Stable immobilization of lithium polysulfides using three-dimensional ordered mesoporous Mn_(2)O_(3) as the host material in lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)have drawn significant attention owing to their high theoretical discharge capacity and energy density.However,the dissolution of long-chain polysulfides into the electrolyte during the charge and discharge process(“shuttle effect”)results in fast capacity fading and inferior electrochemical performance.In this study,Mn_(2)O_(3)with an ordered mesoporous structure(OM-Mn_(2)O_(3))was designed as a cathode host for LSBs via KIT-6 hard templating,to effectively inhibit the polysulfide shuttle effect.OM-Mn_(2)O_(3)offers numerous pores to confine sulfur and tightly anchor the dissolved polysulfides through the combined effects of strong polar-polar interactions,polysulfides,and sulfur chain catenation.The OM-Mn_(2)O_(3)/S composite electrode delivered a discharge capacity of 561 mAh g^(-1) after 250 cycles at 0.5 C owing to the excellent performance of OM-Mn_(2)O_(3).Furthermore,it retained a discharge capacity of 628mA h g^(-1) even at a rate of 2 C,which was significantly higher than that of a pristine sulfur electrode(206mA h g^(-1)).These findings provide a prospective strategy for designing cathode materials for high-performance LSBs.

Effect of distribution shape on the melting transition, local ordering,and dynamics in a model size-polydisperse two-dimensional fluid

We study the effect of particle size polydispersity(δ) on the melting transition(T*), local ordering, solid–liquid coexistence phase and dynamics of two-dimensional Lennard–Jones fluids up to moderate polydispersity by means of computer simulations. The particle sizes are drawn at random from the Gaussian(G) and uniform(U) distribution functions.For these systems, we further consider two different kinds of particles, viz., particles having the same mass irrespective of size, and in the other case the mass of the particle scales with its size. It is observed that with increasing polydispersity,the value of T*initially increases due to improved packing efficiency(φ) followed by a decrease and terminates at δ ≈8%(U-system) and 14%(G-system) with no significant difference for both mass types. The interesting observation is that the particular value at which φ drops suddenly coincides with the peak of the heat capacity(CP) curve, indicating a transition. The quantification of local particle ordering through the hexatic order parameter(Q_6), Voronoi construction and pair correlation function reveals that the ordering decreases with increasing δ and T. Furthermore, the solid–liquid coexistence region for the G-system is shown to be comparatively wider in the T –δ plane phase diagram than that for the U system. Finally, the study of dynamics reveals that polydisperse systems relax faster compared to monodisperse systems;however, no significant qualitative differences, depending on the distribution type and mass polydispersity, are observed.

The chemical environment and structural ordering in liquid Mg-Y-Zn system:An ab-initio molecular dynamics investigation of melt for the formation mechanism of LPSO structure

In an effort to clarify the formation mechanism of LPSO structure in Mg-Y-Zn alloy,the chemical environment and structural ordering in liquid Mg-rich Mg-Y-Zn system are investigated with the aid of ab-initio molecular dynamics simulation.In liquid Mg-rich Mg-Y alloys,the strong Mg-Y interaction is determined,which promotes the formation of fivefold symmetric local structure.For Mg-Zn alloys,the weak Mg-Zn interaction results in the fivefold symmetry weakening in the liquid structure.Due to the coexistence of Y and Zn,the strong attractive interaction is introduced in liquid Mg-Y-Zn ternary alloy,and contributes to the clustering of Mg,Y,Zn launched from Zn.What is more,the distribution of local structures becomes closer to that in pure Mg compared with that in binary Mg-Y and Mg-Zn alloys.These results should relate to the origins of the Y/Zn segregation zone and close-packed stacking mode in LPSO structure,which provides a new insight into the formation mechanism of LPSO structure at atomic level.

