Interface and energy band manipulation of Bi2O3-Bi2S3 electrode enabling advanced magnesium-ion storage

Rechargeable magnesium-ion(Mg-ion)batteries have attracted wide attention for energy storage.However,magnesium anode is still limited by the irreversible Mg plating/stripping procedure.Herein,a well-designed binary Bi_(2)O_(3)-Bi_(2)S_(3)(BO-BS)heterostructure is fulfilled by virtue of the cooperative interface and energy band engineering targeted fast Mg-ion storage.The built-in electronic field resulting from the asymmetrical electron distribution at the interface of electron-rich S center at Bi_(2)S_(3) side and electron-poor O center at Bi_(2)O_(3) side effectively accelerates the electrochemical reaction kinetics in the Mg-ion battery system.Moreover,the as-designed heterogenous interface also benefits to maintaining the electrode integrity.With these advantages,the BO-BS electrode displays a remarkable capacity of 150.36 mAh g^(−1) at 0.67 A g^(-1) and a superior cycling stability.This investigation would offer novel insights into the rational design of functional heterogenous electrode materials targeted the fast reaction kinetics for energy storage systems.

In-doping collaboratively controlling back interface and bulk defects to achieve efficient flexible CZTSSe solar cells

Focusing on the low open circuit voltage(V_(OC))and fill factor(FF)in flexible Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)solar cells,indium(In)ions are introduced into the CZTSSe absorbers near Mo foils to modify the back interface and passivate deep level defects in CZTSSe bulk concurrently for improving the performance of flexible device.The results show that In doping effectively inhibits the formation of secondary phase(Cu(S,Se)_(2))and VSndefects.Further studies demonstrate that the barrier height at the back interface is decreased and the deep level defects(Cu_(Sn)defects)in CZTSSe bulk are passivated.Moreover,the carrier concentration is increased and the V_(OC) deficit(V_(OC,def))is decreased significantly due to In doping.Finally,the flexible CZTSSe solar cell with 10.01%power conversion efficiency(PCE)has been obtained.The synergistic strategy of interface modification and bulk defects passivation through In incorporation provides a new thought for the fabrication of efficient flexible kesterite-based solar cells.

Balloon-based exposed payload designed for astrobiological research in Earth’s near space

Earth’s near space,located in the region between 20 and 100 km above sea level,is characterized by extreme conditions,such as low temperature,low atmospheric pressure,harsh radiation,and extreme dryness.These conditions are analogous to those found on the surface of Mars and in the atmosphere of Venus,making Earth’s near space a unique natural laboratory for astrobiological research.To address essential astrobiological questions,teams from the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)have developed a scientific balloon platform,the CAS Balloon-Borne Astrobiology Platform(CAS-BAP),to study the effects of near space environmental conditions on the biology and survival strategies of representative organisms in this terrestrial analog.Here,we describe the versatile Biological Samples Exposure Payload(BIOSEP)loaded on the CAS-BAP with respect to its structure and function.The primary function of BIOSEP is to expose appropriate biological specimens to the harsh conditions of near space and subsequently return the exposed samples to laboratories for further analysis.Four successful flight missions in near space from 2019 to 2021 have demonstrated the high reliability and efficiency of the payload in communicating between hardware and software units,recording environmental data,exposing sample containers,protecting samples from external contamination,and recovering samples.Understanding the effects of Earth’s near space conditions on biological specimens will provide valuable insights into the survival strategies of organisms in extreme environments and the search for life beyond Earth.The development of BIOSEP and associated biological exposure experiments will enhance our understanding of the potential for life on Mars and the habitability of the atmospheric regions of other planets in the solar system and beyond.

