Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sang Hun Shim, Hesam Pouraliakbar, Sun Ig Hong
Summary: The as-drawn dual fcc phase CoCuFeMnNi wire exhibits extraordinary high strength at room temperature due to the ultrafine elongated subgrain structure, which is attributed to the stabilization of narrow dislocation wall boundaries by thermodynamically driven nanoscale fcc phase separation.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
M. Wang, Z. L. Ma, Z. Q. Xu, X. W. Cheng
Summary: The novel VxNbMoTa high-entropy alloys with vanadium concentrations of 0-25 at.% exhibit exceptional phase stability and high temperature strength, as well as excellent room-temperature ductility and resistance to high temperature deformation.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
M. Karimzadeh, M. Malekan, H. Mirzadeh, L. Li, N. Saini
Summary: The effects of minor Ti addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy were studied. The results showed that Ti segregation resulted in the precipitation of the R-phase and serrated grain boundaries during solidification. The addition of Ti improved the shear properties of the alloy due to simultaneous grain refinement and the formation of tortuous grain boundaries.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinyu Ping, Bin Meng, Xiaohua Yu, Zhiyuan Ma, Xiaoyu Pan, Wu Lin
Summary: Cubic bixbyite-structured high-entropy oxides (HEOs) have been considered as potential candidates in high temperature thermal insulation field. In this study, twelve new HEOs were synthesized and HEO4 demonstrated excellent comprehensive properties, making it a promising candidate for high temperature thermal insulation applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huanzhi Zhang, Zhenbo Zhu, Hefei Huang, Tao He, Hongwei Yan, Yongan Zhang, Yiping Lu, Tongmin Wang, Tinigju Li
Summary: This study aimed to design and prepare high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with low-thermal neutron absorption cross-section elements for accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding materials. The results showed that the growth of He bubbles in the Ti-Zr-Nb-V-Mo HEAs decreased with an increase in the component number, providing insights into designing high-performance HEAs under irradiation. Among the HEAs, the Ti2ZrNbV0.5Mo0.2 alloy exhibited optimal irradiation hardening resistance, structural stability, and comprehensive mechanical properties, making it a promising candidate for ATF cladding materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huanzhi Zhang, Chunhui Li, Zhenbo Zhu, Hefei Huang, Yiping Lu, Tongmin Wang, Tinigju Li
Summary: In this study, two Co-free high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were designed and prepared for evaluating their irradiation tolerance. The effects of He-ion irradiation on the microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated, and the results showed that the HEAs exhibited good structural stability at elevated temperatures. The average sizes and number densities of He bubbles increased with irradiation fluence, and the hardening behavior varied between the two alloys.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kejie Lu, Zhenrui Lei, Shuai Deng, Jiahao Li, Tengfeng Feng, Zhengyang Luo, Xinkai Ma
Summary: This study investigates the synergistic effects of grain sizes on the corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of metastable high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The results demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of metastable HEAs first increases and then decreases with the increase in grain size. This difference in corrosion behavior is attributed to the characteristics of the passive film induced by different grain boundary densities. Furthermore, increasing the grain size decreases the mechanical strength, suggesting a trade-off between corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Si-Chun Luo, Wei-Ming Guo, Ze-Lin Fang, Kevin Plucknett, Hua-Tay Lin
Summary: The study demonstrates that the carbon content in high-entropy carbide ceramics affects their microstructure and mechanical properties. Increasing carbon content can improve hardness and toughness, while reducing grain size.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vladimir E. Zhivulin, Evgeniy A. Trofimov, Svetlana A. Gudkova, Igor Yu Pashkeev, Alexander Yu Punda, Maksim Gavrilyak, Olga Zaitseva, Sergey Taskaev, Fedor Podgornov, Moustafa A. Darwish, Munirah A. Almessiere, Yassine Slimani, Abdulhadi Baykal, Sergei Trukhanov, Alex Trukhanov, Denis A. Vinnik
Summary: La-, Nd- and La/Nd-based polysubstituted high-entropy oxides were prepared by solid-state reactions, with their chemical composition correlating well with initial calculated stoichiometry. The electrical and magnetic properties were investigated, showing the dependence of particle size on chemical composition and the observation of spin subsystem states.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xinyu Ping, Qingqing Yang, Bin Meng, Zhiyuan Ma, Xiaoyu Pan, Wu Lin, Han Zhang
