Indispensable gutter layers in thin-film composite membranes for carbon capture

Industrial thin-film composite(TFC)membranes achieve superior gas separation properties from high-performance selective layer materials,while the success of membrane technology relies on high-performance gutter layers to achieve production scalability and low-cost manufacturing.However,the current literature predominantly focuses on the design of polymer architectures to obtain high permeability and selectivity,while the art of fabricating gutter layers is usually safeguarded by industrial manufacturers and appears lackluster to academic researchers.This is the first report aiming to provide a comprehensive and critical review of state-of-the-art gutter layer materials and their design and modification to enable TFC membranes with superior separation performance.We first elucidate the importance of the gutter layer on membrane performance through modeling and experimental results.Then various gutter layer materials used to obtain high-performance composite membranes are critically reviewed,and the strategies to improve their compatibility with the selective layer are highlighted,such as oxygen plasma treatment,polydopamine deposition,and surface grafting.Finally,we present the opportunities of the gutter layer design for practical applications.

基于YOLOv5_4layers的PCB小目标缺陷识别方法

针对PCB表面缺陷分辨率低、小目标性以及多样性等问题,提出了一种基于YOLOv5_4layers的PCB小目标缺陷识别方法。该方法在YOLOv5架构的基础上,通过新增采样层的方式添加小目标检测层,优化特征金字塔模型,提升小目标特征提取性能,实现小目标缺陷识别。在调整合适的锚框规格后,改进后的模型在输入640像素×640像素图像时,相较原模型识别精确率提升了7.5%。在输入736像素×736像素图像时,识别精确率提升了1.3%,有效地提升了对PCB小目标缺陷的识别能力,对提高PCB制造过程的质量控制和产品可靠性具有实际意义。

Dynamic and electrical responses of a curved sandwich beam with glass reinforced laminate layers and a pliable core in the presence of a piezoelectric layer under low-velocity impact

The dynamic responses and generated voltage in a curved sandwich beam with glass reinforced laminate(GRL)layers and a pliable core in the presence of a piezoelectric layer under low-velocity impact(LVI)are investigated.The current study aims to carry out a dynamic analysis on the sandwich beam when the impactor hits the top face sheet with an initial velocity.For the layer analysis,the high-order shear deformation theory(HSDT)and Frostig's second model for the displacement fields of the core layer are used.The classical non-adhesive elastic contact theory and Hunter's principle are used to calculate the dynamic responses in terms of time.In order to validate the analytical method,the outcomes of the current investigation are compared with those gained by the experimental tests carried out by other researchers for a rectangular composite plate subject to the LVI.Finite element(FE)simulations are conducted by means of the ABAQUS software.The effects of the parameters such as foam modulus,layer material,fiber angle,impactor mass,and its velocity on the generated voltage are reviewed.

Quantum dynamics within curved thin layers with deviation

Combining the deviation between thin layers' adjacent surfaces with the confining potential method applied to the quantum curved systems,we derive the effective Schr?dinger equation describing the particle constrained within a curved layer,accompanied by a general geometric potential V_(gq) composed of a compression-corrected geometric potential V_(gq)~*and a novel potential V_(gq)~(**) brought by the deviation.Applying this analysis to the cylindrical layer emerges two types of deviation-induced geometric potential,resulting from the the cases of slant deviation and tangent deviation,respectively,which strongly renormalizes the purely geometric potential and contribute to the energy spectrum based on a very substantial deepening of bound states they offer.

FlowBreakdown of Hybrid Nanofluid on a Rigid Surface with Power Law Fluid as Lubricated Layers

Thiswork investigates an oblique stagnation point flowof hybrid nanofluid over a rigid surface with power lawfluidas lubricated layers. Copper (Cu) and Silver (Ag) solid particles are used as hybrid particles acting in water H2O asa base fluid. The mathematical formulation of flow configuration is presented in terms of differential systemthat isnonlinear in nature. The thermal aspects of the flow field are also investigated by assuming the surface is a heatedsurface with a constant temperature T. Numerical solutions to the governing mathematical model are calculatedby the RK45 algorithm. The results based on the numerical solution against various flow and thermal controllingparameters are presented in terms of line graphs. The specific results depict that the heat flux increases over thelubricated-indexed parameter.

