Inducing Fe 3d Electron Delocalization and Spin‑State Transition of FeN_(4) Species Boosts Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Wearable Zinc–Air Battery

Transition metal-nitrogen-carbon materials(M-N-Cs),particularly Fe-N-Cs,have been found to be electroactive for accelerating oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)kinetics.Although substantial efforts have been devoted to design Fe-N-Cs with increased active species content,surface area,and electronic conductivity,their performance is still far from satisfactory.Hitherto,there is limited research about regulation on the electronic spin states of Fe centers for Fe-N-Cs electrocatalysts to improve their catalytic performance.Here,we introduce Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene with sulfur terminals to regulate the electronic configuration of FeN_(4) species and dramatically enhance catalytic activity toward ORR.The MXene with sulfur terminals induce the spin-state transition of FeN_(4) species and Fe 3d electron delocalization with d band center upshift,enabling the Fe(II)ions to bind oxygen in the end-on adsorption mode favorable to initiate the reduction of oxygen and boosting oxygen-containing groups adsorption on FeN_(4) species and ORR kinetics.The resulting FeN_(4)-Ti_(3)C_(2)Sx exhibits comparable catalytic performance to those of commercial Pt-C.The developed wearable ZABs using FeN_(4)-Ti_(3)C_(2)Sx also exhibit fast kinetics and excellent stability.This study confirms that regulation of the electronic structure of active species via coupling with their support can be a major contributor to enhance their catalytic activity.

Templated synthesis of transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions

Transition metal phosphides(TMPs)have been regarded as alternative hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)catalysts owing to their comparable activity to those of noble metal-based catalysts.TMPs have been produced in various morphologies,including hollow and porous nanostructures,which are features deemed desirable for electrocatalytic materials.Templated synthesis routes are often responsible for such morphologies.This paper reviews the latest advances and existing challenges in the synthesis of TMP-based OER and HER catalysts through templated methods.A comprehensive review of the structure-property-performance of TMP-based HER and OER catalysts prepared using different templates is presented.The discussion proceeds according to application,first by HER and further divided among the types of templates used-from hard templates,sacrificial templates,and soft templates to the emerging dynamic hydrogen bubble template.OER catalysts are then reviewed and grouped according to their morphology.Finally,prospective research directions for the synthesis of hollow and porous TMP-based catalysts,such as improvements on both activity and stability of TMPs,design of environmentally benign templates and processes,and analysis of the reaction mechanism through advanced material characterization techniques and theoretical calculations,are suggested.

Recent advances in transition metal phosphide materials:Synthesis and applications in supercapacitors

Supercapacitors(SCs)are considered promising energy storge systems because of their outstanding power density,fast charge and discharge rate and long-term cycling stability.The exploitation of cheap and efficient electrode materials is the key to improve the performance of supercapacitors.As the battery-type materials,transition metal phosphides(TMPs)possess high theoretical specific capacity,good electrical conductivity and superior structural stability,which have been extensively studied to be electrode materials for supercapacitors.In this review,we summarize the up-to-date progress on TMPs materials from diversified synthetic methods,diverse nanostructures and several prominent TMPs and their composites in application of supercapacitors.In the end,we also propose the remaining challenges toward the rational discovery and synthesis of high-performance TMP electrodes materials for energy storage.

Transition frequencies between 2S and 2P states of lithium-like ions

The Schrödinger equation for the 2S and 2P states of the lithium-like ions Z=5–7,9–10 is solved by using the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method in Hylleraas coordinates.The leading-order relativistic and QED corrections are calculated perturbatively and higher-order corrections are estimated.The transition frequencies between the 2S_(1/2)and 2P_(J)(J=1/2,3/2)states are determined and compared with experimental and other theoretical results.Specifically,isotope shifts are also calculated for B^(2+).

Semi-analytical solution for drained expansion analysis of a hollow cylinder of critical state soils

The expansion of a thick-walled hollow cylinder in soil is of non-self-similar nature that the stress/deformation paths are not the same for different soil material points.As a result,this problem cannot be solved by the common self-similar-based similarity techniques.This paper proposes a novel,exact solution for rigorous drained expansion analysis of a hollow cylinder of critical state soils.Considering stress-dependent elastic moduli of soils,new analytical stress and displacement solutions for the nonself-similar problem are developed taking the small strain assumption in the elastic zone.In the plastic zone,the cavity expansion response is formulated into a set of first-order partial differential equations(PDEs)with the combination use of Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions,and a novel solution algorithm is developed to efficiently solve this complex boundary value problem.The solution is presented in a general form and thus can be useful for a wide range of soils.With the new solution,the non-self-similar nature induced by the finite outer boundary is clearly demonstrated and highlighted,which is found to be greatly different to the behaviour of cavity expansion in infinite soil mass.The present solution may serve as a benchmark for verifying the performance of advanced numerical techniques with critical state soil models and be used to capture the finite boundary effect for pressuremeter tests in small-sized calibration chambers.

