Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Guoxin Lu, Guiqiang Zhu, Benwei Peng, Rongzhuang Zhao, Feng Shi, Mengjiao Cheng
Summary: In this study, a multi-engine six-arm-shaped device was designed, allowing for motion control through multiple fuel positions. A strategy of diluting the surfactant fuel was proposed to prolong the motion lifetime, resulting in an extension of 143% compared to conventional surfactant fuels. The motion trajectories could be easily adjusted by changing the fuel number and positions, leading to diverse rotation patterns. By integrating with a coil and a magnet, a system of mini-generators based on the Marangoni rotor was obtained, with a significantly increased output compared to the single-engine case. The design of the Marangoni rotor addressed the issues of concentration-gradient-driven devices and enriched their applications in energy harvesting from the environment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nima Mahkam, Amirreza Aghakhani, Devin Sheehan, Gaurav Gardi, Robert Katzschmann, Metin Sitti
Summary: Acoustic microrobots are micron-scale robots that utilize microbubbles to generate acoustic streaming, enabling multimodal locomotion. They have high degrees of freedom and are capable of fluid mixing and interacting with cells, making them highly versatile in biomedical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengjiao Cheng, Lina Zhang, Feng Shi
Summary: The field of smart materials research is moving towards a systematic trend of utilizing multiple cooperative materials for complex tasks. Recent research focuses on integrating two or more smart materials into one device to work cooperatively. Specifically, self-propulsion of miniature smart devices through functionally cooperating systems has shown advanced applications such as mini-generators and biomimicking devices.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dany Azig
Summary: The combination of wind energy and hydrogen has been successful due to the unstable nature of wind and the long-term storage capability of hydrogen. Many researches have focused on wind farm production or wind potential in regions, but this project aimed to explore the possibility of meeting household energy needs using wind energy and hydrogen. An algorithm was developed to model wind speed and determine system dimensions, including the active surface of the electrolyzer and surface covered by the turbine. Various components of the mini-Factory were investigated to achieve the expected output.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Pawandeep Singh Matharu, Zhong Wang, John H. Costello, Sean P. Colin, Ray H. Baughman, Yonas T. Tadesse
Summary: Mass manufactured, biologically inspired soft robots are necessary for safe interactions with animals. This work presents a 92% 3D-printed jellyfish-inspired soft robot, SoJel, which replicates important kinematic patterns of natural jellyfish. The robot uses soft polymers for the bell and sensors, with slight variations in geometry affecting its swimming performance. The design principle of this robot has the potential to fabricate a variety of soft robots and flexible structures.
Article
Thermodynamics
Wenxin Li, Tianhui Yang, Gengyao Li, Jianing Lu, Ying Xin
Summary: This article introduces a new energy conversion/storage device based on the unique interaction between a permanent magnet and a closed superconducting coil, which is able to efficiently convert mechanical energy to electrical energy without the need for external power supply or motor/generator. Experimental results show that this device has high efficiency and is suitable for vehicle regenerative braking, particularly meaningful for energy conservation in urban rail transportations.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tom M. Masson, Stefan D. A. Zondag, Koen P. L. Kuijpers, Dario Cambie, Michael G. Debije, Timothy Noel
Summary: The research developed a mini-plant using solar energy for photochemistry, incorporating a photoreactor and an adaptive control system to enable the production of fine chemicals without reliance on traditional energy sources.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pin Wang, Mengfan Xue, Dongjian Jiang, Yanliang Yang, Junzhe Zhang, Hongzheng Dong, Gengzhi Sun, Yingfang Yao, Wenjun Luo, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study reports a photovoltage memory effect in a Si/CoOx/KBi(aq)/MnOx Faradaic junction solar rechargeable device, which can record the value of the photovoltage and minimize interface energy loss, leading to higher performance. Moreover, a portable device with the highest volumetric energy density in the dark state is achieved.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weihua Wang, Quanlin Wang, Lin Sun, Peng Jiang, Xinhe Bao
Summary: This study utilizes the high throughput strategy to screen an appropriate electrode material for Sb2Si2Te6 and successfully fabricates a high-performance Sb2Si1.99Ge0.01Te6/Yb0.3Co4Sb12 TE module, achieving a high output power density and decent energy conversion efficiency.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Tangjia Zhang, Qiao Hu, Shijie Li, Chang Wei, Siyu Zu, Xindong Shi
Summary: This study extends from morphology to neurobiology in biomimetic robot research, mimicking the CPG of the black ghost knifefish and constructing a unified framework based on coupled Hopf oscillators. It proposes an amplitude mapping function and a novel coupling method for the CPG-based control framework. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed control framework achieves seamless transitions between multiple swimming gaits, enhancing the adaptability and stability of the robot in variable swimming environments.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xilong Kang, Shuhai Jia, Renyi Xu, Saibei Liu, Jun Peng, Hongqiang Yu, Xing Zhou
