Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wei-Sheng Liu, Balaji Gururajan, Sui-Hua Wu, Li-Cheng Huang, Chung-Kai Chi, Yu-Lun Jiang, Hsing-Chun Kuo
Summary: In this study, aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films were deposited using radio frequency magnetron sputtering, and their properties were characterized. The optimal growth conditions for the AlN thin films were determined, and a gallium nitride (GaN) layer was successfully grown on an AlN thin film as a buffer layer using in situ continual sputtering. This research provides a less expensive method for growing high-quality GaN thin films for various applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Vishnu Kumar, Anuradha Bhogra, Manju Bala, Hung-Wei Kuo, Chi-Liang Chen, Chung-Li Dong, Asokan Kandasami, Annapoorni Subramanian
Summary: This study demonstrates the tuning of the optical bandgap of SrTiO3 films by electronic excitations induced by 125 MeV Ag ions. The X-ray diffraction pattern and X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) reveal significant changes in the local electronic structures, particularly in the distortion of TiO6 octahedra and the ratio of area under t(2g)/e(g). These findings provide insights into the role of structural properties and electronic structures in bandgap tuning.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yujun Zhang, Jiahui Chen, Keisuke Ikeda, Kohei Yamagami, Yue Wang, Yongseong Choi, Akira Yasui, Jing Ma, Yuanhua Lin, Cewen Nan, Hiroki Wadati
Summary: In this study, the magnetism and electronic structure changes across the AFM-FM transition of Ni-doped FeRh epitaxial thin films were investigated using XMCD and HAXPES techniques. The results showed that the remnant FM phase at low temperature possesses a smaller Rh moment than the normal FM phase, while an increase of Rh 4d density of state at the Fermi level and a possible well-screened Ni 2p state were found in the FM phase. In addition, the FM fluctuation of the inter-site Fe-Fe exchange coupling within the AFM phase was observed.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Makoto Takayanagi, Takashi Tsuchiya, Shigenori Ueda, Tohru Higuchi, Kazuya Terabe
Summary: The combination of in situ HAXPES and electrochemical measurements allows for the separation and quantitative evaluation of reversible Li+, irreversible Li2WO4 formation, and irreversible Li+ trapping. The inserted Li+ conversion ratios of reversible Li+, irreversible Li2WO4 formation, and irreversible Li+ trapping were clarified to be 41.4%, 50.9%, and 7.7%, respectively.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Leandro L. Peres, Camila M. Cholant, Rafaela M. J. Lemos, Marco P. Rodrigues, Luana U. Kruger, Richard Pereira, Wladimir H. Flores, Andre Gundel, Douglas L. da Silva, Agnieszka Pawlicka, Cesar O. Avellaneda
Summary: The study used the peroxovanadate sol-gel method to produce ZnO-doped V2O5 thin films, demonstrating that ZnO doping improved the cyclic stability and reversibility of the films and resulted in a mixture of crystalline phases.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Leandro L. Peres, Camila M. Cholant, Rafaela M. J. Lemos, Marco P. Rodrigues, Luana U. Krueger, Richard Pereira, Wladimir H. Flores, Andre Guendel, Douglas L. da Silva, Agnieszka Pawlicka, Cesar O. Avellaneda
Summary: This study used the peroxovanadate sol-gel method to produce ZnO-doped V2O5 thin films and investigated the effect of doping on the electrochromic and structural characteristics of the films. The results showed that ZnO doping improved the cyclic stability and reversibility of the films, making them promising candidates for electrochromic device applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Petr Shvets, Ksenia Maksimova, Aleksandr Goikhman
Summary: In this study, vanadium oxide xerogel samples were successfully synthesized through a liquid phase reaction and the interaction of films with water. The samples were thoroughly analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, revealing the existence of two distinct phases. It was also discovered that previous misinterpretations regarding the high-pressure polymorph structure were due to the formation of a high-temperature phase. These findings highlight the potential for further refining and expanding the current structural models of vanadium oxide xerogel in future research efforts.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingwei Sun, Shengchen Yang, Jiali Wu, Xixi He, Yujian Zhang, Jingjing Ji, Cheng Zhang, Ziqi Liang
Summary: In this study, FEC materials with interchain charge-transfer complexes (CTCs) were prepared via electro-polymerization, showing good reversibility and optical performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Juan-Jesus Velasco-Velez, Lorenz J. Falling, Denis Bernsmeier, Michael J. Sear, Pip C. J. Clark, Ting-Shan Chan, Eugen Stotz, Michael Haevecker, Ralph Kraehnert, Axel Knop-Gericke, Cheng-Hao Chuang, David E. Starr, Marco Favaro, Rik Mom
