Surface Technology (表面技术)•2026•DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.11.005
The tribological behavior of NM500 wear-resistant steel was systematically evaluated across a wide temperature range from −50 to 600 °C to elucidate the influence of temperature on wear resistance and to provide a theoretical basis for service life extension. Friction and wear tests were conducted using a high-temperature tribometer under a normal load of 150 N, rotational speed of 354 r/min, wear track diameter of 15 mm, and test duration of 60 minutes. The microstructure was characterized by SEM and EBSD, while worn surfaces were analyzed using XRD, SEM, and 3D laser confocal microscopy. NM500 steel exhibits a fine lath martensitic structure with a grain size of 7.08 μm, conferring high hardness and superior wear resistance. At cryogenic temperatures (−50, −25, 0 °C), the wear mechanism is predominantly abrasive wear, with a wear rate of only 1.29×10−6 mm3/(N·m). As temperature increases, oxide formation on the worn surface intensifies, friction coefficient decreases to a minimum of 0.3 (50% lower than at low temperature), and wear rate increases significantly: 18×10−6, 22.7×10−6, 46.7×10−6, and 128×10−6 mm3/(N·m) at 100, 200, 300, and 600 °C, respectively. The dominant wear mechanism transitions from abrasive wear at low temperatures to oxidative wear with adhesive wear at elevated temperatures. At 600 °C, thermal softening, reduced texture strength, and oxide film delamination exacerbate material loss, shifting the mechanism to oxidative wear as the primary mode with adhesive wear as secondary.
Surface Technology (表面技术)•2026•DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.11.003
Plasma arc cladding was employed to fabricate NiTi coatings with varying Ni contents (60, 63, 65, 67, and 70 wt.%) on TC4 titanium alloy to enhance surface wear resistance. Microstructural characterization via SEM, OM, and XRD revealed that coatings with 60–67 wt.% Ni were dense and defect-free, whereas the 70 wt.% Ni coating exhibited through-thickness cracks. All coatings exceeded 1.2 mm in thickness and comprised a NiTi toughening phase and Ti2Ni strengthening phase. Increased dilution ratio with higher Ni content reduced actual Ni in the coating, maximizing Ti2Ni fraction (78.6%) in the 67NiTi coating, which achieved a peak hardness of 677.41 HV0.2 (2.05 times that of the TC4 substrate). Tribological testing under 5–20 N loads showed that the average wear rate of all coatings decreased significantly, following a V-shaped trend with Ni content. The 67NiTi coating exhibited the lowest wear rate (2.74×10⁻⁴ mm³/(N·m)) at 20 N, a 65% improvement over the substrate, with wear mechanisms dominated by mild abrasive and adhesive wear. These findings demonstrate that optimized Ni content in plasma-clad NiTi coatings effectively mitigates the poor wear resistance of titanium alloys, offering a viable surface engineering solution for load-bearing applications.
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(26)67066-5
Oxidation roasting of bastnaesite was conducted to evaluate its impact on surface characteristics and flotation behavior. Experiments varied temperature, time, and O2 concentration. Increasing temperature promoted thermal decomposition, yielding Ce7O12, RE2O3, and REF3 as main phases. The Ce oxidation degree and REO grade of roasted products exceeded 85.00%. Roasting induced long, narrow, nearly parallel cracks within particles, increasing porosity and causing partial fragmentation. During flotation, dissolved rare earth ion concentration increased significantly, and surface hydrolysis formed rare earth hydroxyl compounds. Complete decomposition raised the required collector dosage to achieve recovery above 85.00%. This increase is attributed to enhanced particle wettability, altered collector adsorption, and deeper penetration into the porous structure. The findings provide a basis for optimizing flotation circuits treating roasted bastnaesite, particularly in iron-bearing rare earth deposits where pyrometallurgical pretreatment is employed.
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(26)67062-8
The influence of pre-ageing temperature on dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and microstructure evolution during hot compression of Ni−38Cr−3.8Al alloy was investigated. Five samples with varying pre-precipitation states were fabricated. Pre-ageing treatment precipitates α-Cr phases in lamellar and particle forms. During subsequent hot deformation, pre-precipitated α-Cr lamellae undergo dissolution fragmentation and spheroidization, transforming into finer particles due to elevated temperature and high-density dislocations. At 560 °C, an incomplete discontinuous precipitation (DP) state restrains DRX, producing necklace-like microstructures. Above 640 °C, a complete DP state with fully lamellar structures promotes DRX, yielding ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructures. Coarse α-Cr particles enhance DRX through particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN) and discontinuous DRX mechanisms, while dissolved α-Cr lamellae promote DRX via continuous DRX. DRX kinetics analysis indicates that increasing pre-ageing temperature accelerates DRX, evidenced by reduced critical strain and peak strain, and increased DRX volume fraction. To achieve UFG microstructures during hot deformation, fully lamellar structures should be precipitated during pre-ageing. These findings provide a processing pathway for tailoring microstructures in high-Cr nickel-based alloys.
Nano Research•2026•DOI: 10.26599/NR.2026.94908686
Corrosion and icing critically threaten the service safety of magnesium (Mg) alloys in aerospace and transportation industries. Although superhydrophobic coatings offer effective anti-corrosion and anti-icing functions, they are limited by susceptibility to failure due to physical damage or capillary condensation. Here, a multifunctional integrated coating (SAAS) is reported, which endows coated Mg alloys with excellent superhydrophobicity, active anti-corrosion performance, anti-icing properties, and fast self-healing capabilities. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified and intercalated with sodium laurate (La) acts as nanoreservoirs, releasing La corrosion inhibitors via an anion-exchange process to retard corrosion. Incorporation of MXene provides full-spectrum high absorption and efficient photothermal conversion, achieving a surface temperature of 61 °C under 1.0 sun illumination, which prevents adhesion and accumulation of supercooled droplets. Near-infrared (NIR) irradiation induces macromolecular chain migration and phase transition, enabling fast self-healing of coating damage. The SAAS coating exhibits a water contact angle of 153°, a corrosion current density of 1.294 × 10⁻⁹ A·cm⁻² (four orders of magnitude lower than bare Mg alloy), an icing delay time approximately 23 times longer than the substrate, and a healing rate of about 0.34 cm·s⁻¹ under NIR. This study provides a novel strategy for enhancing aircraft skin durability and offers insights into multifunctional coating design.
