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Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are expected to revolutionize large‐scale energy storage and electric vehicles due to their exceptional safety and high energy density. Central to this technology is the development of solid electrolytes, with halide electrolytes emerging as highly promising candidates, offering high ionic conductivity, robust electrochemical stability and excellent mechanical properties. Since the breakthrough discovery of Li3YCl6 in 2018, research on halide electrolytes has entered a new era. However, despite continuous research efforts, practical challenges persist in their application, including the need to further enhance ionic conductivity, improve moisture resistance, and achieve better compatibility with electrode materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and ongoing challenges in halide electrolytes, examining crystal structures, conduction mechanisms, and scalable synthesis techniques. Various modification strategies are also explored aimed at boosting ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, with a particular focus on improving interface stability. Finally, future perspectives are outlined for designing high‐performance halide electrolyte materials, offering guidance for ongoing research efforts toward their commercial application in ASSLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic ozonation with metal oxides is of interest for advanced water treatment technology. The amount of active oxygen-containing radicals produced is a primary objective of this process. Fe2O3 is a widely used catalyst because of its high performance. In this study, Fe2O3/SBA-15 was synthesized and characterized. The results revealed that Fe2O3/SBA-15 was a nano-/mesoporous material with high-order hexagonal array structures and exhibited greater catalytic performance than Fe2O3 in ozonation processes. To investigate the role of the Fe2O3/SBA-15 surface in O3 decomposition, the kinetic constant was measured, and the interfacial reactions were discussed. Compared with Fe2O3, Fe2O3/SBA-15 significantly increased the formation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and the efficient utilization of O3 in the catalytic O3 decomposition process. The SBA-15 support decreased the O3 self-decomposition rate during catalytic ozonation with Fe2O3/SBA-15, which resulted in increased formation of •OH via the reaction between O3 and Fe2O3. From a practical point of view, Fe2O3/SBA-15 is an efficient green ozonation catalyst for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has been considered an ideal reinforcement in aluminum alloys with its high Young's modulus and fracture strength, which greatly expands the application range of aluminum alloys. However, the dispersion of graphene and the interfacial reaction between graphene and the aluminum matrix limit its application due to elevated temperature. Friction stirring processing (FSP) is regarded as a promising technique to prepare metal matrix composites at lower temperatures. In this paper, FSP was used to prepare graphene-nanoplates-reinforced aluminum composites (GNPs/Al). The corresponding effects of the process parameters and graphene content on GNPs/Al were thoroughly studied. The results showed that plastic strain, heat input, and graphene content were the key influencing factors. Large degrees of plastic strain can enhance the dispersion of graphene by increasing the number of stirring passes and the ratio of stirring to welding velocity, thereby improving the strength of GNPs/Al. Low heat input restricts the plastic flow of graphene in the matrix, whereas excessive heat input can promote interfacial reactions and lead to the formation of a more brittle phase, Al4C3. This is primarily associated with the stirring velocity and welding velocity. High graphene content levels can improve the material strength by refining the grain size, improving the load transfer ability, and acting as a precipitate to prevent dislocation movement. These findings make a contribution to the development of advanced aluminum alloys with graphene reinforcement, offering broader application potential in industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Metal Working (1674-165X) is the property of Metal Working Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nickel oxide (NiOx)‐based inverted perovskite solar cells stand as promising candidates for advancing perovskite photovoltaics towards commercialization, leveraging their remarkable stability, scalability, and cost‐effectiveness. However, the interfacial redox reaction between high‐valence Ni4+ and perovskite, alongside the facile conversion of iodide in perovskite into I2, significantly deteriorates the performance and reproducibility of NiOx‐based perovskite photovoltaics. Here, potassium borohydride (KBH4) is introduced as a dual‐action reductant, which effectively avoids the Ni4+/perovskite interface reaction and mitigates the iodide‐to‐I2 oxidation within perovskite film. This synergistic redox modulation significantly suppresses nonradiative recombination and increases the carrier lifetime. