Electronic properties of 2D materials and their junctions

With an extensive range of distinctive features at nano meter-scale thicknesses,two-dimensional(2D)materials drawn the attention of the scientific community.Despite tremendous advancements in exploratory research on 2D materials,knowledge of 2D electrical transport and carrier dynamics still in its infancy.Thus,here we highlighted the electrical characteristics of 2D materials with electronic band structure,electronic transport,dielectric constant,carriers mobility.The atomic thinness of 2D materials makes substantially scaled field-effect transistors(FETs)with reduced short-channel effects conceivable,even though strong carrier mobility required for high performance,low-voltage device operations.We also discussed here about factors affecting 2D materials which easily enhanced the activity of those materials for various applications.Presently,Those 2D materials used in state-of-the-art electrical and optoelectronic devices because of the extensive nature of their electronic band structure.2D materials offer unprecedented freedom for the design of novel p-n junction device topologies in contrast to conventional bulk semiconductors.We also,describe the numerous 2D p-n junctions,such as homo junction and hetero junction including mixed dimensional junctions.Finally,we talked about the problems and potential for the future.

The chemical environment and structural ordering in liquid Mg-Y-Zn system:An ab-initio molecular dynamics investigation of melt for the formation mechanism of LPSO structure

In an effort to clarify the formation mechanism of LPSO structure in Mg-Y-Zn alloy,the chemical environment and structural ordering in liquid Mg-rich Mg-Y-Zn system are investigated with the aid of ab-initio molecular dynamics simulation.In liquid Mg-rich Mg-Y alloys,the strong Mg-Y interaction is determined,which promotes the formation of fivefold symmetric local structure.For Mg-Zn alloys,the weak Mg-Zn interaction results in the fivefold symmetry weakening in the liquid structure.Due to the coexistence of Y and Zn,the strong attractive interaction is introduced in liquid Mg-Y-Zn ternary alloy,and contributes to the clustering of Mg,Y,Zn launched from Zn.What is more,the distribution of local structures becomes closer to that in pure Mg compared with that in binary Mg-Y and Mg-Zn alloys.These results should relate to the origins of the Y/Zn segregation zone and close-packed stacking mode in LPSO structure,which provides a new insight into the formation mechanism of LPSO structure at atomic level.

Nano-Au-decorated hierarchical porous cobalt sulfide derived from ZIF-67 toward optimized oxygen evolution catalysis:Important roles of microstructures and electronic modulation

Enhancing both the number of active sites available and the intrinsic activity of Co-based electrocatalysts simultaneously is a desirable goal.Herein,a ZIF-67-derived hierarchical porous cobalt sulfide decorated by Au nanoparticles(NPs)(denoted as HP-Au@CoxSy@ZIF-67)hybrid is synthesized by low-temperature sulfuration treatment.The well-defined macroporous-mesoporous-microporous structure is obtained based on the combination of polystyrene spheres,as-formed CoxSy nanosheets,and ZIF-67 frameworks.This novel three-dimensional hierarchical structure significantly enlarges the three-phase interfaces,accelerating the mass transfer and exposing the active centers for oxygen evolution reaction.The electronic structure of Co is modulated by Au through charge transfer,and a series of experiments,together with theoretical analysis,is performed to ascertain the electronic modulation of Co by Au.Meanwhile,HP-Au@CoxSy@ZIF-67 catalysts with different amounts of Au were synthesized,wherein Au and NaBH4 reductant result in an interesting“competition effect”to regulate the relative ratio of Co^(2+)/Co^(3+),and moderate Au assists the electrochemical performance to reach the highest value.Consequently,the optimized HP-Au@CoxSy@ZIF-67 exhibits a low overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2)and a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec-1 for OER in 0.1 M aqueous KOH,enabling efficient water splitting and Zn-air battery performance.The work here highlights the pivotal roles of both microstructural and electronic modulation in enhancing electrocatalytic activity and presents a feasible strategy for designing and optimizing advanced electrocatalysts.

