Morphology and valence state evolution of Cu:Unraveling the impact on nitric oxide electroreduction

Ammonia(NH3)serves as a critical component in the fertilizer industry and fume gas denitrification.However,the conventional NH3production process,namely the Haber-Bosch process,leads to considerable energy consumption and waste gas emissions.To address this,electrocatalytic nitric oxide reduction reaction(NORR)has emerged as a promising strategy to bridge NH3consumption to NH3production,harnessing renewable electricity for a sustainable future.Copper(Cu)stands out as a prominent electrocatalyst for NO reduction,given its exceptional NH3yield and selectivity.However,a crucial aspect that remains insufficiently explored is the effects of morphology and valence states of Cu on the NORR performance.In this investigation,we synthesized CuO nanowires(CuO-NF)and Cu nanocubes(Cu-NF)as cathodes through an in situ growth method.Remarkably,CuO-NF exhibited an impressive NH3yield of 0.50±0.02 mg cm^(-2)h^(-1)at-0.6 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)with faradaic efficiency of29,68%±1,35%,surpassing that of Cu-NF(0.17±0.01 mg cm^(-2)h^(-1),16.18%±1.40%).Throughout the electroreduction process,secondary cubes were generated on the CuO-NF surface,preserving their nanosheet cluster morphology,sustained by an abundant supply of subsurface oxygen(s-O)even after an extended duration of 10 h,until s-O depletion ensued.Conversely,Cu-NF exhibited inadequate s-O content,leading to rapid crystal collapse within the same timeframe.The distinctive current-potential relationship,akin to a volcano-type curve,was attributed to distinct NO hydrogenation mechanisms.Further Tafel analysis revealed the exchange current density(i0)and standard heterogeneous rate constant(k0)for CuO-NF,yielding 3.44×10^(-6)A cm^(-2)and 3.77×10^(-6)cm^(-2)s^(-1)when NORR was driven by overpotentials.These findings revealed the potential of CuO-NF for NO reduction and provided insights into the intricate interplay between crystal morphology,valence states,and electrochemical performance.

Valence Bands Convergence in p-Type CoSb_(3) through Electronegative Fluorine Filling

Band convergence is considered to be a strategy with clear benefits for thermoelectric performance,generally favoring the co-optimization of conductivity and Seebeck coefficients,and the conventional means include elemental filling to regulate the band.However,the influence of the most electronegative fluorine on the CoSb_(3) band remains unclear.We carry out density-functional-theory calculations and show that the valence band maximum gradually shifts downward with the increase of fluorine filling,lastly the valence band maximum converges to the highly degenerated secondary valence bands in fluorine-filled skutterudites.

The Effect of Na_(2)O/B_(2)O_(3)Composition Ratio on the Structure and Properties of Cu^(+)Doped Luminescent Glass

Cu^(+)-doped alkali borosilicate glasses with different Na_(2)O contents were prepared by the melting method,and the effects of different R values(R=Na_(2)O/B_(2)O_(3))on the structure,ion presence state and luminescence properties of Cu^(+)-doped alkali borosilicate glasses were investigated.The analysis by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy shows that,with the increase of R value of the glass,the[BO_(3)]in the structure of Cu^(+)-doped alkali borosilicate glass transforms into[BO_(4)]and the number of non-bridging oxygen in the glass network appears to be slightly increased.The absorption spectra and EPR analysis reveal that the Cu^(+)content in the glass gradually decreases and the Cu^(2+)content gradually increases as the R value of the glass increases.XPS and PL tests further indicate that the transformation of the octahedral coordination structure of Cu^(+)to the octahedral coordination structure of Cu^(2+)and the cubic coordination structure of Cu^(+)occurs in the glass as the R value of the glass increases.This transformation can effectively reduce the concentration quenching phenomenon of Cu^(+)and improve the fluorescence luminescence intensity of the glass samples.Meanwhile,the samples were found to have luminescence tunability as well as good thermal stability.

