Optimizing electronic structure through point defect engineering for enhanced electrocatalytic energy conversion

Point defect engineering endows catalysts with novel physical and chemical properties,elevating their electrocatalytic efficiency.The introduction of defects emerges as a promising strategy,effectively modifying the electronic structure of active sites.This optimization influences the adsorption energy of intermediates,thereby mitigating reaction energy barriers,altering paths,enhancing selectivity,and ultimately improving the catalytic efficiency of electrocatalysts.To elucidate the impact of defects on the electrocatalytic process,we comprehensively outline the roles of various point defects,their synthetic methodologies,and characterization techniques.Importantly,we consolidate insights into the relationship between point defects and catalytic activity for hydrogen/oxygen evolution and CO_(2)/O_(2)/N_(2) reduction reactions by integrating mechanisms from diverse reactions.This underscores the pivotal role of point defects in enhancing catalytic performance.At last,the principal challenges and prospects associated with point defects in current electrocatalysts are proposed,emphasizing their role in advancing the efficiency of electrochemical energy storage and conversion materials.

Morphology engineering of ZnO micro/nanostructures under mild conditions for optoelectronic application

Zinc oxide(ZnO)serves as a crucial functional semiconductor with a wide direct bandgap of approximately 3.37 eV.Solvothermal reaction is commonly used in the synthesis of ZnO micro/nanostructures,given its low cost,simplicity,and easy implementation.Moreover,ZnO morphology engineering has become desirable through the alteration of minor conditions in the reaction process,particularly at room temperature.In this work,ZnO micro/nanostructures were synthesized in a solution by varying the amounts of the ammonia added at low temperatures(including room temperature).The formation of Zn^(2+)complexes by ammonia in the precursor regulated the reaction rate of the morphology engineering of ZnO,which resulted in various structures,such as nanoparticles,nanosheets,microflowers,and single crystals.Finally,the obtained ZnO was used in the optoelectronic application of ultraviolet detectors.

Defect Engineering with Rational Dopants Modulation for High‑Temperature Energy Harvesting in Lead‑Free Piezoceramics

High temperature piezoelectric energy harvester(HTPEH)is an important solution to replace chemical battery to achieve independent power supply of HT wireless sensors.However,simultaneously excellent performances,including high figure of merit(FOM),insulation resistivity(ρ)and depolarization temperature(Td)are indispensable but hard to achieve in lead-free piezoceramics,especially operating at 250°C has not been reported before.Herein,well-balanced performances are achieved in BiFeO3–BaTiO3 ceramics via innovative defect engineering with respect to delicate manganese doping.Due to the synergistic effect of enhancing electrostrictive coefficient by polarization configuration optimization,regulating iron ion oxidation state by high valence manganese ion and stabilizing domain orientation by defect dipole,comprehensive excellent electrical performances(Td=340°C,ρ250°C>10^(7)Ωcm and FOM_(250°C)=4905×10^(–15)m^(2)N^(−1))are realized at the solid solubility limit of manganese ions.The HT-PEHs assembled using the rationally designed piezoceramic can allow for fast charging of commercial electrolytic capacitor at 250°C with high energy conversion efficiency(η=11.43%).These characteristics demonstrate that defect engineering tailored BF-BT can satisfy high-end HT-PEHs requirements,paving a new way in developing selfpowered wireless sensors working in HT environments.

Defect Engineering:Can it Mitigate Strong Coulomb Effect of Mg^(2+)in Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries?

Rechargeable magnesium batteries(RMBs)have been considered a promising“post lithium-ion battery”system to meet the rapidly increasing demand of the emerging electric vehicle and grid energy storage market.However,the sluggish diffusion kinetics of bivalent Mg^(2+)in the host material,related to the strong Coulomb effect between Mg^(2+)and host anion lattices,hinders their further development toward practical applications.Defect engineering,regarded as an effective strategy to break through the slow migration puzzle,has been validated in various cathode materials for RMBs.In this review,we first thoroughly understand the intrinsic mechanism of Mg^(2+)diffusion in cathode materials,from which the key factors affecting ion diffusion are further presented.Then,the positive effects of purposely introduced defects,including vacancy and doping,and the corresponding strategies for introducing various defects are discussed.The applications of defect engineering in cathode materials for RMBs with advanced electrochemical properties are also summarized.Finally,the existing challenges and future perspectives of defect engineering in cathode materials for the overall high-performance RMBs are described.

