Tailoring local structures of atomically dispersed copper sites for highly selective CO2 electroreduction

Atomically‐dispersed copper sites coordinated with nitrogen‐doped carbon(Cu–N–C)can provide novel possibilities to enable highly selective and active electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reactions.However,the construction of optimal local electronic structures for nitrogen‐coordinated Cu sites(Cu–N_(4))on carbon remains challenging.Here,we synthesized the Cu–N–C catalysts with atomically‐dispersed edge‐hosted Cu–N_(4) sites(Cu–N_(4)C_(8))located in a micropore between two graphitic sheets via a facile method to control the concentration of metal precursor.Edge‐hosted Cu–N_(4)C_(8) catalysts outperformed the previously reported M–N–C catalysts for CO_(2)‐to‐CO conversion,achieving a maximum CO Faradaic efficiency(FECO)of 96%,a CO current density of–8.97 mA cm–2 at–0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE),and over FECO of 90%from–0.6 to–1.0 V versus RHE.Computational studies revealed that the micropore of the graphitic layer in edge‐hosted Cu–N_(4)C_(8) sites causes the d‐orbital energy level of the Cu atom to shift upward,which in return decreases the occupancy of antibonding states in the*COOH binding.This research suggests new insights into tailoring the locally coordinated structure of the electrocatalyst at the atomic scale to achieve highly selective electrocatalytic reactions.

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) of FAPbI_(3) for understanding local structure-stability relation in perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) employing formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI_(3)) have shown high efficiency.However,operational stability has been issued due to phase instability of α phase FAPbI_(3) at ambient temperature.Excess precursors in the perovskite precursor solution has been proposed to improve not only power conversion efficiency (PCE) but also device stability.Nevertheless,there is a controversial issue on the beneficial effect on PCE and/or stability between excess FAI and excess PbI_(2).We report here extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) of FAPbI_(3) to study local structural change and explain the effect of excess precursors on photovoltaic performance and stability.Perovskite films prepared from the precursor solution with excess PbI_(2)shows better stability than those from the one with excess FAI,despite similar PCE.A rapid phase transition from α phase to non-perovskite δ phase is observed from the perovskite film formed by excess FAI.Furthermore,the (Pb-I) bond distance evaluated by the Pb L_(III)-edge EXAFS study is increased by excess FAI,which is responsible for the phase transition and poor device stability.This work can provide important insight into local structure-stability relation in the FAPbI_(3)-based PSCs.

Local Structure Analysis of Lead Zinc Niobate-Barium Titanate Ceramic by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Density Functional Calculation

The local structure of an alternative Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3-based perovskite ceramic is investigated. The 0.07BaTiO33-0.93Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3 ceramic is synthesized using a combination of Zn3Nb2O8 B-site precursor and BaTiO33 perovskite phase stabilizer. Then, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory are employed to calculate the local structure configuration and formation energy of the prepared samples. Ba2＋ is found to replace Pb2＋ in AA-site with Zn2＋ occupying BB-site in Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3, while in the neighboring structure, Ti4＋4＋ replaces Nb5＋5＋ in BB-site with Pb2＋2＋ occupying AA-site. With the substitution of BaTiO33 in Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3, the bond length between Zn2＋ and Pb2＋ is longer than that of the typical perovskite phase of Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3. This indicates the key role of BaTiO33 in decreasing the steric hindrance of Pb2＋ lone pair, and the mutual interactions between Pb2＋ lone pair and Zn2＋ and the formation energy is seen to decrease. This finding of the formation energy and local structure configuration relationship can further extend a fundamental understanding of the role of BaTiO33 in stabilizing the perovskite phase in PbZn13Nb23O3-based materials, which in turn will lead to an improved preparation technique for desired electrical properties.

Investigations of the electron paramagnetic resonance parameters and the tetragonal local structure for (VCl_6)^(4-) coordination complex in MCl:V^(2+) (M=Na,K,Rb) systems

By simulating the electron paramagnetic resonance （EPR） and optical spectra on the basis of the 120 × 120 complete energy matrix, this paper determines the local lattice structure parameters R1 and R2 for MCl：V2＋ （M=Na, K, Rb） systems at 77K, 195 K and RT （room temperature 295 K or 302 K）, respectively. The theoretical results indicate that there exists a compressed distortion in MCl：V2＋ systems. Meanwhile, it finds that the structure parameters R1, R2 and ｜△R｜（ = R1 - R2） increase with the rising temperature. Subsequently, from the analysis it concludes that the relation of EPR parameter D vs. △R is approximately linear. Finally, the effects of orbital reduction factor k on the g factors for the three systems have been discussed.

