Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haoqing Ji, Zhenkang Wang, Yawen Sun, Yang Zhou, Sijie Li, Jinqiu Zhou, Tao Qian, Chenglin Yan
Summary: This study investigates the solvation structure of Li+ in conventional Li-S batteries at low temperatures. It is found that dilute electrolytes can enhance the Li+ de-solvation kinetics, improving the capacity performance of cryogenic Li-S batteries. Theoretical simulations show a 67.34% capacity retention at -40 degrees C compared to room temperature. Additionally, an Ah-level Li-S pouch cell using dilute electrolytes and high sulfur loading is fabricated, achieving a discharge capacity of 1000 mAh g(-1) and an ultra-high energy density of 350 Wh kg(-1) at 0 degrees C.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Parameswara R. Chinnam, Leidong Xu, Lu Cai, Nikolaus L. Cordes, Sangwook Kim, Corey M. Efaw, Daniel J. Murray, Eric J. Dufek, Hongyi Xu, Bin Li
Summary: Research at a pouch cell level is crucial for the commercialization of lithium-sulfur batteries. This study investigates the failure mechanisms of Li-S pouch cells through in operando pressure analysis, identifying factors influencing performance and proposing real-time methods for morphology diagnosis and improvement.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zixiong Shi, Matthew Li, Jingyu Sun, Zhongwei Chen
Summary: Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted growing scientific and industrial interest due to their high energy density and low materials costs, with recent research focusing on improving the reaction kinetics of sulfur species through defect engineering. While defect engineering has emerged as a key strategy to enhance polysulfide modulation, there is still a lack of comprehensive overview in this field.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Md Shahriar Nahian, Rahul Jayan, Md Mahbubul Islam
Summary: The understanding of mechanistic differences between Na-S and Li-S batteries is critical for designing high-performance cathode materials. Anchoring materials play a crucial role in overcoming performance-limiting factors. This study explores the role of anchoring materials on the polysulfide chemistry in Na-S and Li-S batteries, revealing important insights for the design of cathode materials in metal-sulfur batteries.
Review
Electrochemistry
Shuai Tang, Xiang Li, Qianqian Fan, Xiuqing Zhang, Dan-Yang Wang, Wei Guo, Yongzhu Fu
Summary: Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries, with high theoretical specific energy, are a promising option post lithium-ion batteries. To advance Li-S full cells, challenges with anode materials such as low excess lithiated graphite, lithiated alloys, or metallic Li must be addressed, along with reducing electrolyte use to improve practical energy density.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Peixin Yang, Wu Yuan, Hongwei Song, Chenguang Huang
Summary: In this study, an effective method to enhance the shear strength of low-strength fragile materials using composite lattice structures was proposed. Experimental results demonstrated that there is an interaction effect between the fragile material and the lattice, resulting in a significantly higher integrated shear strength. A theoretical model investigated the role of interfacial bonding between the lattice and the matrix in the reinforcement mechanism. Furthermore, the influence of geometrical parameters on the shear strength of the fragile material, such as topological configurations, relative densities, and cell size, was thoroughly discussed.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Chong Liu, Qichen Wu, Youbiao Su, Yunfei Li, Shilin Xie
