Recent progress on fabrication, spectroscopy properties, and device applications in Sn-doped CdS micro-nano structures

One-dimensional semiconductor materials possess excellent photoelectric properties and potential for the construction of integrated nanodevices. Among them, Sn-doped CdS has different micro-nano structures, including nanoribbons,nanowires, comb-like structures, and superlattices, with rich optical microcavity modes, excellent optical properties, and a wide range of application fields. This article reviews the research progress of various micrometer structures of Sn-doped CdS, systematically elaborates the effects of different growth conditions on the preparation of Sn-doped CdS micro-nano structures, as well as the spectral characteristics of these structures and their potential applications in certain fields. With the continuous progress of nanotechnology, it is expected that Sn-doped CdS micro-nano structures will achieve more breakthroughs in the field of optoelectronics and form cross-integration with other fields, jointly promoting scientific, technological, and social development.

Effect of brazing temperature on microstructure and tensile strength ofγ-TiAl joint vacuum brazed with micro-nano Ti−Cu−Ni−Nb−Al−Hf filler

A novel micro-nano Ti−10Cu−10Ni−8Al−8Nb−4Zr−1.5Hf filler was used to vacuum braze Ti−47Al−2Nb−2Cr−0.15B alloy at 1160−1220℃ for 30 min.The interfacial microstructure and formation mechanism of TiAl joints and the relationships among brazing temperature,interfacial microstructure and joint strength were emphatically investigated.Results show that the TiAl joints brazed at 1160 and 1180℃ possess three interfacial layers and mainly consist of α_(2)-Ti_(3)Al,τ_(3)-Al_(3)NiTi_(2) and Ti_(2)Ni,but the brazing seams are no longer layered and Ti_(2)Ni is completely replaced by the uniformly distributed τ_(3)-Al_(3)NiTi_(2) at 1200 and 1220℃ due to the destruction of α_(2)-Ti_(3)Al barrier layer.This transformation at 1200℃ obviously improves the tensile strength of the joint and obtains a maximum of 343 MPa.Notably,the outward diffusion of Al atoms from the dissolution of TiAl substrate dominates the microstructure evolution and tensile strength of the TiAl joint at different brazing temperatures.

Effect of Micro-electrolysis and Micro-nano Bubbles Coupled with Peroxymonosulfate Treatment of Rural Domestic Sewage

With the continuous deepening of rural revitalization strategy and the increasingly strict sewage discharge standards,rural domestic sewage treatment technology is facing higher challenges and requirements.The combined process of micro-electrolysis+micro-nano bubbles coupled with peroxymonosulfate was constructed in this study,and the treatment effect and application value of this technology were explored with the actual rural domestic sewage as the treatment object.The experimental results showed that under the conditions of HRT of 120 min,PMS dosage of 0.15 mmol/L,pH=7,MBs air intake of 15 ml/min,current intensity of 15 A,and Fe/C mass ratio of 1:1,the removal rates of COD,ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus can reach 88.55%,77.18%and 74.67%,respectively.Under the condition that the pH value of sewage was not adjusted,the non-biochemical simultaneous decarbonization,denitrification and phosphorus removal of rural domestic sewage can be achieved by micro-electrolysis and micro-nano bubbles coupled with peroxymonosulfate.The concentrations of effluent COD,ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus met the requirements of the first level standard of the Discharge Standard of Water Pollutants for Rural Domestic Sewage Treatment Facilities(DB45T2413-2021).And the comprehensive operating cost was about 1.15 yuan/m 3.

Cross-scale characteristics of backfill material using NMR and fractal theory

This paper analyzed the pore structure, quantified the pore fractal dimension, calculated the grading index(GI) of mixed aggregate, and studied the relationship among GI, pore structure, and strength to describe the cross-scale characteristics of backfill, which is made from stone powder and cemented tailing. A series of experiments were conducted on stone powder cement tailings backfill(SPCTB). The GI formulas for mixed aggregates, containing stone powder and tailings, were derived based on the Füller theory. The nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) fractal dimensions of backfills were derived using fractal geometry principles. Compared to the mesopore and macropore fractal dimensions, the correlation between micropore fractal dimension and macro-properties in terms of NMR porosity, pore structure complexity, uniaxial compression strength(UCS), and GI is the most significant. Macropore fractal dimension is generally correlated with UCS and GI and the other properties such as the shape of mixed aggregates also have an impact on fractal dimension. However, mesopore fractal dimension has no obvious relationship with macro-properties. Finally, the relationship between GI and UCS was studied, which contributed to improving backfill’s strength and optimizing gradation.

