High-Efficiency Photo-Assisted Large Current-Density Water Splitting with Mott-Schottky Heterojunctions.

The development of bifunctional photogenerated carrier-assisted electrocatalytic (PCA-EC) electrodes that operate with stability at large current-density remains a significant challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a simple sputtering-deposition process to synthesize a novel MnWO/FeCoNi Mott-Schottky heterojunction coating and deposit it on a pure Ti substrate to prepare high-performance PCA-EC electrodes, which exhibits enhanced light absorption range/intensity and rapidly separated photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This design allows photogenerated electrons to directly participate in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), while the strong oxidation of photogenerated holes significantly reduces the defect formation energy of active metals, thereby facilitating the rapid reconstruction of highly active Ni(FeCo)OOH/MnOOH species for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).

Rapid Defect Engineering in FeCoNi/FeAlO Hybrid for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Catalysis: A Pathway to High-Performance Electrocatalysts.

Rational modulation of surface reconstruction in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) utilizing defect engineering to form efficient catalytic activity centers is a topical interest in the field of catalysis. The introduction of point defects has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to regulate the electronic configuration of electrocatalysts, but the influence of more complex planar defects (e.g.

Hybrid Metal/Spinel Oxide Coating with Microcone Arrays to Stimulate a Photothermal-Augmented Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

To boost the kinetic process of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hybrid CoNiFe/Fe(Fe,Mo,Al) O coatings are deposited on pure Ti substrates (namely, CoNiFe/Fe(Fe,Mo,Al) O /Ti electrodes). This new coating features a dense inner layer together with an outer layer of microcone arrays (MCAs). The electrochemical surface area of the electrodes is modulated by controlling the geometrical factors of the MCAs.

Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance in Prussian Blue Analogues: Triple-Play of Metal Exsolution, Hollow Interiors, and Anionic Regulation.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are promising catalysts for green hydrogen production. However, the rational design of high-performing PBAs is challenging, which requires an in-depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism. Here FeMn@CoNi core-shell PBAs are employed as precursors, together with Se powders, in low-temperature pyrolysis in an argon atmosphere.

Formation of Head/Tail-to-Body Charged Domain Walls by Mechanical Stress.

Domain walls (DWs) in ferroelectric materials are interfaces that separate domains with different polarizations. Charged domain walls (CDWs) and neutral domain walls are commonly classified depending on the charge state at the DWs. CDWs are particularly attractive as they are configurable elements, which can enhance field susceptibility and enable functionalities such as conductance control.

A Superhydrophilic, Light/Microwave-Absorbing Coating with Remarkable Antibacterial Efficacy.

Driven by the overuse of antibiotics, pathogenic infections, dominated by the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, have become one of the greatest current global health challenges. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore novel strategies that integrate multiple antibacterial modes to deal with bacterial infections. In this work, a Co(Ni,Ag)/Fe(Al,Cr)O composite duplex coating was fabricated using template-free sputtering deposition technology.

Controlled Self-Assembly of Hollow Core-Shell FeMn/CoNi Prussian Blue Analogs with Boosted Electrocatalytic Activity.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are considered as efficient catalysts for energy-related applications due to their porous nanoscale architectures containing finely disseminated active sites. Their catalytic capability can be greatly boosted by the rational design and construction of complex PBA hybrid nanostructures. However, present-day structure engineering inevitably involves additional etchant or procedure.

Shark teeth can resist ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification can cause dissolution of calcium carbonate minerals in biological structures of many marine organisms, which can be exacerbated by warming. However, it is still unclear whether this also affects organisms that have body parts made of calcium phosphate minerals (e.g.

Remarkable toughness of a nanostructured medium-entropy nitride compound.

A novel medium-entropy nitride (MEN) - CrCoNiN doped with Al and Ti was prepared using magnetron sputtering. The new MEN possesses a single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, offering a superior combination of hardness (∼21.2 GPa) and fracture toughness (∼4.

Self-toughened high entropy alloy with a body-centred cubic structure.

