Electronic Channels Research Articles

Transport chirality generated by a tunable tilt of Weyl nodes in a van der Waals topological magnet.

Chirality - a characteristic handedness that distinguishes 'left' from 'right'-is a fundamental property of quantum particles under broken symmetry intimately connected to their spins. Chiral fermions have been identified in Weyl semimetals through their unique electrodynamics arising from 'axial' charge imbalance between pairs of chiral Weyl nodes-the topologically protected 'relativistic' crossings of electronic bands. Chiral magnetotransport phenomena critically depend on the details of electronic band structure. However, the putative emergence of chiral electronic channels through shape altering of Weyl nodes is yet to be revealed. Here, we detect chirality-endowed linear conduction channels promoted by a tilt of Weyl bands in inversion-symmetric Weyl ferromagnet MnSb2Te4. The tuning of Weyl nodes is controlled with ionic hydrogen, which heals the system's (Mn-Te) bond disorder and lowers the internode scattering. The reshaped Weyl states feature a doubled Curie temperature ≳50 K and a strong angular transport chirality synchronous with a rare field-antisymmetric longitudinal resistance-a low-field tunable 'chiral switch' that is rooted in the interplay of Berry curvature, chiral anomaly and a hydrogen-mediated form of Weyl nodes.

Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Framework Functionalized Carbon Materials with Optimized Interface Electronics and Selective Supramolecular Channels for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

During the reaction process in lithium-sulfur batteries, Lewis acidic lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) affect ion distribution and overall electrolyte stability, degrading battery performance and product distribution (e.g., Li2S). Here, a microenvironment regulation strategy with optimized interface electronics and selective supramolecular channels, is proposed to enhance LiPS reaction kinetics through Lewis basic γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (γ-CDMOF). To validate this concept, γ-CDMOF is rapidly synthesized on 3D graphene foam (GF) via a microwave-assisted method, resulting in a γ-CDMOF/GF cathode for high-performance Li-S batteries. A range of analytical techniques combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that introducing a Lewis basic supramolecular microenvironment mitigates the LiPSs shuttle effect, enhances polysulfide capture, and improves sulfur redox conversion. Additionally, COMSOL simulations reveal that the γ-CDMOF framework and oxygen sites significantly reduce volumetric expansion stress during the LiPS solid-liquid phase transition. Impressively, the γ-CDMOF/GF cathode exhibits exceptional performance, including a high specific capacity (1253.01 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1C), excellent rate performance (589.68 mAh g⁻¹ at 5C), and long cycle life (over 1200 cycles). This study introduces a new concept of supramolecular microenvironment regulation and interfacial interaction strategy, offering a unique approach for the development of multifunctional electrode materials.

Direct observation of the evolution behavior of micro to nanoscale precipitates in austenitic heat-resistant steel via electron channeling contrast imaging

Precipitation directly determines the high-temperature properties of the austenitic heat-resistant steels. The precipitations of MX, Z-phase, M23C6 and σ-phase, ranging from micrometers to nanometers, are commonly characterized using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, details of their evolution behavior are still unclear due to the limited SEM resolution using the traditional sampling method and the limited spatial resolution of TEM. In this work, field emission SEM-based electron channel contrast imaging (ECCI) techniques with flexible sampling routes were introduced to observe the precipitation evolution behavior of HR3C steel after aging at 700 °C for 8095 h. We showed that the coarse primary-MX and Z-phase in the as-received steel are relatively stable during aging. The coarse M23C6 and tiny secondary Z-phase dispersions were rapidly formed along the grain/twin boundaries and within dislocation arrays inside the grain interior, respectively. We further found that the M23C6 at grain boundaries would change from continuous to semi-continuous due to the formation of σ-phases, while in twin boundaries, it would become continuous over aging. Moreover, we showed that the σ-phases were in-situ transformed from M23C6 at the grain boundaries via its dissolution, facilitating the nucleation of tiny Z-phase inside the σ-phase grains, and this phenomenon has not been reported so far. We have demonstrated that ECCI with an electrolytic-polishing-based sampling route is effective in revealing multi-scale precipitation with high-throughput efficiency, and it allows the direct observation of the complex behavior of precipitates down to the nanoscale using a bulk sample. This method can be used as an efficient way for the quantitative microstructure study.