Effects of spatial heterogeneity on pseudo-static stability of coal mine overburden dump slope,using random limit equilibrium and random finite element methods:A comparative study

Sudden and unforeseen seismic failures of coal mine overburden(OB)dump slopes interrupt mining operations,cause loss of lives and delay the production of coal.Consideration of the spatial heterogeneity of OB dump materials is imperative for an adequate evaluation of the seismic stability of OB dump slopes.In this study,pseudo-static seismic stability analyses are carried out for an OB dump slope by considering the material parameters obtained from an insitu field investigation.Spatial heterogeneity is simulated through use of the random finite element method(RFEM)and the random limit equilibrium method(RLEM)and a comparative study is presented.Combinations of horizontal and vertical spatial correlation lengths were considered for simulating isotropic and anisotropic random fields within the OB dump slope.Seismic performances of the slope have been reported through the probability of failure and reliability index.It was observed that the RLEM approach overestimates failure probability(P_(f))by considering seismic stability with spatial heterogeneity.The P_(f)was observed to increase with an increase in the coefficient of variation of friction angle of the dump materials.Further,it was inferred that the RLEM approach may not be adequately applicable for assessing the seismic stability of an OB dump slope for a horizontal seismic coefficient that is more than or equal to 0.1.

Teaching Reform of Environmental Engineering Microbiology Based on OBE Concept in the Context of New Engineering Disciplines

In response to meeting the needs of cultivating applied talents in the construction of new engineering disciplines,based on the concept of Outcome-Based Education(OBE),this study analyzes the problems existing in the teaching of the course Environmental Engineering Microbiology,and put forward some corresponding curriculum reform schemes.According to the target points of professional graduation requirements,the scheme proposes revising the syllabus of Environmental Engineering Microbiology,clarifying the curriculum objectives,updating the teaching content,and reforming the teaching methods.Through these measures,it is intended to achieve the unity of teachers way of"teaching"and students way of"learning",construct a new teaching mode,fully stimulate students subjective initiative,and enhance students innovative consciousness and practical ability.Besides,in this study,a"whole process-diversification"evaluation system is established to comprehensively evaluate students performance in theoretical knowledge learning and practical application,comprehensively evaluate students learning situation,and analyze the teaching effect in real time,so as to achieve continuous improvement,and ultimately achieve the goal of improving classroom quality.

Characterization and correlation of engineering properties with microstructure in peanuts:A microscopic to macroscopic analysis

Peanut varieties are diverse globally,with their characters and nutrition determining the product quality.However,the comparative analysis and statistical analysis of key quality indicators for peanut kernels across the world remains relatively limited,impeding the comprehensive evaluation of peanut quality and hindering the industry development on a global scale.This study aimed to compare and analyze the apparent morphology,microstructure,single-cell structure,engineering and mechanical properties,as well as major nutrient contents of peanut kernels from 10 different cultivars representing major peanut-producing countries.The surface and cross-section microstructure of the peanut kernels exhibited a dense“blocky”appearance with a distinct cellular structure.The lipid droplets were predominantly spherical with a regular distribution within the cells.The single-cell structure of the kernels from these 10 peanut cultivars demonstrated varying morphologies and dimensions,which exhibited correlations with their mechanical and engineering properties.Furthermore,the mass loss versus temperature profiles of the peanut kernels revealed five distinct stages,corresponding to moisture loss,volatile loss,protein denaturation,and the degradation of various biomacromolecules.Variations were also observed in the lipid,protein,and sucrose contents,texture,bulk density,true density,porosity,geometric mean diameter,and sphericity among the diferent peanut varieties.This study establishes relationships and correlations among microstructure,engineering properties,and nutritional composition of commonly grown peanut varieties in major peanut-processing countries.The findings provide valuable insights into peanut quality evaluation,empowering the peanut industry to enhance their processing and product development efforts.

Investigation on long-term progressive deformation of engineering slope based on comprehensive monitoring

A landslide always results from a progressive process of slope deformation. In recent years, an increasing number of slope instabilities have occurred with regard to human engineering activities such as hydropower or traffic construction in mountainous area, which cause even greater casualties and economic loss compared with the natural hazards. The development of such earth surface process may hold long period with mechanisms still not fully understood. Using monitoring technology is an effective and intuitive approach to assist analyzing the slope deformation process and their driving factors. This study presents an engineering slope excavated during the construction of Changheba Hydropower Station, which is located in the upper reaches of Dadu River, Sichuan Province, southwest China. The engineering slope experienced and featured a five-year continuous deformation which caused continuous high risks to the engineering activities. We conducted in-depth analysis for such a long-term deformation process based on ground and subsurface monitoring data, collected successive data with a series of monitoring equipment such as automated total station, borehole inclinometers and other auxiliary apparatus, and identified the deformation process based on the comprehensive analysis of monitoring data as well as field investigation. After analyzing the effects of engineering activities and natural factors on the continuous deformation, we found that the overburden strata provided deformable mass while the excavation-produced steep terrain initiated the slope deformation in limit equilibrium state over a long period of time;afterwards, the intense rainwater accelerated slope deformation in the rainy season.

