Smart Interfacing between Co-Fe Layered Double Hydroxide and Graphitic Carbon Nitride for High-efficiency Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction

Bimetallic compounds such as hydrotalcite-type layered double hydroxides(LDHs)are promising electrocatalysts owing to their unique electronic structures.However,their abilities toward nitrogen adsorption and reduction are undermined since the surface-mantled,electronegative-OH groups hinder the charge transfer between transition metal atoms and nitrogen molecules.Herein,a smart interfacing strategy is proposed to construct a coupled heterointerface between LDH and 2D g-C_(3)N_(4),which is proven by density functional theory(DFT)investigations to be favorable for nitrogen adsorption and ammonia desorption compared with neat LDH surface.The interfaced LDH and g-C_(3)N_(4) is further hybridized with a self-standing TiO_(2) nanofibrous membrane(NM)to maximize the interfacial effect owing to its high porosity and large surface area.Profited from the synergistic superiorities of the three components,the LDH@C_(3)N_(4)@TiO_(2) NM delivers superior ammonia yield(2.07×10^(−9) mol s^(−1) cm^(−2))and Faradaic efficiency(25.3%),making it a high-efficiency,noble-metal-free catalyst system toward electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction.

On Similarities and Differences of Invasive and Non-Invasive Electrical Brain Signals in Brain-Computer Interfacing

We perceive that some Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) researchers believe in totally different origins of invasive and non-invasive electrical BCI signals. Based on available literature we argue, however, that although invasive and non-invasive BCI signals are different, the underlying origin of electrical BCIs signals is the same.

Bioinspired nanomaterials for wearable sensing and human–machine interfacing

The inculcation of bioinspiration in sensing and human–machine interface(HMI)technologies can lead to distinctive characteristics such as conformability,low power consumption,high sensitivity,and unique properties like self-healing,self-cleaning,and adaptability.Both sensing and HMI are fields rife with opportunities for the application of bioinspired nanomaterials,particularly when it comes to wearable sensory systems where biocompatibility is an additional requirement.This review discusses recent development in bioinspired nanomaterials for wearable sensing and HMIs,with a specific focus on state-of-the-art bioinspired capacitive sensors,piezoresistive sensors,piezoelectric sensors,triboelectric sensors,magnetoelastic sensors,and electrochemical sensors.We also present a comprehensive overview of the challenges that have hindered the scientific advancement in academia and commercialization in the industry.

Alloy/layer double hydroxide interphasic synergy via nano-heterointerfacing for highly reversible CO_(2)redox reaction in Li-CO_(2)batteries

Li-CO_(2)batteries are among the most intriguing techniques for balancing the carbon cycle,but are challenged by the annoyed thermodynamic barrier of the Li_(2)CO_(3)decomposition reaction.Herein,we demonstrate the electrocatalytic performances of two-dimensional(2D)CoAl-layer double hydroxide(LDH)nanosheets can be significantly improved by trans-dimensional crosslinking with three-dimensional(3D)multilevel nanoporous(MP)-RuCoAl alloy(MP-RuCoAl alloy⊥CoAl-LDH).The MP-RuCoAl alloy⊥CoAl-LDH with multiscale pore channels and abundant nano-heterointerface is directly prepared by controllable etching Al from a Ru-Co-Al master alloy along with simultaneous partial oxidization of Al and Co atoms.The MP-RuCoAl is composed of various intermetallic compounds and Ru with abundant grain boundaries,and forms numerous heterointerface with 2D CoAl-LDH nanosheets.The multiscale porous metallic network benefits mass and electron transportation as well as discharge product storage and enables a rich multiphase reaction interface.In situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry shows that the mass-to-charge ratio in the charging process is~0.733 which is consistent with the theoretical value of 3/4,stating that the reversible co-decomposition of Li_(2)CO_(3)and C can be achieved with the MP-RuCoAl alloy⊥CoAl-LDH.The Ketjen black(KB)/MP-RuCoAl⊥CoAl-LDH battery demonstrates a high cyclability for over 2270 h(227 cycles)with a lower voltage gap stabilized at~1.3 V at 200 mA·g^(−1).Our findings here provide useful guidelines for developing high efficiency transition metal based electrocatalysts by coupling with conductive porous substrate for impelling the development of practical Li-CO_(2)battery systems.