Precise measurements of W- and Z-boson transverse momentum spectra with the ATLAS detector using pp collisions at s=5.02\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s} = 5.02$$\\end{document} TeV and 13 TeV

This paper describes measurements of the transverse momentum spectra of W and Z bosons produced in proton–proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of s=5.02\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}=5.02$$\\end{document} TeV and s=13\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}=13$$\\end{document} TeV with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Measurements are performed in the electron and muon channels, W→ℓν\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$W\\rightarrow \\ell \ u $$\\end{document} and Z→ℓℓ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$Z\\rightarrow \\ell \\ell $$\\end{document} (ℓ=e\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\ell =e$$\\end{document} or μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu $$\\end{document}), and for W events further separated by charge. The data were collected in 2017 and 2018, in dedicated runs with reduced instantaneous luminosity, and correspond to 255 and 338 pb-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {pb}^{-1}$$\\end{document} at s=5.02\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}=5.02$$\\end{document} TeV and 13 TeV, respectively. These conditions optimise the reconstruction of the W-boson transverse momentum. The distributions observed in the electron and muon channels are unfolded, combined, and compared to QCD calculations based on parton shower Monte Carlo event generators and analytical resummation. The description of the transverse momentum distributions by Monte Carlo event generators is imperfect and shows significant differences largely common to W-\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$W^-$$\\end{document}, W+\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$W^+$$\\end{document} and Z production. The agreement is better at s=5.02\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}=5.02$$\\end{document} TeV, especially for predictions that were tuned to Z production data at s=7\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}=7$$\\end{document} TeV. Higher-order, resummed predictions based on DYTurbo generally match the data best across the spectra. Distribution ratios are also presented and test the understanding of differences between the production processes.

Electronically Seamless Domain Wall of Chiral Charge Density Wave in 1T-TiSe2.

Domain walls (DWs) have been recognized to play crucial roles in various interesting properties and functionalities in quantum materials. A notable example is DWs in charge density wave (CDW), which are believed to provide metallic electron channels for emerging superconductivity. However, electronic states of DWs and the microscopic mechanism toward superconductivity have been elusive. Here, we clarify the atomic/electronic structure of DWs of the chiral CDW emerging in 1T-TiSe2, using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional calculations. We reveal unambiguously the microscopic origin of chiral CDW as the C2 distortion in Se layers and its interlayer coupling. We further identify unique DWs connecting CDW domains of opposite chirality. The DWs are endowed with no in-gap state due to the characteristic multibands around the band gap, which defies the widely believed notion for CDW DWs. These results provide an important insight into the role of DWs in emerging superconductivity.

A hybrid MAPbI3/PEDOT-ZrO2 perovskedot composite for enhanced stability and charge transport in photo-batteries

Designing flexible photo-batteries that are capable of charged directly by light is critical for improving off-grid power options. This paper presents a unique photo-battery design that uses a MAPbI3/PEDOT as the effective light-harvesting and hole-transporting layer, and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) as the channel for electrons and hole-blocking layer. The MAPbI3 perovskite material absorbs sunlight and develops charge carriers, while PEDOT helps transport holes to the anode, improving charge separation and minimizing recombination losses. ZrO2, with its strong electron mobility and great chemical stability, provides fast transport of electrons to the cathode. It also efficiently blocks holes, increasing overall charge transfer dynamics. This improved design improves photo-conversion efficiency by up to 0.51 % and has a high capacity retention rate of around 96 % after 500 cycles. This improved MAPbI3/PEDOT/ZrO2 photo-battery could decrease light charging time by three times, enabling adaptable, light-rechargeable batteries more practical for real-world applications.

