Assessment of challenges and strategies for driving energy transitions in emerging markets:A socio-technological systems perspective

The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century.This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns related to sustainability,climate change,the just energy transition,dynamic operating environments,and complex social challenges.Such transitions present both opportunities and obstacles.The aim of this study is to provide an extensive literature review on energy transition to identify the challenges and strategies associated with navigating transformations in energy systems.Understanding these transformations is particularly critical in the face of the severe consequences of global warming,where an accelerated energy transition is viewed as a universal remedy.Adopting a socio-technological systems perspective,specifically through the application of Actor Network Theory(ANT),this research provides a theoretical foundation while categorising challenges into five distinct domains and outlining strategies across these different dimensions.These insights are specifically tailored for emerging market countries to effectively navigate energy transition while fostering the development of resilient societies.Furthermore,our findings highlight that energy transition encompasses more than a mere technological shift;it entails fundamental changes in various systemic socio-economic imperatives.Through focusing on the role of social structures in transitions,this study makes a significant and innovative contribution to ANT,which has historically been criticised for its limited acknowledgement of social structures.Consequently,we propose an emerging market energy transition framework,which not only addresses technological aspects,but also integrates social considerations.This framework paves the way for future research and exploration of energy transition dynamics.The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights to policymakers,researchers,and practitioners engaged in the mining industry,enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted challenges involved and providing practical strategies for effective resolution.Through incorporating the social dimension into the analysis,we enhance the understanding of the complex nature of energy system transformations,facilitating a more holistic approach towards achieving sustainable and resilient energy transitions in emerging markets and beyond.

Crystal structure,phase transitions,and thermodynamic properties of magnesium metavanadate(MgV_(2)O_(6))

As a promising anode material for magnesium ion rechargeable batteries,magnesium metavanadate(MgV_(2)O_(6))has attracted considerable research interest in recent years.A MgV_(2)O_(6)sample was synthesized via a facile solid-state reaction by multistep-firing stoichiometric mixtures of MgO and V2O5 powder under an air atmosphere.The solid-state phase transition fromα-MgV_(2)O_(6)toβ-MgV_(2)O_(6)occurred at 841 K and the enthalpy change was 4.37±0.04 kJ/mol.The endothermic effect at 1014 K and the enthalpy change was 26.54±0.26 kJ/mol,which is related to the incongruent melting ofβ-MgV_(2)O_(6).In situ XRD was performed to investigate phase transition of the as-prepared MgV_(2)O_(6)at high temperatures.The cell parameters obtained by Rietveld refinement indicated that it crystallizes in a monoclinic system with the C2/m space group,and the lattice parameters of a=9.280 A°,b=3.501 A°,c=6.731 A°,β=111.76°.The solid-state phase transition fromα-MgV_(2)O_(6)toβ-MgV_(2)O_(6)was further studied by thermal kinetics,indicating that this process is controlled first by a fibril-like mechanism and then by a spherulitic-type mechanism with an increasing heating rate.Additionally,the enthalpy change of MgV_(2)O_(6)at high temperatures was measured utilizing the drop calorimetry,heat capacity was calculated and given as:Cp=208.3+0.03583T-4809000T^(−2)(298-923 K)(J mol^(−1)K^(−1)),the high-temperature heat capacity can be used to calculate Gibbs free energy of MgV_(2)O_(6)at high temperatures.

Pressure-induced structural,electronic,and superconducting phase transitions in TaSe_(3)

TaSe_(3)has garnered significant research interests due to its unique quasi-one-dimensional crystal structure,which gives rise to distinctive properties.Using crystal structure search and first-principles calculations,we systematically investigated the pressure-induced structural and electronic phase transitions of quasi-one-dimensional TaSe_(3)up to 100 GPa.In addition to the ambient pressure phase(P2_(1)/m-I),we identified three high-pressure phases:P2_(1)/m-II,Pnma,and Pmma.For the P2_(1)/m-I phase,the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling(SOC)results in significant SOC splitting and changes in the band inversion characteristics.Furthermore,band structure calculations for the three high-pressure phases indicate metallic natures,and the electron localization function suggests ionic bonding between Ta and Se atoms.Our electron-phonon coupling calculations reveal a superconducting critical temperature of approximately 6.4 K for the Pmma phase at 100 GPa.This study provides valuable insights into the high-pressure electronic behavior of quasi-one-dimensional TaSe_(3).

