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State-of-the-Art Functional Materials and Nanomaterials in Asia 2023–2024

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2024 | Viewed by 20126

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Research Institute of Science and Technology, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
Interests: preparation and characterization of nanomaterials; laser ablation in liquid and wet-chemistry approaches to produce nanostructures; using nanomaterials to develop devices
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Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Technology, Siberian Physical-Technical Institute, Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
Interests: high-power laser excitation; pulsed laser ablation; laser spectroscopy; nonlinear optics of dyes and crystals; synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; photocatalysis; biomedical applications of nanoparticles; surface and sensoric properties of nanostructures
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Institute of Automation and Control Processes of FEB RAS, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
Interests: laser material processing; laser ablation in liquids; plasmonics; optical sensors
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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8555, Japan
Interests: nanomaterials; plasmonics; photocatalysis; pulsed laser ablation in liquid; energy and environmental applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After our successful first volume of the Special Issue “State-of-the-Art Functional Materials and Nanomaterials in Asia 2021–2022”, we have decided to make a series of special issues which aims to provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art of functional materials and nanomaterials in Asia. We invite research papers that will consolidate our understanding in this area. The Special Issue will publish full research articles and systematic reviews. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following research areas:

  • Synthesis of nanomaterials through novel methods;
  • Design and synthesis of molecular precursors for nanomaterials;
  • Colloidal synthesis of 0D nanoparticles (metal, oxides, sulfides, semiconductors, and so on);
  • 2D materials, 1D nanofibers, and special nanostructured materials;
  • Nanostructured materials or composites for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis;
  • Fabrication of nanomaterials-based devices (solar cells, LEDs, batteries, supercapacitors, gas and light sensors, transistors, etc.);
  • In situ technology to investigate the reaction mechanism of nanomaterials in potential applications.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit manuscripts on the subject “State-of-the-Art Functional Materials and Nanomaterials in Asia 2023–2024” for this Special Issue. Full papers and communications, as well as comprehensive reviews, are welcome. Please feel free to contact us, the guest editors, in case of further questions.

Prof. Dr. Sergei Kulinich
Dr. Valery A. Svetlichnyi
Dr. Aleksandr Kuchmizhak
Dr. Mitsuhiro Honda
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • advanced materials
  • novel nanomaterials
  • molecular nanostructures
  • physical, chemical, and biological methods for nanomaterial preparation
  • optical, photovoltaic, catalytic, sensing, antibacterial properties
  • structure-properties relationship
  • nanostructure
  • nanotechnology

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 5384 KiB  
Communication
Plasma Engineering of Co4N/CoN Heterostructure for Boosting Supercapacitor Performance
by Hong Li, Yunzhe Ma, Xulei Zhang, Xiuling Zhang and Lanbo Di
Materials 2024, 17(14), 3529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143529 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 749
Abstract
Supercapacitor electrode materials play a decisive role in charge storage and significantly affect the cost and capacitive performance of the final device. Engineering of the heterostructure of metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived transition metal nitrides (TMNs) can be conducive to excellent electrochemical performance owing to [...] Read more.
