Surface Technology (表面技术)•2026•DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.12.007
The corrosion resistance of ASTM A182 F347 austenitic stainless steel was enhanced via a two-stage surface engineering protocol: plasma transferred arc deposition of Stellite 6 (STL6) followed by chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride (TiN). Microstructural characterization confirmed a metallurgically bonded interface with elemental interdiffusion; the STL6 layer exhibited a graded structure from planar/equiaxed grains at the substrate to columnar dendrites and fine equiaxed grains at the surface, with minimal oxide content. Electrochemical testing in 3.5% NaCl solution revealed that the STL6/TiN composite coating reduced the corrosion current density to 0.37 μA/cm², the lowest among the three sample types (F347 substrate, F347-STL6, and F347-STL6-TiN). The composite coating also demonstrated the highest passivation potential (939 mV) and the largest impedance modulus |Z|, indicating superior passive film stability. Post-corrosion analysis showed that the F347 substrate suffered extensive deep pitting, while the STL6 coating exhibited intergranular corrosion with an oxide film. In contrast, the STL6/TiN composite coating displayed only sparse shallow pits. The improved performance is attributed to the formation of a dense Cr₂O₃ passive film on the STL6 layer and the additional barrier provided by the TiN topcoat. These findings offer a viable route for extending the service life of F347 stainless steel in aggressive environments.
Journal of Semiconductors (半导体学报 - 中国科学院半导体研究所)•2026•DOI: 10.1088/1674-4926/25100021
This study addresses the integration bottlenecks of display driver integrated circuits (DDICs) arising from external NOR Flash and SRAM by developing an embedded resistive random-access memory (RRAM) on a 40 nm high-voltage CMOS logic platform. Systematic process optimizations in film sputtering and pre-deposition treatment reduce within-wafer resistance uniformity (RSU) of the oxygen-deficient layer (ODL) from 11% to 8% and inter-wafer process stability variation from 23% to below 6%. These improvements elevate the yield of 8 Mb RRAM embedded mass production products from 87% to 98.5%. The RRAM cell achieves a compact area of ~0.0625 mm²/Mb, a 4.8 ns read speed, read disturb immunity of 3 × 10⁸ cycles at 95 °C, 10³ write/erase endurance cycles for 1 Mb cells, and 12.5-year data retention at 125 °C. Post high-temperature operating life (HTOL) testing confirms a stable high/low resistance window. The work provides a reliability assurance framework for mass production of highly integrated, low-power embedded RRAM in display driver ICs.
Journal of Semiconductors (半导体学报 - 中国科学院半导体研究所)•2026•DOI: 10.1088/1674-4926/26020003
Single-photon sources are indispensable for scalable quantum information technologies, including quantum communication, key distribution, computing, and sensing. Optically active point defects in solid-state materials, known as color centers, are promising candidates for next-generation single-photon emitters (SPEs) due to their atom-like properties, enabling high efficiency, purity, and indistinguishability, while their solid-state nature facilitates integration into scalable quantum photonic devices. Among these, color centers in wide-bandgap semiconductors are particularly attractive for their stable operation at room temperature or higher and wide spectral tunability. Their compatibility with mature semiconductor technology allows direct integration into practical optoelectronic systems. Recent progress has realized defect-based SPEs in diamond, silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), gallium nitride (GaN), aluminum nitride (AlN), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), zinc oxide (ZnO), and beta-phase gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3). This mini-review summarizes recent advances in SPEs based on wide-bandgap semiconductors, highlighting their potential for integrated quantum photonic circuits. Key platforms include diamond, hosting nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers and group-IV impurity-based defects (SiV, GeV, SnV, PbV) with narrow emission lines and nanosecond lifetimes; Si3N4, where native defects in nitrogen-rich films exhibit linearly polarized emission at 567–670 nm with saturated room-temperature single-photon intensity of 5×10^5 cps; and h-BN, with an ultrawide bandgap of ~6 eV, enabling ultrabright, polarized single-photon emission at room temperature, with carbon-related defects (VBCN−) identified as visible quantum emitters. Challenges remain in structural identification and spectral uniformity, but controlled synthesis and strain engineering offer pathways to scalable quantum photonics.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-025-01746-9
Diamond, an ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor material, is promising for solar-blind ultraviolet photodetectors in extreme environments. However, when exposed to high-temperature conditions, diamond photodetector surfaces are unavoidably terminated with oxygen, leading to low photoresponsivity. To address this limitation, single-crystalline diamond nanowires (DNWs) embedded with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were developed using Pt film deposition followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) homoepitaxial growth. During the CVD, Pt nanoparticles (approximately 20 nm in diameter) undergo dewetting and become uniformly embedded within the single-crystalline DNWs. Photodetectors fabricated with these Pt nanoparticles-embedded DNWs achieve a responsivity of 68.5 A W−1 under 220 nm illumination at room temperature, representing an improvement of approximately 2000 times compared to oxygen-terminated bulk diamond devices. Notably, the responsivity further increases with temperature, reaching an exceptional value of 3098.7 A W−1 at 275 °C. This outstanding performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of the one-dimensional nanowire structure, deep-level defects, the localized surface plasmon resonance effects induced by embedded Pt nanoparticles, and localized Schottky junctions at the Pt/diamond interface, which enhance optical absorption, carrier generation, and separation efficiency. These results highlight the significant potential of Pt nanoparticles-embedded DNWs for advanced deep ultraviolet detection in harsh environments, including aerospace, industrial monitoring, and other applications.
