Semi-quantitative analysis of the structural evolution of mesophase pitch-based carbon foams by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy

Graphitized carbon foams(GFms)were prepared using mesophase pitch(MP)as a raw material by foaming(450℃),pre-oxidation(320℃),carbonization(1000℃)and graphitization(2800℃).The differences in structure and properties of GFms prepared from different MP precursors pretreated by ball milling or liquid phase extraction were investigated and compared,and semi-quantitative calculations were conducted on the Raman and FTIR spectra of samples at each preparation stage.Semi-quantitat-ive spectroscopic analysis provided detailed information on the structure and chemical composition changes of the MP and GFm de-rived from it.Combined with microscopic observations,the change from precursor to GFm was analyzed.The results showed that ball milling concentrated the distribution of aromatic molecules in the pitch,which contributed to uniform foaming to give a GFm with a uniform pore distribution and good properties.Liquid phase extraction helped remove light components while retaining large aromatics to form graphitic planes with the largest average size during post-treatment to produce a GFm with the highest degree of graphitization and the fewest open pores,giving the best compression resistance(2.47 MPa),the highest thermal conductivity(64.47 W/(m·K))and the lowest electrical resistance(13.02μΩ·m).Characterization combining semi-quantitative spectroscopic ana-lysis with microscopic observations allowed us to control the preparation of the MP-derived GFms.

Properties of radiation defects and threshold energy of displacement in zirconium hydride obtained by new deep-learning potential

Zirconium hydride(ZrH_(2)) is an ideal neutron moderator material. However, radiation effect significantly changes its properties, which affect its behavior and the lifespan of the reactor. The threshold energy of displacement is an important quantity of the number of radiation defects produced, which helps us to predict the evolution of radiation defects in ZrH_(2).Molecular dynamics(MD) and ab initio molecular dynamics(AIMD) are two main methods of calculating the threshold energy of displacement. The MD simulations with empirical potentials often cannot accurately depict the transitional states that lattice atoms must surpass to reach an interstitial state. Additionally, the AIMD method is unable to perform largescale calculation, which poses a computational challenge beyond the simulation range of density functional theory. Machine learning potentials are renowned for their high accuracy and efficiency, making them an increasingly preferred choice for molecular dynamics simulations. In this work, we develop an accurate potential energy model for the ZrH_(2) system by using the deep-potential(DP) method. The DP model has a high degree of agreement with first-principles calculations for the typical defect energy and mechanical properties of the ZrH_(2) system, including the basic bulk properties, formation energy of point defects, as well as diffusion behavior of hydrogen and zirconium. By integrating the DP model with Ziegler–Biersack–Littmark(ZBL) potential, we can predict the threshold energy of displacement of zirconium and hydrogen in ε-ZrH_(2).

Microscopic growth mechanism and edge states of monolayer 1T'-MoTe_(2)

Transition metal ditellurides(TMTDs)have versatile physical properties,including non-trivial topology,Weyl semimetal states and unique spin texture.Controlled growth of high-quality and large-scale monolayer TMTDs with preferred crystal phases is crucial for their applications.Here,we demonstrate the epitaxial growth of 1T'-MoTe_(2) on Au(111)and graphitized silicon carbide(Gr/SiC)by molecular beam epitaxy(MBE).We investigate the morphology of the grown1T'-MoTe_(2) at the atomic level by scanning tunnelling microscopy(STM)and reveal the corresponding microscopic growth mechanism.It is found that the unique ordered Te structures preferentially deposited on Au(111)regulate the growth of monolayer single crystal 1T'-MoTe_(2),while the Mo clusters were preferentially deposited on the Gr/SiC substrate,which impedes the ordered growth of monolayer MoTe_(2).We confirm that the size of single crystal 1T'-MoTe_(2) grown on Au(111)is nearly two orders of magnitude larger than that on Gr/SiC.By scanning tunnelling spectroscopy(STS),we observe that the STS spectrum of the monolayer 1T'-MoTe_(2) nano-island at the edge is different from that at the interior,which exhibits enhanced conductivity.

Microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of Al/Mg joints manufactured by magnetic pulse welding

The effective connection of 1050 Al and AZ31 Mg was realized by magnetic pulse welding.The maximum tensile-shear force of the dissimilar Al/Mg metal lap joint reached 97%of that of the 1050 Al alloy base material by optimizing the process parameters.The microstructure of dissimilar Al/Mg welded joints was analysed by Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM),Energy Dispersive Spectrometer(EDS)and Electron Backscattered Diffraction(EBSD).The results show that the key to obtaining high shear strength of Al/Mg dissimilar metal joints is mainly due to the following two reasons.On the one hand,grain refinement and element interdiffusion occur at the interface.On the other hand,no intermetallic compounds are formed at the interface.