Astronomic background of global huge earthquakes at beginning of 21st century

Since the beginning of the 21st century,major earthquakes have frequently occurred worldwide.To explore the impact of astronomical factors on earthquakes,in this study,the statistical analysis method of correlation is used to systematically analyze the effects of astronomical factors,such as solar activity,Earth’s rotation,lunar declination angle,celestial tidal force,and other phenomena on M≥8 global earthquakes at the beginning of the 21st century.With regard to solar activity,this study focuses on the analysis of the 11-year and century cycles of solar activity.The causal relationship of the Earth’s rotation is not obvious in this work and previous works;in contrast,the valley period of the solar activity century cycle may be an important astronomical factor leading to the frequent occurrence of global earthquakes at the beginning of the 21st century.This topic warrants further study.

Interrelationships between Length of the Day, Moon Distance, Phanerozoic Geodynamic Cycles, Tidal Dissipation and Earth’s Core: Review and Analysis

The rotation of the Earth and the related length of the day (LOD) are predominantly affected by tidal dissipation through the Moon and the growth of the Earth’s core. Due to the increased concentration of mass around the rotation axis of the spinning Earth during the growth of the core the rotation should have been accelerated. Controversially the tidal dissipation by the Moon, which is mainly dependent on the availability of open shallow seas and the kind of Moon escape from a nearby position, acts towards a deceleration of the rotating Earth. Measurements of LOD for Phanerozoic and Precambrian times open ways to solve questions concerning the geodynamical history of the Earth. These measurements encompass investigations of growth patterns in fossils and depositional patterns in sediments (Cyclostratigraphy, Tidalites, Stromatolites, Rhythmites). These patterns contain information on the LOD and on the changing distance between Earth and Moon and can be used as well for a discussion about the growth of the Earth’s core. By updating an older paper with its simple approach as well as incorporating newly published results provided by the geoscientific community, a moderate to fast growth of the core in a hot early Earth will be favored controversially to the assumption of a delayed development of the core in an originally cold Earth. Core development with acceleration of Earth’s rotation and the contemporaneous slowing down due to tidal dissipation during the filling of the ocean may significantly interrelate.

Earth Ecosystem Theory: Ⅲ Structure and Interface

By applying the segmentation and composition principles of ecosystem,the structure and interface of earth ecosystem are fully elaborated,and corresponding model diagrams are established to display its composition and interconversion. The research finds that earth ecosystem includes three sub-ecosystems： terrestrial ecosystem,marine ecosystem and atmospheric ecosystem. The impact sequence of sub-ecosystems on earth ecosystem is atmospheric ecosystem 〉 marine ecosystem 〉 terrestrial ecosystem. Based on the segmentation and composition principles of ecosystem and the application of earth ecosystem structure and interface,we give new explanations to Taoism and Taiji with the eight diagrams,which contributes to theoretical research of natural science.

甘肃积石山 M_(s)6.2级地震的震害特征与启示

2023年12月18日,甘肃省临夏回族自治州积石山保安族东乡族撒拉族自治县(35.70°N,102.79°E)发生了6.2级地震,震中烈度为VIII度。地震发生后,通过实地烈度评估与科学考察,对震区VI~VIII度区不同建(构)筑物与生命线工程的震害特点进行了统计分析;从抗震设计与施工管理、场地放大效应与地震次生灾害对建筑结构抗震性能的影响等角度,提出了此次地震的震害启示。结果表明:1)严重破坏和毁坏的建筑结构主要集中在老旧的土木结构、砖木结构和无设防或设防不规范的砖混结构。2)造成建筑结构破坏的主要原因是少量自建房抗震设计和施工的不规范、场地放大效应和地震次生灾害。3)优化和改良生土砌筑材料,改进纵横墙间的拉结措施,强化结构整体性是提高土木结构抗震的有效方法;普及“上下圈梁与构造柱”等基本抗震设防措施,规范水泥砂浆强度,提升农村工匠的施工水平,可有效提高砌体结构的整体性,避免房屋出现整体性垮塌;室内洗手间的墙体应该与房顶、纵横墙间建立有效联接,提高结构的抗震性能。4)孤突斜坡、河流高阶地与岸边为抗震不利地带。当建造用地极为匮乏,不得不选址在这些场地之上时,应该综合考虑场地的地形地貌特征、岩土体物理力学特性、水文地质条件、抗震设防目标、建筑结构类型等影响因素,做好地震灾害风险评估,根据评估结果进行科学设防。灾后重建过程中,应由政府统一规划选址、统一设计,规范施工。