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 24.17% for NiOx‐based perovskite solar cells is achieved, and a record efficiency of 20.2% for NiOx‐based perovskite solar modules fabricated under ambient conditions. Notably, when evaluated using the ISOS‐L‐2 standard protocol, the module retains 94% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous illumination under maximum power point at 65 °C in ambient air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the microscopic reaction mechanism and kinetic model of Al/PTFE, a reactive force field (ReaxFF) was used to simulate the interface model of the Al/PTFE system with different oxide layer thicknesses (0 Å, 5 Å, 10 Å), and the thermochemical behavior of Al/PTFE at different heating rates was analyzed by simultaneous thermal analysis (TG-DSC). The results show that the thickness of the oxide layer has a significant effect on the reaction process of Al/PTFE. In the system with an oxide layer thickness of 5 Å, the compactness of the oxide layer changes due to thermal rearrangement, resulting in the diffusion of reactants (fluorine-containing substances) through the oxide layer into the Al core. The reaction mainly occurs between the oxide layer and the Al core. For the 10 Å oxide layer, the reaction only exists outside the interface of the oxide layer. With the movement of the oxygen ions in the oxide layer and the Al atoms in the Al core, the oxide layer moves to the Al core, which makes the reaction continue. By analyzing the reaction process of Al/PTFE, the mechanism function of Al/PTFE was obtained by combining the shrinkage volume model (R3 model) and the three-dimensional diffusion (D3 model). In addition, the activation energy of Al/PTFE was 258.8 kJ/mol and the pre-exponential factor was 2.495 × 1015 min−1. The research results have important theoretical significance and reference value for the in-depth understanding of the microscopic chemical reaction mechanism and the quantitative study of macroscopic energy release of Al/PTFE reactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxide inclusions in Ni-based superalloys play a crucial role in determining their mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. In this paper, the source and formation mechanism of different types of oxide inclusions in a high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy were systematically studied. An automatic field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer and a self-designed superalloy inclusion analysis standard was utilized to quantitatively reveal the oxide inclusion characteristics of the high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy prepared via vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum induction remelting (VIR) processes. The experimental results indicate that the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy before the VIR process are irregular MgO·Al2O3 inclusions with sizes of less than 2 μm. After the VIR process, the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy are also MgO·Al2O3 inclusions. However, these oxide inclusions can be classified into three categories: (i) endogenous irregular MgO·Al2O3 inclusions, less than 4.3 μm in size, inherited from the master alloy; (ii) several hundred-micron film-like MgO·Al2O3 inclusions generated as interface reaction products between the MgO crucible and melts; and (iii) millimeter-scale MgO·Al2O3 inclusions and several tens of microns of MgO inclusions from the exfoliation of the MgO crucible matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The distribution of reinforcements and interfacial bonding state with the metal matrix are crucial factors in achieving excellent comprehensive mechanical properties for aluminum (Al) matrix composites. Normally, after heat treatment, graphene nanosheets (GNSs)/Al composites experience a significant loss of strength. Here, better performance of GNS/Al was explored with a hybrid strategy by introducing 0.9 vol.% silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCnp) into the composite. Pre-ball milling of Al powders and 0.9 vol.% SiCnp gained Al flakes that provided a large dispersion area for 3.0 vol.% GNS during the shift speed ball milling process, leading to uniformly dispersed GNS for both as-sintered and as-extruded (0.9 vol.% SiCnp + 3.0 vol.% GNS)/Al. High-temperature heat treatment at 600 °C for 60 min was performed on the as-extruded composite, giving rise to intragranular distribution of SiCnp due to recrystallization and grain growth of the Al matrix. Meanwhile, nanoscale Al4C3, which can act as an additional reinforcing nanoparticle, was generated because of an appropriate interfacial reaction between GNS and Al. The intragranular distribution of both nanoparticles improves the Al matrix continuity of composites and plays a key role in ensuring the plasticity of composites. As a result, the work hardening ability of the heat-treated hybrid (0.9 vol.% SiCnp + 3.0 vol.