Ligand modulation of active center to promote lead-free Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction

Metal halide perovskites(MHP)are potential candidates for the photocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)due to their long photogenerated carrier lifetime and charge diffusion length.However,the conventional long-chain ligand impedes the adsorption and activation of CO_(2)molecules in practical applications.Here,a ligand modulation technology is employed to enhance the photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction activity of lead-free Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)microcrystals(MCs).The Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs passivated by Oleic acid(OLA)and Octanoic acid(OCA)are used for photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction.The results show that the surface defects and electronic properties of Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs can be adjusted through ligand modulation.Compared with the OLA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6),the OCA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)catalyst demonstrated a significant improvement in the catalytic yield of CO and CH_(4).The CO and CH_(4)catalytic yields of OCA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)reached 171.88 and34.15μmol g^(-1)h^(-1)which were 2.03 and 12.98 times higher than those of OLA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6),and the total electron consumption rate of OCA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)was 615.2μmol g^(-1)h^(-1)which was 3.25 times higher than that of OLA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6).Furthermore,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra revealed the enhancement of photocatalytic activity in Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs induced by ligand modulation.This study illustrates the potential of lead-free Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs for efficient photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction and provides a ligand modulation strategy for the active promotion of MHP photocatalysts.

Lewis base multisite ligand engineering in efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs) have stood out from many photovoltaic technologies due to their flexibility,cost-effectiveness and high-power conversion efficiency(PCE). Nevertheless, the further development of PSCs is greatly hindered by the trap-induced non-radiative recombination losses and poor long-term work stability. In the past decade, the huge advancements have been obtained on suppressing nonradiative recombination and enhancing device durability. Among them, the multisite ligands(MSLs) engineering plays a crucial role in precise control and directional modification of functional layers and interfaces,which contributes to markedly increased PCE and lifetimes of PSCs. In view of this, this review summarizes the advances of MSLs in PSCs. From the perspective of functional groups and chemical interaction,the modulation mechanisms of properties of different functional layers and interfaces and device performance via various MSLs are deeply investigated and revealed. Finally, the prospects for the application and development direction of MSLs in PSCs are legitimately proposed.

Generation and evolution of multiple operation states in passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser by using a graphene-covered-microfiber

Using graphene-covered-microfiber （GCM） as a saturable absorber, the generation and evolution of multiple operation states are proposed and demonstrated in passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser. The microfiber was fabricated using the flame brushing method to an interaction length of - 1.2 cm with a waist diameter of -10 μm. Graphene layers were grown on copper foils by chemical vapor deposition and transferred onto the polydimethylsiloxane （PDMS） to form a PDMS/graphene film, which allowed light-graphene interaction via evanescent field. With the increase of the pump power from 1.25 W to 2.15 W, five different lasing regimes, including continuous-wave, conventional soliton mode-locking, multi- soliton mode-locking, a period of transition, and noise-like mode-locking, were achieved in a fiber ring cavity. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of the generation and evolution of multiple operation states by covering graphene on the microfiber in the 2-μ.m region. The results demonstrate that GCM can be a promising method for fabricating all fiber SA, and the switchable operation states can provide more portability in complex application domain.

Modified impulsive synchronization of fractional order hyperchaotic systems

In this paper, a modified impulsive control scheme is proposed to realize the complete synchronization of fractional order hyperchaotic systems. By constructing a suitable response system, an integral order synchronization error system is obtained. Based on the theory of Lyapunov stability and the impulsive differential equations, some effective sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the asymptotical stability of the synchronization error system. In particular, some simpler and more convenient conditions are derived by taking the fixed impulsive distances and control gains. Compared with the existing results, the main results in this paper are practical and rigorous. Simulation results show the effectiveness and the feasibility of the proposed impulsive control method.

The Spectral Emission Characteristics of Laser Induced Plasma on Tea Samples

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy （LIBS） provides a useful technique for food security as well as determining nutrition contents. In this paper, optical emission studies of laser induced plasma on commercial tea samples were carried out. The spectral intensities of Mg, Mn, Ca, A1, C and CN vibration bands varying with laser energy and the detection delay time of an intensified charge coupled device were studied. In addition, the relative concentrations of six microelements, i.e., Mg, Mn, Ca, Al, Na and K, were analyzed semi-quantitatively as well as H, for four kinds of tea samples. Moreover, the plasma parameters were explored, including electron temperature and electron number density. The electron temperature and electron number density were around 11000 K and 1017 cm-3, respectively. The results show that it is reasonable to consider the LIBS technique as a new method for analyzing the compositions of tea leaf samples.

