Article
Chemistry, Physical
An-Yuan Hou, Yi-Hsin Ting, Kuo-Lun Tai, Chih-Yang Huang, Kuo-Chang Lu, Wen-Wei Wu
Summary: Nickel silicide, with its low resistivity and low formation temperature, has been widely used in various microelectronic devices. Through a three-step annealing process and in-situ TEM observation, different nickel silicides corresponding to various formation temperatures were successfully synthesized for optimizing the fabrication of microelectronics.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zibing An, Zhipeng Li, Jianfei Zhang, Ze Zhang, Shengcheng Mao, Xiaodong Han
Summary: This study conducted tensile experiments on Ni single-crystal samples with different TB orientations using an in situ tensile stage in a transmission electron microscope. The results revealed a significant influence of TB orientation on the ductility of the materials, with the perpendicular TB sample exhibiting the highest elongation.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuang Li, Lei Li, Ayoub Soulami, Cynthia A. Powell, Suveen Mathaudhu, Arun Devaraj, Chongmin Wang
Summary: In this work, we investigate the formation of sub-grain boundaries in Cu single crystal during bending using in-situ TEM and finite elemental analysis. The findings reveal that the deformation process involves dislocations propagation, formation of stacking faults and deformation twins, which ultimately leads to the formation of sub-grain boundaries.
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philipp M. Wolf, Eduardo Pitthan, Zhen Zhang, Christian Lavoie, Tuan T. Tran, Daniel Primetzhofer
Summary: Understanding the phase transitions of ultrathin metal silicides is crucial for the development of nanoscale silicon devices. In this study, the phase transition of ultrathin Ni silicides on Si(100) substrates was investigated using in situ synthesis and characterization methods. The results showed the formation of an ultrathin epitaxial layer and ordered structures at the interface upon room-temperature deposition. At 290 degrees C, a direct transition from the orthorhombic delta-Ni2Si phase to the final NiSi2-x phase was observed, skipping the intermediate monosilicide phase. The thickness of the ordered delta-Ni2Si layer was found to be limited due to competition between different crystal orientations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tuan T. Tran, Christian Lavoie, Zhen Zhang, Daniel Primetzhofer
Summary: The study characterizes the composition and structure of ultrathin nickel silicide formed from 3 nm nickel films on silicon (100) through in-situ high-resolution ion scattering and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It shows a transition occurring in discrete steps, with an intermediate phase observed between 230 degrees C and 290 degrees C. The film composition of the intermediate phase is found to be 50% Ni:50% Si, while the final phase resembles cubic disilicide NiSi2 with a slightly off-stoichiometric composition of 38% Ni and 62% Si. The epitaxial growth of the silicide results in a contraction of the film's c lattice constant by 0.7-1%.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jingpeng Hou, Keliang Qiu, Fengshi Li, Zhenyu Yang, Yonghai Yue, Yongjun Tian, Zhongchang Wang, Lin Guo
Summary: Twin boundary (TB) is a special and fundamental internal interface that alters the mechanical and physical properties of materials. The deformation mechanism of TB and its effect on material strength and plasticity are still under debate. This study discovered that the pseudoelastic strain of a TB can recover with decomposition and escape of pile-up dislocations, which opens up new possibilities for optimizing material properties by manipulating twin boundaries at the nanoscale.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sebastian Ohman, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Mats Boman, Tobias Torndahl
Summary: Understanding crystallization and its controlling mechanisms is crucial for improving the design of inorganic materials. In this study, in situ heating in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to investigate the crystallization phenomena in an Al-Ti-O system. The results indicate that crystallization occurs through a two-step process, with initial formation of numerous smaller crystals followed by rapid growth. The study also reveals the polymorphic nature of the amorphous-to-crystalline transformation and the preferential growth into larger crystals, suggesting a diffusionless mechanism.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hsin-Mei Lu, Chih-Yang Huang, Guan-Ming Huang, Kuo-Chang Lu, Wen-Wei Wu
