Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Kyusung Kim, Pil Gyu Choi, Toshio Itoh, Yoshitake Masuda
Summary: This study investigated the gas sensitivity of ZnO nanostructures on different exposed surfaces, demonstrating that ZnO-whisker exhibited superior sensing performance in all ranges compared to ZnO-rod. The results were attributed to the different electron distribution in oxygen vacancy sites on the exposed surfaces, with ZnO-whisker showing higher sensitivity due to easier electron provision.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tingcha Wei, Peijia Ding, Tao Wang, Li-Min Liu, Xiaoqiang An, Xuelian Yu
Summary: By engineering the exposed facets of TiO2 supports, the coordination environment of PtAu dual atoms can be regulated, leading to a significant increase in the H-2 evolution rate. The PtAu dual-atom cocatalyzed PtAu/{001}-TiO2 showed a 1000-fold increase compared to blank {001}-TiO2, with 4 times higher production rate than PtAu/{101}-TiO2.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tao Zhong, Zebin Yu, Ronghua Jiang, Jun Huang, Yanping Hou, Jianhua Chen, Yongqing Zhang, Hongxiang Zhu, Bing Wang, Ling Ding
Summary: Crystal plane engineering has become a research hot spot to improve the surface catalytic activity of catalysts, with doping low concentrations of transition metal ions (Co2+) in WS2 (100) facet being an effective method. This can enhance electron transfer rate, promote proton reduction, and increase hydrogen production efficiency in photocatalysis.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danni Ding, Yu Zhou, Taohong He, Shaopeng Rong
Summary: This study compared the properties and photocatalytic activity of different crystal facets of α-MnO2 by selectively exposing them. The α-MnO2 with exposed {3 1 0} facets exhibited superior photocatalytic activity under solar-light irradiation and visible light.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing Song, Zejian Zhi, Qiang Zhou, Di Wu, Lei Yu, Feng Gong, Ying Yin, Fanyue Meng, Chengming Li, Zhiliang Chen, Min Song
Summary: This study synthesized a hexagonal Fe-Ce bimetal oxide nanosheets with high catalytic activity to improve the adsorption efficiency of iron oxides for arsenic removal. The experimental results showed that the nanosheets had a high adsorption capacity for arsenic and achieved equilibrium in a short period of time. The study also proposed a new insight into the oxidation and complexation mechanism of arsenic.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Peng Zhao, Nengjie Feng, Bangjie Tan, Zhuobin Huo, Geng Liu, Hui Wan, Guofeng Guan
Summary: In this study, facet controlled Ce1_xLaxO delta nanocomposites were constructed and used for soot abatement. The effects of crystal facets on heterogeneous catalysis were investigated. The results showed that the concentration of La3+ had a significant impact on the catalytic activity, with low concentrations enhancing the activity and excessive concentrations leading to undesirable effects.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Truong-Giang Vo, Ping -Yuan Tsai, Chia-Ying Chiang
Summary: In order to explore the electrooxidation mechanism of biomass-based compounds, it is important to control the proportion of reactive facets and identify the facet-governing reactivity through crystal facet engineering. Octahedral and cubic cobalt spinel oxide (Co3O4) microstructures are used as models to tune the selectivity and productivity of the electrochemical glycerol oxidation reaction. The results show that the {111}-dominant octahedral Co3O4 plane exhibits superior electro-catalytic activity compared to the {001}-dominant cubic Co3O4, resulting in a higher conversion of glycerol into dihydroxyacetone (DHA) compounds. The present study highlights the significance of controlling the highly active facet in the development of efficient and selective electrocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shenghui Zhou, Wenrui Ma, Uzma Anjum, Mohammadreza Kosari, Shibo Xi, Sergey M. Kozlov, Hua Chun Zeng
Summary: This study reports a mesoporous silica-encapsulated MoS2 catalyst with a fullerene-like structure and copper decoration for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. The fullerene-like structure of MoS2 selectively exposes in-plane sulfur vacancies, while copper decoration promotes methanol yield and selectivity. Experimental and theoretical investigations confirm the critical role of strain in the catalytic reaction.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yutong Wang, Guozhu Liu
