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High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) have been of great interest for fabricating fluorinated porous polymers having controlled pore structures and excellent physicochemical properties. However, it remains a challenge to prepare stable fluorocarbon HIPEs, due to the lack of suitable surfactants. By randomly grating hydrophilic and fluorophilic side chains to polyphosphazene (PPZ), a comb-like amphiphilic PPZ surfactant with biodegradability is designed and synthesized for stabilizing water/fluorocarbon oil-based emulsions. The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of PPZs can be controlled by tuning the grating ratio of the two side chains, leading to the preparation of stable water-in-oil HIPEs and oil-in-water emulsions, and the production of fluorinated porous polymers and particles by polymerizing the oil phase. These fluorinated porous polymers show excellent thermal stability and, due to the hydrophobicity and porous structure, applications in the field of oil/water separation can be achieved.

Single-gene missense mutations remain challenging to interpret. Here, we deploy scalable functional screening by sequencing (SEUSS), a Perturb-seq method, to generate mutations at protein interfaces of RUNX1 and quantify their effect on activities of downstream cellular programs. We evaluate single-cell RNA profiles of 115 mutations in myelogenous leukemia cells and categorize them into three functionally distinct groups, wild-type (WT)-like, loss-of-function (LoF)-like, and hypomorphic, that we validate in orthogonal assays. LoF-like variants dominate the DNA-binding site and are recurrent in cancer; however, recurrence alone does not predict functional impact. Hypomorphic variants share characteristics with LoF-like but favor protein interactions, promoting gene expression indicative of nerve growth factor (NGF) response and cytokine recruitment of neutrophils. Accessible DNA near differentially expressed genes frequently contains RUNX1-binding motifs. Finally, we reclassify 16 variants of uncertain significance and train a classifier to predict 103 more. Our work demonstrates the potential of targeting protein interactions to better define the landscape of phenotypes reachable by missense mutations.

Lithium fluoride (LiF) is a ubiquitous component in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in Li-ion batteries. However, its nanoscale structure, morphology, and topology, important factors for understanding LiF and SEI film functionality, including electrode passivity, are often unknown due to limitations in spatial resolution of common characterization techniques. Ultrabroadband near-field synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy (SINS) enables such detection and mapping of LiF in SEI layers in the far-infrared region down to ca. 322 cm-1 with a nanoscale spatial resolution of ca. 20 nm. The surface sensitivity of SINS and the large infrared absorption cross section of LiF, which can support local surface phonons under certain circumstances, enabled characterization of model LiF samples of varying structure, thickness, surface roughness, and degree of crystallinity, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflectance FTIR, SINS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-angle annular dark-field, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Enabled by this approach, LiF within SEI films formed on Cu, Si, and metallic glass Si40Al50Fe10 electrodes was detected and characterized. The nanoscale morphologies and topologies of LiF in these SEI layers were evaluated to gain insights into LiF nucleation, growth, and the resulting nuances in the electrode surface passivity.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to enable the hydrogen economy and decarbonize various sectors in our environment that requires less expensive and more durable water electrolyzers, which can meet the Hydrogen-Shot target. The key is to improve the ionomer interfaces in low-temperature water electrolyzers as rapidly as possible, but to do so, it requires a systematic and holistic campaign combining both experiments and theory. In this perspective, we discuss the issues of electrolyzers and needs for translational science. We then present the approach that the Energy EarthShot Research Center: Center for Ionomer-based Water Electrolysis is taking in hopes of inspiring the community with this approach that can be leveraged to multiple problems and technologies. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) Highlights: One way to achieve the Hydrogen-Shot goal of low-cost, clean hydrogen, is advancing research and development on the interfaces of water electrolyzers for both performance and lifetime. The Center for Ionomer-based Water Electrolysis is exploring new techniques and strategies to not only interrogate interfacial phenomena in water electrolyzers to increase efficiency and durability, but also a new paradigm related to synergistic, cojoined experimental and theoretical research. Discussion: Catalyst\ionomer interfaces are complex and not fully understood, but through investigating different interfaces and utilizing digital and physical twins, we can elucidate key mechanisms and understanding. Understanding the dynamic double layer in electrochemical systems that use solid electrolytes is crucial to identifying and mitigating the controlling phenomena to enable increased performance and durability at the technology level. Studying the time and length scales of interfacial changes can be a powerful tool to understand reaction mechanisms and changes in the electrolyzer performance and durability.

Tunability of interfacial effects between two-dimensional (2D) crystals is crucial not only for understanding the intrinsic properties of each system, but also for designing electronic devices based on ultra-thin heterostructures. A prerequisite of such heterostructure engineering is the availability of 2D crystals with different degrees of interfacial interactions. In this work, we report a controlled epitaxial growth of monolayer TaSe2 with different structural phases, 1H and 1 T, on a bilayer graphene (BLG) substrate using molecular beam epitaxy, and its impact on the electronic properties of the heterostructures using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. 1H-TaSe2 exhibits significant charge transfer and band hybridization at the interface, whereas 1 T-TaSe2 shows weak interactions with the substrate. The distinct interfacial interactions are attributed to the dual effects from the differences of the work functions as well as the relative interlayer distance between TaSe2 films and BLG substrate. The method demonstrated here provides a viable route towards interface engineering in a variety of transition-metal dichalcogenides that can be applied to future nano-devices with designed electronic properties.