Nano-Micro Letters•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01634-8
The advancement of materials has played a pivotal role in the advancement of human civilization, and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered materials science heralds a new era with substantial potential to tackle the escalating challenges related to energy, environment, and biomedical concerns in a sustainable manner. The exploration and development of sustainable materials are poised to assume a critical role in attaining technologically advanced solutions that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and conducive to human well-being. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current scholarly progress in artificial intelligence-powered materials science and its cutting-edge applications. We anticipate that AI technology will be extensively utilized in material research and development, thereby expediting the growth and implementation of novel materials. AI will serve as a catalyst for materials innovation, and in turn, advancements in materials innovation will further enhance the capabilities of AI and AI-powered materials science. Through the synergistic collaboration between AI and materials science, we stand to realize a future propelled by advanced AI-powered materials.
New Carbon Materials (新型炭材料)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2024-39-05-12)
Silicon anodes are promising for use in lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical application is severely limited by their large volume expansion leading to irreversible material fracture and electrical disconnects. This study proposes a new top-down strategy for preparing microsize porous silicon and introduces polyacrylonitrile (PAN) for a nitrogen-doped carbon coating, which is designed to maintain the internal pore volume and lower the expansion of the anode during lithiation and delithiation. We then explore the effect of temperature on the evolution of the structure of PAN and the electrochemical behavior of the composite electrode. After treatment at 400 °C, the PAN coating retains a high nitrogen content of 11.35 at%, confirming the presence of C―N and C―O bonds that improve the ionic-electronic transport properties. This treatment not only results in a more intact carbon layer structure, but also introduces carbon defects, and produces a material that has remarkable stable cycling even at high rates. When cycled at 4 A g−1, the anode had a specific capacity of 857.6 mAh g−1 even after 200 cycles, demonstrating great potential for high-capacity energy storage applications.
New Carbon Materials (新型炭材料)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2024-39-04-04)
A transformation of naphthalene-based coalescenced mesophase pitch (NMP) to mesophase microbeads was achieved by heating a mixture of NMP and fullerene (C60). This is different from the conventional process of the liquid-phase carbonization of isotropic pitch to the emergence of carbon microbeads in the matrix and finally their growth to form a 100% anisotropic bulk mesophase, but rather a reverse transformation. The effects of C60 loading and reaction temperature on the morphological transformation of mesophase were investigated by polarizing optical and scanning electron microscopies. The physical changes in the NMP induced by C60 were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the coalesced NMP can be converted to a spherical type at 300–320 °C with the addition of 5% C60, and the size of the mesophase microbeads increases with increasing temperature. Furthermore, a model is established to explain the unique induction effect of C60 in the transformation process. This work makes the morphological transformation of MP controllable, and provides a new idea for the understanding and research of mesophase pitch.
