Electronic Supply Research Articles

Phase Reconstruction‐Assisted Electron‐Li+ Reservoirs Enable High‐Performance Li‐S Battery Operation Across Wide Temperature Range

AbstractLithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are known as high energy density, but their performance deteriorates sharply under high/low‐temperature surroundings, due to the sluggish kinetics of sulfur redox conversion and Li+ transport. Herein, a catalytic strategy of phase reconstruction with abundant “electron‐Li+” reservoirs has been proposed to simultaneously regulate electron and Li+ exchange. As a demo, the 1T‐phase lithiation molybdenum disulfide grown on hollow carbon nitride (1T‐LixMoS2/HC3N4) is achieved via in situ electrochemical modulation, where the 1T‐LixMoS2 serves as an auxiliary “Li+ source” for facilitating Li+ transport and the HC3N4 acts as an electron donor for electronic supplier. From the theoretical calculations, experimental and post‐modern analyses, the relationship between the catalytic behaviors and mechanism of “electron‐Li+” reservoirs in accelerating the rate‐determining kinetics of sulfur species are deeply understood. Consequently, the cells with 1T‐LixMoS2/HC3N4/PP functional separator demonstrate excellent long‐term electrochemical performance and stabilize the areal capacity of 6 mAh cm−2 under 5.0 mg cm−2. Even exposed to robust surroundings from high (60 °C) to low (0 °C) temperatures, the optimized cells exhibit high‐capacity retention of 76.2% and 90.4% after 100 cycles, respectively, pointing out the potential application of catalysts with phase reconstruction‐assisted “electron‐Li+” reservoirs in LSBs.

The Moderating Influence of Enterprise Resource Planning on the Relationship between Electronic Order Processing Systems and Supply Chain Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

The Moderating Influence of Enterprise Resource Planning on the Relationship between Electronic Order Processing Systems and Supply Chain Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Modifying functional groups of straw-based hydrogel provide soil N2O mitigation potential by complete denitrification

Farmed soil is considered to contribute more than 60% anthropogenic N2O emission which plays critical role in global warming potential. Straw-based hydrogels with abundant functional groups are commonly used in environmental and agronomic applications primarily as adsorbents. Those functional groups could mediate electron transfer in the process of adsorbates and might also regulate N2O emission. However, it was still unclear whether and how these functional groups affect the process. To address this knowledge gap, we employed spectral analysis and a robotized incubation system to determine mechanisms of different functional groups in influencing soil N2O. The results indicated that the straw-based hydrogel was capable of significantly reducing the emission of N2O in denitrification, and the electrochemical properties of the hydrogel had promoting effect of the microbial genetic potential for N2O reduction. Specifically, carboxymethyl (R-COO) and primary amine groups (R-NH2) promoted complete denitrification through electron supply. Furthermore, R-NH2 had a significant negative correlation with N2O emissions. To further verify the role of specific structures and functional groups in denitrification, we conducted an experiment using pure lignin as a template. This experiment resulted in an increase in R-NH2 content to 13.2% and a decrease in N2O emissions by 49.1% compared with straw hydrogel. These results prove the feasibility of straw-based hydrogel as a redox system to accelerate complete denitrification, and the electron-donating functional groups were significantly related to the reduction rate of N2O. Finally, based on these mechanisms, functional group targeted grafting technology was proposed to improve its ability to mitigate N2O emission reduction.