The Disintegration of a Floating Ferrofluid Layer into an Ordered Drop System in a Vertical Magnetic Field

Magnetic fluids,also known as ferrofluids,are versatile functional materials with a wide range of applications.These applications span from industrial uses such as vacuum seals,actuators,and acoustic devices to medical uses,including serving as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),delivering medications to specific locations within the body,and magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment.The use of a non-wettable immiscible liquid substrate to support a layer of magnetic fluid opens up new possibilities for studying various fluid flows and related instabilities in multi-phase systems with both a free surface and an interface.The presence of two deformable boundaries within a ferrofluid layer significantly reduces the critical magnetic field strength required to transform the layer into an organized system of drops or polygonal figures evolving according to the intensity,frequency and direction of the considered magnetic field.This paper experimentally investigates this problem by assuming a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the surface.This specific subject has not been previously explored experimentally.The critical magnetic field intensity required to destabilize the ferrofluid layer is determined based on the layer’s thickness and the fluid’s initial magnetic susceptibility.It is demonstrated that the critical magnetic field strength needed to disrupt the initially continuous ferrofluid layer increases with the layer’s thickness.Conversely,an increase in the ferrofluid’s magnetic susceptibility results in a decrease in the critical magnetic field strength.The emerging droplet structures are analyzed in terms of the number of drops,their size,and the periodicity of their arrangement.The number of droplets formed depends on the initial thickness of the layer,the presence or absence of a stable rupture in the upper layer,and the rate at which the magnetic field strength is increased to the critical value.A characteristic viscous time is proposed to evaluate the decomposition of the ferrofluid layer,which depends on the duration of the magnetic field’s application.The experimental data on the instability of a ferrofluid layer on a liquid substrate are compared with the theoretical results from the study of“magnetic fluid sandwich structures”conducted by Rannacher and Engel.This comparison highlights the similarities and differences between experimental observations and theoretical predictions,providing a deeper understanding of the behavior of ferrofluid layers under the influence of magnetic fields.

Advanced 3D ordered electrodes for PEMFC applications: From structural features and fabrication methods to the controllable design of catalyst layers

The catalyst layers(CLs) electrode is the key component of the membrane electrode assembly(MEA) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs). Conventional electrodes for PEMFCs are composed of carbon-supported, ionomer, and Pt nanoparticles, all immersed together and sprayed with a micron-level thickness of CLs. They have a performance trade-off where increasing the Pt loading leads to higher performance of abundant triple-phase boundary areas but increases the electrode cost. Major challenges must be overcome before realizing its wide commercialization. Literature research revealed that it is impossible to achieve performance and durability targets with only high-performance catalysts, so the controllable design of CLs architecture in MEAs for PEMFCs must now be the top priority to meet industry goals. From this perspective, a 3D ordered electrode circumvents this issue with a support-free architecture and ultrathin thickness while reducing noble metal Pt loadings. Herein, we discuss the motivation in-depth and summarize the necessary CLs structural features for designing ultralow Pt loading electrodes. Critical issues that remain in progress for 3D ordered CLs must be studied and characterized. Furthermore, approaches for 3D ordered CLs architecture electrode development, involving material design, structure optimization, preparation technology, and characterization techniques, are summarized and are expected to be next-generation CLs for PEMFCs. Finally, the review concludes with perspectives on possible research directions of CL architecture to address the significant challenges in the future.

ENTIRE SOLUTIONS OF HIGHER ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH ENTIRE COEFFICIENTS HAVING THE SAME ORDER

In this paper,we consider entire solutions of higher order homogeneous differential equations with the entire coefficients having the same order,and prove that the entire solutions are of infinite lower order.The properties on the radial distribution,the limit direction of the Julia set and the existence of a Baker wandering domain of the entire solutions are also discussed.

