Hybrid Metal Research Articles

Analysis of Refractive Index Sensing Properties of a Hybrid Hollow Cylindrical Tetramer Array

In recent years, metal surface plasmon resonance sensors and dielectric guided-mode resonance sensors have attracted the attention of researchers. Metal sensors are sensitive to environmental disturbances but have high optical losses, while dielectric sensors have low losses but limited sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, hybrid resonance sensors that combine the advantages of metal and dielectric were proposed to achieve a high sensitivity and a high Q factor at the same time. In this paper, a hybrid hollow cylindrical tetramer array was designed, and the effects of the hole radius, external radius, height, period, incidence angle, and polarization angle of the hollow cylindrical tetramer array on the refractive index sensing properties were quantitatively analyzed using the finite difference time domain method. It is found that the position of the resonance peaks can be freely tuned in the visible and near-infrared regions, and a sensitivity of up to 542.8 nm/RIU can be achieved, with a Q factor of 1495.1 and a figure of merit of 1103.3 RIU−1. The hybrid metal–dielectric nanostructured array provides a possibility for the realization of high-performance sensing devices.

Simultaneously enhance electric and magnetic Purcell factor by strong coupling between toroidal dipole quasi-BIC and electric dipole

The larger electric or magnetic Purcell factor demonstrates that the structure can be utilized as an electric or magneto-optical emission project. Their simultaneous realization offers the potential for integrated circuits to achieve selective photon sources. In this study, we put forth a proposal for the simultaneous attainment of substantial electrical and magnetic Purcell enhancements. In our hybrid metal–dielectric metasurface, the toroidal dipole (TD) quasi bound states in the continuum mode and the electric dipole (ED) mode are strongly coupled, so the hybrid mode combines the advantages of both, with a large Q factor and a small mode volume. The design implements a Rabi splitting energy of 222 meV between the TD quasi-BIC and ED modes, achieving an electric Purcell factor of 43 and a magnetic Purcell factor of 684, which are greater than those observed for the metal rod and dielectric structure, respectively. This paves the way for the development of high-performance hybrid optoelectronic applications.

Parametric optimization of abrasive waterjet machining for aluminum 7075/boron carbide/zirconium silicate hybrid composites

In the present work, an attempt was made to study the machining characteristics of Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites (HMMCs) using Abrasive Waterjet Machining (AWJM). For preparing the composites, Aluminum alloy 7075 is cast with boron carbide (B4C) and zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) reinforcement by the method of stir casting. Experimental investigation of the machining parameters on Depth of Cut (DoC), Material Removal Rate (MRR), and Surface Roughness (SR) was done. The independent parameters include Abrasive Mesh Size (AMS), Abrasive Flow Rate (AFR), Water Jet Pressure (WJP), and Traverse Rate (TR). The results of experiments reveal that low TRs increase SR, while short AMSs, high flow rates, and large WJPs increase DoC and MRR. Surface maps made by SEM exposed information about the surface texturing and the material removal processes. It was found that the optimal DoC was achieved at an AMS 80#, AMS of 340 g/min, WJP of 200 MPa, and TR of 60 mm/min for both unreinforced Al and the composite of Al + 5% B4C + 5% ZrSiO4. The results enable the development of proper AWJM procedures for HMMCs to ensure better surface finish and workability. From the experiments, it was observed that while smaller mesh sizes and greater AFR will improve MRR and DoC, it can at the same time have a negative effect on the overall performance of Kerf Taper angle (KT) and Surface Roughness (SR).

High-strength of additive-manufactured PEEK and Ti6Al4V structure via warm isostatic pressing: applications in medical implants and injection moulds

ABSTRACT Polymer–metal hybrid structures offer synergistic benefits in mechanical property control and lightweight design, making them valuable across various industries. In this study, we designed and developed a warm isostatic pressing (WIP) to fabricate a hybrid structure using additive-manufactured polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) with an octet-truss lattice structure (OT). The effects of the WIP temperature on the mechanical properties of PEEK were examined by subjecting the parts to different temperatures during the WIP and performing tensile tests. Additionally, to confirm the mechanical properties of Ti64 with OT, we performed a compression test according to the unit cell size (1, 2, 3 mm) at a density of 30% before and after the WIP. Accordingly, we joined a PEEK with superior tensile strength and Ti64 with OT using a WIP under the condition (330°C and 90 bar). Furthermore, we confirmed the superior joint strength of approximately 71.6–74.8% in terms of the tensile and shear strengths of the PEEK-Ti64 hybrid structures compared to the warm isostatic pressed PEEK. Finally, we demonstrated the feasibility of applying PEEK-Ti64 hybrid structures to biomedical implants such as spinal cages and lightweight injection moulds highlighting the potential in advanced manufacturing.

