bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrochromic Perovskite System with Reversible Blue‐Green Color for Advanced Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Chen Jie , Zeng Yiwen , Sun Ruifen , Zhang Weiwei , Huang Yun , Zheng Jingcheng , Chi Yuwu
Published: April 2023

The intrinsic instability of halide perovskites toward to external stimulus, has created a competitive advantage for designing stimuli‐responsive materials. However, the external environment tuning reversibly fluorescence emission of perovskite system is still limited. In this work, humidity is verified to act as a new option to modulate the emission properties of mixed‐halide perovskite. The perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) photoirradiated in dichloromethane are easily and stably redispersed in water, and emit bright fluorescence which is quite different from the original. Moreover, the perovskites confined on glass slide can reversibly switch their fluorescence between blue and green colors under moisture. It is demonstrated that the factors of different solubilities of CsCl and CsBr in water, the structural transformation of perovskites and the confine of glass matrix play key roles in the reversible transformation. Finally, the combination of hydrochromic CsPb(BrxCly)3 and water‐resistant CsPb(BrxCly)3‐polymethyl methacrylate have been applied in advanced anti‐counterfeiting, which greatly improves the information security. This work not only give an insight into the effects of humidity on fluorescence and structures of PNCs, but also offer a new class of hydrochromic PNCs materials based on reversible emission transformation for potential application in sensors, anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption.
Room Temperature Phosphorescence Carbon Dots: Preparations, Regulations, and Applications
Authors: Zhou Shengju , Wang Feixiang , Feng Ning , Xu Aoxue , Sun Xiaofeng , Zhou Jin , Li Hongguang
Published: April 2023

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have drawn considerable attention by virtue of their outstanding features. Compared with organometallic complexes and pure organic compounds, carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a new type of RTP materials, which show great advantages, such as moderate reaction condition, low toxicity, low cost, and tunable optical properties. In this review, the important progress made in RTP CDs is summarized, with an emphasis on the latest developments. The synthetic strategies of RTP CDs will be comprehensively summarized, followed by detailed introduction of their performance regulation and potential applications in anti‐counterfeiting, information encryption, sensing, light‐emitting diodes, and biomedicine. Finally, the remaining major challenges for RTP CDs are discussed and new opportunities in the future are proposed.
Shaping Copper Oxide Layers on Gold Nanoparticle Ensembles by Controlled Electrodeposition with Single Particle Scatterometry
Authors: Hwang Hyunsik , Oh Hyuncheol , Song Hyunjoon
Published: April 2023

Electrodeposition of copper on gold nanoelectrode ensembles result in the formation of uniform copper oxide layers on individual nanoparticles. A linear sweep of voltammetric change induces three distinct morphologies dependent upon particle density. Ex situ imaging and in situ scatterometry at a single‐particle level identifies multi‐step electrochemical growth sequences that deviated from classical nucleation and growth pathways. In addition, the study demonstrated the possibility of synthesizing sophisticated structures based on the symmetry of nanoelectrodes. This result guides the nanoscale morphology control of electrode ensembles with potential application in electrocatalysis and sensing.
Monolithic Nickel Catalyst Featured with High‐Density Crystalline Steps for Stable Hydrogen Evolution at Large Current Density
Authors: Lei Zhanwu , Liu Peng , Yang Xin , Zou Peichao , Nairan Adeela , Jiao Shuhong , Cao Ruiguo , Wang Wenlong , Kang Feiyu , Yang Cheng
Published: April 2023

Producing hydrogen via electrochemical water splitting with minimum environmental harm can help resolve the energy crisis in a sustainable way. Here, this work fabricates the pure nickel nanopyramid arrays (NNAs) with dense high‐index crystalline steps as the cata electrode via a screw dislocation‐dominated growth kinetic for long‐term durable and large current density hydrogen evolution reaction. Such a monolithic NNAs electrode offers an ultralow overpotential of 469 mV at a current density of 5000 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KOH electrolyte and shows a high stability up to 7000 h at a current density of 1000 mA cm−2, which outperforms the reported catas and even the commercial platinum cata for long‐term services under high current densities. Its unique structure can substantially stabilize the high‐density surface crystalline steps on the catalytic electrode, which significantly elevates the catalytic activity and durability of nickel in an alkaline medium. In a typical commercial hydrogen gas generator, the total energy conversion rate of NNAs reaches 84.5% of that of a commercial Pt/Ti cata during a 60‐day test of hydrogen production. This work approach can provide insights into the development of industry‐compatible long‐term durable, and high‐performance non‐noble metal catas for various applications.
Dynamically Stabilized Electronic Regulation and Electrochemical Reconstruction in Co and S Atomic Pair Doped Fe3O4 for Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Hai‐Jun , Zhang Shuo , Zhou Ya‐Nan , Yu Wen‐Li , Ma Yu , Wang Shu‐Tao , Chai Yong‐Ming , Dong Bin
Published: April 2023

