Fine-tuning electronic structure of N-doped graphitic carbon-supported Co-and Fe-incorporated Mo_(2)C to achieve ultrahigh electrochemical water oxidation activity

Mo_(2)C is an excellent electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).However,Mo_(2)C is a poor electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Herein,two different elements,namely Co and Fe,are incorporated in Mo_(2)C that,therefore,has a finely tuned electronic structure,which is not achievable by incorporation of any one of the metals.Consequently,the resulting electrocatalyst Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)-Mo_(2)C-80 displayed excellent OER catalytic performance,which is evidenced by a low overpotential of 214.0(and 246.5)mV to attain a current density of 10(and 50)mA cm^(-2),an ultralow Tafel slope of 38.4 mV dec^(-1),and longterm stability in alkaline medium.Theoretical data demonstrates that Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)-Mo_(2)C-80 requires the lowest overpotential(1.00 V)for OER and Co centers to be the active sites.The ultrahigh catalytic performance of the electrocatalyst is attributed to the excellent intrinsic catalytic activity due to high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area,large electrochemically active surface area,small Tafel slope,and low chargetransfer resistance.

Relationship between the unique microstructures and behaviors of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys(HEAs),which were introduced as a pioneering concept in 2004,have captured the keen interest of nu-merous researchers.Entropy,in this context,can be perceived as representing disorder and randomness.By contrast,elemental composi-tions within alloy systems occupy specific structural sites in space,a concept referred to as structure.In accordance with Shannon entropy,structure is analogous to information.Generally,the arrangement of atoms within a material,termed its structure,plays a pivotal role in dictating its properties.In addition to expanding the array of options for alloy composites,HEAs afford ample opportunities for diverse structural designs.The profound influence of distinct structural features on the exceptional behaviors of alloys is underscored by numer-ous examples.These features include remarkably high fracture strength with excellent ductility,antiballistic capability,exceptional radi-ation resistance,and corrosion resistance.In this paper,we delve into various unique material structures and properties while elucidating the intricate relationship between structure and performance.

Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on liver health:Current understanding and future research directions

With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade.This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ,which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies.The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress,hepatocyte energy re-distribution,cell death and autophagy,as well as immune responses and inflammation,were also featured.In addition,the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis,and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,steatohepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis were briefly discussed.Finally,we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic,highlighted current challenges in research,and proposed possible solutions.

Challenges and Opportunities in Preserving Key Structural Features of 3D-Printed Metal/Covalent Organic Framework

Metal-organic framework(MOF)and covalent organic framework(COF)are a huge group of advanced porous materials exhibiting attractive and tunable microstructural features,such as large surface area,tunable pore size,and functional surfaces,which have significant values in various application areas.The emerging 3D printing technology further provides MOF and COFs(M/COFs)with higher designability of their macrostructure and demonstrates large achievements in their performance by shaping them into advanced 3D monoliths.However,the currently available 3D printing M/COFs strategy faces a major challenge of severe destruction of M/COFs’microstructural features,both during and after 3D printing.It is envisioned that preserving the microstructure of M/COFs in the 3D-printed monolith will bring a great improvement to the related applications.In this overview,the 3D-printed M/COFs are categorized into M/COF-mixed monoliths and M/COF-covered monoliths.Their differences in the properties,applications,and current research states are discussed.The up-to-date advancements in paste/scaffold composition and printing/covering methods to preserve the superior M/COF microstructure during 3D printing are further discussed for the two types of 3D-printed M/COF.Throughout the analysis of the current states of 3D-printed M/COFs,the expected future research direction to achieve a highly preserved microstructure in the 3D monolith is proposed.

Interfacial Modification of NiO_(x)by Self-assembled Monolayer for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

NiO_(x)as a hole transport material for inverted perovskite solar cells has received great attention owing to its high transparency,low fabrication temperature,and superior stability.However,the mismatched energy levels and possible redox reactions at the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface severely limit the performance of NiO_(x) based inverted perovskite solar cells.Herein,we introduce a p-type self-assembled monolayer between NiO_(x)and perovskite layers to modify the interface and block the undesirable redox reaction between perovskite and NiO_(x)The selfassembled monolayer molecules all contain phosphoric acid function groups,which can be anchored onto the NiOr surface and passivate the surface defect.Moreover,the introduction of self-assembled monolayers can regulate the energy level structure of NiO_(x),reduce the interfacial band energy offset,and hence promote the hole transport from perovskite to NiO_(x)layer.Consequently,the device performance is significantly enhanced in terms of both power conversion efficiency and stability.