Coated boron layers by boronization and a real-time boron coating using an impurity powder dropper in the LHD

In the Large Helical Device(LHD),diborane(B2H6)is used as a standard boron source for boronization,which is assisted by helium glow discharges.In 2019,a new Impurity Powder Dropper(IPD)system was installed and is under evaluation as a real-time wall conditioning technique.In the LHD,which is a large-sized heliotron device,an additional helium(He)glow discharge cleaning(GDC)after boronization was operated for a reduction in hydrogen recycling from the coated boron layers.This operational time of 3 h was determined by spectroscopic data during glow discharges.A flat hydrogen profile is obtained on the top surface of the coated boron on the specimen exposed to boronization.The results suggest a reduction in hydrogen at the top surface by He-GDC.Trapped oxygen in coated boron was obtained by boronization,and the coated boron,which has boron-oxide,on the first wall by B-IPD was also shown.Considering the difference in coating areas between B2H6 boronization and B-IPD operation,it would be most effective to use the IPD and B2H6 boronization coating together for optimized wall conditioning.

Graphene effectively activating "dead" water molecules between manganese dioxide layers in potassium-ion battery

Aqueous potassium-ion batteries(APIBs),recognized as safe and reliable new energy devices,are considered as one of the alternatives to traditional batteries.Layered MnO_(2),serving as the main cathode,exhibits a lower specific capacity in aqueous electrolytes compared to organic systems and operates through a different reaction mechanism.The application of highly conductive graphene may effectively enhance the capacity of APIBs but could complicate the potassium storage environment.In this study,a MnO_(2) cathode pre-intercalated with K~+ions and grown on graphene(KMO@rGO) was developed using the microwave hydrothermal method for APIBs.KMO@rGO achieved a specific capacity of 90 mA h g^(-1) at a current density of 0.1 A g^(-1),maintaining a capacity retention rate of>90% after 5000 cycles at 5 A g^(-1).In-situ and exsitu characterization techniques revealed the energy-storage mechanism of KMO@rGO:layered MnO_(2)traps a large amount of "dead" water molecules during K~+ions removal.However,the introduction of graphene enables these water molecules to escape during K~+ ions insertion at the cathode.The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and density functional theory confirmed that KMO@rGO has a higher K~+ions migration rate than MnO_(2).Therefore,the capacity of this cathode depends on the interaction between dead water and K~+ions during the energy-storage reaction.The optimal structural alignment between layered MnO_(2) and graphene allows electrons to easily flow into the external circuit.Rapid charge compensation forces numerous low-solvent K~+ions to displace interlayer dead water,enhancing the capacity.This unique reaction mechanism is unprecedented in other aqueous battery studies.

Effect of carbon material and surfactant on ink property and resulting surface cracks of fuel-cell microporous layers

Ensuring the consistency of electrode structure in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells is highly desired yet challenging because of wide-existing and unguided cracks in the microporous layer(MPL). The first thing is to evaluate the homogeneity of MPL with cracks quantitatively. This paper proposes the homogeneity index of a full-scale MPL with an area of 50 cm~2, which is yet to be reported in the literature to our knowledge. Besides, the effects of the carbon material and surfactant on the ink and resulting MPL structure have been studied. The ink with a high network development degree produces an MPL with low crack density, but the ink with high PDI produces an MPL with low crack homogeneity. The polarity of the surfactant and the non-polarity of polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) are not mutually soluble,resulting in the heterogeneous PTFE distribution. The findings of this study provide guidelines for MPL fabrication.

Boosting the cycling stability of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries through MOF-based polymeric protective layers

Solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation lithium metal battery technology.However,they commonly encounter substantial interfacial resistance and poor stability when interfacing with lithium metal,hindering practical applications.Herein,we introduce a flexible metal-organic framework(MOF:NUS-6)-incorporated polymeric layer,denoted as NP,designed to protect the sodium superionic conductor(NASICON)-type Li_(1.3)Al_(0.3)Ti_(1.7)(PO_(4))_(3)(LATP)electrolyte from Li metal anodes.The NP matrix establishes a soft interface with the LATP surface,effectively reducing voids and gaps that may arise between the LATP electrolyte and Li metal.Moreover,the MOF component in NP enhances ionic conductivity,offers abundant Li^(+)transport sites,and provides hierarchical ion channels,ensuring a homogeneous Li^(+)flow and thus effectively inhibiting Li dendrite formation.Utilizing NP,we fabricate Li symmetrical cells cycled for over 1600 h at 0.2 mA cm^(-2)and all-solid-state LiINP-LATPI LiFePO_(4)batteries,achieving a remarkable 99.3%capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.2 C.This work outlines a general strategy for designing long-lasting and stable solid-state Li metal batteries.