Defect Structure and Luminescence of κ‐Ga2O3 Micro‐Monocrystals

Wide bandgap orthorhombic polymorph of gallium oxide (κ‐Ga2O3) possessing a high spontaneous polarization grown on wurtzite‐type semiconducting substrates is considered to create a high mobility electron channel suitable for applications. Such κ‐Ga2O3 layers are composed of hexagon microprisms whose properties affect the lateral electric conductance. In this work, the structure and recombination properties of extended defects in individual “suspended” thin microprisms are investigated with transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques (STEM, HR‐TEM) including cathodoluminescence (CL‐SEM). It is established that the microprism is composed of six equisized orthorhombic domains bounded by twin domain boundaries (TDBs) along the directions <110>. Twin domain contains a parallel array of antiphase boundaries (APB) of a high density stretched in the [010] direction. APBs possess steps or interruption and can form double oppositely shifted spatially separated layers (APB dipoles). TDBs on majority of their length are incoherent and serve as the border for the APB terminations. Panchromatic CL maps reveal either enhanced or reduced intensity of APB without noticeable spectral changes. CL intensity enhancement is proposed to be due to enhanced electron–hole generation caused by excess scattering of primary electron beam by APBs in thin films while, in fact, APB exhibits enhanced nonradiative recombination activity.

Performance prediction applying different reduced turbulence models to the SMART tokamak

Abstract The SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART) is currently being
commissioned at the University of Seville and will be able to compare the
performance of positive and negative triangularity plasmas at low aspect ratio.
Predictive simulations have been performed for different machine scenarios and
heating schemes using the TRANSP code. The objectives of these simulations
are to predict the parameters expected in positive triangularity plasmas, to
guide diagnostic development, and to validate transport models. Several reduced
turbulence models have been used to predict electron and ion temperatures for the
operational phase 2. All models provide similar results from approximately midradius
to the separatrix but important discrepancies are found in the core region.
These positive triangularity results are compared with experiments from a similar
size machine like GLOBUS-M2. The multi-mode model (MMM) shows the best
agreement. Simulations with different boundary conditions have been performed
and no strong differences have been observed between them. The impact of neutral
beam injection (NBI) on the predicted profiles has also been addressed. Rotation
reduces turbulence levels so higher temperatures are achieved when included in
the simulations. Studying the different contributions to the thermal diffusivities,
it is observed that electron temperature gradient (ETG) turbulence dominates
at the plasma core while mictro-tearing modes (MTM) dominate at the edge
in the electron channel. In the ion channel, the neoclassical contribution is
dominant at the core and at the very edge while the Weiland component, which
includes ion temperature gradient mode (ITG), trapped electron mode (TEM),
kinetic ballooning mode (KBM), peeling mode (PM) and collisionless and collision
dominated magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes governs the mid-radius region.
For phase 3, two plasmas with different electron densities have been studied. The
case with lower density matches well a specific discharge of GLOBUS-M2. The
higher density plasma shows high performance with βN ≈ 3.8.

Conductance Channels in a Single-Entity Enzyme.

For a long time, the prevailing view in the scientific community was that proteins, being complex macromolecules composed of amino acid chains linked by peptide bonds, adopt folded structure with insulating or semiconducting properties, with high bandgaps. However, recent discoveries of unexpectedly high conductance levels, reaching values in the range of dozens of nanosiemens (nS) in proteins, have challenged this conventional understanding. In this study, we used scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to explore the single-entity conductance properties of enzymatic channels, focusing on bilirubin oxidase (BOD) as a model metalloprotein. By immobilizing BOD on a conductive carbon surface, we discern its preferred orientation, facilitating the formation of electronic and ionic channels. These channels show efficient electron transport (ETp), with apparent conductance up to the 15 nS range. Notably, these conductance pathways are localized, minimizing electron transport barriers due to solvents and ions, underscoring BOD's redox versatility. Furthermore, electron transfer (ET) within the BOD occurs via preferential pathways. The alignment of the conductance channels with hydrophilicity maps, molecular vacancies, and regions accessible to electrolytes explains the observed conductance values. Additionally, BOD exhibits redox activity, with its active center playing a critical role in the ETp process. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms that govern ETp processes in proteins, offering new insights into the conductance of metalloproteins.