Multiscale confinement nitridation in molybdenum carbide for efficient hydrogen production

The molybdenum carbide(Mo_(2)C)has been regarded as one of the most cost-efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)by the virtue of its Pt-like electronic structures.However,the inherent limitation of high density of empty valence band significantly reduces its catalytic reactivity by reason of strong hydrogen desorption resistance.Herein,we propose a multiscale confinement synthesis method to design the nitrogen-rich Mo_(2)C for modulating the band structure via decomposing the pre-coordination bonded polymer in a pressure-tight tube sealing system.Pre-bonded c/N-Mo in the coordination precursor constructs a micro-confinement space,enabling the homogeneous nitrogenization in-situ happened during the formation of Mo_(2)C.Simultaneously,the evolved gases from the precursor decomposition in tube sealing system establish a macro-confinement environment,preventing the lattice N escape and further endowing a continuous nitridation.Combining the multiscale confinement effects,the nitrogen-rich Mo2C displays as high as 25%N-Mo concentration in carbide lattice,leading to a satisfactory band structure.Accordingly,the constructed nitrogen-rich Mo_(2)C reveals an adorable catalytic activity for HER in both alkaline and acid solution.It is anticipated that the multiscale confinement synthesis strategy presents guideline for the rational design of electrocatalysts and beyond.

Enhanced anomalous Hall effect in kagome magnet YbMn_(6)Sn_(6)with intermediate-valence ytterbium

We report on the magnetization and anomalous Hall effect(AHE)in the high-quality single crystals of the kagome magnet YbMn_(6)Sn_(6),where the spins of the Mn atoms in the kagome lattice order ferromagnetically and the intermediate-valence Yb atoms are nonmagnetic.The intrinsic mechanism plays a crucial role in the AHE,leading to an enhanced anomalous Hall conductivity(AHC)compared with the other rare-earth RMn_(6)Sn_(6)compounds.Our band structure calculation reveals a strong hybridization between the 4f electrons of Yb and conduction electrons.

Exotic compounds of monovalent calcium synthesized at high pressure

It is well known that atoms of the same element in different valence states show very different chemical behaviors.Calcium is a typical divalent metal,sharing or losing both of its valence electrons when forming compounds.Attempts have been made to synthesize compounds of monovalent calcium ions for decades,but with very little success(e.g.,in clusters).Pressure can result in substantial changes in the properties of atoms and chemical bonding,creating an extensive variety of unique materials with special valence states.In this study,using the ab initio evolutionary algorithm USPEX,we search for stable calcium-chlorine(Ca-Cl)system compounds at pressures up to 100 GPa.Besides the expected compound CaCl_(2),we predict three new compounds with monovalent Ca to be stable at high pressures,namely,CaCl,Ca_(5)Cl_(6),and Ca_(3)Cl_(4).According to our calculations,CaCl is stable at pressures above 18 GPa and is predicted to undergo a transition from nonmagnetic Fm-3m-CaCl to ferromagnetic Pm-3m-CaCl at 40 GPa.Ca_(5)Cl_(6)and Ca_(3)Cl_(4)are stable at pressures above 37 and 73 GPa,with space groups P-1 and R-3,respectively.Following these predictions,we successfully synthesized Pm-3m-CaCl in laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments.The emergence of the unusual valence state at high pressures reveals exciting opportunities for creating entirely new materials in sufficiently large quantities for a variety of potential applications.

Valence electron structures dependences of structural stability and properties of REX_(3)(RE=rare earth;X=In,Tl)and RE(In,Co)_(3) alloys

Intermetallic compounds REIn_(3)(RE=rare earth)have attracted much attention due to their unique characteristics:crystal field effect,Kondo effect,superconductivity,heavy fermion,and antiferromagnetism,and their cobalt diluted alloys exhibit the ferromagnetic half-metallic characteristics at room temperature.In this study,an empirical electron theory(EET)is employed to investigate systemically the valence electronic structure,the thermal and magnetic properties of REX_(3) and their cobalt diluted alloys for revealing the mechanism of physical properties.The calculated bond length,melting point,and magnetic moment match the experimental ones very well.The study reveals that structural stability and physical properties of REX_(3) and their cobalt dilute alloys are strongly related to their valence electron structures.It is suggested that the structural stability and cohesive energy depend upon the covalent electron,the melting point is modulated by covalent electron pair,and the magnetic moment is originated from 3d magnetic electron.The ferromagnetic characteristics of Co-diluted REIn3 alloys is originated from the introduction of strong ferromagnetic Co atom,but,a competition is caused between the electron transition from valence electron to magnetic electron on d orbit and its reversal electron transformation with increasing the content of cobalt,which results in the formations of diluted magnetic Gd(In,Co)_(3) alloy with minor amount of cobalt and strong magnetic Nd(In,Co)_(3) alloy with doping more Co atoms.

