Asymmetric Setup Research Articles

Improvement of ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte based on Cu−Al bimetallic metal-organic framework fabricated through molecular grafting

A composite solid electrolyte comprising a Cu−Al bimetallic metal-organic framework (CAB), lithium salt (LiTFSI) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) was fabricated through molecular grafting to enhance the ionic conductivity of the PEO-based electrolytes. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that the electrolyte with 10 wt.% CAB (PL-CAB-10%) exhibits high ionic conductivity (8.42×10−4 S/cm at 60 °C), high Li+ transference number (0.46), wide electrochemical window (4.91 V), good thermal stability, and outstanding mechanical properties. Furthermore, PL-CAB-10% exhibits excellent cycle stability in both Li−Li symmetric battery and Li/PL-CAB- 10%/LiFePO4 asymmetric battery setups. These enhanced performances are primarily attributable to the introduction of the versatile CAB. The abundant metal sites in CAB can react with TFSI− and PEO through Lewis acid–base interactions, promoting LiTFSI dissociation and improving ionic conductivity. Additionally, regular pores in CAB provide uniformly distributed sites for cation plating during cycling.

Exploring 1T/2H MoS2 Nano Coral Structured Active Electrodes for Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Supercapacitors: A Rigorous Evaluation and Characterization Study

This article optimizes the synthesis parameters of nano coral structured (NC-S) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using hydrothermal method and enhances its physiochemical properties for high-performance supercapacitors (SC). This nano coral architecture of transition metal dichalcogenides has garnered significant attention for efficient pseudocapacitive charge storage in SC. Herein, this work demonstrates the fabrication of dual phase MoS2 by tailoring the reaction time of the NC-S. Furthermore, this effect has been explained with the help of several analytical techniques. The synthesized 1T/2H MoS2 NC-S phase was affirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. The field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images unveiled nano corals like morphology with numerous active sites. Impressively, the as prepared 24, 36 and 48 h MoS2 NC-S entrenched as working electrode endows the achievement with a greater specific capacitance of about 761.82, 1550.86 and 1036.28 F/g at 1 A/g of current density manifests an outstanding rate capability of 94.5, 96.5 and 95.3% capacitive retention even after 1000 cycles. Among them, the 36 h (A-36) synthesized NC-S MoS2 possess high specific energy (43.61 Wh/kg) and power (225.50 W/kg) for this application. Additionally, it demonstrates a commendable capacitive retention of 97% for the two-cell asymmetric setup, even after 5000 cycles at 10 A/g of current density. This inventive configuration of a two-cell device is employed using a Swagelok setup, where the 1T/2H phase MoS2 NC-S//AC exhibit outstanding storage stability and sustained up to 180 sec. The promising results validate that this material can significantly enhance performance in energy storage applications.

Desalination performance in versatile capacitive/battery deionization configurations using a cation intercalating electrode

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an alternative desalination technique for low-to-moderate salinity feeds. Despite significant advances in electrode material design, CDI's thermodynamic energy efficiency (TEE) remains low and has become important in assessing feasibility for real-world applications. Innovative cell configurations are key to improving TEE; however, their performance trends need to be contextualized, given the scattered information that can be challenging to compare. This study evaluates various desalination cells, including conventional CDI, single- and multi-channel asymmetric CDI, and multi-channel battery deionization (BDI). Using MoS2 as a representative intercalating material, the position of active sites on composite electrodes was first optimized. Hydrothermally-grown MoS2 on carbon nanofibers exhibited enhanced charge transfer compared to MoS2 embedded in nanofibers. Among the tested configurations using 20 mM NaCl in single-pass mode and 50% water recovery, BDI demonstrated over 3.7 times higher TEE than asymmetric setups and 50 times higher than typical CDI while maintaining consistent desalination performance. BDI benefited from the combined effects of electrosorption/intercalation and ion exchange membranes in symmetric conformation, effectively utilizing charge. These findings provide insights into process engineering for improved electrochemical desalination and the enhancement of ion intercalation-based desalination configurations.

