{"title":"Unraveling interfacial thermal transport in β-Ga2O3/h-BN van der Waals heterostructures","authors":"Soonsung So, Joo-Hyoung Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>As global power consumption rapidly increases with generation of significant amount of heat, efficient thermal management in electronic equipments becomes an urgent task, which requires a comprehensive understanding on thermal transport in heterostructures within devices. Here, we present detailed examination on the interfacial thermal transport of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, composed of <em>β</em>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) multilayers. Through extensive molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) of <em>β</em>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/h-BN system becomes as high as 136.8MWm<sup>−2</sup>K<sup>−1</sup>, and the high ITC value results from substantial phonon interaction across the interface. In addition to the pristine interface, the effect of structural modulation including strain, vacancies and substitutional defects in h-BN multilayers on the ITC is also analyzed, and it is demonstrated that there exists ranges of strain values and defect concentrations which increase the ITC, and that the enhanced ITC is the result of the interplay among the interfacial distance, the overlap in the phonon density of states and elastic mismatch between <em>β</em>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and h-BN multilayers. These results not only provide insights into understanding interfacial phonon transport in vdW systems but also offer guiding principles for designing efficient heat dissipators in device applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141597795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Phase transitions limit lithium adsorption in titanium-based ion sieves","authors":"Hsieh Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hydrogen titanium oxide (HTO) is a promising material in extracting lithium ions from dilute sources such as geothermal or oil/gas brines. However, experiments show limited Li adsorption in HTO compared to its theoretical maximum capacity, where all H atoms in HTO are replaced by Li that forms lithium titanium oxide (LTO). Here, <em>ab initio</em> molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations show clear evidence of phase transitions at specific Li adsorption in pure or doped HTO/LTO, which directly predict their experimental maximum capacity. Analysis of thermodynamic properties as well as layered crystal structures show distinct Li-poor to Li-rich phase transitions in the pure, Mo-doped, and Fe-doped HTO/LTO. In addition, it is observed a second phase transition in the Fe-doped HTO/LTO in the Li-poor phases that further constrains Li adsorption. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first study that accurately predict the experimental capacities in ion sieves from first principle. More importantly, this study puts spotlights on phase transitions as an important consideration in molecular engineering developments of functional separation materials, such as the high-performance lithium-ion sieves presented herein.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141582280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clodomiro Cafolla , Tai Bui , Tran Thi Bao Le , Andrea Zen , Weparn J. Tay , Alberto Striolo , Angelos Michaelides , Hugh Christopher Greenwell , Kislon Voïtchovsky
{"title":"Local probing of the nanoscale hydration landscape of kaolinite basal facets in the presence of ions","authors":"Clodomiro Cafolla , Tai Bui , Tran Thi Bao Le , Andrea Zen , Weparn J. Tay , Alberto Striolo , Angelos Michaelides , Hugh Christopher Greenwell , Kislon Voïtchovsky","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The interface between aqueous solutions and the facets of kaolinite plays an important role in a wide range of technological applications including tribology, paper production, oil recovery, waste water treatment and medical devices. This is made possible by kaolinite's layered structure, with its two basal surfaces -aluminol and siloxane-exhibiting different properties and reactivity. Using a combination of high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we probe <em>in situ</em> the hydration structure over both facets, in water and in the presence of added NaCl. The AFM images reflect the facets' first hydration layer, as confirmed from simulations. Complementary AFM spectroscopy measurements show an excellent agreement between the conservative component and MD's water density profiles, with discrete hydration layers on both facets and little sensitivity to added ions. The dissipative component of the measured tip-sample interactions is more sensitive to the presence of ions, with MD suggesting a link with the local water dynamics and transient instabilities between stable hydration layers. These effects are facet-dependant and more pronounced on the aluminol facet where the first water layer is better defined. Increasing the salt concentration allows hydrated ions to form more stable layers, with hints of organised ionic domains. The results provide unique insights into both the equilibrium molecular structure and dynamics of the kaolinite facets, potentially informing applications involving interfacial processes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542529324001809/pdfft?md5=fec39adba26f8fbf626758b2849d41ef&pid=1-s2.0-S2542529324001809-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141594267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhujialei Lei , Zu Yin Deng , I Nan Chen , Chin Wei Lin , Chiu Hsien Wu , En Pei Liu , Wei Tin Chen , Li Min Wang