Artificial intelligence-assisted repair of peripheral nerve injury: a new research hotspot and associated challenges

Artificial intelligence can be indirectly applied to the repair of peripheral nerve injury.Specifically,it can be used to analyze and process data regarding peripheral nerve injury and repair,while study findings on peripheral nerve injury and repair can provide valuable data to enrich artificial intelligence algorithms.To investigate advances in the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis,rehabilitation,and scientific examination of peripheral nerve injury,we used CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to analyze the relevant literature included in the Web of Science from 1994–2023.We identified the following research hotspots in peripheral nerve injury and repair:(1)diagnosis,classification,and prognostic assessment of peripheral nerve injury using neuroimaging and artificial intelligence techniques,such as corneal confocal microscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy;(2)motion control and rehabilitation following peripheral nerve injury using artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms,such as wearable devices and assisted wheelchair systems;(3)improving the accuracy and effectiveness of peripheral nerve electrical stimulation therapy using artificial intelligence techniques combined with deep learning,such as implantable peripheral nerve interfaces;(4)the application of artificial intelligence technology to brain-machine interfaces for disabled patients and those with reduced mobility,enabling them to control devices such as networked hand prostheses;(5)artificial intelligence robots that can replace doctors in certain procedures during surgery or rehabilitation,thereby reducing surgical risk and complications,and facilitating postoperative recovery.Although artificial intelligence has shown many benefits and potential applications in peripheral nerve injury and repair,there are some limitations to this technology,such as the consequences of missing or imbalanced data,low data accuracy and reproducibility,and ethical issues(e.g.,privacy,data security,research transparency).Future research should address the issue of data collection,as large-scale,high-quality clinical datasets are required to establish effective artificial intelligence models.Multimodal data processing is also necessary,along with interdisciplinary collaboration,medical-industrial integration,and multicenter,large-sample clinical studies.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in non-invasive neuromodulation

Non-invasive cerebral neuromodulation technologies are essential for the reorganization of cerebral neural networks,which have been widely applied in the field of central neurological diseases,such as stroke,Parkinson’s disease,and mental disorders.Although significant advances have been made in neuromodulation technologies,the identification of optimal neurostimulation paramete rs including the co rtical target,duration,and inhibition or excitation pattern is still limited due to the lack of guidance for neural circuits.Moreove r,the neural mechanism unde rlying neuromodulation for improved behavioral performance remains poorly understood.Recently,advancements in neuroimaging have provided insight into neuromodulation techniques.Functional near-infrared spectroscopy,as a novel non-invasive optical brain imaging method,can detect brain activity by measuring cerebral hemodynamics with the advantages of portability,high motion tole rance,and anti-electromagnetic interference.Coupling functional near-infra red spectroscopy with neuromodulation technologies offe rs an opportunity to monitor the cortical response,provide realtime feedbac k,and establish a closed-loop strategy integrating evaluation,feedbac k,and intervention for neurostimulation,which provides a theoretical basis for development of individualized precise neuro rehabilitation.We aimed to summarize the advantages of functional near-infra red spectroscopy and provide an ove rview of the current research on functional near-infrared spectroscopy in transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial electrical stimulation,neurofeedback,and braincomputer interfaces.Furthermore,the future perspectives and directions for the application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in neuromodulation are summarized.In conclusion,functional near-infrared spectroscopy combined with neuromodulation may promote the optimization of central pellral reorganization to achieve better functional recovery form central nervous system diseases.

An MPI parallel DEM-IMB-LBM framework for simulating fluid-solid interaction problems

The high-resolution DEM-IMB-LBM model can accurately describe pore-scale fluid-solid interactions,but its potential for use in geotechnical engineering analysis has not been fully unleashed due to its prohibitive computational costs.To overcome this limitation,a message passing interface(MPI)parallel DEM-IMB-LBM framework is proposed aimed at enhancing computation efficiency.This framework utilises a static domain decomposition scheme,with the entire computation domain being decomposed into multiple subdomains according to predefined processors.A detailed parallel strategy is employed for both contact detection and hydrodynamic force calculation.In particular,a particle ID re-numbering scheme is proposed to handle particle transitions across sub-domain interfaces.Two benchmarks are conducted to validate the accuracy and overall performance of the proposed framework.Subsequently,the framework is applied to simulate scenarios involving multi-particle sedimentation and submarine landslides.The numerical examples effectively demonstrate the robustness and applicability of the MPI parallel DEM-IMB-LBM framework.