New approach to measuring topological phase transitions utilizing Floquet technology

The Floquet technique provides a novel anomalous topological phase for non-equilibrium phase transitions.Based on the high symmetry of the quantum anomalous Hall model,the findings suggest a one-to-one correspondence between the average spin texture and the Floquet quasi-energy spectrum.A new approach is proposed to directly measure the quasienergy spectrum,replacing previous measurements of the average spin texture.Finally,we proposed a reliable experimental scheme based on ion trap platforms.This scheme markedly reduces the measurement workload,improves the measurement fidelity,and is applicable to multiple platforms such as cold atoms and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Metal-to-insulator transitions in 3d-band correlated oxides containing Fe compositions

Metal-to-insulator transitions (MITs),which are achieved in 3d-band correlated transitional metal oxides,trigger abrupt variations in electrical,optical,and/or magnetic properties beyond those of conventional semiconductors.Among such material families,iron(Fe:3d^(6)4s^(2))-containing oxides pique interest owing to their widely tunable MIT properties,which are associated with the various valence states of Fe.Their potential electronic applications also show promise,given the large abundance of Fe on Earth.Representative MIT properties triggered by critical temperature (TMIT) were reported for ReFe_(2)O_(4)(Fe^(2.5+)),ReBaFe_(2)O_(5)(Fe^(2.5+)),Fe_(3)O_(4)(Fe^(2.67+)),Re_(1/3)Sr_(2/3)FeO_(3)(Fe^(3.67+)),Re Cu_(3)Fe_(4)O_(12)(Fe^(3.75+)),and Ca_(1-x)Sr_(x)FeO_(3)(Fe^(4+))(where Re represents rare-earth elements).The common feature of MITs of these Fe-containing oxides is that they are usually accompanied by charge ordering transitions or disproportionation associated with the valence states of Fe.Herein,we review the material family of Fe-containing MIT oxides,their MIT functionalities,and their respective mechanisms.From the perspective of potentially correlated electronic applications,the tunability of the TMITand its resultant resistive change in Fe-containing oxides are summarized and further compared with those of other materials exhibiting MIT functionality.In particular,we highlight the abrupt MIT and wide tunability of TMITof Fe-containing quadruple perovskites,such as Re Cu3Fe4O12.However,their effective material synthesis still needs to be further explored to cater to potential applications.

Triple points and phase transitions of D-dimensional dyonic Ad S black holes with quasitopological electromagnetism in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity

By considering the negative cosmological constant Λ as a thermodynamic pressure, we study the thermodynamics and phase transitions of the D-dimensional dyonic Ad S black holes(BHs) with quasitopological electromagnetism in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet(EGB) gravity. The results indicate that the small/large BH phase transition that is similar to the van der Waals(vdW) liquid/gas phase transition always exists for any spacetime dimensions. Interestingly, we then find that this BH system exhibits a more complex phase structure in 6-dimensional case that is missed in other dimensions.Specifically, it shows for D = 6 that we observed the small/intermediate/large BH phase transitions in a specific parameter region with the triple point naturally appeared. Moreover, when the magnetic charge turned off, we still observed the small/intermediate/large BH phase transitions and triple point only in 6-dimensional spacetime, which is consistent with the previous results. However, for the dyonic Ad S BHs with quasitopological electromagnetism in Einstein–Born–Infeld(EBI) gravity, the novel phase structure composed of two separate coexistence curves observed by Li et al. [Phys. Rev. D105 104048(2022)] disappeared in EGB gravity. This implies that this novel phase structure is closely related to gravity theories, and seems to have nothing to do with the effect of quasitopological electromagnetism. In addition, it is also true that the critical exponents calculated near the critical points possess identical values as mean field theory. Finally, we conclude that these findings shall provide some deep insights into the intriguing thermodynamic properties of the dyonic Ad S BHs with quasitopological electromagnetism in EGB gravity.

Farm buildings and agri-food transitions in Southern France:Mapping dynamics using a stakeholder-based diagnosis

This study's goal is to present a dynamic portrait of the farm-buildings environment in Occitania,in Southern France,in order to better identify the transitions underway in agri-food chains.To this end,we undertook a ter-ritorial diagnosis based on actor statements,using 28 semi-structured interviews across Occitania.This diagnosis was enriched by graphic modelling,which enabled the spatialization of the dynamics described.We show that the process of standardisation of farm buildings prevails in the majority of the territories studied.This phenomenon has intensified in recent years with the development of vast photovoltaic-roofed sheds,accentuating the farm-land conversion and soil sealing.At the same time,in areas with strong environmental,landscape and heritage contexts,a'new adventure in farm buildings'(2022 survey)is taking shape.It is primarily driven by local short food chains,which rely on self-construction,repurposing and refurbishment,the sharing of tools and equipment,and which favour the use and reuse of local resources.This study shows that farm-buildings dynamics crystallise many challenges confronting the reterritorialisation of agriculture and food production.

