Insights into Nano-and Micro-Structured Scaffolds for Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage

Adopting a nano-and micro-structuring approach to fully unleashing the genuine potential of electrode active material benefits in-depth understandings and research progress toward higher energy density electrochemical energy stor-age devices at all technology readiness levels.Due to various challenging issues,especially limited stability,nano-and micro-structured(NMS)electrodes undergo fast electrochemical performance degradation.The emerging NMS scaffold design is a pivotal aspect of many electrodes as it endows them with both robustness and electrochemical performance enhancement,even though it only occupies comple-mentary and facilitating components for the main mechanism.However,extensive efforts are urgently needed toward optimizing the stereoscopic geometrical design of NMS scaffolds to minimize the volume ratio and maximize their functionality to fulfill the ever-increasing dependency and desire for energy power source supplies.This review will aim at highlighting these NMS scaffold design strategies,summariz-ing their corresponding strengths and challenges,and thereby outlining the potential solutions to resolve these challenges,design principles,and key perspectives for future research in this field.Therefore,this review will be one of the earliest reviews from this viewpoint.

Simulation of GaN micro-structured neutron detectors for improving electrical properties

Nowadays,the superior detection performance of semiconductor neutron detectors is a challenging task.In this paper,we deal with a novel GaN micro-structured neutron detector(GaN-MSND)and compare three different methods such as the method of modulating the trench depth,the method of introducing dielectric layer and p-type inversion region to improve the width of depletion region(W).It is observed that the intensity of electric field can be modulated by scaling the trench depth.On the other hand,the electron blocking region is formed in the detector enveloped with a dielectric layer.Furthermore,the introducing of p-type inversion region produces new p/n junction,which not only promotes the further expansion of the depletion region but also reduces the intensity of electric field produced by main junction.It can be realized that all these methods can considerably enhance the working voltage as well as W.Of them,the improvement on W of GaN-MSND with the p-type inversion region is the most significant and the value of W could reach 12.8μm when the carrier concentration of p-type inversion region is 10^17 cm^-3.Consequently,the value of W is observed to improve 200%for the designed GaN-MSND as compared with that without additional design.This work ensures to the researchers and scientific community the fabrication of GaN-MSND having superior detection limit in the field of intense radiation.

Robustness and precision evaluation of the form error of micro-structured surfaces using real coded genetic algorithm

To obtain the form error of micro-structured surfaces robustly and accurately, a form er- ror evaluation method was developed based on the real coded genetic algorithm （RCGA）. The meth- od employed the average squared distance as the matching criterion. The point to surface distance was achieved by use of iterative method and the modeling of RCGA for the surface matching was also presented in detail. Parameter selection for RCGA including the crossover rate and population size was discussed. Evaluation results of series simulated surfaces without form error show that this method can achieve the accuracy of root mean square deviation （ Sq ） less than 1 nm and surface pro- file error （ St ） less than 4 nm. Evaluation of the surfaces with different simulated errors illustrates that the proposed method can also robustly obtain the form error with nano-meter precision. The e- valuation of actual measured surfaces further indicates that the proposed method is capable of pre- cisely evaluating micro-structured surfaces.

Model of self-generated magnetic field generation from relativistic laser interaction with solid targets

Generation of self-generated annular magnetic fields at the rear side of a solid target driven by relativistic laser pulse is investigated by using theoretical analysis and particle-in-cell simulations.The spatial strength distribution of magnetic fields can be accurately predicted by calculating the net flow caused by the superposition of source flow and return flow of hot electrons.The theoretical model established shows good agreement with the simulation results,indicating that the magnetic-field strength scales positively to the temperature of hot electrons.This provides us a way to improve the magnetic-field generation by using a micro-structured plasma grating in front of the solid target.Compared with that for a common flat target,hot electrons can be effectively heated with the well-designed grating size,leading to a stronger magnetic field.The spatial distribution of magnetic fields can be modulated by optimizing the grating period and height as well as the incident angle of the laser pulse.