Revealing the atomic mechanism of diamond–iron interfacial reaction

Diamond,with ultrahigh hardness,high wear resistance,high thermal conductivity,and so forth,has attracted worldwide attention.However,researchers found emergent reactions at the interfaces between diamond and ferrous materials,which significantly affects the performance of diamond-based devices.Herein,combing experiments and theoretical calculations,taking diamond–iron(Fe)interface as a prototype,the counter-diffusion mechanism of Fe/carbon atoms has been established.Surprisingly,it is identified that Fe and diamond first form a coherent interface,and then Fe atoms diffuse into diamond and prefer the carbon vacancies sites.Meanwhile,the relaxed carbon atoms diffuse into the Fe lattice,forming Fe_(3)C.Moreover,graphite is observed at the Fe_(3)C surface when Fe_(3)C is over-saturated by carbon atoms.The present findings are expected to offer new insights into the atomic mechanism for diamondferrous material's interfacial reactions,benefiting diamond-based device applications.

Mg/MgO interfaces as efficient hydrogen evolution cathodes causing accelerated corrosion of additive manufactured Mg alloys:A DFT analysis

The corrosion rates of additive-manufactured Mg alloys are higher than their as-cast counterparts,possibly due to increased kinetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction on secondary phases,which may include oxide inclusions.Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy demonstrated that MgO inclusions could act as cathodes for Mg corrosion,but their low conductivity likely precludes this.However,the density of state calculations through density functional theory using hybrid HSE06 functional revealed overlapping electronic states at the Mg/MgO interface,which facilitates electron transfers and participates in redox reactions.Subsequent determination of the hydrogen absorption energy at the Mg/MgO interface reveals it to be an excellent catalytic site,with HER being found to be a factor of 23x more efficient at the interface than on metallic Mg.The results not only support the plausibility of the Mg/MgO interface being an effective cathode to the adjacent anodic Mg matrix during corrosion but also contribute to the understanding of the enhanced cathodic activities observed during the anodic dissolution of magnesium.

Molecular dynamics simulations on the interactions between nucleic acids and a phospholipid bilayer

Recently,lipid nanoparticles(LNPs)have been extensively investigated as non-viral carriers of nucleic acid vaccines due to their high transport efficiency,safety,and straightforward production and scalability.However,the molecular mechanism underlying the interactions between nucleic acids and phospholipid bilayers within LNPs remains elusive.In this study,we employed the all-atom molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the interactions between single-stranded nucleic acids and a phospholipid bilayer.Our findings revealed that hydrophilic bases,specifically G in single-stranded RNA(ssRNA)and single-stranded DNA(ssDNA),displayed a higher propensity to form hydrogen bonds with phospholipid head groups.Notably,ssRNA exhibited stronger binding energy than ssDNA.Furthermore,divalent ions,particularly Ca2+,facilitated the binding of ssRNA to phospholipids due to their higher binding energy and lower dissociation rate from phospholipids.Overall,our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying nucleic acidphospholipid interactions,with potential implications for the nucleic acids in biotherapies,particularly in the context of lipid carriers.

The growth ofβphase in Mg-Gd-Y-Ni alloy by experimental and first-principles study

The paper reports on the atomic investigation aboutβphase in Mg_(96)Gd_(2)Y_(1)Ni_(1) alloy by using the first-principles study and the high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope(HAADF-STEM)corrected by atomic Cs.By using HAADF-STEM,the rectangularβphases were observed in the underage and peak aging stages in Mg_(96)Gd_(2)Y_(1)Ni_(1) alloy.Theβphase could be precipitated from the previously precipitatedβphase,and theβphase grew in steps when it was precipitated.A special transition structure of three atomic layer thicknesses was first observed at the edge of theβphase and the structure of this interface is probably as theβ/Mg_(1) interface for the analysis of thermodynamic characterization and electronic characterization.Theβ'phase and theβ_(H) structure were precipitated only at the edge of the length directions of theβphase.Theβ'phase continues to grow into aβphase directly without the formation ofβ_(1) phase,resulting in an increase in the length of theβphase,which is discovered for the first time.

Numerical modelling of post-failure behaviors of coal specimens

A modelling approach consisting of best-fit relations to estimate the post-yield strength parameters is presented for simulating post-peak behavior beyond the point of residual strength of coal pillars having different w/h ratios.The model was developed based on back-analysis of the complete stress-strain behavior of specimens belonging to six different Indian coal seams with different w/h ratios of 0.5 e13.5.It was found that the simultaneous degradation of the cohesion and friction angle of the Mohr-Coulomb rock material characterizes the post-peak strength behavior of the rock.The resulting expressions are simplistic as they require parameters that can be easily determined using uniaxial and triaxial compression results.Eventually,the developed model was validated by simulating the triaxial tests of coal specimens with different sizes under varying confining stresses and comparing its findings with the published test results.The study showed that its implementation in the numerical model could reproduce laboratory-observed mechanical response,deformation behavior,and failure mechanism very closely.