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of Pd-Pt alloy catalyst in the dehydrogenation of PHAN using density functional theory. The results showed that PdPt-(111) catalyst had advantages in PHAN dehydrogenation due to lower energy barrier and more stable dehydrogenation products. In addition, a method for selecting the minimum active unit of PdPt catalyst was proposed, and a correlation model among Pd-Pt surface characteristics, catalytic activity, and adsorption energy was established.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daiki Nagamatsu, Shigeru Ando, Yuko Fujimura, Tetsuya Miyano, Katsuji Sugita, Hiroshi Ueda
Summary: This study investigated the crystal forms of a Y5 receptor antagonist of neuropeptide Y. Different solvents were used for polymorphic screening, and the resulting crystal forms were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The study concluded that crystal conversion is a method to overcome the milling issue.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingrui Wei, Hui Kang, Chao Wang, Guanlun Guo, Yihui Liu, Qiang Ma
Summary: In this paper, two bimetallic manganese-cobalt spinel oxide supported on carbon nanotube (MnCo2O4/CNT) composite materials with different crystal planes exposed were synthesized by adjusting the amount of ammonia during the hydrothermal process. It was found that the MnCo2O4/CNT-800 composite material exposed to the (112) crystal plane exhibited higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity in alkaline electrolyte. This was attributed to the greater specific surface area, exposure of high-index crystal plane, and high-valence metal sites on the surface. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the improved adsorption and ORR thermodynamics on the (112) crystal plane. This work provides a strategy for the development of advanced bimetallic spinel electrocatalysts.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tian Wang, Jinmeng Sun, Yongbin Hua, Bolisetti Naga Vamsi Krishna, Qiao Xi, Wei Ai, Jae Su Yu
Summary: This review provides an overview of the effective strategies and recent progress in achieving planar and dendrite-free zinc deposition in aqueous zinc metal batteries, and elucidates the influence of crystal orientation on zinc metal deposition behavior.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianyu Cao, Jing Xia, Xuanze Li, Yuye Li, Pei Liu, Lifeng Tian, Peiyu Qiao, Chang Liu, Yifan Wang, Xiangmin Meng
Summary: The evolution of crystallographic shear (CS) planes in monoclinic WO3 was directly observed using in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy. The CS planes were found to nucleate preferentially at edge step defects and propagate through a cooperative migration of WO6 octahedrons along specific crystallographic orientations. The local reconstruction of atomic columns favored the formation of (102) CS planes with four edge-sharing octahedrons over (103) planes, in agreement with theoretical calculations. The structure evolution was accompanied by a semiconductor-to-metal transition. Furthermore, controlled growth of CS planes and V-shaped CS structures was achieved for the first time using artificial defects. These findings provide an atomic-scale understanding of CS structure evolution dynamics.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hoyeol Jeon, Deok-Hwang Kwon, Hyoungchul Kim, Jong-Ho Lee, Yongseok Jun, Ji-Won Son, Sangbaek Park
Summary: The shape and exposed crystal facet of cathode particles have important effects on the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries, with specific shapes of cathode particles potentially enhancing the rate capability of the battery.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huanxin Zhao, Xinyue Liu, Yuqi Liu, Dan Wu, Wanjie Hu, Xiaoyuan Shang, Mingyi Lv
Summary: Persulfate activation through non-radical pathways is advantageous for wastewater treatment. A tailored design of metal oxides was proposed to induce non-radical pathways by regulating the exposed crystal plane. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) with (310) and (110) as main planes (310-M and 110-M) were synthesized and found to induce different non-radical pathways. The study highlights the importance of electron transfer process (ETP) in 310-M/PMS system, while 1O2 oxidation pathway plays a major role in phenol degradation in the 110-M/PMS system. Both 310-M and 110-M showed high performance in phenol degradation and good stability even in the presence of inorganic ions and humic acid.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huaizheng Ren, Sai Li, Bo Wang, Yanyan Zhang, Tian Wang, Qiang Lv, Xiangyu Zhang, Lei Wang, Xiao Han, Fan Jin, Changyuan Bao, Pengfei Yan, Nan Zhang, Dianlong Wang, Tao Cheng, Huakun Liu, Shixue Dou
