Two-dimensional Structure Research Articles

Nanostructured Ferecrystal Intergrowths with TaSe2 Unveiled High Thermoelectric Performance in n-Type SnSe.

Ferecrystals, a distinctive class of misfit layered compounds, hold significant promise in manipulating the phonon transport owing to their two-dimensional (2D) natural superlattice-type structure and turbostratic (rotational) disorder present between the constituent layers. Integrating these 2D intergrowth structures as nanodomains embedded in a bulk thermoelectric matrix is a formidable challenge in synthetic chemistry, yet offers groundbreaking opportunities for efficient thermoelectrics. Here, we have achieved an exceptionally high thermoelectric figure of merit, zT ∼ 2.2, at 823 K in n-type Ta and Br-codoped SnSe, by successfully incorporating [(SnSe)1.15]7(TaSe2)1 ferecrystals with [110] SnSe//[100] TaSe2 orientation, as nanostructures with modulations in few nm in bulk SnSe solid-state matrix. While the presence of ferecrystal nanostructures induces strong scattering of heat-carrying phonons resulting in an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (κL) of ∼0.18 W m-1 K-1 at 773 K, the Ta and Br codoping strategy increases the concentration of n-type charge carriers for enhanced electrical conductivity. Our approach provides a new pathway for damping the phonon transport and enhancing the thermoelectric performance in 2D layered materials.

Heterostrain-Induced Zeeman-like Splitting in h-BN-Encapsulated Bilayer WSe2.

Heterostrain is predicted to induce exceptionally rich physics in atomically thin two-dimensional structures by modifying the symmetry and optical selection rules. In this work, we introduce heterostrain into WSe2 bilayers by combining h-BN encapsulation and high-temperature vacuum annealing. Nonvolatile heterostrain gives rise to a Zeeman-like splitting associated with the elliptically polarized optical emission of interlayer K-K excitons. Further manipulation of the interlayer exciton emission in an external magnetic field reveals that the Zeeman-like splitting cannot be eliminated even in a magnetic field of up to ±6 T. We propose a microscopic picture with respect to the layer and valley pseudospin to interpret the results. Our findings imply an intriguing way to encode binary information with the layer pseudospin enabled by the heterostrain and open a venue for manipulating the layer pseudospin with heterostrain engineering, optical pseudospin injection, and an external magnetic field.

Biomass Derived Self-Doped Carbon Nanosheets Enable Robust Hole Transport Layers with Ion Buffer for Perovskite Solar Cells.

The diffusion of iodine species and lead leakage during device degradation represent the main obstacles restricting the commercial application of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Cobalt loaded ultrathin carbon nanosheets (Co(III)-CNS) derived from biomass are prepared as ion buffer material to construct robust hole transport layers (HTLs). The carbon nanosheets containing trivalent cobalt ions can facilitate the oxidation of the hole transport material while preserving the structural integrity and electrical properties of HTLs under thermal stress, thereby ensuring efficient carrier transport. The two-dimensional ultrathin graphitized lamellar structure of Co(III)-CNS is conducive to alleviate the corrosive effects of the outward diffusion of iodine species on HTLs and silver electrodes, while avoiding irreversible degradation of PSCs. With the improvement of HTL composition and the related interfaces, Co(III)-CNS doped devices can maintain intact device structure under thermal stress and remain above 80% of the original power conversion efficiency (PCE) after thermal aging at 85 oC for 720 h. Notably, the chemical interactions between heteroatoms of self-doped carbon nanosheets and the mobile lead ions can effectively alleviate lead leakage and avoid the potential impacts of device degradation on ecosystem. Ultimately, the Co(III)-CNS doped PSCs with enhanced thermal stability exhibit a champion PCE of 22.32%.

2LiBH4-MgH2 System Catalytically Modified with a 2D TiNb2O7 Nanoflake for High-Capacity, Fast-Response, and Long-Life Hydrogen Energy Storage.