Engineering hydrophobic protective layers on zinc anodes for enhanced performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries possess substantial potential for energy storage applications;however,they are hampered by challenges such as dendrite formation and uncontrolled side reactions occurring at the zinc anode.In our investigation,we sought to mitigate these issues through the utilization of in situ zinc complex formation reactions to engineer hydrophobic protective layers on the zinc anode surface.These robust interfacial layers serve as effective barriers,isolating the zinc anode from the electrolyte and active water molecules and thereby preventing hydrogen evolution and the generation of undesirable byproducts.Additionally,the presence of numerous zincophilic sites within these protective layers facilitates uniform zinc deposition while concurrently inhibiting dendrite growth.Through comprehensive evaluation of functional anodes featuring diverse functional groups and alkyl chain lengths,we meticulously scrutinized the underlying mechanisms influencing performance variations.This analysis involved precise modulation of interfacial hydrophobicity,rapid Zn^(2+)ion transport,and ordered deposition of Zn^(2+)ions.Notably,the optimized anode,fabricated with octadecylphosphate(OPA),demonstrated exceptional performance characteristics.The Zn//Zn symmetric cell exhibited remarkable longevity,exceeding 4000 h under a current density of 2 mA cm^(-2)and a capacity density of 2 mA h cm^(-2),Furthermore,when integrated with a VOH cathode,the complete cell exhibited superior capacity retention compared to anodes modified with alternative organic molecules.

Extracting the effective mass of fewer layers 2D h-BN nanosheets using the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling model

Hexagonal boron nitride(h-BN)is found to have widespread application,owing to its outstanding properties,including gate dielectrics,passivation layers,and tunneling layers.The current studies on the funda⁃mental physical properties of these ultrathin h-BN films and the electron tunneling effect among them are inade⁃quate.In this work,the effective mass in h-BN was successfully determined through a combined approach of ex⁃perimental and theoretical research methods by fitting the current-voltage curves of metal/insulator/metal struc⁃tures.It was observed that within a range of 4-22 layers,the effective mass of h-BN exhibits a monotonic de⁃crease with an increase in the number of layers.The physical parameters of the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling model in the context of electron tunneling in h-BN are precisely ascertained by utilizing the extracted effective mass.Ad⁃ditionally,the impact of fixed charges at the metal/h-BN interface and various metal electrode types on FowlerNordheim tunneling within this structure is investigated utilizing this physical parameter in Sentaurus TCAD soft⁃ware.This work is informative and instructive in promoting applications in the fields of h-BN related infrared physics and technology.

Preserving the Ozone Layers: Battling Illegal Trade in Ozone-Depleting Substances

The depletion of the ozone layer, a vital shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is now a worldwide environmental concern. Human activities, particularly the release of ozone depleting substances (ODS), have led to the thinning of this protective layer over recent decades. Simultaneously, illegal trade has emerged as a global challenge, giving rise to economic issues, losses of tax revenue, heightened criminal activities, health risks, and environmental hazards. The depletion of the ozone layer, a critical shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has become a global environmental concern. This paper delves into the legal dimensions surrounding ozone-depleting substances (ODS), their impact on the ozone layer, and the subsequent risk of skin cancer. As countries navigate international agreements, domestic regulations, and enforcement mechanisms, the intricate interplay between legal frameworks and the health implications of ozone layer depletion comes to the forefront. The paper highlights particular instances of illegal trade in ozone depleting substances, drawing from data reported by the parties to the Montreal Protocol. Notably, China stands out as a significant source of contraband ODS, with other countries such as Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, and France reporting numerous cases. Analyzing these case instances offers insights into the efficacy of legal frameworks and enforcement measures. The paper offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen global control and enforcement against the illegal trade of ozone depleting substances. These recommendations span diverse aspects such as production monitoring, customs collaboration, mutual verification, cross-border agreements, public-private partnerships, international cooperation, detection equipment, global regulatory standards, resource allocation, public awareness campaigns, alternative substance development, and controlling the trade at its source. By applying these recommendations and enhancing enforcement measures, we aim to protect the ozone layer and create a healthier and safer world for future generations and achieve sustainable development goals.

