Description of Photodegradation Mechanisms and Structural Characteristics in Carbon@Titania Yolk-Shell Nanostructures by XAS.

Carbon@titania yolk-shell nanostructures are successfully synthesized at different calcination conditions. These unique structure nanomaterials can be used as a photocatalyst to degrade the emerging water pollutant, acetaminophen (paracetamol). The photodegradation analysis studies have shown that the samples with residual carbon nanospheres have improved the photocatalytic efficiency. The local electronic and atomic structure of the nanostructures are analyzed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. The spectra confirm that the hollow shell has an anatase phase structure, slight lattice distortion, and variation in Ti 3d orbital orientation. In situ XAS measurements reveal that the existence of amorphous carbon nanospheres inside the nano spherical shell inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs; more mobile holes are formed in the p-d hybridized bands near the Fermi surface and enables the acceleration of the carries that significantly enhance the photodegradation of paracetamol under UV-visible irradiation. The observed charge transfer process from TiO2  hybridized orbital to the carbon nanospheres reduces the recombination rate of electrons and holes, thus increasing the photocatalytic efficiency.

Magnetotransport studies of Fe vacancy-ordered Fe4+δSe5 nanowires.

We studied the electrical transport of Fe4+δSe5 single-crystal nanowires exhibiting √5 × âˆš5 Fe-vacancy order and mixed valence of Fe. Fe4+δSe5 compound has been identified as the parent phase of FeSe superconductor. A first-order metal-insulator (MI) transition of transition temperature T MI ∼ 28 K is observed at zero magnetic fields (B). Colossal positive magnetoresistance emerges, resulting from the magnetic field-dependent MI transition. T MI demonstrates anisotropic magnetic field dependence with the preferred orientation along the c axis. At temperature T < ∼17 K, the state of near-magnetic field-independent resistance, which is due to spin polarized even at zero fields, preserves under magnetic fields up to B = 9 T. The Arrhenius law shift of the transition on the source-drain frequency dependence reveals that it is a nonoxide compound with the Verwey-like electronic correlation. The observation of the magnetic field-independent magnetoresistance at low temperature suggests it is in a charge-ordered state below T ∼ 17 K. The results of the field orientation measurements indicate that the spin-orbital coupling is crucial in √5 × âˆš5 Fe vacancy-ordered Fe4+δSe5 at low temperatures. Our findings provide valuable information to better understand the orbital nature and the interplay between the MI transition and superconductivity in FeSe-based materials.

Role of the extra Fe in K2-x Fe4+y Se5 superconductors.

The exact superconducting phase of K2-x Fe4+y Se5 has so far not been conclusively decided since its discovery due to its intrinsic multiphase in early material. In an attempt to resolve this mystery, we have carried out systematic structural studies on a set of well-controlled samples with exact chemical stoichiometry K2-x Fe4+x Se5 (x = 0-0.3) that are heat-treated at different temperatures. Using high-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, our investigations have determined the superconducting transition by focusing on the detailed temperature evolution of the crystalline phases. Our results show that superconductivity appears only in those samples that have been treated at high-enough temperature and then quenched to room temperature. The volume fraction of superconducting transition strongly depends on the annealing temperature used. The most striking result is the observation of a clear contrast in crystalline phase between the nonsuperconducting parent compound K2Fe4Se5 and the superconducting K2-x Fe4+y Se5 samples. The X-ray diffraction patterned can be well indexed to the phase with I4/m symmetry in all temperatures investigated. However, we need two phases with similar I4/m symmetry but different parameters to best fit the data at a temperature below the Fe vacancy order temperature. The results strongly suggest that superconductivity in K2-x Fe4+y Se5 critically depends on the occupation of Fe atoms on the originally empty 4d site.

Fe-vacancy order and superconductivity in tetragonal ß-Fe1-xSe.

Several superconducting transition temperatures in the range of 30-46 K were reported in the recently discovered intercalated FeSe system (A1-xFe2-ySe2, A = K, Rb, Cs, Tl). Although the superconducting phases were not yet conclusively decided, more than one magnetic phase with particular orders of iron vacancy and/or potassium vacancy were identified, and some were argued to be the parent phase. Here we show the discovery of the presence and ordering of iron vacancy in nonintercalated FeSe (PbO-type tetragonal ß-Fe1-xSe). Three types of iron-vacancy order were found through analytical electron microscopy, and one was identified to be nonsuperconducting and magnetic at low temperature. This discovery suggests that the rich-phases found in A1-xFe2-ySe2 are not exclusive in Fe-Se and related superconductors. In addition, the magnetic ß-Fe1-xSe phases with particular iron-vacancy orders are more likely to be the parent phase of the FeSe superconducting system instead of the previously assigned ß-Fe1+δTe.

