Article
Chemistry, Physical
Min Wang, Li Zhang, Jialiang Pan, Meirong Huang, Hongwei Zhu
Summary: A newly developed self-supported electrocatalyst with Fe-doped Ni3S2 nanoparticles exhibits high activity and durability in alkaline media, providing an effective solution for water electrolysis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sunghwan Jin, Byungchul Kang, Taeyeong Kong, Soon Hyung Hong, Hyung-Joon Shin, Rodney S. Ruoff
Summary: Abnormal grain growth was observed in polycrystalline iron foil after plastic deformation, leading to large regions close to single crystal during annealing process. The number of nuclei and maximum grain size for abnormal grain growth were highly affected by plastic deformation conditions, resulting in different stored energies in the foil.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingtao Wang, Yongkai Xu, Jinlong Hu, Feng Fang, Jianfeng Jin, Tao Jia, Qing Peng
Summary: A revised phase-field model was used to study the abnormal growth of Goss grains during the annealing process in Fe-3%Si steels. The results showed that the abnormal growth is caused by the different dissolvability of the particles at Goss grain boundaries. Moreover, the size advantage of Goss grain can further promote the abnormal growth.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Bao-tao Qi, Jun-Jie Guo, Ying-qing Miao, Mian-zeng Zhong, Bo Li, Zi-yan Luo, Xi-guang Wang, Yao-zhuang Nie, Qing-lin Xia, Guang-hua Guo
Summary: The magnetic and transport properties of a two-dimensional van der Waals magnetic material, FeNbTe2, have been systematically studied in this research. It has been verified to exhibit antiferromagnetic properties, spin glass state, and negative magnetoresistance effect at lower temperatures. Additionally, angle-dependent anisotropic magnetoresistance has been observed in a wide temperature range, along with anisotropic magnetoresistance inversion in a certain temperature range.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hayoung Ko, Soo Ho Choi, Jungmo Kim, Yong In Kim, Young-Hoon Kim, Laud Anim Adofo, Min-Hyoung Jung, Young-Min Kim, Mun Seok Jeong, Ki Kang Kim, Soo Min Kim
Summary: A novel method for synthesizing highly uniform and continuous m-hBN films on smooth Fe foil has been developed, achieving significant improvement in gas barrier performance with a water vapor transmission rate of 0.01 g m(-2) day, seven times lower than previously reported. The m-hBN/graphene heterostructure on polyethylene terephthalate retains a high transparency of 96.4% at a wavelength of 550 nm.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kevin Roger, Jerome J. Crassous
Summary: The drying process of microgel dispersions leads to the development of complex composition and mesostructure gradients in the drying film. The soft colloidal structure of microgels results in decreased water activity and water transport near the air/liquid interface. The interplay between water fraction, water activity, and mesostructure is crucial in understanding and controlling evaporation in drying complex fluids.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying-Hao Pai, Chun-Hua Chen
Summary: Black phosphorus (BP) as a promising 2D material has sparked extensive research, but its atmospheric instability hinders practical applications. Selective deposition of hydrophobically-functionalized Al2O3 capping layers successfully seals exfoliated BP flake assemblies, with the hydrophobic Al2O3 providing the most promising protection against rapid degradation. Valuable insights into anisotropic degradation of sealed BP assemblies induced by functionalized Al2O3 capping are provided in this work.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Jianwu Zhou, Qiangfeng Chen, Junkang Sang, Rongmin Wu, Zhuobin Li, Wanbing Guan
Summary: The conductivity and oxidation behavior of Fe-16Cr alloy were studied under long-term stability operation at 750 degrees C and thermal cycles. The results showed that the alloy performed well at 750 degrees C, making it suitable for use as an interconnect material in SOFCs.
