Novel interface engineering of LDH-based materials on Mg alloy for efficient photocatalytic systems considering the geometrical linearity of condensed phosphates

This study presents a facile and rapid method for synthesizing novel Layered Double Hydroxide(LDH)nanoflakes,exploring their application as a photocatalyst,and investigating the influence of condensed phosphates'geometric linearity on their photocatalytic properties.Herein,the Mg O film,obtained by plasma electrolysis of AZ31 Mg alloys,was modified by growing an LDH film,which was further functionalized using cyclic sodium hexametaphosphate(CP)and linear sodium tripolyphosphate(LP).CP acted as an enhancer for flake spacing within the LDH structure,while LP changed flake dispersion and orientation.Consequently,CP@LDH demonstrated exceptional efficiency in heterogeneous photocatalysis,effectively degrading organic dyes like Methylene blue(MB),Congo red(CR),and Methyl orange(MO).The unique cyclic structure of CP likely enhances surface reactions and improves the catalyst's interaction with dye molecules.Furthermore,the condensed phosphate structure contributes to a higher surface area and reactivity in CP@LDH,leading to its superior photocatalytic performance compared to LP@LDH.Specifically,LP@LDH demonstrated notable degradation efficiencies of 93.02%,92.89%,and 88.81%for MB,MO,and CR respectively,over a 40 min duration.The highest degradation efficiencies were observed in the case of the CP@LDH sample,reporting 99.99%for MB,98.88%for CR,and 99.70%for MO.This underscores the potential of CP@LDH as a highly effective photocatalyst for organic dye degradation,offering promising prospects for environmental remediation and water detoxification applications.

MXenes: Versatile 2D materials with tailored surface chemistry and diverse applications

MXenes,the most recent addition to the 2D material family,have attracted significant attention owing to their distinctive characteristics,including high surface area,conductivity,surface characteristics,mechanical strength,etc.This review begins by presenting MXenes,providing insights into their structural characteristics,synthesis methods,and surface functional groups.The review covers a thorough analysis of MXene surface properties,including surface chemistry and termination group impacts.The properties of MXenes are influenced by their synthesis,which can be fluorine-based or fluorinedependent.Fluorine-based synthesis techniques involve etching with fluorine-based reagents,mainly including HF or LiF/HCl,while fluorine-free methods include electrochemical etching,chemical vapor deposition(CVD),alkaline etching,Lewis acid-based etching,etc.These techniques result in the emergence of functional groups such as-F,-O,-OH,-Cl,etc.on the MXenes surface,depending on the synthesis method used.Properties of MXenes,such as electrical conductivity,electronic properties,catalytic activity,magnetic properties,mechanical strength,and chemical and thermal stability,are examined,and the role of functional groups in determining these properties is explored.The review delves into the diverse applications of MXenes,encompassing supercapacitors,battery materials,hydrogen storage,fuel cells,electromagnetic interference(EMI) shielding,pollutant removal,water purification,flexible electronics,sensors,additive manufacturing,catalysis,biomedical and healthcare fields,etc.Finally,this article outlines the challenges and opportunities in the current and future development of MXenes research,addressing various aspects such as synthesis scalability,etching challenges,and multifunctionality,and exploring novel applications.The review concludes with future prospects and conclusions envisioning the impact of MXenes on future technologies and innovation.

Electron-deficient ZnO induced by heterointerface engineering as the dominant active component to boost CO_(2)-to-formate conversion

Electrocatalytic CO_(2)-to-formate conversion is considered an economically viable process.In general,Zn-based nanomaterials are well-known to be highly efficient electrocatalysts for the conversion of CO_(2) to CO,but seldom do they exhibit excellent selectivity toward formate.In this article,we demonstrate that a heterointerface catalyst ZnO/ZnSnO3 with nanosheet morphology shows enhanced selectivity with a maximum Faradaic efficiency(FE)of 86%at−0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and larger current density for the conversion of CO_(2) to formate than pristine ZnO and ZnSnO3.In particular,the FEs of the C1 products(CO+HCOO−)exceed 98%over the potential window.The experimental measurements combined with theoretical calculations revealed that the ZnO in ZnO/ZnSnO3 heterojunction delivers the valence electron depletion and accordingly optimizes Zn d-band center,which results in moderate Zn-O hybridization of HCOO*and weakened Zn-C hybridization of competing COOH*,thus greatly boosting the HCOOH generation.Our study highlights the importance of charge redistribution in catalysts on the selectivity of electrochemical CO_(2) reduction.