Zr/Ni metal oxide nanostructures: Electrochemical exploration and urea oxidation catalysts

Metal-organic framework (MOF) derived metal oxide nanostructures hold immense promise as electrodes for energy storage/conversion applications, notably in supercapacitors and urea oxidation. This study explores into optimizing such nanostructures, specifically focusing on a Zr/Ni ratio of 1:1, which has exhibited favorable electrochemical and catalytic performance. Employing thorough characterization methods, including PXRD analysis, we verified the successful synthesis of a ZrO2/NiO binary phase (i.e. Zr/Ni) nanostructure via the MOF-derived approach, showcasing its versatility as a catalyst across diverse energy conversion domains. The Zr/Ni nanostructure electrode displayed noteworthy characteristics, boasting a capacity of 432 C/g alongside exceptional cycling stability of 99%, reflecting battery-like electrochemical behavior. Furthermore, in an asymmetric device setup (Zr/Ni//AC), it achieved a notable potential of up to 1.4 V with an impressive power density of 1044.56 W/kg. Additionally, the Zr/Ni nanostructure demonstrated efficient electrocatalytic activity in urea oxidation, evidenced by a maximum current density of 60 mA/cm2. This underscores its viability as a preferred catalyst in energy conversion applications, signaling opportunities for further exploration and advancement in this dynamic field.

Discrimination and certification of unknown quantum measurements

We study the discrimination of von Neumann measurements in the scenario when we are given a reference measurement and some other measurement. The aim of the discrimination is to determine whether the other measurement is the same as the first one. We consider the cases when the reference measurement is given without the classical description and when its classical description is known. Both cases are studied in the symmetric and asymmetric discrimination setups. Moreover, we provide optimal certification schemes enabling us to certify a known quantum measurement against the unknown one.

Temperature distribution in CrMnNi steel-Mg-PSZ functionally graded material during FAST/SPS

Within the scope of this study, the macroscopic temperature distribution in the steady-state temperature condition during Field Assisted Sintering Technique/Spark Plasma Sintering (FAST/SPS) in functionally graded materials (FGM) was investigated. The sample material exhibited a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of 9 mm. The FGM samples were composed of steel X2CrMnNi 16-7-6 and Mg-PSZ ceramic (MgO partly stabilized ZrO2). By varying the sintering tool setup, a specific modification of the macroscopic temperature distribution within the sample material and the sintering tool was achieved. The aim of the modifications was to optimize the temperature gradients in order to allow for the simultaneous compaction of all FGM layers under ideal circumstances. This involves achieving enhanced ceramic densification without inducing steel melting. Finite element method (FEM) simulations were carried out to get information about the temperature distribution within the sample material and the sintering tool. Furthermore, for this propose, thermocouple temperature measurements were conducted at various measurement points on pre-sintered FGM within the specific sintering tool setup. Additionally, all findings regarding the temperature distribution within the sample material and the sintering tool were compared with results concerning the temperature distribution from the microstructural and mechanical characterization of the center and edge regions of the FGM samples. The FGM samples exhibited a significant increase in temperature from the center to the edge in the radial direction depending on the used sintering tool setup. While the FGM samples showed only minor vertical temperature gradients in the center, the highest vertical temperature gradients were determined at the edge of the FGM sample using an asymmetric sintering tool setup.

Quantum mechanical lateral force on an atom due to matter wave

The area of trapping the atoms or molecules using light has advanced tremendously in the last few decades. In contrast, the idea of controlling (not only trapping) the movement of atomic-sized particles using matter waves is a completely new emerging area of particle manipulation. Though a single previous report has suggested the pulling of atoms based on matter-wave tractor beams, an attempt is yet to be made to produce a lateral force using this technique. This article demonstrates an asymmetric setup that engenders reversible lateral force on an atom due to the interaction energy of the matter wave in the presence of a metal surface. Several full-wave simulations and analytical calculations were performed on a particular set-up of Xenon scatterers placed near a Copper surface, with two counter-propagating plane matter waves of Helium impinging in the direction parallel to the surface. By solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation and using the solution, quantum mechanical stress tensor formalism is applied to compute the force acting on the particle. The simulation results are in excellent agreement with the analytical calculations. The results for the adsorbed scatterer case find this technique to be an efficient cleaning procedure similar to electron-stimulated desorption for futuristic applications.

