In situ modification of heavy oil catalyzed by nanosized metal-organic framework at mild temperature and its mechanism

Two catalysts, nano-sized cobalt-metal-organic framework(Co-MOF) and nickel(Ni)-MOF, were successfully prepared by the modification method. Tetralin(C10H12) was used as the hydrogen donor for the catalytic cracking and hydrogenation modification study of the dehydrated crude oil from the Shengli Oilfield. The optimal reaction conditions were determined through orthogonal experiments, and the components of the crude oil and modified oil samples were analyzed. The results revealed that the nanoMOF catalysts were successfully prepared and exhibited high catalytic activity. They could catalyze the cracking of large molecules in heavy oil at mild temperatures(<300°C), leading to the decomposition of the hydrogen donor. When the mass fraction of the catalyst was 0.2%, the mass fraction of the hydrogen donor was 1%, and the reaction temperature was 280°C, the Ni-MOF showed the best catalytic viscosity reduction effect. It could reduce the viscosity of heavy oil at 50°C from 15761.9 m Pa.s to 1266.2 m Pa.s,with a viscosity reduction rate of 91.97%. The modification effect of Co-MOF was the next best, which could reduce the viscosity of heavy oil to 2500.1 m Pa.s with a viscosity reduction rate of 84.14%. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong interaction force between the MOF surface and asphaltene molecules. In the process of heavy-oil catalytic hydrogenation, the nano-MOF catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity. On the one hand, the empty d orbitals outside the metal atoms in the catalyst could polarize the carbon atoms in the organic matter, accelerating the breaking of long chains. On the other hand, the metal atoms in the catalyst could bond with the carbon σ bonds, breaking the carbon-carbon bonds. This disrupted the structure of the recombined components in the crude oil, irreversibly reducing the viscosity of the heavy oil and improving its fluidity.

A Review of Contact Electrification at Diversified Interfaces and Related Applications on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

The triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)can effectively collect energy based on contact electrification(CE)at diverse interfaces,including solid–solid,liquid–solid,liquid–liquid,gas–solid,and gas–liquid.This enables energy harvesting from sources such as water,wind,and sound.In this review,we provide an overview of the coexistence of electron and ion transfer in the CE process.We elucidate the diverse dominant mechanisms observed at different interfaces and emphasize the interconnectedness and complementary nature of interface studies.The review also offers a comprehensive summary of the factors influencing charge transfer and the advancements in interfacial modification techniques.Additionally,we highlight the wide range of applications stemming from the distinctive characteristics of charge transfer at various interfaces.Finally,this review elucidates the future opportunities and challenges that interface CE may encounter.We anticipate that this review can offer valuable insights for future research on interface CE and facilitate the continued development and industrialization of TENG.

Fast prototype and rapid construction of three-dimensional and multi-scaled pitcher for controlled drainage by systematic biomimicry

Biomimetic materials that use natural wisdom to solve practical problems are developing rapidly.The trend for systematic biomimicry is towards in-situ characterization of naturalcreatures with high spatial resolutions.Furthermore,rapid reconstruction of digital twin models with the same complex features as the prototype is indispensable.However,it faces bottlenecks and limits in fast characterization and fabrication,precise parameter optimization,geometricdeviations control,and quality prediction.To solve these challenges,here,we demonstrate astate-of-the-art method taking advantage of micro-computed tomography and three-dimensional printing for the fast characterization of the pitcher plant Nepenthes x ventrata and fabrication of its biomimetic model to obtain a superior drainage controller with multiscale structures withprecise surface morphology optimization and geometric deviation control.Thefilm-rupture-based drainage dynamic and mechanisms are characterized by x-ray and high-speed videography,which determines the crucial structures for unique directionaldrainage.Then the optimized artificial pitchers are further developed into sustained drainage devices with novel applications,such as detection,reaction,and smoke control.