Simulation of mode transitions in capacitively coupled Ar/O_(2) plasmas

In this work,the effects of the frequency,pressure,gas composition,and secondary-electron emission coefficient on the discharge mode in capacitively coupled Ar/O_(2) plasmas were carefully studied through simulations.Three discharge modes,i.e.,α,γ,and drift-ambipolar(DA),were considered in this study.The results show that a mode transition from theγ-DA hybrid mode dominated by theγmode to the DA-αhybrid mode dominated by the DA mode is induced by increasing the frequency from 100 k Hz to 40 MHz.Furthermore,the electron temperature decreases with increasing frequency,while the plasma density first decreases and then increases.It was found that the electronegativity increases slightly with increasing pressure in the lowfrequency region,and it increases notably with increasing pressure in the high-frequency region.It was also observed that the frequency corresponding to the mode transition fromγto DA decreased when the secondary-electron emission coefficient was decreased.Finally,it was found that increasing the oxygen content weakens theγmode and enhances the DA mode.More importantly,the density of oxygen atoms and ozone will increase greatly with increasing oxygen content,which is of great significance for industrial applications.

Water Photomolecular Evaporation Due to Light-Mediated Ortho-Para Spin Transitions

Recent discoveries have revealed a groundbreaking phenomenon where light alone, without any thermal input, can induce water evaporation, termed the “photomolecular effect”. This study explores a novel hypothesis that this effect can be explained by ortho-para magnetic spin interactions in water molecules within the water-air interface layer. Water molecules, consisting of hydrogen and oxygen, exhibit different nuclear spin states: ortho-(triplet) and para-(singlet). The interaction of polarized light with these spin states may induce transitions between the rotational levels of ortho- and para-forms due to catalysts like triplet oxygen (O2) in its inhomogeneous magnetic field. Resonance pumping at 532 nm (~18,797 cm−1) due to the transition v1-v2-v3 ~ 0-8-2 (~18,796 cm−1) results in an increase in molecular energy sufficient to overcome intermolecular forces at the water surface, thereby causing evaporation. The proposed ortho-para conversion mechanism involves spin-orbit coupling and specific resonance conditions. This theory provides a quantum mechanical perspective on the photomolecular effect, potentially offering insights into natural processes such as cloud formation and climate modeling, as well as practical applications in solar desalination and industrial drying. Further experimental validation is required to confirm the role of spin interactions in light-induced water evaporation.

Multi-ASV Collision Avoidance for Point-to-Point Transitions Based on Heading-Constrained Control Barrier Functions With Experiment

Dear Editor, Collision avoidance is critical for safe operations of multiple autonomous surface vehicles(ASVs). It is a challenging task to design collision-free control laws to ensure safety, especially in a crowded sea environment. This letter presents a collision-free pointto-point transition strategy for multiple ASVs subject to static obstacles, dynamic obstacles and neighboring ASVs based on control barrier functions(CBFs).

Metal-organic decomposition growth of thin film metastable perovskite nickelates with kinetically improved quantum transitions

The multiple quantum transitions within d-band correlation oxides such as rare-earth nickelates(RENiO_(3))triggered by critical temperatures and/or hydrogenation opened up a new paradigm for correlated electronics applications,e.g.ocean electric field sensor,bio-sensor,and neuron synapse logical devices.Nevertheless,these applications are obstructed by the present ineffectiveness in the thin film growth of the metastable RENiO_(3)with flexibly adjustable rare-earth compositions and electronic structures.Herein,we demonstrate a metal-organic decompositions(MOD)approach that can effectively grow metastable RENiO_(3)covering a large variety of the rare-earth composition without introducing any vacuum process.Unlike the previous chemical growths for RENiO_(3)relying on strict interfacial coherency that limit the film thickness,the MOD growth using reactive isooctanoate percussors is tolerant to lattice defects and therefore achieves comparable film thickness to vacuum depositions.Further indicated by positron annihilation spectroscopy,the RENiO_(3)grown by MOD exhibit large amount of lattice defects that improves their hydrogen incorporation amount and electron transfers,as demonstrated by the resonant nuclear reaction analysis and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.This effectively enlarges the magnitude in the resistance regulations in particular for RENiO_(3)with lighter RE,shedding a light on the extrinsic regulation of the hydrogen induced quantum transitions for correlated oxides semiconductors kinetically via defect engineering.