Instrumented oscillographic study on impact toughness of an axle steel DZ2 with different tempering temperatures

Compared with the conventional Charpy impact test method,the oscillographic impact test can help in the behavioral analysis of materials during the fracture process.In this study,the trade-off relationship between the strength and toughness of a DZ2 axle steel at various tempering temperatures and the cause of the improvement in impact toughness was evaluated.The tempering process dramatically influenced carbide precipitation behavior,which resulted in different aspect ratios of carbides.Impact toughness improved along with the rise in tempering temperature mainly due to the increase in energy required in impact crack propagation.The characteristics of the impact crack propagation process were studied through a comprehensive analysis of stress distribution,oscilloscopic impact statistics,fracture morphology,and carbide morphology.The poor impact toughness of low-tempering-temperature specimens was attributed to the increased number of stress concentration points caused by carbide morphology in the small plastic zone during the propagation process,which resulted in a mixed distribution of brittle and ductile fractures on the fracture surface.

Cracking on a nickel-based superalloy fabricated by direct energy deposition

Cracks have consistently been a significant challenge limiting the development of additive manufactured nickel-based superalloys.It is essential to investigate the location of cracks and their forming mechanism.This study extensively examines the impact of solidification process,microstructural evolution,and stress concentration on crack initiation during direct energy deposition(DED).The results emphasize that the crack formation is significantly related to large-angle grain boundaries,rapid cooling rates.Cracks caused by large-angle grain boundaries and a fast-cooling rate predominantly appear near the edge of the deposited samples.Liquation cracks are more likely to form near the top of the deposited sample,due to the presence ofγ/γ'eutectics.The secondary dendritic arm and the carbides in the interdendritic regions can obstruct liquid flow during the final stage of solidification,which results in the formation of solidification cracks and voids.This work paves the way to avoid cracks in nickel-based superalloys fabricated by DED,thereby enhancing the performance of superalloys.

Low-cycle fatigue behavior of solutionized and aged WE43 magnesium alloys at room temperature

The low-cycle fatigue behavior of solutionized(T4)and aged(T6)WE43 magnesium alloys was studied at room temperature.The total strain amplitudes(△ε_(t)/2)were 0.4%,0.5%,0.6%,0.7%and 1.0%.Detailed microstructure evolution was characterized by scanning electron microscope(SEM),electron backscattered diffraction(EBSD)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The results showed that plastic strain amplitude decreased with the increasing cycle number in T4 alloy,which is due to the dense persistent slip bands(PSBs)and dynamic precipitates hinderingdislocation slip.In contrast,the plastic strain amplitude increases gradually in T6 alloy,which is attributed to the enhanced activation of pyramidal slip.The low-cycle fatigue life of T6 alloy with larger fatigue ductility coefficient is longer than that of T4 alloy.The Coffin-Manson model can accurately predict the fatigue life of T4 and T6 alloys compared to Jahed-Varvani(JV)energy model.For T4 alloy,the fatigue damage mechanism was dominated by basal slip.For T6 alloy,the enhanced pyramidal slip plays an important role to accommodate plastic deformation.

Effect of microalloying on wettability and interface characteristics of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses with W substrate

The infiltration casting method is widely employed for the preparation of ex-situ composite materials.However,the production of composite materials using this method must necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the wettability and interface characteristics between the reinforcing phase and the bulk metallic glasses(BMGs).This work optimized the composition of Zr-based BMGs through microalloying methods,resulting in a new set of Zr-based BMGs with excellent glass-forming ability.Wetting experiments between the Zr-based BMGs melts and W substrates were conducted using the traditional sessile drop method,and the interfaces were characterized utilizing a scanning electron microscope(SEM)equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS).The work demonstrates that the microalloying method substantially enhances the wettability of the Zr-based BMGs melt.Additionally,the incorporation of Nb element impedes the formation of W-Zr phases,but the introduction of Nb element does not alter the extent of interdiffusion between the constituent elements of the amorphous matrix and W element,indicating that the influence of Nb element on the diffusion of individual elements is minute.