Summary: In situ x-ray spectroscopies are a powerful tool for studying the electronic structure of the electrode-electrolyte interface, but the design of spectro-electrochemical cells plays a crucial role in determining the measurements and processes that can be studied. It is important to choose the right cell design for the specific process of interest, and understanding the opportunities and limitations of different cell designs through case studies is essential for practical experiments.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thomas B. Sobyra, Tyler S. Mathis, Yury Gogotsi, Paul Fenter
Summary: MXenes, a family of two-dimensional materials, are attractive for energy storage and other technologies due to their high-rate charging capabilities. In situ and operando X-ray reflectivity were used to characterize the ion intercalation process and structural changes in MXene films. Negative potential sweeps resulted in contraction of interlayer spacing and loss of electron density, likely due to Li+ ion insertion and water removal, with a continuous and discrete changes associated with capacitive charge and pseudocapacitive charging process, respectively.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuohui Zhang, Weiping Xie, Jia Li, Hongliang Zhang, Qiang Wang, Chengli Zhang, Guanglong Xu, Junhua Gao, A. A. Rogachev, Hongtao Cao
Summary: This study develops a method combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and electrochemistry to monitor the transfer of lithium ions in real time and investigate its impact on the structure and performance of vanadium pentoxide thin films. The results demonstrate reversible changes in the vibrational modes of the V2O5 films and the multi-color electrochromic characteristic, which are attributed to the reversible extraction/insertion of lithium ions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
V. Jayaseelan, R. K. Kalaiezhily, Nitin Babu Shinde, K. Kamala Bharathi, M. Navaneethan, Senthil Kumar Eswaran
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of in situ argon-ion sputter etching on the core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of chemical vapor-deposited MoS2 thin films. The results showed that the chemical composition and oxidation states of the MoS2 thin films changed with different etch times, leading to sulfur deficiency and formation of molybdenum oxide at the interface between MoS2 and sapphire.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Antoine Laine, Rahul Parmar, Matteo Amati, Luca Gregoratti, Gregory Su, Ting Xu, Miquel Salmeron
Summary: Researchers have found that graphene can serve as an x-ray and electron transparent substrate, reducing radiation damage to oxide thin films. This discovery opens up possibilities for the development of experimental setups with limited sample damage.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weon Cheol Lim, Jitendra Pal Singh, Younghak Kim, Jonghan Song, Keun Hwa Chae, Tae-Yeon Seong
Summary: The study shows that thermal annealing significantly affects the properties of zinc oxide thin films, including relaxation of stress, variation in optical band-gap, and occurrence of vacancies and defects. These changes are revealed through X-ray techniques, providing a better understanding of the performance changes in zinc oxide films.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sanjeev Gautam, Pardeep K. Thakur, Shalendra Kumar, Ranber Singh, Di-Jing Huang, Younghak Kim, Keun Hwa Chae
Summary: The experimental results indicate that the ZnCO3 phase after carbon implantation is structurally non-distortive with orbital anisotropy, supported by XLD experiment. Additionally, the absence of XMCD signal at O K- and C K-edges further confirms that bulk VSM ferromagnetism is not related to the magnetic polarization of O 2p/C 2p orbitals.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yizhe Liu, Xintong Li, Qidi Sun, Zilong Wang, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Xuyun Guo, Zhanxi Fan, Ruquan Ye, Ye Zhu, Chu-Chen Chueh, Chi-Liang Chen, Zonglong Zhu
Summary: A novel LDHs-assisted approach is developed to synthesize freestanding bimetallic 2D metal-organic framework nanosheets (2D MOF NSs) with outstanding activities and proton transfer ability in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei-Hsiang Huang, Chin-Jung Lin, Tsung-Han Huang, Chia-Yu Chang, Shu-Chih Haw, Hwo-Shuenn Sheu, Shih-Yun Chen, Chung-Li Dong, Krishna Kumar, Bing Joe Hwang, Wei-Nien Su, Chi-Liang Chen
Summary: In this study, Fe(III) ions were incorporated into TiO2 hollow submicrospheres, which served as an excellent photocatalyst. The experimental parameters such as flow rate, rotation speed, and contaminant concentration were found to improve the catalyst activity. Fe-TiO2 hollow submicrospheres with different Fe wt% were prepared, and it was discovered that 2.5 wt% Fe-TiO2 exhibited the best photocatalyst activity. The Fe(III) doping not only increased the interaction between transition metal (Fe and Ti) 3d orbitals in TiO2, but also promoted the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox kinetics and the associated photo-Fenton degradation of acetaminophen.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Suh-Ciuan Lim, Chao -Lung Chiang, Chun-Kuo Peng, Wen-Bin Wu, Yu-Chang Lin, Yu-Ru Lin, Chi-Liang Chen, Yan-Gu Lin