% GNS)/Al composite was well improved, and the tensile elongation increased by 42.7% with little loss of the strength. The present work provides a new strategy in achieving coordination on strength–plasticity of Al matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond/aluminum composites have attracted significant attention as novel thermal management materials, with their interfacial bonding state and configuration playing a crucial role in determining their thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. The present work aims to evaluate the bending strength and thermal conductivity of CNT-modified Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composites with multi-scale structures. The Fe catalyst was encapsulated on the surface of Ti-coated diamond particles using the solution impregnation method, and CNTs were grown in situ on the surface of Ti-coated diamond particles using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. We investigated the influence of interface structure on the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of diamond/aluminum composites. The results show that the CNT-modified Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composite exhibits excellent bending strength, reaching up to 281 MPa, compared to uncoated diamond/aluminum composites and Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composites. The selective bonding between diamond and aluminum was improved by the interfacial reaction between Ti and diamond particles, as well as between CNT and Al. This led to the enhanced mechanical properties of Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composites while maintaining acceptable thermal conductivity. This work provides insights into the interface's configuration design and the performance optimization of diamond/metal composites for thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen is widely used in the development of new functional materials due to its high structural stability, good biocompatibility, and excellent hydrophilicity, but the collagen protein denatures easily, which makes its thermal stability and mechanical strength difficult to reach some of the parameters required in the application. To solve this, protein crosslinking is an effective way to better use collagen. In this paper, we compared the thermal stability and morphological stability of three kinds of sulfonated calixarenes crosslinked collagen before and after the treatment. The results showed that sulfonated calixarenes could significantly improve the thermal stability and morphological stability of dermal collagen. The reinforcing and toughening mechanism of the sulfonated calixarenes was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ultraviolet--visible--near-infrared (UV--vis--NIR) spectrometer, X-ray diffraction detection (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and circular dichroism (CD) detection. The results showed that sulfonated calixarenes were evenly distributed in collagen fibers and formed hydrogen bonds or electrovalent bonds with amino groups, peptide groups, or amide groups in collagen to improve the thermal stability of the collagen. Three kinds of sulfonated calixarenes enter collagen fiber to support the collagen, increase the three-dimensional weave angle of collagen, and improve the physical and mechanical properties of collagen, thereby toughening and enhancing the collagen. Based on the above studies, the reinforcing and toughening mechanism of the sulfonated calixarenes crosslinked collagen was established. Confirmed the existence of hydrogen bonds between the three sulfonated calixarenes and collagen, and the nonchemical bond energy of the system was proportional to the molecular size of sulfonated calixarenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metallurgical quality control of magnesium (Mg) and Mg alloys in melting process is required to ensure a satisfied mechanical and corrosion performance, while the typical used steel crucible introduces impurities and interfacial interaction during melting process. Therefore, a systematic study about impurities diffusion and interfacial interaction between molten Mg and steel is necessary. In the present study, the interfacial reaction between molten AZ91D Mg alloy and mild steel during melting process was investigated with the melting temperatures of 700 °C, 750 °C and 800 °C. The results show that Al(Fe, Mn) intermetallic layer is the intermetallic primarily formed at the interfaces of AZ91D melt and mild steel. Meanwhile, Al8(Mn, Fe)5 is indexed between Al(Fe, Mn) and AZ91D. AlFe3C appears between the mild steel and Al(Fe, Mn) at 700 °C and 750 °C, but absent at 800 °C due to the increased solubility of carbon in Mg matrix. It is found that the growth of the intermetallic layer is controlled by diffusion mechanism, and Al and Mn are the dominant diffusing species in the whole interfacial reaction process. By measuring the thickness of different layers, the growth constant was calculated. It increases from 1.89(±0.03)×10-12 m² ·s-1 at 700 °C to 3.05(±0.05)×10-12 m² ·s-1 at 750 °C, and 5.18(±0.05)×10-12 m² ·s-1 at 800 °C. Meanwhile, the content of Fe is linearly increased in AZ91D with the increase of holding time at 700 °C and 750 °C, while it shows a significantly increment after holding for 8 h at 800 °C, indicating holding temperature is more crucial to determine the Fe content of AZ91D than holding time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate radical anion (CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$) is generally overlooked