Mechanoluminescence from Organic-Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskite Derivative.

Metal halide perovskites and their derivatives are gaining significant attention as photoluminescent materials due to their exceptional light-emitting properties. However, most research has concentrated on electroluminescence and photoluminescence, there remains a substantial gap in the exploration of mechanoluminescence (ML) properties in perovskites, making this field largely uncharted. ML is an ancient and intriguing luminescent phenomenon that occurs when a material is subjected to mechanical forces. Here, the discovery of the first organic-inorganic hybrid terbium (Tb3+)-based metal halide, a type of perovskite derivative, which exhibits notable ML properties is reported. Through material orthogonal design, the critical roles played by molecular geometry and metal-site ions in achieving remarkable ML in organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides are identified.

Self‐trapped Exciton Emission based on Halogen‐substituted Metal Halides

Recently, organic‐inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIHMs) have been effective white light emitters. Still, the toxicity and instability of lead halides limit their applications. Sb has a relatively similar structure to Pb making it a better substitution. In this work, we synthesized zero‐dimensional antimony‐based OIMHs (BTBAC)2SbCl5 and (BTBAB)2SbBr5 [BTBA+ (BTBA+ = benzyl tributyl ammonium ion)]. The chloride photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is 72.69% and that of bromide is 17.33%. Spectral tunability from red to yellow is observed after halogen substitution. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations show that halogens change the bandgap structure from (BTBAC)2SbCl5 direct bandgap to (BTBAB)2SbBr5 indirect bandgap. In addition, (BTBAC)2SbCl5 has excellent thermal stability at 455.15 K and optical properties with strong electron‐phonon coupling producing broadband self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission. By mixing (BTBAC)2SbCl5 with a commercial phosphor, a white LED with a color rendering index of 87 was created. We have demonstrated the photoluminescence properties of OIMH materials in terms of the series of halogen atoms. This work injects new innovative ideas for the design of novel photoluminescent materials.

Harnessing 3D Porous Cobalt Oxide Nanoflakes Grown on Metal for Exceptional Adhesion between Aluminum Surfaces and the Epoxy Matrix

The developments in the automotive and aerospace sectors require alternative structures to metals for diverse applications; therefore, lightweight polymer–metal hybrid composites with outstanding mechanical characteristics are synthesized. Herein, the modern nanoperfusion technology, which involves the in situ growth of 3D porous cobalt oxide nanoflakes (Co3O4 NFs) on the porous aluminum surface, is used. A rough surface with corresponding surface porosities of 21, 48.1, and 49.8% can be produced by anodization of aluminum at 8, 10, and 12 V, respectively. The samples anodized at 10 V are selected as a structure for the growth of 3D Co3O4 NFs at different hydrothermal temperatures (90, 120, and 160 °C). The bond strength and modulus of the toughness of the sample combining aluminum and 3D Co3O4 NF growth at 120 °C exhibit a substantial bonding strength, reaching a value of 14.27 MPa and 3.56 kJ m−3, respectively. The porous nature of the manufactured cobalt oxide nanoflakes allows the epoxy to penetrate, which enhances the bonding strength and thus improves the mechanical properties of the manufactured joints.

Hafnium-Based Chiral 2D Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Metal Halides: Engineering Polarity and Nonlinear Optical Properties via Para-Substituent Effects.

Two-dimensional (2D) organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIMHs), characterized by noncentrosymmetric structures arising from the incorporation of chiral organic molecules that break inversion symmetry, have attracted significant attention. Particularly, chiral-polar 2D OIMHs offer a unique platform for multifunctional applications, as the coexistence of chirality and polarity enables the simultaneous manifestation of distinct properties such as nonlinear optical (NLO) effects, circular dichroism (CD), and ferroelectricity. In this study, we report the first synthesis of hafnium (Hf)-based chiral 2D OIMHs, achieved through the strategic incorporation of para-substituents on the benzene ring of chiral organic components. By tuning the substituents, we successfully modulate the polarity of the crystal structures, resulting in both chiral-nonpolar and chiral-polar systems. Our analysis of structural and optical properties, supported by density functional theory calculations, demonstrates that the polarity of these materials can be systematically tuned, enabling adjustable band gaps and CD in the UV range (200-280 nm). Notably, halogen substitution at the para-position of the benzene ring in the organic layer produces tunable optical band gaps ranging from 4.33 to 4.48 eV, the widest reported to date for chiral-polar 2D OIMHs. Furthermore, these materials exhibit enhanced NLO properties, including a remarkable 3.3-fold increase in second-harmonic generation intensity in chiral-polar compounds compared to their chiral-nonpolar counterparts. These findings position Hf-based chiral 2D OIMHs as promising candidates for UV-region applications, such as UV NLO devices and self-driven circularly polarized light detectors, offering new opportunities for designing multifunctional optoelectronic materials by harnessing the interplay between chirality and polarity.