Organic-inorganic hybrid interfaces with π-d electron coupling has been constructed to prevent the metal ion and sulfur leaching for enhancing the electrocatalytic OER performance. [Display omitted] Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) catalysts with high catalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity have been extensively studied, especially Fe and Co-based sulfides. Fe and Co active sites with a strong synergistic effect, which can adjust the electron density distribution and effectively improve the electrocatalytic OER activity. However, TMSs have poor stability in alkaline environment caused by metal ions and sulfur elements are facilitated to dissolve. In this work, TMSs was modified by polyaniline (PANI) to inhibit the precipitation of iron, cobalt, and sulfur elements and enhance its stability under alkaline conditions. Moreover, π-d structure can also be formed by the coating of PANI, which can further adjust its own electronic structure on the basis of stabilizing the TMSs structure, so as to improve the electrochemical performance, rendering them to stably operate at harsh environment for more than 90 h. These findings offer new guidance for improving the electrocatalytic stability of TMSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After decades of research, superconductivity is finally found in nickel‐based analogs of superconducting cuprates, with infinite‐layer (IL) structure. These results are so far restricted to thin films in the case of IL‐nickelates. Therefore, the nature of the interface with the substrate, and how it couples with the thin film properties is still an open question. Here, using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)‐ electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), a novel p‐type interface defined by SrO termination with the SrTiO3 substrate is observed in superconducting (SC) IL‐praseodymium nickelate samples. Its interfacial charge and polarity are compared with the previously reported n‐type interface characterized by TiO2 termination. In combination with ab‐initio calculations, it is found that the influence of the interface on the electronic structure is local and does not extend beyond 2–3 unit cells into the thin film. This decouples the direct influence of the interface in driving the superconductivity, and indicates that the IL‐nickelate thin films do not have a universal interface model. Insights into the spatial hole‐distribution in SC samples, provided by monochromated EELS and total reflection‐hard X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, suggest that this particular distribution might be directly influencing superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The enhanced durability of biobased polylactide (PLA) is a critical prerequisite for it to be considered a viable alternative to petroleum‐based polymers for long‐term applications. Leveraging the performance improvements achieved through interface construction, PLA‐biomass composites have garnered considerable interest and have been widely utilized as a completely degradable material. The hydrolytic behavior of PLA biocomposites in photo‐hydrothermal environments was examined in this study in relation to the impact of biomass components and the specifically designed interface. We observed that biomass could act as an effective stabilizer in the composites, leading to a 25.6% reduction in the hydrolysis reaction rate constant. This stabilization occurs as biomass impedes the diffusion of water molecules and the extension of PLA molecular chains across various hydrothermal environments, thereby enhancing the hydrolytic resistance of PLA. The intriguing aspect is that this stabilizing effect of biomass could be moderated by an interface created through surface treatment, which facilitates enhanced transfer of active small molecules during the photolysis‐hydrolysis process. Consequently, this approach presents a novel method for producing PLA biocomposites that offers excellent hydrolytic resistance, an adjustable degradation cycle, and expected potential applications in advanced packaging and agricultural domains. Biomass significantly enhances the hydrolysis resistance of polylactide (PLA) biocomposites. This stability boosts due to the obstructive and shielding effects of biomass. Effective interface could regulate the usable life of PLA biocomposites. The role that biomass/ interfaces play also applies to PLA photodegradation. Photo‐hydrolysis mechanism is not affected by biomass or designed interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This concurrent qualitative study was carried out with the main objective to determine wildlife beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices among ten ethnic groups in four communities in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces of Thailand from November 2020 to January 2021. We also gathered comprehensive information on study respondents' knowledge related to potential risk behaviors that could lead to zoonotic disease transmission and infection. Furthermore, we intended to use the study's findings to develop communication strategies and health literacy improvement interventions for mitigating risky behaviors, with a focus on ethnic groups and particular individuals who live in close proximity to forests and wildlife, to prevent future pandemics. Sixty-five respondents were purposively selected based on their extensive knowledge, active participation in local cultural contexts, beliefs, and exposure to wildlife contact or consuming game animals. Twenty (30.8%) participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs), while 45 (69.2%) participated in eight focused group discussions (FGDs). The results revealed that the characteristics of wildlife contact are similar and distinct based on their beliefs and taboos among various ethnic groups and study locations, which are influenced by cultural backgrounds and traditions. Although some ethnic groups do not have explicit restrictions on the consumption of wildlife, others adhere to specific beliefs and taboos that forbid the consumption or killing of specific wild animals. These beliefs frequently correspond with conservation initiatives, thereby facilitating the preservation of threatened species. The study also revealed a lack of appropriate health knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding wildlife contact and consumption. As a result, it is recommended that public health officials and local governments develop and execute communication and education initiatives. These campaigns should aim to increase health literacy and promote safe handling, preparation, and cooking practices to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and infection effectively. Moreover, it is necessary to design and implement wildlife conservation education and outreach activities. The programs should promote environmental stewardship while considering the cultural contexts, beliefs, and practices of various ethnic groups. The activities should involve diverse stakeholders, including local leaders, religious influencers, community members, schoolteachers, students, health professionals, village health volunteers, and civil society organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the huge progress in molecular and cellular neuroscience, our ability to understand the brain and develop effective treatments promoting mental health is still limited. This can be partially ascribed to the reductionist, deterministic and mechanistic approaches in neuroscience that struggle with the complexity of the central nervous system. Here, I introduce the Context theory of constrained systems proposing a novel role of contextual factors and genetic, molecular and neural substrates in determining brain functioning and behavior. This theory entails key conceptual implications. First, context is the main driver of behavior and mental states. Second, substrates, from genes to brain areas, have no direct causal link to complex behavioral responses as they can be combined in multiple ways to produce the same response and different responses can impinge on the same substrates. Third, context and biological substrates play distinct roles in determining behavior: context drives behavior, substrates constrain the behavioral repertoire that can be implemented. Fourth, since behavior is the interface between the central nervous system and the environment, it is a privileged level of control and orchestration of brain functioning. Such implications are illustrated through the Kitchen metaphor of the brain. This theoretical framework calls for the revision of key concepts in neuroscience and psychiatry, including causality, specificity and individuality. Moreover, at the clinical level, it proposes treatments inducing behavioral changes through contextual interventions as having the highest impact to reorganize the complexity of the human mind and to achieve a long‐lasting improvement in mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spent waterglass foundry