in atmospheric chemistry. Our recent work emphasizes the important role of carbonate radicals produced on mineral dust surfaces in fast sulfate production under solar irradiation in the presence of CO2 at specifically low RH and light intensity. Yet so far how CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$ involves and affects secondary sulfate production under diverse RH, light intensity, and complex constituent matrix remains unknown, which essentially limits our comprehensive knowledge of CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$initiated SO2 oxidation scheme in the atmosphere. Herein, we explored the heterogeneous SO2 oxidation over both model and authentic dust and clays in the presence of CO2 at atmospheric relevant RHs and light intensities. Interestingly, we observe that CO2 promotes sulfate yield over authentic dust and clays at atmospheric‐relevant RH and light intensity. This observation relates to the favorable kinetic between SO2 oxidation and CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$ while auto‐quenching of these radical ions is largely minimized due to the sufficient sites of crustal constituents. Furthermore, employing a suite of authentic dust and machine learning strategies, we evaluated the relative importance of each constituent within airborne minerals or clays as well as environmental conditions including relative humidity, light intensity, and CO2 concentration in affecting SO2 uptake capability. On this basis, sulfate formation mediated by dust‐driven pathway, accounting for nearly ∼20.9% of overall contribution by the end of this century during some pollution episodes, even higher than gas‐phase ·OH $\cdot \text{OH}$ (∼16.9%), will be increased by 163% if CO2‐initiated SO2 oxidation scheme is incorporated. Plain Language Summary: How carbonate radical ions involve and affect sulfate formation under different RHs, light intensities, and complex component matrices remains an open question. Secondary sulfate production is facilitated by CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$ over authentic dust particles in atmospheric relevant RH and light intensity. More importantly, this research emphasizes that CO2 is not an inert greenhouse gas that rarely participates in atmospheric chemistry but a strong oxidant precursor that will produce CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$ and subsequently trigger quick SO2 oxidation via chain reactions. This dust‐driven reaction channel mediated by CO3.− ${\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{.-}$ potentially contributes to nearly ∼1/5 of secondary sulfate production during some pollution hours if the growing intensive anthropogenic activities continue. Key Points: Carbonate radical‐initiated SO2 heterogeneous oxidation is sensitive to RH, CO2 concentration, light intensity, and dust constituentsCarbonate radicals promote atmospheric sulfate production on authentic dust and clay particles at haze‐relevant conditionsThis previously unrecognized scheme will account for ∼20.9% of overall atmospheric sulfate formation by the end of this century [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the clogging problem associated with submerged entry nozzles (SEN) used for aluminum‐killed steel, the reaction behavior between the SEN and molten steel with high Al content with the influence of an external electric field is studied in this paper. The results showed that the application of an effective and positive voltage to the walls of the SEN would promote the decarburization of the SEN itself and the interfacial reaction between nozzle material and molten steel containing aluminum. On the contrary, these behaviors would be inhibited under the control of the negative voltage. Therefore, with the polarity of electric field applied on the SEN, it is necessary to determine whether the critical factor leading to clogging is the content of the Al2O3 inclusions or Al alloy content in the steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nickel oxide (NiOx)‐based inverted perovskite solar cells stand as promising candidates for advancing perovskite photovoltaics towards commercialization, leveraging their remarkable stability, scalability, and cost‐effectiveness. However, the interfacial redox reaction between high‐valence Ni4+ and perovskite, alongside the facile conversion of iodide in perovskite into I2, significantly deteriorates the performance and reproducibility of NiOx‐based perovskite photovoltaics. Here, potassium borohydride (KBH4) is introduced as a dual‐action reductant, which effectively avoids the Ni4+/perovskite interface reaction and mitigates the iodide‐to‐I2 oxidation within perovskite film. This synergistic redox modulation significantly suppresses nonradiative recombination and increases the carrier lifetime. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 24.17% for NiOx‐based perovskite solar cells is achieved, and a record efficiency of 20.2% for NiOx‐based perovskite solar modules fabricated under ambient conditions. Notably, when evaluated using the ISOS‐L‐2 standard protocol, the module retains 94% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous illumination under maximum power point at 65 °C in ambient air.