Nano Research•2026•DOI: 10.26599/FRICT.2026.9441216
The vibration and noise issues of lightweight friction pairs in suburban train braking systems have become a critical bottleneck restricting their engineering application. This study investigated lightweight friction pairs composed of three representative synthetic brake pads and an aluminum matrix composite brake disc. Utilizing tribological tests, interfacial wear analysis, and dynamic modeling, the study investigated the impact of interfacial wear and contact behaviors on vibration and noise and elucidated the mechanisms by which pad material properties influence these responses. The experimental findings revealed that the pad material properties significantly affect the wear behavior and friction-induced vibration and noise responses of lightweight friction pairs. The pad enriched with lubricating phases (Pad A) readily established stable lubricating films, while the highly plastic pad (Pad C) effectively captured wear debris to build the third-body layers that cushioned loads. Both reduced friction fluctuations and contact stiffness, thereby attenuating vibration and noise. Conversely, the high-hardness pad (Pad B) failed to form continuous lubricating films, leading to intensified friction, higher contact stiffness, and pronounced vibration and noise. Numerical simulations further confirmed that the friction coefficient and normal contact stiffness synergistically regulated system stability, directly affecting the vibration and noise responses. Systems characterized by high friction and large contact stiffness (Pad B) were particularly susceptible to modal coupling, resulting in dynamic instability and elevated vibration and noise levels. Therefore, optimizing the pad material properties and regulating the behavior of wear debris to facilitate the stable formation of lubricating films or third-body layers can effectively suppress friction coefficient fluctuations, reduce normal contact stiffness, and enhance interfacial stability, thereby mitigating vibration and noise. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and engineering guidance for optimizing the design of low-noise lightweight braking systems and selecting appropriate friction materials.
Chinese Journal of Energetic Materials (含能材料)•2026•DOI: 10.11943/CJEM2026125
Underwater blasting is indispensable for marine engineering, yet its shock waves can damage reef-building corals. This study investigated the physiological damage to Cyphastrea japonica holobiont from underwater explosion shock waves, examining coral host, symbiotic zooxanthellae, and microbiota. The coral's tolerance threshold was 6.74 MPa. Protein content decreased with increasing shock wave intensity, with a maximum reduction of 59.6%. At 11.01 MPa, zooxanthellae density dropped by 87% and photosynthetic rate by 49%, causing significant bleaching. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities significantly decreased, indicating impaired antioxidant defense. Microbial community diversity at the phylum level increased significantly, and genus-level structure became more complex. The study reveals a stepwise damage pathway from host to zooxanthellae photosynthesis to microbial community, providing scientific basis for coral protection during marine blasting.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2026•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2026.01.002
To address the deviation between rigid confining pressure experiments and actual engineering conditions of deep backfill mining, where backfill near the working face has less confining pressure, while that in deep goaf areas is under high confining pressure, this study investigates the load-bearing characteristics of rock granular materials under flexible passive confining pressure. Customized PC molds with varying wall thicknesses and rigid steel molds were used to construct a gradient confining pressure environment. Compression tests were conducted, combined with the characterization of acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, strain measurement, particle sieving, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. The results show that flexible passive confining pressure divides the particle compression process into three stages that are different from those under traditional rigid constraints, namely the initial compaction stage, the crushing failure stage, and the lateral confinement-dominated stage. AE signals exhibit a bimodal energy distribution, and the time interval between the two can vary by more than 4 times with changes. The failure modes transition from shear to tension. Compared with intact materials, granular materials under lateral confinement maintain continuous volume contraction, and can even maintain a continuous volume contraction trend at least when the strain reaches 8%. And lateral confinement stiffness significantly enhances axial bearing capacity: when the axial strain reaches 30%, the axial stress in the rigid confinement group is nearly 5 times that in the flexible confinement group. Fractal dimension increases from 1.94 to 2.39 as the confinement stiffness rises. This study clarifies the influence mechanism of lateral confinement stiffness on granular mechanics, providing fundamental support for optimizing backfill design based on goaf locations and improving surrounding rock control in deep green mining.
Journal of Central South University•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s11771-026-6266-6
To reduce the subjectivity of conventional instability criteria in deep rock engineering, this study develops an energy-driven criterion grounded in cusp catastrophe theory and embeds it within an improved nonlinear Hoek-Brown (H-B) strength-reduction framework. We derive an explicit algebraic transformation that maps a quartic energy potential to the standard cusp form and introduce the mutation eigenvalue Δ as a physically interpretable measure of proximity to the vanishing of the energy barrier. Building on this, failure staging is diagnosed in practice by the concurrence of a slope mutation in displacement-reduction-factor curves, a threshold jump of total plastic strain-energy increment typically exceeding threefold between adjacent reduction steps, and video-confirmed crack through-connection. Integrating Δ with the nonlinear reduction scheme yields reproducible integral safety factors. Two representative cavern layouts (Model A/B) are validated by scaled physical model tests and companion simulations: global failure occurs at the overload safety factor K=2.33 for Model A and K=2.73 for Model B, with relative deviations from tests (2.4P0 and 2.9P0) of 1.3% and −5.9%, respectively, coinciding with the energy-jump threshold and the multi-evidence diagnosis. Compared with the equivalent Mohr-Coulomb parameter approach, the improved nonlinear scheme produces smaller (more conservative) safety factors by 5.7% and 2.5%, while better matching the observed destabilization process. The framework clarifies the role of Δ as an energy-based instability indicator and offers a practical, verifiable criterion for cavern stability assessment.
