Modification strategies improving the electrochemical and structural stability of high-Ni cathode materials

With the increasing spotlight in electric vehicles,there is a growing demand for high-energy-density batteries to enhance driving range.Consequently,several studies have been conducted on high-energy-density LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(z)O_(2)cathodes.However,there is a limit to permanent performance deterioration because of side reactions caused by moisture in the atmosphere and continuous microcracks during cycling as the Ni content to express high energy increases and the content of Mn and Co that maintain structural and electrochemical stabilization decreases.The direct modification of the surface and bulk regions aims to enhance the capacity and long-term performance of high-Ni cathode materials.Therefore,an efficient modification requires a study based on a thorough understanding of the degradation mechanisms in the surface and bulk region.In this review,a comprehensive analysis of various modifications,including doping,coating,concentration gradient,and single crystals,is conducted to solve degradation issues along with an analysis of the overall degradation mechanism occurring in high-Ni cathode materials.It also summarizes recent research developments related to the following modifications,aims to provide notable points and directions for post-studies,and provides valuable references for the commercialization of stable high-energy-density cathode materials.

Enhanced structural damage behavior of liquid-filled tank by reactive material projectile impact

A series of ballistic experiments were performed to investigate the damage behavior of high velocity reactive material projectiles(RMPs) impacting liquid-filled tanks,and the corresponding hydrodynamic ram(HRAM) was studied in detail.PTFE/Al/W RMPs with steel-like and aluminum-like densities were prepared by a pressing/sintering process.The projectiles impacted a liquid-filled steel tank with front aluminum panel at approximately 1250 m/s.The corresponding cavity evolution characteristics and HRAM pressure were recorded by high-speed camera and pressure acquisition system,and further compared to those of steel and aluminum projectiles.Significantly different from the conical cavity formed by the inert metal projectile,the cavity formed by the RMP appeared as an ellipsoid with a conical front.The RMPs were demonstrated to enhance the radial growth velocity of cavity,the global HRAM pressure amplitude and the front panel damage,indicating the enhanced HRAM and structural damage behavior.Furthermore,combining the impact-induced fragmentation and deflagration characteristics,the cavity evolution of RMPs under the combined effect of kinetic energy impact and chemical energy release was analyzed.The mechanism of enhanced HRAM pressure induced by the RMPs was further revealed based on the theoretical model of the initial impact wave and the impulse analysis.Finally,the linear correlation between the deformation-thickness ratio and the non-dimensional impulse for the front panel was obtained and analyzed.It was determined that the enhanced near-field impulse induced by the RMPs was the dominant reason for the enhanced structural damage behavior.

Design,preparation,application of advanced array structured materials and their action mechanism analyses for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur battery(LSB)has brought much attention and concern because of high theoretical specific capacity and energy density as one of main competitors for next-generation energy storage systems.The widely commercial application and development of LSB is mainly hindered by serious“shuttle effect”of lithium polysulfides(Li PSs),slow reaction kinetics,notorious lithium dendrites,etc.In various structures of LSB materials,array structured materials,possessing the composition of ordered micro units with the same or similar characteristics of each unit,present excellent application potential for various secondary cells due to some merits such as immobilization of active substances,high specific surface area,appropriate pore sizes,easy modification of functional material surface,accommodated huge volume change,enough facilitated transportation for electrons/lithium ions,and special functional groups strongly adsorbing Li PSs.Thus many novel array structured materials are applied to battery for tackling thorny problems mentioned above.In this review,recent progresses and developments on array structured materials applied in LSBs including preparation ways,collaborative structural designs based on array structures,and action mechanism analyses in improving electrochemical performance and safety are summarized.Meanwhile,we also have detailed discussion for array structured materials in LSBs and constructed the structure-function relationships between array structured materials and battery performances.Lastly,some directions and prospects about preparation ways,functional modifications,and practical applications of array structured materials in LSBs are generalized.We hope the review can attract more researchers'attention and bring more studying on array structured materials for other secondary batteries including LSB.