The relevant experiments and studies were conducted to address the metallurgical defects such as subcutaneous bubbles and slag inclusions occurring during the enamel steel continuous casting process. According to the high-temperature experimental results, calculations were made to determine the changes in viscosity and tension due to the steel reaction with the slag. Based on the experimental findings, there was a notable variation in the content of SiO2 and Al2O3 in the slag before and after the reaction. The concentration of the element Al in the steel melt significantly decreased, whereas the concentration of Ti showed a minimal change. These observations indicate that the reduction of SiO2 at the slag–steel interface is predominantly attributed to the role of Al. The calculation results showed that at 300 s of reaction time, the viscosity rapidly increased from 0.108 to 0.133 Pa·s and then slowly increased to 0.155 Pa·s; The interfacial tension rapidly decreased from its initial value of 1,380 mJ·m−2 to a minimum of 1,320 mJ·m−2, and it then slowly increased to an equilibrium state. Therefore, the main cause of the occurrence of porosity defects in the enamel steel continuous casting process is the reduction of interfacial tension between slag, steel, and gas caused by the reaction between the slag and steel, as well as the foaming of the slag.

Oxide inclusions in Ni-based superalloys play a crucial role in determining their mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. In this paper, the source and formation mechanism of different types of oxide inclusions in a high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy were systematically studied. An automatic field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer and a self-designed superalloy inclusion analysis standard was utilized to quantitatively reveal the oxide inclusion characteristics of the high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy prepared via vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum induction remelting (VIR) processes. The experimental results indicate that the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy before the VIR process are irregular MgO·Al2O3 inclusions with sizes of less than 2 μm. After the VIR process, the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy are also MgO·Al2O3 inclusions. However, these oxide inclusions can be classified into three categories: (i) endogenous irregular MgO·Al2O3 inclusions, less than 4.3 μm in size, inherited from the master alloy; (ii) several hundred-micron film-like MgO·Al2O3 inclusions generated as interface reaction products between the MgO crucible and melts; and (iii) millimeter-scale MgO·Al2O3 inclusions and several tens of microns of MgO inclusions from the exfoliation of the MgO crucible matrix.

Diamond/aluminum composites have attracted significant attention as novel thermal management materials, with their interfacial bonding state and configuration playing a crucial role in determining their thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. The present work aims to evaluate the bending strength and thermal conductivity of CNT-modified Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composites with multi-scale structures. The Fe catalyst was encapsulated on the surface of Ti-coated diamond particles using the solution impregnation method, and CNTs were grown in situ on the surface of Ti-coated diamond particles using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. We investigated the influence of interface structure on the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of diamond/aluminum composites. The results show that the CNT-modified Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composite exhibits excellent bending strength, reaching up to 281 MPa, compared to uncoated diamond/aluminum composites and Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composites. The selective bonding between diamond and aluminum was improved by the interfacial reaction between Ti and diamond particles, as well as between CNT and Al. This led to the enhanced mechanical properties of Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composites while maintaining acceptable thermal conductivity. This work provides insights into the interface’s configuration design and the performance optimization of diamond/metal composites for thermal management.

