Degenerated Hole Doping and Ultra-Low Lattice Thermal Conductivity in Polycrystalline SnSe by Nonequilibrium Isovalent Te Substitution

Tin mono-selenide (SnSe) exhibits the world record of thermoelectric conversion efficiency ZT in the single crystal form, but the performance of polycrystalline SnSe is restricted by low electronic conductivity (σ) and high thermal conductivity (κ), compared to those of the single crystal. Here an effective strategy to achieve high σ and low κ simultaneously is reported on p-type polycrystalline SnSe with isovalent Te ion substitution. The nonequilibrium Sn(Se1- x Tex ) solid solution bulks with x up to 0.4 are synthesized by the two-step process composed of high-temperature solid-state reaction and rapid thermal quenching. The Te ion substitution in SnSe realizes high σ due to the 103 -times increase in hole carrier concentration and effectively reduced lattice κ less than one-third at room temperature. The large-size Te ion in Sn(Se1- x Tex ) forms weak SnTe bonds, leading to the high-density formation of hole-donating Sn vacancies and the reduced phonon frequency and enhanced phonon scattering. This result-doping of large-size ions beyond the equilibrium limit-proposes a new idea for carrier doping and controlling thermal properties to enhance the ZT of polycrystalline SnSe.

High-Mobility Metastable Rock-Salt Type (Sn,Ca)Se Thin Film Stabilized by Direct Epitaxial Growth on a YSZ (111) Single-Crystal Substrate

Metastable cubic (Sn_1-xPb_x)Se with x ≥ 0.5 is expected to be a high mobility semiconductor due to its Dirac-like electronic state, but it has an excessively high carrier concentration of ∼10¹⁹ cm^-3 and is not suitable for semiconductor device applications such as thin film transistors and solar cells. Further, thin films of (Sn_1-xPb_x)Se require a complicated synthesis process because of the high vapor pressure of Pb. We herein report the direct growth of metastable cubic (Sn_1-xCa_x)Se films alloyed with CaSe, which has a wider bandgap and lower vapor pressure than PbSe. The cubic (Sn_1-xCa_x)Se epitaxial films with x = 0.4-0.8 are stabilized on YSZ (111) single crystalline substrates by pulsed laser deposition. (Sn_1-xCa_x)Se has a direct-transition-type bandgap, and the bandgap energy can be varied from 1.4 eV (x = 0.4) to 2.0 eV (x = 0.8) by changing x. These films with x = 0.4-0.6 show p-type conduction with low hole carrier concentrations of ∼10¹⁷ cm^-3. Hall mobility analysis suggests that the hole transport would be dominated by 180° rotational domain structures, which is specific to (111) oriented epitaxial films. However, it, in turn, clarifies that the in-grain carrier mobility in the (Sn_0.6Ca_0.4)Se film is as high as 322 cm²/(Vs), which is much higher than those in thermodynamically stable layered SnSe and other Sn-based layered semiconductor films at room temperature. Therefore, the present results prove the potential of high mobility (Sn_1-xCa_x)Se films for semiconductor device applications via a simple thin-film deposition process.

Magnetic and Optical Properties of Au-Co Solid Solution and Phase-Separated Thin Films and Nanoparticles

The chemical composition and morphology of Au_xCo_1-x thin films and nanoparticles are controlled via a combination of cosputtering, pulsed laser-induced dewetting (PLiD), and annealing, leading to tunable magnetic and optical properties. Regardless of chemical composition, the as-deposited thin films and as-PLiD nanoparticles are found to possess a face-centered cubic (FCC) Au_xCo_1-x solid-solution crystal structure. Annealing results in large phase-separated grains of Au and Co in both the thin films and nanostructures for all chemical compositions. The magnetic and optical properties are characterized via vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), ellipsometry, optical transmission spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Despite the exceptionally high magnetic anisotropy inherent to Co, the presence of sufficient Au (72 atom %) in the Au_xCo_1-x solid solution results in superparamagnetic thin films. Among the as-PLiD nanoparticle samples, an increased Co composition leads to a departure from traditional ferromagnetism in favor of wasp-waisted hysteresis caused by magnetic vortices. Phase separation resulting from annealing leads to ferromagnetism for all compositions in both the thin films and nanoparticles. The optical properties of Au_xCo_1-x nanostructures are also largely influenced by the chemical morphology, where the Au_xCo_1-x intermixed solid solution has significantly damped plasmonic performance relative to pure Au and comparable to pure Co. Phase separation greatly enhances the quality factor, optical absorption, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) signatures. The enhancement of the localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) scales with the reduction in Co composition, despite EELS evidence that excitation of the Co portions of a nanoparticle can provide a similar, and in some instances enhanced, LSPR resonance compared to Au. This behavior, however, is seemingly limited to the LSPR dipole mode, while higher-order modes are greatly damped by a Co aloof position. This observed magneto-plasmonic functionality and tunability could be applicable in biomedicine, namely, cancer therapeutics.

Two-Dimensional TiVC Solid-Solution MXene as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes are attractive candidates as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates because of their metallic conductivity and abundant surface terminations. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of bimetallic solid-solution TiVC (MXene) and its application in SERS. The few-layered MXene nanosheets with high crystallinity were successfully prepared using a one-step chemical etching method without ultrasonic and organic solvent intercalation steps. SERS activity of the as-prepared MXene was investigated by fabricating free-standing TiVC film as the substrate. A SERS enhancement factor of 10¹² and femtomolar-level detection limit were confirmed using rhodamine 6G as a model dye with 532 nm excitation. The fluorescent signal of the rhodamine 6G dye was effectively quenched, making the SERS spectrum clearly distinguishable. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the TiVC-analyte system with ultrahigh sensitivity is dominated by the chemical mechanism (CM) based on the experimental and simulation results. The abundant density of states near the Fermi level of the TiVC and the strong interaction between the TiVC and analyte promote the intermolecular charge transfer resonance in the TiVC-analyte complex, resulting in significant Raman enhancement. Additionally, several other probe molecules were used for SERS detection to further verify CM-based selectivity enhancement on the TiVC substrates. This work provides guidance for the facile synthesis of 2D MXene and its application in ultrasensitive SERS detection.

Cobalt Element Effect of Ternary Mesoporous Cerium Lanthanum Solid Solution for the Catalytic Conversion of Methanol and CO2 into Dimethyl Carbonate

A citric acid ligand assisted self-assembly method is used for the synthesis of ternary mesoporous cerium lanthanum solid solution doped with metal elements (Co, Zr, Mg). Their textural property was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and TPD techniques, and so on. The results of catalytic testing for synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CH₃OH and CO₂ indicated that the DMC yield reached 316 mmol/g on Ce-La-Co solid solution when the reaction temperature was 413 K and the reaction pressure was 8.0 MPa. It was found that Co had synergistic effect with La and Ce, doping of Co on the mesoporous Ce-La solid solution was helpful to increase the surface area of the catalyst, promote CO₂ adsorption and activation, and improve the redox performance of solid solution catalyst. The conversion of Co²⁺ to Co³⁺ resulted in the continuous redox cycle between Ce⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺, and the oxygen vacancy content of the catalyst was increased. Studies have shown that the catalytic performance of Ce-La-Co solid solution is positively correlated with oxygen vacancy content. On this basis, the reaction mechanism of DMC synthesis from CO₂ and CH₃OH on the catalyst was speculated.

One-step synthesis of vanadium-doped anatase mesocrystals for Li-ion battery anodes

Here we report a successful one-step synthesis of vanadium-doped anatase mesocrystals by reactive annealing of NH₄TiOF₃/PEG2000 mesocrystal precursors with NH₄VO₃. The formation solid solution Ti_1-xV_xO₂with vanadium content up tox = 25 at% inheriting the structure of mesocrystals is observed for the first time. The doping mechanism via vapor phase transport of vanadium is proposed. The Ti_1-xV_xO₂mesocrystals exhibit improved specific capacity of 175 mAh g^-1(compared to 150 mAh g^-1for pure anatase phase) and decreased potential gap between charge and discharge processes.

