Interfacial Layer Research Articles

Simultaneous Regulating the Surface, Interface, and Bulk via Phosphating Modification for High-Performance Li-Rich Layered Oxides Cathodes.

Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LRMOs) are regarded as the leading cathode materials to overcome the bottleneck of higher energy density. Nevertheless, they encounter significant challenges, including voltage decay, poor cycle stability, and inferior rate performance, primarily due to irreversible oxygen release, transition metal dissolution, and sluggish transport kinetics. Moreover, traditionally single modification strategies do not adequately address these issues. Herein, an innovative "all-in-one" modification strategy is developed, simultaneously regulating the surface, interface, and bulk via an in-situ gas-solid interface phosphating reaction to create P-doped Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2@Spinel@Li3PO4. Specifically, Li3PO4 surface coating layer shields particles from electrolyte corrosion and enhances Li+ diffusion; in-situ constructed spinel interfacial layer reduces phase distortion and suppresses the lattice strain; the strong P─O bond derived from P-doping stabilizes the lattice oxygen frame and inhibits the release of O2, thereby improving the reversibility of oxygen redox reaction. As a result, the phosphatized LRMO demonstrates an exceptional capacity retention of 82.1% at 1C after 300 cycles (compared to 50.8% for LRMO), an outstanding rate capability of 170.5 mAh g-1 at 5C (vs 98.9 mAh g-1 for LRMO), along with excellent voltage maintenance and thermostability. Clearly, this "all-in-one" modification strategy offers a novel approach for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

Perovskite Video Camera

AbstractPerovskite photodetectors (PDs) provide opportunities for high‐performance imaging owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, perovskite PD‐based video rate imaging has rarely been reported due to the well‐known slow response and complex array fabrication of perovskite sensors. In this work, a perovskite video camera (PVC) based on a fast perovskite PD combined with computational imaging algorithm is fabricated. The PD has a p‐i‐n structure of FTO/PTAA/MAPbI3/PC61BM/BCP/Au. Owing to combined effects of build‐in electric field, passivation of interface layer, and short carrier transport distance, the proposed PD demonstrates fast response speed of 0.275/0.39 µs (rise/fall). With the help of the computational imaging algorithm, complex array fabrication is bypassed, and successfully demonstrates video rate imaging of a fast‐moving ball with 25 frame s−1 using this single PD. Therefore, this study can call this PVC and believes that the camera provides a new application scenario for perovskite and other emerging optoelectronic materials.

Band edge engineering of lead halide perovskites using carboxylic‐based self‐assembled monolayer for efficient photovoltaics

AbstractPerovskite solar cells are promising candidates for low‐cost and efficient photovoltaic markets, but their efficiency is usually limited by the non‐radiative recombination losses at the mismatched interface of perovskite and transport layers. Herein, we show that the band edges of perovskite thin films can be on‐demand engineered by a series of carboxylic‐based self‐assembled monolayers. Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the functionalized perovskite inherits the polarity of the monolayer with linear dependence of work function on the molecular dipole moments, which enables the management of interfacial charge transport process. Solar cells with 4‐bromophenylacetic acid SAMs achieve about 6.48% enhancement in power conversion efficiency with the champion values over 23%.

The bonded interfacial layer structure of α-Al2O3 (0001)/water at different pH values studied by sum frequency vibrational spectroscopy.

Oxide/water interfaces are ubiquitous, with alumina/water drawing particular interest due to its environmental and industrial applications. Understanding the interfacial structure at the molecular level is crucial for many physical and chemical processes occurring there. However, the exact structure of interfacial H-bonded network at different pH values remains unclear. Here, sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy in the OH stretch region was employed to study α-Al2O3 (0001)/water interface at different pH values, while suppressing the contribution of the diffusion layer by adding salts. The experimental results revealed although the variation of pH can charge the surface, it has little impact on the structure of the bonded interfacial layer (BIL). The interaction between alumina and water is mainly governed by weak hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the templating effect of α-Al2O3 (0001) on the interfacial H-bonded network was observed, with the O-H stretch mode of ∼3430cm-1 exhibiting anisotropy consistent with the (0001) surface symmetry. These findings indicate that the BIL structure on Al2O3 (0001) is predominantly influenced by the surface atom configuration, and the effect of charge changes induced by pH on the BIL structure is negligible.