Application of dynamic analysis of strength reduction in the slope engineering under earthquake

At present,the methods of analyzing the stability of slope under earthquake are not accurate and reasonable because of some limitations. Based on the real dynamic tensile-shear failure mechanism of slope,the paper proposes dynamic analysis of strength reduction FEM (finite element method) and takes the reduction of shear strength parameters and tensile strength parameters into consideration. And it comprehensively takes the transfixion of the failure surface,the non-convergence of calculation and mutation of displacement as the criterion of dynamic instability and failure of the slope. The strength reduction factor under limit state is regarded as the dynamic safety factor of the slope under earthquake effect and its advantages are introduced. Finally,the method is applied in the seismic design of anchors supporting and anti-slide pile supporting of the slope. Calculation examples show that the application of dynamic analysis of strength reduction is feasible in the seismic design of slope engineering,which can consider dynamic interaction of supporting structure and rock-soil mass. Owing to its preciseness and great advantages,it is a new method in the seismic design of slope supporting.

Microseismic monitoring and numerical simulation on the stability of high-steep rock slopes in hydropower engineering

For high-steep slopes in hydropower engineering, damage can be induced or accumulated due to a seriesof human or natural activities, including excavation, dam construction, earthquake, rainstorm, rapid riseor drop of water level in the service lifetime of slopes. According to the concept that the progressivedamage （microseismicity） of rock slope is the essence of the precursor of slope instability, a microseismicmonitoring system for high-steep rock slopes is established. Positioning accuracy of the monitoringsystem is tested by fixed-position blasting method. Based on waveform and cluster analyses of microseismicevents recorded during test, the tempo-spatial distribution of microseismic events is analyzed.The deformation zone in the deep rock masses induced by the microseismic events is preliminarilydelimited. Based on the physical information measured by in situ microseismic monitoring, an evaluationmethod for the dynamic stability of rock slopes is proposed and preliminarily implemented bycombining microseismic monitoring and numerical modeling. Based on the rock mass damage modelobtained by back analysis of microseismic information, the rock mass elements within the microseismicdamage zone are automatically searched by finite element program. Then the stiffness and strengthreductions are performed on these damaged elements accordingly. Attempts are made to establish thecorrelation between microseismic event, strength deterioration and slope dynamic instability, so as toquantitatively evaluate the dynamic stability of slope. The case studies about two practical slopes indicatethat the proposed method can reflect the factor of safety of rock slope more objectively. Numericalanalysis can help to understand the characteristics and modes of the monitored microseismic events inrock slopes. Microseismic monitoring data and simulation results can be used to mutually modify thesensitive rock parameters and calibrate the model. Combination of microseismic monitoring and numericalsimulation provides a more objective basis for the numerical model and parameters and a solidmechanical foundation for the microseismic monitoring.

New algorithm of mine slope reliability based on limiting state hyper-plane and its engineering application

Due to the influence of joint fissure, mining intensity, designed slope angle, underground water and rainfall, the failure process of mine slope project is extremely complicated. The current safety factor calculation method has certain limitations, and it would be difficult to obtain the reliability index when the performance function of reliability analysis is implicit or has high order terms. Therefore, with the help of the logistic equation of chaos theory, a new algorithm of mine slope reliability based on limiting state hyper-plane is proposed. It is shown that by using this new reliability algorithm the calculation of partial derivative of performance function is avoided, and it has the advantages of being simple and easy to program. The new algorithm is suitable for calculating the reliability index of complex performance function containing high order terms. Furthermore, the limiting state hyper-plane models of both simplified Bishop's and Janbu's method adaptive to slope project are obtained, and have achieved satisfactory effect in the study of mine slope stability in Dexing copper open pit.