Research on Preparation and Electrochemical Performance of the High Compacted Density Ni-Co-Mn Ternary Cathode Materials

The high compacted density LiNi0.5-xCo0.2Mn0.3MgxO2 cathode material for lithium-ion batteries was synthesized by high temperature solid-state method, taking the Mg element as a doping element and the spherical Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3 (OH)2, Li2CO3 as raw materials. The effects of calcination temperature on the structure and properties of the products were investigated. The structure and morphology of cathode materials powder were analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of the cathode materials were studied by charge-discharge test and cyclic properties test. The results show that LiNi0.4985Co0.2Mn0.3 Mg0.0015O2 cathode material prepared at calcination temperature 930°C has a good layered structure, and the compacted density of the electrode sheet is above 3.68 g/cm3. The discharge capacity retention rate is more than 97.5% after 100 cycles at a charge-discharge rate of 1C, displaying a good cyclic performance.

Tuning electronic structure of RuO_(2)by single atom Zn and oxygen vacancies to boost oxygen evolution reaction in acidic medium

The poor stability of RuO_(2)electrocatalysts has been the primary obstacles for their practical application in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers.To dramatically enhance the durability of RuO_(2)to construct activity-stability trade-off model is full of significance but challenging.Herein,a single atom Zn stabilized RuO_(2)with enriched oxygen vacancies(SA Zn-RuO_(2))is developed as a promising alternative to iridium oxide for acidic oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Compared with commercial RuO_(2),the enhanced Ru–O bond strength of SA Zn-RuO_(2)by forming Zn-O-Ru local structure motif is favorable to stabilize surface Ru,while the electrons transferred from Zn single atoms to adjacent Ru atoms protects the Ru active sites from overoxidation.Simultaneously,the optimized surrounding electronic structure of Ru sites in SA ZnRuO_(2)decreases the adsorption energies of OER intermediates to reduce the reaction barrier.As a result,the representative SA Zn-RuO_(2)exhibits a low overpotential of 210 mV to achieve 10 mA cm^(-2)and a greatly enhanced durability than commercial RuO_(2).This work provides a promising dual-engineering strategy by coupling single atom doping and vacancy for the tradeoff of high activity and catalytic stability toward acidic OER.

Development of anti-corrosive coating on AZ31 Mg alloy modified by MOF/LDH/PEO hybrids

The self-assembly of hybrid inorganic-organic materials on stationary platforms plays a critical role in improving their structural stability and wide usability.In this work,a novel two-step hydrothermal approach is proposed for synthesizing stable and advanced hybrid coatings on metal-oxide platforms through the surface modification of layered double hydroxide(LDH)films using novel metal-organic frameworks(MOFs).Initially,Mg-Al LDH nanocontainers,grown on a magnesium oxide layer produced through plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO)of AZ31 Mg alloy substrate,were intercalated with cobalt via an oxidation route,providing the metallic coordination center for the MOF formation.In the subsequent step,a pioneering technique is introduced,utilizing tryptophan as the organic linker for the first time at a pH of 10.The self-assembly of cobalt-tryptophan complex,driven by the strong bonding between electrophilic sites of monomers and nucleophilic sites,facilitated the formation of a MOF network having a cloud-like structure on the surface of MgAl LDH's film.The resulting MOF-LDH encapsulation containers demonstrate exceptional electrochemical stability when exposed to a 3.5 wt.%NaCl solution,surpassing the performance of PEO and pure LDH coatings.This enhanced stability is attributed to the development of a dense top layer and a stable composition within the self-assembled MOF,effectively sealing flaws and preventing the infiltration of corrosive ions into the underlying metallic substrate.The formation mechanism of MOFs on LDH galleries is investigated using density functional theory calculations.