Synthesis and Enhanced Light Photocatalytic Activity of Modulating Band BiOBrXI1-X Nanosheets

The photocatalysis technique has been proven to be a promising method to solve environmental pollution in situations of energy shortage, and has been intensively investigated in the field of pollutant degradation. In this work, a band structure-controlled solid solution of BiOBr_XI_1−X (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 1.00) with highly efficient light-driven photocatalytic activities was successfully synthesized via simple solvothermal methods. The phase composition, crystal structure, morphology, internal molecular vibration, optical properties, and energy band structure were characterized and analyzed by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, Raman, and UV Vis DRS. To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of BiOBr_XI_1−X, rhodamine B was selected as an organic pollutant. In particular, BiOBr_0.15I_0.85 displayed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity by virtue of modulating the energy band position, optimizing redox potentials, and accelerating carrier separation. Moreover, the enhancement mechanism was elucidated on the basis of band structure engineering, which provides ideas for the design of highly active photocatalysts for practical application in the fields of environmental issues and energy conservation.

The Effect of Boron on the Microstructure and Properties of Refractory Metal Intermetallic Composites (RM(Nb)ICs) Based on Nb-24Ti-xSi (x = 16, 17 or 18 at.%) with Additions of Al, Cr or Mo

This paper is about metallic ultra-high temperature materials, in particular, refractory metal intermetallic composites based on Nb, i.e., RM(Nb)ICs, with the addition of boron, which are compared with refractory metal high entropy alloys (RHEAs) or refractory metal complex concentrated alloys (RCCAs). We studied the effect of B addition on the density, macrosegregation, microstructure, hardness and oxidation of four RM(Nb)IC alloys, namely the alloys TT2, TT3, TT4 and TT8 with nominal compositions (at.%) Nb-24Ti-16Si-5Cr-7B, Nb-24Ti-16Si-5Al-7B, Nb-24Ti-18Si-5Al-5Cr-8B and Nb-24Ti-17Si-3.5Al-5Cr-6B-2Mo, respectively. The alloys made it possible to compare the effect of B addition on density, hardness or oxidation with that of Ge or Sn addition. The alloys were made using arc melting and their microstructures were characterised in the as cast and heat-treated conditions. The B macrosegregation was highest in TT8. The macrosegregation of Si or Ti increased with the addition of B and was lowest in TT8. The alloy TT8 had the lowest density of 6.41 g/cm3 and the highest specific strength at room temperature, which was also higher than that of RCCAs and RHEAs. The Nbss and T2 silicide were stable in the alloys TT2 and TT3, whereas in TT4 and TT8 the stable phases were the Nbss and the T2 and D88 silicides. Compared with the Ge or Sn addition in the same reference alloy, the B and Ge addition was the least and most effective at 800 °C (i.e., in the pest regime), when no other RM was present in the alloy. Like Ge or Sn, the B addition in TT2, TT3 and TT4 did not suppress scale spallation at 1200 °C. Only the alloy TT8 did not pest and its scales did not spall off at 800 and 1200 °C. The macrosegregation of Si and Ti, the chemical composition of Nbss and T2, the microhardness of Nbss and the hardness of alloys, and the oxidation of the alloys at 800 and 1200 °C were also viewed from the perspective of the alloy design methodology NICE and relationships with the alloy or phase parameters VEC, δ and Δχ. The trends of these parameters and the location of alloys and phases in parameter maps were found to be in agreement with NICE.

A Review on the High Temperature Strengthening Mechanisms of High Entropy Superalloys (HESA)

The studies following HEA inceptions were apparently motivated to search for single-phase solid solution over intermetallic phases, accordingly made possible by the concept of high configurational entropy. However, it was realised that the formation of intermetallic phases in HEAs is prevalent due to other criterions that determine stable phases. Nonetheless, recent efforts have been directed towards attributes of microstructural combinations. In this viewpoint, the techniques used to predict microstructural features and methods of microstructural characterisation are elucidated in HESA fields. The study further analyses shortcomings regarding the design approaches of HESAs. A brief history is given into how HESAs were developed since their birth, to emphasize the evaluation techniques used to elucidate high temperature properties of HESAs, and the incentive thereof that enabled further pursuit of HESAs in the direction of optimal microstructure and composition. The theoretical models of strengthening mechanisms in HEAs are explained. The impact of processing route on the HESAs performance is analysed from previous studies. Thereafter, the future of HESAs in the market is conveyed from scientific opinion. Previous designs of HEAs/HESAs were more based on evaluation experiments, which lead to an extended period of research and considerable use of resources; currently, more effort is directed towards computational and theoretical methods to accelerate the exploration of huge HEA composition space.

TiCoCrFeMn (BCC + C14) High-Entropy Alloy Multiphase Structure Analysis Based on the Theory of Molecular Orbitals

High-entropy alloys (HEA) are a group of modern, perspective materials that have been intensively developed in recent years due to their superior properties and potential applications in many fields. The complexity of their chemical composition and the further interactions of main elements significantly inhibit the prediction of phases that may form during material processing. Thus, at the design stage of HEA fabrication, the molecular orbitals theory was proposed. In this method, the connection of the average strength of covalent bonding between the alloying elements (Bo parameter) and the average energy level of the d-orbital (parameter Md) enables for a preliminary assessment of the phase structure and the type of lattice for individual components in the formed alloy. The designed TiCoCrFeMn alloy was produced by the powder metallurgy method, preceded by mechanical alloying of the initial elementary powders and at the temperature of 1050 °C for 60 s. An ultra-fine-grained structured alloy was homogenized at 1000 °C for 1000 h. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the correctness of the methodology proposed as the assumed phase structure consisted of the body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solution and the C14 Laves phase was obtained.

Improvement in Solubility and Absorption of Nifedipine Using Solid Solution: Correlations between Surface Free Energy and Drug Dissolution

Ternary solid solutions composed of nifedipine (NDP), amino methacrylate copolymer (AMCP), and polysorbate (PS) 20, 60, or 65 were prepared using a solvent evaporation method. The dissolution profiles of NDP were used to study the effect of the addition of polysorbate based on hydrophilic properties. A solid solution of NDP and AMCP was recently developed; however, the dissolution of NDP was <70%. In the present study, polysorbate was added to improve the dissolution of the drug by altering its hydrophilicity. The suitable formulation contained NDP and AMCP at a ratio of 1:4 and polysorbate at a concentration of 0.1%, 0.3%, or 0.6%. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction were used to examine the solid solutions. No peak representing crystalline NDP was observed in any solid solution samples, suggesting that the drug was molecularly dispersed in AMCP. The NDP dissolution from NDP powder and solid solution without PS were 16.82% and 58.19%, respectively. The highest dissolution of NDP of approximately 95.25% was noted at 120 min for the formulation containing 0.6% PS20. Linear correlations were observed between the surface free energy and percentages of dissolved NDP (R² = 0.7115–0.9315). Cellular uptake across Caco-2 was selected to determine the drug permeability. The percentages of cellular uptake from the NDP powder, solid solution without and with PS20 were 0.25%, 3.60%, and 7.27%, respectively.