Supercapacitor electrode materials play a decisive role in charge storage and significantly affect the cost and capacitive performance of the final device. Engineering of the heterostructure of metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived transition metal nitrides (TMNs) can be conducive to excellent electrochemical performance owing to the synergistic effect, optimized charge transport/mass transfer properties, and high electrical conductivity. In this study, a Co4N/CoN heterostructure was incorporated into a nitrogen-doped support by radio-frequency (RF) plasma after simple pyrolysis of Co-based formate frameworks (Co-MFFs), with the framework structure well retained. Plasma engineering can effectively increase the ratio of Co4N in the Co4N/CoN heterostructure, accelerating the electron transfer rate and resulting in a rough surface due to the reduction effect of high-energy electrons and the etching effect of ions. Benefiting from the plasma modification, the obtained electrode material Co4N/CoN@C-P exhibits a high specific capacitance of 346.2 F·g−1 at a current density of 1 A·g−1, approximately 1.7 times that of CoN/Co4N@C prepared by pyrolysis. The specific capacitance of Co4N/CoN@C-P reaches 335.6 F·g−1 at 10 A·g−1, approximately 96.9% of that at 1 A·g−1, indicating remarkable rate capability. Additionally, the capacitance retention remains at 100% even after 1000 cycles, suggesting excellent cycling stability. The rational design and plasma engineering of the TMN heterostructures at the nanoscale are responsible for the excellent electrochemical performance of this novel composite material. Full article
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18 pages, 6366 KiB  
Article
Vat Photopolymerization of Ceramic Parts: Effects of Carbon Fiber Additives on Microstructure and Mechanical Performance
by Lu Wang, Hailong Wu, Anfu Guo, Dekun Kong, Zhengyu Zhao, Chang Liu, Lvfa Yin, Guojun Xia, Xiaofei Su, Zhong Chen and Diangang Wang
Materials 2024, 17(13), 3127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133127 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1177
Abstract
Vat photopolymerization (VPP), as an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, can conveniently produce ceramic parts with high resolution and excellent surface quality. However, due to the inherent brittleness and low toughness of ceramic materials, manufacturing defect-free ceramic parts remains a challenge. Many researchers have [...] Read more.
Vat photopolymerization (VPP), as an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, can conveniently produce ceramic parts with high resolution and excellent surface quality. However, due to the inherent brittleness and low toughness of ceramic materials, manufacturing defect-free ceramic parts remains a challenge. Many researchers have attempted to use carbon fibers as additives to enhance the performance of ceramic parts, but these methods are mostly applied in processes like fused deposition modeling and hot pressing. To date, no one has applied them to VPP-based AM technology. This is mainly because the black carbon fibers reduce laser penetration, making it difficult to cure the ceramic slurry and thus challenging to produce qualified ceramic parts. To address this issue, our study has strictly controlled the amount of carbon fibers by incorporating trace amounts of carbon fiber powder into the original ceramic slurry with the aim to investigate the impact of these additions on the performance of ceramic parts. In this study, ceramic slurries with three different carbon fiber contents (0 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%) were used for additive manufacturing. A detailed comparative analysis of the microstructure, physical properties, and mechanical performance of the parts was conducted. The experimental results indicate that the 3D-printed alumina parts with added carbon fibers show varying degrees of improvement in multiple performance parameters. Notably, the samples prepared with 0.2 wt.% carbon fiber content exhibited the most significant performance enhancements. Full article
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17 pages, 3782 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Calcination of Portland Cement Clinker Using Different Contents of Stainless Steel Slag
by Jiantao Ju, Haibo Cao, Wenke Guo, Ning Luo, Qiming Zhang and Yonggang Wang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102305 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 849
Abstract
In order to increase the utilization rate of stainless steel slag, reduce storage needs, and mitigate environmental impacts, this study replaces a portion of limestone with varying amounts of stainless steel slag in the calcination of Portland cement clinker. The study primarily examines [...] Read more.