Micro-structural evolution and their effects on physical properties in different types of tectonically deformed coals

The macromolecular structure of tectonically deformed coals(TDC)may be determined by the deformation mechanisms of coal.Alterations of the macromolecular structure change the pore structure of TDC and thereby impact physical properties such as porosity and permeability.This study focuses on structure and properties of TDC from the Huaibei and Huainan coal mining areas of southern North China.Relationships between the macromolecular structure and the pore structure of TDC were analyzed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction,high-resolution transmission electron microcopy,and the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption.The results indicated that the directional stress condition can cause the arrangement of basic structural units(BSU)more serious and closer.And,the orientation is stronger in ductile deformed coal than in brittle deformed coal.Tectonic deformation directly influences the macromolecular structure of coal and consequently results in dynamic metamorphism.Because the size of BSU in brittle deformed coal increases more slowly than in ductile deformed coal,frictional heating and stress-chemistry of shearing areas might play a more important role,locally altering coal structure under stress,in brittle deformed coal.Strain energy is more significant in increasing the ductile deformation of coal.Furthermore,mesopores account for larger percentage of the nano-scale pore volume in brittle deformed coals,while mesopores volume in ductile deformed coal diminishes rapidly along with an increase in the proportion of micropores and sub-micropores.This research also approved that the deformations of macromolecular structures change nano-scale pore structures,which are very important for gas adsorption and pervasion space for gas.Therefore,the exploration and development potential of coal bed methane is promising for reservoirs that are subjected to a certain degree of brittle deformation(such as schistose structure coal,mortar structure coal and cataclastic structure coal).It also holds promise for TDC resulting from wrinkle structure coal of low ductile deformation and later superimposed by brittle deformation.Other kinds of TDC suffering from strong brittle-ductile and ductile deformation,such as scale structure coal and mylonitic structure coal,are difficult problems to resolve.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON MACRO AND MICRO-STRUCTURE OF METALLIC PARTS BUILT BY LOW-POWER LASER CLADDING

A low-power CO_2 laser is used to deposit Fe powder and mixture of Fe andcarbon powder on substrates respectively, and the macro and micro-structure of the formed samplesare investigated. It is demonstrated that most grains of these samples are equi-axed. This isderived from the high nucleation velocity in the shallow melt pool besides rapid solidification ofthe liquid-state alloy or metal. Bainitic structure, combination of pearlite and ferrite structureand ferrite structure are seen respectively in the samples involving various amounts of carbon owingto no martensitic transformation in these small samples.

Synthesis of Mg_5(CO_3)_4(OH)_2·4H_2O with Flower-like Micro-structure and Its Catalytic Activity for Transesterification of Dimethyl Carbonate with Phenol

A novel flower-like hydrated magnesium carbonate hydroxide, Mg5 （CO3 ）4 （OH）2·4H2O, with micro-structure composed of individual thin nano-sheets was synthesized using a facile solution route without the use of template or organic surfactant. Reaction time has an important effect on the final morphology of the product. The micro-structure and morphology of Mg5 （CO3）4 （OH）2·4H2O were characterized by means of X-ray diffractometry （XRD）, fieldemission scanning electron microscopy（FE-SEM）. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller（BET） surface areas of the samples were also measured. The probable formation mechanism of flower-like micro-structure was discussed. It was found that Mg5 （CO3）4（ OH）2·4H2O with flower-like micro-structure was a novel and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of diphenyl carbonate （DPC） by transesterification of dimethyl carbonate （DMC） with phenol.

Research on the process of fabricating a multi-layer metal micro-structure based on UV-LIGA overlay technology

In this paper,we report the study of the process of fabricating a multi-layermetal micro-structure using UV-LIGA overlay technology,includingmask fabrication,substrate treatment,and UV-LIGA overlay processes.To solve the process problems in the masking procedure,the swelling problemof the first layer of SU-8 thick photoresist was studied experimentally.The 5μmline-width compensation and closed 20μmand 30μmisolation strips were designed and fabricated around the micro-structure pattern.The pore problemin the Ni micro-electroforming layer was analyzed and the electroforming parameters were improved.The pH value of the electroforming solution should be controlled between 3.8 and 4.4 and the current density should be below 3 A/dm^2.To solve the problems of high inner stress and incomplete development of the micro-cylinder hole array with a diameter of 30μm,the lithography process was optimized.The pre-baking temperature was increased via gradient heating and rose every 5℃ from 65℃ to 85℃ and then remained at 85℃ for 50 min–1 h.In addition,the full contact exposure was used.Finally,a multi-layer metal micro-structure with high precision and good quality of microelectroforming layer was fabricated using UV-LIGA overlay technology.

The effect of agglomerate on micro-structural evolution in solid-state sintering

Discrete element method （DEM） is used in the present paper to simulate the microstructural evolution of a planar layer of copper particles during sintering. Formation of agglomerates and the effect of their rearrangement on densification are mainly focused on. Comparing to the existing experimental observations, we find that agglomerate can form spontaneously in sintering and its rearrangement could accelerate the densification of compacts. Snapshots of numerical simulations agree qualitatively well with experimental observations. The method could be readily extended to investigate the effect of agglomerate on sintering in a three- dimensional model, which should be very useful for understanding the evolution of microstructure of sintering systems.