Molecular dynamics study of interactions between edge dislocation and irradiation-induced defects in Fe–10Ni–20Cr alloy

Irradiation-induced defects frequently impede the slip of dislocations, resulting in a sharp decline in the performance of nuclear reactor structural materials, particularly core structural materials. In the present work, molecular dynamics method is used to investigate the interactions between edge dislocations and three typical irradiation-induced defects(void,Frank loop, and stacking fault tetrahedron) with the sizes of 3 nm, 5 nm, and 7 nm at different temperatures in Fe–10Ni–20Cr alloy. The critical resolved shear stresses(CRSSs) are compared among different defect types after interacting with edge dislocations. The results show that the CRSS decreases with temperature increasing and defect size decreasing for each defect type during the interaction with edge dislocations, except for the case of 3-nm Frank loops at 900 K. According to a comparison, the CRSS in Frank loop is significantly higher than that of others of the same size, which is due to the occurrence of unfaulting and formation of superjog or stacking-fault complex during the interaction. The atomic evolution of irradiation-induced defects after interacting with dislocations can provide a novel insight into the design of new structural materials.

Ambient-Condition Strategy for Production of Hollow Ga_(2)O_(3)@rGO Crystalline Nanostructures Toward Efficient Lithium Storage

Crystallineγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)@rGO core-shell nanostructures are synthesized in gram scale,which are accomplished by a facile sonochemical strategy under ambient condition.They are composed of uniformγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)nanospheres encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide(rGO)nanolayers,and their formation is mainly attributed to the existed opposite zeta potential between the Ga_(2)O_(3)and rGO.The as-constructed lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)based on as-fabricatedγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)@rGO nanostructures deliver an initial discharge capacity of 1000 mAh g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1)and reversible capacity of 600 mAh g^(-1)under 500 mA g^(-1)after 1000 cycles,respectively,which are remarkably higher than those of pristineγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)with a much reduced lifetime of 100 cycles and much lower capacity.Ex situ XRD and XPS analyses demonstrate that the reversible LIBs storage is dominant by a conversion reaction and alloying mechanism,where the discharged product of liquid metal Ga exhibits self-healing ability,thus preventing the destroy of electrodes.Additionally,the rGO shell could act robustly as conductive network of the electrode for significantly improved conductivity,endowing the efficient Li storage behaviors.This work might provide some insight on mass production of advanced electrode materials under mild condition for energy storage and conversion applications.

Controllable and large-area growth of ZnO nanosheet arrays under ambient condition as superior anodes for scalable aqueous batteries

Two-dimensional(2D)oxides have been the focus of substantial research interest recently,owing to their fascinating physico-chemical properties.However,fabrication of large-area 2D oxide materials in a controlled manner under mild conditions still remains a formidable challenge.Herein,we develop a facile and universal strategy based on the sonochemistry approach for controllable and large-area growth of quasi-aligned single-crystalline ZnO nanosheets on a Zn substrate(Zn@SC-ZnO)under ambient conditions.The obtained ZnO nanosheets possess the desired exclusively exposed(001)facets,which have been confirmed to play a critical role in significantly reducing the activation energy and facilitating the stripping/plating processes of Zn.Accordingly,the constructed Zn@SC-ZnO||Zn@SC-ZnO symmetric cell has very low polarization overpotential down to~20 mV,with limited dendrite growth and side reactions for Zn anodes.The developed Zn@SC-ZnO//MnO_(2)aqueous Zn-ion batteries(ZIBs)show a voltage efficiency of 88.2%under 500 mA g^(-1)at the stage of 50%depth of discharge,which is state of the art for ZIBs reported to date.Furthermore,the as-assembled large-size cell(5 cm×5 cm)delivers an open circuit potential of 1.648 V,and can be robustly operated under a high current of 20 mA,showing excellent potential for future scalable applications.