Journal of Central South University•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s11771-026-6257-7
In response to the growing demand for sustainable construction materials, this study overcomes the inherent brittleness and poor fracture resistance of red mud-based geopolymer (RBG) through the strategic combination of surface-modified nano-TiO2 (NT) and sodium polyacrylate (SPA). The NT was functionalized with silane coupling agent to improve dispersibility and interfacial bonding, while SPA was added to enhance fracture toughness. Under the condition of ambient curing, the optimum mixture containing 3 wt% (glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane) -modified NT (GNT) and 0.5 wt% SPA achieved a 28 d compressive strength of 43.40 MPa and a flexural strength of 8.16 MPa. The performance index meets the Portland cement (PC 42.5) standards. Microstructural analyses (XRD, FT-IR and SEM-EDS) revealed that the formation of geopolymer gel was increased, the crystallinity was reduced, and the degree of polymerization was improved, which confirmed the effectiveness of this method in producing high-toughness and environmentally friendly geopolymer.
Nano-Micro Letters•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01994-9
Electrolytic Zn–MnO2 batteries are promising candidates for safe and sustainable energy storage owing to their high voltage, environmental benignity, and cost-effectiveness. However, practical applications are hindered by the poor conductivity and the irreversible dissolution of conventional ε-MnO2 deposits. Herein, we report a scalable semisolid slurry electrode architecture that enables stable MnO2 deposition/dissolution using a three-dimensional percolating network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as both conductive matrix and deposition host. The slurry system promotes the formation of highly conductive γ-MnO2 owing to enhanced charge transfer kinetics, enabling overall dissolution rather than the localized separation typically seen in traditional electrodes. The Zn–MnO2 slurry cell exhibits a reversible areal capacity approaching 60 mAh cm−2. Moreover, the flowable nature of the slurry allows electrochemically inactive MnO2 formed during dissolution to be reconnected and reactivated by CNTs in the rheological network, ensuring deep utilization and cycling stability. This work establishes a slurry electrode strategy to improve electrolytic MnO2 reactions and offers a viable pathway toward renewable aqueous batteries for grid-scale applications.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01818-w
Flexible and conformable nanomaterial-based functional hydrogels find promising applications in various fields. However, the controllable manipulation of functional electron/mass transport networks in hydrogels remains rather challenging to realize. We describe a general and versatile surfactant-free emulsion construction strategy to customize robust functional hydrogels with programmable hierarchical structures. Significantly, the amphipathy of silk fibroin (SF) and the reinforcement effect of MXene nanosheets produce sable Pickering emulsion without any surfactant. The followed microphase separation and self-cross-linking of the SF chains induced by the solvent exchange convert the composite emulsions into high-performance hydrogels with tunable microstructures and functionalities. As a proof-of-concept, the controllable regulation of the ordered conductive network and the water polarization effect confer the hydrogels with an intriguing electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (~64 dB). Also, the microstructures of functional hydrogels are modulated to promote mass/heat transfer properties. The amino acids of SF and the surface terminations of MXene help reduce the enthalpy of water evaporation and the hierarchical structures of the hydrogels accelerate evaporation process, expecting far superior evaporation performance (~3.5 kg m⁻² h⁻¹) and salt tolerance capability compared to other hydrogel evaporators. Our findings open a wealth of opportunities for producing functional hydrogel devices with integrated structure-dependent properties.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01817-x
Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells achieve remarkable efficiencies (> 26%) yet face stability challenges. Quasi-2D alternating-cation-interlayer perovskites offer enhanced stability through hydrophobic spacer cations but suffer from vertical phase segregation and buried interface defects. Herein, we introduce dicyanodiamide (DCD) to simultaneously address these dual limitations in GA(MA)nPbnI3n+1 perovskites. The guanidine group in DCD passivates undercoordinated Pb2+ and MA+ vacancies at the perovskite/TiO2 interface, while cyano groups eliminate oxygen vacancies in TiO2 via Ti4+–CN coordination, reducing interfacial trap density by 73% with respect to the control sample. In addition, DCD regulates crystallization kinetics, suppressing low-n-phase aggregation and promoting vertical alignment of high-n phases, which benefit for carrier transport. This dual-functional modification enhances charge transport and stabilizes energy-level alignment. The optimized devices achieve a record power conversion efficiency of 21.54% (vs. 19.05% control) and retain 94% initial efficiency after 1200 h, outperforming unmodified counterparts (84% retention). Combining defect passivation with phase homogenization, this work establishes a molecular bridge strategy to decouple stability-efficiency trade-offs in low-dimensional perovskites, providing a universal framework for interface engineering in high-performance optoelectronics.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01800-6
Although multifunctional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with ultrahigh electromagnetic wave absorption are highly required to solve increasingly serious electromagnetic radiation and pollution and meet multi-scenario applications, EMI shielding materials usually cause a lot of reflection and have a single function. To realize the broadband absorption-dominated EMI shielding via absorption–reflection–reabsorption mechanisms and the interference cancelation effect, multifunctional asymmetric bilayer aerogels are designed by sequential printing of a MXene-graphene oxide (MG) layer with a MG emulsion ink and a conductive MXene layer with a MXene ink and subsequent freeze-drying for generating and solidifying numerous pores in the aerogels. The top MG layer of the asymmetric bilayer aerogel optimizes impedance matching and achieves re-absorption, while the bottom MXene layer enhances the reflection of the incident electromagnetic waves. As a result, the asymmetric bilayer aerogel achieves an average absorption coefficient of 0.95 in the X-band and shows the tunable absorption ability to electromagnetic wave in the ultrawide band from 8.2 to 40 GHz. Finite element simulations substantiate the effectiveness of the asymmetric bilayer aerogel for electromagnetic wave absorption. The multifunctional bilayer aerogels exhibit hydrophobicity, thermal insulation and Joule heating capacities and are efficient in solar-thermal/electric heating, infrared stealth, and clean-up of spilled oil.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01809-x
