Magnetic properties of CrMnGe (n = 3-20) clusters.

Due to the potential applications in next-generation micro/nano electronic devices and functional materials, magnetic germanium (Ge)-based clusters are receiving increasing attention. In this work, we reported the structures, electronic and magnetic properties of CrMnGe with sizes n = 3-20. Transition metals (TMs) of Cr and Mn tend to stay together and be surrounded by Ge atoms.

Antiferromagnetic Chromium-Doped Tin Clusters.

The trend toward further miniaturization of micronano antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronic devices has led to a strong demand for low-dimensional materials. The assembly of AFM clusters to produce such materials is a potential pathway that promotes studies on such clusters. In this work, we report on the discovery of the AFM CrSn ( = 3-20) clusters with a stepwise growth at the density functional theory (DFT) level.

Determination of Ground State Structures of Sn (x=21-35) Clusters.

In this work, an unbiased global search with a homemade genetic algorithm was performed to investigate the structural evolution and electronic properties of Sn (x=21-35) clusters with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. All the ground-state structures for all these Sn (x=21-35) clusters have been confirmed by the comparison of the experimental and simulated photoelectron spectra (PESs). It has been revealed that all Sn (x=21-35) clusters are tricapped trigonal prism (TTP)-based structures consisting of two (for sizes x=21-28) or three (for x=29-35) TTP units, with the remaining atoms adsorbed on the surface or inserted between TTP units.

Unprecedented Electrochromic Stability of a-WO Thin Films Achieved by Using a Hybrid-Cationic Electrolyte.

With large interstitial space volumes and fast ion diffusion pathways, amorphous metal oxides as cathodic intercalation materials for electrochromic devices have attracted attention. However, these incompact thin films normally suffer from two inevitable imperfections: self-deintercalation of guest ions and poor stability of the structure, which constitute a big obstacle toward the development of high-stable commercial applications. Here, we present a low-cost, eco-friendly hybrid cation 1,2-PG-AlCl·6HO electrolyte, in which the sputter-deposited a-WO thin film can exhibit both the long-desired excellent open-circuit memory (>100 h, with zero optical loss) and super-long cycling lifetime (∼20,000 cycles, with 80% optical modulation), benefiting from the formation of unique Al-hydroxide-based solid electrolyte interphase during electrochromic operations.

Mechanistic Insights into the Coloration, Evolution, and Degradation of NiO Electrochromic Anodes.

NiO is recognized as the leading candidate for smart window anodes that can dynamically modulate optical absorption, thereby achieving energy efficiency in construction buildings. However, the electrochromic mechanism in NiO is not yet clear, and the ionic species involved are sometimes ambiguous, particularly in aprotic electrolytes. We demonstrate herein that the "net coloration effect" originates from newly generated high-valence Ni/Ni ions during anion-dependent anodization, and the Li intercalation/deintercalation only plays a role in modulating the oxidation state of Ni.