Equivalent circuit with complex physical constants and equivalent-parameters-expressed dissipation factors of piezoelectric materials

The equivalent circuit with complex physical constants for a piezoelectric ceramic in thickness mode is established. In the equivalent circuit, electric components （equivalent circuit parameters） are connected to real and imaginary parts of complex physical coefficients of piezoelectric materials. Based on definitions of dissipation factors, three of them （dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric dissipation factors） are represented by equivalent circuit parameters. Since the equivalent circuit parameters are detectable, the dissipation factors can be easily obtained. In the experiments, the temperature and the stress responses of the three dissipation factors are measured.

Spectral Characteristics of Laser-Induced Graphite Plasma in Ambient Air

An experimental setup of laser-induced graphite plasma was built and the spectral characteristics and properties of graphite plasma were studied. From the temporal behavior of graphite plasma, the duration of CN partials （B2 ∑＋ →-X2 ∑＋） emission was two times longer than that of atomic carbon, and all intensities reached the maximum during the early stage from 0.2 μs to 0.8 μs. The electron temperature decreased from 11807 K to 8755 K, the vibration temperature decreased from 8973 K to 6472 K, and the rotational temperature decreased from 7288 K to 4491 K with the delay time, respectively. The effect of the laser energy was also studied, and it was found that the thresholds and spectral characteristics of CN molecular and C atomic spectroscopy presented great differences. At lower laser energies, the electron excited temperature, the electron density, the vibrational temperature and rotational temperature of CN partials increased rapidly. At higher laser energies, the increasing of electron excited temperature and electron density slow down, and the vibrational temperature and rotational temperature even trend to saturation due to plasma shielding and dissociation of CN molecules. The relationship among the three kinds of temperatures was Telec〉Tvib〉Trot at the same time. The electron density of the graphite plasma was in the order of 1017 cm-3 and 1018 cm-3.

Characterization of relativistic electrons generated by a cone guiding laser pulse

We demonstrated the interaction of a gold cone target with a femto second（fs） laser pulse above the relativistic intensity of 1.37×10 18 μm 2 W/cm 2.Relativistic electrons with energy above 2 MeV were observed.A 25%-40% increase of the electron temperature is achieved compared to the case when a plane gold target is used.The electron temperature increase results from the guiding of the laser beam at the tip and the intense quasistatic magnetic field in the cone geometry.The behavior of the relativistic electrons is verified in our 2D-PIC simulations.

SERS activity of carbon nanotubes modified by silver nanoparticles with different particle sizes

A two-dimensional(2D)surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)substrate is fabricated by decorating carbon nanotube(CNT)films with Ag nanoparticles(Ag NPs)in different sizes,via simple and low-cost chemical reduction method and self-assembling method.The change of Raman and SERS activity of carbon nanotubes/Ag nanoparticles(CNTs/Ag NPs)composites with varying size of Ag NPs are investigated by using rhodamine 6G(R6G)as a probe molecule.Meanwhile,the scattering cross section of Ag NPs and the distribution of electric field of CNTs/Ag NPs composite are simulated through finite difference time domain(FDTD)method.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)wavelength is redshifted as the size of Ag NPs increases,and the intensity of SERS and electric field increase with Ag NPs size increasing.The experiment and simulation results show a Raman scattering enhancement factor(EF)of 108for the hybrid substrate.

Quality evaluation of laser welds based on air-coupled ultrasound

With the wide application of laser welding technology in automobiles and rail transportation, the non-destructive testing technology for laser welding seams is also getting better. Aiming at the laser welding seam of two-layer metal sheet below 3 mm, the possibility of laser welding seam detection by air-coupling ultrasonic detection technology is discussed. By numerical analysis and experimental analysis,Lamb wave is excited on aluminum plate in air. Through the propagation simulation of Lamb wave in laser weld specimen, the influence of laser weld width and weld quality on reflectivity and transmittance is analyzed. The propagation law of Lamb wave in laser weld specimen is clarified. The results show that the quality of laser weld can be evaluated by the mode of Lamb wave A0.