Local structure distortion and spin Hamiltonian parameters of oxide-diluted magnetic semiconductor Mn-doped ZnO

The local structure distortion, the spin Hamiltonian （SH） parameters, and the electric fine structure of the ground state for Mn^2＋ （3d^5） ion in ZnO crystals are systematically investigated, where spin-spin （SS）, spin-other-orbit （SOO） and orbit-orbit （OO） magnetic interactions, besides the well-known spin-orbit （SO） coupling, are taken into account for the first time, by using the complete diagonalization method. The theoretical results of the second-order zerofield splitting （ZFS） parameter D, the fourth-order ZFS parameter （a-F）, the Zeeman g-factors： g// and g⊥, and the energy differences of the ground state： δ1 and δ2 for Mn^2＋ in Mn^2＋： ZnO are in good agreement with experimental measurements when the three O^2- ions below the Mn^2＋ ion rotate by 1.085° away from the [111]-axis. Hence, the local structure distortion effect plays an important role in explaining the spectroscopic properties of Mn^2＋ ions in Mn^2＋： ZnO crystals. It is found for Mn^2＋ ions in Mn^2＋： ZnO crystals that although the SO mechanism is the most important one, the contributions to the SH parameters, made by other four mechanisms, i.e. SS, SOO, OO, and SO-SS-SOO-OO mechanisms, are significant and should not be omitted, especially for calculating ZFS parameter D.

Effect of local structure on electron paramagnetic resonance spectra for trigonal [Cr(H_2O)_6]^(3+) coordination complex in the sulfate alums series:a ligand field theory study

A simple theoretical method is introduced for studying the interrelation between electronic and molecular structures.By diagonalizing the 120 × 120 complete energy matrices,the relationships between zero-field splitting （ZFS） parameter D and local distortion parameter △θ for Cr^3＋ ions doped,separately,in α- and β- alums are investigated.Our results indicate that there exists an approximately linear relationship between D and △θ in a temperature range 4.2-297 K and the signs of D and △θ are opposite to each other.Moreover,in order to understand the contribution of spin-orbit coupling coefficient ζ to ZFS parameter D,the relation between D and ζ is also discussed.

Local structure distortion and spin Hamiltonian parameters for Cr^(3+)-V_(Zn) tetragonal defect centre in Cr^(3+) doped KZnF_3 crystal

The quantitative relationship between the spin Hamiltonian parameters （D, g｜｜ Ag） and the crystal structure parameters for the Cr3＋-Vzη tetragonal defect centre in a Cr3＋ ：KZnF3 crystal is established by using the superposition model. On the above basis, the local structure distortion and the spin Hamiltonian parameter for the Cr3＋-Vzn tetragonal defect centre in the KZnF3 crystal are systematically investigated using the complete diagonalization method. It is found that the Vzn vacancy and the differences in mass, radius and charge between the Cr3＋ and the Zn2＋ ions induce the local lattice distortion of the Cr3＋ centre ions in the KZnF3 crystal. The local lattice distortion is shown to give rise to the tetragonal crystal field, which in turn results in the tetragonal zero-field splitting parameter D and the anisotropic g factor Ag. We find that the ligand F- ion along I001] and the other five F- ions move towards the central Cr3＋ by distances of A1 = 0.0121 nm and A2 = 0.0026 nm, respectively. Our approach takes into account the spin-rbit interaction as well as the spin-spin, spin other-orbit, and orbit-rbit interactions omitted in the previous studies. It is found that for the Cr3＋ ions in the Cr3＋：KZnF3 crystal, although the spin-rbit mechanism is the most important one, the contribution to the spin Hamiltonian parameters from the other three mechanisms, including spin- spin, spin-other-orbit, and orbit-orbit magnetic interactions, is appreciable and should not be omitted, especially for the zero-field splitting （ZFS） parameter D.

First-principles study of the local structure and crystal field of Yb^(2+) in sodium and potassium halides

The local coordination structures around the doping Yb2＋ ions in sodium and potassium halides were calculated by using the first-principles supercell model. Both the cases with and without the charge compensation vacancy in the local environment of the doping Yb2＋ were calculated to study the effect of the doping on the local coordination structures of Yb2＋. Using the calculated local structures, we obtained the crystal-field parameters for the Yb2＋ ions doped in sodium and potassium halides by a method based on the combination of the quantum-chemical calculations and the effective Hamiltonian method. The calculated crystal-field parameters were analyzed and compared with the fitted results.

