Materials Science Research Articles

Quantum sensing with optically accessible spin defects in van der Waals layered materials

Quantum sensing has emerged as a powerful technique to detect and measure physical and chemical parameters with exceptional precision. One of the methods is to use optically active spin defects within solid-state materials. These defects act as sensors and have made significant progress in recent years, particularly in the realm of two-dimensional (2D) spin defects. In this article, we focus on the latest trends in quantum sensing that use spin defects in van der Waals (vdW) materials. We discuss the benefits of combining optically addressable spin defects with 2D vdW materials while highlighting the challenges and opportunities to use these defects. To make quantum sensing practical and applicable, the article identifies some areas worth further exploration. These include identifying spin defects with properties suitable for quantum sensing, generating quantum defects on demand with control of their spatial localization, understanding the impact of layer thickness and interface on quantum sensing, and integrating spin defects with photonic structures for new functionalities and higher emission rates. The article explores the potential applications of quantum sensing in several fields, such as superconductivity, ferromagnetism, 2D nanoelectronics, and biology. For instance, combining nanoscale microfluidic technology with nanopore and quantum sensing may lead to a new platform for DNA sequencing. As materials technology continues to evolve, and with the advancement of defect engineering techniques, 2D spin defects are expected to play a vital role in quantum sensing.

Techno-Economic analysis of ceramic matrix composites integration in remaining useful Life Aircraft Engine Hot Section Components

AbstractCeramic Matrix Composites (CMCs), specifically SiC/SiC composites, represent a significant innovation in aerospace material technology, offering superior performance over traditional nickel-based superalloys in high-temperature turbine blade applications. This study presents a novel techno-economic assessment, filling a critical gap in the literature by directly comparing the economic and technical viability of CMCs versus superalloys. Unlike previous studies, which primarily focus on technical performance or cost analysis independently, this work integrates both aspects, providing a holistic comparison across key economic metrics, including acquisition, machining, maintenance, and recycling costs. The results demonstrate that SiC/SiC blades offer a 15–20% higher Net Present Value (NPV) and a 17% greater Internal Rate of Return (IRR) over a 20-year lifecycle than superalloys. Despite higher initial costs, CMCs achieve an estimated 2 to 3 years reduction in payback period, mainly due to their superior thermal and creep resistance, leading to fewer maintenance interventions and longer operational lifetimes. Although machining costs for CMCs are higher, these are more than offset by the long-term savings achieved through improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis, incorporating fluctuations in discount rates and material costs, further validates the economic robustness of CMCs in various operational scenarios. This study is the first to compare CMCs and superalloys, offering new insights into the financial implications of material selection in aerospace manufacturing. The findings present critical engineering recommendations that empower aerospace manufacturers and decision-makers to optimise material selection for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in high-performance turbine applications.

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mediated dwarfing mutation provides a basis for CaCO3 accumulation by enhancing photosynthetic performance in Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf.

Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf is a unique chalk gland (salt-excreting) plant from China, with a salt gland structure that excretes white crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which has potential biomineralization and carbon sequestration functions. Due to the narrow distribution of wild germplasm resources, there is a lack of diversity of new varieties to satisfy commercial development and scientific exploration. Therefore, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain new dwarf mutant germplasm, and analysed it in terms of morphology, growth, photosynthesis, salt glands, and excretion traits. All four dwarfing mutant strains (DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4) exhibited extreme dwarfing (62.28%, 62.28%, 74.55% and 61.68% reduction in plant height, respectively), faster growth, increased belowground root biomass, and earlier bud differentiation and flowering. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced: chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), net photosynthesis (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (Tr), were significantly higher in leaves of DM mutants. The density of salt glands per unit leaf area and average Ca2+ excretion rate of individual salt glands increased significantly (especially in DM2), and CaCO3 accumulation per unit leaf area was 28.57% higher than that of the wild type. Pearson correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly and positively correlated with CaCO3 excretion. The above study not only provided enriched new germplasm of C. willmottianum, but also important research material for studying the mechanism of CaCO3 excretion by salt glands and carbon sequestration capacity of biomineralization.