sand (SWFS) is a major waste in foundry industries and should be disposed of preferentially. Two SWFS subjected to working temperatures of 100°C (SWFS1) and 800°C (SWFS8) were prepared to investigate their effects on the flow, compressive strength, micromechanical properties, and pore structure of alkali-activated slag (AAS). Experimental results confirmed that the overall performance of AAS was determined by the dissolved properties of the dried waterglass coating and the content of SWFS. The flow values of AAS in the first 1 h were increased by adding two SWFS. SWFS1 can release abundant silica tetrahedra into the activation system, contributing to micromechanical and macromechanical properties. The compressive strength of SWFS1 -added AAS mortars was increased by 28.8% to 49.0% at 28 days. In contrast, SWFS8 exerted weaker dissolved properties. The compressive strength of AAS mortars was slightly enhanced and the maximum increment at 28 days was only 8.5%. In summary, this paper confirmed the feasibility of using SWFS as reactive fine aggregates for AAS owing to the dried waterglass coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public–private development partnership constitutes the core of a deepening normative agenda that places private actors as active development agents and as means through which other development objectives are pursued in partnership with publicly funded aid actors. This normative agenda may challenge international development. This article goes beyond the official policy level to explore the formation of public–private development cooperation in practice, not just on paper. It zooms into the partnership between a Norwegian NGO and a multinational company and their joint project to renovate an old vocational college in Ethiopia to serve the private actor's need for qualified workers. The article shows how a publicly funded development project becomes a proxy for private interests, but argues that the diversion of public aid is not due to bad intentions or conflicting interests. Rather, it is the result of interface situations created by the public–private partnership agenda and its intentional merger of actors with distinct institutional logics, accountabilities and rationales. The article demonstrates how actors put together as part of the public–private partnership agenda end up undermining the agenda itself because of the interface situations created in the nexus of public and private actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galvanizing is an important industrial process to improve the corrosion resistance of advanced high strength steels (AHSSs) that are vital for automotive industries. During galvanizing, nanoscale intermetallic phases with complex crystal structures are formed at the interface between the steel substrate and the zinc overlay. To better understand the nanoscale structures and the interfacial properties between the intermetallics, in this work, we develop a second nearest neighbor (2NN) Fe–Al–Zn ternary Modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM) potential to describe the crystal structures of the intermetallics, i.e. Fe3Al8, Fe4Zn9 and FeZn13 and to calculate the interfacial structure and energy between them. The developed MEAM potential describes well the complex crystal structures and can be used to investigate the interfacial properties that are difficult to obtain from experiments. The Fe4Zn9, FeZn13 surface energies; the Fe–Fe4Zn9, Fe–FeZn13, Fe3Al8–FeZn13 interfacial energies; and the work of adhesion are calculated with the developed MEAM potential. The results show that FeZn13 crystal orientation has an insignificant effect on the FeZn13 surface energy and the Fe–FeZn13 interfacial energy. A negative interfacial energy is obtained for the Fe–Fe4Zn9 and the Fe–FeZn13 interface. The lowest interfacial energy is obtained in the {100}Fe case. The interfacial energy of Fe3Al8–FeZn13 depends on the surface termination of Fe3Al8 and FeZn13. A low interfacial energy is obtained when the surface termination of Fe3Al8 and FeZn13 are both Fe rich. In contrast, when the surface termination of Fe3Al8 is Al rich or the surface termination of FeZn13 is Zn rich, no low energy, stable interface can be formed between the two phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the Young's modulus (E) and strength of titanium alloys, we designed titanium matrix composites with interconnected microstructure based on the Hashin-Shtrikman theory. According to the results, the in-situ reaction yielded an interconnected microstructure composed of Ti2C particles when the Ti2C content reached 50vol%. With widths of 10 and 230 nm, the intraparticle Ti lamellae in the prepared composite exhibited a bimodal size distribution due to precipitation and the unreacted Ti phase within the grown Ti2C particles. The composites with interconnected microstructure attained superior properties, including E of 174.3 GPa and ultimate flexural strength of 1014 GPa. Compared with that of pure Ti, the E of the composite was increased by 55% due to the high Ti2C content and interconnected microstructure. The outstanding strength resulted from the strong interfacial bonding, load-bearing capacity of interconnected Ti2C particles, and bimodal intraparticle Ti lamellae, which minimized the average crack driving force. Interrupted flexural tests revealed preferential crack initiation along the {001} cleavage plane and grain boundary of Ti2C in the region with the highest tensile stress. In addition, the propagation can be efficiently inhibited by interparticle Ti grains, which prevented the brittle fracture of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper-mineral oil interfaces are key components of oil-impregnated power transformers and are commonly believed to be one of their weak points. The formation of an electric double layer (EDL) at this interface as a result of charge accumulation and transfer is crucial to its insulating properties, but a molecular-level understanding of this phenomenon remains unclear. To understand this fundamental aspect, we have investigated the effect of different EDLs on the electric potential and interfacial potential barrier between copper and mineral oil by using first principle calculations. Based on the calculations, the EDL is shown to reduce the interfacial potential barrier and enhance the diffusion of oil molecules at the interface when the copper side is negatively charged and the mineral oil side is positively charged. In contrast, when the copper side is positively charged and the mineral oil side is negatively charged, the corresponding EDL can increase the interfacial potential barrier and reduce the diffusion of oil molecules at this interface. Our findings shed light on the relationship between the structure of EDLs and their electrical properties in oil-impregnated power transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas marbles are a new family of particle‐stabilized soft dispersed system with a soap bubble‐like air‐in‐water‐in‐air structure. Herein, stimulus‐responsive character is successfully introduced to a gas marble system for the first time using polymer particles carrying a poly(tertiary amine methacrylate) (pKa ≈7) steric stabilizer on their surfaces as a particulate stabilizer. The gas marbles exhibited long‐term stability when transferred onto the planar surface of liquid water, provided that the solution pH of the subphase is basic and neutral. In contrast, the use of acidic solutions led to immediate disintegration of the gas marbles, resulting in release of the inner gas. The critical minimum solution pH required for long‐term gas marble stability correlates closely with the known pKa value for the poly(tertiary amine methacrylate) stabilizer. It also demonstrates amphibious motions of the gas marbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin/Al2O3 composite is important but is still elusive. Here, we illuminate this issue by investigating the role of four silane coupling agents in thermal conductivity for epoxy resin/Al2O3 composites. The results show that 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) is the best silane coupling agent to modify Al2O3, resulting in the lowest viscosity and the highest thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin/Al2O3‐KH560 composite compared with alternative systems. This is attributed to the strong interfacial interaction between Al2O3‐KH560 and epoxy resin, as confirmed by the Fowkes model and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The interfacial thermal resistance between the epoxy resin and Al2O3 is also quantitatively measured via a photothermal radiometry technique. The epoxy resin/Al2O3‐KH560 also has the lowest interfacial thermal resistance (1.50 ± 0.02 × 10−6 m2 K W−1), compared with the other three systems. This study advances the understanding of the relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in polymer composites. Highlights: The relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin/Al2O3 composite is understood.The interfacial