中强地震发震构造标志浅析——以2023年积石山M_(S)6.2地震为例

地震地表破裂是地震发生的重要特征,是研究地震动力学、构造变形的重要手段。一般认为,M6 3/4以上的地震才会形成地表破裂。但近年来,也有M6.0左右的地震发生了地表破裂。本文旨在探讨中强地震地表破裂的识别方法。中强地震发震构造的识别具有一定的挑战性,主要表现在以下几个方面:(1)中强地震地表破裂的规模(位错量、宽度、长度和深度)较小,容易被黄土层厚覆盖,掩盖地表破裂的痕迹,不易识别;(2)非构造成因裂缝干扰,使得难以区分构造成因地表破裂。本文以2023年积石山M_(S)6.2地震为例,对中强地震构造成因破裂的识别标志进行了初步分析,提出了以下识别标志:(1)地表破裂几何展布和剖面形态,地震伴生的次生灾害(滑坡、崩塌、砂土液化等)的线性分布为识别发震构造提供参考和线索;(2)地表破裂沿破裂走向呈现稳定地穿越不同地貌单元,至少穿越一条沟谷等低凹地貌;(3)地表破裂在地质剖面上表现出稳定的产状;(4)地表破裂伴生构造形态,地表沿破裂发育雁列式褶皱(挤压鼓包)与张裂缝交替出现的现象。本文提出的识别标志为中强地震发震构造的识别提供了新的思路。

O、S、Ce含量对U71MnG钢中Ce_(2)O_(3)和Ce_(2)O_(2)S夹杂物的影响

我国稀土钢未实现大规模的生产,其主要原因是对稀土与钢中O、S等杂质元素的相互作用规律认识不足。考虑到Ce、O、S含量对钢中稀土夹杂物的影响缺少定量分析,使用FactSage 7.1软件计算U71MnG钢中不同含量O、S、Ce之间的相互作用关系及其对Ce_(2)O_(2)S、Ce_(2)O_(3)夹杂物析出量的影响。热力学计算结果表明,在U71MnG钢的成分体系下,随着Ce含量的增多,Ce_(2)O_(3)的析出量呈先增多后减少的趋势,m_(O)/m_(Ce)约为1/7.4时,Ce_(2)O_(3)的析出量最大;Ce_(2)O_(2)S的生成需要O、S、Ce共同作用,m_(O+S)/m_(Ce)约为1/3.7时,Ce_(2)O_(2)S析出量最大。试验钢夹杂物的SEM图像以及夹杂物颗粒数量统计结果显示,Ce含量为0.024%的试验钢中Ce_(2)O_(3)、Ce_(2)O_(2)S的个数大于Ce含量为0.016%的试验钢,钢中夹杂物析出规律与热力学计算结果一致。

Boosting redox activity on MXene-induced multifunctional collaborative interface in high Li2S loading cathode for high-energy Li-S and metallic Li-free rechargeable batteries