Optimization of Dynamic Characteristics of Rubber-Based SMA Composite Dampers Using Multi-Body Dynamics and Response Surface Methodology

The suspension system of a commercial vehicle cab plays a crucial role in enhancing ride comfort by mitigating vibrations. However, conventional rubber suspension systems have relatively fixed stiffness and damping properties, rendering them inflexible to load variations and resulting in suboptimal ride comfort under extreme road conditions. Shape memory alloys (SMAs) represent an innovative class of intelligent materials characterized by superelasticity, shape memory effects, and high damping properties. Recent advancements in materials science and engineering technology have focused on rubber-based SMA composite dampers due to their adjustable stiffness and damping through temperature or strain rate. This paper investigates how various structural parameters affect the stiffness and damping characteristics of sleeve-type rubber-based SMA composite vibration dampers. We developed a six-degree-of-freedom vibration differential equation and an Adams multi-body dynamics model for the rubber-based SMA suspension system in commercial vehicle cabins. We validated the model’s reliability through theoretical analysis and simulation comparisons. To achieve a 45% increase in stiffness and a 64.5% increase in damping, we optimized the suspension system’s z-axis stiffness and damping parameters under different operating conditions. This optimization aimed to minimize the z-axis vibration acceleration at the driver’s seat. We employed response surface methodology to design the composite shock absorber structure and then conducted a comparative analysis of the vibration reduction performance of the optimized front and rear suspension systems. This study provides significant theoretical foundations and practical guidelines for enhancing the performance of commercial vehicle cab suspension systems.

Leading two-point resistances from transfer matrices in cylindrical, spider web, axial and grid resistor networks

Resistor networks are increasingly being considered in heuristic research as models for natural or artificial matter. The equivalent resistance between two nodes, the Two-Point Resistance (TPR), can be calculated using a variety of methods. The transfer matrix (TM) method was originally considered as a numerical tool for estimating percolation thresholds in random networks with a repeating pattern. The TM method is revisited here as an efficient tool to obtain, in a fast and elegant way, iteration relations and exact explicit expressions for leading TPRs that include a node in the last repeated pattern. Several rotationally invariant networks are studied, such as simple cylindrical networks, spider web networks and cylindrical networks with a central resistive axis, in which case the TM matrices are circulant matrices. Examples of explicit expressions are given for orders of rotation ≤4 or 5, depending on the case. The method can be applied in a similar way to networks with less symmetry, such as grids. The general expressions of TPRs obtained using the TM method can provide quantitative guidelines for resistor networks developed in materials science, environmental issues or industrial applications.

Comparative analysis of machine learning techniques in predicting dielectric behavior of ternary chalcogenide thin films

Abstract The current research introduces a comparative analysis of the dielectric behavior exhibited by ternary chalcogenide thin films, including both experimental data and machine learning techniques. The study of temperature and frequency dependencies of dielectric parameters is crucial for assessing material losses, particularly focusing on the low-frequency range where dielectric dispersion occurs. The experimental results on the frequency (100–1000000 Hz)and the temperature(303–393 K) influences on the dielectric (constant ( ε 1 ) and loss ( ε 2 )) of A s 4 G e 24 T e 72 composition in thin film form have been discussed. Results demonstrate that ε 1 exhibits an increasing trend with temperature, attributed to heightened orientation polarization as dipoles gain mobility with elevated thermal energy. Conversely, ε 1 declines with rising frequency, reflecting diverse different polarization mechanisms. Understanding these behaviors is important for material characterization and applications in fields like electronics and solar cells. A comparative analysis of the dielectric behavior exhibited by ternary chalcogenide thin films, including both experimental data and machine learning techniques. Through the experimental approach, the dielectric properties of the films are investigated. Additionally, the study employs a range of machine learning algorithms, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), Genetic Programming (GP), hybrid techniques ANFIS-GA, and ANFIS-PSO, to model and predict the dielectric behavior with remarkable accuracy. The paper presents a comparison between the performance of the proposed machine learning models, highlighting their strengths and limitations in capturing the complex dielectric phenomena observed in the ternary chalcogenide thin films. This comparative study not only provides valuable insights into the dielectric properties of these materials but also demonstrates the efficacy of machine learning in understanding and predicting their behavior, paving the way for further advancements in materials science and device development.

In Situ Generated 1‐Naphthylmethyl Radicals From Bis(1‐Naphthylmethyl)tin Dichlorides: Utilization For C‐C, C‐N, and C‐O Bond‐Forming Reactions