ACTA METALLURGICA SINICA-ENGLISH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
M. R. Schoeberl, Yi Wang, R. Ueyama, G. Taha, W. Yu
Summary: On January 15, 2022, the HT eruption injected SO2 and water into the middle stratosphere. The water vapor anomaly moved northward toward and across the equator due to equatorial Rossby waves forced by excessive infrared water vapor cooling. During the spring of 2022, the westerly phase of the tropical quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) descended through the tropics, causing the HT water vapor and aerosol anomalies to move across the equator again coincident with the shift in the Brewer-Dobson circulation and the descent of the QBO shear zone.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina A. Chernova, Konstantin E. Gurianov, Dmitrii Petukhov, Andrei P. Chumakov, Rishat G. Valeev, Victor A. Brotsman, Alexey Garshev, Andrei A. Eliseev
Summary: This study examines the influence of carbon-based spacer-oxidized derivatives of fullerenes and graphene oxide nanoribbons on the performance and pressure stability of graphene-oxide-based composite membranes. It is found that the insertion of ball-shaped fullerenols between graphene oxide nanoflakes can effectively suppress the loss of gas permeance while maintaining high selectivity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Romedenne, R. Pillai, B. Harris, B. A. Pint
Summary: In this study, the corrosion behavior and tensile properties of ODS steels and stainless steel after high temperature exposure were evaluated. Without an oxygen getter, the oxidation and dissolution of materials negatively affected the properties. With the addition of an oxygen getter, limited dissolution was observed and it did not impact the tensile properties.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nuria Rojas, Margarita Sanchez-Molina, Gema Sevilla, Ernesto Amores, Eluxka Almandoz, Joseba Esparza, Marlon R. Cruz Vivas, Carles Colominas
Summary: Different surface engineered coating systems were tested on various substrates to find cost-effective solutions for bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The Ti/TiN multi-layered coating on SS 321 showed the best performance, leading to reduced cost and improved corrosion resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
E. A. Chernova, D. I. Petukhov, A. P. Chumakov, A. V. Kirianova, I. S. Sadilov, O. O. Kapitanova, O. V. Boytsova, R. G. Valeev, S. V. Roth, Ar A. Eliseev, An A. Eliseev
Summary: This study reports on gas and vapor transport properties of ultra-thin graphene oxide membranes with different C:O ratios. It was found that a decrease in C:O ratio leads to an increase in water vapor permeance and a slight reduction in permeance towards permanent gases. Experimental and modeling results show the decisive role of H2O diffusivity in GO membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xue Zheng, Zichu Zhang, Gang Zhou, Mengke Zou, Feng Zhang, Peng-Xiang Hou, Chao Shi, Hui-Ming Cheng, Mingguang Wang, Chang Liu
Summary: A defect-induced gas etching method was developed to efficiently cut single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and obtain nanoreactors with ultrasmall confined space.
Article
Mechanics
Hsin-Yu Chang, Heng-Kwong Tsao, Yu-Jane Sheng
Summary: The wicking dynamics of total wetting liquid in graphene nanocapillaries were explored, and two regimes were identified: inertia-dominated initial spreading and viscous spreading with an exponent greater than Tanner's law. The advancing motions of both the precursor film and main flow were observed, and their lengths were proportional to the square root of time. However, the proportional constant of the precursor film was greater than that of the main flow, and it decreased with increasing channel widths. The thickness of the precursor film and the diameter of curvature of the menisci increased with increasing channel widths, and rapid imbibition behavior was observed in very narrow nanoslits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingyi Luan, Hongyan Yuan, Haozhi Wang, Naiqin Zhao, Cheng Zhong, Jun Lu
Summary: By introducing a nanofluid electrolyte with aluminum oxide additive, a protective layer is formed on the electrodeposited zinc anode, which enhances its zincophilicity and homogenizes the deposition of zinc hydroxide to prevent dendrite formation and electrode shape change. Additionally, the diffusion of zinc hydroxide from the anode surface to the bulk electrolyte is suppressed, promoting interface stabilization, improving zinc utilization rate, and inhibiting corrosion. As a result, the flexible zinc-nickel batteries assembled with aluminum oxide-nanofluid electrolyte and electrodeposited zinc anode exhibit superior energy density of 210 Wh L-1 and stable cycling for 575 hours, showing promising potential in the field of wearable and portable electronics.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiayue Fan, Haozhi Wang, Xiaorui Liu, Jie Liu, Naiqin Zhao, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu, Jun Lu