The electronic regulation and surface reconstruction of earth‐abundant electrocatalysts are essential to efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, an inverse‐spinel Co,S atomic pair codoped Fe3O4 grown on iron foam (Co,S‐Fe3O4/IF) is fabricated as a cost‐effective electrocatalyst for OER. This strategy of Co and S atomic pair directional codoping features accelerates surface reconstruction and dynamically stabilizes electronic regulation. CoS atomic pairs doped in the Fe3O4 crystal favor controllable surface reconstruction via sulfur leaching, forming oxygen vacancies and Co doping on the surface of reconstructed FeOOH (Co‐FeOOH‐Ov/IF). Before and after surface reconstruction via in situ electrochemical process, the Fe sites with octahedral field dynamically maintains an appropriate electronic structure for OER intermediates, thus exhibiting consistently excellent OER performance. The electrochemically tuned Fe‐based electrodes exhibit a low overpotential of 349 mV at a current density of 1000 mA cm−2, a slight Tafel slope of 43.3 mV dec−1, and exceptional long‐term electrolysis stability of 200 h in an alkaline medium. Density functional theory calculations illustrate the electronic regulation of Fe sites, changes in Gibbs free energies, and the breaking of the restrictive scaling relation between OER intermediates. This work provides a promising directional codoping strategy for developing precatalysts for large‐scale water‐splitting systems.
A Facile Molecular Approach to Amorphous Nickel Pnictides and Their Reconstruction to Crystalline Potassium‐Intercalated γ‐NiOOHx Enabling High‐Performance Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation and Selective Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Dasgupta Basundhara , Hausmann Jan Niklas , Beltrán‐Suito Rodrigo , Kalra Shweta , Laun Konstantin , Zebger Ingo , Driess Matthias , Menezes Prashanth Wilfred
Published: April 2023

The low‐temperature molecular precursor approach can be beneficial to conventional solid‐state methods, which require high temperatures and lead to relatively large crystalline particles. Herein, a novel, single‐step, room‐temperature preparation of amorphous nickel pnictide (NiE; EP, As) nanomaterials is reported, starting from NaOCE(dioxane)n and NiBr2(thf)1.5. During application for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the pnictide anions leach, and both materials fully reconstruct into nickel(III/IV) oxide phases (similar to γ‐NiOOH) comprising edge‐sharing (NiO6) layers with intercalated potassium ions and a d‐spacing of 7.27 Å. Remarkably, the intercalated γ‐NiOOHx phases are nanocrystalline, unlike the amorphous nickel pnictide precatalysts. This unconventional reconstruction is fast and complete, which is ascribed to the amorphous nature of the nanostructured NiE precatalysts. The obtained γ‐NiOOHx can effectively catalyse the OER for 100 h at a high current density (400 mA cm−2) and achieves outstandingly high current densities (>600 mA cm−2) for the selective, value‐added oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The NiP‐derived γ‐NiOOHx shows a higher activity for both processes due to more available active sites. It is anticipated that the herein developed, effective, room‐temperature molecular synthesis of amorphous nickel pnictide nanomaterials can be applied to other functional transition‐metal pnictides.
Breaking the Minimum Limit of Thermal Conductivity of Mg3Sb2 Thermoelectric Mediated by Chemical Alloying Induced Lattice Instability
Authors: Hu Jinsuo , Zhu Jianbo , Dong Xingyan , Guo Muchun , Sun Yuxin , Shi Wenjing , Zhu Yuke , Wu Hao , Guo Fengkai , Zhang Yi‐Xin , Ge Zhen‐Hua , Zhang Qian , Liu Zihang , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe
Published: April 2023

Thermal properties strongly affect the applications of functional materials, such as thermal management, thermal barrier coatings, and thermoelectrics. Thermoelectric (TE) materials must have a low lattice thermal conductivity to maintain a temperature gradient to generate the voltage. Traditional strategies for minimizing the lattice thermal conductivity mainly rely on introduced multiscale defects to suppress the propagation of phonons. Here, the origin of the anomalously low lattice thermal conductivity is uncovered in Cd‐alloyed Mg3Sb2 Zintl compounds through complementary bonding analysis. First, the weakened chemical bonds and the lattice instability induced by the antibonding states of 5p‐4d levels between Sb and Cd triggered giant anharmonicity and consequently increased the phonon scattering. Moreover, the bond heterogeneity also augmented Umklapp phonon scatterings. Second, the weakened bonds and heavy element alloying softened the phonon mode and significantly decreased the group velocity. Thus, an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of ≈0.33 W m−1 K−1 at 773 K is obtained, which is even lower than the predicated minimum value. Eventually, Na0.01Mg1.7Cd1.25Sb2 displays a high ZT of ≈0.76 at 773 K, competitive with most of the reported values. Based on the complementary bonding analysis, the work provides new means to control thermal transport properties through balancing the lattice stability and instability.
Ultraviolet‐Visible‐Short‐Wavelength Infrared Broadband and Fast‐Response Photodetectors Enabled by Individual Monocrystalline Perovskite Nanoplate
Authors: Mei Luyao , Zhang Kai , Cui Nan , Yu Wenzhi , Li Yang , Gong Kaiwen , Li Haozhe , Fu Nianqing , Yuan Jian , Mu Haoran , Huang Zhanfeng , Xu Zhengji , Lin Shenghuang , Zhu Lu
Published: April 2023