The in situ‐generated 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals from the thermolysis of bis(1‐naphthylmethyl)tin dichlorides combine with persistent organic radicals, 4‐hydroxy‐TEMPO or 4‐oxo‐TEMPO designs C−O bond forming products. Subsequently, the C‐N bond occurs when the 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals unite with nitric oxide (NO) under a nitrogen atmosphere.In contrast, the oxidation instead of the addition reaction predominantly happens in the 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals when nitrogen dioxide contains a high oxidation state nitrogen center, i.e., N(IV) used.The by‐product, dodecanuclear organotin cages, with twelve peripheral naphthyl units, could be isolated from the 4‐hydroxy‐TEMPO reaction. Besides, the synthesis of unsymmetrical diarylmethanes RArCH2 (R = 1‐naphthyl, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, 3‐ and 4‐MeC6H4, phenyl, 4‐ClC6H4; Ar = 4‐MeOC6H4, 3,4‐, 2,4‐ and 2,5‐Me2C6H3) in high yields and with good regioselectivity is reported. This new methodology involves the iodine‐mediated thermolysis of bis(arylmethyl)tin dichlorides (RCH2)2SnCl2 and an excess of an arene. This reaction involves homolytic cleavage of Sn–C bonds to give arylmethyl radicals that react with iodine in the presence of SnCl2 to give the corresponding cations, which undergo electrophilic attack on the arene. Functionalised diarylmethanes have wide applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials sciences. Alternative synthetic approaches to this class of organic compounds that avoid using a transition‐metal catalyst or a strong Lewis acid are desirable.

Pd-Catalyzed Selective Defluoroalkylation of Trifluoromethylarenes

The selective functionalization of C–F bonds in trifluoromethylated arenes (ArCF3) is essential due to the extensive use of fluorinated compounds in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science, alongside emerging regulatory restrictions on trifluoromethyl groups. Here, we report a hybrid palladium-catalyzed strategy for the selective defluorination and functionalization of ArCF3, featuring intermolecular carboamination of linear conjugated dienes and defluorinative cross-coupling with unactivated alkenes. This methodology enables the 1,4-addition of dienes with exclusive E-selectivity and the defluoroalkylation of trifluoroarenes, providing an efficient route to difluoromethylated compounds and addressing key challenges in synthetic fluorine chemistry.

A short introduction to neural networks and their application to Earth and Materials Science

A short introduction to neural networks and their application to Earth and Materials Science

New Estimates of the Potential Schrödinger Equation

The Schrödinger equation, a fundamental construct in quantum mechanics, plays a pivotal role in understanding the properties and behaviors of quantum systems across various scientific fields, including but not limited to physics, economics, and geophysics. This research paper delves into the exploration of novel invariants associated with the Schrödinger equation, uncovering previously unrecognized symmetries and properties that open new pathways for theoretical and applied scientific exploration. The investigation reveals that the energy of bound states remains invariant under transformations of the coordinate system, highlighting a universal symmetry embedded within the equation. This discovery, coupled with an analysis of the variation in scattering amplitudes’ phase with different coordinate systems, not only enriches the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics but also has significant practical implications across various domains such as fluid dynamics, material science, and medical imaging. Furthermore, by applying the principles of the Poincaré-Riemann-Hilbert boundary-value problem, the study offers a novel approach to estimate potentials within the Schrödinger equation, advancing the three-dimensional inverse problem of quantum scattering theory. This methodological innovation allows for a more profound understanding of the unitary scattering operator, facilitating enhanced modeling of complex systems and phenomena. The implications of these findings extend beyond theoretical physics, offering transformative insights and applications in areas ranging from fluid dynamics, where it aids in refining models for the Navier-Stokes equations, to seismic exploration, tomography, and ultrasound imaging, where it enhances phase selection and interpretation of measurement results. In essence, this research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the Schrödinger equation’s fundamental properties but also paves the way for interdisciplinary advancements, demonstrating the profound impact of theoretical discoveries on practical applications in diverse scientific and technological domains.

On the crack resistance and damage tolerance of 3D-printed nature-inspired hierarchical composite architecture

Materials scientists have taken a learn-from-nature approach to study the structure-property relationships of natural materials. Here we introduce a nature-inspired composite architecture showing a hierarchical assembly of granular-like building blocks with specific topological textures. The structural complexity of the resulting architecture is advanced by applying the concept of grain orientation internally to each building block to induce a tailored crack resistance. Hexagonal grain-shaped building blocks are filled with parallel-oriented filament bundles, and these function as stiff-blocks with high anisotropy due to the embedded fiber reinforcements. Process-induced interfacial voids, which provide preferential crack paths, are strategically integrated with cracks to improve fracture toughness at the macroscopic scale. This study discusses the structural effects of the local/global orientations, stacking sequences, feature sizes, and gradient assemblies of granular blocks on crack tolerance behavior. Alternating stacking sequences induce cracks propagating in the arrestor direction, which boost the fracture energy up to 2.4 times higher than the same layup stacking sequence. Gradient arrangements of feature sizes from coarse to fine or fine to coarse result in the coexistence of stiffness and toughness. Our approach to applying crystallographic concepts to complex composite architectures inspires for original models of fracture mechanics.