To achieve large-scale hydrogen storage for growing high energy density and long-life demands in end application, the 2LiBH4-MgH2 (LMBH) reactive hydride system attracts huge interest owing to its high hydrogen capacity and thermodynamically favorable reversibility. The sluggish dehydrogenation kinetics and unsatisfactory cycle life, however, remain two challenges. Herein, a bimetallic titanium-niobium oxide with a two-dimensional nanoflake structure (2D TiNb2O7) is selected elaborately as an active precursor that in situ transforms into TiB2 and NbB2 with ultrafine size and good dispersion in the LMBH system as highly efficient catalysts, giving rise to excellent kinetic properties with long-term cycling stability. For the LMBH system added with 5 wt% 2D TiNb2O7, 9.8 wt% H2 can be released within 20 min at 400 °C, after which the system can be fully hydrogenated in less than 5 min at 350 °C and 10 MPa H2. Moreover, a dehydrogenation capacity of 9.4 wt% can be maintained after 50 cycles corresponding to a retention of 96%, being the highest reported to date. The positive roles of TiB2 and NbB2 for kinetics and recyclability are from their catalytic nucleation effects for MgB2, a main dehydrogenation phase of LMBH, thus reducing the apparent activation energy, suppressing the formation of thermostable Li2B12H12 byproducts, and inhibiting the hydride coarsening. This work develops an advanced LMBH system, bringing hope for high-capacity, fast-response, and long-life hydrogen energy storage.

Electric–Mechanical coupling analysis of two-dimensional piezoelectric heterogeneous materials in flexible electric devices with extended multiscale isogeometric analysis

Piezoelectric heterogeneous materials are widely used in flexible electronic device design, enhancing sensitivity to external stimuli like pressure and acceleration. Despite their usefulness, analyzing these inherently periodic structures poses significant computational challenges. In response, this paper presents a multiscale isogeometric analysis approach tailored for simulating piezoelectric materials. We introduce an electric–mechanical coupling model using isogeometric analysis (IGA) for two-dimensional piezoelectric membrane structures, assuming the plane stress hypothesis. Our proposed algorithm enables precise calculation of both displacement and electric potential solutions, demonstrating superior convergence properties compared to traditional finite element methods. Furthermore, we extend this approach to multiscale isogeometric analysis for computing numerical solutions in porous structures and heterogeneous composite piezoelectric materials under tensile and bending conditions. Through rigorous numerical testing, we evaluate the proposed extended multiscale isogeometric analysis method, showcasing its efficacy in achieving a balance between computational efficiency and simulation accuracy. This IGA-based electro-mechanical coupling model and numerical algorithm pave the way for more streamlined and precise simulations of piezoelectric materials within the context of flexible electronic devices.

Imine-based nickel/cobalt covalent organic framework with high rate and stability for supercapacitor

Abstract Due to their regular pore structure, long-range order, and structural stability, COFs (Covalent Organic Frameworks) have gradually been employed as electrode materials for supercapacitors. However, owing to their two-dimensional stacking structure, poor conductivity, and the lack of effective redox-active sites, they usually exhibit inferior rate performance and cycling stability. Therefore, we design an imine-based Ni0.7Co0.3-COF anchored with Ni/Co redox centres at the atomic level and adjust their proportion. This approach optimizes the electronic structure and enhances the electronic conductivity and redox activity of Ni0.7Co0.3-COF. Ni0.7Co0.3-COF are grown through thin-layered cross-linking, significantly shortening both the ion and electron transport pathways. This improves the contact area between electrolyte ions and electrode materials and enhances the utilization of redox centres, thereby substantially improving the rate performance (1300 F g−1 at 50 A g−1) and cycling stability (72% retention after 5000 cycles) of Ni0.7Co0.3-COF.

Efficient phononic band gap optimization in two-dimensional lattice structures using extended multiscale finite element method

Efficient phononic band gap optimization in two-dimensional lattice structures using extended multiscale finite element method

Non-Markovian quantum mechanics on comb.

Quantum dynamics of a particle on a two-dimensional comb structure is considered. This dynamics of a Hamiltonian system with a topologically constrained geometry leads to the non-Markovian behavior. In the framework of a rigorous analytical consideration, it is shown how a fractional time derivative appears for the relevant description of this non-Markovian quantum mechanics in the framework of fractional time Schrödinger equations. Analytical solutions for the Green functions are obtained for both conservative and periodically driven in time Hamiltonian systems.