Perovskite‐based photodetectors exhibit potential applications in communication, neuromorphic chips, and biomedical imaging due to their outstanding photoelectric properties and facile manufacturability. However, few of perovskite‐based photodetectors focus on ultraviolet‐visible‐short‐wavelength infrared (UV–Vis–SWIR) broadband photodetection because of the relatively large bandgap. Moreover, such broadband photodetectors with individual nanocrystal channel featuring monolithic integration with functional electronic/optical components have hardly been explored. Herein, an individual monocrystalline MAPbBr3 nanoplate‐based photodetector is demonstrated that simultaneously achieves efficient UV–Vis–SWIR detection and fast‐response. Nanoplate photodetectors (NPDs) are prepared by assembling single nanoplate on adjacent gold electrodes. NPDs exhibit high external quantum efficiency (EQE) and detectivity of 1200% and 5.37 × 1012 Jones, as well as fast response with rise time of 80 µs. Notably, NPDs simultaneously achieve high EQE and fast response, exceeding most perovskite devices with multi‐nanocrystal channel. Benefiting from the high specific surface area of nanoplate with surface‐trap‐assisted absorption, NPDs achieve high performance in the near‐infrared and SWIR spectral region of 850–1450 nm. Unencapsulated devices show outstanding UV‐laser‐irradiation endurance and decent periodicity and repeatability after 29‐day‐storage in atmospheric environment. Finally, imaging applications are demonstrated. This work verifies the potential of perovskite‐based broadband photodetection, and stimulates the monolithic integration of various perovskite‐based devices.
Water‐Trapping Single‐Atom Co‐N4/Graphene Triggering Direct 4e− LiOH Chemistry for Rechargeable Aprotic Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Zheng Jian , Wang Ruoyu , Huang Li , Wang Junkai , Zhang Tianran , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: April 2023

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries have received extensive attention owing to ultrahigh theoretical energy density. Compared to typical discharge product Li2O2, LiOH has attracted much attention for its better chemical and electrochemical stability. Large‐scale applications of Li–O2 batteries with LiOH chemistry are hampered by the serious internal shuttling of the water additives with the desired 4e− electrochemical reactions. Here, a metal organic framework‐derived “water‐trapping” single‐atom‐Co‐N4/graphene catalyst (Co‐SA‐rGO) is provided that successfully mitigates the water shuttling and enables the direct 4e− catalytic reaction of LiOH in the aprotic Li–O2 battery. The Co‐N4 center is more active toward proton‐coupled electron transfer, benefiting ‐ direction 4e− formation of LiOH. 3D interlinked networks also provide large surface area and mesoporous structures to trap ≈12 wt% H2O molecules and offer rapid tunnels for O2 diffusion and Li+ transportation. With these unique features, the Co‐SA‐rGO based Li–O2 battery delivers a high discharge platform of 2.83 V and a large discharge capacity of 12 760.8 mAh g−1. Also, the battery can withstand corrosion in the air and maintain a stable discharge platform for 220 cycles. This work points out the direction of enhanced electron/proton transfer for the single‐atom catalyst design in Li–O2 batteries.
Multiple‐ion Management of Perovskites by Regulating Spatial Distribution of Hydroxyls in Oligosaccharides
Authors: Liu Xiaotao , Jiang Xiaoqing , Zhang Jiafeng , Li Can , Guo Xin
Published: April 2023

Suppressing migrations of intrinsic and extrinsic ions (e.g., Pb2+, I‐, FA+/MA+, and Li+) in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites is critical for alleviating the hysteresis and degradation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, various additives reported for that purpose usually interact with one or two types of those ions, not inhibiting multiple‐ion migrations simultaneously. Two oligosaccharides (β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and maltotetraose (G4)), containing 14 hydroxyls (−OH) with different spatial distributions, for the suppression of multiple‐ion migrations in PSCs is herein employed. Compared to linear arrangement of −OH in G4, annular distribution of −OH around wide and narrow rims of β‐CD can form supramolecular multi‐site interactions in a focal manner with various ions, more effectively capturing and immobilizing these migrated ions. With this multiple‐ion management strategy, β‐CD‐based PSCs exhibit an impressive efficiency of 24.22% with negligible hysteresis and excellent device stability. This work highlights the significances of multi‐site interactions and molecular configuration of the additive for inhibiting multi‐ion migrations in PSCs.
Efficient Nitrate Generation through Electrochemical N2 Oxidation with Nickel Oxyhydroxide Decorated Copper Hydroxide Driven by Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhongke , Zhang Qixing , Wang He , Sun Cong , Li Xingliang , He Han , Wang Juan , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: April 2023

Electrocatalytic nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) into nitrate under ambient conditions, as an alternative to replace traditional industrial method, is a promising artificial N2 fixation strategy, especially powered by renewable energy. Here, through skillfully balancing competitive relationships between NOR and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the nickel oxyhydroxide decorated Cu(OH)2 hybrid electrocatalyst with Cu:Ni molar ratio of 1:1 is developed, which achieves outstanding Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 18.7% and yield rate of 228.24 µmol h−1 gcat−1 at 2.0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in the electrolyte of 0.1 m Na2SO4. Also, the hybrid catalyst maintained over five cycles (10 h each cycle) with negligible decay in performance. The synergetic effect between the components of nickel oxyhydroxide and Cu(OH)2 is found to remarkably activate N2 and suppress the activity of competitive OER, which enhances NOR performance eventually. Moreover, the conversion efficiency of solar‐to‐nitrate (STN) with 0.025% was obtained by coupling with a commercial solar cell. This work provides a novel avenue of rational catalysts design strategies and realizes solar‐to‐nitrate synthesis.
Air‐Stable Violet Phosphorus/MoS2 van der Waals Heterostructure for High‐Responsivity and Gate‐Tunable Photodetection
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhu Tao , Zhang Nannan , Li Yubin , Li Xiaobo , Yan Minglu , Tang Yue , Zhang Jinying , Jiang Man , Xu Hua
Published: April 2023