Microstructures,corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys for plugging tool applications

Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys were prepared through semi-continuous casting,with the aim of identifying a degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy suitable for use in fracturing balls.A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of adding Cu and Ni,which result in finer grains and the formation of galvanic corrosion sites.Scanner electronic microscopy examination revealed that precipitated phases concentrated at grain boundaries,forming a semi-continuous network structure that facilitated corrosion penetration in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Pitting corrosion was observed in Mg-6Zn-2Fe,while galvanic corrosion was identified as the primary mechanism in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Among the tests,the Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate(approximately 932.9 mm/a)due to its significant potential difference.Mechanical testing showed that Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy possessed suitable ultimate compressive strength,making it a potential candidate material for degradable fracturing balls,effectively addressing the challenges of balancing strength and degradation rate in fracturing applications.

Oxidation of emerging organic contaminants by in-situ H_(2)O_(2) fenton system

The existence and risk of emerging organic contaminants(EOCs)have been under consideration and paid much effort to degrade these pollutants.Fenton system is one of the most widely used technologies to solve this problem.The original Fenton system relies on the hydroxyl radicals produced by Fe(Ⅱ)/H_(2)O_(2) to oxidize the organic contaminants.However,the application of the Fenton system is limited by its low iron cycling efficiency and the high risks of hydrogen peroxide transportation and storage.The introduction of external energy(including light and electricity etc.)can effectively promote the Fe(Ⅲ)/Fe(Ⅱ)cycle and the reduction of oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide in situ.This review introduces three in-situ Fenton systems,which are electro-Fenton,Photo-Fenton,and chemical reaction.The mechanism,influencing factors,and catalysts of these three in-situ Fenton systems in degrading EOCs are discussed systematically.This review strengthens the understanding of Fenton and in-situ Fenton systems in degradation,offering further insight into the real application of the in-situ Fenton system in the removal of EOCs.

Degradable magnesium alloy suture promotes fibrocartilaginous interface regeneration in a rat rotator cuff transosseous repair model

Despite transosseous rotator cuff tear repair using sutures is widely accepted for tendon-bone fixation,the fibrocartilaginous enthesis regeneration is still hardly achieved with the traditional sutures.In the present work,degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy wire was applied to suture supraspinatus tendon in a rat acute rotator cuff tear model with Vicryl Plus 4±0 absorbable suture as control.The shoulder joint humerus-supraspinatus tendon complex specimens were retrieved at 4,8,and 12 weeks after operation.The Mg alloy suture groups showed better biomechanical properties in terms of ultimate load to failure.Gross observation showed that hyperplastic response of the scar tissue at the tendon-bone interface is progressively alleviated over time in the both Mg alloy suture and Vicryl suture groups.In the histological analysis,for Mg alloy suture groups,chondrocytes appear to proliferate at 4 weeks postoperatively,and the tendon-bone interface showed an orderly structural transition zone at 8 weeks postoperatively.The collagenous fiber tended to be aligned and the tendon-bone interlocking structures apparently formed,where transitional structure from unmineralized fibrocartilage to mineralized fibrocartilage was closer to the native fibrocartilaginous enthesis.In vivo degradation of the magnesium alloy wire was completed within 12 weeks.The results indicated that Mg alloy wire was promising as degradable suture with the potential to promotes fibrocartilaginous interface regeneration in rotator cuff repair.