The advancement of fibre electronics is crucial for developing wearable smart textiles. However, traditional single-function fibres are typically limited to basic sensing and data collection capabilities, lacking effective computational and multimodal signal processing abilities, thus significantly restricting their potential in human activity recognition. Recently, Gupta et al. introduced an innovative single-fibre computer embedding eight microelectronic devices, integrating sensing, communication, and computation into a single fibre. Establishing a distributed cooperative fibre network substantially enhanced human activity recognition accuracy from 67% (single-fibre scenario) to 95%. This novel approach effectively addresses the limitations of conventional smart fibres, paving the way for multi-point sensing, edge-based inference, and real-time human–computer interactions in future intelligent textiles.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01771-8
Daytime radiative cooling is an eco-friendly and passive cooling technology that operates without external energy input. Materials designed for this purpose are engineered to possess high reflectivity in the solar spectrum and high emissivity within the atmospheric transmission window. Unlike broadband-emissive daytime radiative cooling materials, spectrally selective daytime radiative cooling (SSDRC) materials exhibit predominant mid-infrared emission in the atmospheric transmission window. This selective mid-infrared emission suppresses thermal radiation absorption beyond the atmospheric transmission window range, thereby improving the net cooling power of daytime radiative cooling. This review elucidates the fundamental characteristics of SSDRC materials, including their molecular structures, micro- and nanostructures, optical properties, and thermodynamic principles. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the design and fabrication of SSDRC materials in three typical forms, i.e., fibrous materials, membranes, and particle coatings, highlighting their respective cooling mechanisms and performance. Furthermore, the practical applications of SSDRC in personal thermal management, outdoor building cooling, and energy harvesting are summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects are discussed to guide researchers in advancing SSDRC materials.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01782-5
Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for large-scale energy storage applications due to their high safety and low cost. However, the use of Zn metal in batteries suffers from many severe issues, including dendrite growth and parasitic reactions, which often lead to short cycle lives. Herein, we propose the construction of functional organic interfacial layers (OIL) on the Zn metal anodes to address these challenges. Through a well-designed organic-assist pre-construction process, a densely packed artificial layer featuring the immobilized zwitterionic molecular brush can be constructed, which can not only efficiently facilitate the smooth Zn plating and stripping, but also introduce a stable environment for battery reactions. Through density functional theory calculations and experimental characterizations, we verify that the immobilized organic propane sulfonate on Zn anodes can significantly lower the energy barrier and increase the kinetics of Zn2+ transport. Thus, the Zn metal anode with the functional OIL can significantly improve the cycle life of the symmetric cell to over 3500 h stable operation. When paired with the H2V3O8 cathode, the aqueous Zn-ion full cells can be continuously cycled over 7000 cycles, marking an important milestone for Zn anode development for potential industrial applications.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01718-z
Pressure sensors are essential for a wide range of applications, including health monitoring, industrial diagnostics, etc. However, achieving both high sensitivity and mechanical ability to withstand high pressure in a single material remains a significant challenge. This study introduces a high-performance cellulose hydrogel inspired by the biomimetic layered porous structure of human skin. The hydrogel features a novel design composed of a soft layer with large macropores and a hard layer with small micropores, each of which contribute uniquely to its pressure-sensing capabilities. The macropores in the soft part facilitate significant deformation and charge accumulation, providing exceptional sensitivity to low pressures. In contrast, the microporous structure in the hard part enhances pressure range, ensuring support under high pressures and preventing structural failure. The performance of hydrogel is further optimized through ion introduction, which improves its conductivity, and as well the sensitivity. The sensor demonstrated a high sensitivity of 1622 kPa⁻¹, a detection range up to 160 kPa, excellent conductivity of 4.01 S m⁻¹, rapid response time of 33 ms, and a low detection limit of 1.6 Pa, outperforming most existing cellulose-based sensors. This innovative hierarchically porous architecture not only enhances the pressure-sensing performance but also offers a simple and effective approach for utilizing natural polymers in sensing technologies. The cellulose hydrogel demonstrates significant potential in both health monitoring and industrial applications, providing a sensitive, durable, and versatile solution for pressure sensing.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01698-0
During the daytime, conventional radiative coolers disregard the directionality of thermal radiation, thereby overlooking the upward radiation from the ground. This upward radiation enhances the outward thermal radiation, leading to a substantial reduction in the subambient daytime radiative cooling performance. Conversely, radiative coolers featuring angular asymmetry and spectral selectivity effectively resolve the problem of thermal radiation directionality, successfully evading the interference caused by the ground-generated thermal radiation. This cooler overcomes the limitations posed by the angle of incident light, making it suitable for subambient daytime radiative cooling of vertical surfaces. Furthermore, by adjusting the structure of the cooler, the angular range of thermal radiation can be modulated, enabling the application of radiative cooling technology for intelligent temperature regulation of various inclined surfaces encountered in daily life. This innovative work makes a significant contribution to the development of subambient smart thermal interaction systems and opens up new possibilities for the practical application of radiative cooling technology.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01697-1