Violet phosphorus (VP), a newly emerging elemental 2D semiconductor, with attractive properties such as tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, and unusual structural anisotropy, offers significant opportunities for designing high‐performance electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the study on fundamental property and device application of 2D VP is seriously hindered by its inherent instability in ambient air. Here, a VP/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructure is constructed by vertically staking few‐layer VP and MoS2, aiming to utilize the synergistic effect of the two materials to achieve a high‐performance 2D photodetector. The strong optical absorption of VP combining with the type‐II band alignment of VP/MoS2 heterostructure make VP play a prominent photogating effect. As a result, the VP/MoS2 heterostructure photodetector achieves an excellent photoresponse performances with ultrahigh responsivity of 3.82 × 105 A W–1, high specific detectivity of 9.17 × 1013 Jones, large external quantum efficiency of 8.91 × 107 %, and gate tunability, which are much superior to that of individual MoS2 device or VP device. Moreover, the VP/MoS2 heterostructure photodetector indicates superior air stability due to the effective protection of VP by MoS2 encapsulation. This work sheds light on the future study of the fundamental property and optoelectronic device application of VP.
Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy Mediated by a Tumor‐Specific Catalyst in Synergy with Mitophagy Inhibition Improves the Efficacy for Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Gong Xiaodi , Wang Jing , Yang Linlin , Li Lijuan , Gao Xiaoyan , Sun Xiao , Bai Jingfeng , Liu Jichang , Pu Xin , Wang Yudong
Published: April 2023

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) relies on the tumor microenvironment (e.g., high H2O2 level) responsive Fenton‐like reactions to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH) against tumors. However, endogenous H2O2 is insufficient for effective chemodynamic responses. An NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)high catalase (CAT)low therapeutic window for the use of NQO1 bioactive drug β‐lapachone (β‐Lap) is first identified in endometrial cancer (EC). Accompanied by NADH depletion, NQO1 catalyzes β‐Lap to produce excess H2O2 and initiate oxidative stress, which selectively suppress NQO1high EC cell proliferation, induce DNA double‐strand breaks, and promote apoptosis. Moreover, shRNA‐mediated NQO1 knockdown or dicoumarol rescues NQO1high EC cells from β‐Lap‐induced cytotoxicity. Arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD)‐functionalized iron‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOF(Fe)) further promote the conversion of the accumulated H2O2 into highly oxidative ·OH, which in turn, exacerbates the oxidative damage to RGD‐positive target cells. Furthermore, mitophagy inhibition by Mdivi‐1 blocks a powerful antioxidant defense approach, ultimately ensuring the anti‐tumor efficacy of stepwise‐amplified reactive oxygen species signals. The tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) is about 85.92%. However, the TGI of MOF(Fe)‐based synergistic antitumor therapy decreases to only 50.46% in NQO1‐deficient KLE tumors. Tumor‐specific chemotherapy and CDT‐triggered therapeutic modality present unprecedented therapeutic benefits in treating NQO1high EC.
Dense‐Packed RuO2 Nanorods with In Situ Generated Metal Vacancies Loaded on SnO2 Nanocubes for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer with Ultra‐Low Noble Metal Loading
Authors: Huang Bing , Cui Yaqi , Liu Xuwei , Zheng Caixia , Wang Hao , Guan Lunhui
Published: April 2023

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is a green hydrogen production technology that can be coupled with intermittent power sources such as wind and photoelectric power. To achieve cost‐effective operations, low noble metal loading on the anode catalyst layer is desired. In this study, a catalyst with RuO2 nanorods coated outside SnO2 nanocubes is designed, which forms continuous networks and provides high conductivity. This allows for the reduction of Ru contents in catalysts. Furthermore, the structure evolutions on the RuO2 surface are carefully investigated. The etched RuO2 surfaces are seen as the consequence of Co leaching, and theoretical calculations demonstrate that it is more effective in driving oxygen evolution. For electrochemical tests, the catalysts with 23 wt% Ru exhibit an overpotential of 178 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is much higher than most state‐of‐art oxygen evolution catalysts. In a practical PEMWE, the noble metal Ru loading on the anode side is only 0.3 mg cm−2. The cell achieves 1.61 V at 1 A cm−2 and proper stability at 500 mA cm−2, demonstrating the effectiveness of the designed catalyst.
Octahedral/Tetrahedral Vacancies in Fe3O4 as K‐Storage Sites: A Case of Anti‐Spinel Structure Material Serving as High‐Performance Anodes for PIBs
Authors: Tu Jinwei , Tong Huigang , Wang Peichen , Wang Dongdong , Yang Yang , Meng Xiangfu , Hu Lin , Wang Hui , Chen Qianwang
Published: April 2023

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted more and more attention as viable alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the deficiency and uneven distribution of lithium resources. However, it is shown that potassium storage in some compounds through reaction or intercalation mechanisms cannot effectively improve the capacity and stability of anodes for PIBs. The unique anti‐spinel structure of magnetite (Fe3O4) is densely packed with thirty‐two O atoms to form a face‐centered cubic (fcc) unit cell with tetrahedral/octahedral vacancies in the O‐closed packing structure, which can serve as K+ storage sites according to the density functional theory (DFT) calculation results. In this work, carbon‐coated Fe3O4@C nanoparticles are prepared as high‐performance anodes for PIBs, which exhibit high reversible capacity (638 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and hyper stable cycling performance at ultrahigh current density (150 mAh g−1 after 9000 cycles at 10 A g−1). In situ XRD, ex‐situ Fe K‐edge XAFS, and DFT calculations confirm the storage of K+ in tetrahedral/octahedral vacancies.
A Piezoelectric‐Driven Electrochromic/Electrofluorochromic Dual‐Modal Display Device
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Jia Xiaoteng , Sun Bolun , Huang Ruonan , Wang Ce , Chao Danming
Published: April 2023