Topological edge and corner states of valley photonic crystals with zipper-like boundary conditions

We present a stable valley photonic crystal(VPC)unit cell with C_(3v)symmetric quasi-ring-shaped dielectric columns and realize its topological phase transition by breaking mirror symmetry.Based on this unit cell structure,topological edge states(TESs)and topological corner states(TCSs)are realized.We obtain a new type of wave transmission mode based on photonic crystal zipper-like boundaries and apply it to a beam splitter assembled from rectangular photonic crystals(PCs).The constructed beam splitter structure is compact and possesses frequency separation functions.In addition,we construct a box-shaped triangular PC structures with zipper-like boundaries and discover phenomena of TCSs in the corners,comparing its corner states with those formed by other boundaries.Based on this,we explore the regularities of the electric field patterns of TESs and TCSs,explain the connection between the characteristic frequencies and locality of TCSs,which helps better control photons and ensures low power consumption of the system.

Thermal rectification induced by Wenzel–Cassie wetting state transition on nano-structured solid–liquid interfaces

Thermal rectification refers to the phenomenon by which the magnitude of the heat flux in one direction is much larger than that in the opposite direction.In this study,we propose to implement the thermal rectification phenomenon in an asymmetric solid–liquid–solid sandwiched system with a nano-structured interface.By using the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations,the thermal transport through the solid–liquid–solid system is examined,and the thermal rectification phenomenon can be observed.It is revealed that the thermal rectification effect can be attributed to the significant difference in the interfacial thermal resistance between Cassie and Wenzel states when reversing the temperature bias.In addition,effects of the liquid density,solid–liquid bonding strength and nanostructure size on the thermal rectification are examined.The findings may provide a new way for designs of certain thermal devices.

Whole-process case management effects on mental state and selfcare ability in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Regarding the incidence of malignant tumors in China,the incidence of liver cancer ranks fourth,second only to lung,gastric,and esophageal cancers.The case fatality rate ranks third after lung and cervical cancer.In a previous study,the whole-process management model was applied to patients with breast cancer,which effectively reduced their negative emotions and improved treatment adherence and nursing satisfaction.METHODS In this single-center,randomized,controlled study,60 randomly selected patients with liver cancer who had been admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly divided into an observation group(n=30),who received whole-process case management on the basis of routine nursing mea-sures,and a control group(n=30),who were given routine nursing measures.We compared differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety,depression,the level of hope,self-care ability,symptom distress,sleep quality,and quality of life.RESULTS Post-intervention,Hamilton anxiety scale,Hamilton depression scale,memory symptom assessment scale,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores in both groups were lower than those pre-intervention,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).Herth hope index,self-care ability assessment scale-revision in Chinese,and quality of life measurement scale for patients with liver cancer scores in both groups were higher than those pre-intervention,with higher scores in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Whole-process case management can effectively reduce anxiety and depression in patients with liver cancer,alleviate symptoms and problems,and improve the level of hope,self-care ability,sleep quality,and quality of life,as well as provide feasible nursing alternatives for patients with liver cancer.

Quantitative determination of the critical points of Mott metal–insulator transition in strongly correlated systems

Mottness is at the heart of the essential physics in a strongly correlated system as many novel quantum phenomena occur in the metallic phase near the Mott metal–insulator transition. We investigate the Mott transition in a Hubbard model by using the dynamical mean-field theory and introduce the local quantum state fidelity to depict the Mott metal–insulator transition. The local quantum state fidelity provides a convenient approach to determining the critical point of the Mott transition. Additionally, it presents a consistent description of the two distinct forms of the Mott transition points.

Hydrogenic donor impurity states and intersubband optical absorption spectra of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides in dielectric environments

The hydrogenic donor impurity states and intersubband optical absorption spectra in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides(ML TMDs) under dielectric environments are theoretically investigated based on a two-dimensional(2D)nonorthogonal associated Laguerre basis set. The 2D quantum confinement effect together with the strongly reduced dielectric screening results in the strong attractive Coulomb potential between electron and donor ion, with exceptionally large impurity binding energy and huge intersubband oscillator strength. These lead to the strong interaction of the electron with light in a 2D regime. The intersubband optical absorption spectra exhibit strong absorption lines of the non-hydrogenic Rydberg series in the mid-infrared range of light. The strength of the Coulomb potential can be controlled by changing the dielectric environment. The electron affinity difference leads to charge transfer between ML TMD and the dielectric environment, generating the polarization-electric field in ML TMD accompanied by weakening the Coulomb interaction strength. The larger the dielectric constant of the dielectric environment, the more the charge transfer is, accompanied by the larger polarization-electric field and the stronger dielectric screening. The dielectric environment is shown to provide an efficient tool to tune the wavelength and output of the mid-infrared intersubband devices based on ML TMDs.