Summary: The formation of TiSiGex-SL is related to factors such as a localized strain field and gradual segregation of germanium atoms. This phenomenon could be explained by thermodynamic preference, with germanium segregation pathway based on where substitution occurs. Ultimately, excluded germanium atoms tend to accumulate at the boundary of TiSiGex-SL, forming a discontinuous thin film layer.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sayantan Ghosh, Muhammad Bilal Khan, Phanish Chava, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Slawomir Prucnal, Rene Huebner, Thomas Mikolajick, Artur Erbe, Yordan M. Georgiev
Summary: This work introduces the concept of a mixed-dimensional reconfigurable field effect transistor (RFET) by combining a one-dimensional silicon nanowire with a two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) gate dielectric. The hBN encapsulation improves the device's electrical parameters, reducing hysteresis and increasing the on-off ratio. RFETs have great potential in reducing device count and power consumption, and the concept of mixed-dimensional RFET could further enhance their functionality.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qi Zhu, Qishan Huang, Yanzhong Tian, Shuchun Zhao, Yingbin Chen, Guang Cao, Kexing Song, Yanjun Zhou, Wei Yang, Ze Zhang, Xianghai An, Haofei Zhou, Jiangwei Wang
Summary: This study investigates the intrinsic deformability of defective twin boundaries in metallic materials and finds that inherent kinks on twin boundaries can facilitate the formation of secondary and hierarchical nanotwins. This defect-driven hierarchical twinning propensity is critically dependent on the kink height and is generally applicable in various metals and alloys.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xin Peng, Haoyang Peng, Kangning Zhao, Yuxi Zhang, Fanjie Xia, Jiahui Lyu, Gustaaf Van Tendeloo, Congli Sun, Jinsong Wu
Summary: Manganese oxides are of great interest due to their rich polymorphism and multiple valent states, with applications in catalysis, capacitors, ion batteries, etc. Research reveals a strong heterogeneity in the crystalline structure, defects, and Mn valence state of manganese oxides, with transitions involving a complex ordering of [MnO6] octahedra as the basic building tunnels.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Larranaga, S. Lartigue-Korinek, M. Legros, N. Combe, F. Mompiou
Summary: Coherent twin boundaries play a crucial role in strengthening structural materials by impeding dislocation motion. However, the relaxation and deformation processes at high temperatures are not fully understood due to complex dislocation decomposition and motion mechanisms. In this study, shear-coupled motion of a coherent twin in pure Al is explored during in situ straining using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Surprisingly, the twin boundary does not couple to shear but slightly migrates through nanoscale incoherent facets, and extensive dislocation/grain boundary interactions are observed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Chuan Lee, Lian-Ming Lyu, Ming-Yen Lu
Summary: In this study, the phase transformations and diffusion behaviors of Ni in Si1-xGex nanowires were investigated using in situ transmission electron microscopy, showing the formation of NiSi/Ni2Si heterojunction. Si1-xGex nanowires coated with Al2O3 layer demonstrated a higher activation energy, modulating the diffusion rate of Ni.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xueqing Wang, Fanglan Yao, Pengcheng Xu, Ming Li, Haitao Yu, Xinxin Li
Summary: Based on real-time observations of ZnO nanowires sulfurization processes in SO2 atmosphere using in situ TEM, a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is revealed. The ZnO-100 nm nanowires gradually transform into core-shell nanostructures, while sparse nanoparticles are observed on the surface of ZnO-500 nm sample, indicating weak solid-gas interaction with SO2. The QSAR model is validated with adsorption heat data and aberration-corrected TEM characterization, leading to exploration of adsorbing/sensing applications of ZnO nanomaterials.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
YanXiang Liang, XiaoFang Yang, KaiSheng Ming, ShiHua Xiang, Qing Liu
Summary: The deformation mechanism of CoCrNi alloy with high density of annealing twins was studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy. It was observed that dislocation transmission and reflection at twin boundaries occurred during in situ loading. These processes not only strengthen the material by impeding dislocation motion, but also act as dislocation sources to generate numerous slip bands.
