Generic Interface Research Articles

Dual-phase interface engineering via parallel modulation strategy for highly reversible Zn metal batteries

The reversibility and stability of aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs) are largely limited by Zn dendrites and interfacial parasitic reactions. Herein, we propose a parallel modulation strategy to boost the reversibility of the Zn anode by introducing N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylchloroformamidinium hexafluorophosphate (TCFH) as an additive in the electrolyte. TCFH is composed of PF6− and TN+ with opposite charges. PF6− can spontaneously induce the in-situ generation of ZnF2 solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the anode, which can improve the transport kinetics of Zn2+ at the interface, thus promoting the rapid and uniform deposition of Zn as well as inhibiting the growth of dendrites. In addition, TN+ is enriched at the anode surface during Zn deposition through the anchoring effect, which brings a reconfiguration of the ion/molecule distribution. The anchored-TN+ reduces the concentrations of H2O and SO42−, sufficiently restraining the parasitic reaction. Thanks to the dual-phase interface engineering constructed of PF6− and TN+ in parallel, the symmetric cell with the proposed electrolyte survives long cycling stability over 750 h at 20 mA cm−2, 10 mAh cm−2. This study offers a distinct viewpoint to the multidimensional optimization of Zn anodes for high-performance AZMBs.

Meta-Suite: An innovative app for interactive, accessible, and transparent meta-analysis using R-Shiny.

Introduction: Meta-analysis is a powerful model for combining findings from multiple studies on a topic. Due to the growing complexity and amount of data in the digital age, research requires user-friendly tools for complex data analysis. This IDEAL phase2a study introduces Meta-Suite, which aims to simplify statistical analysis for meta-analysis with R. Methods: Meta-Suite was developed with R and Shiny to provide an intuitive General User Interface (GUI) for meta-analyses. It combines various R programs, such as meta, metasens, and metafor, and provides tools for data visualization, risk of bias evaluation, and quality assessment of randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Results: Meta-Suite facilitates data input, analysis, and visualization simply, enabling users to focus on their academic writing and reducing statistical analysis load. The application allows for plot customization and provides quick feedback, which improves data understanding and decision-making. It can assist in conducting meta-analyses, creating plots, and downloading them using a user-friendly interface. Conclusion: Meta-Suite offers a simple and user-friendly interface for conducting meta-analyses, allowing novice to access complex statistical methods. Robost user validation tests are now required to test and improve its functionality.

Cycle route uptake and scenario estimation (CRUSE): an approach for developing strategic cycle network planning tools

This paper describes an approach for developing strategic cycle network planning tools. Based on our experience developing and deploying the Cycle Route Uptake and Scenario Estimation (CRUSE) Tool for Ireland, we outline the underlying methods, including disaggregation of origin–destination data with the open source ‘odjitter’ software, incorporation of additional trip purposes, routing, scenario generation, and development of an intuitive user interface that is tested and used by practitioners. Commissioned by the national infrastructure agency Transport Infrastructure Ireland, CRUSE provides estimates of current and potential future cycling levels under ‘snapshot’ scenarios to inform investment decisions. The publicly available results at https://cruse.bike/ enable planners, engineers, and other stakeholders to make more evidence-based decisions. CRUSE goes beyond previous work by: modeling networks at high spatial resolution; simulating multiple trip purposes (social, shopping, personal utility, recreational, and cycle touring), supplementing official origin–destination datasets on travel for work and education; and providing estimates of ‘quietness’ (a proxy for cyclist comfort and route preference) at the route segment level. Three network types—‘Fastest’, ‘Balanced’, and ‘Quietest’—help plan both arterial and residential cycle networks. Workshops with stakeholders were used to inform the development of the tool. Feedback shows that the tool has a wide range of uses and is already being used in practice to inform urban, inter-urban, and rural cycle network designs. The approach is flexible and open source, allowing the underlying ideas and code to be adapted, supporting more evidence-based and effective cycling policies and interventions internationally.

Iron-decorated N/S co-doped porous carbon for sodium-ion battery anode to achieve high initial coulombic efficiency

Hard carbon materials are preferred as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their abundance, low price, and environmental friendliness. However, doping-based modification usually induces low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), which seriously affects the practical application of carbon materials. In this work, Fe-modified N/S co-doped porous carbon is prepared using the salt template method. Fe, N, and S are uniformly distributed on the porous carbon to form an interwoven network structure, providing abundant active sites. Moreover, during the electrochemical reaction, FeNx effectively catalyzes the generation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film, which reduces the consumption of Na+ in the side reaction, leading to a high initial coulombic efficiency, and at the same time, the stabilized SEI film accelerates the diffusion of electrons and ions, effectively enhancing the multiplication rate performance. The NFSC exhibits a high specific capacity (371.3 mAh/g) by the co-coordination strategy and a high ICE (85.9 %). This study provides new ideas for research based on the modification of carbon materials.