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

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

Targeted regeneration and upcycling of spent graphite by defect‐driven tin nucleation

The recycling of spent batteries has become increasingly important owing to their wide applications,abundant raw material supply,and sustainable development.Compared with the degraded cathode,spent anode graphite often has a relatively intact structure with few defects after long cycling.Yet,most spent graphite is simply burned or discarded due to its limited value and inferior performance on using conventional recycling methods that are complex,have low efficiency,and fail in performance restoration.Herein,we propose a fast,efficient,and“intelligent”strategy to regenerate and upcycle spent graphite based on defect‐driven targeted remediation.Using Sn as a nanoscale healant,we used rapid heating(~50 ms)to enable dynamic Sn droplets to automatically nucleate around the surface defects on the graphite upon cooling owing to strong binding to the defects(~5.84 eV/atom),thus simultaneously achieving Sn dispersion and graphite remediation.As a result,the regenerated graphite showed enhanced capacity and cycle stability(458.9 mAh g^(−1) at 0.2 A g^(−1) after 100 cycles),superior to those of commercial graphite.Benefiting from the self‐adaption of Sn dispersion,spent graphite with different degrees of defects can be regenerated to similar structures and performance.EverBatt analysis indicates that targeted regeneration and upcycling have significantly lower energy consumption(~99%reduction)and near‐zero CO_(2) emission,and yield much higher profit than hydrometallurgy,which opens a new avenue for direct upcycling of spend graphite in an efficient,green,and profitable manner for sustainable battery manufacture.

Facile synthesis of accordion-like porous carbon from waste PET bottles-based MIL-53(Al)and its application for high-performance Zn-ion capacitor

It is of great scientific and economic value to recycle waste poly(ethylene terephthalate)(PET)into high-value PET-based metal organic frameworks(MOFs)and further convert it into porous carbon for green energy storage applications.In the present study,a facile and costeffective hydrothermal process was developed to direct recycle waste PET bottles into MIL-53(Al)with a 100% conversation,then the MOFderived porous carbon was assembled into electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.The results indicated that the as-synthesized carbon exhibited high SSA of 1712 m^(2)g^(-1)and unique accordion-like structure with hierarchical porosity.Benefit to these advantageous characters,the assembled three-electrode supercapacitor displayed high specific capacitances of 391 F g^(-1)at the current density of 0.5 A g^(-1)and good rate capability of 73.6% capacitance retention at 20 A g^(-1)in 6 mol L^(-1)KOH electrolyte.Furthermore,the assembled zinc ion capacitor still revealed outstanding capacitance of 335 F g^(-1)at 0.1 A g^(-1),excellent cycling stability of 92.2% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles and ultra-high energy density of 150.3 Wh kg^(-1)at power density of 90 W kg^(-1)in 3 mol L^(-1)ZnSO_(4)electrolyte.It is believed that the current work provides a facile and effective strategy to recycle PET waste into high-valuable MOF,and further expands the applications of MOF-derived carbons for high-performance energy storage devices,so it is conducive to both pollution alleviation and sustainable economic development.

Enhanced mechanical stability and corrosion resistance ofsuperhydrophobic coating reinforced with inorganic binder

The development of superhydrophobic materials has demonstrated significant potential in the realm ofcorrosion protection for aluminum alloy(Al alloy)surfaces.However,the limited mechanical stability ofsuperhydrophobic surfaces has impeded the rapid advancement in this field.In this research,we synthesized analuminum phosphate(AP)inorganic binder and combined it with hydrophobic fumed SiO_(2)(HF-SiO_(2))nanoparticles andpolydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)to develop a HF-SiO_(2)@PDMS@AP superhydrophobic composite coating with improvedmechanical stability on Al alloy substrates using a simple spray-coating technique.The findings indicate that the additionof the AP inorganic binder significantly enhanced the coating’s resistance to abrasion,maintaining its superhydrophobicproperties and micro-nano hierarchical structure even after being subjected to a sandpaper abrasion distance of 2000 cm.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)testing showed that the low-frequency modulus(|Z|0.01Hz)of theHF-SiO_(2)@PDMS@AP superhydrophobic coating increased by four orders of magnitude compared to the initial Al alloysubstrate,resulting in a substantial improvement in corrosion protection capacity.The impressive corrosion resistanceand mechanical stability exhibited by this coating have the potential to greatly expand the practical applications of suchmaterials for surface functional protection in marine and industrial environments.