Evaluating the success of engineering disturbed slope eco-restoration in the alpine region, southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

Slope eco-restoration has always received extensive attention as a positive way to reverse ecosystem deterioration derived from human interventions.A simplified frameworkis proposed to undertake a quantitative evaluation of the engineering disturbed slope eco-restoration success in the alpine region,southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.The Daguhydropower project that disturbsthe local ecosystem to some certainwas selected as the study area.Since August 2018,six types of slope(soil,rock,soil-rock,spoil,construction site,hardened)were served as the demonstration test for the slope eco-restoration with two years monitoring in the study area.Meanwhile,the topography,erosion,soil quality,and vegetation were selected as assessment indicators of the methodology.Finally,combined with the weighting method and the expert panel,the slope eco-restoration quality index(SERQI)was established and applied in the six slopes.The results suggested that the frost-resistant ecological substrate performed well in alpine region,and the SERQI value is in accordance with the actual monitoring level with spoil slope>soil slope>construction site slope>soil-rock slope>rock slope>hardened slope.The proposed framework could support slope eco-restoration practitioners for making a more objective and quantitative evaluation easily for the post-implementation restoration.

Experimental Study on Performance of Multidirectional Geogrid and Its Application in Engineering of High Slope

By analyzing the grille mechanical property, tensile strength and creep tests, and the fi eld tests, we investigated the characteristics and the reinforcement principle of multidirectional geogrid, and obtained the effect factors of grid characteristics, load and time curve and the shear stress of grille and sand interface. The reinforcement effect of geogrid in combination of typical project cases was illustrated and the following conclusions were presented. Firstly, multidirectional geogrid has ability to resist structural deformation, node distortion or soil slippage under stress, and can effectively disperse load. Secondly, with the increase of tensile rate, grille intensity increases and the creep value also increases with the increase of load. Thirdly, the frictional resistance balance between horizontal thrust of damaged zone and reinforced soil in stable region can avoid slope failure due to excessive lateral deformation. Fourthly, the multidirectional geogrid is able to withstand the vertical, horizontal and diagonal forces by combing them well with three-dimensional orientation, realizing the purpose of preventing soil erosion and slope reinforcement, which has a wide range of application and development in engineering fi eld.

Stability analysis method of geogrid reinforced expansive soil slopes and its engineering application

The traditional stability analysis method of geogrid reinforced slopes does not consider the effect of lateral swelling,so it is not applicable to reinforced expansive soil slopes.This paper reports a new stability analysis method for geogrid reinforced expansive soil slopes.The additional pullout force of the free zone due to the lateral swelling and the anti-pullout safety factor of each geogrid layer were obtained by ensuring the overall stability of the reinforced slope.The optimum design was carried out to treat an expansive soil cut slope in Hubei Province,China,by changing the spacing and length of geogrid reinforcement.Calculation results show that the additional pullout force caused by lateral swelling has a great influence on the anti-pullout stability of geogrids,and the local stability of the reinforced slope will be overestimated if the swelling effect of soil in the free zone is not considered.

Effect of freeze-thaw cycles on soil engineering properties of reservoir bank slopes at the northern foot of Tianshan Mountain

The instability of soil bank slopes induced by freeze-thaw cycles at the northern foot of Tianshan Mountain is very common.The failure not only caused a large amount of soil erosion,but also led to serious reservoir sedimentation and water quality degradation,which exerted a lot of adverse effects on agricultural production in the local irrigation areas.Based on field investigations on dozens of irrigation reservoirs there,laboratory tests were carried out to quantitatively analyze the freeze-thaw effect on the soil engineering characteristics to reveal the facilitation on the bank slope instability.The results show that the softening characteristics of the stressstrain curves gradually weaken,the effective cohesions decline exponentially,the seepage coefficients enlarge,and the thermal conductivities decrease after 7 freeze-thaw cycles.The freeze-thaw effect on the specimens with low confining pressures,low dry densities and high water contents is more significant.The water migration and the phase transition between water and ice result in the variations of the soil internal microstructures,which is the main factor affecting the soil engineering characteristics.Sufficient water supply and the alternation of positive and negative temperatures at the reservoir bank slopes in cold regions make the water migration and phase transition in the soil very intensely.It is easy to form a large number of pores and micro cracks in the soil freezing and thawing areas.The volume changes of the soil and the water migration are difficult to reach a dynamic balance in the open system.Long-term freeze-thaw cycles will bring out the fragmentation of the soil particles,resulting in that the micro cracks on the soil surfaces are developing continuously.The soil of the bank slopes will fall or collapse when these cracks penetrate,which often happens in winter there.