SCIENCE CHINA-TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ren Liu, Jihwan Lee, Youngbin Tchoe, Deborah Pre, Andrew M. Bourhis, Agnieszka D'Antonio-Chronowska, Gaelle Robin, Sang Heon Lee, Yun Goo Ro, Ritwik Vatsyayan, Karen J. Tonsfeldt, Lorraine A. Hossain, M. Lisa Phipps, Jinkyoung Yoo, John Nogan, Jennifer S. Martinez, Kelly A. Frazer, Anne G. Bang, Shadi A. Dayeh
Summary: Innovative scalable, vertical, ultrasharp nanowire arrays were developed to enable long-term, native recordings of intracellular potentials, advancing the understanding and control over high-fidelity intracellular electrophysiological recordings. Individual electrical addressability of nanowires was shown to be necessary for such recordings.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Baiyu Guo, Jingzhao Chen, Zaifa Wang, Yong Su, Hui Li, Hongjun Ye, Liqiang Zhang, Yongfu Tang, Jianyu Huang
Summary: Research on lithium selenium (Li-Se) all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) found that they have better electronic conductivity than lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. By using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique, the electrochemistry of Li-Se ASSBs was investigated at different temperatures. It was discovered that polyselenides were absent during discharge and charge of Li-Se ASSBs, and the discharge products of Li2Se cannot be decomposed at room temperature, while (LiSe)-Se-2 can be easily decomposed at high temperatures. These studies provide new understanding of Li2Se electrochemistry and an important strategy to boost the performance of Li-Se ASSBs for energy storage applications.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Zhao, Chao Zhao, Jianping Zhu, Xiangsi Liu, Jingming Yao, Bo Wang, Qiushi Dai, Zaifa Wang, Jingzhao Chen, Peng Jia, Yanshuai Li, Stephen J. Harris, Yong Yang, Yongfu Tang, Liqiang Zhang, Feng Ding, Jianyu Huang
Summary: This study demonstrates a strong size effect in the chemomechanical failure of Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) solid electrolyte particles, with no failure observed when the particle size is less than 1 μm.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lin Geng, Qiunan Liu, Jingzhao Chen, Peng Jia, Hongjun Ye, Jitong Yan, Liqiang Zhang, Yongfu Tang, Jianyu Huang
Summary: By conducting in situ observations of the early stage of electrochemical Na deposition, this research revealed an important electrochemical Ostwald ripening (EOR) phenomenon which dictates the early stage of Na deposition. Through two types of EOR, we gained a deeper understanding of the Na deposition mechanism.
Article
Cell Biology
Youngbin Tchoe, Andrew M. Bourhis, Daniel R. Cleary, Brittany Stedelin, Jihwan Lee, Karen J. Tonsfeldt, Erik C. Brown, Dominic A. Siler, Angelique C. Paulk, Jimmy C. Yang, Hongseok Oh, Yun Goo Ro, Keundong Lee, Samantha M. Russman, Mehran Ganji, Ian Galton, Sharona Ben-Haim, Ahmed M. Raslan, Shadi A. Dayeh
Summary: The study developed a reconfigurable thin-film multithousand-channel neurophysiological recording grid, which provides high spatial and temporal resolution. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the grid in both animal and human subjects.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuhui Yao, Emilia Olsson, Jun Zhao, Wencong Feng, Wen Luo, Shuangshuang Tan, Meng Huang, Yunlong Zhao, Jianyu Huang, Qiong Cai, Liqiang Mai
Summary: Voltage plateau variation can be used to detect the state of charge and degradation of batteries. By investigating the voltage plateau variation and electrode evolution in a bismuth-potassium cell, the study highlights the combined effect of an intermediate phase and structural collapse on the voltage plateau.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sang Heon Lee, Martin Thunemann, Keundong Lee, Daniel R. Cleary, Karen J. Tonsfeldt, Hongseok Oh, Farid Azzazy, Youngbin Tchoe, Andrew M. Bourhis, Lorraine Hossain, Yun Goo Ro, Atsunori Tanaka, Kivilcim Kilic, Anna Devor, Shadi A. Dayeh
Summary: This study demonstrates the development of a scalable silicon microneedle array that allows for high-resolution recording of neural activity. The array is flexible and optically transparent, enabling simultaneous optical and electrophysiological interrogation. It has the potential to greatly advance our understanding of brain function and contribute to the development of brain-machine interfaces.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Andriy Gusak, Anastasiia Titova
Summary: The reactive growth kinetics of a compound with frozen bulk diffusion is studied, taking into account the finite rate of redistribution and reaction along moving interfaces. Planar and curved inter-phase interfaces are considered. A new kinetic equation for phase growth with evolving grain boundaries is proposed. Three cases are examined: (1) frozen grain structure, (2) normal lateral grain growth independent of phase growth and diffusion fluxes, (3) flux-driven grain growth induced by grain-boundary diffusion fluxes across the growing compound layer. The flux-driven grain growth model provides the best fit to experimental data.