Electrochromic (EC) reflective displays offer great advantages in delivering information and providing visual data, but are limited in dark environments. Reflective/emissive dual‐modal displays capable of electrochemically‐induced color and fluorescence change simultaneously are highly desirable, especially possessing rapid response speed as well as long‐term durability. Herein, an electroactive fluorescent ionic liquid based on triphenylamine and imidazole (EFIL‐TPA) has been synthesized for reflective/emissive dual‐modal display. The resultant device exhibits outstanding electrochromic/electrofluorochromic (EC/EFC) performance with low driving voltage (below 1.0 V), fast switching speed (0.57–1.8 s), and remarkable cycling durability (91% retention for 10 000 cycles). A piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) driven EC/EFC integrated system is fabricated to harvest energy from human motion and visually drive the color/fluorescence change for human motion indication in both bright and dark environments. This innovative EC/EFC dual‐modal display device based on EFIL‐TPA supports a huge space for the development of self‐powered human motion visualized indication in all‐light conditions.
A Bistable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Low‐Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting and Solar Thermal Energy Conversion
Authors: Zeng Qixuan , Luo Yanlin , Zhang Xiaofang , Tan Liming , Chen Ai , Tang Qian , Yang Huake , Wang Xue
Published: April 2023

Converting ubiquitous ambient low‐grade thermal energy into electricity is of great significance for tackling the fossil energy shortage and environmental crisis but poses a considerable challenge. Here, a novel thermal‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TD‐TENG) is developed, which utilizes a bimetallic beam with a bi‐stable dynamic feature to induce continuous mechanical oscillations, and the mechanical motion is then converted into electric power using a contact‐separation TENG. The thermal process inside the device is systematically investigated and effective thermal management is conducted accordingly. After optimization, the TD‐TENG can produce a power density of 323.9 mW m−2 at 59.5 °C, obtaining the highest record of TENG‐based thermal energy harvesters. Besides, the first prototype of TENG‐based solar thermal harvester is successfully demonstrated, with a power density of 364.4 mW m−2. Moreover, the TD‐TENG can harvest and dissipate the heat at the same time, exhibiting great potential in over‐heated electronics protection as well as architectural energy conservation. Most importantly, the operation temperature range of the TD‐TENG is tunable by adjusting the bimetal parameters, allowing the device a wide and flexible working thermal gradient. These unique properties validate the TD‐TENG is a simple, feasible, cost‐effective, and high‐efficient low‐grade thermal energy harvester.
Implanting CuS Quantum Dots into Carbon Nanorods for Efficient Magnesium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fei Yating , Man Yuehua , Sun Jianlu , Du Yichen , Chen Bingbing , Bao Jianchun , Zhou Xiaosi
Published: April 2023

Magnesium‐ion batteries (MIBs) are emerging as potential next‐generation energy storage systems due to high security and high theoretical energy density. Nevertheless, the development of MIBs is limited by the lack of cathode materials with high specific capacity and cyclic stability. Currently, transition metal sulfides are considered as a promising class of cathode materials for advanced MIBs. Herein, a template‐based strategy is proposed to successfully fabricate metal‐organic framework‐derived in‐situ porous carbon nanorod‐encapsulated CuS quantum dots (CuS‐QD@C nanorods) via a two‐step method of sulfurization and cation exchange. CuS quantum dots have abundant electrochemically active sites, which facilitate the contact between the electrode and the electrolyte. In addition, the tight combination of CuS quantum dots and porous carbon nanorods increases the electronic conductivity while accelerating the transport speed of ions and electrons. With these architectural and compositional advantages, when used as a cathode material for MIBs, the CuS‐QD@C nanorods exhibit remarkable performance in magnesium storage, including a high reversible capacity of 323.7 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, excellent long‐term cycling stability (98.5 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1), and satisfying rate performance (111.8 mA g−1 at 1.0 A g−1).
Microneedle‐Integrated Device for Transdermal Sampling and Analyses of Targeted Biomarkers
Authors: Shukla Shubhangi , Machekposhti Sina Azizi , Joshi Naveen , Joshi Pratik , Narayan Roger J.
Published: April 2023

Currently available point‐of‐care systems for body fluid collection exhibit poor integration with sensors. Herein, the design of a disposable device for interstitial fluid (ISF) extraction as well as glucose, lactate, and potassium ion (K+) monitoring is reported on. It is minimally invasive and appropriate for single use, minimizing the risk of infection to the user. This microscale device contains a 3D‐printed cap‐like structure with a four‐by‐four microneedle (MN) array, bioreceptor‐modified carbon fiber (CF)‐sensing surface, and negative pressure convection technology. These features are incorporated within a compact, self‐contained, and manually operated microscale device, which is capable of withdrawing ≈3.0 μL of ISF from the skin. MN arrays applied with an upward driving force may increase the ISF flow rate. Moreover, functionalized CF working electrodes (WE1, WE2, WE3) are shown to selectively detect lactate, glucose, and K+ with high sensitivities of 0.258, 0.549, and 0.657 μA μm−1 cm−2 and low detection limits of 0.01, 0.080, 0.05 μm, respectively. Ex vivo testing on porcine skin is used to detect the ISF levels of the biomarkers. The microscale device can be a replacement for current point‐of‐care diagnostic approaches.
V‐Integration Modulates t2g‐Electrons of a Single Crystal Ir1‐x(Ir0.8V0.2O2)x‐BHC for Boosted and Durable OER in Acidic Electrolyte
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Hou Yunpeng , Khan Rashid , Wang Liguang , Zhou Shiyu , Wang Kun , Wan Zhengwei , Zhou Shaodong , Yan Wenjun , Ling Min , Liang Chengdu
Published: April 2023

