucleation

The recycling of spent batteries has become increasingly important owing to their wide applications,abundant raw material supply,and sustainable development.Compared with the degraded cathode,spent anode graphite often has a relatively intact structure with few defects after long cycling.Yet,most spent graphite is simply burned or discarded due to its limited value and inferior performance on using conventional recycling methods that are complex,have low efficiency,and fail in performance restoration.Herein,we propose a fast,efficient,and“intelligent”strategy to regenerate and upcycle spent graphite based on defect‐driven targeted remediation.Using Sn as a nanoscale healant,we used rapid heating(~50 ms)to enable dynamic Sn droplets to automatically nucleate around the surface defects on the graphite upon cooling owing to strong binding to the defects(~5.84 eV/atom),thus simultaneously achieving Sn dispersion and graphite remediation.As a result,the regenerated graphite showed enhanced capacity and cycle stability(458.9 mAh g^(−1) at 0.2 A g^(−1) after 100 cycles),superior to those of commercial graphite.Benefiting from the self‐adaption of Sn dispersion,spent graphite with different degrees of defects can be regenerated to similar structures and performance.EverBatt analysis indicates that targeted regeneration and upcycling have significantly lower energy consumption(~99%reduction)and near‐zero CO_(2) emission,and yield much higher profit than hydrometallurgy,which opens a new avenue for direct upcycling of spend graphite in an efficient,green,and profitable manner for sustainable battery manufacture.

Interlayer engineering and electronic regulation of MoSe_(2)nanosheets rolledhollow nanospheres for high-performance sodium-ion half/full batteries

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides are promising candidates for sodium storage but suffering from low intrinsic electronic conductivity and limited interlayer spacing for fast electron/ion transport,which restricts their high-rate capability and cycling stability.In this work,rGO@MoSe_(2)/NAC hierarchical architectures,consisting of conductive reduced graphene oxide(rGO)supported by hollow nanospheres that are rolled from superlattices of alternatively overlapped MoSe_(2)and N-doped amorphous carbon(NAC)monolayers,are synthesized as a highperformance sodium storage anode.Theoretical calculations reveal the intercalation of NAC monolayer between two adjacent MoSe_(2)monolayers improving electronic conductivity of MoSe_(2)in both surface and internal bulk to fully accelerate electron transport and enhance Naþadsorption.The interoverlapped MoSe_(2)/NAC superlattice featuring a wide interlayer expansion(72.3%)of MoSe_(2)dramatically decreases Naþdiffusion barriers for fast insertion/extraction.Moreover,the hollow nanospheres and the rGO conductive network contribute to a robust hiberarchy that can well release internal stress and buffer the volume expansion,thereby enabling outstanding structural stability.Consequently,the rGO@MoSe_(2)/NAC anode exhibits excellent high-rate capability of 194 mAh g^(-1)and ultralong cyclability of 12000 cycles with a low capacity fading rate of 0.0038%per cycle at an ultra-high current of 50 A g^(-)1,delivering the best high-rate cycling performance to date.Remarkably,the Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)||rGO@MoSe_(2)/NAC full cells also present outstanding cycling stability(600 cycles)at 10C rate,which proves the great potential in fast-charging applications.

Graphene-loaded nickel−vanadium bimetal oxides as hydrogen pumps to boost solid-state hydrogen storage kinetic performance of magnesium hydride