Average Time Consumption Per Character - a Practical Performance Metric for Generic Synchronous BCI Spellers.

The information transfer rate (ITR) is widely accepted as a performance metric for generic brain-computer interface (BCI) spellers, while it is noticeable that the communication speed given by ITR is actually an upper bound which however can never be reached in real systems. A new performance metric is therefore needed. In this paper, a new metric named average time consumption per character (ATCPC) is proposed. It quantifies how long it takes on average to type one character using a typical synchronous BCI speller. To analytically derive ATCPC, the real typing process is modelled with a random walk on a graph. Misclassification and backspace are carefully characterized. A close-form formula of ATCPC is obtained through computing the hitting time of the random walk. The new metric is validated through simulated typing experiments and compared with ITR. Firstly, the formula and simulation show a good consistency. Secondly, ITR always tends to overestimate the communication speed, while ATCPC is more realistic. The proposed ATCPC metric is valid. ATCPC is a qualified substitute for ITR. ATCPC also reveals the great potential of keyboard optimization to further enhance the performance of BCI spellers, which was hardly investigated before.

O-Targeted Carbon Hybrid Orbital Conversion to Produce sp2-Rich Closed Pores for Sodium-Storage Hard Carbon.

Biomass-based hard carbon has the advantages of a balanced cost and electrochemical performance, making it the most promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries. However, due to the structural limitations of biomass (such as macropores and impurities), it still faces the problems of low specific capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, an integrated strategy of biomass liquefaction and oxidation treatment is proposed to fabricate hard carbon with low ash content and sp2-rich closed pores. Specifically, liquefaction treatment can break through the inherent constraints of biomass, while oxidation treatment with O-targeted effect can directionally convert C─C/C─O bonds into C═O/O═C─O bonds, which would promote the formation of closed pores and the rearrangement into sp2-carbon within the graphene layer. Moreover, it is well demonstrated that the hard carbon interface rich in sp2 hybridization can induce the generation of an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interface, contributing to fast ion migration and excellent interfacial stability. As a result, the optimized hard carbon with maximum closed pore volume and sp2/sp3 ratio can exhibit a high capacity of 347.3mAhg-1 at 20mAg-1 with the ICE of 90.5%, and a capacity of 110.4mAhg-1 at 5.0Ag-1 after 10000 cycles.

Numerical modeling of total dose effects on CD4007 MOSFET during switched-bias irradiation

The response of commercial-off-the-shelf CD4007 p-channel MOSFET exposed to 60Co radiation under switched-bias conditions is studied by real time monitoring the threshold voltage evolution with accumulated dose. The possibility to employ switched-bias techniques to recover threshold voltage is demonstrated. As reported for other devices, non-monotonic responses are observed. A physics-based numerical model that takes into account both charge buildup within the oxide and generation of interface traps is employed to reproduce the experimental results. The implications for dosimetry are discussed.

Beyond Mechanical Protection: The Electron-Shielding Effect of SWCNT for the Stabilized SiO Interface.

The single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) commonly serves as a conductive additive for SiO-based anode materials due to the excellent conductivity and mechanical properties. However, the potential action mechanisms for the SWCNT beyond conductivity and mechanical features have rarely been studied. Herein, an interfacial electron-shielding effect and preferential adsorption to the electrolyte components for the SWCNT are revealed through a series of advanced characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) simulations. It can be determined that SWCNT networks could restrict the transmission of the electron from SiO interface to electrolyte with the reduced decomposition, because of the typical axial conductivity of the SWCNT. Moreover, the SWCNT shows stronger adsorption energy for LiPF6 and ethylene carbonate (EC) molecules, rather than nonselectivity of traditional carbon additives, facilitating the generation of inorganic-rich and denser solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film. As a result, benefiting from the electron-shielding effect, preferential adsorption, and mechanical protection, the SWCNT endows the SiO@C anode with a higher average Coulombic efficiency (CE) value of 99.4% over 100 cycles and a long cycling stability.