Summary: Flexible aqueous zinc-air batteries (FAZABs) with quasi-solid-state gel polymer electrolytes (QSGPEs) containing sulfonate functionalized nanocomposites exhibit high ionic conductivity, alkali tolerance, and zinc anode stability. The FAZAB shows a long cycling life of 450 hours, making it suitable for powering wearable electronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongyan Yuan, Jingyi Luan, Jie Liu, Naiqin Zhao, Cheng Zhong
Summary: To address the issues of self-corrosion and uneven deposition of zinc anode in alkaline nickel-zinc batteries, polyethylene glycol (PEG-300) was introduced as an electrolyte additive. PEG-300 can selectively adsorb on the zinc anode to form a protective layer, inhibiting the tip effect and limiting the lateral diffusion of [Zn(OH)4]2-. Moreover, the long-chain molecules of PEG suppress the diffusion of [Zn(OH)4]2- from the surface of zinc anode to the bulk electrolyte, thereby inhibiting self-corrosion. Experimental results demonstrate that the assembled Ni-Zn battery with 2% PEG additive exhibits an ultra-long cycling life and excellent performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuxuan Wang, Junwei Sha, Shan Zhu, Liying Ma, Chunnian He, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu, Naiqin Zhao
Summary: With the rise of flexible electronics, the demand for advanced power sources has grown. This work proposes a data-driven research framework to optimize the electrode-electrolyte system in supercapacitors, using machine learning to reveal key factors affecting the capacitance performance. A 3D carbon network with controlled composition and structure is prepared, combined with a high-safety ionic liquid to obtain a supercapacitor device. This device exhibits high energy density and impressive flexibility, maintaining operational stability under extreme conditions. Overall, this work presents a typical pipeline for accelerating the design of energy-related devices.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zequan Zhao, Chunying Wang, Bin Liu, Wenbin Hu, Cheng Zhong
Summary: This paper establishes performance metrics for batteries based on the requirements of LBESS, including technical, economic, environmental, and safety metrics. The relationship between these metrics and the application of LBESS is discussed to provide guidance for future studies.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhishuang Song, Xiaorui Liu, Jia Ding, Jie Liu, Xiaopeng Han, Yida Deng, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: Flexible zinc-air batteries (FZABs) based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) alkaline gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) have poor cycling life, mainly due to the decline of the OH- ion content in the PVA-KOH GPE. Factors such as the formation of ZnO and carbonate in the GPE, as well as its poor water retention capability, contribute to the decrease in OH- ion content. This study provides valuable theoretical guidance and reference for prolonging the cycle lifetime of FZABs using PVA-KOH GPE.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Quanchao Zhang, Xiaorui Liu, Xiangbo Zhu, Yizao Wan, Cheng Zhong
Summary: Rechargeable aqueous zinc-based batteries have gained attention for their high capacity, eco-friendly nature, and cost effectiveness. However, challenges remain for the commercialization of these batteries, particularly in regard to the limited reversibility of the zinc electrode. Dendrite growth, electrode passivation, shape change, and side reactions significantly impact battery performance and are related to the interfacial properties.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangbo Zhu, Bin Liu, Jiawen Shao, Quanchao Zhang, Yizao Wan, Cheng Zhong, Jun Lu
Summary: SiOx anode has attracted great attention due to its higher specific capacity and better capacity retention compared to graphite and pure Si. However, its low initial Coulombic efficiency and inadequate capacity retention limit its further application. The academia has proposed various strategies to address these challenges, but they seldom meet the industry's requirement for excellent overall performance. This review introduces and critically evaluates the modification strategies that are already or likely to be accepted by the industry. Additionally, the fundamental mechanisms of SiOx and the relationship between its structure and performance are systematically discussed.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiayue Fan, Rui Zhang, Simi Sui, Xiaorui Liu, Jie Liu, Chunsheng Shi, Naiqin Zhao, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: The development of wearable electronics has driven the research on flexible zinc-air batteries (ZABs) with high energy density, safety, and low cost. However, the unique battery structure and the alkaline environment present challenges to the electrolyte retention and zinc anode stability. In this study, a starch-based superabsorbent hydrogel polymer electrolyte (SSHPE) was developed to address these challenges, and it showed superior performance compared to commonly used poly(vinyl alcohol)-based electrolyte.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tingting Wang, Xiaoxiao Pang, Bin Liu, Jie Liu, Jing Shen, Cheng Zhong