Innovative approach to boosting the chemical stability of AZ31 magnesium alloy using polymer-modified hybrid metal oxides

Meeting the demands of complex and advanced applications requires the development of high-performance hybrid materials with unique properties.However,the integration of polymeric frameworks with MgO/WO_(3) composite layers faces challenges due to the lack of understanding of the formation mechanism and the challenge of determining the impact of self-assembled architecture on anticorrosive properties.In this study,we aimed to enhance the corrosion resistance of the MgO layer produced by plasma electrolysis(PE)of AZ31 Mg alloy by incorporating WO_(3) with partially phosphorated poly(vinyl alcohol)(PPVA).Two types of porous MgO layers were produced using the PE process with an alkaline-phosphate electrolyte,one with and one without WO_(3) nanoparticles,which were subsequently immersed in an aqueous solution of PPVA.Incorporating PPVA into the WO_(3)-MgO layer resulted in hybrids being deposited in a fragmented manner,creating a“laminar reef-like structure”that sealed most of the structural defects in the layer.The PPVA-sealed WO_(3)-based coating exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to the other samples.Computational analyses were employed to explore the mechanism underlying the formation of PPVA/WO_(3) hybrids on the MgO layer.These findings suggest that PPVA-WO_(3)-MgO hybrid coatings can potentially improve corrosion resistance in various fields.

Advancements in enhancing corrosion protection of Mg alloys:A comprehensive review on the synergistic effects of combining inhibitors with PEO coating

Magnesium(Mg)alloys are lightweight materials with excellent mechanical properties,making them attractive for various applications,including aerospace,automotive,and biomedical industries.However,the practical application of Mg alloys is limited due to their high susceptibility to corrosion.Plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO),or micro-arc oxidation(MAO),is a coating method that boosts Mg alloys'corrosion resistance.However,despite the benefits of PEO coatings,they can still exhibit certain limitations,such as failing to maintain long-term protection as a result of their inherent porosity.To address these challenges,researchers have suggested the use of inhibitors in combination with PEO coatings on Mg alloys.Inhibitors are chemical compounds that can be incorporated into the coating or applied as a post-treatment to further boost the corrosion resistance of the PEO-coated Mg alloys.Corrosion inhibitors,whether organic or inorganic,can act by forming a protective barrier,hindering the corrosion process,or modifying the surface properties to reduce susceptibility to corrosion.Containers can be made of various materials,including polyelectrolyte shells,layered double hydroxides,polymer shells,and mesoporous inorganic materials.Encapsulating corrosion inhibitors in containers fully compatible with the coating matrix and substrate is a promising approach for their incorporation.Laboratory studies of the combination of inhibitors with PEO coatings on Mg alloys have shown promising results,demonstrating significant corrosion mitigation,extending the service life of Mg alloy components in aggressive environments,and providing self-healing properties.In general,this review presents available information on the incorporation of inhibitors with PEO coatings,which can lead to improved performance of Mg alloy components in demanding environments.

Surface-functionalized hole-selective monolayer for high efficiency single-junction wide-bandgap and monolithic tandem perovskite solar cells

Carbazole moiety-based 2PACz([2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid)self-assembled monolayers(SAMs)are excellent hole-selective contact(HSC)materials with abilities to excel the charge-transferdynamics of perovskite solar cells(PSCs).Herein,we report a facile but powerful method to functionalize the surface of 2PACz-SAM,by which reproducible,highly stable,high-efficiency wide-bandgap PSCs can be obtained.The 2PACz surface treatment with various donor number solvents improves assembly of 2PACz-SAM and leave residual surface-bound solvent molecules on 2PACz-SAM,which increases perovskite grain size,retards halide segregation,and accelerates hole extraction.The surface functionalization achieves a high power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 17.62%for a single-junction wide-bandgap(~1.77 e V)PSC.We also demonstrate a monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cell using surfaceengineered HSC,showing high PCE of 24.66%with large open-circuit voltage of 2.008 V and high fillfactor of 81.45%.Our results suggest this simple approach can further improve the tandem device,when coupled with a high-performance narrow-bandgap sub-cell.

A Review of Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries:Recent Progress and Future Perspectives

Zinc-air batteries(ZABs)are gaining attention as an ideal option for various applications requiring high-capacity batteries,such as portable electronics,electric vehicles,and renewable energy storage.ZABs offer advantages such as low environmental impact,enhanced safety compared to Li-ion batteries,and cost-effectiveness due to the abundance of zinc.However,early research faced challenges due to parasitic reactions at the zinc anode and slow oxygen redox kinetics.Recent advancements in restructuring the anode,utilizing alternative electrolytes,and developing bifunctional oxygen catalysts have significantly improved ZABs.Scientists have achieved battery reversibility over thousands of cycles,introduced new electrolytes,and achieved energy efficiency records surpassing 70%.Despite these achievements,there are challenges related to lower power density,shorter lifespan,and air electrode corrosion leading to performance degradation.This review paper discusses different battery configurations,and reaction mechanisms for electrically and mechanically rechargeable ZABs,and proposes remedies to enhance overall battery performance.The paper also explores recent advancements,applications,and the future prospects of electrically/mechanically rechargeable ZABs.