Optical Switching of a Quantum Cascade Laser in Continuous Wave Operation

We demonstrate an optical switching in a middle infrared continuous-wave quantum cascade laser operated in single mode by illuminating its front facet with a near infrared laser. A decrease in the laser net gain is observed in the amplified spontaneous emission spectrum. This is attributed to an increase of the carrier concentration caused by the near infrared excitation. The net gain reduction allows the quantum cascade laser to be completely switched off from single mode lasing. This optical switching can be used to convert near infrared signals into middle infrared signals for free space communication.

Tunable characteristics of bending resonance frequency in magnetoelectric laminated composites

As the magnetoelectric （ME） effect in piezoelectric/magnetostrictive laminated composites is mediated by mechanical deformation, the ME effect is significantly enhanced in the vicinity of resonance frequency. The bending resonance frequency （fr） of bilayered Terfenol-D/PZT （MP） laminated composites is studied, and our analysis predicts that （i） the bending resonance frequency of an MP laminated composite can be tuned by an applied dc magnetic bias （Hdc） due to the E effect; （ii） the bending resonance frequency of the MP laminated composite can be controlled by incorporating FeCuNbSiB layers with different thicknesses. The experimental results show that with H dc increasing from 0 Oe （1 Oe=79.5775 A/m） to 700 Oe, the bending resonance frequency can be shifted in a range of 32.68 kHz≤fr≤33.96 kHz. In addition, with the thickness of the FeCuNbSiB layer increasing from 0 μm to 90 μm, the bending resonance frequency of the MP laminated composite gradually increases from 33.66 kHz to 39.18 kHz. This study offers a method of adjusting the strength of dc magnetic bias or the thicknesses of the FeCuNbSiB layer to tune the bending resonance frequency for ME composite, which plays a guiding role in the ME composite design for real applications.

A rapid and convenient experimental method of absolutely calibrating transmission of x-ray flat-response filter

We develop a rapid and convenient experimental method of absolutely calibrating the transmission of an x-ray flatresponse filter. The calibration experiment is performed on a small laser-target facility, and a set of high resolution holographic flat-field grating spectrometers is used as a discrimination system of the laser-produced x-ray source. Given that the holographic flat-field grating has a relatively large width, the grating is divided into two regions for use in that direction,where one region has the filter added and the other region does not. The filter transmission is determined by dividing the x-ray signal counts detected when the filter is in the line of sight by those detected when the filter is out of the line of sight.We find that the calibration results of this experiment agree with the calibration results using a synchrotron radiation source,as well as simulation results. Our method is not only highly reliable but also rapid and convenient.

Analytical solution of crystal diffraction intensity

Plasma density and temperature can be diagnosed by x-ray line emission measurement with crystal,and bent crystals such as von Hamos and Hall structures are proposed to improve the diffraction brightness.In this study,a straightforward solution for the focusing schemes of flat and bent crystals is provided.Simulations with XOP code are performed to validate the analytical model,and good agreements are achieved.The von Hamos or multi-cone crystal can lead to several hundred times intensity enhancements for a 200μm plasma source.This model benefits the applications of the focusing bent crystals.

In-situ cation-inserted MnO_(2) with selective accelerated intercalation of individual H^(+) or Zn^(2+) ions in aqueous zinc ion batteries

The recognized energy storage mechanism of neutral aqueous zinc-manganese batteries is the co-insertion/extrusion of H^(+) and Zn^(2+) ions.However,modulating the kinetics of a single H^(+) or Zn^(2+) ion is scarce,which can provide meaningful insights into the energy storage mechanism of Zn ion batteries.Herein,a distinctive doubly electric field in-situ induced cationic anchoring of two-dimensional layered MnO_(2) is successfully constructed to modulate the insertion/extrusion of a single H^(+) or Zn^(2+) ion.As a result,regulating the intercalation of different metal ions can precisely achieve the accelerated induction for the individual H^(+) or Zn^(2+) ions intercalation/deintercalation.Moreover,the introduction of metal ions stabilizes the lattice distortion and alleviates the irreparable structural collapse,leading to an increase in the H^(+)/Zn^(2+) storage sites,efficiently diminishing the stagnation of the ordered structure and creating the more open channels,which is conducive to facilitating the diffusion of ions.This work delivers some innovative insights into pre-embedding strategies,and also serves as a precious reference for the cathode development of advanced aqueous batteries.

