Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Serra-Maia, Pawan Kumar, Andrew C. Meng, Alexandre C. Foucher, Yijin Kang, Khim Karki, Deep Jariwala, Eric A. Stach
Summary: Liquid-cell scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) has been used to study nanostructure nucleation and growth, electrochemistry, and corrosion. By generating a gas bubble during electrochemical water splitting, the thickness of the liquid can be reduced to allow for atomic-scale analysis. This method enables multi-modal, nanoscale understanding of solid-state samples in liquid media.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mengsha Li, Chenyue Qiu, Stas Dogel, Pingfan Chen, Doug D. Perovic, Jane Y. Howe
Summary: Smart microstructure design in nanocomposite films allows for tailoring physical properties and improving thermal stability. In this study, the thermal stability of self-assembled PbTiO3/PbO nanocomposite films with different microstructures was investigated using environmental transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the nanocomposite film with a nanocolumnar microstructure exhibits better thermal stability and can maintain a giant tetragonality at elevated temperatures. Additionally, the temperature-dependent electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals the sensitivity of the chemical bonding to the lattice distortion, providing insights into the structural variation and electronic properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jacob R. Jokisaari, Xuan Hu, Arijita Mukherjee, Vuk Uskokovic, Robert F. Klie
Summary: Liquid cell electron microscopy allows for studying interactions of liquids and solids at nanoscopic length scales, with Graphene liquid cells (GLCs) showing potential for high-quality imaging. Encapsulating pH-sensitive biological material like hydroxyapatite (HAP) in GLCs can enhance stability and observe interactions with the electron beam, showing promise for stabilizing specimens and avoiding beam-induced artifacts.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Bogatyrenko, A. Kryshtal
Summary: The study investigated the thermal expansion of metal and diamond nanoparticles using in situ electron microscopy, and found that the thermal expansion coefficient increases with decreasing particle size. The observed effect was discussed within the framework of the molecular kinetic theory.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
L. Mengis, A. S. Ulrich, P. Watermeyer, C. H. Liebscher, M. C. Galetz
Summary: A comparative study was conducted on the isothermal oxidation behavior of two beta(0)-containing titanium aluminide alloys, GE 4822 and TNM-B1, in the HIPed condition at temperatures ranging from 600 degrees C to 900 degrees C for up to 1000 h in air. The alloys exhibited clear differences in oxidation behavior, but both experienced embrittlement after 100 h of exposure even at 600 degrees C. Phase transformations in the subsurface zone were found to have a strong impact on mechanical properties at room temperature.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yalin Li, Wenjiang Qiang, Ke Wang, Dongbo Yang, Bingxin Huang, Fuyan Ding
Summary: This study demonstrated the existence of L6(0) Fe3Co ordering in Fe-23.7 wt% Co alloy and investigated its impact on mechanical properties. The results showed that Fe3Co ordering significantly reduced the tensile plasticity and impact toughness of the alloy. However, increasing the cooling rate could suppress the ordering behavior and improve the ductility. Furthermore, the study analyzed the dislocation configurations in different alloys and confirmed the theoretical calculations within a certain error range.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryuichi Kato, Masami Naya, Naoki Kasahata, Ryosuke Senga, Chikara Sato, Masanori Koshino, Kazu Suenaga, Masataka Hasegawa
Summary: High-quality graphene demonstrates efficient heat dissipation by direct contact with ice, significantly suppressing sublimation behavior, especially for thinner ice. The lifespan of ice on graphene against electron beam irradiation extends by approximately 40% compared to ice without graphene, providing a new avenue for effective thermal management in cryo-TEM analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Felipe Polo-Garzon, Thomas F. Blum, Zhenghong Bao, Kristen Wang, Victor Fung, Zhennan Huang, Elizabeth E. Bickel, De-en Jiang, Miaofang Chi, Zili Wu
Summary: The study reveals that during the catalytic conversion of 2-propanol on Pd/TiO2 at low temperatures, coverage of Pd sites occurs due to the generation of SMSIs. The SMSIs that appear during the reaction fully reverse upon exposure to O-2 at room temperature, which may have contributed to the challenge of identifying them in the past.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qiu-Yue Cheng, Ting Wang, Jun Hu, Hong-Yuan Chen, Jing-Juan Xu