Summary: A multi-layers planar dielectric elastomer actuator (MPDEA) is proposed to achieve effective in-plane actuation under low voltage, showing significantly improved driving capability by increasing the number of layers. Compared with a single-layer DEA, a four-layers MPDEA can reduce control voltage by 53.62% while generating the same deformation at the tip of the beam.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giulia Lucarelli, Francesca De Rossi, Babak Taheri, Thomas M. Brown, Francesca Brunetti
Summary: This study reports an optimized strategy of passivating flexible planar perovskite solar cells (PSC) by using low-temperature solution-processed phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) layers, which resulted in significant performance improvement and enhanced stability.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Caixiang Zhao, Junfeng Shu, Jiaqi Fang, Shuangxia Luo, Yanjun Guo, Peng Xu, Ji Feng, Meng He, Zhan'ao Tan, Xiong Yin, Leyu Wang
Summary: Li-doped hollow titania nanospheres (Li-HTS) were prepared and used to modify the SnO2 ETL/perovskite interfaces of planar PSCs for the first time. The Li-HTS-modified PSC achieved higher PCE and improved stability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Crystallography
Dietmar Pum, Andreas Breitwieser, Uwe B. Sleytr
Summary: S-layers are monomolecular lattices composed of a single protein or glycoprotein species, exhibiting different lattice symmetries with highly porous and uniform pores. Basic research on S-layers has paved the way for applications in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and biomimetics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen Huang, Rui Zhang, Xuwen Xia, Parker Steichen, Nanjing Liu, Jianping Yang, Liang Chu, Xing'ao Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful use of Nb2O5/ZnO films as double electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells, showing improved performance and stability due to energy band matching. It was found that adjusting the ZnO deposition time can optimize the power conversion efficiency in PSCs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammad Ismail Hossain, Ahmed M. Saleque, Safayet Ahmed, Ilhom Saidjafarzoda, Md Shahiduzzaman, Wayesh Qarony, Dietmar Knipp, Necmi Biyikli, Yuen Hong Tsang
Summary: This study focuses on the realization of highly efficient perovskite/perovskite tandem solar cells, by selecting appropriate material bandgaps, preparing charge transport/contact materials, and utilizing optical and electrical simulations to improve device performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yilong Lin, Sheng Huang, Min Xiao, Dongmei Han, Zhiheng Huang, Shuanjin Wang, Yuezhong Meng
Summary: Insufficient activation of S/C cathode leads to low capacity of Li-S pouch cells, but electrochemical oscillation formation can increase capacity and restrict the formation of lithium polysulfides.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenwei Lin, Wen-Ti Guo, Liquan Yao, Jianmin Li, Limei Lin, Jian-Min Zhang, Shuiyuan Chen, Guilin Chen
Summary: Hydrothermal deposition is considered a promising method for antimony-based solar cells, with TiO2 evaluated as a potential Cd-free buffer layer, and Zn(O,S) effectively addressing the issue of inhomogeneous Sb2S3 coverage. The Zn(O,S)/Sb2S3 junction exhibits more stable structure and enhances the efficiency of the device compared to TiO2/Sb2S3.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiexuan Jiang, Andraz Mavric, Nadiia Pastukhova, Matjaz Valant, Qiugui Zeng, Zeyu Fan, Beibei Zhang, Yanbo Li
Summary: In this study, doped inorganic carrier-selective layers were prepared using a dual-source electron-beam co-evaporation method, leading to improved conductivity and power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the insertion of a titanium buffer layer improved band alignment and long-term stability. The results demonstrate the potential of co-evaporated carrier-selective layers for large-scale applications.
