Blockchain-oriented dynamic modelling of smart contract design and execution in the supply chain

Recently, the applications of Blockchain technology have begun to revolutionise different aspects of supply chain (SC) management. Among others, Blockchain is a platform to execute the smart contracts in the SC as transactions. We develop and test a new model for smart contract design in the SC with multiple logistics service providers and show that this problem can be presented as a multi-processor flexible flow shop scheduling. A distinctive feature of our approach is that the execution of physical operations is modelled inside the start and completion of cyber information services. We name this modelling concept ‘virtual operation’. The constructed model and the developed experimental environment constitute an event-driven dynamic approach to task and service composition when designing the smart contract. Our approach is also of value when considering the contract execution stage. The use of state control variables in our model allows for operations status updates in the Blockchain that in turn, feeds automated information feedbacks, disruption detection and control of contract execution. The latter launches the re-scheduling procedure, comprehensively combining planning and adaptation decisions within a unified methodological framework of dynamic control theory. The modelling complex developed can be used to design and control smart contracts in the SC.     

Chalcogenide Thermoelectrics Empowered by an Unconventional Bonding Mechanism

Thermoelectric materials have attracted significant research interest in recent decades due to their promising application potential in interconverting heat and electricity. Unfortunately, the strong coupling between the material parameters that determine thermoelectric efficiency, i.e., the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, complicates the optimization of thermoelectric energy converters. Main‐group chalcogenides provide a rich playground to alleviate the interdependence of these parameters. Interestingly, only a subgroup of octahedrally coordinated chalcogenides possesses good thermoelectric properties. This subgroup is also characterized by other outstanding characteristics suggestive of an exceptional bonding mechanism, which has been coined metavalent bonding. This conclusion is further supported by a map that separates different bonding mechanisms. In this map, all octahedrally coordinated chalcogenides with good performance as thermoelectrics are located in a well‐defined region, implying that the map can be utilized to identify novel thermoelectrics. To unravel the correlation between chemical bonding mechanism and good thermoelectric properties, the consequences of this unusual bonding mechanism on the band structure are analyzed. It is shown that features such as band degeneracy and band anisotropy are typical for this bonding mechanism, as is the low lattice thermal conductivity. This fundamental understanding, in turn, guides the rational materials design for improved thermoelectric performance by tailoring the chemical bonding mechanism.     

Inorganic thermoelectric materials: A review

Thermoelectric generator, which converts heat into electrical energy, has great potential to power portable devices. Nevertheless, the efficiency of a thermoelectric generator suffers due to inefficient thermoelectric material performance. In the last two decades, the performance of inorganic thermoelectric materials has been significantly advanced through rigorous efforts and novel techniques. In this review, major issues and recent advancements that are associated with the efficiency of inorganic thermoelectric materials are encapsulated. In addition, miscellaneous optimization strategies, such as band engineering, energy filtering, modulation doping, and low dimensional materials to improve the performance of inorganic thermoelectric materials are reported. The methodological reviews and analyses showed that all these techniques have significantly enhanced the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and reduced the thermal conductivity, consequently, improved ZT value to 2.42, 2.6, and 1.85 for near-room, medium, and high temperature inorganic thermoelectric material, respectively. Moreover, this review also focuses on the performance of silicon nanowires and their common fabrication techniques, which have the potential for thermoelectric power generation. Finally, the key outcomes along with future directions from this review are discussed at the end of this article.     

软模板法制备多级孔ZSM-5分子筛的研究进展

相比传统ZSM-5分子筛,多级孔ZSM-5分子筛具有空间位阻小、传质效率高、焦炭少等特点,近年来在分子筛领域应用广泛。多级孔分子筛通常可用后处理法和模板剂法制备,相比后处理法,模板剂法能更好地控制介孔的结构和孔道尺寸。概述了采用传统表面活性剂、两亲性的有机硅烷、双功能多季铵盐表面活性剂及高分子聚合物等软模板法合成多级孔ZSM-5分子筛的研究进展。分析不同软模板剂的特点和作用机理,阐述了合成后分子筛的结构特点及催化性能等。指出在今后的研究中,可以设计价格较低的新型功能化模板剂,优化合成过程,致力于在理解合成机理的前提下,寻找操作简单、绿色环保的合成路线,并将其推行到实际工业生产中。     

酸性材料在CVOCs催化氧化中的应用

含氯挥发性有机化合物(CVOCs)对环境安全和人类健康存在持久性污染和危害。催化氧化法具有操作温度低和CO_2选择性高等优点,被广泛应用于CVOCs催化降解。催化剂作为CVOCs催化降解过程的核心部分,受到很多学者的关注。分析酸性分子筛、金属改性分子筛和复合氧化物酸性材料对各种CVOCs催化氧化活性、副产物控制性能、CO_2和HCl选择性的影响。结果表明,催化剂表面酸中心、氧化中心和催化剂表面结构性质在CVOCs催化氧化过程中起重要作用。较多酸中心和较大比表面积有利于CVOCs分子的吸附和活化,提高HCl选择性。而较多氧化中心则有利于CVOCs深度氧化,减少副产物产生,提高CO_2选择性。     

异丙醇铝控制水解制备高纯拟薄水铝石和多孔氧化铝

主要进行异丙醇铝水解制备高纯拟薄水铝石和高纯多孔γ-Al_2O_3的研究。合成路线以异丙醇铝为原料,改变反应过程中水化液组成、水化温度和水化时间,制备一系列拟薄水铝石及其焙烧产物多孔γ-Al_2O_3。结果表明,水化液中异丙醇的存在会抑制无定型氢氧化铝的晶化,但也有助于形成大孔径、高比表面和大孔容的氧化铝;纯水体系下,60℃以下水化会出现三水铝石,60℃以上水化的产物则为拟薄水铝石;γ-Al_2O_3孔结构与前驱体拟薄水铝石的结晶度有关,晶粒越大的拟薄水铝石,焙烧所得氧化铝的孔径和孔容也增大。因此,水化条件的改变可以实现拟薄水铝石结构的控制,进而获得不同结构的多孔氧化铝。为由异丙醇铝水解制备高纯拟薄水铝石和多孔氧化铝的工业化提供相应的研究基础。