Microstructure and properties of Zircaloy-4 alloy under low-temperature diffusion bonding with a Ni-plated surface

Zircaloy-4, which is used as a structural material for nuclear cladding, requires precise bonding at low temperature in nuclear power applications. We achieved this using diffusion bonding with Ni plating on the surface of Zircaloy-4. We evaluated the performance of joints at temperatures between 650 and 780 °C. At 650 °C, the joint was successfully bonded. The joint exhibited a maximum shear strength of 207 MPa at 780 °C, which was twice as high as that produced by direct diffusion bonding at 700 °C under the same parameters. The interface was analyzed by using a combination of SEM and TEM to identify the presence of multilayered intermetallic compound layers in the joints. We investigated the mechanism of interface generation and determined the sequence of phase formation by Gibbs free energy calculations to be NiZr, Ni10Zr7, NiZr2, Ni7Zr2, and Ni3Zr. Through X-ray diffraction and cross-section elemental analysis of the fractures, we observed that, at lower temperatures, the joint fracture tended to occur in the Ni layer, whereas at higher temperatures, it occurred between Ni7Zr2 and Ni3Zr. The utilization of diffusion welding with Ni plating applied to the surface of Zircaloy-4 reduces the joining temperature and enhances the properties of the joint.

Multiphysics modeling tool for photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid devices integrating a photothermal interface

Photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid devices aim at harvesting the entire solar spectrum via both direct photovoltaic conversion and subsequent thermoelectric conversion of the heat generated in the solar cell. One emerging strategy to improve their efficiency is to implement a photothermal interface between the photovoltaic cell and the thermoelectric module. Modeling such a complex system (photovoltaic cell, photothermal interface and thermoelectric generator) to design an optimal architecture is a challenging task, as it requires to take into account a large number of parameters in a multi-layered system, as well as the coupling between optical, thermal and electrical effects. To do so, we present here a multiphysics tool to predict the temperature distribution and power output of hybrid devices integrating a photothermal interface. Our model shows a good quantitative agreement with previous theoretical and experimental works from the literature using limited material parameters. We discuss the need for additional parameters for accurate modeling of experimental devices. We envision that our multiphysics modeling tool will be key for the design of optimal photothermal interfaces for efficient photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid devices.

Dendrite‐Free Zn Metal Anodes with Boosted Stability Achieved by Four‐in‐One Functional Additive in Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Batteries

AbstractZn interfacial issues involved dendrite evolution and undesired parasitic reactions are tough challenges to impede the progress of Zn ion battery. Herein, dendrite‐free Zn anode with boosted stability is achieved by four‐in‐one functional additive triethyl phosphate (TEP). Experiments and theoretical calculation reveal that TEP additive participates in the generation of compact inorganic interface to prevent Zn from corrosion. Meanwhile, the interfacial electrical double layer (EDL) is reconstructed with adsorbed TEP molecules in inner layer and weakened Zn2+ solvation structure in diffusion layer, which efficiently shields Zn from active H2O and moderate electrochemical kinetics, thereby preventing water‐related secondary reaction and Zn electroplating on tip region. Additionally, TEP additive manipulates zinc growth direction by adsorbing on the (002) facet, thus enabling long‐lasting dendrite‐free deposition. Accordingly, Zn||Zn symmetric cell demonstrates an ultralong lifespan over 5000 h (almost 7 months) at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2 and remarkable coulombic efficiency (CE) of ≈97.6% for 1500 cycles. For practical demonstration, Zn||LiFePO4 full cell demonstrates an improved rate capability and an elevated capacity of 116.0 mAh g−1. These findings highlight interface chemistry manipulated by multifunctional additives as an efficient approach to stabilize Zn anode, holding promise for top‐notch Zn‐based batteries with improved longevity.

NAVIDRO, a CARES architectural style for configuring drone co-simulation

One primary objective of drone simulation is to evaluate diverse drone configurations and contexts aligned with specific user objectives. The initial challenge for simulator designers involves managing the heterogeneity of drone components, encompassing both software and hardware systems, as well as the drone’s behavior. To facilitate the integration of these diverse models, the Functional Mock-Up Interface (FMI) for co-simulation proposes a generic data-oriented interface. However, an additional challenge lies in simplifying the configuration of co-simulation, necessitating an approach to guide the modeling of parametric features and operational conditions such as failures or environment changes. The article addresses this challenge by introducing CARES, a model-driven engineering and component-based approach for designing drone simulators, integrating the FMI for co-simulation. The proposed models incorporate concepts from component-based software engineering and FMI. The NAVIDRO architectural style is presented for designing and configuring drone co-simulation. CARES utilizes a code generator to produce structural glue code (Java or C++), facilitating the integration of FMI-based domain-specific code. The approach is evaluated through the development of a simulator for navigation functions in an autonomous underwater vehicle, demonstrating its effectiveness in assessing various autonomous underwater vehicle configurations and contexts.