Tailoring the texture and mechanical properties of 3%Y_(2)O_(3)p/ZGK200 composites fabricated by unidirectional and cross rolling followed by annealing

3%Y_(2)O_(3)p/ZGK200 composites were subjected to unidirectional rolling(UR)and cross rolling(CR)at 400℃and 350℃followed by annealing at 300℃for 1 h.The microstructure,texture and mechanical properties of rolled and annealed composites were systematically studied.The rolled composites exhibited a heterogeneous microstructure,consisting of deformed grains elongated along rolling direction(RD)and Y_(2)O_(3)particles bands distributed along RD.After annealing,static recrystallization(SRX)occurred and most deformed grains transformed into equiaxed grains.A non-basal texture with two strong T-texture components was obtained after UR while a non-basal elliptical/circle texture with circle multi-peaks was obtained after CR,indicating that rolling path had great influences on texture of the composites.After annealing process,R-texture component disappeared or weakened,as results,a non-basal texture with double peaks tilting from normal direction(ND)to transverse direction(TD)and a more random non-basal texture with circle multi-peaks were obtained for UR and CR composites,respectively.The yield strength of rolled composites after UR showed obvious anisotropy along RD and TD while a low anisotropic yield strength was obtained after CR.Some Y_(2)O_(3)particles broke during rolling.The fracture of the composites was attributed to the existence of Y_(2)O_(3)clusters and interfacial debonding between particles and matrix during tension,as a result,the ductility was not as superior as matrix alloy.

Textured Asymmetric Membrane Electrode Assemblies of Piezoelectric Phosphorene and Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)MXene Heterostructures for Enhanced Electrochemical Stability and Kinetics in LIBs

Black phosphorus with a superior theoretical capacity(2596 mAh g^(-1))and high conductivity is regarded as one of the powerful candidates for lithium-ion battery(LIB)anode materials,whereas the severe volume expansion and sluggish kinetics still impede its applications in LIBs.By contrast,the exfoliated two-dimensional phosphorene owns negligible volume variation,and its intrinsic piezoelectricity is considered to be beneficial to the Li-ion transfer kinetics,while its positive influence has not been discussed yet.Herein,a phosphorene/MXene heterostructure-textured nanopiezocomposite is proposed with even phosphorene distribution and enhanced piezo-electrochemical coupling as an applicable free-standing asymmetric membrane electrode beyond the skin effect for enhanced Li-ion storage.The experimental and simulation analysis reveals that the embedded phosphorene nanosheets not only provide abundant active sites for Li-ions,but also endow the nanocomposite with favorable piezoelectricity,thus promoting the Li-ion transfer kinetics by generating the piezoelectric field serving as an extra accelerator.By waltzing with the MXene framework,the optimized electrode exhibits enhanced kinetics and stability,achieving stable cycling performances for 1,000 cycles at 2 A g^(-1),and delivering a high reversible capacity of 524 m Ah g^(-1)at-20℃,indicating the positive influence of the structural merits of self-assembled nanopiezocomposites on promoting stability and kinetics.

MXene-based materials for electrochemical energy storage

Rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors are widely investigated as the most important electrochemical energy storage devices nowadays due to the booming energy demand for electric vehicles and hand-held electronics. The large surface-area-to-volume ratio and internal surface areas endow two-dimensional（2D） materials with high mobility and high energy density; therefore, 2D materials are very promising candidates for Li ion batteries and supercapacitors with comprehensive investigations. In 2011, a new kind of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, MXene, were successfully obtained from MAX phases. Since then about 20 different kinds of MXene have been prepared. Other precursors besides MAX phases and even other methods such as chemical vapor deposition（CVD） were also applied to prepare MXene, opening new doors for the preparation of new MXene. Their 2D nature and good electronic properties ensure the inherent advantages as electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the development of MXene with emphasis on the applications to electrochemical energy storage. Also, future perspective and challenges of MXene-based materials are briefly discussed regrading electrochemical energy storage.