Room-temperature sputtered electrocatalyst WSe2 nanomaterials for hydrogen evolution reaction

The low-temperature physical vapor deposition process of atomically thin two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide(2D TMD) has been gaining attention owing to the cost-effective production of diverse electrochemical catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) applications. We, herein, propose a simple route toward the cost-effective physical vapor deposition process of 2D WSe2 layered nanofilms as HER electrochemical catalysts using RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature(<27℃). By controlling the variable sputtering parameters, such as RF power and deposition time, the loading amount and electrochemical surface area(ECSA) of WSe2 films deposited on carbon paper can be carefully determined. The surface of the sputtered WSe2 films are partially oxidized, which may cause spherical-shaped particles. Regardless of the loading amount of WSe2, Tafel slopes of WSe2 electrodes in the HER test are narrowly distributed to be ~120–138 mV dec-1, which indicates the excellent reproducibility of intrinsic catalytic activity. By considering the trade-off between the loading amount and ECSA, the best HER performance is clearly observed in the 200 W-15 min sample with an overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. Such a simple sputtering method at low temperature can be easily expanded to other 2D TMD electrochemical catalysts, promising potentially practical electrocatalysts.

Point-defect engineering of nanoporous CuBi_(2)O_(4) photocathode via rapid thermal processing for enhanced photoelectrochemical activity

Engineering point defects such as metal and oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in manipulating the electrical,optical,and catalytic properties of oxide semiconductors for solar water splitting.Herein,we synthesized nanoporous CuBi_(2)O_(4)(np-CBO)photocathodes and engineered their surface point defects via rapid thermal processing(RTP)in controlled atmospheres(O_(2),N_(2),and vacuum).We found that the O_(2)-RTP treatment of np-CBO increased the charge carrier density effectively without hampering the nanoporous morphology,which was attributed to the formation of copper vacancies(VCu).Further analyses revealed that the amounts of oxygen vacancies(Vo)and Cu^(1+)were reduced simultaneously,and the relative electrochemical active surface area increased after the O_(2)-RTP treatment.Notably,the point defects(VC_(u),Cu^(1+),and Vo)regulated np-CBO achieved a superb water-splitting photocurrent density of-1.81 m A cm^(-2) under simulated sunlight illumination,which is attributed to the enhanced charge transport and transfer properties resulting from the regulated surface point defects.Finally,the reversibility of the formation of the point defects was checked by sequential RTP treatments(O_(2)-N_(2)-O_(2)-N_(2)),demonstrating the strong dependence of photocurrent response on the RTP cycles.Conclusively,the surface point defect engineering via RTP treatment in a controlled atmosphere is a rapid and facile strategy to promote charge transport and transfer properties of photoelectrodes for efficient solar water-splitting.

A Study of the Replacement of Materials in Smart Card

Gold, nickel and copper are usually used in connector of the smart card. Since Au is expensive and Ni is an allergenic material, simulated (CES) and bibliographical work is carried out in order to replace the Au and Ni layer in smart card connectors without sacrificing reliability. During the work, mechanical and electrical properties, corrosion resistance, cost, toxicity and process compatibility of the samples have been taken into consideration. Cu alloying with Zn or Sn, Cr and stainless steel were selected for electrodeposition process. Secondly, carbides (WC, TiC, ZrC), Ti, TiN, borides (TiB2) and silicide (MoSi2) are considered as a vapour deposited materials and some Cu alloying with Al, N or Mg also considered via ion implantation processes. But, vapour deposition and implantation are high energy processes compared to the electrodeposition process, which is expensive. Therefore, electrodeposited materials such as, Cu alloys (Brass or bronze), Cr and stainless steel could be considered as promising candidate to replace the Au and Ni layer in smart card connectors.

