Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(26)67069-0
The redox smelting of zinc leaching residue (ZLR) was investigated to determine the migration behavior and toxicity characteristics of zinc under varying anthracite addition, temperature, and holding time. The ZLR, containing 10–20 wt.% Zn, 0.5–5 wt.% Pb, and 0.1–0.5 wt.% Cd, generates TCLP leachate concentrations of Zn up to 4589.0 mg/L, far exceeding regulatory limits. Experimental results reveal that CaSO4 in the residue promotes the transformation of ZnFe2O4 into a ZnS–FeS eutectic, which hinders zinc recovery and elevates environmental risk due to its lower thermodynamic stability relative to (Fe,Zn)2SiO4, ZnFe2O4, and (ZnO)slag. At temperatures above 1573 K, the ZnS–FeS eutectic is oxidized by O2/(O)slag to ZnO(s), subsequently dissolved into the slag as chemically dissolved Zn, and finally reduced to Zn(g) by CO. Pre-desulfurization or increased oxygen potential enhances zinc volatilization. Under optimized conditions, the zinc recovery ratio reached 99.13%, and the residual zinc content in the slag decreased to 0.22 wt.%, substantially below the industrial range of 1.0–3.0 wt.%. A novel strategy integrating desulfurization pretreatment with redox smelting is proposed, which lowers the required smelting temperature and improves zinc recovery efficiency, offering a more economical and environmentally sustainable solution for ZLR treatment.
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(26)67055-0
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) offer exceptional high-temperature performance and lightweight characteristics, yet their limited manufacturability restricts fabrication of complex, large-scale structural components. Ni-based superalloys exhibit outstanding elevated-temperature properties, and hybrid CMC/superalloy components can significantly expand engineering applications. Interfacial residual stresses arising from thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) mismatch, thermal gradient differences, and phase transformations severely impair joint performance. This review systematically examines residual stress formation mechanisms in CMCs/Ni-based superalloys joints and summarizes mitigation methodologies including interlayer techniques, composite filler approaches, and interface structure design strategies. Key experimental findings from recent studies demonstrate that composite fillers incorporating nanoparticles (e.g., Ag-CuO-Al2O3, Si3N4, Sc2W3O12, graphene nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, WC) effectively regulate interfacial reactions and relieve residual stresses. For instance, Ag-Cu-Ti+Sc2(WO4)3 composite filler reduced residual stress in Cf/SiC-GH3536 joints, while graphene nanoplatelets reinforced AgCuTi fillers improved SiC/GH99 joint integrity. Mo and B inserts in SiCf/SiC-Ni-based superalloy joints provided microstructural control and reinforcement. These methodologies address the critical bottleneck of CTE mismatch-induced stress concentration, offering pathways to reliable CMC/superalloy hybrid structures for aerospace, energy, and propulsion applications. Challenges remain in scaling these techniques for industrial production and ensuring long-term stability under service conditions.
Railway Engineering Science (铁道工程科学)•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40534-025-00404-5
Interlayer degradation in heavy-haul railway (HHR) bridges under rising axle loads and transport volumes threatens structural safety. Traditional visual inspection and fixed-sensor structural health monitoring are impractical for large bridge inventories. This paper proposes a drive-by inspection methodology that combines vertical axle box acceleration (ABA) with hybrid filtering for rapid interlayer damage detection in multi-span HHR bridges. The framework introduces a Hilbert-transform-based instantaneous amplitude quartic index (IAQI) to enhance damage localization accuracy. The hybrid filtering integrates bandpass filtering targeting sleeper-passing frequency components to suppress track irregularity effects, and a statistical diagnostic tool to discriminate interlayer damage from sleeper-related driving components. Numerical analyses and a field test on an 18-span, 609.5-m simply supported HHR bridge validate the method. Results demonstrate effective detection under combined beam damage, irregularity, and noise. The field test identified five interlayer damage locations requiring on-site confirmation. The method offers a new strategy to improve inspection efficiency and ensure operational safety of HHR bridges.
