Surface Technology (表面技术)•2026•DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.08.004
TiAlN/VN multilayer films with modulation periods (Λ) of 186, 280, and other values were deposited on TC4 titanium alloy connecting rods via microwave-enhanced magnetron sputtering to address the inadequate tribological and corrosion performance of monolithic TiAlN and VN coatings. X-ray diffraction confirmed coherent epitaxial growth of a face-centered cubic structure across all multilayers. As Λ decreased from 280 to 186 nm, hardness increased to a maximum of 25.46 ± 0.69 GPa and residual compressive stress decreased to 0.88 GPa, attributed to increased interface density and alternating stress fields that inhibit dislocation motion and relieve internal strain. The multilayer with Λ = 280 nm exhibited the highest H/E and H³/E² ratios, yielding superior fracture toughness, film-substrate adhesion, a stable friction coefficient of 0.5, and optimal wear resistance. Electrochemical testing revealed that the Λ = 186 nm multilayer, with its higher interface count and lower porosity, effectively blocked micro-pores and micro-cracks, increasing the self-corrosion potential and reducing corrosion current density relative to the TC4 substrate. These results demonstrate that TiAlN/VN multilayers provide a dual-function barrier against wear and corrosion, extending the service life of titanium alloy connecting rods in harsh environments and offering a theoretical basis for broadening titanium alloy applications.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01824-y
The advancement of clean electricity is positioning electrochemical reactors at the forefront of future electrosynthesis technologies. Solid-state electrolyte (SSE) reactors emerge for their distinctive configurations and ability to produce high-purity fuels and chemicals efficiently without additional purification steps. This marks a substantial development in electrochemical synthesis. In this perspective, we critically examine cutting-edge innovations in SSE devices with particular emphasis on the architectural introduction of core cell components, novel electrochemical cell configurations, and assembly methodologies. The use of SSE reactors is presently undergoing a pivotal transition from fundamental laboratory investigations to large-scale engineering implementations, demonstrating remarkable progress in multiple domains: (1) sustainable synthesis of high-value organic acids (formic and acetic acids), (2) production of critical oxidizers hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and liquid fuels (ethanol), (3) ammonia (NH3) production, (4) carbon capture technologies, (5) lithium recovery and recycling, and (6) tandem or coupling strategies for high-value-added products. Importantly, the transformative potential in environmental remediation, particularly for airborne pollutant sequestration and advanced wastewater purification, is addressed. Additionally, the innovative architectural blueprints for next-generation SSE stack are presented, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework to guide the transition from laboratory-scale innovation to industrial-scale deployment of SSE devices in the foreseeable future.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01725-0
Natural biomass-derived carbon material is one promising alternative to traditional graphene-based catalyst for oxygen electrocatalysis. However, their electrocatalytic performance were constrained by the limited modulating strategy. Herein, using N-doped commercial coconut shell-derived activated carbon (AC) as catalyst model, the controllably enhanced sp2-C domains, through an flash Joule heating process, effectively improve the edge defect density and overall graphitization degree of AC catalyst, which tunes the electronic structure of N configurations and accelerates electron transfer, leading to excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance (half-wave potential of 0.884 VRHE, equivalent to commercial 20% Pt/C, with a higher kinetic current density of 5.88 mA cm−2) and oxygen evolution reaction activity (overpotential of 295 mV at 10 mA cm2). In a Zn-air battery, the catalyst shows outstanding cycle stability (over 1200 h) and a peak power density of 121 mW cm−2, surpassing commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. Density functional theory simulation reveals that the enhanced catalytic activity arises from the axial regulation of local sp2-C domains. This work establishes a robust strategy for sp2-C domain modulation, offering broad applicability in natural biomass-based carbon catalysts for electrocatalysis.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01511-4
Catalyst–support interaction plays a crucial role in improving the catalytic activity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here we modulate the catalyst–support interaction in polyaniline-supported Ni3Fe oxide (Ni3Fe oxide/PANI) with a robust hetero-interface, which significantly improves oxygen evolution activities with an overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and specific activity of 2.08 mA cmECSA−2 at overpotential of 300 mV, 3.84-fold that of Ni3Fe oxide. It is revealed that the catalyst–support interaction between Ni3Fe oxide and PANI support enhances the Ni–O covalency via the interfacial Ni–N bond, thus promoting the charge and mass transfer on Ni3Fe oxide. Considering the excellent activity and stability, rechargeable Zn-air batteries with optimum Ni3Fe oxide/PANI are assembled, delivering a low charge voltage of 1.95 V to cycle for 400 h at 10 mA cm−2. The regulation of the effect of catalyst–support interaction on catalytic activity provides new possibilities for the future design of highly efficient OER catalysts.