Emerging Trends in Damage Tolerance Assessment:A Review of Smart Materials and Self-Repairable Structures

The discipline of damage tolerance assessment has experienced significant advancements due to the emergence of smart materials and self-repairable structures.This review offers a comprehensive look into both traditional and innovative methodologies employed in damage tolerance assessment.After a detailed exploration of damage tolerance concepts and their historical progression,the review juxtaposes the proven techniques of damage assessment with the cutting-edge innovations brought about by smart materials and self-repairable structures.The subsequent sections delve into the synergistic integration of smart materials with self-repairable structures,marking a pivotal stride in damage tolerance by establishing an autonomous system for immediate damage identification and self-repair.This holistic approach broadens the applicability of these technologies across diverse sectors yet brings forth unique challenges demanding further innovation and research.Additionally,the review examines future prospects that combine advanced manufacturing processes with data-centric methodologies,amplifying the capabilities of these‘intelligent’structures.The review culminates by highlighting the transformative potential of this union between smart materials and self-repairable structures,promoting a sustainable and efficient engineering paradigm.

Control of light-matter interactions in two-dimensional materials with nanoparticle-on-mirror structures

Light–matter interactions in two-dimensional(2D)materials have been the focus of research since the discovery of graphene.The light–matter interaction length in 2D materials is,however,much shorter than that in bulk materials owing to the atomic nature of 2D materials.Plasmonic nanostructures are usually integrated with 2D materials to enhance the light–matter interactions,offering great opportunities for both fundamental research and technological applications.Nanoparticle-on-mirror(NPo M)structures with extremely confined optical fields are highly desired in this aspect.In addition,2D materials provide a good platform for the study of plasmonic fields with subnanometer resolution and quantum plasmonics down to the characteristic length scale of a single atom.A focused and up-to-date review article is highly desired for a timely summary of the progress in this rapidly growing field and to encourage more research efforts in this direction.In this review,we will first introduce the basic concepts of plasmonic modes in NPo M structures.Interactions between plasmons and quasi-particles in 2D materials,e.g.,excitons and phonons,from weak to strong coupling and potential applications will then be described in detail.Related phenomena in subnanometer metallic gaps separated by 2D materials,such as quantum tunneling,will also be touched.We will finally discuss phenomena and physical processes that have not been understood clearly and provide an outlook for future research.We believe that the hybrid systems of2D materials and NPo M structures will be a promising research field in the future.

Electronic Structure Investigation of 12442 Iron-Based Superconductors Based on Block-Layer Model

Superconducting transition temperature(Tc),as a crucial parameter,exploring its relationship with various macroscopic and microscopic factors helps to understand the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity from multiple perspectives,aiding in a multidimensional comprehension of high-temperature superconductivity mechanisms.Drawing inspiration from the block-layer structure models of cuprate superconductors,we computationally investigated the interlayer interaction energies in the 12442-type iron-based superconducting materials AkCa_(2)Fe_(4)As_(4)F_(2)(Ak=K,Rb,Cs)systems based on the block-layer model and explored their relationship with Tc.We observed that an increase in interlayer combinative energy leads to a decrease in Tc,while conversely,a decrease in interlayer combination energy results in an increase in Tc.Further,we found that the contribution of the Fe 3d band structure,especially the 3dz2 orbital,to charge transfer is significant.

4D printing: interdisciplinary integration of smart materials, structural design,and new functionality

Four-dimensional printing allows for the transformation capabilities of 3D-printed architectures over time,altering their shape,properties,or function when exposed to external stimuli.This interdisciplinary technology endows the 3D architectures with unique functionalities,which has generated excitement in diverse research fields,such as soft robotics,biomimetics,biomedical devices,and sensors.Understanding the selection of the material,architectural designs,and employed stimuli is crucial to unlocking the potential of smart customization with 4D printing.This review summarizes recent significant developments in 4D printing and establishes links between smart materials,3D printing techniques,programmable structures,diversiform stimulus,and new functionalities for multidisciplinary applications.We start by introducing the advanced features of 4D printing and the key technological roadmap for its implementation.We then place considerable emphasis on printable smart materials and structural designs,as well as general approaches to designing programmable structures.We also review stimulus designs in smart materials and their associated stimulus-responsive mechanisms.Finally,we discuss new functionalities of 4D printing for potential applications and further development directions.