Materials flow and phase transformation in friction stir welding of Al 6013/Mg

Material flow and phase transformation were studied at the interface of dissimilar joint between Al 6013 and Mg, produced by stir friction welding （FSW） experiments. Defect-free weld was obtained when aluminum and magnesium were placed in the advancing side and retreating side respectively and the tool was placed 1 mm off the weld centerline into the aluminum side. In order to understand the material flow during FSW, steel shots were implanted as indexes into the welding path. After welding, using X-ray images, secondary positions of the steel shots were evaluated. It was revealed that steel shots implanted in advancing side were penetrated from the advancing side into the retreating side, whereas the shots implanted in the retreating side remained in the retreating side, without penetrating into the advancing side. The welded specimens were also heat treated. The effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of the welds and the formation of new intermetallic layers were investigated. Two intermetallic compounds, Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17, were formed sequentially at Al6013/Mg interface.

Advanced strategies for solid electrolyte interface design with MOF materials

Emerging energy technologies,aimed at addressing the challenges of energy scarcity and environmental pollution,have become a focal point for society.However,these actualities present significant challenges for modern energy storage devices.Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)have gained considerable attention due to their high energy density.Nonetheless,their use of liquid electrolytes raises safety concerns,including dendritic growth,electrode corrosion,and electrolyte decomposition.In light of these challenges,solid-state batteries(SSBs)have emerged as a highly promising next-generation energy storage solution by leveraging lithium metal as the anode to achieve improved safety and energy density.Metal organic frameworks(MOFs),characterized by their porous structure,ordered crystal frame,and customizable configuration,have garnered interest as potential materials for enhancing solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)in SSBs.The integration of MOFs into SSEs offers opportunities to enhance the electrochemical performance and optimize the interface between SSEs and electrodes.This is made possible by leveraging the high porosity,functionalized structures,and abundant open metal sites of MOFs.However,the rational design of high-performance MOF-based SSEs for high-energy Li metal SSBs(LMSSBs)remains a significant challenge.In this comprehensive review,we present an overview of recent advancements in MOF-based SSEs for LMSSBs,focusing on strategies for interface optimization and property enhancement.We categorize these SSEs into two main types:MOF-based quasi-solid-state electrolytes and MOF-based all solid-state electrolytes.Within these categories,various subtypes are identified based on the combination mode,additional materials,formation state,preparation method,and interface optimization measures employed.The review also highlights the existing challenges associated with MOF materials in SSBs applications and proposes potential solutions and future development prospects to guide the advancement of MOFs-based SSEs.By providing a comprehensive assessment of the applications of MOFs in LMSSBs,this review aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for the development of MOF-based SSEs,addressing the key issues faced by these materials in SSBs technology.

Recent Progress of MXene-Based Nanomaterials in Flexible Energy Storage and Electronic Devices

The increasing demands for wearable electronics have stimulated the rapid development of flexible energy storage devices.MXenes are considered as promising flexible electrodes due to the ultrahigh volumetric specific capacitance,metallic conductivity,superior hydrophily,and rich surface chemistry.

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of YF_3-coated LiMn_2O_4 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Spinel LiMn2O4 cathodes were coated with 1 mol% YF3.X-ray diffraction（XRD） analyses showed that Y and/or F did not enter the lattice of the LiMn2O4 crystal.Transmission electron microscopy（TEM） showed that a compact YF3 layer of 5-20 nm in thickness was coated onto the surface of LiMn2O4 particles.Scanning electron microscopy（SEM） observation showed that the YF3 coating caused the agglomeration of LiMn2O4 particles.The cycling test demonstrated that the YF3 coating can improve the electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 at both 20 and 55°C.Moreover,YF3-coated LiMn2O4 exhibited an improved rate capability compared with the uncoated one at high rates over 5C.The immersion test in electrolytes showed that YF3-coated LiMn2O4 is more erosion resistant than the uncoated one.