The transition to renewable energy sources has elevated the importance of SIBs (SIBs) as cost-effective alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage. This review examines the mechanisms of gas generation in SIBs, identifying sources from cathode materials, anode materials, and electrolytes, which pose safety risks like swelling, leakage, and explosions. Gases such as CO2, H2, and O2 primarily arise from the instability of cathode materials, side reactions between electrode and electrolyte, and electrolyte decomposition under high temperatures or voltages. Enhanced mitigation strategies, encompassing electrolyte design, buffer layer construction, and electrode material optimization, are deliberated upon. Accordingly, subsequent research endeavors should prioritize long-term high-precision gas detection to bolster the safety and performance of SIBs, thereby fortifying their commercial viability and furnishing dependable solutions for large-scale energy storage and electric vehicles.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01680-w
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis presents considerable advantages in green hydrogen production. Nevertheless, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in PEM water electrolysis currently encounter several pressing challenges, including high noble metal loading, low mass activity, and inadequate durability, which impede their practical application and commercialization. Here we report a self-constructed layered catalyst for acidic OER by directly using an Ir–Ta-based metallic glass as the matrix, featuring a nanoporous IrO2 surface formed in situ on the amorphous IrTaOx nanostructure during OER. This distinctive architecture significantly enhances the accessibility and utilization of Ir, achieving a high mass activity of 1.06 A mgIr−1 at a 300 mV overpotential, 13.6 and 31.2 times greater than commercial Ir/C and IrO2, respectively. The catalyst also exhibits superb stability under industrial-relevant current densities in acid, indicating its potential for practical uses. Our analyses reveal that the coordinated nature of the surface-active Ir species is effectively modulated through electronic interaction between Ir and Ta, preventing them from rapidly evolving into high valence states and suppressing the lattice oxygen participation. Furthermore, the underlying IrTaOx dynamically replenishes the depletion of surface-active sites through inward crystallization and selective dissolution, thereby ensuring the catalyst’s long-term durability.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01663-x
High-voltage lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) face substantial challenges, including Li dendrite growth and instability in high-voltage cathodes such as LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811), which impede their practical applications and long-term stability. To address these challenges, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane additive as an electron acceptor is introduced into an ethyl methyl carbonate/fluoroethylene carbonate-based electrolyte. This approach effectively engineers robust dual interfaces on the Li metal anode and the NCM811 cathode, thereby mitigating dendritic growth of Li and enhancing the stability of the cathode. This additive-driven strategy enables LMBs to operate at ultra-high voltages up to 4.7 V. Consequently, Li||Cu cells achieve a coulombic efficiency of 98.96%, and Li||Li symmetric cells extend their cycle life to an impressive 4000 h. Li||NCM811 full cells maintain a high capacity retention of 87.8% after 100 cycles at 4.7 V. Additionally, Li||LNMO full cells exhibit exceptional rate capability, delivering 132.2 mAh g−1 at 10 C and retaining 95.0% capacity after 250 cycles at 1 C and 5 V. As a result, NCM811||graphite pouch cells maintain a 93.4% capacity retention after 1100 cycles at 1 C. These findings underscore the efficacy of additive engineering in addressing Li dendrite formation and instability of cathode under high voltage, thereby paving the road for durable, high-performance LMBs.
Journal of Semiconductors (半导体学报 - 中国科学院半导体研究所)•2025•DOI: 10.1088/1674-4926/25010015
Graphene has garnered significant attention in photodetection due to its exceptional optical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, the practical application of two-dimensional (2D) graphene in optoelectronic fields is limited by its weak light absorption (only 2.3%) and zero bandgap characteristics. Increasing light absorption is a critical scientific challenge for developing high-performance graphene-based photodetectors. Three-dimensional (3D) graphene comprises vertically grown stacked 2D-graphene layers and features a distinctive porous structure. Unlike 2D-graphene, 3D-graphene offers a larger specific surface area, improved electrochemical activity, and high chemical stability, making it a promising material for optoelectronic detection. Importantly, 3D-graphene has an optical microcavity structure that enhances light absorption through interaction with incoming light. This paper systematically reviews and analyzes the current research status and challenges of 3D-graphene-based photodetectors, aiming to explore feasible development paths for these devices and promote their industrial application.
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (中国有色金属学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(25)66979-2
The influence of varying levels of impurity elements on the hot corrosion resistance of the DD98M alloy in Na2SO4+NaCl salt at 950 °C was investigated. The results indicate that the corrosion resistance of the DD98M alloy significantly decreases with an increase in impurity content, and the presence of nitrogen leads to an increase in alloy porosity. These porosities promote the rapid diffusion of molten salt and oxygen into the alloy, resulting in a bilateral diffusion of oxygen and sulfur, which leads to an accumulation of these elements at the oxide−matrix interface. This process contributes to the formation and propagation of interfacial cracks. A growth model was developed for hot corrosion products in alloys with varying impurity elements.