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Man Zhou, Qian Wang, Xiu Lin, Yi Zhao, Peipei Jiang, Qi Li, Chao Shen, Cong Wang
Summary: This paper introduces PressPIN, an enhanced PIN authenticator on mobile devices that senses the pressure from the user's finger. By leveraging the structure-borne propagation of sounds, the pressure on the screen is estimated to form a pressure code. This method increases the entropy of passwords and provides a more secure solution against shoulder surfing attacks.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DEPENDABLE AND SECURE COMPUTING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiamin Wu, Yunyi Liang, Changlei Xia, Xinxin Ma, Benhua Fei, Yingji Wu, Shengbo Ge, Jianxiong Lu, Jianzhang Li, Zhenhai Xia
Summary: A novel processing technology has been developed to fabricate laminated transparent woods, which effectively improves their mechanical properties and wood template contents. The lamination structures and layers have significant influences on the optical and mechanical properties of transparent woods, and cross-lamination reduces the direction-dependence of mechanical strength.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qing Zhang, Ran Ning, Jinxin Cao, Qingrui Song, Jiaxin Ye, Bingqing Wei
Summary: This study provides important insights into the mechanical-electrochemical coupling behavior of MXene materials under pressure and offers vital design guidelines for flexible/stretchable MXene-based energy storage devices or other electronics.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhigang Li, Jiteng Li, Weike Wang, Qijie Yan, Yongrui Zhou, Luping Zhu, Bingqiang Cao, Bingqing Wei
Summary: The discovery of super-semiconductors based on metallic bi-layer shell arrays provides an opportunity to achieve ultra-low-power consumption semiconductor devices. For example, p-n junction diodes based on super-semiconducting nanostructured Ag/Al arrays have achieved near zero-threshold voltage and low power consumption. The high breakdown field of these diodes allows access to ultra-low-power semiconducting transistors, integrated circuits, chips, etc.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shaohui Guo, Jie Su, Hui Luo, Xiaochuan Duan, Qianqian Shen, Jinbo Xue, Bingqing Wei, Xian-Ming Zhang
Summary: The sun-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production reaction provides possibilities for renewable energy systems, and proper introduction of physical fields can improve the mass flow and energy flow process. A piezo-enhanced photocatalytic system based on ultrasound field is proposed to realize adjustable built-in electric field for better transfer of photo-induced carriers. By preparing a piezo-photocatalyst through hydrothermal method and enhancing mass transfer dynamics through spatial compression and cavitation effect of the ultrasonic field, an impressive hydrogen production rate of up to 13.09 mmol h-1 g-1 is achieved with a ternary catalyst. A practical demonstration proves the advantages of the piezo-photocatalytic system.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sundas Iqbal, Yue Ma, Bingqing Wei, Mustehsin Ali, Tingkai Zhao
Summary: The study developed Sb2S3 microrods as a template for regulating the nucleation of metallic Na and used nanoconfinement effect to spatially control the propagation of deposited metal. The study also investigated the seed effect of Na-Sb and Na-S alloys formed within the hard carbon sheath. The Sb2S3@C composite anode achieved dendrite-free cycling and mitigated nucleation overpotential, while the pairing of NVPF cathode with the Sb2S3@C composite prototype delivered high energy density and power density.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang Guo, Fuli Zhang, Xiao Han, Lipeng Zhang, Qian Hou, Lele Gong, Jincheng Wang, Zhenhai Xia, Jianhua Hao, Keyu Xie
Summary: By considering the decomposition of Li2CO3, an intrinsic descriptor consisting of the d(x2-y2) orbital states and electronegativity is discovered to predict high-performance cathode materials. Graphene-supported noble metal (NM@G) cathodes are fabricated using a fast laser scribing technique, and Pd@G exhibits ultralow overpotential and superior cycling performance. The relationship between electronic properties of noble metal cathodes and the performance of Li-CO2 batteries provides a new avenue for designing efficient cathode materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qingfeng Zhai, Zhenhai Xia, Liming Dai
Summary: This review article discusses the recent advances in carbon-based metal-free electrocatalysts (C-MFECs) and how various strategies, such as heteroatom doping, defect doping, and molecular modification, can induce catalytic active sites to create efficient and multifunctional electrocatalysts. Theoretical research has shown that the catalytic activity in C-MFECs originates from the charge/spin redistributions induced by the change in electronic structures of doped carbon materials. The progress in the unified mechanistic understanding and the challenges and future perspectives in this field are also presented.