Unveiling the redox electrochemistry of 1D,urchin-like vanadium sulfide electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

Exploring novel versatile electrode materials with outstanding electrochemical performance is the key to the development of advanced energy conversion and storage devices.In this work,we aim to construct new-fangled one-dimensional(1D)quasi-layered patronite vanadium tetrasulfide(VS_(4))nanostructures by using different sulfur sources,namely thiourea,thioacetamide,and L-cysteine through an ethyleneaminetetraacetic-acid(EDTA)-mediated solvothermal process.The as-prepared VS4exhibits several unique morphologies such as urchin,fluffy nanoflower,and polyhedron with appropriate surface areas.Among the prepared nanostructures,the VS_(4)-1@NF nanostructure exhibited excellent electrochemical properties in 6 M KOH solution,and we explored its redox electrochemistry in detail.The asprepared VS_(4)-1@NF electrode exhibited battery-type redox characteristics with the highest capacity of280 C g^(-1)in a three-electrode assembly.Moreover,it offered a capacity of 123 F g^(-1)in a hybrid twoelectrode set-up at 1 A g^(-1)with the highest specific energy and specific power of 38.5 W h kg^(-1)and750 W kg^(-1),respectively.Furthermore,to ensure the practical applicability and real-world performance of the prepared hybrid AC@NF//VS_(4)-1@NF cell,we performed a cycling stability test with more than 5,000galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles at 2 A g^(-1),and the cell retained around 84.7%of its capacitance even after 5,000 cycles with a CE of 96.1%.

Zn-doped nickel iron(oxy)hydroxide nanocubes passivated by polyanions with high catalytic activity and corrosion resistance for seawater oxidation

Electrochemical water splitting to produce hydrogen fuel is a promising renewable energy-conversion technique.Large-scale electrolysis of freshwater may deplete water resources and cause water scarcity worldwide.Thus,seawater electrolysis is a potential solution to the future energy and water crisis.In seawater electrolysis,it is critical to develop cost-effective electrocatalysts to split seawater without chloride corrosion.Herein,we present zinc-doped nickel iron(oxy)hydroxide nanocubes passivated by negatively charged polyanions(NFZ-PBA-S)that exhibits outstanding catalytic activity,stability,and selectivity for seawater oxidation.Zn dopants and polyanion-rich passivated surface layers in NFZ-PBA-S could effectively repel chlorine ions and enhance corrosion resistance,enabling its excellent catalytic activity and stability for seawater oxidation.

Corrosion behavior of composite coatings containing hydroxyapatite particles on Mg alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation: A review

Mg and its alloys have been introduced as promising biodegradable materials for biomedical implant applications due to their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical behavior, and biodegradability. However, their susceptibility to rapid corrosion within the body poses a significant challenge and restricts their applications. To overcome this issue, various surface modification techniques have been developed to enhance the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of Mg-based implants. PEO is a potent technique for producing an oxide film on a surface that significantly minimizes the tendency to corrode. However, the inevitable defects due to discharges and poor biological activity during the coating process remain a concern. Therefore, adding suitable particles during the coating process is a suitable solution. Hydroxyapatite(HAp)has attracted much attention in the development of biomedical applications in the scientific community. HAp shows excellent biocompatibility due to its similarity in chemical composition to the mineral portion of bone. Therefore, its combination with Mg-based implants through PEO has shown significant improvements in their corrosion resistance and bioactivity. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the preparation, characterization, corrosion behavior and bioactivity applications of HAp particles on Mg-based implants by PEO.

Photothermal-photocatalytic thin-layer flow system for synergistic treatment of wastewater

The integration of the photocatalytic effect into solar steam is highly desirable for addressing freshwater shortages and water pollution.Here,a ternary film structure for the adsorption and photothermal and photocatalytic treatment of wastewater was designed by combining the technique of self-assembled carbon nano paper with a nitrogen composite titanium dioxide(N-TiO_(2))deposited on the surface of carbon nanotubes(CNT)using polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)as a substrate.The photogeneration of reactive oxygen species can be promoted by rapid oxygen diffusion at the three-phase interface,whereas the interfacial photothermal effect promotes subsequent free radical reactions for the degradation of rhodamine B(93%).The freshwater evaporation rate is 1.35 kg·m^(-2)·h^(-1)and the solar-to-water evaporation efficiency is 94%.Importantly,the N-TiO_(2)/CNT/PVDF(N-TCP)film not only effectively resists mechanical damage from the environment and maintains structural integrity,but can also be made into a large film for outdoor experiments in a large solar energy conversion device to collect fresh water from polluted water and degrade organic dyes in source water simultaneously,opening the way for applications in energy conversion and storage.