To modify the thermodynamics and kinetic performance of magnesium hydride(MgH_(2))for solid-state hydrogen storage,Ni_(3)V_(2)O_(8)-rGO(rGO represents reduced graphene oxide)and Ni_(3)V_(2)O_(8)nanocomposites were prepared by hydrothermal and subsequent heat treatment.The beginning hydrogen desorption temperature of 7 wt.%Ni_(3)V_(2)O_(8)-rGO modified MgH_(2)was reduced to 208℃,while the additive-free MgH_(2)and 7 wt.%Ni_(3)V_(2)O_(8)doped MgH_(2)appeared to discharge hydrogen at 340 and 226℃,respectively.A charging capacity of about 4.7 wt.%H_(2)for MgH_(2)+7 wt.%Ni_(3)V_(2)O_(8)-rGO was achieved at 125℃ in 10 min,while the dehydrogenated MgH_(2)took 60 min to absorb only 4.6 wt.%H_(2)at 215℃.The microstructure analysis confirmed that the in-situ generated Mg_(2)Ni/Mg_(2)N_(i)H_(4) and metallic V contributed significantly to the enhanced performance of MgH_(2).In addition,the presence of rGO in the MgH_(2)+7 wt.%Ni_(3)V_(2)O_(8)-rGO composite reduced particle aggregation tendency of Mg/MgH_(2),leading to improving the cyclic stability of MgH_(2)during 20 cycles.

Structures and magnetism of dinuclear Co complexes based on imine derivatives

This study presents the synthesis of three dinuclear cobalt complexes based on three imine derivatives:bis-[4-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)-phenyl]thioether(L1),bis-[4-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)-phenyl]ether(L2),and bis-[4-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)-phenyl]methane(L3).Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the complexes[Co_(2)(L1)3](ClO_(4))4·2CH_(3)CN(1),[Co_(2)(L2)3](ClO_(4))4·2CH_(3)OH(2),and[Co_(2)(L3)3](ClO_(4))4·2CH_(3)OH(3)all exhibit a dinuclear structure.Magnetic test results show that complex 3 exhibited irreversible SCO behavior induced by loss of solvent at 300 K,with the average Co-N bond length increasing from 0.2139(3)to 0.2153(3)nm.Meanwhile,the desolvated complex 3 exhibited paramagnetic behavior similar to that of complexes 1 and 2.Variable-temperature UV-Vis spectroscopic studies also indicate that complex 3 undergoes a solvent-loss-induced spin-state transition.CCDC:2347354,1(120 K);2347355,2(120 K);2347356,3(120 K);2347357,3(400 K).

Interfacial Electronic Modulation of Dual-Monodispersed Pt–Ni_(3)S_(2) as Efficacious Bi-Functional Electrocatalysts for Concurrent H_(2) Evolution and Methanol Selective Oxidation

Constructing the efficacious and applicable bifunctional electrocatalysts and establishing out the mechanisms of organic electro-oxidation by replacing anodic oxygen evolution reaction(OER) are critical to the development of electrochemicallydriven technologies for efficient hydrogen production and avoid CO_(2) emission. Herein, the hetero-nanocrystals between monodispersed Pt(~ 2 nm) and Ni_(3)S_(2)(~ 9.6 nm) are constructed as active electrocatalysts through interfacial electronic modulation, which exhibit superior bi-functional activities for methanol selective oxidation and H_(2) generation. The experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the asymmetrical charge distribution at Pt–Ni_(3)S_(2) could be modulated by the electronic interaction at the interface of dual-monodispersed heterojunctions, which thus promote the adsorption/desorption of the chemical intermediates at the interface. As a result, the selective conversion from CH_(3)OH to formate is accomplished at very low potentials(1.45 V) to attain 100 m A cm^(-2) with high electronic utilization rate(~ 98%) and without CO_(2) emission. Meanwhile, the Pt–Ni_(3)S_(2) can simultaneously exhibit a broad potential window with outstanding stability and large current densities for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) at the cathode. Further, the excellent bi-functional performance is also indicated in the coupled methanol oxidation reaction(MOR)//HER reactor by only requiring a cell voltage of 1.60 V to achieve a current density of 50 m A cm^(-2) with good reusability.