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Peipei Jiang, Qian Wang, Xiu Lin, Man Zhou, Wenbing Ding, Cong Wang, Chao Shen, Qi Li
Summary: This paper designs and implements a novel software-only anti-spoofing system on smartphones, which utilizes the pop noise generated by the user's oral airflow when speaking close to the microphone. It effectively resists spoofing attacks by detecting and analyzing the uniqueness and consistency of the pop noise at the phonemic level. The evaluation shows that the system achieves over 94.79% accuracy on a dataset of 30 participants and three smartphones, and it is robust to various factors without requiring additional hardware.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DEPENDABLE AND SECURE COMPUTING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Dan Liu, Qian Wang, Man Zhou, Peipei Jiang, Qi Li, Chao Shen, Cong Wang
Summary: Mobile two-factor authentication (TFA) using mobile devices as a second security layer has become popular. However, current solutions using acoustic fingerprints as the second factor ignore the variations caused by acoustic propagation, allowing enhanced man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. To address this vulnerability, we propose SoundID, a novel authentication system that uses dynamic acoustic fingerprints and a dual challenge-response design. SoundID combines the benefits of acoustic propagation and stable frequency response to effectively defend against MITM attacks. Prototype testing showed over 96.62% accuracy and an equal error rate of approximately 4.27%.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DEPENDABLE AND SECURE COMPUTING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Gao, Zhenglong Li, Pan Wang, Wengang Cui, Xiaowei Wang, Yaxiong Yang, Fan Gao, Mingchang Zhang, Jiantuo Gan, Chenchen Li, Yanxia Liu, Xinqiang Wang, Fulai Qi, Jing Zhang, Xiao Han, Wubin Du, Hongge Pan, Zhenhai Xia
Summary: A series of heteroatom-doped graphene were investigated as efficient pseudocapacitive anodes for calcium-ion batteries. Density functional theory calculations and experimental verifications were conducted to establish the design principles and propose a new descriptor φ to correlate the properties of dopants with the storage capabilities of the carbon-based anode. The design principles and descriptor demonstrated predictive ability in screening the best dual-doped graphene anode with significantly higher Ca2+ storage capability than sole-doped counterparts.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yijin Wang, Youzi Zhang, Xu Xin, Jiabao Yang, Maohuai Wang, Ruiling Wang, Peng Guo, Wenjing Huang, Ana Jorge Sobrido, Bingqing Wei, Xuanhua Li
Summary: We have reported an in situ photocatalytically enhanced redox reaction to achieve a continuous concentration gradient of redox ions in thermogalvanic devices, which improves the efficiency of these cells. The design principle of the devices is based on the linear relationship between thermopower and hydrogen production rate. After 6 hours of outdoor operation, a large-area generator consisting of 36 units generated an open-circuit voltage of 4.4 volts and a power of 20.1 milliwatts, while producing 0.5 millimoles of hydrogen and 0.2 millimoles of oxygen.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sundas Iqbal, Yue Ma, Bingqing Wei, Mustehsin Ali, Tingkai Zhao
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of the rational design of highly stable alloys and presents an effective strategy for achieving high-performance sodium-metal anodes.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tao Zheng, Jincheng Wang, Zhenhai Xia, Guofeng Wang, Zhiyao Duan
Summary: Iron and nitrogen co-doped carbon (Fe-N-C) catalysts have shown great potential in promoting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. This study used density functional theory to investigate the interplay of oxidation state, spin state, and applied potentials on the catalytic activity of an FeN4C10 moiety. Two stable spin states of Fe(ii)N4C10 at ORR-relevant potentials were identified, showing distinct abilities in binding ORR intermediates and ORR activities. This research provides valuable insights into the spin-correlated catalytic performances of Fe-N-C catalysts.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lele Gong, Xiaowei Wang, Rahman Daiyan, Xiaofeng Zhu, Joshua Leverett, Zhiyao Duan, Lipeng Zhang, Rose Amal, Liming Dai, Zhenhai Xia
Summary: In this study, a computational approach based on density functional theory and electrical double-layer interface models is developed to accurately predict potential-dependent reaction pathways, catalytic activity, and product selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction. The calculated onset potentials and maximum faradaic efficiency of CO2 reduction agree well with experimental results for single-atom catalysts. This research provides a fundamental understanding of complex potential-dependent catalytic behavior and offers new approaches for catalyst screening in CO2 reduction and other complex reaction systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