In order to increase the utilization rate of stainless steel slag, reduce storage needs, and mitigate environmental impacts, this study replaces a portion of limestone with varying amounts of stainless steel slag in the calcination of Portland cement clinker. The study primarily examines the influence of stainless steel slag on the phase composition, microstructure, compressive strength, and free calcium oxide (ƒ-CaO) content of Portland cement clinker. The results show the following: (1) Using stainless steel slag to calcine Portland cement clinker can lower the calcination temperature, reducing industrial production costs and energy consumption. (2) With an increase in the amount of stainless steel slag, the dicalcium silicate (C2S) and tricalcium silicate (C3S) phases in Portland cement clinker initially increase and then decrease; the C3S crystals gradually transform into continuous hexagonal plate-shaped distributions, while the tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) crystal structures become denser. When the stainless steel slag content is 15%, the dicalcium silicate and tricalcium silicate phases are at their peak; the C3S crystals are continuously distributed with a relatively dense structure, and C3A and C4AF crystals melt and sinter together, becoming distributed around C3S. (3) As stainless steel slag content increases, the compressive strength of Portland cement clinker at 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days increases and then decreases, while ƒ-CaO content decreases and then increases. When the stainless steel slag content is 15%, the compressive strength at 28 days is at its highest, 64.4 MPa, with the lowest ƒ-CaO content, 0.78%. The test results provide a basis for the utilization of stainless steel slag in the calcination of Portland cement clinker. Full article
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11 pages, 3871 KiB  
Article
Sputtering-Deposited Ultra-Thin Ag–Cu Films on Non-Woven Fabrics for Face Masks with Antimicrobial Function and Breath NOx Response
by Xuemei Huang, Qiao Hu, Jia Li, Wenqing Yao, Chun Wang, Yun Feng and Weijie Song
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071574 - 29 Mar 2024
Viewed by 887
Abstract
The multifunctional development in the field of face masks and the growing demand for scalable manufacturing have become increasingly prominent. In this study, we utilized high-vacuum magnetron sputtering technology to deposit a 5 nm ultra-thin Ag–Cu film on non-woven fabric and fabricated ultra-thin [...] Read more.
The multifunctional development in the field of face masks and the growing demand for scalable manufacturing have become increasingly prominent. In this study, we utilized high-vacuum magnetron sputtering technology to deposit a 5 nm ultra-thin Ag–Cu film on non-woven fabric and fabricated ultra-thin Ag–Cu film face masks. The antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 99.996% and 99.978%, respectively, while the antiviral activity against influenza A virus H1N1 was 99.02%. Furthermore, the mask’s ability to monitor respiratory system diseases was achieved through color change (from brownish-yellow to grey-white). The low cost and scalability potential of ultra-thin silver–copper film masks offer new possibilities for practical applications of multifunctional masks. Full article
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13 pages, 4390 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Synthesis of Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, Sb) Phases
by Jia Luo, Fengjuan Zhang, Bo Wen, Qiqiang Zhang, Longsheng Chu, Yanchun Zhou, Qingguo Feng and Chunfeng Hu
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071556 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 782
Abstract
MAX phases have great research value and application prospects, but it is challenging to synthesize the MAX phases containing Cd and Sb for the time being. In this paper, we confirmed the existence of the 312 MAX phases of Zr3CdC2 [...] Read more.
MAX phases have great research value and application prospects, but it is challenging to synthesize the MAX phases containing Cd and Sb for the time being. In this paper, we confirmed the existence of the 312 MAX phases of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2, both from theoretical calculations and experimental synthesis. The Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, Sb) phase was predicted by the first-principles calculations, and the two MAX phases were confirmed to meet the requests of thermal, thermodynamic, and mechanical stabilities using formation energy, phonon dispersion, and the Born–Huang criteria. Their theoretical mechanical properties were also systematically investigated. It was found that the elastic moduli of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 were 162.8 GPa and 164.3 GPa, respectively. Then, differences in the mechanical properties of Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, In, Sn, and Sb) were explained using bond layouts and charge transfers. The low theoretical Vickers hardness of the Zr3CdC2 (5.4 GPa) and Zr3SbC2 (4.3 GPa) phases exhibited excellent machinability. Subsequently, through spark plasma sintering, composites containing Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 phases were successfully synthesized at the temperatures of 850 °C and 1300 °C, respectively. The optimal molar ratio of Zr:Cd/Sb:C was determined as 3:1.5:1.5. SEM and the EDS results analysis confirmed the typical layered microstructure of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 grains. Full article
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17 pages, 2457 KiB  
Article
La2O3-CeO2-Supported Bimetallic Cu-Ni DRM Catalysts
by Pavel K. Putanenko, Natalia V. Dorofeeva, Tamara S. Kharlamova, Maria V. Grabchenko, Sergei A. Kulinich and Olga V. Vodyankina
Materials 2023, 16(24), 7701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247701 - 18 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1179
Abstract
The present work is focused on nickel catalysts supported on La2O3-CeO2 binary oxides without and with the addition of Cu to the active component for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The catalysts are characterized using XRD, XRF, [...] Read more.