Summary: A zwitterionic osmolyte-based molecular crowding electrolyte, achieved by adding betaine to the aqueous electrolyte, is proposed to address the challenges of dendrite growth, low plating/stripping efficiency, and high freezing point in aqueous Zn-ion batteries. The electrolyte effectively restrains side reactions and dendrite growth, enables high reversibility and dendrite-free plating/stripping, and lowers the freezing point for stable operation at low temperatures. This innovative concept injects new vitality into the development of multifunctional aqueous electrolytes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin-Wei Zhang, Liuyue Cao, Cheng Tang, Chunhui Tan, Ningyan Cheng, Wei-Hong Lai, Yun-Xiao Wang, Zhen-Xiang Cheng, Juncai Dong, Yuan Kong, Shi-Xue Dou, Shenlong Zhao
Summary: Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries have high potential for energy storage, but issues like low S mass loading and poor cycling stability limit their capacity. This study successfully synthesized sulfur-doped graphene frameworks supporting 2H-MoS2 and Mo-1, leading to a cathode with record-high sulfur mass loading and excellent cycling stability. Experimental and computational results revealed the enhancement mechanisms.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuena Xu, Yumin Qian, Chunting Wang, Zhongchao Bai, Chenggang Wang, Ming Song, Yi Du, Xun Xu, Nana Wang, Jian Yang, Yitai Qian, Shixue Dou
Summary: In this study, nitrogen-doped V2O5 is introduced as the cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The N-doping improves electronic conductivity and facilitates Zn2+ diffusion by lowering the bandgap energy of V2O5 and changing its diffusion pathway. Furthermore, N-doping enhances the structural stability of the electrode material, leading to excellent electrochemical properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sichao Du, Hao Xie, Juxin Yin, Tao Fang, Shuo Zhang, Yunlei Sun, Chunfeng Cai, Gang Bi, Zhongbao Chen, Duo Xiao, Wenchao Chen, Xiao-Guang Yang, Dawei Wang, Wen-Yan Yin, Rongkun Zheng
Summary: Hot electrons in carbon-based materials exhibit interesting ballistic transport behaviors and have potential applications in high-performance single-electron transistors. However, the excessive presence of optical phonons can slow down their cooling process, limiting their ballistic transport. Therefore, understanding the coupling between hot electrons and optical phonons is crucial.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ashraful Azam, Jack Yang, Wenxian Li, Jing-Kai Huang, Sean Li
Summary: Two-dimensional tungsten diselenide (WSe2) has attracted great attention due to its distinctive electronic structure, outstanding photonic and catalytic properties. By manipulating the lateral dimensions of WSe2 to form quantum dots (QDs), a broad range of emission wavelengths can be achieved and the band edge positions are optimized for water splitting. This review article emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind different synthesis techniques for controlling the size, morphology, and quality of WSe2 QDs, and highlights the challenges in high-throughput production of high-quality, homogeneous WSe2 QDs and their potential applications.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haoyue Sun, Rui Tang, Xingmo Zhang, Shuzhen Zhang, Wenjie Yang, Lizhuo Wang, Weibin Liang, Fengwang Li, Rongkun Zheng, Jun Huang
Summary: In order to address global warming and energy crisis, the development of photocatalysts with broad-range light-absorption and efficient carrier transfer is urgently needed for artificial photosynthesis and green chemical production. In this study, novel CsPbBr3 nanocrystal coupled NiFe-LDH (CPB/NiFe-LDH) Z-scheme photocatalysts were constructed for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The unique CPB/NiFe-LDH Z-scheme heterojunction allowed tailored photogenerated carrier transfer behaviors, resulting in significantly improved carrier transfer ability and reduction potential compared to pristine NiFe-LDH. By precisely controlling the CPB/NiFe-LDH ratio, tunable Z-scheme photocatalytic reduction capability and charge separation efficiency were achieved, with the optimal CPB/NiFe-LDH-2 photocatalyst showing a 2-fold increase in electron consumption rate compared to pristine NiFe-LDH. This work provides an innovative approach to construct photocatalysts with tunable Z-scheme charge transfer behavior, which can be applied in various solar energy conversion applications.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangling Xia, Jack Yang, Yang Liu, Jiujun Zhang, Jie Shang, Bin Liu, Sean Li, Wenxian Li