Summary: The study introduces the preparation and performance analysis of a series of high-entropy ceramics. It is found that the crystal structure and properties of the samples vary with the composition, resulting in reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties. Among them, HEC(Zr-0.9/Y-0.1) exhibits the lowest thermal conductivity and brittleness index, as well as the highest fracture toughness.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ping-Hsu Ko, Ya-Jing Lee, Shou-Yi Chang
Summary: This study investigates the effect of boron addition on the properties of high-entropy alloys. The results show that the addition of boron induces the precipitation of a hard phase at the grain boundaries, increasing the hardness. Moreover, the boron addition decreases the anisotropy of the alloy, leading to improved work hardenability and ductility.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yangchuan Cai, Mengdie Shan, Yan Cui, Sunusi Marwana Manladan, Xin Lv, Lisong Zhu, Da Sun, Tai Wang, Jian Han
Summary: In this paper, laser melting deposition (LMD) technology was used to fabricate FeCoCrNi high entropy alloy (HEA), and the microstructure of the deposited HEA (FeCoCrNi-LMD) was systematically studied. The effects of tensile and compressive stresses on the material were investigated, revealing changes in the phase structure, grain boundaries, and crack formation under stress. The study demonstrated the influence of stress on the microstructure and properties of the high entropy alloy.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cheenepalli Nagarjuna, Kwang Yong Jeong, Yeeun Lee, Shin Min Woo, Sun Ig Hong, Hyoung Seop Kim, Soon-Jik Hong
Summary: In this study, an equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy (HEA) was fabricated by a rapid solidification gas atomization process and further refined by high-energy mechanical milling. The results showed that the powder morphology changed significantly with increasing milling time and the HEA exhibited improved hardness and compressive yield strength. The 60 min milled HEA demonstrated the lowest coefficient of friction and specific wear rate, indicating that the developed powder metallurgy approach has the potential to enhance the strength and wear resistance of HEAs.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Liu, Guofeng Wang, Xiaochong Sui, Ye Xu, Yongkang Liu, Jianlei Yang
Summary: TixVNbMoTa refractory high-entropy alloys were prepared through MA and SPS, and the effect of Ti content on their microstructures and mechanical properties was investigated. Increasing Ti content resulted in larger grain sizes and volume fractions of the matrix and precipitation phases, while also decreasing the density of the alloys.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dinh-Quan Doan, Te-Hua Fang, Tao-Hsing Chen
Summary: The surface nanotribological properties and subsurface damage of Al0.4CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy during nanoscratching processes were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the surface wear characteristics and scratching-induced surface damage were significantly influenced by the crystallographic orientation, twin boundary spacing, and inclination angle. The friction coefficient was highest for the [001] crystallographic orientation, indicating the most restricted movement of the indenter in this substrate. The microstructure evolution revealed the formation of Lomer-Cottrell and Hirth dislocation locks due to the different angles between slip systems. Both the Hall-Petch and inverse Hall-Petch relationships were observed for the twin boundary spacing, and the maximum indentation force was achieved at a tilt angle of 0 degrees due to the interactions between dislocations and twin boundaries. The microstructure evolution and atomic flow were greatly influenced by the twin boundary spacing and inclination angle, with twin boundary migration being a significant factor. Furthermore, the surface morphology varied between workpieces due to elastic recovery, dislocation nucleation, and slipping, indicating that the wear volume depended on the material microstructure.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mengyao Shen, Jianfeng Zhu, Shangqi Sun, Daming Chen, Fei Liu, Jian Chen
Summary: Heteroatom doping, especially sulfur doping, has been shown to significantly improve the performance of Li4Ti5O12 as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The sulfur doping sites were found to be more likely to be on Ti sites under oxygen-rich conditions, leading to decreased band gap, enhanced lattice spacing, and increased Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies. This doping method resulted in improved specific capacity, rate performance, and cycle performance of Li4Ti5O12, making it widely applicable in advanced LIBs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiao Zhu, Hongyuan Zhang, Zhen Wang, Caiwei Zhang, Liguang Qin, Daming Chen, Shangqi Sun, Changfeng Liu, Jian Chen
