AgCu/TiO2 hot-electron device for solar water splitting: the mechanisms of LSPR and time-domain characterization

More and more metal/semiconductor nanostructures have been served as a hot-electron device with the localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) effect to boost hydrogen evolution from solar water splitting. In this work, bimetallic AgCu with optimal ratio are deposited onto TiO₂ nanopore/nanotube arrays to construct AgCu/TiO₂ photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting, a novel simulation characterization to visualize the LSPR process is proposed. The near electric field enhancement and plasmon resonance energy transfer mechanisms of single Ag and Cu are inferred by time-domain characterization, illustrating the contradictory photocurrent under AM 1.5 illumination with its LSPR effect based on the particle size. The variation of local electric field over time within the interfaces of AgCu bimetals and bimetal/TiO₂ models reveals the migration of hot electrons from Ag into Cu and the synergetic effect of different LSPR mechanisms. The resulting higher photoelectrochemical activities of AgCu/TiO₂ also verifies the positive roles of the coexistence of AgCu on electron generation and energy transfer to interband excitation of TiO₂.     

Enhanced piezoelectricity and non-contact optical temperature sensing performance in Er3+ ion modified (K,Na)NbO3-based multifunctional ceramics

Rare earth ions doped ferroelectrics have attracted wide attentions due to their multifunction characteristics with both ferroelectric/piezoelectric properties and intriguing photoluminescence performance, which show great prospects for future multifunctional devices. In this work, a novel rare earth Er³⁺ ion modified potassium-sodium niobate (KNN) based ceramics were elaborately designed and prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The microstructure, phase structure, electric properties and photoluminescence performance of the Er³⁺ ion modified KNN-based ceramics were systematically investigated. Enhanced piezoelectricity (a considerable d₃₃ of exceeding 300 pC/N and a large d₃₃* up to 500 p.m./V) was realized through optimizing the substitution of BaZrO₃ by (Er_0.5,Na_0.5)ZrO₃. Both down-conversion and up-conversion photoluminescence emissions were detected in the optimal composition. The temperature-dependent upconversion emissions of the optimal Er³⁺ modified ceramic sample in the temperature range of 303–573K were verified to be applicable for non-contact optical temperature sensing with a maximum sensitivity S_a of 0.0028 K^-1 and a peak relative sensitivity S_r of 0.96% K⁻¹. Moreover, low-temperature sensing performance with a maximum S_r of 16.7% K⁻¹ in the temperature range of 80–280K was also presented based on the temperature-dependent down-conversion emissions. With both decent electrical properties and intriguing photoluminescence performance, the Er³⁺-modified KNN-based ferroelectrics exhibit good application potential in the future multifunctional optoelectronic devices.     

The effect of tricalcium silicate incorporation on bioactivity,injectability, and mechanical properties of calcium sulfate/bioactive glass bone cement

The conventional Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is not biodegradable and not bioactive to bond with the native bone and causes tissue necrosis resulting from its high exothermic polymerization. Hence, biodegradable bioactive bone cements with suitable setting time and mechanical properties should be introduced. In this study, novel bioactive bone cements containing Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate (CSH), Bioactive Glass (BG), and Tricalcium Silicate (TSC) were developed. Firstly, CSH and BG binary system was optimized based on preliminary setting and mechanical tests. Secondly, the composite bioactive bone cements were obtained by adding different quantities of TCS to the optimized CS-BG (1.3:1 wt % ratio) system. All groups exhibited desirable handling properties, an initial setting time of lower than 15 min, injectability of greater than 85%, and controlled degradability. Moreover, they demonstrated initial compressive strength values of higher than 12 MPa, superior to trabecular bone. After 28 days of hydration, the compressive strength of the cement containing 30% TCS reached 51.04 MPa. Furthermore, the present bone cements showed favorable bioactivity and bone-bonding ability as a result of calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite (HA) formation. Furthermore, this novel bone cement exhibited appropriate biocompatibility and mesenchymal stem cell attachment, suggesting its potential for clinical applications.     

Mechanism of ceramic slurry light scattering affecting contour accuracy and method of projection plane correction

Digital light processing (DLP) is a relatively mature ceramic additive manufacturing technology widely applied in medical bone implantation, electronic communication, and other fields. However, the size error caused by the light scattering from the complex contour can seriously affect the precision and forming quality of the printed green body. This paper studied the scattering behavior of complex structure ceramics under different exposure energies through two structural parameters: exposure width and contour shape. A formula for excess cure width is presented. The formula will be then applied to simplify the machine learning algorithms. Finally, by inverse compensation for the complex contour, we optimized some pore structures and complex shapes to greatly improve the fidelity of the structure.     