Research on the Development Dilemma and Path of the Commercial Operation Mode of High-Level Sports Events in China under the Background of New Quality Productivity

This paper deeply discusses the development dilemma and the potential breakthrough path encountered by the commercial operation mode of high-level sports events in China under the background of the emerging concept of new quality productivity. Through detailed analysis of the core essence of new productivity and its diversified application in the sports industry, such as information technology in live broadcast and data analysis, biotechnology in the scientific application of athletes training and recovery, and new material technology in sports equipment innovation, this paper comprehensively examines the present situation of high level sports commercial operation in China. On this basis, the paper further analyzes the current challenges in policy environment, management experience, product development and profit distribution, and at the same time also reveals the new opportunities brought by new quality productivity for the commercialization of sports events. Finally, in view of the above difficulties, this paper puts forward a series of forward-looking and operable optimization paths, aiming to promote the commercial operation mode of high-level sports events in China to a more mature and efficient direction.

Exploring the thermoelectric performance of NiFeMnAl and ZnFeVAl as novel quaternary Heusler compounds

Quaternary Heusler (QH) compounds, characterized by the chemical formula XX’YZ, are highly regarded in the energy materials sector due to their versatile electronic structures. The current study focuses on synthesizing novel QH compounds, NiFeMnAl and ZnFeVAl, through arc-melting followed by hot-pressing at 1073 K. Maximum Seebeck coefficients were exhibited ∼ −20.48 μV/K and ∼ −17.25 μV/K at 773 K for ZnFeVAl and NiFeMnAl, respectively. The evaluated power factor was ∼ 0.058 mWm−1K−2 for NiFeMnAl and ∼ 0.020 mWm−1K−2 for ZnFeVAl at 773 K. Furthermore, the lattice thermal conductivity (κl) was exhibited ∼ 8.73 Wm−1K−1 for NiFeMnAl and ∼ 6.92 Wm−1K−1 for ZnFeVAl at 773 K, with ZnFeVAl exhibiting a ∼ 20.73 % lower κl attributed to chemical bonding distortion arising from differences in constituent element electronegativity. Hence, these novel compounds offer a promising avenue for further research in TE materials, aiming to realize higher-performance materials for practical TE device applications.

Electrochemical Performance of MoB/Si3N4 Heterojunction as a Potential Anode Material for Li Ion Batteries.

In response to the current policy of high storage capacity, two-dimensional (2D) materials have revealed promising prospects as high-performance electrode materials. MoB, as a type of such material, is widely regarded as an anode candidate for Li-ion batteries due to its large specific surface area and abundant ion diffusion channels; the long-term cycling stability, however, is poor owing to material pulverization during the cycle. Therefore, MoB/Si3N4 heterojunction in this work is proposed as an anode material, with Si3N4 acting as a skeleton, maintaining the stability of the structure, while retaining the high energy storage properties of MoB as well. In addition, a certain built-in electric field is formed between them, which can play a role in regulating charge transfer, improving the ion transport channel, and accelerating the migration rate. Herein, the structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties are systematically investigated by first-principles calculations; the final results indicate that the heterojunction anode material does indeed have built-in electric fields, which promote the anode material to possess excellent electrical conductivity and outstanding electrochemical property. Meanwhile, the introduction of vacancy defects can bolster the diffusion kinetic performance of ion transport and greatly reduce the diffusion energy barrier of Li ions, which is conducive to the realization of rapid charge and discharge for the Li ion battery. Based on the synergistic effect of two single-component materials, the synthesized anode material displays a high theoretical capacity of 461 mAh/g, and the calculated open-circuit voltage is 0.66 V, within the range of the negative electrode criterion of 0-1 V, which can effectively play a role in preventing the formation of Li dendrites; these properties are comparable to other 2D anode materials as well. Given these intriguing properties, the MoB/Si3N4 heterojunction is an exceptional candidate for advanced LIB high-performance anode materials.

Design and Application of Joule Heating Processes for Decarbonized Chemical and Advanced Material Synthesis

Design and Application of Joule Heating Processes for Decarbonized Chemical and Advanced Material Synthesis

Advancements in Biocompatible Materials for Enhanced Medical Implants

The incessant evolution of implantable medical devices necessitates parallel advancements in biocompatible materials to ensure optimal compatibility with the complex physiological milieu. This research addresses the critical need for improved biocompatible materials by exploring novel compositions and fabrication techniques. The study aims to enhance the performance and longevity of implantable medical devices, mitigating adverse tissue responses and fostering seamless integration within the biological system. Employing advanced material science principles, the investigation seeks to unravel the intricacies of biocompatibility, focusing on cellular response, inflammation, and long-term stability. The outcome promises to propel the field of implantable medical devices by contributing robust materials that transcend current limitations, fostering safer and more efficacious biomedical interventions.