On electrochemical corrosion of mechano-activated and thermally processed AlxCryNiz 2D decagonal quasicrystalline structures and crystalline approximants

This article represents a pioneering study centered on the corrosion kinetics of untreated and thermally processed mechano-synthesized AlxCryNiz two-dimensional decagonal quasicrystalline structure and crystalline approximants. It sheds light on the distinguished corrosion behavior of untreated and heat-treated mechano-synthesized Al72Cr15Ni13 and Al86Cr12Ni2 alloys, including a wide diversity of miscellaneous intermetallic phases. A comprehensive characterization was performed to analyze crystallographic structure and thermal characteristics of AlxCryNiz powder particles. Electrochemical evaluations of the mechano-synthesized Al72Cr15Ni13 and Al86Cr12Ni2 specimens and their heat-treated counterparts were conducted under cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests with 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 (pH=2) and 3.5% NaCl (pH=8.5) electrolytes at room temperature, respectively. Al72Cr15Ni13 two-dimensional decagonal quasicrystalline phase was attained following 6 h mechano-synthesis and subsequent annealing treatment at 1035°C. There is no evidence of quasicrystal formation in the Al86Cr12Ni2 alloy system after 6 h mechano-synthesis and successive thermal processing at 445 and 570°C. In this study, we conducted the first investigation into electrochemical performance of both Al72Cr15Ni13 and Al86Cr12Ni2 intermetallics. Both Al72Cr15Ni13 and Al86Cr12Ni2 alloys develop a protective passive film in 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 electrolyte. It was determined that 6 h mechano-synthesized Al72Cr15Ni13 sample, subjected to annealing at 1035°C, stands out in the Al-Cr-Ni alloy systems for applications necessitating exceptional corrosion resistance, passivation behavior, and minimal susceptibility to pitting corrosion when compared to other tested counterparts. This alloy is characterized by a corrosion current density of 3.73 µA/cm2 and a corrosion potential of -0.16 V(vs. Ag/AgCl), revealing a remarkably stable passive film up to a current density of 0.02 A/cm2 and a potential of 2.41 V(vs. Ag/AgCl) within 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 medium. Likewise, it exhibited a drastically diminished corrosion current density of 11.65 µA/cm2 and a reduced corrosion potential of -0.27 V(vs. Ag/AgCl) within 3.5% NaCl electrolyte, attributed to the formation of two-dimensional decagonal quasicrystalline phase and hexagonal δ-Al3Ni2 crystalline approximant at 1035°C. It also encompassed a re-passivation current density and potential of 50.35 µA/cm2 and -0.04 V(vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively, within the latter solution. Its corrosion mechanism may be ascribed to a two-step surface precipitation process: initially, Al dissolves into a hydroxide, succeeded by the formation and precipitation of Al oxides, such as NaAlO2 and Al2O3∙xH2O.

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and catalytic activity of hydrogen bond mediated 2D and 3D-copper(II) coordination networks based on 2-aminoterepthalic acid and 5-aminoisopthalic acid

Two new copper(II) compounds [Cu2(2-NH2BDC)2(bipy)2(H2O)4] (1) and [Cu2(µ2OH)2(5-aip)(bipy)2(H2O)].5H2O (2) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, thermogravimetric analysis, and electronic absorption spectroscopy. Molecular structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined crystallographically. Single crystal X-ray studies show that the coordination network 1 is a centrosymmetrical dimeric unit with the 2-aminoterephthalate ligand bridging the two copper atoms. Each CuII atom is hexacoordinated, residing in an octahedral environment, surrounded by one oxygen and one nitrogen atoms from 2-aminoterephthalate ligand and two nitrogen atoms from one bipy ligand and two water molecules to give a CuO3N3 segmentand generate the an infinite three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure resulting from CH•••O interactions between adjacent dimer molecules running parallel to the a axis. In compound 2, each CuII atom is pentacoordinated, residing in a square pyramidal geometry and generate an infinite two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular structure resulting from CH•••O, NH•••O and OH•••O hydrogen bond interactions. The coordination network 1 and 2, on pyrolyzing, yielded copper oxide nanoparticles, which have been characterized by TEM and powder X-ray diffraction. The catalytic properties of the resulting copper oxide nanoparticles have also been studied for CN cross-coupling reactions with aryl halides. The CN coupling products were obtained in 70–99 % yields.