Interpartner learning capabilities and relationship performance during complex projects

Purpose Success in projects requires understanding and managing increasing complexity. This study aims to address the gap in the literature regarding the relationship between project complexity and various forms of interpartner learning capability. In addition, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier design responsibility on the relationship between project complexity and interpartner learning capability. Design/methodology/approach From an electronics supplier’s perspective, the authors propose that the effect of project complexity is a process of knowledge acquisition and sharing that is facilitated by various forms of interpartner learning capability, including absorptive learning and joint learning, with the upshot of fostering name-brand customer dependence in international exchange relationships. A questionnaire survey is used to collect data from project, product and account managers in the electronics manufacturing industry. The conceptual model is tested using 226 returned questionnaires. Findings The results indicate that complex projects can drive absorptive learning and joint learning capability, fostering enhanced customer dependence and relationship performance. Further, supplier design responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between project complexity and joint learning capability. However, project complexity is not significantly moderated by the effect of supplier design responsibility on absorptive learning capability. Originality/value Complexity fosters behaviors that influence interpartner learning, which highlights the connection between project management complexity and organizational learning in theory and practice.

UV‐Triggered In Situ Formation of a Robust SEI on Black Phosphorus for Advanced Energy Storage: Boosting Efficiency and Safety via Rapid Charge Integration Plasticity

AbstractBlack phosphorus (BP) emerges as a highly promising electrode material for next generation of energy‐storage systems. Yet, its full potential is hindered by the instability of the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the inflammability of its liquid systems. Here a pioneering UV‐induced in situ strategy is introduced for SEI construction, which leverages rapid electron supply to fracture sulfur‐dihalide bonds. This technique yields internal dihalide inorganic components and an external polymer segment, with any excess organic material being purged through pores. The (E)‐2‐chloro‐4‐((3′‐chloro‐4′‐hydroxyphenyl)diazinyl)phenyl acrylate (CA), with chlorine‐terminated groups, is initially in situ transformed into a flame‐retardant phenyl carboxylic acid (PCA), and then encapsulated within an ultrathin BP nanostructure, further nested in nitrogen (N), boron (B) co‐doped carbon (C) sheets that accommodate cobalt (Co) single atoms/nanoclusters (Co‐NBC). The Co‐NBC@BP@PCA construct demonstrates an impressive initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 99.1% and maintains exceptional stabilities in terms of mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical performancecritical for prolonged cycle and calendar life. This research sheds light on the interplay between the rapid charge supply integrated in situ plasticity (RSIP) approach and the proactive establishment of an artificial SEI layer, offering profound insights into enhancing the durability and providing a solid foundation for advancements in energy storage technology.

Performance of State Corporations in Kenya: The Role of Electronic Supplier Relationship Management

This paper aims to examine the relationship between electronic supplier relationship management (e-SRM) and the performance of state corporations in Kenya. Effective management of supplier relationships is crucial for enhancing suppliers' contributions to organizational performance. However, the adoption of electronic means for managing these relationships has been insufficiently explored, particularly in the public sector. The study focused on all 248 state corporations in Kenya, from which a sample of 153 corporations was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, primary data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate a significant relationship between electronic supplier relationship management and the performance of state corporations in Kenya (β = 0.843, P = 0.0001 < 0.05). The study concludes that the persistent underperformance of state corporations is significantly linked to the limited adoption of electronic supplier relationship management practices. Therefore, it is recommended that state corporations, through their senior management, including heads of procurement and supply chain, integrate electronic supplier relationship management to streamline their supplier relationships and enhance overall performance.

A LiPF6 gel-polymer electrolyte for a solid-state supercapacitor with polyaniline/MnCo layered double hydroxide nanosheets as active electrode material