Dynamic Uncertainty:Exploring the Spatial Order of Future Digital Architecture

The spatial order of architecture has been significantly impacted by digital architectural design and production,creating a dynamic uncertainty.This study aims to explore digital architecture from the perspective of spatial order,discussing the antidote/poison effect caused by digital technologies in architectural practice and the cultural digital changes in digital architectures.The study selected four digital architecture cases,including the(W)rapper at Los Angeles by Eric Owen Moss,Beijing Daxing International Airport by Zaha Hadid,3D Print Niaokan Bridge by Xu Weiguo,and World Internet Conference Center by Yuan Feng.This study is hypothesising that the future special order of digital architectures will be a dynamic and balanced new spatial order.This new order includes the symbiosis of a human-machine and virtual-real hierarchy;the interactive co-existence between nature,humanity and technology;and the creative multi-immersive sharing of parametric information,built-environment resources and cultural artistic information.The evolution of spatial order of future digital architecture will be discussed in connection with the idea of the metaverse.The value of this work is its ability to inspire a broader examination of the new order of digital architectural space.

The gas discharge visualization(GDV)order parameter model based on the principle of mastering both permanence and change

Objective To investigate the human body’s complex system,and classify and characterize the human body’s health states with“a comprehensive integrated method from qualitative to quantitative”.Methods This paper introduces the concept of“order parameters”and proposes a method for establishing an order parameter model of gas discharge visualization(GDV)based on the principle of“mastering both permanence and change(MBPC)”.The method involved the fol-lowing three steps.First,average luminous intensity(I)and average area(S)of the GDV im-ages were calculated to construct the phase space,and the score of the health questionnaire was calculated as the health deviation index(H).Second,the k-means++clustering method was employed to identify subclasses with the same health characteristics based on the data samples,and to statistically determine the symptom-specific frequencies of the subclasses.Third,the distance(d)between each sample and the“ideal health state”,which determined in the phase space of each subclass,was calculated as an order parameter describing the health imbalance,and a linear mapping was established between the d and the H.Further,the health implications of GDV signals were explored by analyzing subclass symptom profiles.We also compare the mean square error(MSE)with classification methods based on age,gen-der,and body mass index(BMI)indices to verify that the phase space possesses the ability to portray the health status of the human body.Results This study preliminarily tested the reliability of the order parameter model on data samples provided by 20 participants.Based on the discovered linear law,the current model can use d calculated by measuring the GDV signal to predict H(R^(2)>0.77).Combined with the symptom profiles of the subclasses,we explain the classification basis of the phase space based on the pattern identification.Compared with common classification methods based on age,gender,BMI,etc.,the MSE of phase space-based classification was reduced by an order of magnitude.Conclusion In this study,the GDV order parameter model based on MBPC can identify sub-classes and characterize individual health levels,and explore the TCM health meanings of the GDV signals by using subjective-objective methods,which holds significance for establishing mathematical models from TCM diagnosis principles to interpret human body signals.

On the Local Convergence and Dynamics of New Iterative Method with Sixth Order Convergence

In this paper,we construct a new sixth order iterative method for solving nonlinear equations.The local convergence and order of convergence of the new iterative method is demonstrated.In order to check the validity of the new iterative method,we employ several chemical engineering applications and academic test problems.Numerical results show the good numerical performance of the new iterative method.Moreover,the dynamical study of the new method also supports the theoretical results.

Estimation of Landfill Gas and Its Renewable Energy Potential from the Polesgo Controlled Landfill Using First-Order Decay (FOD) Models

