Managing the degree of exfoliation and number of graphene layers using probe sonication approach

We have demonstrated a fast, versatile, and scalable approach to synthesize high-quality few layer graphene sheets with low defect ratio and high crystallinity produced from exfoliation of graphite flakes in DMF by using probe sonication. The effect of sonication time on degree of exfoliation and number of graphene layers has been fully investigated. The degree of exfoliation of graphene sheets as a function of sonication time has been successfully analyzed by XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and BET studies. The morphological changes at different sonication times have also been observed by SEM. A structural and defect characterization of graphene sheets has been discussed in detail by Raman spectroscopic technique. The shift in position of 2D Raman band and its de-convolution provided information about formation of multi to few layer graphene sheets with sonication. Moreover, Raman results are highly consistent with TEM studies as per number of graphene layers is concerned.     

Generation of SH-type waves in a poroelastic layer sandwiched between prestressed orthotropic and nonhomogeneous mantles

The present work is concerned with a detailed illustration on the study of horizontally polarized shear waves (SH-type) propagation in a prestressed fluid saturated anisotropic porous layer sandwiched by prestressed orthotropic medium and nonhomogeneous mantles. The frequency equation for the assumed model is derived and their medium characteristics, such as porosity, prestress, anisotropy, and nonhomogeneity, are discussed. Numerical treatment is given to analyze these effects on phase velocities of SH-type waves and is plotted in various graphs. The parametric study divulges that the magnitude of wave velocities increases with the increase of nonhomogeneity parameter and prestress parameter.     

Nanopore Sensing in Aqueous Two‐Phase System: Simultaneous Enhancement of Signal and Translocation Time via Conformal Coating

Nanofluidic resistive pulse sensing (RPS) has been extensively used to measure the size, concentration, and surface charge of nanoparticles in electrically conducting solutions. Although various methods have been explored for improving detection performances, intrinsic problems including the extremely low particle‐to‐pore volume ratio (<0.01%) and fast nanoparticle translocation (10–1000 µs) still induce difficulties in detection, such as low signal magnitudes and short translocation times. Herein, we present an aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) in a nanofluidic RPS for amplifying translocation signals and decreasing translocation speeds simultaneously. Two immiscible aqueous liquids build a liquid‐liquid interface inside nanopores. As particles translocate from a high‐affinity liquid phase into a lower‐affinity one, the high‐affinity liquid forms a conformal coating on the particles, which increases the effective particle size and amplifies the current‐blockage signal. The translocation time is also increased, as the ATPS interface impedes the particle translocation. For 20 nm particles, 7.92‐fold and 5.82‐fold enhancements of signal magnitude and translocation time can be achieved. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to improve nanofluidic RPS by treating an interface of solution reservoirs for manipulating target particles rather than nanopores. This direct particle manipulation allows us to solve the two intrinsic problems all at once.     

A Phase‐Separation Route to Synthesize Porous CNTs with Excellent Stability for Na+ Storage

Porous carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are obtained by removing MoO₂ nanoparticles from MoO₂@C core@shell nanofibers which are synthesized by phase‐segregation via a single‐needle electrospinning method. The specific surface area of porous CNTs is 502.9 m² g^?1, and many oxygen‐containing functional groups (C? OH, C?O) are present. As anodes for sodium‐ion batteries, the porous CNT electrode displays excellent rate performance and cycling stability (110 mA h g^?1 after 1200 cycles at 5 A g^?1). Those high properties can be attributed to the porous structure and surface modification to steadily store Na⁺ with high capacity. The work provides a facile and broadly applicable way to fabricate the porous CNTs and their composites for batteries, catalysts, and fuel cells.     

Transformation of monolayer MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> into multiphasic MoTe<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Chalcogen atom-exchange synthesis route

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2),which is an important transition-metal dichalcogenide,has attracted considerable interest owing to its unique properties,such as its small bandgap and large Seebeck coefficient.However,the batch production of monolayer MoTe2 has been rarely reported.In this study,we demonstrate the synthesis of large-domain (edge length exceeding 30 μm),monolayer MoTe2 from chemical vapor deposition-grown monolayer MoS2 using a chalcogen atom-exchange synthesis route.An in-depth investigation of the tellurization process reveals that the substitution of S atoms by Te is prevalently initiated at the edges and grain boundaries of the monolayer MoS2,which differs from the homogeneous selenization of MoS2 flakes with the formation of alloyed Mo-S-Se hybrids.Moreover,we detect a large compressive strain (approximately-10％) in the transformed MoTe2 lattice,which possibly drives the phase transition from 2H to 1T'at the reaction temperature of 500 ℃.This phase change is substantiated by experimental facts and first-principles calculations.This work introduces a novel route for the templated synthesis of two-dimensional layered materials through atom substitutional chemistry and provides a new pathway for engineering the strain and thus the intriguing physics and chemistry.     