Electronic properties of free-standing TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated by electrochemical anodization.

Nanotubular TiO2 has attracted considerable attention owing to its unique functional properties, including high surface area and vectorial charge transport along the nanotube, making it a good photocatalytic material. Anodic TiO2-nanotube (TiNT) arrays on a Ti foil substrate were prepared by electrochemical anodic oxidation and SEM/HRTEM/XRD analyses have suggested that the walls of TiO2 tubes are formed from stacked [101] planes (anatase). Both HRTEM and XRD indicate an interplanar spacing of d101 = 0.36 nm in the wall structure. Despite the large amount of work done on nanotube synthesis, a thorough investigation of the electronic and atomic structures of free-standing TiNT arrays has not yet been carried out. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) and scanning photoelectron microscopy (SPEM) are employed herein to examine the electronic and atomic structures at the top and bottom of TiNT arrays. These analyses demonstrate the presence of mixed valence states of the Ti ions (Ti(3+) and Ti(4+)) and a structural distortion at the bottom cap region of the TiNT. Additionally, the results obtained herein suggest the formation of a defective anatase phase at the bottom cap barrier layer between the Ti foil substrate and TiNT during the growth of electrochemically anodized nanotubes.

Behind the color switching in gasochromic VO2.

Gasochromic VO2 thin films were fabricated by the sol-gel spin-coating technique. The results of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy reveal that the origin of gasochromic coloration in VO2 is strongly related to the modulation of its structure and the electron-electron correlation. Upon gasochromic coloration, not only does the valence state change with the incorporation of hydrogen, but also the film undergoes the modification of the local atomic structure. The structural distortion varies the strength of hybridization of the O 2p-V 3d states and the bond distance of V-O and V-O varies. In the hydric process, the local atomic structure of VO2 changes from that of an un-symmetric to that of a symmetric V-O framework. The incorporated hydrogen adds electrons into the V 3d t2g orbital, enhancing the electron-electron correlation by reducing the V-V distance. This work presents a new physical insight in which the modulation of the electron-electron correlation is exploited to control the bleached and colored states, giving rise to the gasochromic phenomenon. The strong correlation among atomic spatial rearrangement, electronic structures, and transmittance supports a cooperative mechanism of the VO2 gasochromic transition. These results reveal a clear correlation between the dynamics of the lattice structure and the electronic properties and suggest a possible pathway to gasochromism and elucidation of its mechanism.

Magnetic polarons and large negative magnetoresistance in GaAs nanowires implanted with Mn ions.

We report on low-temperature magnetotransport and SQUID measurements on heavily doped Mn-implanted GaAs nanowires. SQUID data recorded at low magnetic fields exhibit clear signs of the onset of a spin-glass phase with a transition temperature of about 16 K. Magnetotransport experiments reveal a corresponding peak in resistance at 16 K and a large negative magnetoresistance, reaching 40% at 1.6 K and 8 T. The negative magnetoresistance decreases at elevated temperatures and vanishes at about 100 K. We interpret our transport data in terms of spin-dependent hopping in a complex magnetic nanowire landscape of magnetic polarons, separated by intermediate regions of Mn impurity spins, forming a paramagnetic/spin-glass phase.

Advanced TiO2/Al2O3 Bilayer ALD Coatings for Improved Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Electrodes.

Surface modification is a highly effective strategy for addressing issues in lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) cathodes, including phase transformation, particle cracking, oxygen gas release, and transition-metal ion dissolution. Existing single-/double-layer coating strategies face drawbacks such as poor component contact and complexity. Herein, we present the results of a low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for creating a TiO2/Al2O3 bilayer on composite cathodes made of AS200 (Li1.08Ni0.34Co0.08Mn0.5O2). Electrochemical analysis demonstrates that TiO2/Al2O3-coated LLO electrodes exhibit improved discharge capacities and enhanced capacity retention compared with uncoated samples. The TAA-5/AS200 bilayer-coated electrode, in particular, demonstrates exceptional capacity retention (∼90.4%) and a specific discharge capacity of 146 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 1C within the voltage range of 2.2 to 4.6 V. The coated electrodes also show reduced voltage decay, lower surface film resistance, and improved interfacial charge transfer resistances, contributing to enhanced stability. The ALD-deposited TiO2/Al2O3 bilayer coatings exhibit promising potential for advancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes in lithium-ion batteries.

Recent advances in ß-FeSe1-x and related superconductors.