structure is characterized by broadband dielectric spectroscopy.The interfacial thermal resistance is quantitatively measured via a photothermal radiometry technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the requirements of high stiffness and impact strength of HDPE pipes, in this article, long fiber reinforced HDPE were developed and the effects of fiber length, volume fraction, types, and matrix/fiber interface on the mechanical properties were investigated. Tensile properties, notched impact strength, as well as microstructures were tested. The results showed that fibers increased the tensile strength, modulus, and impact strength, but decreased their plastic deformation. Larger fiber fraction indicates more fibers are involved in load bearing, but easy agglomeration. With ascending fiber length, tensile, and impact strength first increased and then decreased, whereas tensile modulus first increased and then maintained an almost constant value. Carbon fibers showed no advantages over glass fibers and basalt fibers in reinforcing HDPE due to the relatively poor interface bonding strength. Interface modification with KH550 improved the mechanical performance of composites, but the enhancement was limited. More effective methods should be developed for better performance. Highlights: Fiber increases strength and modulus, but decreases plastic deformation.Critical fiber length for basalt LFT is 2.6 mm obtained from SEM.Larger fiber volume and length lead to agglomerations.Difference in BF, CF, and GF reinforced HDPE is determined by interface.Interface modification enhances mechanical properties of LFT but limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) can overcome many problems in cathode and lithium anode, and it is a very promising safe secondary battery. However, unstable interface problems between electrolyte and electrode and within the electrolyte still restrict its commercial development. Herein, the interface problems are first revealed in ASSLBs and highlight the need to deeply explore the intrinsic failure mechanisms to solve these problems. Subsequently, the three failure mechanisms of ASSLBs: chemical, electrical, and electrochemical failure are broken down, and focus on the impact of the space charge layer problem on the cathode‐electrolyte interface. The effect of the anode physical contact problem on the anode‐electrolyte interface is discussed. Then, recent advances in ASSLBs, cathode and anode interface optimization strategies, and their corresponding electrochemical properties are discussed. Finally, the interface challenges faced by ASSLBs and feasible interface modification strategies are summarized, which provide references for subsequent studies and insights into the design of interface structures for the new generation of high‐performance ASSLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) is strongly influenced by membrane interfaces, but the mechanism of transition from monomers to oligomers at early aggregation stage is not clear. Here, we investigate the adsorption and structure changes of α‐syn on oppositely charged aromatic interfaces through in‐situ surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy and nano‐IR technique. The results show that the synergy of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions leads to a "fast‐slow" two‐step aggregation pathway on negatively charged interface. Surface adsorption induces the formation of an extended helix structure and subsequently partial helix unwinding in NAC region, which enables the hydrophobic stacking between nearby NAC regions. Stable antiparallel β‐sheet rich aggregates are gradually emerging as further interactions of monomers with the fast formed "first layer". Monomers electrostatically adsorb on positively charged interface by C‐terminus with NAC region and N‐terminus stretched in solvent, which serve as an aggregation core and induce further adsorption and gradual formation of aggregates with C‐terminus exposure. Our results demonstrate the modulation of surface charge and synergy of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions on the interaction modes and aggregation pathways, which provide insights into dynamic conformation changes of α‐syn at early aggregation stage and imply the important role of spatial‐temporal heterogeneity of membranes in α‐synucleinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are mainly fabricated by a classic dry transfer procedure, but the interface quality is often subject to the vdW gap, residual strains, and defect species. The realization of interface fusion and repair holds significant implications for the modulation of multiple photoelectric conversion processes. In this work, we propose a thermally mismatched strategy to trigger broad-band and high-speed photodetection performance based on a type-I heterostructure composed of black phosphorus (BP) and FePS3 (FPS) nanoflakes. The BP acts as photothermal source to promote interface fusion when large optical power is adopted. The regulation of optical power enables the device from pyroelectric (PE) and/or alternating current photovoltaic (AC–PV) mode to a mixed photovoltaic (PV)/photothermoelectric (PTE)/PE mode. The fused heterostructure device presents an extended detection range (405~980 nm) for the FPS. The maximum responsivity and detectivity are 329.86 mA/W and 6.95 × 1010 Jones, respectively, and the corresponding external quantum efficiency (EQE) approaches ~100%. Thanks to these thermally-related photoelectric conversion mechanism, the response and decay time constants of device are as fast as 290 μs and 265 μs, respectively, superior to current all FPS-based photodetectors. The robust environmental durability also renders itself as a high-speed and broad-band imaging sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the tribological characteristics of commercially available high-strength polyphthalamide-based composites with great contents (30–50 wt.%) of both carbon and glass fibers in point and linear contacts against metal and ceramic counterfaces under dry friction and oil-lubricated conditions at various loads and sliding speeds. The lengths of both types of fibers were varied simultaneously with their contents while samples were fabricated from granules by injection molding. When loading PPA with 30 wt.% SCFs at an aspect ratio (AR) of 200, the ultimate tensile strength and the elastic modulus increased up to 142.7 ± 12.5 MPa and 12.9 ± 0.6 GPa, respectively. In the composites with the higher contents of reinforcing fibers PPA/40CCF and AR~1000, the ultimate tensile strength and the elastic modulus were 240 ± 3 MPa and 33.7 ± 1.9 GPa, respectively. Under the applied test conditions, a composite reinforced with 40 wt.% carbon fibers up to 100 μm long at an aspect ratio of ~1000 possessed the best both mechanical properties and tribological characteristics. One of the reasons that should be considered for improving the tribological characteristics of the composite is the fatigue wear mechanism, which is facilitated by the high filling degree, the strong interfacial adhesion, and the great aspect ratio for fibers. Under the oil-lubricated conditions, both friction coefficients and wear rates decreased, so such friction units could be implemented whenever possible. The reported data can be used as practical recommendations for applying fibrous polyphthalamide-based composites as friction unit components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced composites are commonly exposed to environments associated with moisture and solution, resulting in uptake, which causes changes in the bulk resin, the fiber–matrix interface, and even the fiber itself. Knowledge about uptake behavior and diffusion mechanisms and characteristics are critical to better understanding the response of these materials to environmental exposure faced through service to developing better materials through selection of constituents and to the prediction of long-term durability. This paper reviews aspects of uptake mechanisms and subsequent response, as well as models that describe the sorption process, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of moisture-uptake-related phenomena and characteristics such as uptake rate, diffusion and relaxation/deterioration constants, transitions in regimes, and overall response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis review presents a critical examination of the interface for coupling high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) since 2010. This coupling offers a robust analytical approach characterized by exceptional chemical specificity and the capacity to analyze complex multi-component mixtures qualitatively and quantitatively with high sensitivity, particularly in low limit of detection ranges. This coupling enables the identification of individual components of a mixture by IR after their separation by HPLC, although challenges arise from the potential distortion of infrared spectra by mobile phase components. Addressing this issue necessitates the implementation