Use of metallic Li anode raises serious concerns on the safety and operational performance of Li-S batteries due to uncontrolled hazard of Li dendrite formation, which is difficultly eliminated as long as the metallic Li exists in the cells. Pairing lithium sulfide (Li2S) cathode with currently available metallic Lifree high-capacity anodes offers an alternative solution to this challenge. However, the performance of Li2S cathode is primarily restricted by high activation barrier upon initial charge, low active mass utilization and sluggish redox kinetics. Herein, a MXene-induced multifunctional collaborative interface is proposed to afford superb activity towards redox solid-liquid/liquid-liquid phase transformation, strong chemisorption, high conductivity and fast ionic/charge transport in high Li2S loading cathode. Applying collaborative interface effectively reduces initial voltage barrier of Li2S activation and regulates the kinetic behavior of redox polysulfide conversion. Therefore, stable operation of additive-free Li2S cathode with high areal capacities at high Li2S loading up to 9 mg cm^-2 can be achieved with less sacrifice of high capacity and rate capability in Li-S batteries. Rechargeable metallic Li-free batteries are successfully constructed by pairing this high-performance Li2S cathode with high-capacity metal oxide anodes, which delivers superior energy density to current Li-ion batteries.

Effects of Coverage,Water,and Defects on Catechol/TiO2 Interface

Catechol adsorbed on TiO_(2)is one of the simplest models to explore the relevant properties of dye-sensitized solar cells.However,the effects of water and defects on the electronic levels and the excitonic properties of the catechol/TiO_(2)interface have been rarely explored.Here,we investigate four catechol/TiO_(2)interfaces aiming to study the influence of coverage,water,and defects on the electronic levels and the excitonic properties of the catechol/TiO_(2)interface through the first-principles many-body Green’s function theory.We find that the adsorption of catechol on the rutile(110)surface increases the energies of both the TiO_(2)valence band maximum and conduction band minimum by approximately 0.7 eV.The increasing coverage and the presence of water can reduce the optical absorption of charge-transfer excitons with maximum oscillator strength.Regarding the reduced hydroxylated TiO_(2)substrate,the conduction band minimum decreases greatly,resulting in a sub-bandgap of 2.51 eV.The exciton distributions in the four investigated interfaces can spread across several unit cells,especially for the hydroxylated TiO2substrate.Although the hydroxylated TiO_(2)substrate leads to a lower open-circuit voltage,it may increase the separation between photogenerated electrons and holes and may therefore be beneficial for improving the photovoltaic efficiency by controlling its concentration.Our results may provide guidance for the design of highly efficient solar cells in future.

50 Gbit/s前传光模块关键技术研究与应用展望

随着全球5G网络的规模化商用及移动互联网流量的迅猛增长,更为丰富的无线频谱资源得以释放,高速率光模块在无线前传网络中的需求日益凸显。聚焦于50 Gbit/s前传光模块的关键技术,深入剖析了前传网络的两种主要组网方式,分析了前传链路的典型传输距离及链路损耗情况,探讨了10 km场景下粗波分复用(coarse wavelength division multiplex,CWDM)中各波长的最大色散值和最小色散值,并研究了相应的色散补偿策略,通过实验验证了不同多径干扰(multi-path interference,MPI)强度下系统光功率代价的变化,详细分析了多径干扰噪声对系统误码性能的潜在影响,为前传光模块参数的优化提供了重要的理论依据。此外,深入研究了50 Gbit/s前传光模块的光电芯片技术方案,对多种不同类型光模块的参数性能进行了严格的测试,提出了针对50 Gbit/s前传光模块光电接口参数的标准化建议,详细介绍了当前50 Gbit/s前传光模块在国内外的标准现状,并展望了未来应用的发展趋势。

Cu-石墨炔/双金属钨酸盐S型异质结协同增强光催化析氢

采用有机法和水热法合成了Cu-石墨炔和CoNiWO_(4)并构建Cu-石墨炔/CoNiWO_(4)S型异质结。在保留催化剂强氧化还原能力的同时,通过内建电场和能带弯曲的协同作用促进了光生载流子的高效分离和转移。Cu-石墨炔的引入有效提高了复合催化剂的光吸收能力和导电性,抑制了光生载流子的复合。同时,Cu-石墨炔独特的二维平面网络结构提供了丰富的活性位点,从而促进了光催化反应的进行。密度泛函理论(DFT)计算表明,Cu的表面等离子体共振效应产生的热电子转移到石墨炔上,促进氢气的析出。本研究为Cu-石墨炔和镍钴基催化剂在光催化制氢领域提供了新的参考。