The Impact of Frequency in Surveying Engineering Slopes Using Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the non-invasive techniques commonly used to identify “anomalies” in the ground. It has been proven very effective in different fields ranging from the location of pipes and other underground services to the identification of archaeological sites. After the 1994 Kwun Lung Lau accident in Hong Kong, the Government has been commissioning the feasibility of different geophysics techniques to identify any issues related to engineering slopes and retaining walls. Among the different techniques tested during phase I, Electrical Imaging (EI) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) were the most applicable in the study of old masonry walls. This paper aims to stress the importance of using the appropriate frequencies during the GPR survey of engineering slopes. In order to do that, two independent contractors who used different frequencies to carry out the GPR survey on the same area will be compared.

Assessments on slope instabilities triggered by engineering excavations near a small settlement(Turkey)

In this study,the mechanisms of slope instabilities triggered by engineering excavations at location of a planned tunnel portal in the northwest region of Turkey were assessed,and stability of the current slopes which has impacts on safety of a settlement(village)and agricultural fields was investigated.In the first stage of the study,in order to identify the geological units and structural properties of the sedimentary rocks in the area,to clarify the mechanisms of instabilities and to characterize discontinuity and rock mass properties field works were conducted.In this content,geotechnical boreholes,geophysical explorations between the boreholes,line surveys to explore discontinuity properties,preparation of slope profiles using topographical techniques and sampling of rock blocks and discontinuity planes were performed.In the second stage,laboratory tests were carried out on the samples to determine the geomechnical properties of the slope forming materials and discontinuities.Then,back analyses of the instabilities were made to assess the responsible shear strength parameters of the geological units during failures by considering laboratory shear test results too.Based on the backanalyses of the failures,the strength properties of the slope debris were estimated,and it has been clarified that the residual shear strength properties are the factors controlling slip mechanism along the beddings.Following the stability analyses,it is understood that a further instability along the mass or bedding planes in the failed and redesigned area are not expected,if the current slope geometry is not changed.However,safety factor calculated for the slope in the debris is 1.1 which is well below the recommended value in the literature.The minimum safety factor for currently stable slopes which were cut at the eastern part of the failed area is 1.22 which is also less than that suggested in literature.Some remedial measures such as mini-pile or slope flattening are suggested after analyses to increase the factor of safety for this part below the settlement.

Influence of Polymer Binder on the Physical Properties and Stability of Engineering Spoil on a Slope

An experiment was performed to study the influence of polymer binders on the physical properties,and stability against a simulated rainfall,of a slope consisting of engineering spoil.Results showed that low polymer binder concentrations(≤500g/m3) could enhance the air permeability and moisture-retaining capacity of the engineering spoil;however,adding more polymer binder made the hardness of the engineering spoil increase and then decline.With the increase of polymer binder concentrations,the surface(0-5cm) permeability of the engineering spoil decreased but the permeability of the lower layers(5-10cm) increased.Polymer binders might reduce runoff and sediment,but the effect becomes weaker with the increase of rainfall.The results of this study have significance for engineering practices.Further experiments are needed to study the effects of binders under other conditions,such as natural rainfall,different slopes,different rock types,different degrees and spoil weathering and different added material,and the chemical interaction between soil and polymer binders.

Study on the Bioengineering Protection Technique for Rock Slopes in Railway

Ecological protection technique of rock slope is a new slope protection technique,and it is used widely in some supporting engineering of rock slope at railway and highway.But it is always an important research in the field of geotechnical engineering, because the study is related to many subjects and is not systemic and idiographic enough.The paper takes the rock slope of Luozhan(from Luoyang to Zhanjiang)

Compositional and Hollow Engineering of Silicon Carbide/Carbon Microspheres as High-Performance Microwave Absorbing Materials with Good Environmental Tolerance

Microwave absorbing materials(MAMs)characterized by high absorption efficiency and good environmental tolerance are highly desirable in practical applications.Both silicon carbide and carbon are considered as stable MAMs under some rigorous conditions,while their composites still fail to produce satisfactory microwave absorption performance regardless of the improvements as compared with the individuals.Herein,we have successfully implemented compositional and structural engineering to fabricate hollow Si C/C microspheres with controllable composition.The simultaneous modulation on dielectric properties and impedance matching can be easily achieved as the change in the composition of these composites.The formation of hollow structure not only favors lightweight feature,but also generates considerable contribution to microwave attenuation capacity.With the synergistic effect of composition and structure,the optimized SiC/C composite exhibits excellent performance,whose the strongest reflection loss intensity and broadest effective absorption reach-60.8 dB and 5.1 GHz,respectively,and its microwave absorption properties are actually superior to those of most SiC/C composites in previous studies.In addition,the stability tests of microwave absorption capacity after exposure to harsh conditions and Radar Cross Section simulation data demonstrate that hollow SiC/C microspheres from compositional and structural optimization have a bright prospect in practical applications.