Journal of Semiconductors (半导体学报 - 中国科学院半导体研究所)•2025•DOI: 10.1088/1674-4926/25020029
Accurate quantification of exercise interventions and changes in muscle function is essential for personalized health management. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) technology offers an innovative, noninvasive, painless, and easy-to-perform solution for muscle health monitoring. However, current EIM platforms face a number of limitations, including large device size, wired connections, and instability of the electrode-skin interface, which limit their applicability for monitoring muscle movement. In this study, a miniature wireless EIM platform with a user-friendly smartphone app is proposed and developed. The miniature, wireless, multi-frequency (20 kHz−1 MHz) EIM platform is equipped with flexible microneedle array electrodes (MAE). The advantages of MAEs over conventional electrodes were demonstrated by physical field modeling simulations and skin-electrode contact impedance comparison tests. The smartphone APP was developed to wirelessly operate the EIM platform, and to transmit and process real-time muscle impedance data. To validate its effectiveness, a seven-day adaptive fatigue training study was conducted, which demonstrated that the EIM platform was able to detect muscle adaptations and serve as a reliable indicator of fatigue. This study presents an innovative approach to applying EIM technology to muscle health monitoring and exercise testing, thereby advancing the development of personalized health management and athletic performance assessment.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.02.006
Understanding the anchorage performance of en-echelon joints under cyclic shear loading is crucial for optimizing support strategies in jointed rock masses. This study examines the anchorage effects on en-echelon joints with various orientations using laboratory cyclic shear tests. By comparing unbolted and bolted en-echelon joints, we analyze shear zone damage, shear properties, dilatancy, energy absorption, and acoustic emission characteristics to evaluate anchoring effects across shear cycles and joint orientations. Results reveal that bolted en-echelon joints experience more severe shear zone damage after cycles, with bolt deformation correlating to shear zone width. Bolted en-echelon joints exhibit faster shear strength deterioration and higher cumulative strength loss compared to unbolted ones, with losses ranging from 20.04% to 72.76%. The compressibility of en-echelon joints reduces the anchoring effect during shear cycles, leading to lower shear strength of bolted en-echelon joints in later stages of shear cycles compared to unbolted ones. Bolts reinforce en-echelon joints more effectively at non-positive angles, with the best performance observed at 0° and –60°. Anchorage accelerates the transition from rolling friction to sliding friction in the shear zone, enhancing energy absorption, which is crucial for rock projects under dynamic shear loading. Additionally, rock bolts expedite the transition of the cumulative AE hits and cumulative AE energy curves from rapid to steady growth, indicating that strong bolt-rock interactions accelerate crack initiation, propagation, and energy release.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.03.006
The accumulation and release of deformation energy within the rock mass of a roadway are primary contributors to the occurrence of rock bursts. This study introduces a calculation model for the kinetic energy generated during roadway excavation, which is based on the fracture and energy states of the rock mass. The relationships among the mining depth, width of the plastic zone, rebound range of the roof and floor, stress concentration factor, and the induced kinetic energy are systematically explored. Furthermore, a rock burst risk evaluation method is proposed. The findings indicate that the energy evolution of the rock mass can be categorized into four stages: energy accumulation due to in-situ stress, energy accumulation resulting from coal compression, energy dissipation through coal plastic deformation, and energy consumption due to coal failure. The energy release from the rock mass is influenced by several factors, including mining depth, stress concentration factor, the width of the plastic zone, and the rebound range of the roof and floor. Within the plastic zone of coal, the energy released per unit volume of coal and the induced kinetic energy exhibit a nonlinear increase with mining depth and stress concentration factor, while they decrease linearly as the width of the plastic zone increases. Similarly, the driving energy per unit volume of the roof and floor shows a nonlinear increase with mining depth and stress concentration factor, a linear increase with the rebound range of the roof and floor, and a linear decrease with the width of the plastic zone. A rock burst risk evaluation method is developed based on the kinetic energy model. Field observations demonstrate that this method aligns with the drilling cuttings rock burst risk assessment method, thereby confirming its validity.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.04.007
To investigate the instability mechanisms of heterogeneous geological structures in goaf area roofs, three-point bending tests (TPBT) and numerical simulations are performed on composite coal-rock (CCR). Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is employed to analyze key parameters, establishing a multi-parameter quantitative system for CCR fracture processes. The impact of lithological homogeneity on fracture evolution and energy migration is examined. Results show that CCR exhibits a three-stage mechanical response: weak contact, strong contact, and post-peak stages, each with distinct crack evolution patterns. A positive correlation is found between lithological homogeneity and tensile crack proportion. No significant correlation is observed between AE average frequency (AF) and AE counts across different lithological CCR; however, peak frequency (PF) displays clear lithology-dependent characteristics. The regulatory effect of the rock homogeneity coefficient (u) on crack derivation mechanisms is quantified, yielding mathematical relationships between fracture strength (f), crack propagation path angle (b), crack fractal dimension (D), and u. The study highlights how different fracture modes alter energy migration pathways, confirming the coupling effect of grain distribution on mechanical response and crack propagation, and the influence of parameter u on critical energy release zones. These findings offer new insights into CCR failure mechanisms for mining safety.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.09.011
Hydrate-based gas separation offers a promising approach for coalbed methane recovery, reaching energy conservation and emissions reduction. This study innovatively applied high-gravity technology to enhance hydrate formation in separating 25%CH4/67%N2/8% O2 for achieving rapid and efficient methane recovery. Systematic investigations were conducted at 283.2 K and 3.0 MPa with tetrahydrofuran at a molar concentration of 5.56% and L-tryptophan at a mass concentration of 0.5% additives, first evaluating liquid flow rate effects (0–20 mL/min) on mixed hydrate kinetic performance and separation efficiency, followed by rotating speed optimization (0–1200 r min−1) under the optimal liquid flow rate. The high-gravity system amplified the gas–liquid contact area by ∼1155 times through cascaded liquid supply and secondary shear effects, methane molecules entered the hydrate phase rapidly under the highest driving force with the significantly intensified mass transfer. Optimal conditions (20 mL/min, 600 r min−1) yielded an exceptional initial hydrate growth rate of 58.59 mmol/(mol h) and methane recovery of 50.76%, about 71.33 and 0.58 times higher than the static system, respectively. Gas chromatography and Raman spectrometer analyses revealed superior methane enrichment in hydrate phase at 90% gas uptake completion, with a concurrent 41.17% reduction in process duration. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of high-gravity-enhanced hydrate technology for coalbed methane separation, offering valuable insights for optimizing clean energy utilization.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.09.007
The linear elastic hydraulic fracture criterion is not applicable to deep reservoirs when nonlinear behavior is present over an extensive zone at the fracture tip. This study aims to develop a criterion for nonlinear hydraulic fracture considering the fracture process zone (FPZ) and seeks to reveal the causes of nonlinearity during fracture propagation in deep reservoirs. A closing stress profile considering the in-situ stress was established by using the cohesive zone model (CZM) to describe the FPZ at the fracture tip. An analytical model for the FPZ length was derived, while the criterion for nonlinear fracture propagation was proposed. The FPZ fully developed and the fracture began to propagate when the apparent stress intensity at the fracture tip reached the apparent fracture toughness or when the in-situ stress intensity reached the in-situ fracture toughness. The proposed criterion can clearly determine the length of the FPZ, accurately predict the breakdown pressure during fracturing operations, and establish a relationship between these two parameters. It addresses the inherent limitations of conventional linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), which often underestimates fracture toughness and neglects the effects of the FPZ. This research is expected to enhance the fracturing design in deep reservoirs.