Investigation of indoor and field tests on asphalt pavement with inverted asphalt layers based on the vertical vibration compaction method

An inverted asphalt pavement is created by reversing the sequence of the lower and middle layers in a conventional asphalt pavement. The lower layer is composed of material with larger particle size and lower asphalt content, which improves its ability to withstand deformation caused by rutting. On the other hand, the middle surface has a higher asphalt content, specifically designed to resist fatigue cracking. This paper examines the mechanical response of two pavement structures and investigates the potential of two measures, inverted asphalt pavement and asphalt mixture design by vertical vibration compaction method(VVCM), in reducing stresses and stress levels in asphalt pavements. Additionally, a large thickness rutting and fatigue test method was developed to study the rutting resistance and fatigue life of the pavement structures, and to construct rutting deformation and fatigue life prediction models. Finally, test sections were paved to verify the feasibility of the inverted pavement and VVCM materials. The findings show that inverted pavement and VVCM materials have a minimal impact on pavement stress, but can reduce pavement shear and tensile stress levels by up to 18%–25%.Furthermore, inverted pavement and VVCM materials have positive effects on improving the rutting resistance and fatigue life of asphalt pavements.

Fabrication of Graphene/Cu Composite by Chemical Vapor Deposition and Effects of Graphene Layers on Resultant Electrical Conductivity

Graphene(Gr)has unique properties including high electrical conductivity;Thus,graphene/copper(Gr/Cu)composites have attracted increasing attention to replace traditional Cu for electrical applications. However,the problem of how to control graphene to form desired Gr/Cu composite is not well solved. This paper aims at exploring the best parameters for preparing graphene with different layers on Cu foil by chemical vapor deposition(CVD)method and studying the effects of different layers graphene on Gr/Cu composite’s electrical conductivity. Graphene grown on single-sided and double-sided copper was prepared for Gr/Cu and Gr/Cu/Gr composites. The resultant electrical conductivity of Gr/Cu composites increased with decreasing graphene layers and increasing graphene volume fraction. The Gr/Cu/Gr composite with monolayer graphene owns volume fraction of less than 0.002%,producing the best electrical conductivity up to59.8 ×10^(6)S/m,equivalent to 104.5% IACS and 105.3% pure Cu foil.

The low-latitude sodium layer:comparative data from lidar observations at Hainan,China and São Paulo,Brazil

Physical and chemical processes observed in the mesosphere and thermosphere above the Earth’s low latitudes are complex and highly interrelated to activity in the low-latitude ionosphere.Metallic sodium detected by lidar can yield clues to dynamic and chemical processes in these spatial layers above the Earth’s atmosphere.This paper is based on sodium layer data collected at two low-latitude stations,one in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern.The low-latitude sodium layer exhibits conspicuous seasonal variations in shape,density,and altitude;these variations are similar between Earth’s hemispheres:sodium layer density at both stations reaches its seasonal maximum in autumn and minimum in summer.However,maximal Na density over Brazil is greater than that over Hainan.Nocturnal variations of Na density above the two low-latitude stations are also similar;at both,maxima are observed before sunrise.Some variations of the Na layer over Brazil that differ from those observed in the northern hemisphere may be related to the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly(SAMA)or fountain effect.We suggest that low-latitude Na layer data may provide useful additional evidence that could significantly improve the low-latitude part of the WACCM-Na model.

Rock fracture mechanism of buffer blasting with cushion layer at the borehole bottom

This study primarily investigates the rock fracture mechanism of bottom cushion layer blasting and explores the effects of the bottom cushion layer on rock fragmentation.It involves analyses of the evolution patterns of blasting stress,characteristics of crack distribution,and rock fracture features in the specimens.First,blasting model experiments were carried out using the dynamic caustics principle to investigate the influence of bottom cushion layers and initiation methods on the integrity of the bottom rock mass.The experimental results indicate that the combined use of bottom cushion layers and inverse initiation effectively protects the integrity of the bottom rock mass.Subsequently,the process of stress wave propagation and dynamic crack propagation in rocks was simulated using the continuum-discontinuum element method(CDEM)and the Landau explosion source model,with varying thicknesses of bottom cushion layers.The numerical simulation results indicate that with increasing cushion thickness,the absorption of energy generated by the explosion becomes more pronounced,resulting in fewer cracks in the bottom rock mass.This illustrates the positive role of the cushion layer in protecting the integrity of the bottom rock mass.

Comparative analysis of empirical and deep learning models for ionospheric sporadic E layer prediction

Sporadic E(Es)layers in the ionosphere are characterized by intense plasma irregularities in the E region at altitudes of 90-130 km.Because they can significantly influence radio communications and navigation systems,accurate forecasting of Es layers is crucial for ensuring the precision and dependability of navigation satellite systems.In this study,we present Es predictions made by an empirical model and by a deep learning model,and analyze their differences comprehensively by comparing the model predictions to satellite RO measurements and ground-based ionosonde observations.The deep learning model exhibited significantly better performance,as indicated by its high coefficient of correlation(r=0.87)with RO observations and predictions,than did the empirical model(r=0.53).This study highlights the importance of integrating artificial intelligence technology into ionosphere modelling generally,and into predicting Es layer occurrences and characteristics,in particular.