It has been more than four years since the discovery of ß-FeSe1-x superconductors. Through the efforts of many outstanding research groups, unprecedented advances in the field have been achieved. High-quality single crystals of ß-FeSe1-x and related compounds have been prepared by various techniques, allowing us to explore in detail the physical properties of this class of materials. Detailed characterizations of the structure and properties of these crystals have helped us to understand the origin of superconductivity in ß-FeSe1-x . The occurrence of superconductivity is associated with the low-temperature structure distortion, which is accompanied by several anomalies. Recent measurements on quasiparticle and acoustic phonon dynamics with respect to the orbital modification in ß-FeSe1-x suggest the opening of an energy gap below 130-140 K, accompanied by a coincident transfer of optical spectral weight in the visible range and alterations in transport properties. These observations provide convincing evidence that the modification of the electronic structure occurs prior to the lattice distortion. They further suggest that the high-temperature gap and the lattice symmetry breaking are driven by short-range orbital and/or charge orders.

A study on Ti-doped Fe3O4 anode for Li ion battery using machine learning, electrochemical and distribution function of relaxation times (DFRTs) analyses.

Among many transition-metal oxides, Fe3O4 anode based lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been well-investigated because of their high energy and high capacity. Iron is known for elemental abundance and is relatively environmentally friendly as well contains with low toxicity. However, LIBs based on Fe3O4 suffer from particle aggregation during charge-discharge processes that affects the cycling performance. This study conjectures that iron agglomeration and material performance could be affected by dopant choice, and improvements are sought with Fe3O4 nanoparticles doped with 0.2% Ti. The electrochemical measurements show a stable specific capacity of 450 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C rate for at least 100 cycles in Ti doped Fe3O4. The stability in discharge capacity for Ti doped Fe3O4 is achieved, arising from good electronic conductivity and stability in microstructure and crystal structure, which has been further confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Detailed distribution function of relaxation times (DFRTs) analyses based on the impedance spectra reveal two different types of Li ion transport phenomena, which are closely related with the electron density difference near the two Fe-sites. Detailed analyses on EIS measurements using DFRTs for Ti doped Fe3O4 indicate that improvement in interfacial charge transfer processes between electrode and Li metal along with an intermediate lithiated phase helps to enhance the electrochemical performance.

Vibrational and electrochemical studies of pectin-a candidate towards environmental friendly lithium-ion battery development.

Pectin polymers are considered for lithium-ion battery electrodes. To understand the performance of pectin as an applied buffer layer, the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of pectin films are investigated. This work describes a methodology for creating pectin films, including both pristine pectin and Fe-doped pectin, which are optically translucent, and explores their potential for lithium-ion battery application. The transmission response is found extended in optimally Fe-doped pectin, and prominent modes for cation bonding are identified. Fe doping enhances the conductivity observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and from the magnetic response of pectin evidence for Fe3+ is identified. The Li-ion half-cell prepared with pectin as binder for anode materials such as graphite shows stable charge capacity over long cycle life, and with slightly higher specific capacity compare with the cell prepared using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as binder. A novel enhanced charging specific capacity at a high C-rate is observed in cells with pectin binder, suggesting that within a certain rate (∼5 C), pectin has higher capacity at faster charge rates. The pectin system is found as a viable base material for organic-inorganic synthesis studies.

Superconductivity in the PbO-type structure alpha-FeSe.

The recent discovery of superconductivity with relatively high transition temperature (Tc) in the layered iron-based quaternary oxypnictides La[O(1-x)F(x)] FeAs by Kamihara et al. [Kamihara Y, Watanabe T, Hirano M, Hosono H (2008) Iron-based layered superconductor La[O1-xFx] FeAs (x = 0.05-0.12) with Tc = 26 K. J Am Chem Soc 130:3296-3297.] was a real surprise and has generated tremendous interest. Although superconductivity exists in alloy that contains the element Fe, LaOMPn (with M = Fe, Ni; and Pn = P and As) is the first system where Fe plays the key role to the occurrence of superconductivity. LaOMPn has a layered crystal structure with an Fe-based plane. It is quite natural to search whether there exists other Fe based planar compounds that exhibit superconductivity. Here, we report the observation of superconductivity with zero-resistance transition temperature at 8 K in the PbO-type alpha-FeSe compound. A key observation is that the clean superconducting phase exists only in those samples prepared with intentional Se deficiency. FeSe, compared with LaOFeAs, is less toxic and much easier to handle. What is truly striking is that this compound has the same, perhaps simpler, planar crystal sublattice as the layered oxypnictides. Therefore, this result provides an opportunity to better understand the underlying mechanism of superconductivity in this class of unconventional superconductors.