Active learning strategies for the design of sustainable alloys.

Active learning comprises machine learning-based approaches that integrate surrogate model inference, exploitation and exploration strategies with active experimental feedback into a closed-loop framework. This approach aims at describing and predicting specific material properties, without requiring lengthy, expensive or repetitive experiments. Recently, active learning has shown potential as an approach for the design of sustainable materials, such as scrap-compatible alloys, and for enhancing the longevity of metallic materials. However, in-depth investigations into suited best-practice strategies of active learning for sustainable materials science are still scarce. This study aims to present and discuss active learning strategies for developing and improving sustainable alloys, addressing single-objective and multi-objective learning and modelling scenarios. As model cases, we discuss active learning strategies for optimizing Invar and magnetic alloys, representing single-objective scenarios, and more general steel design approaches, exemplifying multi-objective optimization. We discuss the significance of finding the right balance between exploitation and exploration strategies in active learning and suggest strategies to reduce the number of iterations across diverse scenarios. This kind of research aims to find metrics for a more effective application of active learning and is used here to advance the field of sustainable alloy design.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Informational and Methodical Support of Out-Of-School Education Institutions: Basic Principles and Current State

The article reveals the essence of informational and methodical support of out-of-school education institutions. It was found that informational and methodological support is a system of necessary and sufficient conditions for the organization of the educational process, which includes a set of informational, educational, methodological and scientific materials to ensure the need for information sources. It was determined that when developing educational and methodological materials, certain principles should be followed: scientificity, availability and reliability of information, systematicity, relevance, adaptability and innovativeness of educational materials. The main principles of informational and methodical provision of out-of-school education institutions are characterized, in particular, the principle of legality and compliance of the regulatory and legal field; the principle of unity of purpose and goals; the principle of information security; the principle of functional structuring; optimization principle; principle of availability; the principle of sufficiency of informational and methodological support. An analysis of the current state of informational and methodological support of out-of-school education institutions in wartime conditions was carried out by interviewing leaders of clubs and other creative associations from all over Ukraine. The exception was Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and Kherson regions, which, due to the hostilities, could not participate. The level of provision of out-of-school education institutions with the necessary teaching and methodical materials for conducting classes has been determined; the quality of extracurricular education programs was analyzed; forms of improvement of the professional level of leaders of circles and other creative associations during the last five years have been clarified; the level of use of innovative forms and methods of work by teachers and which innovations are mainly used by teachers of extra-curricular education institutions is established. It has been proven that informational and methodological support plays a key role in the system of extracurricular education, contributing to the improvement of the quality of the educational process and the effectiveness of pedagogical activities.

Versatility of Raman spectroscopy for studies on the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle

AbstractIn recent years, Raman spectroscopy has been proven to be a highly versatile characterization technique for nuclear materials research. This sensitive technique possesses, among others, two relevant features that comply with the safety conditions required when handling nuclear materials: its flexibility allows for remote, in situ and ex situ analysis, and its relative ease of use implies small sample quantities and limited effort for sample preparation. In this work, we present the acquisition protocol and data processing necessary for obtaining important information within the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle. Specifically, we focus on research studies on the advanced characterization of nuclear fuels and the development of hydrometallurgical separation processes. The results described here were obtained by using different nuclear fuels analogs, but the acquisition protocol and data processing described can be applied to the real nuclear fuel cycle. Graphical abstract

History of Siberia. VOL. 1. Stone and bronze age. Editor-in-Chief, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences M.V. Shunkov Novosibirsk: Publishing House of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS, 2022. 660 p. History of Siberia. VOL. 2. Iron age and middle ages. Editor-in-Chief, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.I. Molodin Novosibirsk: Publishing House of the

The article presents an overview of new archaeological research materials from the first two volumes of the fundamental “History of Siberia” (Novosibirsk, 2019–2022). The academic publication was prepared exclusively by scientists from Siberia and the Far East. The main authors are specialists from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, other academic institutions of the Siberian Branch and Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, classical universities and colleges of Siberia. The first volume is devoted to the Stone and Bronze Ages, the second – to the Iron Age and the Middle Ages. The volumes cover the period from ancient times to the 16th century. Many of the results of these studies have become significant not only for Siberian and Asian archeology, but have also acquired global scientific significance.