of suitable interfaces, such as flow cells or off-line indirect measurement methods like hot inert gas streams or ultrasonic nebulizers. The key parameters influencing the coupling of HPLC-FTIR include the solvent elimination methods, mode of FTIR technique, and IR background for accurate analyte identification. Moreover, the composition of the mobile phase and the utilization of buffer solutions in the HPLC mobile phase profoundly impact analyte identification by FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu‐catalyzed electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) produces multi‐carbon (C2+) chemicals with considerable selectivities and activities, yet required high overpotentials impede its practical application. Here, we design interfaces with abrupt coordination number (CN) changes that greatly reduce the applied potential for achieving high C2+ Faradaic efficiency (FE). Encouraged by the mechanistic finding that the coupling between *CO and *CO(H) is the most probable C−C bond formation path, we use Cu2O‐ and Cu‐phthalocyanine‐derived Cu (OD−Cu and PD−Cu) to build the interface. Using operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), we find that the Cu CN of OD−Cu is ~11, favoring CO* adsorption, while the PD−Cu has a COH*‐favorable CN of ~4. Operando Raman spectroscopy revealed that the interfaces with abrupt CN changes promote *OCCOH formation. As a result, the designed catalyst achieves a C2+ FE of 85±2 % at 220 mA cm−2 in a zero‐gap CO2 electrolyzer. An improvement of C2+ FE by 3 times is confirmed at the low potential regime where the current density is 60–140 mA cm−2, compared to bare OD−Cu. We report a 45‐h stable CO2RR operation at 220 mA cm−2, producing a C2+ product FE of ~80 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although mangrove forests are great carbon sinks, they also release carbon dioxide (CO2) from soil, plants, and water through respiration. Many studies have focused on CO2 effluxes only from soils, but the role of biogenic structures such as pneumatophore roots has been poorly studied. Hence, CO2 effluxes from pneumatophores were quantified at sediment-air (non-flooded sediment) and water–air (flooded sediment) interfaces along a salinity gradient in three mangrove types (fringe, scrub, and basin) dominated by Avicennia germinans during the dry and rainy seasons in Yucatan, Mexico. Pneumatophore abundance explained up to 91% of CO2 effluxes for scrub, 87% for fringe, and 83% for basin mangrove forests at the water–air interface. Overall, CO2 effluxes were inversely correlated with temperature and salinity. The highest CO2 effluxes were in the fringe and the lowest were in the scrub mangrove forests. Flooding decreased CO2 effluxes from the dry to the rainy season in all mangrove forests. These results highlight the contribution of pneumatophores to mangrove respiration, and the need to include them in our current carbon budgets and models, but considering different exchange interfaces, seasons, and mangrove ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) is one of the most attractive solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) for application in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) due to its advantages of high ionic conductivity, air stability and low cost. However, the poor interfacial contact and slow Li‐ion migration have greatly limited its practical application. Herein, a composite ion‐conducting layer is designed at the Li/LATP interface, which a MoS2 film is constructed on LATP via chemical vapor deposition, followed by the introduction of a solid polymer (SP) liquid precursor to form a MoS2@SP protective layer. This protective layer not only achieves a lower Li‐ion migration energy barrier, but also adsorbs more Li‐ion, which is able to promote interfacial ion transport and improve interfacial contacts. Thanks to the improved migration and adsorption of Li‐ion, the Li symmetric cell containing LATP‐MoS2@SP exhibits a stable cycle of more than 1200 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. More remarkably, the capacity retention of the full cell assembled with LiFePO4 cathode is as high as 86.2% after 400 cycles at 1 C. This work provides a design strategy for significantly improving unstable interfaces of SSEs and realizing high‐performance ASSLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspension of solid particles at interfaces is a common phenomenon, pivotal in natural, and industrial contexts. This study focuses on gas marbles which are single soap‐like air bubbles in air environment stabilized by colloidal particles. A unique stabilization method employing edible cinnamon particles is introduced. Unlike previous studies using spherical particles, the irregularly‐shaped micrometer‐sized cinnamon particles demonstrate remarkable long‐term stability through jamming and interlocking at the air‐liquid interface. Comprehensive characterization via optical and scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle experiments, elucidates the stabilization mechanism. These gas marbles exhibit exceptional resilience against drying, heating, freezing, and mechanical stress. They can be fabricated with various edible liquids offering extensive customization possibilities. This breakthrough introduces a promising method for creating stable gas marbles with edible particles, offering versatility for various fields and applications. The application scope includes surface catalysis and shock/vibration sensors, and also molecular gastronomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is considered an indispensable cathode material in the realm of consumer electronic batteries due to its high volumetric energy density. However, at a charging cut‐off voltage as high as 4.6 V, significant interfacial side reactions between LiCoO2 and the electrolyte occur, which adversely impact the battery's cycle performance. The surface‐related issues of LiCoO2 at high charge voltages not only constrain its utilization in conventional lithium‐ion batteries with liquid electrolytes but also limit its application in solid‐state batteries. Although traditional coating methods using inert inorganic compounds can partially alleviate this issue, their point‐like coatings fail to completely prevent the surface of LiCoO2 from direct contact with the electrolyte. The exploration of novel surface protection strategies for LiCoO2 remains imperative to address the associated challenges. Herein, introducing a sulfone‐based polymer electrolyte interface is proposed on the surface of LiCoO2 using methyl vinyl sulfone (MVS) through in situ polymerization. Remarkably, LiCoO2 with sulfone‐based polymer electrolyte interface exhibits a capacity retention rate of 83% after 500 cycles when employing a carbonate electrolyte without additives at a charge cut‐off voltage of 4.6 V. Furthermore, the LiCoO2 and polymer electrolyte interface exhibits exceptional cycle stability when paired with polyether solid electrolytes that do not possess high voltage tolerance. Moreover, the incorporation of a polymer electrolyte interface not only enhances the cycle stability of LiCoO2 but also improves its thermal stability. This work presents novel research perspectives for exploring high‐voltage stable LiCoO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and operational stability of perovskite‐based devices heavily rely on the interfacial properties between the photoactive perovskite layer and charge transport layers. Understanding the theoretical relationship between surface/interface dipoles and surface energetics is crucial for scientific understanding and practical applications. In this study, a method is applied that bridges classical electromagnetism and modern atomistic approaches. The impact of dipolar ligand molecules functionalizing the FASnI3 perovskite surface is investigated, with inspection of the interplay between surface dipole, charge transfer, and local strain effect, and corresponding shifts in the valence level. The results reveal that the contribution of individual molecular entities to surface dipoles and electric susceptibilities follows an essentially additive behavior. The influence of F doping usually used to mitigate Sn oxidation in Sn‐based layer for photovoltaic applications, is also discussed. Furthermore, the findings are compared with predictions from classical approaches employing a capacitor model that links the induced vacuum level shift and the molecular dipole moment. The insights gained from the study provide theoretical guidelines for fine‐tuning the work functions of materials, thus enabling effective interfacial engineering in this class of semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomembranes (GMBs) and geotextiles (GTXs) are the most widely used geosynthetics in landfills and other barrier systems. While various temperature environments may be encountered in practice, the interface shear characteristics of geosynthetics under different temperatures are still not clear. Shear tests of the interface between a high-density