Perspective of material evolution Induced by sinusoidal reflex charging in lithium-ion batteries

BackgroundLithium-ion batteries are globally prominent and extensively employed alternative energy sources with decisive applications. In depth understanding of influences of various charging and discharging cycles on electrode materials and life span of these batteries is critical as cycle-life and safety of lithium-ion batteries are closely related crystallinity of electrode materials. This study is a detailed investigation endeavor in observing the degree of damage to electrode materials under multiple charging and discharging cycles. Methodology: A constant current-sinusoidal reflex charging method (CC-Sinusoidal) was implemented to charge commercial cathode Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) electrodes and anode graphite electrodes in comparison to the conventional charging method of constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV). After 100, 300, and 500 cycles of charging and discharging, EIS, SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopies were used to compare the degree of electrode damage caused by different charging methods. Significant outcomesThe structure of positive LiCoO2 electrode of the battery was observed to be stable, with no significant change in both the charging methods after 500 cycles. The use of CC-CV charging method had caused severe damages to graphite electrode with generation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films. The CC-Sinusoidal charging method had maintained the electrode material in a relatively ideal state.

Lightworks, a scientific research framework for the design of stiffened composite-panel structures using gradient-based optimization

Efficient structural optimization remains integral in advancing lightweight structures, particularly concerning the mitigation of environmental impact in air transportation systems. Varying levels of detail prove useful for different applications and design phases. The lightworks framework presents a modular approach, for the consideration of individual design parameterizations and structural solvers for the numerical optimization of thin-walled structures. The framework provides the combination of lightweight fibre composite design and the incorporation of stiffeners for a gradient-based optimization process. Therefore, an analytical stiffener formulation is implemented in combination with different continuous composite material parameterizations. This approach allows the analysis of local buckling modes, as well as the consideration of load redistribution between stringer and skin. The flexibility achieved in this way allows a tailored configuration of the optimization problem to the required level of complexity. A verification of the framework’s implementation is carried out using established literature results of a simplified unstiffened wing box structure, where a very good agreement is shown. The accessibility of solvers with different fidelity through a generic solver interface is demonstrated. Furthermore, the usage of the implemented continuous composite parameterizations as design variables is compared in terms of computational performance and mass, providing different advantages and disadvantages. Finally, introducing stringer into the wing box use case demonstrates a 38% mass reduction, showcasing the potential of the inline optimization of stiffeners.

Sulfur vacancies and heterogeneous interfaces promote high performance sodium storage of bimetallic chalcogenide hollow nanospheres

Transition metal sulfides have high theoretical capacities and are considered as potential anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. However, due to low inherent conductivity and significant volume expansion, the electrochemical performance is greatly limited. In this study, a nickel/manganese sulfide material (Ni0.96Sx/MnSy-NC) with adjustable sulfur vacancies and heterogeneous hollow spheres was prepared using a simple method. The introduction of a concentration-adjustable sulfur vacancy enables the generation of a heterogeneous interface between bimetallic sulfide and sulfur vacancies. This interface collectively creates an internal electric field, improving the mobility of electrons and ions, increasing the number of electrochemically active sites, and further optimizing the performance of Na+ storage. The direction of electron flow is confirmed by Density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The hollow nano-spherical material provides a buffer for expansion, facilitating rapid transfer kinetics. Our innovative discovery involves the interaction between the ether-based electrolyte and copper foil, leading to the formation of Cu9S5, which grafts the active material and copper current collector, reinforcing mechanical supporting. This results in a new heterostructure of Cu9S5 with Ni0.96Sx/MnSy, contributing to the stabilization of structural integrity for long-cycle performance. Therefore, Ni0.96Sx/MnSy-NC exhibits excellent electrochemical properties following our modification route. Regarding stability performance, Ni0.96Sx/MnSy-NC demonstrates an average decay rate of 0.00944% after 10,000 cycles at an extremely high current density of 10000 mA g−1. A full cell with a high capacity of 304.2 mA h g−1 was also successfully assembled by using Na3V2(PO4)3/C as the cathode. This study explores a novel strategy for interface/vacancy co-modification in the fabrication of high-performance sodium-ion batteries electrode.

P24-Tango1 interactions ensure ER-Golgi interface stability and efficient transport.