Zero-field splitting parameters and local structures for tetragonal Cr^(2+) centers in Cr^(2+)-doped ZnSe semiconductors

The inter-relation between zero-field splitting （ZFS） parameters and local lattice structures of the （CrSe4）6 clusters in ZnSe semiconductors has been established by using the complete diagonalization （of the energy matrix） method. On the basis of this, the local lattice distortions, the ZFS parameters D, a, F and the optical spectrum for Cr2＋ ions doped into ZnSe are theoretically investigated, and the contributions of the spin singlets have been taken into account. The calculated ZFS parameters are in good agreement with the experimental values. From our calculations, the tetragonal distortion parameters AR = 0.091A and Aθ = 4.28° of Cr2＋ in ZnSe are acquired, and the results suggest that there exists a tetragonal expansion distortion for the local lattice structure of （CrSe4）6- clusters in ZnSe crystals. The influence of the spin singlets on ZFS parameters is also discussed, indicating that the contributions to ZFS parameters a and F cannot be ignored.

Revealing structure correlation between ionic liquid and metal-organic framework matrix

Solid-state batteries are rising rapidly in response to the fast-increasing energy demand.Metal-organic framework(MOF)loaded with ionic liquids has brought new opportunities for solid-state batteries owing to its good interfacial compatibility and high ionic conductivity.MOF-808 is selected to be filled with Li-contained ionic liquid for structure and ion dynamics investigation using nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and X-ray diffraction.This study finds that the introduced ionic liquid would partially soften the matrix of MOF-808 and thus yield amorphous phase.By selective isotope replacement under cycling symmetric 6Li metal cell,Lit ion is observed to mainly go cross ionic liquid in the open channel of matrix under potential polarization.

Theoretical prediction on the local structure and transport properties of molten alkali chlorides by deep potentials

In this work,the local structure and transport properties of three typical alkali chlorides(LiCl,NaCl,and KCl)were investigated by our newly trained deep potentials(DPs).We extracted datasets from ab initio molecular dynamics(AIMD)calculations and used these to train and validate the DPs.Large-scale and long-time molecular dynamics simulations were performed over a wider range of temperatures than AIMD to confirm the reliability and generality of the DPs.We demonstrated that the generated DPs can serve as a powerful tool for simulating alkali chlorides;the DPs also provide results with accuracy that is comparable to that of AIMD and efficiency that is similar to that of empirical potentials.The partial radial distribution functions and angle distribution functions predicted using the DPs are in close agreement with those derived from AIMD.The estimated densities,self-diffusion coefficients,shear viscosities,and electrical conductivities also matched well with the AIMD and experimental data.This work provides confidence that DPs can be used to explore other systems,including mixtures of chlorides or entirely different salts.

The Myerson Value on Local Structures of Coalitions

The Myerson value introduced by Mayerson(Math Oper Res 2:225-229,1977)is a solution for cooperative games under the partial cooperation structures described by graphs,in which feasible coalitions are connected but their structures are ignored.To extend the Myerson value,we define a mapping to describe local structures of coalitions and obtain a new solution for cooperative games,called Myerson value with local structures.We propose an ax iomatic characterization of the Myerson value associated with local cooperative structures.

Efficient and effective Bayesian network local structure learning

In this paper, we propose a more efficient Bayesian network structure learning algorithm under the framework of score based local learning （SLL）. Our algorithm significantly improves computational efficiency by restricting the neighbors of each variable to a small subset of candidates and storing necessary information to uncover the spouses, at the same time guaranteeing to find the optimal neighbor set in the same sense as SLL. The algorithm is the- oretically sound in the sense that it is optimal in the limit of large sample size. Empirical results testify its improved speed without loss of quality in the learned structures.

Local structure and luminescent properties of lead phosphate glasses containing rare earth ions

Local structure and luminescent properties of lead phosphate glasses containing rare earth ions were studied. Optically active ions such as Eu^3＋, Dy^3＋, Tb^3＋ and Er^3＋ were chosen as dopants. The local structure was verified using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform inflared （FT-IR） spectroscopy. The visible luminescence bands recorded for the studied samples corresponded to ^5D0→^7Fj （J=0÷4） transitions of Eu^3＋, ^4F9/2→^6Hj/2 （J=11÷15） transitions of Dy^3＋, ^5D3→^7FJ, （J＇=1÷6） and ^5Da→^7FJ （J=3÷6） transitions of Tb^3＋, and ^4S1/2→^4I15/2 transitions of Er^3＋.