Multiple interstitial elements (B, C and O), were incorporated into a body-centred cubic (BCC) FeMnCoCr-based interstitial high entropy alloy (iHEA). While achieving an impressive yield strength of 2.55 GPa, the new alloy also possesses appreciable ductility under mechanical loading.

Remarkable bactericidal traits of a metal-ceramic composite coating elated by hierarchically structured surface.

A ceramic-based coating with a hierarchical surface structure was synthesized via solid-state reaction enabled by a double cathode glow discharge technique. This innovative coating comprises two distinct layers, specifically an outer layer with a well-aligned micro-pillar array and a dense inner layer. Both are composed of a face-centered cubic Cu(Co,Ni,Fe) solid solution phase together with a spinel-type Fe(Al,Cr)O oxide.

The influence of semiconducting properties of passive films on the cavitation erosion resistance of a NbN nanoceramic coating.

To alleviate the cavitation damage of metallic engineering components in hydrodynamic systems operating in marine environments, a NbN nanoceramic coating was synthesized on to a Ti-6Al-4V substrate via a double cathode glow discharge technique. The microstructure of the coating consisted of a ~13 μm thick deposition layer of a hexagonal δ'-NbN phase and a diffusion layer ~2 μm in thickness composed of face-centered cubic (fcc) B1-NaCl-structured (Ti,Nb)N. The NbN coating not only exhibited higher values of H/E and H/E than those measured from NbN coatings deposited by other techniques, but also possessed good adhesion to the substrate.

Calcifiers can Adjust Shell Building at the Nanoscale to Resist Ocean Acidification.

Ocean acidification is considered detrimental to marine calcifiers based on laboratory studies showing that increased seawater acidity weakens their ability to build calcareous shells needed for growth and protection. In the natural environment, however, the effects of ocean acidification are subject to ecological and evolutionary processes that may allow calcifiers to buffer or reverse these short-term negative effects through adaptive mechanisms. Using marine snails inhabiting a naturally CO -enriched environment over multiple generations, it is discovered herein that they build more durable shells (i.

Preferentially oriented Ag-TiO2 nanotube array film: An efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst.

Ag-TiO nanotube array films with the preferential orientation of crystals were fabricated on ITO glass by magnetron sputtering and anodization. Comprehensive characterization was performed to ascertain the composition and microstructure characteristics of thin films. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated through the reduction of hexavalent chromium (CrO (Cr (VI)) as a model compound under visible light irradiation.

Insights into the antimicrobial mechanism of Ag and I incorporated ZnO nanoparticle derivatives under visible light.

ZnO nanoparticles doped with I and Ag were prepared via a solvothermal method. Characterizations of the as-synthesised samples were carried out using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrometry, Photoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles exhibit light absorption for wide spectra from ultra-violet (UV) to visible light.

Effect of Si and C additions on the reaction mechanism and mechanical properties of FeCrNiCu high entropy alloy.

FeCrNiCu based high entropy alloy matrix composites were fabricated with addition of Si and C by vacuum electromagnetic induction melting. The primary goal of this research was to analyze the reaction mechanism, microstructure, mechanical properties at room temperature and strengthening mechanism of the composites with addition of Si and C. The reaction mechanism of powders containing (Si, Ni and C) was analyzed, only one reaction occurred (i.

Effect of Al alloying on cavitation erosion behavior of TaSi nanocrystalline coatings.

To broaden the scope of non-aerospace applications for titanium-based alloys, both hexagonal C40 binary TaSi and ternary Al alloyed TaSi nanocrystalline coatings were exploited to enhance the cavitation erosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in acidic environments. To begin with, the roles of Al addition in influencing the structural stability and mechanical properties of hexagonal C40 Ta(SiAl) compounds were modelled using first-principles calculations. The calculated key parameters, such as Pugh's index (B/G ratio), Poisson's ratio, and Cauchy pressures, indicated that there was a threshold value for Al addition, below which the increase of Al content would render the Ta(SiAl) compounds more ductile, but above which no obvious change would occur.