New Rural Community Construction or Retention Development:A Comparative Analysis of Rural Settlement Transition Mechanism in Plain Agriculture Area of China Based on Actor Network Theory

It is an important way to realize rural revitalization and sustainable development to guide rural settlement transition(RST)in an appropriate way.This paper uses actor network theory(ANT)to construct a theoretical framework for the study of RST.Taking two typical villages with different transition paths in rural areas of North China Plain as examples,this paper reveals the mechanism of RST and makes a comparative analysis.The results show that:1)after identifying problems and obligatory passage point,key actors recruit heterogeneous actors into the actor network by entrusting them with common interests,and realize RST under the system operation.2)Rural settlements under different transition paths have similarities in the problems to be solved,collective actions and policy factors,but there are differences in the transition process,mechanism and effect.The actor network and mechanism of RST through the path of new rural community construction are more complex and the transition effect is more thorough.In contrast,the degree of RST of retention development path is limited if there is no resource and location advantage.3)Based on the applicable conditions of different paths,this paper designs a logical framework of‘Situation-Structure-Behavior-Result’to scientifically guide the identification of RST paths under the background of rural revitalization.

Photodoping-Modified Charge Density Wave Phase Transition in WS_(2)/1T-TaS_(2) Heterostructure

Controlling collective electronic states hold great promise for development of innovative devices. Here, we experimentally detect the modification of the charge density wave(CDW) phase transition within a 1T-TaS_(2) layer in a WS_(2)/1T-TaS_(2) heterostructure using time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy. Laser-induced charge transfer doping strongly suppresses the commensurate CDW phase, which results in a significant decrease in both the phase transition temperature(T_(c)) and phase transition stiffness. We interpret the phenomenon that photoinduced hole doping, when surpassing a critical threshold value of ~ 10^(18)cm^(-3), sharply decreases the phase transition energy barrier. Our results provide new insights into controlling the CDW phase transition, paving the way for optical-controlled novel devices based on CDW materials.

Interconnection Gridlock Threatens Transition to Renewable Energy

In October 2023,the International Energy Agency(IEA)released a report identifying inadequate grid infrastructure as a key threat to meeting the climate goals laid out by the Paris Agreement[1],the landmark 2015 international treaty in which 196 parties agreed to limit global warming to well below 2℃ above preindustrial levels[2].Importantly,funding for the treaty’s calledfor transition from fossil fuels to clean energy has accelerated[3],with recently legislated massive governmental subsidies and other incentives(e.g.,the Inflation Reduction Act[4])aimed specifically at promoting renewable energy.However,a commensurate surge in investment in electrical grids has not materialized;instead,it has stagnated for the past decade at around 300 billion USD per year worldwide[1].

Unveiling the pressure-driven metal–semiconductor–metal transition in the doped TiS_(2)

Conventional theories expect that materials under pressure exhibit expanded valence and conduction bands,leading to increased electrical conductivity.Here,we report the electrical properties of the doped 1T-TiS_(2) under high pressure by electrical resistance investigations,synchrotron x-ray diffraction,Raman scattering and theoretical calculations.Up to 70 GPa,an unusual metal-semiconductor-metal transition occurs.Our first-principles calculations suggest that the observed anti-Wilson transition from metal to semiconductor at 17 GPa is due to the electron localization induced by the intercalated Ti atoms.This electron localization is attributed to the strengthened coupling between the doped Ti atoms and S atoms,and the Anderson localization arising from the disordered intercalation.At pressures exceeding 30.5 GPa,the doped TiS_(2) undergoes a re-metallization transition initiated by a crystal structure phase transition.We assign the most probable space group as P2_(1)2_(1)2_(1).Our findings suggest that materials probably will eventually undergo the Wilson transition when subjected to sufficient pressure.

Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in Ba_(6)Cr_(2)S_(10)Modified by Toroidal Magnetic Phase Transition

Ba_(6)Cr_(2)S_(10)is a recently discovered magnetic material,in which the spins are aligned ferromagnetically in the ab-plane and anti-parallelly in a paired form along the c-axis.It is characterized as a quasi-one dimensional(1D)dimerized structure with a ferrotoroidic order,forming the simplest candidate toroidal magnetic(TM)order and exhibiting an anti-ferromagnetic-like transition at around 10 K.Time-resolved ultrafast dynamics investigation of the novel A-Cr-S(A:metal elements)family of quantum materials has rarely been reported.Here,we investigate the time-resolved pump-probe ultrafast dynamics of a Ba6Cr2S10 single crystal.A prominent change in the photo-excited carrier dynamics is observed at T_(c)=10 K,corresponding to the reported TM-paramagnetic phase transition.A potential unknown magnetic transition is also found at T^(*)=29 K.Our results provide new evidence for the TM magnetic transition in Ba_(6)Cr_(2)S_(10),and shed light on phase transitions in TM quantum materials.

Publisher Correction to:Strongly Coupled 2D Transition Metal Chalcogenide‑MXene‑Carbonaceous Nanoribbon Heterostructures with Ultrafast Ion Transport for Boosting Sodium/Potassium Ions Storage

Due to the technical fault,a wrong version of the paper was uploaded.The content of the article was not affected,but the layout of the article was affected.The original article has been corrected.

Advancing neuroscience through real-time processing of big data:Transition from open-loop to closed-loop paradigms

The brain functions as a closed-loop system that continuously generates behavior in response to the external environment and adjusts actions based on the outcomes.Traditional research methodologies in neuroscience,especially those employed in brain imaging experiments,have mainly adopted an open-loop paradigm(Grosenick et al.,2015).Functional neural circuits are analyzed offline and subsequently tested through manipulation of neuronal activities within specific regions or with genetic markers.By establishing a closed-loop research paradigm,functional ensembles can be detected and tested in real time with temporal sequences.These functional ensembles,rather than brain regions or genetically labeled neural populations,serve as fundamental units of neural networks,offering valuable insights into the dissection of neural circuits.The closed-loop research paradigm also enables the capture of high-dimensional activities of internal brain dynamics and precise elucidation of physiological processes such as learning,decision-making,and sleep.

Dissipation-Driven Superradiant Phase Transition of a Two-Dimensional Bose-Einstein Condensate in a Double Cavity

We study superradiant phase transitions in a hybrid system of a two-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate of atoms and two cavities arranged with a tilt angle.By adjusting the loss rate of cavities,we map out the phase diagram of steady states within a mean field framework.It is found that when the loss rates of the two cavities are different,superradiant transitions may not occur at the same time in the two cavities.A first-order phase transition is observed between the states with only one cavity in superradiance and both in superradiance.In the case that both cavities are superradiant,a net photon current is observed flowing from the cavity with small decay rate to the one with large decay rate.The photon current shows a non-monotonic dependence on the loss rate difference,owing to the competition of photon number difference and cavity field phase difference.Our findings can be realized and detected in experiments.

A Special Issue: “Energy Transition Technology for Emission Peak and Carbon Neutrality” for Global Energy Interconnection

In 2020,China made a solemn commitment to the world:striving to achieve carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.The energy industry is the main source of carbon emissions and the key path to achieving the“dual carbon”goals.The revolution in energy production and consumption has already sparked a wave.However,the energy transition still faces challenges such as a high proportion of fossil fuel usage,multiple constraints on clean energy supply,urgent request to improve the carrying capacity and flexible regulation capability of the power system,and rising energy costs for the entire society.To cope with these difficulties and challenges,it is necessary to balance safety and stability,economic efficiency,and clean and low-carbon development three aspects;strengthen energy technology innovation;and deepen institutional and market reform and innovation.Therefore,the editorial department of Global Energy Interconnection has planned the special issue of“Energy Transition Technology for Emission Peak and Carbon Neutrality”.

Target layer state estimation in multi-layer complex dynamical networks considering nonlinear node dynamics

In many engineering networks, only a part of target state variables are required to be estimated.On the other hand,multi-layer complex network exists widely in practical situations.In this paper, the state estimation of target state variables in multi-layer complex dynamical networks with nonlinear node dynamics is studied.A suitable functional state observer is constructed with the limited measurement.The parameters of the designed functional observer are obtained from the algebraic method and the stability of the functional observer is proven by the Lyapunov theorem.Some necessary conditions that need to be satisfied for the design of the functional state observer are obtained.Different from previous studies, in the multi-layer complex dynamical network with nonlinear node dynamics, the proposed method can estimate the state of target variables on some layers directly instead of estimating all the individual states.Thus, it can greatly reduce the placement of observers and computational cost.Numerical simulations with the three-layer complex dynamical network composed of three-dimensional nonlinear dynamical nodes are developed to verify the effectiveness of the method.