This paper introduces a novel solid-state electrolyte for supercapacitors (SCs), employing a LiPF6 gel polymer coupled with innovative electrodes composed of MnCo-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets. The newly synthesized LiPF6 gel polymer electrolyte exhibits superior ionic conductivity and mechanical flexibility, making it an ideal candidate for advanced energy storage devices that require bending and twisting capabilities. The thermal analyses and morphological characterizations were evaluated using DSC, XRD, FT-IR, BET, TEM and FE-SEM techniques. The MnCo-LDH nanosheets, synthesized via a facile co-precipitation method, served as the electrode material. It was expected that the collaborative interaction between the LiPF6 polymer matrix and the multifaceted nanoflower-shaped MnCo-LDH nanosheets could improve electron mobility and supply an increased surface area for redox processes. Electrochemical analyses, including cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, reveal a marked improvement in the specific capacitance, rate capability, and cyclic stability of the assembled SCs. This novel electrolyte-electrode configuration yielded a specific capacity of up to 198.66 F g−1 at 1.6 A g−1 and exhibited rate performance with retention of 89.15 % at an elevated current density of 10 A g−1 for 2-Hydroxyehtyl cellulose: LiPF6 gel polymer with molar ratio of 1: 2. Moreover, it demonstrates enduring cyclic stability with no capacity decay after 10,000 cycles. We delineated the pivotal role of Mn in facilitating electron transfer kinetics and moderating interactions with Co ions. The introduction of strain within the LDH structure promulgates a conducive environment for electrochemical reactions.

Revisit the role of hydroxylamine in sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification

Through dedicated batch tests using the enriched sludge dominated by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), the potential transformation of hydroxylamine (NH2OH) by SOB and the effects of NH2OH on the rate-limiting sequential reduction processes of sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification (SDAD) were systematically explored in this study. The results indicated that NH2OH might be first converted to NO by SOB and then participate in the SDAD process, thus accelerating the utilization of S2- and contributing to the formation of N2O. Up to 3.5 mg-N/L NH2OH didn't affect the NO3- or NO2- reduction of SDAD, during which no significant changes were observed for the NH2OH concentration. Comparatively, even though NH2OH had no direct impact on the N2O reduction of SDAD, it could be consumed and therefore affect the depletion of N2O indirectly by regulating the toxic effect and electron supply of S2-. These findings provide novel implications for applying NH2OH to SDAD-based integrated processes for biological nitrogen removal.

A tailored cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Gordonia rubripertincta CWB2 for selective aliphatic monooxygenation.

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are recognized as versatile biocatalysts due to their broad reaction capabilities. One important reaction is the hydroxylation of non-activated C-H bonds. The subfamily CYP153A is known for terminal hydroxylation reactions, giving access to functionalized aliphatics. Whilst fatty derivatives may be converted by numerous enzyme classes, midchain aliphatics are seldomly accepted, a prime property of CYP153As. We report here on a new CYP153A member from the genome ofthe mesophilic actinobacterium Gordonia rubripertincta CWB2 as an efficient biocatalyst. The gene was overexpressed inEscherichia coli and fused with a surrogate electron transport system from Acinetobacter sp. OC4. This chimeric self-sufficient whole-cell system could perform hydroxylation and epoxidation reactions: conversions of C6-C14 alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and of cyclic compounds were observed, yielding production rates of, e.g., 2.69 mM h-1 for 1-hexanol and 4.97 mM h-1 for 1,2-epoxyhexane. Optimizing the linker compositions between the protein units led to significantly altered activity. Balancing linker length and flexibility with glycine-rich and helix-forming linker units increased 1-hexanol production activity to 350 % compared to the initial linker setup with entirely helical linkers. The study shows that strategic coupling of efficient electron supply and a selective enzyme enables previously challenging monooxygenation reactions of midchain aliphatics.

Impact pathways: digital product passport for embedding circularity in electronics supply chains

Impact pathways: digital product passport for embedding circularity in electronics supply chains

Facilitating photocatalytic CO2 methanation via synergetic feed of photon-induced carriers and reactants over S-scheme BiVO4@TiO2 nanograss/needle arrays