Largely enhanced pseudocapacitance by a facile in-situ decoration of MoS2 nanosheets with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Using a facile in-situ hydrothermal method, few-layer MoS2 nanosheets were decorated with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (∼18 nm in size) in the presence of Ni foam. Then the CoFe2O4/MoS2 composite coated on Ni foam was studied as a supercapacitor electrode. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows the successful exfoliation of bulk MoS2 powder into few-layer MoS2 nanosheets. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm the crystal structure formation of CoFe2O4/MoS2 nanostructures and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrate their morphologies. The electrochemical energy storage tests were conducted using a three-electrode setup. We found that MoS2 nanosheets considerably enhance the pseudocapacitance properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, especially its specific capacitance from 500 to 1013 F/g, its power density from 125.0 to 166.6 W/kg, and its energy density from 11.1 to 22.5 Wh/kg. More importantly, we found that the incorporation of MoS2 nanosheets enhances the charge-discharge cycling stability of CoFe2O4. We also constructed a two-electrode (asymmetric) setup using the CoFe2O4/MoS2 composite coated on Ni foam as one electrode and activated carbon as the other electrode, and showed it can light up a red LED for several minutes. We also conducted some calculations in the framework of density functional theory to study how the interface of MoS2 and CoFe2O4 would help them toward better charge storage. We found that the built-in electric field developed across the interface can pull electrons from CoFe2O4 toward MoS2 for better charge redistribution, and the incorporation of MoS2 would add some energy states near the Fermi level that can increase the capacitance of CoFe2O4.

Hidden Symmetries in Acoustic Wave Systems.

Latent symmetries are hidden symmetries which become manifest by performing a reduction of a given discrete system into an effective lower-dimensional one. We show how latent symmetries can be leveraged for continuous wave setups in the form of acoustic networks. These are systematically designed to possess latent-symmetry induced pointwise amplitude parity between selected waveguide junctions for all low frequency eigenmodes. We develop a modular principle to interconnect latently symmetric networks to feature multiple latently symmetric junction pairs. By connecting such networks to a mirror symmetric subsystem, we design asymmetric setups featuring eigenmodes with domain-wise parity. Bridging the gap between discrete and continuous models, our work takes a pivotal step towards exploiting hidden geometrical symmetries in realistic wave setups.

Ultimate failure load analysis of cross-laminated timber panels subjected to in-plane compression

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels have proved their efficiency as vertical and horizontal load-carrying structures, and their design methods for serviceability and ultimate limit states are well defined. However, there is a lack of more general and versatile analytical methods for the ultimate load carrying capacity determination of CLT structures. In this paper, the classical layered beam theory is adopted for the ultimate failure load estimation of axially compressed CLT panels. The proposed method retains its accuracy both with an asymmetric layer setup and when the number of CLT layers exceeds five. The presented method is validated by adopting experimental test data from two test series produced by other researchers.

Holographic Lens Resolution Using the Convolution Theorem.

The similarity between object and image of negative asymmetrical holographic lenses (HLs) stored in a low-toxicity photopolymer has been evaluated theoretically and experimentally. Asymmetrical experimental setups with negative focal lengths have been used to obtain HLs. For this purpose, the resolution of the HLs was calculated using the convolution theorem. A USAF 1951 test was used as an object and the impulse responses of the HLs, which in this case was the amplitude spread function (ASF), were obtained with two different methods: using a CCD sensor and a Hartmann Shack (HS) wavefront sensor. For a negative asymmetrically recorded HL a maximum resolution of 11.31 lp/mm was obtained. It was evaluated at 473 nm wavelength. A theoretical study of object-image similarity had carried out using the MSE (mean squared error) metric to evaluate the experimental results obtained quantitatively.

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering in symmetrical Gaussian states

We have explored quantum Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering in symmetric two-mode Gaussian states using Gaussian and non-Gaussian measurements. For Gaussian measurements, we show that steering between the output modes of a symmetric beamsplitter is possible regardless of purity when a threshold input-state quadrature variance compression is achieved. Using the non-Gaussian operators introduced in [1] we show that non-Gaussian measurements can outperform Gaussian measurements for symmetrical states. We also analyze the possibility of asymmetric measurements setups made possible by non-Gaussian measurements and provide examples where such asymmetry is optimal for revealing steering. [1] Ji, SW., Lee, J., Park, J. et al. Quantum steering of Gaussian states via non-Gaussian measurements. Sci Rep 6, 29729 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep29729

Efficient bilateral trade via two-stage mechanisms: Comparison between one-sided and two-sided asymmetric information environments

This paper first considers a bilateral-trade model with one-sided asymmetric information in which one agent (seller) initially owns an indivisible object and is fully informed of its value, while the other agent (buyer) intends to obtain the object whose value is unknown to himself. As no mechanisms can generally result in efficient, voluntary bilateral trades (Jehiel and Pauzner, 2006), we aim to overturn this impossibility result by employing two-stage mechanisms (Mezzetti, 2004) in which first, the outcome (e.g., allocation of the goods) is determined, then the agents observe their own outcome-decision payoffs, and finally, transfers are made. We show that the generalized two-stage Groves mechanism and the shoot-the-liar mechanism both induce efficient, voluntary bilateral trades. We next consider a two-sided asymmetric information setup in which both parties have private information. We show by means of a stylized example that the shoot-the-liar mechanism “sometimes” induces an efficient, voluntary trade, while the generalized two-stage Grove mechanism never induces it.