polyethylene GMB and nonwoven GTX are performed using a temperature-controlled submerged direct shear apparatus. The testing temperatures range from 10 °C to 70 °C, which covers most of the situations commonly encountered in engineering. The shear behaviors of the textured GMB/GTX interface and smooth GMB/GTX interface are presented, and the mechanism of the temperature influence is analyzed according to the test results and phenomena. Temperature has a significant impact on the GMB/GTX interface peak strength and post-peak strength, and maximum interface shear strength could be obtained when the temperature is approximately 30–40 °C. The influencing mechanisms of temperature on the GMB/GTX interface shear strength are thoroughly discussed. The shear characteristics of the GMB/GTX interface under different temperatures are critical to the stability analysis of geosynthetic slopes in special condition, and this study can also provide a reference for the effect of temperature on the shear behavior of other geosynthetics. • Submerged shear tests of the GMB/GTX interface are conducted at wide temperature ranges covering most of the situations. • Significant weakening of the GMB/GTX interface shear strength has been confirmed to exist at high temperatures. • The influencing mechanism of temperature on interface friction is different from that on asperity interlocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a method to enhance the airtightness of the joint between the ZrO2 and Crofer alloy using coating technology. With the aid of vacuum sputtering technology, a titanium–copper alloy layer with a thickness between 1.5 μm and 6 μm was first deposited on the surface of ZrO2 and Crofer, respectively. The chemical composition of the deposited reaction layer was 70.2 Cu and 29.8 Ti in at%. Then, using silver as the base material in the reactive air brazing (RAB) process, we explore the use of this material design to improve the microstructure and reaction mechanism of the joint surface between ceramics and metal, compare the effects of different pretreatment thicknesses on the microstructure, and evaluate its effectiveness through air tightness tests. The results show that a coating of Cu-Ti alloy on the ZrO2 substrate can significantly improve bonding between the Ag filler and ZrO2. The Cu-Ti metallization layer on the ZrO2 substrate is beneficial to the RAB. After the brazing process, the coated Cu-Ti layers form suitable reaction interfaces between the filler, the metal, the filler, and the ceramic. In terms of coating layer thickness, the optimized 3 μm coated Cu-Ti alloy layer is achieved from the experiment. Melting and dissolving the Cu-Ti coated layer into the ZrO2 substrate results in a defect-free interface between the Ag-rich braze and the ZrO2. The air tightness test result shows no leakage under 2 psig at room temperature for 28 h. The pressure condition can still be maintained even under high-temperature conditions of 600 °C for 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable generalized finite element method (SGFEM) for interface problem is based on simple mesh independent of interface curves and possesses merits of optimal convergence rates, conditioning of same order as that of finite element method (FEM), robustness, and freedom from any penalty parameters or stability schemes. This paper investigates mass lumping of SGFEM for parabolic interface problems. The mass lumping is important for computational reduction and maximum principle preserving. The difficulty in the mass lumping of conventional generalized FEM (GFEM) and SGFEM consists in their incorporation of extra enriched functions. The existing mass lumping methods of GFEM cannot work properly due to features of SGFEM that enriched shape functions vanish on mesh nodes, and the nodes are enriched partially rather than totally. In this study, we propose two mass lumping schemes for the SGFEM. The first one is to only lump the FEM part, and enriched parts are kept fixed. This scheme enables us to execute a rigorous optimal convergence analysis. It is noted that a theoretical analysis on the mass lumping of GFEM has not been available yet in the GFEM field. The second scheme is to further compress the enriched part and intersection part of mass matrix separately. The lumped mass matrix is almost diagonal, and there is only a line of nonzero entries in the intersection part of mass matrix. Numerical experiments indicate that two schemes both produce the optimal convergence rates; their errors are almost the same as those of SGFEM without using the mass lumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop an effective screen‐keyboard system from a new perspective of key arrangements. In the proposed screen keyboard system, keys are centralized by arranging them radially, with alphabetical keys arranged based on the articulation for speech production. A gesture input method and click input method are implemented considering the mora‐based Japanese sound system with syllables containing a consonant‐vowel (CV) structure. In a preliminary experiment, the cumulative pixel distances required to press keys for the input sequences were evaluated as a simulation to confirm the basic performance of the keyboard system. The Euclidean pixel distances between the keys on the keyboard images were accumulated and compared between the proposed keyboard system and a typical QWERTY keyboard. Typing experiments involving participants were performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed keyboard system. The experimental results reveal that the proposed screen keyboard system enables users to generate efficient typing performances using a computer mouse and eye gaze via short‐term training. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science–policy interaction is frequently organized through projects, lauded as flexible and focused administrative solutions for policy learning. However, there is a risk of stifling projects with overly rigid interfaces or, controversially, losing project results amidst the cracks of inter- and intra-organizational cleavages when interfaces are excessively flexible. This article examines how science advisors in Estonian ministries contributed to resolving this controversy through an in-depth case study of an agenda-setting bioeconomy project. The results suggest that the potential of science advisors to provide necessary flexibility is contingent on their position relative to bureaucratic hierarchies and boundary objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the diverse effects of lithological on the properties of alkali-activated slag systems by blending different stone powders - limestone (LP), dolomite (DP), quartz (QP), and magnesite (MP). The physical and chemical properties of the raw materials were first analysed, followed by the investigation of reaction kinetics, resulting products, and microstructure. Rheology, strength, and shrinkage were then evaluated. Results indicate that increased LP and DP content improves flowability due to their particle size, while QP has limited effect. All stone powders reduce the degree of reaction, although the stronger affinity of LP and DP for Ca2+ promotes the formation of more reaction products. Microstructural analysis highlights superior bonding of LP and DP to the paste, as evidenced by the lower macro-scale strength loss at low mixing ratios. DP can also mitigate drying shrinkage, whereas MP has the most adverse effect due to its highest capillary pore proportion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress of stretchable organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) has brought about new possibilities for highly functional wearable electronics. However, the efficiency and durability of stretchable OLEDs have been limited by the performance of stretchable transparent electrodes. Here, we proposed an interface engineering strategy that involves anchoring the growth of silver (Ag) atoms with amine-enriched biomaterials for high-quality stretchable transparent electrodes. The strong interactions between the Ag atom and the amine group enable the uniform Ag electrodes at an ultralow thickness of 7 nm, and provide remarkable mechanical flexibility and strain endurance to the Ag electrodes. The distinct effects of different amino acids were investigated, and a deep understanding of their unique contributions to the film formation process was gained. The resulting ultrathin Ag electrodes exhibit outstanding optoelectrical properties (transmittance of ~ 98% and sheet resistance of ~ 8.7 Ω/sq) and excellent stretchability during 500 stretching cycles at 100% strain. Stretchable green phosphorescent OLEDs based on the Ag electrodes have been demonstrated with a current efficiency of up to ~ 70.4 cd/A. Impressively, the devices show excellent stretching stability, retaining ~ 89% of the original luminance and ~ 78% of the original current efficiency after 200 stretching cycles at 100% strain. This work opens up new possibilities for stretchable transparent electrodes, fostering