Lanthanum and Manganese Co-Doping Effects on Structural, Morphological, and Magnetic Properties of Sol-Gel Derived BiFeO3

In this work, lanthanum and manganese co-substitution effects on different properties of bismuth ferrite solid solutions Bi_1-xLa_xFe_0.85Mn_0.15O₃ (x from 0 to 1) prepared by a sol-gel synthetic approach have been investigated. It was observed that the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of obtained specimens are influenced by the amount of introduced La³⁺ ions. Surprisingly, only the compound with a composition of BiFe_0.85Mn_0.15O₃ was not monophasic, and the presence of neighboring phases was determined from X-ray diffraction analysis and Mössbauer measurements. Structural transitions from orthorhombic to cubic and back to orthorhombic were also observed depending on the La³⁺ amount. Antiferromagnetic behaviour was observed for all of the samples, with the highest magnetisation values for Bi_0.5La_0.5Fe_0.85Mn_0.15O₃. Additionally, structural attributes and morphological features were evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively.

Entropy-Induced Multivalley Band Structures Improve Thermoelectric Performance in p-Cu7P(SxSe1-x)6 Argyrodites

Searching for novel low-cost and eco-friendly materials for energy conversion is a good way to provide widespread utilization of thermoelectric technologies. Herein, we report the thermal behavior, phase equilibria data, and thermoelectric properties for the promising argyrodite-based Cu₇P(S_xSe_1-x)₆ thermoelectrics. Alloying of Cu₇PSe₆ with Cu₇PS₆ provides a continuous solid solution over the whole compositional range, as shown in the proposed phase diagram for the Cu₇PS₆-Cu₇PSe₆ system. As a member of liquid-like materials, the investigated Cu₇P(S_xSe_1-x)₆ solid solutions possess a dramatically low lattice thermal conductivity, as low as ∼0.2-0.3 W m^-1 K^-1, over the entire temperature range. Engineering the configurational entropy of the material by introducing more elements stabilizes the thermoelectrically beneficial high-symmetry γ-phase and promotes the multivalley electronic structure of the valence band. As a result, a remarkable improvement of the Seebeck coefficient and a reduction of electrical resistivity were observed for the investigated alloys. The combined effect of the extremely low lattice thermal conductivity and enhanced power factor leads to the significant enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT up to ∼0.75 at 673 K for the Cu₇P(S_xSe_1-x)₆ (x = 0.5) sample with the highest configurational entropy, which is around twice higher compared with the pure selenide and almost four times higher than sulfide. This work not only demonstrates the large potential of Cu₇P(S_xSe_1-x)₆ materials for energy conversion but also promotes sulfide argyrodites as earth-abundant and environmentally friendly materials for energy conversion.

Light-Induced Nonoxidative Coupling of Methane Using Stable Solid Solutions

Achieving efficient and direct conversion of methane under mild conditions is of great significance for innovations in the chemical industry. However, the efficiency and lifetime of most catalysts remain too far from practical requirements, since it is difficult to break the first C-H bond of methane as well as to suppress the following complete dehydrogenation (or overoxidation) and the resulting carbonaceous deposition (or CO₂ ). Here, we report that wurtzite GaN:ZnO solid solutions exhibit unique and unprecedented photocatalytic performances for the nonoxidative coupling of methane at room temperature, exclusively generating ethane with nearly stoichiometric H₂ . High conversion rate (>330 μmol g^-1  h^-1 ), long-term stability (>70 h), and superior coke-resistance were achieved. At 293 K, the methane conversion exceeds 7 %, comparable to the equilibrium conversion of thermal catalysis at 910 K. Mechanistic studies revealed that the N-Zn_Ga -O_N units and the absence of acid sites on the surface played crucial roles in reactivity and coke resistance, respectively.

Ni-Cu High-Loaded Sol-Gel Catalysts for Dehydrogenation of Liquid Organic Hydrides: Insights into Structural Features and Relationship with Catalytic Activity

The heightened interest in liquid organic hydrogen carriers encourages the development of catalysts suitable for multicycle use. To ensure high catalytic activity and selectivity, the structure-reactivity relationship must be extensively investigated. In this study, high-loaded Ni-Cu catalysts were considered for the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane. The highest conversion of 85% and toluene selectivity of 70% were achieved at 325 °C in a fixed-bed reactor using a catalyst with a Cu/Ni atomic ratio of 0.23. To shed light on the relationship between the structural features and catalytic performance, the catalysts were thoroughly studied using a wide range of advanced physicochemical tools. The activity and selectivity of the proposed catalysts are related to the uniformity of Cu distribution and its interaction with Ni via the formation of metallic solid solutions. The method of introduction of copper in the catalyst plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the interaction between the two metals.

Efficient and Tunable Luminescence in Ga2-xInxO3:Cr3+ for Near-Infrared Imaging

Broadband near-infrared (NIR) emitting materials are in great demand as next-generation smart NIR light sources. In this work, a Cr³⁺-substituted phosphor capable of efficiently converting visible to NIR light is developed through the solid solution, Ga_2-xIn_xO₃:Cr³⁺ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5). The compounds were prepared using high-temperature solid-state synthesis, and the crystal and electronic structure, morphology, site preference, and photoluminescence properties are studied. The photoluminescence results demonstrate a high quantum yield (88%) and impressive absorption efficiency (50%) when x = 0.4. The NIR emission is tunable across a wide range (713-820 nm) depending on the value of x. Moreover, fabricating a prototype of a phosphor-converted NIR light-emitting diode (LED) device using 450 nm LED and the [(Ga_1.57Cr_0.03)In_0.4]O₃ phosphor showed an output power that reached 40.4 mW with a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 25% driven by a current of 60 mA, while the resulting device was able to identify damaged produce that was undetectable using visible light. These results demonstrate the outstanding potential of this phosphor for NIR LED imaging applications.

Generalizing the Chiral Self-Assembly of Spheres and Tetrahedra to Non-Spherical and Polydisperse Molecules in (C70)x(C60)1-x(SnI4)2

We describe the spontaneous chiral self-assembly of C₇₀ with SnI₄ as well as a mixture of C₆₀ and C₇₀ with SnI₄. Macroscopic single crystals with the formula (C₇₀)_x(C₆₀)_1-x(SnI₄)₂ (x = 0-1) are reported. C_60, which is spherical, and C₇₀, which is ellipsoidal, form a solid solution in these crystals, and the cubic lattice parameter of the chiral phase linearly increases as x grows from 0 to 1 in accordance with Vegard's law. Our results demonstrate that nonspherical particles and polydispersity are not an impediment to the growth of chiral crystals from high-symmetry achiral precursors, providing a route to assemble achiral particles including colloidal nanocrystals and engineered nanostructures into chiral materials without the need to use external templates or forces.

Deformation Mechanisms and Remarkable Strain Hardening in Single-Crystalline High-Entropy-Alloy Micropillars/Nanopillars

There have been very limited studies on plastic deformation mechanisms in single-crystalline high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with body-centered cubic (BCC) phases. We performed in situ uniaxial compression on single-crystalline BCC AlCrFeCoNi micropillars/nanopillars with three orientations (including [100], [110], and [111]) and diameters of 270-1583 nm, inside a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results showed the significant size effects on yield/flow stress and the remarkable strain hardening in these HEA micropillars/nanopillars. Especially, HEA micropillars/nanopillars with ⟨100⟩ orientation exhibited higher strain hardening exponents than BCC pure metals and Al_0.7CrCoFeNi counterparts. A combination of transmission electron microscopy observations and large-scale atomistic simulations revealed that dislocation slip, reaction, tangling and accumulation, and solid solution effects are responsible for the observed size effects on yield/flow stress and remarkable strain hardening, but these dislocation mechanisms are dependent on nanopillar orientation. Our present study sheds light on the underlying deformation mechanisms in BCC HEA single crystals.