Graphene Nanoribbons Enhancing the Electronic Conductivity and Ionic Diffusion of Graphene Electrodes for High-Performance Microsupercapacitors

The electrochemical performance of microsupercapacitors with graphene electrodes is reduced by the issue of graphene sheets aggregation,which limits electrolyte ions penetration into electrode.Increasing the space between graphene sheets in electrodes facilitates the electrolyte ions penetration,but sacrifices its electronic conductivity which also influences the charge storage ability.The challenging task is to improve the electrodes’electronic conductivity and ionic diffusion simultaneously,boosting the device’s electrochemical performance.Herein,we experimentally realize the enhancement of both electronic conductivity and ionic diffusion from 2D graphene nanoribbons assisted graphene electrode with porous layer-uponlayer structure,which is tailored by graphene nanoribbons and self-sacrificial templates ethyl cellulose.The designed electrode-based device delivers a high areal capacitance of 71 mF cm^(-2)and areal energy density of 9.83μWh cm^(-2),promising rate performance,outstanding cycling stability with 97%capacitance retention after 20000 cycles,and good mechanical properties.The strategy paves the way for fabricating high-performance graphene-based MSCs.

Enantiodifferentiation of chiral diols and diphenols via recognition-enabled chromatographic^(19)F NMR

A novel and efficient method for distinguishing between chiral diols and diphenols has been established through the use of^(19)F NMR spectroscopy.Central to this system's efficacy is a chiral amine,strategically modified with a CF_(3)group.This amine reacts in-situ with 2-formylphenylboronic acid to create a chiral^(19)F-labeled probe.This probe demonstrates discriminatory capabilities by interacting with hydroxy-containing analytes to form boronic esters.These esters produce distinct^(19)F NMR signals that vary according to their stereoconfiguration,facilitating accurate chiral differentiation.The method's resolution capacity was demonstrated by successfully identifying 12 distinct chiral analytes(six pairs of enantiomers)in complex mixtures,highlighting its extensive potential in diverse chiral analysis applications.

Unveiling a giant electrocaloric effect at low electric fields through continuous phase transition design

The reported electrocaloric(EC)effect in ferroelectrics is poised for application in the next generation of solidstate refrigeration technology,exhibiting substantial developmental potential.This study introduces a novel and efficient EC effect strategy in(1-x)Pb(Lu_(1/2)Nb_(1/2))O_(3)-xPbTiO_(3)(PLN-xPT)ceramics for low electric-fielddriven devices.Phase-field simulations provide fundamental insights into thermally induced continuous phase transitions,guiding subsequent experimental investigations.A comprehensive composition/temperature-driven phase evolution diagram is constructed,elucidating the sequential transformation from ferroelectric(FE)to antiferroelectric(AFE)and finally to paraelectric(PE)phases for x=0.10-0.18 components.Direct measurements of EC performance highlight x=0.16 as an outstanding performer,exhibiting remarkable properties,including an adiabatic temperature change(ΔT)of 3.03 K,EC strength(ΔT/ΔE)of 0.08 K cm kV-1,and a temperature span(Tspan)of 31℃.The superior EC effect performance is attributed to the temperature-induced FE to AFE transition at low electric fields and diffusion phase transition behavior contributing to the wide Tspan.This work provides valuable insights into developing high-performance EC effect across broad temperature ranges through the strategic design of continuous phase transitions,offering a simplified and economical approach for advancing ecofriendly and efficient solid-state cooling technologies.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and vegetables around nonferrous metals mining and smelting sites,Baiyin,China

A field survey was conducted to investigate the metal and arsenic contamination in soils and vegetables on four villages （Shuichuan （SCH）, Beiwan （BWA）, Dongwan （DWA） and Wufe （WFE）） located along, Baiyin, China, and to evaluate the possible health risks to local population through foodchain. Results show that the most significantly contaminated soils occurred upstream at SCH where Cd, Cu and As concentrations exceeded maximum allowable concentrations for Chinese agricultural soil. Further downstream the degree of contamination semi-systematically decreased in concentrations of metal. Generally, the leafy vegetables were more heavily contaminated than non-leafy vegetables. Chinese cabbage is the most severely contaminated, the concentrations of Cd exceeded the maximum permit levels （0.05 mg/kg） by 4.5 times. Bio-accumulate factor also shows that an entry of Cd to food chain plants is the greatest potential. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake amounts of the considered toxic elements （Cd, Pb and Cu） from the vegetables grown at SCH and BWA and DWA have exceeded the recommended dietary allowance levels. Thus, the vegetables grown in three villages above, which affected by Baiyin mining and smelting have a health hazard for human consumption.