advancements in wearable displays and other innovative flexible devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber–concrete composite (TCC) structural systems are characterized by the combination of timber and concrete, which are connected to transmit shear forces between the two elements. In addition, to achieve an efficient connection, the slip between the two materials should be limited. Therefore, the load-carrying capacity, the stiffness, and the failure mode of TCC connections are important for the behavior of the composite element. This work aims to investigate the influence of test conditions on TCC connections using shear tests to determine the mechanical properties of connections. Therefore, it is essential to understand the influence of the configuration of the specimens (symmetric as push-out tests or asymmetric as inclined tests), the type of interface between the timber and concrete, and the test procedure (static or cyclic load protocol) on the resulting load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and failure modes. This paper reviews experimental tests conducted on TCC shear connection specimens, using various configurations to assess the influence of the test specimen configuration, material interface, and testing protocol on the determination of the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of hybrid materials as a combination of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) and metal is of great interest in order to meet the increasing demands for sustainability, efficiency, and emission reduction based on the principle of lightweight design. These two components can therefore be joined using the intrinsic joining technique, which is formed by curing the matrix of the FRP component. In this study, for the hybrid joint, unidirectionally pre-impregnated semi-finished products (prepregs) with duromer matrix resin and micro-alloyed HC340LA steel were used. In order to conduct a detailed investigation, the damage mechanisms of intrinsically produced fibre metal laminates (FMLs), a new clamping device, and a novel pressing tool were designed and put into operation. The prepregs were prestressed by applying a preloading force using a specially designed prestressing frame. Hybrid specimens were then produced and subjected to nanoindentation and a shear tensile test. In particular, the effect of the residual stress state by varying the defined prestressing force on the damage mechanisms was studied. The results showed that no fracture patterns occurred in the interface of the specimens without preloading as a result of curing at 120 °C, whereas specimens with preloading failed at the boundary layer in the tensile range. Nevertheless, all specimens cured at 160 °C failed at the boundary layer in the tensile range. Furthermore, it was proven that the force and displacement of the preloaded specimens were promisingly higher than those of the unpreloaded specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing a high‐performance cathode is essential for the development of proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H‐SOFCs), and nanocomposite cathodes have proven to be an effective means of achieving this. However, the mechanism behind the nanocomposite cathodes' remarkable performance remains unknown. Doping the Co element into BaZrO3 can result in the development of BaCoO3 and BaZr0.7Co0.3O3 nanocomposites when the doping concentration exceeds 30%, according to the present study. The construction of the BaCoO3/BaZr0.7Co0.3O3 interface is essential for the enhancement of the cathode catalytic activity, as demonstrated by thin‐film studies using pulsed laser deposition to simulate the interface of the BCO and BZCO individual particles and first‐principles calculations to predict the oxygen reduction reaction steps. Eventually, the H‐SOFC with a BaZr0.4Co0.6O3 cathode produces a record‐breaking power density of 2253 mW cm−2 at 700°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) stacking using hybrid bonding is the most scalable method for 3D integration. As the hybrid bonding pad width is reduced to adopt a higher number of interconnections, the ability to extract the contact resistivity at the bonding interface with high accuracy is critical. Using specific electrical test structures and a dedicated methodology, we extract the contact resistivity for hybrid bonding pad widths down to 400 nm for a Cu/SiO2 hybrid bonding integration. Very low values around 10−11 Ω cm2 were obtained for our reference process, close to the those of Cu grain boundaries. A comprehensive analysis of the experimental contact resistivity is performed to understand its increase with the Cu recess within the bonding pads. Based on thermomechanical simulations and experimental results, the influence of both the pad thickness and initial dishing on the interface closure is discussed, for bonding pad width down to 100 nm. These analyses enable us to propose process conditions to reach low contact resistivity with low sensitivity to wafer-to-wafer overlay for hybrid bonding stacking using bonding pad widths down to 100 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial interfaces provide a comprehensive approach to controlling zinc dendrite and surface corrosion in zinc‐based aqueous batteries (ZABs). However, due to consistent volume changes during zinc plating/stripping, traditional interfacial layers cannot consistently adapt to the dendrite surface, resulting in uncontrolled dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution. Herein, dynamic covalent bonds exhibit the Janus effect towards zinc deposition at different current densities, presenting a holistic strategy for stabilizing zinc anode. The PBSC intelligent artificial interface consisting of dynamic B−O covalent bonds is developed on zinc anode to mitigate hydrogen evolution and restrict dendrite expansion. Owing to the reversible dynamic bonds, PBSC exhibits shape self‐adaptive characteristics at low current rates, which rearranges the network to accommodate volume changes during zinc plating/stripping, resisting hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the rapid association of B−O dynamic bonds enhances mechanical strength at dendrite tips, presenting a shear‐thickening effect and suppressing further dendrite growth at high current rates. Therefore, the assembled symmetrical battery with PBSC maintains a stable cycle of 4500 hours without significant performance degradation and the PBSC@Zn||V2O5 pouch cell demonstrates a specific capacity exceeding 170 mAh g−1. Overall, the intelligent interface with dynamic covalent bonds provides innovative approaches for zinc anode interfacial engineering and enhances cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond‐like carbon (DLC) is an amorphous material widely used in industrial applications due to its chemical, mechanical, and tribological properties and, also, for decorative purposes. However, its low adhesion to ferrous alloys reduces its effectiveness in certain applications, necessitating the use of adhesion interlayers to reduce stresses at the interfaces and enhance the density of strong bonds. In this context, the factors that promote good adhesion in this system and specify the parameters must be understood in detail. Thus, the present study aims to assess the influence of the base pressure on the deposition of an amorphous silicon carbide adhesion interlayer between DLC coating and a ferrous alloy substrate. Microstructural, physicochemical, morphological, and mechanotribological analyses were conducted to understand the adhesion behavior in terms of structural and chemical aspects. In addition to the influence of the interlayer thickness, the elemental Si/C ratios and the relative oxygen content have an impact on the maximum load supported by the coatings, as well as the different delamination mechanisms generated in adhesion tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfaces between superconductors and other materials have long been established as being an important part in the exploration of new physics to aid in our understanding of superconductivity and open us up to new technological advancements. Herein this article we analyse the recent progress made in the understanding of superconductivity at the interfaces involving a wide range of functional materials, mostly looking at two-dimensional (2D) systems. We start off in the first half of this review by focusing on magnetic and superconductive hybrid heterostructures, as well as the resulting physical phenomena from these systems. The first is a section on vortex and anti-vortex phenomena; the second key area is ferromagnet–superconductor hybrid phenomena with particular interest of magnetic skyrmions, the third is the novel frontier based on 2D magnetic and superconductive interfaces particularly examining Ising superconductivity at these interfaces; the fourth is superconductivity at anti-ferromagnetic interfaces and finally half-metals at superconducting interfaces. The second half of this review focuses on superconductivity at insulating and other functional interfaces. Examining firstly, Mott insulator interfaces with wide ranging discussions about how such interfaces can enhance our understanding in high-temperature superconductive cuprates and other unconventional superconductor systems such as the nickelates; in the second section the interface of 2D and 3D ferroelectric materials with superconductors with a key emphasis on devices that have been developed to control the superconducting phase; Topological insulators at interfaces with superconductors is the third section; and lastly 2D twisted material interfaces are explored, including the newly discovered magic angle interfaces discovered with graphene and other van Der Waals materials. It is anticipated that this review will lead to further interest in such interfaces to improve our understanding and expose the exotic science behind these interfaces. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the temperature compensation of LiTaO3-based devices, room-temperature bonding of LiTaO3 and Si wafers was performed in atmospheric air using Mo/Au (∼21.6 nm/∼78.6 nm) nanoadhesive layers. TEM observations show that each of the Mo/Si, Au/Mo, Au/Au, and Mo/LiTaO3 interfaces is tightly bonded without any defects, and after surface activation, the thickness (1.6 nm) of the amorphous layer formed on the surface of LiTaO3 is lower than that (3.3 nm) on the surface of Si. Due to the adsorption energy between Mo and Si and LiTaO3 and Au, Mo as an underlayer material can enhance the adhesion between substrates and Au and form the Mo/Au film as a whole. Meanwhile, Mo can form strong Mo-Si and Mo-LiTaO3 chemical bonds with activated Si and LiTaO3 substrates, respectively. The existence of adsorption energy and chemical bonds ensured that the bonded LiTaO3/Si sample has a strong bonding strength (14 MPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform a quantitative analysis of the concentration of an impurity migrating with a solution in a three-layer porous body in the presence of sorption processes on the contact boundaries of macroelements under the conditions of imperfect mass contact. To determine the desired functions from the contact conditions of equality of the diffusion fluxes, we deduce a system of integral equations. On the basis of the numerical analysis of the obtained solutions, it is shown that the variations of the sorption intensity factors in the second and third contacting layers, of the relative diffusion coefficient in the second layer, of the convective transfer velocity coefficients in the first and second layers, and of the coefficients of concentration dependence of chemical potentials strongly affect the behavior and/or the values of the impurity concentration functions on the contact boundaries of the macroelements participating in the formation of the porous layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed the failure of dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) between ferritic heat resistant steels and austenitic stainless steels and investigated its influencing factors by means of numerical simulation, microstructure characterization and mechanical property test. Under the long-term high-temperature service condition in practical power plant, the DMW failure mode was along the interface between nickel-based weld metal (WM) and ferritic heat resistant steel, and the failure mechanism was stress/strain concentration, microstructure degradation and oxidation coupling acting on the interface. The numerical simulation results show that interface stress/strain concentration was due to the differences in coefficient of thermal expansion and creep strength, and the degree of stress/strain concentration was related to service time. The ferrite band formed at the WM/ferritic steel interface was prone to cracking, attracting the fracture along the interface. The interface crack allowed oxidation to develop along the WM/ferritic steel interface. During long-term service, the interface stress/strain concentration, microstructure and oxidation all evolved, which synergistically promoted interface failure of DMW. However, only under the long-term service of low stress conditions could trigger the interface failure of DMW. Meanwhile, long-term service would reduce the mechanical strength and plasticity of DMW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Understanding the mechanisms of proton transfer on quartz surfaces in water is critical for a range of processes in geochemical, environmental, and materials sciences. The wide range of surface acidities (>9 p K a units) found on the ubiquitous mineral quartz is caused by the structural variations of surface silanol groups. Molecular scale simulations provide essential tools for elucidating the origin of site-specific surface acidities. We used density-functional tight-binding-based molecular dynamics combined with rare-event metadynamics simulations to probe the mechanisms of deprotonation reactions from ten representative surface silanol groups found on both pristine and defect-rich quartz (1 0 1) surfaces with Si vacancies. The results show that deprotonation is a highly dynamic process where both the surface hydroxyls and bridging oxygen atoms serve as the proton acceptors, in addition to water. Deprotonation of embedded silanols through intrasurface proton transfer exhibited lower p K a values with less H-bond participation and higher energy barriers, suggesting a new mechanism to explain the bimodal acidity observed on quartz surface. Defect sites, recently shown to comprise a significant portion of the quartz (1 0 1) surface, diversify the coordination and local H-bonding environments of the surface silanols, changing both the deprotonation pathways and energetics, leading to a wider range of p K a values (2.4 to 11.5) than that observed on pristine quartz surface (10.4 and 12.1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research compares the effects of modifying carbon fiber [via spraying graphene nanoplates (GNPs)] and/or GNPs reinforcement on the mechanical and interfacial behavior of carbon fiber epoxy composites. Using a spraying method, the epoxy matrix was reinforced, and carbon fiber was modified with 0.2 and 1 wt% of GNPs, respectively. Tensile, interlaminar, and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) tests were conducted on the composite to assess the role of GNPs in enhancing mechanical, interfacial, and thermomechanical properties. The obtained results indicate that the spraying technique effectively enhanced the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and interlaminar fracture toughness (ILFT) of the composite. The UTS improved by 31%, while the ILFT significantly improved by 38%. Additionally, assessing the modulus gradient through the interface shows improved interfacial interaction between modified carbon fiber and reinforced epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy examination of the fractured surfaces indicated that the existence of nanofillers with high surface area contributed to significant improvements in adhesion between the modified fiber and reinforced epoxy matrix, leading to enhanced interfacial, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties of CFRPs for structural applications. Highlights: Incorporation of surface modified carbon fibers and GNPs reinforcement in the epoxy matrix to enhance the interfacial interaction.Evaluation of the effects of GNP nanofiller on interfacial and mechanical performance of the composite.Fracture surfaces in ILSS, tensile, and mode I test were analyzed using FESEM.Utilization of nanoscale modulus mapping for the fiber‐matrix interface assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing research to develop advanced electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is needed to address demand for efficient energy conversion and carbon‐free energy sources. In the OER process, acidic electrolytes have higher proton concentration and faster response than alkaline ones, but their harsh strongly acidic environment requires catalysts with greater corrosion and oxidation resistance. At present, iridium oxide (IrO2) with its strong stability and excellent catalytic performance is the catalyst of choice for the anode side of commercial PEM electrolysis cells. However, the scarcity and high cost of iridium (Ir) and the unsatisfactory activity of IrO2 hinder industrial scale application and the sustainable development of acidic OER catalytic technology. This highlights the importance of further research on acidic Ir‐based OER catalysts. In this review, recent advances in Ir‐based acidic OER electrocatalysts are summarized, including fundamental understanding of the acidic OER mechanism, recent insights into the stability of acidic OER catalysts, highly efficient Ir‐based electrocatalysts, and common strategies for optimizing Ir‐based catalysts. The future challenges and prospects of developing highly effective Ir‐based catalysts are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]