Nano Research•2026•DOI: 10.26599/NR.2026.94908633
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with highly symmetric skeletons exhibit limited O2 adsorption and weak thermodynamic driving force for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR), constraining photocatalytic H2O2 production. Here, we modulate the local arrangement of fluorine atoms in COFs, creating para- and ortho-fluorinated variants (Fp-COFs and Fo-COFs) to induce an asymmetric electronic distribution. This asymmetry provides effective O2-adsorption sites and strengthens the driving force for 2e− ORR. Theoretical analysis reveals that asymmetric fluorination delocalizes lone-pair electrons of F atoms to adjacent carbons, producing a discretized electron distribution that enhances O2 adsorption at imine bonds. The increased electron density on these carbons facilitates electron transfer into the π* orbital of adsorbed O2, accelerating ·OOH* intermediate formation and lowering the Gibbs free energy barrier of the 2e− pathway. Consequently, Fo-COFs achieve a quantum yield of 8.8% for H2O2 photosynthesis in pure water. This work provides a new approach for tuning local electron distribution in COFs, offering guidance for rational design of efficient photocatalytic materials and broadening the application prospects of asymmetric electronic structures.
Nano-Micro Letters•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-02012-8
Owing to the exceptional optoelectronic properties, metal halide perovskites have emerged as leading semiconductor materials for next-generation display technologies, providing perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) great potential for high-quality color displays with a wide color gamut and pure color emission. Although laboratory-scale PeLEDs have achieved near-theoretical efficiencies, challenges such as achieving uniform large-area films, improving material stability, and enhancing patterning precision remain barriers to commercialization. This review presents a systematic analysis of scalable manufacturing and precision patterning strategies for PeLEDs, focusing on their applications in large-area lighting and full-color displays. Fabrication methods are categorized into film deposition techniques (spin-coating, blade-coating, and thermal evaporation) and patterning strategies, including top-down (photolithography, laser/e-beam lithography, and nanoimprinting) and bottom-up (patterned crystal growth, inkjet printing, and electrohydrodynamic jet printing) approaches. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of each strategy, highlight current challenges, and outlook possible pathways towards scalable, high-performance PeLEDs for advanced optoelectronic applications.
Nano-Micro Letters•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01941-8
MXene derivatives are notable two-dimensional nanomaterials with numerous prospective applications in the domains of energy development. MXene derivative, MBene, diversifies its focus on energy storage and harvesting due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, structural flexibility, and mechanical properties. This comprehensive review describes the sandwich-like structure of the synthesized MBene, derived from its multilayered parent material and its distinct chemical framework to date. The fields of focus encompass the investigation of novel MBenes, the study of phase-changing mechanisms, and the examination of hex-MBenes, ortho-MBenes, tetra-MBenes, tri-MBenes, and MXenes with identical transition metal components. A critical analysis is also provided on the electrochemical mechanism and performance of MBene in energy storage (Li/Na/Mg/Ca/Li–S batteries and supercapacitors), as well as conversion and harvesting (CO2 reduction, and nitrogen reduction reactions). The persistent difficulties associated with conducting experimental synthesis and establishing artificial intelligence-based forecasts are extensively deliberated alongside the potential and forthcoming prospects of MBenes. This review provides a single platform for an overview of the MBene’s potential in energy storage and harvesting.