Realizing efficacious π‐donation from the O 2p orbital to electron‐deficient metal (t2g) d‐orbitals along with separately tuned adsorption of *O and *OOH, is an imperious pre‐requisite for an electrocatalyst design to demonstrate boosted oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. To regulate the π‐donation and the adsorption ability for *O and *OOH, herein, a facile strategy to modulate the electron transfer from electron‐rich t2g‐orbitals to electron‐deficient t2g‐orbitals, via strong π‐donation from the π‐symmetry lone pairs of the bridging O2−, and the d‐band center of a biomimetic honeycomb (BHC)‐like nanoarchitecture (Ir1‐x(Ir0.8V0.2O2)x‐BHC) is introduced. The suitable integration of V heteroatoms in the single crystal system of IrO2 decreases the electron density on the neighboring Ir sites, and causes an upshift in the d‐band center of Ir1‐x(Ir0.8V0.2O2)x‐BHC, weakening the adsorption of *O while strengthening that of *OOH, lowers the energy barrier for OER. Therefore, BHC design demonstrates excellent OER performance (shows a small overpotential of 238 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 39.87 mV dec−1) with remarkable stability (130 h) in corrosive acidic electrolyte. This work opens a new corridor to design robust biomimetic nanoarchitectures of modulated π‐symmetry (t2g) d‐orbitals and the band structure, to achieve excellent activity and durability in acidic environment.
A Novel Graphene Based Bi‐Function Humidity Tolerant Binder for Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Dong Shu , Zhu Kai , Dong Xiaotong , Dong Guangsheng , Gao Yinyi , Ye Ke , Yan Jun , Wang Guiling , Cao Dianxue
Published: April 2023

Binders play a critical role in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) by holding granular electrode materials, conductive carbons, and current collectors firmly together to form and maintain a continuous electron conduction phase with sufficient mechanical strength. In the commercial LIBs, the dominant binder is polyvinylidene fluoride for the cathode (LiCoO2, LiFePO4, LiNixCotyMnzO2, etc.) and carboxyl methylcellulose/styrene‐butadiene rubber for the anode (graphite and Li4Ti5O12). However, these polymer binders have several drawbacks, particularly, a lack of electronic and lithium‐ion conductivities. Here, a novel organic/inorganic hybrid conductive binder (LAP‐rGO) for both the anode and cathode of LIBs is reported. The binder consists of 2D reduced graphene oxide sheets with anchored long alkane chains. Electrodes prepared using this binder exhibit sufficient high bond strength, fast electrolyte diffusion, high rate charge/discharge performance, and excellent cycling stability. Around 130 mAh g−1 capacity enhancement at 5C is demonstrated for LiFePO4 and Li4Ti5O12 electrodes owing to the combined improvement in electron and lithium ion transportation. LAP‐rGO bond graphite anode shows specific capacity beyond its theoretical value. Electrode slurries prepared using this new binder have superior processing and coating properties that can be prepared under a high humidity and dried using less energy.
Transparent and Stretchable Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Film with Fence‐like Aligned Silver Nanowire Conductive Network
Authors: Feng Yuezhan , Song Jianzhou , Han Gaojie , Zhou Bing , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: April 2023

Flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) that can be used as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have a great potential for use as electronic components in optical window and display applications. However, development of TCEs that display high shielding effectiveness (SE) and good stretchability for flexible electronic device applications has proven challenging. Herein, this study describes a stretchable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/silver nanowire (AgNW) TCE with a fence‐like aligned conductive network that is fabricated via pre‐stretching method. The fence‐like AgNW network endowed the PDMS/AgNW film with excellent optoelectronic properties, i.e., low sheet resistance of 7.68 Ω sq−1 at 73.7% optical transmittance, thus causing an effective EMI SE of 32.2 dB at X‐band. More importantly, the fence‐like aligned AgNW conductive network reveals a high stability toward tensile deformation, thus gives the PDMS/AgNW film stretch‐stable conductivity and EMI shielding property in the strain range of 0–100%. Typically, the film can reserve ≈70% or 80% of its initial EMI SE when stretching at 100% strain or stretching/releasing (50% strain) for 128 cycles, respectively. Additionally, the film exhibits a low‐voltage driven and stretchable Joule heating performance. With these overall performances, the PDMS/AgNW film should be well suited for use in flexible and stretchable optical electronic devices.
Pomegranate‐Like FeNC with Optimized FeN4 Configuration as Bi‐Functional Catalysts for Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Li Jiantao , Lin Mengting , Huang Wenzhong , Liao Xiaobin , Ma Yao , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang , Lu Jun
Published: April 2023