Large-scale preparation of Sb3+-activated hybrid metal halides with efficient tunable emission from visible to near-infrared regions for advanced photonic applications.

Zero-dimensional metal halides with diverse structures and rich photophysical properties have been reported. However, achieving multimode dynamic luminescence and efficient near-infrared (NIR) emission under blue light excitation in a single system is a great challenge. Herein, Sb3+-doped hybrid Cd(II) halides were synthesized by a large scale synthesis process at room temperature. Compared with the poor emission of (C12H28N)2CdX4 (C12H28N = tetrapropylammonium; X = Cl and Br) and single steady-state visible light emission of (C12H28N)2SbX5, (C12H28N)2CdX4:Sb3+ exhibits efficient tunable emission from visible to NIR regions. More specifically, (C12H28N)2CdCl4:Sb3+ exhibits distinct excitation wavelength-dependent luminescence characteristics, which can change from green to white and orange emission. Parallelly, halogen substitution can regulate the optical properties of Sb3+-doped (C12H28N)2CdCl4-xBrx (x = 0-1), which enables the excitation and emission bands to exhibit a significant redshift. Thus, the efficient broad NIR emission upon 450 nm excitation was realized in (C12H28N)2CdBr4:Sb3+. In addition, we demonstrated the use of (C12H28N)2CdCl4:Sb3+ phosphors in solid state lighting, and an advanced NIR light source was fabricated by coating (C12H28N)2CdBr4:Sb3+ on a commercial blue chip (450 nm), which exhibits the most advanced photoelectric efficiency (14.67%) and output power (32.84 mW) in hybrid metal halides. Finally, we also demonstrated the use of Sb3+-activated phosphors in four-level fluorescence anti-counterfeiting and information encryption.

An organic-inorganic hybrid ferroelastic with a near-room-temperature phase transition.

Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIMHs) with ferroelastic phase transition properties have recently attracted great attention due to their widespread application prospects in the fields of energy storage, sensors, switches, etc. However, most of the hybrid ferroelastics exhibit phase transition points (Tc) far beyond room temperature, which may limit their applications in mechanical switches and energy storage for daily working requirements. Herein, we synthesized a new zinc halide OIMH ferroelastic (E,E)-[BPHD]ZnBr4 (BPHD = N1,N6-bis(piperidine-1-yl) hexa-2,4-diene diamide), which experiences a 2/mF1̄ type paraelastic-ferroelastic phase transition at a near-room-temperature Tc of 285 K. It crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c space group at 298 K, undergoing a change to the triclinic P1̄ space group in the low-temperature phase, with the number of molecules in asymmetric units doubling. Differential scanning calorimetry, variable-temperature electrical resistivity (ρ) and Raman spectrum tests confirm the occurrence of the phase transition, accompanied by a change in ρ of nearly two orders of magnitude, and reversible evolution of ferroelastic domains has been observed. In addition, (E,E)-[BPHD]ZnBr4 also exhibits remarkable compliance and softness within the category of hybrid crystals. This work will inspire further exploration of new hybrid ferroelastic materials with near-room-temperature phase transitions.

Efficient circularly polarized luminescence from zero-dimensional terbium- and europium-based hybrid metal halides.

Zero-dimensional (0D) chiral hybrid metal halides (HMHs) with narrow-band circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) show considerable promise in three-dimensional displays. In this work, 0D (S/R-3MOR)3TbCl6 and (S/R-3MOR)3EuCl6 (abbreviated as S/R-TbCl, S/R-EuCl) enantiomers with characteristic rare-earth ion emissions are synthesized. S/R-TbCl and S/R-EuCl exhibit narrow-band green and red emissions with high photoluminescence quantum yields of (85-91)% and (48-52)%, respectively. These materials present distinct CPL signals with dissymmetry factors up to ±0.006 and ±0.009 for S/R-TbCl and S/R-EuCl, respectively. These chiroptical properties confer the potential for their applications in circularly polarized light-emitting diodes for future displays.

A 9R-like 2D hybrid metal halide with remarkably low melting temperature.

