Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinyu Guo, Guangjin Wang, Shasha Cui, Bingying Xia, Zhijuan Liu, Shuang-Quan Zang, Shuangyin Wang
Summary: In this study, a heterophase interface between Cu-doped Co3O4 and CuO was fabricated to improve the electrochemical performance of Co3O4 in the electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The Cu-Co3O4/CuO catalyst exhibited lower overpotential, faster reaction kinetics, and higher turnover frequency compared to Cu-Co3O4 and pure Co3O4. The heterophase interface enhanced the adsorption of HMF by strengthening the interaction with the aldehyde and hydroxymethyl groups. This work provides valuable insights for the development of efficient electrocatalysts for HMF electrooxidation.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fangxu Lin, Fan Lv, Qinghua Zhang, Heng Luo, Kai Wang, Jinhui Zhou, Weiyu Zhang, Wenshu Zhang, Dawei Wang, Lin Gu, Shaojun Guo
Summary: Moderate adsorption of oxygenated intermediates plays a crucial role in the rational design of high-efficiency oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Defect engineering, which can adjust the coordination environment of catalytic active sites, is a reliable strategy for tuning the geometric structure of nanomaterials. However, it remains challenging to uniformly disperse high-coordinated defects into ultrathin 2D nanosheets due to the limitations of controllable nanocrystal fabrication. This study introduces atomic-scale cavities (ASCs) as a new type of high-coordinated active site and successfully incorporates them into suprathin Pd (111)-exposed metallene for enhanced ORR performance.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sitian Bai, Yiwei Mou, Jin Wan, Yanwei Wang, Weibo Li, Huijuan Zhang, Ping Luo, Yu Wang
Summary: This study reports a unique amorphous/crystalline heterophase catalyst consisting of NiFe alloy nanoparticles supported on Ti4O7. The heterophase coupling endows the catalyst with a low overpotential, a small Tafel slope, and excellent endurance stability, outperforming commercial catalysts and most reported non-precious metal catalysts.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
X. Z. Jin, C. Y. Wang, S. Milenkovic, I. Sabirov, I. J. Beyerlein, M. T. Perez-Prado
Summary: This study investigates the influence of solute segregation on the twin activity of aged Mg alloys. The authors examine the binary Mg-8Al alloy and two ternary Mg-8Al-1 Zn and Mg-8Al-1Ag alloys. They find that while the binary alloy shows no significant changes in twin activity after precipitation, the aged ternary alloys exhibit a drastic reduction in twin activity, possibly due to the decrease of particle-matrix interface energy caused by Zn and Ag segregation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yange Zhang, Xiangyan Li, Yichun Xu, Yawei Lei, Zhuoming Xie, Xianping Wang, Qianfeng Fang, Changsong Liu, Xuebang Wu
Summary: This work investigates the role of coherent and semi-coherent interfaces between W and ZrC on hydrogen trapping, desorption, and clustering in nanostructured W alloys. The study finds that pure interfaces have comparable trapping abilities with intrinsic defects in bulk W, while interfaces with W/C vacancies show stronger trapping capabilities, especially for semi-coherent interfaces. The strong traps of vacancy-containing phase interfaces effectively absorb hydrogen and prevent hydrogen-induced damage. This work provides insights into the atomic-level understanding of hydrogen trapping and clustering at phase interfaces, offering explanations for experimental observations and suggesting a feasible route for interface engineering against hydrogen-induced damage in structural metals.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yin Liu, Hanqi Li, Rong Han, Qin Ouyang, Yuzheng Guo, Zhaofu Zhang, Linqin Mu, Sami Sainio, Dennis Nordlund, Ling Zan, Zhuo Jiang
Summary: The microstructure at the interface between the cocatalyst and semiconductor is crucial for the concentration of photo-induced carriers and reactants. Recent research has observed the transformation of Ti-6c-O bonds into Ti-5c-O and Ti-6c-O-Pt bonds on the TiO2-010 facet, affecting the selectivity of resulting products. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of new methodologies using conventional lab-grade equipment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Hua Wen, Ya-Meng Li, Wei-Hua Yang, Kai-Wen Huang, Rao Huang
Summary: In this study, the thermodynamic stability and structural evolution of Au, Co, and AuCo heterophase nanoparticles were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results revealed a two-stage melting characteristic and the formation of a solid-core/liquid-shell structure in AuCo heterophase nanoparticles.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tong Zhang, Jiandong Wu, Zhi Wang, Zhen Wei, Junhao Liu, Xuzhong Gong
Summary: By synthesizing ordered matrix and disordered edge to regulate the transfer of molecules and electrons, and utilizing Interface Atomic Domains (IAD) to control the dynamics of two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR), the high activity and selectivity of 2e-ORR have been achieved.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amin Talebian-Kiakalaieh, Elhussein M. Hashem, Meijun Guo, Bingquan Xia, Jingrun Ran, Shi-Zhang Qiao
Summary: Recently, researchers have designed/synthesized atomic-scale defected HfS2 nanosheets and combined them with different photocatalysts to form novel composites. Among them, HfS2-CdS composite exhibits significantly enhanced rates on hydrogen evolution and benzaldehyde evolution in aqueous solutions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jingyi Guan, Daxin Li, Guoxiang Zhou, Wenjiu Duan, Zhihua Yang, Dechang Jia, Ralf Riedel, Shaohua Qin, Yu Zhou
