Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
X. L. Lu, J. Wang, Q. Y. Huang, J. S. Chen, B. Z. Sun
Summary: This study investigates a phase transition from ss S' to ss 1 in a Mg-Y-Ce alloy caused by electron beam irradiation through atomic scale scanning transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the structural evolution from ss S' to ss 1 precipitates can be completed within two minutes for a nanosized particle, mainly due to the increased heat and vacancy concentration generated by the electron beam irradiation accelerating atomic diffusion, particularly along the c-axis direction.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bing Han, Zhengqian Fu, Guoxiang Zhao, Xuefeng Chen, Genshui Wang, Fangfang Xu
Summary: This study investigates the behavior of electric-field induced antiferroelectric to ferroelectric (AFE-FE) phase transition and reveals the evolution of atomic displacement ordering as the cause for the transition behavior changing from sharp to diffuse. The novel semi-ordered configuration results from the competing interaction between long-range displacement modulation and compositional inhomogeneity, which leads to a diffuse AFE-FE transition while maintaining the switching field.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. B. Wang, C. F. Pan, B. Wei, X. Zheng, Y. X. Lai, J. H. Chen
Summary: This study revealed the microstructural differences between Sc-added and Sc-free Al-Mg-Si-Sc alloys using atomic-scale transmission electron microscopy and atomic-resolution spectroscopy. The addition of Sc atoms not only accelerates the initial stage of hardening but also improves the stability of transitional precipitates, leading to finer and longer precipitate needles. The thermal stability of the alloy is greatly enhanced by the addition of Sc.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lixun Cheng, Yaoling Shen, Pengfei Nan, Chuanqiang Wu, Yilin Tai, Xiaonan Luo, Yongsheng Zhang, Binghui Ge
Summary: In this study, the microstructure evolution of Na2Ti3O7 anode material was observed at the atomic scale using advanced electron microscopy techniques. Anisotropic amorphization was successfully observed, and a phase transition pathway involving a new phase, Na2Ti24O49, was proposed. It was also found that the amorphization is influenced by surface energy and electron dose rate.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gergo Vecsei, Gabriella Jager, Laura Juhasz, Janos J. Toman, Vincent Otieno Odhiambo, Imre Miklos Szilagyi, Zoltan Erdelyi, Csaba Cserhati
Summary: The growth kinetics of ZnAl2O4 spinel phase in double layered nanotubes was studied and it was found that the growth rate follows a parabolic function with time regardless of the layer sequence. The growth rate was higher in the (ZnO)Al2O3 layer sequence compared to the reverse case, which can be explained by the competing vacancy fluxes induced by mechanical stress and the difference in diffusion fluxes of the two constituents during the solid-state reaction.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Z. Liu, W. R. Geng, Y. L. Tang, Y. L. Zhu, Y. J. Wang, Y. Cao, R. J. Jiang, N. Liu, F. H. Gong, J. H. Wang, X. D. Lv, S. J. Chen, X. L. Ma
Summary: Tailoring ferroelectric-antiferroelectric phase transitions allows for strategic advantages in applications such as digital displacement transducers and ultrathin ferroelectric capacitors. By introducing antiferroelectric PbZrO3 layers into intrinsic ferroelectric BiFeO3 films, a dedicated control of the phase transition is achieved. The resulting modulated superlattice exhibits improved piezoelectric performance and enriches the understanding of structure-functionality correlations in oxide heterosystems.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tomoki Taguchi, Yui Kouketsu, Yohei Igami, Tomoyuki Kobayashi, Akira Miyake
Summary: The study reveals the presence of abundant small-sized coesite inclusions in garnet-rich layers from the Italian Western Alps, potentially filling the gap between predicted and observed abundances of coesite worldwide. The results indicate that coesite-derived quartz pseudomorphs are not typical structures in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks, and the minuscule coesite in many rocks may be overlooked.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Binzhi Liu, Ling Li, Shan-Tao Zhang, Lin Zhou, Xiaoli Tan
Summary: A comparative study was conducted on PNZST/ZnO ceramic composites with different ratios, revealing that the lower ratio (x=0.1) composite exhibited a stable ferroelectric phase at room temperature, transitioning to an antiferroelectric phase upon heating, contributing to the pyroelectric effect. In contrast, the higher ratio (x=0.4) composite showed the presence of Zn2SnO4, leading to the decomposition of the ferroelectric matrix phase and consequently lower pyroelectric coefficient.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiuzhen Wang, Zhenpeng Yao, Sooyeon Hwang, Lei Zhang, Maosen Fu, Shuang Li, Liqiang Mai, Qingyu Xu, Dong Su