The eukaryotic p24 family, consisting of α-, β-, γ- and δ-p24 subfamilies, has long been known to be involved in regulating secretion. Despite increasing interest in these proteins, fundamental questions remain about their role. Here, we systematically investigated Drosophila p24 proteins. We discovered that members of all four p24 subfamilies are required for general secretion and that their localizations between ER exit site (ERES) and Golgi are interdependent in an α→βδ→γ sequence. We also found that localization of p24 proteins and ERES determinant Tango1 requires interaction through their respective GOLD and SH3 lumenal domains, with Tango1 loss sending p24 proteins to the plasma membrane and vice versa. Finally, we show that p24 loss expands the COPII zone at ERES and increases the number of ER-Golgi vesicles, supporting a restrictive role of p24 proteins on vesicle budding for efficient transport. Our results reveal Tango1-p24 interplay as central to the generation of a stable ER-Golgi interface.

Dual-function additive enables a self-regulatory mechanism to balance cathode-anode interface demands in Zn‖MnO2 batteries.

The poor reversibility of the zinc (Zn) anodes and the irreversible deposition/dissolution of Mn2+/MnO2 significantly impede the commercialization of Zn-Mn aqueous batteries (ZMABs). In reducing the difference between the desired interfacial reaction environments of the cathode and anode, we found that they face the same problem of interference-the generation of irreversible corrosion products. Herein, we have introduced a novel self-regulatory mechanism. This mechanism involves the addition of sodium dihydrogen phosphate, which shifts from passive protection to active regulation. It effectively captures OH- ions, prevents corrosion product formation, and facilitates the in situ generation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film. This modification also homogenizes Zn ion flow and improves the reversibility of Zn plating and stripping. Furthermore, a stable and slightly acidic environment has been established to stabilize the pH at the cathodic interface, mitigate corrosion product formation, and enhance the reversible deposition and dissolution of Mn2+/MnO2. With the optimal electrolyte, Zn‖Zn symmetric cells demonstrate stable operation for over 3000 hours at 1 mA cm-2, 1 mA h cm-2. Additionally, the Zn‖Cu cells maintain high reversibility after 1000 cycles, achieving an average coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.76%. The assembled Zn‖MnO2 full cells exhibit exceptional cycling stability and rate performance. This work adopts the approach of seeking common ground and emphasizing the balance of cathode and anode interfacial requirements, which represents a new and significant insight for design of ZMABs with high reversibility and high cyclability.

Solar power conversion: CuI hole transport layer and Ba3NCl3 absorber enable advanced solar cell technology boosting efficiency over 30.

Researchers are becoming more interested in novel barium-nitride-chloride (Ba3NCl3) hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) due to their remarkable semiconductor properties. An electron transport layer (ETL) built from TiO2 and a hole transport layer (HTL) made of CuI have been studied in Ba3NCl3-based single junction photovoltaic cells in a variety of variations. Through extensive numerical analysis using SCAPS-1D simulation software, we investigated elements such as layer thickness, defect density, doping concentration, interface defect density, carrier concentration, generation, recombination, temperature, series and shunt resistance, open circuit voltage (V OC), short circuit current (J SC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE). The study found that the HTL CuI design reached the highest PCE at 30.47% with a V OC of 1.0649 V, a J SC of 38.2609 mA cm-2, and an FF of 74.78%. These findings offer useful data and a practical plan for producing inexpensive, Ba3NCl3-based thin-film solar cells.

Multi channel user interface generation method based on conflict degree and collaborative filtering

Multi channel user interface generation method based on conflict degree and collaborative filtering

Extending Rucio with modern cloud storage support

Rucio is a software framework designed to facilitate scientific collaborations in efficiently organising, managing, and accessing extensive volumes of data through customizable policies. The framework enables data distribution across globally distributed locations and heterogeneous data centres, integrating various storage and network technologies into a unified federated entity. Rucio offers advanced features like distributed data recovery and adaptive replication, and it exhibits high scalability, modularity, and extensibility. Originally developed to meet the requirements of the high-energy physics experiment ATLAS, Rucio has been continuously expanded to support LHC experiments and diverse scientific communities. Recent R&D projects within these communities have evaluated the integration of both private and commercially-provided cloud storage systems, leading to the development of additional functionalities for seamless integration within Rucio. Furthermore, the underlying systems, FTS and GFAL/Davix, have been extended to cater to specific use cases. This contribution focuses on the technical aspects of this work, particularly the challenges encountered in building a generic interface for self-hosted cloud storage, such as MinIO or CEPH S3 Gateway, and established providers like Google Cloud Storage and Amazon Simple Storage Service. Additionally, the integration of decentralised clouds like SEAL is explored. Key aspects, including authentication and authorisation, direct and remote access, throughput and cost estimation, are highlighted, along with shared experiences in daily operations.