电合成过氧化氢电催化剂的设计及进展

过氧化氢（H₂O₂）是一种环境友好的高效氧化剂，被广泛应用于医疗、半导体芯片等行业.利用氧还原法（ORR）电化学合成过氧化氢替代传统蒽醌法极具潜力.为了实现这一工艺的商业化，开发具有高活性、高选择性和长期稳定性的2e^-ORR电催化剂迫在眉睫.本文系统地介绍了目前已有金属与非金属类催化剂的研究历程，特别强调表面基团调控策略，并解析了其对还原过程中间体键位结合强度及电子转移路径的影响.重点阐述电子和几何效应、配位杂原子掺杂和非金属基材料活性位点等关键问题，突出了适当的介观结构工程和动力学策略可进一步优化现有催化剂的催化活性和H₂O₂选择性.最后，指出了非金属催化剂活性中心的探索、电解质环境对催化剂的影响及较大输出功率工业设备的设计等方面的挑战，并对电催化合成过氧化氢领域的发展方向提出了展望.     

Interfacial engineering in two-dimensional heterojunction photocatalysts

Photocatalysis is a prospective technology to solve the current environment and energy crisis. The exploitation of 2D photocatalyst materials is a research hotspot owing to their large specific surface area, intrinsic defect and abundant active sites. Particularly, 2D/2D heterojunctions own intimate interfaces with expanded contact areas, which is beneficial to facilitate the separation and transportation of electron-hole pairs and further improve the photocatalytic activity. Currently, most studies focus on the band structure alignment in the design of 2D/2D heterojunctions, while the importance of interfacial binding forces is often ignored. This review aims at highlighting the critical role of interfacial binding forces in the photocatalytic activity of 2D/2D heterojunctions for the first time. First, we classify the types of interfacial forces, including electrostatic force, van der Waals force, covalent bond, hydrogen bond. Then we summarize several typical strategies for constructing 2D/2D heterojunctions with corresponding structural features. Importantly, the photocatalytic mechanism is discussed based on interfacial composition, charge transfer path and modification of active sites, and various photocatalytic applications are summarized. Finally, we outline the challenges and future development in this prospective research field. It is expected to fill the existing knowledge gap on interfacial binding forces for designing efficient 2D/2D heterojunctions rationally.     

Turn “Waste” Into Wealth: MoO2@coal Gangue Electrocatalyst with Amorphous/Crystalline Heterostructure for Efficient Li–O2 Batteries

Unreasonable accumulation of coal gangue in mining area has become the major source of global pollution. Probing the high-valued utilization of coal gangue has become a key approach to address the problem. Herein, a promising catalyst of MoO₂@coal gangue with amorphous/crystalline heterostructure derived from mine solid waste, which acts as an efficient cathode for Li–O₂ batteries is first reported. Impressively, the as-prepared catalyst exhibits a favorable initial discharge capacity of 9748 mAh g⁻¹ and promising long-term cyclic stability over 2200 h. Experimental results coupled with density functional theory (DFT) analysis reveal that the synergistic interaction between high-activity MoO₂ and stable SiO₂, unique amorphous/crystalline heterostructure and the modified interfacial adsorption of LiO₂ intermediate are critical factors in promoting the electrochemical performance. This work provides a new insight to design marked electrocatalysts by mine solid waste for Li–O₂ batteries.     

Novel LaFe2O4 spinel structure with a large oxygen reduction response towards protonic ceramic fuel cell cathode

Highly active and stable electrocatalysts are mandatory for developing high-performance and longlasting fuel cells.The current study demonstrates a high oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) electrocatalytic activity of a novel spinel-structured LaFe₂O₄ via a self-doping strategy.The LaFe₂O₄ demonstrates excellent ORR activity in a protonic ceramic fuel cell(PCFC) at temperature range of 350-500℃.The high ORR activity of LaFe₂O₄ is mainl...     

Structures and hydrogen storage properties of AeVH3 (Ae = Be,Mg, Ca,Sr) perovskite hydrides by DFT calculations

The capability of hydrogen to be an energy source has made the hydrogen storage as one of the most investigated research fields during the recent years, and novel perovskite materials have become the current focus for hydrogen storage applications. Here we study the AeVH₃ (Ae = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) perovskite-type hydrides to explorer their potential for hydrogen storage applications using the density functional theory (DFT) implemented CASTEP code along with exchange correlation potential. The study examines the electronic structure, optical properties, elastic features and mechanical stability of the materials. The crystal structure of AeVH₃ compounds is found to be cubic with lattice constant as 3.66, 3.48, 3.76 and 3.83 for Ae = Be, Mg, Ca and Sr compounds, respectively. The calculated electronic structures of these compounds show ionic bonding and no energy bandgap. The mechanical characteristics of compounds are also investigated as to meet the Born stability criterion, these compounds should be mechanically stable. The Cauchy pressure and Pugh criteria revealed that these materials have a brittle character and rather hard. In low energy range, all optical properties are found to be suitable as needed for storing the hydrogen. Furthermore, the gravimetric ratios suggested that all the compounds are suitable for hydrogen storage as a fuel for a longer time and may provide remarkable contributions in diversity of power and transportation applications.