Summary: This study investigates the sodiation and desodiation processes of SnS2 using in situ transmission electron microscopy, revealing that the irreversible disordering transition is the determining step of irreversible cycling.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yi Zhong, Ying Liu, Jinwen Ye, Na Jin, Zifeng Lin
Summary: A new facile approach using low-cost V-Al alloys and carbon black with molten salts assistance was able to obtain V2AlC and V4AlC3 in milder conditions. The method is shown to be thermodynamically superior to the traditional method, with X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy revealing phase and morphology evolutions. Unreported formation mechanisms were also revealed for the first time.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yi Zhong, Ying Liu, Na Jin, Zifeng Lin, Jinwen Ye
Summary: In this study, fine, pure Ti3AlC2 powder was prepared via Ti3Al alloy and carbon black under mild conditions with the assistance of molten salts. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TG-DSC, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations showed that high purity, nanosized Ti3AlC2 could be obtained at 900 degrees C with a 1:1 salt-to-material ratio. Further TEM investigations revealed the formation mechanism of Ti3AlC2 through the alloy raw material and the distinct path of the phase transition.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lu Lu, Kun Liu, Shao-Bo Mi
Summary: The interfacial properties of the spinel/perovskite heterostructure at the Li0.5Fe2.5O4/(La, Sr)MnO3 interface have been investigated using transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques. Atomic-scale interface structures of Fe/(La,Sr)O, Fe/MnO2, and (Li,Fe)2O4/MnO2 have been determined for the Li0.5Fe2.5O4 and (La,Sr)MnO3 films with a cube-on-cube orientation relationship. Stacking faults in the Li0.5Fe2.5O4 film, along with interfacial dislocations, contribute to the epitaxial strain relaxation in the heterosystems. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the interfacial structure and physical properties in spinel/perovskite heterostructures.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Geology
Xiao-Wen Huang, Georges Beaudoin
Summary: Compositional zoning in magnetite from Sossego deposit is likely a pristine texture formed during crystal growth, rather than a secondary texture due to dissolution and reprecipitation reaction. Nanoinclusions in magnetite, including Mg-Fe-Al silicates, Fe-Ti oxides, pyroxene, and Si-rich magnetite, provide insights into the formation mechanisms and evolution of the mineral.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianhu Sun, Dongxiang Wu, Wissam A. Saidi, Wenhui Zhu, Wei-Chang D. Yang, Stephen D. House, Meng Li, Renu Sharma, Judith C. Yang, Guangwen Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates the dynamics at the reaction fronts of multiple interfaces and reveals the control mechanisms of interfacial transformations. These findings have significant implications for controlling microstructure and interphase boundaries by manipulating surface reaction dynamics and mass transport.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
G. H. Cao, Z. Zhang, X. Li, W. Skrotzki, E. Mueller, R. Schneider, D. Gerthsen
Summary: The study found that nickel plays an important role in stabilizing the high-temperature Pt3Al(h) phase, while phases such as Ni2PtAl and NiPt2Al have been observed and confirmed experimentally. The phase transition and formation mechanisms involved during cooling have also been analyzed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongli Yun, Zidong Bu, Zhenzhong Yang, Lijun Wang, Baoliang Zhang
Summary: The hydrogen injection timing and ignition timing of the port injection hydrogen-fueled spark ignition (SI) engine modified from the Jialing JH600 gasoline engine were optimized using a combination of design of experiment (DOE) and multiple population genetic algorithm (MPGA) on AVL-FIRE software. The effects of hydrogen injection timing and ignition timing on the performance of the hydrogen engine were investigated, and their optimum intervals were determined. Regression functions were fitted for indicated power, indicated thermal efficiency, and emissions, and a comprehensive optimization model was constructed. MPGA showed faster convergence speed and higher convergence accuracy compared to standard genetic algorithm (SGA). The optimum hydrogen injection timing advanced and the rate of variation increased as the load increased, while the optimum ignition timing was delayed and the rate of variation decreased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Gao, Dayin Sun, Zheng Li, Zeying Zhang, Zhiyuan Qu, Yang Yun, Fanyi Min, Wenkun Lv, Mengmeng Guo, Yilan Ye, Zhenzhong Yang, Yali Qiao, Yanlin Song