Journal of Central South University•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s11771-026-6272-8
The development of coalbed methane in China is constrained by complex geological conditions characterized by low permeability, low saturation, low reservoir pressure, and high adsorption ("three lows and one high"), posing significant challenges to its efficient development. The liquid nitrogen-induced fracturing and permeability enhancement technology can effectively promote the expansion and connection of macroscopic and microscopic fractures, thereby improving the permeability of coal seams. In this study, industrial micro-CT scanning technology, the VRA-UNet method, and fractal dimension calculation methods are employed to conduct an in-depth analysis of the action mechanism of liquid nitrogen cold soaking on the fracture structure of coal bodies with different metamorphism degrees. The results indicate that liquid nitrogen cold soaking promotes the generation, expansion, and connection of new fractures inside coal bodies to form fracture networks. Via Matlab programming and VG Studio MAX image analysis software, fracture extraction and calculation are performed on CT-scanned coal samples; it is statistically found that the quantitative fracture indices of coal increase after liquid nitrogen cold soaking. Compared with the fracture spectrum peak proportions of raw coal samples, the fracture spectrum peak proportions of anthracite, bituminous coal, and lignite increase by 8.375%, 12.680%, and 79.939%, respectively after liquid nitrogen cold soaking. By combining the VRA-UNet method for coal fracture identification, the box-counting method is used to calculate that the fractal dimension of coal fractures after liquid nitrogen cold soaking is larger than that of raw coal samples. The research findings of this paper will provide theoretical and technical support for the efficient development of coalbed methane and the improvement of coal seam gas extraction rates.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01795-0
Historically seen as a limitation, grain boundaries (GBs) within polycrystalline metal halide perovskite (MHP) films are thought to impede charge transport, adversely impacting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, we employ home-built confocal photoluminescence microscopy, combined with photocurrent detection modules, to directly visualize the carrier dynamics in the MHP film of PSCs under real operating conditions. Our findings suggest that GBs in high-efficiency PSCs function as carrier transport channels, where a notable enhancement in photocurrent is observed. Femtosecond transient absorption and Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements further validate the existence of a built-in electric field in the vicinity of GBs, offering additional driving force for charge separation and establishing channels for swift carrier transport along the GBs, thereby expediting subsequent charge collection processes. This study elucidates the pivotal role of GBs in operational PSCs and provides valuable insights for the fabrication of high-efficiency PSCs.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01789-y
Immunization has long played essential roles in preventing diseases. However, the desire for precision delivery of vaccines to boost a robust immune response remains largely unmet. Here, we describe the use of acupoint delivery of nanovaccines (ADN) to elicit dual-niche immunological priming. ADN can simultaneously stimulate mast cell-assisted maturation of dendritic cells at the acupoint and enable direct delivery of nanovaccines into the draining lymph nodes. We demonstrate that ADN not only provokes antigen presentation by lymph node-resident CD8α+ dendritic cells, but also induces the accumulation of nanovaccines in B-cell zones, amplifying antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and immunoglobulin G antibody expression in draining lymph nodes. ADN also generates systemic immune responses by causing immune memory and preventing T-cell anergy in the spleen. Further supported by evoking effective antitumor responses and high-level antiviral antibodies in mice, ADN provides a simple yet versatile platform for advanced nanovaccination.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01730-3
Amplification-free, highly sensitive, and specific nucleic acid detection is crucial for health monitoring and diagnosis. The type III CRISPR-Cas10 system, which provides viral immunity through CRISPR-associated protein effectors, enables a new amplification-free nucleic acid diagnostic tool. In this study, we develop a CRISPR-graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) biosensor by combining the type III CRISPR-Cas10 system with GFETs for direct nucleic acid detection. This biosensor exploits the target RNA-activated continuous ssDNA cleavage activity of the dCsm3 CRISPR-Cas10 effector and the high charge density of a hairpin DNA reporter on the GFET channel to achieve label-free, amplification-free, highly sensitive, and specific RNA detection. The CRISPR-GFET biosensor exhibits excellent performance in detecting medium-length RNAs and miRNAs, with detection limits at the aM level and a broad linear range of 10−15 to 10−11 M for RNAs and 10−15 to 10−9 M for miRNAs. It shows high sensitivity in throat swabs and serum samples, distinguishing between healthy individuals (N=5) and breast cancer patients (N=6) without the need for extraction, purification, or amplification. This platform mitigates risks associated with nucleic acid amplification and cross-contamination, making it a versatile and scalable diagnostic tool for molecular diagnostics in human health.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01724-1
