Surface engineering of P2-type cathode material targeting long-cycling and high-rate sodium-ion batteries

The widespread interest in layered P2-type Mn-based cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)stems from their cost-effectiveness and abundant resources.However,the inferior cycle stability and mediocre rate performance impede their further development in practical applications.Herein,we devised a wet chemical precipitation method to deposit an amorphous aluminum phosphate(AlPO_(4),denoted as AP)protective layer onto the surface of P2-type Na_(0.55)Ni_(0.1)Co_(0.7)Mn_(0.8)O_(2)(NCM@AP).The resulting NCM@5AP electrode,with a 5 wt%coating,exhibits extended cycle life(capacity retention of78.4%after 200 cycles at 100 mA g^(-1))and superior rate performance(98 mA h g^(-1)at 500 mA g^(-1))compared to pristine NCM.Moreover,our investigation provides comprehensive insights into the phase stability and active Na^(+)ion kinetics in the NCM@5AP composite electrode,shedding light on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced performance observed in the coated electrode.

Dynamics of Ring Dark Solitons and the Following Vortices in Spin-1 Bose–Einstein Condensates

This work focuses on the evolution behaviors of ring dark solitons(RDSs) and the following vortices after the collapses of RDSs in spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensates. We find that the weighted average of the initial depths of three components determines the number and motion trajectories of vortex dipoles. For the weighted average of the initial depths below the critical depth, two vortex dipoles form and start moving along the horizontal axis.For the weighted average depth above the critical depth, two or four vortex dipoles form, and all start moving along the vertical axis. For the RDS with weighted average depth at exactly the critical point, four vortex dipoles form, half of the vortex dipoles initiate movement vertically, and the other half initiate movement horizontally.Our conclusion is applicable to the two-component system studied in earlier research, indicating its universality.

Intensity Distribution and Phase Vortices of Speckle Fields Generated by Multi-Aperture Random Scattering Screens

The intensity distribution and phase vortices of the speckle fields generated by multi-aperture random scattering screens are simulated, and it is found that the vortices exhibit layer-like structures and the dislocation phenomena occur in the local phase patterns produced by the two-pinhole aperture, whose phase distributions appear as striped structures. For three- or four-pinhole aperture, there are many circular bright spots appearing in the speckle grains, and there is one vortex between the neighboring circular bright spots. The positive and negative phase vortex lattices appear in the phase distributions, and the regions circled by the isothetic phase lines form irregular quadrilaterals or hexagons. Moreover, the relative positions of the vortices or bright spots can be adjusted by changing those of the pinhole apertures.

Decade Milestone Advancement of Defect-Engineered g-C_(3)N_(4) for Solar Catalytic Applications

Over the past decade, graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4)) has emerged as a universal photocatalyst toward various sustainable carbo-neutral technologies. Despite solar applications discrepancy, g-C_(3)N_(4) is still confronted with a general fatal issue of insufficient supply of thermodynamically active photocarriers due to its inferior solar harvesting ability and sluggish charge transfer dynamics. Fortunately, this could be significantly alleviated by the “all-in-one” defect engineering strategy, which enables a simultaneous amelioration of both textural uniqueness and intrinsic electronic band structures. To this end, we have summarized an unprecedently comprehensive discussion on defect controls including the vacancy/non-metallic dopant creation with optimized electronic band structure and electronic density, metallic doping with ultraactive coordinated environment(M–N_(x), M–C_(2)N_(2), M–O bonding), functional group grafting with optimized band structure, and promoted crystallinity with extended conjugation π system with weakened interlayered van der Waals interaction. Among them, the defect states induced by various defect types such as N vacancy, P/S/halogen dopants, and cyano group in boosting solar harvesting and accelerating photocarrier transfer have also been emphasized. More importantly, the shallow defect traps identified by femtosecond transient absorption spectra(fs-TAS) have also been highlighted. It is believed that this review would pave the way for future readers with a unique insight into a more precise defective g-C_(3)N_(4) “customization”, motivating more profound thinking and flourishing research outputs on g-C_(3)N_(4)-based photocatalysis.