Summary: The effects of different proportions of hydrothermal medium composition on the hydroxylation process were explored to obtain high tetragonality in tetragonal barium titanate (BT) powders. The optimal solvent condition of water:ethanol:ammonia solution of 2:2:1 resulted in a BT powder with a high tetragonality of 1.009, which increased with the particle size. The uniformity and dispersion of BT powders with particle sizes of 160, 190, 220, and 250 nm were improved by the inhibition of ethanol on the interfacial activity of BT particles (BTPs). The core-shell structure of BTPs was revealed, explaining the relationship between tetragonality and average particle size.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaorui Liu, Haozhi Wang, Xiayue Fan, Qingyu Wang, Jie Liu, Wen Xu, Zhanyao Wu, Junchao Wan, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: Zinc-nickel batteries are considered ideal for next-generation energy storage due to their high safety, low cost, and excellent rate performance. However, the limited reversibility of the zinc electrode hinders their shelf life and cycling life. By constructing a dense and uniform ZnS coating layer on the ZnO surface, the stability of the ZnO anode is improved, resulting in enhanced reversibility and reactivity. The ZnS layer also protects the active zinc and regulates ion migration, mitigating shape change and dendrites growth. This results in a zinc-nickel battery with improved storage life and cycling life, demonstrating great promise for practical applications.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Fei Ma, Yingbo Li, Bin Liu, Jingkun Wu, Yuhu Wu, Jun Lu, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: This article reports on the study of two mass-produced micro-sized SiOx@C composites with different morphologies for commercial lithium-ion batteries. The SiOx@3D-G-Gr composite, based on SiOx wrapped by three-dimensional carbon layers, exhibits high capacity and excellent battery performance over 100 cycles, outperforming its counterpart SiOx@C-H-Gr. This highlights the critical role of three-dimensional graphene in improving battery performance.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bin Liu, Jie Liu, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: By solid-phase Mg doping reaction, the performance of silicon suboxide (SiOx) as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries can be improved. Magnesium (Mg) can reduce SiO2 in SiOx to Si and form MgSiO3 or Mg2SiO4, which are mainly distributed on the surface of SiOx, suppressing lithium-ion loss and enhancing the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of SiOx. However, this reaction sacrifices the capacity of SiOx. By controlling the reaction process, the phase composition, proportion, and morphology of Mg-doped SiOx can be tuned to improve its performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Hu, Bin Liu, Luyao Xu, Ziqiang Dong, Yating Wu, Jie Liu, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: Pt-based electrocatalysts have been extensively studied for their wide applications in fuel cells, hydrogen production, degradation of organic pollutants, electrochemical sensors, and oxidation of small molecules. The conventional method for developing advanced materials is time-consuming and inefficient, while microfluidic high-throughput techniques offer great potential for optimizing synthesis parameters. However, performance evaluation is necessary to maximize the advantages of microfluidic high-throughput synthesis. Therefore, a versatile microfluidic high-throughput platform combining synthesis and screening of materials was constructed, which showed high efficiency and flexibility in developing new materials and optimizing their properties.
ACTA PHYSICO-CHIMICA SINICA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jiangfeng Lin, Wanqing Song, Caixia Xiao, Jingnan Ding, Zechuan Huang, Cheng Zhong, Jia Ding, Wenbin Hu
Summary: Alkali metal-carbon dioxide (Li/Na/K-CO2) batteries are emerging as new electrochemical energy storage technologies in response to the energy crisis and the urgent need for carbon neutrality. This review critically examines the electrochemical mechanisms of metal-CO2 batteries, summarizing the current understanding of thermodynamic reaction pathways, kinetic characteristics, and key factors influencing the reaction mechanisms in alkali metal-CO2 batteries. The review also discusses the working mechanisms of cathodes and anodes, as well as the operation mechanisms of advanced electrolytes.