Cross-scale Correlation of Macro-micro Evaluation Indexes for Asphalt Binder

In order to further study the reliability of macro evaluation indexes,molecular dynamics (MD) was applied to the evaluation of asphalt binder.Micro evaluation indexes (potential energy,surface free energy,solubility parameter and diffusion coefficient) of asphalt binder in different service phases (virgin,modified,aged and rejuvenated) were simulated.Combined with the variation characteristics of asphalt binder macro evaluation indexes (permeability,ductility,viscosity and softening point) in different service phases,the cross-scale correlation of macro-micro evaluation indexes was explored.The results show that the macro and micro evaluation indexes of asphalt binder have different characteristics in different service phases.The essence of the variation in the properties of asphalt binders is the difference in micro composition.In addition,there is a certain correlation between macro and micro evaluation indexes,which can be described by the gray relation theory.The cross-scale correlation of macro-micro evaluation indexes can provide a certain theoretical basis for the development of asphalt binder.

Synergistic Treatment of Low-concentration Organic Waste Gas by Micro-nano Bubble Coordinated with Peroxymonosulfate

Continuous dynamic experiment was conducted for the treatment of low-concentration organic waste gas with xylene as a representative, using micro-nano bubble and peroxymonosulfate working in synergy. The degradation rule of xylene under different conditions such as the ORP value of the spray liquid, pH value of the spray liquid, liquid-gas ratio of the spray liquid, residence time of xylene, and initial concentration of xylene was investigated. The results showed that at a low concentration, the pH value of the spray liquid had little effect on the degradation rate of xylene. The degradation rate of xylene rose with the increase of the ORP value of the spray liquid, the liquid-gas ratio of the spray liquid, the residence time of xylene, and the initial concentration of xylene.

Advances in memristor based artificial neuron fabrication-materials,models,and applications

Spiking neural network(SNN),widely known as the third-generation neural network,has been frequently investigated due to its excellent spatiotemporal information processing capability,high biological plausibility,and low energy consumption characteristics.Analogous to the working mechanism of human brain,the SNN system transmits information through the spiking action of neurons.Therefore,artificial neurons are critical building blocks for constructing SNN in hardware.Memristors are drawing growing attention due to low consumption,high speed,and nonlinearity characteristics,which are recently introduced to mimic the functions of biological neurons.Researchers have proposed multifarious memristive materials including organic materials,inorganic materials,or even two-dimensional materials.Taking advantage of the unique electrical behavior of these materials,several neuron models are successfully implemented,such as Hodgkin–Huxley model,leaky integrate-and-fire model and integrate-and-fire model.In this review,the recent reports of artificial neurons based on memristive devices are discussed.In addition,we highlight the models and applications through combining artificial neuronal devices with sensors or other electronic devices.Finally,the future challenges and outlooks of memristor-based artificial neurons are discussed,and the development of hardware implementation of brain-like intelligence system based on SNN is also prospected.

Cross-scale mechanical softening of Marcellus shale induced by CO_(2)-water-rock interactions using nanoindentation and accurate grain-based modeling

Mechanical softening behaviors of shale in CO_(2)-water–rock interaction are critical for shale gas exploitation and CO_(2)sequestration.This work investigated the cross-scale mechanical softening of shale triggered by CO_(2)-water–rock interaction.Initially,the mechanical softening of shale following 30 d of exposure to CO_(2)and water was assessed at the rock-forming mineral scale using nanoindentation.The mechanical alterations of rock-forming minerals,including quartz,muscovite,chlorite,and kaolinite,were analyzed and compared.Subsequently,an accurate grain-based modeling(AGBM)was proposed to upscale the nanoindentation results.Numerical models were generated based on the real microstructure of shale derived from TESCAN integrated minerals analyzer(TIMA)digital images.Mechanical parameters of shale minerals determined by nanoindentation served as input material properties for AGBMs.Finally,numerical simulations of uniaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the impact of mineral softening on the macroscopic Young’s modulus and uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of shale.The results present direct evidence of shale mineral softening during CO_(2)-water–rock interaction and explore its influence on the upscale mechanical properties of shale.This paper offers a microscopic perspective for comprehending CO_(2)-water-shale interactions and contributes to the development of a cross-scale mechanical model for shale.