Effects of La substitution on microstructure and hydrogen storage properties of Ti−Fe−Mn-based alloy prepared through melt spinning

The as-spun Ti_(1−x)La_(x)Fe_(0.8)Mn_(0.2)(x=0,0.01,0.03,0.06,0.09,molar fraction)alloys were prepared by melt spinning.The effects of La substitution for Ti on the microstructure,hydrogen storage kinetics and thermodynamics of TiFe-type Ti−Fe−Mn-based alloy were investigated.The as-spun alloys hold the TiFe single phase,which transforms to TiFeH_(0.06),TiFeH,and TiFeH_(2) hydrides after hydrogenation.La substitution promotes the formation of micro-defects(such as dislocations and grain boundaries)in the alloys,thus facilitating hydrogen diffusion.In addition,the hydrogen storage kinetics properties are improved after introducing La element.With the rise of La content,the hydrogen storage capacity decreases firstly and then increases,but the absolute value of hydriding enthalpy change(|ΔH|)increases firstly and then reduces.When x=0.01,the maximum value of|ΔH|is obtained to be(25.23±0.50)kJ/mol for hydriding,and the alloy has the maximum hydrogen absorption capacity of(1.80±0.04)wt.%under the conditions of 323 K and 3 MPa.

Supercritical Antisolvent-based Technology for Preparation of Vitamin D3 Proliposome and Its Characteristics

Vitamin D3 （VD3） proliposomes （VDP）, consisted of hydrogenated phosphatidycholine （HPC） and VD3, were prepared using supercritical anti-solvent technology （SAS）. The effects of operation conditions （temperature, pressure and components） on the VD3 loading in VDP were studied. At the optimum conditions of pressure of 8.0 MPa, temperature of 45 ℃, and the mass ratio of 15.0% between VD3 and HPC, the VD3 loading reached 12.89%. VD3 liposomes （VDL） were obtained by hydrating VDP and the entrapment efficiency of VD3 in VDL reached 98.5%. The morphology and structure of VDP and VDL were characterized by SEM （scanning electron micro-scope）, TEM （transmission electron microscope） and XRD （X-ray diffractometer）. The structure of VD3 nanoparti-cles in HPC matrix was formed. The size of VDL with an average diameter of about 1μm was determined by dynamic light scattering instrument （DLS）. The results indicated that VDP can be made by SAS and VDL with high entrapment efficiency can be formed easily via the hydration of VDP.

Nanostructuring of Mg-Based Hydrogen Storage Materials:Recent Advances for Promoting Key Applications

With the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming,there is an urgent demand to seek green,low-cost,and high-efficiency energy resources.Hydrogen has been considered as a potential candidate to replace fossil fuels,due to its high gravimetric energy density(142 MJ kg^(-1)),high abundance(H_(2)O),and environmentalfriendliness.However,due to its low volume density,effective and safe hydrogen storage techniques are now becoming the bottleneck for the"hydrogen economy".Under such a circumstance,Mg-based hydrogen storage materials garnered tremendous interests due to their high hydrogen storage capacity(~7.6 wt%for MgH_(2)),low cost,and excellent reversibility.However,the high thermodynamic stability(ΔH=-74.7 kJ mol^(-1)H_(2))and sluggish kinetics result in a relatively high desorption temperature(>300℃),which severely restricts widespread applications of MgH_(2).Nano-structuring has been proven to be an effective strategy that can simultaneously enhance the ab/de-sorption thermodynamic and kinetic properties of MgH_(2),possibly meeting the demand for rapid hydrogen desorption,economic viability,and effective thermal management in practical applications.Herein,the fundamental theories,recent advances,and practical applications of the nanostructured Mg-based hydrogen storage materials are discussed.The synthetic strategies are classified into four categories:free-standing nano-sized Mg/MgH_(2)through electrochemical/vapor-transport/ultrasonic methods,nanostructured Mg-based composites via mechanical milling methods,construction of core-shell nano-structured Mg-based composites by chemical reduction approaches,and multi-dimensional nano-sized Mg-based heterostructure by nanoconfinement strategy.Through applying these strategies,near room temperature ab/de-sorption(<100℃)with considerable high capacity(>6 wt%)has been achieved in nano Mg/MgH_(2)systems.Some perspectives on the future research and development of nanostructured hydrogen storage materials are also provided.