Summary: In this study, a highly active, durable, and cost-efficient bifunctional catalyst Co@CoMoOx-alpha-CrOOH was synthesized for electrochemical water splitting. The catalyst showed remarkable catalytic activity and stability, making it a sustainable strategy for water-splitting applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bo-Yan Chen, Galina Dobele, Ance Plavniece, Aleksandrs Volperts, Loreta Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite, Eugenijus Norkus, Chi-Liang Chen, Yu-Chuan Lin
Summary: K-doped FeCx catalysts derived from the carbothermal reduction of the Fe-chitosan complex were investigated for the hydrogenation of CO2 to light olefins. Catalyst characterization and performance evaluation revealed a correlation between the physicochemical properties of the catalysts and their catalytic activities. Mechanistic studies identified various carbonate and formate species as intermediates involved in C2-6= synthesis. The most active catalyst, FeK@CS-(0.5)-py, exhibited the highest space-time yield of C-2-6(-) (13.7 mu mol(C2-6=)/g(Fe)/s).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanjie Zheng, Peng Wang, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Chi-Liang Chen, Yanyan Jia, Sheng Dai, Tan Li, Yun Zhao, Yongcai Qiu, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Guangxu Chen
Summary: Electrochemical production of H2O2 is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. Metal-doped carbon-based catalysts are commonly used for 2e-ORR due to their high selectivity. The role of metals and carbon defects in H2O2 production is still unclear. This study obtained a Co-N/O-C catalyst with a Faradaic efficiency greater than 90% in alkaline electrolyte by varying the Co loading in the pyrolysis precursor. Detailed studies revealed that carbon atoms in C-O-C groups at defect sites were the active sites for 2e-ORR in the Co-N/O-C catalysts. The direct contribution of cobalt single atom sites and metallic Co for the 2e-ORR performance was negligible, but Co played an important role in the pyrolytic synthesis of the catalyst.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chih-Hao Hsu, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Chin-Jung Lin, Chun-Hao Huang, Yi-Che Chen, Krishna Kumar, Yan-Gu Lin, Chung-Li Dong, Maw-Kuen Wu, Bing Joe Hwang, Wei-Nien Su, Shih-Yun Chen, Chi-Liang Chen
Summary: Carbon@titania yolk-shell nanostructures are successfully synthesized and used as a photocatalyst to degrade acetaminophen. The presence of residual carbon nanospheres is found to improve the photocatalytic efficiency. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis reveals the structural and electronic changes in the hollow shell. In situ XAS measurements show that the existence of amorphous carbon nanospheres inhibits the recombination of electron-hole pairs, leading to enhanced photodegradation of acetaminophen. Charge transfer from TiO2 to carbon nanospheres reduces electron-hole recombination and increases photocatalytic efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yingmin Wang, Wantong Zhao, Jianbing Qiang, Shao-Bo Mi, Chi-Liang Chen, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Chung-Kai Chang, Yu-Chun Chuang, Yong-Mook Kang, Fazhu Ding, Jiliang Zhang
Summary: Anode materials of metal oxides based on conversion reaction in lithium-ion batteries usually have a higher capacity than commercial graphite anodes, and the porous forms of the materials can effectively reduce the volume change during (de)lithiation. This study focuses on tetragonal gamma-Fe2O3 as a representative intrinsic nano-porous metal oxide anode material. The structural evolution of gamma-Fe2O3 not only contributes to the understanding of conversion reactions of vacancy-ordered metal oxides, but also provides a new method for the fabrication of twinning structures in metal oxides, including cathode materials.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yizhe Liu, Xintong Li, Shoufeng Zhang, Zilong Wang, Qi Wang, Yonghe He, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Qidi Sun, Xiaoyan Zhong, Jue Hu, Xuyun Guo, Qing Lin, Zhuo Li, Ye Zhu, Chu-Chen Chueh, Chi-Liang Chen, Zhengtao Xu, Zonglong Zhu
Summary: A molecularly engineered MOF system based on mercaptan-metal links has been designed, demonstrating excellent electroconductivity and efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dien-Thien To, Joon Ching Juan, Meng-Hsuan Tsai, Chia-Hsin Wang, Chih-Wen Pao, Chi-Liang Chen, Yu-Chuan Lin
Summary: FeCx catalysts were synthesized by co-pyrolyzing iron nitrate with various CN sources. The Fe-d-C3N4-(0.3)-Py catalyst exhibited the highest CO2 conversion, olefin yield, and olefin STY, attributed to its high surface FeCx concentration. A correlation between surface FeCx and hydrocarbon/olefin STY was established.