Air-condition process for scalable fabrication of CdS/ZnS 1D/2D heterojunctions toward efficient and stable photocatalytic hydrogen production

We report the scalable fabrication of CdS/ZnS 1D/2D heterojunctions under ambient air conditions(i.e.,room temperature and atmospheric pressure)in which ZnS nanoparticles are anchored on the surface of CdS nanosheets.The as-formed heterojunctions exhibit a significantly enhanced photocatalytic H_(2) evolution rate of 14.02 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1) when irradiated with visible light,which is~10 and 85 times higher than those of pristine CdS nanosheets and CdS nanoparticles,respectively,and superior to most of the CdS-based photocatalysts reported to date.Furthermore,they provide robust photocatalytic performance with demonstratable stability over 58 h,indicating their potential for practical applications.The formation of 1D/2D heterojunctions not only provides improved exposed active sites that respond to illumination but also provides a rapid pathway to generate photogenerated carriers for efficient separation and transfer through the matrix of single-crystalline CdS nanosheets.In addition,first-principles simulations demonstrate that the existence of rich Zn vacancies increases the energy level of the ZnS valence band maximum to construct type-II and Z-scheme mixed heterojunctions,which plays a critical role in suppressing the recombination of carriers with limited photocorrosion of CdS to enhance photocatalytic behavior.

Impact of low-dose radiation on nitrided lateral 4H-SiC MOSFETs and the related mechanisms

Lateral type n-channel 4H-SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors(MOSFETs),fabricated using a current industrial process,are irradiated with gamma rays at different irradiation doses in this paper to carry out a profound study on the generation mechanism of radiation-induced interface traps and oxide trapped charges.Electrical parameters(e.g.,threshold voltage,subthreshold swing and channel mobility)of the device before and after irradiation are investigated,and the influence of the channel orientation([1100]and[1120])on the radiation effect is discussed for the first time.A positive threshold voltage shift is observed at very low irradiation doses(<100 krad(Si));the threshold voltage then shifts negatively as the dose increases.It is found that the dependence of interface trap generation on the radiation dose is not the same for doses below and above 100 krad.For irradiation doses<100 krad,the radiation-induced interface traps with relatively high generation speeds dominate the competition with radiation-induced oxide trapped charges,contributing to the positive threshold voltage shift correspondingly.All these results provide additional insight into the radiation-induced charge trapping mechanism in the SiO_(2)/SiC interface.

Integration of pore structure modulation and B,N co-doping for enhanced capacitance deionization of biomass-derived carbon

Biomass-derived carbon has demonstrated great potentials as advanced electrode for capacitive deionization(CDI),owing to good electroconductivity,easy availability,intrinsic pores/channels.However,conventional simple pyrolysis of biomass always generates inadequate porosity with limited surface area.Moreover,biomass-derived carbon also suffers from poor wettability and single physical adsorption of ions,resulting in limited desalination performance.Herein,pore structure optimization and element co-doping are integrated on banana peels(BP)-derived carbon to construct hierarchically porous and B,N co-doped carbon with large ions-accessible surface area.A unique expansionactivation(EA)strategy is proposed to modulate the porosity and specific surface area of carbon.Furthermore,B,N co-doping could increase the ions-accessible sites with improved hydrophilicity,and promote ions adsorption.Benefitting from the synergistic effect of hierarchical porosity and B,N co-doping,the resultant electrode manifest enhanced CDI performance for NaCl with large desalination capacity(29.5 mg g^(-1)),high salt adsorption rate(6.2 mg g^(-1)min^(-1)),and versatile adsorption ability for other salts.Density functional theory reveals the enhanced deionization mechanism by pore and B,N co-doping.This work proposes a facile EA strategy for pore structure modulation of biomass-derived carbon,and demonstrates great potentials of integrating pore and heteroatoms-doping on constructing high-performance CDI electrode.

Incombustible solid polymer electrolytes:A critical review and perspective

Since the advent of the solid-state batteries,employing solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)to replace routine flammable liquid electrolytes is regarded to be one of the most promising solutions in pursing highenergy-density battery systems.SPEs with superior thermal stability,good processability,and high mechanical modulus obtain increasing attentions.However,SPE-based batteries are not impenetrable due to their decomposition and combustibility under extreme conditions.Researchers believe incorporating appropriate flame-retardant additives/solvents/fragments into SPEs can intrinsically reduce their flammability to solve the battery safety issues.In this review,the recent research progress of incombustible SPEs,with special emphasis on flame-retardant structural design,is summarized.Specifically,a brief introduction of flame-retardant mechanism,evaluation index for safety of SPEs,and a detailed overview of the latest advances on diverse-types SPEs in various battery systems are highlighted.The deep insight into thermal ru naway process,the free-standing incombustible GPEs,and the ratio nal design of pouch cell structures may be the main directions to motivate revolutionary next-generation for safety batteries.