Differences and Similarities of Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials:Strategies,Traps,Applications and Challenges

Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have been essential parts of electrochemical processes for over half a century.Recent progress in the controllable synthesis of 2D nanomaterials has exhibited enhanced catalytic performance compared to bulk materials.This has led to significant interest in the exploitation of 2D nanomaterials for catalysis.There have been a variety of excellent reviews on 2D nanomaterials for catalysis,but related issues of differences and similarities between photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in 2D nanomaterials are still vacant.Here,we provide a comprehensive overview on the differences and similarities of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in the latest 2D nanomaterials.Strategies and traps for performance enhancement of 2D nanocatalysts are highlighted,which point out the differences and similarities of series issues for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.In addition,2D nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications are discussed.Finally,opportunities,challenges and development directions for 2D nanocatalysts are described.The intention of this review is to inspire and direct interest in this research realm for the creation of future 2D nanomaterials for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Biodegradable, Super-Strong, and Conductive Cellulose Macrofibers for Fabric-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Electronic fibers used to fabricate wearable triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG) for harvesting human mechanical energy have been extensively explored. However, little attention is paid to their mutual advantages of environmental friendliness, mechanical properties, and stability. Here, we report a super-strong, biodegradable, and washable cellulose-based conductive macrofibers, which is prepared by wet-stretching and wet-twisting bacterial cellulose hydrogel incorporated with carbon nanotubes and polypyrrole. The cellulose-based conductive macrofibers possess high tensile strength of 449 MPa(able to lift 2 kg weights), good electrical conductivity(~ 5.32 S cm^(-1)), and excellent stability(Tensile strength and conductivity only decrease by 6.7% and 8.1% after immersing in water for 1 day). The degradation experiment demonstrates macrofibers can be degraded within 108 h in the cellulase solution. The designed fabric-based TENG from the cellulose-base conductive macrofibers shows a maximum open-circuit voltage of 170 V, short-circuit current of 0.8 μA, and output power at 352 μW, which is capable of powering the commercial electronics by charging the capacitors. More importantly, the fabric-based TENGs can be attached to the human body and work as self-powered sensors to effectively monitor human motions. This study suggests the potential of biodegradable, super-strong, and washable conductive cellulose-based fiber for designing eco-friendly fabric-based TENG for energy harvesting and biomechanical monitoring.

Structure, Performance, and Application of BiFeO_(3) Nanomaterials

Multiferroic nanomaterials have attracted great interest due to simultaneous two or more properties such as ferroelectricity,ferromagnetism,and ferroelasticity,which can promise a broad application in multifunctional,lowpower consumption,environmentally friendly devices.Bismuth ferrite(BiFeO3,BFO)exhibits both(anti)ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties at room temperature.Thus,it has played an increasingly important role in multiferroic system.In this review,we systematically discussed the developments of BFO nanomaterials including morphology,structures,properties,and potential applications in multiferroic devices with novel functions.Even the opportunities and challenges were all analyzed and summarized.We hope this review can act as an updating and encourage more researchers to push on the development of BFO nanomaterials in the future.

Multidiscipline Applications of Triboelectric Nanogenerators for the Intelligent Era of Internet of Things

In the era of 5G and the Internet of things(IoTs),vari-ous human-computer interaction systems based on the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)and IoTs technologies dem-onstrate the feasibility of sustainable and self-powered functional systems.The rapid development of intelligent applications of IoTs based on TENGs mainly relies on supplying the harvested mechanical energy from surroundings and implementing active sensing,which have greatly changed the way of human production and daily life.This review mainly introduced the TENG applications in multidisci-pline scenarios of IoTs,including smart agriculture,smart industry,smart city,emergency monitoring,and machine learning-assisted artificial intelligence applications.The challenges and future research directions of TENG toward IoTs have also been proposed.The exten-sive developments and applications of TENG will push forward the IoTs into an energy autonomy fashion.

A Hybrid Biofuel and Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Bioenergy Harvesting

Various types of energy exist everywhere around us,and these energies can be harvested from multiple sources to power micro-/nanoelectronic system and even personal electronic products.In this work,we proposed a hybrid energy-harvesting system(HEHS)for potential in vivo applications.The HEHS consisted of a triboelectric nanogenerator and a glucose fuel cell for simultaneously harvesting biomechanical energy and biochemical energy in simulated body fluid.These two energy-harvesting units can work individually as a single power source or work simultaneously as an integrated system.This design strengthened the flexibility of harvesting multiple energies and enhanced corresponding electric output.Compared with any individual device,the integrated HEHS outputs a superimposed current and has a faster charging rate.Using the harvested energy,HEHS can power a calculator or a green light-emitting diode pattern.Considering the widely existed biomechanical energy and glucose molecules in the body,the developed HEHS can be a promising candidate for building in vivo self-powered healthcare monitoring system.