CATALYSIS SURVEYS FROM ASIA
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qidi Sun, Yizhe Liu, Xintong Li, Xuyun Guo, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Ye Zhu, Zilong Wang, Chu-Chen Chueh, Chi-Liang Chen, Yung-Kang Peng, Zonglong Zhu
Summary: In this study, an active iron-doped ceria (FeOx/CeO2) catalyst with a highly disordered feature decorated on three-dimensional nickel foam is reported, which can serve as the superior OER electrode in alkaline media. The Fe-doped CeO2 catalyst displays remarkable OER performance with a low overpotential of 252mV to achieve 10mA/cm2, a small Tafel slope of 45mV/dec, and long-term durability for at least 48 hours. The superior OER activity of FeOx/CeO2 is attributed to the lattice oxygen activation mechanism facilitated by its disordered structure and high electrochemical surface area.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanan Chong, Tingyu Chen, Yifei Li, Jiajin Lin, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Chi-Liang Chen, Xiaojing Jin, Mingli Fu, Yun Zhao, Guangxu Chen, Jiake Wei, Yongcai Qiu, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Daiqi Ye, Zhang Lin, Lin Guo
Summary: Enhancing oxygen activation through defect engineering is an effective strategy for boosting catalytic oxidation performance. The study demonstrates that quenching is an effective strategy for preparing defect-rich Pt/metal oxide catalysts with superior catalytic oxidation activity. The quenching process creates abundant lattice defects and lattice dislocations in the support, promoting stronger electronic interactions between Pt species and the support, leading to higher oxidation Pt species generation for modulating the adsorption/desorption behavior of reactants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Yu-Cheng Huang, Jie Chen, Ying-Rui Lu, K. Thanigai Arul, Takuji Ohigashi, Jeng-Lung Chen, Chi-Liang Chen, Shaohua Shen, Wu-Ching Chou, Way-Faung Pong, Chung-Li Dong
Summary: The use of carbon nitride-based materials and light for catalytic water splitting has great potential for hydrogen production. This study explores the processes of molecular conjugation, nucleation, and crystallization in crystalline carbon nitride to enhance photocatalytic activity. The addition of cobalt salts in ionothermal synthesis promotes the phase transition of carbon nitride, resulting in a cobalt-doped heterojunction. Synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy confirm the improved performance of the cobalt-doped heterojunction in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. This study highlights the potential of synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy for designing materials to enhance photocatalytic activity in solar energy conversion.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Cheng Huang, Yanrui Li, K. Thanigai Arul, Takuji Ohigashi, Ta Thi Thuy Nga, Ying-Rui Lu, Chi-Liang Chen, Jeng-Lung Chen, Shaohua Shen, Way-Faung Pong, Chung-Li Dong, Wu-Ching Chou
Summary: This study demonstrates that the introduction of a single nickel atom into g-C3N4 can significantly enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide, without the need for additional cocatalysts. The improved performance is attributed to the adjustment of atomic and electronic structures of g-C3N4 by a new hybrid orbital, which enhances visible light absorption and promotes the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. This study provides a promising material design for promoting photocatalytic activity in solar energy conversion applications.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chusnul Khotimah, Fu-Ming Wang, Margret Wohlfahrt-Mehrens, Jeng-Kuei Chang, Jeng-Yu Lin, Chia-Chin Chang, Rio Akbar Yuwono, Sylvia Ayu Pradanawati, Nan-Hung Yeh, Chun-Chuan Hsu, Pei-Wan Lester Tiong, Jeng-Lung Chen, Shu-Chih Haw, Chih-Wen Pao, Chi-Liang Chen, Jyh-Fu Lee, Ting-Shan Chan, Hwo-Shuenn Sheu, Jin-Ming Chen, Alagar Ramar
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different morphologies of LNMO primary particles on the electrochemical performance. Rectangular-shaped LNMO with higher surface energy exhibits stable electrochemical reaction and excellent performance, while pentahedron-shaped LNMO with lower surface energy causes gas evolution and loss in cycle retention. The addition of a lithium salt additive can regulate the valence states of Ni and Mn ions, leading to improved electrochemical performance.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
K. Trangwachirachai, A. -l. Huang, H. -K. Chen, C. -L. Chen, J. -F. Lee, H. -K. Tian, Y. -C. Lin
Summary: The reduction of GaN using different carriers was investigated and tested for methane conversion to acetonitrile. The highest ammonia and ACN productivities were obtained using 5 wt% GaN on HZ. The N-Ga interaction was weakened due to the presence of a neighboring Bronsted acid, and rejuvenation of activity could be achieved through a renitridation step. The (001) side surface of GaN was found to be important in the conversion of methane to ACN.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)