Enhanced visible light-driven photocathodic protection performance of CuBi2O4 modified TiO2 nanotube array S-type nano-heterojunction photoanodes for 316 stainless steel

CuBi2O4 (CBO) nanoparticle (NP)-sensitized TiO2 nanotube (NT) photoanodes have been prepared and optimized for high visible light utilization and photoconversion efficiency. The introduction of CBO significantly improved the charge generation/separation efficiency of the prepared photoanodes. The CBO-sensitized TiO2 NTs obtained with an electrodeposition time of 6 min had the best photocathodic protection (PCP) performance, and the photogeneration potential of CuBi2O4/TiO2 (CBOT) composites coupled to 316 stainless steel (SS) decreased by an additional 460 mV compared to that of TiO2. The CBO NPs were uniformly distributed on the TiO2 NTs to form tight interfacial bonds. Moreover, the one-dimensional TiO2 NTs act as direct electron channels, ensuring the fast collection of carriers generated by the system. The electronic lifetime of the 6CBOT composite is approximately 30 times that of the pure TiO2 material. In addition, the formation of S-type nano-heterojunction inside the CBOT not only promotes charge transfer in the system, but also retains a strong redox capacity compared to that of single TiO2 NTs. This work offers novel ideas in designing photoanode with efficient PCP property.

A Low‐Dimensional Donor‐Acceptor Perovskite for High‐Performance X‐Ray Detection

AbstractPerovskite materials hold significant promise for X‐ray detection due to their high X‐ray attenuation coefficient, efficient charge mobility, and tunable compositions and optoelectronic properties. Nonetheless, extracting the charges deep inside the thick semiconductors remains a challenge. Here, the 1D cytidine lead bromide perovskite (CytPbBr3) with a regularly arranged Donor (D)–Acceptor (A) heterojunction structure is reported. The organic interlayer contributes to the conduction band, while the inorganic framework constructs the valance band. Such a D–A heterojunction structure offers two separate channels for electrons and holes transport, suppressing the charge recombination rates with improved charge collection efficiency, and thus yields a high device sensitivity of 1.2 × 106 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 with a low noise equivalent dose (NED) of 44.6 pGyair.

Modulating dual carrier-transfer channels and band structure in carbon nitride to amplify ROS storm for enhanced cancer photodynamic therapy

Graphite carbon nitride (CN) eliminates cancer cells by converting H2O2 to highly toxic •OH under visible light. However, its in vivo applications are constrained by insufficient endogenous H2O2, accumulation of OH− and finite photocarriers. We designed Fe/NV-CN, co-modified CN with nitrogen vacancies (NV) and ferric ions (Fe3+). NV and Fe3+, not only adjust the band structure of CN through quantum confinement effect and the altered coupled oscillations of atomic orbitals to facilitates •OH production by oxidizing OH−, but also construct dual carrier-transfer channels for electrons and holes to respective active sites by introducing stepped electrostatic potential and shortening three-electron bonds, thereby involving more carriers in •OH production. Fe/NV-CN, the novel reactor, effectually produces vast •OH under illumination by expanding OH− as the raw material of •OH and augmenting carriers at active sites, which induces cancer cell apoptosis by disrupting mitochondrial function for significant shrinkage of Cal27 cell-induced tumor under illumination. This work provides not only an effective photosensitizer avoiding the accumulation of OH− for cancer therapy but also a novel strategy by constructing dual carrier-transfer channels on semiconductor photosensitizers for improving the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy.