Fabrication and Characterization of Poly Lactic Acid Scaffolds by Fused Deposition Modeling for Bone Tissue Engineering

Three-dimensional porous poly-lactic acid(PLA) scaffold was fabricated using fused deposition modeling(FDM) method including 30%, 50% and 70% nominal porosity. Study of phases in initial polymeric material and printed scaffolds was done by X-ray diffraction(XRD), and no significant phase difference was observed due to the manufacturing process, and the poly-lactic acid retains its crystalline properties. The results of the mechanical properties evaluation by the compression test show that the mechanical properties of the scaffold have decreased significantly with increasing the porosity of scaffold. The microstructure of scaffolds were studied by scanning electron microscope(SEM), showing that the pores had a regular arrangement and their morphology changed with porosity change. The mechanical properties of the poly-lactic acid scaffolds printed using fused deposition modeling, can be adapted to the surrounding tissue, by porosity change.

Properties and microstructure of NiO/SDC materials for SOFC anode applications

NiO/SDC composites and Ni/SDC cermets for solid oxide fuel cell （SOFC） anode applications were prepared from nickel oxide （NiO） and samada doped ceria （SDC） powders by the powder metallurgy process. The physical and mechanical properties, as well as the microstructure of the NiO/SDC composites and the Ni/SDC cermets were investigated. It is shown that the sintedng temperature of the NiO/SDC composites and NiO content plays an important role in determining the microstructure and properties of the NiO/SDC composites, which, in turn, influences the microstructure, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of the Ni/SDC cermets. The present study demonstrated that composition and tprocess parameters must be appropriately selected to optimize the microstructure and the properties of NiO/SDC materials for solid oxide fuel cell applications.

Effect of substrate temperature and oxygen plasma treatment on the properties of magnetron-sputtered CdS for solar cell applications

Cadmium sulfide(CdS)is an n-type semiconductor with excellent electrical conductivity that is widely used as an electron transport material(ETM)in solar cells.At present,numerous methods for preparing CdS thin films have emerged,among which magnetron sputtering(MS)is one of the most commonly used vacuum techniques.For this type of technique,the substrate temperature is one of the key deposition parameters that affects the interfacial properties between the target film and substrate,determining the specific growth habits of the films.Herein,the effect of substrate temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of magnetron-sputtered CdS(MS-CdS)films was studied and applied for the first time in hydrothermally deposited antimony selenosulfide(Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3))solar cells.Adjusting the substrate temperature not only results in the design of the flat and dense film with enhanced crystallinity but also leads to the formation of an energy level arrangement with a Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)layer that is more favorable for electron transfer.In addition,we developed an oxygen plasma treatment for CdS,reducing the parasitic absorption of the device and resulting in an increase in the short-circuit current density of the solar cell.This study demonstrates the feasibility of MS-CdS in the fabrication of hydrothermal Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells and provides interface optimization strategies to improve device performance.

Effect of milling process on the core-shell structures and dielectric properties of fine-grained BaTiO_3-based X7R ceramic materials

Fine-grained BaTiO3-based X7R ceramic materials were prepared and the effects of milling process on the core-shell structures and dielectric properties were investigated using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）. As the milling time extends, the dielectric constant of the ceramics increases, whereas the temperature coefficient of capacitance at 125℃ drops quickly. The changes in dielectric properties are considered relevant to the microstructure evolution caused by the milling process. Defects on the surface of BaTiO3 particles increase because of the effects of milling process, which will make it easier for additives to diffuse into the interior grains. As the milling time increases, the shell region gets thicker and the core region gets smaller; however, EDS results show that the chemical inhomogeneity between grain core and grain shell becomes weaker.