A universal design for triggering the precise micro-structure reconstruction through in-situ electro-regulating to boost the pseudocapacitance of MnO_(2)

Developing a precise controllable strategy for modulating the micro-morphology,atom coordination environment,and electronic structure of electrode materials is crucial for the performance in the field of energy storage,yet still a tremendous challenge.Herein,a facile and universal in-situ electrochemical self-optimization design,electro-regulating,is designed to controllably produce electrode materials with abundant defects.Through detailed characterization studies,the microstructure of MnO_(2) is reconstructed after electro-regulating,which exhibits a structure of small fragments with numerous holes due to the partial self-dissolution of acidic oxides under an alkaline operating environment.Furthermore,the electro-regulating strategy not only presents the formation steps of numerous holes but is also accompanies by a number of O vacancies generation process due to the activation of an external electric field.This study provides a new inspiration for reasonably designing advanced functional electrode materials for various electrochemical applications and beyond.

The degradation of perovskite precursor

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)are taking a leading position in thin-film optoelectronic devices due to their excellent optical,physical and electrical properties[1-4].Nevertheless,the stability issue of metal halide perovskite precursor solution severely retards the future industrialization of PSCs[5-7].In stoichiometry,slight solution composition change will induce severe degradation of device performance.

Major strategies for improving the performance of perovskite solar cells

Metal halide perovskite solar cell(PSC)has successfully distinguished itself in optoelectronic field by virtue of the sharp rise in power conversion efficiency over the past decade.The remarkable efficiency breakthrough at such a fast speed can be mainly attributed to the comprehensive study on film deposition techniques,especially the effective management of surface and interfacial defects in recent works.Herein,we summarized the current trends in performance enhancement for PSCs,with a focus on the generally applicable strategies in high-performance works,involving deposition methods,compositional engineering,additive engineering,crystallization manipulation,charge transport material selection,interfacial passivation,optical coupling effect and constructing tandem solar cells.Promising directions and perspectives are also provided.

Characterization of relativistic electrons generated by a cone guiding laser pulse

We demonstrated the interaction of a gold cone target with a femto second(fs) laser pulse above the relativistic intensity of 1.37×10 18 μm 2 W/cm 2.Relativistic electrons with energy above 2 MeV were observed.A 25%-40% increase of the electron temperature is achieved compared to the case when a plane gold target is used.The electron temperature increase results from the guiding of the laser beam at the tip and the intense quasistatic magnetic field in the cone geometry.The behavior of the relativistic electrons is verified in our 2D-PIC simulations.

Modulation on electrostatic potential to build a firm bridge at NiO_(x)/perovskite interface for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

The NiO_(x)/perovskite interface in NiO_(x)-based inverted perovskite solar cells(PSCs)is one of the main issues that restrict device performance and long-term stability,as the unwanted interfacial defects and undesirable redox reactions cause severe interfacial non-radiative recombination and open-circuit voltage(Voc)loss.Herein,a series of self-assembled molecules(SAMs)are employed to bind,bridge,and stabilize the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface by regulating the electrostatic potential.Based on systematically theoretical and experimental studies,4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid(4-PCA)is proven as an efficient molecule to simultaneously passivate the NiO_(x)and perovskite surface traps,release the interfacial tensile stress as well as quench the detrimental interface redox reactions,thus effectively suppressing the interfacial non-radiative recombination and enhancing the quality of perovskite crystals.Consequently,the PSCs with 4-PCA treatment exhibited an eminently increased Voc,leading to a significant increase in power conversion efficiency from 21.28%to 23.77%.Furthermore,the unencapsulated devices maintain 92.6%and 81.3%of their initial PCEs after storing in air with a relative humidity of 20%–30%for 1000 h and heating at 65℃for 500 h in a N_(2)-filled glovebox,respectively.