Catalysts with FeNC moieties have demonstrated remarkable activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but precise synthesis and configuration regulation of FeNC to achieve bi‐functional catalytic sites for ORR and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remain a great challenge. Herein, a pomegranate‐like catalyst with optimized FeN4 configuration is designed. The unique framework affords a large surface area for sufficient active site exposure and abundant macroporous channels for mass transport. By twisting chemical bonds, the electronic structure of FeN4 is regulated, and the adsorption/desorption of oxygen species is facilitated. Compared to noble metal‐based catalysts (Pt/C+IrO2), the optimized FeNC exhibits impressive onset potential (0.96 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode), larger limiting current density (5.85 mA cm−2), and better long‐term life for ORR, as well as, lower OER overpotential. When integrated into Zn‐air batteries, it demonstrates a respectable peak power density (71.6 mW cm−2) and ideal cycling stability (30 h), exceeding that of commercial Pt/C+IrO2. The exploration offers a guideline for designing advanced bi‐functional electrocatalysts.
A Critical Review on the Recycling Strategy of Lithium Iron Phosphate from Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Mingjun , Wang Lifan , Wang Shiqi , Ma Tianyi , Jia Feifei , Zhan Chun
Published: April 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the most promising decarbonization solutions to develop a carbon‐negative economy. The increasing global storage of EVs brings out a large number of power batteries requiring recycling. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is one of the first commercialized cathodes used in early EVs, and now gravimetric energy density improvement makes LFP with low cost and robustness popular again in the market. Developments in LFP recycling techniques are in demand to manage a large portion of the EV batteries retired both today and around ten years later. In this review, first the operation and degradation mechanisms of LFP are revisited aiming to identify entry points for LFP recycling. Then, the current LFP recycling methods, from the pretreatment of the retired batteries to the regeneration and recovery of the LFP cathode are summarized. The emerging direct recovery technology is highlighted, through which both raw material and the production cost of LFP can be recovered. In addition, the current issues limiting the development of the LIBs recycling industry are presented and some ideas for future research are proposed. This review provides the theoretical basis and insightful perspectives on developing new recycling strategies by outlining the whole‐life process of LFP.
Integrated Surface Modulation of Ultrahigh Ni Cathode Materials for Improved Battery Performance
Authors: Qi Mu‐Yao , Zhang Si‐Dong , Guo Sijie , Ji Peng‐Xiang , Mao Jian‐Jun , Wu Ting‐Ting , Lu Si‐Qi , Zhang Xing , Chen Shu‐Guang , Su Dong , Chen Guan‐Hua , Cao An‐Min
Published: April 2023

Ni‐rich layered cathodes with ultrahigh nickel content (≥90%), for example LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 (NC0.9), are promising for next‐generation high‐energy Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), but face stability issues related to structural degradation and side reactions during the electrochemical process. Here, surface modulation is demonstrated by integrating a Li+‐conductive nanocoating and gradient lattice doping to stabilize the active cathode efficiently for extended cycles. Briefly, a wet‐chemistry process is developed to deposit uniform ZrO(OH)2 nanoshells around Ni0.905Co0.095(OH)2(NC0.9‐OH) hydroxide precursors, followed by high temperature lithiation to create reinforced products featuring Zr doping in the crust lattice decorated with Li2ZrO3 nanoparticles on the surface. It is identified that the Zr4+ infiltration reconstructed the surface lattice into favorable characters such as Li+ deficiency and Ni3+ reduction, which are effective to combat side reactions and suppress phase degradation and crack formation. This surface control is able to achieve an optimized balance between surface stabilization and charge transfer, resulting in an extraordinary capacity retention of 96.6% after 100 cycles at 1 C and an excellent rate capability of 148.8 mA h g−1 at 10 C. This study highlights the critical importance of integrated surface modulation for high stability of cathode materials in next‐generation LIBs.
Constructing Novel Ternary Heterostructure of CeP5O14/WP/WS2 to Enhance Catalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution in a Full pH Range
Authors: Chen Hengyi , Hu Minghao , Wang Xiaoyang , Xu Xuan , Jing Peng , Liu Baocang , Gao Rui , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2023

Tungsten sulfide (WS2), as a typical 2D layered material, is a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), while its low electrical conductivity, limited number of active sites, and inadequate intrinsic activity restrict its HER performance. Herein, the reasonable construction of cerium phosphate‐modified tungsten phosphide/tungsten sulfide composite nanosheets with ternary heterostructure on carbon cloth (CeP5O14/WP/WS2/CC) as an efficient self‐supported electrode for the HER is reported. Experimental results and theoretical analysis show that the CeP5O14 can promote the formation of WP to create rich WP/WS2 heterostructures and increase the number of oxygen vacancies in CeP5O14/WP/WS2/CC. Meanwhile, the 3D monolithic construction with more open spaces endows the CeP5O14/WP/WS2/CC with good conductivity, more exposed active sites, and high mass/electron transfer efficiency. More importantly, the synergy of CeP5O14, WP, and WS2 can efficiently tune the electronic state of the WP/WS2 heterostructure, thus optimizing the hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy and lowering the d‐band center of the CeP5O14/WP/WS2/CC. As a result, the optimized CeP5O14/WP/WS2/CC electrode exhibits low overpotentials of 105, 154, and 119 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with small Tafel slopes of 52, 78, and 93 mV dec−1 in acidic, alkaline, and neutral electrolytes, respectively, surpassing most of the reported WS2‐based HER electrocatalysts.
Design method for bridge deck link slabs prepared using BFRP bar‐reinforced ecological high‐ductility cementitious composites by theoretical calculation and numerical simulation
Authors: Chai Li‐Juan , Chen Bo , Guo Li‐Ping , Li Kai
Published: April 2023