Methane generation in landfills and its inadequate management represent the major avoidable source of anthropogenic methane today. This paper models methane production and the potential resources expected (electrical energy production and potential carbon credits from avoided CH4 emissions) from its proper management in a municipal solid waste landfill located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The modeling was carried out using two first-order decay (FOD) models (LandGEM V3.02 and SWANA) using parameters evaluated on the basis of the characteristics of the waste admitted to the landfill and weather data for the site. At the same time, production data have been collected since 2016 in order to compare them with the model results. The results obtained from these models were compared to experimental one. For the simulation of methane production, the SWANA model showed better consistency with experimental data, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.59 compared with the LandGEM model, which obtained a coefficient of 0.006. Thus, despite the low correlation values linked to the poor consistency of experimental data, the SWANA model models methane production much better than the LandGEM model. Thus, despite the low correlation values linked to the poor consistency of the experimental data, the SWANA model models methane production much better than the LandGEM V3.02 model. It was noted that the poor consistency of the experimental data justifies these low coefficients, and that they can be improved in the future thanks to ongoing in situ measurements. According to the SWANA model prediction, in 27 years of operation a biogas plant with 33% electrical efficiency using biogas from the Polesgo landfill would avoid 1,340 GgCO2e. Also, the evaluation of revenues due to electricity and carbon credit gave a total revenue derived from methane production of US$27.38 million at a cost of US$10.5/tonne CO2e.

Galerkin-Bernstein Approximations for the System of Third-Order Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems

This paper is devoted to find the numerical solutions of one dimensional general nonlinear system of third-order boundary value problems (BVPs) for the pair of functions using Galerkin weighted residual method. We derive mathematical formulations in matrix form, in detail, by exploiting Bernstein polynomials as basis functions. A reasonable accuracy is found when the proposed method is used on few examples. At the end of the study, a comparison is made between the approximate and exact solutions, and also with the solutions of the existing methods. Our results converge monotonically to the exact solutions. In addition, we show that the derived formulations may be applicable by reducing higher order complicated BVP into a lower order system of BVPs, and the performance of the numerical solutions is satisfactory. .

The Convergence Rate of Fréchet Distribution under the Second-Order Regular Variation Condition

In this article we consider the asymptotic behavior of extreme distribution with the extreme value index γ>0 . The rates of uniform convergence for Fréchet distribution are constructed under the second-order regular variation condition.

Synthesis of three-dimensional ordered mesoporous MnO_2 and its catalytic performance in formaldehyde oxidation

Three-dimensional（3D）ordered mesoporous MnO2 was prepared using KIT-6 mesoporous molecular sieves as a hard template.The material was used for catalytic oxidation of HCHO.The material has high surface areas and the mesoporous characteristics of the template,with cubic symmetry（ia3d）.It consists of a β-MnO2 crystalline phase corresponding to pyrolusite,with a rutile structure.Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the 3D-MnO2 catalyst has a large number of exposed Mn4＋ ions on the（110）crystal plane surfaces,with a lattice spacing of 0.311 nm; this enhances oxidation of HCHO.Complete conversion of HCHO to CO2 and H2O was achieved at 130 °C on 3D-MnO2; the same conversions on α-MnO2 and β-MnO2 nanorods were obtained at 140 and 180 °C,respectively,under the same conditions.The specific mesoporous structure,high specific surface area,and large number of surface Mn4＋ ions are responsible for the catalytic activity of 3D-MnO2 in HCHO oxidation.

Influence of Preparation Conditions on Structural Stability of Ordered Mesoporous Carbons Synthesized by Evaporation-induced Triconstituent Co-assembly Method

Various ordered mesoporous carbons （OMCs） have been prepared by evaporation-induced trieonstituent co-assembly method. Their mesostructural stability under different carbon content, aging time and acidity were conveniently monitored by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 sorption isotherms techniques. The results show mesostruetural stability of OMCs is enhanced as the carbon content increases from 36% to 46%, further increasing carbon content deteriorates the mesostructural stability. Increasing aging time from 0.5 h to 5.0 h make the mesostructural stability go through an optimum （2.0 h） and gradually reduce framework shrinkage of the OMCs. Highly OMCs can only be obtained in the acidity range of 0.2-1.2 mol/L HC1, when the acidity is near the isoelectrie point of silica, the resulting OMCs have the best mesostructure stability. Under the optimum condition, the carbon content of 46%, aging time of 2.0 h, and 0.2 mol/L HCl, the resulting OMCs have the best mesostrueture stability and the highest BET surface areas of 2281 m2/g.