INTERFACE BEHAVIOR AND DECAY RATES OF COMPRESSIBLE NAVIER-STOKES SYSTEM WITH DENSITY-DEPENDENT VISCOSITY AND A VACUUM

In this paper,we study the one-dimensional motion of viscous gas near a vacuum,with the gas connecting to a vacuum state with a jump in density.The interface behavior,the pointwise decay rates of the density function and the expanding rates of the interface are obtained with the viscosity coefficientμ(ρ)=ρ^(α)for any 0<α<1;this includes the timeweighted boundedness from below and above.The smoothness of the solution is discussed.Moreover,we construct a class of self-similar classical solutions which exhibit some interesting properties,such as optimal estimates.The present paper extends the results in[Luo T,Xin Z P,Yang T.SIAM J Math Anal,2000,31(6):1175-1191]to the jump boundary conditions case with density-dependent viscosity.

Tuning the solubility of polysulfides for constructing practical lithium-sulfur battery

Li-S batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation battery systems with high energy density and low cost.However,the dissolution-precipitation reaction mechanism of the sulfur(S)cathode enhances the kinetics of the redox processes of the insulating sulfu r,which also arouses the notorious shuttle effect,leading to serious loss of S species and corrosion of Li anode.To get a balance between the shuttle restraining and the kinetic property,a combined strategy of electrolyte regulation and cathode modification is proposed via introducing 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoroprpyl ether(HFE)instead of 1,2-dimethoxyethane(DME),and SeS_(7)instead of S_8.The introduction of HFE tunes the solvation structure of the LiTFSI and the dissolution of intermediate polysulfides with Se doping(LiPSSes),and optimize the interface stability of the Li anode simultaneously.The minor Se substitution compensates the decrease in kinetic due to the decreased solubility of LiPSs.In this way,the Li-SeS_(7)batteries deliver a reversible capacity of 1062 and 1037 mAh g^(-1)with 2.0 and 5.5 mg SeS_(7)cm^(-2)loading condition,respectively.Besides,an electrolyte-electrode loading model is established to explain the relationship between the optimal electrolyte and cathode loading.It makes more sense to guide the electrolyte design for practical Li-S batteries.

Preparation and interface state of phosphate tailing-based geopolymers

The long-term storage of phosphate tailings will occupy a large amount of land,pollute soil and groundwater,thus,it is crucial to achieve the harmless disposal of phosphate tailings.In this study,high-performance geopolymers with compressive strength of 38.8 MPa were prepared by using phosphate tailings as the main raw material,fly ash as the active silicon-aluminum material,and water glass as the alkaline activator.The solid content of phosphate tailings and fly ash was 60% and 40%,respectively,and the water-cement ratio was 0.22.The results of XRD,FTIR,SEM-EDS and XPS show that the reactivity of phosphate tailings with alkaline activator is weak,and the silicon-aluminum material can react with alkaline activator to form zeolite and gel,and encapsulate/cover the phosphate tailings to form a dense phosphate tailings-based geopolymer.During the formation of geopolymers,part of the aluminum-oxygen tetrahedron replaced the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron,causing the polycondensation reaction between geopolymers and increasing the strength of geopolymers.The leaching toxicity test results show that the geopolymer has a good solid sealing effect on heavy metal ions.The preparation of geopolymer from phosphate tailings is an important way to alleviate the storage pressure and realize the resource utilization of phosphate tailings.

Buried interface management via bifunctional NH_(4)BF_(4)towards efficient CsPbI_(2)Br solar cells with a V_(oc)over 1.4 V

CsPbI_(2)Br perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have drawn tremendous attention due to their suitable bandgap,excellent photothermal stability,and great potential as an ideal candidate for top cells in tandem solar cells.However,the abundant defects at the buried interface and perovskite layer induce severe charge recombination,resulting in the open-circuit voltage(V_(oc))output and stability much lower than anticipated.Herein,a novel buried interface management strategy is developed to regulate interfacial carrier dynamics and CsPbI_(2)Br defects by introducing ammonium tetrafluoroborate(NH_(4)BF_(4)),thereby resulting in both high CsPbI_(2)Br crystallization and minimized interfacial energy losses.Specifically,NH_(4)^(+)ions could preferentially heal hydroxyl groups on the SnO_(2)surface and balance energy level alignment between SnO_(2)and CsPbI_(2)Br,enhancing charge transport efficiency,while BF_(4)^(-)anions as a quasi-halogen regulate crystal growth of CsPbI_(2)Br,thus reducing perovskite defects.Additionally,it is proved that eliminating hydroxyl groups at the buried interface enhances the iodide migration activation energy of CsPbI_(2)Br for strengthening the phase stability.As a result,the optimized CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs realize a remarkable efficiency of 17.09%and an ultrahigh V_(oc)output of 1.43 V,which is one of the highest values for CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs.