Controlling dynamic recrystallization via modified LPSO phase morphology and distribution in Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy

Featured initial microstructures of Mg-11Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr alloy(wt%) were obtained by adjusting temperatures of solid solution and cooling methods, including island intergranular 18R and 14H LPSO phases with low-density stacking faults, differentially spaced lamellar intragranular 14H-LPSO phases, and network intergranular 18R-LPSO phases with high-density intragranular stacking faults. Effects of these featured LPSO phases and stacking faults on dynamic recrystallization(DRX) behavior were investigated via hot compression. Promoted DRX behavior via particle stimulated nucleation(PSN) is introduced by coexisting intergranular island 18R and 14H LPSO phases and intragranular wide spacing lamellar 14H-LPSO phases, contributing the highest DRX fraction of 42.6%. Conversely, it is found that DRX behavior with network intergranular 18R-LPSO phases and dense intragranular stacking fault is considerably inhibited with the lowest fraction of 22.8%. That is, the restricted DRX due to dislocations pinning by stacking faults overwhelms the enhanced DRX behavior via PSN of island intergranular 18R and 14H LPSO phases. Specially, compared with dense intragranular lamellar 14H-LPSO phases, high-density stacking faults exert a larger inhibition effect on DRX behavior.

Amine-functionalized mesoporous UiO-66 aerogel for CO_(2) adsorption

A mesoporous UiO-66-NH_(2) aerogel is prepared via a straightforward sol-gel method without using any binders or mechanical pressures, in which the amine groups are directly introduced into the matrix by using 2-aminoterephthalic acid. The novel UiO-66-NH_(2) aerogel also exhibits high specific surface area and mesopore-dominated structure, implying its highly potential use in CO_(2) adsorption. For ulteriorly investigating the effect of amine loading on the CO_(2) adsorption ability, a series of UiO-66-NH_(2) aerogel with different amino content is fabricated by changing the ligand/metal molar ratio. When the molar ratio is 1.45, the CO_(2) adsorption capacity reaches the optimum value of 2.13 mmol·g^(-1) at 25 ℃ and 0.1 MPa, which is 12.2% higher than that of pure UiO-66 aerogel. Additionally, UiO-66-NH_(2)-1.45 aerogel also has noticeable CO_(2) selectivity against N_(2) and CH_(4) as well as good regeneration stability. Such results imply that it has good application prospect in the field of CO_(2) adsorption, and also contains the potential to be applied in catalysis, separation and other fields.

Achieving a high-strength dissimilar joint of T91 heat-resistant steel to 316L stainless steel via friction stir welding

The reliable welding of T91 heat-resistant steel to 316L stainless steel is a considerable issue for ensuring the safety in service of ultrasupercritical power generation unit and nuclear fusion reactor,but the high-quality dissimilar joint of these two steels was difficult to be obtained by traditional fusion welding methods.Here we improved the structure-property synergy in a dissimilar joint of T91 steel to 316L steel via friction stir welding.A defect-free joint with a large bonding interface was produced using a small-sized tool under a relatively high welding speed.The bonding interface was involved in a mixing zone with both mechanical mixing and metallurgical bonding.No obvious material softening was detected in the joint except a negligible hardness decline of only HV~10 in the heat-affected zone of the T91 steel side due to the formation of ferrite phase.The welded joint exhibited an excellent ultimate tensile strength as high as that of the 316L parent metal and a greatly enhanced yield strength on account of the dependable bonding and material renovation in the weld zone.This work recommends a promising technique for producing high-strength weldments of dissimilar nuclear steels.

Nano-additive manufacturing of multilevel strengthened aluminum matrix composites

Nanostructured materials are being actively developed,while it remains an open question how to rapidly scale them up to bulk engineering materials for broad industrial applications.This study propose an industrial approach to rapidly fabricate high-strength large-size nanostructured metal matrix composites and attempts to investigate and optimize the deposition process and strengthening mechanism.Here,advanced nanocrystalline aluminum matrix composites(nanoAMCs)were assembled for the first time by a novel nano-additive manufacturing method that was guided by numerical simulations(i.e.the in-flight particle model and the porefree deposition model).The present nanoAMC with a mean grain size<50 nm in matrix exhibited hardness eight times higher than the bulk aluminum and shows the highest hardness among all Al–Al2O3 composites reported to date in the literature,which are the outcome of controlling multiscale strengthening mechanisms from tailoring solution atoms,dislocations,grain boundaries,precipitates,and externally introduced reinforcing particles.The present high-throughput strategy and method can be extended to design and architect advanced coatings or bulk materials in a highly efficient(synthesizing a nanostructured bulk with dimensions of 50×20×4 mm^(3) in 9 min)and highly flexible(regulating the gradient microstructures in bulk)way,which is conducive to industrial production and application.