Bridge deck link slabs prepared using Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) bar‐reinforced ecological high‐ductility cementitious composites (Eco‐HDCC) were applied as substitutes for steel expansion joints in Malin Bridge. Theoretical calculations and numerical simulations were combined to develop a design method. The total length and debond length of the link slabs were assumed based on the bridge information, and the reinforcement ratio of the BFRP bar was calculated using the maximum crack width limit. Then, the flexural capacity of the link slabs was evaluated. A preliminary reinforcement program using eight reinforcement ratios and different bar diameters was developed. In addition, the maximum stresses, strains, and deflections of the link slabs were validated through Abaqus finite element analysis. The simulation results of the reinforcement programs with minor reinforcement ratios are similar. The maximum stresses, strains, and deflections of the link slab materials are significantly lower than the design ultimate capacities of the materials, implying that the eight reinforcement programs are feasible. Because the thickness of the link slabs is within the range of 80–120 mm, a small‐diameter bar is preferable. Furthermore, BFRP bars with diameters of 10–14 mm are suitable along the driving direction, whereas BFRP bars with diameters of 10 mm are recommended along the direction perpendicular to the driving direction. A detailed design method flowchart for bridge deck link slabs was constructed to serve as a guideline for engineers.
Effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag on the properties of hybrid‐fiber‐reinforced high‐strength concrete under normal and high temperatures
Authors: Rezvaniyanzadeh Alireza , Fadaee Mohammad Javad
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the residual mechanical properties, mass loss, and cracking behavior of hybrid‐fiber‐reinforced high‐strength concrete (HFRHSC) containing 0%, 30%, and 60% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in normal and high temperatures have been investigated. Chopped aramid and steel fibers at 0%, 0.5%, and 1% by volume, either individually or in different combinations, were used to reinforce the HSC. In total, 24 different mix proportions were designed. The experimental results showed that the residual compressive strength of the majority of specimens increased at 400°C while this property of all of them decreased at 800°C. Also, the test indicated that the use of GGBFS did not reduce flexural and compressive strength of HSC significantly, and in some mixed designs, the presence of GGBFS slightly increases the strength. Moreover, another result that can be inferred is that although the utilization of hybrid fibers in concrete increases flexural strength, it may decrease its compressive strength. In addition, the residual flexural strength of most specimens was reduced at 400°C, but this property of all samples decreased at 800°C. The results showed that the simultaneous presence of GGBFS and hybrid fibers can improve the flexural strength of most specimens at different temperatures.
Experimental investigation of a precast segmental Twin‐Deck box girder bridge simultaneously erected with double bridge erection gantries
Authors: Su Xiaolong , Zhou Man , Zhong Jitao
Published: April 2023

Precast segmental construction can shorten the construction time of the bridge and reduce the impacts on traffic and environment. Thus, this approach has been widely used in many countries. The relevant literature suggests that in the existing segmental precast bridges, nearly all of the centerlines of the girders are aligned with the centerline of the bridge piers. This paper introduces a wide urban viaduct comprising twin separate box girder cells using segmental prefabrication. To save space under the bridge, the bridge has only one row of piers and long cantilever crossbeams are set at the top of each pier. Additionally, the centerline of the girder and the centerline of the pier do not overlap. To prevent eccentric loading and improve the construction speed, two bridge erection gantries are used for synchronous construction. This study is a pioneering attempt at bridge construction with a precast segmental twin‐deck box girder bridge simultaneously erected with double gantries. To investigate the stress state of the whole system (crossbeam, gantries, and box girder segments) during construction and demonstrate the feasibility of the construction method, a real bridge was used. The test results provide a reference for the design and construction of similar projects.
Oxygen transfer comparison of jets and coarse bubble aeration in concentrated sludge
Authors: Steele Paul , Warner Rick , Rosso Diego
Published: April 2023

The South Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (STMWRF) in Washoe County, Nevada, commissioned a biosolids facility with jet aerated aerobic digestion. The jet aerators were not performing as designed, so they were tested on‐site in the new tanks in both clean and process water according to ASCE standards. The aerators failed by substantial margins. To make up for the aeration shortfall, Washoe County elected to replace the jet aerators with coarse bubble aerators and to add the additional blower capacity necessary to meet the oxygen requirements in this configuration. After partial replacement, with one basin containing coarse bubble diffusers and the other still containing jets, the efficiency of both systems was tested in process water. The jets and coarse bubble diffusers had similar results for OTE and αSOTE, whereas the coarse bubble diffusers had substantially higher aeration efficiency after accounting for the jet pump power draw. Overall, the project demonstrated the deleterious effects of highly concentrated non‐Newtonian sludge on the coalescence of fine bubbles and ultimately jet aeration efficiency, confirming the incompatibility of fine bubbles and thick sludge. Our results can be extended to other bioreactors operating at MLSS concentration above 1%.

Practitioner Points

Fine bubble systems perform worse than coarse bubbles in thick sludge due to bubble coalescence.

The alpha factor is a function of sludge thickness; hence, claims of constant alpha are unrealistic.

Polymers and additives for sludge thickening should be carefully evaluated because they can affect adversely oxygen transfer.

Independent verification of aeration system manufacturer claims prevents design issues and subsequent disputes.
On the existence of m-norms in vector spaces over valued fields
Authors: Schwaiger Jens
Published: April 2023

Gähler (Untersuchungen über verallgemeinerte m-metrische Räume. I”. German. Math Nachr 40, 165–189, 1969) investigated m-metric spaces and in particular m-normed spaces over the field of reals. Here the existence of m-norms will be investigated and this in the more general setting of vector spaces over arbitrary non-trivial valued fields.