Estimating shear strength of high-level pillars supported with cemented backfilling using the HoekeBrown strength criterion

Deep metal mines are often mined using the high-level pillars with subsequent cementation backfilling(HLSCB)mining method.At the design stage,it is therefore important to have a reasonable method for determining the shear strength of the high-level pillars(i.e.cohesion and internal friction angle)when they are supported by cemented backfilling.In this study,a formula was derived for the upper limit of the confining pressure σ3max on a high-level pillar supported by cemented backfilling in a deep metal mine.A new method of estimating the shear strength of such pillars was then proposed based on the Hoek eBrown failure criterion.Our analysis indicates that the horizontal stress σhh acting on the cemented backfill pillar can be simplified by expressing it as a constant value.A reasonable and effective value for σ3max can then be determined.The value of s3max predicted using the proposed method is generally less than 3 MPa.Within this range,the shear strength of the high-level pillar is accurately calculated using the equivalent MohreCoulomb theory.The proposed method can effectively avoid the calculation of inaccurate shear strength values for the high-level pillars when the original HoekeBrown criterion is used in the presence of large confining pressures,i.e.the situation in which the cohesion value is too large and the friction angle is too small can effectively be avoided.The proposed method is applied to a deep metal mine in China that is being excavated using the HLSCB method.The shear strength parameters of the high-level pillars obtained using the proposed method were input in the numerical simulations.The numerical results show that the recommended level heights and sizes of the high-level pillars and rooms in the mine are rational.

Templated synthesis of transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions

Transition metal phosphides(TMPs)have been regarded as alternative hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)catalysts owing to their comparable activity to those of noble metal-based catalysts.TMPs have been produced in various morphologies,including hollow and porous nanostructures,which are features deemed desirable for electrocatalytic materials.Templated synthesis routes are often responsible for such morphologies.This paper reviews the latest advances and existing challenges in the synthesis of TMP-based OER and HER catalysts through templated methods.A comprehensive review of the structure-property-performance of TMP-based HER and OER catalysts prepared using different templates is presented.The discussion proceeds according to application,first by HER and further divided among the types of templates used-from hard templates,sacrificial templates,and soft templates to the emerging dynamic hydrogen bubble template.OER catalysts are then reviewed and grouped according to their morphology.Finally,prospective research directions for the synthesis of hollow and porous TMP-based catalysts,such as improvements on both activity and stability of TMPs,design of environmentally benign templates and processes,and analysis of the reaction mechanism through advanced material characterization techniques and theoretical calculations,are suggested.

Influence of Frohlich Interaction on Intersubband Transitions of InGaAs/InAlAs-Based Quantum Cascade Detector Structures Investigated by Infrared Modulated Photoluminescence

We demonstrate the use of an infrared modulated photoluminescence(PL)method based on a step-scan Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer to analyze intersubband transition(ISBT)of InGaAs/InAlAs quantum cascade detector(QCD)structures.By configuring oblique and parallel excitation geometries,high signal-to-noise ratio PL spectra in near-to-far-infrared region are measured.With support from numerical calculations based on the k·p perturbation theory,the spectra is attributed to intraband and interband transitions of InGaAs/InAlAs QCD structures.Temperature evolution results show that the k-dependent transitions caused by longitudinal optical phonon-assisted scattering(Frohlich interaction)plays an important role in the ISBT.These results suggest that this infrared modulated-PL method has great potential in characterizing QCD devices and conducting performance diagnostics.

Correction:Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

Following publication of the original article[1],the authors reported that the author Hun-Gi Jung should be affiliated as 3,4 and 5 instead of 4 and 5.The author’s name“A.-Yeon Kim”needed to be updated to“A-Yeon Kim”,removing the period.The correct author’s name and affiliation have been provided in this Correction.The original article[1]has been corrected.

Evolution of Superconducting-Transition Temperature with Superfluid Density and Conductivity in Pressurized Cuprate Superconductors

What factors fundamentally determine the value of superconducting transition temperature Tc in high temperature superconductors has been the subject of intense debate.Following the establishment of an empirical law known as Homes'law,there is a growing consensus in the community that the Tc value of the cuprate superconductors is closely linked to the superfluid density(ρ_(s))of its ground state and the conductivity(σ)of its normal state.However,all the data supporting this empirical law(ρ_(s)=AσT_(c))have been obtained from the ambientpressure superconductors.In this study,we present the first high-pressure results about the connection of the quantities of ρ_(s) and σ with T_(c),through the studies on the Bi_(1.74)Pb_(0.38)Sr_(1.88)CuO_(6+δ)and Bi_(2)Sr_(2)CaCu_(2)O_(8+δ),in which the value of their high-pressure resistivity(ρ=1/σ)is achieved by adopting our newly established method,while the quantity ofρs is extracted using Homes'law.We highlight that the Tc values are strongly linked to the joint response factors of magnetic field and electric field,i.e.,ρ_(s) and σ,respectively,implying that the physics determining T_(c) is governed by the intrinsic electromagnetic fields of the system.