The present work is focused on nickel catalysts supported on La2O3-CeO2 binary oxides without and with the addition of Cu to the active component for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The catalysts are characterized using XRD, XRF, TPD-CO2, TPR-H2, and low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption methods. This work shows the effect of different La:Ce ratios (1:1 and 9:1) and the Cu addition on the structural, acid base, and catalytic properties of Ni-containing systems. The binary LaCeOx oxide at a ratio of La:Ce = 1:1 is characterized by the formation of a solid solution with a fluorite structure, which is preserved upon the introduction of mono- or bimetallic particles. At La:Ce = 9:1, La2O3 segregation from the solid solution structure is observed, and the La excess determines the nature of the precursor of the active component, i.e., lanthanum nickelate. The catalysts based on LaCeOx (1:1) are prone to carbonization during 6 h spent on-stream with the formation of carbon nanotubes. The Cu addition facilitates the reduction of the Cu-Ni catalyst carbonization and increases the number of structural defects in the carbon deposition products. The lanthanum-enriched LaCeOx (9:1) support prevents the accumulation of carbon deposition products on the surface of CuNi/La2O3-CeO2 9:1, providing high DRM activity and an H2/CO ratio of 0.9. Full article
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25 pages, 8190 KiB  
Article
An Investigation of Modular Composable Acoustic Metamaterials with Multiple Nonunique Chambers
by Xiaocui Yang, Xinmin Shen, Daochun Hu, Xiaoyong Wang, Haichao Song, Rongxing Zhao, Chunmei Zhang, Cheng Shen and Mengna Yang
Materials 2023, 16(24), 7627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247627 - 13 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1064
Abstract
To make the sound absorber easy to fabricate and convenient for practical application, a modular composable acoustic metamaterial with multiple nonunique chambers (MCAM–MNCs) was proposed and investigated, which was divided into a front panel with the same perforated apertures and a rear chamber [...] Read more.
To make the sound absorber easy to fabricate and convenient for practical application, a modular composable acoustic metamaterial with multiple nonunique chambers (MCAM–MNCs) was proposed and investigated, which was divided into a front panel with the same perforated apertures and a rear chamber with a nonunique grouped cavity. Through the acoustic finite element simulation, the parametric studies of the diameter of aperture d, depth of chamber T0, and thickness of panel t0 were conducted, which could tune the sound absorption performances of MCAM–MNCs–1 and MCAM–MNCs–2 for the expected noise reduction effect. The effective sound absorption band of MCAM–MNCs–1 was 556 Hz (773–1329 Hz), 456 Hz (646–1102 Hz), and 387 Hz (564–951 Hz) for T = 30 mm, T = 40 mm, and T = 50 mm, respectively, and the corresponding average sound absorption coefficient was 0.8696, 0.8854, and 0.8916, accordingly, which exhibited excellent noise attenuation performance. The sound absorption mechanism of MCAM–MNCs was investigated by the distributions of the total sound energy density (TSED). The components used to assemble the MCAM–MNCs sample were fabricated by additive manufacturing, and its actual sound absorption coefficients were tested according to the transfer matrix method, which demonstrated its feasibility and promoted its actual application. Full article
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12 pages, 5190 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Cast Cu-10 wt%Fe Alloy via Single-Pass Friction Stir Processing
by Xiaobo Yuan, Hui Wang, Ruilin Lai and Yunping Li
Materials 2023, 16(21), 7057; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16217057 - 6 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1067
Abstract
In this study, Cu-10 wt% Fe alloy in as-cast state was modified using friction stir processing (FSP). The microstructure evolution of Cu-10 wt% Fe alloys in different states was characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission [...] Read more.