Comparative Study on Properties of PBAT/PBSA Film Modified by a Multi-Functional Epoxide Chain Extender or Benzoyl Peroxide

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT)and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate)(PBSA)blend films were prepared with different contents of a multifunctional epoxide chain extender Joncryl ADR-4468(ADR)or benzoyl peroxide(BPO).The long-chain-branching(LCB)introduced by ADR and branched/crosslinked entanglement induced by BPO increased melt elasticity,viscosity and compatibility,as indicated by thermal properties,rheological and morphological analyses.It was found that the elongation at break and the tensile strength were significantly improved,due to the enhancement of compatibility and the interfacial adhesion by the incorporation of ADR or BPO.The best mechanical properties were obtained in PBAT/PBSA/ADR(60/40/0.3)(A4T6A_(0.3))and PBAT/PBSA/BPO(60/40/0.9)(A4T6B_(0.9))films,respectively.With the rapid initiation of chain growth by BPO,it has significantly improved the transparency of the film.ADR and BPO can be used interchangeably in improving the comprehensive properties of PBAT/PBSA films,and it would provide more strategies for developing biodegradable materials for various applications.

3D Free-Standing Carbon Nanofibers Modified by Lithiophilic Metals Enabling Dendrite-Free Anodes for Li Metal Batteries

Li metal with high-energy density is considered as the most promising anode for the next-generation rechargeable Li metal batteries;however,the growth of Li dendrites seriously hinders its practical application.Herein,3D free-standing carbon nanofibers modified by lithiophilic metal particles(CNF/Me,Me=Sn,Fe,Co)are obtained in situ by the electrospinning method.Benefiting from the lithophilicity,the CNF/Me composite may effectively prevent the formation of Li dendrites in the Li metal batteries.The optimized CNF/Sn–Li composite electrode exhibits a stable cycle life of over 2350 h during Li plating/stripping.When matched with typical commercial LiFePO_(4)(LFP)cathode,the LFP//CNF/Sn–Li full cell presents a high initial discharge specific capacity of 139 mAh g^(−1)at 1 C,which remains at 146 mAh g^(−1)after 400 cycles.When another state-of-the-art commercial LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(NCM(811))cathode is used,the assembled NCM//CNF/Sn–Li full cell shows a large initial specific discharge capacity of 206 mAh g^(−1)at substantially enhanced 10 C,which keeps at the good capacity of 99 mAh g^(−1)after 300 cycles.These results are greatly superior to the counterparts with Li as the anodes,indicating the great potential for practical utilization of the advanced CNF/Sn–Li electrode.

Twin evolution in cast Mg-Gd-Y alloys and its dependence on aging heat treatment

Effects of rare-earth(RE)and precipitates on twin evolution in cast Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr(wt.%)(GW103)alloys of solid solution(T4)and aged(T6)states are investigated performing quasi-static room temperature compression tests and microstructural characterization.It is found that both{10–12}and{11–21}extension twins(ET1 and ET2)can appear in the T4 and T6 states but with different emergence sequences.As the aging heat treatment leads to consumption of RE solutes which could inhibit atomic shuffling required for nucleation of ET1 but not ET2,ET2 occurs prior to ET1 in the T4 state,and ET1 emerges before ET2 in the T6 state.The extension twins here mainly coordinate the plastic deformation through the non-Schmid effect.Our results shed light on the influence of RE elements on twin evolution in magnesium alloys and have implications in developing high-performance Mg-RE alloys.