Effect of particle micro-structure on the electrochemical properties of LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) cathode material

Ni-rich layered material is a kind of high-capacity cathode to meet the requirement of electric vehicles.As for the typical LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) material,the particle formation is significant for electrochemical properties of the cathode.In this work,the structure,morphology,and electrochemical performance of LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) secondary particles and single crystals were systematically studied.A lower Ni^(2+)/Ni^(3+)molar ratio of 0.66 and a lower residual alkali content of 0.228wt%were achieved on the surface of the single crystals.In addition,the single crystals showed a discharge capacity of 191.6 mAh/g at 0.2 C(~12 mAh/g lower than that of the secondary particles)and enhanced the electrochemical stability,especially when cycled at 50℃ and in a wider electrochemical window(between 3.0 and 4.4 V vs.Li+/Li).The LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) secondary particles were suitable for applications requiring high specific capacity,whereas single crystals exhibited better stability,indicating that they are more suitable for use in long life requested devices.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION FOR CONVECTION-DIFFUSION PROBLEM WITH PERIODIC MICRO-STRUCTURE

In this article, the convection dominated convection-diffusion problems with the periodic micro-structure are discussed. A two-scale finite element scheme based on the homogenization technique for this kind of problems is provided. The error estimates between the exact solution and the approximation solution, of the homogenized equation or the two-scale finite element scheme are analyzed. It is shown that the scheme provided in this article is convergent for any fixed diffusion coefficient 5, and it may be convergent independent of δ under some conditions. The numerical results demonstrating the theoretical results are presented in this article.

Temperature Induces Self-assembly of Silicon Nano/Micro-structure based on Multi-physics Approach

A three-dimensional dynamic model for nano/micro-fabrications of silicon was presented. With the developed model, the fabrication process of silicon on nothing（SON） structure was quantitatively investigated. We employ a diffuse interface model that incorporates the mechanism of surface diffusion. The mechanism of the fabrication is systematically integrated for high reliability of computational analysis. A semi-implicit Fourier spectral scheme is applied for high efficiency and numerical stability. Moreover, the theoretical analysis provides the guidance that is ordered by the fundamental geometrical design parameters to guide different fabrications of SON structures. The performed simulations suggest a substantial potential of the presented model for a reliable design technology of nano/micro-fabrications.

On a Standard Parametric Modeling Method of Micro-Structure of Plain Woven Composite

A new standard parametric modeling method of the micro-structure of plain woven composite is proposed. It is based on good analysis of the mechanical property of the yarn, weaving law of plain woven, and other factors. The method implements a woven fabric composite visual engineering modeling process standardization, and it gives five steps to calculate the key micro-structural parameters of the yarn including the cross-section and the trajectory of the central Line. On the basis, the digital model of a plain woven composite has been constructed. The experimental result shows that the forecast for the mechanical property of the model using finite-element simulation analysis is consistent with the actual value. The shape and the structure of the model are also consistent with the solid.

The Effect of Micro-Structure on Fatigue Behaviour of Intact Sandstone

With advent of servo-controlled stiff testing machines, it is now possible to conduct tests on a rock in the laboratory under different variable controlled conditions. In this paper, cyclic fatigue behaviour of intact sandstone obtained from the rock burst prone coal mine in the Czech Republic were presented. Tests were conducted on MTS- 816 rock test system in the laboratory on intact rock samples of L/D ratio 2 under cyclic loading frequency of 0.1, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 Hz at amplitude of 0.1 mm under displacement control mode until failure of the samples in uni-axial compression. From, the primary results it was observed that at low loading frequency range of 0.1 to 3 Hz, there was degradation of the rock samples in terms of fatigue strength and modulus. While, at higher frequency rose-up in strength and deformation properties were observed. It was observed that the machine behaviour in terms of amplitude at higher loading frequencies might be affecting the results. It seemed that machine behaviour of servo-hydraulic testing system was also dependent on rock type under investigation.

Chloride Resistance of Concrete under Complex Stress and Environment

The presence of stress is shown to have a significant impact on chloride ions in concrete. Reinforced concrete is usually durable and cost-effective which has resulted in its widespread use for construction, however, the concrete subjected to environment and load has become increasingly apparently that attacked by aggressive agents such as chloride ion. In this study, the coupling influences are stress effects and environmental problems on the coastline concrete durability have been investigated. A series of cyclic of a wet-dry cycle and submersion tests were performed onto the stressed concrete to obtain an understanding of the physical mechanisms causing the accumulation of chlorides in the interior pores of concrete under different stress types and exposure environments, based on the same duration. Specimens were prepared and subjected to NaCl solution in a wet-dry cycle and submersion, the chloride in the tension zone is gradual with increasing the stress level, as well as the chloride ion in the wet-dry cycle, is increasing the number of cycles. The apparent diffusion coefficient of each specimen was calculated respectively, the profile of concentration at a different section of tension and compression zones were presented in influence factors of the number of cycles, the length of drying phase, and periodic wetting cycles with sodium solution was discussed. After employed Fick’s second law, the results suggested Da in a wet-dry cycle is much higher than the Da in submersion zones.