Summary: The dual-ZEI Zn/Cu composite electrode shows self-optimized polarization behavior and dendrite-free Zn deposition/stripping, enhancing the stability and longevity of aqueous Zn ion batteries.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhen Wang, Jian Chen, Shangqi Sun, Zhiquan Huang, Xiyu Zhang, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: This review focuses on the application and development of plasma technologies in electrochemical energy storage systems, with emphasis on their contributions to alkali-ion batteries, metal-based batteries, and supercapacitors. The review discusses the use of plasma technologies in synthesizing and modifying advanced materials, such as electrode materials, current collectors, and separators. It also highlights how these technologies facilitate the regulation of electrode material properties and the development of new materials. The progress on current collectors and separators is also discussed, along with future research directions, challenges, and opportunities in plasma technologies for electrochemical energy storage systems.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luana Bonnici, Joseph Buhagiar, Glenn Cassar, Kelsey Ann Vella, Jian Chen, Xiyu Zhang, Zhiquan Huang, Ann Zammit
Summary: This research investigates the effects of mechanical shot peening and TiAlCuN coating on additively manufactured 316L stainless steel. Shot peening increases surface hardness by 40%, and the combined effect with coating increases it three-fold compared to as-printed coupons. Shot peening also improves surface finish and induces compressive residual stress. Scratch testing shows better performance in hybrid treated samples, while corrosion tests demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid treated samples over other variables.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shangqi Sun, YouChun Wu, Liguang Qin, Zhen Wang, Daming Chen, Jian Chen
Summary: In this study, Li4Ti5O12/CuO heterojunctions were constructed by depositing CuO ultrafine nanoparticles on Li4Ti5O12 nanosheets using ASP technique. The heterojunctions provided rich interface and built-in electric field, enhancing the conductivity and performance of Li4Ti5O12. The treated sample showed excellent electrochemical properties and cycle stability.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhen Wang, Xiao Zhu, Kehua Wang, Zhiquan Huang, Jian Chen
Summary: Active-screen plasma (ASP) is a versatile and powerful surface engineering method that has attracted much attention due to its simplicity, low temperature, eco-friendliness, uniformity, ability to deposit nano/microparticles, and control over chemical composition and morphology. Recent investigations have shown that ASP technology can be used to improve the electrochemical performance of various electrode materials. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using ASP technology to construct an artificial alloy layer on host materials and improve the performance of Zn anode supports. The research provides insights into the controllable variables affecting the alloy layer formation and discusses the core process of ASP-enabled metal alloying.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhiquan Huang, Zhongshu Li, Xiyu Zhang, Zhongxing Zhang, Jian Chen
Summary: Oxygen vacancies (OVs) engineering is a common method for enhancing the photocatalytic activities of TiO2. The preferred orientation of (001) facet in TiO2 films can increase the concentration of surface OVs and improve the photocatalytic performance. TiO2 films with (001) preference show about 2.4 times higher degradation rate of methyl orange under UV light, and also exhibit higher carrier separation efficiency.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Youchun Wu, Daming Chen, Hui Xu, Yuzheng Huang, Zhen Wang, Shangqi Sun, Jian Chen
Summary: Reasonable design of composition and concentration of point defects is important for optimizing electrode materials. This paper proposes a vacancy-assisted doping strategy to modulate Co3O4 defects (oxygen vacancies and heteroatoms doping) for improved electronic and electrochemical performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. Plasma treatment allows easy modulation of oxygen vacancies (OVs) in Co3O4, and higher OVs concentration promotes subsequent heteroatom doping (P, S) through low-temperature thermal treatment. Furthermore, the optimized OV-assisted P-doped Co3O4 exhibits the best electrochemical performance due to enhanced ion diffusion kinetics, electron conductivity, structural stability, and improved adsorption energy of lithium ions, as confirmed by experimental results and DFT calculations.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shangqi Sun, Youchun Wu, Zhen Wang, Yao Zhang, Daming Chen, Jian Chen