Soft electronics, which are designed to function under mechanical deformation (such as bending, stretching, and folding), have become essential in applications like wearable electronics, artificial skin, and brain-machine interfaces. Crystalline silicon is one of the most mature and reliable materials for high-performance electronics; however, its intrinsic brittleness and rigidity pose challenges for integrating it into soft electronics. Recent research has focused on overcoming these limitations by utilizing structural design techniques to impart flexibility and stretchability to Si-based materials, such as transforming them into thin nanomembranes or nanowires. This review summarizes key strategies in geometry engineering for integrating crystalline silicon into soft electronics, from the use of hard silicon islands to creating out-of-plane foldable silicon nanofilms on flexible substrates, and ultimately to shaping silicon nanowires using vapor–liquid–solid or in-plane solid–liquid–solid techniques. We explore the latest developments in Si-based soft electronic devices, with applications in sensors, nanoprobes, robotics, and brain-machine interfaces. Finally, the paper discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future research directions to enable the widespread adoption of silicon-based flexible electronics.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01585-0
Electrocatalytic urea wastewater treatment technology has emerged as a promising method for environmental remediation. However, the realization of highly efficient and scalable electrocatalytic urea wastewater treatment (SEUWT) is still an enormous challenge. Herein, through regulating the adsorption behavior of urea functional groups, the efficient SEUWT coupled hydrogen production is realized in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE). Density functional theory calculations indicate that self-driven electron transfer at the heterogeneous interface (NiO/Co3O4) can induce charge redistribution, resulting in electron-rich NiO and electron-deficient Co3O4, which are superior to adsorbing C=O (electron-withdrawing group) and –NH2 (electron-donating group), respectively, regulating the adsorption behavior of urea molecule and accelerating the reaction kinetics of urea oxidation. This viewpoint is further verified by temperature-programmed desorption experiments. The SEUWT coupled hydrogen production in AEMWE assembled with NiO/Co3O4 (anode) and NiCoP (cathode) can continuously treat urea wastewater at an initial current density of 600 mA cm−2, with the average urea treatment efficiency about 53%. Compared with overall water splitting, the H2 production rate (8.33 mmol s−1) increases by approximately 3.5 times. This work provides a cost-effective strategy for scalable purifying urea-rich wastewater and energy-saving hydrogen production.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01674-8
Gate-all-around field-effect transistors (GAA-FETs) represent the leading-edge channel architecture for constructing state-of-the-art high-performance FETs. Despite the advantages offered by the GAA configuration, its application to catalytic silicon nanowire (SiNW) channels, known for facile low-temperature fabrication and high yield, has faced challenges primarily due to issues with precise positioning and alignment. In exploring this promising avenue, we employed an in-plane solid–liquid-solid (IPSLS) growth technique to batch-fabricate orderly arrays of ultrathin SiNWs, with diameters of DNW = 22.4 ± 2.4 nm and interwire spacing of 90 nm. An in situ channel-releasing technique has been developed to well preserve the geometry integrity of suspended SiNW arrays. By optimizing the source/drain contacts, high-performance GAA-FET devices have been successfully fabricated, based on these catalytic SiNW channels for the first time, yielding a high on/off current ratio of 10^7 and a steep subthreshold swing of 66 mV dec−1, closing the performance gap between the catalytic SiNW-FETs and state-of-the-art GAA-FETs fabricated by using advanced top-down EBL and EUV lithography. These results indicate that catalytic IPSLS SiNWs can also serve as the ideal 1D channels for scalable fabrication of high-performance GAA-FETs, well suited for monolithic 3D integrations.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01676-6
Rapid population growth in recent decades has intensified both the global energy crisis and the challenges posed by climate change, including global warming. Currently, the increased frequency of extreme weather events and large fluctuations in ambient temperature disrupt thermal comfort and negatively impact health, driving a growing dependence on cooling and heating energy sources. Consequently, efficient thermal management has become a central focus of energy research. Traditional thermal management systems consume substantial energy, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, emergent radiant thermal management technologies that rely on renewable energy have been proposed as sustainable alternatives. However, achieving year-round thermal management without additional energy input remains a formidable challenge. Recently, dynamic radiative thermal management technologies have emerged as the most promising solution, offering the potential for energy-efficient adaptation across seasonal variations. This review systematically presents recent advancements in dynamic radiative thermal management, covering fundamental principles, switching mechanisms, primary materials, and application areas. Additionally, the key challenges hindering the broader adoption of dynamic radiative thermal management technologies are discussed. By highlighting their transformative potential, this review provides insights into the design and industrial scalability of these innovations, with the ultimate aim of promoting renewable energy integration in thermal management applications.