In this study, Cu-10 wt% Fe alloy in as-cast state was modified using friction stir processing (FSP). The microstructure evolution of Cu-10 wt% Fe alloys in different states was characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that due to dynamic recrystallization, the FSPed Cu-10 wt% Fe alloy obtained a uniformly equiaxed ultrafine microstructure with low density of dislocation, high proportion of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs), and high degree of recrystallization. Fine equiaxed grains with an average size of 0.6 μm were produced after FSP. Many fine-precipitate Fe-phases with an average size of 20 nm were uniformly distributed in the Cu matrix. The FSPed samples possessed excellent mechanical properties, such as high Vickers hardness (163.5 HV), ultimate tensile strength (538.5 MPa), and good elongation (16%). This single-pass FSP method does not require subsequent aging treatment and provides a simple and efficient way to improve the properties of Cu-Fe alloys. Full article
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21 pages, 5354 KiB  
Article
Study on a Hexagonal Acoustic Metamaterial Cell of Multiple Parallel-Connection Resonators with Tunable Perforating Rate
by Hongxiang Cheng, Fei Yang, Xinmin Shen, Xiaocui Yang, Xiaonan Zhang and Shaohua Bi
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155378 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1255
Abstract
The limited occupied space and various noise spectrum requires an adjustable sound absorber with a smart structure and tunable sound absorption performance. The hexagonal acoustic metamaterial cell of the multiple parallel-connection resonators with tunable perforating rate was proposed in this research, which consisted [...] Read more.
The limited occupied space and various noise spectrum requires an adjustable sound absorber with a smart structure and tunable sound absorption performance. The hexagonal acoustic metamaterial cell of the multiple parallel-connection resonators with tunable perforating rate was proposed in this research, which consisted of six triangular cavities and six trapezium cavities, and the perforation rate of each cavity was adjustable by moving the sliding block along the slideway. The optimal geometric parameters were obtained by the joint optimization of the acoustic finite element simulation and cuckoo search algorithm, and the average sound absorption coefficients in the target frequency ranges of 650–1150 Hz, 700–1200 Hz and 700–1000 Hz were up to 0.8565, 0.8615 and 0.8807, respectively. The experimental sample was fabricated by the fused filament fabrication method, and its sound absorption coefficients were further detected by impedance tube detector. The consistency between simulation data and experimental data proved the accuracy of the acoustic finite element simulation model and the effectiveness of the joint optimization method. The tunable sound absorption performance, outstanding low-frequency noise reduction property, extensible outline structure and efficient space utilization were favorable to promote its practical applications in noise reduction. Full article
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18 pages, 13748 KiB  
Article
Investigation on the Short-Term Aging Scheme for High Viscosity Modified Bitumen
by Chengwei Xing, Juze Qin, Zhiqiang Cheng, Mingchen Li and Qingbing Lu
Materials 2023, 16(11), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16113910 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1176
Abstract
Due to the highly viscous characteristics of high viscosity modified bitumen (HVMB), the commonly used short-term aging schemes are not suitable for it. As such, the objective of this study is to introduce a suitable short-term aging scheme for HVMB by increasing the [...] Read more.