NiCo_2O_4 Nano-/Microstructures as High-Performance Biosensors: A Review

Non-enzymatic biosensors based on mixed transition metal oxides are deemed as the most promising devices due to their high sensitivity,selectivity,wide concentration range,low detection limits,and excellent recyclability.Spinel NiCo2O4 mixed oxides have drawn considerable attention recently due to their outstanding advantages including large specific surface area,high permeability,short electron,and ion diffusion pathways.Because of the rapid development of non-enzyme biosensors,the current state of methods for synthesis of pure and composite/hybrid NiCo2P4 materials and their subsequent electrochemical biosensing applications are systematically and comprehensively reviewed herein.Comparative analysis reveals better electrochemical sensing of bioanalytes by one-dimensional and two-dimensional NiCo2O4 nano-/microstructures than other morphologies.Better biosensing efficiency of NiCo2O4 as compared to corresponding individual metal oxides,viz.NiO and Co3O4,is attributed to the close intrinsic-state redox couples of Ni3+/Ni2+(0.58 V/0.49 V) and Co3+/Co2+(0.53 V/0.51 V).Biosensing performance of NiCo2O4 is also significantly improved by making the composites of NiCo2O4 with conducting carbonaceous materials like graphene,reduced graphene oxide,carbon nanotubes(single and multi-walled),carbon nanofibers;conducting polymers like polypyrrole(PPy),polyaniline(PANI);metal oxides NiO,Co3O4,SnO2,MnO2;and metals like Au,Pd,etc.Various factors affecting the morphologies and biosensing parameters of the nano-/microstructured NiCo2O4 are also highlighted.Finally,some drawbacks and future perspectives related to this promising field are outlined.

Exact parametric representations of orbits defined by cubic Hamiltonian

In this paper,we show that for any given planar cubic algebraic curves defined by a quadratic Hamiltonian vector field,we can always have their exact explicit parametric representations. We use a model of micro-structured solid to show an application of our conclusions.

Study on the hot deformation behavior of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Cr aluminum alloy during multi-stage hot compression

The mechanical behavior and microstructures of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Cr aluminum alloy during multi-stage hot deformation were investigated by thermal stimulation test, optical microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The true stress vs true strain curves and the microstructure evolution of two hot deformation procedures were gained. The flow stress of the alloy studied decreases with increasing the deforming passes and declining the temperature, and the larger the temperature decline between adjacent stages, the larger the peak stress fall is. The stress-strain behavior mainly result from the dynamic recovery during deformation, the static recovery and recrystallization in the delay time, and the second phases precipitated from the matrix at high temperature.

Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Fe-Cr-B-Si-based Alloy Coating on the Surface of Scraper Conveyor Middle Trough NM450

This paper aims to develop a surface modification process to improve the surface properties of the middle trough.The coatings were prepared by plasma cladding with Fe-Cr-B-Si-based alloy powders (Ig 6 and Ig7).The organizational structure and micro-hardness of the coatings were analyzed by laboratory equipments.The friction and wear tests were performed to investigate the friction-wear properties of middle trough.The coatings have higher hardness and good friction-wear properties than the substrate.The hardness and friction wear properties of the coating with Ig7 powder are better than those with Ig6 powder.The experimental results show that the surface properties of the middle trough are improved by Fe-Cr-B-Si-based alloy coating,which can improve the middle trough service life.The plasma cladding can be widely used in the surface-modification of middle trough to reduce the waste of resources.

Superposition of orbital angular momentum of photons by a combined computer-generated hologram fabricated in silica glass with femtosecond laser pulses

This paper introduces a novel method to realize the superposition of orbital angular momentum of photons by combined computer-generated hologram （CCGH） fabricated in silica glass with femtosecond laser pulses. Firstly, the two computer-generated holograms （CGH） of optical vortex were obtained and combined as a CCGH according to the design. Then the CCGH was directly written inside glass by femtosecond laser pulses induced microexplosion without any preor post-treatment of the material. The vortex beams with different vortex topological charges （including new topological charges） have been restructured using a collimated He-Ne laser beam incidence to the CCGH normally. A theoretical and experimental explanation has been presented for the generations of the new topological charges.