Summary: With the development of flexible electronics, the demand for flexible batteries that can fit complex curved surfaces with good fatigue resistance and safety is increasing. This paper summarizes the deformable electrode materials and structural design for flexible batteries, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various flexible materials and structures in flexible battery electrodes. Additionally, it discusses the application scenarios of flexible batteries and the challenges and future development of flexible electrode fabrication, providing general guidance for high-performance flexible electrodes research.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuangyan Qiao, Qianwen Zhou, Meng Ma, Hua Kun Liu, Shi Xue Dou, Shaokun Chong
Summary: Rechargeable sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) face challenges in electrode materials due to the large ionic radius of Na-ion. However, progress has been made in intercalation, conversion, alloying, conversion-alloying, and organic anode materials for SIBs. Various optimization strategies have been summarized to improve the electrochemical properties of anodes. The merits, drawbacks, challenges, and future directions for high-performance anode materials are discussed.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yiran Li, Mengling Lai, Juanli Zhao, Jiancheng Li, Wenxian Li, Bin Liu
Summary: Explored the structural and electronic properties of chalcogen-functionalized MXenes and Pt-anchored MXenes, showing their potential as efficient and low-cost catalysts and supports.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2024)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Simiao Sha, Riyue Ge, Ying Li, Julie M. Cairney, Rongkun Zheng, Sean Li, Bin Liu, Jiujun Zhang, Wenxian Li
Summary: This paper reviews the rapid development of high entropy materials (HEMs) in electrocatalytic water-electrolysis for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and discusses their applications, catalytic mechanisms, and their role in supporting green hydrogen production. The concept and four characteristics of HEMs are introduced, followed by a systematic review of synthetic strategies of HEM catalysts. The application of HEMs as catalysts for electrochemical water-electrolysis is discussed, and the challenges in HEM catalyst fabrications and applications are addressed.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Bryan Lim, Keita Nomoto, Amy J. Clarke, Sudarsanam Suresh Babu, Sophie Primig, Xiaozhou Liao, Andrew J. Breen, Simon P. Ringer
Summary: Complex geometries and topology optimisations are driving the additive manufacturing of Ni-based superalloys, but there are thermal signature differences in complex components compared to commonly studied test coupons, leading to unaccounted microstructure-property variations. The effects of topological changes, such as engineered internal voids, on the mechanical performance of as-fabricated Haynes 282 monolith are investigated, revealing the influence of changing thermal conditions on the local mechanical property response.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Nana Kwabena Adomako, Nima Haghdadi, James F. L. Dingle, Ernst Kozeschnik, Xiaozhou Liao, Simon P. Ringer, Sophie Primig
Summary: Metal additive manufacturing is an ideal technique for producing complex shaped engineering parts, but advanced control of microstructures and properties through modeling is necessary. This study presents a computational modeling approach to predict and optimize the microstructures and properties during metal additive manufacturing.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenxian Li, Zulin Sun, Riyue Ge, Jiancheng Li, Yiran Li, Julie M. M. Cairney, Rongkun Zheng, Ying Li, Sean Li, Qian Li, Bin Liu
Summary: MoS2 with 2D structure shows efficient HER performance, and the La-doped Ni3S2/MoS2 heterointerface with nanoflower-like structures exhibits excellent OER performance. The La-NMS@NF heterostructure optimizes the water and H* adsorption/desorption, improving HER performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Liang, Yue Jiang, Yunlong Sun, Aditya Rawal, Qi Zhang, Zizheng Song, Yasuhiro Sakamoto, Jianhao Du, Chenlu Jiang, Shery L. Y. Chang, Linfeng Fei, Shanming Ke, Zibin Chen, Wenxian Li, Danyang Wang
Summary: In this study, the excellent piezocatalytic effect of hydrothermally synthesized BNKT nanoparticles was demonstrated, showing great potential in organic dye degradation, water splitting, medical therapy, and more. The BNKT nanoparticles with a tetragonal-rich MPB composition displayed a high kinetic rate constant for dye degradation, outperforming counterparts with different compositions. The strong piezoresponse in the BNKT nanoparticles was found to play a critical role in promoting piezocatalytic activities, despite better band alignment in other compositions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)