Facile synthesis of UCNPs/Zn_xCd_(1-x)S nanocomposites excited by near-infrared light for photochemical reduction and removal of Cr(Ⅵ)

Photocatalysis driven by near-infrared（NIR）light is of scientific and technological interest for ex-ploiting solar energy.In this study,we demonstrate a facile hydrothermal process to synthesize core-shell nanoparticles combining upconversion nanoparticles（UCNPs）and alloyed ZnxCwhich can be excited using NIR or visible light.Morphologies,phase,and chemical composition have been investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron mi-croscopy,X-ray diffraction analysis,and atomic absorption spectroscopy.Moreover,we found that amorphous TiO2 layers existing in the final samples play an important role in formation ofyolk-shell nanoparticles,which bind the as-prepared ZnxCnanoparticlescan be tuna-ble by adjusting the amount of the Cd and Zn source compounds.The photochemical reduction of Cr（Ⅵ）in water has been performed to study the photocatalytic performance under irradiation by NIR light or a simulated solar light,showing efficient photoreduction and Cr（Ⅵ）removal over the/TiO2 yolk-shell nanoparticles.The as-prepared UCNPs@ZnxC/TiO2 nanoparticles show excellent production of hydroxyl radicals,which are responsible for the photochemical reduction of Cr（Ⅵ）to Cr（Ⅲ）.This study will provide an alternative strategy for en-vironmental wastewater treatment,making full use of solar energy.

In-situ investigation of deformation behavior and fracture forms of Ti/Al/Mg/Al/Ti laminates

In-situ bending and stretching were conducted on hot-rolled and annealed Ti/Al/Mg/Al/Ti laminates,with a focus on crack initiation and propagation of intermetallics and component layers,which helps to clarify their deformation behavior and fracture forms.The results show that delamination is the early fracture form of laminate with or without intermetallics at Al/Mg interface,so Al/Mg interfacial bonding strength determines the mechanical properties of laminate.Various and irregular intermetallics cracks lead to Al/Mg interface delamination in annealed laminate and help to release stress.Necking and fracture of component layers are observed at the late deformation stage,and the sequence is Al,Mg and Ti layers,resulting from their strength.Angle between crack propagation direction and stretching direction of Mg layer both in rolled and annealed laminates is around 45°due to the effect of shear deformation,and crack convergence leads to final complete fracture of Mg layer.