New Carbon Materials (新型炭材料)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2024-39-02-08)
Hard carbon, known for its abundant resources, stable structure and high safety, has emerged as the most popular anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Among various sources, coal-derived hard carbon has attracted extensive attention. In this work, N and S co-doped coal-based carbon material (NSPC1200) was synthesized through a combination of two-step carbonization process and heteroatom doping using long-flame coal as a carbon source, thiourea as a nitrogen and sulfur source, and NaCl as a template. The two-step carbonization process played a crucial role in adjusting the structure of carbon microcrystals and expanding the interlayer spacing. The N and S co-doping regulated the electronic structure of carbon materials, endowing more active sites. Additionally, the introduction of NaCl as a template contributed to the construction of pore structure, which facilitates better contact between electrodes and electrolytes, enabling more efficient transport of Na+ and electrons. Under the synergistic effect, NSPC1200 exhibited exceptional sodium storage capacity, reaching 314.2 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1. Furthermore, NSPC1200 demonstrated commendable cycling stability, maintaining a capacity of 224.4 mAh g−1 even after 200 cycles. This work successfully achieves the strategic tuning of the microstructure of coal-based carbon materials, ultimately obtaining hard carbon anode with excellent electrochemical performance.
New Carbon Materials (新型炭材料)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2024-39-01-01)
Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising strategy to generate hydrogen using renewable energy under mild conditions. Carbon-based materials have attracted attention in electrocatalytic water splitting because of their distinctive features such as high specific area, high electron mobility and abundant natural resources. Hydrogen produced by industrial electrocatalytic water splitting in a large quantity requires electrocatalysis at a low overpotential at a large current density. Substantial efforts focused on fundamental research have been made, while much less attention has been paid to the high-current-density test. There are many distinct differences in electrocatalysis to split water using low and high current densities such as the bubble phenomenon, local environment around active sites, and stability. Recent research progress on carbon-based electrocatalysts for water splitting at low and high current densities is summarized, significant challenges and prospects for carbon-based electrocatalysts are discussed, and promising strategies are proposed.
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67033-6
The phase composition at the slag−iron interface and the distribution behavior of titanium, vanadium, chromium and silicon between hot metal and Ti-bearing electric furnace slag were thoroughly explored. The basicity range for the anosovite phase region was defined by using a phase diagram and a minimum smelting temperature was set at 1540 °C. Thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that the activities of TiO2 and SiO2 in the slag decrease with increasing basicity, while those of V2O3 and Cr2O3 increase. Similarly, the activities of [Ti] and [Si] in the molten metal decrease, while those of [V] and [Cr] rise with increasing basicity. As basicity increases, the distribution ratios, LTi and LSi decrease, whereas LV and LCr increase. Significantly, the recovery efficiencies of vanadium and titanium are improved with higher basicity. The primary phases identified in the slag include anosovite, diopside, and titanium spinel. However, when the basicity exceeds 0.8, the formation of the perovskite phase becomes less favorable, suggesting that basicity should be maintained at or below 0.8.