Synthesis of K-doped three-dimensionally ordered macroporous Mn_(0.5)Ce_(0.5)O_δ catalysts and their catalytic performance for soot oxidation

A series of K-doped Mn0.5Ce0.5Oδ （K-MCO） catalysts with three-dimensionally ordered macroporous （3DOM） structure and different K loadings were successfully synthesized using simple methods. These catalysts exhibited well-defined 3DOM nanostructure, which consisted of extensive interconnecting networks of spherical voids. The effects of the calcination temperature and calcination time on the morphological characteristics and crystalline forms of the catalysts were systematically studied. The catalysts showed high catalytic activity for the combustion of soot. 3DOM 20% K-MCO-4h catalyst, in particular, showed the highest catalytic activity of all of the catalysts studied （e.g., Ts0 = 331 ~C and Smco2 = 95.3%）. The occurrence of structural and synergistic effects among the K, Mn, and Ce atoms in the catalysts was favorable for enhancing their catalytic activity towards the combustion of diesel soot. Furthermore, the temperatures required for the complete combustion of the soot （〈400 ℃） were well within the exhaust temperature range （175-400 ℃）, which means that the accumulated soot can be removed under the conditions of the diesel exhaust gas. These catalysts could therefore be used in numerous practical applications because they are easy to synthesize, exhibit high catalytic activity, and can be made from low cost materials.

The Growth Theorem for Almost Starlike Mappings of Order α on Bounded Starlike Circular Domains

In this paper,we extend the definition of almost starlike mappings of order 1/2 on B n to the almost starlike mappings of order α on the bounded starlike circular domains in C n,and give the growth theorem of it. This type of domain on which we discuss is rather general,in the sense that the domain must be starlike if there exists a normalized biholomorphic starlike mapping on it.

The Precise Order and Singular Directions of Meromorphic Functions

The rnemmorphic functions of positive order(both finite positive order and infinite order) are discussed.First,the precise order and type function are given by using the characteristic function.Then some singular directions are defined and their existence is proved.

The Order of Approximation by Complex Rational Type Interpolating Operators at Fejer's Points

In this paper, supose Γ be a boundary of a Jordan domain D and Γ satisfied Альпер condition, the order that rational type interpolating operators at Fejer's points of f(z)∈C(Γ) converge to f(z) in the sense of uniformly convergence is obtained.

On The Conceptions of Time and Order in Faulkner's The Sound and The Fury

The publication of the famous novel The Sound and The Fury projects the long-enduring reputation of William Faulkner as a household American writer in every nook and cranny of the world.Just in this novel,Faulkner employs the literary device of stream of consciousness and makes a good play with time and order to his own joy,which makes it an outstanding literary feature in the novel.In this essay,the unusual conceptions of time and order in the novel are tentatively probed mainly from the following three perspectives:1) the initiative for Faulkner creating the novel as a novel against time and order.2) the disordered arrangement as an artistic device——the optimum key to delivering the story.3) the potential order underlying the seeming disorder in the novel.

Supplier selection and order splitting modeling in the pr esence of supplier capacity and resilience

To solve the problem of a supplier＇s failure to deliver thus impacting supply chain system performance in the supply chain operating process, a model of supplier selection and order splitting in the context of a multiple sourcing setting is proposed. First, by the analysis of the elements of expected total costs of the buyer firm, namely, expected loss costs, resilience effort costs, supplier maintenance costs, and cycle purchase costs, the expected total costs function is obtained. And then, the effects of supplier characters on the supplier selection and order splitting decisionmaking are investigated by numerical examples. The results show that the maximum delivery capacity, the probability of failure to deliver and the resilience parameters are crucial elements in determining which suppliers should be selected and how to do order splitting between suppliers. Finally, current analyses focus only on the expected total costs of the buyer firm but ignore the suppliers＇ costs： thus, it is more interesting to examine the supplier decisions from both parties＇ points of view.