Construction of two-dimensional heterojunctions based on metal-free semiconductor materials and Covalent Organic Frameworks for exceptional solar energy catalysis

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are newly developed crystalline substances that are garnering growing interest because of their ultra-high porosity, crystalline nature, and easy modified architecture, showing promise in the field of photocatalysis. However, it is difficult for pure COFs materials to achieve excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production due to their severe carrier recombination problems. To mitigate this crucial issue, establishing heterojunction is deemed an effective approach. Nonetheless, many of the metal-containing materials that have been used to construct heterojunctions with COFs own a number of drawbacks, including small specific surface area and rare active sites (for inorganic semiconductor materials), wider bandgaps and higher preparation costs (for MOFs). Therefore, it is necessary to choose metal-free materials that are easy to prepare. Red phosphorus (RP), as a semiconductor material without metal components, with suitable bandgap, moderate redox potential, relatively minimal toxicity, is affordable and readily available. Herein, a range of RP/TpPa-1-COF (RP/TP1C) composites have been successfully prepared through solvothermal method. The two-dimensional structure of the two materials causes strong interactions between the materials, and the construction of heterojunctions effectively inhibits the recombination of photogenic charge carrier. As a consequence, the 9% RP/TP1C composite, with the optimal photocatalytic ability, achieves a photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 6.93 mmol g−1 h−1, demonstrating a 10.19-fold increase compared to that of bare RP and a 4.08-fold improvement over that of pure TP1C. This article offers a novel and innovative method for the advancement of efficient COFs-based photocatalysts.

NANOPARTICLES UNVEILED: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CLASSIFICATION, PROPERTIES, SYNTHESIS, AND APPLICATIONS

Nanoparticles, defined as particles with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nm, represent a groundbreaking domain of nanotechnology. NPs have immense importance across various scientific disciplines and industries. NPs can be classified into zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) structures based on their dimensions. NPs are also classified into carbon, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and metal NPs based on their materials. NPs exhibit remarkable physicochemical properties, such as high surface area-to-volume ratios, exceptional thermal conductivity, and catalytic activity, making them crucial in fields such as materials science, medicine, and environmental engineering. Nanoparticles can be synthesized through both top-down approaches, where bulk materials are broken down into smaller particles, and bottom-up methods, involving the assembly of atomic or molecular components. Their applications are diverse and include drug delivery systems, advanced catalysts, nanoelectronics, and environmental remediation technologies, demonstrating their pivotal role in shaping our technological landscape.

Hierarchical ultra-thin porous Co3O4 nanosheets derived from mixed phase α- and β-Co(OH)2 for high sensitivity and ppb-level acetone sensing

Addressing the energy loss of carriers during transmission and achieving high sensitivity detection of target gases facilitates the synthesis of trace-level acetone sensors, which is of great significance in the fields of air quality early warning, health monitoring, and industrial safety monitoring. Here, we propose a strategy where, under hydrothermal conditions, the content of mixed-phase α- and β-Co(OH)2 is regulated by varying the protonation level of 2-methylimidazole in different solutions, leading to the formation of porous monocrystalline Co3O4 microflower structure. The microflower is assembled from ultrathin nanosheets, and the 3D-interconnected macroporous and mesoporous structure provides high surface area and gas diffusion channels. The monocrystalline and two-dimensional structures favor high carrier mobility, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, the thickness of the Co3O4 nanosheets is less than twice the Debye length, making their electrical properties completely dependent on surface. DFT calculations also indicate that the few layers Co3O4 model is conducive to acetone adsorption. The Co3O4 sensor exhibits exceptional gas sensing performance towards acetone, with favourable sensitivity (16.83 to 10 ppm), selectivity, and stability, as well as an ultra-low practical detection limit of 10 ppb. Rich point defects and line defects play a significant role in improving the surface activity of the sensitive material as well. This research offers a pathway for designing sensors with exceptional gas sensitivity by employing a straightforward method to control the morphology of sensitive materials, combined with defect engineering to enhance sensing activity.