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(25)66948-2
The age-hardening response, mechanical, and corrosion-resistant properties of AA7085 alloys with and without the addition of 0.3 wt.% scandium (Sc) were compared. Using advanced techniques such as aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and first-principles calculations, the underlying micromechanisms of Sc microalloying were revealed. Results show that the increase in strength of the AA7085-Sc alloy is mainly attributed to the decreased Al grain size and increased number density of both Al3Sc@Al3(Sc,Zr) core−shell nanoparticles and Sc-containing ηp and GP−ηp nanoprecipitates. Strong strain fields and evident electron transfer from Zr to the neighboring matrix Al atoms exist at the Al3Sc@Al3(Sc,Zr)/Al interface. The Sc doping in GP−ηp and ηp suppresses the GP−ηp → ηp transformation. Modified corrosion resistance of the AA7085-Sc alloy compared with AA7085 alloy is associated with the fine grain boundary precipitates of η phases and narrow precipitation free zone. The reasons of property changes of AA7085 alloy after Sc microalloying are explored based on the multiscale microstructural characterization.
Journal of Semiconductors (半导体学报 - 中国科学院半导体研究所)•2025•DOI: 10.1088/1674-4926/25030023
The unique structure and exceptional properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials offer significant potential for transformative advancements in semiconductor industry. Similar to the reliance on wafer-scale single-crystal ingots for silicon-based chips, practical applications of 2D materials at the chip level need large-scale, high-quality production of 2D single crystals. Over the past two decades, the size of 2D single-crystals has been improved to wafer or meter scale, where the nucleation control during the growth process is particularly important. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive review of nucleation control to gain fundamental insights into the growth of 2D single-crystal materials. This review mainly focuses on two aspects: controlling nucleation density to enable the growth from a single nucleus, and controlling nucleation position to achieve the unidirectionally aligned islands and subsequent seamless stitching. Finally, we provide an overview and forecast of the strategic pathways for emerging 2D materials.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.08.010
The spatiotemporal characterization of plume sedimentation and microorganisms is critical for developing plume ecological monitoring models. To address the limitations of traditional methods in obtaining high-quality sediment, a novel sampling system with 6000 m operational capability and three-month endurance was developed. It is equipped with three sediment samplers and a set of formaldehyde preservation solution injection devices. The system is controlled by a low-power, timing-triggered controller. To investigate low-disturbance rheological mechanisms, gap-controlled rheological tests were conducted to optimize the structural design of the sampling and sealing assembly. Stress-controlled shear rheological tests were employed to investigate the mechanisms governing yield stress in sediments under varying temperature conditions and boundary roughness. Additionally, the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method and sediment rheological constitutive models were employed to simulate tube-soil interaction dynamics and sediment disturbance. The radial heterogeneity of sediment disturbance and friction variation of the sampling tube were revealed. The tube was completely "plugged" at a penetration depth of 261 mm, providing critical data support for penetration depth parameters. The deep-sea pressure test and South China Sea field trials demonstrated the system's capability to collect and preserve quantitative time-series sediment samples with high fidelity.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.11.002
The stability of rock slopes is frequently controlled by the initiation and propagation of inherent dominant cracks. This study systematically investigated these processes in valley slopes by combining fracture-mechanics analysis with transparent soil model tests. An analytical expression for the stress field at the dominant crack tip was derived from the slope stress distribution by superposing the corresponding stress intensity factors (SIFs). The theoretical predictions were then validated against observations from transparent soil model tests. The influences of slope angle (β), crack inclination angle (α), crack position parameter (b), and crack length parameter (l) on crack initiation and propagation were quantified. The results indicated that: (1) cracks at the slope crest tended to propagate in shear mode, and the shear crack initiation angle (θs) was approximately 8°. Cracks at the slope toe might propagate in either tensile or shear mode. (2) θs at the slope crest increased with β, b, and l, and decreased with α. The maximum change in θs induced by the considered parameters was approximately 30°. (3) The tensile crack initiation angle (θt) at the slope toe decreased with β, α, and l, while the influence of b was comparatively minor. The maximum change in θt caused by individual parameters ranged approximately from 25° to 60°. Predicted crack propagation modes and directions showed good agreement with experimental results. These findings provide theoretical guidance for stability assessments of valley slopes controlled by dominant crack propagation.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-024-3010-9