Herein, a unique structure BiVO4@TiO2 nanograss/needle arrays S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for CO2 photoreduction reaction was created. The photocatalyst can drive electrons to the reactive spots spontaneously and continuously, which effectively tackles the problem of severe recombination and disordered migration of photogenerated carriers. Theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrate that adding BMIM-BF4 ionic liquid to generate BMIM-*CO2 intermediate promotes CO2 activation and enrichment of reactants concentration around the catalytic sites. Benefiting from the sufficient electron supply of catalytic sites and reinforced reactants supply in the interfacial microenvironment, the BiVO4@TiO2 photocatalyst shows high selectivity and activity of CO2-to-CH4 conversion. The CH4 selectivity increased to 57.3 % (132.7 μmol m-2h−1) and the methanation activity was increased by 8.6 times in the 5.0 % BMIM-BF4 aqueous solution. Significantly, the BiVO4@TiO2 NNAs catalyst obtains a solar-to-fuels energy efficiency of ∼ 0.46 ‰ under ultraviolet-enhanced light sources without any sacrificial agent or co-catalyst. This work displays the relationship between reaction process factors (electron supply, CO2 molecule, and proton supply) and CO2 photoreduction activity and selectivity, giving new insight into achieving efficient CO2 photoreduction conversion.

Study on the homologous effects on the performance of alkali metal-doping MgO-based adsorbents for CO2 capture

In this article, MgO-based adsorbents with different structure and surface property were prepared by combustion of the colloids containing Mg and alkali metal. At the same time, CO2 adsorption performance tests are conducted to compare the doping effect of alkali metal on MgO adsorbents. As confirmed, the introduction of lithium, sodium, and potassium can reduce the grain size of MgO and enhance the basicity, especially increasing the concentration of oxygen vacancies on MgO surface which exposed more basic adsorption active sites and was more conducive to CO2 adsorption. Among them, the one doped with 0.5 % K which had more electron shell numbers showed larger surface area and smaller crystal size. Most importantly, it provided more number of basic sites along with the improved strength of surface basicity due to the more oxygen vacancies. As a result, the maximum CO2 uptake (1.09 mmol/g) at the adsorption time of 60 min can be obtained which still remained at 0.67 mmol/g after 16 cycles of CO2 adsorption–desorption. With the aid of N2 physical adsorption, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and chemical adsorption, the relationship between CO2 adsorption capacity of MgO-based adsorbent and homologous regularity of alkali metal was disclosed. In other words, by comparing the CO2 adsorption performance of MgO adsorbents prepared by doping different alkali metals, CO2 adsorption capacity increased with the increase of electron shell numbers. Such a configuration is in favor of the electron supply of the p-orbitals and weakens the Mg–O bonds which promoted the formation of oxygen vacancies. The found will provide in-depth understanding for the modification and performance improvement of MgO-based adsorbents.

Merging semi-crystallization and multispecies iodine intercalation at photo-redox interfaces for dual high-value synthesis

The artificial photocatalytic synthesis based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for H2O2 production is evolving rapidly. However, the simultaneous production of high-value products at electron and hole sites remains a great challenge. Here, we use transformable potassium iodide to obtain semi-crystalline g-C3N4 integrated with the I-/I3- redox shuttle mediators for efficient generation of H2O2 and benzaldehyde. The system demonstrates a prominent catalytic efficiency, with a benzaldehyde yield of 0.78 mol g−1 h−1 and an H2O2 yield of 62.52 mmol g−1 h−1. Such a constructed system can achieve an impressive 96.25% catalytic selectivity for 2e- oxygen reduction, surpassing previously reported systems. The mechanism study reveals that the strong crystal electric field from iodized salt enhances photo-generated charge carrier separation. The I-/I3- redox mediators significantly boost charge migration and continuous electron and proton supply for dual-channel catalytic synthesis. This groundbreaking work in photocatalytic co-production opens neoteric avenues for high-value synthesis.