Investigating the elliptic anisotropy of identified particles in p-Pb collisions with a multi-phase transport model

The elliptic azimuthal anisotropy coefficient(v_(2))of the identified particles at midrapidity(|η|<0.8)was investigated in p-Pb collisions at√s_(NN)=5.02 TeV using a multi-phase transport model(AMPT).The calculations of differential v_(2)based on the advanced flow extraction method of light flavor hadrons(pions,kaons,protons,andΛ)in small collision systems were extended to a wider transverse momentum(p_(T))range of up to 8 GeV/c for the first time.The string-melting version of the AMPT model provides a good description of the measured p_(T)-differential v_(2)of the mesons but exhibits a slight deviation from the baryon v_(2).In addition,we observed the features of mass ordering at low p_(T)and the approximate number-of-constituentquark(NCQ)scaling at intermediate p_(T).Moreover,we demonstrate that hadronic rescattering does not have a significant impact on v_(2)in p-Pb collisions for different centrality selections,whereas partonic scattering dominates in generating the elliptic anisotropy of the final particles.This study provides further insight into the origin of collective-like behavior in small collision systems and has referential value for future measurements of azimuthal anisotropy.

Correlation and fractal properties of speckles in the extremely deep Fresnel diffraction region

Based on the Kirchhoff approximation and the theoretical analysis of the random light fields, the speckle intensity distributions in the extremely deep Fresnel diffraction region are simulated. The fractal property of the speckles as well as the relation between the speckle intensity distribution and the corresponding random surface is investigated. We design a microscope system to detect experimentally the speckles in the extremely deep Fresnel diffraction region, and the experimental results prove the conclusions drawn from our simulations.

The effect of salt anion in ether‐based electrolyte for electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion batteries:A case study of hard carbon

Compared with the extensively used ester‐based electrolyte,the hard carbon(HC)electrode is more compatible with the ether‐based counterpart in sodium‐ion batteries,which can lead to improved cycling stability and robust rate capability.However,the impact of salt anion on the electrochemical performance of HC electrodes has yet to be fully understood.In this study,the anionic chemistry in regulating the stability of electrolytes and the performance of sodium‐ion batteries have been systematically investigated.This work shows discrepancies in the reductive stability of the anionic group,redox kinetics,and component/structure of solid electrolyte interface(SEI)with different salts(NaBF_(4),NaPF_(6),and NaSO_(3)CF_(3))in the typical ether solvent(diglyme).Particularly,the density functional theory calculation manifests the preferred decomposition of PF_(6)−due to the reduced reductive stability of anions in the solvation structure,thus leading to the formation of NaF‐rich SEI.Further investigation on redox kinetics reveals that the NaPF_(6)/diglyme can induce the fast ionic diffusion dynamic and low charge transfer barrier for HC electrode,thus resulting in superior sodium storage performance in terms of rate capability and cycling life,which outperforms those of NaBF_(4)/diglyme and NaSO_(3)CF_(3)/diglyme.Importantly,this work offers valuable insights for optimizing the electrochemical behaviors of electrode materials by regulating the anionic group in the electrolyte.

The Limit Distribution of Stochastic Evolution Equations Driven by-Stable Non-Gaussian Noise

We study the distribution limit of a class of stochastic evolution equation driven by an additive-stable Non-Gaussian process in the case of α∈(1,2).We prove that,under suitable conditions,the law of the solution converges weakly to the law of a stochastic evolution equation with an additive Gaussian process.

Oxygen redox chemistry in lithium-rich cathode materials for Li-ion batteries:Understanding from atomic structure to nano-engineering

Lithium-rich oxide compounds have been recognized as promising cathode materials for high performance Li-ion batteries,owing to their high specific capacity.However,it remains a great challenge to achieve the fully reversible anionic redox reactions to realize high capacity,high stability,and low voltage hysteresis for lithiumrich cathode materials.Therefore,it is critically important to comprehensively understand and control the anionic redox chemistry of lithium-rich cathode materials,including atomic structure design,and nano-scale materials engineering technologies.Herein,we summarize the recent research progress of lithium-rich cathode materials with a focus on redox chemistry.Particularly,we highlight the oxygen-based redox reactions in lithium-rich metal oxides,with critical views of designing next generation oxygen redox lithium cathode materials.Furthermore,we purposed the most promising strategies for improving the performances of lithium-rich cathode materials with a technology-spectrum from the atomic scale to nano-scale.

The Reverse Order Law for Moore-Penrose Inverse of Closed Operators

In this paper, the reverse order law for the Moore-Penrose inverse of closed linear operators with closed range is investigated by virtue of the Norm-preserving extension of the bounded linear operators. The results generalize some results obtained by S Izumino in [12].