The Formation of Mn-Ce Oxide Catalysts for CO Oxidation by Oxalate Route: The Role of Manganese Content

The Mn-Ce oxide catalysts active in the oxidation of CO were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), transition electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX), and a differential dissolution technique. The Mn-Ce catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposition of oxalates by varying the Mn:Ce ratio. The nanocrystalline oxides with a fluorite structure and particle sizes of 4–6 nm were formed. The introduction of manganese led to a reduction of the oxide particle size, a decrease in the surface area, and the formation of a Mn_yCe_1−yO_2−δ solid solution. An increase in the manganese content resulted in the formation of manganese oxides such as Mn₂O₃, Mn₃O₄, and Mn₅O₈. The catalytic activity as a function of the manganese content had a volcano-like shape. The best catalytic performance was exhibited by the catalyst containing ca. 50 at.% Mn due to the high specific surface area, the formation of the solid solution, and the maximum content of the solid solution.

An Unexpected Cubic Symmetry in Group IV Alloys Prepared Using Pressure and Temperature

The cubic diamond (Fd3‾m) group IVA element Si has been the material driver of the electronics industry since its inception. We report synthesis of a new cubic (Im3‾m) group IVA material, a GeSn solid solution, upon heating Ge and Sn at pressures from 13 to 28 GPa using double‐sided diamond anvil laser‐heating and large volume press methods. Both methods were coupled with in situ angle dispersive X‐ray diffraction characterization. The new material substantially enriches the seminal group IVA alloy materials landscape by introducing an eightfold coordinated cubic symmetry, which markedly expands on the conventional tetrahedrally coordinated cubic one. This cubic solid solution is formed, despite Ge never adopting the Im3‾m symmetry, melting inhibiting subsequent Im3‾m formation and reactant Ge and Sn having unlike crystal structures and atomic radii at all these pressures. This is hence achieved without adherence to conventional formation criteria and routes to synthesis. This advance creates fertile avenues for new materials development.

Boosting Thermoelectric Properties of AgBi3(SeyS1-y)5 Solid Solution via Entropy Engineering

AgBi₃S₅ is an environmentally friendly n-type thermoelectric material composed of earth-abundant and nontoxic elements. It has a complex monoclinic structure with distorted NaCl-type fragments, which provide its intrinsically low thermal conductivity. However, poor electrical properties limit its overall performance. Configurational entropy engineering is an effective method to enhance thermoelectric properties. With the increase of configurational entropy, phonon point defect scattering is amplified, yielding lower lattice thermal conductivity, while the structure symmetry can also be improved, which leads to the enhanced electrical transport property. In this study, we combine carrier modulation and entropy engineering, utilizing melting-annealing and spark plasma sintering, to synthesize a series of AgBi₃(Se_yS_1-y)_5.08 bulks. Se substitution effectively increases the configurational entropy and thus dramatically decreases the thermal conductivity. Moreover, anion deficiency modulation effectively optimizes the carrier concentration and the electrical transport properties. Due to a power factor of 2.7 μW/(cm·K²) and a low thermal conductivity of 0.45 W/(m·K) at 723 K, the AgBi₃(Se_0.9S_0.1)_5.08 sample possesses the highest ZT of 0.42 at 723 K, nearly double the value of AgBi₃S_5.08 or pristine AgBi₃S₅. Our work demonstrates that apart from carrier optimization, entropy engineering opens a new avenue for enhancing the thermoelectric properties of a given material.

Perovskite Oxynitride Solid Solutions of LaTaON2-CaTaO2N with Greatly Enhanced Photogenerated Charge Separation for Solar-Driven Overall Water Splitting

The search for solar-driven photocatalysts for overall water splitting has been actively pursued. Although metal oxynitrides with metal d0/d10-closed shell configuration are very promising candidates in terms of their visible light absorption, they usually suffer from serious photo-generated charge recombination and thus, little photoactivity. Here, by forming their solid solutions of LaTaON2 and CaTaO2N, which are traditionally considered to be inorganic yellow-red pigments but have poor photocatalytic activity, a class of promising solar-driven photocatalysts La1- x Ca x TaO1+yN2- y (0 ≤ x, y ≤ 1) are explored. In particular, the optimal photocatalyst with x = 0.9 has the ability of realizing overall water splitting with stoichiometric H2/O2 ratio under the illumination of both AM1.5 simulated solar light and visible light. The modulated key parameters including band structure, Ta bonding environment, defects concentration, and band edge alignments revealed in La0.1Ca0.9TaO1+ y N2- y have substantially promoted the separation of photogenerated charge carriers with sufficient energetics for water oxidation and reduction reactions. The results obtained in this study provide an important candidate for designing efficient solar-driven photocatalysts for overall water splitting.

Nanocage-Shaped Co3- x Zrx O4 Solid-Solution Supports Loaded with Pt Nanoparticles as Effective Catalysts for the Enhancement of Toluene Oxidation

Nanocage-shaped Co_{3- x} Zr_x O₄ solid-solution supports and the corresponding platinum loaded nanocomposites, yPt/Co_{3- x} Zr_x O₄ (x =0.27, 0.50, 0.69; y = 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 wt.%), are successfully fabricated via a Cu₂ O nanocube hard template method and a glycol reduction method, respectively. The hollow nanocage structures obviously improve surface areas; moreover, the Zr doping forms the Co_{3- x} Zr_x O₄ solid-solution supports, and the corresponding yPt/Co_{3- x} Zr_x O₄ catalysts promote the enhancement of catalytic performance. Catalytic activity toward toluene combustion is enhanced for the 2.0 wt% Pt/Co_2.73 Zr_0.27 O₄ catalyst. The catalysts are characterized using multiple techniques. Pt nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed across the Co_2.73 Zr_0.27 O₄ nanocage surface. The 2.0 wt% Pt/Co_2.73 Zr_0.27 O₄ catalyst exhibits the highest catalytic activity among all the samples and demonstrates good stability, with 90% toluene conversion obtained at a temperature of 165 °C. The same catalyst accomplishes full toluene oxidation at 180 °C, at a weight hourly space velocity of 36 000 mL h^-1 g^-1 . The apparent activation energy (E_a ) over the yPt/Co_2.73 Zr_0.27 O₄ samples are significantly lower than those over the Co_{3- x} Zr_x O₄ supports, with the 2.0 wt% Pt/Co_2.73 Zr_0.27 O₄ catalyst exhibiting the lowest E_a value. These findings demonstrate the potential of the 2.0 wt% Pt/Co_2.73 Zr_0.27 O₄ catalyst as a promising catalyst toward atmospheric toluene removal.

Binary Phase Behavior of 1,3-Distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (SOS) and Trilaurin (LLL)

This paper reports the precise analysis of the eutectic mixing behavior of 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (SOS) and trilaurin (LLL), as a typical model case of the mixture of cocoa butter (CB) and cocoa butter substitute (CBS). SOS was mixed with LLL at several mass fractions of LLL (w_LLL); the mixtures obtained were analyzed for polymorphic phase behavior using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffractometry (SR-XRD). In melt crystallization with constant-rate cooling, SOS and LLL formed eutectics in their metastable polymorphs, allowing the occurrence of a compatible solid solution at w_LLL ≥ 0.925. With subsequent heating, the resultant crystals transformed toward more stable polymorphs, then melted in a eutectic manner. For mixtures aged at 25 °C after melt crystallization, eutectics were found in the extended w_LLL region, even at w_LLL = 0.975. These results indicate that phase separation between SOS and LLL progressed in their solid solution under stabilization. The crystal growth of the separated SOS fraction may cause fat-bloom formation in compound chocolate containing CB and CBS. To solve this problem, the development of retardation techniques against phase separation is expected.