Summary: Visible-light-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising method for organic transformations. However, accurately detecting and identifying photogenerated species, especially short-lived radical intermediates, remains challenging. In this work, a hybrid ion emitter integrated with a pico-liter heterogeneous photocatalytic reactor was developed for the rapid identification of transient radical intermediates produced under visible-light irradiation. This novel coupling device provides a powerful tool for exploring complex heterogeneous photochemical processes and their ultrafast initial transformations.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pierfrancesco Ticali, Davide Salusso, Alessia Airi, Sara Morandi, Elisa Borfecchia, Adrian Ramirez, Tomas Cordero-Lanzac, Jorge Gascon, Unni Olsbye, Finn Joensen, Silvia Bordiga
Summary: In this study, the application of PdZn/ZrO2 + SAPO-34 catalyst for converting CO2 and H2 into propane was investigated. It was found that the integrated catalyst performed worse than the simple physical mixture of the two components, possibly due to Zn migration and SAPO-34 poisoning leading to catalyst deactivation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. N. Korovin, I. S. Humonen, A. I. Samtsevich, R. A. Eremin, A. I. Vasilev, V. D. Lazarev, S. A. Budennyy
Summary: The discovery of new catalysts is important for computational chemistry and renewable energy. Recent advancements in deep learning approaches, such as graph neural networks, can greatly expand the modeling of high-performance catalysts. However, the graph representation of crystal structures is challenging due to their complex connectivity. In this study, we propose an improved graph neural network using Voronoi tessellation to predict the energy of catalytic systems. The proposed modifications enhance the accuracy of the original model, achieving a mean absolute error of 651 meV on the Open Catalyst Project dataset and 6 meV/atom on the intermetallics dataset. Additionally, considering an additional dataset, the error can be reduced below the physically-based threshold of 20 meV/atom.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fei Long, Yu Luo, Nima N. Badr, Oksana Shiman, Matthew Topping, Suraj Y. Persaud, Zhongwen Yao, Laurent K. Beland, Mark R. Daymond
Summary: The crystal structure of the hydride induced by water quenching in Zr-2.5Nb pressure tube was identified using synchrotron x-ray diffraction and TEM nano-beam electron diffraction, showing a transition from gamma' phase to gamma and delta phases during room temperature aging, confirming its metastable nature. The amount of gamma' phase increased with quenching temperature, while the delta phase changed inversely. Additionally, in-situ heating experiments showed that the gamma' phase was present up to 278 degrees C, with transformation into delta hydride upon heating.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. Zavasnik, J. Peng, M. Palm
Summary: Pre-oxidation significantly improves the aqueous corrosion behavior of iron aluminides. The two-layered oxide scale, with an outer layer made of equiaxed alpha-Al2O3 and a small amount of spinel, and an inner layer of columnar alpha-Al2O3 grains, effectively inhibits the corrosive attack and enhances the adherence to the underlying alloy. The discrepancy in previous observations is likely due to differences in oxide scale formation after short-time and prolonged oxidation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dan Wang, Zhijian Zhao, Bo Shi, Jie-Xin Wang, Jian-Feng Chen
Summary: The pyrolysis of MOFs is a widely used method to generate hierarchical structures with metal nanoparticles embedded in a porous carbon matrix. In this study, in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the real-time formation and evolution of porous carbon decorated with metal species during the pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 encapsulated with carbon dots. The migration of cobalt, the flow of aggregates, and the growth of carbon nanotubes were observed at the nanoscale. Experimental studies revealed the synergistic effect between doped graphite nitrogen and confined cobalt nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Mitsutaka Miyamoto, Kohei Sano, Tomoya Sawae, Mitsutaka Haruta, Hiroki Kurata
Summary: The microscopic effects of He irradiation on the H isotope retention in W were quantitatively evaluated using two types of high-function transmission electron microscopes. It was found that He pre-irradiation induced fine and dense bubbles near the surface of the samples, significantly increasing the deuterium (D) retention. The analysis revealed that most of the D atoms were trapped and distributed homogeneously in the bubbles and released at relatively low temperatures without microstructural changes with increasing temperature. In contrast, some of the He was dissociated from the bubble by D post-irradiation in the matrix with a metastable state and retrapped by the bubble as the temperature was increased.