Summary: In this study, Si2BC3N ceramic was used to increase the density of tantalum hafnium carbide solid solution, and dense Ta4HfC5-Si2BC3N ceramics were successfully synthesized. The results showed that a tadpole-like shape of SiC and BN(C) phases was formed at high temperature, accompanied by rapid grain growth, resulting in improved fracture toughness.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Minjae Kim, Malik Abdul Rehman, Donghyun Lee, Yue Wang, Dong-Hyeok Lim, Muhammad Farooq Khan, Haryeong Choi, Qing Yi Shao, Joonki Suh, Hong-Sub Lee, Hyung-Ho Park
Summary: This study experimentally demonstrated and compared the filamentary and interface-type resistive switching behaviors of tantalum oxide-based devices to find suitable memristor types for implementing artificial neural networks. The interface-type TaO2 memristor exhibited better weight update characteristics and reliability, making it more suitable for long-term potentiation and long-term depression in neural morphology.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Optics
Jiawei Chen, Jian Wang, Xiaobao Xu, Jinhang Li, Jizhong Song, Si Lan, Sinan Liu, Bo Cai, Boning Han, Jake T. Precht, David Ginger, Haibo Zeng
Summary: Halide perovskite LEDs are a new type of white light-emitting diode that utilizes efficient and low-cost lighting technologies, featuring a single broadband emissive layer without the need for phosphors. These LEDs operate with high peak luminance and external quantum efficiency, with potential for further improvements in the future through advancements in fabrication technology and mechanistic understanding.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuosen Wang, Jiadong Shen, Xijun Xu, Jujun Yuan, Shiyong Zuo, Zhengbo Liu, Dechao Zhang, Jun Liu
Summary: This study introduces atomic cobalt dopants into nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres, effectively restricting the shuttle effect and promoting the kinetics of sulfur redox reactions, thus designing high-performance Li-S batteries.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qun Luo, Wei Liu, Weihao Li, Qinfen Gu, Binjun Wang, Qian Li
Summary: This study traced the Fe-Al solid-liquid reaction using in-situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and discovered two main intermetallic phases, Fe4Al13 and Fe2Al5. The identified intermetallic phases differ from previous experimental results. Thermodynamic calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to verify the underlying reaction mechanism, and related events such as interfacial diffusion and nucleation driving force were analyzed and discussed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenjie Shao, Mingjun Xiao, Chengdong Yang, Menghao Cheng, Sujiao Cao, Chao He, Mi Zhou, Tian Ma, Chong Cheng, Shuang Li
Summary: The research proposed a facile and controllable method for synthesizing transition metal-based vanadates catalysts with excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and long-term durability, surpassing noble metal-based catalysts, which may expand the scope of designing cost-effective transition metal-based electrocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sayantan Ghosh, Abin Varghese, Himani Jawa, Yuefeng Yin, Nikhil Medhekar, Saurabh Lodha
Summary: This study explores the use of WSe2/SnSe2 type-III structures in photodetectors, showing high negative responsivity and fast response time with controllable photocurrent polarity. By adjusting the band alignment from type-II to type-III, a significant enhancement in responsivity can be achieved, further supported by density functional theory calculations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingdong Lin, Stefano Bernardi, Babar Shabbir, Qingdong Ou, Mingchao Wang, Wenping Yin, Shiqi Liu, Anthony S. R. Chesman, Sebastian O. Furer, Guangyuan Si, Nikhil Medhekar, Jacek Jasieniak, Asaph Widmer-Cooper, Wenxin Mao, Udo Bach
Summary: This study demonstrates a method for controlling the crystallization of inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite microstructures, successfully tuning the structure of perovskite crystals from 0D to 2D to 3D by adjusting the water to dimethylsulfoxide ratios.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yang Liu, Samuel C. Lim, Chen Ding, Aijun Huang, Matthew Weyland
Summary: The study investigated the competitive effects of microstructural features on the mechanical properties of a near beta Ti alloy, revealing the complex impact of microstructure on fracture toughness and tensile properties under different heat treatment processes. The competition between microstructural features and their overall effects on fracture toughness and tensile properties were quantitatively explored, providing insights into the contradictory effects of beta grain size on fracture toughness for the first time.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuoxin Li, Xing Li, Mingchao Wang, Molang Cai, Xiaoqiang Shi, Yaqi Mo, Xianggang Chen, Dongxu Ren, Miao Yang, Xuepeng Liu, Rui Jia, Nikhil Medhekar, Songyuan Dai
Summary: By introducing ammonium thiocyanate as a bifunctional additive into the precursor solution, the conversion efficiency and stability of tin-based perovskite solar cells were significantly improved in this study, with the PCE increasing from 4.45% to 8.15%. The modified perovskite film exhibited better film quality and superior environmental stability.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Himani Jawa, Abin Varghese, Sayantan Ghosh, Srilagna Sahoo, Yuefeng Yin, Nikhil Medhekar, Saurabh Lodha