Damage-tolerant oxides by imprint of an ultra-high dislocation density

Dislocations in ductile ceramics offer the potential for robust mechanical performance while unlocking versatile functional properties. Previous studies have been limited by small volumes with dislocations and/or low dislocation densities in ceramics. Here, we use Brinell ball scratching to create crack-free, large plastic zones, offering a simple and effective method for dislocation engineering at room temperature. Using MgO, we tailor high dislocation densities up to ∼1015 m−2. We characterise the plastic zones by chemical etching, electron channelling contrast imaging, and scanning transmission electron microscopy, and further demonstrate that crack initiation and propagation in the plastic zones with high-density dislocations can be completely suppressed. The residual stresses in the plastic zones were analysed using high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction. With the residual stress being subsequently relieved via thermal annealing while retaining the high-density dislocations, we observe the cracks are no longer completely suppressed, but the pure toughening effect of the dislocations remains evident.

Is there a direct benefit of using electronic commerce and electronic banking in mitigating climate change?

The main objective of the study is to highlight the impact that the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce), electronic banking (e-banking) services have on climate change in European Union (EU) countries. Thus, we built a panel model to evaluate the correlations between e-commerce, e–banking, electronic sales channels, and climate change mitigation during 2011–2022 period for the EU countries. Furthermore, we applied the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method including three independent variables that evaluate the use of digital commerce applications and the dependent variable for climate change. A significant revelation of the study is the positive contribution of e-commerce activities to climate change mitigation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the role of e-banking in decreasing the consequences of climate change. However, the study also uncovers a more complex aspect regarding electronic sales channels. It finds that not all forms of electronic sales are effective in reducing climate change impacts. Thus, the study highlights the potential benefits of e-commerce and e-banking in the context of climate change mitigation, while also warning against a one-size-fits-all approach to the adoption of digital commerce models. These findings have important implications for policymakers, businesses, and researchers aiming to align digital transformation with sustainable development goals.

Application of the VMM ASIC for SiPM-based calorimetry

Highly integrated multichannel readout electronics is crucial in contemporary particle physics experiments. A novel silicon photomultiplier readout system based on the VMM3a ASIC was developed, for the first time exploiting this chip for calorimetric purposes. To extend the dynamic range the signal from each SiPM channel was processed by two electronics channels with different gain. A fully operational prototype system with 256 SiPM readout channels allowed the collection of data from a prototype of the ALICE Forward Hadron Calorimeter (FoCal-H Prototype 2). The design and the test beam results using high energy hadron beams are presented and discussed, confirming the applicability of VMM3a-based solutions for energy measurements in a high rate environment.

On estimation of betatron radiation spectrum characteristics of DLA electrons in NCD plasma

Action of a relativistically intense subpicosecond laser pulse on the near critical density (NCD) plasma can give rise to the formation of ion channel inside the plasma and effective acceleration of background electrons. Thus, one can produce high current (electron charges from tens nCl to several mkCl), high energy (from several MeV to several hundreds of MeV) electron bunches, demanded in different practical applications. Synchrotron (betatron) radiation of these electrons can serve as an important tool both for practical applications and also for diagnostic of the process in laser plasma, which is important for better understanding of these processes and for optimization of experimental conditions. For the last goals, an approximate model is proposed for calculating the spatial and energy characteristics of a bunch of DLA (direct laser accelerated) electrons in the ion channel formed in the NCD plasma and the characteristics describing the spectrum of their synchrotron radiation. For the considered example of a powerful laser pulse action on NCD plasma, the predictions of the proposed model are in good agreement with the results of particles in cell simulations and with the experimental measurements of the synchrotron radiation specter. It is shown that with the assumption of the rotation of the initial plane of motion of DLA electrons, the experimental data on the measurements of synchrotron radiation specters can be explained on the basis of the concept of betatron radiation of electrons accelerated in NCD plasma by DLA mechanism.