Difficulties, strategies, and recent research and development of layered sodium transition metal oxide cathode materials for high-energy sodium-ion batteries

Energy-storage systems and their production have attracted significant interest for practical applications.Batteries are the foundation of sustainable energy sources for electric vehicles(EVs),portable electronic devices(PEDs),etc.In recent decades,Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have been extensively utilized in largescale energy storage devices owing to their long cycle life and high energy density.However,the high cost and limited availability of Li are the two main obstacles for LIBs.In this regard,sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) are attractive alternatives to LIBs for large-scale energy storage systems because of the abundance and low cost of sodium materials.Cathode is one of the most important components in the battery,which limits cost and performance of a battery.Among the classified cathode structures,layered structure materials have attracted attention because of their high ionic conductivity,fast diffusion rate,and high specific capacity.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the classification of layered structures and the preparation of layered materials.Furthermore,the review article discusses extensively about the issues of the layered materials,namely(1) electrochemical degradation,(2) irreversible structural changes,and(3) structural instability,and also it provides strategies to overcome the issues such as elemental phase composition,a small amount of elemental doping,structural design,and surface alteration for emerging SIBs.In addition,the article discusses about the recent research development on layered unary,binary,ternary,quaternary,quinary,and senary-based O3-and P2-type cathode materials for high-energy SIBs.This review article provides useful information for the development of high-energy layered sodium transition metal oxide P2 and O3-cathode materials for practical SIBs.

Multi-Material Topology Optimization for Spatial-Varying Porous Structures

This paper aims to propose a topology optimization method on generating porous structures comprising multiple materials.The mathematical optimization formulation is established under the constraints of individual volume fraction of constituent phase or total mass,as well as the local volume fraction of all phases.The original optimization problem with numerous constraints is converted into a box-constrained optimization problem by incorporating all constraints to the augmented Lagrangian function,avoiding the parameter dependence in the conventional aggregation process.Furthermore,the local volume percentage can be precisely satisfied.The effects including the globalmass bound,the influence radius and local volume percentage on final designs are exploited through numerical examples.The numerical results also reveal that porous structures keep a balance between the bulk design and periodic design in terms of the resulting compliance.All results,including those for irregular structures andmultiple volume fraction constraints,demonstrate that the proposedmethod can provide an efficient solution for multiple material infill structures.

Structural Transformations and Multiferroic Properties of Bi_(1-x)Eu_(x)Fe_(0.95)Co_(0.05)O_(3)(x=0.05,0.10,0.15,and 0.20)

Bi_(1-x)Eu_(x)Fe_(0.95)Co_(0.05)O_(3 )(x=0.05,0.10,0.15,and 0.20) nanoparticles were prepared through the sol-gel technique.Its structure,local electronic structure,magnetic and electric properties were systematically investigated.X-ray diffraction data show(104),(110) bimodal alignment and high angular migration,indicating that with the increase of Eu substitution at Bi site,the structure of BFO undergoes a continuous change in crystal structure.The hysteresis loop and the FC/ZFC curve show how magnetism varies with the size of the field and temperature.Finally,the causes of magnetic changes were analyzed by studying SXAS and hysteresis loops.

Application of machine learning in perovskite materials and devices:A review

Metal-halide hybrid perovskite materials are excellent candidates for solar cells and photoelectric devices.In recent years,machine learning(ML)techniques have developed rapidly in many fields and provided ideas for material discovery and design.ML can be applied to discover new materials quickly and effectively,with significant savings in resources and time compared with traditional experiments and density functional theory(DFT)calculations.In this review,we present the application of ML in per-ovskites and briefly review the recent works in the field of ML-assisted perovskite design.Firstly,the advantages of perovskites in solar cells and the merits of ML applied to perovskites are discussed.Secondly,the workflow of ML in perovskite design and some basic ML algorithms are introduced.Thirdly,the applications of ML in predicting various properties of perovskite materials and devices are reviewed.Finally,we propose some prospects for the future development of this field.The rapid devel-opment of ML technology will largely promote the process of materials science,and ML will become an increasingly popular method for predicting the target properties of materials and devices.

MXenes: Versatile 2D materials with tailored surface chemistry and diverse applications

MXenes,the most recent addition to the 2D material family,have attracted significant attention owing to their distinctive characteristics,including high surface area,conductivity,surface characteristics,mechanical strength,etc.This review begins by presenting MXenes,providing insights into their structural characteristics,synthesis methods,and surface functional groups.The review covers a thorough analysis of MXene surface properties,including surface chemistry and termination group impacts.The properties of MXenes are influenced by their synthesis,which can be fluorine-based or fluorinedependent.Fluorine-based synthesis techniques involve etching with fluorine-based reagents,mainly including HF or LiF/HCl,while fluorine-free methods include electrochemical etching,chemical vapor deposition(CVD),alkaline etching,Lewis acid-based etching,etc.These techniques result in the emergence of functional groups such as-F,-O,-OH,-Cl,etc.on the MXenes surface,depending on the synthesis method used.Properties of MXenes,such as electrical conductivity,electronic properties,catalytic activity,magnetic properties,mechanical strength,and chemical and thermal stability,are examined,and the role of functional groups in determining these properties is explored.The review delves into the diverse applications of MXenes,encompassing supercapacitors,battery materials,hydrogen storage,fuel cells,electromagnetic interference(EMI) shielding,pollutant removal,water purification,flexible electronics,sensors,additive manufacturing,catalysis,biomedical and healthcare fields,etc.Finally,this article outlines the challenges and opportunities in the current and future development of MXenes research,addressing various aspects such as synthesis scalability,etching challenges,and multifunctionality,and exploring novel applications.The review concludes with future prospects and conclusions envisioning the impact of MXenes on future technologies and innovation.