Coupling Enhancement of a Flexible BiFeO_(3) Film-Based Nanogenerator for Simultaneously Scavenging Light and Vibration Energies

Coupled nanogenerators have been a research hotspot due to their ability to harvest a variety of forms of energy such as light,mechanical and thermal energy and achieve a stable direct current output.Ferroelectric films are frequently investigated for photovoltaic applications due to their unique photovoltaic properties and bandgap-independent photovoltage,while the flexoelectric effect is an electromechanical property commonly found in solid dielectrics.Here,we effectively construct a new form of coupled nanogenerator based on a flexible BiFeO_(3) ferroelectric film that combines both flexoelectric and photovoltaic effects to successfully harvest both light and vibration energies.This device converts an alternating current into a direct current and achieves a 6.2% charge enhancement and a 19.3%energy enhancement to achieve a multi-dimensional"1+1>2"coupling enhancement in terms of current,charge and energy.This work proposes a new approach to the coupling of multiple energy harvesting mechanisms in ferroelectric nanogenerators and provides a new strategy to enhance the transduction efficiency of flexible functional devices.

Piezotronic neuromorphic devices:principle,manufacture,and applications

With the arrival of the era of artificial intelligence(AI)and big data,the explosive growth of data has raised higher demands on computer hardware and systems.Neuromorphic techniques inspired by biological nervous systems are expected to be one of the approaches to breaking the von Neumann bottleneck.Piezotronic neuromorphic devices modulate electrical transport characteristics by piezopotential and directly associate external mechanical motion with electrical output signals in an active manner,with the capability to sense/store/process information of external stimuli.In this review,we have presented the piezotronic neuromorphic devices(which are classified into strain-gated piezotronic transistors and piezoelectric nanogenerator-gated field effect transistors based on device structure)and discussed their operating mechanisms and related manufacture techniques.Secondly,we summarized the research progress of piezotronic neuromorphic devices in recent years and provided a detailed discussion on multifunctional applications,including bionic sensing,information storage,logic computing,and electrical/optical artificial synapses.Finally,in the context of future development,challenges,and perspectives,we have discussed how to modulate novel neuromorphic devices with piezotronic effects more effectively.It is believed that the piezotronic neuromorphic devices have great potential for the next generation of interactive sensation/memory/computation to facilitate the development of the Internet of Things,AI,biomedical engineering,etc.

Correction to:A Hybrid Biofuel and Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Bioenergy Harvesting

In the original publication,the authors’contribution is missing in the acknowledgment section.The correct acknowledgement is provided in this correction.Also,in Fig.4,the second(c)after figure(d)should be read as(e).In Fig.5(i),the Y-axis label“Current(μA)”should be read as“Voltage”.

Influence of a Protective Coating Slurry on Enhancing the Descaling Ability and Oxidation Resistance of 9% Nickel Steel

A kind of ceramic slurry was prepared and sprayed onto the surface of 9Ni steel at room temperature. The coating layer will not only reduce the depth of the formed Ni-enriched entanglement at high temperature but also have an excellent ability to resist oxidation of the 9Ni steel. Compared to bare specimen, the depths of the entanglement of the coated 9Ni specimen could be successfully reduced by 74.1% and the oxidation loss be decreased by 62.3% by heating at 1 250 ℃ for 60 min. In addition, the coated specimen indicates no trace of oxide pegs. It proves that the coating has outstanding improvement to internal oxidation resistance. Some characterization methods such as metalloscopy, XRD, XPS, SEM and EDX have been used to reveal a possible protective mechanism. The result shows that the coating layer reacts with the iron oxide to form Mg Fe2O4 on the surface of the coated specimen, which could provide a smaller diffusion coefficient rate of Fe ion. The coating with a low cost and easy implementation is promisingly applicable in the slab-reheating process of the 9Ni steel.