Denitrifying communities enriched with mixed nitrogen oxides preferentially reduce N2O under conditions of electron competition in wastewater

The reduction rate of nitrous oxide (N2O) is affected by the electron competition among the four denitrifying steps, limiting the mitigation of N2O emissions during wastewater treatment. We foresee essential to understand how combinations of electron acceptors (EAs) affect the microbial composition and reduction mechanisms of denitrifying communities. We enriched three denitrifying communities from activated sludge biomass with equivalent loads of different EAs: NO3– (R1), N2O (R2), and NO3– + N2O (R3). The resulting enrichments were compared in terms of (1) reduction of nitrogen oxides in absence/presence of other EAs (NO3–, NO2–, N2O), (2) their denitrification gene composition and (3) their microbial community composition. Batch results showed the presence of NO3– and NO2– suppressed N2O reduction rates in all three reactors. The effect was lower in the mixed-substrate feed community than in the single-substrate feed under infinite sludge retention time and chemostat operation modes. N2O-reducers of type nosZ II were enriched when N2O serves as the sole EA, whereas nosZ I type N2O-reducers were more prone to enrichment with NO3– as EA. The EA composition rather than the sludge retention mode differentiated the microbial communities. The genus Flavobacterium seems to play a significant role in alleviating the suppression of the N2O reduction rate caused by electron competition. Limited conditions of electron supply are the norm independently of high C/N levels, and a community co-enriched with NO3– and N2O alleviates more the competition for electrons in the nitrous oxide reductase enzyme than communities enriched with NO3– or N2O individually.

Enhancing proton-coupled electron transfer drives efficient methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion

The enhancement of electron or proton transfer between syntrophic microbes has been widely recognised as a means for improving methane generation. However, the uncoupled supplementation of electrons and protons in multiphase anaerobic environment hinders the balanced uptake of electrons and protons in the cytoplasm of methanogens, limiting methanogenesis efficiency. Herein, the cooperative effect of a proton-conductive material (PM) and an electron-conductive material (EM) in enhancing proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and driving efficient methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion was investigated. The cooperation of the PM and EM significantly increased methane production and the maximum methane generation rate by 78.9 % and 103.5 %, respectively, indicating enhanced methanogenesis efficiency. Analysis of the physicochemical properties, biochemical components, and microbial dynamics revealed that the cooperation of the PM and EM improved the metabolism of syntrophic microbes, which was critically dependent on electron and proton transfer. This enhancement was primarily due to the improvement in PCET, as mainly supported by hydrogen/deuterium kinetic isotope effect measurements, multi-omics integration analyses and reaction thermodynamics and kinetics analyses. Our findings suggest that the PCET enhancement stimulated efficient membrane-bound enzymatic reactions related to electron-driven proton translocation and facilitated electron and proton supply for CO2 reduction to realise highly efficient methane generation. These findings are expected to provide a new insight into effective electron and proton coupling transfer for methanogenic metabolism in multiphase anaerobic environments.

New insights into N2O emission and electron competition under different chemical oxygen demand to nitrogen ratios in a biofilm system

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas that could accumulate during the heterotrophic denitrification process. In this study, the effects of different chemical oxygen demand to nitrogen ratio (COD/N) on N2O production and electron competition was investigated. The electron competition was intensified with the decrease of electron supply, and Nos had the best electron competition ability. The model simulation results indicated that the degradation of NOx-Ns was a combination of diffusion and biological degradation. As reaction proceeding, N2O could accumulate inside biofilm. A thinner biofilm and a longer hydraulic retention time (HRT) might be an effective way to control N2O emission. The application of mathematical model is an opportunity to gain deep understanding of substrate degradation and electron competition inside biofilm.