Reconfigurable and polarization-dependent optical filtering for transflective full-color generation utilizing low-loss phase-change materials

All-dielectric metasurface, which features low optical absorptance and high resolution, is becoming a promising candidate for full-color generation. However, the optical response of current metamaterials is fixed and lacks active tuning. In this work, we demonstrate a reconfigurable and polarization-dependent active color generation technique by incorporating low-loss phase change materials(PCMs) and CaF_2 all-dielectric substrate. Based on the strong Mie resonance effect and low optical absorption structure, a transflective, full-color with high color purity and gamut value is achieved. The spectrum can be dynamically manipulated by changing either the polarization of incident light or the PCM state. High transmittance and reflectance can be simultaneously achieved by using low-loss PCMs and substrate. The novel active metasurfaces can bring new inspiration in the areas of optical encryption, anti-counterfeiting, and display technologies.

Structural and electrochemical stabilization enabling high-energy P3-type Cr-based layered oxide cathode for K-ion batteries

Layered-type transition metal(TM)oxides are considered as one of the most promising cathodes for K-ion batteries because of the large theoretical gravimetric capacity by low molar mass.However,they suffer from severe structural change by de/intercalation and diffusion of K^(+)ions with large ionic size,which results in not only much lower reversible capacity than the theoretical capacity but also poor power capability.Thus,it is important to enhance the structural stability of the layered-type TM oxides for outstanding electrochemical behaviors under the K-ion battery system.Herein,it is investigated that the substitution of the appropriate Ti^(4+)contents enables a highly enlarged reversible capacity of P3-type KxCrO_(2) using combined studies of first-principles calculation and various experiments.Whereas the pristine P3-type KxCrO_(2) just exhibits the reversible capacity of∼120 mAh g^(−1) in the voltage range of 1.5-4.0 V(vs.K^(+)/K),the∼0.61 mol K^(+)corresponding to∼150 mAh g^(−1) can be reversible de/intercalated at the structure of P3-type K0.71[Cr_(0.75)Ti_(0.25)]O_(2) under the same conditions.Furthermore,even at the high current density of 788 mA g^(−1),the specific capacity of P3-type K0.71[Cr_(0.75)Ti_(0.25)]O_(2) is∼120 mAh g^(−1),which is∼81 times larger than that of the pristine P3-type KxCrO_(2).It is believed that this research can provide an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performances of the cathode materials suffered by severe structural change that occurred during charge/discharge under not only K-ion battery system but also other rechargeable battery systems.

A review of ultra-high temperature heat-resistant energetic materials

Heat-resistant energetic materials refer to a type of energetic materials that possess a high melting point,high stability and operational safety. By studying the structures of these energetic materials has showed that the thermal stability can be enhanced by introducing amino groups to form intra/inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, constructing conjugate systems and designing symmetrical structures. This article aims to review the physical and chemical properties of ultra-high temperature heat-resistant energetic compounds and provide valuable theoretical insights for the preparation of ultra-high temperature heatresistant energetic materials. We also analyze the selected 20 heat-resistant energetic materials with decomposition temperatures higher than 350℃, serving as templates for the synthesis of various highperformance heat-resistant energetic materials.

Recent Progress and Regulation Strategies of Layered Materials as Cathode of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)have shown great potential in the fields of wearable devices,consumer electronics,and electric vehicles due to their high level of safety,low cost,and multiple electron transfer.The layered cathode materials of ZIBs hold a stable structure during charge and discharge reactions owing to the ultrafast and straightforward(de)intercalation-type storage mechanism of Zn^(2+)ions in their tunable interlayer spacing and their abilities to accommodate other guest ions or molecules.Nevertheless,the challenges of inadequate energy density,dissolution of active materials,uncontrollable byproducts,increased internal pressure,and a large de-solvation penalty have been deemed an obstacle to the development of ZIBs.In this review,recent strategies on the structure regulation of layered materials for aqueous zinc-ion energy storage devices are systematically summarized.Finally,critical science challenges and future outlooks are proposed to guide and promote the development of advanced cathode materials for ZIBs.