Journal of Central South University•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s11771-025-6087-z
Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have attracted much attention due to their high safety and cycling stability for lithium-ion batteries. However, the high interface impedance between the electrode and the solid-state electrolyte hinders their practical application. In this work, the solid-liquid hybrid electrolyte S-Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3-LE05(S-LATP-LE05) (LATP: Li1.5Al0.5Ti1.5 (PO4)3) sheet is prepared by dropping liquid electrolyte (LE) with appropriate FeF2 into spark plasma sintering S-LATP (solid-liquid hybrid electrolyte), which shows high-density and high-ionic-conductivity (5.78×10−4 S/cm). When the amount of FeF2 is 0.5 wt% , the interfacial properties between the anode and electrolyte are improved, and the S-LATP is well protected by LiF-rich (solid electrolyte interface) (SEI) interface in cycling process. The Li|S-LATP-LE05|Li symmetric battery and full battery show better electrochemical performance and stability relatively. The overpotential of the Li|S-LATP-LE05|Li symmetric battery is smaller and shows more stable electrochemical performance after cycling for 350 h, revealing good compatibility with a lithium metal anode and can inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites effectively. The Li|S-LATP-LE05|LiFePO4 full battery delivers a specific discharge capacity of 160 mA·h/g at 0.2C for 50 cycles. The corresponding coulombic efficiency is about 99.9% and displays better rate performance compared with the battery without FeF2 LE.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-025-3230-7
The effect of heavy metals on the properties and hydration of blast furnace slag–cement composites (BFS-CC) remain unclear. In this study, two BFS-CC (denoted as DBFS-CC and WBFS-CC) were prepared by dry and wet grinding of BFS, respectively. The effect of Cu(II) on BFS-CC’s properties and hydration was investigated by adding representative copper contaminants (CuO, CuCl2, and CuS) to the composites. Adding 1.0wt% CuO and 0.5wt% CuS increased the 3-d compressive strength of DBFS-CC by 14.9% and 5.7%, respectively, but suppressed the 3-d strength of WBFS-CC. This trend reversed at 28-d curing, where adding 1.5wt% CuO, 2.0wt% CuCl2, and 1.5wt% CuS enhanced the compressive strength of WBFS-CC by 23.4%, 6.2%, and 13.6%, respectively, but adversely affected the strength of DBFS-CC. For 28-d hydration, adding CuCl2 decreased the hydration degree of DBFS-CC but enhanced that of WBFS-CC. Adding CuO promoted the hydration degree of both composites, while adding CuS exhibited inhibitory effects. DBFS-CC immobilized CuCl2 better due to a higher hydration degree, while WBFS-CC immobilized CuO and CuS better due to having finer unhydrated BFS particles and a denser matrix. This study not only focuses on the Cu(II) immobilization effect but also reveals the differential effects of Cu(II) species on the hydration process, providing novel insights into heavy metal interactions in BFS-CC systems and their safe disposal.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-025-3144-4
The large-scale accumulation of industrial solid waste, including red mud and coal gangue, coupled with goafs left by underground mining activities, poses significant challenges to sustainable human development. In this study, red mud, coal gangue, and other solid wastes were used to prepare underground backfilling materials. The utilization rate of the total solid waste reached 95%, with red mud accounting for approximately 40wt% of the total. The unconfined compressive strength, setting time, and slump tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the material. At the optimal ratio, the 7- and 28-d strengths reach 4.4 and 6.9 MPa, respectively. The initial and final setting times were 200 and 250 min, respectively, whereas the initial and 1-h slump exceed 250 and 210 mm, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to explore the microstructure, phase composition, and chemical bonding within the material. Needle-like, clustered, and granular hydration products were observed, and the primary crystalline structures were identified as ettringite, gmelinite, C–A–S–H, and C–S–H. In addition, a thorough environmental risk assessment was conducted, complemented by detailed economic cost and carbon emission calculations. During the creation of backfill material, hazardous elements from solid waste are immobilized through adsorption, precipitation, and incorporation into the crystal lattice. The immobilization efficiencies for Ni, Al, Cr6+, and As were 97.03%, 94.32%, 86.43%, and 84.22%, respectively, at a pH of 8.49. Moreover, the use of solid waste as a raw material results in considerable cost savings and marked reduction in carbon emissions. This study innovatively promotes the green cycle of alumina production in the bauxite mining industry.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-024-2967-8
This work focuses on the influence of Al content on the precipitation of nanoprecipitates, growth of prior austenite grains (PAGs), and impact toughness in simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zones (CGHAZs) of two experimental shipbuilding steels after being subjected to high-heat input welding at 400 kJ·cm−1. The base metals (BMs) of both steels contained three types of precipitates: Type I: cubic (Ti,Nb)(C,N), Type II: precipitate with cubic (Ti,Nb)(C,N) core and Nb-rich cap, and Type III: ellipsoidal Nb-rich precipitate. In the BM of 60Al and 160Al steels, the number densities of the precipitates were 11.37 × 105 and 13.88 × 105 mm−2, respectively. The 60Al and 160Al steel contained 38.12% and 6.39% Type III precipitates, respectively. The difference in the content of Type III precipitates in the 60Al steel reduced the pinning effect at the elevated temperature of the CGHAZ, which facilitated the growth of PAGs. The average PAG sizes in the CGHAZ of the 60Al and 160Al steels were 189.73 and 174.7 µm, respectively. In the 60Al steel, the low lattice mismatch among Cu2S, TiN, and γ-Al2O3 facilitated the precipitation of Cu2S and TiN onto γ-Al2O3 during welding, which decreased the number density of independently precipitated (Ti,Nb)(C,N) particles but increased that of γ-Al2O3–TiN–Cu2S particles. Thus, abnormally large PAGs formed in the CGHAZ of the 60Al steel, and they reached a maximum size of 1 mm. These PAGs greatly reduced the microstructural homogeneity and consequently decreased the impact toughness from 134 (0.016wt% Al) to 54 J (0.006wt% Al) at −40°C.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01613-z