Shaking Table Test of Dynamic Response of Near-fault Rock-embedded Pile Foundation Under Strong Seismic Action

Dynamic response characteristics of near-fault bridge pile foundations under seismic wave action are studied by using a large shaking table model test. The results show that the peak acceleration at the top of the pile is more significant than that at the bottom. The pile top acceleration response is most significant for the EI-Centro wave and least significant for the 5002 wave. The maximum values of the permanent horizontal displacement of the pile top and the permanent relative horizontal displacement between the pile tops of the upper and lower plate piles appear under the action of the Kobe wave. The maximum pile bending moment appears to be at the interface of the upper overburden layer and the interface of the lower bedrock and overburden layer. The amplification coefficient of the pile top acceleration, the peak horizontal displacement of the pile top and the peak bending moment of the pile body of the upper plate pile foundation are more significant than those of the lower plate.

Latent solvent-induced inorganic-rich interfacial chemistry to achieve stable potassium-ion batteries in low-concentration electrolyte.

Low-concentration electrolytes (LCEs) have attracted great attention due to their cost effectiveness and low viscosity, but suffer undesired organic-rich interfacial chemistry and poor oxidative stability. Herein, a unique latent solvent, 1,2-dibutoxyethane (DBE), is proposed to manipulate the anion-reinforced solvation sheath and construct a robust inorganic-rich interface in a 0.5 M electrolyte. This unique solvation structure reduces the desolvation energy, facilitating rapid interfacial kinetics and K+ intercalation in graphite. Additionally, enhanced anion-cation interactions promote the formation of a thin and robust interfacial layer with excellent cycling performance of potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Graphite||perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride full cell exhibits a good capacity retention of 80.3% after 300 cycles, and delivers a high discharge capacity of 131.3 mAh g-1 even at 500 mA g-1. This study demonstrates the feasibility of latent solvent-optimized electrolyte engineering, providing a pathway of superior electrochemical energy storage in PIBs.

Predicting Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Saturation In Dehydrogenation Cell Gas Diffusion Layers For Hydrogen Storage

Dehydrogenating methylcyclohexane (MCH) as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier offers a promising method for producing stored hydrogen. However, the transport properties of the gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in dehydrogenation cells (D‐cells) have not yet been optimized for high reactant saturation at the GDL‐catalyst layer (CL) interface, which is crucial for increasing hydrogen production. We apply pore network modeling (PNM) to quantify the anisotropic transport properties and local saturation of MCH in GDLs with distinct microstructures. We demonstrate that GDLs with larger mean pore diameters and lower tortuosity exhibit higher MCH permeability and diffusivity. Moreover, a high porosity at the GDL‐CL interface increases MCH saturation (from 0.05 to 0.11), highlighting the impact of local GDL porosity on MCH supply to the catalyst. The results of the invasion percolation simulation revealed that smaller pore sizes led to a longer MCH transport pathway to the GDL‐CL interface, thereby reducing MCH saturation at this interface (by more than twofold), which hinders reactant availability for hydrogen production. Therefore, we recommend a GDL that combines large pores for efficient MCH flow and small pores close to the CL for liquid retention to enhance MCH utilization in the anode of D‐cell, particularly at high current densities.

A Collaboration of Interfacial Engineering and Particle Assembly Enables Highly Stable Li‐Rich Layered Cathodes for Li‐ion Batteries

AbstractLithium‐rich layered oxide cathodes (LLO) are renowned for their high specific capacity (>250 mAh g−¹) and have emerged as promising candidates for lithium‐ion batteries. However, significant capacity fades and voltage decay pose challenges to their commercialization, primarily due to the degradation of their original structure. In this study, a simple and rapid approach is presented that combines interfacial engineering and particle assembly to achieve a highly stable LLO cathode. This cathode features a single‐crystal LLO reassembled into a porous microsphere structure, along with a surface coating of polypropylene phosphate amide (PPA) formed through in situ cross‐linking of polyacrylic acid and ammonium polyphosphate, and a deuterogenic spinel interface layer. The dual protective coatings‐PPA and spinel‐effectively inhibit the dissolution of transition metals, delay structural deterioration, and enhance lithium‐ion diffusion. Additionally, the cross‐linked PPA layer strengthens the interconnection among LLO nanoparticles, improving the stability of the assembled microsphere structures while mitigating electrolyte corrosion. Consequently, the LLO@PPA electrode exhibits excellent capacity retention of 84.87% over 500 cycles at 0.5 C and shows significant improvements in rate performance. This work offers an effective modification strategy for developing next‐generation lithium‐rich cathodes with enhanced rate capacity and cycle life.