Summary: SiOx anode has the potential to be used in lithium-ion batteries due to its advantages of lower cost, processability, and cycling stability. However, its limitations including low conductivity, large volume change, and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) restrict its application. In this study, SiOx/C composites with high ICE and specific capacity were prepared using active screen plasma. SiOx/ CMK-3, supported by the porous structure and three-dimensional carbon skeleton of CMK-3, exhibited better structural stability and higher SiOx loading. Temperature regulation further improved the rate capability, ICE (76.7%), and cycling stability (618.9 mAh·g-1 after 4000 cycles at 1Ag-1) of the optimized SiOx/CMK-3. The protection of SiOx by nanostructured SiOx, porous carbon structures, and SiOx shells, as well as the effective suppression of volume expansion and repeated generation of new SEI by the pores of CMK-3, contributed to the high capacity and ICE. The carbon matrix and mesoporous channels of CMK-3 also enhanced the conductivity and diffusion kinetics of SiOx/CMK-3. This study provides a new approach for preparing high-performance silicon-carbon anodes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiyu Zhang, Zhiquan Huang, Kehua Wang, Jianming Wang, Ann Zammit, Joseph Buhagiar, Glenn Cassar, Mingyue Liu, Jian Chen
Summary: The erosion-corrosion behavior of high-speed steel (HSS) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating in simulated seawater under different flow conditions was investigated. The TiAlN coating showed negligible failure on the front side, while clear erosion-corrosion marks were observed on the HSS. Unexpected failure features were identified on the back side of both specimens due to localized high-velocity water flow at the edge and high turbulence in the center. The HSS exhibited dominant corrosion in the center and dominant erosion at the edge, while the TiAlN/HSS coating showed layer-by-layer spallation instead of surface crack propagation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kelsey Ann Vella, Joseph Buhagiar, Glenn Cassar, Martina Marie Pizzuto, Luana Bonnici, Jian Chen, Xiyu Zhang, Zhiquan Huang, Ann Zammit
Summary: The use of additively manufactured components made of titanium alloys has grown rapidly in aerospace applications. However, issues such as retained porosity, rough surface finish, and tensile surface residual stresses hinder their expansion to other sectors. This study investigates the effect of a duplex treatment, combining shot peening and physical vapor deposition, to improve the surface characteristics of the material.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhen Wang, Kehua Wang, Xiao Zhu, Zhiquan Huang, Daming Chen, Shangqi Sun, Jian Chen
Summary: The creation of a controllable morphology and thickness of a CuZn5 alloy layer using the active screen plasma (ASP) method is reported. The CuZn5 layer can regulate the behavior of Zn-ion, resulting in lower polarization potential and longer cycling life for the Zn anodes. CuZn5-coated Zn anodes demonstrate outstanding cycle stability and practicality for Zn-based devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Wang, Kehua Wang, Xiao Tao, Pan Feng, Hui Xu, Xiao Zhu, Xiyu Zhang, Jian Chen
Summary: Ion-sieving separators can effectively solve the issues of dendrite growth and side reactions during Zn metal anode plating. By depositing an oxygen-deficient SiOx layer on a glass fiber separator, the performance of the ion-sieving separator is improved, leading to dendrite-free Zn deposition and longer cycling life.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaqi Chen, Xieyu Xu, Jianli Cheng, Xuyang Wang, Dawei Wang, Yongjing Wang, Xingxing Jiao, Jian Chen, Shizhao Xiong, Zhongxiao Song, Yangyang Liu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the structural compatibility between commercially layered cathode material NCM523 and solid-state electrolyte LATP. It was found that a severe side reaction occurs during the cosintering process, leading to a loss of capacity in the cathode material. Thus, interface modification of the NCM523/LATP interface is suggested to inhibit this side reaction and accelerate the application of LATP-based all-solid-state batteries.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Genxi Yu, Yaping Wang, Kai Li, Daming Chen, Liguang Qin, Hui Xu, Jian Chen, Wei Zhang, Peigen Zhang, Zhengming Sun
Summary: This study successfully addressed the interface issues of solid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries by employing LGPS-PVDF composite electrolytes and LGPS-PVDF@LCO composite electrodes, improving the performance of the batteries.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2021)