A Self‑Powered,Highly Embedded and Sensitive Tribo‑Label‑Sensor for the Fast and Stable Label Printer

Label-sensor is an essential component of the label printer which is becoming a most significant tool for the development of Internet of Things(IoT).However,some drawbacks of the traditional infrared label-sensor make the printer fail to realize the high-speed recognition of labels as well as stable printing.Herein,we propose a selfpowered and highly sensitive tribo-label-sensor(TLS)for accurate label identification,positioning and counting by embedding triboelectric nanogenerator into the indispensable roller structure of a label printer.The sensing mechanism,device parameters and deep comparison with infrared sensor are systematically studied both in theory and experiment.As the results,TLS delivers 6 times higher signal magnitude than traditional one.Moreover,TLS is immune to label jitter and temperature variation during fast printing and can also be used for transparent label directly and shows long-term robustness.This work may provide an alternative toolkit with outstanding advantages to improve current label printer and further promote the development of IoT.

Selective synthesis of three-dimensional ZnO@Ag/SiO2@Ag nanorod arrays as surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates with tunable interior dielectric layer

We describe the synthesis of three-dimensional(3D) multilayer ZnO@Ag/SiO2@Ag nanorod arrays by the physico–chemical method. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS) performance of the 3D multilayer Zn O@Ag/SiO2@Ag nanorod arrays is studied by varying the thickness of dielectric layer SiO2 and outer-layer noble Ag. The 3D Zn O@Ag/SiO2@Ag nanorod arrays create a huge number of SERS "hot spots" that mainly contribute to the high SERS sensitivity. The great enhancement of SERS results from the electron transfer between ZnO and Ag and different electromagnetic enhancements of Ag nanoparticles(NPs) with different thicknesses. Through the finite-difference time-domain(FDTD) theoretical simulation, the enhancement of SERS signal can be ascribed to a strong electric field enhancement produced in the 3D framework. The simplicity and generality of our method offer great advantages for further understanding the SERS mechanism induced by the surface plasmon resonance(SPR) effect.

Epitaxial Lift-Off of Flexible GaN‑Based HEMT Arrays with Performances Optimization by the Piezotronic Effect

High-electron-mobility transistors(HEMTs)are a promising device in the field of radio frequency and wireless communication.However,to unlock the full potential of HEMTs,the fabrication of large-size flexible HEMTs is required.Herein,a large-sized(>2 cm^(2))of AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructure-based HEMTs were successfully stripped from sapphire substrate to a flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate by an electrochemical lift-off technique.The piezotronic effect was then induced to optimize the electron transport performance by modulating/tuning the physical properties of two-dimensional electron gas(2DEG)and phonons.The saturation current of the flexible HEMT is enhanced by 3.15%under the 0.547%tensile condition,and the thermal degradation of the HEMT was also obviously suppressed under compressive straining.The corresponding electrical performance changes and energy diagrams systematically illustrate the intrinsic mechanism.This work not only provides in-depth understanding of the piezotronic effect in tuning 2DEG and phonon properties in GaN HEMTs,but also demonstrates a low-cost method to optimize its electronic and thermal properties.

Imaging the diffusion pathway of Al^3+ ion in NASICON-type (Al0.2Zr0.8)20/19Nb(PO4)3 as electrolyte for rechargeable solid-state Al batteries

Among all-solid-state batteries, rechargeable Al-ion batteries have attracted most attention because they involve threeelectron-redox reactions with high theoretic specific capacity. However, the solid Al-ion conductor electrolytes are less studied. Here, the microscopic path of Al3+-ion conduction of NASICON-type(Al0.2Zr0.8)20/19Nb(PO4)3oxide is identified by temperature-dependent neutron powder diffraction and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments.(Al0.2Zr0.8)20/19Nb(PO4)3shows a rhombohedral structure consisting of a framework of(Zr,Nb)O6octahedra sharing corners with(PO4) tetrahedra; the Al occupy trigonal antiprisms exhibiting extremely large displacement factors. This suggests a strong displacement of Al ions along the c axis of the unit cell as they diffuse across the structure by a vacancy mechanism. Negative thermal expansion behavior is also identified along a and b axes, due to folding of the framework as temperature increases.