N-Methyl-2-hydroxy-1-ethanaminium lead iodide exhibits a low melting temperature (Tm = 99 °C) among 2D hybrid metal halides (HMHs). This discovery expands the low melting characteristics of 2D HMHs to include a stepped 9R-like structure, suggesting significant potential for melt-processing and hybrid glass formation.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the layered hybrid metal halide poly[bis-(2-iodoethyl-ammonium) [di-μ-iodido-di-iodido-germanate(II)]

The title compound is a germanium-based hybrid metal halide that represents a less-toxic alternative to more popular lead-based analogues in optoelectronic applications. {(2-IC2H4NH3)2[GeI4]} n is composed of infinite inorganic layers that are formed by [GeI6]4- octa-hedra connected in a corner-sharing manner with four equatorial I atoms. The organic (2-IC2H4NH3)+ cations inter-leave the inorganic layers. There are two types of 2-iodo-ethyl-ammonium cations, with synclinal and anti-periplanar conformations. The organic cations inter-act with the inorganic layers through hydrogen bonds and I⋯I contacts. The crystal under investigation was twinned by a 180° rotation around [100].

A high-efficiency and long-cycling aqueous indium metal battery enabled by synergistic In3+/K+ interactions.

Aqueous trivalent metal batteries are promising options for energy storage, owing to their ability to transfer three electrons during redox reactions. However, advances in this field have been limited by challenges such as incompatible M3+/M electrode potentials and salt hydrolysis. Herein, we identify the trivalent indium metal as a viable candidate and demonstrate a high-performance indium-Prussian blue hybrid battery using a K+/In3+ mixture electrolyte. Interestingly, there exists a synergistic interaction between K+ and In3+ ions, which enhances the coulombic efficiency and prolongs the cycling life. Specifically, the addition of K+ elevates the In3+/In plating efficiency from 99.3% to 99.6%, due to the decreased electrolyte acidity and enlarged indium particle size. Simultaneously, the presence of In3+ creates an inherently acidic environment (pH ∼3.1), which effectively stabilizes K+ insertion into the Prussian blue framework. Consequently, this hybrid battery delivered a high capacity of 130 mA h g-1, an exceptional rate of 96 A g-1 (∼740 C), and an extraordinary cycling life of 48 000 cycles. This work offers an innovative approach to develop high-performance hybrid metal batteries.

Cooperative Regulation of ns2 Lone-Pair Expression Realizes Distinct Excitonic Emissions in Hybrid Germanium, Tin, and Lead Halides.

Lone-pair expression is significantly influenced by geometric constraints in hybrid metal halides (HMHs). Two-dimensional (2D) HMHs possess reduced structural dimensionality, allowing for a wide range of off-center displacement of the metal center. However, the effect of lone-pair-induced off-center distortion on the geometric configuration of inorganic units, electronic properties, and exciton emissions in 2D HMHs remains unclear. In this study, 2D DMPMBr4 (DMP = N,N'-dimethylpiperazine) HMHs of group 14 elements (M = Ge, Sn, and Pb) are developed, exhibiting pronounced stereochemical activity of ns2 lone-pair electrons. Such 2D HMHs are chosen as a model system to demonstrate the influence of the stereochemical activity of ns2 lone-pair electrons on the geometric configuration of inorganic units, electronic properties, and exciton emissions. The off-center distortion D is introduced to describe the degree of lone-pair expression in these HMHs, and a quantitative relationship between the D and FE/STE emissions is established. When the D is reduced to less than 0.24, the off-center distortion of the units is sufficiently suppressed to limit the lone-pair expression, facilitating the excitonic transition from the STE state to the FE state upon compression. Substituting metal cations with those having more inactive ns2 lone-pair electrons exerts a similar effect to pressure in promoting the excitonic transitions in the DMPMBr4 series. This study uncovers the relationship between the stereochemical activity of ns2 lone-pair electrons and excitonic emissions, which could accelerate the development of HMHs with the desired optical properties.

Comparative analysis of microstructural and nanomechanical characteristics of MIG and TIG-MIG hybrid welded inconel 718 and AISI 316 with steel and inconel fillers