Restricted growth of polyaniline nanofiber arrays between holey graphene sheets on carbon cloth towards improved charge storage capacity

The rapid−growing demand for flexible and wearable electronics has driven increased interest in developing porous electrodes with outstanding charge storage capacity especially areal capacity for polymeric and hybrid supercapacitors. Herein, unique porous polyaniline/holey graphene/carbon cloth (PANI/HG/CC) composite electrodes were constructed by combining rapid frozen interfacial polymerization and layer−by−layer spraying to restrict the growth of PANI nanofiber arrays between carbon−based materials. Benefiting from rapid charge transport, more electroactive sites and improved electrolyte penetration provided by hierarchical porous structure and highly oriented PANI nanofibers in the composite (P − G) by growing directly PANI array on the CC and applying graphene sheets as interlayer and cover layer, an areal specific capacitance of 3.22 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 was achieved. A maximum areal energy density of up to 104.86 μWh cm−2, and excellent capacity retention of 89.5 % at 20 mA cm−2 after 5000 cycles also were achieved for flexible symmetric all−solid−state supercapacitor. Furthermore, the zinc−ion hybrid supercapacitor (P − G||Zn) assembled with P − G cathode and Zn anode could display a capacity of 217.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, and the maximum energy density of 130.6 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 120 W kg−1.

Assessing the effects of model parameter assumptions on surface-wave inversion results

Surface-wave inversion is a powerful tool for revealing the Earth’s internal structure. However, aside from shear-wave velocity (vS), other parameters can influence the inversion outcomes, yet these have not been systematically discussed. This study investigates the influence of various parameter assumptions on the results of surface-wave inversion, including the compressional and shear velocity ratio (vP/vS), shear-wave attenuation (QS), density (ρ), Moho interface, and sedimentary layer. We constructed synthetic models to generate dispersion data and compared the obtained results with different parameter assumptions with those of the true model. The results indicate that the vP/vS ratio, QS, and density (ρ) have minimal effects on absolute velocity values and perturbation patterns in the inversion. Conversely, assumptions about the Moho interface and sedimentary layer significantly influenced absolute velocity values and perturbation patterns. Introducing an erroneous Moho-interface depth in the initial model of the inversion significantly affected the vS model near that depth, while using a smooth initial model results in relatively minor deviations. The assumption on the sedimentary layer not only affects shallow structure results but also impacts the result at greater depths. Non-linear inversion methods outperform linear inversion methods, particularly for the assumptions of the Moho interface and sedimentary layer. Joint inversion with other data types, such as receiver functions or Rayleigh wave ellipticity, and using data from a broader period range or higher-mode surface waves, can mitigate these deviations. Furthermore, incorporating more accurate prior information can improve inversion results.

Fracture in 3D-Printed Concrete Beams: Deflection and Penetration of Impinging Cracks at Layer Interfaces

Fracture in 3D-Printed Concrete Beams: Deflection and Penetration of Impinging Cracks at Layer Interfaces

High-selectivity NIR amorphous silicon-based plasmonic photodetector at room temperature

This study employed amorphous materials to construct a Near-Infrared (NIR) photodetector, enabling optical sensing over a non-crystalline platform. Utilizing an Au/a-Si Schottky junction with an interfacial oxide layer, the device showcased its capability as a NIR photodetector, effectively operating within a wavelength range of up to 1700 nm. Remarkably, it exhibited significant surface plasmon resonance peaks with high selectivity, a full-width at half-maximum of less than 3°, and a sensitivity of −33.3 dBm, demonstrated at room temperature and zero-biasing conditions. Barrier lowering under biasing further increases the device's responsivity by an order of magnitude, revealing absorption capabilities that exceed the material's intrinsic bandgap limitations. This advancement opens the door to developing highly selective detectors using cost-effective amorphous materials and straightforward design. Additionally, a-Si-based photodetectors contribute to environmental preservation as they do not contain toxic heavy metals, establishing them as one of the most Eco-friendly detection solutions.