Advances in the structure design of substrate materials for zinc anode of aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs) demonstrate tremendous competitiveness and application prospects because of their abundant resources,low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. Although the advanced electrochemical energy storage systems based on zinc ion batteries have been greatly developed, many severe problems associated with Zn anode impede its practical application, such as the dendrite formation,hydrogen evolution, corrosion and passivation phenomenon. To address these drawbacks, electrolytes, separators, zinc alloys, interfacial modification and structural design of Zn anode have been employed at present by scientists. Among them, the structural design for zinc anode is relatively mature, which is generally believed to enhance the electroactive surface area of zinc anode, reduce local current density, and promote the uniform distribution of zinc ions on the surface of anode. In order to explore new research directions, it is crucial to systematically summarize the structural design of anode materials. Herein, this review focuses on the challenges in Zn anode, modification strategies and the three-dimensional(3D) structure design of substrate materials for Zn anode including carbon substrate materials, metal substrate materials and other substrate materials. Finally, future directions and perspectives about the Zn anode are presented for developing high-performance AZIBs.

Cycling performance of layered oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Layered oxide is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries because of its high-capacity,high operating voltage,and simple synthesis.Cycling performance is an important criterion for evaluating the application prospects of batteries.However,facing challenges,including phase transitions,ambient stability,side reactions,and irreversible anionic oxygen activity,the cycling performance of layered oxide cathode materials still cannot meet the application requirements.Therefore,this review proposes several strategies to address these challenges.First,bulk doping is introduced from three aspects:cationic single doping,anionic single doping,and multi-ion doping.Second,homogeneous surface coating and concentration gradient modification are reviewed.In addition,methods such as mixed structure design,particle engineering,high-entropy material construction,and integrated modification are proposed.Finally,a summary and outlook provide a new horizon for developing and modifying layered oxide cathode materials.

Chlorine-Substituent Regulation in Dopant-Free Small-Molecule Hole-Transport Materials Improves the Effi ciency and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Although doped hole-transport materials(HTMs)off er an effi ciency benefi t for perovskite solar cells(PSCs),they inevi-tably diminish the stability.Here,we describe the use of various chlorinated small molecules,specifi cally fl uorenone-triphenylamine(FO-TPA)-x-Cl[x=para,meta,and ortho(p,m,and o)],with diff erent chlorine-substituent positions,as dopant-free HTMs for PSCs.These chlorinated molecules feature a symmetrical donor-acceptor-donor structure and ideal intramolecular charge transfer properties,allowing for self-doping and the establishment of built-in potentials for improving charge extraction.Highly effi cient hole-transfer interfaces are constructed between perovskites and these HTMs by strategi-cally modifying the chlorine substitution.Thus,the chlorinated HTM-derived inverted PSCs exhibited superior effi ciencies and air stabilities.Importantly,the dopant-free HTM FO-TPA-o-Cl not only attains a power conversion effi ciency of 20.82% but also demonstrates exceptional stability,retaining 93.8%of its initial effi ciency even after a 30-day aging test conducted under ambient air conditions in PSCs without encapsulation.These fi ndings underscore the critical role of chlorine-substituent regulation in HTMs in ensuring the formation and maintenance of effi cient and stable PSCs.

A strategy for lightweight designing of a railway vehicle car body including composite material and dynamic structural optimization

Rolling stock manufacturers are finding structural solutions to reduce power required by the vehicles,and the lightweight design of the car body represents a possible solution.Optimization processes and innovative materials can be combined in order to achieve this goal.In this framework,we propose the redesign and optimization process of the car body roof for a light rail vehicle,introducing a sandwich structure.Bonded joint was used as a fastening system.The project was carried out on a single car of a modern tram platform.This preliminary numerical work was developed in two main steps:redesign of the car body structure and optimization of the innovated system.Objective of the process was the mass reduction of the whole metallic structure,while the constraint condition was imposed on the first frequency of vibration of the system.The effect of introducing a sandwich panel within the roof assembly was evaluated,focusing on the mechanical and dynamic performances of the whole car body.A mass saving of 63%on the optimized components was achieved,corresponding to a 7.6%if compared to the complete car body shell.In addition,a positive increasing of 17.7%on the first frequency of vibration was observed.Encouraging results have been achieved in terms of weight reduction and mechanical behaviour of the innovated car body.