The joining of Austenitic Stainless Steel (AISI 316) and Inconel (IN718) was carried out using Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding and hybrid TIG-MIG welding with Inconel (IN625) and steel fillers. The resulting weldments were examined for their microstructural and compositional characteristics, elastic modulus, and nano-hardness using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nanoindentation techniques. The results indicated that the base metal IN718 exhibited higher hardness and elastic modulus compared to AISI 316. Additionally, the formation of the δ-Ni3Nb phase was observed in both MIG and hybrid welding processes using IN625 filler, along with austenitic matrices of Fe and Ni. When steel filler was used, it led to the development of a finer cellular, columnar, and equiaxed dendritic microstructure compared to the IN625 filler. The highest hardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of IN718 was observed in hybrid welding with the steel filler, which was 7% and 5% higher compared to MIG welding with IN625 and steel fillers, respectively. Moreover, the maximum hardness in the fusion zone (FZ) of 4.55 GPa was achieved in MIG welding with the steel filler, which was 36% and 69% higher compared to hybrid welding with steel and IN625 fillers, respectively. The hardness varied between 2.74 GPa and 3.62 GPa in the HAZ of AISI 316 for MIG welding with steel and IN625 fillers, respectively. The elastic modulus was found to be 213 GPa in MIG welding with IN625 filler and 214 GPa in hybrid welding with steel filler. Pile-up behavior was observed around the nanoindents for all weldments obtained in both MIG and hybrid welding using steel and IN625 fillers.

Multilevel Stimulus‐Responsive Room Temperature Phosphorescence Achieved by Efficient Energy Transfer from Triplet Excitons to Mn2+ Pairs in 2D Hybrid Metal Halide

Multilevel Stimulus‐Responsive Room Temperature Phosphorescence Achieved by Efficient Energy Transfer from Triplet Excitons to Mn²⁺ Pairs in 2D Hybrid Metal Halide

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting and Body Motion Sensing of a Pair of 0D Chiral Hybrid Metal Halides.

Chiral hybrid metal halides have received considerable attention in circularly polarized luminescence and spintronics due to their structural diversity, ease of synthesis, and chemical versatility. However, only a limited number of chiral metal halides have been utilized in piezoelectric energy harvesters and motion sensors. Furthermore, the exploration of 0D chiral piezoelectric materials is still in their early stage, offering substantial potential for further development. Herein, a pair of enantiomorphic hybrid metal halide piezoelectrics, R-(1-2-NEA)2CdCl4 and S-(1-2-NEA)2CdCl4 (1-2-NEA+ = 1-(2-naphthyl) ethylamine cation), were synthesized and structurally characterized. In addition, the devices comprising R-(1-2-NEA)2CdCl4/PDMS or S-(1-2-NEA)2CdCl4/PDMS (PDMS = polydimethylsiloxane) composite films were fabricated, and the energy harvesting performance of the devices with varying halide contents was explored. The results demonstrate that the devices comprising 10 wt% R-(1-2-NEA)2CdCl4/PDMS or S-(1-2-NEA)2CdCl4/PDMS exhibit significant energy harvesting capabilities, with an open-circuit voltage and a short-circuit current up to 8.24 V and 0.72 μA, respectively. Furthermore, the devices display exceptional mechanical durability after 4500 cycles and demonstrate excellent sensitivity in detecting various human body movements, such as walking, elbow bending, and finger bending. This study highlights the considerable potential of chiral hybrid metal halides for use in energy harvesting and wearable sensors.

Spin-Orbital Ordering Effects of Light Emission in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Metal Halide Perovskites.

Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites carrying strong spin-orbital coupling (SOC) have demonstrated remarkable light-emitting properties in spontaneous emission, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), and circularly-polarized luminescence (CPL). Experimental studies have shown that SOC plays an important role in controlling the light-emitting properties in such hybrid perovskites. Here, the SOC consists of both orbital (L) and spin (S) momentum, leading to the formation of J (= L + S) excitons intrinsically involving orbital and spin momentum. In general, there are three issues in determining the effects of SOC on the light-emitting properties of J excitons. First, when the J excitons function as individual quasi-particles, the configurations of orbital and spin momentum directly decide the formation of bright and dark J excitons. Second, when the J excitons are mutually interacting as collective quasi-particles, the exciton-exciton interactions can occur through orbital and spin momentum. The exciton-exciton interactions through orbital and spin momentum give rise to different light-emitting properties, presenting SOC ordering effects. Third, the J excitons can develop ASE through coherent exciton-exciton interaction and CPL through exciton-helical ordering effect. This review article discusses the SOC effects in spontaneous emission, ASE, and CPL in organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites.

Fine-tune the structural components of porous frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

With the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing pollution problems, green and sustainable energy supply attracts worldwide attention. Hydrogen is a green and high-density energy substance, and photocatalytic hydrogen generation is an effective and sustainable method.Therefore, developing high-performance photocatalysts plays a crucial role in practical application. Porous frameworks with large surface areas and diversified structures are considered promising candidates for photocatalysts. This review summarizes the recent progress on porous frameworks and their derivatives through fine-tuning structural components in terms of building monomers, functional groups, and metal hybridization for photocatalytic production of hydrogen. Adetailed correlation is conducted between the structural features of porous frameworks and photocatalysis capability. In addition, we summarized the advantages of porous materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production and future development.