Summary: In this study, a bubble-driven instant quasi-1D interfacial strategy was proposed for the oriented assembly of Janus nanoparticle (JNP) chains. The rapid formation of templated bubbles promoted the interfacial orientation of JNPs kinetically, while the confined quasi-1D interface in the curved liquid bridge constrained the disordered rotation of particles, resulting in well-oriented JNP chains. By regulating the amphiphilicity of JNPs, heteraxial and coaxial JNP assemblies were obtained, which exhibited different polarization dependences on light scattering and demonstrated colorimetric logic behaviors. This work demonstrates the potential of patterned interfacial assembly and the prospect of asymmetric JNP assembly in constructing novel optoelectronic devices.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Huang Fujun, Xiao Huihui, Guo Shuman, Wang Lijun, Yang Zhenzhong, Kong Wenjun
Summary: In this experimental study, the effect of disturbances on a methane-fueled free-piston engine generator (FPEG) was investigated. Four disturbance sources were identified and applied, including step change of external load, mixture flow rate fluctuation, random misfire of a cylinder, and elastic collision. The results showed that the FPEG achieved steady-state operation with load, but experienced frequency and fluctuation changes when the external load was instantaneously disconnected or connected, indicating a greater disturbance impact on operation stability during load connection. However, the FPEG demonstrated good anti-disturbance ability and continued to operate even when facing disturbances such as changes in external load, mixture flow rate, random misfire, and minor collisions.
Rating: 8/1
JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zian Tang, Kairu Qu, Zhendong Wen, Yilan Ye, Dayin Sun, Zhenzhong Yang
Summary: We propose a method to create nanofibers or composite nanofibers with functional nanoparticles using an oil-water emulsion droplet stabilized with copolymers. The nanofibers are formed by wrapping a monolayer of copolymers, and their length can be adjusted by changing the copolymer concentration and water/oil ratio of the emulsion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gaokuo Zhong, Qianxin Chen, Yuan Zhang, Ke Qu, Zhenzhong Yang, Jinbin Wang, Xiangli Zhong, Ming Ma, Chuanlai Ren, Jiangyu Li
Summary: A new strategy is developed to prepare oxide dielectric materials on ultrathin and flexible mica substrates using van der Waals epitaxy. The resulting ultrathin flexible capacitor has a record high energy density of 12.19 J cm(-3) and an efficiency of 90.98%. The superlattice structure can be easily rolled for large-scale manufacturing, and the energy storage performances are well maintained even under large bending deformation and extended bending cycling.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kee Sung Han, J. David Bazak, Robert L. Sacci, Ying Chen, Tyler H. Bennett, Jagjit Nanda, Vijayakumar Murugesan
Summary: Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have attracted considerable attention for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries due to their potential to enhance safety and performance. This study utilizes 7Li pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) to directly differentiate the diffusion of Li+ ions within the grains and grain boundaries of protonated lithium antiperovskites (pLiAPs) SSEs. The findings reveal that the long-range diffusion in the grain boundaries is highly sensitive to halide substitution and strongly correlated with the overall ionic conductivity.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinfa Chang, Guanzhi Wang, Xiaoxia Chang, Zhenzhong Yang, Han Wang, Boyang Li, Wei Zhang, Libor Kovarik, Yingge Du, Nina Orlovskaya, Bingjun Xu, Guofeng Wang, Yang Yang
Summary: This article investigates the development of high-activity and durable catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells. The authors propose a Pd/Co@N-C catalyst that can prevent catalyst structural degradation and enhance electron transfer and activity/durability. This study provides a strategy for innovative catalyst structural design and promotes the development of fuel cells and other sustainable energy-related technologies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jingjing Jia, Jianwen Deng, Haiqiang Jin, Jie Yang, Ding Nan, Zemou Yu, Weiwei Yu, Zhiyuan Shen, Yuxuan Lu, Ran Liu, Zhaoxia Wang, Xiaozhong Qu, Dong Qiu, Zhenzhong Yang, Yining Huang