Summary: Researchers have developed an efficient pyroelectric generator using nanocomposites to capture ambient heat energy. They have also introduced a new evaluation method using η as the thermoelectric conversion efficiency for PEG.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Guping Zhang, Hao Wu, Dongyun Chen, Najun Li, Qingfeng Xu, Hua Li, Jinghui He, Jianmei Lu
Summary: Semiconductor photocatalysis is considered as an attractive and eco-friendly technology for addressing global energy shortage and environmental pollution. Zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) has gained research attention due to its excellent visible light absorption, high chemical durability, and low cost. However, the photocatalytic activity of pristine ZnIn2S4 is limited by its narrow visible light absorption range and fast recombination rate of electrons and holes. Various modification strategies have been developed to enhance the photocatalytic performance of ZnIn2S4 materials. This review summarizes recent progress in the construction of highly active ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts and critically reviews their applications in hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide photoreduction, and water pollution treatment. The current challenges and future prospects for ZnIn2S4 semiconductor photocatalysts are also discussed.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiacheng Ye, Jing Zhang, Tianyang Huang
Summary: This study conducts direct numerical simulations of the collapse progress of near-wall bubble clusters using the VOF method, taking into account factors such as viscosity, compressibility, and surface tension. The research validates previous findings on the morphological evolution and energy release mechanisms of bubble cluster collapse. It also reveals the layer-by-layer collapse phenomenon of cubic bubble clusters and the non-linear delay effect of cluster height on collapse time for columnar bubble clusters.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Yanggang Feng, Jiawen Liu, Wuxiang Zhang, Xilun Ding, Qining Wang
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing the efficiency of mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion through theoretical analysis, bench testing, and walking experiments. The results show that replacing the motor can increase energy regeneration efficiency, indicating the possibility of achieving a 100% self-charged-powered robotic prosthesis.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Zhongyue Lu, Guoheng Wu, Mangkuan Wang, Zirong Luo, Jianzhong Shang
Summary: In this paper, a staggered vernier generator suitable for a counter-rotating self-adaptable WEC is proposed, which accelerates the generator magnetic field by modulating the low-order rotating magnetic field into a high-order magnetic field. The performance of the generator is improved without adding additional structures and materials.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Ting Liu, Jiangnan Song, Yinna He, Yiwei Wang, Yuxiao Zhang, Zhenjiang Li, Guicun Li, Lei Wang, Jian Zhao, Alan Meng
Summary: In this study, SnS2/Ni3S2 nanosheets arrays bonded on N/S co-doped graphene nanotubes were prepared through a simple hydrothermal method to form a self-supported battery-type supercapacitors cathode. The inter-face bonding not only generates an internal electric field and allows more redox reactions, but also reduces the adsorption energy of OH- ions and maintains the electrode structure. This design greatly improves the rate capability and cycle lifespan of the cathode.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Wang, Huan Peng, Sheng-chen Li, Hua Li, Shun-li Shi, Shun-min Ding, Dan Zhao, Shu-hua Wang, Chao Chen
Summary: Constructing composite metal interfaces with synergistic catalysis is crucial for CO preferential oxidation in H2 steam (CO-PROX). Microwave electromagnetic loss compensates for the thermal action on the active interface derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huimin Mao, Xiaobin Liu, Siqi Wu, Yixin Fu, Guishan Liu, Guizhong Zhou, Lei Wang
Summary: In this study, bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts with high activity and stability were synthesized using tungsten carbide (WC) and Co7Fe3 embedded in N,P co-doped carbon (WC/Co7Fe3-NPHC). The catalyst exhibited moderate adsorption strength and improved conductivity and electron transfer rate at the three-phase heterojunction interface. The Zn-air battery assembled with WC/Co7Fe3-NPHC as the air cathode showed low overall oxygen redox potential difference and ultra-long cycle stability. Furthermore, WC/Co7Fe3-NPHC demonstrated good charge and discharge stability at different bending angles when used in flexible solid Zn-air batteries.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaobin Liu, Huimin Mao, Guishan Liu, Qingping Yu, Siqi Wu, Bin Li, Guizhong Zhou, Zhenjiang Li, Lei Wang
Summary: In this study, a Cu-doped CoFe/Co/NC electrocatalyst was synthesized via metal doping and hetero-engineering. It exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for ORR, HzOR, and HER in alkaline seawater. The potential of Cu-CoFe/Co/NC as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for energy storage and conversion devices was also demonstrated.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian Zang, Xiaojun Cheng, Shujing Chen, Zhenyu Xiao, Kun-Peng Wang, Lingbo Zong, Qi Zhang, Lei Wang
Summary: In this study, sulfur-doped and oxygen-deficient rich H2V3O8 cathode with nanobelt structure is prepared, leading to improved Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and enhanced electrochemical performance. The zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) based on this cathode exhibit high reversible capacity, significant energy density, and good stability, outperforming previous cathodes. The in-situ morphology and DFT calculations reveal the insertion and extraction of Zn2+ during the charging/discharging process, demonstrating the effectiveness of defect engineering in improving energy storage applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaqi Wu, Ying Deng, Jiaxin Zhang, Shujuan Lv, Zhenyu Xiao, Lu Liu, Xiaoping Jia, Chao Chen, Zhenhua Dang, Zhenjiang Li, Lei Wang