Novel narrow band red emitters based on mixed metal oxides and their application in hybrid white light-emitting diodes

A series of high-efficiency narrow band red-emitting La₂ M₂ O₉ :Eu³⁺ (M = Mo/W) phosphors for white LEDs was synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction method. All the compositions show absorption in the near ultraviolet (UV) light region due to charge transfer from O to M (M = W and Mo). In order to investigate the luminescence quenching effect, the Eu³⁺ concentration was varied in the La₂ M₂ O₉ lattice. The tungstate analogue had a quantum yield of 46.5%, whereas the molybdate equivalent had a comparatively subordinate value (15.4%). The phosphor could be competently excited by ~395 or 465 nm photons (could be integrated well with a near-UV or blue LED chip) and showed dominant red emission electric-dipole transition (⁵ D₀ →⁷ F₂ ) with sharp spectral lines due to 4f-4f electronic transition of the Eu³⁺ ion and potential red-emitting colour converters for white LEDs. The red LED was fabricated by integrating the best phosphor composition with a near-UV LED and a white hybrid LED was fabricated by conjugating with a yellow organic dye and a red phosphor with near-UV LEDs. The white hybrid LED showed an excellent colour rendering index (83%), with CIE colour coordinates (0.313, 0.365) and CCT (6280 K).

Knowledge-Based Descriptor for the Compositional Dependence of the Phase Transition in BaTiO3-Based Ferroelectrics

Descriptors play a central role in constructing composition-structure-property relationships to guide materials design. We propose a material descriptor, δτ, for the composition dependence of the Curie temperature (T_c) on single doping elements in BaTiO₃ ferroelectrics, which is then generalized to a linear combination of multiple dopants in the solid solutions. The descriptor δτ depends linearly on the Curie temperature and also serves to separate the ferroelectric phase from the relaxor phase. We compare δτ to other commonly used descriptors such as the tolerance factor, electronegativity, and ionic displacement. By using regression analysis on our assembled experimental data, we show how it outperforms other descriptors. We use the trained machine-learned models to predict compositions in our search space with the largest ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties, namely, d₃₃, electrostrain, and recoverable energy storage density. We experimentally verify our predictions for T_c and classification into ferroelectrics and relaxors by synthesizing and characterizing six solid solutions in BaTiO₃ ferroelectrics. Our definition of δτ can shed light on the design of knowledge-based descriptors in other systems such as Pb-based and Bi-based solid solutions.

Crystal structures of catena-poly[[μ-aqua-di-aqua(μ3-2-methyl-propano-ato-κ4 O:O,O':O')calcium] 2-methyl-propano-ate dihydrate], catena-poly[[μ-aqua-di-aqua-(μ3-2-methyl-propano-ato-κ4 O:O,O':O')strontium] 2-methyl-propano-ate dihydrate] and catena-poly[[μ-aqua-di-aqua-(μ3-2-methyl-propano-ato-κ4 O:O,O':O')(calcium/strontium)] 2-methyl-propano-ate dihydrate]

The crystal structures of catena-poly[[μ-aqua-di-aqua-(μ₃-2-methyl-propano-ato-κ⁴ O:O,O':O')calcium] 2-methyl-propano-ate dihydrate], {[Ca(C₄H₇O₂)(H₂O)₃](C₄H₇O₂)·2H₂O} _n , (I), catena-poly[[μ-aqua-di-aqua-(μ₃-2-methyl-propano-ato-κ⁴ O:O,O':O')strontium] 2-methyl-propano-ate dihydrate], {[Sr(C₄H₇O₂)(H₂O)₃](C₄H₇O₂)·2H₂O} _n , (II), and catena-poly[[μ-aqua-di-aqua-(μ₃-2-methyl-propano-ato-κ⁴ O:O,O':O')(calcium/strontium)] 2-methyl-propano-ate dihydrate], {[(Ca,Sr)(C₄H₇O₂)(H₂O)₃](C₄H₇O₂)·2H₂O} _n , (III), are related. (III) can be considered as an Sr-containing solid solution of (I), with Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ occupationally disordered in the ratio 0.7936 (16):0.2064 (16). (I)/(III) and (II) are homeotypic with different space groups of Pbca and Cmce, respectively. All the title crystal structures are composed of hydro-philic sheets containing the cations, carboxyl-ate groups as well as water mol-ecules. The hydro-phobic layers, which consist of 2-methyl-propano-ate chains, surround the hydro-philic sheets from both sides, thus forming a sandwich-like structure extending parallel to (001). The cohesion forces within these sheets are the cation-oxygen bonds and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds of moderate strength. Stacking of these sandwiches along [001] is consolidated by van der Waals forces. The structures contain columns defined by the cation-oxygen inter-actions in which just one symmetry-independent 2-methyl-propano-ate anion is included, together with three water mol-ecules. These mol-ecules participate in an irregular coordination polyhedron composed of eight O atoms around the cation. Additional water mol-ecules as well as the second 2-methyl-propano-ate anion are not part of the coordination sphere. These mol-ecules are connected to the above-mentioned columns by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds of moderate strength. In (II), the Sr²⁺ cation, two of the coordinating water mol-ecules and both anions are situated on a mirror plane with a concomitant positional disorder of the 2-methyl-propyl groups; the non-coordinating water mol-ecule also shows positional disorder of its hydrogen atom.

Indium Doping of Lead-Free Perovskite Cs2SnI6

Structure and properties of an inorganic perovskite Cs₂SnI₆ demonstrated its potential as a light-harvester or electron-hole transport material; however, its optoelectronic properties are poorer than those of lead-based perovskites. Here, we report the way of light tuning of absorption and transport properties of cesium iodostannate(IV) Cs₂SnI₆ via partial heterovalent substitution of tin for indium. Light absorption and optical bandgaps of materials have been investigated by UV-vis absorption and photoluminescent spectroscopies. Low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to study the kind of paramagnetic centers in materials.

A solid solution of ethyl and d 3-methyl 2-[(4-meth-yl-pyridin-2-yl)amino]-4-(pyridin-2-yl)thia-zole-5-carboxyl-ate

The synthesis of ethyl 2-[(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)amino)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)thia-zole- 5-carboxyl-ate via the Hantzsch reaction and partial in situ transesterification during recrystallization from methanol-d ₄ to the d ₃-methyl ester, resulting in the title solid solution, ethyl 2-[(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)amino)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)thia-zole-5-carboxyl-ate-d ₃-methyl 2-[(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)amino)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)thia-zole-5-carboxyl-ate (0.88/0.12), 0.88C₁₇H₁₆N₄O₂S·0.12C₁₆D₃H₁₁N₄O₂S, is reported. The refined ratio of ethyl to d ₃-methyl ester in the crystal is 0.880 (6):0.120 (6). The pyridine ring is significantly twisted out of the plane of the approximately planar picoline thia-zole ester moiety. N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds between the secondary amino group and the pyridine nitro-gen atom of an adjacent symmetry-related mol-ecule link the mol-ecules into polymeric hydrogen-bonded zigzag tapes extending by glide symmetry in the [001] direction. There is structural evidence for intra-molecular N⋯S chalcogen bonding and inter-molecular weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between adjacent zigzag tapes.

Perovskite-Type Solid Solution Nano-Electrocatalysts Enable Simultaneously Enhanced Activity and Stability for Oxygen Evolution

A trade-off between catalytic activity and structural stability generally exists in oxygen evolution electrocatalysis, especially in acidic environment. This dilemma limits the development of higher-performance electrocatalysts that are required by next-generation electrochemical technologies. Here it is demonstrated that the inverse catalytic activity-structural stability relation can be broken by alloying catalytically inert strontium zirconate with the other catalytically active perovskite, strontium iridate. This strategy results in an alloyed perovskite electrocatalyst with simultaneously improved iridium mass activity and structural stability, by about five times, for the oxygen evolution reaction under acidic conditions. The experimental and theoretical results suggest that the alloying strategy generates multiple positive effects, mainly including the reduction of catalyst size, the decrease of catalyst covalency, and the weakening of surface oxygen-binding ability. The synergistic optimization of bulk and surface properties, as a result, enhances the intrinsic activity and availability of surface iridium sites, whilst significantly inhibiting the surface cation corrosion during electrocatalysis.