New Carbon Materials (新型炭材料)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2024-39-04-07)
A toughener that can effectively improve the interlaminar toughness in carbon fiber composites is crucial for various applications. We investigated, the toughening effects of phenolphthalein-based cardo poly (ether sulfone) (PES-C) on E51/ DETDA epoxy and its carbon fiber composites (CFCs). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the phase structures of PES-C/epoxy blends change from island (of dispersed phase) structures to bi-continuous structures (of the matrix) as the PES-C content increased, which is associated with reaction-induced phase separation. After adding 15 phr PES-C, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the blends increased by 51.5 °C, and the flexural strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of the blends were improved by 41.1%, 186.2% and 42.7%, respectively. These improvements could be attributed to the phase separation structure of the PES-C/epoxy system. A PES-C film was used to improve the mode-II fracture toughness (GIIC) of CFCs. The GIIC value of the 7 μm PES-C film toughened laminate was improved by 80.3% compared to that of the control laminate. The increase in GIIC was attributed to cohesive failure and plastic deformation in the interleaving region.
Int. Journal of Mining Science and Technology (采矿与安全工程)•2025•DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.03.010
The energy-focusing blast is an innovative and ingenious method to achieve directional fracturing. Understanding its energy regulation mechanism is critical to enhancing its practical effectiveness. This study investigates the energy regulation mechanism and explores the medium-filling effects within the energy-focusing blast by employing theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and model tests. The findings by theoretical and numerical analysis first reveal that two stages of the fracturing and tensile stage govern the directionally crack propagation, in which the explosion energy in the non-energy-focusing direction is suppressed, compressing the borehole wall, while redirected energy produces tensile stress in the energy-focusing direction, driving the formation of directional cracks. The choice of filling medium significantly affects directional cracking due to its impact on energy distribution and regulation, and key properties such as wave impedance and compressibility of the filling medium are critical. Experimental comparisons using air, sand, and water as filling media further disclose the distinct effects of the medium on energy regulation and directional crack growth of the energy-focusing blast. The maximum shaped-energy coefficients for air, sand, and water are 1.30, 4.41, and 6.12 in the energy-focusing direction, respectively. Meanwhile, the stress attenuation rate of air, sand, and water increases in that order. The higher wave impedance and lower compressibility of water support efficient and uniform energy propagation, which subtly enhances the tensile actions in the focusing direction and intensifies the overall stress impact of the energy-focusing blast. In addition, the stresses in the non-energy-focusing directions decrease as the angle from the energy-focusing direction increases, while the stresses are relatively uniform for both air and water but noticeably uneven for sand; meanwhile, the fractal dimensions of blasting cracks in the case of air, water, and sand are 1.076, 1.068, and 1.112, respectively. Sand as a filling medium leads to increased crack irregularities due to its granularity and heterogeneity. The water medium strikes an optimal balance by promoting the blasting energy transition and optimizing the energy distribution, maintaining the least flatness of the directional crack during energy-focusing blasts.
Journal of Central South University•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s11771-025-6065-5
Arching and cracking of joints between slabs have become a problem in China Railway Track System (CRTS) II slab track. The slab track is susceptible to complex temperature variations as a longitudinal continuous structure. Based on measured data, a thermal-mechanical coupling model of the track was established. The deformation characteristics and interfacial damage behavior of joints under typical temperature fields were studied. The findings indicate that the annual extreme temperature range of the slab track, fluctuates from −1.4 to 49.8 ℃. The annual temperature gradient within the vertical depth range of 0 to 0.2 m of the track varies between −16.19 ℃/m and 30.15 ℃/m. The vertical deformation of joints is significantly influenced by high temperatures, with a maximum measured deformation of 0.828 mm. The joint seams are primarily affected by low temperatures, which lead to a separation of 0.9 to 1.0 mm. Conversely, interlayer damage of joints is predominantly influenced by elevated temperatures. In summer, the maximum ratio of interface damage area in the joint can reach up to 95%, with the maximum debonding area ratio can be as high as 84%. The research results can provide help for joint damage regularity and deformation control of CRTS II slab track.
Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering•2025•DOI: 10.1186/s10033-025-01259-x
The study of capture mechanisms with high capture adaptability is the key to improving the efficiency of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) retrieval and release. This study aims to develop a capture mechanism for the launch and recovery of AUV and elucidate its kinematic characteristics. Initially, based on the principles of deployment and retraction for AUV capture movements, a design scheme for a novel foldable and deployable capture mechanism is proposed. Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the Degrees of Freedom (DoFs) for enveloping and grasping movements is conducted according to screw theory. Additionally, the structural design of the actuation units for the capture mechanism is thoroughly discussed. Motion screw topology diagram is utilized to construct the kinematic model. On this basis, kinematic simulation verification of the capture mechanism is performed. The theoretical analysis revealed that the DoF for enveloping and grasping movements are 6 and 2, respectively. By appropriately configuring the actuation mechanism, enveloping and grasping movements can be achieved with a single actuation. The displacement and velocity curves of the capture mechanism were smooth, with no interference occurring. Vibration test results validate the reliability of the capture mechanism. The research work provides a valuable reference for the development of novel capture equipment for AUVs.