Ultra-high-temperature application of MXene: Stabilization of 2D Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) for cross-scale strengthening and toughening of 3D TiC

Transition metal carbide/nitride cores within MXenes make them considerably useful for ultra-high-temperature reinforcement.However,extensive research on Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene has revealed its tendency to undergo a phase transition to TiCy at temperatures above 800℃due to high activity of a superficial Ti atomic layer.Herein,spark plasma sintering of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) and TiC is performed to prevent the Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) phase transition at temperatures up to 1900℃through the fabrication of composites at a pressure of 50 MPa.Using a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope to separate layered substances in the composites and examining selected area diffraction spots in a transmission electron microscope enabled identification of non-phase-transitioned MXene.First-principles calculations based on density functional theory indicated the formation of strong chemical bonding interfaces between Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) and TiC,which imposed a stability constraint on the Ti atomic layer at the Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) surface.Mechanical performance tests,such as three-point bending and fracture toughness analysis,demonstrated that the addition of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) can effectively improve the cross-scale strengthening and toughening of the TiC matrix,providing a new path for designing and developing two-dimensional(2D)carbides cross-scale-enhanced three-dimensional(3D)carbides with the same elements relying on a wide variety of MXenes.

Modification of Nano-α-Al2O3 and Its Influence on the Surface Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane Resin Composite Passivation Films

Silane coupling agent KH560 was used to modify the surface of nano-α-Al2O3 in ethanol-aqueous solution with different proportions. The particle size of nano-α-Al2O3 was determined by nano-particle size analyzer, and the effects of nano-α-Al2O3 content, ethanol-aqueous solution ratio and KH560 dosage on the dispersion and particle size of nano-α-Al2O3 were investigated. The material structure before and after modification was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Aqueous polyurethane resin and inorganic components are combined with modified nano-α-Al2O3 dispersion to form chromium-free passivation solution. The solution is coated on the galvanized sheet, the adhesion and surface hardness are tested, the bonding strength of the coating and the surface hardness of the substrate are discussed. The corrosion resistance and surface morphology of the matrix were investigated by electrochemical test, neutral salt spray test and scanning electron microscope test. The chromium-free passivation film formed after the modification of nano-α-Al2O3 increases the surface hardness of galvanized sheet by about 85%. The corrosion resistance of the film is better than that of a single polyurethane film. The results show that the surface hardness and corrosion resistance of polyurethane resin composite passivation film are significantly improved by the introduction of nano-α-Al2O3.

Micro-nanostructural designs of bifunctional electrocatalysts for metal-air batteries

Water-based rechargeable metal-air batteries play an important role in the storage and conversion of renewable electric energy.However,the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)have limited the practical application of rechargeable metal-air batteries.Most of reviews were focused on single functional electrocatalysts while few on bifunctional electrocatalysts.It is indispensable but challenging to design a bifunctional electrocatalyst that is active and stable to the two reactions.Recently,attempts to develop high active bifunctional electrocatalysts for both ORR and OER increase rapidly.Much work is focused on the micro-nano design of advanced structures to improve the performance of bifunctional electrocatalyst.Transition-metal materials,carbon materials and composite materials,and the methods developed to prepare micro-nano structures,such as electrochemical methods,chemical vapor deposition,hydrothermal methods and template methods are reported in literatures.Additionally,many strategies,such as adjustments of electronic structures,oxygen defects,metal-oxygen bonds,interfacial strain,nano composites,heteroatom doping etc.,have been used extensively to design bifunctional electrocatalysts.To well understand the achievements in the recent literatures,this review focuses on the micro-nano structural design of materials,and the related methods and strategies are classed into two groups for the improvement of intrinsic and apparent activities.The fine adjustment of nano structures and an in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism are also discussed briefly.

Adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution by a hierarchical micro-nano porous carbon material

A hierarchical micro-nano porous carbon material (MNC) was prepared using expanded graphite (EG), sucrose, and phosphoric acid as raw materials, followed by sucrose-phosphoric acid solution impregnation, solidification, carbonization and activation. Nitrogen adsorption and mercury porosimetry show that mixed nanopores and micropores coexist in MNC with a high specific surface area of 1978 m2·g-1 and a total pore volume of 0.99 cm3·g-1. In addition, the MNC is found to consist of EG and activated carbon with the latter deposited on the interior and the exterior surfaces of the EG pores. The thickness of the activated carbon layer is calculated to be about one hundred nanometers and is further confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission election microscope (TEM). A maximum static phenol adsorption of 241.2 mg·g-1 was obtained by using MNC, slightly higher than that of 220.4 mg·g-1 by using commercial activated carbon (CAC). The phenol adsorption kinetics were investigated and the data fitted well to a pseudo-second-order model. Also, an intra-particle diffusion mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, it is found that the dynamic adsorption capacity of MNC is nearly three times that of CAC. The results suggest that the MNC is a more efficient adsorbent than CAC for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution.