Due to the highly viscous characteristics of high viscosity modified bitumen (HVMB), the commonly used short-term aging schemes are not suitable for it. As such, the objective of this study is to introduce a suitable short-term aging scheme for HVMB by increasing the aging period and temperature. For this purpose, two kinds of commercial HVMB were aged via rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and thin-film oven test (TFOT) at different aging periods and temperatures. At the same time, open-graded friction course (OGFC) mixtures prepared using HVMB were also aged via two aging schemes to simulate the short-term aging of bitumen at the mixing plant. With the aid of temperature sweep, frequency sweep, and multiple stress creep recovery tests, the rheological properties of short-term aged bitumen and the extracted bitumen were tested. By comparing the rheological properties of TFOT- and RTFOT-aged bitumen with those of extracted bitumen, suitable laboratory short-term aging schemes for HVMB were determined. Comparative results showed that aging the OGFC mixture in a 175 °C forced-draft oven for 2 h is suitable to simulate the short-term aging process of bitumen at the mixing plant. Compared with RTOFT, TFOT was more preferable for HVMB. Additionally, the recommended aging period and temperature for TFOT was 5 h and 178 °C, respectively. Full article
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14 pages, 26007 KiB  
Article
Artifact-Free Microstructures in the Interfacial Reaction between Eutectic In-48Sn and Cu Using Ion Milling
by Fu-Ling Chang, Yu-Hsin Lin, Han-Tang Hung, Chen-Wei Kao and C. R. Kao
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093290 - 22 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1350
Abstract
Eutectic In-48Sn was considered a promising candidate for low-temperature solder due to its low melting point and excellent mechanical properties. Both Cu2(In,Sn) and Cu(In,Sn)2 formation were observed at the In-48Sn/Cu interface after 160 °C soldering. However, traditional mechanical polishing produces [...] Read more.
Eutectic In-48Sn was considered a promising candidate for low-temperature solder due to its low melting point and excellent mechanical properties. Both Cu2(In,Sn) and Cu(In,Sn)2 formation were observed at the In-48Sn/Cu interface after 160 °C soldering. However, traditional mechanical polishing produces many defects at the In-48Sn/Cu interface, which may affect the accuracy of interfacial reaction investigations. In this study, cryogenic broad Ar+ beam ion milling was used to investigate the interfacial reaction between In-48Sn and Cu during soldering. The phase Cu6(Sn,In)5 was confirmed as the only intermetallic compound formed during 150 °C soldering, while Cu(In,Sn)2 formation was proven to be caused by room-temperature aging after soldering. Both the Cu6(Sn,In)5 and Cu(In,Sn)2 phases were confirmed by EPMA quantitative analysis and TEM selected area electron diffraction. The microstructure evolution and growth mechanism of Cu6(Sn,In)5 during soldering were proposed. In addition, the Young’s modulus and hardness of Cu6(Sn,In)5 were determined to be 119.04 ± 3.94 GPa and 6.28 ± 0.13 GPa, respectively, suggesting that the doping of In in Cu6(Sn,In)5 has almost no effect on Young’s modulus and hardness. Full article
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10 pages, 7918 KiB  
Article
Surface-Dependent Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Copper Foil
by Ling-Jie Kong, Xin-Zhuo Hu, Chuan-Qi Chen, Sergei A. Kulinich and Xi-Wen Du
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051777 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737
Abstract
Single-crystal planes are ideal platforms for catalytic research. In this work, rolled copper foils with predominantly (220) planes were used as the starting material. By using temperature gradient annealing, which caused grain recrystallization in the foils, they were transformed to those with (200) [...] Read more.
Single-crystal planes are ideal platforms for catalytic research. In this work, rolled copper foils with predominantly (220) planes were used as the starting material. By using temperature gradient annealing, which caused grain recrystallization in the foils, they were transformed to those with (200) planes. In acidic solution, the overpotential of such a foil (10 mA cm−2) was found to be 136 mV lower than that of a similar rolled copper foil. The calculation results show that hollow sites formed on the (200) plane have the highest hydrogen adsorption energy and are active centers for hydrogen evolution. Thus, this work clarifies the catalytic activity of specific sites on the copper surface and demonstrates the critical role of surface engineering in designing catalytic properties. Full article
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13 pages, 4827 KiB  
Article
Crystal and Electronic Structures of New Two Dimensional 3-NH3-PyPbX4 Haloplumbate Materials
by Nikita Selivanov, Ruslan Kevorkyants, Alexei Emeline and Constantinos C. Stoumpos
Materials 2023, 16(1), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010353 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1788
Abstract
In this study, we explored both the crystal and electronic structures of new synthesized materials 3-NH3-PyPbX4 (X = Br, I). Both compounds are isostructural, and they crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with four [...] Read more.