Possible Evolutionary Models in the Initially Hydride Earth Theory

A modern view of the properties of chemical elements has confirmed the theory of the hot origin of the Earth. The next step in developing this theory was the hypothesis of the initial hydride Earth. In this work, we attempted to find additional evidence for this hypothesis and show additional effects that flow from it. The effect of the physical properties of atoms and ions on their behavior during the formation of the Earth was studied. The maximum contribution to the distribution of elements was made by those elements whose content in the original protoplanets of the disk was the maximum. Correlation dependence is obtained, which allows one to calculate the distribution of elements in the protoplanetary disk. It was shown that hydrogen was the main element in the proto substance located in the zone of the Earth’s formation. In this case, various chemical compounds formed, most represented by hydrogen compounds—hydrides. Since the pressure inside the Earth is 375 GPa, this factor forces the chemical compounds to adopt stoichiometry and structure that would not be available in atmospheric conditions. It is shown that many chemical elements at high pressure in a hydrogen medium form simple hydrides and super hydrides—polyhydrides with high hydrogen content. Pressure leads to a higher density of matter inside the planet. Given the possibility of forming polyhydrides, there is the possibility of binding the initially available hydrogen in an amount that can reach 49.3 mole%. Young Earth could contain about 10.7 mass% of hydrogen in hydrides, polyhydrides, and adsorbed form is almost twice higher than previous estimates. This fact additionally confirms the theory of the original hydride Earth. In hydrides, the occurrence of the phenomenon of superconductivity was discovered. Polyhydrides were shown as potential superconductors with a high critical temperature above 200 K. We, based on these data, hypothesized the presence of superconducting properties in the Earth’s core, which explains the presence of a magnetic field in the Earth, as well as the unevenness and instability of this field and the possibility of migration of the Earth’s poles. The fact that the Earth has a hydroid core causes its change in time due to the instability of hydrides. Arranged several possible models of the destruction of the Earth’s core. The calculations showed that both models give close results. These results give predictions that can be measured. The proposed models also made it possible to estimate the initial size of the Earth. Possible ways of further testing the hypothesis of the initial hydride Earth is shown.

Over 12%efficient kesterite solar cell via back interface engineering

Kesterite Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)has attracted considerable attention as a non-toxic and earthabundant solar cell material.During selenization of CZTSSe film at high temperature,the reaction between CZTSSe and Mo is one of the main reasons that result in unfavorable absorber and interface quality,which leads to large open circuit voltage deficit(VOC-def)and low fill factor(FF).Herein,a WO_(3)intermediate layer introduced at the back interface can effectually inhibit the unfavorable interface reaction between absorber and back electrode in the preliminary selenization progress;thus high-quality crystals are obtained.Through this back interface engineering,the traditional problems of phase segregation,voids in the absorber and over thick Mo(S,Se)_(2)at the back interface can be well solved,which greatly lessens the recombination in the bulk and at the interface.The increased minority carrier diffusion length,decreased barrier height at back interface contact and reduced deep acceptor defects give rise to systematic improvement in VOCand FF,finally a 12.66%conversion efficiency for CZTSSe solar cell has been achieved.This work provides a simple way to fabricate highly efficient solar cells and promotes a deeper understanding of the function of intermediate layer at back interface in kesterite-based solar cells.