Promoting sustainable consumption and circular economy:the intention of Vietnamese youth consumers to purchase products made from recycled plastics

Recycling is viewed as a key component in a circular economy and serves as an ideal solution for promoting sustainability.During the global plastic crisis,plastic recycling practices have been adopted worldwide,leading to the production of various products made from recycled plastics(PRP).Nevertheless,a gap persists between consumption and demand for such products,which is primarily attributed to a lack of comprehension from the consumer perspective.Given the pivotal role consumers play in the adoption of these products,this study explores consumers’intentions to purchase PRP.This is particularly significant in Vietnam,which is an emerging economy aspiring to achieve the objectives of a circular economy and sustainable development.Utilizing an integrated cognitive-emotional framework comprising the Valence Theory and the Norm Activation Model,data from 564 Vietnamese students were gathered and analyzed using structural equation modeling.The results show that awareness of consequences is a major driver of consumer purchase intentions,followed by perceived ease of application and monetary incentives.The results also indicate that health concerns have the strongest effect on purchase intention and in the negative side,meaning that the health-related risk is the primary concern for consumers during the decision-making process.This research holds substantial value for academics and managers,as it aids in the theoretical exploration and the formulation of strategies to improve consumer acceptance of PRP.

V_(2)O_(3)/VO_(2)@S/N-C nanofibers with excellent cycling stability and superior rate capability in aqueous zinc ion batteries

The development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) marks a significant advancement in the field of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy storage.To address the challenges faced by singlephase vanadium-based oxides,such as poor conductivity and dissolution in electrolytes,this study introduces vacuum S/N doping to fabricate V_(2)O_(3)/VO_(2)@S/N-C nanofibers,improving the cycling stability and enhancing the capacity.The V_(2)O_(3)/VO_(2)@S/N-C electrode exhibits exceptional cyclic stability,retaining a capacity of 133.3 m A h g^(-1)after 30,000 cycles at a high current density of 100 A g^(-1)and a capacity retention of 81.8%after 150,000 cycles at 200 A g^(-1).Characterizations using ex-situ X-ray diffraction and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal co-intercalation of H^(+)and Zn^(2+)in the V_(2)O_(3)/VO_(2)@S/N-C electrode.Due to the presence of S_(2)^(2-),more phases changed to V_(10)O_(24).12H_(2)O,making the V_(2)O_(3)/VO_(2)@S/N-C electrode better reversible.By elucidating the zinc storage mechanism and demonstrating the stable performance of the doped electrode,this work contributes valuable insights into the optimization of the electrode materials for future energy storage solutions.

A Corpus-Driven Perspective on the Verb Valency Structure of Chinese EFL Learners:A Case Study of“Suggest”and“Advise”

This paper investigates the verb valency structure of English that is used by English as Foreign Language(EFL)learners from a corpus-driven perspective.Specifically,it focuses on the usage of the verbs“suggest”and“advise”in a selected corpus.By analyzing a sample of written and spoken texts,this study attempts to investigate the similarities and differences in the patterns of verb valency between native English speakers and Chinese EFL learners.The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by Chinese EFL learners in acquiring accurate verb valency structures and provide insights for language teachers in designing effective pedagogical approaches.

Semantic Foundation and Evolution Mechanism of the“好不X”(haobu X)Structure

In Chinese,the“好不X”(haobu X)structure expresses three types of meanings(negation,affirmation,and both affirmation-negation),where X exhibits differences in semantic symmetry.So far,no systematic explanatory theory has been proposed to account for these differences.Therefore,this paper presents and argues for an explanatory hypothesis that progresses through four stages:“很不X”(henbu X)=>“好不X”(haobu X)(negation)=>[ironic use]“好不X”(haobu X)(affirmation)=>expansion and obstruction of affirmative“好不”(haobu).Specifically,(1)the basis of the negation“好不X”(haobu X)is attributed to“很不X”(henbu X),and the semantic asymmetry of X(excluding negative words)is explained using politeness principles,irony,and the semantic valence of negation results;(2)the ironic use of the negation“好不X”(haobu X)gives rise to the affirmation“好不X”(haobu X);(3)the grammaticalization and expansion of the positive meaning of“好不”(haobu)extend to X,which cannot appear in the negative meaning“好不__”structure(including words with opposite meanings and high polarity positive words).This explains the semantic symmetry of X in the positive meaning“好不X”(haobu X)structure;(4)when the affirmation“好不”(haobu)expands to the negation“好不X”(haobu X),it encounters both obstacles(X includes neutral and some positive words)and compatibility(X is some other positive words),thus explaining the semantic asymmetry of X in the affirmation-negation“好不X”(haobu X)(i.e.,X is positive words).