Electrochemical Performance of Orthorhombic CsPbI3 Perovskite in Li-Ion Batteries.

A facile solution process was employed to prepare CsPbI3 as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray data confirms the orthorhombic phase of CsPbI3 at room temperature. As obtained from bond valence calculations, strained bonds between Pb and I are identified within PbI6 octahedral units. Morphological study shows that the as-prepared δ-CsPbI3 forms a nanorod-like structure. The XPS analysis confirm the presence of Cs (3d, 4d), Pb (4d, 4f, 5d) and I (3p, 3d, 4d). The lithiation process involves both intercalation and conversion reactions, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and first-principles calculations. Impedance spectroscopy coupled with the distribution function of relaxation times identifies charge transfer processes due to Li metal foil and anode/electrolyte interfaces. An initial discharge capacity of 151 mAhg-1 is found to continuously increase to reach a maximum of ~275 mAhg-1 at 65 cycles, while it drops to ~240 mAhg-1 at 75 cycles and then slowly decreases to 235 mAhg-1 at 100 cycles. Considering the performance and structural integrity during electrochemical performance, δ-CsPbI3 is a promising material for future Li-ion battery (LIB) application.

Generation of Self-Assembled 3D Network in TPU by Insertion of Al2O3/h-BN Hybrid for Thermal Conductivity Enhancement.

Thermal management has become one of the crucial factors in designing electronic equipment and therefore creating composites with high thermal conductivity is necessary. In this work, a new insight on hybrid filler strategy is proposed to enhance the thermal conductivity in Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). Firstly, spherical aluminium oxide/hexagonal boron nitride (ABN) functional hybrid fillers are synthesized by the spray drying process. Then, ABN/TPU thermally conductive composite material is produced by melt mixing and hot pressing. Then, ABN/TPU thermally conductive composite material is produced by melt mixing and hot pressing. Our results demonstrate that the incorporation of spherical hybrid ABN filler assists in the formation of a three-dimensional continuous heat conduction structure that enhances the thermal conductivity of the neat thermoplastic TPU matrix. Hence, we present a valuable method for preparing the thermal interface materials (TIMs) with high thermal conductivity, and this method can also be applied to large-scale manufacturing.

Ultrafast dynamics of quasiparticles and coherent acoustic phonons in slightly underdoped (BaK)Fe2As2.

We have utilized ultrafast optical spectroscopy to study carrier dynamics in slightly underdoped (BaK)Fe2As2 crystals without magnetic transition. The photoelastic signals due to coherent acoustic phonons have been quantitatively investigated. According to our temperature-dependent results, we found that the relaxation component of superconducting quasiparticles persisted from the superconducting state up to at least 70 K in the normal state. Our findings suggest that the pseudogaplike feature in the normal state is possibly the precursor of superconductivity. We also highlight that the pseudogap feature of K-doped BaFe2As2 is different from that of other iron-based superconductors, including Co-doped or P-doped BaFe2As2.

Optoelectronic Characterization of Ta-Doped ZnO Thin Films by Pulsed Laser Deposition.

Transparent conductive oxide of Ta-doped ZnO (TZO) film with doping amount of 3.0 wt% have been deposited on glass substrates (Corning Eagle XG) at substrate temperatures of 100 to 500 degrees C by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The effect of substrate temperature on the structural, optical and electronic characteristics of Ta-doped ZnO (TZO) films with 3.0 wt% dopant of tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) was measured and demonstrated in terms of X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), four-probe and Hall-effect measurements. X-ray diffraction pattern shows that TZO films grow in hexagonal crystal structure of wurtzite phase with a preferred orientation of the crystallites along (002) direction and exhibits better physical characteristics of optical transmittance, electrical conductivity, carrier concentration and mobility for the application of window layer in the optoelectronic devices of solar cells, OLEDs and LEDs. The lowest electrical resistivity (ρ) and the highest carrier concentration of the as-deposited film deposited at 300 degrees C are measured as 2.6 x 10(-3) Ω-cm and 3.87 x 10(-20) cm(-3), respectively. The highest optical transmittance of the as-deposited film deposited at 500 degrees C is shown to be 93%, compared with another films deposited below 300 degrees C. It is found that electrical and optical properties of the as-deposited TZO film are greatly dependent on substrate temperature during laser ablation deposition.

CuBr2--a new multiferroic material with high critical temperature.

A new multiferroic material, CuBr(2) , is reported for the first time. CuBr(2) has not only a high transition temperature (close to liquid nitrogen temperature) but also low dielectric loss and strong magnetoelectric coupling. These findings reveal the importance of anion effects, in the search for the high temperature multiferroics materials among these low-dimensional spin systems.