Rubidium-induced phase transitions among metallic,band-insulating,Mott-insulating phases in 1T-TaS_(2)

Realizing phase transitions via non-thermal sample manipulations is important not only for applications,but also for uncovering the underlying physics.Here,we report on the discovery of two distinct metal–insulator transitions in 1T-TaS_(2) via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and in-situ rubidium deposition.At 205 K,the rubidium deposition drives a normal metal–insulator transition via filling electrons into the conduction band.While at 225 K,however,the rubidium deposition drives a bandwidth-controlled Mott transition as characterized by a rapid collapsing of Mott gap and a loss of spectral weight of the lower Hubbard band.Our result,from a doping-controlled perspective,succeeds in distinguishing the metallic,band-insulating,and Mott-insulating phases of 1T-TaS_(2),manifesting a delicate balance among the electronitineracy,interlayer-coupling and Coulomb repulsion.We also establish an effective method to tune the balance between these interactions,which is useful in seeking exotic electronic phases and designing functional phase-changing devices.

Multiple Magnetic Phase Transitions and Critical Behavior in Single-Crystal SmMn_(2)Ge_(2)

Magnetic materials with noncollinear spin configurations have engendered significant interest in condensed matter physics due to their intriguing physical properties.We direct our attention towards the magnetic properties and critical behavior of single-crystal SmMn_(2)Ge_(2),an itinerant magnet with numerous temperature-dependent magnetic phase transitions.Notably,SmMn_(2)Ge_(2)displays significant magnetic anisotropy with easy magnetization direction switching from the c axis to the ab plane as temperature decreases.The critical behavior of the ferromagnetic transition occurring above room temperature is thoroughly examined.Reliable and self-consistent critical exponents,includingβ=0.292(2),γ=0.924(8),andδ=4.164(6),along with the Curie temperature T_c=347 K,are extracted through various methods,which provide evidence for the coexistence of multiple magnetic interactions in SmMn_(2)Ge_(2).Further analysis reveals that the magnetic interaction of SmMn_(2)Ge_(2)is a long-range type with the interaction distance decaying as J(r)~r^(-4.35).

Recent advances in transition metal phosphide materials:Synthesis and applications in supercapacitors

Supercapacitors(SCs)are considered promising energy storge systems because of their outstanding power density,fast charge and discharge rate and long-term cycling stability.The exploitation of cheap and efficient electrode materials is the key to improve the performance of supercapacitors.As the battery-type materials,transition metal phosphides(TMPs)possess high theoretical specific capacity,good electrical conductivity and superior structural stability,which have been extensively studied to be electrode materials for supercapacitors.In this review,we summarize the up-to-date progress on TMPs materials from diversified synthetic methods,diverse nanostructures and several prominent TMPs and their composites in application of supercapacitors.In the end,we also propose the remaining challenges toward the rational discovery and synthesis of high-performance TMP electrodes materials for energy storage.

Synthesis and Modulation of Low-Dimensional Transition Metal Chalcogenide Materials via Atomic Substitution

In recent years,low-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide(TMC)materials have garnered growing research attention due to their superior electronic,optical,and catalytic properties compared to their bulk counterparts.The controllable synthesis and manipulation of these materials are crucial for tailoring their properties and unlocking their full potential in various applications.In this context,the atomic substitution method has emerged as a favorable approach.It involves the replacement of specific atoms within TMC structures with other elements and possesses the capability to regulate the compositions finely,crystal structures,and inherent properties of the resulting materials.In this review,we present a comprehensive overview on various strategies of atomic substitution employed in the synthesis of zero-dimensional,one-dimensional and two-dimensional TMC materials.The effects of substituting elements,substitution ratios,and substitution positions on the structures and morphologies of resulting material are discussed.The enhanced electrocatalytic performance and photovoltaic properties of the obtained materials are also provided,emphasizing the role of atomic substitution in achieving these advancements.Finally,challenges and future prospects in the field of atomic substitution for fabricating low-dimensional TMC materials are summarized.