Journal of Central South University•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s11771-025-6060-x
To enhance the recuperation rate of the mine and comply with the stipulations of green mining technology, it is vital to expeditiously recuperate the coal pillar resources in the final stage, thus preventing the considerable squandering of resources. The coal pillar resource of the main roadway and its branch roadway constitutes a significant recovery subject. Its coal pillar shape is regular and possesses a considerable strike distance, facilitating the arrangement of the coal pillar recovery working face (CPRWF) for mining operations. However, for the remaining coal pillars with a thick and hard roof (THF) and multiple tectonic zones, CPRWF encounters challenges in selecting an appropriate layout, managing excessive roof pressure, and predicting mining stress. Aiming at the roadway coal pillar group with THF and multi-structural areas in specific projects, a method of constructing multi-stage CPRWF by one side gob-side entry driving (GSED) and one side roadway reusing is proposed. Through theoretical calculation of roof fracture and numerical simulation verification, combined with field engineering experience and economic analysis, the width of the narrow coal pillar (NCP) in the GSED is determined to be 10 m and the length of the CPRWF is 65 m. Concurrently, the potential safety hazard that the roof will fall asymmetrically and THF is difficult to break during CPRWF mining after GSED is analyzed and verified. Then, a control method involving the pre-cutting of the roof in the reused roadway before mining is proposed. This method has been shown to facilitate the complete collapse of THF, reduce the degree of mine pressure, and facilitate the symmetrical breaking of the roof. Accordingly, a roof-cutting scheme based on a directional drilling rig, bidirectional shaped polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, and emulsion explosive was devised, and the pre-splitting of 8.2 m THF was accomplished. Field observations indicate that directional cracks are evident in the roof, the coal wall is flat during CPRWF mining, and the overall level of mining pressure is within the control range. Therefore, the combined application of GSED and roof-cutting technology for coal pillar recovery has been successfully implemented, thereby providing new insights and engineering references for the construction and pressure relief mining of CPRWF.
Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报)•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s12613-025-3115-9
In order to avoid poor machinability caused by excessive hardness under high-silicon conditions in the traditional free-cutting graphited steel, it is important to develop a suitable silicon-saving, aluminum-containing free-cutting steel. This study investigated the microstructure and graphite precipitation behavior of Fe–0.58C–1.0Al (wt%) steels with varying silicon contents (0.55wt%–2.67wt%) after tempering at different temperatures (680°C, 715°C). The tempering structure and the precipitation behavior of graphite and Fe3C in Fe–0.58C–1.0Al steels were systematically studied by optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and electron microprobe analyzer (EPMA). The results showed that, at both tempering temperatures, the microstructure of 0.55wt% Si steel is ferrite + granular Fe3C, and the microstructures of 1.38wt%–2.67wt% Si steels are ferrite + petaloid graphite + granular Fe3C. With increasing Si content from 1.38wt% to 2.67wt% at constant tempering temperature, the number density of graphite particles increases, though their average size decreases. Meanwhile, the number density and average size of Fe3C in experimental steels continuously decrease with the increase of Si content. For 0.55wt% Si steel without graphite precipitation, increasing tempering temperature promotes the accumulation and growth of Fe3C. For 1.38wt%–2.67wt% Si steels with graphite precipitation, higher tempering temperature promotes graphite particles growth while accelerating the decomposition and refinement of Fe3C. Furthermore, compared with the experimental steels containing 0.55wt% Si, 1.38wt% Si, and 2.67wt% Si, the 1.89wt% Si steel exhibits significantly lower hardness. Especially, when tempered at 715°C, Fe–0.58C–1.0Al steel with 1.89wt% Si exhibits enhanced graphitization behavior and reduced hardness, which is nearly HV 20 lower than previously reported Fe–0.55C–2.33Si steel.