Metabolic Response of Pakchoi Leaves to Amino Acid Nitrogen

Different nitrogen （N） forms may cause changes in the metabolic profiles of plants. However, few studies have been conducted on the effects of amino acid-N on plant metabolic profiles. The main objective of this study was to identify primary metabolites associated with amino acid-N （Gly, Gln and Ala） through metabolic profile analysis using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. Plants of pakchoi （Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis L.）, Huawang and Wuyueman cultivars, were grown with different nitrogen forms （i.e., Gly, Gln, Ala, NO3-N, and N starvation） applied under sterile hydroponic conditions. The fresh weight and plant N accumulation of Huawang were greater than those of Wuyueman, which indicates that the former exhibited better N-use efficiency than the latter. The physiological performances of the applied N forms were generally in the order of NO3-N〉Gln〉Gly〉Ala. The metabolic analysis of leaf polar extracts revealed 30 amino acid N-responsive metabolites in the two pakchoi cultivars, mainly consisting of sugars, amino acids, and organic acids. Changes in the carbon metabolism of pakchoi leaves under amino acid treatments occurred via the accumulation of fructose, glucose, xylose, and arabinose. Disruption of amino acid metabolism resulted in accumulation of endogenous Gly in Gly treatment, Pro in Ala treatment, and Asn in three amino acid （Gly, Gln and Ala） treatments. By contrast, the levels of endogenous Gln and Leu decreased. However, this reduction varied among cultivars and amino acid types. Amino acid-N supply also affected the citric acid cycle, namely, the second stage of respiration, where leaves in Gly, Gln and Ala treatments contained low levels of malic, citric and succinic acids compared with leaves in NO3-N treatments. No significant difference in the metabolic responses was observed between the two cultivars which differed in their capability to use N. The response of primary metabolites in pakchoi leaves to amino acid-N supply may serve an important function in pakchoi adaptation to amino acid-N sources.

An effective rolling process of magnesium alloys for suppressing edge cracks: Width-limited rolling

To suppress the edge crack of the magnesium alloy sheet during the ordinary rolling process, a new rolling process named width-limited rolling was proposed in this paper. Width-limited rolling is a rolling method in which the width of the alloy sheet is limited by modifying the shape of the rollers, allowing a compressive stress field to form at the edge portion of the alloy sheet during rolling, resulting in the reduction of edge cracks. At present work, magnesium alloy sheets were separately subjected to ordinary rolling and width-limited rolling. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the rolled sheets were investigated by EBSD, TEM, and XRD. The results exhibited that under the same rolling conditions, the sheet after ordinary rolling exhibited obvious edge cracks while no crack was found at the edge of the sheet after width-limited rolling. The edge crack suppressing effect was attributed to the reduction of the tensile stress along rolling direction during WLR, promoting the synchronous extension of the edge and center regions to suppress edge crack tendency. Microstructure observation showed that the compressive twins formed in the sheet after ordinary rolling usually exhibited as thin plates and cannot continue to fully develop due to the premature generation of the edge cracks. However, the compressive twins developed maturely in some of which double twins formed and various slip systems with different dislocation Burgers vectors occurred in the rolled sheet after WLR. More twin intersections and shear bands, providing more potential recrystallization nucleation sites, which are beneficial to weaken basal texture. With the cooperation of twinning and dislocation slip, the texture of the sheet after the width-limited rolling is weakened and the mechanical properties are improved.

TiO_2 composite nanotubes embedded with CdS and upconversion nanoparticles for near infrared light driven photocatalysis

We report a colloidal process to coat a layer of TiO2onto SiO2composite nanofibers containing embedded CdS and upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs).The SiO2composite nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning.To improve the energy transfer efficiency,UCNPs and CdS nanoparticles were bound in close proximity to each other within the SiO2matrix.β‐NaYF4:Yb(30%),Tm(0.5%)@NaYF4:Yb(20%),Er(2%)core–shell nanoparticles were used as nanotransducers for near infrared light.These nanoparticles exhibited enhanced upconversion fluorescence compared withβ‐NaYF4:Yb(30%),Tm(0.5%)orβ–NaYF4:Yb(30%),Tm(0.5%)@NaYF4nanoparticles.The morphologies,size and chemical compositions have been extensively investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X‐ray diffraction(XRD)and X‐ray photoelectron spectra(XPS),respectively.The TEM images showed that the TiO2composite nanotubes were embedded with a large amount of UCNPs and CdS nanoparticles.The composite TiO2nanotubes degraded more than90%of rhodamine B(RhB)dye during20min of irradiation by simulated solar light.In particular,more than50%of RhB was decomposed in70min,under irradiation of near infrared light(NIR).This high degradation was attributed to the full spectrum absorption of solar light,and the enhanced transfer efficiency for near infrared light.The as‐prepared nanostructures can harness solar energy,and provide an alternative to overcome energy shortages and environmental protection.