NUCLEAR MATERIALS AND ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lixin Su, Yiming Jin, Dan Gong, Xin Ge, Wei Zhang, Xinran Fan, Wei Luo
Summary: This research finds that the Ru-Ru2P/C heterostructure exhibits non-monotonous performance for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) across the entire pH region, with higher activity observed under alkaline conditions compared to acidic ones. Through experimental and theoretical studies, the roles of different reactive intermediates are proposed, providing new design principles for pH-targeted electrocatalysts.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Huang, Xinyuan Zhang, Hezhe Lin, Zhixuan Wei, Yi Zeng, Xin Ge, Wei Zhang, Xiaoqi Wang, Xu Jin, Ze Xiang Shen, Fei Du
Summary: In this study, a new P3-type K0.45Mn0.9Al0.1O2 material was designed to enhance the capacity and cycling life of K-ion battery cathodes. The introduction of inactive aluminum ions successfully suppressed lattice distortion, increased interlayer spacing, alleviated exothermic phase transition, and formed a stable cathode electrolyte interphase. This material exhibited high specific capacity and excellent cyclic performance, surpassing existing state-of-the-art cathodes for KIBs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhihe Wang, Yixuan Wang, Qinhua Gu, Cuimei Zhao, Junkai Zhang, Shichong Xu, Ming Lu, Bingsen Zhang
Summary: Intercalation of ions can alter the interlayer environment of MXene and impact the electrochemical ion storage capacity. The presence of multi-ions confined by the MXene layers can regulate the interlayer environment and influence the electrochemical performance. The study provides insights into the relationship between multi-ions and MXene, offering guidance for the use of two-dimensional layered materials in energy storage applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ming Lu, Yaopeng Zhang, Qinhua Gu, Wenjuan Han, Yujie Qi, Xia Zhang, Bingsen Zhang
Summary: Utilizing MXene to construct multifunctional derivatives is an effective approach for developing high-performance electrode materials. This study demonstrates the generation of a VOx/V2CTx MXene derivative through a partial oxidation process, which converts V2CTx MXene partially into V2O5 and forms a hybrid of V2O5/V2CTx MXene. This derivative exhibits enhanced capacity, rate performance, and cyclability. Furthermore, this research provides insights into the derived behavior of MXenes and offers a route for constructing hybrids with reduced interface contact.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fa Yang, Ping Song, Xin Ge, Yan Wang, Takao Gunji, Wei Zhang, Xiao Zhao, Weilin Xu
Summary: By combining operando X-ray absorption spectra with density function theory calculation, the potential-driven restructuring of the active coordination structure in electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction was revealed, and the key intermediate of Fe-NNHx was detected experimentally. These results demonstrate the importance of potential-induced restructuring of the active sites on electrocatalysts for highly efficient ammonia production.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Binbin Yang, Wei Zhang, Weitao Zheng
Summary: Based on the latest research progress, this paper provides new insights and guidance on improving the energy density of carbon-based supercapacitors through delicate architecture of electrode materials and electrolytes. Specific capacitance and electrochemical stability window are identified as key factors in increasing the energy density. Recent progress in carbon-based materials and electrolytes are summarized, including specific surface area, pore structure regulation, heteroatom doping, and carbon composites. The possibilities of achieving synergy in electrode/electrolytes via enhancing pseudocapacitance contribution and developing high-voltage window electrolytes are discussed.
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xianyu Chu, Fanling Meng, Wei Zhang, Lihua Zhang, Sebastian Molin, Piotr Jasinski, Weitao Zheng
Summary: In this study, a vertically oriented bimetallic CuNi-MOF electrode was constructed through in situ transformation strategy, which greatly improved the specific capacitance and optimized the electronic structure and conductivity through DFT calculations. This strategy shows promise in maximizing the utilization of MOF advantages for optimizing electrochemical performance.