Equalized Electronegativity Based on the Valence Electrons and Its Application

We take the contribution of all valence electrons into consideration and propose a new valence electrons equilibration method to calculate the equalized electronegativity including molecular electronegativity, group electronegativity, and atomic charge. The ionization potential of alkanes and mono-substituted alkanes, the chemical shift of 1H NMR, and the gas phase proton affinity of aliphatic amines, alcohols, and ethers were estimated. All the expressions have good correlations. Moreover, the Sanderson method and Bratsch method were modified on the basis of the valence electrons equilibration theory. The modified Sanderson method and modified Bratsch method are more effective than their original methods to estimate these properties.

STUDY ON DEGRADATION OF LDPE CATALYZED BY MULTI-VALENCE METALLIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AT COMPOST TEMPERATURE

The catalytic effects of the organic compounds of iron,tin and manganese on the degradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) at compost temperature are discussed.A series of samples were aged in a simulating compost environment.The mechanical properties,viscosity average molecular weight (M η) of PE and hydroperoxide (POOH) concentration in the samples were measured.FT IR and DSC were also applied to characterize some samples.It was shown that the above mentioned metallic organic compounds can catalyze the degradation of LDPE efficiently.After 2 months aging,all samples with catalysts became fragile and the M η of the material decreased dramatically.Furthermore,the concentration of carbonyl and the degree of crystallinity of the material increased with the aging time.

Valence states, impurities and electrocrystallization behaviors during molten salt electrorefining for preparation of high-purity titanium powder from sponge titanium

High-purity titanium powder was prepared by molten salt electrorefining from sponge titanium in NaCl-KCl-TiClx salts. The titanium valence, purity and electrocrystallization during electrolysis process were studied. The XPS analysis showed that the titanium valences are mainly ＋4, ＋3 and ＋2 at the earlier, medium and later stages of electrolysis, respectively. During the electrolysis process, the contents of impurities Si, Cr, Mn, Al vary little, and the contents of impurities Fe, Cu, Ni decrease markedly, while the contents of impurities O, N, H increase obviously. The residual impurities are usually distributed in small tunnel of dendritic crystals. Enhancing the electrolysis temperature and prolonging the electrolysis time can increase the titanium particle size. The TEM analysis showed that the electrodeposited titanium is not a single crystal, but contains many nanostructured grains and subgrains, with grain size of 100-500 nm. The electrolysis mechanisms were also discussed.

V2O5 Nanospheres with Mixed Vanadium Valences as High Electrochemically Active Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Cathode

AV4+-V2O5 cathode with mixed vanadium valences was prepared via a novel synthetic method using VOOH as the precursor,and its zinc-ion storage performance was evaluated.The products are hollow spheres consisting of nanoflakes.The V4+-V2O5 cathode exhibits a prominent cycling performance,with a specific capacity of 140 mAhg-1 after 1000 cycles at 10 A g.1,and an excellent rate capability.The good electrochemical performance is attributed to the presence of V4+,which leads to higher electrochemical activity,lower polarization,faster ion diffusion,and higher electrical conductivity than V2O5 without V4+.This engineering strategy of valence state manipulation may pave the way for designing high-performance cathodes for elucidating advanced battery chemistry.

DETERMINATION AND APPLICATION OF LARSON-MILLER PARAMETER FOR HEAT RESISTANT STEEL 12CrlMoV AND 15CrMo

Based on the analysis and processing on relative empirical formula and data, C-values in Larson-Miller (P) expression, P= T(C + Igt), have determined for pearlitic heat resistant steel 12Cr1MoV and 15CrMo(20.62 and 20.30). The simulation experiments of high temperature aging, heated from 1.5 to 873 hours, have been designed and performed for its verification. And in combination with published information and the present nearly quantitative works, it has further been verified that both the degradations of microstructures and mechanical properties show a good accuracy and practicability using the Larson-Miller parameter with the present determined C-values. Finally, the effects of carbon content on C-value are analyzed by the empirical electron theory of solids and molecules (EET).