PHILOSOPHICAL MAGAZINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tong Yuan, Jitong Yan, Qingfeng Zhang, Yong Su, Shuhong Xie, Bingan Lu, Jianyu Huang, Xiaoping Ouyang
Summary: The researchers synthesized a composite material consisting of Bi0.48Sb1.52Se3 nanoparticles uniformly dispersed in carbon nanofibers (Bi0.48Sb1.52Se3@C), which exhibited high capacity and cycling stability for potassium-ion batteries. The study reveals the stable potassium storage mechanisms of the Bi0.48Sb1.52Se3@C composite material, providing an effective strategy for high-performance potassium-ion batteries for energy storage applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andriy Gusak, Anastasiia Titova
Summary: The initial stages of contact melting and eutectic crystallization in sharp concentration gradients between two crystalline components were analyzed and simulated. It was found that contact melting became possible only after the formation of a critical width of solid solutions. Crystallization in the sharp concentration gradient could lead to the formation of periodic structures in the interface vicinity. In addition, the threshold temperature existed for eutectic systems of Ag-Cu type, where the crystallization mechanism could change from precipitation + growth to polymorphic crystallization with eutectic composition + subsequent spinodal decomposition.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yan-Rong Huang, Dinh-Phuc Tran, Po-Ning Hsu, Shih-Chi Yang, A. M. Gusak, K. N. Tu, Chih Chen
Summary: This study presents an approach to inhibit Cu-Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in flip chip solder joints by thermal-gradient annealing. Reflowing two types of solder joints, Cu/SnAg/Cu and Cu/SnAg/Ni, demonstrated that the IMC growth rates were significantly influenced by the thermal gradient. The inclusion of a Ni film at the cold end effectively retarded the thermomigration of IMCs. A kinetic model was proposed to explain the competitive reactions of Cu-molten solder joints.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuedong Zhang, Zaifa Wang, Xiaomei Li, Yong Su, Zhangran Ye, Liqiang Zhang, Qiao Huang, Yongfu Tang, Jianyu Huang
Summary: Cracks are commonly found in Ni-rich layered cathodes during cycling in liquid electrolyte-lithium-ion batteries (LELIBs), but their influence on capacity decay remains unclear. Moreover, the effect of cracks on the performance of all solid-state batteries (ASSBs) has not been studied yet. In this study, mechanically created cracks in single crystal LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) are examined, and their impact on capacity decay in solid-state batteries is revealed.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shi Zhou, Yiting Zhu, Haoran Hu, Chenghan Li, Jie Jiang, Jianyu Huang, Biao Zhang
Summary: By synthesizing porous organic polymers (POPs) with flexible modification at the molecular level, the LiF concentration in the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) can be optimized by tuning the fluorine atom substitution positions on the benzene rings of the POPs to boost the performance of solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs).
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Baiyu Guo, Liqiang Zhang, Yongfu Tang, Jianyu Huang
Summary: This article provides a timely review of the operation principles and challenges of all-solid-state Li-Se batteries. It summarizes various strategies for designing and modifying the components of batteries, including Li anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and Se cathodes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Andriy M. Gusak, Anastasiia Titova, Zhong Chen
Summary: This article discusses an unexpected example of Flux-Driven Transformation in an open system. Specifically, the transformation of amorphous solution Ni-P into crystalline Ni3P, along with the formation of elongated voids during reaction with tin-based solder, is treated as a discontinuous precipitation driven by the out-flux of Ni to react with Sn in an open system. The corresponding model predicts the lateral grain sizes of Ni3P, phase volume ratio, and the time law of reaction with an exponent of 1/3.