Fluorine-integrated carbon nanofiber interfacial layer with ionic-electronic coupled effects towards ultra-stable zinc metal battery

Fluorine-integrated carbon nanofiber interfacial layer with ionic-electronic coupled effects towards ultra-stable zinc metal battery

Adsorption mechanism of soy protein amyloid fibrils with different morphological structures at the interface of oil-in-water emulsion

Under specific processing conditions, globular food protein can form amyloid fibrils with excellent functional properties in food processing. Amyloid fibrils can be adsorbed on the surface of oil droplets to improve the stability of oil-in-water emulsion. The protein can form monomers oligomers, protofibrils and mature fibrils of which the concentrations increase with the prolonging acidic-heating time. However, the structural advantages of these aggregates when adsorbing at oil-water interface are unclear and the emulsifying ability and adsorption mechanism of food protein amyloid fibrils with different morphology at oil-water interface need to be studied in depth. Herein, four kinds of soy protein amyloid fibrils (SAFs) with distinct morphology were prepared by changing the acidic heating time (3, 6, 12 and 24 h), which were referred as SAFs-3, SAFs-6, SAFs-12 and SAFs-24. Their interfacial adsorption behavior at the oil-water interface were studied systematically by three-phase contact angle, interfacial tension, CLSM, Cryo-SEM and other characterization techniques. The results suggested that the length and flexibility of the fibrils have a great influence on the interface properties, including the rheological properties such as viscosity and modulus. These properties determine the emulsifying capacity of the fibrils. The emulsion stabilized by SAFs-12 was the most resistant to coalescence because SAFs-12 formed a stronger interfacial layer around the oil droplets and a denser viscoelastic network in the continuous phase. In our study, a stabilizing emulsion was prepared using SAFs, which provided potential applications for amyloid fibrils in the food field.

Enhancing the emulsification performance of hempseed protein hydrolysate through the incorporation of sugar beet pectin: Role of interaction mechanism and interfacial behavior.

Effects of incorporating sugar beet pectin (SBP) at various pH levels (3.0-7.0) on the conformation, interfacial characteristics, and emulsification performance of hempseed protein hydrolysate (HPH) were explored. The introduction of SBP stimulated the conversion of protein conformation from α-helix and random coil into β-sheet. Besides, the incorporated SBP led to noticeable deformation and disruption of the original granular structure of HPH, and caused a remarkable reduction in surface hydrophobicity and intrinsic fluorescence intensity. FTIR analysis and pH-dependent molecular docking verified that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions predominantly drove the interaction between HPH and SBP. Overall, the interaction of HPH with SBP limited protein diffusion to the interface but facilitated their rearrangement at the interface, ultimately contributing to the development of highly viscoelastic interfacial layers with reinforced intermolecular interactions. Consequently, the emulsifying activity and emulsion stability within the acidic pH range (3.0-6.0) were significantly improved by SBP binding, notably at pH5.0. Furthermore, within this pH range, HPH-SBP emulsions exhibited smaller droplet sizes with a more homogeneous distribution and stronger electrostatic repulsion relative to HPH emulsions; yet, the apparent viscosity and elastic modulus of HPH-SBP emulsions were conspicuously elevated in the presence of SBP, conducing to emulsion stabilization.

Investigation on the interfacial and emulsion stabilized behavior of dextran/ferritin/resveratrol composite nanoparticles

Glycation of ferritin provides a viable approach to enhance its physicochemical and functional properties. However, there is limited research on the interfacial adsorption properties of glycated ferritin-based colloidal particles. Therefore, this study selected recombinant human H-chain ferritin (rHuHF), rHuHF encapsulated with resveratrol (rHuHF–Res), and rHuHF–dextran glycoconjugates loaded with resveratrol (Dex–rHuHF–Res) as emulsifiers to investigate their interfacial adsorption properties. The results revealed that Dex–rHuHF–Res exhibited superior emulsifying properties and rheological behavior. It also increased the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment around Tyr and Trp residues, while hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic force, and salt bridge were identified as the most important intermolecular interactions. Dex–rHuHF–Res exhibited the biggest contact angle and lowest interface tension, which further reduced the diffusion (Kdiff) from the aqueous phase to the interface but promoted the penetration (Kp) and rearrangement (Kr) rates at the interface. Meanwhile, the emulsion stabilized by Dex–rHuHF–Res displayed excellent freeze-thaw stability, and Dex–rHuHF–Res can be more densely accumulated at the O/W interface to form an interface layer. These findings highlight the promising application of glycated ferritin in stabilizing Pickering emulsions, and deepen our understanding of the interplay among particle interaction, interface adsorption properties, and emulsion stability.