Lead-Free Perovskite Variant Solid Solutions Cs2 Sn1- x Tex Cl6 : Bright Luminescence and High Anti-Water Stability

Underwater lighting is important for the exploration of the underwater world in different areas. It is of great significance for developing underwater emitters with high penetrability, high luminous efficiency, good anti-water stability, and environmental friendliness. Stable lead-free perovskite luminescent materials, represented by vacancy-ordered double perovskites, are worthy of research because they can almost meet the above requirements. Here, lead-free perovskite variant solid solutions with the formula of Cs₂ Sn_{1- x} Te_x Cl₆ are reported. Upon the exchange of Sn/Te ions, strong Jahn-Teller distortion of octahedra occurs in the lattice structure. The combination of Te luminescent center and Jahn-Teller-like self-trapped excitons gives this material yellow-green luminescence with a wavelength of 580 nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 95.4%. Moreover, these solid solutions can withstand the extreme conditions of immersion in water probably due to the formation of amorphous alteration phase. Such good anti-water stability is also supported by the molecule dynamics simulation result that no reaction occurs on the water/Cs₂ SnCl₆ interface. The high luminous, suitable wavelength, and good anti-water stability enable the solid solutions suitable for the application for underwater lighting.

CuMoxW(1-x)O4 Solid Solution Display Visible Light Photoreduction of CO2 to CH3OH Coupling with Oxidation of Amine to Imine

The photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to valuable fuels is a promising strategy for the prevention of rising atmospheric levels of CO₂ and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. However, most reported photocatalysts are only active in the ultraviolet region, which necessitates co-catalysts and sacrificial agents in the reaction systems, leading to an unsatisfied economy of the process in energy and atoms. In this research, a CuMo_xW_(1-x)O₄ solid solution was synthesized, characterized, and tested for the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ in the presence of amines. The results revealed that the yield of CH₃OH from CO₂ was 1017.7 μmol/g under 24 h visible light irradiation using CuW_0.7Mo_0.3O₄ (x = 0.7) as the catalyst. This was associated with the maximum conversion (82.1%) of benzylamine to N-benzylidene benzylamine with high selectivity (>99%). These results give new insight into the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ for valuable chemical products in an economic way.

Peculiar Structural Effects in Pure and Doped Functional Single Crystals of Complex Compositions

Results of a detailed structural characterization of nominally pure and doped single crystals of scheelite, eulytin, and perovskite families obtained by melt methods were considered and analyzed. The influence of growth and post-growth annealing conditions on actual compositions of crystals is shown. The reasons for the coloration of the crystals are explained. A change in crystal symmetry due to crystal–chemical and growth reasons is considered. The use of structural analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy is substantiated to reveal the role of activator ions in the formation of statistical and local structures, respectively. A relationship between the distribution of activator ions over crystallographic sites and photoluminescent parameters of materials is established, which allows selecting optimal systems for the application. The combined results of studying single-crystal compounds of other classes (huntite, sillenite, whitlockite, garnet, tetragonal bronzes) allow formulating and summarizing structural effects that appeared in the systems and caused by various factors and, in many cases, due to the local environment of cations. A principal difference in the structural behavior of solid solutions and doped compounds is shown. The methodology developed for single-crystal samples of complex compositions can be recommended for the systematic structural studies of functional materials of different compositions.

A Novel Optimization Model and Application of Optimal Formula Design for CuxCo1-xFe2O4 Spinel-Based Coating Slurry in Relation to Near and Middle Infrared Radiation Strengthening

Coating slurry, in which the infrared radiation material is the main content, is applied in industrial furnaces to improve heat transfer and raise efficiency of furnaces. In this study, a Cu_xCo_1-xFe₂O₄ series material with a spinel structure was prepared, and the emissivity of different formulas in two wavebands (3-5 μm and 8-14 μm) was measured. To ensure that the material delivered high emissivity, optimization models were proposed using Matlab software, and proportions of CuO, Co₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ were found to be 16.98%, 16.73% and 66.29%, respectively, in the optimal formula. Thus, using the Cu_xCo_1-xFe₂O₄&nbsp;series material and additives, according to mixture regression method, fifteen formulas of coating slurry were designed, prepared and the emissivities were measured. With the Matlab software optimization model, the content of coating slurry was optimized and the corresponding emissivities were measured to be 0.931 and 0.905 in two wavebands, which is in agreement with the optimized calculation.

Precise Regulation of Carrier Concentration in Thermoelectric BiSbTe Alloys via Magnetic Doping

The Bi₂Te₃-based alloy is the best commercial thermoelectric material around room temperature, although it is extremely difficult to further improve its thermoelectric performance. In this work, we demonstrate that magnetic doping is an effective strategy to regulate the thermoelectric performance of p-type Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃. According to our experiments, it is much more difficult for ferromagnetic Fe/Co to enter the Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ lattice in comparison with diamagnetic Pb, which can be understood by the "like dissolves like" rule. At the same doping content, Fe and Co provide much lower hole carriers than Pb due to their larger carrier thermal activation energies, indicating that Fe and Co as dopants are very applicable for the fine regulation of the carrier concentration. The Fe/Co-doped samples have higher Seebeck coefficients but less carrier mobilities than the Pb-doped sample since the doped magnetic atoms induce additional carrier scattering. Beyond the solid solubility limit, excess Fe/Co represents as the impurity, which can maintain a high carrier concentration due to the metal-semiconductor contact. Finally, the zT values of ∼1.05 and 1.15 near room temperature have been achieved for the samples with 1.71 at. % Co and 1.80 at. % Fe, respectively.

Unravelling the Mystery of Solid Solutions: A Case Study of 89 Y Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Incorporating heteroatoms in functional materials is an invaluable approach to modulate their properties, assuming a solid solution is formed. However, thorough understanding of key structural information on the resulting solid solution, such as the local environment of cations and vacancies, remains a challenge. Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy is a powerful structural characterization tool, very sensitive to the local environment. Due to the difficulty in signal acquisition and spectral interpretation, SSNMR spectroscopy is relatively less known to chemists and materials scientists. Herein, we present an introductory review to demonstrate how to use ⁸⁹ Y SS NMR spectroscopy to unravel the mystery of solid solutions. In general, ⁸⁹ Y chemical shift varies with different cation/vacancy arrangements in Y coordination spheres, providing ultrafine structural information in the atomic scale. As a case study and an extreme condition, the approach demonstrated in this review can be extended to other systems.

Synthesis and crystal structure of ABW-type SrFe1.40V0.60O4

Single crystals of SrFe1.40V0.60O4, strontium tetra-oxidodi[ferrate(III)/vanad-ate(III)], have been obtained as a side product in the course of sinter experiments aimed at the synthesis of double perovskites in the system SrO-Fe2O3-V2O5. The crystal structure can be characterized by layers of six-membered rings of TO4-tetra-hedra (T: FeIII, VIII) perpendicular to [100]. Stacking of the layers along [100] results in a three-dimensional framework enclosing tunnel-like cavities in which SrII cations are incorporated for charge compensation. The sequence of directedness of up (U) and down (D) pointing vertices of neighboring tetra-hedra in a single six-membered ring is UUUDDD. The topology of the tetra-hedral framework belongs to the zeolite-type ABW.