Summary: In this work, a high performance hybrid BCNP//rGO-Zn supercapacitor device is constructed, delivering an outstanding energy density of 376.5 Wh kg-1 at 1.66 kW kg -1 and a stable cell output voltage at 1.5-1.8 V. The excellent energy storage performance can be attributed to the in-situ ions exchanging process and the introduction of rGO-Zn negative electrode. The as-fabricated BCNP//rGO-Zn device shows promising application prospects by powering a 1.5 V thermometer for over 3 hours with just one minute of charging.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaqi Fan, Caixia Li, Xiaoni Liu, Junfeng Ren, Yu Zhang, Jingqi Chi, Lei Wang
Summary: Sodium-ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) combine the advantages of batteries and supercapacitors, offering low cost and abundant reserves. Researchers synthesized interconnected anode materials with Co-MOF-74 nanoparticles dispersed on functionalization graphene oxide (FGO). The Co-MOF-74|FGO-180 electrode displayed a reversible capacity of 416 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles in the Na-ion half-cell, and the SIHC device achieved a high energy density of 240 Wh kg-1 and power density of 10 kW kg-1.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pengxian Li, Junfeng Ren, Caixia Li, Jiaxu Li, Kai Zhang, Tingting Wu, Bin Li, Lei Wang
Summary: Interface engineering with MOF-CeO2 as a multi-functional protective layer effectively inhibits dendrite growth and side reactions in rechargeable zinc ion batteries. The crystal defects and negative Zeta potential provide active sites for Zn2+ transfer and high selectivity to cations, resulting in stable plating/stripping behavior and high Coulomb efficiency. Moreover, the protective layer significantly improves the overall performance of Zn||MnVO full battery, with high-capacity retention after 10,000 cycles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zuochao Wang, Jiao Liu, Huan Zhao, Wenxia Xu, Jiaxin Liu, Ziyi Liu, Jianping Lai, Lei Wang
Summary: In this study, hydroxyl radicals were introduced into the electrocatalytic nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) for the first time. Cobalt tetroxide (Co3O4) acts as both an electrocatalyst and a nanozyme, and can be used as a high-efficiency NOR electrocatalyst for environmental nitrate synthesis. The addition of hydroxyl radicals greatly enhances the NOR activity of Co3O4, leading to a significantly higher nitric acid yield and turnover frequency compared to Co3O4 alone.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xianghu Wang, Xuehua Wang, Tianyu Shi, Alan Meng, Tongqing Yang, Mengmeng Zhang, Lei Wang, Guicun Li, Jianfeng Huang, Xiao Yu, Zhenjiang Li
Summary: The purposeful regulation of charge transfer pathway is crucial for efficient H2 evolution activity. In this study, a ZnIn2S4 (DZIS)-based heterostructure of ZnIn2S4/ SnSe2/In2Se3 (DZIS/SnSe2/In2Se3) was fabricated, achieving O-S charge transfer through Ohmic-like and Schottky-like junctions. The optimized DZIS/SnSe2/In2Se3 exhibited high H2 production activity under visible light irradiation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenhao Yu, Yanyun Zhang, Yingnan Qin, Dan Zhang, Kang Liu, G. A. Bagliuk, Jianping Lai, Lei Wang
Summary: This study presents a method to construct catalysts with regulable acidity and basicity by utilizing the Mott-Schottky effect on an intermetallic alloy. The developed fct-PtCo@NC catalyst with high-density frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) sites shows outstanding performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction. The synergistic effect of FLP-acid sites and FLP-base sites significantly reduces the energy barrier between water adsorption and decomposition, resulting in faster reaction kinetics.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ping Li, Wenjie Wei, Jin Li, Yanru Liu, Kaicai Fan, Lingbo Zong, Lei Wang
Summary: A bifunctional electrocatalyst Ru-Cu@CM/CC is prepared by a facile flash joule heating technology, showing remarkable performance for HER and OER in both alkaline and acid solution, outperforming Pt/C and RuO2, respectively.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guang-Rui Xu, Xue Jiang, Tiantian Sun, Xinlin Wang, Bin Li, Zexing Wu, Haiyan Liu, Lei Wang
Summary: A novel and simple precipitation-calcination method was developed for the synthesis of Ru branched nanostructures on porous N-doping carbon nanosheets. The Ru BCNNs/PNC NNSs exhibited superior HER performance over a wide pH range due to their unique rough surfaces and abundant step and edge atoms. Additionally, the Ru BCNNs/PNC NNSs showed outstanding durability for HER, outperforming most previously reported Ru-based electro-catalysts.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjie Wei, Ping Li, Fenghong Lu, Kaicai Fan, Bin Li, Yanze Wei, Lingbo Zong, Lei Wang
Summary: Constructing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for water splitting is essential for reducing energy input and achieving cost-effective, environmentally friendly hydrogen production. In this study, CuRu ultrasmall alloy nanoparticles were uniformly coated on carbon nanotubes using the ultrafast pyrolysis technique. The resulting CuRu-CNTs exhibited excellent electrochemical activity with low overpotentials for both HER and OER, comparable to noble metal-based benchmarks. This research contributes to the development of energy-saving pyrolysis methods for preparing efficient and chemically stable electrocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)