Tribotronics: an emerging field by coupling triboelectricity and semiconductors

Tribotronics is an emerging research field that focuses on the coupling of triboelectricity and semiconductors.In this review,we summarise and explore three branches of tribotronics.Firstly,we introduce the tribovoltaic effect,which involves direct-current power generation through mechanical friction on semiconductor interfaces.This effect offers significant advantages in terms of high power density compared to traditional insulator-based triboelectric nanogenerators.Secondly,we elaborate on triboelectric modulation,which utilises the triboelectric potential on field-effect transistors.This approach enables active mechanosensation and nanoscale tactile perception.Additionally,we present triboelectric management,which aims to improve energy supply efficiency using semiconductor device technology.This strategy provides an effective microenergy solution for sensors and microsystems.For the interactions between triboelectricity and semiconductors,the research of tribotronics has exhibited the electronics of interfacial friction systems,and the triboelectric technology by electronics.This review demonstrates the promising prospects of tribotronics in the development of new functional devices and self-powered microsystems for intelligent manufacturing,robotic sensing,and the industrial Internet of Things.

MXene Lubricated Tribovoltaic Nanogenerator with High Current Output and Long Lifetime

Tribovoltaic nanogenerators(TVNGs)have the characteristics of high current density,low matched impedance and continuous output,which is expected to solve the problem of power supply for small electronic devices.However,wear occurrence in friction interface will seriously reduce the performance of TVNGs as well as lifetime.Here,we employ MXene solution as lubricate to improve output current density and lifetime of TVNG simultaneously,where a high value of 754 mA m^(-2)accompanied with a record durability of 90,000 cycles were achieved.By comparing multiple liquid lubricates with different polarity,we show that conductive polar liquid with MXene as additive plays a crucial role in enhancing the electrical output performance and durability of TVNG.Moreover,the universality of MXene solution is well demonstrated in various TVNGs with Cu and P-type Si,and Cu and N-GaAs as material pairs.This work may guide and accelerates the practical application of TVNG in future.

A wave-shaped electrode flexible sensor capable of sensitively responding to wrinkle excitation for a multifunctional human-computer interaction system

Human-machine interactions(HMIs)have advanced rapidly in recent decades in the fields of healthcare,work,and life.However,people with disabilities and other mobility problems do not have corresponding high-tech aids for them to enjoy the convenience of HMIs.In this paper,we propose a sensor with a wave-shaped(corrugated)electrode embedded in a friction layer,which exhibits high sensitivity to skin fold excitation and enormous potential in HMIs.Attributing to the wave-shaped electrode design,it has no built-in cavities,and its small size allows it to flexibly cope with folds at different angles.By specifying the carbon nanotube hybrid silicone film as the electrode layer material and silicone film as the friction layer,good electrical output performance,tensile properties,and biocompatibility can be achieved.Then,the sensor is tested on various joints and skin folds of the human body,the output signals of which can be distinguished between normal physiological behavior and test behavior.Based on this sensor,we designed a medical alarm system,a robotic arm assistive system,and a cell phone application control system for the disabled to help them in the fields of healthcare,work,and life.In conclusion,our research presents a feasible technology to enhance HMIs and makes a valuable contribution to the development of high-tech aids for the disabled.

Atomscopic of ripple origins for two-dimensional monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

During the development of ultrathin two-dimensional(2D)materials,the appearance of ripples has been widely observed.However,the formation mechanisms and their influences are still rarely investigated,especially their contributions to the electronic structures and optical properties.To compensate for the knowledge gap,we have carried out comprehensive theoretical studies on the monolayer WSe_(2) with a series of ripple structures from 0 to 12Åin different lattice sizes.The sensitivity of the formation energy,band structures,electronic structures,and optical properties to the ripple structures have been performed systematically for the first time.The formation of ripples in Armchair and zigzag simultaneously are more energetically favorable,leading to more flexible optimizations of the optoelectronic properties.The improved charge-locking effect and extension of absorption ranges indicate the significant role of ripple structures.The spontaneous formation of ripples is associated with orbital rearrangements and structural distortions.This leads to the unique charge carrier correlate inversion between W-5d and Se-4p orbitals,resulting in the pinning of the Fermi level.This work has supplied significant references to understand ultrathin 2D structures and benefit their future developments and applications in high-performance optoelectronic devices.