Recent innovations in laser additive manufacturing of titanium alloys

Titanium(Ti)alloys are widely used in high-tech fields like aerospace and biomedical engineering.Laser additive manufacturing(LAM),as an innovative technology,is the key driver for the development of Ti alloys.Despite the significant advancements in LAM of Ti alloys,there remain challenges that need further research and development efforts.To recap the potential of LAM high-performance Ti alloy,this article systematically reviews LAM Ti alloys with up-to-date information on process,materials,and properties.Several feasible solutions to advance LAM Ti alloys are reviewed,including intelligent process parameters optimization,LAM process innovation with auxiliary fields and novel Ti alloys customization for LAM.The auxiliary energy fields(e.g.thermal,acoustic,mechanical deformation and magnetic fields)can affect the melt pool dynamics and solidification behaviour during LAM of Ti alloys,altering microstructures and mechanical performances.Different kinds of novel Ti alloys customized for LAM,like peritecticα-Ti,eutectoid(α+β)-Ti,hybrid(α+β)-Ti,isomorphousβ-Ti and eutecticβ-Ti alloys are reviewed in detail.Furthermore,machine learning in accelerating the LAM process optimization and new materials development is also outlooked.This review summarizes the material properties and performance envelops and benchmarks the research achievements in LAM of Ti alloys.In addition,the perspectives and further trends in LAM of Ti alloys are also highlighted.

Comparison of corrosion behaviors of AZ31, AZ91, AM60 and ZK60 magnesium alloys

The corrosion behaviours of four kinds of rolled magnesium alloys of AZ31, AZ91, AM60 and ZK60 were studied in 1 mol/L sodium chloride solution. The results of EIS and potentiodynamic polarization show that the corrosion resistance of the four materials is ranked as ZK60>AM60>AZ31>AZ91. The corrosion processes of the four magnesium alloys were also analyzed by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS). The results show that the corrosion patterns of the four alloys are localized corrosion and the galvanic couples formed by the second phase particles and the matrix are the main source of the localized corrosion of magnesium alloys. The corrosion resistance of the different magnesium alloys has direct relationship with the concentration of alloying elements and microstructure of magnesium alloys. The ratio of the β phase in AZ91 is higher than that in AZ31 and the β phase can form micro-galvanic cell with the alloy matrix, as a result, the corrosion resistance of AZ31 will be higher than AZ91. The manganese element in AM60 magnesium alloy can form the second phase particle of AlMnFe, which can reduce the Fe content in magnesium alloy matrix, purifying the microstructure of alloy, as a result, the corrosion resistance of AM60 is improved. However, due to the more noble galvanic couples of AlMnFe and matrix, the microscopic corrosion morphology of AM60 is more localized. The zirconium element in ZK60 magnesium alloy can refine grain, form stable compounds with Fe and Si, and purify the composition of alloy, which results in the good corrosion resistance of ZK60 magnesium alloy.

Corrosion and wear resistance of AZ31 Mg alloy treated by duplex process of magnetron sputtering and plasma electrolytic oxidation

In order to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy,a magnetron-sputtered Al layer with a thickness of 11μm was firstly applied on the alloy,and then treated by plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO)in an aluminate and silicate electrolytes,respectively.The performance of PEO coatings was investigated by dry sliding wear and electrochemical corrosion tests.The aluminate coating exhibits excellent wear resistance under both 10 and 20 N loads.The silicate coating only shows low wear rate under 10 N,but it was destroyed under 20 N.Corrosion tests show that the Al layer after magnetron sputtering treatment alone cannot afford good protection to the Mg substrate.However,the duplex layer of PEO/Al can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of AZ31 alloy.Electrochemical tests show that the aluminate and silicate coatings have corrosion current densities of-1.6×10^(-6) and-1.1×10^(-6) A/cm^(2),respectively,which are two orders lower than that of the un-coated AZ31 alloy.However,immersion tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)show that the aluminate coating exhibits better long-term corrosion protection than silicate coating.