Fabrication and toughening mechanisms of B4C-SiCf ceramics based on TiB2 interface regulation

The interphase is vital for optimizing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced B4C ceramics. In this study, the TiB2 interface composed of one or several layers of fine TiB2 grains was in-situ formed between B4C and SiC fibers by introducing Ti3SiC2-coated SiCf into B4C matrix. The TiB2 interface not only obviously reduced the densification temperature of the B4C ceramics, but also enhanced the mechanical properties. The micro-mechanics modeling was performed to investigate the weak interphase and thermal residual stress distribution induced by TiB2, where the stress tend to deflect or propagate at the fiber-matrix interface, compared to B₄C-SiCf ceramics. The particle toughening inside the TiB2 interface layer and stress transfer at the weak interface were identified as the major factors for the improvement of fracture toughness in this system. These results provide valuable guidance for improving the comprehensive performance of B4C-SiCf ceramic composites by interface regulation in future investigations.

Bias-induced polarization effect in Cd1-xZnxTe and Cd1-yMnyTe detectors

The study aims to compare the evolution of the electric field profiles in CdZnTe and CdMnTe detectors from the initial biasing activation until the steady state is reached (referred here as polarization effect). The crystals are grown by the same method, so the comparison emphasizes the difference between Zn- and Mn-based traps. The results demonstrate that the settling times in the CdZnTe and CdMnTe devices differ, but both are on the scale of hours. The effect of these, rather moderate variations on the charge collection efficiency for gamma photons should be limited. In addition, based on experimental results and TCAD calculations, it can be conjectured that a much stronger change in the electric field is induced by the bias polarization process in the front interface layer, which affects the charge collection only when carrier-generation occurring in and around the interface.

Injection-induced seismic moment in layered rock formations

Appropriate estimation of seismic moment release during fluid injection is critical to mitigate the risk of induced seismic hazards and to guide safe operation in the geo-energy industry. However, the present single-layer models overlook the contributions of fault slip in different rock layers to the seismic moment release. Here we report an analytical model incorporating a multiple-layer function to predict the injection-induced seismic moment in layered rock formations. This model is established based on fault slip triggered by aseismic motion, particularly considering the locations of aseismic slip front and fluid diffusion front on a seismogenic fault in relative to the layer interface. We compare the maximum seismic moment obtained from our model to those estimated from three single-layer models and those measured from eleven field cases. The results highlight possible underestimation of the maximum seismic moment using the single-layer models in the layered rock formations. We also emphasize that a proper selection of layer model is significant to reasonably assess the seismic moment release. Lastly, we apply both the single-layer and double-layer models to predict the maximum seismic moment of the 5 February 2019 Mw 4.0 earthquake in the Weiyuan Shale Gas Field in Sichuan, China. The engineering application further confirms the necessity of using the double-layer model in the layered rock formations. Additionally, the assessment of amplification factors for fault segments provides a better understanding of induced seismic hazards in different rock layers and possibly guides the safety threshold of injection rate during fluid injection.

Control of the Wetting Ability of a Material by Local Vibration on the Interfacial Layer

The possibility of controlling the wetting ability of a material synthesized in the interfacial layer of a heterogeneous liquid/liquid system by local vibration has been shown. The influence of the nature of the organic acid, metal and solvent on the contact angle of the interfacial layer material adhering to various substrates was studied. It has been established that with local vibration, a material with a more ordered structure, with higher roughness and lower water content, and, as a consequence, with a higher contact angle, is synthesized. On the studied substrates, hydrophobic coatings with contact angles of 100–163° were obtained, which retained their water-repellent properties under atmospheric conditions for a long time.