Metal-organic-framework-derived formation of Co–N-doped carbon materials for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Non-precious metal nitrogen-doped carbonaceous materials have attracted tremendous attention in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion.Herein,we report the designed synthesis of a novel series of Co-N-C nanocomposites and their evaluation of electrochemical properties.Novel yolkshell structured Co nanoparticles@polymer materials are fabricated from the facile coating polymer strategy on the surface of ZIF-67.After calcination in nitrogen atmosphere,the Co–N–C nanocomposites in which cobalt metal nanoparticles are embedded in the highly porous and graphitic carbon matrix are successfully achieved.The cobalt nanoparticles containing cobalt metal crystallites with an oxidized shell and/or smaller(or amorphous)cobalt-oxide deposits appear on the surface of graphitic carbons.The prepared Co–N–C nanoparticles showed favorable electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions,which is attributed to its high graphitic degree,large surface area and the large amount existence of Co–N active sites.

Improved carrier injection and confinement in InGaN light-emitting diodes containing GaN/AlGaN/GaN triangular barriers

In this study, an InGaN lighting-emitting diode （LED） containing GaN/A1GaN/GaN triangular barriers is proposed and investigated numerically. The simulation results of output performance, carrier concentration, and radiative recombination rate indicate that the proposed LED has a higher output power and an internal quantum efficiency, and a lower efficiency droop than the LED containing conventional GaN or A1GaN barriers. These improvements mainly arise from the modified energy bands, which is evidenced by analyzing the LED energy band diagram and electrostatic field near the active region. The modified energy bands effectively improve carrier injection and confinement, which significantly reduces electron leakage and increases the rate of radiative recombination in the quantum wells.

Vector Spatiotemporal Solitons and Their Memory Features in Cold Rydberg Gases

We propose a scheme to generate stable vector spatiotemporal solitons through a Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency(Rydberg-EIT)system.Three-dimensional vector monopole and vortex solitons have been found under three nonlocal degrees.The numerical calculation and analytical solutions indicate that these solitons are generated with low energy and can stably propagate along the axes.The behavior of vector spatiotemporal solitons can be manipulated by the local and nonlocal nonlinearities.The results show a memory feature as these solitons can be stored and retrieved effectively by tuning the control field.

Nonautonomous Breather and Rogue Wave in Spinor Bose–Einstein Condensates with Space-Time Modulated Potentials

To study controlled evolution of nonautonomous matter-wave breathers and rogue waves in spinor Bose–Einstein condensates with spatiotemporal modulation,we focus on a system of three coupled Gross–Pitaevskii equations with spacetime-dependent external potentials and temporally modulated gain-loss distributions.With different external potentials and gain-loss distributions,various solutions for controlled nonautonomous matterwave breathers and rogue waves are derived by the Darboux transformation method,such as breathers and rogue waves on arched and constant backgrounds which have the periodic and parabolic trajectories.Effects of the gain-loss distribution and linear potential on the breathers and rogue waves are studied.Nonautonomous two-breathers on the arched and constant backgrounds are also derived.

Influence of Parameters of Optical Fibers on Optical Soliton Interactions

The interaction between optical solitons is of great significance for studying interaction between light and matter and development of all-optical devices, and is conducive to the design of integrated optical path. Optical soliton interactions for the nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation are investigated to improve the communication quality and system integration. Solutions of the equation are derived and used to analyze the interaction of two solitons.Some suggestions are put forward to weaken their interactions.

Enhanced confinement synthesis of atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalyst from resin polymer for oxygen reduction

Due to larger atom utilization,unique electronic properties and unsaturated coordination,atomically dispersed non-precious metal catalysts with outstanding performances have received great attention in electrocatalysis.Considering the challenge of serious aggregation,rational synthesis of an atomic catalyst with good dispersion of atoms is paramount to the development of these catalysts.Herein,we report an enhanced confinement strategy to synthesize a catalyst comprised of atomically dispersed Fe supported on porous nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon from the novel and more cross-linkable Melamine-Glyoxal Resin.Densified isolated grid trapping,excessive melamine restricting,and nitrogen anchoring are strongly combined to ensure the final atomic-level dispersion of metal atoms.Experimental studies revealed enhanced kinetics of the obtained catalyst towards oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).This catalytic activity originates from the highly active surface with atomically dispersed iron sites as well as the multi-level three-dimensional structure with fast mass and electron transfer.The enhanced confinement strategy endows the resin-derived atomic catalyst with a great prospect to develop for commercialization in future.