In this study, we explored both the crystal and electronic structures of new synthesized materials 3-NH3-PyPbX4 (X = Br, I). Both compounds are isostructural, and they crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with four formula units in the unit cell. According to the analysis of their electronic structures, both compounds are direct semiconductors with direct transitions between valence and conduction bands occurring at the k-points A, Z, and at about half of the distance between the k-points D/D1 and D1/E. An inspection of DOS reveals that, in both perovskites, the highest energy VBs are comprised mainly of electronic states of halogen anions, while the lowest states in the conduction band originate from lead orbitals. In addition, there are two flat bands composed of electronic states of carbon and nitrogen originating from the organic subsystems and presumably corresponding to the π* orbitals of 3-NH3-C5H6N cations. Both materials demonstrate a broad luminescence emission. Two mechanisms of the radiative relaxation based on either self-trapped excitons or on charge transfers between inorganic and organic subsystems are discussed. Full article
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13 pages, 6233 KiB  
Article
Effect of h-BN Support on Photoluminescence of ZnO Nanoparticles: Experimental and Theoretical Insight
by Danil V. Barilyuk, Ekaterina V. Sukhanova, Zakhar I. Popov, Artem A. Korol, Anton S. Konopatsky and Dmitry V. Shtansky
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248759 - 8 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1976
Abstract
Herein we report a simple and easily scalable method for fabricating ZnO/h-BN composites with tunable photoluminescence (PL) characteristics. The h-BN support significantly enhances the ultraviolet (UV) emission of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), which is explained by the ZnO/h-BN interaction [...] Read more.
Herein we report a simple and easily scalable method for fabricating ZnO/h-BN composites with tunable photoluminescence (PL) characteristics. The h-BN support significantly enhances the ultraviolet (UV) emission of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), which is explained by the ZnO/h-BN interaction and the change in the electronic structure of the ZnO surface. When h-BN NPs are replaced with h-BN microparticles, the PL in the UV region increases, which is accompanied by a decrease in visible light emission. The dependence of the PL properties of ZnO NPs on the thickness of h-BN carriers, observed for the first time, is explained by a change in the dielectric constant of the support. A quantum chemical analysis of the influence of the h-BN thickness on the electron density redistribution at the wZnO/h-BN interface and on the optical properties of the wZnO/h-BN composites was carried out. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the appearance of hybridization at the h-BN/wZnO interface and an increase in the intensity of absorption peaks with an increase in the number of h-BN layers. The obtained results open new possibilities for controlling the properties of ZnO/h-BN heterostructures for various optical applications. Full article
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Review

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20 pages, 2762 KiB  
Review
Advanced Photocatalysts for CO2 Conversion by Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD)
by Saeid Akrami, Tatsumi Ishihara, Masayoshi Fuji and Kaveh Edalati
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031081 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1831
Abstract
Excessive CO2 emission from fossil fuel usage has resulted in global warming and environmental crises. To solve this problem, the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO or useful components is a new strategy that has received significant attention. The main challenge [...] Read more.
Excessive CO2 emission from fossil fuel usage has resulted in global warming and environmental crises. To solve this problem, the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO or useful components is a new strategy that has received significant attention. The main challenge in this regard is exploring photocatalysts with high efficiency for CO2 photoreduction. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) through the high-pressure torsion (HPT) process has been effectively used in recent years to develop novel active catalysts for CO2 conversion. These active photocatalysts have been designed based on four main strategies: (i) oxygen vacancy and strain engineering, (ii) stabilization of high-pressure phases, (iii) synthesis of defective high-entropy oxides, and (iv) synthesis of low-bandgap high-entropy oxynitrides. These strategies can enhance the photocatalytic efficiency compared with conventional and benchmark photocatalysts by improving CO2 adsorption, increasing light absorbance, aligning the band structure, narrowing the bandgap, accelerating the charge carrier migration, suppressing the recombination rate of electrons and holes, and providing active sites for photocatalytic reactions. This article reviews recent progress in the application of SPD to develop functional ceramics for photocatalytic CO2 conversion. Full article
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