Dual polarization for efficient III-nitride-based deep ultraviolet micro-LEDs

The deep ultraviolet (DUV) micro-light emitting diode (μLED) has serious electron leakage and low hole injection efficiency. Meanwhile, with the decrease in the size of the LED chip, the plasma-assisted dry etching process will cause damage to the side wall of the mesa, which will form a carrier leakage channel and produce non-radiative recombination. All of these will reduce the photoelectric performance of μLED. To this end, this study introduces polarized bulk charges into the hole supply layer (p-HSL) and the electron supply layer (n-ESL) respectively (dual-polarized structure) of the DUV μLED at an emission wavelength of 279 nm to enhance the binding of carriers and increase the injection efficiency of carriers. This is because the polarization-induced bulk charge can shield the polarized sheet charge on the interface and reduce the polarization electric field. The reduced polarization electric field in p-HSL can increase the effective barrier height of the conduction band in the p-type region and reduce the effective barrier height of the valence band. The decrease in the polarized electric field of n-HSL can reduce the thermal velocity of electrons, thereby enhancing the electron injection efficiency, reducing the Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) recombination, and increasing the effective barrier height of the valence band. The study results indicate that the electron concentration and hole concentration of a μLED with dual polarization were increased by 77.93% and 93.6%, respectively. The optical power and maximum external quantum efficiency of μLED reached 31.04 W/cm2 and 2.91% respectively, and the efficiency droop is only 2.06% at 120 A/cm2. These results provide a new approach to solving the problem of insufficient carrier injection and SRH recombination in high-performance DUV μLEDs.

Engineering Boundary Electronic Supply for Boosted Overall Water Splitting

Engineering Boundary Electronic Supply for Boosted Overall Water Splitting

A Study of Electronic Product Supply Chain Decisions Considering Extended Warranty Services and Manufacturer Misreporting Behavior

In the supply chain management of electronic products, asymmetric cost information is a prevalent issue that can lead manufacturer to misreport costs, thereby exacerbating supply chain imbalances. This study focuses on the electronic product supply chain with an extended warranty service, where the manufacturer bears the after-sales responsibility during the extended warranty period. It explores the decision-making (DM) issues within the supply chain under different information environments and power structures. The Stackelberg game theory is employed to solve and analyze these models, and the main findings are as follows: (1) When supply chain information is symmetrical, centralized DM is the best choice. However, in cases where the supply chain adopts decentralized DM, it is more beneficial for the retailer and the supply chain if the retailer assumes the role of DM leader. Additionally, when the retail price sensitivity coefficient is low, the manufacturer will compete with the retailer for DM priority. Conversely, when the retail price sensitivity coefficient is higher, the manufacturer is better off as a follower in DM; (2) When the supply chain information is asymmetric, the manufacturer may engage in misreporting, which benefits the manufacturer but is detrimental to both the supply chain and the retailer. Moreover, if the price sensitivity coefficient is low, the manufacturer should lead the supply chain DM. Otherwise, the retailer should take the lead in supply chain DM. Adopting such a flexible strategy will prove advantageous for all parties involved in the supply chain. (3) The strategy of “reducing the retail price and increasing the extended warranty price” is a favorable strategy for the supply chain.

Phase Transitions and Thermoelectric Properties of Charge-Compensated ZnxCu12-xSb4Se13.

In this study, we investigated the phase transitions and thermoelectric properties of charge-compensated hakite (ZnxCu12-xSb4Se13) as a function of Zn content. Based on X-ray diffraction and a differential scanning calorimetric phase analysis, secondary phases (permingeatite and bytizite) transformed into hakite depending on the Zn content, while Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 existed solely as hakite. Nondegenerate semiconductor behavior was observed, exhibiting increasing electrical conductivity with a rising temperature. With an increase in Zn content, the presence of mixed phases of hakite and permingeatite led to enhanced electrical conductivity. However, Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 with a single hakite phase exhibited the lowest electrical conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient exhibited positive values, indicating that even after charge compensation (electron supply) by Zn, p-type semiconductor characteristics were maintained. With the occurrence of an intrinsic transition within the measured temperature range, the Seebeck coefficient decreased as the temperature increased; at a certain temperature, Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 exhibited the highest value. Thermal conductivity showed a low temperature dependence, obtaining low values below 0.65 Wm-1K-1. A power factor of 0.22 mWm-1K-2 and dimensionless figure of merit of 0.31 were achieved at 623 K for ZnCu11Sb4Se13.