Nanoheterostructured photocatalysts for improving photocatalytic hydrogen production

Rapid industrialization has accordingly increased the demand for energy.This has resulted in the increasingly severe energy and environmental crises.Hydrogen production,based on the photocatalytic water splitting driven by sunlight,is able to directly convert solar energy into a usable or storable energy resource,which is considered to be an ideal alternative energy source to assist in solving the energy crisis and environmental pollution.Unfortunately,the hydrogen production efficiency of single phase photocatalysts is too low to meet the practical requirements.The construction of heterostructured photocatalyst systems,which are comprised of multiple components or multiple phases,is an efficient method to facilitate the separation of electron‐hole pairs to minimize the energy‐waste,provide more electrons,enhance their redox ability,and hence improve the photocatalytic activity.We summarize the recent progress in the rational design and fabrication of nanoheterostructured photocatalysts.The heterojunction photocatalytic hydrogen generation systems can be divided into type‐I,type‐II,pn‐junction and Z‐scheme junction,according to the differences in the transfer of the photogenerated electrons and holes.Finally,a summary and some of the challenges and prospects for the future development of heterojunction photocatalytic systems are discussed.

High valence metals engineering strategies of Fe/Co/Ni-based catalysts for boosted OER electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis for the oxygen evolution reactions(OER)has attracted much attention due to its important role in water splitting and rechargeable metal-air batteries.Therefore,designing highly efficient and low-cost catalysts for OER process is essential as the conventional catalysts still rely on precious metals.Transition metal-based compounds have been widely investigated as active OER catalysts,and renewed interest in the high valence metals engineered compounds has been achieved for superior catalytic activity and stability.However,an in-depth understanding of the construction strategies and induced effects for the high valence metals engineered catalysts is still lacking and desired.In this review,we have summarized the construction strategies of high valence metals as dopants or formed heterostructures with the iron/cobalt/nickel(Fe/Co/Ni)-based catalysts.Then the induced effects on Fe/Co/Ni-based catalysts by incorporating high valence metals,e.g.,accelerating the surface reconstruction,forming amorphous structure,generating vacancies/defects,and acting as stabilizers,are highlighted.The impacts of high valence metals on OER performance are elucidated based on different elements,including molybdenum(Mo),tungsten(W),cerium(Ce),vanadium(V),chromium(Cr),manganese(Mn),niobium(Nb),zirconium(Zr).The correlations of construction strategies,induced effects,catalytic activity and OER reaction pathways are elaborated.Finally,the remaining challenges for further enhancements of OER performance induced by high valence metals are presented.

ASTUDY OF VALENCE OF YTTRIUM IN Y_2O_3 Mo CATHODE

The valenceofelementyttrium of Y2 O3 Mocathode materialhasbeenstudied by usingther mal weight analysis, X ray diffraction analysis, Scanning electron microscopy and X rayphotoelectronspectrum . It hasbeen provedthatyttrium oxidecan bereduced by molybdenum carbide. Thereaction between powdered Y2 O3 and Mo2 Ccan happen at 1173 , and Y2 O3may bereduced to metallicyttrium . Afterthepowder mixtureof Y2 O3 and Mo2 Cwasheat treated at1873 K, Yttrium existsin two kinds of chemicalstate- yttrium of zero valence and yttrium ofthreevalences.

In-situ optimizing the valence configuration of vanadium sites in NiV-LDH nanosheet arrays for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction

Developing the highly active, cost-effective, environmental-friendly, and ultra-stable nonprecious electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) is distinctly indispensable for the large-scale practical applications of hydrolytic hydrogen production. Herein, we report the synthesis of well-integrated electrode, NiV layered double hydroxide nanosheet array grown in-situ on porous nickel foam(abbreviated as in-NiV-LDH/NF) via the facile one-step hydrothermal route. Interestingly, the valence configuration of vanadium(V) sites in such NiV-LDH are well dominated by the innovative use of NF as the reducing regulator, achieving the reassembled in-NiV-LDH/NF with a high proportion of trivalent V ions(V3+), and then an enhanced intrinsic electrocatalytic HER activity. The HER testing results show that the in-NiVLDH/NF drives the current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2 at extremely low overpotentials of 114 and 245 mV without iR-compensation respectively, even outperforms commercial 20 wt% Pt/C at the large current density of over 80 mA cm-2 in alkaline media, as well as gives robust catalytic durability of at least 100 h in both alkaline and neutral media. More importantly, this work provides a fresh perspective for designing bimetal(oxy) hydroxides electrocatalysts with efficient hydrogen generation.