Is Social Distancing, and Quarantine Effective in Restricting COVID-19 Outbreak? Statistical Evidences from Wuhan, China

The flow of novel coronavirus(COVID-19)has affected almost every aspect of human life around the globe.Being the emerging ground and early sufferer of the virus,Wuhan city-data remains a case of multifold significance.Further,it is of notable importance to explore the impact of unique and unprecedented public health response of Chinese authorities—the extreme lockdown of the city.In this research,we investigate the statistical nature of the viral transmission concerning social distancing,extreme quarantine,and robust lockdown interventions.We observed highly convincing and statistically significant evidences in favor of quarantine and social distancing approaches.These findings might help countries,now facing,or likely to face the wave of the virus.We analyzed Wuhan-based data of“number of deaths”and“confirmed cases,”extracted from China CDC weekly database,dated from February 13,2020,to March 24,2020.To estimate the underlying group structure,the assembled data is further subdivided into three blocks,each consists of two weeks.Thus,the complete data set is studied in three phases,such as,phase 1(Ph 1)=February 13,2020,to February 26,2020;phase 2(Ph 2)=February 27,2020 to March 11,2020;and phase 3(Ph 3)=March 12,2020 to March 24,2020.We observed the overall median proportion of deaths in those six weeks remained 0.0127.This estimate is highly influenced by Ph1,when the early flaws of weak health response were still prevalent.Over the time,we witnessed a median decline of 92.12%in the death proportions.Moreover,a non-parametric version of the variability analysis of death data,estimated that the average rank of reported proportions in Ph 3 remained 7,which was 20.5 in Ph 2,and stayed 34.5 in the first phase.Similar patterns were observed,when studying the confirmed cases data.We estimated the overall median of the proportion of confirmed cases in Wuhan as 0.0041,which again,is highly inclined towards Ph 1 and Ph 2.We also witnessed minimum average rank proportions for Ph 3,such as 7,which was noticeably lower than Ph 2,21.71,and Ph 1, 32.29. Moreover, the varying degree of clustering indicates that the effectivenessof quarantine based policies is time-dependent. In general, the declinein coronavirus transmission in Wuhan significantly coincides with the lockdown.

Unified Approach to the Expression for the Moore-Penrose Inverse of a- xy

Let A be an unital C*-algebra, a, x and y are elements in A. In this paper, we present a method how to calculate the Moore-Penrose inverse of a- xy*and investigate the expression for some new special cases of(a- xy*).

Bayesian methods in reporting and managing Australian clinical indicators

Sustained clinical improvement is unlikely without appropriate measuring and reporting techniques. Clinical indicators are tools to help assess whether a standard of care is being met. They are used to evaluate the potential to improve the care provided by healthcare organisations(HCOs). The analysis and reporting of these indicators for the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards have used a methodology which estimates, for each of the 338 clinical indicators, the gains in the system that would result from shifting the mean proportion to the 20 th centile. The results are used to provide a relative measure to help prioritise quality improvement activity within clinical areas, rather than simply focus on "poorer performing" HCOs. The method draws attention to clinical areas exhibiting larger between-HCO variation and affecting larger numbers of patients. HCOs report data in six-month periods, resulting in estimated clinical indicator proportions which may be affected by small samples and sampling variation. Failing to address such issues would result in HCOs exhibiting extremely small and large estimated proportions and inflated estimates of the potential gains in the system. This paper describes the 20 th centile method of calculating potential gains for the healthcare system by using Bayesian hierarchical models and shrinkage estimators to correct for the effects of sampling variation, and provides an example case in Emergency Medicine as well as example expert commentary from colleges based upon the reports. The application of these Bayesian methods enables all collated data to be used, irrespective of an HCO's size, and facilitates more realistic estimates of potential system gains.

Morphological Characterization of Graphene Flake Networks Using Minkowski Functionals

Two Minkowski functionals were tested in the capacity of morphological descriptors to quantitatively compare the arrays of vertically-aligned graphene flakes grown on smooth and nanoporous alumina and silica surfaces. Specifically, the Euler-Poincaré characteristic and fractal dimension graphs were used to characterize the degree of connectivity and order in the systems, i.e. in the graphene flake patterns of petal-like and tree-like morphologies on solid substrates, and meshlike patterns (networks) grown on nanoporous alumina treated in low-temperature inductivelycoupled plasma. It was found that the Minkowski functionals return higher connectivity and fractal dimension numbers for the graphene flakepatterns with more complex morphologies, and indeed can be used as morphological descriptors to differentiate among various configurations of vertically-aligned graphene flakes grown on surfaces.