A two-dimensional cobalt-based metal–organic framework efficiently adsorbs Cr(VI) from wastewater

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) display multi-level pores and abundant adsorption sites, which can effectively adsorb Cr(VI) from wastewater. In this paper, x-ray single crystal diffraction analysis showed that both the N atom and two carboxyl groups in L2− of [Co(L)(H2O)2]n (1) (H2L = 3, 5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) underwent coordination reactions with Co(II) in μ3-η1:η1:η1 fashion, giving rise to the formation of a two-dimensional structure. The nano adsorbent of 1 (2D-Co-MOF-N) with a particle diameter about 100 nm was successfully prepared by cell disruption method. The optimal conditions for 2D-Co-MOF-N to adsorb Cr(VI) from wastewater were observed at pH 6.5, T = 30 °C, and a dosage of 0.10 g/L, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 207.93 mg/g which was better than most MOFs adsorbents. The present of Cl−, NO3–, SO42−, and PO43− in wastewater inhibited the adsorption of Cr(VI) by 2D-Co-MOF-N due to competitive adsorption. Cycling experiments showed that 2D-Co-MOF-N exhibited admirable structural and performance stability, which could be deemed as a potential candidate for the removal toxic ions from actual wastewater.

Extruded plant protein two-dimensional scaffold structures support myoblast cell growth for potential applications in cultured meat

Cultured meat has been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional meat products. Five different plant protein blends made from soy (from two different manufacturers), wheat, mung bean, and faba bean, were extruded to form low-moisture meat analogs (LMMA) and were used to assess LMMA scaffold potential for cultured meat application. Extruded LMMAs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, water-holding capacity, total soluble matter, and mechanical properties. Two-dimensional LMMA scaffolds were seeded with C2C12 skeletal myoblast cells and cultured for 14 days, and cell attachment and morphology were evaluated. All five extrudates exhibited directionality of their fibrous protein structures but to varying degrees. Soy, wheat, mung bean, and faba bean-based LMMA scaffolds initially supported myoblast cell growth. However, after 14 days of culture, the extruded wheat LMMA exhibited superior myoblast cell growth. This may be attributed to the highly aligned fibrous structure of the extruded wheat LMMA as well as its elastic modulus, which closely approximated that of native skeletal muscle. Overall, two-dimensional structures of the extruded plant proteins support cell growth and advance the development of cultured meat.

Ti3C2 MXene/MoS2@AuNPs ternary nanocomposite for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of phoxim residues in fruits

Phoxim, extensively utilized in agriculture as an organothiophosphate insecticide, has the potential to cause neurotoxicity and pose human health hazards. In this study, an electrochemical enzyme biosensor based on Ti3C2 MXene/MoS2@AuNPs/AChE was constructed for the sensitive detection of phoxim. The two-dimensional multilayer structure of Ti3C2 MXene provides a robust framework for MoS2, leading to an expansion of the specific surface area and effectively preventing re-stacking of Ti3C2 MXene. Additionally, the synergistic effect of self-reduced grown AuNPs with MoS2 further improves the electrical conductivity of the composites, while the robust framework provides a favorable microenvironment for immobilization of enzyme molecules. Ti3C2 MXene/MoS2@AuNPs electrochemical enzyme sensor showed a significant response to phoxim in the range of 1 × 10−13 M to 1 × 10−7 M with a detection limit of 5.29 × 10−15 M. Moreover, the sensor demonstrated excellent repeatability, reproducibility, and stability, thereby showing its promising potential for real sample detection.