Up to now, “Turn-on” fluorescence sensor exhibits promising potential toward the detection of heavy metal ions, anions, drugs, organic dyes, DNA, pesticides, and other amino acids due to their simple, quick detection, and high sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, a novel fluorescence method of detecting Cr3+ in an aqueous solution was described based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between rhodamine B (RhB) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The fluorescence of RhB solution could be obviously quenched (“off” state) with the presence of citrate-stabilized AuNPs. However, upon addition of Cr3+ to AuNPs@RhB system, the fluorescence of AuNPs was recovered owing to the strong interaction between Cr3+ and the specific groups on the surface of citrate-stabilized AuNPs, which will lead to the aggregation of AuNPs (“on” state). At this point, the color of the reaction solution turned to black. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) for Cr3+ was 0.95 nM (signal-to-noise ratio, S/N = 3) with a linear range of 0.164 nM to 3.270 μM. Furthermore, the proposed method exhibits excellent performances, such as rapid analysis, high sensitivity, extraordinary selectivity, easy preparation, switch-on fluorescence response, and non-time consuming.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-025-3112-z
The hook formation mechanism in continuously cast slabs of ultra-low carbon steel was analyzed in detail through numerical calculations and experimental observations using optical microscopy, and its distribution characteristics were determined. Numerical simulations confirmed that the freezing–overflow mechanism is the primary cause of hook formation. They also revealed that the freezing event occurs unpredictably, while the overflow event takes place during the positive strip time. The average pitch of oscillation marks (OMs) on the slab surface was 8.693 mm, while the theoretical pitch was 8.889 mm, with a difference of approximately 2%. This discrepancy primarily results from varying degrees of overflow, which affects the morphology of the OMs and the positions of their deepest points. Notably, this result further confirmed that the freezing and overflow in the meniscus were indeed caused by the periodic oscillation of the mold. Higher superheat hindered hook formation, leading to a negative correlation between the hook depth distribution around the slab and the temperature distribution within the mold. Therefore, the depth of the corner hook was greater than that of other positions, which was caused by the intensified cooling effect of the corner. Moreover, key factors influencing hook development were analyzed, providing insights into transient fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics within the mold. Transient fluid flow and heat transfer contributed to the randomness and tendency of hook formation. This randomness was reflected in the varying angles of the hooks, whereas the tendency was evident in the negative correlation between superheat and hook length. Based on the randomness and tendency of hook formation and its profile characteristics, a new method for controlling hook depth based on “sine law” is proposed.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-024-3034-1
Fe–Cr–Ni austenitic alloys are extensively utilized in the hot-end components of nuclear light water reactors, turbine disks, and gas compressors. However, their low strength at elevated temperatures limits their engineering applications. In this study, a novel precipitation-strengthened alloy system is developed by incorporating Al and Si elements into a FeCrNi equiatomic alloy. The results indicate that the FeCrNiAlxSix (at%, x = 0.1, 0.2) alloys possess heterogeneous precipitation structures that feature a micron-scale σ phase at the grain boundaries and a nanoscale ordered body-centered cube (B2) phase within the grains. An exceptional strength–ductility synergy across a wide temperature range is achieved in FeCrNiAl0.1Si0.1 alloys due to grain refinement and precipitation strengthening. Notably, a yield strength of 693.83 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 817.55 MPa, and a uniform elongation of 18.27% are attained at 873 K. The dislocation shearing mechanism for B2 phases and the Orowan bypass mechanism for σ phase, coupled with a high density of nano-twins and stacking faults in the matrix, contribute to the excellent mechanical properties at cryogenic and ambient temperatures. Moreover, the emergence of serrated σ phase and micro-twins in the matrix plays a crucial role in the strengthening and toughening mechanisms at intermediate temperatures. This study offers a novel perspective and strategy for the development of precipitation-hardened Fe–Cr–Ni austenitic alloys with exceptional strength–ductility synergy over a broad temperature range.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01591-2
