Graphene-like Be_3X_2(X=C,Si, Ge,Sn):A new family of two-dimensional topological insulators

Using first-principle calculations, we predict a new family of stable two-dimensional(2 D) topological insulators(TI),monolayer Be_3 X_2(X = C,Si, Ge, Sn) with honeycomb Kagome lattice. Based on the configuration of Be_3 C_2, which has been reported to be a 2 D Dirac material, we construct the other three 2 D materials and confirm their stability according to their chemical bonding properties and phonon-dispersion relationships. Because of their tiny spin-orbit coupling(SOC)gaps, Be_3 C_2 and Be_3 Si_2 are 2 D Dirac materials with high Fermi velocity at the same order of magnitude as that of graphene.For Be3 Ge2 and Be_3 Sn_2,the SOC gaps are 1.5 meV and 11.7 meV, and their topological nontrivial properties are also confirmed by their semi-infinite Dirac edge states. Our findings not only extend the family of 2 D Dirac materials, but also open an avenue to track new 2 DTI.

Variation and relationship between soil moisture and environmental factors in the source region of the Yangtze River from 2005 to 2016

This study analyzed soil moisture,soil erosion,and vegetation in the source region of the Yangtze River from 2005 to 2016.We found that soil moisture showed an increasing trend from 2005 to 2009 but decreased from 2009 to 2016.The surface soil moisture was severely affected by seasonal changes in the source region of the Yangtze River,especially in the soil from 0 to 40 cm.However,seasonal variation of soil moisture deeper than 40 cm was different from that in the upper layer.Soil moisture below 40 cm wasn't affected by the seasonal variation.Soil moisture from 0 to 50 cm and the average thickness of wind deposition showed a positive correlation in the study area from 2005 to 2016.For environmental protection in the source region of the Yangtze River,wind deposition played a role in water retention.Similarly,a positive correlation also existed between the average thickness of wind erosion and soil moisture.Deep-soil moisture was the key factor for vegetation structure on the Qinghai?Tibet Plateau.The results are also helpful for further understanding the variation of soil moisture on the Tibetan Plateau and providing a scientific basis for effectively protecting and controlling the ecological environment in the future.

Two-dimensional hexagonal Zn3Si2 monolayer:Dirac cone material and Dirac half-metallic manipulation

The fascinating Dirac cone in honeycomb graphene,which underlies many unique electronic properties,has inspired the vast endeavors on pursuing new two-dimensional(2D)Dirac materials.Based on the density functional theory method,a 2D material Zn3Si2 of honeycomb transition-metal silicide with intrinsic Dirac cones has been predicted.The Zn3Si2 monolayer is dynamically and thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions.Importantly,the Zn3Si2 monolayer is a room-temperature 2D Dirac material with a spin-orbit coupling energy gap of 1.2 meV,which has an intrinsic Dirac cone arising from the special hexagonal lattice structure.Hole doping leads to the spin polarization of the electron,which results in a Dirac half-metal feature with single-spin Dirac fermion.This novel stable 2D transition-metal-silicon-framework material holds promises for electronic device applications in spintronics.

华北农村清洁取暖成本收益的空间不均衡

Bulk coal combustion in rural households is a major contributor to PM_(2.5)pollution in Northern China[1,2].To promote the energy transition and reduce bulk coal combustion for heating in rural areas,China initiated the Winter Clean Heating Action Plan in Rural Northern China in 2017,hereinafter referred to as rural clean heating(RCH)[3].The 2+26 region,comprising Beijing,Tianjin,and 26 other municipalities in the surrounding area(Fig.S1 online),is the key implementation area for the RCH.