A porous⁃layered aluminoborate built by mixed oxoboron clusters and AlO_(4)tetrahedra

An aluminoborate,Na_(2.5)Rb[Al{B_(5)O_(10)}{B_(3)O_(5)}]·0.5NO_(3)·H_(2)O(1),was synthesized under hydrothermal condition,which was built by mixed oxoboron clusters and AlO_(4)tetrahedra.In the structure,the[B_(5)O_(10)]^(5-)and[B_(3)O_(7)]^(5-)clusters are alternately connected to form 1D[B_(8)O_(15)]_(n)^(6n-)chains,which are further linked by AlO_(4)units to form a 2D monolayer with 7‑membered ring and 10‑membered ring windows.Two adjacent monolayers with opposite orientations further form a porous‑layered structure with six channels through B—O—Al bonds.Compound 1 was characterized by single crystal X‑ray diffraction,powder X‑ray diffraction(PXRD),IR spectroscopy,UV‑Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy,and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),respectively.UV‑Vis diffuse reflectance analysis indicates that compound 1 shows a wide transparency range with a short cutoff edge of 201 nm,suggesting it may have potential application in UV regions.CCDC:2383923.

Müller cells are activated in response to retinal outer nuclear layer degeneration in rats subjected to simulated weightlessness conditions

A microgravity environment has been shown to cause ocular damage and affect visual acuity,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Therefore,we established an animal model of weightlessness via tail suspension to examine the pathological changes and molecular mechanisms of retinal damage under microgravity.After 4 weeks of tail suspension,there were no notable alterations in retinal function and morphology,while after 8 weeks of tail suspension,significant reductions in retinal function were observed,and the outer nuclear layer was thinner,with abundant apoptotic cells.To investigate the mechanism underlying the degenerative changes that occurred in the outer nuclear layer of the retina,proteomics was used to analyze differentially expressed proteins in rat retinas after 8 weeks of tail suspension.The results showed that the expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 2(also known as basic fibroblast growth factor)and glial fibrillary acidic protein,which are closely related to Müller cell activation,were significantly upregulated.In addition,Müller cell regeneration and Müller cell gliosis were observed after 4 and 8 weeks,respectively,of simulated weightlessness.These findings indicate that Müller cells play an important regulatory role in retinal outer nuclear layer degeneration during weightlessness.

Influence of surface layer slurry temperature on surface cracks and holes of ZTC4 titanium alloy by investment casting

In this work,the influences of surface layer slurry at different temperatures(10℃,14℃,18℃,22℃)on wax patterns deformation,shrinkage,slurry coating characteristics,and the surface quality of the casting were investigated by using a single factor variable method.The surface morphologies of the shell molds produced by different temperatures of the surface(first)layer slurries were observed via electron microscopy.Furthermore,the microscopic composition of these shell molds was obtained by EDS,and the osmotic effect of the slurry on the wax patterns at different temperatures was also assessed by the PZ-200 Contact Angle detector.The forming reasons for the surface cracks and holes of thick and large ZTC4 titanium alloy by investment casting were analyzed.The experimental results show that the surface of the shell molds prepared by the surface layer slurry with a low temperature exhibits noticeable damage,which is mainly due to the poor coating performance and the serious expansion and contraction of wax pattern at low temperatures.The second layer shell material(SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3))immerses into the crack area of the surface layer,contacts and reacts with the molten titanium to form surface cracks and holes in the castings.With the increase of the temperature of surface layer slurry,the damage to the shell surface tends to weaken,and the composition of the shell molds'surface becomes more uniform with less impurities.The results show that the surface layer slurry at 22℃is evenly coated on the surface of the wax patterns with appropriate thickness,and there is no surface shell mold rupture caused by sliding slurry after sand leaching.The surface layer slurry temperature is consistent with the wax pattern temperature and the workshop temperature,so there is no damage of the surface layer shell caused by expansion and contraction.Therefore,the shell mold prepared by the surface layer slurry at this temperature has good integrity,isolating the contact between the low inert shell material and the titanium liquid effectively,and the ZTC4 titanium alloy cylinder casting prepared by this shell mold is smooth,without cracks and holes.