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuhua Liu, Wei Zhang
Summary: The economical and high-efficiency synthesis of single-atom catalysts is a significant challenge due to the complexity of equipment and processes required for both top-down and bottom-up synthesis methods. However, a facile three-dimensional printing approach has now emerged, allowing for the direct and automatic preparation of target materials with specific geometric shapes from a solution of printing ink and metal precursors.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Taowen Dong, Tingting Qin, Wei Zhang, Yaowen Zhang, Zhuoran Feng, Yuxiang Gao, Zhongyu Pan, Zixiang Xia, Yan Wang, Chunming Yang, Peng Wang, Weitao Zheng
Summary: The interaction between the electrode and the electric double layer (EDL) significantly influences the energy storage mechanism. By studying the popular alpha-Fe2O3 electrode and the EDL interaction, we find that the energy storage mechanism of the electrode can be controlled by modulating the EDL.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Qiu, Jinchang Fan, Jiandong Wu, Wenting Lu, Shengwei Wang, Dewen Wang, Xin Ge, Xiao Zhao, Wei Zhang, Weitao Zheng, Xiaoqiang Cui
Summary: In this study, a new design for MOR electrocatalysts is reported, which improves the MOR performance by atomically engineering oxide/metal interfaces. The CrOX-Pd alloy catalyst shows excellent MOR performance and can rapidly remove CO*. Theoretical calculations reveal the mechanism of the catalyst's changes in CO* adsorption properties and COOH* formation energy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ye Yuan, Yajie Yang, Katie R. Meihaus, Shenli Zhang, Xin Ge, Wei Zhang, Roland Faller, Jeffrey R. R. Long, Guangshan Zhu
Summary: The use of coordination complexes within covalent organic frameworks can enhance their structures and properties. In this study, a series of crystalline covalent organic frameworks with tunable scandium incorporation were prepared by combining organic ligands and scandium coordination complexes. These frameworks showed high selectivity for Sc3+ ions over common impurity ions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuhuan Cui, Changning Sun, Guopeng Ding, Ming Zhao, Xin Ge, Wei Zhang, Yongfu Zhu, Zhili Wang, Qing Jiang
Summary: Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) has attracted attention as a sustainable alternative to the energy intensive Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment. However, the current NO3RR suffers from low ammonia yield and poor selectivity due to the lack of effective electrocatalysts. In this study, a bimodal nanoporous Ru-doped Cu catalyst is reported, which exhibits ultrahigh ammonia yield rate and Faradaic efficiency, outperforming most of the reported catalysts under similar conditions. The study provides a new avenue for the rational design of high-performance catalysts for NO3RR and other important applications.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianye Yang, Hui Ren, Wei Zhang, Li Rong, Duo Zhang
Summary: This article focuses on photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors using gold nanomaterials. It proposes a method of surface coating gold nanomaterials with natural polyphenols with antitumor activity to address the issues faced in related research. The results showed that this method effectively induced apoptosis of tumor cells and achieved synergistic therapy through the photothermal conversion effect of the gold nanomaterials under near-infrared (NIR) laser.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianyi Xu, Ruoyu Li, Lei Zhang, Dongxu Jiao, Yilong Dong, Ming Gong, Dantong Zhang, Jinchang Fan, Dewen Wang, Yanhua Liu, Xiao Zhao, Wei Zhang, Weitao Zheng, Xiaoqiang Cui
Summary: By bridging the inner and outer layers of the core-shell structure using a bridge Br atom, we have synthesized carbon wrapped copper bromide nanorods (CuBr@C) with excellent electrocatalytic activity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junyan Li, Ming Lu, Weijia Zheng, Wei Zhang
Summary: MXenes are two-dimensional materials with unique structures and properties, which have attracted significant scientific interest. Ion intercalation, as an important mechanism, plays a crucial role in regulating the electronic and chemical properties of MXene materials. This review provides an overview of the interaction events between ions and MXenes, including advanced characterization techniques, influencing factors, mechanisms, and functionalization roles of ion intercalation.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2024)