Superamphiphobic, light-trapping FeSe2 particles with a micro-nano hierarchical structure obtained by an improved solvothermal method

Wettability and the light-trapping effect of FeSe2 particles with a micro-nano hierarchical structure have been inves- tigated. Particles are synthesized by an improved solvothermal method, wherein hexadecyl trimetbyl ammonium bromide （CTAB） is employed as a surfactant. After modifying the particles with heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy-silane （HTMS）, we find that the water contact angle （WCA） of the FeSe2 particles increases by 6.1~ and the water sliding angle （WSA） decreases by 2.5~ respectively, and the diffuse reflectivity decreases 29.4% compared with similar FeSe2 particles synthe- sized by the conventional method. The growth process of the particles is analyzed and a growth scenario is given. Upon altering the PH values of the water, we observe that the superhydrophobic property is maintained quite consistently across a wide PH range of 1-14. Moreover, the modified particles were also found to be superoleophobic. To the best of our knowledge, there is no systematic research on the wettability of FeSe2 particles, so our research provides a reference for other researchers.

A new cross-scaling method to deal with the porous flow problem

The finite volume method （FVM） and the lattice Boltzmann method （LBM） are coupled with each other to construct a new cross-scaling method to deal with the porous flow problem. To check the effectiveness of our developed cross-scaling LBM-FVM, the above mentioned problem is also solved by the well known LBM-LBM. Based on the data checking of the published data and the results of LBM-FVM and LBM-LBM, good agreement is observed.

Boosted Storage Kinetics in Thick Hierarchical Micro-Nano Carbon Architectures for High Areal Capacity Li-Ion Batteries

A practical and effective approach to increase the energy storage capacity of lithium ion batteries(LIBs)is to boost their areal capacity.Developing thick electrodes is one of the most crucial ways to achieve high areal capacity but limited by sluggish ion/electron transport,poor mechanical stability,and high-cost manufacturing strategies.Here we address these constraints by engineering a unique hierarchical-networked 10 mm thick all-carbon electrode,providing a scalable strategy to produce high areal capacity LIB electrodes.The hierarchical-networked structure utilizes micrometer-sized carbon fibers(MCFs)as building blocks,nano-sized carbon nanotubes(CNTs)as good continuous network with excellent electrical conductivity,and pyrolytic carbon as the binder and active material with excellent storage capacity.The combination of the above features endows our HNT-MCF/CNT/PC electrode with excellent performance including high reversible capacity of 15.44 mAh cm^(-2) at 2.0 mA cm^(-2) and exhibits excellent rate capability of 2.50 mAh cm^(-2) under 10.0 mA cm^(-2) current density.The Li-ion storage mechanism in HNT-MCF/CNT/PC involves dual-storage mechanism including intercalation and surface adsorption(pseudocapacitance)confirmed by the cyclic voltammetry and symmetric cell analysis.This work provides insights into the construction of high mechanical stability thick electrode for the next generation high areal capacity LIBs and beyond.

Mechanisms for Cross-Scaling, Flexibility and Social Learning in Building Resilience to Sea Level Rise: Case Study of Hampton Roads, Virginia

This case study examines how the Hampton Roads Sea Level Rise Preparedness and Resilience Intergovernmental Planning Pilot Project, a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to planning for and adapting to sea level rise, addressed coastal resilience in a southeastern Virginia watershed that spans multiple jurisdictions. Meeting the challenge of sea level rise requires that actors across multiple sectors—citizens, community organizations, industry and government—understand the risks and work together to make critical decisions regarding adaptation strategies and actions. The case study area includes Little Creek Amphibious Base, which is bordered by the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Adaptation responses to sea level rise by the military base and the local governments will impact each other and the residents of the area, but no cooperative agreements are in place for a joint or collaborative response. This case study examines public and private infrastructure at risk, the infrastructure interdependencies, and mechanisms for providing collaborative solutions. Engagement of area residents and other stakeholders is also integral to the process of adaptation, which includes educating about sea level rise risk and provides a mechanism for social learning that enables stakeholders to participate in critical adaptation decisions. The case study demonstrates a method to improve resiliency in the case study area and inform a regional, multi-sectoral response to sea level rise adaptation strategies.