Ferrocene-based 2D metal–organic framework nanosheet for highly efficient photocatalytic seawater uranium recovery

Sustainable uranium supply is critical for the long-term development of nuclear energy. The photocatalytic reduction of soluble hexavalent uranium to insoluble tetravalent uranium using photocatalysts has been recognized as a highly promising method for uranium recovery. However, existing photocatalysts face limitations such as restricted visible-light absorption and poor charge transfer capability, which hinder their photocatalytic uranium recovery performance. In this work, 1,1′-ferrocene dicarboxylic acid (FcDA) was introduced to synthesize the photocatalyst Zr-Fc-MOF3. The incorporation of FcDA broadened the visible light absorption range and reduced the band gap of Zr-Fc-MOF3, thereby enhancing electron-hole pair separation and carrier transport efficiencies. Moreover, the two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet structure of Zr-Fc-MOF3 provided a large surface area, allowing full exposure of active sites. Additionally, Fe(II) in FcDA generated photoelectrons upon light excitation to facilitate uranium reduction, and the recyclable redox behavior of Fe(II) conferred high reusability of the photocatalyst. Consequently, Zr-Fc-MOF3 demonstrated a high photocatalytic uranium recovery capacity of 8.29 mg g−1 over 10 days in natural seawater (NSW), with a uranium recovery rate of 0.829 mg g−1 d−1, surpassing most other photocatalysts applied in NSW. These findings suggest that designing 2D nanosheet materials with ligands capable of efficient photoelectron generation is a promising approach for developing high-performance uranium recovery photocatalysts.

Advancing high thermal conductivity: novel theories, innovative materials, and applications in thermal management technologies.

Effective thermal management is crucial for the performance and stability of modern electronics, emphasizing the demand for high thermal conductivity (κ). This review summarizes the latest development in highκ, discussing the emerging theories, innovative materials and practical applications for interfacial heat dissipation. Unique phononic thermal transport behaviors are discussed, including four phonon-phonon scattering, hydrodynamic phonons, surface phonon-polaritons, and more. The review also highlights innovative materials with highκ, such as two-dimensional pentagonal structures, boron carbon nitrogen structures, hexagonal boron arsenide andθ-phase tantalum nitride. In addition, the potential of polymer composites reinforced with highκfillers and surface engineering for advanced electronic applications are also discussed. By integrating these theoretical approaches and material innovations, this review offers comprehensive strategies for enhancing thermal management in modern electronic devices.

Unlocking a Fast Track for Magnesium Migration in Cu1.8S1-xSex via Anion-Tuning Chemistry.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (rMBs) are promising candidates for next-generation batteries in which sulfides are widely used as cathode materials. The slow kinetics, low redox reversibility, and poor magnesium storage stability induced by the large Coulombic resistance and ionic polarization of Mg2+ ions have obstructed the development of high-performance rMBs. Herein, a Cu1.8S1-xSex cathode material with a two-dimensional sheet structure has been prepared by an anion-tuning strategy, achieving improved magnesium storage capacity and cycling stability. Element-specific synchrotron radiation analysis is evidence that selenium incorporation has indeed changed the chemical state of Cu species. Density functional theory calculations combined with kinetics analysis reveal that the anionic substitution endows the Cu1.8S1-xSex electrode with favorable charge-transfer kinetics and low ion diffusion barrier. The principal magnesium storage mechanisms and structural evolution process have been revealed in details based on a series of ex situ investigations. Our findings provide an effective heteroatom-tuning tactic of optimizing electrode structure toward advanced energy storage devices.

Online Psychometric Performance of the Athens Insomnia Scale among Colombian People

Abstract Introduction The Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) has shown acceptable performance in face-to-face applications. However, knowledge about AIS performance in online applications could be improved. Objective The study aimed to perform confirmatory factor, internal consistency, and differential item functioning analyses of AIS in two Colombian online samples. Material and methods Two samples were recruited online at different times (n = 700, M = 37.05, SD = 12.7 and n = 292, M = 60.4, SD = 17.6). Separated confirmatory factor analyses and Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were computed for each factor. Results The data adjusted better for the AIS two-dimensional model in the general and clinical populations. Excellent internal consistency was observed among the general population sample and clinical sample. Conclusions The AIS shows a two-dimensional structure and high internal consistency in two online samples in Colombia. Corroboration of these findings in other samples is necessary.