{"title":"Two-dimensional superconductivity with exotic magnetotransports in conventional superconductor BiIn2","authors":"Zhujialei Lei , Zu Yin Deng , I Nan Chen , Chin Wei Lin , Chiu Hsien Wu , En Pei Liu , Wei Tin Chen , Li Min Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101505","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper presents pronounced two-dimensional (2D) superconductivity, exotic magnetotransport properties, as well as band structure calculations of BiIn<sub>2</sub>, showing a pronounced exotic topological nature. The 2D nature driven by the surface superconductivity with the transition temperature <em>T</em><sub>c</sub> of 5.56 K for the polycrystalline BiIn<sub>2</sub> samples was verified by a Berezinsky-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition and transport vortex dynamics was interpreted in terms of thermally-assisted flux motion in two dimensions. The normal-state magnetoresistance (MR) of BiIn<sub>2</sub> at low temperatures could be described by the weak-antilocalization transport formula, which is commonly observed on topological materials. Moreover, the high-field transverse MR at temperatures below 40 K showed a non-saturating, linear-like behavior that was examined using the theory of Abrikosov's quantum MR. These results strongly support the scenario that the normal-state magnetotransport in BiIn<sub>2</sub> is dominated by the surface electrons in topological Dirac-cone-like states. Finally, all the findings are summarized in a constructed phase diagram of BiIn<sub>2</sub> in the <em>H</em>-<em>T</em> plane, displaying different regimes of transport. Thus, this work reveals that the combination of 2D superconductivity and Dirac-like surface states of BiIn<sub>2</sub> drastically impacts the possible topological superconductivity in conventional superconductor BiIn<sub>2</sub>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Simulation and interpretation of zinc and nitrogen dopants induced defect emissions in monoclinic gallium oxide","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) are potential acceptor dopants for inducing visible emissions and p-type conductivity in monoclinic gallium oxide (β-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>), however, the poor understanding of these dopants and their recombination process severely limited the optoelectronic applications. Here, we investigate the zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) dopants-induced intraband states and the broadening of defect emission bands due to vibronic coupling of highly transparent β-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> films through chemical and optical analyses, as well as density function theory. Incorporating Zn and N in β-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> shifts the valence band edge towards the Fermi level and introduces band tail states above the valence band maximum. The emission band from pure β-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> becomes significantly broad with the incorporation of Zn and N resulting in two additional emission bands: green luminescence (GL) and red luminescence (RL) along with the characteristic ultraviolet luminescence (UVL) and blue luminescence (BL) of pristine β-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. Furthermore, the defect states responsible for these UVL, BL, GL, and RL emissions and their phonon coupling strengths are estimated by simulating the spectral line shape of these emission bands using the configuration coordinate model. The simulation results indicate that the Zn and N dopants-induced intraband states are responsible for the GL, and RL bands. These intraband states are acceptors, which provide p-type conductivity in β-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> film.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141623973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nam Khanh Nguyen , Sol Lee , Quy-Dat Nguyen , Pangun Park , Ick-Jae Yoon , Junghyo Nah
{"title":"Absorption-dominant electromagnetic interference shielding material using MXene-coated polyvinylidene fluoride foam","authors":"Nam Khanh Nguyen , Sol Lee , Quy-Dat Nguyen , Pangun Park , Ick-Jae Yoon , Junghyo Nah","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101509","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>MXene (Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub>), known for its exceptional electrical conductivity, unique two-dimensional structure, extensive surface functionality, and hydrophilicity, has emerged as a leading candidate for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Despite these excellent characteristics, EMI shielding materials based on MXene mostly utilize the reflection mechanism, which may cause secondary interferences. This study introduces an approach to utilize MXene as absorption-dominant EMI shielding materials. By engineering a porous layer of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) atop MXene nanoflakes, we achieved a synergistic enhancement in EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and absorptivity. The PVDF foam serves as an effective impedance matching layer, substantially enhancing the absorption of electromagnetic waves into the shielding material. Incorporating electrically conductive MXene nanoflakes to form a thin film creates a robust conductive network, fully leveraging its inherent performance. This network efficiently dissipates EM waves, thereby significantly enhancing the EMI SE. The shielding performance of this composite was thoroughly evaluated across both the X-band (8.2 GHz–12.4 GHz) and the Ka-band (26.5 GHz–40 GHz) frequencies. It demonstrated high EMI SE, attributed to mechanisms predominantly based on absorption. Specifically, it achieved an EMI SE of approximately 63.3 dB with high absorptivity (0.74) in the X-band and approximately 73.3 dB with high absorptivity (0.85) in the Ka-band. These findings underscore its potential as a route to develop absorption-dominant EMI shielding materials.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Izabela A. Wrona , Paweł Niegodajew , Artur P. Durajski
{"title":"A recipe for an effective selection of promising candidates for high-temperature superconductors among binary hydrides","authors":"Izabela A. Wrona , Paweł Niegodajew , Artur P. Durajski","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101499","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Recent research on compressed binary hydrides have unveiled the potential for achieving superconductivity at near-room-temperature. Nevertheless, the available decision-making procedures standing behind the selection of constituent elements that may potentially exhibit high values of critical temperature (<em>T</em><sub><em>c</em></sub>) are far from optimal. In other words, a lot of experimental and numerical effort is wasted on exploring unpromising compounds. By conducting a deep study of a database containing over 580 binary hydride superconductors, we were able to observe some interesting relationships between <em>T</em><sub><em>c</em></sub> and selected physico-chemical properties of examined compounds. Among studied parameters, the ratio of the sum of the molecular weight of heavier atoms to the total mass of all hydrogen atoms in the chemical formula of hydride (<em>M</em><sub><em>X</em></sub>/<em>M</em><sub><em>H</em></sub>) was found to be the most valuable indicator that can help to screen for new promising superconductor candidates. This is because the highest <em>T</em><sub><em>c</em></sub> requires the lowest <em>M</em><sub><em>X</em></sub>/<em>M</em><sub><em>H</em></sub> ratio. Statistical analysis indicates a 28% chance of finding <em>T</em><sub><em>c</em></sub> > 200 K within 0 < <em>M</em><sub><em>X</em></sub>/<em>M</em><sub><em>H</em></sub> < 15. It is expected that these findings will not only allow for more efficient use of resources by improving future superconductor candidates selection but also they will accelerate ongoing experimental and numerical research that should bring new exciting discoveries in a much shorter time.