Metals Coprecipitation with Barite: Nano-XRF Observation of Enhanced Strontium Incorporation

Coprecipitation can be an effective treatment method for the removal of environmentally relevant metals from industrial wastewaters such as produced waters from the oil and gas industry. The precipitation of barite, BaSO₄, through the addition of sulfate removes barium while coprecipitating strontium and other alkaline earth metals even when these are present at concentrations below their solubility limit. Among other analytical methods, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) nanospectroscopy at the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (HXN) beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) was used to quantify Sr incorporation into barite. Thermodynamic modeling of (Ba,Sr)SO₄ solid solutions was done using solid solution-aqueous solution (SS-AS) theory. The quantitative, high-resolution nano-XRF data show clearly that the Sr content in (Ba,Sr)SO₄ solid solutions varies widely among particles and even within a single particle. We observed substantial Sr incorporation that is far larger than thermodynamic models predict, likely indicating the formation of metastable solid solutions. We also observed that increasing barite supersaturation of the aqueous phase led to increased Sr incorporation, as predicted by available kinetic models. These results suggest that coprecipitation offers significant potential for designing treatment systems for aqueous metals' removal in desired metastable compositions. Solution conditions may be optimized to enhance the incorporation of Sr by increasing sulfate addition such that the barite saturation index remains above ∼3 or by increasing the aqueous Sr to Ba ratio.

A Metal-Organic-Framework-Derived (Zn0.95Cu0.05)0.6Cd0.4S Solid Solution as Efficient Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Photocatalytic water splitting taking the advantage of using solar energy directly is one of the most effective strategies for hydrogen evolution. The development of facile methods for synthesizing highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for hydrogen production still remains a great challenge. Herein, a metal-organic framework (MOF)-templated strategy was designed for the synthesis of solid solutions of (Zn_0.95Cu_0.05)_1-xCd_xS that exhibit outstanding photocatalytic hydrogen production reaction activity. More importantly, efficient light capturing ability and photogenerated charges separation were accomplished via fine-tuning the composition of the photocatalysts by adjusting the concentrations of doping metals in the template MOFs. Under visible light (λ > 420 nm), an optimized nanocatalyst, (Zn_0.95Cu_0.05)_0.6Cd_0.4S, exhibited a higher durability and satisfied photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 4150.1 μmol g^-1 h^-1 of water splitting.

Carbon Sphere Template Derived Hollow Nanostructure for Photocatalysis and Gas Sensing

As a green and preferred technology for energy crisis and environmental issues, continuous research on photocatalysis and gas sensing has come forth at an explosive rate. Thus far, promising synthetic methods have enabled various designs and preparations of semiconductor-based nanostructure which have shown superior activity. This review summarized various synthetic routines toward carbon sphere template derived hollow nanostructures and their successful attempts in synthesize doping, solid solution, heterostructure, and surface modified nanostructures for heterogeneous photocatalysis and gas sensing. Moreover, the challenges and future prospects are briefly discussed. It is eagerly anticipated that this review may broaden the view and in-depth understanding of carbon sphere template derived hollow nanostructures while expected to have further progresses in heterogeneous photocatalysis, gas sensing and other related fields which will make great contributions to their application.

Band-Gap Tunable 2D Hexagonal (GaN)1-x(ZnO)x Solid-Solution Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

A (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x solid solution as a promising visible-light-driven photocatalyst for overall water splitting has attracted extensive attention. In this work, we proposed a template reactive strategy toward the synthesis of band-gap tunable 2D (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x nanosheets as thin as 14 nm to reduce the carrier transportation path and thus efficiently decrease the recombination of electrons and holes. It is demonstrated that the template strategy enables an ideal morphology and structure transformation from hexagonal 2D ZnGa₂O₄ nanosheets to 2D (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x nanosheets in the nitridation process. After the modification of 1 wt % of Rh cocatalyst, the flowerlike (GaN)_0.89(ZnO)_0.11 nanosheets show an enhanced hydrogen evolution in pure water (pH 4.5).

Ga Ion-doped ZrO2 Catalyst Characterized by XRD, XAFS, and 2-Butanol Decomposition

Group 2, 3, and 13 element-doped zirconium oxide catalysts M-ZrO₂ (M = Mg, Sr, Y, La, Ce, Sm, Er, Yb, B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl; 5 mol%) were prepared by impregnation of each metal salt aqueous solution on amorphous zirconium hydroxide, followed by calcination at 773 K. The M-ZrO₂ samples were characterized by the catalytic performance of 2-butanol decomposition at 573 K, XRD, XANES and EXAFS spectroscopic techniques. Detailed analyses were performed herein for a series of Ga-ZrO₂ with various doping amounts in the range of 1 - 60 mol%. The addition of Group 2 and 3 elements little influenced the catalytic performance of ZrO₂ itself to promote dehydration to produce 1-butene with 90% selectivity. Ga-ZrO₂ and In-ZrO₂ gave methyl ethyl ketone as the main product via dehydrogenation. The doped Ga ion mainly existed inside the bulk of zirconia by forming the Ga_xZr_1-xO₂ solid solution up to 5 mol%. Highly doped species more than 10 mol% aggregated to form ε-Ga₂O₃. Each fraction forming the solid solution and Ga₂O₃-like species was evaluated by XANES analysis.

A Study of the Effect of 5 at.% Sn on the Micro-Structure and Isothermal Oxidation at 800 and 1200 °C of Nb-24Ti-18Si Based Alloys with Al and/or Cr Additions

This paper presents the results of a systematic study of Nb-24Ti-18Si based alloys with 5 at.% Sn addition. Three alloys of nominal compositions (at.%), namely Nb-24Ti-18Si-5Cr-5Sn (ZX4), Nb-24Ti-18Si-5Al-5Sn (ZX6), and Nb-24Ti-18Si-5Al-5Cr-5Sn (ZX8), were studied to understand how the increased Sn concentration improved oxidation resistance. In all three alloys there was macrosegregation, which was most severe in ZX8 and the primary βNb5Si3 transformed completely to αNb5Si3 after heat treatment. The Nbss was not stable in ZX6, the Nb3Sn was stable in all three alloys, and the Nbss and C14-NbCr2 Laves phase were stable in ZX4 and ZX8. The 5 at.% Sn addition suppressed pest oxidation at 800 °C but not scale spallation at 1200 °C. At both temperatures, a Sn-rich area with Nb3Sn, Nb5Sn2Si, and NbSn2 compounds developed below the scale. This area was thicker and continuous after oxidation at 1200 °C and was contaminated by oxygen at both temperatures. The contamination of the Nbss by oxygen was most severe in the bulk of all three alloys. Nb-rich, Ti-rich and Nb and Si-rich oxides formed in the scales. The adhesion of the latter on ZX6 at 1200 °C was better, compared with the alloys ZX4 and ZX8. At both temperatures, the improved oxidation was accompanied by a decrease and increase respectively of the alloy parameters VEC (Valence Electron Concentration) and δ, in agreement with the alloy design methodology NICE (Niobium Intermetallic Composite Elaboration). Comparison with similar alloys with 2 at.% Sn addition showed (a) that a higher Sn concentration is essential for the suppression of pest oxidation of Nb-24Ti-18Si based alloys with Cr and no Al additions, but not for alloys where Al and Cr are in synergy with Sn, (b) that the stability of Nb3Sn in the alloy is "assured" with 5 at.% Sn addition, which improves oxidation with/out the presence of the Laves phase and (c) that the synergy of Sn with Al presents the "best" oxidation behaviour with improved scale adhesion at high temperature.