• ER4047 is more suitable for welding SiCp/Al composites than ER4043 and ER5356. • ER4047 with high Si is more effective in inhibiting the formation of Al 4 C 3. • More SiC particles result in the highest tensile strength when using ER4047. In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composite welded joints with three different filler metals were studied by dual beam laser welding method. The tensile strength of SiCp/Al composite welded joints with Al-Si welding wire (ER4043 and ER4047) is higher than that with Al-Mg welding wire (ER5356). The main reason for the difference of tensile strength of weld joints is that the brittle phase Al 4 C 3 is formed by the interfacial reaction between SiC particles and Al matrix at high temperature. More Si content in ER4047 can effectively inhibit the interface reaction and reduces the consumption degree of SiC particles in the welded metal, therefore a large number of SiC particles are retained to improve performance of weld seam compared with the other two welding wires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For LiCoO 2 (LCO) operated beyond 4.55 V (vs Li/Li + ), it usually suffers from severe surface degradation. Constructing a robust cathode/electrolyte interphase (CEI) is effective to alleviate the above issues, however, the correlated mechanisms still remain vague. Herein, a progressively reinforced CEI is realized via constructing Zr─O deposits (ZrO 2 and Li 2 ZrO 3 ) on LCO surface (i.e., Z-LCO). Upon cycle, these Zr─O deposits can promote the decomposition of LiPF 6 , and progressively convert to the highly dispersed Zr─O─F species. In particular, the chemical reaction between LiF and Zr─O─F species further leads to the densification of CEI, which greatly reinforces its toughness and conductivity. Combining the robust CEI and thin surface rock-salt layer of Z-LCO, several benefits are achieved, including stabilizing the surface lattice oxygen, facilitating the interface Li + transport kinetics, and enhancing the reversibility of O3/H1-3 phase transition, etc. As a result, the Z-LCO||Li cells exhibit a high capacity retention of 84.2% after 1000 cycles in 3-4.65 V, 80.9% after 1500 cycles in 3-4.6 V, and a high rate capacity of 160 mAh g -1 at 16 C (1 C = 200 mA g -1 ). This work provides a new insight for developing advanced LCO cathodes., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Membrane as a support for metal nanocatalysts, can greatly enhance the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles and promote the efficient production and separation of products. In this study, a novel sandwich-structured composite membrane was designed and facilely fabricated by using palladium nanocatalysts as the core catalytic layer and two different structured PVDF layers as the outer layers. The composite membrane was used as a reaction interface as well as a separation barrier between reactants and products, efficiently realizing the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and convenient separation of the product benzaldehyde. The membrane was characterized in detailed and the effects of the membrane structure and various reaction conditions on the catalytic oxidation were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the reaction could be conveniently carried out under very mild experimental conditions, obtaining the product benzaldehyde at as high selectivity as 93.17 %. The successful implementation of the sandwich membrane for the production of chlorine-free benzaldehyde provides a new method for the interface reaction. [Display omitted] • Facile preparation of a novel sandwich-like membrane. • Membrane as interface material for reaction. • Reaction occurring between oil and water. • Novel technology for interface catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent detection of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B) in various environments has raised concerns owing to its comparable or even higher environmental persistence and toxicity than perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). This study investigated the plasma degradation of F-53B for the first time using a water film plasma discharge system. The results revealed that F-53B demonstrated a higher rate constant but similar defluorination compared to PFOS, which could be ascribed to the introduction of the chlorine atom. Successful elimination (94.8–100 %) was attained at F-53B initial concentrations between 0.5 and 10 mg/L, with energy yields varying from 15.1 to 84.5 mg/kWh. The mechanistic exploration suggested that the decomposition of F-53B mainly occurred at the gas-liquid interface, where it directly reacted with reactive species generated by gas discharge. F-53B degradation pathways involving dechlorination, desulfonation, carboxylation, C-O bond cleavage, and stepwise CF 2 elimination were proposed based on the identified byproducts and theoretical calculations. Furthermore, the demonstrated effectiveness in removing F-53B in various coexisting ions and water matrices highlighted the robust anti-interference ability of the treatment process. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the plasma degradation of F-53B, showcasing the potential of plasma processes for eliminating PFAS alternatives in water. [Display omitted] • A comparison of PFOS and F-53B degradation using the plasma process was conducted. • The degradation of F-53B mainly occurs at the plasma-liquid interface. • Plasma treatment is effective for removing F-53B in various water matrices. • The mechanisms of F-53B degradation in the plasma system were proposed. • The toxicity of the products was reduced following the plasma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the growth behavior and rate-controlling processes of intermetallic compounds at Ag/Zn diffusion couple interfaces. Through experimental observations and quantitative analysis, we identify three distinct intermetallic compounds: β-AgZn, γ-Ag 5 Zn 8 , and ε-AgZn 3. We analyze the kinetics of intermetallic compound growth to elucidate the mechanisms governing thickness growth in terms of interdiffusion and interface reactions. The rate-controlling process varies with temperature; volume diffusion controls layer growth at 573–593 K, while both volume diffusion and interface reaction contribute at 623–673 K. Additionally, we evaluate the activation enthalpies of parabolic coefficients, providing insights into the temperature dependence of growth kinetics and quantitation. This comprehensive analysis clarifies the intricate mechanisms underlying intermetallic compound formation, offering valuable implications for material performance and processing optimization in various applications. [Display omitted] • We identified the formation of three intermetallic compounds (β-AgZn, γ-Ag 5 Zn 8 , ε-AgZn 3) at Ag/Zn interfaces. • The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient is higher compared to that of the interface reaction rate. • We evaluated activation enthalpies of parabolic coefficients for the growth, elucidating the temperature dependence. • Understanding the mechanisms governing intermetallic compound formation is crucial for material performance optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the wetting characteristics, interface microstructure evolution of equiatomic GaInSnBiZn HEA on Cu under high vacuum with sessile drop method to extend its electronic packaging applications. Optimal conditions involve a 350 °C temperature maintained for ∼20 min to prevent Bi loss, resulting in a contact angle inversely proportional to temperature and reaching a minimum of ∼15.6°. A dual-layer of Cu 9 Ga 4 and CuGa 2 forms at the HEA/Cu interface, consistent with thermodynamic predictions, featuring lower activation energy and growth driven by bulk alloy diffusion. Base on the interface microstructures, Cu 9 Ga 4 and CuGa 2 act as diffusion barriers, restricting the movement of other elements while promoting the accumulation of Zn at the interface. The wetting mechanism may be determined by the oxide (Cu 2 O) removal reaction (i.e., reaction between Ga and Cu 2 O). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • After BHA was adsorbed onto the scheelite surface o, the surface roughness and water contact angle increased by 0.35 nm and 13.14°. • Added BHA repelled water adsorbed onto the Ca sites on the scheelite surface via O atoms in C-N-O bonds, an adsorption energy of −56.26 kJ/mol. • After AIMD simulation, the hydration layer on the surface of scheelite became tighter, and the BHA Ca complex detached from the mineral surface. • AIMD calculations have shown great potential in the analysis of the complicated interface interactions. To explain the low recovery rate of scheelite during flotation using benzohydroxamic acid (BHA), we performed experiments and AIMD simulations. The results showed that scheelite floated only 50 % of BHA. The adsorption capacity of BHA on the scheelite surface was 1.63 × 10−5 mol/g, which caused the surface potential of scheelite to become negative, with a change of −10.5 mV at pH 9.05. After BHA adsorbed onto the scheelite surface, the surface roughness increased by 0.35 nm, and the water contact angle of the scheelite surface increased by 13.14°. Moreover, 1.76 % N was detected, representing BHA molecules, BHA-Ca complexes, and H-bonded BHA species·H 2 O adsorbed onto surface calcium ions and between adjacent calcium ions, while free, unadsorbed H 2 O molecules formed clusters. The added BHA repelled water adsorbed onto the Ca sites of the scheelite (1 1 2) surface via O atoms in C-N-O structure with an adsorption energy of −56.26 kJ/mol. AIMD simulations at 300 K revealed that temperature changed the adsorption of flotation agent molecules on scheelite surfaces, including the densification of hydration layers and the separation of BHA-Ca complexes from the scheelite surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel sandwich-like membrane is designed and prepared for catalysis. • Membrane is acted as interface material for catalytic reaction. • Reaction continuously runs at the interface between oil and water. • A novel reaction technology is designed and applied for interface catalysis. It is of significance to improve the interfacial catalytic performance of noble metal nanocatalysts in heterogeneous reactions and to achieve real-time oil-water phase separation to reduce the separation and purification process. In the current work, a sandwich-like polymeric membrane was prepared, with a core layer of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) microspheres/Pd nanoparticles as the reaction center, and a hydrophilic semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) as well as a hydrophobic PVDF as shells for the benzaldehyde green preparation. The process proceeded by using the sandwich-like membrane to catalyze the interface reaction between the organic phase of benzyl alcohol and the aqueous phase of H 2 O 2 and the effect factors such as reaction