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542529324001755/pdfft?md5=13d2273880d6e6e0c8e66649437dada0&pid=1-s2.0-S2542529324001755-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141582279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chunlin Pang , Xinya Wu , Wei Li , Liqiu Wang , Shien-Ping Feng
{"title":"Inhibiting Leidenfrost phenomenon with granulated polymer film","authors":"Chunlin Pang , Xinya Wu , Wei Li , Liqiu Wang , Shien-Ping Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101497","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Inhibiting Leidenfrost phenomenon has been conventionally mediated by texturing materials to facilitate the solid-liquid contact or by arranging vapor channels to promote vapor evacuation. However, it remains challenging to break the trade-off between the high Leidenfrost point and the high heat transfer efficiency because elevating Leidenfrost point is often accompanied by the increase of thermal resistance. We propose a method using Rayleigh-Bénard-Marangoni convection and non-solvent induced phase separation to create granulated matrices that prevent the Leidenfrost effect at temperatures up to 400 °C. These matrices offer strong capillary adhesion, ensuring water droplets remain pinned and provide effective cooling. Additionally, the unique bubble dynamics prevent film boiling and Leidenfrost levitation. The matrices are mechanically robust and thermally stable, making them suitable for cooling high-power electronic devices at high temperatures. These results highlight the potential of using polymer matrices for cooling devices at elevated temperatures, potentially advancing cooling technologies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141582278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advances in triboelectric tactile sensors for robot hand","authors":"Aziz Noor, Minzheng Sun, Xinyu Zhang, Shuang Li, Fangyang Dong, Zhaoyang Wang, Jicang Si, Yongjiu Zou, Minyi Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Integrating tactile sensing capabilities into robot hands is pivotal for enhancing their environmental interaction, enabling tasks requiring dexterity, object recognition, and secure collaboration with humans. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), distinguished by their self-powered capabilities, present a unique approach to tactile sensing due to their adeptness in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical energy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in TENG-based tactile sensors for robots' hands, highlighting their unique ability to convert mechanical stimuli into electrical energy, making them self-powered. This review is structured around two primary research approaches: basic and applied. Firstly, the basic research domain focuses on the case of extrusion or tensile deformation caused by touch or gripping motion based on TENG, designed for use in force and pressure sensors. The emphasis is on their substantial contribution to enhancing robot intelligence through continuous motion and capturing tactile data. Moving to applied research, the paper delves into various applications of TENG-based tactile sensors in robot hands, encompassing intelligent grasping and sensing, object recognition, texture recognition, multimodal sensing, and Human Machine Interaction (HMI). Finally, the paper outlines opportunities and challenges, providing valuable insights for future advancements in theoretical and applied research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141542504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xinyu Wang , Yuanxing Yin , Huan Wang , Xiaojun Deng , Zehao Zhao
{"title":"Ion selectivity regulation under confinement for electromagnetic pollution management","authors":"Xinyu Wang , Yuanxing Yin , Huan Wang , Xiaojun Deng , Zehao Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101498","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ionic conductors are emerging as promising candidates in the field of microwave absorption, demonstrating significant potential in absorption efficiency and practical applications. In this study, we have synthesized a series of microwave absorption clays (AC) by incorporating 2D ZIF-L with four imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs). These materials not only exhibit outstanding absorption properties but also enhance our understanding of mechanisms associated with ion-based absorbers. The selective interaction of the ZIF-L framework results in distinct dielectric properties among imidazolium ILs with varying ion sizes and polarities. Analysis of relaxation behavior and ionic conductivity reveals that smaller ions facilitate better ionic transport and longer relaxation times by accessing the interior cavities, whereas larger ions experience extended charge transport distances within the framework gaps but shorter relaxation times due to the formation of short-range ordered structures. Moreover, these clay-like ionic conductors demonstrate excellent microwave absorption capabilities, with effective bandwidths of 2.3 GHz, 7.0 GHz, 6.7 GHz, and 7.4 GHz, respectively. This work presents a promising avenue for high-performance absorbers, advancing our understanding of ion-based absorption mechanisms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":18253,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":10.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141482049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}