An ultrastrongly coupled single terahertz meta-atom

Free-space coupling to subwavelength individual optical elements is a central theme in quantum optics, as it allows the control over individual quantum systems. Here we show that, by combining an asymmetric immersion lens setup and a complementary resonating metasurface we are able to perform terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of an individual, strongly subwavelength meta-atom. We unravel the linewidth dependence as a function of the meta-atom number indicating quenching of the superradiant coupling. On these grounds, we investigate ultrastrongly coupled Landau polaritons at the single resonator level, measuring a normalized coupling ratio frac{{{Omega }}}{omega }=0.6. Similar measurements on a lower density two dimensional electron gas yield a coupling ratio frac{{{Omega }}}{omega }=0.33 with a cooperativity C = 94. Our findings pave the way towards the control of ultrastrong light-matter interaction at the single electron/ resonator level. The proposed technique is way more general and can be useful to characterize the complex conductivity of micron-sized samples in the terahertz domain.

Signatures of linear Breit-Wheeler pair production in polarized γγ collisions

The polarization characteristics of the linear Breit-Wheeler (LBW) pair-production process in polarized $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ colliders have been investigated via our developed spin-resolved binary collision simulation method. We find that the polarization of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-photons modifies the kinematics of scattering particles and induces the correlated energy-angle shift of LBW pairs, and the latter's polarization characteristic depends on the helicity configures of scattering particles. We confirm that the polarized $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ collider with an asymmetric setup can be performed with currently achievable laser-driven high-density x rays and high-brilliance $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-photon beams to produce abundant polarized LBW pairs, fulfilling the detection power of polarimetries. Our method and results on the polarized LBW process have plenty of significant applications in strong-field physics, high-energy physics and astrophysics, such as calibrating and monitoring the polarized $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ collider and challenging the current understanding of astrophysical objects through enhancing the opacity of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-photons to exacerbate the inconsistency between some observations and standard models.

Distributed Asymmetric Virtual Reality in Industrial Context: Enhancing the Collaboration of Geographically Dispersed Teams in the Pipeline of Maintenance Method Development and Technical Documentation Creation

Virtual Reality (VR) is a critical emerging technology in industrial contexts, as it facilitates collaboration and supports the product development lifecycle. However, its broad adoption is constrained by complex and high-cost integration. The use of VR among devices with various immersion and control levels may solve this obstacle, and increase the scalability of VR technologies. This article presents a case study on applying asymmetry between the COVE-VR platform and Microsoft Teams to enable distributed collaboration of multinational departments and enhance the maintenance method and documentation creation processes. Overall, five remote collaborative sessions were held with 20 experts from four countries. Our findings suggest that asymmetry between head-mounted display and Teams users enhances the quality of communication among geographically dispersed teams and their spatial understanding, which positively influences knowledge transfer and efficiency of industrial processes. Based on qualitative evaluation of the asymmetric VR setup, we further suggest a list of guidelines on how to enhance the collaboration efficiency for low-cost distributed asymmetric VR from three perspectives: organization, collaboration and technology.

Facile Synthesis of N and P Co-Doped NiMoO4 Hollow Nanowires and Electrochemical Deposition of NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide for Boosting Overall Seawater Splitting

NiMoO4 (NM) nanowires coated on nickel foam (NF) were prepared by the facile hydrothermal method. After calcination at low temperature, the nitrogen and phosphorus were co-doped into bimetal NF@NM nanowires. The hollow nanowire structure could be obtained after low-temperature calcination and nonmetallic doping. The as-synthesized hollow NF@NiMoO4/N/P (NF@NM-NP) nanowires exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction performance (with an overpotential of −164 mV at −100 mA cm−2) due to the existence of planar defects and the hollow structure. To further improve the catalytic activity in the oxygen evolution reaction, amorphous lamellar NiFe-layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) was deposited onto the NF@NM-NP nanowires via an electrochemical method to form core–shell NF@NM-NP@NiFe LDH, which deliver an overpotential of 218 mV at 100 mA cm−2. Furthermore, an asymmetric setup composed of NF@NM-NP hollow nanowires and core–shell NF@NM-NP@NiFe LDH electrode were fabricated for overall seawater splitting, which can deliver potentials of 1.46 and 1.70 V at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 in simulated alkaline seawater (1 M KOH and 0.5 M NaCl), respectively. This may provide an effective path for the formation of a green energy conversion system.