temperature, feed flow rate, the initial benzyl alcohol concentration and catalyst dosage were investigated to get the optimal oxidation conversion and selectivity. Results indicated that the interface reaction went well, without the aggregation and leaching of Pd nanoparticles from membrane support. Furthermore, the product benzaldehyde could be selectively transported to the organic phase. The sandwich-like catalytic composite membrane integrates the catalysis with phase separation, providing a new strategy for the preparation of the chloride-free benzaldehyde. What's more, the sandwich-like catalytic membrane acts as an ideal option for a large-scale catalysis application with integrated advantages of high activity, convenient operation and omitted separation of catalysts and products from heterogeneous catalytic interfacial reaction system. A novel sandwich-like membrane and technology for catalysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex interface reactions are crucial to the performance of the Li 2 MnO 3 cathode material. Here, the interface reactions between the liquid electrolyte and the typical surfaces of Li 2 MnO 3 during the charging process are systematically investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation and first-principles calculation. The results indicate that these interface reactions lead to the formation of hydroxide radicals, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbonate radicals, and other products, which are consistent with the experimental findings. These processes primarily result from the conversion of the stable closed-shell O 2- into reactive oxygen ions by electron loss. All surfaces exhibit some degree of layered- and spinel-like phase transitions during the AIMD simulations, consistent with the experiment. This is mainly attributed to the decrease in the Mn-O bond strength and the increase in the Li/O ion vacancy concentration. This study offers valuable theoretical insights into the interface reaction between lithium-rich cathode materials and liquid electrolytes.

Interdiffusion and solid-solid phase reaction at the interface between thermoelectric (TE) materials and the electrode critically influence interfacial transport properties and the overall energy conversion efficiency during service. Here, the microstructural evolution and diffusion mechanisms at the interfaces between the most widely used Bi 2 Te 3 -based TE materials, n-type Bi 2 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 (BTS) and p-type Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3 (BST), and Ni electrodes were investigated at atomic resolution using spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The BTS(0001)/Ni and BST(0001)/Ni interfaces were constructed by depositing Ni nanoparticles on mechanically exfoliated BTS and BST bulk materials and subsequent annealing. The interfacial reaction is initially dominated by Ni diffusion into the TE matrix to form NiAs-type NiM intermetallics, while Ni trans-quintuple-layer diffusion only occurs in Sb-rich BST. The Bi-rich BTS is more influenced by the Ni-Te preferential reaction, resulting in NiM abnormal grain growth and the formation of tilted and rotated interfaces. Bi diffusion into the BTS matrix forms a Bi double layer at the interface or Bi 2 [Bi 2 (Te,Se) 3 ] as the annealing temperature increases, while Bi diffusion into the Ni thin film greatly accelerates the interfacial reaction rate, as elucidated by in situ heating STEM. The results provide essential structural details to understand and prevent the degradation of TE device performance.

In this work, nitrogen-doped SiO 2 (N-SiO 2) was successfully synthesized to develop an "adsorption-photocatalytic degradation" water purification technology to remove hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). As a representative of HOCs, decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) could be efficiently degraded under simulated sunlight after adsorption on the surface of N-SiO 2. Due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and silicon-based radicals, the photodegradation rate of DBDPE on water-SiO 2 interface was 1.5-fold higher than that in water. Furthermore, the transformation pathways of DBDPE on N-SiO 2 surface were compared with that in water. Bond breaking and debromination reactions were the common pathways, while hydroxylation and silicon-based substitution reactions were the specific transformation pathways for DBDPE on the surface of N-SiO 2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to reveal the generation mechanism of silicon-based radicals and determine the rationality of the involvement of silicon-based radicals in DBDPE transformation. The energy barriers of silicon-based substitution reaction were comparable to that of hydroxylation and debromination reactions, which confirmed the plausibility of the generation of silicon-based substitution products. This study provides an efficient method for the disposal of HOCs, which also gives some new insights into the conversion mechanism of organic pollutants mediated by silicon-based radicals. [Display omitted] • DBDPE can be efficiently degraded on the surface of N-doped SiO 2 under sunlight. • Degradation mechanism of DBDPE in water and on water-SiO 2 interface was compared. • The generation mechanism of silicon-based radicals under sunlight was revealed. • The rationality of silicon-based substitution was confirmed by DFT calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]