Pioneering the direct large-scale laser printing of flexible“graphenic silicon”self-standing thin films as ultrahigh-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Recent technological advancements,such as portable electronics and electric vehicles,have created a pressing need for more efficient energy storage solutions.Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have been the preferred choice for these applications,with graphite being the standard anode material due to its stability.However,graphite falls short of meeting the growing demand for higher energy density,possessing a theoretical capacity that lags behind.To address this,researchers are actively seeking alternative materials to replace graphite in commercial batteries.One promising avenue involves lithiumalloying materials like silicon and phosphorus,which offer high theoretical capacities.Carbon-silicon composites have emerged as a viable option,showing improved capacity and performance over traditional graphite or pure silicon anodes.Yet,the existing methods for synthesizing these composites remain complex,energy-intensive,and costly,preventing widespread adoption.A groundbreaking approach is presented here:the use of a laser writing strategy to rapidly transform common organic carbon precursors and silicon blends into efficient“graphenic silicon”composite thin films.These films exhibit exceptional structural and energy storage properties.The resulting three-dimensional porous composite anodes showcase impressive attributes,including ultrahigh silicon content,remarkable cyclic stability(over 4500 cycles with∼40%retention),rapid charging rates(up to 10 A g^(-1)),substantial areal capacity(>5.1 mAh cm^(-2)),and excellent gravimetric capacity(>2400 mAh g^(-1) at 0.2 A g^(-1)).This strategy marks a significant step toward the scalable production of high-performance LIB materials.Leveraging widely available,cost-effective precursors,the laser-printed“graphenic silicon”composites demonstrate unparalleled performance,potentially streamlining anode production while maintaining exceptional capabilities.This innovation not only paves the way for advanced LIBs but also sets a precedent for transforming various materials into high-performing electrodes,promising reduced complexity and cost in battery production.

Superplasticity of fine-grained Mg-10Li alloy prepared by severe plastic deformation and understanding its deformation mechanisms

The superplastic behavior and associated deformation mechanisms of a fine-grained Mg-10.1 Li-0.8Al-0.6Zn alloy(LAZ1011)with a grain size of 3.2μm,primarily composed of the BCCβphase and a small amount of the HCPαphase,were examined in a temperature range of 473 K to 623 K.The microstructural refinement of this alloy was achieved by employing high-ratio differential speed rolling.The best superplasticity was achieved at 523 K and at strain rates of 10^(-4)-5×10^(-4)s^(-1),where tensile elongations of 550±600%were obtained.During the heating and holding stage of the tensile samples prior to tensile loading,a significant increase in grain size was observed at temperatures above 573 K.Therefore,it was important to consider this effect when analyzing and understanding the superplastic deformation behavior and mechanisms.In the investigated strain rate range,the superplastic flow at low strain rates was governed by lattice diffusion-controlled grain boundary sliding,while at high strain rates,lattice diffusion-controlled dislocation climb creep was the rate-controlling deformation mechanism.It was concluded that solute drag creep is unlikely to occur.During the late stages of deformation at 523 K,it was observed that grain boundary sliding led to the agglomeration of theαphase,resulting in significant strain hardening.Deformation mechanism maps were constructed forβ-Mg-Li alloys in the form of 2D and 3D formats as a function of strain rate,stress,temperature,and grain size,using the constitutive equations for various deformation mechanisms derived based on the data of the current tests.

Emerging two-dimensional Mo-based materials for rechargeable metal-ion batteries:Advances and perspectives

With the rapid development of rechargeable metal-ion batteries(MIBs)with safety,stability and high energy density,significant efforts have been devoted to exploring high-performance electrode materials.In recent years,two-dimensional(2D)molybdenum-based(Mo-based)materials have drawn considerable attention due to their exceptional characteristics,including low cost,unique crystal structure,high theoretical capacity and controllable chemical compositions.However,like other transition metal compounds,Mo-based materials are facing thorny challenges to overcome,such as slow electron/ion transfer kinetics and substantial volume changes during the charge and discharge processes.In this review,we summarize the recent progress in developing emerging 2D Mo-based electrode materials for MIBs,encompassing oxides,sulfides,selenides,carbides.After introducing the crystal structure and common synthesis methods,this review sheds light on the charge storage mechanism of several 2D Mo-based materials by various advanced characterization techniques.The latest achievements in utilizing 2D Mo-based materials as electrode materials for various MIBs(including lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)and zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs))are discussed in detail.Afterwards,the modulation strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performance of 2D Mo-based materials are highlighted,focusing on heteroatom doping,vacancies creation,composite coupling engineering and nanostructure design.Finally,we present the existing challenges and future research directions for 2D Mo-based materials to realize high-performance energy storage systems.