Core-shell cobalt-iron@N-doped carbon: A high-performance cathode material for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries hold great promise as energy storage systems, but the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) and large volume variation limit their capacity and cycle life. We have developed CoFe alloy wrapped in N-doped porous carbon spheres (e-CF@NC) with a core-shell structure through simple copolymerization and pyrolysis. The nitrogen-doped porous carbon shell provides electron and ion transport channels and more active sites for electrolyte ion adsorption. The high chemically stable carbon can limit the segregation of polysulfides, further improving the battery cycling stability. Besides, the inside CoFe alloy particles catalyze the conversion between LiPS and Li2S, speeding up reaction kinetics and reducing solvation of active sites. Consequently, lithium-sulfur batteries with e-CF@NC-2 as the cathode display a high initial specific capacity of 1146 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C, excellent rate performance (891 mA h g-1 at 1 C, 741 mA h g-1 at 2 C), and satisfied cycle stability (average capacity decay rate of 0.033% per cycle at 1 C for 300 cycles), demonstrating significant application potential.

Artificial Electron Channels Enable Contact Prelithiation of Li-Ion Battery Anodes with Ultrahigh Li-Source Utilization.

Contact prelithiation is widely used for compensating the initial capacity loss of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the low Li-source utilization suffering from the deteriorated contact interfaces results in cycling degeneration. Herein, Li-Ag alloy-based artificial electron channels (AECs) are established in Li source/graphite anode contact interfaces to promote Li-source conversion. Due to the shielding effect of the Li-Ag alloy (50 at. % Li) on Li-ion diffusion, the dry-state corrosion of contact interfaces is restricted. The unblocked electronic conduction across the AEC-involved interface not only facilitates the Li source conversion but also accelerates the prelithiation kinetics during the wet-state process, resulting in an ultrahigh Li-source utilization (90.7%). Thereby, implementing AEC-assisted prelithiation in a LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch cell yields a 35.8% increase in energy density and stable cycling over 600 cycles. This finding affords significant insights into the construction of an efficient prelithiation technology toward the development of high-energy LIBs.

Artificial Electron Channels Enable Contact Prelithiation of Li‐Ion Battery Anodes with Ultrahigh Li‐Source Utilization

Contact prelithiation is widely used for compensating the initial capacity loss of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the low Li‐source utilization suffering from the deteriorated contact interfaces results in cycling degeneration. Herein, Li−Ag alloy‐based artificial electron channels (AECs) are established in Li source/graphite anode contact interfaces to promote Li‐source conversion. Due to the shielding effect of the Li−Ag alloy (50 at. % Li) on Li‐ion diffusion, the dry‐state corrosion of contact interfaces is restricted. The unblocked electronic conduction across the AEC‐involved interface not only facilitates the Li source conversion but also accelerates the prelithiation kinetics during the wet‐state process, resulting in an ultrahigh Li‐source utilization (90.7%). Thereby, implementing AEC‐assisted prelithiation in a LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch cell yields a 35.8% increase in energy density and stable cycling over 600 cycles. This finding affords significant insights into the construction of an efficient prelithiation technology toward the development of high‐energy LIBs.

The Use of E-Marketing Channels and Customer Satisfaction in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This research was conducted to investigate the influence that the use of e-marketing channels have on customer satisfaction in Uyo Metropolise of Akwa Ibom State. Electronic marketing proxies like social media platforms and website platforms were considered and measured against customer satisfaction in Uyo metropolis. Primary data were collected with the use of the questionnaire from users of electronic marketing channels and the target population of the study were treated as infinite, hence a sample size of 347 respondents were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Data collected were further analyzed using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation statistics at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that the two independent variables (social media platforms and website platforms) significantly influence customers’ satisfaction. It was concluded that customers’ access to information on social media platforms and website platforms played a significant role in building customer satisfaction. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended among others, that e-marketing channels like social media platforms should be well utilized by online merchants for engaging and communicating products information, benefits and availability to online shoppers in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State.