Efficient thermal management and all-season energy harvesting using adaptive radiative cooling and a thermoelectric power generator

Passive daytime radiative cooling(PDRC) is useful for thermal management because it allows an object to emit terrestrial heat into space without the use of additional energy.To produce sub-ambient temperatures under direct sunlight,PDRC materials are designed to reduce their absorption of solar energy and to enhance their long-wavelength infrared(LWIR) emissivity.In recent years,many photonic structures and polymer composites have been studied to improve the cooling system of buildings.However,in cold weather(i.e. during winter in cold climates),buildings need to be kept warm rather than cooled due to heat loss.To overcome this limitation,temperature-responsive radiative cooling is a promising alternative.In the present study,adaptive radiative cooling(ARC) film fabricated from a polydimethylsiloxane/hollow SiO_(2) microsphere/thermochromic pigment composite was investigated.We found that the ARC film absorbed solar radiation under cold conditions while exhibiting radiative cooling at ambient temperatures above 40℃.Thus,in outdoor experiments,the ARC film achieved sub-ambient temperatures and had a theoretical cooling power of 63.2 W/m~2 in hot weather.We also demonstrated that radiative cooling with an energy harvesting system could be used to improve the energy management of buildings,with the thermoelectric module continuously generating output power using the ARC film.Therefore,we believe that our proposed ARC film can be employed for efficient thermal management of buildings and all-season energy harvesting in the near future.

A novel dual-functional layer exhibiting exceptional protection and photocatalytic activity by organic functionalization of plasma electrolyzed layer

The formation of inorganic-organic hybrids(IOH)on the metallic substrates would play a decisive role in improving their structural and functional features.In this work,the growth of organic coating(OC)consisting of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid(3-CCA)and albumin(ALB)on the inorganic layer(IC),produced by plasma electrolysis of AZ31 Mg alloy,led to enabling organically synergistic reactions on the porous inorganic surface,forming a flake-like structure sealing the structural defects of IC.Synergistic actions between OC and IC endow the flake-like structures with chemical protection and photocatalytic performance.Upon contact with a corrosive solution,the IOH layer possesses stable morphologies that delay the corrosive degradation of the whole structure.The electrochemical stability of the sample produced by immersion IC in the organic solution for 10 h(IOH2 sample)was superior to the other samples as it had the lowest corrosion current density(1.69×10^(−10)A·cm^(−2))and the highest top layer resistance(1.2×10^(7)Ω·cm^(2)).Moreover,the IOH layer can photodegrade the organic pollutants in model wastewater,where the highest photocatalytic efficiency of 99.47%was found in the IOH2 sample.Furthermore,computational calculations were performed to assess the relative activity of different parts of the ALB and 3-CCA structures,which provide helpful information into the formation mechanism of the IOH materials.

Electrochemical response of MgO/Co_(3)O_(4) oxide layers produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation and post treatment using cobalt nitrate

This work looked into the influence of the sealing treatment on the structural feature and electrochemical response of AZ31 Mg alloy coated via plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO).Here,the inorganic layers produced by PEO in an alkaline-phosphate electrolyte were subsequently immersed for different periods in cold(60°C)and hot(100°C)aqueous solutions containing either 1 or 3 gr of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as an initiator.The results showed that the sealing treatments in the hot solutions could trigger the hydration reactions of PEO coating which would largely assist the surface incorporation of Co_(3)O_(4)into the coating.In contrast,the sealing in cold solutions led to less compact coatings,which was attributed to the fact the hydration reactions would be restricted at 60°C.A nearly fully sealed coating with a porosity of~0.5%was successfully formed on the sample immersed in the hot solution containing 1 gr of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate.Thus,the electrochemical stability of this fully sealed coating was superior to the other samples as it had the lowest corrosion current density(4.71×10^(-10)A·cm^(-2))and the highest outer layer resistance(3.81×10^(7)Ω·cm^(2)).The composite coatings developed in this study are ideal for applications requiring high electrochemical stability.