Recent progress in thermoelectric nanocomposites based on solution-synthesized nanoheterostructures

Thermoelectric materials,which can convert waste heat into electricity,have received increasing research interest in recent years.This paper describes the recent progress in thermoelectric nanocomposites based on solution-synthesized nanoheterostructures.We start our discussion with the strategies of improving the power factor of a given material by using nanoheterostructures.Then we discuss the methods of decreasing thermal conductivity.Finally,we highlight a way of decoupling power factor and thermal conductivity,namely,incorporating phase-transition materials into a nanowire heterostructure.We have explored the lead telluride-copper telluride thermoelectric nanowire heterostructure in this work.Future possible ways to improve the figure of merit are discussed at the end of this paper.     

Nanowire encapsulation with polymer for electrical isolation and enhanced optical properties

Light management and electrical isolation are essential for the majority of optoelectronic nanowire (NW) devices.Here,we present a cost-effective technique,based on vapor-phase deposition of parylene-C and subsequent annealing,that provides conformal encapsulation,anti-reflective coating,improved optical properties,and electrical insulation for GaAs nanowires.The process presented allows facile encapsulation and insulation that is suitable for any nanowire structure.In particular,the parylene-C encapsulation functions as an efficient antireflection coating for the nanowires,with reflectivity down to ＜1％ in the visible spectrum.Furthermore,the parylene-C coating increases photoluminescence intensity,suggesting improved light guiding to the NWs.Finally,based on this process,a NW LED was fabricated,which showed good diode performance and a clear electroluminescence signal.We believe the process can expand the fabrication possibilities and improve the performance of optoelectronic nanowire devices.     

癸酸-正辛酸低温相变材料的制备和循环性能

本文研制了一种用于相变温度在0~5℃的冷藏运输系统的二元有机复合相变蓄冷材料。该材料由癸酸和辛酸按比例混合经超声波振荡后制得,质量配比为30∶70。通过步冷曲线法测定了不同质量配比的癸酸-正辛酸溶液的相变温度,利用相图确定了二元低共熔共晶点,此时的质量配比为30∶70。经差示扫描量热仪(DSC)测得共晶溶液的相变温度为1.5℃,相变潜热为120.6 J/g。癸酸-正辛酸共晶混合物经过30次、60次结晶与熔化循环后,相变温度、相变潜热均未发生明显变化。测试结果表明,该相变蓄冷材料具有合适的相变温度、较高的相变潜热和良好的循环热稳定性,在蓄冷系统尤其是冷藏运输系统中有着很大的应用潜力。     

蓄冷板释冷过程的数值模拟和实验研究

对蓄冷板内共晶液的热力学特性进行了分析,并且建立了蓄冷板释冷的数学模型。通过数值模拟的方法,模拟了NaCl蓄冷板在初始温度为-30℃,环境温度为-10℃、0℃和10℃三种不同温度条件下的释冷过程,并且通过相关的实验研究,对模拟结果的准确性进行了验证。通过研究得到了蓄冷板在不同条件下的释冷过程及特点。研究结果表明:在NaCl蓄冷板的释冷过程中,当其所处的环境温度高于-21.2℃,即其共晶温度时,外界环境温度会对冷板内共晶冰开始发生相变的时刻产生较大影响;外界环境温度越高,蓄冷板内共晶冰开始融化到完全融化所需要的时间越短。计算结果与实验结果吻合良好,两者之间的平均偏差小于0.5℃,说明数学模型及计算方法的可靠性。     

Mechanical properties of concrete containing phase-change material

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of concrete containing solid–liquid phase-change material (PCM) and focused on two key factors. First, a systematic study on the mechanical performance of PCM-modified concretes was conducted, including compressive, elastic modulus, and shrinkage tests. Second, because PCM provides high latent heat during the solid–liquid phase change, the effects of the solid phase and liquid phase on the mechanical properties of concrete were also explored. Results of this study showed that the solid–liquid phase of PCM affected the mechanical properties of concrete. For example, the compressive strength of 10% PCM concrete in solid phase (23 °C) and liquid phase (40 °C) at 28 days was 29.30 and 19.57 MPa, respectively. In addition, with increasing PCM content, the mechanical properties were degraded. For example, 10, 20, and 30% of PCM content lowered the compressive strength by 35.4, 58.4, and 74.3%, respectively. Therefore, concrete with PCM may not be suitable for structural elements. However, PCM is an important solution for optimizing energy consumption in modern buildings. It can absorb or emit large amounts of heat to store or release thermal energy. These properties can be used to control building temperatures resulting in energy saving and carbon reduction.