Summary: This report demonstrates visible-to-near infrared wavelength-driven negative photoconductance (NPC) and positive photoconductance (PPC), along with reversible switching between the two. A few layer MoS2 flake covered on a broadband black phosphorus field effect transistor is used to achieve this, with the crossover switching wavelength and photoresponsivities modulated by varying the MoS2 bandgap through its flake thickness and electrostatic gating.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qile Li, Chi Xuan Trang, Weikang Wu, Jinwoong Hwang, David Cortie, Nikhil Medhekar, Sung-Kwan Mo, Shengyuan A. Yang, Mark T. Edmonds
Summary: Combining magnetism and nontrivial band topology can achieve the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect at high temperatures for lossless transport applications. In this study, a heterostructure consisting of two single-septuple layers (1SL) of MnBi2Te4, an ultrathin few quintuple layer (QL) Bi2Te3, and another 1SL MnBi2Te4 was grown via molecular beam epitaxy. The electronic structure was probed using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, and strong hexagonally warped massive Dirac fermions and a bandgap of 75 +/- 15 meV were observed. The magnetic origin of the gap was confirmed, and these findings provide insights into magnetic proximity effects in topological insulators and a promising platform for realizing the QAH effect at elevated temperatures.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tao Jiang, Hao Min, Renmeng Zou, Mingchao Wang, Kaichuan Wen, Jingya Lai, Lei Xu, Ying Wang, Wenjie Xu, Chengcheng Wang, Kang Wei, Nikhil Medhekar, Qiming Peng, Jin Chang, Wei Huang, Jianpu Wang
Summary: The dipole moment of the bulky cation is found to be an important factor controlling the distribution and crystallinity of different quantum wells in quasi-2D perovskites. Bulky cations with moderate dipole moment can lead to moderately distributed well-width MQWs and achieve favorable optical and electronic properties, resulting in improved device efficiency.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Microscopy
T. Mawson, D. J. Taplin, H. G. Brown, L. Clark, R. Ishikawa, T. Seki, Y. Ikuhara, N. Shibata, D. M. Paganin, M. J. Morgan, M. Weyland, T. C. Petersen, S. D. Findlay
Summary: This study compares experimental case studies with image simulations to determine the parameters that require precise characterization for reliable interpretation of reconstructed phases in quantitative differential phase contrast imaging. Coherent and incoherent lens aberrations are found to have the most significant impact, while noise and non-periodic boundary conditions have less of an effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingchao Wang, Han Ye, Vallabh Vasudevan, Nikhil Medhekar
Summary: This study investigates the thermodynamic and electrochemical performance of layered material MoS2 as a cathode for Mg-ion batteries using first-principles calculations. The findings show that increasing the interlayer spacing can enhance Mg diffusivities and specific capacity, but reduce electrode voltages.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Chen-Chen Er, Lutfi K. Putri, Nikhil Medhekar, Siang-Piao Chai
Summary: Enhancement of carbon nitride through single transition metal atom modification improves its photocatalytic performance, with Pd and Cu identified as the most promising candidates for CO2 reduction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bernard Field, Agustin Schiffrin, Nikhil Medhekar
Summary: This study demonstrates how substrates influence the magnetic phases in kagome MOFs, taking into account factors such as MOF-substrate coupling, MOF-substrate charge transfer, strain, and external electric fields. The findings provide useful predictions for studying tunable interaction-induced magnetism in surface-supported 2D (metal-)organic materials.
NPJ COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shenghan Su, Laure Bourgeois, Nikhil V. Medhekar
Summary: The high strength of structural aluminium alloys is due to the controlled precipitation of specific intermetallic phases. In this study, we investigate the AlPt system and design a workflow to predict the thermodynamics of various phases and their precipitation sequence in binary alloying systems. Our findings suggest that Al2Pt will precipitate first and form bulk-like interfaces similar to Al2Au rather than Al2Cu.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Motomi Aoki, Yuefeng Yin, Simon Granville, Yao Zhang, Nikhil V. Medhekar, Livio Leiva, Ryo Ohshima, Yuichiro Ando, Masashi Shiraishi
Summary: Co2MnGa, a topological quantum material with high structural symmetry, exhibits a gigantic anisotropy of self-induced spin-orbital torque (SOT), which is a result of the interplay between the topological nature of the electronic states and external strain.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuefeng Yin, Chutian Wang, Michael S. Fuhrer, Nikhil Medhekar
Summary: Tuning the interaction between the bulk and edge states of topological materials is a powerful tool for manipulating edge transport behavior in planar bismuthene. By exploring the impact of various perturbation effects, such as device size, substrate potentials, and applied transverse electric field, the electronic structure and edge transport in planar bismuthene can be engineered to exhibit either a gapped or conducting unconventional helical spin texture. These results open up new directions for discovering novel spin transport patterns in topological materials and provide critical insights for the fabrication of topological spintronic devices.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2023)