Investigation on Surface Plasmon Polaritons and Localized Surface Plasmon Production Mechanism in Micro-Nano Structures

The simulation mechanism of surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs)and localized surface plasmon(LSP)in different structures was studied,including the Au reflection grating(Au grating),Au substrate with dielectric ribbons grating(Au substrate grating),and pure electric conductor(PEC)substrate with Au ribbons grating(Au ribbons grating).And the characteristics of the Smith-Purcell radiation in these structures were presented.Simulation results show that SPPs are excited on the bottom surface of Au substrate grating grooves and LSP is stimulated on the upper surface both of Au ribbons grating grooves and Au grating grooves.Owing to the irreconcilable contradiction between optimizing the grating diffraction radiation efficiency and optimizing the SPPs excitation efficiency in the Au substrate grating,only 40-times enhancement of the radiation intensity was obtained by excited SPPs.However,the LSP enhanced structure overcomes the above problem and gains much better radiation enhancement ability,with about 200-times enhancement obtained in the Au ribbons grating and more than 500-times enhancement obtained in the Au grating.The results presented here provide a way of developing miniature,integratable,tunable,high-power-density radiation sources from visible light to ultraviolet rays at room temperature.

ZnO micro-nano composite hydrophobic film prepared by the three-step method

The hydrophobicity of the lotus leaf is mainly due to its surface micro-nano composite structure. In order to mimic the lotus structure, ZnO micro-nano composite hydrophobic films were prepared via the three-step method. On thin buffer films of SiO2, which were first fabricated on glass substrates by the so,gel dip-coating method, a ZnO seed layer was deposited via RF magnetron sputtering. Then two different ZnO films, micro-nano and micro-only flowerlike structures, were grown by the hydrothermal method. The prepared films have different hydrophobic properties after surface modification. The structures of the obtained ZnO films were characterized using x-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. A conclusion that a micro-nano composite structure is more beneficial to hydrophobicity than a micro-only structure was obtained through research into the effect of structure on hydrophobic properties.

Preparation of micro-nano hollow multiphase ceramic microspheres containing MnFe_2O_4 absorbent by self-reactive quenching method

Fe–Fe2O3–MnO2–sucrose–epoxy resin and O2 as reaction system and feed gas,separately,were used to prepare micro-nano hollow multiphase ceramic microspheres containing MnFe2O4absorbent by self-reactive quenching method which is integrated with flame jet,selfpropagating high-temperature synthesis(SHS),and rapidly solidification.The morphologies and phase compositions of hollow microspheres were studied by scanning electron microscope(SEM),transmission electron microscope(TEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and energy dispersive spectroscopy.The results show that the quenching products are regular spherical substantially with hollow structure,particle size is between few hundreds nanometers and 5 lm.Phase compositions are diphase of Fe3O4,Mn3O4,and MnFe2O4,and the spinel soft magnetic ferrite MnFe2O4 with microwave magnetic properties is in majority.Collisions with each other,burst as well as‘‘refinement’’of agglomerate powders in flame field may be the main reasons for the formation of micro-nano hollow multiphase ceramic microspheres containing MnFeOabsorbent.

Potential application of functional micro-nano structures in petroleum

This paper takes micro-nano motors and metamaterials as examples to introduce the basic concept and development of functional micro nano structures, and analyzes the application potential of the micro-nano structure design and manufacturing technology in the petroleum industry. The functional micro-nano structure is the structure and device with special functions prepared to achieve a specific goal. New functional micro-nano structures are classified into mobile type(e.g. micro-nano motors) and fixed type(e.g. metamaterials), and 3 D printing technology is a developed method of manufacturing. Combining the demand for exploration and development in oil and gas fields and the research status of intelligent micro-nano structures, we believe that there are 3 potential application directions:(1) The intelligent micro-nano structures represented by metamaterials and smart coatings can be applied to the oil recovery engineering technology and equipment to improve the stability and reliability of petroleum equipment.(2) The smart micro-nano robots represented by micro-motors and smart microspheres can be applied to the development of new materials for enhanced oil recovery, effectively improving the development efficiency of heavy oil, shale oil and other resources.(3) The intelligent structure manufacturing technology represented by 3 D printing technology can be applied to the field of microfluidics in reservoir fluids to guide the selection of mine flooding agents and improve the efficiency of mining.