Preparation and electrochemical properties of LiFePO_4/C composite with network structure for lithium ion batteries

The bare LiFePO4 and LiFePO4/C composites with network structure were prepared by solid-state reaction. The crystalline structures, morphologies and specific surface areas of the materials were investigated by X-ray diffractometry(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and multi-point brunauer emmett and teller(BET) method. The results show that the LiFePO4/C composite with the best network structure is obtained by adding 10% phenolic resin carbon. Its electronic conductivity increases to 2.86×10-2 S/cm. It possesses the highest specific surface area of 115.65 m2/g, which exhibits the highest discharge specific capacity of 164.33 mA·h/g at C/10 rate and 149.12 mA·h/g at 1 C rate. The discharge capacity is completely recovered when C/10 rate is applied again.

Phosphating process of AZ31 magnesium alloy and corrosion resistance of coatings

Zinc phosphate films were formed on AZ31 magnesium alloy by immersing into a phosphatation bath to enhance the corrosion resistance of AZ31. Different films were prepared by changing the processing parameters such as immersing time and temperature. The corrosion protection of the coatings was studied by electrochemical measurements such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization curves, and the structure of the films were studied by metalloscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that, the film formed at 80 ℃, 10 min has the highest corrosion resistance. The XRD patterns show that the film consists of hopeite (Zn3(PO4)2·xH2O).

Tribological behavior and wear mechanism of resin-matrix contact strip against copper with electrical current

The resin-matrix pantograph contact strip (RMPCS),which has excellent abrasion resistance with electrical current and friction-reducing function,was developed in view of the traditional contact strips with high maintenance cost,high wear rate with electrical current and severe damage to the copper conducting wire.The characteristics of worn surfaces,cross-section and typical elemental distributions of RMPCS were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS).The wear behavior and arc discharge of RMPCS against copper were investigated with self-made electrical wear tester.The results show that the electrical current plays a critical role in determining the wear behavior,and the wear rate of the RMPCS against copper with electrical current is 2.7-5.8 times higher than the value without electrical current.The wear rate of the contact strip increases with the increase of the sliding speed and electrical current density.The main wear mechanism of RMPCS against copper without electrical current is low stress grain abrasive and slightly adhesive wear,while arc erosion wear and oxidation wear are the dominate mechanism with electrical current,which is accompanied by adhesive wear during the process of wear.

Microstructural evolution and its effects on mechanical properties of spray deposited SiC_p/8009Al composites during secondary processing

15%(volume fraction)SiCp/8009Al metal matrix composites(MMCs)prepared by spray co-deposition were hot-extruded and rolled to investigate the effects of porosity and local SiCp clusters on mechanical properties.The microstructures were examined by using optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffractometry(XRD)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The mechanical properties were measured by tensile testing.The experimental results show that lamellar structure is composed of pores and SiCp clusters and can be improved by secondary processing,enhancing mechanical properties. The main strengthening mechanism and fracture behavior of MMCs were discussed too.

Anodization of AZ91 magnesium alloy in alkaline solution containing silicate and corrosion properties of anodized films

Abstract: The anodization of AZ91 magnesium alloy in an alkaline electrolyte of 100 g/L NaOH+20 g/L Na2B4O7·10H2O+50 g/L C6H5Na3O7·2H2O+60 g/L Na2SiO3·9H2O was studied. The corrosion resistance of the anodized films was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The microstructure of the films was examined with scanning electronic microscope(SEM) and X-ray diffractometer(XRD). The results show that, under the experimental conditions, the optimum anodizing time and the optimum anodizing current density are 40 min and 20 mA/cm2 respectively for obtaining the anodic film with high corrosion resistance. The XRD pattern shows that the components of the anodized film consist of MgO and Mg2(SiO4).

Effect of Al-foil addition on microstructure and temperature field of laser fusion welded joints of DP590 dual-phase steel and AZ31B magnesium alloy

The experiments of laser fusion welding with Al-foil addition was carried out for DP590 dual-phase steel and AZ31B magnesium alloy in an overlap steel-on-magnesium configuration.Temperature field was simulated by COMSOL finite element software for steel/magnesium laser fusion welding.The results show that when Al-foil is added,some defects,such as pores,cracks and softening in heat affected zone(HAZ),can be avoided in welding joint,the bonding strength of steel/magnesium joints is increased,heat transfer between steel and magnesium is regulated.In the case of adding Al-foil,welding pool is divided into two parts,the upper and lower pools contact each other but do not mix,the transition layer at the interface between the upper and lower molten pools mainly contains Al−Fe phases,such as AlFe,Al2Fe and AlFe3,and these new phases are helpful for promoting the metallurgical connection between the upper and lower molten pools.Hence,adding Al-foil laser fusion welding is an effective way in joining steel to magnesium alloy.