Summary: This study used a chemical proteomics approach to identify cytochrome C oxidase 7c (Cox7c) as a key interacting target of dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP). The findings suggest that NBP inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis and ROS release, increases ATP production, improves mitochondrial respiratory capacity, upregulates the HIF-1 alpha/VEGF pathway, and promotes angiogenesis. These mechanisms contribute to the neuroprotective effects of NBP and highlight the critical role of Cox7c in protecting mitochondrial function.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nathan T. Hahn, Ethan P. Kamphaus, Ying Chen, Vijayakumar Murugesan, Karl T. Mueller, Lei Cheng, Kevin R. Zavadil
Summary: Practical Mg batteries require electrolytes with stability towards both reduction by Mg metal and oxidation by high voltage cathodes. State-of-the-art Mg electrolytes based on weakly coordinating Mg salts use ether-type solvents for reductive stability, but their oxidative stabilities are not ideal. In this work, a selective solvation approach using a combination of glyme and hydrofluoroether solvents is reported to improve the oxidative stability while maintaining the reductive stability necessary for Mg cycling. The study also relates the coordination interactions among solvents and anions with Mg2+ to inform the design of future electrolytes.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Changhuan Jiang, Jianwei Zhang, Pan Luo, Jun Yang, Xiaoyu Feng, Yunzhe Zheng, Yu Shen, Xing Li, Zhenzhong Yang, Rong Huang
Summary: In this study, an advanced concentrated ternary salt ether-based electrolyte was developed, which showed compatibility with high charge voltage and high rate capability in a Li metal-based Li|| LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) battery. The design of the electrolyte resulted in the formation of a stable Al-rich interphase on the cathode surface, which suppressed the surface side effect and improved the cell's cyclability. The cell exhibited a good capacity retention of around 85% after 300 cycles with a charge voltage of 4.4 V (C/3 charge and 1 C discharge). This work provides a promising strategy for developing practical secondary batteries based on Li metal with outstanding high voltage and rate performance.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xuefeng Liu, Guangdi Feng, Xiaoyu Feng, Jinzhong Zhang, Shenglan Hao, Qiuxiang Zhu, Fangyu Yue, Ni Zhong, Hui Peng, Xiaodong Tang, Zhenzhong Yang, Rong Huang, Bobo Tian, Junhao Chu, Chungang Duan
Summary: This study demonstrates an ultrafast quantum-based electron-transport mechanism suitable for fabricating high-frequency rectifier diode devices. By using a metal/semiconductor/metal (MSM) nanoscale tunneling junction, ultrahigh rectification (>104) and large forward current density (13.8 A/cm2 at -2 V) have been achieved. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations show that the high rectification is due to the switching of electron-transport mechanism between direct tunneling (DT) and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (FNT) under positive and negative voltage biases. The quantum-based FNT mechanism results in minimal temperature dependence of currents in a wide temperature range of 100-400 K. This work opens up new possibilities for high-frequency rectifier diodes based on MSM nanoscale tunneling junctions.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. J. Whitcher, A. D. Fauzi, C. Diao, X. Chi, A. Syahroni, T. C. Asmara, M. B. H. Breese, A. H. Castro Neto, A. T. S. Wee, M. A. Majidi, A. Rusydi
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Ranjan Kumar Patel, Ramesh Naidu Jenjeti, Rajat Kumar, Nandana Bhattacharya, Siddharth Kumar, Shashank Kumar Ojha, Zhan Zhang, Hua Zhou, Ke Qu, Zhen Wang, Zhenzhong Yang, Christoph Klewe, Padraic Shafer, S. Sampath, Srimanta Middey
Summary: This study investigates the OER activity of (La0.2Pr0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2)NiO3 single-crystalline thin films grown on NdGaO3 substrates as a function of film thickness in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The OER activity increases with the thickness of the film due to enhanced Ni d-O p covalency and reduced charge transfer energy. However, excessive leaching occurs in thicker films, and a film thickness of 75 unit cells is found to have optimal OER activity.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Yang, Xing Li, Ke Qu, Yixian Wang, Kangqi Shen, Changhuan Jiang, Bo Yu, Pan Luo, Zhuangzhi Li, Mingyang Chen, Bingshu Guo, Mingshan Wang, Junchen Chen, Zhiyuan Ma, Yun Huang, Zhenzhong Yang, Pengcheng Liu, Rong Huang, Xiaodi Ren, David Mitlin
Summary: A new concentrated ternary salt ether-based electrolyte called CETHER-3 enables stable cycling of lithium metal battery cells. This electrolyte exhibits enhanced performance in terms of high-voltage cycling stability due to the improved coordination between Li+ and the solvent/salt molecules. In addition, a thinner and more stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are formed, which suppress the deleterious transformation of the cathode structure and the growth of lithium metal dendrites.