Interconnected microstructure and flexural behavior of Ti_(2)C-Ti composites with superior Young’s modulus

To enhance the Young’s modulus(E)and strength of titanium alloys,we designed titanium matrix composites with intercon-nected microstructure based on the Hashin-Shtrikman theory.According to the results,the in-situ reaction yielded an interconnected microstructure composed of Ti_(2)C particles when the Ti_(2)C content reached 50vol%.With widths of 10 and 230 nm,the intraparticle Ti lamellae in the prepared composite exhibited a bimodal size distribution due to precipitation and the unreacted Ti phase within the grown Ti_(2)C particles.The composites with interconnected microstructure attained superior properties,including E of 174.3 GPa and ultimate flexural strength of 1014 GPa.Compared with that of pure Ti,the E of the composite was increased by 55% due to the high Ti_(2)C content and interconnected microstructure.The outstanding strength resulted from the strong interfacial bonding,load-bearing capacity of interconnected Ti_(2)C particles,and bimodal intraparticle Ti lamellae,which minimized the average crack driving force.Interrupted flexural tests revealed preferential crack initiation along the{001}cleavage plane and grain boundary of Ti_(2)C in the region with the highest tensile stress.In addition,the propagation can be efficiently inhibited by interparticle Ti grains,which prevented the brittle fracture of the composites.

In situ photoemission study of interface and film formation during epitaxial growth of Er_2O_3 film on Si(001) substrate

Synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy was used to study the formation process of Er2O3/Si（001） imerface and film during epitaxial growth on Si. A shift in the O core-level binding energy was found accompanied by a shift in the Er2O3 valence band maximum. This shift depended on the oxide layer thickness and interfacial structure. An interfacial layer was observed at the initial growth of Er2O3 film on Si, which was supposed to be attributed to the effect of Er atom catalytic oxidation effect.

Remarks about External Forces Acting on Earth’s Rotation Axis

It is well known that a variation in the direction of Earth’s rotation axis is a real astronomical phenomenon, named nutation. It is interesting if a variation of this axis can take place only in intensity, in the simplest theoretical case of only two rigid body dynamics. This paper presents two positions of the Moon during its monthly orbit, where a sudden variation of Earth’s rotation axis in intensity can take place. The duration of this phenomenon is limited in time, maybe an instant or a day, and then a vortex can appear.

Feasibility Study of Neurofeedback Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy based on brain-computer interface (BCI) games in enhancing cognitive functions and reducing disruptive behaviors in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Forty-six AD patients aged 49 - 76 years were recruited for the study. Neurofeedback regulation was conducted using a BCI game designed to modulate EEG rhythms. Cognitive function was assessed using MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog scales before and after a 10-day training period. EEG measurements were taken to evaluate changes in brain activity complexity. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS25.0 software to compare pre- and post-training scores. Results: Post-intervention results showed significant improvement in the cognitive function of AD patients. The total scores of MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog scales increased significantly (P < 0.01). Notable improvements were observed in memory, language, and attention domains. EEG complexity in the left frontal area also showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). Additionally, the disruptive behaviors of patients were significantly reduced, improving their overall quality of life. Conclusions: Neurofeedback therapy based on BCI games is a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing disruptive behaviors in AD patients. This innovative approach demonstrates significant potential for clinical application, providing a non-invasive method to improve patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are recommended to validate these findings and explore the specific effects of NFB training on different cognitive impairment levels.

Effects of thermodynamics parameters on mass transfer of volatile pollutants at air-water interface

A transient three-dimensional coupling model based on the compressible volume of fluid （VOF） method was developed to simulate the transport of volatile pollutants at the air-water interface. VOF is a numerical technique for locating and tracking the free surface of water flow. The relationships between Henry＇s constant, thermodynamics parameters, and the enlarged topological index were proposed for nonstandard conditions. A series of experiments and numerical simulations were performed to study the transport of benzene and carbinol. The simulation results agreed with the experimental results. Temperature had no effect on mass transfer of pollutants with low transfer free energy and high Henry＇s constant. The temporal and spatial distribution of pollutants with high transfer free energy and low Henry＇s constant was affected by temperature. The total enthalpy and total transfer free energy increased significantly with temperature, with significant fluctuations at low temperatures. The total enthalpy and total transfer free energy increased steadily without fluctuation at high temperatures.