Inspired by the remarkable electromagnetic response capabilities of the complex morphologies and subtle microstructures evolved by natural organisms, this paper delves into the research advancements and future application potential of bionic microwave-absorbing materials (BMAMs). It outlines the significance of achieving high-performance microwave-absorbing materials through ingenious microstructural design and judicious composition selection, while emphasizing the innovative strategies offered by bionic manufacturing. Furthermore, this work meticulously analyzes how inspiration can be drawn from the intricate structures of marine organisms, plants, animals, and non-metallic minerals in nature to devise and develop BMAMs with superior electromagnetic wave absorption properties. Additionally, the paper provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of BMAMs, particularly the latest breakthroughs in broadband absorption. By incorporating advanced methodologies such as simulation modeling and bionic gradient design, we unravel the scientific principles governing the microwave absorption mechanisms of BMAMs, thereby furnishing a solid theoretical foundation for understanding and optimizing their performance. Ultimately, this review aims to offer valuable insights and inspiration to researchers in related fields, fostering the collective advancement of research on BMAMs.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01598-9
Chloroform and other volatile organic pollutants have garnered widespread attention from the public and researchers, because of their potential harm to the respiratory system, nervous system, skin, and eyes. However, research on chloroform vapor sensing is still in its early stages, primarily due to the lack of specific recognition motif. Here we report a mesoporous photonic crystal sensor incorporating carbon dots-based nanoreceptor (HMSS@CDs-PCs) for enhanced chloroform sensing. The colloidal PC packed with hollow mesoporous silica spheres provides an interconnected ordered macro-meso-hierarchical porous structure, ideal for rapid gas sensing utilizing the photonic bandgap shift as the readout signal. The as-synthesized CDs with pyridinic-N-oxide functional groups adsorbed in the hollow mesoporous silica spheres are found to not only serve as the chloroform adsorption sites, but also a molecular glue that prevents crack formation in the colloidal PC. The sensitivity of HMSS@CDs-PCs sensor is 0.79 nm ppm−1 and an impressively low limit of detection is 3.22 ppm, which are the best reported values in fast-response chloroform vapor sensor without multi-signal assistance. The positive response time is 7.5 s and the negative response time 9 s. Furthermore, relatively stable sensing can be maintained within a relative humidity of 20%–85%RH and temperature of 25–55 °C. This study demonstrates that HMSS@CDs-PCs sensors have practical application potential in indoor and outdoor chloroform vapor detection.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01514-1
Two-terminal (2-T) perovskite (PVK)/CuIn(Ga)Se2 (CIGS) tandem solar cells (TSCs) have been considered as an ideal tandem cell because of their best bandgap matching regarding to Shockley–Queisser (S–Q) limits. However, the nature of the irregular rough morphology of commercial CIGS prevents people from improving tandem device performances. In this paper, D-homoserine lactone hydrochloride is proven to improve coverage of PVK materials on irregular rough CIGS surfaces and also passivate bulk defects by modulating the growth of PVK crystals. In addition, the minority carriers near the PVK/C60 interface and the incompletely passivated trap states caused interface recombination. A surface reconstruction with 2-thiopheneethylammonium iodide and N,N-dimethylformamide assisted passivates the defect sites located at the surface and grain boundaries. Meanwhile, LiF is used to create this field effect, repelling hole carriers away from the PVK and C60 interface and thus reducing recombination. As a result, a 2-T PVK/CIGS tandem yielded a power conversion efficiency of 24.6% (0.16 cm2), one of the highest results for 2-T PVK/CIGS TSCs to our knowledge. This validation underscores the potential of our methodology in achieving superior performance in PVK/CIGS tandem solar cells.