Organic additives with multiple functional groups have shown great promise in improving the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. The functional groups can passivate undercoordinated ions to reduce nonradiative recombination losses. However, how these groups synergistically affect the enhancement beyond passivation is still unclear. Specifically, isomeric molecules with different substitution patterns or molecular shapes remain elusive in designing new organic additives. Here, we report two isomeric carbazolyl bisphosphonate additives, 2,7-CzBP and 3,6-CzBP. The isomerism effect on passivation and charge transport process was studied. The two molecules have similar passivation effects through multiple interactions, e.g., P=O···Pb, P=O···H–N and N–H···I. 2,7-CzBP can further bridge the perovskite crystallites to facilitates charge transport. Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 25.88% and 21.04% were achieved for 0.09 cm2 devices and 14 cm2 modules after 2,7-CzBP treatment, respectively. The devices exhibited enhanced operational stability maintaining 95% of initial PCE after 1000 h of continuous maximum power point tracking. This study of isomerism effect hints at the importance of tuning substitution positions and molecular shapes for organic additives, which paves the way for innovation of next-generation multifunctional aromatic additives.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01607-x
The metal–carbon dioxide batteries, emerging as high-energy–density energy storage devices, enable direct CO2 utilization, offering promising prospects for CO2 capture and utilization, energy conversion, and storage. However, the electrochemical performance of M-CO2 batteries faces significant challenges, particularly at extreme temperatures. Issues such as high overpotential, poor charge reversibility, and cycling capacity decay arise from complex reaction interfaces, sluggish oxidation kinetics, inefficient catalysts, dendrite growth, and unstable electrolytes. Despite significant advancements at room temperature, limited research has focused on the performance of M-CO2 batteries across a wide-temperature range. This review examines the effects of low and high temperatures on M-CO2 battery components and their reaction mechanism, as well as the advancements made in extending operational ranges from room temperature to extremely low and high temperatures. It discusses strategies to enhance electrochemical performance at extreme temperatures and outlines opportunities, challenges, and future directions for the development of M-CO2 batteries.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01546-7
Sodium-ion batteries hold great promise as next-generation energy storage systems. However, the high instability of the electrode/electrolyte interphase during cycling has seriously hindered the development of SIBs. In particular, an unstable cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) leads to successive electrolyte side reactions, transition metal leaching and rapid capacity decay, which tends to be exacerbated under high-voltage conditions. Therefore, constructing dense and stable CEIs are crucial for high-performance SIBs. This work reports localized high-concentration electrolyte by incorporating a highly oxidation-resistant sulfolane solvent with non-solvent diluent 1H, 1H, 5H-octafluoropentyl-1, 1, 2, 2-tetrafluoroethyl ether, which exhibited excellent oxidative stability and was able to form thin, dense and homogeneous CEI. The excellent CEI enabled the O3-type layered oxide cathode NaNi1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3O2 (NaNMF) to achieve stable cycling, with a capacity retention of 79.48% after 300 cycles at 1 C and 81.15% after 400 cycles at 2 C with a high charging voltage of 4.2 V. In addition, its nonflammable nature enhances the safety of SIBs. This work provides a viable pathway for the application of sulfolane-based electrolytes on SIBs and the design of next-generation high-voltage electrolytes.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2024•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2024.12.006
The storage of solid waste in Bayan Obo has resulted in significant resource wastage and environmental concerns. In this study, an efficient process was developed to recover iron and rare earth elements (REEs) from this waste by processes of hydrogen-based mineral phase transformation (HMPT), magnetic separation, and flotation. Under optimal HMPT conditions (525 °C, 12.5 min, and 30% H2 concentration), an iron concentrate with a TFe grade of 64.09% and a recovery of 95.33% was obtained. The magnetic properties of the solid waste were greatly enhanced by HMPT, allowing the effective magnetic separation of iron minerals. Further optimization of the flotation process resulted in a REEs concentrate with a rare earth oxide (REO) grade of 65%–70% and a REEs recovery of 60%–65%. Hematite was reduced to magnetite during HMPT, and bastnaesite was decomposed to REEs oxides and fluorides, and the particle structure was significantly destroyed. However, changes in monazite, fluorite, and barite were minimal.