How calorie-rich food could help marine calcifiers in a CO-rich future.

Increasing carbon emissions not only enrich oceans with CO but also make them more acidic. This acidifying process has caused considerable concern because laboratory studies show that ocean acidification impairs calcification (or shell building) and survival of calcifiers by the end of this century. Whether this impairment in shell building also occurs in natural communities remains largely unexplored, but requires re-examination because of the recent counterintuitive finding that populations of calcifiers can be boosted by CO enrichment.

Powder Metallurgy Synthesis of Heusler Alloys: Effects of Process Parameters.

NiCoMnSn Heusler alloy was fabricated with elemental powders, using a powder processing route of press and sinter, in place of vacuum induction melting or arc melting route. The effects of process parameters, such as compaction load, sintering time, and temperature, on the transformation characteristics and microstructures of the alloy were investigated. While the effect of compaction pressure was not significant, those of sintering time and temperature are important in causing or annulling martensitic transformation, which is characteristic of Heusler alloys.

Elucidating the surface geometric design of hydrophobic Australian leaves: experimental and modeling studies.

Three Australian native species, i.e., , and , were investigated, for the first time, with respect to the hydrophobicity of their leaves.

Enhancing the cavitation erosion resistance of D8-TaSi nanocrystalline coatings through Al alloying.

To investigate the effects of Al alloying on the erosion-corrosion resistance of β-TaSi, both a β-TaSi coating and an Al-alloyed β-Ta(SiAl) coating were synthesized on a 316 substrate by the double cathode glow discharge technique. The phase constitution, composition and microstructure of the two coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The two coatings were composed of nearly rounded D8-β-TaSi grains with an average size of ∼4 nm, and after the addition of Al, the preferred growth orientation for the β-TaSi coating changed from (4 0 0) to (0 0 2).

Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Heusler Materials: Synthesis, Microstructure Characterization and Magnetostructural Properties.

An overview of the processing, characterization and magnetostructural properties of ferromagnetic NiMnX (X = group IIIA⁻VA elements) Heusler alloys is presented. This type of alloy is multiferroic—exhibits more than one ferroic property—and is hence multifunctional. Examples of how different synthesis procedures influence the magnetostructural characteristics of these alloys are shown.

Effect of demineralization time on the mineral composition and mechanical properties of remineralized dentin.

The aim of this study was to determine whether recovery of mineral levels restored the mechanical properties of dentin subjected to different durations of demineralization. Dentin at the floor of class 1 cavities (n = 12) was demineralized for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Half the demineralized cavity floor was coated (control side), and a Fuji IX restoration was placed.

Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Nanocrystalline β-Ta Coating for Biomedical Applications.

To explore its potential as a highly corrosion-resistant coating for biomedical titanium alloys, a novel β-Ta nanocrystalline coating, composed of equiaxed β-Ta grains with an average grain size ∼22 nm, was deposited onto Ti-6Al-4V substrate using a double glow discharge plasma technique. The newly developed coating exhibited an extremely dense and homogeneous microstructure, exhibiting a strong (002) preferred orientation. The electrochemical behavior and semiconducting properties, such as donor density, flat-band potential, and diffusivity of point defects (), of the passive film formed on the β-Ta coating were compared to those for both uncoated Ti-6Al-4V and commercially pure Ta in Ringer's physiological solution at 37 °C, using an array of complementary electrochemical techniques.

Electrochemical Properties of a Novel β-TaO Nanoceramic Coating Exposed to Simulated Body Solutions.

To enhance the corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and mechanical durability of biomedical titanium alloys, a novel β-TaO nanoceramic coating was developed using a double glow discharge plasma technique. The surface morphology, phase composition and microstructure of the as-deposited coating were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The coating exhibits a striated structural pattern along the growth direction, which consists of equiaxed β-TaO grains, 15-20 nm in diameter in cross-section, showing a strong (001) preferred orientation.