PDBlocal:A web-based tool for local inspectionof biological macromolecular 3D structures

Functional research on biological macromolecules must fcus on specific loca regions.PDBlocal is aweb-based tool developed to overcome the limitations of traditional molecular visualization tools forthre-dimensional(3D)inspection of local regions.PDBlocal provides an intuitive and easy-to-manipulate web page interface and some new useful functions.It can kep loca regions flashing,display sequence text that is dynamically consistent with the 3D structure in local appearance undermultiple local manipulations,use two scenes to help users inspect the same local region withdifferent statuses,list all historical manipulation statuses with a tree structure,llow users toannotate regions ofinterest,and save ll historical statuses and other data to a web server for futureresearch.PDBlocal has met expectations and shown satisfactory performance for both expert andnovice users.This tool is available at http:/labsystem.scuec.edu.cn/pdblocal/.

Local structure and optical absorption characteristic investigation on Fe doped TiO_2 nanoparticles

The local structures and optical absorption characteristics of Fe doped TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy （XAFS） and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy （UV-Vis）. XRD patterns show that all Fe-doped TiO2 samples have the characteristic anatase structure. Accurate Fe and Ti K-edge EXAFS analysis further reveal that all Fe atoms replace Ti atoms in the anatase lattice. The analysis of UV-Vis data shows a red shift to the visible range. According to the above results, we claim that substitutional Fe atoms lead to the formation of structural defects and new intermediate energy levels appear, narrowing the band gap and extending the optical absorption edge towards the visible region.

Local structure engineering for active sites in fuel cell electrocatalysts

In this review,we surveyed the significance of local structure engineering on electrocatalysts and electrodes for the performance of oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)in proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs).Both on precious metal catalysts(PMC)and non-precious metal catalysts(NPMC),the main methods to modulate local structure of active sites have been summarized.By change of atomic coordination,modulation of bonding distortion and synergy effect from hierarchical structure,local structure engineering has influence on the intrinsic activity and stability of electrocatalysts.Moreover,we emphasized the intimate correlation between lyophobicity of electrocatalysts and membrane electrodes by local structure engineering.Our review aimed to inspire the exploration of advanced electrocatalysts and mechanism study for PEMFCs based on local structure engineering.

Probing microstructure of solid-state synthesized LiCoO_(2)with MAS NMR spectroscopy

LiCoO_(2)is an important category of active cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries due to its high compacted electrode density,good thermal stability,and stable voltage platform.Recent works on LiCoO_(2)have focused on the realization of higher charging voltages to fully utilize its high theoretical capacity.However,an unambiguous atomic-level local probe is essential for the understanding of structure-function correlation.Here we employ highresolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy to study the local atomic environments in LiCoO_(2)synthesized with three common sintering methods.While one-dimensional 7Li NMR shows distinct linewidth and subtle dependence on lithium over-stoichiometry,both 7Li and 59Co relaxation times are highly dependent on the sintering method.We prove that the two-step sintering method favors the elimination of unreacted Co3O4,thereby enabling the best discharge capacity in all-solid-state lithium batteries assembled with LiCoO_(2)/LGPS/LiIn,which is in accordance with its narrowest 7Li linewidth and the longest 7Li/59Co T1.

Finite symmetry transformation group and localized structures of the (2+1)-dimensional coupled Burgers equation

In this paper, the finite symmetry transformation group of the （2＋1）-dimensional coupled Burgers equation is studied by the modified direct method, and with the help of the truncated Painleve′ expansion approach, some special localized structures for the （2＋1）-dimensional coupled Burgers equation are obtained, in particular, the dromion-like and solitoff-like structures.

MULTI-SCALE COHERENT STRUCTURES IN TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYER DETECTED BY LOCALLY AVERAGED VELOCITY STRUCTURE FUNCTIONS

The time sequence of longitudinal velocity component at different vertical locations in turbulent boundary layer was finely measured in a wind tunnel. The concept of coarse_grained velocity structure functions, which describes the relative motions of straining and compressing for multi_scale eddy structures in turbulent flows, was put forward based on the theory of locally multi_scale average. Based on the consistency between coarse_grained velocity structure function and Harr wavelet transformation,detecting method was presented, by which the coherent structures and their intermittency was identified by multi_scale flatness factor calculated by locally average structure function. Phase_averaged evolution course for multi_scale coherent eddy structures in wall turbulence were extracted by this conditional sampling to educe scheme. The dynamics course of multi_scale coherent eddy structures and their effects on statistics of turbulent flows were studied.