Edge and lithium concentration effects on intercalation kinetics for graphite anodes

Graphite interfaces are an important part of the anode in lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),significantly influencing Li intercalation kinetics.Graphite anodes adopt different stacking sequences depending on the concentration of the intercalated Li ions.In this work,we performed first-principles calculations to comprehensively address the energetics and dynamics of Li intercalation and Li vacancy diffusion near the no n-basal edges of graphite,namely the armchair and zigzag-edges,at high Li concentration.We find that surface effects persist in stage-Ⅱ that bind Li strongly at the edge sites.However,the pronounced effect previously identified at the zigzag edge of pristine graphite is reduced in LiC_(12),penetrating only to the subsurface site,and eventually disappearing in LiC_(6).Consequently,the distinctive surface state at the zigzag edge significantly impacts and restrains the charging rate at the initial lithiation of graphite anodes,whilst diminishes with an increasing degree of lithiation.Longer diffusion time for Li hopping to the bulk site from either the zigzag edge or the armchair edge in LiC_(6) was observed during high state of charge due to charge repulsion.Effectively controlling Li occupation and diffusion kinetics at this stage is also crucial for enhancing the charge rate.

A Review of Contact Electrification at Diversified Interfaces and Related Applications on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

The triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)can effectively collect energy based on contact electrification(CE)at diverse interfaces,including solid–solid,liquid–solid,liquid–liquid,gas–solid,and gas–liquid.This enables energy harvesting from sources such as water,wind,and sound.In this review,we provide an overview of the coexistence of electron and ion transfer in the CE process.We elucidate the diverse dominant mechanisms observed at different interfaces and emphasize the interconnectedness and complementary nature of interface studies.The review also offers a comprehensive summary of the factors influencing charge transfer and the advancements in interfacial modification techniques.Additionally,we highlight the wide range of applications stemming from the distinctive characteristics of charge transfer at various interfaces.Finally,this review elucidates the future opportunities and challenges that interface CE may encounter.We anticipate that this review can offer valuable insights for future research on interface CE and facilitate the continued development and industrialization of TENG.

Research on modeling and self-excited vibration mechanism in magnetic levitation-collision interface coupling system

The modeling and self-excited vibration mechanism in the magnetic levitation-collision interface coupling system are investigated.The effects of the control and interface parameters on the system's stability are analyzed.The frequency range of self-excited vibrations is investigated from the energy point of view.The phenomenon of self-excited vibrations is elaborated with the phase trajectory.The corresponding control strategies are briefly analyzed with respect to the vibration mechanism.The results show that when the levitation objects collide with the mechanical interface,the system's vibration frequency becomes larger with the decrease in the collision gap;when the vibration frequency exceeds the critical frequency,the electromagnetic system continues to provide energy to the system,and the collision interface continuously dissipates energy so that the system enters the self-excited vibration state.

Superhydrophobic Co/Fe sulfide nanoparticles and single-atoms doped carbon nanosheets composite air cathode for high-performance zinc-air batteries

Development of a high-performance bifunctional catalyst is essential for the actual implementation of zinc-air batteries in practical applications.Herein,a bifunctional cathode of Co_(3)S_(4)/FeS heterogeneous nanoparticles embedded in Co/Fe single-atom-loaded nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets is designed.Cobalt-iron sulfides and single atomic sites with Co-N_(4)/Fe-N_(4)configurations are confirmed to coexist on the carbon matrix by EXAFS spectroscopy.3D self-supported super-hydrophobic multiphase composite cathode provides abundant active sites and facilitates gas–liquid-solid three-phase interface reactions,resulting in excellent electrocatalytic activity and batteries performance,i.e.,an OER overpotential(η_(10))of 260 mV,a half-wave potential(E_(1/2))of 0.872 V for ORR,aΔE of 0.618 V,and a discharge power density of 170 mW cm^(−2),a specific capacity of 816.3 mAh g^(−1).DFT analysis shows multiphase coupling of sulfide heterojunction through single-atomic metal doped carbon nanosheets reduces offset on center of electronic density of states before and after oxygen adsorption,and spin density of adsorbed oxygen with same spin orientation,leading to weakened charge/spin interactions between adsorbed oxygen and substrate,and a lowered oxygen adsorption energy to accelerate OER/ORR.