On Thermodynamic and Kinetic Mechanisms for Stabilizing Surface Solid Solutions

Many processes for energy storage rely on transformations between phases with strong separation tendencies. In these systems, performance limitations can arise from undesirable chemical and mechanical factors associated with the phase separation behavior. Solid solutions represent a desirable alternative, provided the conditions for their formation are known. Here, we invoke linear stability theory and diffuse-interface mesoscopic simulations to demonstrate that solid solutions can be stabilized near surface layers of phase-separating systems. Two factors are found to drive surface solid-solution formation: surface relaxation of solution self-strain energy and anisotropy of diffusion mobility. Using a strongly phase-separating Li_XFePO₄ particle as a model system, we show that the relaxation of the solution self-strain energy competes against the relaxation of the coherency strain energy to stabilize surface solid solutions. Our theoretical understanding also suggests that highly anisotropic diffusion mobility can provide an alternative kinetic route to achieve the same aim, with stabilizing behavior strongly dependent on the specific alignment of the surface orientation. Our findings provide fundamental guidance for manipulating solid-solution behavior in nanoscale structures, in which surface effects become especially significant. Beyond energy storage materials, our findings have important implications for understanding solid-solution formation in other phase-separating systems from metal alloys to ceramics.

Effect of Trace Zn Addition on Interfacial Evolution in Sn-10Bi/Cu Solder Joints during Aging Condition

Excessive growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) during service affects the reliability of solder joints, so how to suppress the growth of IMC thickness at the interface in solder joints becomes a widespread concern. In this work, the interfacial reaction between Sn-10Bi solder and Cu substrate after thermal aging was investigated. Moreover, to depress the IMC growth at the interface, trace amounts of Zn was added into the Sn-10Bi solder, and the interfacial reactions of Sn-10Bi-xZn solders (x = 0.2, 0.5) and Cu substrate after thermal aging were studied in this paper. Compounds such as Cu₆(Sn, Zn)₅ and Cu₅Zn₈ were formed at the interface after adding trace amounts of Zn. The addition of 0.2 and 0.5 wt% Zn significantly inhibited the thickness growth of IMCs and the formation of Cu₃Sn IMC at the interface of Sn-10Bi-0.2Zn/Cu and Sn-10Bi-0.5Zn/Cu during thermal aging. Therefore, the addition of trace Zn had an obvious effect on the interfacial reaction of Sn-10Bi/Cu solder joint. Interestingly, the evolution of IMC thickness in Sn-10Bi-0.5Zn/Cu solder joints was completely different from that in Sn-10Bi or Sn-10Bi-0.2Zn solder joints, in which the spalling of IMCs occurred. In order to explore the mechanisms on the depressing effect from the addition of trace Zn, the activation energy Q in solder joints during aging was calculated.

Hydrotalcite-based CeNiAl mixed oxides for SO2 adsorption and oxidation

The impact of Ce on SO₂ adsoption and oxidation was studied over a series of flower-like hydrotalcite-based CeNiAl mixed oxides. Combined with XRD, BET, pyridine chemisorption, CO₂-TPD, XPS and H₂-TPR results, it revealed that introduction of Ce into NiAlO generates new centres for oxygen storage and release, promotes the enhancement of Lewis acid strength, increases weakly and strongly alkaline sites, and increases ability for SO₂ adsorption and oxidation. Furthermore, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that adsorbed SO₂ molecules formed surface bidentate binuclear sulfate. Taken together, we propose that the addition of Ce⁴⁺ to NiAlO acts to improve this compound as major adsorbent for SO₂.

Electrical Transport and Thermoelectric Properties of SnSe-SnTe Solid Solution

SnSe is considered as a promising thermoelectric (TE) material since the discovery of the record figure of merit (ZT) of 2.6 at 926 K in single crystal SnSe. It is, however, difficult to use single crystal SnSe for practical applications due to the poor mechanical properties and the difficulty and cost of fabricating a single crystal. It is highly desirable to improve the properties of polycrystalline SnSe whose TE properties are still not near to that of single crystal SnSe. In this study, in order to control the TE properties of polycrystalline SnSe, polycrystalline SnSe–SnTe solid solutions were fabricated, and the effect of the solid solution on the electrical transport and TE properties was investigated. The SnSe_1−xTe_x samples were fabricated using mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that the solubility limit of Te in SnSe_1−xTe_x is somewhere between x = 0.3 and 0.5. With increasing Te content, the electrical conductivity was increased due to the increase of carrier concentration, while the lattice thermal conductivity was suppressed by the increased amount of phonon scattering. The change of carrier concentration and electrical conductivity is explained using the measured band gap energy and the calculated band structure. The change of thermal conductivity is explained using the change of lattice thermal conductivity from the increased amount of phonon scattering at the point defect sites. A ZT of ~0.78 was obtained at 823 K from SnSe_0.7Te_0.3, which is an ~11% improvement compared to that of SnSe.

Molecularly Mixed Composite Membranes: Challenges and Opportunities

The fabrication of porous molecules, such as metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs), porous organic cages (POCs) and others, has given rise to the potential for creating "solid solutions" of molecular fillers and polymers. Such solid solutions circumvent longstanding interface issues associated with mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), and are referred to as molecularly mixed composite membranes (MMCMs) to distinguish them from traditional two-phase MMMs. Early investigations of MMCMs highlight the advantages of solid solutions over MMMs, including dispersion of the filler, anti-plasticization of the polymer network, and removal of deleterious interfacial issues. However, the exact microscopic structure as well as the transport modality in this new class of membrane are not well understood. Moreover, there are clear engineering challenges that need to be addressed for MMCMs to transition into the field. In this Minireview, the authors outline several scientific and technological challenges associated with the aforementioned questions and their suggestions to tackle them.

Fabrication of Metal Matrix Composite by Laser Metal Deposition-A New Process Approach by Direct Dry Injection of Nanopowders

Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) offers new perspectives for the fabrication of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMnCs). Current methods to produce MMnCs by LMD systematically involve the premixing of the nanopowders and the micropowders or require in-situ strategies, thereby restricting the possibilities to adjust the nature, content and location of the nano-reinforcement during printing. The objective of this study is to overcome such restrictions and propose a new process approach by direct injection of nanoparticles into a metallic matrix. Alumina (n-Al₂O₃) nanoparticles were introduced into a titanium matrix by using two different direct dry injection modes in order to locally increase the hardness. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses validate the successful incorporation of the n-Al₂O₃ at chosen locations. Optical and high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) observations as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that n-Al₂O₃ powders are partly or totally dissolved into the Ti melted pool leading to the in-situ formation of a composite consisting of fine α₂ lamellar microstructure within a Ti matrix and a solid solution with oxygen. Mechanical tests show a significant increase in hardness with the increase of injected n-Al₂O₃ amount. A maximum of 620 HV was measured that is almost 4 times higher than the pure LMD-printed Ti structure.

Chiral Cocrystal Solid Solutions, Molecular Complexes, and Salts of N-Triphenylacetyl-l-Tyrosine and Diamines

The molecular recognition process and the ability to form multicomponent supramolecular systems have been investigated for the amide of triphenylacetic acid and l-tyrosine (N-triphenylacetyl-l-tyrosine, TrCOTyr). The presence of several supramolecular synthons within the same amide molecule allows the formation of various multicomponent crystals, where TrCOTyr serves as a chiral host. Isostructural crystals of solvates with methanol and ethanol and a series of binary crystalline molecular complexes with selected organic diamines (1,5-naphthyridine, quinoxaline, 4,4′-bipyridyl, and DABCO) were obtained. The structures of the crystals were planned based on non-covalent interactions (O–H···N or N–H⁺···O⁻ hydrogen bonds) present in a basic structural motif, which is a heterotrimeric building block consisting of two molecules of the host and one molecule of the guest. The complex of TrCOTyr with DABCO is an exception. The anionic dimers built off the TrCOTyr molecules form a supramolecular gutter, with trityl groups located on the edge and filled by DABCO cationic dimers. Whereas most of the racemic mixtures crystallize as racemic crystals or as conglomerates, the additional tests carried out for racemic N-triphenylacetyl-tyrosine (rac-TrCOTyr) showed that the compound crystallizes as a solid solution of enantiomers.