A hierarchically combined reduced graphene oxide/Nickel oxide hybrid supercapacitor device demonstrating compliable flexibility and high energy density

This work demonstrates a hierarchical structure design with mixed holey graphene oxide (HGO) and Ni(OH)2 active material layer made by one-pot hydrothermal reaction clinging to Nickel foam as backbone and ice-template oriented graphene oxide (GO) aerogel as filling, aiming to create an asymmetric solid supercapacitor (ASC) device with compliable flexibility and high electrochemical performance. The effects of hydrothermal treatment and ice-template freezing parameters on electrochemical stability under repeated exterior deformation are discussed, the optimal parameters result in a high areal capacitance of 479.8 mF/cm2 in asymmetric supercapacitor device setup. The use of porous HGO and oriented GO aerogel synergistically contribute to the high energy and power density up to 1.69 Wh/m2 and 9 W/m2 as well as excellent electrochemical performance retention under repeated curving deformation which reaches 102% thanks to a novel activation process. The electrode assembly including metal foam and the buffering GO aerogel should be instructive for future supercapacitor design.

Copper-nickel rubeanate metal-organic framework, a new highly stable and long active life nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitors

High-performance supercapacitors require electrodes featuring a high surface area, suitable porosity, and conductivity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold a high surface area and suitable porosity while insufficient conductivity. Herein, a single-step chemical strategy was developed to directly synthesize a composite of copper-nickel rubeanate MOF and highly conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets (CNRG-MOF) on nickel foam (CNRG-MOF/NF) electrode. The nanocomposite enables it to use as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode. The bimetallic CNRG-MOF/NF electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance than its single metallic counterparts. The optimized CNRG-MOF/NF electrode represents a high specific capacitance of 846.15 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1. A three-electrode system exhibited up to 96.37 % capacitance retention after 7000 galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) cycles, indicating its excellent stability. These results may pave the way for the direct use of MOF materials for electrochemical energy devices instead of pyrolyzing the MOFs to improve the conductivity while losing controllable structural merits. GCD curve was obtained at different current densities to evaluate the nanocomposite's asymmetric setup charge storage capability. The electrode capacity for the asymmetric system was measured as 93.3 F g−1, which proves the capacitive property of CNRG-MOF/NF electrode.

An Empirical Evaluation of Asymmetric Synchronous Collaboration Combining Immersive and Non-Immersive Interfaces Within the Context of Immersive Analytics

Collaboration is an essential part of data analysis, allowing multiple users to combine their expertise and to debate about the interpretation of data discoveries using their contextual knowledge. The design of collaborative interfaces within the context of Immersive Analytics remains challenging, particularly due to the various user-centered characteristics of immersive technologies. In this article, we present the use case of a system that enables multiple users to synchronously explore the same data in a collaborative scenario that combines immersive and non-immersive interfaces in an asymmetric role setup. Such a setup allows for bridging the gap when applying heterogeneous display and interaction technologies, enabling each analyst to have an independent and different view of the data, while maintaining important collaborative aspects during the joint data exploration. We developed an immersive VR environment (head-mounted display, 3D gestural input) and a non-immersive desktop terminal (monitor, keyboard and mouse) centered around spatio-temporal data exploration. Supported through a real-time communication interface, synchronous collaborative features are integrated in both interfaces, facilitating the users in their ability to establish a shared context and to make spatio-temporal references. We conducted an empirical evaluation with five participant pairs (within-subject design) to investigate aspects of usability, user engagement, and collaboration during a confirmative analysis task. Synthesis of questionnaire results in combination with additional log file analysis, audio activity analysis, and observations, revealed good usability scores, high user engagement, as well as overall close and balanced collaboration of enthusiastic pairs during the task completion independent of their interface type, validating our system approach in general. Further supported through the self-constructed Spatio-Temporal Collaboration Questionnaire, we are able to contribute with discussion and considerations of the presented scenario and the synchronous collaborative features for the design of similar applications.